RTHK: Pope arrives in Canada for 'trip of penance'

Pope Francis landed in Canada on Sunday to kick off a five-day trip that will centre around his apology on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church for the abuse that indigenous children endured at mostly church-run residential schools.

"This is a trip of penance. Let's say that is its spirit," the pope told reporters in his traditional comments after his flight took off from Rome.

He touched down in Edmonton in the western province of Alberta, where he will visit a former residential school and meet with indigenous peoples on Monday. He is also visiting Quebec City and Iqaluit, the capital of the territory of Nunavut. He will depart on Friday.

Aboard the papal plane, the pope said he yearned to visit Ukraine in his efforts to try and bring an end to the five-month-old war that he has repeatedly decried.

"I have a great desire to go to Kyiv," the pope said when asked about a possible future trip to Ukraine.

In an exclusive interview earlier this month, the pontiff told Reuters that he hoped to be able to go to Moscow and Kyiv soon after his trip to Canada.

The first full day of his Canadian tour will be dedicated to indigenous peoples and the apology, with a Mass to be held in Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium on Tuesday.

Between 1881 and 1996 more than 150,000 indigenous children were separated from their families and brought to residential schools. Many children were starved, beaten and sexually abused in a system that Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission called "cultural genocide."

While Canada's leaders have known about high numbers of children dying at the schools since 1907, the issue was thrust to the fore with the discovery of suspected unmarked graves at or near former residential school sites last year.

In response to pressure stemming from those discoveries, the pope apologized for the Catholic church's role in the schools earlier this year during a visit by indigenous delegates to the Vatican.

Now he is coming to apologize on Canadian soil. But survivors and indigenous leaders have said they want more.

Many have called for financial compensation, the return of indigenous artifacts, the release of school records, support for extraditing an accused abuser, and the rescinding of a 15th-century doctrine justifying colonial dispossession of indigenous people in the form of a papal bull, or edict. (Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2022-07-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Vietnams peacekeeping engineering unit launches first humanitarian work in Abyei

Vietnams Engineering Unit Rotation 1 at the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has recently coordinated with Pakistani forces to organise its first humanitarian activity, focusing on medical examination, medicine, and gift-giving to locals in the Amiet market, the 2nd most populated area in Abyei.













Vietnamese officers welcomes local residents coming for health checkups (Photo: qdnd.vn)



The Vietnamese unit was in charge of health check-up and medicine provision for women and children, while the Pakistani forces took care of men.



Within about five hours, Vietnamese officers offered their medical services and presented gifts to 168 people, detecting many suffering from chronic and infectious diseases. The gifts included daily living tools and items such as toothbrushes, laundry soap, notebooks, ballpoint pens, instant noodles, and clothes.



Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Quang Tuyen from the unit affirmed that this humanitarian activity has strengthened the foreign diplomacy, expanded exchanges and cooperation with other units, and promoted the image of Vietnam's blue beret force, creating favourable conditions for the team to continue to successfully carry out their tasks in the area.



According to Tuyen, since its deployment at UNISFA, the unit has been organising the repair and maintenance of an arterial road with a length of more than 50km passing through the Amiet market and regularly rescuing bogged trucks. In the past month, the unit has organised the rescue of six UN vehicles and local people.
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Congressional leaders have begun raising the heat on the Biden administration over monkeypox, demanding to know what its plan is for handling the outbreak as cases continue to rise and treatments still remain out of reach for many who are affected.

Top-ranking members in the House and Senate, on both sides of the aisle, have asked Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra for answers on what his department is doing to handle the monkeypox outbreak, with several lawmakers questioning what they perceive to be a failed response.

Nearly 2,600 cases have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of Friday. These numbers are almost certainly an undercount due to the limited testing capabilities for monkeypox, one of the issues that lawmakers have brought up in recent weeks.

Last week, Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), the ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, called the U.S. response to the virus disturbing in a letter to Becerra, arguing that the administration has all the tools it needs to better address the outbreak.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), who serve as chairwomen for top congressional health panels, both sent letters to the HHS secretary this week listing their concerns.

A group of 50 House Democrats also issued a letter to President Biden, urging him to declare a public health emergency due to monkeypox.

Doing so would make available a number of authorities to accelerate the federal response and tap into additional resources to procure vaccines and distribute them swiftly across the country, they wrote.

Murray and Maloney both said that they will request briefings from HHS by early next month.

While there has so far been no word on whether Becerra will sit for a briefing, HHS released an updated fact sheet on the monkeypox response on Thursday. The agency said it has distributed around 200,000 Jynneos vaccines so far and is expecting roughly 800,000 more later this summer.

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Over the coming days and weeks, HHS will continue to strengthen and accelerate its strategy on combatting monkeypox and work closely with public health officials and stakeholders in high-risk communities to get vaccines, testing, and treatments out to communities across the country, said the department.

The agency acknowledged that testing capabilities were limited at the start of the outbreak and said the U.S. testing capacity has now risen to 80,000 tests per week.

Because there is no rapid test for monkeypox, it is particularly important that patients who present at clinics are not turned away from testing, Murray said in her letter to Becerra this week.

While the supply of vaccines increases, there are still obstacles preventing many from accessing treatments like antivirals. Critics have been quick to point out that the people who have been able to obtain treatment have usually been more privileged than those who may lack health insurance or a regular healthcare provider.

HHS said this week that that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC were working to simplify the process to get antivirals and reiterated that all rounds of treatment so far have been free.

The White House said during a press briefing on Friday that it was taking steps to expand access to both vaccines and antivirals.

Without mentioning the recent calls from lawmakers for enhanced action, officials including White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Ashish Jha addressed some of the areas of the monkeypox strategy that members of Congress have taken issue with.

We have been leveraging all the resources at our disposal since the earliest days of the of this outbreak, Jha said.

According to Jha, over 300,000 doses of vaccines to treat monkeypox have been shipped out and hundreds of thousands more doses are expected to arrive from Denmark in the coming weeks.

The White House official also said efforts were being made to make Tecovirimat, a smallpox antiviral also known as TPOXX that is believed to be effective against monkeypox, more accessible.

Both CDC and FDA have been working very hard to streamline that process for accessing treatment to make it easier for clinicians to order it  to get it for their patients. That is ongoing work but its going to continue to accelerate, said Jha, adding that the administration was looking to reduce the paperwork needed to provide TPOXX which is not technically authorized to treat monkeypox.

Jha also addressed the calls from lawmakers to declare a public health emergency, saying it was an ongoing conversation.

Were looking at that, looking at what are the ways in which the response could be enhanced, if any, by declaring a public health emergency, he said.

I think with public health emergencies, its always important to sort of ask very specific questions about what exactly would that allow us to be able to do differently than were doing now. And would that make it easier to be able to respond to this outbreak? So I will just say theres no final decision on this that Im aware of.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Ray Voutila's 1/2-ton anchor, which he retrieved from the waters of Cape Ann

When you enter a home, a lot is revealed about the people who live there -- the family or art pictures you see on the wall, the books they read, a display of hobbies or handwork, a huge or small TV, speakers and a rack of CDs, notes or photos on the refrigerator, the color on the walls and furniture. You feel like you know something about the people without even talking to them. The home has an ambiance, it's a kind of self portrait. However, the outside of homes are more generic. They may be beautifully landscaped or not, but there seldom is something that really introduces you to the family within.

I used the word "seldom" because there are some houses you pass that have something in the yard that is unique and makes you want to meet the residents to hear the story about them. You know the items represent something important in their lives -- their self portraits.

Ray Voutila has a huge anchor in front of his house on Hubbardston Road in Templeton. It caught my eye every time I drove by and I wondered about the significance of it. So I stopped by and Ray answered the door. He was excited to talk about the anchor and we set up a time to meet.

He was president of the Gardner Skin Diving Club which was a Civil Defense Team that organized in the early 1960s and was active for 20 years. They had about 25 members and belonged to the Massachusetts Council of Diving Clubs which had demanding exercises for members to meet for qualification. The exercises prepared them to perform challenging emergency underwater rescue operations. They recovered drowned bodies, and one time were called upon to retrieve parts from an airplane crash. (Gardner won a competition which the Council planned between the Massachusetts clubs. Ray said it required using an underwater compass to find objects.)

An advantage offered to divers who served on the Civil Defense Team was allowing them to get a lobster fishing license. Ray and his team enjoyed that privilege and fished at Cape Ann. Skin diving is a high adventure sport, and one time when they were diving for lobsters, they had an especially adventuresome experience.

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Some members of the Gardner Skin Diving Club. Ray is third from the left in the front row and Armand is second.

Ray spotted an anchor, a very huge anchor. He said, "I could hardly believe my eyes." That find marked the beginning of a new challenge, a tough one that would take a lot of planning and ingenuity -- how to retrieve a huge anchor that was tightly wedged in the crack of a big rock 40-feet underwater. To further complicate the task, the flukes at the bottom of the anchor somehow turned and were under the rock, solidly anchoring it in place.

Challenge and adventure was what these divers liked. Ray said, "It was one of the greatest experiences of my life." It required a group effort, both mentally and physically. This task force put their heads together and came up with a brilliant plan using a 275-gallon oil tank.

Ray and his diving partner Armand Robillard filled the tank with water when they got to the dive site to make it heavy so it could be lowered to the anchor. Then they attached it to the anchor, and filled the tank with air, forcing out the water so it would rise. When it rose a little, the anchor loosened so they could turn it and free the flukes that were underneath the rock, and then the tank quickly rose to the surface with its buried treasure.

Three other friends were on land to pull it in, help load it onto a truck, and bring it to the truck-weighing station at Gardner State Hospital. The 10-foot-long anchor weighed 1000 pounds (half a ton)!

Ray was the one who spotted it, so it became his treasure to keep. Owning such a curiosity motivated him to research the history of anchors and how his might have gotten there. His conclusions made very good sense.

He learned that there was a big granite quarry and stone-cutting business in the Rockport area that started in the early 1800s and lasted for about 100 years.

Ships would anchor in the Cape Ann harbor and small boats would be rowed out to load the stones onto the big ships that would delivered them to cities along the east coast. Ray learned that the design of his anchor dated before 1860. It is likely that the ship could not raise the anchor from its wedged-in position and had to cut it free.

The quarry area is now called Halibut Point State Park, a scenic peaceful place to visit, picnic, and take a hike. You can see the quarry, the ocean, and granite slabs that were cut many years ago. Nearby you can visit the charming town of Rockport. Gerry and I went there many years ago and the story of Ray's s front-yard self-portrait tempts us to return.

Carole Gariepy is a Phillipston resident and author of Dragging Gerry around the World and Why Go There?

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Ray Voutila's 1/2 ton anchor in Templeton came from Cape Ann waters
A New York state senator on Sunday accused Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of not being involved enough in her district. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

State Sen. Jessica Ramos accused Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of ignoring her New York district.

Ramos tweeted that Ocasio-Cortez would know what goes on if she "spent more time" in her office.

"Just saying it would be nice if you breathed our air," Ramos added.

New York State Sen. Jessica Ramos on Sunday hit out at fellow progressive lawmaker Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, accusing the congresswoman of not spending enough time in her home district.

Ramos called out Ocasio-Cortez in a series of tweets, which stemmed from an account from a Twitter user named Daniel.

On July 21, the Twitter user, who uses the handle @jai_lies, accused Ocasio-Cortez of "doing performative resistance art" for publicity while alleging that staff at the congresswoman's office blew off a meeting with health policy academics to discuss issues.

In response to the Twitter user, Ocasio-Cortez tweeted on Sunday, stating: "I'm really sorry to hear that this happened. It's not representative of me nor my values. If you can connect with details I'd appreciate it. I'll follow so DMs will be open."

However, Ocasio-Cortez's response prompted anger from Ramos, who tweeted that if Ocasio-Cortez had "spent more time" in her office and with her team, she would "know what goes on." Ocasio-Cortez represents New York's 14th district.

"Just saying it would be nice if you breathed our air," said Ramos in response to Ocasio-Cortez's message to Daniel.

In other tweets on Sunday, Ramos also accused Ocasio-Cortez of not calling her despite "crises" in the district, while rebutting Twitter users who came out in defense of Ocasio-Cortez.

Ramos also claimed to have "receipts" and her "own experience" with Ocasio-Cortez, stating that she just wants her "congressional representative to be around and do their job in the community."

"I gave up texting her a while back, and as petitioning unfolded, I reached out through staff and requested a meeting. I have not spoken to my congressperson in months," Ramos tweeted late on Sunday. "Maybe more than a year? What else is it I'm supposed to do?"

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Ramos also responded to a Twitter user who posted a picture of the two lawmakers from a March 2022 engagement in an apparent attempt to refute Ramos' claim of not having spoken to Ocasio-Cortez in months.

"That's not a conversation or a meeting. She moves on to her next scheduled event as do we, if we have one. This is so disingenuous," Ramos wrote.

When contacted for comment, a representative for Ocasio-Cortez told Insider that their office had asked the original poster, Daniel, for more information about the healthcare meeting or the names of the people informed.

"Based on what they've tweeted so far, we're not able to confirm if this meeting occurred but we are continuing to look into it," the Ocasio-Cortez representative said.

The representative also said that Ocasio-Cortez had recently been back in her district and last held an outreach meeting in Jackson Heights, where both her and Ramos' offices are located. This took place on July 6, which lines up with the congresswoman's schedule indicating a district work period from July 1 to July 8.

"Rep. AOC met with staff and clients of Chhaya, a community group for which the congresswoman was able to secure $2 million in an appropriations bill this Spring," Ocasio-Cortez's representative said.

Ramos did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider.

Other local lawmakers, like Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a New York State assembly member, also came out in support of Ocasio-Cortez on Sunday.

"I have met with her multiple times, she was a critical part of our @NYTWA victory, and she has been a partner at every level of politics. Astoria is all the better for having her represent us." Mamdani wrote, referring to the New York Taxi Workers Alliance.

Brooklyn State Sen. Julia Salazar also tweeted that it was "abundantly clear" that Ocasio-Cortez is "present in her district and absolutely dedicated to the communities she represents."

Salazer added that while taking criticism is "part of the job" for elected officials, there was also no need to "sling mud at each other."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Neculai Paizan, 64, has been jailed for life for the murder of Agnes Dora Akom, 20. (Met Police)

A lorry driver who beat a woman to death with an electric saw before using a wheelie bin to transport her body to a shallow grave has been jailed for life.

Necolai Paizan, 64, launched a brutal attack on 20-year-old Agnes Dora Akom in a converted shipping container in Brent, north west London.

He beat her over the head 20 times with the tool before putting her body into a bag and into the back of his car on 9 May last year.

Paizan, originally from Romania, then drove to Neasden Recreation Ground and put her into a wheelie bin to carry her body to a makeshift grave in woodland.

Ms Akom, who worked as a coffin maker, was reported as missing by her boyfriend.

On 18 May - 9 days after she was killed - the shipping container was visited by police and Paizan was taken to give a witness statement.

Agnes Dora Akom, 20. (Met Police)

Neculai Paizan has been ordered to serve a minimum of 22 years. (Met Police)

He admitted knowing Ms Akom and claimed to have taken her to his shipping container before dropping her at a nearby cashpoint, but when CCTV was examined it showed her entering the container - but she never left.

Paizan was arrested on suspicion of murder and false imprisonment.

CCTV footage showed him carrying a number of items from the container to his car before visiting a skip and Neasden Recreation Ground.

Over the coming days, Paizan visited the park where he had hidden the body five times while telling his son he wanted to go back to Romania.

Inside the skip, officers found Agnes coat and a forensic examination of the container found blood which matched Agnes DNA.

Other bloodstains were subsequently discovered in Paizans car.

The entrance of the concerted shipping container used by Neculai Paizan. (Met Police)

The inside of the shipping container. (Met Police)

He was charged with murder on 23 May, but Ms Akom's body was not discovered until 14 June 2021 - 36 days after she had last been seen.

Initially, Paizan told police he had killed Ms Akom in self-defence but went on to to give a different story in his evidence to jurors during his trial.

Duringthe trial, Paizan tried to claim Ms Akom had tried to poison him and he has woken up to find her dead.

Paizan, a concrete mixer driver, admitted moving the body but denied murdering the young woman he knew as Dora, falsely claiming she poisoned him with iced coffee.

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He described how he came to love her like a daughter after finding her begging for small change in a supermarket car park.

However, the evidence suggested that he had preyed on her vulnerability and targeted her with the promise of money.

They met 54 times over the 12 months before the murder, and jurors were shown photographs Paizan took of Ms Akom semi-naked, the court heard.

In a victim impact statement, Ms Akoms mother described how her daughter and her boyfriend Peter Lenart had moved to Britain from Hungary for a new life.

Reading her statement, prosecutor Jake Hallam QC said the young couples hopes had been thoroughly extinguished through the actions of this defendant.

Ms Akoms mother said Paizan had dragged her daughters name through the mud after her death and presented himself as a victim to the jury.

On Monday, Judge Richard Marks QC jailed him for life with a minimum term of 22 years.

He told him: It is clear on your lengthy evidence that you remain in a complete state of denial as to what you did in that frenzy of violence that took away that young girls life at the age of 20.

These were shocking acts of wickedness on your part.

More to follow...
A shooting in a Los Angeles area park on Sunday afternoon left two people dead and five others injured, police said.

The Los Angeles Police Department told Fox News Digital that several people were shot at Peck Park in the San Pedro area of Los Angeles, California, and later confirmed there were seven victims.

Police say that they received the 911 call at around 3:45 p.m. and responded to Peck Park, where they found multiple victims.

Paramedics transported the seven victims to local hospitals, and two of the shooting victims were later pronounced deceased, police said.

LOS ANGELES CRIME SPIKE: WILL 'PROGRESSIVE' PROSECUTING CAUSE AN INCREASE IN CRIME FOR OTHER U.S. CITIES?

The other five victims were being treated for various injuries.

Los Angeles police located a "number of firearms" at the scene. In a statement, they did not specify how many suspects are believed to be involved.

The LAPD also did not clarify if the shooting is believed to be gang-related.

The shooting happened near a car show, according to FOX 11.
The Hill

Fox News host Tucker Carlson predicted former President Trump will be indicted following a search at his Florida residence last week carried out by the FBI in connection with an investigation into classified information reportedly taken from the White House. Theres nothing to see here, thats the line, Carlson said on his show Monday, naming
Michigan first responders over the weekend rescued six people who became stuck in a muddy river because of a log jam, according to authorities.

Rescuers were initially alerted shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday night that five people riding on kayaks and a canoe had been stranded on a log jam about 1.5 miles east of the Indian Bridge. The call came in just as a thunderstorm was approaching, the Mason County Sheriff's Office said.

One of the stranded victims was suffering from medical complications.

First responders traveled up the river in an effort to rescue the victims and had to push and pull their boats through waist-deep water after they encountered multiple log jams.

TEXAS WIND TURBINE CATCHES FIRE AFTER LIGHTENING STRIKE

"First responders reported being in the water more than they were on their boats. All while dealing with the thunderstorm above them," the Mason County Sheriff's Office wrote in a Facebook post.

Once rescuers found the stranded individuals, they discovered there were six victims, not five. All six victims were stuck in waste-deep mud and were exhausted. Two victims were starting to suffer from hypothermia and one was beginning to have heart complications.

TREE IN ALABAMA FALLS ON HOME AND KILLS 2 KIDS, INJURES 3

Some rescuers gave up their spots on the boats ensuring all six victims could be taken to safety, where medical personnel was waiting for them to administer treatment. All the victims received treatment and were later released.

First responders had to make two trips before all rescuers were off the river. Everyone made it to dry land at around 2 a.m. Sunday morning.

TEXAS MAN FOUND DEAD AT BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK TRAIL

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The sheriffs office, Michigan State Police, Custer Township Fire Department, Riverton Township Fire Department, Branch Township Fire Department and LIFE EMS all assisted in the rescue efforts.
Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita. AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, Pool

Moldova's prime minister said her country is afraid Russia could invade it next.

She told CNN that the concern is a hypothetical one for now, but it was still a "risk."

Moldova, Ukraine's neighbor, is home to a breakaway region backed by Russian forces.

Moldova, a European country that borders Ukraine, said it fears an invasion by Russia.

"We are worried, of course," Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita told CNN in an interview aired Sunday when asked if she was worried that Russia would move into her country next.

"This is a risk, it's a hypothetical scenario for now, but if the military actions move further into the southwestern part of Ukraine and toward Odesa, then of course, we are very worried."

She highlighted the risk of Russian troops in Transnistria, a Russia-backed region that borders Ukraine and broke away from Moldova in 1992.

A senior Russian commander said in April that Russia wanted to take all of southern Ukraine, which would give it a land connection to Transnistria. Russia has since retreated from much of Ukraine, and is focusing on taking the east.

There have also been increased reports of explosions in Transnistria since Russia's invasion began.

Gavrilita said Moldova was "doing everything possible to maintain peace and stability and to ensure the fighting does not escalate" from the region.

Moldova was once part of the Soviet Union, and Gavrilita told CNN that its people backed the country to be a democracy aligned with Western values. The country also recently reached EU candidacy status.

Russia's neighbors are also worried the country may attack, and have stepped up their defenses after Russia's invasion.

Sweden and Finland have applied to join NATO, while Latvia's defense minister is looking to bring back the country's military draft.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Kestrel Mosaic is a unique artwork, created by Ukrainian artist Alla Horska in Mariupol. Now destroyed by Russian shelling

As every other Ukrainian journalist nowadays, I spend mounds of letters and hours trying to explain what this war is, to make people understand, to feel it. Empathy is key when you need allies in a fight against a bigger and stronger enemy.

Finally, now, after five months of war, Ive come up with what I think is a decent explanation.

I formed it as a list of scenes because, for me, war is a mosaic  you can only see the full picture after youve brought all the pieces together.

Read also: Nazis, Nukes, and NATO or what the Russo-Ukrainian war is not about

So Russias war against Ukraine is:

People die every day. Their limbs open up as horrible flowers of death so easily.

Kids are no longer safe anywhere. Russia abducted so many of them, and started re-education and adoption into Russian families, trying to erase their identity and cut off their roots, as if this is a sort of horrific compensation for all those 39,000+ young soldiers it sent to the slaughter in Ukraine. And other kids survived while their entire families perished. The Ukrainian government is now looking for foster families for those poor children whove lost everything.

War ruins beauty everywhere. Just look at the photos of Mariupols mosaics, once colorful birds of prey or trees of life now destroyed by Russian shells.

War is a merciless enemy, poisoned by its own propaganda. It is a soldier who knew nothing but aggression and poverty at home. But instead of changing his country, he came to destroy yours, filled with anger on his own rulers, hes managed to redirect it onto you. As nothing unites the former USSR's top nation more than an external enemy.

Read also: Putin admits Ukraine invasion is an imperial war to 'return' Russian land

War is people buried in shallow graves on parking lots and playgrounds. Mass graves the size of a solar farm. Theres nothing scarier and more heartbreaking to see than a photo of a childs body, covered with dust, rotting in a mass grave.

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War is abandoned dogs, scared and starved. I see more and more of them on the streets. They feel lost and betrayed. They howl at night somewhere in my neighborhood.

War is when you have no running water. Your rivers have been poisoned, and the ground has been salted.

Ukrainian military REUTERS/Serhii Nuzhnenko/File Photo

War is when you scream out of fear and grief, but those who aren't here create thousands of excuses of why you shouldn't be helped and why you should be sacrificed.

War is when you meet brave women and men, defenders all, going to the regions where the enemy is not ready for a face-to-face battle. Instead, it prefers to unleash a rain of artillery shells on them. You look at those men and women, feeling both ashamed you are not that brave and thinking of your own fight.

You know that it is because of those men and women that you can still feel relatively safe in most parts of Ukraine. Theres nothing better than to see businesses opening up again, goods appearing on shelves. And deep down you know that we all work for victory. But still, the guilt doesnt go anywhere.

War is also when you rise against the evil, much larger and stronger country that just doesn't want to let you exist independently and aim for prosperity. You have to beg for weapons, as its a David and Goliath situation, where Goliath has artillery systems and cluster shells.

Mass graves near Mariupol Andriushchenko time

War is when you look at your land, look at your people who managed to grow food on the land above mined fields and showers of missiles, and you want to cry about why we all didn't appreciate their job, our land before the deadly rains came from the east.

War is when you are finally proud of your strong nation, but people are desperately trying to make you someone's proxy, slave, etc just because it will be easier to have you slaughtered.

War is when all your youth, childhood, and adult life is about survival. It is when you lose your home, the same home you worked so hard for. All your pretty carpets, all the Ikea furniture you worked so hard to finally get.

800,000 Ukrainians lost their homes in 5 months. Mine is ok so far. Yet I look at my green walls, my posters, my grandmothers embroidery that I framed myself, and I understand that I might lose it all.

All this is happening just because the Russians decided I don't have the right to live by my own rules.

Russians said they have deported more than 300,000 children from Ukraine's occupied regions Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters

After reading this, look at your fields, look at your architectural masterpieces, and preserve your own culture.

And love your fellow citizens no matter what. Because it is all so fragile. There's nothing more beautiful than your land and your people. And when you lose both, it tears you down.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Holding hands

National Cancer Institute / Unsplash

Reproductive justice is under attack in the United States due to the Supreme Court's June 24 ruling eradicating the once-protected constitutional right to abortion. The fall of Roe v. Wade severely restricts access to or outlaws abortion in 15 states, with very few exceptions for incest or rape and unclear stipulations for saving the life of the pregnant person.

With this collective trauma comes immense fear, despair, and misinformation. The truth is that abortion is a common healthcare procedure chosen amongst birthing people, parents, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. In fact, one in four Americans will choose to have an abortion before the age of 45 and 60% of those are already parents. Meanwhile, nearly 23% of lesbian cisgender women and about 28% of bisexual cis women have had an abortionand they're more likely to have experienced intimate partner violence or sexual assault, generally from cis men who impregnated them. Finally, let us not ignore the fact that trans folks also can get pregnant and are more likely to have experienced intimate partner violence since the start of the pandemic, underscoring the necessity of having access to safe and medically sound abortions.

Related: Abortion Rights Are a Parenting Issue

Whether or not you're a person who can get pregnant, reproductive rights remain a human right. At Parents.com, we believe in the individual's right to choose what family means to them and their ability to build that family safely. Even in states where abortion is banned, you still have resources available.

This article contains information on essential abortion resources, such as how to find abortion care in your state, ways to fund the procedure, and how to protect yourself online. We will also address some frequently asked questions, including which states have officially banned abortion and how to get involved in the fight to protect access to safe abortions. We will be updating this page regularly so you can be confident you are getting the most up-to-date information available.

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Helpful Abortion Resources

Helpful Resources for Finding Abortion Care in Your State: I Need An A

Key Specs

Cost: Free

States available : 50

Security Features : No personally identifiable information is requested, and no information submitted on the website is stored. It suggests the use of private browsing methods like incognito mode.

Doctors Available: No

Lawyers Available: No

Why We Chose It

I Need An A provides clear information on how to find an abortion in the United States and up-to-date insight into current abortion laws.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Information on how to access an abortion in all 50 states and DC

Provides information on medical and surgical abortions

Your privacy is prioritized

Offers Spanish translation for all website information

Cons

There are always privacy risks involved when using online sites so you may want to take extra precautions

I Need An A is a website that helps people learn how they can get an abortion. It provides valuable options for folks throughout the United States, like getting an abortion pill in the mail and the nearest abortion clinic, even if it is out of state. It also provides information on the current abortion laws in your state. This is particularly helpful if you are in a state where abortion access is illegal or limited and you are struggling to demystify the current laws.

The site is also a straightforward abortion provider directory that is easy to use. All that you need to share in order to find a provider is your age, zip code, and the number of weeks since your last period. The site respects your privacy; no identifiable data is ever requested, nor do they save any data you enter on their site. However, there is always a risk when using the internet so consider using a VPN when accessing the I Need An A website, as well as a secure browser, such as tor, for an extra layer of protection.

ineedana.com

Helpful Resources for Getting an Abortion Pill Online: Aid Access

Key Specs

Cost: $110$150

States Available: 50

Security Features: Aid Access uses an encrypted connection. It will use your anonymized data for research and advocacy purposes; however, you can withdraw your consent after placing your order for the pill.

Doctors Available: Yes

Lawyers Available: No

Why We Chose It

This is the most financially accessible resource found for securing an abortion pill online, regardless of what state you live in. It is also staffed by medication professionals and abortion rights advocates, making it a unique and essential resource.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Offers the ability to access the abortion pill, even in states where it is banned

Can order the pill ahead of time, potentially receiving it before trigger laws in your state are enacted

If you cannot afford the pill, you can request financial assistance

Uses an encrypted connection and ensures to maintain confidentiality

Cons

If you live in a trigger state, there are long shipping times because the pill is sent from India

A guarantee of digital privacy isn't guaranteed unless you take extra precautions

Founded by Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, Aid Access is a digital service that offers anyone who can get pregnant access to the abortion pill by mail, regardless of the state you reside in.

In states where abortion is currently legalincluding Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washingtonyou can speak with a team of U.S. doctors via Skype and receive the abortion pill within a few days via mail for $150 USD.

If you live in a state where abortion is outlawed, meanwhile, you will speak with a team of European doctors, who can send you the abortion pill from India for $110 USD within one to three weeks. Due to the shipping time, it is critical that you order the pill as soon as possible because it can only be used until 10 weeks of pregnancy. You can also have the medication shipped to a PO box or another party for mail forwarding if necessary.

It is worth noting that according to Aid Access's terms and conditions, if you use the service, your anonymized data will be used for advocacy and research purposes unless you explicitly revoke your consent to have it used by sending an email after you order a pill. This does leave a paper trail, so it may be worth taking extra precautions, such as Proton Mail, a zero-access encryption email service we also recommend on our list.

Aid Access logo

Helpful Resources for Finding Abortion Funds/Financial Assistance: National Network of Abortion Funds

Key Specs

Cost: Free

States Available: 50

Security Features: The National Network of Abortion Funds website explains its privacy policy in layman's language, making it easy to understand. It uses session cookies, meaning once you close your browser, the session cookie disappears.

Doctors Available: No

Lawyers Available: No

Why We Chose It

The National Network of Abortion Funds has aggregated a comprehensive directory of abortion funds throughout the United States, making it an incredibly useful resource.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Simple navigation

Large selection of abortion funds throughout the U.S.

Information on how to get involved in the fight to protect reproductive rights

Cons

Any cookiesincluding session cookiescan present some risk

Finding an abortion in a post Roe v. Wade world is one issue; funding it can be yet another barrier. Abortion funds are independent collectives that raise money to give to folks who need help paying for an abortion and the National Network of Abortion Funds is an excellent resource for finding that help, regardless of your location in the country.

In addition to providing information on organizations that can offer cash funding, it also notes if the organization can provide travel or lodging, particularly for those in situations where they may need to travel to a neighboring state for support. There are over 80 abortion fund organizations included within the network and they assist each of the organizations to ensure they can best meet the needs of this growing demand.

Session cookies are used for those who log onto the website. Any cookies, even session cookies, can present some risk. Remember to always close your browser after using this resource.

National Network of Abortion Access logo

Helpful Resources for Finding Legal Help: Repro Legal Helpline

Key Specs

Cost: Free

States Available: 50

Security Features: Confidentiality is maintained for all legal counsel offered. Repro Legal Helpline doesn't collect personal information from website users unless the information given is for legal counsel.

Doctors Available: No

Lawyers Available: Yes

Why We Chose It

Because terminating a pregnancy is now criminalized in many states throughout the country, it is more essential than ever to understand your rights. The Repro Legal Helpline is a free legal service that can help you decode your state's laws.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Provides information for underage people who need an abortion and cannot obtain parental or guardian consent

Offers detailed information on the judicial bypass process

Provides thorough information on legal rights for those seeking a self-managed abortion

Offers the option to call you from a blocked number

Site is mindful of privacy concerns

Can connect you to an immigration lawyer if needed

Cons

Cannot provide information about abortion pills, including where and how to buy them

May take two business days or more to return non-urgent inquiries due to high call volumes

It has never been more important to know your rights when it comes to your reproductive decisions. Understanding the laws of your state and neighboring states can be confusing, and having access to free legal counsel is essential. This is where the Repro Legal Helpline comes in.

This helpline offers confidential legal advice, information, and referrals to lawyers. Should you be in a state where abortion is banned, you can call them to learn about the risks of having an abortion pill mailed to you, if traveling to a neighboring state is right for you, and when you can expect trigger laws to go into effect in your state.

The service provides thorough information about the judicial bypass process and legal rights for those seeking a self-managed abortion. It can also connect you to an immigration lawyer if needed.

Furthermore, the site is also mindful of privacy, encouraging those who do not wish to receive email correspondence to call the helpline instead. If the service needs to contact you in response to a question submitted via email, it also offers the option of calling you from a blocked number.

However, due to the high need for legal counsel right now, the service is receiving many calls. As a result, unless you have an immediate legal need (such as being arrested or questioned by the police), it may take at least two business days for someone to respond to your inquiry.

Repro Legal Logo

Helpful Resources for Legal Defense Support: Repro Legal Defense Fund

Key Specs

Cost: Free

States Available: 50

Security Features : No personal information is collected from their website unless you provide it for the purpose of receiving advice.

Doctors Available : No

Lawyers Available: Yes

Why We Chose It

The Repro Legal Defense Fund offers bail and legal representation funds for those targeted by the criminal justice system.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Features extensive information about internet safety and privacy

Provides funding for those who have had an abortion, as well as those who aided an abortion and attorneys

Even if they're unable to fund your case, they will provide valuable referrals and resources

Loved ones can apply for bail funding

Cons

Applying for support can be confusing

Funding isn't guaranteed

The reality of abortion being criminalized is that some abortion seekers may be sought out by police or prosecutors for self-managing their abortion outside of a clinical setting. This means that if you live in states where abortion is banned and seek out the abortion pill, you are at legal risk. Enter: The Repro Legal Defense Fund. It exists as an excellent resource for support should any legal repercussions arise.

You can apply for funds if you are an individual targeted for self-managing your abortion outside of a clinical setting, or an attorney supporting a client who self-managed a non-clinical abortion. If you're facing legal action for helping someone self-manage an abortion, you can also reach out to the fund for support. In addition, if you're incarcerated, your loved ones can also use this resource to fund your bail.

It's worth calling out that applying for support can be confusing thoughthere is a form for attorneys and non-attorneys. If you're an individual without legal representation experiencing legal repercussions for a self-managed abortion, be sure to fill out the non-attorney form. However, the Repro Legal Defense Fund offers a trove of information about internet safety and privacy and even if they are unable to fund your case, they will do their best to provide valuable referrals and resources.

Repro Legal Defense Fund logo

Helpful Resources for Abortion Emotional Support: Reprocare

Key Specs

Cost: Free

States Available: 50

Security Features: The Reprocare website offers minimal security features; however, there is no need to input any private information on the website. Be sure to clear your cookies and close out of the browser after use.

Doctors Available: No

Lawyers Available: No

Why We Chose It

This anonymous helpline provides emotionally focused peer support and information on essential resources for those having a self-managed abortion via phone line or text from 9 am to 9 pm PST, seven days a week.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Easy navigation

Extensive helpline hours

Helpful abortion information is included on the site, including funding, legal help, and abortion pill resources.

Cons

Resource is specifically for those having a self-managed abortion at home

Minimal information on digital privacy practices available on the website

It is natural to have emotions come up when making any big life decision. That being said, abortion regret is rather rare and is often a scare tactic used by pro-life people. A study conducted in 2020 found that five years after having an abortion, 99% of women stated it was the right decision. In fact, the denial of an abortion is a huge detriment to pregnant people's mental health. A recent study found individuals report anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and low quality of life as a result of being denied an abortion.

However, navigating barriers to abortion access can also be stressful. Traveling out of state, having to disclose seeking an abortion to someone you'd prefer not to, and having abortion access delayed due to legal barriers can all contribute to distress. As such, emotional support every step of the way is more important than ever right now. Reprocare's helpline offers essential support for those navigating self-managed abortions.

Reprocare offers a peer-supported helpline geared towards pregnant people seeking an abortion. While those who take hotline calls are not trained doctors, they can provide emotional support and insight into the process of receiving a medical abortion.

You can call or text from 9 am to 9 pm PST, seven days a week at 833-226-7821. This is a user-friendly resource and all information is aggregated on the homepage. Plus, even those who aren't choosing a self-managed abortion can benefit from visiting the site, thanks to the resources at the bottom of the page.

Reprocare logo

Helpful Resources for Intimate Partner Violence Support: National Domestic Violence Hotline

Key Specs

Cost : Free

States Available: 50

Security Features : Extensive information regarding digital security is available on the website, including best practices for maintaining internet privacy while in an unsafe relationship. Confidentiality is maintained on the hotline, except when there is a plan to harm oneself or someone else, or a child or elder is in danger.

Doctors Available: No

Lawyers Available: No

Why We Chose It

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a confidential hotline that offers help to those who are seeking safetywhether they're seeking an abortion or not.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Extensive information on ways to protect your digital footprint

Directory with an easy-to-navigate search function to find local resources

Compassionate, unbiased support from trained advocates

Help on how to identify abuse

Cons

No abortion-specific information

Line is managed by mandated reporters and laws regarding child abuse could be changed to include abortion

Domestic violence and reproductive rights are inevitably connected. For example, those who have experienced intimate partner violence are more likely to seek abortion resources. In acknowledging the threat of forced pregnancy and sexual assault, we'd be remiss not to include the National Domestic Violence Hotline, a life-saving resource.

The confidential hotline offers the opportunity to speak to someone who can listen to your experience and provide insight into ways you can get help. The website is also incredibly user-friendly, with a pop-up providing information on how to quickly exit the website. During high call volume, the pop-up will also let you know how long you can expect to wait and directs you to a section of the website that provides information on local resources.

It is worth noting that there is no abortion-specific information available on the National Domestic Violence Hotlinehowever, this resource can be utilized as a tool to seek safety in an abusive relationship before or after an abortion.

It's also important to remember that those who manage the hotline are mandated reporters, meaning they have a duty to report any child abuse or neglect to child protective services. While abortion is not legally considered a form of child abuse at the moment, this is something to keep an eye on in your state as new legislation is introduced.

National Domestic Violence Hotline logo

Helpful Resources for Protecting Your Digital Privacy: Proton Mail

Key Specs

Cost : $0 to $12.24 per month. The paid tiers of monthly service include increased storage and the ability to create up to 15 email addresses.

States Available : 50

Security Features: Proton Mail offers zero-access encryption and a policy of never sharing data with advertisers. It is based in Switzerland; therefore, it does not have to adhere to U.S. laws or requests for data.

Doctors Available: No

Lawyers Available: No

Why We Chose It

Proton Mail is a secure email service that prioritizes user privacy with end-to-end encryption. This helps you keep any email correspondence for an abortion pill, receiving abortion support funds, or legal defense as private as possible.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Swiss company that is under no obligation to honor a request for data from U.S. authorities

A free tier of service is offered

Offers a free Proton Mail VPN

Cons

Email encryption doesn't protect web searches, so it is important to use a privacy-focused search engine like DuckDuckGo or Startpage

Proton Mail offers a simple and easy way to set up a secure email account that helps keep your user data private thanks to end-to-end encryption that cannot be decrypted by a third partynot even the company itself. Plus, since the company is based in Switzerland, it is under no obligation to ever share your private information in response to a request from U.S. authorities. This makes the service helpful for anyone concerned about email correspondence related to abortion access.

You can choose between a free email or a paid tier that costs $4.17 and you can also get a free Proton Mail VPN to ensure your internet traffic is sent only through an encrypted and confidential tunnel, even over public internet connections. However, the service doesn't offer any protection for your web searches. If this concerns you, consider trying DuckDuckGo instead of Google.

Proton Mail logo

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between a Medical and a Surgical Abortion?

A medical abortion uses the abortion pill to terminate a pregnancy. A surgical abortion is an in-office procedure that either uses a vacuum aspiration or dilation and evacuation (D&E) to terminate the pregnancy.

Related: The Abortion Procedure: Medical and Surgical Methods

Is Abortion Safe?

Yes, abortion is a safe health intervention when performed through either a medical or surgical abortion provider. It has been found to be safer than childbirth in the United States; the risk of death during childbirth is 14 times more likely than death during an abortion. Additionally, being denied access to abortion care leads to negative mental health outcomes, including symptoms of anxiety and depression. Having access to an abortion when needed isn't only safe, it is essential for one's overall wellbeing. Abortion is considered an essential health care service by the World Health Organization.

Where Is Abortion Legal Right Now?

Unfortunately, abortion isn't legally safe in every state right now due to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. In states where abortion is currently criminalized, the risk of legal scrutiny for seeking out an abortion stands.

Related: Abortion Laws by State: These Are Your Rights

In some states, abortion due to incest, rape, or fatal fetal birth defects is illegal. Abortions are still legal in circumstances of a medical emergency; however, doctors are afforded a gray area in determining what is considered a medical emergency severe enough to warrant an abortion.

Medical emergencies can include issues like an ectopic pregnancy, septate uterus, or preeclampsia prior to fetal viability. Receiving an abortion when experiencing a medical emergency is life-saving and essential care. However, each physician's clinical judgment may vary and cause delays in receiving this care. If you are in a state where abortion is illegal, it may be worth giving the Repro Legal Helpline a call to discuss what your rights are and the best course of action should you be in a situation where you are being denied essential healthcare.

The ability to receive an abortion under the above circumstances depends on the state you are located. If you go to the I Need An A website and enter your zip code, it can explain more about your rights in your state. If you are in a state where you cannot legally receive an abortion, Aid Access will mail you abortion pills, regardless of the state you live in.

You can reach out to the Repro Legal Helpline to discuss any legal risks in choosing to have an abortion.

How Can I Tell the Difference Between a Pregnancy Crisis Center and an Abortion Clinic?

A pregnancy crisis center is a fake clinic that uses scare tactics, propaganda, false information, and shame to pressure individuals out of getting an abortion. When searching for "abortion providers," it isn't uncommon to see pregnancy crisis centers pop up in the search engine results. They can even show up in state resource directories as well, so it is important to know the warning signs.

These clinics can be hard to spot with the naked eye. They sometimes might look like an ordinary doctor's office, complete with ultrasound machines and staff wearing white coats. Their website may state they offer free pregnancy and sexual health tests, but in reality, they don't provide inclusive reproductive health care. They may have Yelp reviews of people happily stating they received an ultrasound or someone on staff helped them "consider their options." Remember, companies can pay for fake reviews and such positive praise is doubtful considering the ethos of these clinics.

Sometimes these organizations are located near reputable sexual health clinics, with 2,500 to 4,000 of these centers currently operating throughout the U.S. They hope to have unassuming individuals seeking help wander in so they can pressure them out of getting an abortion.

In general though, a pregnancy crisis center will advertise everything but an abortionfor example, abortion education, pre-and post-abortion care, and even abortion counseling. They may tell you abortion is dangerouswhich is not trueand often will talk about religion extensively. These centers will work to provoke fear and emotion through manipulative tactics.

For example, they may use deceptive images, like showing a sonogram of a 20-week-old fetus and saying it is actually 6 weeks old. Other lies they often tell are that abortion causes mental health risks, infertility, and even breast cancerall of which are entirely untrue. They usually advertise "abortion pill reversal" on their websiteswhich is a false statement reiterated by anti-abortion activists. Their website may say they offer birth control services, but they'll tell you about the fertility awareness method at most. Before visiting a center, take a look at Expose Fake Clinics or The Fake Clinic Database to make sure you're in good hands.

I'm Experiencing Thoughts About Taking My Life Due to the Overturning of Roe V. Wade. How Can I Get Help?

The fall of Roe v. Wade represents a historic moment where reproductive rights have become criminalized. This devastating news may lead to feelings of hopelessness, despair, and fear. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

Related: Free Mental Health Resources for Families

Are Period Tracking Apps Safe?

Using period tracking apps raises some security concerns, especially since a missed period on the app can indicate pregnancy, meaning your pregnancy will become part of your digital footprint. This can be unsafe in states where abortion has become criminalized. Even if you aren't pregnant and simply have an irregular cycle or forget to use the app regularly, you could still face legal scrutiny.

If you're still interested in tracking your period, consider the app Cycles. It offers both standard TLS and SSL encryption, as well as advanced firewall technology. A particularly unique feature is the ability to use the app without an account, meaning that your health data is stored locally on your device. Therefore, when you delete the app, you will also delete that data, saving you the step of having to email the company personally to destroy your data. Cycles is based in Sweden, so it is under no obligation to share private data with U.S. authorities.

Related: What To Know About Period Trackers and the Information They Share

What Financial Support Options Are Available?

Some health insurance plans in certain states will cover abortion, though this ultimately depends on your location and health coverage. Federally-funded health insurance like Medicaid generally does not cover abortion unless it is to preserve the life of the pregnant person or the pregnancy results from rape or incest. States have the option to use federal funds to cover abortions, however, less than 20 states choose to.

Some Planned Parenthood locations can offer financial assistance and transportation. You can also locate an abortion fund in your state through the National Network of Abortion Funds.

How Can I Get Involved And Help Others?

There are many ways to get involved. First, consider reaching out to abortion funds. You can donate money or even inquire if they need support in providing transportation, lodging, or language translation. You can find a directory of abortion funds through the National Network of Abortion Funds.

In addition, Keep Our Clinics is an organization that provides funding to independent abortion clinics and they accept donations.

If you're ordering an abortion pill to have on hand in case you're in need in the future, consider ordering a few extra. It is also a good idea to have some emergency contraception, like Plan B, stashed away. You never know when someone in your network will need this support.

Methodology

We reviewed 24 organizations, ultimately featuring those based on abortion access, user experience, fees, and privacy precautions. In particular, organizations that feature easy-to-understand language explaining their privacy practices and offering free or low-cost services were chosen. Companies that sell personal data or have a confusing explanation for their privacy practices were excluded from this resource guide.
(Reuters) - Tesla Inc boss Elon Musk said late on Sunday on Twitter that he and Google co-founder Sergey Brin remain friends and denied a report that he had been involved in an affair with Brin's wife Nicole Shanahan.

Musk's tweets came after a Wall Street Journal report that cited unidentified sources saying he had engaged in a brief affair with Shanahan. The paper said the affair prompted Brin to file for divorce from Shanahan earlier this year and ended the tech billionaires' long friendship.

Dismissing the report, Musk tweeted, "Sergey and I are friends and were at a party together last night! I've only seen Nicole twice in three years, both times with many other people around. Nothing romantic."

Tesla and Google, whose parent company is Alphabet Inc, did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comments outside regular business hours.

Reuters wasn't immediately able to reach Brin or Shanahan for comment. A lawyer for Brin declined to comment to the WSJ, and Shanahan didn't respond to requests from the paper for comment.

Brin filed for divorce citing "irreconcilable differences," the Journal said, quoting records it said were filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court. Reuters wasn't able to determine independently whether divorce papers have been filed.

In its report, the WSJ also said Brin instructed his advisers to sell personal investments in Musk's companies after he came to know about the affair. The paper said it wasn't able to determine how large those investments were, nor whether any sales were made.

The Wall Street Journal did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment on Musk's denial of the report outside of regular U.S. business hours.

(Reporting by Akriti Sharma in Bengaluru; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
This weekend, Tennessee will have it's annual tax-free event.

In 2022, 17 other states will participate in some kind of tax-free event, most right before the school year starts. However, Kentucky is not one of them.

Jill Midkiff, the director of communications of Kentucky's finance and administration cabinet, said the state has never had a tax-free holiday.

"A tax holiday would require an act of the General Assembly," Midkiff said. "Therefore, Kentucky has not had a sales tax holiday for any purpose."

More:Kentucky Supreme Court rules in Louisville schools property tax increase recall case

Despite several bills being proposed over the past 10 years to have a sales tax holiday, the legislature has enacted none of them. The most recent one filed by the Kentucky General Assembly was HB 26 in 2016. Rep. David Hale, who co-sponsored HB 26, said he does not know why the bill died. However, he did note it had bipartisan support and said he would be interested in bringing up the issue again to the budget committee in the interim period before the session starts in January.

Not having a holiday has not stopped some Kentucky citizens from taking advantage of these deals, though. Some people will cross state lines, like to neighboring Tennessee, to get their products tax-free.

It would be really nice. I usually drive to TN to take advantage of theres. It would be better to get reimbursed, we used to be able to provide receipts up to a certain amount. Bargain hunting and reimbursement helped me fill my classroom.  Colonel TNT (@ColonelTNT) July 5, 2022

Yet, Janelle Fritts, a policy analyst with the Tax Foundations Center for State Tax Policy, warned that tax-free holidays may be inaccessible and a signal for broader change.

"If you have to give a holiday for your sales tax for a weekend, that seems to indicate that there is something wrong with your sales tax system that you probably need to fix. Just one weekend most likely wont fix it," she said. Instead, Fritts suggests a lower sales tax annually. That way, people who may not be able to purchase items during the holiday could still take advantage of it.

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"It's acknowledging a problem and giving a 5% discount," she said about the tax-free events. "These cost the state money and seem to take money away from across the board relief that could make a bigger impact."

Tiffany Dunn, a teacher that has been with Jefferson County Public Schools for 10 years, seems to agree. In her mind, tax-free weekends are a slap in the face.

"It's like the government is saying, 'We know you pay, we know you supply your classrooms.' I would prefer they actually fund public schools," she said. "The (school supply) list grows for parents too."

More:JCPS promises millions in resources for West End schools under new plan. Will it be enough?

Dunn explained that she has stopped buying materials for her classroom, believing it is not her responsibility. Still, until long-term change is enacted, many citizens are enticed by the discount going into the school year and are willing to drive miles to do it.

This year's tax-free weekend in Tennessee will be from July 29 and July 31, and will include clothing, school supplies and electronic devices, like computers. In addition, each individual article of clothing and school item must next exceed $100 to qualify. Groceries will also be tax-free for the entire month of August in the state, but will include some exemptions, like alcohol and candy.

Reach reporter Eleanor McCrary at emccrary@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ellie_mccrary.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky tax free weekend 2022: Why commonwealth doesn't have one
A scene from the new disaster movie Notre-Dame on Fire (Warner Bros)

Monday 15 April, 2019. Its a beautiful spring evening in Frances capital city and the soul of Paris is burning. As the trees lining the Champs-Elysees shimmer in the generous April heat, the crowds begin to gather. They raise their phones to the sky like a prayer. Flames tower over the monumental spire of Notre-Dame. The most famous building in the world is engulfed.

Within an hour and a half of the cathedral catching alight, Cher had tweeted. Devastation & [heartbreak emoji]... French are strong, &[America]a& [the world] Will Never Forget Those with The Spirit Of aLa Marseillaise, she wrote, characteristically. Hamiltons Lin Manuel Miranda also publicly acknowledged the spectacle, gushing to his 3.6 million twitter followers, Standing here next to you, heartsick for Notre Dame. Beneath his tweet, which has since accumulated upwards of 4,000 retweets and 42.3k likes, a user wrote, Thank you, man. I dont know anyone else who appreciates the gravity of this at the moment. It is not clear whether the user was being sarcastic.a

Less than 24 hours later, the worlds most celebrated philanthropists had also sat up and taken note. Apple CEO Tim Cook publicly declared thataApple will be donating to the rebuilding efforts to help restore Notre-Dames precious heritage for future generations. The wealthiest of Frances billionaires, luxury goods magnate Francois-Henri Pinault and fashion mogul Bernard Arnault, pledged a combined total of more than $300m (250m) towards Notre-Dames restoration. They were so quick to take action that their pledges were made public before the dying embers of the fire had been put out.

The politics of philanthropy [are] really complex, and I think a lot of it has to do with public image, says Mayanne Soret, a French expat and arts producer now living in Scotland. Its always favourable politically to align yourself with a building than to align yourself with people. Theres just so many other things that they could be spending their money on.

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This week, a dramatic recreation of the fire and its aftermath has hit cinemas. Notre-Dame on Fire sees the incident given a disaster-movie makeover, with filmmaker Jean-Jacques Annaud using as his basis more than 162 interviews with personnel on the ground that day. We witness Notre-Dames custodian of artefacts chaotic sprint from Versailles back to his workplace in a last-ditch attempt to save the crown of thorns. We also watch as cascading rivers of hot lead spill out of the mouths of the cathedrals 12th-century gargoyles.

As in its forerunners within the genre, from Titanic to the Final Destination franchise, there are suspenseful hints throughout of what is to come. Sparks fly from power tools, construction workers charge their phones from clogged power sockets. Up on the roof, a worker reveals a packet of cigarettes hidden in the cuff of his trousers, sneakily lighting up as a sign reading No Smoking Allowed looms ominously nearby. At ground level, a tour guide remarks that 1,300 tree trunks were used to build Notre-Dame. Whether this is played for laughs or not, it feels as though Annaud is really hammering a key point here:atrees burn.aaa

There are silly moments in the film, like when a small child runsaback into the burning cathedral so she can... light a candle at the feet of the Virgin Mary.a But Annauds film is actually a fitting tribute. Though more than aware of its own melodrama, it understandsathe reverential importance of the cathedral in France,a andaits status as a quasi-metaphor for the countrys soft power.a It also paints a gripping picture of the media hysteria that burnt through the cultural and political landscape in the aftermath of the inferno,aultimately proving it was justified. a

Notre-Dame cathedral engulfed in flames in April 2019 (Hubert Hitier/Getty)

Since its initial completion in 1345, Notre-Dame has always been caught between restoration and reinvention. From its desecration in 1789, at the outset of the French Revolution, through to its restoration by Napoleon between 1844 and 1864, Notre-Dame has witnessed the turbulence of French history and remained standing.

Today it is considered to be the apex of French-Gothic style, with its glittering jewel-hued rose windows and its gravity-defying spire reaching upwards towards the heavens. Its these achievements and many more that make itathe ultimate icon for architects and conservationists. Even Le Corbusier, one of the 20th centurys most pioneering architects, is noted as having described the cathedrals westerly facade as the pure creation of the spirit.

In the 12th century, under the direction of Bishop Maurice de Sully, the originally appointed architect of Notre-Dame  a figure shrouded in mystery, whose identity has been lost to time  put in motion a series of events that introduced what was, at the time, a revolutionary approach to building.

Young and highly skilled, this new breed of architect was keen to use newly drafted techniques in construction, freeing the interior of the cathedral by the use of rib vaults as well as embellishing its design with stained glass and other decorative forms. What they created was nothing short of a miracle, pioneering the use of flying buttresses and creating a visual symbol of the nation of France and the very soul of Paris.

Its a bit unfair to call it just a building. You have to acknowledge the power it has

It was the contribution of architects that would be crucial to Notre-Dames next rebirth.aIn the immediate aftermath of the blaze, and following President Macronsapromiseato the French people that Notre-Dame would be restored to its glory by 2024, a deluge of architectural proposals were made live. Firms competed against one another to reshape Notre-Dame for ever.

Rather than restoring the destroyed spire, Stockholm studioaUlf Mejergrenaproposed turning the space where the spire and the attic had been into an open-air pool, which would have unmatched views over Paris. Other proposals included Vincent Callebautsasuggestionato install a new roof that would generate energy, containing an aquaponic farm.a Miysis Studios idea was to combine a reconstruction of the spire with a modern glazed roof to find the right balance between history and the future. Glass is, after all, less flammable than wood. a

For French citizens in the UK, Notre-Dame has always been more than just a building. Business owner Thierry Dumouchel first heard of the blaze on the radio, where through tinny speakers news reporters spoke of an inferno ravaging the national monument of his home country.

I came home and immediately turned the TV on,ahe tells me. Born in Normandy but working between Paris and Garforth, where he runs a boulangerie, patisserie and chocolatier, he remembers his experience of seeing Notre-Dame on fire as a sobering one.aIm a Catholic, and you cant help but feel connected to the building in a very real way... this is a monument where you go to recover yourself and seek rest. Its a huge part of our schooling and history. To see it on fire... I was heartbroken.a

Jean-Jacques Annaud on the set of Notre-Dame on Fire (Warner Bros)

Three years on, its easy to dismiss much of the charged emotion that surrounded the fire of Notre-Dame as an overreaction. No one died. The billionaires shared their wealth. The cathedral is now in the process of being rebuilt. But Annauds 110-minute dramatisationa while melodramatic  does capture the very real and profound connection ordinary people have with architecture, showcasing how hundreds were willing to risk their lives to save the building from becoming a mountain of glass, stone and ash.

Its a bit unfair to call it just a building, Mayanne tells me.aYou have to acknowledge the power it has, its intentional national mythology, and the fact that this is a beautiful building that has withstood the test of time. You dont lose anything by saying how precious it is.a

Thierry feels a similar emotional resonance, remembering the first time he visited the cathedral as a child on a school trip. Its an experience that serves as a rite of passage for many French nationals.aWhen I went through the door, something magical happened, he says. Even as an unenthusiastic child you cant help but be in awe... Now, with the benefit of life and with experience, you can really start to understand how impressive it is. Its evident that the mystique around Notre-Dame endures, pushing ordinary people to starry-eyed hyperbole, its power undimmed despite its scars.

Itsaunclear how strongly British audiences will connect to a film soafull ofaFrench national pride.aPersonally, it made mea grateful that, across the sea and hundreds of miles away, Notre-Dame is still standing. The ultimate survivor, she lives to see another day. a

Notre Dame on Fire is in UK and Irish cinemas now
From what we can see, insiders were net buyers in RELX PLC's (LON:REL ) during the past 12 months. That is, insiders acquired the stock in greater numbers than they sold it.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether.

Check out our latest analysis for RELX

RELX Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

The Independent Non-Executive Director June Felix made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for UK86k worth of shares at a price of UK20.93 each. We do like to see buying, but this purchase was made at well below the current price of UK23.58. While it does suggest insiders consider the stock undervalued at lower prices, this transaction doesn't tell us much about what they think of current prices.

The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

RELX is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Insider Ownership of RELX

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. Insiders own 0.1% of RELX shares, worth about UK45m. While this is a strong but not outstanding level of insider ownership, it's enough to indicate some alignment between management and smaller shareholders.

What Might The Insider Transactions At RELX Tell Us?

There haven't been any insider transactions in the last three months -- that doesn't mean much. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. Insiders do have a stake in RELX and their transactions don't cause us concern. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing RELX. While conducting our analysis, we found that RELX has 1 warning sign and it would be unwise to ignore this.

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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.

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Happy Monday, OnPolitics readers.

Good news out of the White House today: President Joe Biden's COVID-19 symptoms are "almost completely resolved," according to a statement released by the White House physician.

Biden, who tested positive for the virus last Thursday, is experiencing some residual nasal congestion and slight hoarseness, Kevin O'Connor, physician to the president, said.

"The president continues to tolerate treatment well," O'Connor said. "He will continue Paxlovid as planned. He is experiencing no shortness of breath at all." Biden completed his fourth full day of Paxlovid, an anti-viral treatment, on Sunday.

O'Connor added that Biden's pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and temperature remain "absolutely normal."

The president is continuing to work in isolation at the White House.

On Monday, Biden virtually addressed the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and later met with business executives and labor leaders to push for the Senate's approval of the Chips Act, a bill to boost the semiconductor industry.

It's Amy and Chelsey with today's top stories out of Washington.

Will Trump face charges over the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol?

The Jan. 6 committee investigating the attack on the U.S. Capitol has meticulously outlined former President Donald Trump's involvement in events leading up to and on the day of the insurrection. But are the revelations enough for the Department of Justice to bring criminal charges against Trump and his top aides?

Though lawmakers are calling for charges against the former president and at least one federal judge said Trump and members of his team "more than likely broke the law," legal experts say there is little evidence of an aggressive federal investigation against him.

There are also hurdles to pressing charges. For instance, Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. attorney and law professor at the University of Michigan, said the committee heard "overwhelming evidence" showing Trump was repeatedly told he lost the election and that he nonetheless pressured Vice President Mike Pence and state officials to overturn the results. Trump also knew the mob was armed when he urged supporters to go to the Capitol, according to committee testimony.

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But the evidence is almost all one-sided, McQuade argued. Prosecutors would also have to anticipate how the Trump team would defend itself against the allegations.

Here, there are significant drawbacks to criminal charges, such as creating the appearance of a political motivation by DOJ, which could lead to civil unrest or even civil war," McQuade said.

Legal experts say a charge of inciting a riot or inciting an insurrection would be one of the best avenues for prosecution because the facts are not in dispute. Trump urged attendees at his "Stop the Steal" rally on the morning of the insurrection to fight for him by marching on the Capitol. to storm the Capitol.He did not tell them to storm the Capitol.

But whether his fiery speech is protected under the First Amendment is in dispute, say legal experts.

I think the Justice Department would be somewhere in the ballpark of being able to charge the former president based on what is known publicly, said Mariotti Renato Mariotti, a former federal prosecutor now at Thompson Coburn LLP.

Trump, DeSantis showdown over Florida: Possible frontrunners in the 2024 GOP presidential primary, Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis both courted potential Florida voters as each spoke at different events Saturday night.

Real quick: stories you'll want to read

Could the midterms lead to an expanded Supreme Court? Progressive Democrats are hoping to capitalize on the blockbuster decision to overturn Roe v. Wade to make expanding the Supreme Court a midterm election issue  at least in Democratic primaries  despite fierce political headwinds.

Opioid crisis still rages in West Virginia : A federal judge ruled that three major pharmaceutical companies were not liable for effects of the opioid epidemic, leaving one county at the center of the crisis in the dark without the critical resources it needs to save lives.

'Jan. 6 ain't over': Capitol Police on hearings Law enforcement officials faced brutal attacks on the front lines defending the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. More than a year later, four of them are on the front lines again  this time, playing a central role in the House Jan. 6 committee hearings.

Ginni Thomas may be subpoenaed: Rep. Liz Cheney, vice chair of the Jan. 6 committee, said the panel could subpoena Virginia "Ginni" Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, for testimony.

Want this news roundup in your inbox every night? Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter here.

What has happened since Russia invaded Ukraine five months ago

What Russian President Vladimir Putin once thought of as a quick victory has transformed into a monthslong war as Ukrainian forces fend off heavy Russian artillery attacks in eastern and southern Ukraine. Sunday marked five months since Russias invasion of Ukraine began.

Western nations have condemned Putins invasion of its smaller neighbor, accusing Russia of war crimes and imposing several rounds of sanctions. Ukrainian forces are engaged in intense fighting in the Luhansk and Donetsk territories as Russia aims to gain control of the Donbas region.

Kherson, Mariupol among Ukrainian territories under Russian control: After efforts to take Ukraines capital Kyiv stalled, the Kremlin shifted its focus on the resource-rich industrial Donbas region, made up of the Luhansk and Donetsk territories.

Russian forces have made gains in southern and eastern Ukraine, including Luhansk, after Ukrainian troops retreated from the city of Sievierodonetsk.

U.S. gives more than $7 billion in aid to Ukraine: The United States has authorized more than $7 billion in military, humanitarian and security assistance to Ukraine since Russia's invasion, in addition to aid the European Union and other NATO allies have sent.

Ukraine, Russia sign deal to export grain: Ukraine, one of the world's largest exporters of wheat, and Russia signed separate agreements with Turkey and the United Nations to allow the export of Ukrainian grain, as well as Russian grain and fertilizer, stuck in Black Sea ports since the beginning of the war. Shipments of grain and other agricultural products have been halted since Russias invasion.

Don't give up on your dream home just yet : As the housing market cools, some buyers are getting a second chance to grab their first choice. -- Amy and Chelsey

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jan. 6 Capitol riot: DOJ must weigh whether to charge Trump
PANAMA CITY BEACH  Police armed with a search warrant have arrested a Panama City Beach man at his home on child porn charges.

Christopher Steven Roll, 40, was booked into the Bay County Jail on a child pornography possession charge and more charges are pending, police said.

According to a news release late Friday afternoon, officers with the Beach Police Department's Criminal Intelligence Unit began investigating Roll after Walton County Sheriff's Office investigators "flagged a local man as potentially sharing and downloading child pornography."

Other crime news: Panama City mom arrested after toddler ate her candy laced with THC

Panama City police: PCPD: Meth seized, four arrested after neighbors complain of suspected drug activity at house

Detectives found that he was using a file sharing network to obtain several images of children as young as infants engaged in sexual conduct, the release said.

The detectives secured a search warrant and went Friday to Roll's home where he was arrested without incident.

According to the news release, Roll admitted downloading and collecting the images for almost a decade.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City Beach Police arrest man on child porn possession charges
WASHINGTON  The Defense Department is looking at alternative locations for the largest military exercise in Africa amid Senate pressure to bump Morocco from its position as an annual host for the drills.

Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, has led the charge against having Morocco host the African Lion exercise to push back against its control of the disputed Western Sahara.

For more than five decades, the Sahrawi people have been subjected to repeated broken promises and vicious attacks by the Moroccan government, Inhofe said last week at a confirmation hearing for the nominees to lead Africa Command and Special Operations Command.

I have pushed [the Defense Department] to look at alternative locations for the annual African Lion military exercise thats been hosted in Morocco previously, Inhofe added. Im pleased that [Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin] is in agreement with me on this issue.

Inhofes office told Defense News he secured a commitment from Austin in a private meeting to look at alternative locations for the annual exercise, which the United States and 10 partner countries conduct jointly in Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal and Ghana.

The report accompanying the Senates version of the Fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act also directs Austin to develop a plan to rotate the hosting arrangements and locations of all multilateral exercises, including African Lion, within AFRICOMs purview and submit a report by December.

Lt. Gen. Michael Langley and Lt. Gen. Bryan Fenton, the nominees to head AFRICOM and SOCOM respectively, told Inhofe during their confirmation hearing they agreed with finding alternative locations for the African Lion exercises.

I will follow up on this serious issue, said Langley. I know the Department of Defense has been looking at it. I think its time to see if Moroccos making progress.

Inhofe has long been critical of Moroccos control over the Western Sahara, which pits Rabat against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front  a Sahrawi independence movement.

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He called it shocking and deeply disappointing when former President Donald Trump upended decades of U.S. policy by recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara at the same time Morocco signed onto the Abraham Accords normalizing ties with Israel. President Joe Biden has left Trumps policy intact.

Former Moroccan prime minister Saadeddine Othmani tweeted last year the African Lion exercise, which has been held for nearly two decades, marks the consecration of American recognition of the Moroccan Sahara. Othamni tweeted at the time that part of the 2021 drills would be held in the Western Sahara, but deleted the tweet after AFRICOM denied the exercise would be held in the disputed territory.

After that, the Senate added a provision to the 2022 NDAA banning U.S. forces from participating in multilateral exercises hosted in Morocco unless the defense secretary certifies the country is committed to seeking a mutually acceptable political solution in the Western Sahara.

Austin did not make that certification for this years exercises, which took place last month, and instead submitted a national security waiver permissible under the 2022 NDAA to allow the drills to proceed.

U.S. Africa Command continues to explore alternatives to further diversify the locations of multilateral exercises and continues to consult closely with the Department of Defense and Department of State to ensure full compliance with future requirements as directed by the NDAA, a Defense Department spokesman told Defense News in a statement.

Neither the Senate nor House versions of the 2023 NDAA contain the language banning Morocco from hosting U.S.-led exercises that Congress added to last years bill. However, the Senate report accompanying this years bill authorizes $10 million for AFRICOM to assess alternative locations and host arrangements for multilateral exercises with African partners.

The committee further believes that diversifying the hosts and locations of these exercises may help the [Defense Department] expand partnerships in Africa, increase the capabilities of African partners and further U.S. access and influence on the continent, states the report.

Other AFRICOM-led exercises include the Navys Cutlass Express near the Horn of Africa, Obangame Express on the west African coast and Phoenix Express in the Mediterranean.

With Inhofe retiring at the end of the year, the Sahrawis will lose one of their most powerful advocates on Capitol Hill. But Moroccos status as a key host in the African Lion exercise may remain in peril.

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., also sits on the Armed Services Committee and indicated at last weeks confirmation hearing he intends to continue pushing Morocco on its Western Sahara policy. He expressed concern the long-simmering conflict with the Polisario Front could once again devolve into open war.

This could be a powder keg, said Rounds. With other outside interests priming the pump, should we not get this issue resolved, it could be another one of these hot spots that does not go away and a little bit of attention right now may go a long way.
Authorities have identified a driver who was fatally shot by a Bedford officer on Saturday in Dallas after police say the man shot at the officer and wounded an innocent bystander.

The driver, 33-year-old Juan Mario Gonzalez, was pronounced dead in his car, Dallas police said in a news release Monday.

A passenger in the vehicle, 33-year-old Richard Nicholas Flores, surrendered and was taken into custody, police said. Hes expected to face a charge of aggravated assault to a public servant.

The incident began about 1:20 a.m., when Bedford police tried to stop Gonzalez on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, police said.

According to the preliminary investigation, the driver refused to stop and continued southbound on Interstate 35 into Dallas. The car stopped at I-35 and Wycliff Avenue, where Gonzalez fired several rounds at the Bedford officer, police said.

The officer returned fire, killing the suspect. No other officers fired their weapons, and no officers were injured, police said.

A man nearby in another vehicle was hit by the suspects gunfire, police said. The bystander was taken to a local hospital, where he was treated and released.

Dallas police are investigating the incident.
Canadian police reported multiple shootings of homeless people Monday in a Vancouver suburb and said a suspect was in custody.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said most of the shootings were in downtown Langley. One reported shooting was in neighboring Langley Township.

Police Sgt. Rebecca Parslow said she had no immediate details on the victims conditions.

Mounties issued a cellphone alert about 6:30 a.m., telling people to avoid the area.

Police closed off a main route through the center of the city. Authorities later issued a cellphone alert saying the suspect was in custody.

Authorities initially said they were unsure if the shooter acted alone. But police later said the man in custody is believed to be solely responsible.

A homicide team confirmed on social media that its investigators deployed to Langley to help the mounted police.

Yellow police tape surrounded a sandwich shop and a parking lot in Langley at the scene of one of the shootings. A black tent was set up over one of the crime scenes.

Langley is about 10 miles north of Whatcom County.

Mass shootings are less common in Canada than in the United States. The deadliest gun rampage in Canadian history happened in 2020 when a man disguised as a police officer shot people in their homes and set fires across the province of Nova Scotia, killing 22 people.

The country overhauled its gun-control laws after an attacker named Marc Lepine killed 14 women and himself in 1989 at Montreals Ecole Polytechnique college.

It is now illegal to possess an unregistered handgun or any kind of rapid-fire weapon in Canada. To purchase a weapon, the country also requires training, a personal risk assessment, two references, spousal notification and criminal record checks.
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
Good Morning America

Authorities in Northern California have announced a new phase in the ongoing search for a teenager who disappeared after a party 11 days ago. Kiely Rodni, 16, was last seen on Aug. 6 around 12:30 a.m. local time near the Prosser Family Campground in the small town of Truckee, some 20 miles north of Lake Tahoe. "Her cellphone went dead and became virtually untraceable shortly after," Angela Musallam, public information officer for the Placer County Sheriff's Office, told ABC News during an interview that aired Aug. 9 on "Good Morning America."
Pope Francis issued an apology to the indigenous people of Canada on Monday, asking forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians following international uproar over the treatment of indigenous children at residential Christian schools.

I am deeply sorry  sorry for the ways in which, regrettably, many Christians supported the colonizing mentality of the powers that oppressed the Indigenous peoples, Francis said, according to the Washington Post.

Residential schools, which assimilated and Christianized indigenous children, were ran partly by the Catholic Church in the 19th and 20th centuries.

It is painful to think of how the firm soil of values, language and culture that made up the authentic identity of your peoples was eroded, and that you have continued to pay the price of this, Francis added.

Francis has been criticized for not speaking out more against human-rights abuses and religious persecution in China, where millions of Uyghur Muslims are being detained and indoctrinated.

Francis trip follows reports which surfaced last year indicating mass graves of Indigenous children had been unearthed in Canada. Dozens of Catholic Churches were consequently vandalized across Canada.

Some of the alleged graves were already-known cemeteries, accounted for in a 2015 Truth and Reconciliation report, while others have not been verified as mass grave sites, according to the National Post.

Indigenous Canadians have cast doubt on the validity of the mass graves, saying they had knowledge of their existence before the media cast light on them.

Weve always known these were there. Its just the fact that the media picked up on unmarked graves, and the story actually created itself from there because thats how it happens, Cowessess elder Lloyd Lerat said, according to the National Post.

Lerat had been a former student at residential school Marieval, where an alleged burial site with 751 graves was found. Marieval received international coverage and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau visited the site and kneeled with a teddy bear.

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This is a Roman Catholic grave site. Its not a residential school grave site, Cowesses Chief Cadmus Delorme said, according to the outlet, noting that no new graves had been discovered.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation listed nine students who had been buried in the cemetery for the century it was open, according to the outlet.

More from National Review
Pope Francis arrived in the indigenous community of Maskwacis, Alberta, on Monday, where he is expected to deliver a long-sought apoliogy for the Catholic Churchs role in Canadas residential school system.

Between 1883 and 1996, an estimated 150,000 children were separated from their families at the schools, where kids were brutally forced to assimilate and often the subject of neglect and physical and sexual abuse.

Hundreds of bodies were found in an unmarked grave at the site of a former residential school in Saskatchewan last summer, setting off a widespread reckoning over the churchs role in the conquest of indigenous peoples in North America.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated with new information.
MASKWACIS, Alberta (AP)  Pope Francis issued a historic apology Monday for the Catholic Churchs cooperation with Canadas catastrophic policy of Indigenous residential schools, saying the forced assimilation of Native peoples into Christian society destroyed their cultures, severed families and marginalized generations.

I am deeply sorry, Francis said to applause from school survivors and Indigenous community members gathered at a former residential school south of Edmonton, Alberta. He called the school policy a disastrous error that was incompatible with the Gospel and said further investigation and healing is needed.

I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples, Francis said.

In the first event of his weeklong penitential pilgrimage, Francis traveled to the lands of four Cree nations to pray at a cemetery and then deliver the long-sought apology at nearby powwow ceremonial grounds. Four chiefs escorted the pontiff in a wheelchair to the site near the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School, and presented him with a feathered headdress after he spoke, making him an honorary leader of the community.

Francis' words went beyond his earlier apology for the deplorable abuses committed by missionaries and instead took institutional responsibility for the churchs cooperation with Canadas catastrophic assimilation policy, which the countrys Truth and Reconciliation Commission said amounted to a cultural genocide.

More than 150,000 native children in Canada were forced to attend government-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.

Ottawa has admitted that physical and sexual abuse was rampant at the schools, with students beaten for speaking their native languages. That legacy of that abuse and isolation from family has been cited by Indigenous leaders as a root cause of the epidemic rates of alcohol and drug addiction now on Canadian reservations.

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The discoveries of hundreds of potential burial sites at former schools in the past year drew international attention to the schools in Canada and their counterparts in the United States. The revelations prompted Francis to comply with the truth commissions call for an apology on Canadian soil; Catholic religious orders operated 66 of the country's 139 residential schools.

Reflecting the conflicting emotions of the day, some in the crowd wept as Francis spoke, while others applauded or stayed silent listening to his words, delivered in his native Spanish with English translations. Others chose not to attend at all.

Ive waited 50 years for this apology, and finally today I heard it," survivor Evelyn Korkmaz said. Part of me is rejoiced, part of me is sad, part of me is numb. She added, however, that she had hoped to hear a work plan from the pope on what he would do next to reconcile, including releasing church files on children who died at the schools.

Many in the crowd wore traditional dress, including colorful ribbon skirts and vests with Native motifs. Others donned orange shirts, which have become a symbol of school survivors, recalling the story of one woman whose beloved orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, was confiscated at a school and replaced with a uniform.

Its something that is needed, not only for people to hear but for the church to be accountable, said Sandi Harper, who traveled with her sister and a church group from Saskatchewan in honor of their late mother, who attended a residential school.

He recognizes this road to reconciliation is going to take time, but he is really on board with us, she said, calling the apology genuine.

Despite the solemnity of the event, the atmosphere seemed at times joyful: Chiefs processed into the site venue to a hypnotic drumbeat, elders danced and the crowd cheered and chanted war songs, victory songs and finally a healing song. Participants paraded a long red banner through the grounds bearing the names of more than 4,000 children who died at or never came home from residential schools; Francis later kissed it.

I wasnt disappointed. It was quite a momentous occasion, said Phil Fontaine, a residential school survivor and former chief of the Assembly of First Nations who went public with his story of sexual abuse in the 1990s.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who last year apologized for the incredibly harmful government policy, also attended, along with other officials.

As part of a lawsuit settlement involving the government, churches and approximately 90,000 survivors, Canada paid reparations that amounted to billions of dollars being transferred to Indigenous communities. Canadas Catholic Church says its dioceses and religious orders have provided more than $50 million in cash and in-kind contributions and hope to add $30 million more over the next five years.

While the pope acknowledged blame, he also made clear that Catholic missionaries were merely cooperating with and implementing the government policy, which he termed the colonizing mentality of the powers. Notably he didn't refer to 15th-century papal decrees that provided religious backing to European colonial powers in the first place.

Jeremy Bergen, a church apology expert and professor of religious and theological studies at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario, said Francis made clear he was asking forgiveness for the actions of members of the church but not the institution in its entirety.

The idea is that, as the Body of Christ, the church itself is sinless," he said via email.

"So when Catholics do bad things, they are not truly acting on behalf of the church, Bergen added, noting its a controversial idea on which many Catholic theologians disagree.

Francis said the schools marginalized generations, suppressed Indigenous languages, led to physical, verbal, psychological and spiritual abuse and indelibly affected relationships between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren. He called for further investigation, a possible reference to demands for further access to church records and personnel files of priests and nuns to identify perpetrators of abuses.

Although Christian charity was not absent, and there were many outstanding instances of devotion and care for children, the overall effects of the policies linked to the residential schools were catastrophic, Francis said. What our Christian faith tells us is that this was a disastrous error, incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The first pope from the Americas was determined to make this trip, even though torn knee ligaments forced him to cancel a visit to Africa earlier this month.

The six-day visit  which also includes stops in Quebec City and Iqaluit, Nunavut, in the far north  follows meetings Francis held in the spring at the Vatican with First Nations, Metis and Inuit delegations. Those encounters culminated with Francis' apology April 1 for deplorable abuses at residential schools and a promise to do so again on Canadian soil.

Francis recalled that one of the delegations gave him a set of beaded moccasins as a symbol of children who never came back from the schools, and asked him to return them in Canada. Francis said in these months they kept alive my sense of sorrow, indignation and shame but that in returning them he hoped they can also represent a path to walk together.

Event organizers had mental health counselors on hand Monday, knowing the event could be traumatic for some people.

Later Monday, Francis visited Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, an Edmonton parish whose sanctuary was dedicated last week after being restored from a fire. The church incorporates Indigenous language and customs in liturgy, and both were on display during the event, with folksongs and drums and providing the backdrop to the pope's visit.

___

Associated Press writers Rob Gillies in Toronto and Holly Meyer in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed.

___

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.
It is not just Ukraine-erasing and a violent charge to wipe a brother country, or at least parts of it, off the map. The mission and mindset go much further, according to preeminent Kyiv-born, Russian-educated author and literary translator, Elena Kostioukovitch.

In a recent essay called "Whats Going on In Putins Mind," she says there is a toxic fascination in Russia, starting at the very top, with alternative histories of the entire world, theories which paint Russians as the real masters of the universe and ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome as mere inventions of phony scholars. Fake history, essentially, trumping even fake news.

This world view is largely based on volumes of something called "The New Chronology," which is the brainchild mainly of two Russian authors, an academic and a mathematician respectively-- Anatoly Fomenko and Gleb Nosovsky. One of the key premises is that dark forces tampered with all the history books in libraries across the globe at a certain point in time, wiping out or changing real versions of events and resetting dates.

According to Kostioukovitch, it is one of the many mystical, fantastical theories Russian President Vladimir Putin and his inner circle are peddling, and they have managed to sweep not insignificant parts of the population along with them, manipulating masses towards the conclusion that it is high time to make amendsnot just for losing the Cold War-but for long-standing injustice against Russians. For the Kremlin, this works very well for the moment.

VIDEO SHOWS PUTIN STANDING AWKWARDLY, WAITING FOR ERDOGAN TO SHOW UP FOR IRAN MEETING

"They created the idea that any action can be supported by a pretext," Kostioukovitch told Fox News earlier this month. "It must have a historical context. It sounds idealistic, but idealistic is good for the Russian people and the masses. They love this historical pretext." She goes on, "this is fake history. But it is what Russian people love deeply. Because the idea is that everything in the world can be faked."

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Such a position would give carte blanche to question or disobey anything and everything that is unpleasant, the theory goes. Kostioukovich, of course, is not privy to Putins reading list. She is , however, convinced that the Kremlin is gripped by such revisionism from the language used by its top lieutenants, mouthpieces and the leader himself.

Russian President Vladimir Putin uses state-run media to spread the Kremlins message. ALEXEI NIKOLSKY/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images, File

"I have read with great attention his (Putins) speeches," she says. "I have seen the lexicon, the expressions he quotes, and I have seen the names and ideas he drops, and he supposes everybody knows, but not everybody knows. To know all this trash, you must read these kinds of books be part of some sort of sect of re-enactors of history and this is dangerous for us all." Kostioukovitch says the sheer volume of readers of the "New Chronology" has gathered over years is also striking.

This deep, if deluded, dive back in time serves to reinforce the recent rants from the Kremlin about the necessity of protecting the long-suffering "Russian World" and putting an end to rising Russophobia propagated by the West.

PUTIN CLAIMS RUSSIA'S WAR IN UKRAINE IS JUST BEGINNING

Kostioukovitch also delves into the symbols being used for this campaign against Ukraine and the West at large. The letter "Z" plastered over tanks but now codified as something to be added in many official contexts and communiques has never been explained. The "Z" can be seen on anything from buildings now to bumper stickers. The less used but still prominent "V" is another symbol of this so-called existential struggle. Neither are letters in the Russian alphabet. It is thus, one of the wars great mysteries.

"By leaving this inexplicable, nebulous unresolved air over everything," Kostioukovitch offers, "perhaps the regime is hoping to further weaken peoples cognitive and logical capabilities, continually remarking that they are not required to understand. Only to obey and intuit." Kostioukovitch sees the "Z" as a sort of reverse half of the Nazi swastikawhich she finds as such a strange choice of symbol for a war against supposed Nazis in Ukraine.

RUSSIA'S SHOIGU SAYS WAR IN UKRAINE WILL END WHEN PUTIN'S 'TASKS' ARE COMPLETED

However, she believes this symbolism comes from a twisted fascination among certain segments of the Russian power base with SS soldiers from World War II which have been portrayed in all their clean-shaven, polished-boot precision in many Soviet films. She suggests "Z" could even represent the "Zentre" Nazi strike force that conquered Ukraine. Kostioukovitch says there may even be a "romanticizing" of "that aesthetic," and "that destructive energy, that unstoppable force mixed with elegance and unholy evil."

Last week, incidentally, Kostioukovitch, who now lives in Italy but whose work over the years has linked her closely with Russia, renounced her Russian citizenship. It is something easier said than done, according to the author. One does not just rip up their passportit is a long bureaucratic process that in her case was held up over three cents due on a tax bill according to her, laughing at the apparent absurdity of being held hostage over a few kopeks.

Kostioukovitch, who says that she and many Russians in exile are doing whatever they can to try to help Ukrainian refugees, push back against this war and fight for democracy in Russia, brushes off her gesture, calling it nothing compared to what the likes of jailed dissidents Alexei Navalny, and most recently Ilya Yashin have sacrificed to protest the policies of their government.

"They will be symbols," she says. "They will be heroes. They will be the future leaders of Russia. Not those who are in Europe."
Minnesota Vikings co-defensive coordinator Adam Zimmer stands on the sidelines in the second quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 9, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, the Minnesota Vikings' head coach from 2014 to 2021, visited the team's training camp practice Sunday.

Zimmer's son, Adam, an assistant coach and coordinator for the Vikings for the past eight seasons, returned last month to a role with the Bengals, this time as an offensive consultant to head coach Zac Taylor.

From Bengals play-by-play announcer Dan Hoard via Twitter on Sunday:

Five observations from Day 9 of #Bengals camp.

1. Great to see Mike Zimmer at practice. At one point, he got Sam Hubbards attention and praised him for how hard he plays.

Sam was very appreciative, said Dave Lapham. Zim doesnt just throw out those big bouquet compliments. pic.twitter.com/lFK6AcfBu1  Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) August 7, 2022

From the Bengals via Twitter:

Adam Zimmer was an assistant defensive backs coach for the Bengals in 2013 when Mike was Cincinnati's defensive coordinator. When Mike became the Vikings' head coach after the 2013 season, Adam joined him as Minnesota's linebackers coach.

Adam wasn't retained as the Vikings' LBs coach and co-defensive coordinator after the team fired Mike in January. Adam said in February that his father, who was the Bengals' DC for six seasons, does have an interest in returning to coaching for "the right situation."

LOVE SPORTS? [ Subscribe now for unlimited access to Cincinnati.com ]

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Adam Zimmer returns to Cincinnati Bengals as offensive consultant
Jul. 24ROCHESTER  Four

candidates for the Ward 3 seat

on the Rochester City Council  Vangie Castro

,

Norman Wahl

,

Casey McGregor

and

Svaar Vinje  were asked to provide responses to a question designed to help introduce them to voters

The question posed was: When it comes to establishing a city budget, what do you see as the key priorities and why?

The Post Bulletin requested a video response of up to 90 seconds in length from each candidate. Here are the responses we received:

The candidates for the seat, which represents much of Northwest Rochester, are on the ballot for the Aug. 9 primary election to narrow candidates to two for the Nov. 8 general election.
For more than 30 years, Hunter rain boots have been a Royal Family favourite (Photo via Getty)

Yahoo Lifestyle Canada is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

To describe Meghan Markle's shoe collection as expansive would be akin to saying the sky is blue. After four years in the royal spotlight and countless more enjoying silver screen fame, the Duchess of Sussex has amassed a shoe collection that Cinderella herself would be envious of.

And while the 40-year-old has a penchant for pricey designers like Aquazzura and Manolo Blahnik, every now and again, Meghan surprises us with an affordable shoe pick. Take, for example, her Hunter boots  several of which are on sale at Nordstrom during the Anniversary Sale (shop here in Canada, here in the U.S.).

Hunter Original Refined Rain Boot in Onyx (Photo via Nordstrom)

$148 CAD $220 CAD at Nordstrom Canada

$124 USD $185 USD at Nordstrom U.S.

Meghan was first spotted wearing the brand's Tour Rain Boots (shop here in Canada, here in the U.S.) during her now-infamous Emmy-nominated interview with Oprah.

The Duchess wore her Hunters with a pair of jeans and a white button-down while giving a tour of her family's chicken coop, "Archie's Chick Inn, Established 2021."

Oprah Winfrey and Meghan Markle in her $170 Hunter boots (Image courtesy Harpo Studios/CBS)

Despite Meghan stepping back from her royal duties in January 2020, the Hunter brand continues to be a mainstay for the U.K.'s most famous residents.

Princess Diana was photographed in the iconic wellies at Balmoral Castle prior to her royal wedding in 1981, and 30 years later, her former husband, Prince Charles, wore the brand's Argyll boots while visiting flood victims in England. Most recently, Lady Gabriella Windsor, a cousin to the queen, wore the famously British rain boots to a polo match.

Prince Charles, Princess Diana, and Lady Gabriella Windsor in Hunter rain boots (Photos via Getty Images)

A longtime favourite of the royals, Hunter has received two royal warrants from the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh for its handcrafted, high-quality designs.

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Why shoppers love them

Hunter's Original Refined Rain Boot is a sleek upgrade to the brand's iconic Tour boots. Crafted from thinner, more flexible rubber, the boot has a tailored silhouette compared to previous models.

On Nordstrom, the Refined Rain Boots have earned an average rating of 4.2 stars from more than 450 reviews.

"The refined style is more lightweight, less bulky and more feminine looking than the original Hunter Rain Boot," according to one user. The "slimmer design is very flattering," they add.

Hunter Original Refined Rain Boot in Olive (Photo via Nordstrom)

$148 CAD $220 CAD at Nordstrom Canada

$124 USD $185 USD at Nordstrom U.S.

It's a "great update on the original classic," echos another. The narrow calf "provides a more streamlined look," they write. Adding, "these are a classic rainboot and would be great for snowy climates as well!"

Despite several hundred five-star reviews, some shoppers note they fit a "bit smaller" than other Hunter styles, something to be mindful of when placing your order.

To give your wardrobe a royal-approved refresh ahead of the fall and winter seasons, shop our top Hunter boots picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale below.

Original Short Back Adjustable Rain Boot (Photo via Nordstrom)

$130 CAD $195 CAD at Nordstrom Canada

$110 USD $165 USD at Nordstrom U.S.

Refined Waterproof Chelsea Boot (Photo via Nordstrom)

$128 CAD $190 CAD at Nordstrom Canada

$107 USD $160 USD at Nordstrom U.S.

Original Play Speckled Platform Waterproof Rain Boot (Photo via Nordstrom)

$97 CAD $145 CAD at Nordstrom Canada

$77 USD $115 USD at Nordstrom U.S.

Cheetah Waterproof Chelsea Rain Boot (Photo via Nordstrom)

$138 CAD $205 CAD at Nordstrom Canada

$114 USD $170 USD at Nordstrom U.S.

Didn't find your size? Click here to check out what's on sale at Hunter Boots.

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
LONDON  Russia is likely struggling to extract and repair combat vehicles damaged in its war in Ukraine, Britains Ministry of Defense has said.

In a Monday intelligence update, the ministry said that a Russian army facility six miles from the Ukrainian border was created to refit and refurbish broken combat vehicles. Close to 300 damaged vehicles, including armored personnel carriers and battle tanks, were identified at the lot.

Among other well-documented personnel problems  such as reportedly using private mercenaries to reinforce its depleted frontline  the Defense Intelligence went on to say, Russia continues to struggle to repair the thousands of broken military vehicles that have been damaged in the Kremlins war in Ukraine.

A destroyed tank of the Russian army is seen at Kukhari village, Kyiv region. (Sergei Chuzavkov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

According to Ukraines Ministry of Defense, Russia has lost close to 9,000 combat vehicles, including 3,950 armored protected vehicles and 1,730 tanks. Russias Ministry of Defense has provided little data on the number of total vehicles lost, but according to the Kremlins preliminary published data, just 50 APVs have been damaged.

In comparison, Oryx, an open source investigation that relies on photographic evidence to calculate losses, stated that Russia had lost over 2,000 vehicles including 885 tanks and 965 infantry fighting vehicles. Some of those vehicles have remained operational and have been captured by Ukrainian forces.

The steep losses of combat vehicles have left the Russian infantry exposed to attack, according to Dr. Matthew Schmidt, the director of international affairs and an associate professor of national security at the University of New Haven in Connecticut.

The exposure means a higher risk of casualties that will exacerbate the manpower shortage Moscow faces, Schmidt told Yahoo News. Add to that the fact that most of the replacement troops will be undertrained and a lack of armored vehicles means that any offensive in the Donbas or towards Odesa faces high casualty scenarios.
A man in a military uniform in a burning wheat field as Russian troops shell fields to prevent local farmers from harvesting grain crop in the Polohy district of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region on July 17, 2022. Dmytro Smolyenko/ Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has reduced the global food supply, with NGOs warning of shortages.

But Russia's foreign minister told African countries that this was Western propaganda, and that the West was causing the shortages.

Russia and Ukraine recently reached a deal to restart grain exports. Russia attacked a port the next day.

Russia is trying to convince African nations that global food shortages caused by its invasion of Ukraine are not Russia's fault.

Ukraine is one of the world's largest food producers, particularly for the developing world. But Russia's invasion has harmed the production and export of food.

The United Nations warned earlier this month that a "hunger catastrophe" was coming because of the Ukraine invasion, and that this would particularly affect "Africa, the Middle East, Asia and even Latin America."

But Russia is campaigning to avoid any blame.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov blamed the shortages on the West in a Sunday address to Arab League ambassadors in Cairo, Egypt, the BBC reported.

Lavrov is also due to visit Ethiopia, Uganda and the Republic of the Congo, the BBC reported.

He wrote in newspapers published in those countries that the idea Russia was "exporting famine" was actually Western propaganda, the BBC reported.

He also wrote in the article, according to The New York Times: "We know that the African colleagues do not approve of the undisguised attempts of the US and their European satellites to gain the upper hand, and to impose a unipolar world order to the international community."

Russia and Ukraine signed a UN-backed deal on Friday to restart shipments of grain from three ports, including the port of Odesa. The ports had been cut off by the Russian navy.

But Russian missiles hit the port on Saturday, Ukraine said. Russia initially denied the attack but acknowledged it on Sunday. Ukraine said it would still try to export grain from the port.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A Ukrainian soldier prepares shells for the M777 howitzer

Earlier, ISW analysts warned that information about a probable Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kherson Oblast will likely be limited and arrive with a delay.

Their latest report points out that Ukrainian officials "increasingly recognize counter-offensive operations" in the region, referring to the words of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Kherson Regional Councilmember Sergey Khlan, and data from the Ukrainian militarys Operational Command South.

Read also: Russian command facing dilemma in Donbas and southern Ukraine, says British intel

According to the ISW, the major points of the combat situation in Ukraine over the past day include:

Russian forces attempting limited ground assaults northwest of Slovyansk, east of Siversk, and south of Bakhmut on July 24;

Ukrainian strikes damaging all three Russian-controlled bridges leading into Kherson City within the past week;

Russian forces attempting limited ground assaults in Kherson Oblast;

The Kremlin facing mounting (if still very limited) domestic dissent from ethnic minorities who are disproportionately bearing the burden of the Russian war in Ukraine (specifically, protest groups have emerged in the Tuva and Buryatia republics);

The Kremlin continuing to create regional volunteer battalions and leveraging private military companies recruitment drives to generate combat power;

Russian occupation authorities continuing to set conditions for an annexation referendum in the occupied territories and recruiting Russian civilians for reconstruction efforts.

ISW

Battle for Donbas

Russian troops conducted a limited ground attack northwest of Slovyansk on July 24, but failed to take control of Bohorodychne (20 km northwest of Slovyansk).

Also, the Russian army continued ground attacks east of Siversk on the same day. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that the Russian troops unsuccessfully tried to advance west from Verkhniokamyanka and Bilohorivka towards Verkhniokamyanske (5 km east of Siversk).

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Read also: Two Americans, Canadian and Swede killed in tank attack in Donbas

The invading forces also persist with ground attacks to the south of Bakhmut  in particular, to assume control over the Vuhledarsk thermal power plant and Novoluhanske. However, according to army command, Russian troops failed to advance from the village of Roty to Semyhirya, approximately 20 km southeast of Bakhmut.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Consequences of shelling of Nikopol

Read also: Another Russian attack on Nikopol kills one, says prosecutor's office

So far, no casualties or significant damage reported.

Read also: Russian army still failing to gain ground in Donbas, says Institute for the Study of War

Using multiple launcher rocket systems, the invading forces fired at several coastal areas of our Oblast, said Yevtushenko. No people or buildings were hit. Don't panic."

At the same time, the secretary of the Zaporizhzhia City Council, Anatolii KAt the same time, the secretary of the Zaporizhzhia City Council, Anatolii Kurtiev, said that the situation in the city is calm.urtiev, said that the situation in the city is calm.

Read also: Russia involving civilian pilots, personnel in war against Ukraine, says Ukrainian intelligence

Everything is calm in Zaporizhzhia, no incoming attacks have been recorded, said Kurtiev. Loud sounds that were heard by residents of some areas of Zaporizhzhia came from outside the city.

On the evening of July 24, Yevhen Yevtushenko reported that Russian troops opened fire in the direction of Zaporizhzhia from the territory of the occupied Enerhodar.

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
LONDON (Reuters) - Russian police detained Leonid Gozman, an opposition politician, on Monday, his lawyer said, after a criminal case was opened over his alleged failure to inform the authorities swiftly enough about his citizenship of Israel.

"At the entrance to the Frunzenskaya metro station, he was detained by metro police officers," Gozman's lawyer, Mikhail Biryukov, said on Facebook.

Gozman was the last leader of the small Union of Right Forces political party, which brought together free-market reformers such as Anatoly Chubais, who has left Russia, and Boris Nemtsov, who was shot dead in 2015 close to the Kremlin.

Since the Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, political dissent has become more dangerous inside Russia. Protesters are routinely arrested and public criticism of the war risks prosecution.

Gozman had argued publicly that President Vladimir Putin has inflicted more damage on Russia by invading Ukraine than any other Russian leader since Josef Stalin, and that post-Soviet Russia had essentially died with the war.

Putin says what he calls his "special military operation" in Ukraine was essential as the West was using Ukraine to threaten Russia, and that he had to defend Russian-speakers against persecution.

Ukraine and its Western backers say Putin has no justification for the war and that he is bent on reconquering a neighbour that was long under Moscow's thumb before tilting toward the West after the Soviet Union broke up in 1991.

Gozman was last month listed officially as what Russia terms "a foreign agent" - a person who receives money from foreigners or is under the influence of foreigners.

He has been placed on a federal wanted list, the interior ministry said. It was not immediately clear why.

In his last public post on Telegram, Gozman said: "For those who want and can protest  be careful, remember that what was almost free yesterday  a small fine - can cost freedom today."

"Only if you understand what you will have to pay with  go ahead, and may God help you. Everyone else  do not give up."

(Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
Passenger filling out form at Ryanair check in queue in Spain

A Ryanair boss has criticised airports for not recruiting enough staff to cater for the rebound in travellers, saying they had "had one job to do to".

Neil Sorahan, chief financial officer, said "various governments" and airports needed to be held to account for "not staffing up appropriately".

His comments come as staff shortages at airports have led to major disruption and cancellations in recent months.

Airports said they had been recruiting security staff since late last year.

A spokesperson for the Airport Operators Association (AOA), which represents most UK airports ranging from Heathrow to Edinburgh, said: "The vast majority of passengers across the UK are now getting away on their holidays with no or minimal disruption."

The spokesperson added that it was "essential" the industry worked together to fill the remaining vacancies, including for airline ground handling staff.

Mr Sorahan, who said Ryanair was having a "phenomenal" summer as the airline posted profits of 170m (145m) for the three months to the end of June, told the BBC's Today programme the "biggest issue" the company had faced was "air traffic control disruptions all across Europe".

"You have to hold ANSPs [air navigation service providers] and various governments to account in relation to not staffing up appropriately for that," he said.

"Equally the airports themselves, they had one job to do to and that was to make sure they have sufficient handlers and security staff. They had the schedules months in advance.

"We managed to staff up for 73 additional aircrafts well in advance and it's incumbent on the airports to get their planning better next year."

After shedding thousands of jobs during the pandemic, the travel industry has struggled to recruit, train and security-check new staff quickly enough to keep up with resurgent demand.

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Airlines have been blamed for taking more bookings than they can manage, while airports have also been criticised for not being able to cater for more flights.

Meanwhile, aviation industry leaders have argued the government could have done more to support the sector during the pandemic.

The industry has also been threatened by strike action, with many staff demanding pay rises to cope with the rising cost of living.

Ryanair has faced battles with unions after it cut salaries during the pandemic, but said it had agreed deals with more than 80% of its pilots and about 70% of cabin crews.

"We hope to conclude agreements with the small remaining balance in the near future," the group said.

Mr Sorahan told the BBC that any strike action that had taken place had a "minimal impact" on services.

Despite currently facing industrial disputes in France, Belgium and Spain over pay and conditions, Ryanair has suffered the least disruption and cancellations of major European carriers in recent months.

In the first six months of 2022, Ryanair cancelled 0.3% of flights, compared with British Airways' total of 3.5%, and EasyJet's 2.8%, according to air travel consultancy OAG.

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary previously told the BBC that the company's "strong balance sheet" going into the pandemic enabled it to keep staff on, albeit on reduced pay, and maintain training at the height of Covid so they were able to ramp up operations when restrictions were lifted.

There have been delays and long queues at airports in the last few months

Mr Sorahan said Ryanair was "fully staffed" and operating more than 3,000 flights a day as many people venture on their first summer holiday since pandemic restrictions were lifted.

Ryanair said it remained "confident that we can operate almost 100% of our scheduled flights, while minimising delays and disruptions for our guests and their families".

The airline said its passenger numbers had rebounded to 45.5 million - 9% higher than before the Covid pandemic - but its first quarter profits were still short of pre-Covid levels.

The company said its fuel costs had soared by 560% to 1bn and added the Ukraine war had "badly damaged" Easter bookings and fares.

Mr O'Leary said in a statement on the company's results that unpredictability around fuel prices, the risk of new Covid variants and the war in Ukraine meant the company was unable to forecast a profit for the full financial year.

"While we remain hopeful that the high rate of vaccinations in Europe will allow the airline and tourism industry to fully recover and finally put Covid behind us, we cannot ignore the risk of new Covid variants in autumn 2022. Our experience... shows how fragile the travel market remains," he said.

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If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.
Heartland Advisors, an investment management firm, published its "Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund" second-quarter 2022 investor letter  a copy of which can be downloaded here. The Russell Mid Cap Value Index was down for the quarter and the first half of the year, but it beat the S&P 500 and significantly outperformed the Russell Mid Cap Growth index over each timeframe. The Heartland Mid Cap Value Strategy, meanwhile, outperformed the Russell Mid Cap Value Index in Q2 and on a year-to-date basis. Go over the funds top 5 positions to have a glimpse of its finest picks for 2022.

In its Q2 2022 investor letter, Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund mentioned Genpact Limited (NYSE:G) and explained its insights for the company. Founded in 1997, Genpact Limited (NYSE:G) is a New York, New York-based IT service management company with an $8.5 billion market capitalization. Genpact Limited (NYSE:G) delivered a -12.77% return since the beginning of the year, while its 12-month returns are down by -4.93%. The stock closed at $46.00 per share on July 22, 2022.

Here is what Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund has to say about Genpact Limited (NYSE:G) in its Q2 2022 investor letter:

"Genpact, Ltd. (NYSE:G), for instance, is a leading business process outsourcing firm whose client base of over 700 large global companies includes over a quarter of the Fortune 500 companies. Genpacts double-digit organic growth is attributable to a range of cyclical and secular factors, but against its peer set, the company distinguishes itself as a provider of high-value, margin-enhancing solutions that help clients better compete in an evolving marketplace. Its solution set includes services that facilitate digital transformation, automation, predictive cloud-based analytics, and supply chain optimization. Valued at approximately 14x forward-looking earnings and 2x sales, Genpacts stock trades at a deep discount to many of its peers, while its mix of growth and profitability suggests the current discount is unwarranted."

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Software

Our calculations show that Genpact Limited (NYSE:G) fell short and didnt make it on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. Genpact Limited (NYSE:G) was in 28 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the second quarter of 2022, compared to 24 funds in the previous quarter. Genpact Limited (NYSE:G) delivered a 9.92% return in the past 3 months.

In January 2021, we also shared another hedge funds views on Genpact Limited (NYSE:G) in another article. You can find other investor letters from hedge funds and prominent investors on our hedge fund investor letters 2022 Q1 page.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
A South Carolina man charged in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot is back in the hot seat after federal prosecutors say the mans cellphone included 80 Nazi and white supremacist images, according to a government sentencing memorandum in the case.

Prosecutors are seeking 30 days in jail for Elliot Bishai, 22, of Fort Mill in York County, for his participation in the riot, during which he climbed through a broken window and encouraged rioters to invade the Capitol. Inside he yelled, Civil War 2!, according to the government memorandum.

At the time of the riot, Bishai was a member in the federally-supported Civil Air Patrol, the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.

He should have known that being part of the Capitol meant that he betrayed his duty to keep the homeland safe, the prosecution memo said. The Civilian Air Patrols mission is devoted to public safety, the memo said.

In a related court filing, Bishais lawyers revealed that because of his arrest in the Capitol riot, he has been dropped from being accepted in an elite military program to train to become a pilot to fly U.S. Army helicopters. At the time of the Jan. 6 riot, he was planning to join to the Army and become a helicopter pilot.

Bishai is due to be sentenced Friday in Washington before Judge Tanya Chutkan on the charge of entering and remaining in a restricted building.

Prosecutors also said that in addition to Nazi and white supremacist images, Bishai had more than 400 videos made by an online personality, known as the Gypsy Crusader, but who is described in court documents as a far-right ... commentator, streamer, white supremacist and convicted felon named Paul Nicholas Miller.

Miller has been tied to multiple alt-right and far-right organizations, including the Proud Boys and the Boogaloo movement, the prosecution memo said.

Bishai downplayed the Nazi and white supremacist images and videos in court documents, saying he kept them only because he found them to be humorous, not because he actually agreed with their content and did not share them with anyone, according to a prosecution memo.

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A 2021 Defense Department report cited the dangers of white supremacists inside Americas military. It warned of the dangers that even a small number of such extremists can do inside the military. It also said that terrorist organizations like to recruit members with military training.

On Jan. 6, 2021, Bishai drove Elias Irizarry, a Citadel cadet, and Grayson Sherrill, of Gaston County, North Carolina, to Washington in response to the false claims by former President Donald Trump that the election had been stolen.

Irizarry and Sherrill will go on trial in Washington on Jan. 3.

Before the riot, all three attended a Trump rally during which the former president urged people to march on the Capitol tostop the steal. Bishai and Irizarry entered the Capitol through the broken window at 2:26 p.m., 13 minutes after the initial breach, the prosecution memo said.

Inside the Capitol, Sherrill struck a police officer with a metal pole, and Irizarry carried a metal pole with him but did not hit anyone, according to evidence in their cases.

Although Bishai did not commit violent acts, his being in the Capitol that day took place in the context of a large and violent riot that relied on numbers to overwhelm law enforcement, breach the Capitol, and disrupt the proceedings. But for his actions alongside so many others, the riot likely would have failed, prosecutors said.

A riot cannot occur without rioters, and each rioters actions  from the most mundane to the most violent  contributed, directly and indirectly, to the violence and destruction of that day, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said Bishai appeared to experience excitement and joy during the riot while inside the Capitol.

Bishai celebrated the violence of the day by filming videos on his cellphone and encouraging the other rioters to scale the walls, climb the stairs, and enter the building, prosecutors said.

When Bishai pleaded guilty in April, other other charges against him from the Capitol riot were dismissed as part of a plea agreement, testimony and documents show.

Bishai has been free on bail since he was arrested on the charge in April 2021. A friend of Bishai and Irizarry tipped the FBI to their participation in the riot, documents show.

Bishais lawyers, John Maher and Donald Brown, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Bishais lawyers ask for leniency

In a defense sentencing memo, Bishais lawyers set forth a competing narrative, describing him as being peaceful during the 27 minutes he spent in the Capitol and not deserving of a jail sentence of any length.

Bishai has already suffered enough, having lost an opportunity to serve the United States Army as a pilot in the Army Warrant Officer Flight Program, said the defense memo, written by Charlotte attorney Dan Brown.

That has been Elliots lifelong dream and his actions have already cost him dearly. Additionally, Elliot has also had his student pilots license revoked by the Federal Aviation Administration, in conjunction with the Transportation Safety Administration. Mr. Bishai has lost his student pilots license and his opportunity to serve as an Army Warrant officer for having been in the Capitol for 27 minutes.

Mr. Bishai has already paid dearly for his actions, and having him serve any sort of active incarceration would not serve the best interest of either the United States or the Defendant, Brown wrote.

At the time of his arrest, in March 2021, defense attorneys said Bishai had been accepted into a U.S. Army program to become a warrant officer to pilot military helicopters. Warrant officer is a rank between enlisted and officer ranks, and many warrant officers fly Army helicopters. The Army has numerous kinds of helicopter pilots, including those who fly the Black Hawk air assault helicopters on secret combat missions.

While Bishai has been awaiting sentencing, he has been employed as a firefighter battling forest fires and a jail term of any length would take him away from his vital first responder job, Brown argued.

Should the Court elect not to impose an active sentence at the conclusion of this case, the Defendant will head immediately to Oregon, to battle brush fires, until that situation is under control and until he is given another assignment on the fire line, Brown wrote. We believe it will be in the best interests of the United States, and of the American people, and of the Defendant, to keep the Defendant in this case on the front lines, fighting fires to help save property and help save lives.

Brown also noted that Bishai willingly pleaded guilty, is remorseful for his actions, has apologized and has cooperated with the FBI. Federal prosecutor Grace Albinson is handling the case for the government.
Reality TV star Scarlett Moffatt presented Channel 4 documentary Britain's Tourette's Mystery which campaigners say was 'inaccurate and harmful' (Channel 4)

Charities have demanded apologies from Channel 4 and Scarlett Moffatt after claiming a documentary hosted by the reality star suggested that tics caused by Tourette's Syndrome (TS) could be contagious.

Tourette's Action has joined forces with other charities to lobby the broadcaster to apologise to Britain's 300,000 TS sufferers.

The show, which was broadcast on 19 July, follows Moffatt as she investigates an apparent rise in children, specifically teenage girls, presenting with tics.

Moffatt, who says she has experienced tics since childhood, questioned whether social media could be causing them to develop Tourette's, and was filmed laughing as a young girl swore during an outburst on camera.

Emma McNally, CEO of Tourette's Action, told Yahoo News UK that the documentary was "shocking and irresponsible" and contained "inaccurate, misleading and harmful information".

She said: We work extremely hard to raise awareness about the realities of Tourette's Syndrome and we feel much of our work was undone during Channel 4s one hour documentary. Its shocking that a condition so prevalent is still so badly misunderstood.

Since the show we have been contacted by so many upset people stating that the program has undone all our hard work. They have used Tourettes as an entertainment topic, something we have been trying extremely hard to stop.

"Many are extremely concerned by the mention throughout the programme about tics being contagious and not wanting to catch them.

"We would like Channel 4 to follow up with an accurate documentary, and to apologise."

The charities say that TS was used as a "punchline", and that the documentary mocked the reality of distress for those living with TS.

Tourette's Action has demanded an apology from Channel 4 and documentary host Scarlett Moffatt (Twitter/Tourette's Action)

They called for a distinction between conditions to be made clear in a follow-up programme, or by way of a formal apology.

Tics are not confined to Tourette's sufferers and can present in other conditions such as functional neurological disorder (FND) and PANDAS, but the charities say there was no clear explanation of this in the show.

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The official NHS website says Tourette's is a condition that often starts in childhood and is incurable. It confirms: "Many children have tics for several months before growing out of them, so a tic does not necessarily mean your child has Tourette's syndrome."

Watch: Scarlett Moffatt called fat by teens during new documentary

McNally said: "Many think that a tic is a tic, why should this matter? It fundamentally does matter. The distinction needs to be made between tics and functional tics as treatment and outcome differ greatly. It is vital that the correct diagnosis is given to ensure that the individual is put on the correct treatment path and given the support they need.

"TS is still very misunderstood and when asked, most members of the public will associate it with swearing. Coprolalia (involuntary swearing or profane outbursts) is in fact not a criterion for diagnosis."

She added: "We need to put the record straight. We want to raise awareness to ultimately bring about acceptance. This needs to be done in an accurate, informative and sensitive way, not purely for entertainment value."

Emma McNally is CEO at Tourette's Action and says the documentary undid 'decades' of work educating the public about Tourette's Syndrome (Emma McNally/Twitter)

TA's pleas have been backed up by other charities including T.I.C, Tourette Scotland, Tictock Therapy, FND Action and PANS PANDAS UK.

Sarah Sharp, CEO of Tictock Therapy, said that she had been inundated with calls from TS sufferers saying they had been asked by employers whether they should be coming to work, as colleagues may 'catch' tics from them, and from worried parents whose children are being excluded from friendship groups due to fears that their condition is contagious.

"The entire documentary was lacking any form of education, and anything it did show was damaging and has caused uproar for our tic community. My emails, phone and website have been nonstop since the airing of the documentary, questioning if pupils will catch tics from their friend. From parents heartbroken as their childs friends have messaged saying they dont want to hang out anymore and even a company asking anonymously if its safe for their employees to have the person with Tourettes working there."

Scarlett Moffatt interviewed young people suffering tics and was seen laughing as one girl swore on camera (Getty)

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Kyla McDonald from Tourette Scotland said: Weve battled to stop Tourettes being used as a punchline and for our community to get the understanding and support they need and we feel that, in the space of one hour, much of that work has been undone and we now have a brand new stigma to overcome.

"People with Tourettes deal with a difficult, often distressing, physically and mentally painful condition every day. It can be a very isolating condition and the last thing they need is for people to think they can somehow catch it from them. Our members have to fight for medical care, for assistance in schools, and to be accepted by their peers and society at large. It shouldnt be so hard and the narrative of Britains Tourettes Mystery has only made it harder.

Yahoo News UK has approached Channel 4 for comment but received no response.
SDP and TOC logos. (FILE PHOTO: Yahoo News Singapore)

SINGAPORE  Both the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) and the defunct socio-political website The Online Citizen (TOC) had their appeals against correction directions under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) dismissed on Monday (25 July).

In SDP's case, the Court of Appeal dismissed its application for permission to appeal against the High Courts decision not to set aside a POFMA correction direction against the party's July 2020 press release on its Facebook on Singapore's population density in 2030.

In TOC's case, the POFMA correction direction was against three social media posts that highlighted a series of Instagram stories criticising the police for allegedly ill-treating an elderly lady in May 2021. While TOC complied with the direction, it tried to apply for the cancellation of the correction direction but was rejected, leading to the current appeal.

SDP application for permission to appeal High Court decision

SDP's press release, which was published as part of its campaign in the 2020 Singapore General Election, had used a statistic highlighted in a 2018 lecture by Dr Cheong Koon Hean, then-chief executive officer of HDB.

While Dr Cheong stated that Singapore's "living density" would increase to 13,700 persons per square kilometre by 2030, SDP quoted Dr Cheong's statistic as "population density" and erroneously extrapolated that Singapore's population would rise up to nearly 10 million by 2030.

Subsequently, a POFMA correction direction was issued by the Minister of National Development to the SDP. The opposition party appealed unsuccessfully to both the minister and the High Court to set aside the correction direction.

Following the High Court's dismissal, SDP filed an application for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal against the High Court decision.

This application was rejected on Monday, with the Court of Appeal rejecting SDPs position that different principles should apply when considering applications for permission to appeal against POFMA decisions, and that permission to appeal should normally be granted as a matter of course.

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TOC appeal 'moot' as website is now defunct: Judge

In TOC's appeal, it argued that its POFMA correction direction was wrongly issued on several grounds.

Firstly, the subject statement did not appear in the Instagram stories nor in TOC's social media posts, but was the creation of the Minister of Home Affairs, who applied for the correction direction.

Secondly, the minister had failed to discharge his burden to show that the statements in the Instagram stories  which allegedly accused the police of taunting the elderly woman who had taken off her face mask in public  were false.

In dismissing the appeal, High Court Judge Aedit Abdullah said he was concerned that any decision would be moot, as the TOC website and social media pages had been defunct since 14 September 2021 after its broadcasting class license was cancelled over a dispute over reports on funding sources.

"If that site is no longer operated or in use, the correction direction is not displayed. Since the correction direction is not displayed, it cannot be removed, even if the appeal is successful," said Justice Aedit.

The judge also said that the subject statement need not be expressly stated as such in the subject material, but only that it could be construed or interpreted as such.

He added that the burden laid on TOC in its appeal to show that the police officers were reprimanding and taunting the elderly lady. However, further video footage from the police officers' body-worn cameras had shown that "there was no taunting or scolding. If anything, what was done was more of inquiry and advice".

"I could not see how the original poster could have in good faith concluded that there was reprimanding or taunting," Justice Aedit said in dismissing the appeal.

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Superstar Sofia Vergara outshines the sun. The gorgeous actress's Instagram page is a testament to and timeline of the Modern Family alum's allure, spanning from her '90s modeling career to her stunning, skin-baring shots today at 50 years old. But shielding her lovely skin is the Colombian-American's true age-defying secret, and her go-to defense is La Roche-Posay's affordable Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50.

After yet another Insta-glam pic of Vergara celebrating her fifth decade this month, we became increasingly curious about her beauty routine. Turns out she's been a longtime believer in sunscreen, according to Womens Health. She called mineral-based Anthelios "great for sensitive skin. Its my go-to.

Superstar Sofia Vergara has had countless moments in the sun (and 50 gorgeous trips around it), and she always, always protects her skin! (Photo: Getty)

Vergara isn't the only fan

The La Roche-Posay brand is trusted by derms, consumers and beauty editors alike. And Anthelios is fragrance-free, oil-free and formulated for all skin types. It's tinted too, to ensure that you avoid the dreaded white cast. The top-rated sunscreen has an impressive 8,100-plus fans on Amazonwhere you can nab a 1.7 fl. oz. bottle for just $35.

Light 'n' lovely

Fans love how light, gentle and protective this stuff is.

"Like buttah," said one five-star reviewer. "it's extremely lightweight, yet uber-protective."

"Whenever the sun comes out, my face automatically sunburns," explained another. "[But] I spent my summer in Greece, and this...never failed in protecting my face and giving me a nice glow."

A 55-year-old fan testified: "I am always looking for mineral sunscreens that go on smoothly, are waterproof for 45 minutes (how long I swim laps in a sunny pool) and don't leave too much of a white cast. Having worked in the beauty industry for years and knowing about the hazards of avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, hyaluronic acid  all those ingredients that are photosensitive, mess with your hormones and damage your skin's moisture barrier  I literally throw all the other brands in the trash."

"Simply the best," agreed another shopper. "I had quite a few mineral sunscreen failures before  all of them are too thick, don't blend and leave terrible white cast  and had to stay with chemical sunscreens that sting my eyes all the time.... I feel like I have to spread the word how great [this] is! First, it is super fluid and blends so well. It is not sticky or greasy at all, and thus absorbed instantly.... As soon as it melts into your skin, you don't see any color change. It's colored but also transparent in a sense."

Over 8,100 five-star shoppers on Amazon entrust their faces to this mineral sunscreen. (Photo: Amazon)

Who needs makeup?

Many devotees say this makes their skin look so good, they don't even bother with moisturizer.

"It balances and refines your skin tone," the fan above continued. "I can totally go out by wearing only this sunscreen...It gives a nice, healthy glow on to your skin."

Another fan added: "Its like a serum consistency, thin. It went on smoothly, absorbs quickly. I use it over my skin care in the morning.... Sometimes its all I wear!"

If you have Amazon Prime, youll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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Dressed in T-shirts, with slogans ranging from Rashida has our backs, to Abort the Court, approximately 400 supporters from across the state lined up hours early to attend a fundraising event for the progressive Democratic congresswomen comprising the self-styled "Squad."

Michigan's U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib joined forces with New York's Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Minnesota's Ilham Omar and Massachusetts's Ayanna Pressley Sunday afternoon at Cass Technical High School in Detroit to rally supporters and raise money just nine days before Michigan's Aug. 2 primary election.

Tlaib of Detroit will face Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey, Lathrup Village Mayor Kelly Garrett and former state Rep. Shanelle Jackson of Detroit for the Democratic nomination in the race to keep her seat.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, is also expected to campaign for Tlaib this Friday in Pontiac.

More: Reps. Rashida Tlaib, Andy Levin arrested after protest outside US Supreme Court

Artists and community members kicked off the event with a recitation of Sojourner Truth's speech, "Ain't I A Woman;" a dabke dance performance; and a rendition of Chaka Khan "I'm Every Woman," that brought the palpably excited crowd to its feet, clapping and dancing along. As the congresswomen entered the auditorium's stage, the audience shouted well-wishes for Tlaib's 46th birthday, which coincided with the event.

Sitting on plush green couches, the lawmakers focused on human rights issues while encouraging grassroots community movements. Among key topics discussed were abortion access policy and the U.S. Supreme Court's recent overturning of Roe v. Wade.

More: Whitmer vetoes bills that 'politicize' science by banning research on cells from abortion

Pressley, chair of the Abortion Rights and Access Task Force of the Pro-Choice Caucus, spoke to waves of applause.

"Abortion care is health care," she repeated before slamming the Supreme Court ruling as "unprecedented and unconscionable."

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Citing high maternal mortality rates for Black mothers, Pressley said, "you're talking about a prospect of forced birth? In a country where we do not have paid leave, universal childcare and just had a baby formula shortage?"

Tlaib addressed the Michigan's recent petition initiative, which amassed over 800,000 signatures so Michiganders and is aimed at repealing a 1931 state law banning abortion. She appealed to community organization. "It's not just about planning, it's about working your blocks."

2022 Michigan primary voter guide

Enter your address for information on which races and candidates will be on your ballot for the Michigan primary election on Aug. 2.

The "Squad" also advocated grassroots movements against the disproportionately detrimental effects of student loans, food scarcity, violence and abortion restrictions on Black, brown and marginalized communities.

Repeatedly, and in conjunction with Ocasio-Cortez's emphasis on providing nutrition for all, Tlaib reiterated the need for clean water and food for all, including her Michigan constituents.

"Water is," she started, "a human right," the crowd finished.

The congresswomen's recurrent emphasis on human rights for all was what drew Joseph Person, 72, of Southfield, Michigan, to the event. Beneath his Army Veterans hat, Person wore a black T-shirt that with bold white lettering that read Black Voters Matter.

"We still got to fight, and they fight for everybody," Person said. "They fight for Black rights, LGBT rights, womens rights, veterans rights, the homelesss rights  theyre fighting for everybodys rights. I dont see that out of a lot of politicians.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 'The Squad' fundraising in Detroit ahead of primary elections
Surrey residents may not have their bins emptied for up to three weeks. (PA)

Residents of Surrey are going to be subject to the "smelliest August for many years" after bin collectors voted to go on strike for 20 days amid a dispute over pay in the industry.

The GMB Union said its members employed by Amey, a waste collection services company, in Elmbridge and Surrey Heath will strike from 1-19 August.

The area, which includes Camberley, Cobham, Esher, Frimley, Walton-on-Thames and Weybridge, will see no kerbside rubbish collection for the period, with further walkouts planned.

Paul Grafton, GMB regional officer, said: "We have continually pushed Amey since April over pay as our members feel they are woefully underpaid and completely undervalued.

Garbage piled up in Brighton after a bin collector strike. (PA)

Read more: When are the next train strikes in the UK? Full list of dates so far for 2022

"Our members are at least 3 per hour underpaid, plus they dont have the same levels of sick pay or pension benefits compared to those who are still working under local authority control elsewhere."

Grafton said the industry was currently experiencing a "race to the bottom" when it comes to terms and conditions of employment and employment.

Residents of Surrey Heath and Elmbridge Borough Councils can now look forward to what is looking likely to be the hottest and now probably the smelliest August for many years.

Several industries have been beset by strike action in recent months, with August set to see heavy disruption across several areas of society.

Train strikes crippled transport in the UK in June when staff walked out of their jobs over a dispute with Network Rail about terms and conditions, pay and redundancies.

More strikes by the RMT Union are set to take place at the end of July and throughout August.

There have also been signs that teachers, nurses, post workers and others could be considering strike action over pay as the cost of living soars.

Surrey Heath Councillor Colin Dougan said: It is very disappointing that the GMB and Amey have not been able to come to an agreement on pay and that the GMB have decided to go down the route of strike action.

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Several industries have been hit by strikes in recent months. (PA)

Read more: Brexit to blame for huge holiday queues to France, says Port of Dover boss

He said the council was now working on contingency plans to try and get some collections to go ahead.

The GMB has held a series of strikes this year among refuse collection workers in several parts of the country over pay.

An Amey spokesperson said: "We are extremely disappointed that the GMB have decided to call strike action for waste collection workers in Elmbridge and Surrey Heath.

"Currently GMB are asking for a pay increase of 28%. Our pay offer of 4.21% is in line with the Real Living Wage and that being accepted by other comparable workers across the country and elsewhere in the Surrey area."

They added: "If the union does press ahead with the proposed action, we have plans in place to minimise the impact on local communities wherever possible."
By Lucy Craymer

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Big tech companies agreed on Monday to reduce harmful online content in New Zealand, making a move that critics said dodged the alternative of government regulation.

Meta Platforms Inc, Alphabet-owned Google, TikTok, Amazon.com Inc and Twitter had signed a code of practice, said Netsafe, a government-funded internet-safety group.

The companies would follow the code as self-regulation, Netsafe chief Brent Carey said in a statement.

"There are too many Kiwis being bullied, harassed, and abused online, which is why the industry has rallied together to protect users," Carey said in a statement.

Industry lobby group NZTech will be responsible for the companies meeting obligations, which include reducing harmful content online, reporting how they do that and supporting independent evaluation of results.

"We hope the governance framework will enable it to evolve alongside local conditions, while at the same time respecting the fundamental rights of freedom of expression," said NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller.

Meta and TikTok said in statements they were enthusiastic about the code making online platforms safer and more transparent.

Interest groups want more detail, however - for example, about sanctions for any failure by the companies to comply and about a mechanism for public complaints.

They also point to the pact being administered by an industry body, not the government.

"This is a weak attempt to preempt regulation  in New Zealand and overseas  by promoting an industry-led model," Mandy Henk, chief executive of Tohatoha NZ, a non-profit organisation that lobbies on the social impact of technology, said in a statement.

The framework that the companies agreed to is called the Aotearoa New Zealand Code of Practice for Online Safety and Harms.

New Zealand has been a leader in trying to stamp out violent extremism online. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron in 2019 launched a global initiative to end online hate.

(Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Bradley Perrett)
Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson speaks during the Democratic U.S. Senate debate at Marquette University's Varsity Theatre in Milwaukee on Sunday, July 17, 2022. It was the first televised debate of Wisconsin's campaign season before the Aug. 9 primary.

Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson's long run for the U.S. Senate is over.

Nelson announced Monday that he was ending his Democratic primary campaign and throwing his support to Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes.

Although Nelson was running fourth in the polls, the move could provide a significant boost for Barnes, who is locked in a tight race with Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry, with state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski further behind.

The primary winner will meet Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson in November.

"Mandela can now count on me to be on his side every step of the way," Nelson said in a statement. "I urge other Democratic primary voters to also support him now as well."

Subscribe to our On Wisconsin Politics newsletter for the week's political news explained.

Nelson, who lacked the financial resources to forge a breakthrough in the race, said he came to the decision over the weekend and notified Barnes of the move. In a tweet, he acknowledged that his campaign "ran out of money" and said he was "endorsing the one candidate not trying to buy the election."

In a statement, Barnes welcomed the endorsement.

"I deeply respect Tom Nelsons commitment to the working people in this state and Im thankful for his endorsement, Barnes said. It will take all of us coming together in every corner of this state to beat Ron Johnson.

In an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Nelson said, "It didnt look like we were in a strong position," and added that it "made sense to consolidate the progressive vote, which we did."

"Now I think hes going to be that much stronger going to the primary," Nelson said of Barnes.

With ballots already printed, Nelson's name will still appear before Democratic voters during the Aug. 9 primary.

More: Wisconsin U.S. Senate election updates: California mega-donor gives $1 million to group backing Mandela Barnes

Nelson launched his U.S. Senate bid in October 2020. A tireless campaigner who at one point toured the state's 72 counties in 72 days, Nelson sought to stake out a position as the most progressive candidate in the field.

Story continues

He embraced the underdog role, trying to follow a similar path that Russ Feingold used in his first race for the U.S. Senate. Among his campaign's building blocks was the book he wrote about how a Fox Valley paper mill was saved through a partnership with government, private industry and the union.

In his statement, Nelson said that he "spent the last twenty-one months and two days doing all I can to beat Ron Johnson. He is an embarrassing, unmitigated disaster for our beloved Badger State."

Nelson said he was proud of the race he ran and the ideas he put forward, including support for Medicare for All, the Green New Deal and "a national industrial strategy to build good paying jobs in our communities."

Nelson, who raised a little less than $1.4 million according to federal filings, said "unfortunately, money matters way too much in politics and running against two self-funding millionaires proved too much for this pastor's kid."

More: Tom Nelson jabs Alex Lasry on wealth, New York roots during Democratic U.S. Senate forum

In an interview, Nelson said, "we just didn't have the money to get the message out."

He said he understood going into the race that he wouldn't have the resources of other candidates, but said he could leverage the time spent on the campaign trail to gain support.

"We got into this with our eyes wide open," he said.

Lasry and Godlewski are both multi-millionaires. Lasry has poured in more than $12 million on his campaign, while Godlewski has spent nearly $4 million.

More: Bice: New super PAC pours more than $450,000 into Senate race after Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes begs for help

Nelson's withdrawal has added intrigue to the race, with a little more than two weeks before election day.

Last month's Marquette University Law School Poll showed Barnes (25%) and Lasry (21%) running 1-2. Godlewski (9%) and Nelson (7%) trailed significantly.

It's not clear where Nelson's support will go. But it could create an opening for other campaigns to get some more votes out of the Fox Valley, where Nelson was believed to have a solid base of support.

Nelson said if asked, he'll campaign with Barnes.

"He and I had similar messages and we had targeted a similar audience," Nelson said. "Im going to give him my support, encourage my supporters get behind him."

Nelson said Barnes "is a strong campaigner. He has a compelling story that a lot of people can relate to and hes able to tell that story well."

Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Tom Nelson bows out of Wisconsin Senate race, supports Mandela Barnes
Democrat Tom Nelson dropped out of the Wisconsin Senate primary on Monday and threw his weight behind Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, a move that aims to consolidate progressive Democratic support in one of the partys tightest primary battles.

Nelson, who served as the Outagamie County executive since 2011, delivered the announcement on Twitter and said We ran out of money. So I am suspending our campaign and endorsing the one candidate not trying to buy this election: #TeamMandela.

Nelson had been in fourth place, receiving the support of just 7 percent of Democratic primary voters, according to recent polls.

Friends, good news bad news. Bad news is Im suspending the campaign today and I want to thank everybody for all the great work that youve done for us, Nelson said in a follow-up video posted to social media. The good news is, Im proud to say that the progressive vote is consolidated and the progressive family is one because today Im endorsing Mandela Barnes for the U.S. Senate.

The end of Nelsons progressive campaign is a boon to the campaign of Barnes, Nelsons closest ideological rival, who clinched the endorsement of Bernie Sanders. Barnes currently leads the Democratic pack with support from 25 percent of likely Democratic voters, compared to Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry, who trails Barnes at 21 percent, and state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, who ranks third at 9 percent.

Barnes thanked Nelson for his endorsement: I deeply respect Tom Nelsons commitment to the working people in this state and am thankful to have his endorsement.

The winner of the Democratic primary could face Sen. Ron Johnson in Wisconsin, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump who faced calls for an investigation after allegedly arranging a hand-off of fake pro-Trump electors to falsely sway the 2020 election.

Barnes leads Johnson on the general election matchup by 2 points, a greater margin than any of Johnsons potential Democratic opponents, according to recent polls.


Clark Lovelace, the new executive director of the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority

The Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority Board recently appointed Clark Lovelace as the executive director of the organization, according to a press release.

The TCTDA has contracted with the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce since the late 1990s to fulfill the operational and administrative needs of the organization. Recently, both organizations found that their growth required new approaches. Lovelace, who has been the executive director of the Chamber since 2013, now moves fully to the TCTDA, which now has its own team staffed through Transylvania County that is fully focused on tourism.

Im so lucky to be living and raising my kids right where I want to be, my hometown. Lovelace said in the release. And I get to do something that allows me to truly impact my community. Im incredibly proud of the work I have done over the past eight years for the Chamber and the TCTDA, and Im excited to be able to give full focus to continue and grow the great work of the TCTDA.

Lovelace grew up in Brevard and spent his early career in the hospitality industry working for his family at The Greystone Inn in Lake Toxaway. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lovelace spent five years at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. In 2003, Lovelace returned to The Greystone Inn to assume the role of General Manager.

A decade later, when the family sold the business, Lovelace accepted the role of executive director with the Chamber, which included fulfilling a service contract to cover the operational and administrative duties of the TCTDA. Lovelace and his wife Cherilyn have two daughters, 12-year-old Annabelle and 10-year-old Cate.

Lovelace reports directly to the TCTDA Board with a team that includes MJ Gordon as Marketing and Communications Specialist, and a currently unfilled Operations and Outreach Specialist position. Anyone interested in the open position is encouraged to reach out to Lovelace at clark@explorebrevard.com.

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The tourism industry has changed considerably since the TCTDA was first created in 1986, with exponential growth over the last two decades. Basic promotion via print advertisements, a website, a brochure and a helpful Visitor Center was the norm at the turn of the century. Now, priorities have changed, and the tactics are different.

The TCTDAs mission serves to manage the destination, not just market it, the release says. The current marketing plan focuses on driving visitation in the shoulder and slow seasons, ensuring sustainability in local public lands and encouraging appropriate visitor behavior.

The TCTDA has worked to create campaigns like Be Waterfall Wise, a waterfall safety initiative, and Leave It Better to encourage positive visitor behavior. The organizations Transylvania Always initiative has contributed over $300,000 to projects focused on the sustainability of public lands in Transylvania County since its inception in 2017.

Earlier this year, the TCTDA Board indicated its intention to allocate $1 million to the City of Brevard for the development of the Transylvania County portion of the Ecusta Trail, providing the City's Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant application is approved.

This has been the most exciting and productive year for the TCTDA throughout my 20-year involvement with the entity, Layton Parker, Chair of the TCTDA Board of Directors, said in the press release. We had the opportunity to strengthen the TCTDA by appointing Clark Lovelace as the new Executive Director of Tourism, establishing a new personnel plan with Transylvania County Government and redefining our relationship with the Chamber for the Visitor Center to make all three organizations more effective in enhancing tourism and protecting our beautiful resources here.

The Chamber recently hired a new executive director, Melissa Driver, to oversee operations of their organization.

The TCTDA and Chamber still maintain a strong relationship that includes a lease of office space on the second floor of the downtown Brevard building owned by the Chamber at 175 East Main St., as well as TCTDA funding of the Chamber-operated Visitor Center in the same building, according to the release.

While both entities process organizational changes, our commitment to serve the community with excellence remains the same," Angela Owen, Board President of the Chamber, said in the release. "The Chamber is grateful for the strength of partnership with the TCTDA and looks forward to continued collaboration moving forward."

The TCTDAs mission is to generate and enhance tourism opportunities in Transylvania County through strategic promotion coordinated with tourism-related businesses and local government and to contribute to a vibrant, sustainable economy, according to the press release. Funding for the organization is provided by a 5% occupancy tax on overnight visitors to Transylvania County accommodations.

This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Transylvania County Tourism announces executive director
Conservative lawyer George Conway warned Sunday that Donald Trump will be even more corrupt and more lawless if he makes it back to the White House.

Trump was great at ripping away guardrails for four years, and now he wants to destroy all the guardrails, even if it means the cost of the civil service, even if it means basically the cost of a functioning United States government, Conway told Jim Acosta on CNN.

Trump and his supporters want to throw out thousands of civil servants so that they could put people who are ultra-MAGA in, Conway said. Its going to be more corrupt and more lawless than we saw during the last four years.

Conway, husband of Trumps one-time White House aide Kellyanne Conway, was responding to an Axios report last week that Trump is already plotting with his allies to purge federal officials and staff if he makes it to the Oval Office again, and replace them with ultra-MAGA loyalists.

Theyre planning to create lists of people who are more loyal to ... Trump than they are [to] the Constitution, Conway warned.

Check out Conways interview below. The section on Trumps planned purge of officials and staff who arent completely loyal to him begins at 9:00.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
Tucker Carlson has some unique advice for his young male fans: drop out of college and have more children than you can afford.

College is ridiculous unless youre moving towards some very specialised degree you can only get in college, if you want to be a veterinarian or physicist or something, he said. If youre in the humanities, I can give you a list of 100 books, you can find it on the internet, and you would be better educated at whatever stupid college you would go to.

The popular but controversial Fox News host, himself a bowtie-wearing product of boarding schools, debate societies, and a liberal arts college, made the comments on Sunday, speaking with the Piece of Schmidt interview show on YouTube .

Have more children than you can afford, he added. Take a job youre not qualified for. Go balls out. I dont know what everyone is waiting for. Have some adventure in your life. Do something crazy.

During the interview, Carlson and host Daniel Schmidt, a student at the University of Chicago, bonded over what the YouTube host called a pervasive amount of anti-white sentiment on campus and in society at large.

Tucker Carlson, who attended Trinity College in Connecticut, and inherited a fortune from his extremely rich family, wants his young male fans to have more children than you can afford. pic.twitter.com/LtawN0TRrV  Michael Edison Hayden (@MichaelEHayden) July 25, 2022

We had a really good system I think that I grew up under, Carlson said in response. Were gonna try, knowing that were gonna fail in some places, were gonna try as hard as we can to be colorblind and to be meritocratic, to judge people on what they do, not how they were born.

The Fox host is the child of a well-connected banker and Republican media executive and former ambassador, Richard Carlson, and Lisa McNear Lombardi, who hailed from a wealthy California ranching family. When Tucker Carlson was a child, his father remarried Patricia Swanson, an heiress to the Swanson frozen foods fortune.

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By his own admission, Carlson spent most of his college years drunk and was a poor student.

A 1991 yearbook entry under his name from his time at Trinity College includes references to being part of a non-existent Dan White Society, an apparent reference to the man who murdered Harvey Milk, Californias first openly gay elected official, in 1978. The entry also mentions affiliation with the Jesse Helms Foundation, named for the US Senator from North Carolina known for his anti-gay stances and opposition to civil rights.

Perhaps this is the story that @TuckerCarlson was trying to get ahead of. In his college yearbook, he listed himself as a member of the "Dan White Society."



Dan White was the man who murdered Harvey Milk. pic.twitter.com/TYklyfC8tS  Travis Akers (@travisakers) April 21, 2021

Carlson has brushed off the reporting, which appeared in 2021 the Washington Post, saying, Jeff Bezos had one of his minions, a mentally unbalanced middle-aged man called Erik Wemple, pull our dusty college yearbook and call around and see if wed done anything naughty at the age of 19, Carlson alleged.

The Fox News host has attracted controversy for openly espousing the great replacement theory, a white supremacist idea that elites are trying to undermine the position of white people through immigration.

Last week, Carlson went on a long rant on Tucker Carlson Tonight and blamed the government for changing America completely and forever and undermining democracy by replacing US-born Americans with immigrants.
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey has not released a man wanted by Haiti over his alleged involvement in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, his lawyer said on Monday, despite a court rejecting his extradition and ruling he should be freed three weeks ago.

Moise, a 53-year-old former businessman who took office in 2017, was shot dead in July 2021 at his private residence. His wife was wounded in the attack.

Businessman Samir Handal, a Jordanian national, was detained on an Interpol red notice as he transited through Turkey on his way from the United States to Jordan last November.

His lawyers said the red notice was later suspended at their request pending a final review.

A Turkish court rejected Haiti's extradition request for Handal on July 4 and ruled he should be released.

Lawyer Mahmut Barlas said Turkish authorities had decided to deport Handal following the court ruling but that a travel ban issued this month over the red notice was preventing the deportation.

"My client is illegally being deprived of his liberty based on the falsely argued existence of a red notice," Barlas told Reuters.

"This is an illegal, egregious and direct violation of Interpol data rules and (the) Turkish Penal Code," Barlas said.

He said Handal had been held in a deportation centre since July 5 and was transferred to Istanbul Airport on July 15 before being returned after the deportation process was halted.

"The travel ban applied without a court order should be lifted immediately," Barlas added.

Interpol did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the status of the red notice against Handal.

Handal has said he only rented a house to Emmanuel Sanon, a suspected mastermind of the assassination, and did not know of any plans to kill Moise.

Handal's lawyers have said he should not be extradited because he would be subject to hard labour in Haiti. They also emphasised the political uncertainty in the country.

(Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen; Editing by Daren Butler; Editing by Catherine Evans)
Celebrity medium Tyler Henry made a career out of helping people connect with their family members  specifically, the ones who have passed on.

As the host of Hollywood Medium With Tyler Henry on E!, Henry, 26, lent his purported clairvoyant insight to stars like Khloe Kardashian, Rebel Wilson, and more. During an appearance on TODAY in 2016, Henry also successfully predicted Jenna Bush Hager would have a third child.

On the Netflix show Life After Death With Tyler Henry, which premiered earlier this year, Henry got personal about his own family history.

Theresa Koelewyn (left) and her son Tyler Henry (right) sit down with TODAY All Day for their first joint interview since publicly sharing their personal true crime story. (TODAY)

"Life After Death" alternates between Henry's work with clients and segments that feature Tyler and his mother, Theresa Koelewyn, whom he describes as his best friend on the show, uncovering a true crime story in their past.

Three years ago, in 2019, Koelewyn discovered life-changing information about her family thanks to an at-home DNA test.

She learned Stella Guirdy Nestle, the woman who raised Koelewyn, was not her biological mother.

Koelewyn, speaking to TODAY All Day during her first joint interview with Henry since the Netflix show premiered in March, said the revelation was bittersweet: Nestle was a convicted murderer, per the Fowler Ensigns reporting obtained via Newspapers.com.

When Koelewyn was 12, she told Tamron Hall, Nestle was sentenced to two concurrent life terms in prison for torturing and murdering two people, per the Fowler Ensign.

I still just cant come to terms with that part. I mean, its one thing to murder someone, but to torture them... Koelewyn said on TODAY.

Nestle was granted parole in 2009, per Prison Legal News.

Ultimately, Koelewyn said finding out Nestle was not her biological mom came as a relief: It made me happy that Tyler doesnt have a grandmother whos a murderer, she said.

Ironically, Henry told TODAY his powers of insight werent helpful when it came to understanding his moms past  according to Henry, he was too close to the situation.

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My process has to not be impeded by logic or information, Henry said. Because its me, because I have my own feelings and thoughts and expectations, that bias basically prevents me from being able to kind of connect intuitively.

Henry said not being able to help his mother in the way that he has helped so many other people was difficult.

It felt like the tables kind of turned in a sense that I found myself in a vulnerable position in a pursuit for answers, he said. So I felt myself really feeling a sense of desperation and I think it taught me and gave me an insight into closure. Its not really something you achieve, as much as its something that you have to kind of grow through and find acceptance around.

For Koelewyn, finding acceptance has also been a journey, especially when it comes to redefining her idea of family. The show goes into her close relationship with the people who grew up as her siblings.

The bittersweet part of that is that while it means that shes not my biological mother, it also means that my siblings that I love so much are not my biological siblings, but it doesnt matter because were always going to be close, she continued.

Life After Death with Tyler Henry S1. (L to R) Tyler Henry and Theresa. (Netflix)

Koelewyn said meeting her biological family in Louisiana reminded her of what she was robbed of, but also what she can enjoy now.

My feelings when I met with my biological family were actually bittersweet as well, because while I loved them and adored them immediately, theyre just wonderful, wonderful people. I also felt a loss because I felt like well, what if I had been able to be raised with them, she questioned.

Tyler Henry and his mom on set of Netflix's

Henry said this journey has prompted them to lean into asking tough questions about their family history.

I think one of the important things we learned in this is really just the intergenerational effects of trauma, he said. We learned in this journey the importance of asking questions. If there are blind spots, follow up. There are entire generations of silence and its important to break that silence and the truth really can set you free.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. special envoy for Yemen leaves for Saudi Arabia and Jordan on Monday to continue Washington's diplomatic efforts to back a United Nation's mediated truce in Yemen, the U.S. State Department said.

Tim Lenderking "will continue our efforts to help advance peace," the department said in a statement on the trip, which follows U.S. President Joe Biden's trip to the region earlier this month.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by Toby Chopra)
A U.S. Marshals task officer is recovering after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation says he was shot by a murder suspect.

Officers were serving an arrest warrant around 9:15 on Sage Brush Trail in Fayetteville when shots were fired. Both the Marshal and the suspect were shot and were taken to Grady Hospital.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

I went to your website, and saw the little clip, said Jackoline Crosby.

Thats how Jackoline Crosby found out what the huge police presence was all about outside her home on Sage Brush Trail in Fayetteville.

Channel 2s cameras were rolling as Fayette County Sheriffs deputies and the GBI blocked off portions of the neighborhood. Everything happened when the United States Marshals Service and the Fayette County Sheriffs Office executed an arrest warrant for 19-year-old Antonio Murgado in Fayetteville.

Murgado was wanted for a death-related investigation that situation happened in Pike County. Investigators said James Knight was shot and killed during a drug deal.

TRENDING STORIES:

Pike County Sheriffs Office investigators arrested a 14-year-old juvenile for their involvement in the shooting and 18-year -old Jaiden Chappell for murder.

Now, Murgado is facing felony murder charges for his involvement with Knights murder in Pike County. On Sunday morning in Fayetteville when officers entered the home to arrest Murgado, the GBI said he shot at the officers and hit a task force officer.

Officers shot back and hit him multiple times, according to the GBI. Neighbors are shocked at all the action outside their doors.

I am kind of, because its a nice place to live, said Crosby.

Emily Suastegui said her home is near the shooting.

There was police everywhere, like theres a blockade. I was really scared.

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She was also in disbelief.

There was a shooting here. I was like here, because that doesnt happen here, said Suastegui.

The GBI investigation is still ongoing, but once they finish things, the case will be given to the Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office.

IN OTHER NEWS:








UC and CSU will provide abortion pill access to students starting in January, but there may be new legal questions to grapple with after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Above, UC Berkeley in 2019. (Josh Edelson / For The Times)

Abortion pills will soon be easily and cheaply available to students at the University of California and California State University under a state law aimed at expanding access to the medication to college students, a move that could become a flashpoint for antiabortion groups vowing to challenge it.

The pills will be available through campus medical centers starting Jan. 1, 2023, when a 2019 law takes effect that made California the first state in the nation to require public universities to offer the pills. The move further cements California's effort to become a haven for abortion care  specifically servicing a population whose age group makes up the majority of terminated pregnancies. About 60% of abortion patients are in their 20s, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights.

We knew it was important then, but its even more important now, said state Sen. Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino), who authored the bill. Now, I think it offers bigger ramifications.

Only a few colleges outside Californiaincluding the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Illinois Chicago  have made, or plan to to make, the medication available to students, but abortion rights groups hope the new law will be a model for other states. Up to 6,228 UC and CSU students a year seek a medical abortion, according to a 2018 report from UC San Francisco.

A medication abortion is a nonsurgical way to terminate a pregnancy that involves taking two prescription pills hours apart during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy to induce a miscarriage. It is different than the morning-after pill, which releases a high dose of a synthetic hormone found in birth control pills that delays or stops the release of an egg.

Antiabortion groups that had campaigned against the California law said their fight was far from over. Emboldened by the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe vs. Wade, the groups intend to monitor how the new service is unveiled and how students are affected by the medication. Some said they had already retained attorneys to be on the lookout for an opportunity to challenge the law.

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The 2019 law was sparked by a grassroots student effort at UC Berkeley, but quickly expanded to the state's other public universities. The timing of the law's start means that UC and CSU will expand access to the pill as California abortion clinics grapple with a surge in out-of-state demand for abortion care.

Not only is it going to be important for students at campuses, but it now frees space for other women from other states who are going to be coming in to get abortions, Leyva said.

University officials, however, are already raising questions how the shifting legal landscape could affect their plans to carry out the law. Will other states that have floated the idea of banning traveling for abortion have an impact in California? What if a California student asks for abortion pills from their campus health center while visiting home in a state that has banned the practice?

Six states have banned abortion, with no exemptions for cases involving incest or rape, since the June court ruling, according to a New York Times tracker of state laws. Two other states offer some rare exemptions. Up to 26 states are certain or likely to adopt an outright or near-total ban of the procedure, according to the Guttmacher Institute. The bans don't make a distinction between medication abortions  which may include a pill taken at a medical office and a second pill at home  and clinic procedures. Most bans focus on the length of the pregnancy.

Theres so much that we havent thought about because no one really believed that the Supreme Court would limit rights, Leyva said. Hopefully California shines the way and sets the example.

Students will be able to make telehealth appointments and have the abortion pills mailed to them  including during visits home for school breaks.

Since the Supreme Court ruling, questions have emerged about the mail process, said Annie Sumberg, of Essential Access Health, a reproductive health service group that has been offering training for the CSU and UC systems.

There have been staff across the campus that are interested and curious about what support, if any, they can provide when their students are home for the summer, she said. Can they provide medical abortion across state lines? And those are really complicated legal questions that we cant answer at the moment.

According to UC enrollment figures , about 7.4%, or 21,804 students, were from outside California, as were about 5%, or 23,873, enrolled in CSU.

These legal questions are still being explored, said Amy Moy, spokesperson for Essential Access Health. The environment is changing rapidly, and the main goal is to boost and bolster the abortion care capacity.

So far, about 800 people have been trained across UC and CSU campuses to meet the January 2023 deadline, said Sumberg.

The trainings have highlighted not just how to provide care before and after a student asks for the abortion medication, but orients staff in how to care for the patients, and how to navigate the new law. Officials at both the UC and CSU systems said all campuses are expected to meet the Jan. 1 deadline without any issues.

Only one school, UC Berkeley  where students first demanded access to abortion medication, prompting the law  has already started providing the pills.

University Health Services started offering medication abortion services in December 2020, a spokesperson said in a statement. We support the choice of where students want to get these services and have long provided contraceptives, including the morning after pill as well as referrals to nearby facilities for abortion services.

And although abortion is legal in California, in some areas of the state, university campuses will be the only locations in the county where abortion medication and consultations will be available, other than through telehealth. About 40% of counties in the state have no access to abortion care, according to the Guttmacher institute .

There are areas that are abortion and contraception deserts, and those areas often overlap where there are more healthcare shortages, including the rural north, Central Valley and Inland Empire, Moy said.

Before the law, some students had to drive more than 30 minutes away and pay $600 to $800 for a medication abortion, Leyva said. To some students that cost for medication could mean the difference between succeeding or dropping out of school.

At UC campuses, the pills will be covered by the student insurance plan required for students. At CSU, the health appointment is covered through student fees during the school year, but students will incur a fee of about $50 for the medication, said Carolyn O'Keefe, director of Student Wellness & Basic Needs at the CSU Chancellors Office. There may be fees if an appointment is made outside the regular school year, but the service will be open to students year-round.

Theyre not going to be turned away, she said.

Students For Life of America, an antiabortion group that organizes and recruits members at high school and college campuses, is working with attorneys to challenge the law and has enlisted 90 other groups to monitor cases that could end up in court, such as injuries to a student.

"We doubt that student health centers have the emergency infrastructure to handle extreme bleeding and complications of chemical abortion pills," said Kristi Hamrick, chief media and policy strategist for Students For Life America. "We've been talking with attorneys in California should they be needed to address such injuries or to defend the conscience rights of students or healthcare workers who do not want to participate in death by abortion on campuses."

Wynette Sills, director of Californians For Life, which also opposed the bill, said she also worries about healthcare providers at college campuses who are being thrust into providing abortion medication to students.

"To have a legislative body mandate that your workplace become an abortion provider seems very intrusive into the conscience protection rights and the workplace environment for those who are employed by a student campus," she said.

Lou Hartmann, 25, a senior at Cal State Northridge said that "for a lot of students, the student health centers, that's their only means of getting medical access."

The campus centers also afford medical privacy when seeking abortion care.

"Some students don't have health insurance or are on their parents' health insurance," Hartmann said. "Because they're in their parents' health insurance, they may not want to use the insurance."

A communications major minoring in queer studies, Hartmann, who uses they/them pronouns, has joined protests in support of abortion access because they feel the fight centers on having autonomy over their own body. The new law protects that autonomy, they said.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
MONDAY, 25 JULY 2022, 07:08

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have repelled Russian assaults on the Kramatorsk and Bakhmut fronts.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 25 July

Details: On the Kramatorsk front, Ukrainian forces repelled Russian assault operations in two directions: Berestove  Ivano-Dariivka and Verkhnokamianka  Ivano-Dariivka. Russian troops were forced to retreat. The Russians are attempting to advance near Spirne, where fighting is continuing.

Russian forces shelled the areas around Kryva Luka, Platonivka, Siversk, Verkhnokamianske, Zvanivka, Ivano-Dariivka and Spirne and conducted airstrikes near Hryhorivka and Serebrianka.

A Russian attempt to conduct an assault operation towards Vershyna  Luhansk on the Bakhmut front has also failed: Ukrainian Armed Forces forced the Russians to retreat. Russian forces are conducting an offensive towards Myronivske  Luhansk, where fighting is continuing. The Russians also conducted airstrikes near Soledar and Pokrovske and on the territory of the Vuhelhirska Power Plant. The Russians fired on the areas around Berestove, Bilohorivka, Soledar, Bakhmutske, Pokrovske, Yakovlivka, Kurdiumivka, Bakhmut, Vesela Dolyna, Novoluhanske, Zaitseve and Travneve in an attempt to destroy Ukrainian defence fortifications in those areas. Russian UAVs were deployed in the vicinity of Kramatorsk.

Russian forces are continuing to conduct combat operations in order to maintain their present positions and prevent Ukrainian forces from advancing towards the Ukrainian state border on the Slobozhanshchyna front.

There were no significant changes on the Volyn, Polissia and Sivershchyna fronts. Russian units used tubed artillery to fire on the areas around Yastrubyne, Hrabovske and Volodymyrivka in Sumy Oblast.

On the Kharkiv front, Russian forces fired on the positions of Ukrainian troops in the areas around Kharkiv, Malynivka, Borshchova, Ivanivka, Pytomnyk, Nove, Ruski Tyshky, Petrivka, Dementiivka, Husarivka, Prudianka, Shapovalivka, Rubizhne, Shevelivka, Duvanka, Mospanove, Ruska Lozova and Mykhailivka using tanks and tubed and rocket artillery. Russian aircraft conducted airstrikes near Prudianka, Petrivka and Yavirske.

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On the Sloviansk front, Russian occupying forces used all weapons in their arsenal to fire on the positions of Ukrainian forces near Nortsivka, Bohorodychne, Petrivske, Barvinkove, Kostiantynivka, Nova Dmytrivka, Dolyna, Nova Mykolaivka, Karnaukhivka, Dibrivne and Chepil.

Russian forces did not undertake active combat operations on the Avdiivka, Novopavlivka and Zaporizhzhia fronts, though they fired on the positions of Ukrainian troops along the entire frontline using tubed and rocket artillery, as well as tanks, in order to pin the Ukrainian Armed Forces down. Russian aircraft conducted airstrikes near Shevchenko, Vesele and Poltavka. Russia also conducted aerial reconnaissance over Omelnyk, Shcherbaky, Novodanylivka and Malynivka.

On the Pivdennyi Buh front, Russian forces fired using artillery on the areas around Potomkyne, Chervonopillia, Kvitneve, Kyselivka, Partyzanske, Pervomaiske, Luch, Posad-Pokrovske, Blahodatne, Shevchenkove, Prybuzke, Stepova Dolyna and Nova Zoria. The Russians actively conducted aerial reconnaissance in the area using UAVs and conducted an airstrike near Bilohirka.
The United States government has announced a new office for tracking unidentified flying objects.

Pentagon officials announced the establishment of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), which replaces the Airborne Object Identification and Management Group established in May this year.

That organisation was primarily set up to watch over special-use airspace, including ongoing military operations, firing rangers, and other areas restricted for national security uses.

The mission of the AARO will be to synchronize efforts across the Department of Defense, and with other US federal departments and agencies, to detect, identify and attribute objects of interest in, on or near military installations, operating areas, training areas, special use airspace and other areas of interest, the Department of Defence writes.

As necessary [it will] mitigate any associated threats to safety of operations and national security. This includes anomalous, unidentified space, airborne, submerged and transmedium objects.

The new office was formed as Congress gives more funding to the defence budget.

We must ensure the military and intelligence community are armed with the best possible information, capital, and scientific resources to defeat our enemies and maintain military and technology superiority, Representative. Mike Gallagher said in a statement about the funding.

This amendment will play an important role in furthering Congress ability to fact gather and further prove or disprove the origin and threat nature of whatever seems to be flying in our skies.

A total of 143 UFO sightings since 2004 have been made and cannot be explained, the US government said in May this year, and while it has no clear indications that there is any non-terrestrial explanation for them, but we will go wherever the data takes us.

Many of these sightings appear to involve craft that can move without observable propulsion, or accelerate faster than any known aircraft, although many critics have suggested that this is due to lighting or camera angles.

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The infamous video of a UFO captured by a Navy jet, for example, was suggested to be a camera artefact rather than an alien craft.

Its an object that somehow projects rotating light patterns that rotate with it. Its an object that rotates in a way that matches exactly the amount needed to stay within three degrees of a gimbal system tracking the target while minimizing roll, but just from this one plane at this pitch and this bank angle, UFO investigator Mick West said.

Or, its a glare, rotating because of the gimbal system, in a video titled Gimbal.
A teenage girl using a mobile phone (Chris Radburn/PA) (PA Archive)

Mobile operator Virgin Media O2 is donating an extra 15 million gigabytes (GB) of free data to the National Databank to help people stay connected as the cost of living rises.

The donation means those people who need free data to stay connected to key services but can not afford to pay for it can now receive 20GB of free O2 mobile data a month, up from 15GB.

The National Databank works in a similar fashion to a foodbank, but for free mobile data, calls and texts and can be accessed via community groups across the UK who work with charity the Good Things Foundation, which founded the Databank alongside Virgin Media O2.

The mobile operator has now pledged to donate more than 61 million GB of data by the end of 2025, up from 46 million GB, to enable those in need to continue to access vital online services such as medical appointments, online banking or job interviews and training.

So far, the National Databank has given more than 50,000 SIM cards to community organisations.

According to the operator, two million households across the UK are at risk of digital exclusion because of the rising cost of living.

Virgin Media O2 chief executive, Lutz Schuler, said: As the proud founder of the UKs National Databank, we know how important it is for people most affected by the rise in the cost of living to have access to free mobile data so they can get online and stay in touch with loved ones, and access essential services, from virtual medical appointments, to job interviews and training.

Thats why Virgin Media O2 is providing extra help for people in need by donating even more free data to the Good Things Foundation and the National Databank to ensure people can stay connected during the difficult months ahead.

Its part of our mission to upgrade the UK where we want to end data poverty for good and create a better, more connected country for everyone.

Good Things Foundation group chief executive, Helen Milner, said: Having enough data in our increasingly digital society is not just a nice to have, its an absolute essential.

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There are two million households struggling to afford internet access in the UK today, and 10 million adults lack the most basic digital skills.

The National Databank, which can be thought of as a food bank for data, is already doing great work to bridge the digital divide.

Were very proud to be working together with our National Databank founding partners, Virgin Media O2, which is now upping its data pledge to give an extra 15 million GB of free data to the databank.

Together, we can help address the issue of data poverty in the UK once and for all.
Virginia Congresswoman Elaine Luria (AP)

Over the weekend, after a jury found former Trump adviser Steve Bannon guilty of contempt of Congress, Representative Elaine Luria of Virginia tweeted out two images of the former Trump adviser: one as a handsome, well-built Naval officer and another in his more well-known incarnation as a disheveled and haggard civilian wearing far too many shirts for a DC summer. As the caption put it: This is what hate does to you.

The source of the tweet was surprising. Ms Luria, a former US Naval officer herself and a graduate of Annapolis, has historically been incredibly reserved. Most days on Capitol Hill, Ms Luria is averse to speaking to the press and oftentimes, she will pull out her phone to record conversations with reporters, lest she be misquoted (your dispatcher has reached out to her in twice the past year to set up a time to talk about her work on the select committee).

Shes often incredibly careful with her word choice. Even after the 6 January committees prime-time hearing on Thursday, she didnt speak much to the assembled press pack, saving much of what she had to say for big television interviews  a major contrast with her Democratic committee colleagues Adam Schiff of California and Jamie Raskin of Maryland.

Nonetheless, her vocal denunciations of former president Donald Trump as she led the last hearing by the January 6 select committee were a major break from her typical tendency to step back. And this louder, more assertive persona has appeared just as she faces the fight for her political life.

So far, the congresswoman has mostly benefited from a political climate that has benefited Democrats while Republicans now hold a significant advantage. She first won her seat in 2018, one of three Democratic women  along with Jennifer Wexton and Abigail Spanberger  to flip a red congressional district when she beat scandal-marred Representative Scott Taylor. Her victory was remarkable: in 2016, the district, which includes Virginia Beach, home of three US military bases, went for Mr Trump.

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(Incidentally, Cassidy Hutchinson, the former Trump White House adviser who testified to the committee how Mr Trump wanted to go to the Capitol with the would-be rioters after his speech on the White House Ellipse, attended college in Ms Lurias district at Christopher Newport University, based in Newport News.)

Ms Lurias win likely tilled the ground for Joe Biden to win the district in 2020, when she also beat Mr Taylor in a rematch. But those victories came in the heady days when people thought Virginia would become a permanent Democratic bastion  that is, before Republican Glenn Youngkin won the governorship in 2021 and the GOP flipped the commonwealths House of Delegates. Now, with Mr Biden much more unpopular than when he was elected, Ms Luria faces an arguably much tougher task in holding her seat.

Similarly, last year, a bipartisan commission to draw new districts in the commonwealth completely collapsed, which led the Virginia Supreme Court to draw new lines. That left Ms Luria with a district with a 6 per cent partisan lean toward Republicansfor context, she moved from a district that voted for Mr Biden by 4.9 per cent to one that voted for him by 3.1 per cent. Republicans know they have a shot at winning back the district and nominated state Senator Jen Kiggans, who like Ms Luria is a US Navy veteran.

That could spell trouble for Ms Luria. While many recent surveys of the generic ballot  which measures whether voters prefer Republicans or Democrats  show Democrats appear to have gained an advantage since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, an AARP poll conducted by former Trump pollster firm FabrizioWard and former Biden polling firm Impact Research showed that Republicans have a four-point advantage in the 56 most competitive districts.

But it doesnt seem Ms Luria doesnt fear that the increased spotlight will endanger her. Yesterday, she was on Meet the Press to talk about the work of the select committee. When moderator Chuck Todd asked about a criminal investigation into the Trump administrations actions (and inaction), she did not mince words.

I sure as hell hope they have a criminal investigation at this point into Donald Trump, she said.
Made from recycled military truck or aircraft tyres, Vietnam's hand-made rubber sandals, the famously rugged footwear of the Viet Cong, have travelled vast distances over the decades.

In the bustling capital Hanoi, all kinds of shoes are on sale: from $1,000 Gucci heels to $2 plastic slippers.

But for those seeking a nod to yesteryear, the hard-soled rubber sandals -- evocative of the communist state's resourcefulness under fire -- are available at markets and small stores alike.

- Uncle Ho's sandals -

Dao Van Quang paid $8 for a standard pair at a shop outside a Hanoi museum devoted to the country's revolutionary leader -- and dedicated rubber sandal wearer -- Ho Chi Minh.

"I wore rubber sandals when I was at school, in the 1980s," the 47-year-old from central Quang Nam province told AFP.

"They are of historical value, easy to wear and look nice."

At the museum, the well-worn pair belonging to the former North Vietnam president known affectionately as "Uncle Ho" are displayed in a glass box with his Chinese-style uniform.

Ho's sandals have even been lauded in national songs praising his simple lifestyle.

"These sandals helped Uncle travel a long way, and with them, he overcame difficulties to build the country," the lyrics of one song say.

The Vietnamese first began making rubber sandals in the late 1940s, during the First Indochina War against the French, using tyres from an ambushed army truck.

They found the sandals were cheap to make and survived well in wet, muddy and hilly conditions, as soldiers marched through thick jungle.

Later, during the Vietnam War, the simple but sturdy footwear became a symbol of the communist Viet Cong forces' ingenuity in their fight against the United States' military might.

Even in peacetime, the design remains popular for sustainability reasons, said Nguyen Duc Truong, who has spent his life crafting the shoes.

"I think there is still much potential for rubber sandals," the 58-year-old said.

- Rising popularity -

Vietnam is one of the world's top four countries for shoe manufacturing and its factories produce pairs for major brands such as Nike and Adidas.

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The footwear export industry generated nearly $12 billion in the first half of this year, according to government figures.

While the humble rubber sandal does not quite generate the same revenue, it is high on heritage value and its popularity as a casual shoe is rising.

Vua Dep Lop, which started as a small business and became Vietnam's rubber sandal leader, sells the footwear for around $10 a pair.

At its workshop in Hanoi, shoemakers use sharp knives and chisels to craft the sandals from huge tyres that are almost the same height as the workers.

While the traditional black models are bestsellers, a colourful modern twist is helping the sandal appeal to a younger demographic.

Nguyen Tien Cuong took over the business from his father-in-law in 2011, and has sold more than half a million pairs of rubber sandals since then.

"We tried to make them softer and more fashionable. After changing the style and format, we started having more customers," he said.

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Reddit is rallying around a dad who wont pay for school supplies for good reason. He took to the AITA forum to explain that his ex-wife recently took his daughter to buy all the back-to-school necessities. An important note: this ex-wife lives with her boyfriend (with whom she had an affair) and his daughter, who []
A 37-year-old woman fired several gunshots, apparently at the ceiling, inside of Dallas' Love Field Airport on Monday before an officer shot and wounded her, authorities said.

The woman was dropped off at the airport at about 11 a.m., walked inside near the ticketing counters and then entered a bathroom, Dallas police Chief Eddie Garcia said at a news conference. She emerged wearing a hooded sweatshirt or some other clothing that she had changed into, pulled a gun and fired several shots, apparently at the ceiling, he said.

At this point, we dont know where exactly the individual was aiming, Garcia said.

An officer who was nearby shot the woman in her lower extremities," wounding her and enabling her to be taken into custody, Garcia said. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

No other individuals were injured in this event other than the suspect, Garcia said.

He didn't release the woman's name or speculate as to what her motive might have been.

We wanted to ensure that our community knows that this is not an active situation, the chief said.

Love Field serves as a hub for Southwest Airlines.





This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A 37-year-old woman was shot after breaking into an apartment and freeing three dogs that attacked people, Washington police say.

Police first responded to an animal bite at a Seattle apartment complex around 10:30 p.m. on July 22, the Seattle Police Department said.

A woman living at the complex told police she was attacked by three pit bulls and was bit on the arm.

When police arrived, the dogs were back inside their apartment, police said.

The building manager told police to talk to the 37-year-old woman who lived next door to the dogs and had been causing disturbances in the complex. But police said they couldnt get in contact with her.

Then police were called back to the complex for a shooting.

The building manager told police the dogs were let into the courtyard again and attacked him, so he locked them outside of the area.

He then found the woman, and she asked him to let the dogs back inside, police said.

But the dogs also tried to attack a couples dog, so the manager got his gun and fired a round into the air before firing at the animals, police said.

A bullet struck the woman when he did this, police said.

When the dogs owner got back to the apartment, he told police the animals were in crates, making it unlikely they got out on their own.

He was also missing expensive shoes and hundreds of dollars in cash, police said.

Police arrested the 37-year-old woman on a charge of residential burglary after she told police she let the dogs out and stole the items from the apartment.

Paddleboarder, dog fall into reservoir but only dog makes it ashore, Utah cops say

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A 31-year-old woman in Hamburg, Germany, filed a police report about herself for the theft of a Pieter Aertsen oil painting from a Bielefeld museum, authorities announced on Wednesday.

Normally, this would signal an unusually neat end to a case of art theftexcept for the fact that the alleged thief misplaced the painting she said she stole.

More from Robb Report

On April 27, a still-unidentified woman removed the 16th-century painting Portrait of a Young Woman from its frame in broad daylight, tucked it into a large folder, and walked out of the Museum Huelsmann in Bielefeld. According to dpa, the German news agency, she claims to have lost the work that same evening.

Aertsen, often called Lange Piet because of his height, was a Dutch painter who worked in the Northern Mannerist style. Hes credited with the invention of the monumental genre painting, a mix of still-life and genre painting that often incorporated biblical aspects.

Aertsen liked to subvert traditional hierarchies of subject matter in painting. In contrast to his contemporaries, who framed action around religious imagery, Aertsen cheekily foregrounded everyday objects and passersby. A slab of meat dominates the frame of his Christ in the House of Mary and Martha (1552), while Jesus and his company confer far in the background. He is lauded in particular for his exuberant market scenes, like Market Woman with Vegetable Stall (1567), which depicts a bounty of produce.

Authorities said an acquaintance of the Hamburg woman searched her apartment for the painting without success. The suspect has not confessed a motive for the brazen crime, and the search for the artwork continues.

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Increasing numbers of young Republicans are worrying more about the state of the environment than their older counterparts, according to polling published on Monday.

New figures, from Gallup, revealed that while less than 25 per cent of GOP voters overall expressed serious concern about the environment, those aged 18-34 are much more worried than their elders.

When asked to rate how much they personally worried about the quality of the environment, 32 per cent of Republicans aged 18-34 said they worried a great deal, compared to 18 per cent of those 35-54, and 14 per cent of over-55s.

Environmental concerns among the youngest group of Republicans has consistently outpaced the oldest group since 2001, Gallup noted  with the latest gap in worry between those aged 18-35 and those 55-plus, the largest it has ever been.

High-level of worry among 35- to 54-year-old Republicans was close to the oldest group, with both demographics polling lowest levels of worry in the latest four-year period. Meanwhile, young Republicans worry is near the highest it has been in two decades, Gallup reported.

How different age groups of different political persuasions feel about the environmental crisis (Gallup)

Republicans older than 55 were also least likely of all age groups in the three groups to believe that the effects of global warming have already begun, Gallup found, suggesting a reason for their lack of concern about the environment.

When it came to Independent voters, those under-35 were more worried than older Independents. However, unlike Republicans, the majority of younger Independents were highly worried.

Overall, a near-record number of Americans (44 per cent) say they worry a great deal about whats happening to the environment.

Nearly two-thirds of Democrats (64 per cent) across all age groups were worried a great deal.

The findings came from Gallup polls on the environment conducted from 2019 through 2022. The environment question has been posed to survey-takers every year since 2001, except 2003 and 2009.

Tackling the climate and environmental crises remains one of the most partisan issues in politics.

Story continues

Not a single Republican senator has supported President Joe Bidens bill to tackle the climate crisis and progress has now stalled once again after West Virginia Democrat, Senator Joe Manchin, pulled out of negotiations earlier this month.

Mr Manchin told senior Democrats that he would not support their attempt to push through an economic package which included billions of dollars to fight the climate crisis.

The US Supreme Courts conservative majority also recently delivered a decision that threw up a serious roadblock to ambitious climate action.

The courts conservative majority ruled 6-3 in the hugely consequential case, West Virginia v Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this month. In a significant win for the plaintiffs  19 Republican-leaning states and a handful of fossil fuel allies led by West Virginia  the court ruled that Congress did not explicitly empower the EPA to issue sweeping regulations under a part of landmark 1970 Clean Air Act known as Section 111.
Japan's space agency has announced that it successfully test-launched a small research rocket, which conducted tests for a future supersonic scramjet engine.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, is researching the engine. The engine uses atmospheric oxygen to burn engine fuel with the airflow through it remaining supersonic or faster. As it does not need loaded oxygen on board, the scramjet will allow a heavier payload to be carried.

JAXA launched an S-520-RD rocket into space at 5:00 a.m. Sunday from Uchinoura Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture in southwestern Japan.

The rocket reached an altitude of 168 kilometers three and half minutes after the launch. The nose of the rocket contains test equipment for the scramjet engine which was detached from the craft. ...continue reading
The Japan Meteorological Agency says a volcanic eruption occurred on Sakurajima in southwestern Japan's Kagoshima Prefecture on Sunday evening.

The agency estimates that imminent massive eruptions from the volcano are unlikely.

Still, the agency has raised its alert level to the highest level of 5. It was applied at Sakurajima for the first time since the system was introduced in 2007.

Officials confirmed an eruption, just after 8 p.m. on Sunday evening, which expelled large volcanic rocks around a distance of 2.5 kilometers.

Kagoshima City officials issued an evacuation order to residents in the towns of Arimura and Furusato, with a population of 51 people in 33 households.

Meteorological Agency officials say more large volcanic rocks could fall in parts of Kagoshima City within 3 kilometers of two craters.

They also say people should be on the alert for pyroclastic flows within a radius of about 2 kilometers.

One agency official said at a press conference that "Volcanic activities of Sakurajima are becoming intense. People in residential areas should be on the highest alert for large volcanic rocks falling nearby." ...continue reading
A monthslong shortage of imported U.S. french fries has driven Japanese restaurants to turn to China or even drop the item from their menus, in a case of supply chain risk taking a bite out of a consumer favorite.

Skylark Holdings, whose chains include Gusto, has gone from importing no french fries from China to sourcing 20%-30% of its supply from there at times.

Nationwide, french fry imports from China have surged since November. Japan imported 1,300 tons in April, 27 times the volume from a year earlier.

Chinese sources still represent only about 3% of all imported frozen french fries, but the shift shows how Japan's restaurant industry is searching for substitutes.

Some eateries have limited sales of french fries or stopped serving them altogether.

Family restaurant chain Royal Host replaced french fries on its side-order menu with penne au gratin this month, after a decision in February to stop serving fries as standalone orders. In May, KFC suspended sales of french fries at about 230 locations in Japan.

Japan's potato shortage entered the public eye in December when consumers complained on social media about McDonald's limiting sales of french fries to small sizes. McDonald's Japan went as far as to order an emergency airlift of frozen fries. ...continue reading
The Unification Church's links to Japanese lawmakers has emerged as a major political issue ahead of an extraordinary parliamentary session in the fall, following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with opposition parties moving to probe such ties including within their own ranks.

Abe's assailant has said he held a grudge against the religious group because large donations his mother had made to it ruined his family, and he thought Abe was linked to the group, according to investigative sources.

The veteran lawmaker had sent a video message to a related group's gathering held in September, and the suspect said he watched it on the internet, the sources said.

The assassination of Japan's longest-serving prime minister has shed a fresh light on the church's involvement in politics, decades after the group founded by a staunch anti-communist, widely known for its mass weddings, drew scrutiny over its so-called spiritual sales, in which people were talked into buying jars and other items for exorbitant prices.

Sun Myung Moon, the founder of the Unification Church, also founded the International Federation for Victory over Communism, a political group, in Japan in 1968.

Many Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers are said to have connections with the church. It remains to be seen, however, what, if anything, the ruling party intends to do about the matter. ...continue reading
CEDAR RAPIDS  As nights stay hotter and precipitation is less consistent, Iowa is at risk for more frequent droughts.

Thats why state officials want to develop a plan that would include a trigger point to call for precautions, such as water rationing.

The benefit of a trigger is it gives you something to point to, said Tim Hall, chief of the Iowa Geological & Water Survey Bureau at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

About 20 emergency management officials, water treatment employees and others gathered Thursday at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids to talk about the need for a drought plan and what should go into it.

This is one of five stakeholder meetings across the state.

The nonprofit Climate Central group of scientists and communicators reported Iowa, Montana and Oklahoma have the worst drought vulnerability among all 50 states based on exposure and sensitivity to drought as well as their ability to adapt to it, State Climatologist Justin Glisan said Thursday.

We dont irrigate across the state or have the ability to irrigate, Glisan said of Iowas agricultural crops, primarily corn and soybeans. Our crops need water. Corn needs 25 inches of water per year to grow.

Glisan and other state officials hope that by creating a drought plan, Iowa can reduce its vulnerability. The long-term climate trends are concerning, Glisan said.

Iowas average daily temperature has increased about 1.3 degrees since 1895. That doesnt sound like a lot, but the bulk of that change is happening at night, when cloud cover traps the heat from the day close to the Earth.

Not cooling off at night exacerbates drought conditions, Glisan said.

A warmer atmosphere hold more water vapor  about 4% more in Iowa  and doesnt let it go as rain until it reaches critical mass.

This means some of Iowa is more likely to get 3 to 4 inches of rain in a few hours, leaving parts of the state very wet while others still are experiencing drought, Glisan said.

Much of Iowa faced drought last summer. Despite a wet October, when an average 5 inches of rain fell across the state, much of Iowa still is dry.

The U.S. Drought Monitors most recent Iowa map, published online Thursday, shows extreme drought extending into a third northwest Iowa county, as compared with the previous week, and southeast Iowa developing a pocket of moderate drought.

Participants at Thursdays meeting said the drought plan should factor in rainfall  both here and in the watershed farther north  temperature and soil moisture. They said having a state plan that defines drought will make it easier to impose water restrictions if necessary.

Hall said one idea is to create a drought website, similar to the Iowa Flood Information System, that could gather data on drought risks and model how that would affect different parts of the state.

The Iowa DNR, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship plan to create by October a draft plan that will be available for public comment. They hope to have the final plan by the end of the year.
The mother of a La Vista man suspected of fatally shooting three people before turning the gun on himself in an Iowa state park Friday said her son gave no indication that anything was wrong prior to the shooting.

Authorities continued to investigate Saturday what transpired before the killing of Tyler Schmidt, 42, Sarah Schmidt, 42, and Lula Schmidt, 6, all of Cedar Falls, Iowa. All three were found dead at their campsite in Maquoketa Caves State Park on Friday morning, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

The Schmidts 9-year-old son, Arlo, survived the attack and was safe, according to a statement issued by Cedar Falls Mayor Rob Green on Facebook on Friday.

Law enforcement was called at 6:23 a.m. Friday for a reported shooting at the park campground, according to the Department of Public Safety. Officers discovered the bodies and eventually determined that one camper, Anthony Orlando Sherwin, 23, was unaccounted for.

After searching the area, law enforcement located Sherwins body. He appeared to have suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Department of Public Safety.

Sherwin was a La Vista resident.

Mitch Mortvedt, assistant director of the Department of Public Safetys division of criminal investigation, told the Associated Press on Saturday that the motive for the attack was still unknown.

We dont know what led up to this, what precipitated it, he said, adding that so far, the investigation has not revealed any early interaction between the Schmidt family and him.

Cecilia Sherwin, Anthony Sherwins mother, told the Omaha World-Herald in an email Saturday that the family refuses to believe the news.

Cecilia Sherwin said they were camping at the park Friday morning when she heard yelling and two gunshots. A young boy ran up to the Sherwins campsite yelling for help and told her that a man wearing black had shot his family, she said.

Cecilia Sherwin said her son was wearing green, not black, and no black clothing was found in the area. She also said they were legally traveling with a gun, which was located in a secure container.

We think (Anthony) might have sensed trouble and grabbed the gun for safety, Cecilia Sherwin said. We refuse to believe the news. We are deeply saddened as he had so much to live for and gave us no indication that anything was wrong.

A review of Nebraska criminal justice records found no signs that Sherwin had a criminal history.

Cecilia Sherwin said in a second email that the family cooperated fully with the police and investigative team from the get-go. They informed authorities that Anthony was missing and that they feared he had been killed by the man the young boy had described.

I didnt think we had any tears left but we still find ourselves breaking down and care deeply for the little boy and the loss of his family, she said.

Cecilia Sherwin reiterated that her son gave us no warning that he was planning anything of this sort.

Anthony was not capable of this sort of violence, she said.

Officials did not say if Anthony Sherwin had a firearm permit, the AP reported, noting that Iowa allows people with permits to carry firearms virtually anywhere in the state.

Officials provided no information about the firearm that was used to kill the Schmidts, the AP reported.

Autopsies on the Schmidts are expected to take place over the weekend, according to the Department of Public Safety, and those findings will be released to the public. The state medical examiner also will perform an autopsy on Sherwin.

Green, the Cedar Falls mayor, said in his Facebook statement that the Schmidts were his neighbors. Sarah Schmidt was a Cedar Falls Public Library employee.

Details will be forthcoming about services and other memorials, and I will ensure the community knows about this, Green wrote. Please offer some extra grace to the Schmidts many friends, neighbors, and coworkers as we try to process this horrible tragedy.

A GoFundMe to support Arlo Schmidt had already received more than $81,000 in donations by 8 p.m. Saturday.
A 21-year-old Missouri Valley woman was killed early Sunday morning in a single-vehicle accident when the vehicle in which she was a passenger left the road and crashed.

Shortly before 3 a.m., a 2019 Chevy Cruze driven by Quinten Vogel, 21, of Missouri Valley, was heading south on 335th Street, approaching a curve in the road at the Merrick Place intersection. Vogel apparently failed to negotiate the curve and the car left the road and struck two trees, according to the Iowa State Patrol crash report.

As a result of the accident, the passenger, Faith Staska, died. Vogel was taken by Missouri Valley Ambulance to CHI Health Center in Omaha with undisclosed injuries.

Both Staska and Vogel were wearing seatbelts, according to the report.

Missouri Valley police, fire and ambulance, and the Harrison County Sheriffs Office, assisted at the scene.
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Since King Mohammed VI ascended the Throne, Morocco has been showing Africa the way for south-south cooperation and win-win intra-African partnerships by taking initiatives on the ground matching its Africa policy discourse.

The recent such initiative was the helping hand extended by Moroccan state-owned phosphates and fertilizers company OCP which offered African countries 550,000 tons of fertilizers, of which 180,000 tons took the form of a donation and 370,000 to be sold at discounted prices.

This initiative takes place in a context where the African continent struggles with soaring fertilizers prices in the international market where costs have quadrupled.

Prior to this fertilizers relief program by the OCP, which will amount to 16% of Africas fertilizers needs this year, Morocco made sure to dedicate 20% of its fertilizers exports to Africa although it could have shifted such quantities to Brazil or Asia where customers are willing to pay a higher price.

Besides, OCP is investing to improve the production capacities of key African countries to reduce their dependence on imports. In Nigeria and Ethiopia in particular, OCP is planning investments totaling $8 bln to build giant factories that will supply local and regional markets.

Energy

Morocco has also made sure to benefit West African countries as it pushes to meet energy security needs. Moroccan renewable energy companies such as Nareva are helping African countries with renewables.

Moroccos gas strategy puts West African economic integration at the forefront of its interests. The pipeline that Morocco plans to build with Nigeria will channel gas to West African countries up to Morocco with a potential to export to Europe.

The Nigerian President Buhari has called on the EU and the UK recently to back the pipeline and the president of the African development bank has said it was negotiating with Rabat the means to finance it.

Finance

Infrastructure development in Africa requires money! Moroccan banks, thanks to their network in Africa, are well-positioned to act as a gateway for facilitating access to funding for African projects.

Moroccos three largest banks Attijariwafa Bank, BCP and BOA all have subsidiaries offering universal and investment banking services.

Morocco is already involved in building numerous infrastructure projects across Africa. In Abidjan the large-scale project to rehabilitate a tourist hub in the capital on the Coccodi bay is run by a Moroccan state-owned company.

Solidarity

During the Ebola health crisis, Moroccos flag carrier RAM was the only airline serving the Ebola-hit countries of West Africa when all other companies suspended flights.

With the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Morocco dispatched airplanes to most African countries distributing locally-made face masks, protective gear and medical supplies.

Morocco has also helped Africa address security challenges by sending its troops as part of UN peacekeeping missions to DRC, Cote DIvoire and now Central African Republic, where many Moroccan soldiers died in service.

In the same vein, Morocco has made all the international events and summits it hosts a podium to champion Africas causes including security, migration, finance and culture.

Building on centuries old religious and cultural ties with West Africa, Morocco helped many Sub-Saharan nations address root causes of terrorism by hosting and training African Imams in Rabat and setting up an association of African Ulema to champion the lofty values of Islam and fight extremism.

Moroccos multi-pronged soft-power actions in Africa and its leadership of south-south cooperation in the continent gave the country diplomatic foothold and influence and convinced many African nations to give up their cold-war glasses in looking at the Algeria-sponsored conflict over the Sahara.

Now 27 countries, mostly African, have opened consulates in the Sahara region, effectively recognizing Moroccos sovereignty over the territory, while Morocco keeps winning ground at the African Union because it speaks the same language as brotherly African nations and offers win-win solutions to shared challenges on the continent.
An armed group in Mali affiliated with al-Qaeda has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on the countrys main Kati military base near the capital city Bamako, which it said was a response to governmental collaboration with Russian mercenaries.

Fridays (22 July) raid on the Kati base that killed at least one soldier and wounded six others, was the first time in Malis decade-long rebellion that an armed group has hit a military camp so close to Bamako. The attack, which was carried out using two car bombs, saw seven assailants killed and eight were arrested, Malis military said. The Katiba Macina claimed the attack in the strategic garrison town near the Malian capital, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, according to the media unit for al-Qaedas local affiliate, Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM). JNIM, the main armed alliance in the Sahel region whose influence on the ground continues to expand, comprises a myriad of groups including the Katiba Macina and operates mainly in Mali and Burkina Faso.

Katiba Macina justified the attack by citing the presence in Mali of mercenaries from Russias Wagner Group, which began supplying hundreds of fighters last year to support the Malian military and has since been accused by human rights groups and locals of participating in massacres of civilians. The Russian government has acknowledged Wagner personnel are in Mali, but the Malian government has described them as instructors from the Russian military rather than private security contractors. Wagner has no public representation and has not commented on the accusations of human rights violations. A spat with France triggered a pullout of French forces that have been fighting rebels in Mali for nearly a decade. The withdrawal is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
The Emir of Kuwait has named Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah as Prime minister on Sunday, replacing caretaker Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid.

Sheikh Ahmad had previously served in similar capacity. He was deputy Prime Minister and Interior minister in the outgoing government, which had submitted its resignation in April.

Prior to those positions, he became deputy head of the National Guard when his father rose to power in 2020.

Sheikh Ahmads appointment came after Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah announced last month to dissolve the parliament and would issue a decree for early elections, a move welcomed by opposition lawmakers who had staged a sit-in to press the prince to name a new Prime minister, Reuters reports.
Voting centers in Tunisia have opened early today July 25 for a national referendum on a new Constitution pushed by incumbent President Kais Saied while opponents call for the process boycott.

The electoral commission of the North African country (ISIE) has indicated that 9,278,541 including 348,876 in the diaspora, have registered for the process.

The voting in the diaspora began on July 23 and will run till today July 25. Kais Saied voted early in the morning in the coastal town of Ariana near the capital Tunis.

We want to live in a free and sovereign country, in which the citizen is free and freedom is not just articles of law or constitutions but a real daily practice. The important thing is that the person in charge in this constitutional project is responsible to his voters and not to the party that proposed him as a candidate for the elections, he said.

The people are now called to decide and vote to say yes or no but you noticed on July 25 how Tunisians came out in jubilation when the ARP [the parliament] was frozen because we have started a new historical stage, we will build together a new republic, based on true freedom, true justice and national dignity. Unfortunately, they have sown despair in the people so that they turn away from public affairs and these plots last since January 2011. We are in front of a historical choice and the people must not miss this appointment with history and not leave the place to those who set fire to the forests and pay the citizens not to go to vote they are not of this people, not of this country, they betrayed it and sold it to foreign parties, he added.

On July 25 last year, Saied froze the parliament and seized all major powers in what he considered an important move to restore the country. He this year dissolved the legislature after several lawmakers held an e-session to nullify all the decrees he made since July 25, 2021.

His move met with serious opposition at home. Foreign countries also took aim at the various decisions that they believe rolled out the democratic gains made following the 2011 revolution.

The draft constitution put to referendum was proposed without the participation of the parties critical to the President. The countrys powerful labor union UGTT also boycotted the process.

The critics of the referendum protested Saturday and argued that the vote was a coup detat and unconstitutional process.
Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Sunday said Russian grain exporters are committed to their obligations regarding international wheat orders.

Russias top diplomat was in Cairo Sunday to meet with Egyptian authorities and the Arab League.

Lavrov during a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry said that his country took many steps to deepen the economic relations with Egypt across all areas.

He also noted that there are some constructive talks regarding the establishment of a Russian industrial zone in Egypt.

On July 22nd, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine signed a deal that will enable Kyiv to resume exports of wheat through the Black Sea.

Egypt is the largest wheat importer in the world and Ukraine and Russia are its market supplying markets.
After a two-year absence, Cincinnati Music Festival, presented by P&G (CMF) returns to Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati from July 21-23, 2022, with an exciting lineup of R&B music featuring Janet Jackson, Charlie Wilson, The OJays, and more headlining the event over the three days. The performances by Ari Lennox, BJ the Chicago Kid, and Arin Ray were held on Thursday, July 21, at The Andrew J. Brady Music Center for the first time. (Large gallery with artists as they appeared each day.)

The Friday lineup at Paul Brown Stadium included jazz musician Jonathan Butler and R&B group Tony! Toni! Tone!, Anthony Hamilton, and a last-minute change from Fantasia to Keyshia Cole. It was headlined by Charlie Wilson, a former Gap Band member. The show ended sometime after 12:30 am

The Saturday shows lineup was jazz musician Kirk Whalum, R&B group After 7, Tank, and The O'Jays (minus Eddie Levert, who is the last original member and currently battling Covid pneumonia). The headliner was Janet Jackson. However, unbeknownst to everyone, Janet did not perform last. After Janet's set, patrons started heading out. About 2-3 minutes later, an announcement came that "The Mighty O'Jays are up next!" leaving many confused since Janet was said to be the headliner. The show ended sometime after 12am.

This was my first time attending the Cincinnati Music Festival and my first time photographing a multi-day festival. In brief, it was interesting. At the stadium, the stage was divided into two parts. Artists switched sides the entire night. So, one act performed on the left side, and the next performed on the right. I assume it was because of having to move instruments quickly. However, that left half the floor seats and that side of the stadium unable to see the show and watching it on a low but large screen or by looking across the stadium at a Jumbotron. The "premium VIP" people had to constantly get up from their seats and switch sides all night, both days. Because of that seating arrangement, we had to photograph and film from behind them or on the sides of them but never in front of them. During Janet's set, I had someone standing directly in front of me, and with everyone's excitement (and people jumping out of their seats from all over), it was hard to move anywhere until security came and moved people back.

For the most part, everyone did pretty well, outside of occasional audio difficulties and lighting issues. Keyshia Cole thanked everyone for not booing her since she was a last-minute change to replace Fantasia. She did a good job for it to be such short notice (the day before the performance). Tank was very interactive with fans and used a part of his show to call out fans he could see in the crowd with jokes and kind words. Janet performed for about 2 hours, singing just about all her biggest hits and blowing many kisses to fans all over the stadium.
PARIS, July 25, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News:

TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE), OML99 operator (40%) in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC, 60%), announces the start of production from the Ikike field, in Nigeria.

Located 20 kilometers off the coast, at a depth of about 20 meters, the Ikike platform is tied back to the existing Amenam offshore facilities through a 14 km multiphase pipeline. It will deliver peak production of 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by the end of 2022.

The Ikike project leverages existing facilities to keep costs low, and is designed to minimize greenhouse gas emissions: estimated at less than 4kg CO 2 e/boe, they will contribute to reducing the average carbon intensity of TotalEnergies upstream portfolio. In addition, 95% of hours were worked locally: the jacket as well as the topside modules were entirely built and integrated by local contractors.

"TotalEnergies is pleased to start production at Ikike, which was launched a few months before the covid pandemic, and whose success owes a lot to the full mobilization of the teams. By tapping discoveries close to existing facilities, this project fits the Companys strategy of focusing on low-cost and low-emission oil projects", said Henri-Max Ndong-Nzue, Senior Vice President Africa, Exploration and Production at TotalEnergies.

***

About TotalEnergies in Nigeria

TotalEnergies has been present in Nigeria for more than 60 years and employs today more than 1,800 people across different business segments. Nigeria is one of the main contributing countries to TotalEnergies hydrocarbon production where the Company produced 240 000 boe/d in 2021. TotalEnergies also operates an extensive distribution network which includes about 540 service stations in the country. In all its operations, TotalEnergies is particularly attentive to the socio-economic development of the country and is committed to working with local communities.

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About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, cleaner, more reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.

@TotalEnergies l TotalEnergies l TotalEnergies l TotalEnergies

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Logan Paul too stupid to understand a complex movie? Colour me surprised.

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he's entitled to his shitty opinion though. haven't seen it so i'm not reading your post.

he's entitled to his shitty opinion though. haven't seen it so i'm not reading your post.

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people know that they just....don't have to share their opinions about every little thing online, right? why did logan think anyone wanted his take on this?

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what ontd view on Nope?

i debating to go see or not  im selective on going movie cause its so damn expensive.

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Dont see it if money is tight. Its not worth it at all.

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I saw it twice (two different friend groups) and I liked it. I think it was mis-marketed as a horror movie, when it is clearly a sci-fi comedy. I will say that it is a movie where every little detail matters. You really have to pay attention and listen from the start. For me it's a great movie about spectacle, fame and the hubris of humans to think they can tame everything.

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It's a comedy???? Oh no. I wanted signs 2.0.

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I totally agree, and I wish it wasn't marketed that way. The trailer was fantastic and built hype, but the movie is much slower paced than it was made out to be, and other than a handful of moments, there wasn't anything ~scary/horror about it.

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It was really, really dumb, and I think Jordan Peele is overrated at this point. Giving it a 4/10 is being nice tbh.

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I just saw it last night and loved it. However, I knew a little bit about what I was getting into before I saw it so maybe that helped? I just sat back and tried to absorb everything.



Biggest complaint was audio. Some of the characters were hard to hear/understand. I want to see it again with subtitles

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i didnt like it, and even if you see many layers and meaning to the plot, the lead actors were really underutilized for the amount of talent they carry.

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I love Jordan Peele and Keke Palmer can act her ass off, but this movie is objectively slow and confusing with stretched themes that dont justify the pace

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It's a fun theater experience. Definitely not as good as Get Out, but better than Us.



Oh, and the pacing complaints are valid. It is VERY slow in the beginning, but once it picks up it's really enjoyable.



Edited at 2022-07-25 07:46 pm (UTC)

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Wait until its on streaming.

It started sooo slow, finally got interesting, only to go nowhere. Visually there were some great shots and I liked the stranger aspects, but it all led to a whole bunch of nothing really. I thought the dialogue was really bad; it didnt feel natural and the characters werent fleshed out enough. Once the mystery is revealed, the end just drags. (And was the soundmixing really bad? There were times I couldnt understand what the characters were saying)

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I was ok with the first tweet bc many people who aren't hated have shared that opinion, but then he kept going and showed us all that he doesn't understand symbolism.

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"I liked when the monkey smashed things but then I had to THINK? Fuck that."

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i'm confident the only reason he posted this was to get attention by going against the status quo. i haven't even seen the movie yet to know if i fully buy the hype but this man is only saying anything for attention.

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I honestly didn't understand the shoe thing, but was it just supposed to be a focal point to look away from the monkey, or was there more to it?

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That and I also read how it can be considered a bad miracle where the chances of it happening were slim but it landed straight. Also probably a symbolism for how some people can profit off of other peoples traumas (as the shoe was displayed in that hidden museum and that couple).

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yeah, i think it was why he survived, because he was looking at it, and also like the poster above me said, a "bad miracle". it also was obvs very significant to him since he had it displayed in the same position he looked at it in and symbolic of how he locks his trauma away except for when he can make money off of it (and the act of profiting off of it is prob another "bad miracle")

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i think him focusing on the shoe and the table cloth covering part of his face was what saved him from being mauled, since he wasn't making direct eye contact with the monkey.

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I agree with what everyone is saying, but also it's a joke as well, you're waiting for "the other shoe to drop" (meaning you're waiting for the monkey to attack him) but it stays standing (and he lives). But of course, the shoe does drop in a different way later on...

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This piece of shit is still living for free of the exploitation of Puertorican people! He ran over endangered turtle nest and gave zero fucks. I wish nothing but the worst for that pinche Gringo. That being said I dont care about his shitty opinion on anything

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can you imagine being someone who gives a fuck about what Logan Paul thinks about anything? i mean COULD YOU IMAGINE

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mte Andrew Jupin

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Someone thumbs downing this comment is killing me

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I saw lmao I was like "What does that person have against Andrew???"

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Is this Andrew Jupin?? lmao

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lmao Andrew <3

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i'm grateful i'm far too lazy to read that twitter thread

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I will never forgive the people that made him famous. Why is he relevant?

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I automatically want to think the opposite of whatever Logan Paul thinks so I am officially declaring NOPE the movie of the year even though I havent seen it.

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the thing that gets me is the stuff about the death of the dad was literally explained IN the movie, like actual dialogue and everything lol.

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In a crowd of 40 people, the actress who was mauled on the set of Gordys Home was there why? Shock factor because of her scarring? Does she come to all of them? Did she come before the ET feeding?





I was wondering this too. I think it was just shock factor due to her scarring. It was a big part of the trailer for that reason.

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I think it shows that she did not learn anything from Gordy because she STILL came to watch the spectacle

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It was the first showing that stevens character did of the UFO showing, so Im guessing shes there just because theyre close and was invited! And also to thematically tie things back to humans making the mistake of thinking we can take animals



Her scarring was definitely used in the trailer to make you think something different happened/was going to happen. I thought the ufo thing was going to suck everyone up and make them look messed up before that scene happened

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In hindsight, June 2022 might go down as the last month when the markets at large were still yet to go into full panic, acknowledging economic recession as a necessity but not yet succumbing to a spiral of fear and agitation. The pricing of August-loading grades coming from the Middle East still reflects that feeling when China was still expected to finally come back from its lockdown-induced demand slump when the global shortage of supply still kept market fundamentals extremely tight. As we will see below, August 2022 will see many grades reach their highest-ever market differential. It is more than likely that even in the following month the seemingly incessant appreciation of crude will continue  just looking at futures curves right now, with front months being around $100 per barrel, indicates an even more distressing picture than before the crude sell-off. Yet the months following August will already have an additional psychological layer attached  everybody will be looking at signs and proofs of demand destruction taking place, making it difficult for Middle Eastern NOCs to be straightforwardly and unabashedly assertive with their prices.

Chart 1. Saudi Aramcos Official Selling Prices for Asian Cargoes (vs Oman/Dubai average).





Source: Saudi Aramco. Saudi Aramco lifted all its Asian formula prices for cargoes loading in August 2022, availing itself of steepening Dubai backwardation as the cash-to-futures spread moved up by another $2.30 per barrel. This put most Saudi grades close to the record highs we have seen in May, as could be seen with Arab Light, arguably the most important grade it markets, as the Saudi NOC priced it just below the $9.35 per barrel premium to Oman/Dubai. Despite the naphtha weakness coming from a continent-wide oversupply streak, the monthly hikes were even more marked for lighter grades - Arab Extra Light went up by $3.50 per barrel, making the $10.65 per barrel premium vs Oman/Dubai the highest since Aramco started issuing OSPs. Following reports that Saudi Aramco cut the July allocations of at least four Asian refiners, most of them located in China made sure that the upcoming months nominations were fully met.

Related: U.S. Oil Rig Count Unchanged As WTI Slumps Below $100



Chart 2. Saudi Aramcos Official Selling Prices for Europe-bound cargoes (vs ICE Brent).



Source: Saudi Aramco.

Looking into Europe, Saudi Aramco opted for a clear delineation between heavy and light grades, just as it had done in Asia. The NW Europe differential for Arab Heavy, at a $2.6 per barrel discount to ICE Bwave, was simply rolled over from the previous month, whilst the lightest Saudi grade on offer, Arab Extra Light saw a $1.20 per barrel month-on-month hike to an $8 per barrel premium to Bwave. Apart from the overall tightness in European markets, stemming from the gradual shunning of Russian crude and products, the price increases must have also come from seeing Europe-bound June exports move to their highest monthly level in more than two years, at 750,000 b/d. As for Saudi exports in general, they have been declining for the second consecutive month. After the peak in April, they have lost more than 300,000 b/d in volume and dropped to 6.7 million b/d in June. Offsetting the decline in outright oil, exports in products have simultaneously increased, too, implying that Saudi Aramco refines more than previously thanks to Jizan, however the extent of product hikes so far lags the drop in crude.

Chart 3. ADNOC Official Selling Prices for July 2022 (set outright, here vs Oman/Dubai average).





Source: ADNOC.

The UAE national oil company ADNOC set the August price of its benchmark light sweet grade Murban at $117.53 per barrel, up almost $8 per barrel compared to the previous month. For the first time since Murban started trading, its premium vs Dubai has moved above $2 per barrel, in fact, it soared to $4.7 per barrel in June. Whilst the market still values grades yielding a lot of light distillates, ADNOCs medium sour grades such as Upper Zakum are still struggling  the latters differential to Murban dropped by another dollar, sinking to a $3.20 per barrel discount. In the meantime, ADNOC has been working to promote foreign investment into its oil and gas industry  with the Emirati company attracting some $65 billion already since 2016, the idea is still to attract as many partners as possible to ensure the fulfilment of the 5 million b/d production capacity target.

Chart 4. Iraqi Official Selling Prices for Asian cargoes (vs Oman/Dubai average).





Source: SOMO.

The Iraqi state oil marketer SOMO was toeing the line of Saudi Aramco in Asia, increasing its August formula prices by $1.20 and $0.55 per barrel for Basrah Medium and Basrah Heavy, respectively. In Europe, however, the Iraqi willingness to chart a separate course from Saudi Aramco is becoming ever more visible. Barring Arab Heavy, the Saudi NOC increased every single European formula price in August  in stark contrast to that, SOMO dropped all its OSPs. Whilst it should be mentioned, as usual, that SOMO is pricing its formula prices off Dated Brent, a spot market assessment issued by Platts, the contrary direction is nevertheless indicative of just how much the Iraqi state oil marketer wants to buck the trend of aggressive Saudi pricing. Basrah Heavy is a good example, with the August differential of Iraqs heavy sour benchmark seeing another $1.75 per barrel decline to a $12.75 per barrel discount to Dated Brent, the steepest differential it has ever seen.

Chart 5. Iraqi Official Selling Prices for European cargoes (vs Brent Dated).



Source: SOMO.

Iraq has been working towards expanding the export capacity of its southern ports and if one were to listen to its top federal officials, there would be a substantial increase in outflows starting from September. As things stand right now, the loading capacity of its Basrah port stands at 3.3 million b/d, to be more specific 1.1 million b/d for Basrah Heavy and 2.2 million b/d for Basrah Medium. The idea was to attain a 150,000 b/d increment by September, however, judging by recent SOMO utterances this has been revised to just 50,000 b/d. To a certain extent, the Iraqi federal authorities could play down the delays in project management, seeing the difficulties involved in maintaining production rates  just very recently, Baghdad lowered the production plateau target of its largest oil field Rumaila to 1.7 million b/d from 2.1 million b/d. Whilst the root cause of the downgrade lies in the project operators inability to maintain adequate water injection rates, it would not necessarily mean lower production in the now  the upgraded capacity ought to have served as Iraqs spare capacity.

Chart 6. Iranian Official Selling Prices for Asia-bound cargoes (vs Oman/Dubai average).



Source: NIOC.

The Iranian national oil company NIOC increased its August formula prices going into Asia-Pacific by $0.50-$2.80 per barrel, effectively copying the changes made by Saudi Aramco. The $2.80 per barrel month-on-month increase of Iran Light (now at a premium of $8.90 per barrel) is a replica of pricing changes made to its peer Arab Light, keeping the spread between the two at $0.4 per barrel. However, as hard as NIOC might try, its formula prices are becoming increasingly academic  the arrival of Russian Urals into India and China have saturated the Asian crude market even further. According to media reports, the main export grade of the country, Iran Light, used to trade at a $5 per barrel discount to Oman/Dubai, however, now that there is more immediate competition around and the US continues to slap new rounds of sanctions on Iranian exports, the discounts provided by NIOC have doubled to double-digit figures on a per barrel basis.

Chart 7. Kuwaiti Super Light Official Selling Prices for Asian cargoes (vs Oman/Dubai average).



Source: KPC.

Kuwaits state-owned oil company KPC has hiked the August-loading OSP of its flagship medium sour grade KEB by $1 per barrel, setting it at a $7.15 per barrel premium to Oman/Dubai. This is entirely in line with Saudi Aramcos pricing of Arab Medium, the immediate peer of the Kuwait Export crude. Whilst the self-reported production figures coming from OPEC+ countries might raise a couple of eyebrows in terms of their correctness, Kuwait has been one of the two countries that have reportedly overproduced their June 2022 quota, churning out 2.73 million b/d on the back of a 2.72 million b/d target (the other overproducer is the UAE). Kuwaiti media reports have been focusing on soaring upstream costs in the Middle Eastern country, with average production costs almost doubling over the past decade, from $4.9 per barrel in 2012 to $8.5 per barrel right now.

By Gerald Jansen for Oilprice.com

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Penny Leake, Research Analyst at Wood Mac, noted There is a risk that Nord Stream flows will reduce below the 40% capacity seen before the maintenance.

Despite the fact that Nord Stream last week resumed operations after a 10-day maintenance period, analysts and European countries are bracing for further disruptions amid continued uncertainty about how much gas Russia will send via the pipeline to Germany.

Russia restarted gas supply via Nord Stream on Thursday, with flows resuming at around 40% of Nord Streams capacity, the level from before the maintenance after Russia slashed flows in June.

Further disruptions are expected as Russia seeks to increase political and economic pressure on Europe as winter approaches, Penny Leake, Research Analyst for Europe Gas and LNG at Wood Mackenzie, said, commenting on the restart of the Nord Stream pipeline.

It remains unclear what Russia will do. There is a risk that Nord Stream flows will reduce below the 40% capacity seen before the maintenance, Leake added.

As of Monday, flows on the pipeline remained stable at around 40%, according to pipeline operators data cited by Reuters. But this could change as soon as Tuesday because Russia says it is due to send another turbine from a compressor station for maintenance.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week 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 last Wednesday.

Related: U.S. Oil Rig Count Unchanged As WTI Slumps Below $100

On Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the turbine Siemens returned would be installed once all formalities are completed, but noted, "We know that we have issues with other turbines, too, and Siemens is well aware of this.

If Nord Stream flows remain at around 40% capacity, the EU could be able to fill its gas storage to over 80% by November, WoodMac analysts say.

But if Nord Stream flows reduce to zero by August this year, Europe will only be able to refill its storage to 70-75% by the start of winter, risking some demand curtailments and deficient levels of gas in storage when winter ends. In case of a very cold winter in Europe and Asia, Europe could run out of gas in storage by February 2023, risking curtailment of 7% of total gas demand or 30-35% of all industrial demand in winter, Wood Mackenzie said.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Sizewell C plant gains approval highlighting the growing case for investment in uranium stocks as the world shifts towards self-sufficiency.

Friday saw the French energy firm EDF gain approval for their Sizewell C nuclear power plant, as the company seeks to expand on their already established Sizewell B plant in Suffolk. This is a particularly notable breakthrough as it appears to highlight a growing global trend as sentiment softens toward nuclear. Sizewell C has had plenty of opposition in its time, with local protests ensuring that authorities go through four rounds of consultancy from the inception of the project in 2012.

However, events in Russia have fast-tracked efforts to move towards a more self-sufficient energy mix. Unlike most energy sources, which can be massively influenced by geopolitical relationships and pricing fluctuations, the costs associated with a Nuclear power plant are less about the price of Uranium and more about the ongoing running costs of running the plant safely. While the plant will face plenty of further opposition, the question of whether EDF gets this expansion off the ground is less important than the wider picture for Uranium demand.

Staunch opposition in Japan and Germany starts to turn

While the Sizewell C plan faced opposition from 10,000 East Sussex residents, experiences in Fukushima have ensured that pretty much the entire Japanese population stood against turning the reactors back on. However, that is exactly what their Prime Minister plans to do, with Fumio Kishida requesting that his Minister for Industry gets up to nine nuclear reactors operational by Winter.

Germany is another traditionally staunch critic of nuclear power, with the country providing consistent opposition against efforts within the EU to include nuclear energy as a green sustainable investment in its taxonomy. However, the evident risk posed by German overreliance upon Russian energy has clearly seen a shift, with the EU finally including Nuclear in their taxonomy which now labels the energy form as being sustainable. This opens the door for European green bonds to invest in nuclear projects for the first time. According to 2021 figures, EDF could have 7.9 billion worth of projects eligible for green funding going forward. That is by far the largest segment in consideration.

Source: Bloomberg

With global attitudes shifting in favour of nuclear once again, we can expect to see demand for the raw material pick up in the coming years. Supply will also likely expand, although it takes time to get a mine operational once again. Recent talk from the United States over the need to swiftly develop the means to produce uranium concentrate highlight to global push towards building a relatively self-sufficient nuclear industry. As the world transitions towards greater electrification, it is also clear that we cannot continue to burn fossil fuels to create that electricity. Just as the EU have now classified, nuclear largely does allow for the creation of energy in a sustainable manner if produced and stored properly.

Related: High Crude Prices Are Here To Stay

While IG does not allow the trade of the underlying Uranium price itself, we can use the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust as a good proxy for underlying price. The comparison below highlights the correlation seen over the course of the past year. We can see that price has largely taken place within a well defined range over much of the past year, with the declines seen throughout global markets helping to dampen elevated sentiment seen in March and April. However, with support coming into play here, the underlying fundamentals behind uranium demand and supply should help elevate prices once again.

Source; TradingView

Yellow Cake

Yellow Cake is the primary uranium investment vehicle in the UK, with the company issuing shares and stockpiling the product over time. We have seen YCA shares similarly head lower over the course of the past three-months, bringing price 28% lower in the process. However, it is notable that price remains above the 2.94 swing-low established in late-February. As long as the price remains above that key pivot level, this stock looks attractive.

Source: ProReal Time

Cameco

Uranium giant Cameco is another trustworthy name in the field, with the producer clearly trending in the right direction despite recent weakness. That decline takes us to 26% below its April high, yet the uptrend is evident on this weekly chart. With that in mind, bullish positions are favoured as long as the price remains above the $18.02 swing-low.

Source: ProReal Time

Global X Uranium ETF

Looking at the wider uranium space as a whole, the Global X Uranium ETF allows for investment into a wide range of companies involved in the mining of uranium and production of nuclear components. Clearly we can see that things are less clear-cut for the bulls here, with the price looking at risk of rolling over. However, the bullish story still remains in play until we break back below the $17.27 swing-low established last August.

Source: ProReal Time

By CityAM

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The United States is shipping record volumes of LNG to Europe to help EU allies in their efforts to fill gas storage ahead of the winter.

U.S. LNG exports rose by 12% in the first half of 2022 compared with the second half of 2021.

High demand in Europe, high natural gas prices, and increased export capacity made the United States the worlds largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the first half of 2022, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said on Monday.

U.S. LNG exports rose by 12% in the first half of 2022 compared with the second half of 2021, and averaged 11.2 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) between January and June 2022, the EIA said, citing data from CEDIGAZ.

Thus, the United States beat Australia and Qatar, the other two major LNG exporters.

Spot LNG prices in Europe and Asia have held much higher than historical norms since the last quarter of 2021, and reached record highs earlier this year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Europe is importing growing volumes of American LNG as it looks to replace as much Russian pipeline supply as possible. Moreover, U.S. LNG export capacity has expanded by 1.9 Bcf/d nominal (2.1 Bcf/d peak) since November 2021, according to EIAs estimates.

The United States is shipping record volumes of LNG to Europe to help EU allies in their efforts to fill gas storage ahead of the winter amid growing uncertainty about Russian gas supply. For the first time ever, the European Union imported in June more LNG from the United States than gas via pipeline from Russia, as Moscow slashed supply to Europe in the middle of last month.

Related: High Crude Prices Are Here To Stay

Most U.S. LNG exports went to the EU and the UK during the first five months of 2022, accounting for 71%, or 8.2 Bcf/d, of the total American LNG exports, the EIA said today.

U.S. LNG exports are set to decline in the second half of 2022 because of the outage at Freeport LNG, the EIA said in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) for July. U.S. LNG exports are forecast to average 10.5 Bcf/d in the second half of 2022, which is 14% less than the forecast in the June 2022 STEO. The EIA expects LNG exports will jump in 2023, averaging 12.7 Bcf/d on an annual basis, or 17% higher than in 2022.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Amid the gas turbine chapter of the Russia gas flow saga, Gazprom has halted yet another turbine at its main compressor station in the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, according to Bloomberg's Javier Blas.

Gazprom announced on Monday that not only does the Russian gas producer have trouble with a turbine currently being returned to it by Canada, but it is also now halting a second turbine at its main compressor station. The flows along Nord Stream 1 will drop starting on Wednesday to 33 mcm per daythis is a 50% drop from the current flow, and amounts to just 20% of Nord Stream 1's full capacity.

In an earlier statement made Monday on the status of the first gas turbine that is making its way back to Russia, Putin's Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov mentioned that they "still have problems with other units."

Russia restarted gas flows through Nord Stream 1 after routine maintenance had the pipeline down for 10 days. As of today, flows along Nord Stream 1 have recovered to 40% of the pipeline's maximum capacity. Gazprom has said that 40% limit is due to the delay in returning the turbine to Gazprom, although there is some debate whether there are actual paperwork delays with the return of the turbine or simply Gazprom dragging its feet.

"Gazprom received from Siemens documents issued by the Canadian authorities. However, after studying the documents, Gazprom had to conclude that they do not eliminate the previously identified risks and give rise to additional questions," Gazprom's earlier statement read, adding that "the issues regarding the sanctions imposed by the EU and the UK remain unsolved for Gazprom," and that resolving this issue is "important for delivering the engine to Russia and performing urgent major repair of other turbine engines from the Portovaya CS."

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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The OPEC+ group had a massive shortfall of 2.84 million barrels per day (bpd) in June between actual production and the target oil output level as part of the deal, two delegates at the alliance told Argus on Monday.

As OPEC+ is unwinding its cuts, more and more members are falling further behind their quotas due to a lack of capacity or investment in supply. In June, the compliance rate at the OPEC+ group soared to 320% from an estimated 256% in May, according to Arguss sources, suggesting that the gap between nameplate production per the agreement and actual production continues to widen.

Per an Argus survey from earlier this month, OPEC+ pumped more than 2.5 million bpd below its target in June, despite a rebound in Russias oil production that helped the groups output rise by 730,000 bpd from May.

Russias oil production rose in June and was approaching the levels last seen in February, just before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Most of the rebound was due to higher intake from domestic refiners.

The ten OPEC producers in the OPEC+ pact pumped 24.8 million bpd of crude oil in June, OPEC data showed in the Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR), with production falling 1 million bpd short of the target levels. Top OPEC producer Saudi Arabia naturally raised its crude oil production by the most in June compared to May. Yet, per OPECs secondary sources, even the Saudis were lagging behind their quota for June. Saudi Arabias oil production rose by 159,000 bpd to 10.585 million bpd. To compare, the Saudi target was 10.663 million bpd, so the Kingdom was 78,000 bpd below its quota last month using secondary source figures.

OPEC+ is expected to continue to underperform by a lot compared to its production targets for July and August after the group decided to accelerate the rollback of the cuts and have those completely unwound by the end of August.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  Alaska U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Monday that she recently tested positive for COVID-19.

She made the announcement on the social media.

In the brief statement, the Republican said she recently tested positive after experiencing flu-like symptoms. The statement did not specify the timing of the test. Her campaign posted photos of events that Murkowski participated in Friday and Saturday in Fairbanks.

I will be following guidance and advice from doctors and will be quarantining at home in Alaska while continuing my work remotely, Murkowski's statement said.

Karina Borger, a spokesperson in Murkowskis Senate office, said by email that Murkowski is vaccinated and boosted. Borger said she had nothing more to share beyond the social media post.

Murkowski is Alaska's senior U.S. senator. She is seeking reelection this year.

Shea Siegert, a spokesperson for Murkowski's campaign, by email noted the campaign office opening and parade Murkowski participated in on Friday and Saturday, respectively. The campaign is reaching out to anyone who may have been at these events to notify them," Siegert said.

Siegert called Murkowski's diagnosis a minor setback for the campaign, and we look forward to getting Lisa back on the campaign trail as soon as she is recovered and safely able to do so. No campaign staff have tested positive, and we will continue to monitor this, Siegert said.

Sen. Joe Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat, also announced Monday that he has tested positive for COVID-19. He said in a statement online that he is experiencing mild symptoms.
A former Offutt Air Force Base airman was sentenced to three years in federal prison after being found guilty of interstate travel to engage in sex with a minor.

Brendan J. Joray, 24, of Bellevue, was sentenced Friday in the U.S. District Court for Nebraska. He also agreed to separation from the Air Force and will be under supervision for five years after his release from prison.

The U.S. attorney for Nebraska said that in November 2020, Joray met a minor online. The pair had regular video or audio sex calls, during which each engaged in sexual conduct.

In February 2021, Joray agreed to transport the minor, who lived in New York, to Nebraska, where he and the minor would share a bedroom. On Feb. 16, 2021, Joray picked up the girl outside her home about 1 a.m. and drove toward Nebraska.

Law enforcement officers spoke with Jorays roommate in Bellevue. The roommate texted Joray, who then called police in Illinois and waited for officers to arrive.

The girl told police she was 16 years old, but she was in fact 15. Joray was 23 at the time of his arrest.

The case was investigated by the FBI and Papillion Police Department.
A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty on Monday to attacking police officers and an Associated Press photographer during the Jan. 6, 2021 riot on the U.S. Capitol.

In a deal with prosecutors, Alan Byerly, 55, admitted to wielding a stun gun while confronting officers who were trying to protect the Capitol from the angry mob. He also admitted to assaulting AP photographer John Minchillo, who was documenting the chaos and violence outside the building where lawmakers were meeting to certify President Joe Bidens election victory.

In exchange for pleading guilty to two charges stemming from the attacks, prosecutors agreed to drop several other charges Byerly was facing, including civil disorder. An attorney for Byerly declined to comment Monday.

Federal guidelines recommend a sentence between about three and four years behind bars, U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss said. Byerly, of Fleetwood, is scheduled to be sentenced in October.

Byerly, who was arrested last year, is among three people who have been charged with assaulting Minchillo, who was wearing a helmet-style gas mask when he was pushed, pulled and punched by a group of men outside the Capitol. The assault was captured on video by a colleague.

Byerly was seen on camera standing behind a group of people who pulled Minchillo backward down a set of stairs leading up to the western front of the Capitol building, according to charging documents.

At the bottom of the stairs, Byerly and three other people grabbed the photographer and pushed, shoved and dragged him, authorities say. Byerly grabbed Minchillo with both hands and pushed him backwards before continuing to push and drag him away from the stairs, prosecutors say.

Minchillo found himself backed up against a stone wall by the attackers. Authorities say another man, Benjamen Scott Burlew of Miami, Oklahoma, lunged toward the photographer and shoved him over the wall, causing Minchillo to land on his back. Burlew was arrested last August and is scheduled to go to trial in October.

A third man charged in the assault was arrested in May. Rodney Milstreed is accused of grabbing Minchillo by his backpack and pulling him backward down the stairs and then shoving him. In a Facebook post a few days later, Milstreed said attacking the photographer was worth it, adding Hit him with everything god give. The crowd cheered, according to the court papers.

Authorities say shortly after assaulting Minchillo, Byerly approached police officers standing behind a row of bike racks who were trying to hold back the pro-Trump mob. Byerly approached the officers while holding up a stun gun and activated the weapon, but police were able to knock it out of his hand, prosecutors say.

Byerly continued to charge at the officers, striking and pushing them, and grabbed one officer's baton, authorities said. Officers were eventually able to restrain Byerly, but he got away with the help of another rioter, according to charging documents.

Byerly is among more than 300 people who have pleaded guilty so far to federal crimes stemming from the riot. More than 840 people have been charged with crimes ranging from low-level misdemeanors to serious felony charges such as seditious conspiracy.
The three members of a family killed at Maquoketa Caves State Park early Friday were in their tent at the time, officials confirmed Monday.

Mitch Mortvedt, assistant director of Iowas Division of Criminal Investigation, said Sarah and Tyler Schmidt, both 42, and their daughter, Lula, 6, were attacked and killed in their tent.

The couples son, Arlo, 9, survived. The family lived in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where Sarah worked for the public library.

Police have identified 23-year-old Anthony Orlando Sherwin as the suspect in the slayings. Sherwin, a La Vista resident, was found dead in a wooded area of the park from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Autopsies were to be performed Sunday and Monday, Mortvedt said, and the preliminary results are likely to be announced Tuesday or Wednesday.

He told the Associated Press over the weekend that the motive for the attack remains unknown.

We dont know what led up to this, what precipitated it, he said, adding that so far, The investigation has not revealed any early interaction between the Schmidt family and him (Sherwin).

Cecilia Sherwin, Anthony Sherwins mother, told The World-Herald in an email Saturday that the family refuses to believe the news.

Cecilia Sherwin said they were camping at the park Friday morning when she heard yelling and two gunshots. A young boy ran up to the Sherwins campsite yelling for help and told her that a man wearing black had shot his family, she said.

Cecilia Sherwin said her son was wearing green, not black, and no black clothing was found in the area. She also said that they were legally traveling with a gun, which was located in a secure container.

We think (Anthony) might have sensed trouble and grabbed the gun for safety, Cecilia Sherwin said.

A review of Nebraska criminal justice records found no signs that Anthony Sherwin had a criminal history.

As of Monday, more than $200,000 in donations had been made to a fund set up for Arlo Schmidt.
LINCOLN  One month after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Gov. Pete Ricketts has yet to give any indication that he will call for a special session to debate further abortion restrictions in Nebraska, leading some lawmakers to doubt it will happen at all.

After the leak of a draft opinion indicating that the high court was prepared to strike down the 1973 ruling that established nationwide abortion rights, Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers said he would work with the governor to call a special session. Ricketts himself, however, said he would wait for the courts official opinion before making a decision.

Following the final ruling on June 24, Ricketts announced that he would speak with Hilgers about what abortion policies could pass in the Legislature. At the time, lawmakers seemed to expect a special session  the biggest question was what the bill would look like.

But since then, Ricketts has remained quiet and refrained from commenting on the probability of a special session. Any questions about a special session typically generate one answer: Stay tuned.

On Thursday, Ricketts again said that he had nothing new to share about a special session, and that he and Hilgers were still discussing it.

In the meantime, abortion remains legal in Nebraska up to 20 weeks after fertilization.

State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, an abortion-rights supporter who opposes a special session, said she was surprised Ricketts did not immediately call for one.

At this point, Cavanaugh said a special session is less likely than not, but acknowledged that an announcement could happen at any moment.

Im prepared to go at any time, she said.

Cavanaugh said the delay could be an indication that conservatives arent confident that they have the votes to pass an abortion ban. Multiple senators on both sides of the issue have said they dont believe a total ban would pass in a special session.

This spring, lawmakers debated a trigger bill that would have banned all abortions in Nebraska once the Supreme Court overturned Roe. The bill would have made it a felony for anyone to provide any medication or undertake any procedure with the intent of ending the life of an unborn child, starting at fertilization, with no exceptions for rape or incest.

The legislation narrowly failed after an eight-hour filibuster when supporters couldnt muster the 33 votes necessary for a cloture motion. The final vote was 31-15.

Since then, the bills supporters have gained one more vote  newly appointed Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha. Kauth replaced Sen. Rich Pahls, who died shortly after the session concluded and was not present for the trigger bill vote. Kauth said she would have voted for the bill, calling it very solid.

However, there is still one more vote needed to pass a ban, and Cavanaugh said the reality of the situation may be contributing to the hesitancy.

With abortion bans going into effect across the country, she said people who previously supported abortion restrictions are now thinking about the logistics of a ban, including legal and medical complications, rather than just their religious beliefs.

After the Supreme Courts ruling, Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, who introduced the trigger bill, said she was negotiating with some lawmakers on alterations that would address sticking points in the stalled legislation  mainly that the bill would have inadvertently banned in vitro fertilization and hindered doctors attempting to perform lifesaving operations.

We have to be certain that we cover all our bases, Albrecht said at the time.

That marked a tonal shift from earlier in the year, when Albrecht said that she was confident the same bill could pass in a special session, and that she believed she had two additional votes to support a filibuster-quashing cloture motion.

Albrecht did not respond to multiple requests for comment on the current state of negotiations.

Cavanaugh said shes heard that lawmakers are negotiating with supporters and opponents of the previous trigger bill, though she hasnt been contacted.

Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha said people have reached out to him, but he hasnt engaged in any talks.

Wayne isnt firmly in either camp. He was not present to vote on the trigger bill, and declined to say whether he would support increased abortion restrictions Friday. However, he said he believed a complete ban would not pass in a special session.

Another potential roadblock is the cost of a special session, which was used as an argument in support of the trigger bill. Opponents argued that the Legislature shouldnt pass a ban without knowing the Supreme Courts decision, but supporters said it would save taxpayer money to pass the bill during regular session, rather than call a special session after the ruling.

Clerk of the Legislature Patrick ODonnell said special sessions typically cost about $10,000 per day, and must last a minimum of seven days. He said sessions can often run longer if the Legislature is debating a more complicated issue. Last year, the Legislature held a 12-day special session to redraw the states political boundaries.

Even if a special session doesnt happen, abortion restrictions will likely come up again in future sessions. The success of such bills will largely depend on the outcome of the November general election, which will bring in multiple new senators. Cavanaugh called the election the most important in Nebraska history.

This election is critical, Cavanaugh said.
During an interview in May, Tim Giago showed no signs of ill health in his Native Sun News Today office in Rapid City, South Dakota.

At age 87, the longtime journalist fielded questions from his reporters during an interview with Indian Country Today about his time as a student at Holy Rosary Indian boarding school. The school, now named Red Cloud Indian School, is on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, just north of the Nebraska border in South Dakota.

Irascible and sharp as a tack, he was quick to criticize the current mainstream coverage of Indian boarding schools.

Reporters need to speak directly with survivors who attended these schools rather than relying on secondhand information, he said.

Giago died Sunday morning in Rapid City, nearly two weeks after his 88th birthday. Doris Giago, his former wife, said he had cancer and complications related to diabetes. His wife, Jackie Giago, declined to comment.

In the May interview, he described digging a grave for his childhood friend Bozo Richards, who died at age 16 from an ear infection at Holy Rosary.

He also shared memories of how his little sister was raped by a school janitor and about the scores of his classmates who died from alcohol and drug addiction that he said was exacerbated by traumatic experiences at the school.

Long before the topic surfaced in the national news media, Giago was writing about his experiences at Holy Rosary in a 2006 book, Children Left Behind: The Dark Legacy of Indian Mission Boarding Schools. (Giagos syndicated newspaper column ran for years in the Omaha World-Herald.)

Giago took heat over the book both from Catholic leaders as well as his own people, but he refused to sugarcoat or walk back any of his reporting.

According to Giago, when reporters called the school to verify his past attendance, school leaders claimed he never attended. But an Indian Country Today reporter who recently had reviewed Catholic Indian boarding school archives at Marquette University had found documentation of his years there.

When told of the paperwork, he was nonplussed.

Hey, I knew I went there despite their claims to the contrary, he said.

Giago was born July 12, 1934. His Oglala Lakota name was Nanwica Kcjii, which translates to He Stands up for Them or The Defender.

In a 2005 article he wrote in Nieman Reports, Giago, a 1991 Nieman fellow, said that while working as a reporter for the Rapid City Journal, he was bothered by the fact that although I had been born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, I was seldom given an opportunity to do news stories about the people of the reservation. One editor told me that I would not be able to be objective in my reporting. I replied, All of your reporters are white. Are they objective when covering the white community? 

Giago said by the spring of 1981, he knew he had to start a newspaper at Pine Ridge. The newspapers first office was in a former beauty shop. It seems strange now but when our newspaper hit the stands, he wrote, we became the only independently owned Indian weekly newspaper in America.

Doris Giago, who co-founded the newspaper, said she remembers the first day in the Lakota Times newsroom.

Well, none of us knew what we were doing. So we all learned by the seat of our pants, she said. We had to start everything from scratch.

They had their relatives, including nieces and nephews who were just 10 or 12 years old, grabbing bundles off the press and selling the papers at the tribal offices.

The newspaper, renamed Indian Country Today in 1992, went on to win hundreds of reporting awards. Giago said investigations from the newspaper caused banks to be fined and rip-offs of the tribal government to be halted  Lakota Times proved that freedom of the press could not only succeed in Indian Country but that it can make a major difference in the way news is covered on the Indian reservations of America.

In 1990, Giago wrote a challenge to South Dakota Gov. George S. Mickelson, calling for the state to have a Year of Reconciliation. Mickelson responded: I couldnt agree with you more, Tim. We must reconcile those differences. As the state of South Dakota celebrates the beginning of its second century, we must also remember that statehood was a very sad time for the Native Americans. As a gesture, the state changed the name of Columbus Day to Native American Day, the first state to do so.

In 1983, Giago organized more than two dozen Native American journalists and formed the Native American Press Association. That later became the Native American Journalists Association. Giago was elected the first president.

The impact Tim had on Indigenous journalism as one of NAJAs founders is immeasurable, Rebecca Landsberry, the organizations executive director, said in an email. He has been a champion of free press in Indigenous communities his entire career and faced challenges, threats and political pressure, but always pushed to bring essential news and information to the people. Hes irreplaceable.

Indian Country Todays Mark Trahant contributed to this report.
MAQUOKETA  A 9-year-old boy survived the attack that killed three members of his family Friday at Maquoketa Caves State Park.

Tyler and Sarah Schmidt, both 42, were found dead, along with 6-year-old Lula Schmidt. They were from Cedar Falls.

Cedar Falls Mayor Rob Green issued a statement late Friday on Facebook saying the family was camping at the state park. The Schmidts' 9-year-old son, Arlo, was also there. He "survived the attack, and is safe," Green wrote.

Authorities said the suspected gunman, 23-year-old Anthony Sherwin, was found dead in a wooded area of the park with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Mitch Mortvedt, assistant director of the Department of Public Safetys division of criminal investigation, told The Associated Press on Saturday that the motive for the attack was still unknown.

We dont know what led up to this, what precipitated it, he said, adding that so far, the investigation has not revealed any early interaction between the Schmidt family and him.

Green said the family was his neighbors and said Sarah Schmidt was a Cedar Falls Public Library employee.

"Like many of you just hearing the news, I'm devastated," he wrote in the Facebook post. "I knew Sarah well, and she & her family were regular walkers here in the Sartori Park neighborhood." He had spent some time working with her during the past week on a presentation.

Cedar Falls, which borders Waterloo in Black Hawk County, is just over two hours northwest of the Quad-Cities. Home to the University of Northern Iowa, the city has a population just over 40,000.

"Details will be forthcoming about services and other memorials, and I will ensure the community knows about this," Green wrote. "Please offer some extra grace to the Schmidts' many friends, neighbors, and coworkers as we try to process this horrible tragedy." The Cedar Falls Library was closed Saturday "for the sake of the staff who loved and worked with Sarah," he added. A Go Fund Me account has been set up for Arlo and had raised about $58,000 by mid-afternoon Saturday.

The Des Moines Register reported that Sherwin came from La Vista, Neb., a suburb of Omaha. La Vista Police Chief Bob Lausten told the newspaper that Sherwin had lived in an apartment complex with his parents and that he had no history of criminal conduct.

Cecilia Sherwin, Anthony Sherwin's mother, told The Omaha World-Herald in an email Saturday that the family refuses "to believe the news."

She said they were camping at the park Friday morning when she heard yelling and two gunshots. A young boy ran up to the Sherwin's campsite yelling for help and told her that a man wearing black had shot his family, she said.

Cecilia Sherwin said her son was wearing green, not black, and no black clothing was found in the area. She also said that they were legally traveling with a gun, which was located in a secure container.

We think (Anthony) might have sensed trouble and grabbed the gun for safety, Cecilia Sherwin said. We refuse to believe the news. We are deeply saddened as he had so much to live for and gave us no indication that anything was wrong.

A review of Nebraska criminal justice records found no signs that Sherwin had a criminal history. Cecilia Sherwin did not respond to an email seeking further comment.

Autopsies on Sherwin and the victims were scheduled to be performed over the weekend, Mortvedt said, and more information would likely be released based on those findings.

Found at campsite

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office and DCI were called about 6:23 a.m. for a report of a shooting at the park campground, Mike Krapfl, a special agent in charge with DCI, said during a news conference late Friday morning.

"When officers arrived, they located three deceased bodies at a campsite," Krapfl said.

The killings prompted the evacuation of the park and campground, including a children's summer camp. After the evacuations, Sherwin was the only person unaccounted for, Mortvedt said.

He said that during the course of the investigation, authorities learned Sherwin was armed and that of course heightened our awareness. Iowa allows people with permits to carry firearms virtually anywhere in the state. Officials did not say if Sherwin had a permit and provided no information about the firearm that was used to kill the Schmidts.

Investigators were still trying to figure out what relationship, if any, there was between the Schmidts and Sherwin, Krapfl said.

The park will be closed until further notice because of the investigation.

Crowded park

Other people were in the park at the time, and at least some of them were evacuated.

"The campground was relatively full," Krapfl said, though he did not have the exact number of people who were in the park when police arrived.

"Officers made contact with all the campers, tried to get as many out as they could," Krapfl said.

There was believed to be no further threat to the public.

One employee at Maquoketa Caves said that, at about 8 a.m., she was given the option to go home after police arrived and the park was locked down in response to the report of a shooting.

Parents with children attending the nearby Camp Shalom were notified Friday morning that it also was locked down.

"We were just notified that there is an active shooter at Maquoketa Caves," according to a Friday morning message to campers' parents. "Our top priority is camper safety, and we are following the protocols."

Fridays are usually pick-up days for campers at the Christian-focused camp. It is about a mile and a half away from the Maquoketa Caves, executive assistant Beth Sallak said.

But plans changed at 9:11 a.m., when local law enforcement sent a notification to the directors that there was an active shooter situation at the state park and told them to evacuate immediately.

So, Sallak said, staff shifted gears.

We told the campers, Were going to do a surprise visit to Little Bear Park in Maquoketa. They all cheered, and we loaded everyone on the bus. They had no idea there was an active shooter a mile and a half down the road.

She complimented the staff for staying calm and quickly changing plans, as theyve trained to do in emergencies. Campers this week ranged in ages from second-graders to seniors in high school.

Nobody expects for this to happen. The Maquoketa caves? Come on," Sallak said. "Its one of the safest places you can be. I take my kids there, I hike there with my friends. That doesnt mean you cant in the back of your mind be prepared.

Camp Shalom will continue to host campers until the end of the summer, which will be two more weeks.

Well continue to keep campers safe, happy, and hydrated, slept and well-fed. Were just going to move forward as we normally we do, Sallak said.

Officials respond

State officials issued statements about Fridays incident.

Im horrified by the shooting this morning at Maquoketa Caves State Park and devastated by the loss of three innocent lives, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said. As we grieve this unimaginable tragedy, Kevin and I pray for the victims family members and the law enforcement officers who responded to the scene. We ask Iowans to do the same.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said on Twitter he was "closely monitoring" the situation in Maquoketa Caves State Park.

"Praying for the lives lost & their loved ones Im grateful for Iowa law enforcement who responded +camp staff for ensuring safety of other campers Violence cant be tolerated Killing innocent ppl is sickening," Grassley tweeted.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, likewise, wrote on Twitter: "I am heartbroken to hear of the tragedy in Maquoketa Caves State Park and am praying for the victims and their families. My staff and I are following the situation. Thankful for all of the responding law enforcement."

Kayla Lyon, Iowa Department of Natural Resources director, said she and the DNR staff were also devastated by the incident.

Our long-standing tradition of enjoying Iowas natural wonders was shaken today, but the legacy for the millions of families that recreate at Iowa state parks will continue, Lyon said.

U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, said in a statement: "This was a horrifying and senseless act of violence. As we wait to learn more, I join all Iowans in praying for those who lost their lives and our community. My team will continue to be in contact with local officials and I am grateful for our law enforcement officers who are working to keep us safe."
BLOOMINGTON  Police are investigating a Sunday morning report of gunfire in Bloomington.

Sgt Ivy. Thornton with the Bloomington Police Department said officers were called at 10:51 a.m. Sunday for a shots fired report in the 600 block of Douglas Street.

She said a male wearing black clothing was seen running away, and he took off between the yards of homes.

Thornton said no injuries were reported, and no arrests were made as of early Sunday afternoon.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call BPD dispatch at 309-820-8888.
News  Vietnam

New notice on COVID testing for cold foods exported to China
Ford County Health Department to host 'Stress Busting' program

GIBSON CITY  The Ford County Health Department will offer a free "Stress Busting" program for caregivers.

The nine-week program will meet every Monday beginning Monday, Aug. 15, through Monday, Oct. 24, from 10:30 a.m.-noon at New Beginnings Church, 107 Sangamon, Gibson City.

The program will help caregivers learn stress management, relaxation and coping techniques. The program is open to anyone providing care for a family member.

To register, contact Becky at the Ford County Health Department at 217-379-9281 or at Bbeck@fordcountyphd.org.

The deadline to register is Aug. 10.

Visit caregiverstressbusters.org for more information.
CAMP LEJEUNE CONTAMINATED WATER UPDATE

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act has been passed by Congress. If you served or lived at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987, you are going to want to check eligibility for funds under the act as soon as possible. An estimated 900,000 or more people were exposed and assumedly affected by the toxic water resulting in cancer, organ failure, reproductive issues and more. The act permits affected people the opportunity to seek reparations for illness, injury and death from exposure to the contaminated water. Additionally, those military veterans may file for service-connected compensation beyond the funds available under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. As a result of this act, affected military veterans, their family members and civilians now have access to the court systems. The legislation covers individuals not already compensated who must prove and win their case on its merits. This act is adjudicated in the courts and paid out through the U.S. Treasury Department, called the Treasury Judgment Fund. There are time limits during which claims must be filed. Additionally, you may have already seen on TV that several organizations are filing class actions to access the funds under this act. If you or a family member may be eligible for litigation or are interested in learning more about the legislation and the judicial process, please visit justiceforlejeune.org.

NEW VETERANS CRISIS LINE NUMBER

Effective July 16, veterans have the option to dial 988 then press 1 (www.veteranscrisisline.net/about/what-is-988) to connect with a caring, qualified responder for 24/7 crisis support. The VA operates the Veterans Crisis Line through the 988 Lifelines national network and thus collaborated to accomplish the successful transition to the new system. VA has added hundreds of crisis line employees and responder staff, with still more hiring underway, and has strengthened call center infrastructure. The Veterans Crisis Line is a critical component of the nations largest integrated suicide prevention network. The line links to more than 500 suicide prevention coordinators across the VA health care system, ensuring coordination into follow-up services as part of a full continuum of care.

VA IMPROVES ACCESS TO CARE WEBSITE

Effective July 19, veterans and the public are able to see veteran experience information for care delivered through VA facilities and will have a clearer view of average wait times, with more detailed information on available health care services and specialties. The new Access to Care website offers a simplified, user-friendly experience to make it easier for veterans to make informed decisions as they plan their health care appointments. For more information, visit www.accesstocare.va.gov.

Q: My husband was an honorably discharged veteran. He is buried in the family plot and has a civilian upright grave marker. There is no indication of his veteran status on the marker, so his grave often has no American flag placed on it on Memorial Day by the local veterans organizations. Is there anything available from the VA to provide a marker in such circumstances?

A: If you husband passed away on or after Nov. 1, 1990, he may be eligible for a grave marker medallion for placement in a private cemetery. The medallions come in 2-inch, 3 3/4-inch and 6 1/2-inch sizes. The medallion will be sent directly to the requester with an epoxy set to attach it to the upright grave marker already there. For more information and how to order, browse "VA form 40-1330M" (claim for government medallion for placement in civilian cemetery).
The government says it could save the country about US$13.2 billion by successful renegotiating some of the power purchase agreements (PPAs).



The savings would accrue over the lifespan of the renegotiated agreements, the Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, has told Parliament.



Mr Ofori-Atta said during the presentation of the mid-year budget review Monday that the affected projects were Karpower, Cenpower, Early Power, Twin City Energy (formerly Amandi), AKSA Energy and Cenit.



He said the renegotiations and the savings were some of the strategies adopted by the government to reduce costs and improve the energy situation of the country.



He added that the timely intervention of the Bank of Ghana, through the Special Forex Auction mechanism was also expected to sustain the continuous supply of petroleum products in Ghana.



Mr Speaker, the raft of sanctions imposed on Russia are tightening supply conditions for energy products.



In response, the government is closely monitoring the stock of products at all depots. The timely intervention of the Bank of Ghana, through the Special Forex Auction mechanism, is also expected to sustain the continuous supply of petroleum products in Ghana, he said.



Mr Speaker, we have seen in this country the damage that disruptions in power supply cause to businesses, large and small, from factories to hairdresser salons. As part of measures to improve transmission and reliability of power supply and expend energy to all Ghanaians, we have, between January to date: completed the Kasoa Bulk Supply Point (BSP) Project, which comprises the reconstruction of a section of GRIDCOs 161kV Winneba-Mallam transmission lines and tie-in-works, advanced the Volta-Achimota Lot of the 161KV Volta-Achimota-Mallam Transmission Line Upgrade Project to 85 percent, from 83 percent and connected 58 communities to the national grid as at end June 2022 with several communities at various stages of completion," he said.



He added that the government had also commissioned the Solar Irrigation Project at the Ho Technical University on 18th March 2022 to promote renewable energy systems.



On the renegotiations, the Minister said for balanced, sustainable energy partnerships that provide affordable power for industrial, commercial and residential use, the government kept its promise and successfully renegotiated PPAs with six IPPs.



These renegotiated agreements are expected to have savings estimated at US$13.2 billion over the life of the PPAs through a combination of reduced capacity and energy charges. In other words, we are saving the Ghanaian taxpayer US$13.2 billion from power contracts signed by the previous administration, Mr Ofori-Atta said.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Government stands justified for awarding the contract for printing textbooks for schools in the country to local printing companies, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour has said.



According to him, so far, the companies who won the bids had justified the confidence reposed in them by the government by delivering far ahead of schedule.



"Indeed me we at the Ministry of Education are satisfied with the quality of job done so far. Today we are here at Buck Press and we have inspected the machinery, the processes and the final product and we are satisfied with the quality of work done," he stressed.



Rev Fordjour disclosed this during a pre-inspection tour of the second batch of science textbooks being printed by Buck Press Limited in Accra.



Buck Press is one of the local companies awarded the contract to print the textbooks for the schools.



It is also printing quantities of the science textbooks and had so far printed more than 60per cent of the quantities awarded it and had promised to finish before the 90-day schedule.



The Deputy Minister explained that their assessment of work done so far showed that the books printed were comparable or even better than others which had been imported into the country.



He said the decision to award the contract to local printing houses has enhanced local capacity and revamping the printing industry as well as creating employment in the country.



"This single decision will go a long way to ensure that many more people are employed to fill up gaps in many more printing houses and many print houses that have been dormant for years will receive revitalisation," he emphasised.



He commended Buck Press for their level of efficiency and professionalism.



On his part, the Executive Director of Buck Press, Mr Francis Nyanin said they had so far produced about 60per cent of the contract and was on course to executing the whole contract.



He said the first batch of books delivered by his outfit was 123,000 copies and the second batch which was delivered yesterday was 173,273 books.



Mr Nyanin said his outfit had the capacity to deliver on local supplies and would be happy if government would look within more to develop the sector.



He assured that work was in progress and soon would deliver on the entire contract.

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.

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The government owes the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) GH23,011,827 being arrears for the conduct of the 2021 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The Ranking Member on the Education Committee of Parliament, Peter Kwasi Nortsu-Kotoe, who briefed journalists in Parliament, explained that the amount was made up of GH15,790,072 for the WASSCE and GH7,221,755 for the BECE.



He said it was disheartening to know that persons who supervised and invigilated the BECE for school candidates, as well as script checkers for 2021, were yet to be paid the allowance due them.



"I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the Minister of Finance, to as a matter of urgency, release money to WAEC for a smooth conduct of this year's examination", he stated.



WASSCE 2022



Mr Nortsu-Kotoe warned that WAEC might be forced to postpone the 2022 School Candidate WASSCE if the government failed to release an amount of GH96,694,432.40 to enable it to engage in a number of pre-examination activities, including the payment of transportation and allowances for examiners, supervisors, invigilators and depot-keepers.



Mr Nortsu-Kotoe, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akatsi North, said information available to the Minority in Parliament indicated that to date, the Ministry of Education had not released any money to WAEC for the conduct of the 2022 WASSCE, which was expected to commence from August 1, 2022.



He said four other countries that constituted WAEC  Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Liberia  have all conducted their 2022 WASSCE already leaving out only Ghana so any further delay of the release of funds to WAEC could lead to the postponement of the examination.



That, he said, would seriously affect Ghana's education calendar for the following year.



Success/Caution



Mr Nortsu-Kotoe used the opportunity to wish all the candidates for this years examinations success despite the challenges they were currently facing in their preparation for the examinations which included food shortages and the strike action by teachers and educational workers at the pre-tertiary level.



He also cautioned the candidates that measures were being put in place by the WAEC to make sure that examination malpractices  cheating, taking foreign materials to the examination halls, as well as violence against supervisors and invigilators  were being checked and stiff sanctions would be brought to bear on all those who would fall foul of the regulations.



Mr Nortsu-Kotoe said Ghanaians were also expecting the WAEC to conduct a credible examination this year devoid of malpractices, and delays at the start of the examination, among others.



Candidates



Mr Nortsu-Kotoe said a total of 422,883 candidates registered to take part in the WASSCE from 977 schools, with 72 and 14 of the candidates being visually and hearing impaired, respectively.



This year's examination is expected to start from August 1, 2022, to September 27, 2022, with candidates expected to write a total of 60 subjects, including four core and 56 electives.

Source: graphiconline.com









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The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Professor Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, has explained that the GES is not undertaking any review of the free senior high school (FSHS).



Any such review of the free SHS policy is the sole prerogative of the President and the government. The Ghana Education Service is an agency and does not formulate or initiate a review of policies, Prof. Opoku-Amankwa explained in a statement he signed and issued in Accra last Friday.



Clarification



The clarification follows recent media publications which suggest that the Director-General said the free SHS policy is being reviewed.



But Prof Opoku-Amankwa explained that as an agency, the GES implemented government policies and programmes in pre-tertiary education.



The statement recalled that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in a recent speech at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) assured all students, potential students, parents and the entire country that the free SHS would not be affected by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.



It is the commitment of the GES under my leadership to ensure that the vision of His Excellency President Akufo-Addo to provide accessible, equitable and quality free SHS education is fully implemented to the benefit of the good people of Ghana, the statement concluded.









Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Questions Bank Ghana Website, an online education promotion organisation, has launched the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Questions Bank Interactive online portal for candidates of both the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The questions bank is an online education resource platform for students in the junior and senior high schools, particularly BECE and WASSCE students preparing to sit for their final year examination.



Addressing the media at the launch, the Director of Questions Bank Ghana Website, Dinah Oppong, noted that the website also allowed students to take a test within a time frame, and receive scores immediately after answering the questions to the test while the marking scheme of the answers are provided afterward.



Opportunity



This, she explained, would provide the students the opportunity to try their hands on past questions from 2015 to 2022, build their confidence and be abreast of the requirement of the examination in the comfort of their homes or schools.



She explained that the website provided services that allowed parents, schools, teachers and students to enjoy web database resources that ensured real life feed and interaction between the users and the website.



The website allows users to have access to BECE and WASSCE past questions online. It also allows users to have access to examiners reviews and remarks of what expectations are required from candidates when sitting for their final examination, Ms Oppong added.



She said the websites had blogs, pictures and text resources that allowed candidates and students to have access to learning materials to help them adequately prepare for their final year examination.



Interface

The website interface requires one to register in order to have access to the past questions for a fee of GH20 for individuals and a discount for groups and schools wishing to register on behalf of their students.



In order to navigate the question bank website, users are required to enter their individual details that capture their names, email address, schools and a token in order to sign up.



Dashboard



The users dashboard is divided into three categories, firstly, take a test now module which helps users to take part in live exams papers and evaluations).



The second is the examiner's paper review which allows users to see all examiners paper review, and lastly questions and possible answers that allow users to see all questions and answers for past exam sessions.



Ms Oppong noted that the advancement of online applications had made life easier and convenient, indicating that in the past reading and learning could only take place in the library and classroom and through the use of hard copy learning materials.



Today, these things have migrated online, making learning even more fun for students and teachers. It is this same philosophy that underpinned and gave birth to the launched questions bank website, she added.







Source: graphiconline.com









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The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has said one close contact in the new Marburg Virus Disease cases in Ghana reported symptoms after the maximum incubation period, the person tested positive together with his close contact (yet to be corroborated by IPD) but died on July 21, 2022.



Currently, 40 additional contacts have been identified in the Savannah Region and are being followed up.



Eleven of the 40 contacts are Health Care Workers (HCW) and that daily monitoring of temperature and general health and wellbeing is being undertaken by healthcare staff in the affected district.



The Director-General of the GHS, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye made this known at a press briefing in Accra on Sunday (July 24, 2022).



Marburg Virus Disease in Ghana



The GHS on June 26, 2022, identified a suspected case of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever whose date of onset was June 22, 2022. It resulted in two fatalities.



The Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research (NMIMR) confirmed Marburg Virus Disease on July 7, 2022.



The results were subsequently corroborated by Institut Pasteur in Dakar (IPD) on July 15, 2022.



The two earlier fatal cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD) were reported in the Ashanti region.



In the first case, it was a 26-year-old male who was a farm worker in Adansi North district in the Ashanti region with a travel history to the Western region.



Prior to symptom onset on June 24, he arrived from the Western region to the Ashanti region.



He sought care at a hospital on June 26 and died on June 27.



The case was transported and buried in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba district in the Savannah region, which borders both Burkina Faso and Cote dIvoire.



The burial was conducted before the results of laboratory tests for MVD were available.



The second case was a 51-year-old male who was a farm worker in the Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti region.



He sought care at the same hospital as the first case on June 28 but died the same day.

Both cases presented with fever, general malaise, bleeding from the nose and mouth, and subconjunctival bleeding (bleeding of the blood vessels in the eyes).



An outbreak of MVD has only been reported once previously in West Africa, and this is the first time MVD has been notified in Ghana. An outbreak of MVD may represent a serious public health threat as it is severe and often fatal, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).



The second case from NMIMR is yet to be corroborated by IPD, Dr Kuma-Aboagye said at the press briefing on Sunday.



He added that during a follow-up of the case, clinical notes suggested the case does not meet VHF definition and that a chronic case of peptic ulcer disease.



Further investigation is being conducted and that all contacts of the case-patient have completed mandatory 21-day quarantine and are all well.



Dr Kuma-Aboagye said the implementation of several interventions with focus on three regions; Ashanti, Savannah and Western is underway and that a cumulative list of 118 contacts in three districts in the three regions were identified - Ashanti - 50; Savannah - 48 and Western - 20,



Nineteen of the contacts were HCWs; 99 were close family members or household/community contacts and all contacts have completed the mandatory 21-day follow-up as of July 21, 2022.



It is from this that one close contact reported symptoms after the maximum incubation period, tested positive together with his close contact (yet to be corroborated by IPD) and died on July 21, 2022.



Dr Kuma-Aboagye said currently, 40 additional contacts have been identified in the Savannah Region and are being followed up, 11 of the 40 contacts are Health Care Workers.

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.

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The total confirmed cases of the monkeypox outbreak in Ghana is now 34 with the cases recorded in six regions. More than 50 percent of cases are in the Greater Accra Region.



The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has said Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Eastern and Upper West are the regions where the cases have been identified.



The monkeypox outbreak was Saturday (July 23, 2022) declared a global Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO).



The classification is the highest alert that the WHO can issue and follows a worldwide upsurge in cases.



It came at the end of the second meeting of the WHO's emergency committee on the virus.



Ghana cases



The last confirmed case in Ghana was on July 15th 2022 and the ages of cases range from 9 months to 45 years.



No fatality has been recorded among cases with majority of cases being male, according to the GHS.



At a press briefing in Accra on Sunday [July 24, 2022], the Director General of the GHS, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye said District Rapid Response Teams and Case Management Teams have been oriented on Monkeypox Outbreak Response Measures and that dissemination of WHO Preliminary Guidelines on Case Management are underway.



In collaboration with the Veterinary Services Department, the GHS is conducting assessments in the affected communities, Contact Tracing and follow-up and Enhanced education in schools and communities.



Outlook



Touching on the outlook, Dr Kuma-Aboagye said Ghanas Public Health system is strained with several public health emergencies and that the risk of widespread Monkeypox cases exists but does not pose a major threat.



He added that the threat of Marburg virus disease spread exists but low and that adherence to protocols and infection prevention and control strategies remain crucial in addition to strengthened continuous surveillance activities for early detection and adequate containment.



What is Monkeypox?



In contrast to past sporadic cases linked to travel to endemic countries, health officials have not confirmed the source of infection for the current outbreak, which is primarily centered in Europe.



Human-to-human transmission occurs among people in close physical contact, with the increase in recent cases linked to sexual contact, suggesting that the virus linked to the disease can be sexually transmitted.



The current outbreak highlights the importance of vigilant safe sexual practices and suggests monkeypox can be transmitted while the infected person displays few or no symptoms; however, the risk is currently assessed as low for individuals not routinely engaging with multiple or anonymous sexual partners.



Monkeypox does not naturally occur in Ghana; most cases are reported in West and Central Africa, primarily in the DRC, Nigeria, and Cameroon among individuals who report contact with wild primates or other mammals which may harbor the disease. The last confirmed monkeypox outbreak in Ghana was reported in 2003.



Monkeypox is caused by a virus that belongs to the same family as the virus that causes smallpox.



However, monkeypox is not the same as smallpox, and it does not have the same capacity for rapid human-to-human transmission.



Monkeypox is mainly transmitted to humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected rodents or primates. Human-to-human transmission primarily occurs through close personal contact with an infected individual via respiratory droplets, direct contact with bodily fluids, or indirect contact with lesion material (e.g., contaminated clothing or bedding).



Symptoms typically appear 6-16 days after exposure but can develop up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms generally include fever, headache, muscle aches and backaches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a distinctive rash characterized by lesions that progress through several stages before falling off.



Advice



Public health officials have advised the practice of basic health precautions, including frequent handwashing with soap and water, covering the nose and mouth when coughing, and avoiding obviously ill individuals and addition to avoiding overcrowded areas, such as nightclubs, and consider using safe sexual practices, such as physical barriers (condoms), in countries reporting monkeypox transmission. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas.

Source: graphic.com.gh









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The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has warned that residents of communities near illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) sites have a high risk of contracting Marburg virus disease.



According to the GHS, residents of these areas should be extra vigilant because the Marburg virus is spread by bats, who live in caves in some of these mining areas, 3news.com reports.



In an interview on TV3, the Director-General of the GHS, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, who gave the caution, added that all the Marburg virus infections recorded in Ghana so far are all from galamsey communities.



The cases were found in an area where there is illegal mining; where there are caves and bats like to stay in caves, so we have to also look at the environmental factors, he said.



Also, the director-general urged Ghanaians to avoid eating bush meat, particularly that of bats.



He added that even if people want to consume bush meat, they should ensure that it is well cooked, saying, the processing of the meat should be measured.



So far, three people have died from contracting the Marburg Virus Disease. More than 120 contacts that have been traced are under quarantine.



The GHS has disclosed that out of the persons who are under quarantine, 11 of them are health workers.



Meanwhile, GhanaWeb is accepting nominations for the prestigious GhanaWeb Excellence Awards  Youth Edition. Click here to nominate.





Source: ghanaweb.com









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Government has said it is working to develop a national carbon policy to, among other things, position the country to fully benefit from the multi-billion dollar emerging global market.



The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor  who revealed this in parliament, said the move will also help combat climate change.



A properly regulated carbon market will therefore position us to benefit economically from this new market, the minister said in his policy statement on development of Ghanas carbon market as presented to Parliament.



Globally, the carbon market is growing in leaps and bounds. Its traded market value grew 164 percent to US$851billion in 2021, Mr. Jinapor told lawmakers.



The country, he said, is already one of a few that are building end-to-end, state-of-the-art digital infrastructure to support its participation in international carbon markets.



He recognised that the carbon market is a major initiative adopted to halt climate change and spur socio-economic development. But he also noted that the market has been consistently dominated by the private sector and multilateral development organisations.



Carbon stocks, which are the primary commodity on carbon markets, are however increasingly being treated as a national natural resource asset due to their huge economic potentials, he said.



Furthermore, Article 6 of the 2015 Paris Agreement, he opined, establishes a mechanism for states to cooperate in different ways to achieve climate goals, including carbon trade.



The Glasgow Climate Pact and the Paris Rulebook have since been adopted to operationalize Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. And part of this allows countries to trade in carbon credits within a carbon market framework generated by the reduction and/or removal of greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere.



To this end, the minister said it will be important to define what the national circumstances are and what works best in transacting carbon as a commodity on both voluntary and compliance markets.



Issues of pricing carbon, national policies on carbon sales and purchases, as well as building infrastructure that allows entry into these markets need to be set by national governments, and thus the need for a domestic policy on carbon markets and trade, he stated.



Among other initiatives to address the issues of climate change, he indicated that the country is engaged in various international mechanisms within the climate space in different sectors  like forest and land use, energy, transport and waste.



Meanwhile, the country has already signed a Letter of Intent with the Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest Finance (LEAF) Coalition, as a first step toward signing a binding emission reductions purchase agreement  to access funds and support forest-based climate actions in the voluntary carbon market.



Despite these, Mr. Jinapor said the country does not have a carbon trading and/or market policy nationally, or for the forestry sector.



It is against this background that he told parliament government wants to develop a carbon market policy.



This blueprint will lead the way for other sectors to develop their carbon market policies and strategies, and eventually lead to a national carbon policy with the requisite Legislative Instrument for full operationalisation, he said.



Among other things, it defines the context within which to transact sector carbon sales and purchases, and determines the price to transact a tonne of carbon dioxide  equivalent to greenhouse gas emission reductions and removals.



Also, it will help develop the institutional framework for approvals and no-objection seeking within and across sectors for carbon sales and purchases for both government and private sector engagements; set up a carbon market framework and define which projects/programmes to place on the voluntary or compliance market, among others.



A domestic framework that allows the approval and registration of mitigation initiatives are necessary for participation in the market-based and non-market cooperation approaches of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.



To capitalise on opportunities in the global carbon market, we must strengthen our institutional capacities and develop an authorisation process for international transfers. Treating the nations carbon stock as a precious commodity and applying similar regulatory and policy frameworks can create the right environment for this new sector to thrive, he said.

Source: B&FT









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Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party, NPP, and relative of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has reacted to a recent attack on his person and anti-corruption credentials.



Gabby via a Facebook post questioned the basis on which lawyer Martin Kpebu had referred to the President as a member of a criminal syndicate at the presidency.



He averred that despite the tirade, which he described as 'an outre slur and barb against Akufo-Addo,' some media houses will continue to platform Kpebu as objective pundit, analyst, commentator.



Speaking on Joynews Newsfile program on Saturday, July 23, 2022, the private legal practitioner accused the president of being an abysmal failure as far as the fight against corruption is concerned.



Lawyer Kpebu was of the view that the statistics keep getting worse because the first gentleman of the land appears adamant about fighting corruption under his watch.



Akufo-Addo is part of the criminal syndicate at the Jubilee House. The president is definitely part. This corruption cannot happen without his involvement," he said.



He has since retracted and apologised for the said comments.



Read Gabby's post below:



For years Martin Kpebu had been treated by some media houses as an objective pundit, analyst, commentator. Watch this space, not even this episode will change that!



Did the survey that curiosly sought to undertake the dubiously speculative, but arguably useful task of quantifying bribery in Ghana from Elubo to Aflao, focus that much on the Executive and specifically Jubilee for such an outre slur and barb against Akufo-Addo by Martin Kpebu?



And, is there any available comparative earlier survey in Ghana on the estimated cost of bribery to measure the 2021 survey by for the current president to be attacked the way Martin did over this one?



It is, indeed, odd that in the NPP, we have a government that is doing far more work and spending far more in areas that are clear where the money goes, and yet is probably the most unfairly lambasted government on the use of public funds by those who claim to be neutral yet their neutral wire is confusingly and permanently the same as a negative wire.















Source: ghanaweb.com









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A former aide to late President John Evans Atta-Mills has disclosed why he continues to work assiduously towards protecting the legacy and honouring the heritage of the former Head of State.



Koku Anyidoho, Chief Executive Officer of the Atta-Mills Institute, AMI, said at the 10th official commemoration of Atta-Mills passing disclosed what motivated him to champion the cause of renovating Asomdwee Park, the final resting place of his former boss.



He said the former President shows himself to him (Anyidoho) at night begging him to do all it takes to give him a befitting resting place.



I, Samuel Koku Tsitsope Anyidoho, I continue to be burdened when Asomdwee park was becoming a scourge on the conscience, the eye and the spirit of the Republic of Ghana. I could not continue seeing this place like that.



I could not continue waking up startled in the night, not because I am practicing necromancy, not because I am worshiping a dead body, but I see him, he shows himself to me.



 . . and begs me and says that Koku, if anybody and everybody turns their back, I beg you, please whatever it will take to give me a befitting resting place, please do it and God will bless you, he stressed.



The 10th anniversary celebration was observed officially by the state at a commissioning of the Asomdwee Park.



It was attended by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia as well as Koku Anyidoho, whose Non-Governmental Organization, the Atta Mills Institute, AMI, got government to undertake renovations at the Park.



John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress as well as the Atta-Mills family, held their own commemoration at the Park hours after that of the state had ended.























Source: ghanaweb.com









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Aligning any cost to free SHS will make it a failed policy, according to the Executive Director of Child Rights International (CRI), Mr. Bright Appiah.



He said per the policy, every child in Ghana who qualifies for and is placed in a public Senior High School for his secondary education would have their fees absorbed by the government.



As a child-centred organization, CRI believes that Ghana has passed the stage of allocation of cost in the delivery of free SHS and reached the stage where attention should be mainly on efficiency and quality, he said.



Mr. Appiah saidGoal 4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) states: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. It has therefore been a priority of the government and the Ministry of Education to ensure that education is made free from basic to secondary to afford more children in Ghana the opportunity to access quality education.



He said the intervention under the policy absorbed tuition, meals for both boarders and day students, textbooks, library fees, boarding, science laboratory, examination, and utility fees should be paid by the government as enshrined in the policy.



He said statistics from the Ghana Education Service ( GES) revealed that 1. 6 million young people have so far benefited from the free SHS Programme since its introduction in 2017.



Most of the beneficiaries of the programme are children from deprived communities who before the implementation of the policy were idling at homes because of lack of finances, he said



Mr. Appiah said at the 2021 mid-year review in Parliament, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, also stated that since the introduction of the policy, student enrolment at the SHS level had increased from 881,600 in 2016 to 1,261,125 in 2021.



According to him, five years after the implementation of the policy, 411 out of the 465 candidates who scored grade A in all subjects at the 2020 WASSCE were beneficiaries of the free SHS, The policy has increased enrolment massively, especially in rural communities of Ghana.



Socially and economically, the policy has lifted the financial burden for most parents, who can now be more supportive in their childs academia without feeling dependent on scholarships or private benefits. The Free SHS policy covers the primary and secondary expenditures that caregivers were burdened to provide despite their economic incapability to do so. It has removed social hindrance of choosing some children over others to be educated, he said.



Mr Appiah said over the past five years of its implementation, the government announced that it had allocated a total amount of GH7.62 billion for the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme.



According to him, the Minister of Finance said GH4.18 billion out of the amount representing 54.76 percent was sourced from the government of Ghana (GoG), while the remaining GH3.44 billion, representing 45.24 percent, came from the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA).



Although the government has come out on countless times to rubbish report of a possible review of the policy, CRI wants to draw attention to the fact that any future plans to review the policy to allocate cost to parents will defeat the universality of the policy. Once the cost is assigned to the policy, it will become a failed policy, he added.



He said though the nation is getting its dividend in investing in young people through the FSHS, there are some issues that must be addressed to ensure that the policy is sustained and driven in the right direction.



Mr Appiah said there was a need for government to address the supply of perishable and non-perishable goods to schools and the availability of textbooks.



He said government, as a matter of urgency, should elevate all social intervention programmes aiding education in Ghana into a statutory body to ensure sustainability, free flow of social policies, transparency, and accountability.



Mr Appiah said government communication in relation to social policies should be done in a manner that described the policy as a social investment policy for better appreciation by stakeholders and beneficiaries.





Source: ghanaweb.com









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Chief Executive Officer of Atta Mills Institute, Samuel Koku Anyidoho, has reiterated that he will forever remain loyal to his boss, late former President, John Evans Atta Mills.



According to him, he was taken by surprise when the late former President Atta-Mills personally called him with humility and appealed to him to quit his banking career and join his team in the early days of 2005.



He continued that, after joining the team and working under him, late Mills remained humble and loyal, as well as, gave him more opportunities to explore rendering services to Ghana.



If out of millions of Ghanaians, a former President who has attempted to become President calls you in humility and asks you to work for him, God for bid that I will be disloyal to him, he said.



Koku Anyidoho also refuted claims by some people that, they held his hands and introduced him to former President Atta Mills adding that, former President Atta Mills personally called me on phone to join his team so all those statements running around by some people saying they held his hands to Atta-Mills remains a statement of those persons imagination.



I realize very early that I had no option but to remain extremely loyal to the late President. When sometime in 2005, I was then working at the Metropolitan and Allied Bank as the head of treasury and finance.



When he {Late Mills} personally called me in humility and said Koku please I think you have something to offer, I know you can help me so join the team.



So if anybody is running around saying that he held my hands and took me to President Mills, its a statement of the persons imagination. President Mills called me himself, hence the loyalty and the covenant working relationship between the two of us, he added.



Koku Anyidoho was addressing dignitaries at the commissioning of the renovated Asomdwee Park to mark the 10th Anniversary of the passing of former President John Evans Atta-Mills in Accra.



H. E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo ( President of the Republic of Ghana) in 2020, tasked the Coastal Development Authority with an important assignment to execute on behalf of the people of Ghana a befitting renovation of the Asomdwee Park.



Before the commissioning of the Park, some members of former President Atta-Mills family had accused the government and the Coastal Development Authority of neglecting the family in the attempt to renovate the Park and requested the body of former President Mills be given to them for reburial in his hometown, Ekumfi-Atuam in the Central Region.











Source: ghanaweb.com









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The Minority Leader in Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu, has wondered why the choice of colour for the new state bust unveiled in honour of the late former President of Ghana, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, is in brown.



According to the Leader, it is already enough offense for the bust that was unveiled in the honour of the late president to have been done without any indications of his name.



The Minority Leader was addressing a press conference on Monday, July 25, 2022, at parliament, when he explained that the colour is not something he ever saw the former statesman wear.



Persons who visit the Asomdwee Park must know that its the final resting place of the late John Evans Atta Mills, president of the country, who passed on in office and to his eternal memory, this bust is put in place.



How then can any of you explain that just beneath the bust, youll see who unveiled it and who sponsored or who supported it: that is not his name and for the unsuspecting people, somebody may come and the picture may be referred to as unveiled by. In any case, I never even saw Prof. Mills in that kind of brown attire, he said.



The Minority Leader has also asked the government to correct the error and ensure that the right thing is done.



You know, everywhere in the world - those of you who have visited the Lincoln Memorial in the United States, its for his eternal memory that you put his name there so that visitors will know that this is John Evans Atta Mills, the third president of the fourth republic who passed on in public service, serving Ghana as its president, not who has altered where his final sleeping place is or who sponsored it. The president and his associates must take immediate steps to go and correct that wrong and that anomaly. We find it incredibly unacceptable and incredibly offensive, he added.



John Atta Mills died on July 24, 2012, becoming the first president in the country to have died in office.



He was buried in Accra at the Asomdwee Park, which has since seen a major upgrade amidst several controversies.



Upon his death, John Dramani Mahama took over as president.

































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.

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The Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu, Alhassan Bashir Fuseini, has said he does not expect anything new from the Finance Minister at the impending Mid-Year Budget review in Parliament today.



Ken Ofori-Atta is expected to make the presentation before Parliament in a few hours.



But the Sagnarigu MP said the Minister has nothing new to offer, likening the review to a "funeral announcement".



To A.B.A Fuseini, Ofori-Atta has woefully failed Ghanaians and has thrown the country's economy into "shambles".



When asked by GhanaWeb's Nimatu Atouyese about his expectations, he said, "I don't expect anything other than another funeral announcement."



Meanwhile, there have been several calls by critics and opposition to have Ken Ofori-Atta sacked.



However, the MP alleged that the finance minister has not been sacked because President Akufo-Addo is afraid of him.



"He does not need to be anywhere close to the House. This is a man who has supervised the worse economy that this country has ever experienced. He inherited an economy that was working, and today he is leading an economy that is in the worst of shapes."



He added, "I was not coming to Parliament with the expectation that I will meet Ken Ofori-Atta here. He should have been sacked. He has not been sacked because he is a tin god in NPP, Nana Akufo-Addo is afraid of him, he cannot sack him," he said.













Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Accra High Court has ordered the government not to make any payment to the lead operators of the Sankofa Oil Field, Eni Ghana Limited, and its partner, Vitol Upstream Limited, in respect of petroleum purchased from the field.

Per a ruling dated July 15 this year, the government must desist from making any payment to Eni and Vitol until the determination of a substantive application by the court on whether the government should rather make the payment to the court.



The issue of the payment by the government to the court is to help enforce another order by the court directed at Eni and Vitol to preserve 30 per cent of all the revenues accumulated from the Sankofa Oil Field, since June, 2021, until the determination of a legal dispute.



The court ordered the government not to make the payment for the purchase of oil to Eni and Vito after it had granted an interlocutory injunction by an indigenous oil company, Springfield Exploration and Production Limited (SEP).



The order by court, presided over by Justice Mariama Sammo, is specifically directed at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Finance.



Preservation order



SEP has been battling Eni and Vitol in court over the refusal of the two multinational oil giants to unitise their Sankofa Field, and Afina Oil Field, operated by SEP as directed by then Minister of Energy, John Peter Amewu, on April 9, 2020 , in accordance with Section 34(1) of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 2016 (Act 919).



At stake in the dispute are more than 500 million barrels of oil.



Following an application by SEP, on June 25, 2021, Justice Sammo ordered the preservation of 30 per cent of the revenue accruing from the Sankofa Oil Field into an escrow account agreed by all the parties.



The preservation order will be in place until the determination of a suit by SEP seeking an order for the court to compel Eni and Vitol to comply with the directive of Mr. Amewu to unitise their respective oil fields.



Justice Sammo directed that the 30 per cent would be paid into an interest-yielding escrow account, and in the event Springfield succeeded, the money would be shared among the parties in a ratio determined by the court.





However, the court held that in case Springfield lost the court case, the money would be released to Eni and Vitol.



It is the case of SEP that Eni and Vitol frustrated the execution of the preservation order by the court and also totally disregarded it.



In view of that, on January 24, this year, following another application, the court ordered that the 30 per cent of the accumulated revenue should now be paid to the Registrar of the court to be deposited into an interest bearing account.



New application



On March 3, this year, SEP went back to the High Court with an argument that Eni and Vitol had still refused to carry out the courts order for the preservation of 30 per cent of the revenues accrued from the Sankofa Oil field.



It, therefore, filed an application for the court to stop the government from making any payment to Eni and Vitol for the purchase of oil from the Sankofa Field and rather for the payments to be made into the accounts of the court, until the two foreign oil companies comply with the preservation order.



It was the case of SEP that although the current application would not deal with the entire amount involved in the preservation order; it will greatly maintain the integrity of the order of the court and enhance the due administration of justice.



As part of its case, SEP also filed an interlocutory application for the court to halt the payments by the government to Eni and Vitol until the final determination of the substantive application.



It was the interlocutory application that was granted by the court on July 15, this year.



Unitisation



The Sankofa Oil Filed is part of the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP), an area located off the coast of western Ghana, with about 500 million barrels oil reserves and 40 billion cubic metres of gas.



Eni is the lead operator.



On the other hand, Springfield is the lead operator in the Afina Field in the West Cape Three Points (WCTP), which has about 620 million barrels of oil.



Section 34 of Act 919 stipulates that whenever accumulation of petroleum extends beyond the boundaries of a contract area into another contract area, the Minister of Energy may direct the two contractors to merge their operations into a single unit.



Technical analysis done by experts, contracted by the government and the parties, revealed that the accumulation of petroleum in the Sankofa Field extended to the Afina Field.



That led Mr. Amewu to order Springfield and Eni to unitise their operations, in line with Act 919.



After many rounds of failed negotiations, Springfield dragged Eni and Vitol to court, seeking to enforce the ministers order.



Eni has also dragged Ghana to the London Arbitration Tribunal with a case that the Government of Ghana was attempting to force Springfield E&P on it.



Meanwhile, energy experts have argued that Ghana stands to benefit more from the unitisation because it will lead to a significant drop in operational and capital costs of the unitised fields, which in turn will lead to increases in royalties, taxes, additional oil entitlement (AOE), fees and levies for the government.















Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Angry residents of Suame pelted sachet water on their Member of Parliament (MP) and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu when he visited the area, Monday, July 18, 2022.



The MP visited the Constituency to inspect the progress of work on various development projects.



His vehicle was also pelted with sachet water and other items such as coconut husk. It took the timely intervention of the Police to whisk him to safety.



Speaking to this, a member of the Communication team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) said the incident should be a "wakeup" call for the Majority Leader.



According to him, the workload on the MP is so much that he would need to delegate for others to help especially in his constituency to avoid losing his seat.



"There's too much work on the majority leader . . . the pelting of pure water should be a wake-up call for him . . . we know his work in parliament is unmatched . . . apart from Bagbin there's no one; so he's a gem, an asset in parliament for the NPP, but before you become that asset unless your constituents vote for you, and so with the least mistake and they vote against him, it will be bad for the NPP. So it should be a wake-up call for him. His responsibility is big so he can delegate or assign others to help him," he said in a discussion on Neat FM's 'Me Man Nti' programme.



Watch video below







Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Seasoned Journalist, Kwesi Pratt has vehemently reprimanded government over her move to the International Monetary Fund(IMF) for financial assistance.



The government is in talks with the international financial institution for a grant to support its economic program.



The government claims the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the Ukraine/Russia war has adversely affected Ghana's economy that the move to the IMF is necessary to salvage the economy.



But to Mr. Pratt, "going to the IMF is a waste of time . . . Going to the IMF is useless".



Advising the government against the IMF decision, he quoted a popular saying by world-renowned physicist, Albert Einstein, saying "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different result is madness".



"We have a basis for speaking against the IMF because they haven't helped us before. Every time they come, it's all trouble," he stressed.



Mr. Pratt made these submissions on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo".





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament (MP), Sam Nartey George and Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah have expressed their abhorrence for politics of insults that are gradually becoming the norm in Ghanaian politics.



In a conversation on the social networking site, Twitter, the two MPs agreed that individuals can always make their point without trading abusive words and intemperate language to spite their political opponents.



The conversation followed a call out of legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu. He had earlier hurled insults at President Akufo-Addo during a TV discussion on a survey by Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) on corruption.



Mr Kpebu's description of President Akufo-Addo as a member of a criminal syndicate attracted condemnation by the Information Minister via his Twitter handle (@konkrumah).



According to Mr. Oppong Nkrumah, while we must uphold freedom of expression and even defend people who criticise the President, insults must not be condoned.



It is shameful and totally unprofessional to hear lawyer Kpebu without any factual basis, accuse the President of the Republic of being a member of a criminal syndicate. Even more worrying is the fact that a media house which is to be respected airs such content and happily reproduces it on websites and social media in a bid to achieve clicks and revenues against the backdrop of unfounded insults at its national leaders. We all uphold freedoms of speech and association but let's be responsible in how we do this, he tweeted.







Wading into the controversy, Mr. Sam George agreed with his colleague MP that there is the need to denounce vile politics by all means but that should not stop us from speaking truth to those in power.



He said though he is yet to find out what exactly Mr. Kpebu said, vitriol in our politics is not the way to go citing instances where other well-known politicians took to insults in addressing their political opponents.



Mr Sam George had alleged in the exchanges that the Ofoase Ayirebi legislator's use of the word Papa no, during a Parliamentary debate was equally offensive.



Mr Oppong Nkrumah in reply corrected that the later retracted joke at a colleague MP during a debate could in no way be compared to an insult or an allegation.



The two MPs later agreed that no one should defend the use of insults as a political tool nor use it to equalize stating that wrong is wrong regardless of who suffers it.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana









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Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta says the ruling government is not seeking additional funds.



Delivering the 2022 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Monday, Ken Ofori-Atta said the government is committed to staying within the appropriation for 2022".



In spite of the underperforming revenue handles, we are not seeking additional funds in the mid-year review. We are determined to efficiently use the windfall from the petroleum sector to make up for revenue shortfalls and aggressively improve our revenues, he told Parliament.



He is confident that the economy will soon be back on its feet.



Hardship & The Russia Ukraine war



The Finance Minister has meanwhile acknowledged the difficulties Ghanaians are going through saying: The state of affairs is quite a painful one for me to report to you, it is hard to see our people lament about the prices of basic commodities, these are difficult times for government and indeed, for the Finance Minister.



According to him, Towards 2022 Russia invaded Ukraine, a situation that worsened the already weakened global supply chain exacerbated by high conditions. These have had a debilitating toll on the cost and standard of living of our people. Mr Speaker, food prices are rising, fuel and transport fares are up, the cost of borrowing for businesses and for households has increased, the cedi has depreciated and the economic outlook has dipped significantly.



"It's amazing how we can find humor in the most difficult situation that keeps our spirit alive...these are not what we desired but we believe in the overcoming spirit of the Ghanaian people..." he added.











Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has suspended sitting for 10 minutes.



This is the second time sitting has been adjuorned on Monday, July 25, 2022. According to the Speaker, the suspension was necessary because he received an urgent issue he had to step out to address for the good of parliament.



"There's a matter that has just cropped up I have to discuss. I have just received the document, it is not for nothing. It's for the business of the house and particularly for the institution of parliament so when Speaker is talking about suspension, it's for a good reason.



"The house is suspended for 10 minutes," he said.













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Okyeame Kwame has commended MDS-Lancet Laboratories Ghana Limited for supporting his Hepatitis B Screening project for the past 12 years.



Okyeame on his Instagram page acknowledged the support MDS-Lancet has offered the OK Foundation in projecting the worthy cause.



In his thank-you message, he appreciated all his supporters especially MDS-Lancet for supporting the Hepatitis B fight for 12 years.



He further described them as a consistent partner that is really hard to find.



This comes after they provided free Hepatitis B screening for a cross-section of the public at the Silver Star Towers in Accra on July 23, 2022.

It was to mark World Hepatitis Day which falls on July 28, 2022.



MDS-Lancet and OK Foundation have worked together to offer this initiative for over twelve (12) years as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.



It is MDS-Lancets interest to educate the public that Hepatitis B is preventable hence they should get tested and vaccinate when negative.



They advise that people who test positive should see their physicians for management.



MDS-Lancet is ISO 15189:2012 accredited, and the leading private medical laboratory in Ghana.



They provide comprehensive diagnostic testing comprising Laboratory and Radiology services in collaboration with Quest Medical Imaging.



MDS-Lancet has over 30 locations around the country, offering routine and specialized testing in all departments of laboratory medicine as well as home (mobile phlebotomy) service within Greater Accra and Kumasi.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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" " Paramedics using stethoscope on patient in ambulance Zero Creatives/Cultura/Getty Images

The number "911" is the universal emergency number in the United States. In 2017, approximately 240 million calls were made to 911, according to the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).

Prior to 1968, there was no standard emergency number. People called the numbers of the nearest police station or fire department when they had an emergency. As far back as 1957, the National Association of Fire Chiefs recommended the use of a single number for reporting fires.

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Choosing 911 as the universal emergency number was not an arbitrary selection, but it wasn't a difficult one either. In 1967, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) met with AT&T to establish such an emergency number. They wanted a number that was short and easy to remember. More importantly, they needed a unique number, and since 911 had never been designated for an office code, area code or service code, that was the number they chose.

Soon after, the U.S. Congress agreed to support 911 as the emergency number standard for the nation and passed legislation making 911 the exclusive number for any emergency calling service. A central office was set up by the Bell System to develop the infrastructure for the system.

On Feb. 16, 1968, Alabama Senator Rankin Fite made the first 911 call in the United States in Haleyville, Alabama. The Alabama Telephone Company carried the call. A week later, Nome, Alaska, implemented a 911 system. In 1973, the White House's Office of Telecommunication issued a national statement supporting the use of 911 and pushed for the establishment of a Federal Information Center to assist government agencies in implementing the system.

After its initial acceptance in the late 1960s, 911 systems quickly spread across the country. By 1979, about 26 percent of the United States population had 911 service, and nine states had passed legislation for a statewide 911 system. Through the latter part of the 1970s, 911 service grew at a rate of 70 new local systems per year, according to the NENA. Approximately 50 percent of the U.S. population had 911 service by 1987. By 1999, about 95 percent of the U.S. population was covered by 911 service. 911 works for both landline and wireless calls.

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Originally Published: Jun 22, 2001
Government officials, as well as former Vice President Leni Robredo, have condemned the killing of three people in a fatal shooting incident inside the Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday (July 24).

Suspected gunman Chao Tiao Yumol (L) is escorted by police at Camp Karingal following his arrest after three people were killed in a shooting at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, suburban Manila, on July 24, 2022. Three people were killed July 24 in a rare shooting at a university in the Philippine capital Manila, officials said, in what appears to have been a targeted political assassination. (Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images)

In a post on Sunday evening, Robredo said that the killing of ex-Lamitan City Mayor Rose Furigay, her aide Victor George Capistrano, and Ateneo security guard Jeneven Bandiala reminds the need to push back against the culture of impunity in the country.

[The incident] reminds us to keep on pushing back on everything that promotes a culture of impunity, Robredo said.

During the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte, at least 18 mayors and 10 vice mayors had been killed on top of thousands of other drug- and non-drug-related extra-judicial killings (EJKs).

According to Robredo, Furigay and her husband Roderick, the incumbent mayor of Lamitan City, were strong supporters of Angat Buhay, the flagship anti-poverty program during Robredos term as VP.

Meanwhile, the dictators son and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also condemned the killing saying that he was shocked and saddened by the incident.

We mourn with the bereaved, the wounded, and those whose scars from this experience will run deep, Marcos said.

We commit our law enforcement agencies to thoroughly and swiftly investigate these killings and bring all involved to justice, he added.

At the same time, Vice President and Education secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio urged the Philippine National Police to address gun violence in the country.

Such an act of violence should have no place in our society, especially in a place of learning  which is supposed to be considered a safe space for everyone, for the students mainly, said the daughter of the former president.

Investigation ongoing

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday released a statement saying that investigation is currently ongoing and appropriate charges will be filed against the suspect.

Ateneo de Manila University said that they will continue assisting the PNP in the investigation of the incident.

Story continues

The Loyola Heights campus was immediately secured. The University assures the community that its campuses are safe, and security protocols are now being reviewed and strengthened further, the statement read.

[The incident] has robbed the members of the Law School class of 2022 of what was supposed to be a joyous celebration. The University and the Law School administration are assisting students, staff, and guests who are dealing with trauma from the incident, the university said.

The shooting happened an hour before the start of the 2022 commencement exercises of the Ateneo de Manila School of Law at Arete, which was subsequently canceled.

Hannah Furigay, daughter of the ex-Mayor killed, was supposed to attend the graduation. She was also wounded and was rushed to the hospital.

Determined assassin

The PNP recovered two handguns and a silencer allegedly used by the suspect identified as Chao-Tiao Yumol, which had a "long history" of legal disputes with Furigay.

"This looks to be a determined assassin," Police Brigadier General Remus Medina told reporters.

Yumol accused Furigay of being a "drug lord". However, during Furigays nine-year term, Lamitan City was a consistent recipient of the DILG's Seal of Good Local Governance award for four consecutive years.

Furigays counsel, Quirino Esguerra in an interview with ABS-CBN said that the shooting could be rooted in the personal grudge of Dr. Yumol, which could be traced all the way back to 2018.

In 2018, the former mayor ordered the closure of Yumols infirmary clinic because it was operating without a permit from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

In response, Esguerra said that Yumol posted malicious insinuations against the Furigay couple and the local government employees of Lamitan, leading to more than 70 cyber libel cases filed against him.

Esguerra added that the slain mayor was supposed to attend a hearing for the libel cases in Davao City scheduled for Monday (July 25).

Pola Rubio is a news writer and photojournalist covering Philippine politics and events. She regularly follows worldwide and local happenings. She advocates for animal welfare and press freedom. Follow her on Twitter @polarubyo for regular news and cat postings.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A pair of researchers at Virginia Tech is suggesting that it should be possible to use a low-energy antineutrino reactor-off method set between submarine patrols to by-pass the need for onboard access by inspectors. In their paper published in the journal Physical Review Letters, Bernadette Cogswell and Patrick Huber describe a means for safeguarding nuclear fuel used for naval propulsion systems on vessels around the world.

Over the past several decades, several countries have begun to use nuclear reactors to power ocean-going military vessels, most particularly submarines and aircraft carriers. Over roughly the same period of time, officials around the world have been working to prevent the spread of nuclear arms to new countries, particularly those believed to harbor terrorist organizations. One conspicuous hurdle to such efforts is the use of fissile material aboard ocean going vessels for use as a fuel that could just as easily be used to create nuclear weapons. This difficulty became more apparent last year when the U.S. and the U.K., both nuclear armed countries, agreed to transfer nuclear powered submarines to Australiaan ally and non-nuclear armed country.

Currently, the only way to verify whether an ocean-going vessel has weapons-grade uranium aboard is for inspectors to board the vessel with equipment that is able to detect its presence and use it in a reactor compartmentsomething most countries, will not permit. In this new effort, the researchers suggest an alternative means of detecting such materialone that does not require boarding the vessel at all. They suggest that rather than attempting to measure weapons-grade uranium using neutrino detectors that must be placed near a source, inspectors could instead install antineutrino detectors on undersea vessels. Doing so would allow inspectors to determine if weapons-grade uranium is aboard a targeted vessel by simply moving the detection vessel near to the targeted vessel. They also note that all of the technology for building such a system currently exists. They acknowledge that their solution, while much better than those now in use, would still face political challengers from entities who prefer to not have their ships scanned for such purposes. There would also still remain the problem of locating submarines used to transport material created for power plants to entities wishing to use it to create weapons.

More information: Bernadette K. Cogswell et al, Cerium Ruthenium Low-Energy Antineutrino Measurements for Safeguarding Military Naval Reactors, Physical Review Letters (2022). Journal information: Physical Review Letters Bernadette K. Cogswell et al, Cerium Ruthenium Low-Energy Antineutrino Measurements for Safeguarding Military Naval Reactors,(2022). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.128.241803

 2022 Science X Network
XMM-Newton (EPIC-pn) and Chandra (ACIS-S) background-subtracted light curves from all observations with QPEs of GSN 069 in a common 0.4-1 keV band. Credit: Miniutti et al., 2022.

Using ESA's XMM-Newton satellite and NASA's Chandra spacecraft, an international team of astronomers has investigated a peculiar behavior of quasi-periodic eruptions (QPEs) in an active galaxy known as GSN 069. Results of the study, published July 15 on arXiv.org, shed more light on the nature of the QPE phenomenon.

X-ray quasi-periodic eruptions are a recently discovered phenomenon associated with supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. They are extreme high-amplitude bursts of X-ray radiation recurring every few hours and originating near the central supermassive black holes (SMBHs) in galactic nuclei.

Located some 250 million light years away in the constellation of Sculptor, GSN 069 is an active galaxy first detected in 2010 with XMM-Newton. The central black hole of this galaxy has a mass of about 400,000 solar masses.

XMM-Newton observations of GSN 069, conducted in December 2018, revealed that -ts X-ray light curve showcases high-amplitude, short-lived X-ray ares recurring every nine hours. These QPEs were found to be producing an increase of the X-ray count rate by up to two orders of magnitude in the hardest energy bands.

Now, in order to get more insights into the nature of the bursts of GSN 069, a group of astronomers led by Giovanni Miniutti of Spanish Astrobiology Center in Madrid, Spain, analyzed data from XMM-Newton and Chandra collected between 2010 and 2021.

"In this work, we present results obtained from 12 pointed X-ray observations of GSN 069 (11 by XMM-Newton and 1 by Chandra) and we discuss the short- and long-timescale properties of both QPEs and continuum (quiescent) emission over the past 11 years," the researchers wrote.

The study confirmed that QPEs in GSN 069 are a transient phenomenon. First QPE in this galaxy was identified on December 24, 2018 and the last one in January 2020. These eruptions had an overall time between 1 and 5.5 years.

It turned out that QPEs measured in high energy bands are stronger, peak earlier and have shorter duration than when measured at softer energies. It was found that the quiescent level variability in observations with QPEs exhibits a quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) at the average observation-dependent recurrence time.

The research also found that, starting from the last observation during which QPEs are detected, the X-ray emission of GSN 069 re-brightened significantly, reaching a second peak about 1011 years after the first X-ray detection.

The astronomers concluded that the QPE properties of GSN 069, together with the long-term X-ray evolution, may be explained by a scenario in which a binary consisting of two white dwarfs (WDs) is captured by the SMBH whose tidal forces eject one component, while the other forms a binary on a highly eccentric orbit with the SMBH.

"The surviving WD is still on a highly eccentric orbit that is shrinking due to energy and angular momentum losses and, after a few years from the initial TDE-like [tidal disruption event-like] event, overfills its own Roche lobe at each pericenter passage. The consequent tidal stripping events produce the observed QPEs (one per each episode of mass transfer at pericenter)," the researchers explained.

More information: G. Miniutti et al, Disappearance of quasi periodic-eruptions (QPEs) in GSN 069, simultaneous X-ray re-brightening, and predicted QPE re-appearance. arXiv:2207.07511v1 [astro-ph.HE], G. Miniutti et al, Disappearance of quasi periodic-eruptions (QPEs) in GSN 069, simultaneous X-ray re-brightening, and predicted QPE re-appearance. arXiv:2207.07511v1 [astro-ph.HE], arxiv.org/abs/2207.07511

 2022 Science X Network
Normally 40 percent of the cassava harvest is lost, but with our technology none of the harvest is lost, so that's extra income, CassVita founder and CEO Pelkins Ajanoh 18 says. Credit: CassVita

The root vegetable cassava is a major food staple in dozens of countries across the world. Drought-resistant, nutritious, and tasty, it has also become a major source of income for small-scale, rural farmers in places like West Africa and Southeast Asia.

But the utility of cassava has always been limited by its short postharvest shelf life of two to three days. That puts millions of farmers who rely on the crop in a difficult position. The farmers can't plant more than they can sell quickly in local markets, and they're often forced to sell below market prices because buyers know the harvest will spoil rapidly. As a result, cassava farmers are among the world's poorest people.

Now, the startup CassVita is buying cassava directly from farmers and applying a patent-pending biotechnology to extend its shelf life to 18 months. The approach has the potential to transform economies in rural, impoverished regions where millions of families rely on the crop for income.

CassVita tells farmers how much cassava the company will buy each month, and processes the cassava at a manufacturing facility in Cameroon. It currently sells the first version of its product as a powdered food to people in Cameroon and to West African immigrants in the U.S.

But CassVita founder and CEO Pelkins Ajanoh '18 says the future of the company will revolve around its next product: a cassava-based flour that can act as a direct substitute for wheat. The wheat substitute would dramatically broaden CassVita's target market to include the fast-growing, trillion-dollar healthy food market.

Ajanoh says CassVita is currently able to increase farmers' incomes by about 400 percent through its purchases.

"Our objective is to leverage proprietary technology to offer a healthier and better-tasting alternative to wheat while creating prosperity for local farmers," Ajanoh says. "We're hoping to tap into this huge market while empowering farmers, all by minimizing spoilage and incentivizing farmers to plant more."

Gaining confidence to help a community

While growing up in Cameroon, Ajanoh's parents always emphasized the importance of education for him and his three siblings. But Ajanoh lost his father when he was 13, and his mother moved to the U.S. a year later to help provide for the family. During that time, Ajanoh lived with his grandmother, a cassava farmer. For many years, Ajanoh watched his grandmother harvest cassava without making any lasting financial gains. He remembers feeling powerless as his grandmother struggled to pay for things like diabetes medication.

Then Ajanoh earned the top marks on the national exams that Cameroonian students take before college. After high school, he joined his mother in the U.S. and came to MIT to study mechanical engineering. Once on campus, Ajanoh says he had lunch with new people all the time to learn from them.

"I'd never had this community of intellectualsand they were from all over the worldso I soaked up as much as I could," Ajanoh says. "That sparked an interest in entrepreneurship, because MIT is super entrepreneurial. Everyone's thinking of starting something cool."

Ajanoh also got a confidence boost during an internship in the summer after his junior year, when he created self-driving technology for General Motors that was eventually patented.

"It made me realize I could do something really valuable for the world, and by the end of that internship I was thinking, "Now I want to solve a problem in my community,'" he says.

Returning to the crop he knew well, Ajanoh received a series of grants from the MIT Sandbox Innovation Fund to experiment with ways to extend the shelf life of cassava. In the summer of 2018, the MIT-Africa program sponsored three MIT students to fly to Cameroon with him to participate in internships with the company.

Today CassVita partners with development banks to help farmers get loans to buy the cassava sticks used for planting. Ajanoh says CassVita decided on a powdered food for its first product because it requires less marketing to sell to West Africans, who are familiar with the dish. Now the company is working on a cassava flour that it will market to all consumers looking for healthy alternatives to wheat that can be used in pastries and other baked goods.

"Cassava makes sense as a global substitute to wheat because it's gluten free, grain free, nut free, and it also helps with glucose regulation, to normalize blood sugar levels, to lower triglycerides, so the health benefits are exciting," Ajanoh says. "But the farmers were still living in poverty, so if we could solve the shelf-life problem then we could empower these farmers to offer healthier wheat alternatives to the global market."

The project has taken on additional urgency now that the war in Ukraine is limiting that country's wheat and grain exports, raising prices, and heightening food insecurity in regions around the globe.

Showing the value of helping farmers

Ajanoh says the majority of people farming cassava are women, and he says the challenges related to cassava's shelf life have contributed to gender inequities in many communities. In fact, of the roughly 500 farmers CassVita works with in Cameroon, 95% are women.

"That has always excited me because I was raised by women, so working on something that could empower women in their communities and give them authority is fulfilling," Ajanoh says.

Ajanoh has already heard from farmers who have been able to send their children to school for the first time because of improved financial situations. Now, as CassVita continues to scale, Ajanoh wants to stay focused on the technology that enables these new business models.

"We're evolving into a food technology company," Ajanoh says. "We prefer to focus on leveraging technology to impact lives and improve outcomes in these communities. Right now, we're going all the way to consumers because this is an opportunity the Nestles and the Unilevers of the world won't pick up because the market doesn't make sense to them yet. So, we have to build this company and show them the value."

Explore further I.Coast eyes cassava for its bread as wheat prices surge

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
Credit: Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University

Hydrogen fuel cells hold a lot of promise as sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources to power transportation by land, air and sea. But traditional catalysts used to drive chemical reactions in hydrogen fuel cells are too costly and inefficient to justify a large-scale commercial shift away from existing technologies.

In new interdisciplinary research published in ACS Catalysis, Northeastern scientists have identified a novel class of catalysts that, because of their particular non-noble-metal nature, could replace the platinum-based standard that has prevented hydrogen from advancing in the fuel sector.

"We are quickly transitioning to electric modes of transportation, and as I see it, batteries are only a transitionary phase," says Sanjeev Mukerjee, a distinguished professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Northeastern, who is a co-author of the study. "It's not the ultimate answer to replacing fossil fuels."

It's in hydrogen, or "hydrogen carriers"larger molecules in which hydrogen is just one partthat the answer lies, he says. The most abundant element in the universe, hydrogen acts as an energy carrier and can be separated from water, fossil fuels or biomass and harnessed as fuel. Hydrogen fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity; and unlike the internal combustion engine, which produces toxic and carcinogenic chemical byproducts, hydrogen fuel cells only produce wateractual drinkable wateras a result of the chemical reaction.

"The biggest bottleneck right now is, one: infrastructure for the fuel, i.e., hydrogen or a hydrogen carrier; and number two is the high cost of catalysts, because the current state-of-the-art requires noble metals," Mukerjee says. "So there are dual efforts to both lower the noble metal loading and find more sustainable catalysts using elements that are very abundant on earth."

Catalysts are used in hydrogen fuel cells to speed up the energy conversion process, called the oxygen reduction reaction. A sustainable catalyst is one that is made of "earth-abundant materials" and one that, when oxygen is introduced into the chemical reaction, does not produce carbon, says Arun Bansil, university distinguished professor of physics at Northeastern and co-author of the study.

As it relates, Northeastern researchers have been looking at a specific class of catalysts, namely so-called "nitrogen-coordinated iron catalysts," as potentially sustainable candidates. A nitrogen-coordinated iron catalyst is molecularly defined as an iron atom surrounded by four nitrogen atoms. The nitrogen atoms are called "ligands," or molecules that bind to a central metal atom to form a larger complex.

"This is a well-known structure," Bansil says. "What we have shown very conclusively in this paper is that by adding a fifth ligandthat is, four nitrogens plus another onethat can lead to a much more stable and robust electrocatalyst, thereby opening up a new paradigm or pathway for the rational design of this class of catalysts for applications for fuel cells."

Bansil says that the fifth ligand also improves the durability of the catalyst. The reason, he says, is "it appears that this fifth ligand manages to keep the iron in the plane of the iron-nitrogen when oxygen is added into this structure."

If the fifth ligand is not there, Bansil says, the iron is dislodged from the plane of the iron-nitrogen in many of these complexes when the oxygen is put in, thereby making the catalyst "less durable."

Researchers used X-ray emission spectroscopy and Mossbauer spectroscopy, techniques used in computational chemistry, to observe these effects.

"It's not enough to just know that something seems to be working betterit's important to know why it is working better," he says. "Because then we are in a position to develop improved materials through a rational design process."

Northeastern staff scientist Qingying Jia and Bernardo Barbiellini, a computational and theoretical physicist at the Lappeenranta University of Technology, who is currently visiting Northeastern, participated in the research.

The advancement represents several "firsts" in the field, Mukerjee says.

"The computational approach has helped us identify the catalytic sites as they evolve during preparation, and it also helped provide a picture of which of these [catalysts] are more stable," he says.

Explore further New iron catalyst could make hydrogen fuel cells affordable

More information: Parisa Nematollahi et al, Identification of a Robust and Durable FeN4Cx Catalyst for ORR in PEM Fuel Cells and the Role of the Fifth Ligand, ACS Catalysis (2022). Journal information: ACS Catalysis Parisa Nematollahi et al, Identification of a Robust and Durable FeN4Cx Catalyst for ORR in PEM Fuel Cells and the Role of the Fifth Ligand,(2022). DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c01294
ATLANTA (July 25, 2022)  The Carter Center condemns the executions carried out today by the State Administration Council in Myanmar. The resumption of the death penalty in Myanmar after a moratorium of decades is a sad and unnecessary step back. The Carter Center expresses its condolences to the families of the four men who were executed and compassion for all those suffering as the result of the military coup detat. The Carter Center, which has worked for years to help Myanmar embrace democratic norms, urges a return to the path toward democracy and respect for human rights, rule of law, and peace.

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Contact: In Atlanta, Matthew De Galan, matthew.degalan@cartercenter.org
Credit: Johns Hopkins University

Researchers at the University of Toronto, Johns Hopkins University and Vanderbilt University have discovered that certain cells move surprisingly faster in thicker fluidthink honey as opposed to water, or mucus as opposed to bloodbecause their ruffled edges sense the viscosity of their environment and adapt to increase their speed.

Their combined results in cancer and fibroblast cellsthe type that often creates scars in tissuessuggest that the viscosity of a cell's surrounding environment is an important contributor to disease, and may help explain tumor progression, scarring in mucus-filled lungs affected by cystic fibrosis, and the wound-healing process.

The study, "Membrane ruffling is a mechanosensor of extracellular fluid viscosity," published today in Nature Physics, sheds new light on cell environments, an under-explored area of research.

3D render of a highly metastasized, "ruffled" breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231 cell line), spreading upon the addition of viscous medium. Viscous medium was added at 10:55. Color-coded for height, where cooler colors are higher. Video displayed at 25 fps. Credit: Johns Hopkins University

"This link between cell viscosity and attachment has never been demonstrated before," says Sergey Plotnikov, assistant professor in the Department of Cell and Systems Biology in the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Toronto and a co-corresponding author of the study. "We found that the thicker the surrounding environment, the stronger the cells adhere to the substrate and the faster they movemuch like walking on an icy surface with shoes that have spikes, versus shoes with no grip at all."

Understanding why cells behave in this surprising way is important because cancer tumors create a viscous environment, which means spreading cells can move into tumors faster than non-cancerous tissues. Since the researchers observed that cancer cells speed up in a thickened environment, they concluded that the development of ruffled edges in cancer cells may contribute to cancer spreading to other areas of the body.

3D render of Human Embryonic Kidney cells (HEK-293 cell line) spreading in viscous medium. Viscous medium was added at 16:30. Color-coded for height, where cooler colors are higher. Video displayed at 25 fps. Credit: Johns Hopkins University

Targeting the spreading response in fibroblasts, on the other hand, may reduce tissue damage in the mucus-filled lungs affected by cystic fibrosis. Because ruffled fibroblasts move quickly, they are the first type of cells to move through the mucus to the wound, contributing to scarring rather than healing. These results also may imply that by changing the viscosity of the lung's mucus, one can control the cell movement.

"By showing how cells respond to what's around them, and by describing the physical properties of this area, we can learn what affects their behavior and eventually how to influence it," says Ernest Iu, Ph.D. student in the Department of Cell and Systems Biology in the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Toronto and study co-author.

Plotnikov adds, "For example, perhaps if you put a liquid as thick as honey into a wound, the cells will move deeper and faster into it, thereby healing it more effectively."

Plotnikov and Iu used advanced microscopy techniques to measure the traction that cells exert to move, and changes in structural molecules inside the cells. They compared cancer and fibroblast cells, which have ruffled edges, to cells with smooth edges. They determined that ruffled cell edges sense the thickened environment, triggering a response that allows the cell to pull through the resistancethe ruffles flatten down, spread out and latch on to the surrounding surface.

The experiment originated at Johns Hopkins, where Yun Chen, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and lead author of the study, and Matthew Pittman, Ph.D. student and first author, were first examining the movement of cancer cells. Pittman created a viscous, mucus-like polymer solution, deposited it on different cell types, and saw that cancer cells moved faster than non-cancerous cells when migrating through the thick liquid. To further probe this behavior, Chen collaborated with U of T's Plotnikov, who specializes in the push and pull of cell movement.

Plotnikov was amazed at the change in speed going into thick, mucus-like liquid. "Normally, we're looking at slow, subtle changes under the microscope, but we could see the cells moving twice as fast in real time, and spreading to double their original size," he says.

Typically, cell movement depends on myosin proteins, which help muscles contract. Plotnikov and Iu reasoned that stopping myosin would prevent cells from spreading, however were surprised when evidence showed the cells still sped up despite this action. They instead found that columns of the actin protein inside the cell, which contributes to muscle contraction, became more stable in response to the thick liquid, further pushing out the edge of the cell.

The teams are now investigating how to slow the movement of ruffled cells through thickened environments, which may open the door to new treatments for people affected by cancer and cystic fibrosis.

Explore further Cells move by controlling the stiffness of their neighbours

More information: Jian Liu, Membrane ruffling is a mechanosensor of extracellular fluid viscosity, Nature Physics (2022). www.nature.com/articles/s41567-022-01676-y Journal information: Nature Physics Jian Liu, Membrane ruffling is a mechanosensor of extracellular fluid viscosity,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-022-01676-y
A depiction of Earth, first without an inner core; second, with an inner core beginning to grow, around 550 million years ago; third, with an outermost and innermost inner core, around 450 million years ago. University of Rochester researchers used paleomagnetism to determine these two key dates in the history of the inner core, which they believe restored the planet's magnetic field just before the explosion of life on Earth. Credit: University of Rochester / Michael Osadciw

Approximately 1,800 miles beneath our feet, swirling liquid iron in the Earth's outer core generates our planet's protective magnetic field. This magnetic field is invisible but is vital for life on Earth's surface because it shields the planet from solar windstreams of radiation from the sun.

About 565 million years ago, however, the magnetic field's strength decreased to 10 percent of its strength today. Then, mysteriously, the field bounced back, regaining its strength just before the Cambrian explosion of multicellular life on Earth.

What caused the magnetic field to bounce back?

According to new research from scientists at the University of Rochester, this rejuvenation happened within a few tens of millions of yearsrapid on geological timescalesand coincided with the formation of Earth's solid inner core, suggesting that the core is likely a direct cause.

"The inner core is tremendously important," says John Tarduno, the William R. Kenan, Jr., Professor of Geophysics in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and dean of research for Arts, Sciences & Engineering at Rochester. "Right before the inner core started to grow, the magnetic field was at the point of collapse, but as soon as the inner core started to grow, the field was regenerated."

In the paper, published in Nature Communications, the researchers determined several key dates in the inner core's history, including a more precise estimate for its age. The research provides clues about the history and future evolution of Earth and how it became a habitable planet, as well as the evolution of other planets in the solar system.

Unlocking information in ancient rocks

Earth is composed of layers: the crust, where life is situated; the mantle, Earth's thickest layer; the molten outer core; and the solid inner core, which is in turn composed of an outermost inner core and an innermost inner core.

Earth's magnetic field is generated in its outer core, where swirling liquid iron causes electric currents, driving a phenomenon called the geodynamo that produces the magnetic field.

Because of the magnetic field's relationship to Earth's core, scientists have been trying for decades to determine how Earth's magnetic field and core have changed throughout our planet's history. They cannot directly measure the magnetic field due to the location and extreme temperatures of materials in the core. Fortunately, minerals that rise to Earth's surface contain tiny magnetic particles that lock in the direction and intensity of the magnetic field at the time the minerals cool from their molten state.

To better constrain the age and growth of the inner core, Tarduno and his team used a CO 2 laser and the lab's superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer to analyze feldspar crystals from the rock anorthosite. These crystals have minute magnetic needles within them that are "perfect magnetic recorders," Tarduno says.

By studying the magnetism locked in ancient crystalsa field known as paleomagnetismthe researchers determined two new important dates in the history of the inner core:

550 million years ago : the time at which the magnetic field began to renew rapidly after a near collapse 15 million years before that. The researchers attribute the rapid renewal of the magnetic field to the formation of a solid inner core that recharged the molten outer core and restored the magnetic field's strength.

: the time at which the magnetic field began to renew rapidly after a near collapse 15 million years before that. The researchers attribute the rapid renewal of the magnetic field to the formation of a solid inner core that recharged the molten outer core and restored the magnetic field's strength. 450 million years ago: the time at which the growing inner core's structure changed, marking the boundary between the innermost and outermost inner core. These changes in the inner core coincide with changes around the same time in the structure of the overlying mantel, due to plate tectonics on the surface.

"Because we constrained the inner core's age more accurately, we could explore the fact that the present-day inner core is actually composed of two parts," Tarduno says. "Plate tectonic movements on Earth's surface indirectly affected the inner core, and the history of these movements is imprinted deep within Earth in the inner core's structure."

Avoiding a Mars-like fate

Better understanding the dynamics and growth of the inner core and the magnetic field has important implications, not only in uncovering Earth's past and predicting its future, but in unraveling the ways in which other planets might form magnetic shields and sustain the conditions necessary to harbor life.

Researchers believe that Mars, for example, once had a magnetic field, but the field dissipated, leaving the planet vulnerable to solar wind and the surface without oceans. While it is unclear whether the absence of a magnetic field would have caused Earth to meet the same fate, "Earth certainly would've lost much more water if Earth's magnetic field had not been regenerated," Tarduno says. "The planet would be much drier and very different than the planet today."

In terms of planetary evolution, then, the research emphasizes the importance of a magnetic shield and a mechanism to sustain it, he says.

"This research really highlights the need to have something like a growing inner core that sustains a magnetic field over the entire lifetimemany billions of yearsof a planet."

Explore further New research provides evidence of strong early magnetic field around Earth

More information: Tinghong Zhou et al, Early Cambrian renewal of the geodynamo and the origin of inner core structure, Nature Communications (2022). Journal information: Nature Communications Tinghong Zhou et al, Early Cambrian renewal of the geodynamo and the origin of inner core structure,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31677-7
NASA's Curiosity Mars rover snapped this low-angle self-portrait at the site where it drilled into a rock July 30, 2015, producing a powder (visible in foreground) that was later confirmed to contain the rare mineral tridymite. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

Planetary scientists from Rice University, NASA's Johnson Space Center and the California Institute of Technology have an answer to a mystery that's puzzled the Mars research community since NASA's Curiosity rover discovered a mineral called tridymite in Gale Crater in 2016.

Tridymite is a high-temperature, low-pressure form of quartz that is extremely rare on Earth, and it wasn't immediately clear how a concentrated chunk of it ended up in the crater. Gale Crater was chosen as Curiosity's landing site due to the likelihood that it once held liquid water, and Curiosity found evidence that confirmed Gale Crater was a lake as recently as 1 billion years ago.

"The discovery of tridymite in a mudstone in Gale Crater is one of the most surprising observations that the Curiosity rover has made in 10 years of exploring Mars," said Rice's Kirsten Siebach, co-author of a study published online in Earth and Planetary Science Letters. "Tridymite is usually associated with quartz-forming, explosive, evolved volcanic systems on Earth, but we found it in the bottom of an ancient lake on Mars, where most of the volcanoes are very primitive."

Siebach, an assistant professor in Rice's Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, is a mission specialist on NASA's Curiosity team. To suss out the answer to the mystery, she partnered with two postdoctoral researchers in her Rice research group, Valerie Payre and Michael Thorpe, NASA's Elizabeth Rampe and Caltech's Paula Antoshechkina. Payre, the study's lead author, is now at Northern Arizona University and preparing to join the faculty of the University of Iowa in the fall.

Siebach and colleagues began by reevaluating data from every reported find of tridymite on Earth. They also reviewed volcanic materials from models of Mars volcanism and reexamined sedimentary evidence from the Gale Crater lake. They then came up with a new scenario that matched all the evidence: Martian magma sat for longer than usual in a chamber below a volcano, undergoing a process of partial cooling called fractional crystallization until extra silicon was available. In a massive eruption, the volcano spewed ash containing the extra silicon in the form of tridymite into the Gale Crater lake and surrounding rivers. Water helped break down the ash through natural processes of chemical weathering, and water also helped sort the minerals produced by weathering.

NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover drilled this hole to collect sample material from a rock target called "Buckskin" on July 30, 2015. The diameter of the hole is slightly smaller than a U.S. dime. Rock powder from the drill site was subsequently delivered to a laboratory inside the rover and found to contain the rare mineral tridymite. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

The scenario would have concentrated tridymite, producing minerals consistent with the 2016 find. It would also explain other geochemical evidence Curiosity found in the sample, including opaline silicates and reduced concentrations of aluminum oxide.

"It's actually a straightforward evolution of other volcanic rocks we found in the crater," Siebach said. "We argue that because we only saw this mineral once, and it was highly concentrated in a single layer, the volcano probably erupted at the same time the lake was there. Although the specific sample we analyzed was not exclusively volcanic ash, it was ash that had been weathered and sorted by water."

If a volcanic eruption like the one in the scenario did occur when Gale Crater contained a lake, it would mean explosive volcanism occurred more than 3 billion years ago, while Mars was transitioning from a wetter and perhaps warmer world to the dry and barren planet it is today.

"There's ample evidence of basaltic volcanic eruptions on Mars, but this is a more evolved chemistry," she said. "This work suggests that Mars may have a more complex and intriguing volcanic history than we would have imagined before Curiosity."

The Curiosity rover is still active, and NASA is preparing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its landing next month.

Explore further Curiosity rover takes inventory of key life ingredient on Mars

More information: V. Payre et al, Tridymite in a lacustrine mudstone in Gale Crater, Mars: Evidence for an explosive silicic eruption during the Hesperian, Earth and Planetary Science Letters (2022). Journal information: Earth and Planetary Science Letters V. Payre et al, Tridymite in a lacustrine mudstone in Gale Crater, Mars: Evidence for an explosive silicic eruption during the Hesperian,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.epsl.2022.117694
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

For machines with mechanical elements, friction is an unavoidable enemy. It is a major source of service failure and can reduce the lifespan of any machinery, from bicycles and cars to airplanes and assembly lines.

New research led by the University of Pittsburgh unveils the atomic-scale friction of a single tungsten asperity, or rough edge, in real time, showing atomic motion for the first time with electron microscopy. The work, completed by two labs in the Swanson School of Engineering, was recently published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.

"Until now, no one has been able to actually see the atomically resolved friction process with a clear-cut interface, so the relationship between the friction mechanisms and the interface hasn't been fully understood," said Guofeng Wang, CNG Faculty Fellow and professor of mechanical engineering and materials science, whose lab collaborated on this work. "In this study, we were able to actually see the sliding pathway of interface atoms and the dynamic strain and stress evolution on the interface that has only previously been shown by simulations."

Wang's group collaborated with now-retired John Swanson Endowed Professor Scott X. Mao's research group in the Swanson School to provide the first visualization of friction at the atomic scale. Using a high-resolution transmission electron microscope, Mao's group was able to actually view the movement of atoms across the surface when two surfaces made contact and moved. Wang's group was then able to use their computer simulations to verify what the microscopic visualizations showed and understand more about the forces at play.

Though this study focused on tungsten atoms because of their high resistance to the microscope's heat, the method can be applied to any material to understand friction and wear.

"What we found is that no matter how smooth and clean the surface is, friction still occurs at the atomic level. It's completely unavoidable," said Wang. "However, this knowledge can lead to better lubricants and materials to minimize friction and wear as much as possible, extending the life of mechanical systems."

Explore further New research sheds light on nature of friction in multi-layered graphene

More information: Xiang Wang et al, Atomic-scale friction between single-asperity contacts unveiled through in situ transmission electron microscopy, Nature Nanotechnology (2022). Journal information: Nature Nanotechnology Xiang Wang et al, Atomic-scale friction between single-asperity contacts unveiled through in situ transmission electron microscopy,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41565-022-01126-z
On the tourist island of Lesbos around 200 people were ordered to leave the village of Vryssa on Sunday to escape the flames.

Greek firefighters battled wildfires on three fronts Monday as flames destroyed around 2,200 hectares (5,400 acres) of woodland in one of the country's most important protected habitats.

Around 320 firefighters, ten water-bombing planes and 13 helicopters were deployed to contain the fire, now raging for a fourth day, at the Dadia National Park, known for its black vulture colony.

Some villages in the area have been evacuated. The flames have already destroyed some 2,200 hectares of woodland, according to a local mayor.

"It's an uphill battle, a fight to ensure the survival of this exceptional ecosystem," said the minister for climate crisis and civil protection, Christos Stylianidis, after visiting the affected area.

"It's an ecological disaster, the damage is incalculable," Soufli mayor Panagiotis Kalakikos told Star TV.

Dadia, around 900 kilometres, (560 miles) northeast of Athens, calls itself one of the most important protected areas in Europe, offering ideal habitat for rare birds of prey, and says it is home to the only breeding population of black vultures in the Balkans.

"If the black vulture colony is lost, the catastrophe will be immense," Sylvia Zakkak, an ornithologist and head of monitoring at the park, told state TV ERT.

She added that the tall pine trees of Dadia which are vital for nesting would take "decades" to replace.

Greece is particularly vulnerable to fires during the summer season. Wildfires last year destroyed 103,000 hectares and claimed three lives, driven by drought and a warming climate.

Scientists say human-induced climate change is amplifying extreme weather eventsincluding heatwaves, droughts and fires seen in several parts of Europe and California in recent weeksand say these events will become more frequent and more intense.

'Redressing the problems'

Nearly 60 forest fires have broken out in Greece in the last 24 hours according to the country's fire service.

Last week saw temperatures of up to 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of the country, although temperatures dipped slightly on Monday.

The civil protection agency said, however, that the risk of forest fires remained high given the temperatures and strong winds.

"Experts must look into redressing the problems sparked by the fire," said Stylianidis, underscoring the need to buttress the "resistance of the ecosystem in the future".

Dadia hosts three out of the four vulture species of Europethe black vulture, the griffon vulture and the Egyptian vultureand 36 of Europe's 38 species of raptors.

Its varied habitats also support 104 butterfly species, 13 amphibian species, 29 reptile species and about 65 mammal species, 24 out of which are bats.

Fires have raged in the north, east and south of Greece, including on the tourist island of Lesbos, where around 200 people were ordered to leave the village of Vrisa on Sunday to escape the flames.

For fires in the southern Peloponnese peninsula, Citizens' Protection Minister Takis Theodorikakos said arson was at least one factor in causing the blazes.

A major fire continued to burn Monday in Krestena, in the west of the peninsula.

"It's evident that arson is involved," Theodorikakos said, adding that 15 fires had broken out in 20 days alone in the Peloponnese prefecture of Elis, home to Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games.

Explore further Fire damages homes in southern Greece; more blazes active

 2022 AFP
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

It's getting hotter in Greenland and last weekend temperatures rose enough to cause 18 billion tons of the country's ice sheet to melt over a three-day period.

Scientists have warned about the impending fate of Greenland's ice sheet and say what happened between July 15 and 17 is the latest massive melting event contributing to an increase in the global sea level.

The amount of water from the July 15-17 meltabout 6 billion tons per day, or 18 billion tons over the weekendis enough to "cover West Virginia in a foot of waterfour inches per day, roughly," Ted Scambos, a senior research scientist at the University of Colorado's Earth Science and Observation Center and National Snow and Ice Data Center, told U.S. TODAY.

Much of the melting came from northern Greenland because warm air drifted over from the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Scambos said.

There is also a high-pressure dome over Greenland. Together, they created an "unusually extensive melt event," he said.

Temps heating up in Greenland

Temperatures vary over Greenland, but the coldest temperatures are in areas of high elevation, toward the center of the ice sheet, said William Lipscomb, a senior scientist in the National Center for Atmospheric Research's Climate and Global Dynamics Laboratory.

Once temperatures are above freezing or 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the melting begins. Temperatures last weekend were around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, or 10 degrees warmer than normal for this time of year, according to CNN.

"In recent years, we've seen a lot of heat waves in Greenland, this recent warming of it being one example," Lipscomb told U.S. TODAY. "Any temperature above freezing can cause some surface melting."

Greenland loses 'tremendous amount of ice every year now'

In 1980s and 1990s Greenland, a melt event of this sort never occurred, but starting in the 2000sespecially since 2010the melting has been more extensive.

The melt is currently two times larger than normal, said Xavier Fettweis at the University of Liege. Fettweis, a polar researcher, created a model scientists use, along with satellite data, to study Greenland's changes.

The current melt is among two of the largest melts in the ice sheet history after the 2012 and 2019 melting events; in 2019, the runoff was about 527 billion tons. So far, the total melt is far below 2019 levels, however, the situation is more dire over the Svalbard ice caps at the North of Norway, Fettweis said.

More melting is expected this weekend, said Scambos, from the National Snow and Ice Data Center. "This event is one of many events over the whole summer," he said. "We can expect on the order of 100 billion tons of water going into the ocean. Greenland as a whole is losing a tremendous amount of ice every year now."

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center ice scientist Nathan Kurtz was recently in Greenland to help better calibrate ICESat-2, one of the agency's satellites used to monitor Greenland.

Its data has shown a loss of ice from Greenland of about 200 billion tons per year over the last two decades, Kurtz told U.S. TODAY. "This loss of ice contributes directly to global sea level rise which has significant societal impacts," he said.

Lipscomb, from the National Center for Atmospheric Research, said scientists measure the amount of water melted in units of gigatons per year, or 1 billion tons of water. Before climate change, there were about 600 gigatons of snowfall coming in each year and about 300 gigatons going out in the form of summer melting.

Now, Greenland's ice sheet is losing nearly 300 gigatons of water each year more than it gains from snowfall, Lipscomb said. "There's still time to avoid catastrophic sea level rise, but every year that greenhouse gas emissions continue at the present rate increases the chances of serious problems down the road," he said.

In some parts of the world such as Asia, seasonal water supply depend on the timing of the glacier melt.

"If the melt is happening too early, you may not be getting the water when you need it for farming," he said. "And if the glaciers completely melt, then you won't have the glacier melt water source at all. And that's something people worry about for later this century, as the warming continues."

Explore further Research reveals northernmost glaciers on the globe are melting at record speed

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A representation of the variety of materials under investigation for their potential to control ice formation. Credit: Michael B. Davies

Cambridge scientists have developed an artificially intelligent algorithm capable of beating scientists at predicting how and when different materials form ice crystals.

The programIcePiccould help atmospheric scientists improve climate change models in the future. Details are published today in the journal PNAS.

Water has some unusual properties, such as expanding when it turns into ice. Understanding water and how it freezes around different molecules has wide-reaching implications in a broad range of areas, from weather systems that can affect whole continents to storing biological tissue samples in a hospital.

The Celsius temperature scale was designed based on the premise that it is the transition temperature between water and ice; however, whilst ice always melts at 0C, water doesn't necessarily freeze at 0C. Water can still be in liquid form at -40C, and it is impurities in wate that enable ice to freeze at higher temperatures. One of the biggest aims of the field has been to predict the ability of different materials to promote the formation of iceknown as a material's "ice nucleation ability".

Researchers at the University of Cambridge, have developed a 'deep learning' tool able to predict the ice nucleation ability of different materialsand which was able to beat scientists in an online 'quiz' in which they were asked to predict when ice crystals would form.

Deep learning is how artificial intelligence (AI) learns to draw insights from raw data. It finds its own patterns in the data, freeing it of the need for human input so that it can process results faster and more precisely. In the case of IcePic, it can infer different ice crystal formation properties around different materials. IcePic has been trained on thousands of images so that it can look at completely new systems and infer accurate predictions from them.

A foreign material promotes the growth of ice in a film of water. Credit: Michael B. Davies

The team set up a quiz in which scientists were asked to predict when ice crystals would form in different conditions shown by 15 different images. These results were then measured against IcePic's performance. When put to the test, IcePic was far more accurate in determining a material's ice nucleation ability than over 50 researchers from across the globe. Moreover, it helped identify where humans were going wrong.

Michael Davies, a Ph.D. student in the ICE lab at the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, Cambridge, and University College London, London, first author of the study, said: "It was fascinating to learn that the images of water we showed IcePic contain enough information to actually predict ice nucleation.

"Despite usthat is, human scientistshaving a 75 year head start in terms of the science, IcePic was still able to do something we couldn't."

Determining the formation of ice has become especially relevant in climate change research.

Water continuously moves within the Earth and its atmosphere, condensing to form clouds, and precipitating in the form of rain and snow. Different foreign particles affect how ice forms in these clouds, for example, smoke particles from pollution compared to smoke particles from a volcano. Understanding how different conditions affect our cloud systems is essential for more accurate weather predictions.

"The nucleation of ice is really important for the atmospheric science community and climate modeling," said Davies. "At the moment there is no viable way to predict ice nucleation other than direct experiments or expensive simulations. IcePic should open up a lot more applications for discovery."

Explore further We've been thinking of how ice forms in cirrus clouds all wrong
Artist's conception of the Landsat 9 spacecraft, the ninth satellite launched in the long-running Landsat program, high above the U.S. Credit: NASA

On a warm July day in 1972, NASA launched a new Earth-imaging satellite called the Earth Resources Technology Satellite. "ERTS" was the first satellite of what later became NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey's Landsat Program, an ambitious effort with a vision of documenting the entirety of Earth from space. The first Landsat was so successful it led to a series of satellites that have created the longest contiguous record of Earth's surface from a space-eye viewthat continues growing to this day, 50 years later.

"The early Landsats revolutionized the way we observed the Earth from space," said Jim Irons, director emeritus of the Earth Sciences Division at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Since its debut, Landsat has amassed over 10 million images. These images, also called scenes, show current snapshots of land and coasts, but pair with images of years past and they also reveal changes through timeglaciers slowly disappearing, or urban spaces sprawling across the landscape.

These scenes and time series have myriad applications around the globe: Hydrologists use them to track how rivers change; ecologists use them to determine the extent of deforestation; farmers and agricultural organizations use them to analyze crop health.

During Landsat's five decades, eight different Landsat satellites have circled the planet. Currently, three continue to collect global observations from space: Landsats 7, 8, and 9. (Landsat 6 was lost shortly after launch.) Landsat 9, the newest of the bunch, entered orbit in fall of 2021. While Landsat 9 shares similarities with its predecessors, the Landsat satellite design has evolved immensely since the program's emergence.

Virginia T. Norwood, known as the person who could solve impossible problems, played a crucial role in the development of the first space-based multispectral scanner instrument that flew on Landsat 1 and made the mission a success. Working together with NASA, USGS, university researchers, and her team at Hughes, Norwood successfully yoked the pioneering technology that made regular digital imagery of Earth from space possible. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Early days

The first two Landsats could see in four spectral bands, or wavelengths of light: visible light in red and green, and two near-infrared bands. The near-infrared allowed the satellites to distinguish vegetation from other land cover and assess plant health, while the visible wavelengths differentiated bright surfaces, like snow, deserts and clouds, from dark surfaces like water. Each scene encompassed a roughly square area of around 115 miles to a side.

The first Landsats' data transmitted to Earth were recorded on magnetic tapes, the same basic tech as music cassettesbut much bigger: The bulky wideband video tape recorders that flew on the first three Landsats each had 1,800 feet of tape and weighed in at 76 pounds apiece.

From this data, scientists generated and printed out photographic images. These photos gave a general space-eye view of an area, but the real power of the data came after computer algorithms helped scientists and resource managers to more efficiently identify the categories of land cover they represented. Printers spat out paper maps with letter, number, and symbol combinations, where each character represented a land cover category, such as cropland or forest.

"You'd get out colored pencils or magic markers and you'd color the different characters, each with its own color," Irons said. "That would give you an early version of a color-coded land cover map."

The Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS, later renamed Landsat 1) launched aboard a Delta 900 from Vandenberg Air Force Base on July 23, 1972. Credit: NASA photography courtesy Landsat science team

Goddard was NASA's home for Landsat going back to the program's inception. Irons served as the deputy project scientist on Landsat 7 and project scientist on Landsat 8, helping to further shape the program and playing a pivotal role in the satellites' development. In his 43 years working with Landsat, he's watched the satellites grow into what they are today.

Landsat data in the '80s and '90s were critical to many projects, such as understanding the extent of tree loss in rainforests, Irons said. Likewise, Chris Neigh, Landsat 9's project scientist at Goddard, uses time series to watch the slow northward creep of boreal forests, as the trees progressively inch toward the pole in response to global warming. The long pedigree of Landsat data is essential for this kind of research, Neigh added: there are few other records to reference, and none as comprehensive.

2000s: Free access to the Landsat archive

After a failed launch of Landsat 6, Landsat 7 embarked successfully in 1999, equipped with improved instruments and roughly double the resolution of its predecessors. NASA deliberated for seven years between the launches of Landsat 7 and Landsat 8, trying to decide how to move forward with the program before beginning another seven-year process of building and launching the next satellite.

In that time, image management returned from commercial providers to USGS, which made the entire Landsat archives freely available in 2008. Image requests skyrocketed. Landsat all-time downloads topped 100 million scenes in 2020, and the number continues to rise.

As Landsat continues to transform, the people and projects that use it grow too: The United States Department of Agriculture relies on Landsat to guide farmers in watering practices and land management; climate scientists watch glaciers retreat as temperatures rise; in the drought-stricken West, water managers monitor reservoir levels.

The first fully operational Landsat image taken on July 25, 1972, of Dallas, Texas, inaugurating a 40-year run when the first satellite was known as the Earth Resources Technology Satellite, or ERTS. Credit: NASAs Earth Observatory

Landsat's next adventure

With a data user community that keeps growing, scientists and engineers are already looking forward to the next mission. NASA and USGS are developing options for the next iteration of Landsat, currently called Landsat Next.

Landsat's eyes in space have granted new opportunities for understanding our changing planet, but the simple awe of seeing Earth is sometimes forgotten, Irons said.

"We can't all be astronauts," Irons said. "But if we look at Landsat images, we can understand what the Earth would look like if we were orbiting the Earth in space."

Explore further Earth-monitoring Landsat 9 satellite launches in California
Marine heatwaves drive recurrent mass mortalities in the Mediterranean Sea. Credit: Garrabou et al 2022

An international team of researchers led by the Institut de Ciencies del Mar (ICM-CSIC) has proven that, between 2015 and 2019, the Mediterranean experienced a series of marine heat waves that affected all regions of the basin, which resulted in recurrent mass mortality events throughout the period analyzed. The details are reported in a study recently published in the journal Global Change Biology.

According to the work, that has also involved experts from the Centre d'Estudis Avancat de Blanes (CEAB), the Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avancats (IMEDEA), the Instituto Espanol de Oceanografia (IEO), the Universitat de Barcelona (UB), the Universidad de Alicante (UA), the Universidad de Sevilla (US) and the Museo del Mar de Ceuta, as well as other international centers, populations of some 50 species (including corals, sponges and macroalgae, among others) were affected by these events along thousands of kilometers of Mediterranean coasts, from the Alboran Sea to the Near Eastern coasts.

"Specifically, the impacts of mortalities were observed between the surface and 45 meters' depth, where the recorded marine heat waves were exceptional, affecting more than 90% of the Mediterranean surface and reaching temperatures of more than 26C," explains the ICM-CSIC researcher Joaquim Garrabou, one of the authors of the study.

Key species, the most affected

Some of the most affected species are key to maintaining the functioning and biodiversity of the main coastal habitats. These include Posidonia oceanica meadows or coral assemblages, two of the most emblematic habitats in the Mediterranean.

This is the first study to assess the effects of mass mortalities on a Mediterranean scale over five consecutive years. In total, more than 30 research groups from 11 countries have participated, which has made it possible to note the incidence and severity of mortality in every corner of the basin. In fact, this is the most complete picture yet of the impacts of extreme warming events on marine organisms and ecosystems in the Mediterranean.

"Unfortunately, the results of the work show that the Mediterranean Sea is experiencing an acceleration of ecological impacts associated with climate change, posing an unprecedented threat to the health and functioning of its ecosystems," regret Cristina Linares and Bernat Hereu, from the Faculty of Biology and the Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio) of the UB.

From the exception to the norm

The climate crisis is severely affecting marine ecosystems around the world and the Mediterranean is no exception. Specifically, the associated marine heat waves are causing massive mortality events in all coastal ecosystems of this basin as a result of their increased frequency, intensity and extent.

"Given this scenario, it is essential to know the relationship between the different biological responses of marine biodiversity and different levels of heat exposure," points out the US professor Free Espinosa. For their part, David Diaz and Emma Cebrian, researchers at the IEO and the CEAB, respectively, explain that "the high variability of observed responses among species and populations at very different spatial and temporal scales has undermined our ability to explore this relationship."

Now, thanks to the temporal and spatial resolution addressed, it has been possible to demonstrate that there is a significant positive relationship between the duration of heat waves and the incidence of mortality events.

"Mass mortality events in the Mediterranean are equivalent to the bleaching events also observed consecutively in the Great Barrier Reef, suggesting that these episodes are already the norm rather than the exception," highlights the UA professor Alfonso Ramos.

For all these reasons, the authors urge to strengthen coordination and cooperation at regional, national and international levels, as has been done in this work, in order to reach more effective management decisions to cope with the ongoing climate emergency.

Explore further Climate crisis drives Mediterranean coral populations to collapse

More information: Joaquim Garrabou et al, Marine heatwaves drive recurrent mass mortalities in the Mediterranean Sea, Global Change Biology (2022). Journal information: Global Change Biology Joaquim Garrabou et al, Marine heatwaves drive recurrent mass mortalities in the Mediterranean Sea,(2022). DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16301

Provided by Institut de Ciencies del Mar (ICM-CSIC)
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

This month, Spanish police authorities seized autonomous underwater vehicles, each capable of transporting around 200 kilograms of drugs. It's not the first time police authorities have caught an uncrewed vessel carrying illicit substances.

These remote-controlled "narco-drones," "narco-subs" or "underwater drones" herald a new era in international drug trafficking. Drugs and other illicit goods can now be transported across the oceans, controlled by a remote operator located anywhere in the world.

Drugs are clandestinely shipped to Australia with traffickers attempting a variety of methods. It's only a matter of time before Australian Border Force is confronted with these "maritime autonomous vehicles" being used to smuggle contraband into the country. These are ships or underwater vehicles that are remotely controlled or autonomous and don't have humans on board.

Both international and Australian laws need to catch up.

International law isn't entirely ready for narco-drones

There isn't one universal definition of a "ship" or "vessel." This makes it difficult to know when rights and duties attach to that ship.

China, for example, has a shark-shaped drone used to gather intelligence. While a naval surveillance ship may be entitled to the freedom of navigation, it shouldn't be presumed that such a small, uncrewed "vehicle" also enjoys this right.

Law enforcement officials are already using uncrewed sea vessels for policing purposes. Australia gifted drones to Sri Lanka last year to support efforts against migrant smuggling operations.

Private companies are designing uncrewed surface vehicles for use patrolling against illegal fishing.

The new technology will likely become a critical component for countries wanting better information about who's doing what and where.

Law enforcement

International law requires states to cooperate and share information to prevent different transnational crimes at sea. For example, Article 108 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea requires all states to cooperate in the suppression of drug trafficking on the high seas.

The 1988 Drugs Convention goes further, allowing parties to the treaty to stop and board each other's vessels when they're reasonably suspected of trafficking in illicit drugs.

However, if there's no-one onboard a remote-controlled submarine, the existing rules and procedures for law enforcement cannot work as they have before.

The International Maritime Organization is undertaking a study of who is a "master" and "seafarer" in the context of uncrewed surface ships used to transport cargo around the world. While the organization has an important focus on maritime safety, there are many legal questions relating to crimes at sea that also need to be answered.

Who's held criminally responsible?

Determining who might be held criminally responsible when an uncrewed vessel is seized isn't immediately apparent.

Australian legislation criminalizes drug-trafficking when a "person transports the substance" but doesn't refer to a situation where the person isn't present at the time of transport. A person isn't necessarily in "possession" of illicit drugs if they're remotely controlling a narco-drone.

The alternative may be to prosecute an alleged offender on the grounds they've aided and abetted in the crime.

This also raises the question of whether, and how, the designer of an autonomous vehicle may be criminally responsible. For example, what if the person designing the autonomous vehicle didn't know it was to be used for criminal purposes?

We may need to rethink how we understand criminal recklessness or intention as requirements of a drug-trafficking offense when remote-controlled trafficking occurs.

Designers and manufacturers of maritime autonomous vehicles may need to consider how to safeguard their products against improper use.

Who has jurisdiction?

Determining which country has legal jurisdiction when a criminal enterprise uses autonomous narco-subs may be a complex issue.

For example, what if the alleged offender is a Russian national located in Belarus who's operating the autonomous vehicle to transport drugs from Myanmar to Australia?

Australia doesn't usually criminalize conduct by foreigners that occurs in the sovereign territory of other countries (the offense of killing an Australian overseas being one exception).

In light of uncrewed vessels, states may need to consider new bases of jurisdiction to justify the exercise of authority over an alleged offender.

Even if law enforcement officials manage to arrest the perpetrator and assert jurisdiction, prosecution will likely depend upon a range of other challenges such as criminal intelligence sharing and extradition processes.

VIDEO: The Colombian Navy has seized a narco submarine transporting several packages of cocaine. The vessel belonging to an armed group of dissident FARC guerillas was discovered in the Pacific Ocean on its way to the coast of Mexico pic.twitter.com/DnCwrSSDEL  AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 23, 2021

Prior to the recent seizure in Spain of the "narco-drones," Houthi rebels in the waters around Yemen were using small remote-controlled vehicles laden with explosives to attack Saudi ships.

This terrorist act potentially falls within the terms of the 2005 Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation. States party to this treaty are to criminalize these sorts of actions and prosecute or extradite those responsible.

But as with drug-trafficking laws, questions arise as to how terrorism laws will apply to the use of these autonomous vessels.

Destroying narco-drones

Broader consideration of Australian policing powers is further needed to determine if our laws are fit for purpose in assessing this new security threat.

It's not entirely clear, for example, that the "seafarer" definition in the Navigation Act could currently cover maritime autonomous vehicle operators. This is because it states: "seafarer means any person who is employed or engaged or works in any capacity (including that of master) on board a vessel on the business of the vessel"

The simplest response to this new criminal enterprise might be destroying any narco-drones captured at sea. International law doesn't prohibit such a response, although environmental considerations would likely arise.

In Australia, the Maritime Powers Act permits the disposal of vessels at sea only in certain circumstances. But the simple interception and destruction of a narco-dronewith no intention to seize and investigate, or to collect evidenceis likely to require updates to the law.

Explore further We need to enforce international laws to stop fishing vessel plastic pollution

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Artist's concept of the prototype starshade, a giant structure designed to block the glare of stars so that future space telescopes can take pictures of planets. Credit: NASA/JPL

The field of exoplanet study has come a long way in recent decades. To date, 5,063 exoplanets have been confirmed in 3,794 systems beyond our own, with another 8,819 candidates awaiting confirmation. In the coming years, tens of thousands of more planets are expected to be found, thanks to next-generation observatories. The ultimate goal in this search is to find planets that are "Earth-like," meaning they have a good chance of supporting life. This is no easy task, as rocky planets located within their parent star's habitable zones (HZs) tend to orbit closely, making them harder to see.

To make this process easier, NASA is designing a hybrid observatory consisting of a "Starshade" that will block out a star's light so that a ground-based telescope can directly image planets orbiting it. The concept is known as the Hybrid Observatory for Earth-like Exoplanets (HOEE), and NASA is looking for public input to make it a reality. To that end, they have launched the Ultralight Starshade Structural Design Challenge, where participants are asked to develop a design for a lightweight starshade structure that could be used as part of the HOEE concept.

The challenge is being hosted by GrabCAD, a Massachusetts-based startup that hosts a free cloud-based platform that helps engineering teams collaborate and manage, view, and share Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files. The NASA Tournament Lab is managing the challenge, which supports the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) study of the HOEE concept. The challenge is part of NASA's Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing program, overseen by NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD).

To date, most known exoplanets have been confirmed through indirect methods. These include the Transit Method (aka. Transit Photometry), where periodic dips in a star's brightness are used to detect the presence of one or more planets passing in front of it (transiting) relative to the observer. Another is the Radial Velocity Method (aka. Doppler Spectroscopy), where the movement of a star back and forth (relative to the observer) is used to determine the gravitational influences acting on the star (i.e., a system of planets).

When used in combination, these methods are very effective at constraining the size and orbital period of exoplanets (Transit Method) and their respective masses (Radial Velocity Method). However, with next-generation instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), astronomers can conduct Direct Imaging studies of exoplanets. In this case, light from distant exoplanets is captured directly and analyzed with a spectrometer. The spectra obtained can yield data on a planet's surface minerals and determine the presence of oceans, continents, weather systems, vegetation, and the gases that make up its atmosphere.

This data will allow astronomers and astrobiologists to characterize exoplanets and confidently say whether a planet is "habitable" or not. An important part of this method is the coronagraph, an instrument that blocks out the glare of parent stars so that the light reflected from exoplanet atmospheres can be visualized and scanned using spectrometers to determine the chemical composition. Said Dr. John Mather, a senior astrophysicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and a senior project scientist for the JWST:

"The hybrid observatory might help us answer some of the most pressing questions about extraterrestrial life. Observing many systems would help answer the question of why configurations like our own are rare and why none is quite like home. It is truly exciting that the public can be part of this revolutionary effort. I can't wait to see what ideas they bring to the table."

The key to the HOEE is the "Starshade" spacecraft, a concept introduced by the Habitable Exoplanet Observatory (HabEx) at NASA JPL back in 2016. Initially, it was thought that only space telescopes like the James Webb and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (RST) could benefit from a starshade-type spacecraft. But with the HOEE concept, ground-based telescopes that fall into the 30-meter-class (~100 ft) range could also conduct Direct Imaging surveys. This includes next-generation observatories like the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT), and the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT).

For the Ultralight Starshade Structural Design Challenge, NASA is looking for ideas for a lightweight starshade that could accomplish that very task. According to NASA, the goal of this challenge is to develop an "innovative low-mass starshade structure that could meet the mass, shape, strength, and stiffness requirements." Participants are free to choose from four suggested designs (or a hybrid thereof), which include:

Ultralight version of the current JPL HabEx concept Umbrella with petals Rigidizable inflated structure Truss-based structures

The ideal design, they state, will allow for compact packaging and successful deployment once in Earth's orbit. In other words, it must be able to collapse and fold up so the spacecraft can fit inside a rocket payload fairing, then unfurl once it reaches space. This is similar to what engineers accomplished with James Webb, especially where its primary mirror and sunshield were concerned. They also stress that it must have the lowest possible mass to be easier (and cheaper) to launch, that its chemical thrusters can keep it aligned during observations, and change its orbit to observe different targets.

These and other details (including orbital distance and the starshade's diameter) are specified on the challenge page:

"An orbiting starshade (170,000 km away) could cast a shadow of the central star without blocking the reflected light from its planets. So that it can be used with the largest ground-based telescopes, the starshade needs to be 100 m in diameter. This large structure must be tightly packaged so that it can fit inside the fairing of a large rocket (e.g., Falcon Heavy or Starship).

"It must also have the lowest possible mass so that chemical thrusters can keep it aligned during observations and solar electric propulsion system can change its orbit to observe many targets. NASA seeks breakthrough mechanical/structural concepts for a deployable, low mass, high stability, and high stiffness starshade structure."

In order to be eligible for this challenge, participants must either be U.S. citizens or from an eligible country (specified here). The top five submissions will share a prize purse of $7,000. The full list of the competition requirements and all relevant information and documentation are posted on the GrabCAD challenge page.

Explore further Astronomers present a concept for the next NASA flagship mission
Credit: Rice University

Spiders are amazing. They're useful even when they're dead.

Rice University mechanical engineers are showing how to repurpose deceased spiders as mechanical grippers that can blend into natural environments while picking up objects, like other insects, that outweigh them.

Why?

"It happens to be the case that the spider, after it's deceased, is the perfect architecture for small scale, naturally derived grippers," said Daniel Preston of Rice's George R. Brown School of Engineering.

An open-access study in Advanced Science outlines the process by which Preston and lead author Faye Yap harnessed a spider's physiology in a first step toward a novel area of research they call "necrobotics."

Credit: Rice University

Preston's lab specializes in soft robotic systems that often use nontraditional materials, as opposed to hard plastics, metals and electronics. "We use all kinds of interesting new materials like hydrogels and elastomers that can be actuated by things like chemical reactions, pneumatics and light," he said. "We even have some recent work on textiles and wearables.

"This area of soft robotics is a lot of fun because we get to use previously untapped types of actuation and materials," Preston said. "The spider falls into this line of inquiry. It's something that hasn't been used before but has a lot of potential."

Unlike people and other mammals that move their limbs by synchronizing opposing muscles, spiders use hydraulics. A chamber near their heads contracts to send blood to limbs, forcing them to extend. When the pressure is relieved, the legs contract.

An illustration shows the process by which Rice University mechanical engineers turn deceased spiders into necrobotic grippers, able to grasp items when triggered by hydraulic pressure. Credit: Preston Innovation Laboratory/Rice University

The cadavers Preston's lab pressed into service were wolf spiders, and testing showed they were reliably able to lift more than 130% of their own body weight, and sometimes much more. They had the grippers manipulate a circuit board, move objects and even lift another spider.

The researchers noted smaller spiders can carry heavier loads in comparison to their size. Conversely, the larger the spider, the smaller the load it can carry in comparison to its own body weight. Future research will likely involve testing this concept with spiders smaller than the wolf spider, Preston said.

Yap said the project began shortly after Preston established his lab in Rice's Department of Mechanical Engineering in 2019.

"We were moving stuff around in the lab and we noticed a curled up spider at the edge of the hallway," she said. "We were really curious as to why spiders curl up after they die."

Rice graduate student Faye Yap with a deceased wolf spider. Yap attaches the spiders to a needle and feeds air into their limbs to act as a necrobotic gripper. Credit: Brandon Martin

A quick search found the answer: "Spiders do not have antagonistic muscle pairs, like biceps and triceps in humans," Yap said. "They only have flexor muscles, which allow their legs to curl in, and they extend them outward by hydraulic pressure. When they die, they lose the ability to actively pressurize their bodies. That's why they curl up.

"At the time, we were thinking, "Oh, this is super interesting." We wanted to find a way to leverage this mechanism," she said.

Internal valves in the spiders' hydraulic chamber, or prosoma, allow them to control each leg individually, and that will also be the subject of future research, Preston said. "The dead spider isn't controlling these valves," he said. "They're all open. That worked out in our favor in this study, because it allowed us to control all the legs at the same time."

Setting up a spider gripper was fairly simple. Yap tapped into the prosoma chamber with a needle, attaching it with a dab of superglue. The other end of the needle was connected to one of the lab's test rigs or a handheld syringe, which delivered a minute amount of air to activate the legs almost instantly.

An illustration shows the process by which Rice University mechanical engineers turn deceased spiders into necrobotic grippers, able to grasp items when triggered by hydraulic pressure. Credit: Preston Innovation Laboratory

The lab ran one ex-spider through 1,000 open-close cycles to see how well its limbs held up, and found it to be fairly robust. "It starts to experience some wear and tear as we get close to 1,000 cycles," Preston said. "We think that's related to issues with dehydration of the joints. We think we can overcome that by applying polymeric coatings."

What turns the lab's work from a cool stunt into a useful technology?

Preston said a few necrobotic applications have occurred to him. "There are a lot of pick-and-place tasks we could look into, repetitive tasks like sorting or moving objects around at these small scales, and maybe even things like assembly of microelectronics," he said.

"Another application could be deploying it to capture smaller insects in nature, because it's inherently camouflaged," Yap added.

A gripper is used to lift a jumper and break a circuit on an electronic breadboard, turning off an LED. Credit: Preston Innovation Laboratory

"Also, the spiders themselves are biodegradable," Preston said. "So we're not introducing a big waste stream, which can be a problem with more traditional components."

Preston and Yap are aware the experiments may sound to some people like the stuff of nightmares, but they said what they're doing doesn't qualify as reanimation.

"Despite looking like it might have come back to life, we're certain that it's inanimate, and we're using it in this case strictly as a material derived from a once-living spider," Preston said. "It's providing us with something really useful."

Explore further Spider that uses its web to expand its hearing capabilities (Update)

More information: Te Faye Yap et al, Necrobotics: Biotic Materials as ReadytoUse Actuators, Advanced Science (2022). Journal information: Advanced Science Te Faye Yap et al, Necrobotics: Biotic Materials as ReadytoUse Actuators,(2022). DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201174
Coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Low-oxygen conditions in oceans negatively affect marine life and ecosystems. Although many coastlines experience regular low-oxygen periods, the phenomenon is becoming more common as dissolved oxygen decreases globally. Deciphering how oxygen levels fluctuate throughout the year can help scientists better understand marine ecosystem dynamics.

In a new study, Sahu and a team of researchers dove deep into the waters off Vancouver Island, where every summer a low-oxygen dense pool of water settles over the continental shelf. The region is part of the Juan de Fuca Eddywhich sits at the northern end of the California Current Systemand spans the bathymetrically complex continental shelf.

The researchers analyzed the potential sources of water that contribute to the low-oxygen summer pool. They populated an oceanic numerical model for the region using data collected during a scientific cruise in August 2013. The model depicts how ocean properties like temperature and salinity vary over time. In the model, they traced water particles backward in time using a method called Lagrangian particle tracking. In addition, the authors used kernel density estimation to determine the geographic origin of the low-oxygen pool's source water.

The results showed that low-oxygen deep summer waters arrive from the south in early summer. Specifically, the models showed that 45% of the low-oxygen pool derives from the California Undercurrent and an additional 20% originates in deeper, offshore waters. Additionally, the low-oxygen waters weave through a maze of submarine canyons in the Juan de Fuca region to arrive at Vancouver Island. This movement is opposite the summer currents on the continental shelf, which typically flow from the north.

According to the authors, elucidating this movement of water reveals critical mechanisms driving one of the most biologically productive coastlines in the world.

Explore further Mid-depth waters off the United States East Coast are getting saltier

More information: Saurav Sahu et al, Spatial and Temporal Origins of the La Perouse Low Oxygen Pool: A Combined Lagrangian Statistical Approach, Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans (2022). Saurav Sahu et al, Spatial and Temporal Origins of the La Perouse Low Oxygen Pool: A Combined Lagrangian Statistical Approach,(2022). DOI: 10.1029/2021JC018135

This story is republished courtesy of Eos, hosted by the American Geophysical Union. Read the original storyhere.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Children hold stereotypical views that "brilliance" is a male trait, and this belief strengthens as they grow, up to the age of 12, researchers from Singapore and the United States have reported.

The study, led by NTU Singapore in collaboration with New York University, was published in the scientific journal Child Development in May 2022. It involved 389 Chinese Singaporean parents and 342 of their children aged 8 to 12.

Tests were carried out to measure the extent to which parents and their children associate the notion of brilliance with men, and to probe the relationship between parents and their children's views.

The study defined brilliance as an exceptional level of intellectual ability and results showed that children are as likely to associate brilliance with men as their parents are.

This belief was stronger among older children and stronger among those children whose parents held the same view.

While previous research on gender stereotypes has found that the idea that giftedness is a male trait can emerge at around the age of six, it was not known whether and how this stereotype changes over the course of childhood, until now.

Lead author of the study, Assoc. Prof. Setoh Peipei from NTU's School of Social Sciences, said the Singapore-based study is the first to identify that the tendency to associate brilliance with men (also known as the "brilliance equals to men" stereotype) increases in strength through the primary school years, and reaches the level of belief seen in adults by the age of 13.

"Stereotypical views about how boys are smarter than girls can take root in childhood and become a self-fulfilling prophecy," said Prof. Setoh. "For girls, this may lead them to doubt their abilities, thus limiting their ideas about their interests and what they can achieve in life."

"Our research work shows parents must also be included in policies and school programs to effectively combat children's gender stereotypes from a young age," she added.

More information: Siqi Zhao et al, The acquisition of the genderbrilliance stereotype: Age trajectory, relation to parents' stereotypes, and intersections with race/ethnicity, Child Development (2022). Journal information: Child Development Siqi Zhao et al, The acquisition of the genderbrilliance stereotype: Age trajectory, relation to parents' stereotypes, and intersections with race/ethnicity,(2022). DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13809
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

In Australia, prior to the pandemic, approximately 24% of employees were engaged in some degree of work from home. This figure jumped to 41% during the COVID-19 pandemic, with higher rates in those states with severe lockdowns.

As many of us continue to work from home despite much of the COVID restrictions having been removed, a new report from La Trobe University on effective strategies to combining work at home with work at the office, school, factory or shop provides much-needed advice.

Published in Industrial Health, the study led by Associate Professor Jodi Oakmanhead of the Center for Ergonomics and Human Factors at La Trobe Universityidentified optimal working strategies from people working from home during the pandemic.

Managers and non-managers from a range of sectors were invited to participate in focus groups.

According to Associate Professor Oakman, most participants' experiences were more negative than positive, in part due to extreme lockdowns including curfews, with childcare and school closures compounding their work from home experiences.

Some of the negative aspects of work from home during the pandemic identified in the report include:

Blurring of boundaries (working longer hours and on weekends), invasion of privacy (using webcam and private phone for work), and work impinging on caregiver responsibilities

Both managers and non-managers reported exhaustion associated with increased working hours and long periods of work without taking leave

Negative physical health outcomes such as increased musculoskeletal pain and weight gain

A decrease in productivity, due to negative mental well-being effects of work from home

A feeling of isolation and disconnect from work, particularly for those living alone in lockdown who could not socialize

Negative financial impact for employees resulting from increased utility bills and purchase of additional equipment

Positives included:

Improved work-life interaction, particularly for employees that were not in mandatory lockdown situationsincluding flexibility to accommodate parenting responsibilities, household chores, dog walking and exercise

Improved access to networking and professional development opportunities through online conferences and seminars that were previously inaccessible due to overseas locations

Increased team bonding due to online meetings, which provided insight into private lives of employees

The introduction of online communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom resulted in improved communication within teams and between departments, as well as cross business collaboration

Productivity increasedue to staff working longer days and not being distracted in the officecontributed to the positive financial impact for employer organizations

However the study found that effective workplace-initiated strategies to optimize work from home included management support of flexible work hours; provision of necessary equipment with ICT support; regular online communication; performance management adjustments; and manager training.

Explore further The future of work is flexible, says new study

More information: Jodi OAKMAN et al, Strategies to manage working from home during the pandemic: the employee experience, Industrial Health (2022). Jodi OAKMAN et al, Strategies to manage working from home during the pandemic: the employee experience,(2022). DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2022-0042
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Intimate partner violenceor abuse and aggression in a romantic relationshipis a pervasive global issue. In Uganda, a primarily Christian country in East Africa, 56% of women who've been married report being sexually violated by a current partner. Strong patriarchal beliefs often influence this behavior, but those in positions of power, like religious leaders, can shift traditional gender roles.

A team of psychologists, public health and political scientists, human-centered design experts, and NGO researchers, including Betsy Levy Paluck of Princeton University, wanted to determine whether religious leaders could reduce intimate partner violence by incorporating more progressive interpretations of Bible teachings on romantic partnerships into their couples counseling.

They conducted a randomized controlled trial among 1,680 heterosexual couples in Uganda who were either enrolled in a 12-session group counseling course or wait-listed. Those in the course experienced a curriculum in which men and women were viewed as equals. The approach intentionally skirted the topic of violence and instead highlighted the benefits and religious importance of a more egalitarian relationship.

Findings

When Christian leaders in Uganda offered these types of courses, intimate partner violence decreased by 5 percentage points a year later.

Couples who participated in the 12-week course experienced less violence, greater power-sharing in the relationship, and grew closer compared to the couples on the waitlist.

Couples enjoyed their time together and reported less depression.

Couples were more likely to see eye-to-eye when it came to financial decision-making.

Men voluntarily ceded their powerrather than being coerced or pressured to share. Losing power can lead to a backlash against the partner, but it didn't, perhaps due to the new benefits stemming from a more equal partnership.

Policy point

Religious leaders can be effective change agents for reducing violence. This type of interventionwhich included a shift in religious instructionalso has the potential to reach a massive audience.

"This approach is unique because it's driven by leaders within a longstanding cultural and religious tradition who shape how couples relate to each other. It is a benefits-centered approach, meaning that couples are motivated by religious and interpersonal reasons to respect and enjoy one another in a more power-balanced relationship. This change-from-within strategy could be useful if there are constraints on state capacity," says Elizabeth Levy Paluck of Princeton University.

Data

This study measures the effect of the Becoming One program, which was designed by the International Rescue Committee's Airbel Impact Lab team. Religious leaders are trained for two days and given instructional materials for themselves and the couples.

The study involved a pair-matched randomized control trial with 3,360 men and women in monogamous heterosexual relationships and with 140 religious leaders (mainly catechists, pastors, and priests) identified by World Vision, the implementing NGO partner, in three districts in Western Uganda.

Men and women were invited to participate through informed consent. Within each pair, they randomized one couple to begin the 12-session program immediately (October 2018) and the other to begin in December 2019.

Explore further Male couples report as much domestic violence as straight couples

More information: Religious leaders can motivate men to cede power and reduce intimate partner violence: Experimental evidence from Uganda, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2022). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Religious leaders can motivate men to cede power and reduce intimate partner violence: Experimental evidence from Uganda,(2022). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2200262119

Provided by Princeton School of Public and International Affairs
This illustration represents the light-induced collapse of the nanoscale charge order in a 2D crystal of tantalum disulfide (star-shapes) and the generation of a hidden metastable metallic state (spheres). Credit: Frank Yi Gao

The development of high-speed strobe-flash photography in the 1960s by the late MIT professor Harold "Doc" Edgerton allowed us to visualize events too fast for the eyea bullet piercing an apple, or a droplet hitting a pool of milk.

Now, by using a suite of advanced spectroscopic tools, scientists at MIT and University of Texas at Austin have for the first time captured snapshots of a light-induced metastable phase hidden from the equilibrium universe. By using single-shot spectroscopy techniques on a 2D crystal with nanoscale modulations of electron density, they were able to view this transition in real-time.

"With this work, we are showing the birth and evolution of a hidden quantum phase induced by an ultrashort laser pulse in an electronically modulated crystal," says Frank Gao Ph.D. '22, co-lead author on a paper about the work who is currently a postdoc at UT Austin.

"Usually, shining lasers on materials is the same as heating them, but not in this case," adds Zhuquan Zhang, co-lead author and current MIT graduate student in chemistry. "Here, irradiation of the crystal rearranges the electronic order, creating an entirely new phase different from the high-temperature one."

A paper on this research was published today in Science Advances. The project was jointly coordinated by Keith A. Nelson, the Haslam and Dewey Professor of Chemistry at MIT, and by Edoardo Baldini, an assistant professor of physics at UT-Austin.

Laser shows

"Understanding the origin of such metastable quantum phases is important to address long-standing fundamental questions in nonequilibrium thermodynamics," says Nelson.

"The key to this result was the development of a state-of-the-art laser method that can 'make movies' of irreversible processes in quantum materials with a time resolution of 100 femtoseconds." adds Baldini.

The material, tantalum disulfide, consists of covalently bound layers of tantalum and sulfur atoms stacked loosely on top of one another. Below a critical temperature, the atoms and electrons of the material pattern into nanoscale "Star of David" structuresan unconventional distribution of electrons known as a "charge density wave."

The formation of this new phase makes the material an insulator, but shining one single, intense light pulse pushes the material into a metastable hidden metal. "It is a transient quantum state frozen in time," says Baldini. "People have observed this light-induced hidden phase before, but the ultrafast quantum processes behind its genesis were still unknown."

Adds Nelson, "One of the key challenges is that observing an ultrafast transformation from one electronic order to one that may persist indefinitely is not practical with conventional time-resolved techniques."

Pulses of insight

The researchers developed a unique method that involved splitting a single probe laser pulse into several hundred distinct probe pulses that all arrived at the sample at different times before and after switching was initiated by a separate, ultrafast excitation pulse. By measuring changes in each of these probe pulses after they were reflected from or transmitted through the sample and then stringing the measurement results together like individual frames, they could construct a movie that provides microscopic insights into the mechanisms through which transformations occur.

By capturing the dynamics of this complex phase transformation in a single-shot measurement, the authors demonstrated that the melting and the reordering of the charge density wave leads to the formation of the hidden state. Theoretical calculations by Zhiyuan Sun, a Harvard Quantum Institute postdoc, confirmed this interpretation.

While this study was carried out with one specific material, the researchers say the same methodology can now be used to study other exotic phenomena in quantum materials. This discovery may also help with the development of optoelectronic devices with on-demand photoresponses.

Explore further Physicists use extreme infrared laser pulses to reveal frozen electron waves in magnetite

More information: Frank Y. Gao et al, Snapshots of a light-induced metastable hidden phase driven by the collapse of charge order, Science Advances (2022). Journal information: Science Advances Frank Y. Gao et al, Snapshots of a light-induced metastable hidden phase driven by the collapse of charge order,(2022). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abp9076

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
The Greenland shark discovered in Belize. Credit: Devanshi Kasana

A half-blind shark that is typically thought to live in freezing Arctic waters, scavenge on polar bear carcasses and survive for hundreds of years, recently turned up in perhaps an unexpected placea coral reef off Belize. This marks the first time a shark of its kind has been found in western Caribbean waters off the world's second longest barrier reef.

Devanshi Kasana, a Ph.D. candidate in the Florida International University (FIU) Predator Ecology and Conservation lab, was working with local Belizean fishermen to tag tiger sharks when the discovery was made.

It had been a long night of fishing. By dawn, the weather had deteriorated. Storms were gathering on the horizon. The team did a last check of their lines. On the other end of one, wasn't a tiger shark, but a rather sluggish creature. It looked oldancient, evenand more like an elongated, smooth stone that had sprung to life. It had a blunt snout and small pale bluish colored eyes. All together, these clues led scientists to think it was a member of the sleeper shark family.

"At first, I was sure it was something else, like a six gill shark that are well known from deep waters off coral reefs," Kasana said. "I knew it was something unusual and so did the fishers, who hadn't ever seen anything quite like it in all their combined years of fishing."

Kasana texted Demian Chapmanher Ph.D. advisor and Director of Sharks & Rays Conservation Research at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquariumto share the news. She also sent along a photo of the shark. Chapman's response caught her off guard. He said it wasn't a six gill. But, it looked a lot like a Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus).

After conferring with several Greenland shark experts, the final determination was it was definitely in the sleeper shark familyand because of its large size most likely a Greenland shark or a hybrid between the Greenland shark and Pacific sleeper shark (Somniosus pacificus).

Greenland sharks remain somewhat of an enigma to science. What is known about them is they tend to be seen in the frigid waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. The slow-moving species is also slow growing. Yet, a life in the slow lane may benefit them, because they have been estimated to live upward of 400 yearsearning them the special designation of longest-living vertebrate known to science.

Because little is known about them, that means nothing can be definitively ruled out about the species. Greenland sharks could possibly be trolling the depths of the ocean all across the world. In fact, experts speculate that they could be found all over the world, living in tropics at greater depths, where they can find their preferred low temperatures.

The waters where Kasana and the fishermen found the shark certainly get deep. Glover's Reef Atollpart of the Glover's Reef Marine Reserve World Heritage Site, a marine protected area (MPA)sits on top a limestone platform, forming a lagoon surrounded by a coral reef. Along the edges of the atoll there's a steep slope that drops from 1,600 feet to 9,500 feet deep, which means there is cold water needed for a Greenland shark to thrive.

For nearly two decades, Chapman has led projects tracking shark populations at Glover's Reef. The data has been shared with the Belize National Shark Working Groupa team made up of government officials, shark fisherfolk, non-governmental organizations, and scientists. This work recently led to increased protectionand new legislation prohibiting shark fishing two miles around all three atolls in Belize, including Glover's Reef Atoll.

Ellen DeGeneres's The Ellen Fund, through the Endangered campaign, provides support for Mote, FIU's Predator Ecology and Conversation lab, the Belize Fisheries Department and the shark fishing communities to expand on the shark monitoring efforts, focused on reducing shark catch and protecting shark populations. Part of the funding supports Kasana's Ph.D. research, tagging tiger sharks to track their movement and find strategies to best manage their populations since they are an important species in the Belizean fishery.

"Great discoveries and conservation can happen when fisherman, scientists and the government work together," said Beverly Wade, Director of the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister of Belize. "We can really enhance what we can do individually, while also doing some great conservation work and making fantastic discoveries, like this one."

"I am always excited to set my deep water line because I know there is stuff down there that we haven't seen yet in Belize, but I never thought I would be catching a Greenland shark," said Omar Faux, one of the fisherman in Belize. "My crew and I are looking forward to future deep water expeditions with Dr. Chapman and his team."

While Kasana and the team weren't expecting to ever see a Greenland shark, finding one shows how partnerships can oftentimes pave the way for unexpected and intriguing new discoveries.

Chapman says he'd buy some lotto tickets if they catch another sleeper shark. But, if it happens, the team is ready. One of the world's top experts on Greenland sharksUniversity of Windsor Associate Professor of Biology Nigel Husseygave the team four satellite tags. That way, if lightning does strike twice, they'll be readyand one step closer to finding how these sharks live in the tropics.

The findings were recently published in the journal Marine Biology.

Explore further Belize extends protection for sharks after research documents population decline

More information: Devanshi Kasana et al, First report of a sleeper shark (Somniosus sp.) in the western Caribbean, off the insular slope of a coral atoll, Marine Biology (2022). Journal information: Marine Biology Devanshi Kasana et al, First report of a sleeper shark (Somniosus sp.) in the western Caribbean, off the insular slope of a coral atoll,(2022). DOI: 10.1007/s00227-022-04090-3
A plane drops fire retardant drop at the Oak Fire near Mariposa, California, on July 24, 2022.

A fierce California wildfire expanded Sunday, burning several thousand acres and forcing evacuations as tens of millions of Americans sweltered through scorching heat.

More than 2,000 firefighters backed by 17 helicopters have been deployed against the Oak Fire, which broke out Friday near Yosemite National Park, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) said in a report.

But two days after it began, the blaze has already consumed more than 15,600 acres (6,313 hectares) and remains zero percent contained, the report said, adding that heat combined with low humidity would "hamper" efforts Sunday.

"Extreme drought conditions have led to critical fuel moisture levels," according to CAL FIRE's report.

Described as "explosive" by officials, the blaze has left ashes, gutted vehicles and twisted remains of properties in its wake, as emergency personnel worked to evacuate residents and protect structures in its path.

It has already destroyed 10 properties and damaged five others, with thousands more threatened.

More than 6,000 people had been evacuated, said Hector Vasquez, a CAL FIRE official.

"It was scary when we left because we were getting ashes on us, but we had such a visual of this billowing. It just seemed like it was above our house and coming our way really quickly," one woman who had to be evacuated, Lynda Reynolds-Brown, told local news station KCRA.

Satellite photo showing the Oak fire in California, in the United States.

"We started getting our stuff together, and that's when I went back up the hill and looked and I'm like, 'Oh my God.' It was coming fast," her husband Aubrey Brown told the station.

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Saturday declared a state of emergency in Mariposa County, citing "conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property."

In recent years, California and other parts of the western United States have been ravaged by huge and fast-moving wildfires, driven by years of drought and a warming climate.

Gore blasts 'inaction'

Evidence of global warming could be seen elsewhere in the country, as 85 million Americans in more than a dozen states were under a weekend heat advisory.

The crisis prompted former vice president Al Gore, a tireless climate advocate, to issue stark warnings Sunday about "inaction" by US lawmakers.

A crew marches to a new location to fight the Oak Fire near Midpines, northeast of Mariposa, California, on July 23, 2022.

Asked whether he believes US President Joe Biden should declare a climate emergency, which would grant him additional policy powers, Gore was blunt.

"Mother Nature has already declared it a global emergency," he told ABC News talk show "This Week."

And "it's due to get much, much worse, and quickly," he said separately on NBC.

But he also suggested that recent crises, including deadly heat waves in Europe, could serve as a wake-up call for members of US Congress who have so far refused to embrace efforts to combat climate change.

"I think these extreme events that are getting steadily worse and more severe are really beginning to change minds," he said.

The central and northeast US regions have faced the brunt of the extreme heat, which is forecast to lessen somewhat on Monday.

"Searing heat will continue across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast tonight before the upper trough over Canada dips down into the region to moderate temperatures a bit tomorrow," the National Weather Service said Sunday afternoon.

A forest is incinerated by the Oak Fire near Midpines, northeast of Mariposa, California, on July 23, 2022.

But not all regions are expected to cool down: temperatures of 100 or more degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) are forecast in the coming days across parts of eastern Kansas and Oklahoma into southern Missouri and northern Arkansas.

Not even the usually cool Pacific Northwest will escape the far-reaching heat, with high temperatures "forecast to steadily rise over the next few days, leading to the possibility for records to be broken," the weather service added.

Cities have been forced to open cooling stations and increase outreach to at-risk communities such as the homeless and those without access to air conditioning.

Various regions of the globe have been hit by extreme heat waves in recent months, such as Western Europe in July and India in March to April, incidents that scientists say are an unmistakable sign of a warming climate.

Explore further Greece, California battle fierce wildfires amid heatwaves

 2022 AFP
Alsophila spinulosa in a forest. Credit: Quanzi Li

Land plants evolved 470 million years ago from algae and have since reshaped our world. Throughout their evolution, ferns have undergone a series of changes that have helped them survive on land. For the first time, researchers have characterized the genome arrangement of tree ferns, which sheds new insight into how ferns evolved.

A major event in the evolution of land plants was the invention of their vascular systems, which help them conduct water, nutrients, and food throughout their bodies. These systems consist of two tissues: xylem and phloem. While the xylem enables the transport of water to the stems and leaves, the phloem helps transport sugars, made from photosynthesis, to the rest of the plant. Additionally, only xylem cells are lined with ligninsupportive structural materials that provide rigidity to wood and bark. The researchers wanted to understand how these vascular systems evolved in ferns and how lignin is made.

"Ferns are the earliest vascular plants, and lignified cell walls were a key innovation during the evolution of these plants," said Ray Ming (GEGC), a professor of plant biology. "This study has improved our understanding of how vascular tissues developed in ferns and other land plant species."

For this study, the researchers sequenced the genome of flying spider-monkey tree fern Alsophila spinulosa and investigated how its vascular tissues are constructed. They found that two vascular-related MAC-domain genes were highly expressed in xylem compared to other tissues, indicating that these might be key regulators in the formation of xylem-specific cells.

Using microscopy and biochemical methods, the researchers also measured the levels of lignin and secondary metabolitescompounds that are not required for growth or reproduction, but confer certain benefitsin ferns. They found that lignin made up 40% of the stem cell wall. In comparison, wood generally contains 25%. They also discovered a new secondary metabolite primarily made in the xylem, which they named alsophilin.

"This new compound is abundant in the xylem, likely as one of the compounds filling up the cavity of non-functional tracheid cells. We also identified the genes involved in the biosynthesis of alsophilin in the genome," Ming said.

To understand how ferns evolved, the researchers compared the genomic sequence of A. spinulosa to other members of the same species across nine locations in China. To their surprise, they discovered that there were six distinct populations, differing in their genomic sequences. Based on their sequencing results, the researchers reconstructed the history of the fern population and saw that there were two times that these species underwent a drastic decrease in population numbers. The first one occurred 35.6-34.5 million years ago and the second occurred 2.5-0.7 million years ago.

"This analysis of genomes and lignin composition from a broader collection of ferns will help us understand the role of lignin in the early lineage of vascular plants," Ming said. "In our future studies, we hope to increase the number of locations and the sample sizes for the genomic analysis."

The biochemical analysis was performed in collaboration with Quanzi Li's group at the State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Beijing, China.

Explore further Plant polymers do not always act together to make beautiful shapes

More information: Xiong Huang et al, The flying spider-monkey tree fern genome provides insights into fern evolution and arborescence, Nature Plants (2022). Journal information: Nature Plants Xiong Huang et al, The flying spider-monkey tree fern genome provides insights into fern evolution and arborescence,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41477-022-01146-6
A burned hillside where crews are planting seedlings including Giant Sequoia in Mountain Home State Demonstration Forest outside Springville, Calif., on April 26, 2022. Destructive fires in recent years that burned too hot for forests to quickly regrow have far outpaced the government's capacity to replant trees. Credit: Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via AP, File

The Biden administration on Monday said the government will plant more than one billion trees across millions of acres of burned and dead woodlands in the U.S. West, as officials struggle to counter the increasing toll on the nation's forests from wildfires, insects and other manifestations of climate change.

Destructive fires in recent years that burned too hot for forests to regrow naturally have far outpaced the government's capacity to plant new trees. That has created a backlog of 4.1 million acres (1.7 million hectares) in need of replanting, officials said.

The U.S. Agriculture Department said it will have to quadruple the number of tree seedlings produced by nurseries to get through the backlog and meet future needs. That comes after Congress last year passed bipartisan legislation directing the Forest Service to plant 1.2 billion trees over the next decade and after President Joe Biden in April ordered the agency to make the nation's forests more resilient as the globe gets hotter.

Much of the administration's broader agenda to tackle climate change remains stalled amid disagreement in Congress, where Democrats hold a razor-thin majority. That has left officials to pursue a more piecemeal approach with incremental measures such as Monday's announcement, while the administration considers whether to declare a climate emergency that could open the door to more aggressive executive branch actions.

To erase the backlog of decimated forest acreage, the Forest Service plans over the next couple years to scale up work from about 60,000 acres (24,000 hectares) replanted last year to about 400,000 acres (162,000 hectares) annually, officials said. Most of the work will be in western states where wildfires now occur year round and the need is most pressing, said David Lytle, the agency's director of forest management.

Blazes have charred 5.6 million acres so far in the U.S. this year, putting 2022 on track to match or exceed the record-setting 2015 fire season, when 10.1 million acres (4.1 million hectares) burned.

Many forests regenerate naturally after fires, but if the blazes get too intense they can leave behind barren landscapes that linger for decades before trees come back.

"Our forests, rural communities, agriculture and economy are connected across a shared landscape and their existence is at stake," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement announcing the reforestation plan. "Only through bold, climate-smart actions ... can we ensure their future."

Contract workers hired by the State of California carry giant sequoia seedlings to be planted on a hillside in Mountain Home State Demonstration Forest outside Springville, Calif., on April 26, 2022. The Biden administration on Monday, July 25, 2022, said it plans to replant trees on millions of acres of burned and dead woodlands as officials struggle to counter the increasing toll on the nation's forests from wildfires, insects and other manifestations of climate change. Credit: Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via AP, File

The Forest Service this year is spending more than $100 million on reforestation work. Spending is expected to further increase in coming years, to as much as $260 million annually, under the sweeping federal infrastructure bill approved last year, agency officials said.

Some timber industry supporters were critical of last year's reforesting legislation as insufficient to turn the tide on the scale of the wildfire problem. They want more aggressive logging to thin stands that have become overgrown from years of suppressing fires.

To prevent replanted areas from becoming similarly overgrown, practices are changing so reforested stands are less dense with trees and therefore less fire prone, said Joe Fargione, science director for North America at the Nature Conservancy.

But challenges to the Forest Service's goal remain, from finding enough seeds to hiring enough workers to plant them, Fargione said.

Many seedlings will die before reaching maturity due to drought and insects, both of which can be exacerbated by climate change.

"You've got to be smart about where you plant," Fargione said. "There are some places that the climate has already changed enough that it makes the probability of successfully reestablishing trees pretty low."

Living trees are a major "sink" for carbon dioxide that's driving climate change when it enters the atmosphere, Fargione said. That means replacing those that die is important to keep climate change from getting even worse.

Congress in 1980 created a reforestation trust that had previously capped fundingwhich came from tariffs on timber productsat $30 million annually. That was enough money when the most significant need for reforestation came from logging, but became insufficient as the number of large, high intensity fires increased, officials said.

Insects, disease and timber harvests also contribute to the amount of land that needs reforestation work, but the vast majority comes from fires. In the past five years alone more than 5 million acres were severely burned.

Explore further Climate change increases risks of tree death

 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 temporarily cooled the planet by half a degree Celsius, showing the power of tiny particles called aerosols. Credit: Dave Harlow, USGS

In June 1991, Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted for nine hours, ejecting volcanic ash, water vapor, and at least 15 to 20 million tons of noxious sulfur dioxide gas into the stratosphere. Within two hours, the gas transformed into tiny sulfate mists or aerosols that formed bright clouds. Those clouds spread across the entire Earth and persisted for a year, effectively reducing global temperatures by 0.4 to 0.5 degrees Celsius between 1992 and 1993. Once these cooling aerosols fell out of the stratosphere two years later, global temperatures rose again.

Although microscopically tiny, aerosol particles can have mighty impacts on the atmosphere and climate. Major volcanic eruptions and their resulting aerosol emissions high up in the atmosphere are infamous for altering monsoon circulations and precipitation patterns around the world, even triggering severe droughts in Eastern China and India.

Aerosols created by burning fossil fuels can also impact the climate, although the effects are somewhat different at the ground level. And as human civilizations attempt to reduce their emissions of these harmful particles, they are inadvertently generating unwelcome side effects, too.

Understanding aerosols

Ever since the first Earth Day was observed in 1970, the global average temperature has been accelerating at the rate of 1.7 degrees Celsius per century. Before 1970, the rate of warming was only 0.01 degrees C per century. At the current rate, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that the average global temperatures could rise by more than 2 degrees Celsius by 2100, which would unleash devastating impacts on the planet.

"When we talk about the causes of human-driven climate change, a lot of attention is given to greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, but the anthropogenic aerosols component is rarely mentioned," said Scott Barrett, a vice dean at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs and the Lenfest-Earth Institute Professor of Natural Resource Economics.

Aerosols (also known as particulate matter or PM) are a mix of suspended liquid and solid particles in the air with distinctive chemical compositions. The smaller the size of an aerosol, the more severe its health impacts. Particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns (PM 2.5 ) can easily infiltrate the lungs. PM 2.5 has been associated with higher rates of respiratory, autoimmune, and neurological disorders than a comparatively bigger PM with a diameter of 10 microns or lessalso known as PM 10 .

Scientists estimate that 90% of aerosols in the atmosphere are naturally occurring, such as dust, pollen, plankton, and sea salt. On average, up to 80% of the particulate matter in coastal areas comes from sea salt. Waves breaking and bubbles bursting at the ocean surface make sea salt aerosols stay suspended in the air, said Faye McNeill, an atmospheric chemist and professor at Columbia University's School of Engineering. The good news is that most natural sources of aerosols have remained at constant levels without any significant fluctuationsgiving less cause for concern.

But anthropogenic or human-made aerosols are the opposite. They are constantly emitted from vehicles, coal power plants, factories, oil refineries, agricultural areas, industrial facilities, ships, and wood burning, among other activities. Since the industrial revolution began in the Global North, the presence of anthropogenic aerosols in the atmosphere had steeply increased along with greenhouse gases. As the air got more and more polluted in the U.S., by 1970, the general public and environmentalists were concerned over poor air quality.

Despite the obvious sources of air pollutants, in 1981, President Ronald Reagan claimed that trees cause more pollution than automobiles do. "This led some people to believe that cutting down all the trees will reduce air pollution. Obviously, that is not the solution," said McNeill, who leads Columbia Climate School's Clean Air Toolbox for Cities, a project that is working toward cleaner air in Jakarta, Indonesia, Indore, India, and Nairobi, Kenya.

"It is true that trees emit volatile organic compounds. But unhealthy levels of ozone pollution form only after these naturally occurring volatile organic compounds react with nitrogen oxideswhich get emitted when coal, oil, and natural gas are burned," added McNeill.

The majority of anthropogenic aerosols are made in the atmosphere from gas molecules. For example, during the coal burning process, the sulfur present in coal becomes oxidized and gets released into the atmosphere as sulfur dioxide gas. The gas then reacts with clouds, water vapor, and other pre-existing compounds before it transforms into sulfate aerosols that have a cooling effect on the lower atmosphere.

"Various chemical and physical transformations lead to the polluted state that we would see in an urban area," McNeill explained.

Aerosols: A double-edged sword

In the United States, sulfur dioxide emissions gained widespread attention in the 1970s due to acid rain. When sulfur dioxide mixes with water in the air, it results in sulfuric acid raining down on those locations.

Air pollution hangs over a steel industry plant in 1973. Over time, the Clean Air Act dramatically reduced such harmful pollution  a big win for public health. However, with more sunlight reaching the Earths surface through cleaner air, global warming was exacerbated. Credit: John Alexandrowicz/U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

At the time, industrialized countries in the Global North were collectively emitting such high levels of sulfur dioxide from their coal power plants and vehicles that it was the equivalent of over a dozen Mount Pinatubo volcanic eruptions.

The U.S. federal government implemented the Clean Air Act during the 1990s to clamp down on the sources of sulfur dioxide pollution and prevent acid rain pollution. In Europe and Canada, governments mandated that scrubbers should be installed on all industrial smokestacks. Countries in the Global North also passed legislation that made it compulsory for vehicle owners to use exhaust emission control devices. Hefty fines were imposed on polluters. These regulations worked.

For more than three decades, the Global North witnessed a dramatic decrease in PM 2. 5 and ozone pollution levels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported an 80% decline in anthropogenic sulfur dioxide emissions between 1990 and 2014. Within the same period, deaths related to air pollution in the U.S. were halved. Forests that were damaged from acid rain started recovering.

Even though reducing aerosol emissions has immense public health and ecological benefits, researchers say it is crucial to take into account the impact of such reductions on climate change. While the Global North succeeded in cutting down aerosol pollution, they continued burning huge amounts of fossil fuels like coal. That resulted in the warming of the northern hemisphere.

"Before these policies were enforced, industrialized countries were increasing their carbon dioxide emissions at the same pace as they were increasing the levels of atmospheric aerosols," explained McNeill. "But then they disrupted the cooling effects of short-lived aerosols by cutting down on their sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions."

Scientists refer to this phenomenon as uncovering global warming. Before industrialized countries collectively got rid of sulfate aerosols, warming was already occurring on a global scalealbeit at a slower pace.

The only way to simultaneously deliver benefits for public health and climate change is by transitioning to renewable energy, said McNeill. In that case, both anthropogenic aerosols and greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced.

Similar to sulfate particulate matter, other anthropogenic aerosols like nitrates and airborne microplastics also scatter and deflect solar radiation back to space, leading to atmospheric cooling. Certain forms of organic carbon could also have a net cooling influence by scattering sunlight away from the Earth's surface.

On the other hand, black carbon and brown carbon absorb sunlight and have a warming influence on the planetso cutting their emissions has dual benefits for public health and the planet's temperature.

The aftermath of phasing out sulfur dioxide emissions

To better understand the complex relationship between aerosols and climate change, Columbia researchers analyzed the impacts of drastically lower levels of sulfur dioxide emissions in the northern hemisphere on other parts of the world.

Interestingly, they found that cleaner air in the Global North ended up influencing monsoon patterns in Africa's Sahel region and South Asia in entirely different ways.

"Lower levels of sulfate aerosols in the northern hemisphere ended up changing the energy balance of the Earth's system and affected the dynamics of how air moves around the planet. That has far-reaching impacts on the southern hemisphere," explained Arlene Fiore, formerly an atmospheric scientist at Columbia Climate School's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, who is now a professor at the MIT Center for Global Change Science.

Dan Westervelt, an atmospheric scientist at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, observed with colleagues that once the northern hemisphere started experiencing faster warming, the tropical rain belts shifted in a northward directionthereby resulting in substantially more rainfall in Africa's Sahel region. While local aerosol emissions might also be playing a role in these anomalies, rainfall patterns have become far more erratic than usual in most of the Sahel.

"These interconnections are concerning and fascinating all at the same time. What we do in the northern hemisphere affects other regions and can have downstream impacts," added Fiore.

Extreme weather sensitivity to changes in greenhouse gases (left column) and aerosol removal (middle column). Projected effects on maximum daily temperature (TXx) are shown in the top row. Below that, maximum 5 day precipitation (RX5D) and consecutive dry days (CDD). Credit: Samset et al./Geophysical Research Letters, 2018

But African countries are not the only ones grappling with the side effects of lower concentrations of anthropogenic aerosols in the northern hemisphere.

In a 2022 study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers proved that the North Atlantic has also witnessed more extreme weather events with decreasing aerosol emissions. Since the implementation of the Clean Air Act more than 30 years ago, hurricane seasons became more frequent and intense in the North Atlantic region compared to prior decades.

On the other side of the globe, industrialization and economic growth have significantly increased the concentration of sulfate aerosols in India and China over the last four decades. This had a cooling influence on the land surface despite global warming. The difference between the temperatures of the land and ocean also decreased. That, in turn, drove down the intensity of monsoonal winds and resulted in fewer tropical cyclones and typhoons in South and East Asia in that time span, said Westervelt.

Westervelt's work showed that on the Indian subcontinent, higher levels of sulfate aerosol emissions caused less rainfall over the Indo-Gangetic plain. At present, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India have the most polluted air in the world.

Pick your poison: PM 2.5 vs. ozone pollution

In 2014, the Chinese government announced it was "declaring war against air pollution." Four years after allocating billions of dollars for clean air, major cities in China successfully cut down their PM 2.5 concentrations by 32 percent. Unfortunately, that positive development led to a negative outcome: a spike in ozone pollution.

Ozone pollution forms when nitrogen oxides (that are emitted from burning fossil fuels) and volatile organic compounds react with each other in the presence of sunlight. Unlike the ozone layer high up in the atmosphere that protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays, on-the-ground ozone pollution is a threat to public health.

Repeated exposure to ground-level ozone can trigger chest pain and coughing, reduce lung function, and may permanently damage lung tissue. Ozone pollution has also been associated with cardiovascular disease and stroke. Westervelt and colleagues have calculated that cutting down ozone pollution by 60% would save 330,000 lives in China by 2050.

Climate change has made ozone pollution a lot worse than before in many parts of the world. Warmer temperatures ramp up reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds that get trapped in the lower atmosphere. Researchers observed that getting rid of aerosols or fine particulate matter is another reason why Chinese cities are experiencing a spike in ozone pollution.

Previously, high levels of PM 2.5 in the air acted like sponges that efficiently absorbed the radicals responsible for generating ozone pollution. The aerosols consistently inhibited ozone production. By aggressively tackling the sources of sulfur dioxide emissions, China inadvertently tinkered with the atmosphere's chemistry. Once the sulfate-dominated PM 2.5 concentrations started depleting, more sunlight and radicals were left behind to produce ground-level ozone, according to a study published in PNAS.

The need to address global inequalities

Climate scientists and innovators worldwide are grappling with the multiple challenges involved in reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants while also promoting healthy economic development.

"This issue has not been prioritized during international climate negotiations. The focus is still on what individual countries could do for reducing their greenhouse gas emissions," said Barrett. "Policymakers need to develop an approach that addresses both the economic interests of developing countries like India, as well as the collective interests of other nations."

He emphasized that Indiaone of the world's top three emitters of greenhouse gasesdesperately needs financial and technological support from industrialized countries. This will prevent India from replicating China's history of unsustainable growth that not only undermines India's future development but also that of the rest of the worldthanks to greater surges in aerosol and greenhouse gas emissions.

While there are no straightforward solutions for tackling such complex and nuanced issues, experts like McNeill say it highlights how proposed geoengineering technologies (that would use aerosols to temporarily reduce global warming) can have unintended consequences.

"Every country is interconnected through the atmosphere and global trade," added Barrett. "We need to transform the economic system for better mitigation strategies."

Explore further Air pollutant reductions could enhance global warming without greenhouse gas cuts

Provided by State of the Planet

This story is republished courtesy of Earth Institute, Columbia University http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Does it feel sweltering in your neighborhood, yet pleasant at the park a few blocks away? You might be living on an urban heat island.

The effect happens when neighborhoods in highly developed cities like New York and New Orleans become 15 to 20 degrees hotter by midafternoon than surrounding areas with fewer buildings and more vegetation, according to the National Integrated Heat Health Information System.

"If you walk into Central Park, it's going to feel cooler most likely in the summer than standing on the black pavement just outside the park's boundaries," said Joan Casey, an assistant professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.

Extreme heat remains the most deadly weather event, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and research suggests high temperatures affect lower-income communities the most.

Here's what to know about the impact of urban heat islands:

Lower-income communities hit hardest

The median energy burdenthe percentage of income spent on home energy costsfor low-income families is 8.1%, while the national median is 3.1%, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

"The result of sustained and intense climate change-driven heat waves puts even greater stress on families trying to make ends meet," said Rebecca Foster, CEO of the Vermont Energy Investment Corp..

Using air conditioning could mean a choice of keeping cool or putting food on the table for impoverished families, said Katherine Catalano, the American Public Health Association's deputy director for climate, health and equity.

Chidinma Nwakanma, an assistant professor of clinical emergency medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, said she's frequently seen heat exhaustion patients at Penn Medicine amid heat waves, particularly from lower-income communities lacking access to resources.

"You might not realize you're overheating until you start having symptoms," said Nwakanma, who works in Philadelphia. The urban heat island's poverty rate is 19.4%nearly twice the national rate of 10.9%, U.S. census data shows.

Between 2010 and 2018, New York City reported an average of 350 "heat-exacerbated deaths" each season between May and September, with low-income and communities of color hit hardest, according to the city's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice.

Black New Yorkers experience higher poverty rates and die of heat-related illnesses at a disproportionately high rate, according to the city's 2022 Heat-Related Mortality Report.

Decades of exclusion from private investment and public infrastructure improvements have left Black and Brown communities significantly hotter, with fewer trees and parks, Catalano said.

These impacts date back to the 1930s when the federal government's neighborhood redlining singled out predominantly Black-populated communities on maps as risky investments, she added.

A 2020 Science Museum of Virginia-led study used an interactive dashboard to show how 108 formerly redlined communities are warmer than neighboring non-redlined areas in 94% of the cities studied.

A recent Climate Ready Boston analysis found redlined areas were 7.5 degrees hotter in the daytime, 3.6 degrees hotter after sunset, and have 20% fewer parks and 40% less tree canopy than other communities, according to the City of Boston.

Mapping urban heat islands

Through September, NOAA and the National Integrated Heat Health Information System will collect key data from 15 U.S. cities, including Jacksonville, Florida; Milwaukee and Boulder, Colorado. The Urban Heat Island Mapping campaign's scientists want to educate the public on extreme heat and urban heat-related equity issues.

Local volunteers with heat sensors drive or bike through neighborhoods on some of the year's hottest days collecting temperature, humidity and other data that helps experts examine heat impacts in different parts of certain communities, according to NOAA.

"Knowing where temperature differences are strongest can be a really good indication of where measures can be taken to reduce those temperatures," said Hunter Jones, climate and health project manager of the NOAA Climate Program Office and National Integrated Heat Health Information System.

The data helps create maps city officials and community groups can use to develop extreme-heat community protection plans, according to NOAA. Cities have used it to teach residents and policymakers about heat's local impact and to make citywide upgrades like cooling station-fitted bus shelters.

"In Honolulu, (the data) was used for social vulnerability analysis and to consider where they might want to add more trees to provide cooling," Jones said.

Combating the urban heat island effect

Opting for reflective or permeable cooler pavements, planting more trees and installing vegetation-covered green roofs are some ways communities are fighting the heat, the Environmental Protection Agency's Heat Island Community Actions Database suggests. It tracks city and state extreme-heat mitigation measures.

Philadelphia set an urban heat island mitigation goal of increasing its tree canopy by 30% by 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Since 2010, the city has required new construction, with the exception of vegetative roofs and ones with solar equipment, to use white or highly reflective roofs, according to the EPA.

In Washington, D.C., where Catalano is based, officials send out extreme heat alerts and phone numbers to access nearby cooling centers. It benefits the homeless population and those with insecure energy access, she said.

VEIC, Vermont Energy Investment Corp., a 35-year-old nonprofit organization, provides tools to boost communities' resilience against the effects of climate change, including extreme heat.

Its solar program offers 100,000 low- or moderate-income families access to no-cost solar energy through their own rooftops or via community-scale solar systems, Foster said.

Boston announced in April plans to launch an Extreme Temperatures Task Force as part of a three-phase plan to address extreme heat and prepare the city for rising temperatures ahead of time. In 2015, New York City leaders met the goal of planting one million trees two years ahead of schedule through its Cool Neighborhoods NYC initiative.

Some legislators have proposed bills to combat extreme heat impacts, like the Preventing Health Emergencies And Temperature-related (HEAT) Illness and Deaths Act, which was reintroduced in 2021 after its initial proposal in 2020.

Senators Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts and Alex Padilla of California said the act would strengthen and expand interagency efforts to address high temperatures, provide $100 million in financial aid for community projects to reduce extreme heat exposure and issue recommendations for federal action on heat-health issues.

Explore further NOAA and community scientists to map heat inequities in 14 US cities and counties

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Once in orbit, the SWOT mission will regularly monitor not only mighty rivers like Oregons Willamette, pictured, but also smaller waterways that are at least 330 feet (100 meters) across. Credit: U.S. Department of Energy

Water is life, but for all its importance, humanity has a surprisingly limited view of Earth's freshwater bodies. Researchers have reliable water level measurements for only a few thousand lakes around the world, and little to no data on some of the planet's important river systems. The upcoming Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite will fill that enormous gap. By helping to provide a better understanding of Earth's water cycle, it will both aid in better management of water resources and expand knowledge of how climate change affects lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.

A collaboration between NASA and the French space agency Center National d'Etudes Spatial (CNES), with contributions from the Canadian Space Agency and the United Kingdom Space Agency, SWOT is scheduled to launch in November from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Engineers and technicians are finishing up work on the satellite in a facility run by Thales Alenia Space in Cannes, France.

SWOT has several key tasks, including measuring the height of water bodies on Earth's surface. Over the ocean, the satellite will be able to see features like eddies less than 60 miles (100 kilometers) acrosssmaller than those that previous sea level satellites could observe. SWOT will also measure more than 95% of Earth's lakes larger than 15 acres (6 hectares) and rivers wider than 330 feet (100 meters) across.

"Current databases maybe have information on a couple thousand lakes around the world," said Tamlin Pavelsky, the NASA freshwater science lead for SWOT, based at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. "SWOT will push that number to between 2 million and 6 million."

Along with measuring the water heightwhether it be in a lake, river, or reservoirSWOT will also measure its extent, or surface area. That crucial information will enable scientists to calculate how much water moves through freshwater bodies. "Once you get hold of the volume of water, you can better assess the water budget, or how much water flows into and out of an area," said Lee-Lueng Fu, SWOT project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, which manages the U.S. portion of the mission.

This is important because climate change is accelerating Earth's water cycle. Warmer temperatures mean the atmosphere can hold more water (in the form of water vapor), which can cause, for example, rain storms to be stronger than a region might typically see. This, in turn, can wreak havoc on farms, damaging crops. Such accelerating changes can make managing a community's water resources more difficult.

"As Earth's water cycle intensifies, predicting future extreme events like floods and droughts requires monitoring both changes in water supply from the ocean and water demand and usage on land. SWOT's global look at all surface water on Earth will give us exactly that," said Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, SWOT's program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

A bigger, better picture

SWOT will provide its game-changing data using a new instrument called the Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn), which bounces radar pulses off the water's surface and receives the return signal with two antennas at the same time. The antennas are spaced 33 feet (10 meters) apart on a boom, enabling researchers to gather information along a roughly 75-mile-wide (120-kilometer-wide) swath of Earth's surfacea wider path than that of the satellite's predecessors.

The engineering required for this kind of system is tricky because such a large antenna boom requires incredible stability, and because researchers need very precise calculations to produce measurements of Earth's ocean and freshwater bodies. "The basic idea of SWOT dates back to the late 1990s, but turning that concept into realityall that engineeringtook a huge amount of time and effort," Pavelsky said.

Satellites already in orbit can measure water heightin the ocean, very large lakes, and very wide riversor the surface area of a water body. But to calculate changes in volume over time, scientists need to match up the extent and height measurements that different instruments took on different days. This makes it difficult to determine basic details, like how much water flows through the world's rivers and how much that volume varies. "You'd think we would already know this," said Pavelsky. "But for a lot of rivers in the world, there just aren't a lot of these kinds of measurements."

SWOT will eliminate the need to cobble together the extent and height information from different satellites, and at the same time the satellite will give researchers a global view of Earth's surface water. "It will be a tremendous change in our knowledge and understanding of fresh water," said Sylvain Biancamaria, a SWOT science team member and freshwater researcher at the Laboratoire d'Etudes en Geophysique et Oceanographie Spatiales in Toulouse, France.

Some studies, including one published last year in Nature, have used water level measurements to look at how lakes and rivers around the world change over time. However, the data that researchers expect from SWOT will provide a better understanding of water levels and surface area, both of which will be sampled more frequently and over a greater area of Earth. Once in orbit, SWOT will be sending back about one terabyte of unprocessed data a day.

Scientists like Biancamaria and Pavelsky are especially looking forward to getting information at the basin level, or the area of land drained by a lake or a river and its tributaries. "From a societal point of viewwhether you're looking at drinking water, navigation, flood controlwater needs to be managed at basin scale," said Biancamaria. "Therefore, observations covering the entire basin are needed, and SWOT will provide such data sets."

More information: To learn more about SWOT, see Journal information: Nature To learn more about SWOT, see swot.jpl.nasa.gov/
An artistic rendering of multituberculates from the genus Mesodma  a mother with her litter of offspring  who lived in western North America about 60 to 70 million years ago. Fossil evidence indicates that these creatures were the most abundant mammals in western North America just before and directly after the mass extinction event 66 million years ago that killed off the dinosaurs. Credit: Andrey Atuchin

It's hard to imagine life on Earth without mammals. They swim in the depths of the ocean, hop across deserts in Australia and travel to the moon.

This diversity can be deceiving, at least when it comes to how mammals create the next generation. Based on how they reproduce, nearly all mammals alive today fall into one of two categories: placental mammals and marsupials. Placentals, including humans, whales and rodents, have long gestation periods. They give birth to well-developed youngwith all major organs and structures in placeand have relatively short weaning periods, or lactation periods, during which young are nursed on milk from their mothers. Marsupials, like kangaroos and opossums, are the opposite: They have short gestation periodsgiving birth to young that are little more than fetusesand long lactation periods during which offspring spend weeks or months nursing and growing within the mother's pouch, or marsupium.

For decades, biologists saw the marsupial way of reproduction as the more "primitive" state, and assumed that placentals had evolved their more "advanced" method after these two groups diverged from one another. But new research is testing that view. In a paper published July 18 in The American Naturalist, a team led by researchers at the University of Washington and its Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture present evidence that another group of mammalsthe extinct multituberculateslikely reproduced in a placental-like manner. Since multituberculates split off from the rest of the mammalian lineage before placentals and marsupials evolved, these findings question the view that marsupials were "less advanced" than their placental cousins.

"This study challenges the prevalent idea that the placental reproductive strategy is 'advanced' relative to a more 'primitive' marsupial strategy," said lead author Lucas Weaver, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Michigan who conducted this study as a UW doctoral student. "Our findings suggest that placental-like reproduction either is the ancestral reproductive route for all mammals that give birth to live young, or that placental-like reproduction evolved independently in both multituberculates and placentals."

Multituberculates arose about 170 million years ago in the Jurassic. Most were small-bodied creatures, resembling rodents. For much of their history, multituberculates were the most abundant and diverse group of mammals. But scientists know very little about their life history, including how they reproduced, because of their generally poor fossil record. The last multituberculates died out about 35 million years ago.

Weaver reasoned that the microscopic structure of fossilized bone tissues can house useful life-history information about multituberculates, such as their growth rate. Working under co-author Gregory Wilson Mantilla, a UW professor of biology and curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Burke Museum, Weaver and his colleagues obtained cross sections of 18 fossilized femursthe thigh bonefrom multituberculates that lived approximately 66 million years ago in Montana.

All 18 samples showed the same structural organization: a layer of disorganized bone "sandwiched" between an inner and outer layer of organized bone. Disorganized bone, or woven bone, indicates rapid growth and is so named because, under a microscope, the layers of bone tissue are laid out in a crisscrossed fashion. In organized bone, which reflects slower growth, layers are parallel to one another.

The researchers then examined femoral cross sections taken from 35 small-bodied mammalian species that are living today28 placentals and seven marsupials, all from Burke Museum collections. Nearly all of the placental femurs showed the same "sandwich" organization as the multituberculates. But all of the marsupial femurs consisted almost entirely of organized bone, with only a sliver of disorganized bone.

The three images are cross sections of femurs from a marsupial (the Virginia opossum, left), a placental (the eastern chipmunk, center) and a 66-million-year-old multituberculate fossil (right). The opossum femur has a thick layer of organized bone in the outermost cortex (labeled POB for periosteal organized bone), with little disorganized bone (labeled DB). In the chipmunk and multituberculate femurs, a layer of disorganized bone (DB) is sandwiched between layers of organized bone (POB and EOB, which stands for endosteal organized bone). Scale bar is 0.1 millimeters. The multituberculate specimen (UWBM 70536) is likely a member of the genus Mesodma. Credit: Henry Fulghum/Lucas Weaver/University of Washington

The team believes that this stark difference likely reflects their divergent life histories.

"The amount of organized bone in the outermost layer, or cortex, of the femur strongly correlates with the length of the lactation period," said Weaver. "Marsupials have long lactation periods and a lot of organized bone in the outermost cortex. The opposite is true for placentals: a short lactation period and much less organized bone in the outermost cortex."

The outermost layer of organized bone was laid down after birth as the femur's diameter increased. For tiny marsupial newborns, bones must grow much more to reach adult size, so they deposit a greater amount of outer organized bone compared to placentals, according to Weaver.

"This is compelling evidence that multituberculates had a long gestation and a short lactation period similar to placental mammals, but very different from marsupials," said Weaver.

Based on this correlation, the researchers estimate that multituberculates had a lactation period of approximately 30 dayssimilar to today's rodents.

These findings cast further doubt on an old view that marsupials have a "more primitive" and placentals a "more advanced" reproductive strategy. The common ancestor of multituberculates, placentals and marsupials may have had a placental-like mode of reproduction that was retained by placentals and multituberculates. Alternatively, multituberculates and placentals could have evolved their long-gestation and short-lactation reproductive methods independently.

Future studies of multituberculate life history may clarify which explanation is true, as well as other outstanding questions of this, and other, ancient branches of our mammalian family tree.

"The real revelation here is that we can cut open fossil bones and examine their microscopic structures to reconstruct the intimate life history details of long-extinct mammals," said Wilson Mantilla. "That's really incredible to me."

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More information: Lucas N. Weaver et al, Multituberculate Mammals Show Evidence of a Life History Strategy Similar to That of Placentals, Not Marsupials, The American Naturalist (2022). Journal information: American Naturalist Lucas N. Weaver et al, Multituberculate Mammals Show Evidence of a Life History Strategy Similar to That of Placentals, Not Marsupials,(2022). DOI: 10.1086/720410
GLENS FALLS  Enrollment in SUNY Adirondack's culinary arts program has grown 175% from last year, bouncing back to pre-pandemic numbers.

Matthew Bolton, head chef and culinary professor, said that when he first started at the college, the original Bay Road location in Queensbury had approximately 70 students. The program grew even more, so after six years, the college in 2018 moved to 12 Hudson Ave. in Glens Falls into a restaurant it named Seasoned. Students get hands-on experience with the latest food trends  all in the heart of downtown. The front of the building looks like a fine-dining restaurant, but in the back there is a mix of classroom labs and commercial kitchen facilities.

Things were going well.

"Then COVID happened. Then we started losing students. The most I had were 79 students. Then I had 56, then around 36 last year," Bolton said.

Now, those numbers have rebounded.

The restaurant is open to the public when school is in session. The fall 2022 schedule runs from Oct. 12 to Dec. 8. Lunch is served every Thursday, while dinner is served every Wednesday and Thursday.

Bolton said the college selected those nights to be open so Seasoned is not competing with the local downtown establishments.

If enrollment numbers continue to increase, the college would consider adding more days, he said.

This summer, Seasoned is participating in "Take a Bite" downtown for the first time. He said college officials asked him "what we can do to keep the lights on during the summer."

Entering into the fourth week of this year's event, the restaurant has served around 40 to 50 customers on average, Bolton said.

The college is also offering Collaborative Cuisine events, in conjunction with Taste New York and Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail.

These events feature four-course meals highlighting Taste New York recipes and ingredients sourced from local farms, and paired with craft beverages from a different brewery each week.

Taste New York, a state organization, aims to educate people about the economic impacts of the food industry, diversify food options and promote food production within the state, through different partnerships.

"We find that the craft beverage pairing dinners are way more enticing for our clientele, so we usually sell out with our local brewers," Bolton said.

The next Collaborative Cuisine event is on Aug. 5, and will feature carrot apple soup as the first course; a baked white fish meal for the second course; braised beef with roasted bone marrow flan; and the final course will be root beer buttermilk panna cotta.

Seasoned also offers culinary classes to high school and middle school students, through their Upward Bound and Summer Enrichment Culinary Camp programs.

"There's a need for food service workers in the area," Bolton said.

Seasoned has a good relationship with the other downtown restaurants. Bolton said internships are usually guaranteed for students enrolled in the culinary department, which more often than not leads to employment at that restaurant.

Bolton said that there is a wide age range among culinary students  anywhere between 17 and 78 years-old.

During the college semester, Bolton has 18 students in the main kitchen lab, and 15 in the bake shop on average, Bolton said.

"We also have lectures, so we have two classrooms each end of the building. So we can have two lectures, the bake shop and run the restaurant if we want to."

Bolton has over 20 years of experience in the kitchen. He started as a dishwasher at Friends Lake Inn in Chestertown. He worked his way to becoming a sous chef and has since won awards.

Bolton said that the more consistent and stable hours as a college teacher is what attracted him to taking the position. He succeeded previous head chef Bill Steele.

"Because it is a college, I get to buy all kinds of fun stuff that most restaurants don't get to play with and train students with. It's sort of like a culinary dream job," Bolton said.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korea plans to lift its decadeslong ban on public access to North Korean television, newspapers and other media as part of its efforts to promote mutual understanding between the rivals, officials said Friday, despite animosities over the North's recent missile tests.

Divided along the worlds most heavily fortified border since 1948, the two Koreas prohibit their citizens from visiting each others territory and exchanging phone calls, emails and letters, and they block access to each others websites and TV stations.

In a policy report to new President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, South Koreas Unification Ministry said it will gradually open the door for North Korean broadcasts, media and publications to try to boost mutual understanding, restore the Korean national identity and prepare for a future unification.

Ministry officials said South Korea will start by allowing access to North Korean broadcasts to try to encourage North Korea to take similar steps. The ministry refused to provide further details, saying the plans are still being discussed with relevant authorities in South Korea.

Jeon Young-sun, a research professor at Seouls Konkuk University, said North Korea is unlikely to reciprocate because the flow of South Korean cultural and media content would pose a really huge threat to its authoritarian leadership.

Ruled by three generations of the Kim family since its 1948 foundation, North Korea strictly restricts its citizens access to outside information, though many defectors have said they watched smuggled South Korean TV programs while living in the North. In 2014, North Korean troops opened fire when South Korean activists launched balloons carrying USB sticks containing information about the outside world and leaflets critical of the Kim family toward North Korean territory.

Relations between the two Koreas remain strained over North Koreas torrid run of missile tests this year. Yoon, a conservative, has said he would take a tougher stance on North Korean provocations, though he said he has an audacious plan to improve the North's economy if it abandons its nuclear weapons.

Despite the Norths likely reluctance to reciprocate, Jeon said South Korea needs to ease its ban on North Korean media because the restrictions have led to dependence on foreigners and other governments to gather North Korea-related information. Jeon said that has increased the danger of acquiring distorted information on North Korea.

It wasnt clear how anti-North Korea activists in the South would react to the government's move. Jeon said there was little chance the move would promote pro-North Korean sentiments.

South Korea, the worlds 10th-largest economy, is a global cultural powerhouse. Its nominal gross domestic product in 2019 was 54 times bigger than that of North Korea, according to South Korean estimates.

Some observers say the ban must be lifted in a step-by-step process with discussions on what North Korean contents would be allowed first and how the access should be given to the South Korean public.

While its officially illegal to watch or read North Korean media in South Korea, authorities rarely crack down on experts, journalists and others using virtual private networks or proxy servers to access North Korean websites. A large number of North Korean movies, songs and other contents are also available on YouTube, which is accessible in South Korea.
Up until 25 years ago, the spring shorebird migration on Delaware Bay was considered a natural phenomenon of global significance. South Jersey residents and visitors enjoyed the annual spectacle of 1.5 million shorebirds crowding onto the bays shore to feed on horseshoe crab eggs. Scientists and birdwatchers from around the world came to study birds making their incredible annual trip from the bottom of the world to the top.

No more. Starting in the 1990s, commercial fishing interests decimated the horseshoe crab population. Millions of crabs were gathered, chopped up and used to bait traps for sea snails. The destruction of horseshoe crabs and their eggs robbed the birds of their crucial refueling on Delaware Bay. The red knots, ruddy turnstones and sanderlings went elsewhere, and the population of the federally threatened rufus red knot plunged.

Talk by politicians and government bureaucrats about restoring horseshoe crabs and the spring shorebird migration hasnt been followed by effective action. On the contrary, fisheries managers now are declaring open season on female horseshoe crabs, since the annual take of the crabs has been only a third of what theyve allowed.

Environmental agencies havent been able to even slow this plunder for a quarter of a century. The desire by businesses to profit by taking part of nature for free and chopping it up for bait, and by scungilli eaters to pay a little less for their sea snails, has outweighed the interests of the birds, their fans and the ecotourism segment of South Jersey tourism.

Researchers with the Cape May Bird Observatory once had to go up in a small plane to accurately estimate those 1.5 million shorebirds covering bay beaches in Cape May and Cumberland counties. Now their number has been reduced to 200,000 annually.

Until the wholesale destruction of crabs for bait, 90,000 rufa red knots a year were among the migrating shorebirds. By 2019, that had plunged to 30,000  then 19,000, and to 6,880 in 2021. This springs count edged up to about 12,000, so maybe red knots will continue at a tiny fraction of their former numbers. But we see no reason to believe South Jerseys famous shorebird phenomenon will ever return.

Larry Niles, the wildlife biologist who has monitored the shorebirds for the 26 years, also surveys the horseshoe crab eggs on the beach. These show a similar sharp decline. Before the government-approved crab plunder, there were an average 50,000 of the little green crab eggs in each square meter. Recent years it was just 10,000 and this year dropped to 7,000. Cant feed many birds on that.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which has enabled the crab destruction, uses a computer model to estimate there are 43,000 knots on the beach, which it says justifies taking millions of crabs. The commission said the 457,000 crabs taken throughout the coast in 2020 was the lowest number since records began in 1998, and just a third of the 1.59 million quota it allowed.

The justification for this destruction of the Delaware Bay stopover comes from fishery biometricians who have almost no field experience, use little of the data collected each year to assess conditions, and instead rely on mathematical models to describe a reality that few biologists fully understand, Niles wrote recently. No one has seen 43,000 knots on Delaware Bay since the 1990s.

Joanna Burger, a biology professor at Rutgers, the states university, said the horseshoe crab population hasnt recovered because the Fisheries Commission still allows Delaware Bay horseshoe crabs to be caught as bait.

There should be a ban on the taking of horseshoe crabs, particularly for bait, until such time as the commission can demonstrate a clear increase in breeding females along the Atlantic coast, Burger said.

Instead the commission this year said it would allow the sea snail industry to take female crabs too, which had been banned since 2013.

Bay beaches teeming with shorebirds frantically feeding is a bittersweet memory now. It joins many others we tell our grandchildren of a disappearing natural world.
The Silvis Police Department says Desmond V. Williams, 20, was arrested on-scene Saturday evening for an apartment fire at 118 10th St.

Williams, a tenant at the apartment, was charged Monday with one Class X felony count of aggravated arson and one Class 1 felony count of arson. His bond is set at $100,000.

The fire left a tenant with minor injuries, and two firemen were treated for heat exhaustion. The three have since been treated and released from a local hospital.

Silvis Police were responding to a noise complaint when they were made aware of a fire coming from one of the apartments.

Firefighters were on the scene for several hours making sure there were no hot spots that would flame up again.

Residents of the Silvis apartment building were displaced. The American Red Cross of the Quad-Cities and West Central Illinois were called in to help those displaced by the fire. Authorities did not disclose how many people required assistance late Saturday.

Fire departments from Moline, East Moline, Hampton, Colona and Carbon Cliff-Barstow Fire Protection District, and Moline Second Responders, assisted at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the SPD at 309-792-1841.
The three members of a family killed at Maquoketa Caves State Park early Friday were in their tent at the time, officials confirmed Monday.

Mitch Mortvedt, assistant director of Iowa's Division of Criminal Investigation, said Sarah and Tyler Schmidt, both 42, and their daughter, Lula, 6, were "attacked and killed in their tent."

The couple's son, Arlo, 9, survived. The family lived in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where Sarah worked for the public library.

Police have identified 23-year-old Anthony Sherwin as the suspect in the slayings. He was found dead in a wooded area of the park from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Autopsies were to be performed Sunday and Monday, Mortvedt said, and the preliminary results are likely to be announced on Tuesday or Wednesday.

He told the Associated Press over the weekend that the motive for the attack remained unknown.

We dont know what led up to this, what precipitated it, he said, adding that so far, The investigation has not revealed any early interaction between the Schmidt family and him (Sherwin).

Cecilia Sherwin, Anthony Sherwin's mother, told The Omaha World-Herald in an email Saturday that the family refused "to believe the news."

Cecilia Sherwin said they were camping at the park Friday morning when she heard yelling and two gunshots. A young boy ran up to the Sherwin's campsite yelling for help, she said, and told her that a man wearing black had shot his family, she said.

Four dead at Maquoketa Caves State Park MAQUOKETA  Three people from Cedar Falls died Friday at Maquoketa Caves State Park.

Cecilia Sherwin said her son was wearing green, not black, and no black clothing was found in the area. She also said that they were legally traveling with a gun, which was located in a secure container.

We think (Anthony) might have sensed trouble and grabbed the gun for safety, Cecilia Sherwin said. We refuse to believe the news. We are deeply saddened as he had so much to live for and gave us no indication that anything was wrong.

A review of Nebraska criminal justice records found no signs that Sherwin had a criminal history.

In a second email to the World-Herald, the suspect's mother said she and her family "cooperated fully with the police and investigative team from the get-go."

"I didn't think we had any tears left, but we still find ourselves breaking down and care deeply for the little boy and the loss of his family," she said, adding that her son "gave us no warning that he was planning anything of this sort."

She again expressed doubt that he had killed the Schmidts, saying, "Anthony was not capable of this sort of violence."

As of Monday, more than $200,000 in donations had been made to a fund set up for Arlo Schmidt.
A man released from federal prison nine months ago and who is on supervised release was arrested Sunday by Rock Island Police in connection with the July 15 shooting death of 25-year-old Davion Roe at the Century Woods apartment complex.

Devonte Dazel Hall, 29, of Rock Island, is charged with first-degree murder.

Hall was arrested Sunday in the 1400 block of 8th Street, Deputy Police Chief Timothy McCloud said.

He was being held Sunday night in the Rock Island County Jail on a bond of $1 million.

Hall is expected to make a first appearance on the charge Monday in Rock Island County Circuit Court.

On Saturday, July 15, officers went to the Century Woods apartment complex in the 1300 block of 4  St. at about 9:50 p.m. to investigate a report of shots fired.

Officers located Roe, who was taken to UnityPoint Health-Trinity Rock Island but died of his wounds before arrival.

Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson said the preliminary autopsy report showed that Roe died of a single gunshot wound to the head.

McCloud said the initial investigation indicated Roe was involved in an altercation with a group of people when he was shot.

Hall was released from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons on Oct. 5, 2021, according to electronic records.

During a hearing in U.S. District Court Rock Island held Jan 15, 2015, Hall pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robberies and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, The Hobbs Act, enacted in 1946, prohibits actual or attempted robbery or extortion affecting interstate or foreign commerce "in any way or degree."

Hall was charged in connection with the March 25, 2014, armed robberies of the 7-Eleven at 2930 16th St. in Moline and the Kwik Shop located at 2805 Telegraph Road in Davenport. He initially was charged in Scott County District Court and Rock Island County Circuit Court. Those charges were dropped when the federal charges were filed.

During a sentencing hearing held Sept. 17, 2015, U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow sentenced Hall to 84 months, or seven years, in federal prison for the weapons conviction, with credit for the time he served in custody awaiting trial. He was given credit for time served on the Hobbs Act conviction.

Darrow also sentenced Hall to serve three years on supervised release once he completed his prison sentence.

Under Illinois law, if convicted Hall faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 20 years without parole that could be extended to life in prison without parole based on aggravating factors.

McCloud said the investigation into Roes murder was continuing.

Police ask that anyone with information about this incident to call the Rock Island Police Department at 309-732-2677 or Crime Stoppers of the Quad-Cities at 309-762-9500, or submit an anonymous tip via the P3 Tips mobile app or submit a tip online at qccrimestoppers.com.
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Rock Island-Milan School District No. 41 hosted the annual "Ready to ROCK the School Year!" back-to-school event Sunday, featuring the annual "Bikers 4 Backpacks" motorcycle group.

The event was held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Schwiebert Riverfront Park in Rock Island.

Families were able to register students for the 2022-23 school year at the event, which included a representative from each school in the district.

Rock Island-Milan Superintendent Dr. Reginald Lawrence said the district had to take two years off from the event because of COVID-19. He was happy to see the community back together and looks forward to the upcoming school year.

"This was a great turnout for out first time back," Lawrence said. "This has led to great expectations for the school year; our theme this year is 'One Team, One Goal, One RIMSD.' This is just how we align together as a community, as parents at home and as a school district, looking out for the best for our students. We want to make sure they're not only academically taken care of, but social and emotionally. It's not just about the schools, it's about the community that we live in as well."

Ranesha Vallejo attended the event with her kids. Her son Nazario is an incoming first-grader at Denkmann Elementary School.

"We enjoy the event so much," she said. "This is our second year coming. It's really great for families, and I enjoy that everybody comes together as a community, wanting a to get a good start to the school year."

Several community organizations were present at the event. NEST Cafe, Miguel's Street Tacos and Sweet Shardae Sweet Eats & Cool Treats provided refreshments for the event's attendees.

The Rock Island Library, Quad Cities MetroLINK, the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation, Two Rivers YMCA, MyPlate.gov, QCSportsNet, C.A.R.E, Youth Services Bureau, the Head Start program, OneDrive Education, Black Hawk College and the University of Illinois Extension set up tents at the event to provide information and resources for students and their families.

Around 100 Bikers 4 Backpacks motorcyclists rode into the event to deliver school supplies to student attendees. Bikers gathered at Kavanaugh's Hilltop Bar & Grill Sunday morning; the "cost" of the ride was a backpack with at least three of the following school supplies: backpacks, gluesticks, scissors, Elmer's glue, calculators, colored pencils, pocket folders, college or wide-ruled notebooks, loose-leaf paper, pencil boxes, markers and 24-count crayons. Cash donations were also acceptable.

"Anybody who goes off to work; if you work in a trade, your tools are what you go to work with," Lawrence said, addressing the crowd after Bikers 4 Backpacks made their entrance. "Well, for our students, backpacks and all that goes inside are their tools to go to work. So I just want to say thank you on behalf of the Rock Island-Milan School District, all of the parents and students that will be impacted by your generosity today and in past years. ... Everything Bikers 4 Backpacks stands for, we appreciate it."

The motorcyclists spent their Sunday riding and making stops around the area for nearly 100 miles before making their grand entrance at the event around 3:15 p.m. The group had been collecting school supplies since May, according to a Bikers 4 Backpacks member who goes by "The Gus."

"We just love seeing the kids. That's the highlight of my day and a lot of everyone's rides, just pulling in there and seeing all the kids dancing and screaming  they love the bikes," he said. "That's the biggest thing for me, seeing the smiles on their faces and just being able to give back. And give some of them a chance at an opportunity they may not have had without us."

He said Bikers 4 Backpacks hoped to donate to other organizations or school districts as the group continued to grow each year.

Bikers 4 Backpacks has been donating to the Rock Island-Milan School District for the past eight years.
Probe into Perm university shooting case against Russian student completed

MOSCOW, July 25 (RAPSI)  Investigation into student Timur Bekmansurov, who stands charged with shooting in the Perm State University that led to the death of 6 people last autumn, is completed, the Investigative Committees press service reports.

According to the statement, investigators have collected enough evidence. The case is forwarded to prosecutors for the indictments approval and its further transfer to court.

The young man stands charged with murder and attempted killing of two and more persons, infringement on the life of a law enforcement officer, intended damage to property of another committed from molester motives in a dangerous way.

According to investigators, in September 2021, the student entered the university and did the shooting. As a result of the attack, 6 people died and 37 were injured. Bekmansurov was injured when resisting arrest and taken to hospital.

Later, the defendant pled guilty. He could face life in prison if convicted.

Two officers of the Perm State Road Safety Inspectorate who took down the student were advanced in rank.




Hot, dry conditions continue to dry fuels out, prompting the Bitterroot National Forest to raise fire danger to "Very High," effective immediately.

Very high fire danger means that fires start easily from all causes, and immediately spread rapidly. Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme fire intensity. These fires can be difficult to control and will often become much larger and longer-lasting fires.

Spring and early summer rains have resulted in a tall, thick crop of grasses that are now starting to dry and cure, increasing the likelihood of a larger, more intense fire. Even in the timbered stands, heavy fuels like standing dead trees and logs are already extremely dry. Continued hot and dry weather is predicted for the next several days including a chance of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.

It is imperative that residents and visitors alike exercise caution when recreating outdoors. Please follow these fire safety tips:

 Keep campfires small and completely extinguish them before leaving camp. Always add water, stir it, and make sure all embers are out. If its too hot to touch, its too hot to leave! It is illegal to have unattended campfires.

 Smokers should light up only in areas cleared of all flammable debris. Cigarette butts should never be thrown from vehicle windows.

 Fireworks are illegal on public lands: every forest, every campsite, every day. Never light fireworks in the woods.

 Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained, with nothing dragging on the ground. A loose safety chain or dangling muffler can send a shower of sparks into dry vegetation.

 Keep vehicles off dry grass. The catalytic converter may contact the vegetation and start a fire.

 Recreational shooting? Take precautions. Never shoot into dry vegetation and always make sure youre shooting in a safe location, away from roads, trails, campsites, and occupied areas. Be aware that shooting exploding targets is prohibited on National Forest System lands. For more information visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/shooting.

 Know before you go. Always check with your local Ranger Station prior to your trip to get the most up-to-date information on fire danger and fire restrictions for the area. Visit www.mtfireinfo.org to learn more about restrictions that are in place throughout Montana.

Please also do not burn any debris piles. Outdoor burning season is closed in Ravalli County, so your burn permit is invalid. Visit fireintheroot.org to learn more about outdoor burning seasons, rules, and fire prevention tips.

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, should never be flown near or around wildfires. To learn more about Forest Service policy regarding UAS visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/aviation/uas/responsible-use.

This year, firefighters on the Bitterroot National Forest have extinguished 6 human-caused fires and 17 lightning fires.

For more information about fires in Montana and other fires across the country, visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF for local fire information.
The Moors Mountain fire in the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness north of Helena was fully contained Sunday, forest officials said.

The Central Montana Type 3 Incident Management Team will transfer command of the fire, which was started by lightning July 16 in heavy timber, back to the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Monday.

Firefighters had to be pulled off the mountain Sunday afternoon due to safety concerns, as thunderstorms moved into the area. The fire did receive some beneficial rain, officials with the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest said about 7:45 p.m. on Facebook. They added the fire was 100% contained, meaning a fuel break around the fire has been completed.

The Pike Hotshots and two Grayback Forestry crews were scheduled to hike off the mountain as they have completed their assignments. Their gear and other equipment from their spike camp was flown off the mountain by helicopter earlier in the day. This included bear boxes used for food storage, chainsaw fuel, personal gear and trash.

The fire remained at 98 acres Sunday from the day before and 157 personnel were assigned to the blaze, according to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8238/.

Multiple callers July 16 reported seeing a plume of smoke around the Hunters Gulch trailhead near Nelson, southeast of the blaze.

Forest officials 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.
Finding and understanding the price of a medical procedure at Richmond-area hospitals can be a challenge, despite a new federal law that calls for hospitals to be transparent about their prices.

To locate the charge for basic procedures, such as CT scans, colonoscopies or mammograms, a customer must search spreadsheets with tens of thousands of lines or enter their health insurance information in hopes of receiving an individualized estimate.

But not every procedure is published, and even if a price is listed, hospitals often warn that they cant guarantee the accuracy of their estimates because other charges might apply, making the final bill much different than the estimate.

At a time when an estimated 41% of the U.S. population has health care debt, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the federal government now requires hospitals to publish their prices. A Trump administration push required hospitals to publish their prices at the beginning of 2021, but according to analyses, compliance has been slow. Virginia passed its own law this year to spur hospitals toward transparency.

This month, the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association released a new tool that groups the price transparency webpages of the states hospitals in one spot. But that doesnt mean finding prices for each hospital is easy.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch attempted to price shop at three local hospitals: Chippenham Hospital, operated by for-profit HCA Healthcare; St. Marys Hospital, operated by nonprofit Bon Secours Mercy Health; and Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, which is government-affiliated.

But roadblocks abounded. The listed price of a CT scan of the abdomen appeared to vary widely. Other procedures could be located easily on one hospitals list, but are hard to identify on another. The price can vary widely based on insurance  or be reduced to zero in at least one instance. And the final bill for a procedure can grow substantially because of medicines prescribed, doctors fees or complications during the procedure.

Hospitals make it clear that the prices they post are nonguaranteed estimates that may differ from the actual price and usually dont include the expected additional costs.

In other words, dont bank on these estimates.

Federal government requirements



Hospitals across the U.S. have been required to post their prices since the beginning of 2021. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mandates acute care hospitals post a machine-readable file with standard charges and either a consumer-friendly file listing at least 300 shoppable services or a price estimator tool.

Richmonds three health systems have price estimator tools in which a patient plugs in his or her health insurance information and the name of the procedure. Then the website returns an estimated price based on the patients deductible, coinsurance and other information. Not included is how much the insurance company is actually paying the hospital.

Health care costs have risen in recent years, and a lack of transparency in pricing is a reason why, CMS said in its explanation of the law. Health care spending is expected to consume 20% of the economy by 2027.

Hospitals are typically required to publish a gross charge, which is the cost of a procedure before its been negotiated down with an insurer. It doesnt necessarily include medicines administered or doctors fees, and it isnt what an insured patient necessarily pays.

But publishing the gross charge is necessary to promote price transparency and necessary to drive down premium and out-of-pocket costs for consumers of health care services, CMS said.

Spokespeople for the three Richmond-area systems said their hospitals are in compliance with the federal law.

Virginia passed a law of its own, requiring hospitals to be in compliance by 2023 and directs the secretary of Health and Human Services to develop recommendations for administering the measure.

But according to analyses at a national level, compliance has been slow.

An analysis published last month in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that as of last summer, only 6% of hospitals had both a machine-readable file and a list of shoppable services. Half of hospitals had neither.

A separate study, also published in JAMA, found that 68% of hospitals had published the negotiated prices specific to different insurers. That figure was 50 percentage points higher than earlier in 2021, indicating that hospitals were slowly catching up.

CMS can fine hospitals that dont comply up to $300 per day, and members of the public can report hospitals that arent in compliance.

Price lists include 50,000-plus items

Each of the three Richmond-area systems displays on its website a massive machine-readable price list plus a personalized estimator tool.

The machine-readable file for St. Marys is a long list, but procedures can be found by searching. For example, a diagnostic mammography costs anywhere between $25 and $309 depending on insurance. A gross price isnt clearly identified. AARP Medicare Complete, along with other Medicare providers, pay the lowest prices. The cost for self-paying customers is $233. St. Marys charges Cigna the highest rate. Medicare and Medicaid determine how much they will reimburse hospitals, and insurers negotiate rates.

Cesarean sections vary widely based on insurance and the circumstances of the procedure. Medicaid pays $5,300 for a Cesarean delivery, but Cigna pays more than $38,000 for a Cesarean section with sterilization if it includes a major complication or comorbidity.

Bon Secours also publishes an Excel document price list for Richmond-area hospitals, but its filled with abbreviations and isnt decipherable by the common patient. The most expensive item, listed as IMPL VAD ASST HRTMT III W/CNTRL STJU -L, costs $620,000  though thats not necessarily the price an insurance company would pay. A spokesperson for the health system did not explain the name of the procedure following a request.

Bon Secours believes in price transparency and empowering consumers to know more about the cost of their care, said Jenna Green, a spokesperson for the system. Because health care is complex, we will work closely with patients and their families to provide information about the payment for their care, what their insurance covers and ultimately what their out-of-pocket expense may be.

Some hospitals have apparently negotiated no cost at all for some insurers. According to St. Marys machine-readable file, a colonoscopy diagnostic costs $612 for Cigna and $504 for Aetna but is free for United Healthcare.

Chippenham also published an Excel price list with nearly 54,000 items. Mammograms appear to cost $706, and colonoscopies range from $6,000 to $17,000. These are gross prices, not necessarily the reduced price an insurer actually pays.

We have been focused on pricing and transparency for many years, because we believe its important for patients to be able to make informed choices about their health care and understand their financial obligations, said Pryor Green, a spokesperson for HCA.

At HCA hospitals, uninsured patients are eligible for free care through a charity care program, or they can receive discounts similar to what a private insurance plan pays, Pryor Green said. Bills are capped for eligible patients who earn up to 400% of the federal poverty line.

VCU Healths file contains nearly 18,000 items, but several common procedures are searchable. An appendectomy starts at $43,000 but can triple in price if theres a complicated principal diagnosis and major complication. A Cesarean section starts at $36,000 but can nearly triple in cost with complications.

The astronomical cost of cancer treatment is evident  the most expensive item on VCUs list is Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy, a form of cancer treatment. Its listed cost is $1.9 million.

The three local health systems also offer price estimator tools, in which a prospective patient inputs his or her name, date of birth and insurance identification number along with the name of a procedure. The estimator tool calculates how much the patient would pay based on the patients deductible, coinsurance, maximum out-of-pocket cost and other factors.

But these tools include fewer procedures than the massive lists hospitals are also required to publish.

For high-cost procedures that exceed a patients deductible or maximum out-of-pocket cost, it can be difficult from these tools to tell how much the hospital is charging the insurer.

And the estimator tools come with stern warnings. Chippenham advises that the hospital makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy of the pricing information provided herein. The disclaimer notes that the estimate doesnt include unforeseen complications, additional tests or procedures and non-hospital related charges. The final bill for services rendered at this facility may differ substantially from the information provided by this website.

This month, the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association unveiled a webpage that links the price transparency pages of Virginia hospitals in one location. The VHHA notes that low-income patients might pay less than the listed prices. In 2020, Virginia hospitals provided $432 million worth of charity care.

Varying prices for a CT scan

All of this makes comparing costs from one hospital to another difficult, though the entire point of price transparency is allowing customers to see how much theyll pay before theyre actually handed a bill.

When comparing the listed prices at Richmond-area hospitals, some large variations can be found.

A CT scan of the abdomen using contrast dye costs $2,800 at VCU, according to its list of standard charges.

At St. Marys, its machine-readable file doesnt clearly identify a gross price, but the self-paying price is about $2,000, and its highest price  for generic workers compensation  is $3,000.

A price list for several Bon Secours hospitals in Richmond lists the procedure twice  $3,400 for outpatients and $2,300 for inpatients.

At Chippenham, the listed price is more than double the VCU cost  $6,700.

For the average patient, comparing prices for a colonoscopy is difficult because there are several types of colonoscopies listed on medical forms, and finding the right one can be a challenge. VCU lists a colonography screening at $665.

The Bon Secours Excel sheet lists a colonoscopy diagnostic at $661. Chippenhams sheet details more than 10 types of colonoscopies, and one labeled Colonoscopy DX costs nearly $9,000.

Patients dont necessarily pay these prices, since insurers negotiate lower rates. And the total cost of a hospital visit can be significantly higher than the cost of one procedure. For example, a tonsillectomy at VCU is listed at $4,000. But other common costs associated with the procedure, including anesthesia and drugs, run the total cost to closer to $20,000, said VCU Health spokesperson Laura Rossacher.

The type of facility factors into the price, too. Tonsillectomies and other same-day surgical procedures can be performed in an ambulatory surgery center at a more affordable price than at VCU Medical Center.

For this reason, VCU cautions against comparing hospitals gross charges.

Such comparisons may not be valid, as hospitals may use different data sources to estimate their charges, Rossacher said. In addition, the true cost of care for our patients depends on their insurance coverage, the hospitals financial assistance polices and the individual circumstances of the case.

But according to CMS, the federal agency that enacted the price transparency law, knowing a hospitals gross cost is important, because higher gross prices are associated with higher negotiated prices for insurance companies.
Diane Yane thought her struggles with the Virginia Employment Commission were over.

In late May, the state agency notified Yane that it was waiving repayment of $11,160 in unemployment benefits she had received early in the COVID-19 pandemic. She stopped working at a Richmond-area restaurant shortly before then-Gov. Ralph Northam shut down indoor public dining for the health emergency.

Earlier that same month, the VEC acknowledged that it had incorrectly sent overpayment notices to nearly 7,000 Virginians, offering plans for repayment while threatening legal action to recover state and federal benefits the agency said they never should have received during the chaotic first months of the pandemic.

But less than two weeks ago, Yane received a letter from VEC requiring her to repay the money the agency already had waived  plus an additional $6,600, for a total of $17,760.

VEC officials say the latest letter to her and others in similar circumstances is a mistake  a timing issue, Employment Commissioner Carrie Roth said. But the people who received them remain infuriated by a struggling state agency they say has wreaked havoc in their lives because of its errors.

Meanwhile, theyre putting terror into the hearts of thousands of people, said Yane, who has left behind a long career waiting tables in restaurants to start her own business providing daily activities for seniors at a center in Chesterfield Countys Bon Air neighborhood.

Im a single parent. Ive worked hard my entire life, she said. If I have to pay that money back, Im not only going to be bankrupt, Im going to be homeless.

The latest miscommunication from VEC stems from the discovery in early May of a data error. It led the agency to incorrectly send overpayment letters to 6,811 people, requiring them to agree to repay the money by installments or face legal action.

The mistake came from the rocky transition that began last fall to a new, long-delayed information technology system that was supposed to help people file and monitor their unemployment claims. The Associated Press revealed the error in a news story on May 6 in which the VEC promised to notify all of the affected unemployment beneficiaries that they wouldnt be required to repay the money.

After being contacted by the Richmond Times-Dispatch on Friday, Roth said the agency notified Yane by telephone that the letter was a mistake and she would not be required to pay back the money.

Asked why the VEC was still sending letters to people in late June and mid-July requiring them to repay overpayments the state already had waived, the commissioner responded in an email, We needed to ensure the technology fix was done right + did not impact other customers.

This is primarily due to a timing issue based on the date the correction was implemented and notices that are automatically triggered based on 30 days passing, Roth added in a follow-up email.

Marty Wegbreit, Yanes lawyer and an advocate at the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, doesnt buy the agencys explanation.

Not only did the VEC not let everyone impacted [know] they are not on the hook to repay the money, but the VEC also continued to send out those incorrect overpayment notices, Wegbreit said, noting that the agency sent the letter to Yane on July 15, more than two months after the AP story.

I am glad that the VEC has confirmed that [Yane] is not on the hook to repay the money, he said. However, that does not explain why incorrect overpayment notices continued to be sent in late June and mid-July.

Another of Wegbreits clients, whom he identified as Susan B, received a letter from the VEC on June 27 requiring her to agree to an installment plan to repay $17,080 in federal and state unemployment benefits the agency already had waived  and an additional $9,634 in new overpayment determinations, for a total of $26,714.

This is terrifying, frankly, said the lawyer, who estimates he has handled more than 500 overpayment cases during the ongoing pandemic. I dont think its unfair to call it a double cross.

Yane doesnt agree with the agencys decision early last year that she had received more than $11,000 in federal and state benefits to which she wasnt legally entitled over 11 weeks in the spring and summer of 2020.

She contends she left her serving job at a Richmond area restaurant for good cause in mid-March 2020, less than two weeks before Northam restricted indoor dining as the pandemic swept into Virginia, putting low-wage food servers on the front line of exposure to the virus.

The restaurant workers were obviously some of the most vulnerable and at risk, Yane said. I would have been laid off anyway.

She has not withdrawn her pending appeal of the underlying eligibility and overpayment decisions in her case, which she thinks were wrong.

I received unemployment benefits for only a short while until I could get back on my feet, said Yane, who already was working with elderly people in assisted living facilities before establishing the activity center in Bon Air. I did not abuse the system.
Virginias new cold-case database treats two notorious New River Valley homicide cases differently.

The database includes the murder of Radford University freshman Gina Hall, a 1980 killing that is hardly unsolved: Stephen Matteson Epperly was convicted the same year that Hall died, and has remained in prison since.

But the database does not mention the 2009 slayings of Heidi Childs and David Metzler, two Virginia Tech sophomores who were shot to death while on a date to the Caldwell Fields recreation area in the Jefferson National Forest outside Blacksburg.

Leadership of the search for their killer or killers was transferred in 2019 from the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office to the state police, and authorities continue to ask the public for tips that might lead to an arrest.

The purpose of the new database is to prompt such tips, according to Del. Danica Roem, D-Prince William, who sponsored the law that created the cold-case listing. But the murders of Metzler and Childs have so far not been entered into the database because officials decided to give priority to cases that have received less public attention recently, a spokeswoman for the state police wrote in an email.

As we began developing the website, we reached out to each of our seven Bureau of Criminal Investigation Field Offices to see which unsolved criminal investigations the special agents would like to see initially featured, spokeswoman Corinne Geller wrote last week. The first cases featured on the site were selected with the hopes of gaining some renewed attention by the public, media, etc. with the ultimate goal of generating new leads.

The Metzler-Childs case has remained at the forefront of the media and publics attention, typically with coverage occurring around the time of their disappearance and deaths.

But as cases continue to be added to the database, the Childs and Metzler killings will eventually be featured, Geller wrote.

In recent years, investigators and relatives held news conferences on the 10th anniversary of the couples deaths and a year later, calling for anyone with information to come forward.

Also in 2020, the Roanoke-based AWARE Foundation, which tries to rally public help for solving missing person and murder cases, sponsored a billboard on U.S. 460 with a photo of Childs and Metzler that asked for tips.

As for the Gina Hall case, though Epperly was found guilty of killing her, Halls remains have not been located. The case was labeled as the first body-less murder conviction in Virginia, a circumstance that remains rare 42 years later.

Epperly, who was sentenced to life in prison, is now 70 and eligible for geriatric parole  but his requests for release have been denied repeatedly, most recently last year

Halls death was the subject of a 2018 book, Under the Trestle, by Ron Peterson Jr. The book is being made into a documentary film.

Searches for Halls remains have continued intermittently, conducted both privately and by public agencies. A Radford police detective continued search efforts as recently as 2018 but is now retired.

Presumably, investigators hope including Hall in the cold-case list will help find her remains.
AUCKLAND, New Zealand

When I lived in the United States and people learned I was from New Zealand, the immediate response always was something about The Lord of the Rings films. They were shot here, but Ive never seen any of them.

People also asked, Why would you leave there to come to the U.S.? It was with the same emphasis as one might ask, Why would you leave Disneyland to come to the dentist?

As captured onscreen, New Zealand exists as a coveted, isolated elsewhere in the American imagination. That extends to the countrys political image as a woman-led liberal bastion.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is known for giving birth while in office, containing the spread of COVID-19 and passing gun control laws. But when New Zealand trends in the U.S., it rarely is because of New Zealand at all. Instead, its usually because something has happened in the States that feels apocalyptic, and then Americans panic and Google how to move to New Zealand.

Some noticeable peaks in New Zealand as a search term include November 2016, when Donald Trump won the presidential election, and then in June 2022, with the overturn of Roe v. Wade. When Americans look up New Zealand residency applications, its not because they want to live in Christchurch. Its because they want to move elsewhere. Anywhere. As far away from where they do live as possible.

It might not be such a bad thing if everyone repelled by the recriminalization of abortion were to migrate Down Under, if it werent for all of the billionaires who already are here. You see, if American liberals idealize New Zealand as a remote island of 5 million environmentally ethical social progressives that they could fit into, then the American super-rich see it as a remote island of environmentally ethical social progressives that they could take over.

Billionaires have been buying luxury bunkers here for years in order to invest in what they perceive to be their best possible chance at surviving Armageddon. PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel raised eyebrows in New Zealand in 2017 when news of his under-the-radar residency became public.

In recent months, Thiel has faced resistance from local government planners over his proposal to build a five-star guest lodge in the South Island. Meanwhile, hes backing right-wing U.S. congressional candidates who align with Trump and advocate for stricter U.S. border laws, despite his bending of New Zealand residency restrictions to suit himself.

Not that Thiel seems eager to claim being Kiwi, so why pay the high price for our passport? On the one hand, the countrys geographic isolation makes for a promising haven in the event of war or disease.

On the other, the sea level is rising, New Zealand is sinking and were so quake-prone that the whole place shakes like an aging chihuahua. Weve got high road fatalities, barely any military presence and one of the biggest threats to our national well-being is a possum infestation.

Why is it, then, that the rich have their money on us to survive the apocalypse? The answer is they don't.

They dont anticipate New Zealand as it stands, nor its people, surviving the end of the world, but thats part of the charm. For them, were an easy conquest if the rest of the world goes to hell.

Known for having more sheep than people and, until recently, having a publicly funded wizard, New Zealands publicity team works harder than Kris Jenner to position the country as unintimidating and placid  Australias harmless sidekick. We cash in, every year, on being named one of the happiest and one of the least corrupt countries in the world.

New Zealand also touts its racial diversity and support of Maori, including in government representation. In reality, were more than 70% white and our youth suicide rate is high.

As for corruption, New Zealand has no taxes on capital gains or inheritances, and it doesnt tax existing wealth either. Public scrutiny of company property ownership is minimal, and there is little to no public registration of trusts. And, as Thiel made so clear, if youre wealthy enough, you can buy your way across the border.

I wonder whether the super-rich would consider New Zealand to be the best locale for their doomsday bunker if it really were, in fact, one of the least corrupt countries in the world; and if they had to spend 1,350 days here to obtain a right to citizenship, like other newcomers.

Dont get me wrong. Theres no nuclear power, abortions are legal, guns are highly regulated in New Zealand and youre never more than 80 miles from the sea. Its beautiful, but it isnt Disneyland and it isnt your elsewhere.

The country youre imagining, the one youve been sold  it doesnt exist. Were as sad, racist and corrupt as the rest of the world, and, nowadays, there are a bunch more billionaires to boot.
Chef Stephen Sandoval butterflies a striped sea bass at Suenos at SoHo House on July 13, 2022, in Chicago. The former executive chef at Lena Brava, Sandoval will focus on cuisine from the Baja coast at the new pop-up. The menu is rich with pristine seafood and items grilled over a live fire. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

All I want to eat right now is the ceviche at Suenos.

As with most versions of the dish, youll find small pieces of raw fish in a citrus-heavy liquid. But this one also balances that cutting acidity with a nuttiness spiked with spice, along with fresh fruit aromas that mingle in the background with a haunting haze of smoke. Crack off a piece of the tostada on the side, scoop up some cubes of pristine snapper, and then marvel at how the cooling crunch of each bite transports you to some sandy sunshine-drenched beach. Note how the multiple interlocking layers of flavor would happily stand up to any fine dining dish.

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If you couldnt tell, its my favorite dish of 2022 so far.

Thats not bad for what is technically a pop-up restaurant at Soho House. I honestly wasnt going to visit Suenos, because I knew it had only a six-month run. Then I stumbled onto some of the restaurants Instagram photos and couldnt resist the subsequent craving. Turns out, Im not alone, as the packed project will continue to operate at Soho House until at least early 2023.

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The ceviche at Suenos is served with snapper, smoked leche de tigre, salsa macha and avocado. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

According to chef Stephen Sandoval (no relation to Oriole chef Noah Sandoval), his version of the Peruvian-style ceviche tastes complex because it is. The process takes days, starting when the kitchen gets fresh snapper from the Gulf of Mexico. We break down the fish in-house, and then hang the bones over the wood-fired grill to smoke, he said. Then we marinate the bones in lime juice. To the strained liquid, he adds a host of other ingredients, including roasted tomatoes, green olives, ginger, fermented habaneros and olive oil.

We last saw Sandoval as the executive chef at Lena Brava, which opened as Rick Bayless wood-fired ode to Mexicos Baja Peninsula. (After a partner dispute, Bayless exited the project in 2020.) But Sandovals infatuation with Baja started long before then. He grew up in San Diego and made regular trips across the border because his dad owned a car wash in Tijuana. He would always send us to go get tacos and tostadas, he said.

After getting his culinary degree, he spent time at the acclaimed State Bird Provisions in San Francisco. But when he returned to Southern California to help his family, he started thinking about the food he wanted to cook. I had an epiphany that I could discover my heritage through food and cooking, Sandoval said. My dads side is from Mexico. My moms side is from New Orleans, with roots back to Galicia, Spain.

This has led to cooking stints all over the globe, including Mexico City, New Orleans, Barcelona and even the Argentine province of Mendoza. But he always returns to Baja. I think its a really exciting time in Baja, he said. For years, the food wasnt as recognized in Mexico as places like Oaxaca and Puebla. But Baja has a ton of seafood, and it has strong Japanese and Chinese influences. Theres this passion and creative freedom that chefs have there.

Chef Stephen Sandoval wood-fires dishes at Suenos inside Soho House on July 13, 2022, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

It was also around this time that he first met Bayless. Over email, Bayless said he met Sandoval while co-leading some culinary tours and classes in Mexico, and he was immediately impressed. I knew he was interested in more than just a superficial understanding of the countrys cooking, Bayless wrote. When Bayless decided to open Lena Brava in 2016, he asked Sandoval to join the opening crew.

Sandoval likes to describe Suenos as borderless Baja, which explains why a Peruvian-style ceviche sits next to Mexican and Spanish-influenced dishes. As for what to order, Ill offer only this piece of advice: Eat all the seafood you can.

The Chingon oysters from Baja pair a fresh and floral cantaloupe mignonette with the plump and almost buttery mollusks. The tuna tostada features thick slices of the dark red fish on a crunchy fried tortilla spread with what Sandoval refers to as a diosa roja, which is a combination of aioli, buttermilk and a house-made salsa macha. (Ive already noted salsa macha is the hottest Chicago salsa of 2022, and it pops up all over the menu here, adding a richly spicy and nutty presence to everything it touches.)

The tuna tostada is served with yellowfin, leche de tigre, diosa roja, avocado and salsa macha. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

Soft-shell crabs show up in Sandovals very untraditional version of a Caesar salad, which was invented in Tijuana. I realized that when fried, the crabs were like big croutons, so a Caesar dressing would work with it, he said. It does. The crackly crustaceans rest on a bed of the creamy, umami-packed dressing, while some preserved Meyer lemons and mint add a necessary burst of freshness.

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The succulent kanpachi collar features a glistening dark red guajillo chile glaze with hibiscus pickled radish and more of that excellent salsa macha. (Only a limited number are available each night, so grab one if you can.) The pescado taco is his version of the ubiquitous Baja-style fried fish taco. Most versions prize the crunchy batter above all else, but while crisp, the beer batter coating here remains light enough so the cod remains the star.

Kanpachi collars are served with guajillo-umami glaze, hibiscus pickled radish and salsa macha. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

Nearly every restaurant has to have octopus these days, but Suenos version is one of the best. The pulpo skewers feature remarkably tender nuggets of octopus interspersed with some of the creamiest butterball potatoes Ive ever tried. I love potatoes, Sandoval said. I always make sure to have some on the menu.

Youll find some wondrous potatoes on the skirt steak entree, cooked in duck fat no less. (Its OK to order one dish that doesnt have seafood.) But the steak also shows how Sandoval combines the primal attraction of wood-fired grilling with the preciseness of a polished chef. Instead of focusing all of his attention on getting a heavy char, the meat tastes more like it was kissed by the flame, leaving it juicy and with a delicate smoky aroma.

The cocktail menu by Danielle Lewis offers some surprising choices. While you can get a solid margarita on the happy hour menu, my favorite drink is called the gintonic, a variation on a gin and tonic. Gorgeous looking, with subtle floral notes, it pairs extremely well with these dishes. I also enjoyed a glass of the L.A. Cetto Cabernet, made in Bajas Valle de Guadalupe.

Pulpo skewers are served with diosa salsa, cilantro chimichurri and butterball potatoes. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)

The only weak point is dessert. Both offerings I tried, a respectable flan and a slightly more ambitious peaches and cream dish, were fine, if not up to the rest of the menu.

Thanks to some colorful artwork hung on the walls, Suenos feels more like a permanent resident than a temporary guest. Its located on the second floor of Soho House, the Chicago outlet of the international members-only club. While Ill personally never be cool enough to join (or rich enough to afford the dues), Soho House does allow riffraff like me to drop by for dinner. To the clubs credit, the staff is remarkably friendly to nonmembers, as long as you dont try to sneak up to the higher floors. Still, its hard not to feel a little out of place. The first night I visited, I locked up my bike next to a gleaming white McLaren, a car brand so outrageously expensive Id never heard of it before. (Looks like one can be yours for only a few hundred thousand dollars.)

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Even as Suenos stay was extended into early next year, Sandoval is currently looking for a permanent space for the restaurant. In the meantime, hes launched a tasting menu experience, called Entre Suenos, which I havent tried, but takes place one or two times a month.

While this pop-up might not be exactly what Sandoval wants long-term, the food served right now is simply too stunning to ignore.

nkindelsperger@chicagotribune.com

Suenos

2nd Floor of Soho House

113-125 N. Green St.

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

suenoschi.com

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Tribune rating: Three stars, excellent

Open: Wednesday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Prices: Starters, $10 to $24; main dishes, $18 to $42

Noise: Conversation friendly

Accessibility: There is elevator access to the second floor, along with bathrooms on that level.

Ratings key: Four stars, outstanding; three stars, excellent; two stars, very good; one star, good; no stars, unsatisfactory. Meals are paid for by the Tribune.
CHARLESTON, S.C.

Inside of Allegiance Flag Supplys facilities, it is hard not to notice how the employees making the flags reflect the beauty and diversity that always has been the promise and purpose of our country. They use their skills to make American flags in America, perfectly encapsulating the three young owners mission in starting this company.

In short, they set out to make a flag where every stitch, hem and thread would be made in the United States. And theyve done it.

Owners Katie and Wes Lyon, and their childhood friend, Max Berry, said the idea came from lots of late-night conversations. They wanted to be their own bosses, and they realized most flags in big-box and local hardware stores are made in China  and not very well made, at that.

From small flags waved at parades, to ones hanging from telephone poles in small towns, to ones hung from our own homes, 150 million American flags are sold in the U.S. each year. Nearly $7 million in sales goes to other countries, and China in particular, according to WalletHub.

That includes American flags flown at the U.S. Capitol. This led a bipartisan group of senators to introduce a bill requiring the federal government to buy ones that are produced entirely on U.S. soil.

According to a release from Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., the government currently purchases flags that contain 50% American-made materials. In 2017, the U.S. imported 10 million American flags. All but 50,000 came from China. Other bill sponsors included Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Rick Scott, R-Fla.

Wes Lyon said the origins of Allegiance Flag Supply began at the University of South Carolina, where he met his wife, Katie. The two settled here after college. Berry came back into the picture while attending business school with Wes Lyon at the College of Charleston.

I told Katie one day when I came home from class, I met this really cool guy that I really like a lot whos actually one of my favorite people in the class, Max Berry, he said. And shes like, Whoa, Max Berry? I went to middle school with him! 

That serendipitous moment led to lots of long talks among the three of them about what they wanted to do with their lives and careers. They were searching for a greater purpose, while pursuing the American dream of running their own business.

We all bought houses around the same time, and we live really close to each other, Berry said. And one of the first things that we did when we bought our houses was buy an American flag to hang off of our porch.

It was Wes Lyon who first noticed the shoddy quality of the flags. They just seemed poorly made, Berry said. Then there was just the general confusion about, what size did you need? How do you attach a flag to a flagpole in general? Is it a sleeve? Is it a grommet kind of thing? You dont know. And then, second of all, after we bought our flags  I know I bought mine on Amazon. I think Wes and Katie might have bought theirs at a big-box hardware store like Lowes. And it just seemed really cheap.

After tons of research, Katie Lyon said they soon discovered how many American flags in stores across the U.S. were made in China. It was a bane to us because if there is one product that exists that deserves to be made in America, it is an American flag, she said.

Wes Lyon came up with the idea of trying to start a company, although none of them knew anything about American flags. We didnt know any kind of details, Katie Lyon said. We certainly didnt know how to make American flags.

Eventually, all three left the safety net of their corporate jobs and chased their dream. This frontier ethos has made America great for generations: You cant find opportunity without risk.

Heck, it is still scary, Berry said. Were certainly more successful now than we were three years ago, but its still a roller-coaster every day.

The years work is not consistent: January is a very slow month in the flag business, while June and July are very busy. There is no backup if they cant keep up in summer. COVID-19 obviously posed a major challenge.

People were stuck indoors, and while there were some stores who were open, they were only selling essential items, Katie Lyon said. American flags were actually taped off at that time. A lot of local mom and pop kind of stores, they were all closed.

As a consequence, e-commerce boomed at the same time as the push for American pride.

I think in the beginning, a lot of the messaging was we were all in this together  people really were proud of flying the American flag, maybe some that had not purchased a flag in a while, she said. So, I think a lot of the stay-at-home orders, not able to purchase it at stores, huge patriotic push, and then while all that was going on in our country, we had really nailed things internally.

Wes Lyon explained that this happened right as they figured out how to source and make the flags. We got the embroidery of our star fields figured out, we got our stitching figured out, we got sophisticated, and we were able to lower our price to something a little more digestible, he said.

They then finally figured out what their company was all about.

When we first launched Allegiance, were like, Were an American flag for everybody,  Katie Lyon said. And we really didnt know what that meant. I think thats such a broad statement, and today we still are what we wanted to be in the beginning.

They went from a garage operation to the 25 employees working on these incredibly beautiful American flags when you walk in today. They all are made by seamstresses  true artisans who take pride in making these flags that will adorn homes across America.

The American flag stands for something. Even in a divided nation, it means something to people on all sides of the aisle.

We all are part of something bigger than our individual selves and our political tribes. All the more for an American flag that actually is made in America.
Growing up in Roanoke, Junior Word spent weekends with his dad and his granddad fixing up the family cars  tinkering with his uncles 1984 Chevy pickup or his dads old Dodge.

Whenever a new part was needed for a repair, there was only one place to go: They all shopped at Advance, Word said.

They would talk biblically about going into those stores, and buying everything from tires to washing machines to parts.

The Roanoke-founded Advance Auto Parts chain  which sprouted up with three local stores when it was started nine decades ago and now spans over 4,600 stores nationwide  loomed large for not only the Word family but for the entire region, where long-timers still referred it to as Advance Stores, a throwback to its early days as a more generalized department store, where shoppers could get housewares and find the towns biggest displays of childrens toys each holiday season.

For Word, that time with his dad and his granddad would spark a lifelong love of cars and a career that brought him to Advance Auto as a local store manager some 20 years ago and allowed him to work his way up to a division president of the Fortune 500 company today.

And it all started right here in the valley, he said, with families coming together to keep a car running and weekend trips to the nearest Advance Auto to grab a part.

Driving over here, I was actually pretty emotional because these people and these stores just meant so much to me, personally, and to my family and friends, Word said earlier this month when Advance Auto gathered its local employees together to celebrate the companys 90th anniversary.

These stores have meant a ton to the community, he said. ... Its just phenomenal to think of that story, and the history of Advance Auto Parts and our community in Roanoke.

Founded in 1932 when Arthur Taubman, a self-made businessman, bought a trio of struggling stores operating in Roanoke and Lynchburg, Advance Auto Parts grew into an economic powerhouse, hitting a streak in the 1980s and 1990s, under the leadership of Taubmans son Nick Taubman, when it was doubling its size every three years as it built new stores in new markets.

That prosperity, which led to Advance Auto becoming publicly traded in 2001, mirrored that of the valley, their fortunes seeming to rise together, said corporate representatives.

Noel C. Taylor, Roanokes mayor throughout the 1980s, once likened Advance Auto to a Roanoke icon on par with what the Golden Gate Bridge symbolized in San Francisco or the Kentucky Derby meant to Louisville.

Today, the company no longer calls Roanoke its corporate home base, as it shifted its headquarters designation to Raleigh in 2018, lured there by a $12 million incentive package and a labor pool in North Carolinas Research Triangle that was deemed a better fit for the IT and software development initiatives the chain had on its horizon.

No jobs in Roanoke were cut or moved in the shift. There continue to be about 1,000 Advance Auto staffers in the valley, officials said, across corporate positions, operations at its distribution center on Blue Hills Drive and jobs in customer service and sales.

The company remains one of the top 20 employers in the region, according to 2020 state data. Advance Auto leaders said the valley is still considered a key part of the companys operations and its future.

This will always be the home of Advance Auto Parts, said Joey Blackburn, a vice president and also a valley native. It means a lot to me. It means a lot to everyone here.

On July 13, the company hosted a celebration of its anniversary outside one of its local storefronts, a site on Thirteenth Street that is the successor to one of Advance Autos first flagship outlets. The original store debuted in downtown, then moved near Ninth Street as its need for space grew, before expanding again into its current, larger footprint.

The festivities, which included remarks from city administrators, also served as an employee appreciation event with staffers invited to enjoy food trucks, music and a display of classic cars.

The auto parts chain, which serves both professional mechanics and do-it-yourself customers, emerged from the height of the pandemic with strong financial reports fueled by a boost in sales as drivers filled their hours at home with learning new skills  including car repair.

They had time to stay at home, watch YouTube and learn how to work on their vehicles, Blackburn said. Or they could come in, visit with some of our service team members and ask questions and talk about how to repair their vehicles.

The company reported a record 10.7% growth in comparable sales in its 2021 annual report. Its stock was trading at about $185 per share on the day of its anniversary event.

Over the coming weeks, it will be offering a variety of special promotions tied to its 90th anniversary, including online and in-store sales as well as a social media contest underway this month encouraging customers to share the most memorable drives of their lives.

In Roanoke, it also presented the police and fire departments with gift cards totaling $5,000 that first responders will be using in their community outreach programs. The police department plans to give its gift cards to its patrol officers, who will be able to give the $25 cards to drivers with busted tail lights or other small car problems.

The chance to help citizens fix a problem, rather than writing them with a ticket, is a chance to build a stronger, more closely connected community, officials said. This is the first year the police department and Advance Auto have tried the partnership.

During the anniversary celebration, Assistant City Manager Brent Robinson reflected on the impact that Advance Auto has had on the regions economy and quality of life over the past nine decades.

If you look at the jobs and the revenue theyve brought to this valley, its enhanced us all over the years, he said. ... The city of Roanoke really appreciates what youve done, and we hope for many more years of success.
Two documentarians who have filmed concerts nationwide say that FloydFest stands out as one of the more magical summer music festivals in the United States, and even beyond.

Their films  FloydFest 21: Odyssey, by Jaime Rodriguez and A Year in the Pit: A Journey Into Music Photography, by John Woody  prominently feature the music festival. FloydFest 22~Heartbeat is set to begin its final run off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Patrick County next week, before changing locations next year.

Everyone talks about Bonnaroo, everyone talks about Lollapalooza and the European festivals, Rodriguez said. When you start looking at the headliners of these big festivals, [many are] playing FloydFest.

Rodriguez, who lives in Nashville and hosts the Jrod Concerts Podcast, said he heard so many fun stories about the festival from his friends that he made a point to attend last year. He brought along a camera crew to film some of the festivities.

I basically do this for a living now, and I am not exaggerating: FloydFest is an incredible gem, Rodriguez said. Im almost afraid of talking about it too loud, because I dont want too many people to find out.

Its not just the headliners that make FloydFest an event Rodriguez plans to return for year after year. He said the festivals On-The-Rise award attracts some of the best up-and-coming musical talents, and winners tend to become big names themselves.

Basically, FloydFest has a really good knack of picking the On-The-Rise winners. Its like a good omen, Rodriguez said. You know, they gave it to The Avett Brothers one year [2005]  last year, they picked a band called 49 Winchester from Bristol.

By the time 49 Winchester won last year, it had already secured a contract with heavyweight independent label New West Records, and will return to the festival this year with its debut on that imprint, Fortune Favors the Bold.

A cherry on top, Rodriguez said, is a friendly crowd of all types and ages that made his first FloydFest experience even better. Hell be back in that crowd for the festival, which starts Wednesday.

Festivals are special things that deserve to be in the spotlight because they make magic, Rodriguez said. We hope to capture it even better in this years movie.

John Woody said he spent three years putting together the stories of music photographers for A Year in the Pit, and he hopes people will watch a screening of the documentary when they attend FloydFest.

The pit, to me, its kind of magical... Its like a friendly war zone where everybody is trying to get the best shot, Woody said. When youre in the pit, for instance at Floydfest during a major headliner, there can be 20 or 30 photographers, all of them in that 5- to 10-foot area before the stage.

He saw the pit of photographers front-stage at another festival in Virginia, and said he was inspired to get into that action. Woody used a rigged-up iPhone camera to capture the documentarys footage at 16 festivals across the country, while his neighbor from south of Harrisonburg, Bob Adamek, shot photos.

I would go back to FloydFest til I died, Woody said. Not only is it a great music festival with a great lineup, but FloydFest knows how to support and take care of photographers. Its so family.

Some of the music photographers interviewed for A Year in the Pit include people from the valleys and Southwest Virginia, he said. As he edited the documentary while the coronavirus bore down on society, he said the project became a message of support for the live music industry that momentarily halted.

Im 71 years old. Im still standing, and Im still shooting, Woody said. Being able to say that I survived 16 festivals and can still hear things, and still want to go back into a pit, thats just the most rewarding thing that I think Ive ever done.

He is screening the award-winning documentary at Floydfest, starting at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. This summer is FloydFests last year on leased land in Patrick County, with plans to move to a permanent space in Floyd County for 2023.

We want you to be there, Woody said. We want you to experience that.
Michael Hudson is the new director of the Smithfield-Preston Foundation, operator of William Prestons Smithfield in Blacksburg, according to a news release from the organization.

Hudsons scheduled start date was July 21.

Hudson replaces Ryan Spencer, who departed Smithfield to take a position with the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust in Hillsborough, North Carolina.

The Foundation greatly appreciates all that Ryan has done for Smithfield and the leadership that he has provided over the last three years. Smithfield is a better place for it, the news release stated.

Hudson has 22 years experience in all aspects of the management of museums and historic sites, according to the release. His most recent position was marketing manager and historian of the Old City Cemetery, Museums and Arboretum in Lynchburg. Previously, he served as executive director of the Avoca Museums and Historical Society in Altavista from 2013-2021.

The Foundation is looking forward to having Mike as executive director as he leads the work to continue to make Smithfield an increasingly important educational and community resource for Southwest Virginia and beyond, officials said in the release.

Located at the western end of the Virginia Tech campus, Smithfield was built in 1774 as the home of Col. William Preston and his family. The historic site welcomes visitors for tours and programs throughout the year, and provides opportunities for research and scholarship on Americas Revolution and Civil War past.

Preservation Virginia, which acquired Smithfield in 1959, transferred ownership of the property to the Smithfield-Preston Foundation in 2014.

 The Roanoke Times
Lynchburg firefighters Andrew Jenks and Jalani Brooks were 23 hours into a 24-hour shifon July 13 when they received a phone call that would soon send them to Buchanan County.

We get off at 7:30 [a.m.], Jenks said in an interview, so we were notified about 6:30 [a.m.] about what was going on and we actually left the station about 7:35 that morning.

Jenks and Brooks are two of the 12 members of the Lynchburg Fire Special Operations team that was deployed from Lynchburg to Buchanan County to respond to flooding on July 13.

The team spent two days in Grundy performing searches and assessments of the area that was inundated with rain beginning the night of July 12.

At one point, the flooding left 44 people unaccounted for. Crews later confirmed no fatalities and everyone was safely accounted for by noon on July 14.

Brooks said this was one of his first deployments with the team, and he wasnt sure what to expect when they got the call.

You know we train and stuff for these scenarios, but it was very humbling when we got down there seeing the devastation and how grateful people still are, and how nice they were, like welcoming, after all they had already been through in the previous 24 hours, Brooks said.

Upon arrival, Brooks said the team reported to a staging area, where they stayed for roughly two hours. After that, they were assigned to the Pilgrim Knob neighborhood, where they searched houses and assessed damage.

They split the area with the Bristol Fire Department, according to Jenks, who said they were going door-to-door making sure people were accounted for.

They hadnt seen this before but they were very proud people. Most of them were just staying where they were if they could. Most of them didnt have power, most didnt have water because of the flooded area, but they were ready to stay there and just get cleaned up, Jenks said.

They were very appreciative to see us. But they were trying to take care of their own as well.

Jenks said the first day was mainly a primary search because the water was still too high. He said the team could see vehicles in the Dismal River as the water levels started to recede, which allowed them to tag cars with GPS trackers to come back and check later.

The team was out running its primary search from just about the time it got there until sundown that night, according to Jenks.

The second day, the waters went down even more, Jenks said, and thats when we were actually on the creek banks and in the river, in boats going from the cars we saw the day before and searching those, as well as the river banks.

Brooks said the team covered a 13-mile stretch along the river on the second day before finishing up for the day at about 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 14.

While it was one of Brooks first deployments, Jenks was a part of the team that was deployed to Hurley, Va. in September 2021 in response to similar flooding.

And those people, everything that they had was washed away or destroyed or ruined. And they were still so appreciative and, Ive lost everything, but Im going to build a fire and make some coffee. ... Thats the business were in and thats what we love doing.

The team partnered as a part of the state asset team with several other local fire departments, including Bedford County , Roanoke City and County, Bristol City and the Blacksburg search and rescue team, among several others.

While the team searched and located several vehicles, fortunately no victims were found by the team in the flooding, and the team returned safely on the night of the 14th.

According to a post on the Buchanan County Sheriffs Office Facebook page, the damage assessments showed 30 homes were destroyed, 31 homes suffered major damage, and 69 homes either had minor damage or were affected by the flooding.

Brooks was reminded of the power of Mother Nature on his first big deployment with the team, saying there were cars that we were tracking ... and a couple of cars ended up getting washed two or three miles down the river from where we were tracking them.

Jenks has similar memories of their time spent on the mission, saying, It was crazy to see vehicles going down the river and houses just moved. Its like, Well, that used to be a house and theres nothing even there now. Just complete and utter devastation.

A lot of times Mother Nature doesnt mess around.
LYNCHBURG  Pearl S. Buck, a Nobel prize-winning writer, political activist in the 1940s and a graduate of Randolph-Macon Womans College, now known as Randolph College, was the basis of a research project this summer at the college.

Buck founded the East and West Association in 1942 to facilitate cultural exchange between Asia and the West.

No one has ever done anything about Pearl Bucks political views or her foreign policy activism, said Selda Altan, assistant professor of history at Randolph College and head of this project.

The research stems from Altans interests in womens perspectives during World War II and a current project the professor is working on.

That project is about American journalist Helen Foster Snow and author Ida Pruitt coming together with two sisters from China: Soong Mei-ling and Soong Ching-ling, who were better known in America as Madame Chiang Kai-shek and Madame Sun Yat-sen due to their marriages to those presidents of China.

They established industrial cooperatives, commonly known as Indusco or Gung Ho, to meet Chinas wartime needs by resettling Chinas industry and refugees, who were mostly women and children. At that time, Japan occupied Chinas eastern coasts where Chinas industry was based.

The nationalist government at the time transferred some of these factories to the interior. The Indusco initiative supported this effort by establishing smaller production units. Altan said many people escaped the occupation on the coasts and started to work in these factories and cooperatives as refugees.

This was all in alignment with Buck and her efforts as she tried increase sympathy for China in the United States. Altan wanted to bring these two items together by looking further into Buck.

I was interested in those topics before coming here and then as I was transitioning to a new project. I wanted to utilize our sources here at Randolph, Altan said.

Altan and her student, Ranger Kinney, wanted to understand the foreign policy vision and background of Bucks perspective on American policy toward China during and after World War II, through 1949  when the U.S.-supported nationalist regime in China lost the civil war to the Chinese Communist Party.

Kinney said Buck has always been of interest.

Its a very interesting period and I was interested to see what Buck thought about that and what the American perspective was, because Buck was, for a large part of her life, the American to talk to about China, Kinney said.

To start, they used special collections at the Lipscomb Library at Randolph College. The special collections had interviews of people who knew Buck when she was alive, plus short articles and letters that Buck wrote to other important political figures.

Within those collections, the group looked at issues of a magazine called Asia and the Americas, spanning from 1941 to 1946.

It was a magazine that Buck and her husband took over in 1942 and it became the press of the East and West Association. She wrote articles for every issue and also published articles from other writers who wrote about China and southeast Asia.

An example is an article about people in India that discussed Mahatma Gandhis independence movement.

The group also had access to Jane Rabbs collection at Lipscombs Library. It included her correspondence, interview recordings, newspaper clips and articles she used while writing the Pearl Buck entry in Notable American Women.

They found a copy of a letter to Eleanor Roosevelt that Buck wrote in 1943 before Roosevelt visited China. In the letter, Buck advised the first lady on what to do, who to talk to and what not to do.

What weve learned is that Bucks idea of war foreign policy was not focused on military aid, it was focused on making Americans understand that the Chinese were, at their core, people, Kinney said. There was a relationship that could be had beyond whatever official relationship the U.S. government had.

Altan and Kinney also traveled to the New York Public Library. The professor said from their trip to New York, they learned Buck was a part of the humanitarian aid in her work with the United China Relief  a semi-official body who collected funds to provide help to China during the Japanese occupation. They were providing doctors, medical help and opened schools.

From the New York Library particularly, it kind of fits into our larger picture of Buck as a foreign policy advocate, Kinney said.

Altan explained through Bucks efforts, she was ultimately not successful in terms of influencing American foreign policy towards China. Yet, she emphasized Bucks activism was invaluable.

By 1949, from an American perspective, China was lost, Altan said. This was something she was trying to prevent because she knew that a civil war was coming and she knew that communists were gaining ground in China.

Kinney said at first Buck was successful, but ultimately she could not outdo the messaging of the United States government at that time.

Ultimately, because of the aggressive nature of American foreign policy towards the communist movement in Asia, there was no way a private citizen who was doing, I think, her best to try and gain sympathy for the people in China could outdo the propaganda the government was spewing about the communists, Kinney said.

Kinney is a rising junior at Randolph College majoring in history. Kinney plans to continue school after undergrad studies due to an interest in comparative revolutions.

Kinney believes it was important to study Buck.

I think whats most important about what we learned about Buck is that her way of looking at China is still important, Kinney said. Buck wanted Americans to view this situation as two groups of people who are very similar and have, not similar customs, but similar values in many cases.
VARINA  Growing up in Varina in the 1940s and 50s, Howard Eberly played on his familys farm, swam in the creek and found treasures on the land. Turns out, some of those treasures are significant historic artifacts.

The Eberly family moved from Pennsylvania to Henrico County n the 1880s and established Four Mile Creek Farm in Varina. Howard Eberly, 79, is a fourth-generation owner of the land and lives in the family home off of Route 5.

Before no-till farming became the norm, Eberlys family used to plow the ground before planting crops. Eberly said he remembers going outside after the rain fell on the plowed soil and finding things such as arrowheads and bullets.

His family knew the land had been a battlefield, but he didnt know much about the history.

Eberly later befriended a state archeologist and historians who taught him some of the history of the land where his familys farm sits.

Four Mile Creek Farm is a core part of the New Market Heights Battlefield and the scene of the battle on Sept. 29, 1864, when the U.S. Colored Troops broke through Confederate defenses for their greatest victory of the Civil War. The battle directly led to the fall of Petersburg, and then Richmond. The National Park Service has deemed the property among the highest priorities for preservation.

In just over an hour into the battle, approximately 800 men died. Fourteen African American soldiers received the Medal of Honor, which is significant given that in American military history, only 16 Army Medals of Honor were awarded to Black troops during the entirety of the Civil War.

When I think of the waste of men and resources of the war, it breaks my heart, Eberly said. A lot of great people were lost. I think we owe them to be remembered.

Thats why Eberly decided to donate 28 acres to the Capital Region Land Conservancy, to ensure that the land will be preserved forever.

I feel very at peace with myself knowing whats going to happen to the land, Eberly said. I think my family would believe Im doing the right thing.

The Four Mile Creek area has a number of archaeological sites that show that it was an important early settlement for native peoples.

The 28-acre tract that Eberly donated to the CRLC is one of two that make up Eberlys 73-acre Farm. A second 45-acre tract, owned by Eberly and his sister, will be transferred to the land trust at a future date. The agreement with CRLC ensures that the property will be protected while Eberly continues to live on the farm. CRLC has also committed to keep the Eberly name associated with the land, and to open the site for future public access.

The New Market Heights Battlefield is an important historical and cultural site in our Commonwealth, where brave U.S. Colored Troops heroically fought back against the Confederacy, said Rep. Don McEachin, D-4th, in a statement. I applaud the Eberly family for its generosity in donating the Four Mile Creek Farm to the Capital Region Land Conservancy, and I am confident CRLC will effectively care for and preserve the history of the property and the Varina area. We must continue working to share the USCTs untold history of heroism and leadership during the Civil War.

When Eberly met Parker C. Agelasto, executive director of CRLC, he said he was shocked to learn that his farm was ranked within the top 10% of all land in Virginia to protect in numerous categories.

You could have knocked me over with a feather, he said.

The Varina District is the last undeveloped part of Henrico County, and many who live there want it to stay that way despite pushes from developers.

Eberly said that when he was growing up in the 50s, he knew every single car he saw driving down the road. Depending on the time of day, he knew where they were going, too.

People move out here, buy a lot, build a home, and then start screaming about overdevelopment, Eberly said. Thats been going on since the 50s.

A swath of land just down the road from Four Mile Creek Farm was set to become The Ridings at Warner Farm, a subdivision of 770 homes that would have been built on nearly 420 acres. Residents worried about the potential impact on the Camp Holly Springs aquifer and the New Market Heights battlefield.

Eventually, developers pulled out of the project that had been planned for decades.

Eberlys donation of his land to the CLRC ensures that it will remain intact as an important historic site, as well as a significant environmental site.

The land is home to animals including deer, groundhogs and beavers. Ongoing studies show that birds migrating from South America to Canada make a pit stop at the farm, Agelasto said.

Eberly joked that the birds treat his house like a Motel 6.

A graduate of Varina High School, Eberly said hes still friends with some of the 70 in his graduating class. Varina is a tight-knit community.

This has been our peaceful corner of the world for four generations, Eberly said. I cant think of a place Id rather live.

Since theres so much history going on here, Id like for it to stay that way and give people some interest and some knowledge of what went on here.
Shirley Contreras lives in Orcutt and writes for the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society. She can be contacted at 623-8193 or at shirleycontreras2@yahoo.com. Her book, The Good Years, a selection of stories shes written for the Santa Maria Times since 1991, is on sale at the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society, 616 S. Broadway.
FLORENCE, S.C.  After a two-year hiatus, FMU students are once again exploring the jungles of Ecuador, walking Civil War battlefields in Pennsylvania and Virginia, and venturing along the shores of Prince Edward Island, Canada as part of their university experience. Whether the trips last just a few days, or part of a semester, the effect can be transformational.

The information I learned on this trip will last me a lifetime, said Brittany Sehnke, an art education major who traveled to the Wildsumaco Biological Station in Ecuador near the start of the summer. The amount of growth I was able to witness amongst myself and my peers was, and still is, surreal.

Sehnke was part of a cadre of education students who ventured to Ecuador, learned about Ecuadorian culture and wildlife while participating in biological research projects at the station. A staple of FMUs international travel program for ten years, Wildsumaco is a collaboration with UNC-Wilmington, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador, and the Wildsumaco Wildlife Sanctuary.

Like all FMU students who participate in the program to Wildsumaco, Sehnke spent an hour each day documenting her experience in a scientific journal. As someone who was used to never being without her phone, Sehnke said, it was difficult at first to spend so much time unplugged.

Arriving at the station in Wildsumaco quickly taught me how to forget about my phone and place my focus into the course work, Sehnke said. In a forest with constant noise, every second of every day is overwhelmingly interesting.

We encourage all our students to participate in FMUs study abroad programs during their time at the university, said Dr. Mark Blackwell, director of international programs at FMU. To see the effect travel can have on a student is truly incredible.

Sehnke was just one of many students who took advantage of FMUs renewed international travel opportunities. A group of students also ventured to Prince Edward Island, Canada, in partnership with University of Prince Edward Island.

University of Prince Edward Island is one of the oldest colleges in Canada with a history dating to the early 19th century. A public liberal arts college with roughly the same enrollment at Francis Marion, the two schools have enjoyed a fruitful collaboration to the benefit of the students. It is located on 140 acres in Charlottetown, the capital of the Prince Edward Islands, near beaches and a vibrant cultural scene.

Back in the United States, history students traveled to eight Civil War battlefields across Virginia and Pennsylvania, and several members of the Francis Marion University Concert Choir took the stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City with the New England Symphonic Ensemble.

With the fall semester fast approaching, students are ready to enjoy a full slate of travel opportunities. Chief among them, international travel.

One of the most sought-after programs at FMU, the international travel program partners with 11 universities internationally to provide students with opportunities in six different countries.

Travel opportunities for students at Francis Marion University are made possible through institutional and/or private funding and support.

For more information on international travel, visit https://www.fmarion.edu/internationalprograms/.
LONDON  David Warner, a versatile British actor whose roles ranged from Shakespearean tragedies to sci-fi cult classics, has died. He was 80.

Warners family said he died from a cancer-related illness on Sunday at Denville Hall, a retirement home for entertainers in London.

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Often cast as a villain, Warner had roles in the 1971 psychological thriller Straw Dogs, the 1976 horror classic The Omen, the 1979 time-travel adventure Time After Time  he was Jack the Ripper  and the 1997 blockbuster Titanic, where he played the malicious valet Spicer Lovejoy.

Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Warner became a young star of the Royal Shakespeare Company, playing roles including King Henry VI and King Richard II. His 1965 performance in the title role of Hamlet for the company, directed by Peter Hall, was considered one of the finest of his generation.

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Gregor Doran, the RSCs artistic director emeritus, said Warners Hamlet, played as a tortured student, seemed the epitome of 1960s youth, and caught the radical spirit of a turbulent age.

Warner also starred in Halls 1968 film of A Midsummer Nights Dream, opposite Helen Mirren and Diana Rigg.

Despite his acclaim as as a stage actor, chronic stage fright led Warner to prefer film and TV work for many years.

He was nominated for a British Academy Film Award for the title role in Karel Reiszs Swinging London tragicomedy Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment, released in 1966. He later won an Emmy for his role as Roman politician Pomponius Falco in the 1981 TV miniseries Masada.

He had a prolific career on film and TV in both Britain and the United States, and became beloved of sci-fi fans for roles in Terry Gilliams Time Bandits, computer movie Tron, Tim Burtons remake of Planet of the Apes, and the Star Trek franchise, where he made several appearances in different roles.

Warner returned to theater in 2001 after almost three decades to play Andrew Undershaft in a Broadway revival of George Bernard Shaws Major Barbara. In 2005 he starred in Shakespeares King Lear at the Chichester Festival Theatre, and in 2007 returned to the RSC to play Shakespeares comic buffoon Falstaff.

One of his final film roles was as retired naval officer Admiral Boom in Mary Poppins Returns, released in 2018.

Warners family said he would be remembered as a kind-hearted, generous and compassionate man, partner and father whose legacy of extraordinary work has touched the lives of so many over the years.

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We are heartbroken, the family said.

They said Warner is survived by his partner Lisa Bowerman, his son Luke, daughter-in-law Sarah, his good friend Jane Spencer Prior, his first wife Harriet Evans and his many gold dust friends.
FLORENCE, S.C.  Haley Jackson has joined HopeHealth as a pediatric nurse practitioner providing care for patients of HopeHealth Pediatrics in Florence.

Jackson earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the Medical College of Georgia and a masters degree in nursing-pediatric nurse practitioner primary care from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

She graduated magna

cum laude in both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Jackson has a passion for childrens well-being and is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

To make an appointment with Haley Jackson, CPNP, call 843-432-3700.
ATLANTA (AP)  The prosecutor whos investigating whether former President Donald Trump and his allies illegally tried to interfere in the 2020 election in Georgia cannot question a lawmaker who signed a certificate falsely stating that Trump won the state, a judge ruled Monday.

Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney agreed with Republican state Sen. Burt Jones that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis had a conflict of interest because she hosted a fundraiser last month for Jones Democratic opponent in Novembers election for lieutenant governor.

McBurney said during a hearing last week that Willis decision to host the fundraiser was a What are you thinking? moment with horrible optics.

Willis can still ask other witnesses about Jones, the judge said, but will not be able to bring charges against him.

Instead, the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, a nonpartisan association of Georgia district attorneys, should appoint another prosecutor to decide if any charges should be brought against Jones, one of 16 Georgia Republicans who signed the certificate falsely asserting Trump won the state and claimed to be the states duly elected and qualified electors.

Todays ruling is a huge win for our campaign  but more importantly, for due process and the rule of law in Georgia, Jones said in an emailed statement.

Willis office was still reviewing the order and didnt have an immediate comment, spokesperson Jeff DiSantis said.

The judges decision disqualifying Willis from questioning Jones likely has no real bearing on the future of Willis overarching investigation into what she has called a multi-state, coordinated plan by Trumps campaign to influence the results of the 2020 election. But it served as a rebuke of Willis and provided ammunition to her critics who have accused her of pursuing a politically motivated case.

A number of high-ranking state officials have already been questioned before the special grand jury investigating the case. Willis is also seeking to compel testimony from some close Trump associates, including U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, as well as state lawmakers and the 16 Republicans who served as fake electors. Rudy Giuliani, the Trump attorney and former New York mayor, has been ordered to testify next month.

In other developments in the case Monday, a federal judge in Georgia said she would not quash a subpoena to compel testimony from U.S. Rep. Jody Hice, who was among the GOP lawmakers who attended a December 2020 meeting at the White House in which Trump allies discussed various ways to overturn Joe Bidens victory.

And Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, was scheduled to appear at Willis office on Monday to record video testimony to be shown to the special grand jury. In early December 2020, Trump called Kemp and urged him to order a special legislative session to appoint electors who would vote for Trump. Kemp has said Trump also asked him to order an audit of signatures on absentee ballot envelopes.

Meanwhile, speaking at a news conference Monday in Greenville, South Carolina, Graham said he would continue to fight efforts to subpoena him in the investigation. Willis has indicated she wants to question him about phone calls he made to the Georgia secretary of state.

I think this is a constitutional overreach, and Im confident the courts will take care of it, Graham said.

In ruling for Jones on Monday, McBurney said that Willis was within her rights to host the fundraiser but that her decision has consequences.

She has bestowed her offices imprimatur upon Senator Joness opponent. And since then, she has publicly (in her pleadings) labeled Senator Jones a target of the grand jurys investigation, the judge wrote. This scenario creates a plain  and actual and untenable  conflict. Any decision the District Attorney makes about Senator Jones in connection with the grand jury investigation is necessarily infected by it.

The order says Willis and her team cannot subpoena Jones or seek to obtain any records from him, may not publicly categorize him as a subject or target of the special grand jurys investigation and may not ask the special grand jury to include any recommendations about him in its final report.

McBurney denied a request from 11 of the other people who signed the false electoral certificate to disqualify Willis from matters regarding them and also declined to quash subpoenas for them.

In Hices failed bid to avoid testifying, he argued that any actions he took to investigate alleged irregularities in the election were within his authority as a member of Congress and are shielded by the U.S. Constitution from any legal proceedings and inquiry. He also cited a doctrine that excludes high-ranking officials from having to testify.

The judge in his case, U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May, said she would send the matter back to Fulton County Superior Court and instruct the parties to come up with a process to handle objections by Hice on the basis of those federal principles. If disagreements arise that they cant settle, Hice can bring the federal issues back to her to settle, she said.

Hice will leave office in January after an unsuccessful campaign, backed by Trump, to unseat Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who rejected the then-presidents entreaties to find 11,870 votes  enough to beat Biden in Georgia by one vote.
WATERLOO, S.C. (AP)  A man was killed early Monday in a shooting involving law enforcement officers in South Carolina, authorities said.

The shooting with Laurens County deputies happened around 1:30 a.m. at a home on Lake Greenwood in Waterloo, authorities said.

A statement from the sheriffs office did not say who fired shots or why the man killed encountered deputies.

Sheriff Don Reynolds said any additional information would come from the State Law Enforcement Division, which is investigating the killing.

State agents later added the the man was armed and no one else was hurt.

Daniel R Strange, 51, of Clinton died at the hospital, according to the Laurens County Coroners Office, which said an autopsy is scheduled for Monday.
FLORENCE, S.C.  The city of Florence is notifying residents of a scheduled water outage from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. It will affect residents and businesses along Alligator Road.

The outages are necessary to complete water system utility work associated with phase II of the Alligator Road Widening Project.

The service interruption will allow the city to relocate existing customer service piping within the right of way of the existing water main to the new water main along Alligator Road.

The Alligator Road Highway Widening Project is funded through the Florence County Project Sales Tax II funding.

The planned water outage will occur in a coordinated manner to minimize the inconvenience to our customers.

During this period, due to the relocation of utility service lines, customers will experience temporary water outages that may last up to a day for each phase of work.

The outage will affect water customers in the following areas: 3100  3700 blocks of Alligator Road, Oliver Road, Land Grant Drive, Darden, Queen Ann, Cherry Johnson, McDaniel, and Walker Swinton Road.

Since making these connections requires a temporary shutdown of the water system and a loss or pressure to the area along this portion of Alligator Road and some connecting roads, the South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Controlrequires that a boil-water advisory be issued to effected customers following these interruptions.

The city of Florence, Florence County, and South Carolina Department of Transportation recognize the inconvenience associated with the Alligator Road Phase II highway-widening project and apologize for the anticipated interruption to service for system customers.

If you have any questions, call the city of Florence at 843-665-3236 or SCDHEC 843-661-4825.
Many Alabamians have been waiting to get the COVID vaccine until one is approved by U.S. regulators. Pfizer won approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday. Does that change your mind on getting the vaccine?

You voted:
 Paul Cassell, the former federal judge who sentenced Weldon Angelos to 55 years, writes directly to Prez Obama to support his clemency petition | Main | Some marijuana reform developments (with seasonal politics) via Marijuana Law, Policy and Reform 

February 11, 2016

Notable data on racial and gender dynamics of recent changes in incarceration rates

This new Wonkblog post via the Washington Post reports on provides an interesting analysis of modern incarceration data under the headline "Theres been a big decline in the black incarceration rate, and almost nobodys paying attention." Here are the details:

After decades of growth, the U.S. imprisonment rate has been declining for the past six years. Hidden within this welcome overall trend is a sizable and surprising racial disparity: African-Americans are benefitting from the national de-incarceration trend but whites are serving time at increasingly higher rates. The pattern of results, evident in a series of reports from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, is most stark among women. Since 2000, the imprisonment rate among African-American women has dropped 47 percent, while the rate among white women has risen by 56 percent. These trends have combined to shrink the racial disparity in womens imprisonment by two-thirds. A similar pattern emerges for men, who compose a much larger share of the prison population. The rate of imprisonment among African-American men remains very high, but nonetheless it has tumbled 22 percent since 2000. The rate for white men in contrast is 4 percent higher than it was in 2000. As a result, the racial disparity has shrunk by nearly one quarter. In responding to the data, Fordham University Professor John Pfaff echoed several criminologists when he said thatThis is one of the most surprising pattern of results I have seen in corrections in a long time. Pfaff said that law enforcement attitudes getting tougher in rural areas and softer in urban areas may be contributing to this change." Adam Gelb, who directs the public safety performance project of the Pew Charitable Trusts, suggested that changes in drug use and enforcement over the past 15 years could be at play. Gelb said the methamphetamine, prescription opioid and heroin epidemics have affected whites more than did the crack cocaine epidemic, which increased incarceration among blacks in the 1980s and 1990s but has since waned. Stanford Law School Professor Joan Petersilia noted another possible cause: sex offenders, who are disproportionately white and tend to receive long sentences, are a new target for the war on crime. Consistent with this explanation, a larger proportion of white inmates have been convicted of sex crimes (16.4 percent) than have black inmates (8 percent).... Whatever cultural and macroeconomic forces are producing these changes could conceivably also be driving increased involvement in the criminal justice system by whites, including rising imprisonment in an era of de-incarceration.

February 11, 2016 at 10:12 AM | Permalink

Comments

If you pour water out of one jug into another then the ratio in each jug changes. Too many people spoil the broth. Lock up immigrants.

Posted by: JackMehoff | Feb 11, 2016 10:32:42 AM

Along with this, another important trend in incarceration numbers is age. It's not easy to see, as the BJS statistics are not broken out this way on their site.

Looking year by year there is a remarkable decrease in incarceration rates of younger people in every race/sex category over the last 10-15 years, and a continuing increase in rates for older people.

Posted by: Boffin | Feb 11, 2016 2:49:04 PM

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 "Plea Bargaining and Price Theory" | Main | After court reversal of broader order, Virginia Gov to restory voting rights to 13,000 former felons on a "case-by-case" basis 

August 21, 2016

Some surprising racial realities to discover when taking a deep dive into modern mass incarceration data

A couple of folks have pointed me to this recent interesting analysis at Wonkblog by Keith Humphreys under the headline "Black incarceration hasnt been this low in a generation." Here are some of the data and discussion that explain the headline (with links from the original):

The African American imprisonment rate has been declining for many years. Indeed, the likelihood of African American men and women being in prison today is lower than it was a generation ago ... [because the] rate of black male incarceration in the U.S. has declined by 23 percent from a recent peak in 2001 [and the] rate of incarcerated black women has decreased 49 percent since the recent peak of 1999.... In the 1990s, the explosive growth in imprisonment that began in the mid-1970s was slowing but still underway, affecting people of all races but African Americans worst of all. But around the turn of the millennium, the African American imprisonment rate began declining year after year.... At the end of 2014, the African American male imprisonment rate had dropped to a level not seen since early 1993. The change for African American women is even more marked, with the 2014 imprisonment rate being the lowest point in the quarter-century of data available. It cant be overemphasized that these are trends unique to blacks rather than being part of a broader pattern of de-incarceration: The white imprisonment rate has been rising rather than falling. A 23 percent decline in the black male imprisonment rate and a 49 percent decline in the black female imprisonment rate would seem to warrant some serious attention. But if you point out to the average person or even a seasoned criminologist that the United States is at a more than 20-year low in the black incarceration rate, you are likely to be met with stunned silence.

These data should not be all that surprising for those who realize that the years from 1970 to 2000 marked the modern period with the most significant increase in incarceration rates for all Americans and particularly for African Americans. Since 2000, the overall US prison population has not grown much, and overall prison populations and the rate of incarceration has even turned downward in recent years. I believe that, during this more recent period of flat or declining prison growth, the emphasis in long prison terms less for drug offenders than for violent/sexual offenders has contributing to altering the racial mix of prison populations (perhaps epsecially in big states like California and Texas that have made big cuts in their prison populations).

That all said, these data should not obscure the reality that incarceration rates for black males remain extraordinarily high both in absolute and in relative terms throughout the United States. Moreover, digging into state-by-state incarceration data highlights that some perhaps unexpected states rise to the top of an accounting of the rate and relative levels of minority incarceration. A few months ago (as noted here), The Sentencing Project released this interesting report providing state-by-state analyses of the racial data for state prison populations, and here were some of the report's "Key Findings":

African Americans are incarcerated in state prisons at a rate that is 5.1 times the imprisonment of whites. In five states (Iowa, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, and Wisconsin), the disparity is more than 10 to 1.

In twelve states, more than half of the prison population is black: Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Maryland, whose prison population is 72% African American, tops the nation.

In eleven states, at least 1 in 20 adult black males is in prison.

In Oklahoma, the state with the highest overall black incarceration rate, 1 in 15 black males ages 18 and older is in prison.

States exhibit substantial variation in the range of racial disparity, from a black/white ratio of 12.2:1 in New Jersey to 2.4:1 in Hawaii.

Latinos are imprisoned at a rate that is 1.4 times the rate of whites. Hispanic/white ethnic disparities are particularly high in states such as Massachusetts (4.3:1), Connecticut (3.9:1), Pennsylvania (3.3:1), and New York (3.1:1).

August 21, 2016 at 03:37 PM | Permalink

Comments

Thanks for the interesting information. Out of curiosity, why do you think there is so little discussion of the gender disparity in imprisonment? Looking at federal BOP data only, men represent 93% of the federal prison population. I am sure the percentage would be very similar in the states. Yet, according to the most recent census there are more females than males in the United States. We hear about the race issue all of the time, why not gender? Especially given that the gender disparity is much more pronounced than any racial disparity. If we demand (as some appear to do) that the racial prison population percentages reflect overall racial population percentages, why don't we demand the same for gender?

Posted by: Interesting | Aug 22, 2016 6:05:32 AM

Possiblt, the author overlooked the "Hispanic Effect"

Please, fully review:

Race, ethnicity and crime statistics.

"Recent studies suggest a decline in the relative Black effect on violent crime in recent decades and interpret this decline as resulting from greater upward mobility among African Americans during the past several decades."

"However, other assessments of racial stratification in American society suggest at least as much durability as change in Black social mobility since the 1980s."

When correcting for the Hispanic effect:

"Results suggest that little overall change has occurred in the Black share of violent offending in both UCR and NCVS estimates during the last 30 years."

For the WhiteBlack comparisons, the Black level is 12.7 times greater than the White level for homicide, 15.6 times greater for robbery, 6.7 times greater for rape, and 4.5 times greater for aggravated assault.

For the Hispanic- White comparison, the Hispanic level is 4.0 times greater than the White level for homicide, 3.8 times greater for robbery, 2.8 times greater for rape, and 2.3 times greater for aggravated assault.

For the HispanicBlack comparison, the Black level is 3.1 times greater than the Hispanic level for homicide, 4.1 times greater for robbery, 2.4 times greater for rape, and 1.9 times greater for aggravated assault.



From

REASSESSING TRENDS IN BLACK VIOLENT CRIME, 1980.2008: SORTING OUT THE "HISPANIC EFFECT" IN UNIFORM CRIME REPORTS ARRESTS, NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMIZATION SURVEY OFFENDER ESTIMATES, AND U.S. PRISONER COUNTS, See pages 208-209, FN 5, DARRELL STEFFENSMEIER, BEN FELDMEYER, CASEY T. HARRIS, JEFFERY T. ULMER, Criminology, Volume 49, Issue 1, Article first published online: 24 FEB 2011 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1745-9125.2010.00222.x/pdf

Posted by: Dudley Sharp | Aug 22, 2016 10:50:11 AM

I think his stats may stand up, regardless of the Hispanic Effect.

Posted by: Dudley Sharp | Aug 22, 2016 11:00:26 AM

I look at the five states cited as having the worst disparity, two are small states and four of the five have minority populations well below the national average. I wonder to what degree those facts contribute to the disparity.

Posted by: tmm | Aug 22, 2016 1:32:39 PM

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December 15, 2017

Looking at the changing demographics of modern mass incarceration

The Marshall Project has this notable new piece headlined "A Mass Incarceration Mystery: Why are black imprisonment rates going down? Four theories." Here is the start of the extended analysis along with the basics of the propounded "four theories":

One of the most damning features of the U.S. criminal justice system is its vast racial inequity. Black people in this country are imprisoned at more than 5 times the rate of whites; one in 10 black children has a parent behind bars, compared with about one in 60 white kids, according to the Stanford Center on Poverty & Inequality. The crisis has persisted for so long that it has nearly become an accepted norm. So it may come as a surprise to learn that for the last 15 years, racial disparities in the American prison system have actually been on the decline, according to a Marshall Project analysis of yearly reports by the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics and the FBIs Uniform Crime Reporting system. Between 2000 and 2015, the imprisonment rate of black men dropped by more than 24 percent. At the same time, the white male rate increased slightly, the BJS numbers indicate. Among women, the trend is even more dramatic. From 2000 to 2015, the black female imprisonment rate dropped by nearly 50 percent; during the same period, the white female rate shot upward by 53 percent. As the nonprofit Sentencing Project has pointed out, the racial disparity between black and white womens incarceration was once 6 to 1. Now its 2 to 1. Similar patterns appear to hold for local jails, although the data are less reliable given the churn of inmates into and out of those facilities. Since 2000, the total number of black people in local detention has decreased from 256,300 to 243,400, according to BJS; meanwhile, the number of whites rose from 260,500 to 335,100. The charts below from the Vera Institute of Justicealso reveal significant drops in the jailing of blacks from New York to Los Angeles, coinciding with little change for whites. (In both the prison and jail data, the total number of incarcerated Latinos has increased, but their actual incarceration rate has remained steady or also fallen, attributable to their increasing numbers in the U.S. population generally.) Taken together, these statistics change the narrative of mass incarceration, and that may be one reason why the data has been widely overlooked in policy debates. The narrowing of the gap between white and black incarceration rates is definitely optimistic news," said John Pfaff, a law professor at Fordham University and an expert on trends in prison statistics. "But the racial disparity remains so vast that its pretty hard to celebrate. How exactly do you talk about less horrific?' According to Pfaff, Our inability to explain it suggests how poorly we understand the mechanics behind incarceration in general. In other words, how much of any shift in the imprisonment rate can be attributed to changes in demographics, crime rates, policing, prosecutors, sentencing laws and jail admissions versus lengths of stay? And is it even possible to know, empirically, whether specific reforms, such as implicit bias training, are having an effect on the trend line?.... [H]ere are four (not mutually exclusive or exhaustive) theories, compiled from our research and interviews with prison system experts, to explain the nearly two-decades-long narrowing of the racial gap in incarceration. 1) Crime, arrests and incarceration are declining overall.... 2) The war on drugs has shifted its focus from crack and marijuana to meth and opioids.... 3) White people have also faced declining socioeconomic prospects, leading to more criminal justice involvement.... 4) Criminal justice reform has been happening in cities, where more black people live, but not in rural areas.... Even with all of these factors at work, the racial inequity of the American prison system remains vast and continues to wreak devastation on black and Latino communities nationwide. At the current rate, the disparities would not fully disappear for many decades.

I think a lot of other possible factors may be at least marginally contributing to the changing demographics of prison populations between 2000 and 2015, factors ranging from more diversity in the ranks of police, prosecutors and the judiciary to greater concerns with sentencing decision-making (and advocacy) by courts (and lawyers). And perhaps readers have some additional (sensible?) theories on this front that could be shared in the comments.

December 15, 2017 at 10:51 AM | Permalink

Comments

The economy is going well.

In the 2010 Census, the white bastardy rate had shot up tp 40%. The social pathologies of black people, with their bastardy rate of 70%+ are spreading to white people due to the spread of progressive ideas. These ideas are causing bastardy then they complain about the resulting criminality and scapegoat racism. There is no racial difference sin criminality. Nor is racism a factor in the difference. Very dark skinned people from Africa outperformed white on the same 2010 census. They come from patriarchal families, are religious. They are the new Koreans.

Posted by: David Behar | Dec 15, 2017 3:34:02 PM

Disparity is one thing, raw numbers are another. That being said, opiate-related crimes is probably a major factor.

Posted by: Erik M | Dec 15, 2017 3:50:53 PM

"The economy is going well".

Well it is going well for some people. According to the UN, however, the USA has one of the greatest wealth disparities in the world ranking 29/34 among developed countries. Right up there with Mexico. So I don't see anything to brag about.

Posted by: Daniel | Dec 16, 2017 2:03:48 PM

From my perspective, the feds luvs them some kiddy-porn stings a whole bunch. They have fancy-pantsy-named task forces with local, state and federal cops trolling the net posing as 13-year-olds hotties who want to "be with" balding 53-year old fatties. Virtually all of my clients who fell for this farce were caucasian, and the Northern District of Texas relishes top of the guidelines (plus) sentences. These factors writ large could alter the federal demographics. Perhaps my anecdotal experience has been replicated? I've never discussed this theory with any of my colleagues.

Posted by: Mark M. | Dec 17, 2017 1:05:00 AM

I'd hang my hat on #s 2 and 4, and add a) generational cultural changes in the black community and b) a reduction in (though certainly not an eradication of) racist attitudes overall. A black youth who came of age in 1990 both came from and faced a vastly different world than young black folks today. After Rodney King, young black folks rioted. After Michael Brown, they organized.

Posted by: Scott Henson | Dec 17, 2017 9:07:37 AM

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March 30, 2018

Examining gender realities and disparities in modern federal sentencing

David Dagan has this interesting new piece at FiveThirtyEight under the headline "Women Arent Always Sentenced By The Book. Maybe Men Shouldnt Be, Either." As this title suggests, the piece is about gender disparities in sentencing, and here are excerpts:

Official federal sentencing guidelines dont distinguish between female and male offenders. They often downplay or outright disregard circumstances that are common among women, such as the role of an offender as the sole caretaker for children or an offender having been coerced into committing a crime. But judges commonly compensate ad hoc, which has led to women on the whole receiving much shorter sentences than men when facing the same punishments. Critics say the sentencing benchmarks should provide more flexibility from the start  a change that would benefit women ... but also men in similar circumstances, whose extenuating factors may be even more likely to be overlooked. The notion that you simply deal with a complicated situation by saying, Lets ignore the complexity, is idiotic, said former federal judge Nancy Gertner, now a lecturer at Harvard Law School. Congress established the U.S. Sentencing Commission in 1984 with the Sentencing Reform Act, partly in response to concerns that sentencing was marred by racial and geographic disparities. The commission was charged with writing the federal guidelines to remedy those problems, and it updates them occasionally. But people of different races and genders still fare differently under the guidelines. Race looms large, according to a November 2017 report from the sentencing commission. It found that black men in federal court are sentenced to 19.1 percent more time, on average, than white men who, at least on paper, committed the same crimes and have similar criminal histories. Women receive much shorter sentences than even white men  though the difference also varies by race. That disparity grows even larger when the full scope of discretionary decision-making is considered. Prosecutors exercise at least as much power as judges in sentencing because they decide what charges to bring after an arrest. A 2015 study from the University of Michigan Law School found that when such decisions are taken into account, sentences for men are on average 63 percent longer than sentences for women. But womens criminal involvement often looks different than mens: They may be minor players in drug rings, are sometimes pushed into crime by a violent partner and often carry trauma from physical and sexual abuse.... More than 56 percent of the women in federal prison are there for drug offenses, compared with about 47 percent of men. In drug cases involving multiple people, each defendant can be held responsible for the full weight of the drugs involved, even if he or she were far down on the organizational chart. That approach is hard on women, who are often low-level players in such operations, experts said. The guidelines do compensate by offering role adjustments for people who were merely drug mules, for example. But for many women, Gertner said, those adjustments dont begin to capture their insubstantial role. So judges, who must consider the guidelines but since 2005 have not been compelled to follow them, may be responding with lower-than-recommended sentences. Also largely excluded from the guidelines is any consideration of how a defendant got into crime in the first place. Yet research on incarcerated women shows that abusive relationships can put them on the wrong side of the law. Most women who assault their intimate partners have also been victimized by those partners, and they often cite self-defense as a motive. Researchers have also turned up many cases of incarcerated women who reported being forced into committing a crime by threats of violence. A broader history of victimization is also common among female offenders. When researchers interviewed 125 women awaiting release from North Carolina prisons, they found that almost two-thirds had experienced childhood physical or sexual abuse and more than a quarter had been sexually victimized in the year before they went to prison. (Most studies do not draw explicit comparisons with men, but a survey of about 7,500 state prisoners conducted in 2005 found that while men and women had similar rates of childhood physical abuse, women had far higher rates of childhood sexual abuse.) The sentencing guidelines set a high bar for considering such life experiences, and then only in cases involving nonviolent crimes. Judges are also discouraged from factoring in the role of drug addiction except in extraordinary circumstances. The upshot is that the guidelines disproportionately disadvantage anyone who has a significant trauma, said Christine Freeman, who runs an Alabama organization that provides lawyers to poor clients charged with federal crimes. The exclusion of life experience may have been motivated by an effort to ensure that people of higher socioeconomic status could not work the system to their advantage, Freeman said. But what it did was tell the courts that it was OK to ignore all these factors that obviously have motivated this situation and led a person to this point.... And the federal guidelines specifically discourage taking family considerations into account, declaring them not ordinarily relevant to sentencing. But they are certainly relevant to defendants like James who face separation from their children  and women appear to be particularly affected. Among federal prisoners in 2004, a higher share of men than women reported being the parents of minor children, but almost 80 percent of the mothers reported that they lived with their children just before incarceration, compared with half of the fathers. Gertner said that judges might be particularly sensitive to the consideration that sending parents away is bad for public safety: We know as a public-safety measure that (in) families that have been fractured by imprisonment, theres actually a risk to the next generation.... Whatever contributes to the sentencing difference, there are few voices arguing that the solution is longer sentences for women. Instead, as the University of Michigan study said, Policymakers could equally sensibly ask: Why not treat men like women are treated?

March 30, 2018 at 05:45 PM | Permalink

Comments

Seeing as how women can't vote or join the military, I don't see why we would give them the same sentences. Now if we had an amendment that guaranteed equal treatment and prohibited gender-discrimination, then maybe.

Posted by: VMI | Mar 30, 2018 10:50:11 PM

As a group, males are better at crime than women. They are even better at all female interests. For example, males dominate cooking, fashion, makeup, knitting. Most of all, they are better at child raising. A fatherless bastard is ruined by being raised by a single mother, with 10 fold risk of all social pathologies. Bastardy, is the single most powerful predictor for future criminality.

So it makes sense that males are getting longer sentences.

Posted by: David Behar | Mar 31, 2018 11:21:18 AM

What I can never figure out about Behar is whether he is insane and occasionally his insanity is so otiose as to render him amusing or whether he is actually sane and always trying to be funny and mostly failing. In other words is Behar ill or just a bad joke? People like @joe think it is the latter while many others seem to think it is the former. As for me, I simply can't tell.



Posted by: Daniel | Mar 31, 2018 12:44:46 PM

I won't say it's just a bad joke, surely given the level of effort and vitriol used. And, now and then, some actual person comes through, a few comments actually fairly "straight." But, as I said in the past, I don't take it on face value, including because he himself on a separate website said some sort of "character" is being used.

Posted by: Joe | Mar 31, 2018 1:00:19 PM

Hi, Dan. Hi, Joe. Can you tell me whom you vote for most of the time, the Democratic Party or the Republican Party?

Posted by: David Behar | Apr 1, 2018 1:05:26 AM

Hi, Daniel. Good to hear from you.

Please review 9.01 (b) of your professional Code of Conduct.

Posted by: David Behar | Apr 1, 2018 11:29:49 AM

@Behar

Neither. In all my adult live I have only voted for a main party candidate twice: Bill Clinton's first term and Obama's second term, votes that in both cases I came to regret. Other than that I voted Nader and this last election Stien. I am the hippie you see on the streets in anti-facial-recognition face paint marching at rallies and yelling death to capitalist pigs. I eat granola three times a day, live with two woman who spend most of their time having sex with each other rather than me, and own a VW van spray painted with flowers and socially liberal saying by Jesus. I only drink water, practice yoga, and know all the chakra points.

Oh and rule 9.01 (b) has nothing to do with comments posted online to and about fictional characters.

Posted by: Daniel | Apr 1, 2018 5:06:56 PM

Dan. Far out. Do you have a favorite brand of ganja?

Posted by: David Behar | Apr 2, 2018 9:19:20 AM

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July 25, 2022

US Senate hearing on "Decriminalizing Cannabis at the Federal Level: Necessary Steps to Address Past Harms"

The quoted portion of the title of this post is the title of this hearing scheduled for tomorrow afternoon by the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism of the US Senate Judiciary Committee. Based on the topic alone, this hearing seemed worth checking out. But the folks at Marijuana Moment already have the list of planned witnesses, and now I am even more eager to have an eye on this event. Here are the details (with links from the original):

Senators on a key Judiciary subcommittee are set to hold a hearing on marijuana reform on Tuesday  and the witnesses include former federal cannabis prisoner Weldon Angelos and anti-marijuana proselytizer Alex Berenson. The Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism, chaired by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), has five witnesses scheduled to testify, according to a list obtained by Marijuana Moment. The list has not been formally announced by the panel yet, and representatives of the chair and ranking member did not immediately respond to emails from Marijuana Moment. Heres the list of witnesses for the hearing, titled Decriminalizing Cannabis at the Federal Level: Necessary Steps to Address Past Harms. MAJORITY WITNESSES: Malik Burnett, a pro-legalization physician who formerly worked for the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) and previously testified in favor of reform before the U.S. House of Representatives. He currently serves as the medical director of harm reduction services at the Maryland Department of Health. Weldon Angelos, a former federal marijuana prisoner who received a presidential pardon under the Trump administration and has continued to push for clemency for other people with federal cannabis convictions through his organization The Weldon Project. Edward Jackson, chief of police at the Annapolis Police Department and a speaker at the pro-reform group Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP). MINORITY WITNESSES: Steve Cook, former federal prosecutor who previously served as president of the National Association of Assistant United States Attorneys. Known as a drug warrior who supports taking a carceral approach in criminal justice, Cook was appointed by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to work in DOJ as associate deputy attorney general and led a marijuana review panel for the department ahead of the Trump administrations rescission of Obama-era cannabis enforcement memos. Alex Berenson, former New York Times reporter who has faced ample criticism over his questionable research linking marijuana use to serious mental illness and violent crime, and who was at one point banned from Twitter for claims he made about COVID-19 vaccines. The choice of witnesses offers a preview of the kind of debate that the majority and minority will take up at the hearing. And the fact that Berenson was picked by Senate Republicans to go before the panel signals that there will be diametrically opposed perspectives represented at the meeting. More specifically, it hints that there will be drama, as Berenson is not a person whos known for subtlety and has became notorious on social media for offering contrarian takes on current events, particularly as they concern marijuana and COVID.

I share the view that having Alex Berenson as one of the witnesses here can and will add drama to this hearing, though I think all of the scheduled witnesses could be described as "headliners." I am hopeful we will get some written statements from these witnesses before the actual hearing, and it will be interesting to see how both questions and answered are presented at the live event. Interesting times.

July 25, 2022 at 02:17 PM | Permalink

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In this handout photo released by Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov gestures during a joint news conference with Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry, following their talks in Cairo, Egypt, July 24, 2022. (AP)

KYIV, Ukraine  Russias top diplomat said Moscows overarching goal in Ukraine is to free its people from its unacceptable regime, expressing the Kremlins war aims in some of the bluntest terms yet as its forces pummel the country with artillery barrages and airstrikes.

The remark from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov comes amid Ukraines efforts to resume grain exports from its Black Sea ports something that would help ease global food shortages  under a new deal tested by a Russian strike on Odesa over the weekend.

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We are determined to help the people of eastern Ukraine to liberate themselves from the burden of this absolutely unacceptable regime, Lavrov said at an Arab League summit in Cairo late Sunday, referring to Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyys government.

Apparently suggesting that Moscows war aims extend beyond Ukraines industrial Donbas region in the east, Lavrov said: We will certainly help the Ukrainian people to get rid of the regime, which is absolutely anti-people and anti-historical.

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Lavrovs comments followed his warning last week that Russia plans to retain control over broader areas beyond eastern Ukraine, including the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions in the south, and will make more gains elsewhere.

His remarks contrasted with the Kremlins line early in the war, when it repeatedly emphasized that Russia wasnt seeking to overthrow Zelenskyys government, even as Moscows troops closed in on Kyiv. Russia later retreated from around the capital and turned its attention to capturing the Donbas. The war is now in its sixth month.

Last week, Russia and Ukraine signed agreements aimed at clearing the way for the shipment of millions of tons of desperately needed Ukrainian grain, as well as the export of Russian grain and fertilizer.

Ukraines deputy infrastructure minister, Yury Vaskov, said the first shipment of grain is planned for this week.

While Russia faced accusations that the weekend attack on the port of Odesa amounted to reneging on the deal, Moscow insisted the strike would not affect grain deliveries.

During a visit to the Republic of Congo on Monday, Lavrov repeated the Russian claim that the attack targeted a Ukrainian naval vessel and a depot containing Western-supplied anti-ship missiles. He said the grain agreements do not prevent Russia from attacking military targets.

In other developments:

 Russias gas giant Gazprom said it would further reduce the flow of natural gas through a major pipeline to Europe to 20% of capacity, citing equipment repairs. The move heightened fears that Russia is trying to pressure and divide Europe over its support for Ukraine at a time when countries are trying to build up their supplies of gas for the winter.

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Zelenskyy accused Moscow of gas blackmail, saying, All this is done by Russia deliberately to make it as difficult as possible for Europeans to prepare for winter.

 Ukraines presidential office said Monday at least two civilians were killed and 10 wounded in Russian shelling over the preceding 24 hours. In the Kharkiv region, workers searched for people believed trapped under the rubble after 12 rockets hit the town of Chuhuiv before dawn, damaging a cultural center, school and other infrastructure, authorities said.

Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Sinyehubov said: It looks like a deadly lottery when no one knows where the next strike will come.

 Ukraine charged two former cabinet ministers with high treason over their role in extending Moscows lease on a navy base in Crimea in 2010. Prosecutors said Oleksandr Lavrynovych and Kostyantyn Hryshchenko conspired with then-President Viktor Yanukovych to rush a treaty through parliament granting Moscow a 25-year extension, leaving Crimea vulnerable to Russian aggression.

 Russia said it thwarted an attempt by Ukrainian intelligence to bribe Russian military pilots to turn their planes over to Ukraine. In a video released by Russias main security agency, a man purported to be a Ukrainian intelligence officer offered a pilot $2 million to surrender his plane during a mission over Ukraine. The Russian claims couldnt be independently verified.
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July 25, 2022

Spotlighting the "unheard-of decline in Black incarceration"

Keith Humphreys and Ekow Yankah have this notable new Chicago Tribune commentary headlined "The unheard-of decline in Black incarceration." This piece should be read in full, and here are excerpts:

Two years after George Floyds murder, protest-filled streets and countless invocations of a racial reckoning, public backlash and boredom have led many people to despair that the criminal justice system will never change. But that dispiriting illusion is false, maybe even dangerous. After generations of soul-crushing mass incarceration, African Americans have cause for hope: The Black imprisonment rate is at a 33-year low, having fallen to about half its level of a generation ago. But an inadvertent collaboration of ideological adversaries makes the decline of Black incarceration unspeakable. On the one hand, the good news is hidden by racism. The narrative of inherent Black violence and immorality has been used to terrify white people and justify the oppression of Black people for centuries. As a Media Matters study demonstrated, if a criminal suspect is Black, the case is more likely to be covered on television news. Social media platforms greatly magnify the distortion. Within the narrative of inherent Black criminality, the decline in Black incarceration seems an impossibility: Black people must be in prison because that is where they belong. And even the racists who are aware of the decline in Black imprisonment may decide to keep silent  the truth is less important than the social or political gain offered by continual whispers of the Black boogeyman. Anti-racist advocates oppose this narrative, emphasizing instead the structural forces that use fear of Black Americans to feed the fire of mass incarceration. But anti-racists may share racists unawareness or discomfort with declining Black incarceration. Black hopes have been dashed too many times to trust a change in their oppressors character. Other anti-racists are aware of the change but have fears of acknowledging it. White concern for racial justice has a history of evaporating. Two years after police murdered George Floyd, it is disheartening to see how quickly earnest proclamations of a racial reckoning withered into a commitment to abolish a pancake mix logo. To be sure, the disproportionate incarceration of Black Americans remains a national tragedy that cannot be consigned to history if white people become complacent. Reformers understandably fear that focusing on the decline in Black incarceration (or positive comparison with white people) will further slow the dismantling of a system that still destroys countless lives. Still, assuming American racism is intractable creates a narrative that also cannot account for the decline in Black imprisonment. Despite their competing premises, the racist and anti-racist narratives accidentally reinforce each other. They share a code of silence about Black de-incarceration that misleads Americans about the current racial realities of mass incarceration. In the absence of corrective information from journalists and activists, most people assume incorrectly that prisons continue to gobble up the lives of an increasing number of African Americans. No matter our politics, we should care about what is true  the Black imprisonment rate has been dropping for a generation. Hundreds of thousands of African Americans who would have been behind bars are now free. Callous actors will claim this is too many, and anti-racists will argue its too few. But would anyone argue with a straight face that such a dramatic change in the fate of hundreds of thousands of people warrants no discussion at all?... In a country where so many  particularly people of color  long to see images of Black excellence celebrated, stories of Black progress should be highlighted rather than buried. Without ever forgetting the work still to be done, Americans of all races should be told of the progress that has and can be won.

I am always glad to see important data about modern incarceration emphasized, though I think op-eds could be written about all sorts of data realities going largely ignored or being misunderstood in many era. There was precious little public discourse about mass increases in US incarceration for decades, and still very few talk about the remarkable increases and decreases in federal incarceration (and caseloads) over the last 25 years. Though there is often discourse around private prisons, relatively few highlight what a small part they play in the national incarceration map. Demographics such as gender and age and class (often combining with racial dynamics) can vary dramatically in incarcerated populations depending on crimes and jurisdictions, and dynamic recent modern changes in urban and rural incarceration rates have also often been overlooked or underexamined. And, of course, data lags and other factors make it hard to even know how profoundly the COVID pandemic has reshaped our incarceration levels or whether any changes brought by COVID may prove enduring.

Put slightly differently, in this context, I do not see all that many thought-out "narratives" seeking to hide or obscure key data. Instead, I see many advocates and media with relatively little interest in data combining with a general paucity of clear and effective data resources. That said, given the considerable attention given to racial issues in broader criminal justice narratives and elsewhere in policy debates, I am still eager to praise Professors Humphreys and Yankah for this important commentary. But, for me, it is just one small part of a much bigger story of political rhetoric often having little interest in complicated policy data.

A few of many older and newer related prior posts:

July 25, 2022 at 10:57 AM | Permalink

Comments

Is it sensible to assume that a large factor in the decrease in incarceration is the decrease in arrests, cash bail, and other anti-law enforcement measures? If so, how is that a good thing worthy of praise?

FWIW, I know this isnt an academic paper, but citing Media Matters (or SPLC) is a bad joke.

Posted by: TarlsQtr | Jul 25, 2022 1:16:14 PM

These are long-term trends, Tarls, that largely include "tough-on-crime" periods (Bush/Trump years) and also jurisdictions with relatively high overall incarceration rates. I think changes in drug war emphasis (from crack and marijuana to meth and opioids) and in regional law enforcement/incarceration patterns (less in cities, more in suburban and rural) mostly accounts for the trends. Moreover, according to Sentencing Project data, bluer states tend to have the worst incarceration disparities by race: "Seven states maintain a Black/white disparity larger than 9 to 1: California, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin."

Posted by: Doug Berman | Jul 25, 2022 1:51:17 PM

I wonder if anyone is interested in the number of black victims of violent crime? Well, I am even if the "reform" movement isn't. A look at what's happened to the rate of black victimization in one of our major cities is here: https://ringsideatthereckoning.substack.com/p/the-klan-was-never-this-effective

It's a tragedy and a scandal, but who winds up in the morgue is irrelevant to liberals as long as fewer people wind up in the slammer. As long as there's less accountability for criminals, everything's cool.

Posted by: Bill Otis | Jul 25, 2022 3:18:15 PM

Bill,

Black victims of crime are only important when the perp is white. I wonder how many black kids died in Chicago last weekend? Media and legal academia: Yawn

Posted by: TarlsQtr | Jul 27, 2022 9:44:58 AM

In 2022, the data on homicides in Chicago are right now actually quite improved relative to 2021 and 2020 (though still way too high): https://home.chicagopolice.org/wp-content/uploads/1_PDFsam_CompStat-Public-2022-Week-30.pdf

Posted by: Doug B. | Jul 27, 2022 11:08:53 AM

Douglas,

Thanks for the info, although it doesnt change or rebut my point at all. Black on black crime is the scourge of this country, yet all the media and your colleagues can talk about is racist cops, the racist CJS, racism, racism, and racism. Oh, yeah, transphobia and racism too. Some questions.

1. Do you believe that black on black crime is one of the main driving forces behind, as you would say, mass incarceration?

2. Do you believe black on black crime is a larger problem and more prevalent than racist cops and a racist system? If so, by a little? A lot?

3. Do you believe the problem of black on black crime draws enough interest from the media and your colleagues in legal academia?

4. What do you believe the ratio of academic writings about the racist system compared to black on black crime is?

With all due respect, your response that the murder rate in Chicago is down exemplifies my point beautifully. You are trying to plant a flower in a turd because we arent supposed to notice those things, especially in legal academia and the media. Ignore it all you want. Its still a turd though.

Posted by: TarlsQtr | Jul 27, 2022 4:12:21 PM

Tarls, can you explain precisely what you mean by "black on black crime"? Are you talking about just homicides? sexual offenses? assaults? property crimes? drug offenses? public order offenses? Homicides account for less than 10% of our incarceration numbers, so those crimes alone are not the main driving force behind modern mass incarceration. Maybe you mean more than homicides; even if focused on all homicides, sexual offenses and assaults, those crimes account for only about 25% of our total incarceration numbers.

Meanwhile, I see lots of connections between criminality and social conditions, including trust in legal institutions. (This is a big theme of Tom Tyler's groundbreaking work.) Thus, simply the perception of an unjust system can be a driver of criminality. Ergo, I think folks can and should be concerned a lot about structural racism and about disparate patterns of criminal offending. But, I also understand -- and see insight in -- criticism that many in the academy and elsewhere are always looking to blame "the system" for crimes that are ultimately committed by individuals.

As a general matter, I tend to think the media, advocates on both sides of the aisle, politicians, and folks in academia spend far too much time on "hot" topics --- which these days tend to be race and identity issues --- and too little time focused on how best to collectively problem-solve to improve lots of people's lives and freedoms. One "hot" topic for the media seems to be increases in homicides and other crimes, but very little context is often given. Traffic deaths hits a 16-year high in 2021 and total roadway deaths are double homicides, but these (likely more preventable) deaths garner almost no discussion while all sorts of folks debate different variations of (likely ineffectual) gun restrictions.

You mentioned Chicago, and I mentioned the good news that homicides are down in that location so far this year. I was not trying to rebut your point nor am I eager to ignore anything; I run this blog hoping to share all sort of information from all sorts of perspectives while allowing all sorts of commenters to share their views as well. I just think it notable that few are talking about homicides being down in big cities so far this year, though that positive development does not undercut your valid point that both the victims and the perpetrators of homicide in this country are disproportionately black individuals.

Posted by: Doug B. | Jul 27, 2022 9:03:07 PM

I am certainly glad to see Chicago homicides dropping. However, 2020 and 2021 were both extraordinarily high . . . and, coincidentally or not, were the time of the COVID lockdowns, which are now largely history. I wouldn't be too impressed that we are now below 2020-21 levels. If we can get below pre-COVID levels, that would be more persuasive evidence that something is getting better.

Posted by: William C Jockusch | Jul 27, 2022 11:09:38 PM

Fair and important point, William, though I fear various COVID disruptions and other criminogenic factors are surely lingering in some areas. Even with modest declines in homicides in 2022, our homicide rate is higher now than in the 2000s or 2010a.

Notably, this is not mostly an urban phenomenon. Over at C&C, Elizabeth Berger has this lengthy post titled "Rural America surging worse in homicides." I recommend the full post, which concludes this way:

"The dramatic homicide increase that occurred from 2019-2020 was noteworthy both in urban and rural areas. However, when looking at urban versus rural areas separately, rural areas have been hit relatively harder by the homicide increase. While more research is needed to better understand why this is the case, the current theories include disproportionate increases in domestic violence, drug use, and gang activity that have occurred in rural versus urban areas. Further, reductions in police activity appear to have affected homicides in both urban and rural areas, but the impact is worse in rural areas with fewer resources."

Posted by: Doug B. | Jul 28, 2022 7:44:35 AM

Douglas,

Thanks for the, um, lawyerly answer.

Black on black crime is exactly that. Or, we could discuss black on Asian crime or black on Jewish crime. It would still be ugly whether or not we discussed only homicide.

You: unjust system can be a driver of criminality

Is the system any more racist or unjust than it was in the 1950s? Ill call that a rhetorical question because you answering honestly would end up on Twitter and you would get cancelled. We both know the truth, that you gave the politically correct answer rather than the correct answer.

I think folks can and should be concerned a lot about structural racism and about disparate patterns of criminal offending

Again, was there more or less structural racism in the 1950s? Sure, we should look at disparate patterns of criminal offending. Key word, offending, not incarceration. Structural racism has cratered since 1950 and criminal offending in black communities has skyrocketed. If structural racism is a part of it at all, its a drop of water in the ocean.



Posted by: TarlsQtr | Jul 28, 2022 11:04:15 AM

Tarls, in the 1950s, there were roughly 200,000 persons in state and federal prisons, now there are well over 1.2 million. Similarly, the drug arrest rates in the 1950s were a tiny percentage of what they are today. Structural inequalities in our criminal justice systems cash out in various ways that can be more far reaching and consequential in modern "mass incarceration/collateral consequences" times. (In addition, in our TV/digital age, many more people see the beating of Rodney King and the killing of George Floyd than knew about the killing of, say, Roman Ducksworth Jr.)

Meanwhile, you still have not defined what you mean by "black on black crime," and in this latest comment you reference "criminal offending in black communities." Are you now eager to talk about drug offenses and public order offenses? My sense is that criminality in these arenas are as great or greater in other communities, but those communities are not comparably policed. (But, of course, it is hard to gather reliable data on illegal drug involvement and illegal gun possession outside of arrest data.)

We can and should be concerned both with our system's structural inequalities and with individual offenders. I think it fair for you and others to be concerned that advocates and academics focus too much on the former and not enough on the latter. But I believe we can and should seek to address both and can reasonably hope we can improve on both fronts by giving attention to both issues (eg, when we notice how homicide clearance rates reflect growing racial disparities: https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/crime-without-punishment-new-york/). Based on polling and other sources, I surmise that black communities often embrace leaders and government structures that seek to address structural inequalities and individual offending.

Posted by: Doug B. | Jul 28, 2022 11:18:54 PM

Doug,

Im host sue why you bring up stats regarding drug use and increased incarceration. They seem to buttress my point, not yours. Yes there will be more African-Americans in prison by sheer numbers, but what about the percentage of their population was in prison then compared to now? Compared to whites? Asians?

Why does the incarceration rate of Asians remain lower than any other race? Does the system favor them?

Im happy talking crime in general or murder/violent crime. Roughly half of US counties see no murders in a year. 2% of counties see half of the murders annually. Even among them, it is concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Which neighborhoods do you think those are? Want to bet they correlate nicely with the neighborhoods with the largest gang problems? Yet you question why the police may concentrate more in those areas than a rural county with zero murders? When I said black on black crime, I meant all crime but lets not pretend that my suburb of Lexington has the same crime problem (both total numbers and seriousness of the offenses) as sections of Louisville.

Posted by: TarlsQtr | Jul 29, 2022 11:02:52 AM

Lol I wish you had an edit feature!

Posted by: TarlsQtr | Jul 29, 2022 11:03:27 AM

You started by asking my views on "black on black crime," Tarls, but you seem to really just want to talk about criminal offending and incarceration by race. That's fine, but then we should note different realities for different crimes. For example, USSC data show that those sentenced for federal child pornography offenses and for federal securities offenses are disproportionately white:

https://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/research-and-publications/quick-facts/Child_Pornography_FY21.pdf

https://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/research-and-publications/quick-facts/Securities_Fraud_FY20.pdf

These are serious offenses disproportionately committed by whites, but only a small percentage are prosecuted federally. (E.g., Only about 1200 are federally prosecuted each year for CP, whereas the FBI identified over 100,000 unique users who accessed a single CP website in a two-week sting. The number of securities frauds are harder to assess, but it is thought most go undetected and unprosecuted even though millions of dollar may be lost, far more than most thefts/robberies.)

If more law enforcement efforts were focused on going after more (mostly white) CP offenders, our prisons would be much whiter. Same for certain frauds. To focus on neighborhoods, I suspect your suburb of Lexington may have more CP offenders that others, especially it has fast internet. Other crimes committed more often by the relatively more affluent (e.g., DUI, arson) also generally reflect certain racial skews because of economic/social realities that shape the activities and criminality of various communities.

I say all this to highlight that I readily recognize that we can identify lots of racialized patterns in lots of criminal offending. But enforcement choices/efforts then shape who gets detected and punished with prison. In the drug context, most data indicate comparable drug activity among races (though with different drugs of choice at different times), followed by very different patterns of enforcement. The crack/powder/meth stories in the federal system reflects some of these realities, but the particular are intricate.

That all said, the high rate of black involvement in homicides is a unique and uniquely important story because of the seriousness of the crime and the statistical disproportions. But, as Elizabeth Berger over at C&C has noted, rural areas are seeing homicide increases in recent years which may change the historical racial homicide dynamics. And whatever the data show going forward, I continue to believe we can and should be concerned both with our system's structural inequalities and with individual offenders.

Posted by: Doug B. | Jul 29, 2022 10:33:06 PM

Douglas,

Nice shift, very lawyerly.

There is a difference between structural racism (your original phrase), and structural inequality.

Is it fair that pedos and frauds are much more likely to get away with it?

Of course not, but it has nothing to do with racism. A black pedo will often get away with it too. A body in the street drives people. Its also easier to see that a crime has been committed. Fraud is difficult to detect and CP even more difficult with the advent of VPNs, etc. They happen in the home (or office) out of public sight. You can multiply CP enforcement resources by ten and it would still be like drinking from a firehose.

Posted by: TarlsQtr | Jul 30, 2022 11:36:07 AM

Tarls, you are right that even, say, 20,000 CP prosecutions at the federal level yearly might not make a huge dent in a huge problem. But, of course, the exact same point is true for federal drug prosecutions. And yet we have had roughly 20,000 federal drug prosecutions yearly (involving mostly people of color, including 1000 just for marijuana) for the last two decades and only about 1000 federal yearly CP prosecutions (involving mostly whites). Why is that the priority for federal prosecutors and federal tax dollars? Which crimes have more direct victims -- federal marijuana offenses or federal CP offenses?

This is what I mean by structural racism and structural inequality -- the structures of our criminal justice system have over the last two decades brought a lot more people of color into federal courts/prisons without actual harms being the explanation for the choices. (I use the broader term inequality because there is also gender and class component: relatively more women and poorer folks are more involved in drugs; relatively more men and less poor folks are more involved in CP.) If we flipped the numbers, with 20,000 federal CP prosecutions and only 1000 drug prosecutions each year for the last two decades, our prisons would be much, much more full of white people and we would all might have a very different sense of what people and "neighborhoods" have serious federal crime problems.

Murders are different and more tangible, though your statement about "a body in the street" is perhaps a useful reminder that drunk driving leads to many, many deaths in the streets (roughly 10,000 to 15,000 each year and recently rising). And these deaths (both victims and perps) are spread more evenly among races and more evenly throughout regions in the US. And yet those killing are NOT regularly included in the ways in which we think about serious deadly crimes (both victims and perps). That is yet another reminder that even when criminal activity leads to "a body in the street," we culturally and legally and structurally respond in varied (and often inequitable) ways.

Again, my point is that your own conceptions and understanding of "crime" and "mass incarceration" and "criminal offending in black communities" and "neighborhoods" are all socially and structurally constructed (as is mine and everyone else, as well). Importantly, I do not think it proper or helpful to call most or even many of our social and structural constructions of crime and punishment "racist." (Eg, I do not think there are primarily racist elements to our social and structural decision to NOT call millions of abortions the biggest homicide problem in the US, though you might have a different view of how we social and structural construct the termination of pregnancies.) But I do think it proper and helpful for everyone to see how subjective choices about justice systems, not objective realities about harms and punishment, are driving forces behind our assessments and perceptions of "crime" and "mass incarceration." And so this is a driving force behind my belief we can and should be concerned both with our system's structural inequalities and with individual offenders.

Posted by: Doug B. | Jul 30, 2022 12:23:22 PM

I read the op-ed, and its leadoff assertion that the rate of Black incarceration is at a 33-year low, half of what it was a generation ago. And yet I saw no link or citation to any supporting data. How is that rate measured? Over what geographic reach? For what crimes? State? Federal? For what time period? (what is the data lag?) What was the comparison set a generation ago?

I understand the point being addressed in the authors' op-ed and Doug's summary. But it's hard to think about it critically without any idea of the data underlying the commentary.

Posted by: Def. Atty. | Aug 5, 2022 12:19:29 PM

Post a comment
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Just when you thought youd seen enough of Brad Pitts next film, Bullet Train, his last one slips into the DVD market.

Sure, its not a Brad Pitt film, but The Lost City finds him as an adventurer trying to rescue Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum from a rich opportunist.

Borrowing heavily from Romancing the Stone and, strangely, Jungle Cruise, it wastes the actors talent and, frequently, resorts to Bullock complaining about the sequined jumpsuit shes wearing.

The best bits  including the one with Pitt  turn up in the films trailer, which makes seeing the whole thing a bit redundant.

Bullock plays a reclusive author who agrees to do a book event with  get this  the model who has peered out from her books for years. Very Fabio, he steals focus and, early on, loses his long, flowing wig. When Bullocks Loretta Sage is kidnapped by a mad treasure hunter (nicely played by Daniel Radcliffe), Channing Tatums Alan attempts to prove hes more than his individual parts. He goes on a rescue mission and, soon, Loretta and Alan are in the jungle trying to find a way out.

Although most of the scenes look like theyve been done with green-screen technology, Bullock still pretends like shes hanging off a cliff, crawling into a cave and swimming under water for some lost treasure that few think exists.

Radcliffe, meanwhile, turns up immediately, as if he had a tracker on the two. Luckily, the mismatched adventurers have a night where they can bond and she can pluck leeches from his body.

Directed by Aaron Nee and Adam Nee, The Lost City doesnt have the spontaneity or chemistry of its predecessors. Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner projected real swagger; Bullock and Tatum run through their own greatest hits. She plays shy, bumbling and smarty; he plays big, dumb and naive. Both guises have worked better in other films. Here, its what we have to endure until they can get out of the jungle and into a posh hotel.

Both are good at playing to type but it would have been a better movie if the two had swapped roles and no one talked about Pitt before he pops up. Hes a real treat (in the same way he was on Friends) and that little lift Lost City needs just when you think its struggling.

DaVine Joy Randolph, who was so good in Dolemite is My Name, has a subplot here as Bullocks handler, willing to move mountains to get her back home. Shes fun, but the Nees ignore her frequently, which undercuts the big statement about managers and publicists.

While the films real goal is never in jeopardy, it might have been nice to make it less predictable than it is. Great as she is as a physical comedian, Bullock never really lets down the glam guard. She looks good even in the worst circumstances and shouldnt be such a cinematic throwback.

The Lost City isnt bad (its one of those harmless date night films), just underbaked. Had the directors turned up the heat, it might have been the return of a genre. Instead, its just recognizable leftovers made with expensive ingredients.
SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa -- Lawyers for a man charged with fatally shooting a woman outside her Milford, Iowa, workplace are seeking a mental health evaluation to determine if he's competent to stand trial.

Brendan Kelly and Cassi Wigington, both of Sioux City, have asked a judge to stay Christian Goyne-Yarns' case while they secure an expert who can perform a psychiatric evaluation. They said they've met with Goyne-Yarns several times in attempts to help him understand and prepare for his trial.

"Counsel believes that the defendant's current mental condition makes it impossible to effectively assist in his own defense," they wrote in their motion, filed Monday in Dickinson County District Court.

Goyne-Yarns, 25, of Jackson, Minnesota, is currently scheduled to stand trial for first-degree murder on Aug. 16, but has previously waived his right to a speedy trial.

In a response to the motion, Assistant Iowa Attorney General Susan Krisko took no position on the validity of the request but urged a judge to require the defense to provide specific facts to show Goyne-Yarns may be suffering from a mental illness. Krisko also said any evaluation should be performed at the Iowa Department of Corrections Medical and Classification Center in Oakdale, where he also could receive treatment if he's found to be incompetent.

Goyne-Yarns is accused of shooting Shelby Woizeschke, 24, of Spencer, Iowa, in the parking lot at GrapeTree Medical Staffing in Milford on Feb. 3 as she arrived for work. According to court documents, she was shot at least twice and was able to call 911 and identify Goyne-Yarns as her assailant. He was arrested about an hour and a half after the shooting.

Woizeschke died in a Sioux Falls hospital Feb. 6. She had two young sons from a previous relationship with Goyne-Yarns.

Goyne-Yarns remains in custody in the Dickinson County Jail on a $1 million bond. If found guilty as charged, he would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.
SIOUX CITY  A woman who sold more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area has been sentenced to more than five years in federal prison.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Bringman was arrested on Sept. 29 while picking up a 5-pound package of meth that had been delivered by the U.S. Postal Service from her California supplier. Authorities seized another 1.5 pounds of meth from her vehicle and more than $22,000 in cash found in her home. Bringman admitted that during the previous months she had received several packages of meth from California and sold it to others.
Pope apologizes for 'catastrophic' school policy in Canada

MASKWACIS, Alberta (AP)  Pope Francis has apologized for the Catholic Churchs cooperation with Canadas catastrophic policy of Indigenous residential schools. The pontiff says the forced assimilation of Native peoples into Christian society destroyed their cultures, severed their families and marginalized generations in ways still being felt today. Francis spoke Monday near the site of the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School, on lands of four Cree nations south of Edmonton, Alberta. He said, I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples. The long-awaited apology opens Francis weeklong penitential pilgrimage to Canada, which is meant to help the church on its path of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and help victims heal.

Indiana abortion debate draws protest crowds, vice president

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris says Indianas proposed abortion ban reflects a health care crisis in the United States. She met Monday with Democratic state legislators on the first day of a contentious special legislative session in Indiana. Harris traveled to Indianapolis as several thousand people on both sides of the issue filled Statehouse corridors and lined sidewalks surrounding the building. Indianas Republican Senate leaders last week proposed banning abortions with limited exceptions  in cases of rape, incest and to protect the life of the mother. Indiana is 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 money is gone': Evacuated Ukrainians forced to return

POKROVSK, Ukraine (AP)  Tens of thousands of people who evacuated from Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region are returning to homes close to the front line because they cant afford to live in safer places. They are risking their lives. One woman was killed by a missile outside her home just two days after returning. Ukrainian authorities are frustrated as some civilians remain in the path of war, but the region's residents are frustrated, too. Some described feeling unwelcome as Russian speakers among Ukrainian speakers in some parts of the country. But more often, the problem is the lack of money to start anew. The mayor's office in one small Donetsk city estimates that 70% of evacuated residents have come back.

The tough words Trump never spoke: Jan. 6 panel's new video

WASHINGTON (AP)  An original script for Donald Trumps speech the day after the Capitol insurrection included lines ordering the Justice Department to ensure all lawbreakers are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and stating the rioters do not represent me." But those tough lines were never spoken by Trump. They were crossed out, apparently by Trump himself, according to exhibits released by House investigators on Monday. Virginia Rep. Elaine Luria tweeted out a short video that included testimony from White House aides discussing Trumps speech that next day and a screenshot of the speech, with notes and thick black lines through some of the text.

AP source: Top aide to Pence testifies before 1/6 grand jury

WASHINGTON (AP)  The former chief of staff to former Vice President Mike Pence has testified before a federal grand jury investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. That's according to a person familiar with the matter who says Marc Short appeared before the grand jury under subpoena. Short was at the Capitol on the day of the siege and was with the vice president as he hid from rioters who had called for his hanging. ABC News first reported that Short appeared last week before the grand jury after receiving a subpoena to do so. On CNN Monday evening, Short confirmed the appearance.

Goodfellas, Law & Order actor Paul Sorvino dies at 83

Paul Sorvino, an imposing actor who specialized in playing crooks and cops like Paulie Cicero in Goodfellas and the NYPD sergeant Phil Cerreta on Law & Order, has died. He was 83. In his over 50 years in the entertainment business, Sorvino was a mainstay in films and television, playing an Italian American communist in Warren Beattys Reds, Henry Kissinger in Oliver Stones Nixon and mob boss Eddie Valentine in The Rocketeer. He would often say that while he might be best known for playing gangsters, his real passions were poetry, painting and opera.

How an AP reporter broke the Tuskegee syphilis story

SOUTHPORT, N.C. (AP)  For four decades, the United States government enrolled hundreds of Black men in Alabama in a study on syphilis, just so they could document the diseases ravages on the human body. On July 25, 1972, Jean Heller, a then 29-year-old investigative reporter at The Associated Press shocked the world with a story of what is now known as the Tuskegee Study. Within four months, the U.S. Public Health Service would end the study, but dozens had already died. Even now, 50 years after it was revealed, the study casts a long shadow over the nation, as some African Americans cite Tuskegee in refusing to seek medical treatment or participate in clinical trials.

Judge: Georgia probe prosecutor can't question state senator

ATLANTA (AP)  A judge has ruled that the prosecutor whos investigating whether former President Donald Trump and his allies illegally tried to interfere in the 2020 election in Georgia cannot question a lawmaker who signed a certificate falsely stating that Trump won the state. Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney agreed with Republican state Sen. Burt Jones that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis had a conflict of interest because she hosted a fundraiser last month for Jones Democratic opponent for lieutenant governor. The judges decision Monday likely has no real bearing on the future of Willis investigation but provided ammunition to critics who have accused her of pursuing a politically motivated case.

US to plant 1 billion trees as climate change kills forests

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP)  The Biden administration wants the government to plant more than a billion trees across millions of acres of burned and dead woodlands as officials struggle to counter climate change's increasing toll on the nations forests. As the globe heats up, some wildfires are so severe that forests can't quickly regrow on their own. That is outpacing the governments replanting capacity and has helped create a backlog of 4.1 million acres (1.7 million hectares) in need of restoration. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a plan Monday to quadruple the number of tree seedlings produced by nurseries and work through the backlog over 10 years.

Maxwells new digs: Fla. prison known for yoga, music, abuse

NEW YORK (AP)  Ghislaine Maxwell is off to Florida to serve a 20-year prison sentence for helping financier Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse underage girls. The 60-year-old former socialite was moved from a New York City federal jail last week to FCI Tallahassee. It's a low-security federal prison in Floridas capital. She had been held under close watch in light of Epsteins 2019 jail suicide. It wasnt clear whether Maxwell would be held in restrictive housing or under other special precautions. According to prison consulting firm, the prison also offers yoga, Pilates, movies and an inmate talent show.
In early March, a 17-year-old high school senior Ill call Ethan got a text message from Ursinus College, a small, private liberal arts school located about 45 minutes outside of Philadelphia. It said, Great news, [Ethan]! Ursinus College has awarded you additional money! Log into your portal to view your updated financial aid award.

A few days later, Ethan got a letter from Ursinus repeating the same offer. The Office of Student Financial Aid recently received additional information regarding your application for financial aid and, as a result, a change has been made to your original award, it said. In December, Ursinus had offered Ethan a Gateway Scholarship of $35,000 to offset the colleges listed price of more than $72,000 for tuition, room, and board. Now it had added a Grizzly Grant (Ursinus mascot is a bear) of $3,500 to the mix.

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It was puzzling. Ethan is not financially needy. One of his parents is a nonprofit executive and the other is a public school teacher in suburban Maryland. They own their home outright and earn well over $200,000 per year, putting them comfortably in the top 10 percent of household income nationwide. Ethans standardized test scores were good and grades were fine, but mostly not in the kind of rigorous Advance Placementtype classes that are mandatory for admission to selective universities.

All of this was in the application he sent to Ursinus last year, and he hadnt talked to them since. What additional information were they talking about?

Meanwhile, Ethan has a cousin who is also a high school senior. Ill call her Ashley. Her overall academic profile was better than Ethanshigher grades and lots of AP courses, somewhat lower SATs. But her economic circumstances were not. Ashley also lives in Maryland. Her mother, a single parent, dropped out of community college and works in the back office of a local restaurant chain. Her income is well below the median for someone with college-age children, and she has no real financial assets to fall back on.

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Yet Ashley wasnt getting unsolicited text messages offering her more financial aid. Penn State, a public land-grant university that allegedly has a mission to provide broad access to college, had recently sent her a financial aid letter. Like Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part II, their offer was this: nothing. Tuition, room, and board would be $49,200almost $16,000 more than private Ursinus College wanted to charge her wealthier cousin. To pay, she was welcome to get a job, or take out loans.

Ethan and Ashley were learning a lesson about the way the business of higher education actually works in this country: College financial aid is largely an illusion. Government financial aid is real, if inadequatefederal Pell grants and state appropriations to reduce tuition at public universities definitely exist. But the financial aid purportedly provided by colleges themselves is mostly fiction.

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The whole public-facing system of college admissionsin which admissions decisions are based on rigorous academic standards and financial aid is supposedly provided to those who are most academically and financially deservingis an elaborate stage play meant to flatter privileged families and the reputations of colleges themselves. The real system, hidden behind the scenery, is much closer to the mechanics of pure capitalism, driven by an industry of for-profit consultants and relentlessly focused on the institutional bottom line.

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Thats a huge problem for students and parents trying to make expensive, life-changing choices about higher education. Many families make bad decisions based on the misleading vocabulary colleges use around financial aid, leading to broken futures and, increasingly, unaffordable student loans. If you have children and are planning to help them go to college anytime soon, understand this: Much of what colleges are going to tell you about money isnt true.

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There are, to be sure, a few extremely wealthy institutions that really do provide financial aid. If you are among the small number of low-income students that Harvard chooses to admit after filling much of its class with legacies, athletes, and the children of wealth, status, and power, you wont have to pay tuition. The Ivies and a handful of other elite schools have need blind admissions, which means they consider your application regardless of your financial circumstances, and offer generous aid to those who need it.

Parents can also find good, reasonably priced public options in some states, which allow them to avoid the shell games involving financial aid. Public universities in North Carolina remain very affordable, for instance. And some states also provide grants to students that are in fact based on their financial needs or academic achievements. Tuition and fees for the State University of New York system are relatively low to begin with, roughly $8,000 to $10,000 for in-state students. But the state of New York also runs a state need-based scholarship program that, combined with a federal Pell grant, can be enough to cover tuition and part of room and board.

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But if you live in a less generous part of the country and your kids are applying out-of-state, or they have their sights set on a private college without an Ivy League endowment, then you have wandered into a very different kind of market, one that has a lot more in common with airlines hawking seats or dealers selling cars than you might realize.

The language of admissions and financial aid suggests that colleges review every application with two questions in mind: Does this applicant meet our academic standards? If so, how much scholarship aid, given their financial circumstances and academic merit, do they deserve?

In reality, the large majority of undergraduates attend a college that accepts most or all applicants. And while the sticker price for tuition at some institutions exceeds $50,000, most colleges dont have enough market power to charge anything close to that. For them, the real concerns are, How likely is this applicant to enroll, if we accept them? And whats the most amount of money theyd be willing to pay?

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To answer those questions, many colleges hire expensive consulting firms to help them manage a complex process of marketing, admissions, and pricing. The firms design social media campaigns and produce the flood of glossy brochures that pours through the U.S. postal system every year. They take the wealth of detailed financial information that parents are required to disclose on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, and feed it into the same kinds of complex algorithms that airlines use to constantly change the price of seats in the months, weeks, and days before a flight.

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They also use a probabilistic strategy for deciding whom to admit, based on a combination of how much they think parents are willing to pay and how likely students are to enroll. Because of online systems like the Common App, its easy for students to apply to many colleges. At less desired collegesthe safety schools and fourth choicesyield rates, meaning the percentage of admitted students who enroll, are often below 20 percent. So they admit 3,000 students to fill a freshman class of 600 and hope that past statistical patterns hold. If too many students enroll, theres no room in the dorms. Too few, and the college goes broke.

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The whole process is called enrollment management. To understand how important enrollment management is in the higher education industry, look to administrative hierarchy: Ursinus College, for example, has a director of admissions who reports to a vice president and dean of enrollment management and marketing.

When Washington College mailed Ethan three VIP admission tickets and an all-access lanyard with his name printed on it for an Admitted Students Day Music Festival in April, it was trying to increase its yield. When one college after another sent Ethan a letter offering him tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship money, in most cases it probably had nothing to do with their evaluation of Ethans achievements. It was more likely because market research told them that students like the feeling of being awarded something, and the enrollment management algorithm suggested that full tuition minus $25,000 or $30,000 was a price his parents might be willing to pay.

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The Ursinus College Office of Student Financial Services did not receive any additional information regarding Ethans application. That was a fib. An Ursinus spokesman confirmed for me that the extra award was based on his original application and other financial considerations.

It would not be surprising if those other financial considerations included a report from an enrollment management consultantthe firms Ruffalo Noel Levitz and EAB are two of the biggestshowing that acceptance and pricing projections as of early March were looking soft. When colleges find their enrollment numbers lagging, they act like a car dealer with too many of last years models on the lot, and put tuition on sale. Like most colleges, Ursinus $72,000 list price is an imaginary number; on average, it charges students only about one-third of that. It is not providing Gateway Scholarships and Grizzly Grants from a pot of actual money. Its just pretending to, because thats what students and parents like to hear.

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Colleges, unsurprisingly, are shy to discuss the consultants that shape the inner workings of their aid process, and will resort to linguistic contortions when asked about it. When I asked Ursinus whether it awarded its Grizzly Grants based on a report from an enrollment management consultant, a spokesman responded that it works in partnership with a financial aid leveraging firm and that we monitor the progress of the first-year class on a routine basis throughout the enrollment cycle.

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A spokesman from Clark University, which tried to entice Ethan with a $68,000 Robert Goddard Achievement Scholarship, told me that the school does not rely on an enrollment management consultant. Instead, they said, it occasionally hires outside analytical support that does not tell us how much aid to offer any student or group of students but does crunch large volumes of data in a timely manner that we then use to assess our progress toward our enrollment goals and estimate/project our total aid expenditure through that enrollment cycle.

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So, not an enrollment management consultant. Just, you know, a consultant that helps them manage enrollment.

But while schools may not love talking about it, nothing about this system is a secret within higher education. For instance, after taking a job in the enrollment management industry, former Ursinus vice president for enrollment Richard DiFeliciantonio wrote an essay for Inside Higher Ed in which he explained that the financial aid matrix colleges rely on is essentially the same pricing technique taught to M.B.A.s and commonly used by corporations for commercial products. He noted that the formula considers a students academic achievement mostly as a proxy for their willingness to pay for college (as opposed to a measure of merit).

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Those charged with meeting enrollment goals, as higher education leadership must be well aware, routinely speak in terms of commodity, customers, net revenue, yield funnels, econometrics, automated behavioral marketing, creative destruction, signaling, outcomes, positioning, disruptive adaptation, and obligations ratios. If they fall back on pieties of public good and intellectual advancement, they are quickly brought to heel by business-honed trustees.

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This is also why, despite her financial need and solid high school achievement, Ethans cousin Ashley was not being inundated with texts and letters offering her more money. As DiFeliciantonio wrote: Wealthy families are more able and less willing to pay for college while the poorer families are more willing and less able. In other words, parents of means who themselves have finished college are often sophisticated consumers of higher education and are able to drive a hard bargain, whereas lower-income, less-educated parents feel an enormous obligation to help their children move farther up the socioeconomic ladder and blindly trust that colleges have their best financial interests at heart. So colleges obey the algorithm and offer more financial aid to the Ethans than to the Ashleys, one of many problems identified in a recent Brookings Institution report.

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Ashley submitted financial aid forms with information about her familys modest income because everyone and everything about the process told her college aid is based on how much money you need, or deserve. She had no idea that information could be used against her. In May, New York University offered her admission if she would agree to delay enrollment until spring 2023when, maybe not coincidentally, her good-but-not-stellar academic record would not count in the rankings data NYU submits to U.S. News & World Report. Their price? $79,070. Their aid offer? $0, take it or leave it, with 96 hours to respond.

Federal statute limits how much the Department of Education can lend to undergraduates. Freshmen can only borrow $5,500. But there is no limit on how much the department can lend to parents through a program called Parent PLUS. Nor does the department check to see if parents have the means to pay PLUS loans back. So NYU offered Ashley the opportunity to borrow $5,500 and take a $1,500 work-study job. Then it offered Ashleys mother the chance to take out a $72,099 Parent PLUS loanmore than her gross annual salary, before taxesfor the first of four undergraduate years.

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Fortunately for Ashley and her mother, they knew someone who offered sensible financial advice. They turned down NYU and its offer of gargantuan loans and chose a less expensive public university. But as the countless individual stories that compose the nations $1.7 trillion student loan crisis show, many families make different choices. They are drawn in by a combination of optimism, blind faith, and familial obligation, and end up with debts they cannot repay. Colleges know this will happen.

Colleges do this because they want and need money. The business of filling up a class has gotten more difficult as the number of new high school graduates continues to recede from the peak millennial years, with further declines expected starting in 2025. Small, private colleges are especially vulnerable, and some have gone bankrupt in recent years.

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Understanding the true nature of the college market should reduce some kinds of student stress. If youre a high school graduate in reasonable academic standing, there are scores of good colleges ready to admit you. The real market tuition price in the big middle of the higher education sector is probably about $25,000, not the $50,000 or $60,000 you might have heard. Applying to college there isnt like being vetted to join an exclusive social club. Nobody is really judging your worthiness for financial aid. College is just another service with a price.

The words colleges use in the admissions process, embedded in the broader portrayal of higher education in popular culture, tell a different tale, leaving first-generation students with the least money and social capital most vulnerable to exploitation. Colleges are full of great educators who want to help you learn. But when it comes to money, youre on your own.
Thousands of canceled flights and tens of thousands of lost bags. Hours-long waits to clear passport control and security. Countless summer plans turned upside down, and not even over a missing Covid test. In Manchester, a pilot loaded the bags onto the plane himself.

Everyone knows air travel is a mess right now. Mostly, thats because the industry is dealing with the same problem that the rest of the economy is facing: a staffing shortage prompted by a tight labor market and a quick rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic.

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But theres more to the story. Several factors conspire to make flying particularly vulnerable, and this summers unbounded sense of crisisfrom customs to check-in to pilot training, from Amsterdam to Los Angelesis a great illustration of that. Its the entire gamut, said R.W. Mann, an industry analyst and former airline executive. Its the unusual case where its industry-wide and global. Ive been doing this for 45 years and Ive never seen anything like it.

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Of course, the airline industry is no stranger to the occasional meltdown: The last time Mann and I spoke was in 2018, when a bomb cyclone sent JFK spinning into days of chaos. Air travel is a tightly coordinated system with many moving parts, one that runs with little slack during the peak summer travel season. Storms, staff shortages, or simply mistakes can prompt domino effects that snarl thousands of travelers. In this respect, air travel is more interconnected and vulnerable than other labor-challenged industries. Nobody ends up sleeping by the soda machine because half the team called in sick to Chipotle.

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The problem, everyone agrees, began when air travel cratered during the global lockdowns to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. Airlines downsized, cut flights, and offered buyouts to senior staff. The third-party contractors that handle much of the day-to-day airport grind (over 800 companies at Pariss Charles de Gaulle airport alone) laid off workers en masse, as did airports themselves and the retailers and restaurants that operate within.

While last year saw passenger numbers rebound after vaccinations, TSA checkpoint traffic was still down by about 25 percent on 2019 numbers that summer. But with billions in federal aid under their belt, U.S. airlines set an ambitious schedule for summer 2022. All signs pointed towards a big peak travel season, with Americans back to work and Covid in the rearview mirror.

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Then reality hit, in the form of both short-term chaos and long-term adjustments. On Memorial Day Weekend, for example, airlines canceled more than 7,000 flights worldwide. Meanwhile, airlines such as Alaska Airlines and Delta belatedly trimmed summer schedules. Southwest dropped 20,000 flights. JetBlue cut almost one in ten scheduled flights, despite travel demand, leaving ticketholders high and dry: Even if they got a cash refund from the airline, they were stuck buying new tickets at the last minute. If I ever had a planner that said, I blew it by 10 percent, Id have to ask the guy to just leave, that forecast was unsuitable for the purpose of running a reliable airline, said Mann, the industry analyst.

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The reason for these long-term adjustments was clear: Staffing shortages. Most importantly, virtually every airline says it is short on pilots. American Airlines parked 100 planes for lack of pilots. Pilot unions have complained of being overworkedDelta pilots say theyre on pace to fly more overtime this year than 2018 and 2019 combined . Airlines want to hire 13,000 pilots this year and again in 2023, but United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says it will take five years for the shortage to abate. Even the U.S. Air Force is having trouble. We may need a third Top Gun to get them over the hump.

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The airlines are partly to blame for this: They got $54 billion in federal aid to maintain their role as vital national travel infrastructure, and simultaneously urged a bunch of experienced workers to retire. Delta, for example, encouraged 2,000 pilots to accept buyouts back in summer 2020. But theres also fallout from a more general disruption that has affected professions such as lifeguards: Training programs stopped or slowed during the pandemic, messing up the talent pipeline.

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Pilots are only part of the problem, anyway. Pilots is the big picture, but its not affecting the day to day, observed Ned Russell, an aviation journalist for the Skift. Airports and airplanes are also struggling to fill other roles, from baggage handlers to airplane mechanics. While pilot shortages have forced airlines to crimp their schedules, its shortages in other professions that is causing day-to-day mayhem.

Consider the Transportation Security Administration: Its one of the lowest-paid federal jobs around. Despite hiring bonuses and incentives, the TSA is having trouble filling its posts. According to Government Executive, the agency is 30 percent below its targeted staffing level and asking scanners to work six days a week.

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While airports, airlines, and contracting companies canand areraising wages and recruiting for new staff, they cant hire them as quickly as Amazon does, because so many airport workers require a security clearance. As everyone tries to staff up simultaneously, clearance processors are overwhelmed, and what used to take a few days can now take a few weeks.

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So youve got your new flight attendants, call center staff, and plane refuelers in the door. Now you need to tell them how to do their jobs. New bottlenecks ensue.

Take Delta, which has been hiring like crazy, picking up 18,000 new employees since the start of last year. The company now sits at 95 percent of pre-pandemic staffingbut only 85 percent capacity, thanks to training backups .The chief issue were working through is not hiring but a training and experience bubble, CEO Ed Bastian said on an earnings call this month. In happier times, when he was boasting about replacing trained and highly paid workers with new and inexperienced ones, Bastian called the savings the juniority benefit. Turns out theres a juniority cost, too.

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At Alaska Airlines, its the same story: Pilots were stuck in the school house, CEO Ben Minicucci said in April. And sometimes they really do get stuck: The journalist Ned Russell told me a pilot friend being retrained as a captain for American Airlines had to wait six months to get slotted into a course.

United, for its part, says it has hired enough pilots. After getting chewed out by DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg last month, the Chicago-based carrier, along with Frontier Airlines and the U.S. airline trade group Airlines for America, has tried to put the blame for recent debacles on the FAA and air traffic control. The FAA says nations control towers are merely in a training bottleneck of their own, though in any case, most delays originate with airlines themselves.

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The infrastructure problem is worse in Europe, where airports have had to resort to telling airlines to stop selling so many tickets. Heathrow, for example, has said it will limit daily departures to 100,000 travelers through mid-September. Deciding how to cancel a quarter-million tickets between dozens of airlines fell to a company called Airline Coordination Limited, which helps airports manage plane traffic.

Delta recently made headlines when it flew an entire A330 from London to Detroit with nothing but 1,000 lost bags on board. Juniority problems. But the only reason Delta had to get an empty plane to Detroit in the first place was because Heathrows restrictions forced them to cancel the flight. (For passengers, anyway.)

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Summer is for airlines what Black Friday is for retailers, said Scott Keyes, the founder of Scotts Cheap Flights. To see [airports] ask airlines to accept a dwindled schedule, thats akin to Walmart saying, Were not going to open this Black Friday. Its unthinkable.

But its also a response to some crazy scenes that played out earlier this summer, including days when fliers waited for hours just to drop their bags or go through security. Dublin and Amsterdam were also beset with problems. Overall, European countries didnt offer much state aid for carriers during 2020, so rehiring has been longer and slower. The boss of the baggage handling contractor Menzies Aviation told the WSJ that the biggest bottleneck was background checks, which took two to three months per new employee. In the UK, it now takes 3 months to procure a security badge for a new employee, according to the International Air Transport Association.

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And while U.S. airlines have dealt with sporadic demands from labor unions, tensions in Europe have been higher and strike actions have led to cancellations in cities like Paris and Hamburg.

Finally, perhaps we air travelers deserve some blame as well. Though the notorious mask-related disruptions have retreated from view, airports are flooded with new or out-of-practice fliers. Seasoned business travelers have yielded to vacationers who are less familiar with the demands of the TSA. Every traveler that sends their bag through the metal detector full of liquids is a traveler that is holding up the line. And then there are the unruly passengers, said Christine Negroni, an aviation journalist and the author of The Crash Detectives. People have forgotten how to behave.
Xi extends congratulations to new Albanian president

Xinhua) 08:05, July 25, 2022

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message on Sunday to Bajram Begaj on assuming the office as Albanian president.

Xi pointed out that China and Albania enjoy profound traditional friendship, adding that in recent years, with the joint building of the Belt and Road and China-Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) cooperation as platforms, the two countries have enhanced political mutual trust, strengthened policy communication and promoted practical cooperation, making new progress in bilateral relations.

He noted that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Albania relations and is ready to work with President Begaj to deepen bilateral exchanges in all areas and consolidate the fruits of mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the two countries and their people.

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun)
KYIV  The appeal of Ukraines first war crimes conviction was adjourned on Monday, as prosecutors keep pushing to hold Russia legally accountable for atrocities even as fighting rages in the south and east of the country.

Thin and subdued, Vadim Shishimarin, a 21-year-old captured Russian soldier who pleaded guilty to killing a civilian and was sentenced in May by a Ukrainian court to life in prison, sat in a glass box in the courtroom as he faced news cameras. The hearing was postponed until July 29 due to his lawyers ill health.

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Around Ukraines capitol region, where Russian forces pulled out four months ago, much of the work of documenting crime scenes and interviewing witnesses has been done. Now a new, more difficult phase in the search for accountability is underway: Finding those responsible.

While conducting searches in the previously occupied region, we regularly find documents, passports and lists with names of participants of the units, with their complete data, including sites of birth and dates of births, Andrii Nebytov, head of the Kyiv regional police, told The Associated Press. All of this information is being transferred to the relevant law enforcement. The investigators are working with the victims, trying to identify the people who committed crimes against them.

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Shishimarins case is unusual in that Ukrainian authorities quickly found evidence to link him with the shooting of a 62-year-old man in the northeastern Sumy region on Feb. 28. Thats not the case for most war crimes cases now under investigation.

Ukrainian prosecutors have registered over 20,100 potential war crimes, and police in the Kyiv region have exhumed more than 1,300 bodies.

But as of July, prosecutors in Ukraine have only been able to identify 127 suspects, according to the prosecutor generals office. Fifteen of them are currently in Ukraine as prisoners of war while the rest remain at large. Those suspects include three accused of sexual violence and 64 accused of willful killing or ill-treatment of civilians.

Shishimarin is one of 10 people to face war crimes trials so far in Ukraine, in cases involving indiscriminate shelling, wilful killing, sexual violence, robbery, ill-treatment of civilians and attacks on civilian objects. Six have been convicted, according to the prosecutor generals office.

The speed of justice in Ukraine has been unusual. War crimes prosecutions are rarely conducted during an ongoing conflict.

Ukraines top prosecutors have long argued for speedy trials  in part to meet a seething public hunger for justice  even as they work to maintain judicial standards that will satisfy domestic watchdogs and allies in the U.S. and Europe.

The prosecutor general behind this effort, Iryna Venediktova, was dismissed last week along with the former chief of Ukraines SBU security service, Ivan Bakanov, for reportedly not doing enough to tackle collaborators and traitors in their departments. Her replacement is expected to be announced shortly.

Even as the hunt for war crimes perpetrators intensifies, the daunting work of documenting atrocities continues.

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Victims of chaos and carnage in the early weeks of war in Ukraine were buried haphazardly. All those bodies had to be dug up for forensic examination. Kyiv regional police have exhumed 1,346 bodies, but more than 300 people are still missing, according to Nebytov.

Concerning the exhumations, I am sure that we are far from finishing it, he said in an interview Thursday. This week we found a man who was executed with his hands tied behind his back and a hat over his head. The expert says that during the execution the man was on his knees.

More than half of the victims police have found so far were shot dead; 38 of them were children. Kyiv police have found 13 mass graves in the region.

Nebytov said he has documented a litany of horrors: babies shot dead as their families tried to escape in civilian convoys, a man kidnapped as he gathered wood to make a fire and executed, civilians taken in for interrogation by Russian forces whose bodies were found with hands and eyes bound with tape, shot in the knees and shot in the head.

With the intelligence at my disposal, I can say that theres no specific military strategy in sight. It is not a military strategy but rather terror, he said. It is a concentration of evil, violence and cruelty.

Ruslan Kravchenko, chief regional prosecutor in Bucha, which lies just north of Ukraines capitol, told the AP that he has sent over 2,000 cases to Ukraines security services for further investigation and that new cases continue to come in every day  now, mostly for property damage.

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Bucha, once a desirable, leafy town outside Kyiv, has become a symbol of the carnage of the war started by Russia in February. Kravchenko said of the 327 murder victims in Bucha his office has documented, just three were soldiers and one was a policeman.

I have never seen so many bodies, said Kravchenko, who worked in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, and the Donbas, where Russia-backed separatists have been fighting the Ukrainian government since 2014, before moving onto Bucha. I can see only one pattern: Where Russians saw civilians, they shot them immediately without explanation.

Associated Press reporter Oleksandr Stashevskyi and Frontline producer Tom Jennings in Kyiv contributed.
As serial killers go, the Zodiac is pretty run-of-the-mill. His official victim count is seven: three couples and a San Francisco cab driver, all attacked within a one-year period in the late 1960s. Two of those victims, both men, survived. The murders themselves, although shockingly random, werent especially gruesome or freakish, even though one of the survivors described his attacker as wearing an executioners hood.

What made the Zodiac case a perfect rabbit hole, the stuff that obsessions are made of, were his letters and postcards, more than 15 of them, sent to local newspapers. Filled with sinister allusions to additional crimes, taunts aimed at the police, threats made against the public, weird collages, and above all, enigmatic cryptograms and clues, these communications have provided inexhaustible fodder for amateur sleuths and self-styled experts for decades.

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And, of course, Zodiac was never caught. That generated a cottage industry in suspect development that has flourished on the internet and spawned countless feuds among the proponents of scores of different perps. People have argued that everyone from Ted Bundy to Theodore Kaczynski to stray members of the Manson Family were responsible for the crimes. At least three men have presented exhaustive cases accusing their own fathers of being Zodiac, one of which became a bestselling book and documentary miniseries on the FX network. Last year, the Case Breakers, an organization of volunteers with law enforcement, military, forensic, academic, legal and investigative skill sets, claimed to have conclusively identified a previously unnamed suspect as the killer. And earlier this year, writer Jarett Kobek published How to Find Zodiac, an impressively complex and unique attempt to identify the murderer by using the many cultural references in Zodiacs correspondence.

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Kobek argues that, unlike Bundy and most other serial killers, Zodiac did not kill for the sake of killing. Rather, his crimes were the necessary spark Zodiac needed to become famousmore specifically, to be published. Zodiacs letterswhich outnumber his confirmed victims and were mailed through the 1970s, long after he arguably had ceased attacking victimscontained references to comic books, science fiction, and other subcultural preoccupations of the day. Kobek further speculates that anyone who craved media attention as much as Zodiac would not have limited himself to only these attempts to publish. He was likely to have made a habit of writing letters to the editors of various publications. As a matter of fact, Kobek figures, wouldnt someone with those interests and an overpowering itch to see his words in print have leapt into the robust fanzine culture of the time, even produced fanzines of his own? Kobek typed the words fanzines and Vallejo (a Bay Area suburb near where most of Zodiacs crimes occurred and where Kobek assumed the killer lived) into a Google search bar and eventually found a man named Paul Doerr.

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An obscure figure otherwise lost to history, Doerr, who died in 2007, was a madly prolific zine publisher and contributor of letters to other peoples zines, on subjects ranging from Tolkien and hollow earth theories to back-to-the-land projects, free love, paganism, and gun rights. Zine publishers typically sent out their mimeographed issues for free, swapping copies with other publishers and forming amateur publishing associations that bundled up copies of multiple zines to mail out to members. Most published letters, and some zines consisted of little more than letters from readers. Fanzines were the Internet before the Internet, Kobek writes.

What little Kobek can establish about Doerrs life is that he grew up in Pennsylvania, married in 1949, moved to California in the early 60s, worked at the Mare Island Naval Base, and lived with his wife in Fairfield, California, until his death. But the letters, articles, and countless classified ads Doerr published in zines, newspapers, professional magazines, alternative newspapers, trade publications, and such periodicals as American Pigeon Journal stand in extravagant contrast with this banal suburban existence. The Doerr of those writings claims to have sailed a boat from Lake Erie to San Francisco, to have established an off-the-grid homestead where he hoped to be joined by multiple female ex-cons interested in communal living, to have bought another boat that he planned to sail to Mexico after finding suitable female companions for the trip, to have been a member of the Akwesasne tribe, to have built hobbit-style dwellings called smials, to have found a ruby on Mount Shasta, and to have resolved a dispute extrajuridically in such a way that there are fewer people here because of it now. Kobek interprets the last of these as a confession to having committed murder, though to my ear it sounds like self-important bluster.

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How to Find Zodiac is a kind of Venn diagram in which Kobek attributes aspects of Zodiacs crimes or correspondence to certain subcultures, then establishes that Doerr participated in each of those subcultures. The hood Zodiac wore when attacking two college students at a lake in Napa County in 1969 he links to the Renaissance Pleasure Faire held all that month in Marin County and Doerrs involvement with the Society for Creative Anachronism, whose members dress up in medieval garb. In 2013, an amateur Zodiac researcher discovered a 1952 comic book whose cover seems likely to have inspired a Halloween card that Zodiac sent to a reporter. Kobek then finds a notice Doerr published in a fantasy zine seeking to get in touch with comic book collectors. Kobek deems the crosshairs symbol that Zodiac used in his letters to the media to be the emblem of the Minutemen, a right-wing group that urged its members to paint or draw the symbol everywhere possible that it will be seen by the public to intimidate communists. Doerrs name appeared on a list of Minutemen members obtained when authorities arrested the groups founder. Furthermore, a Minutemen bulletin included the formula for an explosive that Zodiac also claimed to have used in a threatened attempt to blow up a school bus.

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What are the odds that a man living in or near Vallejo would be part of the Society for Creative Anachronism and a comic book collector and a member of the Minutemen? What are the odds that the same man would advertise his interest in obtaining a copy of a book that, Kobek discovered, contained the phrase slaves in the afterlife, which Zodiac used in multiple communications? How to Find Zodiac is replete with correspondences like these, none of which seems meaningful on its own but in aggregate seem to conclusively pinpoint Doerr.

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However, skepticism is in order whenever someone says what are the odds? in assessing a Zodiac suspect. The quintessential example of this is the 2020 FX documentary series The Most Dangerous Animal of All, a slow burn with a twist in its tail based on the bestselling book of the same title by Gary Stewart. The first three parts of the series build an impressive-looking case for Stewarts theory that his biological father (whom he never met), Earl Van Best, was Zodiac. There is a remarkable similarity between the handwriting on Van Bests wedding certificate and the Zodiac letters; a scar on Van Bests fingerprint looks just like one on the partial handprint left by Zodiac; Van Best even has a background in code-breaking. Then, in the fourth episode, Stewarts case falls apart. The wedding certificate turns out to have been written by the pastor who performed the ceremony, the scar was on a different finger, and so on. The series concludes with Stewart defiantly sticking to his fathers guilt while his co-author, Susan Mustafaan experienced true crime writer whom Stewart deceived on multiple occasionstalks of her plans to burn a copy of the book they co-wrote.

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Stewart first became convinced that his father was Zodiac while watching a TV documentary about the killer. He was electrified upon seeing the police sketch of Zodiac, a composite based on multiple eyewitness descriptions. The sketch is so iconic that Kobek, who doesnt seem to have any useful images of Doerr, digs up some old photographs taken at an SCA tournament in 1968. In them, he pinpoints a man he judges to be Doerr because hes carrying a camera and has a prominent chin. The man also has a mustache, but presumably Kobek thinks Doerr shaved it off before commencing his crime spree three months later. And the man doesnt wear glasses, either, so I guess Kobek considers those to have been a disguise. He erases the glasses from the Zodiac police sketch, draws on a mustache and voila!yeah, it looks kind of like the guy in the SCA photos. What are the odds?

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The odds are not that low, actually. The Zodiac police sketch, with its crew cut and thick-framed spectacles, is a generic image of 1960s white manhood. It looks like a vast number of middle-class, midlevel professionals of the timean engineer for IBM, perhaps, or an insurance salesman or even a junior exec from Mad Men. My own father looked a lot like that sketch for a certain stretch of the 1960s, a fact that I dont find remotely ominous. My dad wouldnt hurt a fly. But Im not Gary Stewart, whose biological father was a controlling pedophile who seduced his 14-year-old mother and eventually did a stint in a mental hospital. And Im not Dennis Kaufman, another sleuth who became convinced his dad was Zodiac after seeing that police sketch on a TV documentary. Kaufmans stepfather, Jack Tarrance, was an abuser wholike a lot of deeply unpleasant menliked to hint around about his capacity for homicidal violence and refused to deny being Zodiac when confronted. Each mans instantaneous conviction that the sketch depicted his own father says more about the fathers than it does about any mans conclusive resemblance to Zodiac.

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I dont find Kobeks case for Doerr as Zodiac to be convincing. Its an argument rife with confirmation bias and the dubious elision of such details as the Zodiac-brand watch found in possession of the San Francisco Police Departments prime suspect, the face of which prominently features a crosshairs logo. But I still found How to Find Zodiac a fascinating portrait of a certain milieu and the people who populated it, hovering awkwardly between the establishment and the counterculture, attracted to the latter by tawdry fantasies of free love but resentful of political change and any other perceived diminishment of their own status. Doerr was perfectly capable of railing against both the government and flag burners. Guys like him were everywhere, not nearly as rare as Kobek seems to think.

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Speculation about Zodiac suspects, taken all together, amounts to a bestiary of the seemingly countless creepy men of late 60s Northern California. Along the way, How to Find Zodiac unearths a few nonsuspects of the same ilk, like the writer Walter Breen, husband of the prominent fantasy and science fiction novelist Marion Zimmer Bradley, who was well aware of his penchant for molesting young boys and provided him with cover. (Bradley would later be accused of sexually abusing their daughter. Doerr seems to have known both Bradley and Breen.) Kobek views this nasty history as indicative of all the worst things that science fiction people believed about themselves, that they were exceptional and therefore not obliged to abide by the mere conventions that restrained outsiders. And perhaps there was some of that in Doerr as well, although its unclear whether he ever did, or even truly intended to do, any of the sketchy stuff he professed to be involved with. Its one thing to write cranky articles about burning hippies in an Edgar Rice Burroughs fanzine; its something utterly different to walk up to two 16-year-old strangers sitting in a parked car and shoot them to death. Doerr, after all, has no official history of violence.

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And perhaps theres more that caught Kobeks eye in Doerr. How to Find Zodiac is self-published, and its author describes how, in the past, he did an event at the Strand Bookstore in New York City, a dismal affair in support of a work destined for failure. Does he see something of himself in Doerr, a writer forever struggling to be heard? Ill confess to seeing a bit of myselfa criticin Kobek, who offers something a lot like literary criticism as an alternative to forensics: nail down someone with tastes, influences, and interests identical to Zodiacs, and youve got Zodiac. I think thats one reason why the Zodiac case still exerts such an enduring fascination. He got away with his crimes, leaving the world with a sparse collection of cluesan oeuvre of sorts, one we polish and polish until it presents us with a reflection of our communities, our fathers, ourselves.

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Last weeks announcement by a bipartisan group of senators proposing reforms to the poorly written 1887 law that governs Congress counting of the Electoral College votes is a good half-loaf measure against election subversion. This is an opportunity that Democrats should jump at, despite their nervousness, if they have the chance to pass the bill with some Republican support this summer or fall. Any meaningful step that lessens the chances of a stolen presidential election in 2024 or beyond is worth pursuing, and the bill would be a significant step forward. But more will still need to be done.

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The presidential election in the United States is uniquely vulnerable to risk compared to other elections because there are so many more steps that have to happen between the time voters vote and when the winning candidate finally assumes office, and at each step people can potentially act in bad faith and seek to mess with the process. Generally for presidential elections, voters cast ballots in their local areas and votes are tallied locally by election officials; state officials then canvass the votes and in some states a canvassing body pronounces the local and state winners; the governor (or another state official) has to send in the official results to Congress; Congress has procedures contained in an arcane 1887 law, the Electoral Count Act, for how to count those votes in the case of a dispute, and depending on how that vote goes there are different steps for choosing the president. Historically, though, its been pretty straightforward.

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Former President Donald J. Trumps attempts to prevent certification by Congress of the 2020 election results, however, showed the many pressure points for attempting to mess with free and fair elections in the United States. There were protests, intimidation, and false claims of fraud while local election officials were tallying the votes; Trumpists brought pressure on Republican members of local and state canvassing boards whose job it was to state the official vote totals; Trump tried to convince state legislators to send in alternative slates of fake electors to Congress, based upon a weak reading of a provision of the Electoral Count Act that allows legislatures to act in the case of failed elections; Trump tried to pressure Georgias secretary of state to mess with the vote totals, activity that is currently subject to investigation by the Fulton County district attorney; Trump tried to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence, who had ceremonial role under the Electoral Count Act in presiding over Congress counting of the Electoral College votes, to accept the fake slates of electors or throw out legitimate electoral votes from some states that Biden won; Trump worked with Republican senators and members of Congress to raise bogus objections to the counting of Electoral College votes; and Trump encouraged the violence of Jan. 6 to disrupt the counting, by a mob intent on possibly capturing or killing the vice president and congressional leadership. There was even more than that: as we learned from the Jan. 6 hearings, Trump considered ordering the federal government seize voting machines, perhaps to order an illegal election do-over supervised by Trump cronies. Real banana republic stuff.

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So far, Congress has done nothing about the risks of similar or worse activities next time, aside from the Jan. 6 hearings that have been raising awareness and potentially providing evidence for state or federal prosecution of Trump and his allies. Although the House impeached Trump for his post-2020 election activities, the Senate failed to convict him or take any steps under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to find Trump ineligible to run for office for fomenting insurrection.

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Since even before the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, I and many others have called for Congressional, state, and local action to minimize the risks of election subversion in 2024 or beyond. The next time around, of course, the path to stolen elections could look different. In 2020, for example, Trump was pressuring state legislators to send in bogus electors; next time, it could be a Trump-supporting governor (like Trumpist Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano) who would break the rules to help the loser become the winner.

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Ultimately, its pretty clear that one of the main pathways to subvert presidential election results is through manipulation of the byzantine and unclear rules of the Electoral Count Act. Some time before the 2020 election season started, I participated in a private meeting of election law scholars who sat around a Washington, D.C. boardroom seeking common understanding of the acts meaning. Agreement was elusive because much of the language is opaque and contradictory, language which in the hands of people acting in bad faith could provide a pathway to a stolen election.

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The Collins-Manchin Electoral Count Reform Act bill would fix a lot of the ambiguities and contradictions in the act and do much more. It not only would confirm what weve already knownthat a vice president has no unilateral power to accept or reject election results. It would also raise the threshold for senators or representatives to object to valid electoral college votes, eliminate the chance that a state legislature could rely on that failed election language to send in alternative slate of electors, and provide a mechanism for federal judicial review of any action by a rogue governor to send in a fake slate of electors. These are all positive developments. (Matthew Seligman offered more details here at Slate.)

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Some Democrats, such as Democratic election lawyer Marc Elias, and good government reformer Norm Eisen, have expressed concerns about certain provisions of the proposed Electoral Count Reform Act, and whether they would provide new pathways for subversion or limit the potential for judicial review. But as Ned Foley, Matthew Seligman, Derek Muller, and Bob Bauer and Jack Goldsmith have shown, these concerns are based either upon misreadings of what the act actually does, or quibbles with some small amount of unclear language that could be improved upon as the measure makes its way through the legislative process.

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Right now there are nine Republican senators who have co-sponsored the ECRA, just one short of the 10 necessary to overcome a potential Senate filibuster, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has indicated his general support for this kind of reform. It thus has a realistic chance of passing, so long as enough Democrats and Republicans are willing to go along. This opportunity is unlikely to last even if Democrats keep control of the Senate in the fall. Republican Sen. Rob Portman, for example, is a co-sponsor of the legislation and he is retiring from his Ohio seat at the end of his term. If hes replaced by Trumpist candidate J.D. Vance, that will be one fewer senator on board for this urgent reform. And if Democrats lose the House, theres no way that Kevin McCarthy, beholden to Trump for his support, would bring up such a measure.

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In thinking about how to minimize the risk of election subversion, it is best not to think of it as an on-off switch where either we cut off the chances of a stolen election or not. It is better to think of all the incremental steps we can take to put up roadblocks against electoral malfeasance.

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The ECRA is a major step forward to minimize these risks, for the reasons Ive explained. Even though the ECRA does not address the risk of voter suppression, its introduction was welcomed by a coalition of civil rights and voting rights leaders who recognize that election subversion is an urgent priority.

There is obviously much more that should be done. When Sens. Collins and Manchin announced their bipartisan deal, there was a separate piece of proposed legislation that would help protect election workers and adequately fund the federal U.S. Election Assistance Commission, which helps states run fair elections. But there are only 5 Republican co-sponsors of that legislation. These proposals are crucial too, as are proposals to raise the penalties for attempting to submit fraudulent electoral slates or otherwise obstruct official proceedings.

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And theres a key part missing from the ECRA, one that I believe is absolutely crucial to minimize the risk of subversion: every voter should vote on a voting machine that produces a piece of paper that could be recounted by a judge or other neutral counter in the event of a disputed election. We cannot have anyone vote on fully electronic voting machines thatin this era of mistrust and chicaneryrequire people to trust the results of an election announced by computer software and without any paper trail.

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On top of all this, we need legislation on a state and local level to prevent election subversion, such as that which guarantees transparency in vote tabulating by election officials and removes discretion of election officials when they fail to do their jobs as mandated by state law.

The Collins-Manchin bill is both a deal Democrats should grab while they can and not enough to fully insulate our elections from the risk of subversion. The key point, though, is that Collins-Manchin is far better than the status quo. It could help diffuse what professor Rick Pildes has termed an Electoral Count Act loaded weapon that may be deployed in 2024. Theres good reason to remove one potent weapon from the election subversion arsenal.
Lisa, a 30-year-old mom living in Chicago, has seen the warnings.

Monkeypox spreads through contaminated clothes, the virus lives on surfaces for months, and it might even be airborne. Monkeypox will become established in the pediatric and general population and will transmit through daycares and schools, a prominent doctor on Twitter declares.

Is it risky, Lisa wonders, to shop at the grocery store? Can she keep her child, born during the first year of the COVID pandemic, safe? Will she have to go back to living like she did in 2020?

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I had finally gotten to the point with COVID where I was starting to relax, she said (Lisa requested to go by her first name only). But when I heard about monkeypox, it was like a huge pit in my stomach. I open Twitter and see people telling me you need a full PPE suit to go outside. I cant take living in fear for another two years, and I want to let my child live a normal life. Shes trying to be rational about the newly-spreading virus, but its difficult. I worry about monkeypox, then I dont, then I do again, because the messaging has been pretty inconsistent, she explains.

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The message that anyone can get monkeypox, widely disseminated by public health officials and the media, is not incorrect, but it is misleading. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists direct contact with monkeypox sores, respiratory secretions during face-to-face contact, sex, cuddling, and touching contaminated items as potential transmission routesbut theyre not all equally risky. The raging social media debate about whether monkeypox can be considered a sexually transmitted infection misses the point: Right now, it is primarily spreading during sex and, like most STIs, it can be transmitted other ways as well.

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While anyone could potentially catch the virus through close physical contact, the vast majority of people getting it now are gay and bisexual men, according to CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. In a recent study of more than 500 cases in 16 countries, 98 percent were among men who have sex with men, and sexual contact was identified as the likely transmission route in 95 percent of cases.

So far, there have been a relatively small number of cases outside of this group: health officials have reported around 100 monkeypox cases among women worldwideabout 1 percent of the global total. Last week the CDC announced the first two cases in children in the United States, both attributed to household contact. A slow start to testing efforts left some experts worried that monkeypox could be spreading undetected among women and kids. But as testing capacity has expanded and more women have gotten tested, few are turning up positivejust eight out of 2,891 cases in the United States, according to the CDCs latest tally.

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The mixed messaging has left the public understandably confused. Women have gone viral on social media describing their frustration at being unable to get tested when they developed telltale sores, but many more common conditions, including herpes, staph infection, and acne can look like monkeypox. (Slate attempted to speak with women who tested positive but was unable to find any.)

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The last thing I wanted to see was another disease outbreak just as things were starting to feel a bit more normal, says Zie Gosset, 25, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, who has been watching all of this play out on her phone screen. When monkeypox came around in mid-May, it brought up a lot of unresolved trauma and anxiety from the early months of 2020. Would I be at risk? Would I end up at home for nearly a month with a painful rash? It didnt help her anxiety to see social media pundits with hundreds of thousands of followers state with certainly that monkeypox was going to rip through schools and businesses and rapidly infect everyone.

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COVID taught us the perils of making predictions about a new epidemic, but many experts do not foresee an explosion of cases outside gay mens sexual networks. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, for example, considers the likelihood of monkeypox spreading further among networks of people with multiple sex partners to be high, but the chances of it spreading among the broader population to be very low.

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We are likely to see more limited types of spread in other groups in newly affected countries with occasional cases in household contacts of infected persons or even transmission from animals, Dr. Boghuma K. Titanji, an assistant professor of medicine at Emory University, told Slate. But its hard to imagine that this will take off in other groups leading to large-scale outbreaks like what we are seeing in men who have sex with men.

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This is consistent with our understanding of monkeypox prior to the current outbreak. Historically, the disease has not been considered easy to transmit from person to person. Extensive outbreaks have never been reported in Central and West Africa, where the virus is endemic. During a 2003 outbreak in the Midwest, nearly 50 people caught monkeypox from pet prairie dogs, yet there were no known cases of human-to-human transmission.

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While the virus itself does not appear to have become more transmissible, gay mens sexual networks provided a favorable niche for explosive spread. While theres always an element of chance with infectious diseases, monkeypox didnt just happen to break out in this setting, and sex appears to be driving transmission. Monkeypox could potentially spread in settings where heterosexuals have a lot of sexlike college campusesbut the number and overlap of sex partners (what researchers call concurrency) makes a big difference in risk level.

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I feel that we can learn important lessons from HIV and sexually transmitted infections that most people either dont know about or dont want to talk about, said Dr. Muge Cevik, a clinical lecturer in infectious diseases and medical virology at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Its the combination of networks and contact patterns, exposure routes and biology, that results in monkeypox disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men. Even if we see cases in [other] groups, there will not be as much risk for onward transmission and a broader epidemic.

Some experts think a more pressing concern than a general population outbreak is the prospect that monkeypox could become a permanent menace for gay and bisexual men.

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Based on what we know now, its very likely that monkeypox will become entrenched in the United Stated as a sexually transmitted infection. This virus reinforces why sexual health services are critical, said Dr. Jay Varma, a professor of population health sciences at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Still, whats the harm in applying the precautionary principle? One effect is stoking unnecessary fear, which could lead to negative social and political consequences such as school closures. And suggesting that people can catch monkeypox via casual contact could make them afraid to be around gay men, as we saw during the early years of the AIDS epidemic.

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Health officials dont want to perpetuate stigma, which I completely agree with, said Lisa. But I can imagine that there are people out there who dont want to be within ten feet of a gay person now. If you follow the wrong people, you could come to that conclusion.

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In reality, Lisa should avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people with monkeypoxsitting on the same subway seat or brushing past someone on the sidewalk arent risky. She should also be cautious about prolonged close contact with someone who is positive, such as living in the same household or being a caregiver. Gay men and others at high risk can keep themselves safe by getting vaccinated, but experts dont recommend it for the population at large.

Experts do want everyone to be aware of how monkeypox is transmitted and want providers to know what symptoms to look for. The sores can be excruciatingly painful, but the risk of death is very low (none so far in the current outbreak). Monkeypox is nothing to take lightly, but for most people, it doesnt have to upend their lives.

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As researchers and clinicians, we should provide scientifically accurate information to the public so that they can make informed decisions, Cevik told Slate. I dont think giving false or misleading information is harmlessin fact, its unethical.

In addition to allaying the unwarranted fears of people like Lisa and Zie, an accurate understanding of relative risk is necessary for controlling the outbreak. Directing limited resources like testing and vaccines to the people who need them mostin this case gay and bisexual menis the best way to prevent needless suffering. Its also the best way to contain the outbreak and protect everyone else too.
Slovakia began to extend the validity of expired vehicle inspections during the coronavirus outbreak.

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Drivers in Slovakia will have to start getting their cars checked again after the summer.

The three month automatic extension to the validity of periodic regular technical inspection and emissions testing will end on August 31 of this year following a recent legislative change to Slovak law on road traffic.

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Under normal circumstances, cars in Slovakia have to be checked every two years. If a car is registered in Slovakia for the first time, the technical inspection and the emissions test have to be carried out four years after registration.

The extension was introduced due to the pandemic emergency in 2020.

Extension is invalid abroad

If a driver is thus obliged to have their car - registered in Slovakia - checked before the end of the summer, the three-month extension will continue to apply to their cars. However, if the validity of their last technical vehicle inspection or emissions test expires on September 1 or later, drivers cannot rely on the extension anymore.

Periodic technical inspections postponed by the pandemic will have to be carried out by the end of November.

In the current holiday season, I want to warn drivers that the extension of the validity of the inspections by three months only applies to Slovakia, Transport Minister Andrej Dolezal (Sme Rodina nom.) said.

Abroad, drivers may face a fine if the validity of mandatory inspections of their vehicle have expired. This is because the postponement of periodic checks enabled by Slovak pandemic legislation known as lex corona has never been accepted in other EU countries.

EU to update rules next year

Slovakia did not sign any bilateral agreements with other countries to accept the extended validity of already expired checks, nor did it adopt an EU regulation from February 2021 in its entirety. The regulation introduced temporary transport-related measures in light of the pandemic, like the postponement of certain certificates and periodic inspections. Slovakia, for example, opted out in the case of postponed vehicle inspection since it included a similar measure in its lex corona, albeit applicable only to the territory of Slovakia.

Under EU law, periodic inspections are mandatory and on-the-spot roadside checks can also be carried out across the EU.

The European Commission is reviewing current roadworthiness rules, which were adopted in 2014, as vehicles have become technically more complex over the years.

Ukraine-registered cars

Recent updates to Slovak law on road traffic also claim that vehicles registered in Ukraine can undergo technical and emission car inspection at specialised Slovak centres (STK) from August 1. This will be possible during the emergency that was declared in relation to the influx of refugees.

The Testek company, which provides information on vehicle inspection in Slovakia, has published a document for Ukrainians in Slovakia with more details.
Sme Rodina, a coalition party, prefers an early election to a minority government.

PM Eduard Heger after a meeting with President Zuzana Caputova on July 22, 2022, in Bratislava. (Source: TASR - Jaroslav Novak)

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Prime Minister Eduard Heger has reiterated that his priority is to walk out of the coalition crisis without losing any of the four coalition parties.

He has not ruled out the scenario that would involve a minority government, though.
Crossing guard Bill Sullivan ushers students from school at the intersection of 56th Street and South St. Louis Avenue on the Southwest Side on June 8. Sullivan He said CPS was unable to find a substitute for him when he took personal days off. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)

With less than a month until school starts, Chicago Public Schools is looking to fill some 75 crossing guard vacancies around the city  about 10% of the unit entrusted with shepherding kids safely to school.

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This is only the second summer CPS has been in charge of this task. Chicagos crossing guards were managed by the Chicago Police Department for decades, then by the city Office of Emergency Management and Communications from 2016 until CPS took the reins in January 2021. The district said the move was part of an effort to consolidate student safety supports under one umbrella.

Safety and Security Chief Jadine Chou said CPS welcomed its new responsibilities, as it has benefited schools and crossing guards. The district uses its relationships with Local School Councils, parents, elected officials and community groups to recruit for specific corners, Chou said, and the crossing guards are eligible to receive CPS benefits and to work in schools between their brief morning and afternoon shifts.

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Still, some say coverage problems have persisted through the shift in oversight from OEMC to CPS. Even more, this transfer of power may offer a glimpse into how the district and the city separate their operations as Chicago moves toward an elected school board. An independent review of the districts finances and entanglements with the city is due by Oct. 31.

Its not about who owns what, Chou said, as much as it is making sure that were all in partnership and making sure that there is role clarity as well as synergy on mission.

Closing that vacancy gap

Long before CPS took control of the crossing guard unit, the police department and the city struggled to fill vacancies at intersections.

City police seeking gal crossing guards for duty in the fall was the headline of a July 1973 Chicago Tribune story. Interested applicants had to pass a crossing guard exam administered by the Civil Service Commission. Hourly pay ranged from $2.97 to $3.98, and the police department provided a $150 yearly allowance for uniforms.

Cory Williams applies for a crossing guard position at a CPS job fair on July 20 at Olive Harvey College. CPS was looking to fill some 75 crossing guard vacancies. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

The police were in charge until it was revealed in the 2016 city budget that about 900 crossing guard positions would move to OEMC. The transition was said to free up sworn police officers from having to backfill crossing guard vacancies that arose throughout the school year.

Some crossing guards balked at the change, expressing concern about losing their fixed work schedules and their police badge and patch. The uniform helps deter troublemaking, guards said at the time.

Chou said uniform adjustments were one of the first things CPS tackled when it took control of the unit while students were still learning from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guards used to be with CPD, so a lot of them still wear the CPD-like uniform. These uniforms have to be dry cleaned, and theyre kind of stiff. Theyre polyester, kind of warm on a day like today, Chou said. We got some feedback from many people (saying), Wed like to consider something maybe a little bit more modern.

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Chou said the new outfit is a polo shirt and khakis, but some guards still wanted to keep the longtime uniform. CPS said thats fine, but all guards have to wear their district ID and high-visibility vest.

Chou said CPS also changed the way guards are assigned, to promote stability. New hires are recruited for specific intersections. Longtime workers can bid for a vacant post in July  ahead of the new school year, with priority given to seniority  or they can stay put. If a plum vacancy emerges during the school year, a guard is not allowed to swap his or her post for that one.

Consistency is key to these positions, Chou said, so relationships can be forged with students, parents and school employees. Chou gave an example of a guard she said stopped a child abduction in the spring by summoning the child after observing suspicious behavior. The guard was able to note information about the persons car as well, Chou said, and the district plans to honor the guard soon.

Stacia Scott  executive vice president of SEIU Local 73, which represents the CPS crossing guards  said they are integral to the school community and keeping kids safe. So when we dont have those positions filled, it does create a greater risk.

CPS said there were around 135 vacancies in the 723-position unit when the district took over last year, which Chou blamed on normal attrition and not the transition to CPS oversight. There were 76 vacancies as of July 12, according to CPS. Hourly pay starts at $15.46.

District figures show CPS budgeted no crossing guard positions for the fiscal year that began in July 2020, and ended that year in June 2021 with 740 positions. CPS said it received tax increment financing surplus funds to cover the $5.2 million cost of the guards for the first six months of the changeover.

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The district allocated $16.6 million for the crossing guard program and its 739 positions for the coming school year.

Crossing guards no longer have to take a civil service exam, but they are required to undergo a background check and meet other CPS hiring criteria. Chou said vacancies are often concentrated on the North, West and Northwest sides and not on the South Side.

I have no causation for that, Chou said. But I do know that we are closing that vacancy gap.

This would be welcome news at schools that have struggled to staff corners, such as William C. Goudy Technology Academy in Uptown. Local School Council member Nick Ward said Goudy administrators performed crossing guard duties some mornings during the last school year until the position was filled.

We noticed in the fall that the lack of crossing guards was a major issue. Compounded with that is theres been redevelopment of the Red Line up here, a Red-Purple Line modernization project, which has just made traffic a little challenging in certain locations, said Ward, who plans a run for 48th Ward alderman.

Chou said she wants to work with the Chicago Department of Transportation to study potential improvements to hazardous corners that could include better signage, traffic light changes and more prominent street markings.

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Child pedestrian fatalities have been top of mind this summer with the June deaths of 2-year-old Raphael Rafi Cardenas, who was riding a mini-scooter across a Lincoln Square street; and 11-year-old Jalon James, who was crossing a Lawndale street. Neither were leaving or going to school buildings when drivers struck them.

Chou said crossing guards can contact her safety and security team with concerns about their intersection, and the team works with CDOT to fix any issues.

I would like to be even more proactive than that, Chou said. Before waiting for a crossing guard to make that overture, to reach out to us, I would like to really do some studies with CDOT to understand, where do we have traffic concerns? I know they do these studies, but how do we really converge our efforts?

No ones covering your post

Bill Sullivan said he became a crossing guard in November after semi-retiring from his work as a nonprofit manager. He was stationed at the corner of 56th Street and St. Louis Avenue and expects to return to that Southwest Side post in the fall. He raised concerns to the Tribune about CPS oversight of the program, saying the district was unable to find a substitute for him when he took his eight personal days over the last year.

You know that anytime you take time off, you feel guilty that no ones covering your post, Sullivan said.

He said he has not met his supervisor in person  but he has encountered other supervisors while undergoing training. Most supervision is done over email, Sullivan said. There were 18 supervisors assigned to the crossing guard program in 2020 when it was managed by OEMC, though these supervisors held responsibilities beyond program oversight, according to CPS. Under the district, there are four crossing guard supervisors and a program manager.

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Thats part of the change. For better or for worse, weve gotten our crossing guards into technology solutions, Chou said, adding that crossing guards can meet with their supervisor on a video conferencing platform if necessary.

If the feedback comes from our crossing guards that we need an adjustment to our structure, we obviously want to hear that, and well take that into account. I think my main thing is, are people doing OK? Are people doing what they need to be doing? Chou said. Weve only been in this a little over a year  not very long  and every day were working to make it better.

Crossing guard information on a table at a CPS job fair July 20 at Olive-Harvey College. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

CPS crossing guards also support private schools. Matthew Walter, chief operating officer for Catholic Schools, said the Archdiocese of Chicago maintains a closer relationship with CPS than it did with OEMC.

I think one of the things that CPS has done fairly well is theyll keep us in the loop if there is a challenge that theyre having in staffing a position at a location, said Walter, a former CPS budget director. We were largely at the Archdiocesan-level unaware of those (challenges) prior to this, so they do keep us in the loop a little bit more. But other than that, I havent really noticed much difference.

The transfer of control of the crossing guard unit was raised at the May Chicago Board of Education meeting by board member Elizabeth Todd-Breland, who was appointed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot in 2019. The board was discussing contributing more than usual to the Municipal Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago.

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Before 2020, the city assumed the entirety of the payment made on behalf of CPS nonteaching employees to the municipal fund. The district reimbursed the city $60 million the first two years and $100 million in the fiscal year that just ended June 30.

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After much discussion, the board recently approved a payment of $175 million for the coming school year, which the district said represents 66% of the city contribution requirement for CPS employees.

In our time on this board, the city of Chicago has shifted over as new expenses to CPS, school resource officers, crossing guards, Safe Passage and (the municipal employees benefits fund). Now, I dont dispute that these are things being used in our schools. The problem is, you give us new expenses, and we have no ability to get new revenue for it, Todd-Breland said at the May meeting.

The city is creating a structural deficit or exacerbating our own structural deficit at CPS by shifting expenses to CPS without a (memorandum of understanding) or something in writing about how this will be paid for because, you know, the COVID money is accounted for.

CPS is on track to spend about $2.8 billion in federal COVID-19 relief money over six fiscal years, ending in the fall of 2024. The district has said this money has been allocated to help students recover from the pandemic.

The Illinois State Board of Education has until July 2023 to review the Chicago Board of Education financial report and make recommendations to the General Assembly on the boards ability to operate with the financial resources available to it. The first wave of elected school board members are slated to be seated in 2025.

tswartz@tribpub.com
A Moore swab containing a tampon just before it's lowered into a Northwest Side sewer to test wastewater for the presence of COVID-19 and variants on July 21, 2022. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)

On a sunny Thursday morning, at the mostly quiet intersection of Clifton Avenue and Broadway, Evan Berkowitz and John Leavell pulled a small steel cage the size of a coffee cup from a sewer with the mastery of someone who has done this a thousand times.

Inside the cage: a tampon, bloated and sodden with wastewater.

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Beyond covering menstrual needs, tampons have been famously used to stop nosebleeds and dress emergency wounds. Now, they are being used to test sewage for COVID-19.

I was just like, You really use tampons? said Laura Clements, senior project manager at the University of Illinois Discovery Partners Institute. Its just crazy to me, but its true.

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And the results are reliable: As new coronavirus variants dominate COVID-19 cases in Chicago, researchers said they were able to detect the presence of the omicron BA.2 subvariant two weeks before it showed up in an individual clinical COVID-19 test.

Clements is part of a DPI team working with both the city and state departments of public health to test wastewater in order to monitor COVID-19 cases in the state. Though this type of community testing has been used across the country to detect COVID-19 since late 2020, scientists have only recently turned to using tampons as Moore swabs.

Evan Berkowitz, right, from Infrastructure Engineering, and John Leavell, from Current Water, lower a Moore swab containing a tampon into a Northwest Side sewer to test wastewater for the presence of COVID-19 and variants on July 21, 2022. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)

John Leavell recovers a Moore swab containing a tampon from an Uptown sewer to test wastewater for the presence of COVID-19. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)

Leavell and Berkowitz, contractors from Current Water and Infrastructure Engineering Inc., have been picking up the samples on the North and South Sides of the city four days a week every week since December. Researchers select locations to test based on COVID-19 vulnerability as well as on a lack of clinical testing availability, and to have good, citywide representation, said Rachel Poretsky, an associate professor of biological sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

With the help of three traffic cones and bright yellow vests, the men brave the passing cars to lower a tampon 20 feet down into a sewer through a maintenance hole. They leave it there for two to five days, researchers explained, in the murk and yuck, where the tampon literally absorbs days worth of data.

When they return, they replace the sample with a fresh tampon and take it to a UIC microbiology lab  where the sample is tested for the coronavirus  and to Argonne National Laboratory for genetic sequencing to figure out what variants of the virus are present. Samples are collected twice weekly.

Tampons are not only an accessible and cheap alternative, but they are also easier to use than an auto-sampler, the equipment normally used in wastewater treatment plants, Clements said. An auto-sampler takes small, periodic samples for analysis.

Leavell and Berkowitz said its much easier to sample the wastewater with tampons.

Its more straightforward, Leavell added.

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Ive heard from people who use auto-samplers in the field, you pretty much have to be like a powerlifter to even pull it out of the sewer to get the sample while youre sitting in the middle of traffic, Clements said.

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And thats assuming the auto-samplers battery didnt die and the wastewater didnt freeze as it was being pumped out during the cold Chicago winters.

But the tampons initially presented a challenge. They could be easily flushed away by waste in the sewer pipes if they had nothing to safeguard them. So Charlie Catlett, a recently retired research scientist at DPI, came up with a solution.

Charlie, basically, is the kind of person who just makes stuff just for fun, and not even for fun  out of necessity  but he just went into his garage and started tinkering, Clements said.

The result: the small, coffee cup-sized steel cage that can be lowered down the maintenance holes and that protects the tampons from floating away. Because you cant just dangle a tampon in the sewer, Poretsky said. The baskets, she added, are kind of unique.

We really switched to full-time employing (the tampons) in the city sewers this winter, Poretsky said. And that was because we had to design the cages and design the system, but it turned out to be a sort of godsend to the contractors that we use to sample. The tampon-in-a-basket system is that much faster too.

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Clements said scientists have used tampons in the past to detect the presence of other diseases such as cholera. They might even be used to collect wastewater samples to be tested for monkeypox, a new virus spreading across the United States and in Chicago.

An earlier version of this story did not include that the University of Illinois Discovery Partners Institute works with the Chicago Department of Public Health to test wastewater to monitor COVID-19 cases in the state.
Back in March, a high-ranking Cook County prosecutor sent an email that by her own admission was desperate.

A jury trial was scheduled to start soon in traffic court. But there werent enough staffers to handle both the trial and the regular traffic cases at the same time. So the deputy chief of the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau sent out a call for volunteers: Could any prosecutors come help with the grunt work for a week?

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I would not be asking this if it wasnt such a desperate situation, she wrote.

A few months later, on a Monday morning in July, a murder trial was scheduled to finally start after seven years of pretrial delays. But, the judge announced from the bench, the lead prosecutor on the case had recently resigned. Another assistant states attorney had to take over and start from scratch, so the trial would be delayed almost another three months at least.

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The Cook County states attorneys office has seen significant attrition and turnover in the COVID era, leaving courtrooms understaffed at the same time prosecutors dealt with a case backlog and a series of violent summers.

Were so short of attorneys, theres twice as much work with no help, one longtime prosecutor not authorized to speak publicly told the Tribune. And really, youre setting people up for failure. Anything can blow up in your face. The expectations are not manageable.

States Attorney Kim Foxx told officials at a county board committee hearing last week that 235 people including attorneys had resigned from her office just since July of last year. The year before the pandemic began, that figure was 130.

The churn in the office since COVID-19 took hold has been enormous, office sources said. Roughly one-third of assistant states attorney, or ASA, spots have been vacated and refilled from January 2020 to June of this year, according to official figures. In approximately that same time period the office made 280 legal hires, but even with that triple-digit number, staffing is still not quite back up to its pre-pandemic level of 770 ASAs.

The attrition has been apparent up and down the chain of command, the sources said, with some newer attorneys leaving after very short periods with the office as well as some prominent departures at senior levels. Meanwhile, morale for many remaining staffers has cratered, during a period for the office that has been undeniably turbulent.

I am not dismissing any of the very real concerns and stressors that my assistants are feeling right now, Foxx told the Tribune. Its real. I am trying as best I can with the resources that I have to address that. The reality is, this pandemic has been extraordinarily difficult in maintaining staffing in an already stressed environment, which has an impact on morale. ... I have applauded the fact that (ASAs) have been working through this backlog, but that requires a lot of work. The success of getting through the backlog comes at a price.

Foxx said her office is working exceptionally hard to bring in new people. Just shy of 50 newcomers are slated to begin with the office next month as bar-takers whose permanent hiring as ASAs is contingent on their passing the bar exam. Their presence on the lower rungs of the office should allow more experienced ASAs to fill in gaps farther up the chain, Foxx said.

Foxxs office noted that the great resignation has affected workplaces all over the country. Prosecutors offices in New York and Baltimore have recently seen an exodus of staff, according to news reports in those cities. Closer to home, the city of Chicagos Law Department has recently seen significant attrition, creating a bottleneck in police firing cases, according to WBEZ-91.5 FM. And Sheriff Tom Dart said Tuesday that his offices retention numbers are stark, with 200 vacancies for correctional officers alone.

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Meanwhile, the Cook County public defenders office has seen a much smaller decline, and significantly less turnover, according to numbers released by the office. In February 2020 the office had 420 rank-and-file assistant public defenders; as of this month there are 416. And the office has hired 40 new attorneys since the beginning of 2020, indicating significantly less turnover than their counterparts in the states attorneys office.

However, at last weeks budget hearing, Public Defender Sharone Mitchell Jr. told committee members the office has about 109 vacant positions, and they intend to have 60% of those filled by the end of the fiscal year.

The Tribune interviewed several longtime prosecutors who wished to remain anonymous because they were not authorized to speak to the press. When asked about staffing problems, they used words like hemorrhaging, unheard of and dumpster fire.

The office has been conducting exit interviews with recent departures, Foxx said, in an effort to determine why people are leaving.

Of the 31 people who sat for a voluntary exit interview from September to November 2020 and July 2021 to April 2022, about 60% had been with the office for just one to five years. Of those who disclosed that they were leaving for a new position, about half were going to the private sector.

The reasons for departure often split along demographic lines, Foxx said, with Black women sometimes saying they dont feel like they were adapted into the culture of the office, Foxx said. And retaining Black men has been a longstanding problem that the office is trying to understand more fully, Foxx said.

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What I can tell you unequivocally is we are working on making sure that the culture in our office is inclusive, because that is a persistent theme that I am hearing, she said.

Some staffers who spoke to the Tribune also said they felt a lack of support from the downtown executive-level staff during the chaotic COVID era. Others pointed to continued resentment over the Jussie Smollett case and the way the bosses handled the public uproar over a bond proffer related to the police shooting of 13-year-old Adam Toledo last year.

And some sources said that the unexpected resignation of Natosha Toller, the widely respected head of the Criminal Prosecutions Bureau, was something of a tipping point for morale.

Sometimes a departure is simply about salary, Foxx said  an attorney can potentially make much more money with a lighter caseload as a private attorney. Law firms have ramped up their efforts to recruit ASAs recently, multiple sources told the Tribune.

A felony courtroom is considered fully staffed with three prosecutors: so-called first-chair, second-chair and third-chair attorneys. In September, two felony courtrooms at the Leighton Criminal Court Building instead had two prosecutors. By April, that number had grown to six courtrooms, according to staff rosters obtained by the Tribune.

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For months, supervisors at Leighton have been opening cases, slang for the basic preliminary work that lower-level courtroom prosecutors perform, like getting paperwork in order.

And the courts are still recovering from COVID shutdowns that hit pause on nearly all cases.

You now have first-chair ASAs who have no time to prepare for murders because they have so many that need to be set (for trial) because theyve been pending forever, one prosecutor said. Even if youre an experienced ASA, youre going to get burned out if you just do trial after trial after trial. When do you get to look at the chessboard?  Opportunities to build a stronger case are going to fall by the wayside.

Numbers in the felony review unit, whose prosecutors consider casework brought to them by police and decide whether charges are warranted, have also been dwindling. A team of felony review ASAs is in good shape with six or seven people, not counting the trial supervisors who review murder cases, one source said. But as of earlier this month, most teams were down to four, according to documents obtained by the Tribune.

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A spokesperson for the office said they anticipate all Leighton courtrooms will be back to three attorneys by mid-August, and felony review will get additional staff as well. Applications from people interested in becoming ASAs have not dipped, even in an extremely competitive legal job market.

Even in areas of the office that have not particularly dramatic drops in staffing, the slow drip of attrition has been difficult.

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This drain, its been slow but it builds up and it gets worse and worse and worse, one veteran prosecutor said, noting that the quality of the work inevitably suffers when attorneys are overloaded. ... The more people we drain, it puts extra weight on everybody else, it just makes the working environment harder.  Its nobodys fault whos in the trenches, but thats when mistakes are made.

The departures of veteran prosecutors and midlevel management has led to concerns about brain drain. When older attorneys leave, newer attorneys dont get the benefit of their on-the-job guidance. And beyond that, multiple rank-and-file prosecutors told the Tribune they were concerned that some less-experienced attorneys, through no fault of their own, are being promoted to fill positions they are not yet fully qualified for  an assertion that a spokesperson for the office pushed back against, saying in a statement that we would never put ASAs in a position without giving them the training they need.

We have a robust training for new ASAs that includes mentorships and formal trainings. Movement has always happened within the office and it may be faster than in the past, but it is inaccurate to say that they are not ready to move up, the statement read.

Meanwhile, prosecutors are attending what seems like an endless string of going-away parties. The mood at the gatherings is mostly somber, one told the Tribune.

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Youre happy for your colleague that theyre quote-unquote getting out, but youre sad as (expletive), because youre like, Well, Im not only losing a friend and a highly qualified ASA, thats (also) just going to be more work for me.

Tribune reporter A.D. Quig contributed.

mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com
Pedro Flores, a Chicago drug trafficker who along with his twin brother helped federal authorities build a case against Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, testified Monday that he was promised his wife and other family members would not be prosecuted for any drug-related activities.

Flores unusual testimony came in the money laundering case against his wife, Vivianna Lopez, and his sister-in-law, Valerie Gaytan, who are accused of hiding millions of dollars of their husbands drug proceeds from investigators and spending it on lavish trips, private school tuition and other living expenses.

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Testifying via a video link, Flores said the lead prosecutor handling his case, then-Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Shakeshaft, promised him his family would get a pass at their first in-person meeting in Monterrey, Mexico, in 2008.

When U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly asked Flores if the promise by Shakeshaft was ever repeated, Flores answered, Yes, multiple times throughout my cooperation.

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Flores acknowledged, however, that the promise of immunity was never put in writing and that there was no mention of it in the plea agreement he and his brother, Margarito Flores Jr., signed in secret in 2012.

Your honor, at that time I believed all those things already  in my understanding all those things had been taken care of, Flores, who remains in hiding after serving a 14-year sentence for drug trafficking, said in a soft voice. I thought my family was good.

Shakeshaft had been expected to testify about those negotiations, but he died last week at age 55 after years of health issues.

Flores testimony comes nearly four years after he last appeared in court, testifying in the landmark criminal case against El Chapo himself in federal court in New York.

Later Monday, Gaytan herself testified on her own behalf  a rare occurrence for a criminal defendant in a pretrial hearing. Gaytan said she was the one who flew to Chicago in April 2008 to tell the familys criminal defense lawyer that the Flores twins were considering cooperating against the cartel. She said the brothers were adamant that any deal include immunity for the rest of the family.

Gaytan said that during interviews at the U.S. attorneys office in Chicago in 2011, when she was purportedly helping investigators recover the assets of the twins trafficking operation, she asked Shakeshaft about a proffer letter shed received saying immunity was only a distinct possibility.

That was alarming to me, Gaytan said. I felt like I was being misled. ... (Shakeshaft) said that letter is just a formality that not to worry and that I would not be charged.

On cross-examination, Gaytan admitted that she never told federal investigators that shed collected and hidden millions of dollars in drug proceeds from the twins network of couriers during return trips to Chicago beginning in 2004. Gaytan said she was under the impression that the government knew about the money because it was reflected in drug ledgers found on the familys computers.

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Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Erskine also asked Gaytan why she gave millions in drug money to the twins older brother, Armando, who buried it under his porch in Texas for safe keeping, instead of just putting it in the bank.

Gaytan said it was for safety reasons given the twins cooperation against the notoriously violent cartels.

We are not in witness protection, she said. Me and my family are scared. we are in harms way every day.

Gaytans testimony is expected to continue Tuesday.

By agreeing to answer questions under oath, both Flores and Gaytan have potentially exposed themselves to a variety of legal pitfalls.

As part of their plea deal, the brothers agreed to forfeit about $4 million that their wives and older brother had collected from an associate in Washington, D.C. But that deal called for only $300,000 to be provided to their wives for living expenses of while they were in prison.

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Flores admitted Monday that his wife and other family members had secretly accessed far more drug proceeds than they told the government about.

On cross examination, Assistant U.S. Attorney Erika Csicsila asked Flores if he understood that the government cant immunize someone for something they dont know about.

Im not sure maam. Im not an attorney, Flores responded.

Gaytan, 47, and Lopez, 42, were indicted in U.S. District Court in Chicago last year on money laundering charges alleging theyd hidden millions of their husbands drug proceeds from the government over a 12-year period.

The indictment alleged the cash, much of it still in small denominations, was hauled across the border in rental trucks, secretly recouped from the twins associates in the U.S., hidden in trap compartments in vehicles and stash houses, and buried under their older brothers home near Austin, Texas.

According to the indictment, Gaytan and Lopez and a network of relatives later conspired to launder the money through currency exchanges, credit cards, money orders, gift cards and the U.S. mail.

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They allegedly used the money to fund at least a sliver of the lifestyle theyd grown accustomed to when their husbands were on the top of the cartel heap, spending more than $165,000 on private school tuition for their children, $100,000 in international and domestic travel, $80,000 for Lopezs rent and $11,000 in child support.

Lopez also allegedly sent $5,000 of the laundered money to her husband in prison and spent another $31,000 on a laundry business she opened in Arizona after the family went into hiding, according to the indictment.

So far, two members of the alleged conspiracy have pleaded guilty: Armando Flores, 53, of Round Rock, Texas, who helped them break into the drug business three decades ago; and Bianca Finnigan, 33, of Sycamore, Illinois, who is Lopezs sister.

Lopezs aunt, Laura Lopez, 59, has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

The wives claim of immunity has been hotly contested by prosecutors, and the bid to dismiss the charges is widely regarded as a legal long shot. Still, Kennelly it holding the evidentiary hearing to try to get to the bottom of what  if any  promises were made.

Also testifying Monday was former Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Fels, who questioned Pedro Flores during Guzmans trial in 2018.

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In his direct testimony on Dec. 18, 2018, Flores acknowledged that hed told investigators about the role his immediate family played in collecting drug debts, but when asked whether his wife was ever charged, he answered, No, she was given immunity, according to court records.

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Later, on cross-examination, Pedro Flores was asked by Guzmans attorney whether Vivianna received prosecutorial immunity despite her alleged involvement in hiding drug proceeds.

Your wife never got charged with it, did she? the defense attorney asked. Flores answered, No. She received immunity.

Fels said Monday that he didnt think Flores testimony raised any sort of issues because Flores was just giving his interpretation of his wifes legal situation, even if it was not the whole picture.

Kennelly, however, pressed Fels later, noting the difference between not charging someone and immunity, saying Flores understanding of this appeared to not be proper.

That is correct, but you are dealing with a layperson, Fels said. It just did not raise any red flags at the time.

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asweeney@chicagotribune.com
New Jersey State Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer, a 20-year veteran legislator and son of harness racing Hall of Famer Stanley Dancer, passed away on Saturday, July 23 at the age of 73 after a long illness.

Dancer, who grew up in one of the countrys most significant harness racing families, was a trainer and driver of Standardbred horses for 30 years, following in the footsteps of his world-renowned father, in New Egypt, New Jersey, home of their famous Egyptian Acres Farm. One year when his father was seriously injured in a racing accident, Ron took on more driving duties, becoming the top driver at Liberty Bell Park in Philadelphia for that season.

He went into public service, elected as mayor of Plumsted Township, serving from 1990 to 2011, and the Townships Planning Board from 1983 to 2019. He went on to become a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, appointed to an unexpired term and then re-elected 10 times.

Previously, he served as a member of the New Jersey Racing Commission and the New Jersey Sire Stakes Board of Trustees and as a vice president and a director of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association. His mother Rachel Dancer was the owner or co-owner of many of the champion Standardbred horses trained by his father.

Dancers legislative career focused on agriculture, horse racing, veterans affairs and tourism. The Republican lawmaker represented Assembly District 12, which included parts of Ocean, Monmouth, Middlesex and Burlington Counties.

In January, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a Dancer-sponsored law that requires horse racing tracks that host sports betting to hold at least 151 racing dates.

Last year, the Rutgers Equine Science Center awarded its Spirit of the Horse award to Dancer for his work to help the industry, citing his legislation to allow the state to lease Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands Racetrack to the private sector, as well as his legislation to dedicate revenue from sports wagering to horse racing purses.

Tammy and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Assemblyman Ron Dancer," said Gov. Phil Murphy in a statement on Saturday. "True to his roots in one of New Jerseys storied equestrian racing families, in public service he was a work horse not a show horse. A proud veteran with a quiet demeanour and humble nature, Ron built friendships across the aisle. His focus on New Jerseys agricultural, horse racing, and tourist industries, and our honoured military veterans, leaves a lasting legacy. Our state flags will be lowered to half-staff in his honour and memory. His wife, Brenda, their children and grandchildren, and the entire Dancer family are in all of our thoughts this weekend.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Ron Dancer.

(With files from SBOANJ)
As Illinois Democrats move to try to gain a more prominent role in national party affairs, an internal battle has developed over control of the state party.

State Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez of Cicero has emerged as a challenger for the party chairmanship to U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly of Matteson, who was narrowly elected in March 2021 to finish out the term of embattled and now indicted former chairman and House Speaker Michael Madigan.

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Hernandez is backed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, whose significant wealth has played a major role in the partys bottom line, while Kelly has the backing of U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.

The winner will be decided by the Democratic State Central Committee, made up of 17 men and 17 women elected in the June 28 primary in each of the states new congressional districts. The panel is scheduled to meet Saturday in Springfield to elect a chair for a four-year term, each member casting a weighted vote based on the number of Democratic ballots cast in their new congressional district.

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State Sen. Laura Fine and Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez, second right, are seen on the Illinois House floor at the state Capitol in Springfield on Jan. 29, 2020. Hernandez has emerged as a challenger for the party chairmanship to U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly of Matteson. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

The jockeying over the party chairmanship comes as state Democrats seek to host the 2024 presidential nominating convention in Chicago and try to make Illinois an early presidential primary state in the Democratic National Committees 2024 campaign calendar.

When Kelly was elected as party chair, concerns were voiced that she would find her fundraising abilities severely diminished because she is a federal officeholder. Federal fundraising rules are more restrictive than state law on how much money can be given and what entities are allowed to donate. Most of the state partys fundraising activities focus on candidates for state offices.

Under a plan worked out by state party lawyers and approved by the Federal Election Commission, Kelly was isolated from state fundraising matters in favor of a newly created internal committee. Kelly was still allowed to raise money for federal candidates.

But the concerns about her limitations among allies of Pritzker, who backed Chicago Ald. Michelle Harris. 8th, for the chairmanship in March 2021, linger.

Fundraising reports for April through June show the Democratic Partys state account raised $1,727,889. But the bulk of that total, $1.5 million, came from Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzkers campaign fund and paid for mailings sent out by the state party on his behalf attacking Republican candidate for governor Richard Irvin and the eventual GOP nominee, state Sen. Darren Bailey of Xenia.

The partys state account, which also transferred $182,000 to its account for federal candidates, had $2.8 million available on July 1. The partys federal account totaled $1.4 million at the start of the month.

Former Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, who was reelected to the state central committee and backed by Pritzker, said Kelly has got to acknowledge we need to do something about the fundraising.

Cullerton, who raised concerns about the federal limitations under Kelly when she was elected, said he could support a structure that would create a co-chair who would have a more direct role in fundraising.

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But Cullerton also said Pritzker, as the de facto leader of the states Democrats, should be entitled to his choice of party chair.

Other Pritzker allies have questioned why the party hasnt done more to prepare for the Nov. 8 general election campaign as Republicans look to raise issues of ballot integrity at the polls that could lead to challenges contesting Democratic votes.

Kelly allies said their fundraising structure has proved sound and that its bank account provides the money needed for the general election. They also said that no party leaders asked the state party to devote funds to assist candidates in the June 28 primary.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly was narrowly elected in March 2021 as Democratic Party of Illinois chair to finish out the term of embattled and now indicted former chairman and Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

In addition, they noted that while Pritzker forces were looking to challenge her leadership, Kelly agreed to use the partys greatest resource  its low-cost bulk mail postage permit  to assist the governor in the primary.

With backing from Durbin, who as majority whip holds the second highest ranking position among Democrats in the Senate, Kelly last year defeated Pritzkers choice, Harris, by a margin of 52% to 48%.

Durbin is again backing Kelly in her bid for a full-term as party chair, while Pritzker is joined by state House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch in backing Hernandez, a member of Welchs leadership team.

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Pritzker was active in some contests for state central committee seats in the primary, backing five candidates who won election while losing in four others.

Aside from the fundraising issue, Kelly has received national kudos for modernizing the state party apparatus, raising its involvement in national party affairs and decentralizing its leadership after decades in which Madigan used the organization primarily to raise campaign funds for House Democratic candidates who would support him as speaker.

The contest for state party chair comes at the end of a significant week for state Democrats. The chair of the Democratic National Committee, Jaime Harrison, was hosting a Monday fundraiser for the state party in Chicago, and representatives of the DNCs site selection committee for the 2024 presidential nominating convention arrive Tuesday to review logistics related to the citys application to host the event.

Illinois Democrats have asked the DNC to make the state home to an early presidential primary contest as the party revises its calendar and looks for more diversity and regional representation among states that will kick off the presidential campaign calendar.

Kelly, Pritzker and Durbin have displayed a united front in seeking the presidential convention for Chicago and making Illinois an early primary state, as well as in developing a coordinated campaign strategy for candidates across the ballot in the fall general election.

But a messy squabble over the party chairmanship and political allegiances heading into the DNCs decision-making on two major issues could cloud efforts by Illinois Democrats looking to tout the actions and agenda of a major one-party Democratic-led state on the national stage.

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For the first time since mid-March, the number of people being treated for COVID-19 in Fredericksburg-area hospitals has climbed to more than 30 patients.

But health officials say its too early to determine if this is another surge or a blip on our radar, said Mary Chamberlin, former public information officer for the Rappahannock Area Health District.

Mary Washington Hospital has treated the bulk of virus patients since the pandemic began and the recent uptick has had minimal impact on the intensive care unit, said Dr. M. Stephen Mandell Jr., senior medical director of Mary Washington Healthcare. He said its become rare for a COVID patient to require ICU treatment.

Often, patients are hospitalized for other medical conditions, then discover they have the virus after routine testing.

However, Mandell said those who develop serious illnesses tend to have underlying health conditions or suppressed immune systems due to certain medical conditions or because theyre undergoing treatment for diseases like cancer. They face higher risk from BA.5, the latest and seemingly more contagious subvariant to make its way across the globe.

This is significant, particularly with those more vulnerable in our population, he said. It is important to take this seriously, particularly if one has underlying risk factors. As with any infection, COVID can bring serious consequences to that population.

Hospitalizations tend to be the best indicator of significant COVID-19 disease impact at this point in the pandemic, said Brenden Rivenbark, chief operating officer of the Three Rivers Health District, which includes Westmoreland County and other localities in the Northern Neck. Theyre also a lagging indicator and typically occur one or two weeks after cases go up as a persons condition worsens.

From mid-March to mid-July, COVID-19 hospitalizations at Mary Washington, Stafford Hospital and Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center ranged from the teens to high 20s, according to the local health district. Then, on Monday, July 18, the health district reported 30 patients and on Friday, 32 people hospitalized.

Cases and hospitalizations have been climbing across the area, state and nation in wake of BA.5, an omicron subvariant thats highly transmissible, even among those whove had past immunity due to vaccines or previous infections.

A stuffy nose and sore throat seem to be the predominant symptoms of the variant, Rivenbark said.

Mandell maintains that the unvaccinated still face higher risks from the new variant, and that being vaccinatedand boostedremains a persons best defense against a serious case of COVID.

Other factors beyond a highly contagious subvariant may be causing cases, and hospitalizations, to rise again, said Dr. Ekta Gupta, who works with infectious diseases at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. She believes its because people are not wearing masks as oftenif at alland because theyve resumed travel and other activities.

There seems to be an attitude of we will always have to live with COVID so lets get back to the way we used to conduct business or live our lives, Gupta said. We also have less travel restrictions, less mask mandates and we are not keeping up with vaccine recommendations.

The doctor believes advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has proven to help us get to this point, and I hope there is more progress to come.

However, other recommendations have changed in Virginia recently, just weeks before students are expected to head back to school. Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced on July 14 that those exposed to someone with COVID-19 at child care, schools or camp settings no longer have to undergo mandatory quarantine.

He said the pandemic is disrupting workplaces and family life when entire child care facilities, camps and classrooms shutter in response to as few as two cases. Youngkin said he opted for the optional quarantine after exposure as the severity of the disease decreases.
A man wanted in connection with a shooting at Hanes Mall in Winston-Salem on Sunday was arrested after crashing his vehicle into two others during a chase, said Iredell Sheriff Darren Campbell.

Carolton Vernell McCrimmon, 33, of Port Washington, New York, was arrested on warrants from the Winston-Salem Police Department on assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, discharge a firearm inside of an enclosure to incite fear and discharge a firearm inside the city limits. He was also charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest and maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for sale or use of controlled substance and misdemeanor charges of careless and reckless driving, carrying a concealed weapon, resist, delay and obstruct a public officer, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A magistrate set bond at $1.050,000.

Campbell said Deputy Shawn Rowe saw a vehicle being operated in a careless and reckless manner on Turnersburg Highway near East Edison Road around 6:45 p.m. Sunday. Rowe attempted to stop the white Toyota Corolla but the driver accelerated, crossing the double yellow line and driving the wrong way into incoming traffic, Campbell said.

The Corolla crashed into another vehicle and continued south on Turnersburg Highway, Campbell said. The car then rear-ended another vehicle at intersection with Glenway Drive, causing that vehicle to spin around and cross over the median, Campbell said.

The driver, identified as McCrimmon, attempted to run away on foot but was apprehended, Campbell said.

During the investigation deputies located a handgun and other items in the vehicle with markings that indicated they were stolen from the Winston-Salem area, Campbell said.

Other agencies were contacted and a short time later, Iredell deputies were told that McCrimmon and the vehicle were being sought in connection with an earlier shooting at Hanes Mall.

Winston-Salem police went to the Belk store at 5:56 p.m. Sunday on a report of a discharged firearm. This happened just before the mall closed on Sunday at 6 p.m.

Officers arrived and cleared the building. Police didnt find any victims and didnt get any reports of injuries.

Winston-Salem police later learned through its investigation that a store employee was with a person in the store when that person pulled out a firearm and fired it. That person then ran out of the mall. The employee was not injured.

investigators said McCrimmon was also a suspect in a larceny from Home Depot on University Parkway earlier on Sunday. After leaving Home Depot, police said McCrimmon attempted another larceny at Belk at Hanes Mall.

After being approached by store personnel, McCrimmon dropped the stolen items and ran from the store, police said in the news release. McCrimmon returned to Belk moments later and discharged a firearm multiple times in the direction of Belk staffers, police said.

He then left the mall in a white vehicle.
Retailers are beginning to see baby formula slowly return to the shelves, but the shortage that propelled parents into a panicked frenzy to locate nourishment for their little ones has left some with shortage shock and others whose children rely on specialty formula still struggling to maintain a supply.

Baby formula began disappearing off the shelves earlier this year after Abbot Nutrition recalled some of its products following reports of bacterial infections in infants who consumed them. The recall completely depleted entire stocks for some infants who relied solely on those formulas for their nutrition.

The Recall

The Elecare recall was an absolute nightmare, said Laura Hand, whose daughter, Evie, was on Elecare Jr., one of the formulas recalled by Abbott.

Hand said her daughter was about halfway through her 15-can monthly supply when she learned theyd all been recalled.

Then it was afterhours, calling her pediatrician to find out what to do, the Damascus mom said.

Evie, whos about to turn two years old, suffers from Short Bowel Syndrome, a condition that prevents her body from absorbing nutrients from food. Her recalled Elecare Jr. was about the only formula she could tolerate.

More than 300 miles away in Alexandria, Brent Blevins and his wife, Emily, found themselves in a similar situation with their now 11-month-old daughter, Ginny Kate. Blevins said his wife was feeding Ginny Kate one night when she happened to look at her phone and learned that their daughters formula had been recalled.

We were kind of freaked out and we started looking at other alternatives, and frankly, theres not a lot of options available, Blevins said.

Ginny Kate was diagnosed with a cows milk allergy and can only tolerate certain hypoallergenic formulas. The Blevinses learned of the recall on a weekend when Ginny Kates pediatrician was unavailable, and so turned to their local CVS for advice.

CVS gave us some suggestions and we were able to find this other formula and were able to get ahold of some, Blevins said.

Ginny Kate did well on the formula CVS suggested for a couple of weeks, Blevins said, but then she stopped taking it.

It was frightening because our daughter was only consuming 10 ounces a day and she was already pretty small, he explained.

Back in Damascus, Hand was also trying Evie on alternative formulas, none of which agreed with the tot, causing her already delicate digestive system even further discomfort. Meanwhile, Hand worried Evie wasnt getting the necessary nutrients to grow.

It was just a nightmare. My anxiety skyrocketed during the recall, Hand said.

Her anxiety became so intense that her doctor prescribed medication to calm her.

I had made posts about wanting to just crawl in a ball and cry all night because I had no clue what formula was better and if it was hurting her or harming her belly by trying so many off brands that werent recommended specifically from her doctor, Hand said. But, when the shortage and recall came, it left us no options but to try the different other brands and see what happens. I dont like that, Oh, lets see what happens.

About six weeks into the ordeal, Evie was given a prescription for a formula used for feeding children with G-tubes, a device surgically inserted into the stomach allowing access to administer food, liquids and medication. Although Evies G-tube had only been used for administering medication at the time, Hand said she did have to use it to feed Evie some of the alternatives she refused orally.

Since Evie got her prescription, its been smooth-sailing. Were squared away now, thankfully, but gosh, I feel so bad for parents of newborns right now and special needs kids, Hand said.

The Shortage

The level of stress Hand experienced is something the Blevinses can easily relate to. They were able to find another alternative after Ginny Kate stopped taking the formula CVS recommended,but keeping up a supply for her has proven to be a tough task.

Following the recall, demand for the remaining formula caught up to the short supply.

Its a constant strain, Blevins said, noting that it takes a lot of time and effort to even locate the formula.

Every time we start to run low, this kind of anxiety sets in and its like, Oh my God, where are we going to find our next batch, he said, adding Every time this happens its very stressful, its kind of like an existential thing.

A Max Meadows native whose parents and sister still live in Wythe County, Blevins family back home has pitched in to help, searching stores from Christiansburg to Bristol for Ginny Kates brand of formula. On one occasion, Blevins sister even enlisted the help of a friend in France to send formula for her niece.

That kind of shows the measures weve had to go to, Blevins said.

Solutions of Sorts

Social media has also proven a useful tool for parents. Formula Finder groups have cropped up on Facebook for areas all over. A network of mostly moms, the groups alert members to which retailers have certain formulas in stock and sometimes sell or trade formula within the groups.

My wife met another mom in a parking lot in a shopping center and basically had to pay cash just to get a dozen cans of formula, Blevins said. These are the kind of the extreme measures weve had to go to.

We are seeing that the community is beginning to come together to assist each other as much as possible, said Breanne Hubbard, spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Healths Mount Rogers Health District.

Hubbard pointed to the Wythe Formula Finders Facebook group as an example, noting that that group has had posts for stores in Abingdon, Marion, Dublin and Galax, indicating that the entire region is working together to help caregivers locate formula.

Some parents are also using their personal social media more informally, posting what they need or where theyve seen formula.

Every time I go in a store, whether I go in there for formula or not, I try to post whats on the shelf, said Jeannie Barr.

The Chilhowie mom said she hasnt had as hard a time finding formula for her five-month-old daughter, Isabelle, as parents of children on specialty formula have, but the scarcity has still made the task much more difficult.

Barr was able to snag a couple of four-packs from a Walmart in Georgia while shopping online when formula first began to fade from the shelves. That small stock gave her a jumpstart on search efforts.

Shes also been able to supplement Isabelles formula supply with breast milk. Side effects from medication she is on prevents Barr from relying primarily on breast milk and avoiding the shortage altogether, but being able to supplement with it has helped her find a good balance to meet her daughters needs and lessen their need for formula.

Hubbard said health departments within the health district have seen an increased interest in breast feeding since the shortage began.

We are finding many women are now interested in breastfeeding to avoid the formula issue, Hubbard said. Several have reached out for support to increase supply, maintain supply while returning to work, and participate in our Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program for ongoing support and education.

Hubbard said all WIC (Women Infants and Children) staff are trained in basic breastfeeding support and three lactation counselors work through the districts eight health departments to help nursing mothers..

Our goals are to assist mothers [to] meet their and their babys needs, and with the known health benefits of breastfeeding, it is an option many moms are considering more seriously due to the formula shortage, Hubbard said.

In other efforts to help alleviate the burden caused by the shortage, the Virginia WIC program was able to gain the USDAs approval to expand its substitute list for most formula types to help those who are unable to find the brands that were previously approved for them under WIC.

Hubbard cautioned against turning to at-home formula recipes like those circulating on social media, saying, Do not use home recipes for making formula and do not dilute formula or alter package instructions. This can have severe, even fatal consequences for an infant. I cannot stress this one enough. Do not do this.

Hubbard said local WIC staff have been checking stores for formula availability and relaying that information to families, keeping a list of participants on specialty formulas and notifying them when they find it available locally. Non-WIC staff members have also been helping out in this effort.

They are in regular, daily communication with multiple families and are changing food packages to accommodate what families are able to find, Hubbard said. This meets infant needs and avoids the family having to obtain a prescription form.

Stressed about how and what they may feed their child, WIC participants have been grateful for the assistance.

I think they can see and feel empathy from our staff and see how hard we are trying to find them options, said Megan Williams, a WIC nutritionist supervisor for Mount Rogers. Weve heard their tears, frustration, disappointment, and sacrifices. They are sacrificing time and money to locate formuladriving from store to store, utilizing family members in other areas to see whats available, some even giving up money for other needs to purchase online when nothing can be found locally.

Moving Forward

Although some stocks of formula are starting to replenish, Blevins and Barr believe theyll have to maintain their current strategies and remain vigilant for the long haul.

It still concerns me, Barr said. Im not as concerned as I was because Ive been seeing more on the shelf than there was, but, I guess its just one of those worries in the back of my mind.

Blevins said the shortage seems to be sorting itself out, but cautioned that while there seems to be more regular formula now, thats not the case for the hypoallergenic brands.

With Ginny Kates slow growth rate, Blevins said her pediatrician has recommended keeping her on formula a little longer, meaning theyll continue to battle the shortage for at least a few more months.

I dont think we have any choice, really, so we will continue it, Blevins said of his familys strategy of locating formula supplies.

Although the shortage has eased some and attention to the issue has waned, Blevins said the recall and shortage both still remain an issue for parents like him and he expects it will likely remain an issue for months more.

He expressed frustration with the Food and Drug Administration, citing whistleblower reports from an employee at Abbotts Michigan plant that were filed with the FDA in October, months before Abbott voluntarily recalled its formula. Prior to that, the Wall Street Journal reported, a complaint had been filed with OSHA in February 2021.

Its extremely disappointing to me that the FDA has let us down, an institution that we trust, he said. There were so many warnings from Abbott . The FDA really let us down, let down so many people who rely on their federal government to tell us we have safe food, safe baby food. To me, thats very disappointing.

For parents and caregivers new to or still coming to grips with the struggle, Blevins offered some advice.

My suggestion would be to always be very proactive in seeking out formula. Dont wait until you run low. And, dont be afraid to ask friends, family, even strangers for help, people at your church, social media, where you work. Talk about it openly. This isnt something you should keep quiet about or be ashamed of. Talk openly about what you need and plan ahead.

Likewise, Hubbard said WIC recipients should check the WIC website for substitutes for their formula brands, and, Williams said, Please call us before using SNAP benefits to purchase a formula that WIC may cover. Check with us first to see how we can help you, so you can make that food dollar go farther.

The Virginia WIC supplemental list and additional guidance can be found on the Virginia Department of Healths website at www.vdh.virginia.gov/wic.
A Smyth County grand jury handed down indictments in three separate embezzlement cases during its June 28 session.

Accused of taking more than $3,000 in cash from a safe at the FasMart on Highway 16 in Marion, 28-year-old Roger Sweatman was indicted on a single embezzlement charge. The grand jury also indicted 56-year-old Lisa Anderson Moore on three counts of embezzlement of more than $1,000 from the First United Methodist Church in Marion.

In a case of a larger scale, the grand jury handed down indictments on five counts embezzlement, four counts forging a check and one count money laundering on a 39-year-old Marion woman who had worked as an administrative assistant for Atkins-based contract company Pro Erectors.

According to search warrants filed in Smyth County Circuit Court, the owner of the business accused Kelly Anne Gotham of embezzling more than $25,000. Virginia State Police Special Agent Accountant Joshua Stitt wrote in affidavits for several search warrants that a review of the business bank accounts showed several suspicious unauthorized transactions and payments that exceeded $65,000.

Many of these transactions listed Kelly Gotham as the receiving party, Stitt wrote in a search warrant seeking access to Gothams bank accounts.

Stitt noted in the search warrants that a number of unauthorized transactions included payments to TitleMax, JailATM, Sprint Wireless, Comcast, American Electric Power and Capitol One.

The transactions, according to court documents, took place between January 2019 and March 2021.

Sweatman is scheduled for his next court appearance Aug. 17 and Moore is scheduled for arraignment next Tuesday. Court dates for Gotham will be set once she is served with warrants.

Also indicted during the June session are four Marion men accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at an apartment building at Severt Hills Apartments.

Thirty-nine-year-old Rainey Glosson Cox Jr., 38-year-old Kenneth Harlan Greer and 29-year-old Calab Andrew Greer were each indicted on attempted arson charges, while 29-year-old Richard Curtis Lewis was indicted on an arson charge. Each man was also indicted on a possession of explosive materials charge, with Cox indicted on an additional charge of aiding or procuring arson. According to court documents, the apartment building was the home of Coxs former girlfriend.

Other individuals indicted during the Grand Jury session include:

Ashley Mullins, 36, of Saltville, was indicted on an unlawful wounding charge.

Chase Levi Clark, 20, of Marion, was indicted on two counts abuse or neglect of a child.

Douglas Eugene Mason, 49, of Marion, was indicted on a charge of assault and battery of a law enforcement officer.

Joshua Brian Armstrong, 35, of Marion, was indicted on charges of obtaining money by false pretenses and fraudulent conversion.

Lisa Davidson, 44, of Saltville, was indicted on four counts welfare fraud.

Anderson Paul Fowler, 30, of Blountville, Tenn., was indicted on charges of statutory burglary and grand larceny.

Clayton Daniel Beeman, 41, of Sugar Grove, was indicted on a grand larceny charge.

Robert Dean Norris III, 30, of Glade Spring, was indicted on a grand larceny charge.

Dallas Lane Cleveland, 27, of Rural Retreat, was indicted on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and eluding police.

Michael Anthony Ferly, 33, of Saltville, was indicted on charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and eluding police.

Joseph Jackson Nofflet III, 55, of Damascus, was indicted on charges of possession of methamphetamine and eluding police.

Hoseph Tanner Bolen, 21, of Chilhowie, was indicted on an eluding police charge.

Jessee William McGhee, 21, of Chilhowie, was indicted on an eluding police charge.

James Lancin Tuggle, 56, of Marion, was indicted on a driving under the influence charge.

Tosha Kay Brown, 41, of Marion, was indicted on two counts possession of methamphetamine.

Jarred Heath Muncy, 32, of Meadowview, was indicted on a possession of methamphetamine charge.

Ronnie John James, 71, of Marion, was indicted on a possession of methamphetamine charge.

Jonathan Jessee, 52, of Saltville, was indicted on a possession of methamphetamine charge.

Bridget Rae Sizemore, 36, of Atkins, was indicted on a possession of methamphetamine charge.

Christopher Dale Arnold, 37, of Rural Retreat, was indicted on a possession of a firearm by a felon charge.

Matthew Mabe, 55, of Saltville, was indicted on a possession of ammunition by a felon charge.

Those indicted will stand trial in Smyth County Circuit Court.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has tested negative for the coronavirus after spending five days in isolation, he announced on Twitter.

I am feeling better and have tested negative for COVID-19, Pritzker said in a Sunday afternoon post. Looking forward to getting back to work in person this week.

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The governors office last Tuesday announced he had tested positive for the virus and was experiencing mild symptoms. Pritzker had already been in quarantine after coming into close contact with others who tested positive during a week of travel that included a visit to the White House, a meeting of the National Governors Association in Maine, and a fundraiser in Tampa for the Florida Democratic Party.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker during an interview at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Chicago on June 29, 2022. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

Pritzker, who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine in March 2021 and two recommended booster doses, was prescribed the antiviral drug Paxlovid and began working from home after the positive test.

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Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say fully vaccinated people can end isolation after five days if they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the help of fever-reducing medication and if symptoms are improving.

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Until the 10th day, fully vaccinated people coming out of isolation should wear well-fitting masks around others indoors, both at home and in public, and avoid travel, the CDC guidelines state.

Pritzker, who has had to quarantine multiple times over the last two years but had never previously tested positive for the virus, made his response to COVID-19 a cornerstone of his campaign when he announced his reelection bid during a lull in the pandemic last summer.

His November rival, Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey of downstate Xenia, made his name challenging Pritzkers executive orders on masking and school and business shutdowns aimed at slowing the spread of the virus. Bailey has repeatedly refused to say whether hes vaccinated or if hes contracted COVID-19 over the course of the pandemic.

dpetrella@chicagotribune.com
Cowlitz County, along with most of western Washington and Oregon, is under a heat advisory through Thursday, as high temperatures are expected to hit the high 90s and possibly reach triple digits.

The National Weather Services advisory began at noon on Monday and continues through 9 p.m. Thursday. The agency issued an excessive heat warning for the same time for most of Clark County, Portland and other parts of the region, as temperatures are expected to hit 99 to 103 degrees.

Heat wave to push temperatures to mid-90s through the week in Lower Columbia Cowlitz Countys first significant heat wave of the year will bring temperatures in the mid-90s, with a slight chance of hitting triple digits

The highest temperatures are expected Tuesday and Wednesday.

In the Longview area, Tuesday will be sunny with a high near 96 degrees that may feel like 102 degrees when combined with the relative humidity, according to the Weather Service forecast. The overnight low will be around 64 degrees.

Wednesday will be similar, with a high near 97 degrees and an overnight low around 65 degrees. On Thursday, the high is expected to hit 95 degrees before dropping to about 90 degrees Friday. The weekend will likely see high temperatures in the mid-80s, with lows near 60 degrees.

Several locations throughout Cowlitz County are opening daytime cooling centers when temperatures reach 90 degrees, offering water and an air conditioned place to cool down. Residents can check the Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management Facebook page for any updates to the list.

Cowlitz County cooling center locations Several locations in Cowlitz County will open as cooling centers as temperatures hit the mid-90s this week during regular business hours or as volunteer availability allows. Residents can check for updated locations at the Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management's Facebook page. Longview Church of the Nazarene, 814 15th Ave., Longview, noon-5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, noon-4 p.m. Tuesday, noon-2 p.m. Thursday. Castle Rock Cowlitz Family Health Center, 139 First Ave., Castle Rock, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Kelso Cowlitz Family Health Center, 300 Oak St. Ste. B, Kelso, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Grade Street Cowlitz Family Health Center, 621 Grade St., Kelso, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Longview Cowlitz Family Health Center, 1057 12th Ave., Longview, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Longview Cowlitz Family Health Center, 784 14th Ave., Longview, 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Cowlitz Family Health Center Broadway Campus, 600 Broadway St. Longview. Woodland Cowlitz Family Health Center, 1251 Lewis River Road, Ste. D, Woodland, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Woodland Community Library, 770 Park Street, Woodland, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Yale Valley Community Library, 11700 Lewis River Road, Ariel, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday through Monday.

People are urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned location, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors.

The Weather Service recommends those who work or spend time outside should take extra precautions and try to reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening when temperatures are lower. People working outdoors should also wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing, take frequent rest breaks in the shade or air conditioning and know signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Cowlitz County governments, nonprofits work to prevent heat deaths The June heat-related death of a homeless man in Longview has triggered a countywide effort to prevent future tragedies and prepare the area f

Heat exhaustion symptoms include dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness. People experiencing these symptoms should move to a cooler area, loosen clothing, sip cool water and seek medical help if they dont improve.

Heat exhaustion can lead to the more severe heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability, according to the CDC. If someone is experiencing confusion, dizziness or are losing consciousness, call 911, move them to a cooler area, loosen clothing and remove extra layers and cool with water or ice.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced steps Friday to speed up the clean-energy transition and fight climate change, including an end to building gas-burning power plants, even as the move away from fossil fuels has threatened his state with blackouts and forced him to reconsider nuclear power.

Newsom said he would work with Sacramento legislators to pass a law requiring California to reach carbon neutrality, a goal set by his predecessor Jerry Brown in an executive order. In a letter to the state's top climate change regulator, the Democratic governor also called for building offshore wind farms, deploying 6 million home heat pumps, requiring the aviation industry to increase its use of clean fuels, and setting firm targets for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere using land management and machines designed for the task.

Perhaps most important, Newsom told the head of the California Air Resources Board that he doesn't want new natural-gas plants built in the state. So many older gas-burning plants have closed in recent years that California experienced brief rolling blackouts in 2020 and has come close to outages on several other occasions, during hot summer evenings when the sun sets on the state's solar-power plants. In response, Newsom has expressed support for keeping the state's last nuclear power plant, Diablo Canyon, open past its planned 2025 retirement date.

The air resources board is drafting a road map for reaching carbon neutrality by 2045. Environmentalists have criticized that timeline as too slow for ending California's fossil-fuel dependence, and they've aimed some of their ire at Newsom as well. In a news release Friday, he seemed to agree with their broad critique, even though some of the steps he proposed, such as supporting carbon-removal technology for the oil and gas sector, are opposed by many environmentalists.

"The state's draft carbon neutrality road map doesn't go far enough or fast enough," Newsom said in the release. "That's why I'm pushing state agencies to adopt more aggressive actions, from offshore wind to climate-friendly homes, and to make sure we never build another fossil fuel power plant in California again."

Newsom, up for reelection in November, has escalated efforts in recent months to distinguish California as a liberal bastion dedicated to issues such as fighting climate change, enhancing abortion access and tightening gun limits.

On Friday, he signed legislation enabling residents to sue people making or selling illegal assault weapons and ghost guns. He's also run ads in Republican-run Florida and Texas harshly criticizing their governors' policies.

Explore further Environmentalists oppose more life for California nuke plant

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Low-quality asphalt binder  the glue that holds roads together  can leave roads prone to cracking in cold temperatures. Credit: Shutterstock

The future seems bleak for Canada's oilsands. But given the world's ongoing need for smooth, safe roads, there is hope for the industry. Asphalt binder made from oilsands bitumen is the ideal glue to hold the world's 40 million kilometers of roads togetherand it can be done sustainably, economically and environmentally.

With the global transition to electric vehicles underway, and Canada's 2021 commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 to meet its Paris Agreement obligations, Canada will use less fossil fuels, especially from imports and upgraded products, including those from the Alberta oilsands.

About 10 percent of Canada's current emissions come from the extraction and upgrading of crude bitumen from the oilsands, roughly 70 million tons per year. Globally, about 70 to 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions are from burning fuels for electricity, heat and transportation, and from industry.

Our research group has investigated the life-cycle performance of asphalt roads for the past 30 years, providing some remarkable insights on the relative benefits of straight Alberta binder, produced with minimal refining and without upgrading. Producing asphalt binder from Alberta crude bitumen can realistically reduce combustion and life cycle greenhouse gas emissions from the oilsands by anywhere from 40 to 60 percent.

Low-quality asphalt leads to more repairs

Alberta bitumen is low in wax, making it highly desirable for the production of asphalt binders. The low wax content means the pavement can be recycledand recycled againsupporting a true circular economy.

Pavement lifespans are in decline due to heavy traffic, extreme temperatures and the incorrect use of reclaimed materials to rehabilitate and reconstruct old roads. The use of so-called green technologiesinexpensive, recycled engine oil, for exampleoffers short-term satisfaction at the expense of long-term performance.

Environmental scanning electron microscopy image, with lighter oils partially evaporated showing the packed asphaltenes. The rigid sponge-like structure prevents the binder from flowing at cold temperatures eventually leading to cracking, ravelling (slow disintegration) and spalling (cracking, breaking or chipping of edges). Credit: Simon Hesp

Government transportation agencies aren't incentivized to use stronger binders. Yet pavement cracking can be reduced by as much as 30 to 50 percent by building roads that maximize the use of straight, unadulterated Alberta binder.

Doing so allows municipal, provincial and state infrastructure owners around the world to reduce construction and rehabilitation budgets, decrease travel delays and associated costs and improve safety.

Binders are complex materials

Two binder components influence the lifespan of roads: asphaltenes and waxes. Asphaltenes are large molecules that give the binder cohesive strength (the adhesive's ability to hold itself together) and adhesive strength (the strength between the adhesive and another material), but prevent it from flowing at cold temperatures. Paraffin waxes are often a natural component of asphalt, occurring in varying amounts depending on the source of the crude used to manufacture the binder.

The binder is a mixture of solid asphaltenes and waxes in an oily material. When the wax content is high, asphaltenes tend to separate from the oils and pack together more tightly. A high-wax binder is stiffer at cold temperatures, which reduces adhesion and promotes cracking. An optimal binder has minimal wax and has a more-or-less uniform composition.

Poor-quality binder is costly

Construction specifications for asphalt often fail to identify poor performing binders. More than a few substandard binders are currently being used in road construction in Canada. Oilsands crudes have the lowest wax contents of all sources and can produce top-quality binders.

Top performance from top-quality Alberta binder. Credit: Simon Hesp

Alberta binders of various grades perform well on their own, without additives, as long as they are used with good pavement designs. However, adding PET (polyethylene terephthalate) fibers from recycled plastic bottles can dramatically reinforce the asphalt.

For example, a 12-year-old test section of asphalt in northern Ontario, constructed with top-quality binder from Alberta, and modified with 0.3 percent of recycled PET fiber shows virtually no distress today. It is expected to have an ultimate service life of about 38 years; a significant improvement compared to historical 15- to 25-year performance cycles.

Producing asphalt binder from Alberta oilsands will not only reduce the industry's greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 60 percent, but can also extend pavement lifespan by 30 to 50 percent.

Fuel and asphalt demands are headed in opposite directions

Today, about two percent to five percent of crude oil is made into asphalt, and the rest is upgraded to combustible fuels. As government regulations shift to lower greenhouse gas emissions, companies that extract and/or produce crude oil will see lowered demand, and be pushed to create products that don't need to be refined or won't be burned. Light and medium crudes cannot meet asphalt binder demand in a net-zero 2050 scenario, making bitumen a strong contender for use as an asphalt binder.

The world has nearly 40 million kilometers of roads, of which 65 percent are paved. Asphalt-paved roads are safer than unpaved roads, and are more economical for a greater volume of traffic.

The volume of unpaved roads globally presents a tremendous economic opportunity. Carbon pricing and credits will hasten the bitumen transition. Producing high-performing asphalt binders from Alberta crude bitumensespecially those extracted through in-situ processes that require a smaller surface areacan position the oilsands industry to remain viable.

Alberta has enough bitumen to supply the global road-building industry for more than 100 years if oilsands companies divert about 50 percent of each barrel to produce asphalt binder.

Explore further Improving asphalt road pavement using engineered nano mineral composites

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Molecular convolutional neural networks with DNA regulatory circuits. (a) Left: The architecture of ConvNet. Right: Schematic of the operation principle of ConvNet for recognition tasks. (b) Unknow input pattern is added to the solution, upon addition of the DNA circuit, fluorescence signals can be read out to report recognition results. (c) The DNA-ConvNet can recognize eight Chinese oracles. Credit: Xiong et al.

Molecular computing is a promising area of study aimed at using biological molecules to create programmable devices. This idea was first introduced in the mid-1990s and has since been realized by several computer scientists and physicists worldwide.

Researchers at East China Normal University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have recently developed molecular convolutional neural networks (CNNs) based on synthetic DNA regulatory circuits. Their approach, introduced in a paper published in Nature Machine Intelligence, overcomes some of the challenges typically encountered when creating efficient artificial neural networks based on molecular components.

"The intersection of computer science and molecular biology is a fertile ground for new and exciting science, especially the design of intelligent systems is a longstanding goal for scientists," Hao Pei, one of the researchers who carried out the study, told TechXplore. "Compared to the brain, the scale and computing power of developed DNA neural networks are severely limited, due to the network size limitations. The primary objective of our work was to scale up the computing power of DNA circuits by introducing a suitable neural network model for DNA molecular systems."

While conducting their research, Pei and his colleagues found that could be particularly promising for modeling DNA circuits, due to their sparse topological connectivity, which resembles that of real biological neural networks. They thus decided to use CNNs to devise a large-scale DNA-based neural network comprised of 512 synthetic DNA strands. Notably, their proposed network produces thousands of chemical reactions and generates hundreds of molecular species.

"Our group has been focused on the precisely engineering and programming of nucleic acids molecules, and we have designed and constructed a series of dynamic DNA nanostructures that could potentially be used as regulatory elements for the construction of large circuits," Pei explained. "In this work, we make use of a dynamic DNA nanostructure called switching gate, which is functionally similar to the riboswitches in gene regulatory circuits, all consisting of two independent functional domains that sense and respond to external inputs."

The switching gate in the researchers' network allows them to independently control its signal transmission functions and weight assignment functions through a process known as intramolecular conformational switching. This process is particularly suited for the weight-sharing and sparse connectivity of CNNs.

The DNA circuits operate within the researchers' network, where all computing units are ready to respond to inputs. Once the inputs are fed to the solution, single DNA strands will trigger cascaded strand displacement reactions in order.

These reactions, driven by the Gibbs free energy or entropy in the system, generate corresponding fluorescent signals. The researchers' encoded all test patterns using a set of single DNA strands and each of the generated fluorescence signals represents one of these test patterns.

"We have extended the key feature of the CNNsparse topology and weight-sharing architecture to a DNA neural network, which can effectively reduce complexity and parameters of network architecture through sparsely connected neurons," Pei said. "To implement these features, we have designed switching gate architecture composed of two independent functional domains (weight tuning domain and recognition domain). With this design, we can easily change the sequence design of corresponding functional domain respectively to fit the adjust of network architecture."

The CNN-based approach has several advantages over previously proposed molecular computing methods. Firstly, its switching gate architecture could be used to embed ligand-responsive molecular switches. This would allow the network to adapt its functions in response to environmental changes, potentially enabling the development of molecular circuits that resemble biological neural networks and capable of "intelligent" behavior.

In addition, the inherently parallel nature of DNA molecules could enable the autonomous parallelization of the CNN's operations. This could be particularly valuable for achieving scalable information processing.

"We have proposed a systematic strategy for implementing the ConvNet algorithm at the molecular level," Pei said. "We feel that our method is a major advancement in artificial molecular information-processing systems, as it achieved rapid and accurate classification tasks that could classify 32 molecular patterns within 30 min, which might be the fastest and the most powerful and complex artificial chemical computing system to date, as far as we know."

The recent work by Pei and his colleagues introduces an alternative DNA-based architecture that could inform the design of new molecular computing systems. In the future, their approach could be used to create various molecular diagnostic devices for biomedical applications.

"By interfacing sensory inputs, the DNA-based ConvNet could in principle use hundreds of targets as inputs and facilitate broader applications in disease diagnostics, profiling expression patterns, and precision medicine," Pei added. "Based on this DNA-based ConvNet model, we now plan to construct molecular classifier that can be used for multi-disease diagnostic classification."

 2022 Science X Network
Dont Hate The Playaz will return for a brand new series to ITV2 this autumn.

The Hip Hop comedy panel show will be back for what will be its fourth outing.

The show will once again see two teams battle it out in fan favourite rounds and new games which will test the teams Hip Hop knowledge and ability.

Jordan Stephens returns as host, alongside team captains Maya Jama and Lady Leshurr, with DJ Shortee Blitz on hand to drop the tracks. They will be joined by a stellar line-up of live studio guests and team players.

Previous guests have included Dizzee Rascal, Mo Gilligan, Yung Filly & Chunkz, Katherine Ryan, Big Narstie, Professor Green, Judi Love, Ghetts, Munya Chawawa, Aitch, Big Zuu, Ms Banks, MNEK and The Sugarhill Gang to name a few.

A start date and line up of guests is to be confirmed in due course.

Will Macdonald, Creative Director at producers Monkey said: The mighty Dont Hate The Playaz is back and our hip-hop fab four Jordan, Maya, Leshurr and Shortee will be welcoming some of the very best music performers and comedians to battle it out for TVs top money-cant-buy prize  bragging rights.
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Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Nebraska Extension will host a field day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, at the South Central Ag Lab near Harvard.

The field day will focus on improved crop production and profitability. Topics for the day include management strategies for nutrients, diseases, insects, irrigation, weeds, and soil health. Field tours will be available throughout the day.

Keynote speaker John Shanahan with Agoro Carbon who will present Carbon Market Potential for U.S. Producers.

South Central Ag Lab is located at 851 Highway 6 near Harvard. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required by Aug. 1 for meal planning purposes.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) have been applied for this field day. Registration can be found online (https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2022/see-latest-field-research-south-central-ag-lab-field-day-aug-4) and questions can be directed to Sharon Hachtel (402-762-3536; shachtel1@unl.edu).

Soybean management field days Aug. 9-12

Soybean management field days are planned for Aug. 9-12 at four farms in the state.

Meeting from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day, the field days will provide research-based information to improve profitability, address global issues, marketing, educational efforts, and give producers an opportunity to learn more about research funded by the Nebraska Soybean Board checkoff dollars.

The schedule includes: Toepfer farms, Blue Hill, Tuesday, Aug. 9; Greg Greving farm, Central City, Wednesday, Aug. 10; Daryl Obermeyer farm, Brownville, Thursday, Aug. 11; and Method farms, Decatur, Friday, Aug. 12.

Topics of interest include soybean disease management, irrigation management (if applicable), cover crops (Brownville location), weed management, ag economics, precision ag, biodiesel and renewable diesel.

For more information, visit this website (https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2022/immersive-demonstrations-planned-nebraska-soybean-management-field-days-aug-9-12), contact the Nebraska Soybean Board at 402-441-3240, or Nebraska Extension at 402-624-8030.

A reminder:

The University of Nebraska-Lincolns Center for Ag Profitability will present a workshop, So Youve Inherited a Farm  Now What? from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 17 at College Park in Grand Island.

Participation is encouraged from individuals who have inherited or received farmland and want to learn about best management strategies for managing and owning this asset. Topics of interest include deciding if the new landlord wants to keep or sell the land, how to manage a farm, lease provisions, legal considerations, creating or adjusting estate plans, and effective communication strategies.

This workshop is free to attend, and lunch is provided, but pre-registration is requested for meal planning purposes.

Please pre-register by Aug. 15 by contacting the Hall County Extension Office at 308-385-5088.

More information can be found at https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2022/extension-workshop-focus-inheriting-farmland-and-modern-management-farming-practices) or by contacting Allan Vyhnalek, Farm and Ranch Succession Extension Educator. at 402-472-1771 or avyhnalek2@unl.edu.

Sarah Sivits is the Dawson County Extension educator in crops and water, and serves Dawson, Buffalo and Hall counties. Contact her at 308-324-5501 or by email at ssivits@unl.edu.
Three southwest suburban men are accused of stealing nearly $300,000 in cargo, including more than 200 televisions, from a shipping container at a Hodgkins rail yard, according to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raouls office.

Baraa Abuowda, 36, of Orland Park; Sammih Kasem, 28, of Orland Hills; and Imad Qendah, 40, of Burbank, are charged with felony theft, according to Raouls office.

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All three defendants have pleaded not guilty and Kasems next court date is scheduled for Aug. 17, Qendahs is Aug. 24 and Abuowdas is Sept. 28, according to the attorney general.

His office said the charges stem from a monthlong investigation that involved BNSF Railway police and Hodgkins police. Its alleged the three stole a shipping container from a BNSF intermodal terminal in Hodgkins that contained several pallets of televisions that were in transit to be sold at a retail store, according to Raouls office.

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Investigators used GPS tracking from shipping containers to locate the stolen cargo, which had been transported from rail yards to a business in Bridgeview, according to the attorney generals office.

Investigators used video and in-person surveillance to confirm the merchandise was being unloaded from the containers at this location and the televisions were recovered as part of the investigation, according to the office.

The theft occurred March 19, according to the indictments against the three, which were filed June 22 in Cook County Circuit Court. The indictments noted that 246 Samsung televisions were taken from the shipping container.

Raoul said the charges were the result of a multi-jurisdictional investigation by his offices Organized Retail Crime Task Force, and that other railroads, including Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation, as well as police from Bridgeview and Hickory Hills, contributed.

Organized retail crime is not limited to occurring at brick-and-mortar retailers and can instead take place anywhere along the supply chain, Raoul was quoted in a news release.

mnolan@tribpub.com
The trial date for the labor dispute between Grand Island Education Association and Grand Island Public Schools has been moved to August.

The trial was first scheduled for July 21. Following a prehearing conference July 19 between the Nebraska Commission on Industrial Relations, GIEA legal counsel Nick Welding and GIPS legal counsel, the date was moved.

According to GIEA President Michelle Carter, the delay is because more time is needed for both or either parties to gather additional documentation.

On Jan. 21, GIEA filed a petition with CIR alleging the union bargaining unit members were paid inconsistently with GIEA-GIPS Negotiated Agreement, violating the Industrial Relations Act.

The teachers unions contention is that GIPS hired teachers to fill open positions who are not technically substitute teachers. The long-term substitutes in question were being paid as subs, when they should have been paid as full-time employees.

At GIPS, substitute teachers can make, at most, $200 a day plus possible incentives, according to the districts website.

Contract teachers could make $250 to $300 a day, plus benefits, Carter told the Independent in January.

In a press release, GIEA said their contention is that the misclassification violates the integrity of the collective bargaining process and is a practice prohibited by state law.

On March 28, the school district made a motion to dismiss the case. The CIR denied GIPSs motion.

Ashlea R. Whitney, NCIR Legal Counsel, told the Independent soon after that GIPSs attempt to dismiss was essentially saying: The petition (by GIEA) is insufficient in some way. Theres not enough here for (NCIR) to hear the case.

Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations, a state agency designed to resolve public sector labor controversies. The five-person commission has jurisdiction over state and local government employees, including public school teachers and public utilities employees.
Two Northwest High School graduates headed east this summer to compete at FBLAs National Leadership Conference in Chicago.

Emily Krupicka and Emelia Richling both made the cut at FBLAs State Leadership Conference.

Richlings business plan earned her second place at the national level.

Krupicka and Richling composed letters to potential sponsors and those contributing helped make the two Class of 2022 members trip to Chicago a reality.

Lori Cooper, who teaches business at Northwest, is their FBLA advisor.

More than 9,000 middle and high school student members gathered in Chicago.

In Nebraska there are more than 5,800 students representing more than 150 high schools who participate in FBLA programs, according to Nebraska FBLAs website.

FBLAs national website describes FBLA as: Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda, Inc (FBLA-PBL) is the oldest and largest national student business association with over 230,000 middle school, high school, and college members interested in pursuing a career in business. More than 6,500 chapters are chartered across the country. (The) FBLA-PBL mission is inspire and prepare students
HASTINGS  Horizon Recovery and Counseling Center and Unity Houses will host their 12th annual Recovery in the Park Celebration.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in Chautauqua Park, 2219 W. Fifth St. in Hastings.

We have focused on childrens activities this year, said Dan Rutt with Revive Ministries, and those include face painting, dunk tank, t-shirt launching from the Nebraska State Patrol, a petting zoo hosted by the Rural Ranchers 4-H Club, bouncy houses and more.

The Kool-Aid man may show up! Rutt said, but most important, Special Scoops will be providing the ice cream. We are working at making this a family-friendly celebration for the entire community, not just people in recovery.

Special Scoops is an ice cream parlor in Hastings staffed mainly by people with special needs.

The event also includes a free barbecue with hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and beverages provided; those attending are welcome to bring a dessert to share. Freewill donations are always appreciated.

For more information, call 402-462-2066.
YORK  During Tuesday mornings regular meeting of the York County Commissioners, two communications officers with the York County Emergency Communications Center will be receiving commendations for their exceptional work.

They will be particularly recognized for their actions during a very difficult situation last February.

The communications officers are Kaylie Ruiz and Rachel Borges.

Ruiz has been working with York County 911 for 3  years with one year as a communications training officer.

Borges has been with York County 911 for 1  years with 4  years prior telecommunicator experience with Seward County 911 and Nebraska State Patrol Communications.

Also during Tuesdays regular meeting of the York County Commissioners:

 The board will be considering adding the deputy county treasurer to the list of individuals for certain checking accounts.

 They will consider an interlocal agreement pertaining to adult drug court.

 The board members will meet with a representative of the Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD) regarding a Housing Advisory Committee.

 A grant request from Yorkshire Playhouse will be considered, regarding visitor improvement funds.

 When they convene as the board of equalization, they will consider 29 applications pertaining to destroyed real property. This is the first time this has been done in York County and stems from the tornado/hail storm situation in York County in mid-June. Owners had the ability to file requests for assessment review because their property was so heavily damaged. The commissioners are the deciding body, with the assessor as the party to make recommendations. These hearings will start at 10 a.m., in the commissioners chambers.

The public is encouraged to attend the meeting, which will start at 8:30 a.m., in the meeting room on the main floor of the York County Courthouse.
Behavioral Supports

RedCritter Launches CritterCoin, First K-12 Rewards System to Leverage NFTs

Digital achievements-and-rewards system RedCritter has launched a new platform called CritterCoin where schools can build their own free system to implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports with points, rewards in the form of digital coins and non-fungible tokens, and a school-specific rewards store.

Basic access to the platform is free for students and teachers, the company said in a news release. Schools can design their own digital coins or use the platforms templates. Educators who sign up for CritterCoin will be guided through sorting students into Houses and then identifying the behaviors they want to reward within each House, the company said.

Schools then design their own digital coins and teachers award them in real time when students demonstrate positive behaviors, the company said in its announcement. Each new coin a student earns contributes to their Reward Store balance as well as their House's score. Students in the top-scoring House are awarded collectible digital Critters, which can then be converted to NFTs on the Avalanche blockchain.

CritterCoin NFTs  digital artworks of animals  automatically created and distributed by the platform to students; the intended goal for students is to earn full sets of each type of animal (or trade with classmates) to complete their collections, CritterCoin said.

The platforms website integrates with ClassLink for easy rostering when a teacher or school signs up, CritterCoin said. There is no catch and we dont sell, give out any data, or allow any third parties to advertise, the website said. The only data it stores is whatever educators enter.

Several premium subscriptions are available with the following features:

Data insights to analyze how CritterCoins are distributed, compare competition rounds to one another, and track utilization data;

A public digital scoreboard to keep teamwork and positive behaviors on students minds;

Parent access, which allows student guardians to view their students' achievements and even award coins at home; and

Scannables, which allow teachers to easily create QR codes that students can scan in order to receive coins.

Learn more at CritterCoin.com.
MARION  New Williamson County State's Attorney Marcy Cascio-Hale etched her name into the history books Monday morning when she was sworn into office by Circuit Court Judge Carrie Gill.

Cascio-Hale, who was appointed by Williamson County Democrat Party Chair Tom Caliper to replace Brandon Zanotti, who resigned from office Friday, is the first-ever female state's attorney in Williamson County and one of only a few statewide.

"This is truly exciting - a surreal moment in my career for me," Cascio-Hale said prior to the ceremony. "It's great to see my family and friends come together with me to help celebrate this day as I step forward to help the people of Williamson County."

Cascio-Hale said she would rate Monday's event as her third-favorite moment in her life.

"The first was the birth of my son (Gage) followed by marrying my husband (Christian). Graduating law school was amazing and a huge highlight, but I would still have to say this is No. 3. I'm really hoping that the people of Williamson County will see the work that I'm doing these next few months, will learn to trust me, and then show me that trust with a vote in November."

Cascio-Hale has 13 years of experience as a practicing attorney. She had been a research attorney for the Fifth District Appellate Court and previously worked in the Jackson County Public Defender's Office. She had also done volunteer work at SIU.

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza was on hand for the swearing-in ceremony Monday. She described the event as special.

"To be here and welcome in the first woman state's attorney in Williamson County ever - shattering that glass ceiling - I'm glad to be a part of it," Mendoza said. "She (Cascio-Hale) is not only taking the oath today, but has a wonderful record on which to run for state's attorney this November. She's stepping up. We have a hard-charging female state's attorney who is going to have the backs of the people in this county. And I think that's great."

Gill describes Cascio-Hale as a friend.

"I've known Marcy for a long time. I got to know her back when I was practicing in Carbondale. I saw her get married and then she was there for me when I was sworn in as circuit judge," Gill said. "I was very pleased and honored to swear her in as state's attorney today. It was very special to me."

Gill added that becoming the first female state's attorney in Williamson County is an important achievement.

"It shows that diversity is growing throughout the county and our circuit," she said. "It shows growth."

Williamson County Party Chair Tom Caliper said previously that Cascio-Hale is the right choice for the party.

"She is the state's attorney we need. She will serve with integrity and respect and provide the type of service that citizens of Williamson County have come to expect. We are proud to have Marcy as both the first woman state's attorney in Williamson County and as a candidate in this November election."

Cascio-Hale, 52, is a native of Rockford. She graduated from SIUC's School of Law in 2009 with her Juris Doctorate degree, and a year later, earned her Master of Laws degree.

"This (job of state's attorney) means a lot to me," Cascio-Hale said. "It's a huge accomplishment and I think it does mean something to women everywhere because it helps other women move forward, too. I am fully prepared and capable of doing this job."
BEIRUT  Hezbollahs leader Hassan Nasrallah on Monday said, regarding the maritime border dispute between Lebanon and Israel, that if the extraction of oil and gas started [from Israel] in September before Lebanon gets its rights, we are going to a fight and have set a goal and we will act accordingly.

Heres what we know:



 On June 5, Israel deployed a floating production ship to the Karish gas field located in the disputed waters between Lebanon and Israel causing tension between the two countries.

 In an interview with Hezbollah-affiliated channel Al Mayadeen on Monday, Nasrallah also said that if Lebanon doesnt get what it wants during the negotiations, Hezbollah can locate and has the ability to strike every target in Israel including every gas field, not just Karish.

 On June 13, the United States mediator in the Lebanese-Israeli maritime border negotiations, Amos Hochstein, arrived in Lebanon and was given a new proposal from the Lebanese side. Lebanons proposition reportedly demands the Qana gas field, which extends past the offshore demarcation identified as line 23, while Israel would receive the Karish gas field. The Qana field still must be drilled to verify if it actually contains gas according to oil and gas experts Laury Haytayan and Marc Ayoub.

 Replying to head of the Free Patriotic Movement Gebran Bassils statement in an interview with Al-Manar on Friday, in which he asked the Iranians to give Lebanon fuel for free, Nasrallah said that he is ready to bring fuel from Iran for free that would increase [state] electricity up to 10 hours a day But the government has to approve.

 On Sept. 16, 2021, Trucks filled with diesel fuel from Iran began entering Lebanon through Syria as part of Hezbollah initiative. At the time, the country was at the peak of its acute fuel shortages. The fuel, part of which was donated, was mostly sold in Lebanon at below-market prices.

 Regarding the arrest of Maronite Archbishop of Haifa and Jerusalem Moussa al-Hage last week by General Security, who was on a visit to Jerusalem, Nasrallah said that It is not fair, what some people say, that security forces in Lebanon work for the interest of Hezbollah We have a good relationship with General Security based on friendship and respect, but they were just doing their job as they got orders from the judiciary. The Military Court, headed by Judge Fadi Akiki, was reportedly the branch of the judiciary that ordered General Security to detain Hage, who was released the same day. We say to the Lebanese, especially the Christians, that what has happened has no relation to Hezbollah Hezbollah has not and will not intervene in this matter. This matter is being used to trigger sectarian divisions.

 Last Monday, the Maronite Archbishop of Haifa and Jerusalem Moussa al-Hage, returning from a visit to the headquarters of the bishopric of Jerusalem, was arrested by General Security at the Ras Naqoura at the Lebanese-Israeli border. The archbishop was arrested in possession of $460,000 in cash, which he said came from donations from Lebanese living in Israel to their relatives in Lebanon to help them get through the economic crisis.

 The matter has sparked controversy in Lebanese politics, as some claim the arrest is a message to the Maronite Patriot Bechara al-Rai, who has often railed against Hezbollah and its arsenal of weapons. Others criticized Hage for traveling through Israel, an action that is considered illegal for a citizen of Lebanon.

 The matter of transporting money [from Israel] is against the law, whether it is for humanitarian reasons or not, Nasrallah also said. The matter of Israel we cannot justify, with all my respect to the Patriarchate. Why should he be given this exception as long as Israel is an enemy, the Hezbollah chief added.
The latest reports from the Grand Ducal Police indicate that officers arrested a burglar in Merl, a drug dealer in Gare, and a knife-wielding man in Beggen over the weekend.

Shortly after 5am on Saturday, police were alerted to a burglar on Rue Charles Martel in Merl. The intruder entered a building through a window and escaped again on a bicycle. A police patrol was able to identify the suspect soon after. By order of the prosecutor's officer, the burglar was arrested and the stolen goods returned.

At 12.50pm on Friday, police officers stopped a suspicious man on Rue de Strasbourg in Luxembourg City's Gare district. They realised that he was hiding something in his mouth, which he tried to swallow when asked to spit it out. Officers took the man to the police station, where he ended up handing over packages of prohibited substances. A scan ordered by the prosecutor's office showed further packages, which is why the dealer was arrested. Police also confiscated three phones and cash money.

Police were also alerted to a knife-wielding man in an apartment in Beggen. Once officers arrived at the scene, the aggressor continued making threats and insults. He was thus arrested and presented to an examining magistrate on Monday morning.
The National Federation of Luxembourgish Women (FNFL) has issued a statement to address the tax regulations for inheritances in the Grand Duchy.

The statement from the Women's Federation, signed by president Astrid Lulling, expresses satisfaction over the fact that direct inheritances are not taxed in Luxembourg. However, the organisation demands a law to extend this regulation to third-degree family members.

The FNFL argues that many women used to be prohibited from marrying due to professional reasons, which in return incentivised them to establish closer relations with their nieces and nephews, as well as their children and grand-children.

The organisation thus hopes that their demand for an extension of the inheritance tax exemption will be considered.
After buying the Marton Ranch under President Joe Bidens 3030 conservation initiative, the federal government should divest itself of some Wyoming holdings, Gov. Mark Gordon said Wednesday.

In calling for some divestment, Gordon joined the states congressional delegation that seeks similar action in the wake of the 35,670-acre purchase made earlier this summer. U.S. Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis and U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney asked Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to neutralize the federal purchase of private property by identifying equivalent disposal opportunities elsewhere in the State.

In an interview in which he explained alleged legal shortcomings of the purchase and the states appeal of the transaction to the Department of the Interior, Gordon said a reduction of the federal footprint is what Id like to see.

The BLM has several inholdings that are basically landlocked by private property and therefore marked for potential disposal, Gordon said. To whatever degree we can help that process along so we end up with a no-net-gain of federal lands  thats a good thing.

Wyomings administrative appeal of the purchase does not call for the transaction to be undone. Rather, it seeks a remand to the BLM so the agency can adequately consider the mandatory statutory criteria, and engage State agencies, local governments, and the public, as required, the appeal states.

The conservation purchase continues an effort to protect the North Platte River, a prized fishery thats considered one of the best trout streams in the state. The purchase, which will provide new access to the river while protecting almost 8.8 miles of stream bank from development, was the eighth on the waterway, the agency said in an email.

All previous purchases received strong support from state elected officials, the BLM said.

From fiscal year 2003 to fiscal 2018 the BLM preserved more than 4.9 miles of riverfront, spending $9.3 million to acquire 1,551 private acres, the agency said. That doesnt include the Marton Ranch, which cost $21 million.

This [Marton] project went through National Environmental Policy Act review and was available to the public on the BLMs ePlanning website, the BLM wrote.

Elected officials were briefed about this large acquisition (without divulging the willing sellers name) nearly a year ago, the email said. [A] local commissioner and the Governors office were briefed in May.

The BLM will manage the Marton Ranch, its largest-ever purchase in Wyoming, as it does other lands in the area south of Casper. It will continue to allow grazing and mineral exploration but public access will increase for hunting, fishing and other activities.

Gordons administrative appeal claims the BLM violated federal environmental and planning laws, in part by not involving state and local governments and the public.

There was no consulting-agency process with Game and Fish, Gordon told WyoFile. There wasnt any contact with the Office of State Lands and Investments, which was taken by surprise, he said.

Regarding consultation with Natrona Countys Board of Commissioners, there was really none there, either, Gordon said.

Its wrongheaded for the federal government to think it can put [the Marton Ranch] in the federal estate without public scrutiny, the governor said.

Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars used to buy the ranch  in a cooperative effort with The Conservation Fund and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation  were meant to be subject to the guiding laws of the Federal Land Management Policy Act, Gordon said. That act requires that these funds not just be whimsically used for whatever the bureaucrats think they should be used for, Gordon said.

Bidens America the Beautiful initiative, which promotes the voluntary conservation of 30% of the countrys land and water by 2030, put some of those spending controls in question, Gordon said. The conservation aspect of the America the Beautiful initiative is known as 3030.

In the Marton case, the federal funds were used by the Bureau of Land Management in an opaque way for a personal agenda, Gordon charged; To effect 3030 without public comment.

Limiting the federal governments holdings in Wyoming is a good thing because we already have half of our destiny tied up with whatever the federal government decides we want to do, Gordon said. Federal ownership of some 48% of the state has compromised our economy, and troubled the state through other related issues, he said.

Further, the BLMs preservation and conservation goals could have been more surgically accomplished with state involvement, Gordon said, particularly with regard to North Platte fisheries. The governors appeal states that the BLM violated the National Environmental Policy Act when its environmental analysis stopped at the waters edge.

In the river itself, wildlife managers are troubled with the increasing pressure put on trout, an increase in catch-and-release injuries and an aging population of fish.

Increased access could exacerbate worries to the point the Wyoming Game and Fish Department might impose new restrictions or closures. That will make Wyoming the bad cop, Gordon suggested.

Were now stuck, much like we are with the Endangered Species Act and the grizzly bears, were now stuck with being the face of what the federal government is forcing us to do, Gordon said.

Wyomings statement of reasons filed with the Interior Board of Land Appeals on July 15 said the agency had used a more open process in past acquisitions in other states. It criticizes the BLM for secrecy; It prepared the Decision clandestinely, the appeal states.

More river access could increase the danger of aquatic invasive species infecting the waterway, the appeal states. The BLM wrote a three-sentence cumulative impact analysis without citing any data to support it, the appeal states. Finally, the BLM did not consider five of the seven criteria it is required to account for when spending Land and Water conservation money, the appeal states.
Visitation to Yellowstone National Park plummeted last month after historic flooding temporarily forced all five entrances to shutter, officials said Monday.

The park closed to the public on June 13 and partially reopened nine days later, using an alternating license plate system to restrict entry through the end of the month. It welcomed a total of 536,601 visitors in June, a 43% decline from the record 938,845 a year earlier, according to the National Park Service.

Operationally, its busy. But theres definitely less traffic in the park, Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly told the Star-Tribune following a July 8 press conference.

Many of the tens of thousands of tourists scheduled to arrive during the closure canceled their plans, postponed their trips or rearranged their itineraries, heading instead to other attractions, like Grand Teton National Park. Others stuck around in the hopes Yellowstone would reopen before they had to go home. Yellowstones south loop and three southern entrances reopened  for visitors with even-numbered license plates or reservations inside the park  on June 22.

Some managed to wait out the closure.

But Gustavo Hernandez, who drove an RV from Florida on a trip his family had been planning for years, and arrived in Cody an hour after the closure, couldnt stay that long. His odd-numbered license plate meant hed have to wait an extra day after the reopening to go inside, and the costs of a rental car and a campsite near the park were quickly piling up.

We did have a wonderful time even though we could not make it, Suzette Pinero, his wife, said in an email to the Star-Tribune.

The license plate restriction lasted until July 2, when vehicles were also allowed back onto the north loop. The National Park Service is still working to reconnect the two northern entrances, which suffered the worst damage, to the rest of the park.

In the days after the closure, the businesses catering to tourists in the gateway communities waited nervously for their entrances to open.

For businesses to the south of the park, its hard to be like, oh, woe is us, and worry about us, because theres obviously a lot of people that have it a lot worse than we do, Blake Clark, co-owner of the Wyoming Trout Guides Fly Shop in Cody, said in a June 16 interview. But the towns didnt know at the time how long theyd be without their major moneymaker.

The record number of Yellowstone visitors in 2021 spent an estimated $1.1 billion in Wyoming, supporting over 15,000 jobs, according to a National Park Service report. Recreation visits so far this year are down 20% compared with last year, but are only about 7% below this time in 2017, 2018 and 2019, when park tourism generated between $882 million and $924 million per year, the agency found.

Tensions eased quickly among Cody and Jackson businesses as local barricades lifted and the barrage of cancellations slowed.

Yellowstone typically sees more visitors in the second half of the year than the first, and despite the flooding, this years numbers are still close to double visitation during the first summer of the pandemic, when the park barred visitors for several weeks in May and then allowed entry only through Wyomings gates until June.

It took us five to six weeks after COVID closures to get back to normal, Sholly said after the press conference. So I dont know if were in this lag period where its going to continue to build, or not.
Since 2020 a total of 218 people have been arrested in connection with the theft of metals i
Double whammy: A view of the damage following a landslide that caused the retaining wall at Bernard Chitans home to collapse onto Aquimer Charless residence on the morning of July 15. Chitan said it was the combination of an earthquake the day before and heavy overnight rainfall that compromised the walls foundation. Photo: ROBERT TAYLOR
Terracon Foundation: The Terracon Foundation awarded a $4,900 community grant to the Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Foundation. The funds will be used to support SARSEFs Creating an Equitable AZ STEM Pipeline. To date, the Terracon Foundation has granted more than $3.5 million to community organizations, universities, dependents of employees, and for disaster relief efforts.

Round Room, LLC: Round Room, LLC., a Verizon authorized retailer, announced that its TCC and Wireless Zone stores are giving away backpacks in Tucson and across the country. Across the U.S. on Sunday, July 31, the company is donating 140,000 backpacks full of school supplies as part of its 10th annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway. Families are invited to visit a store between 1 and 4 p.m. to pick up a backpack filled with pencils, paper, a pencil box, folders, a ruler and glue. One backpack per child present will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. In addition to the backpack donations, families can enter their students in a sweepstakes to win a $10,000 college scholarship through the giveaways Big Impact. Children in grades K-12 are eligible for entry. Five scholarships in total will be awarded to randomly selected winners. To find a location near you, visit tucne.ws/1kzp. Any leftover backpacks at School Rocks Backpack Giveaway events will be donated to local schools of each stores choice.

Western Wealth Capital: School supply kits and backpacks were given to school-age children at Tucson-area Western Wealth Capital-owned apartment communities. The backpacks included a school district-approved supply kit with notebooks and other vital supplies like pens and art supplies. This year, the company will surpass $200,000 in donated school supplies since the events inception in 2016, with more than 450 backpacks being distributed in Tucson this year alone.

Southwest Gas Foundation: Mayor Regina Romeros Tucson Million Trees program received a $50,000 commitment from the Southwest Gas Foundation as part of the companys multi-year pledge to responsible environmental stewardship and community partnerships. The donation, matched dollar-for-dollar through another philanthropic gift, represents a $100,000 boost towards the mayors goal of planting one million trees in Tucson by 2030. The donation is expected to increase the number of trees in up to five neighborhoods around Tucson, a news release said.
A man wanted in a fatal shooting at an apartment complex is dead in an apparent suicide.

Kristoffer David Seeger, 29, was named a suspect in the killing of 27-year-old Cody Seth Hinsley early Saturday morning at a midtown apartment complex, Tucson police said.

Around 3 a.m., multiple reports came in about a shooting at the complex, 4100 E. 29th St. There, police found Hinsley dead.

Police learned that Hinsely was in an ongoing disagreement with a group prior to the shooting and identified Seeger as the suspect.

On Sunday, just before 9 p.m., Tucson police were called to an east-side home for a report of a shooting. They found Seeger with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

He was taken to a hospital where he died shortly thereafter.

No additional suspects are being sought in the case.

Teen arrested in deadly shooting at Tucson Circle K store An 18-year-old was arrested in the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old man on Tucson's south side earlier this month.

Man convicted in Tucson killing found dead in prison The 51-year-old inmate was found unresponsive with injuries prison officials say are consistent with being beaten inside his shared housing unit.

Tucson man leaving domestic dispute killed in rollover crash A 29-year-old man was killed after he drove through concrete pillars and rolled his Jeep several times in the desert southeast of Tucson, officials said.

Woman killed in hit-and-run near Tucson A call about a person in the road about 4:30 a.m. led deputies to the area of West Bopp Road and South Irene Boulevard, near South San Joaquin Road.
A man was killed in a rollover crash on Tucson's southeast side after leaving a domestic dispute.

Troy Allred, 29, was reportedly driving at a high rate of speed Saturday night on northbound Davidson Road near Costello Ranch Place when he drove through several concrete-filled pillars into a desert and rolled his Jeep multiple times.

That evening around 8:15 p.m., Pima County Sheriff's deputies were called to a domestic dispute in the 1500 block of North Branding Place, near Sonoita Highway and Andrada Road, a news release said.

Deputies learned that Allred left the home before they arrived and utilized a phone application to identify his location.

Upon arriving in the area of Davidson Road and Costello Ranch Place, deputies were waved down by a homeowner who directed them to the crash in the desert near a home.

Allred had been ejected from the vehicle and was taken to a hospital where he died, the Sheriff's Department said.
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover is siding with Planned Parenthood and against Attorney General Mark Brnovich in his bid to enforce a ban on virtually all abortions in Arizona.

The lawsuits outcome could affect the rights of women statewide.

In new court filings, Conovers chief civil deputy, Samuel Brown, acknowledged there is a law on the books dating to territorial days that makes it a crime to terminate a pregnancy except to save the life of the mother.

Brown also noted that a 15-week abortion ban approved earlier this year by the Arizona Legislature contains specific language that it does not repeal the older and stricter law, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.

But he said that new law did not contain a trigger to repeal the 15-week ban if the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. He told Pima County Superior Court Judge Kellie Johnson that means she cannot simply accede to Brnovichs request to reinstate the territorial law and completely ignore the newer statute that was validly enacted. Brown said the new law conforms with the Supreme Court decision issued in June, after state lawmakers had gone home, which leaves the question of abortion to legislators in each state.

In granting the relief requested by the attorney general, this court would effectively replace its judgment for that of the Arizona Legislature regarding that which the Legislature had decided not to repeal, Brown wrote.

Pima Countys involvement

Conover, a Democrat elected as county attorney in 2020, told Capitol Media Services that staying out of the legal spat was not an option. Thats because the County Attorneys Office was involved in the original 1972 lawsuit in which Planned Parenthood sued both the Attorney Generals Office and the Pima County Attorneys Office. In fact, the County Attorneys Office argued at the time that the territorial law was legal and enforceable.

But Pima County Superior Court Judge Jack Marks sided with Planned Parenthood back then, ruling the law was overbroad and violates the fundamental rights of marital and sexual privacy of women.

That was initially overruled by the state Court of Appeals. But the judges overturned their own decision after the Supreme Court voided Roe, issuing an injunction against enforcing the law that remains in effect to this day.

Now Brnovich, a Republican, has reopened that case, asking Johnson to dissolve the injunction. That forced the issue for Conovers office.

The analysis was there was no way to not be a party to the reopened case, Conover said. There was no mechanism by which to remove ourselves.

That still left the decision of whether to stick with the County Attorneys Offices 1972 decision to defend the law, or side with Planned Parenthoods arguments the law could not be harmonized with everything the Legislature has enacted since, right up to the 15-week ban that Republican Gov. Doug Ducey signed in March and that is set to take effect in late September.

Conover said she believes Planned Parenthood has the more persuasive legal arguments.

I certainly think that a great deal of statutory legislative work and case law has occurred in 50 years, she said. So the landscape has changed.

Planned Parenthoods arguments

It isnt just the new 15-week ban that conflicts with the territorial law, a version of which dates back to 1864.

In its own legal filings, Planned Parenthood cited a series of other laws approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature since Roe. Those include a 1984 statute specifically allowing abortions up to the point of viability  somewhere between 22 and 24 weeks  along with exceptions beyond that point to preserve the life or health of the woman.

There also have been various regulations like a 2009 law that imposed a 24-hour waiting period, another law that same year about licensing and operation of abortion facilities, and a 2021 law saying only physicians can administer drugs for a medication abortion.

According to Planned Parenthood attorney Andrew Gaona, that means Johnson, the Pima County judge, cannot simply dissolve the injunction but must consider the fact that since 1973, lawmakers have authorized what had previously been forbidden.

Gaona wants Johnson to rule that those post-Roe state laws make it clear licensed physicians are allowed to provide abortions up until the gestational limits  and that the territorial law banning abortion applies only to people who are not doctors.

This interpretation properly gives effect to all the Legislatures enactments, he told Johnson. And it stands far apart from the untenable interpretation the attorney general posits: that the (territorial law)  which is over 100 years old  somehow preempts a host of other subsequently enacted laws and criminalized nearly all abortions in Arizona, even abortions performed by physicians within the longstanding framework established by the Legislature.

Brnovichs view

In a prepared statement, an aide to Brnovich did not address questions about Conovers decision to side with Planned Parenthood. Instead, Brittni Thomason said Brnovich sees the entire issue through the lens of the Supreme Court returning the issue of abortion to elected lawmakers.

In Arizona, our Legislature has consistently reaffirmed our existing law prior to Roe v. Wade, she said. That includes the 15-week ban approved earlier this year, with the language that it does not repeal the prior outright ban, Thomason said.

Of some note is that Brnovich contends the injunction he wants lifted affects only Pima County. He said prosecutors in the other 14 counties are immediately free to bring charges against any doctor who terminates a pregnancy.

That theory has not been tested, as a spokeswoman for the Maricopa County Attorneys Office said no cases have been brought. Maricopa was the only other county in which Planned Parenthood and other major providers were performing abortions at the time of last months Supreme Court ruling. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell intends to wait to see what the courts and lawmakers do before taking any action, said her spokeswoman.

Pima County enforcement

Even if the injunction is entirely lifted and the old law is declared enforceable, Conover may not seek to imprison doctors.

I certainly have a strong position about prosecutorial discretion and limited resources, she said. That becomes even more important with the county in the midst of a spike in homicides, Conover said.

Theres nothing that Tucson Police Chief (Chad) Kasmar, Sheriff (Chris) Nanos and I agree on more, which is that we are all definitely focusing our resources on public safety right now and where the needs desperately are, she said. So we all three have a very strong opinion on making sure every resource is used as wisely as humanly possible.

Even before the Supreme Court decision, the Tucson City Council voted unanimously to authorize Kasmar to revise the agencys general order to reflect that no physical arrest will be made by an officer for an alleged violation of state laws limiting abortion.

However, that doesnt mean police will ignore violations of the abortion ban if it is allowed to take effect.

Tucson City Attorney Mike Rankin said an officer or detective will make a report and present it to prosecutors who would make the final decision. That would put it in the hands of Conover.

Conover said that, in siding with Planned Parenthood, she is representing the interests of the Pima County Board of Supervisors.

The board adopted a resolution in the wake of the newest Supreme Court ruling not only supporting the right of women to terminate a pregnancy, but directing the county administrator to ensure there is a broad range of legal reproductive health services available to county residents through the health department, and to work with partners locally, statewide and nationally to advocate for evidence-based reproductive health care, including abortion services.

RELATED:

Brnovich asks judge for power to criminally charge abortion doctors Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich is asking a Pima County judge to immediately restore prosecutors' power to bring criminal charges against doctors who perform abortions.

Planned Parenthood won't resume abortions in Pima County The leader of Arizona's largest abortion provider said Tuesday her organization will not resume the procedures in Pima County even though a federal judge has blocked a fetal "personhood" law they feared could lead to criminal charges against doctors and others.

Judge rejects Arizona's 'personhood' abortion law Here's why a federal judge blocked Arizona from using a law requiring state laws to be interpreted to grant "personhood'' rights to an unborn child.
ST. CHARLES, Mo. (AP)  Roughly 2,500 Boeing workers are expected to go on strike next month at three plants in the St. Louis area after they voted Sunday to reject a contract offer from the plane maker.

The strike is planned to begin Aug. 1 at Boeing manufacturing facilities in St. Charles County, St. Louis County and Mascoutah, Illinois, after the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 union voted down the contract, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

We cannot accept a contract that is not fair and equitable, as this company continues to make billions of dollars each year off the backs of our hardworking members, the union said.

Boing said in a statement that the Arlington, Virginia-based company is disappointed in the vote, but it will now use its contingency plan to support continuity of operations in the event of a strike.

A Boeing spokesman said the company's contract offer included competitive raises and a generous retirement plan that included Boeing matching employee contributions to their retirement plan up to 10% of their pay.

Boeing is expected to give an update on its finances this week when it releases its next quarterly earnings report on Wednesday. Earlier this year, Boeing reported a $1.2 billion loss in the first quarter, but just last week the company announced that Delta Air Lines had ordered 100 of its 737 airplanes.
PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. (AP)  A U.S. marshal and a suspect in a killing were shot Sunday as officers tried to arrest the man at a mobile home park in an Atlanta suburb, authorities said.

Both the officer and the suspect were taken to the hospital and are expected to recover, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation sad in a statement.

The marshal was entering the home with other officers to arrest 19-year-old Antonio Murgado around 9:15 a.m. when Murgado fired at police, state agents said.

Officers fired back and Murgado was hit several times, investigators said.

Murgado was wanted in relation to a killing in Pike County.

The shooting happened at a mobile home park in Peachtree City, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Atlanta.
The Cherokee Nation is hosting a series of seven construction recruitment events between Wednesday and Sept. 14 to help connect Native and non-Native businesses and contractors to tribal building projects across the 14-county reservation.

Cherokee Nation Career Services staff also will be on hand at each event to help businesses and contractors become a Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) vendor.

Now more than ever Cherokee Nation is in need of contractors, general labors, electricians, plumbers and other skilled professionals to assist with the completion of the tribes nearly 50 construction projects across the Cherokee Nation Reservation, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said in a statement.

Many of these projects are part of the Housing, Jobs and Sustainable Communities Act, which is providing a landmark $120 million to assist hundreds of Cherokee families with affordable housing.

Along with the historic housing construction projects planned across the Cherokee Nation Reservation, the tribe also is seeking contractors and businesses to help build new Head Start facilities and expand and remodel outpatient health facilities.

This series of construction recruitment events will provide an excellent opportunity for construction professionals and small business owners in the area to meet our Career Services staff, learn about the exciting new construction projects were working on and showcase all that they and their business expertise can offer, Deputy Chief Bryan Warner said in a statement.

We love it when we can help grow the career of a local entrepreneur or expand existing businesses in our Cherokee communities through ongoing partnerships and initiatives.

Construction recruitment events are scheduled at the following locations:

July 27, 2-4 p.m., Cherokee Casino Tahlequah Chota Conference Center, hiring for 15 projects in Cherokee County

Aug. 10, 2-4 p.m., Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs meeting room, hiring for seven projects in Rogers and Nowata counties

Aug. 17, 2-4 p.m., Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, hiring for six projects in Sequoyah and Muskogee counties

Aug. 24, 2-4 p.m., Cherokee Casino & Hotel West Siloam Springs meeting room, hiring for four projects in Adair County

Aug. 31, 2-4 p.m., Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, hiring for two projects in Tulsa and Washington counties

Sept. 7, 2-4 p.m., The District at 3882 W. 530 in Pryor, hiring for five projects in Mayes County

Sept. 14, 2-4 p.m., Cherokee Casino Grove meeting room, hiring for five projects in Craig and Delaware counties

Participants are encouraged to bring their company information, business cards and resumes or other related documents that can be provided to event staff at various trade booths.

More information can be obtained by phoning Channing Rogers at 918-453-5555 or emailing channing-rogers@cherokee.org.
The Billie A. Hall American Legion Post 17 of Sand Springs and individual post members brought home several honors from last weekends 103rd annual summer convention of the American Legion Department of Oklahoma.

Post 17 2nd Vice Commander Ronald Bunch was honored as Legionnaire of the Year, and Kim McInnis of Kims Custom Embroidery, secretary of the posts Auxiliary Unit 17, received the Small Business of the Year honor.

Post 17 was named the states American Legion Post of the Year for 2021 and also received first-place honors for medium-size posts for all four Pillars of the American Legion  Americanism, Children and Youth, National Security, and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation.

Last years post officers were Commander Rick George, 1st Vice Commander Ralph Hornback, 2nd Vice Commander Ronald Bunch and Adjutant Karen Cruice.
China's COVID-19 vaccines safe, effective

Xinhua) 08:11, July 25, 2022

A medical worker injects a booster shot of COVID-19 vaccine for an 89-year-old citizen at Aoyuncun Subdistrict in Chaoyang District, Beijing, capital of China, July 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The COVID-19 vaccines produced by China are safe and effective, according to health officials and experts attending a press conference held by the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism against COVID-19 on Saturday.

HIGH VACCINATION RATE

So far, 92.1 percent of the population from the 31 provincial-level regions and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines, 89.7 percent are fully vaccinated, and 71.7 percent have received the booster, said Zeng Yixin, deputy director of the National Health Commission (NHC).

Among those aged 60 and above, 89.6 percent have received at least one dose, while the full vaccination rate and booster vaccination rate are 84.7 percent and 67.3 percent, respectively.

"All China's incumbent Party and state leaders have completed vaccination against the coronavirus with domestically developed vaccines," Zeng said.

It fully demonstrates that Chinese leaders attach great importance to COVID-19 prevention and control and have high trust in the vaccines produced by the country, Zeng added.

MULTIPLE TECHNICAL ROUTES

China is currently conducting monovalent and multivalent vaccine research and development against Omicron variants through multiple technical routes.

"Chinese vaccines still protect against severe illness and death caused by Omicron variants," Feng Zijian, executive vice president and secretary general of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, told the press conference.

The monovalent inactivated vaccines are undergoing clinical trials in the provinces of Zhejiang and Hunan as well as in Hong Kong.

The tetravalent recombinant protein vaccines have obtained approved documents for phase III clinical trials in the United Arab Emirates, and relevant studies have been carried out.

China is pushing forward its vaccine research and development against Omicron variants rapidly and steadily, said Feng.

NOT CAUSE OF LEUKEMIA AND DIABETES

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe, and the vaccination does not lead to leukemia or diabetes, said Wang Fusheng, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Wang said various vaccine substances are safe for humans and will not directly cause diseases. The reagents used in the production of vaccines have been strictly verified by competent institutions and meet related standards.

He noted that the inactivated vaccines, the most widely used in China, have sufficient safety guarantees and have been recognized by international organizations.

The COVID-19 vaccines neither affect growth and development nor lead to tumor metastasis and antibody-dependent enhancement, as some internet sources claimed, according to Wang.

Wang further noted that clinical monitoring and statistical data show that in the four years before and after COVID-19 outbreak, the number of visits and hospitalizations for diabetes and leukemia are virtually the same, with no significant changes.

HOMOLOGOUS AND HETEROGENEOUS BOOSTER

The protective effect against COVID-19 can significantly improve by either homologous vaccination (enhanced with vaccines from the same technical route) or heterogeneous vaccination (enhanced with vaccines from different approved technical ways), said Zheng Zhongwei, an official with the NHC who also heads a vaccine research and development working group under the State Council's inter-agency task force.

Zheng said the protective effect of both homologous and heterogeneous booster shots are quite remarkable in preventing infection, severe cases, and death.

Wang Junzhi, an expert from the vaccine research and development working group under the State Council's inter-agency task force, said that the data from animal tests and human clinical trials during vaccine research and development showed that China's COVID-19 vaccines meet the national standards in both safety and effectiveness.

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun)
Albert Gs will celebrate its 30th anniversary Wednesday, July 27, by rolling back prices to what they were in 1992.

That was when the first Albert Gs opened in a converted service station at 2748 S. Harvard Ave.

That location, which has undergone major renovations, is still open, along with a downtown spot at 421 E. First St., and its most recent restaurant in Tulsa Hills, 7588 S. Olympia Ave.

We just wanted to say thank you to Tulsa for 30 great years, owner Chuck Gawey said.

The reduced prices will apply to all sandwiches and dinners at all three locations and is applicable only for dine-in customers.

For more information, go to albertgs.com.

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Tulsa World Scene podcast: So perfect Oklahoma fried onion burger

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Tom Gilbert Chief Photographer I joined the Tulsa World in 1988 after graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma. I lived in Saudi Arabia before graduating from Broken Arrow High School. I'm married to Karen Gilbert and have three grown children. Phone: 918-581-8349 Follow Tom Gilbert 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

Red Fork Distillery is our featured beverage of the week, it is called Kivalo Chocolate Martini.

The martini uses Red Fork's Kivalo whiskey cream and their Southern Journey vodka.

Owner Dana Hoey explains the recipe for the drink, "We blend two ounces of our Southern Journey vodka, an ounce of our Kivalo whiskey cream, an ounce of Godiva chocolate liqueur, and an ounce of Bailey's liqueur. I shake that over ice. I drizzled the glass with chocolate and freeze it for a few minutes to chill and then pour over the chocolate. And then you have your Kivalo chocolate martini."

Red Fork Distillery is located at 3310 Southwest Blvd., on Route 66 just a few miles from downtown Tulsa. The distillery is in an industrial area, but once you walk into the tasting room, you feel like you are in the country. Reservations are required for tours and tastings at the facility.

Dana's husband, Michael, got the idea to start a distillery in Tulsa from an article in a magazine. After years of figuring out the challenges of doing this in Oklahoma, they finally opened in 2015.

"We are Tulsa's first legal distillery since prohibition. We have a full line of spirits, including seven different spirits, but some of our newest products are our Caribe rum, which is our Oklahoma rum that is barrel age. We have our Apple Pie whiskey, which uses our Heist whiskey blended with natural juices and cinnamon. Then we have our Kivalo, which is our whiskey cream.

Our vodka is the official vodka of the Tulsa Drillers. So anytime you're at ONEOK field, you'll find our vodka as well as all of our products located at the Red Fork bar behind home plate, on the Concourse level," said Hoey.

You can also find their products at liquor stores and numerous bars and restaurants in the area.

"We also rent out our event space called the Still Festivity Hall for private events. We host a private mixology event every couple of months or so. We'll have another one likely in September. So keep an eye out on our social media for that," she said.

Local artist Josh Stout has been creating their label artwork since they started in 2015. He also has a gallery nearby on Route 66 at 2609 W 40th Pl.

The distillery also partners with other local companies. They teamed up with Broken Arrow's American Inheritance Confectionery with a bourbon-filled chocolate. They also have a bourbon-scented candle made by Fortune Cookie Soap and a custom cigar made by Tomas of Ultimo LLC, Premium Hand Crafted Cigars, to pair with their bourbon.

To book a tour or event, contact them online at redforkdistilleryok.com

Past Beers of the Week:
BEIJING (AP)  Indonesian President Joko Widodo was heading to Beijing on Monday for a rare visit by a foreign leader under China's strict COVID-19 protocols and ahead of what could be the first overseas trip by Chinese President Xi Jinping since the start of the pandemic more than two years ago.

Xi, who has participated in international meetings only by video link during the pandemic, may end his COVID-19 isolation and attend a Group of 20 summit in Indonesia in mid-November, analysts both inside and outside China said.

The restrictions during the pandemic years have shrunk Chinas diplomatic activities, said Zhu Feng, dean of the School of International Studies of Nanjing University. China must face reality. Although the pandemic is still not over, it is a must for China to walk out and invite in.

Widodo, the host of this year's G-20, will meet Xi and Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry said. He will then hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on Wednesday and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul on Thursday,

Japan, South Korea, China and Indonesia are all members of the G-20, a group of 19 major nations and the European Union.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, who is traveling with Widodo, said the trip would focus on trade, investment, health, infrastructure and fisheries. She called China, Japan and South Korea partners in economic and regional issues.

But Veronika Saraswati, an international politics researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, an Indonesian think tank, said she believes Widodo's trip is also to personally invite Xi to the G-20.

Xis presence is certainly highly anticipated and will give significance to the success of the meeting, she said, noting the deterioration of the global economy because of the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as tensions with China across the Indo-Pacific region.

His attendance is far from guaranteed. Yu Jie, a China expert at Chatham House in London, said it would depend on the successful completion of a major meeting of China's ruling Communist Party this fall at which Xi is expected to get a third five-year term as party leader.

Separately, China has told Thailand that Xi would attend a meeting in Bangkok of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum shortly after the G-20, if he is not preoccupied with other responsibilities, said Tanee Sangrat, a spokesperson for the Thai Foreign Ministry. Many leaders combine a trip to APEC and the G-20.

China has not confirmed Xi's trip to APEC.

I think Xi will go to G-20 having secured his third term in office and in a strong political position, said Bonnie Glaser, the director of the Asia program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

Widodo is one of the few foreign leaders to visit China during the pandemic and the first since several attended the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia is a member of the G-20, and its invasion of Ukraine complicates the annual meeting, potentially putting Putin in the same room with U.S. President Joe Biden and European leaders who have condemned the war.

Xi, who traveled widely before the pandemic, has not left China since returning from a visit to Myanmar on Jan. 18, 2020. Five days later, the city of Wuhan was locked down as China took on the virus that caused the disease later named COVID-19.

Xi made his first trip outside mainland China about three weeks ago, visiting the semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong to mark the 25th anniversary of the return of the former British colony to China.

World leaders also hold one-on-one meetings during the G-20, so it could provide an opportunity for Xi's first in-person meeting with Biden since he took office in January 2021.

It is a rare opportunity to conduct face-to-face exchanges on a multilateral stage, which China needs very much, said Su Hao, an international relations professor at China Foreign Affairs University.

He added that the G-20 would be an opportunity for Xi to advance proposals he has made on global development and security.

Widodo will be the second foreign leader after Biden to visit South Korea since Yoon's inauguration in May. They are expected to discuss boosting economic, security, infrastructure and defense industry cooperation.

Associated Press researcher Yu Bing in Beijing and writers Niniek Karmini and Edna Tarigan in Jakarta, Indonesia, Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul in Bangkok and Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.
For several weeks, the charts showing Oklahomas growing number of COVID cases has also shown that those infections are being found almost entirely in ER settings.

For Dr. David Kendrick, CEO of the Tulsa-based My Health Data Network, that means were probably missing a lot who are COVID-positive, as well as only getting the more severe symptomatic infections into the data.

The increase in COVID-19 cases, both visible and invisible, has public health leaders urging vaccination as the best way to avoid the kind of infection that requires hospital care.

The Tulsa Health Department on Monday announced preparations to administer the new vaccine, Novavax, which is expected to be made available this week.

This is another COVID-19 vaccine option that may be more appealing to individuals who are hesitant to receiving an RNA vaccine, said Priscilla Haynes, division chief of preventive health services for the Tulsa Health Department.

Novavax will be the only protein-based vaccination among four options for those seeking COVID-19 protection. It is anticipated that doses for Oklahomans will be available before Aug. 1, according to the statement Monday from the Tulsa Health Department.

Vaccines are the best way to protect against vaccine-preventable diseases, and we know that receiving your COVID-19 vaccine decreases severe illness, hospitalizations and death from COVID-19, Haynes said.

For Tulsa County residents, the COVID-19 hospitalizations average has almost tripled since the end of May, according to an analysis of the most recent state data. About 43% of COVID-19 patients from Tulsa County who needed hospital care were in ICUs, the data show.

But that doesnt account for less-severe and asymptomatic cases, Kendrick said. Oklahomas level of transmissibility can be hard to determine with so many infections being found with at-home testing and never engaging the health care system, he repeated Thursday.

I suspect that the number of cases in the community is much higher than estimated,  but because we have so much home testing, and only the sickest people are getting tested in a clinical setting, that creates a seeming mismatch in the data, he said in his COVID-19 update a week earlier.

Another data disconnect is in the positivity rate, hovering around 27% to 28% for the past several weeks and reflective of how little testing is being done in clinical settings, Kendrick said.

The most concerning thing is how many cases we are not detecting and therefore the reservoir of viral replication thats ongoing that could yield the next variant, he said.

The viral reservoir can be thought of as the number of times COVID-19 makes a copy of itself, and thats where the next delta variant is going to come from, the next omicron is going to come from, Kendrick said.

As long as we have trillions of viral multiplications on a regular basis  and this virus has a lot more ability to mutate than we originally thought  all were going to wind up doing is having the persistent endemicity of the virus lead to additional mutations that will become dominant strains, said Dr. Stan Schwartz, CEO of WellOK and the Northeastern Oklahoma Business Coalition on Health.

One of the tools for monitoring the viral reservoir is wastewater surveillance. In Oklahoma, sewage samples tested for COVID-19 show lower levels of community transmission than indicated by the still-rising positivity rate. Kendrick said its important to keep up these monitoring efforts, even expanding them, to produce more helpful data going forward in the pandemic.

Its almost a mathematical fact that  were going to get  based on a roll of the dice  a bad variant, another bad variant emerging, Kendrick said.

Featured video: White House issues warning on new COVID variants
Grant recipients: The Oklahoma State Department of Education is awarding $8.4 million in Edge grants to 87 schools across 32 districts to enhance school improvement programs, it announced Tuesday.

Edge grants are named after Oklahoma Edge, the states eight-year strategic plan for public education, approved in 2018 to meet the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. Title I schools across Oklahoma, those designated as low-performing, were able to apply for Edge grant funding to improve academic performance among the overall school population or in federally identified student populations, such as economically disadvantaged students, English learners and students with disabilities.

Grant recipients within Tulsa Public Schools include Anderson, Bell, Burroughs, Cooper, Eugene Field, Hawthorne, Kerr, Key, MacArthur, Marshall, McClure, Mitchell, Owen, Robertson, Tisdale and Unity elementary schools; Monroe Demonstration Academy; Webster Middle School; and Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences.

TPS also received $500,000 for professional development across multiple campuses.

Outside of the Tulsa district, area recipients include Bartlesvilles Jane Phillips Elementary School, Cave Springs High School, Hominy Elementary School, five campuses within Muskogee Public Schools, three sites within Okmulgee Public Schools, South Coffeyville Elementary School, and Sand Springs Charles Page High School and Clyde Boyd Middle School.

Community meeting: Under the Canopy, an eco-education nonprofit, is hosting a community meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Reed Park, 4233 S. Yukon Ave., to solicit feedback about a potential new charter school.

As proposed, the charter school would serve elementary grades and incorporate project-based learning with an emphasis on nature and outdoor education, including a school farm.

Margaritte Arthrell-Knezek, Under the Canopys founder and managing director, said a specific site for the proposed school has not been determined but that she would like to have it in west Tulsa if possible due to its proximity to Turkey Mountain and other green spaces.

The organization is also seeking community feedback through a survey on its website, underthecanopy.org. The earliest the proposed school could open is fall 2024.

Interim, again: For the third consecutive fall, Rick Kibbe will be an interim superintendent.

Anderson School, a dependent district on Sand Springs north side, announced Kibbes hiring on July 13. Andersons previous superintendent, Brett Banker, resigned in late June to be the superintendent at Mountain View-Gotebo Public Schools in southwestern Oklahoma.

Kibbe was previously Andersons interim superintendent in the fall 2020 semester and held a similar position at Catoosa to start the 2021-22 school year.

A public school educator with almost 40 years of experience, he currently serves on Tulsa Techs Board of Education.

School supply distribution events: Along with boxed dinners and bottles of water, the Muscogee Nation will be giving away backpacks filled with school supplies at its annual back-to-school drive-through event from 4-7 p.m. Friday at the Claude Cox Omniplex on the north side of Okmulgee. Families are asked to preregister by calling 918-549-2880.

Skiatook Public Schools Johnson-OMalley parent committee will hand out school supplies from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Newman Middle School to Indigenous students attending Skiatook Public Schools. This will be a drive-through event, and families are asked to remain in their vehicles.

School board calendar: The boards of education for Anderson, Jenks, Tulsa Tech and Woodland, which is in Fairfax, have meetings scheduled for Monday.

The State Board of Education is scheduled to meet Thursday in Oklahoma City.

 Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton, Tulsa World
For Yancey Williams and many other would-be fighter pilots, there seemed to be no getting around it.

Qualifications notwithstanding, their color barred them from flying for their country.

But rather than just let it go, Williams, a former Tulsan, decided to push back.

He filed a federal lawsuit, and as a result, a new program at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama would be launched, finally giving African American aviators the chance theyd wanted.

Starting this week, visitors to the Tulsa Air and Space Museum will be able to learn more about Williams and other Tuskegee pilots when the museum unveils its new Tuskegee Legacy exhibit.

A

The exhibit tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the now-legendary group of African American aviators who broke racial barriers at home to help win World War II in Europe.

Its been in the works for a year and a half, and museum staff and supporters are excited to finally be able to share it with the public, curator Alex London said.

Weve wanted to highlight the Tuskegee Airmen in our museum for a long time. Its something visitors have asked about, London said.

Williams, who died in a plane crash in 1953 at the age of 37, is just one of the historical figures featured.

But hes one the museum especially wanted to highlight because of his ties to Tulsa  ties that for too long have gone unacknowledged.

Williams, who moved to Tulsa as a youth, graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1932.

London said Williams name came to the museums attention when it reached out to the public, looking for local Tuskegee ties.

We had a visitor who came out one day, and she told us about Yancey, he said. She said her parents had had a grocery store and that he used to work there.

From Tulsa, Williams had gone on to study engineering at Howard University. While there, he earned a private pilots license.

But in 1941, his attempt to join the Army Air Corps was denied solely because he was Black.

Williams then filed a federal lawsuit along with the NAACP and fellow Howard student Spann Wilson.

The government responded by approving a segregated unit based at Tuskegee.

Out of that program, which trained Black pilots and ground crews, the 332nd Fighter Group went on to fly more than 1,800 missions in WWII.

Along the way, the airmen both proved and distinguished themselves.

Time and time again they took on the most important missions, the most dangerous, and with a fearless mindset, London said. Also, they knew how to get the most out of their machines. They were well-trained at Tuskegee.

The exhibit tells that story through a series of panels. It also includes scale models of some of the aircraft, along with items donated by a former museum docent who attended Tuskegee.

As for Williams, he earned his pilots wings in 1944. He did not go overseas, and not much is known about his life after that. At the time of his death in 1953, he was an Air Force major.

Would the Tuskegee air program have happened without Williams lawsuit? Its impossible to say. But his role clearly was pivotal.

London believes there are several reasons why Williams has gone overlooked for so long.

He died young, for one thing, and at a time when Black contributions were mostly ignored.

And while the Tuskegee Airmen are well-known as a group today, its only been more recently that attention has focused on some of the individuals, London said.

Its time for more people, especially Tulsans, to know about Williams, he said.

The exhibit should also give visitors a better understanding of the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, London added.

They broke barriers and helped win a war, but it didnt end there. Many of them went on to successful careers both in and out of the military.

The exhibit was funded by Oklahoma Humanities, The Ed Darby Foundation, The Bernard and Marcy Robinowitz Family Fund, and Barbara and Allen Smallwood.

Featured podcast: Tulsa World Opinion
Update: Tulsa police have found the missing juveniles safe at restaurant on Monday Afternoon.

Just before 2 p.m., Elijah Doakes, 13, and Jeremiah Hall, 9, were found safe. They were dropped off at a restaurant near North Harvard Avenue and Woodrow Place.

Officers located them in a neighborhood nearby. The teens were placed with family members.

No arrests were made, and at this time, the matter is no longer under investigation.

Police are asking for help in finding a 13-year-old boy and his 9-year-old stepbrother after the two reportedly left a parents apartment early Monday.

Officers responded around 7 a.m. to the Bandon Trails apartment complex on 88th Street between Lewis and Delaware avenues, where they learned that Elijah Doakes, 13, and his stepbrother Jeremiah Hall, 9, had left around 4:20 a.m. with a parents keys and his pistol, according to a Tulsa Police Department news release.

The boys met four adults at a QuikTrip near 51st Street and Lewis Avenue around 6:20 a.m., according to police, who tracked the parents vehicle to 15th Street and Lewis about 20 minutes later.

The unknown adults were seen on surveillance footage driving a white four-door Dodge Durango or Dodge Journey with black rims, a sun roof and running boards. The vehicles paper tag reads 071622, according to police.

Elijah Doakes is described as 5-foot-2, 125 pounds, Black with light to medium skin and short hair. He was wearing a white tank top, camo shorts and a black backpack or gym bag. Jeremiah Hall is 4-foot-2, 75 pounds, and Black with medium to dark skin with short hair. He was wearing gray shorts and black shoes.

Anyone who sees the children should call the police immediately.
Visionary movie project inspires a young audience as it shows heroic deeds that built modern China.

As night fell, the summer heat faded away. On the playground of Gouba Conference Red Army Elementary School in Zunyi, Southwest China's Guizhou province, nearly 200 children and teachers sat on their stools to watch the movie 1921, a 140-minute revolutionary epic that recounts the founding of the Communist Party of China.

In front of them was a large white projector screen tied to two erected bamboo poles. For most of the children in grades one through six, it was the first time in their lives that they had watched a movie on such a "giant" screen, as there is no cinema in Gouba village, which has approximately 760 households.

Xu Longsheng, a 21-year-old from Beijing Normal University, and four of his fellow students worked as projectionists. Although the story is set against a complex backdrop containing many historical figures, most of the children still showed intense interest, asking the college students a slew of questions.

The event is part of a project, "Taking Movies to the Countryside", which was recently launched by Beijing Normal University and the China Film Archive.

The university is scheduled to send 12 teams of students and teachers to around 50 rural areas, with Zunyi being the first stop and Ganzhou in Jiangxi province as the next destination. The project aims to improve aesthetic education in rural primary and secondary schools, as well as providing the students majoring in education an opportunity to get a taste of their future career.

As it is named after the Gouba Conference, a lesser-known yet historically pivotal meeting, which laid the foundation for victory on the Red Army's Long March, the elementary school has a tradition of highlighting its revolutionary culture and history. The five students designed two lessons, both concerning the village's Red heritage. The program has been filmed to make a documentary.

As the "protagonist" in the documentary's first episode, Xu serves as the lecturer of a public lesson, which is themed around Liu Hulan, a revolutionary martyr who sacrificed her life at a young age.

Explaining that the connection between Liu and the movie 1921 is "youth"-because the delegates to the CPC's first national congress had an average age of 28 as depicted in the film-Xu says he hopes the lesson will encourage the children to believe that "everything is possible when you are young" and bravely pursue their dreams.

A native from Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture in Guizhou province, Xu, a sophomore majoring in Chinese literature and language, says he was impressed to discover that the rural school in Gouba village had installed a variety of facilities for art and physical education, setting up classrooms for electric piano, chess, painting and calligraphy, as well as pottery.

"When I was young, I also studied at a village school. There was only one class in one grade at my school, making me believe that every elementary school was the same size," recalls Xu.

"After I started studying at Beijing Normal University, I found that most of my schoolmates (from urban areas) were quite versatile. Some of them could play piano, and some could play guitar or dance quite well," says Xu, revealing that he had once dreamed of learning to play the piano.

For Xu, the visit to the school is like a window, through which he can view the huge transformations brought about by China's decadeslong effort to eliminate poverty and the country's vision of rural revitalization.

Xiao Xiangrong, dean of the School of Art and Communication at Beijing Normal University, says that the project was inspired by the Beijing College Student Film Festival, an annual event also hosted by the university.

"I have often thought recently about how acclaimed movies could reach and influence more people. I also think that it's important for the students majoring in education to delve deeply into primary and secondary schools, thus making them more emotionally connected and able to understand the value of their job as a teacher in the future," explains Xiao.

Last year, China launched a project to enroll students with a series of beneficial policies, including exemption of tuition fees and lowering the college entrance examination scores, for colleges training teachers. Those students will be dispatched to work as teachers for six years in 832 counties, which have eradicated poverty in recent years, but are still short of educational talent.

Also one of the five students joining the Gouba visit, Li Ruoyu, a 19-year-old majoring in English at the Beijing Normal University, benefited from the program. Li says she was moved by the sincerity of countryside children.

Recalling that most of them are "left-behind" children, referring to those who remain in rural areas while their parents leave to work in cities, Li says: "We could see the light in each of their eyes. They are so curious about the outside world and yearning for knowledge."
If Oklahoma wants to help employers hire workers to fill long-vacant positions, dont expect House Bill 1933 to offer much help.

The bill, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, would cut the span that jobless Oklahomans can receive unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 16.

As noted recently in a report by the Oklahoma Watch nonprofit news outlet, HB 1933 was touted as a way to help employers save money on unemployment insurance, and it may well succeed in doing that once Jan. 1 rolls around.

But the expectation that it will nudge people into the workplace doesnt take into account the complexities of the state labor environment or the challenges job seekers face.

The common narrative pushing legislation like HB 1933 is that people are unwilling to work if they are receiving unemployment benefits that are too generous. There are a number of holes in this argument.

Oklahomas unemployment rate now sits at 2.8%, which is near historic lows. Labor force participation, now at just over 60%, is on par with historical averages dating back four decades, and not too far below national averages.

In short, most people who want jobs are working, and are doing so at rates that are historically consistent.

So, why are some jobs so hard to fill? The reasons are numerous.

For starters, Oklahoma has long had challenges with workforce development. Many jobs require skills and education that are not being met. This is an ongoing concern in Oklahoma, so its no surprise that demand for high-skill workers is not being supplied.

There also is fierce pay competition. Some jobs, particularly in service industries, have not offered the same pay of other employment sectors.

Medical marijuana provides a valuable example. That industry, which has only been around since 2019, employs nearly 17,000 Oklahomans  about twice that of construction  and boasts average pay ranging between $43,000 and $49,000 a year. Lower-paying or more difficult jobs are losing out to industries like this.

Some job-seekers have to make difficult life decisions. Those needing child care to work will pay more than $8,500 average a year for care; costs rise for infants and toddlers. Its also difficult to find care for odd-hour shifts. Its understandable how a parent of two or more children may have to forgo employment.

When coupled with ongoing pandemic concerns and older workers opting to retire, its no wonder some employers are having trouble with staffing.

What can be done?

Businesses will need to compete, for sure. But Oklahoma policymakers need to double down on workforce development and invest in common education, CareerTech and higher education. Our minimum wage, unchanged at $7.25 an hour since 2009, is embarrassingly low.

Being the cheapest place to do business doesnt make Oklahoma the best place to do business. Employers need more, better-trained workers, and the state needs to support people who will fill these roles  including those currently out of work.

We can appreciate wanting to lower businesses unemployment insurance costs, but were woefully behind in boosting the prospects of those we wish to employ. Undercutting the unemployed is not the answer.
An 82-year-old man from Hanoi, the oldest candidate in Vietnams 2022 national high school graduation exam, officially passed the test with a total score of 22.35, as per the results announced on Sunday.

The Vocational and Continuing Education Center in Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, the school Nguyen Huy Ky attended before the exam, confirmed his results later on the same day.

Ky, 82, got 4.75 points out of 10 in literature, 3.6 points in math, 7.5 points in history, and 6.5 points in geography to pass the graduation exam and is now a high school graduate.

He was given 0.25 priority points as a candidate who is 35 years or older, as of the date of the high school graduation exam.

As a continuing education student with a grade-A computer certificate or higher, he also got an additional one point.

Nguyen Huy Ky, 82, is pictured during the 2022 national high school graduation exam at Thanh Xuan Middle School in Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

During the national high school graduation exam that took place at the beginning of this month, at the exam site of Thanh Xuan Middle School in the namesake district, Ky drew attention as the oldest candidate in the country still pursuing a high school diploma at the age of over 80.

At that time, Ky told a Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporter that the reason for his pursuit is to return to the profession of Oriental medicine, which requires him to attend a medical school, and a high school diploma is a must for admission to the medical school.

In Vietnam, the national high school graduation exam, considered one of the most important events in the life of every school student, is organized in July every year for 12th graders and independent candidates.

The exam results are used for both high school graduation and enrollment in universities and junior colleges.

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Tesla Inc boss Elon Musk said late on Sunday on Twitter that he and Google co-founder Sergey Brin remain friends and denied a report that he had been involved in an affair with Brin's wife Nicole Shanahan.

Musk's tweets came after a Wall Street Journal report that cited unidentified sources saying he had engaged in a brief affair with Shanahan. The paper said the affair prompted Brin to file for divorce from Shanahan earlier this year and ended the tech billionaires' long friendship.

Dismissing the report, Musk tweeted, "Sergey and I are friends and were at a party together last night! I've only seen Nicole twice in three years, both times with many other people around. Nothing romantic."

Tesla and Google, whose parent company is Alphabet Inc., did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comments outside regular business hours.

Reuters wasn't immediately able to reach Brin or Shanahan for comment. A lawyer for Brin declined to comment to the WSJ, and Shanahan didn't respond to requests from the paper for comment.

Brin filed for divorce citing "irreconcilable differences," the Journal said, quoting records it said were filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court. Reuters wasn't able to determine independently whether divorce papers have been filed.

In its report, the WSJ also said Brin instructed his advisers to sell personal investments in Musk's companies after he came to know about the affair. The paper said it wasn't able to determine how large those investments were, nor whether any sales were made.

The Wall Street Journal did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment on Musk's denial of the report outside of regular U.S. business hours.
An eight-year-old girl drowned in a 2.5m deep pond while playing in a field with her grandmother in Binh Phuoc Province, southern Vietnam last week.

Rescuers in Binh Phuoc found the body of the child on Wednesday, who was then identified as D.N.Y., from Dong Tam Commune, Dong Phu District.

Y. and her grandmother played at a field belonging to a local household on the morning of the same day before being found missing at around 10:00 am.

When her family members arrived at the field, they saw her slippers next to the pond but did not find out the girl.

The pond Y. fell into covers 120 square meters with a depth of 2.5 meters, according to locals.

After receiving the news, relevant forces in Binh Phuoc ordered specialized vehicles with nearly 10 officers to the scene to search for the missing girl.

At around 1:30 pm the same day, the team successfully recovered the body of Y. from the pond.

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Read what is in the news today:

Health

-- Vietnam now risks impoting monkeypox cases, Nguyen Luong Tam, deputy director of the Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health, said during an urgent meeting with the World Health Organization office in Vietnam on Sunday afternoon.

-- The Ministry of Health confirmed 748 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, raising Vietnams patient tally to 10,767,948.

Society

-- An 11-year-old boy was electrocuted while using a charging mobile phone and died later at the hospital in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong on Sunday.

-- To Vinh Dien Street leading to the complex of universities under the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, connecting Thu Duc City with Binh Duong Province, has been seriously degraded, with giant potholes lining it.

-- A fence made of corrugated iron belonging to the renovation of a drainage system on Vo Van Ngan Street in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City suddenly collapsed, injuring two passers-by on Sunday.

Business

-- A charter flight carrying 141 passengers from Incheon, South Korea landed safely at Lien Khuong International Airport in Lam Dong Province on Saturday, marking the first post-pandemic international flight between the two destinations, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Education

-- Nguyen Huy Ky, 82, the oldest candidate in the 2022 national high school graduation exam, officially passed the exam with a total score of 22.35, as per the results announced on Sunday.

Sports

-- Dane Jonas Vingegaard claimed his maiden Tour de France title after Sundays 21st and final stage, Reuters reported.

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A road to the complex of universities under the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, connecting Thu Duc City with Binh Duong Province, has been seriously degraded, with giant potholes lining it.

Students and local people have endured the bumpy To Vinh Dien Street, which links National Highway 1K with the B dormitory of the university complex, commonly called the 'University Village,' over the past years.

The degradation of the street began three years ago.

Motorbike riders travel on the degraded To Vinh Dien Street in the complex of universities under the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam. Photo: Kieu Hanh / Tuoi Tre

Giant potholes along the street force vehicles to travel extremely slow and even in disregard of traffic directions to avoid crashes.

Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, a student residing in the B dormitory, blamed the deterioration on heavy traffic and the discharge of wastewater from households and eateries along the street into its roadway instead of a drainage network.

Wastewater is discharged from households into the roadway of To Vinh Dien Street in the complex of universities under the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam. Photo: Kieu Hanh / Tuoi Tre

In 2020, one motorcyclist died after suddenly falling into a flooded pothole near a power pole on To Vinh Dien Street with two others.

Despite that accident, the road has never been repaired.

A mini truck is to turn away after facing giant potholes on To Vinh Dien Street in the complex of universities under the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam. Photo: Kieu Hanh / Tuoi Tre

Regardless of the danger the road imposes, many people still choose to travel on it as it is the shortest route from National Highway 1K to the university complex, said Huong.

Many commuters and students hope that repairs to the street will begin as soon as possible.

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The Ministry of Health warned of monkeypox importation into Vietnam though the Southeast Asian nation has not yet recorded a single infection case.

Nguyen Luong Tam, deputy director of the Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health, made the warning during an urgent meeting with the World Health Organization (WHO) office in Vietnam on Sunday afternoon.

The alert came one day after the WHO declared monkeypox outbreaks a public health emergency of international concern  the strongest call to action that the agency can make.

The health ministry asked localities to ramp up surveillance in border areas for possible cases of monkeypox, which has reportedly spread to at least 75 countries with nearly 16,000 infections, including five deaths.

Since early May 2022, cases of monkeypox have been logged in countries where the disease is not endemic, and continue to be recorded in several endemic countries, said the WHO.

Most confirmed cases reported travel to countries in Europe and North America, rather than West or Central Africa where the monkeypox virus is endemic.

This is the first time that many monkeypox cases and clusters have been documented concurrently in non-endemic and endemic countries in widely disparate geographical areas.

In Asia, South Korea, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, and Taiwan have reported monkeypox cases, according to the ministry.

Vietnam has not yet detected any case, but it is only a matter of time, and there may be undetected community transmission, according to Dr. Do Hong Hien, an epidemiologist of the WHO office in Vietnam.

Speaking at Sundays meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Trung of the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City expected that the WHO and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will supply Vietnam with chemicals and biological products to detect suspected monkeypox cases.

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It is quite easy and simple to purchase a fierce dog breed such as pit bulls in Vietnam, but current regulations seem to be ineffective in managing these canines and preventing unfortunate incidents.

There are many groups for pit bull owners and traders on Facebook, attracting tens of thousands of followers.

In one of these groups, a user named D.V.T. posted several statuses about the sale of pit bulls, along with the dogs information and contact details of the seller.

One of T.s pit bulls is a fully grown female American bandogge, weighing 45 kilograms and selling for VND30 million (US$1,280).

The seller said that the dog is quite aggressive and that owners can use the canine for guarding their house or for breeding.

In another Facebook group, a 30-kilogram tri-color pit bull was offered at VND20 million ($854), with the seller advertising that the dog has a strong bite force and can be trained into a trustworthy house guard.

He added that he does not have any origin certification as he had bought it a long time ago.

An experienced dog owner and trader in Ho Chi Minh City told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that pit bulls are large dogs and often have excessive energy.

If kept in tight spaces and poorly trained, these canines can become stressed and unusually aggressive.

Some owners without proper knowledge like to follow unhealthy trends by giving their dogs steroids and feeding them raw meat to boost muscle growth.

There are also pit bull mix breeds with special appearance and colors, but these dogs can easily have their wild nature awakened, the dog trader said.

Raising pit bulls is not banned in Vietnam, thus it is difficult to prevent these dogs from attacking people, he added.

Do Ngoc Thanh, a lawyer from the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association, stated that dog traders need to register their business operations with relevant agencies in accordance with the law.

Some foreign dog breeds are more aggressive compared to domestic ones, so there should be strict regulations in trading and raising these specific hounds, Thanh elaborated.

Authorities need to make a list of dog breeds with high threat levels and impose corresponding conditions and regulations for the trading and raising of these canines, as well as strict penalties for violators.

The funeral of an eight-year-old who was fatally attacked by a pit bull in Binh Phuoc Province, Vietnam. Photo: B.A. / Tuoi Tre

The law requires people to be responsible for providing compensation according to the Civil Code if their pets cause damage to the health, life, or property of others.

If the injuries are too severe, the pet owners must bear penal liability for unintentionally causing harm to another person in accordance with the Penal Code, the lawyer continued.

If the pets kill another person, the owners may face up to 10 years in prison for manslaughter, he said.

According to a veterinary officer, current regulations require dog owners to register with local authorities, keep the canines in their houses, ensure environmental sanitation, use a muzzle or leash when taking them for a walk, and vaccinate them against rabies every year.

However, hardly any family registers with the authorities when raising dogs, including aggressive breeds like pit bulls and German shepherds.

The officer believed that stricter rules should be implemented to better manage vicious dogs and prevent tragic incidents.

Nguyen Van Long, acting director of the Department of Animal Health under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that the recent incident where an-year-old boy was bitten to death by a pit bull is very heartbreaking.

However, a few unfortunate incidents should not result in the ban of the dog breed, Long continued, adding that it should be based on many regulations and scientific research.

Current regulations and directives on raising pets are very specific, but the main problem is in the implementation of these rules in each locality, the official assessed.

About 10 million households in Vietnam are raising dogs, and cases where dogs fatally attack humans are still rare, he added.

Unfortunate incidents On July 22, an eight-year-old boy was fatally attacked by a 30-kilogram pit bull at a house in southern Binh Phuoc Province. In mid-July, a man from central Da Nang City released his 40-kilogram pit bull and 30-kilogram German shepherd and let them attack his neighbor during a conflict, causing the victim to suffer multiple injuries. In May 2021, a pit bull mauled to death a man and injured his owner as the latter tried to intervene in the Mekong Delta province of Long An. The dog was then put down by local authorities. In the same month, a 28-month-old child from south-central Khanh Hoa Province was hospitalized with a serious leg wound caused by a neighbors pit bull. The dog also bit off a knuckle of the boys father as he tried to save his son.

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An 11-year-old boy was electrocuted while using a charging mobile phone and died later at the hospital in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong on Sunday.

L.T.T., a fifth grader from Ward 1, Bao Loc City, Lam Dong Province, was using his phone around 12:00 pm on Sunday when the battery died, so he plugged it in and continued to use the device before being electrocuted.

After discovering the incident, T.'s family immediately cut the power and administered first aid to the victim before rushing him to Lam Dong General Hospital 2 for emergency treatment.

However, the victim passed away at the hospital later.

T. was born to a poverty-stricken family.

His family currently resides in a boarding home.

Authorities in Bao Loc City launched an investigation to determine the incident's cause and supported the victim's family with burial expenses.

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Casting director Jan Russ was there at the beginning when Neighbours was merely a script idea.

For nearly 3 decades she helped make household names of its young cast.

EXCLUSIVE:

Jan Russ had been casting the final years of Prisoner from a tiny terrace house in High Street, Prahran, when she got a call from writer Reg Watson in Sydney.

My audition room was a tiny little room that had a window in it, right next door to a music room. So anytime Id have someone in to audition Id have to go into the music room and say Can you please turn down the music?' she tells TV Tonight.

I received a phone call from Reg Watson who said to me, Were thinking about doing a new show. Ill send you a couple of scripts down. The scripts were originally called Living Together. I read the scripts and started putting a cast together.

The show, originally commissioned by Seven in 1984, was renamed Neighbours and would go on to create international household names -all of them from Kylie Minogue to Margot Robbie- under Russ eye for talent.

The original cast included Francis Bell, Dasha Blahova, Peter OBrien, David Clencie, Stefan Dennis, Vikki Blanche, Darius Perkins, Kylie Flinker, Anne Haddy, Paul Keane, Elaine Smith -but it very nearly didnt feature Alan Dale as Jim Robinson.

We had a night of getting the cast together, socially, to see how they all mingled and worked off each other. So were watching them, and at the same time, the producer John Holmes and I just turned and said, Weve made a mistake. Weve got to do something about it!' she recalls.

So we rang Reg Watson and said, Wed like Alan Dale to be released to play Jim Robinson. Weve made a mistake with a person we cast! I think Alan was doing Posession at the time.

He said, No, no but they allowed him to be released, and he came down to play Jim Robinson on Channel Seven. We did the show there for 4 months and then we were suddenly axed. I think Ive got a copy of Truth saying TV Soapie Axed! We were devastated. We thought, Thats the end of it! There were fans outside the studio in South Melbourne wearing black armbands with red carnations.

Channel 10 have picked us up. Open the champagne.

While the Melbourne-produced show worked with local viewers it had failed to resonate in Sydney, but Russ can still recall the day awaiting a history-making phone call.

I remember we were in my office with John Holmes and I think the associate producer, waiting for that phone call to see if anybody had picked us up. We had a bottle of champagne. John answered the phone, and said Yes, yes, okay. Channel 10 have picked us up. Open the champagne. That was it!

But the sets at Channel Seven were suddenly burnt down. So they had to build new sets and at that time, it was Brian Walsh in the publicity department and Eileen OShea and their amazing ability they really helped push the show to another level from when we were at Channel Seven. They had Kylie and Jason flying around Australia, giving TV sets away on the weekend.

The show would go on to run for another 36 years, with Russ casting actors who became household names: Guy Pearce, Jason Donovan, Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia, Holly Valance, Jesse Spencer, Craig McLachlan, Annie Jones, Ryan Moloney, Rhada Mitchell, Delta Goodrem, Daniel MacPherson, alongside seasoned performers including Ian Smith, Anne Charleston, Jackie Woodburne, Alan Fletcher, Tom Oliver to name a few.

What does she recall of those early casting meetings?

Ill always remember Kylie was such a shy little thing when she walked into the audition room. But she got in front of the camera and I looked at the monitor and I went, Oh, my God! It was just that moment, when something special is there. She did a great audition and I said, This is the girl. Nobody else has come up anywhere near her. Shes going to be perfect.'

His tie was all skew-whiff. Hed been at school all day, typical teenage boy

Jason Donovan, son of TV actor Terrence Donovan, auditioned in his De La Salle school uniform.

His tie was all skew-whiff. Hed been at school all day, typical teenage boy, but when he did his audition I thought, Wow. Talent is certainly passed on in the family, so I offered him the role.

Father Terry would insist on Jason completing his HSC and the offer was rejected. But when the show moved from Seven to 10 and actor Darius Perkins did not, Donovan was offered the role as the new Scott Robinson.

Guy Pearce was cast after an appearance in a Mars bar commercial mass, riding a water bike in Geelong.

To me, Guy was always the dark horse. Because I always felt there was a lot more to Guy. That you were gonna get a lot more from him as an actor. And hes proven that, hes done some incredible work.

Youve got to look at it like a jigsaw puzzle

It was lovely putting that group together and seeing how they would work. Because they all seemed to be on the same page and I think thats important when youre casting.

Youve got to look at it like a jigsaw puzzle and youve got to know if people are going to get on. Thats so important, because if they dont it comes through on the screen.

Years later Russ would cast a young Margot Robbie, following her debut in Jonathan M. Shiff drama The Elephant Princess.

I thought, Weve got someone really great here, were going to have to use her. Shes going to be fantastic. I remember looking up and seeing her coming towards me. Theres something about this girl.

All the ones who have gone on, were very intelligent, prepared to work hard

But all the ones who have gone on, were very intelligent, prepared to work hard, to work on their craft, learn, listen and absorb. And that was important. Whereas I dont think a lot of them these days want to do that.

Russell Crowe only appeared in the show briefly during his Melbourne run of a stage musical, with Russ pushed to consider him by his agent.

He was a very intense young man, but he was an interesting, so I said to him, Whats your time frame? We had him on for about six weeks, because thats all he could do with Rocky Horror.

But there were also difficult times, including when Russ was asked to testify for actor Shane Connor in his case against producers Fremantle over his dismissal.

I was being pulled in two ways and it was a really hard time. But I had to state the truth. Thats what I did.

There were frequent criticisms that Ramsay Street lacked diversity, despite Russ casting several multicultural actors. But she concedes research indicated the audience did not respond.

They did a lot of research .into popular characters, what they wanted to see and what they didnt want to see. So that had a lot to do with it.

Youve got four weeks notice. absolutely devastated

The biggest challenge came around 2009 when then-producers called her into what she understood was a casting meeting. But she was met by a HR representative in what would become her official notice from Fremantle.

They said, This has come from elsewhere. Its not from us. And I said, Whats going on?' she recalls.

Youve got four weeks notice.

I said, Thank you, went back to my office and that was it. The cast were told that I had wanted to leave.

I didnt talk to anyone. The press were ringing me and I was just saying, No comment.

So I just sat there for a month, absolutely devastated. Totally devastated. I couldnt believe that after 26 years thats what I was given. I think they probably felt Shes a bit old now, we want young blood. But you cant replace experience and knowledge.

Thankfully a role in City Homicide and a Comedy Festival show helped ease the pain. But Russ admits she found it too difficult to watch the show after that.

I still think Im not fully over it. I did have a bit of a breakdown after it, I had five months of help after that. It was absolute hell.

Its fabulous that so many of them have come back

But the shows historic ending, with producer Jason Herbison immersing nostalgia, has Russ pleased to see heritage stars returning.

Its amazing. Its fabulous that so many of them have come back. And I think Well they should have come back because the show has set them up. If they hadnt been on Neighbours, would they be where they are now? she asks.

I feel very sorry that the shows ending, because I dont like seeing people lose their jobs. Thats the hardest part, I think. But I think everything has to come to an end. Im surprised the show has lasted 37 years.

But I think its made history in more ways than one in Australia. That in itself is phenomenal. And its sort of quite something to have started the whole thing off and I do feel proud of that.

You do feel some ownership of it.

Neighbours Finale Week:

Tuesday July 26 6:30pm  8pm 10 Peach

Wednesday July 27 6:30pm  8pm 10 Peach

Thursday July 28 7.30pm  9pm on 10 and 10 Peach

Attention British fans: TV Tonight will be filing a finale story following the Australian broadcast.
A symposium on studying Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy was held in Beijing on Sunday. Wang Yi, Chinese state councilor and foreign minister, attended and addressed the event.

As the chief architect of the major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has established Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy with profound insight into international situations and full comprehension of the tide of times, said Wang in his speech.

Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy has provided the fundamental guidance and the guide to action for conducting China's foreign affairs in the new era, provided Chinese wisdom and solutions to major global issues, and helped create consensus and synergy for human development and progress, said Wang.

Wang urged further understanding and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy.

The symposium was jointly held by the Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy research center, which was established by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the support of the China Institute of International Studies, and the press of Study Times, a newspaper affiliated to the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.
The ABC has announced Stan Grant as the permanent host of Q+A, ending a 12 month rotation of hosts including Grant, David Speers & Virginia Trioli.

Grant begins sole hosting duties with a special edition of Q+A from this years Garma Festival in north-east Arnhem Land, broadcast at the special time of Monday August 1 at 9:35pm.

Garma is a talking place where the nation asks itself hard questions about who we are. It is an honour to take the helm of Q+A from there, Grant said.

Hosting Q+A is a huge responsibility. I feel the weight of the audiences trust in me and the program. I will approach my role with integrity, decency and humility.

ABC News boss Justin Stevens said, As well as being a hugely experienced journalist and presenter, Stan Grant plays a respected role in Australias key national conversations. Leading Q+A is a role that suits the breadth of his knowledge and talents.

Q+A is unique in giving citizens a chance to participate in live-to-air discussion with Australias top thought leaders, policymakers and elected representatives, helping to hold power to account and facilitate constructive discussion about our nation and its future.

With Stan at the helm well continue to explore ways to further develop Q+A, including how to get audiences even more involved.

Q+A was hosted by Tony Jones for 11 years, followed by Hamish Macdonald for 18 months and then rotating hosts for 12 months.

ABC News is incredibly fortunate to have been able to call on three such exceptional journalists, Stevens said of the recent hosting trio. I sincerely thank Virginia and David for their great contribution to the program, in addition to their other commitments. They have been outstanding.

Grant will also continue to present China Tonight, write a weekly column for ABC News Digital, as well as being involved in other ABC News projects.
Its official. The United Kingdom will host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted in the United Kingdom on behalf of this years winning broadcaster, Ukraines UA:PBC.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC confirmed the news with the Host City bidding contest to begin this week.

The unsurprising news follows confirmation that 2022 winners Ukraine could not be considered a safe destination.

The BBC, as runner up was invited by the EBU to act as Host Broadcaster -the first time for the UK since 1998.

Ukraine will automatically qualify for the Grand Final along with Big 5 that financially contribute the most towards the Contest: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom).

Were exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023, said Executive Supervisor, Martin Osterdahl.

The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions. Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next years Contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europes most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this years winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event.

Mykola Chernotytskyi, Head of the Managing Board of UA:PBC added, The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine. We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us. I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent.

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege. The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity. The BBC will now begin the process to find a host city to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023.

Representatives of UA: PBC will work with the BBC to develop and implement the Ukrainian elements of next years shows and the logo will reflect the cooperation between the host country and this years winners.
Much-loved Gogglebox veteran and art dealer, Di Kershaw OAM, has died, aged 76.

She passed away on Friday at Sacred Heart Hospice following a brief illness with throat cancer.

The news was broken by Peter Ford on 3AW this morning.

Foxtel, Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia said in a statement, We are unbelievably saddened to hear of the passing of Di Kershaw.

For the past eight years we were privileged to have her luminescent character make us chuckle with her sardonic wit, crackling laugh and her impeccable style on Gogglebox.

From everyone at Foxtel, Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia we extend our condolences and love to Mick and the rest of the family. Thank you for letting us share the warmth, humour and heart of your wife, mother and grandmother.

Di would always sign off correspondence with Pleasure Treasure, but the pleasure was all ours and we will treasure it forever.

Di met husband Mick on Sydneys Northern Beaches when she was 17, and both were happily married for more than 50 years.

Di, a former model, convinced Mick to give up his high-flying career as an advertising executive in order to follow their passion for art. The couple became dealers in Indigenous Art and in 2020 Di was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her long service to the visual arts. She became an Ambassador and Guide for the Museum of Contemporary Art, a Consultant to the Australian Art Network, Mentor to Women in the Arts and had donated artworks through the Australian Governments Cultural Gifts Program.

They were parents to two children and lived in an art-filled apartment in inner Sydney where they regularly welcomed the Gogglebox team to film segments.

Di became famous but much-loved by viewers, for her blunt views -especially around detestable views of reality television and her trademark baby added to critiques.

Di preferred quality documentaries, cooking shows, Louis Theroux and Rick Stein. Together with Mick, the couple featured on Gogglebox since 2015, but were absent during one season due to COVID lockdowns.

She becomes the second cast member to have passed away following the death of Stuart Kidd in 2018.

Gogglebox is due to return in coming weeks.

This post updates.
A former Russian diplomat who became the most high-profile defector when he quit his job in Geneva after the invasion of Ukraine, says Vladimir Putin would be "humiliated" if he had to meet with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Boris Bondarev was a senior diplomat at the Russian mission in Geneva, Switzerland, but sent an email to his fellow diplomats in May saying that he was resigning because he had never been "so ashamed" of his country after the start of the war.

Now he tells Euronews that it was "crystal clear" to him that Russia "had stepped beyond the boundaries of reason and plunged into an abyss," and that prompted his decision to quit.

More than 150 days after the start of the war, Bondarev now says that Vladimir Putin made a "strategic blunder" with the invasion and will need to send "more and more cannon fodder" to Ukraine.

"It is true that every war ends with negotiations. But today I don't see that negotiations are what both sides want."

Watch: Who is Volodymyr Zelenskyy?

"He (Putin) wants to crush Ukraine because this is a country which in his opinion has no right to exist. And yet Ukrainians not only exist, but they are defending and striking back" he adds.

So could there be a possible face-to-face meeting between the Russian president and his Ukrainian counterpart as part of a negotiated settlement to end the war? Boris Bondarenko says he thinks that's unlikely to happen.

"Putin will never meet Zelenskyy if he is not forced to. He will be humiliated by that."

"You may remember that Putin publicly called Zelenskyy a junkie and called upon Ukrainian generals and officers to get rid of him and his junkies in Kyiv. So imagine what he would feel if he has to shake hands with the Ukrainian president."

The ex-diplomat says that although Russian troops are still advancing in the eastern Ukrainian Donbas region, the offensive is "seemingly losing breath" and that Russia can't afford to keep the war going for a long time as the country doesn't have the resources for that.
Los Angeles Park Shooting (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

At least seven people have been injured after gunfire erupted Sunday at a Los Angeles park where a car show was being held.

The LA Police Department said the shooting occurred around 3:50 p.m. at Peck Park in LAs San Pedro neighborhood. The LAPD tweeted it wasnt an active shooter situation but provided no more information.

The LA Fire Department said the incident occurred at or near the car show and that at least three people suffered gunshot wounds and two of them were in critical condition. Seven people overall were injured and taken to hospitals, according to the fire department.

Peck Park is about 20 miles (32.19 kilometers) south of downtown Los Angeles.
Photograph: Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters

Beijing has urged British politicians to exercise restraint in their comments on China, saying hyping the China threat would not help solve the UKs own problems.

Asked about Rishi Sunaks comments, where he labelled China as Britains biggest long-term threat and pledged to close all UK-based Confucius Institutes, Zhao Lijian, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, declined to offer specific comments, saying the election of the next Tory leader is the UKs internal affair.

But he added: I do want to inform some UK politicians that they cant solve their own problems by frequently using China to make arguments and hyping the China threat and other irresponsible statements.

In an attempt to shift focus in the Tory leadership race on to international affairs and national security, both candidates  Sunak and Liz Truss  have issued strong statements on China, portraying the UKs largest import partner and sixth-largest export partner for goods a threat.

Related: Sunak to promise curbs on China as UKs biggest long-term threat

On Monday, Sunak is expected to say that China is the biggest-long-term threat to Britain and the worlds economic and national security, citing the views of the director general of MI5 and head of the FBI.

Sunak will also take a swipe at Truss and other western politicians for having turned a blind eye to Chinas nefarious activity and ambitions and call for a new Nato alliance to be set up to counter it.

I will change this on day one as PM, Sunak will say on Monday. I will stop China taking over our universities, and get British companies and public institutions the cybersecurity they need. And I will work with President Biden and other world leaders to transform the wests resilience to the threat China poses.

Until recently, Sunak was perceived by Chinese state media as a more balanced candidate when it comes to China. In a report on 14 July, the state-owned Global Times newspaper said although Beijing did not expect a sea-change in the bilateral relationship under Britains new leader, it still hoped the two sides could improve ties. It said Sunak had a pragmatic view of developing balanced ties with China.

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By contrast, the nationalist tabloid has long held a grudge against Truss. When an alleged spat between Truss and the UKs ambassador to China broke out last year, the newspaper suggested Truss was a radical populist and quoted Chinese internet users calling the UK Little Britain.

Related: Little Britain: Chinese media weigh in on reports of spat between Liz Truss and UK envoy

The Truss campaign has insisted that she has strengthened Britains position on China since becoming foreign secretary and helped lead the international response to increased Chinese aggression. They said that she will continue to do so if elected.

In public, Beijing sticks to its non-interference foreign policy when it comes to political reshuffles in foreign countries. Earlier this month when Boris Johnson resigned, Beijing took the same line when asked by journalists.

Beijing urged London to take a long-term perspective and keep in mind the larger picture. It also called on the next Tory leader to work with China in the same direction, and promote the sustained and steady development of bilateral relations.
Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, at a welcome ceremony in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Sunday. (Lolita C. Baldor / Associated Press)

The Chinese military has become significantly more aggressive and dangerous over the last five years, the top U.S. military officer said during a trip to the Indo-Pacific that included a stop Sunday in Indonesia.

Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the number of intercepts by Chinese aircraft and ships in the Pacific region with U.S. and other partner forces has increased significantly over that time, and the number of unsafe interactions has risen by similar proportions.

The message is the Chinese military, in the air and at sea, have become significantly more and noticeably more aggressive in this particular region, said Milley, who recently asked his staff to compile details about interactions between China and the U.S. and others in the region.

His comments came as the U.S. redoubles its efforts to strengthen its relationships with Pacific nations as a counterbalance to China, which is trying to expand its presence and influence in the region. The Biden administration considers China its pacing threat" and America's primary long-term security challenge.

Milley's trip to the region is sharply focused on the China threat. He will attend a meeting of Indo-Pacific chiefs of defense this week in Sydney, where key topics will be China's escalating military growth and the need to maintain a free, open and peaceful Pacific.

U.S. military officials have also raised alarms about the possibility that China could invade Taiwan, the democratic, self-ruled island that Beijing views as a breakaway province. China has stepped up its military provocations against Taiwan as it looks to intimidate it into unifying with the communist mainland.

U.S. military officials have said Beijing wants to be ready to make a move on the island by 2027. The U.S. remains Taiwans chief ally and supplier of defense weapons. U.S. law requires the government to treat all threats to the island as matters of grave concern, but remains ambiguous on whether the U.S. military would defend Taiwan if it were attacked by China.

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Chinas top military officer, Gen. Li Zuocheng, told Milley in a July 7 call that Beijing had no room for compromise on issues such as Taiwan. He said he told Milley that the U.S. must cease U.S.-Taiwan military collusion and avoid impacting China-U.S. ties and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

The U.S. and others are also worried that a recent security agreement that Beijing signed in April with the Solomon Islands could lead to the establishment of a Chinese naval base in the South Pacific. The U.S. and Australia have told the Solomon Islands that hosting a Chinese military base would not be tolerated.

This is an area in which China is trying to do outreach for their own purposes. And again, this is concerning because China is not doing it just for benign reasons, Milley told reporters traveling with him. Theyre trying to expand their influence throughout the region. And that has potential consequences that are not necessarily favorable to our allies and partners in the region."

Milley's visit to Indonesia is the first by a U.S. joint chiefs chairman since Adm. Mike Mullen in 2008. But U.S. leaders have crisscrossed the Asia-Pacific in recent months, including high-profile visits by Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.

The Biden administration has been taking steps to expand its military and security relationship with Indo-Pacific nations as part of a campaign to build a stronger network of alliances in Chinas backyard and counter China's growing influence.

Milley declined to provide specific numbers of unsafe Chinese interactions with U.S. and allied aircraft and ships. But Austin, in a speech in Singapore last month, referred to an alarming increase" in the number of unsafe intercepts by People's Liberation Army aircraft and vessels.

Austin specifically pointed to a February incident where a PLA navy ship directed a laser at an Australian P-8 maritime patrol aircraft. But there have been a number of others. A surveillance aircraft controlled by Canada was recently intercepted by a Chinese fighter in international airspace. And U.S. ships are routinely dogged by Chinese aircraft and vessels during transits, particularly around manmade islands claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea.

Milley said there have been Chinese intercepts with Japan, Canada, Australia, Philippines and Vietnam. They all, he said, have seen a statistically significant increase in intercepts, and the number of unsafe incidents has increased by an equal proportion.

Milley, who will meet with Gen. Andika Perkasa, chief of the Indonesian National Defence Forces, said Pacific nations like Indonesia want the U.S. military involved and engaged in the region.

We want to work with them to develop interoperability and modernize our militaries collectively," Milley said, in order to ensure they can "meet whatever challenge that China poses.

He said Indonesia is strategically critical to the region, and has long been a key U.S. partner.

Earlier this year, the U.S approved a $13.9-billion sale of advanced fighter jets to Indonesia. And in Jakarta in December, Blinken signed agreements for enhanced joint naval exercises between the U.S. and Indonesia.

China has condemned U.S. efforts to expand its outreach in the region, accusing America of trying to build an Asian NATO. During a speech in Singapore, Austin rejected that claim. "We do not seek a new Cold War, an Asian NATO or a region split into hostile blocs, he said.





This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
From smart agriculture to e-commerce and rural tourism to village governance, the wide application of digital technologies is changing China's countryside at an unprecedented speed.

A forum on bridging the digital divide and building digital villages was held on Saturday on the sidelines of the fifth Digital China Summit in Fuzhou city, Fujian province, to review the achievements and explore future plans.

The Chinese government has released a series of policies to advance digital village building over the past few years, striving to boost rural residents' digital knowledge and take advantage of digital technologies in advancing rural revitalization.

Smart agriculture: digital technologies make production more efficient

The scale of digital-based agriculture in Fuzhou, the host city of the fifth Digital China Summit, exceeded 6.3 billion yuan in 2021 and has become an essential part of its digital economy.

For example, Danyun township, Yongtai county, in Fuzhou, is home to a five-story automatic duck cage. Intelligent systems such as an automated environmental control system, automatic feeding and drinking, automatic excrement cleaning, and automatic egg collection make duck raising simple and convenient. It only takes one raiser to take care of 50,000 ducks.

Likewise, neighboring Zhejiang province features intelligent kiwi growing systems.

"We have cooperated with local farms in Zhejiang to monitor the growing environment, such as water quality, soil, air, and sunshine. We use big data and artificial intelligence to upgrade traditional agriculture," said Zhu Yongtao, senior vice president of ZTE.

In addition to the transformation and upgrading of agricultural production, digital technologies also guarantee the quality and safety of agricultural products.

Every day, staff members at the Xuemei agricultural production base in Changle district of Fuzhou paste exclusive QR codes on every batch of vegetables. Consumers can scan the QR codes and discover the vegetables' origin and packaging date.

Rural industries: digital technologies promote the development of new business forms

Digital application in rural areas not only improves the quality and efficiency of agricultural production but also shortens the distance between farmers, agricultural enterprises, and customers, giving impetus to the emerging new business form of rural e-commerce.

More and more farmers and agricultural cooperatives are selling their products through livestreaming on platforms such as Douyin, Kuaishou, and Taobao. Statistics show that the online retail of agricultural products reached 626.5 billion yuan in China in 2021.

Leading Chinese tech companies also contributed to rural development.

"We have helped 81 counties in 18 provincial regions in central and west China to create local agricultural product brands. We have provided digital-based inclusive loans to more than 23 million small business operators and farmers," said Yang Peng, vice president of Ant Group, at the forum.

Chinese internet giant Tencent launched a mini program based on blockchain technology to introduce 50 quality agricultural products from 32 provincial regions.

Rural talent training: digital literacy ensures sustained development

Talent is the foundation of rural revitalization. As training on "new digital farming tools" is carried out nationwide, many farmers are becoming equipped with digital skills. According to the Development Research Report of Digital Literacy and Skills in China released at the forum, 140 million farmers have received the mobile application skills training provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs over the past six years.

Tencent has cultivated a group of talents for sustainable rural development through its Cultivator Program and Rural CEO Program. Zhang Lijun, vice president of Tencent, introduced that in 2021, Tencent, together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, launched the Cultivator Program, focusing on personnel training for rural governance and new types of agribusiness entities. "Our target is to provide free offline training to 100,000 people in three years and free online training to 1 million," Zhang said at the forum.

In addition, the Rural CEO Program, co-launched with China Agricultural University, has completed training for 55 trainees from all over the country.

"We will fully use our digital technologies and play our due role in programs supporting digital village building and rural revitalization," Zhang said.
Union bosses have been accused of cynically timing strikes on Glasgows Subway

Union bosses have been accused of cynically timing strikes on Glasgows underground network to coincide with Rangers home games next month.

Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Graham Simpson said the planned industrial action on the citys subway will heavily disrupt Rangers fans using the service on matchdays.

The dates for this industrial action have been cynically chosen to maximise the disruption to Rangers fans on matchdays when thousands of them use the subway, the MSP for Central Scotland said.

We cant allow a main public transport artery in Scotlands biggest city to be brought to a standstill by a dispute over duty rosters.

READ MORE: Glasgow Subway strike to target first Rangers home matches next month

He called for the strikes to be called off and for all parties involved to find a resolution.

Rangers are at home on all four strike dates. The Glasgow sides Ibrox stadium is served by a station on the underground system, which is used by thousands of Rangers fans each home match.

Unite announced on Monday that its members on Glasgows subway have voted by 99% for strike action on an 83% turnout.

Industrial action has been scheduled for August 6, 9, 13 and 27 in response to a dispute over changes to duty schedules, with the union saying its members are facing significant work-life pressures due to increasingly being called in to work on short notice.

READ MORE: Rangers captain James Tavernier makes Premiership pledge after Ibrox club complete pre-season programme

Mr Simpson added: Public transport users have suffered enough already with the unacceptable service cuts at nationalised ScotRail, which the SNP were so slow to resolve.

If strikes on Glasgows underground go ahead, they will merely prolong Scotlands summer of transport chaos.

More than 200 members at Strathclyde Partnership for Transport are represented by Unite, including train drivers and station staff.
A former London police station has been turned into a cannabis factory just five months after being sold.

The Metropolitan Police was called to one of its former bases on the Isle of Dogs on Sunday over concerns it was being used to grow the drug.

The station, on Manchester Road in the borough of Tower Hamlets, was sold to a private company in February this year.

When officers arrived there on Sunday, they found a "large" cannabis factory and set up a crime scene at the site.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, Conservative councillor Peter Golds said: "Two years ago we found a cannabis factory in a school in the borough and now this.

"We have said for years there are problems with antisocial behaviour in Tower Hamlets, but we have continued to see police stations close down.

"We only have one proper station in Bethnal Green left."

In documents from the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan's office, the case for closing and selling the Isle of Dogs police station said it had no "public access function".

Some 16 similar stations were slated for closure and disposal to raise money for the force in the 2021-2022 period.

A spokesperson for the Met said: "On Sunday 24 July officers from Central East BCU were alerted to a potential cannabis factory at the former Isle of Dogs Police Station on Manchester Road, E14.

"On arrival a large cannabis factory was found which is currently a crime scene with officers at the location. There has been no arrest and the investigation is ongoing.

"The Isle of Dogs police station was sold to a private company on 25 February 2022 and is no longer Metropolitan Police Service property."
President Emmanuel Macron begins a three-nation tour of western African states on Monday, in the first trip to Africa of his new term as he seeks to reboot France's post-colonial relationship with the continent.

Macron kicks off the July 25-28 tour, also the first venture outside Europe of his new mandate, with a visit to Cameroon, before moving on to Benin and then finishing the trip in Guinea-Bissau.

It's the first time he's visited those three countries since becoming President in 2017.

Top of the agenda in the talks will be food supply issues, with African nations fearing shortages especially of grain due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

But security will also loom large as France prepares to complete its pullout from Mali this year, with all countries in the region seeking to head off fears of Islamist insurgencies.

The trip to three countries which rarely feature on the itinerary of global leaders comes with Macron, who won a new term in April, pledging to keep up his bid for a new relationship between France and Africa.

France has also followed with concern the emergence of other powers seeking a foothold in an area Paris still considers parts of its sphere of influence, notably Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan but also increasingly China and Russia.

'Political priority'

The tour "will show the commitment of the President in the process of renewing the relationship with the African continent", said a French presidential official, who asked not to be named.

It will signal that the African continent is a "political priority" of his presidency.

In Cameroon, which has been riven by ethnic violence and an insurgency by anglophone separatists, Macron will meet President Paul Biya, 89, who has ruled the country for almost 40 years and is the longest-serving non-royal leader in the world.

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Biya has run the country with an iron fist, refusing demands for federalism and cracking down on the rebellion by separatists.

Macron will move on Wednesday to Benin, a neighbour of Africa's most populous nation Nigeria. The north of the country has faced more deadly attacks, with the jihadist threat now spreading from the Sahel to Gulf of Guinea nations.

He is likely to be lauded for championing the return in November of 26 historic treasures which were stolen in 1892 by French colonial forces from Abomey, capital of the former Dahomey kingdom located in the south of modern-day Benin.

Benin was long praised for its thriving multi-party democracy.

But critics say its democracy has steadily eroded under President Patrice Talon over the last half decade. Opposition leader Reckya Madougou was sentenced in 2021 to 20 years in prison on terrorism charges.

On Thursday, Macron will finish his tour in Guinea-Bissau, which has been riven by political crisis and has just taken over the helm of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Rethink strategy

The three countries countries have all been criticised by activists over their rights records.

The Elysee has insisted that governance and rights issues will be raised, albeit "without media noise but in the form of direct exchanges between the heads of states".

Macron's first term was marked by visits to non-francophone African countries including regional powerhouses Nigeria and South Africa as he sought to engage with the entire continent and not just former French possessions.

Benin is a former French colony, but Guinea-Bissau was once a Portuguese colony while Cameroon's colonial heritage is a mixture of British and German as well as French.

Macron meanwhile has insisted France's military presence in the region will adapt rather than disappear once the pullout from Mali is complete.

He announced last week that a rethink of France's presence would be complete by autumn, saying the military should be "less exposed" in the future but their deployment still a "strategic necessity".

The pullout from Mali follows a breakdown in relations with the country's ruling junta, which Western states accuse of relying on Russian Wagner mercenaries rather than European allies to fight an Islamist insurgency.

(with AFP)
Pope Francis - Cole Burston/Getty Images

Pope Francis expressed his sorrow, indignation and shame as he apologised for the Catholic Churchs role in the abuse of more than 150,000 indigenous Canadian children who were taken from their families and packed off to hellish boarding schools.

Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas, offered an apology to around 2,000 survivors gathered at the site of one of the biggest of the former residential schools, where children were starved, beaten and sexually abused in a system that Canadas Truth and Reconciliation Commission called cultural genocide.

The Pope went even further, apologising for Christian support of the overall colonising mentality of the times and calling for a serious investigation of the schools to help survivors and descendants to heal.

Among those gathered in the town of Maskwacis in Alberta were tribal chiefs, some of them in beaded shirts and feathered headdresses, others beating traditional drums.

Members of the indigenous community listen to Pope Francis - Patrick T Fallon/AFP

Pope Francis dons a headdress during a visit to the former Ermineskin Residential School in Maskwacis in Alberta - AP/Eric Gay

The pontiff said he felt a deep sense of pain and remorse at hearing the devastating experiences suffered by children at the schools, a decades-long system which he described as a deplorable evil and catastrophic for indigenous people.

I am deeply sorry, he said, drawing applause from the survivors seated in front of the stage on which he sat. I humbly beg forgiveness  for the evil committed by so many Christians.

The horrific treatment of generations of children from First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities is a dark stain on the conscience of the Catholic Church which ran about 60 per cent of the residential schools in Canada.

The intention was to assimilate indigenous children into Christian society but the effects amounted to what has been described as cultural genocide.

The policies of assimilation were devastating for the peoples of these lands, the Pope said.

Survivors have told of being beaten, raped and forced to eat food so rancid that it made them vomit. In some cases, they were then made to eat the vomit, they recounted.

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About 4,000 children died from disease, neglect and other causes, with many buried in mass graves which have come to light in recent years.

The Pope prayed at a cemetery near the Ermineskin Indian Residential School, which is now largely demolished.

Pope Francis near the Ermineskin Indian Residential School - Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters

He then addressed survivors, their relatives and indigenous elders who travelled to the prairie town on the ancestral lands of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux and Nakota Sioux tribes.

Chief Wilton Littlechild, who attended the school as a child, told of the abuse so many of us have suffered at this and other residential schools.

He said that as a former commissioner of Canadas Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he had heard nearly 7,000 testimonies from former students.

Our languages were suppressed, our culture taken from us, and our spirituality denigrated, said the chief, whose Cree name means Golden Eagle. Families were torn apart, resulting in devastation.

Chief Wilton Littlechild - Reuters

The Pope offered an initial apology in April when survivors and indigenous leaders met him at the Vatican. But the delegates told him they wanted him to also apologise on Canadian soil, hence the six-day trip, one of the farthest-flung of his pontificate.

Traditional tepees were set up by mental health professionals at the site to offer counselling to anyone experiencing trauma.

Our people have been through a lot. Our people have been traumatised. Some of them didnt make it home. Now I hope the world will see why our people are so hurt, said one survivor, Chief Greg Desjarlais of the Frog Lake First Nation in northern Alberta.

The Canadian government has admitted that physical and sexual abuse were rampant in the government-funded schools that operated from the 19th century to the 1970s.

Justin Trudeau, the prime minister, last year apologised for the incredibly harmful residential school system and attended the event in Alberta.

The Catholic Church in Canada says its dioceses and religious orders have provided more than $50 million (41.5 million) in cash and contributions to traumatised individuals and communities.

The Canadian government has paid reparations amounting to billions of pounds.

Francis, 85, is suffering from a torn knee ligament and has had to use a wheelchair in recent months.

There was speculation that he might have to cancel the trip after he bowed out of a visit to Africa earlier this month.

But in the end he appeared determined to go ahead with the Canadian visit, which he described as a penitential pilgrimage.
A six-year-old girl and her parents have been shot dead while camping in Iowa, police have said.

The US state's public safety department said the bodies of Sarah and Tyler Schmidt, both 42, and their daughter Lula were found in their tent in the Maquoketa Caves State Park.

A relative said the couple's nine-year-old son, who was also on the trip, survived.

Authorities said the motive for the attack is unclear.

Suspected gunman Anthony Sherwin, 23, who was also staying at the campsite, was found dead in a wooded area of the park with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Mitch Mortvedt, assistant director of the Department of Public Safety's division of criminal investigation said: "We don't know what led up to this, what precipitated it.

"The investigation has not revealed any early interaction between the Schmidt family and him".

Adam Morehouse, Sarah Schmidt's brother, said the family had no connection to Sherwin.

"This was a completely random act," Mr Morehouse said.

"This was just an individual who decided that morning to pick a tent and walk into it and execute the mission of what he wanted to do."

Cedar Falls mayor Rob Green, who said he is a neighbour of the Schmidts, posted on Facebook on Friday that the couple's nine-year-old son, Arlo, "survived the attack, and is safe."

The post did not say whether Arlo was in the tent or even at the campsite when the shootings happened, and the mayor said he didn't have those details.

Mr Morehouse confirmed Arlo was on the family's camping trip, but said he did not know exactly where the boy was at the time of the shooting or know specifics about how it unfolded.

"He is with family, and he is OK, but I have not had any interaction with him," Mr Morehouse said.

"As far as I know, he was uninjured physically."

The killings prompted the evacuation of the park and camp ground, including a children's summer camp.

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After the evacuations, the suspected gunman was the only person unaccounted for, Mr Mortvedt said.

Officials did not say if he had a firearms permit, and provided no information about the gun used to kill the Schmidts.

Iowa allows people with permits to carry firearms virtually anywhere in the state.
(Bloomberg) -- The won looks set to extend declines from its recent 13-year low as South Koreas trade balance worsens and foreign investors pull money out of the nations stock market.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Repeated interest-rate hikes by the Bank of Korea havent been enough to stem the rot, with the won dropping about 9% this year as global investors shift into dollar assets. Its among Asias worst performers as investors increasingly focus on the trade deficit, which reached record $10 billion in the six months through June.

Bank of America Corp. strategists including Claudio Piron see the currency weakening around another 3% from present levels to 1,350 per US dollar by year-end. Citigroup Inc. economist Jin-Wook Kim projects an even faster depreciation to 1,350 within three months.

The won is heading for its fifth monthly loss this year, with a likely close for July through technical support at 1,302. This is the 50% Fibonacci retracement for the currencys 2009-2014 range, and is adjacent to troughs in March 2020 and June this year, opening the door to more declines.

It is also under pressure from the stock market as investors move money out of the country. Dividend yields that are almost half the level of Taiwan add to the reasons to offload Korean stocks.

Read More: Unstoppable Dollar Risks Worsening $71 Billion Asia Stock Exodus

Overseas investors have sold a net $11.5 billion of stocks in the benchmark Kospi Index this year, adding to sell-downs in 2021 and 2020. Meanwhile, the National Pension Service plans to increase the allocation of overseas stocks next year by 2.5 percentage points to 30.3%, while domestic equities slip by 0.4 percentage point to 15.9%.

The central bank needs to provide more interest-rate support to support the currency, said Trinh Nguyen, a senior economist at Natixis SA in Hong Kong.

Story continues

The governor said hikes will be gradual but they will need to front load to shore up the Korean won, she said, adding that the 175 basis points of increases since last August have been insufficient.

Heres the key Asian economic data due this week, including gross domestic product and industrial production readings from South Korea:

Monday, July 25: Singapore CPI, Taiwan industrial output, Hong Kong trade

Tuesday, July 26: South Korea GDP, BOJ minutes for June, Singapore factory output

Wednesday, July 27: China industrial profits, Australia CPI, Thailand trade balance and current account

Thursday, July 28: New Zealand business confidence, Australia retail sales and export prices. Australia Treasurer economic statement

Friday, July 29: Japan industrial production, retail sales and jobs, Tokyo CPI, BOJ summary of July meeting, South Korea industrial production, Taiwan GDP

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2022 Bloomberg L.P.
The United Kingdom will host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023 on behalf of Ukraine, it has been announced.

Organisers the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) previously decided the event could not be held in the war-torn country following the Russian invasion.

This was despite Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra triumphing at this years competition in Turin, Italy, with the UKs Sam Ryder coming runner-up.

Statement on the #Eurovision Song Contest 2023 from Tim Davie, BBC Director-General https://t.co/CSPCfFNuJS pic.twitter.com/YSRH8AZvZ4  BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) July 25, 2022

Ukraine will automatically qualify for the grand final alongside the so-called big five nations  the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, who each get a free pass because of their financial contributions to the event.

It will be the ninth time Eurovision has taken place in the UK  more than any other country.

The bidding process to select the host city will begin this week and will be jointly managed by the BBC and EBU.

The winner would require a large events space, suitable accommodation and international transport links for the competing countries and their delegations.

Sheffield City Council was among the first to announce a bid, saying on Twitter: Weve told Eurovision wed love to host watch this space.

Manchester City Council confirmed it was also putting in a bid with its leader Bev Craig tweeting: A world class music city, brilliant venues, experience in hosting major events, and of course one of the UKs largest Ukrainian populations  we are confident we will make it a #eurovision to remember.

Announcing Londons bid, mayor Sadiq Khan said the city was ready and willing to step in with a contest that celebrates the people of Ukraine and shows off the very best of Britain.

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Martin Osterdahl, Eurovisions executive supervisor, said: Were exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023.

The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions.

Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next years contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europes most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this years winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event.

The EBUs decision in June to rule out Ukraine as the 2023 host prompted its culture minister Oleksandr Tkachenko to issue a statement demanding to change the decision.

Ukrainian state broadcaster UA:PBC also expressed its disappointment at the time and called on all parties to hold further negotiations.

Sam Ryder took second place for the UK in this years competition (PA)

Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the managing board of UA:PBC, said next years contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine.

He added: We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us.

I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK would put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends.

He said that in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week they agreed that wherever Eurovision 2023 is held, it must celebrate the country and people of Ukraine.

As we are now hosts, the UK will honour that pledge directly  and put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends, Mr Johnson said.

Its official. Eurovision is coming to the UK. This is Ukraines Eurovision and its an absolute privilege and honour for the UK to be supporting our friends  pic.twitter.com/xi3rXu8E2g  Nadine Dorries (@NadineDorries) July 25, 2022

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: The Eurovision Song Contest unites people through the power of music and creativity.

Following a request from the European Broadcasting Union and the Ukrainian authorities, Im delighted that the BBC has agreed to step in and host next years contest.

Im just sorry that, due to Russias continued acts of bloodshed, it has not been possible to host the event in Ukraine, where it should be.

As hosts, the UK will honour the competitions spirit and diversity, and, most importantly, ensure it reflects Ukraines recent Eurovision victory and Ukrainian creativity.

In a statement, BBC director-general Tim Davie said: It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege.

The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity.

This years contest in May saw Ryder top the jury vote before Kalush Orchestra went on to win overall following a symbolic show of public support which saw them soar to first place with 631 points.

They had been the frontrunners since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February  which prompted organisers to ban the Russian entrant from competing.
 Flash

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi held talks on Sunday with visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Cairo, where they discussed bilateral relations and regional and global issues of mutual concern.

Lavrov handed to Sisi a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing the importance Russia attaches to consolidating bilateral ties with Egypt within the framework of the "strategic partnership and cooperation agreement between the two countries," the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.

The Egyptian president hailed the growing cooperation between Cairo and Moscow, which is exemplified by Russian projects in Egypt, such as the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant that is currently being built, and the establishment of a Russian industrial zone on the Suez Canal axis and other joint projects in various fields.

With regard to the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Egypt renewed its call for a political settlement of the crisis.

Sisi stressed "the importance of giving priority to the language of dialogue and diplomatic solutions to the crisis," affirming Egypt's support for all endeavors that would settle the issue "politically" in order to maintain international security and stability.

It is Lavrov's first African tour since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict that started in late February. The tour is scheduled to include Ethiopia, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Following his talks with Sisi, Lavrov held a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry at the Egyptian Foreign Ministry's headquarters in Cairo.

The Russian top diplomat said he had "a constructive dialogue" with the Egyptian president and later with his Egyptian counterpart, expressing Russia's appreciation for the fast-growing relations between the two countries.

Speaking to a joint press conference after meeting with Shoukry, Lavrov lauded the expanding economic cooperation and growing trade volume between Russia and Egypt.

He added that Russia and Egypt have shared views on many regional and global issues, including the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the crises in Syria, Libya and Iraq.

As for a global food shortage resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Lavrov blamed the Western sanctions for obstructing Russian grain exports, noting that Russia and Ukraine recently signed an agreement to help relieve the food crisis through safe corridors in the Black Sea for grain exports.

Lavrov noted that his tour in Africa also seeks to discuss preparations for the second Russia-Africa summit that is scheduled for mid-2023.

For his part, the Egyptian foreign minister reiterated the need to reach "a political and diplomatic settlement" of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.

Shoukry added that he discussed with Lavrov the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and they both agreed on the necessity of the two-state solution as a settlement to the issue.

Ahmed Kandil, head of the International Studies Unit at Cairo-based Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, said that the timing of Lavrov's tour in Africa is very important as it comes after two recent important meetings, one in Jeddah attended by leaders of the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, plus Egypt, Jordan and Iraq, and the other in Tehran gathering leaders of Russia, Iran and Turkiye.

"Lavrov's scheduled visit to Ethiopia after Egypt could be a message from Moscow that Russia can play an important role in solving the region's issues, the foremost of which is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) crisis," the Egyptian expert told Xinhua, referring to the dispute between Cairo and Addis Ababa on the rules of filling and operating the dam built on their shared Nile River.

Lavrov is scheduled to visit the Cairo-based headquarters of the Arab League (AL) later in the day to meet with AL Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit and address the permanent representatives of Arab states at the league.
HA NOI  An inter-sector signing ceremony for a commitment to boost efforts in preventing child drowning in Viet Nam was held on Monday.

The signing ceremony was chaired by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA), with the participation of their nine partners including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Public Security and the Central Youth Union.

In Viet Nam, drowning is one of the top 10 causes of death for children aged five to 14 years.

Data from MoLISA shows that child drowning has decreased by three to five per cent each year, equivalent to an average reduction of 100 children per year.

However, every year, nearly 2,000 children under 16 years old still die from drowning. Child drowning prevention and control is one of the important goals in the Government's national programme on the prevention and control of child accidents and injuries in the 2021-30 period.

At the beginning of summer this year, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent letter urging and directing ministries, and provincial and municipal authorities to actively take action and implement specific solutions to reduce child drowning.

ang Hoa Nam, director of the Child Affairs Department under the MoLISA, said: Child drowning prevention and control is one of Viet Nam's top priorities to ensure children's rights for survival and safety.

We have been working closely with ministries, organisations and local authorities to implement the PM's direction on child drowning prevention, and implement measures to ensure the safe living environment, teach safety skills for the children to swim and prevent drowning, he said.

Effective and sustainable intervention models for child drowning prevention will be directed.

The department will also promote communication, guidance and training for parents and caregivers to proactively take measures for children's drowning prevention and control.

Socorro Escalante, Acting Chief Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Viet Nam, said that WHO highly appreciate the inter-agency cooperation efforts on child drowning prevention in Viet Nam under the coordination of the MoLISA.

People needed to realise that child drowning prevention not only benefits themselves but also brings happiness to their families and society. Moreover, investing in child drowning prevention today is an investment in the future because it is the young generation who will become the leaders of society, future fathers and mothers, and will continue today's efforts to save the lives of children, she said.

In April last year, the United Nations General Assembly for the first time adopted the Resolution on Global Drowning and designated July 25 every year as World Drowning Prevention Day.

According to the WHO, over the past decade, drowning has claimed the lives of more than 2.5 million people globally. It is also one of the leading causes of death among children aged between five and 14 in the world.

More than 90 per cent of drowning cases occur in low-and middle-income countries, particularly in rural areas.

It is a huge loss to each country, every community and family that leaves irreparable pain.

To make drowning no longer a devastating burden for families, investment by local government and the support of each family and community is extremely important. We call on each community and every family to listen and pay a lot of attention to their children, and to actively let their children learn survival swim and safety skills to reduce the risk of drowning, said oan Thu Huyen, Country Director of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Children (Global Health Policy Advocacy Unit).  VNS
According to banking experts, credit growth in Vietnam has been very fast in recent years, prompting banks to expand their capital scale. Currently, banks still have plenty of room to raise capital and improve capital adequacy ratios (CAR).

As Vietnams economy has been on the recovery trajectory post-COVID, individuals and businesses are in dire need of capital support from banks to restore production and business.

Therefore, the increase in charter capital also facilitates banks to improve their financial capacity and diversify products and services to better meet the needs of customers and maintain credit growth of 8-10 per cent per year in the coming time.

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) approved the chartered capital increase of the wholly foreign invested CIMB Vietnam Bank from the current VND3.69 trillion ($157.73 million) to VND3.92 trillion ($167.57 million).

Accordingly, the central bank promulgated Decision No.1205/QD-NHNN amending the charter capital of the banks license.

In the past three years, CIMB Vietnam has continuously increased its charter capital, showing its commitment to long-term digital banking development in the country.

CIMB Vietnam is a member of CIMB Group  one of the biggest investment banks in Asia. CIMB Bank Vietnam draws on a strong ASEAN base and a commitment to excellence to help its customers build a strong and sustainable financial future.

With innovative products and services, CIMB has made a mark on the market as one of the leading digital banks, growing more than 250 per cent in users since the beginning of 2020.

Meanwhile, Maritime Bank announced its plan to increase its charter capital to VND20 trillion ($854.9 million) through the issuance of bonus shares to existing shareholders at the rate of 30 per cent and the maximum issuance of 14.25 million shares to employees from the owner equity. The plan will be carried out in 2022 after being approved by the regulatory agencies.

In the first half of this year, SeABank issued 211.4 million shares for dividend payments and 109.7 million shares to increase share capital from stakeholders' equity. With these two issuances, SeABank's charter capital increased to $847 billion.

In July, Techcombank also gained approval from SBV to issue 6.3 million shares with a subscription price of VND10,000 ($0.43) per share. After the successful issuance, the bank's charter capital is expected to increase to over VND35.17 trillion ($1.5 billion).

The capitalisation of Vietnams banking sector has improved gradually in recent years amid rising profitability and banks capital raising efforts.

Fitch estimates that the banks that are still to become Basel II compliant need only about $0.6 billion of new capital to meet the local Basel II minimum CAR requirement of 8 per cent before the implementation deadline in January 2023.
Danang was the first destination in the country to push for smart city status a decade ago

Three years ago, a sequence of initiatives for the transition towards a smart city in Danang was announced. Resolution No.43-NQ/TW on the construction and development of Danang by 2030, with a vision to 2045, seeks to turn the city into a contemporary smart-eco city that is synchronously linked to smart urban networks in the nation and the ASEAN region.

After that, the National Assembly published a resolution in June 2020 on the piloting of an urban government model and several metropolitan development mechanisms and policies.

Ho Ky Minh, Deputy Chairman of Danang Peoples Committee said, The goal of converting Danang into a smart city is to adapt to worldwide shifts while maintaining sustainable development.

Since last year, the government has issued a series of documents on Danangs development planning, including both a decree and official decision in March on approving the adjustment of the citys master plan by 2030 with a vision to 2045; and a decision on funding the construction of Lien Chieu Port. Plans are also being drafted to upgrade Danang into a regional financial centre, and more besides.

Tran Du Lich, a member of the Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Group, highlighted the significance of Resolution 43. The government considers Danang as an urban region with a chain of urban centres including Lang Co, Dien Ban, and Hoi An. The city is not a tiny strip of land but a large and promising territory.

In the Digital Transformation Project in the city until 2025, with a vision towards 2030 issued by Danang Peoples Committee, digital transformation is identified as the key to solving the citys bottlenecks and opening up fresh prospects.

FPT City Danang Urban Area is one of the newest smart city startup projects. It is expected to become a green, smart, and contemporary urban region developed by FPT Danang Urban JSC, with a total size of more than 180 hectares

Smarter applications

The initiative has generated positive results in digitalising management, admin, and provision of public services. In the process of constructing a smart city, Danang has received worldwide recognition, including the 2019 ASOCIO Smart City Award from the Asia-Oceania Computing Industry Organisation, and the Vietnam Smart City Award for both 2020 and 2021.

Prior to the issuing of Resolution 43, the metropolis had taken specific measures to prepare for the construction of a smart city.

For instance, an e-government architecture model has been embraced since 2010. Danang was the first urban area in Vietnam that sought to become a smart city in 2012 after signing a collaboration agreement with IBM. The group then transferred the agreement to the domestic telecom giant Viettel.

In 2014, the city also implemented the e-government information system and began piloting a variety of smart applications in the domains of transportation, environment, healthcare, education, food safety, and travel. Four years later, it announced the Smart City Architecture framework encompassing six pillars and 16 priority areas.

Danang is finishing a number of master plans and policies to submit to competent authorities for consideration and approval, said Le Trung Chinh, Chairman of Danang Peoples Committee.

Primed for advancement

In addition, the city proposed the establishment of regional-scale financial and start-up innovation centres as well as a non-tariff zone. It also fosters the implementation of key projects such as Lien Chieu Port, Danang University, and the expansion of the T1 terminal at Danang International Airport.

Chairman Chinh highlighted, These actions provide a strong foundation for Danang to achieve its goal of becoming a smart city and a hub for startup innovation by 2045.

According to Tran Dinh Thien, former director of the Vietnam Institute of Economics, from a macro viewpoint, structural adjustments are necessary to assure the citys green and sustainable growth while maintaining its position as the finest metropolis to both reside in and invest in.

Danang should strive to utilise the specific mechanism approved by the National Assembly in 2020. Simultaneously, the city should take strong measures to lure investment and construct urban infrastructure commensurate with the aforementioned advantages, Thien said.

One factor that cannot be ignored is human resources. Danang prioritises developing manpower to gain competitive advantages in attracting investment and boosting a smart economy.

It all starts with the people, asserted Nguyen Tam Tien, general director of Trung Nam JSC.

The Vietnam-based private corporation develops a multi-industry ecosystem with several areas of activity, including energy, infrastructure and construction, real estate, and technology.

Tien suggested, To prepare for breakthrough outcomes, Danang should increase the connections between training institutions and businesses, support university research centres, enhance the infrastructure of educational institutions, and form partnerships with universities in developed nations.

The metropolis is also a training centre for the Central Highlands, with a workforce of worldwide calibre employed in the tourist, service, industrial, and technological industries.
The opening ceremony of the agro promotion weekend on the evening of July 22

The programme covered 140 booths around Hoan Kiem Lake, including 30 from Hanoi and 110 for other cities and provinces to display their special products.

Addressing the opening ceremony, HPA director Nguyen Anh Duong said, This is a wonderful opportunity for businesses to introduce their products, increase the customer experience, and build business connections. The event will contribute to socioeconomic development and strengthen ties between Hanoi and other cities and provinces.

The provinces in attendance included Hung Yen, Nghe An, Ha Giang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Tuyen Quang, Quang Ninh, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Dien Bien, Son La, Bac Ninh, Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Can Tho, Vinh Long, and Ho Chi Minh City, among others.

Through the event, HPA expects to promote safe agro products and connect producers and distribution networks across the country.
 Flash

Three people were killed and two others injured in a shooting incident Sunday afternoon on a university campus in Metro Manila, the Philippine police said. The arrested gunman has admitted to the killing with specific target.

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) confirmed that the shooting took place at 14:55 local time at the gate of Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, ahead of the law school's graduation ceremony.

Local media reported that former Lamitan mayor Rose Furigay, her bodyguard, and a school security guard who tried to stop the shooting were among the dead. The mayor's daughter, who was supposed to graduate, was among the injured.

Police identified the gunman as Chao Tiao Yumol, a 38-year-old physician from Basilan, an island province in the southern Philippines.

According to the police, the gunman changed his clothes after the shooting and seized a car in an attempt to escape, but was caught by the police. The police presented the suspect to the media three hours after the shooting.

Yumol admitted to the killing, claiming he shot Furigay for her "involvement in illegal drugs" in the province.

The shooting incident forced the school authorities to cancel the graduation rite and put the campus "on lockdown."

Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos said he was "shocked" over the incident and ordered law enforcement agencies "to thoroughly and swiftly investigate these killings and bring all involved to justice."

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Alexander Gesmundo was supposed to attend the law school graduation ceremony Sunday afternoon. Supreme Court spokesperson Brian Hosaka said Gesmundo was "in transit when the shooting happened and was advised to turn back."

The shooting happened while the authorities enforced a gun ban over President Marcos' first State of the Nation address scheduled for Monday. Police has ordered tightening security at the House of Representatives complex, also in Quezon City and a few kilometers away from the campus, with over 20,000 police and troops being deployed in the area.
Tran Vu Quang, CEO and founder of OnPoint

How did the idea to establish OnPoint come to you and why did you choose to launch a business in e-commerce enabling solutions?

Both my parents are doctors. Inspired and motivated by their dedication to curing diseases and saving people, I have always wanted to find solutions to solve difficulties for businesses.

This motto has been with me throughout my path since I started consulting businesses at McKinsey until we built OnPoint. At OnPoint, we create an ecosystem of solutions that helps businesses to take great opportunities in e-commerce to grow.

E-commerce is a greatly potential industry. However, there are still pain points that businesses are facing and struggling with, such as increasing brand awareness and boosting their performance figures.

OnPoint appeared to create a comprehensive connection among all parties involved: e-commerce platforms, brands, and customers in an effective way to benefit them all.

What are the key opportunities and challenges in e-commerce enabler industry and how does OnPoint address them?

E-commerce is among the fastest-growing industries today.

The first challenge is the fast-changing macro environment leading to a shorter innovation cycle. Therefore, the decision-making process in this period needs to be highly adaptive to fully capture opportunities as well as to avoid deadly mistakes.

At OnPoint, we have been trying to be resilient with any macro risks by planning ahead with all different business scenarios. We also build up a wide network of business partners to diversify choices and become less dependent on any certain factor.

The second challenge is that the model of e-commerce enabler is complex in terms of operation when it includes many brands and channels.

Being well aware of this, OnPoint has invested in technology early on, working with leading and experienced consultants to build a process with high standards, ensuring the system is capable of operating at scale.

OnPoint's system has not only proven effective in Vietnam but has also been successfully applied in the Philippines on a large scale.

What are the trends driving innovation in the e-commerce enabler industry today and how do you catch these?

The most notable trend is that businesses are applying technology and data analytics to have better customer insights to reach a higher level of the personalised online shopping experience, reducing the cost to acquire new customers and increase customer lifetime value.

At OnPoint, our system uses AI technology and machine learning to help brands attract customers and improve their retention in the digital space better than previous solutions.

Another trend is the application of SaaS to e-commerce operations. As the e-commerce space is getting more complex with many different selling channels, shoppers journeys are highly personalised and multiple parties collaborate in real-time to fulfil customers orders.

All parties need a network-coordinated SaaS platform that can integrate all parties and provide a one-stop solution. We provide SaaS solutions such as multi-channel e-commerce store management solution, OctoSells, and the online-to-offline integrated order management solution OctoPOS.

Besides this, social media are shifting towards having e-commerce features and attracting more brands, live-streamers, and social sellers to their platforms.

OnPoint has launched many big brands on the Tik Tok Shop and provides package solutions including store management, livestreaming, marketing, and order processing.

OnPoint has successfully raised $50 million. How do you manage the pressure that comes with this?

This milestone brings good news to the whole team, demonstrates investors confidence in OnPoint, and proves that our business model is on the right track. It also brings a healthy pressure to maintain our position in the e-commerce value chain.

I myself have been in love with healthy pressure and running regularly helps me have a strong will and great perseverance.

In a competitive industry like e-commerce, you should be an iron-willed person ready for a long-term journey.

One of the philosophies to apply to my own business mission statement is Todays best performance is tomorrow's baseline (Alibaba). Therefore, I always keep in mind that I need to do everything better than yesterday.

What is OnPoints growth strategy?

We follow a people-first strategy by encouraging people empowerment and supporting our members to reach their full potential by developing a dynamic and creative working environment.

To maintain the leading position, OnPoint is continuously looking for and nurturing strongly capable people.

We have a high-calibre management team who previously held key positions at Lazada, Shopee, Tiki, Lotte, McKinsey, Vingroup, Friesland Campina, and many more. We also expand our talent pool both domestically and internationally.

We hunt for new talents by carrying our annual management trainee programme. This programme brings thousands of applications from top universities such as the Foreign Trade University, RMIT, International University, and others.

We also have an active training department providing the team with knowledge and constant updates about e-commerce and brands.

As Retail is detail, we highly appreciate meticulousness and perfection in every detail which ensures the highest service quality and optimises customers experiences.
NAIV is a Singapore-based legal entity, of which 70 per cent of the capital is contributed by Nomura Holdings Inc. and 30 per cent by JAFCO Group Co., Ltd.

NAIV features the sole investment and holds 70 per cent of charter capital in Nomura-Haiphong Industrial Zone Development Corporation (NHIZ).

This transaction is a part of PC1's plan to develop industrial real estate investment in order to add to the value chain of its investment strategy and gradually develop the group's ecosystem.

With core business and investment sectors, PC1 is deploying the investment strategy to develop high-quality Industrial Zones in key economic regions.

For NHIZ, PC1 plans to exploit its strengths such as clean energy solutions for factories and the application of intelligent management software and digital transformation.

Other key areas include support for logistics activities, legal matters, and local relations as well as support for the clients to expand and develop production scales, thereby creating favourable development conditions for clients, employees, and localities.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh makes field trips to key projects in Nghe An province. (Photo: VNA)

Nghe An  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made field trips to major projects in the central province of Nghe An on July 24, during which he instructed the settlement of obstacles to them.

At Vinh international airport, the Government leader agreed with the proposal of the provincial Peoples Committee to increase the annual capacity of the airport in a master plan from eight million to around 12 million passengers by 2030, and from some 14 million to 15 million passengers by 2050.

He tasked the Ministry of Transport with the expansion and upgrading of the airport, suggesting investment under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Visiting Cua Lo deepwater port, Chinh said the port plays an important role to local industrial development, noting that the port, together with airport, expressway and railway, will help to spur socio-economic development in Nghe An.

The construction of the deepwater port should be completed within this tenure, he requested.

The PM also visited a coastal route project running through five localities of Nghe An with a total length of nearly 80km and total investment of 4.65 trillion VND (198.6 million USD).

Apart from the project expanding National Highway 46 in Nghe An, Chinh also made a fact-finding trip to the Ban Mong Irrigation Reservoir project, the biggest of its kind in the province with investment amounting to 3.7 trillion VND.

Although 95 percent of the workload has been completed, the project has yet to be put into operation partially due to limitations in capital allocation, the leader pointed out.

He assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to coordinate with the Ministry of Justice, the Government Office and the Ministry of Planning and Investment to review relevant legal regulations and submit a report to the Government.
The prime minister saw facilities including the high-tech meadow in Dong Hieu commune and the No.3 dairy cow farm under the complexs farm cluster. He also talked with representatives of the local cooperative and farmers in the area about how the project has been improving their livelihoods.

The project has benefitted thousands of local farming households and made a significant contribution to the province. PM Chinh said.

This model should be multiplied in many other localities as it creates real value for the economy. TH Group is one of the private firms in Vietnam that is doing very well, he added.

Started in 2009, the project includes a green pasture, a raw materials area, a feed factory, a dairy farm, a milk processing factory, and the TH true MART distribution system. The dairy farm has three clusters including nine farms, about 70,000 cows, and a meadow area of nearly 8,100 hectares.

It is a high-tech project that utilises the worlds largest closed production process.

The farm has applied the worlds most advanced technology for dairy cow raising and management from Israels Afifarm Group, New Zealands veterinary and disease management process, the Netherlands clean water treatment, and process and equipment for wastewater and waste treatment from Japan, Israel, and the Netherlands.

At the dairy farm, TH Group is implementing a circular production process and focuses on green production. TH factories provide energy clean through their roof-mounted solar panels and the company has built an international-standard clean microbiological fertiliser processing factory and a wastewater treatment plant. With the use of green energy, TH Group stands firm with the Vietnamese government in its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

With a capacity of 500,000 tonnes of fresh milk a year. This project has been recognised as the most concentrated large-scale high-tech dairy cow production project in the world by the Asian Book of Records and has received the Enterprise with High-tech Application certificate from Vietnams Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Under the leadership of labour heroine Thai Huong, founder of TH Group and general director of BAC A BANK, TH Group is also implementing many other projects in many localities nationwide such as Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Thanh Hoa, Phu Yen, Kon Tum, and Soc Trang. All the dairy farms are supplying a huge volume of fresh and clean milk for domestic consumption and export to China and Cambodia.

In addition, TH Group is also developing a concentrated large-scale high-tech dairy cow production project in Russia, with total investment capital of $2.7 billion.

On January 11, Forbes launched a list honouring 50 influential Asian women from the last 50 years, with Huong being named among them.

Forbes noted, Thai Huong is known for her revolutionary role in the agricultural sector in Vietnam. She boosted the countrys dairy industry with the group's investment into cow breeding and farming in 2008 using technology from Israel, helping to lower the proportion of milk products that rely on milk powder to 60 per cent (as of 2020) from 92 per cent."

"She has made bold moves in the last few years by investing in milk product manufacturing in Russia and Australia. The investment project in Russia  planned with a total capital of $2.7 billion  is near its phase-one completion, wrote Forbes.

Forbes 50 Over 50 was first conducted in 2021, honouring women including politicians, businesswomen, scientists, artists, and experts who have achieved outstanding results in their life and work and made significant contributions to society.

Women are shattering age and gender norms all over the globe, so we have listed the founders, business and political leaders, scientists, and vanguards that are leading the way throughout the Asia-Pacific region, the magazine said.

This is not the first time Huong has won this lofty title, having also been listed in 2015 and 2016. In 2017, she won the Asia-Pacific Entrepreneurship Award. Again in 2018, the Stevie Awards  which are considered like Oscars for business  named her as one of the years most excellent corporate leaders.

She was also the sole Vietnamese person to be invited to deliver a speech at the 2019 World Knowledge Forum in South Korea where she was granted an award honouring the influential female entrepreneur.

In 2020, the UN Women offered her an award for her gender equality commitments.
The event, which is the largest annual tax summit in the country, is held by the Vietnam CFO Club on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam Association of Business Administrators.

The forum also saw the participation of more than 2,000 representatives from Vietnamese and foreign businesses. At the forum, high-profile consultants from top consultancies, such as RSM, Indochine Counsel, PwC, EY, Deloitte, Grant Thornton, and Mazars discussed the gap between tax policy changes and the actual implementation.

Throughout the years, the tax industry has undergone management reforms and modernisation, beginning with the progressive improvement of the legal side and culminating in the completion of the digital infrastructure.

On April 23, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 508/QD-TTg authorising the Tax System Reform Strategy until 2030 to synchronise the domestic landscape with international practices. This decision was also in response to the outcomes that were obtained as a consequence of the tax system reform strategy for the period of 2011-2020.

Vu Xuan Bach, deputy general director of the General Department of Taxation, made his assessment during the Vietnam Tax Summit 2022, The Decision No.508/QD-TTg is a crucial legislative instrument for implementing changes and contributing to the development of a modern, simplified, and taxpayer-centric tax system in Vietnam.

According to Le Khanh Lam, tax partner of RSM Vietnam, tax rivalry to attract international funds and the trend of worldwide tax reform are two of the significant elements influencing the trajectory of corporate income tax innovation.

Previously, one of the most important aspects to entice foreign investment has been the provision of corporate income tax incentives, in which some particular businesses could be eligible for lower corporate income tax rates and/or tax breaks," Lam explained.

"Now, with the introduction of a global minimum tax rate of 15 per cent, these tax incentives, such as preferential tax rates and tax exemptions, might no longer be beneficial to these foreign businesses. Therefore, Vietnam needs to prepare for a new, updated, and comprehensive tax legislation which could contribute to the sustainable development of the domestic economy.

Vu Xuan Bach, deputy general director of the General Department of Taxation

Annett Perschmann-Taubert, tax partner at PwC Vietnam, highlighted that as Vietnam signed the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (MLI) earlier this year, the country become the 99th jurisdiction to join the convention.

Approximately 75 double tax agreements (DTA) between Vietnam and other countries might be amended as a result of the MLI going into force. In light of these possible modifications to DTAs, taxpayers should be aware of the impact this may have on their strategic plans for structuring investments and transactions to gain more advantages, she noted.

Many firms also took part in the Q&A session, which was followed by thorough comments from top tax and finance professionals.

The Tax Summit 2022 has also offered a wide range of viewpoints on macroeconomic, geopolitical, and regulatory issues affecting both local and international organisations and the current tax landscape.
The Valley Mills Police Department arrested a driver and released nine people believed to be victims of human labor trafficking Saturday night in a routine traffic stop near the Out of Town Ball Fields.

Police Officer Jordan Williams found the driver and nine passengers who were crammed inside a 2009 Honda Pilot with dark tinted windows and California license plates after pulling the vehicle over for a defective headlight around 10 p.m. on State Highway 6, according a Valley Mills Police Department press release.

Williams noticed that that the passengers seemed unusually nervous, the release states. Also, he determined that none of the passengers had identification, or spoke English, the release states.

Concerned for the passengers welfare, Williams continued to investigate and called for assistance. Personnel responded from the Clifton Police Department, Bosque County Sheriffs Office and Texas Department of Public Safety.

A Spanish-speaking DPS trooper who responded to the call indicated she believed the passengers to be victims of human labor trafficking, the release states.

During the investigation, one of the passengers was determined to be a missing endangered person out of Los Angeles, California, the release reads.

The driver, Sergio Lopez, 28, was arrested for the traffic offense and was booked into the Bosque County Jail, the release states. By Monday afternoon, he had bonded out of jail, said a jail official, adding that he did not have the bond amount.

At the time of the arrest, the suspect was also determined to be out of jail on bond from Houston, Texas for an alleged offense of aggravated assault, the release reads. He was wearing an ankle monitor.

Peace officers transported the nine possible trafficking victims to the Valley Mills Police Department offices where the nine received water, the release states. The nine also received victim services information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration Customs Enforcement agents. The Heart of Texas Human Trafficking Unit was also contacted for assistance, the release states.

Federal authorities later transported eight of the possible victims to receive further assistance and services, the release states.

The case remains open and the investigation remains ongoing with the Valley Mills Police Department, the release states.
Most readers will be very familiar with the remarkable achievements of Jerry Yagen, who has established one of the worlds premier flying museums, the Military Aviation Museum, in Pungo, Virginia. Yagen has scoured the earth looking for vintage aircraft to save and restore, an endeavor which he is still pursuing with unrelenting vigor. But after more than three decades of this effort, Mr.Yagen has chosen to document the stories behind some of the more remarkable aircraft within the collection in a new book which will launch at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 tomorrow. It promises to be a fascinating read, for sure!

Entitled Bravo Zulu: My Search to Save Classic Warbirds, 400 advance copies will be available for purchase at Oshkosh, as the museums press release details below

The Founder of the Military Aviation Museum, Jerry Yagen will be joined at AirVenture by some of his favorite Warbirds. The aircraft are traveling from Virginia Beach to support the launch of Yagens new book Bravo Zulu: My Search to Save Classic Warbirds. Representing a significant effort to explore the establishment of the collection, as well as the Museum, the book provides a behind-the-scenes tour through some of Yagens favorite aircraft, recalling the stories of how they were located, or why they were important historical artifacts to save.

Bravo Zulu also outlines how Yagen amassed one of the largest private warbird collections in the world before deciding, at his wife Elaines insistence, to establish the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, Virginia so that they could be shared with the public. The book recalls the role of family, and of the larger community of aviation enthusiasts in helping create a Museum unlike any other. Supported with stunning aviation photography, the book explores the tireless searching, the investment in restoration, and the drive to share once lost airplanes with the world.

Although still ahead of the books scheduled release date this fall, 400 advanced copies have been produced and shipped directly to Oshkosh so that attendees will have an opportunity to be the first to get their hands on Bravo Zulu., says Keegan Chetwynd, Museum Director. The official launching of the book will take place at the Warbirds in Review presentation on Tuesday at 10 am, with the first opportunity to purchase books immediately following the presentation. Purchases made at this time will support EAA Warbirds of America!

Additionally, Bravo Zulu will be on sale through the EAA Warehouse, and the Military Aviation Museum display area in Warbirds. Not going to make it to Oshkosh? You can pre-purchase your copy today at https://store.militaryaviationmuseum.org/
Here the Merlin Roar!

Royal Air Force Museum London will be hosting a series of Rolls-Royce Merlin engine runs at their campus in Colindale near London, England on August 6th and 7th, 2022. To learn more and book your free tickets, please see the details in the museums press below

The Rolls-Royce Merlin engine was used in many of the famous fighter aircraft during the Second World War  most notably, the Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane.

Join us to hear the engine roar on our airfield this summer. The engine will be on display and will do 4 engine runs a day. Its loud, windy and great fun!

Join us at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4.30pm to hear and see the Merlin engine. All you need to do is book your free admission ticket. To book your admission ticket click here.

Please note, the Merlin Engine demonstration lasts for 10-15 minutes and it will be very loud. The Merlin will be within a fenced area and you will be at least 10 meters away from it at all times.

More information

If you have any questions, please see our FAQs  just click here. If you have any further questions about this activity please email as on london@rafmuseum.org
CEDAR FALLS  The mother of a Nebraska man suspected of killing a Cedar Falls couple and their daughter while camping at Maquoketa Caves State Park said her son gave no indication that anything was wrong prior to the shooting.

Authorities continue to investigate what transpired before Tyler Schmidt, 42, Sarah Schmidt, 42, and Lula Schmidt, 6, all of Cedar Falls, were shot and killed. All three were found dead at their campsite at the park Friday morning, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

Mitch Mortvedt, assistant director of Iowas Division of Criminal Investigation, said the couple and their daughter, Lula, 6, were attacked and killed in their tent.

The Schmidts 9-year-old son, Arlo, survived the attack.

Anthony Orlando Sherwin, 23  who was also camping at the park with his parents and had no connection to the Schmidts  was later found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound near the park.

Cecilia Sherwin, Anthony Sherwins mother, told the Omaha World-Herald in an email Saturday that the family refuses to believe the news.

Cecilia Sherwin said they were camping at the park Friday morning when she heard yelling and two gunshots. A young boy ran up to the Sherwins campsite yelling for help and told her that a man wearing black had shot his family, she said.

Cecilia Sherwin said her son was wearing green, not black, and no black clothing was found in the area. She also said they were legally traveling with a gun, which was located in a secure container.

We think (Anthony) might have sensed trouble and grabbed the gun for safety, Cecilia Sherwin said. We refuse to believe the news. We are deeply saddened as he had so much to live for and gave us no indication that anything was wrong.

A review of Nebraska criminal justice records found no signs that Sherwin had a criminal history.

Cecilia Sherwin said in a second email that the family cooperated fully with the police and investigative team from the get-go. They informed authorities that Anthony was missing and that they feared he had been killed by the man the young boy had described.

I didnt think we had any tears left but we still find ourselves breaking down and care deeply for the little boy and the loss of his family, she said.

Cecilia Sherwin reiterated that her son gave us no warning that he was planning anything of this sort.

Anthony was not capable of this sort of violence, she said.

Officials did not say if Anthony Sherwin had a firearm permit, the Associated Press reported, noting that Iowa allows people with permits to carry firearms virtually anywhere in the state. Officials provided no information about the firearm that was used to kill the Schmidts, the AP reported.

Law enforcement was called at 6:23 a.m. Friday for a reported shooting at the park campground, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Officers discovered the bodies and eventually determined that Sherwin was unaccounted for.

After searching the area, law enforcement located Sherwins body. He appeared to have suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Department of Public Safety.

Anthony Sherwin was a La Vista, Nebraska, resident.

As of Monday, more than $210,000 in donations had been made to a fund set up for Arlo Schmidt.

Barb Ickes of the Quad-City Times contributed to this story.
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Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) plans to launch more satellites in 2022, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, announced Sunday.

"We will put new satellites in orbit with the Qaem satellite carrier this year," Hajizadeh was quoted by official IRNA news agency as saying.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of a gathering of the IRGC commanders in the capital Tehran.

In March, the IRGC's Aerospace Force successfully launched the Noor-2 reconnaissance satellite at an altitude of 500 km, using the Qased carrier.

Noor-2 is Iran's second military satellite sent into Low Earth orbit following its predecessor Noor-1, which was carried by the Qased rocket in April 2020 to an orbit of 425 km above the earth's surface.
CEDAR FALLS  In celebration of its upcoming 100th birthday, members of the Cedar Falls Rotary Club have committed to constructing something downtown the community can take pride in for years to come.

The club is finalizing the design of a new monument planned between the Little Red Schoolhouse and Behrens-Rapp filling station on West First Street to pay tribute to the essential workers who were and are still on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We want to represent all the different types of people, from nurses and doctors, to delivery drivers and farmers, said member Mike Butler.

The Rotarians received the backing of the City Council last week, meaning city officials will continue working with the club and in August come up with an agreement regarding future construction and maintenance.

Members stress there will be no cost to the city. A fundraising campaign could kick off as soon as the middle of August for some $200,000.

Construction could begin in the spring or summer of next year and wrap up by fall. A dedication ceremony would happen shortly after that.

The Rotary Plaza will include a two-inch thick, granite circular floor base between 40 and 50 feet in diameter.

In the middle will be three polished, dark-colored granite walls, each detached, curved inward at the top, and angled toward the center in a way that looks like theyre capable of holding up a scaled-down planet Earth.

The center point will be a light fixture.

While the monument will not hold a signature blue and green globe, it will have twisted stainless steel rods overarching the three granite structures to represent the seven continents.

After all, COVID-19 intruded on peoples lives all over the world.

The walls will be an estimated eight feet tall, five feet wide and eight inches thick. When factoring in the stainless steel rods, the entire creation is projected to be some 14 feet tall.

Wed like it to look a little bit like a Washington, D.C- type of a memorial, member Gale Bonsall told the council.

Ten-foot wide concrete bike paths will be on either side of the monument.

Theyll stretch from the Rapp Station to the monument, and to the schoolhouse and nearby Exchange Club Gazebo.

Within the steel components and on one of edge of the floor base will be a limestone block bench.

Additionally, a separate sign would share more about the monuments purpose, a list of supporters of Rotary Club and the overall project, and the clubs history.

Names like (Roger) Leavitt and (LeRoy) Redfern and (Homer) Seerley and (J.H) Peet and a lot of names through our history have been in Rotary, Butler told the council.

Because of the future construction, an AMVETs bench will have to be relocated on the property. And one to three trees will likely be removed.

That was a primary concern of several council members who asked that the priority be saving them, and that at least they be replaced with new trees.

The Rotarians also received words of support, trust and gratitude from the council.

We want to build this plaza so it stands on its own for the next 100 years, Butler said.

Plans are still being finalized; however, Butler doesnt expect any drastic changes to the design.
CEDAR RAPIDS  Donning black shirts and flowing cotton skirts, with their hair pinned up in bright-colored traditional Mexican braids, a mostly female troupe clacked their dance shoes on the wooden floors of the Northwest Recreation Center.

Uno, dos. Uno, dos. Abrimos, cerramos. Abrimos, cerramos, Nallely Sanchez, 21, instructed them, motioning for the young dance group to open and close their arms on each count.

Their parents  mostly the mothers whod picked out their clothes and made their braids in hues of pink, blue, green and orange  gathered near the door to record their childrens dance practice.

Andrew Bribriesco, president of the local chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, crouched with a laptop in hand, telling a group on a Zoom call that the Ballet Folklorico troupe was practicing for its first public performance Sept. 18 at Festival Latino at the McGrath Amphitheatre.

This is a sneak preview, said Bribriesco, whose daughter, Paloma, is part of the youngest dance group.

Listos, ya? instructor Cynthia Salgado, 22, asked.

With that, the elder dance group performed el coyote folk dance from the Mexican state of Sinaloa, then two instructors  Sanchez and her brother, Rodrigo  danced La Bamba of Veracruz and four little girls performed el pajarito, a simplified folklorico dance.

The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday since June, these dancers have met for two hours to practice ballet folklorico, a choreographed traditional Mexican dance that reflects local culture with ballet characteristics such as pointed toes and exaggerated movements.

The Fuerzas Culturales group is the first-ever folklorico group in Cedar Rapids, marking a historic moment for the city and local Latino community. It is made up of children with Mexican and Central American roots, who chose the groups name to capture the strength they see in their cultures.

Sanchez, a Coe College senior whos danced since age 7, said she first started dancing when she lived on the south side of Chicago with the Back of the Yards neighborhood councils first folklorico group.

She met Salgado in Chicago in the summer of 2016 when they danced for an after-school program and later attended Coe together, completely by chance.

At Sanchezs first LULAC meeting in December, she said the organizations leaders discussed low high school retention rates for Latino youth, as many drop out early and opt to work instead of pursuing a college education.

Sanchez said she grew up surrounded by Latino resources in Chicago and was raised with an awareness of her Mexican heritage, and she attended college on a full-ride scholarship because of her experiences there. Seeing little programming for Latinos around Cedar Rapids, she pitched to LULAC the idea for a dance group.

I was like, I want that for these kids too, because I grew up in disparity and I grew up in a lot of violence, Sanchez said. I saw that as an opportunity for other kids to grow.

Having attended a predominantly white institution after growing up in minority neighborhoods, Salgado  from Chicagos La Villita neighborhood  said there is a sense that the Latino community feels hidden in Cedar Rapids.

We both have a voice and the power of our voice is so strong that were not going to let it not be heard or not use it, especially for these kids, Salgado said.

Monica Vallejo, vice president of LULAC, has been key to spreading word about the dance group mostly by word-of-mouth. It has grown from fewer than a dozen children to 17 in just a couple of months.

Vallejo said the group used to practice at Delaney Park and now practices out of a garage two days a week and the Northwest Recreation Center once a week. They still are searching for a larger space to host the growing group and accept more participants.

She also wants to raise $5,000 to keep the classes open for all youth, regardless of socioeconomic status, and cover the costs of outfits, shoes and more.

Asela Zapot, whose 10-year-old daughter, Iveth, is part of the group, said she feels she missed out on learning traditional dances when she was growing up. She is proud to see her daughter learn and share in this part of their culture.

I cannot wait for that day, Zapot said, referring to the Sept. 18 performance. I think theyre going to look so beautiful.

Someday, Sanchez said she hopes to see the dance group morph into a resource center that provides mental health services, violence prevention and intervention, Medicaid and legal resources to any Latino who comes to Iowa and needs help navigating barriers to critical services.

For now, for the first time, these 17 Latino kids have a program tailored to their culture.

Pilar Ligunas Perez, 12, and Alicia Burgos Guzman, 11, both said they were proud to be part of the historic troupe.

I like to be different than anybody else, having different things and different traditions, Ligunas Perez said.

The dance represents who we are, Burgos Guzman said: Its going to be special since were the first group doing it.

Sanchez said she is nervous for the big performance, fearing the kids will be shunned by people who dont look like them. But the children are ready to step into the spotlight and say, Were here, teaching all kids they have a voice as Latinos in the United States.

It shows these little kids that they have a voice and they are strong enough to teach younger generations and to teach the older generations that its OK to be different, Sanchez said. Its OK to come from different backgrounds, because ultimately we merge together and were all one.
Iowa Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg was elected as the next chair of the National Lieutenant Governors Association at the organizations annual meeting Monday, the Iowa governors office announced.

Gregg will serve for one year as chairman-elect and then become the organizations chairman at the next annual meeting, which will be held in Des Moines in August 2023.

Im honored to be chosen by my peers to assume this leadership role, Gregg said in a news release. The NLGA is a place where lieutenant governors share ideas and best practices to advance opportunities for our states and our constituents. We work to find effective ways to address new problems, foster cooperation between states and generally improve effectiveness in our states.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds is a previous chairwoman of the organization; she served from 2015 to 2016.

FARM-TO-SCHOOL: A program designed to connect Iowa schools with locally grown food is set to receive a boost from a nearly $100,000 grant to the state education department.

It is the second Farm-to-School Grant that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded to the Iowa Department of Education, the state agency announced. The total grant is a split of nearly $68,000 from the federal agriculture department and $25,000 from the state ag department. It is a two-year grant period that will cover the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years.

The program is designed to increase the availability of local foods in schools and provide educational programming on the sustainability and impact of healthy eating on overall wellness, the state education department said.

Its a win-win when we can assist our schools with providing nutritious and delicious meals to Iowa students while also building demand and markets for locally grown and produced Iowa products, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said in a news release. Initiatives like the Farm-to-School program are important because they help to shorten the distance from farm to plate, improve our supply chain resiliency, and foster long-term connections between students, schools and farmers.

DISASTER PROCLAMATION: Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for five Northeast Iowa counties in response to recent severe weather. The proclamation covers Allamakee, Clayton, Harrison, Shelby, and Winneshiek counties, and makes state resources available to assist in response to and recovery from the severe weather.

The proclamation also makes available to low-income households grants for home or care repairs, or replacing clothing or food.

Instructions and grant application information is available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website at dhs.iowa.gov.
Kadyrov made a statement:

Ukrainians, how many more of your men must die for the false appeals of the drug addict Zelensky? Cant you see that the West is destroying the mobilized civilian population with the hands of Ukraine? Do you not understand that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are shelling not combat positions, but the civilian population of Donbass, Russian and  their own cities?

Europe, with its statements and military support, is pursuing a specific goal  to force Russia to switch from a special operation to a full-scale WAR using all types of weapons along the entire front line. Does the Ukrainian people need it? Of course not. And the West? And how! NATO naively believes that such a war will weaken the Russian Federation.

Russia throughout its history has always been ready for any war, so this scenario is not terrible for her. It will suit us if Russia is opposed by NATO helmets, but your fathers, husbands, brothers and sons will be sent instead. You, Ukrainians, are being pushed to death!

There is an exit.

In order to avoid a declaration of WAR by Russia, the Ukrainian people must remove the Zelensky noodles of pseudo-patriotism from their ears, take to the streets of Kyiv and kick in the ass all the corrupt leadership that does not dig trenches, but only incites the whole people to a heroic death.

Know that the notorious Azov people did not fight to the end, but surrendered to a warm and satisfying captivity. Bandera and Aidarovtsy flee to the rear at the first opportunity. The shaitans of the so-called non-existent Ichkeria are trying to promote themselves on the misfortune of the Ukrainians by recording videos miles from the front line. And ordinary Ukrainians are sent with machine guns to tanks.

The West also has a way out of the crisis. The Europeans were told that Russia was to blame for the rise in the price of gasoline and groceries, although it is clear to a fool that the reserve funds of these countries were spent on armaments for Ukraine. The sanctions hit not Russia, but Europe. The first heads of prime ministers have already flown. Europe will breathe freely when all the first persons of the states are replaced before the onset of cold weather. Otherwise, this winter, Russia will not be able to heat everyone with gas in time. Or rather, he can, but he does not want to.

Europeans, Ukrainians, wake up! Save your gene pool, not Zelenskys status. In order for justice to triumph, you need to fight for it, and not indulge a drug addict and a traitor.

Kadyrov

WtR
Russia is a multinational and multi-confessional country. Our national leader, Russian President Vladimir Putin, treats every religion with deep respect and awe.

For us, as for the Muslims of Russia, the president, who quotes the verses of the Holy Koran, causes genuine joy and pride. As everyone knows, Islam is a religion of peace and creation. And the one who faithfully follows his instructions, even being a representative of another religion, is our closest friend.

Today, in a world where traditional values are being replaced by unnatural ones, and religious denominations are being infringed everywhere, we live in a country where such activities are unacceptable. The position of Vladimir Vladimirovich is objectionable to the leaders of many countries only because he is worried about the well-being of his people. His ability to find a common language with absolutely any person speaks of sincerity and purity of intentions.

We are, no doubt, lucky to have such a national leader, God-fearing, just and wise. It can be said with full confidence that the numerous peoples of our vast Motherland are safe as long as such a competent president leads the country.

Today I am immensely proud that I can be called a citizen of Russia!

Kadyrov

WtR
Lloyd Austin, the US Secretary of Defence, believes that Russias war against Ukraine is at a critical stage, and therefore the Wests support for Kyiv plays an important role.

And Lloyd Austin said in his glory of ignorance: (Or is it intentional?)

This is a critical phase of the conflict. And so our collective support for Ukraine is vitaland urgent. Russia thinks that it can outlast Ukraineand outlast us. But thats just the latest in Russias string of miscalculations. We stand united in our support. We stand firm in our commitment, the Pentagon chief emphasised.

Woe is we the web we weave and when we are stupid (intentional or not) on top of it, it is double woe

WtR
Luca Faloni opens three stores in Europe and US By



Sandra Halliday Published

Jul 25, 2022

Fast-growing menswear brand Luca Faloni is has opened (or is to open) three new stores  two in Europe and one in the US. The London-headquartered brand is helmed by the Italian designer of the same name and has recently opened its doors in Milan and Munich with a new store in Miami to follow in September.







Luca Faloni's new Munich store





The label was founded as an online business but currently also has stores in Londons Marylebone and on West Broadway in New York. The company said that the interactive store environment has positively impacted the brands online offer, highlighting [its] continued belief in retail as a support channel for online, even though the pandemic.



Faloni is building up a head of steam for physical stores with the recent openings but remains committed to continuing its business as a direct-to-consumer one.

You will never find us in a multi-brand store and we will always only sell directly on our website or through our stores the designer said. Having our own stores means that we can better leverage the relationship with our customers within our own tailored environment. Online will always be the main channel for us, taking up 70% of sales, but now is the time to scale our offline part of the business. You need to have a strong physical presence to be a true global brand.



The new stores mix the brands global concept with local touches and a strong link to its online operations.



The Milan opening is key as thats where the brands artisans are located and represents Faolonis own Northern Italian roots. He worked with Italian architect Davide Barreri to incorporate elements of the shops surroundings, which were designed by architect Piero Portaluppi.



Meanwhile Germany is the third largest online market for the brand, after the US and UK, and the new store there represents a strategic move to increase its presence in the region. This store uses elements of copper to acknowledge the metal often used in other city buildings.



The forthcoming Miami store will also be a window to a wide tourist audience and to showcase the linen collection all year round; this store will take on a bolder, more colourful and more symmetrical design and feel, aligning to the aesthetic of the city.



The company also said that this year will see it continue to grow organically, with a focus on an increased push to new territories as well as adding to the product range.
The most-anticipated Sandalwood movie Vikrant Rona, starring Kichcha Sudeep in the title role, is up for a grand theatrical release worldwide on July 28, 2022. Directed by Anup Bhandari, the entire team is aggressively promoting the high-budget movie in every possible way.

The movies Hindi version pre-release event will happen this evening in Mumbai and Bollywood star hero Salman Khan will attend the event as the chief guest.

Tomorrow, the pre-release event of the film will happen in Hyderabad and in Bengaluru. While Nagarjuna is likely to grace the Telugu pre-release event, Upendra is confirmed to attend the Bengaluru event, respectively. The Telugu event will happen at 10 AM tomorrow followed by the Kannada event at 06:30 PM.

Nirup Bhandari, Neetha Ashok and Jacqueline Fernandez are also a part of this high-budget movie. Produced by Shalini Artss, the fantasy action-adventure thriller has the music of Ajaneesh Loknath. The film will be released in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi.

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 Flash

On Friday, the Japanese Nuclear Regulation Authority officially approved Tokyo Electric Power Company's plan to release contaminated water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear reactors into the Pacific.

Japan's claim that it would treat the 1.25 million tons of radioactive water at the plant to make it safe before disposing of it is nonsense, and has long been refuted by scientists.

How to deal with the nuclear waste water in Fukushima is not just a private matter of Japan. It has been calculated that it will take only 57 days for the contaminated water to reach the other side of the Pacific and just 10 years to spread to every corner of the world.

It will take even fewer days to reach China and the Republic of Korea, as well as other countries neighboring Japan. Japanese fishermen, who rely on the harvest from the sea for their livelihoods, have protested the move as well as they will also be victims of the plan, and Japanese residents gathered at the Nuclear Regulation Authority office building in Tokyo on Friday to express their concern about its decision.

Since the plan has been met with fierce opposition both at home and abroad, a responsible nation would discuss with others the other options for disposing of the contaminated water with a view to identifying the best means to minimize the possible negative effects on the environment. Yet the Japanese government has adamantly refused to do so.

Upon announcing the plan in April 2021, Taro Aso, then Japanese deputy prime minister and finance minister, claimed that the contaminated nuclear water was "drinkable", yet he has never put a glass to his lips to prove the veracity of that claim.

The Japanese government also claimed they had an Advanced Liquid Processing System to remove the radioactive elements in the water before releasing it into the ocean, which was refuted by their recruiting technologies to get rid of tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen in the water in June 2021.

They even claimed the release plan has the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Yet the IAEA has raised doubts and challenged the plan.

ROK environmental protection organizations have even said the plan is like "a nuclear terrorist attack". According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to which Japan is a party, every nation is obliged to protect the sea and the ocean.

If Tokyo presses ahead with its irresponsible act, the affected countries have every right to claim compensation for their losses through legal means.

Japan has caused enough trouble to the world in history. It should not make that record longer.
Weather Alert

...Thunderstorms Chances increasing this Week... * Another surge of monsoon moisture will continue thunderstorm chances across the region this week, with the best chances extending through Thursday before diminishing into the weekend. * Most areas will see a 25-45% chance of storms in the afternoon and early evening hours. Nocturnal showers are possible tonight with a few thunderstorm possible overnight Wednesday. * 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. If you live in a flash flood prone area, especially near a burn scar, be ready to act quickly if heavy rainfall occurs.
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Editors note: This story has been updated to correct the name of U.S. attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez.

PERALTA  After failing to account for more than 20,000 doses of opioids and other controlled substances, Joes Pharmacy in Peralta settled with the United States for violations of the Controlled Substances Act, paying $50,000 in civil penalties.

Pharmacies are on the front lines of preventing the abuse of opioids and other controlled substances in our communities, U.S. attorney for the District of New Mexico, Alexander M.M. Uballez, said in a June 12 news release. Pharmacies are responsible for ensuring that controlled substances are only dispensed through a valid prescription for legitimate medical purposes.

Uballez added that the failure of a pharmacy to account for opioids and other controlled substances creates a risk that the substances will be diverted and abused.

Two on-site inspections by the Drug Enforcement Administration on Aug. 7, 2018, and March 5, 2019, found the pharmacy failed to account for 24,422 doses of oxycodone, clonazepam and suboxone, among other medications.

According to the USAO news release, the DEA also found 112 additional record keeping violations and four dispensing violations.

The release notes that the pharmacy still failed to locate 1,231 doses of controlled substances and 15 doses of liquid chemicals in the return process  when prescription drugs listed under the controlled substances act are returned to the DEA for safe disposal.

Leon Otero, who owns the business and acted as a pharmacy technician, voluntarily surrendered his DEA registration, required to operate a retail pharmacy in the United States, in March 2019.

A subsequent investigation by the state pharmacy board in April 2019 found a similar number of missing controlled substances, with eight of the 10 years previously audited by the DEA showing up short.

A report by the state pharmacy board reported that a pharmacy technician was using another technicians credentials to log into the reporting system, expired medications stored alongside in-date medications, medications were stored in the same fridge as moldy food, and negative amounts of medication entered into the pharmacy operating system.

Investigators also noted that nonlicensed and nonstaff members had access to the store front, which is not secured separately from the pharmacy, after hours.

The state pharmacy board accepted Oteros surrender of his license to own a pharmacy in the state of New Mexico in late May 2021.

Under the terms of the settlement, he is never again allowed to own or operate a facility requiring licensure from the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy.

Joes Pharmacy was established in 1967 by Jose Otero, Leon Oteros father. Jose Otero sold the business in the 1980s, but when then-owner Horizon Pharmacy sold the stores drug stock and patient records to Smiths Food and Drug in January 2002, Leon decided to revive the name of Joes and re-establish an independent pharmacy in Peralta.

Otero has kept his business open as a general store under the Joes Pharmacy name after closing the prescription pharmacy portion last year, and told the News-Bulletin he has plans to expand his business.

He said he has been fully cooperative with the U.S. Department of Justice and exonerated of any criminal charges.
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

There is an inextricable link between poverty and literacy  particularly between child poverty and literacy, according to education experts. And for many New Mexicans, the relationship is generational.

That is grim news for New Mexico, which had a poverty rate in 2021 of 19.1%  the third highest in the country and well above the national poverty rate of 13.4%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The rate is even higher for New Mexicos children: 28% of children under age 5 live in poverty and 25% of children under age 18 live in poverty. (The 2021 federal poverty level for a family of four was $26,500 a year.)

Meanwhile, the 2021 Kids Count Data Book for New Mexico shows that 76% of fourth graders and 79% of eighth graders are not proficient in reading, more than 25% of high school students do not graduate on time, and nearly 12% of teenagers are neither in school nor working. Among adults, 29% read at the level of a 5- to 7-year-old.

Literacy and poverty are closely tied together, and they can reinforce each other through generations, said Amber Wallin, executive director of New Mexico Voices for Children. If a child is living in poverty and facing difficult financial challenges, then one of the things that could come along with that is that their parents may have less time to work with them at home on reading and homework, particularly if the parents are working two jobs.

The numbers support Wallins comments. New Mexicos economically disadvantaged children are far less likely to meet reading proficiency standards than their non-disadvantaged classmates.

At the states largest school district, Albuquerque Public Schools, the numbers are particularly striking. For 2019 (prior to COVID restrictions), only 14% of economically disadvantaged 3rd grade English language arts students met or exceeded proficiency standards, compared to 47% of non-disadvantaged 3rd grade students, according to PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) testing scores. Among 5th graders, 20% of economically disadvantaged kids were meeting proficiency standards, compared to 58% proficiency for non-disadvantaged students.

At the state level, 25% of disadvantaged 3rd graders met reading proficiency standards compared to 33% of non disadvantaged 3rd graders; and 27% of 5th graders met reading proficiency standards compared to 33 % of non-disadvantaged 5th graders.

Often, children living in poverty have less access to books at home and experience food insecurity, forcing them to go to school without having eaten dinner the night before, Wallin said.

All of these things can create educational challenges for kids, she said, and those challenges can limit a childs educational opportunities, which in turn can impact their ability to thrive economically and negatively impact any children they may subsequently have, she said.

Lack of books

Not surprisingly, a large percentage of kids who enter school with low literacy levels come from economically disadvantaged homes, said Stephanie Fascitelli, Albuquerque Public Schools associate superintendent of special education.

In addition to coming to school hungry and having difficulty concentrating, students from these environments may miss school because an alarm clock didnt go off because the homes electricity got shut off, or they showed up to school unprepared because they lacked supplies to do homework.

By far, the biggest negative home-influenced factor, Fascitelli said, is a lack of exposure to the printed word, meaning an absence of books and other reading material in the home. These students often have little opportunity to visit public libraries, and they may have parents who do not read to them.

Still, there are plenty of examples of kids who come from poor backgrounds and are at, or exceed, the literacy level appropriate to their age and grade. These kids have parents, Fascitelli said, who make reading a priority and take their kids to the library, because they have the wherewithal to do that, even if they cant afford to buy books.

Ellen Bernstein, president of the Albuquerque Teachers Federation, agreed that there is a link between poverty and literacy, saying, its connected, but its not causal.

Bernstein, who formerly taught special education as well as second and third grades, and was nationally board certified in early childhood instruction, said there are four components to literacy  reading, writing, speaking and listening  and each of those can be further broken down into additional elements.

Speaking and listening are foundational to reading and writing, and you gain that by having a rich environment in which people are talking to you as a baby and as a toddler, she said. When kids dont have those advantages, they often dont develop the same foundational skills in speaking and listening that they need going into pre-K and kindergarten, and then theyre going to have to catch up.

Feeding body and mind

That need for catching up is largely the reason that Title 1 legislation was born, said Bernstein. Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, was part of Johnsons War on Poverty. The goal was to flow money from the federal government to the states and to the schools for kids who were identified as living in poverty, Bernstein said, and closing the achievement gap between socioeconomically disadvantaged students and those who had far fewer disadvantages.

According to The Education Trust, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy, research and grant-making organization, it costs about 40% more to educate a student in poverty to the same standards as a student from a more privileged home, due to additional stress and trauma related to childhood poverty.

In order to qualify as a Title 1 school, 50% or more of the students must come from families living below the federal poverty level. Schools with Title 1 designation get extra federal funding to purchase such things as books and other learning materials, institute behavior supports and attendance programs, implement literacy programs to enhance community and parent engagement and update technology, including computers, software and training for teachers.

When I was a principal at Apache Elementary School, I was able to hire a couple of reading intervention teachers with Title 1 funds, Fascitelli said.

While most students at Title 1 schools also get free or reduced price lunches, those are paid for by a different federal program. Even though Title 1 doesnt pay for those meals, Fascitelli said, eligibility for free or reduced lunches is among the metrics used for how much Title 1 funding schools receive.

Of APS 142 traditional and alternative schools, 109 have Title 1 status; of its 33 charter schools, 23 are Title 1, said Penelope Buschardt, the districts Title 1 executive director. APS currently gets $32 million a year in federal funding for Title 1 programs, she said.

Statewide, 699 of New Mexicos 847 public schools, or 82.5%, are Title 1 schools, said PED spokeswoman Judy Robinson.

Of 333,436 students statewide, 236,420, or 70.9%, receive free or reduced price lunches through the National School Lunch Program, which is often used as a measure of financial disadvantage, Robinson said.

A lack of education can feed that poverty rate. The state Department of Workforce Solutions reports that the poverty rate for New Mexicans 25 years and older with less than a high school certification is 33%  over five times that of people with a bachelors degree.

Poverty in NM

According to the U.S. Census Bureaus American Community Survey:

 In New Mexico households with children, 14% of the heads of those households have neither a high school diploma nor high school equivalency certification, and 50% of the heads of households with children have only a high school diploma or equivalency certification.

 32% of children in New Mexico live in families where no parent has regular, full-time employment; and 31% of children under age 18 live in low-income working families

 Of New Mexico children who live in low-income households, 47% live in households with a high housing cost burden.

A separate Census Bureau study conducted from Dec. 29, 2021, through Jan. 10, 2022, found that in New Mexico:

 19% of households with children had little or no confidence in the ability to pay their next rent or mortgage payment.

 46% of households with children had difficulty paying usual household expenses.

 38% of households with children reported that the children were not eating enough because food was unaffordable.

Editors Note: This is Day 1 of a two-day series on the connection between low literacy rates and poverty, and what the state is doing to address the gap between disadvantaged and advantaged students. The stories are part of The Literacy Project  an ongoing collaboration by the Journal, KOAT-TV and KKOB News Radio to shine a light on the literacy crisis in New Mexico.
BANGKOK  Myanmars government confirmed Monday it had carried out its first executions in nearly 50 years, hanging a former lawmaker, a democracy activist and two other political prisoners who had been accused of a targeted killing after the countrys military takeover last year.

The executions, first announced in the state-run Mirror Daily newspaper, were carried out despite worldwide pleas for clemency for the four men, including from United Nations experts and Cambodia, which holds the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

There were swift condemnations.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the executions, which mark a further deterioration of the already dire human rights environment in Myanmar, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said, stressing the U.N. chiefs opposition to the death penalty.

The secretary-general reiterates his call for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Haq said.

U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said she was dismayed by this cruel and regressive step. She added: For the military to widen its killing will only deepen its entanglement in the crisis it has itself created.

According to the newspaper, the four were executed in accordance with legal procedures for directing and organizing violent and inhuman accomplice acts of terrorist killings. It did not say when they were hanged.

The military government later issued a brief statement about the executions, while the prison where the men had been held and the prison department refused comment.

Aung Myo Min, human rights minister for the National Unity Government, a shadow civilian administration established outside Myanmar after the military seized power in February 2021, rejected the allegations the men were involved in violence.

Punishing them with death is a way to rule the public through fear, he told The Associated Press.

Among those executed was Phyo Zeya Thaw, a former lawmaker from ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party. Also known as Maung Kyaw, he was convicted in January by a closed military court of offenses involving possession of explosives, bombings and financing terrorism.

His wife, Thazin Nyunt Aung, told AP the world needs to hold the military accountable for the executions. They have to pay, she said.

The European Union, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States issued a joint statement condemning the executions. The Myanmar military regimes executions of pro-democracy and opposition leaders are reprehensible acts of violence that further exemplify the regimes disregard for human rights and the rule of law, they said.

In China, a longtime ally of Myanmars military, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian refused to comment on the executions, saying Beijing always upholds the principle of non-interference in other countries internal affairs.

Phyo Zeya Thaw, 41, was arrested last November based on information from people detained for shooting security personnel, state media said at the time. He was accused of being a key figure in a network that carried out what the military described as terrorist attacks in Yangon, the countrys biggest city.

Phyo Zeya Thaw had been a hip-hop musician before becoming a member of the Generation Wave political movement formed in 2007. He was jailed in 2008 under a previous military government after being accused of illegal association and possession of foreign currency.

Also executed was Kyaw Min Yu, a 53-year-old democracy activist better known as Ko Jimmy, for violating the counterterrorism law. He was one of the leaders of the 88 Generation Students Group, veterans of a failed 1988 popular uprising against military rule.

He already had spent more than a dozen years behind bars for political activism before his arrest in Yangon last October. He had been put on a wanted list for social media postings that allegedly incited unrest, and state media said he was accused of terrorist acts including mine attacks and of heading a group called Moon Light Operation to carry out urban guerrilla attacks.

The other two, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw, were convicted of torturing and killing a woman in March 2021 who they allegedly believed was a military informer.

Elaine Pearson, acting Asia director of Human Rights Watch, called the military trials of the four politically motivated. The juntas barbarity and callous disregard for human life aims to chill the anti-coup protest movement, she said.

Thomas Andrews, an independent U.N.-appointed expert on human rights, called for a strong international response.

I am outraged and devastated at the news of the juntas execution of Myanmar patriots and champions of human rights and decency, he said in a statement. These individuals were tried, convicted and sentenced by a military tribunal without the right of appeal and reportedly without legal counsel, in violation of international human rights law.

Myanmars Foreign Ministry had rejected the wave of criticism that followed its announcement in June, declaring that its judicial system is fair and that Phyo Zeya Thaw and Kyaw Min Yu were proven to be masterminds of orchestrating full-scale terrorist attacks against innocent civilians to instill fear and disrupt peace and stability.

They killed at least 50 people, military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun said at a televised news conference last month. He said the decision to hang the prisoners conformed with the rule of law and the purpose was to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The militarys seizure of power from Suu Kyis elected government triggered peaceful protests that soon escalated to armed resistance and then to widespread fighting that some U.N. experts characterize as a civil war.

Some resistance groups have engaged in assassinations, drive-by shootings and bombings in urban areas. Mainstream opposition organizations generally disavow such activities, while supporting armed resistance in rural areas that are more often subject to brutal military attacks.

The last judicial execution to be carried out in Myanmar is generally believed to have been of another political offender, student leader Salai Tin Maung Oo, in 1976 under a previous military government led by dictator Ne Win.

In 2014, the sentences of prisoners on death row were commuted to life imprisonment, but several dozen convicts received death sentences between then and last years takeover.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a non-governmental organization that tracks killing and arrests, said Friday that 2,114 civilians have been killed by security forces since the military takeover. It said 115 other people had been sentenced to death.
LOCKPORT, N.Y.  For as long as anyone can remember, rent increases rarely happened at Ridgeview Homes, a family-owned mobile home park in upstate New York.

That changed in 2018 when corporate owners took over the 65-year-old park located amid farmland and down the road from a fast food joint and grocery store about 30 miles northeast of Buffalo.

Residents, about half of whom are seniors or disabled people on fixed incomes, put up with the first two increases. They hoped the latest owner, Cook Properties, would address the bourbon-colored drinking water, sewage bubbling into their bathtubs and the pothole-filled roads.

When that didnt happen and a new lease with a 6% increase was imposed this year, they formed an association. About half the residents launched a rent strike in May, prompting Cook Properties to send out about 30 eviction notices.

All they care about is raising the rent because they only care about the money, said Jeremy Ward, 49, who gets by on just over $1,000 a month in disability payments after his legs suffered nerve damage in a car accident.

He was recently fined $10 for using a leaf blower. Im disabled, he said. You guys arent doing your job and I get a violation?

The plight of residents at Ridgeview is playing out nationwide as institutional investors, led by private equity firms and real estate investment trusts and sometimes funded by pension funds, swoop in to buy mobile home parks. Critics contend mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are fueling the problem by backing a growing number of investor loans.

The purchases are putting residents in a bind, since most mobile homes  despite the name  cannot be moved easily or cheaply. Owners are forced to either accept unaffordable rent increases, spend thousands of dollars to move their home, or abandon it and lose tens of thousands of dollars they invested.

These industries, including mobile home park manufacturing industry, keep touting these parks, these mobile homes, as affordable housing. But its not affordable, said Benjamin Bellus, an assistant attorney general in Iowa, who said complaints have gone up 100-fold since out-of-state investors started buying up parks a few years ago.

Youre putting people in a snare and a trap, where they have no ability to defend themselves, he added.

Driven by some of the strongest returns in real estate, investors have shaken up a once-sleepy sector thats home to more than 22 million mostly low-income Americans in 43,000 communities. Many aggressively promote the parks as ensuring a steady return  by repeatedly raising rent.

Theres also a growing industry, featuring how-to books, webinars and even a mobile home university, that offers tips to attract small investors.

You went from an environment where you had a local owner or manager who took care of things as they needed fixing, to where you had people who were looking at a cost-benefit analysis for how to get the penny squeezed lowest, Bellus said. You combine it with an idea that we can just keep raising the rent, and these people cant leave.

George McCarthy, president and CEO of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based think tank, said parks containing about a fifth of mobile home lots nationwide have been purchased by institutional investors over the past eight years.

McCarthy singled out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for guaranteeing the loans as part of a what the lending giants bill as expanding affordable housing. Since 2014, the Lincoln Institute estimates Freddie Mac alone provided $9.6 billion in financing for the purchase of more than 950 communities across 44 states.

A spokesman for Freddie Mac countered that it had purchased loans for less than 3% of the mobile home communities nationwide, and about 60% of those were refinances.

Soon after investors started buying up parks in 2015, the complaints of double-digit rent increases followed.

In Iowa, Matt Chapman, a mobile home resident at a park purchased by Utah-based Havenpark Communities, said his rent and fees had almost doubled since 2019. Iowa Legal Aids Alex Kornya said another park purchased by Impact Communities saw rent and fees increase 87% between 2017 and 2020.

Many of the folks living in the park were on fixed incomes, disability, Social Security, and simply were not going to be able to keep pace, said Kornya, who met with about 300 angry mobile home owners at a mega-church. It led almost to a political awakening.

In Minnesota, park purchases by out-of-state buyers grew from 46% in 2015 to 81% in 2021, with rent increases as much as 30%, according to All Parks Alliance For Change, a state association.

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana, speaking at a Senate hearing this year, recalled tenants complaining of repeated rent increases at a Havenpark development in Great Falls. One resident, Cindy Newman, told The Associated Press her monthly rent and fees went up $117 to nearly $400 over a year and eight months  equal to the increase over the previous 20 years. The company says the increase was $95 over a three-year period.

On top of rent increases, residents complained of being inundated with fees for everything from pets to maintenance and fines for clutter and speeding  all tucked into leases that can run upwards of 50 pages.

Josh Weiss, a Havenpark spokesperson, said the company must charge prevailing market rates when it purchases a park at fair market price. That said, the company has moved since 2020 to limit its rent increases to $50-a-month.

We understand the anxiety that any rent increase has on residents, especially those on fixed incomes, Weiss said. While we try to minimize the impact, the financial realities do not change.

The mobile home industry argues the communities are the most affordable housing option, noting that average rent increases across parks nationwide were just over 4% in 2021. Spending on improvements was around 11%. Significant investments are needed, they said, to make improvements at older parks and avoid them being sold off.

You have some people coming into the space that give us all a bad name but those are isolated examples and those practices are not common, said Lesli Gooch, chief executive officer of the Manufactured Housing Institute, the industrys trade association.

Both sides said the government could do more to help.

The industry wants Federal Housing Administration financing made available to residents, many of whom rely on high-interest loans to purchase homes that cost on average $81,900. They also want the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to allow housing vouchers to be used for mobile homes.

Advocates for residents, including MHAction, want lawmakers to put a cap on rent or require a reason for an increase or eviction  state legislation that succeeded in Delaware this year but failed in Iowa, Colorado and Montana.

They also want Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to stipulate in loans they back that rents remain affordable. And they support residents purchasing their communities, which started in New Hampshire and has reached almost 300 parks in 20 states.

A Freddie Mac spokesperson said it has created a new loan offering that incentivizes tenant protections and last year made those mandatory for all future mobile home community transactions.

At Ridgeview, its unclear how the rent strike will be resolved.

Cook, which claims to be the largest operator of mobile home parks in New York and has a slogan Exceptional Opportunities. Exceptional Returns, declined to comment. The company closed a $26 million private-equity fund in 2021 that purchased 12 parks in New York, but it was unclear if one of them was Ridgeview.

Residents, meanwhile, soldier on. Joyce Bayles, an 85-year-old resident has taken to mowing her own lawn because crews show up only monthly. Gerald Korb, a 78-year-old retiree, said hes still waiting for the company to move an electric pole and transformer he fears could topple onto his home during a storm.

I bought a place and now they are forcing all this on us, said Korb, who stopped paying rent in protest. They are absentee landlords is what they are.

___

This story has been corrected to show that McCarthy was referring to lots, not parks, and to show Newmans monthly costs increased by $117 to nearly $400. The total was not $117 before the increase.
BERLIN  Russias Gazprom said Monday that it would further reduce natural gas flows through a major pipeline to Europe to 20% of capacity, citing repairs of equipment.

The Russian state-owned company tweeted that it would reduce the daily throughput of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany to 33 million cubic meters as of Wednesday. The head of Germanys network regulator confirmed the reduction.

The halving of the nomination of NordStream1 was announced for the day after tomorrow, tweeted Klaus Mueller.

It comes after Gazprom raised questions earlier Monday about the return of a part that has been at the center of tensions over natural gas deliveries through the pipeline, saying that it isnt satisfied with documents it has received.

The company reduced the gas flow through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline by 60% in mid-June, citing alleged technical problems involving the equipment that partner Siemens Energy sent to Canada for overhaul and couldnt be returned because of sanctions over Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Canada subsequently allowed the turbine for a compressor station at the pipelines Russian end to be delivered to Germany. That is where the German government said it was last week.

Its return to Russia has turned into a protracted saga, underlining tensions over the war and raising the possibility of even less gas flowing through the pipeline under the Baltic Sea to Germany. Gas is used to keep industry humming, generate electricity and heat homes in the winter, and concerns are rising about a possible recession if Europe does not save enough gas and rationing is required to get through the cold months.

Germany has rejected Gazproms technical explanation for the gas reduction, saying repeatedly that it was only a pretext for the Kremlins 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.

Deliveries stayed at 40% of full capacity when Nord Stream 1 reopened after 10 days of scheduled maintenance last week.

In a statement Monday on Twitter, Gazprom said it had received documents for the turbine issued by Canadian authorities but after studying them, had to conclude that they do not eliminate the previously identified risks and give rise to additional questions.

It also asserted that issues regarding European Union and British sanctions remain unresolved for Gazprom, though that resolution is important for delivering the turbine and performing urgent major repair of other turbine engines for the same compressor station.

The company said it had requested prompt support from Siemens Energy to clarify. Germany says all concerned have been informed that the part isnt subject to EU sanctions, and Siemens Energy said it had no update.

The German government said last week that the reduction in gas flows confirmed that the country cant rely on Russian deliveries, announcing that it would step up its gas storage requirements and take further measures to save gas. Russia recently has accounted for about a third of the countrys gas supplies.

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Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
When heads of state visit the U.S., the top item on their itinerary is usually a White House visit. For Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban next month, it will be addressing a conference of conservative activists in Dallas.

Orbans appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference, where hell be joined by former President Donald Trump and right-wing icons such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., is the most dramatic indication yet of how a leader criticized for pushing anti-democratic principles has become a hero to segments of the Republican Party.

Orban has curbed immigration and stymied those who envision a more middle-of-the-road European democracy for their country. Hes done so by seizing control of Hungarys judiciary and media, leading many international analysts to label him as the face of a new wave of authoritarianism. He also is accused of enabling widespread corruption and nepotism, using state resources to enrich a tight circle of political allies.

The U.S. conservative movements embrace of Orban comes as it echoes Trumps lies that he did not lose the 2020 presidential election, punishes Republicans who tried to hold him accountable for the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and embrace new voting restrictions. Many experts on Hungarian politics fear the GOP might aspire to Orbans tactics.

The Trumpist side of the Republican Party is coming for the rhetoric, but staying for the autocracy, said Kim L. Schepple, a sociologist at Princeton University who has studied Orban. Im worried the attraction to Orban is only superficially the culture war stuff and more deeply about how to prevent power from ever rotating out of their hands.

Conservatives dismiss that notion  or even the charge that Orban is an authoritarian.

What we like about him is that hes actually standing up for the freedom of his people against the tyranny of the EU, said Matt Schlapp, head of CPAC, which meets in Dallas starting Aug. 4. Hes captured the attention of a lot of people, including a lot of people in America who are worried about the decline of the family.

CPACs gatherings are something of a cross between Davos and Woodstock for the conservative movement, a meeting place for activists and luminaries to strategize, inspire and network. Earlier this year, CPAC held its first meeting in Europe, choosing Hungary. While there, Schlapp invited Orban to speak at the Texas gathering. Last year, Fox News star Tucker Carlson broadcast his show from Budapest.

Orban served as prime minister of Hungary between 1998 and 2002, but its his record since taking office again in 2010 that has drawn controversy. A self-styled champion of what he describes as illiberal democracy, Orban has depicted himself as a defender of European Christendom against Muslim migrants, progressives and the LGBTQ lobby.

While Orbans party has backed technocratic initiatives that have captured the imagination of the U.S. right  Schlapp specifically cited a tax cut Hungarian women receive for every child as a way to counter a declining population  hes best known for his aggressive stance on hot-button cultural issues.

Orbans government erected a razor-wire fence along Hungarys southern border in 2015 in response to an influx of refugees fleeing violence and poverty in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and elsewhere. Carlson visited the border barrier, praising it as a model for the U.S.

Last year, Orbans right-wing Fidesz party banned the depiction of homosexuality or sex reassignment in media targeting people under 18, a move critics said was an attack on LGBTQ people. Information on homosexuality also was forbidden in school sex education programs, or in films and advertisements accessible to minors.

Those policies have put him on a collision course with the European Union, which has sought to reign in some of his more antidemocratic tendencies. The bloc has launched numerous legal proceedings against Hungary for breaking EU rules, and is now withholding billions in recovery funds and credit over violations of rule-of-law standards and insufficient anti-corruption safeguards.

Those conflicts started early in Orbans tenure. In 2011, the Fidesz party used the two-thirds constitutional majority it gained after a landslide election the previous year to unilaterally rewrite Hungarys constitution. Soon after, it began undermining the countrys institutions and took steps to consolidate power.

Orbans party implemented judicial reforms through constitutional amendment, enabling it to change the composition of the judiciary. It also passed a new law that created a nine-member council to oversee the media and appointed members to all those slots.

Reporters Without Borders declared Orban a press freedom predator last year. It said his Fidesz party had seized de facto control of 80% of the countrys media through political-economic maneuvers and the purchase of news organizations by friendly oligarchs.

The Associated Press and other international news organizations were barred from covering the CPAC conference in May, during which Orban called Hungary the bastion of conservative Christian values in Europe. He also urged conservatives in the U.S. to defeat the dominance of progressive liberals in public life.

The AP requested an interview with Orban when he visits Dallas next month, but was rebuffed. His communications office cited what it said was the prime ministers extremely busy schedule.

Analysts note that Hungary lacks the traditional trappings of autocracies. There are no tanks in the streets and no political dissidents locked up in prisons. Fidesz has continued to win elections  albeit in seats that have been redrawn to make it extremely difficult for their legislators to be defeated. Thats similar to the political gerrymandering of congressional and state legislative districts in the U.S., a process that currently favors Republicans because they control more of the state legislatures that create those boundaries.

Still, experts say Orbans near-total control of his country makes him a pioneer of a new approach to anti-democratic rule.

Ive never seen an autocrat consolidate authoritarian rule without spilling a drop of blood or locking someone up, said Steven Levitsky, a Harvard political scientist and co-author of the book How Democracies Die. He and other scholars said Orban qualifies as an authoritarian because of his use of government to control societal institutions.

Peter Kreko, a Budapest-based analyst for the Center for European Policy Analysis, said Orbans anti-democratic tendencies wont be a big issue in his quest to forge an alliance with U.S. conservatives. His closeness to Russia and China will be much thornier, Kreko argued.

Kreko said Orbans government is increasingly isolated diplomatically but has not even bothered to try to build ties to the Biden administration  instead hoping Trump or his allies will shortly return to power.

This is his big hope for coming back to the international scene, since there are not so many allies that remain for him, Kreko said of Orban. Its a remarkable success of Hungarian soft power that Orban has become so popular among American conservatives when his image has declined so much in Europe.

Schlapp scoffed at the notion that Hungary was undemocratic, noting that Orbans party continues to win elections and reminiscing fondly about his trip to Budapest. He recounted how his group got lost in some alleys in the ancient Hungarian capital.

If we were in Chicago or Los Angeles, Id have been scared to death, he said.

But not in Hungary: Its orderly, it works, its practical, its clean.

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Spike reported from Budapest, Hungary, and Riccardi from Denver.
AUSTIN, Texas  A Texas jury was selected Monday in a civil trial that will determine for the first time how much Infowars host Alex Jones must pay Sandy Hook Elementary School parents for falsely telling his audience that the deadliest classroom shooting in U.S. history was a hoax.

Opening statements are set for Tuesday.

The trial in Austin  where the conspiracy theorist lives and broadcasts his show  follows months of delays. Jones has racked up fines for ignoring court orders and he put Infowars into bankruptcy protection just before the trial was originally set to start in April.

At stake for Jones is another potentially major financial blow that could put his constellation of conspiracy peddling businesses into deeper jeopardy. He has already been banned from YouTube, Facebook and Spotify over violating hate-speech policies.

The trial involving the parents of two Sandy Hook families is only the start for Jones; damages have yet to be awarded in separate defamation cases for other families of the 2012 massacre in Newtown, Connecticut.

The lawsuits do not ask jurors to award a specific dollar amount against Jones, but attorneys for the families suggested they could seek $100 million or more in compensatory and punitive damages.

Family members of the shooting victims and Jones were not in the courtroom Monday.

Were very glad the day is here, said Mark Bankston, attorney for the families suing Jones. Were looking forward to telling our clients story.

During Mondays jury selection, several in the initial pool of more than 100 jury candidates said they held strong beliefs on free speech and questioned whether any punitive damages would be fair. A few others said they would struggle to assign damages that could reach $100 million or higher. Yet others said that although they also believe in the principles of free speech, they would not have a problem assigning damages  even a large amount of money  for blatant falsehoods that might have caused harm.

It is unclear whether Jones will attend any of the scheduled two-week trial. His attorney, Andino Reynal, said Jones has a medical issue that his legal legal team advised him not to be there for jury selection. Reynal didnt elaborate and said its up in the air whether Jones will be in court.

In questioning the jury pool, Reynal acknowledged Jones is a very polarizing and controversial figure, but also noted hed ask the jury to cap damages at $1.

Most of jury pool raised their hand when asked if they had heard of Jones, and nearly two dozen agreed when Reynal asked who among them had a firm negative impression of him.

A total of 16 people were selected for the Texas jury, which includes four alternates. That total panel includes seven women and nine men.

Were very happy with the jury weve seated, Reynal said. Its a very important First Amendment case. On trial right now is not just peoples freedom of speech, but its also peoples freedom to listen. To choose what they watch on television, to make those choices for themselves, instead of having a personal injury lawyer make those choices for them.

Courts in Texas and Connecticut have already found Jones liable for defamation for his portrayal of the Sandy Hook massacre as a hoax involving actors aimed at increasing gun control. In both states, judges have issued default judgements against Jones without trials because he failed to respond to court orders and turn over documents.

The Texas trial begins about two months after a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, which is about 145 miles (235 kilometers) southwest of Austin. It was the deadliest school shooting in the nearly 10 years since Sandy Hook.

The 2012 Connecticut shooting killed 20 first graders and six educators. Families of eight of the victims and an FBI agent who responded to the school are suing Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems.

Jones has since acknowledged that the shooting took place. During a deposition in April, Jones insisted he wasnt responsible for the suffering that Sandy Hook parents say they have endured because of the hoax conspiracy, including death threats and harassment by Jones followers.

No, I dont (accept) responsibility because I wasnt trying to cause pain and suffering, Jones said, according to the transcripts made public this month. He continued: They are being used and their children who cant be brought back (are) being used to destroy the First Amendment.

Jones claimed in court records last year that he had a negative net worth of $20 million, but attorneys for Sandy Hook families have painted a different financial picture.

Court records show that Jones Infowars store, which sells nutritional supplements and survival gear, made more than $165 million between 2015 and 2018. Jones has also urged listeners on his Infowars program to donate money.

Initial testimony Tuesday is expected to include Daniel Jewiss, who was the Connecticut State Police lead investigator of Sandy Hook, and Daria Karpova, a producer at Infowars.

___

Associated Press reporter Paul J. Weber contributed to this report.
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

Authorities have identified the two people killed Sunday when the Rail Runner crashed into a vehicle near San Felipe Pueblo as a 6-year-old girl and her father.

Police responded to the crash near milepost 15 on N.M. 313 around 11:15 a.m. They said in the release that 30-year-old Derrick Tenorio, of Santo Domingo Pueblo, died in the crash. State Police declined to identify the child who was killed, but a spokesman said she was Tenorio's daughter.

Tenorio was heading east, toward State Road 313, in a 2014 Jeep Cherokee and tried to drive across a private railroad crossing when the train crashed into the vehicle, according to an initial investigation.

Both he and his daughter were pronounced dead on scene.

Rail Runner spokeswoman Augusta Meyers said while the private crossing Tenorio tried to use doesn't have mechanical arms that lower when a train is passing, it does have stop signs.

Private crossings, which are often used to transport farming equipment and get very little use, don't need to have mechanical arms, she said.

My heart goes out to (the family), she said.

Around 90 people were aboard the southbound train when it crashed into the Jeep. None of the train's passengers were injured.

They were taken the rest of the way on another train, and Meyers said the Rail Runner was back up and running by late Sunday.

Since 2006, she estimates, roughly seven people have been killed by Rail Runner trains.

State Police spokesman Dusty Francisco said the agency is conducting an investigation into exactly what happened, but he didn't have an estimate on when that would be completed.

They have to go over every aspect of what happened, he said.
The Public Regulation Commission launched another verbal tirade last week against Public Service Company of New Mexico for opposing a customer rate credit after closing the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station.

The commission voted 5-0 on Thursday to reject PNMs appeal and request for a stay on a rate credit that commissioners had previously ordered. That order required the utility to apply an initial rate credit to customers bills after shutting the first of San Juans two operating units on June 30, followed by another, larger, rate credit once the second unit closes on Sept. 30.

The first credit would mean an immediate $1.76 per month savings for average residential customers starting July 1, although PNM has until Aug. 1 to apply it to bills. Customer savings would then jump to $8.19 a month on Oct. 1, after the second unit ceases operation.

PNM, however, appealed the order at the PRC on June 29, followed by a separate appeal and request for stay at the state Supreme Court on June 30. The Supreme Court must yet respond. But given the PRCs rejection of PNMs appeal, the utility must apply the first rate credit on Aug. 1, unless the court grants a stay.

When the PRC originally ordered the rate credits in June, commissioners berated PNM for trying to cheat customers out of savings from shutting down operations at the coal plant. And on Thursday, after rejecting the utilitys appeal, commissioners again engaged in a diatribe of accusations against PNM.

Customers are being scammed, said Commissioner Stephen Fischmann.

PRC Chair Cynthia Hall expressed great disappointment in PNM that borders on disgust.

Commissioner Joseph Maestas called PNM justifications for withholding a rate credit preposterous.

Rather than provide an immediate rate credit, PNM wants to withhold savings from shutting San Juan until after it concludes its next rate case, likely in late 2023, to help pay for new investments its made in the grid since 2019, and then use the San Juan savings to offset any forthcoming rate hike to buffer the impact on customers.

PNM has not filed for new rates since 2018, in part because of the pandemic, said PNM Resources Chairman, President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn.

With our customers clearly front and center, PNM made decisions to postpone two rate increases during a worldwide pandemic and a turbulent economy, Vincent-Collawn told the Journal. The commissions action impairs PNM decisions aimed at safeguarding and caring for our customers well-being.

Commissioners say withholding San Juan savings violates the states Energy Transition Act and a 2020 PRC financing order, which allow PNM to recover lost, or stranded, investments its made in the coal plant. The ETA and the PRCs order authorize PNM to issue low-cost securitization bonds to recover those investments, which customers would pay back over 25 years through a monthly surcharge on their bills.

And, according to commissioners, securitization allows San Juan to immediately be removed from base rates upon plant closure to allow customers to promptly benefit from the savings.

But PNM says those savings must first be trued up alongside new company investments in the grid through a rate case, and even then, only after the utility issues the securitization bonds, which will happen once the rate case concludes.

The Supreme Court may now review those issues if it accepts PNMs appeal.

Meanwhile, PNM executives say the commissions verbal accusations border on defamation.

The commissions regulatory role should be that of an objective and impartial decision-maker charged by law with balancing the interests of customers, the utility, and its shareholders, PNM spokesman Ray Sandoval told the Journal. Instead, the commissioners disrespectful and unfounded verbal attacks on PNM last week and in prior proceedings undermine public confidence in the integrity and objectivity of critical regulatory decisions.
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

The New Mexico Business Coalition says the Public Regulation Commission continues to violate the states Open Meetings Act, leading to a new complaint filed last week with the Attorney Generals Office.

The group filed two complaints in April that accused the PRC of holding secret deliberations on issues that it says should be aired in public. The latest complaint regards a two-hour executive session on June 28, where the five commissioners met behind closed doors to discuss an order requiring Public Service Company of New Mexico to immediately provide a rate credit to customers after shutting down the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station.

This is the peoples business, and we have a right to know whats happening in proceedings, Business Coalition President Carla Sonntag told the Journal. I dont know why the commissioners in this government body think the Open Meetings Act doesnt apply to them.

In fact, on Thursday, the commission went into executive session yet again for an hour-long, closed-door meeting to discuss PNMs appeal of the PRCs rate-credit order.

The frequency of these violations warrants scrutiny to determine if there is an ongoing pattern and practice of the commission failing to meet transparency laws, Sonntag said.

Kathi Bearden, president of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government board of directors, said the public has a right to know that its elected officials are acting in the public interest.

The PRC tackles issues that are important to every New Mexican and its vital that the PRC, like every government entity, follow the law, Bearden said in a statement. Closing a public meeting in violation of the OMA spreads distrust.

Attorney General Hector Balderas said his office is still investigating the first two Business Coalition complaints, and will review its latest complaint as well.

Its important for all government agencies to comply with the OMA, and even more important for the PRC, which is a quasi-judicial body, Balderas told the Journal.
DENVER  A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Colorado town from enforcing parts of a new gun control ordinance, including a ban on the sale and possession of assault weapons, after it was challenged by gun rights groups.

U.S. District Court Judge Raymond Moore issued a temporary restraining order on Friday against Superior, noting that the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, the National Association for Gun Rights and a Superior resident, Charles Bradley Walker, had established a likelihood to prove their case in challenging two sections of the ordinance. Moore scheduled an Aug. 4 hearing to determine whether to continue to keep Superior from enforcing those sections.

The other section requires people who already had assault weapons before the law took effect on July 1 to get a permit to continue to possess them but largely only on their own property. The law defines assault weapons as a number of different semi-automatic weapons.

Moores ruling included several references to last months U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down a New York law that had required people to show why they needed a concealed weapons permit. He noted that the court found that Americans have the right to bear commonly used arms in public, subject to reasonable and well-defined restrictions, and that governments must identify an American tradition to justify any limits on their use.

Moore said he was sympathetic to the towns stated reasons for passing its law, including the use of assault weapons in mass shootings like one that killed 10 people at a Boulder supermarket in 2021.

However, the Court is unaware of historical precedent that would permit a governmental entity to entirely ban a type of weapon that is commonly used by law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes, whether in an individuals home or in public, he said.

Encouraged by Moores ruling, Taylor D. Rhodes of the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners said Monday the group is considering trying to block other recently enacted local gun laws in Colorado from being enforced.

The Bruen decision gave us a four-ton wrecking ball, said Rhodes, referring to the Supreme Courts decision on the New York law. We are looking at city, county, and state gun restrictions.

Superior and other local governments only recently gained the ability to pass their own gun regulations.

Last year, state lawmakers repealed a state law that prevented local governments from passing gun ordinances more restrictive than state laws in response to a shooting that killed 10 people at a Boulder supermarket in March 2021.

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Jesse Bedayn is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Bedayn on Twitter.
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

After years as one of the citys largest, most visible and most notorious unsanctioned homeless encampments, Coronado Park is now slated for closure.

Mayor Tim Keller made the bombshell announcement Monday while speaking to a room full of local business professionals.

That situation is absolutely unacceptable, so were going to stop it. In August were closing Coronado Park, he said during a speech to the New Mexico chapter of NAIOP, a commercial real estate development association. It doesnt matter if we know exactly what were doing next. It doesnt matter exactly what the timing is or how were going to do it, but we have to do better than whats happening at Coronado Park.

In an interview after the speech, Keller reiterated that his administration doesnt have the plan solidified.

That includes the exact date in August the city will fence the park, how long it will remain shuttered and whether it will even remain a park. The city could potentially use it as a safe outdoor space test site, the mayors office said. Safe outdoor spaces are managed, organized sites with rules where people who are homeless can legally camp and have access to toilets, showers and more. The City Council recently voted to make such sites legal, though an effort is already afoot to bar them.

An estimated 75-120 people currently camp nightly at Coronado Park, located on Third Street and Interstate 40, Albuquerque Chief Administrative Officer Lawrence Rael said.

Rael said city employees could start posting flyers of the pending closure as early as this week, and that the city will alert occupants to available services and other housing options.

There is a bed for every person (who stays at Coronado) to go, Keller said.

He and Rael specifically noted available space at the citys existing emergency shelter on the far West Side.

A recent city analysis identified 369 open beds across nine local shelters on a single night in June; more than half  215  were at the citys West Side facility, officials said during a City Council meeting, though they acknowledged that some people are reluctant to go there because it is remote, far from other services, and used to be an old jail.

The decision to close Coronado Park marks a change for Keller, who said as recently as June  when a man was fatally shot at the park  that closing it could make things worse. He said campers would likely disperse into the surrounding neighborhoods, which he said at the time was something none of us want to see.

Asked about that reversal Monday, the mayor said the balance had shifted and the park remaining open in its current state is untenable.

Were very concerned about whats going to happen in the neighborhoods, but at this point now, its a question of what is worse  looking the other way at violence, at homicide, at rampant drug use, or trying to deal with the problem a different way, he said. It has reached the breaking point where even if its creating other problems and other brush fires, weve got a better chance dealing with that than we do letting this go.

Max Kauffman, who co-chairs the citys Mental Health Response Advisory Committee, said the mayors announcement came as a surprise. He said that was concerning because the committee is charged with advising the city on issues related to chronic homelessness.

Now were in the position of having to react to it rather than getting ahead of it, helping to make sure that theyre considering all the factors that are relevant to people experiencing homelessness and theyre taking good care in how theyre executing this policy, and whether to execute this policy at all, Kauffman said.

A mayoral spokeswoman said the city has not consulted with MHRAC because the park situation is urgent and unlawful, but that the city will work with partners prior to closing the park to ensure residents have the option to get what they need.

Ricardo Devine, who runs a nearby day shelter that serves about 300-350 people per day, said Coronado Park is not currently safe, but there is no simple answer.

Theres no true solution; I think thats the problem, said Devine, executive director of The Rock at Noonday. We need more housing, we need more services, but I think if you disperse them, where do they go for the services?

Prevailing guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends officials leave encampments in place unless there are individual housing options available, as displacing residents could potentially increase the spread of coronavirus and break their connections to service providers.

Keller said he believes that the situation at Coronado Park is so dangerous today that it supersedes such guidance. In addition to the crime, Rael said some of the parks trees pose risks and need to be cut down or significantly trimmed.

The president of the areas neighborhood association said the city had not alerted the group before announcing the park closure or sought its input.

Its hard for us to take a position on this  whether or not we think its a good or bad idea  if nobody communicates with us and theres no plan, Wells Park Neighborhood Association President Doreen McKnight said.

She said she believes that the closure would send park residents into other parts of the neighborhood. While the mayors office said the Clean City Program that clears illegal encampments would step up patrols in the area, she said she was not sure what effect that would have.

McKnight said she also wants to know what the closure would mean for the daily shelter pickup and dropoffs that occur there. The park has been the citys shelter bus stop for years.

A mayoral spokeswoman said the pickup/dropoff spot would change, but it has not been finalized.

She said the city has not yet sought neighborhood feedback about the park closure because it is still working out the details.

Coronado Park is an issue that frequently comes up with surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. Its an urgent public safety issue and we cant look the other way, mayoral spokeswoman Ava Montoya said in a written response to Journal questions.

The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce called the announcement unexpected and welcome.

City Council President Isaac Benton, whose district includes the park, said he is pleased with the mayors decision. He said it is not viable to leave the park as it is now.

I see how its gotten worse, and weve got to shut it down, said Benton, noting that he hears constant complaints from constituents about the situation.

Councilor Trudy Jones, who was present for Kellers announcement, said she too is happy about the impending closure but that too much remains unknown.

Do I think its a great idea? Sure  if we have plan B. What are we doing with the people were taking out? she said. If were just shuffling them out of there to shuffle them to another area, thats not what were supposed to be doing.
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

SANDIA PUEBLO  The six pueblos that share the Middle Rio Grande are in the earliest stages of a legal process that could quantify their water rights, tribal and state officials said Monday.

Sandia Pueblo Gov. Stuart Paisano told state lawmakers at the Water and Natural Resources Committee meeting that its time to determine the specific amount of water that should be allocated to regional pueblos.

Its going to be a huge task, he said.

Paisano chairs a water coalition of Cochiti, San Felipe, Santo Domingo, Santa Ana, Sandia and Isleta pueblos.

At least twice in the past decade, the coalition has requested that a federal team from the U.S. Interior Department assesses the feasibility of settling their claims to the river.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland approved that team earlier this year.

Josh Mann, a water lawyer and former Interior Department attorney, said the agency may be reluctant about a negotiated legal settlement.

The Middle Rio Grande Basin has not been adjudicated.

That means a court has yet to formally outline which entities have water rights in the region.

Adjudicated basins are governed by a court decree and all entities are legally bound to the water rights defined in that order.

When you dont have that process, youve got to come up with another way, Mann said. There is no precedent for this. This has never been done anywhere in the U.S.

The water lawyer said the process will likely demand such creative solutions as federal and state legislation to balance tribal water rights negotiations in the face of diminishing water supply along the river.

Water rights settlements are time-consuming and expensive, said Kelly Brooks Smith, who leads a tribal water law bureau at the Office of the State Engineer.

Then comes the buildout of infrastructure projects that utilize those water rights.

Its not just projects, but its (also) how is everybody going to get along and how are we going to administer going forward, she said.

Federal agencies and regional irrigation districts recognize that the pueblos have the oldest claims to river water rights. Each year, a certain amount of water is set aside for pueblo use.

Agencies must conserve that prior and paramount water, even if there is not enough for other irrigators or municipalities. But Paisano said the water rights are treated with a use it or lose it attitude.

Each December, water that the pueblos didnt use is sent downstream to Elephant Butte Reservoir to help New Mexico comply with Rio Grande compact delivery obligations.

The Sandia governor said pueblos need a seat at the table and deserve compensation for helping New Mexico meet those deliveries.

It is very crucial that we continue to work collectively  ensuring that the future of our water is protected and that we are treating water with the utmost respect, Paisano said.
Nation to put large telescope in orbit next year

(China Daily) 08:19, July 25, 2022

An art conception image of the Chinese Space Station Telescope slated to be launched at the end of 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

China plans to launch a large space telescope next year to fly alongside the Tiangong space station, according to the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology.

The academy said a Long March 5B heavy-lift carrier rocket will deploy the Xuntian space telescope in a low-Earth orbit similar to the track of the Tiangong station as they both circle Earth. The telescope will carry out deep-space observation and research in the frontier fields of science, it said.

The academy is the designer and builder of the Long March 5B, the most powerful Chinese rocket when it comes to carrying capacity for low-Earth orbit. The rocket is central to China's space station program because it is now the only Chinese launch vehicle capable of carrying large space station parts into orbit.

The China Space Station Telescope, or Xuntian, is now being developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

After being placed in orbit, the telescope is scheduled to start formal scientific operations around 2024. It has a designed life span of 10 years and will be able to extend its service through in-orbit maintenance, said Zhan Hu, the scientist in charge of the program at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' National Astronomical Observatories.

Zhan said Xuntian is about the size of a large bus and will weigh more than 10 metric tons.

The observatory will consist of two major partsan optical telescope and an orbiting platform. It will have an optical aperture of two meters and state-of-the-art detectors, boasting a large field of view and high-definition imaging capability, he added.

Upon its deployment next year, the telescope will carry five mission payloadsa wide-field camera, a terahertz module, a multichannel imager, an integral field spectrograph and an extrasolar planetary imaging coronagraph.

As its tasks evolve, scientists will send new equipment to be mounted on it, he said.

Zhang Wei, director of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization, said the space observatory is expected to help scientists around the world unravel a series of cosmic mysteries such as the composition of the universe, history of planetary systems, black holes and dark energy.

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun)
2022 proved to be a great run for the Marathi cinema at the National Film Awards. The soon-to-be-released 'Goshta Eka Paithanichi' starring Sayali Sanjeev, received the National Award- Best Marathi Film. On the other hand, the much celebrated and acclaimed film June with Neha Pendse- Bayas and Siddharth Menon as leads got a special mention.

'Goshta Eka Paithanichi' is written and directed by Shantanu Ganesh Rode and produced by Abhayanand Singh, Akshay Bardapurkar and Chintamani Dagde under the banner of Golden Ratio Films, Planet Marathi and Lakeside. Actress Sayali Sanjeev commented on her film bagging the award It is the highest honour to receive the national award for our film. It was the most challenging yet liberating role of my life and I am delighted that the film has made its mark even before its release

Akshay Bardparpurkar, Producer and Founder, of Planet Marathi OTT, said I am truly humbled that our films have been celebrated by the greatest awards of our country. It reinstates our faith in coming up with strong and differentiated content and hopefully, we will be able to keep winning more of these prestigious awards

Actor Siddharth Menon shared Receiving a special mention at the National awards is a dream come true. We have received a lot of love and appreciation for our film, but getting acknowledged on this platform has filled my heart with gratitude and pride. June is directed by Suhrud Godbole and written by Nikhil Mahajan. The film has shone in many festivals including Pune Film Festival, Kerala Film Festival, New York Film Festival and 51st International Film Festival Of India.
Bombay Hemp Company (BOHECO), Indias foremost vertically integrated industrial hemp and medical cannabis company, unveiled a new brand campaign and a bold new identity, reflecting the companys transition and streamlined strategy focused on the future of hemp and medicinal cannabis in the Indian healthcare and agriculture ecosystem.

Earlier a powerhouse of two brands  BOHECO and BOHECO Life, the renewed identity witnesses the integration of BOHECO Life into BOHECO, with all the products undergoing a significant visual transition. This integrated look and feel represents the commitment to customer/patient centricity and the positive impact of medical cannabis in empowering people to live healthier and more sustainable lives.

Chirag Tekchandaney, Co-Founder and CEO, BOHECO said, For better part of the past decade, we relentlessly strove towards addressing misconceptions pertaining to industrial hemp and medical cannabis, thus driving acceptance towards cannabis-based health and wellness solutions targeting improved Quality of Life for all. The recent notification by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) stating that the hemp seed and its derivatives can be sold as food or used as ingredients in food was a major win for the industry which was practically non-existent. At the cusp of our 10th/tenth year, we believe the time is ripe/right to accelerate momentum towards harnessing the wondrous benefits of this crop in health and wellness.

The brand relaunch also marks the introduction of three new products  PRISTINE, for skin healing; BLOOM, for relief from menstrual pain and cramps; and FOREVER, a restorative face serum powered by revolutionary cannabis stem cell technology.

The more we probe into the properties of Vijaya, the more we discover what this super crop can help us achieve. Our research, in pursuit of such innovations, has broadened the health and pharmaceutical applications of various parts of the cannabis plant, which has driven three new product innovations, with more in the pipeline for 2022 and 2023, said Yash Kotak, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, BOHECO. The past decade has not only seen the institution of a self-reliant industrial hemp and medical cannabis ecosystem but also growing acceptance towards Vijaya-based therapies. We now look forward to working closely with our stakeholders to make natural healing more mainstream through our mission of Educate. Cultivate. Elevate. and the new products are a step in this direction.

Targeted for topical use, PRISTINE and BLOOM comprise Cannabis leaf extract and a proprietary blend of ayurvedic herbs aimed at providing relief from dermatological issues such as eczema, psoriasis, inflammation, itching, rashes etc and menstrual pain and cramps, respectively.

FOREVER, first-of-its kind, revolutionary water-based face serum with Cannabis Sativa and Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) stem cells along with the goodness of hyaluronic acid is designed to boost hydration, skin elasticity and texture and reduce wrinkles making the skin more supple and radiant.

The integration of BOHECO brands also includes the launch of the new website www.boheco.com, an amalgamation of the best of www.bohecolife.com and www.boheco.org, along with free consultations, a virtual clinic and loyalty program in addition to a Knowledge Centre and a plan to roll out hyperlocal delivery of products in select cities  improving access to information and education, thus empowering patients to make the right choice for their health and wellness needs.
All eyes are set on Birmingham as it gears up to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Celebrating this global event which is held every four years, CNBC-TV18, Indias leading business and finance news channel, has rolled-out the campaign Common-Wealth Goals with CNBC-TV18.

We all know that sound physical health is a pre-requisite to become a successful sportsperson  it calls for discipline, diligence and meticulous planning. Similarly, sound financial health is a must to achieve ones financial goals, which can be attained by mindfully planning ones finances and investments. Staying true to its ethos of being a trusted partner and investment ally to its viewers, through the campaign, CNBC-TV18 will urge and guide viewers to achieve their financial goals by adopting smart and safe investment practices. The one-of-its-kind, multi-platform initiative Common-Wealth Goals with CNBC-TV18 will inform and guide viewers to do so  through the lens of Sports.

The campaign was kicked-off on 18th July22, Monday, with a special episode of the channels flagship personal finance show Money Money Money, which saw Roopa Venkatkrishnan of Sapient Wealth Advisors share actionable insights on Understanding Correct Money Behaviour, The Dos & Donts of Financial Planning, How To Plan Smart Investments, and more, in conversation with CNBC-TV18s resident personal finance expert and anchor, Sumaira Abidi.

A special half hour show featuring Prableen Bajpai of FinFix Research was aired on 20th July22, Wednesday, to shed light on behavioural biases towards financial planning, and how to get around the same.

Along with specially curated segments around financial fitness, the slew of comprehensive programming will include a special episode of Smart Money in which Hansi Mehrotra of The Money Hans will guide viewers to achieve financial fitness through skillful financial planning and adoption of smart wealth generation practices. The show is scheduled to air on 22nd July22, Friday, at 3:30PM.

Commenting on the initiative, Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18 said, CNBC-TV18 has consistently been at the forefront of equipping its viewers with well-researched information, enabling them to make informed investment decisions. As Indias sporting icons head for the Commonwealth Games 2022, CNBC-TV18 puts together a playbook for achieving financial literacy and financial independence by drawing on the discipline and rigor needed for high performance and excellence in sports.

Smriti Mehra, CEO - Business News, Network18 said, The sole purpose of Common-Wealth Goals with CNBC-TV18 is to encourage smart financial planning, and enable the audience to skillfully handle the challenges faced by them due to the post-pandemic market volatility. We will bring together the top finance experts and investment veterans to guide our viewers on their journey towards attaining financial fitness, and that too in a fun and engaging way by connecting it to the upcoming and much awaited Commonwealth Games.

Tune in to CNBC-TV18 to catch the special programming through the month.
Qoruz, the creator economy company, has announced the appointment of two senior leaders to accelerate the development of its core brand and business verticals.

Qoruz platform allows you to discover, evaluate, connect and collaborate with creators, to leverage their influence across social platforms for different types of commercial associations, from marketing, content collaborations and more.

Santosh Kumar K & Mothi Venkatesh have been appointed as the Director of Product Sales and Head of Growth respectively. These appointments come as a part of Qoruzs strategic effort to build a pool of progressive workforce adding to the significant growth of its employee strength as they venture into new markets.

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Santosh Kumar K has been appointed as their Director of Product Sales. In this role, he will be responsible for driving growth for the influencer platform Qoruz has built and perfected over the years. Prior to joining Qoruz, Santosh worked as the Senior Sales Manager at AppsFlyer, where he was responsible for working with mobile-first brands in their quest to measure and optimise their performance marketing campaigns.

Confirming his new appointment, Santosh said I am excited to begin this journey with Qoruz. A visionary concept built and scaled across the past 7 years gives us an edge when it comes to not only being the first mover but also the only complete suite provider. My mandate is to enable brands to discover the right influencer to promote them and do it at scale.

Mothi Venkatesh has been appointed as the Head of Growth. In this role, he will be responsible for driving the growth of the creator management platform in India. Prior to joining Qoruz, Mothi, led Demand Generation at Recko (acquired by Stripe), where he was responsible for multi-channel demand generation programs for global lead generation and growth. With an experience of 8+ years, Mothi was instrumental in engaging org-level team building and executing standard improvement initiatives.

Mothi Venkatesh said I am thrilled to be joining Qoruz, a young company focused on building a creator ecosystem for influencer marketing. In my new role, my goal is to help accelerate the demand for our innovative solutions around the world.

In the last two quarters, the company has seen significant growth in its employee strength and is expecting it to further increase across core verticles. With the major workforce being millennials the brand aims at creating a progressive, and new-age workplace environment, paving the way for fresh and new-age ideas to flow in.

Praanesh Bhuvaneswar, CEO & Co-Founder at Qoruz said Santosh and Mothi have had a stellar track record in their previous roles building scalable and efficient revenue units. As we are ramping our play in SMB markets and looking at new geographic expansion, I am thrilled about the growth ramp-up that Mothi and Santosh will be bringing forward with their deep expertise in the SaaS and Martech industries.
Social Panga, an integrated creative and digital marketing agency has been appointed as the social media marketing partner of the country's leading business management software provider Tally Solutions. A pioneer in the software products industry, Tally Solutions has been assisting small and medium businesses in their journey towards automation, for over three decades.

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This mandate will work towards fulfilling the brand's objective of establishing greater connect, and engagement across all customer and segment profiles, as a smart and relevant, trustworthy and expert brand that already has millions of fans across the world. Apart from India, Social Panga will also manage Tally's social media content and strategy across other geographies like - North America, Kenya, Indonesia, MENA, and Bangladesh.

Jayati Singh, Chief Marketing Officer at Tally Solutions said, "We are glad to partner with Social Panga for our social media marketing activities and are positive that with its strong foothold in the digital segment, they will help us bring an outside in perspective and help communicate with our audience more effectively."

"We are delighted to partner with a visionary brand like Tally & are looking forward to making significant contributions towards strengthening Tally's online presence by highlighting the smart and interesting side of the brand that is relevant for all age groups, and business segments alike, partnering with them in their growth," Himanshu Arora, Co-founder, Social Panga, said.

Built on a strong technology foundation, Tallys marque product TallyPrime is a simple, flexible, and reliable business management software assisting entrepreneurs with all their business needs across accounting, inventory, payroll, and compliance. A technology and innovation-led company, Tally caters to over 7 million users across industries in over 100 countries.
Even after Jonathans death was covered in The New York Times, the abuse at the center continued according to care worker Mary Maioriello, who provided the Times with recordings of O.D. Heck administrators taken secretly during meetings in which these administrators fail to show much interest in or stop the assaults and systematic degradation of residents which Maioriello. After the tapes were released, the administrators were replaced.

What happened in place of the changes Carey battled for appears to be worse than nothing. The bill signed by Governor Cuomo in June created yet another go-between agency to divert calls and reports of institutional abuse away from 911 and law enforcement. The bill also gives power to the governor to appoint institutional officials and makes the prosecution of accused care workers and administrators more difficult than it already was by raising the bar from credible evidence to preponderance of evidence. Carey believes the bill was clearly intended to prevent reports of institutional abuse from reaching the justice system.

Michael Careys thirteen year old son was one of the victims of increased mortalitya euphemism for the violent death Jonathan Carey suffered at the hands of staff at the O.D. Heck state residential care facility in New York. Since Jonathans death in 2007, Michael Carrey has lobbied for improvements within the states dangerous disability system, including calling for video and audio surveillance of all special needs classrooms, on transportation, in group and residential homes.

According to a 2008 study performed in Denmark, the mortality rate for individuals with autism is twice that of the general population. A more recent Swedish study found the rate 5.6 fold higher than expected. Whichever is the true number, the message is clear: far more disabled die young. Among the more common causes of death such as seizure, accident and circulatory disease, asphyxiation is included among unnatural causes.

Educators and caretakers like Maioriello have argued that they want cameras in classrooms and buses for the protection of vulnerable children and adults as well as protection for staff and support for whistleblowers. School bus driver Yvonne Mack Colclough forced a district to investigate staff assault on a child with autism when she demanded that the district review the bus video recording. She felt the school still sanctioned her for putting children first, though they could not charge her with making false reports, which has happened to other whistleblowers; and the culprits were arrested, which is quite rare in school abuse cases.

One ironic argument against cameras in schools and buses is that educators put up with a lot from kidsindeed they do. Just ask bus monitor Karen Kleina beacon of clemency in the face of really vile verbal abuse by typical students. Her case demonstrates the upside for staff of having audio and video, since those who saw the tape raised over half a million dollars for her.

Whats potentially objectionable in the Klein coverage is that one of the bullies is visible in the Youtube recording. As rotten as his behavior was, hes still a minor and should be privacy protected in the media. Im only sharing it because its already been widely shared but its regrettable that the childs face wasnt blurred or pixelated. Mainstream media tends to be legally cautious about obscuring identity for minors, particularly those who could be committing a crime, but obviously the practice needs to be extended to social media as well.

Privacy is the central sticking point in the camera debate in general. On the one hand, government employees have limited expectations of privacy while on the job and, if families had equal access, the cameras would be turned on Big Brother in effect. This would also be true of most private disability schools which take district tuition for outplacement. On the other hand, there are very legitimate arguments in defense of civil liberties that cameras in schools could have a stultifying effect on student individuality.

In a discussion of the Surveillance State, Salon blogger Glen Greenwald criticized the policy of placing cameras on school buses because of the Pavlovian effect it would have on children. In his argument, Greenwald discussed only minor peer bullying, not the more extreme types of incident which frequently effect disabled children (HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE). Greenwald also doesnt mention the rate of sexual abuse of children by adults in schools, which reportedly impacts somewhere between 3.7% and 10% of students under 18.

In fact, California may eventually have mandated surveillance in schools due to reports of rampant sexual abuse of children, which is apparently not limited to Penn State or the Catholic Church. Tim Stanley of The Telegraph wrote:

Certainly, paedophile activities are not limited to the American Catholic Church. A recent report by the US Department of Education revealed that a child is more than 100 times more likely to be sexually abused by a public school teacher than by a priest. To quote: a study by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops concluded that 10,667 young people were sexually mistreated by priests between 1950 and 2002. In contrast, [it] extrapolates from a national survey conducted for the American Association of University Women Educational Foundation in 2000 that roughly 290,000 students experienced some sort of physical sexual abuse by a public school employee between 1991 and 2000. Ergo, Sanduskys activities are part of a wider story of criminal infiltration of our national institutions.

And who will stop it? Whistleblowers are not alone in encountering bureaucratic retaliation. School retaliation against parents attempting to advocate against abuse of disabled students or denial of services has risen with the rate of disability.

Retaliation can be defined as using official resources to punish parents, and it can take a wide range of forms from refusing to respond to emails or return phone calls, not allowing parents to view records, or continually canceling school meetings and conferences. But sometimes the retaliation can be more sinister. Anecdotally the internet is filled with stories of parents who claim their school districts have reported them to child protective services, filed truancy charges against them, or had restraining orders imposed on them, all as the result of their advocacy on behalf of their children.

The more the Department of Education carves out legal immunity for schools and the more advocates are disempowered, the more schools will appear as a haven for every species of child abuser. This is especially true of disability-only schools and classrooms, where most of the deaths and injuries to students occur. Disabled children are also at a doubled risk of sexual abuse: the epidemic has served up an endless supply of silent victims.

The statistics are very disturbing but Greenwald still has a point: certain genuine crises can too easily be used as Trojan horses for incursions on constitutionally-protected freedoms. Take Attorney General Alberto Gonzalezs misrepresentation of online predators as part of his administrations campaign to justify internet surveillancethis from the man who signed off on water boarding. Anyone questioning the campaigns noble surface motivescombatting pedophilia risked being accused of a pro-molestation stance or being anti-child safety. This is why facts are important especially when an issue is a moral hostage-taker and can be used to disguise government over-reach. Though there probably are a huge number of online predators, the answer may be more vigilant parental monitoring, not the death of internet privacy.

By a similar token, putting cameras in schools and on buses and allowing parent access could arguably be a piecemeal policy, not a bid to put more cameras up in public spaces and increase domestic surveillance. In any event I agree that cameras should be taken down from public squares and warrantless domestic spying should cease in the US.

If there are counterbalances to prevent school surveillance from being institutionally misused to suppress student individuality or political freedom, these issues should certainly be explored and measures taken. But if the concern is that cameras in schools and on buses are a Trojan horse to unleash more general surveillance of private citizens, its important to realize that many schools already have cameras installed for internal use to bust and discipline students and protect property; and wired schools already share this evidence with law enforcementalthough rarely to report on staff. And again, families are frequently denied access to the same tapes. Maybe the answer is that a parent union controls the technology from the outset or parents wire individual children, waiving wiretapping constraints in the few states which require two-party consent for audiorecording (these vary in rigidity as it stands).

Regarding existing surveillance, schools in fact have no legal grounds to withhold this kind of evidence from parents if it exists, though many falsely cite student privacy concerns. Through a series of rhetorical questions, Wrightslaw illustrates why schools cannot claim privacy in denying families access to video:

1. Are parents allowed to visit their child's school? (To meet with a teacher, pick a child up for a doctor's appointment, etc.) 2. Are parents allowed to go on field trips?

Are parents allowed to do volunteer work at the school?



Assuming the answers to these questions are "yes," the school's "privacy issue" argument doesn't hold water. No law prevents parents from knowing the identity of kids who attend school, or kids who are in their child's class, or kids who ride the school bus.

By the time any family files a FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) request for access to tapes, schools will often lose the evidence, so access and enforcement are on the block for reform otherwise the rest is already in place on paper.

Some object to cameras on the grounds that the use of restraint against the disabled students is necessary and surveillance and public PC misinterpretation would hinder staff and put them at risk. But a 1999 study found that the rate of staff injuries in the most violent mental wards were reduced significantly when the use of aversives like restraint were severely limited and replaced by alternative positive strategies.

Staff training decreases use of seclusion and restraint in an acute psychiatric hospital.

Forster et al.

Abstract

Rates of seclusion and restraint in an urban psychiatric hospital were compared during the 12-month periods before and after implementing the recommendations of a multidisciplinary quality improvement work-group convened to reduce the hospital's use of physical containment. Interventions included a mandatory staff training session on the management of assaultive behavior, weekly discussion items during team meetings for each local ward, and hospital-wide publicity charting the ongoing progress of the effort. Total annual rates of restraint dropped 13.8%. The average duration of restraint per admission decreased 54.6%. Staff injuries were reduced by 18.8% during the study period.

The Government Accountability Office found in 2009 that the vast majority of deaths and injuries to disabled children in schools stemmed from restraint in response to noncompliance, not because these children posed a risk to themselves or others. This was our personal experience when our children were abused and our experience is common.

As the Forster et al. study demonstrates, training in positive strategies is crucial for reducing the potential for abuse. But Matthew Israel, the founder of the Judge Rotenberg shock Center in the media again after the horrific video emerged of a child being tortured at the centerwent to Harvard. The private school teacher who abused our daughter in 2011 has a masters degree. Education does not guarantee ethics. The most tragic illustration of this was the invention of totalitarianism in the twentieth centurywhen some of the most highly educated people in the world caused more death and destruction within a few decades than in previous centuries combined. Training would cut down on the considerable number of deaths and injuries which occur when undertrained staff lack the means but not the will to apply positive approachesthough this would not make everyone in a system honest or endow them with compassion.

Totalitarianism also brought us the surveillance state, though not surveillance of the state: thats a democratic construct.

For all these reasons, many believe that there should be federal laws in place protecting children from abusive practices in schools, including the mandated use of video surveillance with sound capacity. All due respect to those who argue for states rights, but states and communities have had many years to make reforms and little has changed. State and local authorities have subjective and economic concerns when regional institutions are exposed as unsafe for children.

For example, state authorities in Texas had received reports of deplorable conditions in state run group homes for years; but only when the infamous fight club video was released in the national media showing night shift workers terrorizing disabled group home residents into assaulting one another were authorities forced to respond with emergency legislation. Though the perpetrators in this case were prosecuted, the state continues to have problems with conditions in group homes. Releasing video may bring public pressure to bear but in itself is not sufficient to enforce standards. But public awareness and outcry typically increase with each exposure and institutions lose funding.

Members of the public may wax apathetic in response to written reports of abuse of the disabled. Some might envision dangerous, rampaging mentally challenged males and be glad these individuals are kept under control. But the public has a significantly different response when exposed to images of a sweet disabled adult like Taylor Hartley being brutalized by a care worker: it becomes apparent that not all the victims fit the fearful stereotype. Study after study in social psychology has found that breaking up stereotypes in the media has measurable impact on public attitudes.

It matters. Reporter Donna Pitman from KMBC 9 News Kansas City recently posted a photograph of two unidentified individuals who, upon seeing a man in a wheelchair crying because he couldnt see the stage at a concert, lifted the man up and held him for the duration of the event so he had a good view.

How did these good Samaritans come to be motivated? The public genuinely needs to be exposed to the full human side of disabilityfrom pleasure in living and accomplishment to exposes on risk, deprivation and suffering to break through the more shallow media rubrics.

All the same, cameras are not a panacea and change is a process. For example, even after the Rotenberg torture video was released to the public, Massachusetts legislators left the issue out of the state budget. But this administrative regression to pre-video denial has not gone over well with the public and the issue may impact elections.

What are the real numbers for school abuse of the disabled? No one knows. Theres no mandated national reporting for schools. Senator Harkins Keeping All Students Safe Act (S. 2020 and H.R. 1831), is up for vote and attempts to address the reporting issue and others, but the bill does not include cameras, which many advocates had hoped for.

In 1998, the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis estimated that 3 individuals with special needs die every week in US schools and Institutions due to abusive practices like restraint and seclusion. The Hartford Courant, which had requested the study, concluded that the actual toll could be three to ten times higher than estimated.

30 restraint deaths per week in the US? A total of 1560 per year? Its inconceivable. The estimates must be wrong. But there they are and no one can either confirm or deny them.

Granted Harvards estimates included adults in mental health facilities but stressed that the highest statistical risk was to children. Would it really have been so hard to hide, for example, 30 child deaths per year among approximately 4,000 children ages 0-19 who died annually in Texas in the mid-1990s?

Of the 23 restraint deaths within an 11 month period investigated by the Courant, 13 were children with special needs. Only one case led to a criminal investigation. Official causes of death were variously cited as asphyxiation, cardiac arrhythmia, severe asthma attack, etc. Among the overall 53,000 child deaths per year in the US, more than 14,000 are attributed to a range of natural and accidental causes which could potentially conceal death by mistreatment. The Scandinavian autism mortality studies echoed this obtuse languagecauses of death are often reported simply as cardiac insufficiency, circulatory disease and accident. Its only because a Georgia school had been unable to hide its therapeutic mistreatment of a child with cerebral palsy that his involved parents understood how he died and were able to alert authorities.

Its also chilling that nothing has improved since 1998 other than Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) outlawing certain forms of restraints in institutions and residential care. Though this particular law is clearly still under-enforced, it should by rights also apply to any institution which is federally funded. But state Protection and Advocacy agencies have unilaterally refused to even apply the law to schools. So considering the six fold increase in autism since 1998 and the parallel explosion of many other types of cognitive injuries and behavioral disorders and considering the lack of protection and enforcement in schools there is no reason to believe the 3-per-week death toll has gone down and all the more reason to believe that the scene of the crime is likely to be schools. Again, since theres no mandatory reporting and schools have no incentive to report on themselves, the toll could have easily risen and no one would know.

I always shake my head when people say they cant believe such things are happening in this day and age, as if human nature has somehow teleologically evolved since people skinned dogs and lit them on fire for sport in the old west or brought the kids to public executions, etc. Nothing in historyparticularly in the last century provides us with any evidence that human nature is ethically advancing. I think history argues that we are as good or as bad as we ever were or will be. Did anyone believe that no one would ever skin dogs again if there was no enforcement against it? Or abuse the disabled?

If anything in society has changed from time to time, it might only prove that social organization and enforcement can promote or defeat the best or worst human motivations within systems. Its something to think about considering that institutional treatment of the disabledor children in general has never been able to stand up to transparency in any day or any age.

Connecticut Group Home Arrest (CNN)



Adriana Gamondes is a contributing editor to Age of Autism and one of our Facebook administrators. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and recovering twins.






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I used to work at a Big Four accounting firm. At the time I was there, our department had not had a person promoted to the rank of director who was over the age of 50 in 12 years. To me, this seemed wrong. Yes, I understood the math of promoting someone on the backend of their career but to me, given the benefits, it still felt discriminatory. Discrimination based on age.

At the same time, the firm was forming a number of affinity groups for Latinos, people of color, LBTQ, etc. Diversity and Inclusiveness was sinking its teeth into almost every aspect of the firm at the time -- encouraging people to speak up if they felt that they were being treated differently. People were encouraged to look for micro-transgressions. In the meantime, every possible division for people had some group representing them, but not the older employees.

Having a masters in human resources, I raised the issue with the firms leadership. I told them what was unfolding was age discrimination. I suggested they should tackle it head-on. I even suggested a name for it -- Chrono-Diversity. The needs of older employees are different than that of younger staff. Many are focusing on retirement and need understanding of that process and the changes to benefits. Having groups to support them seemed like a low-cost, easy win.

Seasoned staff also have a great deal to offer. They understand the culture of the organization and the ways to circumvent obstacles. More experienced (older) employees have vast experience and are usually willing to share that if given a chance.

A handful of companies understand this and exploit their older staff to help accelerate the careers of young personnel. Others form seasoned employees into teams to tackle problems because they often have the expertise and experience in implementing such solutions. I was hopeful that Chrono-Diversity would be embraced as an opportunity to leverage and enhance the work experience for employees in my age group.

I was wrong. I was told that the plethora of affinity groups were aimed at younger staff. They existed because college students expected companies to have such programs in place. They have been so coddled they want their safe spaces to follow them from the universities to the workplace. The real interest was recruitment of campus graduates, not actually attending the needs of the people working there. It had nothing to do with productivity or quality, but coddling the youth they were trying to hire.

It was infuriating but far from surprising. I was thankful that I planned on retiring shortly thereafter.

For me, it solidified my belief that the Diversity and Inclusiveness programs that so many companies have rushed into place were facades. Some are thinly veiled attempts to push CRT into corporate America, targeting white employees as privileged. They pick and choose the groups they want to elevate, more often than not ignoring their greatest assets -- the older employees.

This is important because we are approaching a recession. It is often the more experienced employees that are laid off first when it comes time to swing the axe. While companies claim that is not the case, it is a stark reality that any employee over 50 understands. The thinking is often that the older staff are paid the most, so you get a bigger bang on the payroll by letting them go. Senior employees can be replaced with a larger number of inexperienced hires -- regardless of their skills, abilities, or actual productivity. It is no myth. I have been in meetings with senior leaders who have said these things out loud. When layoffs begin, the older employees feel as if they have a target on their back.

If you are a victim of Bidens economy, getting a job if you are 50 or older is far more difficult than for a younger person. While you have a better array of competencies making you desirable; organizations are reluctant to hire older staff and train them because their tenure is destined to be short. Why train someone for a new role when they will be gone in a decade or less? In my career I have seen people who are dramatically overqualified for open jobs be passed up for younger people. Make no mistake, with layoffs looming in our future, it will be the older employees that suffer the most. It is the ugly, unspoken discriminatory practice that corporate America secretly embraces while decrying every other form. When it comes to older employees, hypocrisy is the corporate worlds watchword.

It is amazing that the younger employees openly express their discrimination with phrases like, Okay Boomer The youthful staff dont see the problem with being discriminatory to old people. The people that are triggered by every slight, intentional or imaginary, have no problem tossing around snide Boomer comments. Worse yet, HR in most companies ignores the slights against older employees.

The irony is that it will be an issue for the youth in the workplace -- when they get older. The Millennials of today will be in an uproar when the reality of Americas ugly discriminatory practice catches up with them. Sadly, by then, it will be too late.

Blaine Pardoe is a New York Times Bestselling and award-winning author who contributes regularly to a number of mainstream conservative sites. His most recent works include the conservative political thriller Blue Dawn tells the story of the violent overthrow of the government by Progressives. The sequel, A Most Uncivil War, has just been released. His political humor book, The Democratic Party Playbook 2022 Edition is also available.

Image: PxHere
On July 8, 2022, Tucker Carlson laid out an extensive indictment against the Chinese Communist Party, Joe Biden, the media, and the medical establishment regarding COVID. For me, there have always been nagging and inescapable questions about the pandemic. In my mind, the timing was always just too convenient. Tuckers monologue re-ignited my curiosity and the questions have arisen once more. Maybe its just me, but

In late January 2020, the first COVID-19 case was diagnosed in the United States. At that time, America was strong, even on the rise. There was energy independence and, before the pandemic-induced shutdowns, supply chains were working as they should, gas prices were reasonable, the workforce participation was at all-time highs, and every American who wanted to work could work. Every racial, ethnic, and cultural demographic was benefitting from the strong economy, and wages and salaries were increasing.

Yet behind the scenes, almost certainly in violation of federal law, U.S. taxpayers were funding virus research in China, including a particularly dangerous type of researchgain of function, meaning the researchers take a naturally occurring virus from the animal kingdom and jack it up genetically, to make it infectious to humans. A novel virus.

Presumably, this GOF research would make our virologists, epidemiologists, immunologists, and the broader medical establishment better equipped to handle the next epidemic. Presumably, this GOF research was all for the sake of prevention. If the theoretical goal was to increase our knowledge of viruses so medicines could be developed, and lives could be saved, how utterly ironic that, now, over 6 million lives have been lost worldwide.

This GOF research was taking place in China because it is too d@#n dangerous to permit it here in the United States. Therefore, the people who perpetrated the necessary funding sleight-of-hand laundered the money through a U.S. non-profit and sent this research offshore to China.

Holy cr@p! Did anyone consider the hazards of sending this to China? Who ran the numbers on the risk management and considered the severity of what could go wrong? Not only does China have a terrible record when it comes to containing viruses, its have been our geopolitical adversary for at least the past 30 years.

Meanwhile, the Never-Trumpers and the Democrat Socialist Party were in a major dilemmahow were they to survive the 2020 election? With such widespread prosperity, with Trump having survived their impeachment attempt, and with the worlds bad actors pretty much contained, Trump and the down-ballot Republicans who had supported him had a record to run on.

With the novel coronavirus being diagnosed across America, we soon discovered the medical bureaucracy had little to offer. The medical protocols in effect were of little effect at allthose who tested positive were told to stay at home until there was no choice but hospitalization. Once admitted, few survived their hospital stay.

We learned the meaning of the medical term off-label use: because there were no drugs for the novel coronavirus, many physicians were using other medicines to some benefit, drugs such as hydroxychloroquine and, later, Ivermectin. We also learned that Americas and the worlds most prominent pharmaceutical companies were beginning to test for a COVID-19 vaccine. If there were widespread acceptance and use of the off-label medications, that would negate the need for these new vaccines and, given the many millions of dollars big pharma had invested in these vaccines, this was not a tenable position for them.

Hence, the alphabet soup of government medical agencies enforced a top-down, one-size-fits-all, dont take that poison!!! approach. The fearmongering in nearly every nook and cranny of the media proclaimed the message that we cant do this on our own; instead, we must listen to the experts and follow the science!

Image: Chinese flag with COVID by Andrea Widburg, using public domain images.

It was all just too convenientthe Democrat Party and their operatives in the media had all the bad news they needed to run with, incessantly, every single day. The Chinese now had America in a weakened position with, they hoped, enough leverage among the Hollywood elite, professional athletes, and all of the media to carry the bad orange man message and negatively impact the upcoming election.

The messaging would not be enough, though. Largely unknown Democrat party activists made sure to subvert election law in key cities and states and found either elected or appointed officials who would assist in enacting every election fraud conceivable. All because of the pandemic, of course.

The same Democrat party propaganda ministry that presented the day-to-day, soul-crushing COVID-19 coverage, dutifully took part in covering up any negative press about the Biden Crime Family.

On election night, in those locations that were expected to have the tightest presidential election results, the counting stopped. Overnight, votes for Joe Biden materialized and, by the weekend, the media gleefully anointed Joe Biden as President-Elect. They then assured his installation with a non-stop barrage of reporting that the elections were the most secure in our nations history, so that there was no evidence of vote fraud, illegality, or malfeasance.

Then, unable to resist boasting, Time Magazine chronicled the secret campaign to install Biden. In the lefts own words, the who, how, where, and when of the 2020 presidential election rigging was chronicled for all to see.

The results of the 2020 election, Americas strength and international political capital, our economys strength and the economic well-being of every single American, untold numbers of American lives lost to the coronavirus, the consequences of shutdowns and disastrous government negligence, and (as Tuckers monologue pointed out) the global balance of powerall of those would have been different if it were not for the pandemic.

In civil legal cases, such as this one would be if an enterprising and courageous personal injury attorney would take the case, the burden of proof requires a finding that the preponderance of the evidence favors the plaintiff. Here, the preponderance of evidence would render judgment against China. Also, given what we now know about how deeply the CCPs tentacles and covert agents have entwined themselves in American culture, industry, and commerce, were those in the anti-Trump cabal willing accomplices in weakening America and changing the global balance of power in Chinas favor?

I submit the preponderance of the evidence indicates the who, how, where, and when of the COVID-19 pandemic, and who in America were Chinas willing accomplices.

Who among us can escape noticing how badly just about everything is going on in America right now? Not only are we mired in economic uncertainty and its resulting negative effect on all of us but, with each passing weekeven day-to-daywe see the consequences of what has happened to America and to the world since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.

When Joe Biden fails, when he mumbles, when he drifts off to la-la land, America is mocked. That America is now a mockery is not good for the worlds peaceful and freedom-loving people.

It is worth watching every minute of Tuckers monologue and reflecting on all that has been allowed to take place, all to the detriment of America. That there is such a glaring absence of effort and unwillingness to pursue the truth is just dumbfounding. Or given the elevation of the Biden Crime family and the usual suspects of America-haters in the Democrat party and the deep state, maybe its not such a stretch.

The truth is in plain sight; we need only have the willingness to look for it. The consequences of what has been perpetrated are inescapable.

The question now is this: Are we going to let them get away with it? This mid-term election year, we must hold the Democrat party accountable for being complicit in weakening America.

Or maybe its just me

Jeff M. Lewis is a Christian, a husband and father, a Veteran, and small business owner who resides with his family in South Texas.
I remember every one of my K12 teachers, a few of whom were good, most of whom were mediocre to awful. The one common thing about them was that they never mentioned their private lives in class. Now, though, Libs of TikTok reveals that every LGBTQ+ teacher desperately needs to get those five- or seven-year-olds to validate his, her, or its choice  and our vice president thinks that's how things should be.

On Sunday, Kamala Harris sat down for a short interview with Brian Tyler Cohen, a podcaster, and it was a doozy. She's exceptional in that every time she opens her mouth, Kamala exposes either ignorance or radical beliefs...or both. Here's the full interview:

In the first few minutes, you'll hear her say that, through the Dobbs decision, "the United States Supreme Court took a constitutional right that was granted and guaranteed to women, took from the women of America, from the people of America." Kamala's standard means that slavery in America continues to be constitutional, as does the "separate but equal" standard. Frankly, for a lawyer to say what she said is absolutely grotesque.

Kamala's inability to understand how our constitutional government works shows up too when she says the following:

We have to understand that the context we're existing, in we have three independent co-equal branches of government. The Court has acted. Now, Congress needs to act and put into law  like we say codify  Roe so that the protections are there in law.

No, Kamala. That's not how it works. What the Supreme Court held  and Congress has ceded to the Court the power to make precisely such pronouncements since 1803  is that Congress has no say in the matter. Abortion is reserved for the states, and, unless Congress passes an amendment changing that, it must butt out. As I said, she's dumb.

But where Kamala went from dumb to disturbing was in her opinion about what should take place in our children's classrooms. First (of course), she falsely claimed that Florida passed a law barring teachers from saying the word "gay" in classrooms. But what really offends Kamala is that teachers must keep their private lives private:

KAMALA HARRIS: "We're gonna stand up against a law that says 'don't say gay' basically restricting K-3 teachers in Florida to be able to love openly and teach what they believe is important for people to understand."



1) The Florida law literally says none of that.



2) Huh? pic.twitter.com/1MSAlqlFxa  RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 24, 2022

No. Teachers do not need to "love openly." They need to teach. However, that's not the LGBTQ+++ standard. Nothing more perfectly exemplifies the way today's LGBTQ+++ weirdos think their public school classroom is the stage for the drama of their life to play out in front of children than a video from Libs of TikTok. In it, a high school teacher/drag queen proudly shows how he has tricked out his classroom to be a drag nightclub:

Heres a photo of him performing in drag at a pride event pic.twitter.com/FsbA2IzBj4  Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 24, 2022

Again, the best rule of thumb is that people for whom sex is the central aspect of their life are (a) not living a mentally or physically healthy lifestyle and (b) shouldn't be around children. One of the main reasons leftists hate the Bible is because it did away with public, religious sexuality and placed it in the privacy of the home and the safety of a committed relationship. Kamala's belief that teachers should be parading their love and sex lives in the classroom is everything that's wrong with modern leftism.

Image: Kamala Harris. YouTube screen grab.
The AP has a hair-raising horror story for leftists still reeling from the Dobbs decision returning the question of abortion to the states: Catholic hospitals are on the rise! Even in states in which abortion will remain legal, there are some regions in which non-Catholic hospitals are going under and the only thing left is those "eeeevil" abortion-free, contraception-limiting Catholic health care providers.

The article, entitled "Catholic hospitals' growth impacts reproductive health care" focuses on Connecticut, where Covenant Health, a Catholic hospital system, is planning to merge with a non-Catholic hospital and health care system that's unable to remain open on its own. For Democrats, the fact that Covenant Health won't provide abortions is a problem:

Lois Utley, a specialist in tracking hospital mergers, said her organization, Community Catalyst, has identified more than 20 municipalities in blue or purple states where the only acute care hospitals are Catholic. "We are definitely sliding backwards in terms of comprehensive reproductive health," Utley said. "Catholic systems are taking over many physician practices, urgent care centers, ambulatory care centers, and patients seeking contraception won't be able to get it if their physician is now part of that system." According to the Catholic Health Association, there are 654 Catholic hospitals in the U.S., including 299 with obstetric services. The CHA says more than one in seven U.S. hospital patients are cared for in a Catholic facility.

Even the AP must concede, though, that Catholic hospitals are not so dogmatic that they'll let pregnant women die rather than treat them when necessary. As Sister Mary Haddad, the CHA president explained in an email to the AP, if the mother "suffers from an urgent, life-threatening condition during pregnancy, Catholic health clinicians provide all medically indicated treatment even if it poses a threat to the unborn."



Image: Nuns at Seattle's Providence Hospital, 1913.

The AP also got input from California senator Scott Wiener, one of the most radical Democrats in an already radical state. He's the one who authored the bill making it a mere misdemeanor knowingly to expose someone to HIV, a potentially fatal disease. He also authored legislation allowing California government documents to list a non-binary gender, making those forms meaningless for identification purposes.

Although Wiener conceded that Catholic hospitals do an excellent job doing what hospitals are supposed to do  that is, provide health care  the refusal to do abortions and tubal ligations is a problem:

In California, Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener is among those warily monitoring the proliferation of Catholic health care providers, who operate 52 hospitals in his state. The hospitals provide "superb care to a lot of people, including low-income communities," Wiener said. But they "absolutely deny people access to reproductive health care." "It's the bishop, not professional standards, that are dictating who can receive what health care," Wiener said. "That is scary."

To their credit, the AP writers interviewed Charles Camosy, a professor at the Creighton University School of Medicine who pointed out the obvious: Catholic hospitals are going where there is no other health care available, and they're doing a good job when they're there. For example, when it comes to that merger in rural Connecticut, if the merger doesn't happen, the existing health care system may not continue.

Meanwhile, in Washington state, the state is attempting to block all hospital mergers and acquisitions that would end abortion access. Oregon already has such a law.

In other words: If you won't kill babies, don't come here trying to provide health care. At least you know where you stand in the Pacific Northwest.
I have spent the past 15 years of my life as an American ex-pat living in retirement in southwestern Poland, and I saw an interesting thing at a railroad crossing the other day.

I was stopped at the railroad crossing to allow a 30-car freight train to go by, and it was the contents of the train that were noteworthy.

All the railroad cars were open flatbed cars  no boxcars. The flatbeds were depressed in the middle, which is a common configuration when hauling super-heavy vehicles like tanks.

Half the flatbeds were empty, and of the remaining flatbeds, they were loaded with military vehicles. I saw no tanks or mobile rocket launching systems, but I did see a number of heavy military transport vehicles.

What caught my eye was that these came from the German military! I could tell that by the license plates they bore.

In the European Union countries, there is a standardized form for license plates. With the exception of Belgium, whose plates are somewhat shorter and come with red alphanumerical characters, license plates in the E.U. are about twice as long and half as wide as license plates in North America.

All of them have a blue zone on the left. Inside the blue zone is the 12-star gold circlet, which is emblematic of the E.U. Below that is a 1- to 3-letter country code  F is for France, PL is for Poland, IRL is for Ireland, etc.

German license plates, passenger and commercial vehicles alike, all have 1- to 3-letter codes, which indicate where the vehicle is registered. For example, M is for Munchen; B is for Berlin; GR is for Gorlitz; and NOL stands for Niederoberlausitz  Lower Upper Lusatia, as strange as that might sound.

Each German plate then bears two stickers arranged vertically, and then comes the rest of the alphanumerical information to identify the individual plate.

The plates on these military transport vehicles didn't follow this pattern. There were no blue zones to the left. Instead, these plates bore a small German flag in their lower left-hand corners, and the rest of the plate information didn't follow the standard E.U./German form.

Nevertheless, they were definitely German in origin, and must have just crossed the Neie River border into Poland, which is about 50 miles to the west.

Where was the train going? It was heading east. I can only surmise that it was heading to Ukraine, which is about 400 miles to the east. I say "to Ukraine" and not "into Ukraine" because Ukraine, like Russia, uses a different railroad track gauge. Anything on the train would have to disembark and then be reloaded onto a Ukrainian-bound train to go farther.

Why were there so many empty flatbeds? If the military transport vehicles I saw were the total consignment heading into Ukraine, why then would Germany go to the trouble to add so many unneeded empty flatbeds? I surmise that the train probably will make one or more stops inside Poland to pick up other vehicles before ending at the Polish/Ukraine border.

There hasn't been a train like this, originating in Germany and heading for Ukraine going through Poland, in 80 years.

Image: Picryl.
The July 24 N.Y. Times column by Bret Stephens  "I Was Wrong About Trump Voters"  is not, well, "persuasive," even though he concludes the column stating that he is "in the business of persuasion." He makes it clear, by that admission, that he is a propagandist, not a journalist. It is the propagandist who seeks to convert people to his way of thinking, which of course is to imply that his way of thinking is the only legitimate one. The journalist is concerned with giving people an accurate record of the events of the day ("journalism," after all, comes from the French word for day  jour). The journalist, therefore, is concerned with informing readers, not persuading them.

Stephens makes some admissions in this column, but the admissions themselves are not persuasive. He began the column by acknowledging that, seven years ago, he spat out the charge, "'If by now you don't find Donald Trump appalling, you're appalling.'" But what does an intended insult directed to Trump-supporters have to do with providing them with information? Castigating is nothing more than personally-spewed venom, not the reporting of fact.

Stephens admits to this by noting that, compared to his comments on Pres. Trump, his criticism of Barack Obama was "more abstract than personal."

He goes on to claim that while he and his family are well off, he did not appreciate the reality that his class was insulating itself from the thrashings the economy is delivering daily to most Americans. But by refusing to recognize that the country was far, far better off under President Trump than it is under Biden, Stephens continues to assert that his sense of personal superiority over President Trump is the standard by which Trump is to be measured.

Apparently, Stephens is so self-righteous that he does not realize that this statement, in mid-column, is self-inculpatory: "I could have thought a little harder about the fact that, in my dripping condescension toward his supporters, I was also confirming their suspicions about people like me  people who talked a good game about the virtues of empathy but practice it only selectively[.]"

The operative words in the foregoing statement are "my dripping condescension toward [Trump's] supporters."

Stephens gives no indication that he respects those of us who see Donald J. Trump as a reformer in the tradition of conservative populists. Quite the contrary, as Stephens continues to assert, falsely, that with a second term, President Trump would "try ... to break the Republic itself," he reveals himself to be an orthodox propagandist for the class he represents, not a journalist  the aggrandizing class, bent on living the good life on the sacrifices of the common folk.

My late mom, Annie Zukerman, had a rather harsh description of nasty, snobbish people that comes to mind as Bret Stephens reveals himself to be, au fond, "a snake in the grass."

Image: N.Y. Times.
Joe Biden, as his press secretary loudly proclaimed, is "a devout Catholic."

So somehow the news got out to the press  in this case, the leftist Jesuit publication America magazine  that Joe Biden on his trip to Israel, slipped away to hear Mass and say the rosary in the church that, by tradition, was the site of Christ's birth.

One part of President Joe Biden's ultra-publicized trip to the Middle East took place in private, away from the eyes of any of the journalists who accompanied him on the five-day visit. The president was accompanied only by a single Secret Service agent when, after meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem on July 15, he went on a personal pilgrimage to the complex containing the Basilica of the Nativity and the Church of Saint Catherine to pray.

Such a devout Catholic, you see.

It wasn't that quiet, given that a friendly news outfit reported on the matter, which also happened to be good publicity for Joe. Nobody is supposed to film these sessions, but somehow, somebody let the news get out that Joe said the rosary and all that. How would anyone know unless the matter was leaked?

The believable detail in the story, though, was buried at the bottom of the piece: "He wanted to go and kiss the children."

Now, I have no idea about the condition of this guy's soul or his relationship with God. All I know is that, as the saying goes, by your works shall ye be known.

It's a pretty ungodly picture when it comes to Biden, and I'm not talking about Joe's fatherhood skills.

While Joe is preening for the cameras and his press lackeys are pretending the stories just somehow came out, he was busy with other stuff, which was pretty much the opposite of Catholic.

For starters, he's vowed to make abortion "rights" national and has even dropped his longstanding opposition to ending the filibuster to get pro-abortion legislation through Congress.

"I share the public outrage to this extremist court, that's committed to moving America backwards with fewer rights, less autonomy, and politicians invading the most personal decisions," Biden said Friday in a virtual meeting with Democrat governors to discuss protecting abortion access.

He's not a simpering wimp of a Catholic who is merely "personally opposed" to abortion. No, he's an active proponent of it, willing to use political muscle for it, and not just in the states, but overseas, pushing abortion with the passion of a fanatic who considers it a sacrament.

Worse still, the crazed left has vandalized and burned dozens of churches, many of them Catholic, as well as interrupted and disrupted Masses and other religious services in the name of promoting abortion. Any word on Joe to condemn that? Not a single word. Those, after all, are his political allies, so he's got nothing to say, wink, wink.

The same can be said of crisis pregnancy centers, many of which are Catholic-sponsored but can be sponsored by people of many faiths or, in fact, none. Why the heck would it be anything other than a no-brainer to defend the right of non-abortion alternatives, given that Joe is a "devout Catholic"? For Joe, that's not going to happen.

More ugly stuff is out there being promoted by the Devout One. According to the State Department's website, some bat-brained official came up with the bright idea of offering $500,000 taxpayer grants to promote atheism in places like the Middle East, calling it a defense of "religious freedom." Is there some special preference for atheism in the U.S. mission abroad? Doesn't the Constitution say that no state religion is to be preferred over another? It seems that some religions are more favored than others now that Mr. Devout Catholic is president. Seriously, is promoting atheism a worthy foreign policy priority? These centers are very likely to make locals in far-flung countries have a distinct hatred for the U.S. given the unpopularity of the position, particularly if it is promoted. Let's not even think of what the local reaction is likely to be among the Muslims with that ill-fated project  we all know how the crowds get out of hand when Mohammed movies are made, and you'd think the State Department of all places would know that.

It's an amazing array of the promotion of anti-Catholic things, all coming from the same "devout Catholic" administration, as Joe takes out his rosary and makes political hay out of it. Apparently, nothing he prays in church or wherever leaves the premises to inform him in his leadership as president of the U.S. He's Mr. Rosary for the press but Mr. Anti-Catholic for the real world, building back secularism with a vengeance, instituting a North Korealike abortion-on-demand regime, and twiddling his thumbs at the positively Bolshevik burning of churches and the promotion of atheism abroad. He built that.

It's a disturbing picture, given that very few in the Catholic hierarchy are willing to criticize him on his behavior. They are just sitting on their hands watching as President Devout Catholic actually constructs, taking the lead as master builder, an extreme secularist, anti-Catholic, anti-religious, anti-life America that only a North Korean commissar could love.

Forgive me for being skeptical about Joe's claims to being a "devout Catholic." The hypocrisy stinks.

Image: Screen shot from News 19 WLTX video via YouTube.
What should we make of H.R. 6359, the semiconductor bill currently before Congress? Clearly, not all of Congress is ready to sign on to it. A drastically slimmed down version was voted out of committee only last week.

As almost always in modern law, the devil is in the details. Is the semiconductor bill to be:

(A) Pork for the current USA ruling party, with the name "semiconductor" stamped on it?

...or...

(B) Achieve the goal of increasing domestic mass production at domestic "fabs" of functional integrated circuit (I.C.) chips, both for domestic use and overseas marketing?

Regarding (B), the USA needs to manufacture more than just the fanciest high-end (smallest 3nm node) I.C. processors for phones and computers. It also needs to manufacture larger nodes transistors, like 13 nm to 26 nm nodes for general purpose processes: display I.C.s, large high power IBGTs that can handle electric car motor-generator high voltage/high power switchings, and analog signal processors.

Many retail Wall Street investors, including Nancy Pelosi and her husband, seem to think that fabless semiconductor giants like Nvidia will get a stock price boost from this legislation. This, even though "fabless" means they make no chips/I.C.s or transistors at all  these types of firms just do paper designs, collect patents, and offshore 99% of I.C. production and electronic board assembly.

This is confusing, as the bill in theory is supposed to get I.C. production at new or upgraded, U.S.-located "fabrication" facilities ramped up  not to perpetuate the wealthiest of fabless firms. The funds from the bill are absolutely not supposed to end up as bonuses to the board of directors or as big dividend payouts.

Engineers who, having worked in fabs for production engineering, also wonder why this bill is confusing and so easily corrupted for the gain of stock traders or fabless firms.

Historically, the fabs moved from the USA in the 198090s, to seek lower labor costs. This drift to Asia was accelerated by the machinations of the State Department of trading American jobs for adherence to international allegiances, military-friendly port and base locations. Today American labor is not that much more costly than the 198090s, and the allegiances thing is experiencing serious reconsideration on the part of many countries.

Another reason fabs left the USA was the massive attack on them from the EPA and the states' equivalent pollution bureaucracies. Pollution bureaucracy has become a big business. Unfortunately, most of it just sucks away productivity with little tangible result. A reality that few American voters seem to appreciate is that the main reason pollution decreased in America is that it was simply moved to other counties. The reason places like Los Angeles can see blue skies rather than 1960s smog is not just because of catalytic converters and electric cars. Industry moved away. Ohio creates almost no new steel. That all went to China, India, and Russia.

Likewise, semiconductor fabs need large amounts of ultra-clean water and produce equivalent amounts of polluted water from the wafer wash in the transistor-making process. Many offshore locations let pollution run full bore. But even if modernized fabs have excellent recleaning of exit water methods, the EPA does not want them back on U.S. soil. These bureaucracies have a vision of America as an economy of government intuitions (agencies, courts, police, military), government colleges and K12 schools, financial businesses, software, and web server business of Facebooks, Twitters and SnapChats as the backbone of its economy.

The chickens are coming home to roost on the fallacy of the USA's last 30 years of political, deindustrialization, and financial priorities. Even Washington State used to have a modem (for its day in the mid-1980s) functioning fabrication facility in Puyallup, 30 miles from Seattle. The building is now used for cable TV truck parking and dentists' offices.

If the bill would provide free land, free clean water in, exit water processing out, and low-cost electricity, that would go a long way to assisting the production of transistors on USA soil.

The USA may even have to rethink how much diversity can be driven into a critically high-tech facility like a fab. Go ask Intel. They have been doubling down on their use of imported engineers for years, and falling farther behind the Far East "tiger" semiconductor economies  as the USA doubles down on college money for the most useless subjects that are literally laughed at overseas.

Image: PxHere.
President Donald Trump headlined a rally on July 22, where he urged his supporters to vote for GOP candidates Kari Lake for governor and Blake Masters for the U.S. Senate in Arizona.

The rally was held at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona.

Trump urged his audience to remain united and never bow before the totalitarian Democrats.

In Churchillian fashion, Trump said: "We will never give in, we will never yield, we will never, ever, ever back down. As long as we are unified, the tyrants we are against do not stand a chance because we are Americans who kneel to God and no one else."

Trump said the five worst presidents put together could not have done more damage than Biden has done to the U.S. and its reputation.

Trump excoriated Biden for leaving the border open, allowing a massive influx of illegal aliens. Trump blamed Democrats for making the border "worse than a third-world country."

Trump reminded everyone how his administration used tariffs to compel the Mexican government to protect the border from its side.

Trump contrasted it with the current situation, where border crossings on the Arizona-Mexico border are up by over 70 percent. He said the radical left has turned the U.S. into a sanctuary for migrants.

Trump added that criminal migrants who have come into the U.S. illegally have perpetrated violence against American citizens. Trump referred to the fentanyl crisis that has plagued the U.S. and how an open border has facilitated an easy flow of drugs that ruin lives.

Trump also expressed support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reminding everybody that "without ICE, we would not have a country."

Trump also slammed Biden for ruining the economy.

Trump reminded people of the tax cuts and regulations cuts under his administration that allowed businesses to thrive. He also cited his administration's strong record of freeing 7 million people from food stamps and liberating 10 million from welfare. Trump also mentioned that 160 million people were working during his administration.

Trump warned that the Democrats are planning to hike taxes to fund their Green New Deal. Trump called out the Democrats for fear-mongering using climate change and rising ocean levels.

Trump reminded everyone: "The price of gas was $1.87 per gallon when I was in office but now it's 5, 6, 7 per gallon."

Trump also slammed Biden and the Democrats for their abominable record on crime. "Murders have hit their highest, we think, ever in the history of the country."

Trump demanded emergency funding to recruit law enforcement officials. Trump said that members of the GOP respect the police and the service they do of imposing law and order.

Trump demanded that, "[r]ather than targeting Christians, conservatives, and Republicans, the Biden administration should go after street gangs."

"Instead of taking guns away from law-abiding Americans they should take them away from career criminals and felons," Trump said, calling out the Democrats' plan to confiscate guns from citizens.

Trump slammed the woke brigade infiltrating government and schools, and their attempt to indoctrinate young children with Critical Race Theory.

Trump also criticized the coercion of the very young into transgenderism. He rightly pointed out that giving young children puberty-blockers ruins their adult lives.

Trump also berated Biden for his hasty and ill planned withdrawal from Afghanistan, which he called "the greatest humiliation our country has ever seen."

Trump demanded fair elections via paper ballots, where all the votes are cast on the same day.

Trump criticized Biden for the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, saying Putin attempted no such aggression when he was in power.

Trump mocked the Stalinist propaganda show trial of the January 6 congressional committee and the spurious claims that have emanated from it.

He slammed former aide Cassidy Hutchinson's apocryphal claims that he attempted to manhandle Secret Service personnel on January 6 to seize control of the vehicle he was in.

Trump also ridiculed her preposterous claim that Trump was throwing food, adding that "I don't throw food anywhere. I eat the food." He then indulged in some self-deprecating humor that he would probably have been in better shape had he thrown food instead of eating it.

Trump rightly pointed out that all probes including the January 6 inquiry and other investigations into his past conduct and business would cease if he announced he wasn't running for president again in 2024.

Trump clearly understands that Washington is still mortified by the thought that he could become president again.

Trump also targeted the Democrat agenda as a whole, questioning how they ever win elections with their "radical" views.

"They do not believe in God, they do not believe in oil, they do not believe in the Second Amendment  and they want to win elections?" he pondered aloud.

Trump then referred to the midterms, reminding people how it is essential to vote for the GOP.

"We are just four months away from the most important election in America's history. If we do not get this done, then it is going to be tragic," said Trump.

Trump's speech was a great summation of the triumphs during his terms and a reminder of how he applied his thinking, which was unconventional by Washington standards, to resolve complex issues pending for ages.

It was a treat to watch Trump, in sterling form, regale an enthusiastic crowd with his speech, his humor, and his command of the material.

Contrast this with what is occurring currently.

In the Biden administration, the vice president delivers one word salad after another...

...while her boss, Joe Biden, cannot even read off a teleprompter without committing a gaffe:

The only thing worse than the utterances of Harris and Biden is their abominable record of misgovernance that has placed unspeakable hardships on people.

Back to Trump...

All through his speech, Trump teased his entry into the 2024 presidential election  though he did not make any official declaration.

"We may have to do it again," he said after discussing his 2016 and 2020 runs.

Trump then said: "We will make America wealthy again. We will make America strong again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again. And we will make America great again."

The people in the audience went ballistic, and who can blame them?

Image: Screen shot from ZerOOne NYC video via YouTube.
Climate change is the single most dangerous issue affecting the United States military?

So says John Kirby, retired rear admiral in the United States Navy, serving as coordinator for strategic communications at the National Security Council in the White House.

Hmm  let's take a closer look at this.

It's a driver of actual missions, because climate change creates instability, which creates insecurity in some places. And you can end up  the fighting in Syria started, really, as a result of a drought.

Despite many attempts to link the Syrian Civil War to climate change, a critical look shows otherwise. The State Department and even the U.N. assert that climate change is the progenitor of this war, through the mechanism of the "multi-year drought" driving "climate-change migration" to the urban areas, resulting in civil dissatisfaction with the government, and thus the protests, which resulted in the heavy-handed governmental response, and thereby, the war. At best, a bit of a stretch.

First, statistics show that there was a rainfall deficit, but only in 2008, and not during the entire 20062011 period, and the drought was localized to the northern "breadbasket" area of Syria.

Secondly, the migration of farmers to the cities was driven by an inability to earn a living by farming. This was due to two factors: the government rescinding fuel subsidies on the fuel used for operating the irrigation pumps and transporting the produce to market, making it too costly to run a farming operation, and the termination of a micro-loan program assisting small farmers.

Further, migration to urban areas occurred in the north of Syria, affecting the three largest cities in that area. The protests that began the violence, and subsequent civil war, occurred in Daraa, in the southern part of Syria.

John Kirby's next point: "And so, there's  there's a  it can actually drive military missions and force the military to become involved in places and at times where they wouldn't have had to otherwise."

Well, I'm not sure that much needs to said about the U.S. military being where they shouldn't be, when they shouldn't be, but I sincerely doubt that climate, of any kind, has anything to do with that.

Next, Kirby stated that climate change impacts the U.S. military's readiness, "because our  our troops, our sailors, our Marines, our airmen, our Coast Guardsmen are being called out for  to respond to natural disasters, which are getting worse because of climate change."

I don't have a problem with helping suffering people in times of great tragedy. However, the larger question of climate change involvement in catastrophic weather events requires another discussion. Further, I would hope the military has the savvy to not overextend our military infrastructure  but maybe not?

Kirby then stated that said climate change can "affect our infrastructure," causing military bases, such as "Norfolk Naval Base, to spend millions of dollars to try to improve their infrastructure because of rising sea levels."

Hmm, has anyone noticed that Norfolk, Virginia is being flooded and falling into the sea? No, I didn't think so.

Lastly, he added, "So it has an impact on our infrastructure. It has an impact on our readiness, because you  and you're seeing it now, even in the wildfires, where so many National Guardsmen are being called out. ... And  and God love them for that, but they're  those are important tasks and missions, but it takes away from other tasks and missions when it comes to defending the United States."

Would that be the wildfires where the climate activists are currently protesting to prevent scientifically proven burn maintenance that the rest of the world uses to manage forests, from taking place? I thought so.

"Other tasks and missions." Might that be writing more guidelines on the correct pronouns with which to address our strong and brave soldiers, or, perhaps, designing more flight uniforms for pregnant fighter jet pilots?

Image: National Archives.
With phones like the Galaxy Note/S22 Ultra, the TCL Stylus 5G, and the Motorola G Stylus 5G, stylus life is becoming a major part of the smartphone market. Because of this, theres a new addition coming to Chrome that will make it better for using a stylus on Android 13 (and you can thank Samsung for this).

Google Chrome, and several other browsers such as Microsoft Edge and Brave, are based on a browser called Chromium. Theres a large community that contributes changes to Chromium, and those changes help it grow and develop over the years.

Samsung is one of the companies that contribute to Chromium, and its been one of the major contributors. We can probably thank that company for some of our favorite features on our favorite browsers.

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Chrome could be better for stylus use on Android 13

Speaking of Samsung, the company sewed the seed for a remarkable feature for people who use stylus phones. This should come as no surprise, seeing as the Korean giant pretty cornered the stylus phone market.

First reported by Mishaal Rahman, a new commit was added to Chromium that will allow for handwriting-to-text conversion. This means that youll be able to manually write out the text that you want converted into text. There will be an exception for text fields that are meant for passwords.

So far, according to Android Police, it appears that the feature is already available for people using Samsung devices running Android 13. It seems to be targeted at Samsung devices for the time being, but theres no doubt that it will be available to other phone brands eventually.

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This feature is still in the oven, as youll need to have the developer options enabled on your device. So, this means that the feature is still in testing. Were not sure when this feature will hit the masses. When it does make it to more people, we should definitely hear about it in an announcement.
Google is finally working to make Android a better platform for larger screen devices. Thus, the company added some useful optimizations for its suite of productivity apps. Google Workspace apps are getting some useful tablet optimizations to better utilize the extra screen real estate, according to Engadget.

Back in May, Google announced that the company was working on making Android a more tablet-friendly platform. Along with the announcement of the Pixel Tablet, it stated that it was going to optimize more than 20 first-party applications to work better on tablets. Weve already seen some progress so far with apps like the clock app.

Google Workspace apps are getting tablet optimizations

These optimizations really come in handy when youre using two apps side-by-side. For starters, youre now able to open two Google Drive windows at the same time. Thats useful if you want to view content in Drive while still navigating the platform. Maybe, you want to read a document or listen to an audio file while managing your stuff.

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Next, sharing content between two apps is now much easier. Youre able to simply drag and drop text from Google Chrome into programs like Docs and Sheets. The same goes for images, as well. This beats having to copy and paste or download the images.

Now, back to Google Drive. If you want to upload a file to Drive, just open the app in split screen view and drag the file over to the Drive window. This feature will most likely be most optimized to work with Googles first-party files app.

Next, if you want to create a direct link for a file in Google Drive, all youll have to do is drag that file over to Google Keep. The program will create the link as a new note.

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Rounding out these changes, Google Drive now supports cut, copy, and paste using keyboard shortcuts. This is the most intuitive way of editing your documents, so its great seeing these changes coming.

You should see these features by now. If you dont see them just yet, you should make sure to check and see if all of your apps are fully updated to the latest version.
(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 25 - Italy's severe drought has caused crop yields to fall by up to 45%, farmers association Coldiretti has said.

It said production of corn and fodder for animal feed was down by 45%, while rice and wheat yields had dropped by 30%.

It said fruit yields were down by 15% while a fifth of cultivated clams and muscles had died because of the lack of water flowing in the Po delta.

Milk production is down 20% because of cows being stressed by the extreme heat.

"It is necessary to intervene immediately with emergency measures to save crops and the futures and farms that are in serious difficulty," said Coldiretti, President Ettore Prandini.

Scientists say that extreme weather events like the heat waves that are currently hitting many parts of Europe, supercharged storms, flooding and droughts are becoming more frequent and more intense because of climate change caused by human activity.

(ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 25 - Democratic Party (PD) leader Enrico Letta has said the centre-left group's rift with the 5-Star Movement (M5S) is "irreversible" after the M5S triggered the crisis that led to the collapse of outgoing Premier Mario Draghi's government of national unity last week.

The PD had been expected to make a pact with the M5S to run together at the next general election until the M5S snubbed a recent confidence vote on a government decree.

That sparked a crisis which culminated with three parties, the M5S, Matteo Salvini's right-wing League and Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia (FI), last Wednesday failing to take part in another vote of confidence, which led to Draghi's resignation and the dissolution of parliament for snap elections on September 25.

"The rift with the 5-Stars for this election is irreversible," Letta told Rai television.

"We said so before.

"I'd told Conte that if he took that sort of decision, this would be the consequence.

"We are consistent with the decision".

In an interview in Sunday's edition of La Stampa, Conte called the PD "arrogant" and said the real progressive force of Italian politics was the M5S, not the centre-left party.

A coalition of right and centre-right parties is tipped to win the upcoming election and the fact the M5S and PD are not set to run together has boosted its chances.

The right-wing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party led by Giorgia Meloni, the only major group not to back Draghi's government, is currently top of the opinion polls, with the support of around 23% of the electorate.

The League is polling at around 13-14% and centre-right FI around 8%. (ANSA).


ROME - Local Greek media announce that the fire outbreak, threatening the security of about ten homes on island of Lesbos, is now partly under control. Firemen and fire-fighting vehicles tamed the flames near some villages, areas that where residents and tourists had been evacuated. The climatic conditions, with temperatures reaching over 40 C however have authorities worried as new potential outbreaks threaten the island.

The situation in the north is worse with hundreds of rescue workers are fighting the flames equipped with helicopters and Canadairs. The rescuers have been combating the fire that broke out in the national park of Dadia, threatening one of Europe's most important ecosystems, for five days.




LAMPEDUSA - The number of migrants at the Lampedusa 'hotspot', or first welcome center, in Sicily, is 1,871. However, the center was originally designed to accommodate 350 migrants. An additional 22 Tunisians who were on a 5-m dingy from Chebba, were found by a patrol boat of the financial police. With this latest arrival of 22 persons, including 4 women and 3 minors, reaching a total of 7 registered arrivals.




Lampedusa's migrant hotspot reaches 1,871 The center was designed to host 350 migrants

(ANSAmed) - LAMPEDUSA, JULY 25 - The number of migrants at the Lampedusa 'hotspot', or first welcome center, in Sicily, is 1,871. However, the center was originally designed to accommodate 350 migrants. An additional 22 Tunisians who were on a 5-m dingy from Chebba, were found by a patrol boat of the financial police. With this latest arrival of 22 persons, including 4 women and 3 minors, reaching a total of 7 registered arrivals. (ANSAmed).




ANSAmed - Weeky diary from July 25 to July 31

(ANSAmed) - ROME, 25 JULY - The following are the main events scheduled in the Euro-Mediterranean area from July 25 to July 31: MONDAY JULY 25 TUNISIA - Referendum on constitutional reforms.



TUESDAY JULY 26 BRUSSELS - Extraordinary meeting of the European Union energy ministers to discusse the energy supply crisis.



KOMARNA (Croatia) - Croatia inaugurates 2-km long bridge connecting the southern Adriatic coast with the rest of its territory, aimed at bypassing a small stretch of the Bosnian coastline.



CARTHAGE - The International Festival of Carthage, dedicated to music, continues (until August 20).



WEDNESDAY JULY 27 HAMMAMET - The 56th edition of the Hammamet International Festival, dedicated to music and art, continues (until August 19).



THURSDAY JULY 28 NEW YORK - The UN Security Council votes on the prolongation of the mandate for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) which expires July 31.



SATURDAY JULY 30 VARIOUS CITIES - World Day against uman trafficking.



SUNDAY JULY 31 No major events scheduled (ANSAmed).




Greece signs accord to strengthen refugee integration The City of Athens and UNHCR sign new partnership agreement

(ANSAmed) - ATHEN, 25 LUG - The City of Athens and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen their partnership in welcoming and integrating refugees in the Greek capital. Kostas Bakoyannis, Mayor of the City of Athens, and Maria Clara Martin, UNHCR Representative, signed the document at a signature ceremony in Athens on Thursday.



The UNHCR has been working in close cooperation with the City of Athens for many years on multiple programmes promoting dignified reception of refugees, accommodation and harmonious co-existence with local communities, and the new agreement will strengthen this collaboration.



Further cooperation with the City of Athens has been developed to ensure adequate and specialized support for asylum seekers and refugees with disabilities through a partnership with the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (ADDMA).



"The City of Athens supports any effort aimed at the integration and inclusion of refugees in Greek society, as well as their dignified living. Our close cooperation with UNHCR through pioneering programmes and activities, has contributed to the achievement of this joint goal. We know this is a continuous effort and we will do whatever is needed to address the challenges in front of us", said Bakoyannis at the signature event.



Despite the heavy criticism of Greece's perceived hardline stance on asylum seekers and refugees over the past couple of years, Athens has made significant progress in supporting the integration and inclusion of refugees, including through the establishment of the ground-breaking 'Migrant Integration Centre' (KEM) at the end of 2017. This model has proven very effective in helping people surmount the various challenges faced when trying to integrate in a new host country and is now operational in nine more cities.



The agreement signed will ensure the capacity development of personnel of various departments of the City of Athens supporting asylum-seekers and refugees, while boosting integration-oriented activities, in line with the National Integration Strategy.



The UNHCR will deploy expert staff to support the City of Athens, and work towards expanding its international network. An 'Integration and Innovation Hub' will be piloted as part of this collaboration. In total, UNHCR has now signed ten such partnerships with municipalities across Greece.



"Athens and its people have demonstrated immense solidarity to refugees for many years. The Mayor and the City of Athens have shown innovation in developing new approaches to support the most vulnerable. We look forward to working together even more closely. When refugees integrate, the local population and society as a whole, also benefit" said the UNHCR Representative in Greece. (ANSAmed).




Tunisians vote in Constitutional referendum Over 9 million citizens will express their opinion

(ANSAmed) - TUNIS 25 JULY - Polling stations opened today for a popular referendum on the new Constitutional draft proposed by president Kais Saied. Over 9 million citizens will express their opinion, simply by indicating if they approve or not the draft text proposed by Saied. The electoral Commission (Isie) explained that a quorum was not fixed, therefore the Constitution will pass with an 'aye' majority vote. The affluence rate of voters will be the main wild card of this vote.



The referendum represents a milestone for the president's institutional gap which he created a year ago with the suspension of the Parliament, of the 2014 Constitution and the introduction of special measures that allowed him to rule by decree as a well as a fundamental step toward the elections of 17 December. If approved, the new Constitution will grant the president broad powers in his 'executive' function with the support of the government with significant repercussions on the legislative and judicial branches. It is precisely for this reason that the opposition and civil society have expressed their concerns for an authoritarian drift in the country and call for Tunisians to either not vote or vote 'nay'. A total of 84,000 agents will oversee the voting operations at polling stations which will close tonight at 10pm, local time. Few international observation missions are present: the one from the African Union, from the Arab League and from the Carter Center.



The Isie has stated that referendum results will be announced between July 26 and 27. (ANSAmed).




Tourist tax in Portugal brings needed relief to 11 cities Figures show significant increase of funds raised

(ANSAmed) - LISBON, JULY 25 - With the gradual return of tourism to pre-pandemic levels in Portugal, the local tax for tourists helps to bring some relief to Portuguese cities.



According to figures released today by the main Lusitanian newspapers, the eleven municipalities collecting the tax from tourists who stay in their hotel facilities have raised a total of 19 million euros over the course of the year's first semester. The capital city of Lisbon has benefited the most from this measure, collecting 12,5 million euros, followed by Porto with 4,6 million euros. The total figure still falls short by 13% when compared to the amount raised in the first semester of 2019, however it shows a 650% increase compared to the same period last year. It should be noted that many of eleven cities where the tax is applied had suspended it during the most critical phases of the pandemic. (ANSAmed).




Office attendance is up by a third compared to January, new data from workplace provider IWG shows.

The group also said its data contained evidence that having a branch of Pret a Manger nearby might boost attendance at work.

The group said that there had been major hikes in visits to its office and co-working spaces in regional towns and cities with Pret branches in the area.

Overall, office attendance across all its sites is up 33% since January when the Omicron variant of Covid-19 was still a major concern, the IWG data shows.

But office companies and those who cater to them have moved further out of major city centres in recent years.

The pandemic kicked off a boom in home working, which has morphed into a hybrid working pattern as lockdowns lifted.

IWG has opened more and more rural and suburban offices over recent months, and said that those locations that were already open have become more popular.

Meanwhile, Pret recently revealed that it had returned to profitability, thanks in large part to its regional sites.

IWG chief executive Mark Dixon said: The shift to more flexible ways of working in the heart of local communities is happening fast and is irreversible.

The data shows that more workers are choosing to base themselves in offices closer to home, and that the era of long daily commutes is well and truly over.

Gone are the days of having to choose between working locally and having your favourite sandwich for lunch, which only strengthens the allure of working in the heart of your local community.
Comic-Con returned in person for the first time in two years, attracting a stack of Hollywood A-listers who appeared to promote various upcoming projects.

Here are some of the famous faces that appeared in San Diego over the weekend.

Hugh Grant spoke during a panel for Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves on day one of the international festival (Richard Shotwell/AP)

Sir Patrick Stewart attended the Star Trek Universe to promote the final series of Picard (Richard Shotwell/AP)

British Star Michaela Coel attends a panel for Marvel Studios to promote the upcoming Black Panther sequel (Richard Shotwell/AP)

Game Of Thrones star Gwendoline Christie attended a panel for Netflixs The Sandman on day three (Richard Shotwell/AP)

Director James Gunn (left), Chris Pratt (centre left), Karen Gillan (centre right), and Pom Klementieff (right) promote upcoming Guardians Of The Galaxy 3 (Richard Shotwell/AP)

British actor Will Poulter also appeared as part of the Marvel panel to promote Guardians Of The Galaxy 3 (Richard Shotwell/AP)

Shang Chi star Simu Liu was part of the Funko: Pop Talk Live! Panel on day 4 of Comic-Con (Richard Shotwell/AP)

Morfydd Clark plays elvish queen Galadriel in the new Lord Of The Rings spinoff (Richard Shotwell/AP)

Dwayne Johnson appeared shrouded in smoke, with electricity crackling, as he entered the stage to promote his DC blockbuster Black Adam (Richard Shotwell/AP)

Lucy Liu brandished a large staff as she entered Hall H for the Shazam! Fury Of The Gods DC panel (Richard Shotwell/AP)

Paul Rudd appeared onstage at the Marvel mega-panel on Saturday to promote Ant-Man: Quantumania due for release in February 2023 (Richard Shotwell/AP)

Keanu Reeves appeared to discuss plans for his BZRKR series and also tease John Wick 4 (Richard Shotwell/AP)

Terry Crews appeared to promote new horror spinoff Tales Of The Walking Dead (Richard Shotwell/AP)

Evangeline Lilly appeared onstage at the Marvel mega-panel on Saturday to promote Ant-Man: Quantumania due for release in February 2023 (Richard Shotwell/AP)

Chris Pine attends a panel for Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (Richard Shotwell/AP)

Ben Stiller poses for a portrait to promote Severance on day one of Comic-Con (Chris Pizzello/AP)
Three people have been shot dead in six days in separate killings in London.

The most recent was a 22-year-old man who was gunned down at around 9.30pm on Sunday in Wood Green, north London.

Police including armed officers were called to High Road near Wood Green Tube station where they gave the victim first aid.

Despite treatment by medics from the land and air ambulance, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 10pm. His family have been told.

Gulcan Ilhan, 36, who regularly visits Wood Green to help her brother run his shop said: Its not safe. I could be walking to a shop and god forbid theres a shooting.

No one feels safe to walk down the road.

Sam Brown, who was fatally shot in Cheney Row Park, Waltham Forest, east London (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Less than 24 hours earlier, another man, 28-year-old Sam Brown, was fatally shot in Cheney Row Park, Waltham Forest, east London at about 12.30am on Sunday.

He was taken to hospital but later died.

Locals said they had been expecting trouble when a group of up to 100 people gathered in Cheney Row Park.

One man, who did not want to be named, said: I did see earlier more and more kids showing up so we thought there would be a fight.

A second man was taken to hospital at the same time as Mr Brown with stab injuries. He was later discharged and arrested in connection with the incident, the Metropolitan Police said.

Police near the scene in Waltham Forest in east London on Sunday (Jonathan Brady/PA)

The two fatal shootings follow another killing in the early hours of Tuesday July 19, when a 26-year-old man was shot in Bruckner Street, Queens Park, west London.

Seven people were arrested over the death and later released under investigation.

This number of fatal gun deaths in less than a week is unusual in London.

Up until July 19, there had been no firearms killings in the English capital since October 31 last year.

In 2021, there were 12 fatal shootings among a total of 134 homicides recorded by the Metropolitan Police.

Earlier this year, in April, the force said it had seen a reduction in gun crime, with the number of all shootings, including fatal and non-fatal, down from from 283 in 2019/20 to 196 in 2021/22.

A spokesperson for mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: The mayors thoughts are with the families and communities who have been affected by violence in the last few days. He is clear that one death is one too many, with every death leaving lives destroyed, families heartbroken and communities hurting.

Sadiq is in regular contact with the police who are working on relevant tactics and operations to arrest and suppress further escalations. If anyone has any information about any of these or any other violent crime, they can ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. There is no honour in staying silent.

Tackling violence and making our city safer is Sadiqs top priority and he is committed to being both tough on crime and tough on the complex causes of crime. Thanks to the hard work of the police and prevention and early intervention work led by Londons Violence Reduction Unit, supported by record investment from City Hall, violent crime has been falling since before the pandemic, with gun crime, knife crime and teenage murders significantly down.

Despite progress, the level of violence remains too high and the mayor will continue to work closely with the police and community groups across London to provide them with the resources they need to help protect Londoners and make our communities safer.
The two Tory leadership hopefuls have been engaged in bitter clashes over immigration, China and tax cuts ahead of a crunch TV debate on Monday evening.

Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak will enter the first head-to-head TV debate on the BBC on Monday after a weekend that saw both camps trade increasingly personal attacks.

Allies of the Foreign Secretary were quick to lash out at the former chancellor over his warning that China represents the biggest-long term threat to Britain.

In a hardening of tone against China, Mr Sunak promised to close all 30 of the countrys Confucius Institutes in the UK.

(PA Graphics)

Funded by the Chinese Government, they are ostensibly culture and language centres but critics have labelled them propaganda tools amid worsening relations between the West and China.

Mr Sunak accused China of stealing our technology and infiltrating our universities, pledging to work with US President Joe Biden to stand up to China at home and abroad.

But those claims were met with scepticism by Truss supporters, with former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith calling the announcement surprising.

Sir Iain, the co-chairman of the inter-parliamentary alliance on China, said: Over the last two years, the Treasury has pushed hard for an economic deal with China. This is despite China sanctioning myself and four UK parliamentarians.

Despite China brutally cracking down on peaceful democracy campaigners in Hong Kong, threatening Taiwan, illegally occupying the South China Sea, committing genocide on the Uyghurs and increasing its influence in our universities.

After such a litany, I have one simple question, where have you been over the last two years?

A spokesperson for Ms Truss said: Liz has strengthened Britains position on China since becoming Foreign Secretary and helped lead the international response to increased Chinese aggression.

This will only continue when she becomes prime minister and seeks to expand her network of liberty around the world.

Every year thousands and thousands of people come into the UK illegally. Often we dont know who they are, where theyre from and why they are here. These are not bad people, but it makes a mockery of our system and it must stop. Watch below  sign up https://t.co/3cXn1rFhca pic.twitter.com/gXjtsGqdXK  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) July 24, 2022

Mr Sunak also came under pressure from his rival over his strategy to combat illegal migration, as he seeks to win over the Tory grassroots voters who will decide the next Conservative leader.

Calling the current system broken, he offered a 10-point plan on Sunday that included a commitment to a narrower definition of who qualifies for asylum compared to that from the ECHR, with enhanced powers to detain, tag and monitor illegal migrants.

Mr Sunak, who was on the campaign trail on Sunday, also promised to give Parliament control over who comes to the UK by creating an annual cap on the number of refugees accepted each year, albeit one that can be changed in the case of sudden emergencies.

But those proposals were picked apart by Truss allies, who raised questions about Mr Sunaks proposals, arguing that it was unclear how the refugee quota would work and suggesting that some of his plans amounted to a rebrand.

Allies of Ms Truss also queried a suggestion from Mr Sunak that illegal migrants could be housed on cruise ships, something the Truss camp suggested would amount to arbitrary detention and a breach of both domestic and international law.

 I have a clear @Conservatives plan and vision for our country and economy. I will deliver and get things done from day one. Join the team: https://t.co/koPyqw4wIG#LizForLeader  Liz for Leader (@trussliz) July 23, 2022

Mr Sunak sought to defend his proposals on Sunday afternoon, telling the BBC that tackling illegal migration was a priority for him and that no options should be off the table.

But he was unable to give a clear assurance that his policy proposals would be legal.

What we do need to do is be very honest about the challenges that the ECHR, these European laws, have on our ability to grapple with this problem.

The Truss campaign had said that as prime minister she would increase the UKs frontline Border Force by 20% and double the Border Force Maritime staffing levels, with Ms Truss claiming that her plan to tackle illegal migration would be given a strong legal foundation by the new UK Bill of Rights.

The plans from both candidates generated anger in some quarters, with Oxfam labelling as cruel any plan to link UK aid payments to countries co-operation with immigration removals and Amnesty International saying that making policy only to please Tory members has caused chaos and backlogs.

Elsewhere, Ms Truss unveiled plans to boost UK growth rates with full-fat freeports, a move that may be seen as a bid to steal a march on Mr Sunak, who has been an advocate of free ports since his days as a backbench MP.

Pitched as the cornerstone of her tax-cutting economic vision, the Truss campaign said that the plans would see brownfield sites and other locations turned into investment zones.

Liz Truss addressing supporters during a visit to Ashley House, Marden, Kent (James Manning/PA)

Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will use a speech in Liverpool on Monday to pitch his partys vision of growth, growth, growth.

In the speech, he is expected to predict more Thatcherite cosplay from Mr Sunak and Ms Truss when they square up in the BBC studios on Monday, the first of three hustings over the next few days.
Britain paid the highest price on record for electricity in London last week as the capital narrowly avoided a power blackout, it has emerged.

National Grids Electricity System Operator (ESO) was forced to pay 9,724.54 per megawatt hour to Belgium, more than 5,000% higher than the typical price, last Wednesday to prevent a blackout in south-east London, as first reported by Bloomberg.

A sequence of issues around the hottest UK days on record led to extreme constraints in the power system and hiked up demand.

Temperatures surged above 40C in the UK last Tuesday and London Fire Brigade reported its busiest day since the Second World War as the heatwave led to hundreds of fires across the city.

Increased demand for energy across Europe combined with a bottleneck in the grid forced the ESO to buy electricity from Belgium at the highest price Britain has ever paid to keep power flowing.

Other factors, including planned maintenance outages of overhead lines and a storm in Belgium impacting solar power, put the system under severe strain.

While the amount bought at the record amount was minimal  reportedly enough to supply eight houses for a year  it has exposed the UKs reliance on importing electricity from interconnectors overseas, particularly France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

A spokesperson at National Grid ESO said that while other generation was available on Wednesday, power outages during the summer period meant a specific circuit was needed to get electricity to the right place.

National Grid ESO said: We were bidding in a tight market and market prices were high that day because Europe also wanted the energy.

We managed the system and kept the electricity flowing to the South East.

National Grid, which manages the UKs infrastructure, added that while it plans to strengthen networks across the UK, importing electricity from overseas has cost benefits for consumers.

But Wednesdays sky-high transaction could be felt by households in their upcoming energy bills as energy suppliers pass on the costs.
At least seven people are wounded, two critically, on Sunday afternoon after gunfire burst out near a car show in Peck Park in San Pedro, California.

The victims, four men and three women, were taken to area hospitals, the Los Angeles Fire Department said.

At least three of those victims had gunshot wounds, police said. The shooter may have been wearing body armor and was still at large Sunday evening.

The community center in Peck Park in Los Angeles.



The community center in Peck Park in Los Angeles. (Google Maps/)

Details on what led to the shooting just before 4 p.m. were not available.

No one could leave the park as the investigation continued, and no arrests had been made as of Sunday afternoon. The entire park was declared a crime scene, KCBS-TV reported, citing Los Angeles Police Department officers.

A tactical alert was declared by the Los Angeles Police Department due to the large number of officers deployed to the scene, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Police told one reporter near the scene to be careful, suspects still outstanding and theyre wearing body armor, she tweeted.

The circumstances, total number of patients and precise nature of their injuries has yet to be confirmed, the Los Angeles Fire Department said in a terse statement.

At least three of the patients are confirmed to have sustained gunshot injury, including one male and one female transported in critical condition, Los Angeles authorities said. There are no other patients remaining at scene. The incident circumstances, patient demographics, affiliation and precise nature of each patients injuries have yet to be confirmed.
A 72-year-old man found face down in a popular South Carolina lake has died, officials said.

First responders were called to Lake Keowee after a 911 caller reported a possible boating incident on Sunday, July 24, according to the Oconee County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies in a case report said the man was found floating in the water face down. Officials tried to resuscitate the man, who later was pronounced dead from an accidental drowning.

The Oconee County Coroners Office identified him in a news release as Larry Kenneth Wheeler of Greer.

The incident was reported at about 10:45 p.m. on Lake Keowee, which offers fishing, boating and other water activities roughly 35 miles west of Greenville.

Officials said the 72-year-old died near the town of West Union and the Backwater Landing housing development, which describes itself as a private gated lakefront community. A 911 caller reported that Wheeler might have hit rocks while boating alone.

It is believed he fell from his boat, the coroners office wrote.

As of July 25, the mans death was under investigation, WHNS reported.

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources didnt immediately share additional information with McClatchy News on July 25.

73-year-old found face down under lawnmower in his South Carolina yard, coroner says

Man dies after bystanders pull him from SC lake on Fourth of July, officials say
Nearly all of the dead victims recovered from a Miami-bound migrant boat that overturned Sunday in The Bahamas were women, the second time in two months that an overwhelming number of Haitian women have lost their lives in a vessel that capsized.

Of the 17 bodies recovered by Bahamian authorities so far, only one was a man. Fifteen were women and another was a young girl. Twenty-five people had been rescued as of Monday afternoon.

On Monday the Bahamian government continued with a search and recovery operation and announced the arrest of a third suspect in the migrant tragedy, which has once more underscored the dangers of such risky sea voyages in unsafe, overcrowded boats.

The migrants are believed to be Haitian nationals, but Bahamian authorities said they could not say with certainty if all of the migrants traveling onboard the boat are of Haitian descent until they finish investigating.

A similar scenario occurred in Puerto Rico in May, when a migrant vessel overturned near the American territorys western coast. In that capsize, 11 people, all Haitian women, died. They were buried in a San Juan cemetery last month. Over three dozen others were rescued alive. Not all missing migrants were found, however, and men are reported to be among the missing.

They dreamed about having a better life. Puerto Rico buries Haitians from capsized boat

Louis Herns Marcelin, a Haiti-born social scientist at the University of Miami who studies Haitian migration with a research team at the Interuniversity Institute for Research and Development in Haiti, said its difficult to know why more women appear to be dying than men without additional information about recent trends among those taking the boats.

A possible answer might be that fewer Haitian women than men know how to swim.

Women are mostly involved in commercializing the products that result from fishing or the like, he said. In addition, swimming activities, even for leisure, are more common among men than they are for women.

Over the past 12 years Haitian migrants have been mostly young men, according to migration studies conducted by Marcelins team.

A Search and Recovery Operation

The 30-foot boat was leaving the Bahamas when it capsized in rough seas, Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis said at a press conference Sunday. The search operation had not turned up any new survivors or bodies between Sunday evening and Monday morning, a Royal Bahamas Defense Force officer told the Miami Herald.

In a statement Monday, the Royal Defense Force narrowed down the number of migrants traveling onboard the boat from 60 to about 45.

The Bahamian government used drones, divers and aircraft to search the waters since the islands police first received reports about the capsized boat at 1:17 a.m. Sunday. Authorities detected the vessel half-sunk seven miles off the island of New Providence, where Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, is located. One survivor, a woman, was still alive in an air pocket in the hull among several dead passengers. U.S. Coast Guard aircraft have also looked for survivors.

A Miami-bound boat capsized off The Bahamas, killing 16 adults and one child

The boat left from West Bay Street, a popular migrant jumping off point in Nassau. In January, the defense force intercepted a boat in the Sand Trap area carrying 20 migrants from several countries, including Haiti, Ecuador, Colombia and Honduras.

The Bahamas has long been a popular route for undocumented migrants seeking to get to the United States, given its proximity to South Florida. Sometimes migrants decide to leave after having lived in the country for years. Other times, they travel by boat from Haiti in the first leg and then wait for weeks or months to take a boat to Florida.

The boats are able to make the voyage in a shorter period of time than a Haitian sloop, and to evade detection more easily by dropping migrants off under the cover of darkness. But the trips can be just as dangerous as the overloaded sailboats because they are usually as overcrowded.

One woman told Bahamian outlet Eyewitness News that she was looking for a Haitian man she had housed after he recently came from Haiti by sea. He had wanted to go to the United States and hadnt come home the night of the capsize, according to the outlet.

We just want to find out if he is alive, she said, later telling Eyewitness News that she thought she saw him in a photograph among the tragedys survivors.

Haiti, Caribbean mourn the dead

On his Twitter feed, Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry gave his condolences to the families of the victims and used it as an opportunity to appeal to Haitians for national reconciliation in order to solve the problems that are driving away, far from our soil, our brothers, our sisters, our children.

This new tragedy saddens the whole nation, he said.

[1/2]



17 compatriotes sont morts au large des Bahamas et plusieurs disparus, ce 24 juillet. Ce nouveau drame attriste la nation tout entiere.  Dr Ariel Henry (@DrArielHenry) July 24, 2022

The Caribbean Community regional bloc known as CARICOM also said it was extremely saddened in a statement and extended its condolences to those who had lost loved ones during Sundays tragedy.

This latest disaster brings to the fore once again the desperate situation in Haiti and the reprehensible nature of the actions of those who are trying to take advantage of people trying to escape, said the organization, referring to the human smugglers that take people on the illegal ocean voyages.

Guerline Jozef, co-founder of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, said that the root causes of Haitis deadly sea migrations must be addressed as the Caribbean country faces economic, political and social instability.

We just buried 11 women not too long ago, said Jozef, a Haitian activist. People are dying in the Darien Gap, dying in Mexico, dying in Puerto Rico, dying in the Bahamas.

Jozef told the Herald her organization receives calls daily from people looking for loved ones who went missing as they attempt to reach the United States, whether by land or sea.

We dont know how many Haitian lives have been lost trying to flee, she said.

The advocate has been traveling to Puerto Rico as the island sees record numbers of Haitian migrants reach its shores. She fears that relatives might not come claim or identify the bodies because they or their deceased loved ones are undocumented.

We want to share condolences to each and every family member and let them know that we are here for them, she said.
Reviving East St. Louis from economic turmoil defined the inception of the Broadview Hotel in the early 20th century.

Constructed in 1927, the Broadview Hotel was part of the citys efforts to recover from the 1917 race massacre when white people killed up to 200 Black people in East St. Louis. The attacks caused thousands of dollars in property damage.

East St. Louis needed a resurgence. The Broadview Hotel, at 415 E. Broadway, was the answer. Built in brown brick and terra-cotta, the Broadview was known for its elegant style that attracted many visitors.

(The hotel) was kind of the exclamation point on the process of rebuilding the city not only physically, but trying to rebuild its reputation after the massacre in 1917, said William P. Shannon IV, executive director of the St. Clair County Historical Society. The First National Bank building on Collinsville Avenue was (built in) 1926, and the Broadview Hotel was the year after that. For a long time, thats one of the things that hurt the city in coming back. People werent willing to invest money here.

Today, the physical appearance of the seven-story building belies its rich history. Graffiti fills some of the exterior, and its windows are boarded up. The Broadview has been vacant for nearly 20 years, but plans are underway for the building---that was designed to initiate East St Louis halcyon days----to be a part of another economic resurgence for the city.

East St Louis aims to transform the Broadview into affordable housing for residents ages 55 and over and veterans, along with providing a place for small businesses and public spaces. With finances for the development, dubbed The New Broadview, to be tentatively finalized in August, East St. Louis Mayor Robert Eastern III hopes that itll spark more economic activity.

We ask that the East St. Louis residents and surrounding communities get involved in whats going on here locally, Eastern said. Its going to be a lot of things. I want to make sure that local contractors and local vendors get everything they need so when its time to ask for participation and minority goals need to be met, I need them to be ready because the time is now, and this is the birth of a new Black renaissance in the city of East St. Louis.

The New Broadview

Amenities for the 110-unit mixed-use facility include:

97 one-bedroom units

13 two bedroom units (serving households between 30%-50% of Area Median Income)

10% of the bedroom units for veterans

Street level: Grocery store, fitness center, coffee & sandwich shop

Lower level: 20,000 square feet of commercial space, beauty & barber salon, banquet multipurpose center, minority business incubator, senior technology center, modern public space (for special events, catering, meetings, etc), public kitchen (for nutritional classes)

East St. Louis is planning to convert the former 7 story Broadview Hotel, built in 1927, into housing for veterans and people 55 and older. The building, vacant since 2004, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 31, 2013.

Development costs for The New Broadview total $37.9 million, which include roughly $30 million for construction. The project received $25.3 million in state tax credits (low-income housing and historic tax credits) thatll be leveraged for private equity to help finance construction. Red Stone Equity Partners, based in New York City, and Sugar Creek Capital, based in Webster Groves, MO, will provide the funds for the credits. State sources also will provide more than $10 million for the project.

Efficacy Consulting & Development, based in St. Louis, is the lead developer for the project. In 2017, the organization was selected by the city (under the leadership of former East St. Louis Mayor Emeka Jackson-Hicks) to be the developer. Since then, Efficacy has worked on securing financing for the project.

Yaphett El-Amin, president and founder of Efficacy, said redeveloping the Broadview Hotel has been her life for the past five years. The pandemic has created a roadblock for the projects finances, but shes happy that her team is nearing the end of getting those details finalized.

El-Amin served as a state representative for Missouri from 2002-2006. She founded Efficacy in 2007 initially as a political consulting and community relations firm before shifting its focus on real estate development and affordable housing in 2011. The firms portfolio includes working on affordable housing and senior living projects in Missouri like Finney Place, Village at Delmar Place, Scott Manor Apartments and more.

Renovating the Broadview Hotel is Efficacys first project in East St. Louis. A date for a groundbreaking ceremony hasnt been officially announced, but construction for the project will take 16-18 months to complete. The firm is partnering with Community Lifeline, an East St. Louis nonprofit, and Fulson Housing Group, based in Lees Summit, MO, to redevelop the project.

Over the last decade, we have primarily cut our teeth in communities that we understand and communities that we feel kinship to, El-Amin said. For me, being an African-American female developer, it was important for me to be a part of the solution in our communities and no longer wait for people to come from outside of our communities to be a part of solving our problems.

Yaphett El-Amin is the president and founder of Efficacy Consulting & Development. The firm is the lead contractor for redeveloping the historic Broadview Hotel in East St. Louis

State agencies like the Illinois Housing Development Authority and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have helped fund the new project. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) and Rep. LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis) also aided in securing funding.

This development is a village, El-Amin said. It has had many mothers and fathers to help ensure its birthing and upbringing. We are extremely excited about The New Broadview and what it stands for within the community. It sits at the front door of the city of East St. Louis, so were excited about cleaning up the first room of the house.

First room of the house

The site on East Broadway served as a hotel until 1957, according to the St. Clair County Historical Society. It was later used as a facility for developmentally disabled children and eventually redone as a sports-themed hotel before it served as Southern Illinois University-Edwardsvilles East St. Louis Center in the 1970s. The school ceded the hotel to East St. Louis in 2009. The center is now located at James R. Thompson Blvd.

The hotel was supposed to be a symbol of progress for the city.

It was said that for as big of a city and as influential of a city that it was at the time, we really need a good hotel here, Shannon said. Its the East St. Louis building that spurs Belleville, one of the things that nudges them to build Hotel Belleville in 1929. Its kind of a ripple effect. There was no small amount of competition between Belleville and East St. Louis back then. Belleville was often envious of East St. Louis because of the kind of money they made.

The Broadview Hotel was constructed in 1927 in East St. Louis. The city plans to transform it into an affordable housing facility

A popular radio station, WTMV, operated from the Broadview in the 1930s, and, a decade later, Wiley Price became the first Black radio announcer in the St. Louis region with his R&B and jazz show that hit airwaves at night.

Reginald Petty, an East St. Louis historian, doesnt remember the place being welcoming for Black people during its early years. Petty said he only frequented the hotel when SIUE owned it.

Blacks could never stay there, Petty, 86, said. That was white only. It was a famous hotel. In fact, they had a lot of shows like the Fox Theater in St. Louis (does now). In fact, there was a radio station out of there too. A classical pianist Eugene Haynes (who was a classmate of Miles Davis) was there. He had a program there.

Greenwood, the state representative, remembers taking dance classes and going to the dentist there while the building was owned by SIUE. She hopes the redevelopment of the hotel will have the same impact in the community. Greenwood secured about $2 million from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the project.

I am looking forward to seniors and veterans having some affordable, quality housing, Greenwood said. I believe a part of the model would be for some small business from the community to have space there that will not only service the residents of the building but the community as well.

We have so many residents in East St. Louis and the surrounding communities that have great ideas about sandwich shops or clothing whatever their specialty area is, so Im looking forward to seeing what type of business will go into that space and continue to grow.

The New Broadview will be more than just brick-and-mortar development for residents, according to Yaphett El-Amin. She plans to make it a space where everyone in the community can benefit from.

When you see the new Broadview, yes, there will be 110 families living there, but there will also be community commercial space there that will house Black businesses on the lower levela beauty and barber salon, coffee and sandwich shopso places that we understand speak to a need in downtown East St. Louis, but also speak to the mature population thats there has what they need in order to have a good and enhanced quality of life.
Though many Pennsylvania counties remain at low or medium COVID-19 levels, one additional area has moved to a high COVID-19 community level since last week, bringing the total to four, the latest update to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions data show.

The four counties scored as high as of Friday were Mercer, Fayette, Washington and Montour.

Last week, the CDC had three counties at a high level: Juniata, Clinton and Lycoming. Juniata was downgraded to medium this week, while Lycoming and Clinton counties were downgraded to low.

Centre County is at a low level as of the latest update.

At high community levels, the CDC recommends individuals wear a mask in indoor, public places.

At all levels, individuals are encouraged to stay up to date on vaccinations and test if symptoms arise. At the medium classification, those who are considered at higher risk should consider masking or other prevention measures.

This U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention map shows Pennsylvania COVID-19 community levels as of July 25, 2022. The orange counties are at high, the yellow at medium and the green at low.

Those who come in contact with someone positive for COVID-19 or who have symptoms themselves should get tested and wear a mask in public.

The federal agency updates its community levels weekly, scoring U.S. counties based on number of new cases per 100,000 people, new COVID hospital admissions per 100,000 people (both seven-day totals) and percent of inpatient COVID-19 beds that are filled at area hospitals (a seven-day average).

Community levels have largely remained in the low and medium levels in recent weeks in Pennsylvania after heightened case counts late in the spring. Those came amid a surge of an omicron variant, BA.2.12.1.

Another omicron variant is now sweeping the U.S., BA.5, and much of Pennsylvania remains at a high transmission level. Only Warren, Forest, Elk, Sullivan and Snyder counties were not at a high transmission level  a separate CDC metric from community level  as of Monday. Those five were at the next highest level, substantial.

BA.5 is now the dominant variant in the U.S. It is the most transmissible variant yet and accounts for nearly 80% of COVID-19 cases in the country. Additionally, researchers believe the strain is four times more resistant to vaccines.

COVID-19 in Pennsylvania

The state updates its COVID-19 dashboard weekly on Wednesdays, and as of July 20, reported more than 3 million confirmed and probable cases and 46,047 deaths from the virus in the state since the onset of the pandemic.

The CDC reports the state recorded 20,434 cases in the seven days prior to the update, along with 99 deaths.

In addition, as of last week, 1,130 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, with 126 in intensive care and 52 on ventilators, the state dashboard shows.

President Joe Biden was set to visit the state Thursday, but canceled plans after testing positive for COVID-19 that morning. The president was vaccinated and had symptoms, which multiple outlets report are improving as of Monday.

COVID-19 in Centre County

According to the CDC, Centre County has reported 231 new cases in the seven days prior to July 21. There have been no new deaths reported.

Nearly 1,500 tests have been administered, with a positivity rate of 13.96%. That rate likely doesnt capture the full scope, as at-home testing is leading to undercounts of official data.

The CDC reports 60.8% of Centre County residents are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

No matter where you live in the U.S., you can use vaccines.gov to find a vaccination site near you.
President Joe Biden, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week, is planning to give virtual remarks at a Florida law enforcement convention on Monday.

Before he was infected with the coronavirus, Biden was scheduled to speak at the annual conference of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, a professional organization of Black law enforcement focused on improving community relations and representation in the field.

Biden was slated to speak at the Orlando conference and then visit Tampa to speak at a rally for the Democratic National Committee, according to a White House announcement last week. Bidens visit would have come on the heels of several GOP conventions in Tampa in the last two weeks, including Moms For Libertys first annual conference and Turning Point USAs Student Action Summit, where former President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered speeches.

The DNC event ahead of the 2022 midterms is no longer on his schedule for Monday.

The presidents last visit to Florida was in the summer of 2021, in the wake of the Surfside condo collapse on June 24, 2021. First Lady Jill Biden has made several stops in South Florida since then, including on the first anniversary of the disaster where 98 people died.
The debate on whether or not monkeypox is a sexually transmitted disease has picked up following the World Health Organizations declaration that the disease is now a global health emergency.

However, Dr. Robert Murphy, an infectious disease expert at Northwestern Medicine said that the disease does not exclusively spread as a result of sexual activity, like other STDs do.

Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted disease in the classic sense (by which its spread in the semen or vaginal fluids), but it is spread by close physical contact with lesions, Murphy stated in a news release.

The claims that monkeypox is a sexually transmitted disease are based on the fact that the outbreak has disproportionately affected members of the LGBTQIA+ community, more specifically  men who have had sex with other men.

However, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the CDCs Division of HIV Prevention, said last month that people who were being treated for monkeypox infection have come in close contact with lesions through touch, bodily fluids, clothes, and even shared linens.

Though the monkeypox outbreak is spreading primarily through close contact with infected individuals and materials, the spread is not exclusive to sexual activity.

The CDC, Daskalakis said, is urging the public to approach the outbreak without stigmatization.

Anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation can develop and spread monkeypox. Many of those affected by the current global outbreaks identify as gay or bisexual men. However, the current risk of exposure to monkeypox is not exclusive to gay or bisexual men in the United States, Daskalakis said.

According to Murphy, the disease likely found its bearings within the LGBTQ community last month during Pride events where large gatherings were held.

Despite the fact that the disease is not only contracted by men who have had sexual intercourse with other men, Murphy stated that is likely where health officials will begin containment efforts.

Its not a gay disease  there have been outbreaks on many college campuses. But when you think about vaccinating, you want to look at high-risk populations first, Murphy said. So the CDC and local health departments will want to prevent and treat monkeypox in locations that are already experiencing or are predicted to experience an outbreak.

Todays IDK who needs to hear this:#Monkeypox is NOT a sexually transmitted disease or a gay disease, but a disease spread by close personal contact. Condoms or calling for a halt to gay sex will not stop this outbreak.



Education, vaccination, and testing will.  Jerome Adams (@JeromeAdamsMD) July 15, 2022

In the past two months, there have been more than 2,800 cases of monkeypox in the United States and 12 of them in Mecklenburg County.

As of last week, those Mecklenburg County cases account for more than half of the cases in all of North Carolina, The Charlotte Observer reported.

According to the CDC, patients who have tested positive for monkeypox experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Additionally, the tell-tale sign for a monkeypox infection, a rash with bumps that sometimes turn into lesions, is usually visible on the outer layer of the skin.

Contrary to COVID-19, monkeypox is a DNA virus. Thus, Murphy predicts that the outbreak is unlikely to reach epidemic or pandemic status.

...Infectious disease people like myself are calling it an outbreak; its not an epidemic, and its very unlikely to become one, Murphy stated. Its a DNA virus, they dont mutate like these RNA viruses, so youre not expecting this to turn into something like HIV or COVID-19.

During a recent press conference on the matter, Walensky explained that the United States government has already distributed 191,000 doses of the monkeypox vaccine since the outbreak began.

There are 160,000 doses ready to be sent out with as many as 780,000 additional doses estimated to become available sometime this week.
Firefighters work to keep the Oak fire from reaching a home in the Jerseydale community of Mariposa County on Saturday. (Noah Berger / Associated Press)

A combination of heat, low humidity and parched vegetation continues to bedevil firefighters battling an inferno in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Yosemite that has forced thousands to flee their homes.

The Oak fire started Friday near Midpines and had grown to more than 15,600 acres as of Sunday evening, making it California's largest blaze so far this season and prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency for Mariposa County.

Although not as large or destructive as the August Complex fire in 2020 or the Dixie fire in 2021, experts worry the Oak fire is the start to what could be a particularly difficult wildfire season in California.

A combination of climate change, intense drought and overgrown vegetation over the last several decades has increased the likelihood of devastating, fast-moving fires.

"I think we can expect much more of the same, unfortunately," said Park Williams, an associate professor and climate scientist at UCLA. "As long as we have more heat waves then we will continue to see forests in California really primed to burn because it's just been so dry."

Temperatures in the mid-90s  slightly warmer than usual  and single-digit humidity have created a punishing situation for crews battling the Oak fire.

The blaze has destroyed 10 structures, damaged five and is threatening more than 2,600 others, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The fire has forced more than 3,000 residents to flee their homes. Officials have not determined what caused the fire.

Smoke billowing from the blaze choked much of the San Joaquin Valley over the weekend as the fire continued to creep northeast toward the mountain community of Jerseydale and south toward Bootjack.

The plumes of smoke were so thick Sunday morning that they were blowing into Bootjack Market & Deli, about a quarter-mile from the blaze.

Keisha McGruder, who manages the deli just off Highway 49, said shes staying open in spite of the conditions to make sure people get food and supplies they need to either hunker down or flee.

That group includes the crew of firefighters and emergency personnel that McGruder is offering free coffee and soft drinks while they turn her parking lot into a impromptu meeting spot.

Its pretty devastating up here," she said.

Since Friday the fire has quickly chewed through parched grass, brush, woodland oak and has moved into timber stands. There flames have overtaken conifers killed by drought and bark beetle infestations causing crown fires, where the blaze burns through the top layer of foliage on a tree.

The heavy fuel load and wind, created by the fire itself, have sent embers casting more than a mile from the blaze, said Hector Vasquez, a spokesperson for Cal Fire.

Despite lackluster weather conditions, resources have been plentiful. More than 2,000 firefighters were battling the blaze Sunday, up from about 500 a day earlier.

"One of the biggest contributing factors is that we are the only big fight going on right now so we can attract those resources to come in from all over the state," Vasquez said.

While daytime temperatures are likely to hover in the 90s this week, overnight humidity is expected to improve as monsoonal moisture moves into the region from northern Mexico on Tuesday, said Jeff Barlow, lead forecaster with the National Weather Service.

"Daytime is tough because the fuel is so heavy with tons of dead trees and the fire is kind of almost creating its own weather environment," Barlow said. "It's overnight when the fires lay down where we'll be able to see some better overnight recovery."

Air quality officials predicted the relentless smoke would travel as far as the Bay Area early Monday.

Red Cross officials had checked in more than 100 people at the main evacuation center at Mariposa Elementary School as of early Sunday afternoon.

A little less than half stayed overnight in cots in converted classrooms, said local Red Cross spokesperson Taylor Poisall.

Aubrey Brown and his wife, Lynda, have been at the center since Friday when they rushed from their home in the Lushmeadows community.

Brown was working in his garage when he noticed the sky turning orange. He walked outside to see a giant smoke plume encircling their home.

The couple, both 70, moved from the Bay Area a year and a half ago, enticed by a countryside that reminded them of their youth in more rural areas.

They bought a two-acre property with a custom home with a glass wall that offers sweeping views of the mountains. They understood they were buying into an area prone to fire.

We bought with our eyes wide open, Lynda Brown said. Theres a price you pay for having paradise these days.

Sitting in her front yard Sunday morning while ash rained down on her, Beth Pratt was thankful that things werent worse.

Less than a mile from the evacuation zone in Midpines, Pratt had packed up her car on Saturday ready to leave.

The fire blew up, said Pratt, 53, who is the California regional executive director for the National Wildlife Federation. It looked like Godzilla over my house.

But then firefighting jets began to arrive dumping retardant and tamping down the flames near her. Pratt cheered them from the ground. The planes havent stopped coming.

Here I am in the middle of nowhere outside Yosemite, she said. But I feel like Ive been under LAX the last couple of days.

In the 25 years shes lived in Midpines, shes had to evacuate three times due to wildfires. But she said the Oak fire has been her scariest experience because its so large and fast moving.

Shes been without power in the sweltering temperatures, hauling up water for herself, five dogs, two cats and a lizard.

Pratt is planning to stay until theres an evacuation order because leaving is stressful on her animals, and because once you leave its hard to get back, she said.

Im still not out of the woods, Pratt said. The wind is blowing the fire away from me. But that means its blowing it to someone else which doesnt make you feel good.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The most exciting time of the year for South Florida lobster lovers is Wednesday and Thursday. Thats when Floridas annual miniseason gives them their first chance at catching a delicious dinner since the regular lobster season closed on April 1.

The absence of lobster traps and not being poked and prodded by divers armed with snares, tickle sticks and nets for nearly four months usually results in an abundance of bugs that are less wary than usual for what is officially known as the two-day lobster sport season.

As if that isnt enough of a reason to go diving for bugs, as they are known because of their insect-like appearance, when the miniseason begins at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, the daily bag limit in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties is 12 lobsters per person, which is twice the regular-season limit.

The miniseason is more restrictive in the Keys, where the daily limit is six bugs -- the miniseason daily limit is also six per person in Biscayne National Park -- and no diving is allowed at night. The reason is to limit the number of divers who descend on the Keys, where spiny lobsters are typically more plentiful, especially in the shallow waters surrounding the island chain. Many lobster hunters catch them in six to 10 feet of water using only a mask, fins and snorkel.

In addition, no lobstering is permitted in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo during miniseason. And law enforcement officers are on the water and on land checking divers for possessing too many lobsters as well as undersized bugs  the hard shell or carapace of a lobster must measure more than three inches  and egg-bearing females.

Its worth noting that state attorneys and judges in the Keys take lobster cases seriously, handing out fines and sometimes even confiscating boats and vehicles used in the commission of flagrant violations.

Safety is also a concern during the miniseason, primarily because many scuba divers have not been in the water since last years miniseason. Their diving skills might not be as sharp and their dive gear might not work properly. Cracked hoses that leak air and mask and fin straps that are on the verge of tearing can endanger a divers life.

One of the biggest miniseason hazards is divers who run out of air. In their excitement to catch their limit, some divers who have enough air in their tank to safely get them to the surface spy a lobster and decide to go after it.

The annual lobster miniseason runs from 12:01 a.m. on July 27 through midnight July 28.

Using a snare or a tickle stick and a net to coax a bug out of its hiding place in a reef or from under a ledge can take a while. When divers who are focused on catching one more lobster suddenly realize that they have used all of their remaining air, they typically speed straight to the surface and dont stop to do a three-minute safety stop to prevent decompression sickness, also known as the bends. And some divers panic and never make it to the surface.

Some boaters, in their rush to get to their lobster hotspot, drive too fast and too close to diver down flags. Boats must make an effort to stay at least 300 feet from dive flags on open waters and proceed at idle speed inside of that distance.

Safety-conscious divers fly a dive flag on their boat and also have a dive flag on a float that they tow behind them. That makes it easier for the person driving their boat to keep track of the divers in the water. They also can use the boat defensively when another boat is heading toward their divers by getting between the boat and the dive flag so the other boat has to veer away.

Lobster hunters can celebrate a safe, successful miniseason opening day at Lauderdale-by-the-Seas 10th anniversary BugFest. The event offers up to $10,000 in cash, dive gear, other prizes and awards for divers competing in the Great Florida Bug Hunt, which costs $30 to enter. Registration for the Bug Hunt is open online at www.discoverlbts.com/bugfest and at Gold Coast Scuba in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and runs through 6 p.m. Tuesday.

BugFests activities include parties, concerts and a lobster cooking competition. It kicks off with a free lobster hunting seminar by Jim Chiefy Mathie from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Plunge Beach Resort. That is followed by a miniseason kickoff party from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Divers can weigh in their lobsters at several locations. They can win $500 for the biggest bug caught off a boat and off the beach, and they also receive a raffle ticket for every lobster they weigh. Raffle prizes include dive gear, dive charter boat trips and hotel stays.

IF YOU GO

Lobster seasons: The annual lobster miniseason runs from 12:01 a.m. July 27 through midnight July 28. The regular season is Aug. 6-March 31.

Licenses: You must have a saltwater fishing license ($17 for residents) and a spiny lobster stamp ($5).

Limits: The miniseason bag limit is six lobsters per person per day in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park and 12 per person in the rest of the state. The regular-season daily bag limit is six lobsters per person.

Legal lobsters: Spiny lobsters must have a minimum carapace length of more than 3 inches and must be measured in the water. Possession and use of a measuring device is required at all times. Lobsters must remain in whole condition while in or on the water. No egg-bearing females may be taken.

Other regulations: Night diving is prohibited in Monroe County during miniseason. Taking lobsters in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is prohibited during miniseason. Harvest is prohibited during miniseason and the regular season in the Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Spiny Lobster Sanctuary, Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, no-take areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (visit http://floridakeys.noaa.gov) and in the five Coral Reef Protection Areas in Biscayne National Park (visit https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/bnp).

Dive flags: Dive flags on boats must be at least 20 by 24 inches and have stiffeners to keep the flags unfurled. Dive flags on floats must be a minimum of 12 by 12 inches. Dive flags on boats must be displayed above the vessels highest point so the flags visibility is not obstructed in any direction. Boats must make an effort to stay at least 300 feet from dive flags on open waters and at least 100 feet from flags in rivers, inlets or navigation channels.

Information: Visit myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/lobster . To report lobster violations, call Wildlife Alert at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
A 27-year-old worker was stabbed in the chest during an attempted robbery outside a North Carolina supermarket, officials said.

The Food Lion employee was in his car before he was attacked Sunday, July 24, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department.

Officials said a stranger approached him in the parking lot and told him to give up his property. When he wouldnt, the woman stabbed him with a knife, police said.

Officers said the assault happened outside of Food Lions store on Waughtown Street in Winston-Salem. When reached for comment on July 25, the grocery store chain referred McClatchy News to police.

At about 9:30 a.m., officers were called to the store, where they found an injured worker. The man was rushed to a hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.

The woman accused of stabbing him later came back to the store, and police said she was arrested. She is charged with attempted robbery and assault with a deadly weapon intent to kill, according to officials.

An investigation continues, and police ask anyone with tips to call them at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800 or contact officials in Spanish at 336-728-3904, according to news outlets. People can also share information online or through the Text-A-Tip Program.

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Mayor Patty Gregory will proclaim Monday as Virginia Mitchell Day in Belleville to recognize a woman who worked to fill a void and create recreational and social opportunities for Black children and adults in the 1960s.

The late Virginia Mitchell founded a community center on South 20th Street in a predominantly Black neighborhood. But she emphasized that everyone was welcome, regardless of race, color or creed.

She did all kinds of things in the community, and thats why she was eventually invited to (Jimmy Carters) presidential inauguration, said granddaughter Nancy Greer-Williams, 70, a college professor in Mesa, Arizona. She was a community activist and what I would call an influencer.

Greer-Williams traveled to the metro-east for a luncheon on Monday at Spaces to honor Mitchell, who lived from 1905 to 1990. Other family members came from as far away as the United Kingdom.

Mitchells oldest granddaughter, Cheryl Gray, 75, lives in Belleville. As a girl, she stayed with her grandmother on a regular basis.

Gray called Mitchell a no-nonsense type of person who insisted that her children and grandchildren be educated and work hard.

She taught us honesty, dressing with style, the importance of having God in our lives, plus fair and equal treatment for everyone, said Gray, a retired civil servant at Scott Air Force Base.

The late Virginia Mitchell, shown with her poodle, Miss Peaches, in this undated photo, taught her children and grandchildren the importance of honesty, education, hard work and faith in God.

Single mother of eight

The former Virginia Woodson grew up in Lebanon, married Leroy Mitchell at age 18 and had nine children. She divorced and moved to Belleville in 1945.

Leroy was a carrier of tuberculosis, and he brought it home, Greer-Williams said. Their oldest child, a daughter named Mary, contracted it, and she died on Christmas Day at the age of 14.

Virginia Mitchell remained a single mother, rearing her other eight children, as well as two of her granddaughters. Diedre and Diana Mitchells father, William, had been stabbed to death in Madison, Wisconsin, while serving in the U.S. Air Force.

Virginia Mitchell cleaned houses, cooked, did laundry and worked as a caterer to make ends meet for the family.

She was a strong Black woman, said Diedre Mitchell, 65, who works in the restaurant industry in Frisco, Texas. She was never on welfare. She never got food stamps.

Gray remembers Virginia Mitchell opening her home for a campaign event that allowed Black residents of Belleville to meet Wyvetter Younge, a Black candidate for Illinois House of Representatives. Younge served from 1975 until her death in 2008.

This interior shot of the Kennedy-King Center in Belleville appeared in the Belleville News-Democrat as part of a 1973 story on the community center on South 20th Street that served both white and Black residents.

Rent was $5 a month

Mitchell rented a small former church at 702 S. 20th St. to open a community center in 1964. She raised money for new siding, electrical wiring and other renovations, according to newspaper stories. Rent was $5 a month.

The grand opening of the Kennedy Center took place on Sunday, March 22, 1964.

(Mitchell said the) program would have as its theme a quotation from the late President John F. Kennedy who was assassinated just 4 months ago tomorrow, a BND notice stated. This theme, she said, is If I help somebody as I pass along then my living shall not be in vain.

The center was renamed the Kennedy-King Center in 1969. It was dedicated to the humane ideals of President Kennedy, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights leader the Rev. Martin Luther King, who had all been assassinated.

Over the years, center supporters raised money through fashion shows, concerts and other activities to keep the doors open.

Mitchell also was a member of the League of Women Voters, the NAACP and missionary societies of St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church and Shiloh A.M.E. Church in East St. Louis; and Sunday school president at Wilkerson Chapel A.M.E. Church in Belleville.

Mitchell was named Good Samaritan of the Year by Wilkerson Chapel in 1970.

She did things that were ahead of her time, granddaughter Diedra Mitchell said. She had only an eighth-grade education, but she was very smart, and she was proud of being a Black woman. She always instilled in us a sense of Black history.
Its been nearly two months since Eastern Idaho native Dylan Rounds, 19, disappeared from a remote farm near the Utah/Nevada border, but his mother says progress is being made in the investigation.

Rounds had been farming in the desert town of Lucin, Utah. His grandmother spoke with him on May 28 and nobody has heard from him since then. There has been no sign of Rounds anywhere and no activity on his cellphone or bank account, according to his parents.

Multiple searches have been conducted in the remote town and in nearby Montello, Nevada. The Box Elder County Sheriffs Office is the lead law enforcement agency with the FBI assisting, but thus far there have been no big breaks in the case.

Everybody thinks its become this big stall, but theres a reason for that, said Candice Cooley, Rounds mother. Were not out there searching, and were not having search parties, but there is stuff happening behind the scenes that cant be released to the public right now.

Two men believed to have interacted with Rounds in the days before he vanished have recently been arrested for felony gun crimes in Utah but have not been charged in connection to his disappearance.

Chase Venstra, 41, and James Brenner, 59, are in custody and Cooley believes they know what happened to her son. She says Brenner sometimes helped Rounds on his farm and was squatting on nearby property. As for Venstra, she had never heard of him until her son went missing.

Brenner has been listed as an official suspect, and on the affidavit that was served to get the warrant on Chase, they listed it as a homicide investigation, Cooley explained.

Learning police are considering Rounds disappearance as a homicide was somewhat of a relief to Cooley, she says, because now investigators have a specific focus.

We pretty much all knew it from the first day we went out there. We know our son, and we know nothing would take him away from his farm. Absolutely nothing, she said. It was just one of those gut feelings where you dont want it to be true. Its a parents worst nightmare. But when you have a kid like Dylan with his patterns, his drive, and his passion, we just we knew he wouldnt leave. Theres no way.

Despite the situation, Cooley is trying to remain positive. His 20th birthday is coming up on Aug. 1 and his family is asking anyone interested to sow a seed for Dylan. Packets of Black Eyed Susan seeds are being distributed through the Find Dylan Rounds Facebook page and will be available at different locations in Utah and Idaho. People around the world are asked to take photos of them planting seeds and submit them to the Facebook group.

Cooley remains patient as law enforcement works on her sons case and is hopeful it will be solved soon.

Theres a lot of stuff being processed, so hopefully, thatll give us a few more answers. And we hope one of these two guys (Venstra and Brenner) talks, she said.
A man was killed Sunday evening in Kansas City, police said. It was the fourth homicide reported in less than 26 hours in the city.

Officers were called at about 6:40 p.m. Sunday to an apartment complex in the 2600 block of East 29th Street on a report of a cutting, Sgt. Jake Becchina, a spokesman with the Kansas City Police Department, told reporters at the scene.

Inside one of the residences, police found a man who was badly wounded; he died at the scene a short time later, Becchina said.

Kansas City police investigate a homicide inside an apartment complex in the 2600 block of East 29th Street on Sunday, July 24, 2022.

The person who called 911 told police they heard an argument between the victim and the suspect, whom police have not yet identified. The fight escalated and the victim was wounded, the caller told police. Becchina said the suspect left the scene before police arrived.

No further information on the suspect, victim or the victims confirmed cause of death was immediately available Sunday evening.

Becchina noted the scene on the block, where people appeared to be out enjoying the cooler weather after days of stifling heat. The scents of barbecue wafted up the street.

This was an apartment complex where people were gathered and having a nice little evening here, Becchina said.

Its unfortunate what appears to be the case here in this situation stemmed from an argument or altercation, and people argue all the time and it doesnt have to come to a physical altercation or the use of a weapon in any situation. We never want that.

Anyone with information on the killing is asked to call KCPDs homicide unit at 816-234-5043 or the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).
A 26-year-old Lebanon man was killed in a motorcycle accident Saturday night on Illinois 100 in Jersey County.

According to a release from the Illinois State Police, Dustin Brown, 26, was traveling south on Illinois 100 when the accident happened about a mile north of Mill Street in Elsah.

Brown veered off the roadway in his 2021 Black Yahama Motorcycle at approximately 11:15 p.m. and struck a guardrail, the release stated.

He then crossed the road before ending up in a ditch. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the state police.

No additional information is available at this time.
A man was arrested in North Carolina after shoplifting and opening fire in a mall, according to authorities.

The Winston-Salem Police Department responded to a call at Hanes Mall just before 6 p.m. July 24 after a gun was fired within the building, a press release from the police department says. Police cleared the building and reported no injuries.

Investigators identified the gunman as Carolton Vernell McCrimmon, 33, after he was arrested by Iredell County deputies, WXII reported.

Police say McCrimmon interacted with an employee in the malls Belk department store before leaving and returning with a gun. The man then opened fire within the Belk before fleeing.

McCrimmon had tried to shoplift from Belk before he was confronted by a store employee, according to Fox 8s reporting.

After he fled the mall, McCrimmon was stopped by Iredell County deputies, according to the sheriffs office. Deputies found stolen merchandise in the back of McCrimmons car and arrested him for reckless driving and theft.

The Winston-Salem Police Department connected McCrimmon to a second shoplifting incident at Home Depot earlier the same day, according to Fox 8.

McCrimmon is now in custody facing charges from both Iredell County and Winston-Salem, the sheriffs department said.

Among the charges from Winston-Salem police are assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, discharge firearm within enclosure to incite fear and discharging a fiream within the city limits, WFMY News 2 reported.

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One man was killed and another was injured during the filming of a music video in California, police said in a news release.

Officers received calls about the incident at around 11:15 p.m. on July 22, the Fairfield Police Department said in a Facebook post. When they arrived at the scene, they found several people who were involved with the production of the music video, the post said.

Police said they found two men who had been shot. One of them died, and the other was taken to a hospital and is in stable condition, the post said.

The department said it wont release additional information on the incident now because the investigation is ongoing. However, they ask anyone with information about it to contact investigators at (707) 428-7600.

Fairfield is about 45 miles southwest of Sacramento.

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Merced County residents could be among the hardest hit across California if Congress doesnt renew federal funding that lowers the cost of healthcare on the states health insurance marketplace.

The American Rescue Plan increased the amount of financial assistance available to people purchasing their own health insurance coverage on Affordable Care Act marketplaces. If Congress doesnt approve an extension of the plan, people purchasing health insurance through Covered California could see an average premium increase of 82%  or more than $1,000, according to Health Access California, which focuses on health consumer advocacy.

Covered California enrollees living in Congressional districts 16, 21 and 22  those of representatives Merced Democrat Jim Costa, Hanford Republican David Valadao and Tulare Republican Connie Conway, respectively  could face even higher premium increases.

People in District 16 could be hit with an average premium increase of 151%  the largest premium increase in the state compared to other districts.

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Congress could vote on the American Rescue Plan extension before breaking for August recess on Aug. 8. The funds are slated to expire by the end of the year if legislators dont take action before then.

Central Valley folks might be the most impacted, and yet the delegation may be split on party lines on whether to extend this help, said Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California. If the help is not extended, you will have some of the biggest premium increases in the Central Valley.

Lower-income people could see premium hikes

People without employer-provided health insurance turn to the Covered California marketplace to buy health coverage. Federal and state funds help keep Covered Californias rates affordable.

Those buying insurance through Covered California range in professions and ages, and include agricultural, retail and restaurant workers, freelancers, young and older people at the beginning and end of their careers, people between jobs and more. A majority of people enrolled in health insurance through Covered California are Latino, according to Wright.

If Congress doesnt extend the American Rescue Plan funds, people could pay hundreds if not thousands of dollars more each year for coverage. Lower-income people could be most impacted by the premium increases, meaning those without economic flexibility could be priced out of the marketplace and left uninsured.

More than 64,000 people are enrolled in health insurance through Covered California between Districts 16, 21 and 22. About 67% of them  some 43,000 people  are at or below 250% of the federal poverty line, according to Covered California. That means they make around $34,000 annually.

Data from Covered California shows that Fresno-area residents living below 250% of the federal poverty level are likely to see the largest premium increases  204% on average across Districts 16, 21 and 22  while those living at 400% of the poverty level, around $54K annually, are likely to see premium increases of 131%. The population between these federal poverty levels could see a premium increase of 66%.

Even before the pandemic coverage was important, but the public health emergency certainly underlines the need for people to have coverage, to have access to primary preventive care, Wright said. Thats really important in a region like Fresno, where you have higher rates of health issues like asthma.

California prepares for possibility of subsidies expiring

The American Rescue Plan, which Congress passed last year, stated no one should pay more than 8.5% of their income for coverage, according to Covered California executive director Jessica Altman.

The infusion of funding stemming from the plan helped California move mountains and reach a record-high number of people enrolled in health insurance, as well as a record-low uninsured rate of 6%, Altman said.

But, Altman said during an interview with The Fresno Bee, if the American Rescue Plan expires, 220,000 Californians will be priced out of coverage and unfortunately join the ranks of the uninsured.

Gov. Gavin Newsom allocated $304 million in the budget to extend health insurance premium assistance under Covered California.

Its important to just recognize off the bat that $304 million is an incredibly significant contribution from the state, Altman said, but we are receiving $1.7 billion here in California annually because of the American Rescue Plan.

Wright of Health Access agreed that state funds could help  but not fix  the problem.

While it could cushion the worst impacts, people would still see increases, premium increases of hundreds or thousands of dollars, Wright said.

Covered California generally publishes enrollment information in October and open enrollment on the insurance marketplace begins Nov. 1. People have until the end of the year to select or change a health insurance plan.

Time really is of the essence here, and every day matters in terms of our ability to deliver and really avoid disruption and consumer confusion, Altman said,
Phyo Zeya Thaw arrives at the Myanmar parliament in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, on Aug. 19, 2015. (Associated Press)

Myanmar's government announced Monday it had carried out its first executions in nearly 50 years, hanging a former National League for Democracy lawmaker, a democracy activist and two men accused of violence after the country's takeover by the military last year.

The executions, detailed in the state-run Mirror Daily newspaper, were carried out despite worldwide pleas for clemency for the four political prisoners, including from United Nations experts and Cambodia, which holds the rotating chairmanship of the Assn. of Southeast Asian Nations.

The four were executed in accordance with legal procedures for directing and organizing "violent and inhuman accomplice acts of terrorist killings, the newspaper reported. It did not say when the executions were carried out.

The military government issued a brief statement confirming the report while the prison where the men had been held and the prison department refused comment.

Aung Myo Min, human rights minister for the National Unity Government, a shadow civilian administration established outside Myanmar after the military seized power in February 2021, rejected the allegations the men were involved in violence.

Punishing them with death is a way to rule the public through fear, he told the Associated Press.

Among those executed was Phyo Zeya Thaw, a former lawmaker from ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyis party, also known as Maung Kyaw, who was convicted in January by a closed military court of offenses involving explosives, bombings and financing terrorism.

His wife, Thazin Nyunt Aung, told the AP she had not been informed his execution had been carried out. I am still trying to confirm it myself, she said.

The 41-year-old had been arrested in November based on information from people detained for shooting security personnel, state media said at the time. He was also accused of being a key figure in a network that carried out what the military described as terrorist attacks in Yangon, the countrys biggest city.

Phyo Zeya Thaw had been a hip-hop musician before becoming a member of the Generation Wave political movement formed in 2007. He was jailed in 2008 under a previous military government after being accused of illegal association and possession of foreign currency.

Also executed was Kyaw Min Yu, a 53-year-old democracy activist better known as Ko Jimmy, for violating the counterterrorism law. Kyaw Min Yu was one of the leaders of the 88 Generation Students Group, veterans of a failed 1988 popular uprising against military rule.

He already had spent more than a dozen years behind bars for political activism before his arrest in Yangon in October. He had been put on a wanted list for social media postings that allegedly incited unrest, and state media said he was accused of terrorist acts including mine attacks and of heading a group called Moon Light Operation to carry out urban guerrilla attacks.

The other two men, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw, were convicted of torturing and killing a woman in March 2021 whom they allegedly believed was a military informer.

Elaine Pearson, acting Asia director of Human Rights Watch, said the legal proceedings against the four had been grossly unjust and politically motivated military trials.

The junta's barbarity and callous disregard for human life aims to chill the anti-coup protest movement," she said after the announcement of the executions.

Thomas Andrews, an independent U.N.-appointed expert on human rights who had condemned the decision to go ahead with the executions when they were announced in June, called for a strong international response.

I am outraged and devastated at the news of the junta's execution of Myanmar patriots and champions of human rights and decency," he said in a statement. These individuals were tried, convicted and sentenced by a military tribunal without the right of appeal and reportedly without legal counsel, in violation of international human rights law.

Myanmars Foreign Ministry had rejected the wave of criticism that followed its announcement in June, declaring that Myanmar's judicial system is fair and that Phyo Zeya Thaw and Kyaw Min Yu were proven to be masterminds of orchestrating full-scale terrorist attacks against innocent civilians to instill fear and disrupt peace and stability.

They killed at least 50 people, military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun said on live television last month. He said the decision to hang all four prisoners conformed with the rule of law and the purpose was to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The military's seizure of power from Suu Kyis elected government triggered peaceful protests that soon escalated to armed resistance and then to widespread fighting that some U.N. experts characterize as a civil war.

Some resistance groups have engaged in assassinations, drive-by shootings and bombings in urban areas. Mainstream opposition organizations generally disavow such activities, while supporting armed resistance in rural areas that are more often subject to brutal military attacks.

According to Myanmar law, executions must be approved by the head of the government. The last judicial execution to be carried out in Myanmar is generally believed to have been of another political offender, student leader Salai Tin Maung Oo, in 1976 under a previous military government led by dictator Ne Win.

In 2014, the sentences of prisoners on death row were commuted to life imprisonment, but several dozen convicts received death sentences between then and last years takeover.

The Assistance Assn. for Political Prisoners, a nongovernmental organization that tracks killing and arrests, said Friday that 2,114 civilians have been killed by security forces since the military takeover. It said 115 other people had been sentenced to death.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Miami Beach voters will head to the polls in August to vote on six ballot questions about real estate, residency requirements and a new park name in South Beach.

Election Day is Aug. 23 and there will be two weeks of early voting from Aug. 8 to Aug. 21 at Miami Beach City Hall and the North Shore Branch Library. There will be vote-by-mail drop boxes at the two early-voting sites. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot from the Miami-Dade County Elections Department is Aug. 13 at 5 p.m.

More voter information  including a sample ballot  is available at votemiamibeach.com.

Referendum 1: Naming Alton Road park Canopy Park

The first referendum on the August ballot asks whether voters want to name a newly opened 3-acre public park in South Beach as Canopy Park. The park, built between Alton Road and West Avenue from Sixth to Eighth streets, was one of the public benefits promised in a development agreement for the construction of the Five Park condo tower next door. The City Commission first proposed Sunset Park after that name received the most votes in an online poll, but later changed their support to Canopy Park. It is up to voters to make the final decision and give Canopy Park a thumbs up or down.

Referendum 2: Architect on Board of Adjustment

Referendum 2 asks voters whether to require the citys Board of Adjustment to include an architect. The board oversees applications for variances to the land development rules and appeals of administrative decisions. Currently, the appointed board is comprised of two citizen members at-large and five members who can represent any of the following professions: Law, architecture, accounting, financial consultation and general business.

The ballot question, proposed by Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, asks whether the board should be required to include at least one architect.

Referendum 3: Proof of residency to run for office

Political candidates in Miami Beach are already required to have lived in the city for at least one year prior to qualifying to run in an election, but Referendum 3 would add an extra requirement by mandating that candidates submit physical proof of their residency.

The current law only requires that candidates sign an oath attesting that they have lived in Miami Beach for the required period. Physical proof of residency can include a Florida ID, voter registration card, property tax receipt or lease agreement. Even if the referendum passes, the city could not challenge a candidates eligibility to run, according to a May 4 memo from the city attorney. That would require a lawsuit against a candidate by a private citizen.

The referendum was sponsored by the late Commissioner Mark Samuelian, whose opponent in 2021 was disqualified after a judge ruled candidate Fabian Basabe did not abide by the residency requirement. Samuelian, who won reelection without opposition, died in June.

Referendum 4: Converting apartment hotels to residential buildings

Referendum 4 seeks to give owners of apartment hotels in the South of Fifth neighborhood an incentive to convert their transient buildings into full-time residential projects in exchange for the ability to develop buildings with more square footage and units.

Apartment hotels, which have a mix of apartment units and hotel rooms, are banned in a large area of the South of Fifth neighborhood, but there are seven that were approved before the ban came down last year. This referendum, which was sponsored by Samuelian, would give owners 0.25 extra floor-area ratio  meaning a 10,000-square-foot property would receive 2,500 more internal square feet. In total, the referendum would result in a maximum of 13,888 total extra square footage and 32 additional units if all seven properties are converted into residential projects. The City Commission banned apartment hotels after residents in the area complained that some of them attracted nuisance tourists and crime.

While not included in the referendum, the commission also plans to give property owners additional height  between 10 and 20 extra feet  if they convert to residential uses. The owners must agree not to rent any of the apartment units on a short-term basis, meaning less than six months, and they must obtain a building permit or certificate of use for the residential conversion by Dec. 31, 2025.

Referendum 5: Density increase for health center land swap

This item asks voters whether to approve increased density in part of South Beach to allow developers to build a mixed-use structure at 710-720 Alton Road, the current site of a community health center that city officials say is in disrepair. The developers have agreed that, if the referendum passes, they will build a new and improved community health center at nearby 663 Alton Road.

Specifically, voters will decide whether to approve a floor-area ratio increase from 2.0 to 2.6 in the area between 5th and 8th Streets from Alton Road to West Avenue.

City officials, including referendum sponsor Commissioner Ricky Arriola, have emphasized that the project would give the area a new, revitalized community health center. The northern half of the existing health center is currently closed due to structural issues. County Commissioner Eileen Higgins has also proposed building a library on the second floor of the new health center.

Details of the developers mixed-use structure at 710-720 Alton Road would be hashed out with the city if and when the referendum passes. The developers have requested a maximum height of 180 feet, while city staff have recommended a 150-foot maximum.

Referendum 6: Requiring voter approval to vacate streets for increased density

Referendum 6 would require a voter referendum before the city could vacate streets or other public property to allow developers to increase the density of their projects. Vacating a street means a city turns over control of a public roadway to a private property owner.

Rosen Gonzalez, who proposed the referendum, says it addresses a loophole that has allowed developers to increase the density of their projects without voter input.

In most cases, voters must approve any increases in floor-area ratio beyond what is normally allowed in a particular location. However, when the city surrenders control of a roadway to a developer, the developer can include that roadways area in density calculations and increase the size of their buildings.

Mayor Dan Gelber spoke against the referendum at a City Commission meeting in May, saying the practice has provided substantial benefits in the form of successful projects and payments from developers to the city.

In 2014, Miami Beach agreed to vacate 87th Terrace to the developers of a condo tower at 8701 Collins Ave. after the developers offered the city $10.5 million. That arrangement helped fund completion of the citys beachwalk, but faced scrutiny after the deadly collapse of adjacent Champlain Towers South in Surfside last year. A lawsuit filed on behalf of the victims emphasized that the deal allowed the developers to perform construction just feet away from the Champlain property line.
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The Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health, which demolished the constitutional right to an abortion, has ignited a deep sense of fear and uncertainty for women of all ages. Two generations of women grew up believing the reproductive freedoms recognized in Roe v. Wade were settled law. Now the ground is shifting beneath their feet.

Take it from a group of girls at a firefighter camp hosted by the Greensboro Fire Department. During my recent visit with them, the first question asked was: Now that Roe is overturned, whats going to happen to us?

The anguish of this question made two things clear: Women in my district are terribly worried about their reproductive future, and I must fight for them in Congress.

The next battlefield has been clearly delineated. This time, politicians are going after our right to use birth control.

U.S.. Rep. Kathy Manning

In his Dobbs opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas explicitly called for the reconsideration of the constitutional right to contraception, first recognized in the 1965 Griswold v. Connecticut case. His words added fuel to the fire that has been simmering for years as extremist lawmakers across the country have attempted to chip away at womens access to contraceptives. Radical politicians have conflated abortion with contraception and spread misinformation to support their extreme positions.

Its 2022. We should not have to explain that access to birth control is about equality. Its key to ensuring women can complete their education, get good jobs, protect their health, plan their families, and build economically secure and fulfilling lives.

Here are the facts: Almost all women will use birth control at some point in their lives, and 96% of voters support having access to birth control.

So why are politicians attacking something so critical to womens lives, and so clearly approved by voters? Its simple: This is about control.

I will not let extreme politicians strip away womens rights and private healthcare choices. We need to stop playing defense and start playing offense.

Thats why I introduced the Right to Contraception Act in Congress. My bill creates a federal statutory right to contraception, protecting a full range of contraceptive methods, including birth control pills, IUDs and emergency contraceptives. It prohibits states or government officials from violating those rights.

The U.S. House passed my bill last week with the support of eight Republicans. Unfortunately, none of those Republicans were from North Carolina.

The speeches in opposition to my bill were alarming. The extremists across the aisle either hadnt read the bill or were shamelessly untruthful about it.

They made it shockingly clear they are ready to limit the kinds of birth control available to women. This was a warning call to all who value the freedom to choose the kind of birth control that works best for them.

Now its up to the Senate. Im hopeful the Senate will recognize the importance of giving women the freedom to use contraceptives  a freedom that senators, their wives, mothers and daughters have had for more than 50 years.

I have listened to the women and girls in my district. I have fought to make sure their voices are heard, and their fundamental rights are recognized. I look forward to the day the Senate passes my bill, so we can show the women and girls, especially those promising future firefighters in my District, that their voices count, and they will have the freedom to pursue their dreams with their reproductive rights secured.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning is a Democrat who represents North Carolinas 6th Congressional District. She lives in Greensboro.
California lawmakers turned to the states two giant pension systems to punish Russia when the country invaded Ukraine in February, urging the funds to sell off Russian holdings.

Four months later, the California Public Employees Retirement System still holds all of its public and private investments in Russia. Worth $765 million at the start of the invasion, theyre now valued at less than $195 million, according to figures the system provided last week.

Russia shut down its stock market Feb. 25, the day after it invaded, making it impossible for international investors to sell public equities there. It may be possible to sell private holdings, such as CalPERS stake a giant Moscow shopping mall, but the pension system has had a hard time finding buyers, CEO Marcie Frost said in an emailed statement.

Its been daunting, given that business activities are frozen and there arent buyers for assets that are rapidly losing their monetary value, Frost said. Even so, CalPERS will keep doing everything it can to stand in support of the Ukrainian people and to protect our members long-term interests.

When Russia invaded, calls for CalPERS to divest resurfaced an old debate: Should the pension system use its $450 billion portfolio to take moral or political stands on world events, or should it focus strictly on investment returns?

The CalPERS Board of Administration didnt take formal action to divest from Russia, and opposed a state Senate proposal that would have directed it to do so. But so far, it hasnt mattered. Even if the system had agreed to divest, its doubtful the holdings could have been sold.

Nearly all of the 33 U.S. public pension systems that adopted formal divestment policies are now in the same situation as Californias main pension fund, said Anthony Randazzo, executive director of Equable Institute, a New York-based nonprofit that analyzes public pensions.

All these systems with formal divestment policies havent been able to sell their stock any more than CalPERS has, Randazzo said.

He said the only exception he knew of was the Kentucky Teachers Retirement System, which sold its shares of Russias Sberbank before the country halted transactions.

Value of Russian investments

Gov. Gavin Newsom called on CalPERS and CalSTRS to leverage Californias global investment portfolio to punish Russia in a letter dated Feb. 28, three days after Russia closed its stock markets.

By March 2, when CalPERS Board President Theresa Taylor responded to Newsom, CalPERS public and private investments in Russia were worth a total of about $765 million. That represents about a fifth of one percent of CalPERS investment fund.

The systems public stocks were worth $420 million, Taylor said in the letter.

By June 30, the stocks had cratered to a value of $459,000, according to the figures provided by spokesman Joe DeAnda.

In March, CalPERS privately held investments in Russia were worth $345 million, according to Taylors letter.

Private investment values are reported on a lag, but the most recent figures put CalPERS private Russia holdings at about $193.6 million, according to the figures provided by DeAnda.

CalPERS large stake in the 850,000-square-foot Metropolis Mall, which was valued at $695 million as recently as fall 2021, was worth just $176 million by March 31, DeAnda said. CalPERS investment in the mall, made in 2013, is held through a fund managed by Houston-based developer Hines.

The pension system also owns an interest in a Russian private equity fund that, as of its most recent valuation at the end of December, was worth $17.6 million, DeAnda said. He said CalPERS recently tried to sell it, but couldnt find a buyer.

To divest or not to divest?

Democratic state senators Dave Cortese, of San Jose, and Mike McGuire, of Healdsburg, introduced a proposal in February to try to get the states pension systems to divest from Russia.

The proposal called on the systems to sell their holdings in companies that do business in Russia and Belarus, while including a caveat that the bill wouldnt supersede the systems fiduciary responsibilities.

The boards of both CalPERS and CalSTRS opposed the legislation. CalPERS Investment Office estimated the proposal, with its broad prohibition on investments in companies doing business in Russia or Belarus, would have affected $185 billion worth of its public holdings. The bill failed to advance in the Assembly last month.

CalPERS typically opposes divestment proposals, saying the funds sole focus should be paying retirement benefits for the 2.1 million retirees, beneficiaries and state and local employees it covers. The system makes more than $25 billion in pension benefit payments each year, and its long-term obligations have been growing faster than its assets.

Still, the system has been ordered to sell investments in Sudan, Iran, firearms and coal over the years. The CalPERS board elected to divest from tobacco in 2000.

Geopolitical issues, and connected questions of divestment, will only get thornier in the years to come, experts told the CalPERS board in a March discussion.

The pension systems investments in a growing number of emerging markets around the world present opportunities to diversify the systems portfolio  improving its chances of hitting its 6.8% annual investment return target  but also come with political complications, consultants told the board. As an example, they questioned what CalPERS would do if China invaded Taiwan.

Closer to home, CalPERS faces growing calls to divest from oil and gas. The system has opposed the idea, saying it is more effective to engage the companies as shareholders to promote environmentally responsible practices than to sell the shares to someone else.

But as far as Russian investments go, said Randazzo, the Equable Institute director, the global market effects of Russias war in Ukraine likely will hurt U.S. pension portfolios more than any decisions on what to do with investments in the country.

The overall dollars nationally are small, Randazzo said. We do not see the Russian divestment or losses on direct investments in Russia as having a meaningful effect on state and local pension funds.

The institute recently estimated that public pension systems in the U.S. logged an average loss of about 10% in the fiscal year that ended in June due to the global drop in stock prices. CalPERS reported a 6.1% loss, its first negative return since the Great Recession.
DALLAS (AP)  A 37-year-old woman fired several gunshots, apparently at the ceiling, inside of Dallas' Love Field Airport on Monday before an officer shot and wounded her, authorities said.

The woman was dropped off at the airport at about 11 a.m., walked inside near the ticketing counters and then entered a bathroom, Dallas police Chief Eddie Garcia said at a news conference. She emerged wearing a hooded sweatshirt or some other clothing that she hadnt arrived in, pulled a gun and fired several shots, apparently at the ceiling, he said.

At this point, we dont know where exactly the individual was aiming, Garcia said.

An officer who was nearby shot the woman in her lower extremities," wounding her and enabling her to be taken into custody, Garcia said. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

No other individuals were injured in this event other than the suspect, Garcia said.

He didn't release the woman's name or speculate as to what her motive might have been.

We wanted to ensure that our community knows that this is not an active situation, the chief said.

Love Field serves as a hub for Southwest Airlines.
There is no establishment of religion in the United States. Thats in the First Amendment. This explains Justice Harry Blackmuns majority opinion in Roe v. Wade (1973) where, when confronted with a Texas statute that defined life as beginning at conception, he noted the lack of consensus among doctors, philosophers and theologians as to when life begins.

He said, in part, It appears to be the predominant, though not the unanimous, attitude of the Jewish faithalso the position of a large segment of the Protestant community that life does not begin until live birth.

After finding that the Fourteenth Amendments concept of personal liberty protected a womans decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy, the Roe Court determined that a state could not by adopting one theory of life override all rights of the pregnant woman.

And yet, on June 24, the Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health overruled Roe and gave each state license to do just that.

For American Jews like me and those of many other faiths, the Dobbs decision is a restriction on our religious freedom. It allows the states use of criminal law to compel conformity.

In the wake of the Dobbs opinion, several Jewish organizations here in Charlotte have released statements supporting womens reproductive rights. These statements do not advocate for abortion; however, they do make clear that abortion is permitted in Judaism, and at times required when the life of the pregnant person is at stake.

On July 5, the board of directors of Temple Beth El in Charlotte unanimously approved a formal resolution: Support for Reproductive Rights and Reproductive Justice affirming the reform temples unwavering support for the protection, preservation, and restoration of reproductive rights in accordance with Jewish tradition.

That tradition, according to clergy, includes thousands of years of Jewish texts and values emphasizing our sacred obligation to preserve life and protect the physical health and well-being of the mother.

Likewise, clergy at Temple Israel, a conservative congregation in Charlotte, sent an email to congregants on the day of the Dobbs ruling, making clear that Jewish law dating back to the Torah has established that abortion IS NOT murder. They cited the Rabbinical Assembly, the international association of conservative rabbis, for the proposition that imposing civil and criminal consequences for clergy assisting their constituents as guided by halakhah deprives our members of a fundamental element of clerical practice incompatible with Jewish values.

Howard Olshansky, the Executive Director of Jewish Family Services, wrote an article for the August edition of the Charlotte Jewish News entitled, The Mental Health Implications of the Reversal of Roe v. Wade warning of increases in stress, anxiety, and depression. He reprinted a statement by the national Network of Jewish Human Services Agencies chastising the Dobbs ruling for challenging the core principles of this country, namely the protection of privacy and freedom, including religious freedom. . . .

And finally, the Charlotte Chapter of Hadassah, the Womens Zionist Organization of America, holds itself out to be proudly pro-choice, pro-women, and pro-Israel. It reaffirmed its unequivocal support for complete access to reproductive health services, stressing the need for bodily autonomy.

As set forth in Jane Against the World, Karen Blumenthals book about the fight for reproductive rights, in 1967 (pre-Roe), a network of Protestant and Jewish leaders established the Clergy Consultation Service to provide counseling and referrals to doctors who would perform safe abortions. In the Dobbsian world we now inhabit, some clergy and lay leaders are once again turning their faith into action for reproductive rights.

Amy Lefkof, a mother of two, is an attorney, and a member of Temple Beth El in Charlotte.
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has said that she wants every single crisis pregnancy center in the country shuttered, and has introduced legislation that she hopes will accomplish that goal.

Those crisis pregnancy centers that are there to fool people who are looking for pregnancy termination help outnumber true abortion clinics by three to one, Warren said. We need to shut them down here in Massachusetts, and we need to shut them down all around the country.

Are we really so easily deceived that we cant tell the difference between a clinic that performs abortions and one that does not? I believe women who say thats what happened to them, but its not true that this is how all such places operate.

And whatever your view of abortion rights, for someone without resources who wants to carry her baby to term but needs all the help she can get, the closure of these clinics would be a real loss.

Because just as Planned Parenthood and other clinics that perform abortions offer services that crisis pregnancy centers do not, the reverse is also true. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, California has been held up as an abortion destination. But in Sacramento and across the state, poor women whove decided to continue their pregnancies still need the kind of help that clinics that do perform abortions dont provide.

Opinion

At the Sacramento Life Center, which opened 50 years ago, we get referrals from Planned Parenthood, says Executive Director Marie Leatherby, because we fill a gap they dont. According to her database, five patients have said they were referred by Planned Parenthood in the last two years.

Andrew Adams, chief of staff for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, said no, that never happens. Thats categorically false. We would never refer someone to a crisis pregnancy center. They would have gone there on their own.

I dont see how he can know that no clinic worker ever told a client she could get a free ultrasound or crib across town, but its true that I only heard that from those who work for clinics that do not perform abortions.

Heidi Matzke, the executive director of Alternatives Pregnancy Center in Sacramento, said during a recent U.S. Senate hearing on abortion access, Ironically, where we are at in Sacramento, California, Planned Parenthood actually refers patients to us.  The fact that Planned Parenthood sees the value of who we are and what we offer to women is important for everyone here to understand. Later, in an email, she said, Weve had 16 people since January check a box on their intake form that said they heard about us from PP.

At Claris Health in Los Angeles, a non-profit community clinic that specializes in pregnancy loss, adoption and post-abortion care, CEO Talitha Phillips says, We do receive referrals from several abortion providers in our area. Weve received referral slips.

Sometimes, she says, thats because we provide the service at no cost that other clinics charge for. Other times, she says, clients come in for an ultrasound to see if the pregnancy is viable and then decide whether to terminate. Some people dont want to do that on the same day as a termination.

I never knew whether higher-ups were OK with it, Leatherby said of these referrals. But it doesnt strike her as at all surprising that some frontline Planned Parenthood counselors would refer women they cant help to her, since most of them are compassionate people  her pro-choice counseling counterparts, she means  and are just interested in helping women, just like we are.

Not all crisis pregnancy centers are the same

So what gaps are Sacramento Life filling exactly?

A fully licensed and accredited medical clinic, it signs clients up for Medi-Cal and WIC and finds them, doctors, including pediatricians, for ongoing care. Its non-religious and does not proselytize, but does offer prenatal vitamins and care, parenting classes, fatherhood mentors for men, big-ticket items such as strollers, car seats, and cribs, and a monthly supply of diapers, baby food, and clothes for two years. All of this is free  paid for through private donations.

The Claris website spells out what it does not do: To be clear, Claris does not perform abortions. The Alternatives Pregnancy Centers site does not say that, but lists abortion pill reversal and abortion recovery classes among its services, which seems like a pretty direct message.

Sacramento Life doesnt mention abortion at all on its website, but says, Making sure every pregnant woman has the resources and support she needs to give birth to and raise her child in a loving home is our unwavering focus. Her clinic and others also help trans couples and see men for STD testing, she said. We take everybody.

Some people still call or come in thinking Sacramento Life does perform abortions, says Leatherby, who before taking this job a decade ago sold real estate. But were very upfront. We dont dupe women to come in. I dont agree with clinics that would ever do that.

But then, she adds, not all places we might consider crisis pregnancy centers are the same: There are good restaurants and bad restaurants.

Phillips, of Claris Health, also made that point: Were very transparent when people call, but there are other organizations Ive seen that could come across as more manipulative.

The umbrella term crisis pregnancy center can refer to two grandmas handing out blankets and advice, or to a true medical clinic.

Claris rejects even the name crisis pregnancy center, which Phillips says has been used to target organizations. She says her organization has rejected that label from both the right and the left: Its not just the pro-choice side but the pro-life side saying, Were going to decide who you are.

Though Claris rejects the pro-life label, too  we stay away from all political terms,  shes had anti-abortion groups refuse to take Claris off their list. And her organization was disinvited from a scheduled college campus visit with a mobile clinic that was only going to offer free pap smears.

A repeat client of Sacramento Life, 35-year-old Kristen Marshall, who lives in Carmichael, told me that counselors there are like family to her, helping her through a total of 10 pregnancies since the day she saw their phone number on their mobile van 15 years ago.

Growing up in foster care, I never had mothering or a support system, and this program has been that for her, she said, through the birth of her three children, six miscarriages, and one abortion, which she had during an abusive relationship, not long after the birth of a child with serious physical challenges.

She did mention that Sacramento Life counselors pressured her on one front, strongly urging her to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. But I have their support whatever I decide to do. Its your body. Its your choice. I do feel like theyre pro-life, but I know Im not going to be judged there. Some other programs, you have to take certain classes to get certain benefits. They dont do that.

This is an explosive time for both abortion clinics and crisis pregnancy centers, and attacks on either are in all cases inexcusable. If calling abortion doctors murderers can lead to violence, and of course it can, and has, then how does calling crisis pregnancy centers fake clinics that exist to trick the vulnerable not carry that same risk?

Matzke, of Alternatives Pregnancy, testified at the Senate hearing that she sees the man who came to the clinic door with a machete early one recent morning, before a security guard scared him away, as part of the wave of post-Roe attacks on clinics like hers. She sees the woman who tried to drive away with the clinics mobile van several weeks ago in that same light.

Times and crimes being what they are, these incidents might have had nothing to do with abortion. But of course, shed fear that they were related, given the many documented attacks that have occurred across the country. And that her clinic recently spent $150,000 on enhanced security rather than on services for those in need is something we all ought to be able to see as worse than a waste.
Record high temperatures were set in at least four U.S. cities over the weekend amid a deadly heat wave that spanned much of the country.

The National Weather Service (NWS) warned on Sunday of searing heat across the Mid-Atlantic and northeast regions of the country, with 100 degree or higher temperatures also expected in Kansas, Oklahoma, southern Missouri and northern Arkansas this week.

Although most of the nation struggled with heatwaves starting last week, the northeastern U.S. bore the brunt over the weekend.

These cities broke records:

Boston

The NWS station in Boston, Mass., reported that Boston recorded a temperature of 99 degrees on Sunday, slightly higher than the 98 degree record set in 1933.

The local NBC affiliate reported that temperatures hit 100 degrees at Logan Airport.

Sunday Scorchaaa in the City! tweeted meteorologist David Bagley.

Providence

Providence, R.I., logged a temperature of 96 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday, surpassing the previous high set in 1933 and tied in 1987, according to the Boston NWS station.

However, the city was still at least two days short of its all-time record of seven consecutive days above 90 degrees.

Newark

Newark, N.J., set a new daily temperature record at 100 degrees on Sunday. It was the fifth consecutive day of the temperature reaching 100 degrees in the city, creating the longest running streak ever recorded.

And Sunday had cooled down since earlier in the week. Temperatures hit 108 degrees in Newark on Friday.

Reading

Reading, Pa., also notched a high-heat record for the day, at 97 degrees.

Philadelphia, about an hour away, was expecting a possible record-breaking 100 degrees on Sunday, but fell short with temps topping out at 98 degrees, according to the NWS.

Heatwaves began spreading across the U.S. last week, putting more than 85 million Americans under an excessive heat watch or heat advisory.

Heat is the deadliest weather-related event in the U.S., responsible for killing 190 Americans last year, according to NWS.

Heatwaves, defined by a period of two days or more with unusually hot weather by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, are typically caused by trapped, warm air that simmers over a geographical area and bakes it like an oven. The trapped warm air is created by high pressure systems moving in and forcing warm air down.

In the south, Texas and other states are trying to stay cool as hot temperatures are expected to continue into the next week.

The Pacific northwest is also bracing for prolonged deadly heat waves this week, with NWS stations in Portland, Ore., and Seattle, Wash., readying for temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s through Friday.

In California, heat helped fuel the Oak Fire, which has burned through nearly 15,000 acres in Mariposa County and is zero percent contained, according to Californias fire agency. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) declared a state of emergency in Mariposa County on Saturday.

Last week, record high temperatures were also set in Europe, including the United Kingdom and France.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Many passersby probably dont realize theyre driving past history on North Market Street, but thats where the original Buffalo Bill once lived, and his house is now up for auction.

William Mathewson lived at 1047 N. Market St. from about 1906 until his death in 1916.

McCurdy Real Estate & Auction is auctioning the 1904 house, which today is a duplex. Bidding opens at 2 p.m. on July 26th and closes at 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 11.

Even though Buffalo Bill Cody went on to become the better known of the two Buffalo Bills  he was a showman who was adept at self promotion  even he acknowledged that Mathewson was the original Buffalo Bill.

Mathewson was a modest man and did not like to promote himself, said McCurdy auctioneer Rick Brock.

The New York natives work trapping and trading for the Northwestern Fur Co. brought him to the area that became Kansas.

According to his 1916 obituary in The Wichita Beacon, Mathewson was the first known white settler in Wichita.

He earned his nickname by hunting buffalo  killing as many as 80 in one day, reports say  to help other settlers who were starving in late 1860 and early 1861.

The Kansas Historical Society said he also was given an Indian name: Long-Bearded Dangerous Man. That was bestowed on him by the Kiowa chieftain, Satanta, after the warrior had received a severe beating from the trader at the Cow Creek post in 1861.

The Historical Society said that Mathewson used the trust he had cultivated with the Indians to gather delegations of them in 1865 to negotiate the Little Arkansas Treaty and in 1867 for the Medicine Lodge Council meeting, the latter resulted in Indian lands being consolidated into smaller tracts and opened up Kansas for railroad expansion.

Mathewson, who became a banker and a civic leader, once owned a homestead at East Central and Hydraulic.

That residence was known to everyone in Wichita as Mathewsons Pasture, Brock said.

Within that area today there is a short road called Mathewson Lane, and Mathewson Street is just north and south of the property.

Mathewson lived at the homestead from 1869 to 1906, when he sold it for $75,000. That January 1906 sale included the last 38 acres of the original 160-acre quarter section.

It would appear that is the point he moved over to the Market property, Brock said.

Mathewson died at his home on March 21, 1916.

Even though Buffalo Bill Cody went on to become the better known of the two Buffalo Bills  he was a showman who was adept at self promotion  even he acknowledged that Mathewson, pictured here, was the original Buffalo Bill.

Brock isnt sure when the house was converted to a duplex.

It still has a lot of the traditional architecture, he said. It is kind of also a bungalow style because you do have the second story to it.

Theres a covered front porch, an elliptical attic window and old stone foundation.

On one side, theres a bedroom, a bathroom, a formal dining room and access to a basement and the covered back porch.

On the other side, there are two bedrooms and one bathroom along with what Brock called a roomier layout.

He said a buyer could convert the 2,432-square-foot house back to a single-family home.

I dont think that would be . . . very difficult to achieve.

The homes original owner was Walter Minick, a physician who went on to become mayor of Wichita.

A Beacon story from 1901 reported that Minick purchased two North Market lots where he planned to build a house for himself and another to either sell or rent.

They will be modern to the smallest detail, he said, with . . . all the little convenient turns which can be put into a house.

He listed luxuries such as electricity and indoor plumbing.

He said that if any one knows of any convenience in the city of Wichita that I havent got when they are finished to be sure to let him know and he shall put it in.

Theres a sign on the front porch that says Minick-Mathewson House 1904.

Brock said the area immediately surrounding the house is interesting, too.

There are some beautiful homes of stature up and down both sides of that block.
Politicians who played key roles at various junctures in Northern Irelands arduous peace process have paid tribute to David Trimbles efforts to end the bloodshed.

Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair said his contribution was immense, unforgettable and frankly irreplaceable.

Sir Tonys predecessor Sir John Major praised Trimbles critical role in peace building, while ex-Irish premier Bertie Ahern described him as a courageous leader.

Ex-Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams thanked him for helping to get the Good Friday Agreement over the line in 1998.

Former prime minister Sir John Major (PA)

Sir Tony said: David Trimble, in his support of the peace process, showed politics at its very best.

When some within his own ranks were opposed to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, he supported it. When we needed his willingness to go the extra mile for peace, he travelled that mile. When there was the prospect of collapse of the process without strong leadership, he provided that leadership.

His contribution to Northern Ireland and to the United Kingdom was immense, unforgettable and frankly irreplaceable.

Former Conservative PM Sir John said: When David Trimble became leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, he made a critical contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process.

He shed his former opposition to the process, and became an innovative advocate for a peaceful settlement.

This was a brave and principled change of policy, and critical to the creation of peace in Northern Ireland.

He thoroughly merits an honourable place amongst peacemakers.

David Trimble with Bertie Ahern in Dublin in 2003 (PA)

Mr Ahern said: He was a courageous man and I had many a row with him and many arguments.. and in more recent years weve had good laughs about those debates. But he was tough.

As a good negotiator I think when he made the deal, when he settled something, he stuck by it. Subsequently he paid the price. And in spite of the horrendous problems that he was under from within his own party and from outside the wider Unionist group, in that last week of the Good Friday agreement he stuck by it.

He got a lot of criticism from the wider unionist family but you know, I have great admiration for him.

Speaking to RTE, Mr Ahern recalled his first visit to the unionist headquarters with Mr Trimble on Glengall Street in Belfast in 1995: That day, we said, listen, should we give this a try? If it works, its good. If it doesnt, you know, lets not fall out too much.

I never fell out with him: fought with him, rowed with him and argued with him. But I think we had the one determination: that we would end violence in Northern Ireland.

Gerry Adams with David Trimble at Castle Buildings Belfast (PA)

Mr Adams expressed his deep regret at Lord Trimbles passing.

David faced huge challenges when he led the Ulster Unionist Party in the Good Friday Agreement negotiations and persuaded his party to sign on for it. It is to his credit that he supported that Agreement. I thank him for that, he said.

In the years immediately following the Agreement I met David many times. Our conversations were not always easy but we made progress. We used to meet quite often on our own and I got to know him quite well. While we held fundamentally different political opinions on the way forward nonetheless I believe he was committed to making the peace process work.

Davids contribution to the Good Friday Agreement and to the quarter century of relative peace that followed cannot be underestimated.

Former Northern Ireland secretary Lord Peter Mandelson said: David Trimble not only took on the Herculean task of negotiating the Good Friday Agreement on behalf of unionists but went through all the pain and strife of implementing it.

Throughout, he faced unending onslaught from people in his own community  I know because we faced many of these audiences together  and ultimately he didnt buckle. He was a courageous man who has earned his place in history.
The United Kingdom will host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023 on behalf of Ukraine, it has been announced.

Organisers the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) previously decided the event could not be held in the war-torn country following the Russian invasion.

This was despite Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra triumphing at this years competition in Turin, Italy, with the UKs Sam Ryder coming runner-up.

Statement on the #Eurovision Song Contest 2023 from Tim Davie, BBC Director-General https://t.co/CSPCfFNuJS pic.twitter.com/YSRH8AZvZ4  BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) July 25, 2022

Ukraine will automatically qualify for the grand final alongside the so-called big five nations  the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, who each get a free pass because of their financial contributions to the event.

It will be the ninth time Eurovision has taken place in the UK  more than any other country.

The bidding process to select the host city will begin this week and will be jointly managed by the BBC and EBU.

The winner would require a large events space, suitable accommodation and international transport links for the competing countries and their delegations.

Sheffield City Council was among the first to announce a bid, saying on Twitter: Weve told Eurovision wed love to host watch this space.

Manchester City Council confirmed it was also putting in a bid with its leader Bev Craig tweeting: A world class music city, brilliant venues, experience in hosting major events, and of course one of the UKs largest Ukrainian populations  we are confident we will make it a #eurovision to remember.

Announcing Londons bid, mayor Sadiq Khan said the city was ready and willing to step in with a contest that celebrates the people of Ukraine and shows off the very best of Britain.

Martin Osterdahl, Eurovisions executive supervisor, said: Were exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023.

The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions.

Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next years contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europes most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this years winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event.

The EBUs decision in June to rule out Ukraine as the 2023 host prompted its culture minister Oleksandr Tkachenko to issue a statement demanding to change the decision.

Ukrainian state broadcaster UA:PBC also expressed its disappointment at the time and called on all parties to hold further negotiations.

Sam Ryder took second place for the UK in this years competition (PA)

Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the managing board of UA:PBC, said next years contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine.

He added: We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us.

I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK would put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends.

He said that in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week they agreed that wherever Eurovision 2023 is held, it must celebrate the country and people of Ukraine.

As we are now hosts, the UK will honour that pledge directly  and put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends, Mr Johnson said.

Its official. Eurovision is coming to the UK. This is Ukraines Eurovision and its an absolute privilege and honour for the UK to be supporting our friends  pic.twitter.com/xi3rXu8E2g  Nadine Dorries (@NadineDorries) July 25, 2022

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: The Eurovision Song Contest unites people through the power of music and creativity.

Following a request from the European Broadcasting Union and the Ukrainian authorities, Im delighted that the BBC has agreed to step in and host next years contest.

Im just sorry that, due to Russias continued acts of bloodshed, it has not been possible to host the event in Ukraine, where it should be.

As hosts, the UK will honour the competitions spirit and diversity, and, most importantly, ensure it reflects Ukraines recent Eurovision victory and Ukrainian creativity.

In a statement, BBC director-general Tim Davie said: It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege.

The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity.

This years contest in May saw Ryder top the jury vote before Kalush Orchestra went on to win overall following a symbolic show of public support which saw them soar to first place with 631 points.

They had been the frontrunners since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February  which prompted organisers to ban the Russian entrant from competing.
China ready to cope with imported monkeypox cases

(Global Times) 08:25, July 25, 2022

Although China has not reported any monkeypox cases, the country has raised its alert level and is ready to cope with the rapidly-spreading zoonotic infectious disease, health experts said on Sunday, after monkeypox was labeled by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global health emergency, the highest level of alert.

China has been closely following monkeypox updates and has made a slew of arrangements across governmental departments including customs authorities, health departments and hospitals before the WHO made the declaration. And with mature epidemic prevention and control experience to guard against COVID-19, China should be skilled in preventing threats posed by monkeypox, experts said.

After one month of discussion, the WHO declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on Saturday, which will call for an international coordination and collaboration on vaccines and treatment sharing.

"The risk of monkeypox is moderate globally and in all regions, except in the European region where we assess the risk as high. There is also a clear risk of further international spread, although the risk of interference with international traffic remains low for the moment," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Saturday.

Monkeypox cases have ballooned from 3,040 patients from 47 countries and regions one month ago to now more than 16,000 cases reported from 75 countries and territories, and five deaths, Tedros said.

An expert from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), who requested anonymity, told the Global Times on Sunday that the declaration of monkeypox as a PHEIC means more cases of the virus have been reported in more countries throughout the globe. China as a WHO member has been working closely with the international organization over monkeypox precautions.

Under the suggestions of the WHO and the deployment of China's National Health Commission (NHC), prior to the WHO's declaration, hospitals across China have prepared to sound an alarm over potential monkeypox cases, a medical expert from a provincial-level epidemic control command center surnamed Shang told the Global Times on Sunday.

Hospitals have organized medical experts and doctors in all departments, especially the infectious diseases department to study the virus in seminars before any cases are reported, and some local health departments have even spread monkeypox-related information to communities, allowing the general public to be aware of its existence, Shang told the Global Times.

Fever clinics in Chinese hospitals are capable of screening for monkeypox, because local hospitals have already established procedures to respond to COVID-19 cases which can be used to monitor monkeypox as well, Shang noted.

China also made other deployments. In June, the NHC had issued guidance on monkeypox monitoring and medical treatment, and the China CDC issued guidance on monkeypox prevention and control.

The NHC guidance requires medical institutes to report suspicious or confirmed cases within 24 hours to health authorities and quarantine them accordingly.

The General Administration of Customs (GAC) in May urged customs in all levels to enhance their monitoring of the risk of monkeypox being imported into China. These practices will include checking the health of inbound personnel, as well as the quarantine of goods and rodents carried into the country.

Unlike COVID-19, monkeypox is not a new infectious disease that requires more conditions for transmission and is therefore less efficient in its transmission. But as the risk of imported cases will increase due to the worsening situation in other countries, the above-quoted anonymous health expert suggested that China further raise its guard against imported monkeypox cases, from screening to diagnosis.

Lu Hongzhou, head of Shenzhen's anti-epidemic expert team and head of the Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong Province, told the Global Times on Sunday that strict epidemic prevention and control mechanisms in customs, which have been practiced in dealing with imported COVID-19 prevention and control for nearly three years, can effectively screen patients and put them under quarantine.

The GAC cautioned that if travelers have shown symptoms of fever, headache, muscle ache, swollen lymph nodes and an extensive rash, they should report to the customs. Initial symptoms include fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and chills. A widespread rash on the face and body could develop later.

As part of its preparations against monkeypox, some Chinese test kit makers reached by the Global Times said they have developed nucleic acid test kits for monkeypox, which can be quickly put into mass production. Shanghai-based Zj Biotech, one of the test kit providers for the WHO, said recently it had received at least 17 urgent orders from the WHO.

Meanwhile, experts said that there are no technological problems in developing a Chinese vaccine against monkeypox and a rapid special review by China's drug administration could help the country develop the vaccine in roughly a year.

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun)
The CMs and deputy CMs of 18 states where the BJP is in power on its own or in alliance with other parties, held day-long deliberations

New Delhi: With an eye on the forthcoming Assembly polls in states like Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, among others, and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP top brass, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president J.P. Nadda, on Sunday held a meeting of the chief ministers of BJP-ruled states to assess the partys organisational preparedness for the electoral battles ahead.

The chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of the NDA-ruled states gave presentations on the impact of various Central government schemes in their respective states and also some schemes of the state governments.

Interacting with the 12 CMs and eight deputy CMs of the BJP and NDA-ruled states, Mr Modi emphasised on the implementation of key government schemes and moving towards ensuring saturation-level coverage. The PM was also updated about the preparedness for the Har Ghar Tiranga movement as part of the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. He also asked them to encourage sports, provide the best facilities, boost the participation of youth and aim to become known for their sporting culture. Regarding Central schemes, he said special emphasis should also be laid on the implementation of GatiShakti, Har Ghar Jal, Svamitva and DBT. Mr Modi asked the CMs and deputy CMs to ensure the last-mile delivery of welfare schemes, usage of e-governance systems to ensure greater accountability with zero pilferage,

Prioritizing the outreach of schemes to remote areas and achieving 100 per cent coverage of eligible beneficiaries.

The BJP top brass holds these meetings after every few months to gauge the party's preparedness and to assess the development work by its state units. Union minister Bhupender Yadav and Vinay Sahsrabuddhe, who heads the partys good governance cell, also attended the meeting at the BJP headquarters here.

The chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of 18 states where the BJP is in power on its own or in alliance with other parties, held day-long deliberations on meeting 100 per cent targets of all Centrally- sponsored welfare schemes and flagship programmes.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma were among those who attended the meeting.

Nagaland CM Nephio Rio, Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, Tripura chief minister Manik Saha, Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel and Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant also attended the meeting.

Several deputy chief ministers, including Maharashtras Devendra Fadnavis, as well as Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi from Bihar also attended the meeting.
Reaching the post of President is not my personal achievement, it is the achievement of every poor (person) in India, President said

New Delhi: Draped in a traditional Santhali sari, having green and red borders on a white background, that boasted of a rich tribal culture, Droupadi Murmu took the oath as the 15th President of India on Monday in a packed Central Hall of Parliament. She was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana in the presence of former President Ram Nath Kovind, vice-president M. Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, governors, the leaders of Opposition parties, chief ministers, diplomats and the top ranks of the Indian armed forces. Also present was former President Pratibha Patil.

Accompanied by outgoing President Kovind, vice-president Naidu and the Lok Sabha Speaker, Ms Murmu walked in with grace through Parliaments well-decorated corridors to the Central Hall where she sat with poise on the dais next to Mr Kovind. Ms Murmu took the oath of office in the name of God in Hindi to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law. The new President was accorded a 21-gun salute, after which she signed the oath register amidst thunderous applause and thumping of desks.

Reaching the post of President is not my personal achievement, it is the achievement of every poor (person) in India. It is the power of our democracy that a daughter born in a poor house, a daughter born in a remote tribal area, can reach the highest constitutional post of India. My election is proof of the fact that the poor in India can have dreams and fulfil them too, President Murmu said in her maiden speech after taking the oath. She added that tribals, the deprived and the marginalised were seeing their reflection in her. She started her speech with the traditional tribal greeting of Johar, and followed it with Namaskar.

Leaders from across the world, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe, congratulated President Murmu on her assumption of office.

Hailing from the Santhal community, Ms Murmu is the first tribal leader to reach the office of President. She is also the first President who was born in independent India. Her term of office will be of five years till July 24, 2027, though the rules allow for her re-election. President Murmu will have the power to promulgate ordinances, grant pardons and sign proclamations of emergency in states and the country on the advice of the Union council of ministers headed by the Prime Minister. She is also the Supreme Commander of the Indian armed forces.

After the short ceremony, Ms Murmu and Mr Kovind then stepped out of the Central Hall amid the roll of drums and the blowing of trumpets. Ms Murmu was then accorded the national salute by the Presidents Bodyguard at Gate No. 5 of Parliament House. The new President and her predecessor left in a ceremonial procession to Rashtrapati Bhavan, where at the forecourt Ms Murmu inspected the tri-services guard of honour. Later in the evening, former President Kovind was given a formal farewell with the inspection of a guard of honour drawn from all the three services.

Mr Kovind and his family then moved to his post-retirement residence at 12 Janpath, a bungalow that was once occupied

by former Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan.

As part of convention, honoured to receive former President respected Ram Nath Kovind ji at his new residence, 12 Janpath, New Delhi, accompanied by Rastrapati, Honble Droupadi Murmu ji," Law Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted. He also shared pictures in which BJP president J.P. Nadda, along with Union ministers Hardeep Puri and Gen. V.K. Singh too were seen receiving Mr Kovind at 12 Janpath, where incidentally he will be the next door neighbour of Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
It has been over two years since the Citizenship Amendment Act was passed and challenged in the SC as being in violation of the Constitution

It has been about five years since the Central governments electoral bonds scheme had been challenged in the Supreme Court, but it is yet to decide on it. The scheme was introduced as a money bill in the Union Budget of 2017 so that it could not be debated and voted on in the Rajya Sabha. Essentially, the scheme allows anyone  including foreign governments and foreign companies and even criminal elements  to anonymously donate unlimited sums to political parties in India. The Reserve Bank of India had objected to the scheme, saying that a bearer bond was essentially cash, but the government overruled the objection and went ahead and implemented it. The Supreme Court has not taken up the matter and decided on it.

It has been over two years since the Citizenship Amendment Act was passed and challenged in the Supreme Court as being in violation of the Constitution. Union home minister Amit Shah had said that it was the first part of a pincer, along with the National Register of Citizens, which would then go after what he said were termites. Readers will of course remember a massive protest against it in all of Indias cities after the CAA was passed. For some reason, the Supreme Court decided not to hear this matter either.

Around the same time, the status of Jammu and Kashmir was changed and though Article 370 was not abrogated, it was hollowed out. Kashmir lost its status as a state, it was demoted to a Union territory, Ladakh was separated from it (causing a problem with China, though that is another issue) and Kashmirs elected representatives were dismissed and many of them jailed. The Supreme Court did not hear or decide the habeas corpus pleas of the detained Kashmiri leaders, including former CM Mehbooba Mufti. Our highest court has still not decided whether all this was constitutional. It has not shown any urgency in the cases that many people think it should have.

On divisive laws that the government favours, such as the so-called love jihad laws passed by seven BJP-ruled states after 2018, the Supreme Court has chosen to not hear petitions challenging them. These laws essentially criminalise marriages between Hindus and Muslims but this is not seen as an important enough matter to be heard quickly.

Much noise was made by the court about the farm laws, but after setting up a committee, the matter was forgotten till the government itself withdraw the three controversial laws. On the Pegasus spyware issue, the current Chief Justice has said some very strong things but it has been a year since the victims of the criminal hack have moved court, but nothing of significance has happened. In fact, the government refused to file an affidavit though the court asked it to reveal whether it was using this surveillance weapon on the media, the Opposition, its own ministers and the judiciary.

We have to compare this state of affairs with some of the other things that the court has decided to do. On August 16, 2019, senior advocate Dushyant Dave wrote a letter to the Supreme Courts judges, in which he repeated an accusation previously made by four rebel Supreme Court judges  that cases dear to the Prime Minister were being given to a bench comprising of Justice Arun Mishra out of turn.

Mr Dave said that then Chief Justice Tarun Gogoi had surprised the legal fraternity by putting himself and Justice Mishra on the vacation benches for the summer of 2019 (when only a few judges work and senior judges are usually off), and then taking up and deciding cases of import.

Cases concerning the Adani group were taken up by Justice Mishra without a regular bench ordering their hearing by a vacation bench, and without there being any urgency in the case. One such case was heard and disposed of on May 22. The next day, Justice Mishra took up another Adani case, last been heard in February 2017. He finished it off the next day.

Mr Dave said that out-of-turn allotment to Justice Mishra and then some quick judgments had also happened on January 29, 2019 and May 29, 2018. Justices Mishra and Gogoi did not respond to any of these accusations or initiate any action.

None of the other judges said anything. An investigation by journalists Abir Dasgupta and Paranjoy Guha Thakurta into seven Adani cases had showed that Justice Mishra always ruled in favour of Adani. After he retired, he was made the chairpehrson of the National Human Rights Commission and has shown absolutely no interest since in challenging the government on the issue of human rights.

The Supreme Court retains credibility as an independent institution that is able to rise above politics and protect the Constitution. This reputation has not been easy to build and has come because of some brave judges across the decades who have defied the government and the political leadership. The judiciary, and particularly the Supreme Court, are special because they are theoretically immune from all the pressures that the media, the Opposition and civil society face. History will not see the institution too kindly if it continues to avoid, as appears to be the case, hearing and deciding some of the most pressing issues of our times.
At the purely government-to-government level, the India-Japan relationship went through its ups and downs over the past 70 years

Japans former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose tragic assassination on July 8 was mourned all around the world, has been widely referred to as the island nations most consequential head of government. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had referred to him as a personal friend and not just as a friend of India. Indeed, there are few world leaders who have had a genuinely warm personal relationship with both Mr Modi and Dr Singh, given the very different personality of the two PMs. Therein lies the secret of Abes importance to the new Japan-India relationship.

At the purely government-to-government level, the India-Japan relationship went through its ups and downs over the past 70 years. Interestingly, till Abes first official visit to India in 2007, the most memorable visit of a post-war Japanese PM was that of Abes grandfather, Nobusuke Kishi, who came in 1957. Jawaharlal Nehru played host in his inimitable manner and established a firm bond between two newly-established countries that have had long historical associations. Years earlier Nehru had written in his Glimpses of World History how Russias defeat at the hands of Japan in 1905 had inspired Indian freedom fighters because it was the first time in centuries that an Asian nation had worsted a European one.

Nehru would also have been familiar with the enormous praise that Japans modernisation and rapid industrialisation, in the 19th century, had elicited from such great Indian leaders as Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, M. Vishwesvarayya and Jamsetji Tata, after their visits to Japan at the turn of the nineteenth century. Yet, the Cold War kept the two Asian nations apart. After the Cold War ended, Japan was seduced by Chinas rising and expanding home market and industrial opportunity, and so through the 1990s it ignored India, focusing on China.

Indias decision to declare itself a nuclear weapons power in May 1998 made matters worse with Japan imposing sanctions, citing its principled opposition to nuclear weapons. In December 1998 the Atal Behari Vajpayee government sponsored the visit to Japan of a non-official delegation which included strategic affairs guru K. Subrahmanyam, defence analyst Jasjit Singh, former defence secretary N.N. Vohra, retired diplomat Arjun Asrani and this writer. Our task was to convince Japanese think tanks and public opinion of the merits of the Indian case. Abe was one of the few Japanese officials willing to lend an ear at that time to an Indian voice, including that of an Indian diplomat then posted in Tokyo, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who is now Indias external affairs minister.

In 2000 the first steps were taken when Prime Ministers Vajpayee and Yoshiro Mori signed a joint statement designating each others nations as global partners. In April 2005 Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Junichiro Koizumi defined the bilateral relationship as both global and strategic. This was the turning point. They outlined an eight-fold initiative for enhanced cooperation that included a high-level strategic dialogue; comprehensive economic engagement; cooperation in science and technology and strengthening of people-to-people contacts; and, joining forces in dealing with the challenges and opportunities of what they termed as the new Asian era.

While Mori and Koizumi laid the foundations of the new India-Japan relationship, along with Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, it was Abe who conceived the architecture of the total edifice when he addressed the Indian Parliament in August 2005. The Pacific and the Indian Oceans are now bringing about a dynamic coupling as seas of freedom and of prosperity. A broader Asia that broke away geographical boundaries is now beginning to take on a distinct form. Our two countries have the ability  and the responsibility  to ensure that it broadens yet further and to nurture and enrich these seas to become seas of clearest transparence. This is a speech worth reading even today. (It is available here)

Two statistics worth noting. Till 2006, the curve of inward Japanese investment into India was virtually flat. After 2007 it rose sharply. Till 2005 the total number of annual visits to India of Japanese ministers were in the single digits  in fact no more than four or five. After 2005 there was a sharp increase with as many as 20 to 25 ministers visiting India. Abe was the author of this enhanced official engagement with India. Finally, Abe gave a new direction to Asian security architecture and Indias external security environment by promoting the concept of the Indo-Pacific. His confluence of the two seas speech laid out the framework for what has since been termed the Indo-Pacific and built the basis for the constitution of the Quadrilateral Security Initiative, otherwise known as the Quad.

While India and Japan are the real pillars of the Indo-Pacific region, their bilateral relationship should be defined sui generis rather than in a regional geopolitical context. The geo-economic synergy between Japan, which is a high-tech but an ageing, labour deficient economy, and India, a developing economy in need of technology and saddled with a young labour force, is fairly obvious. Japan needs land, raw materials and labour. India needs technology and investment. Both need each others markets. The synergy is elf-evident.

Moreover, India is one of the few major countries that carries no negative historical baggage with regard to Japan. Both Western nations and many of Japans neighbours like to remind Japan of its imperial and war-time past. They have been critical of Abes policy of reviving Japans military power. India would like to see Japan normalised as an Asian democracy with military capabilities. If the imperialist powers of the West would like all post-colonial developing nations to let bygones be bygones and seek to redefine their relations on the basis of shared democratic values, why cannot Japan expect the same? Every country has a past that it seeks to forget. Reviving Japans military capabilities, and even allowing Japan to become a declared nuclear power, is in the interests of regional stability in Asia. If the world has come to terms with the nuclear status of China, India, Pakistan and North Korea, why not Japan?
The demolition follows the refusal by the local parish priest to join the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, controlled by the Communist Party of China. Fr Dong Baolu is the only clergyman who did not submit to the Party. In China, men and women religious can perform their functions only if they join official bodies.

Rome (AsiaNews)  Chinese authorities last month demolished an underground church in Youtong, a village in the Diocese of Zhengding (Hebei), Radio Free Asia reported.

The structure, actually a large tent, was torn down because the local parish priest, Fr Dong Baolu, refused to join the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, which is controlled by the Communist Party of China (CPC).

The demolition took place while Fr Dong, who suffers from hemiplegia (paralysis of part of the body), was in the hospital for a check-up. The priest explains that he is the only one among the more than 100 parish priests in the diocese who refused to swear allegiance to the official Church controlled by the Party.

In February 2018, the Party imposed new regulations on religious activities, whereby religious personnel can perform their duties only if they join official bodies and submit to the CPC.

In 2018 China and the Vatican signed an agreement on the appointment of bishops, which was renewed in October 2020. Despite it, the persecution against the Catholic community, especially the underground one, has not ceased.

On the contrary, with xi Jinping's tightening his grip on all religious groups, Chinese Catholics have seen their autonomy further curtailed.

On 1 June, measures for the financial management of religious sites came into force. They were preceded on 1 March by administrative rules to regulate religious information services on the internet.

In February, the State Administration for Religious Affairs, an agency controlled by the Partys United Front, issued administrative measures for religious personnel to manage clergy, including monks, priests, bishops, etc.

Recently, Pope Francis told Reuters that he hoped to see the agreement with the Chinese government renewed before it expires in October.
Today's headlines: 3 people killed in Manila University shooting; Iran allegedly dismantles Mossad spy network after killing of another nuclear programme scientist; Russia Today opens a new representative office in Nairobi; Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan agree on borders.

CHINA

China launched the second of three modules needed to complete its Tiangong (Heavenly Palace) space station. The unmanned craft separated from the rocket about 10 minutes after the launch and will dock with the module already in orbit. The launch of the last module is scheduled for October: China's goal is to have its space station fully operational by the end of the year.

PHILIPPINES

Three people were killed In a shooting at Manila University: Rose Furigay, the former mayor of the municipality of Lamitan, on Basilan Island, one of her co-workers and a university security officer. The woman - who was attending her daughter's graduation - was allegedly shot dead by a doctor over personal grudges related to the closure of a clinic.

INDIA

Droupadi Murmu took office today as the new president of India following last week's election. In her inaugural speech the woman - the first tribal to be elected to the highest office in the state - said: 'My election is proof that even the poor can cultivate their dreams'.

IRAN-ISRAEL

Iranian media is reporting that an alleged Israeli spy network was caught by the authorities planting explosives at a "very sensitive" site in Isfahan province. The news comes after another Iranian Revolutionary Guard scientist was allegedly killed, teh latest in the chain of deaths of officials involved in Iran's nuclear programme.

RUSSIA-KENYA

The new representative office of one of Russia's largest propaganda agencies, 'Russia Today', was opened in Africa. In Nairobi, the editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan, wants to enliven the Kenyan capital with a specialised centre.

TAJIKISTAN-KYRGYZSTAN

The presidents of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have reached an agreement on the activation of the Interstate Commission for the demarcation of the borders, which between the two countries extend 987 km, of which only 664 km have been fixed, while in the unspecified part there is no conflict. In the past year, another 80 km have supposedly been defined, but it is not known which ones.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

He is the youngest among the princes of the Church. His five pieces of advice for a mature faith: praying, proper catechesis on the devil's actions, paying attention to questions of "demonology", celebrating the expulsion of "impure forces" and priestly formation.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - The CentralAsia website has published a presentation of the newly appointed Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, the 47-year-old administrator of Catholics in Mongolia who will receive the purple by Pope Francis in the consistory on 27 August. In addition to being the youngest of the Church's princes, the Consolata missionary in Ulan-Bator has also worked as an exorcist for more than 20 years, which makes him invaluable in the Mongolian lands.

Mongolia, where there are an estimated 1,500 Catholics, has a long tradition of isolation from any Western influence. One of the oldest and most deeply rooted religions in the local population is that of shamanism, with over 10,000 followers out of the country's almost three and a half million inhabitants. Shamanism was persecuted during the period of the communist dictatorship, and is now flourishing again in the Mongolian lands of Russia.

The bishop commented on his appointment, recalling that 'for me, living with this new vocation means continuing a path of poverty, humility and dialogue. His dedication to the fight against demons has also made him a master of exorcism among his brethren who receive this ministry from the Church. He was one of the lecturers in the 16th course of exorcism and prayer of deliverance, which takes place every year at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum in Rome, which he attended first as a student.

As he himself recounted, people in Mongolia preparing for Baptism face very particular difficulties, in which the deceptions of the Evil One can be seen to turn them away from the graces offered by Christ's redemption. Marengo recalls how such actions were highly perceptible from the very beginning of his mission: "The priests serving in these lands had to be reminded to attune themselves to the first disciples of the Lord, who proclaimed the Gospel by casting out demons and healing the sick".

The bishop often reminds us that not only is Mongolia steeped in ancient superstitions, but that the "new paganism" is spread throughout all the world's societies, through the incessant and universal work of the prince of darkness: "The condemnation of superstition is always topical and necessary, because in it we weaken faith and end up becoming its slaves, in order to escape our fears and uncertainties". Christ, on the other hand, "trusted totally in God the Father, and the humility of the believer consists in placing his unconditional trust in Him".

The new cardinal offers five fundamental counsels for a mature faith free from satanic illusions: first of all prayer, with Eucharistic adoration and devotion to Mary, giving great importance to liturgical texts that invoke healing of body and soul. In his opinion, the experience of Mongolia shows how "everything changes with the spread of the adoration of the Eucharist".

The second way is that of an "adequate catechesis on the devil's actions and the possibilities of counteracting him", thus paying close attention to those who seek dialogue on "questions of demonology". A fourth piece of advice concerns the "celebration of the expulsion of impure forces, when necessary", always adhering to Church norms. Finally, the bishop insists on the formation of priests and religious with regard to spiritual health, and the fight against the Evil One.
by Arundathie Abeysinghe

Newly appointed Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has been tasked with coordinating consultations with political parties. President Ranil Wickremesinghe spoke to parliament after his election, urging MPs to join forces to change the system. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party will work together on the basis of the proposals put forward.

Colombo (AsiaNews)  Sri Lankas new prime minister, Dinesh Gunawardena, has been tasked with coordinating consultations with political parties to form a government of national unity with the possibility of expanding the cabinet.

For this reason, he will negotiate with the parties in parliament a common programme in which they could play a "significant role" in the government, with the objective of providing a solution to the current political and economic crises.

Government sources told AsiaNews that the two main parties in parliament, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) led by opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) of former President Maithripala Sirisena, have expressed their willingness to enter a national government depending on the proposals that will be put forward.

According to the current plan, the number of ministers will be limited to 25 since the cabinet cannot include more than 30 members, while the number of deputy ministers will be less than 40, although their number could be increased, depending on the response from the other parties in parliament.

Constitutionally, if a national government is formed, the number of cabinet ministers, ministers of state, and deputy ministers could be decided by parliament.

A government of national unity is the "best solution to overcome the current crisis, some analysts told AsiaNews.

According to sources in the SJB, once the model of the all-party government is presented, they will be "willing to discuss the proposals within the party and make a final decision.

The SLFP said instead that they would consider the proposals if their proposals too were accommodated. At present, they have not yet decided whether to accept ministerial positions or not.

According to a senior government official, newly elected President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged all parties in parliament, "to join hands and unite to implement a new system as the period of division was now over.

Public opinion, he explained, does not want the old politics; hence, parliament must unite and work together to work towards specific goals to ensure the country moves forward.

For the president, it is a well-known fact that the country is facing great difficulties and the countrys youth are demanding a change in the system". Hence, it is necessary to put aside political differences and unite to get the country through this difficult period.

In his speech, Wickremesinghe extended a special invitation to his rival candidates, Dullas Alahapperuma and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as well as opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, former presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, and Maithripala Sirisena and all other parties, including the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), to join the national unity government.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gunwardena took up his duties this morning. He is an old schoolmate of Wickremesinghe, a friend since the age of three, but heads a party diametrically opposed ideologically.

Whereas Wickremesinghe is a free-market champion and pro-Western, Gunawardena is a staunch Sinhala nationalist who believes in socialism and would like more state control over the economy.
by Sumon Corraya

The Santal and other Indigenous communities gathered in front of Bangladeshs parliament to celebrate the election of a fellow Santal. The oppressed tribal peoples of Bangladesh and India will find inspiration in her election. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is asked to invite her to visit the country as soon as possible.

Dhaka (AsiaNews)  The election of a tribal woman, Draupadi Murmu, as the fifteenth president of India was welcomed by tribal communities even beyond Indias borders.

In Bangladesh, a hundred Bangladeshi Christians from different tribal groups expressed their joy by staging a rally in front of Bangladeshs national parliament in Dhaka.

Elected with the support of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Murmu, 64, took office today in New Delhi. She hails from the state of Odisha and is an ethnic Santal, who are also present in Bangladesh.

Santal, Garo, Oraon and other tribal leaders spoke at the Dhaka gathering, moderated by columnist and cultural activist Sanjeeb Drong.

"Today is a day of joy, Drong said. We do not want to talk about grief. The election of Draupadi Murmu as president will also be an encouragement and motivation for all the oppressed Indigenous peoples of Bangladesh, including the Santal. I congratulate her on behalf of the tribal people of Bangladesh."

Prof Mesbah Kamal, from the Department of History of the University of Dhaka, also spoke at the gathering.

Tribal people are victims of deprivation, he said. With Draupadi Murmu becoming president of India, the tribal peoples of Bangladesh and India will find inspiration. They will be able to gradually assert their rights.

Members of the Santal tribal community also spoke at the event, singing in the Santal language and dancing. We Indigenous people are very happy, said Santal leader Ench Hansda. It is a matter of pride for us, Santal of Bangladesh.

There are 12 clans among the Santal, and the Murmu are one of them, he explained. India is home to 1.3 billion people and the highest office in the land is held by one of us.

I ask Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to invite Draupadi Murmu as soon as possible for a state visit to our country.
The attack marred the opening ceremony of Hagia Sophia Church in Suqaylabiyah, a replica of Istanbuls ancient Byzantine Basilica recently repurposed as a mosque. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an anti-Assad terror group still in control of a large area of northern Syria, was blamed. The incident comes a few days after Erdogan, Putin, and Raisi meet to de-escalate the Syrian conflict.

Hama (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Two people were killed and 12 injured in yesterdays drone attack against a church in Suqaylabiyah, a town in the central Syrian province of Hama.

A large crowd of worshippers and many government officials were in attendance of the inauguration of Hagia Sophia Church, named after the monumental Byzantine Basilica in Istanbul that was turned again into a mosque a few years ago.

A video of the incident shows a drone with an explosive charge crashing near the church during the celebrations, killing and wounding people.

The terrorist action was blamed on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group backed by Turkey that still controls large areas in the provinces of Aleppo, Hama and Latakia, the last pocket of armed opposition to the government of Bashar al Assad eleven years since the start of Syrias civil war.

Recently, Russian planes killed seven people in rebel-held areas. Russia backs the regime of Bashar al Assad. In March 2020, Russia and Turkey brokered a truce in the Idlib region and neighbouring areas, which is periodically violated by attacks by both sides.

The de-escalation of this front of the conflict in Syria was one of the issues discussed last week at the Tehran summit of the Astana group, which brought together Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi.
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Jesus A robot broke kids finger at Chess Tournament in Moscow @elonmusk @MagnusCarlsen



There is no violence in chess, they said.



Come and play, they said. https://t.co/W7sgnxAFCi pic.twitter.com/OVBGCv2R9H  ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????? (@russian_market) July 21, 2022

All acquisition that advanced AI will destroy humanity is false. Not the powerful AI or breaching laws of robotics will destroy humanity, but engineers with both left hands :/



On video - a chess robot breaks a kid's finger at Moscow Chess Open today. pic.twitter.com/bIGIbHztar  Pavel Osadchuk ???????????? (@xakpc) July 21, 2022

We should totally send the Boston Dynamics assault rifle robot dog after that kiddy finger breaking Russian chess robot.  John Birmingham (@JohnBirmingham) July 25, 2022

During the recent 2022 Moscow Open chess tournament, a chess robot broke a kids finger. The incident was captured on surveillance cameras and, because this is Russia were talking about , only got international media attention at the end of last week. The video has now attained viral status and is interpreted by many as a sign of (very bad) times to come. You can also see it below.The robot had played three other matches that day and, during the incident, was facing 7-year-old Christopher, whos described in the local media as among the top 30 players in the country under the age of 9. He is a prodigy in chess, but his quick thinking got the best of him on this particular occasion, because he moved too quickly and failed to leave enough response time for the robot.Moscow Chess Federation President Sergey Lazarev tells Tass that this is not the first time they rented this robot (which, based on the video alone, can engage up to four human players at once), but it is a first for an incident of this kind. A robot broke a childs finger  thats bad, of course, Lazarev says. Apparently the operators overlooked that. The child moved the figure, then the robot must be given time to react. But the boy was in a hurry and the robot grabbed him.The boy was eventually rescued from the robots clutch by four spectators and rushed offstage. Lazarev says the boy finished the tournament the next day and was apparently none the worse for it  except for the broken finger, which was in plaster.Sergey Smagin, vice-president of the Russian Chess Federation, also says that the incident was the boys fault, since he didnt allow the robot to complete its move. Smagin says there are rules that must be followed in human interactions with machines, or accidents happen. The robot is absolutely safe, but he concedes that something must be done to prevent something like this from happening again.Coincidentally, this story comes after another robot went viral on social media, also from Russia. In an older video reposted to Twitter, a Spot robo-dog -lookalike with a machine gun mounted on its back, took target practice in a very Terminator fashion, sending shivers down the collective spine of all those who believe robots and AI will eventually spell the end of mankind.As this incident proves, context is essential in understanding whatever potential threat robots pose to humans. Alls fair in love and war, and games of chess, but only where humans are concerned. Robots dont care. At least at this point, they dont.
American Truck Simulator fans rejoice, as the Montana DLC is set for release on August 4. To keep the hype rolling, a new official trailer for the DLC has been released, which showcases not just the beauties of the state, but also the prominent industries that drivers will be able to tackle as soon as next week.If youre not familiar with Montana, dont fret. SCS Software has put together a comprehensive list of cities and iconic locations that drivers will be able to visit while exploring Montana. The well-known Great Falls, located on the Missouri River, is the third largest city in the state and one of the most beautiful locations in the upcoming DLC.Switching from riverscape to mountainous landscape, the Montana DLC offers players the opportunity to visit the historic mining city of Butte, located in the Rocky Mountains, between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Also, the Port of Montana should be on your list of destinations as well once the Montana DLC arrives on August 4.As far as the industries included, the Montana DLC focuses on forestry, agriculture and mining industry. In the upcoming Montana DLC for American Truck Simulator, players will not only be able to admire the stunning scenery, but also haul to and from several key points that are part of various industries in the state.Of course, expect a plethora of gas stations and rest stops to be featured in the DLC, too, along with new ports of entry and cargoes to haul. Now that we know the date, August 4 cant come soon enough. The Montana DLC is not yet available for pre-order, but you can wishlist it on Steam and check back closer to launch.
With a name like All-Terrain (AT), you know darn well what to expect, and since you know that much, we can skip over the introductions and check out the sort of lifestyle that you can partake in if you grab a round-trip ticket to Aussieland and pay the shipping fees.Folks, the mind behind the AT is Jayco. Yes, the one and the same that's been a staple of American RVing since 1968. But, in 1975, the Australian Jayco brand began to pop up on the market, and while there may be some confusion as to whether both companies are ruled under the same umbrella, both use the same font and logo when branding their units , and that alone is enough for me. Did I mention they also build campers with the same model names, except a couple or so?One of those exceptions seems to be the AT we're looking at today. So why is this sucker so dang special? Precisely because it's built to be an all-terrain wonder that knows no bounds. After all, that's what all-terrain should mean,-terrain. How is that idea applied to an RV?Well, it all starts with a hot-dipped galvanized "endurance" chassis upon which a proprietary JTech independent suspension is thrown on. Both axles see the same treatment , and shock absorbers are thrown into the mix too. Alloy rims with all-terrain tires are then added, and we can move our attention to the living space you can find.One thing you need to understand about Australia is that nearly everything is trying to take away your life force. From poisonous critters to spiders the size of your head and weather like few other places on Earth, this is one treacherous land. This means that your camper needs to be able to keep you alive in such harsh conditions, and with hail and dent-resistant insulated walls, not only will you be in control of the weather inside your AT, but what's happening outside won't matter much either.As for the interior of these units, there are three floorplans to choose from, and the first is the 19.61-2.AT-MY22, coming in with a length of 19 feet (5.8 meters) and selling for a price of $86,000 Australian. Don't freak out, as this equates to roughly $59,900 American. A tad higher than what we may be used to seeing from the American Jayco, but you can see why. The largest of the buggers is the 22.68-1.AT-MY22 comes in at 22 feet (6.7 meters) long and costs $92,000 ($64,050 American at current exchange rates).Now, all that cash is going into transforming this camper into a rugged off-grid machine. Not only is the interior fit with features like a wet bath, kitchen with a four-burner stove and fridge, and a modular dinette and bedroom, too. These spaces are also designed to hold your gear and food while helping you transition toward an outdoor lifestyle. Even if only for a few days or weeks out of the year.This notion of outdoor integration is extended even further with countless little extras tattered to the exterior of the AT. From awnings to outdoor grills, bike racks, gas bottles, and off-road coupling, every inch of this rolling home is built for the outdoors. Countless other extras and standard features are also part of this home, but I have to leave something for you to discover too.At the end of the day, it'll cost you a tad more to ship one of these babies over to the U.S. or any other country besides Australia, but to be seen with a Jayco like none other in your nation is a rather neat feeling, and one worth the price of shipping.
The Night Wolves are Russias biggest motorcycle club, with over 5,000 members and 45 chapters in the country and in the European Union. Due to the clubs close ties to President Vladimir Putin and its ultra-nationalist ideology, the European Union has decided to include it on the list of sanctions, including its four leading figures.Among them is founder Alexander The Surgeon Zaldostanov, who unsurprisingly described the action as having no meaning, as per Fortune . The other is Josef Hambalek, the leader of the groups European chapter.Zaldostanov founded the club in 1989, after a very successful career as a facial reconstruction surgeon, and has displayed pro-Putin sentiments from the very start. Along the years, he developed a friendship with the Russian President, who rode with him and The Night Wolves on several occasions. The motorcycle club is also known as Putins Angels, though Zaldostanov is not a fan of the Hells Angeles comparison, since The Night Wolves are not into drugs and carry out their work in the name of God and the motherland.The European Commission has described the club as a nationalist motorcycle club, singling out Zaldostanov for actively supporting Russian state propaganda outside the country. By including the MC and its leaders on the sanctions list , the Commission hopes to curb its influence outside of Russian borders.This is not the first time that The Night Wolves are sanctioned , either by the EU or the U.S. Like on previous occasions, Zaldostanov is showing no concern for the action, saying that if they cant ride out to their brothers, then the brothers will ride to Russia instead.
EV

The latter is an evolution of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. CATL found a way to add manganese to the formula, increasing its potential energy density to 230 Wh/kg. Although they use the LFP structure and manganese as well, the M3P cells are different.According to CNEVPost , the M3P cells use the same olivine structure as LFP batteries. However, it replaces iron at some points with magnesium, zinc, and aluminum. We are not sure if the Chinese website meant manganese instead of magnesium, but the information has not been corrected, so we will reproduce it as CNEVPost reported it. The website stated that the information comes from Shengang Securities, a Chinese investment company.These other metals generated a ternary material in the phosphate system that improves energy density, charge/discharge capability, and cycle stability. It is not clear if the M3P cells also present the same durability qualities as LFP cells . Some of them can last 1.2 million kilometers (745,645.4 miles). CATL itself promised batteries that could stand 2 million km (1,242,742 mi) due to a "unique self-healing long-life technology" the company developed. The M3P cells may also adopt it.CATL said that battery packs with the new M3P cells could offer more than 700 km (435 mi) of range, which is something you can only fully understand if you know how big it is and in which vehicle it is installed. A sleek electric sedan would travel much further than an electric pickup truck based solely on aerodynamics.The Chinese company is yet to release more information on the M3P cells. When it does, we will try to understand what is behind the new chemistry and how it can impact themarket. From the little that CATL shared, it seems a pretty promising technology.
His crash on Lap 18 allowed Dutchman Max Verstappen to take the lead and control the balance of the race. Leclerc gave up 25 points to Verstappen, who now leads the drivers' standings by 63 points. He emerged from his car unhurt, but humbled by what he described as just a mistake. The polesitter knows he can no longer keep giving up points.On a blazing afternoon at Paul Ricard, tire management was expected to play a critical role in any level of success. After furious tight racing by Sergio Perez, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton through the first 15 laps, second place Verstappen pitted on Lap 17 for hard tires. Returning to the circuit in sixth, and giving chase, Red Bull's strategy was gifted the Leclerc crash a lap later.Verstappen would assume the lead as the safety car came out and Lando Norris, Hamilton, Russell, and Perez all pitted. Racing resumed on Lap 22 with Verstappen in the lead followed by Hamilton. He showed the speed of his Red Bull car by opening up a gap of three seconds in just five laps.Wheel-to-wheel Formula 1 racing for third resulted in Russell and Perez coming together on Lap 42 with the Mercedes driver trying to pass Perez who was on worn tires. The stewards deemed the contact a racing issue and no penalties were handed out. Russell continued to hunt Perez and made a brilliant move around him on Lap 51. Perez would stay on Russell's tail until the very end finishing just 0.815s behind.Verstappen would go on to win comfortably by 10.587s over second-place Hamilton. The race was the first 2-podium finish for the Silver Arrows this season.
The Japanese automaker has always been a little experimental when it came to compact car shenanigans, so both the regular Civic and its high-performance Type R counterpart have been great examples of that. But, from now on, things are getting a lot more serious.And that would only be logical  you can only do such quirky stuff for so long, but not when your Civic has reached the eleventh generation, and the 2023 Civic Type R is already at its sixth iteration, as well. Naturally, there have been a lot of opinions regarding the new looks (as the technical specifications are still a mystery at this point), both in the real world and across the virtual realm As far as the latter is concerned, some were keen to point out its new style could be trickled down to smaller models such as the City hatchback, morph into a sportier two-door Coupe, or serve as the cool basis for lots of aftermarket enhancements, even if only digitally, for now. But there is also one pixel master that wants us to know the Civic remembers. Not the North, but rather its origins.Siim Parn, the Estonia-based virtual artist, better known as spdesignsest on social media, has ditched the neo-retro designs for something modern once again. And we are properly enjoying this series, which so far includes the 2023 VW Amarok getting its first CGI tuning job (a widebody overlander!), the ubiquitous Rolls-Royce Cullinan transformed into a Landaulet-type  White Mammoth,  and now this  a much slimmer 2023 Honda Civic Type R Three-Door Hot Hatch.As far as we can tell, the inspiration is simple  the original EK9 (based on the sixth-gen Civic) was exactly that, a minimalistic, no-frills three-door hatchback. Additionally, the second-gen EP3 was more of the same  but this imagined design can also draw big roots from the third-generation FN2 European and international model produced in Swindon, UK, from 2007 to 2011.
This report is devastating not just for the Alabama-based company, but for Hyundai as well because the metal stamping factory is a part supplier for the Korean manufacturer , and their flagship assembly plant on U.S. soil in Montgomery.The publication says it found out about the underage worker following the disappearance of a young girl in Alabama. The police helped find the girl and later informed Reuters that the girl and her two siblings had worked at SMART earlier this year. The news outlet reports that the girl and her brother were also not attending school, but SMART vehemently denies the conscious employment of minors.After this shocking discovery, the Alabama Department of Labor is now coordinating with the U.S. Labor Department to investigate this matter.Tara Hutchison, the state spokesperson, affirmed that in Alabama the law explicitly prohibits minors younger than 16 from working in a manufacturing environment. She went on to explain that regardless of who was paying the minors, their presence on the premises of SMART is alone enough to establish employment. The factory keeps denying the allegations, claiming they rely of temporary employment agencies and trying to shift the blame away from them.Hyundai issued a statement saying that their policies are completely against any illegal employment practices and those policies require complete compliance with any laws, be they local, state or federal.However, Reuters uncovered through a series of interviews with former employees and labor recruiters that a larger number of minors found employment at the metal stamping factory, with some of them forgoing school in order to work longer shifts. This is alarming as the Alabama factory has a documented history of health and safety violations, including amputation hazards. This shocking revelation should throw a lot of shade in Hyundais direction and their business practices, especially considering they are one of the most profitable carmakers in the world.Luckily, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, with the three kids being enrolled and going back to attend the next school term.
EV

Many of the makers committing themselves to a major shift toward electric vehicles are mostly luxury brands. And, as weve so far seen, volume manufacturers introducing electrics seem to be skewing their efforts toward a more well-heeled clientele. Given the higher costs of current electric vehicle technology, its understandable.Still, within recent launches of high-dollar electric cars, trucks and SUVs are echoes of the large, flashy cars with big fins and massive chrome bumpers that marked the end of the 1950s. It wasnt until an imported air-cooled economy car called the Volkswagen Beetle with an ad tagline suggesting that we Think Small that affordability took center stage. Perhaps manufacturers need to take a step back and think small to provide electric alternatives for average car buyers.The key to affordability is to get over the relentless push to increase range to 600 miles or more on a charge. Unlike a traditional car, where you can make a tank bigger at minimal costs (in fact, on gas cars its more a question of space than cost), increasing range from bigger batteries comes at a huge cost in electric vehicles.Of course, work should continue to improve current technology to make battery packs that are more compact and lighter while delivering greater range. But the expectations should be for incremental steps rather than quantum leaps. Its a question of adjusting expectations to align with affordability.Thinking small in thespace may mean going only 200 miles or so on a charge, rather than having to pay a hefty premium to go twice as far. If there are improvements both in the speed and availability of DC charging, that sacrifice in range wont matter much if it takes less than 10 minutes to get an 80 percent of that distance back.Battery electrics have already proved that they can meet the needs of many in a wide range of applications in both urban and suburban settings. Manufacturers like Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, and Chevrolet have demonstrated that they can build and sell electric vehicles for less than $40,000, with more on the way.Chevrolet is promising an electric version of its Equinox priced at $30,000. Recently, General Motors announced a tie-up with Honda where the auto giant will supply its Ultium battery technology to the Japanese make. Honda, in turn, would build the smaller and more affordable electric cars and SUVs for both companies to sell starting as early as 2027.Electric cars are not a transportation panacea. But rather they offer yet another solution to meet the everyday needs for personal mobility. While electric cars will take a greater share of overall sales, they will not totally replace internal combustion vehicles in the foreseeable future. An argument can be made for both and understanding the differences and how best each can serve your needs is the key to making the right purchase decision.Make no mistake, electrification of the automobile is here. The success of EVs, however, will not be because of some lofty pronouncement of an all-electric future by a manufacturer or politician, but rather by the decisions made by car buyers in the market. In the end, the true measure of success is that if there are enough electrics cars on the market priced right to appeal to the tightwad in all of us.
EV

IIHS

Toyota was among the latest carmakers to join thefray. Despite their pledge to launch 30 electric models by 2030, only the bZ4X is currently available. Even so, the Japanese carmaker seems in no hurry to flood the market with quality electric vehicles. If we look at the U.S., Toyota only sold 232 EVs in the country through the first half of the year. Thats pretty much worse than everyone else, despite being the biggest carmaker in the world.People who bought a bZ4X are probably unaware of how rare their car is or how difficult it would be to replace it in case of an accident. And yet, accidents do happen, sometimes quite early in a cars lifetime. This Toyota bZ4X listed on Copart has only 1,363 miles (2,194 km) on the odometer, which probably means it was only fully charged a couple of times. It could also be the first totaled Toyota bZ4X in the U.S. (hopefully, the only one).The listing does not mention the cause of the accident or other details, but judging by the low-res pictures, it probably hit a tree or a pole head on. Were not sure about the extent of the damages to the high-voltage battery or the drive unit, but we can safely assume that they were not spared. Although the front looks terrible, the cars interior doesnt seem to be affected. The instrument panel still lights up, and the funny message Shift into P before exiting vehicle is displayed.The cars crash structure seems to have done its best to protect the occupants. There is noor EuroNCAP safety rating for the Toyota bZ4X yet, but we can say the Japanese carmaker has done a good job and is aiming for a Top Safety Pick or a five-star rating. Even so, we cant imagine who would buy this damaged bZ4X, especially at its current valuation of $55,030. This is way above the MSRP, which is $42,000 for the basic version XLE . We know dealers have gone crazy with the markups, but still...Even if somebody would want to buy this, theres no way they could rebuild the electric crossover. The bZ4X production is halted, and spare parts would not reach the shelves for a long time. Were curious if this wreckage is worth anything at all, so please tell us in the comments below how much you would pay for this and what you would do with it.
Early-production Sandcast variants of Honda s CB750 lineup aren't easy to come by because a mere 7,414 copies were assembled until September 1969. That number represents less than two percent of the first-gen CB750's total sales figure, so a Sandcast model in good condition can easily fetch double the price of its regular counterparts.What differentiates them is the casting method used to sculpt the engine cases, with the earliest exemplars featuring gravity-cast parts and rougher surface textures. Otherwise, these creatures are basically identical to later iterations, and the one youre seeing here was thoroughly reconditioned about two years ago.The overhaul was performed by World Motorcycles of San Bruno, California, addressing everything from performance to aesthetics. For starters, this CB750 Four K0 saw its bodywork and duplex cradle frame repainted to keep things looking squeaky-clean. The wheels were revamped and subsequently fitted with a fresh set of tires from Dunlops inventory.Additionally, an extensive makeover took place in the powertrain sector, and the same fate followed for the motorcycles telescopic forks. No further details concerning the restoration process are available, but those Nippon Denso gauges appear to have been refurbished, too. As such, the machines total mileage is unknown.Powering the 1969 MY CB750 is an air-cooled 736cc four-banger that packs quad 28 mm (1.1-inch) Keihin carbs and eight valves actuated through a single overhead cam. By supplying up to 67 hp and 44 pound-feet (60 Nm) of crank-measured twisting force, the engine lets Hondas artifact achieve a top speed of 124 mph (200 kph).Currently located in SoCal, this classic Japanese rarity is looking for a new place to call home on Bring a Trailer. The highest bid amounts to a whopping $26,500 at the time of this article, and there are only two days separating us from the auctioning deadline, which is set for the early afternoon of Tuesday, July 26.
According to the Royal Navy, two Russian submarines are on a journey from the Arctic to St. Petersburg for the upcoming Russian Navy Day celebrations on July 31. These are the cruise missile submarine Severodvinsk and the Akula-class attack submarine Vepr. During their recent movement along the Norwegian coast, after departing from the Arctic, the British submarine hunter HMS Portland tracked their movements.The two submarines surfaced separately in the North Sea, northwest of Bergen, Norway, last week. HMS Portland shadowed them until NATO and Baltic forces took over this task, as Severodvinsk and Vepr continued the journey towards St. Petersburg.But the Type 23 frigate wasnt alone. It had help not just from its specialist Merlin helicopter but also from the P8 Poseidon, which kept an eye on the underwater beasts from the sky in close cooperation with the frigate.Poseidon is the Royal Air Forces newest long-range maritime patrol aircraft. Based on the Boeing 737/800, this American-built submarine hunter boasts radars for high-resolution mapping, an acoustic sensor system, and an advanced weapon system. Last year, it successfully completed its first torpedo test, simulating the final phase of a lethal attack against an enemy submarine. RAFs patrol aircraft would typically be equipped with a Sting Ray, the UK military s standard lightweight torpedo. But during this test, the P8 Poseidon dropped a Mark 54 torpedo, compatible with the aircrafts American build.HMS Portland boasts highly-advanced sonars, sensors, and torpedoes as well.This successful monitoring operation came after HMS Portland participated in NATOs most extensive submarine hunting exercise last month.
The E195-E2 officially became the largest aircraft to land at LCY.Boasting a 35-meter (114.8 feet) wingspan and a 146-seat configuration, it was introduced as one of the largest single-aisle aircraft today and also the most fuel-efficient in its category.Compared to the previous generation jets, it boasts 30% lower CO2 emissions per seat and an overall 25% CO2 emissions reduction. And it doesnt stop there. When operating on 100% SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), that percentage increases to 85%.For this debut landing at LCY, Embraers new jet was fueled by a 39% blend of SAF . It also demonstrated its steep approach capability on the path to certification later this year. Steep approaches have to do with the angle at which an aircraft prepares for landing, which is greater than four and a half degrees, with angles slightly over three degrees being considered routine. These steep angles are typically required due to tall objects being located close to the airport.There are only a few airports in Europe requiring a steep angle approach, and LCY is UKs only one.That is why it was a real performance for this large aircraft to successfully demonstrate a steep angle approach, also partially powered by SAF. According to Embraer, the E195-E2 received a warm welcome with a traditional water salute from LCYs fire service.With full certification around the corner, it will soon become the largest aircraft to operate from this airport. As a new-generation airliner, its meant to carry more passengers while also delivering unprecedented environmental performance.Earlier this month, an E195-E2 completed a 70-minute flight powered by SAF in its GTF engines.
SUV

NHTSA

General Motors quietly started a new program requiring some Cadillac Lyriq customers to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) when they bought or leased the new all-electric. Selected customers were offered a $5,500 rebate if they agreed to let GM track them while using the Lyriq. They are also prohibited from talking to people outside of GM about their experience with the new Cadillac. Butis concerned that the NDAs would deter people from reporting any safety problems to the agency.NHTSA relies on reports from consumers as an important source of information in evaluating potential safety defects, said NHTSA spokesperson Lucia Sanchez in an email to Detroit Free Press. Any agreement that may prevent or dissuade consumers from reporting safety concerns to NHTSA is unacceptable.NHTSA is particularly concerned that other carmakers would follow GM with similar programs that prevent or discourage people from reporting safety issues with their vehicles. GMs program is limited to about 20 selected Cadillac Lyriq customers in metro Detroit, New York, and Los Angeles. Still, it could signal a broader trend for the industry.General Motors spokesman Dan Flores dismissed NHTSAs concerns and said they were advised of this fact. According to him, this small-scale Ambassador program was created to provide early learnings for the first vehicles sold. This includes handling, performance, safety, comfort, and any other feedback the Ambassadors wish to share as Cadillac enthusiasts. But the NDAs do not prevent them from reporting safety issues to NHTSA.While the program agreement contains provisions designed to protect GM confidential and proprietary information, it is not intended to, and does not, prohibit or preclude participants from reporting any issue, safety or otherwise, to NHTSA or any other regulatory body, said Flores in a statement emailed to Detroit Free Press The move to recruit customers to do initial studies on a vehicle is unprecedented in the auto industry. Usually, a new cars first customers are the companys employees. The feedback gathered during this phase is used to iron out any last issues discovered during the everyday use of the vehicle. Even though Cadillac did use employees, they wanted to extend the program to real customers to better understand their use cases.
Government-backed amendments to the Armenian Criminal Code enacted last summer made grave insults directed at state officials and public figures an offense punishable with hefty fines or prison sentences of up to three months.

More than 50 Armenians have been charged with defamation and hundreds of others investigated on the same grounds since the amendments took effect in September. Many of those criminal cases stem from offensive comments on Pashinian made on social media or in public speeches.

Pashinians political allies dismissed until recently calls for a repeal of the legislation voiced by local and Western human rights groups such as Freedom House and Amnesty International. Justice Minister Karen Andreasian unexpectedly announced last month that the punitive measure has been excluded from a new Criminal Code that came into force on July 1.

The development meant that all criminal cases opened under the scrapped amendments will have to be closed. This has clearly not been the case so far.

Artak Avetian, an Armenian software engineer based in Germany, arrived in Armenia on vacation with his wife and two children last month. He was later barred from flying back to Munich after discovering at Yerevans Zvartnots airport that he was charged in March with offending Pashinian.

Avetian was detained at the airport before spending a night at a police station in Yerevan. He was informed there that the accusation leveled against him stems from a Facebook post in which he lambasted Pashinian for the fact that the post of Armenias top general remains vacant following an apparent purge of the army top brass. Avetian said a law-enforcement officer told him that only a prosecutor overseeing the inquiry into the post can drop the charge.

I dont know what the prosecutors are saying now, the 50-year-old told RFE/RLs Armenian Service over the weekend. I dont even know when the investigator appealed to them.

Avetians lawyer, Ruben Melikian, said he knows of several other persons who are also continuing to face such criminal charges.

The Office of the Prosecutor-General could not be reached for comment on the matter.

Artur Sakunts, a veteran human rights activist, denounced as illegal the authorities failure to close all such cases. We are dealing with failure to comply with a legal requirement, he said.

Sakunts reiterated his view that the Pashinian administrations 2021 decision to criminalize insults was politically motivated and unjustified.

Justice Minister Andreasian defended the decision on June 11, claiming that it helped to rein in the shameful and unacceptable behavior of certain groups and individuals.

Armenian opposition leaders maintain that it was aimed at silencing vocal critics of the current government. They say that Pashinian himself has relied heavily on slander and hate speech before and after coming to power in 2018.

All forms of slander and defamation had already been decriminalized in Armenia in 2010.
The second one will also be a satellite designed to take pictures, Khachatrian told RFE/RLs Armenian Service. I cant give any dates [for its launch,] but [it should happen] circa 2023 or 2024.

The Armenian government announced the launch of the first-ever Armenian satellite in late May. The apparently small device named ArmSat-1 was carried into space by a SpaceX rocket that blasted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian said it will be used for a wide range of purposes, including border control, natural disaster management and geology.

The government is understood is to have purchased ArmSat-1 from Satlantis, a Spanish company that specializes in the production of small satellites and cameras for them. It has still not revealed financial terms of the deal or technical parameters of the satellite, fuelling skepticism among its critics about the significance of the project.

Khachatrian reaffirmed government plans to open a satellite operations center in Armenia before the end of this year. The government has already commissioned equipment for the center and started preparations for training its personnel, added the minister.

Armenias arch-foe Azerbaijan launched its first communication and observation satellite into space in 2013. The Azerbaijani army reportedly used satellite images for its offensive military operations carried out during the 2020 war in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Khachatrian said that his government is also discussing with Satlantis and other firms the possibility of manufacturing observation satellites in Armenia.

We are negotiating with various companies to see what capacities exist in Armenia and how they can be used properly, he said. Such capacities did exist in Armenia in Soviet times and they have been partly preserved. We have good ideas and specialists here whose skills could be put to good use.
The politician, Avetik Chalabian, was arrested on May 13 on charges of trying to pay university students to participate in daily anti-government demonstrations in Yerevan. He rejects the accusations as government retribution for his active participation in the protests launched by the Armenian opposition on May 1.

Chalabian referred to himself as a political hostage in a letter to his wife, Anahit Adamian, read out by her at a news conference in Yerevan on Monday.

As if this was not enough, my brother, Ara Chalabian, is being subjected to illegal and crude repression, he wrote.

Ara Chalabian is the head of the Central Banks Department of Corporate Services and Development. Citing an opposition figure close to Avetik, Armenian news websites claimed earlier this month that the Central Bank governor, Martin Galstian, has told him to step down.

An article subsequently posted on Hetq.am said the Chalabians father made the same allegation during a private conversation. It said Galstian told Ara Chalabian that he was forced to do so by the government and that Galstian himself will have to tender his resignation if Ara refuses to quit.

Galstian, who was installed as Central Bank governor by the Armenian parliament in 2020, has not personally reacted to the allegations.

In a short written comment to RFE/RLs Armenian Service, his press office said: The Central Bank does not provide personal information about third parties.

The bank is supposedly independent from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians government. The latter has not commented on the alleged pressure on Galstian.

Ara Chalabian also remains silent on the subject. There have been no official announcements of his dismissal or resignation so far.

The criminal case against Avetik Chalabian is based on leaked audio of short fragments of his conversations with Tornik Aliyan, the chairman of the student council of the Armenian National Agrarian University. Law-enforcement authorities say it shows that Chalabian offered to pay Aliyan 2 million drams ($4,800) for the presence of 2,000 students at opposition rallies.

Chalabians lawyers insisted on Monday that the recording, which first appeared on a pro-government website, was doctored by the authorities. They again demanded the release of full audio of the conversation, saying that it would disprove the accusations leveled against their client.

Avetik Chalabian, 49, leads a small opposition party. He is also a co-founder of a private charity helping the Armenian military as well as border villages in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.
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Court rulings released Tuesday may have set back Kern's efforts to resume over-the-counter oil permitting, but it remains to be seen just how 
Samihullah drives an old minivan from a remote village in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province to buy daily necessities in Jalalabad, the provincial capital. The trip is short, but that wasn't always the case. A China-built road has changed all that.

"In the past, it took one hour and a half to travel from Jalalabad to my county Hisarak district, but since the building of the road, it takes only 15 minutes," Samihullah told Xinhua.

Reconstructing and asphalting the road have also enabled villagers along the route to visit hospitals more quickly, he said, recalling that some patients had succumbed to their illness in the past before reaching health centers due to the poor conditions of the roads.

Over four decades of war and civil strife have destroyed most of Afghanistan's infrastructure, including roads and highways. It previously took seven to eight hours to drive from Jalalabad to the national capital Kabul. A few years ago, China helped rebuild the road linking the two cities; today's drive has been cut to two and a half hours.

Neighboring China has immensely contributed to rebuilding Afghanistan, having reconstructed water canals, hospitals and the Jalalabad-Kabul road that links eastern Nangarhar and neighboring Kunar and Laghman provinces to Kabul.

"Up to 6,000 cars and vehicles pass the Jalalabad-Kabul road on average every day. Ordinary people, government employees and students use the road to reach their destination," Fazal Rabi Wailzai, the deputy director of Nangarhar's public work directorate, told Xinhua.

The road also serves as a transit route that links Afghanistan to Pakistan, boosting trade and exchanges between the neighboring countries.

China also worked on a road in central Bamyan Province. The road built by the Chinese construction firm China Road and Bridge Corporation passes through more than 20 villages.

"In the past, we didn't have a road, and it took more than one hour to take our farm products to market," said Mohammad Hadi, a resident of Yakawlang district. "But since the building of the road, it takes only 10 minutes to reach the market and sell our products and return home on the same day."

Villagers in Bamyan said winter traveling was particularly difficult, given the poor conditions of the roads.

Thanking China for contributing to the rebuilding process of war-torn Afghanistan, Bamyan's provincial governor Abdullah Sarhadi said that 80 km of the Chinese-built roads in the province have been completed.

"Its positive impact is tangible," Sarhadi said, "as the families can easily take their patients to hospital in the provincial capital and their products to market."





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
A primary care facility for older adults soon will be unveiled to Beaumont residents.

Working with the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, CenterWell Primary Care will hold a ribbon cutting and three-hour open house starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

According to CenterWells website, patients can get eye exams and blood draws done on-site. Test results are processed on-site.

CenterWell has current or future locations across nine states, including Texas. CenterWell Primary Cares new Beaumont location is at 4886 Dowlen Rd.

For more information about Tuesdays ceremony, contact Director of New Member Development Joey Armstrong at jarmstrong@bmtcoc.org.
Click here to read the full article.

David Warner, the English actor who gave memorable performances on the big screen, in a key role in The Omen, and as villains in Time After Time, Time Bandits and Tron, has died. He was 80.

The actor died of a cancer-related illness on Sunday in London, his family told the BBC. Over the past 18 months he approached his diagnosis with a characteristic grace and dignity, his family said in a statement shared with the public broadcaster.

He will be missed hugely by us, his family and friends, and remembered as a kind-hearted, generous and compassionate man, partner and father, whose legacy of extraordinary work has touched the lives of so many over the years. We are heartbroken, the statement continued.

Warner was Emmy-nominated for playing Reinhard Heydrich, a Nazi official who was a key architect of the Final Solution, in the landmark 1978 miniseries Holocaust, and won an Emmy for playing the sadistic Roman political opportunist Pomponius Falco in the 1981 miniseries Masada.

He reprised the role of the Nazi Heydrich in the 1985 telepic Hitlers S.S.: Portrait in Evil.

Recently, Warner appeared in Disneys Mary Poppins Returns in 2018, You, Me and Him in 2017 and on Showtimes Penny Dreadful as Professor Abraham Von Helsing in 2014. He was among the large cast of James Camerons 1997 epic Titanic but was wasted in the role of a thug-like butler. He played a simian senator in Tim Roths 2001 reimagining of Planet of the Apes and a doctor in the 2005 hit comedy Ladies in Lavender.

The mid 70s and to mid 80s probably represented the zenith of the actors career.

In 1976s The Omen, one of the seminal horror movies of the 1970s, he played Jennings, the photographer who develops images on which the specific manner of death for the individuals depicted is superimposed. He was subjected to a memorable decapitation in the film.

He played Stevenson, a friend of H.G. Wells, who turns out to be a chilling Jack the Ripper, in the excellent 1979 thriller Time After Time, which posits that Wells actually created the time machine he described in his book; Wells (played by Malcolm McDowell, who himself usually played villains) must follow Warners Jack the Ripper into the future, to contemporary San Francisco, in an effort to defeat him.

The same year Warner starred with Nick Mancuso in killer-bat horror film Nightwing (the New York Times said: Mr. Warner is quite funny  intentionally, I suspect  when he attempts to explain his fanaticism. He fairly shakes with moral indignation as he describes a typical bat cave with millions of bats wrestling, fighting, mating, hanging upside downThey are the quintessence of eeevilll! 

In 1982s Tron, boasting then-state-of-the-art special effects, Warner is a villain named Dillinger who steals the plans for some video games and breaks down our hero, played by Jeff Bridges, into the ones and zeroes that represent life within the computer, where the two battle in a landscape within that world that was unlike anything that had been seen before.

Other significant credits from this period include Terry Gilliams 1981 Time Bandits, in which Warner played a villain simply called Evil, and 1985s The Company of Wolves, director Neil Jordans exploration into the Red Riding Hood fairy tale in which Warner starred with Angela Lansbury.

The actor made two films with director Sam Peckinpah: The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970), in which his performances as a somewhat eccentric minister marked one of his first feature appearances, and 1977 WWII thriller Cross of Iron.

Warner was also tied to various franchises, including Star Trek. He played two unrelated roles in Star Trek movies. In Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989), he played St. John Talbot, the broken-down, cigarette-smoking Federation ambassador to Nimbus III, who, like his Romulan and Klingon counterparts, comes under the influence of the renegade Vulcan Sybok; in Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country (1991), he played Gorkon, chancellor of the Klingon High Council, who pursued peace with the Federation but was murdered.

And on TV, in the two-part Chain of Command (1992), the only truly disturbing episode in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Warner gave a tour de force performance as Gul Madred, a Cardassian intelligence officer who tortures a captured Captain Picard both physically and psychologically.

The actor was also tied to the U.K.s iconic Dr. Who series, voicing Lord Azlok in the Dreamland miniseries in 2009 and appearing as Professor Grisenko in 2013.

He played ruthless businessman Thomas Eckhardt in David Lynchs seminal Twin Peaks series in 1991. In the similarly enigmatic miniseries Wild Palms, he played Eli Levitt, a former history professor whos founder of libertarian movement the Friends and is imprisoned for terrorism. More recently he recurred on the popular Wallender mystery series, starring Kenneth Branagh, as Wallenders father in 2008-10.

David Warner was born in Manchester, England. His father changed jobs frequently, which meant the family moved from town to town, and David from school to school, where he performed poorly. His parents separated, and years went by before he saw his mother again  and then only on her deathbed.

He receiving his training as an actor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.

Warner made his professional stage debut at the Royal Court Theatre in January 1962, playing the minor role of Snout in A Midsummer Nights Dream, directed by Tony Richardson. In March at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, he played Conrad in Much Ado About Nothing, and in June he appeared as Jim in David Rudkins Afore Night Come at the New Arts Theatre in London.

He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon in April 1963, playing Trinculo in The Tempest and Cinna the Poet in Julius Caesar; in July he played Henry VI in the John Barton adaptation of Henry VI, Parts I, II and III. At the Aldwych Theatre, London, he reprised the role of Henry VI in the complete Wars of the Roses history cycle in 1964. Returning to Stratford in April, he performed the title role in Richard II, Mouldy in Henry IV, Part 1 and Henry VI. At the Aldwych in October 1964, he was cast as Valentine Brose in Henry Livings play Eh?, reprising the role in the 1968 film adaptation Work Is a Four-Letter Word.

He played the title role in Hamlet at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in 1965. His Hamlet was revived in the 1966 Stratford season, and he played Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night. At the Aldwych in January 1970, he played Julian in Edward Albees Tiny Alice.

Warners other theater work has included The Great Exhibition at Hampstead Theatre and I, Claudius, both in 1972.

The actor made his big screen debut with a supporting role in 1963 film Tom Jones, starring Albert Finney.

Warner starred with Vanessa Redgrave in Karel Reiszs 1966 feature comedy Morgan  A Suitable Case for Treatment, in which he played a man obsessed with Karl Marx and gorillas who resorts to all sorts of bizarre tactics to prevent his upper-class ex-wife from remarrying. At Cannes the film was nominated for the Palme dOr, and Redgrave was nominated for an Oscar.

In Sidney Lumets 1968 Chekhov adaptation of The Sea Gull, he played Konstantin, the writer son of Simone Signorets Arkadina. The same year he appeared in a Peter Hall-directed adaptation of A Midsummer Nights Dream as Lysander.

After The Ballad of Cable Hogue in 1970, he starred with Jane Fonda in Joseph Loseys 1973 adaptation of A Dolls House.

In 2001 he made his American stage debut  and returned to the theater after decades away  playing Andrew Undershaft in a Broadway revival of Major Barbara that also featured Dana Ivey and Cherry Jones.

Back in the U.K., he subsequently appeared in A Feast of Snails at the Lyric Theatre in 2002 and Where Theres a Will at the Theatre Royal, Bath. In 2005 he played the title role in King Lear at Chichester Festival Theatre.

He returned to Stratford for the first time in more than four decades in August 2007, as an RSC Honorary Artist, to play Sir John Falstaff in the Courtyard Theatre revival of Henry IV, Part 1 and Henry IV, Part 2.

Warner was also a voiceover artist who contributed to animated series including The Legend of Prince Valiant (as Duke Richard of Lionsgate), Batman: The Animated Series (as Ras al Ghul), Gargoyles (as Archmage), Freakazoid (as the Lobe), Spider-Man (Herbert Landon), Toonsylvania, Superman, Batman Beyond, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, Men in Black: The Series and a variety of videogames.

The actor was twice married and divorced, first to Harriet Lindgren (1969-72), then to Sheilah Kent (1979-2005).

His survivors include his son Luke and daughter-in-law Sarah and his partner Lisa Bowerman.

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MEXICO CITY (AP)  A boat carrying Haitian migrants apparently capsized off the Bahamas early Sunday, and Bahamian security forces recovered the bodies of 17 people and rescued 25 others, authorities said.

It wasn't clear if there were any people missing after the boat sank about seven miles from New Providence.

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis said in a statement that the dead included 15 women, one man and an infant. He said the people rescued were taken for observation by health workers.

Davis said investigators had determined that a twin-engine speed boat left the Bahamas about 1 a.m. carrying as many as 60 people, apparently bound for Miami.

Davis said a criminal investigation had begun into the suspected human smuggling operation.

I would like to convey the condolences of my government and the people of the Bahamas to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy, Davis said. My government, from the time it came to office, has warned against these treacherous voyages.

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry said he sympathized with the parents of the victims.

This new drama saddens the whole nation, he said. I launch, once again, an appeal for national reconciliation in order to solve the problems that are driving away, far from our soil, our brothers, our sisters, our children.

A year after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise last July, gang violence has grown worse and Haiti has gone into a freefall that has seen the economy tumble. Attempts to form a coalition government have faltered, and efforts to hold general elections have stalled. The turmoil has led a growing number of people to flee the country of more than 11 million in search of a better and safer life.

Several sinkings involving migrants have occurred in the Caribbean this year, including one in May in which 11 people were confirmed dead and 38 were saved off Puerto Rico. Another incident in January saw one man rescued and another confirmed dead after a boat carrying 40 migrants went down off Florida, with the missing never found.

Governments in the region, including the United States, have reported a surge in the number of Haitians detained trying to enter other countries.
Some local school districts will require families to fill out forms to qualify for free or reduced lunch for the upcoming school year after previously receiving the meals regardless of income.

In late June -- one week before it was set to expire -- the U.S. Congress extended the Keep Kids Fed Act, legislation that provided students free breakfast and lunch regardless of income.

The bill, which was set to expire June 30, also authorized the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reimburse school districts for those meals at higher rates, according to The New York Times.

RELATED: Beaumont schools offer free summer meals to children

However, when the legislation was extended, it was modeled more after its original guidelines, which included income requirements for free and reduced meals. The amount of money reimbursed to districts for each meal also was reduced.

With the late extension of the bill and its stricter guidelines, some school districts are no longer able to offer universal free lunch when school begins in August.

Instead, students and their families will have to apply for free or reduced lunch.

Here are the impacted districts:

RELATED: Here are all the summer meal sites in Jefferson County

Bridge City ISD

Students who do not qualify for free or reduced lunch will have to pay the following prices for breakfast and lunch:

Breakfast

Kindergarten through fifth grade: $1.75

Sixth through eighth grade: $1.75

Ninth through 12th grade: $1.75

Reduced breakfast is $0.30 for all grade levels.

RELATED: Labor shortage, supply chain impacting local school lunches

Lunch

Kindergarten through fifth grade: $2.60

Sixth through eighth grade: $2.85

Ninth through 12th grade: $3.25

Reduced lunch is $0.40 for all grade levels.

Applications for free and reduced lunch can be found online at bridgecityisd.net.

For questions, contact the food service department at 409-735-1561.

Parents or guardians do not have to apply if they've received a letter stating their child is directly certified to receive free or reduced meals.

RELATED: Newton pantry now able to preserve food in emergencies

Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD

Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD encourages all families to apply for free and reduced meals.

Applications can be found online at the district's website lcmcisd.org.

Only one application needs to be filled out per household.

For questions, contact the district child nutrition department at 409-883-2232.

RELATED: Slow Food Beaumont brings fresh foods to food deserts

Nederland ISD

Nederland ISD encourages all families to apply for free and reduced meals.

Applications can be found online at the district's website nederlandk12.tx.us.

For questions, contact child nutrition secretary Carleen Mattingly at 409-724-2391, extension 1226.

RELATED: Southeast Texas Food Bank has new leader

Silsbee ISD

Silsbee ISD encourages all families to fill out an application for free and reduced meals.

Applications in English and Spanish can be found online on the district's website silsbeeisd.org.

Incomplete applications cannot be approved.

For questions, contact Bonnie Kitzmiller at 409-980-7822 or email at bonnie.kitzmiller@silsbeeisd.
A sole finalist has been named in the search for Lamar Institute of Technology's next president.

South Florida State College Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services Sidney E. Valentine was selected by Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall, according to a news release.

The search, assisted by executive search firm AGB Search, has been ongoing since February 2022 when President Lonnie Howard announced his intention to step down in July after six years of service.

"Lamar Institute of Technology is one of the fastest-growing two-year institutions in the nation, offering high-quality programs that prepare students for meaningful careers in the Southeast Texas workforce," McCall said in the release. "I'm excited that we have found a leader who has the experience and knowledge to build on the institute's foundation of growth and success."

RELATED: LIT president to step down in July

Valentine has served in his role at South Florida State College since 2015, providing "leadership for the college's transfer, vocational, technical, adult and community education and workforce education programs."

Additionally, he supervised the college's applied research activities, grants and institutional effectiveness efforts.

Prior to working at South Florida State College, Valentine served as associate vice president of industrial and engineering technology at York Technical College in South Carolina from 2011 to 2015. Prior to that, he was the director of workforce and economic development at the West Virginia Community and Technical College System.

Valetine holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from West Virginia University Institute of Technology and master's and doctoral degrees in computer engineering from The University of South Carolina.

RELATED: Committee searching for new Lamar Institute of Technology president

Before he can assume the presidency, Valentine must be confirmed by the Texas State University System Board of Regents.

He is expected to begin his tenure with the beginning of the fall semester.

State law requires a candidate for president of a public college or university to remain the sole finalist for 21 days before a governing board can confirm the appointment.
A Port Arthur man has been handed his punishment for killing a beloved Beaumont Police Officer while driving intoxicated as a teenager nearly two years ago.

A Jefferson County jury on Monday unanimously sentenced 20-year-old Luis Torres to 20 years in prison for intoxication manslaughter in connection to the death of Ofc. Sheena Yarbrough-Powell on August 9, 2020. The jury made its decision following three hours of deliberations.

But first, Torres apologized to the late officer's family and asked the jury for a second chance.

I made a mistake that I will have to live with for the rest of my life, Torres said. I didnt mean to do it, but it happened. I cant change it. However much I want to change it  I cant. I cant pray enough, I cant ask enough, I cant beg enough to bring her back.

I didnt want this to happen, he continued. What I am asking for is a second chance to prove myself so that I can be a contributing member of society.

Family, friends and teachers on Monday described Torres as a hard-working, college-bound student with two jobs and a bright future before he was arrested as the 18-year-old, wrong-way driver in the fatal head-on-collision that he does not recollect.

Torres, whose blood alcohol concentration was twice the legal limit, also is facing additional charges for allegedly, critically injuring Yarbrough-Powell's partner, Ofc. Gabriel Fells, in the crash. He is expected to be tried for those charges at a later date.

I thought he was going to do big things, Bob Hope High School Tennis Coach and Forensic Science Teacher Christian Cruz said.

Last week, the jury also heard emotional testimony from nearly 15 family members and police officers who reflected on the life and loss of the friendly but fierce Yarbrough-Powell. The jury then found Torres guilty within an hour of closing arguments on Friday in the week-long trial held in Jefferson County's Criminal District Court presided by Judge John S. Stevens Jr.

Related: Jury delivers verdict following closing arguments in fatal police crash

This week, the jury had seven different options to sentence Torres, including within a punishment range of 5 to 99 years up to life in prison, a fine up to $10,000 and with or without probation. Torres previously withdrew a plea deal he made with the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office that would have placed a cap on his sentence at 30 years.

Facing his first criminal offense, Torres testified he could follow the probation conditions and become a motivational speaker to deter others from drinking and driving by telling his story and showing them the scars on his face.

Prosecutors Pat Knauth and Wayln Thompson argued that probation was unacceptable and insisted both families had suffered from not a single mistake but a series of decisions by Torres, who was given every chance not to fail.

The prosecutors claimed Torres had "no real tears' in his testimony and made an adult decision after he was repeatedly warned by his parents, taught about the dangers of alcohol at school, and asked not to drive while intoxicated that night.

Related: State rests in trial for Port Arthur man accused in fatal police crash

Defense Lawyer Thomas Burbank told the jury that he still believed Yarbrough-Powell not legally wearing a seatbelt and not paying attention is a mitigating factor in the case. Burbank asked the jury to blame himself for Torres not apologizing sooner.

If you couldnt tell by that questioning by myself and the questioning by the state that he is sincerely sorry for what he did, then do what you want," he said. "But if you do, look at his past, look at what he has done and assess the right punishment. It may not be popular, but I ask you to consider probation.

Related: Troopers testify about minutes after fatal 2020 police officer crash

Thompson urged a punishment of no fewer than 30 years, however. He repeatedly asked the jury to tack on more time as he listed the people in Yarbrough-Powell's life and Torres's who have felt the impact of his decisions.

Related: Late officer's partner testifies about last seconds of her life in 2020 crash

Thompson even asked the jury to tack on time for a stray kitten that Yarbrough-Powell was seen holding in the car seconds before her death.

She made us all better, will you? Thompson asked the jury. She still is the light in this room and always will be.

meagan.ellsworth@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/megzmagpie
BAGHDAD, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Two security members and a civilian were killed and five people were wounded in two attacks by Islamic State (IS) militants in the Iraqi provinces of Salahudin and Diyala, security sources said Monday.

In one attack, the extremist IS militants attacked a paramilitary Hashd Shaabi outpost near the city of Samarra, some 120 km north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, leaving two Hashd Shaabi members killed, the Hashd Shaabi said in a statement.

It said that the killed members are affiliated with armed group Saraya al-Salam, or Peace Companies, loyal to the Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

In another attack late on Sunday night, IS militants attacked a village located in the east of Diyala's provincial capital Baquba, some 65 km northeast of Baghdad, killing a villager and wounding five others, a provincial security source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Iraqi security forces rushed to the scene and launched a search campaign looking for the attackers, the source said.

Meanwhile, in the early morning of Monday, Iraqi security forces repelled another attack by IS militants on military bases in the Makhoul mountain range in the northern part of Salahudin province, killing an IS militant, Col. Mohammed al-Bazi from the provincial police told Xinhua.

Over the past months, Iraqi security forces have conducted operations against the extremist militants to crack down on their intensified activities.

The security situation in Iraq has been improving since 2017 after defeating the IS. However, the IS remnants have since melted into urban centers, deserts, and rugged areas, carrying out frequent guerilla attacks against security forces and civilians. 
Travel products can enhance the overall experience of traveling, as they help increase efficiency and organization. But having too many, or the wrong ones, can cause problems. I consider my own assortment of travel accessories some of my most prized possessions. I swear by this stuff. Theyre the things Ive found most functional, enduring and worthy of my dime. Youll find a $475 carry-on, sure, but youll find a $3 passport protector, too, and both have served me equally well. Below, all the items I actually carry with me, every single time I travel.

Zero Halliburton Edge Lightweight Brilliant International Carry-On Case

Ive tested many a luggage brands (you can find evidence of that here) during my time as a travel writer but few have had the same lasting impression on me as Zero Halliburton. That is to say, my personal carry-on is a ZH and, more specifically, it is the Edge Lightweight Brilliant International Carry-On Case.

What is effectively a spin on the bestselling Edge Lightweight Collection, the Brilliant Collection is comprised of a line of hard-sided travel cases in a handsome, shiny, mirror-like finish. Almost entirely customized, all of the cases feature Zero Halliburtons signature double rib design, a pull handle designed for an ergonomic palm fit, patented ZH Concave Edging, performance-enhancing ball bearing wheels and matte details. Available in black, navy and gray, this carry-on is the very epitome of durable, functional and good looking luggage.

The only thing I will caution is that, similar to aluminum cases, the Edge Lightweight Brilliant International Carry-On Case does show evidence of wear over time, mostly in the form of scuff marks to the exterior. That said, they also serve as small reminders of all the places youve been togetherwholesome.

More Like This Stand Out at the Baggage Carousel With the 9 Best Luggage Brands on the Market

ZH Packing System Zero Halliburton

Zero Haliburton Packing System

What were we all doing before packing cubes came around? When I was 20 years-old, without rhyme or reason, I shoved my life into one giant check-in and a second carry-on for a few month-stint in London. I think about that time now and wonder how different things might have been had I had a decent set of packing cubes.

Fast forward little more than a decade and all of the bigger luggage brands have packing cube sets designed to fit their luggage. I like these ones from Zero Halliburton, especially for trips where I only plan to bring a carry-on, being that my carry-on is also Zero Halliburton. Each cube is constructed of tear-resistant nylon and features a mesh top panel so that I can see inside without having to unpack. But, desire for brand continuity aside, most packing cubes are compatible with any other standard sized carry-ons or check-ins anyway (these ones from Monos are also good). Are you, like me, prone to chaotic packing tendencies? For the love of everything that is good: Buy yourself some packing cubes.

Rumpl Nanoloft Travel Blanket Rumpl

Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket

Airplanes are kept cold in an effort to combat air sickness and minimize dryness, which is why you always receive one of those complimentary, paper-thin faux-fleece blankets on international flights (or, at the very least, theyre available to purchase). Just in case, however, I prefer to travel with one of my own. Ultra-warm and just the size of a standard-sized Nalgene bottle when packed away, youll always find this one from Rumpl blanket in my carry-on  on international and domestic flights alike.

Transparent Passport Protector Amazon

Transparent Passport Protector

I love the idea of a nice leather, potentially personalized, passport protector but the fact is, every time you go through immigration, theyre going to make you take it off. It winds up being such a hassle  particularly as youre likely to be juggling your customs forms and boarding passes and whatever else you happen to have in your hands. Its why, when I received my renewed passport earlier this month, instead of splurging on a more extravagant protector, I opted instead for this two-pack of clear covers for $6. They even have little slip pockets in the back where I keep my Global Entry card.

Apple AirTag Keychain Amazon

Apple AirTag (and this keychain)

Ever deboarded a plane, got to baggage claim and realized that your phone  thanks to Find My  was still on the plane? Well, same. And that very same night it happened to me, for that exact reason, I got home and ordered an Apple AirTag, which is now permanently affixed to my carry-on. For the uninitiated, AirTags are Bluetooth trackers, which can find items much further away with the help from the hundreds of millions of Apple devices in the Find My network. Ive never once lost luggage, yet it still provides me peace of mind, which in and of itself is worth the $27 price tag.

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow Ostrich

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

A thing about me: Im going to sleep on the flight. Red eye flight to Europe? Lights out. Three hour flight to Tampa in the middle of the afternoon? Also lights out. Ive even been known to fall asleep before takeoff  not unlike a baby in a car. Its why I wouldnt dream (no pun intended) of stepping foot onto an aircraft without a neck pillow in tow.

For the past year or so, Ive been using a neck pillow that I bought out of desperation at the airport. Unfortunately, it isnt available for purchase online, but if you happen to find yourself in Terminal C at Newark airport anytime in the near future, Im positive youll find it at any of the kiosks, just to the left of the I [heart] NY apparel (I [heart] NJ apparel doesnt exist).

Then I came into possession of an Ostrich Neck Pillow, which Id been coveting for quite some time prior. With a 360-degree ergonomic design and a supportive memory foam core (that compresses down to 60% of its size when stored in its pouch), this neck pillow puts my Newark airport iteration to shame.

Hot & Cold Eye Mask Ostrichpillow

Ostrichpillow Hot & Cold Eye Mask

If you, unlike me, do have a hard time falling asleep on flights, allow me to introduce you to Ostrichs Hot & Cold Eye Mask. Not only does it provide thermal therapy and gentle pressure for natural, instant relief from eye strain and muscle tension, it signals to everyone around you that youd kindly like to be left alone now, please. Couple this with the neck pillow and a good pair of noise-canceling headphones (keep scrolling for those)? Now youre cookin with gas.

Quip Toothbrush Quip

Quip Toothbrush

I need to have quick access to my toothbrush on long travel days and  no shade to Oral-B or Philips  but I love my Quip toothbrush the best. With sensitive sonic vibrations, a 2-minute timer with 30-second pulses, a flexible brush head, soft nylon bristles, tongue scrub on back and no wires or charger, Quips Smart Electric Toothbrush, in particular, understands the assignment, without all the fuss  an especially important detail where travel is involved.

Anker Power Bank Amazon

Anker Power Bank

Thanks to the Anker Power Bank, Ive officially bid adieu to mid-trip dead devices and not a second too soon, considering how many important travel documents  boarding passes among them  are now digital. With three USB ports and the ability to charge most phones more than six times, tablets twice and any other USB device multiple times, this power bank helps me get me from point A to B with a full battery.

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Apple AirPods Pro

An undisputed fact: noise-canceling headphones, no matter the brand, are imperative when it comes to flying. Why listen to screaming children when you can listen to nothing at all? Call me unoriginal, but AirPods are my favorite. They also fit beautifully into my  you guessed it!  Zero Halliburton AirPod case.

CLINITEST Rapid Covid-19 Antigen Self-Test Amazon

CLINITEST Rapid Covid-19 Antigen Self-Test

COVID restrictions have been coming down around us for the better part of the past few months, with many countries scrapping their testing requirement, if not everything altogether. Even still, you can never be too careful, which is why I always have a COVID test in my carry-on and at the ready, every time I travel. In the event that you start to show symptoms, youll be able to test yourself immediately.

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The post This Is Exactly What I Carry in My Carry-On When I Travel appeared first on InsideHook.
Inside Hook

When you think about people in danger from Italys Mount Vesuvius, your mind is likely to bring up the most infamous disaster associated with the volcano in question  namely, the eruption that destroyed the city of Pompeii. But even without molten lava abounding in it, it seems as though the crater still holds some danger for those visiting the mountain, as one American tourist recently learned.



Smithsonian Magazine reports that a resident of Baltimore who was visiting Italy had to rescued after falling into the crater in search of his phone.



As CNN reports, the Baltimore man was walking on a trail that is considered off-limits, and  according to representatives of the local law enforcement  the area had several signs indicating that it was dangerous and that hikers should not be there.



Thankfully, the man who fell into the crater was only bruised and did not suffer more severe injuries. As for the volcano itself, it has not erupted since 1944.



That explosion resulted in several villages being covered in the pyroclastic flow  though no one died as a result of the eruption. A local Allied air base was also affected by the eruption, with dozens of aircraft destroyed in the process.



This latest incident around Vesuvius is, mercifully, much more low-key in nature. But it remains a reminder of the dangers volcanoes can pose  even those that havent erupted for over half a century.
Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha on July 23 survived yet another parliamentary vote of no-confidence against him, as did 10 of his ministers.

But the former junta chief and 2014 coup leader remains unpopular with the public and will be on shaky ground heading into the 2023 general election, analysts say.

In the latest vote gauging his fitness for leading the government - the fourth in three years - Prayuth received 256 confidence votes from MPs, with 206 voting against him and nine abstaining. Last September, he survived a third no-confidence vote with 264 votes in his favor against 208 no votes and three abstentions.
The National Unity Government and affiliated ethnic resistance organizations claim to control roughly 50 percent of Myanmar. Here, members of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force and Karenni Army man at a checkpoint near Demoso, in Myanmars eastern Kayah state, Oct. 19, 2021.

Why would Myanmars junta risk fueling more anger at home and outrage abroad through its execution on Monday of four activists, including two icons of the democracy movement? The answer might be found in its failing fortunes on the battlefield amid a deepening civil war.

Myanmar state media announced Monday the execution of Ko Jimmy, a veteran activist since the 1988 uprising against military rule, and Phyo Zeya Thaw, a popular rap artist turned politician. Two other lesser-known activists were also put to death.

The four had been arrested for their anti-junta activism and violating the counter-terrorism law. In January the four were accused of helping carry out terror acts and sentenced to death, despite the fact that Myanmar had not carried out a judicial execution in over 30 years.

Many had thought that that the death sentences were a ploy. The junta, it was assumed, could not risk the diplomatic backlash and popular protest that are likely to ensue. This was a card to be played diplomatically at the right time in a bid to gain international legitimacy  possibly by commuting the death sentences to win credit.

Besides, if the junta has had any success since its February 2021 coup, its been on the diplomatic front. Why would it jeopardize the fact that no government has cut off ties?

Considering that about 50 people had died in military custody since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, the military had ample time an opportunity to kill the four.

So why now? There can only be one answer.

The junta is losing on the battlefield. And thus it needs to show that it is in total control. It has to show that it is not afraid of international or domestic repercussions from this act; that it is strong enough to withstand that pressure.

Myanmars military is spread dangerously thin. Troops are fighting a multi-front war across the country. They are fighting well-trained and well-armed ethnic resistance organizations (EROs) such as the Kachin Independence Army and the Karen National Liberation Army, both of whom are allied with the opposition National Unity Government (NUG).

In the past, the Myanmar military, led by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, has been able to do what it wants because the population has been terrified. [AFP]

The NUG itself has about 275 Peoples Defense Forces (PDFs) spread throughout the country. Though they have limited resources and armaments, they have succeeded in capturing vast quantities of weaponry and are starting to manufacture their own armaments and ammunition. The NUG and affiliated EROs claim to control roughly 50 percent of the country.

And things might get a lot worse for the military, which is on the verge of renewing hostilities against the Arakan Army, with which it has had a tenuous ceasefire since November 2020 after two years of bitter fighting in western Rakhine State. The AA has not joined the NUG, but has used the time since the coup to enhance its political and economic autonomy. For many in the military, this has gone too far and the AA needs to be put in its place.

But more than 3,000 members of the army have defected to the NUG, despite the multitude of coercive instruments that it wields to deter them. The number of desertions is unknown. The military is estimated to be taken around 15 percent casualties and recruitment is proving to be a challenge.

Even the elite Defense Service Academy, once considered the most prestigious school in the country and avenue for upward social mobility, cannot fill seats right now. The military has increased coercive measures to enforce conscription and is using collective punishment to target family members of people who have joined the PDFs.

At the same time, the militarys budget is severely constrained because of economic mismanagement. The Myanmar currency, the kyat, has plunged, prompting junta authorities to impose more currency controls.

There is a net loss of foreign investment, with little new coming in, except from China. Exports are down dramatically. The banking system is teetering. The World Bank just announced that an estimated 40 percent of the population is living under the poverty line.

Street vendors wait for customers during one of the frequent power outages in Yangon, Myanmar, March 3, 2022. [AFP]

So what will be the impact of the executions? Since the coup, citizens across the country have protested military rule on a daily basis  resorting to wildcat demonstrations after the bloody crackdown on mass protests that initially greeted the coup. And now, notwithstanding the risk of deadly force, there is another compelling reason to protest the dictatorship.

Historically, the military has been able to act with total impunity because the population has been terrified of them. They get away with things because, since 1962 they have been able to cow the population into submission.

The problem is that for the first time, the population of Myanmar refuses to be intimidated. After a taste of democracy, given the opportunity to vote for anyone but the military, and after enjoying a period of media freedom, diplomatic openness, engagement with the international world, and an open internet, the population refuses to accept the militarys usurpation of power.

Diplomatically, the executions may galvanize stronger action by the international community. It could move the needle and get some European states and Australia to revisit their diplomatic stance. Japan and South Korea, however, are unlikely to change course, though even Tokyo condemned the executions.

And the NUG, which is seeking formal diplomatic recognition, is sure to use the executions to further delegitimize the military regime and bolster its own international standing.

So for a military that is losing on the battlefield and that has no legitimacy, and is desperate to prove that it is in charge and can act without any fear of a public reaction, the executions were ultimately an act of weakness and desperation. The junta executed four men, but they have absolutely no idea what their action may unleash in the coming months.

This matters for one other reason. Since the coup, theres been little outpouring of support for ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi who had defended the military against accusations of genocide of the Rohingya minority before the International Criminal Court. And these protracted conflicts really need martyrs. In Ko Jimmy and Phyo Zeya Thaw, the junta has created two tailor-made and beloved martyrs that both the international community and domestic population can rally behind.

Zachary Abuza is a professor at the National War College in Washington and an adjunct at Georgetown University. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of the U.S. Department of Defense, the National War College, Georgetown University or BenarNew
Chattogram University students rally on campus to demand justice for a female student who says she was sexually harassed, in Bangladesh, July 21, 2022.

Bangladeshs cabinet on Monday approved a legal amendment to bar defense lawyers from questioning the character of plaintiffs in rape cases, except in special circumstances approved by the court, and to remove a related clause from a law that dates back 150 years.

Human and womens rights activists cautiously welcomed the approved change to the Evidence Act of 1872, which, they had alleged, allows victims of sexual assault to be further raped through defense lawyers questioning.

The cabinet at todays meeting approved our proposal to amend the Evidence Act of 1872 which allowed the defense lawyers to raise questions about the character of witnesses. According to the amended version, no questions should be raised about the moral character of the witnesses without the permission of the court, Law Minister Anisul Huq told BenarNews after the meeting.

The rights activists have been demanding the amendment of the law as two sections, 146(3) and 155(4), stand in the way of delivering justice to rape victims, he said.

The amendment moves to the parliament where it is expected to pass before becoming law.

Activists including Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), human rights organization Ain-O-Salish Kendra and womens rights group Naripokkho filed the petition to amend the act on Nov. 14, 2021. They said abuse of the two sections had been so widespread that rape victims refrained from seeking justice to avoid obscene questioning by defense lawyers.

As written, section 146(3) states that defense lawyers can raise question about the personal life, status and injure the character of the witnesses of cases including rape cases. Section 155(4) on impeaching credit of witness says, when a man is prosecuted for rape or an attempt to ravish, it may be shown that the prosecutrix was of generally immoral character.

Attorney General A.M. Amin Uddin told BenarNews on Monday that the cabinet agreed to drop section 155(4) and amend section 146(3).

According to the amendment, defense lawyers can raise questions about moral character of witnesses only if allowed by the court, he said.

Ayesha Akhter, a BLAST senior advocacy officer, praised the decision.

We thank the government for dropping section 155(4) of the Evidence Act of 1872. This section allowed the defense lawyers to raise obscene and unutterable questions and comments about rape victims during cross-examination. Thus, the rapists got advantages during the trial, she told BenarNews on Monday.

According to the amended version of the section 146(3), the defense lawyers would be allowed to raise question about the moral character of the witnesses of the rape cases with the permission of the court. Now, justice seekers would look to judges to see whether they would allow defense lawyers to raise such questions, she said.

Akhter said other sections of the 1872 act could be applied against rape victims and must be removed or amended. She said she wanted a justice system where a sex worker could seek justice if sexually assaulted.

This is not acceptable that a rape victim will not get justice because of her previous sexual life, she said.

BLAST and the other rights groups filed their petition in November 2021 after a judge acquitted five rape suspects, having determined that two women had previous consensual relations with two of the defendants.

The trial resulted from a May 6, 2017, incident involving a Dhaka University student who filed a complaint stating that she and another woman went to a birthday party at a hotel where they were raped by two men while three others assisted. Police arrested all five and brought charges against them.

Lawyer welcomes decision

Khandker Mahbub Hossain, a former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, welcomed the cabinet decision.

Evidence is the most important part of delivering justice. Any mistake or flaw in evidence would block justice. A minimum flaw in presenting evidence may give a rapist an advantage, he told BenarNews.

Victims are often bombarded with obscene, abusive and humiliating questions during trial, Hossain said.

Though the plaintiffs are protected by the court, defense lawyers use very abusive language while cross examining rape victims because of the two sections of the Evidence Act, this practice impedes justice, he said.

Many rape victims, especially women from dignified families, do not dare file rape cases because they know that they would be further humiliated in the court.

While supporting the changes, Hossain said there should be some avenue to challenge allegations.

Very often we see that some women bring fake rape charges against innocent people. There are instances that a particular woman brings series of rape charges against different people, he said. In such cases, the court may allow the defense lawyers to raise questions.
Amateur actors who play the role of Eastern Indonesia Mujahideen militants receive a briefing before the shooting of the film Kurir in the forest of Poso, in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, June 2, 2022.

An ex-terrorist turned filmmaker is telling the true story of a cocoa farmer who was forced to become a courier for an Islamic militant group in Indonesias Sulawesi region so he could keep working his fields without fear of attack.

The 20-minute, self-funded film features amateur actors and is set for a limited, local release next month. Its part of a series of films by former Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) member Arifudin Lako that aim to counter the spread of radicalism in Poso, a regency in Central Sulawesi province, where a bloody sectarian conflict once took place.

This film is based on a true story that has never been told before in Poso, Arifudin, 43, told BenarNews.

Through this film, Id like to warn the people of Poso and Indonesians in general not to be easily lured by groups that can lead them to radicalism, especially in the name of religion, said the terrorism convict.

Indonesian authorities blamed JI, the al-Qaeda-linked militant group to which he belonged, for the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people  Indonesians deadliest terror attack to date.

Kurir [Courier] follows cocoa farmer Iwan Gombo, who reluctantly becomes a courier for the Eastern Indonesia Mujahideen militant group whose members are hiding out in the jungles of Poso to evade capture by government security forces.

In real life, the Eastern Indonesia Mujahideen, or MIT, is one of two pro-Islamic State groups operating in Indonesia, the worlds most populous Muslim-majority country. The other is Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), which Indonesian authorities have blamed for most terror attacks in the archipelago nation during the past six years.

The MIT insurgency is concentrated in Indonesias Sulawesi region and is rooted in a Muslim-Christian conflict, which left more than 1,000 people dead between 1998 and 2001.

The number of MIT operatives has dwindled to two, but in May police arrested some two dozen militant suspects, many of whom said they were planning to join MIT.

Authorities said MIT members were responsible for several killings, including of civilians and police, in Poso and its surroundings since 2012. In May 2021, MIT killed four farmers in Central Sulawesi, and six months earlier, they killed four villagers living in a Christian community in Sigi regency near Poso.

Iwan, the farmer character in Kurir, is tasked with delivering supplies, including food and other necessities, and informing the militants on the movements of security forces.

Kurir director Arifudin said some couriers recruited by MIT, including Iwan and even some Hindus and Christians, were not supporters of MIT.

Locals who work as farmers and planters were forced to become MIT couriers. This is a fact that we have established on the ground, he said.

Some of the farmers who were killed in Poso and Parigi Moutong used to work as MIT couriers. Because they resisted, they were gruesomely killed by MIT, he said.

Supriyadi (also known as Upik Pagar and Perdiansyah), one of MITs founders who spent three years in prison, is part of the cast.

The film depicts real events, he said.

This is what happened in Poso and not many people know that there are couriers who help MIT and they did not do so because of their ideology, but because they were forced due to fear of being killed, he told BenarNews.

Supriyadi said he agreed to join the project at Arifudins request because of his mission to draw youth away from terrorism.

I dont want Poso people or anyone else in Indonesia to be involved in terrorism. Because what the militant groups have done is wrong in the eyes of the law and religion, Supriyadi said.

Ferdiansyah Umar (with camera) shows the last scene of the film Courier to supporting actor Supriyadi (alias Upik Pagar and alias Perdiansyah) (left), lead actor Iwan Gombo (second from right), and director Arifudin Lako at the Katu House headquarters in Mepanga, Poso, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, June 22, 2022. [Keisyah Aprilia/BenarNews]

No one  should become part of terror groups

Arifudin, the films director, spent six years and four months in prison for taking part in the killing of a prosecutor in the provincial capital Palu in 2004. He has made several films to steer young people away from extremism.

He has made these films with the Rumah Katu Community, an NGO that seeks to empower youth from different religious backgrounds, and the Celebes Institute. His previous films are Home-made Weapons, 2/3 Nights, The Way Home and Salims Greetings.

All the films we made are interrelated. Everything is about terrorism with one goal: No one else, especially Poso children, should become part of terror groups, Arifudin said.

In his supporting role in the film, Supriyadi plays the role of an MIT leader.

The main character, Iwan, is played by Ali Gombo, a student at Sintuwu Maroso University in Poso.

Kurir producer and casting director Adriani Badrah said teachers, students, civil servants and business people participated in making the film.

Why do we make such films? Because radical groups are also spreading their ideas through films, she said.

Adriani said the filmmakers did not receive outside funding.

Our main goal is to convey a message. We dont think about making money. Thank god, everything is going well, she said.

The films videographer, Ferdiansyah Umar, said the crew made do with equipment they had while borrowing cameras and drones from their relatives.

Although we use minimal equipment, we try to come up with the best results. And most importantly, because this is a short film, hopefully the message in this film can be immediately accepted by the public, Ferdiansyah told BenarNews.

Lukman S. Thahir, a terrorism analyst in Palu, said the fact that former militants are engaging in positive activities is a testament to the success of their deradicalization.

Their positive movement must be supported, Lukman told BenarNews.

The campaign against radicalism through the film is a real step that addresses religious, social and cultural aspects, he said.

The film will be screen in all schools and universities in Poso, said Yasin Mangun, the areas deputy regent.

We will facilitate [the screenings], so that the message of the film can reach the community, especially young people who are in schools and universities, Yasin said.

He also said that his administration was paying attention to the welfare of repentant former terrorism convicts.

For ex-convicts, we focus on improving their welfare, by among others, creating jobs and providing assistance, he said.
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China Development Bank, one of the country's policy banks, has provided financial support for ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin.

A total of 86.3 billion yuan (about 12.78 billion U.S. dollars) in loans was issued in the first half of 2022, providing support for critical areas in the Yellow River protection efforts, according to the bank.

These include comprehensive management of the Yellow River basin, water security, construction of a modern industrial system, preservation and promotion of the Yellow River culture, and the improvement of people's livelihood, among others.

The policy bank will continue to solve the financing problems by market means and increase credit supply to support the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin. 
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

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Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
A destructive wildfire near Yosemite National Park is burning out of control and has grown into one of Californias biggest blazes of the year
PITTSFIELD  The trial of a Springfield man accused in the daylight shooting of a 43-year-old woman on Kent Avenue two years ago began Monday in Berkshire Superior Court.

Myron Crapps, 31, waived his right to a jury trial, opting instead for whats known as a bench trial. That means Judge John Agostini will decide whether or not Crapps is guilty of the offenses for which he was indicted.

Authorities accuse Crapps of opening fire on the woman just before 2 p.m. on July 7, 2020, in the downtown area. According to a police report, Crapps was in the back seat of a vehicle that stopped in the area of 14 Kent Ave.

The males inside the vehicle sexually propositioned two females, the report states. One of them told her mother, who confronted the males who were in the car.

Crapps got out of the backseat and started bugging out, a witness told police, fighting with others in the area.

He reentered the car, and when the driver drove west and approached Seymour Street, Crapps allegedly leaned out of the window and started shooting.

The mother of the female who had been propositioned heard shots, then realized she had been struck by gunfire, the report states. She suffered gunshot wounds to her abdomen and groin and was taken to Berkshire Medical Center for treatment.

Police obtained a warrant for Crapps arrest after interviewing witnesses. He was arrested in Springfield on July 13, 2020, and initially charged in Central Berkshire District Court, where he was ordered held without the right to bail for up to 120 days under the states dangerousness statute.

A Berkshire County grand jury on Oct. 27, 2020, handed up indictments charging Crapps with assault and battery with a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm and witness intimidation. Court documents show prosecutors believe Crapps threatened a witness in an attempt to prevent him or her from speaking with authorities.

On Nov. 12, 2020, Judge Agostini denied prosecutors request to have Crapps continued to be detained under the dangerousness statute. In a three-page order, Agostini said in the victim was unable to pick the defendant out of a photo lineup.

The judge said Crapps is from Georgia, where he accrued an impressive criminal history, including previous robbery and aggravated assault convictions. Agostini said Crapps posed a flight risk, but said he believed there were conditions that could reasonably assure the safety of the community.

He set bail at $15,000 and ordered Crapps released with a GPS device to home confinement, with allowances for certain appointments, and ordered Crapps not to contact any potential witnesses. Crapps in April 2021 was arrested in connection with an armed home invasion in the town of Washington, and that case remains pending.

In a spring court filing, Assistant District Attorney Joseph Yorlano said Crapps bench trial was expected to last about three days, and involve ballistics and fingerprint evidence, as well as testimony from civilian and law enforcement witnesses. The trial is set to resume Tuesday morning.
GREAT BARRINGTON  The preservation of James Weldon Johnsons historic writing cabin is off to a strong start after more than $100,000 in grants have rolled in to restore it, furthering the poet and civil rights leaders legacy.

Quote He was fighting against racial injustice, but his doctor said, You know, you cant keep burning that type of energy all night and all day, so he would come to the Berkshires to relax. He felt safe here to relax, revive and create. Rufus Jones, President of the James Weldon Johnson Foundation

The bulk of the money is a $96,000 grant from The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. That will support a first phase of work stabilizing and repairing the cabin and its foundation.

For the cabin project, the James Weldon Johnson Foundation also received $10,000 from The 1772 Foundation through Preservation Massachusetts, and another $5,000 from the Mildred Jones Keefe Fund for Massachusetts, also part of the National Trust.

This initial work to the cabin, which sits above the Alford Brook amid a grove of hemlocks, is estimated at around $152,000 to $200,000, said Rufus Jones, president of the foundation. Jones and his wife, Jill Rosenberg-Jones, own the cabin and the larger Johnson property off Alford Road, which includes Johnsons summer home.

Jones wants to begin work soon, before costs increase. Hell then turn to fundraising for the next phase, which is to restore the interior of the cabin, which includes Johnsons bed, and the flooring.

The foundation plans to revive the cabin as a writing studio for scholars and authors, as well as open it for educational tours.

And to simply preserve the place where Johnson wrote spiritual prose and sought refuge and relaxation from his work to end racial injustice.

The entire project is estimated at around $400,000, Jones said.

While the cabin project is underway, hell also work to protect the land around the cabin to ensure development wont threaten what many see as an historic and cultural treasure.

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We now also need to raise money to protect the surrounding land, Jones said, noting the hemlock grove. Hemlocks are considered near threatened.

We dont want to have one without the other, he wrote in a statement. The land itself is just as special as the writing cabin that sits upon it.

A NAACP official and Harlem Renaissance visionary, Johnson also was a teacher, lawyer, diplomat and songwriter known for co-writing the anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing.

He and his wife, Grace Nail Johnson, bought Five Acres in 1926.

He was fighting against racial injustice, but his doctor said, You know, you cant keep burning that type of energy all night and all day, so he would come to the Berkshires to relax, Jones said. He felt safe here to relax, revive and create.

The Jones family bought the property a decade ago after a dream led Jill Rosenberg-Jones on a Google search in which she found the property for sale. She also had other connections to the Johnsons.

The Jones started the foundation in 2017 with a mission to advance Johnsons legacy. The nonprofit also partners with Bard College at Simons Rock to support artists in a residency program. During the pandemic, Jones retired from his Wall Street job and began focusing exclusively on the Johnson legacy, as well as Jones own music.

He said it took him 10 years to find the right team and to move forward with grant writing that proved successful.

Its unusual for small nonprofits, especially those run by African Americans, he said.

Thirty-three recipients shared $3 million in this years National Trust grants to preserve Black history.
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China's Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) has ordered the arrest of Zhang Yongze, former vice chairman of the people's government of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, for suspected bribe-taking.

The case was transferred to procuratorial authorities for review and prosecution following the conclusion of an investigation by the National Supervisory Commission, the SPP said in a statement on Monday. 
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A coalition of groups focused on water rights filed a brief in June with the U.S. Supreme Court in an effort to keep the court from narrowing the definition of federally protected waters.

Waterkeeper Alliance, San Francisco Baykeeper, Bayou City Waterkeeper, and nearly 50 additional Waterkeeper groups from across the country filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the case Sackett v EPA.

The clean water advocates are asking the Supreme Court to uphold the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling about the scope of wetlands protected under the landmark Clean Water Act.

The central question in Sackett v EPA is what standard should apply to determine protection for wetlands that are adjacent to traditional navigable waters and their tributaries. The petitioners in the appeal have asked the Supreme Court to overturn the Ninth Circuit's ruling that adjacent wetlands, including those on their Idaho property, merit federal protection, which would advance a narrow interpretation of the CWA. The amicus brief contends that, to achieve the law's objective, it must protect all waters that make up aquatic ecosystems, not just navigable waters. The Supreme Court will hear the case this fall.

"Idaho has unique geographical and hydrologic features that form 'closed basins' which would be excluded from federal pollution protection if Clean Water Act jurisdiction was reduced by constricting the definition of which 'waters of the United States' are federally protected," said Buck Ryan, executive director of Snake River Waterkeeper, in an interview with The Daily Yonder. "We joined in filing the brief to ensure these waterways - which are critical to water quality in the Snake River as well as for endangered species like bull trout - enjoy the federal statutory protections Congress intended in drafting the Act."

The Clean Water Act was enacted in 1972 to protect the health of the waters of the United States, promote healthy aquatic ecosystems, and regulate the discharge of pollutants into waterways.

In states like Idaho, Ryan said, "where industry and ag-friendly legislatures offer the bare minimum in terms of clean water safeguards, the federal Clean Water Act is the preeminent (and in many cases, only) guarantee of legal protection for rural communities to have fishable, swimmable, and drinkable water."

Kelly Hunter Foster, senior attorney with Waterkeeper Alliance, said many iconic and significant waters across the country lack continuous surface connections to traditionally defined navigable waters and could lose federal clean water protections that have been in place for nearly 50 years if the court were to adopt the petitioners' navigability theories.

"Congress originally designed the CWA to broadly protect all waters of the United States-not only those used for commercial navigation. The scope cannot be narrowed if we are to ensure the integrity of the law and the health of our waterways," Foster said in a press statement.

The Supreme Court's hearing of the challenge to the CWA occurs as the court has revisited long established precedents. Last month the court ruled that the Clean Air Act does not give the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency blanket regulations against power plants. The Clean Air Act, initially passed in 1963 and revised many times since, was one of the nation's first and most influential environmental laws.

Waterkeeper Alliance Chief Executive Officer Marc Yaggi called the court's interpretation of the Clean Air Act a "gift to polluters and will pose a major threat to clean water."

"The majority's new major questions doctrine handcuffs the federal government's ability to respond to emergencies that weren't specifically contemplated at the time statutes are passed," Yaggi said in a press statement. "The idea that our current dysfunctional Congress might be expected to more directly authorize EPA to broadly 'tackle' the climate emergency is absurd. This sets a dangerous precedent not just for EPA and our climate, but for all agencies and future emergencies."

Albert Lin, a law professor at the University of California Davis who specializes in environmental and natural resources law, said in an interview with The Daily Yonder that the Clear Air Act and Clean Water Act cases seem to be asking two different questions. The Clean Air Act case used the major questions doctrine, he said, and he believes it's unlikely that will be the case in the Clean Water Act case.

"It seems unlikely given that the sort of question at issue in the Clean Water Act case, the extent of the government's regulatory authority over wetlands is an issue that the agencies - EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers - have been grappling with for decades," he said. "And that it's not the sort of situation as in West Virginia vs. EPA, where you had, at least the way the court puts it, EPA asserting this apparently new authority over how kind of energy is produced and distributed and generated."

Also in June, the Supreme Court overturned its landmark Roe v. Wade decision of 1973, which provided a constitutional basis protecting the right to abortion services.

Kristi Eaton wrote this article for The Daily Yonder. Published via Northern Rockies News Service.
Africa's main public health body, the Africa's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), will receive $100m from the World Bank to help African countries prepare for, detect and respond to disease outbreaks.

Source: Reuters. A participant stands near a logo of World Bank at the International Monetary Fund - World Bank Annual Meeting 2018 in Indonesia in 2018.

The Africa CDC has played a major role advising African countries during the Covid-19 pandemic and is also providing guidance on diseases like monkeypox.

The World Bank said in a statement that the financial support would help boost the Africa CDC's technical capacity and include investments to increase the number of epidemiologists and outbreak responders.

"The project will help to cultivate regional capabilities critical to ensuring a resilient and prepared continent. It will do this by helping to build and maintain a robust public health workforce across countries' health systems," the bank said.

The Africa CDC's acting director Ahmed Ogwell Ouma said the money had come at a critical time as it was aiming to enhance its support to African countries.
The Austria-based World Data Lab (WDL) has joined Ubuntuland in Africa's metaverse, Africarare, acquiring a 6 x 6 village.

Image supplied. Ubuntuland central kraal

The organisation takes strategic insights and data-driven decision-making to the next level by developing the most credible, granular, global, and forward-looking economic and demographic forecasts for organisations such as L'Oreal, Danone, McKinsey, Deloitte, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and others.

Planned projects

WDLs first Ubuntuland-based projects currently under evaluation and construction are:

Developing a data science metaversity with data insights and visualisation for anyone who wants to learn more about Africa through interactive tools and gamification.

Opening a consumer insights hub for organisations looking to establish or expand their footprint in the fast-growing African market.

Providing metaverse addressable market statistics and an analytics board.

Using the power of data science

WDL has long-term plans to use the power of data science to improve the quality of life for people in Africa by partnering with private and public sector players and raising awareness around key impact topics.

In addition, the company is in the process of opening a physical office in Kenya with ambitious growth plans on the continent.

Making everyone count

With our entry into Africarare, we are taking our mission 'Making everyone count' to the next level, by being one of the pioneering companies in the digital realm of metaverse says Dr Homi Kharas, co-founder and chief data officer of World Data Lab.

The company is widely known for their insights and analytics platform World Data Pro, as well as for being creators of public goods, aka clocks, that track the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in real-time, most notably:

WDL is frequently cited by top research and media outlets such as Bloomberg, Brookings, CNN, Financial Times, The Economist and The Wall Street Journal.

World Data Lab joins MTN, Saatchi Abel and other organisations in Ubuntuland.
The Cotton On Group has unveiled its new R300m custom-built head office and distribution centre (DC), located at the Waterfall Logistics Precinct in Johannesburg. The new DC will fulfill retail, online and wholesale orders across the group's six brands, including Cotton On, Factorie and Typo.

Source: Lauren Hartzenberg Source: Supplied

The development marks a milestone for the Australian-born retail group, which has steadily grown its presence in South Africa since launching locally 11 years ago.

With 167 physical stores dotted across the country and an established e-commerce platform, Cotton On outgrew its former warehouse in Kempton Park, and the new campus in Waterfall City provides much-needed distribution space and the ability to have the head office and DC located under one roof to enhance collaboration.

Source: Supplied

After the deal with Waterfall owners Attacq Limited was struck, construction on the building commenced in January 2021. Over the last month, Cotton On Group has shifted over 2.2 million units of stock (120 truckloads full) from the old facility to the new one, without any noticeable disruption to service.

For the Cotton On Group, the investment in the premises is a display of its confidence in the local market, and the spacious DC will help the company ramp up the speed of delivery and improve customer service.

Source: Supplied

Upping distribution capacity, efficiency

The 22,000m2 warehouse is geared to process 6,000 e-commerce orders per day, 200,000 units to the groups retail network daily and over 20 million units per year. An additional 50% of space will cater for future e-commerce processing.

During a walking tour of the facility, Natalie Wills, Cotton On Group country manager explained that the campus was built for growth and scale, allowing the company to expand operations both inside the walls and beyond them if the need arises.

Source: Supplied

The DC has been designed to optimise efficiency and features Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) storage and a pick mezzanine for unitised picking for store, wholesale and e-commerce orders. Cotton On has shifted from a pallet-based DC to a carton-based DC, and changed the way stock is moved and handled to make it safer, easier and quicker to do.

Phil Marais, head of supply chain for Africa and Brazil at Cotton On Group, explained during our media visit that the distance that pickers travel to pick orders has been reduced by at least one-third. Pickers are less tired, so they're able to concentrate better, so we're delivering a better service at a higher productivity rate. And because my team is feeling less fatigued, it's safer.

Source: Lauren Hartzenberg

Sustainable design

The opening of the new premises follows the launch of the Cotton On Groups inaugural impact report, dubbed The Good Report, earlier this year. The report makes public sustainability-focused commitments to water, plastic and waste reduction, carbon neutrality, ethical sourcing, the use of recycled materials, sustainable packaging, uplifting women, and the use of natural materials.

Source: Supplied

Cotton On describes its new South African campus as an extension of the pledge, adding that the ethos of doing good in all areas of operations was central to the design and construction of the new premises.

Combining grey water harvesting, a 200 kWp solar power plant, LED lighting, proximity sensors to reduce energy usage and an indigenous landscape, the new site was designed to operate with minimal impact on the environment. The company is also currently transitioning all plastic polybags to be made with recycled plastic.

Source: Lauren Hartzenberg

Inclusive space

Marais highlighted that the new Cotton On campus is devoid of any sense of us and them, which often permeates DC environments where swankier workspaces are reserved for head office employees.

Instead, the retail groups head office and warehouse staff enjoy the same facilities and services at the Waterfall campus, with welcoming entrances and chill areas replicated at the two entry points.

Source: Supplied

Employee wellness

Guided by the policy of people first, Cotton On sought to create a harmonious work environment that supports employee wellness and safety.

Employees all have access to a well-equipped gym and personal trainer, fresh fruit daily, meal delivery services, coffee machines, and greenery and quiet rooms to recharge. Staff entry uses a facial recognition system.

Source: Lauren Hartzenberg

Each of the companys retail brands has its own boardroom designed and decorated with the core themes of the brand in mind. Break-out pods and sitting areas are available for meetings, to take calls or just to catch a breather. And in true Cotton On fashion, uplifting slogans feature throughout the office and warehouse spaces - whether painted on walls or printed on boxes.

Source: Lauren Hartzenberg

Despite the significant investment funnelled into the head office, Cotton On has retained its flexible work policy that allows office employees to work from home three days a week.

Wills commented, The new bespoke site has been designed to deliver the best possible experience for our customers and to provide our team with a great place to work. The campus was designed with a people first culture approach, which underpins what our brand stands for, puts us in good stead to continue our excellent customer service processes, and is an extension of our commitment to making a positive impact in all areas of our business.
Meltwater, a global leader in media and social intelligence, has released The Fashion Industry's New Era. This new report based on Twitter data highlights the key trends in the fashion industry that marketers and advertisers should care about in 2022 and beyond.

Released in partnership with Twitter, this report explores the conversation drivers around top trending fashion topics on Twitter over the past year including luxury fashion, meta fashion, handmade fashion, inclusive fashion and retro fashion  as well as ways that brands can stay ahead when it comes to responding to these conversations.

To create innovative and impactful marketing strategies, you must have a comprehensive understanding of your target audience. The Fashion Industry's New Era report, developed in partnership with Meltwater, taps into the global fashion conversation on Twitter to identify meaningful insights and emerging trends within the industry, says Lauren Jenkins, head of the Twitter Official Partner Program. The insights shared within the report provide fashion marketers and advertisers with a solid foundation they can use to build out their future marketing strategies.

Key trends

The fashion world embraces luxury like never before

The past year has seen fashion lovers shedding their work-from-home sweats for capital-L Looks meant for seeing and being seen. High-end fashion conversations are flourishing on Twitter, and have grown 16.7% between March 2021 and February 2022. With an average of 20,000 mentions per day, this category saw the largest increase in mentions compared to other verticals like athleisure, fast fashion, and street style.

The rise of meta fashion

Over the past year, conversations about meta fashion have increased more than 1,500% as the metaverse, VR, and AR have entered the wider cultural consciousness. Across 1 million conversations that reached more than 330 million Twitter users, meta fashion netizens focused on luxury and designer pieces like sneakers, particularly when involving well-known, high-end brands and celebrities.

The prevalence of diversity and inclusivity in the conversation

After widespread calls for more diversity in the fashion industry in 2020 and 2021, the conversation around inclusive fashion has grown 7% in the past 6 months  averaging 1,400 mentions a day. Our analysis found that about 77% of authors in this conversation are writers, editors, designers, creators, bloggers, and models. Together, they give voice to this customer bases values: inclusivity and innovative style.

This data is based on the research presented in the The Fashion Industry's New Era report, which analyses global Tweets from 28 February 2021 and 1 March 2022.

Using their industry-leading social listening and analytics solutions, Meltwater analysed more than 310 million tweets to understand the Twitter fashion community. To learn more about the current macrotrends, and how to incorporate them in their marketing strategies, marketers and industry professionals can download the full report.

The insights in The Fashion Industry's New Era illustrate the value of social listening and analytics. Explore, Meltwaters AI-powered social listening platform sifts through billions of data points each day and enables brands, marketers, and boardrooms to enhance decision making whilst ensuring their marketing strategies remain both forward-thinking and customer-centric," said Meltwater's VP of partnerships and product marketing Johnny Vance. "By leveraging this kind of market research, brands, teams, and organisations can improve their competitive positioning, ultimately enabling an agile marketing strategy addressing the real-time shifts in consumer behaviour."

The report was created by Meltwater as part of the Twitter Official Partner Program, which recognises those companies that serve Twitter data and insights to their customers in sophisticated and impactful ways.

See the full report here.

For further information, please contact Katherine McInnes, head of marketing Africa, Meltwater: moc.retawtlem@sennicm.enirehtak.

About Meltwater

Meltwater provides social and media intelligence. By examining millions of posts each day from social media platforms, blogs and news sites, Meltwater helps companies make better, more informed decisions based on insight from the outside. The company was founded in Oslo, Norway, in 2001 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with 50 offices across six continents. The company has 2,100 employees and 27,000 corporate customers, including industry leaders in several sectors. Learn more at meltwater.com.




Freedom of expression in Eswatini is further declining as Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini has announced that online news publication Swaziland News and its editor Zweli Dlamini are 'terrorists'.

Source:  IOL IOL eSwatini has recently been rocked by pro-democracy protests which have steadily intensified

Prime Minister Dlamini published the declaration in early July in terms of Eswatinis Suppression of Terrorism Act.

Swaziland News

Swaziland News is an independent online newspaper established in 2015 that seeks to provide uncensored insight of what is happening in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The publication commands a great following with over 49,000 thousand followers on Twitter and 222,000 thousand followers on its Facebook page.

Its editor has immediately hit back, saying this is another attack on media freedom in Eswatini.

This declaration will not affect the operation of the Swaziland News because it is registered in South Africa and has not been proscribed in South Africa and the world at large, says Dlamini.

Afraid for his life, Dlamini fled to South Africa in 2018 because of a series of government authority intimidation and harassment and later the banning of Swaziland News under Eswatinis Registration of Books and Newspapers Act.

After fleeing, he registered and set up his online publication in South Africa and has joined the Press Council of SA, a self-regulatory body which monitors media conduct.

Where there is dictatorship, the media become the first victim because the media is the voice of the people. So, when dictators want to silence the people they censor the media because they want to shut down the voice of the people, says Dlamini.

A reputation of suppressing rights

Eswatini, the last absolute monarch in Africa has a reputation for suppressing the rights to freedom of expression and of the press with apparent impunity, although protest action has increased over the past two years.

In 2014, The Nation editor, Bheki Makhubu, and human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko were convicted of contempt of court for having written articles that were critical of the regime and the then chief justice.

They were sentenced to two years imprisonment but were released after 15 months following mounting international pressure.

Pro-democracy demonstrations

Over recent months, much of Swaiziland News content has been strongly critical of the eSwatini authorities, particularly the security forces. Much of the coverage deals with how pro-democracy movements are being treated.

Eswatini is known by the world for violating human rights, it is not democratic, it is ruled by an absolute monarch. We as the media have an obligation to report on what is happening on the ground without censoring ourselves, says Dlamini.

In July of 2021, the eruption of violent pro-democracy demonstrations in Eswatini led to protestors including journalists, facing arbitrary arrests, intimidation, torture and the removal of means to disseminate information as they tried to report the ongoing conflict on the ground.

During these protests, New Frame journalists Magnificent Mndebele and Cebelihle Mbuyisa were abducted, detained and allegedly tortured by security forces in the country merely for doing their work as journalists.

Continuous decline of media freedom

According to the 2022 edition of the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index, which assesses the state of journalism in 180 countries and territories, Eswatini ranks 131 of 180 in terms of media freedom.

In March 2021 a submission by Human Rights Watch (HRW) also found that eSwatini ranks among the lowest in the world in terms of countries level of media freedom.

While section 24 of Eswatinis constitution makes provision for freedom of expression, journalists are hamstrung by state interference and harassment.

Though a legislative framework exists to protect media freedom, the opposite is true according to HRW.

Contrary to the Constitution

The Campaign for Free Expression (CFE) in a statement has expressed strong concern at the declaration and called on the government to revoke it.

This declaration is not only contrary to the Constitution of Eswatini, but also international instruments which Eswatini is party to, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the AU Protocol on the Media, the 1991 Windhoek Declaration and the 2021 update, Windhoek +30, read the statement.

During a recent United Nations Human Rights Council universal periodic review of Eswatini, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of Eswatini Pholile Shakantu said The Public Order Act of 2017 fully protected and allowed citizens to enjoy the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. However these rights are not absolute.

Like all other rights, these rights were not absolute  common limitations and boundaries applied. Inciting violence, riots, violent gatherings, burning and destroying of public or private property was illegal and was not protected by freedom of speech or assembly, she said during the sitting.

This article was oringally published by frayintermedia, written by Aphiwe Kunene.
The winners of the annual Simon "Mabhunu" Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards were announced at a glittering event on 23 July during the Durban International Film Festival.

Hosted by the award-winning bKhaya Mthethwa, the awards were graced by government representatives, industry professionals and television and film personalities.

The event was opened with an upbeat Qhom performance by KZNs Beast. The KZN Film Commission Board chairperson, Nise Malange, welcomed the guests, followed by a Keynote speech by Ravi Pillay, MEC Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. The Overall chairperson of the judging panel, represented by the head of Afda Film School, Temara Prem declared the judging press transparent and fair.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Junaid Ahmed posthumously. Ahmed was an International Award-winning filmmaker born in Durban in 1959. He went to Southlands High School and graduated from the University of Durban Westville in the 80s with a BA (Honours) degree in Drama. Ahmeds passion was always in the creative industries and had a varied and prolific career in the arts. He produced, workshopped, acted in and directed many theatre productions at various community venues, including the Asoka Theatre, the Market Theatre, and the National Arts Arts Festival. He also wrote and directed the acclaimed musical, Bombay Crush, which starred well-known SA actress Kajal Bagwandeen.

He directed the feature film More Than Just A Game for which Sony Pictures International (SPI) acquired the international distribution rights and was broadcast in over 40 countries. Together with Helena Spring, Ahmed was, at the time of his death, producing a slate of nine films supported by the NFVF. The first of these, Hard To Get opened the 2014 Durban International Film Festival and was released in cinemas later that year. Then in February of that year, their co-produced film Happiness is a Four Letter Word (with Khanyi Mbau, Renate Stuurman and Mmabatho Montsho in lead roles) was the best-performing film of all new releases, in South Africa on its opening weekend.

The Awards were hosted by the KZN Film Commission in association with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and produced by Khulasande SSS Holdings. Under Glam Night at the Sabelas theme, the awards streamed live on KZN Film Commissions YouTube Channel and Facebook page.

Established in 2013, with the aim of celebrating and recognising excellence within the KwaZulu-Natal film and television industry, the Simon 'Mabhunu' Sabela KZN Film and Television Awards aims to shine the spotlight on the great strides being made by the many talented television and film practitioners by celebrating their outstanding achievements across South Africa, with a special focus on KwaZulu-Natal.

For a full list of winners go here.
The Top Empowerment Conference, hosted virtually by Topco Media in partnership with Nedbank, celebrated the best in SA business transformation from 20-21 July 2022. The annual summit aims to find solutions that will re-shape the socio-economic status quo through actionable ways to empower South Africa's workforce and in so doing, improve the economy.

Image: Top Empowerment on Twitter

This years theme, "Africa Driving a Transformed Economy, paid homage to those who are committed to empowering Black-owned businesses and concluded with an awards ceremony announcing 12 South African businesses that have proven to be transformative.

"The success of the economy rests on South Africa's ability to re-shape and rebuild the economy. It's important for government, public and private sectors to come together so that we can change the structural outlook of our country," says Ralph Fletcher, CEO of Topco Media.

The 2022 Top Empowerment winners:

Category Winner Top Empowerment Company - Socio-Economic Development Ithuba Top Empowerment Company - Enterprise & Supplier Development Nedbank Top Empowerment Company - Education & Skills Development Sanlam Top Empowerment Company Masslift Africa Top Empowerment Company - Fast Growth Black Owned SMME Modern Centric Top Empowerment Young Achiever under 40 Zakhele Mgobhozi, CEO of Modern Centric Top Empowerment Business Leader Tshegetsang Sebeela, CEO of TEG Top Empowerment Empowered Entrepreneur Talifhani Mamafha, CEO of Analytics Advertising Top Empowerment Empowered Company Nedbank Top Empowered Company - Job Creation Sigma Connected Top Empowerment Company Business of the Year Sanlam Top Empowerment Public Sector Leader Dr Felleng Yende, CEO of P&M SETA





These companies proved they are making tremendous efforts in transforming South Africa's evolving workforce and are encouraging all those that live South Africa to take the necessary steps to help transform the economy, not just for now, but for future generations to come.

Encouraging positive change

Clem Sumter, futurologist and scenario planner, comments, The economy is in an extremely dilapidated state at the moment, and leaders of the biggest economies in the world need to come together to ask, 'what are we going to do to further develop greater equality?'

Attendees consisted of corporates, academia, government and members of the private and public sector. In a bid to push the transformation agenda, panel discussions over the two-day summit looked for inspiration and reflected on the transformation journey thus far, providing expert solutions to the recurring issues in the context of transformation and empowerment.

Highlights from the summit include discussions around the new BBBEE codes and the implications these changes will have on local businesses; the key role entrepreneurs play in Africas economic growth; the township economy; exploring ESD programmes applicable to South Africa; and the impacts of the digital revolution on skills development and transformation.

Some key takeouts on actionable insights from top empowered organisations included:

The need to continuously adapt and enhance skills to remain in economic competitiveness.

A collaborative approach between government, private sector, public sector and SMMEs is needed.

Ensuring that connectivity is no longer a challenge, but a basic service to all.

Only by creating an enabling environment can we really hope to create an economy that benefits all.

If theres no transformative ownership, nothing is going to change, and the structure of our economy will remain the same and continue to increase inequality.

Watch the full awards ceremony here, or the highlights from the 2022 Top Empowerment Conference & Awards here.

Click here to view all the finalists.
If Russia keeps to the deal it has signed with Ukraine allowing for the resumption of grain exports , much needed relief will be provided to importing countries, including many in Africa.

Source: Deneen LT via Pexels

The relief would be significant as Ukraine has roughly 22 million tonnes of grain (wheat, maize, sunflower seed and other grains) in silos. It has not been able to ship these to export markets because of Russias invasion, which disrupted infrastructure and the attacks on vessels transporting goods.

Ukraine is a notable player in global grain and oilseeds export market. And thus, the blockage of exports has contributed to the notable increase in agricultural commodity prices observed since the war started.

The aim of the grain deal, signed between Kyiv and Moscow on July 22 2002, was to change this chaotic situation. Under the agreement Russia promised not to attack grain vessels in the Black Sea region. But this promise didnt last long. Less than 24 hours after the deal was signed Russian missiles struck the critical Ukrainian port of Odesa.

The attack is likely to undermine the deal, a multinational effort to avert the global food crisis. In addition, grain traders and merchants might be reluctant to be involved in the zone if they consider it to be too risky. This would ultimately defeat the deal.

But if Russia keeps its word, the benefits will be immediate. Grain prices could soften as more grain supplies become available to the world market. Overall this would be a good development for consumers, particularly those living in poor developing nations.

The possible softening of prices would add to an already positive picture of global grain prices, which have come off from the record levels seen in weeks following Russias invasion of Ukraine. For example, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation Global Food Price Index, a measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities, was down 2% in June 2022 from the previous month. This was a third monthly decline.

Still, this is up 23% year on year, which means that the recent deal and possible resumption of trade would bring much-needed relief to the grains market.

Nevertheless, the deals impact on grain prices is likely to be marginal. Grain prices are unlikely to return to pre-war levels. A number of factors had been driving up agricultural prices in the two years prior to the conflict. These included drought in South America, East Africa, and Indonesia and rising demand for grains in China have weighed on global grains supplies.

Implications for Africa

The possible price decline and increase in supply as a result of deal between Russia and Ukraine is likely to benefit all importing countries and consumers in the medium term.

This assumes that the deal holds  and that shipping lines will start taking orders and moving grains.

From an African perspective, the continent imports about US$80 billion worth of agricultural products a year, mainly wheat, palm oil and sunflower seed. The annual food import bill from the sub-Saharan Africa region is roughly US$40 billion per year.

Therefore, however marginal, a potential decline in the prices of these commodities would be positive for importing countries  and ultimately consumers.

Importantly, Africa imports US$4bn of agricultural products from Russia, 90% of which is wheat and 6% is sunflower seed. The major importing countries are Egypt (50%), followed by Sudan, Nigeria, Tanzania, Algeria, Kenya, and South Africa.

Similarly, Africa imports US$2.9bn worth of agricultural products from Ukraine. About 48% of this was wheat, 31% maize, and the rest included sunflower oil, barley, and soybeans.

A resumption of the trade activity would release about 22 million tonnes of grains out of Ukraine. Its also safe to assume that grain orders from Russia to various markets in the world will also increase.

Africas biggest wheat importers would benefit the most from a resumption of shipments out of Ukraines ports. More generally, the softening in prices would benefit consumers across the world.

In addition, the World Food Programme will be able to source food for donations in struggling African regions, such as East Africa, where there is a bad drought, as well as parts of Asia.

One cant miss the fact that Ukrainian farmers would benefit too. They have been worried that, without a resumption of trade, their crops would rot in silos. The deal signals hope for some relief, and the prospect of creating space to store the new season crop.

Uncertainties

Theres still a great deal of uncertainty around the deal in the wake of the Russian following the missile attack on Odesa. Multinational discussions will be a crucial determinant of whether grain trade resumes from the Black Sea.

Measures will also need to be put in place to assure merchants of the safety of their cargo.

The grain price dynamics and possible benefits for importing countries will all depend on these uncertain developments. Still, any success in the exports of grains from Ukraine will benefit the African countries directly through the delivery of physical supplies  or indirectly through possible global price softening.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Local villager She Qixiu harvests plums at a plantation in Wanyin Village of Wulong District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 22, 2022.

The development of agricultural industry in Wanyin Village has stagnated for a long time due to its natural environment of steep slope and barren land. Through repeated attempts, villagers finally gained more income by planting plums on the slope. In 2021, the average income raised by 30,000 yuan per grower. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

A villager sells plums to tourists in Wulong District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 22, 2022.

The development of agricultural industry in Wanyin Village has stagnated for a long time due to its natural environment of steep slope and barren land. Through repeated attempts, villagers finally gained more income by planting plums on the slope. In 2021, the average income raised by 30,000 yuan per grower. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

Aerial photo taken on July 22, 2022 shows a plum plantation on a slope in Wanyin Village of Wulong District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

The development of agricultural industry in Wanyin Village has stagnated for a long time due to its natural environment of steep slope and barren land. Through repeated attempts, villagers finally gained more income by planting plums on the slope. In 2021, the average income raised by 30,000 yuan per grower. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

Photo taken on July 22, 2022 shows plums planted on a slope in Wanyin Village of Wulong District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

The development of agricultural industry in Wanyin Village has stagnated for a long time due to its natural environment of steep slope and barren land. Through repeated attempts, villagers finally gained more income by planting plums on the slope. In 2021, the average income raised by 30,000 yuan per grower. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

Villagers sell plums to tourists in Wulong District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 22, 2022.

The development of agricultural industry in Wanyin Village has stagnated for a long time due to its natural environment of steep slope and barren land. Through repeated attempts, villagers finally gained more income by planting plums on the slope. In 2021, the average income raised by 30,000 yuan per grower. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

Local villager Chen Yinggui harvests plums at a plantation in Wanyin Village of Wulong District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 22, 2022.

The development of agricultural industry in Wanyin Village has stagnated for a long time due to its natural environment of steep slope and barren land. Through repeated attempts, villagers finally gained more income by planting plums on the slope. In 2021, the average income raised by 30,000 yuan per grower. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

Local villager Chen Yinggui harvests plums at a plantation in Wanyin Village of Wulong District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 22, 2022.

The development of agricultural industry in Wanyin Village has stagnated for a long time due to its natural environment of steep slope and barren land. Through repeated attempts, villagers finally gained more income by planting plums on the slope. In 2021, the average income raised by 30,000 yuan per grower. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)
The Fintech Association of South Africa (Finasa) was officially launched on Friday, 22 July.

Source: LinkedIn/Darren Franks. Co-founders of Finasa, Lavina Ramkissoon and Kagiso Dichabe.

The event, which was held at The Bungalow, Clifton was well attended by top fintechs and movers and shakers in the sector. Among those represented were Tim Masela of the South African Reserve Bank, and representatives of the Payments Association of South Africa (Pasa), PayU, Thumbsup Innovations, Bettr app and Cash Pesa, to name but a few.

The headline sponsor for the evening was Visa. Other proud sponsors including BDO, FiveWest, TalentintheCloud, Network International and Payfast.

Without their support this event wouldnt have been possible, said Finasa co-founder Darren Franks.

Congratulations on the successful launch of the Fintech Association of South Africa, said Miranda Perumal, senior director: head of digital partnerships at Visa. We believe this is an exciting platform for addressing fintech challenges amid the current economic landscape, as well as harnessing the opportunities that lie within the future of fintech."

Co-founder of the association, Ravina Ramkissoon said she was in awe of the industry support the event had garnered.

Its industry support that has been most welcomed, she said.

"The founding of the association has seen four individuals - Darren Franks, Andres Felipe P., Lavina Ramkissoon and Kagiso Dichabe - get together to put a vision and a framework together which will be the catalyst for the unification of a voice in the industry," Ramkissoon said.

She reiterated Finasas vision of bringing together the South African fintech community to find sustainable solutions, creating a conducive environment to stimulate innovation and promote best practice in an open, collaborative and progressive way.

This is something that we hope to nurture and grow for the next generation, she said.

We want to achieve this by means of diversity, inclusion and fairness.

But these are all buzzwords right? So how do we make them really tangible at the end day?

Ramkissoon said the first of three pillars to achieving this would be in creating community in terms of driving open and honest conversations with each other because as we know in fintech theres always a love-hate relationship.

The second pillar is very much around innovation and impact. With that were really looking at focusing talent and nurturing skills and creating access to investments. This is a gift that we want to pass along to the next generation of fintechs that are going to be coming along, she said.

Lastly, were looking at advocacy, creating a place of belonging for those in the industry and speaking to their cause.

Chief executive officer of TalentintheCloud International, Darren Franks added: "The Fintech Association of South Africa is all about the members. Without them coming to the table - steering and driving the association - it wont mean anything. This association is for them; its not for profit and were here to help our members, to support them and help them scale globally."

Echoing Franks' statement, Finasa co-founder Kagisho Dichabe said: It hasnt been an easy road to get here, but we did it.

This is just the beginning.
The inaugural Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards which culminated in a gala event on Tuesday, 19 July 2022 celebrated and recognised the outstanding achievements of organisations and individuals working in the supply chain profession in Africa.

The organisers report that the successful competition attracted 67 entries, including 22 from outside South Africa. These were narrowed down to 21 finalists by a panel of judges who commended the high standard of entries.

Judge David Crewe-Brown, who is a director of Sapics (The Professional Body for Supply Chain Management) said: "These awards have given me hope. Companies and individuals have shown that it is not only possible to survive during difficult times but also to thrive. We as judges have seen some amazing stories of innovation, determination and perseverance. The results have blown me away."

Dr Juanita Maree, chief executive officer (CEO) of the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF), concurred and said that her experience as a judge had filled her with hope, pride and an unwavering belief that now is our time in South Africa and Africa. "With excellence like what we saw in the final rounds, we can create a different narrative and unlock value where we operate," she said.

Africa is poised for greatness

Judge Adebayo Adeleke stated that the awards project and outstanding entries had restored his hope that Africa is poised for greatness. "This experience showcases strength, uniqueness and beauty in African supply chains. This is the beginning of greater things within the continent and excellence is just the beginning."

"Regardless of the multitude of problems facing our industry, we continue to show that our supply chains are innovative and resilient and can create great solutions to better service our communities," commented judge Martin Bailey of Industrial Logistic Systems and CILTSA.

Gavin Kelly, chief executive officer of The Road Freight Association, who was also one of the judges who evaluated the outstanding entries received, said: "The entries showcased the resilience, innovation and world class ambitions of companies in the African supply chain. Being in the supply chain business has been exceptionally difficult in recent years, but the green shoots and dedicated pursuit of perfection are definitely alive and well in Africa and will deliver the greatest value to all the beneficiaries in supply chains."

Judge Clayton Thomas, director of Industrial Logistic Systems, rated the inaugural Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards as "an inspiring and insightful experience". He asserted that the event highlighted the ingenuity and capability of the African supply chain industry and its people and their commitment to developing and delivering best in class solutions to benefit everyday lives.

World class vision and execution of supply chain professionals

"The inaugural Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards provided objectively verifiable proof not only of the world class vision and execution of supply chain professionals on this continent, but also of the globally comparable skills and knowledge being built in this area," commented judge Charles Dey.

The leading organisations that joined forces to launch and promote the first ever Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards are the African Centre for Supply Chain (Nigeria), the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM), The Road Freight Association, the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF), Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering (SAIIE), South African Express Parcel Association (SAEPA) and Sapics (The Professional Body for Supply Chain Management).

Source: Supplied | From left to right: Shashika John, Martin Bruning and Benita Pretorius accept the Judges Award of Excellence which was won by RTT On-Demand

Almost 200 African supply chain professionals attended the awards dinner in Sandton where top honours in the eight categories in the 2022 Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards went to:

Excellence in supply chain education and youth development

Winner: Commercial Transport Academy

Outstanding performance: UniDrive  Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions

Highly commended: Kent Outsourcing Services

Innovative supply chain projects and operations

Winners: Parcel Ninja - an Imperial Company and COPIA

Outstanding performance: Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions and County Fair and Imperial - Diageo Project

Highly commended: Transnova and Vodacom

Sustainable supply chain award

Winner: Western Cape Hospital, George

Outstanding performance: Imperial Water Conservation Initiative

Responsible sourcing and procurement award

Winner: Traxtion

Outstanding performance: Addendum

Highly commended: Futuretend

Supply chain digital transformation

Winner: Imperial - Business Performance Insights Platform (BPI-P)

Outstanding performance: Banqu

Highly commended: Coronet Blockchain

Excellence in transport award

Winner: Interwaste

Outstanding performance: Unitrans Supply Chain Solutions Chick Trailer Project

Special projects

Winner: DHL Global Forwarding

Outstanding Performance: RTMS and JC Auditors

Judges award of excellence

Winner: RTT On-Demand
Making a film is an outstanding accomplishment, but marketing and distribution are still cited by South African filmmakers as significant barriers to profitability and participation in the global creative industry.

The push for better access to marketing and distribution platforms is not simply for cultural value or to generate revenue for a few firms.

Economic impact

The economic impact of the film industry can be leveraged to fulfil economic goals. Nearly 70% of the budget for films goes to other sectors.

Additionally, before the Covid-19 pandemic, the film industry contributed R7.2bn in 2019/20 and created or sustained over 31,000 jobs, according to the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) 2021 Economic Impact Assessment Study. The Covid-19 pandemic hit the film industry hard, declining to R2.9bn in 2020/21 with 12,775 jobs.

However, data from the NFVF going back to 2017 shows that the industry had plateaued in terms of growth - a view backed by UNESCO's 2021 Report on the African Film Industry.

The Report indicates that while the film and audio-visual sector employs about five million people and contributes an estimated $5bn to Africas GDP, this is still far beneath the economic potential of the sector which remains "largely untapped".

Film firms can pursue some strategic actions to realise the higher value and create sustainable enterprises.

Surge in demand

Filmmakers should create content that appeals to both local and global markets.

The exponential growth of on-demand streamers such as Netflix, Showmax, Amazon, and new entrant Disney+, has led to competition for original content to attract subscribers.

A 2020 study by Netflix estimated that for every local view of a South African title, 26 views were by households outside of the country.

Further, the move locally to digital terrestrial television means that audiences will inevitably discover more channels and content options. South African filmmakers must be well-positioned to take advantage of the surge in demand for new productions.

Explore regional opportunities

South African filmmakers must explore regional opportunities. African countries with varying and dynamic film industry models present the opportunity to cultivate both production and distribution partnerships.

Viewing trends show an increasing demand for South African content in African countries, and cross-boundary productions present great opportunities for South African-produced original content.

IP investment

Film firms should also adopt a strategy to invest in their intellectual property (IP). Limited ownership of IP means that filmmakers are unable to fully capitalise on their products and have less control over distribution.

Firms that participated in the global film value chain research confirmed that because of investment in their IP, they are better positioned to take advantage of global opportunities as they can make more autonomous decisions regarding their content. This element of control in turn improves their ability to become more profitable players in global value chains.

A gateway for filmmakers

Events like the Durban FilmMart (DFM) currently taking place till 31 July, are therefore crucial as they are the gateway for filmmakers to get their products to screens. At the DFM's annual Pitch and Finance Forum, a panel of potential co-producers, sales agents, broadcasters and film funds will assess 20-30 official African fiction and documentary projects in development.

The forum is an opportunity for African filmmakers to find new markets at home and abroad at a time when the digital revolution is pushing audiences to explore new content platforms and the appetite for geographically and culturally diverse content is growing.

In addition to the critical production and funding partnerships derived from exposure at festivals and markets.

Supporting policies

The actions of film firms must also be bolstered by supportive policies.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has helped several firms enter the international market by funding their attendance at international film festivals.

However, an amendment to the current DTIC Rebate and Incentive programme to include incentives for marketing and distribution spend would alleviate some of the challenges faced by production companies related to low demand and limited domestic and global markets.

Potential to transform the SA economy

As film production and consumption evolve, marketing and distributing strategies must also keep in step.

The growth story of Africa's film industry must not end with rising numbers of subscribers to streaming platforms.

Africans are more than consumers; we are creators too.

If filmmakers can distribute their products to the right audiences, our local stories will not only cross cultural and geographic boundaries but will also bring back much-needed revenue and unlock the potential of the film industry to transform the South African economy.
Palestinians outcry over killing of 2 men in West Bank

Xinhua) 08:49, July 25, 2022

RAMALLAH/GAZA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinians on Sunday condemned the killing of two Palestinians during clashes with the Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Nablus.

Early on Sunday morning, Palestinian eyewitnesses and security sources told Xinhua that a special Israeli army force, backed by armored vehicles, stormed the city of Nablus and clashed with Palestinian gunmen.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health said in a press statement that Aboud Sobh, 29, and Muhammad Al-Azizi, 22, died of their sustained wounds at Rafidya Hospital in the city, adding that eight others were wounded, including three in serious conditions.

The West Bank towns and villages usually witness regular confrontations between the Palestinians and the Israeli forces, which carry out from time to time military raids to detain Palestinians wanted by Israel.

The eyewitnesses said that thousands joined the funeral of Sobh and Azizi, who were members of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the armed wing of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah Party.

Meanwhile, an Israeli army spokesman said in an emailed press statement that "special police forces, along with army forces, operated in the old city of Nablus, where they dealt with armed men suspected of carrying out "terrorist activities."

"Clashes erupted in the city, and a number of saboteurs were eliminated," the spokesman said, adding that the forces found weapons in one of the wanted apartments, including rifles and pistols.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, Fatah's armed wing, said in a leaflet that it mourns the death of Sobh and Azizi, adding that "actions of resistance will intensify all over the West Bank to show that we do not accept surrender."

During the funeral, Palestinian gunmen fired into the air while mourners waved Fatah yellow flags and chanted anti-Israel slogans calling for immediate revenge.

Nasser Abu Jeish, the coordinator of Palestinian factions in Nablus, told Xinhua that "a state of outrage and sadness dominated the city," adding that "what happened today is a major crime against the Palestinian citizens."

The Palestinian presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh condemned what he termed "the crime of assassinating the two young men, Sobh and Azizi. He held the Israeli government fully responsible for it."

He called on the U.S. "to defend its credibility and compel Israel to abide by the rules of international law and the international resolutions and to respect bilateral understandings and the signed agreements."

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye said in a statement that he warns of the dangers arising from the repetition of such "crimes that would not have occurred if the perpetrators felt that they could escape punishment."

Hussein al-Sheikh, secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) executive committee, said in a short statement that "international protection is the guarantee to put an end to the crimes committed against the Palestinian people."

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that escalation would not provide Israel with a safe escape from the entitlements of peace.

"The Israeli government is perpetuating the security approach in dealing with the Palestinian cause and displacing and excluding political solutions," the statement said, adding that killing the two and storming the city of Nablus was "a flagrant violation of the signed agreements, international law, and the Geneva Conventions."

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid congratulated the security forces on an effective and successful operation, according to Israeli media reports.

"The government will not stand idly by and wait for the Israelis to be harmed. We will go out and strike the terrorists in their homes," Lapid told the weekly meeting of the Israeli cabinet.

Fawzi Barhoum, the spokesman of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), which rules the Gaza Strip, said in a press statement the clashes with the Israeli forces in Nablus "were a heroic and brave act."

He added that Palestinian cities in the West Bank "have become forbidden to the Israeli occupation thanks to the Palestinian armed resistance."

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun)
TEHRAN, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday the nuclear talks' distance from culmination into an agreement hinges on the U.S. political decision as Iran has demonstrated considerable flexibility in the negotiations process.

Making the remarks in an address to a weekly press conference, Nasser Kanaani said Iran has never left the negotiating table and will not act emotionally and impulsively regardless of the U.S. officials' media hype and claims as well as pressures on the country.

He assured that Tehran would continue the negotiation process through communication channels although the principled policy of President Ebrahim Raisi's administration was based on not tying the country's economy and people's livelihoods to the fate of the nuclear talks.

Kanaani stressed that Iran will remain committed to the negotiations process and will continue the path until reaching a "good and robust" agreement, according to official news agency IRNA.

Negotiations are continuing between Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell as well as their deputies Ali Bagheri Kani and Enrique Mora, he added.

Kanaani added that other countries have also proposed initiatives for the solution of the remaining issues in the nuclear talks, noting that even within the region, Qatar and Oman, through their foreign ministers, have put forward initiatives to this end.

He reiterated that Iran seeks to reach a "good, strong and lasting" agreement and has submitted numerous initiatives, saying if the American side acts "constructively and positively," an agreement will be quite within reach.

IAEA APPROACH "UNPROFESSIONAL"

Turning to recent remarks by Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi that he had "very limited visibility" of Iran's atomic program, Kanaani noted that Iran has always been a member of the agency and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and, over the past years, has sought to clear up misunderstandings by adopting an interactive and constructive approach.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman added the Islamic Republic has allowed the IAEA's inspectors to carry out several inspections of its nuclear sites.

He regretted that, however, Iran's "constructive" measures were not reciprocated by the agency, noting that Grossi has adopted an "unprofessional" and "unfair" approach toward Iran's nuclear program and is interested in raising issues against Tehran every now and then.

"We maintain that they must adopt a constructive and interaction-oriented approach in response to Iran's cooperation."

RAISI-MACRON TALKS

With regard to the Saturday phone conversation between Raisi and French President Emmanuel Macron, Kanaani described the two-hour talks as a remarkable diplomatic development.

He said Macron has certain ideas that can help bring the parties' viewpoints closer to one another.

Kanaani added France is willing to play a "positive and constructive role" in the nuclear talks.

Iran signed the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), 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.

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 recently in the Qatari capital Doha, but did not result in any agreement to settle the remaining differences. 
For the first time in three years, the Brandon Flying Centre was able to have its fly-in breakfast on Saturday.

People from all over the province  including some army, air and sea cadets from all over Canada  were present at the event on Saturday morning, coming by car and by airplane. Pancakes were made on demand and fresh coffee was flowing. A bouncy castle was set up for children to enjoy, while those who wished to take to the skies had the opportunity to do so thanks to the days ideal weather.

Despite the cloud cover and rain that fell on Brandon later in the day, the mornings event went off without a hitch, with the sun breaking through the clouds and very little wind. Miranda Leybourne/The Brandon Sun Brandon Flight Centre CEO David Creighton and office administrator Ellen Fenerty get ready to make some pancakes on Saturday during the centre's first fly-in breakfast since 2019.

David Creighton, CEO of the Brandon Flight Centre, said the event was a wonderful opportunity to introduce people to aviation.

Some folks want to come out and just see the airplanes, walk around and that, others just for a pancake breakfast, something to enjoy and of course the airplane rides are always a huge hit, Creighton said. It gets people out, and you never know  it might ignite that spark in somebody, a kid that maybe, 10, 15 years down the road might want to be a pilot or aircraft maintenance engineer.

Ellen Fenerty, an office administrator at the centre, said the turnout to the event was incredible. Miranda Leybourne/The Brandon Sun Tow pilot Kevin DeBiasio looks on as air cadet Melody Leung, 16, sits in the cockpit of a Bellanca Scout.

Im really loving how much of the community actually came by to see whats up, Fenerty told the Sun on Saturday.

Army, air and sea cadets from as far away as Thunder Bay, Ont., and Richmond, B.C., for their glider training program.

Kevin DeBiasio, a commanding officer with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, said hes thrilled to be doing summer training with the cadets again this year after a quiet two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. DeBiasio said that during that time, a lot of the cadets aged out of the program after they turned 19. Miranda Leybourne/The Brandon Sun Many people showed up to the Brandon Flight Centre's fly-in breakfast on Saturday morning.

Getting new cadets in during COVID was tough, but we started meeting in person again in January or February, depending on the area.

DeBiasio runs one of 22 summer training centres throughout the country. The one in Brandon is solely focused on the air cadets gliding program.

Things have been coming back nicely, DeBiasio said. Were able to run a summer training centre again. Theres 22 summer training centres across Canada, so this is one of them. This one is totally focused on the youth gliding program. Miranda Leybourne/The Brandon Sun People take a look at one of the planes on display at the Brandon Flight Centre during Saturday's fly-in breakfast.

The program is managed by Canadian Armed Forces officers, most of whom are Cadet Instructors Cadre officers, and is the largest producer of glider pilots in Canada. Cadets between the ages of 16 and 18 are trained at the centres, and about 320 cadets receive their glider pilot licence each year. The program at the Brandon Flight Centre started during the first week of July and will run until the fourth week of August, when there will be a wing parade for the 19 graduates who took their training there.

The cadet program, however, is about more than just flying planes  or, in the case of army and sea cadets, doing exhibitions and sailing, respectively. DeBiasio said the program is all about leadership, physical activity and citizenship, the last virtue being the reason the air cadets were at the pancake breakfast in the first place. The cadets involved in the training program were on hand to help direct traffic, clean up the breakfast tables and make themselves useful in other ways.

Its using these activities to give the cadets the experiences and [teach them] how to be part of a group, how to better themselves, DeBiasio said.

People who attended the breakfast also got a chance to take in displays from the local and national aviation industry.

The Road Rebels car club set up a display of their eye-catching vehicles at the event, Fast Air, a private jet air charter out of Winnipeg, came to display one of their executive charter airplanes.

 mleybourne@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @miraleybourne
Arrested on warrant

Brandon police detained a Sandy Bay resident following a traffic stop that took place early Sunday morning, having discovered that there was a warrant out for the suspects arrest.

Police committed this road stop around 2:10 a.m. after spotting a vehicle that was speeding in the 600 block of Richmond Avenue.

After consulting with the Canadian Police Information Centre, officers discovered that the 21-year-old passenger of this vehicle had an endorsed warrant out for sexual assault and sexual interference.

While the Sandy Bay resident was taken into custody, they were later released to appear in Portage la Prairie provincial court on Sept. 13.

Robbery near 15th and Louise

Brandon police arrested two male youths, aged 15 and 17, on Friday evening after the pair allegedly stole personal property from some pedestrians after threatening them with a weapon.

Officers were dispatched shortly before 11 p.m. to the area near the intersection of 15th Street and Louise Avenue, where the robbery victims filled them in on what had transpired.

Police eventually located the two male youths in the area and recovered the stolen items.

During the arrest, police also discovered that one of the suspects was allegedly carrying a can of bear mace.

The arrested youths were transported to Brandon Police Service headquarters and were scheduled to appear before a judge regarding the matter.

Assault with a weapon

Local police detained a pair of women Friday night for allegedly punching someone and striking them with a bottle.

Police were dispatched to a hotel on the 1000 block of 18th Street at 9:35 p.m. after receiving reports that a fight had broken out within the establishment.

The female suspects, both 32 years old, were arrested at the scene for committing assault with a weapon.

The pair were eventually released from custody over the weekend on conditions and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

 The Brandon Sun
The night should have left throats hoarse from screaming and necks sore from head thumping. It did not. Fans can only hope it gets better from here. Reviewed by Carla Jaeger THEATRE

Unsolicited Male 

Chapel off Chapel, until August 7 Sexual relationships in the workplace are a potential minefield in the post #MeToo era and Australian playwright Ron Elishas 2018 play, Unsolicited Male, dissects gender and power politics and issues of consent by taking a deep dive into a single, messy incident between a male boss and his female employee. A #MeToo tale unfolds in Unsolicited Male starring Kym Valentine and Russell Fletcher. Credit:Jodie Hutchinson Boss Zeke (Russell Fletcher) is confident in his business role, but feels awkward, weak and unattractive to women in his personal life, while his employee Wendy (Kym Valentine) knows that her power is limited in the workplace but is very aware of her attractiveness to men.

At the end of a fateful workday, Zeke, a divorced dad of two, invites Wendy, his single, much younger personal assistant, to dinner as a gesture of gratitude for her work. He is harmless, complimentary and even offers her a promotion during their cheerful chatter, but a series of unpredictable and unrelated incidents sees them leave the restaurant early and end up at Wendys house where the conversation turns personal and Zeke assumes that his sexual advances are welcome. Elishas script, with unembellished direction by Suzanne Heywood, starts as a witty comedy with a deceptively simple scenario but rolls inexorably into a drama focussing on the power dynamics of this relationship, highlighting the blurred boundaries, unclear messages, wildly inaccurate assumptions, confused reactions and ensuing chaos. The play shifts back and forward in time, intercutting Zeke and Wendys evening with later scenes between Zeke and his gung-ho life coach Noah (Anthony Scundi), and Wendy with her bolshy sister Chelsea (Gabriella Rose-Carter). Noah and Chelsea have extreme, polar opposite perspectives on the situation  Chelsea sees Wendy as victim and prey while Noah views Zeke as assertive and empowered  and their brutal interjections and negative commentaries force Wendy and Zeke into rigid and perilous psychological positions that escalate the trauma. Fletcher is credible as Zeke, playing him as a pleasant bloke with no agenda who apologises too much, feels like a victim, acts like a wimp, seeks sympathy and feels unworthy of this beautiful womans attention. Valentine effectively charts Wendys emotional journey from capable employee, to playful, obliging dinner companion, then reticent, uncomfortable object of desire and finally, frozen, disempowered and traumatised victim. The simple set of a table and chairs places the main action between Wendy and Zeke centre stage while scenes with Noah and Chelsea unfold stage left and right. This placement of scenes splits the stage and is sometimes uncomfortable to watch, flicking our attention from side to side like a tennis match.

Unsolicited Male will leave audiences debating all the way home and its topical socio-political issues will generate as many opinions as there are audience members. Reviewed by Kate Herbert THEATRE

Paradise Lost 

Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre, until July 30 Bloomsheds bastardised and bonkers reimagining of John Miltons epic poem Paradise Lost is a literary, political and religious satire with a fair dose of blasphemy. James Malcher and Elizabeth Brennan in Paradise Lost. Credit:Sarah Walker There is much to recommend in this production, not least of which are the remarkable set design (Nathan Burmeister) and the inspired and hilarious opening that features lighting trickery (John Collopy) and a cast of tiny cherubs. Milton is satirised mercilessly  described dismissively as a blind 17th century Protestant poet  and his celebrated work is stripped down to its narrative essence in this contemporary interpretation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

The Lord God John Milton (James Malcher), a pompous poseur in ridiculously oversized headgear, narrates from his balcony while The Scribe (Anna Louey), seated in the audience, takes notes. Meanwhile, Archangel Michael (Emily OConnor), a smug corporate executive type responsible for the idyllic garden, announces the launch of a perfect lovemaking, toiling and worshipping machine that will relieve the angels of all duties. Welcome Adam (Edan Goodall)! Archangel Lucifer (James Jackson) objects to Adam being used as a machine, so Michael chases Lucifer away with only an armful of cherubs for company. Michael creates Eve (Elizabeth Brennan) from Adams rib then trains them like Pavlovs dogs to do their daily chores of sexing, toiling and worshipping. It all goes wrong of course, and Lucifer returns, manipulates Eve into eating the apple and the garden is revealed to be a plastic, corporate sham. Jackson has impeccable timing and witty delivery as the seductive, charming Lucifer who is passionate about saving Adam from servitude. OConnor is commanding as Michael, playing him as a smarmy, charismatic evangelist running a campaign to lure investors into the garden development. Goodalls Adam and Brennans Eve are sweetly silly and naive, although their dialogue is almost incomprehensible during all their running, toiling and sexing. This reconstruction of Paradise Lost is a barbed commentary on political corruption, capitalism, environmental damage and social responsibility. It includes sharp, satirical dialogue and clever visual comedy such as Lucifers interminable elevator ride to Hell, accompanied by a musak version of Johnny Cashs Ring of Fire. The earlier parts of the show feature cunningly written, well-performed monologues, particularly by Jackson and OConnor, but the final scenes feel confused and have an edge of hysteria. The audience laughs at the last parodic scene and the anachronistic introduction of Jesus, but the final image is poignant, even tragic rather than comical. It would be interesting to know which  if any  other sacred cows this company would be willing to sacrifice. Reviewed by Kate Herbert

DANCE Victory Over the Moon 

Chunky Move Studios, until 30 July The first thing one notices about this new work by Nana Bilus Abaffy is the set. Statues of veiled figures lie prone among sprigs of ivy. Word-search puzzle books and handfuls of coloured markers are scattered about. A small mountain of satin-like sheets extends onto the stage. Victory Over the Moon at Chunky Move.. Credit:courtesy of the artist Abaffy and her collaborators  Milo Love and Geoffrey Watson  have created a world with all the cold, white-on-white mystery of a painting by de Chirico. And the choreography, with its meditative tone and elusive symbolism, suggests a kinship with those metaphysical investigations that can be found in modernist art of the last century.

Even the title recalls the Italian futurists who promised to murder the moonlight in their quest to overturn traditional ideas of beauty. And one can sense here, amid the ironies and ambiguities, a serious desire to elevate human sensibility. This is a work that dreams of flight and a new world harmony. The performers sometimes careen through the space, shouting and grunting and colliding. At other times, they approximate the stillness of the statues while observing each other. They alternate between urgency and procrastination. They arch their backs to stare at the roof or they sit splay-legged contemplating their hands. It could be monotonous, but Abaffy has a talent for the composition of theatrical enigmas that fascinate rather than repel. Her method of juxtaposing images creates semantic gaps that open onto the unexpected. Things become other than what are. They become what they could be or should be. Near the end, for example, it appears for a moment that hands are wings. A video of birds in flight is projected against the back wall. Are these doves returning to the ark, signifying the end of the crisis? Or is it a wry reminder? Do not despair. Today you are the statue, but tomorrow you might be the pigeon. Reviewed by Andrew Fuhrmann OPERA

The Barber of Seville 

On tour until September, visit opera.org.au for dates

Baritone Andrew Williams stars as the Barber of Seville in Opera Australias touring production. Credit:Jeff Busby If Wes Anderson were ever to direct an opera, it would probably look a lot like this one. Opera Australias touring production of Gioachino Rossinis The Barber of Seville is colourful, kitsch, and playful, with a pink-heavy palette and a whole lot of symmetry. This version cant be pinned down to an exact era  in the best of ways, aesthetically its as if the 40s met the 60s with a hint of the early 2000s. Theres a reason this opera, which premiered in 1816, is so enduring  its punchy, funny, contains memorable tunes and theres room around the edges for innovation. This staging relishes in the humour of the source material while having its own distinct personality. The Barber of Seville tells the story of Count Almaviva (initially played by John Longmuir, but then taken on by Nicholas Jones during act one due to sickness), who falls for a woman named Rosina (Cathy-Di Zhang) who is under the jealous guardianship of Dr Bartolo (Michael Lampard). Instead of being a father figure, however, Bartolo intends to marry her. Almaviva enlists the charismatic Figaro (Andrew Williams)  the titular barber of Seville  to help him both win and test Rosinas love. Disguises and hijinks ensue. Loading

Rosina could be a tragic figure  trapped, oppressed, and at the mercy of two different men who want to marry her  but shes not. Rossinis Rosina is already puckish and in control of her own story  at least to a degree  tricking her guardian and ultimately getting her own way. In director Priscilla Jackmans version, Rosinas autonomy is amped up  instead of being set in Dr Bartolos house, the entire opera takes place in and around Rosinas Sevillised Libations and she enjoys tripping, teasing and manipulating Bartolo. Zhang excels at the physical comedy required of the role and in the vocal challenges. Though occasionally some of the mens voices didnt quite manage to fill Bendigos Ulumbarra Theatre, each of the leads demonstrate an impressive command of vocals and acting. Williams delivery of the iconic Figaro, Figaro, Figaro!  a line that has osmosed out of opera and into pop culture  was a particular early highlight. This staging is a crowd-pleasing story dressed up in a thoughtful and fun new way. Reviewer Elizabeth Flux travelled to Bendigo as a guest of Opera Australia. POP MUSIC

Gorillaz 

John Cain Arena, July 24 The first word that comes to mind is joyous.

After a 12-year absence and an unfortunate Splendour false start, Gorillaz played their first Australian date to a packed Melbourne crowd smiling from ear to ear. How couldnt you be, as Damon Albarn bounded on stage, toothy trademark grin intact, to belt out M1 A1 like it was 2001 all over again and we had slightly fewer worries than we do now? Gorillaz at John Cain Arena. Credit:Margot Bishop Gorillaz themselves technically hadnt even taken the stage yet, however Jamie Hewletts animated creations of Hobbs, Murdoc, 2-D and Noodle quickly filled the visuals for the evening, especially Song Machine highlight Strange Timez where they did a duet with Robert Smith on the moon. Thats just cool. High praise must be placed on the impressively diverse stage presence of the band, who looked like they were having just the best time, all the time. They cranked out hit after hit with a great sound mix highlighting just how many members were on stage contributing so much. Damon Albarn leads Gorillaz in Melbourne. Credit:Margot Bishop

Almost everyone made use of the stages small catwalk at one point to soak in the newly believable aspect of playing to an audience, while coincidently making me wish I could buy Albarn a beer as he barged into the crowd during Pirate Jet. Its safe to say we werent ready for the 1-2 punch of Dirty Harry into Feel Good Inc. With so many life-defining songs on display, Albarn proclaimed the set was what you needed and what we needed. A massive encore left us with sore cheeks from smiling for two hours, and a hope that it wont be another 12 years between drinks. Reviewed by Harry Bradley CLASSICAL MUSIC

Shining Strings 

Melbourne Recital Centre, July 23 I alone hold the key to this savage parade. These startling words by poet Arthur Rimbaud launch Benjamin Brittens song cycle Les Illuminations, a work which imparted its exotic and precocious mood to this concert performed by the strings of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

One of the keys to the program was the French influence on Brittens music, initially celebrated with excerpts from Purcells fashionably Gallic score for The Fairy Queen. Concertmaster Dale Barltrop elicited stylish, lively and luminous playing, apart from the disproportionate presence of three double basses. This possible signal of impending savagery was explained after the Purcell, when regular MSO bass player Stephen Newton declaimed the opening line of the Britten from his place at the rear of the orchestra. Leaving his instrument behind, he then moved to various points around the stage to assume his role as soloist. MSO concertmaster Dale Barltrop. Credit:Laura Manariti Newton presents as a loveable larrikin, of whom Rimbaud would doubtless have approved, but the more strait-laced and exacting Britten might have been pained by Newtons wanderings. Although committed to a highly dramatic rendering of text and music, Newton could not afford the luxury of being anywhere other than front and centre, where his light and not unattractive tenor had some chance of being heard over the orchestra. Ultimately, the net result was more elusive than savage. The undisputed enthusiasm that Barltrop and his colleagues brought to the Britten was also present in Ravels String Quartet in F, carefully arranged for string orchestra to preserve the delicate light and shade vital to Ravels original concept. Beautifully honed solo passages, notably by Barltrop and violist Fiona Sargeant, were offset by brilliant, energetic tuttis.

Showcasing the multifaceted talents of musicians is to be applauded, but greater musical practicality held the key to unleashing the power of this savage parade. Reviewed by Tony Way JAZZ

Ally 

Paris Cat, Friday 22 July Gai Bryant named her latest band Ally because she sees its members as musical allies, uniting their creative resources in pursuit of a common purpose  in this case, exploring traditional Latin rhythms through a contemporary jazz lens. She could also have called the band Alloy, which would neatly describe the fascinating amalgam of styles and cultures on which the music is based. Peruvian, Brazilian, Cuban and Andalusian rhythmic traditions lie at the heart of Bryants compositions, lending the tunes an undercurrent of irresistible buoyancy. Loading

On Friday night at a sold-out Paris Cat, the Sydney sextet filled the room with vibrant Afro-Peruvian festejo, Brazilian maracatu and flamenco bulerias. Percussionist Julio Candela (on cajon and congas) and drummer Ryan Menezes formed the agile twin engine for these polyrhythmic adventures, anchored by Max Alducas supple bass and Daniel Pliners deft piano. Bryant  on alto and soprano sax  and trombonist James Greening typically laid out the melodic themes in taut unison before harmonising or peeling off into authoritative solos. On Cuba the horns rode in a loping canter over the rhythm sections intricate, multi-layered pulse. Spheres That Dont (a flamenco reworking of Thelonious Monks Well, You Neednt) featured fluttering cajon to underline the staccato melody, with Bryants soprano adding flecks of angularity before Greening embarked on a wonderfully exuberant solo excursion. Ally saxophonist and bandleader Gai Bryant. On several tunes the band was joined by Brazilian-born poet Dai Moret, whose liquid phrases in English and Portuguese  half spoken, half whispered  added an air of seductive mystery. Loading
Dozens left waiting for hospital beds in Adelaide

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The mother of three children killed during a Port Hedland house fire has been charged with their murders.

Margaret Hawke, 36, fronted Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning over the allegations, as well as one count of criminal damage by fire.

Wearing a ripped jumper and a mask, Hawke glanced briefly at family members in the public gallery before listening as the magistrate read out the four charges against her.

With her arms crossed, she nodded as each charge was read and was remanded in custody until August 31.
TEHRAN, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian nuclear chief said his country will not turn on the surveillance cameras of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) installed within the framework of a 2015 nuclear deal until parties resume honoring their commitments under the deal.

Mohammad Eslami, president of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), made the remarks in an address to reporters on the sidelines of an exhibition in Tehran on Monday, the official news agency IRNA reported.

He said the Islamic Republic sees no reason for the presence of these cameras at its nuclear sites as they had been recording data supposed to exonerate Tehran from certain accusations, which are still in place.

Eslami added although in 2015, lengthy negotiations between Iran and the world powers resulted in the signing of a nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the West is still leveling accusations at Iran based on stolen documents and "baseless claims."

"Iran accepted to put curbs on its (nuclear) capacities to build trust, but despite all these, they did not remain committed to their obligations," he said.

Eslami said the agency itself has removed the cameras and sealed them, adding they will be kept in Iran's nuclear facilities until the other sides return to the JCPOA.

Eslami emphasized that the IAEA is currently monitoring Iran's nuclear activities according to the safeguards agreements.

In June, the IAEA's Board of Governors passed an anti-Iran resolution proposed by the United States, Britain, France and Germany following the agency's reports that Tehran had not provided "technically credible explanations" for uranium particles at three undeclared sites.

In the wake of the adoption of the IAEA resolution, Iran announced its decision to take a number of measures, including turning off the IAEA's surveillance cameras at its sites.

Iran signed the nuclear deal 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. 
A former employee of Sydneys porn king is likely to have her fraud sentence reduced after a court quashed 14 convictions related to stealing from her boss.

Neva Lozzi, 46, was found guilty in the Downing Centre Local Court last year on 29 counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception after she made a series of payments to herself while helping to run Con Anges adult store empire between 2015 and 2020.

Neva Lozzi pictured outside court last year and Con Ange (inset). Credit: Nick Moir (main), Kate Geraghty

Lozzi was jailed for four years, with a non-parole period of three years, but was granted bail as she awaited her appeal.

In a judgment on Friday, District Court Judge John Pickering quashed 14 of the convictions. He upheld 15 others, relating to $176,561.45 taken by Lozzi.
Buildings up to 28 storeys will be constructed on 10 hectares of railway land near Redfern station in central Sydney under state government plans for a residential, entertainment and technology hub.

The draft master plan for the Redfern-North Eveleigh precinct is centred on an area known as the Paint Shop, which was named after the 135-year-old brick workshop where the states passenger trains were overhauled until 1988.

An artists impression of the redeveloped Paint Shop precinct, on the left, opposite Carriageworks. Credit:NSW government

Under the draft plans, the historic Paint Shop building could be turned into a commercial space or put to other uses, while several new public squares will be incorporated into the precinct, including one fronting Wilson Street.

If approved, the area will have up to 450 new apartments in buildings ranging from three to 28 storeys, the final designs of which are yet to be determined. The Paint Shop is opposite Carriageworks, the art space at the Eveleigh rail yards.
Speaker Curtis Pitt has extended an olive branch to the state opposition for a fresh review of the decade-old committee system responsible for holding Queenslands sole house of parliament to account.

The comments come as the man charged with running parliament for the past 19 years told a budget estimates hearing he did not think the process was working as well as envisaged when the system was established and may have gotten even worse.

Queenslands parliamentary committee system has been largely unchanged since 2011. Opposition parties and other authoritative figures suggest it might be time for a rethink. Credit:Robert Rough

Two weeks of hearings for the 2022 state budget estimates began on Tuesday, with Pitt, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Treasurer Cameron Dick and Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe first to be quizzed about their portfolio areas.

Within the first half-hour, long-serving Clerk of Parliament Neil Laurie said that while the 2011 overhaul, which allowed committees to scrutinise legislation, had been a huge success, the accountability part of their function had a long way to go.
Heres the thing about losing an election. At least theres plenty of time left for lunch.

Last Thursday two former prime ministers Scott Morrison and John Howard sat down together at Sydneys exclusive, all-male Australian Club for a midday meal.

No doubt Howard has plenty of advice to offer Morrison about life after the Lodge.

By losing his own seat of Bennelong, Howard avoided the ignominy of returning to the backbench. Morrison isnt exactly warming to it. Despite parliaments return, only one of the two Sydneysiders made the trip to Canberra  and it wasnt the member for Cook.

Howard flew in to join a rev up the troops dinner with Peter Dutton and his opposition at Canberras Boat House on Sunday night. Morrison though, is headed to Tokyo, where hell attend a two-day conference for conservative has-beens, alongside former British PM David Cameron, Canadas Stephen Harper, ex-Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny, New Zealander John Key and more.
Michael Buxton, emeritus professor of environment and planning at RMIT University, said land banking by developers had been a problem for decades. The government makes available a large amount of land in theory by rezoning and fast-tracking approvals ... but the decision is then left to the development company about the rate at which this land supply will be made available. So a lot of them are drip-feeding land out in order to keep land prices high. A Victorian government spokeswoman said developers were expected to release land for housing after all planning processes had been completed. Increasing the supply of new homes is one of many factors that help drive down the cost of buying a home, she said. It is disappointing that developers continue to land bank and block the delivery of homes to manipulate the market for profit.

At Woodlea on Melbournes western fringe, large areas sit empty, waiting to be sold. When blocks are released, typically 25 every month, buyers go online to snap them up. But despite the demand, no more blocks are available for eager buyers. Praveen Mandala bought his block in the 711-hectare estate, 29 kilometres from Melbournes CBD, in 2015 shortly after Woodlea launched stage eight of the development. There was absolutely nothing, just paddocks and a sales office, he said. An aerial view of the Woodlea Estate in Aintree on Melbournes western fringe. Credit:Eddie Jim Mandala said people used to queue up for days like an iPhone release to buy a block at Woodlea, but the process then moved online with the release of lots each month. He paid $330,000 for his 640-square-metre block but said since then prices have shot up and the cost was closer to $450,000 for a 448-square-metre block.

Mandala loves living at Woodlea and is worried rising prices and the challenge of securing a plot make it difficult for more people to move to the area. Its not just affordability. You need to be lucky as well to get a piece of land. Land sales at Woodlea are controlled by the developers, property giant Mirvac and Malaysian group VIP. After launching in 2015 Woodlea was advertised as Australias fastest-selling community and the development was expected to run over 18 years until 2033. However, more than six years in, Prospers analysis of all sales at Woodlea, as assessed by the Victorian Valuer-General and recorded by CoreLogic, reveals only 25.1 per cent, or 1652 out of 6584 lots, had been sold by July 2021.

A spokeswoman for Woodlea and Mirvac disputed these figures and said the development had sold about 60 per cent of new home sites and had about 700 home sites under construction. The average sales rate at Woodlea is above what is achieved at similar projects of this scale, she said. We aim to release new home sites as quickly as possible, but this is reliant on a number of factors including authority approvals, delivery of critical infrastructure and services, supply and labour capacity, as well as market demand. Queues in 2018 to inquire about buying land at Woodlea. Credit:Steve Pinirou Prospers analysis of sales data from Atherstone in Melton South found that after nine years of development 69.51 per cent of lots remained and total price gain for an average lot was $123,907 during that time. According to developer Lendlease, as of January this year, Atherstone had sold 63 per cent and settled 54 per cent of total residential lots. Anne Jolic, head of Victoria communities at Lendlease, said Atherstone was a top-performing community.

We have brought forward the delivery of many lots year on year to meet the strong market demand, and to deliver more housing to meet Victorias critical supply shortage, she said. Prospers analysis of Manor Lakes near Werribee found that after 16 years of development 43.31 per cent of lots remained and the price gain for an average lot was $251,059. Dennis Family, the developer of Manor Lakes, did not respond to a request for comment. Peak developer industry body the Urban Development Institute of Australia said delays were not the fault of developers but were instead a result of the post-precinct structure plan approval process.

Chief executive Matthew Kandelaars said Prospers report was based on flawed assumptions. The industry wants to bring land to market, but from engineering approvals to water and utility connections, it is drowning in red tape, he said. Weve pleaded to have these processes streamlined as a matter of urgency. However, Fitzgerald said all the projects Prosper analysed already had planning approval and any delay was the developers choice. Australia needs to consider third-market housing models such as community land trusts, which are housing developments with community and affordability at the forefront rather than shareholder responsibilities, alongside good old property tax reform. Developers are saying they can finish a master-plan community in 20 years but they are averaging about 40 years across our study, he said. We need to slowly ratchet up land taxes so by the 10th and 15th year it becomes less and less profitable to hold real estate to ransom.
This advice, if adopted, may mean difficult reminders of the dark days of lockdown, but it should not be confused as a return to it.

He also strongly recommended that during July and August, when the pressure on the health system was anticipated to be its worst, people work from home where it is practical to do so  .

Cowie said the proposed new orders, as well as more people wearing masks voluntarily, would directly reduce the number of hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19.

Since then, restrictions have been progressively wound back. Then, earlier this month, Victorias acting chief health officer Professor Ben Cowie recommended mask mandates should be reinstated for retail and hospitality workers, at schools (barring students below grade three) and in a couple of other situations.

While its completely understandable people are traumatised by lockdowns, or fear one new rule could be the thin end of the wedge, it cant be too difficult to see that the sacrifices being asked of Victorians now are small in comparison to what we have endured before, when businesses were destroyed, schools were closed and families separated.

One of the key problems is that from quite early in the pandemic much of the public came to believe that public health measures should only go one way (away) and the problem of COVID-19 would do the same thing.

This idea has never been backed by science, as epidemiologist Tony Blakely explained to me in February, saying that while he supported easing some restrictions at that time, there needed to be plans to reinstate measures if there was a new variant, for example. It might have been better to explain things like wearing a high-quality mask as like a winter coat, you can take it on and off when needed.

There was a good opportunity to address this gap in the public messaging this year, between the January wave of Omicron that brought the health system to its knees and the current one we are in now, which could be worse.

More time could have been spent explaining why boosters are so important, why masks do work (plus which ones are best and how to wear them), while adjusting peoples expectations about what normal looks like in the midst of a pandemic.
Perth police are seeking the publics help after a partially dressed man was seen jumping from the Narrows Bridge on Sunday afternoon around 2.45pm.

Emergency crews launched an extensive air, land and water search for the man shortly after he was reported to be seen leaping into the water.

The Narrows Bridge. Credit:James Mooney

It was suspended into the evening and recommenced at first light Monday morning.

A WA Police spokesman said the circumstances surrounding the incident were not yet known, and police did not know the mans identity.
Accounting body CPA Australia says home builders that become insolvent due to external factors should be allowed to continue to trade to avoid setting off a domino effect throughout the industry.

But the Housing Industry Association says companies need help before they reach the insolvency stage.

The construction industry is facing challenges. Credit:Brendon Thorne

CPA Australia manager of insolvency policy Kristen Beadle said home builders were facing a perfect storm of higher costs, contracts with slim margins and long delays, and government assistance during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic might have kept some companies afloat that otherwise would have failed.

So what that means is were going to have a raft of insolvencies coming through on those particular companies or small businesses, Beadle said.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet says there is no place for altercations but that people deserve privacy after his former colleague John Barilaro was caught on camera in a scuffle with a cameraman.

Speaking on Monday in Seoul, where he is on the second leg of his trade trip to Asia, Perrottet said he did not condone Barilaros conduct. Obviously there is no place for altercations in society like that, he said.

But I also make the point, as Mr Barilaro has pointed out, that people get pushed and pushed and pushed.

I dont believe there is any place for harassment, and particularly for people who are private citizens. Its very different if youre in public life. If youre a private citizen, peoples privacy should be respected.
Washington: Chinas latest launch of a huge rocket is, once again, raising alarm that the debris will crash into the Earths surface in an uncertain location and at great speed.

On Sunday afternoon local time, the Long March 5B blasted off from the Wenchang launch site on the southern island province of Hainan, carrying a solar-powered new lab, the Wentian experiment module, to be added to Chinas Tiangong Space Station.

The Long March 5B Y3 carrier rocket, carrying Wentian lab module blasts off from the Wenchang Space Launch Centre. Credit:AP

But size of the heavy-lift rocket - it stands 53.6 metres tall and weighs 837,500 kilograms - and the risky design of its launch process have led experts to fear that some debris from its core stage could fail to burn up as it reenters Earths atmosphere.

As with two previous launches, the rocket shed its empty 23-tonne first stage in orbit, meaning that it will continue to loop the Earth over coming days as it gradually comes closer to landing. This flight path is difficult to predict because of fluctuations in the atmosphere caused by changes in solar activity.
TAIPEI, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A cross-Strait cultural and travel exchange event kicked off on the mainland and in Taiwan on Monday, introducing tourist attractions in Qinghai Province to people in Taiwan.

Among the attractions discussed was Sanjiangyuan, or the Three-River-Source, home to the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers.

Opening ceremonies were held simultaneously via video link in Xining, capital city of Qinghai Province on the mainland, and in Taipei. Approximately 150 individuals from cultural, tourism and art circles on both sides of the Straits attended the ceremony.

The event was co-organized by the Chinese Culture Friendship Association (CCFA), the Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits, the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, and the Qinghai provincial government. It was the largest cross-Straits exchange activity in the cultural and tourism fields to be held offline since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the parallel session in Taipei, Christopher Hsu from a local travel association shared his experience of traveling to Qinghai, which he has visited 16 times. "The cross-Straits tourism exchange has met many setbacks over the past two years of COVID-19, but I believe that after the pandemic, both sides of the Straits will have a stronger will to deepen their cultural and tourism exchanges and cooperation."

The event is part of a cross-Straits cultural exchange program established by the CCFA in 2001. Focusing on different tourism destinations each year, it has attracted more than 1,000 participants from cultural and art sectors in Taiwan. 
London: The worlds leading economies must use Russias war in Ukraine as an opportunity to accelerate a transition to renewable energy, COP26 president Alok Sharma says, even if some nations will need to rely on more fossil fuels in the short term.

The British cabinet minister, who was entrusted to move the global effort to tackle climate change forward at last years Glasgow summit, said Vladimir Putins brutal invasion had provided a wake-up call that climate and environmental security are now totally interlinked with energy and national security.

Alok Sharma, president of COP26, says the war in Ukraine has shown the urgency of transition to secure, renewable energy. Credit:Bloomberg

Sharma will meet with several federal government ministers and crossbench MPs in Canberra this week as he continues to press for the delivery of the Glasgow Climate Pact, which seeks to keep alive the aim of limiting global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees.

In an interview with The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald ahead of his trip, Sharma said while some European countries would need to return to their own domestic fossil fuels reserves in the coming years, the dramatic situation showed the importance of fast-tracking renewable projects around the world.
Kyiv: Russias top diplomat says his countrys overarching goal in Ukraine is to free its people from its unacceptable regime, expressing the Kremlins war goals in some of the bluntest terms yet.

The remark from Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov comes as Russian forces continue to pummel the country with artillery barrages and airstrikes.

We are determined to help the people of eastern Ukraine to liberate themselves from the burden of this absolutely unacceptable regime, Lavrov said at an Arab League summit in Cairo, referring to Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskys government.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov: We are determined to help the people of eastern Ukraine to liberate themselves from the burden of this absolutely unacceptable regime. Credit:AP

Apparently suggesting that Moscows aims extend beyond Ukraines industrial Donbas region in the east, Lavrov said: We will certainly help the Ukrainian people to get rid of the regime, which is absolutely anti-people and anti-historical.
So wilful rejection of electoral reality is now compulsory in Trumpworld. And, as Swan reveals, hes gone much further, planning a systematic, mass-scale purge of the permanent US public service to root out the so-called deep state. Unlike a Westminster democracy, the American system reserves the uppermost echelon of the public service for political appointees. In Australia, a mere handful of senior officials will be replaced by an incoming government. The entire bureaucracy is supposed to be professionally apolitical. In the US, about 4000 of the most senior public servants are political appointees and all of them typically are replaced by an incoming administration, a time-honoured turnover. Violent insurrectionists loyal to then-president Donald Trump stand outside the US Capitol in Washington on January 6, 2021. Credit:AP But Trump, unsatisfied with the traction he was able to establish over the federal public service, plans an assault on many thousands more using an untested mechanism called Schedule F.

Its a plan to radically reshape the federal government, to stack it with loyalists to his America First ideology, writes Swan, formerly a political reporter with this masthead. The impact could go well beyond typical conservative targets such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Internal Revenue Service. Trump allies are working on plans that would potentially strip layers at the Justice Department  including the FBI, and reaching into national security, intelligence, the State Department and the Pentagon, sources close to the former president say. US-based Australian journalist Jonathan Swan has written an extensive report for Axios delving into Donald Trumps plans for a second term as US president. According to Swan, a constellation of right-wing organisations are working with Trump to prepare a personnel pool of thousands ready to be tapped immediately should he win in 2024. One of Trumps recruiters, Andrew Kloster, has said: I think the first thing you need to hire for is loyalty. The funny thing is, you can learn policy. You cant learn loyalty.

The personnel are also the policy, an echelon of ideological and policy loyalists who will deliver Trumps agenda. The head of one of the Trumpist talent-spotting outfits is Saurabh Sharma of American Moment. He favours people who are protectionist on trade and anti-interventionist on foreign policy, Swan writes. They must be eager to fight the culture war. Credentials are almost irrelevant. We have been warned. These Biden years may be but a brief interregnum, a calm between two storms. And the second storm, according to these omens, would be more savage than the first. For countries like Australia, this is a grave risk. The US alliance is founded on a shared interest in an open trading system and mutual assistance in case of war. Trump is opposed to both concepts.

Canberra will try to reassure itself on two grounds. First, it will point out that the alliance survived the first Trump presidency intact. But one of the Morrison governments survival techniques was to emphasise dealing with a wide array of US government agencies, beyond the White House. Loading Australia sought to avoid the mad king in the castle by working through the saner barons and earls in Washingtons various federal fortresses. Pentagon Secretary Jim Mattis, for instance. If Trump succeeds, there will be no more Jim Mattises. It will be impossible to avoid Trumpist America First fanatics. When Australia looks to America for help, there may be none forthcoming. Thats what America First is all about. Second, Canberra will point out that Trump has a history of antagonism toward China. Even Trumps America, surely, would stand with Australia in resisting Beijings ambitions.

Dont be so sure. As Trumps national security adviser, John Bolton, told me, Australia banned the Chinese communications champion Huawei first and Trump hesitated to follow. Why? Because Trump was holding out hope for a big trade deal with Xi Jinping. Loading He was prepared to trade Huawei away for the deal of the century. Everything was on the table. If hed gotten the deal he sought with China, Australia would have been the only country to ban Huawei, left to face Xis retribution alone. Trump would be prepared to sell out Australias interests in a heartbeat. And we know he has a special fondness for tyrants, Vladimir Putin, for instance. Trump recently complained that the US is spending too much to aid Ukraine. And on Saturday, he told a Florida rally that he would not respect Americas NATO treaty in the event of an attack from Russia: Thats right, I will not come to your defence, he said, to the cheers of his crowd. So much for the defence of the free world.
Latest News Asset finance applications tumble But business loan demand up, says credit bureau

Reserve Bank announces two key appointments One becomes head of international department, the other of the financial stability department

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has banned former NSW mortgage broker Guodong Liu for seven years after he was found to have made false statements to ASIC.

Liu, also known as Louis Liu, has been banned from engaging in any credit activities, performing any function involved in engaging in credit activities, or controlling another person who engages in credit activities.

Between November 2016 and December 2017, Liu who was a director of mortgage brokerage businesses Wealth Investment Milestone Pty Ltd and Aus Mortgage Pty Ltd, lodged two annual credit compliance certificates and an Australian credit licence application with ASIC.

Liu knowingly made false statements in these three documents.

Read more: Adelaide mortgage broker permanently banned by ASIC

Liu also made a false statement directly to an ASIC staff member in connection with the credit licence application.

In banning Liu, ASIC found that he was not a fit and proper person to engage in credit activities.

ASIC found that Lius actions showed a lack of honesty, integrity and judgement and that his failure to tell the truth about why he needed a new credit licence suggested a significant degree of deceit.

Lius banning has been recorded on ASICs publicly available Banned and Disqualified persons register.

Read more: ASIC empowers banks to protect victims of family violence

Liu now has the right to seek a review of ASICs decision at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

On November 27, 2020, Liu was convicted in the Downing Centre Local Court of knowingly making false statements and on July 29, 2021, the District Court overturned Lius conviction and sentence but found him guilty of the offences and placed him on a two-year good behaviour bond.
Latest News Asset finance applications tumble But business loan demand up, says credit bureau

Reserve Bank announces two key appointments One becomes head of international department, the other of the financial stability department

Australian Broker is looking for the countrys fastest-growing brokerages to be showcased in the second annual Fast Brokerages report, proudly sponsored by Liberty.

To be considered for a place in the Fast Brokerages 2022 report, you must provide information on your brokerages headcount and revenue figures from the 2021/22 financial year. All figures provided must relate to a brokerages Australian operations only.

Australian Broker is also on the lookout for new brokerages making their mark on the mortgage landscape. Those that have been in business for less than three years are invited to be profiled in a special section of the report highlighting the fastest-growing young companies.

Entries can be submitted through this brief online form, completely free of cost. The deadline for nominations is Friday, 19 August.

As strong advocates of the broker channel for 25 years, were honoured to sponsor the Fast Brokerages 2022 Special Report, said John Mohnacheff, group sales manager at Liberty.

Brokerages are the lifeblood of the Australian mortgage industry and play a pivotal role in helping more Australians get  and stay  financial in all market climates. Were proud to play our part in acknowledging and recognising those who are holding the hands of prospective homeowners when they need it most.

The Fast Brokerages 2022 report will be published on the Australian Broker website in November.

Complete the entry form here.
Latest News Asset finance applications tumble But business loan demand up, says credit bureau

Reserve Bank announces two key appointments One becomes head of international department, the other of the financial stability department

NAB, Australias largest business bank, has become the most certified Microsoft customer in Australia and New Zealand as it works toward building a multi-cloud ecosystem for the bank.

To date, the number of NAB employees who have obtained a Microsoft Certification reached nearly 1,800  the highest number of any organisation in Australia outside of Microsoft.

Microsoft certifications are globally recognised and industry-endorsed evidence that learners have mastered the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in todays digitally led world, including the ability to use products such as Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Power Platform, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Teams.

NABs cloud guild has been working with Microsofts worldwide learning team since 2020 to amplify learning opportunities for the banks employees. These opportunities include customised training programs and private hackathon-style events for NAB personnel, as well as a Teams channel that fosters continued collaboration between the banks staff and Microsofts expert training instructors.

We are continuing to evolve our industry-leading cloud journey and as we do that, its vital that we invest in our colleagues to thrive in this new environment, said Steve Day, chief technology officer at NAB. Over the last four years, weve trained more than 7,000 of our people in cloud technology, and that continues across our workforces in Australia, Vietnam, and India. Our partnership with Microsoft has ensured that our significant investment in technology is well-supported by a significant investment in our people, which ultimately leads to better customer experiences.

NAB has also recently become one of the first companies in the world to train its employees using a blended learning program for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator certification. Delivered over four weeks for groups of 200 participants, the program combines on-demand learning modules with instructor-led sessions so that participants can learn at their own pace. The program also provides participants with a social community of learning on Teams where they can engage with their instructors and classmates.

Over the next 18 months, NAB plans to train an additional 4,000 employees in Australia and overseas  including more than 500 engineers and interns  through Microsofts learning programs.

On behalf of Microsoft, I would like to congratulate NAB on its amazing learning achievement, said Paula Matthews, chief learning officer at Microsoft Australia. NAB is at the forefront of innovation in Australia, and we look forward to continuing to help its workforce keep pace with todays technological landscape.
reported a 91 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth in standalone net profit to Rs 4,125.26 crore in the April-June quarter. This was led by firm growth in net interest income (NII) and improved margins. Sequentially, the private lenders profit after tax (PAT) was steady, rising 0.2 per cent from Rs 4,117.77 crore a quarter ago.

During the quarter under review, Axis Banks NII  the difference between interest earned and interest expended  rose 21 per cent YoY and 6 per cent sequentially to Rs 9,384 crore.

The banks net interest margin (NIM) stood at 3.6 per cent in April-June, up from 3.46 per cent a year ago and 3.49 per cent a quarter ago.

When we had NIMs of 3.4 per cent, I had said that we would breach 40 basis points (bps) over 10-12 quarters. We are two quarters into that journey. You have seen 3.4 per cent move up to 3.6 per cent. Therefore, you are seeing delivery versus what we said two quarters ago about the NIM trajectory, said Axis Banks chief financial officer (CFO) Puneet Sharma, in a post-earnings call.

It is very important to note what net interest income is by virtue of risk-weighted assets. You can take on higher risk and deliver higher NIMs. Our NII to risk-weighted assets now stands at 7.26 per cent. So, this is a healthy NIM growth, Sharma said.

In April-June, the banks core operating profit, which strips out provisions and treasury income, was Rs 6,554 crore. This is a rise of 17 per cent from a year ago and 5 per cent from a quarter ago.

Axis Bank, however, suffered a trading loss of Rs 667 crore in the previous quarter against trading gains worth Rs 556 crore in the first quarter of the previous financial year.

Banks have notched up trading losses in the previous quarter due to a sharp rise in bond yields following rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

In a post-earnings call, Axis Banks managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) Amitabh Chaudhry said that an application to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) regarding the purchase of Citis retail business had been made. According to him, it should be received in the next six to eight weeks.

We have limited concerns, if any, on how the business is doing. Generally, we are seeing that all the businesses are up and doing quite well, Chaudhry said.

In March, said it would purchase Citis retail business for Rs 12,235 crore.

As part of the acquisition, we have Rs 58,000 crore of deposits and Rs 28,000 crore of assets. Part of it will get deployed for CRR (cash reserve ratio)/SLR (statutory liquidity ratio) maintenance. There is no liquidity impact on our balance sheet because of the acquisition, Sharma added.

Balance sheet

As on June 30, Axis Banks balance sheet was Rs 11.52 trillion, up 14 per cent YoY, with total deposits growing 14 per cent on a quarterly average basis and 13 per cent on a YoY basis.

As on June 30, the share of low-cost current account savings account (CASA) deposits in total deposits was 43 per cent.

The banks advances grew 14 per cent YoY to Rs 7.01 trillion as on June 30. Retail loans grew 25 per cent YoY to Rs 4.12 trillion, accounting for 59 per cent of net advances.

The bank expects its credit growth to continue outstripping that of the broader industry, which is around 13 per cent.

Loan growth missed estimates at 14 per cent YoY. However, there was a marginal decline sequentially of 0.9 per cent.

Sequential decline was mainly on account of lower corporate & SME (small and medium enterprises) loans, said Gaurav Jani, Research Analyst, Prabhudas Lilladher.

Axis Banks net advances to corporates declined 5 per cent YoY to Rs 2.16 trillion as on June 30.

On the lending side, particularly at the short end of the curve, we think that competition to some degree is mispricing liquidity at this point in time, Sharma said, in response to a question on lower momentum in corporate lending.

Net non-performing asset (NPA) ratio declined by 56 bps YoY and 9 bps sequentially to 0.64 per cent.
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Monday voiced firm opposition to certain content within Japan's 2022 defense white paper regarding Taiwan, urging Japan to immediately rectify its wrongful remarks.

Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that Japan hyped up so-called "military threats" posed to Taiwan by the mainland in the white paper, completely disregarding the fact that Taiwan is a part of China.

Zhu noted that, in the 50 years of its colonial rule over Taiwan, Japan committed heinous crimes and caused misery to Taiwan compatriots. She said Japan ought to reflect on its past misdeeds, abide by the four political documents between China and Japan, and handle the Taiwan question with discretion.

Zhu also warned Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authority and "Taiwan independence" secessionists that their attempts to seek "Taiwan independence" will come to nothing. 
Canara Banks net profit grew by 71.8 per cent year on year (YoY) to Rs 2,022 crore in the quarter ended June (Q1FY23) on the back of a rise in its net interest income (NII) and other income.

The Bengaluru-based public sector lender had posted a net profit of Rs 1,177 crore during the same period last year (Q1FY22). Sequentially, its net profit rose 21.4 per cent from Rs 1,666 crore in Q4FY22.

The banks stock was trading 1.4 per cent lower at Rs 225.8 per share on BSE on Monday.

Its net interest income (NII) was up 10.15 per cent in Q1FY23 to Rs 6,785 crore from Rs 6,160 crore in Q1FY22. However, it was down 3.14 per cent sequentially, from Rs 7,005 crore in the March 2022 quarter. Its NIM improved to 2.78 per cent in Q1FY23 from 2.71 per cent a year ago. However, it fell from 2.82 per cent in March 2022.

The bank said in a filing with the BSE that its NIM was expected to be about 3.0 per cent in the current financial year.

Its non-interest income rose 24.55 per cent YoY to Rs 5,175 crore in Q1FY23, from Rs 4,155 crore in Q1FY22. It also rose sequentially from Rs 4,462 crore in Q4FY22.

Despite hardening of bond yields, the treasury income, which is part of other income, rose by 46.17 per cent YoY to Rs 1,849 crore in Q1Fy23 from Rs 1,265 crore in Q1Fy22. Sequentially, the treasury income was up 32.64 per cent from Rs 1,394 crore in March 2022.

The banks asset quality profile improved with gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) at 6.98 per cent till June 2022 from 8.5 per cent in the year-ago quarter. Net NPAs dipped to 2.48 per cent from 3.46 per cent a year ago.

NPA provisions rose to Rs 2,673 crore in Q1FY23 from Rs 2,334 crore in Q1FY22. The provision coverage ratio rose to 84.51 per cent for the quarter under review from 81.18 per cent a year ago.

The banks loan book grew 14.47 per cent YoY, on par with the rate at which the banking systems loan book expanded (14.4 per cent YoY) in June 2022. The outstanding advances stood at Rs 7.83 trillion as of June 2022.

The deposits grew by 9.42 per cent YoY to Rs 11.18 trillion in June 2022. The credit-to-deposit ratio was 70.09 per cent at the end of June 2022 up from 67 per cent a year ago.

The banks total capital adequacy ratio (CAR) stood at 14.91 per cent in June 2022, up from 13.36 per cent in June 2021.
The has filed a charge sheet against noted Pune-based builder Avinash Bhosale and his in connection with the Yes Bank- scam, officials said on Monday.

The agency has also named Satyen Tandon as an accused in the charge sheet filed before a special court in Mumbai, they said.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), after the arrest of Bhosale, had said that under Rana Kapoor had disbursed Rs 3,983 crore to Dewan Housing Finance Ltd (DHFL), which were proceeds of crime.

Out of the said amount, had sanctioned and disbursed loans aggregating to Rs 2,420 crore to three group concerns of Radius Group, headed by Sanjay Chhabria, who was arrested by the probe agency recently, it alleged.

The loans sanctioned to Radius Group concerns were siphoned off and became NPA (non performing assets) in the books of with an outstanding liability of Rs 2,130 crore, the has alleged.

Bhosale allegedly received Rs 350 crore kickbacks from Radius group for facilitating loans from DHFL in the form of consultancy services payments, according to the CBI probe.

The agency had carried out searches at the premises of builders of Maharashtra on April 30 to further probe this aspect of the case, they said.

Premises of ABIL Group and Bhosale were also searched during the operation.

The agency has alleged that Kapoor entered into a criminal conspiracy with former DHFL CMD Kapil Wadhawan for extending financial assistance to DHFL through in return for substantial undue benefits to him and his family members through held by them, they said.

According to the CBI FIR, the scam started taking shape between April to June, 2018 when invested Rs 3,700 crore in short term debentures of scam-hit DHFL.

In return, Wadhawan allegedly "paid kickback of Rs 600 crore" to Kapoor and family members in the form of loan to DoIT Urban Ventures (India) Pvt Ltd, they said.

DoIT Urban Ventures is held by daughters of Kapoor -- Roshini, Radha and Rakhee -- who are 100 per cent shareholders of the company through Morgan Credits Pvt Ltd, it alleged.

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Aviation regulator conducted 53 spot checks on 48 aircraft between July 9 and July 13 but it did not find any major safety violations, Minister of State for Civil Aviation V K Singh said Monday.

"However, as a safety measure, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered to use certain identified aircraft (10) for operations only after confirming to the regulator that all reported defects/malfunctions are rectified," Singh said in his written reply in Rajya Sabha.

planes were involved in at least eight technical malfunction incidents in the 18-day period starting June 19, following which the had on July 6 issued a show-cause notice to the airline, stating that "poor internal safety oversight" and "inadequate maintenance actions" have resulted in degradation of safety margins.

Just three days after issuing the notice, the regulator started conducting spot checks on SpiceJet planes, Singh stated. The spot checks were completed on July 13.

"A total of 53 spot checks were carried out on 48 aircraft which did not find any major significant finding or safety violation," he mentioned.

The DGCA's safety oversight process involves series of successive follow up steps which includes communication of observations or findings to the airlines for taking corrective action, review of corrective action taken by the airlines for taking a decision, and initiating enforcement action consisting of warning, suspension, cancellation or imposition of financial penalty to the person or the airline involved, he noted.

In its notice to SpiceJet on July 6, the regulator had said that the airline has failed to establish safe, efficient and reliable air services under the the Aircraft Rules, 1937.

The review (of the incidents) transpires that poor internal safety oversight and inadequate maintenance actions (as most of the incidents were related to either component failure or system-related failure) have resulted in degradation of the safety margins, the notice added.

The regulator gave airline three weeks to respond to the notice.

On July 5, a SpiceJet freighter aircraft, which was heading to Chongqing in China, returned to Kolkata as the pilots realised after the take-off that its weather radar was not working.

On July 5 itself, the airline's Delhi-Dubai flight was diverted to Karachi due to a malfunctioning fuel indicator and its Kandla-Mumbai flight did priority landing in Maharashtra's capital city after cracks developed on its windshield mid-air.

On July 2, a SpiceJet flight heading to Jabalpur returned to Delhi after the crew members observed smoke in the cabin at an altitude of around 5,000 feet.

Fuselage door warnings lit up on two separate SpiceJet planes while taking off on June 24 and June 25, forcing the aircraft to abandon their journeys and return.

On June 19, an engine on the carrier's Delhi-bound aircraft carrying 185 passengers caught fire soon after it took off from the Patna airport and the plane made an emergency landing minutes later. The engine malfunctioned because of a bird hit.

In another incident on June 19, a SpiceJet flight for Jabalpur had to return to Delhi due to cabin pressurisation issues.

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HDFC Asset Management Company (HDFC AMC) has assigned the three schemes managed by Prashant Jain to new fund managers as the fund house seeks to maintain its recent performance improvement and market share gains even after the exit of its storied fund manager.

Jain, who was chief investment officer (CIO) at HDFC AMC, stepped down on Friday after serving 19 years at the fund house. He handled three flagship schemes of which had combined assets under management of nearly Rs 90,000 crore as of June 2022.

HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund will now be managed by Gopal Agrawal, Anil Bamboli, and Srinivas Ramamurthy. Agrawal joined a year ago, from DSP MF.

HDFC Top 100 will be handled by Rahul Baijal, who joined the fund house recently from Sundaram Mutual Fund, where he served for over six years. Roshi Jain, who joined the fund house late last year from Franklin Templeton, has been assigned HDFC Flexi Cap.





Over the past year, has strengthened its fund management and research team under the new leadership of Navneet Munot, who took charge as MD & CEO in February 2021. Instead of appointing a new CIO, HDFC AMC has announced Chirag Setalvad shall lead its equities segment and Shobhit Mehrotra shall be the head of fixed income.

We see seasoned fund managers at HDFC AMC taking charge of Jain's portfolio; Rahul Baijal (from Sundaram AMC) will also join. Maintaining a connection with distributors will be the key, and we feel that Munot (CEO) also has a strong connection, said a note by Jefferies.

The three schemes handled by Jain accounted for nearly 40 per cent of HDFC AMC. The fund house will be hoping that there is no exodus of investors following Jains exit, who has an enviable track record and popularity.

While the transition will bring challenges, we feel that HDFC AMC's strong team (& new hiring), as well as improving fund performance, can actually help defend or even gain market share, stated the note by Jefferies, which has a target price of Rs 2,500 for the stock. Shares of HDFC AMC on Monday closed at Rs 1,860 apiece, down 2 per cent.
Broadband technology company on Monday posted a consolidated loss of Rs 20 crore in the June 2022 quarter.

The company said it had recorded a profit of Rs 116 crore in the same period a year ago.

The consolidated revenue from operations of increased to Rs 1,575 crore during the reported quarter compared to Rs 1,316 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.

Nearly 62 per cent of the total revenue came from its focus markets of the US and Europe. The total order book of the company stood at Rs 11,200 crore at the end of the reported quarter.

"With increased focus on efficiency and prudent capital management, we expect to sustain this positive momentum. As ubiquitous networks are built in this decade, we are fortunate to play a significant role in transforming billions of lives through digital networks," STL managing director Ankit Agarwal said in a statement.

The company in July 2021 signed an agreement to acquire 100 per cent stake in UK-based Clearcomm Group. It has acquired 80 per cent stake in the firm and has an obligation to acquire the rest of the 20 per cent in the current fiscal.

STL acquired 100 per cent of the shares of Optotec SPA in 2020-21. The company's audit said that due to these acquisitions and some other accounting adjustments the financial performance of the current period is not comparable to previous periods.

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Tata Steel will on Monday release its financial for the first quarter of the financial year (Q1FY23). The steel sector has been under pressure due to high input costs of coal and iron ore. Tata Steel reported a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 9,835 crore in Q4FY22, up over Rs 200 crore from Rs 9,598 crore in Q3FY22.

Tata Seel, in FY22, announced a dividend of Rs 51 per equity share. The company in Q4FY22 reported an EBITDA of Rs 15,891 crore, almost the same as the EBITDA of Rs 15,980 crore in Q3FY22.

The company reported the highest EBITDA in Q2FY22. According to the company's data, it stood at Rs 17,810 crore. Since then, it has remained below Rs 16,000 crore. In Q1FY22, the company recorded its EBITDA as Rs 15,892 crore.

Like EBITDA, Tata Steel's PAT also peaked in the second quarter and has fallen since then. After Rs 9,768 crore in Q1FY22, the company's PAT stood at Rs 12,548 crore in Q2FY22.

In Q3FY22, it fell to Rs 9,598 crore. However, a little recovery was noted in Q4F22, when the PAT stood at Rs 9,835 crore.

Plans to invest in India and Europe

Tata Steel plans to invest Rs 12,000 crore in India and Europe in the FY23, TV Narendran, the company's chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director (MD) said on July 18.

Out of that amount, Rs 8,500 crore is expected to be invested in India and Rs 3,500 in Europe. In India, the company's major focus is on the Kalinganagar Plant in Odisha. It plans to expand the plant's capacity from 3 metric tonnes (MT) to 8 MT.



On Monday, Tata Steel was trading at Rs 943 at BSE, nearly 1 per cent above the previous close. While at NSE, it was trading at Rs 942.per equity share, up 0.6 per cent from the previous close.
Full-service carrier on Monday said it has selected Ultramain System for providing electronic logbook software as the airline looks to go paperless in its operations.

Ultramain Systems' electronic logbook software ELB replaces paper-based processes while offering comprehensive functionality and innovative features to help make airlines' operations seamless, according to a statement.

Ultramain ELB will fully replace aircraft paper technical log, cabin log, journey log, damage log, and fuelling log, providing a validated electronic Certificate of Release to Service (e-CRS) on flights operated by Vistara, the Tata-SIA joint venture airline said in the statement.

The ELB application will be used by flight and cabin crew and engineers on iOS devices to provide integrated workflows with Vistara's maintenance and operational systems, it said.

said it is seeking necessary approvals from relevant authorities before fully integrating this solution across its operations.

will become the first Indian airline to introduce an e-tech logbook solution and go paperless in its operations, the airline said.

"Vistara remains committed towards constantly improving operational efficiency across processes through automation and we've been investing in the right technologies to achieve this goal. We are delighted to partner with Ultramain Systems which will provide the first electronic logbook to seek operational approval to operate a fully electronic technical and cabin logbook in India," said Sisira Kanta Dash, senior vice president for engineering and maintenance at Vistara.

Ultramain ELB will be integrated with various live processes like Aircraft Maintenance and Operational Support (AMOS), Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) and Aviation Resource Management System (ARMS) for seamless operations, he said.

"Ultramain ELB will help digitise our aircraft paper logs and improve operational effectiveness," said Vinod Bhat, chief information officer at Vistara.

Mark McCausland, President and CEO of Ultramain Systems, said the ELB's refuel/defuel functions enables real-time capture of refuelling documentation using Ultramain's e-signature capabilities. "This is another important step towards the automation of line maintenance operations," he added.

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A carrying Haitian apparently capsized off the early Sunday, and Bahamian security forces recovered the bodies of 17 people and rescued 25 others, authorities said.

It wasn't clear if there were any people missing after the sank about seven miles from New Providence.

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis said in a statement that the dead included 15 women, one man and an infant. He said the people rescued were taken for observation by health workers.

Davis said investigators had determined that a twin-engine speed left the about 1 a.m. carrying as many as 60 people, apparently bound for Miami.

He said a criminal investigation had begun into the suspected human smuggling operation.

I would like to convey the condolences of my government and the people of the to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy, Davis said. My government, from the time it came to office, has warned against these treacherous voyages.

Haiti is struggling with a wave of gang-related violence including sharp rises in killings and kidnappings, prodding a growing number of people to flee the country of more than 11 million in search of a better and safer life.

Several sinkings involving Haitian have occurred this year, including one in May in which 11 people were confirmed dead and 38 were saved.

Governments in the region, including the United States, have reported a surge in the number of Haitians detained trying to enter other countries.

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A single-judge bench of the on Monday rejected the bail plea of 13 persons accused in the violence that took place in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district after the 2021 Assembly polls.

Justice Debangsu Basak said that since the CBI is interrogating the matter, the granting of bail to the 13 accused might influence the proceedings of the probe.

Justice Basak also observed that there is no proof yet that the accused were not involved in the crime.

Earlier a lower court had allowed bail for the 13 accused.

However, the CBI challenged the decision at the bench of Justice Basak, which after a detailed hearing the matter came to a decision that under no circumstances the 13 accused can be released on bail.

Distinct pockets in were rocked by violence from the day results were announced in May last year where Trinamool Congress bagged a landslide victory.

Court cases were filed by the BJP and different individuals at the demanding a CBI enquiry in different post- poll violence cases in West Bengal, which involved charges like murder and rape.

Teams of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) were also sent to last year to review the complaints.

--IANS

src/ksk/

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Chinese fighter jets are continuing efforts to provoke the Indian forces stationed in eastern as they are flying close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on multiple occasions.

The provocation efforts by the Chinese side are being continued despite the matter being raised at the Corps Commander level talks.

Chinese aircraft have been regularly flying close to the over the past three to four weeks, which is being seen as an effort to check Indian defence mechanisms in the region.

Indian Air Force (IAF) is responding to the situation responsibly and is not taking any chances to tackle the threat as well as not letting the matter escalate in any way.

"Chinese fighter jets, including J-11, are flying close to the . Cases of violation of the 10 km Confidence Building Major (CBM) line have been reported in this area in recent days," the government sources told IANS

As per the sources, the IAF has taken strong measures to respond to these provocations as it has moved its most powerful fighter jets, including the MiG-29 and Mirage 2000, to advanced bases from where they can respond to Chinese movements within minutes.

It seems that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is tense over the upgradation of IAF infrastructure in the region, they added.

Sources further said that the IAF is responding to these actions in a "calibrated manner" and is also monitoring Chinese flight patterns in the area where they are flying at both low and high altitudes.

India is working at a brisk pace to upgrade its military infrastructure in after tried to unilaterally change the status quo on the in the April-May 2020 time frame.

The provocation by Chinese fighter jets began around June 24-25 when a Chinese flew very close to a point of friction in eastern Ladakh.

After that, there were several CBM violations between the two sides on the LAC near Chumar sector and this has been going on since then, they asserted, adding that the IAF, including its Rafale fighter jets, is also doing extensive flying in the eastern Ladakh region.

--IANS

ansingh/shs

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A man shows a 1,850-year-old bronze coin in Jerusalem, on July 26, 2022. Israeli archaeologists have discovered a 1,850-year-old bronze coin bearing the design of ancient Roman moon goddess Luna, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said on Monday. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Israeli archaeologists have discovered a 1,850-year-old bronze coin bearing the design of ancient Roman moon goddess Luna, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said on Monday.

The coin was found off the Carmel coast in northern Israel, the IAA noted, adding this is the first time such a coin has been discovered on an Israeli coast.

The well-preserved coin, recovered from the seabed, also shows the zodiac sign of Cancer below the moon goddess design, according to the IAA.

It is part of a series of 13 zodiac coins, of which 12 depicting the different signs of the zodiac and another the complete zodiac wheel.

The coin was minted in Alexandria, Egypt under the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius, who ruled between 138 and 161 AD. It thus also bears the date "Year eight", the eighth year of Antoninus Pius's rule.

During his rule, the empire's relations with the Jews in ancient Israel greatly improved and previous decrees were revoked, the IAA noted.

The coin was discovered during a survey conducted by the IAA to locate, document, research and preserve antiquities sites and ancient cultural finds that are being endangered by accelerated marine development. 

A man shows a 1,850-year-old bronze coin in Jerusalem, on July 26, 2022. Israeli archaeologists have discovered a 1,850-year-old bronze coin bearing the design of ancient Roman moon goddess Luna, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said on Monday. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

A man shows a 1,850-year-old bronze coin in Jerusalem, on July 26, 2022. Israeli archaeologists have discovered a 1,850-year-old bronze coin bearing the design of ancient Roman moon goddess Luna, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said on Monday. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

A person examines a 1,850-year-old bronze coin in Jerusalem, on July 26, 2022. Israeli archaeologists have discovered a 1,850-year-old bronze coin bearing the design of ancient Roman moon goddess Luna, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said on Monday. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

A man shows a 1,850-year-old bronze coin in Jerusalem, on July 26, 2022. Israeli archaeologists have discovered a 1,850-year-old bronze coin bearing the design of ancient Roman moon goddess Luna, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said on Monday. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)
A day ahead of Sonia Gandhi's appearance at the office here, the on Monday has called a meeting of the party leaders to prepare for protests. The party has asked its workers to hold a peaceful 'satyagraha'.

The meeting will be held in the evening and leaders have been asked to attend to discuss strategy on the issue.

Last week the held protests when was summoned to the ED. MPs protested in the Parliament premises and later tried to march to the ED office but were detained and later released.

The (ED) has again summoned on Tuesday (July 26) after questioning her for three hours in connection with the Herald case on Thursday. The Congress interim president was accompanied by her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who stayed at the ED headquarters till the time the questioning ended.

The members of Youth Congress had stopped several trains at the Shivaji Bridge railway station to protest against the questioning of their party president by the (ED).

The protesters had raised slogans against the Central government and the financial probe agency ED for allegedly targeting the members of the opposition and muzzling their voice.

"This is a symbolic demonstration against the dictatorship which is constantly bent on crushing the Constitution and democracy," the Youth Congress said.

--IANS

miz/dpb

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Arrest is not meant to be and must not be used as a "punitive tool" but the criminal justice machinery was "relentlessly employed" against Co-founder Mohammad Zubair, the said while granting him interim bail in connection with the FIRs lodged against him in Uttar Pradesh for alleged hate speech.

Gag orders have a "chilling effect" on the freedom of speech, the apex court said while refusing to accept the submission of the counsel representing Uttar Pradesh that Zubair be barred from tweeting when he is on bail.

In its July 20 verdict, which was uploaded on the apex court website on Monday evening, a bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud said despite the fact that same tweets allegedly gave rise to similar offences in the FIRs, Zubair was subjected to multiple investigations across the country.

"As evident from the facts narrated above, the machinery of criminal justice has been relentlessly employed against the petitioner (Zubair)," said the bench, also comprising Justices Surya Kant and A S Bopanna.

"Resultantly, he is trapped in a vicious cycle of the criminal process where the process has itself become the punishment," the bench said in 21-page judgement.

The apex court had delivered its verdict on Zubair's plea seeking quashing of the FIRs lodged in Uttar Pradesh against him.

The top court had ordered the release of Zubair on interim bail in relation to the FIRs lodged in Uttar Pradesh against him for alleged hate speech and transferred the cases to the Special Cell of Delhi Police.

In its judgement, the apex court said police officers are vested with the power to arrest individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process, including during the course of investigation, but this power is not "unbridled".

"Arrest is not meant to be and must not be used as a punitive tool because it results in one of the gravest possible consequences emanating from criminal law: the loss of personal liberty. Individuals must not be punished solely on the basis of allegations, and without a fair trial," the bench said.

It said the criminal law and its processes ought not to be instrumentalised as a "tool of harassment".

On the contention of UP's counsel that Zubair must be barred from tweeting when he is on bail, the bench said merely because the complaints filed against him arise from posts that were made by him on a social media platform, a blanket anticipatory order preventing him from tweeting cannot be made.

"A blanket order directing the petitioner to not express his opinion - an opinion that he is rightfully entitled to hold as an active participating citizen - would be disproportionate to the purpose of imposing conditions on bail. The imposition of such a condition would tantamount to a gag order against the petitioner," it said.

"Gag orders have a chilling effect on the freedom of speech," the bench observed.

It noted that according to Zubair, he is a journalist who is the co-founder of a fact checking website and uses Twitter as a medium of communication to dispel false news and misinformation "in this age of morphed images, clickbait, and tailored videos".

The apex court said passing an order restricting the petitioner from posting on social media would amount to an unjustified violation of the freedom of speech and expression and the freedom to practice his profession.

"The bail conditions imposed by the court must not only have a nexus to the purpose that they seek to serve but must also be proportional to the purpose of imposing them. The courts while imposing bail conditions must balance the liberty of the accused and the necessity of a fair trial. While doing so, conditions that would result in the deprivation of rights and liberties must be eschewed," the bench said.

On the issue of power to arrest, the apex court referred to its Arnesh Kumar verdict and said when it is exercised without application of mind and without due regard to the law, it amounts to an abuse of power.

"Section 41 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) as well as the safeguards in criminal law exist in recognition of the reality that any criminal proceeding almost inevitably involves the might of the state, with unlimited resources at its disposal, against a lone individual," it said.

The bench noted that Zubair was subjected to multiple investigations across the country despite the fact that same tweets allegedly gave rise to similar offences in diverse FIRs.

"Consequently, he would be required to hire multiple advocates across districts, file multiple applications for bail, travel to multiple districts spanning two states for the purposes of investigation, and defend himself before multiple courts, all with respect to substantially the same alleged cause of action. Resultantly, he is trapped in a vicious cycle of the criminal process where the process has itself become the punishment," it observed.

The bench said it also appeared that certain dormant FIRs from 2021 were activated as certain new FIRs were registered, thereby compounding the difficulties faced by Zubair.

The top court also disbanded the special investigation team (SIT) which was constituted by the Uttar Pradesh Police to probe the FIRs.

Zubair was arrested by the Delhi Police on June 27 for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through one of his tweets.

Multiple FIRs were lodged against him in UP -- two in Hathras and one each in Sitapur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Muzaffarnagar, Ghaziabad, and at Chandauli police station for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

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The has set up a not-for-profit company to promote and encourage new startups, Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh has said.

Meanwhile, another Section 8 firm to generate funds for the company is in the final stage, he said.

Section 8 companies are generally those that are set up for charitable objectives and prohibit payment of any dividend to its members, as per the Companies Act, 2013.

"We have set up one company to encourage new startups and in the varsity and we are in search for its CEO. The company will work on incubators and promote innovation," Singh had told PTI earlier this month.

"The setting up of a second company for is also in the final stage. It will ask for funds from alumni and companies under their CSR activities. It will be an independent company of DU (Delhi University) and will have a professional CEO. The will be used for developing the university," he added.

The university is banking on the alumni and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities of business firms for . It has also sought a loan of Rs 1,000 crore from the Higher Education Funding Agency (HEFA) for infrastructure development and creation of capital assets.

In its loan proposal to the Ministry of Education, the varsity has said it has been receiving a very limited allocation for the creation of capital assets for the last three to five years and has been unable to purchase lab equipment.

It also said several of its buildings are in a dilapidated state.

"We are waiting for the HEFA (Higher Education Financing Agency) loan. Moreover, we are hopeful that these two companies will help in the generation of funds. We are hoping that alumni will contribute and CSR activities of the companies will help in generation of funds," he said.

On HEFA loan, Singh said it is under process and will hopefully be cleared soon.

In March, DU's executive council had approved the seeking of loan of over Rs 1,000 crore.

According to the HEFA funding pattern, DU will have to repay the loan in 20 half-yearly installments in 10 years.

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The (ED), which recovered huge cash and valuables from the residence of Arpita Mukherjee, close aide of West Bengal Commerce & Industries Minister, Partha Chatterjee, had to take the help of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) regional office in Kolkata to ferry the cash and valuables to the agency's office at CGO complex at Salt Lake in Kolkata.

Late on Saturday evening, after ED officials finished the counting and evaluating the estimated value of the cash and valuables, a truck from RBI's regional office in Kolkata arrived at the posh Diamond City complex at Tollygunge in South Kolkata, which housed the flat of Mukherjee.

ED officials confirmed that the truck was carrying 20 steel trunks meant for carrying the valuables seized from Mukherjee's residence. Later, 15 trunks that were loaded with the cash and valuables and the remaining five empty trunks were brought to the ED office at CGO complex.

The ED recovered Rs 21.20 crore cash in Indian currency of Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 denominations, gold ornaments of estimated market value of around Rs 90 lakhs, foreign currency of value of around Rs 60 lakhs, 20 high-end Apple iPhones, sale deeds of eight other flats and papers of multiple costly vehicles.

Mukherjee, who is currently in the ED custody will be presented at a special court of Public Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court on Monday.

--IANS

src/shs

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Public has to be made aware that every child is also an individual entitled to their mental and physical development, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Palakkad district of said on Monday referring to the recent moral policing incident here in which school were assaulted in a bus stop.

CWC Palakkad chairman M V Mohanan told a TV channel that the "general public has not yet arrived at the realisation" that every child, whatever be their age, are not just but also individuals who are entitled to their mental and physical development.

"We need to create an awareness among the people about this," he said.

Referring to the recent moral policing incident at a bus stop in Mannarkkad near here, he said a report has been called for from the District Child Protection Officer who has also been directed to ensure that the assaulted receive the necessary medical treatment and counselling, if required.

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) will provide them with any legal aid they require to pursue the case further, Mohanan said.

On whether there was any lapse on the part of the police in the matter, he said that by the time the CWC intervened, the police was already properly moving forward with its investigation.

The parents of the assaulted children had recently alleged that the police initially tried to settle the matter between the two sides.

Mohanan said that according to a report received from the police, all the accused were arrested and they suspect involvement of another person which they were investigating. He assured that the CWC would keep following up on the matter with the police.

On the security of the assaulted children who have to go to school and return via that area, Mohanan said as soon as the CWC gets a written request for care and protection of the assaulted children as well as other kids, the committee will intervene to ensure that necessary aid, including police protection is provided.

"We will definitely intervene on that, no doubt about it," he said.

A group of school children, including girls, were abused and beaten up at a bus stop in Mannarkkad near here last Friday while they were waiting for a bus to go back home.

"We were a group of boys and girls waiting at the bus stop. Our principal-in-charge was also with us. Suddenly, one person came and abused a girl from our group. When we questioned them, other locals joined him and started beating us.

"This is not the first incident. The locals always make an issue when they see boys and girls together," a student had told the media after the incident.

A senior police official had told PTI that a case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) including 341 (wrongful restraint), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), and 294 B (using obscene words in or near any public place).

Two persons were arrested on Saturday, police had said.

Protesting against the incident, the Students' Federation of India (SFI), the students' wing of the CPI(M), had marched to the bus stop where they sat and demanded action against the culprits.

The mother of a boy, who was assaulted, told the media that the attackers after beating up the children forced them onto a bus and asked them to leave the place.

"I got a call from my child at around 5.30 in the evening saying a few people attacked them while they were waiting at the bus stop. When I asked, my son told me that he was having pain in his chest and body. Who gave them the authority to beat the children?" she had said.

Students had told the media that the locals always created an issue when boys and girls reached the bus stop together or stood together. Police said they have taken the statement of the students and were examining the CCTV visuals of the nearby shops to identify the rest of the culprits.

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Former president on Monday moved to his new residence at Janpath road, the bungalow once occupied by former Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan.

Kovind drove down to his new home from Rashtrapati Bhavan after Droupadi Murmu took over as the President of India.

Paswan had lived in 12 Janpath for three decades before his death in 2020. Following an eviction notice, his son Chirag Paswan had vacated the house in April.

The bungalow was readied for Kovind as his post-retirement home.

Paswan, one of the country's most prominent Dalit leaders, died at the age of 74 in October 2020. He had been a minister in central governments headed by parties of contrasting ideologies, ranging from the Janata Dal to the Congress and the BJP, since 1989.

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Union and highways minister on Monday said that he wants to introduce skybuses on select stretches of Delhi and Haryana to reduce traffic and pollution.

Gadkari further said that climate agenda is the highest priority for the government as economic growth with pollution is not a good strategy.

"I want to start skybuses (mass transit service) from Dhaula Kuan to Manesar and later extend it to Sohna to reduce traffic and pollution," he said, without providing more details.

The minister was addressing an event organised by Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

Gadkari said his dream is to reduce import of fossil fuels in India to zero.

The minister said the government's priority is to make green hydrogen from water.

Gadkari emphasised on the need to encourage use of ethanol for transportation purpose as it is economically cheaper, pollution-free and indigenous.

"Ethanol is going to increase agriculture growth in the country as we will manufacture ethanol from rice," he said.

Gadkari also noted that banning thermal power plants will not be good for the economy.

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PRI ECO GEN NAT .BHOPAL PWR21 Jagran Lakecity University (JLU) India Joins Hands with Jagran Lakecity University to Establish India's First-ever Centre for Analytics Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India (NewsVoir) Thursday India signed a Memorandum of Understanding with JagranLakecity University on establishing India's first Centre for Analytics at the university campus followed by a round table discussion on Data Analytics for Businesses - Transforming Data into Actionable Insights. The launch and the discussion session was conducted in the august presence of the Pro Chancellor, Mr.Abhishek Mohan Gupta, Honorable Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Sandeep Shastri, Prof.VivekKhare Registrar JLU, Mr.Navniit Siingh Chatwal Director JLU, Mr. Pradeep Pandey Director Grant Thornton, Mr.Kapil Arora Director Grant Thornton, Mr.Sarosh Kumar VP Cognizant and Mr.Mihir Merchant Chair CII Bhopal. is one of India's most prominent and fully integrated Assurance, Tax, and Advisory firms, promising full advisory and growth solutions to big global companies. Jagran Lakecity University, one of the fastest growing and most awarded universities in Central India is known for its outstanding academic and industrial international collaborations. The University signing a memorandum of understanding with Grant Thornton on establishing India's first ever Centre for Analytics is sure to open multiple pathways for the youth of this country. The JLU-Grant Thornton Centre for Analytics has been established with a mission to develop students as Business Analytics Experts and establish a ready resource for the industry for their Data Analytics requirements and cater to academic programs, specialized training, faculty-based research development, and support for entrepreneurial ventures. To commemorate the launch of this Center at Jagran Lakecity University (JLU) Bhopal, a RoundTable discussion on Data Analytics for businesses-transforming data into actionable insights was organized jointly with CII Bhopal. The session was attended by CXOs from various Industries, JLU Academicians, Experts from Grant Thornton, CII member companies, and JLU Students, and deliberated on the issues, Industries face in terms of Data Analytics along with identifying the gaps that can be fulfilled with the help of academia. The University currently offers more than 50+ UGC-approved programs and admissions are open for the academic year 2022-23. For more information, please visit jlu.edu.in. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Newsvoir and

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The on Monday reserved its orders against an appeal filed by and Facebook (now Meta) challenging the order of a single judge that refused to stay the (CCI) probe into WhatsApp's new privacy policy.

The Bench led by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad reserved an order in the appeal filed by and its parent company Meta. The appeal was filed against a single Bench the order refusing to interfere with Competition Commission of Indias (CCIs) investigation into the messaging platforms new privacy policy.

The CCI had ordered a probe into the new privacy policy of the app last year on its own saying the policy violated the 2000. The commission had issued notices to both the platforms saying the privacy policies of both companies were neither transparent nor based on the voluntary consent of the users.

The commission labeled the new terms and conditions as take-it-or-leave-it', saying that they lacked clarity and did not give a clear understanding of it for the users.

Additional Solicitor General N Venkatraman, appearing for CCI, said on Monday that since the said probe has not been disallowed by any judicial forum, the CCI was well within its powers to continue its investigation.

Meanwhile, the counsel for argued that the privacy policy in question is being examined by the apex court and so the investigation cannot be allowed until that matter is resolved.

The counsel further argued that the messages on the messaging platform are end-to-end encrypted meaning that no third party can read the messages. He also said that the users of the platform had willingly accepted the new privacy policy and they can opt out of it if they desire.

On the other hand, the counsel for Meta said that Meta and Whatsapp were different platforms and Meta cannot be made party to the case just because it is the parent company. Moreover, there is no evidence to show that Meta has abused its parent status to gain an advantage in this case, the counsel said.

During the last hearing, the CCI told the HC that it was not able to proceed with its investigation into Whatsapps privacy policy of 2021. The court had last year allowed time for both the platforms to file replies in connection with the investigation. The CCI had told the court that there was virtually a stay on the case proceedings and that it should be allowed to look into the messaging platforms privacy policy.

"The investigation is 16 months old. We are not able to move an inch. We must be allowed to investigate," the CCIs counsel said. The court on Thursday said that there was no stay on the proceedings and asked the two platforms to file replies for consideration.

On January 3, a bench headed by then Chief Justice DN Patel extended the time for filing replies by and WhatsApp to two CCI notices of June 2021 asking them to submit information to help with CCIs inquiry.

WhatsApp and had challenged the order by a single judge in April last year which allowed CCI to proceed with its investigation. The judge had however observed that it would be prudent of CCI to wait for the apex courts order regarding the privacy policy.

The CCI, replying to this contention, had said that the platforms were stalking the customers for targeted ads and were thus abusing their position of power. So it is only right to proceed with the investigation, it had said.
International travellers arriving in Delhi with monkeypox symptoms such as high fever and back pain will be sent to the LNJP Hospital from the airport, sources said on Monday.

The decision was taken in a review meeting chaired by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Monday, they said.

The Delhi government on Monday asked district authorities and officials concerned to adhere to the Centre's guidelines on management of the infection, which also state that referral arrangements from airport/port to identified link hospital need to be established or strengthened.

The sources said that those travellers having symptoms like high fever, back pain and joint pain at the IGI Airport will be sent to the isolation ward at LNJP Hospital, which has a special 20-member team to deal with such patients.

The samples of suspected patients will be sent to the Institute of Virology, Pune, while the district administration will quarantine the family members and carry out contact tracing of such suspected patients, they said.

Reviewed the monkeypox situation in Delhi along with CS, Secy Health, DGHS & others concerned. Was apprised of preparedness in terms of medical services, hospital infrastructure, tracing, testing, surveillance & clinical management. Advised officials to ensure all preventive measures. I appeal to the people to not panic and follow all prescribed prevention and treatment protocols," Saxena said in a series of tweets.

In the first reported case of monkeypox in Delhi, a 34-year-old person from west Delhi was found infected. He is currently in LNJP Hospital and will take at least a week to fully recover.

The airport health teams currently screen patients with suspected Covid-19 symptoms and some symptoms of the two infections are similar, the sources said, adding that no decision has been taken yet on increasing surveillance at the airport.

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BAGHDAD, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The Shiite political blocs in the Iraqi parliament on Monday nominated Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani for the post of prime minister, months after failing to form a government due to a political row.

The Coordination Framework, an umbrella group of Shiite parliamentary parties, said in a statement that the nomination came after a meeting held earlier in the day, during which the leaders of the Framework parties unanimously agreed to nominate al-Sudani for the post.

The Coordination Framework became the largest alliance in the Iraqi parliament after the Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr ordered his followers in the Sadrist Movement, the biggest winner in the elections held on Oct. 10, 2021, with 73 seats, to withdraw from the parliament.

During the past months, the continuing disputes among the Shiite parties have hampered the formation of a new Iraqi government, as the parliament has been unable to elect a new president by a two-thirds majority of the 329-seat parliament under the constitution.

According to the power-sharing system in Iraq after 2003, the presidency should be reserved for the Kurds, the speaker's post for the Sunnis, and the prime minister's post for the Shiites.

However, the dispute is continuing between the main Kurdish parties: the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Kurdistan Democratic Party, over the nomination of a new candidate for the president post.

If elected, the president will appoint the prime minister nominated by the largest alliance in the parliament, the Coordination Framework, to form a new government that would rule the country for the coming four years. 
The Special Task Force on Sunday arrested Vishnu Mishra, the son of jailed former MLA Vijay Mishra, from Pune on charges of and cheating, a senior police official said here.

Bhadohi Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar said Vishnu Mishra is facing charges of serious offenses like and cheating. A reward of Rs 25,000 was announced on him earlier but later it was raised to Rs 1 lakh, he said.

According to police, four-time former MLA Vijay Mishra was arrested in 2020 from Madhya Pradesh after his relative Krishna Mohan Tiwari accused him of property grabbing, cheating and threatening to kill him. He is currently lodged in Agra jail, while his wife Ram Lalli Mishra has taken bail from the high court.

The former MLA's son was absconding since August 2020.

The police had issued a look-out circular against Vishnu Mishra in September 2020, officials said.

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Four persons who were detained for protesting against the metro rail carshed construction in Mumbai's Aarey forest area on Monday were released after 10 hours, a police official said.

He said protesters Tabrez Sayyed and Jayesh Bhise were detained first after notices under section 149 (action to prevent cognizable offence) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) were issued to them and then two others, identified as Laxman Jadhav and Rohit, were detained, he said.

Amid a crowd of supporters who had gathered at Vanrai police station in the evening, the four were released after 10 hours of detention, the official informed.

The area is witnessing heavy police presence and restrictions on movement of people and vehicles, with only residents of the vicinity being allowed to enter after checking of IDs like Aadhaar Cards etc, he added.

Videos of trees being trimmed in the vicinity of the carshed site went viral on social media during the day, and civic-run Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking too announced that some of its buses would be avoiding the route due to this.

The previous Maha Vikas Aghadi government under Uddhav Thackeray had stopped metro carshed work at the site citing environment concerns and had asked authorities to shift the facility to a plot in Kanjurmarg in the eastern suburbs.

However, one of the first decisions taken by the new Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis dispensation, which took charge on June 30, was to recommence work at Aarey, one of Mumbai's major green lungs.

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President addressing the nation after being sworn in as the 15 th stated that she was the first President to be born in independant India and was honoured to take charge at a time when the country is completing 75 years if Independence.

In her first address to the country as President, Murmu, the first tribal and second woman to hold the country's highest constitutional office said her elevation to the post is not only her own achievement but that of every poor of the country and is a reflection of the confidence of crores of Indians.

"Johar! Namaskar! I humbly greet all my fellow citizens from this sacred Parliament, a symbol of the hopes, aspirations and rights of all the citizens of India. Your affection, trust and support will be my greatest strength in discharging my functions and responsibilities," she said.

"I express my heartfelt gratitude to all the MPs and all the members of the Legislative Assembly for being elected to the highest constitutional post of India. Your vote is an expression of the faith of crores of citizens of the country," Murmu said.

The 64-year-old former Jharkhand Governor was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice of India NV Ramanna in the Central Hall of Parliament today. She succeeds Ram Nath Kovind, whose five-year-term ended on July 24.

"Reaching the post of President is not my personal achievement, it is the achievement of every poor in India," Murmu stated in her address.

"It is the power of our democracy that a daughter born in a poor house, a daughter born in a remote tribal area, can reach the highest constitutional post of India," she added.

She also said that the country needs to speed up the efforts to meet the expectations that our freedom fighters had with the citizens of independent India.

Murmu said that the country has elected her as the President at a crucial time when India is celebrating the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

"A few days from today, the country will complete 75 years of its independence. It is also a coincidence that my political career started when the country was celebrating its 50th year of independence and today in the 75th year of independence, I have got this new responsibility. It is my great privilege to be given this responsibility at a historic time when India is gearing up to achieve the vision of the next 25 years," said the President.

She further said, "I am the first President of the country who was born in independent India. We have to work at a fast pace in this Amritkal to fulfil the expectations that our freedom fighters had made from us citizens of independent India. In these 25 years, the path to the accomplishment of Amritkal will proceed on two tracks - everyone's effort and everyone's duty."

The president further extended wishes to the Indian Army of the country to all the citizens of the country on Kargil Vijay Diwas in advance.

"Tomorrow i.e. 26th July is also Kargil Vijay Diwas. This day is a symbol of both the bravery and restraint of the Indian armies. Today, I extend my best wishes to the Army of the country and to all the citizens of the country on Kargil Vijay Diwas in advance," she said.

Emphasizing on her journey from a small village to the top position in the country, she said, "I started my life journey from a small tribal village in Odisha. From the background I come from, it was like a dream for me to get elementary education. But despite many obstacles, my resolve remained strong and I became the first daughter of my village to go to college. I belong to the tribal society, and I have got the opportunity to become the from the Ward Councilor. This is the greatness of India, the mother of democracy."

She further said that is the power of our democracy that a daughter born in a poor house, a daughter born in a remote tribal area, can reach the highest constitutional post of India.

"Reaching the post of President is not my personal achievement, it is the achievement of every poor in India. My election is proof that the poor in India can dream and make them come true. It is a matter of great satisfaction for me that those who have been deprived for centuries, who have been away from the benefits of development, those poor, downtrodden, backward and tribals are seeing their reflection in me," she said.

Murmu assured all the countrymen, especially the youth of India and the women of India, that while working in this position, their interests will be paramount to her.

"From the first President of the country Dr Rajendra Prasad to Ram Nath Kovind ji, many personalities have adorned this post. Along with this post, the country has also entrusted me with the responsibility of representing this great tradition. In the light of the Constitution, I will discharge my duties with utmost sincerity. For me the democratic-cultural ideals of India and all the countrymen will always be my source of energy," she added.

Earlier Murmu was greeted with thunderous applause as she arrived at the Central Hall of the Parliament accompanied by outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind. She was welcomed by Vice President Venakaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and CJI NV Ramana.
At least 12 more steel plants will be set up in with a production capacity of 60 million ton per annum, state minister Prafulla Kumar Mallik said on Monday.

currently has 51 steel plants with a production capacity of 33.12 mtpa, the minister said.

Three new steel facilities will be set up in Sundargarh district, two in Jajpur district, and one each in Angul, Kendrapada, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, and Jagatsinghpur districts.

Two steel firms are yet to decide on the districts from where they would operate,



Odisha's Steel and Mines minister said while replying to a written question of BJD MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo in the state assembly.

Mallik, however, did not mention the time frame for setting up the units.

Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India Limited has proposed to set up a 24 mtpa greenfield steel mill at Mahakalpada in Kendrapara district while JSW has planned for a 12 mtpa steel facility at Gadakujang area in Jagatsinghpur district, the minister said.

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Movement of vehicles between and was affected on Monday as protesters blocked the Imphal-Dimapur Road, demanding the release of remunerations for workers, police said.

Over 300 trucks, transporting essential items, were stranded for hours due to the "economic blockade" by the members of the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme Implementing Agency Association, they said.

The all-important road was blocked near Mao Gate in Senapati district, throwing traffic out of gear.

Security forces later escorted the stranded vehicles to Imphal and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere on the route, police said.

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The three services could recruit a total of 37,301 personnel in the last two years as against an average annual vacancy of 60,000 with the induction process hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to details provided by the government on Monday.

The number of total recruits in 2019 was 95,843 with the Army topping the list with 81,812 personnel followed by the IAF with 7,548 and the Navy accounting for 6,483 personnel.

The details were provided by Defence Minister in Lok Sabha while replying to a question.

According to the data furnished by him, the Army currently has a shortfall of 1,16,484 personnel while the number in the Navy is 13,597 and the IAF 5,789.

"The recruitment process for the years 2020 and 2021, was severely affected and disrupted because of COVID pandemic, and the recruitment rallies had to be curtailed for the Army," he said.

"Nevertheless, 1280 officers and 12091 soldiers were inducted in the Army for the year 2020, and 1065 officers for the year 2021," he added.

The defence minister said in case of the Navy and the Air Force, which follow an online recruitment process, the impact of the pandemic was lesser.

"In the case of the Navy, 377 officers and 2772 sailors were inducted in the year 2020 and 409 officers and 5547 sailors in the year 2021. Similarly, in the case of the Indian Air Force, 261 officers and 8,423 airmen were inducted during the year 2020 and 467 officers and 4609 airmen in the year 2021," he said.

The three services have already started the recruitment process for the year 2022 under the newly launched 'Agnipath' scheme.

"In case of the Air Force, the online registration process was opened from 24th June to 5th July for 3000 posts. The registration process for the Navy is open from July 15 to 30 for 3,000 posts," Singh said.

The Army has commenced its registration process for 40,000 posts and will start holding rallies from August 10.

Singh said the Army proposes to organise 85 rallies in various parts of the country in the next three months.

"The first batch of candidates will join basic training in the Indian Navy in the month of November and in the Air Force and Army in the month of December this year," he said.

The defence minister said 1,240 officers and 80,572 soldiers were inducted in the Army in 2019 while 415 officers and 6,068 sailors were recruited by the Navy that year. The IAF recruited 326 officers and 7,222 airmen in 2019.

"On an average, 60,000 vacancies arise in the three armed forces every year. Currently, there is a shortfall of 7,799 officers and 1,08,685 soldiers in the Army; 1446 officers and 12,151 sailors in the Navy and 572 officers and 5,217 airmen in the Indian Air Force," Singh said.

"With the improvement in the COVID-19 situation and the start of the process of recruitment, these vacancies are expected to come down in the coming years," he said.

The defence minister informed Lok Sabha that shortage of officers and mitigating measures are reviewed regularly by the armed forces and measures are initiated to fill the vacancies based on detailed analysis.

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PRI GEN INT .STELLENBOSCH FGN3 RUSSIA-UKRAINE-GRAIN-DEAL Russia/ grain export deal promises major benefits for poor countries. If it holds By Wandile Sihlobo, Senior Fellow, Department of Agricultural Economics, Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch, Jul 25 (The Conversation) If keeps to the deal it has signed with allowing for the resumption of grain exports, much needed relief will be provided to importing countries, including many in Africa. The relief would be significant as has roughly 22 million tonnes of grain (wheat, maize, sunflower seed and other grains) in silos. It has not been able to ship these to export markets because of Russia's invasion, which disrupted infrastructure and the attacks on vessels transporting goods. Ukraine is a notable player in global grain and oilseeds export market. And thus, the blockage of exports has contributed to the notable increase in agricultural commodity prices observed since the war started. The aim of the grain deal, signed between Kyiv and Moscow on July 22 2002, was to change this chaotic situation. Under the agreement promised not to attack grain vessels in the Black Sea region. But this promise didn't last long. Less than 24 hours after the deal was signed Russian missiles struck the critical Ukrainian port of Odesa. The attack is likely to undermine the deal, a multinational effort to avert the global food crisis. In addition, grain traders and merchants might be reluctant to be involved in the zone if they consider it to be too risky. This would ultimately defeat the deal. But if keeps its word, the benefits will be immediate. Grain prices could soften as more grain supplies become available to the world market. Overall this would be a good development for consumers, particularly those living in poor developing nations. The possible softening of prices would add to an already positive picture of global grain prices, which have come off from the record levels seen in weeks following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For example, the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organisation Global Food Price Index, a measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities, was down 2per cent in June 2022 from the previous month. This was a third monthly decline. Still, this is up 23 per cent year on year, which means that the recent deal and possible resumption of trade would bring much-needed relief to the grains market. Nevertheless, the deal's impact on grain prices is likely to be marginal. Grain prices are unlikely to return to pre-war levels. A number of factors had been driving up agricultural prices in the two years prior to the conflict. These included drought in South America, East Africa, and Indonesia and rising demand for grains in China have weighed on global grains supplies. The possible price decline and increase in supply as a result of deal between Russia and Ukraine is likely to benefit all importing countries and consumers in the medium term. This assumes that the deal holds and that shipping lines will start taking orders and moving grains. From an African perspective, the continent imports about USD 80 billion worth of agricultural products a year, mainly wheat, palm oil and sunflower seed. The annual food import bill from the sub-Saharan Africa region is roughly USD 40 billion per year. Therefore, however marginal, a potential decline in the prices of these commodities would be positive for importing countries and ultimately consumers. Importantly, Africa imports USD4 billion of agricultural products from Russia, 90 per cent of which is wheat and 6 per cent is sunflower seed. The major importing countries are Egypt (50 per cent), followed by Sudan, Nigeria, Tanzania, Algeria, Kenya, and South Africa. Similarly, Africa imports USD 2.9 billion worth of agricultural products from Ukraine. About 48 per cent of this was wheat, 31 per cent maize, and the rest included sunflower oil, barley, and soybeans. A resumption of the trade activity would release about 22 million tonnes of grains out of Ukraine. It's also safe to assume that grain orders from Russia to various markets in the world will also increase. Africa's biggest wheat importers would benefit the most from a resumption of shipments out of Ukraine's ports. More generally, the softening in prices would benefit consumers across the world. In addition, the World Food Programme will be able to source food for donations in struggling African regions, such as East Africa, where there is a bad drought, as well as parts of Asia. One can't miss the fact that Ukrainian farmers would benefit too. They have been worried that, without a resumption of trade, their crops would rot in silos. The deal signals hope for some relief, and the prospect of creating space to store the new season crop. There's still a great deal of uncertainty around the deal in the wake of the Russian following the missile attack on Odesa. Multinational discussions will be a crucial determinant of whether grain trade resumes from the Black Sea. Measures will also need to be put in place to assure merchants of the safety of their cargo. The grain price dynamics and possible benefits for importing countries will all depend on these uncertain developments. Still, any success in the exports of grains from Ukraine will benefit the African countries directly through the delivery of physical supplies or indirectly through possible global price softening. (The Conversation) RUP RUP 07250908 NNNN

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Samples collected from a man with suspected symptoms of Monkeypox were sent to the Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune on Monday.

Five types of samples of the 40-year-old man currently in isolation at Fever Hospital in Hyderabad were collected and sent to the lab. The samples include swab from throat, blood, urine, from lesions on skin.

According to Fever Hospital superintendent Dr K. Shankar, the results are likely to be available by Tuesday evening

He termed the condition of the man as stable. According to him, the patient is restless and has a running fever.

"The lesions on his neck, hands and chest are like lesions from Monkeypox. It may also be chickenpox," Dr Shankar said.

The samples were collected after the man was shifted from his home town Kamareddy to Hyderabad on Sunday evening.

According to officials he arrived in Kamareddy from Kuwait on July 6. He developed fever on July 20 and later when there were rashes on the body, he approached a private hospital in the town.

Suspecting it to be a case of Monkeypox, doctors referred him to Kamareddy District Hospital and from there he was sent in an ambulance to Hyderabad on Sunday.

Director of Public Dr G. Srinivasa Rao said the man's six close contacts were also identified. Though they have no symptoms, the authorities kept them in isolation as a precautionary measure.

The department is also trying to trace those who came into contact with them during the last few days.

The director of public said that people need not panic over Monkeypox as it is not a fatal disease. He said health minister Harish Rao was monitoring the situation and giving them directions. "We are taking all necessary measures," he said.

This is the first suspected case of Monkeypox in . Neighbouring Andhra Pradesh had reported the first suspected case on July 17. A two-year-old child, who had gone to Dubai with family, was found with skin rashes on return. However, the samples sent to NIV, Pune tested negative for Monkeypox.

Telangana's health department is also requesting Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad to test the samples from the suspected Monkeypox case. The RT-PCR test would be conducted at the government hospital and if the result is positive, the samples will be sent to NIV, Pune for confirmation. However, the samples from the first suspected case were directly sent to NIV.

Fever Hospital in Hyderabad recently set up two isolation wards for Monkeypox cases. One isolation ward each was opened for male and female patients.

Superintendent of the hospital said they have arranged for 36 beds and the requisite staff, equipment and medicines.

Fever Hospital, as the Sir Ronald Ross Institute for Tropical and Communicable Diseases is popularly known, has been declared a nodal centre for treatment of suspected Monkeypox cases. On Sunday, the first suspected case was admitted.

The Fever Hospital had also handled the first few suspected cases of Covid-19 in March, 2020.

--IANS

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The on Monday sought responses from the Centre, the Human Rights Commission and seven states and union territories to a seeking enforcement of fundamental rights of people trafficked as bonded workers'.

A bench of Justices Indira Banerjee and V Ramasubramanian took note of the ordeal of petitioner Surendhra Manjhi who along with others was forced to work as bonded worker at a brick kiln in Shahjahanpur district of Uttar Pradesh.

The bench issued notices to the central government, NHRC, besides Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh and sought their replies within six weeks.

Manjhi, in his plea filed through lawyer Srishti Agnihotri, said he and other such workers were rescued and released on February 28, 2019 from a brick kiln at Shahjahanpur to where they were trafficked by an unregistered contractor from their native village in Bihar's Gaya district.

The plea said Manjhi and his fellow workers were forced to work without the payment of minimum statutory wages and their fundamental rights to movement and employment were severely curtailed.

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In a significant step to fill vacancies in the higher judiciary, the Collegium headed by N V Ramana on Monday approved and recommended to the Centre the proposal for the elevation of 20 advocates and 15 judicial officers as judges in six high courts.

The Collegium, which also comprises Justices Uday Umesh Lalit and A M Khanwilkar, approved the proposal for the elevation of a maximum of 13 advocates as judges in the Punjab and Haryana High Court followed by the elevation of six advocates for the Telangana High Court.

The Collegium in its meeting held on July 25 has approved the proposal for elevation of the following (13) advocates as Judges in the Punjab and Haryana High Court and they are Nidhi Gupta, Sanjay Vashisth, Tribhuvan Dahiya, Namit Kumar, Harkesh Manuja, Aman Chaudhary, Naresh Singh, Harsh Bunger, Jagmohan Bansal, Deepak Manchanda, Alok Jain, Harpreet Singh Brar, and Kuldeep Tiwari.

Names of six lawyers for the judgeship in the Telangana High Court were also recommended by the collegium and they are Enugula Venkata Venugopal, Nagesh Bheemapaka, Pulla Karthik @ P. Elamadhar, Kaja Sarath @ K. Sharath, Jaggannagari Sreenivasa Rao @ J. Srinivas Rao, and Namavarapu Rajeshwar Rao, the resolutions of the collegium, uploaded on the apex court website, said.

Woman lawyer Suman Pattanayak was also recommended as a judge of the Orissa High Court by the collegiums on July 25, a statement said.

Out of 15 judicial officers, nine names were recommended to the Centre for the judgeship in the Calcutta High Court and they are Biswaroop Chowdhury, Partha Sarathi Sen, Prasenjit Biswas, Uday Kumar, Ajay Kumar Gupta, Supratim Bhattacharya, Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, Apurba Sinha Ray, and Md Shabbar Rashidi.

Two women judicial officers -- Susmita Phukan Khaund and Mitali Thakuria - have been recommended for the judgeship in the Gauhati HC by the collegium.

The Collegium in its meeting held on 25th July 2022 has approved the proposal for elevation of the following Judicial Officers as Judges in the Orissa High Court: Gourishankar Satapathy, and Chitta Ranjan Dash, one of the seven collegium resolutions said.

The collegium also recommended the names of two judicial officers, Sushil Kukreja and Virender Singh, as Himachal Pradesh High court judges, the resolution said.

Recently on July 20, the CJI-led collegium approved the proposal for the elevation of 21 Judicial Officers as Judges in the different High Courts.

The three-member Collegium, which takes decisions concerning the high court judges, decided in a meeting and the resolution was uploaded on the apex court website on Monday.

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SAO PAULO, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro reiterated Monday his opposition to economic sanctions against Russia, in order to retain the supply of Russian fertilizer imports to Brazilian agribusiness.

"We are not going to adhere to sanctions (against Russia). We maintain a balanced position because without Brazil's balance on this issue today, we would not have fertilizers for our agribusiness," Bolsonaro said during the Global Agribusiness Forum 2022 in the city of Sao Paulo.

The president defended the country's decision to maintain trade ties with Russia to ensure food production.

"Without fertilizers, our guarantee of food security and that of 1 billion people in the world would be threatened," he added.

Bolsonaro also noted that in December his government decided to expand the national fertilizer program in search of alternatives to imports.

Brazil, Latin America's largest economy, is the world's leading soybean producer and the world's leading exporter of animal protein. 
The on Monday agreed to hear a plea challenging the order which granted parole to a man serving life jail terms for progeny.

A bench headed by the Chief Justice of India agreed to list the plea next week.

A counsel mentioned before the apex court that the HC's order has opened floodgates and many convicts are applying for parole on this ground. The lawyer said that this is not a valid ground for granting permission for parole.

In April this year, the ordered the release of a man for 15 days on parole.

The HC's order came on the convict's wife's plea asserting her "right of progeny" and seeking her husband's release. The HC said that denial to the convict-prisoner to perform conjugal relationship with his wife more particularly for the purpose of progeny would adversely affect the rights of his wife.

The HC had cited various religious scriptures while allowing the plea and said that the right to have a progeny also finds mention in the religious scriptures in the literature available on various sites.

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A single-seater trainer aircraft crashed in Maharashtra's Pune district on Monday and its woman pilot suffered injuries, police said.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has has commenced an investigation to ascertain the cause of the incident, Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated on Twitter.

"The trainee aircraft crash in Indapur, Pune District is unfortunate. No fatalities have been reported. Praying for the recovery of injured pilot, Ms Bhavika Rathod," the minister added.

The incident took place at Kadbanwadi in Indapur tehsil around 11.30 am, a police official said.

The aircraft, belonging to a private aviation school, had taken off from Baramati airport in Pune, he said.

Rathod received minor injuries and was admitted to a hospital for treatment, the official said.

The aircraft was damaged, he added.

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Generation and Distribution Company (Tangedco) has recently cautioned public against fraudulent messages stating that their connection would be disconnected and to contact certain numbers.

In the past two months, two people have lost money to phishing in the name of electricity bills.

On June 7, one V. Natarajan (83) of Chennai lost Rs 8.7 lakh rupees after he got an SMS stating that his electricity bill was due and to clear it prevent disconnection. Natarajan told police that a person contacted him and informed him that a link is sent to his phone number and he should send an amount of Rs 10 as trial payment. Within a matter of minutes, he was poorer by Rs 8.7 lakh. He lodged a complaint with the EB and the wing. The Cyber police were able to trace and retrieve the money within 20 days but the scamsters could not be arrested.

Even as the Tangedco and the Cyber wing of the police were creating awareness among the public not to fall prey to such fraudulent messages. However, on Friday, a woman consumer of Tangedco, Krishnaveni (52) , of Avinashi Road, Coimbatore, lost 4.2 lakh rupees after she received a similar call.

She received a link and the scamster asked her to pay Rs 10 as a trial and within minutes she lost Rs 4.2 lakh to the scam.

Cyber cell police have commenced the search for retrieving the money. A senior officer with the Chennai Cyber police wing told IANS that if the victims lodge a complaint immediately with the Cyber wing, the money can be traced and retrieved. He asked the people to contact the cybercrime helpline number 1930 if they fall victim to such a crime.

He said that the action has to be immediate as it would be difficult to recover the money once it is withdrawn.

Cyber wing police officers told IANS that the fraudsters are targeting old people and middle-aged people who are not internet friendly and cheat using latest phishing techniques.

Tangedco, meanwhile, issued a rejoinder that the power utility does not send such SMS alerts or links and called upon the public to immediately contact the consumer service department or the cyber cell of the police if such incidents are coming to notice.

--IANS

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In the light of increasing Covid-19 cases, health authorities in are planning door-to-door drive to administer booster doses to everyone.

Minister for Health and Family Welfare T. Harish Rao on Monday asked the District Collectors to take up a special campaign and intensify booster vaccination drive.

On July 15, the government started administering free jabs in government hospitals to every eligible person above 18 years of age and have completed six months after taking the second dose. The 75-day vaccination drive is aimed at increasing immunity levels.

According to the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, the target population for booster dose in the state is 2.77 crore. The authorities have, so far, covered 5 per cent of the target (15.03 lakh).

Over 3.22 crore eligible persons in the state have taken the first dose. The number of those who have taken the second dose is more than 3.09 crore. According to officials, 12.87 lakh eligible persons have still not taken the second dose.

The authorities are stressing the need for intensifying vaccination drive in view of an increase in the daily Covid count.

The number of daily Covid cases crossed 600 twice during this month. For the first time since February, the state recorded over 400 daily cases last month. On Sunday, the state reported 531 new cases.

The Health Minister on Monday also discussed with officials the proposed Covid vaccination drive in schools and hostels.

He along with the Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development E. Dayakar Rao, Education Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy, Minister for Scheduled Castes Development Koppula Eeshwar, Minister for Backward Classes Welfare G. Kamalakar, Minister for Tribal Welfare Satyavathi Rathod and Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar participated in a video conference with District Collectors, Additional Collectors, District Medical and Health Officers.

Issues relating to rising seasonal diseases and food safety measures in residential schools/hostels were also discussed.

Rao instructed the district collectors to be vigilant towards seasonal diseases in view of the prolonged spells of rainfall in the state. As there is a rise in the cases of seasonal diseases, Collectors have been asked to take up special drives like 'Friday dry day' in all schools, hostels and other institutions.

Similarly, special campaigns like '10 minutes at 10 a.m.' which was taken up every Sunday, will also be revived. The municipal department was directed to ensure active participation of municipal commissioners to intensify general sanitation, drain cleaning and mosquito control measures.

Dayakar Rao asked the officials to step up anti-mosquito and anti-larval activities, campaign to prevent water logging, regular drain cleaning, garbage disposal and activate local village health and sanitation committees and health staff.

Regular cleaning of surrounding areas of bore wells, proper maintenance of tap and bore wells should also be ensured.

Sabitha Indra Reddy said that the hostel wardens should be made responsible for matters relating to hygiene, sanitation and cleanliness of the hostel and also supervise the work of the sanitation staff.

--IANS

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The on Monday cancelled the anticipatory bail of 13 accused in connection with the killing of Haran Adhikari during post-poll violence in last year, officials said here.

The took over the case on September 1 last year on the High Court orders.

"It was alleged that at 8 PM in the evening on May 02, 2021, the said accused and others had beaten deceased Adhikari and other persons fiercely with bricks, sticks, 'shovels' and da (chopper) in front of house of one of accused in connection with bursting fire crackers," a spokesperson said.

Adhikari, a BJP member, succumbed to injuries during treatment.

The had filed a a supplementary charge sheet in the Court of the Baruipur additional chief judicial magistrate against 17 accused including Kurban, Ynus, Humayun, Rakhibul Molla, Usman Molla, Maiuddin Molla, Momrej Molla, Akhtar Molla, Reshma Molla, Supriya Bibi, Sirajul, Safikul Kazi and Dud Ali Molla who were given anticipatory bail by the District and Sessions Judge, South 24 Parganas, Alipore.

In its order, the High Court said, "Clearly on the ground of materials available in the case diary as on the date of the order granting anticipatory bail, it can be said that there were at least two statements recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code of two injured eye witnesses who had implicated all the opposite parties."



"Statement of injured eye witnesses recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code has to be given due emphasis while considering an application for grant of anticipatory bail," it said.

"In such circumstances, we find that the order granting anticipatory bail to the private opposite parties suffers from perversity," the Bench of Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Bibhas Ranjan De said.

"We, therefore, cancel the orders of anticipatory bail granted in favour of the private opposite parties in all the applications. We also cancel all consequential steps taken subsequent to the order granting anticipatory bail to the private opposite parties in so far as they relate to the private opposite parties being enlarged on bail," it said.

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PRI GEN INT .NORWICH FGN2 WHO-MONKEYPOX Monkeypox: World Health Organisation declares it a global health emergency here's what that means By Paul Hunter, Professor of Medicine, University of East Anglia Norwich (UK), Jul 25 (The Conversation) The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the current monkeypox epidemic a global health emergency. The committee of independent advisers who met on Thursday July 21 2022, were split on their decision on whether to call the growing monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) the highest level of alert. The head of the WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, broke the deadlock and declared the outbreak a PHEIC. This is the first time the WHO director general has side-stepped his advisers to declare a public health emergency. The first case of monkeypox was reported in a child in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (then Zaire) in 1970. Since then, outbreaks have generally been small and traceable to an individual who recently returned from a country where the virus is endemic that is, countries in west and central Africa. But the current outbreak is unlike any previous one outside of Africa in that there is sustained person-to-person transmission of the infection. As of July 22, there have been 16,593 confirmed infections in 68 countries that have not historically reported monkeypox. Most infections have been reported from Europe. The large majority of infections have been in men who have sex with men, especially men who have sex with multiple partners. Models presented to the WHO suggest the average number of people infected by a single infected person (the so-called R nought remember this from the early days of the COVID pandemic?) is between 1.4 and 1.8 in men who have sex with men, but less than 1.0 in other populations. So although occasional infections can spill over into populations other than men who have sex with men, further significant spread is unlikely. In Europe, in recent weeks there has been a slowing in the rate of increase in new monkeypox cases each week. The large majority of infections are still occurring in men who have sex with men. In the UK, 97% of cases are in men who have sex with men, but it does look as though the rate of growth in the epidemic has fallen to zero or even become negative in recent weeks. But it is plausible that the apparent dip in new infections is the gap between consecutive waves. Experts have recently been debating whether monkeypox is now a sexually transmitted disease. Even though monkeypox is undoubtedly spread during sex, labelling it as an STD would be counterproductive, as the infection could spread through any intimate contact, even when wearing condoms or without penetrative sex. For and against declaring a global health emergency Broadly, the WHO's emergency committee arguments in favour of declaring a global health emergency included that monkeypox satisfies the requirement of a PHEIC under the WHO's International Health Regulations: an extraordinary event, which constitutes a public health risk to other States through international transmission, and which potentially requires a coordinated international response. Added to this are concerns that in some countries there is likely to be substantial under-reporting of case numbers, the occasional reports of infections in children and pregnant women, concerns that the infections could become endemic in human populations or be reintroduced into at-risk groups even after the current monkeypox pandemic is over. Arguments against declaring it a global health emergency included the fact that the large majority of infections are currently being seen in just 12 countries in Europe and North America, and there is evidence of cases stabilising or even falling in those countries. Almost all cases are in men who have sex with men and who have multiple partners, which provides opportunities to stop transmission with interventions targeted at this group. Another argument is that the severity of the disease outside appears to be low. Although the emergency committee was not able to reach a consensus, Tedros took the decision to declare a PHEIC. This declaration of a global health emergency will probably not lead to much change in control activities in the most affected counties outside of Africa. However, it may stimulate those countries that have seen few cases so far to ensure their health systems are better able to manage if the infection does spread within their countries. Hopefully, it may also stimulate funding for research and improvements in the capacity in endemic countries to manage the disease. (The Conversation) NSA 07250830 NNNN

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The National Human Rights Commission has ensured that a woman got the family pension which had been "denied" to her for over 30 years since her husband died in 1987, officials said on Monday.

In a statement, the said the woman's husband was a retired ambulance driver who had served at the Safdarjung Hospital here.

The "has ensured that a woman got her family pension, which was being denied to her" for over 30 years, the rights panel said.

The Pay and Accounts Office of the Safdarjung Hospital has informed the Commission that her family pension order has been issued on June 22, 2022, it said.

Now, she is entitled to get a monthly pension of Rs 9,000. Besides this, the authorisation of payment of arrears of family pension has been granted for the period w.e.f. December 3, 1987 to March 31, 2022, the statement said.

The Commission had registered the case on the base of a complaint by the victim dated March 11, 2021.

In response to the Commission's notices to the authorities, the panel was informed that the file through which the memorandum was issued by the department to the victim was "destroyed", it said.

It was also conveyed that Pension Payment Order was issued in favour of her husband, however, as the family pension column was left as 'N/A' i.e. unmarried, hence family pension was not authorised, the rights panel said.

The Commission observed that in the event the record is destroyed, the authority concerned is entitled and competent to a create new file on the basis of the copies of the records available with the complainant or applicant, and subject to verification of facts that she was the legally wedded wife of the government employee who had died after retirement, it said.

In response, the Commission was informed that a team was constituted for this purpose. The team confirmed that the victim's status as the legally wedded wife of the deceased, paving the way for her family pension as well as payment of arrears, the statement said.

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The has appointed Indermit Gill, an Indian national, chief economist and senior vice-president for development economics at the multilateral development bank.

Indermit Gill brings to this role a combination of leadership, invaluable expertise and practical experience working with country governments on macroeconomic imbalances, growth, poverty, institutions, conflict, and climate change, President David Malpass said in a statement.

His appointment will be effective September 1, 2022.

Gill will be only the second Indian to serve as chief economist at the . was the first, having served in the job from 2012-2016. Raghuram Rajan and Gita Gopinath have served as chief economists at the International Monetary Fund, the sister organisation of the World Bank.

In a Twitter post, Gill said Carmen Reinhart, the preceding chief economist at the Bank had left big shoes to fill. Im honoured by the opportunity to follow in her footsteps, he tweeted.



.@carmenmreinhart left big shoes to fill. Im honored by the opportunity to follow in her footsteps. I start September 1 as @WorldBank Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics. https://t.co/cDcMN5JLew  Indermit Gill (@IndermitGill) July 21, 2022

Gill is widely respected for his intellectual contributions to development economics. Gill spearheaded the influential 2009 World Development Report on Economic Geography. His pioneering work includes introducing the concept of the middle income trap to describe how developing countries stagnate after reaching a certain level of income. He has published extensively on policy issues facing developing countries, sovereign debt, green growth, labour markets, poverty and inequality, and managing natural resource wealth.

Gill, currently vice-president for equitable growth, finance, and institutions at the Bank, leads the work on macroeconomics, debt, trade, poverty, and governance. Between 2016 and 2021, he was professor of public policy at Duke University and non-resident senior fellow in the Global Economy and Development program at the Brookings Institution.

Gill has also taught at Georgetown University and the University of Chicago. A student of Nobel Laureates Gary Becker and Robert E Lucas Jr, Gill holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Chicago. He also holds an MA from the Delhi School of Economics, and a BA (with honors) in Economics from St Stephens College, University of Delhi.
India continues to engage with its neighbour nations as well as through development assistance as New Delhi has extended 222 lines of credit (LoCs) worth $14.07 billion covering as many as 357 projects in 42 African nations, The Times of India reported on Monday. India has extended 37 LoCs worth $14.27 billion covering 162 projects to five nations in the neighbourhood.

The LoCs projects in African nations are spread across sectors roads, railways, power, ports and shipping, education, telecom, health, and aviation, the government has stated.

The resource-rich continent (Africa) plays a particularly important role in Indias foreign policy outlook, S Jaishankar had said earlier this month while talking about relations with . He said that the foreign policy outlook is now reflected in India's expanding diplomatic footprint, which now cover 43 nations in .

According to the TOI report, India has so far completed 197 projects in Africa and 65 more are currently being implement. 81 more projects are currently in the pre-execution stage, the report stated.

In addition to these LoCs, the government has granted assistance worth $700 million to African countries.

Apart from African nations, India has extended 37 LoCs in Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, the government said in Parliament. Out of these five nations, is getting the maximum LoCs (27) from India. This is followed by (15), (12), (11) and the Maldives (3).

India has also extened grant-in-aid projects in partner nations in the neighbourhood. These projects are being executed in areas such as railway links, roads and bridges, waterways, border-related infrastructure, capacity building among others in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Maldives, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, the Ministry of External Affairs has said, TOI reported.

Under the Neighbourhood First policy, development cooperation is an important component of our engagement with neighbouring countries, said junior EAM V Muraleedharan.
The (RBI) on Monday told the it has included several tactile features in currency notes for the visually impaired.

A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice M S Karnik was hearing a petition filed by National Association of the Blind (NAB) claiming new currency notes and coins posed difficulty for visually-impaired people in identifying and distinguishing them.

The petitioner's advocate, Uday Warunjikar, on Monday told the court earlier notes and coins were of different sizes and, hence, were easily identifiable.

"The RBI, after filing of this plea, developed a mobile application which could be used by visually impaired people," Warunjikar said.

On Monday, senior counsel Venkatesh Dhond, appearing for RBI, informed the court that apart from developing the application, the RBI had also consulted several associations working for the visually-impaired people.

"The RBI has developed several tactile features in currency notes, including identification marks and raised lines. The Rs 100 note has a triangle and four raised lines, Rs 500 note has a circle and five lines and the Rs 2000 note has a rectangle and seven lines," he said.

The bench said the problems raised in the petition are serious and asked the petitioner to file an affidavit giving further suggestions.

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Zabidullah Zabidov (C), the ambassador of Tajikistan in Kuwait, talks with officials from the Asia Department of the Syrian foreign ministry and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent in Damascus, Syria, on July 25, 2022. Syria on Monday handed over a total of 146 Tajik nationals, who are family members of Islamic State (IS) militants, to their home country, according to the state news agency SANA. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Syria on Monday handed over a total of 146 Tajik nationals, who are family members of Islamic State (IS) militants, to their home country, according to the state news agency SANA.

Zabidullah Zabidov, the ambassador of Tajikistan in Kuwait, was in Syria on Monday to take the Tajik nationals, who had been accommodated in the al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria.

The al-Hol camp, which is run by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), is known to be housing refugees, largely family members of foreign IS militants.

Zabidov said that the Tajik side had taken the necessary measures and arrangements for the return of Tajik citizens to their country.

He hailed the cooperation and support provided by the Syrian authorities to secure the transportation of children and women from the al-Hol camp to the Damascus International Airport, from where they would fly home, according to SANA.

The process took place in cooperation between the Syrian Foreign Ministry and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, SANA said. 

Zabidullah Zabidov (C), the ambassador of Tajikistan in Kuwait, meets with officials from the Asia Department of the Syrian foreign ministry and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent in Damascus, Syria, on July 25, 2022. Syria on Monday handed over a total of 146 Tajik nationals, who are family members of Islamic State (IS) militants, to their home country, according to the state news agency SANA. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
is raising tariffs for all customers after eight years, but experts say the state needs to make an additional 10-15 per cent hike to revive the .

The DMK government last week raised rates by 12 per cent to 52 per cent. Based on the new tariff, consumers who paid Rs 170 for 200 units will pay Rs 225. Those who paid Rs 4,420 for 900 units will pay Rs 5,550. minister V Senthil Balaji said the tariff hike is a result of the previous AIADMK government not taking up reforms in the last ten years.

Of the Rs 1.04 trillion state-owned discoms nationwide owe to power generation companies, Tamil Nadus share is 25 per cent or Rs 25,760 crore. Separately, dues to the comprise more than 28 per cent of Tamil Nadu's overall debt. The Generation and Distribution Corporations (Tangedco) financial loss was around Rs 1.13 trillion in 2020-21, up by Rs 94,312 crore compared to Rs 18,954 crore in 2011-12. The Regulatory Commission (TNERC) will hold public hearings regarding the proposed hike after August 11.

This tariff revision is hardly going to make any material difference to financials. Tamil Nadu will need at least 10-15 per cent additional hike to improve its financials. Due to lack of increase in tariff, discom [Tangedco] suffered adversely. The total loan has increased to Rs 1.6 trillion. It has been continuously posting losses for eight years. As a result, total accumulated losses is Rs 1.1 trillion, said Mohit Kumar, senior vice president at DAM Capital.

It is the worst managed state in terms of regulatory discipline. Despite availing loans under the liquidity scheme, it has failed to take any tariff hike, Kumar said.

According to the state government, Tangedcos loan outstanding increased from Rs 43,493 crore in 2011-12 to Rs 159,823 crore in 2021-22. In the same period, the interest on borrowed funds increased by 259 per cent to Rs 16,511 crore per annum.

In the last ten years, Tangedcos expense on the purchase of power increased by 127 per cent to Rs 37,430 crore. Expenses on fuel increased by 21 per cent to Rs 6,610 crore. The state government said the new tariff hike will not be applicable for around 10 million consumers.
Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) on Monday released the for Rajyaseva Lekhpal Mains exam 2022. The candidates can now download their from the official website at .gov.in

Rajyaseva Lekhpal Main Exam is slated to take place on July 31 from 10 am to 12 pm. It will be administered in 12 districts, namely, Agra, Aligarh, Ayodhya, Bareli, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, Kanpur Nagar, Lucknow, Meerut, Moradabad, Prayagraj, and Varanasi. The examination will consist of 100 objective-type multiple choice questions (MCQ). The exam will be for a total of 100 marks. Through this recruitment drive, aims to fill a total of 8,085 posts in Revenue Board, which is situated in Lucknow. Also Read: Karnataka CET 2022 result to be out on July 30; check the details here

Earlier, the postponed the examination date Rajyaseva Lekhpal Main Examination from July 24 to July 31, 2022.
As many as eight major (PSBs), including State Bank of India (SBI), have joined the account aggregator ecosystem in some form or the other as the deadline set out by the minister is ending soon. The remaining four are still in the testing phase and are expected to join the ecosystem soon.

According to the information put out by Sahamati, an industry alliance for the account aggregator ecosystem, Canara Bank, Bank of India (BoI), Indian Bank, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India, SBI, Bank of Maharashtra and UCO Bank have gone live on the ecosystem.

While a majority of the have joined the ecosystem, many of them, including SBI, BoI and UCO Bank, have listed the service in the production environment of the registry. However, it is still not available for citizens to use.

Canara Bank and Indian have both gone live as a financial information provider (FIP) and financial information user (FIU). The remaining four PSBs, which are still in the testing phase, are Bank of Baroda, Central Bank of India, Punjab & Sind Bank and Indian Overseas Bank.

minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a meeting with heads of and regional rural in early July to review operational and governance reforms of regional lenders. During the meeting, Sitharaman had instructed to get on board the ecosystem by the end of July.

Even as PSBs go live on the ecosystem, their executives have said this will result in a complete overhaul of their systems.

To benefit from the system, they have to develop the capacity to work round-the-clock over a period of time. This is to tap business from millennials or they may lose out.

Major private such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Federal Bank have been the early ones to get on board the ecosystem. So far, there are nine private sector banks which have gone live.

Account aggregators are essentially licensed non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) that enable instant exchange of financial data between FIP and FIUs. This is with the explicit consent of customers.

The ecosystem went live in September last year with an aim to democratise credit delivery and bolster the lending ecosystem.

Around 0.91 million accounts have been linked to the ecosystem during the last 11 months. And, around 0.86 million consents have been given during the same period.

Besides 18 banks, including PSBs and private lenders, being live on the ecosystem, more than 20 NBFCs are also live on it. They are the likes of Bajaj Finance, Piramal Capital & Housing Finance, and Tata Capital financial services.

Experts said as more and more banks get onboarded, more tech-led NBFCs will join the ecosystem. Among insurers, Bajaj Allianz Life and Max Life are in the ecosystem while many are still in the testing phase.

Sahamati is now working with Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) entities to get them onboarded. It has also started work with large insurance firms. Sahamati is also talking with the GST network. And, initial discussions have taken place with Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) as well.

So far, there are six account aggregators operating in the system that have received Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) approval. Eight more have got in-principle nod from the regulator.
represents the "largest threat" to and the world's security and prosperity this century and there is evidence to suggest it has targeted countries from the US to India, UK Prime Ministerial candidate said on Monday.

The 42-year-old former Chancellor set out a series of plans he would undertake if elected the prime minister, including building a new NATO-style military alliance of free nations to defend against Chinese technological aggression.

I would close all 30 of China's Confucius Institutes in the UK the highest number in the world," said Sunak as part of his Conservative Party leadership campaign pitch to win over members' votes.

and the Chinese Communist Party represent the largest threat to and the world's security and prosperity this century I will build a new alliance of free nations to tackle Chinese cyber-threats and share best practice in technology security, he said.

Given that there is evidence to suggest has targeted countries from the United States to India, Rishi is confident that he can create a broad alliance including countries from all over the world.

As part of this new security alliance, the UK will coordinate efforts to influence standards and norms on cybersecurity, telecommunications security, and preventing intellectual property theft, the "Ready4Rishi" campaign said in a statement.

Accusing China of stealing UK technology and infiltrating universities while "propping up [Russian President] Putin's fascist invasion of Ukraine", bullying Taiwan and contravening human rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, as well as suppressing their currency to continually rig the global economy in their favour, the UK-born Indian-origin MP for Richmond in North Yorkshire also pledged to shut down all Chinese institutes in the country.

They are saddling developing countries with insurmountable debt and using this to seize their assets or hold a diplomatic gun to their heads. They torture, detain and indoctrinate their own people, including in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, in contravention of their human rights. And they have continually rigged the global economy in their favour by suppressing their currency, he said.

He said he would close all 30 Confucius Institutes in the UK the highest number in the world.

"Almost all UK government spending on Mandarin language teaching at school is channelled through university-based Confucius Institutes, thereby promoting Chinese soft power, he added.

The Confucius Institutes are funded by the Chinese government and are meant to be culture and language centres, but critics claim they are propaganda tools as relations between the West and China worsen.

Sunak, who is on an intense campaign trail to beat Foreign Secretary Liz Truss to the top Downing Street job to replace Boris Johnson, focussed his message on China's aggressive policies on Monday ahead of a key televised debate on the BBC and also pledged to expand the reach of Britain's security services to keep its industrial espionage in check.

I will expand MI5's reach to provide greater support to British businesses and universities to counter Chinese industrial espionage. We'll work across government and with security services to build a toolkit to help companies protect their intellectual property, he said.

I will protect key British assets. That means examining the need to prevent Chinese acquisitions of key British assets including strategically sensitive tech firms, he said.

He pledged to lead the world in standing up to China's "technological aggression" by amending the Higher Education Bill to force British universities to disclose any foreign funding partnerships of more than 50,000 pounds.

Sunak has committed to reviewing all UK-Chinese research partnerships that could assist China technologically or have military applications.

"I will work with [US] President Biden and other world leaders to transform the West's resilience to the threat China poses," he noted.

The opposing team accused Sunak of being "soft" on China as Chancellor.

A spokesperson for Truss said she had "strengthened Britain's position on China" since becoming Foreign Secretary and "helped lead the response to increased Chinese aggression".



Foxconn unit in Shenzhen sealed off as Covid spreads

China has forced some of its biggest companies, including iPhone maker Foxconn and oil producer CNOOC, to operate within a closed loop restricted system for seven days as the southern manufacturing hub of Shenzhen battles its latest Covid outbreak.

The city government has asked its 100 biggest companies, including automaker BYD Co., networking giants Huawei Technologies and ZTE and drone-maker DJI to restrict operations only to employees living within a closed loop or bubble, with little to no contact with people beyond their plants or offices.

Authorities also asked companies to reduce unnecessary interaction between non-manufacturing staff and factory floors to reduce infection, according to a Shenzhen government notice seen by Bloomberg News.

The lockdown comes as China narrowly escaped an economic contraction in the June quarter, when a series of rolling lockdowns shut businesses nationwide, eroded employment and hurt consumer spending. The action is taking place months before Foxconn Technology Group is due to deliver the next generation of Apples marquee device (Reuters).

China population to shrink

Chinas dwindling population will touch negative growth by 2025 and may continue to shrink for more than a century, a media report said on Monday, as it highlighted the need for improving the overall quality of the population and changing economic development plans to address the problem.

The growth rate of Chinas total population has slowed significantly and is expected to enter a negative growth during the current 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Yang Wenzhuang, head of population and family affairs at the National Health Commission, said at the Annual Conference of China Population Association.

Chinese demographers predicted that negative population growth will be the dominant trend in the coming years for a long time and improving the overall quality of the population and changing economic development plans are vital (Press Trust of India).



(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.)
China's dwindling will touch negative growth by 2025 and may continue to shrink for more than a century, a media report said on Monday, as it highlighted the need for improving the overall quality of the and changing economic development plans to address the problem.

The growth rate of China's total has slowed significantly and is expected to enter a negative growth during the current 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Yang Wenzhuang, head of population and family affairs at the National Health Commission, said at the Annual Conference of Population Association on Thursday.

Chinese demographers predicted that negative population growth will be the dominant trend in the coming years for a long time and improving the overall quality of the population and changing economic development plans are vital to address the problem, the Global Times newspaper reported.

"This is an inevitable result of a long period of the low fertility rate," said Huang Wenzheng, a demography expert and senior researcher at the Centre for and Globalisation.

"It can be predicted that China's birth rate will continue to shrink for more than a century and the birth rate in first-tier cities will continue to fall. The third-child policy may alleviate some of the problems, but it is unlikely to reverse the trend in the short term," he told the state-run Global Times.

His comments came as the birth data for 2021 released by 29 provinces showed that the number of new births last year was the lowest in decades in several provinces, and only six among the top 10 provinces with the highest birth numbers exceed 500,000, the report said.

According to a recent report by the United Nations, India is projected to surpass as the world's most populous country next year.

The World Population Prospects 2022 report compiled by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division said: "India is projected to surpass China as the world's most populous country during 2023.

India's population stands at 1.412 billion in 2022, compared to China's 1.426 billion, the report said.

India, which will surpass China as the world's most populous nation by 2023, is projected to have a population of 1.668 billion in 2050, way ahead of China's 1.317 billion people by the middle of the century.

China faced a demographic crisis as its child births decreased alarmingly while the numbers of old age population grew, warranting the government to expand geriatric care facilities.

China permitted all couples to have two children in 2016, scrapping the draconian decades-old one-child policy which policymakers blame for the current demographic crisis.

Last year, China passed a revised Population and Family Planning Law allowing Chinese couples to have three children in an apparent attempt to address the reluctance of couples to have more kids due to mounting costs.

The decision to permit the third child came after the once-in-a-decade census in 2020 showed that China's population grew at its slowest pace to 1.412 billion.

"Low fertility rates mean that there are fewer potential mothers and fathers. The number of people willing to have children is also shrinking fast at the same time. Add these two factors together and we now see the trend of rapid shrinkage in natural population growth rate," Huang said.

Lu Jiehua, a professor of sociology at Peking University, told the daily that given the current demographic trends, China will inevitably enter a period of negative population growth for a long time, although there might be some fluctuations occurring during this period.

To reduce the cost of childbirth, parenting, and education, many cities and regions have rolled out a set of measures, including reducing childbirth and education costs, to aim for balanced population growth in the long run.

"The overall arrangement of the social and economic development needs to be adjusted to adapt to the new pattern of population growth," Lu said.

"For a long time in the past, China has relied on the demographic dividend to drive economic development. In the future, the demographic dividend may gradually decline or go into debt. In this case, we should explore advantages in areas beyond the demographic dividend to fully improve the overall quality of the population and create new conditions for economic development," Lu said.

Addressing young people's concerns and pressures about having and raising children, stabilising housing prices and optimising favourable policies may help alleviate the pressure of negative population growth, experts said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The most educated generation in Chinas history was supposed to blaze a trail towards a more innovative and technologically advanced . Instead, about 15 million young people are estimated to be jobless, and many are lowering their ambitions.

A perfect storm of factors has propelled among 16- to 24-year-old urbanites to a record 19.3%, more than twice the comparable rate in the US. The governments hardline coronavirus strategy has led to layoffs, while its regulatory crackdown on real estate and education companies has hit the private sector. At the same time, a record number of college and vocational school graduatessome 12 millionare entering the job market this summer. This highly educated cohort has intensified a mismatch between available roles and jobseekers expectations.

The result is an increasingly disillusioned young population losing faith in private companies and willing to accept lower pay in the state sector. If the trend continues, growth in the worlds second-largest stands to suffer. The sheer number of jobless under-25s amounts to a 2% to 3% reduction in Chinas workforce, and fewer workers means lower gross domestic product. and underemployment also continue to impact salaries for yearsa 2020 review of studies reported a 3.5% reduction in wages among those who had experienced five years earlier.

More young people taking roles in government may leave fewer jumping into new sectors and fueling innovation.

The structural adjustment faced by Chinas right now actually needs more people to become entrepreneurs and strive, said Zeng Xiangquan, head of the Institute for Employment Research in Beijing. Lowered expectations have damaged the utilization of the young labor force, he added. Its not a good thing for the economy.

Pre-pandemic, 22-year-old Xu Chaoqun was prepared for a career in Chinas creative industries. But a fruitless four-month job hunt has left him setting his sights on the state sector. Under the Covid outbreak, many private companies are very unstable, said Xu, who majored in visual art at a mid-ranked university. Thats why I want to be with a state-owned enterprise.

Xu is not alone. Some 39% of graduates listed state-owned companies as their top choice of employer last year, according to recruitment company 51job Inc. Thats up from 25% in 2017. A further 28% chose government jobs as their first choice.

Its a rational response in a pandemic-hit labor market. All workplaces have been hit hard by Chinas snap lockdowns and strict quarantine measures, but private companies were more likely to lay off workers. Beijings main employment-boosting policy has been to order the state sector to increase hiring.

President Xi Jinping may be relieved that the countrys unemployed youth are trying to join the government rather than overthrow it. During a June visit to a university in the southwestern Chinas Sichuan province, he advised graduates to prevent the situation in which one is unfit for a higher position but unwilling to take a lower one. He added that to get rich and get fame overnight is not realistic.

The message is getting through: Graduate expectations for starting salaries fell more than 6% from last year to 6,295 yuan ($932) per month, according to an April survey from recruitment firm Zhilian. State-owned enterprises grew in appeal over the same period, the recruiter said.

But lower income expectations and talent shunning the private sector are likely to lower growth in the long term, challenging the presidents plan to double the size of Chinas economy from 2020 levels by 2035by which point it would likely overtake the U.S. in size.

The phrase tang pinglying flatspread through Chinas internet last year. The slogan invokes dropping out of the rat race and doing the bare minimum to get by, and reflected the desire for a better work-life balance in the face of Chinas slowing growth. As the unemployment situation has continued to worsen, many young people have adopted an even more fatalistic catchphrase: bailan, or let it rot.

That concept is a kind of mental relaxation, said Hu Xiaoyue, a 24-year old with a psychology masters degree. This way, even if you fail, you will feel better. When Hu started looking for work last August, she found it easy to land interviews. But when it came to spring, only one in 10 companies would offer an interview, she said. It fell off a cliff.

Chinas state-owned enterprises (SOEs) arent all unproductive behemoths. But the weight of economic evidence suggests they are, on the whole, less efficient and less innovative than privately-owned companies. Chinas economic boom has coincided with a falling share of SOE jobs in urban employmentfrom 40% in 1996 to less than 10% pre-pandemic. That trend could now go into reverse.

Last year, launched a regulatory crackdown on formerly high-flying sectors dominated by private companies that previously attracted ambitious young people. Internet companies were hit with fines for monopolistic behavior, real estate businesses were starved of financing and the private tutoring sector was almost entirely shuttered.

Regulatory filings show that Chinas top five listed education companies reduced their staffing by 135,000 in the last year after the crackdown. The largest tech companies have kept their headcounts stable, and Zhilian says that there were more tech jobs advertised in the first half of this year than the same period in 2021. Even so, the sectors allure has faded.

A graduate of the highly ranked Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, Hu was set for the tech sectorshe interned at three internet companies including video-sharing giant Beijing Kuaishou Technology Co. But she has changed her mind. People who are going to work for Internet companies are all worrying about themselves because they feel like they could be fired any time, she said.

Instead, Hu landed a position at a research institute within state-owned Telecom Corp. The working hours of my future job will be 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the workload will be quite light. Internet companies are too consuming, she said.

As well as the movement of talent towards state-owned companies, theres another mechanism at work that can damage long-term growth. Studies by from the US, Europe and Japan have shown that the longer young people are unemployed at the start of their careers, the worse their long-term incomes, an effect known as scarring.

Thats the risk facing Beiya, who was laid off from an e-commerce company this year. The 26-year-old, who gave only one name because she feared that talking about losing her job could hit her employment prospects, missed out on a role with TikTok parent company Bytedance Inc. because of her limited experience.

Im a good candidate with potential but they want to see me in two years, she said. But how can I get the experience if no one gives me a job now?

The state sector already employs around 80 million people and the figure could grow by as much as 2 million on a net basis this year, according to Lu Feng, a labor economist at Peking University. But compared with total demand for jobs, its still relatively small, he said. We still need private firms to hire.

That will only happen if the economy grows. To meet its employment goals, economists say China needs GDP to increase between 3% and 5% this year. Economists are predicting growth closer to 4%with the outlook highly uncertain due to the prospect of more lockdowns to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Lack of clarity on an exit strategy from the Covid-Zero policy makes companies wary of hiring, said Chang Shu, Bloomberg Economics chief Asia economist.

Beijing has launched a version of the job-support programs seen in Europe during the pandemic, offering tax rebates and direct subsidies to companies who promise to retain workers. But the amounts involved are small: The incentive for hiring a new worker is just 1,500 yuan. Provincial subsidies for graduates who start businesses are also smalljust 10,000 yuan in the prosperous Guangdong region.

Even if China can return to strong growth in the second half of this year, the youth unemployment problem will persistthe rate has been rising since 2017, reaching 12% pre-pandemic. Economists attribute that to two factors: urbanization and a mismatch between the education system and employers needs.

The hundreds of millions of workers who moved from the countryside to cities used to return to their villages during labor market slumps, acting as an economic shock absorber. Now, younger migrants increasingly stay put when they lose their jobs, pushing up urban unemployment.

A lot of them are not even raised in rural areas. So they regard themselves as urban people, says Peking Universitys Lu. The constraints for the government have changed substantially, its tougher than in the past.

Second, the annual number of graduates in China has increased tenfold over the last two decadesthe fastest higher-education expansion anywhere in the world, at any time. The share of young Chinese people attending college is now almost 60%, similar to developed countries.

The number of vocational graduates lags far behind those receiving academic degrees. Such is the stigma around vocational education that students rioted last year when told their university was being rebranded as a vocational school. Highly educated young people are rejecting factory jobs. Thats the basic matching problem. It is huge in this country, said Lu.

Thats left manufacturers complaining about shortages of skilled technicians. There are not a lot of people applying for those jobs, such as electrician or welder, said Jiang Cheng, 28, an agent for electronics factories in central China.

Other sectors are oversubscribed. According to a 2021 study of 20,000 randomly selected jobseekers on Zhilians website, some 43% of the job applicants wanted to work in the IT industry, while the sector accounted for just 16% of recruitment posts.

Half of jobseekers had a bachelor degree, but only 20% of jobs required one. There is now compelling evidence of over-education, the studys authors wrote, warning that the misalignment could have profound influences on both individuals and the nation.

In the longer term, its possible that government intervention may get the private sector hiring again, while education reforms and market forces can smooth the misalignment in the labor market.

China is easing its regulatory campaigns, and a vocational education law passed this year aims to improve standards. A study by Wang Zhe, an economist at Caixin Insight, found college majors that attracted a wage premium in 2020 became more popular in 2021. As applicants academic choices adapt to demand in the jobs market, mismatches stand to ease.

But the share of graduates from Chinas nine top-ranked universities joining the private sector has fallen since the pandemic, according to research from Hong Kongs Lingnan University. That suggests ideological shifts, and not just market forces, are at play. Some graduates at top universities are adopting  cadre style, according to online forums where they seek tips on where to buy the black zippered windbreakers favored by Xi.

Even in the current environment, Kay Lou, 25, would be a leading candidate for any number of private-sector jobs. She has a masters in law from top-ranked Tsinghua University and has interned for a legal firm, an Internet giant, a securities brokerage and a court.

In the end, she won a government position in Zhejiang provincewhere some roles attract as many as 200 applicants.

I felt my work wasnt meaningful, she said. I became increasingly opposed to the capitalists pursuit of wealth after I read Marx, so in the end I chose to become a civil servant.
A South Africa-based rights group has submitted a criminal complaint to the Attorney General of requesting the arrest of former Sri Lankan President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, for alleged war crimes.

Lawyers from the Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) submitted a 63-page complaint that argues that committed grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions during the civil war in 2009 when he was secretary of defence and that these are crimes subject to domestic prosecution in under universal jurisdiction.

The legal complaint states that Gotabaya committed violations of humanitarian law and criminal law during the civil war in .

"These include murder, execution, torture and inhuman treatment, rape and other forms of sexual violence, deprivation of liberty, severe bodily and mental harm, and starvation," ITJP said in a statement.

fled to vis Maldives in mid-July after months of mass protests calling for his resignation. The unrest was triggered due to the economic collapse of the country. Ranil Wickramasinghe has been elected as the new President of .

"The economic meltdown has seen the government collapse but the crisis in is really linked to structural impunity for serious international crimes going back three decades or more," said the ITJP's executive director, Yasmin Sooka. "This complaint recognises that it's not just about corruption and economic mismanagement but also accountability for mass atrocity crimes."

The ITJP submission to the Attorney General calls for the arrest, investigation and indictment of Gotabaya Rajapaksa. It outlines the former President's role as a former military commander in 1989, in charge of a district where at least 700 people disappeared under his watch. The document focuses mainly on his role as Sri Lanka's secretary of defence, during the end of the country's civil war in 2009.

According to an ITJP, detailed evidence is adduced to show that Rajapaksa issued direct orders by telephone to his former military buddies whom he appointed as Major Generals to command the offensive and watched the conduct of the battle live on surveillance and drone footage in headquarters.

The rights group said that the dossier submitted by them contains accounts of repeated and deliberate strikes by the army on civilians sheltering in earthen bunkers, killed while queuing for food or receiving first aid treatment in hellish conditions lying on the floor of makeshift clinics.

"It details how the decision to expel aid workers from the war zone in September 2008 was Gotabaya Rajapaksa's and designed to hide the extent of human suffering from the eyes of the world. Even United Nations offices in the war zone were repeatedly hit by the Sri Lankan air force to encourage aid workers to flee and yet Gotabaya Rajapaksa himself boasted that the air force could pinpoint targets; he said they surveilled targets and planned and reviewed every air strike," ITJP said.

According to the rights group, Gotabaya Rajapaksa's ministry was in charge of approving humanitarian deliveries to the war zone and although he sat in meetings with humanitarian agencies who repeatedly warned that the civilian population were in desperate need of life-saving medicine and food, he denied permission to send in supplies.

(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.)
co-founder instructed his advisers to sell his personal investments in Elon Musks in recent months after learning that he had a brief affair with his wife, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Musk, the co-founder of Inc., had an alleged liaison in early December in Miami with Nicole Shanahan, the Journal said, citing unidentified people familiar with the matter. That ended the long friendship between Musk, 51, and Brin, who helped support the electric carmaker during the 2008 financial crisis. Brin, 48, filed for divorce from Shanahan in January.

The size of Brins personal investments in Musks isnt known, and its unclear whether there have been any sales, the newspaper said.

Musk is the worlds richest person with a $242 billion fortune, according to the Billionaires Index. Brin is the eighth-wealthiest, with a net worth of $94.6 billion.

The affair is the latest in a string of revelations about Musks personal life. Reports earlier this year said he became the father to twins born to a senior executive at his artificial intelligence startup Neuralink.

Another of his companies, SpaceX, paid an employee $250,000 to settle a claim she was sexually harassed by Musk in 2016, according to Insider. Musk said the accusations were utterly untrue and designed to interfere with his acquisition of Twitter Inc., an agreement which hes now trying to exit.

Musks affair with Shanahan took place in December at Art Basel in Miami, and Musk at another event asked Brin for forgiveness, according to the Journal.

Brin and Shanahan are currently negotiating a settlement, with Shanahan seeking more than $1 billion, the Journal said, even though theres a prenuptial agreement.
India contributed USD 2.5 million to the Relief and Works Agency for Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Director of the West Asia and North Africa Division of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Sunil Kumar presented the cheque of USD 2.5 million to the UNRWA Director of Partnerships of the Department of External Relations, Karim Amer in a signing ceremony at UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem on July 22, an official statement from the UNRWA said.

Karim Amer expressed gratitude and appreciated India for its continuous efforts toward the Palestinian refugees.

"This timely contribution is a strong demonstration of India's unwavering support to the work of UNRWA and commitment to the wellbeing of refugees. On behalf of UNRWA, I would like to express our deep appreciation for the Government of India for its continued funding to the Agency and its backing of refugees across the Middle East," he said.

During the ceremony, Under-Secretary for West Asia and North Africa, Ministry of External Affairs, Harish Kumar was also present.

India is a dedicated donor to UNRWA, having given USD 20 million in support of core UNRWA services to Palestine refugees across the Middle East since 2018.

The UNRWA, which was established as a humanitarian agency in 1949, is fully funded through voluntary contributions and grants from donor countries.

The agency was mandated to provide assistance and protection for about 5.6 million Palestinian refugees registered in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and refugee camps in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.

The UNRWA services for Palestinian refugees involve education, health care, relief, infrastructure, camp improvement, protection and microfinance.

In January, the UNRWA announced that it needs 1.6 billion US dollars from the community in 2022 to cover expenses and provide services and humanitarian development programs for Palestinian refugees.

(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.)
Coming week in Uzbekistan, External Affairs Minister will be sharing the table with his Pakistani counterpart at the Foreign Ministers meeting.

This is the first time, Bhutto will be meeting EAM Jaishankar face to face after the formation of the new coalition government of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) in Islamabad, led by Shehbaz Sharif.

India will be attending two key meetings in - SCO Foreign Ministers meet and an conference on Afghanistan in .

The conference on Afghanistan will take place on July 25th and 26th, while the foreign minister meeting will take place on July 28th and 29th.

Bilawal after assuming office had said that he desires re-engagement with India.

However, there is no indication of a bilateral India-Pakistan meeting on the sidelines of SCO yet, as far as talks with Pakistan, New Delhi has consistently said that terror and talks cannot go together.

Meanwhile, Jaishankar's participation in the SCO is yet to be announced officially.

Chinese Foreign Minister will also be attending the meeting. Jaishankar may have a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister to review the outcome of the recently held 16th round of negotiations between the military commanders of India and China to resolve the stand-off along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh.

If the bilateral talks happen, Jaishankar - Wang meeting may also pave the way for the possible meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both are expected to attend the SCO summit on September 15 and 16 at Samarkand, .

Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to participate along with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the September meeting.

Jaishankar - Wang also met on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting at Bali in Indonesia on July 7. In the meeting, EAM Jaishankar called for an early resolution of all the outstanding issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh.

Recalling the disengagement achieved in some friction areas, Jaishankar reiterated the need to sustain the momentum to complete disengagement from all the remaining areas to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

Uzbekistan is chair of SCO and will be the organiser of all the events pertaining to the two-decade-old grouping that includes Russia, China, India, Pakistan and 4 central Asian countries -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

SCO has four observer states, namely Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia.

It has six dialogue partners, namely Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey, and Sri Lanka.

Uzbekistan took over the chairmanship of the organization from Tajikistan on September 17, 2021. India will hold the SCO summit next year.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NAIROBI, July 25 (Xinhua) -- At least 30 passengers were killed and several others injured on Sunday evening when their bus fell off a bridge and plunged into a river along the highway in Tharaka Nithi, Kenya, local police said.

The bus, traveling from Meru town to the coastal city of Mombasa, plunged into the Nithi River about 40 meters below along the Meru-Nairobi highway at around 6:40 p.m. (1540 GMT), Eastern Regional Police Commander Rono Bunei said on Monday.

Bunei said the bus must have developed brake failure because it was at a very high speed when the accident happened.

The wreckage of the bus could be seen strewn on the hillside near the black spot.

Alex Mugambi, Tharaka Nithi County Rescue team manager, said the death toll may rise.

The accident is among a series of deadly crashes in the country. On July 8, more than 20 passengers were killed in an accident along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. 
The Kuwaiti emir on Sunday issued a decree appointing Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as the prime minister and tasking him with forming the new cabinet.

As required by the constitution, the prime minister-designate will then inform the National Assembly of his nomination before assuming office, according to the Center for Government Communication of .

In May, the Kuwaiti emir approved the resignation of then Prime Minister Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and his cabinet, in which Ahmad served as first deputy prime minister and minister of interior.

Ahmad was born in 1956 as the eldest son of Kuwaiti Emir Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He served as the National Guard Deputy Commander between November 2020 and March 9, 2022.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Top leaders of Pakistan's ruling coalition on Monday expressed distrust in the Supreme Court's handling of a case related to the election of the chief minister in Punjab province, saying "bench-fixing" is a crime similar to "match-fixing," and urged it to avoid constituting a "specific anti-PML-N bench" for taking one-sided decisions.

The coalition government leaders, including the Muslim League (Nawaz) Vice President Maryam Nawaz, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazl ur Rehman and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah addressed a joint press conference ahead of the significant Supreme Court hearing on Hamza Shehbaz's re-election as the chief minister of Punjab province.

"Institutions are insulted from within, not outside. One wrong decision blows up an entire case. Criticism isn't needed where the right decisions are taken," Maryam, the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and PML-N supremo, said.

The PML-N vice president pointed out that there were many respected judges appointed to the apex court and questioned why they were not involved in hearing the PML-N's cases.

One or two judges, who have always been anti-PML-N and anti-government, are repeatedly included in the bench, she said, adding that bench-fixing is a crime just like match-fixing.

The PML-N leader asked for the Supreme Court to take suo motu notice of this issue.

Hamza, the son of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Saturday took oath as the Chief Minister of the Punjab province after he was re-elected to the post by just three votes amidst high drama when Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari rejected 10 crucial votes of his rival candidate Chaudhry Parvez Elahi.

In the 368-member Punjab Assembly, Hamza's Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) received 179 votes, while Elahi's party garnered 176 votes.

(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 constructed 2,088 kms of roads in areas bordering China in the last five years with an expenditure of Rs 15,477 crore, the government said on Monday.

In total, the government spent Rs 20,767 crore in constructing 3,595 kms of border roads during the period that included those in areas along the frontiers with Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar, according to the details provided in Lok Sabha.

Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt said the government constructed 2,088.57 kms of road along the border with China by incurring an expenditure of Rs 15,477.06 crore.

According to the details provided by him, Rs 4,242.38 crore was spent to construct 1,336.09 kms of road along the border with Pakistan, while an expenditure of Rs 882.52 crore was incurred to build 151.15 kms road along the frontier with Myanmar in the last five years.

Bhatt said 19.25 kms of road was constructed along the border with Bangladesh at a cost of Rs 165.45 crore.

There has been a renewed focus on developing infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China following the eastern Ladakh standoff.

The eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas.

Both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process last year on the north and south banks of the Pangong lake and in the Gogra area.

Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control in the sensitive sector.

The 16th round of military talks on July 17 between the two sides to resolve the remaining issues did not produce any significant outcome.

(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.)
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi held talks with visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Cairo, where they discussed bilateral relations and regional and global issues of mutual concern.

Lavrov handed to Sisi a letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing the importance attaches to consolidating bilateral ties with within the framework of the "strategic partnership and cooperation agreement between the two countries", Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by the Egyptian presidency.

The Egyptian president hailed the growing cooperation between Cairo and Moscow, which is exemplified by Russian projects in Egypt, such as the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant that is currently being built, and the establishment of a Russian industrial zone on the Suez Canal axis and other joint projects in various fields.

With regard to the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, renewed its call for a political settlement of the crisis.

Sisi stressed "the importance of giving priority to the language of dialogue and diplomatic solutions to the crisis," affirming Egypt's support for all endeavors that would settle the issue "politically" in order to maintain security and stability.

It is Lavrov's first African tour since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict that started in late February. The tour is scheduled to include Ethiopia, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Following his talks with Sisi, Lavrov held a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry at the Egyptian Foreign Ministry's headquarters in Cairo.

The Russian top diplomat said he had "a constructive dialogue" with the Egyptian president and later with his Egyptian counterpart, expressing Russia's appreciation for the fast-growing relations between the two countries.

Speaking to a joint press conference after meeting with Shoukry, Lavrov lauded the expanding economic cooperation and growing trade volume between and .

He added that and Egypt have shared views on many regional and global issues, including the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the crises in Syria, Libya and Iraq.

As for a global food shortage resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Lavrov blamed the Western sanctions for obstructing Russian grain exports, noting that Russia and Ukraine recently signed an agreement to help relieve the food crisis through safe corridors in the Black Sea for grain exports.

Lavrov noted that his tour in Africa also seeks to discuss preparations for the second Russia-Africa summit that is scheduled for mid-2023.

For his part, the Egyptian foreign minister reiterated the need to reach "a political and diplomatic settlement" of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.

Shoukry added that he discussed with Lavrov the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and they both agreed on the necessity of the two-state solution as a settlement to the issue.

Ahmed Kandil, head of the Studies Unit at Cairo-based Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, said that the timing of Lavrov's tour in Africa is very important as it comes after two recent important meetings, one in Jeddah attended by leaders of the US and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, plus Egypt, Jordan and Iraq, and the other in Tehran gathering leaders of Russia, Iran and Turkiye.

"Lavrov's scheduled visit to Ethiopia after Egypt could be a message from Moscow that Russia can play an important role in solving the region's issues, the foremost of which is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) crisis," the Egyptian expert told Xinhua, referring to the dispute between Cairo and Addis Ababa on the rules of filling and operating the dam built on their shared Nile River.

Lavrov is scheduled to visit the Cairo-based headquarters of the Arab League (AL) later in the day to meet with AL Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit and address the permanent representatives of Arab states at the league.

--IANS

int/shs

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Russia appears to have reversed itself after the countrys top diplomat said Moscows overarching goal is to topple the government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Russian artillery barrages and air strikes continue to pummel cities across Ukraine.

The remark from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov comes amid Ukraine's efforts to resume grain exports from its Black Sea ports, something that would help ease global food shortages, under a new deal tested by a Russian strike on Odesa over the weekend.

Speaking to envoys at an Arab League summit in Cairo late Sunday, Lavrov said Moscow is determined to help Ukrainians liberate themselves from the burden of this absolutely unacceptable regime. Lavrov accused Kiev and its Western allies" of spouting propaganda intended to ensure that Ukraine becomes the eternal enemy of Russia. Russian and Ukrainian people would continue to live together, we will certainly help Ukrainian people to get rid of the regime, which is absolutely anti-people and anti-historical, he said.

Lavrovs remarks contrasted sharply with the Kremlins line early in the war, when Russian officials repeatedly emphasised that they werent seeking to overthrow Zelenskyy's government.

Lavrov argued that Russia was ready to negotiate a deal to end hostilities in March when Kyiv changed tack and declared its intention to rout Russia on the battlefield, adding that the West has encouraged Ukraine to keep fighting.

Gazprom cutting gas Nord Stream to 20% of capacity

Russias Gazprom said Monday that it would further reduce natural gas flows through a major pipeline to Europe to 20 per cent of capacity, citing repairs of equipment.

The Russian state-owned company tweeted that it would reduce the daily throughput of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany to 33 million cubic meters as of Wednesday. The head of Germany's network regulator confirmed the reduction.

The halving of the nomination of NordStream1 was announced for the day after tomorrow, tweeted Klaus Mueller.

It comes after Gazprom raised questions about the return of a part that has been at the center of tensions over natural gas deliveries.
An request has been moved by the South African authorities against Indian origin Gupta brothers before the competent authorities of the on Monday.

Atul Kumar Gupta and Rajesh Gupta, who are facing corruption charges in had fled to the along with their brother Ajay Gupta, from where the two were arrested. Now South African authorities have placed a request for their .

"Today a formal application was submitted to the Central Authority in the United Arab Emirates. This is within the 60-day period from the date of arrest of the Gupta brothers, as set out in the extradition treaty between and the .

"The application, submitted in both English and Arabic, addresses the general requirements for extradition, which, if met, would allow for the extradition to be granted under either the existing extradition treaty or the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), or both," read a letter issued by Mthunzi Mhaga, spokesperson for National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in .

She said a multi-disciplinary team within the NPA oversaw the legal aspect of the process and worked in a focused and well-coordinated manner with the office of the Director General in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, designated as the central authority (CA) for extradition processes to prepare and finalise the application.

This work included consultation with legal counsels and meeting their counterparts in the UAE to ensure that the request for extradition met all the requirements of the bilateral treaty.

"The submission of the formal application for the arrest and extradition of Gupta brothers is an important milestone in the NPA's commitment to hold accountable the perpetrators and uphold the rule of law. It reaffirms our resolve to be the lawyers of the people and seek collective justice for our country.

"As this process unfolds, and the extradition application is heard in UAE courts, the NPA will continue to collaborate and support its counterparts in the UAE to ensure that the Gupta brothers are extradited to face justice in South Africa. This process could take several months, as the NPA we will continue with its commitment to deliver for impact," the NPA spokesperson said.

What is the case?

The Gupta brothers were held in the UAE in June. They are facing corruption charges in South Africa for allegedly using their ties with former president Jacob Zuma for their own benefits. A judicial inquiry had been initiated into the matter in 2018. Soon after this, the Gupta brothers fled from South Africa along with their another brother Ajay Gupta to the UAE.

Gupta brothers, who are originally from UP's Saharanpur, had been running a computer business in South Africa since 1997. The firm had a toral turnover of around Rs 97 million. Initially, their firm's name was Correct Marketing, which was later changed to Sahara Computer and Sahara System Private limited. In 2016, they became the seventh wealthiest person in South Africa. Their net worth had touched Rs 10.7 billion.

--IANS

atk/arm

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Inc has increased its capital spending plan by $1 billion, the electric automaker said in a regulatory filing on Monday that also disclosed a second subpoena related to Chief Executive Elon Musk's go-private tweets in 2018.

The company now expects to spend between $6 billion and $8 billion this year and each of the next two years, up from its previous expenditure plan of $5 billion-$7 billion, as it looks to ramp up production at its new facilities in Texas and Berlin.

Musk had last month said the factories are "losing billions of dollars" as they struggle to raise output due to a shortage of batteries and China port issues.

Meanwhile, the latest subpoena by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on June 13, has sought information about compliance with Musk's settlement with the regulator in 2018.

Musk had settled a lawsuit by the SEC over his go-private tweets by agreeing to let the company's lawyers pre-approve tweets with material information about the company.

The company said it will cooperate with the government authorities. The SEC declined to comment. The regulator had first subpoenaed in November related to the settlement.

The world's richest person, who calls himself a "free speech absolutist", had in March said his "funding secured" tweet was truthful, likening himself to rapper Eminem in seeking to throw out his 2018 agreement with the SEC.

In June, he also appealed a judge's refusal to end the agreement.

The latest subpoena comes as Musk prepares for a legal showdown in October with Twitter for dropping his $44-billion offer to buy the social media company.

In June, the regulator had questioned Musk over a tweet in which he raised doubts over his acquisition of Twitter due to concerns over the number of fake users and spam accounts.

Separately, Tesla's filing said it converted about 75% of its bitcoin holdings into fiat currency, gaining $64 million in the process, while recording an impairment charge of $170 million in the first six months of 2022.

As of June 30, the fair market value of its digital assets was worth $222 million, it said in the filing.

(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur)

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Mainland China share market finished session notably lower on Monday, 25 July 2022, as COVID-19 cases in the country's commercial hub and uncertainty surrounding China's property sector continued to weigh on sentiment ahead of key policy meetings at home and abroad.

Selloff was also fueled after Goldman Sachs lowered its targets for Chinese stocks on earnings drag. Goldman Sachs reduced its 12-month target for MSCI China Index to 81 from 84, citing challenges from the latest cracks in the housing market and mortgage boycott against stalled projects.

At close of trade, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.6%, or 19.59 points, to 3,250.39. The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, dropped 0.92%, or 20.06 points, to 2,165.36.

The blue-chip CSI300 index was down 0.6%, or 25.59 points, to 4,212.64.

Investors remain jittery about possible broad disruptions to economic activity after Shanghai ordered residents across nine of the city's districts and some smaller areas to do COVID-19 tests during July 26-28, due to sporadic cases.

Also, a Politburo meeting this week is also in focus, where a top decision-making body will gather to discuss economic policies for the rest of the year.

CURRENCY NEWS: China's yuan declined against the U. S. dollar, as softer mid-point fixing by central bank. Prior to market opening, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) set the midpoint rate CNY=PBOC at 6.7543 per dollar, 21 pips weaker than the previous fix 6.7522. In the spot market, the onshore yuan CNY=CFXS was changing hands at 6.7560 at midday, 42 pips weaker than the previous late session close.

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HFCL dropped 6.73% to Rs 63.75 after the company's consolidated net profit (from continuing operations) tumbled 41.45% to Rs 53.10 crore on 12.9% decline in net sales to Rs 1,051.02 crore in Q1 FY23 over Q1 FY22.

Profit before tax stood at Rs 70.95 crore in Q1 FY23, down 42.8% from Rs 124.05 crore in the same period a year ago. Total expenses declined 8.16% to Rs 999.06 crore in Q1 FY23 over Q1 FY22.

EBIDTA dropped by 31.94% to Rs 130 crore in Q1 FY23 from Rs 191 crore posted in Q1 FY22. EBIDTA margin decreased to 12.37% in Q1 FY23 as against 15.82% reported in Q1 FY22.

Commenting on the company's performance, Mahendra Nahata, managing director of HFCL said, "Despite macro-economic challenges and supply chain disruptions during last six months, HFCL is able to deliver steady financial performance with significant jump in export revenue by 167% compared to corresponding quarter of previous financial year. Share of revenue from products continue to rise and stands at 59% in Q1 FY23 as compared to 49% in Q4 FY22. Our order book stands at more than Rs 5,300 crores. Gross Margin has slightly improved as compared to last quarter due to easing input cost pressure and pass through to the customers. However, revenue and consequently profitability during the quarter got impacted due to spill over of service billing followed by non-availability of required infrastructure from the customer end and also continued shortage of semiconductors.

He further added, As we move forward, we are entering into a multi-year upcycle for Telecom and network implementation and we see huge opportunity in markets like India, Europe and US. FY23 is a year of transformation for HFCL as we will focus on creating capabilities and expanding capacities for sustainable profitable growth and leverage on the upcoming opportunities in telecom, 5G network implementation, defence and railways. Our mission is to transform as a technology-driven enterprise that innovates and manufactures for both domestic and global markets with an aim to become a multinational player in Optic Fiber Cables and telecom & networking products.

HFCL is a technology enterprise engaged in manufacturing of high-end transmission and access equipment, optical fiber, optical fiber cables (OFC). It is specialized in setting up modern communication network for telecom service providers, railways and defense.

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India's foreign exchange reserves fell to their lowest in over 20 months as the central bank stepped up its intervention to protect the rupee from tumbling past 80 a dollar. The country's foreign exchange reserves declined by USD 7.541 billion to USD 572.712 billion in the week ended July 15, the Reserve Bank showed. In the previous week ended July 8, the reserves shrunk by USD 8.062 billion to USD 580.252 billion. During the reporting week ended July 15, the fall in the reserves was on account of a decline in the Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs), a major component of the overall reserves, and also in the gold reserves, the central bank said. FCAs fell by USD 6.527 billion to USD 511.562 billion in the reporting week, according to the Weekly Statistical Supplement released by RBI. Expressed in dollar terms, FCAs include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves. Gold reserves decreased by USD 830 million to USD 38.356 billion in the reporting week. The Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) declined by USD 155 million to USD 17.857 billion, RBI said. The country's reserve position with the IMF decreased by USD 29 million to USD 4.937 billion in the reporting week.

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Asnake Nigussie, a bicycle rider working for beU delivery, takes food from a restaurant in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

ADDIS ABABA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- On a typical sunny day in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, Asnake Nigussie, wearing an orange uniform and a backpack, was racing on a bicycle to pick a package of food from a nearby restaurant that was ordered online minutes before.

Nigussie and his fellows, some 400 youngsters, have lately created a swarm of orange backpack-bikers roaming Addis Ababa, eventually transforming food delivery in the city.

They work for beU delivery, a Chinese-invested on-demand food delivery service provider within a short span of time, serving Addis Ababa residents with their favorite food from almost all major restaurants all over the city.

"I used to ride a bicycle just for fun and I never expected I would be able to get a job with it. To be honest, I was even surprised when I first heard about food delivery job opportunities for people with good bicycle riding skills," said Nigussie. "I immediately applied and started working here." Nigussie has been working as a backpack-biker for about eight months.

BeU delivery, founded in June 2021, works with pre-orders from its customers both via its flagship service app while also through communications from a call center. Customers can also track the status of the food they ordered before it is delivered by one of the 400 backpack-bikers within an average time of 30 to 45 minutes.

It applies a combination of technology and innovative ideas to streamline its food delivery services.

Zheng Hao, beU delivery founder and chief executive officer, attributed the motive behind its formation to a significant demand for a viable food delivery platform in Ethiopia and across the African continent.

She asserted that beU delivery is a brand meant for all people living in different economic statuses.

"We did not want an exclusive market for exclusive people," Zheng told Xinhua. "So we set out to penetrate the entire market."

"Our delivery time would not be affected by traffic jams and our delivery fee is not affected by gas prices because we mostly use bicycles instead of motorcycles or cars," she said.

Delivery service is relatively a new venture in Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous nation, with a growing number of recently established companies vying to penetrate the untapped market, mainly in the capital of Addis Ababa and its surroundings.

Zheng believed that beU delivery's eco-friendly approach has made the food delivery fee affordable along with swift delivery with the provision of exclusive food items. "All this sets us apart from our competitors," she said.

"The growth rate was quite impressive. It was obvious that beU would be a profitable and sustainable service," said Zheng.

"We want to be the customer's first choice food delivery app. Our target is to become Africa's number one food delivery service in two years," Zheng said, as she emphasized beU is aiming to become a super app covering online to offline (O2O) services.

Birhan Gebremedhin, a restaurant owner partnering with beU delivery, singled out the maximum assurance, delivery speed and constantly growing customer base as a distinguished quality in working with the delivery platform.

"We have been working with beU for almost a year now. I am happy that, with the help of beU, I am now reaching a far greater people irrespective of the geographical limitations we had," Gebremedhin said. "I could say on average I receive between 100 to 150 food order calls from beU per day. I often receive positive feedback from my customers about their service as they get their preferred food wherever they are via beU."

BeU delivery is successfully addressing the common assumption in Ethiopia and elsewhere in Africa that often associate delivery service as a luxury undertaking left for the elite, which could be aligned with the continent's clear social gap between the rich and the poor.

Beteab Fisha, another restaurant owner, stressed that beU's smooth delivery service gave his restaurant a great advantage to easily reach out to target customers.

Fikreab Habte, a beU delivery department manager, said as beU grows big, it is also creating more opportunities for its employees across various sections.

"What makes (beU delivery) unique is that it is full of young talent. It gives freedom and a creative environment for these young people to work freely and exceed their limits," Habte said. "In the next five years, I would see beU to be one of the Amazon-size big companies that have dominated the whole Africa."

Melaku Desalegn, another bicycle rider who has been working with the company for close to one year, said the rare opportunity enabled him to be productive and help his family financially.

"I get a very good salary and I also often get bonus payments for my outstanding work. In addition to meeting my family's financial needs, I am also saving a portion of my earnings for a better future," he said.

BeU delivery had recently secured a multi-million dollar seed round of financing led by Y Combinator, Goodwater Capital and Ethiopian angel investor Addis Alemayehou, which will be used for market expansion and technology development.

BeU delivery plans to expand its business to Tanzania and Uganda this year, while also further improving its existing ordering and distribution system and optimize the management system.

Africa's food delivery business, just like the entire e-commerce industry, is yet to fully develop as compared with the rest of the world, essentially due to challenges mainly attributed to internet connectivity, payment gateways as well as logistics barriers.

According to figures from the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia and South Africa were the only African countries where the share of online shoppers exceeds 8 percent of their respective population. In most other countries, it is below 5 percent. 

Fikreab Habte, a beU delivery department manager, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

Photo taken on July 19, 2022 shows a restaurant partnering with beU delivery in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

Asnake Nigussie, a bicycle rider working for beU delivery, delivers food in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

Asnake Nigussie and Melaku Desalegn, bicycle riders working for beU delivery, deliver food in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

Asnake Nigussie and Melaku Desalegn, bicycle riders working for beU delivery, deliver food in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

Beteab Fisha, a restaurant owner partnering with beU delivery, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

Asnake Nigussie, a bicycle rider working for beU delivery, checks online orders on his phone in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 19, 2022. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)
Tata Consultancy Services announced that it is now offering its suite of innovative sustainability solutions on the Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability, to help clients plan, design and implement their ESG strategies.

Leveraging its deep contextual knowledge of its clients' business and technology landscapes, TCS will help them realize the benefits of the Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability, using its native capabilities to break down data silos, unify data intelligence and enable near real-time visibility into emissions.

Additionally, it will help integrate its own as well as third-party solutions for carbon reduction, replacement, and removal with clients' existing systems so they can test, refine, and scale their sustainability initiatives.

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Chief Justice of India N V Ramanas criticism of the media, particularly TV and social media, of running kangaroo courts that conduct ill-informed and agenda-driven debates demands some serious attention. Justice Ramanas comments, delivered at a lecture in Ranchi, did not name any entity but he has expressed misgivings frequently articulated in recent years. India has gained something of an unsavoury reputation for the blatantly partisan, crudely combative and low intellectual standard of discourse on sub-judice subjects that saturates the social and the evening TV discussions. Social media, with its enormous reach among all levels of society and largely unregulated and unmoderated universe, remains the bigger offender in this respect. But TV has not lagged far behind with its blatant biases and commentary that has frequently spilled over into law and order problems. As the chief justice pointed out, pre-judging issues before the courts, some of them involving complex constitutional issues that demand thoughtful reflection, tends to vitiate the functioning of the judiciary. It may be argued that judges need not, indeed should not, take notice of comment, and base their judgments on independent interpretations of the rule of law. This point is valid in theory but it becomes moot when inflamed and biased discussions provoke attacks on judges, who, after all, live and work in the same society as the freelance commentators.

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(SP) chief on Monday took a jibe at the ruling BJP over a portion of the developing deep potholes following rainfall in Jalaun.

Yadav was in Kannauj to meet a party leader who recently lost his son.

"At the time of inauguration of the Bundelkhand Expressway, prominent leaders had made tall claims. But after just five days of the inauguration, it developed big potholes. The expressway could not even handle a little rainfall," he told reporters.

It seems there has been a "dacoity" in its construction, not just loot, Yadav added.

The 296-km-long expressway was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 16.

A portion of the expressway developed deep potholes following heavy rainfall in Jalaun within a week of its inauguration.

The potholes appeared at Chiriya Salempur in Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Authority spokesperson Durgesh Upadhyay had said earlier, asserting that they were repaired instantly and the road opened to traffic.

The authority had deployed a team with bulldozers and necessary equipment to repair the stretch.

(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, who was sworn in as Indias 15th President, on Monday not only emphasised progress for everyone (sabka vikas), but also everyones duty (sabka kartavya) as her guiding principle. She spoke in Hindi. In her address that lasted a little over 18 minutes, Murmu reminded the nation of its duties on a day four Congress Members of Parliament were suspended from the Lok Sabha for repeatedly obstructing the House. She said education, especially for girls, would be her central focus as she understood the value of education more than anyone else as she began life from a small tribal village in Odisha.

From the background that I come from, it was like a dream for me to get elementary education. But despite many obstacles, my determination remained strong and I became the first daughter of my village to go to college. I belong to a tribal society. I have got the opportunity to rise from serving as a ward councillor to becoming of India. It is a tribute to the power of our democracy that a daughter born in a poor house in a remote tribal area can reach the highest constitutional position in India, she said in her first speech as President, saying her election was proof that the poor in India can dream and make it come true.

It is a matter of great satisfaction for me that those who have been deprived for centuries and those who have been denied the benefits of development, those poor, downtrodden, backward and tribal, are seeing their reflection in me, she said.

Indias youngest at 64 and the first to be born after Independence paid customary tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. Whilst recalling the contribution of other leaders to Indias democracy and freedom, she mentioned Nehru, Ambedkar, and Sardar Patel, along with militant leaders like Bhagat Singh, omitting Savarkar and other icons of the Bharatiya Janata Party. She also paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

New names were added to leaders of the freedom struggle, not normally recalled: Rani Laxmibai, Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rani Gaidinliu, and Kittur Rani Chennamma. Tribal revolts like the Santhal Revolt, Paika Rebellion, Kol Mutiny, and Bhil Uprising were also mentioned by her. She paid an especially warm tribute to Birsa Munda.

Murmu quoted Odia poet Bhima Bhoi: Mo jeeban pachhe narke padi thau, jagato uddhar heu (working for the welfare of the world is far greater than ones own interests).

But for the most part, her speech was an endorsement of the governments programmes: the speed with which it had managed to conquer Covid-19, Indias leadership of the world (as India prepares to take over the chairmanship of the Group of Twenty), the digital revolution India has achieved, the Vocal for Local programme, and Industrial Revolution 4.0.

The new said sustainable development was crucial: I was born in that tribal tradition which has lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years. I have realised the importance of forests and water bodies in my life.

She recalled her own work as a teacher at the Sri Aurobindo Integral School in Mayurbhanj and said Aurobindos 150th anniversary must be celebrated with the prominence the leader deserved.
The on Monday said it staged a protest outside Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residence here, demanding his resignation over alleged violation of rules and procedural lapses in the city government's excise policy.

leaders and workers gathered in Patparganj, holding banners and raising slogans against Sisodia and Chief Minister .

president Anil Kumar alleged that Sisodia, the minister in-charge of government's excise department, is directly responsible for "corrupt deals" with liquor contractors.

"To uphold truth and transparency, Chief Minister should immediately sack Manish Sisodia, who as excise minister has been directly responsible in the corrupt deals. He took arbitrary decisions to implement the liquor policy to favour the liquor mafia," the Congress leader alleged.

He added that his party was the first to complain to the lieutenant governor and the police commissioner about the new liquor policy.

"Corruption is the operative word in the functioning of the Kejriwal government. A CBI probe will pave the way for Sisodia's arrest sooner than later as there is clear evidence of his involvement in the liquor scam," Kumar alleged.

The Delhi Congress had earlier submitted a written complaint to Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana, seeking a probe into the liquor policy.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has recently recommended a CBI probe into the policy.

According to officials, the inquiry was recommended on a basis of a report filed by the Delhi chief secretary, showing prima facie violations, including "deliberate and gross procedural lapses", to provide post-tender "undue benefits to liquor licensees".

(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.)
Deputy Chief Minister on Monday said the construction of Delhi's much awaited double-decker in northeast Delhi's Bhajanpura will be completed by 2023 as nearly 50 per cent work on the project has been completed.

Sisodia reviewed various Public Works Department (PWD) projects during the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) meeting, including the double-decker and CCTV and Wi-Fi installation on roads, according to an official statement.

Sisodia said the double decker is an engineering marvel and shows the way for better utilisation of highly populated areas for traffic management and public transport.

"The unique 1.4 kilometer-long double-decker flyover between Yamuna Vihar and Bhajanpura will be completed by 2023 as 50% work has been completed," Sisodia said in the statement.

The double-decker flyover is being built on the upper deck of the Maujpur-Majlis Park metro corridor.

To ensure safety on city roads, the PWD will install CCTV cameras on 1,400 km-long roads falling under its jurisdiction at a distance of 100 meters on its either side, he said.

The senior AAP leader said 35,000 more CCTV cameras will be installed in second phase while the first phase has almost been completed.

The statement also said of the 500 high mast 115 ft tall tricolours, 497 have been installed and the remaining will be fixed before August 15.

The statement said the Delhi Government's free WiFi facility is available at 11,034 locations across the capital.

Sisodia said crores of rupees are being saved due to this unique model of the flyover.

"Currently, 50 per cent of the work of this flyover has been completed and it will be ready for use by the end of 2023," the statement said.

He said after completion of this project, people of the surrounding areas will not have to deal with traffic jams and their time will also be saved.

While reviewing the CCTV project, Sisodia said the security of Delhi residents will be strengthened with 35,000 more CCTV cameras in the second phase.

"In the second phase, installation of 35,000 more CCTV cameras is in progress and will be completed by December 2022," Sisodia said.

He also directed to set up an Integrated Control Centre for monitoring these cameras, from where the feed can be received and used towards improving roads, the statement said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The on Monday held a protest demonstration here against BJP-led central government for allegedly harassing its top leaders by implicating them in "false" cases.

The leaders said that by resorting to the harassment in the garb of money laundering cases, the central government is stirring a hornet's nest for which Bharatiya Janata Party and its leaders will have to pay a heavy price.

Led by J-K vice president and former minister Mula Ram, party activists carrying placards in their hands raised vociferous slogans against the (ED) and the Modi government.

Addressing a huge gathering, the senior Congress leader accused the Union government of using its agencies as tools against the opposition party leaders.

"It is an irony that without registration of FIR or presence of money transaction records or evidence, the is making every effort to book the reputed senior leaders of Congress. In such situation and circumstances how it can be money laundering case," Ram questioned.

He said Congress workers will continue to protests "till ED, CBI, NIA stop harassing our leaders".

Congress president is expected to appear before the ED on Tuesday for her second round of questioning in the money laundering case linked to the National Herald newspaper.

(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.)
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and former Prime Minister on Monday joined many others in greeting on becoming the 15th .

"Hearty congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Hon'ble . I am sure that with her vast and varied experience, under her guidance and leadership, India will achieve new heights in the world," Gehlot tweeted.

Congratulating Murmu, Bommai said, "A golden day in the history of Indian democracy. Her compelling narrative will inspire one & all, a girl born into a poor tribal community bootstraps her way into Rashtrapati Bhavan."



Former PM and the JD(S) supremo said "we have to feel very proud as a Republic that we have elected Murmu as our President", and congratulated her on her resounding victory.

Several Karnataka ministers, BJP MPs and MLAs too greeted Murmu on the occasion.

(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 local court in on Monday sentenced state's lone MLA Buddha Dhan Chakma and 12 others to one-year rigorous imprisonment and also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 for a 10-year-old corruption case.

The legislator, however, after the court verdict said that they would move to the Gauhati High Court against the judgement of the court of the Special Judge (Prevention of Corruption Act).

Besides the 49-year-old MLA, the other 12 Chakma leaders include Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Buddha Lila Chakma, two Executive Members and three former CEMs of the autonomous body.

The court on Friday had convicted the MLA and 12 other Chakma leaders under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, saying that they misappropriated Rs 137.10 lakh allocated by the government for developmental work. The accused had taken the money as "advance salary" without the permission of the Governor and the state government.

The graft cases against the 13 leaders were initiated by the then state BJP General Secretary and the incumbent state party President Vanlalhmuaka, who had submitted a written complaint to the then Governor in 2013.

The Governor following the complaint had constituted a one-man inquiry commission and based on the commission's report, the District Council and Minority Affairs Department registered an FIR with the state Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) in 2018.

When Vanlalhmuaka made the complaint, the Congress was governing the CADC headed by B.D. Chakma as CEM. Chakma later elected to the state Assembly on a Congress ticket and became a minister of the state till his resignation in 2017 in protest against denial of medical seats to four Chakma students by the then state government led by the Congress leader Lal Thanhawla. He later joined the BJP and was elected to the state Assembly as the saffron party's nominee in 2018 Assembly polls, thus becoming the first ever BJP MLA from the bordering Northeastern state.

--IANS

sc/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.)
Undercurrent of friction between the and the JD(U) became more apparent on Monday when Bihar Chief Minister skipped the oath-taking ceremony of president in the capital.

Defending Kumar's absence, Janata Dal-United parliamentary board chief Upendra Kushwaha asserted that the chief minister is not bound to attend all the events.

JD(U) had supported Murmu's candidature in the presidential poll. When Murmu visited Patna for the election campaign, had pledged his party's support to her. Going to an oath ceremony is just a formality. It is not necessary to attend every event. Since he had a lot of committments here in Bihar, he could not make it the capital for the oath-taking ceremony. It is not a big issue. People should avoid paying attention to it," Kushwaha said.

Responding to the proposed visit of leaders Amit Shah and J.P. Nadda to Patna for a high-level meeting of the party ahead of Lok Sabha election 2024, Kushwaha stated: "In Bihar, is the biggest leader. It hardly matters for us if any top leader of another party is coming to Bihar."

The statement of Kushwaha on Amit Shah indicates that all is not well between and JD-U in Bihar.

He sharply reacted to the statement of BJP state president Sanjay Jaiswal as well. Jaiswal recently pointed out that Bihar is turning out to be new base for terrorists after security agencies have busted Phulwari Sharif suspected terror module of the Popular Front of India (PFI).

"If Sanjay Jaiswal has information about terrorist activities in Bihar, he should share the information with the chief minister or concern officers of security agencies. The way he is giving statement in publically, he has so many information about the terrorist activities. If he failed to share the information with concerned officers or the chief minister, he would face the allegation of hiding the information," Kushwaha said.

--IANS

ajk/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.)
Chinese vice premier congratulates Wentian mission participants

Xinhua) 08:57, July 25, 2022

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, watches the launch of Wentian, the first lab module of the country's space station, and extends warm greetings and congratulations to all those participating in the mission, at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center in Beijing, capital of China, July 24, 2022. China on Sunday launched Wentian from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on the coast of the southern island province of Hainan. The module has entered the planned orbit and the launch is a complete success. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng on Sunday watched the launch of Wentian, the first lab module of the country's space station, at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center.

Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, extended warm greetings and congratulations to all those participating in the mission.

China on Sunday launched Wentian from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on the coast of the southern island province of Hainan. The module has entered the planned orbit and the launch is a complete success.

As the second module and the first lab module of China's space station, Wentian consists of a work cabin, an airlock cabin and a resource cabin.

It is mainly used to support astronauts as they remain in orbit and carry out extravehicular activities. It is also used to conduct scientific experiments in space, and can serve as a backup to the Tianhe core module for the management and control of the space station.

The Wentian module will rendezvous and dock with the space-station assembly according to the scheduled procedures, and the Shenzhou-14 astronauts will enter Wentian to carry out relevant work.

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun)
Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (R) and Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra attend a joint press conference in Damascus, Syria, on July 25, 2022. Visiting Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra on Monday voiced support for Syria's return to the Arab League (AL), saying its absence has been "detrimental to the joint Arab work." (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)



DAMASCUS, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra on Monday voiced support for Syria's return to the Arab League (AL), saying its absence has been "detrimental to the joint Arab work."

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad in Damascus on the second day of his visit, Lamamra said that Algeria has been discussing with other Arab states on finding ways to fix this situation.

"Many Arab officials are visiting Damascus and meeting with Syrian officials in many places, so we are optimistic," the Algerian minister said about the prospect of resuming Syria's suspended seat in the 22-member regional organization.

For his part, Mekdad said the presence of Syria in the Arab realm is "significant for all the Arab sphere."

"What is important now is the political coordination and to come up with the right conclusions to serve the Arab goal," said the top Syrian diplomat, noting that Syria backs any measure that would restore the Arab stance, understanding and coordination.

The annual Arab League summit will be hosted by Algeria in Nov. following a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Algeria has maintained good relations with Syria and has been mediating between Syria and other Arab countries for the return of Syria to the league in the run-up to the summit.

Syria was suspended from its AL membership in November 2011, following the eruption of the Syrian crisis in March of the same year. At the time, many Arab countries cut ties with the Syrian government over its conduct in dealing with protestors. 

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad (R) and Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra attend a joint press conference in Damascus, Syria, on July 25, 2022. Visiting Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra on Monday voiced support for Syria's return to the Arab League (AL), saying its absence has been "detrimental to the joint Arab work." (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
The Opposition on Monday slammed the government in Chhattisgarh, alleging that the situation has collapsed in the state, which has become a safe haven for criminals from other states.

Raising the issue during the zero hour in the legislative Assembly, senior MLAs Brijmohan Agrawal, Shivratan Sharma and Ajay Chandrakar said that the incidents of rape, murder, looting and blackmailing were on the rise in the state.

The legislators further claimed that the state ranked 4th for murders in the country.

The state, which was once known as a land of peace, has now become a safe haven for offenders. A deaf and mute man was brutally murdered by a minor girl in broad daylight on a main road in the capital on Sunday, Sharma said.

Leader of Opposition Dharam Lal Kaushik alleged that review meetings over situations were being held just to show off, as criminals are no longer afraid of the police.

"Not a single day goes by without a report of some incident of stabbing in the state. Fearing action by the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh, criminals have fled from there and taken shelter in Chhattisgarh," Kaushik said, alleging that criminals from other states were responsible for majority of the heinous crimes in Chhattisgarh.

MLAs further claimed that gangs involved in the theft of coal, iron and diesel were active in the state, and demanded a discussion on the issue by moving an adjournment motion notice, which was rejected by senior MLA Dhanendra Sahu, who was in the chair.

The Opposition members raised slogans against the state government, and the chair adjourned the proceedings for five minutes due to the pandemonium.

After the House resumed, the BJP MLAs raised the issue of government employees who are on strike for five days from Monday for their various demands, including a hike in the dearness allowance and house rent allowance (HRA).

Accusing the government of not fulfilling poll promises made to government employees, BJP legislators demanded a discussion on the issue by moving another adjournment motion notice.

However, the chair proceeded with the further listed business of the day.

(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.)
minister Partha Chatterjee, arrested in connection with a school job scam, was on Monday flown to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, where doctors said that he suffers from chronic diseases but does not need immediate hospitalization.

The Calcutta High Court had on July 24 directed the ED, which held the 69-year-old TMC leader last week, to take him to the health facility in the neighbouring state by an air ambulance as he complained of health issues.

We have conducted a thorough screening (of Chatterjee), including blood, kidney, thyroid and cardiological investigations. He has some chronic diseases, but does not need immediate hospitalisation, executive director Ashutosh Biswas told reporters.

A report has been sent to the high court with details of Chatterjee's health status, Biswas said.

The symptoms with which he came to the hospital are not very serious in nature. There wasn't much chest pain as such. The TMC leader had been taking medications for a long time and advised some modifications to that, taking into account his symptoms.

The next course of action will be taken as per court directives, he stated, adding that Chatterjee would be discharged soon.

An ED official said two counsels representing Chatterjee have gone to the Odisha capital with him.

Earlier in the day, the industries and parliamentary affairs minister was taken to Kolkata airport from SSKM hospital in the city via a green corridor.

After landing in Bhubaneswar, Chatterjee was moved to AIIMS, where a thorough health check-up was carried out, following which he was shifted to a special cabin.

A section of people, mostly from Bengal, were heard shouting chor, chor (thief, thief) as he was wheeled into the facility.

The TMC leader held the education portfolio when the irregularities were committed in recruitment of Group C and D staff along with teachers in state-sponsored and-aided schools on the recommendation of the School Service Commission (SSC).

The court had asked the CBI to probe the irregularities. The ED is looking into the money trail involved in the scam.

(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.)
Logitechs MX Mechanical Keyboard and MX Master 3S Mouse are arguably the best keyboard-mouse combo available in the market at present. Besides the Apple Mac and computers based on the Windows platform, these Bluetooth-enabled peripheral devices are compatible with tablets and smartphones, even smart televisions. Importantly, the mouse and keyboard can simultaneously connect with up to three supporting devices. And, switching from one device to another is seamless  just press a dedicated button. This keyboard-mouse combination is thoughtfully designed to weed out the clutter and make work efficient and effortless.

Design

The mouse looks similar to the companys previous models but has a better-looking white-silver finish. Important to note that the mouse by design is made for right-hand users. That said, it is full of surprises: its scroll wheel supports both staggered and smooth scrolling. Therefore, it is hassle-free both for small quarter-page scrolls and Mag Speed rapid scroll to the end of the page. The side wheel is well-positioned; it neither comes in the way of the thumb nor stretches too far for comfort. Sized appropriately, the mouse and does not feel bulky.

As for the keyboard, it is ideal for those who like to type very fast and hit the keys hard when necessary. It is a bit heavy, but not unwieldy. The keyboard keys are well spaced out and feel tactile to use.

Features and performance

Both peripheral devices are best experienced with Options+ software available for Windows and Mac computers. That is because the value-added features of both are enabled through the software. Moreover, the customisations and application-specific triggers are managed through the app. So, once you install the software, you get many features to make your work life easier and fun.

MX keyboard

The side wheel can serve several purposes. It can scroll between tabs, take the volume up or down, etc. Moreover, you can also choose which feature should work on which application. For example, you can select Google Chrome and the wheel would move around the tabs. Likewise, you can select other applications like MS Excel and make the wheel serve another purpose. And, all this can be done and changed from the Options+ application itself. The mouse movement on the screen, the feel of it in the hand, and the primary and secondary keys are just perfect for playing games or making complex detail-oriented designs on applications like Adobe Photoshop or Corel Draw.

Logitech MX 3S mouse

Now, the keyboard takes its combination with the mouse to the next level. It has a hand proximity sensor that activates the backlight. The texture on the keys is neither smooth nor rough, but appropriately gradient for comfortable touch and feel. The fingers move over it as if there were no friction. Apart from the regular keys, there are dedicated keys to set the backlight of the keyboard and for device switching. The feature to designate shortcut keys for applications like Chrome and Excel must be appreciated. But, the most useful shortcut key would be the calculator key. While the keys are smooth and require almost zero effort to press and get optimal results, they are capable of taking some serious blows, in case some frustration seeps in while working.

Battery

Both mouse and keyboard come with an on/off switch. Both have USB-C ports for charging. For the keyboard, the company claims a 15-day run time on full charge with backlight on. Without backlight, it can run for up to 10 months, says the company. The good thing about charging is that you will not need any special wire for it. Any regular Type-C cable would do.

Verdict

The Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard and MX Master 3S mouse are premium devices for those who want to be more efficient at their jobs and enjoy the experience at the same time. With all the features that the devices have in store, they make a good buy for heavy-duty professionals.

MX Master 3S Mouse: Rs 10,995

MX Mechanical full-size: Rs 19,999
New Delhi [India], July 25 (ANI/SRV): INMYCITI organized the "Pillars of Indian Economy-Punjab Chapter," held on July 12, 2022, at Novotel, Chandigarh, an event conceptualized by the founders Gopal and Krishan Arora, organized event in collaboration with the Government of Punjab, and the state party AAM AADMI Party. The aim was to acknowledge the business contribution and encourage the entrepreneurs to do their best.

Bhagwati Lacto Vegetarian Exports (Pvt.) Ltd. (BLV), established in 1991 in the Rice bowl of India, Ferozepur, Punjab, is one of the leading Manufacturers and Exporters of Basmati Rice. It is an ISO 9001:2008, ISO 22000:2005, and HACCP Certified Company.

With a vast experience of 30 years in the food industry, they are worldwide famous for producing the different varieties of best quality basmati rice: Traditional Aromatic Basmati Rice, 1121 Basmati Rice, 1401 Pusa Basmati Rice, 1509 Basmati Rice, and various categories of Non-Basmati like Sugandha Rice, PR11, Sharbati Rice, and other varieties.

Their motive to produce the best quality rice at an affordable price and on-time deliveries led them to supply the production to more than 62 countries. These are the busiest countries with people on and off 24/7: UAE, UK, Australia, Italy, Germany, New Zealand, Mauritius, Russia, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, and many more.

The company says that " the primary reason for their success ahead of competitors is their vision,

- That extends well beyond commodity sales

- To show the taste of Indian basmati rice to the world, as they are in the business of an item, which acts as a staple food to half of the world's population

With a dream of providing their customers with fresh and highest quality Rice, they aim to form Long-term business relationships in the international market and bond people of different cultures with a common language of food by providing them with the best tasty, delicious, and quality food.

The giant established on 230 acres covers the factory area on 22 acres, the storage area stands on 56 acres, which has the capacity of holding 1,50,000 Metric tons (Covered Godowns), and the agriculture area spreads into 150 acres. They produce 1000 metric tonnes a day.

Moving forward with the same motives and values since its establishment, BLV grew phenomenally over the years.

1991: The founder, Sushil Mittal, entered the Rice Business with the name Bhagwati Rice Mill in 1991.

2008: They have worked on a project, which they call a Mega Project. The project aimed and built the first Punjab high-tech manufacturing plant.

2015: All the hard work like consistency, good client record, quality rather than quantity, and various other factors have refected in 26 countries. They were already serving 26 nations with their basmati rice.

2016: The government of India recognized them with A 3-star export house.

2018: They reached their 325th milestone by crossing 1441 thousand crores in revenue.

2019: They started to supply for 52 countries in the world.

2020: They have fed half of the countries in the world, 62 countries.

2021: They are close to achieving 4-star recognition.

With 620 employees and automated systems, BLV supplies its basmati rice under 4 different brand names.

- Garima Gold

- Kasturikka

- Ruhab

- Shah Mahal Basmati Rice

As they expanded their business further, they entered into selling other products. Now, their product list includes not just basmati rice. Others include,

- Suger

- Various Indian Spices

- Iranian Saffron

- Other products like Sooji, Besan, Poha, Dalia, and others

They have a dedicated Research and Development team and testing laboratory with the latest Japanese technology called Satake to ensure food products are of the best quality.

BLV also owns one of the largest parboiled stainless steel Sella plants in Punjab, with a milling capacity of 45 metric tons per hour. Their Managing Director, Sushil Mittal, has established the company with his long-term vision and excellent business acumen.

As everybody is concerned about the world's future, environmental protection is the prime concern and an important business objective at BLV. They take responsibility for creating, maintaining, and ensuring a safe and clean environment.

After impacting tens of countries and millions of lives, BLV was awarded:

- Riceoutlook Industry Award for being the leading rice exporter in Asian-Pacific countries in 2019.

- Presented with the Company of the Year Award in 2020.

BLV Website: (https://www.blvexports.com/index.html)

INMYCITI Website: (https://www.instagram.com/inmyciti)

This story is provided by SRV. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/SRV)

DISCLAIMER

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], July 25 (ANI/NewsVoir): Luxury Real Estate Developer Marvel Realtors after making a strong comeback is on a positive growth trajectory to regain its leading position in the Pune real estate market.

After having delivered 1600 residences in the last 3 years, despite the pandemic challenges, the real estate brand is now poised for greater growth with its eyes set on future deliveries and innovations. Marvel has invested in landbanks in hand-picked, strategic locations and with its signature path-breaking design and layouts, and record of introducing first-to-market innovations, these properties are soon to be the latest additions to Pune's most sought-after residences. The real estate firm is consciously designing and delivering projects that align with Marvel's 360-degree lifestyle vision for the modern connoisseurs.

With a continued focus on delivering on its existing and past commitments, the real estate brand is looking to expand its offering for discerning home buyers, giving Pune a taste of unparalleled luxury in living spaces.

Speaking on Marvel's growth plan, Vishwajeet Jhavar, Founder and CEO, Marvel Realtors said, "We are grateful for the support and trust shown in us by our stakeholders that has made it possible for us to deliver 1600 residences in the last 3 years. This is a testimony of our commitment to delivering a great product that is superior in design and is a true embodiment of meaningful luxury. With amenities such as Olympic-sized pools, cabanas, home automation systems, and vehicle-free open green spaces, each project is an ode to holistic living. Going forward, we have ambitious plans to scale and invest in land banks with the potential to become coveted destinations. That said, we are right now giving our undivided attention to the completion and swift delivery of ongoing projects before undertaking new responsibilities. We have also realigned our marketing strategy to promote projects that are up to 6 months away from completion so consumers can skip long waiting periods."

Be it the infinity pool on the 18th floor of Marvel Aquanas, Kharadi or the floating clubhouse with sun decks at Marvel Selva Ridge Estate, Bavdhan, Marvel always goes beyond mere materialistic comforts to create holistic living experiences for luxury connoisseurs. Conceptualized with a unique inside-out design philosophy, Marvel apartments are rooted in offering expansive, opulent spaces that boast of fine craftsmanship and aesthetics. Marvel residences are up to 40 per cent larger than the standard ones in the market; eg size of one apartment at Marvel Aurum is 5,200 sq. ft.

Marvel properties are reputed for their record above-par capital appreciation rates in comparison to other properties in the vicinity, making them great for investment buyers.

Marvel Arco, Hadapsar recorded a resale value up by 107 per cent, Marvel Cerise, Kharadi's appreciation rate was up by 104 per cent, Marvel Brisa, Balewadi by 100 per cent Marvel Cascada, Balewadi by 80 per cent, and Marvel Selva Ridge Estate, Bavdhan by 45 per cent.

At present, 6 coveted Marvel properties are ready for possession in prime locations of Pune including Marvel Piazza, Viman Nagar, Marvel Selva Ridge Estate Villas, Bavdhan, Marvel Aurum, Koregaon Park, Marvel Aquanas, Kharadi, Marvel Diva Ultima, Magarpatta Road and Marvel Sangria, NIBM Road.

The pioneering luxury realtor is taking a phased, planned approach to growth to sustain the delivery momentum and focus on customer satisfaction. With experience spanning two decades, Marvel has been at the forefront of creating superior residences that are hallmarks of luxury living.

"Later this year, we plan to launch innovative projects across Pune such as 5-star studio apartments with approx. 670 sq ft. We aim to focus on doing a maximum of 6 to 8 projects at a time. We are currently focussed on delivering on our commitments" added Vishwajeet Jhavar, while speaking more on the positive growth trajectory

After having delivered 1600 exquisite residences over the last 3 years, the real estate firm is looking to expand its portfolio with residential properties that further redefine the benchmarks of luxury, while taking a decisive, sure-footed and phased approach to growth and expansion beyond recovery.

To know more, visit: (marvelrealtors-1600reasons.com).

This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Dangan Group has today announced plans to double its workforce over the next 36 months with the creation of up to 40 new fulltime roles and over 400 additional contract roles being added across the country.



Dangan Group is a fully Irish-owned company with offices in Dublin, Cork and Belfast. The company provides multi-service client solutions in Recruitment, Cleaning and Merchandising throughout the country, and includes the brands - Dangan Group Recruitment, Dangan Group Cleaning, in addition to Harper Finley Professional Recruitment and Merchandising Matters. Building on its regional development plans,

The company has also recently opened a new office in Belfast to further grow its business in Northern Ireland over the next 12 months with the appointment of Brian Whelan as Managing Director.



Welcoming the expansion, Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment, Leo Varadkar said, "Congratulations to the team at Dangan Group on this really significant expansion and to Brian Whelan on his appointment. Its great to see an Irish company go from strength to strength and have such ambitious growth plans. Its a great boost."



Chairman of Dangan Group, Harry Gleeson added, "The appointment of Brian to the role of Managing Director marks a pivotal moment for Dangan Group as we look to further invest in our business and our people. Brian is the right person to lead as we continue on our growth journey. Were looking forward to working with new partners and hiring more employees across each of our units in Ireland. We know that Brian will be a success in his new role as he continues to support our regional and cross-country development and we look forward to seeing what the future will bring for Dangan Group."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
Workers walk past hoardings for the Colombo Port City, developed by China Harbour Engineering Co., a unit of China Communications Construction Co., in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on March 30, 2018. Photo: Bloomberg

(Bloomberg)  Chinas Belt and Road financing and investments fell in the first half, with no new spending in Russia, Sri Lanka and Egypt, according to a study by the Green Finance & Development Center.

Financing and investments were at $28.4 billion in the first six months, compared with $29.4 billion in the same period a year earlier, according to the center which is an affiliate of Fudan University. The first-half figures were 40% lower compared with the same period in 2019, it said.
Autonomous driving /

In Depth: Chinese carmakers jostle for an edge in autonomous driving

As Chinese cities pave the way for more self-driving cars to whizz around their streets, the countrys carmakers are jockeying for position in what they predict will soon be a huge market.

Earlier this month, Shenzhen published a new set of rules that will allow autonomous commercial driving services to be offered in the tech hub starting next month. That includes fully autonomous cars, if such technology ever comes to fruition and meets safety requirements.

China-U.S. /

President Xi wishes Biden a quick recovery from Covid-19

President Xi Jinping conveyed his sympathy to U.S. President Joe Biden, wishing him a speedy recovery from Covid-19 on Friday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Both leaders are expected to hold more talks by the end of the month over a range of disputes, including trade tariffs and geopolitical issues. The two presidents last spoke in March.

Chinese envoy accuses U.S. of hollowing out one-China principle

Death /

Nearly 9,000 people died in work safety incidents this year, ministry says

A total of 8,870 people died in safety-related incidents at work across China in the first half of 2022, some due to illegal construction and mining activities, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.

The alarming death toll underscores the countrys ongoing struggle to eliminate safety risks in these sectors. An ongoing rise in the rate of incidents in coal mines and on building sites has prompted authorities to ramp up safety checks and intensify crackdowns on unsafe practices and corruption as a whole.

One dead, 25 injured as coastal tornado strikes eastern China

FINANCE & ECONOMY



As of the end of the second quarter, overall outstanding nonperforming loans in Chinas commercial banking sector stood at 2.95 trillion yuan

Banking /

China banking regulator pushes smaller banks to dispose of bad loans

Chinas banking regulator said its continuing to assess the risks of small and medium-sized banks and is vigorously promoting the disposal of nonperforming assets.

Chinas small and medium-sized lenders disposed of 594.5 billion yuan ($87.9 billion) of bad loans in the first six months, an increase of 118.4 billion yuan from a year earlier, China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) spokesperson Qi Xiang told a news conference Thursday.

China-Indonesia /

Indonesian President Joko Widodo to visit China next week

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.

Quick hits /

Hong Kong allows home quarantine for patients with latest Covid versions

Overseas funds dump China sovereign bonds for record fifth month

BUSINESS & TECH

Marina Bay in Singapore. Photo: VCG

Unicorns /

Investment into Asia-Pacific tech startups accelerated last year, report shows

Asia-Pacific tech unicorns and startups have been attracting investment at a faster pace, with the Chinese mainland retaining the top spot even as Southeast Asia catches up, a recent report shows.

Private investment in tech surged by two-thirds to $193 billion in 2021 in the Asia-Pacific, the highest on record, according to a report issued by accounting firm KPMG and banking giant HSBC Holdings PLC. The number of tech unicorns  startups valued at over $1 billion  in the region rose 25% year-on-year to over 450 in 2021.

Coal /

China steps up approval of coal mining projects to secure supply

China cleared projects to add 125 million tons of annual coal production capacity during the first half this year as the country ramps up efforts to ensure sufficient supply amid shrinking coal imports and soaring energy prices.

The Ministry of Ecology and Environment approved 20 new coal mining projects so far this year, the final step in regulatory reviews before construction can start.

Gaming /

China to start pilot program to speed up online game approvals

Shares in mainland-traded gaming companies surged Thursday after the government announced a pilot program to improve the approval process for new online games.

Three months ago regulators lifted an eight-month freeze on new licenses that hit the industrys earnings and contributed to the sectors first half-yearly revenue contraction since 2015.

Quick hits /

Chinas BYD to start selling electric cars in Japan

Baowu joins rivals in warning of crisis conditions

Chinas top chipmaker achieves breakthrough despite U.S. curbs

Tech Insider /

Didi cops $1.2 billion fine, videogame sector slumps

GALLERY

Local tourism enjoys revival

WEEKEND LONG READ

The Asian financial crisis 25 years on

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SYDNEY, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Australian property advocacy body, the Property Council of Australia, has made a call for more government support in delivering enough housing in Sydney, as latent demand adds concern to the housing supply shortage.

A recent Sydney housing analysis, released by the Property Council of Australia and Gyde Consulting, found there was an underlying deficit of housing supply in Greater Sydney, while the demand for housing increased domestically. Ongoing delivery of housing above the identified target demand is required to manage this deficit.

Lauren Conceicao, Property Council's Deputy Executive Director of New South Wales (NSW) branch, told Xinhua on Monday that the failure of reaching dwelling targets each year creates further undersupply. The state of NSW government has identified an existing undersupply of 100,000 homes.

"In 2020-21 the number of new homes completed in Sydney was 29,785, around three quarters of the annual need, creating further undersupply."

"If undersupply continues alongside projected demand increases, a further undersupply of almost 90,000 dwellings will occur by 2035-36."

Furthermore, the housing analysis said the current targets in Sydney do not incorporate the deficit into dwelling demand, meaning that there is an underlying deficit that can persist, even when dwelling targets are achieved. Housing targets must be at least met to avoid the deficit increasing amid the growing population, she added.

Conceicao explained that with a decrease in spending on items such as travel and hospitality during the pandemic, more funds were available to domestic buyers to purchase a home. The evident demand for housing in Greater Sydney may continue to impact people's affordability while housing targets are not achieved.

"State government needs to review housing targets in future plans to reflect updated population figures in housing targets. It also needs to prioritise and incentivise large housing developments (including medium and high density) to ensure a steady supply of dwellings," she said. 
Guangzhous Nanhu Amusement Park is about to receive a major renovation. Southern Chinas first theme park is showing signs of its age since opening in 1985. The city government plans to invest about 500 million yuan in the park, which will be open 24 hours a day and feature esports venues and night markets

Aug 16, 2022 04:26 PM
ISLAMABAD, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A soldier was killed in a clash between security forces and terrorists in Dera Ismail Khan district of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said on Sunday night.

A fire exchange took place between the troops and terrorists in Draban area of the district, the military's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

"Our troops effectively engaged the terrorists' location. However, during an intense exchange of fire a soldier lost his life," the ISPR said.

The killed soldier was a 31-year-old resident of Lakki Marwat district of the province, it added.

A clearance operation was being carried out to eliminate any terrorists' presence in the area, according to the ISPR. 
JAKARTA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency on Monday captured a Sumatran tiger that entered villages and preyed on livestock of local residents in Tapaktuan District.

"Officers found the tiger in a trap set in Lhok Bengkuang Village on Monday at 07:30 a.m. local time," said the agency's head Agus Arianto.

The tiger entered the residential area in June, moving from village to village, and preyed on nine livestock belonging to local residents, in addition to causing fears among villagers.

The officers have used various ways to capture the animal, which the International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies as Critically Endangered, including patrolling, setting up camera traps, and using the services of a handler.

Veterinarians will check the tiger's health while the officers will look for a suitable location in Gunung Leuser National Park for releasing the animal, Arianto added. 
After debuting its technology and its merits for everyday driving , Nissan Philippines has now revealed everything you need to know about i...
KABUL, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's capital city Kabul has been facing water shortage due to years of drought and recession of groundwater, a local television channel reported Monday.

"The successive drought has reduced our water supplying services to 40 percent and that is why our company can't provide water round the clock to Kabul residents," Sardar Wali Malikzai, an official with the Water Supplying Company, was quoted by Tolonews as saying.

In Kabul, in addition to the state-run Water Supplying Company, private firms and house owners mostly have dug wells to extract underground water over the past several years.

The unchecked digging of water wells with depth from 20 meters up to 170 meters, have caused recession of groundwater and eventually water shortage for the city, according to experts.

Meanwhile, the media outlet reported that the Ministry of Water and Energy has allocated 30 million U.S. dollars to transfer water from Panjshir river, 65 km north of Kabul, to the city. 
Photo: The Canadian Press Tony Staffieri speaks at the Rogers annual general meeting in Toronto on Monday, April 23, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Matthew Sherwood

Rogers Communications Inc. says it's working to ensure emergency calls always go through and no future outage will take down both cellular and internet services, as it continues damage control following a blanket network outage earlier this month.

President and Chief Executive Tony Staffieri says in a letter to customers Sunday the steps are among several the telecom giant is taking to learn from the July 8 outage that knocked out mobile, landline and internet service to millions of customers across Canada.

Staffieri says Rogers has made meaningful progress on a formal agreement between carriers to switch 911 calls to one another's networks automatically, even in the event of an outage on any single carrier's network.

He says the company is physically separating its wireless and internet services to create an "always on" network that meets a higher standard of reliability.

Rogers is committing $10 billion over three years to increase oversight, testing and the use of artificial intelligence to ensure reliable service.

Finally, the letter says the company is partnering with leading technology firms to do a full review of its network to learn from the outage.

"I know that it is only through these actions that we can begin to restore your confidence in Rogers and earn back your trust," Staffieri says in the letter.

Documents released late Friday show that during the outage, Rogers was unable to shut down its radio access network, which would have automatically connected customers to another carrier for 911 calls.

In a submission to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, Rogers said the sweeping outage across its network limited its ability to respond with interim solutions while it restored service.

It was unable to route most 911 calls or deliver four emergency alerts during the service disruption, nor could it switch customers to a rival carrier despite offers of assistance from competitors.

The submission from Rogers also says competitors would not have been able to handle the sudden influx of affected wireless customers, which the company pegged at more than 10 million.

Staffieri said in his Sunday letter he believes a formal agreement between carriers is the only responsible way forward.

"Emergency calls to 911 simply have to work. Every time," the letter reads.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Firefighters significantly slowed the spread of a smoky wildfire churning through forest near Yosemite National Park that has thousands of residents of remote mountain communities still under evacuation orders on Monday.

Crews made good headway against the Oak Fire, according to a Sunday night incident report by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire. Fire activity was not as extreme as it has been in previous days.

More than 2,500 firefighters with aircraft support battled the blaze that erupted Friday southwest of the park near the town of Midpines in Mariposa County. Officials described explosive fire behavior on Saturday as flames made runs through bone-dry vegetation caused by the worst drought in decades.

By Sunday night the blaze had consumed more than 24 square miles (63 square km) of forest land, with no containment, Cal Fire said. The cause was under investigation.

Firefighters working in steep terrain on the ground protected homes as air tankers dropped retardant on 50-foot (15-meter) flames racing along ridgetops east of the tiny community of Jerseydale. Personnel face tough conditions that include steep terrain, sweltering temperatures and low humidity, Cal Fire said.

Light winds blew embers ahead into tree branches and because its so dry, its easy for the spot fires to get established and thats what fuels the growth, said Cal Fire spokesperson Natasha Fouts.

Evacuations were in place for over 6,000 people living across a several-mile span of the sparsely populated area in the Sierra Nevada foothills, though a handful of residents defied the orders and stayed behind, said Adrienne Freeman with the U.S. Forest Service.

We urge people to evacuate when told, she said. This fire is moving very fast.

Lynda Reynolds-Brown and her husband, Aubrey, awaited news about the fate of their home from an evacuation center at an elementary school. They fled as ash rained down and the fire descended a hill towards their property.

It just seemed like it was above our house and coming our way really quickly, Reynolds-Brown told KCRA-TV.

Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for Mariposa County due to the fires effects.

Flames destroyed at least 10 residential and commercial structures and damaged five others, Cal Fire said. Assessment teams were moving through mountain towns to check for additional damage, Fouts said.

Numerous roads were closed, including a stretch of State Route 140 thats one of the main routes into Yosemite.

California has experienced increasingly larger and deadlier wildfires in recent years as climate change has made the West much warmer and drier over the past 30 years. Scientists have said weather will continue to be more extreme and wildfires more frequent, destructive and unpredictable.

Pacific Gas & Electric said on its website that more than 2,600 homes and businesses in the area had lost power as of Monday and there was no indication when it would be restored. PG&E is unable to access the affected equipment, the utility said as flames roared Friday.

The Oak Fire was sparked as firefighters made progress against an earlier blaze, the Washburn Fire, that burned to the edge of a grove of giant sequoias in the southernmost part of Yosemite National Park. The 7.5-square-mile fire was 87% contained after burning for two weeks and moving into the Sierra National Forest.
Photo: The Canadian Press Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Russia's top diplomat says Moscows overarching goal in Ukraine is to topple President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's government, expressing the Kremlin's war aims in some of the bluntest terms yet as its forces pummel the country with artillery barrages and airstrikes.

The remark from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov comes amid Ukraine's efforts to resume grain exports from its Black Sea ports, something that would help ease global food shortages, under a new deal tested by a Russian strike on Odesa over the weekend.

Speaking to envoys at an Arab League summit in Cairo late Sunday, Lavrov said Moscow is determined to help Ukrainians liberate themselves from the burden of this absolutely unacceptable regime.

Lavrov accused Kyiv and its Western allies of spouting propaganda intended to ensure that Ukraine becomes the eternal enemy of Russia."

Russian and Ukrainian people would continue to live together. We will certainly help Ukrainian people to get rid of the regime, which is absolutely anti-people and anti-historical, he said.

Lavrovs remarks contrasted with the Kremlin's line early in the war, when it repeatedly emphasized that Russia wasn't seeking to overthrow Zelenskyys government, even as Moscow's troops closed in on Kyiv. Russia later retreated from around the capital and turned its attention to capturing Ukraine's industrial Donbas region in the east. The fighting is now in its sixth month.

Lavrov argued that Russia was ready to negotiate a deal to end hostilities in March when Kyiv changed tack and declared its intention to rout Russia on the battlefield. He said the West has encouraged Ukraine to keep fighting.

The West insists that Ukraine must not start negotiations until Russia is defeated on the battlefield, Lavrov said.

It was not yet clear when grain shipments would resume following Russia and Ukraine's signing of agreements with the United Nations and Turkey on Friday. The deals are aimed at clearing the way for the shipment of millions of tons of desperately needed Ukrainian grain, as well as the export of Russian grain and fertilizer.

While Russia faced accusations that the weekend attack on the port of Odesa amounted to reneging on the deal, Moscow insisted the strike would not affect grain shipments.

During a visit to Congo on Monday, Lavrov repeated the Russian military claim that the strike targeted a Ukrainian navy boat and a depot with Harpoon anti-ship missiles supplied by the West. He said the attack took part in the military section of the port at a significant distance from the grain terminal.

We havent created any obstacles to grain deliveries in accordance with the agreements signed in Istanbul, Lavrov said. He said the agreements contain nothing that would prevent us from continuing the special military operation and destroying military infrastructure and other military targets."

The foreign minister also planned to visit Uganda and Ethiopia in what was seen as an effort to bolster African support for Russia, especially for any upcoming U.N. votes.

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow has no interest in halting all gas supplies to Europe and that recent restrictions on the flow "are simply the consequences of restrictions the Europeans have imposed, and the Europeans themselves are suffering from these restrictions.

Russia is a responsible gas supplier, and no matter what anyone says, the European Commission, in European capitals, in the U.S., Russia has been and continues to be a country that to a large extent guarantees Europes energy security, Peskov said.

Meanwhile, Ukraines presidential office said Monday at least two civilians were killed and 10 wounded in Russian shelling over the preceding 24 hours.

In the eastern Donetsk region, the focus of the Russian offensive, Russian artillery struck the cities of Avdiivka, Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka. An airstrike on Bakhmut damaged at least five houses.

The Russians are using the scorched-earth tactics across the entire Donbas. They fire from the ground and from the air to wipe off entire cities, Donetsk Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko said in televised remarks.

The Russians also struck the Kharkiv region. In the city of Chuhuiv, a Russian strike wrecked a local club, and rescue workers removed several people from under the debris.

Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Sinyehubov denounced the attack as senseless barbarity, saying: It looks like a deadly lottery when no one knows where the next strike will come.

In other developments, Russia said it thwarted an attempt by Ukrainian military intelligence to entice Russian military pilots to turn their planes over to Ukraine.

Russia's Federal Security Service, successor to the KGB, said Ukrainians offered Russian pilots cash and European Union citizenship.

In a video released by the FSB, a man purported to be a Ukrainian intelligence officer offered a pilot $2 million to surrender his plane during a mission over Ukraine.

Russian state television claimed that Western spy agencies assisted the Ukrainians in the effort. The Russian claims couldnt be independently verified.
Kelowna was officially incorporated in 1905, with the motto "Fruitful in Unity".

According to the City of Kelowna website, the motto "alludes to Kelownas steady progress, largely attributable to its fruit industry and the community mindedness and cooperation of its citizens."

This motto is just too old-fashioned for the Kelowna of the 21st century. It should be scrapped in favour of the forward-thinking "Fruitful in Mega Towers", or, to riff on what the people who built the Tower of Babel exclaimed: "Building Towers Reaching To The Heavens!" (How did that work out?)

Between 2020 and 2026, there could easily be close to 700 storeys in 25 new highrises, and that's just in the downtown core alone.

Let that sink in.

It's not the building of highrises per se that concerns me; it's that developers want approval to build so many of them close to, or on the waterfront, such as the tower trio (heights of 33 storeys, 27 storeys and 20 storeys) along the 500- and 600-blocks of Coronation Avenue.

Municipal planner Ryan Smith writes in his report to council: "The proposal, as submitted, significantly deviates from this plan (of only 12-storey buildings). Yet Mayor Colin Basran and city councillors seem all too eager to rubber stamp each and every developer's request.

Back in 2018, City of Kelowna planners recommended council not approve the development permits for Edmonton-based Westcorps 33-storey downtown hotel at 289 Queensway Avenue. City council approved the permits anyway on Feb. 4, 2020, despite planners' concerns that the building was too high and overwhelming for the waterfront property. (Construction never started due to the COVID pandemic and the permits expired after two years. In February 2022, Westcorp again applied for permits.)

On July 26 there will be a public hearing at 6 p.m. regarding the proposed 46-storey UBCO tower on Doyle Avenue. The architectural plans include four storeys of underground parking. Some tenants riding bicycles won't do anything to reduce traffic congestion.

The plans wouldn't have also included parking spaces for hundreds of vehicles unless they would be used. So, if you think gridlock on Kelowna streets is bad now, imagine what it will be like in four to five years.

Santa Barbara (pop. 91,000) is one of America's most beautiful cities, called the American Riviera due to its Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture, and is world-renowned for its food and wine, pristine beaches and near-perfect weather. The city's aversion to tall buildings has lasted for decades. However, in 2020, the Santa Barbara city council voted to let developers build high-density housing units in the downtown business district and may boost the residential height limit from 45 feet to...wait-for-it...48 feet!

Its tallest building is the iconic Granada Buildingaka Granada Toweropened in 1924 (116 feet; eight storeys). It has been able to remain the tallest building because Santa Barbara incorporated an ordinance into its charter prohibiting new buildings over 60 feet one year after plans to build the Granada were announced.

On the National Film Board website, watch the amusing ten-minute animated film Boomsville (1968), an ironic view of town planning, or rather, the lack of it, and what has happened to our cities as a result.

To riff on lyrics from Joni Mitchell's 1970 iconic song, Big Yellow Taxi: "They billboarded paradise and put up the mega towers".

And what about housing for the homeless (in Kelowna), or for those at risk of losing their homes?

The Journey Home Strategy is the City of Kelowna's five-year plan to address homelessness. From the Journey Home website (May 10, 2022 news release): "318 new units of supportive housing introduced in Kelowna since 2018, in partnership with BC Housing and funded by the province". Note the phrase "funded by the province".

During two terms with Basran at the helm (November 2014 to the present) how many new units of supportive housing have been funded by the city?

Julia Deans, the president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada, recently visited Kelowna and told Castanet: In many municipalities across the country we see the municipal governments donating land to Habitat, or making services and amenities available at much reduced costs. Thats not the case here and its something that I hope the government here will look at because it is really essential in order for us to continue building affordable housing."

David Buckna, Kelowna
Photo: The Canadian Press Indigenous people gather to see Pope Francis on his visit to Maskwacis, Alta. during his papal visit across Canada on Monday, July 25, 2022.

Pope Francis delivered on Monday an apology for the Roman Catholic Church's role in residential schools, saying many Christians supported the colonization of Indigenous people. He made the remarks at the former site of the Ermineskin Indian Residential School in community of Maskwacis, south of Edmonton.

Here is some of the reaction to the historic apology:

"Pope Franciss words today and in Rome this spring represent a journey that has taken more than 180 years  from the time the doors of these so-called schools opened to the challenges First Nations people live today. By apologizing for the abuses of the past, Pope Francis has helped to open the door for survivors and their families to walk together with the church for a present and future of forgiveness and healing. I accept and choose this path."  Former Assembly of First Nations Chief Phil Fontaine, who attended two Manitoba residential schools

"Every survivor will choose how they feel about the apology. We have witnessed the Pope's response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action No. 58  and heard a message of hope to our people, Canadians, and Catholics worldwide: First Nations cultures, languages, and traditions matter. This message will help to guide us all on the path to reconciliation."  AFN Regional Chief Cindy Woodhouse

"It has been over a year since discovering over a thousand unmarked graves of children on Indian Residential School grounds, and we are still mourning them. An apology does not ease the pain of lost children who never returned home, or the legacy First Nations carry as the Survivors, their children and their grandchildren. However, we encourage the Church to move forward in the spirit of reconciliation by making concrete commitments and true reparations going forward."  Cornell McLean, acting grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

"The Holy Father's apology will lift some of the darkness which the Indian residential school experience represents. The missing children will be acknowledged with utmost respect and care following their families' wishes, as each circumstance requires."  Elder Harvey Nepinak, residential school survivor, who watched the apology from Dauphin, Man.

The government policy of residential schools, in which the churches participated, created deep wounds that are not easily or quickly healed. Yet we saw at Maskwacis both the resilience of Indigenous Peoples in preserving their culture, as well as the goodwill of Catholics and other Canadians to both truth and reconciliation."  Alberta Premier Jason Kenney

"The Catholic Church and the government worked together in harms and crimes, and they must work together to ensure that the harm done to Indigenous peoples is being addressed in meaningful ways. Co-operating with ongoing investigations and making all documents requested by survivors, police and local governments available is the very least that the Church and the federal government can do for Indigenous peoples."  Federal NDP Crown-Indigenous Relations critic Lori Idlout

This a significant first step towards reconciliation and acknowledging the intergenerational trauma residential schools have had on Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island. After failed attempts and a lack of will, its time the Catholic Church make the investments needed to help ensure individuals and communities can heal.  Congress of Aboriginal Peoples National Chief Elmer St. Pierre

I believe today was a very good second beginning, because I believe it started long ago when leaders of the day, before I was around, asked for those very same things.  Audrey Poitras, president of the Metis Nation of Alberta.
Photo: The Canadian Press Emile-Antoine Roy-Sirois is shown in a handout photo.

Emile-Antoine Roy-Sirois, a 31-year-old Quebecer who recently died in Ukraine fighting Russian forces, volunteered on the front lines because he wanted to protect innocent women and children, according to a soldier who fought with him.

Roy-Sirois "was an intellectual who cared about humanity," said Blackhawk, a fighter who, for security reasons, would only use a code name in an interview Monday on Instagram.

"He was kind and never meant anyone harm. He listened to orders and was brave."

Roy-Sirois died on July 18 after spending about four months fighting in Ukraine, said Blackhawk, who is from Idaho. "He died a hero beside his friends trying to transport a wounded American named Luke, code name Skywalker."

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress issued a statement on Monday saying it was saddened to learn about the death of Roy-Sirois.

"Mr. Roy-Sirois will be remembered by the Ukrainian people and our community for his selflessness and commitment to the values of liberty and justice that Canada and Ukraine share," the organization said.

The leader of Roy-Sirois's team of fighters in Ukraine said the Quebecer and three other volunteers were killed by a Russian tank shell near Siversk, in the eastern part of the country. Angel  who also wouldn't use his real name for security reasons  said he felt lucky to have Roy-Sirois as "a brother in battle."

"We were the only two Canadians who made it to the front lines and stayed," Angel, who is from Saskatchewan, said Monday in an interview on Facebook Messenger. "He had the option to leave the front line but stayed. Anyone would be proud of his bravery, and I was lucky enough to have him."

Angel and Blackhawk both described Roy-Sirois as an easygoing, funny guy whose code name was "Beaver."

"He said there were a lot of beavers in Canada," Blackhawk said.

Global Affairs Canada said in a statement it is aware of the death of a Canadian in Ukraine but did not give details.
CEMEX to buy clean energy from Acciona for Spanish operations

ICR Newsroom By 25 July 2022

CEMEX will purchase clean energy from energy supplier Acciona to power its cement operations in Spain, according to the cement company.



The purchase agreement ensures supply of green energy to cover 30 per cent of the cement producers requirements in Spain.



"This agreement shows our commitment to our clean energy transition, adding to the success of similar agreements in other geographies," said Sergio Menendez, president of CEMEX Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. CEMEX also sees it as a key strategy in the cement industrys decarbonisation drive.

CEMEX plans to supply at least 55 per cent of its operations from clean energy sources by 2030 as it targets carbon neutrality in its cement and concrete plants. The company has awarded contracts to acquire clean energy in other countries where it operates. For example, the company announced earlier this year that its operations in Guatemala will operate entirely with clean energy purchase from Italys Enel Green Power.

Published under
People hold a relief package from China in Qila Saifullah district of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province on July 20, 2022. (Friends of China Forum/Handout via Xinhua)

ISLAMABAD, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A smile came to Allaudin Ahmad's face when he was called outside his makeshift camp in the Qila Saifullah district of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province to receive a relief package from China.

Ahmad's family was among 800 others who lost their houses and fortune in heavy monsoon rains that have been lashing various parts of the province since last month.

"We got temporarily accommodated in the camp, but there was a serious shortage of food items which was a matter of great concern for us as we needed ration for survival," Ahmad told Xinhua.

He said China's help, with food and other items, came right on time to support his family to three to four weeks.

According to the latest available data by the country's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) released on July 20, a total of 282 people had been killed and 211 others injured due to different rain-related accidents in Pakistan since mid-June.

Balochistan remained the worst hit by rains, where 88 people were killed and 62 others injured in separate rain-triggered accidents, said the NDMA.

Bayazeed Kasi, a politician from Balochistan who distributed the food packs to the rain-hit people on behalf of the Chinese embassy, said that China has once again shown that it is standing with the people of Pakistan through thick and thin.

Kasi, who is also the president of Balochistan-based "Friends of China Forum", told Xinhua that a large amount of people had been affected by the rains in the province this year, many of whom received relief packs from China.

"About 800-1,000 food packs were distributed among the families living in the camps... not only this, the Chinese people also provided around 300 pieces of solar panels as the current rains destroyed electricity lines in many areas, leaving people without electricity for days," Kasi told Xinhua.

Hakim Chandio, living in one of the camps with his family after his house was destroyed by the rain, said that the gesture of the Chinese people has won their hearts and strengthened the people-to-people relations.

"I heard in the news that China has lifted its people out of poverty in a very short period. I hope that our government will also learn from China and China will help us through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to change our fate," Chandio told Xinhua. 
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Doctor Oliver Watkins Jenkins, Jr, after a lifetime of service and devotion to his family, patients, community, and God, passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at his home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with his family at his side. He was 84.

Born to the late Mary Ellen (Bailey) Jenkins and Doctor Oliver W. Jenkins, Sr., he was raised in the suburbs of Rome, Georgia and graduated from Darlington school. He served in the United States Army in Germany. There he met and married the love of his life, Regina (Kuettner) Jenkins. After returning stateside he graduated from Emory University and the Medical College of Georgia. He completed his internship at Erlanger Hospital and his residency in Pediatrics at T. C. Thompson Children's Hospital in Chattanooga.

He opened his pediatrics practice in 1971 on Signal Mountain before moving it to Red Bank. He was tireless in his efforts to relieve the suffering of others both physically and spiritually, several times taking on the role of a medical missionary deep in Mexico. He was active in his efforts with the church, attending the former Central Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga and later Chattanooga's New City Fellowship. He was very active with the Gideons. He enjoyed singing and had a beautiful baritone voice.

Always the loving and devoted husband and father, he and Regina raised both their children in Chattanooga. He continued working until his retirement in 2008. His final years were spent in a personal battle with cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Regina E. Jenkins, and will be lovingly missed by his children, Oliver W. Jenkins, III, and Maria (Michael) Sabin, all of Red Bank, TN, sister Mary Ellen (George) Baird of Atlanta, GA, and brother John Stephen (Karen) Jenkins of Elberton, GA. He was the loving grandfather to Lacey (Brandon) Lively-Plummer of Fort Oglethorpe, Andrew Sabin of Red Bank, and Katriana "Dae" Alexander-Jenkins of Chattanooga, TN. He will also be greatly missed by his many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family members.

A memorial service will be held at New City Fellowship at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2424 East Third Street in Chattanooga on Friday, August 26, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to New City Fellowship Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The Davidsons, who specialized in men's clothing and accessories on Market Street, were among the early residents near the top of Cameron Hill.

Charles Alexander Davidson opened Davidson's in 1881. He was born at Huntley, Aberdeen County, Scotland, in 1835. He came to the United States with his parents when he was 17, settling in New York. He married Margaret Moberry of New York City in 1856. Her brother was a minister who was stationed in Chattanooga at one time.

C.A. Davidson was "genial and unostentatious." It was said that "when he once made a friend, the friendship that grew was akin to love."

C.A. Davidson came to Chattanooga in 1869 and took a position as a clerk at William Crutchfield's dry goods store. At the time he lived at the corner of Seventh and Pine at Cameron Hill. C.A. Davidson later operated the Roane Iron Company's store along with John W. McCrath. Davidson, who was described as a "self-made man," then established Davidson's at 811 Market. It was the first local store to feature plate glass windows. It was "a nine days wonder which people came from afar and near to see and admire."

C.A. Davidson became ill in July 1899. On the day before his death, he took his carriage to Davidson's for a last visit to his successful clothing store. He was still living at 221 Prospect at the time of his death. His funeral was at St. Paul's Episcopal where he had been a member.

Mattie Davidson, daughter of C.A. Davidson, married the real estate man C.V. Brown, and they first lived on Cameron Hill as did Brown's partner, Henry Trent Olmsted.

Edward and Robert Davidson, sons of C.A. Davidson, later took over operation of the store. Edward Davidson worked at the shoe store operated by Henry and Sam Schwartz, then he went to Butte, Montana, where three of his brothers were running a wholesale grocery. They were Charles O., William and Roger. The brothers stayed on in the West, but Edward Davidson was back in Chattanooga after six months, and he joined the family's clothing store. Edward Davidson took over operation of Davidson's that had been led first by his father and then by his brother Robert.

Edward Davidson built a handsome brick home near to that of his father at 229 Prospect. The two-story home had a wide porch with porticos on the front and sides. It was so distinctive that it was included in an edition of the coffee table book Art Works of Chattanooga. Edward Davidson died in November of 1931. He had moved to Riverview by this time.

Davidson's remained in the same family until it was finally sold in 1946 to Nashville businessmen. The lease on the Davidson store later was obtained by Ira Trivers, who also operated clothing stores at Eastgate and Northgate Malls.

By 1955, the old homeplace of clothier Charles A. Davidson at 221 Prospect (by then 621 Boynton Terrace) had been divided into seven apartments. The brick beauty of Edward Davidson nearby was occupied by H.L. Weaver and, at the rear, R.E. Coleman.

Then both were knocked down.
Do you ever watch crime shows? Ive followed a few fairly consistently, and in each episode theres the moment when the suspect is being questioned by detectives. Just when the interrogating authorities seem to have the alleged perpetrator dead to rights, he or she announces, I want my lawyer. What they are really saying is, I need an advocate to come to my defense.

A friend was recalling a time when a few moments of youthful impulsiveness got himself into hot water with law enforcement officials. His actions did not cause anyones harm, but still resulted in a citation and an appointment to appear in court before a judge.

Initially, my friend thought, No problem. Ill just go before the judge, plead my case, and it will all be over. However, an attorney he knew convinced him otherwise. Theres a protocol thats followed in the courtroom, the lawyer explained, and determining to serve as ones own advocate is a recipe for even greater legal problems.

On the appointed day, my friend and his attorney dutifully arrived at the courtroom and were summoned before the judge. As instructed, my friend stood silently as the lawyer spoke on his behalf, serving as his advocate. The judge never looked at me, my friend recalled. The judge directed each of his questions to my attorney. In the end, I was sentenced to probation and community service.

If youve ever had to appear in court, perhaps this scenario sounds familiar. But even if youve never been summoned to a courtroom, there will come a day  as it will for each one of us  when we will stand before a judge: God Almighty, THE Judge of all eternity. As were told in 2 Corinthians 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

The Scriptures make it clear we will definitely need an advocate then. If we try to justify ourselves based on the lives we have led, even if they seemed fairly good by human standards, well be in serious trouble. As Romans 3:10 declares, There is no one righteous, not even one, and Romans 3:23 asserts, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

God, who is perfect, holy and righteous, would rightly judge each one of us guilty and deserving of eternal punishment because of our many sins  disobeying His laws and commands. Except we have an advocate if we have received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. In 1 John 2:1-2, we read this assurance: But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father  Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

When we stand before God and acknowledge our lengthy list of sins, we wont have to speak on our own behalf. We would have nothing to offer in our defense. However, Jesus, who went to the cross to pay in full the penalty for our sins, will speak up on our behalf. Perhaps Hell say something like, Its okay. He (or she) is with Me. Ive already taken care of it.

This idea of having an advocate to stand up for the helpless isnt a New Testament innovation. In the Old Testaments book of Esther, we read about a man named Mordecai, Esthers cousin. He was instrumental in foiling a plot to kill the Jews in Persia and Media. At the end of the book it says of Mordecai, He worked enthusiastically for the good of his people and was an advocate for the welfare of all his descendants (Esther 10:3).

In the book of Job, which tells about a series of terrible losses the God-fearing title character had endured, he encounters unwarranted accusations from a succession of friends who feel certain his suffering os punishment for his sins. Job replies, Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. Even now my witness is in heaven. My advocate is there on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God (Job 16:19-20).

We could cite other examples, but none can compare with what Jesus has done and offers to do on behalf of each one of us. Romans 5:10 states, For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! And Romans 8:34 proclaims, Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God  and He is interceding for us.

When the time comes, who will be there to represent you and testify on your behalf? Are you confident the Advocate will come to your defense? If not, today would be a good day to settle that.

* * *

Robert J. Tamasy is a veteran journalist, former newspaper editor and magazine editor. Bob has written, co-authored and edited more than 15 books. These include the newly published, Marketplace Ambassadors; Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Todays Workplace; Tufting Legacies, The Heart of Mentoring, and Pursuing Life With a Shepherds Heart. A weekly business meditation he edits, Monday Manna, is translated into more than 20 languages and sent via email around the world by CBMC International. The address for his blog is www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. His email address is btamasy@comcast.net.
Despite being a long way from home, Blairsville's Jonathan Davenport pulled into victory lane still proving to be this year's hottest racer in America, winning Sunday night's $53,000 Silver Dollar Nationals with the Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model series.

JD passed race leader and current series points leader Tim McCreadie of New York with only a few laps remaining in the rain delayed feature.

Behind the "Nutrien Ag Solutions" New Million Dollar Man and McCreadie was Ohio's Devin Moran, Tennessee Mike Marlar and Floridian Earl Pearson Jr. Jimmy Owens of Newport, Tn. was ninth and Chickamauga's Dale McDowell was 30th overall in the rundown that hosted 60 entries.

Many raceteams will head to Boone, Ia. Monday for a $20,000 to win World of Outlaw Late Model series event, and on Tuesday, Davenport, Ia. hosts a $10,000 race.

DirtVision.com will have Monday's live broadcast and Floracing.com will have Tuesday's broadcast.
Members of the Rhea County Rural Fair Association came before the County Commission to thank them for their recent support of the Rhea County Fair.

President Don Massengale addressed the commission thanking them for assisting on construction of the new concession stand. The Fair Association in March received funding from the commission for the first time in the history of the fair to complete the construction. Mr. Massengale said that so far, all of the work that has been done has been through donations to the fair.

Thank you to all the commissioners for your support of the Rhea County Fair. We are trying to get the fairgrounds ready for opening on Aug. 9 and invite all of you to come. We would especially like to thank County Commissioners Philip Dunn and Leo Stephens for actually coming out and providing hard work, said Mr. Massengale. We are trying to get the fairgrounds ready for opening on Aug. 9 and invite all of you to come. We would especially like to thank County Commissioners Philip Dunn and Leo Stephens for actually coming out and providing hard work, said Mr. Massengale.

Board Secretary Brittany Fisher Dean told commissioners that the fair will be starting its 15th year.

At 6 p.m. we will have an opening ceremony and a monument will be put up honoring the four starting members of the fair - Glen Varner, George Beaty, Jim Hall and Harold Fisher, she said

Ms. Fisher Dean said they have a pretty good line up this year for the fair.

This year we have 35 pigs for the pig sale on Thursday the 11th. Also we will have a 4-H Poultry show and sale at 6 p.m on Tuesday. This year on Saturday there will be a Jeep Jamboree from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. These are just some of the things we have planned, she said.

Its a lot of volunteer work that has to be done. We have made the fair one of the best in the state," she added.

At the 2022 January conference, which was the 100th annual convention, Rhea County placed first in Free Standing Fair Display, second in Tabletop Display, first in Creative Fair Idea (other than agriculture), second in Creative Fair Idea (agriculture) and Most Outstanding Entry for the Rhea County Fair Chicken Coop Display. These awards were chosen from the more than 50 regional and county fairs across the state of Tennessee.

This trend has continued with the fair since 2010 when they won their first award for Most Improved Fair. 2012 saw the fair obtaining the AA division runner up only to top it in 2013 by winning the 2013 AA division Champion Fair. The fair garnered the Champion of Champions for all Divisions in 2017.

In all, the Rhea County Fair has won 35 first place awards, 46 second place awards and 25 third place awards since 2008. The faier has also paid out $71,600 in prize money to the exhibitors at the local fair.
A member of Moms for Social Justice, Taylor Lyons, spoke at the School Board meeting on July 21. (at 1 hour 11 minutes). She was outraged the board allowed Moms for Liberty to hold school board candidate forums at Red Bank and Ooltewah High Schools. Each forum was open to all candidates and the public was invited to attend. Forum questions were answered before a live audience and live streamed.

Mrs.

Lyons compared M4L to the KKK and the Proud Boys. But, when she implied Moms for Liberty and some board members were White Nationalists, I refused to listen to any more of the vitriol coming from her mouth so I left the room.

It is absolutely outrageous that someone like Taylor Lyons who is affiliated with a moms group that endorses masking students for eternity, keeping students at home and out of school forever without any consideration to the damage it does to them academically, socially and emotionally, hosts Gay Pride Skate Night, hosts events for binding and packing (if you dont know what this is, look it up) and lobbies for obscene library books to remain in HCDE libraries, would get offended over a question and answer session of adults.

Mrs. Lyons accused the board of dancing around board policy by allowing a highly partisan group to hold a public forum in two of our schools. Yet, she has no problem with MSJ taking up space in 17 classrooms in Hamilton County with their classroom libraries. MSJ has asked for book donations from LGBTQIA+authors to stock their libraries. To Mrs. Lyons, it is an outrage for a room full of adults to hold an event live streamed for everyone to see, but it is okay for her group to put unvetted books in 17 classrooms without parental knowledge.

The truth is, Mrs. Lyons is upset that MSJ libraries will no longer be allowed to put some of their books in classrooms due to a recent policy update to reflect state law. MSJ books will now be vetted just like books in the regular library.

I am sure Mrs. Lyons will have more cause for outrage as I plan to bring a new policy concerning groups having access to space inside HCDE classrooms. Either all groups wanting to have access can be allowed, or no groups can be allowed. Given the fact that classroom space is so limited, I do not see how all groups can be allowed to move in and set up shop. So, I guess this means, no groups should be allowed. It is called equity. After all, thats what Moms for Social Justice is all about, right, Mrs. Lyons?

Rhonda Thurman

* * *

Thank you, Rhonda Thurman, for relating the most unpleasant scene that unfolded at the recent Hamilton County School Board meeting. Ive been sounding the alarm for over a year now about the move by progressives to hijack the schools here with their radical agenda and this one hour plus rant is an example of what to expect from them.



Be assured if progressives get a vice grip on the Hamilton County School board, no one would be given the same opportunity to question their leftist policies of indoctrination. Across the nation, parents are ejected, arrested and even permanently banned from school board meetings when they rule.



Candidates of the political party that embraces progressivism should be rejected. Tell them Hamilton County wants academic achievement on the highest level by all of our students not distractions and division.

Give us Liberty not Marxism on Aug 4.



Ralph Miller

* * *

Ms. Lyons is correct in her outrage. Our schools should not be used to support any partisan group having any kind of event. That is not what they are for and should not be used to advance either groups ideology. It doesnt matter that it was just a question and answer forum as you say. Im sure that there was plenty of literature, posters, and speakers pushing the M4L agenda.

Now, I dont know Ms. Lyons at all, but in the paragraph in which you seem to be insulting her efforts to help with a marginalized group that people like you would like to ignore, she seems like a decent person. Trying to keep children from catching a disease that is making a comeback in our county, hosting a safe space for our LGBTQIA+ young people to feel accepted among their peers without bullying or prejudice from people who look down on them, hosting events that help young people with body dysphoria in a non-judgmental way, and providing books that only a student and their parent should be making any decisions about. She seems like she cares about the people around her, unlike some people who are supposed to be representing the youth of our county.

Usually when people start talking down about equity, it means that they dont think that other groups should have it. It means that the groups that have all the power might have to share some with others they feel are not worthy.

Thomas Blanks



Red Bank
Secretary of State Tre Hargett announces James Ritter has been selected as the next Tennessee state librarian and archivist. Mr. Ritter, who served as the state librarian of Maine for the last eight years, started his new position on Monday.



The state librarian and archivist directs operations at the Tennessee State Library & Archives, a division of the Department of State. To preserve Tennessee's history for current and future generations, the Library & Archives collects and preserves books, records and other documents of historical and reference value, focusing on items about Tennessee and Tennesseans.



The Library & Archives also operates the Tennessee Regional Library System, which provides training and support for public libraries across Tennessee and oversees the Library for Accessible Books & Media, which offers free library services for Tennesseans with disabilities.



"I am proud to welcome Mr. Ritter as our new state librarian and archivist," said Secretary Hargett. We are fortunate to have someone with his extensive skill set and admirable background to fill this position. I am confident that Mr. Ritter will provide a clear vision and leadership for the State Library & Archives, and he will build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors."



Mr. Ritter joined the Maine State Library in 2012 and was selected to be the state librarian of Maine in 2014. Prior to that, he served as the deputy director of the Camden Public Library in Camden, Maine. Mr. Ritter serves on the board of trustees for the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies and has worked with the Maine Library Commission to develop and advocate for legislation to improve Maines public libraries. Mr. Ritter earned a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Delaware and a master of science in library and information science and a master of science in organizational creativity and innovation from Drexel University.



I am excited to join the incredible team at the Tennessee State Library & Archives, and its an honor to be part of a wonderful organization that serves all Tennesseans, said Mr. Ritter. The investment and the trust that has been placed in the Library & Archives is evident, and I look forward to contributing to the tradition of providing great library and archival services to the people of Tennessee.



Mr. Ritter will replace Charles Sherrill, who retired from the post after 12 years as state librarian and archivist.



The Library & Archives is located at 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way N. on the northeast corner of Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville. The Library & Archives lobby featuring interactive exhibits highlighting the state's most precious historical documents is open to the public Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CT. The library, microfilm and manuscripts reading rooms are open for research Tuesday through Saturday, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CT.



To learn more about the Library & Archives or to make a research appointment, call 615-741-2764, email ask@tsla.libanswers.com or visit sos.tn.gov/tsla.


Several recent Supreme Court opinions have sparked a great debate in our nation about the role and function of the Supreme Court, and to a lesser degree federal courts in general. One aspect of this debate concerns the power of the unelected Supreme Court to overturn laws passed by the elected Congress and signed into law by the elected President. The debate extends to the power of the Court to overturn laws passed by states. Some critics argue this is undemocratic and an unelected body should not have this power. They also correctly point out that this power, called judicial review, is not mentioned in the Constitution itself. So where does it come from?



Article III of the Constitution establishes the judicial branch and outlines its powers and responsibilities. Critics of judicial review are correct that invalidating laws passed by Congress is not mentioned in Article III. Supporters of judicial review respond that the first sentence of Article III implicitly grants this power. It begins: The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. In the view of supporters, judicial power includes the authority to determine whether acts of Congress and the President comply with the Constitution.



In 1803, in the famous case of Marbury v. Madison, Chief Justice John Marshall asserted on behalf of the Court that it had the authority to determine whether acts of Congress and actions of the President complied with the Constitution. Then-President Thomas Jefferson vehemently disagreed. But contrary to what some critics argue, Chief Justice Marshall did not just make up the doctrine of judicial review. Although the power is not spelled out in the Constitution, the concept was well known to the people who debated the Constitution. In fact, such a power in the federal courts was assumed and anticipated by many of the framers and those in the framers generation. We find evidence of this in the debates about ratifying the Constitution, in the Federalist Papers, and in the customary practice at the time.



Constitutional Debates.

Before becoming a justice, Marshall was active in public life and knowledgeable of the arguments and debates over the proposed constitution. In fact, he was a delegate to the Virginia state convention that considered and ultimately ratified the proposed federal constitution. He was a leader among those advocating for adoption of the Constitution and was intimately familiar with its contents. He was in communication with leading figures from other states and knowledgeable of their thoughts on the proposed constitution. Thus, he was personally aware of the framers intent. Judicial review was not alien to those discussions and debates.



The Federalist Papers.

Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison engaged in a vigorous argument in favor of the Constitution in the 85 essays of the Federalist Papers. In Federalist 78, Hamilton clearly anticipated federal courts having the power of judicial review:



If it be said that the legislative body are themselves the constitutional judges of their own powers, . . . it may be answered, that this cannot be the natural presumption, where it is not to be collected from any particular provisions in the constitution.  It is far more rational to suppose, that the courts were designed to be an intermediate body between the people and the legislature, in order, among other things, to keep the latter within the limits assigned to their authority.



Hamilton explained that because it is the proper and peculiar province of the courts to interpret laws, which includes constitutions. Courts are therefore well suited to determine whether acts of Congress comply with the Constitution: A constitution is in fact, and must be, regarded by the judges as a fundamental law. It, therefore, belongs to them to ascertain its meaning as well as the meaning of any particular act proceeding from the legislative body. Other framers shared Hamiltons opinion, although some had a contrary view.



Customary Practice.

The framers of the Constitution represented the several states and were familiar with the laws, practices, and procedure in the states, and so were those elected to serve on the state constitutional conventions considering whether to ratify the Constitution. In many of the states, judicial review was already the practice, so it was not radical for that same power to be extended to the federal Supreme Court. For example, Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts argued in his state judges set aside laws they deemed unconstitutional under Massachusetts constitution. During the Virginia ratification convention, Madison applauded Rhode Island, where the courts had refused to execute a law they deemed unconstitutional.



While our country thrives on civil discourse regarding decisions by the Supreme Court, judicial review has been with us almost since the beginning and is now a well-established part of our form of government.



Curtis L. Collier

United States District Judge

Chair, Eastern District of Tennessee Civics and Outreach Committee

Carrie Brown Stefaniak

Law Clerk to the Honorable Curtis L. Collier

Past President, Chattanooga Chapter of the Federal Bar Association



Kristen A. Dupard

Law Clerk to the Honorable Curtis L. Collier
Black Ink Crew star Ceaser Emanuel was fired from the franchise after a video depicted him hitting his dog. The clip also resulted in the reality TV personality getting charged with animal cruelty.

Ceaser Emanuel charged with animal cruelty

In late June 2022, a video went viral on Twitter depicting Black Ink Crew star Ceaser Emanuel appearing to hit a dog. The clip quickly made its way around social media, resulting in backlash.

VH1 responded to the outcry a day later by publicly announcing its decision to part ways with the tattoo artist. After the reality star responded to the clip, TMZ reported that Georgias Fulton County Animal Services and the South Fulton Police Department saw the video and have begun looking into the situation.

I KNOW Ceaser did not just do all of that for some EARRINGS?! ? #BlackInkCrew pic.twitter.com/amzdWWPez2  VH1 (@VH1) June 24, 2021

According to Emanuels lawyer Walter Mosley, the incident reportedly occurred during the 2020 pandemic. However, the department said it can still charge the New York native. Additionally, his team previously claimed the Fulton County Police have already looked into the situation and cleared Emanuel of any wrongdoing.

In July, People reported he was charged with two counts of animal cruelty and one count of aggravated cruelty to animals. Emanuel was incarcerated and released the same day. According to his team, the tattoo artist willingly turned himself in and maintains that he is fully cooperating with the police to bring him justice for this incident.

Emanuel depicted hitting a dog in a viral clip

In the two-minute clip taken from a Ring camera attached to his house, the reality star chased his dog out of the garage into the driveway.

Emanuel kicked the dog at one point and struck the animal twice with a folded chair. The New York-based tattoo shop owner also put the dog into a cage and rolled it down a hill.

We have made the decision to cut ties with Ceaser Emanuel from Black Ink Crew New York. Since next season was close to finishing production, this decision will not impact the upcoming season.  VH1 (@VH1) June 23, 2022

After the videos release, Emanuels lawyer responded in a statement in which he referred to his client as an avid dog lover. Mosley maintained the situation happened after the dog attacked other dogs and admitted Emanuel had a lapse of judgment when handling the animals.

VH1 also quickly reacted to the issue by announcing their decision to fire him after nearly a decade with the franchise. As the filming for upcoming season 10 is close to complete, the network noted his departure wouldnt affect it. However, the future of the flagship series is still in the air.

The ex-Black Ink Crew tattoo artist accused someone of leaking the footage

Following his firing, Emanuel spoke out about the situation in an interview with TMZ.

He admitted the clip looked crazy and noted he regretted his actions but insisted he acted in defense of the smaller animals. Additionally, the reality star explained he only tried to scare the dog, not harm it.

Ceasers ready to get his crew back IN LINE ? but does that mean someone will get FIRED?! 



Find out TONIGHT during a BRAND NEW episode of #BlackInkCrew at 8/7c on @VH1! ?? pic.twitter.com/SHonOhNuGs  Black Ink Crew (@BlackInkCrew) April 11, 2022

Emanuel revealed he gave one of the dogs away and attended dog school with the other to learn techniques when handling similar situations.

The tattoo artist also admitted he felt set up in some way as the footage came from a personal Ring camera. He later accused an ex-girlfriend, presumably Suzette Samuel, whom he dated during the time, of leaking the video for revenge.

Black Ink Crew airs on VH1.

RELATED: Black Ink Crew: Ceaser Emanuel Addresses His Habit of Firing People
PHNOM PENH, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's insurance industry has seen remarkable development in the last five years, with an averagely annual growth of 20 percent, senior officials said here on Monday.

Speaking at the "Insurance Day 2022", Bou Chanphirou, director general of the Insurance Regulator of Cambodia, said the Southeast Asian country currently has 18 general insurers, 14 life insurers, seven micro-insurance companies and one reinsurance firm, as well as 18 insurance brokers, 34 corporate agents and two loss adjusters.

"Along with the increase in the number of insurance companies, the size of the insurance market was also growing rapidly, with the gross premium increasing to approximately 300 million U.S. dollars in 2021, and the average growth rate for the last five years is about 20 percent," he said.

"In particular, the insurance market has remarkably maintained its positive growth at 8 percent in 2020 and about 10 percent in 2021 despite the COVID-19 pandemic," he added.

Cambodia's insurance market has some 948 million dollars in total assets and has created nearly 4,000 full-time and 10,000 part-time jobs, Chanphirou said. 
The Jamie Foxx-led vampire flick Day Shift is set to arrive on Netflix next month. In addition to Foxx, the Day Shift cast includes Dave Franco, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Meagan Good, and Snoop Dogg. The movies writer-director J.J. Perry recently explained how Snoop Doggs father inspired him to accept a role in the film.

Snoop Dogg and father Vernell Varnado | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Day Shift: Story details, release date, and its stuntman director

Day Shift follows a blue collar dad who makes a living by ridding Los Angeles San Fernando Valley of its vampire problem, per IMDb. The action-comedy flick is set to premiere Aug. 12 on Netflix.

The movie is the brainchild  and directorial debut  of J.J. Perry. Perry had an unconventional journey to Hollywood. His dreams of working in film started during his days in the U.S. Army. He served in the military for decades before setting his sights on something completely different: stunt work.

I didnt ever anticipate any of this for myself when I got outta the Army, the 54-year-old director told Vanity Fair. I thought for sure Id get out and Id f*** all this up and be back in the Army. So here we are, 32 years later, and directing a film has just been a big, huge treat and honor. What a great ride.

With Day Shift, Perry set out to make a monster slayer movie that was unlike anything audiences had seen. He added: I couldnt reinvent vampires because thats been going on forever. But what I did do was I took some contortionists and weaponized their work.

How J.J. Perry convinced Snoop Dogg to join Day Shift

In Day Shift, Snoop Dogg plays Buds (Jamie Foxx) friend Big John Elliott, who is trying to lure Army vet Bud back to the vampire slayers union. When pitching the project to Snoop, Perry unveiled an unexpected connection between himself and the Young, Wild And Free rapper: their infantrymen fathers.

My whole pitch to him was: Ill make you an action star, brother, Perry explained.  Snoop said, Well, my father was in Vietnam. My dad was in the Army too, so we had this common thread.

With this in mind, Perry encouraged Snoop to channel his father. He continued: I said, basically, I want you to play your father, because his father was Southern. I said I want to take away all of that L.A. swagger and give you more of a country swagger.

J.J. Perry made Jamie Foxxs character as much like him as he could

While Snoop Dogg may have drawn inspiration from his Vietnam vet father for the movie, Jamie Foxxs character in Day Shift is actually modeled after Perrys own life.

[Buds] an ex-Army guy. I was an infantryman. He came to L.A. and hes a guy that gets in over his head, a lot like I do, but he has to be able to get himself out of trouble, Perry told Vanity Fair. I have a nine-year-old daughter. He has a daughter. Hes trying hard to keep his family together.

One of the movies bigger plot points surrounds the real-life issue of gentrification, which has especially impacted Los Angeles. With a rising cost of living, Foxxs character has to go to desperate means to support his family  something Perry said is a sad reality for many today.

Earning enough is such a huge part of living in L.A. because its expensive to live here, he said.  And theres another secret world of vampires that is hiding right under our noses that nobody knows about.

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Food Network chef Molly Yeh has debuted her first cookware collection called Girl Meets Farm by Molly Yeh. Fans of the chef will fall in love with the bright colors and fun but functional products. Read on to learn more about the chefs background and where to find her newly released, joy-sparking merchandise. Plus, what other exciting release is she planning for the near future?

Molly Yeh | Warner Bros. Discovery

Molly Yeh thinks farm life is pretty swell after leaving New York

According to the Food Network, the star of Girl Meets Farm got her big start with a memoir. Molly On The Range: Recipes and Stories from an Unlikely Life on a Farm was recognized by the New York Times as one of the top releases of fall 2016.

Yehs lifestyle food blog has also received lots of positive attention. She graduated from Juilliard with a degree in percussion. But she fell wildly in love with food while living in New York. Then, she moved from Brooklyn to a Minnesota farm with her husband, Nick Hagen, who is a fifth-generation farmer. They now have two children.

Yeh wrote that she found the farm life is pretty swell for raising a family. And she added that their home is a great place to hunker down for a cozy winter.

Molly Yehs first Girl Meets Farm cookware line can spark joy

Yehs first-ever kitchenware line, Girl Meets Farm by Molly Yeh, features fun but practical products and is available exclusively at Macys. Each design is a nod to the stars eclectic personality and style.

She said in a statement, I find such joy working in my kitchen and wanted to design a product line that can spark that same feeling in others.

We selected tried and true tools that I use every day and incorporated bright, cheerful colors to create a line that is both accessible and beautiful, she explained. My design aesthetic brings together my family roots and my life on the farm as seen on Girl Meets Farm, and I am so excited to see what families cook up with these tools.

Food Network's Molly Yeh Launches First Kitchen Line Full of Colorful, Kid-Friendly Items https://t.co/4Vn7whk4gq  People (@people) July 25, 2022

After releasing first cookware line, Molly Yeh will release another cookbook

On September 27, 2022, Yeh will release another cookbook called Home is Where the Eggs Are. And she wrote on her blog that she drafted part of the book while living in a temporary home due to renovations on the familys farmhouse.

That was a highly informative adventure, the self-proclaimed fried chicken lover said. She noted she had to use an entirely different set of appliances to test recipes on.

Despite that temporary displacement, the books overview says its a beautiful, intimate book full of food thats best enjoyed in the comfort of sweatpants and third-day hair 

The flavors in this book draw inspiration from a distinctive blend of Mollys experiences  her Chinese and Jewish heritage, her time living in New York, her husbands Scandinavian heritage, and their farm in the upper Midwest.

RELATED: Ree Drummond, Molly Yeh, and Rachael Rays Best Tips to Stretch Your Grocery Budget
Hotel Portofino Season 2: Everything We Know So Far

Fans of PBSs new series Hotel Portofino can count on making a return trip to the Italian coast. The sun-dappled period drama wraps up its first season on July 24, and the show has already been renewed for season 2.

[Warning: This article contains mild spoilers for Hotel Portofino Season 1.]

Hotel Portofino renewed for season 2

Hotel Portofino | Courtesy of  Eagle Eye Drama Limited 2021

RELATED: Grantchester Stars Tom Brittney and Robson Green Tease What to Expect From Season 7

Prior to airing on PBS, Hotel Portofino premiered on BritBox in the U.K. earlier in 2022. The six-episode series was one of the streaming services top-rated originals, according to Deadline. A second season was ordered in April.

Hotel Portofino became an instant hit with audiences worldwide and the second season will feature another heady mix of romance, intrigue, and dangerous ambitions, said executive producer Joe McGrath.

Hotel Portofino Season 2 will have six episodes, all written by creator Matt Baker. Adam Wimpenny will return as director. No premiere date has been announced.

Filming has already begun on the second season, Natasha McElhone revealed

Here in Croatia shooting Hotel Portofino season #2 cant wait for people to see this one, its feeling good. Bellas balcony -a view that never fails :) pic.twitter.com/OkpN59xf1u  Natascha McElhone (@nataschaandsons) July 17, 2022

Hotel Portofino stars Natasha McElhone as Bella Ainsworth. Shes a British expat who runs a hotel on the Italian Riviera catering to English travelers. In a July 17 tweet, she revealed that shes back at work filming season 2 in Croatia.

Here in Croatia shooting Hotel Portofino season #2 cant wait for people to see this one, its feeling good, she wrote. Bellas balcony -a view that never fails :)

Aside from McElhone, several other season 1 cast members will return for the new episodes, Foxtel Australia reported. They include Mark Umbers as Bellas shady husband Cecil Ainsworth, Claude Scott-Mitchell as Rose, and Lily Frazer as the American dancer and hotel guest Claudine Pascal.

A recent Instagram post from Frazer appeared to confirm that she was also back in Croatia filming a new episode. She shared an image of herself on a balcony along with the hashtags #hotelportofino, #croatia, and #italianriviera.

What will Hotel Portofino Season 2 be about?

In a new episode of Hotel Portofino, the police search the hotel for the missing heirloom and place guests and employees alike under suspicion. Meanwhile, Cecil confronts Bella over the letter. The plot thickens tonight at 8 p.m. #SundayDrama #HotelPortofino #VegasPBS pic.twitter.com/yWSF9XXvea  Vegas PBS (@VegasPBS) July 17, 2022

By the end of Hotel Portofinos first season, Bell and Cecils marriage was on the rocks. His attempts to make up for his past bad behavior by giving her the check hed just received for selling his familys fake Rubens went over poorly.

I dont want to be friends, she told him. And Ill never take another penny from you.

Meanwhile, Bella and Cecils son Lucian (Oliver Dench) caved to his fathers pressure to marry Rose, even though he was really in love with Constance (Louisa Binder). And Anish (Assad Zaman) left town for Turin after realizing he could never confess his true feelings for his friend Lucian.

In season 2, Cecils questionable business dealings will cause more problems for Bella and may even put the future of Hotel Portofino in jeopardy, Foxtel Australia reports. Plus, the rise of fascism in Italy will continue to play a role. New guests will also arrive at the hotel, creating the potential for new twists and turns in the Ainsworth familys story.

For more on the entertainment world and exclusive interviews, subscribe to Showbiz Cheat Sheets YouTube channel.

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Mark Harmon exited NCIS this past season after starring as Leroy Jethro Gibbs for more than 400 episodes. Gibbs led a team that included Sean Murrays Agent Tim McGee, who joined the series halfway through season 1. And during those nearly two decades, Harmon became a mentor to Murray. But this wasnt the first time that the St. Elsewhere alum made a huge impression on his co-star. That happened long before NCIS.

Mark Harmon and Sean Murray | Bill Inoshita/CBS via Getty Images

Mark Harmon and Sean Murray met on the set of a short-lived 1990s TV series

When Murray was just 15 years old, he was working on his very first TV series, a short-lived Western dramedy called Harts of the West. The series was set on a dude ranch in Nevada, and Murray starred alongside Beau Bridges and his father Lloyd. The show ran for just one season on CBS, from September 1993 to June 1994.

While speaking with Country Living, Murray recalled an episode from his first TV job that was originally supposed to have Beaus brother Jeff Bridges guest star as a drunken radio clown.. But due to a scheduling conflict, The Big Lebowski actor wasnt available. Who did they find as his replacement? The answer, of course, was Harmon.

They got Harmon to come and do the part instead which Ill never forget, Murray said. Thats where I first met Harmon.

He got the chance to to talk to his future NCIS co-star about the acting craft

Murray told the ladies on The Talk back in 2017 that meeting Harmon at such a young age was definitely a memorable experience. Not only did he get to meet a big TV star, but he also got to pick Harmons brain about the acting craft.

He made quite an impression on me when he came on and did a role on Harts of the West, Murray explained. I had a few scenes with him, and we talked quite a bit about craft and things. So, being able to work with him again all these years later is just great. And, you know, hes been a bit of a mentor to me, whether he knows it or not.

RELATED: How Mark Harmon Is Still a Part of NCIS Even After Leroy Jethro Gibbs Exit

Harmon and Murray didnt get to spend a lot of time together on the set of Harts of the West, but Murray definitely made it count. When they reconnected on NCIS after all those years, Murray says that Harmon still remembered him.

When we started [NCIS], it was like, Hey man, good to see you again, because you made such an impression on me and vice versa back then so we felt we knew each other, Murray said.

NCIS Season 20 will be Sean Murrays first full season without Mark Harmon

Season 20 of NCIS will mark a significant change for Murray  it will be his first full season without Harmon as his co-star. He said on the Culture Pop podcast earlier this year that he knew his final scene with Harmon was coming in season 19 because it was something they had planned for a while. But the scene was still quite emotional to film.

If you saw that last episode with Gibbs that took place in Alaska, we really were in Alaska in a really remote area filming all of that, Murray said, per Express.

Doing that episode was amazing. First off, being in Alaska to do that goodbye was incredible. Harmon, I worked with for 18, 19 years straight on this show, hand in hand, our characters are like a father and son.

Murray believes that we will see Gibbs again one day on NCIS. But even if Harmon doesnt come back for a guest appearance, that wont affect his relationship with Murray.

I talked to him last weekend, we were texting back and forth for an hour about just random stuff  I love the guy, hes family, Murray said.

Season 20 of NCIS premieres Monday, September 19 on CBS.

RELATED: NCIS: Season 19 Was Not the First Time Mark Harmon Wanted to Leave the Show
TL;DR:

Sylvester Stallone will play a mobster, Dwight The General Manfredi, in Tulsa King.

The Oscar-nominee was paid $1 million per episode of the Taylor Sheridan series.

Tulsa King premieres November 13 and will stream on Paramount+.

Sylvester Stallone in Tulsa King | Brian Douglas/Paramount+

Sylvester Stallone is earning a hefty paycheck for his first major TV role. The Oscar-nominated actor will take home $1 million per episode of Paramount+s upcoming series Tulsa King, per a recent report.

Sylvester Stallone nabs $1 million payday for Tulsa King

Stallones career in Hollywood spans six decades, but hes been seen on TV relatively infrequently. His past small-screen roles include a two-episode stint on Las Vegas in the early 2000s and early-career appearances on Police Story and Kojak. But Stallone is set to take the TV world by storm with Tulsa King, the newest show from Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan.

In the series, Stallone plays a mobster who is exiled to Oklahoma after a 25-year stint in prison. For his role as Dwight The General Manfredi, the actor is earning $ 1 million per episode, according to a recent report from Variety. That puts him in an elite class of TV actors who can command salaries of seven figures per episode. (Other actors on the list include Michael Keaton for Dopesick, Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren for 1923, and Elisabeth Moss for Shining Girls.)

Tulsa King is from Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan

RELATED: Tulsa King Stars Sylvester Stallone as New York City Mafia Capo Dwight The General Manfredi

Tulsa King is just the latest Paramount+ series from Sheridan, who also created the Yellowstone prequel 1883 and Mayor of Kingstown for the streaming service.

The show will follow Stallones Manfredi, a loyal mob soldier whose boss sends him to Tulsa. Dwight has been ordered to set up shop in the Oklahoma capital following his release from prison. But he quickly realizes his mob family might not have his best interests in mind. Once in his new home  which might as well be another planet  Dwight puts together a new crew of unlikely characters who will help him establish a new criminal empire.

Dwight Manfredi has a dark side, but hes also witty and a real tactician. He was at the top of his game until he took the fall for someone else, Stallone told TV Insider of his character. During 25 years in prison, he goes through a revival and finds his philosophical side. Dwight has regrets and remorse, but its the only life he knows. Upon his release he returns to that life, expecting a reward, but instead has been exiled to Tulsa, almost as a punishment, to start a mob.

Tulsa King premieres November 13

In addition to Stallone, the Tulsa King cast also includes Andrea Savage, Martin Starr, Max Casella, Domenick Lombardozzi, Vincent Piazza, Jay Will, A.C. Peterson, and Garrett Hedlund. The show premieres Sunday, November 13. The first episode will air on Paramount Network immediately following the Yellowstone Season 5 premiere. Tulsa Kings second episode will also air the next week on Paramount Network. All subsequent episodes will stream Sundays on Paramount+.

For more on the entertainment world and exclusive interviews, subscribe to Showbiz Cheat Sheets YouTube channel.

RELATED: Sylvester Stallone Reveals the Toughest Challenge of His Movie Career
The Bold and the Beautiful recap for July 25 has John Finn Finnegan (Tanner Novlan) losing his patience. Finn is losing his cool while being held captive by his mother, Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown). Tensions continue to rise as Finn issues a threat. Heres what went down in the latest episode.

The Bold and the Beautiful star Tanner Novlan I Francis Specker/CBS via Getty Images

The Bold and the Beautiful recap Finn vows Sheila Carter will pay

Things are becoming tense between Finn and Sheila. The Bold and the Beautiful episode starts with Finn getting out of bed while Sheila tries to stop him. An enraged Finn says hes going home to his wife and kids, but first, he will make Sheila pay for her crimes. Finn presses Sheila against the wall as he strangles her; however, Sheila grabs a syringe and sedates Finn. As Finn sleeps, Sheila asks, why cant you let me love you?

Today on #BoldandBeautiful, Finn verbally lets loose on a distraught Sheila. pic.twitter.com/6ZGUaD06BY  Bold & The Beautiful (@BandB_CBS) July 22, 2022

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Later, Mike Guthrie (Ken Hanes) arrives, and Sheila asks where hes been. Mike informs Sheila he was interrogated by Detective Baker (Dan Martin), Ridge Forrester (Thorsten Kaye), and Brooke Logan (Katherine Kelly Lang). Sheila says it was foolish coming back here and fears someone followed him. Mike assures her he wasnt followed but says the interrogation rattled him.

Mike freaks out when he hears a siren and warns Sheila she cant hold Finn captive forever. In the other room, Finn wakes up and hears the duo arguing. When Mike checks on Finn, he pretends hes asleep. Mike asks if Sheila sedated Finn, and she says she had no choice; Finn freaked out when she told him Li Finnegan (Naomi Matsuda) was dead.

Mike becomes angry with Sheila and says he wont be there when the cops come to the door. After Mike storms out, Sheila checks on Finn, who grabs her hand and vows shell pay for everything.

Wyatt and Liam Spencer worry about their dad Bill Spencer

At the seafood shack, Wyatt and Liam Spencer (Darin Brooks and Scott Clifton) meet for dinner. Their conversation starts with Wyatt asking Liam how he and Hope Logan (Annika Noelle) juggle raising the kids. Liam says its not easy, but they make it work.

Wyatt then switches the topic to Finn and Steffy Forrester (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood). Liam informs him that Steffy checked into a clinic and that losing Finn caused her depression. Wyatt says, we all know who to blame for that.

The brothers then talk about their dad Bill Spencer (Don Diamont). Wyatt notes hes noticed a change in Bill and that hes more compassionate. He then reveals hes worried about Bill being lonely up at that big house of his.

Bill Spencer tries to gain clues about what happened to Li Finnegan

At Bills house, he brings Li a glass of water and asks if she wants anything to eat. She remains silent as Bill reassures her hes a friend who wants to help. He starts talking about his three sons, and Li perks up at the word when he mentions his youngest child becoming a world-renowned doctor. Bill suggests taking Li to the hospital, but she shakes her head.

Later, Bill brings Li some juice and a sandwich and gets her to eat. A knock at the door alarms Li, but Bill calms her. Dr. Jordan Armstrong (Vincent Irizarry) arrives to check on Li. Jordan notices cuts and abrasions on Li and asks how she got injured. Li doesnt say anything but flashes back to her showdown with Sheila.

Li Appreciation Post ? Reply with a ? if you were shocked by yesterday's episode of #BoldandBeautiful! Keep tuning in to see what happens next pic.twitter.com/1bdblPe4ur  Bold & The Beautiful (@BandB_CBS) July 22, 2022

Jordan finishes his exam and tells Bill there are no physical injuries, but he notices pieces of glass in Lis hair. The two men deduce she mustve been in a car accident, which traumatized her. After Jordan leaves, Bill continues asking Li questions but gets the same silent response.

Liam calls to check on Bill, who informs him of the mystery woman he found in the alley. Bill then asks Liam Steffy and Finn, and Li perks up. Bill notices how animated Lis become and hangs up on Liam. He turns his attention to Li and asks about her son. If she tells him his name, Bill promises to help find her son, and Li struggles to get the words out.

RELATED: The Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers and Recap: Lis Fate Revealed
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Federal auditors want Oklahoma to return at least $650,000 of Governors COVID-19 Relief Funds
TASHKENT, July 25 (Xinhua) -- No cholera cases have been registered in Uzbekistan and reports that the disease may have entered from neighboring Afghanistan are unfounded, a Uzbek health official said on Monday.

"The information suggesting cholera entering Uzbekistan from Afghanistan is completely false, no cholera disease detected in our country," Nurmat Atabekod, deputy head of the Uzbek Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Service, said in a statement.

Uzbekistan announced last week that it tightened sanitary-medical controls at its border crossings amid a reported cholera outbreak in neighboring Afghanistan.

All customs posts at land and air border crossings have been provided with thermal imagers and non-contact thermometers for examining those arriving in Uzbekistan, it said.

Uzbekistan shares a 144-km border with Afghanistan, with road and railway connections on a bridge over the Amudarya river. 
NAIROBI, Kenya, July 25, 2022 (Morning Star News)  A Christian in eastern Uganda died on July 10 from head injuries sustained in an attack by Muslim extremists the previous week, sources said.

Robert Bwenje had accompanied Assistant Pastor Ambrose Mugisha of Elim Pentecostal Church in Nyamiringa village, Kapeke Sub-County, Kiboga District, to an open-air debate about Christianity and Islam in Sirimula village, Kyankwanzi District on July 6.

Following the debate, eight Muslims including two women put their faith in Christ, said Pastor Mugisha, 25.

This angered the Muslims, but they could not attack us because we had tight security from the police, he said.

As the assistant pastor and Bwenje returned, Muslims from Sirimula village ambushed them while they were crossing a swamp, he said.

We saw men dressed in Islamic attire coming from the bush in different directions and shouting Allah akbar, Allah akbar [God is greater], Pastor Mugisha told Morning Star News.

He identified two of the assailants as Ashirafu Kasamba and Kabagambe Kadiri, who forced them to hand over Bibles and other books they were carrying, he said.

They removed the Koran and then burned the rest of the books, including the Bibles, and then beat us with sticks, Pastor Mugisha said. I was able to identify Ashirafu Kasamba who cut me on the head. I then jumped into the water and managed to swim and cross to the other side.

Passersby found him bleeding and rescued him, he said. The assailants continued assaulting Bwenje and then fled, and the passersby took both wounded Christians to a nearby clinic for first aid and then later to a hospital in Kiboga, Pastor Mugisha said.

Pastor Godfrey Ssemujju of Elim Pentecostal Church said he visited Pastor Mugisha and Bwenje in the hospital on July 10, and Bwenje died later that night at about 11 p.m. Bwenje was 28.

Bwenje succumbed to deep head injuries, and we buried him on July 12, Pastor Ssemujju told Morning Star News. We reported the incident at Kiboga Central police station.

Police arrested Kasamba and charged him with attempted murder, he said.

The police are mounting serious searches for the other attackers, Pastor Ssemujju said. We need prayers for the safety of our church members and our church building, as well as quick healing of our pastor, support for the widow of the Robert Bwenje and medical bill support for Pastor Mugisha.

The church had sent the assistant pastor to establish a church in Sirimula village, and in the course of his outreach, debates and open-air campaigns, he began to receive challenges and threats from Muslims, especially from Kasamba, Pastor Mugisha said. In April Pastor Mugisha and five Muslims who converted to Christianity had fled the area.

Muslims continued sending threatening messages to his phone, including one from Kasamba that read, We are giving days to bring back the Muslims that you converted to Christianity. We know you are hiding them, according to Pastor Mugisha.

Church Building Demolished

In Kiboga District on June 26, Muslim extremists from Kindeke village attacked Pastor Baingana James, demolished his church building in Rwomuriro village and threatened to kill him if he continued leading Muslims to Christ, the 48-year-old pastor said.

Pastor James said that he received a phone call the morning of June 23 from a Muslim who identified himself as Sheikh Mwesigye Jaafari of Kindeke telling him to leave and also to return to Islam seven Muslims who had converted to Christianity after they received healing prayer.

We therefore want to warn you to leave the place within two days, if not we are coming to destroy your home and church, Jaafari told him, the pastor said.

He did not take the threat seriously, but on the morning of June 26 he found a letter on his door ordering him to stop Sunday services and close the church, he said.

I refused, because preaching Jesus Christ is my calling, and planting churches is my vision in this area, Pastor James said.

While he and his congregation were still in their Sunday service on that day, they saw group of Muslim youths led by Jaafari ambushing them from different directions with clubs and sticks.

They started beating us, including mothers who were breastfeeding and youths, while shouting in four languages  English, Luganda, Swahili and Arabic  and ordering us to stop the service and leave immediately, Pastor James told Morning Star News. As we were struggling to go out in serious panic and tension while others were with serious injuries, they started breaking and pulling down the building.

In March, a group of Muslims from Rwentuha village demolished the same churchs building under construction, and complaints to local leaders fell on deaf ears, he said.

My prayer is that God help us and make a way to convert these people to Christ, and we need serious help for the victims who were cut during the attack, Pastor James said.

The attacks were the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented.

Ugandas constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12 percent of Ugandas population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country.

If you would like to help persecuted Christians, visit http://morningstarnews.org/resources/aid-agencies/ for a list of organizations that can orient you on how to get involved.

If you or your organization would like to help enable Morning Star News to continue raising awareness of persecuted Christians worldwide with original-content reporting, please consider collaborating at https://morningstarnews.org/donate/?

Article originally published by Morning Star News. Used with permission.

Photo courtesy: Morning Star News
November 1, 1755, was a sunny day in Lisbon. One of the busiest trading ports in Europe, the Portuguese city was both fabulously wealthy and extremely religious. It was a center for trading goods and, abhorrently, slaves. The city and those who did business there profited greatly from that industry.

Lisbon also had 40 parish churches, 90 convents, and 150 associated brotherhoods and religious societies; more than 10 percent of Lisbons residents were members of a religious order.

November 1 was also All Saints Day, and the many churches of Lisbon were filled with parishioners for the second mass of the day, around 9 a.m., when a giant earthquake struck.

The earthquake was large enough to be felt across much of western Europe and northwest Africa. It triggered a tsunami, with waves observed as far away as England, and then a fire that destroyed much of what had been left standing.

When all was said and done, 10 percent of the population of Lisbon had died, and almost every important church in the city had been destroyed.

Then, as now, people assumed there was meaning in tragedy and sought to explain it based on the nature of the world or the failure of humans to do right. And both meaning and Gods judgment are therebut not, perhaps, in the ways we expect.

A tidy, positive view of the world prevailed during the Enlightenment. Philosophers in the 18th century argued that the universe was ordered according to a consistent set of rules. By observing nature and using ones reason, they said, Gods ways could be deduced. God could thus be known through the orderly world.

In his 1710 book Theodicy, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz argued that the world that God created was good enough to excuse the occurrence ...

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This year marks the 150th anniversary of Canadian missionary George Leslie Mackays arrival in Taiwan. Perhaps the countrys most beloved 19th-century Westerner, Mackay has been celebrated by Taiwan through childrens books, stamps, statues, paintings, a manga, a puppet production, and an opera. Churches have reenacted his arrival, and several books are being published about the pioneer missionary. (The Taiwan government even has a bio of him on their website.) So what made this foreigner worthy of this level of affection more than 100 years after his death?

In 1872, the Canadian Presbyterian missionary arrived in northern Taiwan (then called Formosa). Over the next 29 years, Mackay planted more than 60 churches throughout northern Taiwan and baptized more than 3,000 people. He started Oxford College, a school he named for his home county, which today has become Aletheia University and Taiwan Graduate School of Theology. Mackay Memorial Hospital, named in his honor, is now a large downtown hospital in Taipei with two branch hospitals.

Beyond these accomplishments, Mackays legacy cemented itself through his insistence on identifying with Taiwan and the Taiwanese. Mackay spent more than half of the 57 years of his life on the island. Upon his arrival in Taiwan, he realized how important learning to speak fluent Taiwanese would be for his mission and immediately began learning the language from the local boys herding water buffalo. Unlike most Western missionaries, he married a local woman, Tiun Chang-Mia (Tiu Chhang-mia), often known as Minnie Mackay, and they had three children. Embracing Taiwan as his adopted homeland, he touched the hearts of many Taiwanese and contributed to the conversion of many to Christianity.

Under the banyan tree

Born in 1844 to Scottish parents in Zorra village, Ontario, Mackay longed to share the gospel overseas from the time he was 10 years old. As a child, he heard stories of the famous China missionary William C. Burns (18151868), who poured a new stream into the current of my religious life, as Mackay later wrote in his memoir, From Far Formosa. Mackay received a broad liberal arts education, attending school in Toronto and Princeton and visiting Edinburgh. He was part of a rising tide of missionaries sent out on the cusp of the student missionary movement, when thousands of North Americans would go abroad to spread the gospel. While the US church had been sending out missionaries for decades, Mackay became the first sent by the Presbyterian Church in Canada when he arrived on March 9, 1872, to Tamsui, a city in northern Taiwan.

Mackay used his liberal arts background as a way to engage the islands young men. Soon after he arrived, he began hosting lectures and dialogues outdoors under a large tree. Mackays first convert was a young intellectual named Giam Chheng Hoa. Prior to his conversion, Giam sought out Mackay with his religious questions and then brought back other scholars to engage him in a debate. Intrigued by Christianity, Giam agreed to teach Mackay Chinese in return for Mackay teaching him about Christianity. Giam and Mackay forged a deep symbiotic relationship grounded upon unfeigned mutual respect and admiration, wrote religious historian James R. Rohrer. Giam later became the first native pastor in the northern synod of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan.

Like many missionaries of his age, Mackay embraced the idea of developing a native-led church. (The idea of a three self church was already popular in this era in mission theory, but missionaries still struggled to turn over local control.) His vision became reality in Taiwan, where the lack of missionaries enabled local converts to step up and lead their congregations. Mackay saw missions as something that required constant diligence and unending prayer; church planting took serious effort. At times, he and his Taiwanese coworkers walked on foot from early morning until late in the evening to preach the gospel. Mackay seldom slept well at night, not from weariness; but anxiety about planting a Church, he wrote in his diary.

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In a mission report from 1888, Mackay described the work as joy and sorrow mingled:

Before Almighty God I declare that hard work and toil and watching, praying and weeping - sorrowing and rejoicing, made up the interval of sixteen years - sleepless nights, fever attacks without number at the gates of death more times than once. But never discouraged. Give God the glory for blessing poor efforts in His own Cause.

Mackay believed that the goals of his mission should be both to evangelize and to educate, stating: The ministry that will command the respect of the people and will endure must be intelligent as well as zealous. Through debate, drama, travel, observation of nature, scientific experiments, and so on, he stretched the minds of his students before inviting them to Bible study and prayer meetings in his home every evening.

In addition to preaching and teaching, providing medical treatment was also an important aspect of Mackays mission work. This began with the missionary offering quinine to malaria patients and extracting peoples decayed teeth in the villages he visited in his evangelizing efforts. Often he and his students would sing a hymn to patients, extract their teeth, and then preach the gospel to them. Over the years, Mackay became known for having pulled thousands of teeth.

Image: WikiMedia Commons

As Mackay honed his skills working with Western doctors who had come to Taiwan, he even performed surgeries when necessary and in 1880 founded a medical clinic. He often told story about a man, who was blind, and after his sight was restored exclaimed, God did it; God did it! I can see now. God did it without medicine. Afterwards he wrote, there was faith and prayer, but there was work as well, acknowledging that the intervention had included medicine, hygienic regulations, earnest prayer, and dedicated care. Mackay believed that both the natural and supernatural ways of healing were the work of God:

From the very beginning of our work in Formosa heed was given to the words and example of the Lord, and by means of the healing art a wide door for immediate usefulness was opened.  I found the people suffering from various ailments and diseases, and the power to relieve their pain and heal their diseases won for the mission grateful friends and supporters.

A chaotic time

Mackay came to Taiwan during a turbulent period. Successive waves of migration had brought many newcomers to the island, and in the late 19th century, Taiwan was a site of frequent ethnic clashes among the different groups, including new migrants from China and the aborigines, the first inhabitants of Taiwan. Additionally, as Taiwan was essentially an ungoverned territory at that time, it had become a hideout for pirates and bandits, and the island was rife with criminality and violence.

In 1884, with the beginning of the Sino-French War, a conflict between China and France over present-day Vietnam, France attacked Taiwan. Due to anti-Western sentiment stirred up by the war, locals accused Mackays followers of collaborating with enemy foreigners, attacked church leaders, and tore down churches. On Christmas Eve of 1885, Mackay went in the rain to check on the ruined parishes destroyed during the war. As he walked to the site, drenched from head to toe, he reminded himself of his purpose: All, all for Christ, not for money, nor name.

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Mackay called Taiwan his homeland and last home, a perspective that his wife, Tiun Chang-Mia, helped shape. The adopted granddaughter of a Taiwanese Christian, she helped Mackay minister to women, as local gender customs made it difficult for him to reach them. Together in 1884 they founded the Tamsui Girls School, the first educational institution for girls in Taiwan. Girls who attended the school received free tuition, room and, board; were not required to bind their feet; and were taught how to share the gospel in their communities.

Mackay only returned to Canada twice after he first arrived in Formosa. On the eve of his first furlough, in 1878, he reported, In two days I expect to be away from dear, dear Northern Formosa where I spent days of tears, toils, trials, troubles, sickness, sorrows.  I have very reluctantly consented to go. I find it hard to leave, much more so than leaving Canada in 1871.

During his second furlough in 1895, Japan defeated China, an event that led Taiwan to be ceded to Japan. By the middle of the year, Japanese troops occupied Taiwan, instigating military conflicts and turmoil throughout the country. Nevertheless, in October, the family left Canada to return to Taiwan.

In 1901, Mackay learned he had throat cancer. Friends advised him to go to Japan or Hong Kong for medical care, but the missionary refused to leave Taiwan, saying that he had adopted Formosa as his home and he did not want to leave it. Mackays love for Jesus Christ had led him to Taiwan, his love for Taiwan grew as he served there, and his love for Taiwan deeply transformed him.

Months after he first took sick, Mackay died on June 2, 1901, and was buried in Tamsui, the city in which he first arrived. According to Rohrer, the cemetery was too small to hold all of the mourners that gathered from around the mission field, including more than three hundred non-Christian dignitaries who came to honor the fallen missionary.

Before he passed, Mackay captured his love for the country by writing a still widely beloved poem:

How dear is Formosa to my heart!

On that island the best of my years have been spent.

How dear is Formosa to my heart!

A lifetime of joy is centered here.

I love to look up to its lofty peaks, down into its yawning chasms, and away out on its surging seas.

How willing I am to gaze upon these forever!

My hearts ties to Taiwan cannot be severed!

To that island I devote my life.

My heart's ties to Taiwan cannot be severed!

There I find my joy.

I should like to find a final resting place within sound of its surf, and under the shade of its waving bamboo.

Hong-Hsin Lin is a theologian, recently retired from Taiwan Graduate School of Theology. He holds doctorates from Tubingen and Nottingham. Jonathan Seitz is a PCUSA mission co-worker teaching in Taiwan.

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Rahel Daulay, a Methodist who had traveled from Indonesia, was explaining the proper way to dance while singing a hymn she had brought from Southeast Asiabending knees slightly to humble yourself and turning toward ones neighbors, palms together at the chest. Then turn forward, lift up the arms and hold the hands upward.

For the 300-some members of the Hymn Society in the US and Canada, who hadnt met in person for three years, it was a liberation.

Let us come and worship our creator, they sang as they swayed and danced at Catholic Universitys Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center last week. The organization comprises representatives from more than 50 denominations who speak as many as six languages. Some had traveled as many as 8,000 miles to attend.

Since COVID-19 hit, many of the academics and music practitioners in attendance have not been able to sing out even in their home churches, as congregational singing has been stifled in many houses of worship for fear of spreading the virus.

Though masking was enforced, the pandemic had lifted just enough this year for organizers to go ahead with the 2022 in-person meeting, celebrating the societys 100th year of existence.

For the past three years, its been so nice to see all of your faces on screen and be together in that way, but there is nothing like seeing your faces out here and being together to sing, said Executive Director J. Michael McMahon in greeting last Monday.

With the theme Sing the World God Imagines, the gathering demonstrated the powerful influence hymns have, not only on faith communities but also on politics and society at large across the globe, as lecture sessions addressed topics such as the ongoing effects of colonialism on the texts and tunes they choose to sing.

Consciousness of hymns power has driven a growing diversity in the Christian hymnody, and members and guests meeting this week insisted that the trend continue into the coming century.

I have had the pleasure of watching this community grow to embrace and to celebrate the way the gospel can be preached and sung and prayed in many tongues and rhythms, calling forth an array of gifts much like the first-century church, said conference preacher Cynthia A. Wilson, a United Methodist and leader of a new Black church music institute at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

But as we move into this century, friends, I promise we will not get through it without the boldness of protest, the power of prayer, and the potency of Gods song.

Last weeks opening worship service featured Wilsons sermon and songs like Let it Rise, God Is Here, and Order my Steps. For much of the rest of the meeting, participants, including several dozen online, took turns leading and learning unfamiliar songs from many lands as well as familiar hymns with new beats and new words.

On Wednesday, Mikako Ehara, head of church music for the Japan Baptist Convention, taught Gods World, the song featuring a Japanese folk melody based on a nursery rhyme she compared to The 12 Days of Christmaswhere a line is added with each new verse about creation as told in the Book of Genesis.

Lets rejoice all together, the song began. Wonderful, wonderful Gods creation.

In a prerecorded video from Australia, Tanya Riches talked about the musical evolution of Hillsong, whose music ministry has provided a thick songbook for evangelical Christian churches around the globe.

Riches, a senior lecturer at Hillsongs college in Sydney, noted that Hillsong was once known best for Darlene Zschechs 1993 Shout to the Lord. By 2016, however, Hillsongs co-founder, Brian Houston, who resigned earlier this year, told conference-goers in the US that the songs time had passed. This songs moment is no longer relevant to the congregations work in the Spirit, Riches explained.

Mikie Roberts, program executive for spiritual life and for faith and order for the World Council of Churches, described in a later plenary how his home country of Antigua and Barbuda had gained independence in 1981 in part through the use of patriotic hymns that reached people through their churches. To reach the most people, the tunes excluded the familiar syncopation of local Calypso music.

The patriotic and the national songs had to be simple, yet direct, so that they could be promoted in schools, played on the air and sung every day including Sunday, said Roberts, a Moravian pastor.

An international panel of speakers grappled with the origins of the hymnody in parts of the world where songs brought by Western missionaries are still revered more than other church music, including the songs of local cultures.

Were still in the process of decolonizing what we are singing, said Gerardo Oberman, a leader of Reformed Churches in Argentina and one of the panelists, speaking through a translator. We are still trying to find our own voice or trying to find our own rhythms. Because theres a little bit of a disconnect between what we sing in our homes, what we sing on the streets, and what we sing in our churches.

C. Michael Hawn, an Iowa native who has long advocated for including global music in American congregations worship services, said that, despite concerns about Western musics dominance, some people across the globe made traditionally Western hymns genuinely their own.

I have developed a little bit more awareness and sympathy for What a Friend We Have in Jesus being sung in Yorubaor not just in the language, but in a style that reflects theyve Africanized it, said Hawn, professor emeritus of church music at Southern Methodist Universitys Perkins School of Theology.

And so its not a simple transplant; its a reconstruction, a certain kind of hybridity.

Within three years of the Hymn Societys first meeting in 1922, the Baptist Standard Hymnal and The Book of American Negro Spirituals were published. But by the 1980s and 1990s, Hawn said, there was a greater consciousness of being inclusive, and hymnals began to include more global music. People developed more intentionality about what sounds take place in a sacred space.

Accordingly, the conferences closing festival on Thursday, at National City Christian Church, mixed the churchs organ with the djembe, a West African drum, as well as voices and brass instruments and music by a range of composers.

And now, as we prepare to go forth, may the spirit of God blow among us to bring forth new songs, said McMahon as he closed the meeting, songs of faith, songs of healing, songs of transformation, songs of peace, songs of a world remade.
Florida school board rejects 2 sex-ed books after parents voice objections

Parents are praising a Florida school board after it rejected two textbooks initially slated to be taught as part of the district's sex-ed curriculum for middle and high school students.

In a 5-4 vote Wednesday, the Miami-Dade County School Board reversed its initial decision to adopt the two textbooks, titled Comprehensive Health Skills for Middle School and Comprehensive Health Skills for High School, as new sex education textbooks for the 2022-2023 school year.

The vote came after a public meeting where parents and residents were allowed to speak about the textbooks and sex-ed curriculum. Several people were escorted out of the building as a discussion took place about the books' content, the Miami Herald reported.

Parents who opposed the books feel the content about sexual orientation and gender identity were inappropriate and violated Floridas Parental Rights in Education Bill that was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this year. The legislation prohibits schools from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with students under certain circumstances and requires schools to inform parents of changes to their childs well-being.

The textbooks also included a section on sexually transmitted diseases, gender identity, contraception and abortion, according to CBS Miami.

More than 40 community members spoke during the meeting, with many in favor of the books. School board members Christi Fraga and Mari Tere Rojas told the Miami Herland that although all but two community members spoke in favor of the books, that was not reflective of the many emails from parents who voiced their concerns about the textbooks. They contended that the number of people who showed up at the meeting does not necessarily represent how the community as a whole feels about the textbooks, the Herald added.

Opponents of the books reportedly filed 278 petitions against them, which resulted in a June 8 hearing to address their concerns. The hearing officer recommended at that meeting to deny the petitions and proceed with the adoption process.

Meg Kilgannon, senior fellow for education studies at the socially conservative nonprofit organization Family Research Council, told The Christian Post that she is glad parents of older children are taking this issue seriously.

Each individual parent is an expert on their child and what their child is ready to know in terms of where they are in their maturity level to handle that kind of information, Kilgannon told CP.

And there is nothing to stop the parents who have no problem with that curriculum from teaching those things to their children right now, she added. With or without that book, they are free to do that. But they absolutely cannot impose it on my child in a classroom setting.

Kat Duesterhaus, a board member of the Florida National Organization for Women and the Miami Coalition to Advance Racial Equity, expressed disappointment with the school boards decision. She told the Herald that she wished the board would step up to protect youth in times of crisis.

We need to equip youth with the ability to navigate their own bodies and consensual situations, Duesterhaus said. Were leaving them ill equipped to have agency of their sexuality and bodies.

Maxx Fenning, president of the LGBT advocacy group PRISM Florida, made similar statements to the Herald. Asserting that comprehensive sexual education saves lives, he described the curriculum as necessary to give young people the tools they need to protect themselves if and when they decide to be sexually active.

Kilgannon agreed that it's a human right for someone to know how their body works, but she advocates for natural family planning, a method that involves monitoring different fertility signals to avoid pregnancy or to help women become pregnant.

You have a right to know how your body works. It is fearfully and wonderfully made and it is a real extension of you, she said.

The idea that we can somehow neutrally decide to give sensitive information about human sexuality to children under some blanket understanding of our shared values on human sexuality is just absurd, she continued.

Kilgannon noted that the topic at hand is an act so powerful that it literally generates another human into existence.

So I would think that wed be taking a lot of care around this topic instead of just this idea that children have a right to bodily autonomy or some kind of ridiculous concept that is a word salad that gives them no respect and the dignity of the human person and could be used by adults for our agendas.

Alex Serrano, who serves as executive director of County Citizens Defending Freedoms Miami-Dade County affiliate, has voiced concerns about the textbooks, specifically that the books content is too explicit.

We are not against sexual education or human reproduction and sexual education books, Serrano insisted. We are for statutory compliance and age appropriateness in the content ... and compliance with parental rights law.

He maintained that discussions regarding gender identity do not belong in the books, calling it ideology. The board removed the chapter titled, Understanding Sexuality, which contained the topics of gender identity and sexuality, from both versions of the textbooks back in April.
Indonesia: Christian women forced to wear hijabs or resign from work, school

Twenty-four of the 34 provinces in Muslim-majority Indonesia impose repressive dress codes for women and girls, including Christians. Many who do not comply face consequences and bullying, according to women who spoke with an international human rights group.

"Nearly 150,000 schools in Indonesia's 24 Muslim-majority provinces currently enforce mandatory jilbab (hijab) rules, based on both local and national regulations. In some conservative Muslim areas such as Aceh and West Sumatra, even non-Muslim girls have also been forced to wear the hijab," reads a recent report from Human Rights Watch.

Millions of girls and women in the Southeast Asian archipelago have to wear hijabs, the female headdress covering hair, neck and chest. Hijabs are typically worn with a long skirt and a long sleeve shirt.

"The officials who issued the decrees contend the jilbab is mandatory for Muslim women to cover intimate parts of the body, which officials deem to include the hair, arms, and legs, but sometimes also the woman's body shape," the report says.

HRW interviewed more than 100 women who have experienced abuse and often long-term consequences for refusing to wear the hijab. The dress codes, inspired by Sharia law, have impacted not only schoolgirls but also teachers, doctors and other professionals.

Two of the women interviewed say they received death threats on social media.

"Since grade four, my stepmother forced me to wear the jilbab," Sheilana Nugraha, a 25-year-old Christian and graduate student at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, said.

She told HRW that she entered high school in 2012 and was asked to wear a headscarf. In 2013, she was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident and went to live with her biological mother, a Christian.

"My birth mother is Christian. My father is Muslim," she said. "I took off my jilbab, wearing short-sleeved shirts to school, although my mother still took me to Islamic prayer and study sessions. I was the only Muslim student who did not wear the jilbab at the school. There were Christian students, the number was small, fewer than 10 people in the school, and none of them wore headscarves."

"Once [in first year of high school in 2012], I was approached by a history teacher, a woman wearing a headscarf, who was also my neighbor. She scolded me, swearing that I 'wouldn't be successful without the jilbab and would go to Hell.' I cried, felt humiliated, and this was witnessed by many students, since it took place in front of the class near the whiteboard and the classroom door. I was shamed. I was crying, depressed."

Nugraha said that for four days in a row in 2012, three female teachers and a male Islamic teacher "bullied" her.

"The Islamic religion teacher did not make me cry, but he was sarcastic. The math teacher was also my homeroom teacher. My grades were affected, screwed up [by the resulting psychological distress]," she said. "The principal did nothing to protect me."

HRW urges Indonesia's Interior Ministry, which oversees local governments, to invalidate the more than 60 local dress code laws nationwide. While Indonesia's central government doesn't have the authority to repeal local laws, the Home Affairs Ministry can nullify local executive orders that contradict national laws and the Indonesian Constitution.

"President Joko Widodo should immediately overturn discriminatory, rights-abusing provincial and local decrees that violate the rights of women and girls," said HRW's Acting Asia Director Elaine Pearson. "These decrees do real harm and as a practical matter will only be ended by central government action."

Indonesia, which is home to the world's largest Muslim population, has 20.4 million Protestants and 8.42 million Catholics. Together, these two groups comprise 10.58% of the total population of 272.23 million, according to the latest data from the Directorate General of the Department of Population and Civil Registration of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Indonesia's Constitution is based on the doctrine of Pancasila  five principles upholding the nation's belief in the one and only God and social justice, humanity, unity and democracy for all.

But many extremist groups in Indonesia oppose Pancasila and target the Christian minority.

Churches often face opposition from groups that attempt to obstruct the construction of non-Muslim houses of worship. HRW previously reported that more than 1,000 churches in the archipelago had been closed due to pressure from such groups.
Judge rules life beginning at conception is a distinctly Christian idea, blocks Kentucky abortion ban

A judge has temporarily blocked two Kentucky laws that would effectively ban abortion in nearly all circumstances, claiming that the idea of life beginning at conception is a distinctly Christian view.

Two abortion clinics recently filed suit against Kentucky over two laws: one that bans most abortions after six weeks into a pregnancy and a trigger ban set to take effect due to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade in June.

Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Mitch Perry issued an order last Friday granting a temporary injunction against the state enforcing the two laws, building off of an earlier injunction.

Perry concluded that the plaintiffs suing the state over the two laws had demonstrated at the very least a substantial question as to the merits regarding the constitutionality of both the Trigger Ban and the Six Week Ban.

As such, they are entitled to injunctive relief until the matter can be fully resolved on the merits, Perry said, noting that the injunction will be in effect pending full resolution of this matter on the merits, until further order of this Court.

The judge also took issue with the apparent premise of the laws that life begins at conception, claiming that this was a distinctly Christian and Catholic belief and thus violated the state constitutions prohibition on establishing a religion.

Other faiths hold a wide variety on when life begins and at what point a fetus should be recognized as an independent human being, Perry wrote.

The laws at issue here, adopt the view embraced by some, but not all, religious traditions, that life begins at the moment of conception. The General Assembly is not permitted to single out and endorse the doctrine of a favored faith for preferred treatment.

Many pro-life advocacy groups that believe life begins at conception are not religious. Those include Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising, Secular Pro-Life, Rehumanize International and Pro-Life Alliance of Gays and Lesbians.

Pro-life advocates have long emphasized the scientific arguments for the pro-life viewpoint.

Jeanne Mancini, the president of the March for Life, said in 2018 when unveiling the theme of the 2019 march that "Science is behind the pro-life movement."

"We see that medical and technological advancements always affirm the pro-life movement," Mancini said. "For example, DNA is present at fertilization and no fingerprint on earth, past, present, or future, is the same. We know, too, a babys heart beats at just six weeks and we can distinctly observe it ourselves with ultrasound technology."

In a 2019 survey of approximately 5,500 biologists that was part of a dissertation, 96% of them responded that they believe that human life began at fertilization.
LA school district encourages teachers to reject gender 'binary,' embrace LGBT ideology

One of the largest school districts in the United States has urged teachers to embrace LGBT ideology denouncing the gender "binary," according to a new report.

Christopher Rufo, a senior fellow at the conservative think tank Manhattan Institute, shared documents he obtained from the Los Angeles Unified School District's Human Relations, Diversity, and Equity Department on Twitter Wednesday.

LAUSD is the largest school district in California, serving more than 500,000 students.

"Los Angeles Unified School District encourages kindergartners to experiment with non-binary pronouns, trains teachers to subvert 'mainstream white cis-heteropatriarchy society,' and promotes sexual identities such as 'trans,' 'pansexual,' 'two-spirit,' and 'genderqueer,'" Rufo tweeted.

The outspoken critic of critical race theory and LGBT ideology being incorporated into public schools provided screenshots of a "treasure trove of documents from the district's Human Relations, Diversity, and Equity department, which has created an entire infrastructure to translate the basic tenets of academic Queer Theory into K-12 pedagogy."

"The programming includes a wide range of conferences, presentations, curricula, teacher-training programs, adult-driven 'gender and sexuality' clubs, and school-sponsored protests," Rufo wrote in an article for City Journal.

The Christian Post reached out to LAUSD for comment. A response is pending.

I have obtained a trove of documents from the districts Human Relations, Diversity, and Equity department, which has created an entire infrastructure to translate the basic tenets of academic Queer Theory into K-12 pedagogy. pic.twitter.com/9vYlOoEXWh  Christopher F. Rufo ?? (@realchrisrufo) July 20, 2022

Among the documents Rufo shared online are LAUSD's "Queer and Trans-Affirming School Calendar" titled "Queer All School Year."

One PowerPoint presentation focused on "Queering Culture & Race." The PowerPoint has been removed from the LAUSD's Human Relations, Diversity, and Equity Department's website.

A slide from an October 2021 professional development workshop discussing "breaking the binary in education" asserted that "our language is binary due to the society around us." The stated purpose of the workshop was to provide a "start for educators to look at how they can shift their thinking, language, and approach to LGBTQ+ topics in the classroom." The workshop was presented by a fifth grade magnet school teacher whose pronouns are "they/them."

Other workshops at the same conference featured a panel discussion with queer seventh-grade students to "produce counter narratives against the master narrative of mainstream white cis-heteropatriarchy society that seeks to erase and oppress our lived experiences." They included a list of resources for trans-identified students, including "trans-affirming clothing."

Another workshop advised teachers to use "non-gendered expressions" and abandon the use of the phrases "boys and girls," "ladies and gentlemen" and "guys."

In a conference last fall, the district hosted presentations on breaking the [gender] binary, understanding what your queer middle schooler wants you to know, and producing counter narratives against the master narrative of mainstream white cis-heteropatriarchy society. pic.twitter.com/eFsVIhpy3Q  Christopher F. Rufo ?? (@realchrisrufo) July 20, 2022

A school district policy issued in 2019 proclaimed, "Students shall be addressed by the name and pronoun that corresponds to their gender identity asserted at school without obtaining a court order, changing their pupil records or obtaining parent/legal guardian permission."

The document clarified that "if school personnel are unsure how a student wants to be addressed in communications to home or in conferences with parents/legal guardians/educational rights holders, they may privately ask the student how they want to be referred to when communicating with parents/legal guardians."

A chart obtained by Rufo listed the "privileged social groups" within individual "social identity categories," along with the "border social groups" and the "disadvantaged social groups."

The chart identified "white people," Anglo-Saxons, citizens, males, gender-conforming men and women, heterosexuals, rich people, the able-bodied and mainstream Christians as privileged social groups. The document classified "People of Color," females, trans-identified people, LGBT individuals and non-Christians as "disadvantaged social groups."

Rufo cited the chart as an example of the narrative that "white, cisgender, heterosexual men have built a repressive social structure, divided the world into the false binary of man and woman, and used this myth to oppress racial and sexual minorities."

As of Sunday, all but one of the links on the Office of Human Relations, Diversity & Equity's "Advisory Lessons" webpage redirect to a page informing visitors that "this page has moved." The only document remaining is a PowerPoint presentation outlining "10 Ways to Talk About Sensitive Issues in the News." Two of the PowerPoint documents removed from the website include "Critical Race Theory, Racism and K-12 Education" and "Say Gay: Protect LGBTQ+ Futures."

The department has a separate webpage devoted to lessons on "Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression."

While most of the documents have been removed, a presentation on the meaning of the term "2 Spirit" remains. A lengthy glossary of LGBT terminology defined the phrase as an "umbrella term traditionally within Native American communities to recognize individuals who possess qualities or fulfill roles of both feminine and masculine genders."

The PowerPoint contended that "European colonizers" imposed a "binary, European understanding of gender" on Western civilization. Additionally, it stated that "colonizers imposed homophobia, gender binaries and misogyny among other abuses towards the Indigenous nations" when they first arrived in what is now the U.S.

Another presentation available on the website discussed "names and pronouns" and included advisories to "ask [people] for their pronouns when meeting someone new, correct people when they use the wrong pronouns, use the name and pronouns they ask you to use and apologize and correct yourself if you get it wrong."

An LAUSD spokesperson told The Washington Examiner that the district "supports and respects the diversity of our students and families, which includes providing safe and affirming learning environments."

Rufo's reporting comes three years after 43.9% of students in the district met or exceeded standards in the 2019 Smarter Balanced assessments' state English testing, which constitutes part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress.

That same year, 33.47% of students in the district met or exceeded the standards in the state math testing.

When compared to all the school districts in the state, LAUSD scored in the bottom 50% in both categories. SchoolDigger ranked the district 1,029th out of 1,496 school districts in California.

LAUSD is not the only major U.S. school district to embrace LGBT ideology amid mediocre student performance on state assessments.

Rufo previously shared footage of professional development training teachers in the School District of Philadelphia were encouraged to attend. The training consisted of sexually explicit workshops, including one where the speaker informed attendees that "I have tried and touched many d---s" and showcased prosthetic penises.

The most recent data from the school district reveals that 22% of Philadelphia public school students received a proficient or advanced score on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment math test. Additionally, 33% of third-graders scored proficient or advanced on the PSSA ELA test, and 36% of students in grades four through eight received scores of proficient or higher on the same test.

SchoolDigger ranked the School District of Philadelphia 473rd out of 579 school districts in Pennsylvania.

A poll commissioned by the American Federation of Teachers showed most Americans are "dissatisfied" with how schools teach students about issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity and race.

The survey indicated that 58% of respondents living in battleground states were "dissatisfied" with "the way students are taught about issues related to sexual preference and gender identity," while just 23% were "satisfied."

At the same time, 60% of those surveyed described themselves as "dissatisfied" with "the way students are taught about racial issues and the role of race in America," while 27% were "satisfied."
PARIS, July 24 (Xinhua) -- French Minister for Energy Transition Agnes Pannier-Runacher announced on Sunday future decrees to force air-conditioned stores to keep their doors closed and to ban illuminated advertisements during early morning hours.

"In the next few days, I will issue two decrees. The first generalizes the ban on illuminated advertisements between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. regardless of the size of the city, with the exception of airports and train stations, and the second prohibits shops from having their doors open while air conditioning or heating is on," the minister said.

She said that shops keeping their doors closed while air conditioning is on can cut their energy bills by 20 percent.

The minister said that shops leaving their doors open and air conditioning on will be fined up to 750 euros (756.97 U.S. dollars) and the fine for illuminated advertisements will be up to 1,500 euros (1,531.95 dollars).

In his national day interview on July 14, French President Emmanuel Macron said that the French will have to cut their energy consumption to prepare for possible shortages amid the Ukraine crisis. 
I have voted Republican for many years, but I don't put my trust in a political party

Because the Republican platforms over the years have been much closer to my values than the Democratic platforms, I have voted Republican for as long as I can remember. But when it comes to bringing about moral and cultural change in America, I do not look to a political party. Not a chance. There is moral compromise in both major parties, and the battle we are fighting for the soul of the nation is a spiritual battle long before it is a political battle. The recent House vote to codify same-sex marriage was yet another reminder for us.

As reported by Fox News on July 19:

A vote to codify same-sex marriage into federal law split House Republicans on Tuesday, with roughly a third of the GOP conference voting with Democrats in favor and the rest opposing. In a 267-157 vote, the House passed legislation repealing the Defense of Marriage Act and enshrining protections for gay marriage into federal law. Overall, 47 House Republicans voted with nearly every single Democrat to back the measure, dubbed the Respect for Marriage Act.

Let that sink in for a moment.

It is bad enough that this bill is called the Respect for Marriage Act, seeing that the marriage of which it speaks represents a radical and fundamental redefining of the institution of marriage.

And it is to the shame of the Democratic Party that nearly every single Democrat voted in favor of the measure.

But it is no surprise that the Democrats voted this way, seeing that they are overtly and proudly pro-LGBTQ+. Perhaps the only surprise is that there were any who did not toe the line.

But for 47 Republicans to vote this way, representing almost 25 percent of all Republicans in the House, is both surprising and shameful.

Thats because the Republican Party is supposed to be the pro-life, pro-family party, the party that upholds traditional Judeo-Christian values. Why else do so many conservative Christians vote Republican if not for these core moral and social values?

The fact is that the redefining of marriage by the Supreme Court in 2015 represents one of the most radical social developments in our nations history, fundamentally changing the meaning and purpose of marriage.

In fact, the same Barack Obama who lit up the White House in rainbow colors to celebrate the 2015 ruling is the same person who said while campaigning in 2008 that, as a Christian, he believed marriage was the union of one man and one woman.

Not only so, but Proposition 8, which was on the ballot in 2008 in California and which upheld the historic definition of marriage, was passed with the help of the large turnout of African American voters. They voted for Barack Obama, but in keeping with their largely conservative family values, they voted for Proposition 8. In their mind, the man they were voting for shared their views.

Thats how dramatically and quickly the tide changed in our nation, from candidate Obama affirming male-female marriage to President Obama shifting his views already in his first term.

Thats part of the reason we find ourselves in the midst of such cultural madness today, where the very meaning of woman is hotly debated, where medical websites use acronyms such as AFAB and AMAB (meaning, assigned female at birth and assigned male at birth) rather than female and male, and where even the Merriam-Webster dictionary has expanded its definition of female.

The normalizing of same-sex marriage simply represented the proverbial camels nose entering the tent, to be followed by: 1) the amping up of radical trans activism in the schools, in the workplace, on TV and social media, and in sports; 2) the rise of drag queens, to the point that the American Library Association endorses drag queens reading stories to little children in libraries; 3) the increasing marginalization of those holding to conservative Christian values on both grass roots and legal levels.

In fact, if I provided links just to my relevant articles on these subjects over the last 7 years (since Obergefell), this entire page (literally) would be filled with see here and here and here . . . . The list is almost endless. (For the moment, if you want devastating proof of #3 in the list, above, go here.)

Really now, redefining marriage was not even on the radar for leading gay activists just a few decades ago, since under no circumstances was a cultural shift of this enormity even envisioned. Yet here we stand today when 47 Republicans voted to codify this radical redefinition of our most fundamental social institution.

Again, as I have said many times, by saying this, I do not mean that gay couples do not love each other deeply. And I do not deny that many of them are incredibly devoted parents. I simply mean that marriage throughout history, with the rarest and slightest exceptions (like Nero marrying a man who took on female characteristics), has always been the union of a male and female. And from a biblical perspective, the idea of two men or two women marrying would be utterly abhorrent.

For 47 House Republicans to vote to protect this new version of marriage is deplorable (in the worst sense of the word), regardless of what Republican Senators decide to do.

And it is another reminder that, while I continue to prefer Republican policies to Democrat policies, by and large, I absolutely do not look to either party to be major agents of righteous moral and cultural change. That remains the calling of the Church and the role of the gospel.

As I argue in my forthcoming book, The Political Seduction of the Church, to confuse the role of politics with the role of the gospel is a fatal mistake. We cannot afford to make it again.
3 shot in drive-by shooting outside Chicago church while leaving funeral

Three people were the victims of a drive-by shooting this weekend when they attended a funeral at a Baptist church in Chicago, Illinois, with all three men expected to survive their wounds.

The drive-by took place Saturday afternoon at Universal Community Missionary Baptist Church, located in the Roseland neighborhood of the city, according to ABC 7 Chicago.

One 20-year-old man was shot in the abdomen, leg and shoulder; a 37-year-old man was shot in the thigh; while a 25-year-old was shot in the back. All three were reported to be in good condition.

According to authorities, while the funeral attendees were standing outside, an unknown person in a gray sedan drove by and opened fire, wounding three people.

"On a day when people should be coming together, should be growing and loving, and now there's a community in confusion and chaos," said Pastor Donovan Price, reported ABC 7.

The funeral was for Mike Nash, a community figure and anti-violence activist who had recently passed away from a heart attack, according to The Associated Press.

Chicago has garnered many headlines for its high gun violence and overall homicide rate, with the major city seeing a rise in firearms-related deaths in recent years.

According to numbers compiled by The Chicago Tribune, as of Sunday, there have been 361 confirmed homicides in the city, which did reflect a decline compared to July 2021.

Thats 63 fewer people killed when compared with this same date in 2021, reported The Tribune, noting that Austin and South Shore lead all community areas with the most homicides so far in 2022  24.

In November 2021, the Cook County Medical Examiners Office reported that the number of homicides in the county had passed 1,000 by the end of Thanksgiving.

Of the 1,009 confirmed homicides, 777 of them occurred in Chicago. It was the county's most significant number of murders since 1994 when the office reported 1,141 homicides.

Pastor Isaac Paintsil, head of Christs Oasis Ministries, a multisite church with campuses in and near Chicago, told The Christian Post in an earlier interview that the rising violence was horrendous and heartbreaking.

At a certain point, how can mothers be grieving and families be grieving, fathers be grieving week after week after week after week?" Paintsil inquired at the time. "This is the real challenge that we are having, and the emotional toll on us is just unbelievable."
Christian man killed by Islamic extremists in ambush attack after 8 Muslims put their faith in Christ

NAIROBI, Kenya  A Christian in eastern Uganda died on July 10 from head injuries sustained in an attack by Muslim extremists the previous week, sources said.

Robert Bwenje had accompanied Assistant Pastor Ambrose Mugisha of Elim Pentecostal Church in Nyamiringa village, Kapeke Sub-County, Kiboga District, to an open-air debate about Christianity and Islam in Sirimula village, Kyankwanzi District, on July 6.

Following the debate, eight Muslims, including two women, put their faith in Christ, said Pastor Mugisha, 25.

This angered the Muslims, but they could not attack us because we had tight security from the police, he said.

As the assistant pastor and Bwenje returned, Muslims from Sirimula village ambushed them while they were crossing a swamp, he said.

We saw men dressed in Islamic attire coming from the bush in different directions and shouting Allah akbar, Allah akbar [Allah is greater], Pastor Mugisha told Morning Star News.

He identified two of the assailants as Ashirafu Kasamba and Kabagambe Kadiri, who forced them to hand over Bibles and other books they were carrying, he said.

They removed the Quran and then burned the rest of the books, including the Bibles, and then beat us with sticks, Pastor Mugisha said. I was able to identify Ashirafu Kasamba who cut me on the head. I then jumped into the water and managed to swim and cross to the other side.

Passersby found him bleeding and rescued him, he said. The assailants continued assaulting Bwenje and then fled, and the passersby took both wounded Christians to a nearby clinic for first aid and then later to a hospital in Kiboga, Pastor Mugisha said.

Pastor Godfrey Ssemujju of Elim Pentecostal Church said he visited Pastor Mugisha and Bwenje in the hospital on July 10, and Bwenje died later that night at about 11 p.m. Bwenje was 28.

Bwenje succumbed to deep head injuries, and we buried him on July 12, Pastor Ssemujju told Morning Star News. We reported the incident at Kiboga Central police station.

Police arrested Kasamba and charged him with attempted murder, he said.

The police are mounting serious searches for the other attackers, Pastor Ssemujju said. We need prayers for the safety of our church members and our church building, as well as quick healing of our pastor, support for the widow of the Robert Bwenje and medical bill support for Pastor Mugisha.

The church had sent the assistant pastor to establish a church in Sirimula village, and in the course of his outreach, debates and open-air campaigns, he began to receive challenges and threats from Muslims, especially from Kasamba, Pastor Mugisha said. In April Pastor Mugisha and five Muslims who converted to Christianity had fled the area.

Muslims continued sending threatening messages to his phone, including one from Kasamba that read, We are giving days to bring back the Muslims that you converted to Christianity. We know you are hiding them, according to Pastor Mugisha.

Church building demolished

In Kiboga District on June 26, Muslim extremists from Kindeke village attacked Pastor Baingana James, demolished his church building in Rwomuriro village and threatened to kill him if he continued leading Muslims to Christ, the 48-year-old pastor said.

Pastor James said he received a phone call the morning of June 23 from a Muslim who identified himself as Sheikh Mwesigye Jaafari of Kindeke telling him to leave and to return to Islam seven Muslims who had converted to Christianity after they received healing prayer.

We, therefore, want to warn you to leave the place within two days. If not, we are coming to destroy your home and church, Jaafari told him, the pastor said.

He did not take the threat seriously, but on the morning of June 26 he found a letter on his door ordering him to stop Sunday services and close the church, he said.

I refused, because preaching Jesus Christ is my calling, and planting churches is my vision in this area, Pastor James said.

While he and his congregation were still in their Sunday service on that day, they saw a group of Muslim youths led by Jaafari ambushing them from different directions with clubs and sticks.

They started beating us, including mothers who were breastfeeding and youths, while shouting in four languages  English, Luganda, Swahili and Arabic  and ordering us to stop the service and leave immediately, Pastor James told Morning Star News. As we were struggling to go out in serious panic and tension while others were with serious injuries, they started breaking and pulling down the building.

In March, a group of Muslims from Rwentuha village demolished the same churchs building under construction, and complaints to local leaders fell on deaf ears, he said.

My prayer is that God helps us and makes a way to convert these people to Christ, and we need serious help for the victims who were cut during the attack, Pastor James said.

The attacks were the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented.

Ugandas constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12% of Ugandas population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country.

Originally published at Morning Star News
Gunmen rob pastor, congregants of over $1M in jewelry during service, leaving them traumatized

Popular Brooklyn Bishop Lamor Whitehead, who has often been criticized for being too flashy because he drives expensive cars and adorns himself with jewelry, says his family and congregation were left "traumatized" Sunday after multiple masked gunmen entered their church and stripped them of more than $1 million worth of jewelry before fleeing the scene.

Whitehead, who leads the Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries, says the brazen attack caught on video made him "hurt" because "my church is hurt."

"The women and children that were in my church, my daughter, she's traumatized. Right now, she's still not even talking because of that experience. They had the gun in my 8-month-old's face. The women of my ministry, my wife, everybody is traumatized," Whitehead revealed to his 1.6 million followers on Instagram and Facebook in the aftermath of the attack.

Information from the New York City Police Department cited by The New York Post said three masked gunmen burst into Whitehead's church at around 11:14 a.m. The video of the incident shows Whitehead quickly surrendering to the gunmen as they relieved him, his wife and their congregation of their precious stones.

Police sources told The New York Times that more than $1 million in jewelry was stolen.

"As I was preaching, I seen three to four armed men come in," explained Whitehead, who said he quickly indicated to his congregants that they should get down as the gunman entered.

"I didn't know if they just wanted to shoot the church up or were just coming for a robbery. And they were all black men. They had masks, and they came in, and they took all of my wife's jewelry and all of my jewelry," Whitehead said.

"When I laid down on the floor and the young man came, the young man came and put the gun into my back, as you all see on the video. He took my watch, took my jewelry, took my bishop's ring, took my wedding band, and then they took my bishop's cross, and then I had my other chains underneath my shirt. And he tapped my back  and ripped my collar off just to get to my jewelry."

The New York City preacher, who said he turned his life around after an unfortunate encounter with the legal system and life in the streets, says he has been using his ministry to help his community, including gang members. But he said his ministry had been coming under attack from Satan recently.

"The enemy has been attacking Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries for some time now. I don't put all of my business out, but we are a young, thriving ministry that we connect not only with the church but we connect with the streets. We connect with people that need help. I've helped so many gang members, so many just regular people in this ministry," he said.

Whitehead, who has in the past received support from NYC Mayor Eric Adams, was arrested in 2006 for a $2 million identity-theft scam. He served five years in prison but was released in 2013. He claims he was "falsely convicted and arrested for a crime I did not commit." The Brooklyn pastor had been sentenced to 11 1/3 to 34 years in prison for the crime.

"A few weeks ago, I was troubled with a phone call that there were speculations that there were guns in my church, and I had to let my attorney go handle that and deal with that. And I don't know if this is connected, but it is what it is," Whitehead said.

The pastor said that when the gunmen entered, they did not factor in that cameras would be recording. While he appealed to the public to help the NYPD catch the gunmen, he expressed faith that God's justice will prevail.

"I'm going to be straight with you guys. Everybody that knows me from the streets, you all know who I am. And if you have any information, inbox me because I'll rather them turn themselves in because those are the material things. It was hundreds of thousands of dollars in jewelry that was taken from me. And I say hundreds of thousands of dollars, and they knew it because they've been watching," he said.

"I need you all to understand who I am in the body of Christ. I don't care if you don't like me  but when you are anointed by God, when you are appointed by God, God will avenge. I don't have to do anything. God will avenge. That's why we know what car you were in, and that's why we know what you already look like," Whitehead said in his message to the gunmen.

Whitehead, who took many long pauses to restrain his anger, pointed to his history of being around criminals. He said that he had never been the victim of a robbery before the attack at his church on Sunday.

"To run inside of a church where all we do is praise the Lord, you can't say, 'I'm gangster this, I'm gangster that.' I'm in the church, preaching, right? If this would have happened in another setting, then it's still wrong. It is what it is. But to come into a church and to traumatize young women and children, the children are still crying, the women are still crying, my wife is crying. You did this to the church. The church where I'm sure your grandmother praised God," he said.

"You all brought guns in the church to do harm and to take something from a man of God and a woman of God," he added.

"I've been on these streets a long time, and ain't nobody never take nothing from me," he said after a long pause. "When I went to prison illegally, and they sentenced me to 11 1/3 to 34 years, ain't nobody take nothing from me. I was around every gangster, murderers, robbers, gang members. Ain't nobody never take nothing from me. And you all wait till I have a collar on in the pulpit preaching the word of God, preaching deliverance."

The attack on Whitehead's church came about two months after thieves decapitated angel statues and ripped a centuries-old solid gold tabernacle worth $2 million from the altar of St. Augustine Catholic Church, located at 116 6th Ave. in the Park Slope section of the New York City borough. The attack on that church happened when no one was inside.
Identities of 2 Americans killed fighting in Ukraine released

The two American volunteer soldiers recently killed fighting Russian troops in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region have been identified as Luke Lucyszyn and Bryan Young.

Lucyszyn and Young were part of the Territorial Defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and stationed at the village of Hryhorivka near the Siversk town, Ukrainian commander Ruslan Miroshnichenko told Politico over the weekend.

The two Americans were killed alongside a Canadian, identified as Emile-Antoine Roy-Sirois, and a Swedish citizen, Edvard Selander Patrignani, after a Russian tank opened fire during an hourslong battle on July 18.

The first shell injured Luke, Miroshnichenko said. Three guys, Edward, Emile, and Bryan, they immediately attempted to help Luke, to do first aid, and evacuate him from this spot. Then the second shell killed them all.

He didnt go there to be a hero, Lucyszyn's mother, Kathryn Lucyszyn, told NBC News. He went there because he wanted to help people.

The commanding officer said that Young had a cheerful smile and was a good soldier.

Lucyszyn is an American of Ukrainian descent born in 1991. He served as a police officer in the U.S.

Despite his age, Lucyszyn "behaved as a man, as a good soldier, the commanding officer told CBS News.

Miroshnichenko told Politico that Young, born in 1971, was an American military man who was moved to the reserves after getting injured. He said Young came to Ukraine because he took an oath to protect the Free World.

Ukraines International Legion, comprising thousands of foreigners to fight for Ukraine, was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in March.

According to the United Nations Office for High Commissioner for Human Rights, as of July 18, at least 5,110 people have been killed and 6,752 injured since the invasion started in late February. At least four of those killed were Americans.

Russia launched a missile attack on the port of Odessa on Saturday, less than a day after the two countries signed a deal to allow the export of blockaded grain supplies, The Washington Post reported.

The attack could be an indicator that Russias operational pause in recent weeks, possibly aimed at regrouping troops before doubling down on Ukraines south and east, could be coming to an end.

The U.S. is sending Ukraine more High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), each with a range of about 70 kilometers, along with hundreds of thousands of rounds of artillery shells, as part of its $270 million pledge, according to Voice of America.

Were seeing Ukraine employing very precise, very accurate targeting of critical Russian positions, a senior U.S. defense official told media on Friday. Theyre [Russia] paying a high price for every inch of territory they try to take or hold.

The U.S. pledge will bring the total number of HIMARS to 16.

Germany and Britain have also sent medium-to-long-range rocket systems to Ukraine.

According to U.S. intelligence estimates, Ukraine has used HIMARS to take out more than 100 high-value Russian targets.
LA School District Teaching LGBT-Inclusive Sex Ed Course to Kids as Young as 9

California's largest school district will test out an LGBT-inclusive sex education course that will be taught at selected schools for children in the fourth through sixth grades this year.

The Los Angeles Daily News reports that the Los Angeles Unified School District will begin offering sex education lessons for students as young as 9 years old that will include lessons from a course titled "Puberty: The Wonder Years," which is authored by Michigan-based health educator Wendy Sellers.

Sellers told Los Angeles' second-largest daily newspaper that her course is inclusive of LGBT identities. The Los Angeles Daily News reports that the course "doesn't assume traditional gender roles in describing relationships."

Sellers explained that while the course doesn't have lessons that define same-sex relationships, it integrates examples of same-sex couples into lessons.

"Kids are just unflapped by this," Sellers asserted in her interview with the Los Angeles Daily News. "It's old people that are having a hard time getting used to it."

Sellers said that her course also urges children to delay having sex.

Timothy Kordic, who runs the district's sexual health and HIV/AIDS prevention education, program, told The Los Angeles Daily News that along with the "Puberty" course, the school district was also be testing out other courses for the target age group.

He added that the California Board of Education is in the middle of working on a new health textbook for students that will be done within the next few years. He said the district could choose "Puberty" or one of the other courses to be taught along with the book.

Kordic added that the goal with testing out the new courses is to help standardize and modernize the district's sex education courses.

The Los Angeles Daily News reports that students in the school district are introduced to some information on sexuality in fourth grade and are gradually taught more about sex through fifth and sixth grades.

"It's also been very difficult to find updated, modern resources for middle school," Kordic was quoted as saying. "Our goal is to have something that's medically accurate, current and non-biased."

According to the Los Angeles Daily News, the school bought enough "Puberty" teaching sets with a $24,000 federal grant to use in about 50 schools districtwide. However, the course will only likely be taught in about 10 to 15 schools this school year.

The news of the L.A. Unified School District trying out Sellers' "Puberty" course drew the ire of popular conservative evangelical blogger, Elizabeth Johnston, who runs the "The Activist Mommy" blog and social media pages.

"Where else other than California would public schools be purchasing a sex ed curriculum for children as young as 9 that made sure to shed a positive light on LGBT relationships?" the homeschool mother of 10 asked in a blog post.

Although Sellers' course doesn't have lessons on same-sex relationships, Johnston argues that the course's integration of same-sex couples is "treated as normal, to mold young, impressionable minds."

Johnston also accuses Seller's course of being a form of "indoctrination."

"Again, we expect this from California at this point, but that just goes to show how much this ideology is winning. The left is determined to normalize immoral sexual behavior as well as rip our children's innocence from them as young as possible," she wrote. "Teaching children simply biology does not necessitate in the least pushing the leftist agenda of normalizing immoral sexual behavior or casual sex."
Historic Presbyterian church cancels in-person worship after receiving threats

A prominent Presbyterian congregation in Texas, which traces its roots to the 19th century, was forced to cancel in-person worship due to threats against the church.

First Presbyterian Church of Dallas announced Saturday that it was closing down that weekend because an unnamed person had sent threatening messages to the Church indicating the potential for future harm.

Pastor Amos Disasa, who wrote the announcement, explained that last week, a person who had worshipped at FPC Dallas had sent a message via email that we perceived to threaten the safety of our community.

In response to the message, according to Disasa, the church contacted the Dallas Police Department, who reached out to the person about their threatening messages.

Upon review, their recommendation was to take immediate action to cancel weekend, in-person programming, including worship, which would allow DPD additional time to locate the person and assess the threat, said Disasa.

Disasa said that he was relieved to report that this isolated event has been addressed and that the person in question would not be permitted access to the church in the future.

Going forward, the person will be restricted from accessing our campus at any time by our security team. For the immediate future, and in addition to our private security staff, a DPD officer will be present during operating hours, he continued.

The pastor denied earlier local media reports that a bomb threat was made against the church and said it would operate under a regular schedule on Monday.

FPC Dallas still held a livestream service, which featured music from their Music Director Zach Light-Wells, plus a sermon by Disasa, who also explained the situation to those watching.

I am happy to report that God did not forget about us, said Disasa during the service. We are here in body, in spirit, prepared to receive the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship God.

FPC Dallas traces its origins to eleven people who first met in 1856, shortly after Dallas was incorporated into a city. The church got its first building in 1873 and its current building in 1913.
GOP Rep. Lee Zeldin Attacked At Event, Planned Parenthood May Open In A High School, Voters Dislike Current Sex And Race Education

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:28 07:28

U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., the Republican nominee for New York governor, said he is safe following an attack by a man at a campaign stop Thursday night.



A new poll reveals that a plurality of Kansas voters are likely to support a ballot initiative that would declare that the states constitution does not contain a right to abortion.



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.



A Christian organization commented on the potential harms of young children using social media without proper supervision after two sets of parents are suing the social media application TikTok, claiming there is more the company could have done to prevent their daughters deaths via an online challenge.



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Youre done: Man attacks Rep. Lee Zeldin at New York gubernatorial campaign stop

U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., the Republican nominee for New York governor, said he is safe following an attack by a man at a campaign stop Thursday night.

Zeldin was speaking at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8495 in the Town of Perinton on Thursday when a man holding an object in his hand rushed the stage and grabbed his arm, pulling him to the ground.

Footage of the attack can be seen here.

Zeldin confirmed on his official Twitter account Thursday night that both he and Alison Esposito, who is running for lieutenant governor of New York, were doing alright.

Someone tried to stab me on stage during this evenings rally, but fortunately, I was able to grab his wrist and stop him for a few moments until others tackled him, Zeldin tweeted.

The attacker is in custody. Grateful for the attendees who stepped up quickly to assist and the law enforcement officers who quickly responded. Im as resolute as ever to do my part to make NY safe again.

The Monroe County Sheriffs Office released a press release identifying the alleged attacker as 43-year-old David G. Jakubonis of nearby Fairport.

The male had a weapon in his hand, swung it towards Zeldins neck, and told him, Youre done, the Sheriffs Office said, noting that the suspect was arraigned in Perinton Town Court and released on his own recognizance.

Members of the audience and Rep. Zeldins campaign restrained the male until deputies arrived and took him into custody. There were no injuries.

A motive has not yet been identified.

New York Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul  who is finishing out the term of former governor Andrew Cuomo who resigned last August due to numerous scandals  is running against Zeldin and posted a statement on Twitter denouncing the attack.

Relieved to hear that Congressman Zeldin was not injured and that the suspect is in custody, she tweeted. I condemn this violent behavior in the strongest terms possible  it has no place in New York.

Some Republicans and conservatives, among them the New York Republican State Committee, claimed that Hochul was partly to blame due to what they described as her inflammatory rhetoric.

Its not a coincidence that just hours earlier, Kathy Hochul fanned the flames of hate directing her supporters to his rally schedule, stated the NYRSC on Facebook.

This is unacceptable conduct for anyone, let alone a sitting governor. Its not enough to condemn the attack, she must apologize and tone down her hateful rhetoric immediately.
Out of touch: Pro-life activists denounce Kamala Harris' meeting with pro-choice lawmakers

HIGHLAND SPRINGS, Va.  Pro-life activists have denounced the efforts of Vice President Kamala Harris and Democratic lawmakers in Virginia to make the state a safe haven for abortion, calling their views extreme and out of touch.

The vice president held a roundtable with state lawmakers on Saturday morning in the Richmond area, focusing on the issue of preserving abortion access in the Commonwealth.

Harris has also met with state legislators in other states as part of the overall effort of the Biden administration to respond to the overturning of Roe v. Wade last month, which has resulted in several states passing greater restrictions on abortion or banning nearly all abortions.

Victoria Cobb, president of The Family Foundation of Virginia, said in a statement emailed to The Christian Post on Friday that the Biden administration's stance on abortion is too extreme.

There is little doubt that the extreme position of Vice President Harris and the Biden administration, promoting the taking of unborn life through the moment of conception for any reason at taxpayer expense will play well with the $1 billion abortion industry and those in the General Assembly who think we need more abortions, not fewer, Cobb said.

But that position is out of touch with every day Virginians who support common sense pro-life laws and who voted against that extreme view just last November, she added, alluding to the election of pro-life Republican Glenn Youngkin as governor of Virginia.

Olivia Gans Turner, president of the Virginia Society for Human Life, told CP on Saturday that she believed the pro-choice leadership of the state Senate have made it abundantly clear that they have no interest in having any kind of rational conversation about abortion regulations.

They simply want to maintain the status quo, which protects the abortion industry in Virginia, said Turner, noting that they have the votes in the Senate to defeat any pro-life bills.

Turner told CP that she believed efforts to advance pro-life legislation in Virginia will not become more likely until after General Assembly elections next year.

We have a goal. The goal will be to, as soon as possible, pass the strongest protective legislation possible, but that probably wont be this year, she said.

The elections in 2023, which give us a chance to shift the balance of authority from pro-abortion individuals in the Senate and even adding more pro-lifers to the House, is the best shot we have at getting to a reality of passing true pro-life laws in 2024.

During the vice president's roundtable, which was held at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 666 headquarters near Richmond, the vice president and lawmakers in Virginia's General Assembly spoke about repealing limits on abortion.

State Senator Jenn McClellan gave the opening remarks, noting how in the past couple of years, Democrats in the General Assembly have repealed common practices in abortion clinics, such as requiring each woman to have an ultrasound.

McClellan described ultrasounds as medically unnecessary restrictions to abortion. However, abortion clinics use ultrasounds to determine the gestational age of a preborn baby and the type of abortion procedure that will be performed, as well as the fee the abortionist will charge the patient since fees increase daily during each trimester.

Because of this, McClellan touted Virginia as the first state in the South to expand access to abortion care, even while other states were exacting bans.

McClellan also talked about working with her colleagues in the General Assembly to get a state constitutional amendment passed that would codify abortion as a right in the Commonwealth.

During her remarks, Harris insisted that a person does not have to abandon your faith or your beliefs to agree the government should not be making that decision for that woman.

It may not be something you choose to do, but lets all agree when it comes to the most intimate decisions that a woman can make, intimate decisions about heart and home, she should be able to do that without the government telling her what to do, the vice president said.

State Sen. L. Louise Lucas also championed Virginia as a safe haven for abortion, adding that were going to fight like hell to make sure it stays that way.

Also present for the roundtable was Democratic U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin who represents the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia and once served in the General Assembly.

McEachin declared his support for Congress codifying abortion into law, though he stopped short of the current call by some in his party to end the filibuster in order to do so, and preferred an amending of it instead.

You dont have to do away with the filibuster rule, he said. But the least we can do is say that the filibuster shall not apply when were talking about a persons civil rights.

When asked for comment about the roundtable, Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay Porter directed CP to a statement Youngkin made last month regarding the overturning of Roe.

I'm proud to be a pro-life governor and plan to take every action I can to protect life. The truth is, Virginians want fewer abortions, not more abortions, Youngkin said at the time.

We can build a bipartisan consensus on protecting the life of unborn children, especially when they begin to feel pain in the womb, and importantly supporting mothers and families who choose life.

Youngkin also mentioned his intention to have state lawmakers, including Sens. Siobhan Dunnavant and Steve Newman and Delegates Kathy Byron and Margaret Ransone to find areas where we can agree and chart the most successful path forward.

I've asked them to do the important work needed and be prepared to introduce legislation when the General Assembly returns in January, the governor added.

Members of the press were allowed into the event but only for 25 minutes. No opportunity was given for questions.
Republican attorneys general warn Google not to censor pro-life pregnancy centers in search results

A group of Republican state attorneys general have vowed to take action against Google if it follows through with congressional Democrats' demands to censor search results by preventing women from finding pro-life pregnancy centers when searching for abortion.

Virginias Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares and Kentuckys Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron, along with 15 other state attorneys general, wrote a letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai Thursday. They warned that the company could be investigated if it caved to demands by Democratic members of Congress to take action by preventing pro-life pregnancy centers from appearing in search results for queries about abortion clinics and abortion pills.

Democratic lawmakers are seeking to limit the appearance of anti-abortion fake clinics in Google Ads and on Google Maps. They claim that pro-life pregnancy centers are fake clinics that traffic in misinformation and dont provide comprehensive health services. These Democrats also argue that pro-life pregnancy clinics are "dangerous to womens health" and their appearance in search results "undermines the integrity of Googles search results."

Complying with these demands would constitute a grave assault on the principle of free speech, the attorneys general wrote. Unbiased access to information, while no longer a component of Googles corporate creed, is still what Americans expect from your company. [S]tudies have found web users are more likely to find and trust news through search than social media sites.

The attorneys general insisted that at least some Google users who search for information about abortion also expect to find information about alternatives to abortion, as evidenced by the fact that your search algorithmfree of the manipulation that left-wing politicians are demandingconsistently produces such results. They further asserted that 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.

Noting that Google has monopoly power in the markets for search services and online advertising, the letter characterized the deployment of monopoly power to suppress the expression of a particular idea by censoring search results with information about pro-life pregnancy centers as a potential antitrust violation that is odious to American ideals. The attorneys general proceeded to explain the actions they would take against Google if it complied with congressional Democrats inappropriate demand.

Our offices will (1) conduct thorough investigations to determine whether this suppression violates the antitrust laws of the United States and our States; (2) investigate whether Googles conduct amounts to an unlawful act of religious discrimination under state law; and (3) consider whether additional legislationsuch as nondiscrimination rules under common carriage statutesis necessary to protect consumers and markets, they added.

Google has two options  protect the freedom of the marketplace of ideas or face legal consequences. American consumers expect diversity of opinion and thought, said Miyares in a statement. The idea that elected officials are both advocating for the removal of private charities and encouraging Google to outwardly discriminate against crisis pregnancy centers and silence voices different than their own is appalling.

The June 17 letter from congressional Democrats to Pichai, crafted by Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., and 18 other lawmakers, cited concerns about the possible overturning of the 1973 Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide as the justification for their push for the censorship of Google search results to exclude anti-abortion fake clinics. The Supreme Court ultimately overturned Roe in the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision a week later.

The attorneys generals letter concluded with a request to answer questions inquiring as to whether Google has taken or intends to take any steps to treat crisis pregnancy centers any differently with regard to Google search results, Google Ads, Google Maps, or any other Google service than they were treated before the leak of the draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization and if so, what steps it had taken. The letter requested a response to the questions within 14 days.

The letter from congressional Democrats to Pinchai came a month-and-a-half after Politico published a leaked draft opinion in the Dobbs case indicating that a majority of Supreme Court justices were poised to overturn Roe v. Wade. In the aftermath of the publication of the leaked Dobbs draft, several churches and pro-life pregnancy centers have become the target of vandalism by pro-abortion activists. In many cases, graffiti reading fake clinic has been spray-painted on the facilities.

While the pro-life pregnancy centers are chastised by Democrats and pro-abortion activists for their opposition to abortion, the attorneys general highlighted a study from the pro-life Charlotte Lozier Institute that elaborated on the services the organizations provide. The study found that pro-life pregnancy centers served over 1.8 million clients in 2019, providing services valued at $266 million at little or no cost to their patients.

Examples of such services cited in the letter include free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, parenting and prenatal education classes, post-abortive care and recovery counseling, and free or reduced-cost diapers, baby clothes, car seats and strollers.

Stressing that these pregnancy centers serve women, no matter who they are or what they believe, the attorneys general expressed concern that the attacks threaten not only those affiliated with the centers, but also the mothers in desperate need of the assistance the centers provide.

House Republicans attempted to pass a resolution condemning the attacks against pro-life pregnancy centers and churches this week but their effort was blocked by congressional Democrats.

House Republicans attempted to pass a resolution condemning the attacks against pro-life pregnancy centers and churches this week, but congressional Democrats blocked their effort.
DA seeks to charge teen as adult for pastors murder in carjacking

The office of a district attorney in Tennessee says it will seek to charge a 15-year-old boy as an adult in the murder of the Rev. Autura Eason-Williams, the late pastor of Capleville United Methodist Church who was gunned down in a carjacking earlier this week.

The Shelby County District Attorneys office said in a statement that it's submitting a notice of intent to transfer the case, which is set on the Juvenile Court docket for a hearing on Aug. 1, to an adult court, as law allows it if the alleged crimes are serious.

The decision is based on the facts of this case and this offenders criminal history, District Attorney Amy Weirich said in the statement, according to WREG.

Pastor Eason-Williams was shot dead in the driveway of her home on Whitehaven Lane in Memphis on Monday evening.

Memphis police charged the 15-year-old boy with first-degree murder, murder in the perpetration of a robbery, especially aggravated robbery, carjacking, and employment of a firearm during a dangerous felony. He was arrested along with a 16-year-old accomplice, who was charged with theft of property valued between $2,500-$10,000.

The pastors daughter, Ayanna Hampton, said she was opposed to the DAs decision.

My mommy was a tireless advocate and strategist for restorative justice practices, she wrote in a Facebook post. Please do not use her death as an opportunity to go all tough on crime, throw them under the jail, charge them as adults so they wont get a chance to do this again on us.

The transfer hearing might not be scheduled before late August or September.

After Eason-Williams death, Jody Hill, president of Memphis Theological Seminary, said in a statement on Facebook that the pastor was a graduate of the school and the seminary community is devastated by her death.

She was a wife, mother, and a devoted friend to many. She led Formation classes at MTS and Signposts groups for the Center for Faith and Imagination. We join so many of you in shock and pain. Autura was a real light and a well of deep care, Hill said.

Personally, I saw in her the spiritual gift of hospitality. Autura was eager to embrace all of Gods children with a warm smile, gentle hug, or encouraging word. We grieve her loss and this senseless violence.

David Perry, a field representative at the United Methodist Foundation for the Memphis and Tennessee Conferences, called Eason-Williams a dear friend. He revealed in a Facebook post Wednesday that the Tennessee pastor was on a call with another colleague at the time of her death.

Even since Monday evening, Ive been trying to process the tragic news of the murder of a dear friend and an esteemed colleague, Rev. Dr. Autura Eason-Williams, in her own driveway while talking with another pastor on her cell, Perry wrote.

Perry said he was more troubled by the news that the suspect was a teenager, and suggested the murder was a sign that the Church had much work to do.

My pain over this tragic loss was compounded yesterday by the news that a 15-year-old boy pulled the trigger. What an awful evidence of the increasing violence we see in our world! Only a few weeks before, the 19-year -old son of another friend and exemplary Christian servant was shot and killed while driving down a main street of Jackson, apparently from a random gang-related act of violence, he said.
Franklin Graham urges Christians worldwide to pray for Bidens recovery from COVID-19

Christians should pray for President Joe Biden's full recovery from COVID-19, evangelist Franklin Graham told his millions of followers on social media, stressing that the Bible instructs believers to pray for those in authority.

The news reports that President Joe Biden has COVID-19 and is experiencing very mild symptoms, Graham, who heads Samaritans Purse and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, wrote on Facebook.

We need to lift him up in prayer. The Bible instructs us to pray for all those in authority, and that includes whether we agree with their policies and politics or not, he added.

The fully vaccinated and twice boosted Biden tested positive on Thursday morning, though the 79-year-old commander-in-chief is experiencing very mild symptoms, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Biden's staff also tweeted on behalf of the president from his official Twitter account to thank people for their concerns and assure them that he was doing well, despite being COVID-19 positive.

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! the tweet said.

An update from Bidens doctor, Kevin OConnor, said Saturday the president was experiencing mild symptoms of sore throat, runny nose, body aches, and loose cough.

The president continues to tolerate treatment well. We will continue Paxlovid as planned, the memo said.

Bidens COVID infection is likely BA5, the variant from which about 80% of the infected people are currently suffering in the United States.

Dr. Deborah Birx, who served as the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator under former President Donald Trump, told Fox News, I knew these vaccines were not going to protect against infection and I think we overplayed the vaccines ...

She added that vaccines protect against severe disease and hospitalization and said that 50% of those who died due to the Omicron variant were older in age and vaccinated.

News of Bidens positive test comes a couple of days after his administration announced the approval of the latest vaccine against COVID-19, a protein-based product by Novavax.

The Novavax vaccine received approval from both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a statement by Biden on Tuesday.

We now have four safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines available to protect Americans against serious illness, hospitalizations and death, Biden stated.

I encourage everyone to get their booster if they are eligible. If youre age 50 or older, or a moderately or severely immunocompromised individual, and havent gotten a vaccine shot this year  you should get one right away. It is free, easy, and could save your life.

A White House official last week told a pool reporter on background that Vice President Kamala Harris tested negative for COVID-19 even though she was with Biden last Tuesday.

Harris tested positive for COVID-19 in April. She was also fully vaccinated and boosted and had an asymptomatic case of COVID-19.
House of Prayer schools allegedly bilked over $7 million from veterans for Bible study classes

A nonprofit organization called the House of Prayer, a chain of schools that students branded as a cult, has been accused of recruiting veterans and active service members and then bilking them out of more than $7 million in GI Bill benefits and disability checks to pay for Bible classes that were not accredited.

In testimony on GI Bill modernization before the House Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday, William Hubbard, vice president for Veterans & Military Policy at Veterans Education Success, an advocacy group focused on advancing higher education success for service members, veterans and their families, said the House of Prayer's abuse is proof that more oversight of the GI Bill program is needed.

Irrespective of VAs efforts to modernize and improve the administration of education benefits, student veterans continue to face the threat of predatory actors in higher education, and in many cases with alarming consequences. Recently, the FBI conducted multiple raids across the country on a system of GI Bill-approved schools that are affiliated under the banner of House of Prayer, Hubbard noted in his testimony.

These raids demonstrated the importance of remaining vigilant against harmful conduct, and of establishing much-needed minimum quality standards. In addition, over the course of the pandemic, the landscape of higher education has become dramatically less predictable; keeping a watchful eye for unscrupulous behaviors and low-quality programs is critical, he added.

On June 23, the FBI raided at least six House of Prayer locations, including in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Georgia, Washington state, Texas and California, but it was unclear if the raids were connected to any particular case. The organization is led by the elusive veteran Rony Denis and has 11 churches near U.S. military installations.

House of Prayer allegedly used high-pressure tactics to recruit vulnerable veterans or active duty service members and exploited them for their government entitlements through programs such as the GI Bill, Military.com reported. In the meantime, Denis also reportedly enriched himself by building an untold real estate empire worth millions.

Some of the former students who spoke to the publication were reportedly veterans or active-duty members when they were involved with the House of Prayer. Some sources "described having suicidal ideation or previous attempts, the publication said, adding that some were wounded in the post-9/11 wars or had previous trauma.

The GI Bill benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, help qualifying Veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or training.

Arlen Bradeen, an Army veteran who ran the House of Prayer's Bible school from its inception in 2004 until he left the church in 2018, told Military.com how the organization exploited the GI Bill members' benefits once the Bible school was approved for the GI Bill in 2013. He recalled how the cost per semester for the Bible classes increased from an initial $300 to about $3,000.

"It burns me because there were a lot of good people who burned their VA money at these schools," Bradeen said. "They used all their college money to donate to Denis' Rolls Royces."

He said while the House of Prayer schools did not maintain the traditional course offerings available at other educational institutions, they used several tricks to ensure they could continue accessing the GI Bill benefits.

He revealed that the organization would rename classes to maneuver around the VA requirement that federal dollars cannot be used for a student to repeat a course. He further noted that the classes were no different than a regular Sunday school session focused on different themes from the Bible.

"We wanted all of them in there full time," Bradeen said. "So we would rename classes so they can retake the class."

The Christian Post reached out to the House of Prayer for comment on the report Thursday but a response was not received by press time.

The Rev. Jeff Derby, a spokesperson for the organization, told Military.com that their lawyers advised them not to make public statements on the situation.

"We have been advised by our lawyers not to speak, make comments, or make statements to the media or anyone while the Bible Seminary is being investigated," Derby said in a statement to the publication.

Bradeen said he was forced to leave his wife and family behind to escape the House of Prayer, lamenting the power Denis wielded over students and members.

Military.com cited a message in which Denis told his followers that God had permitted him to kill them, but he chose not to out of love. "God gave me permission to kill everybody in here. But I won't because I love you," Denis reportedly preached during one Sunday service, according to Rosalie Wright, an Army veteran and mother of four who was talked into spending her GI Bill benefits at House of Prayer schools.

Wright, who left the school without a degree or marketable skills after spending all her GI benefits on classes at House of Prayer, now cannot afford to study nursing.

"I am still trying to get established, and it doesn't feel great," she told Military.com. "When I got two kids in high school, I feel I should be further along, and I could really use the GI Bill right now."

Other students were also convinced to get low-cost VA home loans and then told to live in dorms so that House of Prayer could rent out those homes to generate revenue. Meanwhile, Denis acquired three multimillion-dollar homes in Georgia and Florida, Military.com said.

It was noted that state approving agencies, or SAAs, which determine if educational institutions meet the requirements for GI Bill money, began cracking down on the House of Prayer earlier this year after Veterans Education Success complained of abuses.

At present, no effective system exists to proactively prevent bad programs from being approved to begin with. The statutes governing program approval are seriously outdated, still referencing classes taught by radio, and they continue to allow a low standard of entry. We strongly believe that both veterans and taxpayers are entitled to a reasonable return on investment for the GI Bill, Hubbard told the subcommittee on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, there are numerous examples of programs that cause serious harm to the veterans they intend to train and educate. The consequences of veterans getting stuck at bad programs includes: unrecoverable wasted time, burdensome debts, and personal reputational damage, he added.

Despite showing poor results, many of these programs and schools continue to rake in millions of taxpayer dollars through the recruitment and exploitation of veterans and the abuse of their education benefits.
Jewish couple rejected by Christian childrens home as foster trainees continue legal fight

A Jewish couple has appealed a court decision rejecting their lawsuit against Tennessee after a state-supported Christian charity denied their foster parent application over religious differences.

Elizabeth and Gabriel Rutan-Ram are appealing a decision last month in which a court concluded that the Tennessee Department of Children's Services (DCS) was not guilty of discrimination.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which is representing the couple, announced on Thursday that it filed an appeal in the Tennessee Court of Appeals.

Liz and Gabe Rutan-Ram were subjected to outrageous and unacceptable religious discrimination, said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United.

This young couple wanted to help a child in need  only to be told that they couldnt get services from a taxpayer-funded agency because theyre the wrong religion. Everyone should be appalled by the treatment they received.

Also represented in the litigation are four Tennessee residents who argue that, by virtue of being taxpayers, they have standing to sue over the actions of the publicly-funded Christian charity.

In January, the Rutan-Rams sued the Tennessee DCS after the state-supported Holston United Methodist Home for Children denied them access to foster training programs because they were not Christian.

Holston, which was founded in 1895 and is said to have helped over 8,000 children, receives reimbursement through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Title IV-E.

Holston's CEO Bradley Williams sent The Christian Post a statement in January saying that "the caregivers we partner with [are] extensions of our ministry team serving children."

"So from the very beginning, we seek to find alignment with them, and if we cannot do so, we try to help them find an agency that may be a better fit," he stated at the time.

"Finding other agencies is not hard to do. In Tennessee, for example, there are six other agencies for each one faith-based provider."

Last month, a three-judge panel of the Chancery Court in Davidson County ruled 2-1 to dismiss the lawsuit, finding in part that the couple's legal claims were moot since they were able to complete the programs and receive certification through DCS after being rejected by Holston.

The majority also ruled that the couple's complaint was inapplicable because they had originally planned to foster a child from Florida, while Holston only handles in-state arrangements.

"The contract the Department has with Holston  provides funds only for services for children 'in the custody of the State of Tennessee.' Thus the services the Couple sought from Holston are not funded by the Department and therefore lack a causal connection to the alleged injury," read the majority opinion.

Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle wrote an opinion that partially dissented from the panel majority, taking issue with the conclusion that the couple lacked "constitutional standing."

"The foregoing law makes clear that the allegations in the Amended Complaint, such as the barriers the Couple faces now as foster parents and continue to face in obtaining the efficiencies and other benefits and advantages of working with private agencies, are sufficient to establish standing," read the dissent.
Chinese authorities demolish underground church after bishop resists CCPs orders

Authorities in Chinas Hebei province demolished an underground Catholic church after its leader refused to join an association authorized by the Chinese Communist Party, according to a report.

The underground Catholic church had been gathering under a tent structure in Youtong village of Luancheng District in the city of Shijiazhuang when it was demolished while the churchs leader, Dong Baolu, who suffers from hemiplegia, was at a hospital for a check-up last month, Radio Free Asia reported.

China's communist regime ordered Dong and members of the church to align with the Catholic Patriotic Association, which they refused to do.

The church is part of the Zhengding diocese and many of its priests have already signed an agreement to join the state-sanctioned church. I am the only one left. Do you think theyd let me pass? I am the remaining one among more than 100 priests, certainly they will not spare me, the priest was quoted as saying.

The parishioners did not fight back against the demolition.

While the Vatican doesn't have formal relations with the Chinese Communist Party, it has participated in negotiations with Beijing since 2014 and signed a provisional deal with the regime in 2018 on the appointment of bishops that was renewed in 2020.

China and the Vatican have renewed a controversial agreement on the appointment of bishops, drawing criticism from rights groups who warn the deal will further hamper religious freedom in the communist country.

In October 2020, the Holy See and Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the renewal of the 2018 deal that was extended for two more years and will be due for renewal this fall.

The deal, the details of which have never been published, permits the Chinese government to propose names for new bishops to the Vatican through its state-approved Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, with the pope having veto power on the decision.

In turn, the Vatican recognizes the legitimacy of bishops previously appointed by the Chinese communist government and excommunicated by the church.

When communists gained power in China in 1949, they expelled Christian missionaries while allowing churches to function under the governments control. In 1957, the Chinese government established the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association, which is not under the authority of the Holy See.

Chinese Christians faced severe persecution during the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and the 1970s under Mao, who saw religion as poison.

Churches are now allowed to function but only as long as they register with the government and thereby come under its control.

Open Doors USA, which monitors the persecution of Christians in over 60 countries, estimates that China has more than 97 million Christians, many of whom worship in unregistered or so-called illegal underground churches.

The five state-sanctioned religious groups in China are the Buddhist Association of China, the Chinese Taoist Association, the Islamic Association of China, the Protestant Three-Self Patriotic Movement and the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association.

However, even the organizations within the five authorized religions are subject to surveillance and limitations, Bitter Winter previously reported.

In 2018, the Chinese government banned the sale of Bibles at online bookstores across the country to comply with a white paper that dictated compliance with the core values of socialism.

ABC News Australia reported at the time that copies of the Gospels had been removed from online retailers following the release of a regime document titled, Chinas Policies and Practices on Protecting Freedom of Religious Belief.

The white paper declared that Chinese faith communities should adhere to the direction of localizing the religion, practice the core values of socialism, develop and expand the fine Chinese tradition and actively explore the religious thought which accords with Chinas national circumstances.

As Beijing hosted the Winter Olympics earlier this year, many expressed outrage about Chinas treatment of religious minority communities. While China was accused of genocide for its detainment of Uyghur and other ethnic Muslims in western China, human rights activists had voiced concern for years about the Chinese governments longtime crackdown on unregistered churches and house church movements.
Pastor among 10 killed in ambush attack in Indonesias Papua

Separatist gunmen in Indonesias troubled Papua province ambushed a truck and opened fire on passengers, killing at least 10 people, including a Christian pastor, and wounding two others.

The Christian pastor has been identified as Eliaser Baner, who was on his way to a church conference, and the other nine were traders transporting goods through a remote highland area on July 16, when they were ambushed by 20 gunmen, the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern said.

The West Papua National Liberation Army, or TPNPB, the military wing of Papuas main separatist group, the Free Papua Organization, claimed responsibility for the killing, claiming they were Jakartas spies disguised as workers, The Jakarta Post reported last week.

We shot 11 [Indonesian] people, and a Papuan because he took our pictures and fought back when the TPNPB questioned him, the groups spokesperson Egianus Kogeya was quoted as saying in a statement.

The spokesperson added that the rebel group would not compromise with anyone, either non-Papuans or suspicious Papuans, until Papua gained its independence. If you ignore this warning, you are part of the Indonesian terrorist security forces.

Re. Henrek Lokra, executive secretary of the Justice and Peace Desk at the Communion of Churches in Indonesia, responded to the tragedy, urging the government to form an independent investigation team to  [look] into the killings of civilians, ICC said.

The armed insurgency for independence started in Papua after Indonesias alleged annexation of the territory in 1969 through a referendum, which many local people believe was a sham.

The Southeast Asian country, which is home to the worlds largest Muslim population, has 20.4 million Protestants and 8.42 million Catholics, who together comprise 10.58% of the total population of 272.23 million, according to the latest data from the Directorate General of the Department of Population and Civil Registration of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Geographically, there are 30 Muslim-majority provinces. In only four provinces is Islam a minority religion or below 50%, including West Papua.

Indonesias Constitution is based on the doctrine of Pancasila  five principles upholding the nations belief in the one and only God and social justice, humanity, unity and democracy for all.

While Pastor Baner wasnt killed just because of his Christian identity, there are many extremist groups in Indonesia that oppose Pancasila and target the Christian minority.

Churches often face opposition from groups that attempt to obstruct the construction of non-Muslim houses of worship. Human Rights Watch previously said that more than 1,000 churches in the archipelago had been closed due to pressure from such groups.
Pastor's 2 sons killed, daughter kidnapped in attack in terrorist-plagued region of Nigeria Church leader's 13-year-old daughter released after ransom payment

ABUJA, Nigeria  Gunmen in northeast Nigeria shot a pastor and killed his sons in one attack and killed a Christian engineering instructor in another this month, sources said.

Near Mubi town in Islamic terrorist-plagued Adamawa state, assailants shot the Rev. Daniel Umaru on July 5, leaving him for dead after killing his sons, 19-year-old Kefrey Daniel and Fanye Daniel, 23, area sources said. The gunmen kidnapped his 13-year-old daughter, Ijagla, who was released on July 8 after the kidnappers received a ransom payment.

Pastor Umaru, of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN), was recovering in a hospital, said area resident Aunty Adunni.

He was shot and left to bleed to death, Adunni told Morning Star News in a text message. Both the wounded pastor and his wife, who became unconscious during the attack, were taken to the hospital.

Police in Adamawa state confirmed the attack, with spokesman Suleiman Nguroje saying the assailants stormed the pastors home in Mararaba Mubi, near Mubi, at about 2 a.m. on July 5.

The state's governor condemned the attack in a statement and said the assailants must be brought to justice.

Area resident Peter Musa lamented the killings.

Please pray for Gods intervention in this state over unending attacks on Christians and churches, he told Morning Star News in a text message.

The pastors sons were buried on July 8 at EYN headquarters in Kwarhi Maararba, in the Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa state.

In the state capital, Yola, gunmen on July 14 killed a Christian engineering teacher, Yohanna Mbudai Bzegu, at his home in the Bajabure area of the city, sources said. Bzegu taught at Adamawa State Polytechnic in Yola.

The assailants broke into his home behind the Anglican Junior Seminary at about 3 a.m. and shot him to death, area resident John Usman said in a text message.

The Christian lecturer was shot multiple times in his chest after the terrorists forcefully gained entrance into his house, Usman told Morning Star News. Before this time, the terrorists had attempted breaking into his house more than four times but were unsuccessful.

Police in Yola confirmed the attack and were searching for the suspects.

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
Make this your prayer for the Christians as you read about persecution in China and Ethiopia: Keep them as the apple of your eye; hide them in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who do them violence, their deadly enemies who surround them (Psalm chapter 17 verses 8-9 ESV).

Repression in China

On 6 June Chinas ruling Communist Party (CCP) issued a directive encouraging and incentivising citizens to inform on one another. The Ministry of State Security has set up a public hot-line through which citizens can provide either real-name reports or anonymous tip-offs, by phone or over the internet, regarding citizens they suspect may be a threat to national security.

As Radio Free Asia reports (9 June), national security [is] a broadly defined concept that criminalises overseas contacts and fund-raising, criticism of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and peaceful political opposition.

Depending on the value of the information, informants may receive a spiritual reward (a certificate of appreciation) or varying degrees of financial reward.



In early June, Mrs Hao Ying, wife of Pastor Geng Zejun, published on social media that a trial will be held against her imprisoned husband at the end of June. Pastor Geng leads the Church of the Rock in Shizuishan citys Huinong district in Chinas Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, a remote far north region on the border of Inner Mongolia.

Authorities raided the church on 5 December 2021 and sentenced Geng to 15 days administrative detention, and his wife and four others to 10 days. After their release, church gatherings resumed. On 4 January police summoned Pastor Geng for questioning; he never returned home.

Pastor Geng and two other members  Luo Shiping and Wang Sufang  were charged with organising illegal religious gatherings. Bitter Winter reports (27 June) that Pastor Geng has been committed to trial and his sentencing has been scheduled for 13 July.

Pray for China and Hong Kong

- That Christians may withstand - with courage, grace and steadfast faith - the increasingly ominous signs that religious freedom in China and Hong Kong is next on the hit list by the destructive forces of Xi's regime.



- For protection from the National Security Law, criminalising: succession; subversion of state power; local terrorist activities; collaborating with foreign or external foreign forces to endanger national security.



- For strength and protection for 90-year-old Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong, arrested for helping participants in the 2019 pro-democracy protests.



- For the freedom of Christian schools from threatened take-over by the CCP which blames Christian education for pro-democracy activism.

Massacres in Ethiopia

On Monday 5 July Oromo ethno-nationalist militants slaughtered at least 150 predominantly Christian ethnic Amhara in Hawa Gelan Woreda (district) in Kellem/Qellem Wollega Zone, Oromia Region. Minority ethnic Amharas were specifically targeted.

Lamenting the prevalence of ethnically targeted killing, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has called for an urgent reinforcement of government security forces to prevent further civilian deaths. While the official toll is at least 150, one survivor told the Amhara Media Corporation, They [the attackers] have left, and bodies are now being picked up; so far 300 [bodies] have been collected. But its still early, there are many others whose whereabouts we dont know.

These massacres come in the wake of the Abiy governments May crackdown on dissent in Amhara Region and the disarming of FANO, an ethnic Amhara volunteer militia established in late 2021 to defend Amhara Region and Addis Ababa from advancing TPLF forces [see RLPB 622, Christian Crisis Looms as Rebels Advance, 3 Nov 2021].

More than 30 protesters died in the May crackdown which resulted in more than 12,000 arrests: including 20 journalists and 62 political opposition, as well as activists, lawyers, professors, military personnel and thousands of FANO.

In its condemnation of the 18 June massacre, the Amhara Association of America (AAA) noted that at least 1,688 Amharas were killed and 62 abducted in 2021 by the OLA alone. Consequently, Amharas fear that the crackdown on dissent and disarming of FANO will work to facilitate an Amhara genocide.

As noted in last weeks RLPB, PM Abiy is under intense pressure to do whatever it takes to broker peace with the Egypt-Sudan-US-backed Marxist-Leninist and separatist TPLF. Fears abound that this may involve sacrificing the Amhara. The pro-TPLF US Biden-Blinken administration is ready to enact crippling sanctions if the TPLF and US dont get what they want: a US-allied Greater Tigray on the Red Sea.

The threat of civil war, national disintegration, ethnic cleansing and Amhara genocide  i.e. a Christian crisis of monumental proportions  continues to linger over Ethiopia.



Please pray that our sovereign God will



- Comfort and sustain all who have been impacted by the recent massacres of ethnic Amhara in Oromia Region; may the Lord comfort those who grieve  especially those who have lost their entire family - and sustain those who are displaced by providing them with secure shelter and all the humanitarian assistance they require. Lord have mercy.



- Protect and sustain his precious Church in Ethiopia, a missional Church which includes the ancient Ethiopian Orthodox Church, as well as Catholics and Protestants, and an ever increasing number of converts from Islam; Lord have mercy.



- Grant Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (a convert to Christianity) wisdom and strength as he seeks to lead the nation into a new era of unity, peace and prosperity; may he not be lured or forced from that path and may he look to the Lord for direction and strength.



- Intervene to thwart all evil plots designed to break-up Ethiopia; may Gods good plans for Ethiopia prevail.
The three people killed at an Iowa campground on Friday were a mother, father and child, according to law enforcement and local officials.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation identified them as Tyler and Sarah Schmidt, both 42, and their daughter, Lula, 6, of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

The Schmidts' 9-year-old son, Arlo, "survived the attack, and is safe," Cedar Falls Mayor Rob Green wrote in a Facebook post.

Police said they were "notified of a triple homicide" on Friday morning at the Maquoketa Caves State Park campground in eastern Iowa. Officers found the slain couple and their daughter and, after a brief search, the body of Anthony Orlando Sherwin, 23, police said. Sherwin, who is suspected in the killings, apparently shot himself, police added.

The state medical examiner is set to conduct autopsies on the victims, as well as on Sherwin, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation said. A motive was not yet clear Sunday afternoon.

Green said he was "devastated" by the Schmidts' deaths, noting that they were "regular walkers here in the Sartori Park neighborhood" of Cedar Falls, a city of 40,000. He remembered Sarah Schmidt as "a beloved library employee" at the Cedar Falls Public Library, where Green invited neighbors and friends to leave cards and mementos in honor of the family.

A GoFundMe fundraiser for Arlo Schmidt had drawn 2,500 donations amounting to more than $125,000 as of Sunday afternoon. "Arlo is a strong boy, surrounded by family and friends who are supporting him as best we can," said Beth Shapiro, the fundraiser's organizer, who said she was Sarah Schmidt's cousin.

Adam Morehouse, Sarah Schmidt's brother, told the Associated Press that the family had no connection to Sherwin and that he believed it was a "completely random act." Morehouse confirmed that Arlo was with the family during the camping trip but said he did not know exactly where the boy was at the time of the attack, which involved a shooting.

Jana Morehouse, Sarah Schmidt's sister, addressed the killings Friday on Facebook. "My beautiful, smart, funny, curly haired sister, her husband, and their 6 year old daughter were victims of a random act of violence while camping as a family in Iowa," she wrote.

Morehouse added: "I cannot fathom that she will no longer be on the other side of the phone. I cannot fathom that I don't get to see Lula grow up."

The state park - about 61 miles northeast of Cedar Rapids - was closed after the shooting, which also forced the evacuation of the Camp Shalom children's summer camp. Officials told the Des Moines Register that it would remain closed at least through Thursday.

"Our long-standing tradition of enjoying Iowa's natural wonders was shaken today, but the legacy for the millions of families that recreate at Iowa State Parks will continue," Kayla Lyon, director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, told the Register on Friday.

Known as a destination for spelunkers and hikers, Maquoketa Caves State Park has more caves than any other state park in Iowa. The park contains 13 caves, according to its website.

Felicia Coe of Des Moines told The Washington Post that she, her boyfriend and his children were camping nearby when they heard "two loud thuds" but did not think much of them. But then, she said, her boyfriend and a friend who was also camping there heard a scream and noises that they thought were fireworks. Later, Coe said, she saw a boy waiting near a pair of ambulances wearing a pajama set and one blue shoe.

"He was just standing there," she said, adding that the boy's features matched a photograph of Arlo Schmidt. "He was not hysterical."

Coe, 35, said that her boyfriend's 16-year-old son went out for a jog at the campground before the incident and that he saw an older couple looking for someone named Anthony - the suspect's first name. Coe said her boyfriend's son said the couple knocked on the door while he was in the bathroom and asked, "Anthony, are you in there, buddy?"

Sherwin's mother, Cecilia Sherwin, told the Omaha World-Herald in an email that she and her family were camping at the park Friday when she heard yelling and two gunshots. She said a boy came up to her and told her that a man had shot his family. She said her family was legally traveling with a gun in a secure container.

"We think (Anthony) might have sensed trouble and grabbed the gun for safety," Cecilia Sherwin wrote. "We refuse to believe the news. We are deeply saddened as he had so much to live for and gave us no indication that anything was wrong."

Anthony Sherwin was from La Vista, Neb., where he lived in an apartment complex with his parents, and had no criminal history, La Vista Police Chief Bob Lausten told the Des Moines Register.

Cecilia Sherwin said in a second email to the World-Herald that she and her family "cooperated fully with the police and investigative team from the get-go."

"I didn't think we had any tears left but we still find ourselves breaking down and care deeply for the little boy and the loss of his family," she said, adding that her son "gave us no warning that he was planning anything of this sort."

She again expressed doubt that he had killed the Schmidts. "Anthony was not capable of this sort of violence," she said.

She told the Des Moines Register in an email, "Why would he throw everything away when he was looking forward to going home? It makes no sense."

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, R, said in a statement on Friday that she was "horrified by the shooting this morning at Maquoketa Caves State Park and devastated by the loss of three innocent lives."

Coe told The Post that she and her boyfriend have had a difficult time grappling with the situation, given the ubiquity of gun violence in the nation.

"It's heartbreaking, and it's just unreal," she said. "And, unfortunately, it's something that is happening everywhere. But like everyone says, you don't think it's so close to you until it's so close to you."

- - -

The Washington Post's Timothy Bella contributed to this report.
Begaj takes oath as new president of Albania

Xinhua) 09:18, July 25, 2022

TIRANA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The newly-elected President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, took oath here on Sunday at a swearing-in ceremony in the parliament.

In his first address in front of the lawmakers as the president, Begaj, 55, declared that he will support and respect both the government and opposition's work, calling for cooperation between political parties instead of conflict.

"I will carry out this mission above the parties. I will not remain neutral towards anyone who puts political interests above the nation's interest and I will support and insist on the cooperation between all political forces," Begaj added.

The president urged political parties to "get away from the politics of confrontation and replace it with the politics of dialogue."

"Unity is needed more than ever to ensure the vitality of our nation. Let us all together make our Albania even more beautiful, for it to be in the place where it belongs," Begaj noted.

Begaj was elected president on June 4. A total of 83 lawmakers participated in the voting that took place in the plenary session in the parliament, where Begaj received 78 votes in favor, while four lawmakers voted against and there was one abstention.

He was a major general (Maj. Gen) and held the post of the chief of general staff of the Albanian Armed Forces before the election as president of Albania, a post he is set to hold over the next five years. At his swearing-in ceremony, Begaj was accompanied by his wife Armanda Begaj and his two sons.

On Sunday morning, former President Ilir Meta posted on the social media his last message directed to the people as the president, a post he held for five years since July 2017.

"It was an extraordinary honor and privilege to serve for these five years as President of the Republic of Albania. I wish the best for our homeland and nation! I wish peace and prosperity for every Albanian family," Meta wrote.

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun)
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP)  Algerias foreign minister on Monday decried Syrias decadelong suspension from the Arab League during a visit to Damascus, indicating support for the war-torn country's return to the organization under President Bashar Assad.

Syria was expelled from the 22-member group and boycotted by its neighbors after the conflict broke out in March 2011, following a heavy-handed crackdown by Assad's government on mass protests demanding reforms.
BIG RAPIDS  A Big Rapids native has published a novel so real, it had to be cleared by four government agencies.

Rick Steinke, a Big Rapids High School alumni and retired U.S. Army colonel, just published his second book, "Major Jake Fortina and the Tier-One Threat," which will be released July 26. The story is about two terrorists (working for rogue Iranian government officials) breaking into the grave of an American veterans cemetery in France. Their hope was what they took from the grave could lead to the deaths of millions of Israeli and U.S. citizens as well as Jews around the world.

U.S. Army Major Jake Fortina is called upon by the FBI and French and Italian law enforcement and intelligence officials to help defeat Irans nefarious plan. The international drama leads readers to Afghanistan, England, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey and the United States in the scramble to save the world from a terror unknown since the deadly Spanish flu outbreak of 1918.

Although the book is a work of fiction, it contains a lot of realism which lends credibility to the story. Steinkes book had to be cleared for publication by the Department of Defense which took almost six months. They have an office whose sole purpose is to ensure that writers who have served within the armed services, or as civilians in the Department of Defense, do not publish books or articles which might reveal classified information to our enemies. About two-thirds of the book is either about real experiences or real places Steinke has served in. This book had to be cleared by four different entities in the U.S. government including US Special Operations Command and the US Defense Intelligence Agency.

Steinke graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1974. Upon his graduation, he attended West Point and went on to serve 28 years in the U.S. Army and 13 years as a U.S. Department of Defense civilian. He most recently served as the associate dean at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies located in Germany whose mission is to build international government capacity and networks to counter terrorism, transnational organized crime, cyber threats and other national security challenges.

On a fun note, there is reference to Big Rapids in his book and there are a handful of names that just might be middle and high school friends of Rick. But remember, the book is fiction.

"Major Jake Fortina and the Tier-One Threat" may be ordered online at Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, Target.com and Walmart.com. For the first year, through July 2023, Steinke is donating all of the revenues from the sales of the hardbound, soft cover and Kindle versions of the book to the Wounded Warrior Project and the FBI Agents Association.
CHICAGO (AP)  Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Monday presented three options for renovating Soldier Field, the home of the Chicago Bears, but the team said it's not interested.

Lightfoot proposed fully enclosing the stadium by rebuilding both end zones with columns that can support a dome; rebuilding both end zones with columns to make the stadium dome-ready; or modifying Soldier Field to be a multi-purpose stadium better suited for soccer.

"Any of these proposed renovations will allow Soldier Field to retain its role as an economic engine for Chicago for years to come, Lightfoot said in a news release.

The mayors office estimated the costs of the three options would range from $900 million to $2.2 billion. It did not say how it would pay for any of the options.

The proposed renovations would expand seating from 61,500 seats (now the lowest capacity in the NFL) up to 70,000; increase the number of suites from 133 to 140; and quadruple concession area square footage from 50,000 square feet (4,645 square meters) to 200,000 square feet (18,580 square meters), the mayor's office said.

The Bears had no new comment on Lightfoot's proposals but the team reiterated the same statement it issued July 7 when a panel appointed by Lightfoot recommended the city explore enclosing Soldier Field.

The only potential project the Chicago Bears are exploring for a new stadium development is Arlington Park. As part of our mutual agreement with the seller of that property, we are not pursuing alternative stadium deals or sites, including renovations to Soldier Field, while we are under contract," that statement said.

The team signed a purchase agreement last year for a 326-acre (131.93-hectare) site in suburban Arlington Heights, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) miles northwest of Soldier Field, that could be the site of a future stadium. President Ted Phillips has said that deal likely wont close until early 2023, at which point the team will decide whether its financially feasible to try to develop it further.
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LONDON (AP)  David Trimble, a former Northern Ireland first minister who won the Nobel Peace Prize for playing a key role in helping end Northern Irelands decades of violence, has died, the Ulster Unionist Party said Monday. He was 77.

The party said in a statement on behalf of the Trimble family that the unionist politician died earlier Monday following a short illness.

Trimble, who led the UUP from 1995 to 2005, was a key architect of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that ended three decades of violent conflict in Northern Ireland known as The Troubles.

Keir Starmer, leader of Britains opposition Labour Party, called Trimble a towering figure of Northern Ireland and British politics in a tweet Monday. Current UUP leader Doug Beattie praised Trimble as man of courage and vision, a tribute echoed by leaders from across the political divide.

The UUP was Northern Irelands largest Protestant unionist party when, led by Trimble, it agreed to the Good Friday peace accord.

Although a hardliner unionist when he was younger, Trimble became a politician whose efforts in compromise became pivotal in bringing together unionists and nationalists in Northern Ireland's new power-sharing government.

Like most Protestant politicians at the time, Trimble initially opposed efforts to share power with Catholics as something that would jeopardize Northern Irelands union with Britain. He at first refused to speak directly with Gerry Adams, leader of Sinn Fein, the political wing of the Irish Republican Army.

He ultimately relented and in 1997 became the first unionist leader to negotiate with Sinn Fein.

Former British Prime Minister John Major said Trimbles brave and principled change of policy was critical to peace in Northern Ireland.

He thoroughly merits an honorable place amongst peacemakers, Major said.

The peace talks began formally in 1998 and was overseen by neutral figures like former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell. The outcomes were overwhelmingly ratified by public referendums in both parts of Ireland.

Trimble shared the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize with Catholic moderate leader John Hume, head of the Social Democratic and Labour Party, for their work.

Trimble was elected first minister in Northern Irelands first power-sharing government the same year, with the SDLPs Seamus Mallon as deputy first minister.

But both the UUP and the SDLP soon saw themselves eclipsed by more hardline parties -- the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Fein. Many in Northern Ireland grew tired of Trimble and his colleagues, who appeared to be too moderate and compromising.

Trimble struggled to keep his party together as the power-sharing government was rocked by disagreements over disarming the IRA and other paramilitary groups. Senior colleagues defected to the DUP, Trimble lost his seat in Britains Parliament in 2005 and soon after he resigned as party leader. The following year he was appointed to the upper chamber of Parliament, the House of Lords.

Northern Ireland power-sharing has gone through many crises since then  but the peace settlement has largely endured.

The Good Friday Agreement is something which everybody in Northern Ireland has been able to agree with, Trimble said earlier this year. It doesnt mean they agree with everything. There are aspects which some people thought were a mistake, but the basic thing is that this was agreed.

William David Trimble was born in Belfast on Oct. 15, 1944, and was educated at Queens University, Belfast.

He had an academic career in law before entering politics in the early 1970s, when he became involved in the hardline Vanguard Party. He surprised many when he won the leadership of the UUP in 1995.

Trimble was not always a popular leader, and his negotiations toward the peace accord attracted criticism from elements of his party.

David faced huge challenges when he led the Ulster Unionist Party in the Good Friday Agreement negotiations and persuaded his party to sign on for it," Adams said Monday in a statement. It is to his credit that he supported that Agreement. I thank him for that.

While we held fundamentally different political opinions on the way forward nonetheless I believe he was committed to making the peace process work," Adams continued. Davids contribution to the Good Friday Agreement and to the quarter century of relative peace that followed cannot be underestimated.

Trimble is survived by his wife Daphne and children Richard, Victoria, Nicholas and Sarah.
This article, Do Home COVID Tests Work for BA.5?, originally appeared on CNET.com.

BA.5, a mutation of the original omicron variant that is now responsible for almost 80% of all current COVID-19 cases, is extremely contagious. It's also the target of the booster shots that will likely be rolled out to Americans this fall or winter, and is also likely to be the version of COVID-19 that sickened President Joe Biden Thursday.

But are the at-home rapid tests we've come to rely on (and have even gotten shipped to our homes) able to detect BA.5?

While it's possible new research could come out and prove that BA.5 makes some tests less effective at picking up positive COVID-19 cases, the rapid tests seem to be doing their jobs. Here's what to know.

How do home COVID tests work?

At-home COVID-19 tests are usually rapid antigen tests, which work by identifying proteins in the coronavirus. If the proteins are present in your nose when you swab it, there will be a second line on your test, and you should consider yourself positive and contagious with COVID-19. This is similar to how a home pregnancy test works, but pregnancy tests pick up the presence of a hormone instead of a virus. (And pregnancy isn't contagious, of course.)

"Positive results remain highly accurate for these tests, though there still can be false negatives," Shaili Gandh, vice president of pharmacy at SingleCare, said in an email. This is because it takes a higher amount of virus to test positive on a rapid test than the highly sensitive PCR or lab-based tests. Someone who's fully vaccinated and boosted, for example, may have a very low viral load (smaller amount of virus) and that may mean they test negative even if they do have COVID-19. If that's the case, you might need a lab-based PCR test before COVID-19 is confirmed. (That doesn't mean you shouldn't use a home test if you're boosted, though, but more on that below.)

Read more: Put Down That Cloth Mask. These Are The Best Masks to Help Avoid COVID

Tang Ming Tung/Getty Images

Do home tests work against BA.5? When's the best time to test?

Research continues on BA.5, which includes how effective tests are at detecting it, according to Gandh. But how well the home COVID-19 tests work may have less to do with the subvariant and more to do with when you test.

You're most likely to test positive for COVID-19 when you have symptoms. Similarly, asymptomatic people or someone with mild symptoms might be more likely to have a false negative result than someone who has a lot of symptoms.

"Under these conditions, at-home tests are as effective at detecting omicron as with other variants," Sandra Adams, a professor of biology and virologist at Montclair State University, told New Jersey Advance Media.

"The accuracy varies with when the tests are taken," she added.

Gandh said a "good rule of thumb" is to take at least two tests, with a day or two between tests. You should also follow the instructions on whatever box you have, which often comes as a pack of two tests, and stay up-to-date on the US Food and Drug Administration's extension of the shelf lives of some home tests.

And, if there are home tests discovered to not work against BA.5, the FDA will remove its authorization of that particular test.

"The FDA would know if there are performance concerns because they continue to monitor all authorized tests and scientific evidence over a period of time in the event that they need to make changes," Dr. Mark Fischer, Regional Medical Director at International SOS, said in an email.

What's BA.5's incubation period?

At the beginning of the omicron surge in December last year, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed its quarantine guidance based on the understanding people were most contagious with COVID-19 in the one or two days before they developed symptoms, and two to three days after.

While some research suggests BA.5 doesn't have a different incubation period than other versions of COVID-19, some people are reporting testing positive for longer, Gandh notes. Dr. Eric Topol, a professor of molecular medicine at Scripps Research, noted in a report earlier this month that changes in BA.5 that make it easier to get into cells may explain why some people are taking a long time to test negative.

"For now, while this new variant is still elusive, I recommend testing multiple times with at-home tests, and if symptoms persist [and you're still testing negative], get a PCR test from your pharmacy or doctor," Gandh said.

And, unfortunately, a positive result on a home rapid test in all likelihood means you have COVID-19. So consider yourself contagious and follow the CDC's guidelines for isolation and masking.
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BERLIN (AP)  Russian energy giant Gazprom said Monday that it would further reduce natural gas flows through a major pipeline to Europe to 20% of capacity, citing equipment repairs. The move ramps up fears that Russia may cut off gas as political leverage over the war in Ukraine just as Europe tries to shore up storage for winter.

The Russian state-owned company tweeted that it would reduce the daily throughput of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany to 33 million cubic meters as of Wednesday, saying it was shutting down a turbine for repairs. The head of Germany's network regulator, Klaus Mueller, confirmed that the flow was expected to be cut in half.

Deliveries were at 40% of capacity after Nord Stream 1 reopened last week following 10 days of scheduled maintenance. The German government said it rejected the notion that technical reasons would lead to further gas reductions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is playing a perfidious game, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck told news agency dpa. He is trying to weaken the great support for Ukraine and drive a wedge into our society. To do this, he stirs up uncertainty and drives up prices. We are countering this with unity and concentrated action.

Natural gas is used to keep industry humming, generate electricity and heat homes in the winter, and concerns are rising about a possible recession if Europe does not save enough gas and rationing is required to get through the cold months. Energy prices have been soaring for months  spiking again after Gazprom's announcement  fueling inflation that is squeezing people's spending power.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Russias cuts in gas deliveries a form of terror.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy accused Moscow of waging an overt gas war against European countries, likening Gazproms latest steps to Russias blockade of Ukraines Black Sea ports and its occupation of parts of his countrys south and east.

All this is done by Russia deliberately to make it as difficult as possible for Europeans to prepare for winter, Zelenskyy said. They dont care what will happen to the people, how they will suffer  from hunger due to the blocking of ports or from winter cold and poverty  Or from occupation.

The new reduction should not be a surprise, said Simone Tagliapietra, an energy expert at Bruegel think tank in Brussels.

Russia is playing a strategic game here. Fluctuating already low flows is better than a full cut-off, as it manipulates the market and optimizes geopolitical impact," he said.

Russia has cut off or reduced natural gas to a dozen European Union countries. The goal is to use less gas now to build storage for winter, with the EU proposing member states voluntarily cut their use by 15% over the coming months. It's also seeking the power to impose mandatory cuts across the 27-nation bloc if theres a risk of a severe gas shortage or very high demand.

But Spain and Portugal said they will reject mandatory cuts, pointing to few energy connections with the rest of Europe and use of Russian gas that's far below countries like Germany and Italy. Diplomats were scrambling to find a solution that ensured EU unity ahead of an emergency meeting Tuesday.

Gazprom's new reduction should increase pressure on EU energy ministers to deliver a sensible deal," Tagliapietra said. Action on this cannot be delayed any more."

Russia recently has accounted for about a third of Germanys gas supplies. The government said last week that the drop in gas flows confirmed that Germany cant rely on Russian deliveries, announcing that it would step up its gas storage requirements and take further measures to conserve supplies.

Gazprom raised questions earlier Monday about the return of a second turbine that has been at the center of Nord Stream 1 tensions, saying it wasn't satisfied with documents it has received.

Gazprom initially reduced the gas flow through the pipeline by 60% in mid-June, alleging technical problems involving the part that partner Siemens Energy sent to Canada for overhaul and couldnt be returned because of sanctions.

Canada subsequently allowed the turbine for a compressor station at the pipelines Russian end to be delivered to Germany, which is where the German government said it was last week.

The Russian energy company asserted that issues regarding EU and British sanctions remain unresolved for Gazprom, though that was important for delivering the turbine and performing urgent major repair of other turbine engines for the same compressor station. Later, the company tweeted it was shutting down one more gas turbine engine produced by Siemens Energy.

Germany says all sides have been informed that the original part isnt subject to EU sanctions. Siemens Energy said turbine maintenance is a routine measure, and over the past 10 years, there have been no significant complications, dpa reported.

The company said the transport of the turbine has been prepared and could start immediately and that it had told Gazprom it had all the necessary documents at the beginning of last week.

What is missing, however, are required customs documents for import to Russia, Siemens Energy said in a statement, adding that this information could only be provided by the customer.

____

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP)  House Speaker Nancy Pelosis reported plans to travel to Taiwan have upended Washingtons political divide, with a rift emerging with President Joe Biden over the visit to the self-governing island while prominent Republicans offer encouragement to a political opponent they normally scorn.

Pelosis supporters include a conservative Republican senator, at least two former Trump administration officials and the last speaker of the House to make the trip to Taiwan, also a Republican. They are urging Biden to back the trip even as China threatens a forceful response if she goes.

Pelosi, D-Calif., has not confirmed the trip publicly. The White House and the speakers office have yet to challenge each other directly, and Biden has not said publicly that Pelosi should not go.

Biden has made blunting Chinas rising influence a core part of his foreign policy ethos, but the Biden-China relationship is complicated and he has sought to avoid unnecessarily aggravating tensions. China considers democratic, self-ruling Taiwan its own territory and has raised the prospect of annexing it by force.

The White House is preparing for another call between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, a conversation the U.S. president said he expects this week despite his COVID-19 diagnosis.

The growing chorus pushing Biden to support Pelosi publicly is also raising the risk that the president could be perceived as insufficiently tough on China.

Speaker Pelosi should go to Taiwan and President Biden should make it abundantly clear to Chairman Xi that theres not a damn thing the Chinese Communist Party can do about it, Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., said Monday. No more feebleness and self-deterrence. This is very simple: Taiwan is an ally and the speaker of the House of Representatives should meet with the Taiwanese men and women who stare down the threat of Communist China.

The White House on Monday declined to weigh in directly on Pelosi's trip  including whether the speaker has Biden's blessing  considering she has not confirmed it.

The administration routinely provides members of Congress with information and context for potential travel, including geopolitical and security considerations," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, without responding directly to Pelosi's possible plans. Members of Congress will make their own decisions.

State Department spokesman Ned Price also declined to discuss any concerns.

I will just restate our policy, and that is that we remain committed to maintaining cross-strait peace and stability and our One China policy, said Price, referring to the U.S. position that recognizes Beijing as the government of China but allows for informal relations and defense ties with Taipei.

In private, the administration is particularly concerned that a convergence of upcoming events could make a Chinese response to a Pelosi visit even stronger and more animated than it might otherwise be, according to officials. The Chinese Communist Party congress, expected in November, at which Xi intends to further cement his hold on power, is one of those events.

International events in the coming months also could prompt China to react more forcefully than it has in the past if it believes its concerns are being ignored or its president is being disrespected, the officials said. Those include the annual U.N. General Assembly in September and several summits in Asia  the G-20 in Indonesia, the East Asia Summit in Cambodia and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Thailand  set for October and November. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the administration's perspective.

The U.S. officials said the administration doubts that China would take action against Pelosi herself or try to sabotage or otherwise interfere with a visit, but they said the administration does not rule out the possibility that China could escalate provocative overflights of military aircraft in or near Taiwanese airspace and naval patrols in the Taiwan Strait should the trip take place. The officials also said the administration does not preclude that China might also step up its actions outside the immediate area of Taiwan as a show of strength, thus possibly expanding military operations in contested areas of the South China Sea.

Earlier Monday, Taipei staged air raid drills and the island's military performed routine defense exercises amid rising tensions over the potential visit, although there was no direct link between those exercises and threats posed by Beijing should Pelosi make the trip.

The Chinese in general dont fully appreciate or understand the concept of the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches. Those distinctions to them are muddied further because the last time a speaker of the House visited Taiwan, Newt Gingrich, he was the speaker of a Republican-controlled House under a Democratic president.

Pelosi would be visiting at a time when the Democrats control the House, Senate and the White House, so there are concerns that the Chinese may see this as an administration move.

Gingrich himself tweeted support for Pelosi on Monday: What is the Pentagon thinking when it publicly warns against Speaker Pelosi going to Taiwan? If we are so intimidated by the Chinese Communists we cant even protect an American Speaker of the House why should Beijing believe we can help Taiwan survive. Timidity is dangerous.

Mark Esper, a defense secretary during the Trump administration, said Monday that he had recently returned from Taipei and that more high-ranking U.S. officials should visit to help shape U.S. policy in the region. He also stressed that China should not have veto power over where U.S. officials travel.

I think if the speaker wants to go, she should go, Esper said on CNN's New Day.

Meanwhile, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a Republican who served in the Trump administration, tweeted on Sunday: Nancy, Ill go with you. Im banned in China, but not freedom-loving Taiwan. See you there!

Biden last week raised the U.S. government concerns about Pelosi's possible visit, telling reporters after returning from Massachusetts that the military thinks her trip is not a good idea right now."

A spokesman for Pelosi again declined to comment on Monday, citing security protocol. Last week Pelosi said it was important for us to show support for Taiwan and that she believed Biden meant "maybe the military was afraid our plane would get shot down or something like that by the Chinese.

Pelosi has positioned herself as a lawmaker unafraid to confront Beijing almost since the moment she was sworn into Congress in 1987. When she visited Tiananmen Square two years after the 1989 massacre, she defiantly unfurled a banner that read To those who died for democracy in China." Three years ago, Pelosi voiced support for pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, again triggering the ire of the Chinese government.

She had planned to visit Taiwan in April, but postponed the trip after testing positive for COVID-19.

___

AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.
HAYS, Kan. (AP)  Hays school officials are reconsidering the district's dress code for elementary and middle school students after a parent asked that a ban on clothing that references satanism be removed.

Mary Turner, who has three children in the district, told the Board of Education last week that her family has belonged to the Satanic Temple for years.
MILAN (AP)  The first of some 300 Afghan refugees arrived in Rome on Monday along a new humanitarian corridor organized by the Italian government, charities and international organizations, Italy's Foreign Ministry announced.

The humanitarian corridor aims to give additional refugees and persecuted Afghans the possibility of a future in dignity and security following the U.S. withdrawal last August and the Talibans reassertion of control, the ministry said.

Thousands of Afghan citizens were evacuated after the fall of Kabul, but many who risked Taliban retribution were left behind. The Foreign Ministry said the corridor, which envisions the transfer of 1,200 Afghan refugees from Iran, Pakistan and other neighboring countries, would give priority to women and children.

The first nine Afghan refugees arrived on a flight from Tehran. Another 200 are flying from Islamabad on Wednesday with a third group arriving from Tehran on Thursday.

At the same time, the number of Afghan refugees taking smuggling routes is growing, with some 3,280 arriving in Italy by sea so far this year, according to the U.N. refugee agency. The International Organization for Migration said Afghans are the top nationality daring the perilous central Mediterranean Sea route to European shores, with 8,121 arrivals through last Friday.

Both organizations were involved in organizing the corridor transfers, along with Italys foreign and interior ministries and charities including the Community of SantEgidio and Caritas.

Italy has tried for several years to arrange humanitarian corridors so people fleeing conflict, persecution or other grave situations would have an alternative to being smuggled by human traffickers. But the numbers of those being able to reach other countries through these corridors are small compared to the tens of thousands of people who resort to smugglers to reach Europe.

In Sicily, Italian authorities, including border police, detained for investigation of people smuggling five Egyptians who were among 674 survivors aboard an overcrowded fishing boat that was aided last week off southern Italy, the Italian news agency ANSA said Monday. Rescuers found five bodies aboard the fishing boat. Those who died suffered from dehydration and excessive heat, ANSA said.

The suspects were being investigated in the Sicilian port of Messina for allegedly facilitating illegal migration and death as result of another crime, ANSA said. Many of the rescued migrants were transferred Sunday to Messina.

Some survivors told authorities that the smugglers beat them with clubs and belts during the sea voyage and sharply rationed drinking water on the boat, ANSA said.

In all, Italian authorities and charity ships reported rescuing over 1,100 people in the Mediterranean Sea last weekend.

___

Follow all AP stories on global migration at https://apnews.com/hub/migration.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP)  A lawsuit filed Monday by a Casper women's health clinic and others seeks to block Wyoming's new abortion ban just before it's scheduled to take effect.

The lawsuit claims the new law violates the state constitution with restrictions that will discourage potentially lifesaving pregnancy healthcare in Wyoming, forcing pregnant women to go to other states for necessary procedures.

As with all Wyoming laws challenged in court, Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill will defend the new law set to go into effect Wednesday, Michael Pearlman, spokesman for Gov. Mark Gordon, said by email.

Gordon, a Republican, signed the ban on nearly all abortion in Wyoming in March.

The ban was to take effect if the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which happened June 24. After a more than three-week review, Hill last week gave the go-ahead for Gordon to certify the law to take effect this Wednesday.

The law will outlaw abortions except in cases of rape or incest or to protect the mothers life or health, not including psychological conditions. Wyoming until now has allowed abortions up to the point of viability outside the mother, or around 23 weeks into pregnancy.

The lawsuit filed in Teton County District Court by four Wyoming women and two nonprofits seeking to maintain abortion access claims the new law violates several rights guaranteed by the state constitution, including a fundamental right to be left alone by the government.

The lawsuit claims the abortion ban will harm the women  two obstetricians, a pregnant nurse and a University of Wyoming law student  by outlawing potentially life-saving treatment options for their patients or themselves.

For example, the ban would force one of the women, Dr. Giovannina Anthony, a Jackson OB-GYN, to decline care to women with desired pregnancies out of concern she could go to jail if a miscarriage resulted in prosecution, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit could meanwhile discourage procedures performed by Dr. Rene Hinkle, a Cheyenne OB-GYN, to remove miscarried fetuses or end pregnancies occurring outside the uterus out of concern she could be prosecuted, according to the lawsuit.

The law could also discourage pregnant patients with complications from seeking care out of fear they could be prosecuted, the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit's other plaintiffs include the Chelsea's Fund, a nonprofit providing information about abortion options and financial help to women seeking them, and the Wellspring Health Access women's and LGBTQ healthcare clinic in Casper.

An arson attack in late May heavily damaged the clinic just a few weeks before it was set to open, delaying the opening by several months. Police have reported no arrests.

Also suing are Danielle Johnson, of Teton County, a Wyoming hospital nurse who is 22 weeks pregnant and who asserts the law will limit treatment options for her patients and herself; and University of Wyoming law student Kathleen Dow, who plans to have a family soon but now faces similar restrictions, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit asks for a judge to declare the abortion ban unconstitutional and to bar its enforcement.

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Follow Mead Gruver at https://twitter.com/meadgruver
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  A man pleaded not guilty on Monday in Ohio to charges of raping a 10-year-old girl who traveled to Indiana for an abortion last month, which 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 a court in Franklin County, home to the state capital Columbus. He could face life without parole. Police say the man confessed to raping the girl on two separate occasions upon his July 12 arrest. He is being held without bond ahead of a bond hearing thats yet to be scheduled.
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP)  The invasive hornet found in Washington state that has been referred to as the Asian giant hornet or murder hornet has a new name.

Washington state Department of Agriculture officials said Monday that the Entomological Society of America (ESA) has adopted northern giant hornet for the species Vespa mandarinia in its Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms List.

There has been no official ESA common name since its introduction in North America became widely known in 2020, officials said. Washington state will use the new common name.

The proposal to establish a common name came from Dr. Chris Looney, who has been actively involved in the state's hornet research and efforts to eradicate northern giant hornet from Washington, officials said.

The new name is intended to comply with ESAs insect common names guidelines, which include avoiding naming insects using geographic regions.

The northern giant hornet is native to Asia and has been the target of eradication efforts in Washington state and British Columbia, Canada, after hornets were first discovered in both locations in 2019.

The insects are the worlds largest hornets, with queens reaching up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) long. They are considered invasive in North America for their ability to kill other bee and hornet species, which is how they got the nickname murder hornets.

Scientists believe the hornets in the U.S. are confined in Whatcom County, which is located on the Canadian border north of Seattle. Washington state entomologists have so far eradicated four northern giant hornet nests.

Scientists said in May they were setting about 1,000 hornet traps in the area in 2022. Hornets caught in traps help scientists find the location of nests.
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NEW YORK (AP)  A preacher known for his close friendship with New York Citys mayor was robbed of more than $1 million worth of jewelry Sunday by armed bandits who crashed his Brooklyn church service, just as he was sermonizing about keeping faith in the face of grave adversity, police said.

Bishop Lamor Miller-Whitehead, who embraces his flashy lifestyle and can often be seen driving around the Big Apple in his Rolls Royce, was delivering a sermon at his Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries when police say three robbers walked in. They showed guns and demanded property from Miller-Whitehead and his wife, Asia K. DosReis-Whitehead, police said.

The service was also being livestreamed online.

In the video, which appears to have been removed from the churchs social media channels, Miller-Whitehead is heard asking his flock, How many of you have lost your faith because you saw somebody else die? moments before the robbers entered the church.

Hes then seen dropping to his hands and knees and repeatedly saying, alright, alright, before a man holding a gun and wearing a black sweatshirt enters the frame. The man, who was also wearing a black face mask, is then seen approaching Miller-Whitehead, who was hiding behind a gold-colored lectern, and stuffing the bishops jewelry into his pockets.

Another man, dressed in similar garb, is then seen heading toward Miller-Whitehead, lingering near him for a few minutes and then running off. Miller-Whitehead said in a video posted to Instagram that the robbers ripped his collar off to grab his chain and held a gun to his infant daughters face while stealing his wifes jewelry.

Police said the robbers fled in a white Mercedes that was last seen on Avenue D near the church, in Brooklyns Canarsie neighborhood. Neither Miller-Whitehead, 44, nor DosReis-Whitehead, 38, were physically injured, police said. They daughter was also unharmed.

In a video posted to Instagram, Miller-Whitehead said he felt a demonic force enter the church and wasnt sure if the gunmen wanted to shoot the church up or if they were just coming for a robbery. He said hes thankful no one was hurt.

When I see them come into the sanctuary with their guns, I told everybody to get out, everybody just get out, said Whitehead, who on Monday offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the robbers.

A message seeking comment was left with Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries.

Miller-Whitehead, 44, formed Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in 2013, after serving a five-year prison sentenced for identity theft and grand larceny. Miller-Whitehead claims he was illegally convicted.

A city hall spokesperson said New York Mayor Eric Adams spoke with Miller-Whitehead after the robbery Sunday.

No one in this city should be the victim of armed robbery, let alone our faith leaders and congregants worshiping in a House of God, Adams said in a statement. The NYPD is investigating this crime and will work tirelessly to bring the criminals involved to justice.

In a video posted Monday to YouTube, Miller-Whitehead thanked the mayor for his support. He said next Sundays church services would go on as planned.

Adams, a former police captain, grew close to Miller-Whitehead while serving as Brooklyns borough president  the position he held for eight years until becoming mayor in January. Miller-Whitehead made an unsuccessful bid last year to succeed Adams in that post.

In May, Miller-Whitehead made headlines for showing up to a Manhattan police precinct in a Rolls Royce SUV as he attempted to negotiate the surrender of a man accused of gunning down a stranger on a New York City subway train.

Miller-Whitehead told reporters at the time that he had multiple conversations with Adams regarding Andrew Abdullahs surrender, though the suspect was ultimately picked up by police outside the offices of the public defender organization that was representing him.

In an Instagram post Sunday, Miller-Whitehead defended his bling-loving lifestyle, saying hes going to live his life the way God has it set up for him.

Its not about me being flashy, Miller-Whitehead said. Its about me, purchasing what I want to purchase. And its my prerogative to purchase what I want to purchase.

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Follow Michael Sisak on Twitter at twitter.com/mikesisak
DALLAS (AP)  A 37-year-old woman fired several gunshots, apparently at the ceiling, inside of Dallas' Love Field Airport on Monday before an officer shot and wounded her, authorities said.

The woman was dropped off at the airport at about 11 a.m., walked inside near the ticketing counters and entered a bathroom, Dallas police Chief Eddie Garcia said at a news conference. She emerged wearing a hooded sweatshirt or some other clothing that she hadnt arrived in, pulled a gun and fired several shots, apparently at the ceiling, he said.

At this point, we dont know where exactly the individual was aiming, Garcia said.

An officer nearby shot the woman in her lower extremities," wounding her and enabling her to be taken into custody, Garcia said. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

No other individuals were injured in this event other than the suspect, Garcia said.

Police later identified the woman as Portia Odufuwa, 37, and did not speculate as to her motive.

We wanted to ensure that our community knows that this is not an active situation, the chief said.

Karen Warner told The Dallas Morning News that she was checking in for her flight when she heard a loud argument about 20 feet (6 meters) behind her, followed by a gunshot. Then she started running.

I heard about 10 more shots while I was running away, said Warner, who couldn't discern what the argument was about.

Love Field, which is one of the Dallas-Fort Worth area's two major airports, suspended airport operations after the shooting but said at around 3:45 p.m. that they had resumed. The Federal Aviation Administration held up flights for a couple of hours while police investigated, but flights were cleared to resume around mid-afternoon.

A spokesman for Southwest Airlines, which uses Love Field as a hub, said the airline canceled most of its flights that were scheduled to depart or arrive at Love Field before 6 p.m. CDT. Southwest canceled 85 flights at Love Field on Monday, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware.

The shooting wasn't the first violent incident at the airport.

In 2016, a police officer shot and wounded a man outside of Love Field after police said he advanced toward the officer with large landscaping rocks in his hands after battering his ex-girlfriend's car with a traffic cone and rocks as she dropped him off at the airport.
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LOCKPORT, N.Y. (AP)  For as long as anyone can remember, rent increases rarely happened at Ridgeview Homes, a family-owned mobile home park in upstate New York.

That changed in 2018 when corporate owners took over the 65-year-old park located amid farmland and down the road from a fast food joint and grocery store about 30 miles northeast of Buffalo.

Residents, about half of whom are seniors or disabled people on fixed incomes, put up with the first two increases. They hoped the latest owner, Cook Properties, would address the bourbon-colored drinking water, sewage bubbling into their bathtubs and the pothole-filled roads.

When that didn't happen and a new lease with a 6% increase was imposed this year, they formed an association. About half the residents launched a rent strike in May, prompting Cook Properties to send out about 30 eviction notices.

All they care about is raising the rent because they only care about the money, said Jeremy Ward, 49, who gets by on just over $1,000 a month in disability payments after his legs suffered nerve damage in a car accident.

He was recently fined $10 for using a leaf blower. Im disabled," he said. "You guys arent doing your job and I get a violation?

The plight of residents at Ridgeview is playing out nationwide as institutional investors, led by private equity firms and real estate investment trusts and sometimes funded by pension funds, swoop in to buy mobile home parks. Critics contend mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are fueling the problem by backing a growing number of investor loans.

The purchases are putting residents in a bind, since most mobile homes  despite the name  cannot be moved easily or cheaply. Owners are forced to either accept unaffordable rent increases, spend thousands of dollars to move their home, or abandon it and lose tens of thousands of dollars they invested.

These industries, including mobile home park manufacturing industry, keep touting these parks, these mobile homes, as affordable housing. But its not affordable, said Benjamin Bellus, an assistant attorney general in Iowa, who said complaints have gone up 100-fold since out-of-state investors started buying up parks a few years ago.

Youre putting people in a snare and a trap, where they have no ability to defend themselves," he added.

Driven by some of the strongest returns in real estate, investors have shaken up a once-sleepy sector that's home to more than 22 million mostly low-income Americans in 43,000 communities. Many aggressively promote the parks as ensuring a steady return  by repeatedly raising rent.

There's also a growing industry, featuring how-to books, webinars and even a mobile home university, that offers tips to attract small investors.

You went from an environment where you had a local owner or manager who took care of things as they needed fixing, to where you had people who were looking at a cost-benefit analysis for how to get the penny squeezed lowest, Bellus said. You combine it with an idea that we can just keep raising the rent, and these people cant leave.

George McCarthy, president and CEO of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based think tank, said parks containing about a fifth of mobile home lots nationwide have been purchased by institutional investors over the past eight years.

McCarthy singled out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for guaranteeing the loans as part of a what the lending giants bill as expanding affordable housing. Since 2014, the Lincoln Institute estimates Freddie Mac alone provided $9.6 billion in financing for the purchase of more than 950 communities across 44 states.

A spokesman for Freddie Mac countered that it had purchased loans for less than 3% of the mobile home communities nationwide, and about 60% of those were refinances.

Soon after investors started buying up parks in 2015, the complaints of double-digit rent increases followed.

In Iowa, Matt Chapman, a mobile home resident at a park purchased by Utah-based Havenpark Communities, said his rent and fees had almost doubled since 2019. Iowa Legal Aids Alex Kornya said another park purchased by Impact Communities saw rent and fees increase 87% between 2017 and 2020.

Many of the folks living in the park were on fixed incomes, disability, Social Security, and simply were not going to be able to keep pace, said Kornya, who met with about 300 angry mobile home owners at a mega-church. It led almost to a political awakening.

In Minnesota, park purchases by out-of-state buyers grew from 46% in 2015 to 81% in 2021, with rent increases as much as 30%, according to All Parks Alliance For Change, a state association.

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana, speaking at a Senate hearing this year, recalled tenants complaining of repeated rent increases at a Havenpark development in Great Falls. One resident, Cindy Newman, told The Associated Press her monthly rent and fees went up $117 to nearly $400 over a year and eight months  equal to the increase over the previous 20 years. The company says the increase was $95 over a three-year period.

On top of rent increases, residents complained of being inundated with fees for everything from pets to maintenance and fines for clutter and speeding  all tucked into leases that can run upwards of 50 pages.

Josh Weiss, a Havenpark spokesperson, said the company must charge prevailing market rates when it purchases a park at fair market price. That said, the company has moved since 2020 to limit its rent increases to $50-a-month.

We understand the anxiety that any rent increase has on residents, especially those on fixed incomes, Weiss said. While we try to minimize the impact, the financial realities do not change.

The mobile home industry argues the communities are the most affordable housing option, noting that average rent increases across parks nationwide were just over 4% in 2021. Spending on improvements was around 11%. Significant investments are needed, they said, to make improvements at older parks and avoid them being sold off.

You have some people coming into the space that give us all a bad name but those are isolated examples and those practices are not common, said Lesli Gooch, chief executive officer of the Manufactured Housing Institute, the industrys trade association.

Both sides said the government could do more to help.

The industry wants Federal Housing Administration financing made available to residents, many of whom rely on high-interest loans to purchase homes that cost on average $81,900. They also want the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to allow housing vouchers to be used for mobile homes.

Advocates for residents, including MHAction, want lawmakers to put a cap on rent or require a reason for an increase or eviction  state legislation that succeeded in Delaware this year but failed in Iowa, Colorado and Montana.

They also want Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to stipulate in loans they back that rents remain affordable. And they support residents purchasing their communities, which started in New Hampshire and has reached almost 300 parks in 20 states.

A Freddie Mac spokesperson said it has created a new loan offering that incentivizes tenant protections and last year made those mandatory for all future mobile home community transactions.

At Ridgeview, it's unclear how the rent strike will be resolved.

Cook, which claims to be the largest operator of mobile home parks in New York and has a slogan Exceptional Opportunities. Exceptional Returns, declined to comment. The company closed a $26 million private-equity fund in 2021 that purchased 12 parks in New York, but it was unclear if one of them was Ridgeview.

Residents, meanwhile, soldier on. Joyce Bayles, an 85-year-old resident has taken to mowing her own lawn because crews show up only monthly. Gerald Korb, a 78-year-old retiree, said he's still waiting for the company to move an electric pole and transformer he fears could topple onto his home during a storm.

I bought a place and now they are forcing all this on us, said Korb, who stopped paying rent in protest. They are absentee landlords is what they are.

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This story has been corrected to show that McCarthy was referring to lots, not parks, and to show Newmans monthly costs increased by $117 to nearly $400. The total was not $117 before the increase.
DOVER, Del. (AP)  Senate Democrats voted in a special session Monday to seek to remove Delawares state auditor from office, an action criticized as meaningless political theater by the Democratic House speaker.

Senators voted 13-7 for a resolution to hold a joint session of the legislature regarding the removal of Auditor Kathy McGuiness, a Democrat. The resolution must also be approved by the House, but Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf said he has no intention of calling his chamber into special session.

This isnt taking decisive action: its political theater, Schwartzkopf, a longtime political ally of McGuiness, said in a statement issued by Democratic House leadership.

Under a provision in Delawares constitution, the governor may remove any officer, except the lieutenant governor or a state lawmaker, for any reasonable cause if asked to do so by at least two-thirds of the members of both the House and Senate. The person against whom lawmakers are acting would be entitled to at least 10 days notice before any proceeding, at which he or she could be represented by an attorney, call witnesses and present evidence.

The Senates resolution would simply start a lengthy process to ultimately ask the governor to remove the state auditor from office  request hes not required to fulfill, and a request hes indicated that he wouldnt carry out at this time anyway, Schwartzkopf said.

Senate Democrats contend that McGuiness should be removed from office for betraying the public trust.

McGuiness, who is responsible as auditor for rooting out government fraud, waste and abuse, was convicted this month on misdemeanor charges of conflict of interest, official misconduct and structuring a contract with a consulting firm to avoid compliance with state procurement rules. She was acquitted on felony charges of theft and witness intimidation.

The case marked the first time in Delaware history that a sitting statewide elected official had been convicted on criminal charges.

Any public official who engages in the actions that Auditor McGuiness was found guilty of by a jury is unfit for public office, but especially the states top financial watchdog, said Senate President Pro Tem David Sokola, a Newark Democrat.

As McGuiness looked on, Republican senators criticized the resolution as an act of political theater that was both premature and unfair.

McGuiness convictions have yet to be formally entered, and no sentencing date has been set. Her attorney has filed motions asking for a judgment of acquittal, or, in the alternative, a new trial. The attorney generals office responded to those motions on Monday just minutes before the Senate convened.

This individual, in the eyes of the law, is still innocent, said Senate Minority Whip Brian Pettyjohn, a Georgetown Republican whose motion to table the resolution was defeated.

Sen. Colin Bonini, a Dover Republican, argued that voters should decide the fate of McGuiness, who is seeking re-election and faces a Democratic primary challenger on Sept. 13. McGuiness and Democratic Attorney Kathleen Jennings also have been mentioned as possible Democratic gubernatorial candidates in 2024.

You should always default to what the people decide, Bonini said.

Schwartzkopf noted that House Democrats had sent a letter to Democratic Gov. John Carney earlier this month supporting the use of his authority under a different constitutional provision to unilaterally remove McGuiness from office if the guilty verdicts against her are entered as convictions.

Under that provision, the governor is required to remove any public officer convicted of misbehavior in office or of any infamous crime. Carney said earlier this month that Delawares Supreme Court made it clear in a 1979 ruling that the governor has no power to act until after the entry of a judgment of conviction.

Senate Democrats said Schwartzkopf was abdicating the legislatures constitutional responsibility to the executive branch while allowing McGuiness to continue collecting her taxpayer-funded salary.

McGuiness was convicted of conflict of interest in the hiring of her daughter in 2020. Prosecutors alleged that Saylar McGuiness, 20, was hired even as other part-time workers in the auditors office left because of a lack of work early in the coronavirus pandemic, then allowed special privileges not available to other casual-seasonal workers. McGuiness also was convicted of structuring payments under a no-bid communications services contract with a consulting firm she had used in a 2016 campaign for lieutenant governor to avoid having to get them approved by the state Division of Accounting. The structuring and conflict of interest convictions laid the foundation for jurors to also find McGuiness guilty of official misconduct

Among the Democrats who voted to seek McGuiness ouster were Sokola, Sen. Trey Paradee of Dover, and Sen. Nicole Poore of New Castle, all of whom have children who obtained jobs as legislative staffers. Also voting in favor of the resolution was Wilmington Democrat Spiros Mantzavinos, a friend of McGuiness who once served as her chief of staff in the auditors office.

That was quite disturbing, said McGuiness, who continues to maintain her innocence.
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP)  Slovakia may consider donating its fleet of Soviet-era MiG warplanes to Ukraine, the Slovak defense minister said Monday.

Standing alongside his British counterpart Ben Wallace, Slovak Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad said we can discuss the future" of his countrys 11 MiG-29 fighter jets after they're grounded most probably by the end of August.

Slovakia has already negotiated with NATO allies the Czech Republic and Poland to monitor Slovak air space from the beginning of September.

No decision has been made yet, no discussions are taking place as of now and were ready to discuss that later on, said Nad.

Wallace said Britain isn't now considering giving Ukraine warplanes, but would offer Slovakia fighter jets to help guard its airspace.

Since the start of the invasion on Feb. 24, Ukraine has urged Western allies to provide it with warplanes to challenge Russias 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.

Nad said providing warplanes to Ukraine would require a broader discussion with allies about the consequences of such a delivery.

But politically, yes, I can tell you there's a positive attitude of helping Ukrainians with Mi-29s."

Slovakia has signed a deal to buy 14 U.S. F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets to replace its MiG-29s but the start of their delivery was postponed by two years to 2024.

Slovakia has supplied Ukraine with heavy weapons since the war started. Its donations include a Soviet-era S-300 air defense system, military helicopters and thousands of Grad multiple-rocket launcher rockets. Slovakia also sold Ukraine self-propelled howitzers.

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Follow APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
MASKWACIS, Alberta (AP)  Pope Francis' apology Monday for the Catholic Churchs role in Canada's residential school system and the abuses that took place within it was a full-throated denunciation of a decadeslong policy of forced assimilation that aimed to strip Indigenous children of their culture and traumatized generations.

Speaking at the site of a former residential school south of Edmonton, Alberta, the pontiff said he was deeply sorry for actions by many in support of the colonizing mentality of the powers that oppressed the Indigenous peoples.

He also expressed sorrow over the schools' systemic marginalization, denigration and suppression of Indigenous people, languages and culture; the physical, verbal, psychological and spiritual abuse children suffered after being taken from their homes at a young age; and the indelibly altered family relationships that resulted.

I myself wish to reaffirm this, with shame and unambiguously. I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples, Francis said.

Here are some reactions to the pope's remarks:

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It was an achievement on the part of the Indigenous community to convince Pope Francis to come to a First Nation community and humble himself before survivors in the way he did today. It was special. And I know that it meant a lot to a lot of people. And every time he said the word sorry, people would start applauding, Phil Fontaine, a residential school abuse survivor and former chief of the Assembly of First Nations, said in an interview with The Associated Press.

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We may all need time to fully absorb the gravity of this moment. ... If you want to help us heal, stop telling us to get over it. ... We cant get over it when intergenerational trauma impacts every youth and every member, every family who had a residential school survivor. Instead of getting over it, Im asking you to get with it, get with learning about our history, get with learning about our culture, our people, who we are, Chief Desmond Bull of Louis Bull Tribe said during a news conference.

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It was validation that this really happened for the apology to be heard by non-Indigenous people, Chief Tony Alexis of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation said, but the pope needs to follow up with action and cant just say sorry and walk away."

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Ive waited 50 years for this apology, and finally today I heard it, Evelyn Korkmaz, a school survivor, said during a news conference. Unfortunately many family and community members did not live to see it due to suicide or substance-abuse, she said. But I was hoping to hear some kind of work plan for ways the church would be turning over documents and taking other concrete steps.

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I have a lot of of survivors and thrivers in my community who are happy to hear the pope has come to apologize. Words cannot describe how important today is for the healing journey for a lot of First Nations people, Chief Vernon Saddleback of Samson Cree Nation said in a news conference. The pope apologizing today was a day for everyone in the world to sit back and listen.

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Its something that is needed, not only for people to hear but for the church to be accountable, said Sandi Harper of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, who attended the papal event in honor of her late mother, a former residential school student. Still, she told AP some Indigenous people are not ready for reconciliation: We just need to give people the time to heal. Its going to take a long time."

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
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KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  The appeal of Ukraines first war crimes conviction was adjourned on Monday, as prosecutors keep pushing to hold Russia legally accountable for atrocities even as fighting rages in the south and east of the country.

Thin and subdued, Vadim Shishimarin, a 21-year-old captured Russian soldier who pleaded guilty to killing a civilian and was sentenced in May by a Ukrainian court to life in prison, sat in a glass box in the courtroom as he faced news cameras. The hearing was postponed until July 29 due to his lawyers ill health.

Around Ukraine's capital region, where Russian forces pulled out four months ago, much of the work of documenting crime scenes and interviewing witnesses has been done. Now a more difficult phase in the search for accountability is underway: Finding those responsible.

While conducting searches in the previously occupied region, we regularly find documents, passports and lists with names of participants of the units, with their complete data, including sites of birth and dates of births, Andrii Nebytov, head of the Kyiv regional police, told The Associated Press. All of this information is being transferred to the relevant law enforcement. The investigators are working with the victims, trying to identify the people who committed crimes against them.

Shishimarins case is unusual in that Ukrainian authorities quickly found evidence to link him with the shooting of a 62-year-old man in the northeastern Sumy region on Feb. 28. Thats not the case for most war crimes cases now under investigation.

Ukrainian prosecutors have registered over 20,100 potential war crimes, and police in the Kyiv region have exhumed more than 1,300 bodies.

But as of July, prosecutors in Ukraine have only been able to identify 127 suspects, according to the prosecutor generals office. Fifteen of them are currently in Ukraine as prisoners of war while the rest remain at large. Those suspects include three accused of sexual violence and 64 accused of willful killing or ill-treatment of civilians.

Shishimarin is one of 10 people to face war crimes trials so far in Ukraine, in cases involving indiscriminate shelling, willful killing, sexual violence, robbery, ill-treatment of civilians and attacks on civilian objects. Six have been convicted, according to the prosecutor generals office.

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This story is part of an ongoing investigation from The Associated Press and the PBS series Frontline that includes the War Crimes Watch Ukraine interactive experience and an upcoming documentary.



The speed of justice in Ukraine has been unusual. War crimes prosecutions are rarely conducted during an ongoing conflict.

Ukraines top prosecutors have long argued for speedy trials  in part to meet a seething public hunger for justice  even as they work to maintain judicial standards that will satisfy domestic watchdogs and allies in the U.S. and Europe.

The prosecutor general behind this effort, Iryna Venediktova, was dismissed last week along with the former chief of Ukraine's SBU security service, Ivan Bakanov, for reportedly not doing enough to tackle collaborators and traitors in their departments. Her replacement is expected to be announced shortly.

Even as the hunt for war crimes perpetrators intensifies, the daunting work of documenting atrocities continues.

Victims of chaos and carnage in the early weeks of war in Ukraine were buried haphazardly. All those bodies had to be dug up for forensic examination. Kyiv regional police have exhumed 1,346 bodies, but more than 300 people are still missing, according to Nebytov.

Concerning the exhumations, I am sure that we are far from finishing it, he said in an interview Thursday. This week we found a man who was executed with his hands tied behind his back and a hat over his head. The expert says that during the execution the man was on his knees.

More than half of the victims police have found so far were shot dead; 38 of them were children. Kyiv police have found 13 mass graves in the region.

Nebytov said he has documented a litany of horrors: babies shot dead as their families tried to escape in civilian convoys, a man kidnapped as he gathered wood to make a fire and executed, civilians taken in for interrogation by Russian forces whose bodies were found with hands and eyes bound with tape, shot in the knees and shot in the head.

With the intelligence at my disposal, I can say that theres no specific military strategy in sight. It is not a military strategy but rather terror, he said. It is a concentration of evil, violence and cruelty.

Ruslan Kravchenko, chief regional prosecutor in Bucha, which lies just north of Ukraine's capital, told AP that he has sent over 2,000 cases to Ukraines security services for further investigation and that new cases continue to come in every day  now, mostly for property damage.

Bucha, once a desirable, leafy town outside Kyiv, has become a symbol of the carnage of the war started by Russia in February. Kravchenko said of the 327 murder victims in Bucha his office has documented, just three were soldiers and one was a police officer.

I have never seen so many bodies, said Kravchenko, who worked in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, and the Donbas, where Russia-backed separatists have been fighting the Ukrainian government since 2014, before moving onto Bucha. I can see only one pattern: Where Russians saw civilians, they shot them immediately without explanation.

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Associated Press reporter Oleksandr Stashevskyi and Frontline producers Tom Jennings and Annie Wong in Kyiv contributed to this report.

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Follow all AP stories on the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate because of a wildfire burning thousands of acres near Yosemite National Park and challenging firefighters.

The Oak Fire began Friday afternoon and on Sunday afternoon had burned more than 14,200 acres outside Yosemite, according to Cal Fire.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, declared a state of emergency for Mariposa County on Saturday. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is also providing resources to suppress the fire, Newsom said.

Cal Fire spokeswoman Natasha Fouts said about 6,000 people had been evacuated from the area as of Saturday morning. She revised that number in an interview with The Washington Post on Sunday, saying that about 3,000 people were under evacuation orders and that nearly 2,000 were being warned that they may need to leave soon.

The wildfire had destroyed 10 structures and damaged five as of Sunday, according to the department's website. None of the Oak Fire had been contained Sunday.

"This fire in particular has just had a really dangerous rate of spread," Fouts said.

She said Sunday that crews were anticipating rough firefighting weather.

"We're anticipating increase in fire activity this afternoon, which is what we've been seeing as the temperature rises and the winds pick up," Fouts said.

Justin Macomb, a Cal Fire operations section chief, said in an operational update Sunday morning that firefighters are trying to contain the blaze's spread in residential areas.

It's peak fire season in California, where climate change has heightened the intensity and frequency of wildfires.

Mariposa County has seen several large wildfires in recent years, including the 2013 Rim Fire, which is among California's 20 largest wildfires.

This month, a wildfire in Yosemite threatened hundreds of giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove, the park's largest grove. On Friday, firefighters assumed command of the Washburn Fire, which began July 7, according to the incident management team.

This weekend was a hot one for much of the United States, another sign that climate change is altering the summer months by inducing intense heat waves.

On Sunday, climate change activist and former vice president Al Gore said that "things are going to get a lot worse" if people do not adjust their habits and stop the planet's warming trend.

"We have the ability to stop temperature from going up" he told ABC News's Jon Karl on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos."

"If we got to true net-zero [emissions], the temperatures on Earth would stop going up with a lag time of as little as three to five years, almost as if we've flipped a switch. . . . We have the solutions available," Gore said.

- - -

The Washington Post's Bryan Pietsch contributed to this report.
Ajax9/Getty Images/iStockphoto

ORANGE, Texas (AP)  Authorities have increased their reward in the search for the person responsible for the killing of a 4-year-old Southeast Texas girl more than 20 years ago.

Dannarriah Finley disappeared from her bedroom early on July 4, 2002.
UPDATE: Houston teen raises more than $50K for abortion funds following Matt Gaetz bullying

Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz is facing backlash for bullying and body-shaming a teen activist from Houston over the weekend. Gaetz was initially criticized for controversial remarks he made about abortion rights activists at a Turning Point USA Student Action Summit in Tampa, Florida on Saturday.

"Why is it that the women with the least likelihood of getting pregnant are the ones most worried about having abortions?" the Republican congressman asked the audience of students at the event. "Nobody wants to impregnate you if you look like a thumb."

Gaetz continued his tirade, saying: "These people are odious from the inside out. They're like 5'2, 350 pounds, and they're like, 'Give me my abortions or I'll get up and march and protest.'"

The Republican swiftly received backlash on social media for his comments. Among those disgusted by Gaetz's remarks was Olivia Julianna, a 19-year-old Houston-based activist who works as a political strategist with Gen-Z for Change. Julianna tweeted: "I'm actually 5'11. 6'4 in heels. I wear them so small men like you are reminded of your place." She also called Gaetz an "alleged pedophile," a reference to an investigation currently underway regarding the congressman's alleged sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl.

Gaetz responded to Julianna's tweet by sharing an article from conservative media outlet Newsmax which described his rant at the summit as "sure to raise [the] dander of his political opponents," along with a photo of Julianna "Dander raised..." the congressman captioned it.

Julianna shot back, tweeting: "Am I not a little too old for you Matt? I know you have a thing for targeting teenagers but 19 is on the cusp don't you think?"

In a statement Monday, Julianna wrote that Gaetz "should worry less about what abortion rights activists are doing and more about whether or not he's going to end up behind bars for his indiscretions and misconduct." She also added: "A sitting congressman decided that body shaming a teenager was appropriate but Im not shocked seeing as Gaetz judgement has been questionable at best since he took office."

Julianna explained that she previously struggled with eating disorders and body image issues, for which she was hospitalized for in December 2021. "Unfortunately for Matt I've since recovered and done the work to improve my mental health so his insults and targeted attacks toward me do not deter methey make me thrive," she wrote. "Petty insults and political games don't scare me. In fact, I'd like to thank Gaetz for bringing attention to me and my work."

Julianna has received an outpouring of support from others on social media in light of Gaetz's comments, saying she gained over 10,000 followers across platforms after his attack. "So now I have even more supporters rallying behind me and behind abortion rights," she said.

Among those who came to Julianna's defense was Fred Guttenberg, whose teen daughter was killed in the Parkland school shooting. Guttenberg tweeted: "@mattgaetz, you are a low life pr-ck. Attacking women only shows what a weak pathetic man you are whose insecurities with his manhood are obvious. Stay away from the young girls and grow up jerk. You are the worst of America. Voters will remember this in November."

Attorney Beth Bourdon tweeted: "Hi Matt, do you think its appropriate to use your platform of over 1M followers to target a 19 year old for harassment?"

Gaetz has yet to publicly respond to the criticism he's faced due to his comments about Julianna.
WFO MEDFORD Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Saturday, July 30, 2022

_____

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE

National Weather Service Medford OR

753 PM PDT Sun Jul 24 2022

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM MONDAY TO 9 PM PDT

SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously hot daily high temperatures between 95 and

105 degrees Fahrenheit for lower elevations and 85 to 95 degrees

for mid elevations up to 6000 feet. Overnight lows will also be

much warmer than normal, mostly in the 60s.

* WHERE...South Central Siskiyou County including Mount Shasta

City, south Weed, Dunsmuir, and McCloud.

* WHEN...From 1 PM Monday to 9 PM PDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Extreme heat will significantly increase the

potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those

working or participating in outdoor activities.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The duration of this heat wave will be

particularly long and is likely to be a top 5 event in the

climate record for duration. Take advantage of the cooler

overnight and morning periods if you want to beat the heat.

* View the hazard area in detail at

https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr

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.

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM MONDAY TO 9 PM

PDT SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously hot daily high temperatures between 100 and

110 degrees Fahrenheit for the valleys 90 to 100 degrees at mid-

elevations, and 80 to 90 degrees in the mountains. Overnight

lows will also be much warmer than normal, mostly in the 60s to

lower 70s.

* WHERE...Most of Josephine and Jackson counties in southern

Oregon and most of Siskiyou County in Northern California. This

includes the Rogue, Illinois, Applegate, Lower Klamath River,

Scott, and Shasta Valleys as well as surrounding areas.

* IMPACTS...Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential

for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or

participating in outdoor activities.

of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. NEVER LEAVE

CHILDREN AND PETS LEFT UNATTENDED IN VEHICLES UNDER ANY

CIRCUMSTANCES! This is especially true during warm or hot weather

when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of

minutes.

...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TUESDAY TO 9 PM PDT

* WHAT...Dangerously hot daily high temperatures between 90 and

100 degrees Fahrenheit for the valleys and 85 to 95 degrees for

mid elevations up to 6000 feet. Overnight lows will also be

warmer than normal, mainly in the mid 50s to mid 60s.

* WHERE...In California, northeastern Siskiyou County including

Macdoel and Dorris and all of Modoc County except the lakes and

higher portions of the Warner Mountains. In Oregon, Klamath

County and Lake County including all areas except the higher

mountains and lakes.

* WHEN...From 2 PM Tuesday to 9 PM PDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO ALBANY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, July 24, 2022

_____

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

Special Weather Statement

National Weather Service Albany NY

652 PM EDT Sun Jul 24 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern

Saratoga, southern Washington, northern Rensselaer and southwestern

Bennington Counties through 730 PM EDT...

At 652 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near

Mechanicville, 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...

Bennington, Mechanicville, Hoosick Falls, Arlington, Shaftsbury,

Cambridge, Halfmoon, Hoosick, Lee, Pittstown, White Creek, Easton,

Stillwater, North Bennington, Schaghticoke, Valley Falls, Woodford,

Old Bennington, Glastenbury and Schaghticoke Hill.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

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 1000 PM EDT for

east central New York.

LAT...LON 4283 7375 4299 7372 4310 7305 4283 7302

TIME...MOT...LOC 2252Z 264DEG 26KT 4293 7357

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN

MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of central Columbia and

eastern Greene Counties through 730 PM EDT...

At 654 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along

a line extending from near Westerlo to near North-South Lake

Campground. Movement was southeast at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and heavy rain.

unsecured objects. Heavy rains could cause flooding.

Hudson, Catskill, Chatham, Claverack, Livingston, Coxsackie,

Clermont, Valatie, Athens, Philmont, Kinderhook, Lorenz Park,

North-South Lake Campground, Claverack-Red Mills, Cairo, Ghent,

Stockport, Stuyvesant, Germantown and Taghkanic.

This includes Interstate 87 between exits 21 and 21B.

LAT...LON 4200 7367 4221 7418 4241 7414 4240 7382

4246 7378 4248 7352 4200 7365

TIME...MOT...LOC 2254Z 301DEG 35KT 4255 7403 4224 7413

MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 715 PM EDT

FOR SOUTHWESTERN WYOMING...NORTHERN CATTARAUGUS...SOUTHEASTERN

ERIE...NORTHEASTERN CHAUTAUQUA AND NORTHWESTERN ALLEGANY COUNTIES...

At 653 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Ashford Hollow,

or 18 miles north of Salamanca, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage to

trees and power lines.

Springville, Gowanda, Arcade, Rushford, Ashford Hollow, Chaffee, East

Concord, Concord, Collins and Yorkshire.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a

building.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.

Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature's leading

killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to

be struck by lightning.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO ALBANY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Monday, July 25, 2022

_____

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

Special Weather Statement

National Weather Service Albany NY

625 PM EDT Mon Jul 25 2022

...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of northern Litchfield

and east central Dutchess Counties through 700 PM EDT...

At 624 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along

a line extending from near Tolland to 6 miles southeast of Falls

Village to near Sharon. Movement was east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and heavy rain.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around

unsecured objects. Heavy rains could cause flooding.

Locations impacted include...

Torrington, New Hartford, Amenia, Sharon, Norfolk, Litchfield, Falls

Village, Northwest Harwinton, Cornwall Bridge, Winsted, New Hartford

Center, Harwinton, Barkhamsted, Goshen, Colebrook, Warren, Cornwall,

Bantam, South Norfolk and West Torrington.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio

stations and available television stations for additional information

and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for

northern Connecticut...and western Massachusetts.

LAT...LON 4186 7362 4195 7337 4208 7316 4208 7306

4204 7305 4204 7301 4197 7303 4197 7289

4190 7291 4189 7294 4185 7295 4184 7294

4183 7294 4181 7295 4180 7302 4177 7301

4170 7326

TIME...MOT...LOC 2224Z 286DEG 21KT 4202 7307 4191 7325 4184 7349

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN

MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BINGHAMTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, July 24, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Sullivan County in central New York...

Northern Pike County in northeastern Pennsylvania...

* Until 745 PM EDT.

* At 703 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line

extending from 6 miles northwest of Willowemoc to near Lava to

Paupack, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Severe thunderstorms will be near...

White Lake and Willowemoc around 710 PM EDT.

Smallwood, Mongaup Valley and Swan Lake around 715 PM EDT.

Maplewood and Harris around 720 PM EDT.

Monticello, South Fallsburg and Shohola around 725 PM EDT.

Fallsburg, Woodridge and Rock Hill around 730 PM EDT.

Glen Spey and Haven around 735 PM EDT.

Wurtsboro, Phillipsport and Highview around 740 PM EDT.

Bloomingburg and Oakland around 745 PM EDT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a

building.

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR EASTERN SCHOHARIE COUNTY IS

CANCELLED...

The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the warned

area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for

east central New York.

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 730 PM EDT

FOR SOUTHEASTERN SCHENECTADY...ALBANY...NORTHEASTERN GREENE AND

SOUTHWESTERN RENSSELAER COUNTIES...

At 705 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line

extending from Rotterdam to 6 miles southwest of Voorheesville to

near Westerlo, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated. At 7:00 PM, the Voorheesville Mesonet site

reported a wind gust to 40 mph.

IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include...

Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Rotterdam, East Greenbush, Cohoes,

Watervliet, Rensselaer, Colonie, Nassau, Delmar, Latham, Guilderland,

Duanesburg, Menands, New Baltimore, Westerlo, Ravena, Berne and

Voorheesville.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to

flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BURLINGTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Monday, July 25, 2022

_____

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

Special Weather Statement

National Weather Service Burlington VT

1036 AM EDT Mon Jul 25 2022

...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of east central Clinton,

northwestern Lamoille, northwestern Orleans, Grand Isle, northeastern

Chittenden and Franklin Counties through 1115 AM EDT...

At 1035 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a line of strong

thunderstorms along a line extending from 15 miles north of

Berkshire to Beekmantown. Movement was 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...

Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh International Airport, Beekmantown, Enosburg

Falls, Franklin, Jay, Montgomery Center, Sheldon, Georgia, Grand

Isle, St. Albans Town, South Alburgh, Enosburg Falls Village, Alburgh

Dunes State Park, North Hero, Milton, Bakersfield, Cambridge Village,

Berkshire and Isle La Motte.

This includes the following highways...

Interstate 87 between mile markers 150 and 162.

Interstate 89 between mile markers 102 and 130.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio

stations and available television stations for additional information

and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

If on or near Lake Champlain, get out of the water and move indoors

or inside a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike out to 10 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.

LAT...LON 4500 7233 4462 7290 4466 7369 4502 7312

TIME...MOT...LOC 1435Z 265DEG 33KT 4520 7276 4478 7347

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN

MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO NEW YORK CITY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Monday, July 25, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Upton NY has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Hudson County in northeastern New Jersey...

Eastern Passaic County in northeastern New Jersey...

Northern Union County in northeastern New Jersey...

Southeastern Bergen County in northeastern New Jersey...

Essex County in northeastern New Jersey...

Queens County in southeastern New York...

Bronx County in southeastern New York...

New York (Manhattan) County in southeastern New York...

* Until 115 PM EDT.

* At 1225 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over East

Hanover, or near Caldwell, moving east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to trees and power lines.

* This severe thunderstorm will be near...

Orange and Caldwell around 1230 PM EDT.

Newark around 1235 PM EDT.

Paterson and Bloomfield around 1240 PM EDT.

Passaic and Lyndhurst around 1245 PM EDT.

Hoboken and Hackensack around 1250 PM EDT.

Bergenfield and Ridgefield around 1255 PM EDT.

Mott Haven and RFK Bridge around 100 PM EDT.

East Tremont and Laguardia Airport around 105 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 Monday, July 25, 2022

_____

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

Special Weather Statement

National Weather Service New York NY

247 PM EDT Mon Jul 25 2022

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN UNION,

RICHMOND, HUDSON, KINGS, NEW YORK (MANHATTAN), QUEENS, AND BRONX

COUNTIES THROUGH 330 PM EDT...

At 242 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over

Edison, or near Perth Amboy, moving northeast at 45 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.

This strong thunderstorm will be near...

Linden and Huguenot around 255 PM EDT.

Todt Hill, Port Richmond and Oakwood around 300 PM EDT.

Bayonne, Bay Ridge and Tompkinsville around 305 PM EDT.

Jersey City, Flatbush, Park Slope, and Bensonhurst around 310 PM.

Crown Heights, Canarsie, Lower East Side, East Village and

Brooklyn Heights around 315 PM.

Jackson Heights, Forest Hills, Howard Beach, Ozone Park and Long

Island City around 320 PM.

Jamaica, Flushing, Laguardia Airport, Kennedy Airport and

Whitestone around 325 PM.

The Throgs Neck Bridge, Bayside and Little Neck around 330 PM.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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 4055 7425 4056 7422 4059 7421 4059 7429

4060 7430 4061 7429 4068 7415 4068 7414

4087 7377 4084 7375 4082 7379 4075 7370

4073 7370 4072 7373 4067 7373 4058 7402

4059 7403 4060 7403 4056 7407 4051 7426

TIME...MOT...LOC 1842Z 242DEG 38KT 4054 7434

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN

MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Monday, July 25, 2022

_____

HEAT ADVISORY

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE

National Weather Service Shreveport LA

1046 AM CDT Mon Jul 25 2022

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Heat index values from 105 to 109 degrees expected.

* WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana,

southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and

northeast Texas.

* WHEN...From 1 PM this afternoon to 8 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat

illnesses to occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out

of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young

children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles

under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When

possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or

evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat

stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when

possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational

Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent

rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone

overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Heat index values between 105 to 109 degrees expected.

* WHERE...In Louisiana, Sabine Parish. In Texas, Cass County,

Marion County, Harrison County, Panola County, Nacogdoches

County, Shelby County, Angelina County, San Augustine County

and Sabine County.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
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Serving in a board advisory role is an increasingly important experience along the career trajectory of the modern CIO. It can expand your exposure to different businesses and a diverse set of leaders and give you an opportunity to expand your critical-thinking skills.

The personal and professional networking from joining a board is tremendous. It allows you to get your name out there and be associated with other organizations outside of the company you work for, says Josh Drew, regional director at Robert Half. And second, and most importantly, many of these opportunities allow CIOs to make an impact on their community.

And organizations of all types are eager to have CIOs help guide them, as IT leaders bring great value to corporate and nonprofit boards at a time when technology is a key success factor.

Every company is now a technology company in some way, shape, or form, which brings technology front of mind at a board level. If theyre looking at systems implementation, data productization, or any sort of digital transformation, they will welcome a CIO or possibly a CTO, says Sam Wallace, managing director at executive recruiter Sheffield Haworth. In fact, 79% of high-performing organizations had at least one board member with tech experience, according to Deloittes 2020 Global Technology Leadership Study.

Yet, as H. Michael Burgett, founder and executive chairman for CIO Partners, points out, actively seeking such an opportunity can be a challenge. While some CIOs may be recruited for board roles, the majority of assignments come from within the professional networks of existing board leaders, Burgett says.

Following are 10 tips for IT leaders seeking to increase their chances of connecting with board opportunities and landing the right board roles.

Clarify your intentions

Board appointments dont happen by accident, and it shouldnt be a fortuitous meeting that lands the board seat, says Wallace, although that happens often enough.

Larry Quinlan had already been serving on nonprofit boards for two decades when his retirement from the CIO post at Deloitte in October opened up the possibility of bringing value to public boards, which he had been prohibited from doing under his previous employment.

Quinlan reflected on where he wanted to direct his attention post-retirement and laid out a few clear goals: to serve on the board of a public company, where he might learn from business leaders and new business models; to join a private company board, where he would have a more intimate relationship with those running the business; to work with private equity and venture capital, to remain current with technology trends; and to continue nonprofit work, which remains his passion.

There are a number of different opportunities available to technology leaders and its important to think about what makes sense for you, Quinlan says.

Active CIOs can start by defining what type of board theyd like to join  public, private, nonprofit  and why. If you really want to get on a board, you must put the work in, Wallace says. You need a board resume. You need to know what value you bring to the business. You need to know why youre selecting the industry, company, or association.

Nurture your relationships

In seeking board positions, Quinlan stresses the importance of relationships.

My bio is a reasonable high-quality bio. My story is a reasonable high-quality story. Yet I believe the thing that made the difference was relationships, says Quinlan. Not one of [my board positions] came about from submitting my bio somewhere. I did that two or three times, and never heard back.

The problem is that operating CIOs can be so heads down in the service of their employer, they may forget to look up and around and develop their network of relationships.

Not every interaction is distracting you from your day job, and I wish Id understood that more, Quinlan says. The best relationships come out of shared experienes. Really nurturing those and spending time with people not because they can do something for you later but because the relationships with the people in and of themselves make you more well-rounded person, gives you much better perspective.

Do some board-specific networking

CIOs intent on joining boards should find other leaders who are on boards to learn from, Wallace says.

Share the fact that you are looking for a board, and socialize why, which industry, and the value you offer, he advises, adding that it is also important to get in touch with board-specific recruiters. They may not have a role for you but being in their network adds to potential opportunities.

Follow your heart

Authenticity will go a long way, so look for those institutions that matter to you personally.

Connect with the organizations that youre passionate with and understand if they are looking to add to their board, says Robert Halfs Drew. You want to be able to explain why you are interested and what their mission means to you.

Even If there is no board seat available, there may be opportunities to offer time and expertise that could earn good will when a seat does become available, he adds.

Passion is key, Quinlan says. The last thing you want to do is to be parachuted into areas you arent interested in, he says. Sitting in board meeting all day long wishing you werent there is painful. Think of where you want to end up: what kinds of people you want to work with, what kinds of industries you want to work with, and what kinds of things you want to be doing.

Build your brand

If serving on a board is the goal, CIOs must develop their public profile.

Writing articles, speaking at conferences, and attending cross-functional networking events can all contribute to being recognized as a technology thought-leader, Burgett says.

Start small

When you have no previous board experience, consider unpaid roles with a local nonprofit as a springboard to bigger opportunities.

Aspiring to join a Fortune 1000 board might be a long-term goal, but without previous board experience, landing that first opportunity might be a challenge, says Burgett. Another option would be to get involved in your local technology startup community and offer to mentor younger entrepreneurs in their journey.

Quinlan stresses the importance of seeking out nonprofit boards, especially if your employment doesnt allow you to serve public and private companies, which was the case for Quinlan at Deloitte. Still, doing so shouldnt be considered only a stepping stone.

Getting that first board seat is important. But its really important to serve on nonprofit boards because you are passionate about the organization, not because you want to add it to your resume, says Quinlan, who derives joy working on the boards of NPower, which launches digital careers for military veterans and young adults from underserved communities, and KIPP Miami Public Schools, which operates free, public, open-enrollment charter schools in Miamis Liberty City.

If you look at the miraculous work some of these organizations do, just helping the organization is the greatest compensation you could ever have, he says.

Dont be afraid to say no

A boards seat for the sake of a board seat will end up being a lose-lose proposition for board member and organization. Quinlan, who now serves on multiple public, private, and nonprofit boards always asks himself what his voice is.

What would I say in the boardroom? I dont want it to be manufactured; I want to be reasonably within my wheelhouse, says Quinlan, who notes his expertise in IT operating models, technology for competitive advancement, systems implementation, risk management, cyber governance, and people and leadership issues as core areas where he feels confident he can contribute meaningful to a board.

Quinlan recently began the interview process for one organization that seemed to be more in need of a financial operator.

It was an interesting opportunity and I was interviewing well, but there are so many people who could do better at that than I could, says Quinlan, who removed himself from the running. I want to pick those opportunities where Im most comfortable and enthusiastic about leaning in.

Adjust your expectations

Many CIOs may be surprised at the slow pace of board decision-making but those who want to keep their seats will need to adapt to their new role.

Once you do acquire that first board assignment, recognize that boards can run quite differently than what you may have experienced in your traditional CIO role, Burgett says. One has to remember that a board role is not focused on functional delivery but rather on assessment of current strategies, advisement, and alignment. It is important to understand the role you have been enlisted to play and focus primarily on bringing that specialized expertise to the organization.

Self-manage your performance

Never just phone it in, Wallace advises. Show up. Dont take a board seat just to have one, she says. Understand how and where your contribution adds to the business and to your peers and lean in.

Quinlan makes an effort to understand the business by talking to people in the organization, reading about the industry, and serving on committees. Board meetings themselves are opportunities to up his game.

You can watch the chairman of the board and take cues from them, Quinlan says. The pre-read for the board is also incredibly important. It reveals whats on the minds of management. My style is also to ask questions, not to trip anyone up, but to better understand the issues.

Build your board portfolio  realistically

Once you have a role on one board, you can expand your participation to others. Always be mindful of what might be next. However, says Wallace, you also need to be realistic about the time commitment and the preparation required.

Serving on a board of directors involves more than a monthly commitment. CIOs must invest time and energy expanding their market knowledge and preparing for their board meetings.

The problem with boards is things dont always go well, says Quinlan, who recently had to attend a Sunday morning emergency board meeting from the Bahamas. You have fiduciary responsibility to serve on that board when things arent going well, so too many commitments can become a real problem.
While researchers examined the pandemic in relation to how companies managed to keep afloat in such an unprecedented situation, auditors assessed the increased data vulnerability, lack of data compliance, and costs incurred by such events. As businesses were forced to adapt new styles of working and adapt technologies, they struggled to meet security compliance standards like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and lagged in responding to data breaches. An IBM report stated that data breaches now cost companies $4.24 million per incident on average  the highest cost in the 17-year history of the report.

Thus, enterprises need robust data security strategies to anonymize data for usage and to prevent potential data security breaches. Data tokenization is a new kind of data security strategy meaning that enterprises can operate efficiently and securely while staying in full compliance with data regulations. Data tokenization has grown to be a well-liked method for small and midsize businesses to increase the security of credit card and e-commerce transactions while lowering the cost and complexity of compliance with industry standards and governmental regulations.

Tokenization is the process of swapping out sensitive data with one-of-a-kind identification symbols that keep all of the datas necessary information without compromising its security. Tokenization replaces the data by creating entirely random characters in the same format.

How does data tokenization work for an enterprise?

Tokenization masks or substitutes sensitive data with unique identification data while retaining all the essential information about the data. This equivalent unique replacement data is called a token. Tokenization is a non-destructive form of data masking wherein the original data is recoverable via the unique replacement data i.e., token. Two main approaches enable data encryption through data tokenization:

Vault-based Tokenization Vault-less Tokenization

In the first instance, a token vault serves as a dictionary of sensitive data values and maps them to token values, which replace the original data values in a database or data store. Thus, an application or user can access the original value in the dictionary to its associated token which can be reversed. The token vault is the only place where the original information can be mapped back to its associated token.

The second data tokenization approach involves no vault. In the case of vault-less tokenization, tokens are stored using an algorithm instead of a secure database to protect private data. The original sensitive information is typically not kept in a vault if the token is reversible.

To understand better, here is an example of how tokenization with a token vault works.

A customer provides their credit card number for any transaction. In a traditional transaction, the credit card number is sent to the payment processor and then stored in the merchants internal systems for later reuse. Now, lets see how this transaction takes place after the implementation of data tokenization.

As the customer provides their credit card number for any transaction, the card number is sent to a token system or vault instead of the payment processor.

The token system or vault replaces the customers sensitive information, i.e., the credit card number, with a custom, randomly created alphanumeric ID, i.e., a token.

Next, after a token has been generated, it is returned to the merchants POS terminal and the payment processor in a safe form in order to complete the transaction successfully.

With data tokenization, enterprises can safely transmit data across wireless networks. However, for effective implementation of data tokenization, enterprises must employ a payment gateway to store sensitive data securely. Credit card information is safely stored and generated by a payment gateway.

Why do you need data tokenization?

For an enterprise, the aim is to secure any sensitive payment or personal information in business systems and store such data in a secure environment. Data tokenization helps enterprises to achieve that by replacing each data set with an indecipherable token.

Here are five reasons why tokenization matters to businesses:

1. Reduce the risk of data breaches and penalties

Tokenization helps protect businesses from the negative financial impacts of data theft. The process of tokenization does not shield personal data, thus, protecting it from any kind of data breach.

Compromised security often translates to direct revenue loss for businesses as customers tend to switch to alternative competitors who are taking better care of their payment data.

Businesses may also incur losses after a data breach by being sued. For instance, Zoom had to set up an $85 million fund to pay cash claims to U.S. users after a series of cybersecurity breaches, including misleading end-to-end encryption. Also, noncompliance with many payment and security standards can lead to heavy business fines and penalties. For instance, non-compliance with PCI can result in monthly fines ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, imposed by credit card companies.

2. Build customer trust

Tokenization helps companies to establish trust with their customers. Tokenization helps to keep online transactions secure for both customers and businesses by ensuring correct formatting and safe transmission of data. This makes the sensitive data significantly less vulnerable to cyberattacks and payment fraud.

3. Meet compliance regulations

Tokenization helps in meeting and maintaining compliance with industry regulations, for instance, businesses accepting debit and credit cards as methods need to adhere to or compile with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Tokenization meets the PCI DSS regulation requirement of masking the sensitive cardholder information and safely managing its storage and deletion. Thus, tokenization governs the security of the sensitive data associated with the cards as well as cuts down any compliance-associated costs.

4. Boost subscription-based purchases

Subscription-based purchases can be improved by faster and better customer experience during checkout. The faster checkout process requires customers to store their payment information safely. Tokenization helps to secure this financial data such as credit card information as a non-sensitive token. This token value remains undecipherable by hackers and creates a safe environment for recurring payments. Some of the major mobile payment gateways such as Google Pay and Apple Pay are already leveraging the benefits of data tokenization, thus making the user experience both seamless and more secure. Security assurance is also helping businesses to convince more users to sign up.

5. Ensure safe data sharing

Businesses often utilize sensitive data for other business purposes, such as marketing metrics, analytics or reporting. With the implementation of tokenization, businesses can minimize the locations where sensitive data is allowed and ensure that tokenized data is accessible to users and applications conducting data analysis or any other business process. Tokenization can be used to achieve least-privileged access to sensitive data by ensuring that individuals only have access to the specific data they need to complete a particular task. Thus, the tokenization process maintains the security of the original sensitive data.

Conclusion

Any organizations compliance obligation is somewhat proportionate to the size of its systems the more applications using sensitive data, the greater the force to rethink or update their data compliance check. For this reason, using a tokenization platform is becoming popular. Tokenization platforms help businesses to secure sensitive information while taking care of security regulation compliance.

Replacing sensitive data with tokenization technologies offers numerous security and compliance advantages. Reduced security risk and audit scope are two advantages that decrease compliance costs and ease regulatory data handling obligations. Data tokenization platforms offer a dependable way to satisfy compliance needs both now and in the future, allowing businesses to concentrate resources on gaining market share in unpredictable economic times.
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Talk about a top story. Last week, journalists were on shirt watch as Steve Bannon, the Trump consigliere and right-wing media entrepreneur, went on trial for contempt of Congress after flouting subpoenas from the House committee investigating January 6 and turned up at the courthouse in DC wearing three shirts layered one over the other, even though it was hot out. Vices Greg Walters noted that Bannon seemingly wore the same three shirts at least two days in a row, but was unable to confirm this with Bannon, who ignored a question shouted at him about his sartorial decision-making from the crowd of journalists and onlookers. On Friday, after Bannon was found guilty, neverTrump cable-news types asked with one voice how many shirts (or jumpsuits) he would be allowed in prison. North Koreas official news agency even got in on the fun. (No, not really.)

Bannon had tried to delay the trial, arguing that recent committee hearings and a CNN investigation focused on Bannon that aired last week would prejudice potential jurors; he also argued that the judge in the case had unfairly circumscribed his defense, but on the trial went. After prosecutors quickly wrapped their case, Bannons lawyers declined to call any witnesses or present any evidence, though they did argue that the subpoenas Bannon defied may not have been real since no one could say for sure that someone hadnt forged the signature of Bennie Thompson, the committees chair, and implied that a committee staffer may have colluded with a prosecutor in the case since they attended the same book club. The judge warned Bannon not to make a political circus of the trial, but as Bloombergs Erik Larson noted, his edict didnt make it past the courthouse steps, where Bannon engaged with the media scrum on his way to and from proceedings. On Wednesday, Bannon questioned whether Thompson had really just come down with a case of COVID or whether that was a convenient excuse, even though the judge had already barred Bannons team from calling him as a witness. On Friday, following his conviction, Bannon said that he respected the verdict, but pledged to appeal it. We may have lost a battle here today, he said, but were not gonna lose this war.

ICYMI: Brian Lehrer on his climate commitment, and telling relatable stories

Bannon, of course, is not a new media obsession. (Even the shirts thing has been litigated before: New Yorks Olivia Nuzzi investigated in 2017, with a spokesperson telling her that Bannons multiple shirts prove that hes always got a contingency plan.) The last time I wrote about Bannon at any length in this newsletter he was also in legal hot water: shortly before the 2020 election, he was arrested and charged with misusing funds from a supposed crowdfunder for Trumps border wall. (Trump would later pardon Bannon on his way out of the White House.) I wrote at the time that it was tempting to see Bannons arrest as a coda, of sorts, to his career; his profile had diminished from its early-Trump-era omnipresence, as had the relevance of Breitbart, the right-wing site he had led. I warned, though, that we were still living in the information ecosystem that Bannon had helped create, and that his story wasnt yet over. A few months later, on January 5, 2021, Bannon twice spoke privately with Trump. In between times, he warned publicly that all hell would break loose at the Capitol the next day. It did.

In recent months, Bannon has been the subject of significant mainstream media attention again, due to his interactions with the committee but also due to the influence of War Room, his latest media vehicle, which he mounted in the fall of 2019, as Trump faced his first impeachment, and has since used to pump out industrial-scale disinformation about the electionand thus the countrybeing stolen. As The Atlantics Jennifer Senior wrote in a recent profile of Bannon, War Room is a podcast, though to call it that annoys Bannon, who points to the fact that it broadcasts in video form, too (though not via YouTube, which dumped the show in the wake of January 6). The show has an amusing shoestring quality to it, as if Father Coughlin stumbled into Wayne and Garths basement, Senior wrote. And it positively burbles with conspiracies, or at least darkly hints at doings within doings, grimy wheels within wheels.

Importantly, as Senior noted, Bannon isnt just using War Room to pump out extremist propaganda about the election; he is consciously trying to mobilize his listeners to do something about it, urging them to run for office or seize control of the routine machinery of American electionsa manifestation of the so-called precinct strategy that Bannon once called his shows whole purpose. Last year, ProPublica spoke with Republican leaders in sixty-five key counties nationwide, and found that nearly two thirds had observed an unusual increase in signups to be precinct officersnumbering into the thousands of peopleafter Bannon started pushing the idea. On his show, Bannon has regularly interviewed election-denier Republican candidates for higher-level state offices with control over the mechanics of elections, helping them to raise funds. According to CNNs aforementioned recent Bannon investigation, War Room is usually among the top three Apple political podcasts in the United States. David Chalian, CNNs political director, made the case that Bannon, right now, in this time, is setting the agendaeven more than Donald Trump.

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Not everyone agrees with that assessment of Bannons enduring powersome other commentators view him as a spent force whose influence the mainstream press is wont to overstate. Senior grappled with the question in her profile, asking whether Bannon is Lenin in Zurich, patiently biding his time, or some Estonian anti-Communist emigre from a Le Carre novel, waiting to die in a lonely bedsit in London? Matthew C. MacWilliams, the author of a book called On Fascism, dismissed Bannon as Rasputin with a digital show, adding, Rasputin was knifed. Bannon? Please, John Podhoretz, the editor of Commentary, told Senior. Hes not an emperor and he has no clothes. It may be more accurate to say that what clothes he does have, he wears at the same time.

If the mainstream press has long been fascinated by Bannon (and his sartorial inelegance), Bannon has long been fascinated by the mainstream press; as I wrote back in 2020, he pioneered a dual strategy of mainlining grievance and conspiracy directly to far-right media consumers while also trying to insert his preferred narratives into respectable outlets, a feat he achieved with no little success in 2016. If covering him feels fraught, its because one such narrative is that of his own power; in the course of reporting her Bannon profile, Senior wrote, she was warned repeatedly that he was using her to sell a certain image of himself. It seems, though, that Bannons vision of institutional captureor impression of the feasibility thereofhas grown even more extreme over time, shifting from the co-opting of media narratives (scary enough) to the basic architecture of elections. As Senior put it, its tempting to dismiss Bannon as one of those strange id creatures whos come to sudden prominence in this id-favorable internet age, but theres now loads of room for those id creatures in American politics and culture, and they can accumulate considerable influence.

Bannon is certainly not a lone fighter in the movement to blow up American democracy: two big new stories about ita New York Times Magazine profile, by Charles Homans, of the Stop the Steal movement and an Axios series, by Jonathan Swan, spelling out Trumps plan to rip out career bureaucrats and replace them with loyalistsrespectively mentioned Bannon in passing and not at all (though Bannon has endorsed the latter idea, including following Swans story). And, where Trump and the broader authoritarian right are concerned, the mainstream press has often been too keen to anoint thought leaders, sometimes as a shortcut to understanding movements that are too messy to understand purely as a function of such top-down dynamics. None of this means, though, that Bannons platform is small or his influence inconsequential. Indeed, even if Bannons platform were much smaller, his influence might be sizable given how few people it takes to rock democracy to its core. We saw that on January 6.

Bannon has not always been able to follow through on his direst threats: he pledged to resort to medieval tactics during his recent trial, but instead of raising hellfire, as Vices Walters noted, he fell back on his signature move: create a crap-cloud of confusion. In general, though, confusion is dangerous enough, even if it fell flat as a legal strategy in his case. Andwhile it would be a stretch to believe that Bannon is excited about going to jail, despite his blase statements about the prospect on Foxhis conviction is already allowing him to play another role that brings both attention and influence within the right-wing media and political ecosystem that he helped build. As Joyce Vance, a lawyer and liberal pundit, put it last week, Bannons many shirts were a good indication hes treating this as theater and relishing the prospect of martyrdom.

Below, more on Steve Bannon and January 6:



Other notable stories:

ICYMI: The January 6 committee revolutionizes democratic storytelling

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.
TOKYO (AP)  Japans nuclear regulator on Friday approved details of a planned release of treated radioactive wastewater from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea next year.

The approval by the Nuclear Regulation Authority will enable Tokyo Electric Power Co. to start building necessary facilities ahead of the discharge. It came two months after a preliminary greenlight and a subsequent public review process.

Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings submitted the plan in December based on a government decision last year to release the wastewater as a necessary step for the plants ongoing decommissioning.

A massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011 destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi plants cooling systems, causing triple meltdowns and the release of large amounts of radiation. Water that was used to cool the three damaged reactor cores, which remain highly radioactive, has since leaked into basements of the reactor buildings but was collected and stored in tanks.

Local fishing communities and neighboring countries have raised concerns about potential health hazards from the radioactive wastewater, which TEPCO and government officials say will be treated to levels far below releasable standards. They maintain that the environmental and health impacts will be negligible.

Japan nuclear authority chairman Toyoshi Fuketa told reporters Friday that the release plan had no major technical or safety issues. He said the regulators will ensure approved procedures are strictly followed with transparency.

The government and TEPCO say that of more than 60 isotopes selected for treatment, all but one, tritium, will be reduced to meet safety standards. Scientists say impacts of long-term, low-dose exposure to tritium for the environment and humans are still unknown. Tritium affects humans more when it is consumed in fish, they say.

The contaminated water is being stored in about 1,000 tanks at the damaged plant. Officials say they must be removed so that facilities can be built for its decommissioning. The tanks are expected to reach their capacity of 1.37 million tons next year.

TEPCO said it plans to transport treated and releasable water through a pipeline from the tanks to a coastal facility, where it will be diluted with seawater and then sent through an undersea tunnel with an outlet about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) away to minimize the impact on local fishing and the environment.

The government and TEPCO still need to gain local consent for building the tunnel and other related facilities. They plan to begin gradually releasing the treated water in spring 2023.

China on Friday renewed its protest over the planned wastewater release and urged Japan to carry out the disposal in a scientific, open, transparent and safe manner.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin demanded Japan stop pushing the discharge plan before reaching a consensus with all stakeholders and relevant international agencies.

Japan has sought help from the International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure the water release meets international safety standards and reassure local fishing and other communities and neighboring countries that have opposed the plan.

Experts from the IAEA visited the plant earlier this year and said Japan was taking appropriate steps for the planned discharge.

In a statement Friday, TEPCO pledged to sincerely respond to the IAEA reviews, ensure safety, provide data to the public and strengthen its radiation monitoring. The company also vowed to do its utmost to explain the water discharge plans and gain the publics understanding about the decommissioning.

AP video producer Liu Zheng in Beijing contributed to this report.

About the photo:This photo shows tanks (in gray, beige and blue) storeing water that was treated but is still radioactive after it was used to cool down spent fuel at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Okuma town, Fukushima prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Feb. 27, 2021. Japans nuclear regulator on Friday, July 22, 2022, approved the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea next year. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae, File)
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 citys lead contamination in 2014-15.

Attorneys representing four Flint children said Veolia North America and Lockwood, Andrews & Newman, known as LAN, didnt 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.

Flints water became contaminated because water pulled from the Flint River wasnt 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 didnt 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 Snyders 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.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
A lone tricycle sits in the courtyard at the New Promise Family Shelter on South Nevada Avenue. Two and a half years after its opening, Colorado Springs only stand-alone shelter for homeless families is closing. Family Promise of Colorado Springs is transitioning its services to high-barrier operations requiring sobriety instead of permitting drug intemperance. (Parker Seibold / The Gazette)
More Information

Job: Presiding Boone County commissioner

Term: Election to a four-year term occurs in November 2022. Commissioner term begins Jan. 1.

Salary: $108,929

Job requirements: This is one of three county commissioners responsible for establishing county policies; adopting the annual budget for all county operations; approving expenditures for each county department; ensuring county compliance with statutory requirements and acting as liaison with county boards, commissions and other governmental agencies.
Do you run a small business with on-premises servers?

Chances are, you rely on technology that includes servers, whether theyre Windows- or Linux-based. With that in mind, Microsoft recently announced its previewing server protection for small business  bundling the offering with Microsoft Defender for Business.

This is noteworthy because until now, most Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions have been expensive and typically only deployed by larger enterprises. (EDR is an integrated, layered approach to endpoint protection that combines real-time continuous monitoring and endpoint data analytics with rule-based automated response.)

As Microsoft notes in the blog post announcing the move:

The Microsoft Defender for Business servers experience delivers the same level of protection for both clients and servers within a single admin experience inside of Defender for Business, helping you to protect all your endpoints in one location.

Currently users can activate a trial for each server through the Microsoft 365 Defender security portal (which also recommends security settings to make your servers more secure). When Microsoft officially releases the product, it will cost $3 per server, per month. If you are a Microsoft 365 for Business customer, you can begin a trial and see what impact deploying it to your servers will have.

There are several ways to onboard servers; you can use local scripts, group policy, or Configuration manager. One of the easiest ways to try out the new offering is to use the script process. First, turn on preview offerings by going to https://security.microsoft.com, go to Settings > Endpoints > General > Advanced features > Preview features. (Heres a more direct link.)

In the navigation pane, choose Settings > Endpoints, and then under Device management, choose Onboarding. Now select an operating system, such as Windows Server 1803, 2019, and 2022, and in the Deployment method section, choose Local script. Note: for these newer systems, you only need run this script; no other installation steps are required. Simply run the command line as an elevated command. (If you dont provide the onboarding script with the correct permissions, it will alert you to do so.

For older software such as Windows Server 2012 R2 and 2016, you'll have two packages to download and run: an installation package and an onboarding package. The installation package specifically contains a file that installs the Defender for Business agent. Once you run the installation file, you run the script as if on one of the newer server platforms. Newer servers (and workstation operating systems) include the code for onboarding defender automatically.

The specific command file to onboard servers is named WindowsDefenderATPLocalOnboardingScript.cmd. Your server should show up in the Defender console, though its not instantaneous. It might take a little while to show up.

Now, its time to review the recommendations and alerts.

First off, Defender gives you a timeline view of your systems  think of this as a cloud forensic system. You will soon find out that your servers (and for that matter your workstations) are very active objects, constantly sending commands and activity.

Microsoft Defender's view of your systems.

For example, in the screen above, "MpCmdRun.exe" is the Microsoft Malware Protection Command Line Utility and its performing activities on the server. In the column on the right, it flags the potential security technique being used. Note that in this instance, the activity is not malicious, the console is only keeping track of normal server actions. In this case, its identified as a MITRE credentials from password stores activity.

Next, in the security recommendations section, youll see suggested adjustments you can use to better secure your small-business servers.

Microsoft In the security recommendations section, youll see suggestions to better secure your servers.

Many of these recommendations have to do with Attack Surface Reduction rules that we often forget to enable on server installations.

Linux servers can also be onboarded to the Defender for Servers console, though its unclear to me whether Linux-based Network attached storage units would be fully supported. Reach out to your NAS vendors to determine whether they will support the use of Defender for Servers on your Linux devices. To onboard a Linux device to your console, youll follow similar installation procedures. You can use a manual deployment script or Puppet, Ansible, or Chef configuration management tools.

Supported Linux server distributions include:

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.7 or higher (Preview).

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.2 or higher.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.x.

CentOS 6.7 or higher (Preview).

CentOS 7.2 or higher.

Ubuntu 16.04 LTS or higher LTS.

Debian 9 or higher.

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 or higher.

Oracle Linux 7.2 or higher.

Oracle Linux 8.x.

Amazon Linux 2.

Fedora 33 or higher.

Be aware that that list does not include specific Linux distributions I often see in small business. For example, I routinely see NAS devices such as Synology in small businesses, and Im not sure whether these will be supported by Defender for Servers. (Ill be giving Microsoft feedback that it needs to add these style of NAS devices to the support matrix.)

Also unclear at this time is the exact licensing structure required to use Defender for Servers. Currently, Defender for Endpoint for Server licensing mandates a certain minimum number of users (50). Its unclear what number of Microsoft Defender for Business licenses can be owned to qualify for Defender for Servers or whether a minimum number of licenses is needed. Well have to wait until the product is officially released to know how the licensing works.

Bottom line: if you run a small business, I urge you to take a look at Defender for Servers. It will bring additional protection to your small-business network.
Accenture opens Advanced Technology Centre in Coimbatore

Accenture has opened its newest Advanced Technology Centre in India at Tidel Park in Coimbatore. A part of Accentures global delivery network, the new facility will provide technology services for global clients.

The company did not specify the capacity of the centre and the investment gone into its setting up but said that it is actively recruiting "people who have deep skills in platform cloud, data and AI, metaverse and related areas."

Coimbatore joins Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Pune among the cities where Accentures advanced technology centres are in India.

India to lose $118bn in GDP, 5mn jobs if it lags in cloud adoption: Nasscom

India may stand to lose $118 billion in GDP contribution and five million job opportunities by 2026, if businesses and government are late to cloud adoption, industry body Nasscom said in a recent report.

The report, titled Future of Cloud and Its Economic Impact: Opportunity for India, said that limited understanding of cloud features and benefits, integration issues with legacy systems and lack of in-house capability to drive transformation across industries, are posing serious threats to cloud adoption.Further, with global players heading towards new cloud-based systems like 3D printing, IoT, Robotic automation, slow or low adoption, and more, may result in Indian industries losing competitive edge and in turn India losing its attractiveness among investors, expats, and new businesses. If they can overcome these challenges, theres a huge potential ahead, aid Nasscom. Large scale Cloud adoption can contribute $380 billion to Indias GDP and add 14 million direct and indirect employment opportunities by 2026, it said.

Tirupati to have NIELIT soon

The temple town of Tirupati will soon get another national institute as the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology will be set up here soon. It is learnt that the Centre had given its clearance for setting up the institute here.

Director-General of National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) Dr Madan Mohan Tripathi wrote to the Secretary of Department of IT, Electronics and Communications, seeking built up space of 8000-10000 square feet for setting up the institute. The institute is likely to be set up in a building that is available in Sri Venkateswara University campus.

NIELIT, which currently has 47 centres across India, is an autonomous scientific society under the administrative control of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Its objective is to carry out human resource development and related activities in information, electronics, and communications technology. It has a network of 800 plus accredited training partners and 5200+ facilitation centres engaged in formal and non-formal education in the field.

The society plays a key role in capacity building and skill development and provides quality education besides offering courses in the areas of electronics and communication technologies, hardware, cyber law, cyber security, cloud computing, electronics system design and manufacturing, e-waste, internet of things, big data, blockchain, data analytics and e-governance among other concepts.

Bank of Baroda launches hackathon to showcase, co-create innovative solutions

Bank of Baroda announced the launch of an online nationwide Hackathon on 21 July 2022 to mark its 115th Foundation Day. Through the hackathon, organised in collaboration with Microsoft, Bank of Baroda aims to encourage participants to develop innovative solutions to address specific business use cases defined by the Bank and co-create solutions along with the Bank. The hackathon is open to both individuals and teams  developers, students, professionals, start-ups, fintechs etc.

The three-month long hackathon will include an online software coding/prototype development competition. The six themes for the hackathon are: automated cheque processing, video analytics, virtual avatar, call centre analytics, virtual assistant, and alternate authentication, a release from the Bank of Baroda said.

Contestants can participate in the hackathon by visiting https://bit.ly/BOB-Hackathon2022. Participants can form a team of a maximum of four people to participate. Individuals and teams can register for the hackathon and submit ideas from 20th July 2022 to 14th September 2022 (both dates inclusive).

Shortlisted teams will be asked to develop a prototype which will form the basis for deciding the winners. Shortlisted teams will be provided Azure credits, technical resources and mentoring sessions by Microsoft and Bank of Baroda subject matter experts, the release said.

The top three winning teams will be awarded cash prizes ranging from 2,00000 to 500,000. They will also get the opportunity to work with Bank of Baroda and co-create innovative solutions for the Bank, the release added.

IIFL Finance appoints new CTO

Non-banking financial company IIFL Finance has appointed Gaurav Sharma as CTO to accelerate the companys digital transformation journey, a release from IIFL Finance said.

Sharma is a technology and digital transformation specialist with over 27 years of experience. He was in the CTO role at Poonawalla Fincorp and L&T Financial Services previously. He was also associated with TCS and Max Life Insurance Company. Sharma is a mechanical engineering graduate from Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee.

In his previous stints, Sharma has successfully implemented cloud computing, Data Lake for advanced analytics, ERP systems, technology-backed loan origination systems, collection systems, loan administration systems, business operations and customer servicing platforms across retail lending businesses, the release said.
The temptation to make the new world of work a digital reflection of old ways of working still exists, so its going to take time to get the balance right. And actually reaching the potential for asynchronous remote and hybrid working practices will take some measure of imagination.

Digital presenteeism is not your friend

Thats the sense I get from the latest future-of-work report to cross my desk. It's from Qatalog and GitLab and explains how employers insisting on a 9-5 hour workday in this digital age reduce productivity and increase staff churn with little payback. Digital presenteeism, insisting people are at their desk during set hours, eats into the work/life balance employees seek and doesnt really get work done.

Think of it this way. Once upon a time, workers trooped into offices to sit quietly at desks for eight hours a day while attempting to seem busy. Management could watch what people did, summon staff into ad hoc meetings to create a little friction and scare others into working harder, and might even sometimes turn up at the office themselves.

This began to change as Apple, the iPhone and iPad showed the potential for mobile technology to transform how we work, but it took a quantum leap forward when the pandemic struck. A decade of digital transformation took place in scant weeks.

Some employers continue to insist on a rigid 9-5 working culture, even when working remotely. Combined with strict hierarchies and the use of multiple remote working tools, this creates a pervasive culture of digital presenteeism."

At work 24/7? No thanks

The problem, according to the research, is that 54% of staff feel pressured to always appear online and visible. Yes, they might seem to work harder to gain recognition, but some of this effort, such as attending extra meetings or responding to emails late at night, means they are adding an average 67 minutes to their working day (most of which is unproductive). That effort, those additional hours, and the challenge of handling seemingly endless app notifications, means workers are stressed out, concentration is blunted, and productivity can fall.

Dont neglect a recent Corel survey that suggested companies rely on the wrong tools a significant amount of the time. Businesses must think deeply to ensure the tools they supply are sufficiently good that workers will use them.

The report authors argue that employers should push their thinking forward a few more gears and learn to embrace flexibility, not just in terms of where people work, but also in terms of when. They point out that technology means workers can do their jobs at almost any time of day, which means coordinated hours are becoming an anachronism.

In 10 years, well look back at this period and wonder why asynchronous work seemed so difficult. Those who will succeed in the next decade will have an iterative mindset, an empowered team, and a bias for action, writes Darren Murph, GitLabs Head of Remote.

Wake up and embrace change

It is worth noting that the principle of coordinated working hours in offices grew out of working patterns in factories at a time when the technology for business was mainly an in-person exercise. Yet, as everyone who has been through the pandemic knows, knowledge workers no longer work that way  were asynchronous, remote, and international.

In many senses, this change in expectations is no change at all. Knowledge work has always been marked by a sense of asynchronicity. People meet, talk, agree, and then go off and work in small groups or alone. What has changed is that 65% of workers now have, and expect, more flexibility to decide when they work.

Its time to get the apps right

Perhaps one of the most boringly predictable challenges remote workers face involves the tools theyre asked to use. On average, workers have 6.2 apps sending them notifications at work, and 73% of them respond to those outside of working hours, further eroding the division between (asynchronous) work time and personal time. It means over half (52%) of workers find it hard to switch off, and this is made worse by habits of digital presenteeism. A worker may find that they do their work at times that suit them best, but still feel pressurized to pretend to be present the rest of the time, too.

To be fair, managers are also feeling the strain, with more than 70% feeling burnt-out as they struggle to handle so much change. You could argue that inflexible management practices constitute an unarticulated cry for help, though that may be a stretch.

To arrive at these conclusions, the report authors spoke with 2,000 knowledge workers (those who use a computer or laptop over 50% of the time for work) in the US and UK. The concept of 'time' at work is dead. We just dont know it yet, the report explains.

The inference of all this really should be clear: These days its less important to choose your time, and far more important to clearly define and communicate your goals if you want to deploy highly productive, highly motivated teams.

Please follow me on Twitter, or join me in the AppleHolics bar & grill and Apple Discussions groups on MeWe.
Gunman admits to campus shooting in Philippine capital leaving 3 dead

Xinhua) 09:26, July 25, 2022

A member of the Philippine National Police inspects the site of a shooting incident at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, the Philippines, July 24, 2022. Three people were killed and two others injured in a shooting incident Sunday afternoon on a university campus in Metro Manila, the Philippine police said. The arrested gunman has admitted to the killing with specific target. (Str/Xinhua)

MANILA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and two others injured in a shooting incident Sunday afternoon on a university campus in Metro Manila, the Philippine police said. The arrested gunman has admitted to the killing with specific target.

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) confirmed that the shooting took place at 14:55 local time at the gate of Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, ahead of the law school's graduation ceremony.

Local media reported that former Lamitan mayor Rose Furigay, her bodyguard, and a school security guard who tried to stop the shooting were among the dead. The mayor's daughter, who was supposed to graduate, was among the injured.

Police identified the gunman as Chao Tiao Yumol, a 38-year-old physician from Basilan, an island province in the southern Philippines.

According to the police, the gunman changed his clothes after the shooting and seized a car in an attempt to escape, but was caught by the police. The police presented the suspect to the media three hours after the shooting.

Yumol admitted to the killing, claiming he shot Furigay for her "involvement in illegal drugs" in the province.

The shooting incident forced the school authorities to cancel the graduation rite and put the campus "on lockdown."

Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos said he was "shocked" over the incident and ordered law enforcement agencies "to thoroughly and swiftly investigate these killings and bring all involved to justice."

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Alexander Gesmundo was supposed to attend the law school graduation ceremony Sunday afternoon. Supreme Court spokesperson Brian Hosaka said Gesmundo was "in transit when the shooting happened and was advised to turn back."

The shooting happened while the authorities enforced a gun ban over President Marcos' first State of the Nation address scheduled for Monday. Police has ordered tightening security at the House of Representatives complex, also in Quezon City and a few kilometers away from the campus, with over 20,000 police and troops being deployed in the area.

A member of the Philippine National Police inspects the site of a shooting incident at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, the Philippines, July 24, 2022. Three people were killed and two others injured in a shooting incident Sunday afternoon on a university campus in Metro Manila, the Philippine police said. The arrested gunman has admitted to the killing with specific target. (Str/Xinhua)

Members of the Philippine National Police inspect the site of a shooting incident at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, the Philippines, July 24, 2022. Three people were killed and two others injured in a shooting incident Sunday afternoon on a university campus in Metro Manila, the Philippine police said. The arrested gunman has admitted to the killing with specific target. (Str/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun)
"The problem at the heart of the Doha Round negotiations can be summarised in three words -- rich country subsidies. .... Rich countries spend just over $ 1 billion a year as aid to developing country agriculture and just under $ 1 billion a day supporting their own agricultural systems."

These heavy subsidies hurt rural communities in developing countries:

"Subsidized exports undercut them in global and local markets, driving down the proceeds received by farmers and the wages received by agricultural labourers. Meanwhile producers seeking access to industrial country markets have to scale some of the highest tariff peaks in world trade."

Within the rich countries most benefits of farm subsidies go to those who deserve these the least, "The winners in the annual cycle of billion dollar subsidies are large-scale farmers, corporate agribusiness interests and landowners."

An example of extremely unequal income-distribution generally given is that of Brazil. Research carried out for HDR revealed that subsidies distribution in rich countries is more unequal than income distribution in Brazil.

So HDR insists:

"It would be hard to design a more regressive -- or less efficient -- system of financial transfers than currently provided through agricultural subsidies... Industrial countries are locked into a system that wastes money at home and destroys livelihoods."

This has contributed significantly to highly unfair trade. HDR adds:

"When it comes to world agricultural trade, market success is determined not by comparative advantage but by comparative access to subsidies - an area in which producers in poor countries are unable to compete."

In the European Union farmers and processors are paid four times the world market price for sugar, generating a 4 million tonnes surplus, which is marketed with the help of more than $1 billion in export subsidies (paid to a small group of sugar processors). Subsidised EU sugar exports lower world prices by about one-third, inflicting heavy losses on sugar exporters among developing countries as well as on sugar crop farmers based in developing countries.



In Benin the fall in cotton prices in one year was linked to an increase in poverty from 37% to 59%. Around the same time rice grown in the USA at a cost of $415 a tonne was exported at $274 a tonne. In the European Union farmers and processors are paid four times the world market price for sugar, generating a 4 million tonnes surplus, which is marketed with the help of more than $1 billion in export subsidies (paid to a small group of sugar processors). Subsidised EU sugar exports lower world prices by about one-third, inflicting heavy losses on sugar exporters among developing countries as well as on sugar crop farmers based in developing countries.At the time the HDR report on the special theme of trade was prepared 20,000 cotton farmers in the USA were likely to receive government payments of $4.7 billion in a year -- an amount equivalent to the market value of the crop. These subsidies lowered world prices by 9% to 13% and enabled US producers to dominate world markets.In Benin the fall in cotton prices in one year was linked to an increase in poverty from 37% to 59%. Around the same time rice grown in the USA at a cost of $415 a tonne was exported at $274 a tonne.

This was made possible by US government payments of $1.3 billion, almost three quarters of the value of output. In countries like Ghana and Haiti rice farmers were pushed out of national markets by US imports.

According to a widely quoted study by Oxfam International:

"The practice of exporting agricultural surpluses on the world market at less than the cost of production -- or 'dumping' -- is one of the most pernicious aspects of industrialised country trade policies, which the WTO has failed adequately to address. Unfair competition from dumped agricultural produce creates problems for developing countries by depriving them of foreign-exchange earnings and market share, and undermining local production, rural livelihoods, and food security."

This study titled 'Rigged Rules and Double Standards - Trade, Globalisation and the Fight Against Poverty' adds:

"Oxfam has developed a new measure of the scale of export dumping by the EU and the United States. It suggests that both these agricultural superpowers are exporting at prices more than one-third lower than the costs of production. These subsidized exports from rich countries are driving down prices for exports from developing countries, and devastating the prospects for smallholder agriculture. In countries such as Haiti, Mexico, and Jamaica, heavily subsidised imports of cheap food are destroying local markets. Some of the world's poorest farmers are competing against its richest treasures."

Concerns of poor countries and poor people have been ignored to an alarming extent at the WTO. According to HDR:

"The agreement on agriculture left most EU and US farm subsidy programmes intact for the simple reason that it was in all but name a bilateral agreement between the two parties that was forced onto the multilateral rules system. In effect, the world's economic superpowers were able to tailor the rules to suit their national policies."

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the emerging international trade regime is that the USA and some other developed countries have arranged the classification of subsidies in such a way that very massive subsidies given to their biggest agribusiness companies -- which include some of the most powerful and resourceful multinational companies -- can be defended as being acceptable under WTO rules while the much more modest subsidies given by developing countries to their small farmers are criticized as being violation of WTO rules.

This allows these rich countries to strengthen big agribusiness companies domestically by allowing them to gobble the business and sometimes even the land of smaller farmers, on the other hand their big companies get even more space and power to unleash havoc in developing countries through their highly subsidized products and in other ways.

In addition several free trade agreements, multilateral and bilateral agreements have also increased greatly the problems of small farmers in several developing countries. These trends are so blatantly unjust that international efforts as well as growing unity of developing countries are urgently needed to check them and create an alternative system of fair and just international trade.

---

*Journalist and author, his recent books include A Day in 2071, Planet in Peril' and Man Over Machine'

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has reportedly asked the World Trade Organization (WTO) to allow India to export food grains from its public stockholding to nations which are facing food crisis. She said that India could help in reducing hunger or food insecurity but there was hesitation on the part of the WTO.What should be our response to such a situation? Some may hasten to say due to their concern for reducing hunger immediately that the WTO should immediately give such permission. This would be correct, but the issue also goes much beyond that.The more basic question is -- why should India or any other country need permission from anyone to send food to any country which needs it urgently to reduce hunger and food shortage?If there is any system which imposes such an unreasonable and unjust condition which increases hunger that system should go away, if there is an organization which creates such conditions, then it should go away.Such situations have arisen in the past also when the WTO system has been found to be so unjust and unreasonable that questions have arisen as to whether the WTO is a part of serious problems or of solutions.In several discussions on food and farming systems in India a concern that comes up time and again is that pressures and particular interpretations of the rules of the WTO can increase problems of Indias farmers and the public distribution system (PDS) for food. Similar has been the experience of several other parts of the Global South.A large number of Indias mostly small farmers face a number of serious problems due to a complex of factors. Now if particular interpretations of rules of WTO or its Agreement on Agriculture are used to increase hurdles for the support the government provides to the farmers in the form of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and in other ways, then this will greatly accentuate the problems of farmers.Similarly, if the PDS or the food security legislation are disturbed due to the pressures created by certain countries from the WTO platform, then this will worsen the problem of hunger in India.This kind of concern exists not just for India but for several other developing countries as well. The overwhelming majority of farmers are small farmers. Small farmers have a very low resource base and their risk bearing capacity is very limited. If they face a situation of sudden price crash due to cheap imports it can be very difficult to recover from these losses.If this is repeated for some time, their precarious but proud existence as small farmers may be threatened as they are forced to sell their land to recover from debts, or feel that they cannot no longer bear further high risk of a possible cash in prices.The Human Development Report (HDR) prepared a special issue on international trade which focused attention to some aspects of the threat posed by unfair trade to small peasants in developing countries. The HDR questions the globalisation hype by drawing attention to those who have suffered. This report says:For example, increased exports of high value added fruit and vegetables from countries like Kenya and Zambia have been concentrated in large capital-intensive farms with weak links to the rest of the economy. Similarly, in Brazil, just four or fewer firms account for more than 40% of exports of soy, orange juice, poultry and beef while ten million small and landless peasants live below the poverty line in villages.In 1997 almost three-quarters (about 75%) of Kenya's high value-added horticulture exports were supplied by small farmers. By year 2000 this share had fallen to 18%. According to HDR, "The biggest change to the industry has been the increased importance of farms owned or leased by major export companies."What the HDR report does not say is that even if small landholders are integrated into this export trade, this can still lead to longer-term loss if the concentration on export crops is damaging for soil, water and other aspects of environment. When the export demand is curtailed and the cash dries up, these small farmers may not be able to go back to their staple food crops.HDR indicts particularly those unfair trade practices which undermine the livelihoods of small and landless peasants (who constitute two thirds of all people living in extreme poverty). These practices are linked particularly to the subsidies given by developed country governments.The HDR says:
If you have, over the last few years, noticed a reduction in the number of deer, raccoons, rats, or other populace critters that hang around the woods and cities of Connecticut, bobcats could be behind it.

The bobcat, or Lynx rufus, is the most common wildcat in North America. And for the last 50 years, those signature tufted ears and furry cheeked felines have gone from near nonexistence in the Nutmeg State to an elusive ubiquity.

File photo

Were finding out a lot more about them and how they are such an amazing and adaptable animal, Jason Hawley, a wildlife biologist with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said. We used to think they needed undisturbed habitat to persist. But through research over the years, were finding theyre incredibly adaptable and able to thrive during urban development, which is important because Connecticut development isnt going anywhere.

Since 2017, DEEP has used GPS collars and telemetry to track about 150 bobcats throughout the state. Hawley said Connecticut's urban cores connected by streams and greenspaces have created routes for bobcats to find new hunting grounds. One has even been tracked between New Haven and Bridgeport, where it's found a veritable feast in an abandoned Remington Arms munitions facility.

"It's grown into thick, brushy, nasty stuff that you and I would look at and think 'I don't want to walk through that,'" Hawley said. "But for bobcat it's like a little piece of heaven."

Most active from dusk until dawn, Hawley said Connecticuts bobcats have become integral to the urban ecosystem as nocturnal vigilantes of sorts  de facto dark knights, watchful protectors often mistaken for the much more dangerous mountain lion, which is not found in Connecticut.

Sean Crane

They are providing a service to the health of the ecosystem, Hawley said. In our research we found them picking up common Norway rats. Controlling populations of raccoons, possum, deer. All those things you think of that you see everywhere.

Hawley said the critters bobcats hunt tend to reproduce with impunity. And while that might be good for an individual species, out of control population growth can be bad for an ecosystem. But bobcats are a territorial, food-driven species. That means they self-regulate. So, while theyve made a remarkable comeback, Hawley said those numbers will level off.

DEEP / Contributed photo

So far this year, nearly 2,500 bobcat sightings have been reported to DEEP from nearly every town in the state. You might not see them, but they are there, he said, waiting in tall grasses and thick brushes, lurking in shadows, waiting to pounce on its next prey.

People walk in close proximity to them all the time and never know theyre there, Hawley said.

Bobcats mate around February or March, then give birth during spring. For the first few months, the small litter of kittens nurse from the mother. But by mid-summer, those kittens are eating meat. Mother bobcats are especially active during these times because theyre hunting for two, and up to four, bellies.

Andy Dobos / Contributed photo

That means your chances of spotting a momma bobcat is a bit higher in the summer.

A lot of the easy meals happen to be close to houses, Hawley said. If you think about it, everyones backyard is the perfect hunting ground for a bobcat. They can ambush predators and find good cover in brushy habitats.

Hawley said bobcats will often hang around the edge of a yard and wait for a cottontail to hop across, or a squirrel to go to a bird feeder.

Wild they may be, bobcats are still considered small cats. Females grow to about 20 lbs., while males can get up to 35. Usually, theyre only two to three times the size of your typical house cat. Hawley said they dont hunt house pets and generally steer clear of humans.

When calls come to DEEP about missing cats, thats more likely the work of coyotes, who hunt for animals like cats.

Most sightings occur from within a home or seeing one run quickly across the road. Their signature bobbed tails often blur into their hind legs, making it appear as though they might be a mountain lion. But DEEP said the last confirmed mountain lion sighting was in 2011 when one was killed on the Merritt Parkway. Before that, itd been a few hundred years.

Contributed Photo / Pam Rasmidatta

Unlike mountain lions, which grow to be about five-times as big, bobcats dont mess with humans. Its rare, but Hawley said you can sometimes run into a bobcat chasing a squirrel across in a forest near a hiking trail. And if you do run into one, Hawley recommends drinking in the moment.

Stop where you are and enjoy getting to see a pretty elusive animal in its natural habitat, he said. The best thing to do is try to kind of remain still so you can not spook the bobcat and watch it and observe it for as long as you can.

But if the bobcat spooks you before you spook it, a crisp clap should send it away.
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SOUTHPORT, N.C. (AP)  Jean Heller was toiling away on the floor of the Miami Beach Convention Center when an Associated Press colleague from the opposite end of the country walked into her workspace behind the event stage and handed her a thin manila envelope.

Im not an investigative reporter, Edith Lederer told the 29-year-old Heller as competitors typed away beyond the thick grey hangings separating news outlets covering the 1972 Democratic National Convention. But I think there might be something here.

Inside were documents telling a tale that, even today, staggers the imagination: For four decades, the U.S. government had denied hundreds of poor, Black men treatment for syphilis so researchers could study its ravages on the human body.

The U.S. Public Health Service called it The Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male. The world would soon come to know it simply as the Tuskegee Study  one of the biggest medical scandals in U.S. history, an atrocity that continues to fuel mistrust of government and health care among Black Americans.

I thought, 'It couldnt be, Heller recalls of that moment, 50 years ago. The ghastliness of this.

___

The story of how the study came to light began four years earlier, at a party in San Francisco.

Lederer was working at the AP bureau there in 1968 when she met Peter Buxtun. Three years earlier, while pursuing graduate work in history, Buxtun had taken a job at the local Public Health Service office in 1965; he was tasked with tracking venereal disease cases in the Bay Area.

In 1966, Buxtun had overheard colleagues talking about a syphilis study going on in Alabama. He called the Communicable Disease Center, now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and asked if they had any documents they could share. He received a manila envelope containing 10 reports, he told The American Scholar magazine in a story published in 2017.

He knew immediately that the study was unethical, he said, and sent reports to his superiors telling them so, twice. The reply was essentially: Tend to your own work and forget about Tuskegee.

He eventually left the agency, but he couldnt leave Tuskegee.

So, Buxtun turned to his journalist friend, Edie, who demurred.

I knew that I could not do this, Lederer said during a recent interview. AP, in 1972, was not going to put a young reporter from San Francisco on a plane to Tuskegee, Alabama, to go and do an investigative story.

But she told Buxtun she knew someone who could.

At the time, Heller was the only woman on the APs fledgling Special Assignment Team, a rarity in the industry. Still, she was not spared the casual sexism of the era. A 1968 story on the team for AP World, the wire services employee newsletter, described the squad as 10 men and one cute gal.

A caption under the 5-foot-2 Hellers photo called the pixie-like reporter lovely and competent.

Lederer knew Heller from their days together at AP's New York headquarters, then at 50 Rockefeller Plaza, where Heller started out on the radio desk.

I knew she was a terrific reporter, Lederer says.

During a trip to visit her parents in Florida, Lederer made a short detour to Miami Beach, where Heller was part of a team covering the convention  from which U.S. Sens. George McGovern of South Dakota and Thomas Eagleton of Missouri would emerge as the Democratic presidential and vice presidential nominees.

During a recent interview at her North Carolina home, Heller recalled putting the leaked PHS documents in her briefcase. She says she didnt get around to reading the contents until the flight back to Washington.

Seated next to her was Ray Stephens, head of the investigative team. She showed him the documents. Stephens realized the government wasnt denying the studys existence, just refusing to talk about it.

Heller recalls Stephens saying: When we get back to Washington, I want you to drop everything else youre doing and focus on this.

The government stonewalled her and refused to talk about the study. So, Heller began making the rounds elsewhere, starting with colleges, universities and medical schools.

She even reached out to her mothers gynecologist, a straight down the line, middle of the road, superior doctor.

I asked him if hed ever heard about this, and he said, Thats not going on. I just dont believe it.

Finally, one of her sources recalled seeing something about the syphilis study in a small medical publication. She headed to the D.C. public library.

I asked them if they had any kind of documents, books, magazines, whatever ... that would fit a, what today we would call a profile or a search engine search, for Tuskegee, farmers, Public Health Service, syphilis, Heller says.

They found an obscure medical journal  Heller cant recall the title  that had been chronicling the studys progress.

Every couple of years, they would write something about it, she says. Mostly it was about the findings  none of the morality was ever questioned.

Normally, reporters celebrate these Eureka moments. But Heller felt no such elation.

I knew that people had died, and I was about to tell the world who they were and what they had, she says, her voice dropping. And finding any joy in that ... would have been unseemly.

Armed with the journal, Heller went back to the PHS. They caved.

She says the lede of the story  the first paragraph or sentence of a news article  came to her quickly.

Marv Arrowsmith, the bureau chief, walked by my desk and, I said, Hey, Marv. Will you publish this? she recalls. And he read it and he looked at me and he said, Can you prove it? I said, Yes. He said, You got it.

An AP medical writer helped interview doctors for the story. Within just a few short weeks, the team felt they had enough to publish.

Arrowsmith suggested they offer the story first to the now-defunct Washington Star, if it promised to run it on the front page.

The Star was a highly respected PM (afternoon) newspaper, and if they took it seriously, others might follow, Heller says.

____

The story ran on July 25, 1972, a Tuesday. It was a harrowing tale.

Starting in 1932, the Public Health Service  working with the famed Tuskegee Institute  began recruiting Black men in Macon County, Alabama. Researchers told them they were to be treated for bad blood, a catch-all term used to describe several ailments, including anemia, fatigue and syphilis. Treatment at the time consisted primarily of doses of arsenic and mercury.

In exchange for their participation, the men would get free medical exams, free meals and burial insurance  provided the government was allowed to perform an autopsy.

Eventually, more than 600 men were enrolled. What they were not told was that about a third would receive no treatment at all  even after penicillin became available in the 1940s.

By the time Hellers story was published, at least seven of the men in the study had died as a direct result of the affliction, and another 154 from heart disease.

As much injustice as there was for Black Americans back in 1932, when the study began, I could not BELIEVE that an agency of the federal government, as much of a mistake as it was initially, could let this continue for 40 years, says Heller. It just made me furious.

Nearly four months after the story ran, the study was halted.

The government established the Tuskegee Health Benefit Program to begin treating the men, eventually expanding it to the participants wives, widows and children. A class-action lawsuit filed in 1973 resulted in a $10 million settlement.

The last participant died in 2004, but the study still casts a long shadow over the nation. Many African Americans cited Tuskegee in refusing to seek medical treatment or participate in clinical trials. It was even cited more recently as a reason not to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

At 79, Heller is still haunted by her story and the effects it had on the men and women of rural Alabama, and the nation as a whole.

For the story, Heller would win some of journalisms highest honors  the Robert F. Kennedy, George Polk and Raymond Clapper Memorial awards. (Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward of The Washington Post, writing about the Watergate scandal, finished in second place for the Clapper Award.)

Hanging in her office is a copy of the front-page byline she got in The New York Times, exceedingly rare for an AP staffer. But the hype surrounding Tuskegee would play a big role in Hellers decision to leave the AP in 1974.

I felt after all of the brouhaha over ... Tuskegee, and what came after it, that I should move on, she says. She went on to a three-decade career that would take her from the hills of Wyoming to the beaches of South Florida.

These days, Heller spends her time cranking out fiction. Shes five books into a mystery series featuring Deuce Mora, a hard-driving female reporter who is a very un-pixie-like 6 feet tall.

Despite her distress over the state of the news business, she has never thought about returning to journalism.

You cant go home again; I firmly believe that, she says. And I dont want to be competing against myself or against expectations.

When asked if she regretted giving up what is arguably one of the great scoops in American journalism, Lederer replied: Possibly, you know, a little bit. But she knew the story was bigger than her or Heller or any individual reporter.

What I cared about most was that this seemed to be a horrible and deadly injustice to innocent Black men, says Lederer, who was the first woman assigned full time to cover the Vietnam War for the AP and remains its chief U.N. correspondent.

And for me, the important thing was to verify it and to see that it got out to the broader American public  and that something was done to prevent any such experiments from happening again.

Heller agrees.

The story isnt about me anyway, she says. Its about them.
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OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP)  As one of two Republican members of Congress from Washington to have voted to impeach former President Donald Trump, Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler faces one of her toughest primaries since she was first elected to represent the southwest region of the state in 2010.

The number of Republicans in the race  including a former Green Beret endorsed by Trump  and the anger that the six-term congresswoman sparked among some in her party with her impeachment vote means Herrera Beutler could face a scenario that seemed unfathomable in her previous re-election bids: not making it through the primary.

For me and my team and the way we look at it, its another tough election, Herrera Beutler told The Associated Press. Im not changing course. Im still the same Republican Ive always been.

Under Washingtons primary system, the top two vote getters in each race Aug. 2 advance to the November election, regardless of party. Washington is a vote by mail state, and voters dont have to declare a party affiliation.

Rep. Dan Newhouse, a four-term congressman in the 4th Congressional District, is the other Washington state member of Congress who has drawn Republican challengers, including one endorsed by Trump, due to his vote.

Perhaps the best known outside candidate in Newhouses intraparty feud is Loren Culp, a former small town police chief who lost the 2020 governors race to Democrat Jay Inslee but refused to concede. He won Trumps endorsement in February, but has lagged other candidates in reported fundraising figures.

Due to the nature of the top-two primary, the vote in the 3rd Congressional District could cut in a variety of ways, including the incumbent advancing to the general election against a fellow Republican or against a Democratic challenger  in previous elections Democrats have always captured enough of the primary vote to advance to November. But Herrera Beutler could also be edged out.

It all comes down who turns out to vote and how much power the Trump endorsement holds, said Mark Stephan, an associate professor of political science at Washington State University-Vancouver.

The 3rd District taps into that national story of, where is the Republican Party headed, he said. How much continued influence does President Trump have over the party?

Trump had vowed revenge against the 10 House Republicans who crossed party lines to impeach him but has had mixed results in the primaries to date.

Rep. Tom Rice, a five-term congressman, was ousted by a Trump-endorsed state lawmaker in last months South Carolina primary. Rep. David Valadao of California advanced from that states top two primary to advance to the general election with a Democratic state lawmaker, surviving a challenge from a fellow Republican who faulted the congressman for his impeachment vote.

The impeachment vote came in the wake of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob that supported the presidents efforts to have the 2020 election overturned, driven by false claims of widespread voter fraud.

Hererra Beutler says she has no regrets about her impeachment vote  and stands by her comments made both on the floor and on Twitterafterward  including her revelation that Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy told her he spoke with Trump as rioters were storming the Capitol, and that according to McCarthy the president said: Well, Kevin, I guess these people are more upset about the election than you are.

But she said her focus since then has been on issues related to the district, like prescription drug prices and protecting salmon populations.

I would hope anybody, whether they agree with me on the vote or not, would understand that you want a representative who feels their obligation is to their oath, which is an obligation to the Constitution, she said.

Trump has endorsed Joe Kent, a regular on conservative cable shows who echoes the former presidents grievances about the 2020 election outcome.

Heidi St. John, a Christian author and home-school advocate who shares those views, rescinded a pledge to drop out of the race and support whomever Trump endorsed and has attacked Kent, saying shes the only true conservative in the race.

The main Democrat in the race, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, has secured the support of key Democrats in the region.

Kent says the impeachment vote is what led him to get into elected politics. He had already established a relationship with the former president, whom he first met at Dover Air Force Base days after his wife, Navy cryptologist Shannon Kent, was killed by a suicide bomber in Syria during a mission to fight the Islamic State in 2019. Kent, who moved to Portland with his two young sons to be closer to family, ultimately moved across the border to Washington state the following year.

Kent said hes part of the America First movement, and said that when he talks to voters, he contrasts himself against not just Democrats, but traditional Republicans as well. Kent said if Republicans win the majority in Congress, he would push for the impeachment of President Joe Biden and an investigation into the 2020 election.

We are in the midst of the Republican civil war and America First is going to win that civil war and we are going to take over the Republican party, he said.

Trump garnered about 38% of the statewide vote in 2020 but won the 3rd District with 50.6%. Shes fallen under 50% in crowded primaries before, most recently in 2018, but has never been at serious risk of not clearing the primary in her previous re-election bids.

St. John said some of his public stances and the fact he was registered as a Democrat and voted for Bernie Sanders in Oregons 2020 presidential primary  which Kent said he did to help Trump since he felt Sanders would be a weaker candidate against Trump than Biden  is among the reasons why shes decided to stay in the race.

Im more concerned about electing a good representative than this narrative about splitting the vote, she said. St. John  who is trailing in fundraising behind Herrera Beutler and Kent  is benefiting in more than $1.3 million in outside spending from a newly created political action committee called Conservatives For A Stronger America.

For Gluesenkamp Perez, she sees the Republican infighting as an opportunity for Democrats who havent held this seat since Herrera Beutler first won it 12 years ago.

Im the only candidate who understands what its like to navigate America as a small business owner working in the trades, and thats what this district looks like, said Gluesenkamp Perez, who own an auto shop with her husband across the border in Portland.

Ballots were mailed to the states nearly 4.8 million registered voters last week, including the more than 499,000 in the 3rd Congressional District, whose borders changed recently under redistricting.
Old Saybrook will appeal a Freedom of Information Commission order to release the exit interview of a former police officer, the attorney who handled the FOI case for the town said in an email Monday.

The interview reportedly contains negative comments about Chief of Police Michael Spera.

To justify withholding the document, the town previously invoked a statute that exempts personnel or medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute an invasion of personal privacy from the Freedom of Information Act.

Releasing the interview would constitute an invasion of personal privacy because it attacks the reputation of the police chief and could be harmful to the police chief or the Police Department, attorney Pat McHale told the FOIC at its July 13 meeting, a recording of which is available on the state website.

But the commission ultimately concurred with Hearing Officer Zack Hydes recommendation to order the records release. Hyde determined the exemption did not apply because the information contained within the interview was a matter of public interest and was not highly offensive to a reasonable person, according to his report.

The case goes back to a complaint former Old Saybrook police Officer Justin Hanna filed with the commission last year.

Upon leaving the Old Saybrook Police Department, Hanna completed an exit interview in which he shared his opinions about his employment there.

But when Hanna, who was not available for comment Monday, tried to get a copy of the interview, the town would not release it. He ultimately turned to the FOIC to appeal the denial.

The FOIC then used a standard established by a state Supreme Court Decision known as Perkins v. Freedom of Information Commission to decide the record did not qualify for the invasion of privacy exemption.

Under the Perkins decision,the claimant must establish both of two elements: first, that the information sought does not pertain to legitimate matters of public concern, and second, that such information would be highly offensive to a reasonable person, says the FOIC order, which concludes Old Saybrooks claim did not meet either requirement.

McHale disagreed, citing a different Connecticut Supreme Court decision to support his case. In 1991, the courts decision in Chairman, Criminal Justice Commission v. Freedom of Information Commission held exemption applied to the performance evaluation of a states attorney because its release would constitute an invasion of privacy.

Old Saybrooks case, McHale told the commission, was analogous to the 1991 case.

Though the Perkins decision is more recent  it came down in 1993  the Chairman decision still is considered law, McHale said.

He also argued the case met the Perkins requirements.

Theres no legitimate matter of public concern since the chief was given a reasonable expectation of privacy in the document, given the way it was handled by the police commission, he said. The commission discussed the exit interview privately in executive session, he said.

As for the second prong of the Perkins test, McHale said, disclosure of the document would be highly offensive to the police chief and the Police Department because it attacks the reputation of the police chief.

But in responding to McHale before the commission, Hyde, the hearing officer who handled the case, said there was nothing in there that would be highly offensive to a reasonable person. The case included an in-camera review of the exit interview, according to the FOIC order.

Colleen Murphy, executive director of the FOIC, also chimed in.

Certainly here there would be a legitimate public concern in comments made about the chief of police, she said.

Moreover, while the Perkins decision did not overrule the Chairman decision, Murphy said, the court was clear the Perkins case would set the standard for applying the exemption.

Attorney McHale would be hard-pressed to find a case since Perkins where some of the factors that he is asking you to consider here were considered by the courts, she said.

The vote to adopt Hydes recommendation was unanimous.

Agencies must file appeals with the court within 45 days of receipt of the final decision, said Thomas Hennick, public education officer for the FOIC.

Hennick spoke generally about the process and did not make specific comments about Old Saybrook.

If an agency does not appeal the decision or release the records, Hennick said, that agency could face a noncompliance complaint.

If they fail to or refuse to (release the records) then the complainant would file another complaint  a noncompliance complaint  and ask the commission to take harsher steps than just ordering the release of the document, Hennick said.

meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com
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WESTPORT  Women have been protesting for a long time, even back in Ancient Greece, said curator Melanie Prapopoulos.

Its something she hopes to show with the new exhibit at MoCA Westport, Women Pulling at the Threads of Social Discourse, which features female artistry through textiles  long viewed as a feminine realm.

The marriage of the female artist to the textile medium, both outwardly and socially expected to be weak, in the hands of these artists, is affirming that strength lies in durability, pliability, and resolve, said Ruth Mannes, MoCA Westports executive director.

The exhibit is available to view for free until Oct. 2, letting visitors learn about the crossroads of fiber art with political and social awareness.

Portions of this exhibition were originally displayed at the CAMP Gallery Miami in 2020, in partnership with the Fiber Artists Miami Association. It coincided with the death of former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, the presidential election and the centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave most women the right to vote in the U.S.

The exhibition and its message  the right to vote, and the action and responsibility of everyone voting - is just as important now as in the past, Prapopoulos said. The artists are the present-day warriors still carrying the torch first lit over one hundred years ago.

This version of the exhibition focuses on flags, using them as a metaphor for women during the suffrage movement. The flags in the exhibition were created with fiber arts and ignited positive social change. Theyre made from a range of fibers, including velvet, silk, linen and repurposed materials, such as plastic and canvas, according to the museum.

Prapopoulos said MoCAs plans to bring this exhibition to Connecticut started before discussions surrounding the Supreme Courts decision about reproductive rights, which some of the artwork on display focuses on.

It was timely in 2020, and its timely now, she said.

She said she hopes visitors will see women holding a needle as more than crafters.

The assumption that this is a petty homemaker-type craft is really disturbing, she said. Its so laid in gender expectations.

Prapopoulous said she also wants people to understand that the feminine voice is just as valuable as the male voice.

This exhibition is shown alongside other works by artist Aurora Molina, sculptor Shelly McCoy and an interactive fiber intallation, as well as other artists.

One of the artists is a South Norwalk resident, Camille Eskell. Her piece, Rough Robe: Out from Under, is her first full-scale garment in her The Fez as Storyteller series. It is made with a variety of techniques, including digital art and hand sewing, and is created in part from an Indian sari she got on a visit to Mumbai.

Embracing the exotic and upending Orientalism, my ongoing series The Fez as Storyteller delves into my cultural history and familial heritage, Eskell said. As a first-generation American and the youngest of three girls from a turbulent Iraqi-Jewish family from Bombay, I examine the impact of this legacy through a feminist lens.

This work, in particular, focuses on the melding of cultural materials and symbols regularly found in her series. She said the imagery in the robe portrays the iconic Middle-Eastern figure of the belly dancer/harem girl, and Stars of David are interspersed.

Eskell also commented on how her piece adds to the overall theme of the exhibition.

Unfortunately, this social discourse is front and center now, given the recent reactionary political measures made against women's rights in this country, she said. This is one of the many important social issues reflected in the show.

Eskell said she hopes spectators learn the power of artists voices, particularly women, and their active participation in exposing and expressing important social, political and humanistic issues.

The story has been updated with the correct end date for the exhibit.

kayla.mutchler@hearstmediact.com
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BRIDGEPORT  The city is marketing itself as an entertainment destination.

But a damaged and closed stairwell in a state-owned parking garage on South Frontage Road used by patrons of the amphitheater, the entertainment arena and other visitors is making a bad impression.

Built in 2000 by the city, the state took over ownership of the structure in question  known as the Bridgeport Transportation Center garage and located next to the Total Mortgage Arena  in 2012.

City officials in January notified the state Department of Transportation that some of the west staircases concrete was crumbling, prompting the closure that has lasted for a few months.

Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater officials said they had also contacted the DOT over complaints shared earlier this month on a Facebook page started by fans.

Some ticket holders complained online about the situation at the Friends of the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheaters Facebook page, posting a photo of the closed stairwell doors, blocked by orange netting and a sign to use the elevators.

Complaints ranged from long lines backing up at the elevators to questions about safety.

What if theres fire? wrote one person.

A few people said they had witnessed frustrated members of the public removing the netting and risking using the stairs. Others fretted about the overall condition of the garage and also how long it was taking to fix the issue.

The DOT in an emailed statement to Hearst Connecticut Media on Monday said that as soon as being alerted to the concerns in the west staircase by the city the agency took immediate action, inspecting the site and closing it indefinitely in the interest of public safety.

Due to the structural issues, CT DOT will perform a complete replacement of the west staircase, continued the statement. The design will soon get underway. The overall parking structure and east staircase inspection revealed no further structural issues.

Also, the DOT emphasized in the email, the elevators on the west and east side and an open east staircase allow multiple entrance and exit points.

Amphitheater officials in a statement to Hearst Connecticut Media urged state officials to move more quickly.

This is one of the first impressions you get of the amphitheater and we, unfortunately, dont have control over this, read the venues statement. We appreciate theyre working to get it done, but time is of the essence.
Ken Dixons recent piece, A quarter of the 151 State House races will go unchallenged, should give readers pause that Connecticut should do a better job of recruiting candidates. Of course, this is one of the most politically turbulent times to run for public office, but voters deserve to have options and party competition. At least this sentiment has been common wisdom among political scientists. But the bigger problem is that many of our local political party committees are not always the most welcoming to recruiting voters and candidates.

Its no secret that Connecticuts largest cities are Democratic strongholds with limited, if any, Republican or viable third-party options. Bridgeport, New Haven and Hartford are notorious for being overwhelmingly one-party monopolies. And according to Dixons analysis, several General Assembly districts changed because of reapportionment this year as smaller city and several suburban municipalities were unsuccessful recruiting Republican candidates. This included West Haven, Hamden, Meriden and Willimantic. Meanwhile smaller towns, like North Branford, Watertown and Southbury are a lock for Republicans.

State lawmakers salaries have also been a longstanding concern, even with the recent change to $40,000 from $28,000. Some party leaders advocated higher increases for recruiting more candidates.

Public financing has been an additional consideration for candidates qualifying for competitive state grants through the Citizens Election Program. But candidates must be savvy to collect signatures, raise significant in-district donations and hire competent campaign staff to file required paperwork.

Still, the more candidates from whichever political parties the better, because it makes for viable competition. At least political science colleagues argue this sentiment because it should lead to various policies and perspectives within a political arena. In fact, Peter Burns has written Electoral Politics Is Not Enough that Connecticuts largest cities could stand to have more than one political party since party competition yields to political reforms.

But this is more difficult than it sounds. As a former New Haven Republican chairman, I found it arduous to recruit candidates. Few want to challenge Democrats and fewer want to be in the public eye as a General Assembly candidate. The scrutiny candidates face by an opposing party and the media deters many to step up.

An overlooked but critical factor for candidates not seeking a General Assembly run is a local party committees political gate-keeping. Anecdotally, I found that many of these committees can be provincial and petty. These inner circles are fiefdoms and knowing names, personalities and politics can be burdensome. Theres often long-standing histories with these committees and theyre the ones that endorse candidates and organize slates before names appear on primary ballots for party-affiliated voters to choose since Connecticut is a closed primary state.

Finally, there are often generation gaps between committee members and potential candidates. It takes a lot to attend meetings, volunteer for candidates and run for office. Usually, its the more established politicos and semi-retired professionals that have the time, financial resources and connections to contribute to a local party committee. In other words, younger candidates are rare and few are mentored about party committee politics. Considering Generations Y and Z (those born from 1982 to 2012) are hardly affiliated with any political party, its challenging to have them join a party let alone run for office. And too often, younger voters and candidates follow politics at the national rather than state or local levels.

What should be encouraged then by party leaders and local committees especially is to be welcoming to unaffiliated voters that could be potential candidates. Prepping future and often younger candidates must begin when they attend party committee meetings, socials and fundraisers. Ultimately, they could be candidates for Connecticuts General Assembly.

Jonathan L. Wharton is the School of Graduate and Professional Studies associate dean and teaches political science at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven.
Opinion: Students should plan to work remotely beyond college, and expect both pros and cons of shifting workforce norms.

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As tired of a subject as remote learning may be, students transitioning into careers may find there is no plausible rest in sight for online work environments. Many internship and entry-level job opportunities now boast fully-remote functionality or hybrid options.

According to Upwork, one in four Americans worked remotely through 2021. They also estimate that 36.2 million Americans  22% of the workforce  will work remotely by 2025. Its important for students to recognize that working online is not limited to their educational experience and to hear from others who have already entered the remote workforce so they know how to best prepare.

It can be difficult for newly-hired employees to navigate their work online without the more attentive guidance an in-person environment would provide. Senior John Petrie entered a hybrid-work environment this summer, and finds some aspects challenging as most employees work fully remotely.

As an intern, I have lots of smaller questions that I need help with, Petrie said. Ill message people and it takes longer to get a response than it would if we were in the office.

It is also difficult for interns and entry-level workers to adapt to work environments without being able to meet their new co-workers and develop the deeper personal relations they could in person.

At the Emerald, Ive enjoyed being able to meet in-person with my fellow writers during the school year. Seeing others passion for writing and the world makes me care more about the topics we cover as well as my own work. Plus, its always nice to be reminded that youre a part of something larger than yourself. Without weekly face-to-face meetings, you can lose sense of your role in an organization.

Some, though, find that their work has become more intentional through hybrid or fully remote environments. The remote workforce allows people to figure out what schedule works best for them and work in a typically more comfortable environment at home, as well requiring workers to be flexible with unforeseen bumps in the road. Co-workers may not always be readily available, your neighbor may like to do yard work during your daily meeting or your laptop charger may break at random. The type of strategic thinking that goes into planning for remote work actually helps people be more intentional with their work productivity.

Another positive is that the long-withstanding inaccessibility of internships and job opportunities due to cost of location changes and living is alleviated in part by remote work. Still, it requires steady access to a functioning computer and it is unclear if remote work will have a major impact on economic disparities in the workforce.

While working remotely can be a struggle, todays college students are not lacking experience. Most of us figured out how to adapt to remote learning and what work environments and strategies work best for us. Whether it is putting your phone on do not disturb, setting timers prior to Zoom meetings or finding playlists that keep you productive, students have developed the skills necessary to succeed in an online work environment. Whether we want to or not, we should be prepared to use them.

Obviously, not all will be entering a remote workforce. Not all jobs can be performed online, and many companies are now opting to switch back into in-person functionality as COVID restrictions ease. However, many students may likely find themselves on a virtual career path. Jobs in the business, technology and journalism fields are more likely to be at least partially online. Additionally, anyone with a bachelors degree or higher is five times more likely to report working from home than those without.

Its also important to be aware that this major shift in workplace functionality calls forth other possible changes. Many remote companies also made the shift to four-day work weeks amid the pandemic, some seeing no real change in productivity. Not to get anyones hopes up, but the future of the nine to five is indeed at risk here, people!

The pandemic taught people many things  expressing gratitude for friends and family, how to survive without toilet paper and that us Americans will always succeed in globally embarrassing ourselves. More, though, its taught us that life can change. Quickly. While we cant always be ready when it does, we can prepare.

In a perfect world, one where we truly are post-COVID, the remote workforce would reap benefits for all. Hybrid models would be implemented so that workers could choose a path that works best for them. Hours in a work week would decrease, wages would increase. Office space that makes up nearly 80 percent of some downtown business districts could be used instead to house people affordably. There would be less traffic pollution. There would be more time for intentional action and community support for those in need. In a perfect world, there would be less people in need.

Except thats not the world were living in yet  and to get remotely close will take time, commitment, sacrifice and Zoom meetings. Lots of them.

Get your laptops ready, Ducks. Weve got work to do.
What a surprise. Little more than 12 hours after Russia signed a UN-authorised deal with Ukraine to lift the blockade of vitally-needed grain exports, in which each side agreed not to undertake any attacks against port facilities engaged in this initiative, four of Moscows Kalibr cruise missiles were launched at Odesa.

Two penetrated the air defences of Ukraines key southern port, slamming into the harbour.

The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, declared that the attack demonstrated the Kremlins disregard for the safety and security of millions of civilians. Our own Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, said it shows that not a word the Russian President says can be trusted.

Both these statements are accurate, but they add nothing to what we already knew. Russia may be a member of the UN Security Council, but it is also a bandit nation  and one should never negotiate with bandits, or not with the expectation that they would honour any agreement.

We might go further and say that, under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, Russia has become a terrorist state.

Liza Dmitrieva, 4, was killed killed earlier this month by a Russian missile strike in Vinnytsia, Ukraine

Liza Dmitrieva with her mother, Iryna, who had her leg blown off in the missile strike

Depravities

This argument was recently set out by Anne Applebaum, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of a book, Red Famine, on the mass starvation of millions of Ukrainians as an act of policy by Moscow in the 1930s.

She has been in Ukraine and has observed how Russia is directing constant, repetitive, visible terrorist violence against civilians, many of whom are nowhere near the fighting.

She also points out that, following the revelations of the torture and massacre of hundreds of civilians in Bucha, Putin awarded medals to the brigade that had committed most of the atrocities.

The witness accounts of the depravities committed in Bucha, which emerged in April after the Russians pulled out from that suburb near the capital Kyiv, made a profound impression; they were significant in hardening Western resolve to increase the supply of weapons to the Ukrainians, to prevent further centres of population falling prey to barbarism of this sort.

But sometimes it is the brutal extinguishing of a single life rather than the slaughter of many that makes the biggest impression, and most clearly brings home the human cost of terrorism, which is simultaneously random and deliberate.

Russia launched rockets which hit a grain facility in the Ukrainian port city Odesa just hours after a landmark food supply deal

Eyewitness video shows the moment the Russian cruise missile struck the grain processing facility on the banks of the Black Sea. Kyiv said no grain was lost in the attack

That was the effect on me, on learning about the death of Liza Dmitrieva on July 14, in Vinnytsia. On that day, Russia fired seven missiles at this western Ukrainian city, fully 250 miles from the front line of the conflict, and posing no threat whatsoever to the Russian forces in the east of this vast country.

One of the guided missiles hit the citys medical centre.

The 23 victims included a neurologist, Natalia Falshtynska, a mother-of-three, who was working there at the time. Liza Dmitrieva was killed on her walk home back from the centre, where she had gone for speech therapy. She was four years old and had Downs syndrome.

Her mother, Iryna, had her leg blown off in the missile strike, and remains in a critical condition.

But what tears at the heart is the contents of the phone carried by Iryna and rescued from the site. It had the video she took of Liza only minutes earlier, in which the little girl is talking merrily to her mother, while pushing her own pram  a pram in which she no longer needed to spend much time as she had grown sufficiently strong.

I suppose I was most affected because I am the father of a young woman with Downs syndrome, and understand how, as a parent, such vulnerability makes one feel so protective  almost painfully so.

Iryna had been overwhelmingly devoted to her daughter and chronicled her life through social media. She revealed how, when her daughters condition was detected during the pregnancy, she was told by the medical staff: You are young. Why do you need a sick child?

But she and her partner ignored the advice to terminate the pregnancy, as she put it: To show Liza the world.

At seven months, baby Liza underwent heart surgery, and Iryna described watching how our girl was taken out of the operating room and transferred to intensive care. Covered in wires, drips . . . So small and defenceless.

Liza's mother Irina remains in a critical condition following the blast

Devotion

But it was a success, as the procedure to close the hole in the heart almost invariably is nowadays.

In June 2019, Iryna recorded, after her daughter had made great progress in her ability to get up and down from a chair unaided: Only a little thing for some, but for us its incredible . . . For us, Liza is a fighter and a hero, a strong little girl whom we love to the point of madness.

I suspect all parents of such children will recognise that feeling.

Heartbreaking video shot just hours before Liza was killed shows her pushing her own pram

Irynas devotion, and her chronicling of her little daughters life, had made an impact in Ukraine more widely: she was known to Olena Zelenska, the wife of President Volodymyr Zelensky, with whom she had painted Christmas baubles.

After the missile attack on Vinnytsia, and the news about Liza Dmitrievas death  made graphically evident by the publication of photos of the child lying dead by her bloodied pram  Zelenska tweeted: Today we were all horrified by a photo of an overturned baby carriage from Vinnytsia. And then, reading the news, I realised that I knew this girl.

Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska spoke about meeting Liza while recording a video for Christmas holidays

We met while recording a video for Christmas holidays. The little girl managed to paint with dye not only herself, her dress, but all the other children, me, the cameramen and the director just in half an hour . . . Look at her, alive, please.

It is hardly surprising that the priest conducting Lizas funeral was unable to control his emotions, even after all he must have seen in his country over the past six months under Russian bombardment.

The description of the childs father, Artem Dmitriev, staggering and being held up by the shoulders by two relatives, as his daughter was buried, is almost too much to read.

Yet read these accounts we must  and there are countless more innocents who have been slaughtered in the same fashion, as a result of President Putins deliberate policy of creating terror in the civilian population.

The reason for this strategy is obvious: and it is not mere spite. Putin hopes it will destroy the morale of the Ukrainian people, and thereby weaken their support for the military resistance to his invasion. But if the Ukrainians are anything like the British during the German Blitz on our cities in 1940 and 1941, the effect will only have been to harden their resolve.

Head of MI6, Richard Moore said Russia had suffered an 'epic fail' in Ukraine and that Ukraine could win

Terrorist

And, if the head of Britains present-day intelligence service is correct, they should also be reassured in their belief that they can, with the increasing supply of the most up-to-date and formidable weaponry, principally from the U.S. and the UK, push back the invader.

In a very unusual public intervention, the head of MI6, Richard Moore said last week that This is a winnable campaign by the Ukrainians, adding that Putin had suffered an epic fail in Ukraine.

This is a further reason not to negotiate with the terrorist in the Kremlin.

And if you think terrorist is an inappropriate term for President Putin, remember that he had approved a lethally radioactive isotope from a Russian state-owned nuclear power station to be unleashed in London (to murder the British citizen Alexander Litvinenko), and a chemical attack on the streets of Salisbury, in the form of Novichok.

That killed only one person, Dawn Sturgess, who picked up the discarded perfume bottle that two FSB agents had used to contain the lethal substance; but the senior national co-ordinator for counter-terrorism, Dean Haydon, told a press conference that the amount of Novichok in that bottle . . . could have killed hundreds if not thousands of people.

If that doesnt convince you, talk to the relatives of the Britons murdered when a Russian missile blew Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 out of the skies above Ukraine in July 2014.

This month, finally, the inquest was held into the deaths of five of them  confirming Russian responsibility.

The remains of the five other British victims have never been repatriated.

And never forget Liza Dmitrieva.
The chaos at the Channel ports has nothing to do with Brexit. Except it has. But thats down to France. Dont take my word for it, just listen to arch-Remainer Jeremy Hunt.

According to the former Foreign Secretary, the French are determined to punish us for leaving the EU.

Hunt told Nick Ferrari on LBC radio: They are furious about Brexit and furious with Boris.

Theres a lack of willingness in the French government to be co-operative with Britain in any way at all.

So Brexit is to blame, but only because France has chosen to play silly beggars. The intolerable queues are the result of deliberate policy decisions taken in Paris. Yesterday, France was saying that all this disruption could be avoided if we rejoined the EUs Schengen free movement zone.

Theres only one problem with that argument: Britain has never been part of Schengen. Not that its done us much good. Illegal immigration is worse than ever. The French effectively turn a blind eye to cross-Channel trafficking.

Yet when British holidaymakers are headed in the other direction, its a different story.

The chaos at the Channel ports has nothing to do with Brexit. Except it has. But thats down to France. Dont take my word for it, just listen to arch-Remainer Jeremy Hunt

Even though we have always had passport checks when travelling into Europe, the French have chosen the peak summer holiday season to manufacture a monumental go-slow.

Ignore the blatant lies about sudden staff shortages. This is guerrilla warfare, sanctioned by the French government and cheered on by a pro-EU fifth column here at home.

They hope that by inflicting the maximum possible inconvenience on the British public, we will eventually see the error of our ways and crawl back to Brussels with our tails between our legs, begging to be readmitted to the protectionist club.

Despite his being on the losing side in the referendum and twice rejected in his attempts to become Prime Minister, Hunt obviously still entertains the fantasy that our future lies within Europes sclerotic superstate.

Why else would he make excuses for Frances disgraceful behaviour? They think weve mucked up their long-term plan for a united Europe and I hope that when we have a new Prime Minister we can have a reset in relations with France and indeed the EU more broadly, so that we can co-operate as good neighbours should, Hunt said.

So its all our fault, is it, Jezza?

Since we officially left the EU, weve gone out of our way to be good neighbours.

According to the former Foreign Secretary, the French are determined to punish us for leaving the EU

If only the same could be said of our friends in Europe.

Who was it sent gunboats to the Channel Islands and threatened to cut off electricity supplies?

Who rubbished Britains world-beating Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine and tried to rip up the post-Brexit trade deal to stop supplies reaching Britain? Who is threatening a trade war, rather than negotiate a sensible solution to the impasse in Northern Ireland?

It cant be a coincidence that at the same time France constructs artificial and unnecessary barriers to British holidaymakers crossing the Channel, the EU has launched not one, but four legal actions against us over the N.I. Protocol.

They can smell weakness in Westminster, as Boris exits stage left  pursued by a bear in the shape of the Commons privileges committee  and Britain is left rudderless while the Tory party indulges in six weeks of infighting and navel-gazing before choosing a new leader.

And they know they can rely on useful idiots such as Hunt, the BBC and the rest of the recalcitrant Remainiacs to crank up the hysteria and blame it all on our decision to quit the EU.

Up until now, we have been far too docile when it comes to confronting the post-Brexit hostility towards Britain  most of which is generated by the unelected standing bureaucracy in Brussels and that pipsqueak Napoleon wannabe Macron, who fancies himself as Emperor of Greater Europe.

Up until now, we have been far too docile when it comes to confronting the post-Brexit hostility towards Britain  most of which is generated by the unelected standing bureaucracy in Brussels and that pipsqueak Napoleon wannabe Macron, who fancies himself as Emperor of Greater Europe

The truth is that continental Europe is a basket case right now, engulfed in an economic and energy crisis, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. A trade war is in nobodys interest.

But while French intransigence at the border persists, we have a few cards of our own to play.

For instance, why are we still allowing EU citizens to use fast-track e-gates at airports, when British passport holders are forced to queue for hours to enter the EU via France? That should cease immediately.

Lets stop kidding ourselves the French are our friends and must be appeased. They have only ever acted in their own self-interest, from that ingrate de Gaulles Non to our joining the Common Market to French farmers burning lorries carrying British lamb exports and French fishermen sabotaging British boats.

Yet still millions of us flock to France every year, beguiled by Mediterranean beaches and idyllic rural villages. Maybe its time we started looking farther afield until their government stops treating us with contempt.

One of my favourite quotes comes from the late Arthur Lowes second-greatest comic creation after Captain Mainwaring  the grumpy, xenophobic retired businessman Redvers Potter, from the early 1980s TV series written by Roy Clarke, of Last Of The Summer Wine fame.

I love everything French... except the French.

Liz Truss reveals she likes to throw some shapes to Bruce Springsteens Dancing In The Dark.

Why doesnt that surprise me?

Dancing In The Dark is the favourite Springsteen song of people who dont really like Bruce Springsteen. He only wrote it after his manager told him he needed a hit single for the Born In The USA album.

Fizzy Lizzie should have chosen No Surrender instead, claiming it reminded her of the bog standard comprehensive she attended.

Liz Truss reveals she likes to throw some shapes to Bruce Springsteens Dancing In The Dark

We learned more from a three-minute record, baby, than we ever learned in school . . .

Or even, Rosalita. Some day well look back on this and it will all seem funny.

If Lizzies lucky, her Glory Days are still ahead.

British troops have been banned from hiring prostitutes abroad but not, for some reason, at home. The policy was introduced after it was revealed that squaddies stationed in Kenya were paying for sex through a chain-link fence. Ouch!

But as Churchill said when he learned that a guardsman had been caught in flagrante with another man in St Jamess Park in sub-zero temperatures: Makes you proud to be British.

This rewilding business is getting completely out of hand. Last week I brought you news of bison being reintroduced in Kent, 6,000 years after becoming extinct in Britain.

Now along comes another rare species returning to our shores, the giant sea eagle from Norway.

With a wingspan of 2.5 metres, they are Britains biggest bird of prey and have been compared to flying barn doors. If you thought swooping seagulls stealing your fish and chips were a problem, best think again.

On the Isle of Skye, sea eagles have been blamed for killing lambs on the croft belonging to porky pub bore Ian Blackford, leader of Wee Burneys Toytown Tartanistas at Westminster. Admittedly, theyd have their talons full if they tried to airlift Blackford like the Trojan prince scooped up by the Greek god Zeus, disguised as an eagle.

But Blackfords sheep are easy meat.

And according to a neighbouring crofter, the giant predators are fond of snacking on puffins like Mars bars.

No wonder farmers are resisting plans to relocate sea eagles to other areas. Landowners in Norfolk have been battling conservationists who want to settle 60 breeding pairs in East Anglia.

In Scotland, the fanatics behind the reintroduction of sea eagles also want to bring back lynxes and wild boar. Why stop there?

Some people wont be happy until Britain starts to look like Jurassic Park.

Harriet Harman, who is leading the tedious anti-Boris witch-hunt, even though hes resigned as PM, glories in the title of Mother Of The House, befitting her status as Westminsters longest-serving female MP.

Surely given Hatties equalities obsession, that should be Birthing Person Of The House. . .
We need to talk about our NHS. It is quite clear that it is at breaking point and that radical reform is needed to ensure its survival. And yet anyone who dares say so risks provoking hysteria.

Hospitals in England are desperately understaffed. A report this week by the Commons Health and Social Care Committee revealed that we need 12,000 more doctors and more than 50,000 nurses and midwives.

By the start of the 2030s, the NHS is expected to require 475,000 more workers, with another 490,000 jobs projected for carers.

But these services are already heavily pressed. One carer in three quit last year and the number of full-time GPs has fallen by more than 700 since 2019, with the majority now only working part-time. The average waiting time for an ambulance is a staggering 51 minutes.

'Hospitals in England are desperately understaffed. A report this week by the Commons Health and Social Care Committee revealed that we need 12,000 more doctors and more than 50,000 nurses and midwives'

Yesterdays Mail detailed the horrific story of a 61-year-old cardiac patient, herself a retired GP, whose husband drove her 300 miles from Cornwall to London after she suffered chest pains, in search of a hospital bed.

Professor Stephen Smith is the former CEO of Imperial College Healthcare NHS trust and Dean of Medicine at Imperial College

Outrage

We simply cant go on like this. In the aftermath of the pandemic and its impact on healthcare provision, there are a record 6.6 million people in Britain on NHS waiting lists  and that number is rising. Its unsustainable and we have to address it.

But how? It is, of course, extremely unhelpful that any attempt at dialogue on the NHSs future is met with outrage and panic by those who believe it is blasphemy even to consider alternative ways of funding the system.

These people claim to be defending our NHS by refusing to countenance change and instead insisting that any problem can be fixed with more money. But perhaps, ironically, they may well be throttling our health system to death with that demand

If we could only have an open discussion about the alternatives out there, people might realise that the status quo may not be the best option. There are several internationally recognised alternatives that could help us. One  which I raised in a new book published by think tank Radix UK this week  could be hotel charges for hospital admissions, as in the German and French models, where patients pay a nominal fee (about 8 a night) for a bed.

I was not necessarily advocating this as a policy but one of several options we can consider as a starting point for discussion. Yet it was greeted in some quarters by outrage. Somehow it is seen as almost unpatriotic to point out that many developed countries have health services that in some respects are superior to our own  more efficient, shorter waiting lists, more beds, better outcomes for cancer and other diseases.

'By the start of the 2030s, the NHS is expected to require 475,000 more workers, with another 490,000 jobs projected for carers'

But we have to face facts. The NHS is almost 75 years old. In all that time, it has been centrally funded through taxation and, no matter how much money is poured into the service, it is never enough.

Every other aspect of life in Britain has altered radically in these seven-plus decades. For us to continue with an aged health service, wheezing on life support, is illogical.

Let me make one thing clear, though: whatever new funding models we incorporate, we can never adopt the American system of individual health insurance policies which price out those on lower incomes. No country should have to suffer that. Its true, too, that there is no perfect healthcare system anywhere in the world. They all have advantages and disadvantages.

One straightforward method would be to have a hypothecated tax, levied to raise funds specifically for the NHS.

This was something considered by Jeremy Hunt when he was Health Secretary, proposing a ten-year funding plan with tax increases targeted at older workers

Another idea was to make the 1.2 million pensioners who continue working after retirement age pay National Insurance. Both these schemes would be deeply unpopular with people who have already spent their working lifetimes paying tax, as would the suggestion to scrap universal free prescriptions for the over-60s.

The graph shows the NHS England waiting list for routine surgery, such as hip and knee operations (red line), hit a record high 6.18million in February this year

In April this year all workers started paying the 1.25 per cent hike in NI payments, the Health and Social Care Levy, to help manage our social care crisis. But such money is never ring-fenced, and for this year at least it is said to be going towards easing the Covid-related backlog. How likely that money is ever to make its way to social care is anyones guess.

Indeed, the real problem with earmarking specific taxes is that governments will always be tempted to raid them for other, more immediate purposes.

We have to be more inventive. We are an endlessly resourceful and innovative nation. It should not be beyond our collective powers to improve the NHS.

We could, for instance, feasibly increase the number of additional charges  like the ones we already pay for prescriptions and dentistry.

These fees could be retrospectively means-tested and refunded to those on lower incomes. And elderly or long-term patients could also be excluded, ensuring any added costs would fall only on those who could actually afford it.

Pressure

I believe this would be far more popular than a blanket tax increase. And, crucially, we know it could work, because it is already common practice in Europe.

Figures show how NHS bed occupancy shifted during the pandemic

The French pay a similar sort of fee to see a GP. This discourages time-wasters with frivolous complaints and reduces pressure on doctors, as well as freeing up more appointments. And, of course, the fee is refunded for those less able to pay.

Id expect that up to 90 per cent of patients would be eligible for reimbursement, just as only around 10 per cent of people in England who collect a prescription actually have to pay. The great majority are exempt.

One counter-argument sometimes levelled is that successful cancer treatment often depends on early diagnosis and anything  such as an upfront fee to see a doctor  that makes people less inclined to have a check-up is dangerous. But the figures also show that cancer outcomes in France are actually better than in Britain.

The French and Germans also have a much better level of acute hospital beds than we do. But the Scandinavian countries dont  and their healthcare is often regarded as the best in the world.

Sweden and other Nordic nations have superb social care services which enable them to prevent many problems before the need for hospital admission arises. But everything comes at a cost and the Scandinavians pay far higher taxes than we do

Inhumane

At the height of the pandemic, Britain did at last appear to recognise one crucial factor  the role played by our outstanding medical staff. Doctors, nurses and other care workers perform some of the most difficult jobs imaginable. It makes sense to reduce the strain and pressure of their lives where possible.

If we dont, many will quit from exhaustion or disillusionment  as they are already doing. The treadmill for GPs, expected to do one consultation every eight minutes, hour after hour, is inhumane. It takes up to 15 years to train a doctor. Every one who leaves the NHS is a serious loss.

We cannot keep chanting I love the NHS and hope that love alone will save it. This weeks cross-party report is a step forward. But it has to lead to a dispassionate, honest debate about the future for it to have any real effect.

People may disagree and fight for what they believe to be the best way. After all, there is no single answer to the crisis in the NHS. But one thing is certain  the system is breaking and hurling money blindly wont fix it.
Ding, ding! Seconds out. Time for the latest round in the bad tempered brouhaha also known as the Tory leadership contest.

Liz Truss and Rishi Sunaks travelling verbal tussle staggered on to Stoke-on-Trent last night where the challengers came face to face in a live, hour-long BBC studio debate.

All the early signs suggested we were in for right old dust up. Insults were being tossed about like grenades at the Somme throughout the day.

At one point, a Twitter tantrum erupted when that perpetual trouble magnet (and ardent Truss supporter) Nadine Dorries (made a dig about the price of Rishis sharp, bespoke suits.

If the two sides keep this up, UN peacekeepers may at some point need to intervene. And, sure enough, this debate was every bit as ill-tempered as we expected.

Ding, ding! Seconds out. Time for the latest round in the bad tempered brouhaha also known as the Tory leadership contest

Even a tad nasty at times. No chance either these will be serving in each others Cabinet. Boris was probably watching it back at No 10, feet up, chortling away and pouring himself a large one.

Sunak was more willing to flash the bat a bit, but since hes trailing heavily in the polls he had little alternative.

What the former chancellor really needed was a big reveal, a gotcha moment which might change the tide in this race before ballot papers start arriving through Conservative members letter boxes next week. He didnt produce one.

Our host for the evening was Sophie Raworth, a model of courtly sophistication with the crisp discipline of a pony club instructor.

The opening shot of the night featured our two candidates grinning at the camera awkwardly. A somewhat unnerving image. They looked like two contestants about to do battle on Blankety Blank.

Actually, the whole format had a gameshow feel to it. Raworth kept on billing it as the race to be Prime Minister, as though the keys to Downing Street would be handed over at the end as the grand prize.

Liz Truss and Rishi Sunaks travelling verbal tussle staggered on to Stoke-on-Trent last night where the challengers came face to face in a live, hour-long BBC studio debate

Are you ready? she asked her guests excitedly. Er, yes, they both stuttered gormlessly. We kicked off with a question from the audience about the cost of living squeeze. Truss went straight in, attacking Sunaks hated National Insurance hike.

We also needed growth in the economy, she said. Growth Rishi had failed to provide.

Sunak responded by attacking Truss for wanting to rack up ever more charges on the nations credit card. Her economic plans would tip millions into misery he said.

At times, he took to mansplaining things to his opponent. It was a wince-making sight at times. It was patronising. Unedifying. And it wont have gone down well with traditional Tory voters.

Truss frowned. She shook her head. There was even a cursory roll of the eyes. Say what you like about The Truss, but faced with such aggression she did extremely well to keep her composure. The two of them stood on futuristic looking stage behind neon-lit lecterns. Dread to think what the electricity bill must be in this gaff. Flashing lights to the left of them, flashing lights to the right.

Whenever a political debate is hosted on TV now, the production crew are under strict instructions to make the set resemble the bridge of the Starship Enterprise.

All the early signs suggested we were in for right old dust up. Insults were being tossed about like grenades at the Somme throughout the day

If the two sides keep this up, UN peacekeepers may at some point need to intervene. And, sure enough, this debate was every bit as ill-tempered as we expected

Over to one side were the Beebs Political Editor Chris Mason and Economics Editor Faisal Islam. Confusingly, they were allowed to chuck in their own questions, too. Liz kept mispronouncing Faisals name Fay-zal.

Sunak jabbered away furiously, like a man whod washed down Pro Plus with a treble espresso. He denounced Trusss tax cut plans as short term sugar rushes. Truss insisted Sunak was scaremongering. This is Project Fear! she declared.

Every now and again you had to remind yourself Truss and Sunak are members of the same party. The Governments levelling up programme was raised. Rishi talked about his humble upbringing in Southampton; GP Dad, pharmacist Mum. Liz brought up her lowly comprehensive schooling in Leeds again. Translation: Dont forget Rishis a private school posho.

Soon, they were back at it, this time rowing about who had the tougher stance on China. Sunak ribbed Truss for once saying the UK was entering a golden age of relations with the Chinese. I think youll find that was a decade ago, Truss replied huffily.

On and on the squabbling went. Why did Truss vote Remain? Why did Rishi wear such expensive clothes? Did Rishi really stab Boris in the back? You could almost hear the exasperated moans erupting from Tory HQ.

Where the two candidates were heading off to afterwards wasnt disclosed. But I think its fair to say they werent going to be repairing to the Green Room to share a nightcap.
A mother whose daughter died of bowel cancer at just 24 years old has warned you are never too young to develop the illness.

Tess Grace's daughter Amelia, known as Millie, passed away in October 2021 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer just 10 months earlier.

Since her daughter's death, Tess, 50, from Liverpool but living in Cornwall, is campaigning to make sure young people understand the symptoms  and wants to change 'outdated' assumptions that only older people develop the illness.

She told FEMAIL: 'It's a sweeping statement to say 'you're too young' to have bowel cancer.'

Millie Grace, pictured with her mother Tess, died in October 2021, just 10 months after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. Her mother wants people to know you are 'never too young' to be diagnosed with the disease

Millie was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in December 2020 after a routine operation revealed a tumour in her colon. Tess said her daughter kept her spirits up in hospital, pictured

Throughout treatment, Millie made sure her eyebrows, lips and nails were done. Tess said: 'She was all about the brows and the lips and the nails, but at the same time she wasn't vain. She was just Millie'

She added her daughter had been experiencing symptoms like blood in her stools for about three years before she was finally diagnosed.

Tess claimed that despite her daughter's repeated trips to the GP, no one ever assumed she had bowel cancer because she was 'too young'.

Describing her daughter as 'sassy', Tess said Millie was a huge loss to her loved ones.

'She was feisty. She was queen of the eye-roll,' Tess said.

'She was beautiful too. She was all about the brows and the lips and the nails, but at the same time she wasn't vain. She was just Millie.

'She was so caring, she always liked to root for the underdog.'

Working in a currency exchange in Liverpool and living with her boyfriend Jay, Millie spent most of the Covid lockdown waiting for an operation to remove cysts on her ovaries which had been delayed from January 2020.

Tess described her youngest daughter Millie as 'queen of the eye roll' and 'feisty'. She added: 'She was so caring, she always liked to root for the underdog.'

Millie was working for a currency exchange company in her hometown of Liverpool when she became unwell

While she waited for the surgery, Millie started to experience pain in her abdomen. Her stomach started to swell and she could feel lumps, and she lost her appetite.

Despite more trips to the GP, Tess claimed tests were carried out on Millie and she was due to have a colonoscopy, but no signs of cancer were immediately picked up.

But when Millie was finally put on the operating table in December 2021 for her unrelated operation, the surgeon took a biopsy of something they had found in her colon.

A few days later, results from the biopsy confirmed Millie had bowel cancer and doctors were carrying out further tests.

Tess travelled from Cornwall back up to Liverpool and took Millie to an appointment with her consultant two days before Christmas. There, they were told the cancer was stage 4 and had spread around her body.

'In the same breath the consultant said, "it's rare in someone your age". Millie asked if she could die and was told, "it's a possibility, yes".

Millie (pictured as a teenager), was told for years by doctors she was 'too young' to have bowel cancer, her mother Tess claimed

Millie (pictured wearing her wig after losing her hair) remained optimistic throughout her treatment

Millie had around seven months of chemotherapy, while Tess shuttled back and forth from Liverpool for her appointments

Throughout cancer treatment, Millie, from Liverpool, never lost her 'sassy' fighting spirit, her mother Tess said

'She was just 23 and had her whole life ahead of her. Millie's biggest concerns were getting to work, making sure she could go out at the weekend and getting her nails done.'

As doctors scheduled Millie for chemotherapy they discovered the main tumour in her colon measured 18cm.

Bowel cancer: What are the symptoms? Bleeding from your bottom or blood in your poo While bright red blood may come from swollen blood vessels (haemorrhoids or piles), dark red or black blood might be coming from your bowel or stomach. You should ask your doctor about any bleeding so they can find out the cause. An unexplained or persistent change in your bowel habits If your stools are looser than normal, you find you need to poo more often than normal, or you are not pooing as often as you normally would, you should speak to your GP - particularly if you also have bleeding. Unexplained weight loss This is a less common symptom of bowel cancer, but if you are losing weight and you don't know why, you should speak to your GP. You may feel sick, bloated or have a loss of appetite Extreme tiredness In some cases bowel cancer leads to a lack of iron in the body, which can cause anaemia and lead you to feel exhausted. If you have anaemia, you may also look very pale. Pain or a lump If you experience pain or a lump in your abdomen or back passage that persists and hinders your daily functioning, you should speak to your GP. Source: Bowel Cancer UK Advertisement

Over the next few months Millie went through gruelling chemotherapy and suffered awful side effects  but Tess said she never lost her fighting spirit.

'The chemo she was having could make your throat spasm, so you can't eat or drink anything cold,' Tess explained.

'I would say, "Millie, wrap your scarf around you" but she wasn't having any of it.

'She really went through it but at the same time she had an attitude of, "It's not beating me".'

Millie also made sure she was looking her best throughout her treatment, with her eyebrows primed and a fresh set of nails for her chemo appointments.

Tess said when Millie's hair fell out she even made sure the wig she had was top quality.

'She got a wig that was blonde like she was, but it had a yellow tinge. So Millie sent it back and asked for it to be balayage,' Tess laughed.

After several cycles of chemotherapy, tests in the summer of 2021 revealed Millie's tumours were shrinking and she took a break over the summer before another cycle began in October.

To celebrate, Tess took Millie and her eldest daughter Hope, 27, out on the town. But just a few weeks later, Millie started to feel pain in her stomach again.

Tess recalled: '[Millie] just said, "I'm fine, I've got cancer. I'm supposed to be in pain".'

In September 2021 Tess, who had been travelling back and forth from Cornwall since her daughter's diagnosis, took Millie on a shopping trip to Manchester.

By now her daughter was so weak she had to use a wheelchair.

'She was mortified. She just wanted her independence,' Tess recalled.

During the trip the mother realised how bad her daughter's pain was and a later scan revealed some of her tumours were re-growing.

Tess recalled: 'They said in terms of Millie's cancer journey, it wasn't positive. The mets had grown bigger and more had grown, but Millie didn't seem to take any of it on board.'

Millie was moved into the Marie Curie hospice in Woolton, Liverpool, to manage her pain. Initially, the plan was still to continue with her chemotherapy.

After Millie lost her hair from chemotherapy she had a wig made up to wear - but Tess said she sent it back and asked for it to be balyage

But as the days passed in the hospice, Millie became weaker and more exhausted and it became clear she wasn't well enough to go to hospital for chemotherapy.

Tess recalled: 'A nurse spoke to me and said Millie was really unwell. I asked, "are you trying to tell me she's at the end of her life?" and she said things really weren't good.

'I said I didn't want Millie to know she was going to die. She was exhausted and she'd been in pain for weeks.'

Despite being in the final days of her life Millie insisted on mustering the strength to go out and about in her wheelchair, even treating her mother to lunch.

Millie passed away October 20, 2021, aged 24. After her death, a heartbroken Tess made sure her funeral was the send off her daughter would have wanted.

Tess said Millie loved her job (and the uniform) and wanted to move up to a role as a manager

After a ceremony opened up to hundreds of people, Tess held Millie's wake in a Revolution bar in Liverpool  one of her daughter's favourite places to spend the night dancing away.

On what would have been Millie's 24th birthday this year the family returned to the same bar to celebrate in her memory. By then Tess had raised 7,000 in Millie's name.

As well as raising money for Bowel Cancer UK, Tess is campaigning to raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer in young people and wants to spread the message that you are never too young to develop the disease.

'When Millie was having treatment we sometimes had to go to A&E,' Tess recalled. 'One time I remember a doctor crying when she saw her in the wheelchair. She said Millie was "too young" to have bowel cancer.'

After the death of Dame Deborah James at just 40 years old following a battle with bowel cancer Tess thinks attitudes are changing  but the idea of the disease developing in very young people is still alien to most.

'When they talk about young people, they mention adults under 50, and that's important but I'm talking about people in their twenties.

'Millie was at the start of her life.'

Tess has launched a campaign targeted at people aged between 17 and 25 called #Stopitb4itstarts  with an aim to visit universities and schools and talk to students about Millie.

Since she began telling Millie's story on the @stopitb4itstarts Instagram page, Tess said she has been contacted by lots of young people with similar symptoms Millie had.

After Millie finished cancer treatment, her mother Tess took her for a night on the town to celebrate

Tess said her daughter often went to chemotherapy sessions in a full face of make-up and was determined to fight the disease

She said: 'You can be fit, healthy, young and going to work but if you have concerns, go to the doctor and insist on being tested for it.'

Dr Lisa Wilde, director of research and external affairs at Bowel Cancer UK, said: 'Bowel cancer is the UK's second biggest cancer killer, however it shouldn't be because it is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. As the extremely sad case of Millie highlights, it can affect people of all ages.

'Every year more than 2,600 people under 50 are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK and that number is increasing. Awareness that this is a disease that younger people can be diagnosed with is low amongst the general public and healthcare professionals.

'We urge everyone, no matter what their age, to familiarise themselves with the symptoms and contact their GP as soon as possible if they have bleeding from their bottom, blood in their poo, a persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness for no obvious reason, and a pain or lump in their tummy, to ensure the best possible chance of an early diagnosis and survival.'
A young woman has claimed that her Primark earrings have left huge holes in her ears claiming 'half of my ear has come out with my earring'.

Madi Jose, from Redruth, Cornwall, posted a video on her TikTok page showing how red and swollen her ears had become after wearing Primark earrings.

She then told her followers 'don't buy Primark earrings!', before showing the inflamed piercings in her ears.

Madi Jose, from Redruth, Cornwall, posted a video on her TikTok page showing how red and swollen her ears had become after wearing Primark earrings

She then told her followers 'don't buy Primark earrings!', before showing the huge holes in her ears

The video has gone viral with more than 995,000 views so far, while her second video showing the earring close up has also gained 31,000 views.

In her video Madi said: 'My ear's feeling a bit sore. So I've just taken my earrings out and half of my ear has come out with my earring.

'It's not pus, it's my actual ear and a chunk of it has gone. And I've taken them all out and they're all starting to do it.

'I've never had a problem with them before guys. Just don't buy them.'

The young girl - who was also in the middle of dying her hair with a friend in the video - has three holes in her ears and all three looked red, bloody, swollen and raw

She zoomed in close on the earring showing the results and also showed the angry holes in her ears.

The college student girl - who was also in the middle of dyeing her hair with a friend in the video - has three piercings in her ears and all looked red, bloody, swollen and raw.

Primark is popular for its fast fashion and cheap accessories, but now Madi is urging others not to buy their earrings. And her followers were quick to agree posting their experiences also.

Thousands of comments were added to her video with people claiming the same thing had happened to them.

One follower wrote: 'Your ('re) extremely calm considering. I would be screaming and having a fainting episode.'

She zoomed in close on the earring showing the results. Thousands of comments were added to her video with people claiming the same thing had happened to them

And another: 'MINE DID THE SAME THING!!!!!!'

One wrote: ''Omg same I have scars because of it now. I was so scared. Never again will I trust cheap earrings.''

Someone else added: 'This happened to me!! Luckily it does still heal but I was terrified because I had a hole in my ear.'

Many of her viewers also suggested not buying cheap earrings, urging her to always wear gold or silver plated jewellery.

'As people are saying, only buy gold or silver plated earrings. If it doesn't say either of those on the packet put it back on the shelf,' one said.

A Primark spokesperson said: 'Every Primark product range is tested independently to ensure the relevant safety and quality standards are met.

'We would ask the customer to get in touch with us directly so we can investigate the matter further.'
She is an heiress with a billionaire father, but Rishi Sunak's wife seemed eager to prove she could still be a woman of the people as she joined her husband on the campaign trail over the weekend.

Akshata Murthy, the daughter of Indian IT mogul Narayana Murthy, donned a 165 dress by high street label Club Monaco for the outing to Margaret Thatcher's hometown of Grantham.

Ms Murthy, who is more often seen dressed up in designer labels, paired the simple floral dress - in Conservative blue - with a pair of tan heels and clutch bag.

The couple were joined by their daughters Krishna and Anoushka for the visit.

Tory blue: Akshata Murthy, the daughter of billionaire Indian IT mogul Narayana Murthy, donned a 165 dress by high street label Club Monaco for the outing to Margaret Thatcher's hometown of Grantham. She and Rishi were joined by their daughters on the campaign trail

Designer darling: Ms Murthy has previously raised eyebrows with her high-end wardrobe. In December 2020, the IT heiress wore a box-fresh pair of 445 Gucci trainers, a REDValentino shearling and leather coat costing 1,630 and a leather skirt worth more then 1,000, for a date night with her husband in upmarket Mayfair, pictured

Wearing a navy suit and turquoise tie, Mr Sunak denounced Liz Trusss tax cuts as immoral and railed against the forces that be who are trying to install her in No 10.

In a social media post today he praised his family and said having their support was 'everything'.

Captioning the images, Mr Sunak wrote: 'Family means everything to me. So grateful to have the support of my family at yesterdays event in Grantham. Thank you to everyone who came along.'

Ms Murthy, who owns a 430million stake in her Indian tech billionaire father's IT business, has raised eyebrows with her high-end wardrobe.

In December 2020, the IT heiress wore a box-fresh pair of 445 Gucci trainers, a REDValentino shearling and leather coat costing 1,630 and a leather skirt worth more then 1,000, for a date night with her husband in upmarket Mayfair.

Family outing: Mr Sunak and Ms Murthy were joined by their children on the campaign trail. Ms Murthy paired her floral Club Monaco dress with tan heels and matching clutch bag

Candid: Glossy politician Mr Sunak chose to share 'behind-the-scenes' photograph from the trip, including this one of him chatting to his wife and daughters

On the move: The ex-chancellor set out his agenda while addressing supporters at Margaret Thatchers hometown of Grantham on Saturday accompanied by his daughters Krishna and Anoushka and wife Akshata Murthy - the heiress of an Indian billionaire

On Saturday she appeared to be sending the message that she could also be more low-key, choosing a classic knee-length dress with short sleeves and soft A-line shape.

Murthy's Millions: Akshata's family business portfolio Combined shareholding in tech firm Infosys worth 1.7billion

Joint venture with Amazon, Cloudtail, in India worth 900m-a-year

Shareholding in UK firm which runs Jamie's Italian restaurants and burger chain Wendy's in India

Also holds shares in Koru Kids and is director of Digme Fitness

Murthy is a shareholder or director in five other UK companies, including Mayfair outfitter which makes Eton College pupils' tailcoats costing 2,500 each

Akshata is also listed as a director of the UK arm of software company, Soroco, co-founded by her brother

Investment firm Catamaran Ventures owned by father N. R. Narayana Murthy

Ms Murthy runs fashion label Akshata Designs Advertisement

Club Monaco is an upmarket high street label loved by famous shoppers including the Duchess of Sussex, Princess Eugenie and Jennifer Lawrence.

Mr Sunak and Ms Murthy have built up a joint fortune of 730million, the Sunday Times Rich List revealed in May, making him the first frontline politician to feature in the annual wealth rankings since its inception in 1989.

His inclusion sparked concern over whether he was best placed to handle the country's finances amid a cost of living crisis. Now the same questions remain over his suitability for the role of Prime Minister.

One Twitter user wrote at the time: 'Does Rishi Sunak appearing in the Times Rich List give him a unique insight into working class families managing the cost of living crisis?'

Another wrote: 'Rishi Sunak and his wife are in the Times Rich List. They're in the top 250 richest in the country! He's definitely going to help ordinary people isn't he.'

Mr Sunak made big money in the City of London before entering politics.

But the bulk of the cash is from his wife's stake in IT giant Infosys, set up by her father N. R. Narayana Murthy, one of the richest men in India who has been described as the father of the Indian IT sector and 'one of the 12 greatest businessmen of all time'.

Ms Murthy has enjoyed around 54million in dividends over the past seven and a half years alone.

There was a furore after it emerged Ms Murthy had non-dom status, which typically applies to someone who was born overseas and spends much of their time in the UK but still considers another country to be their permanent residence or 'domicile'.

It has been estimated Ms Murthy's non-dom status could have saved her 20million in taxes on dividends. She later agreed to pay UK taxes on her worldwide income.

Millionaire: Chancellor Rishi Sunak's wife Akshata Murthy (pictured together at their wedding) has shares in her family's tech business worth 430million, making her richer than the Queen

Living the high life: Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy have built up a joint fortune of 730million - with the Chancellor now the first frontline politician to be named in the Sunday Times Rich List

Her family are also have a joint venture with Amazon worth 900million a year and shares in the firm running Jamie Oliver's Jamie's Italian and burger chain Wendy's in India.

Before becoming Chancellor, Sunak was better known in India than he was in Britain, after he became a household name when he married Akshata.

The furore came after was revealed that Ms Murthy had non-dom status, which typically applies to someone who was born overseas and spends much of their time in the UK but still considers another country to be their permanent residence or 'domicile'.
Cancer campaigner Lauren Mahon paid tribute to Dame Deborah James on Good Morning Britain after she was honoured at the British Podcast Awards for her work on You, Me and the Big C.

Lauren Mahon, 37, spoke to Charlotte Hawkins and Ed Balls on Monday's Good Morning Britain to explain the importance of the podcast, which she started the in 2018 with fellow cancer patients Deborah and Rachael Bland.

Rachael died in September that year at the age of 40, two years after being diagnosed with breast cancer, while Dame Deborah, 40, died late last month after receiving end of life care for bowel cancer.

Racheal died in September that year at the age of 40, two years after being diagnosed with breast cancer, while Dame Deborah, 40, died late last month (L-R Lauren, Deborah and Rachael)

The only surviving original host said 'it's a very unique situation to be in' to not have her two co-hosts because they died of the subject matter of the podcast.'

'But that is why it's so important that we do what we do. This is the reality of cancer and Deb, Rach and I always talked about the good the bad and the ugly, and this is one of the bad and ugly parts of it.'

She continued: 'It's heartbreaking, I am navigating this rare thing that I don't think I could turn to many other people for guidance on this.'

'But the overriding sense of pride, of what we have created and the impact the podcast has had, I think we were just so overwhelmed, we would of never expected it when we walked in that studio.'

Lauren Mahon, 37, spoke to Charlotte Hawkins and Ed Balls on Monday's Good Morning Britain to explain the importance of the podcast You, Me and the Big C

The only surviving original host Lauren said 'it's a very unique situation to be in' to not have her two co-hosts because they died (L-R Rachael, Lauren and Deborah)

In their popular podcast the trio candidly discussed life with cancer, treatment and other topics relating to cancer.

Dame Deborah, who was a mother-of-two, became known as Bowelbabe, after her social media handle, and raised 7million for charity before she died.

She passed away at home aged 40 following her bowel cancer diagnosis in 2016.

Charlotte spoke about the impact the podcast had on people and how Deborah was able to remove some 'stigma around bowel cancer.'

Lauren agreed saying: 'She was someone who was really passionate, first about raising awareness and saving lives, which she done in droves but maybe millions.

'But it was also about showing that, I may have cancer but I am sexy and I am vibrant and I am still living life.'

Dame Deborah, who was a mother-of-two, became known as Bowelbabe, after her social media handle, and raised 7million for charity before she died

Lauren collected their award at the British Podcast Awards at London's Kennington Park on Saturday

She went on to say that Deborah lived such a full life in only 40 years and she made 'such an impact on this planet.'

She said: 'What a legacy to leave and we couldn't be prouder of our girl.'

The host Ed went on to ask how Lauren is doing on her cancer journey to which she replied 'I am doing OK.'

She continued: 'I have got my annual MRI coming up next month and it will be my 5th MRI. I was told when I got diagnosed that the 5th scan is the remission scan.'

The impact of the honest and inspiring podcast, and the work of its presenters and behind the scenes team, was acknowledged at the British Podcast Awards at London's Kennington Park on Saturday.

In the acceptance speech Lauren said: 'Me and Deb had a little joke when Rachael died that I couldn't just do the podcast by myself because I couldn't call it Me, Me and the Big C.

Lauren said Deborah was someone who was 'really passionate' about raising awareness and saving lives

'The podcast is our happy place. It's a bit surreal to be standing here without both my girls. We knew this was a risk, that some of us would die when we started it, but we wanted to continue to champion it.

'There is more work to be done. I don't know what it looks like, but the podcast has always been a service.

'Last time we won at these awards, we dedicated the award to Rachael. I'm so proud to say that this is for Dame Deborah F*****g James!'

The ceremony was hosted comedians Elis James and John Robins, with many notable names in the world of podcasting, including Pandora Sykes, Jamie Laing & Sophie Haboo, Sabrina Elba and Jon Sopel, presenting the awards.
A mother who was left 'disfigured' after she and her daughter had botched cosmetic operations in Turkey has warned others: 'Don't do it.'

Jacqui Wicks, 60, from Ramsgate, Kent, went to Turkey with her daughter Tracy Visagie, 36, after the pair each booked a nip and tuck for themselves.

Appearing on ITV's This Morning, the mother and daughter told presenters Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle they both ended up having more operations in the UK after their flesh 'died'.

Jacqui, who appeared on the sofa wearing a device to drain her wound, said: 'My daughter had initially decided she was going to have this "mummy makeover" because she had lost five stone in weight.

'It was only a few weeks before she went that I thought, "If I'm going out there anyway with her I might as well take advantage and have surgery myself".'

The grandmother added: 'I felt I needed it. I just needed a confidence boost.'

Tracey explained she had booked a tummy tuck, a breast lift, monsplasty (which lifts skin from the pubic area) and liposuction.

After deciding to have surgery herself, Tracey also booked in for a tummy tuck.

Tracey had been quoted 13,000 in the UK for her operations - but after doing some research she found a clinic in Turkey that offered the same procedures for 5,700.

Whereas Jacqui had been quoted 10,000 in the UK, the Turkish clinic cost just 4,000.

Jacqui Wicks, 60, and Tracey Visagie, 36, both need corrective surgery after botched tummy tucks in Turkey

Jacqui (pictured in hospital) explained an existing gall bladder scar on her t meant she should never have been allowed to have a tummy tuck in the first place

But after having their operations on 1 April, both women realised they hadn't got what they paid for.

Tracey said she first realised something wasn't quite right when clinic staff injected her with general anaesthetic in the hallway of the clinic - but by then it was too late to take back her decision.

She also claimed the surgeon had 'decided not to do' the monsplasty and liposuction while she was on the operating table.

'He'd neglected to do certain surgeries which meant that aesthetically, I didn't get what I wanted,' she said.

Tracey added there was a more serious consequence to the botched procedure and she had been left with necrosis on one of her nipples.

Necrosis is the death of body tissue, which occurs when not enough blood flows into the tissue.

She said: 'The surgeon I saw for corrective surgery here said [the first surgeon] just left the nipple off too long.'

Jacqui, 60, said she now has a vaccum-type cleaner on her wound which cleans it from the inside

Jacqui's scar (pictured) will take a long time to heal and she will need a skin graft once it has

Jacqui and Tracey spoke to Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle while Dr Veerle Rotsaert (right) warned people not to travel abroad for cosmetic surgery

Tracey added she now has no feeling in her nipple.

For Jacqui things were even more serious.

She said: 'I've got a gall bladder scar that goes diagonally across my tummy.

'I didn't know until I came back to the UK and saw other surgeons but I was told here that the surgeon out there should never have agreed to operate.'

She added her 'flesh died' because her initial scar disrupted the blood flow. Since returning to the UK, Jacqui has had two corrective operations.

She explained: 'I've got a vacuum therapy machine fitted to the wound to help it heal from the inside out and I will need a skin graft once this comes off.'

After checking the clinic's online reviews and Instagram page, which showed before-and-after photos of successful procedures, the mother and daughter thought they had found a safe and reputable surgeon.

However they did not meet with their surgeon before flying out to Turkey and instead had a consultation with a third party.

'We thought this was normal because of the language barrier,' Tracey told the presenters.

Her mother Jacqui added: 'We were none the wiser.'

Since returning to the UK and speaking to other women who have had similar experiences, the mother and daughter claim they have been told the clinic 'forced' people to take down negative online reviews.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr Veerle Rotsaert said there were several 'red flags' associated with Jacqui and Tracey's stories - including the fact the mother and daughter were given a fit-to-fly certificate so soon after having major surgery.

She explained: 'You cannot fly because you are at severe risk of deep vein thrombosis, blood clots and pulmonary embolism.'

When asked their advice for other people considering having cosmetic surgery abroad, the mother and daughter replied: 'Don't do it.'

Jacqui said: 'I'm going to be disfigured, obviously, because the scar isn't a nice thin line like it was supposed to be. That's what I signed up for.'
The 'body positivity' movement is promoting obesity and making new recruits soft, according to one of the Queen's elite protection soldiers.

Serving Queen's Guard Lance Sgt Farren Morgan, 36, said the trendy movement has led to snowflake recruits performing under-par physically and 'shying away' from hard work.

Farren, who works as a physical training instructor for the Coldstream Guards in Westminster, London, insisted youngsters need to stop pretending it's 'okay' to be fat and said the body positivity movement is 'promoting obesity'.

He said: 'Recruits and candidates influenced by a lifestyle of body positivity lose sight of the importance of consistently maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle which translates into a decline in their physical performance.

Serving Queen's Guard Lance Sgt Farren Morgan, 36, (pictured) says that the body positivity movement is making new recruits 'soft'

The fitness expert believes that body positivity is 'promoting obesity', and putting people's health at risk

Farren, pictured, said that candidates who have been influenced body positivity can 'lose sight of the importance of consistently maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle'

'They don't train as often as they should in their spare time, shy away from the high-intensity workouts needed to excel as a soldier, and ultimately struggle to keep up with other soldiers during military drills.

He said: 'I see it with a lot of people I know in the army. These young lads - some of them are only 16 or 17.

'I know they watch TV day in and day out. I know from my eight years of training young recruits that their brains are like sponges.

'They see these images in the media, promoting this unhealthy lifestyle - celebrities saying it's okay to eat what you want, as long as you're happy.

'That mis-information gets stored in their brains and they pass it on. In the media and online, the message received by recruits is significantly different and dangerous.

'Recruits are seeing people promote an unhealthy lifestyle of 'body positivity' everywhere.

'Body positivity is a lifestyle that promotes complacency and is detrimental to the lives of young soldiers and recruits.'

Farren, pictured, believes that seeing body positive messaging, including messaging saying that 'it's okay to eat what you want, as long as you're happy' is making young recruits less healthy

The fitness expert, pictured, believes that eating high sugar junk foods in place of healthy, home cooked meals could also be affecting recruits' mental health and the quality of their sleep

The PTI - who also owns an elite physical training business helping people to reach fitness levels required in the forces and high-intensity jobs like the police - said newbies gorge on high-sugar junk food and can't cook healthy meals.

'Instead of eating whole foods, they opt for food that's been heavily processed and highly concentrated with sugar which provides short-term happiness in exchange for damaging mental and physical health effects long-term,' he added.

And he fears their unhealthy lifestyles could even affect decision making in the field and leave them exhausted.

The father-of-one and a soldier for eight years said: 'Fitness and healthy eating affect the body significantly, including mental health and the quality of your sleep which are essential to performing your best physically.

Farren, pictured, says that the impact of an unhealthy lifestyle can be detrimental to sleep, cognitive performance, and mental health, as well as physical health

The fitness, pictured, instructor says that while army recruits are given training, leaving them in 'tip top' condition, the public does not

The ultra-fit Army man, pictured, wants to see young people learning how to cook healthy meals, instead of relying on processed convenience foods

'Soldiers influenced by body positivity started to experience a decline in the quality of their sleep due to minimal fitness activity and unhealthy eating, which further impacted their physical ability to perform, their mental sharpness with decision making, and cognitive ability.'

But he pointed out that this was just his opinion, and that regardless of the state of the new recruits, the army has rigorous training and vetting procedures that mean all serving members end up in tip-top condition.

However, he insisted the same can't be said for the British public who are all getting fat.

Farren added: 'People always talk about body positivity, "being big is okay", and all that sort of stuff. I see that as promoting obesity.

Farren, pictured, says that being overweight is linked to a number of poor health outcomes, and describes being overweight as a 'dangerous lifestyle'

'The media seems to put plus-sized people on the screen to please public opinion.

'But the hard facts show it's wrong to promote a dangerous lifestyle. Being overweight can cause medical problems down the road.'

The super-fit soldier insisted a culture of instant gratification with takeaway apps like Deliveroo and UberEats was also partly to blame for the ever-expanding British waistbands.

The Army man said youngsters need to learn to cook healthier, less calorie-dense meals instead of feasting on fatty takeaway pizzas and junk food.

The army man, pictured, also blamed the convenience of food delivery apps for people's expanding waistlines

Farren, pictured, says people need to 'grow a pair' and stop finding things to moan about, adding that the British have been through two world wars

He said more needs to be done to criticise disordered eating and overweight people in the same way that the super-thin heroin chic look of the '90s has been rightly recognised as unattainable and unhealthy.

Farren implored snowflakes 'triggered' by being told to lose weight or seeing calories on menus should 'man up and get over it'.

He said: 'With calories on menus, they were saying that some people with eating disorders might be scared off eating the food if they see how many calories are in it.

'But I think we're scared to just see what's going on and deal with it.

'Just grow a pair. We've been through two world wars, but it seems like we'll try to find anything to moan about.'
An Australian baker has shared how to make a super simple budget-friendly rainbow cake using M&Ms and a Woolworths classic chocolate mudcake.

Tegan 'Tigga' Maccormack, owner of Cake for Days, shared the easy no-bake way to make a professional looking rainbow cake complete with clouds and sprinkles in a video posted to her popular TikTok page.

She uses one Woolies mudcake cut in half and decorates it with icing, M&Ms, marshmallows and sprinkles.

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Melbourne baker and TikTok sensation Tegan 'Tigga' Maccormack has shared a quick and easy hack to turn a Woolworths mudcake into a stunning rainbow cake using icing and M&Ms

The creative Melbourne baker starts by cutting a Woolies mudcake down the middle, placing the two halves together with the icing in between then coating the whole cake in more icing

The creative Melbourne baker starts by cutting her mudcake in half, 'straight down the middle' and stands them up with the icing in the middle.

'You want to make sure that chocolate icing is facing inwards. Next up, you just cover the whole thing in icing - does not have to be neat,' she said.

Tigga then covered the iced cake with a family-sized bag of M&Ms repeating lines of red, orange, yellow, green and blue to create a rainbow effect.

Tigga covered the iced cake with a family-sized bag of M&Ms repeating lines of red, orange, yellow, green and blue to create a rainbow effect

'You could probably just leave it as it is if you like but I wanted to go that little step further so I grabbed some marshmallows and placed them around as the clouds,' she said.

'I added a little bit of piping and some hundreds and thousands to finish it off.'

Tigga's clip racked up a whopping 3.5million views with many of her followers keen to try the impressive cake hack for themselves.

'What an amazing idea especially for a kids birthday! Super special, inexpensive, far less time and baking experience required,' one fan raved.

Tigga then created some marshmallow 'clouds' and added some piping and a sprinkle of hundreds and thousands to finish the cake off

Tigga has developed a following of more than one million people on TikTok for sharing her baking hacks and realistic cake creations

'I have my baby's 1st birthday coming up in a couple of weeks, I'm going to do this! Thank you,' a mum said.

'Not everyone can afford a professional cake so thank you for providing a hack cake you can easily make yourself!!!,' wrote a second.

'And if you really wanted to you could use the caramel or vanilla mudcake and skittles. Or if you wanted half n half do half caramel half chocolate,' suggested a third.

Tigga has developed a following of more than one million people on TikTok for sharing her baking hacks and realistic cake creations.

Previously she had thousands scratching their heads after she asked fans to 'spot her cake' on a Kmart shelf.

Previously Tigga had thousands scratching their heads after asking fans to 'spot her cake' on a Kmart shelf (pictured)

Most found it near impossible to identify the incredibly realistic cake amoung a shelf full of travel coffee cups, mugs, tea infusers and plates - but Tegan revealed it was a pink and ivory travel mug on the second shelf.

Prior to revealing which Kmart product was edible, social media users made their best guess in the comments of the clip.

'Left side, second shelf the blue travel mug with pink grip,' one person wrote.

'I reckon the pink patterned one on the second shelf slightly off the edge at the front of the shelf,' another said.

Prior to revealing which Kmart product was edible, social media users made their best guess in the comments of the clip but many admitted they had 'no idea' which one it was

After picking the cup back off the shelf, Tegan pranked a Kmart check-out worker by eating it in front of them - leaving the employee baffled

'I've watched it sooo many times and can't pick it, can't wait to see!' a third said.

After picking the cup back off the shelf, Tegan pranked a Kmart check-out worker by eating it in front of them - leaving the employee baffled.

The cake looked identical to the real $1.75 reusable Kmart travel mug and was made using chocolate sponge cake and fondant.

'I used cookie cutters to cut my cake out, stacked it with chocolate ganache and then just carved it to shape,' Tegan said in another video.

The cake looked identical to the real $1.75 reusable Kmart travel mug and was made using chocolate sponge cake and fondant. 'I used cookie cutters to cut my cake out, stacked it with chocolate ganache and then just carved it to shape,' Tegan said in another video

Next, she covered it in ganache and fondant, ensuring she colour matched the fondant to the exact colours of the travel mug

Next, she covered it in ganache and fondant, ensuring she matched the fondant to the exact colours of the travel mug.

'I was really proud of my colour matching - you can see I've added the ivory lid as well as the little pink bit that you push up to drink from the cup,' she said.

'And the final thing to go on was the little grippy piece that goes around the middle.'

Once the cake was ready Tegan and her business partner Katie went to Kmart to record the footage for social media.

Previously Tegan asked fans to 'spot the cake' among shelves of snacks at the supermarket and in her pantry.

Tegan has been baking cakes for more than 10 years and co-founded her business Cake For Days Katie in 2017.
An Aldi shopper travelling around Europe was surprised by what she found after visiting an Aldi supermarket in Portugal for the first time.

Queenie Tan, 26, and her fiance Pablo, 30, from Sydney, are on a round-the-world trip and posted a video of their overseas Aldi experience.

Unlike Aldi stores in Australia, the supermarket abroad had an orange juice machine, bread slicer for shoppers to use and a variety of fresh seafood.

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Queenie Tan, 26, (left) and her fiance Pablo, 30, from Sydney, are on a round-the-world trip and posted a video of their overseas Aldi experience. In a now-viral video shared online, Queenie shared her experience visiting an Aldi in Portugal for the first time

Unlike most stores in Australia, the supermarket abroad had an orange juice machine, bread slicer for shoppers to use and a variety of fresh seafood

In the clip Queenie can be seen using the juicer by attempting to place an entire box of fresh oranges over her head into the machine.

'Putting this whole crate of oranges in the machine seemed easier in my head. Best to do what Pablo is doing and put them in one at a time!' she said.

The oranges - with the skin on - were placed into the top of the machine, squeezed and the fresh juice was ejected into a bottle at the bottom.

Next, the 26-year-old used the bread slicer where customers can choose the desired thickness.

'The sound of this machine is so satisfying!' Queenie said.

To use the machine, a loaf of bread was placed onto one side of the conveyor belt to run through the sharp slicer.

Customers then simply place the bread into a brown paper bag once it's come through the other side.

Unlike Aldi supermarkets in Australia, the overseas version offers fresh seafood and a variety of canned fish.

The store also sold freshly made Portuguese tarts, which looked delicious.

The 26-year-old used the bread slicer where customers can choose the desired thickness. To use the machine, a loaf of bread was placed onto one side of the conveyor belt to run through the sharp slicer. Customers then simply place the bread into a brown paper bag once it's come through the other side

On Instagram the short video has since been viewed more than 41,000 times.

'I want freshly squeezed orange juice in my local!' one person wrote, another added: 'Omg I wish Australian Aldi was like this!!'

Others pointed out how selected Australian supermarkets also offer a juicing machine or bread slicer.

'Some Coles have those orange juice machines! So good,' one person wrote.
Coronavirus hospital rates have reached record highs in Australia as the country grapples with a 'twindemic' of Covid and flu.

There were 5,450 patients in hospital with Covid on Monday, official figures show, eclipsing the previous record of 5,390 during the first Omicron wave in January.

That figure has soared from about 3,000 a month ago, amid the spread of the highly infectious but equally mild BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.

Australia was hailed as a Covid success story early in the pandemic when it managed to keep cases at virtually zero by turning itself into a hermit state with repeated lockdowns and border closures.

But the brutal 'Zero Covid' policy  which it only ditched nearly two years into the pandemic  is thought to have left its population with subpar immunity.

Around 95 per cent of Australians have been double-vaccinated and 70 per cent boosted, but barely anyone had been exposed to the virus until this year.

The draconian lockdown strategy is also thought to have weakened people's immunity to seasonal illnesses, and has been blamed for the current flu outbreak.

Australia's flu season, which typically runs from June to September, started unusually early this year and caused infections to spike up to 10 times higher than the pre-pandemic level in some weeks.

The new Labor Government has resisted calls for social restrictions to be reintroduced but has recommended people wear masks indoors and businesses allow employees to work from home if they can.

There were 5,450 patients in hospital with Covid on Monday, official figures show, eclipsing the previous record of 5,390 during the first Omicron wave in January

Dr Leana Wen, a public health policy professor at George Washington University in the US, told WebMD Australia was in the midst of a 'twindemic' caused by a lack of natural exposure to Covid and influenza earlier in the pandemic.

At a press conference last week, Health Minister Mark Butler and the countrys Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly admitted 'millions' more Australians would be infected over the coming weeks.

Australia is recording around 30,000 Covid infections per day and daily deaths topped 100 last week for only the second time in the pandemic.

While BA.4 and BA.5  which are also behind a fresh Covid surge in the UK  are milder than previous strains, they are wreaking havoc on Australia's care homes.

More than 1,000 social care facilities have suffered outbreaks during the latest wave, putting the elderly and most vulnerable at risk.

Many frontline workers in care homes and hospitals are also sick or in isolation because of high infection rates, piling more pressure on services.

Nearly 2,000 Australian army troops have been ordered to remain in care homes to ease staff shortages.

Australians who cannot make a living because they are isolating due to Covid are entitled to a $750 (430) payment.

Meanwhile, neighbouring New Zealand, which also doggedly pursued Zero Covid earlier in the pandemic, is now suffering record Covid death rates.

Australia is recording around 30,000 Covid infections per day and daily deaths topped 100 last week for only the second time in the pandemic

Weekly virus fatalities hit 162 in the seven days ending July 23, compared to 115 in the worst week of the previous flare-up in March, according to Health Ministry data.

It means the country's current mortality rate is twice as high as the UK's and four times higher than the US.

Data from Oxford University-backed research platform Our World in Data shows four people per million in New Zealand are dying with Covid every day.

For comparison, in the darkest days of the pandemic, similar rates in the UK and US sat closer to 19 and 10, respectively.

However, both countries are now logging much lower death counts.

The UK is recording two deaths per million people each day, despite up to one in 15 people being infected.

Meanwhile, the US is suffering just one Covid fatality for every million people, a quarter of the scale seen in New Zealand.

Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease expert based at the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline last week that New Zealand has 'done better than most countries that initially followed zero-Covid strategies' because this approach meant many people had good protection against severe illness and death when restrictions were lifted.

But he noted that hybrid immunity  being both vaccinated and having a previous infection  seems to provide the best protection against severe disease and death.

Until this month a rather larger proportion of people in New Zealand had had just two shots and no prior infection, compared to the UK where the vast majority are thought to have had Covid, Professor Hunter said.

He added: 'I suspect that is contributing to the current death rate in New Zealand as being over twice that of the UK.

'In the first New Zealand wave, vaccine protection was still good but has now waned enough to increase fatality rates in the absence of the great majority of people having already recovered from Covid.'

Professor Robert Dingwall, a sociologist at Nottingham Trent University and former Government adviser, told MailOnline that experts have long said that it would be fairer to judge countries' responses two years on from the original outbreak.

He said: 'New Zealand was able to prevent early waves of infection by rigid border controls while other countries developed and tested vaccines.

'However, in the end, the country has been unable to escape the fundamentals of Covid  that the risk of death is strongly related to age, that vaccination mitigates but does not prevent infection, and that the way out of the pandemic lies through population immunity acquired by both vaccination and infection.'
Needing a nap each afternoon could be a sign that you're at risk of a stroke, a study suggests.

Chinese researchers examined the daytime sleeping habits of 60,000 middle-aged and elderly Britons, tracking their health for 15 years.

Results revealed those who 'usually' napped were 12 per cent more likely to develop high blood pressure, compared to those who 'never' got 40 winks.

And they were nearly a quarter more likely to suffer a stroke.

However, experts at Xiangya Hospital Central South University in Hunan doubt naps themselves are to blame.

Instead, always needing a 'siesta' could simply be a sign of poor sleep quality, which, over the years, has repeatedly been linked to high blood pressure.

And those who don't sleep enough are more likely to be in poor health, such as being overweight.

Chinese researchers, who examined the daytime sleeping habits of 60,000 middle-aged and elderly Britons, found that those who 'usually' nap are a tenth more likely to develop high blood pressure, compared to those who 'never' nap

HOW MUCH SLEEP SHOULD I GET? Most adults need between six and nine hours of sleep every night. Going to bed and getting up at a similar time each night programmes the brain and internal body clock to get used to a set routine. But few people manage to stick to strict bedtime patterns. To get to sleep easier, the NHS advises winding down, such as by taking a bath, reading and avoiding electronic devices. The health service also recommends keeping the bedroom sleep-friendly by removing TVs and gadgets from the room and keeping it dark and tidy. For people who struggle to sleep, the NHS says keeping a sleep diary can uncover lifestyle habits or activities that contribute to sleepiness. Source: NHS Advertisement

Approximately a third of adults in the UK and half of Americans have hypertension, which puts strain on blood vessels, the heart and other organs.

It increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Dozens of studies have found that those who nap  even just for 30 minutes a day  tend to have higher blood pressure by the evening.

However, the truth remains clouded, given some research has found the opposite.

The new study, published in the journal Hypertension, aimed to get to the bottom of the debate.

Dr E Wang and colleagues used information from the UK Biobank  a database containing the health records of half a million Britons aged 40 to 69, who regularly provide detailed information about their lifestyle.

Some 60,686 of those in the Biobank provided information on their napping habits four times between 2006 and 2019.

All of the participants were asked 'do you have a nap during the day' and given the options of 'rarely/never', 'sometimes' or 'usually'.

The researchers divided the volunteers into one of these three groups, depending on their answer.

Due to the way the question was asked, experts could not calculate the number of days per week and the duration volunteers napped for.

Napping during the day was riskier for younger groups.

Under-60s who usually napped were a fifth more likely to suffer high blood pressure compared to those who never napped.

The risk was half that among the over-60s.

A higher rate of 'usual' nappers were men, had lower qualifications and income and were smokers, daily alcohol drinkers and suffered insomnia and snoring, compared to 'never' and 'sometimes' nappers.

A separate analysis showed that as napping increased by one category  from never to rarely, or rarely to usually the risk of suffering high blood pressure increased by 40 per cent.

But Dr Michael Grandner, a sleep expert at the University of Arizona, explained that napping itself may not be the cause.

'Although taking a nap itself is not harmful, many people who take naps may do so because of poor sleep at night,' he said.

'Poor sleep at night is associated with poorer health, and naps are not enough to make up for that.'

Dr Grandner added: 'This study echoes other findings that generally show that taking more naps seems to reflect increased risk for problems with heart health and other issues.'

The study authors called for more research on the links between a healthy sleep pattern, including daytime napping and heart health.

The results excluded anyone who had had a stroke or high blood pressure at the start of the study.

The authors noted that they only looked at daytime napping frequency, not duration of naps, so it is yet to be determined whether the length of a nap affects blood pressure and stroke risks.

And participants were middle-aged or elderly Britons  so the results may not apply to other age and ethnic groups.

The NHS says you should get six to nine hours of sleep every night.

Blood pressure drops during sleep so getting too little means it stays higher for a longer period of time.
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Covid's most contagious variant yet now accounts for more than eight out of 10 cases in England, official figures suggest amid growing calls for the return of mask mandates and free tests.

A total of 82.2 per cent of virus positive swabs examined in the week to July 16 were the BA.5 version of Omicron, according to figures from the Sanger Institute, one of the UK's largest surveillance sites. That figure is expected to have risen since.

Fascinating maps show how the extremely transmissible subvariant has swept the country in just two months and now is completely dominant in dozens of local authorities in England.

BA.5 is considered even more infectious than the already highly contagious original Omicron variant and its BA.2 offshoot, which caused cases to hit pandemic highs in the spring.

Latest official data shows 3.1million people in England had Covid in the week ending July 13, or roughly one in 17 people. This marked the highest number of infections since April 17 when 3.2million were recorded, but was just 10 per cent up on the previous week, showing a clear slowdown in the growth of the outbreak.

And despite BA.5's higher infectivity, experts believe it is just as mild as the original Omicron.

This hasn't stopped some left-leaning scientists from calling for a return of pandemic-era curbs. Some have even raised the idea of reintroducing limits on gatherings, echoing harsh policies imposed during the darkest period of the pandemic.

Despite the calls for No10 to change strategy, data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) today shows Covid was only the 15th leading cause of death in June, accounting for just 1.6 per cent of all fatalities in England.

Data from the Sanger Institute shows BA.5 was behind 82.2 per cent of all infections it swabbed in the week to July 16  up by 50 per cent of infections in the week to June 25. Since the was first detected in South Africa in February it has raised concern over the speed of its growth. Sanger Institute figures shows its prevalence has nearly doubled every week.

Despite the recent surge in cases the most recent data shows only a small uptick in the number of deaths involving Covid. The ONS recorded the number of deaths involving Covid, where the virus was the leading cause or a contributing factor, rose to 506 for the week ending July 8. This was up from 306 the previous week

Covid was only the 15th leading cause of death last month, despite soaring cases Data from the ONS has found no surge in Covid deaths in June, despite the huge rise in cases since May. The ONS's monthly mortality analysis for England and Wales found the virus was the fifteenth and nineteenth leading cause of death last month, respectively. In comparison, the virus was the sixth leading cause of deaths in both nations in May. This means Covid accounted for 1.6 per cent of all deaths in England June, and 1.4 per cent of all deaths in Wales, for the same period. In contrast, dementia and Alzheimer's disease was leading cause of death in England, accounted for 10.8 per cent of all fatalities, while heart disease was Wales's biggest killer, accounting for 10.7 per cent of all deaths. The latest weekly ONS data for deaths, which is national, showed the number of deaths involving Covid, where the virus was the leading cause or a contributing factor, rose to 506 for the week ending July 8. This was up from 306 the previous week. However, the proportion of virus deaths where Covid was the underlying cause of death decreased between May and June in England, from 63.1 per cent to 59 per cent. For comparison, in April 2020 95.2 per cent of Covid deaths had the virus as the underlying cause. Covid vaccines, as well as immunity from previous exposure to the virus, have been credited with reducing the chances of Britons becoming severely ill with the virus and therefore also slashing their risk of death. There is a time lag of about a fortnight between someone becoming infected with Covid, possibly becoming severely ill with the virus. and then possibly dying. This means deaths from the most recent surge in cases have not yet been recorded. Advertisement

Since BA.5 was first detected in South Africa in February, experts have been concerned over the speed of its growth.

Data compiled by the Sanger Institute shows the variant officially displaced other Omicron descendants as the dominant strain in Britain as of the week to June 18, when it accounted for over 50 per cent of all infections.

It has since continued its meteoric rise and now accounts for close to 100 per cent of all Covid cases in large swathes of England.

BA.4  a separate but closely-related Omicron sub-strain  has continued to decline while BA.5 has soared.

As of July 16, BA.4 now only accounts for 15.3 per cent of cases, down from a peak of 23 per cent on June 18.

BA.2, the previous dominant strain, is nearly extinct, only accounting for 2.5 per cent of cases in England, down from 95.4 per cent as of the end of March.

There are also sign hospital admissions for Covid are falling in every region of England, plunging by as much as a fifth in the South East  one of the first areas to see pressure ease off.

Leading experts have insisted Downing St's decision to axe all of the final pandemic-era restrictions in April  after initially changing course to start living with the virus like flu last July  was correct.

However, other influential voices have criticised the move.

Editors of the British Medical Journal (BMJ) and the Health Service Journal (HSJ) last week accused Boris Johnson's Government of 'gaslighting the public' about Covid's threat.

Dr Kamran Abbasi (BMJ) and Alastair McLellan (HSJ) argued economically-crippling curbs needed to be brought back immediately to save the 'dying' NHS.

In a joint editorial, the pair wrote: '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.'

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'.

Meanwhile, Dr Kit Yates, a mathematical biologist at the University of Bath and member of Independent Sage, called for previous pandemic restrictions and measures imposed on Britons to be reintroduced.

Despite admitting the most recent surge now appears to be slowing, he said people should still be concerned by high infection rates.

On Saturday, he wrote that the impact of future peaks could be combatted by reintroducing masks and making lateral flow tests kits free for Britons again.

'Everyone protects everyone else by wearing a mask in shared indoor spaces such as public transport and shops, but without government mandates or strong public health messaging, we have seen that most people are not inclined to do this voluntarily,' he wrote on Twitter.

Professor Christina Pagel, an expert in mathematics at University College London and fellow member of Indie Sage, said earlier this month wearing masks, particularly high-quality ones, was vital.

Indie Sage  a group made up of left-leaning scientists and an active Communist party professor  had lobbied heavily for a Christmas lockdown but quietly softened its stance after the milder Omicron wave subsided naturally and the NHS was not overwhelmed.

Ministers have so-far resisted calls for the reintroduction of restrictions, instead announcing an autumn Covid booster campaign for elderly and vulnerable Britons to help ward off a potential winter surge in cases which could increase demands on the NHS.

Data from the Sanger Institute, one of the UK's largest Covid surveillance centres, shows BA.5 has surged in the last few months, now accounting for eight in 10 Covid cases in the UK as of the week to July 16, up from five in 10 as of the week to June 18.

ONS death rates for the virus, which are adjusted for age and population, show the current level of deaths from the virus are far below previous spikes last winter and a fraction of those recorded in previous waves in 2020

Covid failed to feature in the top 10 leading causes of death in England in June, only ranking 15th. This was a significant drop compared to May where the virus was the 6th leading cause of death

This graph shows the number of deaths directly due to Covid recorded in England and Wales. The number of deaths being recorded these nations currently is far below that of previous waves earlier year and a sheer fraction of those seen at the start of 2021

Meanwhile, data from the ONS published today has found no surge in Covid deaths in June, despite the huge rise in cases since May.

The ONS's monthly mortality analysis for England and Wales found the virus was the fifteenth and nineteenth leading cause of death last month, respectively. In comparison, the virus was the sixth leading cause of deaths in both nations in May.

This means Covid accounted for 1.6 per cent of all deaths in England June and 1.4 per cent of all deaths in Wales for the same period.

In contrast, dementia and Alzheimer's was the leading cause of death in England, accounting for 10.8 per cent of all fatalities, while heart disease was Wales's biggest killer, behind 10.7 per cent of all deaths.

Given how long it can take infected patients to fall severely ill, it can, however, take several weeks for fatalities to mirror any uptick in cases.

The number of deaths involving Covid, where the virus was the leading cause or a contributing factor, rose to 506 for the week ending July 8. This was up from 306 the previous week.

However, the proportion of virus deaths where Covid was the underlying cause of death decreased between May and June in England, from 63 per cent to 59 per cent. For comparison, in April 2020, 95 per cent of Covid deaths had the virus as the underlying cause.

Covid vaccines, as well as immunity from previous exposure to the virus, have been credited with reducing the chances of Britons becoming severely ill with the virus and slashing their risk of death.
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Covid itself is not to blame for the mysterious hepatitis outbreak affecting children across the world, researchers insisted today.

However, pandemic-era lockdowns may have played a role.

Scientists today pinpointed a usually-harmless virus as being the main culprit for the unusual liver illness, which has sickened 200 youngsters in the UK and left a dozen needing transplants.

Two separate studies concluded that adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) seems to play a 'significant role'.

The virus, which does not normally cause any illness, infects most Britons by the age of 10.

But AAV2 cannot replicate without a 'helper' pathogen, such as an adenovirus  which usually just causes cold-like symptoms. Adenoviruses surged in line with the hepatitis cluster, which experts believe is because children had weaker immunity upon their return to pre-pandemic levels of mixing.

Therefore, a UK Health Security Agency-backed team of academics believe dual infection with these two viruses may offer the best explanation for the outbreak.

Until now, scientists have been flummoxed as to the root cause of the illness, with theories blaming Covid itself or even a mutation in an adenovirus strain.

Q&A: What is the mysterious global hepatitis outbreak and what is behind it? What is hepatitis? Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that is usually caused by a viral infection or liver damage from drinking alcohol. Some cases resolve themselves, with no ongoing issues, but a fraction can be deadly, forcing patients to need liver transplants to survive. What are the symptoms? People who have hepatitis generally have fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools and joint pain. They may also suffer from jaundice  when the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. Why are experts concerned? Hepatitis is usually rare in children, but experts have already spotted more cases in the current outbreak than they would normally expect in a year. Cases are of an 'unknown origin' and are also severe, according to the World Health Organization. What are the top theories? Adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) Two separate UK studies, which looked at dozens of children across the country, found that adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) seems to be behind the hepatitis illness. The virus, which does not normally make people unwell, often accompanies an infection with flu-like illness adenovirus. Weakened immunity British experts tasked with investigating the spate of illnesses believe the endless cycle of lockdowns may have played a contributing role. Restrictions may have weakened children's immunity because of reduced social mixing, leaving them at heightened risk of adenovirus. This means even 'normal' adenovirus could be causing the severe outcomes, because children are not responding to it how they did in the past. Adenovirus mutation Other scientists said it may have been the adenovirus that has acquired 'unusual mutations'. This would mean it could be more transmissible or better able to get around children's natural immunity. Advertisement

Overall, the two studies, which looked at dozens of children across the UK, found that 96 per cent of children with unexplained hepatitis had 'high levels' of AAV2.

For comparison, just four per cent of healthy youngsters tested positive for AAV2 and at much lower levels.

Dr Antonia Ho, lead author for of the studies, said Covid lockdowns and restrictions led to 'much reduced circulation of seasonal viruses'.

An 'equilibrium' needs to be re-established now that youngsters are mixing in pre-pandemic ways, which has led to 'different types of circulation' of viruses, she said.

Sufferers of the strange illness have mainly been under-fives who initially experience diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pain, followed by jaundice  the yellowing of the skin.

Some have then been hospitalised with liver inflammation one to 11 weeks later, of which 40 per cent are admitted to intensive care.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported at least 1,010 cases in 35 countries. Nearly 50 have required liver transplants worldwide and 22 have died.

The pre-prints, which have not yet been peer-reviewed but are published on website MedRxiv, suggest AAV2 is involved in the hepatitis outbreak.

The first study, led by the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), examined nine children, aged four on average, suffering from hepatitis in Scotland.

They were all hospitalised between March 14 and April 4 and stayed under NHS care for 10 days, on average. None required liver transplants.

Their DNA was extracted from blood, liver, stool and throat samples and results compared against 58 healthy youngsters.

AAV2 was detected in all nine hepatitis patients but among no one in the control groups.

In a separate analysis, the researchers examined the genetics of the patients with hepatitis.

They detected that nearly nine in 10 youngsters with hepatitis (89 per cent) had the Human Leukocyte Antigen gene, compared to less than two in 10 (16 per cent) in the general population.

This finding may offer another part of the answer as to why some children have become seriously unwell, the team said.

Professor Emma Thomson, a clinical professor and consultant in infectious diseases at the CVR and senior author of the Scottish study, explained: 'The gene itself is important because it encodes a receptor which presents viruses or other pathogens to the immune system.

'And so this suggests that there may be a link to an immune-mediated cause of the hepatitis triggered by viruses.'

However, she said more studies were needed to confirm that this gene was involved.

The second study, led by Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and the UK Health Security Agency, looked at 28 children with hepatitis in Britain.

Their analysis included liver samples from five children who required a transplant and blood samples from the remaining youngsters who did not.

Nearly all of the children tested positive for AAV2. For comparison, AAV2 was present 'only very rarely' outside this group  among just six per cent of healthy children and at 'much lower levels'.

And sequencing of liver samples showed AAV2 was present and had spread within the organ.

Both studies ruled out that a recent or previous Covid infection caused hepatitis.

Tests showed only two-thirds of hepatitis sufferers had Covid antibodies  similar to the prevalence among Scottish children at the time  and the virus was not present in any of the liver samples. None of the youngsters had had a Covid vaccine.

The researchers still don't know why the hepatitis outbreak is happening now.

However, they said a peak of adenovirus infections in the general population after lockdowns 'may have contributed'.

Scientists have long-warned that Covid curbs in place to stop the spread of the virus also stopped other infections from circulating in the population, leaving people with lower immunity against them.

Professor Thomson said AAV2 itself may be the cause, or it may be functioning as a 'useful biomarker' of a recent adenovirus infection, which could be behind the hepatitis cases.

She said: 'There are many unanswered questions and larger studies are urgently needed to investigate the role of AAV2 in paediatric hepatitis cases.

'We also need to understand more about seasonal circulation of AAV2, a virus that is not routinely monitored  it may be that a peak of adenovirus infection has coincided with a peak in AAV2 exposure, leading to an unusual manifestation of hepatitis in susceptible young children.'

Professor Judy Breuer, a virologist at GOSH, said the results can 'reassure parents concerned about Covid as neither teams have found any direct link with SARS-CoV-2 infection'.

'Our data do, however, point to AAV2 in the liver and, or blood of cases as the strongest biomarker for the hepatitis,' she added.
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Covid cases and deaths are continuing to fall in America just as many feared the budding BA.5 variant would cause a similar summer surge to what the nation experienced in previous years.

The nation is currently averaging 123,367 new cases every day, a 15 percent drop over the past seven days. This almost evenly matches the 16 percent drop in deaths over the same week-long period, now down to 443 daily.

Recent increases in cases have been attributed to the BA.5 Omicron variant. The highly infectious strain is believed to be able to evade immunity from previous Covid infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that it makes up 78 percent of infections in America.

Despite these drops in case, some officials prepare to bring back Covid measures to deal with the BA.5 variant - with Los Angeles set to bring back its indoor mask mandate at the end of this week and San Diego schools requiring masks indoors during summer programming.

The BA.5 variant is feared to be the most transmissible version of the virus to take hold in the U.S. yet by health officials.

It is also immune-evasive and can get around protections a person may have from previous Covid infection. Experts believe that a person could be re-infected with BA.5 within weeks of recovering from a different version of the Omicron variant.

This is a potentially worrying prospect that changes the understanding many have of the pandemic.

BA.5 has quickly grown in its prevalence across America and now makes up nearly four of every five cases in the U.S.

While is has caused cases to rise in recent weeks, experts are not panicking yet and believe the introduction of more Covid jabs could be what is needed to stop the spread.

'The good news here is our tools, our vaccines if you are up to date, if you've been vaccinated recently if you get treatments, those continue to work really well,' Dr Ashish Jha, the White House's COVID-19 response coordinator told ABC's This Week last weekend.

'This is an area of concern but we know how to manage this.'

He noted that people over the age of 50 - who suffer the most risk from the virus - should receive their fourth vaccine dose if they have not already.

The shots, which are the second booster after the original two-dose regimen of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, were made available earlier this year in an effort to shore up protection for the most vulnerable to the virus.

'If you are 50 or over, if you have not gotten a shot this year in 2022, it is absolutely critical that you go and get one now it will offer a high degree of protection,' Jha said.

America has no introduced a new shot into its arsenal as well. On Tuesday the CDC officials signed off on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization for the Novavax vaccine in all Americans 18 and older.

The long-awaited shots are the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccines to hit the market in the U.S., though they may already be outdated.

These jabs were formulated to combat the original Wuhan strain of the virus that stormed the world in early 2020.

In the time since the virus has mutated to get around much of the protection from infection provided by vaccines tailored to that strain.

While there is hope the Novavax shot will still be effective against the newer Omicron strains, the FDA has already made it clear it wants reformulated Covid jabs tailored to newer strains to be ready this fall.

Some also doubt these shots will ever be needed. While newer strains of the virus can evade immunity against infection, vaccinated individuals are still believed to have strong protection against serious hospitalization or death.

'He said it's absolutely critical to get boosted if you are over 50. But that added protection is a weak augmentation of immunity against the current strain since the booster vaccine is being given is against the original Wuhan strain,' Dr Marty Makary, a public health expert at Johns Hopkins University, wrote to DailyMail.com.

'Importantly, once again, Dr Jha supporting the big Pharma narrative in denying the fact that natural immunity provides strong protection against severe disease.'

'Dr Jha is failing to remind people that Omicron poses no significant public health risk to the vast majority of Americans beyond that of common-cold like symptoms,' he added.

The BA.5 variant (dark green) now makes up 78% of Covid cases in the U.S., rapidly outpacing other forms of the virus. The previously dominant BA 2.12.1 strain (red) now makes up less than 10% of active cases, according to the CDC

The BA.5 variant (dark green) makes up between 70% and 80% of sequenced COVID-19 infections in every single region of America

As BA.5 has grown its pushed other variants to the fringes. The BA 2.12.1 variant that was dominant only a few weeks ago now makes up just nine percent of U.S. cases. The BA.2 'stealth' variant has almost entirely disappeared to this point.

BA.4, which was discovered in South Africa around the same time as BA.5, makes up 13 percent of cases in the U.S., the CDC reports.

The new dominant variant has spread across the country fairly evenly, making up between 70 to 80 percent of sequenced cases in every single region of America.

Fear of the BA.5 variant pushed some officials to bizarrely reinstate mask orders in recent weeks.

In San Diego, school officials published a letter last week announcing that masks will now be required for the remainder of summer programming.

'If your student is participating in summer school or other summer enrichment program, please send them to school or their program with a mask,' officials wrote.

'If they do not have one, masks will be provided. Students and staff will be required to wear their masks while indoors only.'

The news has left many parents worrying that their children may once again have to wear masks in schools when the educational year restarts this August.

'The news that mask mandates are returning in LA and San Diego is extremely distressing. As the world moves on from COVID panic, California is moving backwards. Keeping children, the people least at risk and least likely to transmit the virus, masked is cruel and unscientific,' Kira Davis, a California mother who is running for school board in nearby Orange County, told DailyMail.com.

'This is merely an attempt to keep schools in a state of emergency and keep those pandemic dollars flowing. Parents and those who care about our students need to push their local school to immediately adopt resolutions resisting the return of these ridiculous mandates. Its clear now that in CA none of this ends until we demand it does.

'Parents in my district, which is sandwiched between LA and San Diego, are livid. Many have told me if our schools return to a mandate they will not be returning their children in the fall.'

Makary notes that many of the masks people have at home are likely useless against the virus. Growing research shows that both cloth and surgical masks do not have the necessary fit or filtration to properly prevent spread of Covid.
The NHS is in danger of 'singing "kumbaya" as the Titanic sinks, one hospital chief executive has claimed.

Milton Keynes University Hospital Foundation Trust boss Joe Harrison argued health leaders were 'presiding over a failing NHS'.

'Im really concerned about where we are at,' he told a roundtable attended by trust executives from across the country.

His comments come on the back of a damning report that warned the health service faces its biggest ever workforce crisis that poses a 'serious risk to patient safety'.

The MP-led committee, led by Jeremy Hunt, claimed the Government has no credible strategy to improve the situation while demand grows.

Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt has admitted he is partly to blame for the NHS staffing crisis saying it is 'too tempting' for ministers to cut back on staff training when it'll be a future Government's problem

Charge hospital patients 8 a day and make over-60s pay for their prescriptions suggests former NHS trust chairman Patients should pay a fee of up to 8 for every day they are in hospital, a former health boss has suggested. Professor Stephen Smith called on ministers to bring in charges to help cover the cost of expensive medical equipment. The former chairman of the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust also proposed that people aged 60 and over should start paying for prescriptions. But critics said the proposals would end the foundations on which the health service has operated since it was set up in 1948. Setting out his ideas in a new book, Professor Smith suggested patients pay between 4 and 8 up to a maximum of 28 days a year to help the struggling NHS. The idea is modelled on Germanys system where patients are charged 10 (8.50) a night. Professor Smith said: I think the public would be prepared to pay some additional charges. Means testing would ensure the poor were not affected unfairly. But he was accused of promoting hare-brained ideas and zombie policies by the co-chairman of campaign group Keep Our NHS Public. Dr John Puntis said: Charging people to cover part of the cost of a hospital stay would be a fundamental departure from the founding principles of the NHS and show that the long-standing consensus on a tax-funded public service model of healthcare has been truly abandoned. Advertisement

The Health Service Journal, a trade publication for NHS leaders and senior managers, held a meeting with trust chief executives about the current state of the health service.

During the briefing, Mr Harrison said: 'I think were in danger of all sitting around the campfire singing "kumbaya" as the Titanic sinks.

'We are presiding over a failing NHS. Theres no question about it.'

He added: 'And if we carry on like this, people have every right to say, "what on earth are we spending 150bn on?"'

Mr Harrison's comments were echoed by other NHS leaders, who said that a lack of accountability over standards like A&E waiting times would undermine public faith in the health service.

Health leaders have repeatedly said the workforce crisis is at the root of most problems within the service.

Summing up the situation, the Health and Social Care committee said the NHS now faces the 'greatest workforce crisis in their history with staff shortages creating a serious risk to patient safety

Frequent vacancies are leaving employees 'disillusioned, overworked and at high risk of burnout', the report warned.

Its findings, which also delved into the social care sector, should 'shock ministers into action'.

Commenting on the release of the report today, Mr Hunt, the country's longest-ever serving Health Secretary, told LBC's Nick Ferrari, that he was partly to blame.

'I have my share of responsibility,' said Mr Hunt, who recently had to pull out of the Tory leadership contest due to a lack of support.

Critics have accused Mr Hunt, who was in charge of health between 2012 and 2018, of glossing over his own workforce planning failings while sticking the boot into the current administration.

In his comments in the actual report, he said: 'We now face the greatest workforce crisis in history in the NHS and in social care with still no idea of the number of additional doctors, nurses and other professionals we actually need.

'NHS professionals know there is no silver bullet to solve this problem but we should at least be giving them comfort that a plan is in place.

'This must be a top priority for the new Prime Minister.'

Hospitals in England are now short of 12,000 doctors and more than 50,000 nurses and midwives.

Projections say an extra 475,000 jobs will be needed in health and 490,000 more in social care, almost one million in total, by early next decade.

Of the projected shortfall, the report stated: 'The Government has shown a marked reluctance to act decisively.

'The workforce plan promised in the spring has not yet been published and will be a framework with no numbers, which we are told could potentially follow in yet another report later this year.

Heart attack patients waited more than 50 minutes for an ambulance on average in England last month  nearly triple the NHS target. There were more than 300,000 category two callouts in June

Committee MPs added while some progress has been made towards a target of recruiting 50,000 nurses, the Government is set to miss the Tory manifesto pledge of 6,000 more GPs.

The persistent understaffing of the NHS now poses a serious risk to staff and patient safety both for routine and emergency care,' they said.

It also costs more as patients present later with more serious illness. But most depressing for many on the front line is the absence of any credible strategy to address it.

The report said the NHS loses millions of full-time equivalent days to staff sickness caused by anxiety, stress and depression.

The result is that many in an exhausted workforce are considering leaving  and if they do pressure will increase still further on their colleagues, it added.

Official NHS data shows anxiety, stress and depression are consistently the most common reasons for health staff to call in sick.

The latest data shows 482,500 full time equivalent days were lost to staff taking time off for mental health in February this year alone.

A separate report by the committees panel of independent experts rated the Governments progress to meet key commitments it has made on workforce as inadequate.

MPs criticised the Government and NHS England for not setting out when safe staffing in maternity would be reached, a failure they said was absolutely unacceptable.

Maternity safety in the UK has come under increasing focus this year following a landmark report into Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust which found 201 babies and nine mothers had died needlessly over two decades of poor care.

A similar investigation is currently underway at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Responding to the committee's report Danny Mortimer, of NHS Employers which represents workforce leaders, said high number of vacancies and an 'exhausted' workforce represent a great challenge.

Patricia Marquis, of the Royal College of Nursing, said: That persistent understaffing in all care settings poses a serious risk to staff and patient safety should shock ministers into action.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the Government's was growing the NHS workforce .

'We are growing the health and social care workforce, with over 4,000 more doctors, and 9,600 more nurses compared to last year, and over 1,400 more doctors in general practice compared to March 2019,' they said.
New York City unveiled three mass vaccination centers for monkeypox Friday with each able to dish out 1,400 doses a day  but appointments at each site ran out within an hour, signaling the high demand for the jabs.

The vaccine centers are based in Brooklyn, Bronx and the Queens and began rolling out doses this Sunday. They will roll out the rest this weekend.

The Big Apple is running the largest inoculation drive for gay or bisexual men in the country, with only Washington D.C. also aiming to jab the group.

Those who got at the Brooklyn center yesterday said they had just 'got lucky', adding they knew many others waiting for doses.

There is mounting concern that monkeypox could spill over into other groups  including children, older adults and pregnant women  which are more vulnerable to the disease. It does not require sex to be transmitted, and can be spread through physical contact such as touching others or a hug.

Cases in America are starting to surge as well, reaching 2,891 over the weekend as officials fear case counts are only picking up a fraction of the true number of Americans that have been infected so far.

NYC has opened three mass vaccination centers in Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens with each able to dish out about 1,400 doses a day. City health commissioner Dr Ashwin Vasan is pictured at the mass vaccination center in Brooklyn

Each center can give out between 75 and 85 doses at once, a spokesman for the New York Department of Health said

Pictured above are the vaccination tablesin the vaccination center, set up in an old spots hall

Appointments ran out within an hour of going live on Friday, several publications reported. There are growing calls for New York to secure more doses

This Friday the city's Department of Health announced it was opening up appointments for another 17,000 doses of the vaccine.

The appointments opened at 6 p.m., but an hour-and-a-half later health officials tweeted they had all been booked. Several papers reported they were full in an hour.

Ondrea Didier, a resident in Chelsea, was one individual who 'got lucky' after securing a dose at the mass vaccination center in Flatbush.

They told CBS New York: 'There would be one appointment in the Bronx or something, and then that would be gone. There'd be one in Staten Island, that would be gone.

'I don't know how I got this appointment. I just got lucky.'

Vincent Vega, a Harlem resident who also secured a dose at the center, said: 'I didn't care where it was going to be.

'I know that, obviously this is a serious thing and a lot of people didn't take Covid very seriously, especially people around me.

'They're like, "oh, it's not gonna be that bad", and two years later we're wishing we were more cautious.'

The mass vaccination sites are able to deliver between 75 and 85 doses at once, a spokesman for the health department told DailyMail.com.

They are an echo of the Covid vaccination drive, when mass centers were doling out thousands of doses a day in an attempt to protect everyone against the virus.

Announcing the opening of the centers on Friday, NYC's health commissioner Dr Ashwin Vasan said: 'The Health Department is moving quickly to distribute as many vaccine doses as we can in the most equitable way possible.

'With cases rising, it's clear that there is a great need for more vaccine in New York City, and we are working with our federal partners to obtain more doses.'

Pictured above are men lining up to get a dose of the monkeypox vaccine in Brooklyn yesterday

Men wait in line to receive a dose of the monkeypox vaccine in Brooklyn

New York received another 26,000 doses last week, with another 9,000 held back to offer to people who are close contacts of known cases.

Its roll out has been repeatedly slammed for failing to offer enough doses, and problems with its vaccination booking system.

Last month the Health Department told residents to not try to book doses until late in the afternoon when slots would become available.

But a 'technical glitch' saw some residents given early access to the slots, meaning they were almost fully booked before they went online.

Concerns have also been raised by the city's decision to delay second doses, in order to provide primary inoculations.

Officials at the Food and Drug Administration have warned against the move, saying it has not yet been properly tested.

It comes amid mounting concern that the virus will spill over into other groups that are more vulnerable.

On Friday it was revealed that two children had tested positive for monkeypox.

Although health officials said both were 'doing well', medics say children under eight years old are generally more at risk from the virus.

US records first two CHILD monkeypox cases: California toddler and an infant in D.C. were likely infected by 'household contacts' and both had contact with gay or bisexual men, CDC chief says

By: Luke Andrews Health Reporter for DailyMail.com



Two children have tested positive for monkeypox in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed Friday.

One is a toddler from California; the other is in an infant who is not a U.S. resident and was 'transiting through' Washington D.C. Neither had contact with each other.

Health officials said both children were 'doing well', but warned children under the age of eight are at high risk of severe monkeypox.

It is thought both children likely caught the virus from 'household contacts'.

Dr Rochelle Walensky said the children both had contact with gay or bisexual men  the community where most cases are being detected in the current outbreak.

It was not clear when they caught the virus, or what symptoms they suffered.

They are receiving the antiviral TPOXX, which can help stop an infection in its tracks by interfering with the virus's maturation.

They are the first cases among children to be detected in America. There are currently more than 2,500 cases of monkeypox in the U.S.  the second biggest outbreak in the world behind only Spain with 3,000.

Timeline of monkeypox in the United States 1958: Monkeypox is discovered when an outbreak of pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research. 1970: First human case of the disease is recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was later detected in a number of other central and western African countries. 2003: America's former largest monkeypox outbreak occurs. A total of 47 people are infected after having contact with pet prairie dogs that picked up the disease at a farm. July, 2021: Monkeypox case detected in the U.S. in a citizen who had recently returned from Nigeria. November, 2021: Monkeypox is detected in another U.S. resident who recently returned from Nigeria. May, 2022: A man in Massachusetts is diagnosed with monkeypox, becoming the first case in the current outbreak. There are now more than 2,000 cases nationwide. Advertisement

A boy under 10 years old tested positive for the virus in the Netherlands in June, as was revealed this week. The Dutch child suffered more than 20 red lesions on his face, forearms and thighs but had no fever or swollen lymph nodes  with the infection mostly clearing within a week.

Revealing the infections at a virtual event for the Washington Post, Walensky said: 'We have seen now two cases that have occurred in children.

'Both of these are traced back to individuals who come from the men-who-have-sex-with-men community, the gay men's community.'

She added that these cases have been on the whole 'adjacent to the community most at risk'.

In a press release, the agency said: 'CDC and public health authorities are still investigating how the children became infected.

'While both children have monkeypox symptoms, they are in good health.'

They added: 'Monkeypox spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, which  in the case of children  could include hugging, cuddling, feeding, as well as through shared items such as towels, bedding, cups and utensils.'

Last week the CDC said it was only aware of monkeypox infections among adults, mostly in gay or bisexual men.

Until now monkeypox infections have been almost exclusively among gay or bisexual men.

But a top expert warned last week the virus had likely already spread to other groups, but that this was yet to be detected due to a lack of testing.

The World Health Organization warns that children  as well as older people and pregnant women  are more at risk from monkeypox.

Scientific studies suggest that between three and ten percent of children infected with monkeypox die from the disease, depending on the strain they catch.

In the Dutch case, doctors said they counted 20 lesions on the face, ear, forearms, thighs and back of the child  but that he did not suffer a fever or swollen lymph nodes.

Within a week the virus in his body had dropped to non-detectable levels, they added.

It was not clear how he became infected, although doctors said he likely had contact with an infected person or contaminated object that 'was not recognized'.

Monkeypox primarily spreads through close physical contact or towels or bedsheets that have also been used by a patient. In rare cases, it can also be transmitted through the air.

The CDC has been repeatedly slammed for its response to the virus, with testing initially being slow to get off the ground masking the spread of the virus.

There have also been problems rolling out the vaccine, with New York City  at the epicenter of the crisis  having to delay second doses for patients because too few jabs have been supplied.
Raising taxes on e-cigarettes by just $1 could lead to more youngsters in their early 20s taking up smoking, a new study finds.

Researchers at Georgia State University, in Atlanta, monitored 38,000 youngsters and found raising the price of e-cigarettes triggered a rise in the number smoking by 3.7 percent once the increase was implemented.

They said the results showed taxes should be raised on both cigarettes and e-cigarettes at the same time to avoid youngsters switching to 'more lethal' cigarettes. They also pointed out the early 20s is a period when many switch from 'experimental' to 'daily' nicotine use.

A total of 30 American states and Washington D.C. already tax e-cigarettes in the hopes of putting off more youngsters. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also cracking down on certain brands that are accused of driving a spike in nicotine use among young adults.

Researchers at Georgia State University warned raising the price of e-cigarettes by $1 would lead to 3.7 percent of youngsters switching to more lethal cigarettes

Pictured above are the states that have rules in place on taxing e-cigarettes. There is no federal tax for vapes, unlike for cigarettes

In the study, published in the journal Addiction, scientists analyzed data from the Current Population Survey  a monthly survey of households in the U.S. conducted by census officials.

They looked at the number of youngsters aged 18 to 25 years old who said they smoked or vaped in each state from 2010 to 2019.

Results showed that raising taxes on vaping by $1 per milliliter led to their use falling by 2.5 percent in the age group. But it also caused a 3.7 percent surge in the number taking up smoking.

E-cigarette use among under-20s dropped 17% in 2020, study finds Use of e-cigarettes fell during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, a study found last week. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland found that across the board it fell seven percent in 2020 compared to two years earlier. But breaking the figures into age groups showed the fastest drop was among under-20s, where it fell by 17 percent. It is among the first signs of a reversal of an alarming trend. It has been illegal to buy tobacco products including e-cigarettes in the U.S. under the age of 20 since December 2019. Advertisement

Similarly, increasing tax on cigarettes by $1 led to a fall in smoking by 2.5 percent but a rise in e-cigarette use by the same amount.

Dr Abigail Friedman, an associate professor of public health at Yale School of Public Health who led the study, warned some youngsters were changing how they consumed nicotine due to prices.

She said: 'Anyone who is going to levy a tax on one tobacco or nicotine product needs to think about the tax rates on all the others.'

'People are substituting between products, and if you raise the price of one, some subset is going to switch to a less expensive option, even if they don't like that product as much.

'From a public health perspective, it is important that that less expensive option is also less harmful.'

In the paper, the researchers warned cigarettes were more lethal than vaping products  suggesting it was worse for national health if vapes were more expensive.

Cigarette smoke contains more harmful substances  such as tar  which studies suggest raises the risk of health issues later in life such as cancer.

In the study, they also found people aged 18 to 25 were three times more responsive to price changes than older adults making them more likely to switch between them.

About 8.1 million American adults  or six percent  use e-cigarettes annually, estimates suggest, but rates are three times the average among under 25s.

For comparison, 30 million adults use cigarettes annually nationwide  or 12 percent of the population.

Taxes tend to be higher on cigarettes than e-cigarettes  although this varies by state.

A federal tax of $1 per pack is levied on cigarettes at present, with all states them imposing their own additional charges. Chicago, Illinois, has the highest at $6 per pack.

But for now there is no nationwide tax on e-cigarettes. A total of 30 states apply their own tax rates at present, but these are on either the wholesale price or that per container. Minnesota has the highest wholesale tax rate at 95 percent, while the highest per container is in Kentucky at $1.50 each.

A study from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland found last week that across the board e-cigarette use fell seven percent in 2020 compared to two years earlier.

Breaking the figures into age groups showed the sharpest drop was among those under 20 years old, down 17 percent in the period.

It has been illegal for this age group to buy tobacco products  including e-cigarettes  since December 2019. Previously, the minimum age had been 18 years.
Judging by the volume of antidepressants prescribed by its GPs, Sunderland must be the most depressing place in England.

In May this year, doctors in the NHS Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) prescribed 71,306 antidepressant items for the 286,855 patients on their books. That works out at 248 items per 1,000 patients  by far the highest prescribing rate in the whole country.

And thats just the overall average figure for the area: one practice  Bridge View Medical Group  gave out 378 antidepressant items per 1,000 patients, the highest rate in a region with the highest rate in the whole country.

And, as Good Health has discovered, there is a huge postcode lottery in antidepressant prescribing  meaning in certain areas of the UK (see table, right, to find your areas prescribing rate in May), according to new data released last week, you are more likely to end up on medication that some research suggests may be no better than a placebo when it comes to mild or moderate depression, yet can cause side-effects.

Antidepressant use in the UK is soaring  earlier this month it was revealed that the number prescribed in England had risen more than 5 per cent in the year to May 2022.

Charlotte Brighton, 36, a nail technician, lives in Gosport, Hants, with husband Gary, 36, and their children, aged ten and five. She says: When I was diagnosed with depression, I was told I had to go on an antidepressant  there was no other option. This is the best course of action and the quickest, my GP said. The waiting time for counselling was months'

And women are more than twice as likely to be medicated with drugs, including antidepressants for anxiety, than men, reported the British Journal of General Practice.

Some of the increase in antidepressants is because of the effect of the pandemic on mental health. But this was the sixth consecutive annual increase: the number of prescriptions for antidepressants in England rose by an astonishing 34 per cent in six years, to more than 83 million a year in 2021/22.

And yet research published last week raised questions about the use of antidepressants on such a scale. It suggested that the belief that depression is caused by an imbalance of the brain chemical serotonin is a myth.

Serotonin is a chemical messenger that transmits messages between nerve cells and a lack of it has been blamed for depression.

Joanna Moncrieff, a professor of psychiatry at University College London, was the lead researcher on the project, which looked at the findings of studies involving 300,000 patients.

We can safely say that, after a vast amount of research conducted over several decades, there is no convincing evidence that depression is caused by serotonin abnormalities, she says.

This undermines the basis of decades of prescribing the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, specifically, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).And as with any medication, these drugs can have side-effects: in the case of SSRIs, these include feeling agitated, shaky or anxious, feeling or being sick, indigestion and diarrhoea or constipation, according to the NHS.

Coming off them can also be problematic. Mental health charity Mind says withdrawal can cause dizziness or vertigo, electric shock sensations, problems with movement or involuntary movements, sensory disturbance, such as odd dreams or smelling something that isnt there.

Antidepressant use in the UK is soaring  earlier this month it was revealed that the number prescribed in England had risen more than 5 per cent in the year to May 2022

A Public Health England review, published in 2019, found that 20 per cent of people who stopped taking antidepressants after only a month would suffer such withdrawal phenomena.

Meanwhile, figures suggest women are more likely to end up on the pills.

Professor Moncrieff says: One theory is that women internalise their difficulties, whereas men externalise them  i.e. women get depressed; that is, they blame themselves, and men get angry and blame other people or things.

Research published earlier this year in the British Journal of General Practice found women were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and prescribed antidepressants, and were more comfortable seeking help for mental health conditions than men, who were more affected by the stigma associated with poor mental health.

Professor Moncrieff adds that women also frequently shoulder family responsibilities and often dont have the obvious public rewards associated with careers.

But if this helps explain the difference between the sexes, when it comes to why if you live in Hampshire you are much more likely to end up on SSRIs than if you live in Frimley, Surrey  the picture is more complicated.

Take the region with the highest prescribing rate, the NHS Sunderland CCG, with 286,855 patients (with 248 antidepressant items per 1,000 patients in May).

By contrast, North-West London, where GPs have a total of 2.7 million patients on their books, has the lowest rate, just 53 items for every 1,000 patients.

Apparently, people in London are generally less depressed  the North-West London commissioning group told Good Health that the capital has the lowest prevalence of depression in the UK.

But it added that the expansion of mental health services, including the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, plays a role in this [low antidepressant prescription rate].

The IAPT programme, a nationwide initiative which began in 2008, is designed to give patients with anxiety or depression access to talking therapies, such as counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

The NHS says it has transformed the treatment of adult anxiety disorders and depression in England, but it is available to a fraction of the more than eight million adults on antidepressants in England.

There were 1.6 million referrals to therapy in 2019/20, but the following year it was just 1.46 million.

Professor Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of GPs, told Good Health that while antidepressants are often an effective treatment that can help patients manage mental health conditions, GPs report that access to appropriate, alternative therapies in the community, such as talking therapies and CBT  that many patients with mental health conditions find beneficial  is patchy across the country.

He suggests that the patchy provision of talking therapies is a likely factor as to why there are some regional differences in numbers of antidepressant prescriptions.

We need this to be addressed urgently to ensure patients can access the treatment that they need quickly, he told Good Health.

But a lack of funding may be leaving GPs with no alternative to medication  the cheapest, easiest option.

Yet this is at odds with what experts see as the root of depression. Its not whats wrong with us but whats happened to us, as Heather Sequeira, a consultant psychologist and NHS specialist in CBT, based in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, explains.

Dr Mark Horowitz, a clinical research fellow in psychiatry at University College London and North East London NHS Foundation Trust, and co-author of last weeks paper, agrees.

The relationship between depression and stressful life events, such as relationship breakdown, job loss and physical illness, is incredibly strong, he says.

There is a clear link between antidepressant use and deprivation, according to analysis by the NHS Business Services Authority in July 2021. It compared prescription statistics with the Index of Multiple Deprivation (a measure of deprivation that takes account of factors such as income, housing, crime and health) and found concrete evidence that the most antidepressants were prescribed in the most deprived areas.

Prescription rates are strongly correlated with social deprivation and especially high in areas where traditional industry declined, says Professor Moncrieff. It suggests we are medicating the consequences of socio-economic change.

Coping with the human health consequences of all this is the Bridge View GP practice in the Southwick area of the city of Sunderland, which is just a stones throw from one of the most deprived areas in Tyne and Wear.

Half of the antidepressants prescribed in Sunderland in May were SSRIs. A spokesman for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System, which covers Sunderland, told Good Health prescribing rates are affected by a range of complex and societal factors including health inequalities.

In a bid to wean patients off antidepressants, the Integrated Care Board has issued new deprescribing guidance  the first of its kind in England  to support GP practices in therapeutic conversations with patients about their long-term treatment.

This includes a low-mood plan and depression status check for every patient, which has led to a 3.2 per cent reduction in the number of patients prescribed antidepressants in Sunderland.

The question remains, however: are antidepressants really the answer for many of the others?
Tory donor Lord Cruddas is facing a revolt at CMC Markets after a shareholder adviser urged investors to sack its chairman amid a row over diversity.

ISS has called for James Richards to be ousted at the stock trading firm's annual general meeting on Thursday over a failure to ensure there were enough women on its board of directors.

Clare Salmon, one of CMC's non-executive directors, is due to step down at the meeting meaning female representation on the board will drop to only 25 per cent.

Under fire: Tory donor Lord Cruddas is facing a revolt at CMC Markets

This is below the 33 per cent target set for FTSE 350 firms by the Hampton-Alexander review, which suggested gender diversity be seen as a key corporate governance issue.

ISS said Richards, as chairman of the company's nomination committee, had a responsibility to ensure the board 'promotes gender diversity in line with emerging good practice', the Sunday Telegraph reported.
A British satellite maker backed by the taxpayer is set to be snapped up by a French firm in a blow to the UK's space race efforts.

OneWeb, which currently operates a network of more than 400 satellites, was saved from bankruptcy by Boris Johnson's government in 2020, leaving taxpayers with a 17 per cent stake in the firm.

But the company is now in talks to be taken over by Paris-based Eutelsat with a deal expected to be announced in the coming days, the Sunday Telegraph reported.

Off course: OneWeb was saved from bankruptcy by Boris Johnson's government in 2020, leaving taxpayers with a 17 per cent stake in the firm

If the deal goes ahead, the firm is expected to be listed on the French stock market although a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange could be planned at a later date.

Eutelsat, which already controls around a quarter of OneWeb, is 20 per cent-owned by the French state, sparking fears the company's operations could be shipped over to France if a takeover is agreed.

Another 5 per cent stake in Eutelsat is held by China Investment Corp, Beijing's sovereign wealth fund, meaning OneWeb would be part-owned by one of the West's strategic rivals.

Sources have described the deal as a 'French coup' that could reduce the UK's influence on the project.
The woman who allegedly broke up Elon Musk and Sergey Brin's years-long friendship grew up in poverty in the San Francisco Bay Area before becoming a lawyer and dating some of the world's richest men.

Nicole Shanahan, 37, is said to have had a brief affair with Musk at Art Basel, a multi-day art event in Miami, in December of last year, which prompted her Google co-founder husband to file for divorce in January.

Brin, who is estimated to have a net worth of $95 billion, cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason, but The Wall Street Journal on Sunday reported that it was Musk's dalliance with Nicole that signaled the end of their marriage.

They were both in Miami for the art festival, at a time when Shanahan and Brin were reportedly already having marital problems due to the stress of COVID-19 and raising their 4-year-old daughter.

Musk, meanwhile, had just separated from girlfriend Grimes.

Just about one month later, Brin filed for divorce - listing December 15 as their date of separation. He has also reportedly instructed his aides to take all of his investments out of Musk's many companies.

Now, sources say Shanahan is asking for $1 million in her divorce - more than what she agree to in a prenup, but a far cry from what she had as a child, when she lived off food stamps and tried to help her two unemployed parents financially.

She has since been heralded as a 'changemaker' for the work she has done fighting for criminal justice reform, helping to improve the environment and researching women's reproductive longevity.

Nicole Shanahan, 37, grew up on food stamps with two unemployed parents before she became an entrepreneur. She is pictured here in September at the Museum of Motion Pictures Opening Gala in Los Angeles

Shanahan is said to have had an affair with Tesla CEO Elon Musk when they were both at Art Basel, a multi-day art event in Miami, in December of last year. The affair reportedly led her husband, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, to file for divorce, and signaled an end to his friendship with Musk.

In an interview with Modern Luxury Magazine, Shanahan told of the struggles she faced as a child and how they led her to become an entrepreneur in her own right.

'As a kid, I really had to figure out how the world works on my own,' she said, explaining how her father was diagnosed with bipolar schizophrenia when she was young, and her mother was a Chinese immigrant trying to make it in America.

'My dad was diagnosed with bipolar schizophrenia when I was 9, and my Chinese-born mom had only been in the US for two years when I was born,' Shanahan recounted.

'I had two unemployed parents for the majority of my childhood, so not only was there no money, there was almost no parental guidance,' she continued, 'and as you can imagine with a mentally ill father, there was a lot of chaos and fear.'

So, she said, she learned to make it on her own, bussing tables at the age of 12 and using the newfound Internet to help her succeed and apply for college and jobs.

'I learned how to compete in really creative ways by making broken objects perform at levels beyond their perceived capacity.'

By 2003, she started attending the University of Puget Sound, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and Mandarin Chinese, according to her LinkedIn profile.

She then went on to study global intellectual property trade and Chinese law at the National University of Singapore in 2013, before starting law at Santa Clara University.

Shanahan has said her struggles growing up in poverty had led her to become resourceful

In 2020, she founded Bia-Echo, an investment firm that pours money into organizations supporting reproductive longevity and equality; criminal justice reform; and preserving a healthy and livable planet

By the time she was in her early 20s, Modern Luxury reports, she got a job at RPX Corporation as a patent specialist, but she quit after just 10 months after she was sexually assaulted.

Shanahan said she then developed severe depression, quit law altogether and moved in with her aunt for a while.

But after a while, she was able to get her feet back on the ground - and even founded her own AI-enabled patent management company, ClearAccessIP, which she sold last year.

She has since devoted her time to Bia-Echo, an investment firm she founded that pours money into organizations supporting reproductive longevity and equality; criminal justice reform; and preserving a healthy and livable planet, according to its website.

Shanahan had earlier supported these goals through her husband's organization, the Sergey Brin Family Foundation, but started working on these goals herself in 2020, when she founded the foundation.

It has since partnered with the Buck Center for Reproductive Longevity and Equality and the National University of Singapore's Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine to establish the Bia-Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity and Equality, where scientists are researching women's fertility.

It is also working on ways to promote soil health and make farming carbon neutral.

And in addition, Shanahan has worked as an academic fellow of Code X, the Stanford Center of Legal Informatics - a joint center between Stanford Law School and Computer Science - where she launched the Smart Prosecution project, a multi-disciplinary effort applying data science to the prosecutorial process with partnerships between district attorneys and community organizations.

Her goal, she says, is to create a 'legacy of ideas.

'I want my legacy to be one of ideas,' she said. 'I want it to be about evolving the human experience on this planet in an abundant way.

'I want it to be one of strength and love and compassion. I want it to be one of working hard, learning from one's mistakes, and of personal growth.'

Shanahan had met Brin - the eighth richest man in the world - at a yoga retreat in 2015, and the two were married in a private ceremony on November 7, 2018

In her personal life, Shanahan was married to a finance executive before she met and married Brin - the eighth richest man in the world - at a yoga retreat in 2015.

They were then married at a low-key wedding ceremony on November 7, 2018, according to the Economic Times.

They later welcomed a daughter into the world after suffering years of fertility issues, which Shanahan has spoken publicly about.

'Like many women who are not quite ready to start a family in their early 30s, I decided, or so I thought at the time, to take matters into my own hands and freeze embryos,' she told Page Six in 2019.

'However, after three failed attempts at embryo-making and three dozen visits to in vitro fertilization clinics around the Bay Area, I learned that I was not nearly as unshakable as I thought I was.'

But by January, Brin filed for divorce from his wife of four years after allegedly finding out about her dalliance with Musk.

He cited 'irreconcilable differences' in divorce papers but asked for the docket to be sealed to protect his young daughter.

The Google founder is now asking to share custody of her as part of the divorce arrangements, which they are fighting to keep private out of fear that their daughter will be put at risk of 'harassment' or 'kidnapping'.

Musk had been friends with Brin for years prior to the alleged affair, and Brin even gave Musk $500,000 to fund Tesla at the height of the financial crisis in 2008. They are pictured here with Larry Page in the early 2000s

Shanahan's affair brought an abrupt end to Elon and Sergey's years-long friendship.

The two tech moguls were spotted together several times in the early 2000s, and in 2008, Sergey gave $500,000 in funding to Tesla at the height of the financial crisis.

Elon has also spoken fondly of crashing at Sergey's homes.

At a party after Sergey filed for divorce, Musk is said to have run into him and begged for his forgiveness.

Publicly, he accepted his apology but the two - who were once close friends - are no longer on regular speaking terms, the Journal's sources say.

Brin has now reportedly ordered his aides to sell his multiple interests in Musk's many businesses.

Musk has not yet commented on the allegations.
Doc Martin star Martin Clunes is trying to stop plans for a permanent traveller site next to his 130-acres Dorset farm.

New-age hippie neighbours Theo Langton and Ruth McGill are looking to build a permanent home on their land after spending 25 years living there in a mobile home.

Mr Clunes has submitted an objection to the plans through experts Terence O'Rourke - saying that the proposal are 'wholly unsuitable' and 'inappropriate'.

The firm said the site has no access to electricity, water and sewage in a letter to council chiefs.

Mr Clunes has submitted an objection to the plans through experts Terence O'Rourke

The Men Behaving Badly star's neighbours Diane and Robert Clarke also argue the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that the site would be based in is 'unsuitable'.

Artists Theo, 52, and Ruth, 47, have lived on the site since 1997 and have been fighting to stay in their home since 2007.

They have been in breach of council planning rules since 2020.

The couple want to add a further 'touring caravan and very large mobile home' to two caravans they already have.

New-age hippie neighbours Theo Langton and Ruth McGill are looking to build a permanent home on their land after spending 25 years living there in a mobile home

Theo told the Sun: 'It's a pitch for our family, that's it. We've no idea what the problem is.'

Ruth labelled Clunes 'landed and loaded'.

She added: 'We have a cordial relationship with them. They just don't want to live next to a traveller site.'

Mr Clunes and his wife, Philippa Braithwaite, 58, bought the the sprawling farm in 2007.
More than 3800 children in New South Wales have been fined by police for breaking Covid-19 rules as hundreds pay off fines through unpaid community work.

Minors aged 10-17 have been fined for either failing to comply with a direction or not wearing a face mask.

Around one in five kids are 'paying off' - or have paid off - infringements through work and development orders (WDOs).

Legal advocacy organisations have slammed the idea of slapping children with expensive fines for flouting restrictions and have called for cautions instead.

More than 3800 children in New South Wales have been fined for flouting Covid rules during the pandemic (stock image)

There have been 3840 fines issued to children aged 10 to 17 across the state during the pandemic.

Half of the fines issued to kids were for failing to comply with a direction under the public health act, according to data released by Redfern Legal Centre. That infringement carries a penalty of $5000.

The other half were fined for not wearing or carrying a face mask.

Work and development orders (WDOs) have been set up to allow people to 'work off' fines.

WDOs, which are headed by Revenue NSW, involve unpaid work, counselling, courses or treatment programs.

The Sydney Morning Herald revealed that 794 or around one in five children have paid off, or are currently paying off, fines through WDOs.

But legal advocacy groups have expressed their outrage over children being fined and believe those living in low-socioeconomic areas have been unfairly targeted.

Redfern Legal Centre senior police accountability solicitor, Samantha Lee, said WDOs are 'unsuitable' for children.

'Children should be going to school not working off fines debt,' she said.

'Close to 4000 fines were issued to children by NSW Police during the pandemic. This is a damning statistic, especially when you consider that the number of warnings issued to children under the Young Offenders Act was around half the number of actual fines given out.'

Organisations such as Community Legal Centres NSW wrote to the premier about withdrawing fines for children and replacing them with cautions instead - a view that was shared by Redfern Legal Centre.

But a spokesperson for Community Legal Centres NSW told Daily Mail Australia that their proposal was rejected last month.

'On 29 June 2022, the Deputy Secretary of Revenue NSW and Chief Commissioner of State Revenue informed us that the NSW Government would not support our proposal,' they said.

'We question what child, and in particular children who are from areas of socio-economic disadvantage, would have the capacity to understand the fines enforcement system, or the financial means to pay off a fine.'

'Is the Chief Commissioner suggesting a ten year old get a job? A child already living in poverty burdened with a debt they cannot pay further entrenches that poverty before they are even old enough to earn their own money.'

Jane Sanders, principal solicitor at the Shopfront Youth Legal Centre, believes infringements are being issued to children too readily.

'I think it is encouraging these agencies to just write out fines without really thinking about the consequences or being accountable,' she said.

'It seems that issuing a penalty notice is a first resort. Why are kids not entitled to a caution for these kinds of offences?'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Revenue NSW for comment.

Children aged 10-17 have either been fined by police for failing to comply with a direction under the public health act or not wearing a mask (pictured, masked police officers outside Bankstown Police Station)

It comes as thousands of Covid-19 fines worth millions of dollars could be ruled invalid if two Sydneysiders win a landmark test case in the New South Wales Supreme Court.

The man and woman claim their infringement notices were issued in such vague terms they could not be legally enforced and would be difficult, if not impossible, to challenge in front of a magistrate.

If they win their actions it could set a precedent that sees many of more than 45,000 such unpaid fines for Covid-related public health order breaches in NSW withdrawn.

A class action in NSW could now go ahead and similar law suits would likely be pursued in other states. There were 19,000 fines handed out in Victoria, and tens of thousands across the rest of Australia.

Thousands of Covid-19 fines worth millions of dollars could be ruled invalid if a test case in the NSW Supreme Court is successful. Young men and women are pictured innocently enjoying the sun at Bondi Beach in September last year at the height of Sydney's lockdowns

A man and woman claim their Covid infringement notices were issued in such vague terms they could not be enforced and would be difficult, if not impossible, to legally challenge. Bondi residents are pictured out exercising in September last year surrounded by police officers

Redfern Legal Centre is running the case against the NSW Police Commissioner and Commissioner of Fines Administration on behalf of Brenden Beame and Teal Els.

A third plaintiff, 30-year-old Rohan Pank, has already had his $1,000 fine withdrawn late last week after the administrative law court action was launched.

The matter was mentioned briefly in court on Tuesday when it was heard if the claims succeeded fines worth millions of dollars issued across NSW could be invalidated.

Between March 2020 and this month there were 62,029 Covid fines issued totalling $56,499,080. As of May, 47,560 fines totalling $42,269,700 remain unpaid.

Most of the penalty notices were issued at the height of Sydney's lockdown in August and September and Revenue NSW is now seeking they be enforced.

Thousands of those people who were fined requested a revue and Revenue NSW has withdrawn 12.6 per cent of penalty notices.

A legal challenge to Covid fines could set a precedent that sees many of more than 45,000 such unpaid fines for public health order breaches in New South Wales withdrawn

The three plaintiffs represented by Redfern Legal Centre sought to have their fines and the subsequent enforcement orders ruled invalid and that any money that had been paid be refunded.

Poll Did Australia go over the top with Covid fines? Yes No I want to forget Did Australia go over the top with Covid fines? Yes 561 votes

No 55 votes

I want to forget 13 votes Now share your opinion





Mr Pank was fined for sitting on a hill in a park with his girlfriend in August 2021 when they were approached by four police officers while Sydney was in lockdown.

He was within 1km of his home and was told by police he and his girlfriend had breached a public health order by not actively exercising.

At the time, interpretations of public health orders were constantly changing and there was confusion about the meaning of terms such as 'exercise or recreation'.

NSW Health declared 'sitting for relaxation' was considered to be outdoor recreation in the days after Mr Pank was fined.

He had sought two reviews of his infringement notice but Revenue NSW rejected each one, according to Redfern Legal Centre.

Between March 2020 and July 2022 there were 62,029 Covid fines issued totalling $56,499,080. As of May, 47,560 fines totalling $42,269,700 remain unpaid

The agency first stated Mr Pank had been told by police he should not be away from his home without a reasonable excuse.

Next, it claimed Mr Pank breached a public health order by crossing into the City of Sydney from the Inner West local government area where he resided.

When Mr Pank had been sitting in the park, outdoor recreation was permitted within 10km of a person's home with no requirement they stay within their council boundary.

Samantha Lee, senior police accountability solicitor at the Redfern Legal Centre, said public health orders changed 71 times between July and September last year - sometimes twice in one day.

'Everyone was just confused,' she said. 'What we have seen was this pattern of people being fined not according to law.

'Public health orders were not being applied correctly by police. What we found was that even Revenue NSW was applying the law wrongly or not applying the law at all.'

Most of the penalty notices were issued at the height of Sydney's lockdown in August and September and Revenue NSW is now seeking they be enforced. Beachgoers not swimming or not exercising were at one time required to wear a mask

Ms Lee said fines were generally issued to people engaged in recreation or exercise and for not observing distance rules but some were for pursuing activities as basic as grocery shopping.

'In most cases people weren't flouting the laws,' she said. 'The laws were being applied wrongly.'

'The crux of our mater is that these Covid fines are not fines because they don't satisfy the legislative requirement under the Fines Act.'

There were hundreds of clauses under ten public health orders but which of them had allegedly been breached was not specified in the fines. Mr Pank's infringement came under Section 7, 8 and 9 of the orders.

Ms Lee said Covid fines were applied with a strict liability, such as with parking in a no stopping zone, where no intent had to be proved.

'These fines required a lot of discretion by police to decide if someone had an excuse or not,' she said.

Thousands of those people who were fined requested a revue and Revenue NSW has withdrawn 12.6 per cent of penalty notices. Stock image

'We found that the review system and the police system was not providing justice to people on the ground and in fact was getting it all wrong.'

Ms Lee said the infringement notices did not actually stipulate what someone had allegedly done wrong.

'It doesn't tell you what crime you've committed,' she said. 'For example, with the gathering fine it just says that you've gathered.

'It doesn't say what you've breached, which then made it impossible to try and appeal it because you don't know what the police need to prove and then take it to court.

'We are of the view that's probably why there were so many issued - they were so easy to issue because they were so vague.'

There were hundreds of clauses under ten public health orders but which of them had allegedly been breached was not specified in the fines. A couple is pictured in Rushcutters Bay lawfully gathering in a park

A disproportionate number of fines was issued to residents in low socioeconomic areas during the height of lockdowns.

'The problem with fines is they're not means tested and therefore punish people more for the same offence if they're on a lower income,' Ms Lee said.

Between July 2020 and October last year there were 1,536 fines totalling $1,366,380 issued to Mount Druitt residents and 1,291 worth $1,157,680 at Liverpool compared with 25 ($24,000) at Waverley.

Ms Lee said there were more police patrolling the areas where the most fines were issued and more restrictive orders in place in some of those suburbs.

'But I think the third issue is that those people were out and about more because they had to get to work,' she said. 'A lot of them couldn't work from home.'

A letter Revenue NSW sent to Mr Pank on July 15 did not properly explain why his fine had been withdrawn after it had been reviewed for the third time.

Between July 2020 and October last year there were 1,536 fines totalling $1,366,380 issued to Mount Druitt residents and 1,291 worth $1,157,680 at Liverpool compared with 25 ($24,000) at Waverley. Stock image

'We re-examined your request of Fine 4066740792 for 'Fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 - COVID-19 - Individual' on 07 August 2021,' the agency wrote.

'Outcome of our review: We re-examined the fine using our Review Guidelines and after further consideration, we have decided to cancel the fine.'

Ms Lee said she did not think it was a coincidence that Mr Pank's fine was withdrawn after his court papers were filed.

'I think Mr Pank's fine should have been withdrawn on the first review and it should never have been issued. Police got it wrong and then Revenue got it wrong.'

Ms Lee is encouraging anyone who has been penalised for similar reasons to come forward to seek legal advice and a review of their fine.

The case will return to court on August 26 for directions and a hearing on November 29. A hearing on who pays Mr Pank's costs will also be heard after it was withdrawn.
It has been branded creepy and invasive, with numerous major retailers vowing to stay away, but Bunnings and Kmart have defended their use of facial recognition technology.

The hardware chain insists its use of facial recognition has been mischaracterised, saying it was only introduced to protect staff from violent customers and to prevent organised crime instore.

It temporarily switched the technology off in stores ahead of a platform shift earlier this year, and has since informed the privacy watchdog it will not be reverting to it for the time being.

Bunnings defended its use of facial recognition software in some stores across Australia as a way to protect its staff from retail crime (pictured,, Bunnings store in the Victorian suburb of Nunawading, 18 km east of Melbourne's CBD

Supermarket giants Coles, Woolworths and Aldi are among 17 major retailers that say they have no plans to introduce the technology, according to consumer group CHOICE.

'We know the community are really worried about the use of facial recognition, with some describing it as "creepy and invasive",' consumer data advocate Kate Bower said.

The technology in Bunnings is used purely to protect staff from organised retail crime amid an uptick in aggressive and violent behaviour, managing director Mike Schneider said.

He points to shoppers who have spat at, punched, and pulled knives on team members, along with thieves.

Those individuals are banned from stores, and some have their image displayed in the retailer's system.

'If a particular Bunnings store has facial (recognition), and not all of our stores do, the camera will scan your face,' Mr Schneider said.

'It will map it back to the database, and if it doesn't recognise it, no data is held.'

Bunnings Group Managing Director Mike Schneider (pictured) said the retail-giant is 'frustrated' as the technology was 'mischaracterised'. Mr Schneider insisted the software is purely for the safety and is not designed to collect data on customer shopping patterns

If the camera does 'recognise' a face, their image goes back to Bunnings' loss-prevention team, which determines whether there is a genuine match and they should call the police.

'That's what's been so frustrating for us in the way that this has been characterised by CHOICE,' Mr Schneider said.

'It's not in any way designed to look at shopping patterns or anything else, it is purely there for the wellbeing of our team.'

Kmart has also temporarily stopped using facial recognition while an investigation by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner is underway.

Its stores use the technology to combat criminal activity such as refund fraud, Kmart said, with an official adding: 'We do not use this technology to track customer behaviour or for marketing purposes.'

The Good Guys have also paused a trial of the technology pending the investigation's outcome.

Bunnings and Kmart have come under intense scrutiny since CHOICE raised the alarm about the use of facial recognition without customer's knowledge or consent.

A July CHOICE survey showed 80 per cent of respondents believe Bunnings and Kmart should stop using the technology.

University of Melbourne law professor Jeannie Paterson argues there are no circumstances under which a retailer could justify its use.

The Privacy Act requires data collection to be reasonably necessary for a store's functions.

Kmart has temporarily stopped using facial recognition while an investigation by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner is underway. Its stores use the technology to combat criminal activity such as refund fraud (pictured, Kmart condition of entry)

It also requires notice of a store's data collection practices. For sensitive data - such as biometric information - the individual has to actively consent.

'A small sign outside a store does not indicate consent,' Professor Paterson said.

Customers are less interested in the pay-off for brands, and more interested in what is in it for them when it comes to giving up their personal information, Swinburne University of Technology senior marketing lecturer Dr Jason Pallant said.

'Our message to brands and retailers is ... show it to consumers and prove to them that it improves the experience that they get,' he said.

Major retailers with no plans to use facial recognition technology include: Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, Big W, Targer, David Jones, Myer, Officeworks, Rebel, Macpac, BCF, Supercheap Auto, Dan Murphy's, BWS, Liquorland, First Choice and Vintage Cellars.
Drug and alcohol testing on building sites should remain, Australia's peak construction body has warned as the Albanese government makes a controversial move to scrap the industry watchdog.

Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke on Sunday announced building code regulation changes would come into effect from Tuesday, before he introduces legislation later this year to abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).

The commission's powers will be reduced to the 'bare legal minimum' before reverting to the Fair Work Ombudsman and to health and safety regulators.

The Albanese government will change the rules around construction sites as it moves to scrap the industry watchdog altogether

Master Builders Australia warned abolishing the commission risked driving up construction costs and said the sector needed a specialist regulator.

But Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said it was about ensuring workers were bound by equal laws.

'What there should be is the same laws across the entire industrial relations system applying to every single worker,' he told ABC News on Monday.

'The way in which this particular sector has been singled out under the ABCC was not fair.'

Australian Constructors Association chief executive Jon Davies called on the government to retain the testing.

Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke announced the changes to building code regulations on Sunday

'Ongoing drug and alcohol testing requirements are important as the safety consequences of drug and alcohol impairment on a construction site cannot be overstated, irrespective of how projects are funded,' he said.

Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox also issued a warning.

'Workers should not have to risk their lives or limbs by working alongside other workers who are impaired by drugs or alcohol,' he told The Australian.

When asked if rules on alcohol and drug testing on building sites would continue, Mr Burke on Sunday labelled the regulations 'really weird'.

'The threshold for when they apply and when they don't isn't based on a safety concern,' he told the ABC.

'It's based on, one, whether you're in construction, and two, a formula of the extent of commonwealth contribution relative to the value of the project, as though somehow that's a safety principle.'

Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox says scrapping drug and alcohol testing on construction sites will put workers at risk

Mr Davies said industrial relations rules needed to help increase productivity of the industry amid 'critical' workforce shortages and unprecedented investment in infrastructure.

'While the construction industry currently has additional oversight, it is important the pendulum not swing too far towards an unregulated environment that fails to recognise the unique and, at times, troubled history of the sector,' he said.

'Australia needs a workplace system where officers of registered organisations have the same duties and obligations to officers of corporations, with a regulatory body sufficiently resourced to provide adequate oversight, enforcement and meaningful consequences for unlawful behaviour.'

Unions argue the building code has prevented them bargaining over areas such as promoting more women into construction

Unions have long argued the building code has been used to target them pointing to provisions that ban union flags and symbols.

Construction union boss Dave Noonan said the code had stopped unions being able to bargain over apprentice ratios, Indigenous employment clauses and measures to promote women in construction.
Thousands of travellers have been forced to wait outside Sydney Airport in the cold as early morning fog triggers massive flight delays and endless queues.

A huge line stretching down the road outside the terminal was seen on Monday morning as frustrated travellers waited to get through security.

While the fog cleared just before 9am, local time, the airport warned flights may be delayed by up to 40 minutes.

Shocking photos showed countless people queuing down the street, while inside the terminal travellers had to line up around the back of check-in desks not knowing if they would make their flights on time.

Thousands of travellers were forced to wait outside Sydney Airport in the cold as early morning fog triggered massive flight delays

Technical issues and early morning fog meant travellers had to wait outside the terminal as huge queues formed

Huge lines seen at Sydney Airport on Monday morning

Thousands have been warned of flight delays due to the fog on Monday

The airport apologised and said a technical issue caused one of its security lanes to stop operating.

'We're so sorry for the inconvenience. A technical issue has meant we're temporarily operating one less security lane than normal in T2. We are working with airlines to get everyone on their way, thank you for your patience,' the airport tweeted.

Qantas flights were also delayed from the fog but passengers of the airline were not impacted by queues at T3.

Travellers said trying to board their flights on Monday was a 'total nightmare'.

A line was seen snaking around Virgin check-in desks at Sydney Airport on Monday

Thousands are seen lining up inside the airport while others wait outside

Qantas has also warned of delays for passengers travelling on Monday

'Worst security queue I've seen in 30 years of travel,' one tweeted with a photo of a line stretching several hundred metres long.

'I'll probably be in the queue to get through security longer than I'm in the air,' said another.

'If people make their flights this morning it will be a miracle,' one tweet read.

'I'm in the car park standing in the line for security check in. I reckon I'm about an hour away from actually getting though. Travel actually sucks,' one woman said.

'If you're flying from Sydney airport T2 this morning and you're not already here you may want to reconsider.'

Lines are seen snaking around check-in desks at Sydney Airport on Monday morning

Thousands had to line for hour hours on Monday
A Chinese company purchased hundreds of acres of North Dakota farmland mere minutes from a major US Air Force base, prompting national security fears as the communist country adds to its nearly 200,000 acres of US agricultural land worth $1.9 billion.

The China-based food producer, Fufeng Group, plans to build a corn-milling plant on its newly acquired 300 acres of land in Grand Forks, just 20 minutes down the road from the Grand Forks Air Force Base, where some of the nation's most sensitive drone technology is based.

The purchase raised suspicions from military officers, national security experts and lawmakers alike.

The move could give China unprecedented access to the goings-on at the Air Force base, which also has a space-networking center that's been characterized as 'the backbone of all US military communications across the globe,' according to CNBC.

Two Fufeng Group employees visit Grand Fork, N.D., in a site visit before the company's purchase of 300 acres of farmland

Criticism of the Fufeng purchase comes as American lawmakers have been outspoken about limiting China's ownership of valuable American agricultural land, which, as of 2019, consisted of at least 192,000 acres.

After the Fufeng Group purchased the North Dakota land for $2.6 million this year, Air Force Major Jeremy Fox wrote a memo in April characterizing the move as being emblematic of Chinese efforts to install themselves close to sensitive US defense installations.

He argued that the Fufeng property is located at just the right location for the company to intercept communications coming from the Air Force base.

'Some of the most sensitive elements of Grand Forks exist with the digital uplinks and downlinks inherent with unmanned air systems and their interaction with space-based assets,' Fox wrote.

Such interceptions 'would present a costly national security risk causing grave damage to United States' strategic advantages.'

'Passive collection of those signals would be undetectable, as the requirements to do so would merely require ordinary antennas tuned to the right collecting frequencies,' he said, 'This introduces a grave vulnerability to our Department of Defense installations and is incredibly compromising to US National Security.'

A spokesperson for the Air Force maintained Fox's memo was not the military's official position on the matter.

They instead called it Fox's 'personal assessment of potential vulnerabilities' and declined to offer an opinion.

The land the Fufeng Group purchased is 20 minutes, approximately 16 miles, from the Grand Forks Air Force Base

Some of the nation's most sensitive drone technology is based at Grand Forks Air Force Base

A representative for the Fufeng Group's US subsidiary said fears of espionage couldn't be further from the truth.

'I can't imagine anyone that we hire that's going to even do that,' Fufeng USA chief operating officer Eric Chutorash told CNBC, saying he knew the company 'absolutely' would not spy on US military interests.

'We're under US law, I'm an American citizen, I grew up my whole life here, and I am not going to be doing any type of espionage activities or be associated with a company that does, and I know my team feels the exact same way,' he said.

Despite Fufeng's assurances, Fox was not the only government official raise suspicions, with the US government's U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission raising concerns in a May report.

'The location of the land close to the base is particularly convenient for monitoring air traffic flows in and out of the base, among other security related concerns,' the commission's report said.

US lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have also raised concerns, with North Dakota Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer, and Virginia Democratic senator Mark Warner both speaking out against the Chinese interest's proximity to the air base.

'I think we grossly under appreciate how effective they are at collecting information, collecting data, using it in nefarious ways,' Senator Kramer said, 'And so I'd just as soon not have the Chinese Communist Party doing business in my backyard.'

Senator Warner characterized the move as being a part of ongoing concerns about Chinese security threats on US soil.

'The Senate Intelligence Committee has been loudly sounding the alarm about the counterintelligence threat posed by the [People's Republic of China],' Warner said, 'We should be seriously concerned about Chinese investment in locations close to sensitive sites, such as military bases around the U.S.'

A 2019 report from the US Department of Agriculture showed China owned at least 192,000 acres US agricultural land worth over $1.9 billion.

Though nation's like Canada own far more US agricultural land, a 2018 USDA report showed China's agricultural holdings in the US and other counties had increased tenfold since 2009.

Lawmakers from liberal banner-woman Elizabeth Warren to conservative stalwarts like former-vice president Mike Pence have spoke about the need to curb China's ability to ingrain itself in the US food supply.

'America cannot allow China to control our food supply,' Pence in 2021, asking President Biden and Congress to 'end all farm subsidies for land owned by foreign nationals.'

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio characterized Fefung's North Dakota purchase as more than a food supply encroachment, telling CNBC it was an example of a security threat that needed to be addressed.

'It is dangerous, foolish, and shortsighted to allow the Chinese Communist Party and its proxies to purchase land near U.S. military installations,' he said.

'We want to do what's best for the community, we want to do what's best for the country, it's a difficult balance right now.'

North Dakota Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer (above), spoke out against the Chinese interest's proximity to the air base

On Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis - considered a potential 2024 presidential candidate - told Fox News' Laura Ingraham he didn't think Chinese companies should be allowed to purchase US land at the rate they have.

Fufeng USA Chief Operating Officer Eric Chutorash said he knew the company 'absolutely' wouldn't spy on US military interests

'I don't think they should be able to do it. I think the problem is these companies have ties to the CCP [Chinese Communist Party], and it's not always apparent on the face of whatever a company is doing - but I think it's a huge problem.'

The governor's solution has been to ban what he calls 'undue influence from rogue states,' like China's ruling party.

The state has already banned what's known as a 'Confucius Institutes,' public educational and cultural promotion programs designed to educate people about China, thereby giving the CCP undue influence over systems of higher learning.

DeSantis added there's likely more legislative action to come:

'We're also probably going to do legislation next legislative session about our pension investments, with things that may be linked to the CCP. We don't necessarily have a lot of it, but we want to make sure that we're cutting ties so that we're not funding our number-one adversary.'

On Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis - considered a potential 2024 presidential candidate - told Fox News' Laura Ingraham he didn't think Chinese companies should be allowed to purchase US land at the rate they have

Grand Forks Air Force base has a space networking center that's been characterized as 'the backbone of all US military communications across the globe'

Whatever the potential geopolitical implications of the Fufeng land purchase, Mayor Brandon Bochenski said he wants to bring more commerce the small city of Grand Fork.

'I mean, we're a municipality of about 60,000 people,' he told CNBC, 'You know, we don't have the budget to have an intelligence-gathering apparatus here. We do the best we can and rely on our partners.'

He said he supports Fufeng building its plant, which is set to begin next spring and would cost $700 million and bring about 200 jobs to the city.

'We want to do what's best for the community, we want to do what's best for the country, it's a difficult balance right now.'
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently dealt with two separate intruder alarms that were triggered at their California home less than two weeks apart this past May, marking the sixth time in the last 14 months their home's security alarm has gone off.

Meghan and Harry were believed to be at the $14 million mansion in the town of Montecito with their children, two-year-old Archie and one-year-old Lilibet, when the most recent incidents occurred.

Police in Santa Barbara, which handles the law in Montecito, were reportedly dispatched to the home on May 19 at 5:44 p.m. - notably the couple's fourth wedding anniversary.

Just 12 days later, on May 31, just hours before Harry and Meghan were set to board a private jet from California to the UK for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, they responded to another intruder alert.

The May intrusions were recorded as trespassing, property crimes and 'suspicious circumstances' by police.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had two separate intruder alarms triggered at their California home in less than two weeks earlier this year

Police in Santa Barbara, which handles the law in Montecito, were dispatched to the $14 million mansion on May 19 at 5:44 p.m., notably the couple's fourth wedding anniversary

Just 12 days later, on May 31, when Harry and Meghan were flying back to California from Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, they responded to another intruder alert

Santa Barbara authorities have had to deal with a half-dozen security calls to their home in the last 14 months, according to The Sun.

The news comes the same day the Duke of Sussex won a bid to bring a High Court claim against the UK government over his security arrangements while in his home country.

Harry is taking legal action over a decision not to allow him to pay for police protection for himself and his family when visiting from north America.

In the first stage of the case earlier this month, the duke's lawyers asked Mr. Justice Swift to grant permission for a full hearing to have a judge review the Home Office's decision.

In a judgment on Friday, the High Court judge said the case could proceed, granting permission for part of Harry's claim to have a judicial review.

The May intrusions were recorded as trespassing, property crimes and 'suspicious circumstances' by police

Harry and Meghan were flying back to California from Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee when the second break-in happened

But in a blow to the duke's case, the judge refused permission for some of his claims to have a review.

He rejected arguments put forward by Harry's legal team that he should have been told who on the committee made the protection decision and that he did not have the opportunity to comment on the 'appropriateness' of the process and individuals involved in the blocking.

The application for permission to apply for judicial review is allowed in part and refused in part,.' Swift said.

The Duke of Sussex won a bid to bring part of his High Court claim against the Home Office over his security arrangements while in the UK. Prince Harry is taking legal action over a decision not to allow him to pay for police protection for himself and his family when visiting from north America. Above: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are pictured together in Brixton, south London, in 2018

The duke's challenge concerns the February 2020 decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) over his security, after being told he would no longer be given the 'same degree' of personal protective security when visiting.

Harry's legal team are seeking to argue that the security arrangements set out in a letter from Ravec, and their application when he visited the UK in June 2021, were invalid due to 'procedural unfairness' because he was not given an opportunity to make 'informed representations beforehand'.

EXCLUSIVE: Harry and Meghan's new head of security - who worked for Michael Jackson and One Direction, was FIRED by the Jackson family after they discovered his past criminal record which includes a domestic violence charge and two DUIs

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new security chief was fired by Michael Jackson's family after they discovered past drunk-driving charges and a domestic violence complaint against him, DailyMail.com can reveal.

The Jacksons sacked Alberto Alvarez after the pop star's death as they reportedly felt something was 'off' about him.

The family let him go despite Alvarez remaining loyal to Jackson, and was one of the first at the scene when the King of Pop was found dead at his home in June 2009.

News of Harry and Meghan appointing him emerged in May when he was pictured cycling alongside the British former royal in Montecito, California.

Celebrity bodyguard Alberto Alvarez (pictured in May) was hired as Meghan and Harry's head of security earlier this year

The security chief, who has previously worked for other celebrity clients, was seen accompanying Meghan as she visited the memorial site honoring the victims of the Uvalde school shooting on May 26

The 45-year-old had worked for pop legend Michael Jackson and even testified at the 2011 trial into his death and called 911 on the night he died in 2009. He is pictured with Jackson in Hollywood months before his death

DailyMail.com has learned that Alvarez was fired by the Jackson family not too only after the singer's death, after they discovered a drink-driving conviction and domestic violence complaint against him

Alvarez, 45, is highly-trained, has 15 years' experience, and is used to dealing with celebrity clients.

But his hiring by Harry, whose mother Diana died in a drunk driver crash, may surprise some fans of the royals.

In March, 2010 TMZ reported that Alvarez was fired by the Jackson family. Alvarez's DUI and domestic violence charges to light that month article by the now-defunct website PopEater, bought by the Huffington Post.

The site claimed that the Jacksons got rid of the security guard 'after they discovered he had a criminal record and no longer felt he should be near the family's large brood of children'.

Alvarez had worked as a bodyguard for Jackson for more than five years. He was pictured by the singers side during Jacksons 2004 child molestation trial in Santa Maria, California, and again in Beverly Hills in May 2009 just days before Jacksons death.

After Jacksons death neighbors said the discreet security chief had kept his job for the singer under wraps the whole time.

Alvarez was a key witness in the investigation over Jackson's death, telling LAPD that the singer's doctor Conrad Murray stopped performing CPR on him to hide vials of Propofol.

However, there was some controversy over Alvarez's statements to police, as the former pop king's bodyguard waited two months before making the claims about Murray.

Alvarez is licensed as a security guard and has an exposed firearm permit with the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services valid until May 31, 2024

The security guard was seen riding bikes with Harry and a friend near the prince's Montecito, California home in May, around the same time Alvarez was reported to have been hired by the couple

Alvarez, who has 15 years of experience in personal protection and event security, has also previously worked for boyband One Direction (He is pictured above with Louis Tomlinson at Glastonbury Festival in 2015)

A family friend told the site: 'When he started changing his stories, the estate decided to check him out. He not only had a DUI, there was a domestic violence dispute on his record. Someone had filed a domestic complaint against Alvarez, and he also had a DUI arrest.'

Los Angeles court records obtained by DailyMail.com show that in October 2009, Alvarez was convicted of a DUI with a blood alcohol level over 0.08%, and driving without a license in Pomona.

He was given three years' probation, a $390 fine, and court documents state he had to 'successfully complete a 3-month licensed first-offender alcohol and other drug education and counseling program'.

In an earlier case from 2000, he was also given three years' probation after being charged with felony domestic violence for 'corporal injury to a spouse or intimate partner' and disturbing the peace.

Alvarez did not contest the second charge and was charged with 'maliciously and willfully disturb[ing] another person by loud and unreasonable noise.'

But the judge dismissed the domestic violence charge 'in furtherance of justice' as part of his plea deal.

Los Angeles court records obtained by DailyMail.com show Alvarez was convicted of a DUI with a blood alcohol level over 0.08%, and driving without a license in Pomona in 2009

Two years later, Alvarez was booked on a second DUI charge in Compton, which landed him four years' probation, eight days in LA County jail, records show

He was also required to pay a $390 fine for 2011 incident

Alvarez had a second DUI in 2011 in Compton, which landed him four years' probation, eight days in LA County jail, and a court-mandated 18-month 'alcohol and other drug education and counseling program' for DUI 'second-offenders'.

The case files for Alvarez's 2000 and 2009 cases have since been destroyed, but the charges and convictions remain on his record.

Alvarez was later hired by boy band One Direction for their security.

He told UK outlet The People that the job helped him through a tough time following Jackson's death.

'The events of three years ago are less heavy on my mind. They won't ever go away but I do feel better. I started working as a bodyguard again last year,' he said in the 2012 interview.

'Working for One Direction, the biggest boyband in the world, is so exciting. I did some work for them in California last year and they liked me.

In 2000, records show, Alvarez was given three years' probation after being charged with felony domestic violence for 'corporal injury to a spouse or intimate partner' and disturbing the peace

The judge later dismissed the domestic violence charge 'in furtherance of justice' as part of his plea deal

'I'm really excited. They're a great group of young men and they have great talent. I am proud to work for them.

'Working for the boys has pulled me through a terrible time. It really helped me cope with what happened three years ago when Michael died.

'I've been through the mill but I am coming out the other side.'

Alvarez now works as an 'Executive Protection Agent' for TorchStone Global, according to his LinkedIn.

Other executives from the agency have been pictured alongside the royals, including company vice president Christopher Sanchez, who spent 14 years in the secret service protecting Barack Obama.

Alvarez is licensed as a security guard and has an exposed firearm permit with the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services valid until May 31, 2024.

He has been seen at the royals' side, showing up in photos of the prince riding his bike near his $15million home in Montecito in May and beside the duchess as she laid flowers at the memorial for victims of the Uvalde, Texas mass shooting.

Alvarez was a key witness in the investigation over Jackson's death, telling LAPD that the singer's doctor Conrad Murray stopped performing CPR on him to hide vials of Propofol

Alberto Alvarez testifies during Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial in downtown Los Angeles in September 2011

Alvarez worked for Global 360 Protection Service for over a decade until April this year.

Alvarez now works as an 'Executive Protection Agent' for TorchStone Global, which is based in this office building in Los Angeles

The firm provides $15-an-hour security guards for bowling alleys and car parks, and is the subject of three ongoing lawsuits from disgruntled ex-employees.

The owner, Darius Trugman, a veteran LAPD officer who has been providing protection for A-list clients since 2009, confirmed to DailyMail.com that Alvarez worked there for 12 years.

The agency has provided security for One Direction and Hollywood actor Channing Tatum.

One security source told the Sun of Alvarez's appointment to Harry's security team: 'Alberto has worked with the biggest celebrities so knows every trick in the book of keeping them out of harm's way.

'He is discreet and was extremely loyal to Michael. He and Harry seem like a good match and Harry hopes he's the man to look after him and his family.'

Alvarez describes himself as having a 'track record of scoping, prioritizing, planning, and implementing appropriate safety/security measures to secure personnel and valuable assets across various environments', on his LinkedIn page.

A receptionist at his company's registered address in the LA neighborhood of Westwood told DailyMail.com that the location was merely a mailing address, not a physical office for TorchStone workers.
A veteran discharged from the RAF for being gay has called on the Government to urgently reinstate his military pension after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Simon Hinchley-Robson suggested the Government is 'dragging their feet' as he insisted compensation or his pension should be sorted 'sooner rather than later'.

Mr Hinchley-Robson was a 21-year-old cook at RAF Brawdy, west Wales, in 1986 when his superiors found out he was gay.

He was subjected to four days of interrogation and discharged, and never received an apology or his armed forces pension.

Evidence of the treatment Mr Hinchley-Robson suffered was read out by his MP Clive Efford in Parliament, with ministers advising that he contact the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to make a claim for his pension.

The Government has since set up an independent review into how LGBT armed forces personnel were treated before the year 2000, when a ban on them serving openly was lifted.

Mr Hinchley-Robson, now 58 and living in Blackheath, south-east London, with his husband Dave, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer in May.

He has called for urgent help from ministers to reinstate his full forces pension as a means of getting his 'house in order'.

He told the PA news agency: 'The day that (cancer diagnosis) happened, both me and Dave, we just fell to pieces. It was as if our whole world had just fell in on us.

'As if we hadn't gone through enough, to be told that, it's just not fair.

Simon Hinchley-Robson, who was discharged from the RAF for being gay has called on the Government to urgently reinstate his military pension after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer

'The first thing that I wanted to do was sort of get my house in order, in case it went the wrong way.

'If, for instance, my treatment didn't work, then I want to make sure that my next of kin and my family were provided for, and they need to be provided for by my pension.

'If I was in the RAF now and I was diagnosed with this and I was discharged, they would give me my payout and make sure my pension was there. So what's the difference?'

The independent review of the treatment of LGBT veterans, chaired by Lord Etherton, the first openly gay judge in the senior courts, will run until May next year.

A website outlining the terms of the review says the Government will 'decide what action it wishes to take' after it finishes, which could include compensation.

Mr Hinchley-Robson said: 'Whether it is compensation or my pension, I want them to do it sooner rather than later.

'I think it's about time that the Government did something, they are really dragging their feet on this now.'

In January, Labour MP Mr Efford shared what happened to Mr Hinchley-Robson after he became ill and requested a test for Aids while serving in the RAF.

The request for the test was taken as an admission that he was gay, and on his return to base after spending time in a civilian hospital, Mr Hinchley-Robson was arrested by RAF police, the special investigation branch.

Labour MP Clive Efford in January told the Commons Mr Hinchley-Robson was arrested and subsequently discharged after he became ill and requested a test for Aids while serving in the RAF

In evidence read in the Commons by Eltham MP Mr Efford, Mr Hinchley-Robson wrote that what happened to him next was 'the most horrendous and awful experience no-one should ever have to endure'.

He was strip-searched repeatedly, and denied food and sleep over a period of four days.

When he refused to name any person in any of the services that he had some sort of relationship with, he was assaulted.

Mr Efford describing what happened to his constituent as 'a form of torture for being gay'.

He told PA the Government must get on with the review into how LGBT veterans had been treated, with the aim of paying them compensation.

'It is unacceptable, the slowness of the response from the Government on issues of this kind,' Mr Efford said.

'It is unfair on people, and this seems to be another case where the Government is just glacial in its response.

'This is urgent for anyone in these circumstances, justice delayed is justice denied, and Simon clearly has a very powerful story to tell.

'The Government really should not be dragging its feet in responding to someone in his situation, regardless of his illness, but his illness obviously adds more urgency to it.'

Craig Jones MBE, co-director of Fighting With Pride, a charity which supports LGBT veterans

Craig Jones, deputy chief executive of LGBT forces charity Fighting with Pride, said he hoped the independent review could 'quickly' bring support for Mr Hinchley-Robson and others like him.

He said: 'Simon's treatment at the point he was in the armed forces was truly shocking, and like many veterans from that era, what happened to Simon has had a profound effect throughout his life.

'He is unwell and we have a great deal of sympathy for his circumstances, and we hope that the independent review can quickly bring hope and support to people like Simon.'

An MoD spokesperson said: 'While we cannot comment on the details of individual cases, we do not retrospectively pay pensions for employment time that was not served.

'The historic treatment of LGBT personnel in the armed forces was wrong and we are actively looking at the best way to ensure all members of our veterans and serving community feel supported, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.

'We are committed to ensuring that every veteran is valued for their service, including those veterans who were affected by the pre-2000 ban.'
Agriculture Minister Murray Watt has stood firm on keeping Australia's international border open in the wake of foot and mouth disease cases, despite a growing push by the opposition to close it.

Senator Watt said calls to close the border were damaging, while lashing out at the coalition for causing hysteria and damaging Australia's agricultural reputation.

'We have absolutely no evidence at all that the virus is in Australia ... it does affect our international trade if people think that Australia has this disease,' he told ABC radio on Monday.

However, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the government should close off travel from Indonesia in a bid to prevent cases.

Australians returning home from Bali will be forced to clean their shoes or step over sanitation mats in designated airport response zones in a bid to keep out out foot and mouth disease (pictured, Sydney Airport passengers)

Disinfectant is sprayed at a cattle farm infected with foot and mouth in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

'We should shut the border, but I think the prime minister needs to explain why that has not happened,' he told Sydney radio station 2GB.

'But if the prime minister has a reason, if he's got some significant piece of intelligence that says that this is under control, and the coalition is not aware of that ... then I respect that.'

Mr Dutton called on the government to properly explain the situation on its decision-making over foot and mouth disease prevention.

'(The prime minister) is, frankly, playing with a loaded gun here,' Mr Dutton said.

'It's not just an impact on people ... who would lose their entire herd, but it would have a huge impact, $80 billion worth, on the economy.'

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt has slammed the coalition for creating 'hysteria' over calls to close Australia's borders amid the threat of foot and mouth disease.

Industry leaders have reported being questioned by export partners over whether or not the livestock disease was spreading in Australia, Senator Watt said.

'It's putting an extra workload on industry to ensure that correct information is being circulated to the world about the situation here,' he said.

'It distracts attention from the fact that we are free of the disease and we have the strongest response Australia has ever imposed for a biosecurity threat.'

The prime minister on Sunday defended the government's position to keep the border with Indonesia open as the country battles an outbreak.

A number of biosecurity measures have been rolled out to manage travellers from Indonesia, including shoe sanitation mats, information campaigns and increased passenger screening.

The agriculture minister has also implemented powers under the Biosecurity Act for the first time in Australia.

Senator Watt flagged further measures would be announced this week.
A dog walker accused of murdering his model girlfriend allegedly told neighbours she had depression and fled their home in the cold and rain after a heated argument.

Vincent Carlino, 37, sought comfort from his neighbours out the front of his Dural home in Sydney's northwest shortly after reporting Shereen Kumar, 43, missing on Thursday, July 21.

While most houses in the isolated street are separated by huge blocks of land, Carlino and Ms Kumar were living in a tidy weatherboard duplex and shared a wall with their neighbours.

Both couples only moved in over the last three months but were slowly coming to know one another.

Carlino confided in the couple that he and Ms Kumar had a falling out a night earlier and shared the story he'd also told police - that she fled the home with nothing but pyjamas and the dressing gown on her back.

He also made a point of telling them that Ms Kumar suffered bouts of depression and that he'd 'keep them updated' with news, they told media on the condition of anonymity.

Shereen Kumar, 43, (pictured) has been remembered as an 'incredible mother' by her heartbroken family

While most houses in the isolated street are separated by huge blocks of land, Carlino and Ms Kumar were living in a small weatherboard duplex and shared a wall with their neighbours

It was cold, raining and miserable the night Ms Kumar disappeared. There are no street lights on Taylors Road and much of the grass had turned to mud after weeks of persistent wet weather. The couple were shocked anybody would want to be caught outdoors on such a night

It was cold, raining and miserable that night. There are no street lights on Taylors Road and much of the grass had turned to mud after weeks of persistent wet weather.

The couple were shocked anybody would want to be caught outdoors on such a night, but offered their support to Carlino nonetheless as the search for his missing girlfriend got underway.

Ms Kumar was found dead in dense bushland just four minutes away from her home on Saturday afternoon, bringing an end to a four-day search.

Carlino was arrested at his home just hours later and taken to Hornsby Police Station, where he was charged with a domestic violence murder.

Neighbours are still holding out hope charges will be dropped, struggling to reconcile the 'kind guy' they know with the allegations made against him.

'We've never heard them argue,' the woman next door said.

'We share a wall so we know everything. If they shower, we know. If they leave the house, we know. He's a nice guy and they're a hardworking couple. We just don't know what happened.'

Carlino and Ms Kumar ran a dog walking business in Sydney's northern suburbs

Ms Kumar's van remains in the couple's driveway as police continue to investigate her death

On Monday morning, Ms Kumar's neighbours packed some bags and left the home as the police investigation into her death continues

The woman, who works as a lawyer in the local area, said her line of work allowed her to 'rationally and logically' understand the charges, but her experience with Carlino personally made it hard to accept.

'He said they argued... They got into an argument and he told me that she has depression,' the neighbour said.

Family and friends contacted by Daily Mail Australia have not made reference to Ms Kumar's mental health.

'He said if he heard any news he'd tell me.'

Carlino and Ms Kumar took over as the franchises of the Hornsby Mad Dogs & Englishmen pet walking service in October last year

Police remain at the couple's home as investigations into Ms Kumar's death continue

On Monday morning, the couple packed some bags and left the home as the police investigation into Ms Kumar's death continues.

Police will allege Carlino killed Ms Kumar sometime after 9pm on Wednesday, wrapped her in plastic and tape, then dumped her body 2.5km from their home.

The pair began dating in April 2021 and had an 'on and off' relationship, according to police.

They broke up late last year before reconciling and moving to Dural together in May.

Ms Kumar will be remembered as 'quiet and lovely' among neighbours in the street. She came across as hardworking but rarely said much.

Police will allege Carlino and Ms Kumar had an 'on and off' relationship dating back to April 2021

Her ex-husband Gurpreet Beehan, who is the father of her two kids, told Daily Mail Australia the family are 'heartbroken' and will 'ensure' she gets the justice she deserves.

He said Ms Kumar was a 'strong woman' who was devoted to their children, and her death had created a hole in their lives that would never be filled.

'She was an incredible mother to our kids and she will be missed forever,' Mr Beehan said.

'No one can replace a mother and this has left us all devastated.'

Carlino claimed Ms Kumar was last seen leaving her home on Taylors Road, in Dural in Sydney's north west, in her pyjamas about 9pm on Wednesday

Mr Beehan said he had to have a difficult conversation with his children about what happened to their mother.

'I don't have the answers,' he said.

Carlino told police Ms Kumar was last seen leaving her home on Taylors Road, in Dural, in her pyjamas at about 9pm on Wednesday.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia earlier this week, Carlino said he was 'extremely worried' about his missing partner.

After days of searching, detectives found a body matching the woman's description just in bushland off Laurie Road on Saturday at 5.50pm.

Just after 11.30pm on Saturday, police arrested Mr Carlino at the home he shared with Ms Kumar.

He was taken to Hornsby police station and formally charged with murder (DV). He was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday.

In court, Carlino did not apply for bail, with his lawyer Elias Tabchouri telling reporters his client was 'very concerned' about the allegations.

Mr Tabochouri said it was still 'too early to say' how his client intends to plead.

'At this stage I don't have any instructions other than to wait for the evidence and go from there,' Mr Tabchouri told 7News.

Carlino earlier told Daily Mail Australia he saw Ms Kumar leaving their home about 9pm on Wednesday. He alleged she left wordlessly and hadn't been seen since.

'She left and didn't take her phone or the van,' he said. 'I'm extremely worried.

'I've told police all of the places I think she could be.'

Vincent Carlino (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia earlier this week that he was 'extremely worried' about his missing partner, 43-year-old Shereen Kumar. He's since been charged with her murder

Just four months after striking up a relationship in April 2021, Ms Kumar and Carlino went into business together; starting a pet-walking franchise, Mad Dogs & Englishmen.

Ms Kumar later became the Director of the Chatswood Mad Dogs and Englishmen franchise while Carlino ran the Hornsby business.

According to her social media profiles, Ms Kumar finished a degree at Western Sydney University in 2015 before launching her own HR business.

She is also a model, frequently posing for Sydney photographers and gracing the pages of magazines, including French fashion publication Malvie and Amsterdam-based Selin Magazine.

Earlier this month, she participated in a shoot for Australian creative group Hunter Creative, wearing a warrior-princess style costume and clutching a sword.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
According to the cybercrime police, in this new scam, fraudsters obtain login credentials of their victims through phishing and either create FD accounts to transfer money from the victims account, or use the FDs to obtain OD loans. (Representational DC Image)

HYDERABAD: Cybercriminals hit upon a new method to cheat bank account holders. They started opening fixed deposits (FD) of their targets and using them to secure overdraft, according to the police.

One of the victims, D. Vaijinath, a 77-year-old retired officer, said around Rs 13.50 lakh was siphoned off from his eight fixed deposits (FD) which were meant for his grandchildren.

On January 18, hackers gathered some basic information from me by posing as SBI agents and asked me to download an app and enter my banking credentials. They also asked me not to visit the bank for two days and took control over my accounts, Vaijinath told this newspaper.

Sensing fraud, I immediately asked the bank to transfer my funds to the FD, assuming that it was safe. However, the scamsters obtained an overdraft (OD) facility in four hours on all eight FDs. It is because of the weak and unsecured net banking systems of banks which is resulting in a heavy loss to customers, Vaijinath said.

He approached the cybercrime police of Cyberabad on January 28, following which an FIR was registered. Officials said the case was still under investigation and that efforts were on to track the money.

According to the cybercrime police, in this new scam, fraudsters obtain login credentials of their victims through phishing and either create FD accounts to transfer money from the victims account, or use the FDs to obtain OD loans.

They first create an FD account of the target with the help of their net banking details and transfer some amount. Taking advantage of the victim's vulnerability, the fraudsters ask for OTP by posing as an official of the SBI. Once the victim shares the OTP, the criminals transfer the FD amount into their own account. In cases of victims having FDs, they simply opt for OD loans and transfer the amounts, explained an official.

A spokesperson from the State Bank of India (SBI) said the bank had issued an alert for customer-depositors about the new fraud taking place using the FDs. We had come across recent reports where cybercriminals have created online fixed deposits in customers' accounts to carry out frauds and conducted social media campaigns warning the customers about the same, he said.
It's where we spend eight hours a day working, eating and drinking. So many will be horrified to hear that our desks are three times dirtier than toilet seats.

A study found the average keyboard harbours as many germs as a kitchen bin while a computer mouse is filthier than a typical door mat.

Swabs were taken from ten of each item at offices across the UK then compared with dirty household objects.

The average desk had almost 21,000 germs per square inch, a keyboard typically held 3,295 germs, while for a mouse it was 1,676. And office phones were home to more than 25,000 germs.

A study found the average keyboard harbours as many germs as a kitchen bin while a computer mouse is filthier than a typical door mat

Karim Samani, managing director of cleaning business TechDisinfect, said: Desks and office items can be up to four times dirtier than a toilet seat because were spending so much more time with them.

People tend to eat and drink at their desks, never thinking about cleaning up afterwards. Employees also dont tend to give serious consideration to disinfecting regularly.

He added: Viruses, germs and bacteria can be transmitted around the home very easily, but our workplaces are potentially a much bigger hazard.

Everything from coffee cups to keyboards can harbour infection.

Its not just high traffic communal areas that could be harbouring a virus, some viruses can survive on surfaces such as metals and plastics for up to a day, meaning everyday IT equipment, such as laptops, tablets, phones, keyboards, mice, printers etc, can be hotspots for transmission.

A spokeswoman for website Fasthosts.co.uk, which conducted the research, said: Starting a study like this, we wondered if wed get shocking results.

And by comparing toilet seats, doormats and kitchen bins to common desk items, we were surprised to find just how dirty desks can actually be.

She added: With more employers encouraging and even mandating that employees return to the office full-time, or at least in a hybrid setting, this is something companies should be considering
A sailor who spent all night fighting to stay alive after plunging overboard off a cargo ship has been found.

The man, who is in his 30s, went missing at around 6.40pm on Sunday on a Chinese bulk carrier which was anchored 11.5 km off the coast of Geraldton, a coastal city 424 kilometres north of Perth, Western Australia.

A search coordinated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, involving the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre jet and marine rescue vessels, found the man on Monday at 8.40am.

A man in his 30s disappeared after falling overboard off a Chinese bulk carrier which was anchored off the coast of Geraldton, 424 kilometres north of Perth, Western Australia (stock image of cargo container ship)

The Chinese national spent all night fighting for his life in deep waters of the Indian Ocean and was found on Monday morning approximately 10 km off the Oakajee Coast - 20 km north of where he went missing.

The man is being taken to shore and will be transported to hospital for a medical assessment.

Police received reports of the missing man 20 minutes after a fisherman went missing in the Mid West Gascoyne region.

The 46-year-old man was reported missing at around 6.20pm after he went fishing off Green Head on Sunday.

Police were told the man usually returns to shore by 4pm after a day of fishing.

The man's car and boat trailer remain parked at the boat ramp.

The man was not found despite a land and sea search involving marine rescue vessels and a helicopter.

A helicopter and several marine rescue vessels were used in a land and sea search for the man.

Authorities will resume the search for the 46-year-old fisherman on Monday.
Adam Bandt has slammed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government for switching the words 'birthing parent' back to 'mother' on a healthcare form.

The Greens leader condemned the backflip by NDIS and Government Services minister Bill Shorten at the weekend.

'As leaders we have a duty to do the right thing despite the culture warrior tabloids,' Mr Bandt tweeted on Friday.

'"Birthing parent" includes LGBTQ+ people. It does not exclude anyone. I strongly encourage @billshortenmp to consult widely and reconsider this intervention.'

Adam Bandt has slammed the government for switching the term 'birthing parent' back to 'mother' on a healthcare form

The Greens leader condemned the backflip made by NDIS and Government Services minister Bill Shorten on Thursday

The new consent forms were introduced at three hospitals across Australia as part of a trial to upload newborn babies' details to Medicare via digital means.

The document asked for the 'birthing parent's full name' in one box and 'birthing parent's signature' in another, rather than 'mother'.

Mr Shorten revealed on Monday he made the decision to switch the term back to 'mother' in a bid to avoid an 'ugly' culture war.

Sall Grover, from the Gold Coast, said she was shocked by the new consent forms handed to her shortly after giving birth to her newborn baby

'I'm sure my instinct to defuse ugly culture wars is right,' he told Sydney Morning Herald.

'There are many people who feel the word 'mother' is special and worthy and there are others who feel their identity is not included  each has a legitimate point of view.

'We just need to be better at not having to have one view at the expense of the other.'

Mr Shorten said cancelling the word 'mother' did not help the 'cause of diversity and tolerance'.

He argued replacing the term with 'birthing parent' would stir confusion among migrant families who were not aware of gender neutral, politically correct language.

Services Australia said the new forms were rolled out in March and filled out by 1,100 parents since the launch.

Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen told the Daily Telegraph the new terms had been 'tested before being trialled' and claimed feedback was positive.

Mr Shorten's decision to change the titles on the forms comes after a new mother from the Gold Coast slammed the forms as 'offensive' and 'alienating' towards women who wanted to be called mothers.

The new consent forms were introduced in three hospitals across Australia as a way to upload new baby details to Medicare digitally

Sall Grover said she was shocked by the new consent forms handed to her shortly after giving birth to her newborn baby.

Bill Shorten has defended a decision to change the term 'birthing parent' back to 'mother' on a healthcare form saying he wanted to avoid a culture war

'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 bulls*** 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.'

During an interview with the Today Show last Thursday, Ms Grover 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,' she said.

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 346 votes

No 3526 votes

Unsure 32 votes Now share your opinion





Ms Grover replied: '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.'

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.

Fellow 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

The Gold Coast mother posted a photo of the new consent form to Twitter on Tuesday and described it as 'exclusionary, alienating and derogatory'

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,' one said.

'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.'

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.'
The word shambles is overused. But it perfectly describes Britains broken immigration and asylum system.

From the dispiriting failure to deport thousands of dangerous foreign criminals to record numbers crossing the Channel, every day our border security regime is exposed as inadequate beyond belief.

Recognising this as a crucial battleground, Tory leadership contender Liz Truss says if she becomes prime minister she will explore all possible tactics to attack the problems. Her rival Rishi Sunak, meanwhile, has unveiled a ten-point plan to make illegal entry into Britain more difficult.

The two Tort leadership candidates, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, have both said they will be tough on immigration

We wish them well with their ideas. The trouble is, weve heard tough government talk so many times and nothing changes.

Indeed, look no further than our chilling investigation, starting on page 14. Shadowy gangs are fuelling illegal immigration by selling fake British passports online. They even use pictures of the Queen to advertise the bogus documents to illicit customers.

Sophisticated enough to dupe UK border controls, the passports allow potential terrorists, criminals and others to slip into the country  putting the public in danger.

The first duty of any government is to keep citizens safe. At present those citizens are being failed abysmally.

NHS needs surgery

It is a great paradox. Defenders of the NHS, including politicians of all parties, tell us it offers unsurpassed service. Yet they also routinely tell us that it is falling apart.

Waiting lists are simply dreadful. You might see a GP over Zoom if youre fortunate. Maternity services are creaking. And, as a report by MPs claims today, a staffing crisis is putting patient safety at risk.

Paramedics have been forced to spend their whole shifts in the backs of ambulances outside Cornwall's main hospital this month

Labour shriek that the Government is starving the NHS of cash, yet successive Tory prime ministers have poured in record sums. Despite this, it is still seemingly better at killing off patients than the health services of comparable countries.

How can this be? The truth is, too often extra funding is not invested in more doctors and nurses or clearing backlogs, but spent on pumping up managers pay cheques and hiring clipboard-wielding diversity coordinators. The concept of eliminating waste and inefficiency seems alien to it.

Instead of treating the NHS with uncritical veneration, we urgently need an open discussion on how to radically reform this increasingly unpopular, socialist monolith.

Bash Britain brigade

As sure as eggs is eggs, Remain fundamentalists blame any problem befalling this country on one thing: Brexit.

This time, they claim the border chaos at Dover  with horrendous queues and travellers to the Continent forced to sleep in their cars  wouldnt have happened if wed stayed in the EU.

Cars were stuck in six-hour-long queues at the check-in at the Port of Dover in Kent last week

There is just one problem with this analysis. Its hogwash. Since Britain was never in the open-borders Schengen area, the French have always checked our passports.

In fact, the misery was caused because France  possibly seeking to punish us for Brexit as the summer holiday season gets into full swing  refused to put enough staff on its immigration desks.

But why would Remainers let the facts get in the way of their horror story? That would give them one less opportunity to bash Britain for leaving their beloved anti-democratic bloc.
The ABC's chief advocate for strong Covid prevention measures has admitted he's caught coronavirus twice but said his second bout of the illness 'wasn't too bad'.

Dr Norman Swan, who has been the national broadcaster's pandemic spokesperson of choice, told listeners of his Coronacast podcast that despite having four vaccine doses he copped his second Covid-19 infection while travelling in Europe.

'I actually caught Covid-19 for the second time while I was away a couple of weeks ago,' Dr Swan said last Wednesday.

'It wasn't too bad but nonetheless a bit disturbing to be getting it a second time even though I've had a fourth dose.'

The Health Report host Norman Swan said during his Coronacast podcast that he had caught Covid-19 for the second time despite having four vaccine doses

He said his first infection had been during the Easter period.

Dr Swan said the BA.4 and BA.5 variants of Omicron were sweeping the globe because they were able to evade protection from both the vaccines and immunity.

'Here we are with another wave occurring around the world and it's a wave of sub-variants which are quite significantly immune and vaccine evasive,' he said.

The virus appeared to be 'resetting' itself every six months, Dr Swan said, which is 'worrying immunologists'.

Dr Norman Swan has been the national broadcaster's pandemic spokesperson of choice

VITAL COVID FACTS Just 293 people under 50 have died of Covid as of July 18 If you're under 50 and catch Covid, you have a 1 in 10,000 chance of dying Most people who die are men over 70 or women over 80 The median age to die from Covid is 83 The average life expectancy in Australia is 82.9 Even frail elderly residents in aged care homes have a 95 per cent chance of surviving infection More than 60,770 aged care residents out of the 63,875 infected have recovered from Covid Just one in 20 in aged care homes have died after they caught the virus Advertisement

Despite the virus evading vaccine immunity he still argued that people should get the four shots because it lessened the chance of serious illness.

'Vaccines are holding the line when it comes to severe disease and the chances of dying,' Dr Swan said.

Last week, Dr Swan called for governments to reinstate mask rules or the country could be 'stuffed' when the next Covid variant emerges.

'We probably do need to mandate masks and N95s in high risk environments,' he told ABC radio.

'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.

'The government has rolled the dice on the vaccines and the vaccines are not enough,' he said.

While stopping short of calling for mask mandates on his latest podcast, Dr Swan reiterated that vaccines were not enough and that Covid could cause serious health problems with the risk accumulating with reinfection.

'If you want to avoid this accumulation of people who've got heart disease and other problems in the community you've got to slow down the virus and have fewer people infected and the way to do that is masks and ventilation, HEPA filters,' he said.

He suggested that bars and restaurants were potential super-spreading environments and that governments should help fund improvements in their ventilation or risk having to close them again.

Dr Swan called for people to consider getting four vaccine doses, despite it not stopping him getting Covid twice

Critics of the ABC say the national broadcaster has pushed for heavy handed government intervention from the start of the pandemic.

Sky News presenter Chris Kenny described ABC presenters' Covid views as 'groupthink' and suggested they did not represent the majority of Australians.

'For more than two years many people have faced real job insecurity, small businesses have shut, kids have missed school and people have been separated from loved ones,' he said.

Sky News presenter Chris Kenny has accused the ABC broadcasters of Covid 'groupthink'

'But ABC presenters and other government employees have had job security and been able to work from home, yet they are still encouraging over-the-top authoritarian responses that, in the real world, can dramatically affect people's quality of life and even undermine their livelihoods.

'The groupthink at the ABC is extraordinary, with all presenters and producers seeming to share the same view, instinctively favouring government intervention and compulsion.

'They need to mix with mainstream Australians who have a different perspective, valuing freedom of choice, resilience and individual responsibility.'
Shoppers who cheat self-scan tills by passing off expensive purchases as cheaper items could soon be rumbled by new tech checks.

As many as one in three admit to not paying for items when using the self-scan tills, sometimes because they find them difficult and frustrating to use.

At the same time, shoplifters target the self-scan tills as an easy way to steal expensive items, such as cheese, steak and razors.

Supermarkets have switched to self-scan tills to cut costs, but the move has led to thefts estimated at more than 500million a year.

Supermarkets made the switch to self-scan tills to cut costs, but it has led to thefts estimated at more than 500million a year

Retail crime experts said supermarkets have been forced to test new technology to clamp down on so-called swipers, an acronym for seemingly well-intentioned patrons engaging in routine shoplifting.

This includes devices that can tell when an item in the bagging area is a different size or colour to the one scanned.

The new generation of checkouts can also detect unusual patterns. Most shoppers will buy only one bag of carrots but if someone scans five bags, the till will alert staff to a possible scam.

Professor Adrian Beck, of the University of Leicester, who advises stores on tackling theft, said: It is very common for people to select brown onions, which are cheap for the weight, to represent things like bananas, avocados and grapes.

He added that current systems work on weight, so you can put a bottle of champagne on and press potatoes. If it [the scanner] cant recognise what they look like, it will be perfectly happy with that.

People make excuses for why they havent followed the rules such as there were problems with a barcode, or they made me use this machine and I tried my best but it didnt work.

New technology including devices that can tell when an item in the bagging area is a different size or colour to the one scanned may be introduced

The professor has analysed responses from 3,000 shop workers on self-service theft. He said a new system in use at some supermarkets noted the colour of an item and allowed a shopper to only select objects of the same hue, such as apples, courgettes and green peppers.

He added: Other supermarkets have installed gates as you leave the checkout. If you scan the items but do not pay then the machine knows and will not let you through. A number of companies are trialling this.

In another development, SuperSmart, an Israeli tech company, has developed a system that can weigh an entire trolley at the tills. This checks to see if the items scanned match the total weight.

Professor Emmeline Taylor, who specialises in retail crime at City, University of London, coined the swipers acronym.

She told the Sunday Times: Self service has created a new breed of shoplifter. Rather than seeing it as problematic, they get a buzz from it or see it as funny or socially acceptable in a way that you wouldnt if you stole a piece of cheese from Tesco.

I heard about one customer who cut off the barcode from noodles, because they are cheap and he knew the weight of them, and glued it their watch. He would scan that barcode and cover up the code on a packet of cheese or chicken of the same weight.

Reasons given for walking off without paying included carelessness, the barcode not scanning, forgetting to bring cash or a bank card to the supermarket, the cost of living, or not being able to afford the item

One Australian supermarket only realised that it was the victim of swipers when an audit showed that it had sold more carrots than it had in stock. Managers realised that customers had put expensive goods through the tills as carrots, with some scanning up to 18kg at a time.

According to a survey of 2,000 UK adults, one in three people admit to having stolen from self-checkout systems this year alone, albeit sometimes unintentionally.

The reasons given for walking off without paying included carelessness, the barcode not scanning, forgetting to bring cash or a bank card to the supermarket, the cost of living, or not being able to afford the item.

The survey, by Myfavouritevouchercodes.co.uk, found that the items most commonly stolen at self-service checkouts are toiletries and hygiene products, fresh produce and baby formula milk.
A healthy teenage boy died while on a school trip to Europe after teachers and doctors wrote off his illness as mostly homesickness - despite him frequently vomiting into bins on the street.

Timothy Fehring, 15, a year nine student at Blackburn High School in Melbourne, died six days into the trip on June 28, 2019.

Timothy developed an infection in his blood and lungs that unknowingly turned into sepsis, which led to his body shutting down.

In the short time he was in Europe he lost five kilograms, threw up repeatedly, couldn't keep food down, was lethargic and struggled to walk.

He had texted his parents, who live in Ringwood North in the city's north east, telling them he wanted to come home because he felt so unwell.

Tim was eventually taken to see a doctor at a German hospital but his symptoms were put down to a combination of gastro, homesickness and constipation.

Timothy Fehring, 15, a Year 9 student at Blackburn High School, died of natural causes just days into the trip on June 28, 2019

The group had arrived in Europe on June 23 - but just six days later, Tim was dead.

Coroner Simon McGregor found that staff - two teachers, including the assistant principal and business manager - had made the 'wrong judgment' in treating Tim, one of 17 students on the trip.

Tim's mother Barbara Fehring said her son was a happy and healthy child who couldn't wait to go on the trip, but added nobody listened to him when he tried to tell him how unwell he was.

'The people in charge thought he was homesick but he wasn't. He couldn't wait to go away, but he didn't like making a fuss,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'He was a very fit, healthy and energetic kid who was always happy and always wanted to make those around him happy.'

The first day - Tim falls ill on June 23, immediately after arriving

The coroner's report showed that the 15-year-old was vomiting on the first day the group arrived in Berlin. He was sick in a street bin while the group went out for a walk.

One of the teachers thought his stomach was upset from the spicy food on the plane.

On the second day Tim woke up with stomach cramps and after not eating he vomited at lunchtime, and again at dinner.

Teachers initially thought he was suffering the effects of jetlag, different food, the heat, and a change in climate.

They had informed his mother he was feeling sick but suspected it was due to being homesick, the coroner's report said.

On the third day Tim was feeling even worse and started to feel like he wanted to go home.

He was taken to a chemist and given medication to help his stomach but he still had no appetite and didn't eat any dinner.

In the short time Tim (pictured with his older sister at the airport before the trip) was in Europe he lost weight, had vomited repeatedly, was unable to keep food down, was lethargic and struggled to walk around. He died six days after the group arrived

Day four, June 26: Tim is taken to hospital after begging mum to bring him home

On June 26, Tim woke up early and texted his mother asking her to bring him home.

'He expressed dissatisfaction about how he was being treated and disbelieved about his sickness,' the coroner's report said.

His mother Barbara spoke to one of the teachers and said Tim needed to see a doctor.

But before he was taken to the Munich Children's Hospital, the group went on a walking tour.

Tim did parts of the tour but had to go sit down in the shade, and was 'exhausted, visibly pale and had noticeably lost weight', the coroner's report said.

That afternoon he was seen by a doctor and 'thoroughly examined', including having a urine sample taken and tests for dehydration.

'(One of the teachers) mentioned to the doctor that Tim was homesick, and the doctor confirmed that his symptoms could be connected to this,' the coroner's report said.

Tim was at the hospital for between four and six hours, and the doctor said constipation and homesickness was likely the reason for his vomiting.

He was told to drink water and eat fruit and that by the next afternoon he would start to feel better, the report said.

Coroner Simon McGregor said staff had made the 'wrong judgement' in treating Tim (pictured with his sister and dad) on the trip

June 27, day five: Tim begs to go to hospital again

The following day the group travelled to Austria and went on another walking tour.

'Tim walked around carrying a 'vomit bag' although he asked not to go at all,' the coroner's report said.

'He had not improved and was walking slowly and looked puffed out and tired. He was pale and had black circles under his eyes.

'Tim had told the staff that he wanted to go to hospital, but staff considered that he was trying to avoid doing the planned activities such as the afternoon's walking tour.'

Ms Fehring said she couldn't understand why Tim wasn't taken to hospital on June 27, despite telling the teachers he was feeling so terrible.

'Basically he didn't have a voice, no one listened to him,' she said.

Teachers initially thought Tim (pictured with his father) was suffering the effects of jetlag, different food, the heat, and a change in climate

'The teachers didn't know him, they never taught him so they didn't know that Tim didn't put things on.'

She said she and her family were 'appalled' when they learnt he wasn't taken to hospital despite asking to be.

'This child was sick all week, he had dark rings under his eyes, he lost 5kg, why weren't they aware of all that?' Ms Fehring said.

On the evening of June 27, staff decided Tim would fly home alone as his condition had not improved.

JUNE 28: TIM'S BODY SHUTS DOWN

The next day, on June 28, Tim was taken to get a doctor's certificate to confirm he was able to travel.

While he was there, Tim was not examined or given any tests and the doctor was told to prescribe him anxiety medication at the request of one of the teachers, the coroner's report said.

The doctor also deemed Tim fit to travel. (Ms Fehring said he was not).

While the teacher was paying for the appointment, Tim walked out of the doctor's office into the hallway, complaining it was 'hot and stuffy' but moments later was found unresponsive on the floor.

Vomit was splattered all over his clothes and his nose was bleeding, the report said.

A text message from one teacher to the other included in the coroner's report read: 'I need medical people.

'He has vomited all over himself. Blood is coming out of his nose and I cannot wake him. He is in a trance.'

On the evening of June 27, staff decided Tim would fly home alone as his condition had not improved

Tim was given CPR before he was rushed to the Vienna Centre for Social Medicine, Paediatric Intensive Care Unit in an ambulance.

His pupils were at 'maximum dilation' at the hospital and a CT scan found severe swelling to the brain, the report said.

Ms Fehring understands Tim had gone into sepsis and when he collapsed onto the floor he went into cardiac arrest.

Tim was unable to be saved. His mother had been on a flight back to Melbourne at the time and was only informed about her son's death by close friends who'd gone to meet her at the airport when she landed.

Autopsies showed Tim had a highly acute infection in his blood and lungs which may have led to heart failure.

'With the benefit of hindsight, staff made the wrong judgement call that Tim's complaints were not sufficiently serious to justify him being excused from the afternoon walking tour,' Coroner McGregor said.

He added though that there was no proof this amounted to any 'prevention opportunity', given staff had complied with the previous medical advice received.

The staff on the trip were trained in first aid, but the coroner said they should have 'sought, and then followed' the medical advice for Tim, 'rather than restricting the medical advice sought to that of management of travel anxiety'.

He recommended the Department of Education and Training increase the staff to student ratio on overseas trips and that they revisit excursion policies. The department has accepted both recommendations.

Tim's family push for change

Ms Fehring said she is hoping changes will be made to future school excursions by the education department.

She is supportive of the teacher to student ratio being increased and has suggested a registered nurse be present on every trip.

'For Tim to have left us so happy and excited to go away and within a matter of days deteriorate so fast, it astounds us,' she said.

'We are not wanting this ever to happen to any other child or for any family to go through what we have and are still going through.'

Tim's mother said he was a happy and healthy boy who loved to make those around him happy

Ms Fehring also said it's important that parents are able to FaceTime their children, saying if she could have seen him she would have realised how serious it was.

'We were just in this fog of not knowing, the teachers were downplaying it and so was Tim,' she said.

Ms Fehring, her husband and her daughter are still struggling with the loss of Tim.

'Everyday is still extremely difficult,' she said, adding she has been unable to work since his death.

'We miss him everyday and when we do family activities there's a spare chair for Tim.

'It feels like our futures have been taken off all three of us, we've all been left broken.'

Ms Fehring also thanked her local community who have honoured Tim each year on the anniversary of his death.

'Everyone that ever met him, he left a long lasting impression on,' she said.
She became deputy leader of the NSW Labor party after Chris Minns took over

Prominent politician Prue Car has announced she will take extended leave as the NSW Labor deputy leader prepares to fight a large cancerous tumour doctors found on her kidney.

The 39-year-old revealed she was suffering from kidney cancer following tests in a statement she issued on her social media accounts on Monday.

'Friends, I have some hard news to share. Following some recent tests I was found to have a large tumour on my kidney,' the mother-of-one wrote.

NSW Labor's Deputy Leader Prue Car (pictured) has revealed that she's been diagnosed with kidney cancer

'It would be no surprise for me to tell you this was quite a shock.'

Ms Car said the 'prognosis was looking positive' before announcing that she was taking leave for 'the coming weeks' for treatment.

'I look forward to being back out and about soon fighting for our community.'

'I am buoyed by such loving support from my wonderful family, friends, colleagues and my beloved local community - thank you for your support,' she added.

Fellow Labor MPs and councillors expressed their support and well wishes to Ms Car in response.

'Sending love @pruecar - were all here for you if you need anything at all. Youre strong and youve got this,' wrote City of Sydney Labor councillor Linda Scott.

Port Stephens Labor MP Kate Washington said: 'Sending you strength and love Prue.'

'All my love and strength to you Prue. You need to take care of you now, so you can continue your outstanding care and service to your community ASAP,' added Maitland Labor MP Jenny Aitchison.

'Your team is fabulous and we are all behind you.'

The 39-year-old mother-of-one said in a statement on social media that she was taking time off for treatment

Ms Car was elected to parliament in 2015 as a member for Londonderry.

She was announced as deputy leader of the NSW Labor party in June 2021 after Chris Minns took over from Michael Daley.

She was previously a Penrith councillor.
Veteran journalist Stan Grant has been named the permanent host of ABC's Q+A just months after he said the national broadcaster had 'utterly failed' by not lifting up people of colour.

Grant will take over the highly coveted role after a year of sharing hosting duties in tandem with ABC radio presenter Virginia Trioli and journalist David Speers.

'The ABC is delighted to announce that Stan Grant, one of our most accomplished journalists and presenters, will be taking over as the full-time host of weekly flagship discussion program Q+A,' the ABC said in making the announcement.

Stan Grant has been appointed to the high-profile role of being sole host of ABC flagship program Q+A

Grant said that hosting Q+A was a 'huge responsibility'.

'I feel the weight of the audience's trust in me and the program,' he said.

'I will approach my role with integrity, decency and humility.'

Grant's first outing as the new permanent host will be on August 1 in a special episode of the program broadcast from the Garma Festival in north-east Arnhem Land at 9.35pm.

'Garma is a talking place where the nation asks itself hard questions about who we are,' Grant said.

'It is an honour to take the helm of Q+A from there.'

For the past year Q+A has been hosted by a revolving door of hosts, such as David Speers (pictured left)

Just two months ago Grant, a Wiradjuri man, was highly critical of his employer in a speech where he said the ABC was still 'overwhelmingly white'.

'If I look around (media and the ABC), there are still not enough people like me,' he told a congress of Australian and New Zealand Psychiatrists on May 16.

'The ABC, where I work, is still overwhelmingly white.'

Grant said he had always felt like 'the exception' at the ABC, despite hosting some of the corporation's top shows.

Stan Grant, in his speech at the RANZCP Congress, said the ABC was 'still overwhelmingly white'

'I pop up on Q+A or China Tonight or any of the programs I do and I know that by my very presence, I am the exception,' he said.

'And when we report Aboriginal issues we still do it through the lens of something that is somehow the other.

'Look, a negro.'

He told the The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) 2022 Congress in Sydney that the national broadcaster was still very much run by white people.

'Now I love the ABC, it's a wonderful organisation. I'm proud to be there. But it has utterly failed,' he said.

'If I look at the programs on air now - yes there are a smattering of different faces and different colours.

'But the people who run it are white and the executive producers overwhelmingly are white and the presenters of the main programs are white and then there's me.'

ABC Director News Justin Stevens said the appointment of Grant to be sole Q+A host was a natural fit.

'As well as being a hugely experienced journalist and presenter, Stan Grant plays a respected role in Australia's key national conversations. Leading Q+A is a role that suits the breadth of his knowledge and talents,' he said.

Grant has been working fulltime with the ABC since 2017. Above with wife Tracey Holmes

Grant has more than 30 years experience in journalism, spending most of his career overseas working as a foreign correspondent.

He first worked for the ABC the early 1990s before heading overseas as a foreign correspondent for Seven.

He then worked for CNN as international correspondent before rejoining the ABC in 2012.

Grant took up the role of Indigenous Affairs Editor at the ABC in 2017 before being appointed International Affairs Analyst in 2020.

He will continue to present the ABC show China Tonight and write a weekly column for ABC News Digital, as well as being involved in other ABC News projects.
Anthony Albanese has sparked outrage from Covid-obsessed Twitter users - first for failing to wear a face mask outside - and then for failing to wear a mask of good enough quality to a Cabinet meeting.

Pandemic narcs ripped into the Prime Minister over two innocent photos of himself conducting official business over the past few days.

On Sunday, the PM posed outside - where Covid is said to be vastly less transmissible - without a mask on at a family day he hosted at The Lodge in Canberra.

And on Monday, Mr Albanese again posed for the cameras with his band of government ministers hiding their faces behind masks - leading to criticism that few of them were wearing N95, top-line masks.

On Sunday, PM Anthony Albenese posed in a packed crowd of people without a single mask in sight at the family day he hosted at The Lodge in Canberra

But on Monday Anthony Albanese paraded his new cabinet in Canberra all wearing face masks despite evidence they make no difference to the spread of the disease

The photograph on Sunday sparked uproar online after the PM tweeted it, with his followers furious at the lack of masks being worn at the gathering.

'Disappointed to see not one person masked!' posted one. 'Where. Are. The. Masks.' demanded another.

One added: 'I do wish you were wearing masks. I'll pretend they went back on after the pic was taken.' Others however pointed out the picture was taken outdoors.

On Monday though, the PM and his Cabinet were all masked up when they posed for pictures for their first meeting in Canberra - in line with the government's advice that face masks should be worn in high-risk indoor settings.

But, again, the pictures sparked outrage.

Some online mask advocates blasted most Cabinet members for wearing surgical masks instead of higher grade N95 masks, and for not having them on properly.

Some online mask advocates blasted the Cabinet members for just wearing surgical masks instead of the higher grade N95 masks, and for not having them on properly while others railed against the return of mask mandates

'Not many N95s in this picture... which would have been better for both the public health message and, you know, not spreading Covid around the ministry,' wrote one.

Another added: 'Few seem to have pressed the metal bar to ensure a good over nose fit either...'

The mask display at the Cabinet meeting also infuriated many who are sick of the constant demands to revert back to lockdown-type conditions, led by the ABC.

'Why mandate masks? Whats wrong with personal responsibility?' raged one on Twitter. 'I dont need Albanese to tell me to put one on. I can think for myself.'

Another added: 'Albo's been on an international tour since the election hugging world leaders but now it's mask time. Not only theatre but bad theatre.'

The mask display at the Cabinet meeting also infuriated many who are sick of the constant demands to revert back to lockdown-type conditions, led by the ABC

The gratutious stunt came after an ABC campaign to bring back the hated mask mandates for Australia ahead of a fresh wave of the infection

The Cabinet mask signalling comes just three days after the PM dismissed calls for a return to mandatory mask wearing, admitting his health chiefs had not asked for it.

'The clear decision of the AHPPC, the peak body where you get all the state and territory chief health officers together with the chief medical officer, Professor (Paul) Kelly, haven't advocated that to me at all,' he told the ABC on Thursday.

The mask display comes just three days after PM Anthony Albanese dismissed calls for a return to mandatory mask wearing, admitting his health chiefs had not asked for it

'The other thing you need to bear in mind is the mental health aspects of restrictions on people's behaviour.

'We need to get the balance right and I think that's something the chief health officers have borne in mind.'

The AHPPC did however recommend masks be worn indoors, but stopped short of calling for a mandate.

A Labor caucus party room meeting on Monday was also held with everyone wearing masks.

The stunt comes despite evidence to suggest masks make little difference to Covid's spread or death rates and follows an ABC campaign to make them mandatory again.

Daily Mail Australia revealed last week that new data shows Covid cases in masked-up Singapore and New Zealand have overtaken mask-free Australia.

A Labor caucus party room meeting on Monday was also held with everyone wearing masks

Foreign minister Penny Wong and trade minister Don Farrell (pictured right) both wore top of the line N95-style masks, along with environment minister Tanya Plibersek, but others like PM Anthony Albanese and Deputy PM Richard Marles (pictured left) wore lightweight surgical masks

However the ABC has led a call for the return of mask laws, with TV and radio presenters haranguing politicians about the issue.

The latest Covid data appears to show masks have little impact in the spread of the disease or death rates.

Masks are worn everywhere in densely-populated Singapore while New Zealanders must wear them at indoor public places such as shopping centres and libraries.

But both now have higher case numbers per million than Australia, where compulsory mask rules have been abandoned in most indoor settings.

Shock data has revealed Covid case numbers in New Zealand and Singapore - where masks are reularly worn all the time outdoors, as seen here - have overtaken Australia in the latest Omicron wave despite ultra-strict mask mandates

The figures appeared to smash the ABC's push for widespread mask mandates, which now only apply on public transport and in aged care and healthcare centres in Australia.

From David Speers on Insiders to Michael Rowland on News Breakfast and Patricia Karvelas on Radio National, there has been a relentless mask campaign.

On July 8, Rowland went as far as suggesting health minister Mark Butler and his political colleagues were 'accepting' deaths by not re-introducing compulsory face coverings.

As of last week there had been fewer than 300 Covid-related deaths of Australians aged under 50, from a total of around 11,000 fatalities.

Butler said the advice from chief health officers was that the nation had 'moved beyond the era of very broad mask mandates and lockdowns', and that Australians could make their own choice about wearing a mask indoors.

Rowland refused to accept that position and kept pushing for mask mandates.

'We do know there are studies reflecting this, that compulsory mask mandates have close to 100 per cent success rate,' he said.

'[That's] as opposed to what you're saying, just asking people to wear them. You're not worried about people not making the right decision here?'

Butler hit back by saying Australians could 'take control of their own circumstances' in the pandemic's third year as they got used to living with the virus.

On July 8, ABC News Breakfast Michael Rowland (above) suggested Health Minister Mark Butler and his political colleagues were 'accepting' deaths by not re-introducing compulsory face coverings

Radio National's The Health Report host Norman Swan said on July 18 the country could be 'stuffed' unless mask mandates were brought back before the next Covid variant arrived on our shores

Leading the call for masks, as he has from the beginning, is Dr Norman Swan, host of Radio National's The Health Report and the Coronacast podcast.

He warned on July 18 that the country could be 'stuffed' unless mask mandates were brought back before the next Covid variant arrived on our shores.

But his role and the direction of the ABC are under constant scrutiny.

Sky News host Chris Kenny will present an hour-long examination of the 90-year-old institution on Tuesday night called Your ABC Exposed.

Kenny has long been a critic of the country's biggest broadcaster and has noted its presenters' fixation on wanting Covid restrictions to be imposed by government.

'Right from the start of the pandemic the ABC has led the charge in fuelling hysteria and public paranoia while encouraging maximum government intervention,' he said.

'No matter how many times Norman Swan and others have been proven wrong, they have simply doubled down.

'Yet, even now, with everyone who wants a vaccine jabbed up to four times, and all the evidence and lived experience showing most people have little to fear, ABC presenters keep up the fear-mongering and push for mandates and illiberal approaches.'

Since Australian mandates began to ease last October, per capita case numbers in Singapore exceeded, matched or lagged behind Australia, before rising ahead again.

In New Zealand, case numbers were six weeks behind Australia's Omicron wave in January, but since February they have matched or exceeded Australia.

Death rates in New Zealand also overtook Australia per capita at the start of March, despite the Kiwis being on the highest code red mask mandate restrictions - and have stayed higher ever since.

NEW ZEALAND'S GREAT COVER-UP New Zealanders are told to wear a mask whenever they leave home. The country has a traffic light system of restrictions and was on code red until April when it moved to code orange. Under code red, Kiwis had to wear masks at universities and colleges and in schools from Year 4 up, and when visiting early learning centres. Masks also had to be worn in public places like shops, shopping malls, cafes, bars, restaurants, libraries, hairdressers and beauty salons. All indoors events and indoor gatherings needed to be masked up, Masks also need to be worn on domestic flights, taxis, ride-sharing cars and public transport, plus healthcare, judicial, remand and aged care centres. But masks don't need to be worn outdoors or while exercising. Since April, masks are not now needed in schools, indoor events, museums and libraries or at hospitality venues, but must still be worn everywhere else. The country is tipped to return to code red on Thursday as NZ case numbers surge. Advertisement

In Singapore, death rates dropped below Australia in April after racing ahead between October and Christmas, but are now surging wildly and are set to overtake Australia once more.

The Singapore findings were shared on Twitter by Australian National University infectious diseases professor Peter Collignon as debate rages on the need for masks.

The post, originally made by a Singapore resident, added: 'Singapore has never dropped its mask mandates. Masks are required indoors at all times.

'Australians aren't wearing masks much at all. Let's compare the data.'

Next to a graph of the statistics, he added: 'It doesn't matter.'

The data has been revealed as Victorian children over the age of eight are now asked to wear a mask in classrooms until the end of winter amid a spike in cases.

The state government has insisted the new advice is not a mask mandate, with students encouraged to wear a mask indoors and on public transport.

Parents have described the new rules as a 'mandate by stealth' but former Labor Leader Bill Shorten said kids should be encouraged to wear masks where possible.

'We've had 300 days of home-schooling, and the schools closed,' he told Karl Stefanovic during an appearance on the Today Show on Tuesday morning.

'To me it's a no-brainer, do you want your child sick at home or do you want them running around wearing a mask?' the father of one said.

NSW and Victorian health ministers have both so far resisted the growing calls for a return to mask mandates, but critics say the looming state elections in October and November are the main reason behind any delay in bringing them back.

The new data shatters the case for mask mandates to return to Australia, pictured, where they are now only compulsory on public transport and in aged care, medical and remand centres

The new figures come as it was revealed the median age of those dying from Covid in Australia is now 83 years old, the same age as the nation's average life expectancy.

The federal health department's latest Covid report explodes the myths being used to drive Australian authorities to re-introduce mask mandates and continue having Covid cases isolate for seven days.

VITAL COVID FACTS Just 293 people under 50 have died of Covid If you're under 50 and catch Covid, you have a 1 in 10,000 chance of dying St Vincent's Hospital ICU currently only has one or two Covid patients Most people who die are men over 70 or women over 80 The median age to die from Covid is 83 The average life expectancy in Australia is 82.9 Even frail elderly residents in aged care homes have a 95 per cent chance of surviving Covid infection More than 60,770 aged care residents out of the 63,875 infected have recovered from Covid Just one in 20 in aged care homes have died after they caught the virus Advertisement

The vast majority of those who have caught Covid are under 50, with 3,121,953 cases so far. Just 293 people under 50 have died of the virus since the pandemic began.

The statistics show that since Australia's mass vaccination rollout began, those under 50 face a less than one in 10,000 chance of dying from Covid.

'The median age of all those infected is 31 ... [but] the median age of those who died is 83,' the latest federal health department 'Coronavirus At A Glance' report states.

Australia's average life expectancy is 82.9 years of age.

Most killed by Covid were men over 70 and women over 80, accounting for 7,585 deaths out of the nation's total virus death toll of 10,582 as of 3pm on Friday.

And even if Covid breaks out among elderly frail residents in aged care centres, more than 95 per cent of those infected will survive.

Of the 63,875 who caught Covid in Australian aged care centres, 60,771 recovered, with less than 1 in 20 of infected residents dying, for a tragic toll of 3,104.

NSW Premier Dom Perrottet admitted last week that the current flu wave was now a bigger threat than Covid.

'At the moment, the current strand of influenza is more severe than the current strands of COVID,' he told 2GB.

'As we move through the next phase of the pandemic, we need to balance up the competing health issues.'
HYDERABAD: A technical study by the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, (IIT-H) has clearly indicated that the impact of the Polavaram dam in Andhra Pradesh on surface water levels in Bhadrachalam town in the event of Godavari floods is as small as two-centimetre increase.

The study, Backwater Effect Due to Polavaram Dam Project under Different Return Periods, carried out by research scholars C.R. Amarnath and T. Shashidhar, was funded by the Telangana state government.

The findings of the study were in sharp contrast with the claims of transport minister Puvvada Ajay that the Polavaram dam backwaters had a severe impact on Bhadrachalam town, the inundation of which in the recent floods was more because of high water levels at the cofferdam in Andhra Pradesh.

Ajay also kicked up an inter-state political controversy demanding that the seven mandals in erstwhile Khammam district which were transferred to Andhra Pradesh should be given back to Telangana state.

According to the study, given the discharge of 36 lakh cusecs, the highest level of flood recorded in the history of the Godavari, the water level in Bhadrachalam in steady state condition after constructing the Polavaram dam would be 57.02 metres against 57 metres without the dam.

Similarly, if the discharge went up to 50 lakh cusecs, which the Polavaram dam was re-designed to withstand, the water level in Bhadrachalam would be 61.79 metres post completion of Polavaram dam against 61.77 metres without the dam.

The study pointed out that the water levels in Bhadrachalam in unsteady conditions would be 59.84 metres if the dam gates kept closed even after the discharge level reached 36 lakh cusecs. The study said the level would be 59.52 metres if there was no dam which in other words the increase in water level the dam might be forcing, that too with all gates closed, will be 20 cm.

The question of closing gates at 36 lakh cusecs discharge will not arise at all for the simple reason that the very safety of the dam will be in danger, a senior irrigation official admitted.

Another irrigation expert who played a crucial role in the Polavaram dam, on condition of anonymity, said inundation of Bhadrachalam was a regular phenomenon during floods even before the cofferdam was built in AP.

The backwater effect would be felt when the discharge levels cross 10 lakh cusecs. Once the discharge level is high in the upstream, the dam will be depleted to that extent and will be refilled with the receding floodwaters. The dam will never be kept at full reservoir level in case of floods, he said, adding that the backwater effect on Bhadrachalam was also due to congestion of the river cross section at Papikondalu.

The IIT-H study gave utmost importance to the maintenance of dam gates, the failure of which it warned, would endanger Bhadrachalam and surrounding areas.

Regular and periodic maintenance of the gates of the Polavaram dam is a must for the safety of upstream areas. Dam gates should be well operated, keeping in mind the inflows and submergence that would be caused by improper closing/opening of the gate walls, the study pointed out. It also stressed the need for construction of levees and dredging of riverbeds to reduce the water surface elevation.
A fed-up homeowner has blasted 'inconsiderate' dog walkers for leaving their pets' poo in her bins by displaying a note next to the footpath.

The Sydney woman took a black plastic bag filled with dog excrement from her bin and attached a handwritten message addressed to dog owners in her area.

'Dog owners,' she titled the message. 'Please do not put dog poo in resident's empty bins.'

A frustrated Sydney resident has left a note (pictured) for dog owners leaving plastic bags filled with their pet's poo in her bins

'It is very inconsiderate and who wants a bin smelling of dog s**t?!! Put it elsewhere!!!'

A photo was taken of the note and provided to Yahoo News Australia.

It's understood the woman had multiple residents leave plastic bags with their dog's poo in her bins.

Poll Do you leave dog poo in strangers' bins? Yes, I don't have an issue with it No, I take it with me Only if the bin is full, otherwise I take it with me I leave it on the ground Do you leave dog poo in strangers' bins? Yes, I don't have an issue with it 116 votes

No, I take it with me 335 votes

Only if the bin is full, otherwise I take it with me 122 votes

I leave it on the ground 34 votes Now share your opinion





It comes a month after another Sydney resident wrote a scathing post on a local community Facebook page addressed to those in town leaving dog excrement in her bins.

'I'm sure I'll get hate for this but it's become very frustrating of late and I just want to vent.'

'Whilst I appreciate people cleaning up after their dog when they do their business, I don't appreciate it being placed in my bin right on collection day when it's empty so I can have the bin sitting in my driveway smelling like s**t all week,' she said.

It prompted a debate in the comment section about whether people should take their pets' poo with them or put it in a stranger's bin.

Another Sydney resident raised the issue of leaving dog poo in bins last month, sparking a heated debate amongst residents on a local community page

It comes after a man in Warrnambool, Victoria, took it upon himself to hang up a sign urging dog owners to pick up after their pets last year

A Victorian man went a step further to address ignorant dog owners not cleaning after their pets by drilling a sign into a fence last year.

The anonymous man took it upon himself to put his homemade sign along a boardwalk in Warrnambool, in southern Victoria, posing the question why locals weren't picking up their pet's droppings.

He provided a series of excuses including 'I'm a jerk', 'I'm lazy', 'Mummy still cleans up after me' and another asking if residents just simply didn't care about the environment.

'Don't be a tosser, pick up your dog s**t and rubbish,' the sign read.

Photos of the sign circulated on Facebook with residents calling for the 'brilliant' warning to be set up everywhere around Australia.
Daniel Andrews has reason to smile ahead of the November election with a new report showing Victoria has Australia's best performing economy for the first time in two years.

The Labor premier's state is now No.1 on the CommSec State of the States league table for the first time since April 2020, near the start of the pandemic.

Victoria, with a record-low unemployment rate of 3.2 per cent in June, has ended Tasmania's two-year run as the state with Australia's best performing economy.

CommSec's July report noted Victoria's retail spending and labour market were the best in Australia, after Melbourne in October last year became the world's most locked down city with residents spending 263 days in forced isolation.

The political omens are good for the Andrews Government with Victoria also topping the CommSec State of the States quarterly report in October 2018, a month before his Labor team was re-elected in a landslide, winning 55 out of 88 seats in the Legislative Assembly.

Daniel Andrews (pictured with wife Catherine) has another reason to smile ahead of the November election with a new report showing Victoria has Australia's best performing economy for the first time in two years

The ALP's seat count was more than double the Liberal-National Coalition's 27 haul.

Labor even won former Liberal premier Ted Baillieu's wealthy Melbourne inner-east seat of Hawthorn for the first time since 1952.

Like November 2018, Mr Andrews is facing off against Liberal leader Matthew Guy, who returned as Opposition Leader in September last year.

Labor is seeking a third, consecutive term at the November 26 election, with Mr Andrews hoping to match the political election records of his ALP predecessors John Cain in 1988 and Steve Bracks in 2006.

If the opinion polls are right, Mr Andrews will easily achieve that with a Roy Morgan poll taken in late June and early July showing Labor with a commanding 59.5 per cent to 40.5 per cent, two-party lead over the Coalition.

The SMS poll showed of 1,710 Victorians showed a 2.2 per cent swing to Labor, despite the state government imposing the stricter conditions on Victorians since the war.

Even before the election, Mr Andrews is set to surpass Mr Bracks's time as premier and a third election win would see him overtake the late Mr Cain to be Victoria's longest-ever serving Labor premier.

CommSec economists Craig James and Ryan Felsman noted Victoria had bounced back following the end of lockdowns across Australia.

CommSec's July report noted Victoria's retail spending and labour market were the best in Australia, after Melbourne in October last year became the world's most locked down city with residents spending 263 days in forced isolation (pictured is life after lockdown at St Kilda)

'Governments are now are attempting to "live with Covid", supporting consumers and businesses from cost of living pressures, while at the same time scaling back stimulus measures,' they said.

The Australian Capital Territory came second by virtue of strong business investment, pushing Tasmania into third place with its property market now slowing down.

Queensland was fourth, having strong population growth.

Western Australia, last year cut off from the rest of the country, was fifth with strong economic growth.

South Australia was sixth doing well with strong construction but losing points for having relatively slower economic growth.

Victoria, with a record-low unemployment rate of 3.2 per cent in June, has ended Tasmania's two-year run as the state with Australia's best performing economy

New South Wales came seventh, putting it last among the states with the Northern Territory coming eighth.

NSW, Australia's most populated state, last month had a record-low jobless rate of 3.3 per cent, down dramatically from 4 per cent in May, but CommSec marked it down for business investment.

In January and April 2019, NSW shared first place with Victoria.

In March that year, former Liberal premier Gladys Berejiklian won the Coalition a third, consecutive term as she campaigned on the theme 'NSW could have it all' because of a strong economy.

Her successor Dominic Perrottet faces voters in March.
A teacher will stand trial after allegedly sexually abusing three teenage boys more than 40 years ago.

Helga Lam, 67, will face several charges at the NSW District Court in August after allegedly sexually assaulting the boys during the 1970s.

Lam allegedly abused a 13, 14 and 15-year-old boy while she worked at Maroubra Bay High School, in Sydney's south-east, between 1977 and 1980.

A teacher will face court after allegedly sexually abusing three teenage boys more than 40 years ago

She was arrested at her home in St Ives, an affluent suburb in the city's north, last September following an investigation launched by police.

Lam had been working at Killara High School, on the city's upper north shore, at the time she was taken into custody.

She was charged with 14 counts of indecent assault and was later hit with another three offences.

Lam pleaded not guilty to all 17 charges and was granted strict conditional bail after fronting court last week.

Maroubra Bay High School closed in 1990. It was used as the setting of the high school soap 'Heartbreak High'.
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Shocking photos of cargo laden freight boats waiting to unload at the Port of Oakland show the real-time effects of a trucker strike that's set to enter its second week.

Independent truck drivers have been blocking road access to the port since last week, preventing ships from unloading at the major shipping hub and causing further disruption in a supply chain already facing crippling stress from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Chinese COVID-19 lockdown measures.

The truckers have been protesting California's Assembly Bill 5, a 2019 law requiring certain industries - trucking included - to classify independent contractors as regular benefitted employees.

Many truckers have argued the law ruined their autonomy and upended the way they do business, and challenges to the law met a dead end last month after the US Supreme Court declined to advance the case.

Shocking photos of cargo laden freight boats waiting to unload at the Port of Oakland show the real-time effects of a trucker strike that's set to enter its second week. Half a dozen ships are seen waiting outside the port

Shocking photos of cargo laden freight boats waiting to unload at the Port of Oakland show the real-time effects of a trucker strike that is set to enter its second week

Independent truck drivers have been blocking road access to the port since last week, preventing ships from unloading at the major shipping hub

The protests began last Monday and have blocked road access to the port since then, minus a break over the weekend that was scheduled to coincide with the port's lessened weekend activity.

Photos of the port show rows of stacked shipping containers with nowhere to go and an armada of fully loaded freighters queued up, unable to unload their cargo.

Protesters wearing T-shirts with 'AB5' crossed out in red on their chests could be seen camped out in California with freight cranes standing still and unused behind them.

Truckers have been protesting California's Assembly Bill 5, a 2019 law requiring certain industries - trucking included - to classify independent contractors as regular benefitted employees

Many truckers have argued that the law ruined their autonomy and upended the way they do business; challenges to the law met a dead end last month after the US Supreme Court declined to advance the case

The Port of Oakland is a key hub for California's $20 billion-plus agriculture exports, which include almonds, dairy products and wine.

The eighth-busiest US container seaport - which also handles imports like coffee, electronics and manhole covers - was already working to clear a pandemic-fueled cargo backup before the trucker protests began.

Representatives for the port told Reuters that some port terminals are leased out to companies that schedule their operations and may have been carried out some shipping operations during the protest break on Saturday morning.

Photos of the port showed rows of stacked shipping containers with nowhere to go, and an armada of fully loaded freighters queued up in the port with nowhere to unload their cargo

The Port of Oakland is a key hub for California's $20 billion-plus agriculture exports, which include almonds, dairy products and wine

It's unclear whether protests will resume Monday.

Bill Aboudi, owner of a trucking company and supporter of the protests, told Reuters that would be determined by the progress of talks about the law.

'If the protests will resume or not on Monday, that shall be determined on Monday only as the truckers are in active talks with the concerned authorities,' Aboudi said.

Operations at the Northern California port ground to a near standstill last week after protesters used pickets and tractor-trailers to block terminal gates.

Work on ships and docks slowed after cargo flows stopped and hundreds of International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) members declined to cross blockade lines for safety reasons.

Operations at the Northern California port ground to a near standstill last week after protesters used pickets and tractor-trailers to block terminal gates

The Port of Oakland is a key hub for California's $20 billion-plus agriculture exports, which include almonds, dairy products and wine

Truckers against AB5 say it would make it harder for companies to classify workers as independent contractors.

They say the law will require them to spend thousands of dollars on insurance and equipment rentals like chassis to remain independent.

'AB5 is everything that obstructs a small truck business owner's ambition to live the "American Dream," ' Aboudi said.
Celebrity weight loss guru and horse breeding heiress Savannah Daisley will offer up $100,000 as bail security in a bid to be released from prison, as she complains her mental health is deteriorating and her business is losing 'millions of dollars'.

Daisley, 45, applied for bail in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Monday afternoon, after being remanded in custody last month charged with four counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child aged between 14 and 16.

Police allege the Instagram influencer and the boy had sex four times over a 24 hour period from 5pm on May 19, 2021.

Daisley is currently locked up in Silverwater Women's maximum security jail in Sydney's west, a far cry from her $10million waterfront mansion 20km away on the city's lower north shore.

Lawyers for the Smart Cleanse founder, who promotes her 14-day detox programs internationally with celebrity endorsements, told the court on Monday they will also argue that Ms Daisley's mother has ovarian cancer.

Smart Cleanse founder Savannah Daisley (pictured) is fighting to be released on bail after spending the past four weeks behind bars

Lawyer Gabrielle Bashir told the court that at a previous, unsuccessful bail application earlier this month a magistrate had been wrongly informed the alleged offences carried a maximum penalty of 14 years, whereas it was only 12 years.

She argued Ms Daisley had 'deteriorating mental health in custody', that she was due to appear in an AVO matter against her ex-partner James Wallis and that further imprisonment meant a 'substantial financial deterrent' to her wellness business of 'millions of dollars'.

Ms Daisley's father, the famous horse breeder Ross Daisley who raced renowned thoroughbred Choisir at Royal Ascot, was in court for his daughter's hearing on Monday.

He has previously offered to pay $10,000 bail to have his daughter released from custody.

Ms Daisley would be willing to report daily to police from her $10m waterfront mansion at Longueville.

Savannah Daisley has been charged with four counts of sexual intercourse with a child aged between 14 and 16 years

Horse breeder Ross Daisley (pictured with Savannah in 1993) was at his daughter's court hearing on Monday

Pictured: The Sydney Harbour view from Daisley's $10million home on Sydney's lower north shore

Ms Daisley is a successful entrepreneur and founder of Smart Cleanse - a 14-day program comprising capsules and powers that promise to detoxify clients' bodies, eliminate stress, shed kilos, and 'reverse ageing'.

Ms Daisley's products now sell across Australia after she secured deals with pharmacy giant Priceline in 2018, and with supplement giant Mr Vitamin in 2020.

She launched the company in 2014 and quickly attracted a celebrity following, including Neighbours star Jodi Gordon, who featured in a video testimonial for Smart Cleanse in June 2021 - spruiking the program as her 'health and beauty secret'.

The bail application will take place this afternoon.

Ms Daisley's lawyers told the court that further imprisonment meant a 'substantial financial deterrent' to her wellness business of 'millions of dollars'.
Measures must be put in place to prevent future governments from lowering emissions-reduction targets, Greens leader Adam Bandt has called for.

As negotiations continue over Labor's climate bill, Mr Bandt said he also wanted to ensure governments were not restricted from increasing the target in the future.

The new government is this week set to introduce a climate bill when parliament meets for the first time since the election.

The bill would lock in an emissions-reduction target of 43 per cent by 2030, as well as net-zero by 2050, with the relevant minister also required to provide updates on how the targets are being met.

Measures must be put in place to prevent future governments from lowering emissions-reduction targets, Greens leader Adam Bandt has demanded

The bill would lock in an emissions-reduction target of 43 per cent by 2030, as well as net-zero by 2050, with the relevant minister also required to provide updates on how the targets are being met (stock image)

The Greens have called for the 43 per cent target to be raised, saying that figure should be viewed as a floor and not a ceiling.

Mr Bandt said he wanted to ensure climate measures could not be reduced by future governments.

'You shouldn't be able to go below this weak target of the government's, but it also can't be a ceiling,' he told reporters in Canberra.

'It can't put in place obstacles for governments in the future that might be more climate-ambitious to lift the target.

'We don't want Pauline Hanson and Clive Palmer to be able to put a handbrake on future governments listening to the science and lifting the target.

'The legislation also at the moment doesn't compel the government to do anything.'

The Greens have also called for an end to new coal and gas projects as part of the climate bill.

The party has yet to decide its final stance on the bill, which will be determined following negotiations with the government.

Mr Bandt said the Greens were approaching the negotiations in good faith.

'Our preference is to improve and pass climate legislation through this parliament, we have got a number of issues with the bill that has been released,' he said.

'Even though we will have differences in this place about how quickly we should cut emissions and what the target should be, everyone should be able to agree that we can't open up new coal and gas projects.'

The Greens have also called for an end to new coal and gas projects as part of the climate bill (stock image)

The legislation would need the support of all 12 Greens and one additional crossbencher in the Senate in order to pass.

Independent senator David Pocock said 43 per cent was not enough and more action was needed.

However, he indicated he had not seen the draft legislation.

'There is a community expectation that we do legislate something, we need certainty for investment and for our community and to get on the path of being good international citizens,' he said.

'I've talked publicly about it needing to be a floor and not a ceiling and we have to make it so that we can actually ramp up ambition.'

Opposition employment spokeswoman Michaelia Cash said the coalition backed net-zero emissions by 2050, but was unlikely to support the bill.

'We are not going to devastate the Australian economy,' she told reporters in Canberra.

'We are committed to net zero by 2050 utilising technology, not taxes ...the coalition's position is very, very clear.'
A massive worker shortage has left Australian employers - including the nation's biggest company - struggling to find staff.

The skilled migrant workforce dried up over two years of border closures but now, even with travel open again, they haven't returned, BHP's chief financial officer David Lamont told a Melbourne business leaders' forum.

'The biggest issue for us is actually not so much the cost of labour but the shortage of labour,' Mr Lamont said.

'We previously have been able to rely on immigration to assist here in Australia to offset some of the wage needs that we have, whether that's a cleaner at a worksite all the way through to our skilled staff that we need to operate the business.'

Mining giant BHP (pictured) said the company is struggling to find workers after the foreign workforce dried up and has not returned

Mining companies are offering huge salaries and signing bonuses to even new graduates as companies struggle to find workers to fill roles (file image)

'Shortage of skills is also the major issue for us, if you have a look not only directly in our own operations, but the communities that we operate within.'

Asked whether this is an issue facing Australia in particular, Mr Lamont said he'd 'like to know where 'everyone's run to' because the shortage appeared to be global.

'Travelling around the world recently ... any economy that I go to, everyone's struggling for labour ... people have re-thought how they want to work,' he said.

The Covid pandemic combined with Russia's invasion of Ukraine had contributed to a sense of uncertainty for the world economy, he told the Strategic Business Forum last week.

Mr Lamont said companies needed to plan 'for five, 10, 15, 20 years' ahead and that the worker shortage, plus the conundrum over whether migrant workers would return, and in what numbers, posed a major hurdle to most big businesses.

BHP chief financial officer David Lamont (pictured) told a forum in Melbourne last week that he'd 'like to know where all the workers have run to' after noticing the issue seems to be global

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said delays of up to 18 months for overseas workers to obtain visas was too long.

He noted in particular the NSW Department of Education's attempts to address teacher shortages in the state.

'They have accredited so many people around the world, but the advice I'm receiving is it will take 18 months for their visa applications to be processed by Home Affairs. That needs to be addressed, and it needs to be addressed quickly,' he said.

Deloitte's national immigration lead Fiona Webb said Australia had developed a less then great reputation as a destination for workers.

'The slow nature of our processing, coupled with the uncertainty about the path to getting permanent residence in Australia, means employers are losing good candidates to other markets,' she told The Australian.

'These candidates often have offers on the table from two or three countries.'

Work from home conditions over the last two years have contributed to a shift not only the way companies operate but how employees want to work (stock image)

Even WA, which shut itself off from the rest of the country for much of the last two years; content to rely on it's mining revenue, is feeling the pinch.

There are more jobs to be filled in WA than there are unemployed Western Australians.

Last week premier Mark McGowan launched the Skilled Migrant Employment Register which will allow foreign workers overseas or interstate to register their interest in moving to WA.

Employers will be able to search the register by skillset and make employment and visa sponsorship offers.

WA Premier Mark McGowan (pictured) has asked the Commonwealth government to increase migration caps to help offset the worker shortage

Mr McGowan called on the Commonwealth to increase migration caps after recently completing an overseas recruitment drive targeting doctors, nurses and tradies.

'I have asked the Federal Government to increase the overall cap on the permanent migration program to allow for an increased State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) for WA and for additional employer sponsored visas,' Mr McGowan said.

'I understand the previous Federal Government had set the planning figure for 2022-23 at 160,000 places.

'I believe there is an opportunity to revise this figure upwards to account for the significantly different economic conditions Western Australia and the country are facing.'

Mr McGowan did not nominate a new migration figure but the Business Council of Australia wants to raise the cap to 220,000 for the next two years.
Jamie Luke Harwood was intoxicated, speeding and not qualified to drive the boat he crashed into a Brisbane River jetty, killing his daughter-in-law.

The 48-year-old New Zealand citizen, who moved to Australia aged 11, has been jailed and faces deportation over the incident on November 4, 2020.

His 21-year-old daughter-in-law, Nicole Herbert, was in the boat with her de facto partner and small child at the time of the crash.

Nicole Herbert died when the tinnie she was in struck a jetty at Chelmer on the Brisbane River

The scene of the shocking boat crash which killed Nicole Herbert in November 2020

The aluminium dinghy hit a private jetty on the Brisbane River at Chelmer after the group had been on the water for about four hours.

Harwood took a case of VB along for a day's fishing, and it's not known how many beers he had before the crash, the Brisbane District Court was told on Monday.

His son had been driving for most of the trip before handing the controls over to Harwood, who was travelling over the speed limit.

Ms Herbert hit her head as a result of the collision and died at the scene.

The others were taken to hospital where Harwood refused a blood alcohol test, saying he didn't do needles, Judge Katherine McGinness said.

Jamie Luke Harwood, 48, has been jailed for six years with parole eligibility after 17 months

Ms Herbert was the only person to sustain significant injuries, but the repercussions of her death have been far-reaching.

Her family was present for the sentencing on Monday, and there were tears during a victim impact statement from her father.

'I cannot explain the pain I feel when my granddaughter calls out for her mother, a mother that can never reply,' the statement from Rodger Herbert said.

'The grief of knowing my granddaughter only got to spend two short years with the best mother on the planet, the pain of thinking how much she has lost and how needless and senseless it all is.'

Their suffering will go on, but the family is pleased the court matter is over, Mr Herbert said in a statement outside court.

His daughter had no idea about boats, and saw her role onboard as protector of her daughter Kylah.

'She always sat at the front of the boat facing backwards to keep a constant vigil on her daughter, as any decent mother would,' he said.

Through his lawyer, Harwood said he had a close and loving relationship with Ms Herbert and feels anguish over the knowledge his son will raise his grandchild as a single parent.

He's lived in Australia for decades and has a wife and four children in the country, but will likely face deportation as he remains a NZ citizen.

Harwood pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a vessel causing death while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, and three summary offences.

He was jailed for six years with parole eligibility after about 17 months.
The huge brawl that broke out at Florida's Disney World last week when a family tried to prevent a woman from joining her family in the queue led to arrests, a hospitalization and lifetime bans at the park, it has been revealed.

Further footage of the 10-person bust-up which saw punches being thrown and profanities being screamed at the children's theme park, shows how both families were queueing for Mickey's PhilharMagic.

A member of one family left to retrieve her phone from an electric scooter but when she returned to the line, another family - all in white shirts and red shorts - prevented her, pushing the young woman, according to WDWNT.

The family of the woman who returned to the queue has been banned from Disney World for life, one member told the news outlet, while two members of the other family were allegedly arrested.

Several involved received cuts and bruises while one was taken to hospital in an ambulance with large lacerations on their chin.

The initial footage spread like wildfire on social media last week, with Disney cast members and fellow visitors trying to step in and intervene.

One of the families involved in a huge brawl broke out at Florida 's Disney World resort Wednesday is speaking out

The two families disagreed on queue etiquette in the shocking early footage that spread like wildfire on social media

The guest, who wasn't identified, also shared video of their perspective of the wild fracas

A member of one of the families in line for Mickey's PhilharMagic left to retrieve her phone from an electric scooter.

Footage shows how the family of the woman who had tried to rejoin the queue said: 'Listen, man, we don't want trouble; we don't appreciate you guys pushing my younger sister.'

That's when things escalated to shouting and eventually the brawl that has since gone viral.

The brother of the girl who was pushed eventually started pushing back and the fisticuffs began to play out.

The new video footage shows two of Disney's 'cast members' and several guests trying to stop the fighting.

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.

When they left the theater, the family of the girl who'd been pushed confronted the other group: 'Listen, man, we don't want trouble; we don't appreciate you guys pushing my younger sister' one of them said

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.
Before it was instructed to halt its investigation last week, the United States Secret Service found records of deleted text messages on or around January 6, 2021, stored on the phones of at least 10 agents.

Secret Service investigators discovered metadata showing that text messages were sent and received on at least 10 agents' phones in the days surrounding the Capitol riot - but have since been deleted, according to CNN.

Investigators were then working to determine whether the content of these texts contained information about the attempted insurrection, and whether they should have been preserved amid an ongoing House investigation into the riot, two unnamed sources told the network.

Among the text records the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General requested were those of the heads of the detail for both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence: Bobby Engel and Tim Giebels, respectively.

It's unclear whether they are included among the 10 personnel whose phones contained metadata showing records of deleted texts.

But among the 24 Secret Service members that were originally under scrutiny by the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General, sources told CNN, 10 other members had no text messages around that time and three others only had personal messages.

The deletion of the messages has raised the prospect of lost evidence that could shed further light on then-President Donald Trump's actions during the insurrection, particularly after testimony about his confrontation with security as he tried to join supporters at the Capitol.

An internal Secret Service investigation reportedly found 10 agents had records of sent or received text messages from the days surrounding the January 6 insurrection, but they had since been deleted. Agents are seen here entering the Capitol to evacuate senators during the riot

Investigators were working to determine whether the content of these texts contained information about the Capitol insurrection, and should have been preserved amid an ongoing House investigation into the riot (pictured)

It's unclear now what will happen to the 10 Secret Service members who were found to have deleted text messages from the time, as the Inspector General ordered the agency to cease its internal investigation amid a criminal probe.

Secret Service agents, though, say the texts could have been deleted accidentally, when the agency conducted a months-long data migration of its phones beginning Jan. 27, 2021.

The agency left it up to individual agents to decide what electronic records to keep and what to delete during the process.

Among the text records the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General requested were those of the heads of the detail for both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence: Bobby Engel and Tim Giebels, respectively. It is unclear whether they are included among the 10 personnel whose phones contained metadata showing records of deleted texts

Joe Maher, the principal deputy general counsel at the Department of Homeland Security, was tasked with circulating a January 2021 letter to component agencies - presumably including the Secret Service - ensuring they preserve records related to the insurrection. The agency now says it never received that message

According to a letter sent to the Secret Service from the House Select Committee investigating the insurrection, the inspector general first asked for records from 24 personnel in June 2021.

'The Select Committee seeks the relevant text messages, as well as any after action reports that have been issued in any and all divisions of the USSS pertaining or relating in any way to the events of January 6, 2021,' January 6, panel Chairman Bennie Thompson wrote in a letter to Secret Service Director James Murray.

The committee also specifically requested 'all documents and communications related to actual or attempted conversations between any DHA official and President Trump and/or any other White House official' about the January 5 rally and January 6 riot.

The request came more than two months after the data migration should have been complete, according to CNN.

At the time, Secret Service agents were supposed to manually back up their texts before the migration, sources allege. If an employee failed to do so, their messages would've been permanently deleted during the process.

'Any message that was not uploaded by the employee as a government record would have been lost during the migration,' a Secret Service official told CNN Tuesday..

Florida Rep. Stephanie Murphy (pictured Tuesday), a Democratic member of the January 6 panel, claims the agency produced an 'initial set of documents' to the House select committee, but excluded the requested texts

But Florida Rep. Stephanie Murphy, a Democratic member of the January 6 panel, claims the agency produced an 'initial set of documents' to the House select committee, but excluded the requested texts.

'We received a letter today that did provide us with a lot of documents and some data. However, we did not receive the additional text messages that we were looking for,' she told MSNBC on Tuesday.

'They moved ahead with their efforts to migrate the devices and the data, and their process, as explained to us, was simply to leave it to the agent to determine whether or not there was anything on their phones worth saving that was necessary to save for federal records.'

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

'And as a result, today they did not receive any texts from their agents when they made that transition that was flagged for preservation.'

Members of the House January 6 Committee now say the agency should have done more to preserve its records prior to the migration.

They have cited a January 16, 2021 letter from various congressional committees to multiple agencies - including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis - instructing them to preserve all records related to the insurrection.

An appendix to the letter, CNN reports, instructed the head of the intelligence analysis office, Joe Maher, to circulate the request among component agencies - presumably including the Secret Service.

But Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the Secret Service, told CNN the agency conducted an eight-hour search on Thursday of its various internal message systems - and found no record of the letter ever reaching the Secret Service.

Meanwhile, a Washington Post report on Tuesday revealed that the DHS watchdog agency didn't alert Congress in February when it learned about the Secret Service purge that deleted nearly all text messages from around Jan. 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 Gov. Jan Brewer.

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

The investigation into the missing text messages has now become a criminal probe.

On Wednesday, the DHS Inspector General instructed the Secret Service to halt its internal investigation, saying it is now a criminal matter.

Depending on the findings, the criminal investigation could result in a referral to federal prosecutors.

'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.

'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.

The United States Secret Service has previously confirmed that many texts between agents around the time of the riot were 'erased as part of a device-replacement program.'

It said in a statement Thursday night: 'The insinuation that the Secret Service maliciously deleted text messages following a request is false.

'In fact, the Secret Service has been fully cooperating with the OIG in every respect  whether it be interviews, documents, emails, or texts,' the agency said.

A spokesman said the Secret Service 'began to reset its mobile phones to factory settings as part of a pre-planned, three-month system migration' in January 2021 before the watchdog office opened its probe.

'In that process, data resident on some phones was lost,' they said.

But the Secret Service maintained the IG did not request the communications until late February - at which point the 'migration' had already begun.

The agency also disputed the notion it was stonewalling investigators and dragging out the probe by weeks.

The spokesman added: 'DHS has repeatedly and publicly debunked this allegation, including in response to OIG's last two semi-annual reports to Congress. It is unclear why OIG is raising this issue again.'
The doctors say they have been paid partial amounts of what has been prescribed in the University Grants Commission (UGC) pay scale. (Representational Image/ DC File)

Hyderabad: About 2,000 doctors from 17 government hospitals in the state will wear black badges from Monday to protest against several long-standing unresolved issues against the administration.

Members of the Telangana Teaching Government Doctors Association (TTGDA) state body unanimously took the decision during an online meeting on Sunday. They claim that they have brought the issue to the notice of the Director of Medical Education (DME) multiple times. They alleged that the DME is harassing those who have raised these issues.

The doctors say they have been paid partial amounts of what has been prescribed in the University Grants Commission (UGC) pay scale. They have also not received arrears owing to revised pay as per the pay revision commission for 56 months-from January 2016 to August 2020. The hike amount is about Rs 20, 000-30,000 per month. For 56 months, it comes to around Rs 10lakh-30 lakh, said one of the doctors.

The TTGDA also says that there have been no general transfers in the last five years due to which many people are stuck in the peripheries. While all state government employees are eligible for emergency leave encashment, they have not been given leaves nor compensated for them.

Regarding harassment by the DME, the association has alleged that DME, Dr. K. Ramesh Reddy targets people who question him by deputing them to a different city. Recently, in Nalgonda, the DME issued a memo over attendance to a faculty who had raised some issues, even though there were no issues with the facultys attendance.

The doctors say while there should be two DME posts  one for administration and another for academics, only one person has held the two posts since the formation of the state.

If the DME wont change his attitude we will step up our protest. Our fight is not against the government but against him. He is not communicating properly with the government for his own gains, said another TTGDA member.

The doctors are also planning to meet the DME in person on Tuesday. The meeting on Sunday was attended by TTGDA president Dr Anwar, general secretary Dr. Jalagam Tirupati Rao, vice-president Dr. Kiran Madhala and treasurer Dr. Kiran Prakash.

Meanwhile, the DME said that he had not received any representation from the doctors regarding their claims. He said that the government would try to address the issues as per rules governing them.
Soggy Sydney may be dreaming of spending some quality beachtime when the sun finally breaks out but the wet weather has claimed one of city's favourite sandy spots, Shark Beach.

Despite the uninviting name, the beach nestled along Neilson Park on the coastal side of exclusive Sydney eastern suburb Vaucluse is a favoured family haunt but it has been shut since March 1 to allow renovation work on its seawall.

The beach was meant to reopen in December but soaking weather means the work on the 160-metre concrete wall won't be finished until next year.

Sydney's popular Shark Beach will be closed over summer as works are done on its seawall

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service told the Sydney Morning Herald that the wet weather had delayed a number of its projects around Sydney.

'Continued poor weather has forced delays to a number of projects across the Sydney region, including the Nielsen Park seawall replacement, new whale watching platform at Cape Solander and North Head upgrade by several months,' a NPWS spokesperson said.

The beach's promenade and popular kiosk and cafe, The Nielson, are also shut for the duration of repairs.

Normally the sheltered beach is a favoured one for families, both locals and tourists

As well as repairing the seawall, which was built in the 1930s and suffered considerable damage during storms in 2016, works include creating a wheelchair-accessible ramp to the beach and improving stair access to the beach.

New lawn and more native trees will also be planted and with the promenade area expanded and resurfaced and a new irrigation system put in place.

The beach was meant to be reopened in December but wet weather has delayed the works

Woollahra mayor Susan Wynne told the Sydney Morning Herald that while it was disappointing to lose the beach over summer, the repair works were necessary.

'There's nothing we can do. If it's not ready, it's not ready,' she said.

'It needs to be done.'

Sydney's beautiful people, such as Instagram influencer Alice Roberts, will need to find new picturesque backdrops as Shark Beach remains closes over the summer

As a sheltered inner Harbour spot, Shark Beach is considered great for safe family swimming with soft sand, a shady and leafy park backdrop and views of the Sydney city skyline from the water.

Tourism Australia lists Shark Beach as one of the nine best beaches in Sydney, making it popular among tourists as well as locals.
Pope Francis issued a historic apology Monday for the Catholic Church's cooperation with Canada's 'catastrophic' policy of Indigenous residential schools, saying the forced assimilation of Native peoples into Christian society destroyed their cultures, severed families and marginalized generations.

'I am deeply sorry,' Francis said to applause from school survivors and Indigenous community members gathered at a former residential school south of Edmonton, Alberta.

The visit, part of a greater tour across the country for the pontiff, marks a radical rethink of the Catholic Church's missionary legacy in the Americas, and was spurred by Francis and the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at the school sites.

Four chiefs escorted the Holy Father in a wheelchair to the site near the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School, and presented him with a feathered headdress after he spoke.

The historic statement saw Francis label the school policy a 'disastrous error' - adding that it was incompatible with the Gospel and that further investigation and healing is needed.

Pope Francis put on an indigenous headdress during a meeting with indigenous communities Monday in Canada Monday. The pope met with several tribes including the First Nations, Metis and, Inuit, at Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Catholic Church in Maskwacis, near Edmonton

Francis proudly wore the traditional headdress gifted to him by indigenous leaders Monday, after apologizing for the Catholic Church's residential schools where thousands of indigenous children were abused and died

The visit - which was spurred by the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at the school sites in late 2021 - saw the pope rub shoulders with indigenous Canadian leaders after pleading for their forgiveness from indigenous school survivors for the systemic mistreatment

In the first event of his weeklong 'penitential pilgrimage,' Francis traveled to the lands of four Cree nations to pray at a cemetery and then deliver the long-sought apology at nearby powow ceremonial grounds.

Four chiefs escorted the pontiff in a wheelchair to the site near the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School, and presented him with a feathered headdress after he spoke.

'I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples,' Francis said.

His words went beyond his earlier apology for the 'deplorable' acts of missionaries and instead took responsibility for the churchs institutional cooperation with Canadas 'catastrophic' assimilation policy, which the countrys Truth and Reconciliation Commission said amounted to a 'cultural genocide.'

More than 150,000 native children in Canada were forced to attend government-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.

The pope is pictured delivering his apology to survivors of the country's residential schools, where Catholic missionaries contributed to the 'cultural genocide' of generations of Indigenous children by trying to stamp out their languages, cultures and traditions

Four chiefs escorted the pontiff in a wheelchair to the site near the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School, and presented him with a feathered headdress after he spoke. The historic statement saw the Holy Father label the school policy a 'disastrous error'

The pope's words went beyond his earlier apology for the 'deplorable' acts of missionaries and instead took responsibility for the churchs institutional cooperation with Canadas 'catastrophic' assimilation policy, which the country called a 'cultural genocide'

Ottawa has admitted that physical and sexual abuse was rampant at the schools, with students beaten for speaking their native languages.

That legacy of that abuse and isolation from family has been cited by Indigenous leaders as a root cause of the epidemic rates of alcohol and drug addiction now on Canadian reservations.

The discoveries of hundreds of potential burial sites at former schools in the past year drew international attention to the legacy of the schools in Canada and their counterparts in the United States.

The revelations prompted Francis to comply with the truth commission's call for him to apologize on Canadian soil for the Catholic Churchs role in the abuses; Catholic religious orders operated 66 of the 139 country's residential schools.

The discoveries of hundreds of potential burial sites at former schools in the past year drew international attention to the legacy of the schools in Canada and their counterparts in the United States

The revelations prompted Francis to comply with the truth commission's call for him to apologize on Canadian soil for the Catholic Churchs role in the abuses

Francis kissed Chief Wilton Littlechild's hand in gratitude after being presented with the garb

The pope spoke to applause from school survivors and Indigenous community members gathered at a former residential school south of Edmonton, Alberta

Despite the solemnity of the event, the atmosphere seemed at times joyful: Chiefs processed into the site venue to a hypnotic drumbeat, elders danced and the crowd cheered and chanted war songs, victory songs and finally a healing song

Some in the crowd Monday wept as Francis spoke, while others applauded or stayed silent listening to his words, which were delivered in Spanish and then translated into English.

'Its something that is needed, not only for people to hear but for the church to be accountable,' said Sandi Harper, who travelled with her sister and a church group from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in honor of their late mother, who went to a residential school.

Harper called the pope's apology 'very genuine.' 'He recognizes this road to reconciliation is going to take time, but he is really on board with us,' she said.

Many wore traditional dress, including colorful ribbon skirts and vests with Native motifs. Others donned orange shirts, which have become a symbol of residential school survivors, recalling the story of one woman whose beloved orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, was confiscated at a school and replaced with a uniform.

Despite the solemnity of the event, the atmosphere seemed at times joyful: Chiefs processed into the site venue to a hypnotic drumbeat, elders danced and the crowd cheered and chanted war songs, victory songs and finally a healing song.

Francis traveled to the lands of four Cree nations to pray at a cemetery following his address - part of and then deliver the long-sought apology at nearby powow ceremonial grounds

Pope Francis prayed with his Indigenous hosts in a cemetery at the former residential school

Pope Francis arrives for a meeting with indigenous communities, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit, at Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Catholic Church in Maskwacis

Pope Francis leaves with Indigenous peoples after praying at the Canada cemetery

Spectators watch and listen to Pope Francis on video screen as he apologizes to the crowd, which was full of former students at the lnog-shuttered Canadian Catholic schools

While the pope acknowledged institutional blame, he also made clear that Catholic missionaries were merely cooperating with and implementing the government policy of assimilation, which he termed the 'colonizing mentality of the powers'

Chief Wilton Littlechild, who was a student at the Ermineskin school and later served on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, welcomed Francis at the start of the ceremony and told people the pontiff had understood their pain.

'We sincerely hope that our encounter this morning, and the words you share with us, will echo with true healing and real home through many generations to come,' he said.

Felisha Crier Hosein traveled from Florida to attend in place of her mother, who helped create the museum for the nearby Samson Cree Nation and had planned to attend, but died in May.

'Sorry is not going to make what happened go away,' she said. 'But it means a lot to the elders.'

Some in the crowd Monday wept as Francis spoke, while others applauded or stayed silent listening to his words, which were delivered in Spanish and then translated into English

Indigenous people gathered to see Pope Francis for the highly anticipated visit. Many wore traditional dress, including colorful ribbon skirts and vests with Native motifs

An Indigenous man is pictured after Pope Francis delivered his apology to Indigenous people for the church's role in residential schools during the ceremony in Maskwacis

An Indigenous dancer performed at the ceremony Monday after the pope delivered his speech

An Indigenous woman waits for Pope Francis during the highly anticipated appearance

A man weeps shortly after hearing the pope's heartfelt appeal for change in the church

Indigenous people flocked to see the pope's anticipated appearance at the school Monday

Indigenous people gathered and clamored to see the pope during the historic appearance

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who last year apologized for the 'incredibly harmful government policy' in organizing the residential school system, was also attending along with the governor general and other officials.

As part of a lawsuit settlement involving the government, churches and approximately 90,000 survivors, Canada paid reparations that amounted to billions of dollars being transferred to Indigenous communities. Canadas Catholic Church says its dioceses and religious orders have provided more than $50 million in cash and in-kind contributions and hope to add $30 million more over the next five years.

While the pope acknowledged institutional blame, he also made clear that Catholic missionaries were merely cooperating with and implementing the government policy of assimilation, which he termed the 'colonizing mentality of the powers.'

'I ask forgiveness, in particular, for the ways in which many members of the church and of religious communities cooperated, not least through their indifference, in projects of cultural destruction and forced assimilation promoted by the governments of that time, which culminated in the system of residential schools,' he said.

Pope Francis prayed at the indigenous gravesite at the Ermineskin Cree Nation Cemetery during his appearance, part of a papal visit across Canada. The tour, which began Sunday, is meant to apologize for the horrors of church-run Indigenous residential schools

He said the policy marginalized generations, suppressed Indigenous languages, led to physical, verbal, psychological and spiritual abuse and 'indelibly affected relationships between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren.'

He called for further investigation, a possible reference to Indigenous demands for further access to church records and personnel files of the priests and nuns to identify who was responsible for the abuses.

'Although Christian charity was not absent, and there were many outstanding instances of devotion and care for children, the overall effects of the policies linked to the residential schools were catastrophic,' Francis said.

'What our Christian faith tells us is that this was a disastrous error, incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.'

The first pope from the Americas was determined to make this trip, even though torn knee ligaments forced him to cancel a visit to Africa earlier this month.

The six-day visit - which will also include stops in Quebec City and Iqaluit, Nunavut, in the far north - follows meetings Francis held in the spring at the Vatican with delegations from the First Nations, Metis and Inuit.

Those meetings culminated with Francis' apology April 1 for 'deplorable' abuses at residential schools and a promise to do so again on Canadian soil.

Members of indigenous communities, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit, hold a banner with the names of the victims during a meeting with Pope Frances, at Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Catholic Church

Pope Francis kisses the hand of residential school survivor upon his arrival in Canada Sunday. The visit marks a radical rethink of the Catholic Church's missionary legacy in the Americas, spurred by the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at the school sites

Francis recalled that one of the delegations gave him a set of beaded moccasins as a symbol of children who never came back from the schools, and asked him to return them in Canada. Francis said in these months they 'kept alive my sense of sorrow, indignation and shame' but that in returning them he hoped they can also represent a path to walk together.

Event organizers said they would do everything possible to ensure survivors could attend, busing them in and providing mental health counselors knowing that the event could be traumatic for some.

Francis acknowledged that the memories could trigger old wounds and even his mere presence could be traumatic, but he said remembering was important to prevent indifference.

Later Monday, Francis was scheduled to visit Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, a Catholic parish in Edmonton oriented toward Indigenous people and culture. The church, whose sanctuary was dedicated last week after being restored from a fire, incorporates Indigenous language and customs in liturgy.
The long-term boyfriend of a woman tragically killed in a house fire risked his own life to drag her body from their burning home as their young daughter miraculously escaped unscathed.

Adrienne Witter has been remembered as a fun loving force of nature, animal lover and devoted mum after a blaze ripped through her Wheelers Hill home in Melbourne's south-east on Thursday night.

Known as Adie to her nearest and dearest, the mother-of-one was unable to be revived and died at the scene, despite emergency crews arriving on scene within five minutes of the call for help.

Her long-term partner Steve suffered severe burns in the blaze after pulling her unconscious body from the bedroom engulfed in flames. He was rushed to hospital and remains in ICU.

A house fire claimed the life of Melbourne mother-of-one Adie Witter (pictured). She's survived by her long-term partner and 11-year-old daughter

Their 11-year-old daughter who was also home at the time escaped uninjured and didn't require medical attention.

Shattered friends have rallied around Ms Witter's partner and daughter, whom they say was the light of her life and is the splitting image of her mum.

An online fundraiser set up by lifelong friends has already raised more than $6500 which will go towards her funeral and supporting grieving partner and daughter.

'Adie was an original. A vibrant, larger than life, fun-loving force of nature. She was a loving partner to Steve, devoted mother to Laura - the light of her life - and an extraordinary and valued friend to many,' the page states.

'She has passed tragically and much too soon.

A childhood best friend added: Her bubbly larger than life aura always filled any space including our hearts.'

She attended SCEGGS Darlinghurst in Sydney and later studied marketing and viticulture science at university in Melbourne. She also spent time working in the Whitsundays in North Queensland.

The fatal blaze has rocked the quiet close-knit neighbourhood, where distressed neighbours recalled doing everything they could to help.

Ms Witter was much loved in the area she called home for more than two decades.

The Wheelers Hill neighbourhood has been rocked by the tragic death of Adie Witter

Ms Witter's partner remains in hospital after pulling her body from the burning home (pictured) while their 11-year-old daughter escaped uninjured

A devastated neighbour told the Today show: 'They were towering flames, absolutely enormous flames going into the sky.

'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: ''(I) always found her a kind, caring and gentle neighbour who had a love of animals especially her precious dogs and cat.'

'She had a lovely smile and family was important to her.'

Authorities spent much of Friday scouring the scene trying to determine what sparked the fire .

The cause of the blaze remains unknown.

Friends described Adie (pictured) as a vibrant, larger than life, fun-loving force of nature
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This is the spot of isolated bushland where detectives searching for missing dog walker Shereen Kumar found her body wrapped in plastic and dumped.

The reserve is just 2.5km - or four minutes' drive - down the road from the home she shared with her boyfriend Vincent Carlin on Taylors Road in Dural in Sydney's northwest.

Carlino is now in custody charged with murdering his girlfriend. He did not apply for bail when he fronted Parramatta Court on Sunday.

He was arrested about 11.30pm on Saturday night, just hours after Ms Kumar's body was found in the wet shrubs.

Daily Mail Australia understands he did not make a scene or have anything to say to detectives as he was taken away. His lawyer, Elias Tabchouri, said Carlino is still in shock and processing news his girlfriend is dead.

Carlino was the person who sounded the alarm about her disappearance. He called police on Thursday morning, detailing how they'd had an argument the night before and that Ms Kumar left the house in the heat of the fight.

This graphic shows the isolated bushland where detectives searching for model, dog walker and mother Shereen Kumar found her body wrapped in plastic on Saturday

Police will allege Carlino and Ms Kumar had an 'on and off' relationship dating back to April 2021

There are no street lights at any point along the stretch of road and houses are so far back from the street that even dim interior lighting would do little to pave the way

Vans belonging to the couple with their dog walking business logos were towed away from the home on Monday afternoon

Police had their doubts about his story. The isolated stretch of road the pair lived on is dead quiet at night and, during winter, is pitch black relatively early in the evening.

There are no street lights at any point along the stretch of road and houses are so far back from the street that even dim interior lighting would do little to pave the way if Ms Kumar had slipped out when her boyfriend claims she did.

Rain was pouring heavy on Wednesday night, causing muddy trenches between the road and each home on the street.

Just four minutes drive down the road, where Ms Kumar was found, the terrain is much the same.

Meanwhile on Monday detectives returned to the couple's tidy semi-detached duplex to continue their investigations.

They only moved in three months ago and were steadily coming to know their immediate neighbours.

Vans belonging to the couple with their dog walking business logos were towed away from the home by investigators on Monday afternoon.

Ms Kumar's body was found in bushland toward the back of Laurie Street on Saturday afternoon - four days after she went missing

Detectives remained at the scene on Monday sifting through bags and boxes as the investigation continued

Shereen Kumar, 43, (pictured) has been remembered as an 'incredible mother' by her heartbroken family

Neighbours say Ms Kumar and Carlino were quiet and friendly, seemed like a hardworking but happy couple and were not known to argue.

Police are now working backwards to piece together Ms Kumar's last known hours alive and Carlino's movements.

Detectives are using investigative technology and analysing CCTV from the area as part of the investigation - with both Kumar and her boyfriend's vans taken away for further testing.

Forensic specialists are expected to travel back and forth from the home in the coming days as the investigation continues.

The couple who live on the other side of the duplex offered to get out of the way and will stay with family while the investigation takes place.

They said they spoke with Carlino the day after Ms Kumar vanished and that he made a point of telling them she suffered bouts of depression.

It was cold, raining and miserable the night Ms Kumar disappeared. There are no street lights on Taylors Road and much of the grass had turned to mud after weeks of persistent wet weather. The couple were shocked anybody would want to be caught outdoors on such a night

While most houses in the isolated street are separated by huge blocks of land, Carlino and Ms Kumar were living in a small weatherboard duplex and shared a wall with their neighbours

They are still holding out hope charges against Carlino will be dropped, struggling to reconcile the 'kind guy' they know with the allegations made against him.

'We've never heard them argue,' the woman next door said.

'We share a wall so we know everything. If they shower, we know. If they leave the house, we know. He's a nice guy and they're a hardworking couple. We just don't know what happened.'

Police will allege Carlino killed Ms Kumar sometime after 9pm on Wednesday, wrapped her in plastic and tape, then dumped her body 2.5km from their home.

The pair began dating in April 2021 and had an 'on and off' relationship, according to police.

They broke up late last year before reconciling and moving to Dural together in May.

Ms Kumar will be remembered as 'quiet and lovely' among neighbours in the street. She came across as hardworking but rarely said much.

On Monday morning, Ms Kumar's neighbours packed some bags and left the home as the police investigation into her death continues

Her ex-husband Gurpreet Beehan, who is the father of her two kids, told Daily Mail Australia the family are 'heartbroken' and will 'ensure' she gets the justice she deserves.

He said Ms Kumar was a 'strong woman' who was devoted to their children, and her death had created a hole in their lives that would never be filled.

'She was an incredible mother to our kids and she will be missed forever,' Mr Beehan said.

'No one can replace a mother and this has left us all devastated.'

Mr Beehan said he had to have a difficult conversation with his children about what happened to their mother.

'I don't have the answers,' he said.

Carlino and Ms Kumar took over as the franchises of the Hornsby Mad Dogs & Englishmen pet walking service in October last year

In court on Sunday, Carlino did not apply for bail, with his lawyer Mr Tabchouri telling reporters his client was 'very concerned' about the allegations.

Mr Tabochouri said it was still 'too early to say' how his client intends to plead.

'At this stage I don't have any instructions other than to wait for the evidence and go from there,' Mr Tabchouri said.
And last night at Wood Green another man was shot dead around 9.30pm in an apparently unconnected hit

Eight minutes later in Waltham Forest a man Sam Brown was shot dead following a 100-person park rave

Then that night a man was also stabbed inside the Star & Scorpion pub on Uxbridge Road in Ealing, London

First in the Fatling Hornchurch pub in Havering, east London, saw a victim, 23, stabbed and rushed to hospital

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A weekend of bloodshed in London saw three people killed in less than 24 hours and another badly injured as violent crimes in the capital spiralled out of control.

Police are hunting two separate gunmen after two men were killed in unconnected attacks in Wood Green and Waltham Forest yesterday.

In the latter people had been partying in the hot weather at a 100-strong rave when the shooting started.

Meanwhile family of a man in his 50s were grieving their loss today after he was stabbed to death in the Star & Scorpion pub in Ealing.

Elsewhere disturbing CCTV footage in a bar in Havering, east London, showed the moment a knifeman walked behind an unsuspecting man and stabbed him repeatedly in the back.

The victim, 23, is in a serious but stable condition in hospital, but his assailant is still on the loose.

There is no suggestion any of the four violent crimes are connected to each other.

It comes just three days after police forces in England and Wales were revealed to have recorded the highest number of offences in 20 years, driven by a sharp rise in 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.

The Wood Green shooting happened at 9.30pm last night by a mystery gun attacker very nearby to the underground station

A forensics tent was seen covering a specific area in Wood Green this morning

Police also probing the death of a man Sam Brown in Waltham Forest yesterday morning after a 100-strong rave in a park

Officers were called to reports a man had been knifed inside an Ealing pub this weekend caught on harrowing CCTV film

The bloodshed started just after midnight on Saturday morning when officers were called to the Fatling Hornchurch pub in Havering, east London, following reports of the stabbing.

The victim, 23, suffered 'a number of stab wounds' and was rushed to hospital following treatment at the scene.

He remains in a serious but stable condition at hospital, police have said. His next of kin have been informed.

Police have released an image of a man detectives are trying to identify as part of an investigation into the incident. He is still on the run.

Footage also shows the man having a conversation in a small group, before he appears to walk behind the victim and inflict a number of blows.

Less than 24 hours later officers were called at 11.55pm to reports a man had been knifed inside the Star & Scorpion pub on Uxbridge Road in Ealing.

Police released this image of a man detectives are trying to identify as part of an investigation into the Havering incident

Footage shows the main trailing another pub-goer before inflicting a number of blows in the early hours of Saturday morning

Violence against the person crimes have steadily increased in London over the past ten years, these Met statistics show

In the past two years the violent offences have fluctuated due to the lockdowns of the pandemic but are still above average

The orange blocks in the graph represent lockdown restrictions, coinciding with falling crime before they come back up

Crime hits a 20 year high 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. 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. Advertisement

Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service.

The man, believed to be aged 58, was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Scotland Yard, the victim's family have been informed and they will be supported by specialist officers.

A post-mortem examination and formal identification will be arranged in due course, the force added.

On Sunday a 58-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was taken to a west London police station where he remains in custody.

Eight minutes later a murder investigation was launched following the death of a man in Waltham Forest after a 100-person rave in a park.

Police were called at around 00.35am on July 24, to reports of shots fired in Cheney Row Park.

Officers attended the location along with ambulance colleagues. Cordons were put in place and a crime scene secured.

A short time later, two people self-presented at an east London hospital.

One of the men who was aged 28 years and suffering critical gunshot injuries, died at hospital a short time later. He has since been identified as Sam Brown, who lived in Waltham Forest.

His stepmother Biba Browns said: 'We need to stop this violence.

'I can't deal with this, my stepson , always my person, Sam Brown I love you.'

And the most recent crime saw a man shot dead last night near to a London Underground station.

The victim was gunned down near Wood Green tube stop in London just before 9.30pm last night.

It is not clear whether he had been traveling on the underground before the killing happened.

Families living near the scene watched as an air ambulance landed to try and save his life.

After a man was stabbed to death inside a west London pub last night, a murder investigation has been launched in Ealing

Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service to the scene in Ealing and taped off key areas to preserve scene

There have been no arrests at this early stage in the investigation but police are searching for witnesses and evidence

Forensics on the scene in Waltham Forest. Police were called to Cheney Row Park at around 12.30am yesterday to reports of shots being fired

Police have urged witnesses to remember the victim's 'grieving mother and father' and help police with their inquiries

They were joined by a road ambulance, an advanced paramedic and a medic in a fast response car.

Because it was a shooting a tactical response unit also joined them to deal with the aftermath.

But despite the emergency services best efforts the victim - whose identity and age are currently unknown - died at the scene.

A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service said: 'We were called at 9.28pm on July 24 to reports of a shooting near Wood Green Underground Station, N22.

'We sent a number of resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, an advanced paramedic, a medic in a fast response car and members of our tactical response unit.

'We also dispatched London's Air Ambulance.'

The Metropolitan Police is yet to comment on the death.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has made no mention of any of the crimes over the weekend so far on his social media feeds.

He has come under increasing criticism over violence engulfing the capital in recent year
Bill Shorten said he reversed term back to 'mother' to avoid an 'ugly' culture war

Adam Bandt has come under fire for referring to himself as a 'dad' after arguing the term 'mother' should be replaced with 'birthing parent'.

The Greens leader accused the Albanese government this week of excluding LGBTQ+ people by changing the words 'birthing parent' back to 'mother' on a healthcare form.

But eagle-eyed social media users were quick to point out he calls himself a 'Dad of two' on his Twitter profile.

Commenters asked the progressive politician why he doesn't adopt the title 'non-birthing parent' or a 'sperm producing unit'?

Greens leader Adam Bandt (pictured with his wife Claudia Perkins) slammed the government for switching the term 'birthing parent' back to 'mother' on a healthcare form

'Peak Stupidity. Adam Bandt wants mother and father replaced with 'birthing parent and 'non birthing parent' while having DAD OF TWO written in his profile,' one user wrote.

Another user chipped in with: 'By your logic, shouldn't your bio say 'non-birthing parent of 2' instead of 'Dad of 2'?'

Another accused Mr Bandt of actively discriminating against women.

'A politician (and party leader) wants to ban the word 'mother' in the name of 'LGBTQ+' inclusion but thinks it's fine to call himself a 'dad' in his bio. Is it any wonder women see this as targeted erasure?' the person wrote.

Commenters asked the progressive politician why he doesn't adopt the title 'non-birthing parent'

One user helpfully suggested an alternative: 'Dad of two??!? You should change that to sperm contributing unit, unless you've come over all terfy?'

TERF stands for trans-exclusionary radical feminist and it means feminists who do not include transgender people in their advocacy of women's rights.

Daily Mail Australia has sought comment from Mr Bandt's office about the social media criticism.

The backlash comes after Mr Bandt decried a backflip by the NDIS and Government Services minister Bill Shorten to change 'birthing parent' back to 'mother' on a form.

'As leaders we have a duty to do the right thing despite the culture warrior tabloids,' Mr Bandt tweeted on Friday.

Mr Bandt (pictured in June) decried a backflip by the NDIS and Government Services minister Bill Shorten to change 'birthing parent' back to 'mother' on a healthcare form

The backlash comes after Mr Bandt decried a backflip by the NDIS and Government Services minister Bill Shorten to change 'birthing parent' back to 'mother' on a form

'Birthing parent' includes LGBTQ+ people. It does not exclude anyone. I strongly encourage @billshortenmp to consult widely and reconsider this intervention.'

The new consent forms were introduced at three hospitals across Australia as part of a trial to digitally upload newborn babies' details to Medicare.

The document asked for the 'birthing parent's full name' in one box and 'birthing parent's signature' in another, rather than 'mother'.

Mr Shorten revealed on Monday he made the decision to switch the term back to 'mother' in a bid to avoid an 'ugly' culture war.

'I'm sure my instinct to defuse ugly culture wars is right,' he told Sydney Morning Herald.

Bill Shorten (pictured in June) has defended a decision to change the term 'birthing parent' back to 'mother' on a healthcare form saying he wanted to avoid a culture war

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 346 votes

No 3526 votes

Unsure 32 votes Now share your opinion





'There are many people who feel the word 'mother' is special and worthy and there are others who feel their identity is not included  each has a legitimate point of view.

'We just need to be better at not having to have one view at the expense of the other.'

Mr Shorten said cancelling the word 'mother' did not help the 'cause of diversity and tolerance' and said replacing the term with 'birthing parent' would cause confusion among migrant families unaware of gender neutral, politically correct language.

Services Australia said the new forms were rolled out in March and filled out by 1,100 parents since the launch.

Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen told the Daily Telegraph the new terms had been 'tested before being trialled' and claimed the feedback was positive.

Mr Shorten's decision to change the titles on the forms comes after a Gold Coast mother slammed the forms as 'offensive' and 'alienating' towards women who wanted to be called mothers.

The new consent forms were introduced in three hospitals across Australia as a way to upload new baby details to Medicare digitally

Podcaster 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,' Ms Grover wrote.

'Enough is enough. This absolute bulls*** 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.'

During an interview with the Today Show last Thursday, Ms Grover 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,' she said.

Sall Grover, from the Gold Coast, said she was shocked by the new consent forms handed to her shortly after giving birth to her newborn baby

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'.

Ms Grover replied: '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.'

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.

Fellow host Ally Langdon said as a mother herself, she found the term 'birthing parent' dehumanising.

The Gold Coast mother posted a photo of the new consent form to Twitter on Tuesday and described it as 'exclusionary, alienating and derogatory'

'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.'

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,' one said.

'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.'

An emphatic Karl Stefanovic (left) said he 'couldn't believe' the form had been changed in the first place

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.'
Penny Wong has injured her shoulder falling off a surfboard on a family holiday days before the opening of Parliament.

The foreign minister sported a sling on her right arm as she met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Cabinet on Monday.

Her office said she was injured while surfing on a holiday with her partner Sophie Allouache and two daughters last week.

Penny Wong has injured her shoulder while surfing on a family holiday days before the first sitting of Parliament

Foreign Minister Penny Wong sported a sling on her right arm as she met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Cabinet on Monday.

Senator Wong, 53, was bombarded with concerned messages from fans after photos of her in Cabinet began circulating, and reassured them she was OK.

'Thank you to those who have expressed concern. In short - Penny v surfboard and surfboard won,' she wrote on Twitter.

Unlike former prime minister Tony Abbott, the South Australian senator does not have a well-known history of hitting the waves.

Senator Wong got some much-needed family time after weeks of international diplomacy as the Labor government made her portfolio a priority.

She and 'Airbus Albo' logged thousands of airmiles shoring up Australia's relations in the region, most recently in Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum on July 11-14.

A week earlier she met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi after a G20 meeting of foreign ministers, where she discussed ending the two-year trade war.

Senator Wong was bombarded with concerned messages from fans after this photo of her in Cabinet began circulating, and reassured them she was OK

Senator Wong supports her right arm with her left as she sits next to Anthony Albanese at a Cabinet meeting on Monday, the day before Parliament opens

Back at work on home soil, Senator Wong listened as Mr Albanese told Labor caucus his government would 'hit the ground running'.

'Labor governments dont just occupy the space, we are here to make a difference and this week we will have legislation, at least 18 pieces of legislation,' he said.

Priorities include setting an emissions reduction target, giving Australians 10 days of domestic violence leave, and reforming aged care.

Labor promised to legislate a 43 per cent emissions reduction target for 2030, upping the ante from the Morrison Government that only committed to a 26 per cent reduction.

'In addition to that, in coming weeks we will have child care legislation. We will be acting on our urgent care clinics, putting them in place. We will, by the end of the year, have legislation on the anti-corruption commission,' Mr Albanese said.

'We will be advancing the [Indigenous] Voice to Parliament enshrined in our Constitution.

Senator Wong got some much-needed family time after weeks of international diplomacy, most recently in Fiji for the Pacific Islands Forum on July 11-14, seen here without a sling

Back at work on home soil, Senator Wong listened as Mr Albanese told Labor caucus his government would 'hit the ground running'

'In all of this, in all of this is the what, and the how is also important, so we want to change the tone of politics in this country. We want to be more inclusive. We want to make sure theres less shouting more delivery.'

Mr Albanese spent several minutes touting Labour's achievements in its first two months in office, including getting the minimum rage raised by 5.2 per cent.

'I said during the election campaign I held up my $1 coin and said that people on $20.33 deserve an extra $1 an hour which is what were talking about,' he said.

'Indeed, the fair work commission granted them $1 and now with an increase there is no doubt that that would not have occurred had the change in government not happened on May 21.'

The PM also did not miss the chance to bash the Coalition on its $1 trillion of debt from Covid relief, and for pressuring the public service to announce an asylum seeker boat arrival on election day.

Parliament will sit on Tuesday for the first time since before the May 21 federal election that swept Labor to power.
An oversupply of Australian avocados has seen record low prices for the fruit, with production tipped to soar for the next five years.

Rabobank's avocado outlook has found supply up 26 per cent on last year, with domestic output forecast to expand 40 per cent to reach 173,000 tonnes by 2026.

However the report says significant weather events and the recent varroa mite incursion may pose a threat to pollination.

The price of avocados has plummeted due to an oversupply of the fruit in the country (stock image)

Author Pia Piggott says the abundant supply has lead to all time low prices, with avocados retailing at a dollar each in June last year and again early this month.

The discounting has been welcomed by consumers but put considerable pressure on growers.

'Overall we are going to be well supplied, as the per capita supply is increasing we will definitely see that price remain low,' Ms Piggott told AAP.

Avocados in 2022 cost, on average, half as much as they did over the past five years.

The report concluded a significant maturing of trees in the past season, primarily in Western Australia and Queensland, has lead to the national oversupply.

Ms Piggott said Australia's production for 2021 and 2022 is estimated at 124,000 tonnes, which combined with imports of around 12,500 tonnes for the year has meant abundant supplies.

A bumper crop in Western Australia was a turning point, with the state's estimated production up a staggering 265 per cent.

This was driven by a 21 per cent increase in the hectares of trees that reached maturity and produced fruit, coupled with optimal conditions,' Ms Piggott said.

'The low trade prices are definitely a negative for avocado growers,' she said.

'It's really tightening margins for growers because they're already being squeezed by high input costs and labour shortages.'

The reason for the oversupply is the result of more trees, primarily in QLD and WA, maturing and producing the fruit (stock image)

WA, along with imports from New Zealand, supplies the majority of Australia's avocados during spring and summer.

All other Australian growing regions, except North Queensland, which saw a record harvest the previous year, have also had slight year-on-year increases in production, the report said.

With all regions also expecting production growth over the next five years, Australia will need to both consume and export more avocados, it found.

Ms Piggott says consumer appetite remains healthy both domestically and abroad.

While the average volume of avocados consumed by each Australian household increased 31.2 per cent on the previous year, they spent 29.1 per cent less on them, due to lower prices.
Celebrity weight loss guru and heiress Savannah Daisley is recorded on a secret phone tap trying to silence the 14-year-old boy she allegedly raped, police claim.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Kerry-Ann McKinnon told Downing Centre Local Court on Monday the secret phone call was taped the same day Ms Daisley was arrested just over three weeks after he'd told his mother in June about the alleged sex acts.

The police sting happened just over a year after officers allege Ms Daisley had drunken sex four times in one day with the teenager.

'This wasn't a spontaneous act. There's some disclosures made about feelings prior to this,' Sgt McKinnon said, describing the call, which cannot be released under a suppression order.

'There are also apologies. She ... attempts to shift the blame.

'She suggests it was mutual ... and what the potential ramifications are going to be.

'She's guilt tripping this child. Reminds the child of what the agreement was in respect of keeping it under wraps.

'Puts it in a kind of story-like, fairytale situation ... how it is going to go away and never come back.'

Savannah Daisley was secretly recorded in a police phone tap talking with the 14-year-old boy she allegedly had sex four time with and tried to silence him, officers claim

Daisley looked glamorous in her prison greens despitre having spent a month at Silverwater Women's prison (above, a cell at Silverwater remand prison in NSW) since her arrest after the police sting operation

Magistrate Alison Viney said Ms Daisley, who had been 'regularly blacking out because of alcohol she consumed' said in the call that the alleged acts 'should be confined to the depths of the ocean in a chest'.

Ms Viney described the tapped call as 'a very disturbing telephone conversation' made on June 27 this year, the same day police successfully applied for a listening device warrant and the boy phoned Ms Daisley.

Police allege the Instagram influencer and the boy had sex four times over a 24 hour period from 5pm on May 19, 2021.

The call was tendered as Daisley, 45, applied for bail on Monday afternoon, after being remanded in custody last month charged with four counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child aged between 14 and 16.

Looking glamorous despite wearing prison greens, Ms Daisley also also appeared tense and anxious as her lawyer Gabrielle Bashir made a desperate attempt to have her freed on bail, citing her 'deteriorating' mental health behind bars in Australia's toughest women's prison.

Ms Bashir said Ms Daisley, who is incarcerated in Silverwater Women's Correctional Centre in western Sydney, risked losing 'millions of dollars' from her business while locked up.

The Smart Cleanse founder, who promotes her 14-day detox programs internationally with celebrity endorsements, is currently 'rebranding' a product and her parents have considerable investments in the business which were now at risk.

Ms Bashir told the court on Monday Ms Daisley's mother has ovarian cancer, and that her family will offer up $100,000 as a surety if she is released on bail.

Smart Cleanse founder Savannah Daisley (pictured) has successfully applied to be released on bail after spending the past four weeks behind bars

Gabrielle Bashir told the court that at a previous, unsuccessful bail application earlier this month a magistrate had been wrongly informed the alleged offences carried a maximum penalty of 14 years, whereas it was only 12 years.

She argued Ms Daisley had 'deteriorating mental health in custody', that she was due to appear in an AVO matter against her ex-partner James Wallis and that further imprisonment meant a 'substantial financial deterrent' to her wellness business of 'millions of dollars'.

Ms Daisley's father, the famous horse breeder Ross Daisley who raced renowned thoroughbred Choisir at Royal Ascot, was in court for his daughter's hearing on Monday.

He previously offered to pay $10,000 bail to have his daughter released from custody.

Savannah Daisley has been charged with four counts of aggravated sexual intercourse with a child aged between 14 and 16 years

Horse breeder Ross Daisley (pictured with Savannah in 1993) was at his daughter's court hearing on Monday and has put up a $100,000 suretyy for her release

Pictured: The Sydney Harbour view from Daisley's $10million home on Sydney's lower north shore

Ms Daisley is a successful entrepreneur and founder of Smart Cleanse - a 14-day program comprising capsules and powers that promise to detoxify clients' bodies, eliminate stress, shed kilos, and 'reverse ageing'.

Ms Daisley's products now sell across Australia after she secured deals with pharmacy giant Priceline in 2018, and with supplement giant Mr Vitamin in 2020.

She launched the company in 2014 and quickly attracted a celebrity following, including Neighbours star Jodi Gordon, who featured in a video testimonial for Smart Cleanse in June 2021 - spruiking the program as her 'health and beauty secret'.

Daisley normally resides in a $10million waterfront mansion 20km away from Silverwater jail on the city's lower north shore.

Magistrate Viney told Ms Daisley that she wasn't the only person in prison who felt they could better deal with mental health issues if they were released.

'In court room after court room there are an extremely large number of people with enormously complex needs after a life of trauma,' Ms Viney said.

'The reality is if this would apply as a given , the system would break down and everyone one would be released.'

However she decided to grant Ms Daisley bail, on strict conditions, including that she surrender her passport and have no contact with the alleged teenage victim, or any other witnesses.

Ms Daisley's father broke out in applause in the court as bail was granted to his daughter, who shed a few tears and thanked the magistrate.

Ms Daisley will have to live with her parents and report to Moss Vale police station as she awaits trial on the child sex offences.

Sgt McKinnon said prosecutors had a 'very strong case', coupled with the intercepted call, which could put Ms Daisley away for up to 12 years for each alleged offence.
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Parts of England could face a hosepipe ban and the declaration of an official drought next month if the hot weather continues with little rain, it emerged today as the spell of prolonged dry weather carries on.

The UK's National Drought Group - a collection of government departments, water firms and environmental groups - will meet tomorrow to discuss a whether there could be an official drought in some areas in August.

The crunch meeting will aim to co-ordinate action to maintain water supplies and protect the environment during the dry weather, with the decision on calling a drought being dependent on rainfall over the coming weeks.

A drought would be jointly declared by the Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) - and it would the first one in the UK since 2018 when some hosepipe bans were brought in, The Mail+ reported.

It comes after months of below average rainfall for much of the country, particularly southern and eastern areas, and the unprecedented extreme 40C (104F) heat last week putting heightened pressure on water supplies.

The bed of the Woodhead reservoir in Derbyshire is photographed last Thursday as concerns mount over a possible drought

A dry bank of a tributary to the Dowry Reservoir near Oldham in Greater Manchester last Tuesday during the very hot weather

A view of the dried bed of Llwyn-on Reservoir during a heatwave in the Taf Fawr valley in South Wales last Monday

People in parts of Kent including Canterbury, Ashford and Sevenoaks have already been told by South East Water to use water only for essential purposes as stocks dwindled following months of below-average rainfall.

The company - which supplies water to 2.3million people in the region  has seen its reservoirs drop from around 80 per cent full to as low as 60 per cent in a month, while demand soars by a fifth on normal levels.

How Britain has been left parched by a lack of rain Some parts of the UK have seen barely a drop of rain since the start of July, spelling problems for farmers after the first half of 2022 was one of the driest on record - and raising the prospect of higher food prices. Reservoirs have been particularly low in Yorkshire, where five million customers have been warned of a possible hosepipe ban - while others in the Peak District have appeared to be down to little more than a trickle. Some rivers are also running dry, with water levels on the Waveney in Suffolk 'exceptionally low' at around 30 per cent of normal for the time of year, according to the Environment Agency. East Anglia as a whole has seen two-thirds of its average rainfall over the first half of the year - the driest January to June period since 1996, and the 11th driest since records began in 1836. Meanwhile Wales - normally the wettest part of Britain - also saw far less rainfall than normal between March and June, with the River Teifi in Ceredigion at record low levels. Fishing has been banned in the rivers Wye and Usk, with exceptionally warm water already killing fish. West Sussex, the Isle of Wight and the City of London all recorded just 0.1mm (0.003ins) of rain between July 1 and July 12, according to the Met Office. Across England, average rainfall in the first 12 days of the month was 5.1mm (0.2ins), less than a tenth of the average for the whole of July, 66.48mm (2.62ins). Wales was also far drier than normal, with 8.8mm (0.35ins) of rain compared to an average across July of 98.56mm (3.88ins). Advertisement

Water companies have been reporting unprecedented peak demand, with people encouraged to 'carefully consider' their water usage amid warnings of a drought following months of below-average rainfall.

A spokesman for industry association Water UK told MailOnline today: 'Water companies are continuing to see extremely high demand and are urging everyone to carefully consider the amount of water they are using at this time.

'The ongoing dry, warm weather in much of the country follows the driest winter and spring since the 1970s, leading to reduced river flows that need to be protected.

'Water companies have plans in place to manage water resources and safeguard the environment and are doing everything they can, including working closely with government and regulators, to minimise the need for any restrictions.'

While the weather will remain dry this week, Britons will enjoy a far more pleasant run of warm conditions with temperatures of 25C (77F) - but people were urged to help prevent fires in the scorching weather after a major incident in Surrey due to a large blaze.

The Met Office said the mercury will rise towards the end of this week but will likely remain below the thresholds for any official heatwave - a figure which is 28C (82F) in London and slightly lower elsewhere.

And temperatures are not expected to get anywhere near the levels seen during the extreme heat only six days ago when the hottest day on record for Britain was recorded in Lincolnshire at 40.3C (104.5F) last Tuesday.

Temperatures this week will likely peak in southern and eastern England with forecasts of 25C (77F) today, 22C (72F) tomorrow and Wednesday, 23C (73F) on Thursday and 24C (75F) on Friday.

Met Office meteorologist Stephen Dixon told MailOnline today: 'Much of this week will feel markedly cooler than the recent extreme temperatures the UK experienced, with continued chances of interludes of light showers for much of the UK through the week.

'However, between the short spells of showers, the southeast will see the highest temperatures, generally around the mid-20s Celsius.

'As we head into the weekend, it'll get gradually warmer  barring the far northwest, although temperatures will likely remain below the thresholds for any official heatwave to be declared, and there will be a continued risk of some showers, especially on Saturday.

'Early next week is obviously open to some uncertainty this far away, but there are some signals for some above average temperatures in the south in particular, although more details on this will be determined nearer the time.'

It comes after major blaze in Surrey yesterday where at least eight hectares of land were affected at Hankley Common, which has previously been used to film part of the James Bond blockbuster Skyfall.

Flames and large plumes of white and grey smoke were billowing across the common and spreading over West London, with a major incident declared before being stood down at about 6.40pm yesterday.

People were asked to avoid the area as the wildfire continued to burn. The cause of the blaze is unknown, but firefighters urged people to 'pack a picnic instead of a BBQ' and dispose of cigarettes and litter correctly.

Forecasters said this week would see a mixed start of conditions with low pressure continuing to give changeable weather today amid a mixture of bright spells, scattered showers and north-westerly winds.

There will then be an improvement from tomorrow, with low pressure gradually pulling away to the east and a ridge of high pressure edging closer from the west with sunshine, showers and winds gradually easing.

High pressure will then begin to dominate from Wednesday, with sunny spells after a cool start and any showers isolated. There will then be plenty of fine weather around from Thursday with some sunshine.

There could still be a few showers cropping up by the afternoon, but most areas will then be dry on Friday with some warm spells of sunshine  although it will turn cloudier in the far North West with some rain arriving.

Think it's hot now? How Britain roasted in TEN-WEEK heatwave during summer of '76: Temperatures hit 36C, criminal trials came to a halt, towns were plagued by swarms of insects and water was rationed as country faced worst drought in 250 years

In the summer of 1976, there were 15 consecutive days that saw temperatures of 89.6F (32C) in the UK

Overall, there were ten weeks of blazing heat that saw widespread drought and mass standpipe use

The murder trial of the notorious 'Black Panther' had to be paused after woman in public gallery collapsed

The heat also caused ladybird invasion with numbers so high they were often unavoidably crushed underfoot

PUBLISHED: 17:00, 14 July

By HARRY HOWARD, HISTORY CORRESPONDENT and MARK DUELL FOR MAILONLINE

The current non-stop sunshine has evoked memories of the summer of 1976, when there were 15 consecutive days that saw temperatures of 89.6F (32C) somewhere in the UK.

Overall, there were ten weeks of blazing heat that saw widespread drought, mass standpipe use, and even the pausing of the murder trial of the notorious 'Black Panther', after a woman suffering from 'heat exhaustion' collapsed.

During a First Division football match between Manchester City and Aston Villa, City player collectively lost four stone in weight, prompting the team's captain to call for an end to 'summer soccer'.

At that year's Wimbledon tennis championships, umpires were allowed to remove their jackets for the first time in living memory, whilst major roads were littered with broken-down cars that had overheated.

The extreme weather also caused an increase in the number of 999 callouts to domestic disturbances, as tempers buckled due to the heat.

The current non-stop sunshine has evoked memories of the summer of 1976, when there were 15 consecutive days that saw temperatures of 89.6F (32C) somewhere in the UK. Above: Bikini-clad women are seen enjoying the hot weather in 1976

Overall, there were ten weeks of blazing heat that saw widespread drought and mass standpipe use. Above: Residents collect water from a standpipe in Northam, Devon

A public information notice warning about the drought, erected by the road in the Bridport area of Dorset. The drought was worsened by the fact that there had been a lack of rainfall the previous summer

The summer of 1976 was caused in part by very hot air that had originated in the Mediterranean. The warm weather and lack of rain began on June 23 and did not abate for more than a month.

The highest temperature recorded in the summer was on July 3, when the mercury hit 96.6F (35.9C) in Cheltenham. The average maximum daily temperature was 67.8F (19.9C).

Photographs from the period show the impact that the heat had.

In one, residents were seen queuing with buckets to get water from stand pipes in Devon.

In another a model was photographed sunning herself on the dried-up basin of Pitsford reservoir.

Another showed some of the thousands of people who flocked to Brighton beach in East Sussex to sunbathe.

Like with this year's heat, the weather caused wildfires around the country, including in Epping Forest in Essex and Bellerby Moor in North Yorkshire.

Back then, knowledge about the dangers posed by the sun's rays to people's skin was not as extensive as it is now. It meant Britons took fewer precautions to protect themselves.

The Daily Mail's coverage of the extreme heat in 1976 mentioned how cars were overheating and there was little sign of an abating of temperatures

At the Wimbledon championships, where Bjorn Borg would go on to win the first of his five titles and a young Sue Barker made it to the quarter-finals, 400 people were treated for 'exposure to the sun' in a single day.

The conditions were what prompted officials to relax the strict dress code for umpires for the first time since the tournament began nearly 100 years earlier.

The trial of kidnapper Donald Nielson, who was nicknamed the Black Panther and was accused of murdering a 17-year-old woman, had to be suspended at Oxford Crown Court when a woman in the public gallery fainted

In the House of Commons, bar staff walked out in protest when officials refused to allow a similar relaxation in costume rules that would have allowed them to remove their traditional green jackets.

Above them, the Big Ben clock on what is now named the Elizabeth Tower suffered what was its only major breakdown due to metal fatigue caused by the heat. It took three weeks for the clock to be fixed.

Elsewhere, dozens of people desperately dived into the water of Trafalgar Square's fountains in an attempt to cool off.

As well as the weight loss seen in the football match between Manchester City and Aston Villa, the Metropolitan Police dealt with 600 more daily calls to domestic disturbances than normal.

As the drought worsened, a strict hosepipe ban was imposed in most places and residents were encouraged to alert the authorities if their neighbours used any water unnecessarily.

Showers instead of baths were encouraged, with the latter only allowed if there was no more than 5inches of water in the tub.

The drought was worsened by the fact that there had been a lack of rainfall the previous summer, meaning reservoirs and rivers were already low.

The lack of water prompted fires to break out. As well as blazes in Essex and Yorkshire, 300 residents in an old people's home in the New Forest had to be evacuated when a wild fire took hold nearby.

Farmers struggled too as thousands of acres of crops failed, prompting concerns that there would be huge increases in the price of food.

Street traders in London's Hyde Park were slammed for charging the grossly inflated price of 40p for a bottle of Coca-Cola, even though they were costing 22p in the Dorchester Hotel across the road.

A model is photographed sunning herself on the dried-up basin of Pitsford reservoir in Northamptonshire during the 1976 heatwave

In similar scenes, sunseekers stripped down to their swimwear in 1976 to make the most of the blazing heat

Firefighters putting out a forest fire in Epping Forest, near London, on July 6, 1976. Britain's worst drought for 250 years led to frequent outbreaks of fire around the country

At the Wimbledon championships, where Bjorn Borg (above) would go on to win the first of his five titles and a young Sue Barker made it to the quarter-finals, 400 people were treated for 'exposure to the sun' in a single day

Employees back in 1976 took their work outdoors and swapped the office desk for a fountain in a bid to avoid overheating

The searingly hot weather, from mid-June to the end of August was more prolonged than any within living memory

Sunbathers packed Brighton beach in East Sussex in 1976 as they desperately tried to cool off in scorching temperatures which lasted for weeks

Children are seen playing in the Trafalgar Square fountain to try to cool down during the 1976 heatwave

Two young women are seen cooling off with the help of an outdoor shower as temperatures soared during the ten-week heatwave

C Pillbeam, of the Metropolitan Water Board, turns down the water pressure at a turncock outside St Paul's Cathedral, London on August 18, 1976. The mains water pressure was reduced by a quarter to conserve water supplies

The weather also caused problems for couples, prompting a newspaper to give them advice on how to keep cool in the bedroom.

The drought became so severe that the then Labour government, led by James Callaghan, considered getting water by tanker from Norway.

Legislation - the Drought Act of 1976 - was passed in rapid time to both impose a nationwide hosepipe ban and to grant the government emergency powers that allowed them to reduce or turn off water supplies to industry.

The then sports minister, Dennis Howell, was made the new minister for drought.

In Wales, the mains water supply was switched off for up to 17 hours a day.

Each standpipe - an outdoor tap installed on streets - that people had to use was shared between 20 homes.

By late August, there were only 90 days' of water supply left in London. In Leeds, the figure was 80.

It prompted t-shirt manufacturers to start selling clothes bearing the slogan: 'Save Water - Bath With A Friend'.

Thanks to the dry reservoirs and sections of rivers, fish died in their thousands, whilst birds died of botulism - a disease caused by stagnant, de-oxygenated water.

The heat also caused an invasion of ladybirds, with their numbers so high that they were often unavoidably crushed underfoot.

The heat on stricken trains on the London Underground became so severe that people took to smashing train windows.

The trial of kidnapper Donald Nielson, who was nicknamed the Black Panther and was accused of murdering a 17-year-old woman, had to be suspended at Oxford Crown Court when a woman in the public gallery feinted.

However, a week after Mr Howell's appointment in late August as minister for drought, the rain finally arrived and the hottest and driest days of Britain's most famous summer were finally at an end. It had been the worst drought in England in 250 years.

The hot weather of the past few weeks has prompted many Britons to draw on their memories of the summer of 1976.

On Twitter, one wrote: 'I'm a survivor of the summer of 1976. What a time to be alive. It was amazing. I was 15 and the No government as I remember instructed me in how to behave.'

Another said: 'I have no idea how so many of us got through summer of 1976, unscathed. We didnt have social media to try to frighten the life out of us.'

A third wrote: 'A few hot days in July and they're trying to pretend this weather is somehow unusual. Anyone else remember the summer of 1976, when we had comparable temperatures to now, except it went on for more than two months rather than the usual week or two? This is *not* an emergency!'

Their comments came as Downing Street called the week's second Cobra meeting on the heatwave, with temperatures set to rise up to 39C (102F) from Monday.

Cabinet Office Minister Kit Malthouse chaired the meeting of the Cobra (Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms) civil contingencies committee, just three days after the first crisis meeting was held on Monday.

Rivers are at 30 per cent of normal levels, farmers are using a third more water and Britons have been told to take shorter showers after the lowest rainfall in more than a quarter of a century in parts of the UK.

Farmers warned today of a 'significant challenge' posed by the extremely dry weather as they try to keep crops fully watered in the face of rising fuel, electricity and fertiliser costs during the heatwave gripping Britain.

East Anglia is particularly parched this summer after it saw just two thirds of its normal rainfall in the first half of 2022, making it the region's driest six-month period since 1996 and the 11th driest since records began in 1836.

Brown grass at Greenwich Park in South East London today as the heatwave continues across England this week

Some rivers in the area are drying out  such as the River Waveney which is at only 30 per cent of its normal flow - while millions of households in Yorkshire have been urged to cut water use or face the prospect of a hosepipe ban.

The Environment Agency has classified the Waveney's flow rate as 'exceptionally low', while the River Great Ouse in Ely, Cambridgeshire; the River Yare in Norfolk; and the Little Ouse in Thetford are all now labelled 'notably low'.

Yorkshire Water has said it cannot rule out a hosepipe ban and is urging residents to spend at least one minute less having a shower - suggesting singing Bon Jovi's Livin' On A Prayer to reduce their time to four minutes.

One farmer on the Norfolk/Suffolk border said he would normally budget 80,000 for electricity to pump water around his crop fields, and this had already gone up to 250,000 this season. But this is now set to increase to 300,000 because of an extra 25 to 30 per cent of water that he is having to pump due to the very dry weather.
Water gushes out from Prakasam barrage as crest gates were lifted by officials in Vijayawada.  DC Image

VIJAYAWADA: In a rare sight within Vijayawada, authorities opened all 70 gates of Prakasam Barrage on Sunday to release floodwaters into the Bay of Bengal. In the process, they discharged 72,950 cusecs of water into the sea.

As per the water resources department, a huge amount of water is reaching Krishna River from its Paleru, Kattaleru, Vyra and other tributaries due to heavy rains in Telangana state. Prakasam Barrage received 32,490 cusecs of floodwaters from Wazenapalli, 46,263 cusecs from Keesara and 18,894 cusecs from Paleru.

With heavy inflows in Krishna River, water resources authorities have also lifted Srisailam project gates and released water to downstream Nagarjunasagar. Irrigation officials are also releasing water from Pulichintala.

As much as 10,000 cusecs of water is coming to Prakasam Barrage from Pulichintala Project.

Vijayawada Irrigation Circle superintendent engineer Sesham Tirumala Rao said over 97,647 cusecs of flood water reached Prakasam Barrage on Sunday. As per Central Water Commission's orders, the crest level of the barrage is being maintained at 12 feet by releasing water.

Sunday witnessed the lifting of all 70 gates to release 72,950 cusecs of water. 30 of these gates are of two feet and 40 of one foot.


A teacher set to stand trial after allegedly sexually abusing three teenage boys more than 40 years ago has been pictured.

Helga Lam, 67, will face several charges at the NSW District Court in August after allegedly sexually assaulting the boys during the 1970s.

Lam allegedly abused a 13, 14 and 15-year-old boy while she worked at Maroubra Bay High School, in Sydney's south-east, between 1977 and 1980.

Helga Lam, 67, (pictured) will stand trial at the NSW District Court in August after allegedly sexually assaulting the boys during the 1970s

Lam was arrested at her home in Sydney's Upper North Shore last year

She was arrested at her home in St Ives, an affluent suburb in the city's north, last September following an investigation launched by police.

Lam had been working at Killara High School, on the city's upper north shore, at the time she was taken into custody.

She was charged with 14 counts of indecent assault and was later hit with another three offences.

Lam pleaded not guilty to all 17 charges and was granted strict conditional bail after fronting court last week.

Maroubra Bay High School closed in 1990. It was used as the setting of the high school soap 'Heartbreak High'.
Two of Putin's best pilots have been killed by a HIMARS missile in Ukraine, as Russia's top brass continue to be blown to bits by US-made weapons.

Maksim Potyomin, 41, a fighter pilot with the rank of lieutenant colonel, died when his motorcade was hit by precision-guided rocket artillery in Donetsk on July 8.

The same attack is thought to have killed Colonel Anatoly Stasyukevich, 54, also a fighter pilot.

Lieutenant Colonel Maksim Potyomin, 41 (left), and Colonel Anatoly Stasyukevich, 54 (right), were killed in a HIMARS strike on their motorcade in eastern Ukraine

Potyomin's death - on July 8 - was credited to the US-made weapon system by father Alexey (left) who spoke out over the weekend

The officers' deaths were previously known, but the fact that they were killed by HIMARS was only revealed over the weekend by Potyomin's father Alexey.

It is thought the attack was carried out with assistance from Western intelligence.

Mr Potyomin, chairman of the Volgograd Regional Parachuting Federation, told local media: 'My son's car was hit by a HIMARS missile.'

Lieutenant-Colonel Sergei Mikhaylov, 42, who commanded a motorised rifle battalion, was also killed in Ukraine but died separately to Potyomin and Stasyukevich.

Potyomin was married with two children - a son, 15, and a daughter, eight - and has been posthumously awarded the order of courage by the Kremlin, which recognises selfless acts of courage and valour.

Natalya Duddinka, his godmother, said his loss had caused her 'huge, huge grief,' adding: 'There are no words to express this pain.'

Stasyukevich, chief of staff of the 1st Guards Baranovichi Red Banner mixed aviation division, was a third generation military pilot.

He flew in the same unit as Potyomin which was based in Krymsk, Krasnodar region.

The trio's deaths are just the latest among Russia's military elite to be caused by HIMARS - a precision rocket artillery system given to Ukraine by the US which arrived on the battlefield around a month ago.

Stasyukevich (right) was chief of staff of the 1st Guards Baranovichi Red Banner mixed aviation division and a third-generation military pilot

Mourners carry floral wreaths at the funeral of Potyomin which took place in his home-state of Volgograd on July 24

Flowers rest on the grave of Stasyukevich in Krymsk, in the Krasnodar region, where he served in the same fighter pilot regiment as Potyomin

Kyiv's men have been using the weapons to strike Russian command posts and ammo depots deep behind the frontlines which were previously out of range.#

Putin is said to have been left enraged by the effectiveness of the missiles, because he had been assured that Russia's latest-generation missile defences could shoot them down.

In the event, the S-400 system has provided little to no protection against them.

Night-time missile raids on ammunition warehouses have been causing huge explosions across the eastern Donbas region.

Meanwhile strikes on command posts are said to have taken out dozens of Russian officers at a time - including one general.

Off the back of the attacks, Russia's offensive in the Donbas has ground to a virtual halt as it cannot pull off the massive artillery barrages credited for previous success.

NASA data shows the amount of artillery being used in Donbas has fallen markedly in the last two weeks, while very few territorial gains have been made by Putin's troops.

Lt-Col Sergei Mikhaylov, commander of a motorised rifle battalion, was also killed in a separate attack elsewhere in Ukraine

American HIMARS systems are being used by Kyiv's men to strike deep behind Russian lines - targeting command posts and ammo dumps that were previously out of range (file)

That has freed up Ukrainian troops for attacks elsewhere - most notably in the south near Kherson where a major counter-attack is being prepared.

As Ukrainian attacks ramp up so have Russian losses, with Telegram channel General SVR - which has been reporting heavily on the war - now claiming Putin has seen 56,500 men killed in five months of fighting.

Those figures include a total of 43,000 regular Russian soldiers plus 11,400 from private military contractors and another 2,000 National Guard.

If confirmed, it would mean around a third of Russia's total military manpower has been killed since the start of Putin's 'special operation' back in February.

The head of the British Armed Forces, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, recently claimed that Russia has seen 50,000 soldiers taken out of action in the war.

However, that figure includes both dead and wounded. The new figure relates only to deaths.

The higher death figure would also imply an even larger number of wounded, massively hampering Putin's ability to wage war in the future.
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Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss are preparing for more live television Tory bloodletting tonight after their allies clashed angrily over immigration and standing up to China.

In an increasingly bitter battle to replace Boris Johnson and enter No10 the two rival camps spent the weekend tearing into each other to paint the other as a dangerous liability.

Allies of Ms Truss, the foreign secretary, labeled Mr Sunak a 'totally boring failed economist' after he vowed to double down on the 120m scheme to send migrants to Rwanda.

He also suggested that some could be housed in disused cruise liners to cut down on a multi-million-pound hotel bill for arrivals crossing the Channel in small boats.

The pair also clashed over China. When Mr Sunak last night declared Beijing to be 'the biggest long-term threat to Britain, 'allies of Liz Truss accused Mr Sunak of being 'soft on China' and pursuing closer trade links.

It is the latest round of infighting in an increasingly bitter leadership fight. They have previously clashed over issues including tax policy, where they are wide apart.

The two are due to appear on a live debate on BBC tonight at 9pm. The last scheduled debate, on Sky News, was pulled at the last minute amid concerns that the party was damaging itself in public.

It comes as a new poll shows that while Liz Truss is on course to win the Tory leadership and take power in No10, she is less popular than Sunak with the wider voting public.

Ms Truss has also refused to take part in a one-to-one TV interview with veteran interviewer Andrew Neil. He will grill Mr Sunak on Channel 4 this Friday night, but she has declined.

Here we look at their policies and their different offers to the Tory faithful.

It came as a new poll showed that while Ms Truss is more popular with Tory voters, Ms Sunak is ahead when it comes to all voters.

Allies of Ms Truss, the foreign secretary , labeled Mr Sunak a 'totally boring failed economist' after he vowed to double down on the 120m scheme to send migrants to Rwanda. She is pictured leaving home this morning

TAX AND SPEND

The main focus of the Tory members - some might say their only interest - is paying less tax. And it is tax policy that has contributed to most of Liz Truss's lead over Rishi Sunak.

The Foreign Secretary has pledged to cut both personal and business taxes. She has vowed to scrapped a plan to increase corporation tax to 25 per cent, and reverse Boris Johnson's 1.25 per cent increase to National Insurance designed to pay for the NHS and social care.

She believes her cuts will boost the economy. Experts have said fiscal plans would cost the Treasury 30billion, but she has insisted they will not impact public spending, because she will increase borrowing.

Mr Sunak on the other hand, has said that his main priority is reining in inflation, currently running at 9.4 per cent, the highest since the early 1980s. He will only look at cutting taxes once that handbrake has been removed.

The former chancellor has pitched himself as the fiscally conservative candidate and had criticised his rivals' plans to raise borrowing to pay for tax cuts as 'comforting fairytales'.

Inflation could soar to 15 per cent this winter, economists warned this morning.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies has said that Tory members would face a 'genuine choice' between Ms Truss's plans and those of Mr Sunak, whose fiscal position is broadly that of the current Government.

The debt interest costs in June dwarfed all previous monthly figures since records began in 1997

It was more than double the same month last year, and a peak since records began in 1997

Nadine Dorries takes to Twitter to blast Rishi Sunak's posh 3,500 suit The Tory leadership race turned increasingly bitter today, despite ministers warning both camps that the ongoing mudslinging is 'embarrassing' the party. Nadine Dorries lashed out at Rishi Sunak today after it was revealed he went campaigning in a 3,500 suit and 490 Prada shoes. The Culture Secretary, who backs Liz Truss, contrasted it with his opponent's more homespun appearance, saying the Foreign Secretary Ms Truss is more likely to be seen in a pair of 4.50 earrings from high street chain Claire's. But her sniping on Twitter provoked a backlash from Team Rishi, with Guildford MP Angela Richardson, who backs Sunak, replied: 'FFS (for f***'s sake) Nadine! Muted.' In turn, Truss backer Marcus Fysh said he would be muting supporters of her rival. The very public blue-on-blue attacks came as Truss and Sunak are due to go head-to-head in a BBC debate tonight. The last planned tv debate, on Sky News, was axed last week amid fears that public fighting was damaging the party. And there were similar pleas for calm today, with Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer tweeting: 'Probably worth remembering that on current trajectory we are out of power in two years time. The puerile nature of this leadership contest is embarrassing. Time to raise the standards.' His intervention came after former party chairwoman Amanda Milling branded the leadership race 'more toxic than I've ever seen'. She added that if the two camps didn't calm down 'the lasting damage to our Party could see us out of power for a decade'. Advertisement

In an analysis, the IFS's Robert Joyce noted that cancelling a planned rise in corporation tax from 19 to 25 per cent would cost 17billion, though some might be clawed back in higher tax income generally if it stimulates economic growth. The National Insurance pledge will reduce tax takings by an additional 13billion and mainly help the better-off.

However he also points out that Mr Sunak's plans leave the UK with 'tax heading towards its highest sustained level in 70 years as a share of national income'.

Ms Truss's plans have been backed by Prof Patrick Minford, one of Margaret Thatcher's favourite economists.

But he caused consternation by saying that they could lead to interest rates hitting a 'normal level' of up to seven per cent. The current rate is 1.5 per cent and the increase would have a massive impact on homeowners' mortgage repayments.

Additionally, public borrowing is already at a record level due to emergency bail-outs during the pandemic. Last month figures interest payments on the 2.4trillion debt mountain set a new record of 19.4billion.

Today Education Secretary James Cleverly defended Ms Truss's taxation plans and said he would not want to see interest rates at 7 per cent.

He said no prime minister can guarantee what interest rates will be in the future, but added: 'Tax decreases will stimulate economic growth. That has got to be the foundation stone.'

But former health secretary Jeremy Hunt said Rishi Sunak is 'prepared to be honest with the country' about the state of the nation's finances.

Mr Hunt, who failed in his own leadership bid, is backing the former chancellor in the Tory leadership contest.

He told ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'I'm supporting Rishi Sunak because I think he's prepared to be honest with the country about the challenges that we face, the fact we can't afford unfunded tax cuts.

'I think we need that honesty when it comes to the future of the NHS as well.'

Truss will today announce what she calls a 'full-fat' version of the ex-chancellor's freeports.

She claims existing low-tax areas are dogged by 'excessive' red tape.

The Tory leadership favourite wants to create model towns in the image of Victorian commercial areas such as Bournville.

Developers will be freed from planning rules so they can build quicker.

Miss Truss is also pledging to cut more red tape from the eight freeports created under Mr Sunak.

Her team hope the plans will unleash billions of pounds of investment.

IMMIGRATION

The two camps came to blows today over who was the toughest on immigration. Both have committed to the Rwanda scheme that is meant to see Channel migrants deported to Africa - though non have yet been sent.

Calling the current system 'broken', Mr Sunak offered a 10-point plan on Sunday that included a commitment to a narrower definition of who qualifies for asylum compared to that from the ECHR, with enhanced powers to detain, tag and monitor illegal migrants.

He also promised to give Parliament control over who comes to the UK by creating an annual cap on the number of refugees accepted each year, albeit one that can be changed in the case of sudden emergencies.

But those proposals were picked apart by Truss allies, who raised questions about Mr Sunak's proposals, arguing that it was unclear how the refugee quota would work and suggesting that some of his plans amounted to a 'rebrand'.

Allies of Ms Truss also queried a suggestion from Mr Sunak that illegal migrants could be housed on cruise ships, something the Truss camp suggested would amount to arbitrary detention and a breach of both domestic and international law.

It prompted claims he was offering unworkable 'red meat' to Tory rightwingers because he is losing, but his own camp told the Times: 'Good to see Remainer Truss on the side of human rights lawyers.'

Mr Sunak sought to defend his proposals on Sunday afternoon, telling the BBC that tackling illegal migration was a 'priority' for him and that 'no options should be off the table'.

But he was unable to give a clear assurance that his policy proposals would be legal.

The two camps came to blows today over who was the toughest on immigration. Both have committed to the Rwanda scheme that is meant to see Channel migrants deported to Africa - though non have yet been sent.

'What we do need to do is be very honest about the challenges that the ECHR, these European laws, have on our ability to grapple with this problem.

The Truss campaign had said that as prime minister she would increase the UK's frontline Border Force by 20 per cent and double the Border Force Maritime staffing levels, with Ms Truss claiming that her plan to tackle illegal migration would be given a strong legal foundation by the new UK Bill of Rights.

She vowed to take on the ECHR as immigration was thrust into the spotlight of the Tory leadership run-off.

Miss Truss also pledged to revisit the controversial idea of asking Border Force to intercept Channel migrants and tow them back to France.

The idea was abandoned by Boris Johnson this year after warnings it posed too great a risk to life. But campaign sources said Miss Truss would explore 'all possible tactics' for turning around boats to discourage others from the perilous crossing.

The Foreign Secretary uses an interview with The Mail on Sunday vow to strike Rwanda-style deals with more countries.

She said: 'The Rwanda policy is the right policy. I'm determined to see it through to full implementation, as well as exploring other countries that we can work on similar partnerships with. It's the right thing to do.

The plans from both candidates generated anger in some quarters, with Oxfam labelling as 'cruel' any plan to link UK aid payments to countries' co-operation with immigration removals and Amnesty International saying that making policy only to please Tory members has caused 'chaos and backlogs'.

Education Secretary James Cleverly, who is backing Ms Truss, today said a suggestion from Rishi Sunak's campaign that asylum seekers could be housed on cruise ships could be 'reputationally quite a negative thing' for holiday destinations if the ships are moored nearby.

He told Times Radio: 'It's understandable that (Mr Sunak) needs to put across a strong position on migration issues. I get that.'

He added: 'I haven't seen the practicalities of that. I do think that it would be interesting to see where those ships would be moored because typically the places where you can moor a cruise ship are holiday destinations.

'And I'm not completely sure that that would suit the tourist industry in our coastal towns which need I think a boost rather than what might be reputationally quite a negative thing, but I will look at that.'

CHINA AND FOREIGN POLICY

The pair also clashed over China. When Mr Sunak last night declared to be 'the biggest long-term threat to Britain, 'allies of accused Mr Sunak of being 'soft on China' and pursuing closer trade links.

Last night former party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, one of five British MPs sanctioned by China for speaking out on human rights abuses, said it was 'surprising' that Mr Sunak was claiming to be tough on Beijing.

Ahead of the leadership contenders' first head-to-head TV debate tonight, Sir Iain  who is backing Miss Truss  said: 'Over the last two years, the Treasury has pushed hard for an economic deal with China.

The former Chancellor has been criticised for pushing for closer trade with China, despite the nation cracking down on peaceful protests in Hong Kong (pictured)

Allies of Ms Truss, the foreign secretary, labeled Mr Sunak a 'totally boring failed economist' after he vowed to double down on the 120m scheme to send migrants to Rwanda.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith, who has been sanctioned by China, says Rishi Sunak has been quiet on China in the past two years

'This is despite China sanctioning myself and four UK parliamentarians, despite China brutally cracking down on peaceful democracy campaigners in Hong Kong, threatening Taiwan, illegally occupying the South China Sea, committing genocide on the Uyghurs and increasing its influence in our universities.

'After such a litany, I have one simple question to Mr Sunak: where have you been over the last two years?'

Earlier this month, China's state-controlled Global Times suggested Mr Sunak was Beijing's preferred leadership candidate. While 'most of the candidates hold a tough stance on China, only one of them [Sunak] has a clear and pragmatic view on developing UK-China ties', the communist mouthpiece said.

A source in Team Truss said Mr Sunak was 'playing catch-up' on the China issue. Another said it was 'remarkable' that the former banker believed he had grounds to go on the attack over it. 'Liz has almost single-handedly dragged the Government into a tougher position on China,' the source said.

Mr Sunak accused his rival of allowing Beijing to extend its propaganda machine into Britain's universities through its Confucius Institutes, which he pledged to shut down.

Critics say the Chinese government-funded cultural centres are strangling free speech on campuses and spying on overseas students. Nine such institutes opened during Miss Truss's two-year stint as an education minister, sources in the Sunak camp said.

Neither camp last night wanted to comment on mounting evidence that Covid might have leaked from a laboratory in the Chinese city of Wuhan. But a source close to the Foreign Secretary said: 'She doesn't think the Chinese have been entirely forthcoming about how the outbreak started.'

DEFENCE

Liz Truss has pledged to raise Britains spending on defence to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2026, and 3 per cent by 2030.

This would cost more than 22 billion on top of the current 48.2bn defence budget. She will also review plans to cut the Army by nearly 10,000 personnel.
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Archie Battersbee's family's were left enraged after a judge denied their request to postpone a ruling on the brain-damaged 12-year-old's life support - despite his father falling ill on the way to court and having to be taken to hospital.

The decision to continue with the case despite Paul Battersbee's illness sparked fury today from the family and its supporters - before a judge ruled that doctors can lawfully turn off Archie's life support.

The father, who is in his 50s, has fought a desperate campaign to save Archie alongside the 12-year-old's mother, Hollie Dance.

They insisted their son, who is unconscious after 'catastrophic' brain damage in April, had twice tried to breathe for himself in the last few days and needed to be 'given time to heal'.

Mr Battersbee fell ill on his way to court this morning before being taken to hospital. The family's lawyers begged Court of Appeal judges to call off the hearing, but they went ahead with delivering their verdict.

Andrea Williams, CEO of the Christian Legal Centre, which is supporting the family's campaign, expressed her fury at the move.

'I am very disappointed that they have not adjourned this decision even for a short while after this case had just given Archie's father a heart attack at the doorstep of their court,' she said.

Ms Dance was said to be 'disgusted' that the case was allowed to continue.

After delivering their verdict, the three judges said they would 'stay' the ending of Archie's treatment for 48 hours to allow his parents time to approach the European court.

Archie, a talented gymnast, has been in a coma since he was found unresponsive with a ligature around his neck at his home in Southend on April 7 - allegedly after taking part in a social media trend known as the 'blackout challenge'.

Judge Sir Andrew McFarlane, referencing media coverage of the case, today said Archie was 'no longer the boy in the photograph' but 'someone whose every bodily function is now maintained by artificial means'.

Ms Dance said following the ruling: 'All we have asked for from the beginning is for Archie to be given more time and for Archie's wishes and ours to be respected. As long as Archie is alive, I will never give up on him, he is too good to give up on.

'When he is to die, we believe it should be in God's way and in God's time. What is the rush? Why is the hospital and the courts so keen to push this through as fast as possible?

'I don't believe there is anything ''dignified'' about planning Archie's death. For me, this would be the most traumatic outcome.'

Mr Battersbee is not believed to have had pre-advanced warning of the ruling.

Paul Battersbee, who is in his 50s, has fought a desperate campaign to save Archie alongside the 12-year-old's mother, Hollie Dance. Paul is pictured kissing Archie in hospital (left). Pictured right: Archie before his accident

Archie's parents Hollie Dance (left) and Paul Battersbee address the media outside the Royal Courts of Justice an earlier hearing. The pair said 'it couldn't really have gone any better'

Archie, pictured wearing a medal and holding a trophy, was a talented gymnast. His mother believes he was taking part in a viral social media challenge when he was found injured

Parents' desperate battle to save Archie April 7 - Archie is found unresponsive at his home in Southend, with a ligature around his neck. May 5 - The Royal London Hospital, which is treating Archie, asked a judge to decide what was is in his best interests because medics believed he was braindead. May 13 - The judge calls for Archie to have a brain stem test after a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London on Friday. June 1 - Judge Arbuthnot visits Archie in hospital to see for herself his condition and treatment. June 7 - High Court hearing to work out what should happen is told parts of Archie's brain are dead. June 8 - A medical specialist tells judge Mrs Justice Arbuthnot tests showed no 'discernible' brain activity'. June 13 - The judge rules Archie is 'likely' brain dead and life support should stop. His family say they will appeal the ruling in a 'legally complex' process that could take months to conclude. June 29 - Archie's parents say they've 'got everything we wanted' after winning the right to a new hearing. July 15 - A High Court judge rules doctors can turn off his life support machines. Archie's parents vow to appeal. July 25 - Three Court of Appeal judges back the High Court's ruling. Advertisement

Judges were told Paul Battersbee had been taken ill outside court before the start of this morning's hearing.

Barrister Edward Devereux QC, leading the legal team for Archie's parents, asked for the ruling to be adjourned.

He told judges that Mr Battersbee, who is in his 50s, had been taken to hospital and was feared to have suffered a heart attack or stroke.

But appeal judges refused to adjourn the ruling.

Mr Justice Hayden delivered a ruling recently after reviewing evidence at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London.

He described what had happened to Archie as a 'tragedy of immeasurable dimensions', but said medical evidence was 'compelling and unanimous' and painted a 'bleak' picture.

Archie's parents, who are separated, said the judge made errors and wanted the appeal court to remit the case to another High Court judge for another hearing.

Judges heard how medical evidence shows Archie is in a 'comatose state'.

Mr Devereux had argued at the appeal hearing that Mr Justice Hayden had not given 'real or proper weight' to Archie's previously expressed wishes and religious beliefs; not given 'real or proper weight' to Archie's family's wishes; 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.

But Appeal judge Sir Andrew McFarlane said the challenge by Archie's parents had no 'reasonable prospect' of success.

'It is clear to me that (Mr Justice Hayden) discharged the important responsibility laid upon him carefully,' he said.

'I do not accept there is any prospect of the decision being shown to be wrong or unjust.'

Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Jackson - sitting alongside him - said they agreed.

Sir Andrew, said in a detailed ruling on the appeal bid, that medical staff had seen 'no signs of life' in Archie.

He said the case had received widespread media coverage - including a photograph of Archie.

'Archie is no longer the boy in the photograph,' said Sir Andrew. 'He is someone whose every bodily function is now maintained by artificial means.'

Archie's mother Hollie Dance, 46, insists her son 'is still in there' and has vowed to keep fighting for treatment to continue. Here she is pictured outside the Court of Appeal

mS Dance said she would 'not give up' her ongoing fight for her son Archie (pictured together before his accident, left) and said the High Court ruling 'was on only the start'. Pictured right: Archie's brother Tom Summers kissing Archie on the head in hospital

Archie was found with a ligature around his neck on April 7 and never regained consciousness. Doctors at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, east London, believe he is 'brain-stem dead' but his parents are fighting to keep his mechanical ventilation

Archie has not regained consciousness after he was found unresponsive with a ligature around his neck at his home in Southend, Essex on April 7

Archie with his mother Hollie Dance (left), brother Tom Summers and sister Lauren Summers in a family photo while enjoying an evening out

Judges heard that Ms Dance found Archie unconscious with a ligature over his head on April 7.

She thinks he might have been taking part in an online challenge.

The youngster has not regained consciousness.

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.

Bosses at the hospital's governing trust, Barts Health NHS Trust, had asked for decisions on what medical moves were in Archie's best interests.

Another High Court judge, Mrs Justice Arbuthnot, initially considered the case and concluded that Archie was dead.

But Court of Appeal judges upheld a challenge by his parents against decisions taken by Mrs Justice Arbuthnot and said the evidence should be reviewed by Mr Justice Hayden.
Footage shows the moment that a bishop wearing lots of bling was robbed at gunpoint by three men while he live-streamed his sermon.

Lamor Whitehead was speaking to his congregation on Sunday when the masked men burst into the Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in Brooklyn, New York.

Dressed in a maroon suit and wearing a long gold chain and a large ring on each finger, Mr Whitehead was videoed telling his faithful before the men arrived with guns: 'How many of you have lost your faith because you saw somebody else die?'

Mr Whitehead, who is then seen falling to his knees when he sees the robbers, is also heard saying: 'All right, all right.' The men are then seen circling around the stage as they rob the bishop, his wife and the congregation.

Police confirmed that the robbery stole $400,000-worth of jewelry in Canarsie around 11.15am.

Mr Whitehead later told his followers on social media that his congregation is now 'traumatized' by the incident along with his young daughter.

In May, the bishop also hit the headlines when he negotiated the surrender of a subway shooting suspect wanted for killing a Goldman Sachs employee.

Footage (pictured left is the masked men arriving during the live stream) shows the moment that a bishop wearing lots of bling was robbed at gunpoint by three men. Lamor Whitehead (pictured right wearing a gold cross and glasses) was delivering a sermon on Sunday when the masked men arrived burst into the Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in Canarsie around 11.15am

The force also told the New York Post that the three masked gunmen stole the items from Mr Whitehead, his wife and possibly other churchgoers and then fled East on Avenue D.

Later on Instagram, Mr Whitehead said when the three men, which he described as black, burst in he was concerned for his congregation.

He said: 'To come into a church and traumatize young women and children. The children are still crying. The women are still crying. My wife is crying. You did this to the church and the church where your grandmother praised the Lord.'

Here is Mr Whitehead before the three men arrived. He is delivering his sermon to his congregation and tells them: 'How many of you have lost your faith because you saw somebody else die?'

The bishop is seen crouching as the masked men arrive at the church in Brooklyn and can be heard saying: 'All right, all right'

In this picture you can see after the bishop dropped to the floor as his feet can be seen in the bottom right

And then in the next frame the men are seen in masked hoods while in the corner Mr Whitehead's feet can still be seen as they grab the jewelry

The live stream is seen empty with a man sitting in the corner as the bishop's feet are seen in the bottom right corner as he remains crouched from the men

Mr Whitehead (pictured in his car and left posing) founded the Brooklyn-based ministry, registered as a for-profit business since March 2014. The Bishop has been active in raising funds for it through self-created youth mentorship programs

Describing the events of Sunday, he explained on Instagram that the robbers aimed a gun at his back while they took his bishops cross and the jewelry he was wearing from on top of and under his shirt.

Bishop Whitehead said: 'I told everyone to get down. I didn't know if they wanted to shoot the church up or were coming for a robbery.

'They took all my wife's jewelry and all my jewelry.'

The churchman also said he ran after the robbers and saw them take off their masks and get away in a white Mercedes.

This is the latest misdeed to the rock the city as Mayor Eric Adams, who vowed to crack down on crime when he took office in January, has so far failed to make a dent in the problem.

However, he has announced a plan to house 3,000 illegal migrants in hotels across the city.

To fund his plan, he has asked for federal help that would come from taxpayers.

Bishop Lamor Miller Whitehead, an ex-convict, was seen wearing a Fendi suit jacket after arriving at the Fifth Precinct to 'negotiate' on behalf of the subway shooting suspect Andrew Abdullah on Tuesday

Back in May, the bling-bling bishop also showed up in a $350k Rolls Royce, while wearing a Fendi blazer, went to the Fifth Precinct in lower Manhattan on behalf of Andrew Abdullah, who is accused of shooting dead Daniel Enriquez on a platform of a Q train at Canal St Station on Sunday in an apparently unprovoked attack.

At a press conference, Mayor Eric Adams revealed he negotiated with Mr Whitehead and told him to bring Abdullah in, after Abdullah turned up at a legal aid office in Tribeca. Abdullah then appeared at the station around an hour later.

He was marched into the police station by two cops and was wearing a stained white t-shirt and cargo pants.

Whitehead, who is believed to have close ties with mayor Eric Adams since his days as Brooklyn Borough President due to his 'charity' work, is a former inmate who was locked up for five years at Sing Sing for multiple counts of identity fraud and grand larceny before his liberation in 2013.

Since then, he has founded the Brooklyn-based ministry, registered as a for-profit business since March 2014, and has been active in raising funds for it through self-created youth mentorship programs.
The Pope secretly allowed investigators to bug a telephone belonging to a London-based financial broker charged with defrauding the Holy See, a report has revealed.

Documents leaked from the Vatican allegedly demonstrate that Pope Francis gave the go-ahead to investigators to tap phones, intercept emails and even make arrests without first asking British judges for approval.

According to The Sunday Times - which reports that it has seen the documents - the Vatican's Office of the Promoter of Justice targeted millionaire Raffaele Mincione, an Italian fund manager and consultant at the centre of a Vatican corruption trial.

Mincione is one of ten defendants - including other high-rolling London financiers and church employees - that Vatican prosecutors allege were engaged in various crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, money laundering and corruption.

The former right-hand man to Pope Francis Angelo Becci is the highest-profile defendant in what has been dubbed as 'the trial of the century'.

All the defendants involved in the trial have denied any wrongdoing.

Responding to The Sunday Times, a spokesman for the Vatican said: 'The legitimacy of the investigations and the correspondence of the Vatican judiciary system to the principles of fair trial has been recognised by various foreign courts.'

MailOnline has contacted the Vatican for comment.

Documents leaked from the Vatican allegedly demonstrate that Pope Francis (pictured during a visit to Canada on Sunday) gave the go-ahead to investigators to tap phones, intercept emails and even make arrests without first asking British judges for their approval

Since becoming pope in 2013, Francis has vowed to clean up the Church's finances, dogged for decades by scandal.

After a 2019 raid on the offices of the Secretariat - the Vatican's most important department charged with general affairs and diplomacy - Francis stripped the body of oversight of its own funds, handing that responsibility to others.

A 487-page indictment released in July last year shed light on hefty bank transfers, text messages between collaborators from seized cellphones - even bags of money changing hands and secret meetings in luxury hotels.

The complex case alleged by prosecutors paints a picture of dubious, risky investments involving millions of dollars of Vatican money, little or no oversight, and double-dealing by outside consultants and insiders trusted with the financial interests of the Secretariat.

The primary defendants are 'actors in a rotten predatory and lucrative system, sometimes made possible thanks to limited, but very incisive, complicity and internal connivance,' prosecutors have said previously.

The scandal is particularly embarrassing because funds used for risky ventures, including a disastrous 350-million-euro (300million) investment in a 17,000-sq metre London property in the upmarket neighbourhood of Chelsea, came from the Peter's Pence, an annual fund for the pope's charities.

The current case dates from 2013, when the Secretariat borrowed more than $200 million (145million), mainly from Credit Suisse, to invest in a Luxembourg fund managed by Mincione. Half was intended for stock market purchases and the rest for part of the London building.

According to The Sunday Times - which reports that it has seen the documents - the Vatican's Office of the Promoter of Justice targeted millionaire Raffaele Mincione (pictured, centre, in London in 2017), an Italian fund manager and consultant who is as the centre of a Vatican corruption trial

Mincione, prosecutors allege, used the money to invest in high-risk ventures over which the Church had no control. By 2018, the Secretariat had already lost millions and tried to pull out of the deal.

But another London-based financier, Gianluigi Torzi, brought in to broker the purchase of the rest of the building and cut ties with Mincione, instead joining forces with him, say prosecutors.

Torzi arranged for the Holy See to give Mincione 40million to buy out the financier's share of the London property, but allegedly inserted a clause into the deal that gave himself control of the building through voting rights.

Torzi is accused of demanding 15 million euros to relinquish control.

Mincione and Torzi were helped, prosecutors claim, by Enrico Crasso, a former financial consultant to the Secretariat, and employee Fabrizio Tirabassi, both of whom face charges including fraud.

Also implicated are two former top officials within the Vatican's financial regulator, including its ex-president, Swiss lawyer Rene Bruelhart, whom prosecutors say did not do enough to protect the Secretariat's interests.

During seven hours of questioning, Mincione said the case was 'the first time I find myself in this kind of situation'. He said in his 35-year-career, he has never recieved a fine, or a complaint from 'the banks that regulate our business'.

Former right-hand man to Pope Francis Angelo Becci (pictured in 2018 before his resignation) is the highest-profile defendant in what has been dubbed as 'the trial of the century'

The Sunday Times revelations came ahead Pope Francis' visit to a former residential school in Canada on Monday, where he is expected to make a historic personal apology to Indigenous survivors of abuse committed over decades at the Catholic-run institutions.

The leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics arrived on Sunday in Edmonton for a six-day visit, which has long been awaited by the First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities.

The 85-year-old pontiff's trip, which he has described as a 'penitential journey,' is primarily to apologize to survivors for the Church's role in the scandal that a national truth and reconciliation commission has called 'cultural genocide.'

From the late 1800s to the 1990s, Canada's government sent about 150,000 First Nations, Metis and Inuit children into 139 residential schools run by the Church, where they were cut off from their families, language and culture.

Many were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers, and thousands of children are believed to have died of disease, malnutrition or neglect.

Pictured: Pope Francis is welcomed after arriving at Edmonton International Airport, near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada July 24

Since May 2021, more than 1,300 unmarked graves have been discovered at the sites of the former schools, sending shockwaves throughout Canada.

The country has slowly begun to acknowledge this long, dark chapter in its history.

The papal visit, though highly anticipated, is also a source of controversy for some survivors and their families.

Many expect Francis to make symbolic gestures, such as returning some of the Indigenous artifacts that have been held in the Vatican for decades.

A delegation of Indigenous peoples traveled to the Vatican in April and met the pope - a precursor to Francis' six-day trip - after which he formally apologized.

But doing so again on Canadian soil will be of huge significance to survivors and their families, for whom the land of their ancestors is of particular importance.
A Los Angeles fraudster couple who swindled $18million from Covid relief funds have finally been caught after fleeing to Montenegro, leaving their children behind.

Richard Ayvazyan and Marietta Terabelian made the daring getaway in August while they awaited sentencing, cutting their ankle bracelets and leaving behind their luxury $3.25million Encino home they bought with the stolen funds.

The pair changed their identities, abandoning their two sons, then 16 and 14, and a daughter, 15, back home, as they made their bid for a new life in Europe, sparking an international FBI and Interpol manhunt.

They had used dozens of phony or stolen identities - including those of elderly or dead people and foreign exchange students who briefly visited the United States - to submit applications for some 150 federal Covid business relief funds.

They backed up the applications with false tax documents, and payroll records, officials said.

A Los Angeles fraudster couple who swindled $18million from Covid relief funds have finally been caught after fleeing to Lisbon and then Montenegro

Richard Ayvazyan and Marietta Terabelian made the daring getaway as police closed in on their luxury $3.25million Encino home

Instead of going to struggling businesses during the pandemic, the millions received were used for down payments on luxury homes and to buy 'gold coins, diamonds, jewelry, luxury watches, fine imported furnishings, designer handbags, clothing, and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle,' the US attorney's office said.

The pair left a note for the children when they fled, saying: 'While I am writing this our tears are dripping on our breakfast table... We will be together again one day. This is not a goodbye but a brief break from each other.'

On the day the FBI raided the house, Terabelian was seen throwing a grocery bag into the bushes in their backyard, which was later discovered to be $451,000 in cash.

Armed agents pointed assault weapons at the three started children and their cousins and ordered them to put their hands up while their parents were already on the run.

The swindlers soon fled with their black dog to Lisbon and there boarded a private jet to Tivat, a luxury coastal town in Montenegro, the Los Angeles Times reports.

They forged passports to pretend they were Mexicans called Roberto Niko De Leon and Nataly Rose Perez Garcia and spent lavishly in the Monte Carlo of the Balkans.

FBI agents are pictured raiding the $3.25million home of Richard Ayvazyan and Marietta Terabelian, which they bought with stolen Covid relief funds

Ayvazyan is seen walking with his black dog through the streets of Montenegro while living as a fugitive

The couple had a BMW (pictured) shipped over from Los Angeles, still with their California plates, and bought a Range Rover too

They arrived on September 3 and rented an apartment in the Porto Montenegro marine, where dozens of superyachts owned by Russian oligarchs are moored.

The couple had a BMW shipped over from Los Angeles, still with their California plates, and bought a Range Rover too.

Ayvazyan, whose brother Artur Ayvazyan, and sister-in-law Tamara Dadyan, were also sentenced for their part in the scam, received a temporary residency permit in set up a real estate business in Montenegro.

They lay low for a few months and even rented a waterfront villa with a pool and a panoramic view of the bay on the outskirts of Tivat, and a third property.

The pair attracted attention due to their ostentatious spending and foreign accents, with one local remarking that they were known as generous tippers, acknowledging that those who earned their money are rarely so generous.

But behind the scenes, FBI and Interpol were desperately trying to track them down, offering a $20,000 reward for tips on their location.

Ayvazyan, pictured outside court in June last year before he went on the run, was described as the ringleader of the fraud plot

They initially suspected the couple would be hiding out in Armenia where Ayvazyan was born and raided their Encino house where his mother was living, but were unable to find the couple now using fake identities.

Dadyan, the wife of Ayvazyan's brother and his chief lieutenant in the scam, pleaded guilty to three felonies and implicated both brothers in the ring.

When agents raided her house, they found fake IDs, counterfeit credit cards and notary stamps, suggesting she too could flee.

She was sentenced to 10 years and was due to come to prison by noon on January 28 but she never arrived, throwing away her phone and running away to Europe, also abandoning her two teenage daughters.

Dadyan traveled with a fake British passport under the name of Angela Adamos, and showed up at Vienna airport on February 9 destined for Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro.

While she was on the way, Ayvazyan tried to log into one of the bank accounts he had set up for one of his bogus pandemic relief firms, alerting the authorities that he was in Montenegro.

Justin Palmerton, the FBI agent in charge of the fraud case and the manhunt, got in touch with his Montenegrin counterparts who found the internet address and home where the fugitives were living.

The couple were raided on February 22 but escaped through the back door when they promised to retrieve their residency papers.

Then, police spotted a man with their black dog and arrested him, thinking they had finally got their hands on the runaway.

But it turned out the man was a local from Montenegro who had been hired as a dog walker by the couple.

Police learned that Terabelian was in a nearby hair salon getting her extensions done, and stylists tried to block the officers from entering.

She was eventually arrested and her Mexican and British passports were seized.

Hours later, Ayvazyan was tracked down using a British passport to check into a Budva hotel half an hour away.

Staff said he had left his room with a female companion and returned at around 2am when they were arrested.

Police at first had no clue who the woman was but later they realized they had caught Dadyan as well.

All three have been prosecuted in Montenegro for using the forge documents and the Justice Ministry is currently considering a US extradition request.

Ayvazyan has requested political asylum.
Boris Johnson has made a secret visit to UK special forces troops today as he continues his laid-back approach to seeing out his term as PM.

The latest trip, confirmed by No10 today, followed a visit to see Ukrainian soldiers being trained in Britain that saw him don camouflage gear and fire guns.

It came as a senior minister said he would be 'comfortable' with Boris Johnson returning to Government after quitting Downing Street.

Education Secretary James Cleverly said he does not rule out supporting the outgoing PM returning to a ministry but that it is not a decision for him to take.

Mr Johnson is due to step down in September when either Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak replaces him. But he has so far remained silent on what he plans to do afterwards.

A small hardcore of loyalists is also agitating for him to be allowed to run against the two, advocating for a rule change to add him to the current ballot.

Mr Johnson's spokesman would not say if he was visiting the Special Boat Service (SBS), based in Poole, or the Hereford Based Special Air Service (SAS)- whose motto is 'who dares wins'.

But he confirmed that Mr Johnson had given a 'farewell address to Parliament', ahead of his replacement taking office on September 6.

Education Secretary James Cleverly said he does not rule out supporting the outgoing PM returning to a ministry but that it is not a decision for him to take.

Gunning for a return? Boris Johnson took a turn at playing soldiers on Friday as he met Ukrainian troops being trained in Britain

Mr Johnson is due to step down in September when either Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak replaces him. But he has so far remained silent on what he plans to do afterwards.

Tories loyal to the Prime Minister claim around 10,000 party members have signed a petition calling for his name to be added to the ballot, giving Mr Johnson the chance to remain in No 10.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'You heard the Prime Minister say his farewell address to Parliament, he gave advice for his successor.

'Beyond that, obviously I can't comment on what the Prime Minister may choose to do once he ceases to be Prime Minister, that wouldn't be one for me.'

Asked on Sky News if Mr Johnson should get a senior role in Government, Mr Cleverly said: 'He's an incredibly talented politician. Whether he would want to serve after the bruising that he's got at moment that might be another matter, but it's not for me to start dictating to Liz (Truss) who she puts into her Cabinet.'

He added: 'I would be comfortable if she is.'

However other ministers have suggested Mr Johnson should not return to Government.

Sir Robert Buckland, the Welsh Secretary, told the Telegraph it was time for 'a new chapter for him and a new chapter for the Conservative Party'.

Asked about a return to the Cabinet, he added: 'It is unlikely. In modern politics, there are very few, if any, second chances. We've turned a page.'

On Friday it was revealed Mr Johnson thinks he will return as Prime Minister next year even though he only resigned less than three weeks ago.

The PM announced he would step down on July 7 after 57 ministers resigned from the Government in just 48 hours following the Chris Pincher scandal.

However, he has been privately saying he will make a comeback to Downing Street as soon as next year, according to his former aide Tim Montgomerie.

Mr Montgomerie, who became critical of Mr Johnson after he left his employment around the end of 2019, said: 'Boris is telling aides that he'll be PM again within a year.'

It is not the first time rumours of a second Mr Johnson premiership have surfaced.

He bowed out of his final Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) last Wednesday, telling MPs: 'Hasta la vista, baby'.

His very final words were an apparent reference to Arnold Schwarzenegger's catchphrase from the film Terminator, which is also famous for the line 'I'll be back'.
Myanmar's junta has executed four democracy activists including a former lawmaker from jailed leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party in the the country's first use of capital punishment in nearly 50 years.

The four men, including former politician and hip-hop artist Phyo Zeya Thaw, 41, and prominent activist Kyaw Min Yu, 53, were sentenced to death for committing 'terror acts' in closed-door trials in January and April.

They were accused of helping 'insurgents' fight the army after generals seized power in a coup last year and unleashed a bloody crackdown on its opponents.

Phyo Zeya Thaw, 41, a former politician and dissident hip-hop artist, has been hanged in Myanmar after being convicted of aiding insurgents by the ruling military junta

Kyaw Min Yu, 53, a political activist and ally of Myanmar's elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, was also hanged in country's first use of capital punishment in 50 years

Kyaw Min Yu and Phyo Zeya Thaw, an ally of Aung San Suu Kyi - the country's elected leader who is now facing the rest of her life behind bars at a secret location - lost their appeals against the sentences in June.

The two other men, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw, were sentenced to death for killing a woman they alleged was an informer for the junta in Yangon.

The executions sparked widespread condemnation, heightened fears that more death sentences will be carried out and prompted calls for the international community to take sterner measures against the already-isolated junta.

The United States condemned the 'execution of pro-democracy leaders and elected officials for exercising their fundamental freedoms' while France's foreign ministry called the hangings 'a major regression' and an 'atrocity'.

Japan's government - a major provider of economic assistance to Myanmar - said it 'seriously deplores' the executions.

The United Nations' Special Rapporteur on Myanmar Tom Andrews said he was 'outraged and devastated by the news', adding that: 'These depraved acts must be a turning point.

'What more must the junta do before the international community is willing to take strong action,' he asked.

Amnesty International said the executions were an 'atrocious escalation in state repression' and warned around 100 others were currently on death row after being convicted in junta courts.

Khin Zaw Win, director of Myanmar think-tank Tampadipa Institute, said the killings show 'there is no turning back' for the ruling junta.

'There were no executions for 30 years and we thought death sentence may be permanently abolished. This turns back the clock. Country going back into dark ages,' he said.

The junta has sentenced dozens of anti-coup activists to death as part of its crackdown on dissent after seizing power last year, but Myanmar had not carried out an execution for decades.

Kyaw Min Yu is pictured left in detention in Myanmar before he was executed, while Phyo Zeya Thaw is seen right in detention

Myanmar's generals seized power in a coup last year and have since been brutally repressing pro-democracy protests (pictured, a crack-down in February 2021)

Phyo Zeya Thaw, a former lawmaker from Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) who was arrested in November, was sentenced to death in January for offences under anti-terrorism laws.

Democracy activist Kyaw Min Yu - better known as 'Jimmy' - received the same sentence from the military tribunal.

Family members of the two men gathered outside Yangon's Insein prison after news of the executions was published in the hopes of retrieving their bodies, local media reported.

The United Nations' Special Rapporteur on Myanmar Tom Andrews said he was 'outraged and devastated by the news.'

'These depraved acts must be a turning point... what more must the junta do before the international community is willing to take strong action?'

Myanmar's National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow administration outlawed by the ruling junta, condemned the executions and called for international action against the ruling military.

'Extremely saddened... condemn the junta's cruelty,' Kyaw Zaw, the spokesman of the NUG president's office, said. 'The global community must punish their cruelty.'

Human Rights Watch said the executions were an 'act of utter cruelty'.

Amnesty International said they were an 'atrocious escalation in state repression' and warned around 100 others were currently on death row after being convicted in junta courts.

The junta was heavily criticised by international powers last month when it announced its intention to carry out the executions.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the junta's decision, calling it 'a blatant violation to the right to life, liberty and security of person'.

The junta has slammed criticism from the UN and western countries as 'irresponsible and reckless.'

UN rights experts said that if the executions went ahead - for the first time in Myanmar since 1988 - it could mark the start of a spate of hangings.

The experts said that under the junta's martial law provisions, the death penalty could be given for 23 'vague and broadly defined offences' - which in practice could include any criticism of the military.

Myanmar expert Richard Horsey of the International Crisis Group (ICG) said on Twitter that the executions were 'an outrageous act. And one that will create political shockwaves, now and for a long time to come'.

Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's elected leader, was arrested as the coup began last year and is now thought to be languishing in jail somewhere in the country

Phyo Zeya Thaw had been accused of orchestrating several attacks on regime forces, including a gun attack on a commuter train in Yangon in August that killed five policemen.

A hip-hop pioneer whose subversive rhymes irked the previous junta, he was jailed in 2008 for membership in an illegal organisation and possession of foreign currency.

He was elected to parliament representing Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD in the 2015 elections, which ushered in a transition to civilian rule.

The country's military alleged voter fraud during elections in 2020 - which the NLD won by a landslide - as justification for its coup on February 1 last year.

Suu Kyi has been detained since then and faces a slew of charges in a junta court that could see her face a prison sentence of more than 150 years.

Last month she was reportedly moved to solitary confinement at an undisclosed location. She has not been since in public since the coup.

Kyaw Min Yu, who rose to prominence during Myanmar's 1988 student uprising against the country's previous military regime, was arrested in an overnight raid in October.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), appealed in a letter in June to junta leader Min Aung Hlaing not to carry out the executions, relaying deep concern among Myanmar's neighbours.

'Not even the previous military regime, which ruled between 1988 and 2011, dared to carry out the death penalty against political prisoners,' said Malaysian member of parliament Charles Santiago, chair of the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights.

'This means yet another increase in the junta's brutality, which comes from a sense of impunity largely fostered by the failure of the global community to do anything effective to prevent it from committing further atrocities.'

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said the executions, which go against Japan's repeated urging for a peaceful resolution as well as its demands to free detainees, would further isolate Myanmar.

Myanmar has been in chaos since last year's coup, with conflict spreading nationwide after the army crushed mostly peaceful protests in cities.

The AAPP says more than 2,100 people have been killed by security forces since the coup. The junta says that figure is exaggerated.

The true picture of violence has been hard to assess as clashes have spread to more remote areas where ethnic minority insurgent groups are also fighting the military.

The executions have shattered hopes of any peace agreement, said the Arakan Army (AA), a major ethnic militia in Myanmaras restive Rakhine State.

'This act wiped out ASEAN members' efforts toward peace and reconciliation,' the AA said in a statement, adding that the executions would only attract 'braver heroes in the future, and contribute to the spring revolutiona.

Last Friday, the World Court rejected Myanmar's objections to a genocide case over its treatment of the Muslim Rohingya minority, paving the way for a full hearing.

The latest executions close off any chance of ending unrest in Myanmar, said analyst Richard Horsey, of the International CRISIS group.

'This is the regime demonstrating that it will do what it wants and listen to no one,' Horsey told Reuters. 'It sees this as a demonstration of strength, but it may be a serious miscalculation.' (Reporting by Reuters Staff; Writing by Ed Davies and Michael Perry; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Clarence Fernandez)
A paddleboarder who made an epic nine-hour round trip to visit the Rampion offshore wind farm set out to sea with just sun cream, cookies and a waterproof phone case.

Jude Somers made the incredible 20-mile trip from Worthing to the Sussex coast that left his 'arms burning' on Monday July 11.

He filmed the arduous journey to the 72 sq km wind farm in a three-part series that showed the 15-foot deep sea, where he saw a huge compass jellyfish and passed a cargo ship.

Mr Somers - who quit his office job to embark on a series of TikTok adventures - shared the trip with his 12 million followers where he was just inches away from the giant wind turbine.

During the journey, he told his followers 'This is just amazing, I've never been anywhere like this before.'

'As amazing as this is - it took four hours to get out here which means it's going to take at least four hours to get back', he added.

Once he returned home, Mr Somers, from Worthing, showed off a blister on his foot and painful red sunburn on his back.

Jude Somers made the incredible 20-mile trip from Worthing to the Sussex coast that left his 'arms burning' on Monday July 11 when the 'weather was calm and clear'.

He filmed the arduous journey to the 72 sq km wind farm in a three-part series that showed the 15-foot deep clear water

Once he returned home, Mr Somers, from Worthing, showed off a blister on his foot and red sunburn on his back

He joked: 'We're not even going to talk about it'.

He added: 'The distance I travelled today is actually more than the distance of the English Channel which meant I could have went to France if I wanted too.'

Mr Somers, who swims in the sea all year round, said: 'The wind farm is on the horizon every time I go in the sea.

'I see it every single day so I always think that it would be so cool to paddle out there. But because of weather conditions I have never been able to.

'But last week it was just perfect. The wind was perfect. The water was completely still, like a mirror, so it thought it would be the perfect day.

Mr Somers, who swims in the sea all year round, said: 'The wind farm is on the horizon every time I go in the sea'

Rampion Offshore Wind Farm is the first offshore wind farm off the south coast of England and Mr Somers said: ''It was the time of day when it was the hottest with the sun beaming down on me, so I did find the journey back the hardest'

'Because I had already done the four hours getting there and had paddled about the wind farm for an hour, the way back it was really hard.

'It was the time of day when it was the hottest with the sun beaming down on me, so I did find the journey back the hardest.

'But I was so pleased when I got back!'

So far, he has posted numerous videos of him swimming and completing challenges such as walking barefoot for ten days.

One user commented: 'Am I the only one scared of big buildings/structures like this?'

So far, the paddleboarder has posted numerous videos of him swimming and completing challenges such as walking barefoot for ten days

Another added: 'Imagine being on a tiny inflatable paddle board w no life jacket and the wind getting stronger, waves getting bigger oh god.'

One more said: 'People don't realise how dangerous this could have been there are many factors to consider when on the sea this could have ended a lot worse.'

Rampion Offshore Wind Farm is the first offshore wind farm off the south coast of England.

It is located in the English Channel and is between 13 kilometres and 20 kilometres from the Sussex coast and stretches from East Worthing to Brighton.

The mammoth wind farm is larger than the island of Guernsey in the English Channel. It does not have an issue of restricted navigation for boats.

The Crown Estate owns almost all UK coastline out to 12 nautical miles and has to agree to lease the seabed before construction can start on a wind farm.
South Africa: Two more arrested in Malamulele Police Station robbery

Police in Limpopo has arrested an additional two suspects for the brazen robbery of the Malamulele Police Station on 21 November 2021.

The suspects, both aged 32, were allegedly part of a heavily armed gang that stormed the police station and robbed the station of firearms and ammunition.

They will join Godfrey Mabunda, 41, Sello Simon Sedi, 42, and Tumbu Gadron Makutu, 48, in the dock. The trio was arrested in January. During the robbery, the gang made off with of an assortment of R5 rifles, 9mm pistols, shotguns and ammunition.

Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo in a statement said members of the Tracking Team received information about the suspects at Acornhoek, Mpumalanga province and followed leads.

These criminals were then traced at Castino village in the area, driving in a Toyota Hiace. Police approached the suspects who immediately sped off after noticing them, he said.

A car chase ensued and during the process, the suspects allegedly fired shots at the police who immediately returned fire. The members managed to corner the suspects and two were nabbed. During the arrest, the suspects were found in possession of a pistol, two magazines and ammunition. There were no injuries sustained during the shootout.

Provincial SAPS Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the team of investigators probing the robbery.

"We appreciate the team for continuing to hit hard on these criminals who continue to make undermining the law with impunity, their business. We also thank community members for providing valuable information that led to these arrests," she said.

Mojapelo said the suspects could be linked with numerous ATM bombings that took place at various locations in the province. They are expected to appear in the Malamulele Magistrate's Court today.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2022-07-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Hornbills prosper in Yunnan

(People's Daily App) 09:50, July 25, 2022

Chinese hornbills decorate the trees of Yingjiang county, Dehong prefecture in Yunnan Province. The rare bird's head has a protruding crown like the horn of a rhino, hence the name.

(Produced by Gao Yuan and Dong Feng)

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun)
Hyderabad: Members of the Telangana Junior Doctors Association (TJUDA) refused to work during the extended evening out patient (OP) hours at government hospitals, until the problems they face are redressed.

Monday was the first day when the extended OP hours came into force, as per a circular issued by the Director of Medical Education (DME) on Friday. However, on Monday, TJUDA wrote to the DME Dr K. Ramesh Reddy that they would not work during the extended hours.

The letter stated that the TJUDA opposed the circular as the extended hours would impact their physical and mental health and academics. They said that before extending the hours, other issues needed to be addressed.

Their demands include filling vacancies by direct recruitment to reduce the burden on existing faculty and PGs and to provide hostel facilities within the premises of institutions and hospitals so that they can attend full time duties.

TJUDA also demanded the enhancement of stipends to make them on par with central institutions like AIIMS and PGI or state institutions like NIMS, and regularisation of stipends.
A judge will decide today whether businessman Sir Frederick Barclay is in contempt of court as a result of failing to pay money to his ex-wife - and has been asked to consider jailing him.

Sir Jonathan Cohen is due to oversee the latest round of a dispute between 87-year-old Sir Frederick and Lady Hiroko Barclay at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London today.

Lady Barclay says Sir Frederick has breached orders to hand over money following the breakdown of their 34-year marriage.

She has accused him of being in contempt of court and asked Sir Jonathan to consider handing him a jail sentence.

Sir Jonathan had earlier ruled that Sir Frederick should pay Lady Barclay sums totalling 100 million following the breakdown of their marriage.

British tycoon Sir Frederick Barclay, 87, (pictured today) considered applying for legal aid during his high-profile 100million divorce battle against his ex-wife of 34 years

Lady Hiroko Barclay insists Sir Frederick has breached that order and accused him of being in contempt of court and asked the judge to consider a custodial sentence

Lawyers representing Sir Frederick have indicated that he will mount a defence.

Sir Frederick and his twin brother, Sir David, were among the UKs most high-profile businessmen.

Sir David died in January last year, aged 86.

Their business interests included the Telegraph Media Group and The Ritz hotel in London.

Sir Frederick and his twin brother, Sir David, were among the UK's most high-profile businessmen. Sir David (left) died in January last year, aged 86

A barrister leading Lady Barclay's legal team told the judge on Thursday that money has not been paid - as sources indicated she had already run up legal bills exceeding 300,000

The family also has links to the Channel Islands and Monaco.

Sir Jonathan criticised Sir Frederick in an earlier ruling on a fight over money, saying he had behaved in a reprehensible fashion.

The judge said the businessman had sold a luxury yacht and applied the equity for his own use in breach of orders.

He said Lady Barclay had wanted 120 million and Sir Frederick had made an offer which might have led her to getting nothing.

At a previous hearing Sir Frederick had considered applying for legal aid during his divorce battle.

Sir Jonathan, who has considered evidence relating to Sir Frederick's mental capacity, is due to make decisions today.

Earlier this year it was claimed in court that the billionaire tycoon had been evicted from his home, and his legal costs were to be covered by his family.

The court was also told that Sir Frederick was also significantly in default of payment of legal fees.
Trade union leaders today demanded the nationalisation of energy firms in a bid to combat the cost-of-living crisis - on the same day Sir Keir Starmer abandoned Labour's pledge to take energy, rail, mail and water companies into public ownership.

In a new report, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) claimed putting energy companies into public ownership would reduce bills for struggling families and allow increased investment in energy efficiency.

Their stance was revealed to have put them at odds with Labour after Sir Keir attempted to move further away from Jeremy Corbyn's legacy by ditching his predecessor's plans for mass nationalisation of industries.

The party has abandoned pledges on nationalising rail, mail, water and energy companies, as they had promised under Mr Corbyn before the 2019 general election.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves insisted Labour's 2019 manifesto no longer fitted with the party's 'fiscal rules' and had been 'scrapped'.

She vowed Labour would not be 'spending billions of pounds on nationalising things' if the party came to power.

As well as putting himself at odds with trade unions, Sir Keir faced an immediate revolt from Labour's Left over the U-turn on nationalisation.

But he stressed he would take a 'take a pragmatic approach rather than an ideological one' to public ownership as he backed Ms Reeves' remarks.

The Labour leader used a speech this morning to insist there would be 'no magic money tree economics' under his leadership.

Sir Keir also took a swipe at the 'Thatcherite cosplay' of Tory leadership contenders Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, as he hit out at 'Tory stagnation'.

Under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership, Labour vowed to 'bring rail, mail, water and energy into public ownership'

But shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves insisted Labour's 2019 manifesto no longer fitted with the party's 'fiscal rules' and had been 'scrapped'

Sir Keir Starmer stressed he would take a 'take a pragmatic approach rather than an ideological one' to public ownership

Sir Keir vowed to support the 'common ownership of rail, mail, energy and water' when he was campaigning to be Labour leader in 2020

Ahead of the 2019 general election, which saw Labour suffer a humiliating defeat as it lost vast swathes of 'Red Wall' seats, the party vowed to 'bring rail, mail, water and energy into public ownership'.

But, asked about those pledges this morning, Ms Reeves told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I've set out fiscal rules that say all day-to-day spending will be funded by day-to-day tax revenues.

'Within our fiscal rules, to be spending billions of pounds on nationalising things, that just doesn't stack up against our fiscal rules.'

Pressed on whether Labour had officially abandoned its 2019 pledges, Ms Reeves added: 'They were a commitment in a manifesto that secured our worst results since 1935.

'We have scrapped the 2019 manifesto. That is not the starting point.

'We're setting out distinct policies under Keir Starmer, the plans today around industrial strategy, my commitments around a climate investment pledge, our plans to buy, make, and sell more in Britain, reforms to the business rates system.

'Those are the policies that will be going into the next election under Keir Starmer, not the policies of 2019.'

Quizzed later on Labour's position on public ownership, Sir Keir told an audience in Liverpool he would take 'a pragmatic approach rather than an ideological one'.

'I agree with what Rachel Reeves said this morning,' he added.

'Having come through the pandemic, it's very important we have very, very clear priorities.

'That's why we have set out fiscal rules already. My priority is growth, the mission of the next Labour government will be growth.

'That partnership with business is where I see that growth coming from.'

Asked if he was now at odds with Labour shadow cabinet ministers - who have recently recommitted to public ownership, especially of rail companies - Sir Keir said: 'Whether it comes to rail or anything else, I want to be pragmatic about this rather than ideological.'

Labour faced an immediate challenge from trade union leaders over its abandonment of past nationalisation pledges.

The TUC today published plans for public ownership of energy retail companies to reduce bills for families during the cost-of-living crisis.

General secretary Frances O'Grady said: 'It is time to lift the burden of failed privatisation off families No more shareholder pay-outs.

'No more fat cat bonuses. No more take-the money-and run-companies that collapse overnight. Just fair prices from an energy company owned by us all and run for our benefit.'

There was also a backlash from among Mr Corbyn's allies and those on Labour's Left.

Amid the fury it was noted how Sir Keir vowed to support the 'common ownership of rail, mail, energy and water' when he was campaigning to be Labour leader.

Rebecca Long-Bailey, who stood against Sir Keir for the Labour leadership in 2020, has called for the party to put forward 'radical and transformational' policies.

She told the Guardian: 'We are living through the worst cost of living crisis in decades, with household fuel and water bills soaring, while rail fares continue to rack up.

'Its critical that Labour remains on the side of public opinion here, and that we go into the next election with our existing policies on public ownership.'

Momentum, the left-wing pressure group that grew out of Mr Corbyn's two leadership election victories, today warned Sir Keir his stance would not win back 'Red Wall' voters.

They said: 'You don't win these voters over with Tory-lite economics and some tough-on-crime posturing. They want a real alternative.'

Andrew Fisher, who was Labour's director of policy under Mr Corbyn's leadership, branded Ms Reeves 'economically illiterate'.

He also branded Sir Keir a 'liar' for abandoning his leadership pledge to 'support common ownership'.
Pope Francis has arrived in Canada for a six day 'pilgrimage of penance' to make a historic apology for the decades of abuse of indigenous children at Catholic church schools.

The pontiff, 85, arrived in Edmonton, Alberta, alongside Vatican leaders on Sunday where he will visit a former residential school and meet with indigenous peoples, on a private plane.

'This is a trip of penance. Let's say that is its spirit,' the pope told reporters after his flight took off from Rome and before he boarded a white Fiat 500X, which dropped him at the hangar.

The Pope, who proceeded in wheelchair, is also visiting Quebec City and Iqaluit, the capital of the territory of Nunavut and will depart on Friday.

Between 1881 and 1996, more than 150,000 Indigenous Canadian children were separated from their families and brought to residential schools.

Many were starved, beaten and sexually abused in what Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission has called 'cultural genocide.'

Pope Francis is welcomed after arriving at Edmonton International Airport, near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Pope Francis, right, attends at official welcome with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Edmonton's International airport

Canadian Indigenous leaders greet Pope Francis following his arrival on Sunday

Governor General Mary Simon, who represents Canada's head of state, Queen Elizabeth, was the first to greet the pope. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau followed.

The pope sat between the two Canadian officials for a short performance of four drummers and native singing before several indigenous leaders, many wearing elaborate headdresses, greeted and exchanged gifts with him.

'I asked today the pope to walk with us,' Grand Chief George Arcand of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations said in an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. 'It was a very humbling experience to talk to your holiness.'

RoseAnne Archibald, national chief for the Assembly of First Nations, who also greeted the pope, criticized the 'unilateral' organization of the trip and the 'archaic' nature of the church, which has no women in leadership positions.

Pope Francis is helped to his seat as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, looks on after a welcoming ceremony

Pope Francis meets a trip organiser as he prepares to board the plane at Fiumicino airport

'We don't feel that it has been about survivors' of residential schools, she told reporters at the airport. 'It has been more about the church promoting the church's idea, fundraising for the church.'

The pope left after the short ceremony in a wheelchair to speak for a few minutes in private with Trudeau and other officials before heading to St. Joseph Seminary, where he is expected to rest before Monday's events.

While Canada's leaders have known about high numbers of children dying at the residential schools since 1907, the issue was thrust to the fore with the discovery of suspected unmarked graves at or near former residential school sites last year.

In response to pressure stemming from those discoveries, the pope apologized for the Catholic church's role in the schools earlier this year during a visit by indigenous delegates to the Vatican.

Francis was pictured being led onto the small private plane on a wheelchair due to knee woes

Francis cancelled a trip to Congo and South Sudan earlier this month amid knee ligament problems that forced him to use a wheelchair and a cane.

The health woes prompted chatter that he would resign - but Francis quickly swatted this away, insisting: 'I want to live my mission as long as God allows me and that's it.'

Canada will play host to its fourth papal visit and its first by Pope Francis. John Paul II visited the country three times, in 1984, 1987 and 2002.

Francis plans to repeat his apologies for historical Church child sex abuse at boarding and day schools.

He will meet with Indigenous Canadians on their home territory, fulfilling a promise to apologise to community leaders for the Church's historical suppression of Indigenous culture at boarding schools.

Pope Francis appears contented as he arrives at Rome Fiumicino airport before his flight

Initial blocs of free tickets for the public were nabbed within 10 or 20 minutes of being made available, a spokesperson for trip organisers the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) told Reuters.

Thousands of tickets are being set aside for Indigenous survivors of residential schools, according to the CCCB spokesperson.

Indigenous leaders in the Treaty 6 region, the Pope's Alberta stop, said they were overwhelmed with queries from survivors wanting to attend.

While Canada's leaders have known about high numbers of children dying at the schools since 1907, the issue was thrust to the fore with the discoveries of suspected unmarked graves at or near former residential school sites last year.

In response to pressure stemming from those discoveries, Pope Francis apologized for the Catholic Church's role in the schools earlier this year during a visit by indigenous delegates to the Vatican.

Now he is coming to apologise on Canadian soil.

A Catholic church in Alberta prepares for the country's third ever papal visit and Francis's first

But survivors and Indigenous leaders say they want more than an apology.

Many have called for financial compensation, the return of indigenous artifacts, the release of school records, support for extraditing an accused abuser, and the rescinding of a 15th-Century doctrine justifying colonial dispossession of indigenous people in the form of a papal bull, or edict.

The setting matters, said Fernie Marty, a member of the Papaschase, a Cree nation in Alberta.

The 73-year-old is a survivor of a day school - part of a system that, like residential schools, aimed to assimilate Indigenous children.

He appreciated the pope's Rome apology, but said: 'This is where all the atrocities happened. It's more meaningful coming on Canadian soil.'

Marty, an elder at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, said the pope's visit offers 'a tremendous opportunity for my own personal healing.'

But George Pipestem, 79, a member of the Montana First Nation and a survivor of the Ermineskin Indian Residential School, questioned the relevance of a papal apology, just as he questioned apologies by Canadian prime ministers for the governments role in the schools.

He said the abusers should be the ones saying sorry: 'They're all gone, though.

'This apologising, it doesnt matter to me. It's like nothing. It's only a word.'

The United Church of Canada, the nation's largest Protestant denomination, apologised more than 20 years ago for its role in operating 15 residential schools for Indigenous youths.

Earlier aboard the papal plane, the pope said he yearned to visit Ukraine in his efforts to try and bring an end to the five-month-old war that he has repeatedly decried.

'I have a great desire to go to Kyiv,' the pope said when asked about a possible future trip to Ukraine.

In an interview earlier this month, the pontiff told Reuters that he hoped to be able to go to Moscow and Kyiv soon after his trip to Canada.
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A hero farmer has revealed how he battled an 'absolutely terrifying' wildfire by ploughing through crops after seeing smoke billowing from his neighbour's field.

Bill Alexander stepped in 'without hesitation' after an inferno began to spread across almost 20 acres of land at Lenham Heath, between Maidstone and Ashford, in Kent just before 3.15pm on Saturday.

Footage showed the green cultivator just yards away from the huge wildfire as Mr Alexander, wearing shorts, fearlessly drove the vehicle around the towering smoke and flames.

His heroic actions helped firefighters stop the ferocious blaze from spreading further to nearby homes and neighbouring fields filled with crops.

Mr Alexander and Andy Barr, who owns the Kent farm, appeared on ITV's This Morning to discuss the 'huge flames'.

Describing the moment his neighbour jumped to the rescue, Mr Barr said: 'I was actually working in a barn in the middle of the afternoon and I got a call from another one of my neighbours saying "what is all that smoke?".

'I thought "what smoke?", and I went outside and looked down over the farm and there was huge billows of it coming up from a field nearly a mile away and thought "oh my god".

'I quickly phoned the fire brigade and guided them in, then on the way down to the fire, Bill phoned me up and said "I can see what is happening, is there anything you want me to do?"

Hero farmer Bill Alexander (left) and Andy Barr (right), who owns the Kent farm, appeared on ITV's This Morning to discuss the incident

Footage showed Mr Alexander ploughing crops just yards from the wildfire to prevent it from spreading to nearby homes

Mr Alexander stepped in to help 'without hesitation' after calling his neighbour to see if he needed any assistance

Mr Barr, who owns the farm in Kent, said he was working in a barn when he walked outside to see smoke billowing over the area

'I knew I had to move some cattle out the way and open lots of gates, so I said "you know what, Bill, it would be really handy if we could have a cultivator down here".

'Without hesitation, he said "I'll be there as soon as I can".'

Mr Alexander said he called on his experience as a farmer to prevent the blaze from spreading.

He added: 'I knew I had to put something between the fire and the further crop or houses the other side, so putting a cultivator through there seemed to be the best option just to mix some soil with the standing crop.

'It was warm, it was noisy. it was smoky. I am old enough to have been around when we were still allowed to burn stubble.

'I knew at that point we had to put fire breaks in before we could set fire to the fields, so I've been there before many years ago when we were allowed to do it and have seen it before.'

He continued: 'It is absolutely terrifying how quickly it can all happen.'

The hero farmer also praised firefighters for their actions battling the blaze in full kit, while he was sat in the tractor wearing a pair of shorts.

He said: 'You see my tractor going past the flames, but you don't see the dozens of firefighters who were out with backpacks and hoses putting it out by hand.

'I was in an air-conditioned cab with a pair of shorts and was quite cool. They are there in full firefighting gear in the high temperatures.'

Mr Barr paid tribute to his neighbour, too, before admitting he may have to later apologise for the publicity he has now exposed him to.

He said: 'It is just me on the farm now. I haven't got anyone working for me and it is really good to know you have people like Bill and the others I mentioned who just step in and help you when something like this happens.

'It's a good feeling and I keep saying thank you to him - I am going to have to apologise to him now for all the publicity he is getting.'

Mr Barr says he lost around 20 hectares of barley to the wildfire.

The blaze was eventually put out after 90 minutes and local residents close by were also escorted to safety. It is not yet known what caused the inferno.

The blaze was eventually put out after 90 minutes and local residents close by were also escorted to safety

Firefighters said the large blaze covered around eight hectares - equivalent to almost 20 acres

A spokesperson for the fire service service said: 'We were sent to reports of a standing crop fire in fields on Lenham Heath.

'Crews worked hard to get the fire under control which covered approximately eight hectares, the equivalent of almost 20 acres.

The fire has been brought under control and put out. Firefighters escorted persons who were in the vicinity to safety. There are no reports of any injuries.'

The blaze came a day before a further four Four wildfires broke out in and around London, sending smoke across the capital and onto the runway at Heathrow Airport on Sunday afternoon.

Dozens of fire engines and hundreds of firefighters attended blazes in Hankley Common, Surrey, Hayes, Enfield and Thamesmead.

Residents reported smoke in the air more than 30 miles from Hankley Common in Elstead, where scrubland was ablaze.
The two Americans killed in fierce fighting in Ukraine have been identified.

Luke Lucyszyn, 31, and Bryan Young were killed last Monday in the Donbas where Putin's forces have been waging a campaign of fierce bombardment for months.

The pair were killed when a Russian tank opened fire during an hours-long battle on the Donetsk frontline.

The pair were killed along with Emile-Antoine Roy-Sirois from Canada and Edvard Selander Patrignani of Sweden.

Kathy Lucyszyn said she was informed of her so Luke's death by the US State Department.

Ukrainian commander Ruslan Miroshnichenko also named the pair whose deaths were announced on Friday by the State Department who did not identify them.

Luke Lucyszyn, an American citizen with a Ukrainian grandmother, has been killed on the frontlines in the Donbas

Bryan Young was also killed in the attack in the Donetsk region, his commander has confirmed

The pair were killed along with Emile-Antoine Roy-Sirois (pictured right) from Canada and Edvard Selander Patrignani of Sweden

Corey Mesimer, 29, from Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, is a longtime friend of Lucyszyn, known affectionately as Skywalker, and said the fighter was moved to join the fight against Russia because his grandmother was born in Ukraine.

He told the New York Times: 'That was something that he needed to do; he felt very strongly about it.

'And even talking to him while he was over there, he felt like it was something that he needed to do for the country of Ukraine.'

Mesimer described his friend as the 'life of the party' and they previously played on the same paintball team in Myrtle Beach.

Lucyszyn had no prior military experience according to Mesimer which made some friends concerned, but he would regularly message them on WhatsApp where he detailed the heavy shelling and low supplies they were battling.

In their final conversation on July 8, Lucyszyn said: 'I'll be alright.'

Mesimer then responded: 'Just glad you are okay homie. Stay safe.'

Miroshnichenko described Young as a 'military man' who was injured in a mission and moved to the reserves

The men had been part of a special operations force within the Territorial Defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, based near Siversk.

They were deployed two miles away to the village of Hryhorivka where they were tasked with clearing a ravine and take their firing positions.

Miroshnichenko told Politico: 'They did it successfully. But at the end of the mission they were ambushed by Russian tanks.

'The first shell injured Luke. Three guys, Edward, Emile, and Bryan, they immediately attempted to help Luke, to do first aid, and evacuate him from this spot. Then the second shell killed them all.'

Miroshnichenko described Young as a 'military man' who was injured in a mission and moved to the reserves.

The American citizen decided to come to UKraine because he 'took an oath to protect the Free World'.

In a tribute on Facebook, the commander said: 'It hurts so much to lose the boys. Emotions are overwhelming and I can't find the words right now for the post they deserve.

'I just want to say, they weren't hiding, but they looked for every opportunity to be helpful, they all fully volunteered and did their combat duty on the front line till the end. Calmly and with honor.'

At least two other Americans have died fighting for Ukraine, while a further two known to be in Russian captivity and face possible execution.

Stephen Zabielski, 52, was killed in May after stepping on a landmine in Dorozhnyanka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Americans Stephen Zabielski, 52, (left) and Willy Joseph Cancel, 22, (right) have already been killed while fighting for Ukraine

The father-of-five accidentally stepped on a tripwire while traversing thick vegetation in foggy conditions. He was working on a mine-clearing mission at the time.

A friend on Facebook said at the time that Zabielski had experience in the US Army, which appealed to young Ukrainian fighters.

'He feared he wouldn't be accepted given our age - but his experience got him the exception. Despite our age, we both knew we had a duty given our beliefs.

'Steve remained in Ukraine and gave his life for Ukraine's freedom. He was killed by a landmine. He was the child of Polish-Americans, so he knew and understood sacrifice.'

His death comes after that of US Marine Corps veteran Willy Joseph Cancel, 22, who was killed in April. How he died remains unknown.

Cancel was hired through a private military contracting company.

There are also currently two Americans being held captive by Russians: Alexander Drueke, 39, and Andy Huynh, 27, both of Alabama.

Two other Americans Alexander Drueke, 39, and Andy Huynh, 27, both of Alabama, are also being held captive by Russian forces

They were captured by Russian forces on June 11 when they didn't return to a meeting spot after their group came under heavy fire in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine near the Russian border.

The two soldiers have appeared in various videos distributed by Russia since their capture. Previously, the men have appeared frightened, but look calmer in the latest video.

Drueke and Huynh traveled separately to help Ukraine, but became friends there in part because of their shared Alabama background, relatives have said.

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

Drueke's mother, Lois 'Bunny' Drueke, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama spoke to her son on the phone last month for 10 minutes. Bunny said she believes parts of the conversation did not seem to be coming directly from him.

'It was obvious that there were two things going on,' she told Good Morning America (GMA). 'One, I could tell when he was telling me something scripted. And the other things he was saying was just the regular conversation, just ordinary conversations that mothers really treasure.'

Previously, Drueke, a US Army veteran, and Huynh, a former US Marine, were warned by the Kremlin they faced possible execution for being what Putin's government branded 'soldiers of fortune.'

The Kremlin said the men were not eligible for the rights afforded to prisoners of war captured by rivals, because they hadn't enlisted for the foreign army they were fighting with.
Moldova's Prime Minister has said she is very worried Russia will invade her country next, while warning that no country is safe from Vladimir Putin.

Natalia Gavrilita's warning came after Moscow's forces made gains in Ukraine's south and east, near to the Moldova-Ukraine border, in recent months.

Meanwhile, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow's overarching goal in Ukraine is to topple President Volodymyr Zelensky's government, expressing the Kremlin's war aims in some of the bluntest terms yet.

Analysts believe the Kremlin is trying to create a land bridge between Russian-occupied territory in eastern Ukraine and Transnistria - an unrecognised breakaway region supported by Russia - in order to cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea.

Transnistria controls a narrow strip of land that is found mostly between the Dniester river and the MoldovanUkrainian border.

It declared independence from Moldova following a brief military conflict in 1992, but is internationally still recognised as being part of the Eastern European country.

'It's a hypothetical scenario for now, but if the military actions move further into the southwestern part of Ukraine and toward Odessa, then of course we are very worried,' Gavrilita told CNN's Fareed Zakaria on Sunday.

Moldova's Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita has said she is very worried Russia will invade her country next, while warning that nobody is safe from Vladimir Putin

'We are very worried, especially considering that troops are on the territory of the secessionist Transnistria region. We are doing everything possible to maintain peace and stability and to ensure that the fighting does not escalate.'

With just 2.5 million people, Moldova is a tiny nation, especially when compared to neighbouring Ukraine which had a population of over 40 million before Putin's invasion began on February 24.

Ukraine's large size and population has enable it to put up a fierce resistance against the Russian invaders, surprising many - not least the Kremlin, that brazenly expected its forces to seize Kyiv in a matter of days.

A country such as Moldova, which is constitutionally neutral and therefore not a member of NATO, would have a much harder time defending itself.

Moldova was part of the Soviet Union until 1991 when it separated from the dissolving communist bloc. Since the war in Ukraine began, it has sheltered around half a million Ukrainian refugees.

Fears that Russia might look to push through Ukraine to invade were heightened in March when Putin ally and Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko was shown in a leaked photo gesturing at Moldova on a battle map.

Gavrilita said the on-going war had created a 'difficult situation' for several European countries, not just Moldova.

'If a country can start an annexation war without any regard for international law, then in this sense, nobody is safe. I think a lot of countries are worried,' she said.

Analysts believe the Putin (pictured last week in Moscow) is trying to create a land bridge between Russian-occupied territory in eastern Ukraine and Transnistria - an unrecognised breakaway region supported by Russia

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said Russia's overarching goal in Ukraine is to topple President Zelensky's government - a marked contrast with the Kremlin's line early in the war, when it repeatedly emphasised that Moscow wasn't seeing to overthrow the Ukrainian government.

Speaking to envoys at an Arab League summit in Cairo late Sunday, Lavrov said Moscow is determined to help Ukrainians 'liberate themselves from the burden of this absolutely unacceptable regime.'

Lavrov accused Kyiv and its Western allies of spouting propaganda intended to ensure that Ukraine 'becomes the eternal enemy of Russia.'

'Russian and Ukrainian people would continue to live together. We will certainly help Ukrainian people to get rid of the regime, which is absolutely anti-people and anti-historical,' he said.

Lavrov argued that Russia was ready to negotiate a deal to end hostilities in March when Kyiv changed tack and declared its intention to rout Russia on the battlefield. He said the West has encouraged Ukraine to keep fighting.

'The West insists that Ukraine must not start negotiations until Russia is defeated on the battlefield,' Lavrov said.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (pictured) said Moscow's overarching goal in Ukraine is to topple President Volodymyr Zelensky's government, expressing the Kremlin's war aims in some of the bluntest terms yet

Meanwhile, Transnistria's foreign ministry said on Friday that the goal of the Moldovan breakaway region to become part of Russia remains unaffected by the war in neighbouring Ukraine.

Vitaly Ignatyev said the region is committed to achieving independence and possible unification with Russia, and that Moldova's becoming a candidate for European Union membership effectively ends any possibility of cooperation.

Since Russia sent troops into Ukraine, speculation has risen that Russia would aim to take control of the territory. In April, a series of explosions in the territory of 470,000 people caused tensions to soar.

Ignatyev, the foreign minister of the unrecognised government of Transnistria, told a news conference in Moscow that Transnistria will pursue the goals determined in a 2006 referendum.

'The independent development of Transnistria and the subsequent free entry into the Russian Federation,' Ignatyev said.

'The subsequent free accession to Russia is a process that probably requires significant decisions, political preparation and much more. The main priority, obviously, is independence.'

Moldova is constitutionally neutral and thus not a potential NATO member, but is showing a growing Western orientation.

In June, the EU granted it candidate status, with full bloc membership conditional on reforms such as tackling corruption and strengthening rule of law.

People walk past the turret of a tank, which was destroyed during Ukraine-Russia conflict in the southern port city of Mariupol, Ukraine April 17, 2022. Russia's gains in Ukraine's south have raised fears that Moscow's forces could push towards Moldova

'Having received the status of a candidate for EU membership, Moldova has thus crossed a certain Rubicon,' Ignatyev said.

'It put an end to the issue of building political relations within certain common spaces, because this decision was made solely by the Moldovan leadership, it was not taken collectively. Moreover, no one can speak for us.'

Ignatiev told RIA news agency that Moscow's 'special military operation' had not affected his region's aim to officially join Russia, in line with its 2006 referendum.

'The vector of Transdniestria has remained unchanged throughout the republic's existence - reflected in the results of the referendum on September 17, 2006, where it is clearly stated: independence with free accession to the Russian Federation,' RIA Novosti quoted Ignatiev as saying.

In a conference call with reporters on Friday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said he had nothing to say about Ignatiev's comments.

After Russia invaded Ukraine, fears rose in Kyiv that Moscow could use Transdniestria - and the hundreds of Russian troops still stationed there as peacekeepers - to invade Ukraine from a fourth direction.

The breakaway region's capital, Tiraspol, is just 60 miles from Ukraine's strategically important Black Sea port city of Odesa. Officials in Transdniestria have denied their region could be used as a springboard for attacking Ukraine.

It comes as Ukraine is trying to resume grain exports from its Black Sea ports, something that would help ease global food shortages, under a new deal tested by a Russian strike on Odesa over the weekend.

It was not yet clear when grain shipments would resume following Russia and Ukraine's signing of agreements with the United Nations and Turkey on Friday.

The deals are aimed at clearing the way for the shipment of millions of tons of desperately needed Ukrainian grain, as well as the export of Russian grain and fertilizer.

While Russia faced accusations that the weekend attack on the port of Odesa amounted to reneging on the deal, Moscow insisted the strike would not affect grain shipments.

Rescuers remove debris following a Russian missile attack in Chuhuiv, Kharkiv region, Ukraine, on Monday

During a visit to Congo on Monday, Lavrov repeated the Russian military claim that the strike targeted a Ukrainian navy boat and a depot with Harpoon anti-ship missiles supplied by the West. He said the attack took part in the military section of the port at 'a significant distance' from the grain terminal.

'We haven't created any obstacles to grain deliveries in accordance with the agreements signed in Istanbul,' Lavrov said. He said the agreements 'contain nothing that would prevent us from continuing the special military operation and destroying military infrastructure and other military targets.'

The foreign minister also planned to visit Uganda and Ethiopia in what was seen as an effort to bolster African support for Russia, especially for any upcoming U.N. votes.

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow has no interest in halting all gas supplies to Europe and that recent restrictions on the flow 'are simply the consequences of restrictions the Europeans have imposed, and the Europeans themselves are suffering from these restrictions.'

'Russia is a responsible gas supplier, and no matter what anyone says, the European Commission, in European capitals, in the U.S., Russia has been and continues to be a country that to a large extent guarantees Europe's energy security,' Peskov said.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's presidential office said Monday at least two civilians were killed and 10 wounded in Russian shelling over the preceding 24 hours.

In the eastern Donetsk region, the focus of the Russian offensive, Russian artillery struck the cities of Avdiivka, Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka. An airstrike on Bakhmut damaged at least five houses.

'The Russians are using the scorched-earth tactics across the entire Donbas. They fire from the ground and from the air to wipe off entire cities,' Donetsk Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko said in televised remarks.

The Russians also struck the Kharkiv region. In the city of Chuhuiv, a Russian strike wrecked a local club, and rescue workers removed several people from under the debris.

Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Sinyehubov denounced the attack as 'senseless barbarity,' saying: 'It looks like a deadly lottery when no one knows where the next strike will come.'
A British Army Gurkha who became infatuated with a colleague's wife and called her 27 times in a four-month period while harassing her on social media has been handed a restraining order.

Sergeant Bamprasad Lumba developed a 'deeply unfortunate and inappropriate infatuation' with Kusum Thapa-Gurung and 'romantically pursued' her while her husband was deployed abroad, a court martial heard.

The married 34-year-old repeatedly messaged the woman, asking when he could come for dinner.

She even had to block him on social media, but the court heard he continued to 'pester' her by making new profiles.

As a result she ended up feeling like 'a prisoner in her own home', Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire, heard.

After she complained to military police, Sgt Lumba admitted a single charge of harassment, between September 2020 and January 2021.

He has now been reduced in rank to Corporal and handed a restraining order preventing him from meeting her or contacting her.

Sergeant Bamprasad Lumba (pictured) developed a 'deeply unfortunate and inappropriate infatuation' with Kusum Thapa-Gurung and 'romantically pursued' her while her husband was deployed abroad, a court martial heard

The married 34-year-old (pictured) repeatedly messaged the woman, asking when he could come for dinner

Sentencing Sgt Lumba, Judge Advocate Robert Hill said: 'The victim in this case is a wife of another Gurkha sergeant living in the Gurkha community and you both live on the same road.

'You had an infatuation for this woman and you pestered her with numerous Facebook messages and Instagram messages and in particular 27 phone calls, eight from a withheld number, six past the watershed at night including one which was withheld at night.

'It's fairly obvious this is going to cause the wife of a soldier, who has no interest in you the way you wanted her to, distress.

'She's been a prisoner in her own home and had time off work due to stress.

'Most people in the military community would look very very dimly on this conduct on a fellow soldier's wife while he was serving his country overseas and would have a right to assume she would be looked after, not romantically pursued by his brother sergeant.'

Captain Daniel Lawlor, prosecuting, told the hearing: 'He contacted her repeatedly through electronic means over Facebook and Instagram, and he also called her both openly from his own phone and a number of times using a withheld number.

'This occurred during a period where [the victim's] husband, serving in the same regiment as Sgt Lumba, was deployed overseas.

'The messages included things like 'I have seen you running on camp' and 'when can I come for dinner?'. He would also comment on her physical movements, saying 'where are you?' and 'your car is not here'.

'She told him 'could you stop?' 'please stop', 'you need to stop' and on one occasion when she said 'you agreed to stop' he replied 'I did but I can't stop'.

Sentencing Sgt Lumba at Bulford Military Court Centre (pictured), Judge Advocate Robert Hill said: 'The victim in this case is a wife of another Gurkha sergeant living in the Gurkha community and you both live on the same road'

'She blocked him on Facebook and Instagram but that resulted in him making the effort to contact her through new accounts.'

The court heard Sgt Lumba, of the 94 Supply Squadron Queen's Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment, which is based at Hullavington near Chippenham, Wilts, told police it was a 'mutual exchange of communication'.

However, a statement written by the victim was read in court, in which she said: 'Since all this began I'm constantly on edge and very scared in my own home.

'I think it's unfair I feel like this when I have done nothing except tell him to leave me alone.

'I now keep my blinds shut and ask my work friend to take me to work... I'm scared to walk to my car, especially when it's dark.'

Graham Gilbert, defending, told the court: 'This is not a case where the harassment has been malicious or with any real ill will behind it.

'It's a case of a deeply unfortunate and inappropriate infatuation.'
The Project's Waleed Aly (pictured)

Waleed Aly has been scolded by a union boss who accused him of 'diminishing' the tragic death of a young tradie after a slip of the tongue in a fiery interview on The Project.

National Secretary of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) Dave Noonan called out the host on Monday's program as they debated the effectiveness of the federal government's building industry watchdog.

Anthony Albanese's government this week is taking steps to abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) on the grounds it had been wasting taxpayer money by pursuing cases against unions.

Mr Noonan welcomed the controversial move claiming the body had fined tradies for offences such swearing on building sites, but failed to take worker safety seriously.

Christopher Cassaniti, 18, died of asphyxiation when scaffolding collapsed on him at at a building site in Macquarie Park, in Sydney's north west on April 1, 2019. He ran out of oxygen after being trapped in the rubble for 20 minutes.

Mr Noonan said the construction company was fined $900,000 - but claimed it never paid a cent because the firm was covered by insurance.

Aly said defenders of the ABCC could argue the commission 'prosecutes some important things' adding that the two examples given were not comparable.

'If the builder is negligent in that situation, then that could be it's own little suit,' Aly said - before quickly correcting himself and saying 'civil suit'.

'It's own little civil suit? We're talking about the death of a young man Waleed,' Mr Noonan quickly fired back.

'The world I live in, the world our members live in, there are serious safety hazards, the most appalling safety circumstances, and I don't think it's appropriate to diminish it by calling it a 'little civil suit'.'

Aly said Mr Noonan had misunderstood him and that he hadn't meant to call it a 'little suit' to which his guest replied: 'I'm happy to replay the tape'.

'I'm not saying it's a little civil suit and it doesn't matter, if you want to compare the ways in which these things might result ultimately in fines, my only point is, they have different mechanisms that would result in different sorts of fines,' Aly said.

'So to say their comparable, well they may not be comparable.'

Mr Noonan said serious safety breaches and wage theft continued to go unpunished in the building industry due to the ABCC's inaction.

The national secretary claimed the commission had been set up by governments purely to strip workers of their rights to have an effective union.

'We are a union that stands up for our members, we make no apology for that, and sometimes we get it wrong,' he continued.

Union boss Dave Noonan (pictured) accused the panellist of 'diminishing' the death of the young apprentice to which Aly said he didn't mean to refer to it as 'a little civil suit'

Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke on Sunday announced building code regulation changes would come into effect from Tuesday, before he introduces legislation later this year to abolish the ABCC (pictured, a construction worker in Melbourne)

'But we are the only people that are in there trying mate, because let me tell you, the ABCC is not when it comes to looking after workers.'

The heated moment comes after the Albanese government announced a controversial move to scrap the industry watchdog.

Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke on Sunday decaled building code regulation changes would come into effect from Tuesday, before he introduces legislation later this year to abolish the ABCC.

The commission's powers will be reduced to the 'bare legal minimum' before reverting to the Fair Work Ombudsman and to health and safety regulators.

Master Builders Australia warned abolishing the commission risked driving up construction costs and said the sector needed a specialist regulator.

Master Builders Australia warned abolishing the commission risked driving up construction costs and said the sector needed a specialist regulator (pictured, workers in Melbourne)

But Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said it was about ensuring workers were bound by equal laws.

'What there should be is the same laws across the entire industrial relations system applying to every single worker,' he told ABC News earlier on Monday.

'The way this particular sector has been singled out under the ABCC is not fair.'

Unions have long argued the building code has been used to target them pointing to provisions that ban union flags and symbols.

Mr Noonan has previously claimed the code had stopped unions being able to bargain over apprentice ratios, Indigenous employment clauses and measures to promote women in construction.
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Britain will host the Eurovision Song Contest next year on behalf of Ukraine, organisers confirmed today after concluding that the war-torn country could not hold the event for 'safety and security reasons'.

The Ukrainian entry, Kalush Orchestra, won the annual competition just over two months ago in an emotional victory in Turin, Italy, on May 14 and it is traditional that the winning country hosts the event the following year.

But the European Broadcasting Union said last month that it had concluded after a study that the 'security and operational guarantees' required to host the event could not be fulfilled by Ukraine's public broadcaster UA:PBC.

The decision to rule out Ukraine as the 2023 host prompted its culture minister Oleksandr Tkachenko to issue a statement 'demanding to change the decision', while UA:PBC also expressed its 'disappointment' at the time.

The BBC, as national broadcaster of the UK, which was the runner-up this year with Sam Ryder's Space Man, was invited to act as host  and the corporation confirmed today that it would hold what will be the 67th contest. The event normally draws a television audience of about 200million and was last held in Britain in Birmingham in 1998.

That contest came after Katrina and the Waves won with 'Love Shine a Light' in Dublin the previous year, which remains the last time Britain was victorious. The UK has won Eurovision a total of five times since it began in 1956.

The event is mostly funded by contributions from the participating broadcasters, which adds up to 5.3million combined and varies for each country. There is also a payment by the host broadcaster - in this case the BBC - of between 8million and 17million, which organisers say depends on 'local circumstances and available resources'.

There is also a contribution from the host city, either financially or 'in kind' such as covering expenses; and then funding through commercial revenue from sponsorship agreements, ticket sales, voting and merchandise.

The location in the UK for 2023 is set to be chosen in the coming months, with a bidding process expected to be launched this week. Organisers said the date for the event will also be revealed 'in due course', as will the logo.

Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield, Swindon and Wolverhampton have all expressed an interest in hosting the event which will require a large events space, suitable accommodation and international transport links.

The Ukrainian entry, Kalush Orchestra, won the most recent Eurovision Song Contest in Turin on May 14

Kalush Orchestra pose with the winner's trophy and Ukraine's flag after winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in May

The UK has staged the Eurovision Song Contest more times than any other country, including in London in 1960, 1963, 1968 and 1977; Edinburgh in 1972; Brighton in 1974; Harrogate in 1982; and Birmingham in 1998.

Ukraine will automatically qualify for the grand final alongside the so-called 'Big Five' - the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain - who each get a free pass because of their financial contributions.

UK has held Eurovision Song Contest eight times The UK has staged the Eurovision Song Contest more times than any other country, in the following cities: 1960 - London (Royal Festival Hall)

London (Royal Festival Hall) 1963 - London (BBC Television Centre)

London (BBC Television Centre) 1968 - London (Royal Albert Hall)

London (Royal Albert Hall) 1972 - Edinburgh (Usher Hall)

Edinburgh (Usher Hall) 1974 - Brighton (Brighton Dome)

Brighton (Brighton Dome) 1977 - London (Wembley Conference Centre)

London (Wembley Conference Centre) 1982 - Harrogate (Harrogate International Centre)

Harrogate (Harrogate International Centre) 1998 - Birmingham (National Indoor Arena)

Birmingham (National Indoor Arena) 2023 - TBC Advertisement

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK would 'put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends', adding that in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week they 'agreed that wherever Eurovision 2023 is held, it must celebrate the country and people of Ukraine'.

He continued: 'As we are now hosts, the UK will honour that pledge directly - and put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends.'

Downing Street said it had been Boris Johnson's 'strong wish' for Ukraine to host the Eurovision Song Contest.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'It's deeply regrettable that a Ukraine-hosted Eurovision will not be possible. But we are confident the BBC and UK will pull out all the stops to make sure it is an event that celebrates and honours the country, the people and the creativity of Ukraine.'

Asked if Britons should fly Ukraine flags to mark the event, the spokesman said: 'Absolutely. As we saw, a number of countries and the people of the UK (were) supporting both our UK entry and the Ukrainian entry.

'I'm sure the Prime Minister would encourage the public to get behind this opportunity to really demonstrate how the UK is supporting the people of Ukraine.'

Announcing London's intention to bid to host Eurovision, Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Twitter: 'It's very disappointing for Ukraine that they will be unable to host Eurovision next year.

'London is ready and willing to step in. We would be honoured to put on a contest that celebrates the people of Ukraine and shows off the very best of Britain.'

UK entry Sam Ryder came second with his song Space Man at this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Turin on May 14

Sheffield is also among the cities that has announced a bid to host Eurovision 2023.

Which UK cities have expressed an interest in hosting Eurovision 2023? Aberdeen

Belfast

Birmingham

Brighton

Bristol

Cardiff

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Manchester

Leeds

Liverpool

London

Newcastle

Nottingham

Sheffield

Swindon

Wolverhampton Advertisement

The city's council said it has told Eurovision organisers that Sheffield would 'love' to hold the contest after the EBU and BBC confirmed the UK will host in place of Ukraine. 'We've told Eurovision we'd love to host... watch this space,' Sheffield City Council tweeted.

Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, also said the city would be applying to host Eurovision in 2023.

She tweeted: 'Manchester will be bidding to host @Eurovision @bbceurovision.

'A world class music city, brilliant venues, experience in hosting major events, and of course one of the UK's largest Ukrainian populations - we are confident we will make it a Eurovision to remember. More to follow.'

Glasgow also previously expressed an interest in hosting the contest with the city's OVO Hydro arena saying it would be 'delighted' to be involved in discussions.

In June, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also backed the city to host, tweeting: 'I can think of a perfect venue on banks of the River Clyde!!'

Martin Osterdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest's executive supervisor, said: 'We're exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023.

'The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions.

'Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year's contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe's most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year's winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event.'

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: 'The Eurovision Song Contest unites people through the power of music and creativity.

'Following a request from the European Broadcasting Union and the Ukrainian authorities, I'm delighted that the BBC has agreed to step in and host next year's contest.

'I'm just sorry that, due to Russia's continued acts of bloodshed, it has not been possible to host the event in Ukraine, where it should be.

The 1998 Eurovision Song Contest was held in Birmingham after Katrina and the Waves won with 'Love Shine a Light' in Dublin the previous year (pictured posing in May 1997 following their win), which remains the last time Britain was victorious

'As hosts, the UK will honour the competition's spirit and diversity, and, most importantly, ensure it reflects Ukraine's recent Eurovision victory and Ukrainian creativity.'

Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the managing board of UA:PBC, said: 'The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine. We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us.

'I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent.'

And Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC, added: 'It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

'Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege. The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity.

'The BBC will now begin the process to find a Host City to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023.'

This year's contest in May saw Ryder top the jury vote before Kalush Orchestra went on to win overall following a symbolic show of public support which saw them soar to first place with 631 points.

They had been the frontrunners since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February - which prompted organisers to ban the Russian entrant from competing.
Good afternoon, I'm quite honored to have been chosen as this year white coat ceremony speaker. I'd like to extend a very warm welcome to everyone who has joined us for this especial day especially to our new students their families, and their loved ones. For a med student outside of graduation his is the day in your prof life that in my option means the most it represents the line between the before and the after.

This morning you walked in here as a layperson on the outside of the profession and this afternoon you will walk out of here as someone on the inside. That's what I want to talk with out about today. How to make it on the inside. And not just how to survive but to thrive and to flourish. But before I do I want to acknowledge the deep wounds our community has suffered over the past several weeks. We have a great deal of work to do for healing to occur. And I hope that for today, for this time, we can focus on what matters most: coming together to support our newly accepted students and their families with the goal of welcoming them into one of the greatest vocations that exist on this earth. The vocation of medicine.

I was once like you sitting in that very seat in this very auditorium in 1997 that mixture of excitements and nerves, sort of wondering how I got here and how I was going to do it, was I worth of being here? Did I make the right decision? Why didn't I go to business school? But in my remarks today I would like to share three pieces of advice that I hope will help you flourish on the inside.

The first one is you are not a machine, and neither is your patient. The second is ask big questions and the third is practice gratitude. Regarding her first one you will soon realize that doctors speak in a language that is quite unique to the profession. One of the phrases you will often hear is when someone says something about a colleague like 'oh she's a machine' and it is often use in a way that is laudatory. Where someone is respected because they're seen to be getting stuff done often in a very superhuman way not needing sleep, cranking it out, being super productive.

While we of course respect folks who work hare here and accomplish much I would remind you that you are not a machine, but neither should you strive to be one. Because if you lapse into that way of thinking you strip away the very essence of what medicine is. Medicine is not merely a technical endeavor but above all else it is a human one. And the great work The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck writes a story about a family of low resources during the great depression who are driven from their home because of drought and economic hardship it was a time of great expansion of technological and industrial advancement, especially around the vocation of farming Steinbeck reflects upon the nature of man when he writes 'carbon is not a man nor salt nor water nor calcium he is all these but he is much more much more and the land is so much more than its analysis that man who is more than his chemistry that man who is more than his elements knows the land that is more than its analysis but the machine man driving a dead tractor on land he does not know and love understands only chemistry and he is contemptuous of the land and of himself'.

Let's read that last line again 'the machine man understands only chemistry and he is contemptuous of the land and of himself what if I substituted the word patient in for the word land, he becomes contemptuous of the patient and of himself'. I'm sure you've heard a lot about the crisis of physician burnout this syndrome and its causes are very complex, but the result of burnout is depersonalization. Where you can start seeing the patient in front of you, the one that you went into medicine for as a non-person, and you can become truly contemptuous of the patient. They're just something in your way of getting out of this place and your feelings toward yourself can become disordered as well.

You will soon start learning a lot of biochemistry, a lot of pharmacology, a lot of histology and that's great. The science is really beautiful and there's so much science to know. But the risk of this education and the one that I fell into was that you come out of medical school with a bio-reductionist mechanistic view of people and ultimately of yourself you can easily end up seeing your patients such as a bag of blood and bones. Or viewing life, it's just molecules in motion. I assume that most of you didn't come into medicine to take care of a receptor, a symptom, an organ or even a disease. These things are important, but they are happening and inside human beings. Don't take your eye off the ball. You are not technicians taking care of complex machines, but human beings taking care of other human beings and human beings are fallible.

You will soon become all too familiar with all the ways in which human bodies are fallible and this profession can test the limits of your bodies as well. Unlike a machine you do need sleep, food, rest and most of all love. If we become mere machines then we can just step aside and let robots be the next generation of physicians. To be fair robots can often be more accurate than we are with diagnostics, they can be faster. You've probably seen more stories of robots of late being built to provide care in nursing homes, but machines and robots can't care for anyone. Task completion is not care. Medicine is embodied profession where two people come together in one of the most sacred relationships that there are. Get to know your patients as human beings, not just their scans, labs, chemistries and data. The disease may be unique, may not be unique, but every person is. Let's resist a view of our patients and ourselves that strips us of our humanity and takes away from the very goal of why most of us went into this profession in the first place.

To take care of human beings entrusted to our care in their moments of greatest need. Number two, ask big questions and lean in on the humanities to do so. Many of you have come to us from liberal arts colleges and universities and have studied big questions in fields like anthropology, sociology, theology, philosophy and literature to name a few. Not only is now not the time to stop asking big questions but probably at no other time are the big questions more critical to ponder. If you haven't had a chance to ask big questions now is the time. Your answer to these questions has real impact on real lives. Questions like what does it mean to be human? Why do human beings matter? Who do we include in our moral sphere of concern? What is health? What is medicine? And what is it for biomedical education?

As we have discussed is science and technology heavy, as it should be but let me tell you once you're in practice the scientific questions are not the hardest questions that you will face in your day-to-day patient care. The great ancient philosopher Aristotle wrote about three types of knowledge: the first one is episteme. That's bare scientific knowledge like concerned with knowing what something is the facts. The second type of knowledge is techne which is knowing how to do something mechanically or procedurally and today encompasses the copies use of technology. The third type of knowledge is phronesis, which is a very different type of knowledge from the other two and what today we would call wisdom.

Phronesis is practical wisdom, knowing the why towards what good of something. Modern medicine is excellent at both episteme, knowledge of the what, and techne, knowledge of the how, but philosophical questions or questions of the why are largely absent in the practice of medicine. The phronesis or why of medicine cannot be explored in a technical model. Philosophies literally translated the love of wisdom medicine needs a philosophical lens to be able to see why medicine knows what it knows and does what it does and without such a lens medicine robs itself of a proper understanding of its goals, meaning and purpose and reduces itself to a mechanistic production.

To give you an example of what asking a big question looks like I give a lot of talks on bioethics. I love asking the question to my audience of what is health. People assume that they know the answer, that everyone has the same general idea of what health is but often folks actually haven't had an opportunity to really ponder that question. The best answer I ever received on this question was from a med student here. She told me the following, she said that she had been an anthropology major in Iowa as an undergrad and had done qualitative research interviewing farmers asking them what they thought health was. And she said time and time again the farmers kept saying things like 'I don't consider myself healthy unless the soil on my farm is healthy, the crops are healthy, the animals on my land are healthy and my neighbors are healthy'.

It was a beautiful antidote to the impoverished answer I often get when I ask what health is. Which is the absence of disease and instead speaks to a vision of health that extends even beyond the individual and speaks to a communal flourishing that involves the entire created order and a picture of shalom. Your answer to these questions has real consequences is they will impact your view of the patient. What you think healthcare is or isn't and what you might want to advocate for on research. If you don't develop a philosophy of medicine so to speak you risk getting burned out and trained by the hidden curriculum to be a mere technician. Traditional medical education often doesn't teach health as shalom, but health as techne. Number three, practice gratitude and cultivate the proper place of medicine.

This profession unlike many others provides ample opportunity to become acquainted with grief. Remember you could have gone to business school but in becoming acquainted with grief you will hopefully develop an appreciation for what truly matters and what doesn't. Not as frequently at this hospital there are cars in our parking garages left behind from when someone has walked into this place and never walked back out. When you are taking care of patients no matter how long your day has been, what you've had to do, what you've had to miss to be here that for that moment in time you aren't the one in the sick bed.

When I was a third year resident here my chief resident Jake became ill and he became the one in the sick bed. He had been interviewing for a competitive fellowship position in academic cardiology. He had been losing weight looking tired but we all know he had been busy. He kept telling us that he had been busy. One night shortly after arriving home from a flight he presented to our emergency department with shortness of breath and was found to have a massively enlarged liver due to the presence of multiple terrible masses.

We were hoping that this was something easy or at least easier than what he ended up having, which I won't even name here because my anger at his particular disease has decided that its name doesn't deserve a place in this speech about my friend. But what he had was bad, it ended up taking his life. It was over the course of that year that our institution watched our friend die. But we also saw him live and it was painful. It was even more shocking to us at some level was that we couldn't save one of our own here we were one of the largest academic hospitals in the world with all the technology treatments at our disposal.

A chair of medicine at the time was an oncologist for god's sake yet Jake got sicker. We couldn't cure him, and he died on our watch. We lost our friend, and the world lost a great son, husband, brother and doctor. Those of us who survived lost additional things collectively. We lost the deeply held belief that medicine could be our savior. What had happened in part is that many of us had made medicine into what theologians call an idol. We had placed unrealistic hope into something that medicine didn't deserve and couldn't live up to. When our idols come crashing down pain ensues, but the right order of things shines out of that darkness.

I have since grown to understand the limits of medicine that are important for me to realize as I grow into the physician that I need to be I wish I could have come to know these painful shoes in a different way, in an easier way. But I still talk about Jake and what he taught me about medicine and the limits of the vocation to which I have chosen to dedicate my life. So how can we not be destroyed by what we see? How can the suffering we see help us paradoxically flourish on the inside? This profession has a tendency to do one of two things - the suffering can either harden you and make you into a burned out machine or you can allow the vocation to soften you to cultivate compassion love, justice and mercy.

Let medicine do the latter of the two. Secondly medicine needs to come back to the humanities as they can help illuminate these truths most clearly. The mother of narrative medicine Rita Sharon once wrote that training in the humanities lets one see the suffering. She says that's what the humanities are for. She writes what one gains by the sight of the suffering is the knowledge of the cost of this life.

For those who are prepared you receive a clear eye discernment of this thing, this life, its worth and quote in conclusion in this great work called medicine you should give thanks to those who have come before us. The great philosopher Alastair McIntyre once said that before you ask yourself what am I to do you must answer the question of what story am I a part. You are now part of the story of medicine that's rich in both tragedy and joy. But you have the potential to shape the future of the story if you resist the temptation to see yourself and others as machines.

If you ask big questions and if you practice gratitude along the way. Welcome to the profession of medicine and go blue.
ANANTAPUR: Ratnagiri, known as Seema Golconda due to its exclusive structures in the fort in Rolla mandal in Satya Sai district, remained for long in a stage of neglect. The historical fort, now in ruins, is located close to the Karnataka border with the historic importance it gained during the Pandyan and Chola dynasties and later, in the hands of Hyder Ali.

Local volunteers were making efforts to protect such monuments from hidden-treasure hunters. The Ratnagiri fort gained prominence for its hidden treasures because it is believed that after the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, famous poet Allasani Peddana in Sri Krishna Devarayas regime migrated to Ratnagiri along with numerous Brahmin families.

The fort on the hills has different kinds of attractions and structures that attract tourists and researchers in the Rayalaseema region. The historians seek official recognition for Ratnagiri, in order for it to be developed as a major tourism centre. But, the pleas remained on paper.

Activist Paramesh and his team along with villagers were making efforts to protect the monuments of Ratnagiri. A big Kalyani in the fort attracts tourists because of its exclusive care. It was built as a swimming pool for the queen. The queens' bath area also has a Brindavan of Lord Krishna, for her to offer poojas soon after the bath.

The volunteers of Ratnagiri Charitable Trust have also brought to limelight another Kalyani; named Pala Bavi, a milky well of five centuries old, a year ago. The silt was removed and the well was cleaned and made use of, for use of devotees of the Kolhapuramma Goddess temple.

Even as the drought-hit area remained parched for many decades and the bore wells and wells dried up, the Pala Bavi always had enough water for the devotees to perform their traditional rituals. The well has never dried up, Rathnagiri Charitable Trust member Paramesh observed.
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Customers have boarded trains for the first time at London's newest Transport for London (TfL) station in Barking Riverside ahead of the construction of more than 10,000 homes in a massive regeneration project.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who was at the new Overground station this morning as it fully opened to the public, called it a 'game changer' for this part of east London.

The station has been linked up to the existing Tilbury line, with four trains an hour now leaving the station on the line to Gospel Oak Station (via Barking).

The extension to station has been mooted for almost a decade, and has been built to serve people moving into homes being built next to the Thames as part of the Barking Riverside project.

This will see more than 10,000 new homes built on brownfield land, including the site of the former Barking Power Station, and is expected to have a population of more than 26,000 when finished in the 2030s.

The station and link, which is thought to have cost more than 300 million, was originally due to open last year before being put back to autumn 2022.

However, it has now opened 'early' with a ceremony today and a visit from the mayor, who called the development 'really exciting'.

London mayor Sadiq Khan (pictured here with Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council), officially opened Barking Riverside station this morning

The new station has been built to serve people living in 10,000 new homes that are being constructed next to the River Thames

The station and three miles of track have been installed to connect with the existing Overground line between Gospel Road and Barking

Mr Khan (pictured here with workers at the station) said the station is a 'game changer' for people already living in the area and those who are set to move here in the future

The station was supposed to open last year, but this was pushed back to autumn 2022. However, TfL ended up opening it for the first time in July

Speaking at the station, Mr Khan said: 'This extension is a real game changer because you've got now not just the connection from Gospel Oak to Barking Riverside, the London Overground, that enables people here to get to the Tube, to the Elizabeth line, to the c2c - that is really important.

'Without this extension (and) without decent public transport, people will understandably jump in their cars and you don't tackle climate change unless you have reductions in carbon emissions.

'So that's what public transport allows. But also you don't get improvements in air quality without people using cleaner forms of transport. That's what this is.'

Transport for London (TfL) claims the trains mean people can connect to Barking from the station in seven minutes, and can be in central London in just 22 minutes.

It opened for the first time last week, before closing over the weekend for essential engineering work to be carried out by Network Rail, before reopening seven days a week today.

The Transport for London map has already been updated to show Barking Riverside as connected to the Overground line in east London

The station offers views of the Thames at the moment (pictured here in the background), but as the development is built this will become blocked by buildings

There will be four trains an hour running from Gospel Oak (via Barking) to the new station, with TfL saying people travelling from Barking Riverside can reach central London in just 22 minutes

The long awaited station was built to service thousands of people living in the new Barking Riverside development, which won't be finished until the 2030s.

It is being built by a joint partnership of property developer L&Q and Greater London Authority Land and Property (GLAP), with Bellway listing properties as being for sale from 398,995 in the new Fielders Quarter.

Bellway said these homes would appeal to 'families, first-time buyers, and commuters travelling to central London'.

When finished it is expected a total of seven new schools will have been built in the area, along with new GP surgeries, a leisure centre and three 'neighbourhood centres'.

At the opening today, Mr Khan hit out at the Government as the ongoing dispute over funding for TfL rumbles on.

An image of Fielders Quarter in the Barking Riverside development, which is set to be completed in the 2030s and will house more than 26,000 people

When finished the development is expected to have open spaces such as playgrounds (pictured), seven new schools, as well as new GP surgeries and a leisure centre

Some properties in the development have already been completed, with Bellway putting them on the market from 398,955

The transport body has been been operating on a series of emergency short-term funding deals since falling into financial trouble during the pandemic, and Mr Khan said a new proposal from the Government was still being considered.

'The indications so far from the Government is not that they'll give us a deal that we need, but let's wait and see what the actual deal is in detail. Our officials have been examining it all weekend.'

He said 'a win-win outcome' would be for the Government to give TfL a long-term capital deal to allow new bus contracts, which would avoid making cuts and provide revenue support for 2022/23.

He added: 'If TFL isn't firing on all cylinders because of Government decisions, that inhibits the ability of our businesses to make profits to flourish and thrive, which means less money for the Government to distribute around the country.'

Mr Khan said 'cutting London's money is like them cutting their nose to spite their face'.
Joe Biden shared an image Monday afternoon of him on the White House balcony on the phone with his dog Commander lounging on the couch next to him as he continues to isolate following his COVID diagnosis.

'Took some calls this morning with man's best co-worker,' Biden wrote along with the image.

The president, wearing aviators and a blue suit, held a wired phone to his ear and seemed to be looking in the direction of his German Shepherd dog.

Biden's COVID symptoms have 'almost completely resolved' only four days after testing positive, White House Physician Kevin O'Connor said in an update Monday.

The president, Dr. O'Connor said, still has some 'residual nasal congestion and minimal hoarseness' but does not require any oxygen assistance.

'His oxygen saturation continues to be excellent on room air,' O'Connor wrote. 'His lungs remain clear.'

Biden's tweet providing the latest image and attempts to provide proof he is working through his diagnosis comes after another post from his POTUS account that is earning some roasting for misspelling 'person.'

President Joe Biden released an image from his official Twitter account on Monday on the phone alongside his lounging German Shepherd Commander writing: 'Took some calls this morning with man's best co-worker'

White House Physician Kevin O'Connor provided an update Monday on Biden's condition, claiming his symptoms have 'almost completely resolved' with just some 'residual nasal congestion and minimal hoarseness'

'At current prices, the average driver will spend $35 less per month for one peson (sic),' a graphic shared by the president's account reads.

The accompanying caption with the graphic reads: 'For American families looking for a little more breathing room, these savings matter.'

Biden will continue to take the antiviral medication of PAXLOVID as previously prescribed and is 'tolerating treatment well.'

O'Connor said the president will continue to isolate and is 'specifically conscientious to protect any staff' whose duties require any proximity to him  even if it is socially distanced at six-feet.

Since Thursday, Biden has engaged in meetings virtually and skipped out on a weekend trip to his home in Wilmington, Delaware to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on isolation.

No new images were released of Biden over the weekend, but White House aides say he is showing 'more energy' since the Thursday positive test.

Video was released on Twitter of Biden providing an update on his condition on Thursday and he appeared in a meeting virtually on Friday.

Despite the president's physician Dr. O'Connor released health updates on Saturday and Sunday.

Biden was last seen Friday meeting virtually with his economic team (pictured). No new images of the president were released over the weekend as he continues to isolate following his COVID diagnosis on Thursday

The next time Americans will see Biden is in virtual remarks delivered this afternoon to a National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives conference. He was supposed to travel to Florida for the event, but had to ditch those plans due to his COVID diagnosis.

White House officials claim, according to NBC's Today program, that Biden is working and has 'more energy' than when first coming down with the virus.

None of the 17 people considered close contacts with Biden have tested positive for COVID as of Sunday  including wife Jill and Vice President Kamala Harris.

An update from O'Connor on Sunday claimed that Biden's condition continues to 'improve significantly' despite a persistent sore throat.

'His voice remains a bit deep,' O'Connor noted in his letter to Biden's Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

The sore throat, Dr. O'Connor says, is 'likely a result of lymphoid activation as his body clears the virus, and is thus encouraging.'

'His rhinorrhea [runny nose], cough and body aches have diminished considerably,' he added.

Dr. Kevin O'Connor is Biden's White House physician. He has sent updates on the president since his COVID diagnosis on Thursday

Biden received his positive diagnosis during a routine COVID test administered on Thursday.

When news was released of his diagnosis, the president released a video on his official Twitter saying that he felt fine and was working from isolation at the White House.

Dr. O'Connor said Sunday morning that Biden completed his third day of PAXLOVID treatment on Saturday night.

Biden, the doctor said, will continue to isolate considering he has the highly contagious BA.5 variant.

A whopping 80 percent of current COVID infections in the U.S. are this variant.

OConnor wrote in his Saturday update on Biden's condition that his earlier symptoms, including a runny nose and a cough, have become 'less troublesome.'

Biden's diagnosis Thursday did not mention any sore throat or body aches.

Biden's vital signs, such as blood pressure and respiratory rate, 'remain entirely normal,' and his oxygen saturation levels are 'excellent' with 'no shortness of breath at all,' the doctor wrote in his Saturday update.

Dr. O'Connor said the results of the preliminary DNA sequencing that indicated Biden is infected with the BA.5 variant do not affect his treatment plan 'in any way.'

White House Physician Kevin O'Connor sent another update on President Joe Biden's on Sunday following his positive COVID diagnosis. The letter states Biden's 'predominant symptom' is a sore throat and as a result a deeper-than-usual voice
A 17-year-old girl who was 'loved by everyone' was killed by a suspected 'drink driver' on a country road on her way home from a night out.

Chloe Hayman was a passenger in the beige Skoda Octavia before the 5am crash in Caerphilly, south Wales on Sunday - and had posted selfies with friends online just hours before her death.

The teenager died at the scene.

Chloe Hayman, 17, was killed on Sunday by a drink driver on her way home from a night out in south Wales. Her family said she was 'loved by everyone'

A 21-year-old man has been arrested in association with the crash, which happened in Caerphilly, on suspicion of causing death by dangerous drinking and driving.

Gwent Police are investigating the crash.

Chloe's family said: 'We can't believe our beautiful loving daughter, kind caring sister to three little brothers has been taken so young.

The teenager was a passenger in the car before the crash shortly after 5am. A 21-year old man has been arrested in association with the crash and is in police custody

'From the day Chloe was born, she was a determined and fiercely strong little girl who was beautiful inside and out.

'Chloe lived life to the full, and brought so much joy and happiness to everyone's lives.

'There was never a dull moment when Chloe was around.

'Chloe brought happiness and love wherever she went and was loved by everyone who met her, she will be missed so much by everyone who knew her and had the chance to meet her.

'Our lives will never be the same again without her.'

Chloe's mum, Danielle O'Halloran, has watched a video made for Chloe's 17th birthday on repeat since her death and is hosting a beach gathering to remember her.

Chloe's family said there was 'never a dull moment' when she was around and she 'lived life to the full'

Mum Danielle is watching Chloe's 17th birthday video on repeat following her daughter's death. Gwent police are still investigating the details of the crash that caused Chloe's death

Mother Danielle O'Halloran, father Gavin Hayman and Chloe's three younger brothers Jac, 13, Joshua, eight, and Alfie, six, are being comforted by friends and family.

A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: 'Officers attended, along with personnel from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Welsh Ambulance Service, and the collision involved one car - a beige Skoda Octavia.

'Paramedics confirmed that a 17-year-old girl from the Mountain Ash area, who was a passenger in the car, died at the scene. Her next of kin are aware and are receiving support from specialist officers.

'A 21-year-old man from Rhymney was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink; he remains in police custody.

'Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact us. We're asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision, has CCTV or any motorists with dashcam footage in Bargoed, Deri and Fochriw between 4.30am and 5.10pm to contact us.'
A mother who deliberately drowned her four-year-old son in the bath as he said 'mummy, please don't kill me' will stay in a mental health hospital indefinitely, The Old Bailey heard today.

Nigerian Oluwakemi Badare, 37, had confessed to nurses she had attempted to kill her 'much-loved' son Kingswealth three years earlier when he was a baby.

Badare suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and has been treated for mental illness since 2012.

She held her struggling son under the water for more than a minute at their home in Invermore Place, Plumstead, southeast London, on December 27 2020.

Nigerian Oluwakemi Badare, 37, suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and has been treated for mental illness since 2012. She and her son went through periods of supervision and regular meetings with agencies in the years before the toddler's death. In June 2019, the meetings were 'dropped' and changes were made to Ms Badare's mental health care, the court heard. Judge Richard Marks wondered 'whether with closer supervision and if your illness had been better managed this tragedy might have been avoided'

The jury heard that paramedics found four-year-old Kingswealth Badare's (pictured) wet body at the top of the stairs outside the bathroom. His scalp was covered in scratches from being held underwater by his mother

She gave conflicting accounts when she called emergency services to her home.

Police found the antipsychotic medication she was supposed to be taking in a rubbish bin on the landing near to where her son's body was discovered.

An Old Bailey jury decided the mother had deliberately killed her son.

Badare has been in a secure mental hospital receiving treatment.

The Common Serjeant of London, Judge Richard Marks said: 'The jury found...that you had deliberately drowned Kingswealth.

'There is no doubt from other evidence in the case... that Kingswealth was greatly loved and very well cared for by you.

'These tragic events clearly occur as a result of the fact that at the time you were extremely unwell a situation no doubt exacerbated by the fact that you had stopped taking your medication.

'Given the events of 2017 to which I have referred and your overall mental health history one cannot help wondering whether with closer supervision and if your illness had been better managed this tragedy might have been avoided.'

Brenda Campbell, QC, defending, said that Kingswealth was a 'much loved child'.

'There is evidence that Ms Badare provided a loving and safe home environment for him.'

Ms Campbell told the court that her client and her son went through periods of supervision and regular meetings with agencies in the years before the toddler's death.

In June 2019, the meetings were 'dropped' and changes were made to Ms Badare's mental health care, the court heard.

It is said a doctor changed Ms Badare's diagnoses from long standing paranoid schizophrenia to depression with psychotic symptoms.

Ms Campbell added that there was also a change in the administration of her client's medication.

'The reality must be that both had a significant impact on what happened on 27 December 2020.

'This is a lady who had sought help, had been willing to receive help but at the time of her son's death was having very little support indeed.'

Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson, QC, earlier told the jury that injuries to Kingswealth, including scratches and bruises to the front, sides and back of his scalp, were consistent with deliberate drowning.

'On 27 December 2020 at 7:45am the defendant made a 999 emergency call,' Mr Atkinson said.

'The defendant told the emergency operator, who had asked her if the patient was breathing, that he was not and added that she had killed her four-year-old son.

'She added that she "want to do bubble bath for him" and that she had forgotten that she had left him in the bath and that she had filled the bath with cold water.'

Paramedics attended within ten minutes of the call and found Kingswealth's naked body on the landing at the top of the stairs.

Paranoid schizophrenic Oluwakemi Badare (pictured), 37, called emergency services to her home in Plumstead, on December 27, 2020, after drowning her four-year-old son in the bath while he said, 'Mummy, please don't kill me'

Nicholas Goh, incident response officer with London Ambulance Service, said Badare was 'banging her arms on the sofa' when emergency services arrived.

'She became calm and said that they went for a bubble bath last night and that when she put him in the water he screamed as it was cold,' Mr Atkinson said.

She told Mr Goh this happened at midnight.

The prosecutor continued: 'Paramedics noted that Kingswealth's body was wet and there were bubbles on it.

'He was not breathing.

'His hair was waterlogged and there was water in his ears.

'It was noted that the child's jaw was stiff, his limbs were stiff, his lungs were full.

'It was considered...that there was no point to attempting resuscitation as rigor mortis had already set in.

'Kingswealth was confirmed to be dead.'

Police then arrived and spoke to Badare who was noted to be 'restless', the court heard.

She asked to see her son's body but her request was refused.

Following her arrest she told the officer: 'Yes, I forgot him in the bath.'

Badare collapsed as she was taken downstairs and sobbed: 'I fell asleep.'

The mother had been treated for mental illness since 2012 and relapsed after in her treatment as an in-patient for paranoid schizophrenia in 2017.

'At the time of her treatment in 2017 she was suffering from delusions,' Mr Atkinson said.

'She reported to a nurse during her subsequent in-patient admission to hospital that she had held Kingswealth under water for less than a minute when she believed that she was under surveillance.

'She said that she believed that there were people watching her and would harm her son.'

This was recorded by hospital and child care services, but Kingswealth was returned to his mother's care in March 2018.

By the time of the killing she was not taking her anti-psychotic medication, the court heard.

After she was arrested, Badare told a custody nurse Jacqueline Donohoe that her son had told her 'Mummy don't kill me' before she drowned him.

Mr Atkinson added: 'The prosecution suggest that it is unlikely to be a coincidence that, when unwell, the defendant should try to drown her son in 2017 and yet in 2020, again when she was unwell, Kingswealth should actually drown by accident rather than through an act by his mother.

'The circumstances in which the body was found and the comments made by the defendant that she had killed her son, and that he had told her '"mummy don't kill me"... underpin the prosecution contention that the defendant did the act of killing her son that is the act that needs to be proved for a charge of murder.

'At the very least, however, the defendant's account that she had left her son in the bath for a number of hours unsupervised and forgot about him allows for the conclusion that the act she was responsible for was manslaughter.'

'That failure by her caused his death.'

Originally from Nigeria, Badare came to the UK in 2009, giving birth to Kingswealth in April 2016.

He was described as a 'healthy and active' boy before he died.

Badare was unfit to stand trial for murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter by gross negligence.

Instead, jurors were asked to consider whether she did the acts alleged: either that she drowned Kingswealth deliberately or that he died by accident.

The jury deliberated for nearly nine hours and found that Badare intentionally killed her son following a four day trial.

She has been detained in Bethlem Royal Hospital under sections 37 and 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983.
A former cult member has described the physical and emotional abuse she suffered at the hands of its tyrannical leader, including being beaten 30 times with a bamboo cane in one sitting and forced to wear clothes from Dorothy Perkins because it was his 'favourite brand'.

Dr Gillie Jenkinson, 69, was recruited into 'The Community' in the 1970s via her local church in the West Midlands. Then 21 and a devout Christian, she was persuaded to move in with the cult leader and his group of female followers.

'At the time joining these kind of groups was the thing to do - but over time it evolved into a full-blown cult featuring coercive control, bullying, gaslighting and financial exploitation,' she told MailOnline.

'We were closed off from the outside world. I lost all my friends, and although I had some contact with my family they felt irrelevant because they weren't on the same path as me.'

Dr Jenkinson said the cult's ideology was based on a 'perverted' interpretation of Christianity.

Gillie Jenkinson was recruited into 'The Community' in the 1970s via her local church in the West Midlands. She is pictured in recent years (left) and in the 70s (right)

Dr Jenkinson left the group eight years on when it disbanded and went on to train as a counsellor and psychotherapist so she could help other former cult members, as well as victims of emotional or sexual abuse.

She spoke out today as campaigners demanded a change in the law to better protect the victims of the soaring number of sinister cults in Britain.

Gillie said she and other members of The Community were victims of coercive control at the hands of the group's male leader, who micromanaged every aspect of their daily lives.

Describing one example of this, she said: 'The leader had arthritis and claimed he only felt pain in his hand if there was ''sin in the house''.

'We were gathered together in this room. I was so freaked out and beaten down that I confessed to the ''sin'', despite not being guilty of one. I just spat out ''resentment''.

'Afterwards I was physically beaten 30 times with a bamboo cane.

'But the physical violence didn't put me off because I was told God wanted to break me. It's a form of trauma bonding in which the belief system was tied in with the behaviour and the practices of the cult.'

The leader also dictated which food members ate and the types of clothes they wore - going as far as to insist they shop at Dorothy Perkins because it was favourite brand.

'I bought this beautiful suit from a different shop and was told I had to take it back,' Dr Jenkinson said.

'There was also a financial aspect to his coercive control. Like other members I ended up giving everything I had to the group.

'It's not easy to leave if you don't have money and you feel like you've been cut off from your family.'

The Community eventually disbanded after some of the women began to challenge the leader's authority and claimed he had sexually abused them.

Dr Jenkinson now lives with her husband, who she met in the group two years before it ended.

She runs Hope Valley Counselling in Derbyshire, which provides specialised services for former cult members and training for psychologists, and is now writing a book about how cult leaders use coercive control.

In a new report, The Family Survival Trust estimates the number of cults has soared from around 500 to as many as 2,000 since the 1990s.

It is urging the Government to amend a section of the 2015 Serious Crime Act which makes it illegal to engage in patterns of coercively controlling behaviour in an intimate or family relationship so that it also applies to those lured into the clutches of cults.

The Family Survival Trust is urging the Government to better protect victims of cults in the UK

Former Tory Home Office Minister Tom Sackville, chairman of the Trust which supports cult victims, said: I strongly object to charlatans exploiting innocent people and there being no laws to protect them.

Coercive control is now considered a crime if it occurs in a domestic violence context.

The idea that exploitation, brainwashing and abuse is only a crime if the person you live with does it to you, but not a crime if your neighbour does it is odd, implying that mental manipulation cannot be a crime outside a relationship.

Government Ministers now need to do something about long-standing cultic abuse. It has been getting steadily worse over four decades.

The Trusts report  Coercive Control In Cultic Groups In The UK  features testimonies from 105 victims of 36 different cults.

Almost one in five (17 per cent) was raped and nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) worked for low pay or for nothing.

Many described becoming separated from their families and friends and being fleeced out of their savings.

Dr Alex Stein, a former cult victim and now a trustee of the charity, said: The psychological dynamics in a cult are the same as those of a coercively controlling domestic relationship.

'In both cases the victim is isolated, put down and abused in numerous ways, including the control of their close relationships.

'This often goes with sexual abuse of one kind or another.
Russia has charged dozens of Ukrainian soldiers with 'crimes against humanity' and wants them tried by an international tribunal led by Syria and Iran, the country's top investigator has said.

Alexander Bastrykin, who heads the Russian Investigative Committee, said 92 Ukrainian 'commanders and subordinates' have been charged with 'crimes against the peace and security of mankind' over the war.

Another 96 people, including 51 of Ukraine's top commanders, have been put on a wanted list which includes politicians and 'nationalists', Bastrykin added.

Alexander Bastrykin, Russia's top investigator, says 92 Ukrainian commanders and their subordinates have been charged for 'crimes against humanity'

The 68-year-old said it is 'extremely doubtful' whether the men could be prosecuted by the United Nations, due to what he called 'the collective position of the West' in supporting Kyiv.

Instead, he told local newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta that the men should be tried by an international tribunal led by Russia's partners.

Such nations would include ex-Soviet states such as Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, and allies further abroad such as India, China and Brazil.

Iran and Syria should also be invited to join the panel because of their 'independent position on the Ukrainian issue', he added.

Both Syria and Iran have given strong backing to Russia's war in Ukraine, and have appalling human rights records at home.

Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan are also run either as dictatorships or have histories of putting down protests with violence.

Russia wants the Ukrainians to be prosecuted by an international tribunal led by Syria and Iran, whose leaders (Assad and Raisi, pictured) both have appalling human rights records

Among Ukrainian troops being investigated for crimes as Azov battalion soldiers who surrendered in Mariupol (pictured)

China is accused of running concentration camps for Uyghur Muslims.

Bastrykin said another 220 people, including Ukraine's high command, have been implicated in crimes against humanity by his investigators.

In total, 1,300 investigations are underway - including against what he called 'foreign mercenaries' from the UK, US, Canada, the Netherlands and Georgia.

Members of the Azov battalion - which defended the city of Mariupol until surrendering to Russia back in May - are also being investigated, he said.

And investigations are underway into officials at the Ministry of Health, he added, accused of developing chemical weapons to use against Russia.

The Kremlin has attempted to justify its war on Ukraine by pushing propaganda about chemical weapons, which it says were being developed in US-funded biolabs.

'Eight criminal cases have been initiated on attacks on Russian embassies and diplomatic representatives in the Netherlands, Ireland, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania and France,' Bastrykin added.

It comes after Ukraine began prosecuting captured Russian soldiers for crimes against Ukrainian civilians.

Ukraine is currently investigating more than 20,000 Russian war crimes alongside teams of international experts, including massacres in Bucha and Irpin (pictured)

The first to be jailed was tank commander Vadim Shishimarin, 21, who admitted shooting 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov dead in the opening days of the war.

Shishimarin said he was pressured to kill Shelipov by his comrades, fearing the elderly man - who was pushing his bike by the roadside - was about to report their location to Ukrainian troops.

Ukraine says it is investigating more than 21,000 crimes by Russian forces, while international teams of prosecutors have gone to the country to assist.

The International Criminal Court has described Ukraine as 'a crime scene' and has dispatched its largest-ever team to investigate.

Massacres in cities such as Bucha and Irpin are under investigation, as are strikes on hospitals and other buildings where civilians were sheltering from bombs.

Russia is now five months into what was supposed to be a days-long war to depose the government and install a puppet regime.

Estimates of the civilian death-toll are near-impossible to come by, but Ukraine believes it runs into at least the tens of thousands.

United Nations human rights chiefs have documented at least 5,000 deaths, but say there are likely many more that cannot be verified due to fighting.

Kyiv says hundreds of thousands more Ukrainians have been forcibly deported from their homes and taken via 'filtration camps' to mainland Russia or else locked up in squalid jails on occupied Ukrainian territory.
Millennial and Gen Z conservatives are split over whether theyd prefer Donald Trump or Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in a hypothetical 2024 Republican primary, a new straw poll by DailyMail.com suggests.

DailyMail.com asked 103 attendees at Turning Point USAs Student Action Summit, an annual multi-day gathering of young Republicans from across the country that features speeches from several potential GOP presidential hopefuls.

But the two marquee guests were DeSantis, who spoke on Friday evening, and Trump, who spoke on Saturday.

I'd be unsure, I have to see what comes out of their campaign for the country level. I know I definitely do align with DeSantis views. I love what he's done with the bills that he's passed in our state, said Avery Youngblood, a 19-year-old Florida student.

She was concerned that both candidates have faced controversy which could alienate them from the public, adding: either way, you know, like, it could be they don't get work done because people don't want to work with them.

The headline-grabbing governor has fueled speculation that hes looking at the White House in 2024, and while maintaining hes focused on Florida, has not ruled out a head-to-head with the former president.

Trump, meanwhile, has said in interviews that he will announce whether hes running again around the November midterms. Until then hes been dropping hints at virtually every public event - including his Saturday night speech.

According to DailyMail.coms small straw poll, the former president does still have a slight edge, but DeSantis is closing in less than three points away.

When asked to choose between just the two, 47.5 percent of the 103 young conservatives said they favored Trump. Just under 45 percent backed DeSantis.

Hundreds of young Republican voters descended on Tampa for the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit

New York college students Ben Findling (left) and Bradley Greissman (right) said they would back Donald Trump over Ron DeSantis if given a choice between the two in a hypothetical Republican primary

Nearly 8 percent said they were unsure.

But the Florida governor wins out with female Republicans, with a 54.1 percent majority of the sample saying they would choose him over Trump.

The ex-president has backing from 35.1 percent of women and girls surveyed, while 10.8 percent said they were undecided.

Chandler Crump (left), a conservative activist who's worked with the Blexit movement, said he was not sure 'how well of a shot' Ron DeSantis would have against potential Democratic primary contenders. Student Avery Youngblood (right) said she was unsure and would 'have to see what comes out of their campaign for the country level.'

Among men and boys, the margins are nearly flipped. Trump leads with 54.5 percent of their hypothetical votes, and DeSantis trails behind with 39.4 percent.

The oldest person polled by DailyMail.com was 34 years old, while the youngest people used in the survey were 16 - but would be of voting age by the 2024 primary elections.

Many of those who favored Trump in 2024 said it was because they wanted DeSantis to finish a second full term as Florida governor.

Among the ex-presidents detractors are those who are concerned hes simply too old to run again - similar concerns that young Democrats have over their party leader and Trumps political rival, President Joe Biden.

Chandler Crump, a conservative activist who is turning 18 in September, said hed likely back Trump due to his proven record against Democrats.

The only mistakes Trump has made are on ideological issues like the vaccine and various other small things, which has made a place for DeSantis to take a sort of sideline position, he said.

I think Ron DeSantis has a good shot against Trump, but I don't know how well of a shot he would have against...Democratic opponents, Crump said. Meanwhile, we know Trump has a proven record against Democrats...like Hillary Clinton and even like Joe Biden, so I think I'm solidly on Team Trump right now.

Daniel Eisner, a 24-year-old who recently graduated college with a degree focused on supply chains and agriculture, said the MAGA movement has left Trump in the dust.

Trump is old. I don't think he's all there. The right has moved further right, and Trump hasn't. He's disconnected from a lot of his younger base, Eisner said.

New York City college student Ben Findling also highlighted Trumps age but felt the former president had work to finish - and that another term would give the next generation of Republicans time to line up their candidacies.

DailyMail.com used the opinions of 103 attendees in a straw poll that found DeSantis trailing Trump by less than three points. The Florida governor wins out with women and girls aged 16 through 34, while Trump triumphs among men and boys the same age

Trump and DeSantis were the headliners for two of the summit's biggest nights. DeSantis spoke on Friday evening while Trump took the stage on Saturday

Maybe he's not the best spring chicken right now. But giving him four years, so we can make sure that our younger, more tenacious fighters have four years to pick their replacements, you can then move them up, Findling said.

His fellow New Yorker Bradley Greissman, a student on Long Island, said Trump had been 'misguided' by 'neo-conservatives' and RINOs, meaning 'Republican In Name Only.'

'I feel like he only learned from his mistakes and, in his next term in 2024, he's going to fill his Cabinet with more America First Patriots,' he said.

According to Turning Point USA's straw poll of the event, the Democrat who young Republicans think would be hardest to beat in 2024 is California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Newsom and DeSantis have made strides against each other in recent weeks that to some could look like the first warning shots of a contentious White House race.

Earlier this month, the Democrat launched an ad campaign in Florida accusing DeSantis and the state's other Republican leaders of 'banning books, making it harder to vote, restricting speech in classrooms, even criminalizing women and doctors.'

DeSantis returned fire on Friday night after getting the most enthusiastic reception of any of the summit's speakers at the time so far.

DeSantis' speech on Friday night hovered between a national political message and touting his accomplishments in Florida

The Florida governor was hitting Newsom for the state's progressive LGBTQ policies while touting his own crackdown on schools, namely the Parental Rights In Education law. Critics have called the legislation 'Don't Say Gay' for its prohibition of talking about gender identity or sexual orientation in younger classrooms.

'We believe every parent in the state of Florida has a right to send their little kid to elementary school without having radical gender ideology injected into the curriculum,' DeSantis began.

'It is totally inappropriate to take some six year old kid and to say, well, "You may have been born a boy, but maybe you're really a girl." That is wrong and may fly in California but it does not fly here in the state of Florida.'

Trump, meanwhile, dropped his latest hint that he's considering a third campaign during his Saturday night speech.

'I ran twice, I won twice, and I did much better the second time than the first.'

The audience in the Tampa Convention Center erupted in cheers - a departure from the lackluster reception his complaints about the 2020 race have gotten at recent campaign rallies.

'And now we may just have to do it again,' he added.
Chaos erupted when a driver lost control of a car and injured beachgoers, including one child, after suffering a potential 'medical episode' on Daytona Beach in Florida.

At least four people were hurt during the shocking incident as the vehicle destroyed a beach toll booth before barreling towards to ocean at around 5pm on Sunday afternoon.

Ocean Rescue Deputy Chief Tamra Malphurs confirmed that the car crashed into the water at the International Speedway Boulevard beach approach at 300 Atlantic Ave - and said the team are still investigating the incident.

Panicked onlookers were seen surrounding the stranded white sedan car after it bolted on the sand and beachgoers were forced to jump out of the way.

The white car crashed through a beach toll booth before plunging down towards the water as horrified beachgoers were forced to jump out of the way

The car was visibly damaged during the ordeal, which happened on Sunday afternoon at Daytona Beach, Florida

Dozens of witnesses rushed to the scene to help after the car crashed through the beach into the water. At least four people, including a child that was in the water at the time, were injured during the incident

The vehicle plunged through the unattended toll booth - completely blowing it apart - before striking beachgoers on its descend towards the water.

Witnesses said that multiple people - including families - rushed to help amid the chaos at the beach in Volusia County.

There was visible damage to the back doors of the car after the crash, and the front bumper was seen completely smashed up.

Malphurs said: 'A little before 5 p.m., we had a driver go down the beach ramp at the International Speedway Boulevard and crash into the water.

'He hit a toll booth and he entered the water.' She added that it appeared the driver had suffered a medical episode.

Footage shows disorientated beachgoers surrounding the white car after they watched it plummet through the sand and into the water. Authorities confirmed that they are still investigating what caused the crash

It's believed that the driver of the car had a medical episode before crashing into the toll booth and causing the chaos on the beach

It's not yet clear what caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, and authorities say that the investigation is ongoing

Witnesses said that people - including families - rushed to help amid the chaos at the beach in Volusia County

Witnesses say the adult man who was in the driver's seat appeared unconscious.

There was a woman in the passengers seat and two girls in the back seats of the car, who began panicking after the car crashed on to the shore, onlookers said.

Brave witnesses then started pushing the car back on to the beach as the waves started to draw it further out into the ocean, they said.

Four occupants of the vehicle and a young boy, who was in the water at the time, were taken to hospital for precautionary measures.

The boy was in stable condition late Sunday afternoon, and those inside the vehicle were not seriously injured.

It's not yet clear what caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, and authorities say that the investigation is ongoing.

One witness Nicole Mathis told WESH: 'We heard a loud crash and when we turned around it was the car coming down the ramp at 40 miles an hour, and it obliterated the tollbooth and it still came barreling all the way through and people were dodging to get out of the way.'

The white car was seen in the water late on Sunday afternoon in Florida
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A massive wildfire headed toward Yosemite National Park raged for its fourth straight day Monday - as fire officials reveal they have significantly slowed the spread of the blaze by preventing it from reaching nearby communities.

Dubbed the Oak Fire, the blaze suddenly surfaced Friday and has since spread rapidly - prompting California fire officials to concede Sunday that the inferno was still '0 percent contained' after burning for a third straight day.

However, as of Monday, some progress was made, with firefighters successfully saving several communities from the rapidly spreading flames - despite more than 2,000 locals' refusal to evacuate the area, as the fire bears down on the national park.

The fire is the biggest the state has seen all year, with more than 3,800 ordered to flee their homes in remote communities in the usually scenic Sierra Nevada mountains out of fear for their lives.

Fire officials quelled a few of those fears late Sunday, revealing in a statement that while the fire is still heading toward the park, firefighters made 'good headway' against the blaze, successfully halting it from reaching the nearby communities of Lushmeadows and Mariposa Pines.

On Monday, firefighter continued to fight the flames, keeping it away from the nearby town of Jerseydale.

Officials added that 'Fire activity was not as extreme as it has been in previous days - despite the fact that the inferno still bearing down on the storied park, with more than 2,000 in its path defying evacuation orders and remaining in their homes despite repeated warnings.

The statement, delivered by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Sunday night, did put some cold water on locals concerns over the still-raging inferno - which has ravaged 16,803 acres of land and still could threaten 3,300 homes and businesses.

A massive wildfire headed toward Yosemite National Park raged for its fourth straight day Monday - while fire officials revealed they have significantly slowed the spread of the blaze by preventing it from reaching nearby communities

Firefighters mop up hot spots after the Oak Fire continued to move east Monday, narrowly missing two evacuated communities the night before thanks to their efforts

The first responders were able to contain the fire and shield the small communities of Mariposa Pines and Lushmeadows, which are both set between Midpines and Yosemite

The small towns - which are both within 20 miles of the park and have a combined population of 3,100 - had been set directly in the fire's path and were both evacuated after the fire surfaced Friday, roughly four miles west in the neighboring town of Midpines.

Officials said that through the efforts of more than 2,500 firefighters, first responders were able to contain the fire and shield both communities, which are set between Midpines and Yosemite.

The fire has since spread east at a rapid rate, putting further pressure on officials to contain the out-of-control flames, as it is now within 10 miles of the sprawling park.

The flames reached as close as a half-mile to the towns Sunday before firefighters were able to halt the spread. Officials said the fire's progress east has since slowed, but revealed the fire is still racing east toward the park

'The fire continued to be active, but yesterday afternoon it did slow and moderate,' Capt. Jon Heggie, a battalion chief at Cal Fire, said of the state of the Oak Fire Monday morning.

He then added: 'But the potential for it to grow still exists, and we will continue to fight this fire aggressively.'

As of Sunday night, 10 homes in the area - which has seen unseasonably high temperatures and lack of rainfall as of late, fueling the inferno - had been destroyed, with multiple towns in the fire's vicinity ordered to evacuate.

The fire then moved east up into the Sierra at a rapid rate, toward Mariposa Pines and Lushmeadows, in the direction of Yosemite.

As of Monday, the fire is just 10 miles from the park - as more than 2,000 in the fire's path are refusing to leave their homes.

The state initially ordered more than 6,000 people living across a several-mile span of the sparsely populated area to evacuate.

A firefighter mops up hot spots while battling the Oak Fire near the Jerseydale community in the mountainous region

Officials said that through the efforts of more than 2,500 firefighters, shielding several small mountain communities

A Cal Fire firefighter uses a hose Monday to put out pockets of flames in an arid, burnt area affected by the still raging fire

However, a handful of residents defied inexplicably defied those orders, said Adrienne Freeman with the U.S. Forest Service, staying behind as the flames rage toward them.

'We urge people to evacuate when told,' she told attendees at a crowded press conference Sunday. 'This fire is moving very fast.'

Nontheless, the fact that the fire was halted in some areas, as well as on a crucial road leading to Yosemite, likely comes as a relief to the roughly 17,000 who inhabit the heavily forested region, following firefighters' previous failures to quell the blaze.

Tired and frustrated, officials Sunday had announced that despite their efforts for a third straight day, the fire was still '0 percent contained'- raising questions whether the blaze will eventually reach the park.

They also warned more than 2,000 residents living in communities in the path of the inferno whom have yet to evacuate to be ready to flee the area - saying they 'haven't seen fire behavior like this' in all their years fighting blazes.

An out-of-control wildfire headed toward Yosemite National Park raged for its fourth straight day Monday - burning stronger than ever despite the efforts of more than 2,000 local firefighters

The blaze suddenly surfaced Friday and has since spread through the Sierra Nevadas rapidly - confounding California fire officials and frightening residents of the several remote mountain communities littering the heavily forested area

Firefighters have so far failed to quell the disaster, which as of Sunday had ravaged 15,603 acres of land - roughly half the size of Paris - despite deploying air tankers, bulldozers and hand crews while being joined Sunday by fire crews from the Bay Area

California fire officials repeatedly used planes and air tankers to drop retardant on the raging flames Sunday - all to no avail

The Oak Fire burns through trees on Sunday. Officials described the fire's behavior as 'explosive,' citing how the rapidly spreading flames made runs through bone-dry vegetation caused by one of the worst drought in the American Southwest in centuries, worsening the crisis

Officials ordered residents to evacuate Friday, after the blaze suddenly surfaced southwest of the iconic national park at roughly 2:30 pm near the small mountain town of Midpines.

Teams were on scene early on, but the fire progressed atypically, officials said, and overran their best efforts.

The fire the proceeded to moved east up into the Sierra at a rapid rate, toward the town of Mariposa Pines - which has a population of 1,400 - and in the direction of Yosemite, Justin Macomb, a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection operations section chief, told the public meeting.

'The fire quickly outflanked us. We couldn't even attack it with the resources that we had on hand,' Macomb said. 'In my career, I haven't seen fire behavior like that.'

By Sunday, the fire had closed within half a mile from Mariposa Pines - spreading more than four miles east in a matter of days - but was still more than 10 miles from Yosemite.

While there is still no progress in containing the fire, Macomb said crews made progress in stopping the spread of the flames on the southern side and the western edge along a nearby road where the blaze started - taking that achievement as a small victory.

Tired and frustrated, fire officials revealed the fire was still '0 percent contained' at the end of a third straight day of efforts Sunday - raising questions whether the blaze will eventually reach the park, which is now just 10 miles away

Fire officials were on scene early on, but the fire progressed atypically, officials said, and overran their best efforts. The fire is still most active slightly west in the Footman Ridge area, officials said, less than 20 miles west from the park

'Today was the first day that I felt confident with this southern piece,' he said. 'I didn't want the fire to progress any further south. So we were able to get hand line and dozers. We sent everything we could to try to get direct line around the south and stop the southern spread. So that was a win for me.'

Macomb said Sunday had working to protect homes and structures in Lush Meadows and that planes were dropping retardant on flames threatening the town, which is less than 20 miles west from the park

He added that crews are working to build containment lines roughly a mile south around nearby Snow Creek, which is currently being enveloped by the blaze.

The fire, however, is still most active slightly west in the Footman Ridge area, he said, still within 20 miles of the park.

Officials said the flames, which are spreading east, made a hard run north Sunday, toward Bear Clover Lane and Jerseydale Road, but officials were able to stop the northward spread, Macomb said.

'We were able to stop the fire, and Bear Clover is closed as of now,' he said.

Smoke from the Oak Fire hangs over hills on Sunday. At least 10 structures have been destroyed thus far, California fire officials said Sunday, and five heavily damaged - with another 2,000 still at risk

One of several airplanes that dropped thousands of gallons of retardant on the raging Oak Fire, which blazed undeterred for its fourth straight day Monday

An air tanker drops retardant while trying to stop the Oak Fire from reaching the evacuated town Lushmeadows - 20 miles west of Yosemite - on Sunday

A bird flies as a firefighting aircraft drops flame retardant on a hillside to control the Oak Fire in Mariposa County Sunday

Cal Fire Chief Mike van Loben Sels said the growth of the fire was 'pretty amazing' considering how fast resources were on the scene actively battling flames. 'We really threw everything at this thing across from the beginning.'

'When you start to see spots that mile mile and a half out in front. It's very concerning to me.'

At least 10 homes have been destroyed by the fire so far, officials said Sunday, adding that five had also been heavily damaged. Thousands, however, are still at risk.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Officials initially ordered residents of Marisopa County - located in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada, north of Fresno and home to more than 17,000 people -to pack up and vacate Friday, after the blaze suddenly surfaced southwest of the iconic national park.

By Saturday, officials described the fire's behavior as 'explosive' - citing how the rapidly spreading flames made runs through bone-dry vegetation caused by one of the worst drought in the American Southwest in centuries, worsening the crisis.

The drought, a 22-year-long 'megadrought' caused by low levels of rainfall, is the worst the region has seen in more than 1,200 years, and is connected intimately with climate change, experts say.

A plume of smoke billows over the county Sunday afternoon. Plumes of smoke from the massive fire - which has ravaged 15,603 acres land - could be seen from space on Sunday

A forest is left decimated by the Oak Fire near county seat Mariposa, one of several towns evacuated, on Sunday

Firefighters have since struggled to put out the fire, utilizing an army of aircraft and bulldozers in steep terrain and amid spiking temperatures.

On Sunday, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection told onlookers to expect a similar lack of results on Sunday, due to unseasonably high temperatures and current dry conditions in the area.

Bay Area officials joined the fight Sunday, sending planes to drop retardant on the raging flames - all to no avail.

Photos and video footage from the stricken region - a rural, heavily forested landscape - show the destruction left by the fast-moving inferno, which has spread east at a rapid rate, putting pressure on officials to find a solution to protect the iconic park.

Satellite imagery shows that a plume of smoke from the massive fire can be seen from space.

A Sunday incident report warned citizens to stay away and let officials deal with the disaster - which is quickly becoming one of the worse ever in the region.

California fire officials said the fire had so far consumed more than 22 square miles of forest land. That count is expected to rise Monday, when officials give an update on their battle against the burgeoning blaze.

'Today the weather is expected to remain hot with minimum humidity between 5% and 10%, which will hamper firefighting efforts,' the agency said in a statement Sunday.

The serious nature of the fire spurred Governor Gavin Newsom to call a state of emergency Saturday.

Numerous roads were subsequently and remain closed Monday, including State Route 140 between Carstens Road and Allred Road - the road where Macomb said his officials stopped further spread Sunday, andone of the main routes into Yosemite.

California has experienced increasingly larger and deadlier wildfires in recent years as climate change has made the western United States much warmer and drier over the past 30 years.

Scientists have said weather will continue to be more extreme and wildfires more frequent, destructive and unpredictable.

Pacific Gas & Electric said on its website that more than 3,100 homes and businesses in the area had lost power as of Sunday and there was no indication when it would be restored.

A firefighter sprays water while battling the Oak Fire, moved east up into the Sierra, toward the town of Mariposa Pines - which has a population of 1,400 - and in the direction of Yosemite

Firefighters work to keep the Oak Fire from reaching a home in the Jerseydale community on Saturday. The fire has since spread east towards Yosemite at a frightening rate

A firefighters holds a hose while battling the Oak Fire in the Jerseydale community of Mariposa County, Calif., on Saturday

Flames consume a home on Triangle Rd. as the Oak Fire burned in Mariposa County on Saturday. At least 10 homes have been destroyed by the fire so far, officials said Sunday, adding that five had also been heavily damaged. Thousands are still at risk

'PG&E is unable to access the affected equipment,' the utility said Friday.

The Oak Fire was sparked as firefighters made progress against an earlier blaze, the Washburn Fire, that burned to the edge of a grove of giant sequoias in the southernmost part of Yosemite National Park.

The 7.5-square-mile fire was nearly 80 percent contained after burning for two weeks and moving into the the Sierra National Forest.
Police are searching for a gang of men 'who followed girls and women into sea at Brighton beach before sexually assaulting them underwater.

Lifeguards called police after receiving numerous reports that a group of men were 'sexually assaulting and harassing women' between 1pm and 5.30pm on Tuesday - the hottest day ever recorded in the UK.

The incidents are said to have taken place between Brighton Pier and a lifeguard hut to the east during a day in which thousands flocked to the popular beachfront.

A 32-year-old man from Hayes, London, has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of a female. He has been released on bail while detectives continue to investigate the incidents.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: 'Detectives investigating a series of reported sexual assaults in Brighton are appealing for further victims and witnesses to come forward.

'Around 6pm on Tuesday, police received a third-party report of a group of men sexually assaulting and harassing women and girls on the beach.

A packed Brighton beach on Tuesday afternoon as the UK recorded its hottest ever day when temperatures reached more than 40C

The alleged incidents took place between Brighton Pier (pictured) and a lifeguard hut to the east, police have said

'Officers attended and were informed of multiple reports made to lifeguards involving the same group. This included following and touching girls in the water.'

Investigator Mark Taylor added: 'These are concerning reports and we are urging anyone who was a victim to sexual, inappropriate or offensive behaviour on Brighton beach that day to come forward so we can establish the full circumstances of what happened.

'The area was very busy at that time and so we believe a number of people will have witnessed this behaviour.

'If you have any information at all, no matter how small, please get in touch with us.

'We take reports of sexual assaults incredibly seriously and encourage people to report any incidents to us at the soonest possible opportunity, so we can identify any offenders but also support and safeguard any victims.'

The incident took place as the UK experienced its hottest day on record with temperatures soaring past 40C (104F), sending sunbathers flocking to the coast to soak up the rays and cool off in the sea.

The mercury hit an unprecedented 40.3C (104.5F) in Coningsby and 40.2C (104.4F) at London Heathrow Airport on Tuesday - 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.
Hyderabad: BNI (Business Network International), India, celebrated its milestone of crossing the 40,000-member mark at HITEX here on Sunday. Marketing guru Prahlad Kakkar unveiled a placard marking the occasion. Sanjana Shah, executive director, BNI Hyderabad, said the conclave by Hyderabads biggest networking initiative would enable entrepreneurs to build relationships.

Speaking at the event, Kakkar said on the advertising of products: Often advertising creates an artificial value and the consumer pays for the image that is created. That is the power of advertising and the power of building brands. Brand building is basically a consumptive exercise. Only brands which add value to its consumers will live and go on to create history, he said.

Many iconic ads are relevant even after two decades of their creation, though the life of an ad is just six months. If we present facts and figures about our brand, they often turn out to be drab and boring, therefore we need to tell stories to keep the consumer engaged.
An uninsured driver who was accused of causing a man's death in a fatal crash on the A2 has been cleared of all charges after claiming he was possessed by an evil 'jinn' spirit.

Shovan Sobahan lost control of his car and hit the central reservation on a straight stretch of a motorway near Dartford in Kent in May 2020.

The 26-year-old said he had been at home with his pregnant wife when he smoked some cannabis, had no intention of driving 'and the next thing he remembers was being held down at the side of the road', he told police.

Mr Sobahan, who did not give evidence, said he had been with a 'jinn' - an Arabic word meaning spirit and where the word 'genie' comes from - and had not driven on purpose, a jury heard.

A jury at Maidstone Crown Court heard how 25 minutes later a Post Office van ploughed into a lorry which was shielding Mr Sobahan's stranded car.

At the wheel was John Maddex, who was using a banking app on his mobile phone as he failed to take evasive action.

He drove his van straight into the back of the lorry at an estimated 56 miles per hour, the court heard.

Now Mr Sobahan, from Edmonton, north London, has been acquitted of causing Mr Maddex's death by either careless driving or driving without insurance.

Shovan Sobahan lost control of his car and hit the central reservation on a straight stretch of a motorway near Dartford in Kent (pictured) in May 2020

Tim Forster, prosecuting, told the court: 'The first collision was at about 4am.

'Mr Sobahan was driving his Citroen C4 when he crashed into the central reservation of the A2 on the outskirts of Dartford.

'He was in the coastbound lane and was a 40-minute drive from where he lived.

'The defendant can't assist as to how this crash came about. But his vehicle hit the central reservation and span and came to rest facing the wrong way, across the slow and middle lanes.'

The prosecutor said other motorists arrived and stopped their vehicles to shield the stranded car.

Carl Foster pulled over and found Mr Sobahan sitting in his car in a state of shock.

The prosecutor said Mr Sobahan's behaviour was bizarre 'speaking incoherently and he had to be stopped from walking back into the road'.

A jury at Maidstone Crown Court (pictured) heard how 25 minutes later a Post Office van ploughed into a lorry which was shielding Mr Sobahan's stranded car

He was uninsured to drive the Citroen and had been told by his doctor not to drive because his medicine made him drowsy, the court heard.

Mr Forster told the jury that a lorry driver then stopped his vehicle in a way so it was also shielding the crashed car, with his lights blazing and he also pumped the brakes pedal so the red lights were also warning oncoming traffic.

Although traffic had to slow down, he added that 25 minutes had passed before Mr Maddex's Post Office van drove straight into the back of the lorry at an estimated 56 miles per hour.

A witness later told police that Mr Maddex's vehicle appeared to take no evasion action.

The prosecutor added: 'Mr Maddex almost certainly was using his mobile phone at the time.

'He was accessing a banking app on his phone.'

The jury took less than an hour before returning not guilty verdicts on all charges.
Kevin McCarthy said President Joe Biden continues to implement policies that make it 'easier' for illegal immigrants to come to the U.S. as the administration works to roll out a program providing I.D. cards to migrants.

'During the worst border crisis in history, the Biden administration is now handing out ID cards to illegal migrants to make it easier to travel throughout the United States,' the House Minority leader told DailyMail.com.

'This is the exact opposite of what he should be doing,' McCarthy added.

The Biden administration plans to launch an initiative giving temporary I.D. cards to migrants awaiting decisions on their immigration proceedings so they can more easily access services and government benefits.

Illegal immigrants and asylum-seeking migrants awaiting final decisions on their cases often have difficulty getting housing, healthcare and transportation without identification cards.

In order to relieve some of these obstacles, and serve as a mutual benefit to the government, officials are now considering a pilot program that would provide I.D. cards while incentivizing checks ins and more frequent communication with law enforcement throughout immigration proceedings, two sources familiar with planning told Axios.

The cards would feature a photo and biographic identifiers. It would also include 'cutting-edge security features,' an ICE spokesperson said.

Since the start of Fiscal Year 2021 in October, approximately 900,000 migrants have avoided detection when crossing illegally into the U.S., sources at the Department of Homeland Security told Fox News.

Half-a-million of those so-called 'getaways' happened since October 1, 2022  and there are still three months left in the fiscal year.

Meanwhile, nearly 1.75 million migrants have had run-ins with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the southern border so far in Fiscal Year 2022  the most of any previous year at this point.

The Biden administration is planning to launch a program that would provide temporary I.D. cards to undocumented migrants in the U.S. so they can more easily access government services and benefits

The program comes after a new report indicates 900,000 illegal immigrants avoided detection since October 1, 2021 when crossing into the U.S.  on top of the millions who have been captured. Pictured: Drone video footage released earlier this month shows a massive mob of hundreds of migrants lined up crossing the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas

Migrant crossings went on the decline from May to June for the first time in five months. For Fiscal Year 2022, CBP has encountered nearly 1.75 million migrants at the southern border

Last year was the deadliest year for migrants at the border since the United Nations started tracking it in 2014, with 728 fatalities on the books.

The U.N. has counted 340 more deaths this year  but that comes after congressional mandates made it so CBP changed how it defined fatalities along the border to include only those who die in custody, during arrests or when agents were nearby.

CBP told Reuters there were 151 such 'CBP-related' deaths in Fiscal Year 2021, a previously unreported figure.

Any bodies that CBP discovered are not included in its data.

The new I.D. cards ideally would be provided to migrants who entered the U.S. illegally over the Mexican border but are not in detention centers or other unauthorized people going through the immigration or removal processes.

It would allow these immigrants to more easily prove to authorities that they are already in the immigration system and ideally would provide incentive to unauthorized migrants to provide accurate information to the government on their location.

Currently, illegal immigrants going through court proceedings would need to physically check in with law enforcement at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office.

Administration officials are scrambling to get congressional approval before October to roll out the test program amid fears that a Republican takeover in November could prevent it from launching.

Congress included in its Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations bill $10 million for the so-called ICE Secure Docket Card program.

June figures show migrant encounters with CBP dropping for the first time in five months to 207,416. The month prior, CBP encountered a record-breaking 240,991 migrants at the southern border.

Despite the massive number of migrants coming into the country, a vast majority are being immediately processed and deported under Title 42, which allows expedited expulsion of illegal immigrants and asylum-seekers in a public health emergency.

Biden's team tried to end the practice in May after it was first initiated under the Trump administration in 2019, but challenges in court led to it being upheld.

Plans for the new I.D. card program, according to the sources, would likely include a QR code that would redirect to an application that would provide the individual access to their court information and documents.

The hope is that this program would also help decrease the number of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests related to immigration cases.

Sixteen people are dead after a vessel carrying Haitian migrants capsized off the coast of The Bahamas on Sunday

Revelations of this new program comes after 16 people died when a vessel carrying Haitian migrants capsized off the coast of The Bahamas.

Four women and 17 men were rescued from the incident.

'We mourn lives lost of those seeking a better way of life,' immigration minister Keith Bell told Reuters. 'Those here with families and friends in Haiti, encourage your loved ones not to risk their lives.'

The Bahamas police said the boat capsized some 7 miles off the island of New Providence.
By Alex Oliveira

A Chinese company purchased hundreds of acres of North Dakota farmland mere minutes from a major US Air Force base, prompting national security fears as the communist country adds to its nearly 200,000 acres of US agricultural land worth $1.9 billion.

The China-based food producer, Fufeng Group, plans to build a corn-milling plant on its newly acquired 300 acres of land in Grand Forks, just 20 minutes down the road from the Grand Forks Air Force Base, where some of the nation's most sensitive drone technology is based.

The purchase raised suspicions from military officers, national security experts and lawmakers alike.

The move could give China unprecedented access to the goings-on at the Air Force base, which also has a space-networking center that's been characterized as 'the backbone of all US military communications across the globe,' according to CNBC.

Two Fufeng Group employees visit Grand Fork, N.D., in a site visit before the company's purchase of 300 acres of farmland

Criticism of the Fufeng purchase comes as American lawmakers have been outspoken about limiting China's ownership of valuable American agricultural land, which, as of 2019, consisted of at least 192,000 acres.

After the Fufeng Group purchased the North Dakota land for $2.6 million this year, Air Force Major Jeremy Fox wrote a memo in April characterizing the move as being emblematic of Chinese efforts to install themselves close to sensitive US defense installations.

He argued that the Fufeng property is located at just the right location for the company to intercept communications coming from the Air Force base.

'Some of the most sensitive elements of Grand Forks exist with the digital uplinks and downlinks inherent with unmanned air systems and their interaction with space-based assets,' Fox wrote.

Such interceptions 'would present a costly national security risk causing grave damage to United States' strategic advantages.'

'Passive collection of those signals would be undetectable, as the requirements to do so would merely require ordinary antennas tuned to the right collecting frequencies,' he said, 'This introduces a grave vulnerability to our Department of Defense installations and is incredibly compromising to US National Security.'

A spokesperson for the Air Force maintained Fox's memo was not the military's official position on the matter.

They instead called it Fox's 'personal assessment of potential vulnerabilities' and declined to offer an opinion.

The land the Fufeng Group purchased is 20 minutes, approximately 16 miles, from the Grand Forks Air Force Base

Some of the nation's most sensitive drone technology is based at Grand Forks Air Force Base

A representative for the Fufeng Group's US subsidiary said fears of espionage couldn't be further from the truth.

'I can't imagine anyone that we hire that's going to even do that,' Fufeng USA chief operating officer Eric Chutorash told CNBC, saying he knew the company 'absolutely' would not spy on US military interests.

'We're under US law, I'm an American citizen, I grew up my whole life here, and I am not going to be doing any type of espionage activities or be associated with a company that does, and I know my team feels the exact same way,' he said.

Despite Fufeng's assurances, Fox was not the only government official raise suspicions, with the US government's U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission raising concerns in a May report.

'The location of the land close to the base is particularly convenient for monitoring air traffic flows in and out of the base, among other security related concerns,' the commission's report said.

US lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have also raised concerns, with North Dakota Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer, and Virginia Democratic senator Mark Warner both speaking out against the Chinese interest's proximity to the air base.

'I think we grossly under appreciate how effective they are at collecting information, collecting data, using it in nefarious ways,' Senator Kramer said, 'And so I'd just as soon not have the Chinese Communist Party doing business in my backyard.'

Senator Warner characterized the move as being a part of ongoing concerns about Chinese security threats on US soil.

'The Senate Intelligence Committee has been loudly sounding the alarm about the counterintelligence threat posed by the [People's Republic of China],' Warner said, 'We should be seriously concerned about Chinese investment in locations close to sensitive sites, such as military bases around the U.S.'

A 2019 report from the US Department of Agriculture showed China owned at least 192,000 acres US agricultural land worth over $1.9 billion.

Though nation's like Canada own far more US agricultural land, a 2018 USDA report showed China's agricultural holdings in the US and other counties had increased tenfold since 2009.

Lawmakers from liberal banner-woman Elizabeth Warren to conservative stalwarts like former-vice president Mike Pence have spoke about the need to curb China's ability to ingrain itself in the US food supply.

'America cannot allow China to control our food supply,' Pence in 2021, asking President Biden and Congress to 'end all farm subsidies for land owned by foreign nationals.'

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio characterized Fefung's North Dakota purchase as more than a food supply encroachment, telling CNBC it was an example of a security threat that needed to be addressed.

'It is dangerous, foolish, and shortsighted to allow the Chinese Communist Party and its proxies to purchase land near U.S. military installations,' he said.

'We want to do what's best for the community, we want to do what's best for the country, it's a difficult balance right now.'

North Dakota Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer (above), spoke out against the Chinese interest's proximity to the air base

On Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis - considered a potential 2024 presidential candidate - told Fox News' Laura Ingraham he didn't think Chinese companies should be allowed to purchase US land at the rate they have.

Fufeng USA Chief Operating Officer Eric Chutorash said he knew the company 'absolutely' wouldn't spy on US military interests

'I don't think they should be able to do it. I think the problem is these companies have ties to the CCP [Chinese Communist Party], and it's not always apparent on the face of whatever a company is doing - but I think it's a huge problem.'

The governor's solution has been to ban what he calls 'undue influence from rogue states,' like China's ruling party.

The state has already banned what's known as a 'Confucius Institutes,' public educational and cultural promotion programs designed to educate people about China, thereby giving the CCP undue influence over systems of higher learning.

DeSantis added there's likely more legislative action to come:

'We're also probably going to do legislation next legislative session about our pension investments, with things that may be linked to the CCP. We don't necessarily have a lot of it, but we want to make sure that we're cutting ties so that we're not funding our number-one adversary.'

On Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis - considered a potential 2024 presidential candidate - told Fox News' Laura Ingraham he didn't think Chinese companies should be allowed to purchase US land at the rate they have

Grand Forks Air Force base has a space networking center that's been characterized as 'the backbone of all US military communications across the globe'

Whatever the potential geopolitical implications of the Fufeng land purchase, Mayor Brandon Bochenski said he wants to bring more commerce the small city of Grand Fork.

'I mean, we're a municipality of about 60,000 people,' he told CNBC, 'You know, we don't have the budget to have an intelligence-gathering apparatus here. We do the best we can and rely on our partners.'

He said he supports Fufeng building its plant, which is set to begin next spring and would cost $700 million and bring about 200 jobs to the city.

'We want to do what's best for the community, we want to do what's best for the country, it's a difficult balance right now.'
A 15-year-old boy was arrested and charged with the murder of his 14-year-old girlfriend who was found dead in her family home in Maine.

Aidan Grant was arrested by Maine State Police early Saturday morning in connection to the death of Brooke McLaughlin, according to court documents obtained by the Portland Press Herald.

The 14-year-old was found by her mom, Rebecca 'Becky' McLaughlin, at their home on Blackberry Road on July 18 after 6 p.m.

The two teenagers had been in a relationship since Feb. 13, 2022, according to Grant's Facebook. His profile photo includes the two kissing with a firework igniting in the background. Grant captioned the photo 'My everything' with a red heart emoji.

Aidan Grant, 15, was arrested for allegedly killing his 14-year-old girlfriend at her Maine home on July 18. Grant was arrested on Saturday and charged with murder

Brooke McLaughlin, 14, was found dead in her family home in Maine on July 18. Her mom, Becky, discovered her body after 6 p.m. last Monday

The pair have been together since February, according to Grant's Facebook page. His profile displays the two kissing as fireworks ignite in the background. Grant captioned the photo 'My everything' with a red heart emoji

The scene unfolded on Blackberry Road. A neighbor told WMTW situations like these do not occur in the quiet neighborhood

At the time of the crime, the families red Chevy Impala went missing. It was found the next day in the town of Wayne - where Grant lives, according to, WMTW.

The Chief Medical Examiner withheld the cause of death of the 14-year-old per request of the Attorney General. The details are also excluded from the court documents.

Grant is being held at the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland.

Grant is being held at the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland. The families Chevy Impala went missing the day of the murder. It was found a day later in the town Grant lives, Wayne

Brooke was a student at Maranacook Middle School. A neighbor says he saw Brooke get off the bus. 'It makes me want to get security,' Zachary Williams told WMTW

The victim was a student at Maranacook Middle School had just completed the seventh grade.

She is remembered as being a 'kind, loving, very thoughtful, big hearted, strong person who lived her family and friends,' according to her obituary.

Her mom Becky, who found the teenager dead, called for 'justice' in a July 23 Facebook post.

'I love you my beautiful angel... fly high baby girl... my heart is broken but I'm trying my hardest Brooke Mclaughlin... mom loves you forever and justice will be served... you will always be mom's everything... #justiceforBrooke,' Becky wrote while attaching a video of her singing 'Dancing in the Sky.'

Brooke McLaughlin's mother Rebecca posted a video of herself singing 'Dancing in the Sky' as she mourned the death of her daughter

The victim's mom, Becky, posted multiple photos of her daughter on Facebook following her passing. Her family remembers her as being a ' kind, loving, very thoughtful, big-hearted, strong person who loved her family and friends'

Zachary Williams, neighbor of the McLaughlin's, saw Brooke get dropped off by the school bus, told the Press Herald, 'This is Mount Vernon. You don't think anything like that would happen here.'

'It makes me want to get security, get some cameras and lock up. I always do lock up. It makes me feel not comfortable. Something like this is sad.'

Jay Charette, Superintendent of Maranacook schools, announced Brooke's death to the community on July 21.

'Although we dont know the circumstances of this tragic event we are working with various agencies to offer our support in a timely and appropriately sensitive manner to our students and staff given the nature of this tragedy,' he wrote in a statement.
This is the moment a heroic Chinese grandmother jumped into a septic tank filled with raw sewage to save her grandson who had fallen inside.

A CCTV camera captured the amazing rescue, which came after the boy had lifted up the tank's cover, before stepping over the hole and falling into the sewage.

Luckily, a woman - reported by local media to be his grandmother - spotted her grandson disappearing into the excrement and - without hesitation - leapt feet first into the muck in the tank in Fuyang, in China's Anhui province.

Seconds later she shoved the youngster up to the surface where passers-by pulled him out of the tank, covered in muck.

The footage goes on to show his grandmother also being pulled from the sewage by the passers-by, before holding her grandson upside down to encourage him to cough any muck from his lungs.

Local media reported that with the help of other passers-by, both grandmother and child survived the incident, shocked but otherwise unharmed.

This is the moment a heroic Chinese grandmother jumped into a septic tank filled with raw sewage to save her grandson who had fallen inside. The amazing rescue came after the boy had lifted up the tank's cover, before stepping over the hole and falling into the sewage

Pictured: CCTV footage shows the woman, reportedly the boy's grandmother, lowering herself into the septic tank to safe him after he fell in feet-first

According to a nearby businessman, the top of the septic tank originally had a manhole cover.

But since it was crushed by a truck a few years ago, it has always been covered with wooden boards, which were lifted by the curious boy.

The footage shows him lifting the temporary cover before taking a step over the now-exposed hole, before plunging in.

Pictured: After lifting the boy to safety, who was pulled up by passers-by, the grandmother is shown being lifted out too

Pictured: The grandmother is shown holding her grandson upside down to encourage him to cough any muck from his lungs

The young boy completely disappears into the hole and below the surface of the tank's contents. Seconds later, the woman is shown sprinting to the hole, and jumping bravely jumping in after the boy.

The video was shared by a man identified as Mr. Li who said he had checked the CCTV after hearing about the incident.

He had been shocked at what happened and impressed by the bravery of the grandmother in rescuing her grandson without thought for herself.

Online commentators also praised the grandmother with a user called 'Simple life' saying: 'The greatest thing about this is how the grandmother jumped inside without hesitation.'
A body modification enthusiast who dreams of becoming a 'black alien' now wants to amputate one of his legs after he had two fingers cut off so that his hand looks like a claw.

Anthony Loffredo, 33, has already covered his body - including his eyeballs - in tattoos and removed his nose and top lip in his bid to look like a 'black alien'.

The Frenchman, who documents his dramatic physical alterations for his 1.2 million followers on Instagram, now wants to go one step further by amputating his leg from the knee down.

Loffredo, who has previously revealed his extreme look has hindered him from finding work, said: 'It's something really hard because I have a healthy leg, and an amputation is something big.'

Despite Loffredo undergoing a number of surgical procedures - not least to split his tongue in half and remove his ears - he revealed that he is still '44 per cent' of the way to his goal of becoming a 'black alien'.

Anthony Loffredo, 33, has already covered his body - including his eyeballs - in tattoos and removed his nose and top lip in his bid to look like a 'black alien'

The Frenchman, who documents his dramatic physical alterations for his 1.2 million followers on Instagram, now wants to go one step further by amputating his leg from the knee down

Loffredo, who has previously revealed his extreme look has hindered him from finding work, said: 'It's something really hard because I have a healthy leg, and an amputation is something big;

Loffredo is pictured before embarking on surgery to become a 'black alien'

Loffredo said that he wants to alter his face further before he focuses on amputating his leg. He said: 'My next modification is my face, that's the next one.'

Loffredo has undergone surgery to have a hole cut through the skin below his bottom lip. He often posts images to Instagram of himself poking his forked tongue through the hole.

He has also had countless implants placed under his skin, which is almost completely tattooed black.

In a previous Instagram post, he had hinted at splitting his penis in two, prompting one social media user to reply: 'I knew you were stupid... but that much??'

Last year, Loffredo revealed he had surgery in Mexico to cut off his two fingers so that his hand looks like a claw.

Graphic images and video footage showed Loffredo lying on an operating table surrounded by surgeons as he raised up his hand to look at his new 'claw' in awe.

Loffredo revealed that he is preparing to remove two fingers from his right hand as well so that he can have matching 'claws'.

He has also had countless implants placed under his skin, which is almost completely tattooed black, and had two fingers removed so his hand looks like a claw

Loffredo said that he wants to alter his face further before he focuses on amputating his leg. He said: 'My next modification is my face, that's the next one'

He wrote on Instagram: 'On the other side of the world to continue my project, the procedure is going well, one more dream that has just come true. Thank you for doing your top job, thank you Mexico from my heart. 34 per cent loading.'

Loffredo's controversial body modification transformation sparked praise - and dismay - among his Instagram followers.

One wrote: 'Oh my god you did it. I didn't believe it but it's true. I hope your body will adapt.'

Others were less supportive, as one user wrote: 'Blatant disrespect to those that are unfortunate to have lost limbs and look for ways to function as the human body should.'

Another wrote: 'You're 100 per cent going to regret this one eventually.'

One user said: 'This is disturbing and fascinating at the same time. I don't think I could do this, but thumbs up to you for living your dream.'

The latest transformative procedure comes after Loffredo had his nose and top lip removed. He later confessed that he now struggles to speak.

He had his nose removed last year in Spain as the procedure is illegal in France.

Other than piercing and tattooing, body modifications that result in injury are illegal in many European countries.

As such, Loffredo did not specify exactly where, when or by whom his nose and upper lip were removed, when speaking about the procedures in an Instagram live question and answer session.

The latest transformative procedure comes after Loffredo had his nose and top lip removed. He later confessed that he now struggles to speak

He had his nose removed last year in Spain as the procedure is illegal in France. Other than piercing and tattooing, body modifications that result in injury are illegal in many European countries

In a previous Instagram post discussing his nose removal, Loffredo thanked an account called @oscarmarquezbodymod for having 'marked' his life.

He wrote at the time: 'Now I can walk with my head high thanks to you I am proud of what we did together.'

Loffredo did admit that he was struggling to speak since the removal of his top lip but this does not seem to have dampened his enthusiasm for body modification.

He said he dreamed of removing his skin entirely and replacing it with metal and listed his arms, legs and fingers, along with the back of his head, as the next parts of his body he wants to have modified.

Speaking to French newspaper Midi Libre in 2017, Loffredo said he had been 'passionate about mutations and transformations of the human body' from a young age.

When he was working as a security guard in his twenties, he realised he was not living in the way that he wanted to.

'I stopped everything at 24 and left for Australia', Loffredo, who according to his Instagram is now based in Montpellier, France, told the paper.

'It has become normal, even unconscious, to constantly think about my plans [for body modification] for the next few months,' The Mirror reported Loffredo as saying.

The striking-looking individual said he loved 'getting into the shoes of a scary character'.

'I often settle down somewhere and play a role, especially at night in the dark streets,' he said.

'I explore the contrast between the role I play and myself.'
Vladimir Putin suffered a late-night health scare over the weekend, according to a Telegram channel which claims to monitor the Russian leader's health.

The 69-year-old suffered from 'severe nausea' overnight Friday into Saturday with doctors rushed to his bedside for around three hours, General SVR channel said.

Putin has now recovered, it claimed, but may be replaced by a body double during meetings this week or use 'deep fake' technology to stage television appearances.

It comes just days after Ukraine's spy chief suggested that Putin had been replaced by a decoy during a state visit to Iran.

Vladimir Putin suffered 'severe nausea' around 1am Saturday and was treated by doctors for three hours, according to a Telegram channel which claims to track his health

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency, raised suspicions after reviewing footage of the Russian leader getting off a plane in Tehran Tuesday.

'Please look at the moment of Putin's exit from the plane. Is it Putin at all?' he said on Ukrainian television.

General SVR has previously claimed that Putin is being secretly treated for cancer and that top adviser Nikolai Patrushev regularly steps in for him during surgeries.

None of the channel's claims have been verified, but Putin would not be the first Russian leader to use a decoy if it can be proved.

Josef Stalin is said to have used multiple body-doubles while leader of the Soviet Union, two of whom have since come forward to speak about the experience.

One, known only as 'Rashid', claimed he was one of several men employed by the KGB to fill in for Stalin during public appearances where he was afraid of being assassinated, or to give the public the impression he was healthy when he was ill.

Felix Dadaev then came forward in 2008 to claim he was another of those doubles, saying Putin's regime had granted him permission to tell his story via state media.

Putin may be replaced by a body double this week, it is claimed, after Ukraine raise suspicions he used a decoy on a visit to Iran last week (pictured above)

Leonid Brezhnev, another Soviet leader, was also said to have used doubles.

Putin himself admitted he considered the use of decoys for protection during the Chechen War, but claims he dismissed the idea and it was never carried out.

General SVR, which claims to be run by a former officer from Russias Foreign Intelligence Service, said today: 'Putin on the night of Friday July 22 to Saturday July 23 needed urgent medical care.

'At about 1am, the medical workers on duty at [his] residence were summoned to the president. Putin complained of severe nausea.

'Twenty minutes later, an additional team of doctors with the president's attending physicians was called.

'It is known that doctors provided assistance and were near Putin for three hours, and after the president's condition improved, they left his chambers.'

It claimed a decision was made that in some events this week 'he will be replaced by a double'.

Frequent rumours about Putin's health include that he is suffering cancer or Parkinson's, while footage and images have shown him looking unwell (gripping a table, above)

Additionally 'deepfake technology' could be used to show meetings involving Putin that were not - in fact - in real time.

Political scientist Valery Solovey, who has long claimed the Russian leader is ailing, said: 'The Americans, the CIA particularly, have information on the real state of health of the Russian president.

'They definitely know that he has serious troubles, including mental ones.'

He spoke despite CIA Director William Burns saying last week that Putin is 'entirely too healthy'. The Kremlin routinely denies Putin is suffering health problems.

British MI6 director Richard Moore later added: 'There is no evidence that Putin is suffering from serious illness.'

Solovey, a former professor at Moscow prestigious Institute of International Relations [MGIMO], suggested that the 'too healthy' comment was made because the US is in behind the scenes negotiations with Russia.

Solovey countered: 'The Putin's health topic is one of the [most] central in Russian policy discussions.'

He claimed the denials of medical issues 'only reinforce suspicions that there is some problem'. '[When] Putin shows up, what do we see?

'A man who limps, a man with dark spots, a man who has to interrupt meetings for ostensible 'consultations'.

'In reality, he needs medical assistance at that moment

'People make conclusions based on what they see.

'TV is a big liar, but it becomes more difficult to hide the real state of affairs.'

Solovey, like channel General SVR, has claimed previously that Putin is suffering from serious illnesses including cancer, Parkinson's disease and a schizoaffective disorder.
A drunk driver has been jailed for more than three years after mowing down two pedestrians in a road rage attack while three times over the limit with a baby in his four-wheel drive.

Damon Lee Anderson, 28, swerved across traffic and into the men as they walked along a footpath in Hay Street, in Perth's CBD, during August last year.

The men were thrown in the air and across the pavement before the four-wheel drive ploughed into an Asian restaurant, smashing the doors and leaving glass and debris scattered across the floor.

Anderson delivered an alcohol reading of 0.163 while his two victims suffered broken bones.

Damon Lee Anderson, 28, has been jailed after mowing down two pedestrians (pictured) in Perth's CBD last year

In a sentencing hearing on Monday, Anderson's lawyer told the District Court his client's behaviour was an 'overreaction' and he was acting out of fear for his mother, sister, and nephew, 9News reports.

Anderson claimed he was scared after the men held a butter knife up to the car's window.

However, Judge Andrew Stavrianou rejected his version of events, saying Anderson started the altercation by first holding a 15cm knife up at the men.

'You should have left it alone when you had the opportunity,' Judge Stavrianou said.

The court heard Anderson was struggling with mental health issues after being fired from his job.

He had also been spared jail just months earlier over a separate incident in which he attacked police in Somerville with a nine-inch knife.

Judge Stavrianou sentenced Anderson to three years and four months in prison with a minimum term of one year and eight months.
A black engineering graduate who allegedly ran a stop sign has been tased and beaten until his face was bloodied after officers kicked down his door during a violent arrest in Tennessee.

Brandon Calloway, 25, was left with cuts to his head after he was stunned and hit with a baton before being dragged through his father's home by a group of officers in Oakland.

The former University of Tennessee student was visiting his father with his girlfriend and friend, and had only been there for an hour when he drove to pick up a DoorDash order and returned being chased by police.

Footage taken by his girlfriend shows the officers running around the home without a warrant while she screams at them to 'stop hitting him' and to 'get off his neck'.

Calloway, who is 5ft3 and weighs 110 pounds, suffered multiple injuries to his head, eye, temple and arm and is also experiencing memory loss, nightmares and 'severe psychological trauma'.

One of the officers involved in the shocking incident has now been placed on administrative leave, pending investigation.

Calloway was accused by an officer identified only as D. Jackson of speeding at 32mph in a 20mph zone, ignoring a stop sign and then refusing to comply with police.

Brandon Calloway has been tased and beaten until his face was bloodied after officers kicked down his door during a violent arrest in Tennessee

The affidavit states Calloway, who was a National Honor Society member, refused to pull over and continued driving until he reached a house, where he pulled into the driveway and ran inside.

The complaint states: 'Mr. Calloway, jumped out of the driver seat and started running to the house while reaching into his pockets. At that time Officer Jackson commanded Mr. Calloway to stop, which he refused.

'When Mr. Calloway was running into the house, he was yelling obscene language stating, 'this is my f***ing house and I did stop for the stop sign.'

Police claim the suspect and others were outside speaking with the first officer when a second officer arrived, but when they needed to detain Calloway, he ran back inside the house.

The officers kicked down the front door and followed Calloway, a part-time DJ and entrepreneur, upstairs when he ran into a room and locked the door.

Footage taken by his girlfriend shows the officers running around the home without a warrant while she screams at them to 'stop hitting him' and to 'get off his neck'

The former University of Tennessee student was visiting his father with his girlfriend and friend, and had only been there for an hour

Officers then kicked down that door, used a stun gun on him and began to hit him with a baton before he evaded them and ran downstairs where the violence continued.

A third officer from another agency, who was not identified in the complaint, is then seen as the girlfriend continues to yell, saying he does not have a weapon.

Calloway is then seen on his girlfriend's video with his face covered in blood as he emerges from the room.

She urged him to comply and he stopped resisting and was taken to custody.

The family has retained an attorney and referred all requests for comment to him. The attorney, Andre Wharton, did not immediately return messages left with him on Friday.

Mark Davidson, the district attorney for the 25th Judicial District, said he has asked the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to review the case.

Calloway's girlfriend urged him to comply and he stopped resisting and was taken to custody

Wharton told WREG-TV in Memphis that the beating left Calloway with stitches in his head and limited visibility, and he has since been suffering from nightmares and graphic flashbacks.

He said the family wants the officers responsible to be held accountable.

'Brandon was assaulted in a brutal fashion. I describe it as animalistic,' he told the station.

'The pictures are horrific. He's fortunate to be here to stand up and express through his presence here he wants to see some accountability,'

Calloway's sister, Raven Calloway, posted to Facebook that her brother is a 25-year-old graduate of the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.

She wrote that he is 'a young black man with a positive mindset, that's just trying to make a great life for himself!'

'My family and I are just thankful he's still alive,' she wrote.

Keith Taylor, an adjunct assistant professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and former New York City Police assistant commissioner, said there's not enough public information to know yet whether the officers should have acted differently.

'Ultimately, if police don't arrest someone who requires arrest, they're going to be seen as not doing their job,' Taylor said. 'In situations that don't require an arrest, that can be deescalated, that is what police should be doing.'
Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger on Monday declared the state of the Republican Party to be a 'disaster' and said in an interview former President Donald Trump would some day be 'persona non grata' following explosive hearings about Jan. 6th.

He made the comments after helping preside over Thursday's prime-time hearings about Jan. 6th, which included outtakes of Trump struggling to deliver a video address to the nation saying the 2020 election was over.

Asked about the state of the GOP, Kinzinger told MSNBC Monday: 'Yeah, the state of the party is a disaster. I mean, look, there are anecdotal, I have people that tell me, you know, hey, my dad was addicted to Fox News. Never thought anything wrong with Donald Trump. Now he hates me because of these hearings. I hear anecdotal things like that,' he said.

Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) predicted Donald Trump would soon be 'persona non grata'

Kinzinger announced last year that he would retire from Congress at the end of his term, after state leaders redrew state lines to put him into a district with GOP Rep. Darin LaHood, a Trump ally.

That followed his move as one of 10 Republicans to vote to impeach Trump after Jan. 6th.

Asked about the impact of the hearings by the panel, which features Kinzinger and Rep. Liz Cheney as the sole Republicans, he responded: 'There are movements that are occurring. And I think in the medium, and particularly in the long term, Donald Trump will be persona non grata in this country and because of this.

'But in the short term it takes leaders. I mean, look, I always thought when you got elected to Congress  this is my naivety as a kid that you were coming out here to lead. And what I have learned is leadership is extremely exceedingly rare in this job, and people are just more interested in maintaining the title,' he said.

Polls continue to show Trump to be highly popular among Republican voters. But Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been gaining on him in Republican polls, including in early voting states like New Hampshire.

Kinzinger warned against washing the events of Jan. 6 'under the rug,' even as he expressed a general concern about prosecutions that could be deemed political.

'If he is not held accountable through the law, I actually fear that that's a far worse precedent than anything else,' he said.

Kinzinger spoke days after he was profiled in the Washington Post, which pointed to the way he came to Washington as part of the 2010 Tea Party wave.

'I was one of his favorites early on,' he said.

Kinzinger helped lead Thursday's prime time hearing by the House January 6 panel

The hearing featured outtakes of former President Donald Trump struggling to say the election was over, even after the Capitol riot

Protesters who stormed the Capitol chanted to hang former Vice President Mike Pence, who presided over the counting of the electoral votes

Kinzinger didn't vote for Trump in 2016, and days after Trump took office for a policy retreat in Philadelphia, Kinzinger hit the bottle to deal with the situation.

'I got super drunk,' he told the paper. 'Trump's president, how do we deal with this?' he said.

Yet he turned around and voted for Trump in 2020, agreeing now that makes him like those he criticizes for political cowardice.

'That way I can say with a straight face I voted for him,' Kinzinger said, explaining his justification. 'I know he is not going to win, but I can say I did it. And so I have credit with the base.'

He said he felt 'dirty' doing so, adding: 'It's not something I can square away in my soul fully.'
Bandi (in picture) recalled that Rao had told the Legislative Assembly that the government would prepare data of retired employees and felicitate them. It was never done, the BJP leader said.  DC Image

Hyderabad: Accusing the state government of failing to release salaries to government employees on time, BJP state chief Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Sunday wrote to Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao urging him to ensure timely release of salaries and pensions every month.

Sanjay stated that thousands of government employees and pensioners were facing financial problems because of such delays, which was denying them their constitutional rights. He recalled that Rao had told the Legislative Assembly that the government would prepare data of retired employees and felicitate them. It was never done, the BJP leader said.

"The government earmarks Rs 25,000 crore for salaries to teachers, employees and pensions. But the government failed to release funds as per the budget," he alleged.

Sanjay said that there should be timely release of salaries to contact employees, teachers and health bills and all dearness allowance arrears should be cleared.
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Sixties sex symbol Raquel Welch proves that beauty is pain as she looks like she's in agony while getting a manicure.

DailyMail.com spotted the 81-year-old former actress and model going through a range of emotions during her three-hour visit last week to Beverly Hills nail salon J&J Beauty Lounge, which is a favorite among residents in the opulent neighborhood.

Eventually, Welch seemed thrilled with the results and shared some laughs with her manicurist during less arduous moments.

Lowkey Welch, who rarely ventures out in public these days, was last photographed by DailyMail.com in September for the first time in two years.

For her outing last week, she wore glamorous gold hoop earrings and a white top with black pants as she patiently read magazines in the waiting area until her beautician was ready.

She walked in with a straw hat and then took it off to reveal the famous features that made her a 1960s and 70s superstar in movies such as Bedazzled, The Biggest Buddle of Them All, One Million Years B.C. and Fantastic Voyage.

Raquel Welch, 81, was spotted getting a manicure last week at Beverly Hills nail salon J&J Beauty Lounge, which is a favorite among residents

DailyMail.com spotted the sixties sex symbol writhing in pain as the manicure got intense

DailyMail.com spotted the former actress and model going through a range of emotions during her three-hour visit last week

Welch clearly appears in pain during her manicure and is seen with animated facial expressions

Eventually, Welch seemed thrilled with the results and shared loads of laughs during less arduous moments

The brunette bombshell - born Jo Raquel Tejada - quickly shot to stardom in the 1960s and 70s as an international sex symbol, starring in several Hollywood classics

Currently single, Raquel has been married four times.

Welch, who was born in Chicago as Jo Raquel Tejada, has two adult children but no known romance since her divorce from most recent husband Richie Palmer in 2008.

In an interview with Elle magazine in 2011, she vowed never to remarry saying: 'I'm just not suited for it any longer. I love men and I love their company, but I am too independent and self-motivated.'

'I'm willing to date but, quite frankly, there is a diminishing group of eligible people at my age. I don't mind the traditional roles of male and female but, as you can tell, I am a very strong minded woman,' she continued.

'I'm sure I would be a challenge for an awful lot of men. They wouldn't want to deal with it or, if they would like to deal with it, maybe I'm just not that interested.'

Welch married first husband James Welch at the age of 19 - a year after she began attending San Diego State College on a theater arts scholarship.

For her outing last week, she wore glamorous gold hoop earrings, a white top, black pants and sandals

Welch walked in with a straw hat and then took it off to reveal the famous features that made her a 1960s and 70s superstar

Lowkey Welch, who rarely ventures out in public these days, was last photographed by DailyMail.com in September for the first time in two years

The brunette bombshell starred in classics such as Bedazzled, One Million Years B.C. (right) Bandolero! - among many others

The pair had two children Damon (born 1959) and Tahnee Welch (born 1961) - she moved to Dallas with her two kids following their separation.

She moved to Los Angeles in 1963 and had small roles in films and shows.

Her divorce was finalized by 1964.

She went on to marry three more times after James; she was married to producer Patrick Curtis from 1967 until 1972; to Andrew Weinfeld from 1980 until 1990; and to Richard Palmer from 1999 until they separated in 2003 and divorced in 2008.

Welch became a household name as a young bombshell in the 60s and 70s but continued appearing in film and television roles as more mature characters in the 2000s.

In 2001, she played Mrs. Windham-Vandermark, the ex-wife of a murdered wealthy man, alongside Reese Witherspoon in the hit film Legally Blonde.

The movie star's last projects were in 2017 - the film How To Be A Latin Lover and the show Date My Dad.
A worrying 28 percent of Americans say they have such little faith in their government that it may soon be necessary to take up arms against Washington, according to a survey that offers a snapshot of a bitterly divided nation.

The University of Chicagos poll found that gun owners were even more prepared to point pistols in the capital  37 percent said they were ready for armed rebellion. Republicans were more likely than Democrats to anticipate a revolt.

Most of the surveys 1,000 respondents said the government was corrupt and rigged against them; nearly half said they felt like a stranger in their own land. Most Republicans and Democrats saw their rival partys adherents as bullies.

The study is a stark reminder of national scars amid hearings into the January 6 Capitol attack and as hot button issues like abortion rights and classroom talk on race and gender take center stage in the upcoming midterm elections.

The willingness to take up arms against the government echoes other research, and suggests that January 6-style violence or anti-government militia plots, like the failed plan to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2020, may happen again.

Neil Newhouse, a Republican pollster who worked on the survey, has documented polarization for years, but said these new findings were perhaps the starkest evidence of the deep divisions in partisan attitudes rippling through the country.

His researchers focussed on elections  a core issue for many backers of former President Donald Trump, a Republican, who insist without credible evidence that he beat President Joe Biden, a Democrat, in the 2020 vote.

Overall, most respondents said elections were conducted fairly and counted accurately.

But only 31 percent of voters who backed Trump in 2020 said they trusted elections nowadays, compared to 78 percent of Democrats who felt that vote tallies were fair.

Researchers confirmed what many Americans already knew  that deeply-held hurting views were hurting ties with friends and family. Many now dodge political conversations, and a quarter said political rows had cost them friendships.

One in five Americans said they had quit using Facebook or other social media sites due to political bickering, and about three quarters of Republicans and Democrats dubbed the other as bullies who impose their views on others.

The media could be part of the problem, researchers found. Journalists were often seen as biased, and half of respondents described friends or relatives who have changed because of the media they consume.

Joel Benenson, a Democratic pollster who worked on the survey, said the results showed how isolated we are in media silos, and the degree of skepticism people feel about the integrity of news sources.

The findings from the University of Chicagos Institute of Politics come on the heels of other studies suggesting U.S. democracy is backsliding, with Americans losing faith in their institutions and their ability to bridge a widening political chasm.

Researchers at University of California, Davis, this month found that half of Americans expect to see a second U.S. civil war within years and nearly a fifth say they could one day be toting guns at a political face-off themselves.

A similar study by Tulchin Research and the Southern Poverty Law Center last month found that 44 percent of Americans said the U.S. was headed toward another civil war.

According to a recent YouGov survey, a third of Trump's fans living in Republican states said they would be better off if their state split and became an independent country.

Members of the Oath Keepers on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington. Members of the far-right militia group have been prosecuted for forcefully halting the peaceful transfer of power after President Joe Biden's 2020 electoral victory

Members of NFAC, an Atlanta-based black militia group, marched in downtown Lafayette in October 2020 following the fatal police shooting of Trayford Pellerin, a 31-year-old black man

Two men argue alongside the 'Black Lives Matter' mural in front of the Trump Tower in New York last July. Researchers say Americans increasingly see violence as an answer to political differences
Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has declared that Hungarians 'do not want to become a mixed race' and have no interest in associating with 'non-Europeans'.

The far-right leader said multicultural countries in Western Europe, where Europeans and non-Europeans live together, are 'no longer nations'.

Orban, 59, defended his vision of an 'unmixed Hungarian race' as he criticised mixing with 'non-Europeans' during a speech in Romania on Saturday.

'We move, we work elsewhere, we mix within Europe,' he said at the Baile Tusnad Summer University in Romania's Transylvania region, home to a large Hungarian community.

'But we don't want to be a mixed race', a 'multi-ethnic' people who would mix with 'non-Europeans', he said.

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has declared that Hungarians 'do not want to become a mixed race' and have no interest in associating with 'non-Europeans'

During his speech, Orban argued that the 'West is split in two,' with one half being the countries where Europeans mix with non-Europeans, the Daily News Hungary reported. 'Those countries are no longer nations,' he added, pointing to Western Europe.

The PM added that those countries 'continue to fight central Europe to change us to be like them'.

'In a spiritual sense, the West has moved to central Europe,' Orban added.

Orban, who was re-elected with a landslide victory in April, has ruled Hungary since 2010 and brought in 'illiberal' reforms based on the 'defence of a Christian Europe'.

The Hungarian premier has targeted migrants from Africa and the Middle East, as well as NGOs that support them, restricting the right to seek asylum and putting up barriers at borders.

The European Court of Justice has condemned Hungary several times as a result.

Orban, who is an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, also said in his speech that Western sanctions against Russia have failed and that the war in Ukraine will not end 'until there is a Russian-U.S. peace negotiation.'

Orban, who is an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin (pictured together in 2019), also said in his speech that Western sanctions against Russia have failed and that the war in Ukraine will not end 'until there is a Russian-U.S. peace negotiation'

Orban has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, but maintains an ambiguous position on the conflict.

Before Moscow sent in troops, he had sought close ties with Russia's President Vladimir Putin. And last week, he said Europe had 'shot itself in the lungs' by imposing sanctions against Moscow over the military operation.

Orban said that 'a new strategy is needed which should focus on peace talks . instead of winning the war.'

'The situation is that today we are sitting in a car with flat tires on all four wheels,' he said. 'It is quite obvious that the war cannot be won this way. Ukrainians will never win a war against Russia with American training officers and weapons.'

Rescuers remove debris following a Russian missile attack in Chuhuiv, Kharkiv region, Ukraine on Monday

Orban said 'only Russian-US talks can put an end to the conflict because Russia wants security guarantees' only Washington can give.

The EU, he added, 'should not side with the Ukrainians, but position itself' between both sides.

The sanctions 'will not change the situation' and 'the Ukrainians will not come out victorious', he said.

He said: 'The more the West sends powerful weapons, the more the war drags on'.

The far-right leader went on to say that had Donald Trump and Germany's Angela Merkel still been in charge in their countries, 'then this war would never have broken out.'
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The US's record-breaking heat wave continued in full force to today as two more deaths were announced during the unseasonably high temperatures which are currently roasting much of the country.

The deaths, reported in New York and Pennsylvania, brought the total to at least 21 deaths reported as 85 million Americans across the country suffer through the scorching temperatures.

Both victims had underlying health conditions and died of hyperthermia brought on by the horrific heat - which in some states is 13F above average for this time of year.

Temperatures are set to break daily records in Seattle, Portland and Northern California by Tuesday while inland areas could see highs of 95F to 110F. Record warm minimum temps are also expected in similar parts of the Pacific Northwest through to Wednesday.

The National Weather Service said the 'extreme heat' will continue in Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley while the Pacific Northwest is hit by 'stifling' hot weather this week.

It will be the low-mid 90s from central Virginia to southern New England while northern New England, the Philadelphia metro area, and on south to the DelMarVa Peninsula could see 100F again before a cold front brings bring a return of more seasonal temperatures in the Northeast on Tuesday.

In the Heartland, an even larger footprint of Heat Advisories and Excessive Hear Warnings are in place in the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley today. The Columbia River Gorge and Columbia River Basin will also see temperatures of at least 90F.

The Middle Mississippi Valley to the central Appalachians will see storms as excessive rainfall and flash flooding could affect portions of the Southwest and Southern Rockies on Monday and Tuesday.

The news come as Philadelphia hit 99F on Sunday, Newark, New Jersey, saw its longest such streak since records began in 1931 as it had its fifth consecutive day of 100 degrees or higher, and Boston also hit 100F, surpassing its 1933 record of 98F.

The latest bulletin shows how the hot weather will evolve during the week in the U.S.

The weather snapshot for Monday shows that heat will be an issue for parts of the East, the south-central U.S. and begin building in the Northwest. While severe storms are possible in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic and heavy rain may cause flooding in the Southwest and Ohio Valley

Pictured is the New York City skyline Sunday

Children play in the spray from the fire hydrant in the Bronx in New York City, where temperatures had a real-feel of 104F on Sunday

A construction worker drinks water during the heatwave in Boston Thursday, where temperatures continued to straddle 100F over the weekend, spurring officials to extend a heat emergency warning made earlier in the week through Sunday

Children play in a water fountain during the heatwave in Boston, as record breaking heat continued to scorch the Northeast Sunday

21 heat related deaths feared so far in July July 10 to 16: There were 12 deaths reported in Maricopa County, Phoenix by health officials. July: Kansas officials announce that they are investigating five deaths which are heat-related in the state. They said this includes a male born in 1998, a male born in 1988, a female born in 1962, a female born in 1952 and a male born in 1976 but released no further information. July 20: A 22-year-old died of suspected dehydration and heat exhaustion at Badlands National Park in South Dakota. July 21: Dallas County in Texas reported its first heat-related death as a 66-year-old female who had underlying health conditions. July 21: In Pennsylvania, a 73-year-old man died of heat-related complications on Thursday. July 23: A person who had other medical issues including heart disease and pulmonary emphysema died in New York, health officials announced. Advertisement

Similar conditions were - and have been - widespread across the country in recent days.

In Philly, where temperatures straddled the 100 degree mark at 98 Saturday, and hit 99 degrees Sunday will continue to see extreme heat for Philadelphia, Delaware, lower Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks Counties until 6pm on Monday.

That heat served as a continuation of temperatures seen over the course of the week - which claimed the life of 73-year-old Allentown resident Thomas Bunting.

Bunting, who lived roughly 45 miles from Philadelphia, died Thursday at his home as a result of the extreme heat the city's coroner's office said, adding that the deceased's diabetes also played a part in his death.

Days later, the city declared the state of emergency, activating several city services designed to keep people cool - including making air-conditioned libraries available as cooling stations and parking air-conditioned buses for citizens to access throughout the city.

A few hundred miles up the Atlantic Coast, Boston also issued an emergency alert on Thursday - an extension of an earlier announced last Monday. The new alert will lasted through Sunday, before turning thunderous on Monday.

Close by in the Big Apple, governor Kathy Hochul also warned citizens of worsening temperatures over the weekend, after the city's Chief Medical Examiner confirmed a heat-related death on Saturday.

In this case as well, other contributing factors - listed as hypertensive cardiovascular disease and emphysema - contributed to the unidentified victim's death, which officials said was caused by hyperthermia brought on by 'environmental exposure.'

No other information about the death - including the location and time, nor the age of the victim - was immediately released.

A homeless man in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is wheeled by a friend after being in a local hospital for dehydration Thursday. The heat wave, affecting multiple regions across the US, has since worsened, claiming at least two lives

A woman cools off in New York City's iconic Washington State Park during this week's record-setting heatwave

A man cools off near the fountain in Washington State Park Thursday, when temperatures reached 100F as New York City urged residents to stay indoors

The city was also forced to shorten its annual New York City Triathlon Sunday due to the sweltering temperatures, which officials said might feel like 104 degrees at its peak. But it did not exceed its previous record of 97 degrees on July 24.

New Jersey and Delaware also issued heat emergencies through Sunday night, with officials at Newark airport reporting its fifth 100 degree day in a row Saturday, when temperatures on the tarmacs hit 101 degrees. Similar temperatures were expected for Sunday.

Those stood as just a small fraction of the heat advisories issued due to the sweltering conditions, with more than 85 million Americans woke up Sunday to excessive heat warnings or heat advisories.

Much of the heat was in the Northeast - where the weather service warned of 'extremely oppressive' conditions from Washington to Boston, but a large portion could be found elsewhere, from the Pacific Northwest to the southern Great Plains to the heavily populated I-95 corridor, the National Weather Service warned Sunday.

In addition to the Northeast, the heatwave has also ravished the American Southwest - a region currently at the mercy of a drought the likes of which have not been seen in more than 12 centuries.

On Sunday, cities like Las Vegas (106 degrees), Phoenix (105 degrees), San Antonio (101 degrees) and Oklahoma City (105 degrees) have all hit the 100 mark.

Other cities, such as Memphis, approached that level, with a high of 98 - but most have heat indexes of well over 100.

People rest in the shade in Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan as temperatures reach into the 90s, weather that prompted the city to shorten it's annual Triathlon

A child plays in a water fountain, during a heatwave, in Boston, Massachusetts

Experts warn that the heat - which experts say is a result of climate change and is mirrored by a similar phenomenon occurring in the UK - is hear to stay until the end of July, with millions set to continue seeing record-setting temperatures.

The extreme weather affected the Northeast and Midwest for much of the week for Thursday and Friday, as well as the Great Plains and Midwest, which officials said will likely see potential tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds this Saturday into Sunday, according to the Storm Prediction Center.

Cities like Chicago, Detroit and much of Wisconsin - which have also face unseasonably high temperatures - also face slightly lower risk of extreme storms.

Meanwhile, parts of the northwest are currently under critical conditions for potential fire weather due to high temperatures seen in the region.
A flight was delayed for two hours last week when dozens of passengers were sent death threats and haunting images to their phones.

The Vueling flight was preparing to take-off from Rome's Fiumicino airport on July 21 when many of the 147 people on-board recieved the disturbing messages.

Photographs of the messages, which circulated online, showed they were a combination of text and images.

They were sent to passenger's via AirDrop, which allows users of Apple iPhones to send pictures and videos to other users that are nearby.

A flight was delayed for two hours last week when dozens of passengers were sent death threats and haunting images to their phones. One pictured (left) showed a ghost-like figure wearing a mask and wrapped in a cloth, standing in a dark, wood-panelled room. Another was written in Ethiopian Amharic and included death threats

The title of one message was in English, with the words: 'WAKE UP, WAKE UP, WAKE UP'. This was followed by a block of text that was later identified as Ethiopian Amharic, LadBible reported.

When translated, the disturbing text included threats such as: 'Your family will bleed for your actions', 'You will suffer eternally for your actions' and 'You will soon be alone because of your actions'.

In another message, a black and white photo of a skull-like figure with huge eyes and a cross on its forehead was sent to some of the passengers.

Another picture - also black and white - showed a ghost-like figure wearing a mask and wrapped in a cloth, standing in a dark, wood-panelled room.

After the crew were alerted to the circulating messages, the plane's captain decided to delay the flight to Alicante, Spain, and inform border police of the disturbance.

Officers who arrived on the scene soon discovered that the messages were being sent over AirDrop by an 18-year-old Spaniard, who admitted responsibility, LadBible reported. Vueling said the suspect was detained by police.

A spokesman for Vueling told MailOnline: 'Flight VY 1367 FCOALC had a delay of 2 hours due to a young passenger's prank who sent threatening pictures through Airdrop. Our crew followed the security procedures: the passenger was disembarked and detained by the police.'

The Vueling flight was preparing to take-off from Rome's Fiumicino airport on July 21 when many of the 147 people on-board recieved the disturbing messages (file photo)

Earlier this month, a British teenager was arrested on suspicion of making a false bomb threat on social media, while on a packed easyJet plane. He was later released on 8,600 bail - but faces paying thousands more if found guilty.

The youngster was part of a group of friends who had travelled to the Mediterranean holiday island for a celebration. The alarm was sounded as the easyJet plane was near to landing just before 5pm on Sunday. Video footage showed it being escorted by the Spanish fighter jet before it reached its destination.

Thursday's incident comes two days after the pilot of a separate Vueling was accused of fleeing his own plane first after it caught fire on the runway in Britain.

The captain, who was in charge of a Vueling flight from Barcelona, leapt from the aircraft after an explosion before take-off on Thursday.

A British teenager arrested on suspicion of making a false bomb threat on a packed easyJet plane has been hauled to court after two nights in a Spanish police cell

Earlier this month, an easyJet flight to Menorca was intercepted by Spanish fighter jets after an 18-year-old British holidaymaker allegedly made a bomb threat on board

But passengers onboard said they were dismayed to see him put all his energies into escaping the aircraft.

It sparked total chaos on board as smoke started to quickly fill the cabin.

Andrew Benion, 50, who on the flight to Birmingham, told The Sun: 'It was completely shocking.

'Nearly everyone on the plane is British and everyone was belting up.

'Suddenly there was this huge bang and smell of burning smoke coming from the back of the plane.

'All the lights went off and the emergency lights came on - it was terrifying.

'Next thing the stewards start go into melt-down, running up and down aisle - first, telling everyone to keep belts on, then to tell everyone to take their belts off.

'One ran into the cockpit to tell the captain. Then as soon as a stewardess opened the front door the captain ran straight off. He was just gone. He was first off the plane. He did a full Costa Concordia.'
A mother has been found guilty of infanticide over the death of her newborn baby daughter after losing her temper and shaking the 10-week-old girl in a 'violent and abusive' attack.

Innocent Lily-Mai Saint George died from a serious head injury and had also suffered 18 rib fractures, two breaks in her leg and severe bruising at the hands of Lauren Saint George, 25.

Saint George lost her temper before violently shaking Lily-Mai and pulling and twisting her leg on January 31, 2018.

Lily-Mai died at Great Ormond Street Hospital on February 2, when surgeons turned off her life support machine due to the extent of her brain damage.

Lauren Saint George (pictured outside court), 25, has been convicted of shaking her daughter to death eight days after she was released into her parents' care against the advice of hospital staff

Six days before the attack Haringey social services decided Lily-Mai should be transferred to the sole care of her parents, Saint George and Darren Hurrell, 25, despite professionals at Barnet Hospital warning she was at risk of neglect.

Prosecutor Sally O'Neill QC told the jury: 'Lily-Mai's death could almost definitely have been avoided if she had not been discharged into the care of two people who were woefully unsuited to caring for her.'

The Metropolitan Police initially said there was insufficient evidence to charge her parents but they both faced trial over Lily-Mai's death after a coroner last year ruled she was unlawfully killed.

Saint George was told by the judge she will not be going to jail after she was convicted of infanticide.

Mr Justice Spencer adjourned sentence until 9 September at Wood Green Crown Court after ordering a report from the probation service.

Lauren Saint George, 25, lost her temper before violently shaking her 10-week-old daughter Lily-Mai and pulling and twisting her leg on January 31, 2018

Lily-Mai's father Darren Hurrell, 25, (pictured) had no case to answer for charges of murder and manslaughter and threw out a charge of causing or allowing the death of a child against both parents

He told the weeping mother: 'I am ordering there to be a report from the probation service in your regard mainly for the purpose of ascertaining whether there is some assistance they can give you in rebuilding your life after this trial and after everything has happened.

'It is quite clear to me that you were depressed, still suffering from the effects of the birth of Lily-Mai at the time you committed the act which caused her death.

'The verdict of infanticide is one which traditionally has invoked sympathy rather than punishment.

He told her that she has 'suffered and continued to suffer' and therefore he has decided against sending her to prison.

'The sentence will be a suspended sentence.'

Mr Justice Spencer exempted the jury from service for 10 years.

Turning to thank counsel, he said: 'These cases are some of the most difficult we have to try because of the subject matter - the death of a small baby.

'I and I am sure every single one of the jury has been extremely grateful for the way in which counsel have approached this case and have assisted in the true administration of justice.'

A jury at the Old Bailey deliberated for more than 11 hours to find Saint George, of Enfield in north London, not guilty of murder and manslaughter. However, she was found guilty of a charge of infanticide by a majority of 10 to one

The Infanticide Act 1938 is where a woman causes the death of her child who is aged under 12 months -but at the time of the act or omission the balance of her mind was disturbed by reason of her not having fully recovered from the effect of giving birth to the child.

Failed chances to save Lily-Mai: How the authorities overruled medics' fears to allow baby home with mother who would murder her November 21, 2017 - Lily-Mai is born prematurely and spends the first two months of her life in Barnet Hospital. January 16, 2018  Staff at the hospital Staff hold meetings with the parents when they talk about the care of Lily-Mai January 21, 2018  Another meeting is held where 'concerns about the possibility of neglect' are aired. January 24, 2018  Police are called to a domestic incident at Saint George and Hurrell's flat in Haringey. Social worker Theresa Ferguson is informed and she makes a referral for a 'legal gateway meeting' which was the first step in intervening in Lily-Mai's care. January 25, 2018  Lily-Mail is released into the care of both of her parents, despite medics' concerns. Theresa Ferguson goes on holiday. January 26, 2018  Duty social worker Muriel Caboste visits the flat and decides there are not increased child protection issues. This is despite her noticing the parents were not following the feeding and medication chart that they had been provided with on discharge. January 31, 2018  Theresa Ferguson has returned from holiday and visits them at their flat to discuss the 'legal gateway meeting' and how to safeguard Lily-Mai. Saint George refuses to engage and storms out. Four hours later Saint George rings 999 and says Lily-Mail is seriously ill. February 2, 2018  Lily-Mail is pronounced dead at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Advertisement

Mr Justice Spencer found Hurrell had no case to answer for charges of murder and manslaughter and threw out a charge of causing or allowing the death of a child against both parents.

A jury at the Old Bailey deliberated for more than 11 hours to find Saint George, of Enfield in north London, not guilty of murder and manslaughter.

However, she was found guilty of a charge of infanticide by a majority of 10 to one.

The charge is an alternative verdict to murder where a mother kills her child while her mind is disturbed by a failure to recover from the effects of childbirth.

Saint George and Hurrell, of Alvaston in Derby, were both cleared of a separate charge of child cruelty.

The court heard the pair had been housed at a flat in Duckett's Green, north London, while their baby was still in Barnet Hospital, having been born prematurely at 31 weeks.

Theresa Ferguson, a social worker with Haringey Child and Family Services, was allocated the case after concerns were raised over the parents' ability to care for Lily-Mai.

Barnet Hospital professionals, including neonatal sister Deborah Hodge, were not happy that she was to be transferred to the sole care of her parents as they believed she would be at risk of neglect.

Concerns were raised about Saint George's mental health, her parenting abilities and her lack of commitment to her daughter, including not visiting her in hospital.

Despite their misgivings, a decision was made on January 22 to allow Lily-Mai to be sent home with close contact with social services.

Police were called to Hurrell and Saint George's flat the day before Lily-Mai was discharged, over an alleged row between the pair, but no offence was disclosed.

On the same day Ms Ferguson made a referral for a 'legal gateway meeting' - one of the options available to social services to take steps to intervene in the care of a baby - but went on annual leave the following day.

Ms O'Neill said: 'To describe this timing as unfortunate is perhaps to understate the position.'

A duty social worker visited the family on January 26, while Ms Ferguson made a home visit when she returned to work on January 30, followed by health visitor Alberta Nyantaki on the same day.

Although Ms Nyantaki concluded that Lily-Mai's needs were being satisfactorily met, she expressed 'serious concerns' to Ms Ferguson, who told her the threshold for a child care protection plan had been met because of the couple's volatility.

The legal process, in the form of a legal gateway meeting, began the following day and Ms Ferguson visited the flat at around 3pm to explain options for a residential placement for the family, or for Hurrell and the baby to go in without Saint George.

The court heard that Saint George swore at the social worker and refused to co-operate, having earlier blamed Lily-Mai in a text message for not letting her sleep.

'The main problem in Lily-Mai's short life was tragically her own mother,' Ms O'Neill told the Old Bailey (pictured)

'She was unable to contain herself in front of a social worker who was there to judge her competence as a mother, and you may have no doubt that she was unable to contain herself a few hours later,' said the prosecutor.

Lily-Mai was 10 weeks and two days old and only two weeks past a normal pregnancy term.

In her closing speech to the jury prosecutor Sally O'Neill, QC, previously said: 'The mechanism was by being shaken so that effectively her brain moved backwards and forwards inside her skull causing the injuries of which you have heard.

'It is the prosecution's case that this unlawful and violent assault on Lily-Mai was caused as a result of a sudden loss of temper on the part of Lauren Saint George.'

The mother is said to have lost her temper after Haringey social worker Theresa Ferguson told her she would need to go into a mother and baby unit or the child would be taken into care.

Jurors heard Saint George grew 'very angry' and swore at Ms Ferguson, telling the social worker to 'take the baby'.

Ms O'Neill said the 'main problem' in Lily-Mai's life was her own mother.

'It is she who grabbed her, shook her, and twisted and pulled her leg.

'It was she who acted unlawfully.'

'The one person who should most have protected her, her mother, not only failed to protect her by getting her urgent medical attention... but unlawfully assaulted her deliberately in that violent and abusive way.'

She blamed the baby for her sleeplessness, for having to potentially leave her home and for threatening her relationship with Hurrell as he was putting Lily-Mai before her, it is said.

'The main problem in Lily-Mai's short life was tragically her own mother,' Ms O'Neill told the Old Bailey.

The prosecutor went on to accuse both parents of wilfully neglecting Lily-Mai.

Hurrell's police interview was 'riddled' with the medical signs the hospital had told them to look out for, the court heard.

The father told police that Lily-Mai had been going blue, pale, floppy and off her food in the days leading up to her collapse.

It is said he knew that getting Lily-Mai urgent medical attention might result in having her removed from their care.

'That was putting his and their interest before that of the baby and we submit that is wilful neglect of her,' Ms O'Neill said.

Saint George was granted continued bail ahead of the sentencing hearing which will take place at Wood Green Crown Court.
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Exasperated villagers have spoken of their weekend from hell after drivers caught in chaotic 21-hour queues left roads outside their houses gridlocked with holidaymakers forced to use the roadside as a 'public urinal'.

Tens of thousands of families endured bedlam with children having to brush their teeth at the roadside before sleeping in their vehicles due to delays at passport check booths from Friday morning through to Sunday night.

With a large stretch of the M20 closed to all but EU freight traffic under Operation Brock, local roads on the approach to the Port of Dover and the Eurotunnel at Folkestone came to a standstill - particularly the A2.

It left local residents trapped in their own homes, with many families having to cancel their own planned outings because of the traffic woes.

The community of Whitfield, on the outskirts of Dover and close to the A2, today lambasted the chaos and told of how some businesses were unable to open over the weekend.

Downing Street today insisted that the chaos at Channel ports over the weekend had nothing to do with Brexit as a war of words continues between London and Paris over the passport control carnage that led to the mass disruption.

Marianne Hodges, an 85-year-old mother-of-seven, has lived in Sandwich Road, Whitfield, for 64 years.

She said she has not seen anything like it before and recalled having to inform stranded lorry drivers of when she was planning to leave her home in order to avoid becoming trapped.

Gridlocked traffic on a local road on the approach to the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel at Folkestone, Kent, this weekend

Mother-of-five Debbie Reeves, a 56-year-old cleaner, had to cancel a picnic with her family due to the chaos over the weekend

Sally Hazlewood, a receptionist for Medivet in nearby Whitfield, said her veterinary surgery could not open on Friday

Joanna Glykeriou, a 53-year-old hairdresser, said the Shan Barber Shop was filled with stranded lorry drivers

Julia Bathgate, 85, was also victim to the chaos that ensued due to delays at passport check booths this weekend

Members of the coastguard hand out water in the heat as drivers travelling to the area were urged to bring plenty of water and food

The former air hostess added: 'It was a nightmare, we couldnt get out of the house. It was really bad, I had to go out and ask lorries to move, we had to let them know when we were planning on going out.

'But it was worse down at the docks, that was truly horrendous.'

She continued: 'We are seriously thinking about moving but weve been here so long, its a tough thing to do.'

Her husband John, 86, said: 'The traffic at the port builds up and reverberates back to here.

'It was disastrous this weekendthe bl**dy French.'

The sentiments were echoed by mother-of-five Debbie Reeves, a 56-year-old cleaner, who had to cancel a picnic with her family.

Her daughter, 37, has a heart problem and is awaiting a transplant. Debbie had to look after her to ensure she is taking the correct medication.

But she became boxed into her home this weekend and could not reach her daughter - leaving her in a panicked state.

Debbie said: 'Ive got a daughter with a heart problem and if she had an issue, I couldnt get to her and she could have died.

'No one could get to her, all the roads around here were gridlock.

'I had to cancel our plans, we had a planned picnic with my family, we couldnt even walk as it was so dangerous with all the cars and trucks. There are always accidents on the round about.

'We tried to get out but there were lorries parked on the drive.'

Debbie lives with her 70-year-old husband Steve, a security guard, and was supposed to meet up with 15 other members of her family for the picnic on Saturday.

She said such events are rare and require a lot of planning, especially due to her daughter's illness.

The mother continued: 'Weve got a big family and it takes a lot of planning.

'Its a lot of planning to do stuff like that, a lot of planning and hard work straight out of the window.

'I hope the rest of the summer goes better.'

A dejected looking man was among many to leave their cars after becoming stuck among the chaos

A huge queue of traffic trying to enter the Eurotunnel at Folkestone, Kent, on Sunday as the chaos continued for a third day

Lighter queues at Folkestone for the Channel Tunnel today after a weekend of chaos experts predict could be repeated through the summer

Vehicles queue at the border control booths at the Port of Dover yesterday, with some queues forming lines of several miles

She moved to the Kent village 18 months ago, adding: 'Coming home from work on Friday was a nightmare too, I had to park up and walk for about half an hour to get home.'

Sally Hazlewood, a receptionist for Medivet on the same road, said the veterinary surgery could not open on Friday.

The 61-year-old, who lives in nearby Capel, Deal, added: 'I left home and got completely stuck in traffic. It meant clients couldnt come and collect medication.

'No staff could get in so we didnt open. I was driving for two and a half hours, then I turned around and went home, I felt guilty but it was too far to walk.'

When she was finally able to make the journey to her workplace, she was met with a letter of complaint that had been stuck on her door.

Meanwhile, other residents have revealed that lorry drivers abandoned their vehicles to walk into the village for haircuts and shaves after being stuck in the queues for more than a day.

It comes after one passenger, named Joan, told LBC that the hard shoulder of the A2 had become 'like a urinal'.

Joanna Glykeriou, a 53-year-old hairdresser, said the Shan Barber Shop was filled with new faces who used the delays for a haircut.

She said: 'The chaos started on Friday, we were very busy and had people abandoning their vehicles and coming in for shaves and haircuts.

'We didnt stop all day since we opened our doors at 9am, we just kept going. They were also popping in for food next door.'

She added: 'There were quite a few new faces asking what the best way into Dover was.

'One guy was here on the Friday and was still around on the Saturday. He was stuck for more than a day.'

Holidaymakers wait outside their cars in gridlocked traffic pictured close to the Port of Dover on Sunday morning

Members of the Coast Guard hand out bottled water to vehicles queuing to enter the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone yesterday afternoon

Vehicles queue to enter the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone on Sunday afternoon amid huge delays and reports of families having waited hours without moving

The situation became so dire around the Eurotunnel at Folkestone on Sunday that members of the coastguard were drafted in to hand out bottled water to stranded holidaymakers.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said the area had 'become the hotspot of holiday hell'.

Extra post-Brexit border checks and French authorities' understaffing of checkpoints in Dover have been blamed for the hold-ups, with just six of 12 passport check booths being operated at the port as the chaos began on Friday.

But a row continues over where fault lies for the delays.

France has today taunted Britain over the delays at Dover and Folkestone and urged the UK to beg Brussels to let them bring back freedom of movement with the EU as holidaymakers were warned to expect queues for the rest of July and August.

Hitting back, the Prime Minister's official spokesperson said the weekend's problems were down to a combination of factors 'including a shortage of French border control staff.

'So these are not scenes that we think are necessitated by leaving the European Union. We think we have operational procedures and processes in place that do not need to see these levels of queues.'

Border chiefs on both sides of the Channel were expected to meet today to discuss how to avoid similar queues ahead of the busiest travel weekend of the year from this Friday - with cross-Channel infrastructure on a 'knife edge' because travel numbers are back to pre-pandemic levels and more border checks.

Former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt said today that 'furious' France is punishing Britain for Brexit and holds a grudge against Boris Johnson for delivering it. He suggested the French are being over-officious with stamping the passports of every traveller using ferries from Dover and the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone.

Francois Decoster, vice president of the Haute-de-France region, which includes Calais, said the UK had gone back 30 years because of Brexit and suggested the UK should ask the EU to let them join Schengen - the arrangement that allows free movement of people on the continent.

Britain was never a member of Schengen - but before Brexit the UK was subject to European Union immigration law that allowed no border control, free movement for long-stay travellers and the right to work, study or live in the UK for residents of EU countries.
A woman was shot dead by her ex-husband in a murder-suicide when he traveled 710 miles to 'salvage' their marriage after she posted about her divorce journey on TikTok.

Sania Khan, 29, was killed in her own home by Raheel Ahmad, 36, after she started opening up about her divorce and healing journey on social media.

The Pakistani-American photographer wrote online that she had 'never been happier' just weeks before she was killed by her ex-husband in Streeterville, Chicago.

She was found by police with a gunshot wound to the back of her head on July 18.

Photographer and TikTok star Sania Khan, 29, (pictured) was shot dead by her ex-husband Raheel Ahmad, 36, after she started opening up about her divorce and healing journey on social media

The ex-wife had been vulnerable on social media about her struggles with her marriage as a South Asian woman. She was found dead last Monday

In one TikTok, she revealed that their marriage lasted less than a year before she filed for a divorce - and she told her fans that she was excited for her new chapter in life.

She wrote in one clip: 'The first few months of any divorce journey is the darkest. It's full of anxiety, sleepless nights, wondering if you're doing the right thing.

'You are not a failure because your marriage did not work out. Be gentle with your heart during this stage.'

She also told her 16,000 followers that she'd finally 'reclaimed her autonomy' and got her first tattoo to represent the number 28 - which was the year she 'got married, moved from a small town to one of the largest cities in the county, filed for divorce.'

Khan added: 'It's the year that changed f****** everything. Tomorrow, I'll wake up as a 29-year-old. Here's to new beginnings. I'm so happy.'

According to police reports, 36-year-old Ahmad traveled from his home in Alpharetta, Georgia, because he was 'depressed' and wanted to 'salvage the marriage.'

Sania Khan, 29, told her social media followers about how she was excited to start a new chapter in her life after her divorce. She was killed by her ex-husband last Monday at her home in Chicago

The 29-year-old would give out advise to other women going through divorce on her TikTok page, reminding them to 'be gentle with your heart during this stage'

But he killed his ex-wife and then turned the gun on himself as police arrived at the scene.

Officers reported hearing a single gunshot and a 'verbal groan' when they knocked on her condominium door in Chicago last Monday.

They rushed to the scene after his family in Atlanta, Georgia, reported him missing and local police requested a well-being check on him.

When they entered, the officers found the unresponsive woman near the door with a gunshot wound to the back of the head and blood on her face that had already dried.

Ahmad was found in the bedroom with a shot in the head, according to Chicago Sun Times. He was allegedly holding a 9mm Glock handgun and a suicide note was found nearby.

Khan, who posted videos on TikTok speaking openly about her divorce in a bid to help others in her position, was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the medical examiner's office, Khan's (picutred) death was listed as a homocide, and Ahmad's was ruled as suicide. She revealed on TikTok that their marriage lasted less than a year before she filed for a divorce

Her ex-husband was rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he later died.

According to the medical examiner's office, Khan's death was listed as a homocide, and Ahmad's was ruled as suicide.

Friends of the woman said that she and Ahmad split last winter, and divorced in May this year.

Grant, a friend of Khan's from high school, wrote on social media: 'You were stepping into the next chapter of your life when you left us, and I hope that wherever you are this next chapter brings you the happiness and success you were always wanting.'

The photographer, who specialized in capturing 'life's most precious moment's at weddings, moved to Chicago last year after growing up in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Hundreds of tributes have been paid to her under her TikTok videos following the tragic news.

One person wrote: 'I hope you find the peace you searched for in the next life.' While another added: 'You deserved to live your new life in peace. Im so sorry youre gone, your light is missed.'
A progressive state senator in New York is accusing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of being absent from her community and disconnected from her district after a Twitter user claimed she blew off prominent health policy experts trying to discuss healthcare.

'Maybe if you spent more time in your office and with your team you'd know what goes on,' New York State Senator Jessica Ramos tweeted on Sunday. 'Just saying it would be nice if you breathed our air.'

'So, as an employer, what happens with the staffer who said this?' she questioned.

New York State Senator Jessica Ramos (pictured on July 5) went after fellow progressive AOC for being 'barely ever present in the community'

The Twitter attack against squad member AOC comes after a medical student named Daniel, with more than 8,000 Twitter followers, wrote on the platform last week: 'a couple of the most highly respected health policy academics recenly (sic) set up a meeting with AOC's office to discuss NHS style healthcare reform. They were told bluntly by AOC's staff, 'we're not doing healthcare right now.'

Ocasio-Cortez responded with: 'I'm really sorry to hear that this happened. It's not representative of me nor my values. If you can connect with details I'd appreciate it. I'll follow so DMs will be open.'

A separate user posted in response to Ramos' tweet directed at AOC saying: 'This is a very disappointing statement Senator Ramos.'

The harsh words for AOC came after a user said that the congresswoman's office declined to speak with health policy academics  to which AOC apologized. Ramos replied by saying she would be more connected if she 'breathed our air'

Ramos said that AOC is absent from the community

'We do not even know if this is even true and all this is going to do is have right wing news freaks come in here to attack her,' they added.

But Ramos shot back: 'Our district offices are on the same floor in the same building. She's barely ever present in the community. It's an indisputable fact.'

Following this exchange, New York 1 television host Errol Louis observed the 'beef' between the progressive lawmakers.

'The fact this has gone public suggests private diplomacy has failed,' he noted of AOC's 'prominent local ally.'

Ramos responded to Louis' message.

'I gave up texting her a while back, and as petitioning unfolded, I reached out through staff and requested a meeting,' she detailed. 'I have not spoken to my congressperson in months. Maybe more than a year?'

'What else is it I'm supposed to do?' she questioned.

Ramos denied, according to New York Daily News, that her harsh words against the congresswoman had anything to do with a potential bid to run for Ocasio-Cortez's seat in Congress.

A New York 1 reporter said that the fact Ramos went public with her complaints about AOC proves that 'private diplomacy has failed' among 'prominent local allies'
A teenage boy is recovering after he was bitten by a jaguar he posed next to for a picture at a zoo in central Mexico.

The 14-year-old Jose was visiting the Zoo Leon in Leon, Guanajuato, on Saturday when he had his sneaker completely ripped off by the wild cat.

Jose hopped over a fence and approached the enclosure where several jaguars were held.

At one point, the feline scaled up the wall and stuck its mouth through the steel critter fence and clenched its teeth over the Jose's left foot.

Jose is carried by his father and placed on a bench after he was attacked by a jaguar at a zoo in Leon, Mexico, on Saturday. The 14-year-old was trying to pose for a photo next to a a cage when

A jaguar chews on a teenager's sneaker after it bit the 14-year-old boy's foot after he got next to its zoo cage in Mexico to pose for a photo

A man is seen helping Jose moments after the attack and his left foot shows a gnarly wound caused by the jaguar

Video showed Jose's father carrying him over to a bench as the boy groaned in pain. Another person is seen in wrapping a belt around Jose's leg to keep pressure on the cut.

Footage also shows the jaguar chewing on the sneaker while it was still lying outside the fence before it was able to bring it inside the enclosure.

Jose was treated by Red Cross paramedics at the zoo and then rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors treated him for his injury.

The jaguar was recorded dragging the sneaker into its cage after attacking a 14-year-old boy and biting his foot

The zoo said that Jose's injury was not life threatening and urged visitors not to go past the barriers that in place to separate them from the animal enclosures

A jaguar walks around with a 14-year-old boy's sneaker inside his cage at Zoo Leon in Leon, Mexico, after he bit the teen's left foot after he tried to pose for a photo with the wild cat

A photo that was apparently shared by the family on social media showed the teen's foot missing a large chunk of the skin.

In a statement, Zoo Leon said Jose's injury was not life threatening and that it was providing support to his family.

The zoo also called on all visitors to adhere to the facility's trespassing policy.

'It is important to mention that there is a sign not to breach the security barriers, this is to safeguard the integrity and safety of our visitors, as well the Zoo Leon wildlife collection,' Zoo Leon said.

The incident comes a week after a TikToker captured the moment two spider monkeys grabbed a girl by the hair after she repeatedly hit their enclosure.

The girl held her cellphone on one hand and attempted to record herself hitting the side of cage where one of the monkeys was clinging to. The primate reached through the fence and grabbed a chunk of hair while the girl's friends laughed and yelled before a boy stepped forward and pulled her back.

The viral footage then showed the girl walking around another fence, towards what appears to be the exit, when the same monkey followed her and grabbed the back of her hair. A second monkey then reached through the fence and grabbed the girl's hair, too.
New Delhi: Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovid bid farewell to the nation on Sunday with a heart-warming speech. The President said he received full cooperation, support and blessings from all sections of society during his tenure. He also mentioned former President Pranab Mukherjee who apprised him of the functioning of the President and added that while holding the top office of the country, he was all along very cautious.

President-elect Droupadi Murmu will take the oath of the highest constitutional office in the country at 10.15am on Monday at the Central Hall of Parliament, where Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana will administer the oath of office to her. Ms Murmus swearing-in will be followed by a 21-gun salute. She will then deliver a speech on the assumption of office.

In his farewell speech, Mr Kovind said, "During the five years of my term, I have discharged my responsibilities to the best of my ability. I have been conscious of being a successor to great icons like Dr Rajendra Prasad, Dr S. Radhakrishnan and Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. When I entered the Rashtrapati Bhavan, my immediate predecessor, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, also shared his wise counsel with me about my duties. Still, whenever I was in doubt, I turned to Gandhi ji and his famous talisman. His advice of recalling the face of the poorest man and asking myself if the step I am about to take will be of any use to him. At the risk of repeating myself, I will urge you to contemplate Gandhi jis life and teachings at least for a few minutes every day."

Mr Kovind expressed deep gratitude to all his fellow citizens and elected representatives, saying he had blessings from all. He added that he would cherish his meetings with soldiers of armed and paramilitary forces and police personnel.

"Born in Kanpur dehat (rural) in a very ordinary family in Paraunkh village, this Ram Nath Kovind is today addressing the people of India. I could not have imagined this while growing up as an ordinary citizen of the country. For this, I salute the power of the vibrant democratic system of our country," the President added.

He mentioned his visit to his family house in Kanpur and urged the youth of the country to stay connected with their roots, villages and teachers. "Among the most memorable moments of my life has been visiting my home during my term and touching the feet of my teachers at Kanpur to seek their blessings. The connection with our roots has been the essence of India. I would request the younger generation to continue this tradition of staying connected with their village or town, their schools and teachers," President said.

In his speech, Mr Kovind also talked about climate change. "Mother Nature is in deep agony and the climate crisis can endanger the very future of this planet. We must take care of our environment, our land, air and water, for the sake of our children. In our daily lives and routine choices, we must be more careful to protect our trees, rivers, seas and mountains as well as all other living beings. As the first citizen, if I have to give one advice to my fellow citizens, it has to be this," he said.

Before the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Mr Kovind and Ms Murmu will arrive in Parliament in a ceremonial procession. Vice-president and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha M. Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, members of the council of ministers, governors, chief ministers, heads of diplomatic missions, MPs and principal civil and military officers of the government will attend the ceremony.

At the conclusion of the ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament, the President will leave for Rashtrapati Bhavan where an inter-services guard of honour will be given to her in the forecourt and courtesies will be extended to the outgoing President.

Ms Murmu 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 President. She will become the 10th successive president to take the oath on July 25 since 1977. Among those who took oath on this date include Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, Giani Zail Singh, R. Venkataraman, Shankar Dayal Sharma, K.R. Narayanan, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Pratibha Patil, Pranab Mukherjee and Ram Nath Kovind.
An ex-National Front and BNP candidate violently raped a woman before using a craft knife to carve the word 's**t' and other slurs onto her body.

Michael Coyle, from Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland, also tried to rape his victim's teenage daughter during his vile campaign of abuse.

The 39-year-old, who is currently in custody awaiting sentencing, also assaulted two of the woman's sons, in what the judge described as a 'harrowing' case.

During his trial, the jury was told he used a knife to carve the word 's**t' into his adult victim's thigh, as well as the word 'whore' into her arm, 'old' and 'saggy' on her breasts and the letters 'FAT' across her stomach.

He also rubbed her face against a rough wall and rugby tackled her to the floor, knocking out four of her teeth.

A court heard that Coyle, who campaigned to reintroduce the death penalty for crimes such as paedophilia when he was standing for parliament, also abused the woman's daughter when she was around 12 or 13 years old.

A jury found him guilty of rape, attempted rape, and willfully ill-treating her children by forcing them to stand in a cold dark room for hours.

Michael Coyle, pictured here in 2011 when he was standing for Scottish Parliament, violently raped a woman and attempted to rape her teenage daughter

He was also found guilty of assaulting two of her sons by brandishing a knife at them and punching one of them in the face.

He was due to be sentenced at the High Court in Livingston today after earlier being remanded in custody for background reports.

However, when he appeared via a videolink from Addiewell Prison, West Lothian, the court was told that no-one had got in touch to interview him for a criminal justice social work report.

Coyle's defence counsel Mark Stewart QC said: 'No responsibility for that falls on Mr Coyle. He's not been contacted. He's anxious for the matter to proceed as soon as possible.'

Mr Stewart tendered two letters to the court in mitigation and said a new date for sentencing had been identified as 6 September at Edinburgh High Court.

Judge Alison Stirling, who earlier described the violent and controlling abuser's case as 'complex and harrowing', adjourned the case until then.

She said: 'It's unfortunate the criminal justice social work report is not available. It was through no fault of Mr Coyle and, as far as I'm aware, it's not the fault of the court either.

'I hope we can have that chased up and the report will be available when he appears in front of me again on 6 September in Edinburgh.'

She said he sent messages from her Facebook account to a photographer who'd taken her picture in a rock pub saying: 'Did I flirt with you? I can't remember.' Then asking if the stranger was interested in her.

Then, she said, as she was lying on the couch he started hitting her in the face with his manhood.

She told the court: 'He was saying things like 'This is what you want isn't it, you little slut? This is what you wanted all night.'

'He kicked me in the stomach. I thought 'That's over', but it wasn't over.'

He appeared via video link at Livingston High Court(pictured) today, where his sentencing was adjourned to allow for background reports

She went on: 'He pushed me backwards onto the couch. He started doing that thing with his penis again saying that's what I wanted and I was going to get it - I was going to get my wish.

'He started pushing my legs apart with his knees and I screamed but he just covered my mouth. I was on my back on the couch and he was pushing his forearm down into my face.

'He put himself inside me and he didn't stop until he was finished. I couldn't fight back.'

She said she tried to flee half naked but he rugby tackled her to the floor shattering her teeth so badly she lost four on one side of her mouth and two on the other.

Her daughter, now aged 18, testified that the car bodyshop worker of Livingston, West Lothian, sexually assaulted her when she was around 12 or 13 years-old.

She told how he attempted to insert his penis into her mouth.

Coyle had stood as a Westminster Parliament candidate for the BNP in Glasgow South in 2010, but failed after receiving only 637 votes.

He also fought as National Front candidate to become a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Linlithgow constituency in 2011, but failed again after getting 558 votes.
Gazprom has slashed Nord Stream 1 gas supplies to the West even further to just 20 per cent capacity as Vladimir Putin's 'energy blackmail' over Europe continues.

Another turbine in the pipeline will be halted from Wednesday, with exports already running at just 40 per cent.

The new blow to supply comes at a moment of high tension as Russia and the West exchange economic blows in response to Moscow's actions in Ukraine.

Gazprom has slashed gas supplies to the West even further to just 20 per cent capacity as Vladimir Putin's 'energy blackmail' over Europe continues

The EU has accused Russia of resorting to energy blackmail, while the Kremlin says the gas disruption has been caused by maintenance issues and the effect of Western sanctions.

Gazprom said throughput from Wednesday would fall to 33 million cubic metres per day - just half of the current, already reduced, supply.

Politicians in Europe have repeatedly warned that Russia could cut off gas flows this winter, a step that would thrust Germany into recession and lead to soaring prices for consumers already grappling with higher prices for food and energy.

Putin warned the West this month that continued sanctions risked triggering catastrophic energy price rises for consumers around the world.

Russia is the world's second largest oil exporter after Saudi Arabia and the world's largest exporter of natural gas.

Europe imports about 40 per cent of its gas and 30 per cent of its oil from Russia.

Gazprom resumed gas flows via Nord Stream 1 last week after a 10-day maintenance break, but only at 40 per cent of the pipeline's capacity - blaming the delayed return of a turbine being serviced in Canada.

Another turbine in the Nord Stream 1 (pictured) will halt from Wednesday, with the state-run pipeline already running at just 40 per cent

European politicians have challenged that explanation, with Germany saying the turbine in question was not meant to be used until September.

Gazprom today said it isn't satisfied with documents it has received over the returned part of the turbine from Canada.

Partner Siemens Energy sent the equipment to Canada for overhaul and it couldn't be returned because of sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine.

Canada subsequently allowed the turbine for a compressor station at the pipeline's Russian end to be delivered to Germany. That is where the German government said it was last week.

Its return to Russia has turned into a protracted saga, underlining tensions over the war and raising the possibility of even less gas flowing through the pipeline under the Baltic Sea to Germany.

Gas is used to keep industry humming, generate electricity and heat homes in the winter, and concerns are rising about a possible recession if Europe does not save enough gas and rationing is required to get through the cold months.

Putin warned the West this month that continued sanctions risked triggering catastrophic energy price rises for consumers around the world

Germany has rejected Gazprom's technical explanation for the gas reduction, saying 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.

In a statement Monday on Twitter, Gazprom said it had received documents for the turbine issued by Canadian authorities but after studying them, 'had to conclude that they do not eliminate the previously identified risks and give rise to additional questions.'

It also asserted that issues regarding European Union and British sanctions 'remain unresolved for Gazprom,' though that resolution is important for delivering the turbine 'and performing urgent major repair of other turbine engines' for the same compressor station.

The company said it had requested 'prompt support' from Siemens Energy to clarify. Germany says all concerned have been informed that the part isn't subject to EU sanctions, and Siemens Energy said it had no update.

The German government said last week that the reduction in gas flows confirmed that the country can't rely on Russian deliveries, announcing that it would step up its gas storage requirements and take further measures to save gas.

Russia recently has accounted for about a third of the country's gas supplies.
The bodies of four Vietnamese migrants have been found in the burnt-out remains of a mill in Manchester that was destroyed in a fire two months ago.

The grim discovery was made at the former Bismarck House Mill in Oldham, Greater Manchester, by demolition workers on Saturday, police said today.

Greater Manchester Police said they received a call last Thursday saying that four Vietnamese nationals were missing and may have been involved in a fire.

It comes after fire crews took four days to extinguish a blaze that broke out at the mill on May 7.

A major incident has been declared and the case has been referred to GMP's Professional Standards Bureau.

The bodies of four Vietnamese migrants have been found in the burnt-out remains of a mill in Manchester that was destroyed in a fire two months ago. The grim discovery was made at Bismarck House Mill in Oldham, Greater Manchester, by demolition workers on Saturday, police said today. Above: Emergency crews at the site today

Greater Manchester Police said they received a call last Thursday saying that four Vietnamese nationals were missing and may have been involved in a fire. Above: The fire at the mill in May

GMP's Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: 'Victims and the bereaved are at the forefront of our investigations into deaths.

'As such, whilst work is ongoing to confirm the identity of the deceased, we are liaising with partner agencies to ensure potential family members in Vietnam are fully informed and supported.

'This news will understandably impact both the local and wider community.

'I can reassure members of the public that this has been declared a major incident to ensure both GMP and partner agencies respond to this incident in the most effective way and that specialist officers are following every line of enquiry to confirm the identity of the deceased, if anyone else was inside the mill during the fire, and the full circumstances surrounding that fire.

A major incident has been declared and the case has been referred to GMP's Professional Standards Bureau

Firefighters are seen using a jet of water to try to douse the flames at the mill in May

'Any criminal offences identified as part of their investigation will be immediately and appropriately progressed.'

Anyone with information should submit it via GMP's Major Incident Public Portal.

Anyone who does not have access to internet, should make contact via 0161 856 0055 quoting Operation Logan.
Mark Zuckerberg sold his San Francisco home for $31 million, more than triple the price he purchased it for.

The deal by the Facebook co-founder is the 'biggest' residential deal in San Francisco this year, The Real Deal reported.

The Dolores Heights property located at 3450 21st St. was originally purchased by Zuckerberg for $10 million in 2012.

The property buyer is based in Delaware and the paperwork for the home was sent to an estate planning attorney, Michael Gordon.

Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg sold his San Francisco house for $31 million, more than triple the amount he bought it for in 2012

Zuckerberg originally purchased the home for $10 million at 7,400 square feet. He has since completed multiple construction projects on the four-story home

Zuckerberg transformed his million-dollar home since he purchased it. The property was listed as more than 7,400 square feet - but has undergone significant renovations to add to the four-story home, according to The Real Deal.

Over the years, the Facebook co-founder has received multiple complaints from neighbors concerning noise and dust from construction.

In 2016, some neighbors complained about the billionaire's security team illegally parking outside Zuckerberg's home.

A letter obtained by BuzzFeed at the time claimed that the security team is 'permanently and 'illegally' occupying 'desirable parking spots' in the area with two silver SUVs.

'I think we've all tried to be as patient and civil as possible during the very long construction, the noise, the trash, the blocking of streets, etc,' the letter begins.

It continues: 'Now that all that circus is done, we are left with 2 silver SUVs permanently occupying desirable parking spots.

'It goes without saying that living close to Dolores Park and the awesome neighboring districts already creates a challenge when it comes to street parking, so the 2 spots that are illegally being held for Zuck only makes matters worse.'

However, Zuckerberg's spokesperson told BuzzFeed the vehicles were legally parked.

'The security team's cars are parked in accordance with local parking laws. The team strives to be sensitive to neighbors' concerns and regrets any inconvenience,' the spokesperson said.

Earlier in 2014, neighbors complained that his renovation construction was tearing up the neighborhood.

The San Francisco property is one of the Facebook co-founders many.

Zuckerberg owns a $37million 'five-house compound' in Silicon Valley. He has transformed his original $7million Palo Alto home that he purchased in 2011 into a massive estate after buying the four surrounding properties

Aerial photos obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com show the massive five-home compound Mark Zuckerberg has built in Palo Alto since buying his main family home (center) in 2011 for $7million

Pictured above is a nearby house that he bought in 2013 and is the only one that is not interconnected. There is now a pending permit application to tear it down, however, the scene at the home suggests work may have already commenced

Zuckerberg scooped up the other homes after a neighbor planned to sell them to a developer, who wanted to build a bigger house and market the property to potential homebuyers as living next door to the Facebook owner.

But the tech entrepreneur faced a setback in 2016 when the City of Palo Alto's Architectural Review Board blocked his bid to demolish the four houses to start from scratch, fearing he would create one giant residence in an area where single-family homes are already scarce.

However, his architect, Kathy Walker of Walker-Warner Architects, denied that he had plans to create a luxury compound just for his family - wife Priscilla Chan, 36, and children Maxima, six, and August, four - during a public board meeting five years ago.

The Facebook CEO and founder, pictured with his wife Priscilla Chan and their two children, sparked concern among the community in 2016 after residents feared his demolition bid meant he was planning to create a luxury compound for himself and his family in an area where single-family homes are

'They bought the original house and these other properties in the neighborhood because they love the character of the neighborhood, its significant trees and the very residential scale and the variety of homes, and that's what we're endeavoring to preserve,' Walker said at the time.

Instead, Zuckerberg watered down his plans by renovating two and demolishing two, replacing them with one-story homes, thereby sidestepping any permit issues since one-floor houses don't need council approval.
California's Port of Oakland has resumed operations as truckers protesting a looming labor law continue to strike for a second week.

All marine terminals were operating normally on Monday after hundreds of truck drivers had blocked road access to the port, preventing ships from unloading at the major shipping hub and causing further disruption to the strained supply chain.

Cargo is moving in and out of the port, officials confirmed to DailyMail.com, but noted the multiple-day standstill caused a significant backlog.

Shocking photos captured over the weekend showed rows of stacked shipping containers with nowhere to go and an armada of fully loaded freighters queued up, unable to unload their cargo.

Officials say it will take time to recover from the shutdown fully, but the port is working to address the backlog and hopes to establish a plan for moving forward later this week.

Meantime, some truckers returned to the port Monday to protest Assembly Bill 5 - a 2019 law requiring certain industries to classify independent contractors as regular benefitted employees - but have confined their demonstration to the designated free speech zone.

California's Port of Oakland has resumed operations as truckers protesting a looming labor law continue to strike for a second week. Shocking photos captured Saturday showed half a dozen fully-loaded freights waiting outside the port

All marine terminals were operating normally on Monday, officials confirmed to DailyMail.com. Cargo laden freight boats waiting to unload at the Port of Oakland are pictured Saturday

Independent truck drivers have been blocking road access to the port since last week, preventing ships from unloading at the major shipping hub. Protesters are pictured Monday

'The Port of Oakland has resumed full operations,' said Port Executive Director Director Danny Wan told DailyMail.com in a statement Monday. 'We appreciate the independent truck drivers' use of the designated Free Speech Zones and we thank local law enforcement for their continued assistance.'

The port claims that although some demonstrators returned on Monday, they did set up their picket in the delegated area.

Law enforcement officials are continuing to monitor the port and implement measures to keep traffic flowing.

Wan added: 'The truckers have been heard and we now urge them to voice their grievances with lawmakers, not the Port of Oakland.'

A group of truckers who spoke to DailyMail.com on Monday said most independent operators had opted to stay home after the port authority threatened them with arrest last week after blockades shutdown the port.

The truckers assisting with clearing the backlogged cargo are mostly 'company drivers,' the protesters alleged.

Monday's demonstrators said the truckers should be standing together in their fight against Assembly Bill 5 (AB5). They claimed it was unfair that drivers from other states can drop and pick up loads in California but are not affected by the law.

They were also frustrated with California Gov. Gavin Newsom's response to the legislation, claiming he has used the AB5 to get unions inside the port.

Police confirmed protesters who interfere with port operations will be arrested.

The protests began two weeks ago, when hundreds of independent big-rig truckers picketed gates and blocked other drivers from hauling cargo in and out of terminals at the Port of Oakland. Blocked cargo is pictured on Saturday

Officials say it will take time to fully recover from the shutdown, but the port is working to address the backlog and hopes to establish a plan this week. Protesters are pictured Monday

Port officials say some truckers returned on Monday to continue protesting Assembly Bill 5, but have confined their demonstration to the designated free speech zone (pictured)

The protests began two weeks ago, when hundreds of independent big-rig truckers picketed gates and blocked other drivers from hauling cargo in and out of terminals at the Port of Oakland.

Demonstrators took a break over the weekend that coincided with the port's lessened weekend activity. The truckers previously said the protest would continue 'indefinitely,' despite port officials having told them they had until Monday to end their blockade.

The demonstrators have been in regular talks with port authorities and are hoping to get the attention of legislators and Newsom.

Truckers against AB5 argue the law has ruined their autonomy and upended the way they do business. They also say the law will require them to spend thousands of dollars on insurance and equipment rentals like chassis to remain independent.

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.

Truckers against AB5 argue the law has ruined their autonomy and upended the way they do business. The demonstrators are pictured in the designated free speech zone on Monday

A line of semi-trucks are parked Monday in the designated protest area at the Port of Oakland

Photos showed rows of stacked shipping containers with nowhere to go on Thursday, and an armada of fully loaded freighters queued up in the port with nowhere to unload their cargo

The Port of Oakland is a key hub for California's $20 billion-plus agriculture exports, which include almonds, dairy products and wine.

Operations at the Northern California port grounded to a near standstill last week after protesters used pickets and tractor-trailers to block terminal gates.

Work on ships and docks slowed after cargo flows stopped and hundreds of International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) members declined to cross blockade lines for safety reasons.

The eighth-busiest US container seaport - which also handles imports like coffee, electronics and manhole covers - was already working to clear a pandemic-fueled cargo backup before the trucker protests began.

The protests in Oakland followed actions earlier this month 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.

The truckers (pictured on Friday) also say the law will require them to spend thousands of dollars on insurance and equipment rentals like chassis to remain independent
An 'obsessed' stalker with thirty-year fixation on Emily Maitlis has been found guilty of attempting to breach a restraining order for the 20th time.

Edward Vines, 52, wrote eight letters addressed to Ms Maitlis and her mother expressing his 'unrequited' love for her from HMP Nottingham which were intercepted by guards between May 2020 and December 2021.

Nottingham Crown Court heard that Mr Vines told Ms Maitlis he would 'continue to brood and to write letters in prison', unless she spoke to him about 'her behaviour in 1990'.

Jurors took just under two hours to accept the prosecution's case after they were told he 'systematically and with increasing frequency' breached two separate restraining orders imposed on him in 2002 and 2009 - with 12 previous breaches to his name and seven separate prosecutions.

Vines previously stood trial in October last year, and after proceedings were halted due to medical issues he wrote two further letters in which he attempted to blame the journalist for not admitting to being 'attracted to him'.

As the verdicts were returned on Monday, the defendant showed no emotion and looked straight ahead before being taken away by prison officers.

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

Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis said that being stalked for more than 20 years by Edward Vines (right) affected her marriage with husband Mark Gwynne (left)

He had denied all eight charges.

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.

A jury panel of seven women and five men rejected Vines's claims that he never intended the letters to reach the Maitlis family after he told the court he wanted a jury to see the letters 'so that they can hear my views and that Emily owes me an apology'.

Vines had told the court he was trying to 'perfect the art of letter writing' and that he wanted to 'have that moment so we can finish this war'.

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

Prison staff at HMP Nottingham, pictured, intercepted letters from Vines to Ms Maitlis and her family between May 2020 and December 2021

Vines was jailed in 2016 for three years at Oxford Crown Court for breaching an order initially imposed after he was convicted in 2002 (pictured during that year) of harassing Ms Maitlis where he was jailed for four months

VINES' 27 YEAR STALKING CAMPAIGN 1989 - Edward Vines first met Emily Maitlis when they were both students at Cambridge University 1990 - Vines believed Ms Maitlis had acted 'scornfully' towards him after he had told her he was in love with her and had a 'sexual attraction' to her while they were studying 2002 - He was convicted of harassment after Ms Maitlis contacted police about his erratic behaviour following the murder of her fellow broadcaster Jill Dando 2009 - After Vines continued trying to contact Maitlis, he was given the restraining order 2015 - He breached the order by sending two letters to the journalist and emails and letters to her mother, Marion Maitlis 2016 - He was jailed for three years for breaching a restraining order preventing him from contacting her However he sent her a letter from his prison cell, as well as a second letter while out on licence and under the supervision of probation services 2018 - Vines is jailed by a judge at Oxford Crown Court for 45 months after admitting two breaches of an indefinite restraining order Ms Maitlis reveals the ordeal to the public, saying she felt let down by the criminal justice system 2020 & 2021 - Vines has letters intended for Ms Maitlis and her mother intercepted by guards at HMP Nottingham 2022 - Vines is found guilty of breaching his restraining orders for the 20th time after writing letters from his prison cell Advertisement

Prosecutor Ian Way spoke of the defendant's 'insatiable desire' to speak with the BBC presenter while he was giving evidence - with Vines admitting he would send letters to her if he was freed from prison.

Jurors were also told of how Vines had breached the restraining order on 12 previous occasions - including letters and emails addressed to Ms Maitlis at the BBC.

For the final two of his previous breaches, Vines was jailed for three years after a judge said he feared there was 'no sight of this ever ending' - describing the defendant's behaviour as a 'life-long obsession'.

In his prosecution opening, Mr Way said: 'This case has a long and unhappy history.

'For a period in excess of three decades, the defendant has demonstrated a persistent and obsessive fixation with the BBC journalist and broadcaster Emily Maitlis, whom he met at university in the 1990s.

'His compulsive behaviour towards her resulted in a conviction against him before the West London Magistrates' Court on September 19 2002 for pursuing a course of conduct which amounted to harassment.'

Mr Way continued: '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.'

Adjourning sentence until September 5, Judge Mark Watson told Vines: 'I'm not going to deal with you now because I want to know what the impact of your repeated efforts to breach this order have been.

'You can expect to receive a lengthy prison sentence.

'You have repeatedly told this jury and told others to whom you have spoken, that your intention is to continue to attempt to contact Emily Maitlis.

'Until (the sentencing hearing) Mr Vines, you will remain in custody.'
The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) has called for strikes across seven separate train operating companies on August 18 and 20 in the latest dispute over pay, job security and working conditions, the union has announced.

They are the same days as the Rail, Maritime and Transport union is striking against Network Rail and 14 train operators, throwing Britain's public transport network into chaos.

The TSSA said thousands of its members  including station staff, operational, maintenance, supervisory and management staff  will take part in industrial action.

Strike action will be taken in Avanti West Coast, c2c, East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, LNER, and Southeastern.

Action short of strike will be taken in West Midlands Trains, Northern, Greater Anglia, TransPennine Express and Southeastern.

TSSA has held off on serving notice for industrial action in Network Rail in order to hold 11th hour talks over pay, job security and conditions.

But the union stressed that there is still time to serve notice for action on August 18 and 20 if these talks are unsuccessful.

It comes as Britain faces another pair of RMT and TSSA strikes on Wednesday and Saturday this week which will see 16 different operators run a dramatically reduced service, while Scotrail announced hundreds of cancellations across its service.

Manuel Cortes, TSSA general secretary, hit out at the cost of living crisis and Conservative leadership in a statement defending the decision to strike.

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) has called for strikes across seven separate train operating companies on August 18 and 20 in the latest dispute over pay, job security and working conditions (Manuel Cortes of the TSSA is pictured)

TSSA strike action will come on August 18 and 20, they same days the Rail, Maritime and Transport union is striking against Network Rail and 14 train operators, throwing Britain's public transport network into chaos (pictured: passengers wait at Paddington station in London amid train service disruptions)

Cortes said: 'This is a momentous day for our members. The Tories' cost of living crisis is the worst in living memory. Essential items like food, energy and clothing costs are going through the roof yet the Government has chosen to pick a political fight with rail workers.

'Most of our members are going into a third or fourth year of pay freezes, seeing their real take home pay decrease. For many rail workers in our union this is the first time they have been directly involved in an industrial dispute.

'We do not take strike action lightly, but enough is enough. The Conservative government is the clear block to a deal for rail workers.

'Transport Secretary Grant Shapps must either personally come to the table or empower train operators to reach a deal on pay, job security and conditions.

'Instead of wanting to resolve this dispute, we now see proposals for hundreds of ticket office closures and widespread job cuts across our railways.

'We've been warning of a Summer of discontent across our railways for months, and sadly it is an ever-closer reality.'

A DfT statement meanwhile accused the TSSA of 'cynically coordinating strikes'.

'It's hugely disappointing that, rather than commit to serious dialogue with the industry, the TSSA is seeking to cause further misery to passengers by cynically coordinating strikes to cause maximum disruption to the rail network,' the statement read.

'Our railway is in desperate need of modernisation to make it work better for passengers and be financially sustainable for the long term.

'The only thing more strikes will do, however, is wreak further havoc on the very people unions claim to stand up for  people who, on average, stumped up 600 per household to keep our railways running throughout the pandemic while ensuring not a single worker lost their job.

'We urge the TSSA to reconsider and work with its employers, not against them, to agree a new way forward.'

TSSA Gen. Sec. Cortes told Transport Secretary Grant Shapps (pictured) to personally come to the table to negotiate or empower train operators to reach a deal on pay, job security and conditions

Cortes said: 'We've been warning of a Summer of discontent across our railways for months, and sadly it is an ever-closer reality' (pictured: Waterloo station, London)

News of the newly planned strike action in August will be disheartening for the tens of thousands of commuters already bracing for misery this week ahead of a double strike on Wednesday and Saturday.

More than 40,000 workers at Network Rail and 14 train operating companies are set to strike in England this Wednesday in a dispute led by the RMT over pay, jobs and conditions. All passengers should then expect some disruption on the morning of Thursday, with a later start to services.

The TSSA also announced a strike by Avanti West Coast workers on the same day.

National Rail said all train operators may be affected by Wednesday's strike, whether they have an individual dispute with the RMT or not, because signallers control train movements across the entire country.

The companies affected by the RMT strike on Wednesday are: Network Rail, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry Trains, Greater Anglia, LNER, East Midlands Railway, c2c, Great Western Railway, Northern Trains, Southeastern, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains and Govia Thameslink Railway (which includes Southern, Great Northern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express).

Network Rail has confirmed that operators will run just 20 per cent of normal services across only half of the UK network during the strike - with the trains that do travel only running for 11 hours from 7.30am until 6.30pm.

Scotrail meanwhile has cancelled hundreds of trains from Wednesday.

The action does not involve Transport for London staff, but disruption is expected on the District and Bakerloo Underground lines, Overground and the Elizabeth line, which share some sections of track with Network Rail.

Then on Saturday, there will also be a strike by members of drivers' union Aslef at seven train operators - Arriva Rail London, Greater Anglia, Great Western, Hull Trains, LNER, Southeastern and West Midlands Trains. An Aslef strike on Chiltern Railways has been called off. Further RMT strikes are also planned for August 18 and 20.

MailOnline has a full list of services set to be disrupted by this week's strikes here.
A Nigerian senators wife accused of plotting to traffic a homeless man into the UK to harvest a kidney for her daughter has been granted bail.

Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, 55, together with her husband Ike Ekweremadu, 60, allegedly trafficked the 21-year-old to London from the streets of Lagos in order to harvest his organ.

They are accused of plotting to traffic him to transplant his organs to their daughter who suffers from kidney failure.

Ike, a barrister and former deputy president of the Nigerian Senate, and Beatrice, an accountant, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday for a bail hearing.

The husband has been denied bail.

It is alleged Ike Ekweremadu, 60, a district senator and lawyer, (right) and his wife, Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, 55, (left) brought the 21-year-old man from Nigeria to the UK

The Ekweremadus allegedly treated the young man as a slave before he escaped and went to Staines police station in Surrey (Pictured: Ike Ekweremadu, 60, a People's Democratic Party politician in Nigeria_

She is charged with arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation, between August 1 last year and May 5, under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Ike is charged with conspiracy to arrange or facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting.

The Common Serjeant of London, judge Richard Marks, said: The position is that I have granted bail to Beatrice subject to some fairly stringent conditions but I have refused bail to Ike.

Prosecutors are not appealing the decision, the court heard.

Prosecutor Tim Probert-Wood said previously that the case involved exploitation and the harvesting of an organ.

The couple were arrested at Heathrow Airport on June 21 after arriving on a flight from Turkey (Pictured right: Ike Ekweremad)

Prosecutors claim the couple (pictured) planned to have the man's kidney removed so it could be given to their daughter

He said: The case began on 5 May 2022 when the complainant presented himself at Staines Police Station and claimed he had been transported to this country for the purpose of his kidney being removed.

He arrived on 20th February 2022 and was taken to Royal Free Hospital where tests were conducted.

For the purpose he was there he did not consent to the taking of his kidney.

He returned to the house he was staying and his treatment changed dramatically.

He described being treated effectively as a slave.

The victim allegedly escaped the address and was homeless for three days before he turned up at Staines Police Station.

Ike and Beatrice were arrested in the UK on 21 June after flying in to Heathrow from Turkey.

Martin Hicks, QC, defending Ike, has said: We deny that there was any exploitation or any intent to do so.

The argument will be factual denial.

The couple are due to appear at the Old Bailey on 4 August.
Russian soldiers who refuse to fight on the front lines in Ukraine are allegedly being forced back into battle on threat of execution, or rounded up and held in 'torture pits', basements and garages in the Luhansk region.

Contracted troops who signed up to go into battle were reportedly told they would be sent on three-month tours of duty, after which they could opt to take leave or resign altogether.

But the father of one Russian soldier has claimed that when the contractors state their intention to leave or hand in resignation letters to their superiors, they are detained and shipped off to a makeshift detention centre in Bryanka in occupied Ukraine.

There they are either bullied back to rejoin the frontlines, or split up into small groups and thrown into cramped spaces where they endure horrendous conditions and various forms of torture.

'They are keeping people there because they wanted to leave, refused to fight,' the man told The Insider.

'There are held in pits, tortured and things like that. That's what people who have come from there say,' he added, alleging the security of such camps is presided over by mercenaries from the infamous Wagner Group - also known as Putin's private army.

But the man, who claimed his son has been held in Bryanka for more than a month, insisted: 'It's better to give your soul to God, than to go back [to the frontline]. They no longer want to be up to their ears in the blood of their friends and comrades.'

It comes as Human Rights Watch announced it had discovered evidence that Russian forces had tortured, illegally detained and 'forcibly disappeared' dozens of Ukrainian citizens living in the occupied southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

Russian troops who refuse to fight are allegedly being shipped off to detention centres in Bryanka in Luhansk (pictured)

Much of the Luhansk region has been devastated by the conflict but is now under complete Russian control

The father of one detained Russian soldier alleged the security of such camps is presided over by mercenaries from the infamous Wagner Group - also known as Putin's private army

Wagner Group mercenaries are seen in Popasna, the Severodonetsk district of the Luhansk Oblast, eastern Ukraine

The existence of the torture camps and detention centres in Bryanka as described by the Russian soldier's father have not been verified, but there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence from Russian defectors who gave themselves up suggesting that deserters are treated with extreme contempt.

One of Putin's men who surrendered to the Ukrainian defenders early in the war told his captors of the existence of a 'death squad' of Russian operators who were being sent to threaten or kill fellow countrymen who lay down their arms.

In an interview filmed by the Ukrainian Security Service in March, the defector said: 'As we came in we realised the situation, that we're not going into a peacekeeping mission, but to fight.

'There are echelons in the back, they kill deserters... it seems, with people I've spoken to, we're all military, they told them the same thing.

'There really is a squad that kills people who try to run home.'

But despite the risk of ending up in a torture camp or being executed, scores of Russian troops have resigned from their duties en-masse, having learned the truth about the conflict they were tasked with instigating.

One unit from the 113th rifle regiment of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic in June posted a video via Telegram messaging app, announcing they could no longer fight due to a complete lack of equipment and rampant disease and injury, but that their superiors 'interpreted our complaints as sabotage'.

A captured Russian soldier has claimed that Putin's military forces have a special squad set up for killing deserters who don't want to take part in the invasion of Ukraine

A company commander from the so-called Donetsk People's Republic army has complained that his men are being sent to the frontlines without food, kit or medicine

He says men with chronic medical conditions have been sent into the thick of the fighting and that any complaints are treated as 'sabotage'

In the footage, the commander can be heard saying: 'Our company overcame cold and hunger and for a considerable period we did so without material support, medical supplies or food.

'The mobilisation of our unit took place without any medical examinations, and there are those among our unit who in accordance with the laws of the Donetsk People's Republic should not be mobilised.

'Many questions arise that are ignored by command... Show respect for your officers - what is there to be gained from sending your soldiers to die?'

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch today declared they had interviewed scores of Ukrainian citizens and POWs detained by Putin's troops in the occupied southern regions of Ukraine and had received detailed accounts of barbaric treatment they endured.

'Russian forces have turned occupied areas of southern Ukraine into an abyss of fear and wild lawlessness,' said senior researcher Yulia Gorbunova.

'Torture, inhumane treatment, as well as arbitrary detention and unlawful confinement of civilians, are among the war crimes we have documented.'

A press release on the organisation's website stated its members had interviewed 71 people from Kherson, Melitopol, Berdyansk, Skadovsk and 10 other cities and towns in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.

They described 42 cases in which Russian occupation forces either forcibly disappeared civilians or otherwise held them arbitrarily, and many instances in which they were beaten, tortured and hospitalised with severe injuries.
While you wont hear about it on the BBC or Sly News, something truly extraordinary is currently happening within the Conservatives.

The grassroots of the party are rising up to express their immense displeasure at the brutal Westminster coup against Boris Johnson  a transformative and popular Prime Minister elected in a landslide election less than three years ago that enabled him to deliver Brexit, before being brought down following an unrelenting MSM campaign.

In a protest that is plunging the leadership contest between Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak into crisis, 10,000 fully paid-up members  thats five per cent of the entire party so far  have signed a petition demanding they be given a chance to vote on whether Boris should stay as Prime Minister.

And the revolt is growing today, with Boris ally and major Tory donor Lord Cruddas promising to pump his money, not into the party coffers, but rather the campaign to save BoJo.

'The grassroots of the party are rising up to express their immense displeasure at the brutal Westminster coup against Boris Johnson (pictured)'

The chances of the so-called Boris ballot campaign succeeding remain remote but, if members are denied the chance to vote on whether Boris should have been dumped, the damage to the Tories could last for a generation.

This entire mess was so achingly predictable.

I have been warning of the consequences of giving into the anti-Boris/Brexit despising MSM all year, both in this column and on my nightly GB News show, and, sure enough, buyers remorse is now sweeping through Tory MPs, with many of the weasels who wielded the knife admitting theyre made a massive mistake.

The Sunday Times reported at the weekend how red wall backbenchers have been inundated with furious emails from voters, with one Conservative telling the newspaper: I think we may have f***ed up.

No sugar, Sherlock!

Additionally, a junior minister who quit is reported to have said during drinks at Parliament following the blue-on-blue attacks of Truss vs Sunak: Is it too late to withdraw my resignation letter?

A female MP added: Shouldnt we just bring back Boris?

'The revolt is growing today, with Boris ally and major Tory donor Lord Cruddas (pictured) promising to pump his money, not into the party coffers, but rather the campaign to save BoJo'

Believe me, there was no such sentiment after the resignation of Theresa May.

Its been abundantly obvious for months that the only victor in Tory MPs undermining a democratic landslide vote to depose a historic PM after less than three years is the coalition of hell of Labour, the Lib Dems, the SNPs and the Greens being plotted by Keir Starmer his puppet master Tony Blair.

Co-organiser of the campaign for a Boris ballot David Campbell Bannerman, a former Tory MEP, told me today they intend to keep the pressure on Conservative high command.

He said: We have not yet heard back from the party on a Boris ballot, so we are about to launch heavyweight legal action through Lord Cruddas to protect members interests. We have MPs now coming on board to back the ballot, and we will be following up directly with members and associations shortly. We think a separate yes/no Boris ballot  whether to accept his resignation or not  is fair, democratic and doable. We are seeking to avoid spoiled ballots and high loss of members if a Boris ballot is not held.

A spokesman for Boris remained coy about the campaign today, telling reporters: You heard the Prime Minister say his farewell address to Parliament. He gave advice for his successor. Beyond that, obviously I can't comment on what the Prime Minister may choose to do once he ceases to be Prime Minister.

Some aides believe Boris, who will be flush with cash within a few months out of Number 10, could start plotting a return to frontline politics by next year.

Of course, from the moment Boris was booted, Labour and its MSM allies admitted what their eight-month campaign of destruction against him had really been about: They KNEW he was the only Tory guaranteed to beat them at the next election.

That is the reason why the little-reported Privileges Committee probe into the Prime Minister  led by Labours hunter-in-chief Harriet Harman  is now nothing short of a Westminster plot to finish him off once and for all.

The seven MPs on the committee have decided that Boris could be found in contempt and suspended from Parliament even if they find he unintentionally misled Parliament, something he has already apologised for.

If that suspension lasts for more than ten days, Boris could face a recall election in his constituency.

The entire thing stinks to me as a total stitch up.

No wonder a Boris ally has described the moving of the goalposts as a witch hunt against one of the most successful politicians of our time.

Just like with Donald Trump in the US, the political establishment wants to do everything possible to end BoJos political career once and for all and leave him a disgraced Prime Minister with no chance of a comeback.

Of course, it will fail in the end because the public is now wise to these sorts of nefarious inquiries where the outcome is so obviously pre-determined.

The irony of the blob turning a blind eye to Tony Blair leading the UK into an illegal war while putting all their energies into bringing down Boris Johnson largely over parties he didnt attend and the dodgy behaviour of minor league MPs is off the scale.

Even the first victim of the alleged MP bum groper Chris Pincher expressed outrage that Boris paid for the scandal with his job.

As he wrote in the Daily Mail today: The most successful Tory Prime Minister Britain has seen in 30 years was being forced out of office over a scandal that was none of his doing.

A group of ambitious Cabinet ministers and their acolytes had taken it upon themselves to bring him down, aided and abetted by a broadcast media that appeared bent on turning petty peccadilloes into earth-shattering scandals.

So, even though I believe Liz Truss would make an excellent leader, I am convinced Conservative members must be allowed to vote on whether the Prime Ministers ouster was the wrong decision in a so-called Boris ballot.

If political parties believe they are at the behest of Westminster insiders and the toxic mainstream broadcast media, rather than the people, then our very system of democracy is under threat.

The Tories ignore thousands of furious members at their peril.
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Vice President Kamala Harris said that Republicans who are proposing an abortion ban in Indiana 'need to learn how a woman's body works' as the state becomes the first to hold a special session on legislation banning abortion since the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

'Maybe some people need to actually learn how a woman's body works,' the vice president said during a visit to the Indiana State Library after a meeting with legislators. 'But when you understand how a woman's body works, you will understand the parameters being proposed mean the vast majority of women, by time she realizes she's pregnant she will effectively be prohibited [from abortion].'

The Hoosier State came to the forefront of the national abortion debate in a viral report about a 10-year-old girl who was raped and was forced to travel from Ohio to Indiana to obtain an abortion. The proposed ban would leave abortion exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother. Ohio outlaws abortions after six weeks with no exceptions for rape, and the girl was past the six-week mark.

'The idea that in some states after a child or a woman or a man, but in particular in this case of abortion, a woman or a child would have endured such an act of violence and then to suggest that she would not have the autonomy and authority to make a decision about what happens to her body is outrageous,' Harris said.

Indiana lawmakers are the first in the nation to call a special session to consider an abortion ban since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, doing away with the federal right to an abortion pre-viability.

Her Indiana visit marks Harris' seventh meeting with state legislators since the high court's June decision in Jackson v. Women's Health Organization.

Indiana's GOP-authored bill would ban abortion except when necessary to prevent 'substantial permanent impairment' to the life of the mother. It would ban abortion clinics from performing surgical abortions and would require pregnant women to take an abortion-inducing drug in-person rather than at home. The rape and incest exceptions would require an affidavit but not a criminal charge.

'Maybe some people need to actually learn how a woman's body works,' the vice president said during a visit to the Indiana State Library after a meeting with legislators

Anti-abortion and abortion rights activists protest on multiple floors within the Indiana State Capitol rotunda on Monday

Protesters gathered as Indiana GOP state lawmakers called a special session to consider an abortion ban

Protesters crowd outside the state senate chambers during a special session debating the abortion ban

Pro-life protesters hosted a competing demonstration to back the abortion ban

Harris said that the high court's decision 'took a constitutional right.' 'Let's contemplate what that means in and of itself -- that in a land that was founded on the important principles of freedom and liberty, that such a thing would happen,' she continued.

Harris argued: 'People do not need to abandon their faith to believe women should have the ability to make decisions about their own bodies without government interference.'

Pro-abortion protesters rally outside the Indianapolis Library where Vice President Kamala Harris was meeting with Indiana state legislators

Indiana lawmakers are the first in the nation to call a special session to consider an abortion ban since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, doing away with the federal right to an abortion pre-viability

Protesters hold signs comparing abortion bans to 'Sharia law' and one sign that says '5/5 would abort again'

The vice president also warned that the decision placed other rights like access to contraception and gay marriage at risk.

'We are looking at an interpretation of the Constitution that suggests (Justice) Clarence Thomas said the quiet part out loud, that this puts at risk an individual's right to make decisions about contraception, puts at risk the right to marry the person you love,' Harris said. 'So when we discuss this issue and when we contemplate what it means, understand that it can have a profound impact on just about everyone in our country who has any association or concern about these very issues.'
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Elon Musk taunted The Wall Street Journal's Investigations Editor on Monday morning, tweeting a photo of himself partying with Sergey Brin yesterday in an effort to disprove the newspaper's bombshell claim that Musk slept with Brin's wife Nicole and was the catalyst for their divorce.

Replying to Investigations Editor Michael Siconolfi, Musk shared the photo and long with pants and fire emojis in a playful reference to the childish saying 'liar, liar, pants on fire'.

The Wall Street Journal is standing by its story, which claims Musk and Shanahan were romantically involved at Art Basel in December last year, and that it not only chilled Musk's friendship with Sergey but served as the catalyst for their divorce.

'We are confident in our sourcing, and we stand by our reporting,' a spokesman for the newspaper told DailyMail.com.

Musk's photo shows him standing with Sergey and two other women. It's unclear where exactly it was taken - Musk was last seen in Mykonos last week - but his jet flew from Austin, where he lives, to San Jose on Saturday. It flew back to Austin last night, landing at 11pm last night.

Elon Musk tweeted this photo in response to a Wall Street Journal reporter on Monday after the paper claimed he and Sergey Brin were not on speaking terms because of Musk's apparent affair with Brin's wife

Musk was replying to Michael Siconolfi's tweet praising the paper's reporters for the exclusive story that Musk now denies

Earlier, he had denied the entire Journal report, which claimed that he slept with Shanahan at Art Basel in Miami in December last year.

We are confident in our sourcing, and we stand by our reporting' Wall Street Journal

Google founder Sergey filed for divorce in January, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split.

The pair share a four-year-old daughter.

Neither Sergey nor his estranged wife Nicole have commented on the Journal's claims at all.

Musk has however been on a Twitter frenzy, accusing the newspaper - which is owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp - of launching 'hit pieces' against him all year.

'WSJ should be running stories that actually matter to their readers and have solid factual basis, not third-party random hearsay.

The character assassination attacks have reached a new level this year, but the articles are all nothing-burgers. I work crazy hours, so there just isnt much time for shenanigans.

Musk with Brin (far right) in the early 2000s. The Wall Street Journal claimed the 'affair' brought an abrupt end to the Brins' marriage

Musk's Twitter defense: The 51-year-old repeatedly denied the allegations in the Wall Street Journal report on Monday

Musk denied The Wall Street Journal's report, calling it 'more shortseller fud'. The billionaire claimed the newspaper had been running 'hit pieces' and 'character assassinations' on him all year

Sergey Brin and Nicole Shanahan are shown on Lake Como in July last year. She said in January when their divorce was announced: 'I hope for Sergey and I to move forward with dignity, honesty and harmony for the sake of our child. And we are both working towards that.

Shanahan works for the firm Bia-Echo, an investment firm whose interests include 'reproductive longevity and equality'

'None of the key people involved in these alleged wrongdoings were even interviewed!'

Nicole in the June 2021 issue of Silicon Valley magazine

'The real problem here is that Michael Siconolfi has zero journalistic integrity.'

Siconolfi has not responded to Musk's denigration of his journalism.

He did not write the piece about the alleged affair.

The article also claimed that Sergey was selling off all of his interests in Musk's companies.

The pair have been friends for years, with Sergey giving Musk $500,000 in 2008 to help him fund Tesla at the peak of the Global Financial Crash.

He also lent Musk the Google Party Plane for the Tesla CEO's wedding to actress Talulah Riley in 2010.

Sergey and Nicole were married for four years before he filed for divorce in January. He is the eighth richest man in the world with a net worth of $95billion.

Brin is said to own multiple interests in Musk's many businesses, all of which he has ordered his aides to sell.

When the divorce proceedings were launched in January, Nicole told Puck: 'I hope for Sergey and I to move forward with dignity, honesty and harmony for the sake of our child.

'And we are both working towards that.'

She is a Stanford-educated lawyer who works at the firm Bio-Echa, an investment firm that pours money into projects like bolstering 'reproductive longevity'.
Notorious killer Charles Manson died aged 83 after spending 47 years on death row for the 1969 murders of seven people, including heavily pregnant Hollywood actress Sharon Tate

Charles Manson's self-proclaimed grandson, Jason Freeman, came a big step closer today to winning a four-year legal battle to claim the notorious killer's estate which could be worth a fortune.

A Los Angeles judge dismissed the rival claim of Nancy Claassen, of Spokane, Washington who had maintained that she is Manson's half sister and sole heir.

Now Freeman  a 46 year-old former mixed martial arts fighter from Bradenton, Florida  only has one challenger left in his quest to inherit the mass murderer's belongings and the potentially lucrative rights to his music, writings and artwork.

That is memorabilia collector and Manson pen-pal Michael Channels, who claims to have a 2002 will that leaves everything to him.

The dismissal today of Claasen's claim on the estate  which came at her own request  followed the court filing a few days ago of a birth certificate that appears to prove that Freeman is indeed Manson's grandson.

Jason Freeman, 46, claims to be Charles Manson's grandson. On Monday, Freeman got one step closer to winning a four-year legal battle to claim the notorious killer's estate. Freeman runs a building contracting business

A birth certificate filed in court just a few days ago appears to prove that Freeman is indeed Manson's grandson. Lawyers supporting Freeman's claim provided Charles Manson Jr.'s birth certificate that they say proves his father was the infamous criminal

A judge said that he accepted that Freeman is the son of Charles Manson Jr., based on an Ohio court's 1986 finding that Manson Jr. was ordered to pay child support to Freeman's mother

LA Superior Court Judge Ruben Garcia  who has said that Claasen's case was mostly based on 'inadmissible hearsay'  decided last month that he was satisfied Freeman is the son of Charles Manson Jr., based on an Ohio court's 1986 finding that Manson Jr. was ordered to pay child support to Freeman's mother.

But Judge Garcia said he still needed proof that Manson Jr.  who committed suicide in 1993  was actually the offspring of Manson Sr., leader of the cult that killed eight-months-pregnant actress Sharon Tate and six others in a brutal and bloody rampage through LA in 1969.

This week, lawyers supporting Freeman's claim seemingly sealed the deal by providing Manson Jr.'s birth certificate that they say proves his father was the infamous criminal.

The birth certificate states that Manson Jr. was born April 10, 1956 in Los Angeles to Manson Sr., then 21, and 18-year-old Rosalie Jean Willis.

Judge Garcia was scheduled to issue a ruling today that finally awards Manson's estate to one of the contenders.

But when neither Channels nor his attorneys showed up today to either challenge or comment on the newly filed Manson Jr. birth certificate, the judge postponed his decision to another hearing he set for August 12.

Charles Manson died of natural causes on November 19, 2017 at Corcoran State Prison in California where he spent 47 years on death row.

Some of the most valuable of Manson's belongings are most likely not his clothes and personal jailhouse belongings that currently sit in boxes at a storage facility.

They are the rights to his journals, stories and the songs he wrote, including Look at Your Game, Girl which was recorded by Guns N' Roses on their platinum 1993 album The Spaghetti Incident.

The Beach Boys and Marilyn Manson also recorded songs written by Manson.

Four people originally filed petitions proclaiming their right to Manson's estate. Two of them, Michael Brunner and Matthew Lentz, each asserted that they were his kin.

But both their claims were dismissed in 2019, leaving just Freeman and Channels.

Then, in April 2021, Claasen threw her hat into the ring, insisting she and Manson had the same mother  meaning she was 'sole heir'  and disputing the claims of both Freeman and Channels.

Memorabilia collector and Manson pen pal Michael Channels claims to have a 2002 will that leaves everything to him

Freeman is a former mixed martial arts fighter from Bradenton, Florida, and now runs a building contracting business

Freeman was the very first to stake a claim by filing birth and death certificates he maintained prove he's Manson's grandson.

He said he learned about his relationship to Manson when he was eleven but his grandmother, Rosalie Willis, who was apparently married to Manson in the 1950s, never spoke about his grandfather.

Freeman has always maintained that his father was Charles Manson Jr. who couldn't live with his shameful name so changed it to Charles White, and eventually shot himself in the head in 1993.

Channels says he was friends and pen pals with Manson for 30 years and claims to have a document written by him in 2002 which leaves his remains and estate to Channels and reads: 'I have disinherited both known sons and any unknown children in the present and in the future.'

Channels filed a court motion in 2018 demanding that Freeman submit to a DNA test to prove if he's related to Charlie Manson.

The judge in the case at that time granted the motion but Freeman appealed and the California Court of Appeals overturned the judge's ruling so Freeman never underwent the DNA test.

Freeman has attacked Channels's assertion that he's the sole beneficiary of a purported Manson will, saying in court papers that the claim should be denied because it was 'a direct result of undue influence exercised by (Channels) over (Manson) and is not, and never was, the will of (Manson).'

Freeman was one of the speakers at a memorial service at a funeral home in Porterville, 50 miles north of Bakersfield, where some 30 people  including Manson's one-time fiancee Afton Burton and former Manson Family cult member Sandra Good  filed past the open coffin

Freeman's case for claiming Manson's estate is supported by a March 2018 court decision in Kern County, where Corcoran State Prison is located, that awarded him possession of his 'grandfather's' corpse.

Kern County Commissioner Alisa Knight ruled: 'Freeman is hereby determined to be the surviving competent next of kin of (Charles Manson). No sufficient probative evidence was provided to the court to refute Freeman's claim.'

Five days later, Freeman was one of the speakers at a memorial service at a funeral home in Porterville, 50 miles north of Bakersfield, where some 30 people  including Manson's one-time fiance Afton Burton and former Manson Family cult member Sandra Good  filed past the open coffin.

Manson, whose body had been in cold storage since his death at age 83, was cremated the same day and America's most feared and hated killer's ashes were strewn along a creek bed in a nearby forest.
Boris Johnson wants to 'wipe away' his resignation and stay in No10, a key ally said tonight as rumours swirl about his intentions.

Lord Cruddas of Shoreditch, a former Conservative Party treasurer, said the PM 'does not want' to quit and 'wished that he could carry on'.

The peer has been running a campaign for members to reject Mr Johnson's departure, with claims a petition has amassed 10,000 signatures.

However, Downing Street responded to his comments by insisting Mr Johnson has resigned as party leader and will stand aside when a replacement is chosen. Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss are in a head-to-head ballot of activists with the results due on September 5.

Lord Cruddas told the Daily Telegraph: 'There was no ambiguity in Boris's views. He definitely does not want to resign. He wants to carry on and he believes that, with the membership behind him, he can.'

The peer added: 'Boris thanked me for my 'Boris on the ballot' campaign. He said he was enjoying following it and he wished me well. He said he could understand the membership's anger at what had happened. He said that he wished that he could carry on as Prime Minister. He said he does not want to resign.'

When asked by the peer if he would 'wipe away' his resignation immediately with 'a magic wand', Mr Johnson is said to have replied: 'I would wipe away everything that stops me being PM in a second.'

Lord Cruddas added: 'He wants to carry on to finish the job. He wants to fight the next general election as leader of the Conservative Party.'

Boris Johnson wants to 'wipe away' his resignation and stay in No10, a key ally said tonight as rumours swirl about his intentions

Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss are in a head-to-head ballot of activists with the results due on September 5

Lord Cruddas of Shoreditch, a former Conservative Party treasurer, said the PM does not want' to quit and 'wished that he could carry on'

A No10 spokeswoman said: 'The Prime Minister has resigned as party leader and set out his intention to stand down as PM when the new leader is in place.'

It came as a senior minister said he would be 'comfortable' with Boris Johnson returning to Government after quitting Downing Street.

Education Secretary James Cleverly said he does not rule out supporting the outgoing PM returning to a ministry but that it is not a decision for him to take.

Mr Johnson is due to step down on September 6, but has so far remained silent on what he plans to do afterwards.

Earlier the PM's spokesman stressed that Mr Johnson had given a 'farewell address to Parliament', ahead of his replacement taking office on September 6.

The spokesman said: 'You heard the Prime Minister say his farewell address to Parliament, he gave advice for his successor.

'Beyond that, obviously I can't comment on what the Prime Minister may choose to do once he ceases to be Prime Minister, that wouldn't be one for me.'

Asked on Sky News if Mr Johnson should get a senior role in Government, Mr Cleverly said: 'He's an incredibly talented politician. Whether he would want to serve after the bruising that he's got at moment that might be another matter, but it's not for me to start dictating to Liz (Truss) who she puts into her Cabinet.'

He added: 'I would be comfortable if she is.'

However other ministers and Tory MPs have suggested Mr Johnson should not return to Government and the party must move on.

Sir Robert Buckland, the Welsh Secretary, told the Telegraph it was time for 'a new chapter for him and a new chapter for the Conservative Party'.

Asked about a return to the Cabinet, he added: 'It is unlikely. In modern politics, there are very few, if any, second chances. We've turned a page.'

Conservative former minister Chris Philp, asked about the remarks by Lord Cruddas, told Channel 4 News: 'That ship has sailed. We have a process which we have gone through. The Prime Minister chose voluntarily to resign, that was accepted by everybody. We have run a process in Parliament to select those final two candidates.

'He resigned, for reasons he will know about. He did that voluntarily, under pressure, but voluntarily.

'We are now going to elect a new leader. That process is going to carry forward.

'And on this point about Lord Cruddas' petition, I would just urge people to disregard that. It's a sideshow, and what I would certainly say, when people get their ballot papers, mark a vote for one of the two candidates, don't spoil your ballot paper by writing anything else, if you do that, your vote won't count.'

On Friday there were claims Mr Johnson thinks he will return as Prime Minister next year even though he only resigned less than three weeks ago.

The PM announced he would step down on July 7 after 57 ministers resigned from the Government in just 48 hours following the Chris Pincher scandal.

However, he has been privately saying he will make a comeback to Downing Street as soon as next year, according to his former aide Tim Montgomerie.

Mr Montgomerie, who became critical of Mr Johnson after he left his employment around the end of 2019, said: 'Boris is telling aides that he'll be PM again within a year.'

It is not the first time rumours of a second Johnson premiership have surfaced.

He bowed out of his final Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) last Wednesday, telling MPs: 'Hasta la vista, baby'.

His very final words were an apparent reference to Arnold Schwarzenegger's catchphrase from the film Terminator, which is also famous for the line 'I'll be back'.

Mr Johnson made a secret visit to UK special forces troops today as he continues his laid-back approach to seeing out his term as PM.

The latest trip, confirmed by No10 today, followed a visit to see Ukrainian soldiers being trained in Britain that saw him don camouflage gear and fire guns.

Mr Johnson's spokesman would not say if he was visiting the Special Boat Service (SBS), based in Poole, or the Hereford Based Special Air Service (SAS)- whose motto is 'who dares wins'.
Jurors in the penalty trial of Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz, 23, got their first view Monday of the AR-15-style rifle he used to murder 17 students and staff members four years ago at Parkland's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Lead prosecutor Mike Satz removed the black semi-automatic Smith & Wesson from a cardboard box and carried it to Broward sheriff's Sgt. Gloria Crespo, who said it was found on the landing of a third-floor stairwell. Video seen by jurors previously showed Cruz placed it there along with the black shooter's vest he had been wearing before fleeing the school.

The defense objected to the weapon's introduction, saying without explanation that it lacked relevance and was unfairly prejudicial. The defense also objected to Satz placing the gun on the floor behind him in easy view of the jurors instead of placing it on an evidence table away from them. Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer rejected the objections.

The jury also heard from Uber driver Laura Zecchini, whom Cruz hired to drive him to the school the day he carried out the shooting in February, 2018. She said he appeared nervous during the 13-minute ride and was carrying a large black soft-sided carrying case, and that Cruz told her he was going to his music lesson.

Cruz pleaded guilty in October to 17 counts of first-degree murder, and the jury is only deciding if he will be sentenced to death or life without parole.

Assistant State Attorney Mike Satz, checks into evidence the weapon used in the MSD shooting during the penalty phase of shooter Nikolas Cruz at the Broward County Courthouse

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooter Nikolas Cruz is led into the courtroom during the penalty phase of his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Monday, July 25, 2022

David S. Weinstein, a Miami criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor who is not involved in the case, said the defense believes that since Cruz pleaded guilty, the gun and other evidence such as surveillance video and crime scene photos are no longer relevant and serve to inflame the jurors' emotions.

But prosecutors successfully argued that such evidence was necessary to prove the murders included at least one aggravating factor such as being committed in a cruel or heinous manner or during a crime that endangered the lives of many people.

Crespo also testified that Cruz, then 19, had five gun magazines remaining in the vest, containing 160 total bullets. He had fired more than 100 shots as he stalked the three-story building for seven minutes, firing down hallways and into classrooms.

The former Stoneman Douglas student, who had been expelled a year earlier, wounded 17 in addition to the 14 students and three staff members killed.

Uber driver Laura Zechinni, who drove Nikolas Cruz to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, testifies in the penalty phase of Cruz's trial at the Broward County Courthouse

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooter Nikolas Cruz sits at the defense table during the penalty phase of his trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale

Inside a vest pocket Cruz also had a police identification card his late father had been issued by a New York department.

Roger Cruz died when Nikolas was 5, succumbing to a heart attack in front of him. Prosecutors did not say if Roger had been a police officer or if it were some other type of ID.

The jurors also were shown photos Crespo took of the bodies of five students and a teacher who died on the third-floor, all with multiple wounds from being shot at close range.

Those were not shown to the gallery, where several parents and family members sat. Last week, jurors saw their first graphic crime scene and autopsy photos.

Jurors also heard from crime scene detective Miguel Suarez, who showed bullet casings collected at the scene, along with accounts of the shooting from former Stoneman High School student Justin Colton, who was shot in the back and arm during the massacre.

BSO crime scene detective Miguel Suarez points to bullet casings collected at the scene of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting as he testifies on Monday

Former Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Justin Colton testifies in the penalty phase of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooter Nikolas Cruz's trial

Cruz is the deadliest mass shooter in US history to reach trial. There have been at least nine other gunman who killed 17 people or more, but each died immediately after their shootings, either by suicide or police gunfire. The suspect in a 10th, Patrick Wood, who in 2019 at the age of 21 shot and killed 23 people at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, is awaiting trial.

When jurors eventually hear the case the case - likely 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.
An 85-year-old woman said she was left stranded at Orlando International Airport for nearly 14 hours earlier this month after Frontier Airlines employees forgot to wheel her to the gate.

'It was a bad, bad, bad day today,' Patty Bough's told Fox35. The 85-year-old who is battling breast cancer was supposed to be wheeled to her flight gate at around 8.30 a.m. - but Frontier says they allegedly didn't receive the request for special assistance.

'It just turned into a total nightmare,' Bough's daughter, Susie Mages, told Fox35. 'So now she is sitting at the airport from 8:30 this morning till 10:30 tonight, and then she's flying into an airport that's two hours away from me and getting in at 1 o'clock in the morning.'

The delay and stress of missing her early morning flight led Bough to have a panic attack. Emergency services responded to the scene to assist.

'They took blood pressure and wanted to take me to the hospital and I said "I think I'm just really really upset,"' Bough said.

Patty Bough, 85, said she suffered a panic attack and was almost sent to the hospital after she missed her 8.30 a.m. flight and was stuck at the airport for hours

Bough refused to leave the airport and her family demanded she gets on a flight on the same day.

'I don't know how I've done it,' she said. They told me they couldn't give me another flight until Sunday and I said "I'm not staying here all that time."'

Mages, her daughter, added: 'She's so weak and so fragile right now that I just thought I had all my ducks in a row. I just can't imagine how this is all gone like this and for somebody not to say "well here, let's get your mom on another flight."'

Bough waited at the airport for nearly 14 hours as her family scrambled to get her onto a flight. Frontier Airlines claims they didn't receive Bough's request for special assistance, but her family proved otherwise

Frontier Airlines claims they didn't receive a special assistance request from Bough.

'Unfortunately, our service provider did not receive a wheelchair assistance request for Ms. Bough. Request should be made in advance. We regret this resulted in a travel disruption,' a Frontier Airlines spokesperson told FOX35.

Meanwhile, Bough's family showed FOX35 the request to the airline for special assistance for the flight.

A Frontier spokesperson later told DailyMail.com that they didn't receive a wheelchair assistance request on Bough's initial flight reservation. However, a special request was submitted on Bough's second reservation after she was waiting in the airport.
Ghislaine Maxwell will earn as little as 15 cents an hour cleaning toilets at the Florida prison where she is serving her 20 year sentence, DailyMail.com can reveal.

The former socialite, who once lived a lavish lifestyle and counted Prince Andrew and Bill Clinton among her friends, will earn the paltry sum at FCI Tallahassee where she has just been moved.

Prison consultants said that Maxwell will clean toilets, bathrooms or wash dishes before being assigned a long term job like managing payroll or reading water meters.

The consultants said that Maxwell could become a target for other inmates unless she acts humbly and stops complaining about her life.

But Maxwell has done the exact opposite so far and has griped relentlessly about her conditions while awaiting trial.

The consultants said that FCI Tallahassee was a 'big step up' from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, where Maxwell was held for two years.

They said it would feel like 'Disneyland' compared to the MDC, where Maxwell claimed she was served food with maggots in it and woken every 15 minutes.

DailyMail.com can reveal Ghislaine Maxwell will earn 15 to 27 cents an hour cleaning toilets, bathrooms or washing dishes at the new prison

Maxwell has now been transferred to FCI Tallahassee (pictured) where she will serve out her 20-year sentence. It is only a few hours from Epstein's Palm Beach mansion, where she helped him sexually abuse young girls

Prison consultants said Tallahassee would feel like 'Disneyland' compared to the MDC, where Maxwell claimed she was served food with maggots in it and woken up every 15 minutes

The judge in her trial had asked the Federal Bureau of Prisons to consider sending her to a prison in Danbury, Connecticut, but that idea was rejected.

Holli Coulman , co-founder of Pink Lady Prison Consultants, told DailyMail.com that Maxwell went to Tallahassee rather than Danbury because there are more staff who are better trained to handle her.

Her movements will be controlled and the prison will open doors to allow her access to certain parts of the prison at certain times of the day.

However within her dorm  which has a bathroom, quiet room and TV room  she will be able to move around freely.

Holli Coulman, co-founder of Pink Lady Prison Consultants, told DailyMail.com that Maxwell could become a target for other inmates unless she acts humbly and stops complaining about her life

According to Coulman, Maxwell's day will begin at 5am when the lights come on. She will have breakfast at 6am and lunch at 10.30am  the early time is to enable to kitchen to feed the whole population.

Coulman said that the new prison will be a 'step up from the MDC' and Maxwell will be able to 'breath a bit more.'

She said: 'She certainly did not get one of the worst places. It's probably the best she could have got under the circumstances.'

But Maxwell will still have a tough time adjusting and will be in with murderers and women who have committed serious assaults.

The facility is run down, humid and some women will 'hate her' because of her celebrity, Coulman said.

She said: 'Others will gravitate towards her because they think she can pay for commissary items for them. It's not going to be easy for her.

'There will be women who have been abused themselves and will not like her at all because of her crimes.

'The prison will assign their best staff to her and will put her with an older woman who is drama free.'

Maxwell will be given a job for her first 30 days for which she will earn 15 cents to 27 cents an hour, Coulman said.

After that Maxwell will be assigned a longer term job such as being a clerk and managing the payroll for a construction crew.

Maxwell, who used to manage Epstein's properties and arranged massages with underage girls for him, could put to use her organizing skills by doing payroll for the whole complex, Coulman said.

Another likely option is for her to teach GED classes, English as a foreign language or work in the commissary.

Given weights are banned in the prison  they could be used as weapons  yoga is a popular choice for keeping fit and Maxwell could lead a class.

Coulman said: 'One of the things the women do is put on a talent show, it's like junior high school. It's skits and things like that, just to keep themselves amused.'

According to Coulman, her top tip for Maxwell is that she needs to be 'humble,' something that might not come easy to a woman who grew up in a 65-room mansion in the Oxfordshire countryside in the UK.

Coulman said: 'There are some people who won't appreciate you or even like you. You need to know how to have those conversations, know when to shut up.

'She must be humble. She's stepping into a world where a lot of these women have been there for a long time. She needs to know that she will be getting out before a lot of them.

'The key to surviving is minding your own business, keeping a low profile, but her personality is not that way.'

Maxwell will be required to wear khaki clothes at FCI Tallahassee, and she will be woken up at 5am every day for breakfast at 6am

Judge Alison Nathan handed down the 240-month sentence followed by five years supervised release on June 28. She had suggested she serve out her sentence in Danbury, Connecticut

Justin Paperny, founder of White Collar Advice, said his main advice to Maxwell was to be 'careful about forming friendships.'

He said: 'People will have been there for years and that prison could cooperate with staff. They may engage in disciplinary infractions. She needs to be careful about those she associates with.

'She can't complain. We incarcerate a lot of people, they have been in and out of the system and can't hire lawyers like she did.'

Justin Paperny, founder of White Collar Advice, said his main advice to Maxwell was to be 'careful about forming friendships'

Paperny said there are women serving longer sentences for non violent crimes than Maxwell will is confined for for a sex crime.

'It's essential she doesn't complain  that could lead to problems,' he said, adding that given Maxwell's record of whining, there was a danger that people would not believe her when there was a real issue.

He said: 'I'd encourage her not to speak with staff more than is necessary.

'She should listen 99 percent of the time, talk 1 percent of the time. Recognize she is not different.

'She needs to look at this as a reboot. Now she's at Tallahassee this will feel like Disneyland compared to what she endured in the MDC'.

Paperny said that former inmates at the facility said it was 'brutally hot' in the summer with temperatures reaching 106F in the Florida sunshine.

The medical facilities are bad despite what the BOP claims.

Maxwell will not be in a cell but will be in a space about the size of an office cubicle with two cellmates.

According to Paperny, each cubicle will have a bunk bed, another one on the floor, a locker for each prisoner, and one desk and a swivel chair they will have to share.

He said: 'The opportunity for education is pretty good there.

'She can be very, very productive there if she wants, she can give back and build a life there and mentor other prisoners. She's in a position to teach and give back and I hope she does.

'If she blames others for her situation then her 20 years will feel like a century.'

Epstein and Maxwell are pictured in an undated photo. He killed himself in jail in August 2019, while Maxwell was jailed for 20 years for child sex trafficking in June

Prior to her sentencing last month, Maxwell made a public statement expressing remorse for her actions

Fellow victims listened tearfully as Sarah Ransome read a victim impact statement ahead of Maxwell's sentencing last month

The Bureau of Prisons website indicates Maxwell will be eligible for release on July 17 2037.

Tallahassee and Danbury are both low-security prisons in the federal system. The Florida lockup holds around 500 women prisoners.

Her fellow inmates include Narcy Novack who was convicted of killing her millionaire ex-husband, Fontainebleau Hotel heir Ben Novack Jr. and his mother Bernice Novack in 2009.

Another prisoner at Tallahassee is Jaelyn Young who was arrested with her boyfriend in 2015 as they were attempting to fly to Syria to join Isis.

The choice of prison by the BOP is against the recommendation of Judge Alison Nathan, who oversaw Maxwell's trial for recruiting and trafficking underage girls for the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Judge Nathan asked the BOP  following a request from Maxwell's lawyers  to send her to Danbury.

However the BOP has ultimate authority and decided she should go to Tallahassee.

Despite this Maxwell, 60, will likely welcome the news as she has complained bitterly about her treatment at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where she has been held since her arrest in July 2020.

Her lawyers have accused prison authorities of breaching her rights by shining a torch in her cell every 15 minutes and subjected her to invasive searches while filming her at all hours.

Maxwell was convicted after a trial in December in which her victims testified that she lured them to Epstein when they were as young as 14 years old.

During the sentencing Maxwell said she wanted to 'acknowledge' the pain of her victims but stopped short of an apology.

Her lawyers have already filed a notice saying they will appeal both the conviction and the sentence.
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An elementary school teacher, 60, was bit by a monk seal, who was 'protecting' her newborn pup, off a Hawaiian beach after wildlife officials urged swimmers to avoid the area.

The attack took place on Sunday morning around 8am at Kaimana Beach in Waikiki, on the island of O'ahu.

The female swimmer's identity was not released by authorities as she asked for anonymity.

She was about 20 feet into the water when the monk seal named Rocky suddenly emerged and started to attack.

The woman is seen in the video attempting to swim in the other direction and away from the seal, but as she gets closer to shore, the seal charges at her.

Her husband, who spoke to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and was not named, said the seals were near the War Memorial Natatorium, which is permanently closed, when his wife and other swimmers entered the water, and that there was no visible signs of the seals from the beach.

'Sunday morning the seals were at the far end of the beach near the Natatorium,' he told DLNR, according to Maui Now. He reportedly said the baby seal went out of sight, swimming into the Natatorium's dilapidated pool - which is situated in the ocean right next to the beach.

When the mommy seal woke up, she began 'very agitated' and started 'barking,' the woman's husband, who videoed the attack from the 12th floor of a nearby condominium, said.

'[It was] clearly distressed by the absence of her pup,' he told DLNR, Maui Now reported.

However, video shot by the husband, shows the two seals near the beach before they turned around and started heading toward the Californian and attacking her.

The woman is seen in the video attempting to swim in the other direction and away from the seal but as she gets closer to shore, the seal charges at her.

Two men wearing swim trunks are seen carrying the woman to safety where she received medical care. It is not known what type of injuries the woman sustained

Witnesses were heard screaming from the shore, watching the terrifying encounter unfold as they screamed in fear: 'Get out! Get out!'

The woman's head is bobbing back and forth and at times underneath the ocean's waters as it ripples. Her husband said she was wearing a 'swim cap' and that 'her head was in the water when both seals appeared.'

'She could not hear 50 or so people on the beach screaming for swimmers to get out of the water,' he reportedly told DLNR. He said she went and was able to stand up, her heard the terrified screams and started 'swimming away from the seals.'

This went on for a few horrifying moments until a man kayaking comes to the women's rescue.

Two men in swim trunks are seen carrying the woman to safety where she received medical care. She suffered from lacerations on her face, back, and arms, according to Hawaii News Now.

At this point, her husband left the condominium and began racing toward the beach, 'thinking she's going to die.'

Witness Curt Otsuka told Hawaii News Now: 'If it wasn't for the kayak guy paddling over to save her, she would have got like chomped.'

The woman's husband said the baby seal had swum into the dilapidated War Memorial Natatorium pool while the mother seal was asleep. When she awoke, the seal apparently started 'barking' and became 'very agitated' at the loss of her pup. Eventually, the seal would go on to attack the woman further down on the Kaimana beach

The worn-down pool (pictured) has suffered significant damage since it permanently closed and the baby seal reportedly swam into the pool

Another witness told Hawaii News Now that the woman ignored calls from marine life officials to leave the area.

Hawaii Marine Animal Response said in a statement on Facebook on Sunday that the Hawaiian monk seal had given birth to a pup approximately two weeks ago in the area, and officials had been monitoring their mother and her baby's activity.

'People are again reminded that Hawaiian monk seal moms with pups are protective, can be dangerous, and have inflicted serious wounds on nearby swimmers,' the statement reads.

Along the beach are signs warning of potential interactions with the sea creatures.

'We continue to warn people not to engage in in-water activities when a monk seal mother with a pup are in the area and to stay at least 150 feet from mother seals with pups,' Hawaii Marine Animal Response said.

However, her husband said the couple had been visiting Hawaii from California for the past three weeks and were in the Aloha State when the pup was born.

'[We] saw the pup at Kaimana immediately after it was born,' he reportedly told DLNR. 'Weve read all the safe viewing signs and abide by them. These seals swam up behind her and she was not aware of them... I believe all of the commotion on the beach likely added to her frustration.

'There is no one to blame here. All my wife did was go swimming and she happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.'

DLNR will also not be fining the woman, however, a federal fine from NOAA could still be given to her.

Following the attack, the woman told DLNR that 'neither of us could sleep last night.'

'Every time I closed my eyes, I was seeing the mother seal's mouth,' she said.

The animal response team encouraged beachgoers to follow the guidance and instructions provided by HMAR, NOAA, Ocean Safety, or other authorized parties on the beach.

'Continued vigilance is advised for several more weeks until the mother monk seal weans her pup.'

Witness Curt Otsuka, said: 'If it wasn't for the kayak guy paddling over to save her she would have got like chomped'

Dana Jones, the executive director of the Hawaiian Monk Seal Preservation Ohana, called the woman's move 'irresponsible' and said she had 'provoked it by being in [the seal's] space.'

'If you look a monk seal in the face and in the eyes, thats a challenge just like it is with a dog,' Jones told Hawaii News Now. 'You turn away, you go away, you walk away, you get away, swim out, whatever you can do, do not swim towards the pupping zone, which is where Rocky was trying to take her baby.'

It is against the law to touch, harass, injure or kill monk seals. People are told to stay at least 150 feet (46 meters) away from a mother seal and pup, though that recommendation is not a law.

The shoreline where the seals live is roped off, and beachgoers are warned of the dangers of getting too close to the nursing mother.

NOAA Fisheries is still reviewing the incident. But in a statement emailed to The Associated Press, the agency said, Mother seals can move incredibly fast in the water, and we urge people to consider using alternate areas for water activities when mothers with pups are in the area.

They anticipate these seals will remain in the area for about a month and said people must observe signs and guidance from officials.

It is a felony to disturb monk seals, of which there are less than 1,600 remaining in the wild. The animals are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Thirty four people died in central Kenya when their bus veered off a bridge and plunged into a river valley, local media reported on Monday.

Local media reported that the incident occurred on Sunday evening in Tharaka Nithi County, when a bus belonging to the Modern Coast company travelling from Meru to the port city of Mombasa veered off the Nithi Bridge.

It fell into the valley 40 metres below, killing dozens of passengers.

Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner Nobert Komora told NTV Kenya television near the crash site: 'Up to now, we have lost 14 women, 18 men and two girls, so the total deaths are 34.

'We have rescued 11 who are undergoing treatment in hospital.'

Horror images showed the fallen bus at the bottom of the 40 metre valley in central Kenya

Onlookers watch the rescue effort continue earlier today after the crash late last night

Bodies were reportedly strewn across the shallow river and the bank after the terrible crash

Nation reported Komora as saying that initial investigations showed the bus's brakes may have failed, preventing its driver from properly turning on a sharp bend at the bridge.

Transport regulator the National Transport and Safety Authority had ordered all buses belonging to Modern Coast to suspend operations pending an investigation into the crash.

National Bureau of Statistics data shows 4,579 people died in road accidents in Kenya in 2021, a 15 per cent increase from a year earlier.
AZ AG Brnovich is the only lawyer successfully fighting election fraud in the courts

By Rachel Alexander

web posted July 25, 2022

Theres a strange Twilight Zone situation taking place in Arizona, where former President Donald Trump has decided to endorse a trainwreck candidate for U.S. Senate to take on Sen. Mark Kelly, instead of the candidate with one of most solid conservative records the state has ever known. Attorney Blake Masters, who is funded by four out-of-state billionaires, has zero record in politics other than previous evidence he was a radical pro-choice Libertarian, and even though many candidates are getting involved in election integrity lawsuits, he hasnt bothered to join even one. Instead, he sits around all day pitching himself to get on TV, where he calls Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich  who has been endorsed by Mark Levin and Sean Hannity  a do-nothing RINO.

This couldnt be further from the truth. Brnovich has sued the Biden administration probably more than any other elected official, constantly leading coalitions of states in lawsuits over COVID-19, border security, environmental restrictions and more. Brnovich has a winning Supreme Court election integrity case named after him, Brnovich v. DNC , for inserting himself into a lawsuit where he wasnt even involved, defending two Arizona laws. When the DNC sued Arizona over its bans on ballot harvesting and voting outside your precinct, radical Democrat Secretary of State Katie Hobbs refused to defend the lawsuit so Brnovich stepped in instead.

Politicians and websites thirsty for clicks talk big about prosecuting renegade election officials, but they forget that in order to maneuver the left-wing dominated legal system, they have to be ridiculously careful. As a result, many of the lawyers involved with exposing fraud in the 2020 presidential election are being unfairly disbarred or prosecuted for flimsy reasons, things that would be ignored otherwise if they didn't involve Trump.

This has left progressives gloating ad nauseam that no court has found any evidence of voter fraud. But Brnovich has quietly been working behind the scenes, barely dodging 12 bar complaints from Hobbs over his election integrity efforts. Hes a rare breed of conservative lawyer whos figured out how to go after election fraud without getting disbarred.

Much of the accusations from Masters millions come down to a single accusation, that Brnovich said there was no election fraud immediately after the 2020 election. But that was taken out of context, he merely said he hadnt personally seen any yet. All of his efforts since then show hes worked doggedly  but wisely  to combat the fraud.

Brnovich went to court and successfully stopped Democratic Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes from illegally mailing thousands of ballots to voters in 2020 who didnt request them. He intervened and prevented the illegal curing of ballots with no signatures. He issued a cease-and-desist letter to a ballot harvesting operation.

After the election, Brnovich told the Maricopa County Supervisors to increase the number of ballots counted by hand from 2% to 5%, but they refused. Hobbs demanded that Brnovich shut down the audit, but he didnt . He forced the Maricopa County Supervisors to turn over materials they were withholding from the audit, threatening to withhold their funding, and filed a brief defending the audit.

He went after DHS Chief Alejandro Mayorkas for trying to interfere with Arizonas election integrity efforts. Hes prosecuted countless people for voter fraud, including a Democratic operative involved in ballot harvesting who was likely the one featured in the 2,000 Mules documentary.

He is still investigating the results of the audit, releasing a preliminary interim report in April which found that 100,000 to 200,000 ballots lacked a chain of custody. He slammed Maricopa County officials response to his report while appearing on Steve Bannons War Room, for dismissing accusations of using AI to verify voter signatures on ballot envelopes. He issued a report recommending election changes. Hes done too much to list here , including going after petition circulators.

And theres more in the works. Hes leading a coalition of states to defend North Carolinas voter ID law and backing a Georgia law in court. He sued Hobbs over her failure to provide a lawful state election procedures manual. Hobbs refuses to include provisions prohibiting unstaffed drop boxes, requiring signature verification for non-mailed early ballots and preserving the requirement that voters vote in their precinct. Hes asked for a criminal investigation into Hobbs.

In contrast, Masters has done so many offensive things that he will be destroyed in the general election by Kelly, whos on track to raise another $100 million like he did last election. Since my original trainwreck article about Masters was published, its been revealed that the candidate some call Richie Rich, a gated community Libertarian whos gonna say anything to get elected, made a rap video wearing Native American war paint. Between that and his other  macaca  moment declaring that blacks are responsible for gun deaths, and his disturbing ties to the authoritarian neoreactionary movement , he has no chance of winning over the moderate swing voters necessary to beat Kelly. Hes so desperate that many of his claims about Brnovichs inaction on election integrity are flat-out lies .

Longtime D.C.-based conservative writer Quin Hillyer wrote an article earlier this month titled Trump Endorses Strange Arizona Man Over MAGA Star, expressing his bewilderment over the Masters endorsement. Trump has made several other endorsements that have frustrated the conservative base, including J.D. Vance in Ohio and Dr. Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania. At Trumps rally in Arizona Friday night, the audience booed when he announced his endorsement of Eli Crane in the states 2nd congressional district.

Brnovich is the only candidate polls show who comes within two points of Kelly. If Masters wins, political experts say it will be a repeat of the Martha McSally disaster . After McSally, a terrible candidate who turned off the base, lost the U.S. Senate race to Democrat Kyrsten Sinema, Gov. Doug Ducey appointed her to the other seat to replace John McCain. As expected, when it came time for the election in 2020, she lost to Kelly.

Disclaimer: The author served as an Assistant Attorney General for the Arizona Attorney Generals Office in 2000-2003 when she and Mark Brnovich were both line attorneys.

Rachel Alexander and her brother Andrew are co-Editors of Intellectual Conservative . She has been published in the American Spectator, Townhall.com, Fox News, NewsMax, Accuracy in Media, The Americano, ParcBench, Enter Stage Right and other publications.
President Joe Biden plans to name a monkeypox coordinator as breakouts in the United States topped 2,891 and the first two cases in children were confirmed on Friday.

The White House is close to naming somone to the position, the Washington Post reported, as concern about the disease grows.

The news comes as White House coronavirus coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha outlined on Monday new steps the adminstration is taking to combat the disease, including increasing production and distribution of vaccines, expand access to testing, expand access to treatments, and increase outreach to the communities most affected by the virus.

'We are committed to being not only continued to be aggressive, but to continue to ramp up our response to this virus and protect communities in the United States that have been most affected by monkey pox,' Jha said.

Managing the reponse has drawn in Chief of Staff Ron Klain - who coordinated the Ebola response during the Obama administration - along with Jha, infectious-disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci and dozens of other officials.

The administration is considering people with expertise in epidemic response and government operations for the coordination job, the newspaper reported.

President Joe Biden plans to name a monkeypox coordinator as breakouts in the United States topped 2,891

The Biden administration revealed last week it's considering whether to declare the outbreak a public health emergency, after the World Health Organization on Thursday said the virus has become a global problem.

Nearly 70 countries have reported outbreaks of monkeypox as confirmed cases crossed 16,600.

While those most susceptible to are men who identify as gay or bisexual - about 99% of the current cases involve men who have sex with men - the diagnosis of two pediatric patients this week raised the level of concern that the virus may be targeting other populations, MSN reported.

There is mounting concern that monkeypox could spill over into other groups  including children, older adults and pregnant women  which are more vulnerable to the disease.

It does not require sex to be transmitted, and can be spread through physical contact such as touching others or a hug.

'We're looking at ways in which the response could be enhanced by declaring a public health emergency,' Jha said Friday.

That announcement would come from the Department of Health and Human Services, Jha said.

Dr. Ashish Jha outlined new steps the adminstration is taking to combat monkeypox

In U.S. cases, New York is at the top with 830 reported cases, followed by California with 356 cases. West Virginia, South Dakota and North Dakota had only one reported case.

The U.S. currently has 1.7 million doses available through the Strategic National Stockpile, but physicians have had trouble actually getting the drugs to patients, according to reports.

The monkey virus is not related to chickenpox, but the symptoms are similar to smallpox though milder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Symptoms may include fever, a headache, muscle aches and backache. Swollen lymph nodes are also part of the virus, as swell as chills and exhaustion.

A blister-like rash may develop that may also appear to look like pimples that can surface on the face, inside the mouth, hands, feet, chest genitals, anus and other parts of the body.

The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. Those who experience monkeypox may develop the rash first, followed by other symptoms, as others may just get the rash.

The illness typically lasts up to two to four weeks.
The publishers of Prince Harrys forthcoming tell-all memoir are facing a potentially embarrassing launch-date clash with their star author Michelle Obama.

The former US First Lady announced last week she is bringing out a follow-up to her autobiography Becoming, one of the best-selling books of all time.

It would be coming out at around the same time that Harrys as-yet untitled work is set to hit the shelves.

Industry insiders have speculated whether the clash explains why the publisher of both books, Penguin Random House, has yet to announce when the royals ghost-written, yet supposedly intimate and heartfelt, account will go on sale.

The publishers of Prince Harrys forthcoming tell-all memoir are facing a potentially embarrassing launch-date clash with their star author Michelle Obama

The former US First Lady announced last week she is bringing out a follow-up to her autobiography Becoming, one of the best-selling books of all time

Some are suggesting Harrys book could be brought forward to October to avoid Mrs Obamas hotly anticipated The Light We Carry (pictured), which will come out on November 15 in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas

Some are suggesting Harrys book could be brought forward to October to avoid Mrs Obamas hotly anticipated The Light We Carry, which will come out on November 15 in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It would also ensure the princes memoir would have a clear shot at topping the New York Times Bestseller List, says one in the know, before getting totally eclipsed by his stablemate.

I would certainly account for a lot of the uncertainty, they said. Michelle Obama is a phenomenon and her new book is expected to top every bestseller list in the world. She would totally eclipse anything by Harry. It could potentially be quite difficult timing.

Penguin Random House announced in July last year it would bring out Harrys literary memoir in late 2022.

The book cover of a biography on Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan by British writer and journalist Tom Bower

It said he would be sharing, for the first time, the definitive account of his life from childhood to now.

It has long been feared by Buckingham Palace that Harry, 37, will use the memoir to settle more of his perceived scores against his family and senior courtiers.

Ghost writer JR Moehringer is said to have finished the manuscript, with the book having passed all of its legal processes.

But nothing has been heard officially since the initial announcement, leading to much speculation in the publishing industry.

By contrast last week there was huge global excitement at Mrs Obamas announcement of a new book, which Penguin said would be published in 14 languages with an initial US print run of 2.75 million copies. Becoming has sold more than 17 million worldwide.
Representing New York's newly drawn 12th district is a 'woman's job,' Rep. Carolyn Maloney said in a new campaign ad that took a veiled shot at her primary opponent, Rep. Jerry Nadler.

In a new ad released Monday Maloney touted her work for women's rights over the last 30 years. Both she and Nadler came to Congress in 1992.

'With the Supreme Court limiting abortion rights I knew we needed more women in Congress and I haven't quit fighting since,' the Democratic congresswoman said, referring to the 1992 case Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

'Today the Dobbs decision overturned Roe, but being at the forefront of women's rights has taught me we can fight back if we just don't quit,' she said.

'You cannot send a man to do a woman's job.'

Maloney, 76, chair of the powerful House Oversight Committee, and Nadler, 75, chair of the Judiciary Committee, are facing off in a highly contentious Aug. 23 primary after New York's redistricting placed the two in the same Manhattan district.

Representing New York's newly drawn 12th district is a 'woman's job,' Rep. Carolyn Maloney said in a new campaign ad that took a veiled shot at her primary opponent, Rep. Jerry Nadler

Maloney has placed abortion rights front and center of her campaign, last week getting arrested along with a number of other Democratic members of Congress outside the Supreme Court during a pro-choice protest.

The heated primary has no clear frontrunner yet. Last week Maloney lended $900,000 of her personal fortune to her campaign, giving her $2 million on hand as of June 30, compared to Nadler's $1.2 million.

In the ad Maloney highlighted her record on women's issues such as: a 2013 law to speed up the processing of rape kits, a 2019 law offering paid family leave to federal employees.

Both Maloney and Nadler are members of the Progressive Caucus. After he was endorsed by the New York Working Families Party, Nadler wrote on Twitter that he was 'the only true principled progressive and the best candidate in the race for the new NY-12.'

In a new ad released Monday Maloney touted her work for women's rights over the last 30 years. Both she and Nadler came to Congress in 1992

And while Maloney has brought gender to the forefront of her campaign, Nadler has brought his Jewish background into the race

And while Maloney has brought gender to the forefront of her campaign, Nadler has brought his Jewish background into the race.

In an email to supporters Nadler's campaign warned that if Nadler loses then New York City loses its 'last remaining' Jewish representative.

'Jerry Nadler being the last remaining member of Congress from New York City isn't just a matter of concern to New York's Jewish community; it has national implications,' Julian Gerson, the co-manager of Nadler's campaign wrote in an email to Jewish supporters in June.

'Jerry Nadler isn't just Jewish, he's a person who lives and breathes Tikkun Olam,' said the campaign's fundraising appeal, invoking the Hebrew phrase for repairing the world. 'Can you chip in $36 to help Jerry fight for our Jewish and Democratic values in Congress?'

Maloney, a Presbyterian, dismissed Nadler's faith-based appeal to the New York Times as a 'divisive tactic.'
Republicans in Congress on Monday unveiled legislation to tackle the worsening pilot shortage by raising the profession's mandatory retirement age by two years.

Texas Rep. Chip Roy and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham introduced the Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act, which would change the retirement age for commercial airline pilots from 65 to 67.

The crippling shortage is one of the main drivers of airport chaos that has only gotten worse across the country as travel returns to pre-pandemic levels.

If left unchanged, the United States could see 14,000 pilots leave the workforce within the next five years, according to a study cited by the lawmakers.

Another assessment they highlighted found that the pilot deficit would climb to as high as 12,000 across the entire continent by 2023.

But the Biden administration has already opposed the change, citing safety concerns.

In a statement to the press, Roy blamed Democrats' COVID-19 lockdown measures for creating the shortage.

'Following the heavy-handed stupidity of government lockdowns, travel demand has naturally skyrocketed. However, Americans are now experiencing flight delays and cancellations on an unacceptable scale due to a worsening pilot shortage,' Roy said.

'A key factor is a government-mandated retirement age that forces out thousands of our most qualified pilots every year.'

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina (left) and Texas Rep. Chip Roy (right) introduced the bill on Monday. Roy said it would 'immediately alleviate' the pilot shortage if passed. Graham expressed confidence the measure would be bipartisan

Passage of his bill, he said, would 'immediately alleviate the consequences of this artificial shortage.'

Graham expressed confidence that the bill could get Democrat votes during a press conference on Monday.

'Weve got to get more people in the queue to be pilots, but we also have to adjust our age in a reasonable rational way to keep people in the cockpit,' the senator said.

'Other countries allow people to fly to 67 and beyond.'

While early retirements and layoffs through the pandemic, as well as reduced travel, helped fuel the worsening pilot crisis, a number of factors have brought it to its dire state today.

Airlines' swift expansion of coverage over the last year, such as JetBlue and Spirit Airlines announcing dozens of new routes, greatly outpaced the levels with which they were getting staff back.

Carriers canceled at least 2,200 flights during the Fourth of July weekend, and another 25,000 were delayed.

It comes after thousands of flights were canceled or delayed over the most recent holiday period, Fourth of July weekend

Another traditional avenue for hiring pilots is recruiting retired Air Force pilots. However, in addition to the military's shift in focus from pilots to soldiers manning drones from a remote location, the branch is facing its own shortage as well.

As of 2020 the Air Force was short 2,100 pilots, according to Congressional testimony highlighted by CBS News.

Republicans' new bill would not change any other Federal Aviation Administration regulations or private airline requirements for becoming a pilot.

The mandatory retirement age was previously raised from 60 to 65 in 2007.

But Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg poured cold water on it happening again during a Fox News interview earlier this month.

'I'm much more interested in raising the bar on things like compensation and job quality than lowering the bar on something like safety,' Buttigieg said of the potential measure.

'The United States of America should be able to have a robust aviation system without watering down our expectations on safety, and I will consider and entertain anything that does not compromise safety.'
The invitation innocently specified fancy dress  glamazon adventurer, safari chic and jungle tribal attire  but for those acquainted with the lavish parties thrown in mansions, chateaux and beachfront palaces around Silicon Valley, it was obviously going to be another of the technology elites monthly bacchanals filled with drugs and sex.

Guests at the party on the edge of the world, hosted by a prominent venture capitalist at his beachside home outside San Francisco, included Elon Musk, who wore a black armour-like costume adorned with silver spikes and chains. His old friend, Google co-founder Sergey Brin  another of the worlds richest people  went bare-chested and in a vest.

Despite his decidedly kinky outfit, Musk later insisted the do was boring and corporate, with zero sex or nudity anywhere. Perhaps he spent all his time in the kitchen, because a young woman at the event, who worked in tech, reported she found herself with two couples on the living room floor, which was blanketed with white faux fur and pillows.

Several people had already started stroking one another, she said, when she was offered powdered ecstasy in a bag  the drug is famously good at melting inhibitions between strangers.

After the Wall Street Journal reported claims of a sensational affair involving Elon Musk (left) and the wife of Google founder Sergey Brin (centre), Musk sent this image to the New York Post

Shed never taken it before. They said it will just make you feel relaxed and youre going to like being touched, she recalled, whereupon a tech entrepreneur asked to kiss her. It was so weird, said the woman, as his wife was right beside him, also encouraging her. When she fled, he continued to pursue her around the party.

Such events were an abuse of power, the unnamed woman told technology writer Emily Chang, whose shocking 2018 expose, Brotopia, revealed Silicon Valleys secretive, orgiastic dark side.

While those running the powerful sphere of Google, Facebook, Amazon and Uber claimed to be changing society for the better and to be champions of progressive, woke values, they were privately no better than frat house adolescents, indulging in a world of drug-fuelled orgies and freewheeling sex lives in which women were belittled and abused.

Another guest at the same party, Paul Biggar, later said the sex party had been way worse than it sounds, adding: We were warned before going not to be freaked out about the stuff there, no photos were allowed(!), and definitely dont tell anyone what we saw.

And yet when he was asked about the event, Elon Musk came over all injured innocence. Nothing untoward had happened. If there are sex parties in Silicon Valley, I havent seen or heard of one. If you want wild parties, youre in the wrong place, he told technology magazine Wired.

Referring to the nickname for those drug-induced petting sessions the woman had witnessed, he huffed: Nerds on a couch are not a cuddle puddle.

Brin, one of the world's richest men, poses with wife Nicole Shanathan in Los Angeles, 2021

Today, Elon Musk is once more in denial mode over the sexual proclivities of the uber-nerd  this time over reports that he had a brief affair with Nicole Shanahan, the wife of Googles Sergey Brin (the bare-chested one at that party).

I work crazy hours, so there just isnt much time for shenanigans, he said, dismissing a report of the relationship by the usually solid Wall Street Journal as BS. Contrary to claims the affair had destroyed their friendship, he said he and Brin had been at a party together only the previous night, sharing a photograph on social media to prove it.

We have yet to hear from Brin about the saga. Or indeed from Nicole Shanahan  but then we rarely ever hear the womens side in male-dominated Silicon Valley, say cynics.

Musk claimed on Twitter that he hadnt even had sex in ages (sigh), adding: Ive only seen Nicole twice in three years, both times with many other people around. Nothing romantic. Not that sceptics would say that romance ever features much in the sordid culture of serial infidelity, blatant partner-swapping and rampant womanising that passes for relations with the opposite sex in Silicon Valley.

They think they are above the law because they think they are changing the world, said Emily Chang of tech billionaires, whose huge sense of entitlement she and others feel lies at the root of this toxic behaviour.

In her book Brotopia she describes parties at which men are allowed to bring as many women as they want  as long as they are accompanied by no other males. Some bring their wives or girlfriends.

As soon as dinner  occasionally eaten off the bodies of naked women  is finished, the drugs come out. The pills at these parties sometimes bear the logo of big tech companies.

As inhibitions disappear, guests form the so-called cuddle puddles, breaking away into couples, threesomes, or larger groups. Some will retreat to one of the venues many rooms; others dont even bother doing that and start having sex then and there.

Night turns to day, the group reconvenes for breakfast, after which some may have intercourse again, said Chang. Eat, drugs, sex, repeat.

Many may not be surprised that the kings of the internet  home of limitless hardcore pornography, violent and sexually graphic video games, and vicious social media trolling  are a bunch of emotionally stunted young (and now not so young) men. After all, about the most famous of them  Mark Zuckerberg  started Facebook at Harvard University so that he and other male students could leer at pictures of their female peers.

Given what is said about Silicon Valley and the breakneck speed with which its rulers get through women, its surely possible that Musk  the worlds richest person whose estimated 208 billion fortune is largely based on his control of electric car maker Tesla  and his old friend Brin could have put aside their differences in public.

According to Amy Andersen, who runs a company that finds female partners for rich Silicon Valley executives, most of her clients impart a new meaning to serial philandering.

Theyll have a 6pm date, then a 9pm, and then a nightcap date; three in one evening, she told The Times. Sometimes, she said, theyd date all three women at the same time.

It makes the predatory studio barons of old Hollywood look like choirboys. After all, what casting couch could hold up under the strain?

What is so extraordinary is that so few in the tech world seem immune to this sort of debauched behaviour. Even Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, now busy saving the world from disease, hid a dissolute side behind those geeky specs and penchant for V-neck sweaters.

Last year, after his 27-year marriage to Melinda abruptly ended, with her calling it irretrievably broken, Gates was hit by allegations of naked pool parties, strippers, extra-marital affairs and the ethically questionable pursuit of female staff in his earlier years.

As a student at Harvard, Gates liked to frequent Bostons notorious Combat Zone, with its porn shows, strip joints and prostitutes, said biographer James Wallace.

He later dropped out and moved back to his home city of Seattle to set up Microsoft, and would throw wild bachelor parties at his home for which [he] would visit one of Seattles all-nude nightclubs and hire dancers to come to his home and swim naked with his friends in his indoor pool, wrote Wallace.

There are myriad other tawdry examples. In May, it was reported that a former flight attendant at Musks SpaceX company claimed the firm had paid her $250,000 (207,000) in settlement after she alleged that Elon Musk exposed himself, rubbed her leg and propositioned her for sex during a flight to London. He denied her claims.

Bill Gates (right) appears with ex-wife Melinda (left) at the Lasker Awards in New York, 2013

In 2014, Andy Rubin, who invented the Android smartphone software, was hustled out of Google after being investigated for sexual assault. He allegedly coerced an employee into performing a sex act on him in a hotel room in 2013  a claim he denied.

Travis Kalanick, Ubers former chief executive, boasted to GQ in 2014 that he was so rich he enjoyed women on demand. Yeah, we call that Boob-er, he giggled. He reportedly once led other male Uber executives on a trip to an escort-karaoke bar in Seoul, South Korea, where they picked girls out of a line-up. The female executive left, appearing visibly upset.

But surely, as Elon Musk keeps emphasising in his denials, none of this is the likely behaviour of workaholic, Star Trek-obsessed uber-nerds?

It does seem, as the Starship Enterprises Spock would say, most illogical.

And yet its precisely because they are nerds, some argue, that they behave like this. Call it revenge of the geeks, but now that theyre super rich with egos to match, theyre making up for lost time, after years when their lack of social skills and gaucheness with women left them out in the cold.

An especially sleazy example of this behaviour is the pervasive Silicon Valley tradition of regular boozy lunchtime trips to local strip and bondage clubs  trips which female computer engineers say they are dragged along on by their male colleagues.

As dozens of women who had worked in the industry told Chang in Brotopia, it was all about the socially awkward outcasts of the school computer room trying to catch up after years of enforced sexual abstinence.

Many of the A-listers in Silicon Valley have something unique in common: a lonely adolescence devoid of contact with the opposite sex, she wrote.

The women in the industry who have privately spoken out cannot hide their revulsion at these men who seem convinced that their immense wealth now makes them irresistible to women who for years never gave them a second glance.

An unnamed Silicon Valley executive told Chang that his peers were so rich and their products so famous that the guys who couldnt get a girl in high school can behave as they want with women, and certainly dont need to be pinned down to monogamy.

Of course, money and power can be heady aphrodisiacs, and some of the men who indulge in Silicon Valleys sordid sex world counter that they are the victims, preyed on for their money by women they label founder hounders.

Their critics retort that this is just an excuse for their ugly, predatory behaviour.

Insiders have revealed that many tech barons like to take out their phones and show off the trophy gallery of their sexual conquests.

They talk about diversity on one side of their mouth, but on the other side they say all of this s***, said a disgusted industry investor.

A 2020 memoir by former Silicon Valley worker Anna Wiener also laid bare the industrys toxic sexism and casual, schoolboy-ish denigration of women.

She mentioned a colleague with a smartwatch app that was just an animated GIF of a womans breasts bouncing in perpetuity, and another who kept a list of the most bangable women in the office.

Given this kind of atmosphere, even if Musk did have an affair with Brins wife, would it be so surprising, in the moral vacuum of Silicon Valley, if the two of them continued to be seen at parties together?

Certainly, Brin is hardly spotless himself. He was once dubbed the Google playboy for his sexual involvement with his employees, prompting the companys human resources manager to call his behaviour a sexual harassment claim waiting to happen.

In 2013, he separated from first wife Anne Wojcicki after he had an affair with a Google executive named Amanda Rosenberg. He was 40 and had two young children, while she was 27.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was revealed to have an open marriage, and had reportedly soundproofed his New York love nest where he took his string of much younger girlfriends.

Theres a popular saying among women trying to find a husband in Silicon Valley: The odds are good but the goods are odd.

If we are to believe the shocking stories that emanate from the centre of the tech universe, odd is a grotesque understatement.
Sir David Attenborough has warned against the alarming practice of razing forests to fuel wood-burning power stations in Britain.

The broadcaster, 96, complained about the practice in a letter seen exclusively by the Daily Mail.

About 6 per cent of the UKs total power comes from Drax, a wood-burning power station in Yorkshire which goes through seven million tonnes of biomass pellets a year.

It emits approximately 13million tonnes of carbon dioxide  making it Britains biggest emitter of the greenhouse gas  yet receives more than 800million of taxpayer subsidies a year by claiming to be a green energy source.

Sir David Attenborough, 96, is pictured speaking to launch COP26 in Glasgow, November 2021

While the power station insists burning wood is renewable as trees grow back, critics say this is misleading as a mature tree could take 100 years to grow.

The warning comes as the House of Commons environmental audit committee announced it would investigate whether burning so-called biomass, as burning wood pellets is called, is fuelling deforestation.

In a hand-written letter to an anti-biomass campaigner, Sir David said the practice was alarming, adding: I shall do my best to become better informed on the issue and I am grateful for you telling me about it.

A nighttime view of Drax power station in Yorkshire, which emits 13million tonnes of CO2

A Drax spokesman said: Drax agrees wholeheartedly with Sir David, which is why we never use biomass which causes or contributes to deforestation  this is a fundamental part of our policies, and we have a legal obligation to prove this is the case. The power station admits using thinnings from poor quality trees of no use to sawmills.

Audit committee chairman Philip Dunne said: We must make sure the domestic timber industry is fit for the future and can support our net zero ambitions, while better understanding the impact any imports have on the wider world.

n Geologists have uncovered a fossil of the earliest known animal predator  and named it after Sir David Attenborough. The 560million-year-old Auroralumina attenboroughii was found near Leicester. It is related to a group that includes corals and jellyfish and is thought to be the earliest creature to have a skeleton.

560 million-year-old fossil of a primitive jellyfish unearthed in Leicester and named after Sir David Attenborough was the first animal predator on Earth, study claims

By Sam Tonkin for MailOnline

The fossil of the earliest known animal predator  which was unearthed in Leicester  has been named after Sir David Attenborough.

Called Auroralumina attenboroughii, the 560-million-year-old primitive jellyfish was found in Charnwood Forest, near Leicester  a city with which Sir David has long-established links.

The 96-year-old, who used to go fossil hunting in the area, and is credited with raising awareness of Ediacaran fossils in the forest, said he was 'truly delighted'.

Researchers say the specimen is the first of its kind, and is thought to be the earliest creature to have a skeleton.

The creature was about seven inches tall and would have been tethered to the seabed on a beige 'stalk', using flame-coloured tentacles to catch food.

The first part of the name is Latin for dawn lantern, in recognition of its great age and resemblance to a burning torch.

 Slide me  Slice of history: The fossil of the earliest known animal predator (pictured)  which was unearthed in Leicester  has been named after Sir David Attenborough

Called Auroralumina attenboroughii, the 560-million-year-old primitive jellyfish (shown in an artist's impression) was found in Charnwood Forest, near Leicester  a city with which Sir David has long-established links.

Fossil of a frog-legged beetle named 'Attenborough's beauty' after the famous naturalist Auroralumina attenboroughii is not the first creature to be named after Sir David Attenborough. A new species of frog-legged beetle that lived nearly 49 million years ago in what is now Garfield County, Colorado, was also given the iconic naturalist's name. Pulchritudo attenboroughi, or 'Attenborough's beauty,' was announced in August 2021 in the journal Papers in Palaeontology, though a fossil of the prehistoric creature has been on display in the Denver Museum of Nature & Science since 1995. Advertisement

Sir David said: 'When I was at school in Leicester I was an ardent fossil hunter.

'The rocks in which Auroralumina has now been discovered were then considered to be so ancient that they dated from long before life began on the planet.

'So I never looked for fossils there. A few years later a boy from my school found one and proved the experts wrong.

'He was rewarded by his name being given to his discovery. Now I have  almost  caught up with him and I am truly delighted.'

That specimen was found by Roger Mason, after whom Charnia masoni was named.

He and a group schoolboys were rock climbing in a Charnwood Forest quarry in 1957 when they made their discovery.

Dr Phil Wilby, palaeontology leader at the British Geological Survey, is one of the scientists who made the latest find.

He said: 'It's generally held that modern animal groups like jellyfish appeared 540 million years ago in the Cambrian explosion.

'But this predator predates that by 20 million years. It's the earliest creature we know of to have a skeleton.

'So far we've only found one, but it's massively exciting to know there must be others out there, holding the key to when complex life began on Earth.'

According to the study, the creature is related to the group that includes corals, jellyfish and anemones living on Earth today.

In 2007 Dr Wilby and others spent more than a week cleaning a 100 metre square rock surface with toothbrushes and pressure jets.

In a rubber mould of the entire surface  which captured more than 1,000 fossils  one stood out.

According to the study, the creature is related to the group that includes corals, jellyfish and anemones living on Earth today

Dr Phil Wilby (pictured), palaeontology leader at the British Geological Survey, is one of the scientists who made the latest find

Dr Frankie Dunn, of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, said: 'This is very different to the other fossils in Charnwood Forest and around the world.

'Most other fossils from this time have extinct body plans and it's not clear how they are related to living animals.

'This one clearly has a skeleton, with densely-packed tentacles that would have waved around in the water capturing passing food, much like corals and sea anemones do today.

'It's nothing like anything else we've found in the fossil record at the time.'

Dr Dunn dubbed A. attenboroughii a 'lonely little fossil'. It originated from shallower water than others found in Charnwood.

She said: 'The ancient rocks in Charnwood closely resemble ones deposited in the deep ocean on the flanks of volcanic islands, much like at the base of Montserrat in the Caribbean today.

In 2007 Dr Wilby and others spent more than a week cleaning a 100 metre square rock surface with toothbrushes and pressure jets. In a rubber mould of the entire surface  which captured more than 1,000 fossils  one stood out

A. attenboroughii was dated at the British Geological Survey's headquarters using zircons in the surrounding rock

'All of the fossils on the cleaned rock surface were anchored to the seafloor and were knocked over in the same direction by a deluge of volcanic ash sweeping down the submerged foot of the volcano, except one, A. attenboroughii.

'It lies at an odd angle and has lost its base, so appears to have been swept down the slope in the deluge.'

A. attenboroughii was dated at the British Geological Survey's headquarters using zircons in the surrounding rock.

Zircon is a tiny radioactive mineral that acts as a geological clock because it allows geologists to assess how much uranium and lead are present. From that, they can determine precisely how old the rock is.

Dr Dunn said: 'The Cambrian Explosion was remarkable. It's known as the time when the anatomy of living animal groups was fixed for the next half a billion years.

'Our discovery shows that the body plan of the cnidarians was fixed at least 20 million years before this, so it's hugely exciting and raises many more questions.'

The finding is reported in Nature Ecology and Evolution.
President Joe Biden attacked Donald Trump on Monday for failing 'to act' on January 6th, telling a group of black law enforcement executives that 'you can't be pro-insurrection and pro-cop.'

In his remarks, where Biden repeatedly praised police officers, the president closed his speech by bringing up his predecessor and his actions on the day Congress certified the 2020 election.

'We saw what happened. The Capitol Police, the DC Metropolitan Police or other law enforcement agencies were attacked and assaulted before our very eyes - speared sprayed, stomped on, brutalized, lives were lost,' Biden said of the January 6th insurrection.

'The defeated former president of the United States watched it all happen as he sat in the comfort of the private dining room next to the Oval Office,' he said.

He then went in for the kill.

'The police were heroes that day. Donald Trump lacked the courage to act,' Biden said.

'The brave women and men in blue all across this nation should never forget that. You can't be pro insurrection and pro cop,' he told the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives Conference in virtual remarks.

'You can't be pro insurrection and pro democracy. You can't be pro insurrection and pro American,' Biden said.

President Joe Biden attacked Donald Trump for failing 'to act' on January 6th, telling a group of black law enforcement executives that 'you can't be pro-insurrection and pro-cop'

President Donald Trump addressing supporters outside the White House on Jan. 6

Biden was scheduled to be in Florida to make his speech in person but the remarks were changed to virtual after he tested positive for covid.

His attacks come as Trump has not ruled out another run for president in 2024. Biden has said he will seek a second term.

He cited Trump's actions as they were revealed in the dramatic hearings being held on Capitol Hill by the House committee investigating the insurrection.

During Thursday evening's primetime hearing, the January 6 committee showed an image of former President Trump standing in the Oval Office after his rally outside the White House on the day of the insurrectino before he moved into the dining room where he watched the Capitol riot play out on TV for hours.

Thursday night's primetime hearing was dedicated to the 187 minutes between Trump wrapping up his remarks on the Ellipse - where he goaded supporters to match on the Capitol - until his tepid video statement asking them to go home.

Committee members noted how there were no photos of Trump as he sat watching Fox News Channel in the White House dining room for more than three hours, nor were there entries on an official call log of White House diary.

What witnesses did tell committee members was that White House officials, including Ivanka Trump and Counsel Pat Cipollone, urged the president to make a statement to supporters to stop the attack.

'The mob was accomplishing President Trump's purpose so of course he didn't intervene,' said committee member, Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger. 'President Trump did not fail to act during the 187 minutes between leaving the Ellipse and telling the mob to go home - he chose not to act.'

'The police were heroes that day. Donald Trump lacked the courage to act,' President Joe Biden said of the January 6th insurrection

The January 6 committee showed an image of former President Donald Trump standing in the Oval Office after the Ellipse rally on January 6 - before he moved into the White House dining room for three-plus hours while supporters ransacked the U.S. Capitol

Virginia Democratic Rep. Elaine Luria said that 'within 15 minutes of leaving the stage President Trump knew that the Capitol was besieged and under attack.'

But committee witnesses testified that Trump never made calls to beef up a security response.

Instead, former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany testifed to the committee that Trump had asked her for a list of senators he could call, in an effort to have them contest the Electoral College count.

Trump eventually did put out a video message - tweeting it out at 4:17 p.m.

The committee showed outtakes of Trump filming the video, along with photos of him alongside aides making it.

'I know your pain. I know your hurt,' Trump tells his supporters in the footage shown to the committee. 'We had an election that was stolen from us,' Trump continues, falsely claiming it was a 'landslide.'

Trump later sent out another tweet - at 6:01 p.m.

'These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!'

The January 6 House select committee also shared outtakes of an address Trump made to the nation on January 7.

'I don't want to say the election is over,' Trump says in one of the clips. 'I just want to say Congress has certified the results without saying the election is over.'

The former commander-in-chief is shown getting tongue-tied.

'Yesterday is a hard word for me,' he says at one point, with daughter Ivanka Trump heard outside the frame recommending he remove it.

He also struggles to read the teleprompter.

'I can't see it very well,' he complains.
Jared Kushner was diagnosed and treated for thyroid cancer while working in the White House.

Kushner wrote about his cancer scare - which never leaked to the press - in his forthcoming memoir, Breaking History: A White House Memoir.

The New York Times reported on an excerpt of the book on Monday.

In it, Kushner recalled a conversation he had with White House physician Sean Conley on an October 2019 trip to Texas.

'On the morning that I traveled to Texas to attend the opening of a Louis Vuitton factory, White House physician Sean Conley pulled me into the medical cabin on Air Force One,' Kushner wrote. '"Your test results came back from Walter Reed," he said. "It looks like you have cancer. We need to schedule a surgery right away."'

Kushner told Conley to hold off - and come to his office the next day.

'Please dont tell anyone - especially my wife or my father-in-law,' he said, referencing Ivanka Trump and then President Donald Trump.

Jared Kushner (left) speaks to Ivanka Trump (right) at a Louis Vuitton factory event in Alvarado, Texas in October 2019. In his forthcoming memoir he reveals he learned he had thyroid cancer earlier that day

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross (from left), Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump sit in the audience for President Donald Trump's remarks at a Texas Louis Vuitton plant in October 2019

Jared Kushner (left) and Ivanka Trump (right) are captured getting off of Air Force One after the Texas Louis Vuitton trip. Kushner said in his memoir that White House physician Dr. Sean Conley told him he had thyroid cancer that morning

President Donald Trump holds up a Louis Vuitton bag during the October 2019 Texas factory tour, the same trip that Jared Kushner said he found out he had thyroid cancer

Jared Kushner (center right) stands alongside Ivanka Trump (center left) and two of their children at the funeral last week for Ivanka's Trump's later mother Ivana Trump

Both Ivanka Trump and Kushner worked in the White House as senior advisers to the president.

Photos from that day show Kushner seated alongside his wife at the Alvarado, Texas Louis Vuitton plant.

They're seated front row at President Trump's speech, while the president is photographed checking out the quality of the bags.

Kushner said his cancer had been caught 'early' but that a 'substantial part of my thyroid' needed to be removed.

He feared that the surgery could impact his ability to speak.

A doctor at New York-Presbyterian Hospital 'concluded that I needed surgery to remove an unusual growth in my thyroid, and we scheduled the operation for the Friday before Thanksgiving.'

'That way, I would miss the least amount of time in the office. My absence might even go unnoticed. Thats how I wanted it,' Kushner continued.

'This was a personal problem and not for public consumption,' the top Trump adviser added.

Kushner said he tried to concentrate on work and 'not to think about the upcoming surgery or the unwanted growth in my body.'

'When I did think about it, I reminded myself that it was in the hands of God and the doctors, and that whatever happened was out of my control,' he wrote. 'At moments, I caught myself wondering whether I would need extensive treatment.'

He said the only people he let know were Ivanka Trump - two of his aides, Avi and Cassidy - and White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.

The president, however, found out.

'The day before the surgery, Trump called me into the Oval Office and motioned for his team to close the door,' Kushner said.

'Are you nervous about the surgery?' he recalled Trump asking him.

Kushner asked his father-in-law how he knew.

'I'm the president,' Trump answered. 'I know everything.'

'I understand that you want to keep these things quiet. I like to keep things like this to myself as well. You'll be just fine. Don't worry about anything with work,' the president said. 'We have everything covered here.'

Kushner's book will be released August 23.

Jared Kushner (left) and Ivanka Trump (right) on a recent trip to Morocco. Initially, Kushner did not want his wife to know about his cancer diagnosis, he wrote in his forthcoming memoir
Shocking new footage has emerged showing John Barilaro and his new girlfriend lunging at camera crews after being confronted outside a bar on Sydney's northern beaches.

The former deputy premier was locked in a scuffle with two cameramen after he was confronted during a night out, with police now investigating the very public row.

The video captured the incident outside a bar in Manly on Saturday after a Channel Seven reporter approached Mr Barilaro over Labor blocking his attempts to appear in front of an inquiry into the decision to hand him a lucrative New York trade job.

The former NSW Nationals leader initially dismissed questions, saying: 'It's a night out mate, it's all good', before the incident turned ugly.

Mr Barilaro repeatedly swiped at two cameramen before his new girlfriend, a former media advisor, attempted to grab the expensive equipment.

The freelance videographer said he was 'scared' for his safety after Mr Barilaro and his party lashed out at him.

'You can't behave like that no matter who you are,' Matt Costello said.

Shocking new footage has emerged showing John Barilaro and his new girlfriend lunging at camera crews after being confronted outside a bar on Sydney's northern beaches

Mr Barliaro was flanked by a security guard and joined by his new girlfriend and another friend at a bar in Manly on Saturday night

Mr Barilaro was pictured earlier in the evening having pizza and drinks at a bar on Manly Wharf, flanked by a security guard.

After leaving the venue he was confronted by the Channel Seven team, where the former deputy premier initially dismissed their questions.

As the reporter continued to press Mr Barilaro, the former MP lashed out at the camera before his security guard threw a microphone into a bush.

Ms Barilaro's new girlfriend appeared to be restraining him from approaching the journalist, before he walked towards the second camera and lunged at it.

The pair then moved towards the cameraman again, both repeatedly attempting to knock the equipment out of his hands.

Mr Costello attempted to continue filming while blocking Mr Barilaro with his other hand, as the former deputy premier continued to swipe at him.

The group then walked away from the fracas, before appearing on 2GB on Monday morning claiming the 'microphone and camera' were shoved in his face.

Police are investigating footage that appears to show former deputy premier John Barilaro locked in a scuffle with a cameraman

The video captured the incident unfolded outside of a bar in Manly, on Sydney's northern beaches, on Saturday

'The reality is people are now piling on, harassing, intruding, not allowing me to get on with my life, I'm a private citizen,' Mr Barilaro said.

'They've turned up with a cameraman, I don't know who it was, all I know is you could see a bright light shining in my bl***y face.'

Mr Barilaro added: 'All I did was push a camera out of my way, did not manhandle an individual.

'I'll tell you what, some of those people who were at dinner with me, they were pushed and barged out of the way.'

Mr Barilaro challenged the Labor Party to call him up to the parliamentary inquiry with the former deputy premier currently not scheduled to make an appearance.

'I'm calling out, today, I'm available to turn up to an inquiry here this week to tell my side of the story, and let's do that before this gets even uglier,' he added.

'What occurred on Saturday night isn't pleasant for me, nor the cameraman. At the same time, I have every right to defend myself and protect myself and my friends.'

Former Member for Monaro Peter Cochran claimed Mr Barilaro was being 'denied his freedom'.

'John Barilaro is a private citizen who has committed no offence,' he said.

'He's being denied his freedom and is being harassed by the media. This will push him to the edge like it did with Gladys. The media needs to back off.'

NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia an investigation had been launched into the incident.

'Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command are investigating an incident that occurred about 7.30pm... outside a bar in Manly,' a spokesperson said.

Mr Barilaro claimed he was being hounded by media as a parliamentary inquiry continues into his appointment to a lucrative New York trade commissioner's post

'Inquiries into the incident are ongoing and there is no further information at this stage.'

Mr Barilaro stood down from the $500,000 a year posting in New York last month following backlash over the appointment.

Joseph Brayford, a senior policy adviser in Mr Barilaro's office from 2019 to 2021, gave evidence in private to the upper house inquiry last 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.

John Barilaro requested a change that would make the the US trade position a ministerial appointment, a senior advisor in his office told an inquiry last Tuesday

He added Mr Barilaro then told him he also wanted the London and Tokyo trade roles to be changed to ministerial appointments.

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.
A young British tourist has been killed in a horrific accident which saw his body chopped to pieces by a helicopter blade at a Greek helipad.

The 21-year-old male, who has not yet been identified, was exiting the aircraft at the private airport yesterday evening along with three friends, following a flight from Mykonos to Athens.

He reportedly walked behind the Bell 407 helicopter while its engines were still engaged and was decapitated by the aircraft's tail rotor during the layover before their private jet bound for England.

The accident happened at around 6.20pm local time and emergency services were called to the private heliport on the outskirts of Athens but the victim is thought to have been killed instantly by the high-speed rotor.

The pilot has been arrested on manslaughter charges and two ground technicians have also been held by police while investigators probe the circumstances of the accident.

Emergency services at the scene of the incident involving a man in his twenties who died when a rear helicopter propeller hit him in Spata, near Athens, Greece

The man reportedly walked behind the Bell 407 helicopter while its engines were still engaged and was struck by the aircraft's tail rotor

Police sources did not reveal the family involved but it is understood they are extremely wealthy (police and emergency services are pictured at the scene last night)

Emergency services were called to the private heliport on the outskirts of Athens but the victim is thought to have been killed almost instantly (pictured: the scene today)

The tourists had flown from Mykonos to the helipad in Spata and were due to take a private limousine to Eleftherios Venizelos airport

Police said the propellers tend to continue for around two minutes after the engine has been switched off, unless the pilot presses a button to stop them at around 50 seconds.

The helicopter door does not have a lock so anyone can get out if they want to.

Investigations by police and the Independent Aviation Accident Investigation Authority and the Civil Aviation Service will focus on whether the pilot told the passengers to disembark.

A police source told The Sun: 'We are talking about a tragedy - an unprecedented tragedy that never should have happened.

'The cause is being investigated but it remains unclear why this happened or was allowed to happen when rotor blades pose such an obvious danger.'

The pilot of a second helicopter carrying a friend's family chose to divert from the private airport in Spata and instead made an unscheduled landing at Athens International Airport to prevent them witnessing the scene of the tragic accident.

They had intended to disembark at the Superior Air helipad before being chauffeured to Eleftherios Venizelos airport where they would board a private jet for a return flight to the UK.

They were due to board a private limousine which would chauffeur them towards a private jet (pictured: the scene at the helipad today)

The group had intended to disembark at the Superior Air helipad (pictured, file image) before being chauffeured to Eleftherios Venizelos airport

Police sources did not reveal the family involved but it is understood they are extremely wealthy and were enjoying a holiday on the luxury Greek island of Mykonos (pictured)

Locals told The Sun that limousines were waiting at the heliport in Spata, ready to ferry them to a private jet stationed at Athens International Airport.

Greek police were pictured at the scene conducting their investigation on Monday night and are believed to be probing the pilot who landed the chopper as to why the passengers were allowed to exit the aircraft with the rotors still spinning.

Sources said the 115-mile trip in two helicopters would have cost more than 15,000.
Third parties in Canada  updated to 2022 (Part One) By Mark Wegierski

web posted July 25, 2022 Third parties are an endlessly fascinating topic of study for political theorists. The notion of third party arises in polities characterized by first-past-the-post voting systems, where there are usually only two major parties. Polities characterized by proportional representation (PR) voting systems, tend to have a multiplicity of parties. Particular popular attention  although scant electoral support -- is given to third parties in the U.S.  where the two-party system is so strongly entrenched. Since the 1850s, with the rise of the Republican Party, there have been two main parties in the U.S.  although both of them have undergone tremendous permutations. Since that time, there has never been in U.S. politics, a third party which achieved the electoral breakthroughs that a considerable number of third parties have been able to do in Canada. It is quite fascinating to study all these third parties. Indeed, these third parties are sometimes not easily categorized as conventionally conservative or liberal. For example, the candidacies of both Ralph Nader (Green Party), and Pat Buchanan (Reform Party) in the 2000 U.S. Presidential election, had elements that could be seen as neither conventionally conservative, nor conventionally liberal. Third parties often amount to a salutary shaking-up of the political system  actually making it more truly populist. Indeed, one of the main differences between Canada and the United States is the presence of relatively successful third parties in Canada. Some had argued that Preston Mannings Reform Party  a classic third party  had effectively become the first party -- as a result of the 2006 Canadian federal election. It should be stressed that the Canadian and U.S. Reform Parties were considerably different in their outlooks. However, in light of Harpers centrist-tending policies  and his failure to win the October 19, 2015, federal election  the notion that the Conservatives were the Reform Party  Version Three  is indeed quite spurious. It could be argued that the Reform Party vision of Canada was already mostly defeated when Preston Manning felt compelled to broaden the party into the Canadian Alliance. The two main parties in Canadian politics have been the Liberals (roughly corresponding to the post-1930s U.S. Democrats) and the Conservatives (roughly corresponding to twentieth-century U.S. Republicans  although rather more moderate). The Liberals in Canada were, between 1896 to 2004, considerably more electorally successful in the Canadian polity, than the U.S. Democrats in America. Ironically, in the 2011 Canadian federal election, the Liberals fell to third party status, winning only 34 of 308 seats. However, they came roaring back to power in the October 19, 2015, federal election, under the leadership of Justin Trudeau, the son of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Canadas left-leaning Liberal Prime Minister from 1968-1984 (except for nine months in 1979-1980). They were also able to win strong minority governments (a plurality of seats in the House of Commons) in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. The Conservatives had changed their name to Progressive Conservative already in 1942. One of the ostensible reasons for the name change was to attract the support of a popular third party of the Western Canadian provinces  the Progressives. In earlier years, there had also been such ephemeral protest parties as the UFO (United Farmers of Ontario). The Communist Party of Canada had famously won a seat in the federal Parliament in the 1940s. The federal-level Christian Heritage Party, the provincial-level Family Coalition Party in Ontario, and the Libertarian Party, have never won a sitting member in the legislatures for which they have run. There were at least two minor conservative parties running in the June 2, 2022 Ontario provincial election  the Ontario Party, and the New Blue Party. There has recently arisen Maxime Berniers federal-level Peoples Party of Canada/Parti populaire du Canada, as well as the Peoples Alliance party in New Brunswick, which won 3 seats (and was holding the balance of power) in the 2018 provincial election. In that New Brunswick election, the provincial-level Green Party was also able to win 3 seats. In the 2020 New Brunswick election, the Progressive Conservatives won a majority, so the 3 seats won by the Green Party, and the 2 seats won by the Peoples Alliance party, are less important. However, the Peoples Alliance party recently dissolved itself when its two parliamentary members joined the Progressive Conservatives. The Green Party is also the Official Opposition (second-largest party) in Prince Edward Island, since 2019. Two minor anti-immigration/anti-multiculturalism parties are the Cultural Action Party of Canada, and the Nationalist Party of Canada. There is also the National Citizens Alliance (formerly the National Advancement Party of Canada). Maxime Berniers Peoples Party of Canada won only 1.64% of the popular vote in the 2019 federal election. However, in the 2021 federal election, they won around 5% of the popular vote (over 800,000 votes), but were again unable to win a single seat. The most prominent of the Canadian third parties was probably the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), renamed as the New Democratic Party (NDP) in 1961. There was also the Social Credit Party (based loosely on the ideas of C. H. Douglas, who criticized big banks), which arose both in Western Canada and in Quebec  where it had a Quebec-nationalist focus. The founder of the Reform Party, Preston Manning, was the son of the longtime Alberta Social Credit Premier, Ernest C. Manning, and the accusation was sometimes made that the Reform Party were re-tread Socreds. The Reform Party (co-founded in 1987 by Preston Manning) transformed itself into the Canadian Alliance (officially called the Canadian Reform-Conservative Alliance) as a result of the so-called United Alternative process of 1998-2000. The Canadian Alliance then merged with the federal Progressive Conservative party in December 2003, renamed together as the Conservative Party. In Canada, this federal-level party calls itself Conservative without the adjective  among the various provincial wings (where they exist) the name Progressive Conservative has usually been retained. The Conservative Party won 166 seats in the 2011 federal election. However, they fell to second place (99 seats) in the 2015 federal election. In the 2019 federal election, they won 121 seats, and were slightly ahead in the popular vote. In the 2021 federal election, they won 119 seats, and again were slightly ahead in the popular vote. The Liberal Party of British Columbia is sometimes anomalously considered to be a centrist or even right-leaning party. According to some observers, the triumph of the Conservative Party in 2011 (where they finally won a majority, after their minority governments of 2006 and 2008) was a belated triumph for Preston Manning. In the 1980s, the federal P.C. party was mostly hostile to so-called small-c conservatism. Mannings Reform Party certainly divided the broader right/centre-right/centre vote, but it could be argued that it tried to introduce a salutary clarification into Canadian politics. However, the Conservative collapse in 2015 appears to have thoroughly undermined the long-time endeavour to build a true, small-c conservative federal party in Canada. The re-unification of the CA and P.C. parties could only occur after Joe Clark (who had briefly been Prime Minister in 1979-1980, and the leader of the federal P.C.s from 1976-1983 and again in 1998-2003) left the leadership of the federal P.C.s. Joe Clark appeared to have played the role of a spoiler to the bitter twilight of his career. But, after the merger in December 2003, the vote-splitting was definitely over, and, under the leadership of Stephen Harper, the Conservative Party became seriously competitive. While some have argued that the Conservatives might have won a majority already in 2004, it may be supposed that Harper had some work to do to establish his credibility with the Canadian public. He won a minority government in 2006, a strengthened minority in 2008, and finally a strong parliamentary majority in 2011. There were, however, few attempts to move in the direction of more pronounced conservatism, after that major win. So, in retrospect, there really wasnt any kind of belated triumph for Preston Manning. To be continued. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home
Poorly-designed converted office spaces are prompting concerns about homes being created that are unfit for future climate conditions.

Insurer Zurich UK claimed that some of these conversions lack appropriate ventilation and shading, creating homes that are in danger of overheating in heatwaves.

It warned that the danger is greatest in small, self-contained studio flats that only have single aspect windows, particularly in those converted offices in city centres.

Since 2015, more than 73,500 homes have been created from former office blocks following changes in planning rules

It explained that these blocks of flats are more exposed to the so-called 'urban heat island' effect, where temperatures are hotter than outlying areas.

Planning data revealed that the number of applications to convert offices into residential units increased in England from 1,765 in 2020 to 2,121 last year, a jump of 20 per cent as developers snap up blocks left empty by the pandemic.

And since 2015, more than 73,500 homes have been created from former office blocks following changes in planning rules.

And yet, an independent report commissioned by the Government claimed that so-called permitted development rules create 'worse quality' homes.

At the same time, the Climate Change Committee has warned that overheating in homes is among the eight top climate change risks for people in Britain.

And a Loughborough University study found 4.6 million homes in England suffer from overheating, while a Government survey suggested it affects nearly one in 10 homes.

Insurers have raised concerns about office conversions, particularly plumping systems not originally designed to service hundreds of domestic kitchens and bathrooms

North London estate agent Jeremy Leaf, said: 'The problem with converted offices and many other buildings in this country is that in the past we have been fixated on ensuring they're warm enough but now we need to think the other way round too.

'For that reason, air conditioning, climate cooling, adequate ventilation and above-limit insulation are discretionary rather than obligatory.

In the past we have been fixated on ensuring converted offices are warm enough but now we need to think the other way round

'On the other hand, some of our more savvy developers and builders have been allowing for overheating in their properties for many years.

'They have recognised that living and working in comfortable surroundings actually improves saleability, letability and value.'

As well as risks posed by climate change, Zurich said it sees a high volume of escaping water claims from office to residential conversions.

One of the most frequent causes of this is the failure of plumbing systems not originally designed to service hundreds of domestic kitchens and bathrooms.

Paul Redington, Zurich's major loss property claims manager, said: 'The number of office-to-residential conversions has continued to rise, as new workplace flexibility leaves office blocks empty.

'While many conversions will be well-designed and include cooling features, this is not always the case. Poor quality conversions are at serious risk of overheating, and suffer from other issues, such as escape of water.

'Developers needs to ensure that retrofitted buildings are designed with increased ventilation and shading to keep temperatures down. Building more affordable housing is a priority but we must avoid creating swathes of homes unfit for a rapidly warming world.'
Warm and enveloping, like a hug. These may not be the words you want to read as we focus on keeping our homes at a reasonably cool temperature.

But prepare yourself for more such descriptions. The colour brown is returning to fashion, as the need for more comfort in decor grows and the 1970s aesthetic gains a new following.

Suddenly, brown is groovy, baby, for accessories, furnishings, upholstery and walls. It's a palette that encompasses almond, buff, caramel, coffee, espresso, mustard, mocha, pecan, tan, teak, toffee, umber and walnut.

Earthy: Edward Bulmer's London Brown paint on the walls

Andrew Hunter, head of design at Habitat, says customers increasingly are opting for 'nostalgic retro-inspired pieces that channel casual comfort and familiarity'.

He adds: 'We're expecting the trend to grow as we look towards autumn.'

It's not only the appeal of the 1970s' laidback style that is powering the rise of brown. The colour offers a closer link with nature.

Helena Flynn, from furniture and homeware group Andrew Martin, sees this as a response to concerns about the planet. 'Brown has a calming effect,' she says. 'It allows people to feel more connected with the Earth, helping them to keep their feet, literally, on the ground.'

She says that demand for almond and tan colour-ways in cushions and throws is also a sign of a desire for reassurance amid economic uncertainty and political upheaval.

The colour brown also caters for wanderlust. Terracotta evokes the walls of a Tuscan hilltown, or the tiled floors of a Moroccan riad.

The colour of an Egyptian mummy may not seem the ideal shade to enliven an interior. But the Edward Bulmer Mummy brown  a pinkish hue  is a comforting but smart tone that's ideal for kitchens and hallways.

Mor Krisher, head of design at Caesarstone, the kitchen surfaces company, is taking inspiration from the textures of weathered stones in the desert to cater for the shift towards kitchens in more sombre but welcoming hues.

Still unconvinced that brown would work in your home? Here's our guide to help get you started.

GO NEUTRAL

The popularity of brown is spurred by the ease with which any of its shades can blend with an existing decor: brown can be neutral. It can also be the ideal backdrop if you want to showcase your favourite artwork to its best advantage.

A room decorated mostly in beige or grey can seem chilly. But it would be enlivened by an H&M Home deep-pile rug in dark brown which has been reduced from 299 to 159 or the Dunelm Cooper mocha two-seater sofa, also reduced from 499 to 249.50.

Look out, however, for braver combinations, such as brown and orange, partly under the influence of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things.

The drama is set in the 1980s but the characters' homes have low-slung 1970s sofas and bric-a-brac. The Harrogate Chestnut tile (17.94 each, Craven Dunhill) would not look out of place.

Sweet like chocolate: A bold option is to pair a bitter chocolate shade with off-white

PAINT IT ON

Brown paint may sound dreary. But such is the multiplicity of shades available that the results should be anything but dispiriting, although they are rarely branded as brown.

Crown's range includes Country Farmhouse, a cosy mix of grey and brown, and the jewel-like Ruby Chocolate, ideal for light-filled spaces. A toffee colour, such as Dulux's Caramel Fudge, would cheer a darker space.

Justyna Korczynska, Crown's colour consultant, suggests anyone venturing into brown should keep it low by teaming a sandstone with a chalky off-white (from 18 for 2.5 litres).

If you are feeling bolder, use mustard or bitter chocolate against off-white.

Edward Bulmer, founder of the eponymous paint company, recommends his company's moody London Brown should be used with Light Fine White. Bulmer's guide to using paint has been launched at the online Create Academy.

All square: Harrogate Chestnut tile, 17.94 each, Craven Dunhill

DELICIOUS CHOCOLATE

Many households will opt for brown accessories. A bitter chocolate Sheridan silk pillowcase (52) would add luxury to inexpensive white sheets. H&M Home has a set of two cushion covers in abstract desert hue patterns (6.99).

If you prefer pale woods but would like to take a walk on the dark side, H&M's 199 brown bedside table with shuttered jalousie doors would be suitable.

A lamp is another option. At Dunelm, you will find the 52 Santiago Urn lamp with a cream linen lampshade.

Made.com has reduced the price of its brown earthenware planters (10 to 24). Add Swiss cheese plants to create that 1970s vibe (from 16, Patch).
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A life-size statue of Greyfriars Bobby on George IV bridge is one of the top tourist destinations in Edinburgh, but a new book could rewrite the story of the faithful terrier.

Bobby stayed by his master's grave in Edinburgh for 14 years after his death in 1858, and has long been thought to have been a Skye terrier.

But a new book claims that the dog is more likely to have been a Dandie Dinmont terrier  an immensely popular breed in Scotland at the time.

While Skye terriers tended to be confined to the Isle of Skye, around 255 miles away from Edinburgh, Dandie Dinmont Terriers were bred in the Borders, just 45 miles away from the Scottish capital.

A new book claims that Bobby is more likely to have been a Dandie Dinmont terrier (pictured left with the statue of Bobby)  an immensely popular breed in Scotland at the time

While Skye terriers tended to be confined to the Isle of Skye, around 255 miles away from Edinburgh, Dandie Dinmont Terriers were bred in the Borders, just 45 miles away from the Scottish capital

Skye terrier vs Dandie Dinmont terrier Skye Terrier Height: 7.8  9.8 inches Weight: 26.4  39.6 lbs Coat: Double coat with long top layer Lifespan: 12-15 years Dandie Dinmont Terrier Height: 7.8  11 inches Weight: 17.6  24.2 lbs Coat: Double coat with medium top layer Lifespan: 12-15 years Advertisement

Bobby was born in 1856 and lived with his owner John Gray  a dedicated nightwatchman for the Edinburgh City Police Force  for two years.

After John's death in 1858, Bobby refused to leave his grave until his own death in 1872.

'Despite constant coaxing from locals and visitors alike, Bobby braced himself against torrential rainfalls, bitter winters and blisteringly hot summers to stay by his owner's resting place,' the Forever Edinburgh website explains.

'The rumours about this little dog began to spread far and wide, and Bobby soon had quite the fan base.

'People would travel from across the country and beyond to catch a glimpse of this remarkable legend that was still very much unfolding.'

Bobby was presented with his very own collar by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh in 1867.

This signified that he was a licensed dog, and was protected against a new law which stated that all unlicensed dogs would be destroyed.

A statue in his honour now stands opposite Greyfriars Kirkyard and is visited by millions of tourists every year, with many rubbing its nose for luck.

While his story is so widely known that several blockbuster films have been made to depict it, a new book claims that one key detail may have gone unnoticed.

The Dandie Dinmont terrier (pictured with the statue of Bobby) took its name from a character in a novel written by Sir Walter Scott in 1814, although the dogs were around long before that

Rather than being a Skye terrier (pictured), as long thought, the authors suggest that Bobby was a Dandie Dinmont terrier

Rather than being a Skye terrier, as long thought, the authors suggest that Bobby was a Dandie Dinmont terrier.

Mike Macbeth, president of the Canadian Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club, who wrote the book with Paul Keevil, said: 'There have been so many competing stories about Greyfriars Bobby that the truth has faded like the mist on an Edinburgh morning.

'But the more I researched him for our book, The Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the True Story of Scotland's Forgotten Breed, the facts led to only one conclusion: that Greyfriars Bobby had to be a dandie dinmont terrier.'

Both authors of the book are Crufts dog show judges and have spent the last two years researching their new book on the history and social influence of the dandie dinmont terrier.

The researchers said that the early newspaper articles and sightings never suggested Bobby was a Skye terrier, but that he was almost always referred to as a 'Scotch Terrier' - a term used colloquially to describe the dandie dinmont.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier was a popular breed in Scotland in the 1800s, with around 60 breeders in the Edinburgh area around the time of Bobby's birth, according to the researchers

Dandie Dinmont Terrier was a popular breed in Scotland in the 1800s, with around 60 breeders in the Edinburgh area around the time of Bobby's birth, according to the researchers.

The breed took its name from a character in a novel written by Sir Walter Scott in 1814, although the dogs were around long before that.

'Known as Mustard and Pepper Terriers, describing their two colour varieties, they were highly prized as working terriers in the Scottish borders, where they were sent to ground after rabbits, rats, foxes, otters and badgers among others,' explains The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club.

'They were often owned by gypsies and poachers - and in fact all the Dandies around today are descended from a poacher's dog found in a trap on the Duke of Buccleuch's estate - in 1839!'

Today, Dandie Dinmonts are rarely used as working terriers, but make excellent companion dogs.

'They are hardy, intelligent, friendly, gentle with children and a good watchdog,' The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club added.
Four out of five of the UK's most popular period tracking apps share personal data with third parties, a report published today reveals.

Experts criticised the 'cavalier' treatment of sensitive personal information and warned it means women's health data could be being used to target them with tailored advertising.

The analysis of 25 of the most popular menstrual cycle tracker apps in the UK was carried out by the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps (ORCHA), an independent company which assesses health app safety for the NHS.

It found 21 out of the 25 apps analysed - 84 per cent - shared at least some data with external third parties, while 24 out of 25 shared users' health data with the app developer.

Of those which shared data with third parties, nearly 70 per cent did so for 'marketing purposes', while 40 per cent said they shared it for 'research' and 40 per cent said they shared it for improving developer services of the app.

Data shared could include details of sexual activity, contraception use and when a user's period stops and starts. Contact details of users who tracked their periods were also being sold on as marketing contact lists.

Study found 21 out of the 25 apps analysed - 84 per cent - shared at least some data with external third parties

How US women can protect their privacy in the wake of Roe v Wade being overturned Women should use encrypted period tracker apps and an alias email account to protect their privacy in the wake of Roe v Wade being overturned, an expert has warned. Mico Yuk, a data expert for Count, said period trackers are collecting a lot data from users and can trace sexual activity and whether or not women intend to become pregnant. She recommends that women use encrypted trackers - like Period Plus or Natural Cycles - and to only use apps that explicitly state they will not sell users' data. She also recommends checking phone settings to see whether an app is encrypted. Yuk also suggested that women use an alias account when using health tracking apps and searching for healthcare questions. Advertisement

Period and fertility tracking apps have become increasingly popular in the last decade, with the London-based app 'Flo' alone having 200 million users worldwide.

Cycle trackers make up the majority of the booming 'femtech' market, which was worth $22 billion in 2020 and is predicted to be worth $60 billion in 5 years' time.

Commenting on the report, health technology expert and GP Dr Marcus Baw said: 'This data is incredibly valuable to companies with a direct or indirect interest in knowing who is fertile, who is pregnant and who isn't, or who might be having fertility issues.

'It's entirely possible that companies could even use this kind of data to target people with, say, more emotion-driven adverts at a time in their cycle when they're likely to be more vulnerable to emotional pulls.'

He said that companies were required by UK law to tell users what their data was being used for, but that this information was often buried in terms and conditions or privacy policy which few people read thoroughly before signing up.

Although consumers in the UK have the right to request the data a company holds on them, companies do not have to provide specific details about who they share it with or which parts of the data have been passed on.

The fact that apps are sharing sensitive personal data with third parties adds weight to growing concerns about how data could be misused for surveillance of women, following the controversial overturning of the Roe vs Wade abortion ruling in the US, he added.

Cycle trackers make up the majority of the booming 'femtech' market, which was worth $22 billion in 2020 and is predicted to be worth $60 billion in 5 years' time

Cycle trackers that keep your data secure Fitbit Data security score: 83%

Overall score: 88% Natural Cycles Data security score: 82%

Overall score: 79% Eve Data security score: 75%

Overall score: 71% Moody Month Data security score: 76%

Overall score: 67% Flo Data security score: 84%

Overall score: 66% Source: ORCHA. Overall score based on 350 different metrics Advertisement

Fatima Ahmed, an obstetrics and gynaecology doctor and ORCHA's clinical lead for women's health, said: 'It's alarming that some of these innovative new tools seem to have been cavalier with women's very intimate information.

'It is important that we protect patient information at all costs. Breach of data is a breach of trust with a patient. Even when patients give consent, it is for a particular reason. It's never an open and free-for-all access to share.'

The Data Privacy Matters Period report, published today, revealed the results of researchers' analysis of the apps against 350 different metrics, including data security, compliance with GDPR and data protection laws, usability and medical accuracy.

It found nearly half failed to meet minimum data security requirements, while only one specifically asked users within the app for their permission to share their data. Others buried this within the terms and conditions or a privacy policy.

Researchers also found that once users signed up to an app and agreed their data could be used, it could be difficult to withdraw consent.

Almost half of the apps tested which processed personal and sensitive data demonstrated poor compliance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) legislation.

And five offered no email address or contact number through which users could request their data be deleted  despite this being a legal requirement.

Only five reached the minimum quality standards to be added to ORCHA's digital library, which is used by NHS doctors to recommend approved health apps to patients.

And just two - FitBit and Natural Cycles - were recommended as safe and secure.

Study found 21 out of the 25 apps analysed - 84 per cent - shared at least some data with external third parties

The report did not name the apps which scored poorly.

But it said apps that passed the quality threshold were typically broader health apps which offered simple period tracking, such as Fitbit, rather than those offering sophisticated women's health and fertility monitoring.

It said: 'It is clear that this is a market of low quality apps This is particularly worrying, given the high consumer demand for women's health apps and lack of regulation in app stores.'

The Apple and Google Play app stores were approached for comment but did not respond.
'Apple Computer A', the prototype for the tech giant's first ever computer, is up for sale  and could sell for more than half a million dollars at auction.

Considered 'lost' until recently, the prototype was hand-soldered by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak in 1976, the year the company was established.

The 'rare' and 'historic' item is essentially a circuit board covered in chips and wires, embossed with the words 'Apple Computer A 76'.

It was a prototype for the Apple-1, the firm's first ever product, which was sold as an assembled circuit board and lacked basic features such as a keyboard or monitor.

The prototype is now being sold off by RR Auction, an auction house based in Boston.

Bidding stands at $278,005 (230,888) and ends on August 19  but the auction house is anticipating a final selling price of more than $500,000 (415,000).

'Apple Computer A', the prototype for the tech giant's first ever computer, is up for sale  and could sell for more than half a million dollars at auction. Considered 'lost' until recently, the prototype was hand-soldered by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak in 1976

The 'rare' and 'historic' item is essentially a circuit board covered in chips and wires, embossed with the words 'Apple Computer A 76'

RR Auction said the item is damaged, due to 'pressure on the upper right' resulting in 'a crack', although photos show the the entire right-hand corner is missing

WHAT IS THE APPLE-1? Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak created the Apple-1 computer in 1976 and presented it at a computer club in Palo Alto. However, there were few takers at the time. Paul Terrell, owner of a retail chain called Byte Shop, placed an order for 50 of the machines and sold them for $666.66 (420) retail - once Wozniak and Jobs agreed to assemble the circuit boards rather than offer them as kits. The usual price tag is believed to have been chosen because Wozniak liked repeating digits. Wozniak and Jobs hand-crafted 150 more Apple-1 machines and sold them to friends and other vendors. Fewer than 50 original Apple-1s are believed to have survived, with only eight known to be in working condition. The Apple 1 did not have a keyboard or monitor, meaning users had to supply their own before they were able to use the computer. It also had a tiny 8K memory - tiny by today's standards. Jobs sent them direct to buyers from the garage of his parents' house, now known a 'Apple Garage'. It is not known how many were sold during 1976, but by April 1977 the price had been dropped to $475 (300). Advertisement

'Few Apple artifacts could be considered as rare, early, or historic as this Apple-1 prototype,' said RR Auction on the item's page listing.

'It is the perfect embodiment of the symbiosis between Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Silicon Valley  the brilliant businessman, the electronics Einstein, and the infrastructure in which they thrived.'

RR Auction said the item is damaged, due to 'pressure on the upper right' resulting in 'a crack', although photos show the entire right-hand corner is missing.

The missing piece is presumed to have been discarded. A Polaroid photo from 1976, provided by RR Auction, shows the complete board.

According to the auction house, the board's present condition suggests Jobs saw the prototype 'not as something to be enshrined, but as something to be repurposed'.

Integrated circuits, microprocessors and other components have been plucked from their sockets, presumably for use on early production Apple-1 computers.

RR Auction said the prototype has been examined and authenticated this year by Apple-1 expert Corey Cohen, who has produced a 13-page report on the item.

It was back in 1976 that Jobs and Wozniak created the Apple-1 computer and presented it at a computer club in Palo Alto, California.

The prototype had been hand-soldered by Wozniak, who used a 'three handed' technique  wire in one hand, soldering iron in the other, and solder held in his mouth.

Jobs then used the prototype to demonstrate the Apple-1 to Paul Terrell, owner of The Byte Shop in Mountain View, California, one of the first personal computer stores in the world.

Jobs and Wozniak had conceived it as part of a $40 do-it-yourself kit for hobbyists, but at Terrell's request it became a fully assembled personal computer.

The Apple-1 computer was designed by Apple founders Steve Jobs (left, in 1977) and Steve Wozniak (right), pictured here in April 1977

A Polaroid photo from 1976, taken by Paul Terrell and provided by RR Auction, shows the complete board as it once looked

Close-up of a portion of the prototype shows the soldering work by Steve Wozniak, who used a 'three handed' technique - wire in one hand, soldering iron in the other, and solder held in his mouth

Terrell made a purchase order for fifty Apple-1s, which Wozniak later called 'the biggest single episode in all of the company's history'.

'Nothing in subsequent years was so great and so unexpected,' the co-founder said.

The Apple-1 went on sale in July 1976 at a price of $666.66, because Wozniak 'liked repeating digits', and not as a reference to the number of the beast.

In all, only 200 Apple-1 computers were made before the product was discontinued the following year, 175 of which were sold.

Introductory advertisement for the Apple-1 computer. Apple-1 was sold as an assembled circuit board and lacked basic features such as a keyboard or monitor

This prototype resided in the 'Apple Garage'  the garage at the childhood home of Steve Jobs that was a hangout for the founders of Apple  for many years before being given by Steve Jobs to its current owner about 30 years ago.

At that time, Jobs had been ousted from Apple and was leading another computer company that he had set up, NeXT.

Jobs of course went on to rejoin Apple in 1996 and led the company through its most successful period, overseeing the release of the iMac G3, the iPod, the iPhone and much more.
China has launched the second of three modules that, together with the main body, make up its highly-ambitious 'Tiangong' space station.

The new module, called Wentian, was launched on a Long March 5B rocket at 14:22 (06:22 GMT) on Sunday from Wenchang Space Launch Center on the island of Hainan, China.

Wentian, a research lab dedicated to science and biology experiments, has already docked with the main body of the space station, called Tianhe.

It's set to be followed by a second research lab module, Mengtian, due to be launched in October this year.

When Mengtian attaches to the rest of Tiangong, the space station's construction will finally be complete, although Beijing also plans to launch Xuntian, a space telescope that would co-orbit with the space station, in 2024.

Tiangong (meaning 'heavenly palace') will rival the ageing International Space Station (ISS), which is operated by the space agencies of the US, Canada, Russia, Japan and Europe.

It will comprise three modules, although another two spacecraft  Shenzhou and Tianzhou  which transport crew and cargo respectively, can also dock at the station.

A Long March-5B Y3 rocket carrying China's space station lab module Wentian blasts off from Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on July 24, 2022 in Wenchang, Hainan Province of China

The rocket carrying Chinas second module for its Tiangong space station lifts off from Wenchang spaceport as crowds watch

Wentian, which will be a base for science and biology experiments, has already docked with the main body of the space station

3D rendering of the Chinese Space Station, or Tiangong Space Station, as it'll look when fully constructed. Tianhe forms the main living quarters for crew members. Shenzhou is an existing spacecraft that docks at the station with crew. Tianzhou is an existing cargo transport spacecraft

WHAT IS TIANGONG? China's space station is called 'Tiangong', meaning 'Heavenly Palace'. Tiangong is comprised of several different modules that are launching one by one. In April 2021, the core module, called 'Tianhe', was launched. The first crew arrived at Tianhe two months later. In July 2022, Wentian, a smaller module where research experiments will take place, attached to Tianhe. In October 2022, a second research lab module, Mengtian, will also attach to Tianhe. When it does, the Tiangong space station will be complete. Another two spacecraft that can dock at the station  Shenzhou and Tianzhou  respectively transport crew and cargo, and aren't considered part of the station itself. China also plans to launch Xuntian, a space telescope that would co-orbit with the space station, in 2024. Advertisement

The launch of Wentian was 'a complete success', Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported.

After 13 hours of flight, Wentian successfully docked with the Tianhe living area of the Tiangong space station at 03:13 Monday (19:13 GMT), according to the China Manned Space Agency.

Three astronauts currently living in the core module on a six-month mission  Cai Xuzhe, Chen Dong and Liu Yang  oversaw Wentian's arrival and docking procedures.

Photos showed the three astronauts waving to cameras from inside Wentian, beamed back to the Beijing Aerospace Control Center.

'This is the first time China has docked such large vehicles together, which is a delicate operation,' said Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

Until the next module arrives (Mengtian), the space station will have a 'rather unusual L-shape' which will take a lot of power to keep stable, McDowell said.

'These are all technical challenges that the USSR pioneered with the Mir station in the late 1980s, but it's new to China,' he told AFP.

'But it will result in a much more capable station with the space and power to carry out more scientific experiments.'

At almost 18 metres (60 feet) long and weighing 23 tons (48,500 pounds), Wentian is heavier than any other single-module spacecraft currently in space, according to the state-owned Global Times.

The Wenchang Space Launch Center is a is a rocket launch site on the island of Hainan, China

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, an image taken off the screen at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center shows Chinese astronauts from left, Cai Xuzhe, Chen Dong and Liu Yang wave from inside the Wentian lab module on Monday, July 25, 2022

Chinese astronaut Chen Dong operates equipment inside the Wentian lab module on Monday, July 25, 2022

The Tiangong space station, currently under construction, is seen in this artistic rendering (file photo)

CHINESE SPACE STATION MODULES - Tianhe: Core module. Launched on April 29, 2021 - Wentian: Experiment module I. Launch planned for 2022 - Mengtian: Experiment module II. Launch planned for 2022 - Xuntian: Space telescope module. Planned launch in 2024 to co-orbit with Chinese Space Station Advertisement

It provides a pressurised environment for astronauts to conduct tests in zero gravity, as well as a robotic arm for external experiments.

The Tianhe module of China's new space station  which was the first module to be launched, in April last year  forms the main living quarters for crew members aboard Tiangong.

Once completed, Tiangong space station will weigh some 66 tons, far smaller than the ISS, which launched its first module in 1998 and weighs around 450 tons. It is expected to have a life span of at least 10 years.

ISS, currently in orbit, took 10 years and more than 30 missions to assemble, from the launch of the first module back in 1998.

The ISS is backed by five participating space agencies  NASA (US), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada)  but China was originally barred from participating by the US.

Tiangong's first crew arrived at Tianhe in June 2021 and returned to Earth in September following a 90-day mission.

The second crew of two men and one woman  Zhai Zhigang and Ye Guangfu and Wang Yaping  arrived in mid October 2021 and were there for much longer  six months.

In early November, Yaping became China's first female spacewalker after completing a six-hour task outside the station, along with Zhigang.

Cai Xuzhe, Chen Dong and Liu Yang make up the third three-person crew to have lived aboard Tiangong.

They arrived in June this year and will likely also spent six months on the space station, to be replaced by another three Chinese astronauts.

China has ramped up its space programme with an unmanned mission to the moon  which returned the first moon samples to Earth in more than 45 years years  and the launch of an uncrewed probe to Mars, as well as construction of its own space station.

In contrast, the fate of the ageing ISS  in orbit for more than two decades  remains uncertain, and it may be decommissioned and destroyed in 2031.

After what will be a distinguished 32-year career, NASA plans to sink the ISS in an ocean in one of the most remote places on Earth  also known as a 'spacecraft cemetery'.
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The massive Valles Marineris canyon has been revealed in stunning new images taken by the European Space Agency's Mars Express.

At 2,485 miles long, over 124 miles wide and more than 4 miles deep, the Red Planet's canyon makes America's seem downright puny by comparison. Valles Marineris would span the distance from the northern tip of Norway to the southern tip of Sicily.

The new image depicts two trenches, or chasma, that form a portion of the western part of Valles Marineris. On the left is the 521-mile-long lus Chasma and on the right is the 500-mile-long Tithonium Chasma.

The picture uses data from the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) onboard Mars Express and it is a 'true color' image, meaning it shows what would be seen by the human eye if looking at this region of Mars.

Scroll down for video

This oblique perspective view of Tithonium Chasma (pictured above), which forms part of Mars' Valles Marineris canyon structure, was generated from the digital terrain model and the nadir and color channels of the High Resolution Stereo Camera on the European Space Agency's Mars Express.

The Red Planet's massive canyon has been revealed in new images released by the ESA. The new image depicts two trenches, or chasma, that form a portion of the western part of Valles Marineris. On the left is the 521-mile-long lus Chasma and on the right is the 500-mile-long Tithonium Chasma

At 2,485 miles long, over 124 miles wide and more than 4 miles deep, the Red Planet's canyon makes America's Grand Canyon seem downright puny by comparison

This image of Tithonium Chasma shows parallel lines and debris piles (upper right) that indicate a recent landslide

Pictured above is an illustration of an oblique view of the giant Valles Marineris canyon system on Mars. The canyons were formed by a combination of geological faulting, landslides, and erosion by wind and ancient water flows

When viewed in terms of elevation, the Alps' tallest mountain Mont Blanc - rising over 15,000 feet above sea level - would be dwarfed if it was put inside Tithonium Chasma.

Unlike America's Grand Canyon, which was formed about 5 million years ago as the Colorado River eroded rock away, the Red Planet's massive canyon is believed to have formed by the drifting of tectonic plates.

At the top of Tithonium Chasma, a patch of dark sand - that may have come from a nearby volcanic region - brings color contrast to the image.

Next to the dark sand dunes are two light-toned mounds, one of which is cut in half by the upper image border.

This picture taken by the Mars Express shows a perspective view of a mesa in the regions east of the Valles Marineris, the largest canyons in the Solar System

The Red Planet's massive Valles Marineris - which stretches almost a quarter of the planet's circumference, is seen above (middle) in this image from the Granger Collection

Lus and Tithonium Chasmata are seen above. The area outlined by the bold white box indicates the area imaged by the Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera on April 21, 2022 during orbit

MARS: THE BASICS Mars is the fourth planet from the sun, with a 'near-dead' dusty, cold, desert world with a very thin atmosphere. Mars is also a dynamic planet with seasons, polar ice caps, canyons, extinct volcanoes, and evidence that it was even more active in the past. It is one of the most explored planets in the solar system and the only planet humans have sent rovers to explore. One day on Mars takes a little over 24 hours and a year is 687 Earth days. Facts and Figures Orbital period: 687 days Surface area: 144.8 million km Distance from Sun: 227.9 million km Gravity: 3.721 m/s Radius: 3,389.5 km Moons: Phobos, Deimos Advertisement

Those mounds are actually gigantic, rising more than 9,800 feet in height. For perspective, Mount Hesperus in Alaska, which is highest peak of the Revelation Mountains, rises 9,828 feet.

The mounds' surfaces have been significantly eroded by Mars' strong winds: Typical wind speeds on the Red Planet average 125 miles per hour, with gusts reaching 300-375 miles per hour.

A series of smaller bumps can be seen in between the two large mounds.

The Mars Express has previously found water-bearing sulphate minerals in this region, according to the ESA.

The space agency says this suggests that the bumps formed when liquid that once filled the chasma evaporated - but this point is debated by scientists.

'To the lower right of the mound that we see fully (upper right in the second perspective view), we can see parallel lines and debris piles that indicate a recent landslide,' the ESA says in a statement.

That evidence can also be seen in the topography image below.

'The landslide was caused by the collapse of the canyon wall on the right, and is likely to have occurred relatively recently because it has not been strongly eroded,' the ESA explains.

'The gnarly floor of Ius Chasma is equally fascinating.

'As tectonic plates pulled apart, they appear to have caused jagged triangles of rock to form that look like a row of shark teeth.'

Over time, the rock formations have collapsed and eroded.

The ESA's Mars Express has been orbiting the Red Planet since 2003 to conduct a wide range of scientific experiments, including imaging Mars' surface, mapping its minerals, identifying the composition and circulation of its atmosphere and probing beneath its crust.

NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover has been exploring the Red Planet for almost a year and a half. The American space agency wants to send humans to Mars in the 2030s.

Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, has long said that humans must colonize Mars and become a multi-planetary species in order to preserve consciousness and extend it into the cosmos.

Pictured above: A color-coded topographic image showing Ius and Tithonium Chasmata, which form part of Mars' Valles Marineris canyon structure, that was created from data collected by ESA's Mars Express
Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe has hinted he wants to fight for his place at the club, insisting he is 'focused' and 'determined' to make his mark.

The Ivory Coast international remains the club's record signing after joining in a 72million deal from Lille in 2019, but he has struggled to make a regular impact in north London.

The 27-year-old scored just one goal and laid on a single assist in the five Premier League appearances he made last season, and confirmed he had changed agents in May amid speculation he was set for a move away.

Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe has hinted on Instagram he wants to fight for his place at the club

Leeds, Sevilla, Lyon and Marseille have all expressed interest in Pepe this summer, but posting on Instagram following the conclusion of Arsenal's pre-season tour of America, he appeared to play down links of a move away.

'I worked hard during the summer. Changed a lot of things,' Pepe wrote as a caption in combination with a picture showing him in pre-season action in the States.

'I'm focused and determined with Arsenal and my team-mates,' he added.

The 27-year-old played second fiddle to Bukayo Saka last season and as a result made just 19 appearances across all competitions in 2021-22.

Arsenal have further strengthened in attacks this summer with Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira arriving from Man City and Porto, and reports suggest Mikel Arteta still wants a right winger.

Reports last week suggested LaLiga side Sevilla had begun talks with Arsenal over Pepe's availability.

They did suggest, however, that his salary presents an issue to Sevilla - who face the Gunners in Saturday's Emirates Cup - with Pepe needing to lower his current 100,000 per week demands if a move is to happen.

There is also a question over the fee, with Sevilla only prepared to pay 15m for the 27-year-old.

The Ivory Coast international has started three of Arsenal's five pre-season games this summer

The Gunners are holding out for around 10m more as they look to recoup some of the huge fee they forked out just three years ago.

Marseille and Lyon are both keen to bring him back to France, where his performances for Lille originally earned him the big-money move to Arsenal.

Pepe has started three of Arsenal's five pre-season games so far - against Ipswich Town, Nuremberg and Orlando City respectively - while making appearances off the bench against Premier League duo Everton and Chelsea.
Lionel Messi berated PSG team-mate Sergio Ramos and exchanging words with him in training after a challenge from the latter.

The duo are currently in Japan as part of Christophe Galtier's squad gearing up for the new 2022-23 campaign.

The pair were on opposite sides of one of the biggest rivalries in world sport when they played for Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Lionel Messi (centre) exchange words with PSG team-mate Sergio Ramos (left) in training

But despite now being on the same team, they could not help but demonstrate that old habits die hard.

In a video circulating on social media, Ramos steps up and tries to win the ball off Messi before he can run at him.

However, the 35-year-old Argentine appears to anticipate this and skips past the Spain defender, but he is caught by the centre-back's trailing leg.

Former Barcelona star Messi manages to stay on his feet however and then arrows a right-foot shot into the bottom corner.

The pair were on opposite sides of one of the biggest rivalries in world sport when they played for Barcelona and Real Madrid

But the Argentine didn't forget the rash tackle and after giving Ramos a stern look went to exchange a few words with him.

But despite the spat between the pair here, it has been a successful pre-season for the Ligue 1 champions to date, remaining unbeaten so far this summer.

They beat Gamba Osaka 6-2 in a friendly on Monday, with Messi scoring the fourth for PSG.

The French champions also beat Osaka's fellow Japanese sides Urawa Reds and Kawasaki, having begun pre-season with a 2-0 win against Ligue 2 side Quevilly-Rouen.

Messi scored the fourth goal for PSG as they beat Japanese outfit Gamba Osaka 6-2 on Monday

It represents the start of Messi and Ramos' second year in France, with the pair struggling with injuries and form in 2021-22.

Ramos made just 13 appearances across all competitions due to a calf injury while Messi scored just six league goals in 26 matches.

The pair's contracts at the Parc des Princes are up next year, with Messi being linked with a return to Barcelona and a move to David Beckham's Inter Miami.
Barcelona are growing in confidence that they will beat Chelsea to the signing of Jules Kounde from Sevilla.

Chelsea were hopeful of landing French centre back Kounde for around 55million to add to 34m arrival Kalidou Koulibaly, as they target defenders after losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers this summer.

However, Barcelona have made their move and are pushing to pip Chelsea to Koundes signature.

Barcelona are increasingly likely to snatch Jules Kounde away from Chelsea with a late swoop

Boss Xavi looks to have won the race for the Frenchman having already lured away Raphinha

The Spanish club temporarily had Koundes shirt for sale on their website yesterday. Barca pulled off a similar trick to hijack Chelseas move to sign Raphinha from Leeds, after the Blues had agreed a fee for the Brazilian.

Chelsea came close to signing Kounde, 23, last summer and earlier in this window there was a strong belief in Spain that a move to Stamford Bridge was inevitable once the Todd Boehly takeover was completed.

However, Chelsea moved for Koulibaly and made attempts for other centre backs Matthijs de Ligt, who instead joined Bayern Munich, and Nathan Ake, who is staying at Manchester City, before returning to Kounde.

They are now prepared to walk away from Kounde if the saga drags on. Their other defensive targets include Paris Saint-Germains Presnel Kimpembe, Inter Milans Milan Skriniar and RB Leipzigs Josko Gvardiol.

Barcelona have already managed to beat Chelsea in the race to sign ex-Leeds star Raphinha

Kounde's shirt name was available for purchase temporarily on Barcelona's website, hinting that the deal is on the brink of being finalised.

The Spanish club have swiftly deleted the name, eager not to stir any extra speculation ahead of his seemingly imminent signature.

Kounde made no secret of his desire to join Barcelona were the LaLiga giants were able to raise the funds to compete with Chelsea financially.

The 23-year-old centre-back made 32 appearances in the top flight last season as Sevilla finished fourth behind Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea are expected to make life incredibly difficult for Barcelona in their pursuit of Blues veteran Cesar Azpilicueta, should Todd Boehly miss out on Kounde as he did Raphinha.

Chelsea are likely to block Barcelona's bid for Cesar Azpilicueta if Kounde joins the Catalans

The ex-Leeds star hit the ground running under Xavi, scoring the winner for his new team in a 1-0 win against Real Madrid on Sunday.

He was also joined on the pitch alongside former Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski, who featured in his first El Clasico since arriving for 42.5m nine days ago.

Azpilicueta, despite wearing the captain's armband at Stamford Bridge, is keen to seal a move to Barcelona, following in the footsteps of former team-mate Andreas Christensen, who arrived on a free transfer at the start of July.

Due to ongoing financial complications, the Nou Camp chiefs initially struggled to attack the market in pursuit of their summer targets, but have since freed up funds through TV rights sales.

They completed the second deal with Sixth Street to sell a further 15 percent of their TV rights last week, having previously agreed to offload just 10 percent.

With added cash in hand, Barcelona are exceedingly likely to hand Sevilla an agreeable offer very soon and provide Kounde with an opportunity to snub Chelsea.
A catastrophic wildfire near Yosemite National Park grew out of control Sunday, becoming one of California's worst blazes of the year and driving hundreds of inhabitants to abandon remote mountain settlements.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, 2,000 firefighters, together with airplanes and bulldozers, were battling the Oak Fire under challenging conditions that included steep terrain and high temperatures.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom Declares State of Emergency

The fire broke out Friday southwest of the park at Midpines in Mariposa County. Officials reported explosive fire behavior as flames raced through bone-dry vegetation caused by the worst drought in decades on Saturday. Cal Fire said the incident had destroyed more than 22 square miles of forest area by Sunday, with no containment. The reason was being investigated. Over 6,000 people were ordered to evacuate across a several-mile stretch of the sparsely inhabited Sierra Nevada foothills.

Because of the fire's consequences, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Mariposa County. Cal Fire said flames destroyed ten residential and business properties and damaged five others. Several roads were blocked, including State Route 140 between Carstens Road and Allred Road, which is one of the primary entrances to Yosemite, NPR reported.

As climate change has made the West warmer and drier over the last 30 years, California has seen an increase in the size and severity of wildfires in recent years. According to scientists, the weather will get more intense, and wildfires will become more common, devastating, and unpredictable.

As stated on Pacific Gas & Electric's website, more than 2,600 homes and businesses in the region had no power as of Friday afternoon, with no indication of when it would be restored. According to the company, PG&E is unable to reach the damaged equipment.

On Friday, a shoeless older guy attempting to flee the fire wrecked his car into a ditch in a blocked area and was assisted by firefighters. He safely drove away from the scene and did not appear injured. Meanwhile, firefighters have made substantial progress in the fight against a wildfire that started in Yosemite National Park and spread to the Sierra National Forest.

The Washburn Fire burned nearly 7.5 square miles of woodland and was 79 percent controlled on Friday. It was one of California's biggest fires of the year, along with the Lost Lake Fire in Riverside County, which was entirely controlled in June and covered 9 square miles.

The fire broke out on July 7 and prompted the closure of Yosemite's southern gate and the evacuation of the Wawona village as it raged on the outskirts of Mariposa Grove, which is home to hundreds of gigantic sequoias, the world's biggest trees by volume, as per CBS News.

Read Also: Monkeypox Now a Global Public Health Emergency Says WHO; Infections in the US Shoot Up

Global Warming

There was evidence of global warming everywhere in the country, with 85 million Americans in more than a dozen states under a weekend heat alert. Former Vice President Al Gore, a relentless climate champion, issued strong concerns about "inaction" by US politicians on Sunday's nonresponse to the problem. When asked if he thinks US President Joe Biden should declare a climate emergency, as Biden has suggested, Gore was forthright.

He also said that current catastrophes, such as catastrophic heat waves in Europe, should serve as a wake-up call for members of Congress who have so far failed to support climate change measures.

The central and northeastern United States are bearing the brunt of the current severe temperatures, which are not anticipated to peak until Sunday but have thrown public health experts into a loop. A heat advisory has been issued for cities along the northeast coast, from Boston to Philadelphia to Washington.

Not even the usually cool Pacific Northwest will escape the far-reaching heat, with the region expected to face several days in the 90s next week. Cities have been forced to open cooling stations and increase outreach to at-risk communities such as the homeless and those without access to air conditioning.

Extreme heat waves have hit various regions of the globe in recent months, such as Western Europe in July and India from March to April, incidents that scientists say are an unmistakable sign of a warming climate, according to NDTV.

Related Article: 2 Babies Die, Others Injured After Tree Falls in Alabama Home During Severe Storm That Leaves Tens of Thousands Without Power

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A Scottish friend has never heard of Shuna. Me neither. But a quick Google search reveals it has a castle and a population of just three. It cant be on the itinerary of many cruise companies  but then, St Hilda Sea Adventures is not like many other cruise operators.

It has three pint-sized explorer-style boats and I am booked on a six-night trip aboard the 82 ft-long Seahorse II, which previously served as a Norwegian ferry.

There are nine of us in total. The boat makes for a cosy retreat with the hardy vessel decked out with a handful of cabins on the lower deck and a spacious living-cum-dining area on the upper level.

Sadie Whitelocks explores the west coast of Scotland on Seahorse II (pictured)

Seahorse II (above) 'makes for a cosy retreat with the hardy vessel decked out with a handful of cabins on the lower deck and a spacious living-cum-dining area on the upper level'

One of our first stops takes us to the village of Crinan in Argyll, where several of us venture into the Scottish rainforest for a fairly strenuous hike through the undergrowth.

I pair up with Kat, an IT engineer based in London but originally from Russia, and we make it to the top of a small hill carpeted in flame-hued ferns, ash, birch and conifers serving up prime views of 12th-century Duntrune Castle.

We are the youngest passengers on board, 34 and 30 respectively, but everyone seems up for a challenge. Retired banker Mike, a self-described yomper, is here with wife Susina, then theres Graham, who rises at 6.30am most days despite dodgy knees to get out on the Zodiac boat in a bid to spot otters.

Historic fortress: After a strenuous hike in Argyll Sadie is afforded prime views of 12th-century Duntrune Castle, which lies near the village of Crinan

Sadie's itinerary includes a visit to the island of Shuna (above), which has a population of three. While there Sadie watches sheep graze the grounds surrounding the eerie remains of a castle

TRAVEL FACTS St Hilda Sea Adventure runs various trips throughout the year with prices starting from 850. EasyJet flies between London Gatwick and Glasgow (easyjet.com). Go to sthildasea adventures.co.uk/scottish- cruises/calendar/2022. Advertisement

On Shuna  that mystery island  burning logs scent the air from one of the five holiday cottages, pheasants dart about with their iridescent feathers shimmering in the sun and sheep graze the grounds surrounding the eerie remains of a castle built in 1911 by adventurer and philanthropist George Alexander Maclean Buckley. In the peaceful surrounds of Loch Melfort, Kat and I are greeted with magnificent sunset views of the mirror-like waters below and the islands beyond as we venture up a 4x4 track to a lofty ridgeline.

While we are gone, Mike, a keen fisherman, reels in 20 mackerel from the side of the boat and Donnel, the captain, helps him descale them ready for breakfast the next day.

On the subject of food, we are treated to a fine spread of delicious dishes courtesy of Andrea the chef. Fresh mussels from Loch Spelve cooked in a white wine and cream sauce, a moreish butternut squash tarte tatin and a rich chocolate torte are among the most popular creations.

While exploring the pretty surrounds of Seil  one of the Scottish isles where slate was mined for almost three centuries  Kat and I nip into the renowned Oyster Bar for some takeaway molluscs. The plump and creamy specimens prove to be some of the best I have ever tasted.

Unfortunately, after a stop in Mull, the mizzle descends into dreich (the Scottish word for miserable weather) for the final couple of days  but walking in the rain still proves to be a joy when dressed in the right gear.

It feels like weve been aboard, Avril says on our last night.

Certainly, the Scottish isles, of which there are more than 900, have a way of transporting you to a different world  and discovering them on a trusty former Norwegian ferry is a cruise of an entirely different kind.
Its being billed as a good call for smartphones.

Tesco Mobile has unveiled a mini parasol designed to block sun rays and stop phones from overheating and help make the screen more readable in the glare. It would also help shield phones from the rain, its claimed.

Searches for how to keep phone cool have risen 17 per cent in the past month, said Tesco Mobile, and close to 80,000 Amazon searches have been recorded for anti-glare and anti-glare screen products this year.

Sun's out, thumb's out: Tesco Mobile has unveiled a mini parasol designed to block sun rays and stop phones from overheating and help make the screen more readable in the glare

Compatible with iPhone and Samsung, the mini umbrella is available from now until August 4 exclusively on the Tesco Mobile website.

To secure one, consumers will need to sign up at tescomobile.com/why-tesco-mobile/award-winning-network/home-from-home.

Tesco Mobile warned that customers would need to be quick as they wont be available for long.

The phone service said: The handy parasol has been designed to celebrate Tesco Mobile being one of the only networks to offer Home From Home roaming in 48 destinations in Europe and beyond, at no extra cost.

Rachel Swift, Tesco Mobile Chief Customer Officer, said: As families prepare to enjoy themselves at home or abroad this summer, we know that theres always a desire to stay connected. Everyone can relate to the difficulties we face when trying to read our phone on the beach.

Searches for how to keep phone cool have risen 17 per cent in the past month, said Tesco Mobile, and close to 80,000 Amazon searches have been recorded for anti-glare and anti-glare screen products this year

To secure one, consumers will need to sign up at tescomobile.com/why-tesco-mobile/award-winning-network/home-from-home

Thats why weve created a little something to help you take the perfect beach selfie and scroll aimlessly.

Tesco Bank, meanwhile, doesnt have any beach accessories to reveal, but does have some summer holiday facts and figures to report.

It said that holidaymakers are taking more cash away with them than they did before the coronavirus pandemic.

Average transaction values have risen by 56, from 288 pre-pandemic to 344, according to Tesco Banks internal data.

The bank also said it had seen a significant increase in people ordering travel money online for either home delivery or click and collect, rather than exchanging money in person at a store.

There have also been some changes in buying trends, Tesco Bank said, adding that the euro is becoming increasingly popular as travellers opt for destinations closer to home.

Turkey is also popular with summer holidaymakers, with the lira being among the most in-demand currencies so far this summer, Tesco Bank said.

Ban Mahsoub, head of money services at Tesco Bank, said: It can be easier to budget when you have cash in front of you, and with prices rising across many popular holiday destinations, people may prefer the certainty of seeing how much they have left.
Lauren Goodger wants a post-mortem be carried out on her baby daughter as she desperately searches for the child's cause of death.

The TV personality is still picking up the pieces after baby Lorena, her second child with partner Charles Drury, died suddenly on July 8, moments after being born 'without complications.'

Lauren, 35, is now pushing for a full investigation into her death as the couple come to terms with their daughter's devastating loss.

The former TOWIE star revealed she was rushed to hospital while in labour at home when her midwife couldn't detect a heartbeat in her unborn child.

Heartbreakingly, Lauren told how when Lorena was born she 'looked like she was sleeping' and she thought her baby daughter would 'wake up'.

Devastated: Lauren Goodger wants a post-mortem be carried out on her baby daughter as she desperately searches for the child's cause of death (pictured last week)

Speaking to The Sun in her first interview since the tragedy, she insists clarification is needed regarding what happened to Lorena for her own peace of mind.

'They think her oxygen may have been restricted because she had two knots in her cord but normally babies can still get enough oxygen despite this,' she explained.

'This is why I am having an autopsy. I need to understand medically how she died for my own sanity.'

Lauren had planned for a natural water birth, to be carried out at her Essex home under the supervision of her midwife Tamzin - who had previously delivered the TV personality's first child Larose.

Devastating: In a statement, Lauren said the couple's child was born 'without complications' prior to her death on July 8

Her waters broke on July 6 and initial vitals were normal, with Lauren deemed 'low risk' after giving birth to her first child without issue.

Further tests were carried out the following day, during which the unborn child's heartbeat was detected, but when her contractions began on day three the heart was no longer beating, and Lauren was rushed to hospital.

Following a two hour birth more than ten doctors desperately fought to save Lorena by performing chest compressions and administering adrenalin, but to no avail.

She recalled: 'Charlie was in pieces, he was screaming, "Please save my baby." I was in shock. My midwife was with me and she said, "She will be fine." I thought she would be alright.

'I thought theyd found a heartbeat but they told me they hadnt. I am not sure why they said she had one, maybe it was just a movement or from the adrenaline.

'It was awful. I sat in my bloodied sheets for four hours. They asked me if I wanted to shower and I said yes, but I just couldnt move. I just sat there in shock.'

Tragic: Her second daughter with her boyfriend Charles Drury tragically died moments after she was born

Television personality Lauren revealed the heartbreaking news her newborn baby had died earlier this month.

Taking to Instagram to share a picture of Lorena touching her hand, Lauren wrote that she 'can't understand' why her daughter has passed away after she went through pregnancy and labour without complications, adding that she and partner Charles have been left 'broken' by the tragedy.

Lauren wrote: 'Lorena [angel emoji] R.I.P 08.07.22 she was the most beautiful healthy baby Ive ever seen just like her sister @babylarose.x 

'Words cant describe as a mother losing your baby that I carried for all these months perfectly and gave birth too for my angel to be taken from me [angel emoji].

'There was no pregnancy or labour complications and she was fine & healthy but I am not going into detail right now just know that there was nothing wrong with her or myself she was perfect.

'I cant understand it she is so so beautiful Larose twin so similar.. I am broken [heartbreak emoji].'

Sad news: Lauren's partner Charles paid tribute to his late newborn daughter writing on Instagram: 'Your little heart will forever beat inside mine'

Lauren admitted she will 'never ever get over' the tragic loss of her daughter and requested time and space to grieve while focusing her attention on her elder child.

She continued: 'I am back home from hospital. Me & Charlie spent as much time with our baby girl Lorena and I havent said my goodbye yet [heartbreak emojis].

'Please can I ask photographers to respect our privacy right now as we have a lot of grieving to do and funeral organising that I just need this time & with my baby girl Larose she is my rock thats getting me through this or I wouldnt survive

'I will never ever get over this but I will learn how to live everyday with Lorena in my heart she will be with me always and I will be with her again one day

'My [angel emoji] Lorena I love you so much [heartbreak emoji](sic).'

Her partner Charles Drury paid tribute to his late newborn daughter soon after.

Charles, who raises 11-month old daughter Larose with Lauren, took to his Instagram later in the day, writing: 'Your little heart will forever beat inside mine.'

Charles wrote: 'Lorena Drury - 8/7/22.

'Our beautiful baby girl so perfect in every way, 8/7/22 will always be your day. Your little heart will forever beat inside mine, Ill love you until the end of time.

'You remind me so much like your big sister, youd have looked like little twins, Larose will always know how beautiful & strong you were.

Parents: Lauren and Charles are parents to Lauren's first daughter Larose, with Charles saying their newborn looked just like her older sister

'I promise you I'll look after your mummy & sister forever, just look over us all & keep me strong, show me signs that youre up in heaven where you belong. Im sorry it had to be this way but I know well be together again some day.'

'This isnt something I thought Id ever have to write but Im so proud to be your daddy, Ill see you soon baby girl but for now sleep tight.'

Lauren revealed she was expecting her second child in January, just days after it was revealed she had kicked partner Charles out of the family home following his fling with another woman.

Speaking to OK! magazine about her pregnancy, Lauren admitted the exes were debating whether to keep the baby.

She said: 'We werent very careful and Charlie was really pleased, but being honest I was really in two minds about it. I was like, Im just getting myself back together  Im going back to square one. Is this fair? You get real mum guilt].

'A lot went through my mind which is why Ive held out a bit longer until Ive announced it. Charlie was like, I really want this baby. And I said, So do I. I made the decision to go ahead with it and Im so glad I did."'

Lauren and Charles split in November, months after their baby daughter was born, but reconciled three weeks later. They then split again in January before coming together once more in April.

She added: 'We had that little break [in November] and he came back and was like, Youre not having a termination  I want this family.

'I knew deep down I was going to go ahead with it, but I was scared. Ive got to think of Larose too.'

Explaining how she found out she was expecting just eight weeks after giving birth to Larose, Lauren said: 'I hadnt had a period for quite a few weeks, my nipples were killing me and when I was breastfeeding the pain was unbearable.

'I thought, I bet you Im pregnant! I did a test and it said positive.'

Charles added that his time apart from Lauren made him realise what he was missing and that going to therapy helped him mature from a 'boy to a man.'

The couple's whirlwind romance first came to light in October 2020 when Lauren teased she was dating a mystery man, who was soon to be identified as Charles.

They announced they were expecting their first child together just three months after going public with their relationship.

The news came as she mourned the death of her ex-boyfriend Jake McClean who was killed after his car careered off the road in Turkey earlier this month, leaving passenger and close friend Yazmin Oukhellou seriously injured.

If you have been affected by anything in this article, please contact the UK Child Bereavement line on 0800 02 888 40 or The Lullaby Trust on 0808 8026868.
Jackie 'O' Henderson has recalled her flirty encounter with former US President Bill Clinton two decades ago.

The interaction took place during a charity event in Sydney at The Children's Hospital at Westmead on September 8, 2001, just months after he left office and three years after his sex scandal involving Monica Lewinsky.

Discussing the chance meeting on Tuesday's Kyle And Jackie O Show, the radio presenter, 47, said Clinton, 75, clearly took a moment to observe her physique, but was otherwise perfectly polite and appropriate.

Jackie 'O' Henderson, 47, has recalled her flirty encounter with former US President Bill Clinton, 75, two decades ago. Pictured: Clinton (left) shaking hands with Henderson (right) at The Children's Hospital at Westmead on September 8, 2001

'Was there any fiddling going on? 'Was he like, 'Well, hello, hello!'' Co-host Kyle Sandilands jokingly asked.

Giggling, Henderson replied: 'No!' before adding: 'He definitely looks you up and down, though. I'm not going to lie.'

Clinton was in Australia on a speaking tour at the time, and was scheduled to give a live address to workers and patients at the hospital.

'Was there any fiddling going on? 'Was he like, 'Well, hello, hello!'' Co-host Kyle Sandilands jokingly asked. Giggling, Henderson replied: 'No!' before adding: 'He definitely looks you up and down, though. I'm not going to lie.' Pictured left is Clinton at the fundraiser in 2001, and right is Jackie in 2022

Clinton was in Australia on a speaking tour at the time, and was scheduled to give a live address to workers and patients at the hospital

Despite Henderson being a veritably unknown star compared to Clinton, the radio star found herself rubbing shoulders with the politician as they both shared the same publicist, PR maestro Max Markson.

Their meeting was actually captured on camera, as a photo shows Clinton shaking hands with Henderson outside the hospital alongside Olympic athletes Susie Maroney and Michael Diamond.

Max Markson, who hosted the President during his three-day visit Down Under, previously told Daily Mail Australia: '[Clinton] was still in Australia on 9/11.'

Despite Henderson being a veritably unknown star compared to Clinton, the radio star found herself rubbing shoulders with the politician as they both shared the same publicist, PR maestro Max Markson

Max Markson, who hosted the President during his three-day visit Down Under, previously told Daily Mail Australia: '[Clinton] was still in Australia on 9/11'

'No planes were allowed to fly so President George W Bush signed a special order to send a military plane from Guam to Cairns in Queensland to pick him up and bring him back to the US.'

Clinton was infamously at the centre of a sex scandal with then-White House Lewinsky in 1998 after their two-year sexual relationship came to light.

The scandal led to Bill being impeached but he survived the trial in the Senate and remained in office during his second term.

In a Hulu documentary series that aired in 2020, Clinton offered an apology to Ms Lewinsky and said he felt 'terrible' her life was defined by their affair.

The last time the former president spoke about the scandal before that was in 2018 and it backfired spectacularly because he said that he did not owe Lewinsky a private apology.
Mark Wahlberg shared a selfie that showed him spending time with his wife, Rhea Durham, to his Instagram account on Sunday.

The 51-year-old performer and his wife of over a decade, 44, appeared to be enjoying their quality time with each other as they made the most of a recent trip to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

The Boogie Nights actor also penned a short message in his post's caption that read: 'Talk about holding it down!! Thank you.'

Cute couple: Mark Wahlberg shared a selfie that showed him spending time with his wife, Rhea Durham, to his Instagram account on Sunday

Wahlberg kept it casual while posing for the photo, as he wore a stark white t-shirt.

Durham's voluminous brunette locks remained free-flowing and fell onto her shoulders.

The now-married couple was initially connected when they began dating in 2001.

The pair moved quickly with their relationship, and they began a family with the birth of their daughter Ella Rae, aged 18, in 2003.

In the past: The now-married couple was initially connected when they began dating in 2001

Wahlberg and Durham waited for three more years before they had their first son Michael, aged 16.

The pair's second son, Brendan Joseph, aged 13, was born in 2008, and the couple tied the knot the following year.

The happy couple's second daughter, Grace Margaret, aged twelve, was subsequently born in 2010.

Moving along: The pair's second son, Brendan Joseph, aged 13, was born in 2008, and the couple tied the knot the following year

Wahlberg previously discussed his marriage during an interview with The Sun, where he credited his spouse with inspiring much of his personal growth.

'I owe a lot to my wife. She has helped me become the man that I am and created a beautiful life for me and our children,' he said.

The Departed cast member then noted that he had come to understand that Durham had completely changed his life.

Grateful: Wahlberg previously discussed his marriage during an interview with The Sun, where he credited his spouse with inspiring much of his personal growth

'I also knew that she loved me for who I am and that she was someone I could trust. Until I met her, I wasn't ready to have a family,' he stated.

Wahlberg went on to tell the media outlet about why he and his wife had stayed together for a lengthy period of time.

'We share the same values. Obviously, the physical attraction was there, but that's not what keeps a couple together,' he said.
It's the show famous for its heartwarming celebration of suburban Aussie life.

Over 9000 episodes and 37 years Neighbours gave fans 39 weddings and welcomed 17 new babies.

But as the curtain comes down on Ramsay Street for good this week, with its final episode airing on Thursday, the astonishing death toll on the series has emerged.

According to The Australian , there were 64 fatalities over the lifetime of the beloved soap, including a couple of shocking murders. Neighbours chief 'villain', Paul Robinson, played by one of the show's stalwarts Stefan Dennis, gunned down Gus Cleary (Ben Barrack) in 2004

According to The Australian, there were 64 fatalities over the lifetime of the beloved soap, including a couple of shocking murders.

Neighbours chief 'villain', Paul Robinson, played by one of the show's stalwarts Stefan Dennis, gunned down Gus Cleary (Ben Barrack) in 2004.

The show's scriptwriters cooked up further mayhem for the folks in Erinsborough with over 100 hostage and kidnapping storylines.

Meanwhile, in one memorable week in 2014, Ramsay Street came close to being wiped out by a tornado.

That was just one of 35 natural disaster's that beset the neighbourhood.

Some characters had their fates sealed tragically in car accidents - there were 115 in total.

Fans were left on the edge of their seats when favourite Paige Smith (played by Olympia Valance) suffered a near fatal crash in 2017.

Jarrod 'Toadfish' Rebecchi's first wife Dee died in 2003 when a car driven by Toadie on their wedding day drove off the cliff

In 2013, Toadie's wedding to Sonya (Eve Morey) erupted into chaos after a gas bottle exploded, which left two guests dead

Toadie is known to the show's fans as one character who was notoriously unlucky in love

Jarrod 'Toadfish' Rebecchi played by Ryan Moloney is known to the show's fans as one character who was notoriously unlucky in love.

In 2013, Toadie's wedding to Sonya (Eve Morey) erupted into chaos after a gas bottle exploded, which left two guests dead.

His first wife Dee died in 2003 when a car driven by Toadie on their wedding day drove off the cliff.

Meanwhile, Hollywood megastar Margot Robbie is set to feature in the soaps historic final episode.

Some characters had their fates sealed tragically in car accidents - there were 115 in total. Fans were left on the edge of their seat when favourite Paige Smith (played by Olympia Valance, left) suffered a near fatal crash in 2017. Seen here comforted by Jack Callahan (Andrew Morley)

The 32-year-old, who played Donna Freedman from 2008 to 2011 filmed the Zoom appearance sometime after the show wrapped filming on June 10.

Fellow Aussies Delta Goodrem, Jesse Spencer, Holly Valance, Carla Bonner, Natalie Imbruglia and Kym Valentine, who all had their start on the show, will all return to the finale.

They will join Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue who will return as fan favourites Scott and Charlene Robinson.

Homegrown Hollywood actor Guy Pearce, 54, will also be on board for the finale.

In the 90 minute special, the cast will gather for the third wedding of Toadie and Melanie Pearson, played by Lucinda Cowden.
Roxy Jacenko potentially has her sights set on a career in artist management.

The Sweaty Betty PR founder, 42, raised eyebrows this week when she was spotted rubbing shoulders with rising Canadian pop star star Tate McRae.

The sighting has sparked rumours the veteran Sydney publicist wants to move into managing musicians, reports The Sun Herald.

Roxy Jacenko potentially has her sights set on a career in artist management

Roxy has also been seen with American talent manager Scooter Braun, who is best known for overseeing Justin Bieber's rise to fame.

Roxy is already the global publicity manager for The Kid Laroi, and has been handling the press for his most recent Australian tour.

The PR maven would not comment on her career aspirations with Tate McRae, but did say working with Laroi was a 'pinch-me' moment.

The Sweaty Betty PR founder, 42, raised eyebrows this week when she was spotted rubbing shoulders with rising Canadian pop star star Tate McRae (pictured together)

'When opportunity presented itself to support the Kid Laroi team during the Australian leg of his End of the World Tour, it was one of those career "pinch-me" moments,' she said.

It follows news Roxy could be working on a new television show.

The Ministry of Talent mogul sparked chatter she could be in cahoots with Nine to create a project after she was given the 'best seat in the house' at the Logie Awards.

It follows news Roxy (pictured at the Logie Awards) could be working on a new television show

Roxy was seated next to Nine CEO Mike Sneesby, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Her 'front-row seat' at the prestigious ceremony ignited rumours she could have something in the pipeline with the network.

Sitting with Roxy were Today show co-hosts Allison Langdon and Karl Stefanovic, Eddie Maguire and actress Claudia Karvan.

Roxy is no stranger to television, having appeared on Celebrity Apprentice in 2013 and SAS Australia in 2020 (pictured)

She also dined at Nineteen at The Star Gold Coast Rooftop Bar alongside 15 guests from Nine, including Richard Wilkins.

Roxy is no stranger to television, having appeared on Celebrity Apprentice in 2013 and SAS Australia in 2020.

She holds the record for the shortest time spent on any SAS series anywhere in the world, turning in her armband within the first hour.
Hailey Bieber on Sunday took to Instagram with a stunning side shot of herself in a promotion for her skincare line, Rhode.

The supermodel, 25, who is married to musical superstar Justin Bieber, 28, posted a pic of her profile with the caption: 'The @rhode peptide glazing fluid is back tomorrow at 8am pst. Limited quantities for now but more to come very soon ... get your glaze.'

In the image, the Tucson, Arizona-born beauty, whose parents are actor Stephen Baldwin and graphic designer Kennya Baldwin, grabbed her brown locks while donning a white tank top and hoop earrings.

The latest: Hailey Bieber, 25, on Sunday took to Instagram with a stunning side shot of herself in a promotion for her skincare line, Rhode

In a second shot, Hailey was seen seated in what appeared to be a shower while holding up a container of the item.

The social media posts came amid legal ongoings surrounding the beauty brand, as she was sued by the proprietors of another brand named RHODE who accused Baldwin's company of trademark infringement, E! News reported after reviewing legal docs in the case.

In the litigation, the New York-based clothing and lifestyle brand on Friday had sought to stop Hailey from releasing a documentary titled The Making of Rhode, but the judge allowed it to be put out after reviewing its content.

Hailey's attorney Michael Rhodes said in a statement that his team was 'pleased with the court's thorough order denying plaintiff's motion to preliminarily enjoin Hailey's new company and skincare line.'

In a second shot, Hailey was seen seated in what appeared to be a shower while holding up a container of the item

In a promotional clip for her brand, Hailey said she chose Rhode as it's the middle name both she and her mother use

A spokesperson for the New York-based RHODE said in a statement that their suit will continue, adding that Friday's 'court ruling is simply a decision by the judge not to prohibit Hailey Bieber's skin care line from using our brand name while litigation proceeds, deferring the ruling until we have the opportunity to gather more evidence.

'We remain confident that we will win at trial. "RHODE" is our name and brand, we built it, and federal and state laws protect it. We ask Hailey to achieve her goals without using the brand name we have spent the last nine years building.'

In legal docs, RHODE co-founders Purna Khatau and Phoebe Vickers said that Hailey, in naming her brand, disregarded 'that two other women entrepreneurs have been using the RHODE brand name for years.'

Hailey was sued by the proprietors of another brand named RHODE who accused Baldwin's company of trademark infringement

RHODE co-founders Purna Khatau and Phoebe Vickers said in a June 21 post that while they didn't want to engage in litigation with Hailey, they 'had to in order to protect our business'

In a June 21 post on the company's Instagram page, Khatau and Vickers said that while they didn't want to engage in litigation with Hailey, they 'had to in order to protect our business.'

They continued: 'We admire Hailey. She has worked hard and earned the ability to create her own skin-care line. We dont want to sue Hailey; we want to celebrate her. As fellow women entrepreneurs, we wish her every success. Hailey could choose any brand for her skin-care line. We have only the brand name "RHODE" that weve built.

'Thats why we didnt sell her our brand when she asked four years ago, and why we ask her now to change her skin-care lines brand. Her using our brand is hurting our company, our employees, our customers, and our partners.'
Travis Scott surprised audience members at the Rolling Loud music festival in Miami on Saturday night when he made an unannounced appearance with Future.

The 31-year-old rapper appear during the headlining set from Future, 38, toward the end of his performance.

Travis' mini-set is the closet he has gotten to replicating the size and scope of his set at Astroworld in Houston, Texas, in November of last year. During the performance, a devastating crowd surge occurred, killing eight people and two more who died later in the hospital from compression asphyxiation.

Surprise! Travis Scott, 31, surprised audience members at the Rolling Loud music festival in Miami on Saturday night when he made an unannounced appearance with Future, 38

Twenty-five other attendees were hospitalized, while over 300 people were treated for injuries.

Video from Rolling Loud appears to show thunderous cheers from the crowd as Travis joins Future on the stage

According to Setlist.fm, Travis performed on Hold That Heat, followed by his songs Antidote, No Bystanders and Goosebumps.

During that latter song, the younger rapper appeared to have the stage all to himself, according to video posted to social media.

Playing the hits: Travis joined Future and also went solo with a medley of his hits, including Antidote, No Bystanders and Goosebumps

Taking charge: During that latter song, the younger rapper appeared to have the stage all to himself, according to video posted to social media

FUTURE BRINGS OUT TRAVIS SCOTT AT Rolling Loud pic.twitter.com/5hAgFyQcQo  TRAVIS SCOTT FANPAGE  (@dailytrvisxx) July 24, 2022

He apparently capped off his guest appearance by joining in with the headliner on Future's song March Madness.

It was a surprisingly lengthy visit for Travis, and the high-profile performance may suggest he's trying to get back into the public's graces, as he has avoided festivals and most high-profile performances since his Astroworld debacle.

According to TMZ, those close to Travis blamed logistical problems and a lack of time for him not officially joining the festival lineup.

After Kanye West  who was the original headliner for Friday night  dropped out and was replaced by his friend-turned-nemesis Kid Cudi, several fans complained on social media that Travis Scott would have been a better replacement.

But Tariq Cherif, the co-founder of Rolling Loud, claimed in an Instagram comment that the venue, the Hard Rock Stadium, wouldn't allow Scott to perform due to the deaths during his Astroworld set.

'Tried to convince Ye to stay on the lineup but he wasn't having it,' he originally wrote, before adding, 'Venue won't allow Travis because of astroworld deaths.'

TRAVIS SCOTT PERFORMED GOOSEBUMPS AT ROLLING LOUD  pic.twitter.com/wsHYo0va2z  TRAVIS SCOTT FANPAGE  (@dailytrvisxx) July 24, 2022

Death and destruction: Travis' mini-set is the closet he has gotten to replicating the scope of his set at Astroworld in Houston, Texas, in November of last year. Ten people died due to compression asphyxia from a crowd surge during his headlining set

Conflicting stories: A Rolling Loud co-founder claimed that the venue wouldn't allow Travis to perform due to the 'Astroworld deaths,' but he walked that back and the festival claimed he turned down an official spot due to a lack of time for prep

Back together: He apparently capped off his guest appearance by joining in with the headliner on Future's song March Madness

A Rolling Loud spokesperson subsequently denied that that was the case and claimed that Scott 'couldnt work in such a short time.'

Cherif went on to delete his viral comments and claimed to TMZ that they were 'not accurate.'

Travis' return to the stage comes as his partner Kylie Jenner denied that a wedding registry found online was for the couple.

Her sister Kourtney Kardashian had also denied that a social media account claiming to be from her son Mason was actually his. The account had claimed that Kylie and Travis were on the verge of tying the knot.

The couple share two children: four-year-old Stormi Webster and a five-month-old son, who was initially named Wolf, though Kylie and Travis opted to change his name and haven't revealed the final choice.
Madge Bishop is to return to the finale episode of Neighbours when it airs in the UK on Friday - as a ghost 21 years after her death.

The character, played by Anne Charleston, 79, was married to Harold and was the mother of Kylie Minogue's character Charlene.

She died of pancreatic cancer in 2001 but will reappear for one last time after funding for the soap was dropped by Channel 5, meaning filming in Australia can no longer go ahead.

Unexpected comeback: Madge Bishop is to return to the finale episode of Neighbours when it airs in the UK on Friday - as a ghost 21 years after her death (actress Anne Charleston pictured in 2006)

A source told The Sun: 'There was no-way that someone as iconic and legendary as Madge wasnt going to be seen in the soaps final ever episode.

'It was just about how they could have her back when her death was such a huge part of the shows history. Its very clever.

'The fans are going to get goosebumps  its magical.'

Playing the part: The character was married to Harold and was the mother of Kylie Minogue's character Charlene

Madge appeared on the show from 1986 to 1992 and again from 1996 to 2001 as a much-loved character.

After husband Harold's return, the pair renewed their marriage vows and fostered a child but she was later diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Doctors told her she had just months to live but further tragedy struck when her life was shortened even further after she developed septicaemia after cutting her finger.

Before her death, Lou confessed his undying love for her and she died in the arms of Harold.

It comes after the plot for the finale episode of the cancelled Australian soap opera was leaked.

In the 90 minute special, the cast will gather for the wedding of Toadie Rebecchi, played by Ryan Moloney, and Melanie Pearson, played by Lucinda Cowden.

The event will bring together cast members from the past and present, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Info: The plot for the finale episode of cancelled Australian soap opera Neighbours has been leaked. In the 90 minute special, the cast will gather for the wedding of Toadie Rebecchi, played by Ryan Moloney (right), and Melanie Pearson, played by Lucinda Cowden (left)

A major storyline will revolve around returning favourites Guy Pearce and Annie Jones.

Their characters, Mike Young and Jane Harris, are former lovebirds, and old romantic feelings will be stirred at the wedding between the one-time couple.

Elsewhere in the plot, Dr Karl Kennedy, played by Alan Fletcher, will face a drama with his former on-screen lover Izzy Hoyland, played by Natalie Bassingthwaighte.

Action! A major storyline will revolve around returning favourites Guy Pearce (left) and Annie Jones (right)

Screen stars: Their characters, Mike Young and Jane Harris, are former lovebirds. Pictured during their time on Neighbours

Paul Robinson, played by Stefan Dennis, faces selling his hotel to Shane Ramsay, played by Peter O'Brien.

A leaked script earlier revealed the fate of Scott and Charlene Robinson, played by Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue.

The couple will return to Erinsborough at the end of the episode and deliver the closing lines, according to Popbitch.

Show favourites: While attending the wedding, old romantic feelings will be stirred between the one-time couple

Legends: Elsewhere in the plot, Dr Karl Kennedy, played by Alan Fletcher will face a drama with his former on-screen lover Izzy Hoyland, played by Natalie Bassingthwaighte. Both pictured

The Daily Telegraph reports that Charlene will be seen diving her iconic green Mini into Ramsay Street during the episode.

The couple's televised wedding was watched by 22 million people in Australia and the UK back in 1987.

Kylie and Jason recently snuck into Australia to shoot their final scenes for the soap, sharing some behind the scenes images from the set to Instagram.

All stars: A leaked script earlier revealed the fate of Scott and Charlene Robinson, played by Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue. Pictured together in behind the scenes images from the set

Famous plot: Charlene will be seen diving her iconic green Mini into Ramsay Street during the episode. The pair will then deliver the show's closing lines, according to Popbitch

Returning cast members include Melissa Bell, Olympia Valance, Melissa Bell, Ian Smith, Paul Keane, Bonnie Anderson, Daniel MacPherson and Jodi Gordon.

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.

The Neighbours finale will go to air on Channel 5 in the UK on Friday July 29.
President Joe Biden's symptoms have improved dramatically since his COVID-19 infection last week, according to a written report from the president's doctors on Sunday.

On Saturday night, Biden finished his third full day of Paxlovid, an antiviral medication that helps lower the risk of serious sickness, according to Physician to President Kevin O'Connor.

Biden's COVID-19 Symptoms Improve

While the president's voice remains "a little deep," Biden's pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature are all normal, and he has no shortness of breath, according to O'Connor. According to the doctor, Biden's oxygen saturation is "good" on room air, and his lungs remain clean.

On Thursday morning, Biden tested positive for the coronavirus. O'Connor stated on Saturday that the president was most likely infected with a highly contagious variation known as BA.5, which is spreading across the country. Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, confirmed this on Sunday, "It is the BA.5 variant."

That strain is an offspring of the Omicron strain, which first appeared late last year. It is thought to be the cause of the great majority of coronavirus cases in the nation. Since then, he has been isolated in the White House, according to Fox News. Officials with the administration have underlined that his symptoms are modest since he had four vaccination doses and began using the antiviral medicine Paxlovid after being sick.

Since Friday, when the media watched him engage in a virtual discussion with economic experts, the White House has not published any images or videos of Biden. Jha promised that the White House would continue to provide updates on the president's condition and if he might experience long-term effects.

Read Also: Russia-Ukraine War: UN Chief Reveals Grain Deal Between Warring Nations in Major Diplomatic Breakthrough

None of Biden's Close Contacts Test Positive for COVID-19

According to Biden's press secretary, 17 persons, including members of the president's top staff and at least one member of Congress, were found to have been in close contact with Biden while he was infectious, per AP News. Jha said none of the 17 persons who had intimate contact with Joe Biden around the time of his COVID diagnosis tested positive for the disease. Close relationships include Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Jill Biden, as well as certain top officials and members of Congress.

Democratic Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, as well as Democratic Representatives Jake Auchincloss and Bill Keating, joined Biden on Air Force One for the journey to Somerset, Massachusetts, on Wednesday. Protocol for a "close contact" in the White House requires a person to be within six feet of the person who tested positive for more than 15 minutes.

Jha stated that COVID-19 protocols were already strict, adding that Biden would frequently meet with individuals outside. According to Dr. O'Connor, the painful throat likely results from lymphoid activation as his body clears the infection, hence encouraging.

Ashish Jha, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, also stated on Sunday morning that Biden is feeling much, much better' following his COVID-19 diagnosis. On Thursday, Biden received his positive diagnosis after a regular COVID-19 test. When the president's condition was announced, he declared he felt good and was working from the White House's seclusion. According to Dr. O'Connor, Biden finished his third day of PAXLOVID therapy on Saturday night.

When the president's illness was revealed, he stated that he felt fine and was working from the isolation of the White House. Biden completed his third day of PAXLOVID treatment on Saturday night.

According to the expert, this BA is responsible for 80 percent of current COVID-19 infections in the United States. There are five variations. Biden's vital indicators, including blood pressure and respiratory rate, are normal, according to the doctor, and his oxygen saturation levels are great, with no shortness of breath at all, Daily Mail reported.

Related Article: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Republican Challenger Lee Zeldin Exchange Blows as Candidates Highlight Their Election Attacks

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Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea announced that the band will release a new double album titled Return of the Dream Canteen while on stage at their sold-out concert in Denver, Colorado.

'We have a brand-new double album stacked to the brim,' Flea told the crowd of 50,000 fans on Saturday night, per a report from Variety.

The band, which consists of Kiedis, Flea (born Michael Peter Balzary), Chad Smith and John Frusciante, were performing at the Empower Field at Mile High as part of their 38-date 2022 Global Stadium Tour.

The latest: Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea announced that they will release a new double album titled Return of the Dream Canteen while on stage at their sold-out concert in Denver, Colorado; Seen in March 2022

'It's f***ing good news, man. Do you have a single in mind?' Kiedis said.

Flea replied, 'The single might be called Tippa My Tongue. I don't know for sure.'

According to Billboard, Return Of The Dream Canteen will be produced by the band's longtime collaborator Rick Rubin.

Rubin also produced their 12th studio album  and first album of 2022  titled Unlimited Love, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart in April. It marked their first debut number-one placing since 2006's Stadium Arcadium.

New music: The band, that consists of Kiedis, Flea (born Michael Peter Balzary), Chad Smith and John Frusciante, were performing at the Empower Field at Mile High as part of their 38 date 2022 Global Stadium Tour; Pictured in April 2022

Producer: According to Billboard, Return of the Dream Canteen will be produced by the band's longtime collaborator Rick Rubin; Rubin is seen with Frank Ocean in 2017

In addition, Rubin produced other hit Red Hot Chili Peppers albums including 1991's Blood Sugar Sex Magik and 1999's Californication.

On Saturday, the band's official Instagram Page shared an image of the upcoming album's psychedelic cover art along with a preorder link.

The post was captioned: 'RETURN OF THE DREAM CANTEEN OUT OCT. 14.'

The band's account added, 'We went in search of ourselves as the band that we have somehow always been. Just for the fun of it we jammed and learned some old songs. Before long we started the mysterious process of building new songs.

'A beautiful bit of chemistry meddling that had befriended us hundreds of times along the way. Once we found that slip stream of sound and vision, we just kept mining.

Album cover: On Saturday, the band's official Instagram Page shared an image of the upcoming album's psychedelic cover art along with a preorder link

'With time turned into an elastic waist band of oversized underwear, we had no reason to stop writing and rocking. It felt like a dream. When all was said and done, our moody love for each other and the magic of music had gifted us with more songs than we knew what to do with.

'Well we figured it out. 2 double albums released back to back. The second of which is easily as meaningful as the first or should that be reversed. 'Return Of The Dream Canteen' is everything we are and ever dreamed of being.

'Its packed. Made with the blood of our hearts, yours truly, the Red Hot Chili Peppers.'

On tour: The band's Global Stadium Tour was launched in support of Unlimited Love and kicked off on June 4 in Seville, Spain; seen in June 2022

The band's 2022 Global Stadium Tour was launched in support of Unlimited Love and kicked off on June 4 in Seville, Spain.

The tour is the Red Hot Chili Peppers' first in five years and celebrates the return of their guitarist John, who rejoined the band in 2019, following his 2009 departure.

Anthony recently gushed that his band is 'like his family' as the 40th anniversary of its formation approaches.

He's back: The tour is the band's first in five years and welcomed the return of their guitarist John Frusciante (2nd to left), who rejoined the band in 2019, following his 2009 departure; seen in 2022

In April, the lead vocalist, 59, said, 'I can't quit them and they can't quit me,' and explained how they get on better now than when they were younger.

He also discussed how the band is 'less destructive' now that its members are older, before adding that they feel a 'lot more aches and pains' while performing and on tour.

Speaking on Zoe Ball's Breakfast show on BBC 2, he said of the upcoming 40th anniversary: 'I absolutely cannot believe it, I don't really keep track of time but 40 is a large number.

Together: Anthony recently gushed that his band are 'like his family' as the 40th anniversary of them forming approaches; seen in 2017

'It is amazing that a band can stay together that long. These guys have become like my family. I can't quit them and they can't quit me.

'Today at band practice I had shivers and my hair stood up just from hearing them play music. It is still working so well.'

He went on to detail how they are different now after first getting together and performing so long ago.

Band: In April, the lead vocalist said, 'I can't quit them and they can't quit me' and explained how they get on better now than when they were younger' (pictured in 1990)

He said: 'The spirit is still there but there are a lot more aches and pains along the way. The 21-year-old body could take a beating and just keep going and it can't so much now.

'But we get along better, we are less self destructive and less destructive of the world around us. We still have fun everyday but we don't have to sleep on park benches anymore!'

He also chatted about writing their new album in lockdown and their new upcoming tours.

Candid: He discussed how they are 'less destructive' now they are older, before adding that they feel a 'lot more aches and pains' while performing and on tour (pictured in Rio in 2019)

'The whole process was great, the joy is in the making of the song. And then you have to wait a long time for people to hear it and that is happening now. It's been fun', he explained/

'We started jamming again in lockdown and within a couple of weeks Covid happened. I was recording vocals for six months which was a privilege to have that time and space to just write lyrics.

'I love it when people have their own understanding of a song and can relate to it in their own way. I have such positive memories from touring with lots of different bands.'
Katherine Langford stunned fans on Sunday when she unveiled her new look.

The 13 Reasons Why star, 26, who is known for being a brunette, showed off her new blonde hairstyle in a gallery of photos shared to Instagram.

Her brighter locks perfectly complemented her blue eyes in the pictures, which she took during her recent visit to Paris, France.

Katherine Langford stunned fans on Sunday when she unveiled her new look

It comes after the Aussie actress attended the Cannes Film Festival in May as an international spokesperson for L'Oreal, which celebrated its 25 years of partnership with the prestigious event.

She joined other stars such as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Leila Bekhti, Gemma Chan, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Viola Davis, Elle Fanning, Aja Naomi King, Eva Longoria, Andie MacDowell, Camille Razat, Nidhi Sunil, and Kate Winslet on the red carpet.

The Perth native told Stellar Magazine in 2020 that 13 Reasons Why was 'the worst, but greatest, first role' in preparing her for a life in the spotlight.

The 13 Reasons Why star, 26, who is known for being a brunette (left), showed off her new blonde hairstyle in a gallery of photos shared to Instagram (right)

'In many ways it was the worst, but also the greatest, first role to have. The reactions afterwards were, and will always be, really special to me,' she explained.

Katherine, who had no prior acting experience, received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for her role in the controversial teen drama.

She played American high school student Hannah Baker, who died by suicide after battling with mental illness and struggling to fit in.

Her brighter locks perfectly complemented her blue eyes in the pictures, which she took during her recent visit to Paris, France

She went on to reveal how fame had changed how people perceive her.

'What I realised is that it didn't change me, but rather how people saw me,' she said.

Last year, Katherine temporarily relocated from Los Angeles to her home state of Western Australia to work on an Australian production.
She recently came under fire from a parenting expert and psychologist after admitting she still sleeps alongside her 11-year-old son Bear.

Yet Alicia Silverstone brushed off the drama as she was seen heading on a hike in Southern California with her three pet pooches and a friend on Sundat.

The Clueless star, 45, has been the subject of intense debate in recent days regarding her 'overly attached' parenting style - yet seemed in high spirits as she enjoyed her weekend hike.

Fun in the sun: Alicia Silverstone, 45, took advantage of the summer weather and headed out on a hike with her three dogs and a friend in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles on Sunday

Heading out makeup free, Silverstone kept it casual and sporty dressed in sweatpants and a cropped white T-shirt with legendary rock band KISS on the front.

She also donned a pair of comfortable black sneakers for the long walk, and had her long blonde tresses pulled up into a a loose bun.

The Golden Globe nominated performer looked in high spirits as she beamed broadly while getting in her daily exercise.

Casual: Silverstone, 45, kept it sporty dressed in black and white-patterned sweatpants and a cropped concert t-shirt with legendary rock band KISS on the front

Controversial: She recently came under fire from a parenting expert and psychologist after admitting she still sleeps alongside her 11-year-old son Bear (pictured in 2020)

Silverstone's outing came after she was slammed by a parenting expert who claimed her overly attached parenting style can lead to 'boundary issues,' and that she should have stopped sharing a bed with her son when as 'early as five years of age.'

The San Francisco native had opened up about her close relationship with her only child during an interview on The Ellen Fisher Podcast, during which she claimed that she is simply 'following nature' by sleeping alongside her tween son, who she shares with ex-husband Christopher Jarecki, whom she split from in 2018.

Although Silverstone claimed that her parenting style to be that of a 'loving mama,' many experts disagreed.

Prepared: The Golden Globe nominated performer made sure to bring all the necessities to keep herself and her pooches hydrated in a backpack

Glowing: The self declared animal lover and her gal pal both flashed big smiles on the hike

Casual: She donned a pair of comfortable black sneakers for the long walk, and had her long blonde tresses pulled up into a a loose bun

Parenting expert and psychologist Reena B. Patel criticized Silverstone's parenting styles, specifically, her co-sleeping with her son, adding that Bear is much past the age where it's considered acceptable to continue to share a bed.

'When a child begins to question the difference in genders, hits puberty and or starts to show discomfort is when to stop. It can be as early as five years of age,' Patel told DailyMail.com.

The parenting expert added that prolonged attachment style parenting can lead to a reduced amount of 'exploration freedom a child receives, can create co-dependence, may limit independent skill development and can lead to challenges in other relationships. '

On the move: Silverstone got in her daily exercise and kept her pet pooches active

She added that 'when a child is a toddler,' they should begin sleeping independently.

'It's important to clarify how one would sleep when at other houses and how to rewind and provide affection to others when at school and visiting extended family, or when mom isn't around to bond with,' the psychologist said.

Is 'attachment parenting' healthy? Inside the controversial practice followed by Silverstone The practice of attachment parenting focuses on eight 'principles', which begin while a woman is still pregnant with her child. Attachment parenting is intended to ensure an incredibly close bond between a child and their parent through practices like breastfeeding, co-sleeping, joint bathing, and natural childbirth. While some insist that the technique nurtures a healthier, happier relationship between parent and child, critics have warned that attachment parenting can cause children to be overdependent, while increasing the stress placed on their parents. Parenting expert Reena B Patel noted that 'when a child is a toddler,' they should begin sleeping independently. The parenting expert added that a prolonged attachment parenting style can cause 'boundary issues' and 'lead to challenges in other relationships' Many other experts have claimed that overly attached parenting is 'irresponsible' and after a child is no longer a toddler parents need to learn how to take a 'hands off' Co-sleeping has also been called out as one of the more potentially-dangerous aspects of the practice, with critics warning that bed-sharing with a baby can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Advertisement

Patel noted that a prolonged attachment parenting style can also cause 'boundary issues.'

Further more, the parenting expert even said the overly attached parenting techniques can impact Silverstone's love life by not allowing her enough 'alone time.'

She added that Silverstone's overly attached parenting style would more than likely cause issues for Bear in the future and added: 'It can [lead to bullying and] social effectiveness should be considered and at that age.'

The parenting expert continued by noting that Bear should 'try to sleep independently.'

'As they get older there are sleepovers and camps. What would happen in those situations. When a child gets ready to move out or go to college.'

Silverstone has been known for her 'alternative' ways of parenting, in her 2014 book, The Kind Mama, the Clueless alum compared letting her baby sleep in a crib to 'child neglect,' and in 2020 said her and Bear often wake up and 'snuggle for two or three hours' before she bathes alongside him.

She added that her way of parenting was 'loving' and focused on genuine communication and cuts out things like TV from her home.

Silverstone then joked that she would 'be in trouble' with mom-shamers, but added that at this point in her life 'I don't really care.'

Clinical psychologist and best-seller of three parenting books Dr. Laura Markham said on her parenting blog Aha! Parenting that attachment parenting is beneficial up to a certain extent, but when children began tor grow overly attached parents need to learn how to take a 'hands off' approach.

Dr. Markham added that although toddlers have a 'fierce need for connection with their parents,' they need be allowed to 'explore' without being 'over-controlled'.

The Columbia University Alum added that 'good parenting' is knowing when to take a 'hands off' approach.

The psychologist noted that many parents often take the attachment parenting style too far, and begin to 'over-parent, because they believe the attachment parenting style is a 'set of rules' rather than a 'theory.'

Slammed: Clinical psychologist and best-seller of three parenting books Dr. Laura Markham recently said that Silverstone's overly attached parenting is 'irresponsible parenting'

Dr. Markham further criticized those who continue to co-sleep with their children grow older, adding that it's not a practice of attachment parenting because it doesn't respond to the 'developmental' needs of the child, and even went as far as to call the technique 'irresponsible parenting.'

Berit Brogaard D.M.Sci., Ph.D is a Professor and the Director of the Brogaard Lab for Multisensory Research at the University of Miami and has told Psychology Today that overly attached parents are 'typically no less estranged from their children than neglectful or indifferent parents.'

Going her own way: Inside Alicia Silverstone's VERY controversial parenting practices 2012: Actress sparked furious controversy after sharing a video of herself feeding her then-11-month-old son like a baby bird, revealing that she was pre-chewing his food and passing it to him from her mouth to his 2014: Silverstone said in her book that she was anti-vaccination and instead relied on a vegan diet to keep her son healthy, claiming he had 'never been sick' 2014: Her book, The Kind Mama, also laid bare her decision not to circumcise her son, despite Silverstone being raised as a Jew, writing: 'If little boys were supposed to have their penises "fixed," did that mean we were saying that God made the body imperfect?' 2020: In an interview with the New York Times, Silverstone admitted that she an her son still took baths together Advertisement

She added that parents who raise their children with standards they believe to 'perfect' such as refusing them screen time or fast food creates a lifelong need for the parent to control every aspect of their children's life, while their child grows up with an 'unsuspecting' need to over compensate and an expectation to never fail.

Although Dr. Markham recommends parents take a step back as their children grow and set 'limits', Silverstone seems to be following her child at 'every turn.'

In spite of clinical psychologists and parenting experts, fans of attachment parenting insist that the technique nurtures a healthier, happier relationship between parent and child, critics have warned that attachment parenting can cause children to be overdependent, while increasing the stress placed on their parents.

Silverstone has opened up about her unconventional parenting practices in the past; in 2012, she sparked debate when she shared that she was feeding her then 11-month-old son by pre-chewing his food and spitting it from her own mouth directly into his.

At the time, the actress defended her techniques by noting that 'people have been feeding their kids that way for thousands of years.'

In 2014, the actress once again sparked furious controversy when she revealed that that she was anti-vaccination, and instead relied upon a vegan diet to keep her son healthy - claiming at the time that he had 'never been sick' as a result of his plant-based food diet.

'I'm not against Western medicine,' she wrote. 'The problem is we're using it as a first step for everything, even when it's not needed.'

The actress continued: 'There is increasing anecdotal evidence from doctors who have gotten distressed phones calls from parents claiming their child was "never the same" after receiving a vaccine.

'And I personally have friends whose babies were drastically affected in this way.'

Silverstone has shared her passions for natural living ever since she gained widespread recognition following her roles in The Crush (1993) and Clueless (1995), despite being met with criticism from parenting experts and fans who have said the mom-of-one is 'ruining' her son.

Over the last couple of years, Silverstone had been starring in the Netflix series The Baby-Sitters Club. The comedy-drama, which followed the friendship and adventures of five middle-schoolers as they start a babysitting business in Connecticut, aired for two seasons before being canceled this past March.

She also voiced the role of Queen Marlena for the Netflix superhero fantasy series Masters of the Universe: Revelation that aired in two parts last year.

The Northern California native is also set to star in an episode of American Horror Stories.

In May, Variety reported that she and Anna Faris had joined the cast of the upcoming film, Tunnels, which also stars Susan Sarandon and Jaeden Martell.
He recently spent a romantic four-day weekend in Port Douglas with his girlfriend Kim Kardashian.

And Pete Davidson looked to be missing the reality star as he filmed a market scene for his upcoming comedy movie Wizards! in Cairns on Monday.

At some points, the Saturday Night Live comedian, 28, appeared downcast in between takes.

Missing Kim? Pete Davidson looked downcast while filming scenes in Cairns for his new comedy movie Wizards! on Monday after spending a romantic weekend in Australia with his girlfriend Kim Kardashian

Pete tossed about a potato as he filmed scenes in the market bustling with extra

The King of Staten Island star was seen wearing a yellow graphic t-shirt, bright yellow trackpants, black shoes and a green hat worn backwards.

He entered the set on Monday wearing a dark blue winter jacket over his on-screen character's outfit and tossed about a potato as he filmed scenes in the market bustling with extras.

The production of Wizards! will inject an estimated $14.7million into Queensland's economy.

At some points, the Saturday Night Live comedian, 28, looked downcast in between takes

The production of Wizards! will inject an estimated $14.7million into Queensland's economy

The Saturday Night Live comedian, 28, was seen wearing a yellow graphic t-shirt, bright yellow trackpants, black shoes and a green hat worn backwards

According to Deadline, it will follow two hapless pothead beach-bar operators, played by Pete and Franz Rogowski, who run into trouble when they stumble across stolen loot they really should have left alone.

Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B, is behind the film and is expected to also feature Naomi Watts, Orlando Bloom and Sean Harris.

Earlier this month, Pete's girlfriend Kim Kardashian jetted into Australia to enjoy a getaway with him while he had a break from filming his new movie.

Earlier this month, Pete's girlfriend Kim Kardashian jetted into Australia to enjoy a getaway with him while he had a break from filming his new movie

Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B, is behind the film and is expected to also feature Naomi Watts, Orlando Bloom and Sean Harris

Kim was in Australia last week spending some much-needed romantic time with Pete while he took a short break from the Wizards!

She was staying at the Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas, located almost an hour away from Cairns, during her recent trip to Queensland to see her boyfriend

Pete's new romance has given him a lot to talk about as well, after using the drama involving her ex Kanye West, 44, as joke material for his stand-up

She was staying at the Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas, located almost an hour away from Cairns, during her recent trip to Queensland to see her boyfriend.

Kim then travelled from Port Douglas to Cairns, just hours before boarding a private jet bound for the U.S.

Kim has four children with her ex-husband Kanye West, 45, daughters North, nine, Chicago, four, and sons Saint, six, Psalm, three.

He compared the rapper to Mrs Doubtfire in his new Netflix comedy special, making light of the custody drama between his girlfriend and her ex-husband

'I come home one day and they're like, this is the new housekeeper. And he's like, "What's up fam?"

Pete and Kim confirmed their relationship in November last year when they were spotted holding hands in Palm Springs, California.

The King of Staten Island star is known for dating a slew of celebrities, including Ariana Grande and Kate Beckinsale.

Ariana gave Pete a reputation by commenting on his manhood, popularising the term 'big d**k energy'.

The joke is in relation to the 1993 family comedy that sees Robin Williams playing a recently divorced man who dresses up as a female housekeeper in order to spend time with his children

Pete did raise a smile as he walked onto the set
Gwyneth Paltrow invited her eight million followers into her bedroom with a racy selfie on Sunday.

The 49-year-old created a social media post from between the sheets to promote a new Goop skincare product.

'I love to sleep. I love to exfoliate. And I love anything that does all the work while Im in bed, which is why I'm thrilled to introduce our BRAND NEW GOOPGLOW Dark Spot Exfoliating Sleep Milk,' she wrote in her caption.

Good morning: Gwyneth Paltrow, 49, created an Instagram post from between the sheets to promote a new Goop skincare product on Sunday Selfie: The Oscar winner appeared to be topless in the racy snap

The serum, which retails for $98 on the Goop website, claims it targets 'sun damage, dark spots, pores, dullness, and uneven skin tone and texture, too.'

The actress, who appeared to be topless and wearing little more than her glasses in the selfie, claimed that the product simplified her skincare routine and that after smoothing it on at night, 'I wake up with baby-soft, glowy, hydrated skin. Try it and I promise  you will see results, both overnight and over time.'

The Shakespeare in Love star shared some behind-the-scenes footage on her Instagram stories from the photo shoot for the product. The Oscar winner wore a white bandeau bikini as she was splashed with water and immersed herself in a tub, writing, 'The team made me take a milk bath and I didn't hate it.'

Pricey: The Dark Spot Exfoliating Sleep Milk retails on the Goop website for $98

Selling: The actress claimed, 'I wake up with baby-soft, glowy, hydrated skin. Try it and I promise  you will see results, both overnight and over time'

Goop began with a newsletter to the Iron Man actress' friends and family back in 2008, and has since become a lifestyle empire valued at $250 million. Gwyneth has been the company's CEO since 2016.

In a Sunday Sitdown interview on Today, the mom of two, who shares daughter Apple, 18, and son Moses, 16, with her ex-husband Chris Martin of Coldplay, said stepping back from the camera has allowed her to spend more time with her family, which includes her husband Brad Falchuk, whom she married in 2018.

'I feel very blessed that Ive been able to try to pursue this other career and kind of like keep hours where Im able to be home and make them dinner and stuff like that.'

BTS: The Shakespeare in Love star shared some behind-the-scenes footage on her Instagram stories from the photo shoot for the product, writing, 'The team made me take a milk bath and I didn't hate it'

The Politician actress posted a clip of the interview that did not make into the story on social in which host Willie Geist asked about her upcoming 50th birthday. The versatile artist responded she was 'excited' about and that she was 'surprised and delighted that I'm not freaked out about it.... I feel so good. I'm so happy to be turning 50. I'm really grateful. So happy that I have my health.'

That wasn't the case when she turned 40, because, she explained, 'I think when you grow up in the [celebrity] culture, and like pictures of you everywhere and you turn 40, people make such a big deal about it that you think, "Oh, my god, I'm, you know, over the hill," and so there's a kind of grief and letting go.'

She also said she felt she got a 'software upgrade' and that she feels much more comfortable with herself. Gwyneth's fans showed their support with comments such as, '50 is still young its the way you feel and think about yourself,' and 'Its so interesting that men dont get asked these questions as they age. Why should she be worried?!'
Liam Gallagher finally purchased an engagement ring for his fiancee Debbie Gwyther this year, three years after he proposed.

And Debbie proudly flashed the ring as the couple landed in Sydney on Friday.

The Oasis frontman is in Australia on tour to promote his latest album 'C'mon You Know' and also played at the Splendour In The Grass festival over the weekend.

Liam Gallagher's fiancee Debbie Gwyther, 39, flashed her engagement ring at Sydney airport on Friday

Liam looked dapper in a loose-fitting tan Ralph Lauren shirt and jeans as he strolled through the airport terminal. He finished his look with a pair of sneakers.

Meanwhile, Debbie opted for an all-black outfit along with snakeskin boots and a well-fitted tan coat.

Liam's shows were marred by controversy after he lashed out at an Australian reviewer for only giving his show 3.5 stars.

Liam finally purchased an engagement ring for Debbie this year, three years after he proposed

Gallagher, who performed at Aware Super Theatre, unleashed at Sydney Morning Herald reporter George Palathingal on Twitter.

'Thanks [sic] for your review last night George its good to know you didnt have a BIBLICAL time like the rest of us. Onwards n sideways you massive p**sflap,' the British crooner tweeted.

Earlier this month it was reported Liam finally bought Debbie an engagement ring, three years after getting down on one knee to propose.

Liam looked dapper in a loose-fitting tan Ralph Lauren shirt and jeans as he strolled through the airport terminal

She had been spotted wearing a band on her wedding ringer while in Norway, in a snap shared to Instagram.

A source told The Sun: 'It's her engagement ring, it's stunning, simple and she loves it. We are all still eagerly awaiting the wedding.'

The couple were due marry back in 2020, but the plans for their Italian wedding had to be scrapped due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gallagher, who performed at Aware Super Theatre to promote his new album CMON YOU KNOW, unleashed at Sydney Morning Herald reporter George Palathingal on Twitter after reading his lacklustre review on Sunday morning

Speaking to Zoe Ball on BBC Radio 2 in June 2020, Liam said the mask mandates stopped the wedding.

'It's been put back now until next year because I think we had to wear masks and stuff and I am not getting married with a mask on.'

Debbie and Liam have been dating for more than five years and got together after Liam's marriage to pop star Nicole Appleton fell apart.

Debbie and Liam have been dating for more than five years and got together after Liam's marriage to pop star Nicole Appleton fell apart

The former couple - who called it quits after his affair with journalist Liza Ghorbani came to light - were married from 2008 to 2014.

Liam was previously married to Patsy Kensit from 1997 until 2000, during which he cheated on her with Lisa Moorish, who gave birth to their daughter Molly in 1998.

Rocker Gene is the son Liam shares with Nicole, while Lennon is from his first marriage to Patsy. The artist also has daughter Gemma from his romance with Liza.
Sunrise host David Koch has addressed the elephant in the room after his co-anchor Natalie Barr failed to show up for work on Monday.

Barr, 54, had been scheduled to return to the news desk that morning after taking a week off to visit family in Perth.

Koch explained at about 8:40am that his colleague wasn't in the studio because she had tested positive for Covid-19.

Sunrise host David Koch (right, with Monique Wright) has addressed the elephant in the room after his co-anchor Natalie Barr failed to show up for work

'Well, everyone's been asking, "Where's Nat?" Well, you may have noticed she's been missing over the past week or so,' Koch began.

'She's at home in isolation after testing positive for Covid.'

Monique Wright, who was filling in for Barr on Monday, added: 'During her time off, Nat's been very busy: she's been trying new recipes, she has also been working her way through her new wardrobe, doing some early spring cleaning and organising, due to being stuck in her bedroom.'

Koch joked that Barr was so bored in isolation she even 'cleaned out the bathroom cabinets' and reorganised her sock drawer.

Barr (pictured) had been scheduled to return on Monday after taking a week off to visit family in Perth. Koch explained she wasn't in the studio because she had tested positive for Covid-19

Barr, who is fully vaccinated, has almost no symptoms except for a cough, which is nearly gone, and is feeling 'pretty good' overall.

She is expected to return to Brekky Central on Wednesday, reports 7News.

Barr spent last week on holiday in Perth and caught Covid upon her return to Sydney.

The Morning Show host Kylie Gillies filled in during her absence.

Barr, who is fully vaccinated, has almost no symptoms except for a cough, which is nearly gone, and is feeling 'pretty good' overall. (Pictured on Sunrise earlier this month)

Gillies suffered an embarrassing on-air gaffe on Wednesday when her usual 5:40am alarm went off during reporter Sally Bowrey's news bulletin.

Although she put her phone on silent for the broadcast, she did not switch off her morning alarm, which led to confusion on the desk.

The Sunrise team later ribbed her over the blunder, which was the result of Gillies - who usually works a later shift - forgetting to change her phone's clock settings.

'The phone was turned to silent! Who knew your alarm could still go off?' she said, to which Bowrey replied: 'Everyone knows that, Kylie.'
He's known to Sunrise viewers as a money-saving expert.

And David 'Kochie' Koch revealed on Monday he can be very tight-fisted, even with his own family.

The father of four, 66, shocked his co-hosts by admitting he made each of his children work at food-fast chain McDonald's as soon as they were old enough.

Sunrise host David 'Kochie' Koch (right, with Monique Wright) revealed on Monday he can be very tight-fisted, even with his own family

Koch said he would cut off his children's allowance if they didn't take on a part-time job at their local Macca's.

Sunrise newsreader Sally Bowrey was stunned by his attitude, saying: 'Gosh, you're tough!'

Monique Wright, who is filling in for Natalie Barr while she has Covid, looked on disapprovingly as Koch explained why he was mean with his money.

The father of four, 66, shocked his co-hosts by admitting he made each of his children work at food-fast chain McDonald's (pictured) as soon as they were old enough

He said the moment his children reached 14 years and nine months, the age they could legally start working, they applied for jobs at McDonald's.

'Whether you like the food or not, it is great training for young kids,' he said.

The comments came after Sunrise aired a story about how a Sydney McDonald's offered $1,000 to new employees as a sign-on bonus.

Koch reunited with his entire family for the first time in two years at Easter after Western Australia reopened its borders

The management of the store in Chatswood resorted to the desperate measures after losing staff faster than they were being replaced.

Elsewhere on Monday's show, Koch explained why his co-anchor Barr hadn't shown up for work.

Barr, 54, had been scheduled to return to the news desk that morning after taking a week off to visit family in Perth.

Elsewhere on Monday's show, Koch explained why his co-anchor Natalie Barr (pictured) hadn't shown up for work. She was diagnosed with Covid several days ago after a trip to Perth, WA

Koch explained at about 8:40am that his colleague wasn't in the studio because she had tested positive for Covid-19.

'Well, everyone's been asking, "Where's Nat?" Well, you may have noticed she's been missing over the past week or so,' he said.

'She's at home in isolation after testing positive for Covid.'

Barr, who is fully vaccinated, has almost no symptoms except for a cough, which is nearly gone, and is feeling 'pretty good' overall.

She is expected to return to Brekky Central on Wednesday, reports 7News.
Constance Wu revealed that her costar Chris Pratt helped her transition back to work after giving birth to her daughter in August 2020.

The Crazy Rich Asians star, 40, and Chris, 43, began work on the Amazon series The Terminal List shortly after both had welcomed children into the world.

At the premiere for the action drama, the Fresh Off The Boat star told The Hollywood Reporter that getting back into work mode was difficult.

Transition: Constance Wu, 40, said returning to work after having her baby in August 2020 was hard, but she was able to rely on The Terminal List costar Chris Pratt to make the transition; seen in June 2022 in LA

'My first day on set was hard. I missed my baby. It was the hardest day to stay at work because it was so emotional, something so many moms go through on their first day back at work,' she shared.

Constance and her partner, musician Ryan Kattner, 41, had their baby around the same time that Chris and his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger, 32, had their daughter, Lyla Maria.

Chris and Katherine recently welcomed a second daughter, Eloise Christina Schwarzenegger, in May.

The Terminal List: Constance plays a war correspondent in the Amazon series. Chris stars as a Navy SEAL whose platoon was ambushed during a dangerous mission

Oh baby! The Guardians of the Galaxy star and wife Katherine Schwarzenegger had their oldest daughter Lyla Maria around the same time Constance and her partner had theirs

'Talk about someone who really understood what I was going through  Chris was so supportive and kind and caring on set. Im really fortunate to have had him as my partner.'

The Guardians Of The Galaxy star plays a Navy SEAL whose platoon was ambushed while carrying out a dangerous mission.

Constance took on the role of a war correspondent who tries to help him patch his scattered memories together.

Partner: The Crazy Rich Asians star shares her nearly two-year-old daughter with longtime partner Ryan Kattner, 41, who goes by the name Honus in the rock group Man Man; picured in 2018 in Palm Springs, California

Supportive: 'Chris was so supportive and kind and caring on set. Im really fortunate to have had him as my partner,' explained the anxious mom; seen Saturday in San Diego, California

The Critics Choice Award nominee recently completed work on the musical Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile with Javier Bardem, 53. The film is based on a popular children's book about a crocodile who lives in New York City.

Constance will release her memoir, Making A Scene, in October, and she said motherhood has helped influence her choices.

'I actually feel like Im more myself than Ive ever been because [motherhood] really makes you enjoy the present moment rather than always hustling to be someone or get somewhere or do something. You get to enjoy your daughter trying a strawberry for the first time and truly its beautiful.'
Splendour in the Grass has fallen prey to a new generation of Instagram models who prefer to pose for photos than actually attend the festival's live music shows.

Once an indie music event, Splendour in the Grass has turned into a branding behemoth in recent years, with influencers regularly attending 'side parties' sponsored by brands in the hopes of associating themselves with the cool festival crowd.

One such influencer is Emma Ward, a Love Island Australia season 3 contestant who travelled to Byron Bay to attend a Splendour In The Grass 'styling events' with fast fashion brands including Runway The Label, Nana Judy and Billini.

Love Island Australia contestant Emma Ward (pictured) is one of many influencers who attended Splendour In the Grass 2022 for the parties and sponsored Instagram posts - instead of actually watching the shows

'Chocolate leather look for day two,' she wrote as she posed next to a backyard swimming pool and on the balcony of a mansion in Byron Bay

Joined by hundreds of other social media sirens and D-list reality stars, Emma spent the weekend partying and posing for sponsored Instagram photos rather than watching performances.

While festival-goers were busy trudging through the mud down at North Byron Parklands, Emma was busy uploading glamorous photos of herself strutting around in designer clothing and high heels at indoor events.

'It takes a team,' Emma wrote next to a photo of herself posing at a party in a blue two-piece outfit on Saturday.

The brunette travelled to Byron Bay to attend a Splendour In The Grass 'styling events' with fast fashion brands including Runway The Label, N ana Judy and Billini

Real festivalgoers contended with rain and mud Splendour in the Grass over the weekend. Attendees are pictured roughing it out at the festival on Friday

'It takes a team,' Emma wrote next to a photo of herself posing at a party in a blue two-piece outfit on Saturday

A day later, she uploaded photos of herself posing in a PU leather ensemble consisting of a $79 top and $99 bottoms.

'Chocolate leather look for day two,' she wrote as she posed next to a backyard swimming pool and on the balcony of a mansion in Byron Bay.

She also re-shared a video of a hairstylist working on a group of influencers over the weekend, writing: 'The devil works hard but our stylists werked [sic] harder'.

A day later, she uploaded photos of herself posing in a PU leather ensemble consisting of a $79 top and $99 bottoms

The hairdressers and stylists were hired by the brands that hosted the events, rather than the influencers themselves.

'[These influencers] make you think they're going to Splendour and wearing heels there. But they're not doing either,' an insider who works at an influencer talent agency told News Corp on Monday.

'They're all pretending. It's all an illusion. None of them are paid (to be in town for Splendour). For them, it's enough to be given the opportunity to come and be seen.'

The hairdressers and stylists were hired by the brands that hosted the events, rather than the influencers themselves
Planned release of nuclear-polluted water by Japan into ocean 'extremely irresponsible': China

(People's Daily App) 09:52, July 25, 2022

Japan's pending release of nuclear-polluted water into the ocean was "extremely irresponsible" and China firmly opposed the decision, a foreign ministry spokesperson said in Beijing on Friday.

"Since the Japanese government made this wrong decision in April last year, the international community and the Japanese people have not stopped questioning and speaking out against it," Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a routine press briefing.

He said that Japan is being extremely irresponsible by ignoring these concerns and trying to create a fait accompli. "We are firmly against this."

"The disposal of nuclear-contaminated water in Fukushima could affect the global marine environment and the public health of Pacific-rim countries," Wang said.

"If Japan insists on putting its own interests above the public interest of the international community and insists on taking the dangerous step, it will surely pay the price for its irresponsible behavior and leave a stain in history," he said.

(Subtitled by Li Peitian; text compiled by Yang Luxin)

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun)
The Russian Ministry of Defense confirms that it destroyed Harpoon anti-ship missiles hidden in the port of Odesa by the Ukrainians. The strike by Naval forces last Saturday revealed the target to be a military structure where the delivered arms were hidden.

Kyiv Denies Strike

According to the Defense Ministry, seaborne high-precision long-range missiles struck an Odesa seaport on Sunday, in a shipyard where a Ukrainian warship and a warehouse where the US-supplied weapons were stored, reported RT.

Based on the statement, the strike also heavily damaged a facility where Ukrainian navy ships are repaired.

The attack on the target, a significant commercial hub in the southwest of Ukraine, came one day after an UN-mediated agreement to reopen grain exports from Ukrainian ports was signed, noted Good Word News.

This strike on the target in Odesa, a major trade hub in Ukraine, came a day after the signing of an UN-brokered deal to unblock grain exports from Ukrainian ports.

On February 24, Moscow stated that it had targeted Ukrainian military forces and infrastructure, specifically HIMARS and western-supplied artillery, as well as civilians as shields in heinous strategies.

Ukrainian officials say that the port of Odessa attack was struck by cruise missiles hitting grain silos which are Harpoon anti-ship missiles, which Moscow disputes. They claim two missiles were intercepted, but two got through, claiming minimal damage.

Volodymyr Zelensky claims it was a barbaric attack using Kalibr missiles that would destroy any chance of an agreement with Moscow. But the Russian Ministry of Defense declared before that it was the White House pulling the strings in Kyiv.

Read Also: Donald Trump Net Worth 2022: Did Trump Get Richer Since Leaving the US Presidency?

According to his spokesman, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "unquestionably criticizes" the assault on Odessa's port.

A global food insecurity crisis makes the deal critical to alleviating the problem that affects many people worldwide who need the agreement to distribute it. According to the UN official, the three parties must follow through on the contract.

The Russia-Ukraine agreement reached on Friday with the help of Turkey and the UN as mediators lays out a plan to restart Ukrainian grain shipments via the Black Sea ports, which were halted by the fighting, citing France 24.

A pact between Russia and the UN was also signed, allowing the UN to help eliminate restrictions on the shipment of Russian food and fertilizer to other markets.

US To Continue MLRS Shipments

According to a senior US lawmaker, Washington and its allies aim to give Kyiv up to 30 multiple-launch missile systems.

The head of the US House of Representatives Armed Forces Committee, Adam Smith, announced on Saturday that the US and its Western allies planned to give Ukraine an extra 25 to 30 rocket systems.

Smith remarked after visiting last week with several other members of Congress and meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.

According to Zelensky's chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, the logistics of transporting ammo for the Western MLRS is critical for the launchers' efficient usage on numerous sectors of the front.

The Russian Ministry of Defense claims it did not strike a civilian facility but rather a depot of Harpoon anti-ship missiles hidden in the Port of Odessa. Warships fired precision Kalibr cruise missiles, striking foreign arms as promised and giving Kyiv a blackeye.

Related Article: Russian Defense Ministry Reports Elimination of the Notorious Nationalist Battalion in the Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine

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Valerie Bragg became the first islander to get dumped on Sunday's episode of Love Island USA after a one-on-one picnic beach date with Tyler Radziszewski.

The 23-year-old tattooed brunette from Costa Rica left the villa in Santa Barbara, California after Tyler, 23, of Cleveland, decided to couple with Sereniti Springs, 28, of Clovis, California.

'You are now single and dumped from the island,' read the text message sent to Valerie after Tyler made his decision.

First dumped: Valerie Bragg became the first islander to get dumped on Sunday's episode of Love Island: USA after a date with Tyler Radziszewski

Valerie quickly packed and immediately left the villa after getting hugs good-bye.

Jesse Bray, 27, of Springfield, Ohio, told Valerie he was sorry if he lead her on while also pursuing Deborah 'Deb' Chubb, 26, of Dallas.

'It sucks to see her go home,' Jesse admitted in a confessional after previously coupling with Val over Deb.

Deb, meanwhile, was kind to Val as she left and admitted that she respected her for 'being blunt and knowing what she wants.'

Tough decision: The 23-year-old tattooed brunette from Costa Rica left the villa in Santa Barbara, California after Tyler, 23, of Cleveland, decided to couple with Sereniti Springs, 28, of Clovis, California

Final two: Sereniti Springs and Valerie faced elimination as the guys picked who to couple with

The remaining islanders gave Val a round of applause as she left while dragging her luggage on rollers.

Valerie in a confessional said she was sad that the experience ended so soon, but was leaving with friendships and a lot of growth.

'I feel like a new woman. And I'm just excited to take everything that I learned in this experience to the outside world. I'm still looking for the one. I'm single, so boys don't be scared to slide into my DMs,' Valerie added.

New woman: 'I feel like a new woman. And I'm just excited to take everything that I learned in this experience to the outside world. I'm still looking for the one. I'm single, so boys don't be scared to slide into my DMs,' Valerie said in a confessional

The sixth episode of the Peacock show opened with Val declaring she was over Jesse after he admitted that he would pick Deb if there was a recoupling.

'I'm real as f***. Don't lie to me,' Val complained to Deb.

Deb then went to check with Jesse who revealed that he felt relieved with Val out of the picture before they both kissed.

Over him: The sixth episode of the Peacock show opened with Val declaring she was over Jesse after he admitted that he would pick Deb if there was a recoupling

'Jesse finally decided who he wants more and he picked me. This is what I wanted and I'm very happy,' Deb said.

Sereniti told Sydney Paight, 22, of Houston, that she was attracted to Tyler and the feeling was mutual between them.

Valerie then chatted up Tyler who told her that she was an 'awesome girl' and a 'catch.'

Awesome catch: Valerie then chatted up Tyler who told her that she was an 'awesome girl' and a 'catch'

'You seem real genuine. Real. And you don't put up with BS, which I love,' Tyler told her.

The islanders then got ready for bed and black-and-white surveillance video showed Zeta Morrison, 29, of Surrey, United Kingdom, and Timmy Pandolfi, 29, of New York City, kissing.

The next morning Tyler told the guys that he had his eye on Valerie and Sereniti.

In bed: The islanders then got ready for bed and a black-and-white surveillance video showed Zeta Morrison, 29, of Surrey, United Kingdom, and Timmy Pandolfi, 29, of New York City, kissing

Tyler later received a text telling him that he was going on dates and to choose the first girl to leave the villa.

He chose Val to go on his first date and they enjoyed a picnic on the beach together.

They talked, but didn't kiss during their date.

Beach picnic: Tyler chose Val to go on his first date and they enjoyed a picnic on the beach together

Sereniti then received a text to get ready for her date with Tyler.

Andy Voyen, 23, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Sydney talked to each other and he admitted that things felt forced between him and Mady McLanahan, 26, of Dallas.

Sydney was coupled up with Isaiah Campbell, 21, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, but said in a confessional that she wanted to explore Andy a little bit more.

New couple: Andy Voyen, 23, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Sydney Paight, 22, of Houston, talked to each other and he admitted that things felt forced with Mady McLanahan, 26, of Dallas

Sereniti and Tyler bonded during their picnic beach date as they shared what they were looking for in a relationship.

Tyler later said he connected with Val, but with Sereniti 'it was good.'

A text was then sent to Tyler who read it out loud and shared that the boys will choose who they want to couple with and the girl not picked to be in a couple would be dumped from the island.

Good times: Sereniti and Tyler bonded during their picnic beach date as they shared what they were looking for in a relationship

'This is not fun. That just made it all so real. Someone is really going home tonight though,' Sydney said.

Timmy picked Zeta to couple with followed by Felipe Gomes, 32, of Brazil, choosing Courtney Boerner, 24, of Florida.

Jesse chose Deb before Andy stirred things up by picking Sydney.

Getting real: A text was then sent to Tyler who read it out loud and shared that the boys will choose who they want to couple with and the girl not picked to be in a couple would be dumped from the island

Isaiah was up next and picked Mady over Val and Sereniti.

Tyler said he had to make an 'extremely difficult decision' and said he was following his heart before he named Sereniti as the girl he'd like to couple up with.

Valerie's departure was followed by a clip showing Chazz Bryant, 21, of Clifton, New Jersey, arriving along with his sister Bria Bryant, 24.

Love Island USA will return on Monday on the Peacock streaming service.
Jack Wagner is speaking out publicly for the first time since the tragic death of his youngest son Harrison at the age of 27.

Harrison was found dead in a parking lot in Los Angeles on June 6, according to a report obtained by People from the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office.

His family revealed that he had died after 'he ultimately lost his battle with addiction' when they unveiled The Harrison Wagner Scholarship Fund established in his honor.

And now, six weeks after his passing, Wagner is thanking fans for all the love and support he and his family have received in the wake of their personal tragedy.

Speaking out: Jack Wagner took to Instagram to thank fans 'for the love and kindness' he and his family have received following the death of son Harrison on June 6; Wagner is pictured with his ex-wife Kristina Wagner and Harrison in December 2019

The actor, 62, posted a video on his Instagram page on Friday where he addressed fans directly.

'Thank you all so much for the love and kindness that you've sent. I can't tell you how much it's meant to me,' he began.

Standing in an airport waiting to board a plane, Wagner noted that he was 'getting ready to head up to Vancouver for season 10 of the Hallmark Channel series When Calls The Heart, which he said he was 'beyond excited and grateful for that.'

Reaching out: The When Calls The Heart star shot the selfie video while waiting to catch a flight to Canada to begin shooting the 10 season of the series

Working it: The actor showed off his sense of humor while shooting the clip inside the airport

Touching: 'Thank you all so much for the love and kindness that you've sent. I can't tell you how much it's meant to me,' he said with heartfelt emotion

He continued, 'So, thank you also for that and, um, Ill be sending some behind the scenes footage this year. Hopefully it'll make you laugh.'

The Missouri native went on to caption the video: 'Thank you all so much for the love & support you've sent me, it's helped me more than you'll ever know,' he wrote, which were followed by a couple pf prayer emojis.

'Excited to start S10 @wcth_tv #Hearties on @hallmarkchannelAgain thank you all for the love, right back at ya,' he concluded the post, along with a red heart emoji.

Show of support: Wagner's When Calls the Heart co-star Erin Krakow was one of the first to reply to his post, writing, 'Hurry up! Somebody has to bake the scones!'

Wagner's When Calls the Heart co-star Erin Krakow was one of the first to reply to his post, writing, 'Hurry up! Somebody has to bake the scones!'

The actor has played the role of Bill Avery on the drama series for its entire nine season run, beginning in 2014. It was just renewed for a 10th season in June.

Wagner is also best known for his roles on General Hospital (1984-1991, 1994-1995, 2013), Santa Barbara (1991-1993) and Melrose Place (1994-1999).

RIP: Harrison (right) is the youngest son of Jack and his ex-wife Kristina Wagner; the former couple starred together for many years on the hit soap General Hospital

Harrison is the youngest son of Jack and Kristina Wagner, 59. The one-time co-stars of General Hospital, who were previously married from 1993 to 2006, are also the proud parents of their son Peter, 31.

Jack also has a daughter Kerry, 34, from a previous relationship.

The Harrison Wagner Scholarship Fund was set up through the New Life House Recovery Community. It's a network of sober living facilities for men in the Los Angeles area.

'We hope that Harrison's memory will live on through this scholarship and will help other young men get help for their addiction that would not otherwise be able to afford it,' the dedication read, in part, during the unveiling.
Greg Evans was one of Australia's most popular television hosts.

In the 1980s, the 69-year-old was the face of Perfect Match, the country's most beloved dating show.

On Monday, the star emerged in a new advertisement for Super Sleeper Pro mattresses, which aired on Sky.

Greg Evans has emerged in a new advertisement for Super Sleeper Pro mattresses, which aired on Sky on Monday (pictured)

'I thought I had a pretty good mattress, but when the Super Sleeper arrived, it rejuvenated me,' he said in the commercial.

'It's like a brand new bed, and my sleep is better than it's ever been,' he added, patting the mattress he was sitting on.

The silver fox has barely changed from his days as a primetime television host, still sporting the same good looks and charisma that made him a fan favourite.

In the 1980s, the 69-year-old was the face of Perfect Match (pictured), the country's most beloved dating show

Greg hosted Perfect Match on Channel Ten between 1984 and 1989, overseeing the union of thousands of couples.

Evans was signed by Channel Nine on a huge contract but the network could not find the right program to showcase his talent and he returned to Ten.

After a break in 1990, the show returned in 1991, now called Blind Date, again with household name Evans at the forefront.

Collectively, Greg hosted 1,400 episodes of the show and was nominated for a Gold Logie three times.

'I thought I had a pretty good mattress, but when the Super Sleeper arrived, it rejuvenated me,' he said in the commercial. The silver fox had barely changed from his days as a primetime television host, still sporting the same good looks and charisma

In 1992, he moved on to radio, hosting Melbourne's number one breakfast talk back radio show on 3AW.

He went on to host a drive time show on 104.3 GOLD FM in 1994 before moving to the network's breakfast slot in 1996.

A return to television followed in 1997, with Greg helming Channel Ten's Monday to Friday.

Greg hosted Perfect Match between 1984 and 1989, overseeing the union of thousands of couples. After a break in 1990, the show returned in 1991, now called Blind Date, again with household name Evans at the forefront

The big screen then beckoned, with the star scoring an acting role in the The Craic in 1999.

Between 1999 and 2002, Greg starred on Melbourne Talk Radio Station 3AK, before joining Radio 3MP between 2005 and 2006.

In 2001, he appeared in the comedy series Pizza, in the relevant role of the Dating Show Host.

Collectively, Greg hosted 1,400 episodes of the show and was nominated for a Gold Logie three times

It was in 2007 that the television icon had his sea change - turning his interests to becoming a marriage celebrant.

Greg graduated from The International College of Marriage Celebrants that same year.

Much like he did on television, Greg has united hundreds of couples in love, and is currently working as 'Melbourne's premier marriage celebrant'.

It was in 2007 that the television icon had his sea change - turning his interests to becoming a marriage celebrant. Greg graduated from The International College of Marriage Celebrants that same year. Pictured with his certificate

His social media documents just some of the 800 weddings he has officiated, with the former host clearly loving his duties.

Greg and his wife of 45 years, Sue, have taken to the road in recent years, travelling around Australia in a caravan.

They split their time between an apartment in Melbourne and a lakeside cottage in Bonnie Doon before heading out on adventures.

His social media documents just some of the 800 weddings he has officiated. Greg appeared on Sunrise in 2018 (pictured) showing off his marriage celebrant skills

The couple spend three months out of every year - usually during the colder seasons - road tripping in their luxury 7.6 metre Jayco Silverline.

'We've been pretty much all over Australia. Caravanning is a passion of mine,' Greg told Woman's Day last year.

'It's lovely to get back to nature in comfort! Our caravan is about as big as you can get, so it really is more like glamping than camping,' he added.

Greg and his wife of 45 years, Sue (left), have taken to the road in recent years, travelling around Australia in a caravan. They split their time between an apartment in Melbourne and a lakeside cottage in Bonnie Doon before heading out on adventures for three months every year

The couple have two adult children, son Jason, who is a vet, and daughter Jodi, a university lecturer.

Greg and Sue dote on their grandchildren - Jason's children, Riley, 11, and Leo, seven. - and spend as much time with them as they can.

'I love being a grandad. I just see so many things my grandkids do, that their own dad did at the same age,' Greg told Woman's Day.

'We've been pretty much all over Australia. Caravanning is a passion of mine,' Greg told Woman's Day last year. 'It's lovely to get back to nature in comfort! Our caravan is about as big as you can get, so it really is more like glamping than camping,' he added

'They haven't been camping yet, but I want to take them and that's on the horizon. They do love spending time in the country with us at Bonnie Doon.'

Greg also continues to appear on television shows, popping up as a guest from time to time.

He appeared on Sunrise in 2018, showing off his marriage celebrant skills and was a guest on The Morning Show alongside Larry Emdur and Sally Obermeder in 2019.
Rosie Fortescue has shared a series of sun-soaked snaps from Corfu after celebrating her Made In Chelsea co-star Binky Felstead's wedding to Max Darnton.

The former reality star, 32, posed for Instagram photos with pals as they toasted the happy couple while enjoying a three-day wedding event on the Greek island.

Rosie flaunted her toned stomach in a geometric cut-out bikini as she sidled up to the blushing bride, 32.

Stunning: Rosie Fortescue has shared a series of sun-soaked snaps from Corfu after celebrating her Made In Chelsea co-star Binky Felstead's wedding to Max Darnton

Glam: The Made in Chelsea star, 32, posed for a series of Instagram snaps with pals over the past week as the crew celebrated the happy couple

Both wore panama hats as they grinned for the camera, ready for a fun-filled boat day.

Rosie teamed her look with a golden waist chain, a Dior sarong and accessorised with some necklaces, throwing on a pair of shades to finish the look off.

The blonde beauty styled her platinum tresses in loose waves.

Binky wowed in a white two-piece swimsuit worn under a lace mesh kaftan, opting for a dewy make-up look.

Fun in the sun: Rosie teamed her look with a golden waist chain, a Dior sarong and accessorised with some necklaces, throwing on a pair of shades to finish the look off

Gorgeous: The blonde beauty styled her platinum tresses in loose waves

In other snaps from the day, Rosie posed on a boat with friends, simply captioning the carousel: 'What a day.'

The party appeared to be in motion as those on board posed with drinks, flashing grins at the camera on the pier.

On Friday, Rosie was in 'beach recovery mode' as she shared a series of pictures at a rocky beach.

The reality star looked incredible in a creamy fishnet co-ord. She donned a pukka shell necklace to amp up the bohemian vibe and added a pop of colour with neon green slippers and a purse.

All aboard: Rosie wore a panama hat as she grinned for the camera, ready for a festive boat day

Pals: Rosie reunited with former Made In Chelsea co-stars (L-R) Millie Mackintosh, Ollie Locke, Binky and Hugo Taylor

Binky stunned in a flowy mint-green dress, posing with her toes along the shore.

On Saturday, Rosie shared photos of her 'wedding ready' ensemble in a stunning pastel gown from Bymalina.

The layered tulle dress, made up of lilac, yellow and green hues, was decorated with trumpet sleeves.

The number - which also featured ruffled collar detailing - was paired with a chic purse.

Beach day: Rosie was in 'beach recovery mode' as she shared a series of pictures

Beauty: The reality star looked incredible in a creamy fishnet co-ord, compiled of a crop top and maxi skirt

Rosie also accessorised with trendy Chanel earrings, a silver chain, and rose-tinted shades.

The star wore her blonde locks in loose waves, opting for a dramatic make-up look accentuated by lashings of colourful eyeshadow.

Summing up her fun-filled Greek getaway with a post on Sunday, Rosie then shared glimpses of moments from the holiday.

One snap saw the stunner in a plunging cutout dress as she posed against a stunning backdrop of the turquoise waters.

Big day: On Saturday, Rosie shared photos of her 'wedding ready' ensemble in a stunning pastel gown from Bymalina

Chic: Rosie also accessorised with Chanel earrings, a silver chain, and rose tinted shades

The white fishnet ensemble, which left plenty of skin on show at the top, flowed out into a see-through mesh skirt, perfect for a glam beach look.

She donned a shell-adorned necklace, which complemented her soft, romantic look, and sported some Christian Dior sliders.

Finishing off with some rounded shades, photos saw Rosie pose with the groom Max in one shot.

Colourful: The star wore her blonde locks in loose waves, opting for a dramatic make-up look accentuated by lashings of colourful eyeshadow

Wedding ready: Sharing a photo of her pastel-toned gown, Rosie captioned the post: 'Wedding ready'

Other posts saw her huddling up a group of friends at the beach. The group appeared to be enjoying themselves with some beers on the sand.

She also shared a final overview of the gorgeous deep blue sea.

'The best end to the best week celebrating @binkyfelstead and @max_fd,' Rosie wrote.

Taking to her Stories before the journey back to London this weekend, Rosie captured a photo of a delicious morning meal, writing: 'Recovery breakfast number 3 million. Time for home!'

With the groom: Finishing off with some rounded shades, photos saw Rosie pose with the groom Max in one shot

Binky and her husband Max tied the knot for the second time during a romantic ceremony on Friday.

The pair originally exchanged vows during an intimate civil ceremony at Chelsea Old Town Hall on July 23, 2021.

Announcing the news in HELLO! Magazine, Binky said: 'We wanted to just have a week-long party so we thought we'd get out of the country and go somewhere to celebrate with our friends and some of our family,

'Corfu is stunning. We've been there a few times and it's a really special place for us.'

Fun: Other posts saw Rosie huddling up a group of friends at the beach

Ready for home: 'The best end to the best week celebrating @binkyfelstead and @max_fd,' Rosie wrote

The happy couple were joined by Binky's former co-stars Ollie Locke, Millie Mackintosh and Rosie.

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.

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.
She recently set tongues wagging when she stepped out hand-in-hand with a mystery man during a trip to Marbella.

And Megan Barton Hanson looked nothing short of sensational as she posed in a white mini dress in a series of sizzling snaps.

The former Love Island star, 28, displayed her jaw-dropping figure in the garment which featured a low-cut scooped neckline.

Stunning: Megan Barton Hanson looked nothing short of sensational as she posed in a white mini dress in a series of sizzling snaps

The figure-hugging garment also featured a layered and pleated hemline along with a cut-out floral detail.

Megan added height to her frame with a pair of gold, open-toed heels while she also sported a matching necklace.

Styling her blonde locks into a ponytail, the reality star completed her look with a dark brown Louis Vuitton handbag.

It comes after Megan stepped out hand-in-hand once more with her mystery man as they headed to a pool in the Spanish city on Friday.

Style: The former Love Island star, 28, displayed her jaw-dropping figure in the garment which featured a low-cut scooped neckline

The OnlyFans star has been putting on a cosy display with her unknown companion during their getaway, which comes just weeks after she looked loved-up with her ex boyfriend James Lock.

The outing will no doubt cause confusion, after Megan appeared to have rekindled her tumultuous romance with James, as they were seen holdings hands on a trip to the Costa del Sol last month.

Megan and the TOWIE star, 35, previously split up following a hotel room bust-up in March.

But it recently appeared their romance is back on as they put on a cosy display during their outing, with James wrapping his arm around the glamour model.

Cosy: Megan recently set tongues wagging when she stepped out hand-in-hand with a mystery man during a trip to Marbella

Their reunion comes after Megan was reportedly left terrified after her hotel room door was 'kicked in' during a heated row with James in March.

According to The Sun, the reality star alerted the hotel staff who dialled 999, with police spotted arriving by onlookers at the hotel shortly after.

Megan had been staying at the 350-a-night Courthouse Hotel in central London, after she enjoyed a date with another reality star at the same club where James was also partying.

Megan was leaving a nightclub at 1.30am with Life On Marbs star Adam Graham shortly after her ex James arrived with a mystery women.

Things then reportedly took a serious turn hours later when it is believed that TOWIE star James was informed of Megan's room number.

Exes: The outing comes after Megan and James Lock previously split up following a hotel room bust-up in March (pictured in March)

A source told the publication: 'At one point, the hotel door was kicked. There was a lot of shouting. Megan was shocked. It was all very aggressive'.

The source believed James was handed a key by staff after he showed them photos of himself and Megan.

The insider added: 'This all happened in broad daylight in a busy hotel. It was very dramatic and Megan's hotel door was damaged in the chaos'.

James and Megan ended their relationship for the second time earlier this year and both later stepped out with new romantic interests.

The on-off pair went Instagram official with their rollercoaster romance in October last year after meeting on Celebrity Ex On The Beach, but their union lasted just two months before they split after Christmas.

They reunited when James gifted Megan with a cake shaped like her breasts.

While Megan was said to be 'upset' over what happened, it was claimed that pals thought their 'weird connection' meant this might not be the end.
Neighbours have released a heartwarming finale trailer ahead of it's last ever episode - which is set to air on Friday July 29.

The Channel 5 soap first aired in 1985 and has been on screens for 37 years, but in March it was announced the Australian series was being axed after 8,903 episodes.

The short clip teased that fans will be in for an emotional hour as some of the stars bid farewell, while others return to the iconic Ramsay Street.

Sad: Neighbours have released a heartwarming finale trailer ahead of it's last ever episode - which is set to air on Friday July 29

The 40 second video starts with a shot of the iconic Ramsay Street sign while Harold Bishop reflects on his time in Erinsborough by syaing, 'It certainly feels like the end of an era. It all goes so quickly.'

The trailer shows that Kylie Minogue and her real-life ex Jason Donovan have finally reunited to play Scott and Charlene one last time for their final scenes on Neighbours.

The couple are seen leaning against their car, as they take in the surroundings and reminisce on their time together in the town.

In the 80s, the show was unstoppable with Kylie and Jason's onscreen wedding as Scott and Charlene was watched by two million Australians on July 1, 1987.

Memories: The short clip teased that fans will be in for an emotional hour as some of the stars bid farewell, while others return to the iconic Ramsay Street

Their union was an even bigger attraction when it aired in the UK a year later, drawing 19.6 million viewers, making it Britain's third most-watched show of 1988.

Kylie and Jason, who were dating in real life at the time were household names in both countries, and would each go on to launch music careers in the UK.

Their on-screen relationship began after Scott mistook Charlene for an intruder at his neighbour Madge Ramsay's house, before eventually learning she was Madge's daughter.

After getting married, the pair left Erinsborough and moved to Brisbane.

Iconic: The Channel 5 soap first aired in 1985 and has been on screens for 37 years, but in March it was announced the Australian series was being axed after 8,903 episodes

Elsewhere in the trailer, a number of Neighbours legends return to our screens including Joel Samuels (Daniel McPherson) and Mike Young (Guy Pearce).

It ends with a shot of the street and Susan Kennedy saying: 'We might be leaving the street, but we're always going to be in each other's lives. Always.'

The send-off promises to have something for everyone, spanning all generations and decades from the opening scene in 1985, to the final episode in 2022.

The beleaguered soap opera faced an uncertain future following its cancellation by original network Channel 5, where it has spent the last 14 of its 37-years on British TV.

Susan Kennedy is heard saying: 'We might be leaving the street, but we're always going to be in each other's lives.'

Emotional: The send-off promises to have something for everyone, spanning all generations and decades from the opening scene in 1985, to the final episode in 2022

And Fremantle Media, the production company responsible for its development confirmed it would be taken off-air indefinitely over the summer after an 'extensive search for alternative funding' ended in failure.

News of the finale air date comes after it was reported that the stars of Neighbours will reportedly embark on a 'farewell tour' of the UK after the finale episode.

Key cast members will visit eight cities across England, Scotland and Wales - London, Manchester, Birmingham, Brighton, Southampton, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Cardiff - in March 2023, according to Digital Spy.

Exciting: News of the finale air date comes after it was reported that the stars of Neighbours will reportedly embark on a 'farewell tour' of the UK after the finale episode

The soap had previously planned an 'in conversation series' in 2020, coinciding with its 35th anniversary, but had to cancel due to Covid.

These plans have now apparently been rebooted as a 'farewell tour' but the 'key stars' taking part in the rumoured tour have not been revealed.

Neighbours: The Finale airs as a double episode special on Channel 5 on Friday 29th July at 9pm.
Amy Dowden has revealed she is 'resting up' after her Crohn's Disease flared up over the weekend.

The Strictly pro, 31, who has spoken candidly about her battle with the inflammatory disease previously, explained that she has become 'a little bit poorly'.

Talking to her 316k Instagram followers on Sunday, she went on to explain that she was taking some time to relax ahead of rehearsals for the dancing show, which kick off this week.

Flare up: Amy Dowden, 31, has revealed she is 'resting up' after having a Crohn's Disease flare up ahead of show rehearsals this week

Posting to her Stories, Amy explained: 'Sorry Ive been a bit quiet. We had a fabulous time at Donnaheys but unfortunately Ive become a little bit poorly with my Crohns disease.'

Continuing that it was 'nothing too serious', she added: 'Um just a little bit sick, just a bit of pain. So Ive been resting up.'

Amy also shared that she will be kicking off Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals on Monday, admitting she is 'so excited'.

Tough: Amy, who has suffered since childhood - has previously spoken openly about her struggle with Crohn's Disease (pictured in December)

Opening up: Posting to her Stories, Amy explained: 'Sorry Ive been a bit quiet. We had a fabulous time at Donnaheys but unfortunately Ive become a little bit poorly with my Crohns disease'

'Then Im travelling to London because we start Strictly tomorrow. Im so excited. So, yeah I had to rest up to make sure I got better. Im gutted cause I missed seeing my darlings at the dance school yesterday,' she continued.

Amy, who has suffered since childhood - has previously spoken openly about her struggle with Crohn's Disease, admitting she was 'robbed of opportunities and dreams' while growing up.

Taking to social media, she wrote: 'I would do anything in the world not to live with it, I often say what did I do to deserve this?

Candid: She shared details on her battle for World Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Day in May

Real: The Welsh star (pictured in January) has previously had to miss Strictly shows due to flare ups, being forced to rest instead

'Then I'd be robbed of opportunities and dreams because I'd be seen as a "risk" which would frustrate and upset me, which as many know isn't good for any sufferers. Why punish us anymore? Having IBD doesn't take away your talents, your hard work, your work ethic! In fact it makes us stronger.

Concluding: 'Let's take away the stigma and continue to talk and raise more awareness!'

While the Welsh dancer has previously had to miss Strictly shows due to flare ups, being forced to rest instead.
Shanna Moakler's boyfriend Matthew Rondeau has been charged with domestic violence.

According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, the Los Angeles City Attorney charged Matthew with misdemeanor domestic violence, battery and vandalism.

Matthew was arrested back in February for allegedly getting physical with Shanna, 47, during an argument - they have been dating since 2020.

Shock: Shanna Moakler's boyfriend Matthew Rondeau has been charged with domestic violence (stock photo) - a claim he denies

This arrest came after he posted an aggressive video on Shanna's social media account, claiming she cheated on him and vowing to never get back with her.

Shanna denies cheating and claimed the relationship was over for good following the arrest, but a few days later, she announced she was pregnant with his baby.

She later confirmed she had a false positive result.

The couple have since been pictured together and have been having couples' counselling with Dr Drew.

Historical claims: Matthew was arrested back in February for allegedly getting physical with Shanna, 47, during an argument - they have been dating since 2020

Shanna told TMZ: 'I'm not pressing charges, I'm hoping the city attorney respects my wishes and drops everything as well. I will be supporting Matthew 100%.

'This has disrupted our lives enough. We have both learned from this experience we never wish to have been public and we would like to move forward in a positive and peaceful manner.'

Matthew also said: 'I havent even spoken or made a comment because I am so saddened and disgusted with the narrative the media has portrayed me as.

Something to say: Rondeau took to Instagram after his arrest back then and claimed that Moakler had made him 'out to be the villain' and denied physically abusing her

'I pray that the city of LA allows me to show them they made the right choice on dropping all charges against me. I am an admirable person, an amazing son, and a very respectable and loving partner.'

Shanna was seen enjoying an intimate and romantic dinner at the beach with Matthew at the start of the month.

The couple have been vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Shanna recently showed her support for her ex-husband Travis Barker after he was taken ill with pancreatitis - he has since recovered.

She said at the time she was praying for his, 'speedy recovery.'

The pageant star and Blink-182 drummer tied the knot in 2004, but officially divorced four years later in 2008. They have two children together, Alabama, 16, and Landon Barker, 18.

She has another child, Atiana De La Hoya, from her previous relationship with boxer, Oscar De La Hoya. Travis has a big father figure role in Atiana's life.
Hannah Voyen and Mia Sully appeared in good spirits as they returned to filming TOWIE for the first time since they were allegedly booted off their flight to Madrid for refusing to wear masks.

The pair, along with Pia Smith, had flown to the Dominican Republic to film the new series where she revealed some of the cast were removed from the plane and spoken to by Spanish police, before being refused entry to their flight to London.

Hannah was all smiles as she joined her co-stars to film an outdoor party scene on Sunday complete with streamers, a DJ and prosecco.

Back in action: Hannah Voyen (left) and Mia Sully (right) returned to filming TOWIE for the first time since they were allegedly booted off their flight to Madrid for refusing to wear masks

The reality star cut a stylish figure for the day as she donned a black mini dress with a low-cut neckline and short sleeves.

Styling her brunette locks into loose waves, the star showed off her bronzed tan for the day and also sported a pair of black sandals.

Mia showcased her toned midriff as she sported a light blue crop top and paired it with a matching mini skirt.

The beauty let her brunette tresses fall loose and added to her outfit with a silver cross necklace.

Looking good: Hannah was all smiles as she joined her co-stars to film an outdoor party scene complete with stramers, a DJ and prosecco

Fashion: Hannah cut a stylish figure for the day as she donned a black mini dress with a low-cut neckline and short sleeves

Also in attendance at the bash was TOWIE regular Chloe Meadows who put on a leggy display in a green mini dress with a pink floral print.

The star also wore several gold necklaces and matching bracelets and completed her look with a light palette of makeup.

Chloe Brockett opted for an orange bodycon dress that highlighted her jaw-dropping figure.

Joining the girls was James 'Diags' Bennewith who cut a casual figure in a white polo shirt and a pair of black shorts.

Fun: Mia let her brunette tresses fall loose and added to her outfit with a silver cross necklace

Crew: Joining the pair at the bash was James 'Diags' Bennwith, Elma Pazar, Chloe Meadows, Courtney Green and Chloe Brockett

Hannah and Mia were among a group of nine TOWIE stars who were removed from the flight in Madrid after failing to comply to airline rules by wearing masks, with one star also vaping on the plane despite strict rules prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes.

Civil Guard officers confirmed to MailOnline that they were asked to intervene by an Air Europa pilot after the aircraft flew into the Spanish capital from the Dominican Republic.

After being met by police in Madrid, the cast members were then refused permission to board their flight to London. They now face a hefty fine for their conduct.

Pia revealed she and several stars had been removed from the plane on her Instagram Stories, writing: '24 hours later, we're still travelling, we got chucked off the flight because we didn't wear masks, it was like half the cast that got chucked off.

Stunning: Chloe Brockett opted for an orange bodycon dress that highlighted her jaw-dropping figure

Flawless: Also in attendance at the bash was TOWIE regular Chloe Meadows who put on a leggy display in a green mini dress with a pink floral print

Filming: Styling her brunette locks into loose waves, Hannah showed off her bronzed tan for the day and also sported a pair of black sandals

'We've had to sit here in Madrid airport for 10 hours. I'm not going to get back to the UK until 11:30pm, I won't be back in my bed until 1am.'

Mia also took to her Stories early on Wednesday morning to reveal she had finally made it home, posting a snap from her living room at 2:13am along with the caption: 'I have never been so happy to see home! Shower and bed!'

Diags also took to his own Stories to reveal he was waiting for an alternative flight from Madrid, but noted they'd been thrown off the plane for 'no reason.'

He said: 'Been flying for 24 hours now, still not home. Got thrown off a flight in Madird for no reason at all, missed our next flight because we didn't have enough time and our bags didn't come off so now we're stuck in Madrid with the boys.

'Waiting for our next flight which has been delayed an hour and we've been to like four different lounges now but all of them aren't our lounds. Still haven't got my case back, almost lost my next case, all in all, a fantastic journey!'

Fun in the sun: Chloe Brockett added to her look with a pair of sunglasses

Event: Chloe Brockett was seen wrapping presents as she enjoyed a glass of prosecco ahead of the festivities

Radiant: Chloe Meadows completed her look with a light palette of makeup

Air Europa rules state that any electric cigarettes must be kept in hand luggage rather than in the hold as they pose a fire risk, and that they must not be used on board at any time.

The use of masks covering the nose and mouth on Air Europa planes is currently mandatory for those over the age of six.

A spokesman for Spain's Civil Guard confirmed to MailOnline: 'At 2.55pm today (Tuesday) the captain of the police requested our presence on board a plane at Madrid's Barajas Airport which had touched down from the Dominican Republic to deal with people we were told were causing a public order disturbance.

'Civil Guard officers found these people a little upset when they reached the aircraft.

'On the indications of the captain and to avoid any more problems nine people, consisting of four men and five women who are all British nationals, were removed from the plane and after the corresponding complaint from the captain they are now set to face a fine.

Cheers: Joining the girls was James 'Diags' Bennewith who cut a casual figure in a white polo shirt and a pair of black shorts

'While officers were carrying out the process of identifying all the people that were removed from the plane so they can be notified of the amount of the fines at a future date, they've ended up missing their onward flight.

'Police are accompanying them to another flight bound for the UK so they can leave Madrid tonight.

'No arrests were made and after being accompanied off the earlier flight, the nine people removed were very co-operative.'

A police source also told MailOnline: 'There was vaping going on and they weren't wearing face masks as they were obliged to do and they were disobeying instructions from the flight crew.

Drama: Hannah and Mia were among a group of nine TOWIE stars who were removed from the flight in Madrid after failing to comply to airline rules by wearing masks, with one star also vaping on the plane despite strict rules prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes

'As well as the nine people removed from the airplane, someone from the programme who wasn't involved in any of the problems stayed on with them and was also due to travel back to the UK with them on a different plane to the rest of the group.'

The Civil Guard added that the cast members had been reported for allegedly breaching Spanish air safety law - Law 21/2003.

A police report is expected to be passed to AESA - Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency - before a fine is decided.

An Air Europa spokeswoman confirmed: 'There was an incident on the flight. Following protocol, several passengers were asked to leave the plane for refusing to wear the mandatory masks and one of them for smoking inside the aircraft.

'While leaving the plane, they were accompanied by other passengers without further incident.'

MailOnline has also contacted representatives for Lime Pictures, each of the named stars, and Air Europa for comment.

Rules: Civil Guard officers confirmed to MailOnline that they were asked to intervene by an Air Europa pilot after the aircraft flew into the Spanish capital from the Dominican Republic

Fine: After being met by police in Madrid, the cast members were then refused permission to board their flight to London. They now face a hefty fine for their conduct

Kicked off: Pia revealed she and several stars had been removed from the plane on her Instagram Stories, writing: '24 hours later, we're still travelling, we got chucked off the flight because we didn't wear masks, it was like half the cast that got chucked off'

It is thought a police report will now be passed on to the Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency (AESA), the state body that ensures civil aviation standards are observed in all aeronautical activity in Spain, to decide the size of the fine.

The report is expected to include a formal complaint by the Air Europa captain about the actions on board the plane he was in charge of.

When a Polish man was filmed leaving a Ryanair plane at Malaga Airport in January 2018 after climbing onto the wing via an emergency door, he was warned he could be fined 40,000. It is not clear if he had been hit with the huge financial penalty.

New stars Pia and Hannah joined their best friend and Absolutely Ascot star Mia on the show for the new series.

She added: 'We've had to sit here in Madrid airport for 10 hours. I'm not going to get back to the UK until 11:30pm, I won't be back in my bed until 1am'

The trio, who often share glimpses of their glamorous lifestyles on social media, took to Instagram on Sunday to share they were joining the show.

Alongside a sizzling snap of the girls in the Dominican Republic, where the Essex-based show is filming special episodes, Mia penned: 'Brunette Trio [sic] So happy to be working with my 2 best friends that are more like sisters. 17years of friendship, we've done everything together and so much more to come!

'Love you both to the moon and back. So excited for our new chapter [sic]'.

According to The Sun, Mia only wanted to partake in the show if she could do so alongside her friends.

The source explained: 'As soon as bosses met all three of them, they knew they were onto a winner.

'Home': Mia also took to her Stories early on Wednesday morning to reveal she had finally made it home, posting a snap from her living room at 2:13am along with the caption: 'I have never been so happy to see home! Shower and bed!'

'They are a force to be reckoned with and will bring so much drama to the new series. They know some of the cast already and there is beef between some of them, so expect some explosive telly.'

It has been said that the original plan was for the newbies to join the cast after the episodes abroad had been filmed, but that has now changed.

Hannah, who is the CEO of Millionaire Medical - a business which provides dermal fillers and BTX injections - recently updated her over 10,000 followers of her venture.

'First Day Of Filming [sic] @towie  Let's Go [sic],' she captioned a stunning full-length shot.

Pia, who owns a similar business to Hannah, Plumped By Pia, also took to the photo-sharing site with a gorgeous snap and wrote: 'The secret is finally out.. you'll be seeing some new faces on @towie [sic]'.

The insider added: 'It was a no-brainer to get the girls out in the sunshine and make a big impact on the opening episodes of the new series. Sparks are already flying and it will be great TV.'
Fans have praised Ryan Gosling And Chris Evans's new Netflix film The Gray Man despite what critics have said.

Viewers have flooded social media with good reviews, claiming it is,' the best ation film' released this year.

The new blockbuster is based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Mark Greaney and follows CIA operative Court Gentry (played by Ryan Gosling), known by his codename, Sierra Six, as he battles it out against his former ally, Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans).

Highly-anticipated: Fans have praised Ryan Gosling (pictured in the film) And Chris Evans's new Netflix film The Gray Man despite what critics have said

Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo - the duo behind Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame - the story sees top agent Gentry uncover a dark secret within the agency, all while being hunted by his ex-colleague and a slew of international assassins.

The Gray Man is the most expensive Netflix film ever made, with a budget of around $200million (166millon) - and boasts a star-studded cast, including former Bond girl Ana De Armas and Bridgerton's Rege-Jean Page

After being release on Friday July 29, fans rushed to Twitter to recommend the new action film.

One wrote: 'The Gray Man is arguably the best action film Ive seen this year. No cloak and daggers, no unnecessary plots. Just action and bad guys and anti heroes. More of this please.'

Positive response: Viewers have flooded social media with good reviews, claiming it is,' the best ation film' released this year (Chris Evans pictured in the film)

Another added: 'The gray man is a bomb movie highly recommend watching it especially if you like action!'

A third said: 'Ive seen the gray man twice already and tonight i was genuinely thinking of watching it again like what? its nothing profound but something about it has a hold on me and idk what it is'

'The Gray Man movie on Netflix was sick!', one penned.

Another added: 'Just finished watching The Gray Man it was so so good! Definitely one of my favourites. Chris Evans, Ryan Gosling and Ana de Armas - my favourite trio. I need to rewatch the movie again.'

Opinions: After being release on Friday July 29, fans rushed to Twitter to recommend the new action film

Despite fans gushing over the film, reviews from critics have been mixed - with several ridiculing the movie.

The Times' Tom Shone said: 'Throw the Bourne, Bond, Mission: Impossible and Fast and Furious franchises into a blender and keep your finger jammed on the button for the length of time it takes to make a banana smoothie and  voila  you might end up with a film like The Gray Man; youll forget it the moment you stop watching it.'

A DailyDot reporter said Gosling's character had 'no personality,' and that she could tell the movie 'was going to be a slog within the first 90 seconds' - when it opened with Thornton's character delivering a long and boring speech.

'The characterization is so bland, it saps the energy out of beloved movie stars,' the outlet wrote in its review, adding that the script is 'so formulaic it may as well be generated by an algorithm.'

Role: The new blockbuster is based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Mark Greaney and follows CIA operative Court Gentry (played by Ryan Gosling), known by his codename, Sierra Six

'The Gray Man is CIA operative Court Gentry, a.k.a., Sierra Six,' Netflix said in a synopsis for the movie. 'Plucked from a federal penitentiary and recruited by his handler, Donald Fitzroy, Gentry was once a highly-skilled, Agency-sanctioned merchant of death.

'But now the tables have turned and Six is the target, hunted across the globe by Lloyd Hansen, a former cohort at the CIA, who will stop at nothing to take him out. Agent Dani Miranda has his back. He'll need it.'

The motion picture, which is directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, is an adaptation from the book series from Mark Greaney.

The movie - which was filmed at seven locations around the world from Azerbaijan to Croatia and France - packs in nine major action sequences, including a lengthy gun battle in a public square in Prague.

'We wanted to be very ambitious with this movie,' director Anthony said. 'It is hard to shoot action. It's expensive to shoot action, and Netflix was up for this level of ambition.'

The Gray Man is now streaming on Netflix.
Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on Sunday said that he refused to support the GOP's nominee to fill his job, predicting that the party has "no chance of saving that governor seat."

The lawmaker's remarks were made during an interview where he said that Trump-backed state Del. Dan Cox's win over Hogan's preferred candidate in the July 19 primary was a "win for the Democrats." He called it a big loss for the Republican Party and argued that the right has no chance of winning the election.

Hogan vs Cox

The Maryland governor accused the Democratic Governors Association, which ran ads boosting Cox in hopes of landing Democrats an easier general election opponent, of colluding with former President Trump, who is a critic of the Republican governor, to boost the candidate.

Hogan endorsed Kelly Schulz, a former state lawmaker, and Maryland commerce secretary, who lost to Cox. While the votes are still being counted, Schulz trails Cox by more than 10 percentage points in the latest vote count.

The governor on Sunday reiterated his belief that Cox was unqualified and said he would not vote for him. However, he added that he has not yet decided whether or not he will back the Democrat in the contest, Wes Moore, as per Politico.

Hogan also called Cox a "QAnon whack job" and argued that his win was from unprecedented collusion between the Democratic Governors Associations and the former president.

Read Also: Steve Bannon Guilty of Contempt of Congress: He 'Chose Allegiance to Donald Trump' Over the Law

The Maryland governor added that he believes the DGA had spent $3 million to help advertise Cox while the candidate himself spent only $100,000. Cox won the primary with Trump's endorsement as he continued to support the former president's baseless claims about a stolen 2020 presidential election.

According to The Hill, Hogan said, "There's no question that we lost a battle, and we're losing a few battles. But the fight is long. It's not, it's long from being over. I mean, we have another couple of years before the next election. There's going to be a long battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party. And this is just the beginning.

The Republican Party

The governor said that after the midterms, the GOP will have to reassess itself, arguing that lawmakers would have to think about the election two years after. He questioned whether the Republican Party will be able to go back to a more Reagan-esque big tent party that appeals to more people or go to double down on failure.

Hogan added that he was planning to "double down" on his long-term fight to pull the Republican Party in a different direction. He said that he wanted to fight back against what he considered was a "hostile takeover" of the party that he loves.

The Maryland governor has been weighing a potential presidential bid after he leaves office in January, seeking a path for his brand of pragmatic conservatism in a party still under the sway of former President Trump. It comes as he did not view Cox's win as a personal political loss, the Washington Post reported.



Related Article: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Republican Challenger Lee Zeldin Exchange Blows as Candidates Highlight Their Election Attacks

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Miranda Kerr and her husband Evan Spiegel have starred in a stunning shoot for Vogue Australia's August issue.

The power couple cuddled up close on the cover, while Miranda showed off her model looks in arresting images inside the magazine.

In the accompanying interview, the Australian supermodel, 39, and the American Snap Inc. co-founder and CEO, 32, reveal whether they plan to expand their family.

Miranda Kerr and her husband Evan Spiegel have starred in a stunning shoot for Vogue Australia 's August issue. Both pictured

The pair have two sons together, Hart, four, and Myles, two. Miranda also has a third son, Flynn, 11, who she shares with ex-husband Orlando Bloom.

'I just love being a mother and I always wanted three boys, so I feel really blessed that I have three healthy boys. I feel like I'm open, so we'll see what God decides,' Miranda told Vogue Australia of the couple's family plans.

She went on to discuss co-parenting Flynn with British actor Orlando, 45, and his American pop star fiance, Katy Perry, 37.

The power couple cuddled up close on the cover, while Miranda showed off her model looks in arresting images inside the magazine

'Co-parenting with Orlando and Katy is something that I feel really happy about,' Miranda said.

'From day one when Orlando and I decided to separate, I said, "Listen, whatever we do, we have to put Flynn's needs first, not our own."

'That's the way we make our decisions. Family is my number-one priority, then work, then my company, which is like another baby, and then, unfortunately, my friends, but it's not going to be like that forever.'

In the accompanying interview, the Australian supermodel, 39, and the American Snap Inc. co-founder and CEO, 32, reveal whether they plan to expand their family

Miranda previously told LuisaViaRoma's LVR magazine that she only has only kind things to say about her ex and his new love.

'I adore Katy and am grateful Orlando found someone he is happy with. Now Flynn has four happy parents who get along,' she said.

The brunette beauty added that she and Orlando had managed to stay good friends almost a decade after opting to end their marriage.

The pair have two sons together, Hart, four, and Myles, two. Miranda also has a third son, Flynn, 11, who she shares with ex-husband Orlando Bloom. Miranda and Orlando are pictured together in 2013

'When we separated, the most important thing we decided we could do is that when we make a decision, we ask, "Is this in the best interest of our child?"'

She added, 'We will be family no matter what.'

Miranda and Orlando began dating back in 2007, with an engagement following in June of 2010.

They were married just a month later, and the couple welcomed their son Flynn in January 2011.

Miranda also discussed co-parenting Flynn with British actor Orlando (right) and his American pop star fiance, Katy Perry (left). 'Co-parenting with Orlando and Katy is something that I feel really happy about' Miranda said

But in October 2013, the two announced that they were divorcing and had already separated months earlier.

Miranda and Evan first met at a Louis Vuitton event in 2014.

The model recounted how former Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief Glenda Bailey, who sat next to them at the dinner, told her out of the blue, 'I know about these things. I have a strong feeling you will get married.'

The two took things slowly, and Miranda noted they saw each other on and off for months before she got her first kiss with Evan, but she appreciated their deliberative approach.

'From day one when Orlando and I decided to separate, I said, "Listen, whatever we do, we have to put Flynn's needs first, not our own." That's the way we make our decisions,' she said

'It was lovely to find someone who appreciated my kind heart and joyful spirit,' she gushed of her partner.

'We balance each other out like Yin and Yang. We complement each other.'

The lovebirds were officially dating by 2015, and they got engaged the following year before marrying in May 2017.

In 2018 they welcomed their first child together  and her second  Hart, and their son Myles, who followed in 2019.
Pete Davidson was busy working on his upcoming comedy movie Wizards! in Cairns, Queensland on Monday.

The American actor dressed down for scenes filmed at a market, and headed off to enjoy a smoke break after the day's takes were done.

The 28-year-old dressed down in a pale yellow T-shirt with a graphic print, which had large damp stains on the front.

Pete Davidson (pictured) was busy working on his upcoming comedy movie Wizards! in Cairns, Queensland on Monday

He paired the top with faded blue shorts with white and black stripes that showed off his extensive leg tattoos.

Later, Pete popped a green hat on his head, which was worn backwards, and changed into yellow track pants with a black line down the side.

The Saturday Night Live comedian had been filming scenes at a busy fruit market, surrounded by various extras.

The American actor dressed down for scenes filmed at a market, and headed off to enjoy a smoke break after the day's takes were done

The 28-year-old dressed down in a pale yellow T-shirt with a graphic print, which had large damp stains on the front

He paired the top with faded blue shorts with white and black stripes that showed off his extensive leg tattoos

Following the shoot, he enjoyed a cigarette then jumped into a waiting car and headed off

Pete also shot takes alongside his co-stars, Orlando Bloom, Franz Rogowski and Sophie Wright.

Following the shoot, he enjoyed a cigarette then jumped into a waiting car and headed off.

Australian actress Sophie, 31, was likewise busy working on the film.

Later, Pete popped a green hat on his head, which was worn backwards, and changed into yellow track pants with a black line down the side

The Saturday Night Live comedian had been filming scenes at a busy fruit market, surrounded by various extras

He engaged in an animated chat with his co-stars in between takes

Sophie wore a hippy style tank top and cowboy boots, and had her pink hair pinned back off her face.

The production of Wizards! will inject an estimated $14.7million into Queensland's economy.

According to Deadline, it will follow two hapless pothead beach-bar operators, played by Pete and Franz, 36, who run into trouble when they stumble across stolen loot they really should have left alone.

Pete changed into a pair of yellow track pants as he left the set

Australian actress Sophie Wright (pictured) was likewise present on set

The 31-year-old was flaunting her pink hair in a half up do

She wore a hippy style tank top and cowboy boots, over which she wore a grey robe

Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B, is behind the upcoming movie.

Pete also joins Naomi Scott and Sean Harris in the new film by Australian writer-director David Michod.

Earlier this month, Pete's girlfriend Kim Kardashian, 41, jetted into Australia to enjoy a getaway with him while he had a break from filming the movie.

Pete also shot takes alongside his co-star, Franz Rogowski (right)

Wizards! comes from Australian writer-director David Michod

Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B, is behind the upcoming movie

Franz sported long flaxen locks and wore a pale green tank top for his scenes

She was staying at the Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas, located almost an hour away from Cairns, during her recent trip to Queensland to see her boyfriend.

Kim then travelled from Port Douglas to Cairns, just hours before boarding a private jet bound for the U.S.

Kim has four children with her ex-husband Kanye West, 45, daughters North, nine, Chicago, four, and sons Saint.

Pete and Kim confirmed their relationship in November last year when they were spotted holding hands in Palm Springs, California.
Louise Thompson shared an appreciative post about husband Ryan Libbey on Instagram on Monday amid her battle with PTSD.

The pair had headed off for a spa break at the Harbour Club in Chelsea with Louise, 32, sharing a sweet picture of them together, writing: 'Thanks for being patient with me.'

Wearing a pastel hued swimsuit from Triangl, Louise also shared a video of herself swimming in the club's pool while her doting husband looked on.

'Thanks for being patient with me': Bikini-clad Louise Thompson shared an appreciative post with husband Ryan Libbey during a spa break on Instagram on Monday amid her PTSD battle

During a slew of posts, Louise shared her worries of ending up 'back where she was' this winter as she struggled with daily symptoms of her PTSD - following her recently opening up about attempting to lower her antidepressants dosage.

The former Made in Chelsea star is battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-natal anxiety after two near-death experiences during the birth of her son Leo eight months ago.

Taking to Stories with a clip of herself meditating, Louise expressed her gratefulness for relaxing tactics such as 'yoga nidra' in a clip, which helped her go from 'major stress attack into inner peace'.

Going for a dip: Louise wore a pastel hued swimsuit from Triangl, which she donned for a dip at the Harbour Club where she was enjoying some rest and relaxation

Reconnecting: She got in a few lengths as she made sure to get some time for herself in

Sharing an update with her 1.4 million followers, she wrote: 'Panic panic panicked that I'm going to end up back where I was in Jan/Feb with a reduction in meds.

'Need to be strong. Never known strength like it.'

The star also posted a snap of herself completing a jigsaw puzzle, adding that it helped calm her during a 'totally random panic episode'.

'My mum bought me this for Xmas a few years ago,' she added, sharing a photo of the box titled 'Life Before Social Media'.

'Inner peace': Louise has shared her worries of ending up 'back where she was' this winter on Sunday as she struggled with daily symptoms of her PTSD

Calming: On Sunday the star also posted a snap of herself completing a jigsaw puzzle, adding that it helped calm her during a 'totally random panic episode'

Louise took to Instagram on Monday as well, appearing to be in higher spirits as she enjoyed a swim in a sporty colourful bikini and posed up a storm in her OOTD.

'Hi fleurrrrs,' she captioned a Boomerang of her modelling patterned sage green flares and a turquoise crop top, 'Yesterday was pants...today is gonna be a good day.'

A second shot of the ensemble saw the star cover her toned abs up with a white button up dress, accessorising her look with layered necklaces.

'Today is gonna be a good day': 'Hi fleurrrrs,' she captioned a Boomerang of her modelling patterned sage green flares and a turquoise crop top, 'Yesterday was pants...today is gonna be a good day'

Tough day: Louise last week shared her struggles as she attempts to lower her antidepressant dosage and reflects on her 'mum guilt'

Last week Louise admitted she was struggling with her emotions as she contended with 'mum guilt' and her disappointment at missing her close friend's wedding.

Sharing photos from her London home on Wednesday, Louise admitted she was 'struggling quite a lot this morning'.

'I have to be honest I feel a great sense of comfort and connectedness sharing on here. I feel a sense of safety, like nothing can go wrong because we're all in this together. So I hope you don't mind but I'm going to stick with it,' she added of her willingness to share her feelings.

Louise demonstrated her morning qigong routine, a system of coordinated body-posture and movement, breathing, and meditation, which she has been practising over the past week to give her 'stability'.

She then clarified why she was finding the day so tough, explaining she was attempting to lower the dosage of her antidepressants.

Sharing: Sharing photos from her London home, Louise admitted she was 'struggling quite a lot this morning' as she took her followers through her morning routine

'I am trying to lower my mirtazapine dose,' she wrote. 'I really just want to stabilise my body and brain naturally. I'm 4 days into a lower dose and this morning I feel all over the place.'

'I feel really dizzy and confused and quite outa body. Like I don't know where to place myself. I can't sit down or think straight.'

'I feel like my nervous system is malfunctioning. Thank goodness Leo is at nursery and I have Ryan.'

'Sometimes I think how the heck did this all happen to me? Give me my old brain back. I beg of you.'

Louise later shared her feelings of 'mum guilt' about sending her son to nursery two days a week, explaining that she hasn't even told her fans about Leo's nursery routine because she felt 'so guilty for sending him'.

Parenting dilemmas: Louise later shared her feelings of 'mum guilt' about sending her son to nursery two days a week

Missing out: To add to her struggles, Louise said she was gutted to be missing out on an important event this week - her best friend Binky Felstead's wedding in Corfu

Close friends: Louise's MIC pal Binky held a second wedding ceremony with her fiance Max in Greece last week after legally getting hitched in London last year

'I think Ryan nonchalantly mentioned it on a story a while back and I freaked out a bit,' she admitted.

'Tbh when I think back to a few months ago I find it noting short of miraculous that I managed to achieve the simple task of finding and enrolling him into a lovely little school. Need to eliminate the mum guilt.'

To add to her struggles, Louise said she was gutted to be missing out on an important event this week - her best friend Binky Felstead's wedding in Corfu.

'Also feeling quite pants because I'm missing my beautiful besties wedding in Greece this week due to a boring hospital infusion tomorrow and other non negotiable medical appointments this week,' Louise wrote.

'I love you @binkyfelstead.'

'In Greece in spirit': Louise wore a glam blue dress for one photo as she attempted to boost her mood

Louise's MIC pal Binky held a second wedding ceremony with her fiance Max in Greece last week after legally getting hitched in London last year.

Last Monday Louise shared an update on 'the most crazy year'.

Speaking in a seven minute video, Louise told viewers how her 'brain shut down as a result of nearly dying twice' during childbirth, as she detailed the intrusive thoughts which consumed her at her lowest point.

The TV personality admitted in her darkest moments she even hoped for a plane to 'crash into the house and obliterate us' and said 'all she could think about was death' because she felt it would be the easiest way out of the pain and suffering.

Tough year: Last Monday Louise spoke in a seven minute video, telling viewers how her 'brain shut down as a result of nearly dying twice' during childbirth

Louise also told how she was just two days away from having to undergo 'life-changing' surgery on her colon during her recent hospital stay as a result of her pre-pregnancy battle with ulcerative colitis.

Appearing on camera, an emotional Louise said: 'I've already tried to do this video six times and I've just bawled hysterically.'

'I'm here, I'm back home, I'm on a lot of medication,' she said, explaining that she was readmitted to hospital because 'I was a couple of days away from having part of my colon removed and diverted through my stomach.'

While she has battled physical conditions as a result of her traumatic birth, she said 'the mental side of stuff is ten times worse than the physical because it's so much harder to control.'

Tough time: The mother-of-one was rushed back to hospital earlier but explained she was back home with her partner Ryan Libbey and their son Leo, eight months

Referencing her appearance on Instagram, Louise insisted: 'Despite the fact that I might look incredibly well presented, happy, fit, well I'm really not. Mental health is the most cruel, invisible disease ever.'

Continuing, Louise explained her rationale for speaking out was that she suddenly had 'all these racing thoughts about wanting to talk about my experience because it's been really bad and not a lot of good has come of it, but the only good that can come of it is the ability to help other people'.

She added that she had received messages from men whose partners suffered with perinatal health 'and sadly they didn't find the means to find support and it didn't end so well'.

'I've had the most crazy year, you never think these things are going to happen to you. I had everything and it just all has been completely ripped away from me.

Support: She added that she had received messages from men whose partners suffered with perinatal health 'and sadly they didn't find the means to find support' (pictured with Ryan)

'Suffering': Since giving birth to her son, Louise has been incredibly candid about her struggles with 'catastrophic PTSD' after complications while giving birth left her close to death

'I'm very fortunate, I've had the support of my partner, I've had financial support, my family live close by, I've had the crisis team come and check on me every day for weeks making sure I take my medication, telling me every day I will get better. You need it drilled in your head.

Louise went on to talk about her darkest moments admitting that every time she heard an aeroplane fly over her house she wanted it to crash into the house and 'obliterate us' and that 'all she could think about was death'.

'My brain was so warped. I was scared of everything in my house, I was scared of my body, I couldn't look in the mirror.

'I didn't know I had a child, I couldn't leave the house. I was petrified of being in bed and having continuous panic attacks back to back to back. I couldn't see, I couldn't smell, I couldn't talk. I couldn't function at all.'

'Every single thought was an intrusive thought so I wasn't alive. I couldn't have a normal thought. My brain basically shut down as a result of nearly dying twice. '

Louise ended her video with a hopeful message, telling her followers that 'everything in life is transient. It will get better.

'You will find joy, you will find happiness again. Whether you will have to take medication, that's fine - it helped me.'

'Please talk, please share. Please don't feel alone. There are ways out. There is no magic cure for this disease and it requires patience.

'You have to keep going. There's too many people with physical diseases that don't have a choice whether to live or to die so please choose life and get help.'

She accompanied her video with a lengthy caption in which she wrote that her prime focus is helping others.

'You might just watch this video and think that I'm totally mad but after everything I've been through I've not got a dime of shame left in this old bag of bones so I really have nothing to lose at this point. Dig in and judge all you like,' she declared.

Reaching out: She accompanied her video with a lengthy caption in which she wrote that her prime focus is helping others

WHAT IS POSTNATAL ANXIETY? As many as 17 per cent of new mothers experience postnatal anxiety after giving birth, studies suggest. It is thought to be caused by a combination of the shock of parenthood, hormonal fluctuations, and the impact family life has on sleep and stress levels. Some women experience postnatal generalised anxiety disorder, which is defined as a constant state of anxiety. This is where you worry about everything from your child's feeding patterns to your ability as a parent. Postnatal obsessive compulsive disorder occurs when a woman experiences distressing thoughts about harm coming to her baby. And postnatal health anxiety is when the mind becomes preoccupied that there may be something wrong with the baby's health. Many anxiety sufferers feel tense and on edge, and battle a constant sense of dread. They may also become paranoid that people can tell something is wrong. And their mind is often busy with thoughts and continuously dwelling on negative situations. Physical symptoms may include: Tense muscles and headaches

Pins and needles

Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

Sweating or hot flushes

Palpitations

Insomnia

Needing the toilet more or less frequently

Churning feeling in the stomach

Panic attacks Treatment is made up of talking therapies and anti-anxiety medication. People can help themselves cope by shifting their focus onto something small, like the details on a picture or the fabric of their clothes. Breathing exercises and staying active can also help. Advertisement

'I'm not going to sugar coat things I've had a bloody rough ride over the past year. My life went from a 9/10 to a 1/10 in the space of about a month.

'I didn't do anything to deserve it, but s**t just happened. I survived a house fire, a few near death experiences, a long old stint in hospital, and some CATASTROPHIC mental health breakdowns.'

Since giving birth to her son in November, Louise has been incredibly candid about her struggles with 'catastrophic PTSD' after complications during labour which led to two near-brushes with death.

The former reality star added that her fiance Ryan has now revealed to her that he is also is suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) in the wake of Louise's battle.

Louise previously explained how she wants to embark on a charity project to help others, explaining: 'I had a meeting with my agent a few weeks ago which was lovely but also overwhelming.

'I know I want to help myself and I want to help others but I don't know how to do it yet. The scope of the charity project I want to embark on is a bit too big for me right now.'

'I kind of want to work but I'm also scared. I guess I just need to do what feels right and authentic and then I can't go wrong.

'My family think I should work because I loved it before. I don't like people pushing me though.

'Hey, it sure as hell can't make things any worse. And if this helps anyone else feel a bit more normal then I will get a bit of a kick out of that.'

Prior to her most recent hospitalisation, Louise detailed her fears that she was suffering from 'brain damage' and 'a form of dementia'.

Taking to Instagram to pen a lengthy post earlier this month, the Made In Chelsea star admitted her mental health struggles have come close to 'destroying her family'.

Louise admitted that seven months after giving birth to her son Leo she was still 'dreading life' and reached a 'weird stage' where she was 'blocking everything out' following a highly traumatic birth.

The former reality star added that her fiance Ryan Libbey, 31, has now revealed to her that he is also is suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) in the wake of Louise's battle.

If you have been affected by this story please contact Birth Trauma Association at birthtraumaassociation.org.uk

For help and support with perinatal mental illness please contact PANDAS on 0808 1961 776
Big Brother star Katie Williams and makeup artist Georgia Hull went public with their romance in August.

And it appears the couple are going stronger than ever, as the couple were spotted packing on the PDA at Nana Judy Estate ahead of Splendour in the Grass on Saturday.

Katie, 28, cut a casual figure for the outing wearing a black crop top which she teamed with camouflage trousers and a black jacket.

Big Brother's Katie Williams and girlfriend Georgia Hull looked loved-up at Nana Judy Estate ahead of Splendour in the Grass on Saturday. Both pictured

Georgia meanwhile opted for a white top which she paired up with high waisted denim jeans and an oversized plaid jacket.

The couple, who have been dating for over a year, couldn't keep their hands off each other as they posed for photographers.

The leading Australian clothing brand held the invite-only event at musician Angus Stone's property with an all-Aussie line-up of special guest performances.

The couple, who have been dating for over a year, couldn't keep their hands off each other as they posed for photographers

The guest list included influencers and reality stars including Celebrity Apprentice star Alex Hayes and Victoria's Secret model Alannah Walton.

Also in attendance were fellow Big Brother stars Chad Hurst and Lillian Ahenkan, Too Hot to Handle's Georgia Hassarati and rugby player Bill Meakes.

'We are excited to host the NANA JUDY estate experience in Byron Bay. Our brand culture and creating experiences with purpose is important to us.

'We are celebrating the launch of our partnership with AIME -supporting the mentoring of First Nations kids around the world,' founder Glenn Coleman said.

Katie, 28, cut a casual figure for the outing wearing a black crop top which she teamed with camouflage trousers and a black jacket

The guest list included influencers and reality stars including Celebrity Apprentice star Alex Hayes (left) and rugby player Bill Meakes (right)

Held at Angus Stones property NANA JUDY transformed the secluded 120 acre Byron Bay property into an unforgettable oasis with a complete stage set up overlooking the treeline of Byron Bay

The exclusive event featured a performance by ARIA award winner Baker Boy (pictured)

It comes just days after the former athlete confessed to feeling 'guilty' for wanting to explore her sexuality before coming out as bisexual.

Speaking on her Better For It podcast, Katie explained: 'For me, sex has changed a lot! I have identified as straight growing up, and over the last few years that has evolved to bisexual.'

She continued: 'When I first slept with a girl I was so drunk and had a freak out. I felt like a guy, like, "Did I perform well?"

'It's totally nerve-wracking when you try something different, and you also realise it's like internalised homophobia in you. Like, I had to sit with the voices in my head.

'A few years ago when I was being curious and I realised that this was not actually my voice, it was what society had told me was wrong.'

It comes just days after Katie confessed to feeling 'guilty' for wanting to explore her sexuality before she came out as bisexual last year

'And it was funny trying to unpack where this conditioning has come from. Why did I feel guilt or shame from exploring my sexuality. I mean, we all deserve great sex!'

Katie and her makeup artist Georgia Hull went public with their romance in August last year when Katie posted a gallery of loved-up photos on Instagram and called Georgia 'my human'.

But she insisted she didn't want her sexuality to be boxed, despite being in a same-sex relationship.
Martin Clunes said he will miss Port Isaac and its residents after filming his final scenes of ITV drama Doc Martin in the picturesque Cornish town, following news the show will end after 18 years.

With principal photography on the 10th and final season in full swing, the actor, 60, was dressed in character as the titular Dr. Martin Ellingham, a successful vascular surgeon whose acute fear of blood derails his city career and forces him to take up a GP post in sleepy Cornwall.

The cast and crew gathered under a banner that read 'goodbye and good luck' as they wrapped filming in the village, which has stood as the show's fictional Portwenn location, since 2004.

'I'll miss Cornwall': Martin Clunes, 60, has filmed is final scenes in the picturesque village of Port Isaac as Doc Martin comes to an end after 18 years

With further scenes due to be filmed in other locations over the coming weeks, Martin took pride of place within the crowd to thank the local residents.

He said: 'I have loved going to Cornwall to make Doc Martin over the past 18 years.

'I have looked forward to returning to this beautiful county this year for the 10th and final series.

'The people of Cornwall, and Port Isaac in particular, have always been so helpful to us when we are making the series.

Sad to see you go: The cast and crew gathered under a banner that read 'Goodbye and good luck' as they wrapped filming in the village

'We have some great storylines for the new series, and for the Christmas special, which I hope Doc Martin fans will love.

'I shall miss Cornwall and all the lovely people we have worked with. But it is the right time to say farewell to the Doc, and Portwenn.'

The eight-episode season will be shown on ITV later this year, alongside a Christmas special.

The Men Behaving Badly star was joined by actress Caroline Catz, 52, his on-screen wife Louisa, as they wrapped up warm to shoot festive scenes, despite the scorching summer temperatures.

Filming: The Men Behaving Badly star was joined by Caroline Catz, 52, his on-screen wife Louisa, as they wrapped up warm to film Christmas scenes (pictured with co-star James Henry)

Surrounded by extras wearing Christmas jumpers, the duo filmed alongside their character's son Elliott (James Henry).

ITV's head of drama, Polly Hill, said: 'If this really has to be the final series of Doc Martin, we thought we'd also commission a Christmas special.

'It'll be sad to see the series come to an end after entertaining audiences on ITV for the past 18 years but we'll make sure the finale is memorable and befitting such a success story.

When announcing news of the show's end in late 2020, Martin and producer Philippa Braithwaite explained that they decided to end Doc Martin now to allow fans a chance to celebrate the show and its titular character with a final series.

End of an era: Surrounded by extras wearing Christmas jumpers, the duo filmed alongside their character's son Elliott (James Henry)

They said: 'We have loved making nine series of Doc Martin. When we launched the series in 2004 we could never have imagined how much our loyal viewers would take to the grumpy Doc like they have.

'The series has avid fans both in the UK and throughout the world and we are thrilled that Doc Martin has topped the ratings every time.

'However, after 16 years we now feel that the time has come to say goodbye to Portwenn.

'We will be making the tenth and final series in 2021 and we are very much looking forward to returning to Cornwall to film it.'
Bindi Irwin, Robert Irwin and Lucy Lawless will be appearing on the brand-new season of the Stan Original Series RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under.

The homegrown wildlife warriors and star of Xena: Warrior Princess are the first three guests announced ahead of the premiere on Saturday, July 30.

'How could we not be involved in a show as fun and iconic as RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under?!' Bindi and Robert said.

Bindi Irwin, Robert Irwin and Lucy Lawless will be appearing on the brand new season of the Stan Original Series RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under. Pictured: RuPaul

'We're big fans and we're chuffed to help kick off the new season, especially after Art Simone's hilarious Snatch Game impersonation last year! We can't wait to see how all our Down Under kanga-rus go this season.'

Lucy Lawless added: 'I absolutely loved being part of the new season of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under and can't believe I got to sit beside RuPaul, Michelle and Rhys!

'Of course I know a thing or two about being a warrior princess but these new queens are absolutely next level. So fierce and so fabulous, I was in complete awe and am really looking forward to seeing how they all go!'

'How could we not be involved in a show as fun and iconic as RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under?!' Bindi and Robert said. (Both pictured)

It comes after the fabulous queens taking part in season two of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under were recently announced.

The 10 new contestants competing for the crown were introduced in a trailer released by Stan earlier this month.

Host RuPaul Charles, who looked exquisite in a glamorous silver dress, declared: 'We're back, and my Down Under Queens are ready to shine brighter than ever.'

RuPaul will be joined on the panel by returning judges Michelle Visage and Rhys Nicholson.

'I absolutely loved being part of the new season of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under and can't believe I got to sit beside RuPaul, Michelle and Rhys!' said Lucy Lawless (pictured)

Lucy is a gay icon thanks to her role in '90s fantasy TV series Xena: Warrior Princess

There is a diverse range of talent this season, including a fire-breather, an Australia's Got Talent semi-finalist and queens with First Nations and Maori heritage.

'I am thrilled to produce and host a brand new season of RuPauls Drag Race Down Under,' RuPaul said in a statement.

'Weve only just begun to shine a worldwide spotlight on the charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent of Australasian queens.'

Stan Original Series RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under premieres Saturday, July 30, at 5pm only on Stan

The celebrity guests will be starring in the new season, which is set to premiere on Saturday, July 30
The Eurovision Song Contest will be staged in Britain in 2023, after organisers concluded it would not be possible to host it in Ukraine - due to the ongoing war with Russia.

The UK - who came second to the Ukraine in this year's competition - said the 2023 event would be a celebration of Ukrainian culture and creativity.

Ukraine won the right to host the glitzy pan-continental music competition when its entry, from the folk-rap ensemble Kalush Orchestra, won this year's contest in May as Britain's Sam Ryder was second.

Next year's Eurovision Song Contest will be staged in Britain, organizers announced Monday. (Britain's runner-up contestant Sam Ryder pictured earlier this year)

However the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) - which runs Eurovision - said it had concluded that 'regrettably, next year's event could not be held in Ukraine for safety and security reasons'.

In place, it announced, the BBC had agreed to host the show on behalf of Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC.

Ukraine will automatically qualify for the grand final alongside the so-called big five nations - the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, who each get a free pass because of their financial contributions to the event.

Hosts: The UK said the 2023 event would be a celebration of Ukrainian culture and creativity. Pictured, the Eurovision stage in Turin

Winners: Ukraine won the right to host the glitzy pan-continental music competition when its entry, from the folk-rap ensemble Kalush Orchestra, won this year's contest in May

How to get Eurovision tickets?

Details about when and how tickets will be available have not yet been announced however the start of sales is likely to be late 2022.

According to Eurovision World, tickets 'usually go out early the same year or late the year before the contest' depending on a number of factors, including the venue, ticket agency and details of show production.

According to the outlet, in past tickets have been sold in batches and have been available for nine shows - six of which are rehearsals, and three of which are live shows.

For this year's competition, tickets became available on April 7, with the Grand Final taking part in May.

Second place: The BBC had agreed to broadcast the show on behalf of Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC. Britain's Sam Ryder pictured earlier this year

How much will tickets cost?

Eurovision World suggests that, while historically the most expensive Eurovision tickets have been for the Grand Final live show, prices have varied over the years.

According to the site, this year's tickets cost between 10 - 350, whereas prices for the 2019 competition were priced from 183 to 415.

2018's prices ranged from 5 to 299.

Where will the Eurovision contest be hosted?

According to the EBU's announcement, a 'bidding process' to decide the host city will be launched this week.

London, Manchester and Sheffield all said Monday that they would apply.

Sheffield City Council was among the first to announce a bid, saying on Twitter: 'We've told Eurovision we'd love to hostwatch this space.'

Manchester City Council confirmed it was also putting in a bid, with its leader Bev Craig tweeting: 'A world class music city, brilliant venues, experience in hosting major events, and of course one of the UK's largest Ukrainian populations - we are confident we will make it a #eurovision to remember.'

Venue: According to the EBU's announcement, a 'bidding process' to decide the host city will be launched this week. Pictured: The Eurovision Song Contest at Harrogate Conference Centre in 1982

Announcing London's bid, mayor Sadiq Khan said the city was 'ready and willing to step in' with a contest that 'celebrates the people of Ukraine and shows off the very best of Britain'.

Glasgow also previously expressed an interest in hosting the contest with the city's OVO Hydro arena saying it would be 'delighted' to be involved in discussions.

In June, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also backed the city to host, tweeting: 'I can think of a perfect venue on banks of the River Clyde!!'

Bids: London, Manchester and Sheffield all said Monday that they would apply. Pictured: The Eurovision Song Contest at Wembley Conference Centre in 1977

It will be the ninth time Eurovision has taken place in the UK  more than any other country.

The EBU's statement added: 'The BBC has staged the Eurovision Song Contest more times than any other broadcaster, hosting in London in 1960, 1963, 1968 and 1977, Edinburgh in 1972, Brighton in 1974, Harrogate in 1982 and Birmingham in 1998.'

Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC said: 'It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

Legacy: It will be the ninth time Eurovision has taken place in the UK  more than any other country. Pictured: ABBA at the Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton, 1974

'Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege.

'The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity.

'The BBC will now begin the process to find a Host City to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the UK in 2023.'

When will the dates be announced?

A press release from the broadcaster added: 'The dates for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be announced in due course.'

About Eurovision:

Founded in 1956 to help unite a continent scarred by World War II, Eurovision has grown to include more than 40 countries, including non-European nations such as Israel and Australia.

Organizers strive to keep pop and politics apart - banning overtly political symbols and lyrics - but global tensions have often imposed themselves on the contest.

Russia was kicked out of this year's competition because of its invasion of Ukraine in February.
Gwyneth Paltrow has revealed she has no regrets over quitting acting following that Oscars backlash - saying it taught her to put herself first and 'f**k everyone else.'

The 49-year-old won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1999 for her role in Shakespeare In Love but quit acting to focus on her Goop lifestyle brand after the win was criticised and even Glenn Close said it 'didn't make sense.'

Appearing on America's TOADY show, the star said the moment was a big turning point in her career.

'It's a really beautiful lesson in knowing who you are and f**k everybody else': Gwyneth Paltrow revealed she has no regrets over quitting acting after Oscars backlash to focus on her lifestyle brand Goop

Speaking on the NBC morning television show she explained: 'I think it was probably around the time of winning the Oscar where you go from people kind of being curious about you or discovering you or rooting for you to it all being upended, and people really wanting to tear you down and take great pleasure in it.

She added: 'Which ends up being a really beautiful lesson in knowing who you are. Loving the people you love. Being totally in integrity. And like f**k everybody else.'

Gwyneth launched her business as a weekly newsletter in 2008 and she has gone on to build it into a major lifestyle branding - selling clean cosmetics and candles as well as other brands and even branching out into a Netflix documentary series.

Change: The Sliding Doors star won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1999 for her role in Shakespeare in Love and said the moment was a big turning point in her career

Her candid interview comes after she invited her eight million followers into her bedroom with a racy selfie on Sunday.

The award winning actress created a social media post from between the sheets to promote a new skincare product.

'I love to sleep. I love to exfoliate. And I love anything that does all the work while I'm in bed, which is why I'm thrilled to introduce our BRAND NEW GOOPGLOW Dark Spot Exfoliating Sleep Milk,' she wrote in her caption.

Good morning: Gwyneth created an Instagram post from between the sheets to promote a new Goop skincare product on Sunday Selfie. The Oscar winner appeared to be topless in the racy snap

Promotion: The businesswoman included a lengthy post on the benefits of the new skincare product

The serum, which retails for $98 on the Goop website, claims it targets 'sun damage, dark spots, pores, dullness, and uneven skin tone and texture, too.'

The actress, who appeared to be topless and wearing little more than her glasses in the selfie, claimed that the product simplified her skincare routine and that after smoothing it on at night, 'I wake up with baby-soft, glowy, hydrated skin. Try it and I promise  you will see results, both overnight and over time.'

The Shakespeare in Love star shared some behind-the-scenes footage on her Instagram stories from the photo shoot for the product. The Oscar winner wore a white bandeau bikini as she was splashed with water and immersed herself in a tub, writing, 'The team made me take a milk bath and I didn't hate it.'

Pricey: The Dark Spot Exfoliating Sleep Milk retails on the Goop website for $98

Selling: The actress claimed, 'I wake up with baby-soft, glowy, hydrated skin. Try it and I promise  you will see results, both overnight and over time'

Goop began with a newsletter to the Iron Man actress' friends and family back in 2008, and has since become a lifestyle empire valued at $250 million. Gwyneth has been the company's CEO since 2016.

In a Sunday Sitdown interview on Today, the mom of two, who shares daughter Apple, 18, and son Moses, 16, with her ex-husband Chris Martin of Coldplay, said stepping back from the camera has allowed her to spend more time with her family, which includes her husband Brad Falchuk, whom she married in 2018.

'I feel very blessed that I've been able to try to pursue this other career and kind of like keep hours where I'm able to be home and make them dinner and stuff like that.'

BTS: The Shakespeare in Love star shared some behind-the-scenes footage on her Instagram stories from the photo shoot for the product, writing, 'The team made me take a milk bath and I didn't hate it'

The Politician actress posted a clip of the interview that did not make into the story on social in which host Willie Geist asked about her upcoming 50th birthday. The versatile artist responded she was 'excited' about and that she was 'surprised and delighted that I'm not freaked out about it.... I feel so good. I'm so happy to be turning 50. I'm really grateful. So happy that I have my health.'

That wasn't the case when she turned 40, because, she explained, 'I think when you grow up in the [celebrity] culture, and like pictures of you everywhere and you turn 40, people make such a big deal about it that you think, 'Oh, my god, I'm, you know, over the hill,' and so there's a kind of grief and letting go.'

She also said she felt she got a 'software upgrade' and that she feels much more comfortable with herself. Gwyneth's fans showed their support with comments such as, '50 is still young it's the way you feel and think about yourself,' and 'It's so interesting that men don't get asked these questions as they age. Why should she be worried?!'
Heidi Klum sent temperatures soaring on Monday when she stripped down for a sultry new snap.

The 49-year-old supermodel shared a black and white image in which she went completely nude as she laid across an unmade canopy bed.

'Come back to bed Baby,' the former Victoria's Secret Angel wrote cheekily in the caption, adding a red heart emoji.

Sexy: Heidi Klum sent temperatures soaring on Monday when she stripped down for a sultry new snap. The 49-year-old supermodel shared a black and white image in which she went completely nude as she laid across a bed

The runway star's taut tummy was on full display as she reclined back on the white sheets and raised her sculpted leg over the lower half of her body.

The Project Runway alumna rested one hand on top of her head and draped her other arm across her chest to cover her ample assets.

The blonde beauty wore her long locks down over her shoulders in loose waves and her wedding band served as her only accessory.

Uninhibited: Showing her sexy side is nothing new to the versatile artist who has been working in front of the camera since she won a modeling contest in her native Germany in 1992. Seen in May 2022

Showing her sexy side is nothing new to the versatile artist who has been working in front of the camera since she won a modeling contest in her native Germany in 1992.

The actress and producer has been quoted in an archived 2016 interview with Ocean Drive Magazine that she's as comfortable without her clothes on as she is without. 'I grew up going to nude beaches with my parents, so Im a nudist.'

'As much as I love wearing beautiful lingerie and clothes, I also love not wearing too much, she admitted.

Heidi: . 'I grew up going to nude beaches with my parents, so Im a nudist'

And it seems that Heidi's husband Tom Kaulitz shares her comfort with appearing in the buff.

Last week, the America's Got Talent judge shared a photo in which the the 32-year-old musician was seen sunbathing naked under a strategically placed towel.

'Hot girl Summer,' the Vogue cover star wrote in the caption, adding an emoji of a smiley face with its tongue hanging out.

Comfortable: The actress and producer has been quoted in an archived 2016 interview with Ocean Drive Magazine that she's as comfortable without her clothes on as she is without

Only the top of Heidi's bare shoulders were visible in the photo so it was not clear if she also went nude while soaking up the sun with her spouse.

The siren sported a bright green bucket hat and stuck her tongue out as she snapped the selfie.

The pair have been married for three years, depending on which wedding they celebrate.

Two of a kind: And it seems that Heidi's husband Tom Kaulitz shares her comfort with appearing in the buff. Last week, the America's Got Talent judge shared a photo in which the the 32-year-old musician was seen sunbathing naked under a strategically placed towel

The couple said 'I do' in a private ceremony in February 2019, and then had a larger wedding on a yacht in Italy in August of the same year.

In 2019 Tom cast his wife in the music video for the band's song Chateau.

The Project Runway host is the mother to four children whom she shares with her ex-husband, Seal, 59.
She recently enjoyed a sunny getaway to Portugal with her children, as husband Jamie Vardy remained in the UK.

And Rebekah Vardy showcased her trim physique as she shared a bikini snap from her trip just hours after boarding a flight back home on Monday.

The WAG displayed her gym-honed figure as she donned a black two-piece while striking a yoga pose alongside her daughter Olivia Grace, two.

Adorable: Rebekah Vardy showcased her trim physique as she shared a bikini snap from her trip to Portugal alongside her daughter Olivia Grace, two

The media personality styled her brunette locks into an updo for the day as she showed off her bronzed hue.

Rebekah was making the most of her final days in Portugal in the photo as she relaxed by the pool.

Alongside the post, the star wrote: 'Rooted baby girl'.

Rebekah shares Olivia Grace, Sofia, six, and son Finley, four, with husband Jamie and also has children Megan, 15, and Taylor, 11, from previous relationships.

Trip: Rebekah recently enjoyed a sunny getaway to Portugal with her children, as husband Jamie Vardy remained in the UK

While Jamie also has an 11-year-old daughter, Ella, from a relationship with Emma Daggett.

The family are finally returning home after they were forced to deny claims they had fled Portugal due to fires near their villa.

After they were caught up in wildfires taking place in close proximity, many claimed that Rebekah was packing her bags.

But confirming she was staying put until the end of the holiday, the brunette took to Instagram to clear things up, and thank the fire service for their help.

After she shared a picture from the beach, an Instagram user commented on the post and wrote: 'I thought the papers said you were fleeing a fire threatening your holiday home?'

Family: Rebekah shares Olivia Grace, two, Sofia, six, and son Finley, four, with husband Jamie and also has children Megan, 15, and Taylor, 11, from previous relationships

But Rebekah said her situation wasn't quite as had been reported, writing to Instagram Stories in Portugese: 'Waking up very grateful to the fire department that works tirelessly risking their lives to save ours. Thank you, thinking of everyone. Very scary'.

It comes after a source close to the family told The Sun: 'It's been horrifying. Their neighbours have all been evacuated and one by one residents are being told to leave their homes.

'Becky can see smoke everywhere and she's terrified about the kids breathing it in. The water is also down so she's relying on bottled water which, obviously, there is only a finite amount of at home.

'Jamie and their friends and family back home have all been really worried. Things are developing by the hour but she's praying the fire brigades, who have been brilliant, can get things back under control.'
On Saturday, a series of explosions shook Ukraine's southern city of Odesa, striking one of the country's most vital ports less than 24 hours after Russia and Ukraine reached an agreement to safeguard the transportation of millions of tons of grain via Black Sea channels.

Before the deal could even be implemented, the strikes raised questions about Russia's commitment to it, which was mediated by the UN and Turkey.

Ukraine Warns Grain Export Deal Might Stall

Before the deal could even be implemented, the strikes raised questions about Russia's commitment to it, which was mediated by the UN and Turkey. The succession of explosions was also a sad reminder of Russia's violent fulcrum in the five-month-old war: Moscow's messages that it may rain havoc on any area of Ukraine at any time, regardless of the military situation on the front lines of diplomatic advances elsewhere. While they condemned the attack and branded Russia untrustworthy, Ukrainian authorities said they were still preparing as if the grain agreement would be implemented.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky told a delegation from the US House of Representatives that the strike proves only one thing: no matter what Russia says and promises, it will find ways not to implement it. The United Nations secretary general's deputy spokesman condemned the strikes, saying that full implementation of the agreement was "imperative", according to New York Times.

Ukraine might export 60 million tons of grain in the next nine months, but it could take up to 24 months if port operations are hampered. The new development comes as the war approaches its sixth month, six months after Russia invaded its neighboring nation in February.

According to Ukrainian sources, Russian soldiers killed and injured people in the country's south and east by shelling. Two people were murdered and two more were injured in the previous 24 hours, according to the governor of the eastern Donetsk province. The region is one of two in Ukraine's industrial heartland of the Donbas, on which Moscow has concentrated aggressively.

Read Also: Rio De Janeiro Gang Raid: 18 Killed Including Police Officer, Innocent Woman in Brazil's Major Deadly Encounter

Ukraine: Russia Kidnaps, Adopts Ukrainian Children

Despite the new violence, the UK military stated on Sunday that Russia was making very minor headway in its Donbas offensive, which it said was limited to the city of Bakhmut in eastern Donetsk.

In daily reports, the Ukrainian military's General Staff reported that Russia was undertaking military operations to prepare for an attack on Bakhmut, while Russian forces were also shooting at surrounding communities and battling Ukrainian soldiers for control of a thermal plant. Regional officials in Ukraine's south acknowledged that at least five people were hurt by Russian munitions in Mykolaiv, a port on the Black Sea, late Saturday into Sunday morning, as per New York Post.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Ambassador to the US Oksana Markarova stated on Face The Nation Sunday that Russian authorities are forcefully deporting persons, families, and children and hastening adoption proceedings to place them in Russian households.

Earlier this month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reported that Russia had questioned, imprisoned, and deported 900,000 to 1.6 million Ukrainian nationals, including 260,000 children, from their homes to Russia.

According to Ukraine's Ministry of Culture, Russia perpetrated more than 400 crimes against the cultural heritage of the nation during its invasion.

The ministry has documented the destruction and damage to culturally significant artifacts and venues such as religious structures, monuments and memorials, museums, libraries, and theaters, USA Today reported.

Related Article: Russia Furiously Struggling To Counter Ukraine's HIMARS Rocket Launchers That Destroyed 100 'High Value' Targets

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Alfie Moon's much anticipated return is set to be a dramatic one as he crashes ex-wife Kat Slater's wedding to Phil Mitchell.

The cast were spotted Sunday filming on location in a church a stones throw from their Elstree set in North London.

In the snaps Alfie (Shane Ritchie) can be seen turning up in a rusty old van before driving off with the bride-to-be (Jessie Wallace) only to return with her glamourous gown covered in mud.

EastEnders SPOILER: Alfie Moon CRASHES ex-wife Kat Slater's wedding to Phil Mitchell before soaking her in gown in mud as he makes a dramatic return to the soap

Alfie donned his trademark biker jacket in the snaps, while Kat wore a beaded gown for her big day.

Later the duo returned to the church to face Phil (Steve McFadden) with the bride in a dishevelled state.

Actress Jessie donned slider sandals between the dramatic scenes as she chatted with her co-stars.

Aftermath: Later the duo returned to the church to face Phil (Steve McFadden) with the bride in a dishevelled state

Back together: Alfie donned his trademark biker jacket in the snaps, while Kat wore a beaded gown for her big day

Scene: The actors filmed dialogue in the van with Kat sat in the passenger seat

Bad boy: Later the duo returned to the church to face Phil (Steve McFadden)

Alfie, who first featured in the soap in November 2002, decided to flee Walford following the revelation he had fathered a child with his wife's cousin Hayley (Katie Jarvis).

But it's not only Kat who's head is turned by a former flame, with Phil sharing a secret kiss with former wife Sharon Watts (Leticia Dean) after she admitted she still harboured feelings for him.

The mechanics' son Ben (Max Bowden) was also present in a matching three-piece suit alongside Kat's grandmother Mo Harris (Laila Morse) and ex Sharon.

SHOCK! Kat appeared surprised by the arrival of her ex-husband

Aftermath: Aftermath: The reason for she dishevelled appearance is unknown

Hello? Later Kat appeared to telephone for help following the incident

Determined: Alfie emerged from the van determined as he walked towards the church

Man with a plan: He banged his hand on the bonnet as he left Kat in the vehicle

Soap fans were thrilled when Alfie made a surprise appearance on the show earlier this month, ahead of his full time return to the show.

Following news the soap actor would return to the soap full time later this year, the former Queen Vic landlord was seen briefly on video call to his son Tommy (Sonny Kendall).

Speaking about his return Shane said: 'It's an absolute honour and privilege to be asked back to my TV home of Albert Square.'

He continued: 'I'm looking forward to catching up with some old castmates and meeting some new ones.

Tension: The former flames appeared deep in conversation outside the venue during the scene

Lost love: But it's not only Kat who's head is turned by a former flame, with Phil sharing a secret kiss with former wife Sharon Watts (Leticia Dean, pictured) after she admitted she still harboured feelings for him

Drama: The legendary character, who first featured in the soap in November 2002, decided to flee Walford following the revelation he had fathered a child with his wife's cousin Hayley (Katie Jarvis)

Relax: Steve McFadden enjoyed a break in the shade as he donned a fedora

'The new executive producer, Chris Clenshaw, has been instrumental in wanting to bring Alfie Moon back with some wonderful storylines... and who am I to say no?! I can't wait.'

Executive producer Chris added: 'Shane Richie created one of the most iconic, loveable and most memorable characters in soap, and to welcome him back to Walford is an absolute pleasure.'

On set: Danielle Harold (left) and Shona McGarty (right) who play Lola Pearce and Whitney Dean respectively were also on set

Joker: Max Bowden (right) who plays Ben Mitchell joked around with co-star Frankie Day (Ricky Mitchell) between scenes

Rest: Actress Jessie took a break between the dramatic scenes

Ulterior motives? Sharon appeared to be siding up to Alfie in the images

Mitchells: (L-R) Actors Perry Fenwick, Danielle Harold, Kim Medclaf, Frankie Day, Steve McFadden

Back in action: Actress Laila Morse made her return to the role for the big day

It comes after it was revealed model Bobby Brazier, 19, is set to appear in the BBC soap this autumn playing Freddie Slater, the son of Little Mo Slater, who was last seen in Walford in 2006.

The actor was spotted on set in a smart suit for Freddie's aunt's wedding. The role has now been recast with Bobby, who is the son of TV presenter Jeff Brazier, 43, and the late Jade Goody - who tragically died of cervical cancer in 2009 at the age of 27.

Discussing landing his TV role, Bobby revealed he is 'grateful' for the opportunity and is 'excited' to join the EastEnders team.

Tea break: The actress sipped from a disposable cup as she awaited her turn

Waiting: Phil appeared pensive as he waited for his bride

Big Day: The couple are due to tie the knot but it seems like it will not all be plain sailing

He said: 'I'm very grateful. Loving every minute of Freddie so far. I'm really excited to be joining the cast of EastEnders - so far it's been perfect.

'Everybody has been so beautiful to me and made settling in easier than I could've hoped. Stepping into the acting world has always been a vision of mine and doing that with EastEnders as a Slater is a blessing.

'I'm very grateful. Loving every minute of Freddie and can't wait to see what's in store for him in Walford.'
They've been enjoying a Parisian honeymoon this week after tying the knot in a surprise Las Vegas ceremony last weekend.

And Ben Affleck, 49, appeared in high spirits as he stepped out with his new wife Jennifer Lopez, 53, on Monday, a far cry from his teary self the night before as they celebrated her birthday.

Giggling as he wrapped an arm around the actress, the pair were joined by their respective children; Ben's two daughters, Violet, 16, and Seraphina, 13 and Jennifer's 14-year-old twins Maximilian and Emme, who goes by gender-neutral pronouns.

Smiles: Ben Affleck, 49, appeared in high spirits on Monday as he laughed alongside new wife Jennifer Lopez, 53, while they continued their Parisian honeymoon

Jennifer looked ultra chic in a ruffle detailed blush shirt with a long sleeve and chiffon tie neck design, teamed with a pair of light blue skinny jeans.

Her caramel locks were sleekly pulled back into a chic bun, as she sported a dewy makeup look and circular sunglasses.

While the star added a pair of canvas wedge heels and a brown leather handbag over her shoulder.

Parisian chic: Jennifer looked ultra chic in a ruffle detailed blush shirt with a long sleeve and chiffon tie neck design, teamed with a pair of light blue skinny jeans

Gorgeous! Her blonde locks were sleekly pulled back into a chic bun, as she sported a dewy makeup look and circular sunglasses

Details: While the star added a pair of canvas wedge heels and a brown leather handbag over her shoulder

Loved-up: Wrapping a loving arm around Jennifer, Ben sported a white T-shirt and a complementing overshirt

Beaming: He kept casual in a pair of black trousers and white trainers, as he carried a shopping bag with him

Wrapping a loving arm around Jennifer, Ben sported a white T-shirt and a complementing overshirt.

He kept casual in a pair of black trousers and white trainers, as he carried a shopping bag with him.

Walking out of their current residence for the honeymoon, Hotel Crillon, Jennifer gave a wave to onlookers - as Ben kept his ear to ear grin.

Welcoming: Walking out of their current residence, Hotel Crillon, Jennifer gave a wave to onlookers

Bite to eat: Earlier in the day, Ben was spotted heading to grab some lunch with his daughter Seraphina

Earlier in the day, the actor was spotted heading to grab some lunch with his daughter Seraphina at French bistro C. Lignac.

The youngster donned a casual look with a pair of burgundy cargo shorts and an oversized grey T-shirt for the outing.

Jennifer and Ben later underwent a wardrobe change, as they left their hotel hand-in-hand.

Father-daughter outing: The pair made their way out to lunch in a black SUV

Casual: Seraphina donned a casual look with a pair of burgundy cargo shorts

Stylish: The youngster paired the shorts with an oversized grey T-shirt for the outing

Jennifer slipped into a stunning bold blue shirt dress that emphasized her svelte waist.

She carried a small beige bag in her hand, which coordinated with her beige ballet flats.

Her brunette tresses were swept up in an elegant bun and she smiled widely as she sported a pair of oversized sunglasses.

Outfit change: Jennifer and Ben later underwent a wardrobe change, as they left their hotel hand-in-hand

Statement: Jennifer slipped into a stunning bold blue shirt dress that emphasized her svelte waist

Matching: She carried a small beige bag in her hand, which coordinated with her beige ballet flats

Meanwhile, Ben changed into a light blue shirt over a white T-shirt, paired with navy blue jeans and black trainers.

He seemed in very high spirits, the day after he was seen tearing up during a dinner held to celebrate his new wife's birthday.

As they enjoyed the night out at La Girafe, which is located on the Place du Trocadero, in front of the Eiffel Tower, he was snapped getting teary-eyed during a very emotional moment.

According to a source Jennifer immediately comforted her love with a hug after he was seen breaking down while sitting at a table that was surrounded by balloons in honor of her birthday.

Having a blast: Her brunette tresses were swept up in an elegant bun and she smiled widely as she sported a pair of oversized sunglasses

Handsome: Meanwhile, Ben changed into a light blue shirt over a white T-shirt, paired with navy blue jeans and black trainers

Cheered up: He seemed in very high spirits, the day after he was seen tearing up during a dinner held to celebrate his new wife's birthday

Emotional: As they enjoyed the night out at La Girafe, which is located on the Place du Trocadero, in front of the Eiffel Tower, he was snapped getting teary-eyed during a very emotional moment
Myles Barnett made a desperate plea for information after his car was stolen in Essex on Sunday night.

The Only Way Is Essex star, 28, is currently on holiday in Toulon, France with his girlfriend Isobel Scarlet Emery.

He took to his Instagram on Monday to plead with his followers for any helpful tips they had in locating his vehicle.

Robbery: Myles Barnett made a desperate plea for information after his car was stolen in Essex on Sunday night

Alongside photos of the black Range Rover Sports, Myles wrote: 'Car stolen. Reg is LX18 JPY.

'My Range Rover got stolen from Harlow Essex this morning at 4am.

'Registration is above, reward on any information recovering the car.'

Plea: He took to his Instagram on Monday to plead with his followers for any helpful tips they had in locating his vehicle

While it is not known how much the reality star paid for the pricey motor, the RRP in 2018 was priced at 100k.

Myles later took to his Instagram Story again to address his fans and reveal he wasn't going to let the theft spoil his holiday.

He said: 'So we're not going to let the car being stolen ruin the holiday, so we've just arrive in Toulon.'

Away: The Only Way Is Essex star, 28, is currently on holiday in Toulon, France with his girlfriend Isobel Scarlet Emery

Myles and Isobel found love, 11 months after his split from Love Island star Kady McDermott.

Myles and Kady first began dating back in 2018 - just weeks after he had broken up with his TOWIE co-star Courtney Green.

The pair even bought a mega mansion together, which they were in the process of renovating in 2019 in Hertfordshire.

However, they split several times over their relationship, taking 'a break' in March 2020 and then confirming their breakup in May 2021.

In February of this year Kady revealed to The Sun that she had finally bought Myles out of their million-pound home.

Kady said: 'I just bought my ex out of the house, Im really happy about that.

'Im finishing renovating that, hopefully to do another project at the end of the year.'
Jennifer Lawrence was spotted in busy Manhattan alongside her husband as they enjoyed an afternoon alone together.

The Hunger Games actress, 31, and art gallerist, Cooke Maroney, 38, showed some affectionate PDA holding hands as they strolled around the city.

The talented star has stepped into the public spotlight after taking a brief hiatus from Hollywood and the industry to focus on motherhood.

Still in the honeymoon phase: Jennifer Lawrence was spotted in busy Manhattan alongside her husband as they enjoyed an afternoon alone together

The Oscar-winner kept her look stylishly casual as she walked around the city streets. She donned a pair of loose-fitting tan pants that were secured with a belt at the waist.

The mom of one added a plain white, short-sleeved shirt on top to stay cool in the warmer weather.

Jennifer slipped into a pair of fashionable, open-toed sandals to stay comfortable during her outing.

What's Cooke-ing, good looking? The Hunger Games actress, 31, and art gallerist, Cooke Maroney, 38, showed some affectionate PDA holding hands as they strolled around the city

Hollywood, leave me alone (for a bit): The talented star has stepped into the public spotlight after taking a brief hiatus from Hollywood and the industry to focus on motherhood

The beauty kept her long hair parted to the side, and allowed the locks to fall down naturally past her shoulders.

She carried a small brown bag in her hand to hold only a few necessary items throughout the day.

To accessorize her summer ensemble, the American Hustle star wore two dainty necklaces, one with a light blue, square-shaped embellishment to add a pop of color. The other had a silver chain and contained a small, colorful piece.

Always chic: The Oscar-winner kept her look stylishly casual as she walked around the city streets. She donned a pair of loose-fitting tan pants that were secured with a belt at the waist

No heels on this outing: Jennifer slipped into a pair of fashionable, open-toed sandals to stay comfortable during her outing

As she walked under the bright sun, Jennifer made sure to throw on a pair of large, brown sunglasses.

Jennifers husband stuck close to the star and held her hand in a loving grasp. He kept his outfit similar to his wifes look, donning a matching plain white T-shirt.

The art gallerist added a pair of dark navy pants and slipped into black and white sneakers to comfortably move about the city streets.
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Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker seem to have a sentimental side as they returned this weekend to the exact location where they became engaged almost a year ago.

DailyMail.com has an exclusive look at the newly married Los Angeles couple as they walked on the sandy beach outside the Rosewood Miramar hotel.

They seemed to be just as in love as the day they said 'I do' in Portofino, Italy in May of this year as they held hands, kissed and took in a sunny afternoon together.

A love story for the public: Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker seem to have a sentimental side as they returned this weekend to the exact location where they became engaged almost a year ago. DailyMail.com has an exclusive look at the newly married Los Angeles couple as they walked on the sandy beach outside the Rosewood Miramar hotel

Kourtney wore a neon lime green silk slip dress that had a long slit up the side showing off her toned legs. She added a black motorcycle jacket to keep warm as the coastal fog was starting to roll in and added chunky black boots.

Her Blink-182 rocker beau was dressed in his customary black rocker clothing: a print T-shirt and jeans with his array of tattoos showing.

They also both took to social media to share images from the pricey report which is close to Santa Barbara.

Kourtney shared a look at them from the back as they walked on the pristine sandy beach.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians vet also posted images from inside the exclusive report with a focus on their bed where red rose petals were placed.

Loved up 24/7: They seemed to be just as in love as the day they said 'I do' in Portofino, Italy in May of this year as they held hands, kissed and took in a sunny afternoon together

From his perspective: Barker took to Instagram on Monday to show Kourtney on his chest. And then he shared a view of her backside and legs between his to make it crystal clear they were in a loving full body embrace

Her husband opted for more racy images on his social media account.

The drummer shared a photo of his wife laying on his chest. And then he posted a photo of her legs between them in case anyone forgot they have chemistry and are really enjoying each other's company.

Kourtney accepted the rock star's proposal while on the beach outside the resort in October 2021.

He presented the petite wonder with a giant diamond ring said to be worth $1 million.

Get a room! Wait, they already have one: Even though they had a room at the resort, they still kissed up a storm on the sand

Now that is unusual: Kourtney was seen kissing Travis' chin as she seems to be extremely smitten with the bald rocker

Her look: Kourtney wore a neon lime green silk slip dress that had a long slit up the side showing off her toned legs

Kourtney shared images of the lavish proposal on Instagram with the caption 'forever,' as they embraced amid a sea of red roses.

The marriage will mark Kourtney's first and Travis' third.

Kourtney posted two images to Instagram that showed the extravagant beach proposal where she donned a black dress, and an additional Instagram post from a witness (a realtor by the name of Blake Kirsch) showed more moments.

All that's missing is a motorcycle: She added a black motorcycle jacket to keep warm as the coastal fog was starting to roll in and added chunky black boots. Her Blink-182 rocker beau was dressed in his customary black rocker clothing: a print T-shirt and jeans with his array of tattoos showing.

The resort sure has appeal: The hotel is gorgeous with wood decks that have white flowers on them and a white fence. On the beach are Miramar lounge chairs and umbrellas with a turquoise and white theme

She said 'yes' amid a sea of red roses in the shape of a heart surrounded by white candles as the sun was setting, at which point he slipped an engagement ring onto her finger.

Barker's daughter Alabama shared a first look at the massive sparkler  which was oval shaped and appeared to be at least 15 carats  as they enjoyed an intimate engagement dinner with family and friends after the proposal, with additional footage shared throughout the evening. The ring is estimated to be worth at least $1million.

The proposal took place at 6:30 PM family members from both sides were in attendance to usher in the happy couple.

The hotel went all out: The couple was presented with blood red roses, framed photos from their engagement and courthouse wedding, chocolate dipped strawberries, and champagne

The staff must have thorns in their fingers! The bed had red rose petals that spelled out a combined T for Travis and K for Kourtney

So elegant: A look at the exterior of the very upscale resort that Kourtney and Travis often visit

So fancy everywhere: The lobby has black and white tiles with a winding staircase and a center table

TMZ was the first to report the news and an E! News source shared details of the momentous day, adding that Kourtney was 'surprised.'

'Kourtney looked very surprised to see Khloe and Tristan there,' the E! source said.

'Travis escorted Kourtney down to the beach, where he had red and white florals set up in the shape of a heart. It looked very romantic. I could see Kourtney smiling from ear to ear and put her hand over her mouth looking surprised. The family cheered for them and went back into the hotel.'

ENGAGED! Kravis got engaged at the same location in October 2021 after less than one year of dating

Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Corey Gamble, Kris Jenner, and Tristan Thompson were there for the proposal and engagement party as well as Barker's kids: Landon, 18, Alabama, 15, and step-daughter Atiana De La Hoya.

Barker's son Landon and daughter Alabama both gushed over their new stepmom-to-be as they shared moments from the intimate dinner celebration afterwards, which featured a tablescape filled with red roses to match the romantic proposal and a curated menu.

As if there was any doubt about their very steamy love life, Barker had also posted a photo of a bed with a heart of red roses after the dinner.
She recently celebrated the last of her legally single days in Mexico.

But Sarah Hyland, 31, was back in the arms of her fiance Wells Adams, 38, on Sunday.

The couple were spotted shopping at jewelry store Cartier on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills after their bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Hold me tight! Sarah Hyland and Wells Adams were spotted shopping at jewelry store Cartier in Beverly Hills on Sunday after their bachelor and bachelorette parties

While waiting outside the Rolex Boutique, the Bachelor alum wrapped his strong arms around his bride-to-be as she leaned against him and flashed a contented smile.

The couple were the picture of style as they made their way down the stylish neighborhood.

Sarah looked fab in a white tank top, belted black trousers, peep toe heels, and pair of angled shades shielding her brown eyes.

She carried a chic Chloe purse on her arms and wore her hair in billowing ringlets.

Stylish duo: Sarah wowed in her chic ensemble while Wells kept it cool and casual in his look

Wells wore a tan T-shirt, rolled up jeans, black sneakers and a pair of sunnies.

When the duo weren't enjoying the sunshine, they were busy checking out new jewelry.

The couple were spotted inside Cartier, sitting on either side of one another as a store attendant showed them the goods.

All that glitters! The couple sat beside one another as they checked out some jewelry at Cartier

The outing comes just days after the couple embarked on their own bachelor/bachelorette parties.

The loved-up duo are finally tying the knot this year after several COVID-related postponements.

Sarah recently returned to Los Angeles after spending around some time celebrating her bachelorette party in Mexico.

Fun in the sun! Hyland recently celebrated her bachelorette party in Mexico

The actress was joined by a slew of girlfriends, including her bridesmaid Vanessa Hudgens.

Sarah posted a photo of her fun-filled adventures to her Instagram account, where she and her friends posed on a boat in their swimsuits.

'Bachelorette Trip of my dreams... I love these humans with all of my heart and feel so much gratitude for the space we hold for each other. You all are MAGIC,' Sarah captioned the snap.

Meanwhile, Wells celebrated his bachelor party with the boys, including fellow Bachelorette alums Ben Higgins and Derek Peth.

He shared a snap of him and his pals posing on a boat in their custom Bachelor tank tops.

'My bachelor party was so much fun! JK, I have no idea. I was drunk. But I love all these dudes!' he captioned the shot.
She was the first woman to host a late night satirical show when Full Frontal with Samantha Bee premiered on TBS in 2016.

But now, after seven seasons, the series has been canceled.

Bee, 52, confirmed the news on Twitter on Monday while thanking her 'loyal audience' and 'amazing team'.

Canceled: Full Frontal With Samantha Bee as been axed by TBS after seven seasons, it was announced on Monday

The Canadian native found fame a a correspondent for The Daily Show With John Stewart.

After 12 years at Comedy Central, she departed in 2015 to go out on her own.

Full Frontal debuted to critical claim and earned several Emmy nominations, winning Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special in 2017.

Over: Bee, 52, who made history as the first woman to host a late night satirical show, confirmed the news on Twitter and thanked her fans and her crew

Big break: The Toronto native made her name as a correspondent on The Daily Show With John Stewart. She left Comedy Central in 2015 to debut her own late night series on TBS

Huge success: Full Frontal debuted in February 2016 to critical acclaim and earned several Emmy nominations, winning Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special in 2017

In a statement, TBS said that the decision not to renew Full Frontal With Samantha Bee for another season is part of a wider change at the cable network.

'As we continue to shape our new programming strategy, we've made some difficult, business-based decisions,' TBS stated, per Variety.

'We are proud to have been the home to 'Full Frontal With Samantha Bee' and thank Sam, and the rest of the Emmy-nominated team for their groundbreaking work. We celebrate this extraordinarily talented cast and crew and look forward to exploring new opportunities to work with them in the future.'

The end of Bee's show coincides with the departure in May of Brett Weitz, general manager of TNT, TBS and truTV, who had championed her work.

Statement: TBS said: 'We are proud to have been the home to 'Full Frontal With Samantha Bee' and thank Sam, and the rest of the Emmy-nominated team for their groundbreaking work'

Cuts: Following the merger in April of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc., the new Warner Bros. Discovery has been cutting back its spending on original content for TBS and TNT

The changes have come following the merger in April of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc.

The new Warner Bros. Discovery has been cutting back its spending on original content for TBS and fellow cable network TNT.

TBS scripted shows Chad and The Last O.G. have also recently been axed.

Last year, WarnerMedia also canceled Conan O'Brien's long-running late night chat show Conan that aired on TBS from 2010 to 2021.

The talented TV star also talked to Deadline not long ago, stating that although a lot has happened in the world in recent years, 'somehow we made 200 episodes of TV on top of that.'

Full Frontal was hosted by Samantha who gave 'her own wry commentary to the contemporary issues of the day,' according to an official synopsis.

The producer told Variety in 2016 when the series first premiered that the show gave an, 'opportunity to say the things we want in the exact way we want to say them.'
Miriam Margolyes has revealed she doesn't keep count of her past lovers.

The Harry Potter star, 81, was asked how many women she's 'gone down on' during a bawdy interview on Australian breakfast radio on Tuesday.

The British actress, who is gay and has been in a relationship with historian Heather Sutherland since 1967, told The Kyle and Jackie O Show she doesn't know her 'sex number' but said she prioritises quality over quantity.

Miriam Margolyes (pictured in 2011) has revealed she doesn't keep count of her past lovers

After learning Margolyes was a lesbian and had been with the same woman for 54 years, host Kyle Sandilands asked her: 'How many women have you gone down on?'

'I don't honestly know a figure,' she replied.

'I don't count. When you're in the middle of a sexual act, you don't think how many have I had, how many have I done.'

Sandilands said he had stopped counting after hitting triple figures, to which Margolyes responded: 'Oh, you're somebody who goes in for numbers.

'I like quality rather than quantity.'

The 81-year-old, best known for playing Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, was asked how many women she's 'gone down on' during a radio interview on Tuesday. (Pictured with Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets)

The Bafta winner then shocked Sandilands and his co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson by revealing oral sex was no longer in her repertoire.

She declared: 'I haven't gone down on anyone for a very long time because I've got bad knees!'

Margolyes insisted she was 'very happy' with Sutherland, adding that the secret to their long relationship was not living together.

'She lives in Amsterdam and I live in London. We're together quite a lot of the year, as much as we can,' she said.

The British actress, who is gay and has been in a relationship with historian Heather Sutherland since 1967, told The Kyle and Jackie O Show she doesn't know her 'sex number' but said she prioritises quality over quantity. (Pictured on August 5, 2016, in London)

'She's a professional woman, I'm a professional woman, and our careers matter to us. So we don't want to be deflected by relationships until we have a holiday.

'We have a very good and loving life and I just adore her.'

It comes after Margolyes revealed last Monday that hanging out with a group of friendly Aussie bogans changed her opinion of them.

A 'bogan' is Australian slang for a vulgar or uncultured person of low social status, similar to an American redneck or British chav.

It comes after Margolyes revealed last Monday that hanging out with a group of friendly Aussie bogans changed her opinion of them. (Pictured: Benny, a self-confessed bogan, who spoke about his lifestyle in a recent episode of ABC TV series You Can't Ask That)

In an interview with New Idea, she said she recently attended a 'bogan burnout' car rally for her upcoming ABC documentary series.

Margolyes, who is best known for playing herbology professor Pomona Sprout in the Harry Potter film series, said she actually found the bogans quite charming.

'If someone asked me if I'd like bogans, I'd have said no. I'd have thought that I couldn't bear them. But I was wrong,' she told the magazine.

'The community was very welcoming and everyone was so kind, so accepting, and so open.'

Margolyes said she actually found the bogans quite charming. (Pictured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets)

The Age of Innocence star spent a day with a bogan community for her ABC show Miriam Margolyes: Australia Unmasked.

The series will see her hit the road to discover what the concept of a 'fair go' means in modern Australian society.

The veteran actor has previously made headlines for her controversial comments.

She publicly defended Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling in April over the 'misplaced' vitriol she faced for her views on the trans debate.

Margolyes (pictured in London on April 9, 2019) spent a day with a bogan community for her ABC show Miriam Margolyes: Australia Unmasked

The Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts author has faced repeated accusations of transphobia for her defence of women's rights.

Margolyes told Radio Times: 'There isn't one answer to all these trans questions. We all know people who are slightly pansy or a bit butch or whatever you call it.'

And in 2020 she came under fire for describing the land Down Under as 'brutal' and 'greedy' ahead of the release of her documentary series Almost Australian.
Tristan Thompson reunited with his daughter True Thompson after his wild trip abroad.

The Chicago Bulls player, 31, took a selfie with the four-year-old daughter he shares with Khloe Kardashian as he returned to normality on Monday.

'My princess,' Tristan proudly wrote in the post. He included a red heart, prayer hands, and crown emoji.

'My princess': Tristan Thompson reunited with his daughter True Thompson after his wild trip abroad

The proud papa beamed with joy as he posed beside his little girl with his arm wrapped around her.

She smiled for the camera and had her hair styled into a bun.

Tristan and Khloe are currently expecting their second child together, a baby who will be born via surrogate. The child's arrival is said to be 'imminent.'

Despite the approaching due date, Tristan was recently traveling around Mykonos and St. Tropez.

Beach babe! Khloe posted more bikini snaps from her recent trip to Turks and Caicos

Making a splash! She sauntered through the turquoise green waters in her blue swimsuit

Khloe was also recently out of the country, having traveled to Turks and Caicos for her 38th birthday.

She has been showering her Instagram feed with images of her luxurious beach trip ever since, and posted even more bikini shots on Monday.

'I swear I'm almost done with vacation photos,' she captioned the post. 'My Nieces won't let me live and take my content.'

The carousel of images showed Khloe sauntering through the turquoise green water in a blue bikini.

Throwbacks! 'I swear I'm almost done with vacation photos,' she captioned the post. 'My Nieces won't let me live and take my content'

She put her pert behind on display as she approached the coast and hit the camera with an over-the-shoulder glance.

Other images included her nieces North West and Penelope Disick, who photobombed her sultry beach shots.

Khloe and Tristan have had an on-and-off relationship since 2016, due to Tristan's cheating ways.

Dailymail.com confirmed the news via her rep, revealing that baby was conceived in November and will be born via surrogate.

Family fun! Other images included her nieces North West and Penelope Disick, who photobombed her sultry beach shots

'We can confirm True will have a sibling who was conceived in November,' the statement began.

'Khloe is incredibly grateful to the extraordinary surrogate for such a beautiful blessing. We'd like to ask for kindness and privacy so that Khloe can focus on her family.'

Despite recent rumblings that Khloe and Tristan have reconciled, a source close to the family states that the pair are 'not back together' and 'haven't spoken to one another since December outside of co-parenting matters.'

On their own: Despite recent rumblings that Khloe and Tristan have reconciled, a source close to the family states that the pair are 'not back together' and 'haven't spoken to one another since December outside of co-parenting matters.'

The insider also noted that the baby was conceived via surrogate right before Dailymail.com revealed that he was expecting a child with fitness model Maralee Nichols in December 2021.

Last fall, Tristan was in the midst of a paternity scandal after Dailymail.com reported Maralee was pregnant with their child.

They'd conceived the child in March 2021 while Tristan was still in a relationship with baby mama Khloe.

Nichols gave birth to their son, named Theo Thompson, on December 1, though Tristan publicly denied the child was his.

It was not until January 2022 that the Chicago Bulls star admitted to being Theo's father. He also took the opportunity to publicly apologize to Khloe for his repeated philandering.

Tristan also has a five-year-old son named Prince with ex Jordan Craig.
MILAN (AP) - The first of some 300 Afghan refugees arrived in Rome on Monday along a new humanitarian corridor organized by the Italian government, charities and international organizations, Italy's Foreign Ministry announced.

The humanitarian corridor aims to give "additional refugees and persecuted Afghans the possibility of a future in dignity and security" following the U.S. withdrawal last August and the Talibans reassertion of control, the ministry said.

Thousands of Afghan citizens were evacuated after the fall of Kabul, but many who risked Taliban retribution were left behind. The Foreign Ministry said the corridor, which envisions the transfer of 1,200 Afghan refugees from Iran, Pakistan and other neighboring countries, would give priority to women and children.

The first nine Afghan refugees arrived on a flight from Tehran. Another 200 are flying from Islamabad on Wednesday with a third group arriving from Tehran on Thursday.

At the same time, the number of Afghan refugees taking smuggling routes is growing, with some 3,280 arriving in Italy by sea so far this year, according to the U.N. refugee agency. The International Organization for Migration said Afghans are the top nationality daring the perilous central Mediterranean Sea route to European shores, with 8,121 arrivals through last Friday.

Both organizations were involved in organizing the corridor transfers, along with Italys foreign and interior ministries and charities including the Community of SantEgidio and Caritas.

The German charity Sea-Watch 3 with 444 people on board in the central Mediterranean on Sunday, July 24, 2022. Ships in the Mediterranean Sea have rescued over 1,100 people struggling to reach Europe in rickety smugglers boats and found five bodies. The Italian Coast Guard says Sunday that Italian vessels recovered the bodies Saturday as it rescued 674 people packed on a fishing boat adrift in the Mediterranean off the Libyan coast. (Nora Boerding/Sea-Watch via AP)

Italy has tried for several years to arrange humanitarian corridors so people fleeing conflict, persecution or other grave situations would have an alternative to being smuggled by human traffickers. But the numbers of those being able to reach other countries through these corridors are small compared to the tens of thousands of people who resort to smugglers to reach Europe.

In Sicily, Italian authorities, including border police, detained for investigation of people smuggling five Egyptians who were among 674 survivors aboard an overcrowded fishing boat that was aided last week off southern Italy, the Italian news agency ANSA said Monday. Rescuers found five bodies aboard the fishing boat. Those who died suffered from dehydration and excessive heat, ANSA said.

The suspects were being investigated in the Sicilian port of Messina for allegedly facilitating illegal migration and death as result of another crime, ANSA said. Many of the rescued migrants were transferred Sunday to Messina.

Some survivors told authorities that the smugglers beat them with clubs and belts during the sea voyage and sharply rationed drinking water on the boat, ANSA said.

In all, Italian authorities and charity ships reported rescuing over 1,100 people in the Mediterranean Sea last weekend.

___

Follow all AP stories on global migration at https://apnews.com/hub/migration.
US media alleges that Chinese tech firm Huawei has the capability of snooping on US nuclear assets via infrastructure associated with telecom equipment.

CNN was informed by the FBI of the vulnerability in the American Midwest that is of grave concern.The target of the Chinese surveillance is the Pentagon, which deals with nuclear forces.

US Vulnerability

Based on the CNN story last Saturday, the US government has halted attempts to eliminate Huawei communications equipment that the FBI contends could have spied on and impeded communications at US military bases, including those housing nuclear warheads, reported RT.

The Lower House passed $1.9 billion in financing in 2019 to remove Huawei and ZTE telecom equipment amid a wider crackdown on Chinese equipment under the Trump administration.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) told Congress last week that removing Chinese equipment from American networks would cost between $4.7 and $4.98 billion., noted Oacoree.

A Commerce Department probe into Huawei's activities is on the way, even though most of this equipment is in use. President Joe Biden's administration has primarily continued the efforts of his predecessor to eliminate Chinese communications technology. This technology may have presented a serious security concern, according to US media.

Brendan Carr, the commissioner of the FCC, told the news outlet that two more sites in Nebraska and Wyoming with nuclear assets, as well as the cell phone towers surrounding Montana's Malmstrom Air Force Base, which is in charge of many missile sites in the US, all utilized Huawei equipment.

The FBI suspects the telecom equipment could either collect or impede Pentagon communications, a source told the outlet.

Read Also: China Furious Over Planned 'Smash and Grab' of Tiktok, Condemns US.

Chinese Espionage

It's a scenario where communications for US Strategic Command in control of the country's nuclear deterrence and global attack forces can be interfered with.

The Huawei towers could intercept data if it was transferred back to Beijing. The firm has denied its tech can spy on the West and informed CNN that none of its equipment imported to the US violates any FCC regulations or has access to any military-controlled communications spectrum.

This Beijing Technology company said in a press release that it has a well-established reputation in cyber security and has never been involved in any malicious cyber security events over the past 30 years, citing the Daily Sun.

Competition Between the US, China

Joe Biden is engaging Beijing in an attempt to stop its surge that has been unstoppable of late; he and theFBI Director Christopher are considering fighting the PLA and getting more combat assets, and many are saying that it's not an even field for the US.

The most recent National Defense Strategy names China as the main aggressor in the Indo-Pacific. The US military, attempting to rally its allies into formal and informal alliances against Beijing, claims that the threat posed by the tech firm predates the Trump and Biden administrations.

Beijing has also asserted that American tech companies gather information from within China amid US accusations and Chinese denials.

Due to worries that its cameras could be used to record sensitive information, Tesla vehicles have been prohibited from several areas in China, including the resort town where the Chinese leadership takes its annual summer retreat.

US media outlet CNN has reported US government agencies are looking to Huawei as a potential eavesdropper on nuclear assets via telecom structures.

Related Article: Trump Throttles Huawei With More Restrictions Anew

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Kate Moss has stated her support for her ex-boyfriend, Johnny Depp, during his recent libel trial against ex-wife Amber Heard.

Moss, 48, testified in Johnny Depp's defense during his multimillion-dollar US lawsuit against Heard, 36 after the 'Aquaman' actress revealed a rumor that Depp shoved Moss down the stairs while the two were dating.

Kate Moss Reveals the Truth About Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp won his case against Amber Heard last month after a jury found her 2018 Washington Post piece inflammatory. Between 1994 to 1998, Kate Moss, who came to stardom in the 1990s, was in a relationship with a Hollywood actor.

After Johnny Depp sued Amber Heard for $50 million for an essay she penned headlined, "I spoke up against sexual abuse - and faced our culture's fury," she backed her former boyfriend. "This must change."

Kate Moss spoke during the trial in May, appearing via videolink in the Virginia courthouse. During her testimony, which lasted little over two minutes, Kate Moss stated that Johnny Depp never pushed, kicked, or hurled her down any stairs while they were together.

Speaking from Gloucestershire, Moss stated that the claim of the incident at the GoldenEye resort in Jamaica was false and that Depp had stepped in to save her. In a rare interview with Laverne, Moss also revealed her support for her friend, Spanish fashion designer John Galliano, who was found guilty of racial abuse in 2011 and sentenced to $6,115 in suspended fines, according to Metro.

Kate Moss tells the poisonous reality of exploitation in the fashion business and how, as a young adolescent, she was pursued by sexual predators in a revealing interview on Desert Island Discs today. She recounts being driven to tears by photographers who pressed her to go topless when she was 48. When she was 15, the self-conscious youngster was compelled to abandon a session when she was ordered to remove her bra.

Kate Moss, who joined the Storm modeling agency at the age of 14 in 1988, would travel across London alone, accomplishing up to eight modeling gigs each day. During the radio interview, she discusses the 1990 shot that made her famous, but acknowledges that reliving the memories is traumatic.

When Moss was 16, she photographed a series of images for The Face magazine on the beach at Camber Sands, East Sussex, with the late photographer Corinne Day, with whom she frequently collaborated. Kate Moss also recalls working with Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg, sometimes known as Marky Mark at the time, on an underwear ad for Calvin Klein in 1992. It was her first major advertising campaign, but the then-17-year-old required Valium to relax since she was worried about being topless.

Moss rose beyond these early setbacks to become one of the most iconic and influential characters in worldwide fashion, with an inner circle that includes some of the world's most famous people. However, the highs have been mirrored by lows, as Moss speaks candidly about her issues with alcohol and drugs, which nearly wrecked her career. She describes her chaotic childhood in Croydon, South London, when she was 13 and her parents divorced, Daily Mail reported.

Read Also: Ric Flair's Last Match: The Nature Boy's Opponents Revealed

Amber Heard on List of Most Hated Personalities

Meanwhile, Amber Heard has topped a list of the most hated people alive in 2021, surpassing Vladimir Putin. The Aquaman actor has been the subject of constant attention in recent months due to her legal fight with ex-husband Johnny Depp, and one list from source The Top Tens ranks Heard as more despised than Russian President Vladimir Putin, who declared war on Ukraine earlier this year.

The list was shared on Reddit, sparking a discussion over Heard's treatment on social media. During the multimillion-dollar slander trial, the actress was subjected to intense examination.

Heard was brutally ridiculed on social media by fervent Depp followers during the trial, and her recent post-trial interview with NBC's Savannah Guthrie has seen the criticism continue.

Emotional testimony from Heard saying she was hit by Depp became a TikTok sensation. The barrage of vitriol heaped on Heard throughout her trial has already prompted analogies to the public scorn heaped on Britney Spears during her trials, according to Newsweek.

Related Artice: Johnny Depp Slaps Amber Heard's Countersuit on Defamation Verdict, Appealing Ex-Wife's $2 Million Compensation

@YouTube

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They had planned to launch a protest seeking resolution to 12 demands ranging from appointment of officials to tenders for uniforms and shoes.  DC Image

ADILABAD: Students of IIIT-Basar on Saturday decided to postpone their agitation  on a list of 12 demands ranging from appointment of officials to tenders for uniforms and shoes  against the authorities for a few days because of ongoing exams and holidays for senior students.

They also hit out at the authorities for declaring offs for senior students from July 23 to 31, referring to it as a tactic to stop agitations. Student leaders, however, said that they would remain on campus.

The developments follow a meeting between parents and the interim Vice Chancellor Dr Venkataramana, along with director Satish Kumar, on Saturday evening.

Parents said that the VC told them that he had never set a deadline to resolve the issues, even as students had previously set a deadline of July end for action to be taken.

Parents were also worried that students might lose out on academics if they continue to strike, while some raised health concerns of open protests during heavy rains.

Students are mainly seeking the appointment of a regular vice chancellor, for which a chancellor must be appointed first. Further, following food poisoning around a fortnight ago, students have been demanding the replacement of the food contractors.

While parents said that students are being forced to fight for their genuine rights, students hit out at the authorities for a lack of progress on even long-pending issues.

Further, students said that their academics will be hit due to holidays declared by the institution, questioning the motive behind the move as it failed to postpone exams previously, during the Covid-19 waves, despite repeated requests.
Teachers said that Hindi speakers who joined their schools from class 1 are now fluent in speaking and reading/writing Telugu. (AFP)

HYDERABAD: Student enrolment has seen a sharp spike in government schools, with many from Andhra Pradesh and non-Telugu states  wards of guest workers who work at construction sites  joining in large numbers.

However, students of higher classes are facing problems due to the Telugu medium of education, as even the bilingual textbooks translate concepts from Telugu to English.

Authorities said that the enrolment of students from other states at schools near industrial clusters is particularly high, with natives of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat outnumbering locals in several instances.

V. Niranjan, a headmaster of a government high school near Shaikpet, said that students could join Hindimedium schools, but they preferred Telugu medium schools due to proximity, as well as to blend in with

the locals.

We do not deny admission to any student. There are many who have joined after Class 7 and 8, but they face difficulties coping with the Telugu language. We teach them the basics and there are bridge courses for Telugu as well. A few teachers try teaching them in English and Hindi, but that is rare, said M. Nayak, the headmaster of a primary government school in Manikonda.

Nayak said that in his school, 40 per cent of the students are from Telangana and 30 per cent from Andhra Pradesh, while the rest are from Bihar, Gujarat and Odisha.

However, teachers said that Hindi speakers who joined their schools from class 1 are now fluent in speaking and reading/writing Telugu.

Spandana Choudhary, the headmaster of a government school in Medak, said that the best performers in her school are students from Bihar and Odisha, who joined from primary classes.

When students walk in from other states, we make sure they submit a proper TC before we enrol them. However, we are letting that go for students up to class 8 as they belong to poor backgrounds. Some of these students really want to blend in and learn the Telugu language, she said.
Hyderabad: Incessant rains over the past week have inundated residential localities located near lakes, prompting residents to seek shelter elsewhere. Osmansagar near Jalpally was among the worst-hit areas as residents took to social media to share their plight.

Residents took to social media to share their plight. Drain projects and other works, intended to stop the inundation this year, were left midway, leading to inundation for a third consecutive year, residents said.

Earlier, it (inundation) used to take place in September or October, but this time, the problem surfaced in early monsoon. Delayed works have once again prompted people to lock their houses and leave. Saif 2 colony is already submerged, Md. Abdul Bari, a local activist, said.

A similar problem hindered residents of the Ayyappa Colony in Nagole, which borders Sai Nagar Lake. Residents moved out en masse, as the sudden overflow of water caused panic.

Now the situation is under control. Till the outflows and inflows are the same, there wont be inundation. I personally visited the area and ensured that people do not face problems, said Aruna Yadav, Nagole corporator.

The developments come amid a temporary relief for the city on Wednesday, when only light to moderate rains, with thundershowers and gusty winds, were recorded in select pockets. On Wednesday, the highest rainfall in the city was recorded at Serilingampally (8.3 mm), followed by Quthbullapurat (7.3 mm) and Kukatpally (5.8 mm).

The Hussainsagar lake and twin reservoirs of Osmansagar and Himayatsagar continued to get water inflows, with sluice gates already opened.

Visitors were seen flocking to Tank Bund to check the water level, even as those headed towards the twin reservoirs were blocked by authorities.

My nephew was supposed to go to Gandhipet along with the family, but returned as the entrance was closed, said Raziya Begum, a resident of Mehdipatnam.

Meanwhile, the GHMC issued a monsoon caution alert, warning citizens against opening drain covers. Do not remove safety grill or mesh fixed at nalas or storm water drains. Do not enter into nalas for any reason...Penalties will be imposed by GHMC in case of violations..., read the public advisory.
Delay in nala widening works has been forcing the residents of Deendayalnagar in Malkajgiri to stay indoors as the passage in front of their houses has been blocked for the works. (Photo: DC/Surenderreddy Singireddy)

HYDERABAD: Delay in nala widening works has been forcing the residents of Deendayalnagar in Malkajgiri to stay indoors as the passage in front of their houses has been blocked for the works.

According to the residents, the GHMC officials wasted one year even after municipal administration and urban development (MA&UD) minister K.T. Rama Rao directed them to take up the nala works immediately after flash floods in October 2020. They said the civic authorities began the nala works at the beginning of monsoon but left it midway.

Residents are now requesting their neighbours to break the compound wall for an alternative passage to reach the main road. The civic authorities passed the buck on contractors. They also cited lack of funds, cement price hike and untimely payment to contractors by the GHMC as the reasons for the delay.

There are about 150 families residing in Deendayalnagar who are terrified not only in monsoon but every time it rains. Sewerage water mixed with rainwater entered 14 colonies in the area during the recent rains.

Mylavarapu Satyanarayana, who has no passage to move out of home, said the GHMC contractors dug a deep pit in front of his house. "We requested the corporation to take up the nala works post monsoon. However, our request fell in deaf ears. Officials dug pits apart from nala widening during the beginning of the monsoon and left it midway," Satyanarayana said.

He said himself and his wife were retired government employees residing with their 84-year-old mother. We have to accompany our mother for medical emergencies apart from going out to buy groceries on a daily basis. However, the nala work has blocked the passage and on our request a neighbour agreed to break the common wall so that we can move out to reach the road, he said.

Daya Sankar, 82, said, There is no passage for us for the past one month. It's like we are lodged in some jail. We are a family of six. What if some medical emergency happens? We are living with mosquitoes, flies, filth, foul smell and others which often make us fall sick." He informed that just a 100 metres away from his residence, a 12-year-old girl was washed away in the uncovered nala during monsoon in 2020. "The authorities just erected a danger sign board without addressing the issue," he added.

Satyavathi, a resident whose house is also left with no passage, said, My question is even after two years of a girl's death, why the authorities are so slow in completing these works? Are they sleeping during winter and summer? They started digging as the monsoon arrived.

According to R. Laxman, executive engineer of Malkajgiri circle, We have dug up here for the box drain. The delay is because of the contractors' strike as the government did not pay the bills on time. There was a hike in the price of concrete slabs, and there was a delay in cabling.

Asked if there was succour for the residents, he responded: There is no option for us now to provide them passage. Once the work is done, we will lay a road.
HYDERABAD: The TRS is understood to be gearing up for a probable byelection to Munugode Assembly constituency in the event of Congress MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy quitting the party and the Assembly to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The party leadership reportedly started luring local leaders and cadres of Opposition Congress and the BJP in Munugode into its fold although it is still not clear whether Rajgopal Reddy will quit or not.

The party leadership admitted mandal and village level leaders and activists of various parties in Munugode into the TRS on Sunday in the presence of energy minister G. Jagadish Reddy at Telangana Bhavan here. The party leadership entrusted the responsibility of ensuring TRS candidate's victory in the constituency to Jagadish Reddy.

The speculation of Rajgopal Reddy resigning from the Congress and as MLA gathered momentum after his reported 'secret meeting' with Union home minister Amit Shah on July 19 purportedly facilitated by an MP from Jharkhand. The TRS leadership strongly feels that the BJP national leadership wants to force another bypoll to check the TRS growth after the BJP's victory in Huzurabad bypoll in November last year, according to sources.

The TRS leadership strongly believes that Rajgopal Reddy has agreed to resign from the Congress and as MLA anytime before August 30 and contest the bypoll as a BJP candidate. The BJP national leadership is said to have put forth the condition that Rajgopal Reddy must resign as MLA he wanted to join the party.

After admitting scores of local leaders and cadres from the Congress and the BJP on Sunday at Telangana Bhavan, Jagadish Reddy lashed out at Rajgopal Reddy accusing him of neglecting Munugode constituency since the December 2018 Assembly polls and keeping himself busy with his 'businesses' and 'contracts'.

"Rajgopal doesn't visit his constituency even once in six months. He has no time even to distribute Kalyana Lakshmi cheques to beneficiaries. That's why I visited Munugode and distributed the cheques. What's the use of an MLA who has no time to visit his constituency to look after its development and welfare of people," Jagadish Reddy said.

Stating that the Congress leaders and cadres in Munugode were joining the TRS unable to bear the arrogance of Rajgopal Reddy, Jagadish said, "Rajgopal remains in one party and he praises other parties. Unable to bear this, Congress leaders and workers are joining the TRS."
New Delhi: With an eye on the forthcoming Assembly polls in states like Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, among others, and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP top brass, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president J.P. Nadda, on Sunday held a meeting of the chief ministers of BJP-ruled states to assess the partys organisational preparedness for the electoral battles ahead.

The chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of the NDA-ruled states gave presentations on the impact of various Central government schemes in their respective states and also some schemes of the state governments.

Interacting with the 12 CMs and eight deputy CMs of the BJP and NDA-ruled states, Mr Modi emphasised on the implementation of key government schemes and moving towards ensuring saturation-level coverage. The PM was also updated about the preparedness for the Har Ghar Tiranga movement as part of the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. He also asked them to encourage sports, provide the best facilities, boost the participation of youth and aim to become known for their sporting culture. Regarding Central schemes, he said special emphasis should also be laid on the implementation of GatiShakti, Har Ghar Jal, Svamitva and DBT. Mr Modi asked the CMs and deputy CMs to ensure the last-mile delivery of welfare schemes, usage of e-governance systems to ensure greater accountability with zero pilferage,

Prioritizing the outreach of schemes to remote areas and achieving 100 per cent coverage of eligible beneficiaries.

The BJP top brass holds these meetings after every few months to gauge the party's preparedness and to assess the development work by its state units. Union minister Bhupender Yadav and Vinay Sahsrabuddhe, who heads the partys good governance cell, also attended the meeting at the BJP headquarters here.

The chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of 18 states where the BJP is in power on its own or in alliance with other parties, held day-long deliberations on meeting 100 per cent targets of all Centrally- sponsored welfare schemes and flagship programmes.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma were among those who attended the meeting.

Nagaland CM Nephio Rio, Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, Tripura chief minister Manik Saha, Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel and Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant also attended the meeting.

Several deputy chief ministers, including Maharashtras Devendra Fadnavis, as well as Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi from Bihar also attended the meeting.
HYDERABAD: Congress MP N. Uttam Kumar Reddy accused Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao of transforming Telangana into a bankrupt state while increasing the per capita debt by almost five times.

Uttam Kumar Reddy said Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in a written reply to a question raised in the Lok Sabha on Monday, revealed that some states had bypassed the net borrowing ceiling (NBC) by raising loans from certain public sector companies, special purpose vehicles (SPVs) and other similar establishments, where the principal and/or interest were to be paid out of the state budgets.

He said the Union finance minister had also shared the state-wise details of total outstanding liabilities of state governments compiled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

"Telangana state had inherited debts of Rs 69,000 crores at the time of its formation in 2014. Those borrowings or outstanding liabilities were accumulated in 60 years. However, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) government has increased those debts to Rs 3,12,191 crore in just 7-8 years. As per the RBI report, the total outstanding liabilities of Telangana increased to Rs 72,658.10 crore in 2015, Rs 90,523.4 crore in 2016, Rs 81,820.9 crore in 2017, Rs 160,296.3 crore in 2018, Rs 190,202.7 crore in 2019, Rs 225,418.0 crore in 2020, Rs 267,530.7 crore in 2021 and to Rs 312,191.3 crore in 2022," he said.

Uttam Kumar Reddy said the per capita debt of Telangana at the time of its formation was about Rs 18,157. With Telangana's outstanding liabilities increasing to Rs 312,191 crore, the per capita debt had increased by almost five times to Rs 82,155.

"If we also take into account the loans procured through various public sector companies, SPVs and other establishments of the state government, then the overall debts of Telangana stand at more than Rs 4 lakh crore. This takes the per capita debt to over Rs 1 lakh," he said.
President Droupadi Murmu exchanges greetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her oath ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament, in New Delhi, Monday, July 25, 2022. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: As Droupadi Murmu took charge as Indias 15th President, the BJP is all set to step up its tribal outreach strategy in the four poll-bound states. While Gujarat will be going to the polls later this year, elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh are due in early 2023.

According to the 2011 census, Gujarat has a tribal population of nearly 16 per cent, Madhya Pradesh 22 per cent, Rajasthan 15 per cent and Chhattisgarh nearly 30 per cent. Of the four, two are Congress-ruled states. After forming the government in Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party has stepped up its political activities in Gujarat.

BJP leaders have fanned out across the country and are holding rallies to highlight its role in electing the first tribal woman President of India.

That the tribals political assertiveness and ambitions have been growing over the years had become amply clear after the formation of the Bharatiya Tribal Party in Gujarat in 2017. Speculation is rife that the BTP could join hands with the AAP.

The BJPs electoral record in the tribal belt has been somewhat poor, a party leader said. It was pointed out that the four poll-bound states have 128 reserved seats for the STs, 47 in MP, 29 in Chhattisgarh, 27 in Gujarat and 25 in Rajasthan.

During the last Assembly elections we had won only 35 of the 128 reserved seats, the leader said.

In her maiden speech as President, Murmu invoked the countrys tribal legacy and said she was pleased to see that Many museums are being built across the country dedicated to the role of tribal communities in our freedom struggle. Earlier, after nominating Ms Murmu as the NDAs candidate for President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked the party leaders to hold small rallies and meetings in all tribal villages. The Presidents official photographs and her views on tribals will be distributed in all these villages, the BJP leader said.

In Gujarat, after a series of protests by the tribal community, the Centre decided to put on hold its Par Tapi Narmada river linking project. In May, during a BJP Chintan Shivir, discussions were held to increase (its) footprint in the tribal belts in Gujarat.

Besides the state polls, the selection of Murmu as the NDA candidate is also expected to help the BJP make major inroads into the tribal politics. Some party leaders felt that in Maoist-hit states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, Murmu taking over as the first tribal woman President would send a major signal. This also highlights the Sangh Parivars concept of an Akhand Bharat coming together with a coalition of castes and the partys faith in sabka saath sabka vikas.
A terror suspect was detained by the city police from Tilak Nagar in South Bengaluru on Sunday night. The suspect has been identified as Akthar Hussain of Assam.

According to sources, the suspect was detained in a joint operation by the central agencies and the Central Crime Branch (CCB). The city police are yet to make an official statement. However, the sources said that they got a tip-off about him almost two weeks ago and were watching his movements.

Akthar, who had come to the city seven months ago, was working as a delivery boy for an online food delivery firm. He was staying in a rented room along with three others on the third floor of a building in Tilak Nagar. A team of around 30 policemen raided the suspect's rented home around 7 pm on Sunday. After an hour's operation, they collected some evidence and detained the suspect Akthar.

Sources said that Akthar was attracted to terror activities for almost a year. He was in contact with members of a terror outfit through his social media accounts. He used to chat with them and had allegedly shown interest in jihad. The police are also questioning the roommates of the suspect for more details about his activities.

The police have also seized Akhtar's mobile phone, which he allegedly used to chat with the terror outfit members.The police claims that they have found a few conversations of the suspect in which he had given consent to join a banned terror outfit and had plans to go to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest.
The workings of the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) came under fire from BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar again, as he lashed out at the recruitment agency for delaying the announcement of results.

Though the main exams to recruit KAS officers were held in February 2021, the results are yet to be announced, he said. It is unhealthy for the KPSC to repeatedly fail in fulfilling its responsibilities, Kumar said in a statement.

It is unbecoming of any institute to make candidates wait for 17 months for the results. The administrative system requires candidates who have not lost their enthusiasm, rather than those who have lost interest in civil services by waiting long for their results, he said.

Read | Police launch lathi charge to break protest at KPSC office in Bengaluru

Recalling that he had met KPSC officials over a month ago, the former minister said the officials had assured him of releasing the 1:3 list for KAS interview rounds  ahead of the final selection of candidates  by July 10.

I was recently informed that the results were delayed as the official concerned (with announcing the list) was infected with Covid-19, Kumar said.

While some results such as motor vehicle inspectors, first division assistants, and drawing teachers are out, several others, including second division assistants and junior engineers, are yet to be announced.

"KPSC should understand the struggles of various candidates at least now and announce the 1:3 list of KAS and results of other exams," he said.
North Korea accused the US on Sunday of producing biological weapons in Ukraine, echoing a Russian charge that the UN disregarded in March.

Pyongyang, a Moscow ally, declared in February that US policy was the main cause of the Ukraine problem, and this month formally recognized two self-proclaimed pro-Russian separatist areas in eastern Ukraine, leading Kyiv to sever diplomatic ties with North Korea.

North Korea Backs Russia

According to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Washington established several biological labs in tens of nations and territories, including Ukraine, in violation of international conventions.

Moscow accused Washington in March of sponsoring research into the creation of biological weapons in Ukraine, which Russia invaded nearly five months ago.

Both Washington and Kyiv disputed the existence of biological weapons facilities in Ukraine, with the US claiming the claims were a warning that Moscow may employ such techniques too. In March, the UN's Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, stated that the UN was not aware of any biological weapons program in Ukraine, according to NDTV.

The Russian Defense Ministry accused the US of sponsoring the establishment of biological research facilities, adding that the Pentagon at the US military headquarters had been conducting tests to manufacture forbidden biological weapons.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said in a report that the US military conducted bat coronavirus-related research while accusing Ukraine's diplomatic partner of developing bioagents in Kyiv that would be used to target ethnic groups.

According to the Russian defense ministry, Washington conducted an R-781 project in which bats were used as carriers of potential biological weapons, and official documents were shared as evidence. Other studies looked at bacterial and viral infections that may be transferred from bats to people, such as plague, leptospirosis, and brucellosis pathogens, as well as coronaviruses and filoviruses.

Read Also: Steve Bannon Guilty of Contempt of Congress: He 'Chose Allegiance to Donald Trump' Over the Law

Russia Calls For North Korean Laborers For Help in Donbas

The initiative involved not just Ukrainian facilities, but also Georgian biological laboratories are overseen by the Pentagon, as well as Virginia Polytechnic Institute and the US Geological Survey. According to Russia, such experiments were developed with the assistance of laboratories in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa and were planned to last until 2020, Republic World reported.

Russia expects North Korean labor to help reconstruct two self-proclaimed republics in eastern Ukraine, with Pyongyang likely to be compensated with much-needed industrial equipment and wheat from parts of Ukraine currently under Russian military control.

The Russian ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora, remarked in an interview with the Izvestia daily. Assisting North Korea in getting equipment, technology, or cash would be a violation of UN sanctions aimed at discouraging Pyongyang from constructing more nuclear weapons or improved missiles. Russia, as a member of the UN Security Council, has previously backed sanctions on North Korea but is now looking for new friends as it faces its trade and other embargoes.

After Russia and Syria, North Korea is the third country to officially recognize Donetsk and Luhansk as autonomous republics. Denis Pushilin, the leader of the Donetsk People's Republic, called Pyongyang's recognition a diplomatic achievement and said he looked forward to active and productive collaboration with North Korea, as per The Telegraph via MSN.

Related Article: Zelensky Says No Ceasefire Agreement With Moscow Unless Ukraine Recovers Territory Lost to Russia

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Police launched a lathi charge to break a protest in front of the KPSC office in central Bengaluru on Monday.

Hundreds of candidates converged outside the KPSC office to protest the "inordinate delay" in declaring the results of various government recruitment exams, some of which were held many months ago.

Timely notifications for upcoming exams, an annual calendar of KPSC exams, complete transparency in recruitment and implementation of the PC Hota committee recommendations were their other demands.

The demonstration was led by Congress spokesperson Bhavya Narasimhamurthy, who said the protesters numbered more than 500. Besides Bengaluru, government job aspirants had come from Mysuru, Tumakuru, Kolar, Chikkamagaluru, Hosapete, Raichur and Bidar.

Read | Government recruitments: Consumed by corruption

Holding placards and wearing black bands, the protesters accused the Karnataka State Public Commission (KPSC) of "playing" with their future.

A KPSC officer arrived at the protest site and tried to pacify the protesters by promising to declare the results within a week. But the protesters booed him and demanded that the results be declared immediately.

They also wanted KPSC Secretary Suralkar Vikas Kishor to speak to them. Suralkar arrived a while later.

Stating that he had taken charge only last week, he said that the process to declare the results was underway. He promised that the results for the main exam to fill up gazetted probationary posts would be declared by Monday. He also assured to provide "definitive" information about declaring the results for other exams.

Protesters unconvinced

The protesters, however, remained unconvinced and stayed put. Police intervened and asked them to leave, saying they should go to Freedom Park, the designated protest venue in the city. But the protesters wouldn't move and started raising slogans.

A heated argument ensued, and police stepped forward to disperse the protesters. A physical altercation ensued and police slapped some protesters. Before things could get out of hand, police launched a lathi charge. They also took Bhavya and some protesters into preventive custody.
At least three people, including a former Philippine town mayor, were killed and another was wounded on Sunday in a brazen attack by a gunman in a university campus in the capital region, officials said.

The gunman, who was armed with two pistols, was captured after the shooting near the gate of the Ateneo de Manila University in suburban Quezon city. The university was put under lockdown and the graduation rite at a law school was cancelled, police said.

Also Read | Jilted lover arrested for shooting at woman in Delhi

Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, who was supposed to be a speaker at the ceremony, was en route to the university when the attack happened and was advised to turn back, officials said.

Quezon city Mayor Joy Belmonte condemned the attack. This kind of incident has no place in our society and must be condemned to the highest level, she said in a statement.

Officials said those killed in the attack were Rosita Furigay, a former mayor of Lamitan town in southern Basilan province, her aide and a university guard.

Furigay's daughter, who was supposed to attend the graduation ceremony, was wounded and taken to a hospital, a police report said.

Investigators were trying to determine a motive for the attack.

The shooting happened despite heavy security and a gun ban imposed by police and other government forces in Quezon city, where newly elected President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is to deliver his first state of the nation address on Monday before a joint session of Congress at the House of Representatives.
The IMF hopes unrest in Sri Lanka will be resolved soon so that aid talks that were interrupted can resume, a fund spokesman said Thursday.

Formal discussions on a new loan program for the cash-strapped nation began last month but were thrown off course by the political upheaval that led to the resignation of the country's president.

"We are, of course, deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis of impact on the Sri Lankan people and particularly the poor and the vulnerable groups," IMF spokesman Gerry Rice told reporters.

Also Read: 'Don't fall ill': Sri Lanka doctors warn of drug shortage

Following constructive early talks, "clearly the political and the social emergency situation... has interrupted those discussions," he said.

The international crisis lender is "closely monitoring" developments there, and "we hope for a resolution of the current situation that would allow for our resumption of a dialogue on an IMF-supported program," Rice said.

The upheaval forced now ex-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country, amid dramatic scenes of protesters occupying the presidential palace.

Rajapaksa is accused of mismanaging the island nation's economy to a point where it has run out of foreign exchange to finance even the most essential imports, leading to severe hardships for its 22 million people, with four out of five Sri Lankans skipping meals.

Also Read | India hopes for early solution to Lanka crisis through democratic means; says continue to stand with people there

Sri Lanka defaulted on its $51-billion foreign debt in April and has nearly exhausted its already scarce supplies of petrol, with the government ordering the closure of non-essential offices and schools to reduce commuting and save fuel.

Rice said the IMF remains in contact with technical officials in Colombo, at the finance ministry and central bank, but as with any aid deal, a loan program for Sri Lanka "would require adequate assurances on debt sustainability."
Britain said Monday it had reluctantly agreed to host next year's Eurovision song contest, after organisers said there was no prospect of the event going ahead in war-torn Ukraine.

The BBC will instead produce the world's biggest live music event, taking in performers from across Europe and Central Asia as well as Israel and Australia, in a UK city yet to be determined.

Ukraine won this year's contest, held in Italy, ahead of Britain's entry in second place. For the past month, it had insisted it could host next year's despite the Russian invasion.

But after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) ruled that out on security grounds, the government in Kyiv acquiesced to a UK-hosted event with a strongly Ukrainian flavour.

Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko said that after "several rounds" of discussion, the EBU had given assurances of an "extremely high integration of Ukrainian context and presenters".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that in phone talks last week with President Volodymyr Zelensky, they "agreed that wherever Eurovision 2023 is held, it must celebrate the country and people of Ukraine".

"As we are now hosts, the UK will honour that pledge directly -- and put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends," Johnson tweeted.

Johnson's spokesman added it had been the soon-to-depart prime minister's "strong wish" for Ukraine to host the 2023 edition, and found it "deeply regrettable" that was no longer possible.

In May, Ukrainian folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra won in Turin, on a wave of support for their country following Russia's invasion.

By convention, the winning country hosts the kitsch annual pop extravaganza the following year. Britain last hosted it in 1998.

But last month, the EBU said Ukraine could not guarantee the safety of more than 10,000 people involved in the production and a further 30,000 fans expected to attend.

The broadcasting union stuck to its line despite protests from Zelensky's government, and rejected one proposal to shift the contest to a border location within Ukraine, away from the frontlines.

The EBU said Ukraine was still guaranteed a place in the 2023 grand final along with the organisation's "top five" countries: Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

The other finalists will be selected via national votes by viewers and judges.

"It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest," BBC director-general Tim Davie said.

"The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity," he said.

The BBC said it would begin the search for a UK venue in collaboration with the EBU. Whichever city wins will need to have an international airport, a sizeable conference venue and thousands of hotel rooms.

London, Manchester and Sheffield all said they were ready to step in. Glasgow had previously expressed interest.

London mayor Sadiq Khan said the UK capital could mount a contest that "celebrates the people of Ukraine and shows off the very best of Britain".

This year's contest vaulted Britain's second-placed entrant Sam Ryder to stardom.

Last month, before another global TV audience, Ryder performed his quirky song "Space Man" in front of Buckingham Palace as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II.
Sri Lanka will restrict fuel imports for the next 12 months because of a severe shortage of foreign exchange, its energy minister said on Monday, as the island nation's new government seeks to find a way out of a crippling economic crisis.

The country of 22 million has been grappling with a lack of essentials, including fuel and medicines, for months, after its foreign exchange reserves ran dry because of economic mismanagement and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Due to Forex issues, Fuel imports has to be restricted in the next 12 months," Sri Lanka's Minister for Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera, said in a tweet, explaining the rationale behind a fuel rationing system that will be implemented this week.

QR system was introduced since the daily fuel demand cannot be fulfilled. Due to Forex issues, Fuel imports has to be restricted in the next 12 months.

CPC has never distributed Fuel daily to Every single Fuel Station. Practically Not Possible even when stocks are unlimited.  Kanchana Wijesekera (@kanchana_wij) July 25, 2022

Also Read | Lankan Prez Wickremesinghe congratulates new Indian counterpart Murmu

The rationing system is among the first steps that Sri Lanka's new President Ranil Wickremesinghe will take to ease the impact of the crisis after taking office last week following a victory in a parliament vote.

His predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, fled the country and then resigned earlier this month after mass protests against his mishandling of the economy, with protesters storming his official residence and office.

Sri Lanka also reopened its schools on Monday after severe fuel shortages and political unrest kept them closed for nearly a month.

However, public sector employees have been asked to continue working from home for one more month, the government said in a circular issued on Sunday.

Also Read | International rights group seeking arrest of former Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Singapore

Lanka IOC, the country's second largest fuel retailer, will import two fuel shipments of around 30,000 tonnes each in August, its managing director Manoj Gupta said.

"We are working collectively with the government to reduce the pain and our priority is to supply to industries," Gupta told Reuters.

Sri Lanka is in talks with the International Monetary Fund about a bailout package worth up to $3 billion, while it also seeks help from allies, including neighbouring India and China.
The UN's peacekeeping mission in Mali has acknowledged there were "dysfunctions" that preceded a row with the Malian authorities sparked by the arrival of Ivorian troops at Bamako airport this month.

Mali's military-led government says 49 Ivorian soldiers were detained after landing on a special flight on July 10 without supporting documents and has described them as "mercenaries".

But Ivory Coast says they were sent to provide routine back-up duties for the Ivorian contingent in the MINUSMA peacekeeping operation, and is demanding their release.

Also Read | Mali says it has thwarted attack at key garrison town

Asked by the government to explain the situation, MINUSMA said in a reply seen by AFP "it appears that certain measures were not taken."

"The Mission is trying to understand how these dysfunctions were able to occur in order to avoid them occurring again in the future," it said.

The message to the Malian foreign ministry, known as a note verbale, was confirmed by the Malian authorities on Monday as being genuine. There was no immediate response from MINUSMA to a request for comment.

The spat takes place against a backdrop of problems in Mali, one of Africa's poorest and most unstable countries.

Mali is struggling with a long-running jihadist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

It is also in the grip of political turbulence after colonels angry at the government's handling of the insurgency seized power in August 2020.

The MINUSMA message pointed to an apparent discrepancy in the records about the Ivorians' contracts as "national support elements" (NSEs) -- external personnel hired to provide support duties.

Also Read | WHO moves to roll out first malaria vaccine in Africa

"The Ivorians were deployed at Senou (in Bamako) to provide security for German NSEs there, instead of at Timbuktu (in northern Mali) where the Ivorian contingent of MINUSMA is based," it said.

"MINUSMA is not aware of a contract between Germany and third parties for the protection of the German NSE base."

MINUSMA added that it had not been informed of the presence and number of Ivorian NSEs in Mali.

"However, by correlating internal documents, MINUSMA estimates that the Ivorian detachment amounts to 50 men and women."

The row has strained Mali's relations with Ivory Coast, a leading regional power and member of the West African bloc ECOWAS, which has been at odds with the junta.

It has also cast a shadow over Mali's relations with MINUSMA.

Also Read | What became of the Arab Spring?

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali has been in the country since 2013. Its 17,600 troops, police, civilians and volunteers make it one of the UN's biggest peacekeeping missions.

On Wednesday, the Malian authorities ordered the expulsion of MINUSMA's spokesman, Olivier Salgado, accusing him of making "unacceptable" postings on Twitter that supported Ivory Coast's version of events.

Togo is acting as a mediator between Ivory Coast and Mali.
A new controversy over a video of PM Modi and Ram Nath Kovind had the BJP up in arms against the Aam Aadmi Party. The video has now been flagged by Twitter as "out of context".

Here we take a look at how the controversy unfolded

What exactly happened?

AAP MP Sanjay Singh on Sunday shared a video wherein PM Modi is seen looking the other way at cameras as former President Ram Nath Kovind greets parliamentarians on his last day in the Central Hall of Parliament on Saturday.

  Very Sorry Sir

    ,          pic.twitter.com/xaGIOkuyDM  Sanjay Singh AAP (@SanjayAzadSln) July 24, 2022

Singh also added the caption, "So insulting, very sorry sir. These people are such, they will now not even look at you as your term has ended."

The video soon went viral with several other opposition leaders sharing it.

How did the BJP respond?

BJP responded with sharp criticism against AAP with the party's IT chief Amit Malviya calling Sanjay Singh a "fake news peddler" along with an unedited cut of the same video that shows PM Modi returning Kovind's greeting and then looking away as the former President greeted other parliamentarians.

Malviya also lashed out at AAP, "How would those (referring to Kejriwal, Sisodia and others) whose lies are caught every day, and who are habituated to insults, know how to respect people?"

Fake news peddler Sanjay Singh at it again.  (     )      ,    ,        ,  ? https://t.co/ntGA3OU5wY pic.twitter.com/1nYaN2lfE4  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) July 24, 2022

Other BJP leaders also slammed AAP MP Sanjay Singh calling for fact checks and blasting the party for trying to show PM Modi in poor light.

Twitter adds advisory for video

Twitter has added an advisory on Sanjay Singh's tweet calling the media 'out of context'.

According to Twitter, synthetic, manipulated, or out-of-context media that may deceive or confuse people and lead to harm should not be shared. Such media may be labelled misleading or out of context in order for users to understand its authenticity and to provide additional context.

How Twitter labels media out of context

Twitter can and may take down or label misleading content that makes dubious claims. It can flag the following types of content as out of context.

** Inauthentic, fictional, or produced media presented or being endorsed as fact or reality, including produced or staged works, reenactments, or exhibitions portrayed as actual events

** Media presented with false or misleading context surrounding the source, location, time, or authenticity of the media

** Media presented with false or misleading context surrounding the identity of the individuals or entities visually depicted in the media

** Media are presented with misstatements or misquotations of what is being said or presented with fabricated claims of fact of what is being depicted

"Tweets with misleading media that are not likely to result in immediate harm but still have a potential to impact public safety, result in harm, or cause widespread confusion towards a public issue (health, environment, safety, human rights and equality, immigration, and social and political stability) may be labeled to reduce their spread and to provide additional context," the social media platform's rules say.

BJP-AAP fight continues

In the backdrop of this stir, the BJP and AAP are also at loggerheads over Delhi's new liquor policy, Kejriwal's visit to Singapore and an event in the national capital which AAP claims was hijacked by the BJP.

Delhi BJP has alleged that the Arvind Kejriwal government was involved in "massive" corruption to benefit liquor companies with its new policy.

AAP government's new excise policy 2021-22 which came into force on November 17 last year drew severe criticism from the opposition and industry experts.

Under the new policy, the retail licences were given to private bidders for 849 vends across the city divided into 32 zones. Opposing the policy, the opposition has lodged complaints with the L-G as well as central agencies seeking a probe into it.

Also Read | AAP has replaced its 'happiness classes' model with 'happiness glasses': BJP



Apart from this, AAP has also accused the Centre of trying to hijack an official function on Sunday, claiming that Delhi Police put up banners carrying pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Kejriwal and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena were scheduled to attend an event at the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary but Kejriwal skipped it.

"The BJP tore down the pre-existing banners and posters of the LG & the CM that had been put up by the Environment Department and replaced them with those of the Prime Minister's," AAP alleged.

"An event of the Kejriwal government has been turned into a political event of PM Modi. The Delhi chief minister and I have now decided not to participate in the programme," Environment Minsiter Gopal Rai said on Sunday.

"Attempts are being made to malign our government. Satyendar Jain was arrested on frivolous charges. Now a conspiracy is being hatched to arrest Deputy Chief Minister (Manish Sidodia). The CM had to go to Singapore but the file was stalled," he said.
India has built 2,000 kilometres of all-weather roads along its disputed boundary with China over the past five years as growing belligerence of the neighbouring country prompted it to renew focus on construction of infrastructure that would help it mobilise troops in case of a conflict.

Ever since the Indian Army and the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) had a 72-day-long stand-off in Doklam Plateau in western Bhutan, New Delhi renewed its focus on building all-weather roads along the long and disputed boundary between India and China  in response to massive border infrastructure being built by the communist country on the other side.

The government on Monday informed the Rajya Sabha that it built altogether 3,595.06 kilometers of border roads along Indias boundaries with its neighhbours  China, Pakistan, Myanmar, Nepal and Bangladesh.

Ajay Bhatt, Minister of State for Defence, informed the Rajya Sabha that 2,088.57 kilometers of all-weather roads out of the total length of 3,595.06 kilometers of border roads built in last five years had been constructed along the India-China boundary.

India also built 1,336.09 kilometers of border roads along the settled and disputed stretches of its border with Pakistan, spending Rs 4,242.38 crore, Bhatt informed the Rajya Sabha.

India also built 151.15 kilometers of border roads along the settled and disputed stretches of its border with Pakistan, spending Rs 882.52 crore. India also built 19.25 kilometers of all-weather roads along its border with Bangladesh, Bhatt informed the House.

Over 76% (or Rs 15,477.06 crore) of the governments total expenditure of Rs 20,767.41 crore for building border roads went to construction of all-weather roads along the disputed boundary between India and China.

The 2017 stand-off between the Indian Army and the Chinese PLA in western Bhutan was followed by another stand-off between the soldiers of the two nations along the Line of Actual Control  the de facto boundary  in eastern Ladakh in April-May 2020. But, unlike the one in 2017, it has not yet been completely resolved, although more than two years have now passed. Though protracted negotiation by military commanders of the two nations could ensure mutual disengagement of troops from some of the face-off points along the LAC, the two sides could not yet resolve the stand-off completely.

China has also been rapidly expanding infrastructure along its disputed boundary with India.
In April 2022, in a bid to increase connectivity between the two countries, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina offered the use of the Chittagong seaport to India. The strategic use of the seaport, besides strengthening ties between India and Bangladesh, can be mutually beneficial: greater trade and export opportunities. The move opens up new transit points for the landlocked North-East region, particularly for Assam and Tripura  and new opportunities to build the regions economy.

Significantly, India and Bangladesh had also signed a Coastal Shipping Agreement in 2015 and a Standard Operating Procedure allowing direct regular shipping between Bangladesh and the ports on Indias east coast, particularly Chittagong. Reopening the pre-Partition trade routes would reduce the cost and time of transportation for Indias North-East and generate revenue for Bangladesh.

The deal makes way for greater diplomatic cooperation between the two countries, improves bilateral ties, and, of critical importance to both, heralds greater cooperation in water management. The benefits of water-sharing can extend beyond the water itself. In 1996, India and Bangladesh signed the landmark Ganges Treaty for managing this shared watershed. This was intended to end differences between Bangladesh and India as the principal objective of the treaty was to determine the amount of water to be released by India at the Farakka Barrage dam. However, studies show that Bangladesh has had trouble receiving the guaranteed share of water during critical dry periods around 65% of the time. In the face of the many on-going coastal and riverine natural disasters faced by Bangladesh, hopes are high that the agreement that expires in 2026 will be aligned with advancements in water-governance and nature-based solutions amidst the rapid environmental degradation, presenting opportunities to explore beneficial mechanisms for river basin and watershed management.

Hopes are high, as well, for an agreement to be reached on the Teesta river which stretches through Sikkim and Bengal before joining the Meghna river in Bangladesh. Several wetland ecosystems of Bangladesh are affected by the sediment flow from the Indian side, harming the biodiversity of the haors and downstream communities  lending impetus to the need for a mutually agreeable solution for both biodiversity and people.

The opening up of Chittagong port, therefore, is an opportunity for both India and Bangladesh to move towards a co-operative model of diplomacy. Both face shared challenges of climate change disrupting water security and extreme flooding, which will only increase in the coming decade. Co-operative approaches to managing transboundary watersheds will be key to meeting these challenges, without adversely affecting the security of their citizens.

Dialogues around water are also crucial to allow the countries to jointly manage their forests and wetlands, and complex hydrological systems across political borders. This includes facilitating joint research and data sharing on land use and socioeconomic change, as well as opportunities for benefit-sharing. Bilateral trade between the two nations, particularly the North-East India and Bangladesh, can play a strong role in recognising the economic imperative for reviving and managing these watersheds.

Consolidated nature-based solutions to unresolved political issues will benefit both economically as well as build resilience and productivity to secure the livelihoods of people. Resolving the on-going problem of Teesta water-sharing needs strong bilateral relations and cooperation. The sharing of Chittagong Port must not be the end: it must be the start of a new cooperative diplomatic approach that recognises our mutual challenge of climate insecurity.

(The writer is trustee -president, Balipara Foundation, a social enterprise)
The remarks by Congress leader Zameer Ahmed Khan about Muslims outnumbering Vokkaligas in the state continued to stir a controversy with both BJP and Congress leaders expressing their reservations.

Prominent Vokkaliga seer Nirmalanandanatha swami, according to reports, has also conveyed his unhappiness to Congress leaders about the issue.

With tensions between the two state Congress factions intensifying, former minister N Chaluvarayaswamy met KPCC president D K Shivakumar after the seer reportedly took an exception to Zameer's remarks.

The row triggered after Zameer, who is identified with the Opposition leader Siddaramaiah faction, said recently that nobody could become the chief minister with support from just one community. This was after Shivakumar's attempt to consolidate the Vokkaliga community by saying that a Vokkaliga - the community to which he belongs to - could be the next CM if Congress was voted to power in 2023.

Read | Siddaramaiah should be next CM of Karnataka: Cong MLA Zameer

"Can I become the CM with just Muslim votes," Zameer, a Siddaramaiah loyalist, had retorted. Though Muslims outnumber Vokkaligas, "can I be CM with just Muslim votes? We need all communities."

However, singling out the community hasn't sat well with Vokkaliga leaders across all parties. "I don't know why Zameer mentioned the Vokkaliga community... He is my good friend, but this is not good for him. Not appropriate," Chaluvarayaswamy said following the meeting with Shivakumar.

Zameer should not make such remarks, he said, adding that Shivakumar and Opposition leader Siddaramaiah were the undisputed leaders of the state Congress. "It is not required of me or Zameer to issues statements questioning them," he said.

Shivakumar told reporters that his meeting with Chaluvarayaswamy was about the upcoming 'Bharat Jodo' yatra of the Congress. "Except discussions on organising the party, nobody has held any talks with me, nor will allow such talks," the KPCC president said.

Revenue Minister R Ashoka on Sunday asked Congress leaders to "stop insulting the Vokkaliga community". The war of words between Shivakumar and Zameer is not right, he said, adding that seers from the community were hurt by the recent exchange between Congress leaders.
A 9-year-old kid is the lone survivor of a triple homicide in which his parents and 6-year-old sister were fatally shot by a shooter who then killed himself.

Tyler and Sarah Schmidt, both 42, and 6-year-old Lula Schmidt, all of Cedar Falls, Iowa, were recognized by Iowa state police on Saturday.

Suspect in Killing Iowa Family Found Dead

The police did not specify how the youngster survived or if he was injured. Anthony Orlando Sherwin, 23, was identified as the shooter. He was subsequently discovered dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound elsewhere in the park.

The triple killing was discovered shortly before 6:30 am. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) were summoned to a campsite in Maquoketa Caves State Park, roughly 180 miles east of Des Moines, on Friday. Authorities arrived to find "three deceased bodies," according to a statement from the state police.

After discovering that one camper was missing, the campground was evacuated and cops scoured the area. That's when they discovered Sherwin in the park's forested section. The entire park is now a crime scene and remains closed. Mitch Mortvedt, assistant head of the Department of Public Safety's section of criminal investigation, told the Associated Press on Saturday that police were still looking for a motive, New York Daily News reported.

According to Mike Krapfl, special agent in charge of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, responding officers discovered the family dead in their tent. Sarah Schmidt's brother, Adam Morehouse, claimed the family had no contact with Sherwin and believed it was a completely random crime.

Authorities investigated the campground after discovering a missing guy from another tent, according to Mortvedt, and finally uncovered the body of a Nebraska man who they suspect was the gunman. Cedar Falls Mayor Rob Green, who claims to be the Schmidts' neighbor, wrote on Facebook on Friday that the couple's 9-year-old son, Arlo, survived the attack, and is safe. The post did not specify if Arlo was in the tent or even at the campsite when the gunshots occurred.

Read Also: Extreme Heat Warnings Issued as 120 Million Americans Could Experience Triple-Digit Temperatures

Boy Survives Gunman's Attack

Morehouse acknowledged Arlo was with the family on their camping vacation, but he did not know where the youngster was at the time of the shooting. "He is with relatives and is OK, but I have not interacted with him," he explained. The murder forced the evacuation of the park and campground, as well as a children's summer camp. According to Mortvedt, Sherwin was the only individual who went missing following the evacuation, as per USA Today.

It's unknown if Arlo was in the same spot as his sister and dad when they were slain, and there's no word on how he was saved. Anthony Sherwin lived in a nice apartment with his parents and had no known criminal background, according to local police. Except for a black rectangle that he used as his profile image, his Facebook page is blank.

The victims' families have put up a GoFundMe campaign to aid Arlo and establish an education fund for his future. By Saturday afternoon, the Arlo GoFundMe had raised more than $66,000, and a Meal Train fundraising campaign had collected $850 for the nine-year-old's food budget.

Police did not clarify whether Sherwin had permission to carry a gun or reveal any information about the handgun used in the shootings. Autopsies on Sherwin and the other victims will be performed over the weekend, according to Daily Mail.

Related Article: Rio De Janeiro Gang Raid: 18 Killed Including Police Officer, Innocent Woman in Brazil's Major Deadly Encounter

@YouTube

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A 78-year-old man has appeared at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with sexual assault on a 14-year-old girl during the Clipper Festival in the city.

David Porter of Duddy's Court appeared charged with sexual assault on a female on July 22.

A police officer connected the accused to the charge.

He told the court that police on patrol at the Clipper Festival at around 1pm were approached by a distressed 14-year-old girl.

She told them that just before 1pm she had been walking towards the bus depot when she was approached by a male who offered to take her for a Chinese.

He told the girl her glasses made her 'look sexy.'

The man then offered to take the girl to a bar and buy her a coke.

He was then alleged to have kissed her on the hand and as she walked away he was said to have slapped her on the bum.

The girl told police she felt 'absolutely disgusted' after the incident.

The court heard that the girl directed police to the accused.

At interview Porter admitted inviting the girl for a Chinese and also slapping her on the bum.

He said he had did it 'on impulse'.

The officer said that there was 'nothing of a sexual nature' on the defendant's record.

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said that bail was not opposed by police.

Porter was released on bail on condition he contact his GP and follow all instructions.

He will appear again on August 15.
David Trimble, former First Minister and leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), has died.

Trimble (77) led the UUP from 1995 to 2005.

He was one of the architects of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

He subsequently won the Nobel Peace Prize along with then SDLP leader, John Hume.

On the occasion of John Hume's passing in August 2020, David Trimble said that unionism should recognise the positive contribution which he (Hume) had made to the North.

He said the Good Friday Agreement had been John Hume's "greatest gift to the North".

Since 2006, he sat in the British House of Lords as Baron Trimble of Lisnagarvey.

Paying tribute, SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood said tonight: "Without David Trimble's fortitude, there would simply have been no agreement."

First Leader Designate, Michelle O'Neill offered sincere condolences to David Trimble's wife Daphne, their four children and the wider family circle.

She added: "His very significant contribution to the peace process and his courage in helping achieve the Good Friday Agreement leaves a legacy a quarter century on for which he and his family should be rightly proud."

Derry City and Strabane District UUP councillor, Ryan McCready, said: "Sad news on the passing of Lord Trimble - condolences to the family."

On behalf of the John and Pat Hume Foundation, Dr Sean Farren said: "David Trimble's demonstrated genuine and courageous leadership during the negotiations that led to the Good Friday Agreement 24 years ago."
A smallpox vaccine has been approved for use against monkeypox by the European Commission.

The news was confirmed by Danish company Bavarian Nordic.

It comes just days after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a global health emergency.

The European Commission has extended the marketing authorisation for the companys smallpox vaccine, Imvanex, to include protection from monkeypox,Bavarian Nordic said in a statement.

The approval is valid in all European Union Member States as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, it added.

Paul Chaplin, President and CEO of Bavarian Nordic said: "We are pleased to receive the approval from the European Commission, broadening the label of our vaccine to include monkeypox. The availability of an approved vaccine can significantly improve nations readiness to fight emerging diseases, but only through investments and structured planning of the biological preparedness.

"The development of Imvanex was made possible through significant investments from the U.S. government for the past two decades, leading the way for other governments to develop plans and prioritize for the future to protect their citizens against public health threats. With this approval, we look forward to working closer with the EU and its member states to solve this important task," he said.

In recent days, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said the expanding monkeypox outbreak in more than 70 countries was an extraordinary situation that now qualifies as a global emergency.

It was anticipated that the UN health agencys declaration could spur further investment in treating the once-rare disease  and also worsen the scramble for scarce vaccines.

Although monkeypox has been established in parts of central and west Africa for decades, it was not known to spark large outbreaks beyond the continent or to spread widely among people until May, when authorities detected dozens of epidemics in Europe, North America and elsewhere.
David Trimble was the Ulster Unionist hardliner, unafraid of flexing his political muscles, who became a moderate, although tough, leader of the party and then Northern Irelands first First Minister.

But his leadership of both the party and region ended at the general election of 2005, as the Ulster Unionists lost their dominant position to play second fiddle to Dr Ian Paisleys Democratic Unionist Party.

The majority unionist population in Northern Ireland warmed to the Paisley no surrender style of politics, and grew tired of Mr Trimble and his colleagues who appeared to be too moderate and too willing to compromise in the even in the post-Troubles era.

But just under a year after his general election defeat, Mr Trimble was awarded a peerage, as a working peer.

His was a remarkable transformation from a man who had manned the barricades at the menacing Orange marches at Drumcree into a statesman who played a huge part in achieving the historic Good Friday agreement of 1998.

It was his role in achieving this agreement that earned him the Nobel Peace Prize, with SDLP leader John Hume, later that year.

He went on to join the Conservative Party in 2007, which he said was to have a greater influence on UK politics. Although his wife Daphne remained involved with the Ulster Unionist Party, as did one of his sons, Nicholas, who is a councillor in Lisburn and Castlereagh.

While generally socially conservative in outlook, Lord Trimble admitted in July 2019 that he had changed his position on equal marriage after his daughter Victoria married her girlfriend in 2017.

He joined opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol, and in 2021, joined then-DUP leader Arlene Foster, UUP leader Steve Aiken and TUV leader Jim Allister in a legal challenge to the post-Brexit treaty on the grounds the protocol breaches the Act of Union and the Belfast Agreement.

Lord Trimbles final public appearance came at the end of June 2022 at the unveiling of a portrait of him by artist Colin Davidson at Queens University.

He then reflected on the approach of the 25th anniversary of the agreement, and pointed out it has survived despite the objections.

He was also sharply critical of the UK government over Brexit and the protocol.

He will be remembered, above all else, for his ability during key junctures of the peace process to keep together in some sort of order the internal warring factions within UUP, ranging from raging hawks to placid doves to quote a commentator at the time.

From that he led the Northern Ireland Assembly at which all parties  unionists, nationalists and republicans  once bitter enemies sat in the same debating chamber ostensibly working towards a peaceful future for a region bedevilled by violence and terrorism for more than 25 years.

Frequently he came under attack from uncompromising elements within his own ranks for allegedly surrendering loyalist principles in the gruelling run-up to the 1998 peace process.

But at the end of the day, he was praised by all parties and by the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, for the courage he had shown in the face of opposition from some unionist colleagues of his.

Even so, many people saw Lord Trimble as a main obstruction to the peace process getting under way. He rejected a compromise from the British and Irish Governments that would set up the Assembly first, and put decommissioning  the ponderous word for disarming the terrorists and paramilitaries  second. But it was a view that was to be vindicated later.

Lord Trimble was a softly-spoken, reserved individual, but a man who could drive a hard bargain  always an essential attribute of Northern Ireland political life.

Mo Mowlam, the Northern Ireland Secretary at the time, often said that none of the parties had got everything they wanted in the Good Friday agreement which was designed to herald a new dawn for the Province. But each, she insisted, had got something.

However, there was never any real rapprochement with the Democratic Unionists, whose leader, Dr Paisley had denounced him for sharing power with people he regarded as former terrorists with blood on their hands.

It would be Dr Paisley who less than 10 years after the agreement was signed would enter a devolved coalition as first minister with former IRA commander Martin McGuinness as Sinn Fein deputy first minister.

In 1998, Lord Trimble secured just 51% of the unionist vote endorsing the agreement. Later, a vote on his own leadership was to be carried by only a marginally bigger margin. He was not a wildly popular figure, but that was a price the job entailed  and he was grimly aware of it.

It was Lord Trimble, incidentally, who probably had more influence than most in removing the touchy-feely Ms Mowlam from the post of Northern Ireland Secretary.

He felt that she was too sympathetic to the republican cause, and when Mr Blair was informed of his views, he did not hesitate to pull her out.

It was something Mr Blair had wanted to do for some time  and here was a heaven-sent reason.

William David Trimble was born in Belfast on October 15, 1944, and educated at Bangor Grammar School and Queens University, Belfast.

He decided at first to pursue a career in the law, and as a barrister he became a lecturer in law at Queens University in 1968 and later, in 1977, senior lecturer as well as assistant dean of faculty.

But his passion for politics was beginning to override his interest in the law. He became a key figure in the United Ulster Unionist Council. Lord Trimble also became the Member for South Belfast in the Northern Ireland Constitutional Convention in 1975-76.

When the uncompromising Vanguard Party split over plans for voluntary coalition with the mainly nationalist SDLP, Lord Trimble backed the then leader William Craig and became deputy leader himself of the Vanguard Unionist Progressive Party.

But in 1978, he re-joined the Ulster Unionists and was associated for a time with the Ulster Clubs movement.

In the same year, he married Daphne Orr. They would have two boys and two girls.

He was chairman of the Lagan Valley Unionist Association and of the Ulster Society from 1985 to 1990.

Lord Trimble became MP at Westminster for Upper Bann at a by-election on May 17, 1990.

The high point of his career, thus far, was when he  in the face of predictions to the contrary  won the Ulster Unionist leadership in September 1995 after the resignation of the veteran Sir James Molyneaux.

This was barely a month after Lord Trimble had stood firmly in support of the Portadown Orangemen at Drumcree  a notorious flashpoint of the Ulster marching season.

Lord Trimble quickly dispelled fears, loudly voiced at the time, that the party had voted in some implacable hard-liner as its leader.

Although little known outside Ulster and Westminster itself at this time, he proved an impressive and fair-minded leader, the latter quality not always welcomed by some of the hardliners with whom he had to deal.

At the 1995 Drumcree stand-off of 1995, Lord Trimble and Dr Paisley paraded along arm-in-arm after the marchers had been let through the barricades. However, this accord between the two men was a short-lived affair.

But not long into his leadership he suffered what could have been a severe and long-term setback. The BBC TV programme, Panorama, disclosed that he had been holding private talks with the leading militant loyalist, Billy Wright, during the protracted and tense stand-off at Drumcree in 1996.

Wright was subsequently sentenced to eight years in jail for terrorist-linked offences.

Lord Trimble, who was gravely embarrassed by the disclosure, defended his actions by saying he was attempting to prevent violence breaking out at Drumcree which, unfortunately, it subsequently did.

Even so, he was accused of hypocrisy for not applying the same standards to Sinn Fein.

Lord Trimble was not always a popular leader, and his tireless negotiations towards the Good Friday Agreement, did not necessarily find him favour with all elements of his party.

One able lieutenant, indeed, William Ross, was openly hostile to the agreement which he felt was being reached down the barrel of an IRA gun.

But the outcome and the seeming ability  for the first time in living memory  for nationalists and unionists to work together for a common cause made it all seem worth while.

Soon after this came the horrific atrocity of the Omagh bomb, planted on August 15 1998, by the so-called Real IRA, a breakaway group from the provisional IRA.

This attack killed 29 civilians. Yet if anything, it helped cement even further the opposing political forces, all of whom, by then, were desperate for peace.

This was a point made by Mr Trimble in his first speech to the newly formed Assembly after a huge majority of the people of Northern Ireland had voted for peace. And he met formally for the first time Gerry Adams, the president of Sinn Fein, the political wing of the IRA. But there was no hand-shaking.

Lord Trimble used to worry about his appearance, not out of any sense of vanity, but because he felt it gave the wrong impression about his demeanour to people who did not know him well.

Once he said: I have a problem of looking more angry than I am, and this florid complexion doesnt help.

He was, to some extent, a cynical politician and above all a realist. Once he said: In politics you never totally trust anybody because you never know what is going to happen. Everybody has got his own particular agenda.

The main question is: can you work with them?
Statement on the execution of pro-democracy and opposition leaders in Myanmar

Statement

Ireland condemns in the strongest possible terms the execution of four pro-democracy figures by the military regime in Myanmar. These cruel and inhumane killings are renewed evidence of the ongoing brutality of the Tatamdaw. Ireland extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of Phyo Zeya Thaw, Kyaw MinYu (Ko Jimmy), Aung Thura Zaw, and Hla Myo Aung. Ireland remains strongly opposed to the use of the death penalty in all cases and in all circumstances. It constitutes cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and is contrary to the right to life. Ireland calls on the military to release all those arbitrarily detained in Myanmar and once again condemns the politically motivated convictions of other detainees.

Ireland reiterates that the military have no mandate to govern Myanmar. We will continue to work with our partners in the European Union, and at the United Nations, to support the critical work of the United Nations and ASEAN in seeking to end violence in Myanmar and to respond to the worsening humanitarian crisis. We stand with the people of Myanmar and support their efforts to return the country to its democratic path.

Editors Notes

Please see below the Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU: Myanmar/Burma: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the execution of pro-democracy and opposition leaders in Myanmar/Burma - Consilium (europa.eu)

ENDS

Press Office

25 July 2022

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Sony has launched its all-new XR OLED A80K smart TV series in India. Launched under its Bravia lineup, the new TVs come with Sonys Cognitive Processor XR. Sony has also revealed that the TVs will be available in multiple sizes. As per Sony, the Cognitive Processor XR is a powerful chip that will upscale content close to 4K even if it is not.

Apart from these, Sony's new A80K series will offer impressive features including HDMI 2.1 compatibility, support for 4K 120fps, variable refresh rate, Auto Low Latency Mode, Auto HDR Tone and Game Mode. Additionally, there will also be support for features like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, 4K, and HDR. The TV also brings Sony's BRAVIA CORE, which lets users enjoy the largest collection of IMAX-enhanced movies with the highest quality Pure Stream at 80mbps on BRAVIA XR TVs.

Sony Bravia A80K TV Specs and Features

The TVs also feature Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, which Sony explains projects sound directly from the screen. For this, Sony uses three actuators behind the television to create vibrations. Additionally, the TV also gets two actuators on the sides which enhance the high-frequency sound, producing clear and realistic communication.

Further, the new TVs feature ambient optimisation technology that automatically adjusts the picture brightness to room conditions. But that's not all. They also help adjust the picture and sound to the environment. The latter is done using the help of the acoustic auto calibration technology which detects the viewers position in the room and optimises sound.

Sony has announced that the 65-inch Bravia XR OLED TV starts at 2.79 lakh, with the 77-inch Bravia XR OLED TV being priced at 6.99 lakh. Both the variants are available for purchase in India. There is also a third 55-inch variant of the TV. However, the company has not announced the price or availability details of the TV yet.
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NEW YORK (AP)  Jay Carney, the top policy and communications executive at Amazon and one-time White House spokesman, has been named the head of policy at Airbnb.

For Amazon, it is just the latest high-profile departure for a company that is facing a shifting consumer landscape and heightened regulatory scrutiny.





. . .
Prince Harry is thought to have finished his long-awaited autobiography, with the final draft already signed off by lawyers.

Penguin Random House hopes to get the book available in time for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays when it might be promoted as a gift. According to The Sun, ghostwriter JR Moehringer appears to have completed the work in recent weeks.

Prince Harry's Memoir Nears Completion

Despite repeatedly requesting that his family's privacy be respected, Prince Harry agreed to the book contract last year. It is largely expected to focus on his recollections of his mother, Princess Diana, and the breakup of his parent's marriage. Commentators are divided on how other senior royals, such as Prince Harry's father, Prince Charles, his brother, Prince William, and stepmother Camilla, would be represented.

The Duke of Sussex stated that he was writing "not as the prince I was born, but as the man I have become," adding that he intended to cover "the highs and lows, blunders, and lessons learned." The Queen is thought to be the only member of the Royal Family who was briefed about the impending biography by the Duke of Sussex. It is also reported that he wants the book to portray his grandma favorably, Daily Mail reported.

Recently, speculation has centered on whether Prince Harry's impending memoir on palace life and his royal upbringing will put pressure on his publisher to write a sensational account. The Duke of Sussex has been working on the ultimate chronicle of the events, adventures, losses, and life lessons that have helped form him, according to Penguin Random House.

Penguin Random House announced the publication of Prince Harry's memoir in July 2021, four months after Harry and Meghan Markle's Oprah Winfrey interview leveled damaging allegations against the monarchy, including that an unnamed racist royal expressed concern about the skin color of their unborn child.

According to the press announcement, Prince Harry will explain his military experience in Afghanistan and his role as Meghan's spouse and father to Archie and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor. It didn't say if there will be criticism of the royals, but Harry did imply that he could try to confront some of his media critics when he stated the narrative would be exact and entirely true, as per Newsweek via MSN.

Read Also: Planet Killer Near-Earth Asteroids Hidden Within the Sun's Blinding Light, New Research Reveals

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry's US Home Targeted by 2 Intruders

In the last 12 days, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's house in the United States has been subjected to two intruder scares. In both instances, police were called to the Montecito estate where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex live with their children Archie, three, and Lilibet, one.

According to Santa Barbara Police Department records, detectives were called to the $14 million property on May 19 at 5:44 pm after allegations of a trespasser. They then reacted to a second intrusion claim on May 31 at 3.21 pm, only hours before Harry and Meghan arrived from the UK following the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Despite leaving royal responsibilities and going to California in 2020, the pair has prolonged their lease on Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, which has 24-hour police protection. Prince Harry was recently granted permission to sue the Home Office over his security arrangements, after launching a court challenge in February after the Home Office refused to allow him to pay for his security when visiting the UK.

The High Court decision means he will now be allowed to seek a judicial review after Harry and his lawyers claimed that his US-based entourage has sufficient jurisdiction in Britain to adequately protect him.

According to police records, Meghan and Harry's US residence has received six security alarm calls in the previous 14 months. Both May calls were classified as trespasser, property offenses, and suspicious circumstances, according to Mirror.

Related Article: Prince Harry Wins Legal Right To Sue UK Government Over Removal of Police Protection; What's Next?

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China launches a second module to its space station

China on Sunday launched the Wentian lab module, its second space station module, to its under-construction space station, which it hopes to operationalise with the launch of yet another module.

The Wentian module, weighing 23 tonnes, was sent into space using Long March-5B Y3 rocket from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Tiangong, in south Chinas Hainan province.

The module, bound for the under-construction Chinese space station, is carrying three astronauts.

The Wentian module is the second of the three modules required to complete the Tiangong space station, launched last year in April.

A third module, set for launch later this year, will complete the first phase of construction of Chinas permanent space station in Earths low orbit.

This is the first time the Long March-5B rocket will undertake a rendezvous and docking mission. It will send the lab module to dock with the core module, Chinese state media quoted one of the engineers associated with the project as saying.

The Wentian module is a working cabin that includes three sleeping areas and one sanitary area. It is expected to accommodate six astronauts at a time, particularly when the interchange of astronauts from different space missions happens.

Wentian has a flexible solar panel on it that will generate an average of 430 kiloWatt hours per day. It is estimated that the power generation of Wentian could have easily supported the power demand of an average Beijing household for more than a month.

Reportedly, the three Chinese astronauts, Chen Dong, Liu Yang, and Cai Xuzhe, inside the space station, will also become the first crew members to float into the stations new module.

Chinas third and final module for the space station named Mengtian module is expected to be launched in October this year. While the Wentian and Mengtian modules will be on the side, the Tianhe module will be in the centre, completing the T-shaped space station.

It is pertinent to note that the International Space Station (ISS) has whopping 16 modules. With China nearing the completion of its space station, ISS and Tiangong will be the two active space stations in Earths orbit. The former is expected to retire by the end of this decade.

China had planned to launch six major missions before the end of the year to complete its Tiangong space station, which space officials say could soon link up with a powerful telescope and host commercial activities and international astronauts.

It will also launch the Tianzhou 5 cargo and Shenzhou 15 crewed missions late in the year, when the Tiangong station will host its first crew rotation with the Shenzhou 14 astronauts welcoming the newcomers aboard, thanks to extra living quarters in the Wentian module.

Once fully assembled, Tiangong will host six-month-long crewed missions during which astronauts will conduct an array of experiments and outreach activities. The experiments will focus mainly on life sciences, microgravity research, astronomy, Earth science and new materials and space technology, Chinese space officials have said.
Ukraine, Russia agree to reopen grain ports: Turkey

Turkey on Thursday claimed that it has got assurances from Russia and Ukraine that the two warring nations would sign a deal to reopen Ukrainian Black Sea ports for grain exports, ending Russias blockade of Black Sea ports.

Thursday's announcement by the office of the Turkish presidency comes after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Iranian capital Tehran where the two leaders were to discuss the easing of Black Sea exports of Ukrainian grain.

Details of the accord were not immediately released. It was due to be signed at 1330 GMT on Friday, Erdogan's office said.

Neither Ukraine nor Russia, both among the world's biggest exporters of food, did not immediately confirm the news.

But in a late-night video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hinted that his country's Black Sea ports could soon be unblocked.

Perhaps, Zelenskiy was banking on Turkeys assurances and on Ukrainian forces' potential to make gains on the battlefield.

Moscow has blamed the worsening food crisis on Western sanctions that slowed its own food and fertiliser exports and Ukraine for mining the approaches to its Black Sea ports.

The United Nations and Turkey have been working for two months to broker what Guterres called a "package" deal - to restore Ukraine's Black Sea grain exports while facilitating Russian grain and fertiliser shipments.

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the European Union had proposed relaxing some earlier sanctions to shore up global food security, and Moscow hoped this would create conditions for unhindered exports of grain and fertilisers

While the news raised hopes that the blockage that is causing food shortages around the world can be eased, Erdogans first meeting with Putin since the Russian snub on Turkeys Syria plans in 2020, did not yield the expected results. Erdogans quest for a green light for a new military intervention in Syria remained unanswered.

The Turkish President who went to Tehran with a thick dossier of bilateral problems, however, returned without any concrete results. The strains in Turkeys ties with Russia and Iran remained unrelieved after talks with his Russian and Iranian counterparts.
Political leaders across the UK and Ireland have hailed Lord Trimbles contribution to peace in Northern Ireland.

Following the death of the former Stormont first minister on Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson described him as a political giant whose achievements would never be forgotten.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin credited his central contribution in efforts to secure peace and reconciliation.

I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lord Trimble earlier today. He was a giant of British and international politics and will be long remembered for his intellect, personal bravery and fierce determination to change politics for the better.  Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 25, 2022

Irish President Michael D Higgins praised his life of public service.

Mr Johnson tweeted a tribute to Lord Trimble on Monday evening.

He was a giant of British and international politics and will be long remembered for his intellect, personal bravery and fierce determination to change politics for the better, he said.

Mr Martin said: All of us in politics at the time witnessed his crucial and courageous role in the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement and his leadership in building support in his party and his community for the Agreement.

President Higgins expressed his deep sadness.

David Trimbles dedication and courage, often during the most challenging times, has earned him a distinguished and deserved place in our history books, he said.

His work leaves a true legacy on the necessity and value of peace on our shared island for future generations.

Current UUP leader Doug Beattie described the former first minister as a man of courage and vision.

He chose to grasp the opportunity for peace when it presented itself and sought to end the decades of violence that blighted his beloved Northern Ireland, he said.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: Very sad news. David Trimble was a towering figure of Northern Ireland and British politics as one of the key authors of the Good Friday Agreement, the first First Minister and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. My thoughts are with Lady Trimble and their family.

Deeply saddened at the passing of David Trimble, someone who played a crucial and courageous role in bringing peace to Northern Ireland. My sympathies and condolences to all of his family, friends and colleagues.  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) July 25, 2022

Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill tweeted: His very significant contribution to the peace process and his courage in helping achieve the Good Friday Agreement leaves a legacy a quarter century on for which he and his family should be rightly proud.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson described the peer as a committed and passionate advocate for the Union, at a time when doing so posed a considerable threat to his safety.

Sir Jeffrey, who quit the UUP and defected to the DUP while Lord Trimble was leader, said: Whilst our political paths parted within the Ulster Unionist Party, there can be no doubting his bravery and determination in leadership at that time. He was a committed and passionate unionist who always wanted the best for Northern Ireland.

Alliance Leader Naomi Long said: Lord Trimbles greatest legacy to his political career is the Good Friday Agreement and the risks he took to both help achieve it, and ensuring the resulting Assembly remained during its unsteady early days. It was at times an unenviable role.

His contribution to the peace process and the ending of violence in our society helped secure his place in history.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said Lord Trimble had left an indelible mark on our shared islands story and that without him there would not have been a Good Friday Agreement.

Over the course of his political career but particularly in difficult years of the Good Friday Agreement negotiations he demonstrated immense courage and took political risks that sustained the life of our fledgling peace process, he said.

He doesnt often enough get credit for it but without David Trimbles fortitude, there would simply have been no agreement.
The Irish Coast Guard and RNLI have been tasked to 1,100 incidents so far this year.

The Coast Guard co-ordinated the response to 1,500 incidents including inland, coastal and offshore, with volunteer units attending more than 1,100 incidents.

One was the rescue of a lone yachtsman from an overturned boat yacht 70 miles off the south-west coast.

Minister for Transport Hildegarde Naughton thanked all the search and rescue services, particularly volunteers, and also urged the public to be aware of the importance of water safety.

She was speaking on World Drowning Prevention Day, and said too many people have suffered from the tragedy of lives lost to drowning.

We all have a role to play, be it on the water or on the coast, in practising some basic safety measures, she said.

Ms Naughton joined the Irish Coast Guard in appealing to the public to follow water safety advice, and above all else to be attentive to their own personal safety.

The Irish Coast Guard is supporting this years campaign by Irish Water Safety which asks the public to Do One Thing, such as: learn one water safety skill; share one piece of water safety advice; change one mind around water safety; or be the one who takes responsibility for water safety.

Yesterday evening a casualty was recovered from his upturned catamaran by Baltimore RNLI and then airlifted by the Waterford helicopter. R117 transferred the sailor to CUH. The skipper is understood to be in good spirits after his ordeal. #IRCGhttps://t.co/jDxxUCkJ8C  Irish Coast Guard (@IrishCoastGuard) July 20, 2022

Ms Naughton said 40% of the population live within five kilometres of the coast but the majority of drownings happen inland.

Drownings often happen quickly and silently with 80% of drownings occurring within the home county of the victim, she said.

We are asking the public today to be aware of the importance of water safety, to educate themselves and their families and to Do One Thing, whether thats learning a new water safety skill or sharing your knowledge with someone else. We can all play a role in highlighting drowning prevention.

I want to thank all of our search and rescue services and in particular our volunteer members, including Irish Coast Guard volunteers, RNLI and community inshore rescue boats.

So far this year, the Coast Guard has co-ordinated the response to 1,500 incidents including inland, coastal and offshore.

As an example of this work, in a mission involving Coast Guard helicopters and an RNLI lifeboat, a lone yachtsman was recovered from an overturned yacht some 70 miles off the coast.

Coast Guard and RNLI personnel have responded to several incidents involving people becoming isolated on coastal areas with which they were not familiar.

Volunteer Coast Guard and RNLI units have been tasked to over 1,100 incidents so far this year. Remember all of these services, including our Coast Guard helicopter service, are on duty round the clock.
Political leaders past and present have paid tribute to David Trimbles contribution to peace in Northern Ireland following his death.

The 77-year-old peer and ex-leader of the Ulster Unionist Party was one of the principal architects of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement that ended decades of conflict in the region.

Lord Trimble, who jointly won the Nobel Peace Prize along with late SDLP leader John Hume, died on Monday following an illness.

His death comes amid another political crisis at Stormont, with the DUP blocking the creation of a powersharing administration in protest at Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol.

A planned recall sitting of the troubled Assembly on Tuesday, which would have expected to witness heated exchanges over the current deadlock, has been postponed as a mark of respect.

On Monday evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Lord Trimbles achievements would never be forgotten.

He was a giant of British and international politics and will be long remembered for his intellect, personal bravery and fierce determination to change politics for the better, he said.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin credited his central contribution in efforts to secure peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland.

All of us in politics at the time witnessed his crucial and courageous role in the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement and his leadership in building support in his party and his community for the Agreement, he said.

Irish President Michael D Higgins praised Lord Trimbles life of public service.

Former UK and Irish prime ministers Sir Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern, both of whom were involved in the intensive Good Friday negotiations, also paid tribute.

David Trimble was a man of courage & vision. He chose to grasp the opportunity for peace when it presented itself & sought to end the decades of violence that blighted his beloved Northern Ireland.  UUP Leader Doug Beattie MC MLA Read more: https://t.co/oIUswfG3Ix pic.twitter.com/KriyF1Nlv4  Ulster Unionist (@uuponline) July 25, 2022

Sir Tony said his contribution was immense, unforgettable and frankly irreplaceable while Mr Ahern described him as a courageous leader.

Ex-Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, a once bitter political adversary of the unionist leader, thanked him for helping to get the Good Friday Agreement over the line in 1998.

Current UUP leader Doug Beattie hailed the former first minister as a man of courage and vision.

He chose to grasp the opportunity for peace when it presented itself and sought to end the decades of violence that blighted his beloved Northern Ireland, he said.

Announcing the postponement of the recalled sitting on Monday evening, outgoing Stormont speaker Alex Maskey said he would be making arrangements to allow MLAs to formally offer their condolences and pay tributes.

I will announce further details when arrangements have been confirmed, he added.
Congressional leaders have begun to press the Biden administration on the issue of monkeypox, wanting to know what its plan is for dealing with the outbreak as cases continue to climb and medicines remain out of reach for many of those afflicted.

Members of both parties in the House and Senate have pressed Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra for answers on what his agency is doing to deal with the monkeypox outbreak, with some legislators criticizing what they see as a poor response.

Biden Administration Mulls Next Step Against Monkeypox

As of Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had verified over 2,600 cases. Because of the restricted testing capabilities for monkeypox, one of the problems raised by parliamentarians in recent weeks, these figures are very definitely an undercount.

Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, called the US response to the virus disturbing in a letter to Becerra last week, adding that the administration has all the tools it needs to battle the outbreak.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), both chairwomen of important congressional health panels, addressed letters to HHS Secretary Tom Price this week outlining their concerns. A group of 50 House Democrats also wrote to President Biden, pushing him to declare a public health emergency due to monkeypox, according to The Hill.

A chart of the monkeypox virus indicates that New York has the most recorded cases (830), followed by California (356). Only one incidence was documented in West Virginia, South Dakota, and North Dakota.

While the Biden administration considers its next move, health officials are determining how to provide Tpoxx, a smallpox antiviral drug developed by Siga Technologi's, to pediatric patients. Infections among persons who are not members of the LGBTQ community, according to Jennifer McQuiston, the CDC's assistant director of high consequence diseases and pathology, are not unusual.

The United States presently has 1.7 million doses accessible through the Strategic National Stockpile, but physicians have experienced difficulty distributing the medications to patients. The CDC said on Friday that they were attempting to streamline the procedure that healthcare professionals must go through to administer Tpoxx. Another vaccination under consideration by the government is Tembexa, an antiviral medication manufactured by Chimerix Inc.

According to research, Tembexa, which is known to have some dangerous side effects, has not been extensively examined in humans. The allocation of Bavarian Nordic A/Jynneos S's vaccine to states and jurisdictions has been a concern for the Biden administration due to a restricted supply of the doses.

To yet, 300,000 doses of Jynneos have been distributed, with additional injections likely to come soon. According to Wikipedia, the monkey virus is not related to chickenpox, but the symptoms are comparable to smallpox, albeit milder, Daily Mail reported.

Read Also: California Wildfires: What Caused Destructive Yosemite Fire That Forced Evacuation of 6000 People?

US COVID-19 Response Coordinator Believes Monkypox "Can be Contained"

Monkeypox can be contained in the United States, with the objective of eventually eradicating the disease as tests and immunizations increase, according to the White House's COVID-19 response coordinator.

With almost 2,000 cases nationally, the US Department of Health and Human Services is considering declaring monkeypox a public health emergency, according to Ashish Jha. On Saturday, the World Health Organization's director-general labeled the global pandemic a public health emergency of international concern.

"Monkeypox can undoubtedly be contained," he claimed, citing tests and vaccinations. According to Jha, the United States can test 80,000 individuals every week and has 300,000 vaccinations on hand. According to Anthony Fauci, senior medical advisor to President Joe Biden, the United States should receive "an extra 750,000 doses" of vaccine by the end of the month.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, intervened when nine members of the expert committee voted against calling the monkeypox epidemic an emergency, while six voted in favor. Some have criticized Tedros and the World Health Organization for moving too slowly to raise the alarm about COVID-19.

Monkeypox continues to mostly afflict males who have sex with men and those who identify as homosexual or bisexual across the world. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Friday that two pediatric patients had been detected this week, increasing worries that the virus is spreading to other populations.

Fauci stated that the objective is to vaccinate people in areas where monkeypox is spreading, including those who have been exposed to the virus and those who are just more vulnerable, such as men who have sex with other males, as per Time.

Related Article: Monkeypox Now a Global Public Health Emergency Says WHO; Infections in the US Shoot Up

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Pope Francis traveled from Rome on Sunday for a week-long trip to Edmonton, Canada, where he is expected to apologize for the Catholic Church's historic abuse of Canadian Indigenous children in residential schools.

The Vatican has called the trip a "penitential pilgrimage" and noted that the Pope will be welcomed in Edmonton on Sunday by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon.

Pope Francis Apologizes

During the trip, Pope Francis will meet with Indigenous groups and address the scandal of historic abuse and erasure of indigenous culture in the nation's residential schools. For a long time, Indigenous leaders have called for a papal apology for the harm inflicted for decades on Indigenous children.

Last year, authorities discovered hundreds of unmarked graves on the grounds of former residential schools in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. In a report, Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission said that more than 4,000 Indigenous children lost their lives either from neglect or abuse in residential schools, many of which were run by the Catholic Church, as per CNN.

The Pope told Indigenous leaders in April that he feels "sorrow and shame for the role that a number of Catholics, particularly those with educational responsibility, have had in all these things that wounded you, in the abuses you suffered and in the lack of respect shown for your identity, your culture, and even your spiritual values."

Read Also: North Korea Accuses US of Biological Warfare in Ukraine After Russia Requests North Korean Laborers in Exchange for Wheat, Machinery

Furthermore, Pope Francis will travel to Quebec and Iqaluit, the capital of the Canadian territory of Nunavut, during his trip to the country. He will be accompanied by two Canadian cardinals throughout his visit, Cardinal Marc Ouellet and Cardinal Michael Czerny.

According to ABC News, top Protestant leaders have also gradually issued institutional mea culpas for their churches' historical wrongdoings. Many of the apologies on behalf of Christian denominations are for grave offenses, such as genocide, sex abuse, slavery, war, and more.

Victims of Historic Abuse

Despite becoming increasingly common, the ecclesial apology is a relatively modern phenomenon, said Jeremy Bergen, a church apology expert and professor of religious and theological studies at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario.

He added that in the last 1,900 years, churches have not apologized for the bad things that they have done. Bergen pinpoints the pivot to significant apologies coming in the aftermath of World War II, especially a declaration by Germany's Protestant churches that they failed to adequately oppose the Nazis.

It was one of the first in a series of recognitions that Christian institutions themselves committed wrong, said Bergen. Church apologies, in the 1990s, increased as more attention was paid to human rights following the Cold War.

Pope Francis' trip to Canada stirred mixed emotions across the country as survivors and their families coped with the trauma of their losses and receive a long-sought papal apology. The Pope had no official events scheduled for Sunday, which gave him more time to rest before his meeting on Monday with survivors near the site of a former residential school in Maskwacis, where he is expected to pray at a cemetery and apologize, NPR reported.



Related Article: Russia-Ukraine Grain Deal Assurance Dwindles After Moscow Attacks Military Facility in Odesa Port, Allegedly Kidnap Ukrainian Children

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EBRD lends 12.5 million to major Romanian pharma group DONA for capex plans 2021-23

Group will invest total of 17.9 million on improvements

Upgrades include pharmacy licences acquisitions, network improvements, and transport

The EBRD is lending 12.5 million to Dona Group, one of Romanias biggest vertically integrated pharmaceutical entities, to support its plans to expand and upgrade its services.

The EBRD loan will support the groups three-year capex plan and consolidate its market position through the acquisition of licenses and thus the expansion of its retail network with around 48 new pharmacies by the end of 2023 (a rise of 11 per cent), and refurbishment of existing pharmacies.

It will also support the further development of DONA Groups wholesale business through the purchase of equipment required by the recent extension of its warehouse network as well as the in-house operation of the transport services through the development of its own transport company, Dona Cargo.

Among other features, the project will introduce a new, replicable and internally accredited training programme improving skills for up to 240 people in partnership with local vocational schools or universities.

The investment is aligned with the priorities set by the Romania Country Strategy (2020-2025), which includes a priority to support productivity through corporate expansion, innovation and skills upgrade, which is also specified through the objective of expansion of competitive companies and SMEs.

The EBRD is a major institutional investor in Romania. To date it has invested nearly 1 billion in 488 projects.
CONCERNS have been voiced that the pricing of homes under the first of the new affordable housing schemes to be launched by Cork City Council are out of reach for a lot of people.

Clancy & Lyonshall Limited, in partnership with Cork City Council, published details of the Newton Heights development on Boherboy Road, Lotamore, in recent days.

Two-bedroom houses are being made available for purchase from 217,500 and three-bedroom houses from 243,000.

Sinn Fein councillor Eolan Ryng said he has concerns around the pricing of the units.

Affordable housing is badly needed. The market is broken. Huge amounts of people are locked out of home ownership.

With this in mind, its essential that the affordable housing scheme is truly affordable.

I have a concern that the prices announced for the Boherboy scheme are in line with market rates and in some instances, housing of a similar nature nearby is advertised at a lower price on Daft.ie currently, Mr Ryng said.

Pricing 'over the top'

Independent councillor Ken OFlynn also said he believes the pricing of the units is over the top and too high.

Mr OFlynn said:This is the best that we can do as Cork City Council and Im delighted to see that there are affordable houses coming, but this doesnt answer the problems of many of my constituents. Its still out of reach for a lot of people in Cork and throughout the country, he said.

Mr OFlynn said he believes the Government hasnt gotten to grips with what an affordable house really should be, and said more land needs to be rezoned for housing to reduce the value of sites.

Potential to enable more people to buy a home

Green Party councillor Oliver Moran said the scheme isnt suitable for everyone, but it has the potential to enable more people to purchase a home.

Combined with a local authority home loan, the target group is for households with an income of roughly between 50,000 and 80,000 for the three-bedroom homes. Anyone who believes they otherwise wouldnt qualify for a mortgage for a home like this should look at the local authority home loan website.

There is a simple calculator on the website that will help people see what they can qualify for. That applies to both couples and single people, he said.

Mr Moran said he has concerns over how the houses will be allocated. Seventy per cent of the houses in this scheme will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis from Tuesday, August 16. The remaining 30% will be allocated on a lottery basis.

Thats something that a number of councillors were concerned about, in case the first-come, first-served portion creates unnecessary competition, when people are already stressed.

Unfortunately, thats set in national legislation, so councillors didnt have scope to remove it. However, officials have agreed to monitor the experience here in Cork and report on it.

Fine Gael councillor Joe Kavanagh said he very much welcomes the launch of the scheme delivering much-needed housing.

These are set at market prices, applying the National Discounting Affordable Housing Scheme guidelines, which have been set down to deliver the best possible prices for these housing units, he said of the pricing.

A total of 117 affordable homes, consisting of 25 two-bedroom houses and 92 three-bedroom houses, are being made available for sale by Clancy & Lyonshall Limited at the site, under affordable-dwelling purchase arrangements, via the Affordable Housing Act 2021 and associated Affordable Housing Regulations.

The units are under construction across a five-phase delivery programme, with 22 units in the first phase available for occupation at the time of application and a further 15 units in phase two available for occupation in the third quarter of this year.

Number of schemes progressing

Cork City Council said it is progressing a number of affordable housing schemes, with varying prices.

The council has a number of schemes it will be progressing as part of its Affordable Housing Scheme programme over the coming months and the first launch is of Boherboy Road.

The cost of provision of every scheme will vary due to the delivery costs of the units involved. The council administers its schemes in accordance with the national affordable housing legislation and regulations, as well as the funding systems currently in place.
Emergency works to remove a concrete sewer blockage on the South Douglas Road which had been scheduled to be completed by this evening will now stretch into tomorrow and possibly Tuesday.

On Thursday Cork City Council said council crews would be undertaking an "emergency excavation" at Upper Mount View near Kevin OLeary Centra, to repair the main wastewater sewer, "currently blocked by an unidentified illegal discharge of concrete".

Works were due to be completed by 7.30pm this evening as staff worked through the weekend to resolve the issue, however, in a Tweet this afternoon, senior executive engineer at Cork City Council Simon Lyons said works will continue into tomorrow and potentially Tuesday.

 @corkcitycouncil crews are 6m thru the concrete sewer blockage on South Douglas Rd & its still coming!#ConcreteSausage



 Unfortunately, going to have to dig the footpath to get it all! 



 Works will stretch into Monday, & possibly Tues!



 Apologies to all affected! https://t.co/voBwyRJ2jq pic.twitter.com/C3sDvu6W9q  Simon Lyons (@ThePoliteEng) July 24, 2022

Mr Lyons said crews are six metres through the concrete sewer blockage on the busy road and that the full blockage has not yet been cleared.

He added that it is now necessary to dig the footpath to remove the full extent of the blockage.

Last week the council advised that the inbound lane of the South Douglas Road would be closed between Ashdale Park and Loretto Park and that traffic management would be in place while the works are being conducted.

The council warned that commuters should expect delays due to a stop-go system being in place.

A statement from the local authority stated: "Cork City Council wishes to apologise for any inconvenience caused during these works, and also to thank the public for their patience while we carry out these vital repair works."
Rapid access for passengers boarding flights in Shannon Airport  and their subsequent breeze through US security upon landing in Boston, New York JFK or Newark  has been causing a wave of enthusiastic social media commentary.

Passengers at Shannon Airport taking in a view of planes sitting on the nearby runways.

Reports vary, but some passengers have said it has taken them just nine minutes from parking their car to browsing in duty free or having breakfast before take-off. And, as the airport has invested in futuristic high-tech scanners, security screening is seamlessly smooth  half the time of traditional airport security.

It's little wonder that Sky News presenter Kay Burley tweeted: Wonderful experience @ShannonAirport. Wafted through security. Absolutely everything can stay in your bag, including phones, liquids and laptops.

The popular news reporter said she was stunned to be through the airport and onto her flight in just six minutes. The nearest car park is a 30-second walk from the airport. The long-term cark park is just 100m further away.

Shannon Airport is class. You cant beat parking the car 50m from the main door and flying off to America, tweeted Dr Joe Smart, using the handle @Donbtsmart, in response to Ms Burley.

Dr Smart was just one of many people echoing Kay Burley, all of them enthusing about their experience in Shannon Airport. Age Friendly Limerick even applauded Shannon on being the first age-friendly airport in the world.

Perhaps the biggest bonus for Shannons passengers, however, is when they sail through security upon arrival in Boston, New York JFK or Newark. As Shannon Airport is home to a US Customs service, the US airports effectively treat these passengers like US residents when they land in America rather than the stricter security experienced by incoming tourists.

One family from Cork told me recently that flying out of Shannon to the States got their holiday off to the best possible start, said Trevor Curran, Marketing Manager, Shannon Airport. It took them around 90 minutes to drive from Cork and just another 10 or 15 minutes to get from their car, through booking and security and relax in restaurants in the departures.

It really gives the airport staff a lift when they hear that kind of reaction from passengers. Our US Pre-Clearance Facility makes a huge difference for passengers. People who fly from other airports can take an hour or even two to get through security once they land in the US.

Having a US Customs Pre-Clearance facility at Shannon Airport makes a huge difference for passengers who sail through customs once they land in the US. People who fly to the US from airports other than Shannon can take an hour or even two to get through customs and security upon arrival in the US.

Thats the last thing you need to face when you land. With Covid having restricted peoples travels for the past two years, its great to hear our passengers getting their well-earned holidays off to such a great start.

Shannon Airport unveiled its new 2.5m state-of-the-art security screening system last year, part of a 17m programme of works underway at the airport campus, including a new 12.7m hold baggage screening facility.

The passenger and baggage X-ray technology is so accurate that any security beeps can be narrowed so as to avoid passengers having to take liquids and laptops out of their suitcases or so many other inconveniences still common in airports all over the world.

American dream destinations

Dreaming of a post-Covid holiday of a lifetime? Shannon Airport offers flights to New York JFK, New York Newark and Boston. Having skipped through customs, your adventure begins in earnest.

A selection of views inside Shannon Airport, where the proximity of parking and the streamlined systems add up to passengers being seated on board within minutes of parking their cars.

While each of New Yorks boroughs has a lot to offer, Manhattan continues to be the biggest draw for tourists  and for good reason. The City That Never Sleeps is a visitors dream, where every turn feels like stepping into a movie scene  from the neon lights of Times Square to the tranquillity of Central Park.

If youre travelling to Boston for the first time, dont miss the Freedom Trail, a red brick path that winds through the city leading visitors to 16 historic markers that tell the story of Boston through the years, including Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Benjamin Franklins statue, and the Boston Massacre Monument. Boston boasts a lively nightlife scene, particularly on Lansdowne Street near Kenmore Square, and hotels and guesthouses to suit every budget.

Click here for Shannon Airport's US and global destinations
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.

Humans share 98.7 percent of their DNA with two species of endangered great apes: bonobos (Pan paniscus) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Bonobos  which can only be found in forested regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), south of the Congo River  differ from chimpanzees in appearance and behavior. They are usually smaller, and their societal groups are led by females and are generally more peaceful.

It is the bonobos peaceful nature and how it relates to the rare ability of humans to show tolerance and cooperate with one another that is the subject of a new study by Harvard primatologists. Bonobos have been dubbed hippie apes by researchers due to their harmonious disposition and active sex lives, the Harvard Gazette reported.



Anup Shah/ Stone / Getty Images

Not as much is known about the social relationships of bonobos in comparison with those of chimpanzees due to the remoteness of the bonobos habitat, their uneven distribution and prolonged civil unrest in the DRC, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

However, the new Harvard study hopes to flesh out some of the details of bonobos social structure.

The study, Characterization of Pan social systems reveals in-group/out-group distinction and out-group tolerance in bonobos, was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The most striking difference between chimpanzees and bonobos is in their intergroup relations. While in chimpanzees intergroup interactions are almost always hostile by nature, and intergroup conflict can escalate into lethal aggression, in bonobos intergroup interactions are typically tolerant and individuals of different groups even groom one another and share food, postdoctoral fellow in Harvards Pan Lab Liran Samuni, who was the studys lead author, told EcoWatch in an email. Bonobo intergroup interactions can be aggressive, and even lead to small injuries, but there isnt yet a single observation of lethal aggression in bonoobs.

Samuni added that, in bonobo social groups, females most often dominate.

Another difference between the two species is in the dominance structures  with chimpanzees males dominating all females and bonobo females usually dominating males. One of the ideas is that female dominance in bonobos affords them greater social leverage and that by forming female-female alliances they are able to suppress male aggression, Samuni said.

Samuni went on to say that the territories of chimpanzee groups dont often overlap, but, as is the case with other animals, they compete for land, mates and resources.

Larger groups are usually able to maintain larger territories and benefit from increased access to valuable resources. So winning conflict over neighbours can be highly beneficial for the group and even increase the reproductive output of its members, Samuni told EcoWatch.

So why are bonobos so much more peaceful in their interactions than chimpanzees?

Why bonobos have evolved to be this way is a question that is difficult to answer, Samuni said. The main theory is that bonobos evolved in a lusher/more stable environment where feeding competition was reduced, thereby allowing females to form closer relationships with one another which enable them to hold high social status within their group. However, there is conflicting evidence as to whether this holds true and more data and studies are needed before we can answer this question.

From 2017 to 2019, the scientists studied 59 bonobos in four neighboring groups living at the DRCs Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve and found that, while the individual groups maintained spatial and social borders that indicated their independence from each other, they shared regular peaceful interactions, reported the Harvard Gazette.

It was a very necessary first step. Now that we know that despite the fact that they spend so much time together, [neighboring] bonobo populations still have these distinct groups, we can really examine the bonobo model as something that is potentially the building block or the state upon which us humans evolved our way of more complex, multilevel societies and cooperation that extends beyond borders, said Samuni, as the Harvard Gazette reported.

Prior research had shown that the bonobo groups had regularly come together to socialize, share meals and groom each other, but the researchers hadnt been sure how similar the bonobos behavior was to subgroups of chimpanzees  referred to by primatologists as neighborhoods  within a single bigger community.

There arent really behavioral indications that allow us to distinguish this is group A, this is group B when they meet, said Samuni, as reported by the Harvard Gazette. They behave the same way they behave with their own group members. People are basically asking us, how do we know these are two different groups? Maybe instead of those being two different groups, these groups are just one very large group made up of individuals that just dont spend all their time together [as we see with chimpanzee neighborhoods].

Anup Shah/ Stone / Getty Images





Each day, from dawn to dusk, a minimum of two people from the bonobo reserve observed each group of bonobos  named the Ekalakala, the Kokoalongo, the Fekako, and the Bekako by the researchers  and recorded data on their location and behaviors, including how long and with whom individuals spent time, as well as what they did.

The researchers then used a method called cluster analysis  where data points from each group are clustered closely together on a plot separate from the others  to process the information.

The researchers looked at which of the bonobos shared notable bonds, who ate meals together more often, which ones stuck with each other when given a choice and which individual bonobos interacted with each other in their shared home range.

Through these determinations, the researchers were able to distinguish the bonobos who shared the same group and when they were associating peacefully with their neighbors across established borders.

The data from the Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve was then compared to data taken from the observations of 104 chimpanzees in the Ngogo community of Kibale National Park in Uganda from 2011 to 2013.

Overall, the scientists found the bonobo groups to be more stable and consistent than the chimpanzee subgroups, which indicated stronger social ties.

Due to their strong ties, the researchers were able to predict the individual bonobos who were most likely to stay with one another when the bonobo clusters came together and separated again.

Samuni and assistant professor in the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University Martin Surbeck, who is the founder and director of the Kokolopori Bonobo Research Project and the papers senior author, said the studys results demonstrate that bonobos have a capacity to develop and maintain complex relationships separate from their primary associations that is similar to humans.

Like human groups there are many different social relationships that bonobos (and chimpanzees) maintain within their groups: some individuals are family and are usually very close, some are close friends and spend a lot of time grooming and supporting one another, others interact mostly in an aggressive manner or do not interact much, Samuni told EcoWatch. The different relationships that individuals maintain offer them support systems, allow them to achieve dominance rank, provide safety from danger, etc.

The researchers want to expand on their findings that bonobos have distinctive groups, and delve more deeply into the details of trade and cooperation between them in order to see if they could constitute similar behaviors in their shared ancestor with humans, reported the Harvard Gazette.

Both chimpanzees and bonobos are our closest living relatives and therefore studying their social systems and behavior can allow us to trace the evolutionary trajectories of certain phenomenons, Samuni told EcoWatch. For example, if humans & chimpanzees share a certain trait, then it is more simple (parsimonious) to assume that our common ancestor also shared these traits. Tool-use is a good example, until the 60s it was believed that what separated us from other animals was our ability to make tools (man the tool maker) but observations of chimpanzees and other animals have repeatedly demonstrated that tool-use is more widespread than what was originally thought, starting with the first documentation of tool use in chimpanzees in Gombe by Dr. Jane Goodall.

Bonobos are listed as endangered by The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and are faced with the same dangers as many threatened species.

The main threats to bonobos are habitat loss (due to logging, mining) and poaching (e.g., for bushmeat, as part of the pet trade, or due to human-wildlife conflict), Samuni told EcoWatch. Because bonobos only exist in the DRC, a country who has known its share of political instability, the bonobo populations suffered from these internal conflicts. Due to the challenges of working in DRC, we know very little about bonobos and estimations of the number of bonobos left in the wild are outdated. And even in places where bonobos are not the direct target of poaching or drastically suffer from habitat loss, they routinely get caught in traps and snares set by poachers which can leave them handicapped and impact their ability to survive and reproduce.

Samuni recommended measures that can be taken to help protect bonobos.

Maintaining protected areas where the animals are safe from poaching or other anthropogenic disturbances is one of the best ways to conserve species. Animal corridors between protected areas can facilitate gene flow that is also very important for the viability of populations. Theres also the need to fight against the bushmeat and pet trade and pass laws that prohibit keeping chimpanzees, bonobos, and other wild animals as pets. Because chimpanzees and bonobos live in large social groups where individuals support and care for one another, when an infant chimpanzee/bonobo is taken from the wild to be sold as a pet it often means that their mother and other group members were killed in the process, Samuni said.

Samuni added that social media can hinder the protection of species when it is used to distort or glamorize the attempted domestication of wild animals.

It has also been shown that our use of social media can have a negative impact on the conservation of these species. When people see a video on social media of a young chimpanzee/bonobo (or any other wild species) as a pet they may think that this is OK and that the animal is having a good life (everything looks prettier on social media). It can lead to an increase in demand for these animals. Not giving these videos the platform and likes can be something easy that each and everyone of us can do, which will guarantee a greater protection of these animals, Samuni told EcoWatch.

According to The IUCN Red List, population numbers of bonobos are decreasing, and Surbeck offered a warning for the survival of this peaceful species of great apes.

There are very few left, said Surbeck, as the Harvard Gazette reported. We gather here information that potentially will not be available anymore in 50 years if things continue the way they do.
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 deadly heat waves continue around the world, the climate crisis is making itself evident on the very roads we drive on.

When the weather gets hotter, building materials including asphalt and concrete expand and crack, CNN explained. And this has led to incidents from London to China as aging infrastructure meets record high temperatures.

Most of our physical infrastructure was built using the temperature records of the mid-20th century, Costa Samaras, principal assistant director for energy with the White Houses Office of Science and Technology Policy, told The Washington Post. That is not the climate we have now.

In China, high temperatures in mid-July melted tiles on the roof of a museum in Chongqing, as EcoWatch reported at the time. During the same heat wave, a road in a town in Jiangxi province buckled up six inches.

The high heat that brought the UK its first temperature reading higher than 40 degrees Celsius also melted a runway at Luton Airport, disrupting flights.

 Update at 17:30 pic.twitter.com/w7JIVJUois  London Luton Airport (@LDNLutonAirport) July 18, 2022

The high temperatures also inspired some interesting methods of protecting infrastructure in the usually mild island nation. Foil was wrapped around Londons Hammersmith Bridge in order to reflect sunlight and keep the structure itself cool, as CNN reported. Further, Network Rail began painting London railways white in order to prevent them from overheating.

The rail temperature here is over 48 degrees Celsius so were painting the rails white to prevent them from getting hotter, Network Rail tweeted.

We've found a kink in the rail at Vauxhall, London due to extreme heat.



 The rail temperature here is over 48 degrees Celsius so we're painting the rails white to prevent them from getting hotter.



 Only travel if absolutely necessary!



 https://t.co/ZQlmnINkx1#heatwave pic.twitter.com/ov2FWgmRrr  Network Rail (@networkrail) July 18, 2022

Roads across the Channel in the EU have not been spared. Journalist Sasha Abramsky had a direct encounter with what high heat does to roads when his car overheated in the Pyrenees in France.

My personal experience of this weeks heat apocalypse in Europe involved discovering large globs of hot, sticky tar stuck to my leg after I trod in melted asphalt on a mountain road in France on Sunday afternoon: The road that I was walking on had literally begun to melt, he wrote for Truthout.

The high temperatures added extra challenges to the competitors in the Tour de France bicycle race, which concluded Sunday. During the race, organizers had to spray down some of the roads to keep them stable, The Washington Post reported. The combination of high heat and an iconic competition also prompted some protests, when demonstrators chained themselves together to block the cyclists on two occasions.

The world toward which politicians are sending us is a world in which the Tour de France will no longer exist, Derniere Renovation, the group behind the protests, said in a statement reported by The Washington Post.

Infrastructure in the U.S. has not emerged unscathed. In Fort Worth, Texas, hot, dry weather caused the ground to shift and therefore break an abnormal amount of water main pipes last week.

Through 8 a.m. Monday, Fort Worth Water had 476 main breaks in 2022, with 221 of those in the past 90 days, a Fort Worth press release reported by CNN said. The telling number is the 182 in the last 30 days  over 38% of the yearly total.

Roads especially are so vulnerable to high heat because asphalt gets soft when its hot, while concrete can expand and buckle, according to The Washington Post. As the climate crisis makes heat waves more frequent and extreme, infrastructure will need to be updated to accommodate higher normal temperatures. However, simply redoing roads is not enough.

The bottom line is: we are not going to only build our way out of this, Samaras told The Washington Post. We must decarbonize our energy uses and learn how to remove carbon weve already added to the atmosphere.
Building Lives: Fresher Water Better Life

(People's Daily App) 10:16, July 25, 2022

On a crisp fall day in Botswana, the family of Batsile Olekile, villagers in Shoshong Town, are busy preparing lunch. They are rinsing the tableware and washing the fresh vegetables and fruits with cool tap water. This used to be a rare experience for the Olekiles. Since the operation of the Mahalapye Water Treatment Plant, we no longer have to worry about the water being cut off when doing laundry and cooking, Batsile says.

Water shortages were common in Shoshong for the past few years. We used to experience water shortages that usually lasted for one month. At that time, we had to fetch well water from another village 23 kilometers away, which was very inconvenient, says Batsiles sister. Those difficulties are now a thing of the past. After the completion of the new water plant, we have never encountered a water cutoff again!"

The Mahalapye Water Treatment Plant is located in Mahalapye Town, 50 kilometers from Shoshong. The plant expansion project was undertaken by China State Construction Engineering Corporation Botswana (CSCEC). The daily water purification capacity increased from 160,000 cubic meters to 340,000 cubic meters, a dramatic improvement in the local water supply capacity. Water supply expanded to villages about 70 kilometers away, which alleviated shortages of the residents to a great extent. The completion of the new water plant ensures that we can produce enough water to meet the daily needs. We are now using chlorine dioxide disinfectant for disinfection. Compared with the chlorine disinfectant used before, the effect is better and more durable. In addition, the new water plant has also added an activated carbon filtration process, which greatly improves the water quality, said Badubi Ntsatsi, the plant manager.

On April 25, 2022, the Mahalapye Water Treatment Plant opened to the public to let the local community understand how it works. The Chief of Mahalapye, Tshipe Tshipe, and City Councillor Sam Kelebale attended the event. Water is the main resource to our living. There is no life if there is no water. The new water plant has solved the problem of water shortage. I am very grateful to CSCEC for its excellent completion of this project, said Chief Tshipe Tshipe.

The project also provided a large number of employment opportunities for local people. City Councillor Kelebale indicated that the municipal administration department had not received any complaints from local employees. Even during the Covid-19 outbreaks, the project did not dismiss an employee due to operation stress. It is understood that during the construction, there were a total of 260 employees. 218 were local, and the localization rate reached 84%.

We are so happy because there is finally no water shortage anymore, Batsile says. The upgraded plant has breathed new life into Mahalapye and its surrounding areas. Life has become easier for residents, who no longer need to travel long distances in search of water. Over 30 years of operation in Botswana, CSCEC has always regarded giving back to the local people and community as its due responsibility, and used practical actions to build a bridge of friendship between China and Botswana.

(Video source: China State Construction Engineering Corporation)

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun)
Myanmar's military junta executed two leading democracy activists and two men accused of terrorism, a first of such acts, which have immediately drawn condemnation by the United Nations and rights groups.

The executed individuals included veteran democracy activist Kyaw Min Yu, who is better known as Ko Jimmy, former National League for Democracy lawmaker Phyo Zayar Thaw, Hla Myo Aung, and Aung Thura Zaw. The incident marks the first judicial executions in Myanmar in decades.

Military Junta's Executions

Human rights groups also fear that more will follow the four victims as the Human Rights Watch said that 114 people have been sentenced to death in the country since the military junta took power in a coup in February 2021.

The military junta accused Ko Jimmy and Phyo Zayar Thaw of being "involved in terrorist acts such as explosion attacks, killing of civilians as informants," said spokesperson Zaw Min Tun. The two individuals were sentenced to death in January 2022, and last month, the spokesperson confirmed that appeals were denied, as per CNN.

Since the military junta took power last year, civilian cases have been tried in military courts with proceedings closed to the public. They followed the ousting of the elected government and reversing of almost a decade of tentative democratic reforms.

Read Also: Bolsonaro Announces Re-Election Bid in Attempt To Beat Rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

However, rights groups said that these secretive military tribunals deny the chance to a fair trial and are designed for speedy, and almost certain, convictions, regardless of evidence. In a statement on Monday, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said that he was "outraged and devastated" by the executions.

According to Reuters, Myanmar's National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow administration outlawed by the military junta, condemned the executions and called for international action against the ruling forces. The spokesman of the NUG president's office said that they were "extremely saddened" by the cruelty of the junta, arguing that they must be punished.

Democracy Activists

The regional director of rights group Amnesty International, Erwin Van Der Borght, said that the recent executions amount to arbitrary deprivation of lives and are another example of Myanmar's atrocious human rights record.

He added that the international community must act now as there are more than 100 people on death row after being convicted in similar proceedings as the executed individuals. The wife of Thaw, Thazin Nyunt Aung, said that she had not been told of her husband's execution. Other relatives could not immediately be reached for comment regarding the incident.

The individuals were held in the colonial-era Insein prison and a person with knowledge of the events said that their families visited it last Friday. They added that only one relative was allowed to speak to the detainees via the Zoom online platform.

The military junta has arrested a total of 14,847 people since the coup and 11,759 remain in detention, based on data from the advocacy group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) Burma, which monitors arrests and killings. They added that two children were among the prisoners who were sentenced to death, The Guardian reported.



Related Article: North Korea Accuses US of Biological Warfare in Ukraine After Russia Requests North Korean Laborers in Exchange for Wheat, Machinery

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
It's been five months since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war and it's five months of mind-numbing uncertainty for the 2,000 Tamil Nadu medical students who were forced to flee Ukraine without completing their course.

There is no clarity yet from the National Medical Commission (NMC) on their transfer to other countries with a similar syllabus, and the Centre is yet to relent to the demand that they be accommodated in Indian medical colleges.

"It's been so many months. The NMC is yet to tell us which countries we should seek transfer to and what are the eligibility criteria for us to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) (an exam which allows foreign medical graduates to practice in India)," said Shri Ranjani, a fifth-year medical student of a medical college in Vinnytsia, Ukraine.

With war raging in Ukraine, students fear that getting documents from their respective universities would only become tougher with time. Also, higher fees in countries like Armenia, Georgia, and Russia, which offer medical education in a similar syllabus, add to their worries.

Students share their worries

For PV Vanavan future seems bleak. The Kancheepuram native was pursuing medicine at a university in Ukraine's Kharkiv, now war-torn. Vanavan's college, however, is ready to offer a transfer and mobility programme to its students and is asking them to select a medical college in either Georgia or Armenia. "The cost of living in Armenia, however, will be much higher than in Ukraine. So, there is no point in selecting it. If I enrol in Georgia, I don't have any clarity on whether I would be able to practice in India," he said.

Asad Karim, another MBBS student from Ukraine said Russian colleges were offering them admission. "But, the course fee is almost double that in Ukraine. I have already taken a loan and I don't know if the bank will agree to give me another." Ukrainian universities charge $4,800 dollars to $5,000 dollars a year for MBBS fees.

S Kalyani, an MBBS student of a medical university in Chernivtsi in Ukraine, said she had been attending online classes since her return in February. "I wrote my semester exam online and passed it too. But, we all know that MBBS is not something that is taught online. Studying MBBS was my dream but I didn't dream of this sort of education," she said.



It may be recalled that Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Bharti Pravin Pawar recently told Lok Sabha that no permission has been given by the NMC to transfer or accommodate any foreign medical students in any Indian medical institute or university.




Possible for Philippines to recover from ASF in two years, according to international agencies

The Philippines may finally recover from African swine fever (ASF) in two years' time with pork output expected to return to 1.6 million tonnes, according to joint forecasts of international agencies.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (OECD-FAO) projected that additional pork output from the Philippines is expected in the next two to three years.

In its 10-year Global Agricultural Outlook spanning 2022 to 2031, the OECD-FAO, said the future is bright for global pig production as countries battered by ASF, such as the Philippines, China and Vietnam, may start to recover their lost pig herd.

"Global pork production is projected to increase by 17% [18Mt] by 2031, relative to the ASF affected base period 2019-21. The sector is assumed to recover from ASF by 2023, so that almost all of the projected growth will come early in the next decade," it said. "Most additional pig meat production is expected to originate in China by 2023, as well as in the Philippines and Vietnam, where production is expected to recover from the losses of the ASF outbreak in the next two to three years," it added.

The OECD-FAO projected that the Philippines's pork output next year would grow by 19% to 1.311 million tonnes from this year's estimated total production of 1.10 million tonnes.

The OECD-FAO added that the country's pork production would expand further by 22.8%, reaching pre-ASF and pre-pandemic levels of over 1.6 million tonnes in 2024.

From thereon, the OECD-FAO foresees that Philippine pork production would be on an upward trend until it hits 2.157 million tonnes by 2031.

Still, the OECD-FAO noted: "The Philippine hog industry needs a lot of catching up to do due to the tremendous impact of the African swine fever epidemic in the previous year and the increasing demand locally.

"All sectors, particularly the government, should focus resources on how it can assist the potentially viable hog industry of Philippine agriculture."

The OECD-FAO also stated that global growth in pork production would remain "limited" in the first years of its decade-long outlook due to ongoing ASF recovery efforts in China, the Philippines and Vietnam.

"The recovery process is assumed to be completed in China and Vietnam by 2023 and in the Philippines by 2024," it said.

"Government strategies in the latter two are based on the development of a commercially available vaccine to control the spread of ASF, which will be critical in reducing the risks of future ASF outbreaks," it added.



- BusinessMirror




Saudi Arabia to invest US$5 billion to boost poultry output



Saudi Arabia is planning to invest SAR 17 billion (~US$5 billion; SAR 1 = US$0.27) to boost domestic poultry output, as the country aims to achieve an 80% poultry meat self-sufficiency rate by 2025, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, said the ministry will ensure national food security by aiming for 1.3 million tonnes of broiler chickens annually, boost local output, and generate employment opportunities.

This action comes after a rise in poultry meat self-sufficiency from 45% in 2016 to 68% in 2022.

When cutting-edge technologies are applied, Al-Fadley said the agricultural development fund's financing for businesses looking to expand the poultry production industry can reach 70%.

In related news, Ibrahim Qassem, director-general of MEWA's Animal Resources Services, told CNBC Arabia that the total number of livestock projects in the Kingdom exceeded 980.

But Qassem said due to the prevailing global factors, which are reflected in the prices of livestock, the cost of feed increased by more than 90%.

The ARS had created a programme to look into and fight animal diseases, he said, cutting losses by 25%.

- Saudi Press Agency




Indonesia may set up Batam farm to export fresh chickens to Singapore



Suryo Pratomo, the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, said he discussed with Indonesian producers about setting up a new farm in Batam state to export fresh chicken to Singapore if there is sufficient demand over the next year, The Straits Times reported.

He said by the end of the year, they hope to understand Singapore's market well enough to decide whether or not to establish a farm there.

Suryo was speaking at the fully automated Leong Hup Distribution warehouse in Fishery Port Road, where the first shipment of frozen chicken from Indonesia arrived on July 24.

Suryo said the shipment of 50 tonnes of frozen chicken originated in Jakarta. The majority of the purchasers, according to The Straits Times, were chicken rice stalls, and they have reportedly already been sold out.

More shipments will arrive in the coming weeks, with a total of 1,000 tonnes of frozen chicken expected to arrive in Singapore by end 2022.

Singapore imported nearly 73,000 tonnes of chicken from Malaysia in 2021, for comparison.

Alfred Leek, procurement director at Leong Hup Distribution, said the frozen chickens from Indonesia are largerweighing between 2 and 2.3 kgthan the 1.5 to 1.6 kg frozen chickens his company imports from the US, Thailand, Brazil, and Argentina.

Frozen chicken is shipped from Indonesia in four days as opposed to 30 to 60 days from the United States, Brazil, and Argentina.

Leek said the Indonesian shipment marks the first time frozen chickens with their heads and feet intact have been imported. He said the industry now has a new option.

The ban on Malaysian chicken exports, according to Professor William Chen, director of the food science and technology programme at Nanyang Technological University, has made Singapore more proactive in seeking out alternative sources.

As Indonesia has not previously been Singapore's primary source of chicken, he said having frozen chicken from Indonesia opens a new supply source.

- The Straits Times




Malaysian minister said imported frozen chicken is expected to be lower priced

Tan Sri Noh Omar, Malaysia's Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister, said the country is importing frozen chicken to ensure sufficient supply, and the chicken is expected to be lower priced, Bernama reported.

Noh Omar, said the ministry's cooperative shops, or Coopmart, plans to begin importing frozen chicken in September at a lower cost.

He said they are still working on bringing in imported chicken to address the problem of rising chicken prices as a result of a nationwide supply shortage.

Bernama did not specify the comparison or the quantum used to determine the "lower price" of imported frozen chicken, though.

Noh Omar said his ministry has identified a number of nations as potential sources for frozen chicken, adding that they would use the Coopmart logo on the packaging and that company would also handle distribution.

- Bernama




Indonesia seeks to expand chicken export business to more countries





As Indonesia begins to export chicken to Singapore, poultry companies in the country must take additional steps to boost operations and improve competitiveness so they can export chickens to more countries, The Star reported.

Indonesian poultry exports have been restricted to a small number of nations as producers prioritise the enormous domestic market, which is home to more than 270 million people.

Indonesia exports chicken not only to Singapore but also to Japan, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Qatar.

However, the fourth-most populous country in the world has been dealing with a chicken supply shortage for a while.

This year, it is predicted that there will be 3.8 billion chickens produced compared to the 2.9 billion that will be needed, leaving a surplus of about 900 million.

When faced with an annual production surplus, poultry producers should sell their products abroad, experts and business leaders told The Straits Times.

There are difficulties, though, such as logistical problems, particularly with the export of live birds, the high cost of chicken feed, and strict requirements in the destination nations.

Dr. Bayu Krisnamurthi, the head of the Indonesian Agribusiness Association, said for example, the mode of transportation is the main barrier for Indonesian businesses hoping to export live chicken to Singapore.

He made a comparison between Indonesia and Malaysia, where poultry producers could deliver supplies to Singapore by land, which is faster and less expensive. He said technically, they can send live chicken to Singapore by sea, but it is not as efficient as delivering them by land.

Live chicken shipping by sea can also cause problems for the welfare of the animals.

He said the livestock are housed in a small, cramped area on a ship, and have to deal with waves and other maritime conditions.

Achmad Dawami, chairman of the Indonesian Poultry Breeder Association, said the risk of weight loss is also high, and the chickens may become dehydrated. During transportation, there is also an increased risk of death.

One solution, according to experts and industry players, is for poultry companies to operate farms closer to Singapore, like in the Riau Islands and North Sumatra.

Professor Arief Daryanto, a development economics lecturer at the Bogor Agricultural University, said poultry farmers must also raise standards in areas like hygiene and establish adequate infrastructure to support both production and distribution.

He said modernisation on and off farms is essential. It is impossible for them to export chicken if they don't have a cold chain system. Indonesia's farms must adopt good agricultural practises as well as good handling practises if they want to export to Singapore.

Prof. Arief and Achmad concurred that the sector must also strengthen its competitive edge, particularly by reducing production costs, which are primarily made up of chicken feed at a rate of 70%.

Prof. Arief said to reduce the cost of chicken feed, advanced technology should be used. For instance, he said some research indicates that by-products of palm oil can be used.

Achmad emphasised the need for poultry farmers to not rely heavily on imported feed. For instance, other protein sources can be used in place of soybean meal.

In the future, processed chicken products like nuggets, sausages, and satay will dominate Indonesia's exports of chicken to Singapore and other markets.

Professor Arief said further processing is necessary for their competitiveness. In Indonesia, the processing sector needs to be expanded, adding that manufacturers must create a seamless supply chain with the appropriate infrastructure, including cold storage and distribution facilities.

Selling chicken to Singapore, which has strict regulations regarding things like food safety and animal health, will teach Indonesian businesses looking to expand overseas a valuable lesson.

- The Star




18,000 chickens illegally imported from Thailand into Cambodia confiscated



Cambodian agriculture officials have confiscated 18,000 live chickens that were illegally imported from Thailand into the country, through the land border checkpoint in Cambodia's Battambang province, Khmer Times reported.

Hun Sarath, deputy director of Animal Health and production department, said a van carried 18,000 chickens through Doung International Border checkpoint in Kamrieng district, Battambang province.

Sarath said authorities stopped the van on National Road 5 while it was headed for Kampong Speu province. Tann Phannara, Director General of the General Department of Animals Health and Production, gave the order for the interception.

He said that the import was unlawful and that the chicken was targeted to be sold in the province of Kampong Speu.

Sarath saod that while the chickens would be quarantined to be tested for infectious diseases like bird flu, the vehicle was seized at the agriculture office in Battambang city to deal with legal procedures.

He stated that sick chickens would be culled.

Srun Pov, president of the Cambodian Livestock Raisers Association, said chickens are imported because Cambodia does not produce enough, but importers must respect the rules and regulations.

Pov expressed his concern that the illegal import of live chickens could cause a disease outbreak and have an impact on farmers, and he added that if traders continue to import live animals illegally, it will have a significant negative impact on the local livestock industry.

According to him, it is irrelevant as long as there are appropriate laws, animal health certifications, and a defined import cap.

- Khmer Times




Ireland's official controls for egg sector work well, report states



Official controls in Ireland's egg sector have worked well although there are a few minor issues, according to a report published by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).

An audit in November 2021 covered official controls on the table egg production chain including egg collection, transporting, packing, warehousing, and distribution and retail sale.

The main objective was to assess effectiveness of controls by the Poultry and Egg Section of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). A secondary aim was to ensure compliance by selected businesses with food law.

The audit found there is an organised system of official controls to verify requirements of food law and marketing standards for businesses involved in the table egg industry.

Documented procedures on how official controls are carried out are in place. However, some of them refer to legislation which has been revoked or replaced and may not accurately describe the control practices currently used. This is to be changed by the end of 2022.

Official controls across the Irish table egg industry are done according to the level of risk and whether those involved in checks are suitably qualified and trained. Eggs must be delivered to the consumer within a maximum of 21 days of laying, according to EU rules.

Depending on business type, risk categories include scale of the operation, whether the business is registered with the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme and history of compliance. It also depends on whether more than one system is in operation, such as organic, free range, barn, or caged eggs and on the authorised officers' experience of the business.

Rating categories are from zero to six. A combination of the risk and rating scores results in an inspection categorisation of low, medium or high. Businesses listed as low are inspected once per year, medium twice per year and high at three times per year.

Records of official controls are maintained and a copy is given to food businesses. The inspection outcome is either compliant or non-compliant. Non-compliant ones are further categorised as minor, moderate or major.

The audit team assessed food law in eight operations. Four were inspected to check compliance with marketing standards.

Businesses included a retailer, multiple central distribution centers, a wholesaler, and a vending machine operator. Four companies were inspected which varied in size from large commercial sites to small domestic operations, one of which was an organic producer.

One file was from an egg packing center which was no longer operating. However, the firm still had a registration number and was on the register of food businesses, despite the fact it had been closed for a long time.

Auditors found there is no procedure whereby DAFM revokes the registration of a packing center which is no longer in operation, when the company fails to complete the form notifying DAFM the business has closed. Such a system should be in place by the end of September this year.

Eggs examined in each packing center were stamped and had the required information on the method of farming being organic, free range, barn or caged, the country of origin and, if produced in Ireland, the county identification and producer code. Each egg had its best-before date, as part of the stamp. Outer packaging evaluated provided mandatory information on class, size, egg packing center code and best-before date.

- Food Safety News




Audits by European Commission unit scrutinise Poland and Netherlands' systems for milk, dairy products

Two audits by the European Commission's health and safety unit have looked at milk and dairy products in Poland and the Netherlands.

A remote DG Sante audit in March 2021 in Poland found the system was well-designed but a lack of training and internal audits weaken the effectiveness.

Dairy products with traditional characteristics are sold at national level and made in non-approved establishments, which is in breach of EU legislation. Procedures for approving, registering and listing facilities part of the dairy product supply chain are also not fully in line with EU rules, said auditors.

The audit team noted gaps in understanding or knowledge for some inspectors interviewed in areas such as assessment of microbiological criteria for Listeria monocytogenes in dairy products and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)-based procedures. They said this has a negative impact on the level of staff competence for official controls in the sector.

Official tests of dairy products for microbial criteria in 2018 and 2019 detected Listeria monocytogenes in 32 batches of 1,973 sampled and salmonella in two batches out of 695 tested. Sampling for process hygiene criteria found Coagulase positive Staphylococci in 33 of 1,146 batches and E. coli in 22 batches out of 757 tested.

Steps taken in cases of alerts for dairy products were not fully satisfactory and not in line with instructions, said officials.

The audit team assessed actions by authorities in relation to two RASFF alerts in 2019 for detection of salmonella in milk powder and Listeria monocytogenes in cheese.

In the salmonella example, unsatisfactory process hygiene of a production line was identified as the cause. Authorities suspended operations on this line and it was later closed but they didnt take samples of other batches possibly made on the same line, as required by the guidelines.

For the Listeria case, authorities only noted non-compliance after 20 days. This delay was linked to an agency's misunderstanding of the requirements and actions to be taken for positive samples below the 100 colony forming units per gram limit.

"Corrective actions were limited to the food businesses and districts involved and no evidence was available that the acquired information was used to improve relevant aspects of the control system and to prevent possible reoccurrence elsewhere," the report stated.

Polish authorities said the recommendations would be addressed through training, reminding officials of certain rules and revised checklists.

The other virtual assessment in the Netherlands in October 2021 identified issues with the system for approval of food businesses.

The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and Netherlands Controlling Authority for Dairy and Eggs (COKZ) are understaffed, which has an impact on the effectiveness of official controls.

Staff involved in official controls in the dairy sector said work overload has sometimes resulted in delayed inspections  mainly concerning follow-up, reporting and enforcement.

Training, lab capability and cooperation between different agencies were noted as positives.

The audit team said inspectors used mostly the lowest grading for non-compliances despite some of them requiring a warning and follow-up action. They also found delays, sometimes up to three months from the date of inspection, in the delivery of reports and written warnings, which impacted timely correction of non-compliances.

In 2020, a project examined 46 samples of soft and matured cheese made with raw milk for Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC). It was found in two samples from the rind of matured cheeses.

Another study looked at raw milk for direct delivery to consumers. In 2020, out of 100 samples of raw cow milk, five were positive for high counts of coagulase-positive Staphylococci, four for STEC and the only sample of raw goat milk tested positive for STEC.

The audit team followed up five RASFF notifications on Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella and E. coli in cheese, and one for undeclared allergens in cheese, reported in 2020 and 2021. All investigations and follow-up were judged to be effective.

In response, Dutch officials said the approval shortcomings relate to so-called farm dairy processors. This is a group of more than 500 farmers who process part or all of their raw milk production into regional products, often in a traditional way. They represent only 4% of the total milk flow in the Netherlands with the other 96% not affected.

COKZ will review the procedure in relation to approvals and adjust it by September 2022. The agency will also develop an assurance system to ensure timely assessment for those with conditional approval.

COKZ will also make sure a re-inspection is performed within three months of the original visit and that shortcomings are communicated at the end of the inspection.

- Food Safety News
Tesla founder Elon Musk shot down allegations that he had an affair with the wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin.

The Multibillionaire denied a Wall Street Journal report alleging Elon Musk was the cause of the divorce of Sergey Brin and his wife Nicole Shanahan earlier this year. On Twitter, Musk responded to the story, which he called "total bs," and he remains friends with Sergey Brin.

"This is total bs. Sergey and I are friends and were at a party together last night!" he tweeted.

Per Fox News, the report identified Musk as the reason Brin filed for divorce from his wife, Nicole Shanahan, in January after learning that she had an affair with Musk in December.

Elon Musk Says There's 'Nothing Romantic' in His Relationship with Shanahan

According to the Wall Street Journal, Elon Musk and Nicole Shanahan allegedly had a relationship while Miami, Florida, hosted Art Basel. After the incident, the alleged affair persisted for a brief period, although Brin and Shanahan were still married and sharing a home.

Musk explained on Twitter: "I've only seen Nicole twice in three years, both times with many other people around. Nothing romantic," he added.

In a subsequent tweet, Elon Musk criticized WSJ for publishing the story on his alleged affair based on "third-party random hearsay."

"WSJ is supposed to have a high standard for journalism and, right now, they are way sub tabloid," he tweeted. "WSJ should be running stories that matter to their readers and have a solid factual basis, not third-party random hearsay."

Read Also: Belarus as 5th Operator To Acquire Stealth Killer S-400 Triumf System

According to the report, Brin instructed his advisers to sell his personal investments in Musk's companies in recent months after discovering that Elon Musk and Nicole Shanahan had a short affair.

Havent even had sex in ages (sigh)  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 25, 2022

According to the publication, it is unknown how much Brin personally invested in Musk's businesses, and it is also unknown whether any sales have taken place.

The Bloomberg Billionaires Index lists Musk as the richest person in the world, with a $242 billion fortune. Brin has a net worth of $94.6 billion, making him the eighth-richest person.

Musk's Other Scandals

The rumored relationship is the most recent in a series of allegations concerning Musk's private life, according to a Bloomberg article. He reportedly became the father of twins this year to a high-ranking executive of Neuralink, an artificial intelligence company Elon Musk founded.

According to Insider, one of his businesses, SpaceX, paid an employee $250,000 to resolve a claim that Musk had harassed her sexually in 2016. The allegations, according to Musk, were "utterly incorrect" and intended to thwart his acquisition of Twitter Inc., an arrangement he is currently attempting to terminate.

Despite having a prenuptial agreement, the Journal reported that Nicole Shanahan is demanding more than $1 billion from Brin in their settlement negotiations.

A 2014 Vanity Fair article described Brin's connection with Google Glass marketing manager Amanda Rosenberg, which took place while he was still married to 23andMe co-creator Anne Wojcicki and she was dating another Google executive.

The Verge reported that Sergey Brin was also once referred to as "the Google playboy" for his sexual engagement with colleagues; human resources manager Heather Cairns termed his behavior "a sexual harassment claim waiting to happen."

Related Article: Pope Francis Visits Canada, Apologizes for Indigenous Abuse Within Catholic Residential Schools

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Apple and Koss have ended their feud over wireless headphone patents shortly before trial. As Reuters notes, the two told a Waco, Texas-based federal court on Saturday that they had reached a settlement over Koss' claims Apple had infringed on patents for wireless audio technology. The terms of the settlement haven't been disclosed, but the two firms said they made peace on "all matters in controversy." The trial was supposed to have started today.

Koss sued Apple, Bose, JLab, Plantronics and Skullcandy in 2020 over allegations wireless earbuds and headphones like AirPods were copying technology from the Striva line of WiFi audio devices. In filing the lawsuit, Koss argued that rivals were "catching up" to its early work and needed to pay compensation. Apple countersued, arguing that Koss' patents were invalid.

Lawsuits against Bose, Skullcandy and others are still pending. While it's unclear if those cases will move forward in light of this settlement, there's little doubt that Apple and Koss were eager to avoid a courtroom fight.

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We've asked Apple and Koss for comment and will update if we hear back.
China issued Monday a stronger warning to US authorities against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's planned trip to Taiwan.

The warnings stated by a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman confirmed a report published by the Financial Times on Saturday, which identified six persons with knowledge of the warnings. They stated that they were much more forceful than previous threats issued by Beijing in response to US actions or policies over China's claim to Taiwan.

Both the State Department and the White House National Security Council declined to comment on the FT report, according to Reuters.

In a media briefing on Monday, Beijing spokesman Zhao Lijian commented on the report, saying that China is "seriously prepared."When asked to clarify what kind of response China was "seriously prepared" to carry on,

Zhao stated that "China will take strong measures to resolutely respond and counteract" if the US pursues to do "its own way."

Biden Says Pelosi's Taiwan Trip Is Not Good for Now

On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden told reporters the US military thinks a Taiwan visit by Pelosi is "not a good idea right now." On Thursday, Nancy Pelosi said it's important to show support for Taiwan but declined to discuss any travel plans citing security. Pelosi admitted that she did not know exactly what Biden was pointing out. She said it "is that maybe the military was afraid of my plane getting shot down or something like that."

Mike Pompeo, a former US secretary of state, offered to accompany Pelosi on her planned trip.

"Nancy, I'll go with you. I'm banned in China, but not in freedom-loving Taiwan. See you there!" Pompeo tweeted.

According to a US official who spoke to CNN, Biden administration officials have discreetly raised fears that China would try to sabotage the potential trip by declaring a no-fly zone over Taiwan.

Read Also: Myanmar Military Junta Executes Leading Democracy Activists, a First in Decades

Is China Set To Attack Taiwan?

Although the Chinese government has not publicly specified what aggressive actions it intends to take, some Chinese experts believe Beijing's response may include a military aspect. Per CNN, Shi Yinhong, an international relations professor at China's Renmin University, believes that Beijing's response will be unprecedented countermeasures -- the strongest it has ever taken since the Taiwan Strait crises."

Several individuals involved in Taiwan's national security policy claimed that the island nation was caught between the danger that China would "punish" Taipei for Speaker Pelosi's upcoming visit in August and the danger that Washington would postpone the trip, essentially giving China a role in US-Taiwan policy.

According to three sources in Taipei with knowledge of the issue, China could become more assertive through its public opposition to the trip.

A senior official stated, If the visit gets canceled, then implies "China's intimidation tactics" are effective. Thus, other parties will be hesitant to interact with Taiwan, which will have a chilling effect.

Beijing has increased its military presence in the areas near Taiwan to exert pressure on the democratically elected administration to recognize Chinese sovereignty. Taiwan's government asserts that only the 23 million residents of the island can decide its future and, despite its desire for peace, it will protect itself if attacked by China.

Related Article: North Korea Accuses US of Biological Warfare in Ukraine After Russia Requests North Korean Laborers in Exchange for Wheat, Machinery

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Energy Department's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Program (ATVMP) hasn't offered a loan to an electric car maker since 2010, but it's ready to offer money once again. As Reuters reports, the Energy Department is providing a $2.5 billion loan to the GM and LG joint venture Ultium Cells for the sake of constructing EV battery cell factories. This is the government agency's first loan for battery production under the program.

The money will be used for manufacturing plants in Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee. It will come with conditions (unspecified as of this writing), and is expected to close sometime in the months ahead. Production starts at the Ohio plant in August, and should be followed by Tennessee in late 2023 and Michigan in 2024. Ultium in a statement characterized the deal as beneficial for the country, and expected it to create 5,000 US jobs.

All previous loans under ATVMP went to car manufacturers in the early days of EVs, including Tesla, Ford and Nissan. The efforts have so far been fruitful. Tesla, for instance, grew quickly with help from the loan during its early days. It finished repaying the Energy Department in 2013, nine years ahead of schedule.

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The GM loan isn't surprising. While the brand has extensive car manufacturing capacity, it's racing to establish battery factories that will help it both clear an order backlog and produce relatively mainstream models like the upcoming Blazer and Equinox EVs. Extra funding may help GM cope with demand. President Biden, meanwhile, wants zero-emissions vehicles to represent half of all new sales by 2030  that won't happen unless GM and others can ramp up production to meet demand.
Retailers in Australia are the latest companies to back away from facial recognition, albeit under pressure. The Guardian reports Kmart and Bunnings have temporarily halted use of facial recognition in their local stores while the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) investigates the privacy implications of their systems. The two chains were trialing the technology to spot banned customers, prevent refund fraud and reduce theft.

The investigation started in mid-July, a month after the consumer advocacy group Choice learned that Kmart and Bunnings were testing facial recognition. Bunnings had already paused use as it migrated to a new system. Other Australian retailers, such as Aldi, Coles and Woolworths, have said they don't have plans to adopt the technology.

Both retailers defended their implementations. A Kmart spokesperson stressed that its facial recognition tech was used for "preventing criminal activity" and had strict privacy controls. We've asked Kmart's US operations about any possible implementations in North American shops. Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider, meanwhile, claimed Choice was "mischaracterizing" face detection. The company's trial is only meant to catch banned customers and doesn't store images for regular shoppers, he said.

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The concerns aren't limited to data storage, however. Systems like these still have to scan every face entering a given store, and other approaches to facial recognition have exhibited gender and race biases or produced false positives. Companies like IBM and Microsoft have backed away from at least some uses over ethical matters, and American politicians have urged government agencies to stop using such platforms. Kmart and Bunnings might not escape similar scrutiny.
After years of acting on screen and on stage, Billy Porter has begun a new chapter of his career by directing a movie for the first time. In a recent interview, the "POSE" actor candidly opens up about what he feels today after struggling in his life.

Speaking to Collider, the 52-year-old actor said he feels "redemptive" after the struggles he faced throughout his career because many people in the industry told him his queerness would be his liability.

Today, it doesn't feel that way as he gets to do the things he wanted to do because he's the one in charge of his career path.

"I chose my own authenticity, and I chose to be truthful and honest, no matter what and no matter where the chips would fall. I hope that, in setting myself free, others will be set free too," he said.

Porter is the director of the recent coming-of-age romance/comedy film "Anything's Possible." The story revolves around a confident trans woman who's living her best life while her mother is supportive of her decisions.

His classmate later asked her out on a date because he has a crush on her. However, he must learn to follow his heart despite other people's judgment.

The actor had been directing theater productions before, but this is the first time he dabbled in the world of film.

READ NOW: Royal Truth? Camilla NOT the Racist Royal Who Degraded Sussexes Children, Insider Claim

Speaking about his experience, he recalled searching for his own voice in 2000 because he wasn't happy at that point in his career.

After reading the book "The Artist's Way," a big realization hit him that he needed to "be at the helm" and be "in the driver's seat" by telling his own story.

The only way to share his story with the world is to write and direct it because nobody else knows what to do.

"That's where it started, about 22 years ago. And I went into the theater first because I already had connections in the theater, but my goal was always to transition into film and television," he explained.

Opening up about the opportunity of directing, Porter said the project found him and it was a perfect moment for him because it was everything that he had been asking for.

Prior to accepting "Anything's Possible," the actor said he never really had any film directing opportunities and he's grateful to take on the role.

READ ALSO: Melanie Rauscher Dead: 'Naked and Afraid' Star Cause of Death Suicide or Foul Play?
Palo Alto, CAJotham S. Stein, author of the award-winning book Negotiate Like a CEO: How to Get Ahead with Lessons Learned from Top Entrepreneurs and Executives, was interviewed on the nationally syndicated Kevin McCullough Radio Show. McCullough hosts a hybrid news/faith talk show airing on over 200 media outlets.

When McCullough mentioned a friend of his who was having a hard time negotiating a new work contract, Stein offered this interesting observation, "Your friend is probably really good at what she does, but that doesn't make her a good negotiator for herself, for her own employment or if she has her own business. And this is because she doesn't know what the other side knows, she doesn't know what the other side is protecting themselves from, she can't read the tea leaves. So often it comes down to uncertainty from not being informed."

Recent awards for Negotiate Like a CEO are Best Business Book at the Los Angeles Book Festival and Outstanding Creator Awards and Best in Career category at the Firebird Book Awards.

Listen to the entire interview of Jotham S. Stein by Kevin McCullough at



https://soundcloud.com/expertclickradio/jotham-stein-author-of-negotiate-like-a-ceo-featured-on-kevin-mccullough-radio-show

Expert Click Radio  Jotham Stein, Author of 'Negotiate Like a CEO,' Featured on Kevin McCullough Radio Show

What does it mean to negotiate like a CEO? How important are employment agreements? How can you learn to protect yourself and your family if the worst does happen? These are all questions that Jotham S. Stein addresses in his book Negotiate Like a CEO, with the goal of equipping individuals with the tools they need to safeguard themselves in business and employment.

Negotiate Like a CEO isn't afraid to get into the weeds about what you need to do to help your career. Stein peppers each chapter with captivating stories of employees who have found themselves in tight situations with their employerstories that many readers will find familiar. He follows each example with insider insights on how to navigate the situation and save yourself from heartache.

"It's the concept to protect yourself, to read everything or get a good adviser to read everything, to negotiate with leverage, just like a CEO would negotiate with leverage. I wrote this book to help the people out there who have no idea how to help themselves in their employment relationships," says Stein. "Too many just don't know how or are too afraid to ask." Jotham Stein

"Jotham has helped me throughout my career, from setting up strong employment agreements to securing stock compensation to protecting the management team during the sale of my company. Jotham is a guy you want in your corner. His book should be required reading for anyone who thinks 'this could never happen to me'." Andy Cohen, founder and former CEO, Caring.com

"As a hi-tech Silicon Valley attorney Stein is brutally honest in assessing a situation and advising his clients. In Negotiate Like a CEO you'll learn to be aware, to recognize potential employment pitfalls, and how to protect yourself. You'll also learn that you may have more leverage than you might think, either now or as you advance in your career." Grady Harp, Amazon Top 100 Hall of Fame Reviewer

"As a CEO and multi-time Silicon Valley executive, I was very fortunate to learn from Jotham early in my career the great importance of the protective employment offer letter. Employment law is very complex and with this book you can learn from the best."Bonnie Crater, co-founder and CEO, Full Circle Insights; former SVP salesforce.com; former SVP Genesys; former VP Oracle; former VP Netscape

Watch the book trailer at https://bit.ly/NegotiateLikeaCEOtrailer





About: Jotham S. Stein, author of the award-winning book Negotiate Like a CEO, is the principal of the Law Offices of Jotham S. Stein P.C. He has more than two decades of experience representing entrepreneurs and C-Suite executives, board members, venture capitalists, private equity principals, and investment bankers as well as less senior employees of all size companies.

Stein is a graduate of Stanford Law School and Princeton University. He is admitted to practice in California, Illinois, New York, Colorado, and the District of Columbia as well as the United States Supreme Court, and several United States Courts of Appeals and United States District Courts. He is also a member of multiple bar associations, including the American Bar Association. Stein is the author of Executive Employment Law: Protecting Executives, Entrepreneurs and Employees, a how-to guide for practitioners.

Stein's new book, Negotiate Like a CEO, is an enthralling look at how top entrepreneurs and executives protect themselves and how you can too. You can find out more about Jotham Stein at NegotiateLikeaCEO.net.

Negotiate Like a CEOASIN: B09TG125BQ, Published by Political Animal Press, Feb. 24, 2022, 294 pages, available on Kindle and paperback on Amazon.

Media Contact: For a review copy of Negotiate Like a CEO or to arrange an interview with Jotham S. Stein, contact Scott Lorenz of Westwind Communications Book Marketing at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or by phone at 248-705-2214. Reach Lorenz on twitter @abookpublicist
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When Shaun Edwards co-founded Plus One Robotics in 2016, venture capitalists told him to pack up the company and move it to Austin.

They warned him he couldnt build a robotics company in San Antonio.

Instead of heading north, he set up his successful company here and founded SATX Robotix, a community of technologists working on autonomous vehicles, drones and industrial robots who meet to network and present the freshest technology in their fields.

I decided if we build a community in San Antonio, then the next time somebody brings Austin up, I can say, We do have a community of roboticists in San Antonio, Edwards said at the groups meeting this month. Now there are more roboticists in San Antonio than Austin, and we have a meetup that easily beats the number of people that go to meetups in Austin. Our community in San Antonio is much larger.

On ExpressNews.com: Robocity, USA? With the rise of robots in San Antonio, were heading that way

Its getting national attention.

Dozens of SATX Robotix members gathered recently to celebrate news that San Antonio has been recognized by the U.S. Alliance of Robotics Clusters, a group of nonprofits and organizations based in Boston, Pittsburgh and Silicon Valley  the nations largest robotics hubs.

The alliance invited San Antonio-based robotics startups to co-exhibit at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in September in Chicago. Its the nations largest manufacturing and automation show.

Were elevating our profile and doing something with the Big Three, which has always been the mission of our group, Stephanie Garcia, a business development specialist at Port San Antonio who organizes events for SATX Robotix, told the group. This is not Austin that was invited. This was San Antonio.

She also announced that shes started the states first chapter of the international nonprofit Women in Robotics.

Robo City USA?

I think we can show everybody that we are Robo City USA, she said to applause.

For years, San Antonio has been known as Military City USA. Its tech growth has sprung, in part, from military connections.

Port San Antonios 1,900-acre campus  the former Kelly AFB  is home to more than 80 companies and military agencies including the Air Force Medical Operations Agency. Its adjacent to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, where the Air Force Civil Engineering Center and 16th Air Force, known as Air Forces Cyber, are located.

More recently, San Antonio has been dubbed Cyber City USA. At least 16,447 cybersecurity professionals work locally for the federal government, accounting for one-third of the citys 48,000-plus information technology workers, according to a recent study by Tech Bloc, an industry advocacy group, and Port San Antonio.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonios IT worker total has been undercounted until now, report finds

Over the past few years, local techies have been tossing around the question: Is San Antonio also Robo City USA?

As the citys tech industry continues to expand, executives, entrepreneurs and investors are showing increasing interest in robotics. And while still small in comparison with local heavyweights in cybersecurity, for example, San Antonio does have some robotics heavy hitters.

Where and who they are

The Southwest Research Institute, the research nonprofit on the Northwest Side, employs about 100 electrical, mechanical and software engineers focused on the science. Among local roboticists, SwRI is known as a kind of training grounds for engineers who want to start robotics companies.

There also are a plethora of robotics-interested academics at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

In the private sector, San Antonios strain of robots are largely grounded in business or industrial use. Not humanoids or the back-flipping canine from viral videos, these are business-to-business robots doing large-scale disinfection of buildings, unpacking pallets, sorting packages, building trucks, lasering paint off aircraft, mapping building interiors and working as industrial-sized lawnmowers on solar farms.

At its July meeting, SATX Robotix touted one of the top players. Plus One Robotics, which raised $33 million in venture capital in 2021, doubled its space by adding 15,000 square feet at its Port San Antonio campus last year. Amid an automation boom that accelerated through the pandemic, the provider of warehouse and logistics robotics has plans to expand its headquarters again while continuing to hire in Boulder, Colo., and Europe. Its also establishing engineering, sales and support teams in the Netherlands.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonios Plus One Robotics is a winner in rush to automate amid pandemic

Plus One Robotics has doubled every couple of years, Edwards said. And there are other companies here that are in stealth mode in San Antonio that have great potential.

Also at the July meetup, Michael Blanton Jr., chief technology officer of Renu Robotics, said the startup founded in 2018 develops 1,100-pound autonomous electric tractors that maintain landscapes at solar farms.

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.

The company has grown from a handful of employees to more than 30, most of them working in San Antonio.

Were seeing a lot of great growth and a lot of support from the community, Blanton said.

Kris Kozak, co-founder of Hatchbed, described the recent success of the research and development engineering startup that focuses on robotics.

Since we started the company, weve worked in pretty much anything that could be considered to be a robot, he said.

The company has completed projects with autonomous robots, drones and industrial manipulators  steel arms that lift, lower and transport products. It has also worked with engineering and robotics design company Boston Dynamics on Spot the four-legged automated mobile robot, as well as the Cisco-powered Indy Autonomous Challenge, which fostered the first autonomous race car competition at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last year.

Were one of the lesser-known robotic companies here, but were working with companies across the country, Kozak said. Our goal is to continue working with startups and small businesses and to build a robotics community here in San Antonio.

Edwards, Blanton and Kozak all provide a window in the scenes interconnections: All have been SwRI engineers.

Amid such growth, Edwards has ideas about how the city could soon compare with the Big Three robotics clusters in Silicon Valley, Boston and Pittsburgh.

San Antonio has a shot at being at their level, he said. In three to five years, Id love to be a peer with them and sit on the same stage as them.

Getting there will take, in part, better promotion of the citys robotics segment, Edwards said.

But its not impossible, he said. We can build this.

eric.killelea@express-news.net
The popular Eat This, Not That! food magazine is taking shots at Blue Bell, the iconic Texas-born ice cream company.

In an article published online Saturday, New York-based writer Steven John listed Blue Bell, founded in Brenham in 1907, among nine ice cream brands that use the lowest quality ingredients.

John lambasted the company for adding food thickening agents such as cellulose gum and vegetable gums in its Homemade Vanilla flavor. He also took issue with the companys use of food starch, artificial colors and other ingredients.

How about just regular milk, cream, and sugar, John wrote.

You might also like: This Blue Bell flavor got her through the pandemic. Now the Schertz woman wants it sold year-round.

He added: Blue Bell Ice Cream has a popularity problem: according to a Mashed survey, a majority of people find it to be the worst store-bought ice cream.

Eat This, Not That!, is based on the column that began over a decade ago in Mens Health and has expanded into a series of books and other publications.

The Mashed survey cited in the article interviewed 618 people living in the United States about Blue Bell Creamery, and 19.74 percent of participants told Mashed that the Texas brand was their least favorite grocery store ice cream option.

For those counting, 19.74 percent of 618 people is 122, not a majority, as cited by John.

The Mashed article referenced by John goes on to speculate that the reason Blue Bell was so unpopular was likely because of a listeria outbreak in 2015.

Also on ExpressNews.com: Lubys started in San Antonio 75 years ago, and the time-capsule cafeteria keep serving up memories

Public health officials then traced three deaths and 13 illnesses to Blue Bell ice cream contaminated with listeria, leading to a months-long shutdown, massive layoffs and a criminal investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In 2020, a Texas grand jury charged Blue Bells former president, Paul Kruse, with wire fraud and conspiracy in connection with an alleged scheme to cover up the companys sales of listeria-tainted ice cream. His trial begins this month in Austin.

Kruse is the only individual facing criminal charges in connection with the 2015 outbreak.

timothy.fanning@express-news.net
Turnover is rampant in the service industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, the average tenure of a restaurant or bar employee at a particular establishment is less than two months.

The Barbecue Station is not that establishment.

For 30 years, Bobby Peacock and his son Stewart have been serving up charred meats that draw long lunch lines inside a smoky old converted gas station on Loop 410 near Harry Wurzbach. Many of their employees have been along for much of that long ride, which isnt likely to end anytime soon.

Seven Barbecue Station employees have tenures of 10 years or more, including Tracy Robinson and pitmaster Zac Freeman, who both have 29 years of service. Lillian Freeman has clocked in for more than 18 years. Mark Ross has been there for 18 years, and Jay Magee for 11.

Whats their secret? Loyalty. The Peacocks give their employees time off and perks that mitigate the daily grind. And during the COVID pandemic, they didnt let anyone go.

It was important to us to value our employees, because our crew is one of the best you can get, Stewart Peacock said. I guess you can say we got lucky. I dont know how we did it.

Bobby Peacock decided to enter the barbecue business after a career in the oil and gas industry, figuring that he could find a way to make it happen in the San Antonio area food scene. He didnt do the cooking himself but found employees like Freeman early on, which has allowed his business to flourish over the years.

I got here three months after they opened and have loved it ever since, Freeman said. To me, barbecue is all about the consistency, and thats why the people keep coming so often that with many of them I know what they are going to order before they get to the register.

Freeman shows up for his shifts before 7 a.m. and usually smokes 15 briskets, 17 racks of ribs and between 30 and 40 chickens with a blend of oak and mesquite wood. His brother Freddie worked alongside him for 27 years before starting his own barbecue business.

The Peacocks have a few traditions that keep their employees happy. Every year around July 4, they close the restaurant for more than a week so everybody can plan their summer holidays. And on Labor Day weekend, they charter a van to the coast for a saltwater fishing trip. Photos of the fishing expeditions, which prove they were successful with hearty catches, line the walls at the entrance of the restaurant.

Thats something that we have always enjoyed as a way to take a load off and have some fun, Bobby Peacock said. More than anything, I want to treat our staff right, and in turn, they treat you right.

When the COVID pandemic hit, the Peacocks kept all of their employees on payroll as they transitioned to curbside delivery and catering functions with those delectable smoked cuts of beef, pork and chicken. The new business model didnt require as large a staff, but they thought it was the right thing to do.

Once the restrictions were lifted, The Barbecue Station maintained the family structure that continues to be the framework of the business to the customers.

On ExpressNews.com: Chuck Blount's Top 10 S.A.-area BBQ joints

The way they treat you is if you are family, said longtime patron Timothy McWright, who has a go-to order of brisket and sausage with creamed corn and coleslaw. I have been eating here for 15 years and know nearly all of the employees on a first-name basis. The barbecue is fabulous, and I think that has a lot to say about experience of the staff and what they do.

Employee Mark Ross preps the meats for smoking and does whatever else is needed to keep the operation afloat. He said he has been around the barbecue life his whole life, and he claims to be the best fisherman on those Labor Day outings, although such claims are heavily disputed.

We will take side bets on who catches the biggest fish, but lets just say I do well on those, Ross said. But here, we all understand what we have to do to make sure it all works, and we deliver those flavors that are what they are supposed to be. We all love barbecue, and I think that translates to our customers.

Im one of them. The Barbecue Station is easily one of the top 10 barbecue restaurants in the area. The amazing meats and the potato salad, one of the best in the city, are staples in my home. My wife knows exactly where I ate when I come home. The concentrated smoke that envelops you while waiting in line sticks to you like a refrigerator magnet, and there is no hiding it. Your only defense is to bring home some leftovers or a second plate.

Lillian Freeman (no relation to Zac) has filled in at every job that needs to be done there for almost two decades. She says she doesnt see The Barbecue Station so much as a job as it is a passion.

Josie Norris, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer

I dont wake up every day dreading to come to work, Freeman said. We are all family. And the fact that so many familiar faces come in to see us on a daily basis makes it all very, very special.

That long line of legacy diners finds the same love in The Barbecue Station as it does in its employees.

cblount@express-news.net | Twitter: @chuck_blount | Instagram: @bbqdiver
California Communities Use State Grant to Combat Climate Change and Rising Rents

Investments in green infrastructure can provide environmental, health, and economic benefits to communities. Californias Transformative Climate Communities Program helps ensure that green infrastructure does not lead to displacement of low-income residents. Photo credit: istockphoto.com/DianeBentleyRaymond

Established in 2016, Californias Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Program helps communities most impacted by pollution choose strategies and projects that reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The program supports community driven, collaborative projects aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change while also supporting broader community benefits. Grantees can use TCC funds for various economic, environmental, and health initiatives such as urban greening, clean transit, and employment centers. TCC fund recipients, which can be consortiums of public agencies, local nonprofit entities, and residents, must also implement a plan to ensure that existing residents and stakeholders benefit from TCC-related investments. These antidisplacement measures typically include providing housing that is both sustainable and affordable as well as supporting grassroots efforts to enact policy changes to protect tenants facing eviction. The American Planning Associations 2022 National Planning Conference featured a session focused on the antidisplacement plans and projects undertaken by some of these recipients. The session, Planning for Community Development Without Displacement, opened with an overview of the program from Gerard Rivero and Sophie Young of the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC), the state cabinet agency that awards TCC grants. Practitioners representing grant recipients in Los Angeles, Fresno, and Oakland discussed the antidisplacement element of their grants.

Supporting Grassroots Efforts To Avoid Displacement

Watts is a low-income neighborhood in southern Los Angeles with a population that is primarily Latino and African American. The neighborhoods proximity to major highways and freight train lines, combined with its location directly under the flight path to Los Angeles International Airport, the worlds fifth-busiest airport, has led to high levels of air pollution. Industrial activity in the area has also polluted its air, soil, and water. In 2019, the SGC awarded a $33.25 million TCC grant to the Watts Rising Collaborative, a group of residents, local organizations, and public officials, to address the health and environmental issues in Watts. One member of the collaborative, Ivory Chambeshi, director of neighborhood initiatives for the Watts Rising Collaborative, explained that the award was designed to combine the strengths of grassroots advocacy with government power; in this case, the Mayors Office of Economic Opportunity collaborated with an established community-based nonprofit to create plans to mitigate displacement. The Mayors Office explored how the city could limit displacement by updating the housing element of its comprehensive plan to promote multiplex developments. Meanwhile, residents advocated for initiatives such as a local preference policy that would prioritize existing Watts residents for select units in a proposed mixed-income housing project in the neighborhood. To illustrate the extent of collaboration, Chambeshi discussed the vital role of students in a local universitys Master of Public Health program in research and other support. She concluded by emphasizing the importance of antidisplacement planning accompanying all large infrastructure projects.

Fresno has also long struggled with health and environmental disparities. Since the mid-20th century, suburban sprawl and the displacement of agricultural land has led to an economically distressed downtown. Some neighborhoods, such as Chinatown and Southwest Fresno, have among the highest concentrations of poverty in the nation, and the air in the citys urban core is highly polluted. Neighborhood residents have limited access to green space and healthy food. In 2019, the SGC awarded $66.5 million to the Fresno Transformative Climate Communities Collaborative, which consists of residents and stakeholders in the downtown, Chinatown, and Southeast Fresno neighborhoods, to address environmental, economic, and public health issues in the citys urban core. Amber Crowell, a member of the citys antidisplacement task force, is working with grassroots organizations supporting the antidisplacement work that the TCC program mandates. Crowell explained that Fresno is experiencing a housing crisis, with rents rising at one of the fastest rates in the country. Although housing prices in the Central Valley are not as high as those in many other parts of the state, Fresnos rising costs combined with its relatively high poverty rate has left approximately 56 percent of the citys renters cost burdened. After more than a year of public meetings, lectures, and surveys led by a consulting group, residents produced a report containing policy recommendations, 10 of which the task force formally proposed to the city council. These policies include a right to counsel provision for tenants facing eviction, a community land trust, homeowner and renter assistance, and rent stabilization policies. The city is expected to consider some of these recommendations.

Residents of Oaklands East Oakland neighborhood, who are predominantly people of color, face disproportionately high health risks, limited opportunities for outdoor recreation, and climate vulnerabilities such as inland flooding. To address these and other inequities in the area, the state awarded Oakland a $28.2 million TCC grant in 2020 to fund its Better Neighborhoods, Same Neighbors initiative. In accordance with the programs goal of bringing resources to underserved communities without displacing residents, the initiative includes plans for bringing more affordable housing, green space, and other community amenities to East Oakland. The grant directly funds multiple community organizations, including the East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative. B. Vanessa Coleman, the project manager of Better Neighborhoods, Same Neighbors, explained how this black-led and BIPOC [black, indigenous, and people of color]-centered cooperative addresses climate gentrification and preserves affordable housing. The entity acquires residential properties by selling $1,000 shares to investors. The shares, which can be purchased up front or in installments, earn a 1.5 percent dividend and can be redeemed after a period lasting at least 5 years. The investors, along with residents, become co-owners of the property. All major decisions regarding the properties, including those related to funding, are made democratically, although staff help educate tenants about their rights and resources. Coleman explained that the goal is for this model to ultimately go from ownership to stewardship. The cooperative has proven quite popular; the organization has already sold approximately 2,300 shares to 458 investors. Coleman believes, however, that more ambitious policies such as a tenant right to purchase act are needed to make housing affordable for vulnerable residents.

Simultaneously Addressing Climate Change and Gentrification

Research shows that, although investments in green infrastructure provide social benefits to communities, they often can lead to gentrification and displacement of low-income residents. In supporting projects that bring environmental, health, and economic benefits to Californias communities, the TCC Program recognizes the need to ensure that residents of these underserved communities are not priced out of the market. TCC recipients understand this need and, as Coleman said, seek to bring better resources to communities while keeping the same neighbors. Constructing and preserving affordable housing as well as supporting legislation granting greater rights to tenants are just some of the ways recipients can fight displacement.
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Rick Melendrezs first meal at Lubys was something of a religious experience.

It was a Sunday evening in 1967, and the then-13-year-old altar boy had just secured the chalice and washed the cruets after Mass at St. Marys Catholic Church in downtown San Antonio. As he headed out to catch his bus, Father Isidore Garcia invited him to grab some dinner around the block, so the two made the short trek to a cavernous basement cafeteria at 517 N. Presa St., the site of the first Lubys.

There Melendrez discovered a paradise of piping hot comfort food, all served by smiling waitresses in angel white uniforms. Hed never seen such a beautiful bounty, and he could ask for anything  just like a grownup. So he savored every morsel, from that first forkful of a square fried fish with a mound of tartar sauce to that last bite of strawberry cheesecake Fr. Garcia treated him with for dessert.

Chances are every Texas child has had a similar tray-sliding rite of passage in the land of the LuAnn platter that has led to regular visits as a adult, whether an extended lunch break with coworkers, a payday dinner with family or a special occasion that calls for a little together time with a lot of down-home cooking.

In the 75 years since Bob Luby opened that first cafeteria in San Antonio at the corner of College and North Presa streets, the brand has become so beloved, its very name and signature dish became an integral part of the hit animated TV series King of the Hill, with its cafeteria chain called Lulys and a main character named Luanne Platter.

FOX

On ExpressNews.com: Of all the long-gone S.A. Lubys, the one at North Star is most remembered

But beloved doesnt always mean successful. Lubys nearly saw the end of the serving line after shareholders voted in late 2020 to dissolve the beleaguered business and liquidate all its assets.

Last year in June, Chicago investor Calvin Gin bought the brand and most of the chains remaining locations, all of which now are in Texas, for $28.7 million. Gin said its not often that one gets to be part of an iconic brand such as Lubys and that he fell in love with it just like so many Texans have.

There are 45 locations left, and Gins Lubys Restaurant Corp. now owns 38 of them, including five of the six Lubys locations in San Antonio. The sixth, located on Main Avenue, is owned by LUB Liquidating Trust, which owns the Lubys locations Gins group doesnt.

Despite the trusts name, Gin said there are no more closures planned for San Antonio, and there are no changes planned for its classic menu.

SHAUNA BITTLE, STAFF / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

The core of the business I want very much to remain the same, Gin said. I think theres something about coming to Lubys that feels familiar. I think people crave it more than ever, in fact.

Melendrez, now 68 and living in El Paso, continues to eat at Lubys as much for the comfort food as the accompanying trip down memory lane.

Lubys was so much a part of my childhood, he said. Anytime Im at Lubys, I am back in time in 1967 at that original Lubys. And Ill never forget.

On ExpressNews.com: Final serving for North Star Lubys: the day it closed

A time capsule

That menu and its cozy surroundings drew millions during Bob Lubys lifetime. In the decades after that first Lubys opened in 1947, the chain greatly expanded. By the mid-1990s, it was in 11 states, and there were around 230 locations, many in shopping malls, when Luby died in 1998.

But the 21st century has been tough on the Texas institution. By 2019, changing dining habits and the decline of malls and in-person retail had reduced Lubys to fewer than 80 locations.

When Lubys announced in 2020 that its board had voted to liquidate, San Antonio was down to just nine locations. Three locations have closed since.

Luby's / Luby's

But even with the companys turmoil, each remaining Lubys kitchen marched on, seemingly held outside of time. 1977, 1997, 2017  it didnt matter. There was fried fish, pork chops and French-grilled liver and onions with fresh broccoli, mac and cheese and carrot raisin salad on the side. And there was always room for Jell-O or for chocolate ice box pie.

For Christina Orosco and her family, Lubys has been there for them in bad times as well as good.

Orosco recalls birthday celebrations galore and dining at the Lubys at Las Palmas Shopping Center on the West Side when it had live music. She remembers how her late father Moses would tell her, Vamos a Lubys, hija, as they headed to his favorite location on Fredericksburg across from Wonderland of the Americas mall.

And she recalls being at the Lubys on Main Avenue when the family first learned her father was ill. She recalls how the day after her sister died, she took her mother to the Las Palmas location, the scene for so many other happy memories.

Because no matter the changes in her family or in the world around her, for Orosco, Lubys was always there, constant.

On ExpressNews.com: Luby's to sell 32 cafeteria locations around Texas, as iconic chain continues to dissolve

Feels like home

Its that time-capsule sense of place that Carol Dawson, co-author of the 2006 book House of Plenty: The Rise, Fall and Revival of Lubys Cafeterias, argues is the reason people remain so attached year after year.

Its that sense of continuity and interactive community in the midst of a highly changing world. And its a place that you can count on, she said. If you want to see all the diversity in a community, walk into a Lubys. Everybody comes to Lubys.

And for generation after generation in families all over Texas, those visits to Lubys become a tradition.

Susan Breidenbach, a retired media director for a San Antonio pharmaceutical manufacturer, recalled how the only present her late mother Mildred wanted during the last decade of her life was Lubys gift certificates so she could lunch there with her neighbor and other close friends. For her birthday, Christmas, Mothers Day or any other gift-giving occasion, it was Lubys she wanted until she died in 1992.

A couple of days after her moms funeral, Breidenbach found an envelope full of her unused gift certificates. So she took around 10 friends and family members to Lubys for a meal on Mindy to laugh, to tell stories and to toast her memory.

She paid for our gathering, and we raised our glasses to her, Breidenbach said.

Now Breidenbach has her own Lubys lunch tradition with a monthly stop at the Lubys at Floyd Curl and Huebner. She always orders the LuAnn with liver and onions, and she remembers her mom.

No wonder Lubys slogan is Tastes like Texas, feels like home.

rguzman@express-news.net | Twitter: @reneguz
A Bexar County Sheriff's deputy accused of beating a woman and threatening her with a handgun is facing felony assault charges, according to a news release.

Noe Avila, 43, has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily harm in connection with an incident at his West Side residence on Sunday night.

According to BCSO, deputies responded to the home at around 11:30 p.m. to reports that a woman had been assaulted.

On ExpressNews.com: Body of missing woman Christina Powell found in a parked car at a Medical Center shopping plaza

The woman told deputies a verbal altercation between her Avila escalated into a physical fight. Avila allegedly struck the woman multiple times before pointing a gun at her and threatening her with it, the news release said.

The woman fled from the home and called 911, while Avila left before authorities arrived, according to BCSO.

Shortly after, Atascosa County deputies stopped Avila's vehicle on Texas 16.

Avila is a 19-year veteran with BCSO and is assigned to the detention bureau. BCSO officials issued Avila a proposed termination and have placed him on unpaid administrative leave.

His Texas peace officer's license has been revoked and all BCSO property, including credentials, uniform and weapons has been removed from his residence, according to the news release.

Im absolutely disgusted by the behavior in this case. This suspect showed no mercy to his victim, and this administration will show no mercy to him in the handling of the case," Sheriff Javier Salazar said in a statement.

The BCSO's Public Integrity Unit and Internal Affairs are conducting separate investigations.

taylor.pettaway@express-news.net
A Fort Bend man was arrested Friday in connection with a fatal dog attack last Monday.

Samuel Cartwright, 47, was charged with felony attack by dog resulting in death.

On ExpressNews.com: Body of missing woman Christina Powell found in a parked car at a Medical Center shopping plaza

On July 18, Fort Bend Sheriff's deputies were called to the 4300 block of Mark Terrace Lane in Fresno, Texas, after there were reports of a 71-year-old man who had been mauled in an unprovoked attack by seven pit bull dogs. The man, identified as Freddy Garcia, was walking to a neighborhood store at the time of the attack, authorities said.

He was transported to the hospital, where he later died.

Fort Bend Sheriff's Office

Cartwright owned all seven dogs, which were taken by animal control, the sheriff's office said.

Fort Bend Sheriff Eric Fagan said he was glad to have the dogs off the streets to avoid another attack.

Cartwright's bail was set at $100,000.

taylor.pettaway@express-news.net
MONONGAHELA, Pa. (AP)  An armed man was shot and killed by police in a confrontation in western Pennsylvania over the weekend, authorities said.

State police in Washington County said officers were sent to a street in Monongahela after reports of a man firing shots and an attempted homicide" shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday.
At the end of April, the Mineral Wells Independent School District, located about 50 miles west of Fort Worth, lost one of its most treasured educators. After teaching there for decades, the teacher was a longstanding community member.

Then in early May, the district lost six more teachers over a 10-day period. It was a worrisome trend for the small district, which has about 3,000 students and employs about 500 staff members, including some 230 teachers.

School administrators found they were leaving to teach in neighboring districts that were operating on four-day school weeks, usually Monday through Thursday.

We started losing teachers to that four-day school week, regardless of what we paid, said David Tarver, assistant superintendent of Mineral Wells ISD. That was a big eye-opener.

The school district had to adapt.

The school board voted on May 17 to make the switch to a four-day week, starting with the 2022-23 school year. The action was needed to attract and retain teachers during a time when educators are hard to come by.

We had teachers that had multiple offers from our school district and a neighboring school district, and they were waiting on our board to vote to whether we were going to do four days or five-day weeks, Tarver said. We gained some leverage on being able to recruit teachers.

The switch to four-day school weeks has become popular recently among smaller and rural school districts across Texas that need an attractive incentive to recruit and retain teachers and that dont always have the financial resources to dish out dramatic pay increases like in bigger districts.

The Mineral Wells districts base pay is $45,000 for teachers. But it pales in comparison to districts like the Houston Independent School District, the largest district in the state, which has raised the starting salary for teachers to $61,500 for this school year, up from $56,869 in the 2021-22 school year.

The Houston district has no intention of going to four-day school weeks.

Other rural districts have made the same jump to four-day school weeks as they deal with unfilled positions and retention issues. Small, rural districts in various parts of the state, such as Devers, Athens, Jasper and Chico, also have made the switch.

In Texas, schools have to be open for a minimum of 75,600 minutes over a school year, which includes recess and lunch. Districts have control over how these minutes are spread out, giving flexibility to schools to adopt the four-day model. Some are adding time to each of the four remaining school days to make up for the extra day off; others are extending the school year. Jasper ISD is one of the districts that has said the school day will not be extended.

The move to have shorter school weeks dates back to the Great Recession, when school districts were looking for ways to save money. Now, in 2022, the four-day school week also allows districts to trim back on operational costs, but the savings are relatively minimal. This effort is seen solely to remain competitive in the workforce market.

Education policy researchers say more and more rural districts in states like Texas and Missouri are moving to the shorter workweek model, especially after the pandemic caused widespread teacher burnout across the country.

While there isnt conclusive evidence that the shorter schedule harms or improves educational outcomes, school officials across the state will be watching how Texan school districts fare, said Kevin Brown, executive director of the Texas Association of School Administrators.

Emily Morton, a research scientist at the Northwest Evaluation Association who has studied the effects of a four-day week in Oklahoma schools and students, said the schedule has a small but negative effect on test scores. The NWEA is a nonprofit that studies education issues.

One thing we dont know yet is how much (the four-day schedule) matters, Morton said.

Staying competitive

For the last 10 years, the Chico Independent School District has been affected by declining enrollment and a shrinking workforce. The solution for the rural district, located about 50 miles northwest of Fort Worth, was approving the four-day week starting this upcoming school year.

Anybody that had eyes or ears knew that this impending teacher shortage was coming, and our view was it was only going to get worse for the foreseeable future, said Chico ISD superintendent Randy Brawner. You cant just go out and throw money at your problems. You have to think outside the box and think creatively.

Morton said the Oklahoma school districts shes researched have implemented four-day school weeks as a cost-saving measure and that she hasnt seen the shorter schedule being used as an incentive for teachers to stay or parents to move into a district before. In that sense, Texas is unique.

In most cases, teachers and families are thrilled with the four-day week. There are concerns from parents over child care on Fridays, but Morton said she didnt find conclusive evidence that it is a major problem for parents in Oklahoma. In rural communities, which tend to be home to multigenerational families, kids usually spend their Fridays either working with their parents or at a relatives house.

Theres a different sort of labor market in those areas, Morton said. They are often working nontraditional Monday-to-Friday schedules (and) the districts often a huge employer in these areas.

Still, school districts in Texas know shrinking the school week is a monumental shift from the norm and some are offering accommodations to families. Chico ISD has given the choice of a five-day week to its special education population. In Mineral Wells, the district is currently figuring out which families need the school to be open on Fridays and how to accommodate them.

Morton said schools that switch to the shorter week almost never go back to five-day weeks unless the state requires it. Her research shows that the shorter schedule keeps teacher morale up and student discipline incidents low.

Students are in school less, right? So some of it you would expect to reduce, she said. One big caveat is we dont know what's happening outside of school.

Downsides

While there are noticeable positives in changing to a four-day week, Morton is hesitant to give the policy a universal endorsement. She has concerns over whether its a sustainable incentive. For one, if every district started doing it, districts that implement it would have no more leverage.

A study in Colorado also found that adolescent students may engage in more criminal activity as a result of the extra day off. Morton also is worried about children who arent in safe households and for whom school represents a safe space.

Dan Robinson, associate dean of research in the College of Education at the University of Texas at Arlington, said he fears for the low-income students in these districts because they may get lunch for free or low cost at their schools, so if theyre not in school on Fridays that is one less day they might have that meal.

Im afraid that the poor groups out there would be more negatively affected, Robinson said.

Robinson added that the trade-off of the shorter schedule often is having longer school days, which he thinks might not be a good thing for children. By opting out of the pacing that a five-day week allows, it might seem like schools are trying to cram in lessons.

It also remains to be seen if the trend moves to bigger districts, which also have staffing and retention issues.

Tarver, of the Mineral Wells ISD, said he isnt worried so much about his neighboring districts moving to the shorter week model, but is concerned about the big ones. If they offer it, the four-day schedule will be another perk to lure teachers to larger districts in addition to higher salaries and better housing options.

It is unlikely big school districts would make the switch anytime soon, though Robinson believes they can and it would help them solve things like traffic congestion.

Districts like Houston also would rather increase pay and give raises than cut down the school week.

We believe maximizing instructional time is critical to accelerating learning outcomes, especially as students recover from learning loss resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the district said in a statement.

Brian Woods, superintendent of Northside Independent School District in the San Antonio area, the fourth-largest district in the state, said its unlikely his or other big school districts would go down the four-day route.

Woods said his school days are already over seven hours long and isnt sure his students, especially the younger ones, would have the capacity to be in school any longer if they were to get Friday off.

Weve got a responsibility to our own staff and to the parents, Woods said.

But Woods understands why the rural areas moved to the shorter schedule as a need to attract talent. He said he wont close the door on the idea for his district because he doesnt know how bad the labor shortage could get.

But Woods is worried about child care as it can be harder to find in more urban and suburban areas.

Its also much easier to pivot 600 or so kids into a new schedule rather than thousands of them.

I always use the analogy of a stream versus a river, Brawner said. Its easier to divert the course of a stream than it is a river.

Some rural schools say they wouldnt switch over to the four-day model if they didnt have to.

It puts a microscope on me, my administrative staff and my teachers, Brawner said. But if we werent facing a teacher shortage and the loss in enrollment, we would have definitely stayed in a five-day traditional calendar.

Disclosure: The Texas Association of School Administrators and University of Texas-Arlington have been financial supporters of the Texas Tribune. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism.

The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Standing in a barely wet portion of the Medina River in Bandera, Levi Sparks sticks his finger in the mouth of a Guadalupe bass that he pulled from the water, as he holds the rest of the fishs body with his other hand. The aquatic ecologist is more than enthused about his find.

At a few inches long, the Guadalupe bass is a rare, nearly threatened species specific to rivers and creeks in Texas. Its also the state fish.

But Sparks, part of a team from the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District, has little time to admire the fish that hes there to save.

Were always excited to catch a Guadalupe bass, Sparks said. We really need them to thrive.

Sparks tosses the bass in a bucket with other fish. He and his co-workers will take this bass from its current spot  a dried-up puddle at Ranger Crossing that was once the flowing Medina River  to a safer location, where it can survive.

Bandera County is dotted with small towns and expansive ranches, and it is home to the Medina River  a sprawling natural waterway with a thriving ecosystem and popular spots for swimming. This year, however, the river and its species are dying. The drought, brought on by high temperatures and lack of rain, is shrinking the river, and the fish in it are fighting to breathe.

Sparks and the Bandera County River Authority team are catching fish from the Medinas disappearing puddles downstream and releasing them into deeper flows upstream, near the rivers northern headwaters. As a result of the drought, dissolved oxygen concentrations in the Medina are declining, causing fish, such as the Guadalupe bass, to suffocate. Others that manage to breathe  for the time being  are killed by predators, which are drawn to the shallow water by easy targets.

For the River Authority, catching and releasing the fish has become the best option.

We dont just think of it in terms of saving the fish population, Sparks said.We think of it as, if we dont do this, the other option is to have them all die out here. If were in a position to help, then thats what were going to do.

In the puddles

Not too far from the River Authoritys headquarters, the team pulls over at Ranger Crossing, a popular swimming spot off the Medina in the town of Bandera. These days, the waterway has been reduced to a few puddles separated by dry rock bottom. Fish are restricted to several inches of water, having slowly been driven to a smaller and smaller piece of river.

This is the fifth time the team has gone out to catch fish this summer. Theyve captured fish at Ranger Crossing and at Rocky Creek, an area of the river north of Bandera. As of now, the team has rescued 113 fish, which Clint Carter, field operations manager for the River Authority, said is a good chunk of the fish that have been swimming in the drying puddles.

At Ranger Crossing, Carter tosses a net into one of the puddles. He tugs on the net to form a type of bag that catches any nearby fish.

Shelby Sckittone, a natural resource specialist, walks through the puddle, searching and kicking up water to move fish along.

A key drought-induced concern is the low amount of dissolved oxygen in the river, said Dave Mauk, general manager for the River Authority. As the volume of water declines, the fish compete with each other for diminishing oxygen, depleting the levels dramatically. Without rain, the river wont be replenished with oxygenated water and the fish will suffocate.

Josie Norris, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer

Also, Mauk said, low water levels make it easier for predators, such as raccoons, to grab the fish.

When these fish are in a spot the size of a living room, theyre done, he said.

For the past 180 days, Bandera County has received nearly no rain. Most of the water from a few scattered showers has been immediately absorbed by the dry soil. And while several heavy rains are needed to refill the river, climatologists predict hardly any rain for the rest of the year.

The River Authority team expects that the fish it relocates will reproduce in their new upstream environment and that an augmented population will swim downstream when the river is full again.

We usually find a lot of sunfish (at Ranger Crossing), but were pretty indiscriminate with who we catch to move upstream, Sparks said. Its whatever fish species we can grab.

Sparks knows Medina River fish so well that he can typically name them the instant theyre removed from the water. This time, along with a few Guadalupe bass, the team finds blacktail shiners, redbreast sunfish, western mosquito fish and longear sunfish.

Another species called the golden redhorse is incredibly important to ecosystems because its often a bioindicator species that can alert people when the water is polluted or toxic. The team rescued a golden redhorse during a previous trip, but it found none this time.

If we stop seeing golden redhorses, we know something is up, Sparks said. They are usually the first to die when theres a problem, so we like having them around.

Fish for the future

The team caught 62 fish at Ranger Crossing, bringing the number rescued to 175, and carried them in a bucket about 20 minutes north to Brewington Crossing, where the North Prong Medina River meets Brewington Creek, not far from the headwaters.

The water at the relocation site is also lower than usual, but its deeper than the water the fish came from and heavily shaded by trees. Fish can become stressed and die when the water is too low and too hot. In some areas of the Medina River, the temperature has reached 88 to 90 degrees.

Typically, fish are more comfortable in the low 70s.

They can adapt, but when the river stays at that temperature constantly, thats when they start dying, Sparks said. They can survive 80-degree water no problem, but when they have no escape, especially with no tree cover, thats cause for concern.

And its not only a concern for the fish. Low and hot water can also increase bacteria and algae in the river that are hazardous to people. When the water is stagnant because of drought, it can no longer be safe to swim in. Certain bacteria can make a person very sick or even cause death.

Mauk said hes paused more than a few times this summer to tell people to stop swimming in the Medina River.

After counting the fish and marking the types of species, Carter releases them gently into Brewington Creek. One fish floats upside down for a while, but with a couple nudges, the tiny guy swims away with the others.

For the Bandera County River Authority, its a good feeling, having saved even a small portion of the population. They might go out again, but for now, they feel like theyve perhaps done enough.

Thats 62 that would have died, Mauk said. If they survive here over the years, that turns into a lot of fish for the future.

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
Army veteran Elizabeth Eckford tells her story so others will know they are not alone in any confrontation they face. Her tale isnt of war but of being on the front line of the Civil Rights era.

Eckford was one of the Little Rock Nine  the first African American students to desegregate Central High School in Little Rock.

On Sept. 4, 1957, the 15-year-old was excited and nervous about her first day at the new school. She wore a new white blouse and skirt laced with navy blue gingham trim that she made with her sister Anna.

Alone, she stepped off the bus, and an angry mob of more than 250 people awaited her arrival. Arkansas National Guard soldiers blocked her attempts to go in the school.

On ExpressNews.com: Lingle: A call for veterans to protect the ballot box, democracy

An older woman spat on her face when she looked to her for help. The swarming crowd shouted racial epithets, and a photographer captured a spiteful-faced girl yelling at Eckford. The image became an iconic photo of her ordeal.

Sunglasses, which she wore because her eyes were sensitive to brightness, hid her tears.

For Eckford, that was The Worst First Day: Bullied While Desegregating Central High, the title of a book she co-authored with Army retired Lt Col. Eurydice Stanley and her daughter, Grace Stanley. That day several journalists encircled her to protect her from the mob.

She wasnt alone.

I want people to know that they shouldnt be bystanders, Eckford said. When we were being attacked and other people werent acknowledging that, it made me feel like they were thinking that was what we deserved. Anybody can have empathy and support someone who is being bullied. There were two students who fulfilled that role for me. It was very empowering.

Eckford shared her story over the weekend at the National Association of Black Military Women 22nd Biennial Reunion and Conference at The Westin Riverwalk. More than 100 members attended the four-day conference. The associations mission is to seek out, record, maintain and tell the history and heritage of African American military women who served and are serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The association was formed from the Black Womens Army Auxiliary Corps, Womens Army Corps and the Women in Service Association. Fifty-six years ago, 21 Black women who served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War founded the association in Hampton, Virginia. That group included members of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion, an all-female African American unit deployed to England and France during World War II. In 1978, the group hosted its first biennial convention in Dallas.

The recent conference was the associations second gathering in San Antonio; the first was in 1994. They saluted trailblazers who served under discriminatory conditions and segregation and paved the way for future generations.

In her welcome, Army retired Lt. Col. Patricia Jackson-Kelley, association president, said they should always remember the past tenacity and fortitude of the women who paved the way. The roster included keynote speaker Army retired Brig. Gen. Clara Adams-Ender and retired Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Rosetta Y. Burke.

On ExpressNews.com: As veterans grow old, San Antonio man salutes their service  with breakfast

My coming along and telling my story is standing on the shoulders of those who were in the military before me and were not recognized, Burke said. For me, the understanding of the military was mostly, his story, compared to her story.

Stephanie E. Dawson was the first female to serve as a brigade commander in the New York Army National Guard. Dawson served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and was the associations fourth president. She spoke of a monument to the 6888th (Six Triple Eight), erected at the Buffalo Soldier Military Park in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The memorial features a quote from WWII veteran Gladys Schuster Carter, known as the mother of association, about the women who navigated discrimination and exceeded expectations by reducing a six-month backlog to three.

Thats the story that needs to be told, Dawson said. Kids, especially African American girls, need to know weve been serving this country from day one. Thats why we need to round out the picture of what actually happened. The more people see and know what people have accomplished, the more they can visualize what they can accomplish.

Eckford said shes proud of her military service and the accomplishments of the Little Rock Nine. In 1999, President Bill Clinton presented the nine with the Congressional Gold Medal. Eckford attended Central High for one year. She was home-schooled when the governor closed public high schools to stop desegregation. Now, there are more than 2,500 students at Central High speaking 24 different languages.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio braid artist celebrates decades of twisting African American hairstyles into citys culture

Now, you can see the whole world in looking at the student body, Eckford said. We can never have racial reconciliation until we honestly acknowledge our painful but shared past. There are some people who want to talk about the hopes for the future. That is impossible without acknowledging and having difficult conversations.

Stanley said Eckfords story has resonated across the world. She recalled how students in New Zealand embraced Eckford. They were stunned by the treatment she had endured by her townspeople.

It was absolutely overwhelming to see the level of respect and interest, Stanley said. There were students who would come up to Ms. Eckford in tears, just thanking her for what she had endured and the difference that she made. I just wish there were more people in the United States who understood the sacrifices that were made by the nine and people like the nine.

vtdavis@express-news.net
Boston University public health researcher Dr. Vasan Ramachandran has been appointed as founding dean for a new public health school operated by UT Health San Antonio and the University of Texas at San Antonio.

The physician-scientist and clinical epidemiologist is scheduled to start running the University of Texas School of Public Health San Antonio on Sept. 1, according to a joint announcement Friday from Dr. William Henrich, president of UT Health San Antonio, and Taylor Eighmy, president of UTSA.

Its a transformative opportunity of a lifetime, Ramachandran said. As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need for public health infrastructure and training the public health workforce.

He said having decentralized health care infrastructure meant different responses in each city, county and state, which made it difficult to communicate the complexity of the pandemic to different sectors of society.

There was room for improvement, and having a school of public health in this context and at this juncture becomes really important for us to not only deal with acute infectious pandemics, but also chronic disease prevention, he said.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonios South, West sides to get more medical facilities, new public health school

Ramachandran helped start and direct the first federally supported public health school in India, which is based in Trivandrum, Kerala. Honored last year by the American Heart Association as a distinguished scientist, he has an active annual research grant portfolio of nearly $20 million with more than 1,060 publications to his name.

Henrich, who has led UT Health San Antonio since 2009, said he has every confidence that Ramachandran is the right person for the job. He is one of the most collegial and collaborative epidemiology scientists in the United States.

Since 2014, Ramachandran has run what Henrich calls the most impactful longitudinal study of public health in medical history.

He is the principal investigator of the Framingham Heart Study, a population-based, observational study initiated by the U.S. Public Health Service in 1948 and subsequently funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to investigate the epidemiology and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The study has grown to gather data of biological and lifestyle risk factors and disease outcomes across three generations of participants.

Since 2019, he has also been one of the principal investigators for the Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal Study aimed at addressing critical gaps in the knowledge of heart and lung disorders in rural counties in Southern Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta.

Ramachandran said there are many lessons to learn from studying rural communities and that the cardinal goal for researchers should be listening to people carefully.

The community knows what their problems are, and we should empower them because they often have ideas and solutions that might work. It really is a partnership with the community and understanding in-depth attitudes toward health or disease and looking at environmental factors such as whether they have safe housing, safe streets and walkability, healthy foods and access to health care and insurance, he said. All of these things matter a lot when youre dealing with improving health and well-being in an area.

Henrich said Ramachandran is already keenly aware of the specific public health challenges faced by South Texans and based on his experience will be able to partner with Metro Health and any other agencies interested in improving the health of the surrounding communities.

San Antonio is considered a majority-minority city with its growing Hispanic population, currently at 65 percent. In recent months, city and county leaders have focused on addressing health care disparities in the community.

On ExpressNews.com: A broken system got worse: How COVID ravaged San Antonios South Side

A recent Express-News investigation on health inequities found that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, infections have been much more prevalent and more deadly among people living on the South Side, where the population is 81 percent Hispanic.

Residents in the 78224 ZIP code are dying of COVID at a rate up to 18 times higher than those in areas on the North Side.

In June, Bexar County allocated $10 million in federal pandemic relief funds to support the development of a new public health school in San Antonio  one of several projects aimed at combating health inequities in the county.

The new joint school of public health by UT Health Science Center San Antonio and UTSA will be a tremendous resource for San Antonio and South Texas, and the appointment of an outstanding inaugural dean demonstrates the power of this collaboration, UT System Chancellor James Milliken said in a statement.

The school, which will be one of three in the UT system, was authorized in November by the University of Texas System Board of Regents. Startup costs for the School of Public Health are budgeted at $40 million, including renovations to existing buildings, program development and Ramachandrans recruitment.

On ExpressNews.com: Solving mysteries of the mind: UT Health San Antonio institute, brain bank earns national status

Henrich said recruitment of students interested in obtaining a master of public health degree will start in about a year with the schools first semester starting in 2024.

Officials expect nearly 400 students to enroll within the first five years and eventually will add a doctor of public health degree program.

Ramachandran said he also had a family reason to accept this position and move to San Antonio. His wife, Dr. Sudha Seshadri, teaches neurology and is founding director of UT Health San Antonios Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimers and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

laura.garcia@express-news.net
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Pieces of San Antonios African American heritage have disappeared over the years.

Many of the hotels, gas stations and other San Antonio businesses in a 1930s green book, which listed safe places for Black travelers to visit, no longer exist. An 1870s foundation of the St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, one of the oldest Black churches in Texas, was discovered near San Pedro Creek downtown only two years ago.

But the city is launching a three-year effort to identify, preserve and protect cultural resources tied to local Black history. It will hold a public meeting at 6 p.m. Aug. 11 at the Little Carver Civic Center, 226 N. Hackberry St., to give residents a chance to share their own thoughts and experiences and provide guidance on the project. Three university scholars also will discuss identity and nomenclature dating to the Spanish colonial period.

An online survey available through Aug. 15 allows the community to submit information on people, places, stories and events that should be recognized. Photos can be uploaded on the online survey form.

Shanon Shea Miller, director of the citys Office of Historic Preservation, said her office has begun gathering stories, photos, videos and family reunion books at community meetings. Seventy people scheduled appointments to give oral histories.

On ExpressNews.com: Renowned sculptor among first Black customers at desegregated lunch counter

Wed love to hear from as many people as possible, Miller said.

The 5-year-old San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum is providing guidance on the initiative, with its CEO and director, Deborah Omowale Jarmon, serving on an advisory committee. Although SAAACAM is focused on preserving stories of people of African descent  including those with Mexican, Caribbean or Indigenous lineage  the citys process is important to the nonprofit community archives mission.

When we look at growing SAAACAM and sustaining SAAACAM, we recognize these policies need to be in place to help to honor those stories, Jarmon said.

Jarmon encourages people to get involved in the process.

They are initiatives that complement each other, she said. The citys is to drive policy. SAAACAMs is to ensure that our history doesnt go away. We take pride in stewarding the stories of African descendants in San Antonio.

The city recently secured $50,000 through the National Park Services Underrepresented Community Grant Program to develop an inventory of historical African American sites and resources in neighborhoods within a 3-mile radius of downtown that remain intact, largely unaffected by urban renewal and modern development.

Neighborhoods with schools, churches, homes and other places connected to Black history dating to the 1800s include West Side communities around West End Baptist Church and todays St. James AME Church site, along with areas near the historic Baptist Settlement on the near East Side.

The federal grant program was created to diversify nominations to the National Register of Historic Places.

The city also has a $30,000 grant from the Texas Historical Commission that is being matched locally with a National Trust for Historic Preservation grant awarded to the Conservation Society of San Antonio to identify historic structures, places and historical assets.

Possible results of the work include historic landmark designations, historical markers, naming of streets and public places and designation of heritage trails.

Using archival directories and insurance maps, the preservation office tracked a dramatic increase in Black churches built from post-Civil War Reconstruction to the early 20th century, when segregated schools were added in those neighborhoods. Many of those structures have since been demolished.

On ExpressNews.com: Scholar discusses Alamos potential for racial reconciliation

The initiative also will explore intangible heritage  food, music, festivals and forms of spiritual expression that are important to San Antonios African American community.

In the online survey, Anthony Gordon of San Antonio identified the Rev. Samuel Horace S.H. James Jr., a Baptist pastor and San Antonios first Black city councilman, who served from 1965-1971, as instrumental in the eventual desegregation of the city. But Gordon felt acknowledgment also should be extended to the reverends daughter, Angela James, who was bussed from the East Side to Jefferson High School in the late 1950s when schools in San Antonio were desegregated. She died in 2007.

She was only 12 years old when she entered as a freshman and graduated at 16 at Jefferson, Gordon wrote in comments posted on the survey.

The project is expected to wrap up in spring 2025. The advisory panel of scholars and community members also includes Gregory Hudspeth, Maria Greene, Nettie Hinton, Everett Fly, Charles Gentry, Pamela Walker and D.L. Grant.

People can also send comments to ohp@sanantonio.gov; call 311; or write to the Office of Historic Preservation at P.O. Box 839966, San Antonio, TX, 78238.

shuddleston@express-news.net
northern region of Emilia Romagna, thousands of workers, men and women, people of every age, demanded the release of the eight trade unionists of Italy's northern region of Emilia Romagna, thousands of workers, men and women, people of every age, demanded the release of the eight trade unionists of Si Cobas and USB who remain under house arrest.



The trade unionists were placed under house arrest and searched on July 19th, based on a 350-page indictment of the Piacenza Public Prosecutors Office against USB and Si Cobas unions.

They are accused of instigating and organizing strikes and mobilizations at warehouses of multinational logistic monopolies, including Amazon, FedEx-TNT, Nippon Express and others. A few months earlier, in April, police officers raided the national headquarters of USB under the pretext of searching for weapons. The police raid took place after protests organized by USB against the use of Italian ports, such as the one of Genova, to dispatch ammunition and arms to be used in the imperialist war in Ukraine.



In a joint communique issued on July 20th, Si Cobas, USB and other trade unions point out that they are facing a large-scale political attack aimed at outlawing strikes and bargaining in companies, thus definitively eliminating the class and conflict union from the workplace. They add that the advance of the capitalist crisis and the growing social malaise following the war economy and the high cost of living, produce an ever more stringent offensive against the workers, and in particular against the trade union and social avant-gardes of struggle.

Banner of the Front of Communist Youth (FGC) in Piacenza rally.



Front of Communist Youth (FGC)



The Front of Communist Youth (Fronte della Gioventu Comunista, FGC) has expressed its full solidarity with the trade unionists and participated in the Piacenza protest.



In a statement published in social media, FGC points out:



Thousands demonstrated in Piacenza to give a clear answer to those who want to suppress the workers' struggle. Free the imprisoned union activists: Union struggle is not a crime! The criminal organization is the corporate bosses and their governments.



We are ready to respond swiftly to any attack. This should only be the first step in building a great united general strike of all class and combat forces.The repression will not prevail - the class struggle will crush it!".



KKE MEPs: Question on the unacceptable persecution of trade unionists in Italy



The MEPs of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) submitted a question to the European Commission denouncing the persecution of trade unionists of USB and SI Cobas in Italy, who are demanding an improvement in their working conditions.



Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos, MEP of the KKE, submitted the following question to the European Commission:



"What is the Commission's position:



- On the demand for the workers' immediate acquittal from all accusations, as well as the release of the 8 trade unionists under house arrest?



On the fact that the Italian authorities have criminalized trade union activity, which is an inalienable right of workers, the struggles of workers to improve their working conditions, and the right of workers to decide, based on their internal trade union procedures, the organization of actions (general assemblies, protests, pickets, strikes) to inform and coordinate the struggle of workers to improve their working conditions?".

PAME denounces the attempts to criminalise trade union action in Italy



WFTU condemnation statement on the unacceptable attacks against militant trade unionists in Italy



The World Federation of Trade Unions unequivocally condemns the new unacceptable attack against militant trade unionists in Italy. A few months after the provocative police raid on the USB office, a new attack against militant trade unionists is escalating since yesterday, with trade unionists to be placed under house arrest and searched, based on a 350-page indictment of the Piagenza Public Prosecutors Office against USB and Si Cobas unions.



It is obvious that the militant struggles of the class-oriented trade unions bother the bourgeois class, its state, and its pollical representatives who blatantly violate any notion and concept of trade union and democratic rights and freedoms. The trade unions and trade unionists are being persecuted for organizing strikes, protests, and demonstrations in the logistics sector. They are openly and unashamedly being persecuted because they are defending their own class interests and fighting for dignified working and living conditions.



This new attack must not remain unanswered by the class-oriented trade union movement and all those who are opposing the authoritarian practices that are increasingly imposing all over the world.



The World Federation of Trade Unions calls upon its affiliates to stand beside the trade unionists in Italy and condemn the new attacks with a protest to the embassies and consulars of Italy in their countries, sending the clear message that the workers in Italy are not alone and the attempts to subordinate the militant unions are in vain. They cannot stop the class struggle, they never could!
We are living in a moment when rights we have taken for granted  rights that should be inviolate and unquestioned  now must be bolstered and codified.

Motivated by this dynamic, the House recently passed the Respect for Marriage Act, which would offer federal protection for same-sex marriage amid growing fears those protections are under threat.

The vast majority of Americans support same-sex marriage, which is reflected in the 47 Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of San Antonio, who joined all 220 Democrats in supporting the bill. And yet the legislation faces a tougher path in the Senate, where filibuster rules require 60 votes to push measures through Congress.

Theres a black hole that even the Webb telescope cant fight through to find out whats happening in the Senate, Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., said. Just pragmatically, thats a definite barrier to a kind of legislative fix.

No legislative fix was required until about two months ago. Then the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, with Justice Clarence Thomas threatened protections for same-sex marriage and contraception.

In his concurring opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, Thomas wrote that abortion rights were predicated on the due process clause, which he said lacks any basis in the Constitution.

The same is true, he wrote, of other rights the high court affirmed in past decisions, including same-sex marriage, which was ruled constitutional in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015.

We cannot understand how anyone can be confident that todays opinion will be the last of its kind, Justices Stephen Breyer, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor wrote in their dissent. In saying that nothing in todays opinion casts doubt on non-abortion precedents, Justice Thomas explains, he means only that they are not at issue in this very case.  But he lets us know what he wants to do when they are.

Our society was never idyllic, but it has become more malignant. Hate crimes rose 44 percent last year in the most populous cities in the country, according to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University.

Attacks on same-sex marriage reflect this bigotry and narrow-mindedness. Revoking same-sex marriage would be an attempt to control not only what people do but who they are. Assaulting those rights robs the LGBTQ community of its dignity and humanity. How we view ourselves  including gender and orientation  determines how we behave toward ourselves and others. No one has the right to deny a human being their individuality. There is no valid reason to oppose same-sex marriage, to impose strictures on whom people love  and how they express that love to one another.

Most Americans support same-sex marriage, including Republicans, according to a Gallup poll last year. The number reached an all-time high of 70 percent, including 55 percent of Republicans, according to the poll.

But, of course, the majority of Americans did not want Roe to be overturned, and the U.S. Supreme Court cast that decision aside, ignoring nearly 50 years of precedent.

This is why Congress should codify same-sex marriage. It would protect a basic liberty from an activist Supreme Court out of step with the nation.
The claim: 38,000 Texans had their license to carry denied, revoked, or suspended over the last five years because law enforcement deemed them too dangerous to carry a loaded gun in public. But thanks to Greg Abbotts new law, they dont need a license to carry anymore.  Beto ORourke

The Democratic gubernatorial candidate made the claim in a tweet four days after the massacre at a Uvalde school.

PolitiFact rating: Mostly False. ORourke tweeted the wrong number. It should have either been nearly 35,000 licenses denied, revoked, and suspended within the past five years or over 38,000 within the past six years.

The second part of ORourkes statement is an oversimplification. The law states, persons who are currently prohibited from possessing firearms under state and federal law will not gain the right to possess or carry a firearm under this legislation.

So, people too dangerous to carry a loaded gun would be kept from having one because of state and federal possession laws. But there are some gaps in the law, and keeping a statewide requirement for licenses would have made people meet more eligibility requirements.

About PolitiFact PolitiFact is a fact-checking project to help you sort out fact from fiction in politics. Truth-O-Meter ratings are determined by a panel of three editors. The burden of proof is on the speaker, and PolitiFact rates statements based on the information known at the time the statement is made. See More Collapse

Discussion

Effective September 2021, the law no longer requires people to obtain a license to carry a concealed or holstered handgun in most public spaces in Texas. Obtaining a DPS-issued license requires applicants to pass a background check, complete a gun safety course and meet specific eligibility requirements.

House Bill 1927 stipulates, persons who are currently prohibited from possessing firearms under state and federal law will not gain the right to possess or carry a firearm under this legislation. While it is accurate that people no longer need a license to carry, this part of the law is meant to prevent someone from carrying a gun who is barred by state or federal law from possessing a gun.

Andi Turner, legislative director at the Texas State Rifle Association, pointed to this line in the law that prevents people deemed too dangerous from carrying a loaded handgun in public spaces.

The law also defines who is prohibited from possessing a firearm, including people convicted of a felony or of certain assault offenses. HB1927 and firearm possession law cover some of the same base eligibility requirements.

Ari Freilich, state policy director at the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, said in an email that he believes ORourkes statement is accurate because HB1927 made some people who previously could not qualify for a handgun carry permit newly eligible to carry guns in public because of gaps in the law.

Before the permitless carry law took effect, some people could legally purchase a gun while being ineligible for a handgun carry permit, Freilich said. The Giffords Law Center gave three examples of this, documented in a 2019 report.

For example, Freilich said, this would apply to an abusive partner threatening to shoot his spouse or child, as long as he didnt actually use or exhibit a firearm when threatening them. It is generally a Class C misdemeanor to intentionally or knowingly threaten another person, including a spouse or household member, with imminent bodily injury. But state prohibitions in firearm possession applies to felony and Class A misdemeanor assault convictions.

Practically speaking, there is no longer a check on who is carrying because law enforcement cant legally require a license, Southern Methodist University law professor Eric Ruben said.

The licensing process was a filter for weeding out who shouldnt otherwise carry handguns, Ruben said. And if someone was caught carrying a handgun, law enforcement would be able to ask, Do you have a license? If a person didnt have a license, theyd be breaking the law.

Without being able to ask for a license, Ruben said, it will be hard to differentiate between someone whos lawfully carrying a gun or not.


Air Serbia is preparing to introduce its second destination in the United States next April with Chicago to be launched with a two weekly rotation. The carriers regional network, which is expected to be strengthened in the lead-up to its new transatlantic service, will play a key role in its success. With the introduction of Belgrade - Chicago flights, for the first time after 32 years, the capital of Serbia will be directly connected to the American city where approximately 350.000 residents of Serbian origin reside, as well as a large number of those hailing from other countries of the former Yugoslavia and neighbouring Balkan states, which are, and will be, well-connected with Belgrade via the regional Air Serbia network, the carrier said. Air Serbia is preparing to introduce its second destination in the United States next April with Chicago to be launched with a two weekly rotation. The carriers regional network, which is expected to be strengthened in the lead-up to its new transatlantic service, will play a key role in its success. With the introduction of Belgrade - Chicago flights, for the first time after 32 years, the capital of Serbia will be directly connected to the American city where approximately 350.000 residents of Serbian origin reside, as well as a large number of those hailing from other countries of the former Yugoslavia and neighbouring Balkan states, which are, and will be, well-connected with Belgrade via the regional Air Serbia network, the carrier said.





On Air Serbias existing long haul service between Belgrade and New York, 58% of travellers are transfers. Of those, 39% are transferring via Belgrade, while the remaining 19% do so via JFK Airport. In the pre-pandemic 2019, passengers flying from Podgorica to New York via Belgrade made the greatest proportion of transfers on the route. They were followed by those from Tirana, Skopje, Athens, Tel Aviv, Tivat, Thessaloniki, Zagreb, Ljubljana, Vienna, and Bucharest. Similar figures are expected for the upcoming Chicago service, with the airline also looking at attracting more connecting passengers from the Middle East and North Africa.





Among the former Yugoslav capitals, excluding Belgrade, data indicates that Zagreb has the most traffic to the Windy City. Lufthansa is the main carrier of choice for flights between the Croatian capital and Chicago, handling 20% of the market, followed by LOT Polish Airlines with 14% and British Airways with a 12% market share. Skopje followed Zagreb with the most travellers headed to Chicago, then Sarajevo, Podgorica and Ljubljana. The Windy City was the second busiest destination for travel in the United States from all former Yugoslav capitals after New York, with exception to Ljubljana, where it was third, behind both the Big Apple and San Francisco. Although Air Serbia does not serve Pristina, it had more travellers to Chicago than Podgorica.




Virginia Ann Zwerneman gained her wings on July 14, 2022, when she passed peacefully in her home due to natural causes. Born October 12,1939, in Great Falls, Montana to Emil and Beatrice (DeRusha) Durr, Virginia grew up on the Durr Ranch West of Choteau. She attended Choteau schools, graduating in 1957. Because of the distance and real winters, the family kept a house in town during the school year. Other rural children often stayed with them.

A lifelong resident of Teton County, Virginia owned and operated the Choteau Liquor Store for 35 years before selling it in 2019 when she was 80 years old. Not fully retiring, she continued to help at the store with orders and other paperwork right up until her death.

In 1961 Virginia married Lee Zwerneman in Choteau. They spent their first 3 years on the family ranch. In 1964, they built the Zwerneman Mortuary which they operated until 1980. Virginia worked at the vet clinic for Dick Temple before going into the Liquor Store in 1984.

Lee and Virginia raised 2 sons, Craig and Krist. They were able to give the boys the best of small town and ranch life. Their home was in town, but they spent as much time as possible at the ranch. The ranch became The Pine Butte Nature Preserve when it was sold to The Natures Conservancy in 1978. Virginia and Lee were able to travel to Germany to her dads childhood home and met her first cousins with whom they had always corresponded with. Virginia also had a couple other memorable trips, one with her mother and son Craig, down the California coast and another when she flew to Alaska and drove the Alcan Highway home with son Krist. She enjoyed attending her grandchildrens sporting and school events; when they played out of town she always listened on the radio.

Virginia is survived by sons Craig (Janie) and Krist (Michaela) both of Choteau, grandchildren Trig of Choteau, Ellie (Chance) Crabtree of Cascade, Layton of Great Falls and Michaela Blake of Choteau. Great- grandchildren Henley Lockwood (Layton) and Tessa Crabtree. Brother Charles Durr and sister-in-law Dale of Kalispell; nieces Mindy Durr and Holly Strey.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lee, both of her parents and an infant sister.

She will be remembered for her kindness and willingness to help others. She was a giver with a strong work ethic and never complained about anything. To our mother and grandmother: You raised me up, to be more than I can be may we raise you up.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Gorder-Jensen Funeral Home with interment of ashes at the Choteau Cemetery. A celebration of Life will be held in September.

Condolences may be left on-line at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com
Bovine TB herd incidence has reached its highest level in Northern Ireland since 2019, farm leaders in the province have warned.

Figures show that current herd incidence now exceeds nine percent - the highest level recorded since 2019.

The number of reactors removed in the last 12 months now sits at 14,632, an increase of 1,425 in the same period last year.

The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) has warned that the disease was causing the removal of more than 280 cattle per week from the industry.

It urged the Department of Agriculture (DAERA) to progress on the implementation of the Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Eradication Strategy for NI.

UFU deputy president John McLenaghan said: TB herd incidence rates are still increasing much to the distress of our members.

"We met with DAERA officials recently to ensure all parties are continuing their efforts to implement the revised TB strategy.

"While its extremely positive that we have this once in a generation opportunity to eradicate TB from NI, farmers are and will continue to suffer emotionally and financially until the revised strategy is put in place.

"We have made such progress up until this point, but we need to keep going to get this over the line.

But he said there was ongoing frustration among farmers that controlled herds had a role to play to ease pressure on TB affected herds, similar to other parts of the UK.

It was 'essential' that DAERA continued to move forward on the development of this, Mr McLenaghan added, as well as removing TB reactor cattle from herds 'as promptly as possible after testing'.

"By implementing all of these measures, our livestock farmers can gain peace of mind knowing that we have an appropriate approach in place that will support us in eradicating this plight of a disease."
Livestock producers are being encouraged to take part in new trials of the Annual Health and Welfare Review, starting this autumn.

The trials form part of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, which launched this year to support improvements in UK livestock health.

As part of the pathway, farmers who keep cattle, sheep and pigs can receive funding for a vet or vet-led team to visit their farm and carry out a yearly review.

Each visit can last up to three hours, and vets will offer advice on both the health and welfare of animals and on-farm biosecurity.

The vet visit could include diagnostic testing, advice on the use of medicines or signposting to other financial support.

Defra has worked with farmers and vets to test aspects of the review, including guidance for vets on how to carry out a review, how farmers access and use the digital service and the process for a vet carrying out a review.

In a new blog, Defra explains that it is looking for more farms to test others aspects of it, including the service farmers will use on the government website.

This includes the content for their applications on the government website and how vets will interact with the service, includes basic information about each farm and the results of diagnostic testing following a vet visit.

"You dont need to be an expert with computers  all we need to know from you is what works and what doesnt so we can make the service better. Youll give your feedback in a survey," Defra said.

"Any documents submitted while testing will all be anonymised. This is not an inspection and the information from testing wont be used in inspections."

Livestock keepers registered in England and eligible for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) can take part in the new trials.

Defra is asking for farmers that keep: 11 or more beef or dairy cattle; 21 or more sheep; 51 or more pigs.

By helping to test the review, farmers will be paid at the standard payment rate: 522 for beef cattle; 372 for dairy cattle; 436 for sheep; 684 for pigs.

Farmers interested in the trials are being asked to email AHWR_enquiries@defra.gov.uk.
A group of seed potato growers are looking for industry feedback about the newly formed Seed Potato Organisation (SPO).

The SPO is currently in the process of being set up by a group of growers, with technical back-up, to support and develop the seed potato sector.

They are now looking to the annual Potatoes in Practice event, being held at Balruddery Farm near Dundee on 11 August, for feedback.

Explaining the decision, Jonnie Martin, a grower from the Black Isle, said the AHDB model had been 'rejected by growers'.

"Having identified its failings, we now need to create an organisation specifically run by growers to benefit growers.

The group behind SPO have been busy listening to growers views on what SPO should be, and what it should do, this summer.

Recent meetings in the north and south of Scotland, and responses to its survey have reaffirmed the groups commitment to setting up a body that represents seed potato growers.

The feedback so far is that a body is needed to provide seed potato representation to governments, support market development, and fund research services.

Aberdeenshire grower Colin Massie, who sits on the SPO steering committee said: If seed growers dont pull together to advance their own interests, then who else will?

The committee has also gathered views on fees and are using this information to draft a budget and programme to meet growers priorities.

Membership of SPO will not just be for British seed growers, as potato supply chain groups can also support the sector by becoming Associate Members, and ware growers can get involved.

At Potatoes in Practice, the SPO steering committee are wanting to listen to the wider industry and meet any seed potato growers who have yet to share their views on the group.

Rodney Harrison, a grower from Kincardineshire, said: We need to listen to people. If we do our own thing and dont get growers and the wider industry on board, were on a hiding to nothing.
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Elon Musk says Tesla Full Self Driving (FSD) Beta 10.13 is likely to be released before this week comes to an end.

The Chief Executive Officer and founder of Tesla also blurt out what electric vehicle (EV) owners could expect from its upcoming version.

Elon Musk on Tesla FSD Beta 10.13 Release

As per a news story by Teslarati, the FSD Beta 10.13, which has yet to release to the customers of the renowned EV maker, is currently rolling out internally.

Essentially, the employees of Tesla are now testing out the software before it reaches a select number of eligible customers.

The online news outlet notes that the automaker started rolling out the FSD Beta 10.13 internally earlier this July.

And this time, it seems that the wait for these refinements would not take that much anymore.

The big boss of Tesla himself assumes that version 10.13 is rolling out to its eligible customers before this week ends. The billionaire entrepreneur further notes that the employees of the renowned EV maker are "working hard on it."

The tech exec disclosed the release timeline of the FSD Beta 10.13 after the Twitter account that goes by the name Tesla Owners Silicon Valley asked him about it.

Tesla Owners Silicon Valley tweeted to ask the ultra-rich founder of the automaker about the release date of the FSD Beta 10.13, and Musk gamely responded.

Read Also: Elon Musk: Tesla, Steam Integration is 'Making Progress' - Are We Getting it Next Month?

Tesla FSD Beta 10.13: What to Expect

Besides the much-awaited rollout of the FSD Beta 10.13, Tesla Owners Silicon Valley also asked how Musk feels about the upcoming update.

The wealthiest man on Earth replied saying that it "should be a major improvement," at least in terms of its ability to make "complex left turns."

Should be a major improvement with respect to complex left turns  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 24, 2022

The internal rollout of the FSD Beta 10.13 also revealed its partial release notes. It gave Tesla owners a glimpse of some of the notable improvements to expect with the next update.

It includes refinements like "improved decision making for unprotected left turns," the partial release notes reveal. This is consistent with what Musk recently teased for the next FSD Beta update coming this week.

Meanwhile, according to a recent report by Not a Tesla App, Musk previously suggested that the next update is likely to enable FSD Beta to drive around roads without any map data. And instead, it would rely on specific GPS points.

On top of that, the 10.13 update is also expected to improve its navigation around roundabouts. The CEO says hints that it is going "deep on roundabouts."

Related Article: Elon Musk Vs. Twitter: Tesla CEO Breaks Silence About Possibility to Face Lawsuit With Memes
Tenwill be participating inin the US next month, Promperu, the official tourism board for Peru, and the Trade Commission of Peru in Los Angeles, have announced. The Peruvian companies will have the opportunity to connect with brands and buyers from around the world from August 7-10 at one of the biggest textile trade shows in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Together, the ten manufacturers will showcase the best of Perus textile production, including native fabrics like Alpaca and Pima Cotton.

In recent years Peru has become a global leader in textile production, with a focus on high-quality, low cost, and sustainable goods. Perus advanced supply chain and comprehensive free trade agreement with the United States has made it an attractive destination for textile brands of all sizes. With a range of full-service production options in wovens and knits for men, women, and kids loungewear with competitive lead times and minimums starting at 50 pieces, Perus vendors at Magic are the perfect partners, the US office of Perus Trade Commission said in a media release.

Ten Peruvian textile manufacturers will be participating in Sourcing at Magic show in the US next month, Promperu, the official tourism board for Peru, and the Trade Commission of Peru in Los Angeles, have announced. The Peruvian companies will have the opportunity to connect with brands and buyers from around the world from August 7-10 in Las Vegas, Nevada.#

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)
CHICAGO (dpa-AFX) - About 2,500 members of a union that represents three Boeing Co. defense locations in the St. Louis area rejected the company's current contract offer and will strike at all three St. Louis area locations, starting on Monday, August 1, 2022. The plants on strike include St. Louis, St. Charles, Mo., and Mascoutah, Ill. Boeing locations. It cannot accept a contract that is not fair and equitable, as this company continues to make billions of dollars each year off the backs of hardworking members, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 said in a statement on Sunday. The union alleged that Boeing previously took away a pension from its members, and now the company is unwilling to adequately compensate its members' 401(k) plan. It will not allow the company to put its members' hard-earned retirements in jeopardy. IAM members at District Lodge 837 build and produce the world's best weapons and military aircraft, including the F-15, F-18, T-7A trainer, and the MQ-25 unmanned refueler. 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.
OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - Canadian technology and media company Rogers Communications Inc. (RCI, RCI.TO) said Sunday that it will invest C$10 billion over the next three years in more oversight, testing and Artificial Intelligence. In a letter to customers, Rogers' chief executive officer Tony Staffieri outlined the company's 'enhanced reliability plan' in response to recent outage, which left millions in Canada without cellphone and internet service for some days. Staffieri said in the letter that Rogers has made progress on a formal agreement between carriers to switch 911 calls to each other's networks automatically - even in the event of an outage on any carrier's network. Rogers will physically separate its wireless and internet services to create an 'always on' network - to help make sure its customers don't experience an outage with both cellular and internet services again. In early July, a massive network outage at Rogers forced more than 10 million customers off their internet or wireless services. It suffered a glitch that lasted nearly 19 hours, disrupting services from flights to banking and emergency 911 calls. The firm is now under intense pressure from regulators to explain what happened. 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.


Azri Azerai, Executive Director of Bintai Kinden

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, July 25, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - Bintai Kinden Corporation Berhad, a building and industrial service engineering specialist, is pleased to announce that the Company's sub-subsidiary, Johnson Medical International Sdn Bhd (JMI), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Medical Renewable Care Company (MRC, or under its trade name known as Nouveta) to explore a collaboration providing mechanical and engineering (M&E) solutions and services to the healthcare industry of Saudi Arabia and future expansion in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).JMI specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of customized hospital support system equipment and provision of nursing home services. Nouveta, which is based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, provides healthcare-related products and services to doctors, hospitals and pharmacies.Azri Azerai, Executive Director of Bintai Kinden said, "This MoU gives us the framework to explore in more concrete terms how JMI and Nouveta can collaborate further in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and leverage on the opportunities that can be found in these countries.""As a first step, we are looking to appoint Nouveta as JMI's distributor in Saudi Arabia and secondly, we will study more on the commercial viability of providing M&E solutions and services in Dubai and the rest of the UAE that may encompass a wider market than just hospitals and pharmacies. We look forward to deepening the partnership with Nouveta."Ali Salem Alsubai, General Manager of Nouveta said, "We look forward to a fruitful relationship with JMI and Bintai Kinden. We believe that there are opportunities for us to leverage on and grow together."Bintai Kinden, which recorded a net profit of RM0.91 million in the quarter ended 31 March 2022 (Q4 2022) against a net loss of RM6.59 million in the corresponding Q4 2021, also recently formed a partnership with Marafie Industries Co to supply piping materials to oil and gas related companies in Saudi Arabia as well as securing a series of projects from Petro Flanges & Fittings Sdn Bhd to supply piping materials.Bintai Kinden Corporation Berhad: 6998 [BURSA: BKC], http://bintai.com.my/Source: Bintai Kinden Corporation BerhadCopyright 2022 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Spanish telecom major Telefonica SA (TDE.L, TEF) announced Monday that a consortium formed by Credit Agricole Assurances and Vauban Infrastructure Partners agreed to buy 45% stake in Bluevia, a neutral FTTH wholesale provider in Spain, for 1.02 billion euros. The transaction values Bluevia at 2.50 billion euros. The companies have reached an agreement to set up Bluevia Fibra, S.L., a platform for the commercialization and deployment of a fibre network or FTTH in Spain, mainly in rural areas and with limited overlap with other networks. The transaction is subject to obtaining the corresponding authorizations from the regulatory authorities and the closing is expected by the end of 2022. Upon completion of the deal, Telefonica Group will retain control of Bluevia with a 55% stake, which will be held by Telefonica Espana and Telefonica Infra, with 30% and 25% stakes respectively. Bluevia will be a neutral wholesale operator with Telefonica Espana as anchor client. 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.
The streaming service is bringing back all eight seasons of the Emmy Award-winning series based on George R. R. Martin's books.

With less than a month away from the release of the highly anticipated "House of the Dragon" on August 21, HBO Max will make all eight seasons of "Game of Thrones" available to stream on its platform. HBO parent company Warner Bros. Discovery, which announced the arrival of the eight seasons on its platform via a programming notice, said that all the episodes would also support Dolby Atmos, HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

Engadget reported that the only way to watch all eight seasons of "Game of Thrones" in 4K was to purchase the Ultra HD Blu-ray collection, which had a price tag of $255. Now, accessing high quality pictures is now more affordable, as viewers will only need to subscribe to HBO Max's ad-free plan, which has a price tag of $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year.

"House of the Dragon," which is a prequel to "Game of Thrones," will also be available in 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, the programming notice said. The series is led by showrunners Miguel Sapochnik and Ryan J. Condal, and stars Paddy Considine, Emma D'Arcy, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, and Steve Toussaint, among others.

HBO Max Gives a Glimpse of New 'House of the Dragon' Trailer

On Wednesday, HBO Max debuted the trailer for "House of the Dragon," which gave viewers a sneak peek into what to expect in the "Game of Thrones" prequel. As per TechCrunch, the series takes place 200 years before the events of "Game of Thrones" and is based on Martin's novel, "Fire & Blood."

"House of the Dragon" will feature the infamous Dance of Dragon as the family members of the House Targaryen all vie for the Iron Throne while the Houses Stark, Velaryon, Lannister and Baratheon create schemes to bring them down.

The series will also come with an AR app called DracARys, which becomes available for iOS and Android devices today. The "House of the Dragon" app will enable "Game of Thrones" fans to channel their inner Daenerys and raise their own virtual dragon.

Read Also: HBO Max may Drop its 21st Century's Best Literary Adaptation | Here's Why

'House of the Dragon' Cast Hopes to Live Up to GoT

Over the weekend, Martin and the cast of "House of the Dragon" graced the stage of Hall H during the San Diego Comic-Con to share their thoughts on the upcoming HBO Max series. The producers and the cast admitted they were aware of the huge responsibility they had with continuing one of the most awarded and revered TV franchises of all time, USA Today.

Cook, who plays the older version of Alicent Hightower, told audiences, "There is a massive pressure to give you guys what you want. here's such a legacy."

Condal, who produces the show, described "House of the Dragon" as the beginning of "the pinnacle of Targaryen power," but warned that because the show is still at its core "Game of Thrones," many others will enact their "desire for power and influence."

"House of the Dragon" debuts on HBO Max on August 21.

Related Article: HBO, HBO Max Subscribers Increase by 13 Million - Still Lower Than Netflix, Disney+?
NEWARK, N.J., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As per the report published by The Brainy Insights, the global automotive e-compressor market is expected to grow from USD 15.14 billion in 2021 to USD 110.03 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 24.65% during the forecast period 2022-2030.

The lucrative presence of industry contributors all over the globe and raised usage of automatic air conditioning methods in vehicles are anticipated to expand the demand for the automotive e-compressor market during the projection period. In addition, the ever-increasing competition among industry players, favorable government policies boosting electric vehicles, and technological expansions in vehicles propel the market growth during the forecast period. The increasing acceptance of environmentally friendly vehicles is another factor in market growth during the forecast period. The rising focus on lowering the energy output and weight compared to traditional IC engine-driven compressors is helping to drive market growth. Furthermore, automotive e-compressors are less influential than conventional compressors, which is the restraining factor of market growth. Moreover, less knowledge among the consumers about the servicing & charging operations of hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles is also helping to restrain the market growth. The production & sales of electric cars are rising due to technological advancements and are another market growth opportunity.

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Competitive Strategy

To enhance their market position in the global automotive e-compressor market, the key players are now focusing on adopting the strategies such as product innovations, mergers & acquisitions, recent developments, joint ventures, collaborations, and partnerships.

For example, in November 2021 , the Hanon methods inaugurated a new production site to assemble elements for eco-friendly cars in Korea.

, the Hanon methods inaugurated a new production site to assemble elements for eco-friendly cars in Korea. For example, in March 2021 , the building of the 5th production plant of Hanon Systems began in Korea.

Market Growth & Trends

The growth of the automotive e-compressor market is driven by a rising focus on lowering weight and raising concerns about decreasing vehicle emissions. Additionally, the autonomous operation of automotive electric compressors is the trend of the market's growth. Moreover, automotive e-compressor enterprises are developing compact elements to permit energy savings. Thus, automotive companies prefer such attributes to expand the life of lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, the industry players are enhancing their production in methods that can continue A/C running even when the electric or hybrid car engine is switched off or idle. The independent operation of automotive electric compressors stimulates sales of electric vehicles. Also, the manufacturers are developing fewer noise methods while maintaining the same cooling capacity.

Get a detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Automotive E-Compressor Market: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/automotive-e-compressor-market-12701

Key Findings

In 2021, the OEM sales channel segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 55.13% and market revenue of 8.34 billion.

The sales channel segment is divided into aftermarket and OEM. In 2021, the OEM sales channel segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 55.13% and market revenue of 8.34 billion. This growth is attributed to the rising production of e-vehicle & hybrid vehicles.

In 2021, the scroll product segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 24.19% and market revenue of 3.66 billion.

The product segment is divided into wobble, screw, scroll, swash, and others. In 2021, the scroll product segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 24.19% and market revenue of 3.66 billion. An automotive scroll e-compressor is a kind of electric compressor utilized in automobiles. Also, this positive expulsion compressor uses two scrolls to compress the pumped gas or fluid. This factor helps to drive the segment's growth.

In 2021, the hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) type segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 58.12% and market revenue of 8.80 billion.

The type segment is divided into hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and electric vehicles (EV). In 2021, the hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) type segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 58.12% and market revenue of 8.80 billion. This growth is attributed to executing profitable government enterprises that boost electric vehicles' adoption for sustainable development.

In 2021, the passenger vehicle type segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 43.17% and market revenue of 6.53 billion.

The vehicle type segment is divided into medium & heavy commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and light commercial vehicles. In 2021, the passenger vehicle type segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 43.17% and a market revenue of 6.53 billion. This growth is attributed to the increasing disposable income of the urban population, coupled with more profitable deals & options.

In 2021, the less than 20 CC segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 43.21% and market revenue of 6.54 billion.

The cooling capacity segment is divided into more than 60 CC, 20 to 40 CC, 20 to 40 CC, and less than 20 CC. In 2021, the less than 20 CC segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 43.21% and market revenue of 6.54 billion. This growth is attributed to the increasing popularity of smaller vehicles.

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Regional Segment Analysis of the Automotive E-Compressor Market:

North America (U.S., Canada , Mexico )

(U.S., , ) Europe ( Germany , France , U.K., Italy , Spain , Rest of Europe )

( , , U.K., , , Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , India , Rest of APAC)

( , , , Rest of APAC) South America ( Brazil and the Rest of South America )

( and the Rest of ) The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa , Rest of MEA)

Asia-Pacific region occurred as the largest market for the global automotive e-compressor market, with a market share of 45.16% and a market value of around 6.83 billion in 2021. Asia-Pacific currently dominates the automotive e-compressor market due to the increasing population and growing per capita income. Furthermore, Europe is expected to show the fastest CAGR of 30.06% over the projection period. This growth is attributed to the stringent emission standards that are forcing manufacturers to develop eco-friendly vehicles with decreased size and weight at a minimal price. Moreover, prominent automotive enterprises in Germany and the United Kingdom will probably support the market's growth during the projection period.

Key players operating in the global automotive e-compressor market are:

Mahle Behr GmbH

Denso Corporation

Toyota Industries Corporation

Valeo S.A.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Automotive Thermal Systems Co., Ltd

Robert Bosch GmbH

Sanden Corporation

Hanon Systems

SCHOTT AG

Marelli

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2019 to 2030. The Brainy Insights has segmented the global automotive e-compressor market based on below mentioned segments:

Global Automotive E-Compressor Market by Sales Channel:

Aftermarket

OEM

Global Automotive E-Compressor Market by Product:

Wobble

Screw

Scroll

Swash

Others

Global Automotive E-Compressor Market by Type:

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)

Electric Vehicles (EV)

Global Automotive E-Compressor Market by Vehicle Type:

Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles

Passenger Vehicle

Light Commercial Vehicles

Global Automotive E-Compressor Market by Cooling Capacity:

More than 60 CC

20 to 40 CC

Less than 20 CC

About the report:

The global automotive e-compressor market is analysed based on value (USD Billion). All the segments have been analysed on global, regional and country basis. The study includes the analysis of more than 30 countries for each segment. The report offers in-depth analysis of driving factors, opportunities, restraints, and challenges for gaining the key insight of the market. The study includes porter's five forces model, attractiveness analysis, raw material analysis, supply, demand analysis, competitor position grid analysis, distribution and marketing channels analysis.

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Regulatory News:

TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE), OML99 operator (40%) in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC, 60%), announces the start of production from the Ikike field, in Nigeria.

Located 20 kilometers off the coast, at a depth of about 20 meters, the Ikike platform is tied back to the existing Amenam offshore facilities through a 14 km multiphase pipeline. It will deliver peak production of 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by the end of 2022.

The Ikike project leverages existing facilities to keep costs low, and is designed to minimize greenhouse gas emissions: estimated at less than 4kg CO2e/boe, they will contribute to reducing the average carbon intensity of TotalEnergies' upstream portfolio. In addition, 95% of hours were worked locally: the jacket as well as the topside modules were entirely built and integrated by local contractors.

"TotalEnergies is pleased to start production at Ikike, which was launched a few months before the covid pandemic, and whose success owes a lot to the full mobilization of the teams. By tapping discoveries close to existing facilities, this project fits the Company's strategy of focusing on low-cost and low-emission oil projects", said Henri-Max Ndong-Nzue, Senior Vice President Africa, Exploration and Production at TotalEnergies

About TotalEnergies in Nigeria

TotalEnergies has been present in Nigeria for more than 60 years and employs today more than 1,800 people across different business segments. Nigeria is one of the main contributing countries to TotalEnergies' hydrocarbon production where the Company produced 240 000 boe/d in 2021. TotalEnergies also operates an extensive distribution network which includes about 540 service stations in the country. In all its operations, TotalEnergies is particularly attentive to the socio-economic development of the country and is committed to working with local communities.

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, cleaner, more reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.

@TotalEnergies lTotalEnergies lTotalEnergies lTotalEnergies

Cautionary Note

The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Universal Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220724005042/en/

Contacts:

TotalEnergies Contacts

Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR

Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Ultomiris or ravulizumab has been recommended for marketing authorisation in the European Union as an add-on to standard therapy for the treatment of adult patients with generalised myasthenia gravis who are anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive, AstraZeneca (AZN.L, AZN) said in a statement on Monday. The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency issued its positive opinion based on results from the CHAMPION-MG Phase III trial. In the trial, Ultomiris was superior to placebo in the primary endpoint of change from baseline in the Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living Profile total score at Week 26, a patient-reported scale that assesses patients' abilities to perform daily activities. generalised myasthenia gravis is a rare, debilitating, chronic, autoimmune neuromuscular disease that leads to a loss of muscle function and severe weakness. Ultomiris was approved in the US for adults with generalised myasthenia gravis who are anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive in April 2022, and regulatory reviews are ongoing in additional countries, including Japan. For More Such Health News, 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.
XIAMEN, China, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 4th, Antaisolar successfully held a groundbreaking ceremony in Changtai District, which aims to announce the construction in the second phase of its industrial park officially begins. Many government officials attended the ceremony. Star Huang, chairman of Antaisolar, made a report on the project.

The second phase of the project plans to be completed by the end of 2024, by then the whole industrial park is about to achieve over $450 million output value and is expected to create 1,300 job opportunities.

Antaisolar Industrial Park plans an area of 240 acres, to be built in two phases. The first project covers an area of 97 acres and has built 70,000 square meters of plant and warehouse. The second phase covers 143 acres and plans to build 144,000 square meters of new plants, office buildings, dormitories, logistics centers, and R&D centers, mainly used for the production of solar trackers, mounting systems and BIPV, etc., the annual output of the products is expected to reach 10GW after completion. As Antaisolar values R&D as the core competitiveness of a technology corporation, the newly constructed plant will also serve for high-performance aluminum research and artificial intelligence.

Along with the growing business, Antaisolar efforts to increase its supplying capacity all the time. Including the on-construction industrial park in Fujian, Antaisolar has six production bases around the world, Fujian, Tianjin, Jiangsu, Indonesia, Turkey, and India, allowing it to achieve strong production capacity and fast delivery to every corner of the world. To promote a zero-carbon future and Raise A Green World, Antaisolar keeps on supplying superior products. Meanwhile, as the corporation scale expands, Antaisolar never forgets to repay society and promotes the development of economics in corresponding regions.

Contact us via e-mail: sales@antaisolar.com

Website: www.antaisolar.com

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Loop EnergyTM (TSX: LPEN) announces Mobility Innovation (M&I) has purchased an additional 10 fuel cell systems to meet the growing demand for its hydrogen-electric city bus. The order sees Loop Energy progress to the Scale-Up Phase with a second bus manufacturer.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220725005200/en/

Loop Energy will provide Mobility Innovation with an additional 10 fuel cell systems. (Photo: Business Wire)

Upon delivery of the additional S300 (30 kW) fuel cell systems, Loop Energy will aim to support M&I in increasing the production of its 8-metre city bus and monitor operational performance. Previously, the two companies partnered to develop the prototype bus, complete field testing and achieve EU homologation.

Following launch in March 2022, M&I showcased the bus across various European markets. Throughout the tour, the bus demonstrated increased fuel efficiency, allowing it to achieve further range with less onboard fuel storage. This has been a standout feature for fleet operators looking for a zero-emissions solution to electrify transit bus fleets.

"We now have the opportunity to deliver our hydrogen-electric city bus to some of Europe's largest and most progressive markets for hydrogen-electric vehicles," said Mobility Innovation Co-Owner and CEO, Janos Onodi. "We offer a solution to decarbonizing urban transit, and with Loop Energy's technology and support, we hope to deploy our buses in cities around Europe in the near future."

"Mobility Innovation has made tremendous inroads into the market over the last few months, and we are proud to be their fuel cell partner as they continue their journey," said Loop Energy Chief Commercial Officer, George Rubin. "The accelerated growth in order volume for our fuel cell engines is a direct reflection of rapid expansion of demand for hydrogen-electric vehicles in our core markets."

M&I's progression to the Scale-Up Phase builds upon Loop Energy's recent success of entering the Full Production Phase with Tevva Motors after finalizing a multi-year fuel cell supply agreement with delivery commitments in excess of US$12 million. Due to the accelerated adoption of its technology and the strong growth of its customers, Loop Energy will provide an update on its purchase order guidance during its Q2 2022 financial results on August 4. For dial-in details, visit: https://loopenergy.com/news/q2-2022-earnings-results-call/.

About Mobility Innovation Production s.r.o.

Mobility Innovation Production s. r. o. is a Slovakian company responsible for the development of composite lightweight, zero-emission city bus platform. M&I's platform is known for its hydrogen electric powertrain and industry leading GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) for a zero-emission transit bus vehicle, while its low curb weight enables greater passenger capacity while still meeting even the most stringent axel load requirements. For more information, please visit http://mobility-inovation.sk/hu.html.

About Loop Energy Inc.

Loop Energy is a leading designer and manufacturer of fuel cell systems targeted for the electrification of commercial vehicles, including light commercial vehicles, transit buses and medium and heavy-duty trucks. Loop's products feature the company's proprietary eFlow technology in the fuel cell stack's bipolar plates. eFlow is designed to enable commercial customers to achieve performance maximization and cost minimization. Loop works with OEMs and major vehicle sub-system suppliers to enable the production of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. For more information about how Loop is driving towards a zero-emissions future, visit www.loopenergy.com.

Forward Looking Warning

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflect management's current expectations and projections regarding future events. Particularly, statements regarding the Company's expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which we operate is forward-looking information, including without limitation the expected fuel efficiency and performance of the Company's products and the Company's expectation of future orders for its products from Mobility Innovation. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions (including without limitation assumptions with respect the current and future performance of the Company's products and growth in demand for the Company's products from Mobility Innovation and other customers) and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control and could cause actual results and events to vary materially from those that are disclosed, or implied, by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability of the Company to execute on its strategy, progress existing and future customers through the Customer Adoption Cycle in a timely way, the realization of electrification of transportation, the elimination of diesel fuel and ongoing government support of such developments, the expected growth in demand for fuel cells for the commercial transportation market and the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 30, 2021. Loop disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220725005200/en/

Contacts:

Investor Inquiries:

Investor Relations Tel: +1 604.222.3400 Ext. 299 investors@loopenergy.com

Laine Yonker Tel: +1 646.653.7035 lyonker@edisongroup.com



Business Inquiries:

George Rubin Tel: +1.604.828.8185 grubin@loopenergy.com

Europe: Luigi Fusi Tel: +39.028457.3048 luigi.fusi@loopenergy.com



Media Inquiries:

Lucas Schmidt Tel: +1.604.222.3400 Ext. 603 lucas.schmidt@loopenergy.com



Mobility Innovation Production s.r.o. Inquiries:

Peter Pecze Tel: +421 911 423 134| office@mobility-innovation.sk
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.
NEW YORK, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- One Rock Capital Partners, LLC ("One Rock"), today announced that one of its affiliates has successfully completed the previously announced acquisition of Prefere Resins Group ("Prefere" or the "Company") from Silverfleet Capital.

Prefere is a pan-European leader of adhesive resins and formulations used in engineered wood and insulation products, industrial applications, and other specialty materials. Prefere is also a frontrunner in the conversion to bio-based sustainable resin technologies. Headquartered in Erkner, Germany, the Company employs over 600 people globally at a number of manufacturing, sales and research and development facilities.

"Prefere's dedication to product innovation and commitment to its customers underscore its position as a market leader across the adhesive resins industry," said Michael T. Koike, Partner at One Rock. "We are excited to continue to partner with management as we work to advance and promote the Company's sustainability initiatives in an effort to further maximize its potential."

Elmar Boeke, Chief Executive of Prefere, added, "We look forward to our continued partnership with One Rock. Leveraging One Rock's industry and operational experience to expand Prefere's portfolio of high-quality products will enable us to continue to provide differentiated value for our customers."

Latham & Watkins, LLP acted as legal counsel in connection with the transaction.

ABOUT ONE ROCK CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC

One Rock makes controlling investments in companies with potential for growth and operational improvement using a rigorous approach that utilizes highly experienced Operating Partners to identify, acquire and enhance businesses in select industries. The involvement of these Operating Partners affords One Rock the ability to conduct due diligence and consummate acquisitions and investments in all types of situations, regardless of complexity. One Rock works collaboratively with company management and its Operating Partners to develop a comprehensive business plan focused on growing the enterprise and its profitability to enhance long-term value. For more information, visit www.onerockcapital.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Hallie Erlich

Prosek Partners

pro-onerock@prosek.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2022) - Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (TSXV: SSV) ("Southern Silver") reported today that drill results continue to extend silver-polymetallic mineralization laterally to the east and west in the North Felsite Target on the Cerro Las Minitas project, Durango, Mexico.

The North Felsite target is located on the eastern side of the Cerro and wraps around the northern edge of the Central intrusion where it transitions into the North Skarn target area (Figure 1). The new drilling now confirms the continuity of mineralization with previously modelled mineral resources in the Mina La Bocona and the Skarn Front deposits, continues to identify gold enrichment in several hanging wall intercepts outboard of the main skarn target at the North Felsite zone and has identified high-grade copper mineralization in the North Skarn target area.

Drilling highlights from the North Felsite target area include:

a 1.5 metre interval (1.0 metre est. TT.) averaging 165g/t Ag, 0.1g/t Au, 11.5% Cu, 0.1% Pb and 0.4% Zn (1463g/t AgEq) within a 4.0 metre interval (2.6 metre est. TT.) averaging 77g/t Ag, 4.4% Cu, 0.2% Pb and 0.9% Zn (617g/t AgEq) from drill hole 21CLM-191;

averaging 0.1g/t Au, 0.1% Pb and 0.4% Zn within averaging 0.2% Pb 0.9% Zn from drill hole a 1.6 metre interval (1.3 metre est. TT) averaging 675g/t Ag, 0.3g/t Cu, 5.5% Pb and 3.4% Zn (1008g/t AgEq) within a 4.8 metre interval (3.8 metres est. TT) averaging 352g/t Ag, 0.1% Cu, 2.4% Pb and 1.6% Zn (500g/t AgEq) from drill hole 22CLM-188; and

averaging 0.3g/t Cu, within averaging 0.1% Cu, and a 0.7 metre interval (0.6 metre est. TT) averaging 499g/t Ag, 0.1g/t Au, 0.4% Cu, 4.6% Pb and 1.5% Zn (759g/t AgEq) within a 2.2 metre interval (1.9 metres est. TT) averaging 162g/t Ag, 0.6g/t Au, 0.3% Cu, 1.5% Pb and 0.6% Zn (314g/t AgEq) from drill hole 22CLM-187;

Strong gold-enrichment, up to 7.0g/t Au over 0.6m (est. TT.), is identified in several hangingwall intercepts (see Table 1) correlating to zones of mineralization outboard of the more typical, silver-enriched polymetallic mineralization of the main skarn horizon located adjacent to the central monzonite intrusion.

Two of the drill holes, 22CLM-186 and -187, tested the eastern margin of the North Felsite zone returning anomalous and high-grade intercepts along strike from modelled mineral resources in the Mina La Bocona deposit and clearly establish continuity with mineralization identified over the last 8 months of exploration throughout the North Felsite target.

High-grade copper, up to 2.6m (est. TT.) of 4.4% Cu was returned from drill hole 22CLM-191. The mineralized intercept is located just 85 metres down-dip from copper-enriched intercepts in historic drill hole 11CLM-003 (14m of 60g/t Ag, 0.9% Cu, 0.3% Pb and 1.6% Zn; see NR-05-11) which were included in the modelled mineral resources of the Skarn Front deposit.

Vice President of Exploration Rob Macdonald states: "These latest drill results have now confirmed the continuity of new mineralization over an approximate 400 metre strike-length extending laterally from the Mina La Bocona to the Skarn Front deposits. Mineralization remains open at depth in both the North Felsite and the North Skarn targets (see Figure 2) with assays from two holes, 22CLM-192 and -193, pending. Continuous to semi-continuous mineralization has now been identified around the circumference of the Central intrusion with the exception of the southwest quadrant which remains to be explored by diamond drilling."







Figure 1: Plan Map of the Area of the Cerro showing the distribution of the CLM deposits at the North Felsite and North Skarn targets.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5344/131678_76d06c57346bb80e_002full.jpg







Figure 2: Longitudinal Section looking south of the North Felsite target area showing the distribution of Southern Silver's most recent drill holes.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5344/131678_76d06c57346bb80e_003full.jpg

Table 1: Select Assay Intervals from North Felsite Target Area.

Hole #



From

(m)

To

(m)

Interval

(m) Est. Tr. Thck.

(m)

Ag

(g/t)

Au

(g/t)

Cu

(%)

Pb

(%)

Zn

(%)

AgEq

(g/t)

ZnEq

(%) North Felsite Target 22CLM-186 410.2 411.0 0.8 0.6 107 7.0 0.0 7.6 4.9 1116 28.3 22CLM-186 481.0 481.6 0.6 0.5 649 0.1 0.9 5.1 4.4 1088 27.6 22CLM-187 489.8 491.7 1.9 1.7 98 0.0 0.1 1.0 0.1 145 3.7 22CLM-187 494.7 496.9 2.2 1.9 162 0.6 0.3 1.5 0.6 314 8.0 inc. 494.7 495.4 0.7 0.6 499 0.1 0.4 4.6 1.5 759 19.2 22CLM-187 499.2 501.5 2.3 2.0 9 1.2 0.2 0.0 0.1 134 3.4 North Skarn Target 22CLM-188 275.0 275.5 0.5 0.3 307 1.0 0.5 0.2 0.7 481 12.2 22CLM-188 441.8 457.8 16.0 12.7 128 0.0 0.0 0.8 1.1 202 5.1 inc. 453.1 457.8 4.8 3.8 352 0.0 0.1 2.4 1.6 500 12.7 inc. 455.6 457.2 1.6 1.3 675 0.0 0.3 5.5 3.4 1008 25.6 22CLM-189 86.2 92.9 6.7 5.4 30 0.5 0.2 0.6 1.2 160 4.0 22CLM-189 469.5 470.0 0.5 0.4 1130 0.1 2.1 9.8 11.9 2143 54.3 22CLM-190 318.3 319.8 1.4 1.1 92 0.0 0.0 0.6 0.9 147 3.7 HOLE LOST, REENTERED AS 190A @ 153m as 22CLM-190A

22CLM-190A 342.6 343.4 0.8 0.6 462 0.0 0.1 11.1 3.0 937 23.8 22CLM-191 453.2 460.4 7.2 4.7 123 0.0 0.8 0.4 0.6 251 6.4 inc. 455.6 456.2 0.6 0.4 848 0.0 5.6 0.7 2.6 1596 40.5 22CLM-191 474.7 478.7 4.0 2.6 77 0.0 4.4 0.2 0.9 617 15.6 inc. 474.7 476.2 1.5 1.0 165 0.1 11.5 0.1 0.4 1463 37.1

Analyzed by FA/AA for gold and ICP-AES by ALS Laboratories, North Vancouver, BC. Silver (>100ppm), copper, lead and zinc (>1%) overlimits assayed by ore grade ICP analysis, High silver overlimits (>1500g/t Ag) and gold overlimits (>10g/t Au) re-assayed with FA-Grav. High Pb (>20%) and Zn (>30%) overlimits assayed by titration. AgEq and ZnEq were calculated using average metal prices of: US$20/oz silver, US$1650/oz gold, US$3.25/lbs copper and US$0.9/lbs lead and US$1.15/lbs zinc. AgEq and ZnEq calculations did not account for relative metallurgical recoveries of the metals. Ore-grade composites are calculated using a 80g/t AgEq cut-off in sulphide and 0.5g/t AuEq in the oxide gold zone Composites have <20% internal dilution, except where noted; anomalous intercepts are calculated using a 10g/t AgEq cut-off.

New Mexico, USA.

The Company's property portfolio also includes the Oro porphyry copper-gold project and the Hermanas gold-silver vein project located in southern New Mexico, USA.

Drilling continues on a six-hole, 4,000m drill program on the Oro project, designed to test several copper-molybdenum porphyry and copper-gold skarn targets within a broad phyllic alteration zone, interpreted to overlie an unexposed porphyry centre. The first two holes are completed and a third in progress; logging and sampling continue with assays pending in the coming weeks.

Initial mapping and sampling of the Hermanas property was completed during the winter. Assays are pending, the results of which will be incorporated into new drill targeting for permitting in 2022. Earlier verification sampling by the company identified anomalous gold and silver in seven of nine samples collected including: a sample from a small historic mine dump that assayed 6.7ppm Au & 150ppm Ag and a sample of outcropping banded quartz + carbonate vein that assayed 4.6ppm Au & 56ppm Ag.

Cerro Las Minitas Project

Southern Silver continues to advance the Cerro Las Minitas project as one of the world's largest undeveloped silver/lead/zinc resources, through advanced exploration, pre-production metallurgical and engineering work, and economic assessment. The CLM Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu Skarn system is well located in southern Durango, Mexico, in a safe jurisdiction, surrounded by producing companies, with easy access and strong community support.

A total of 196 drill holes for 84,872 metres has been completed on the CLM Project with exploration expenditures of over US$30.0 million equating to exploration discovery costs of approximately C$0.09 per AgEq ounce.

About Southern Silver Exploration Corp.

Southern Silver Exploration Corp. is an exploration and development company with a focus on the discovery of world-class mineral deposits. Our specific emphasis is the 100% owned Cerro Las Minitas silver-lead-zinc project located in the heart of Mexico's Faja de Plata, which hosts multiple world-class mineral deposits such as Penasquito, Los Gatos, San Martin, Naica and Pitarrilla. We have assembled a team of highly experienced technical, operational and transactional professionals to support our exploration efforts in developing the Cerro Las Minitas project into a premier, high-grade, silver-lead-zinc mine. The Company engages in the acquisition, exploration and development either directly or through joint-venture relationships in mineral properties in major jurisdictions.

Robert Macdonald, MSc. P.Geo, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and supervised directly the collection of the data from the CLM Project that is reported in this disclosure and is responsible for the presentation of the technical information in this disclosure.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Lawrence Page"

Lawrence Page, Q.C.

President & Director, Southern Silver Exploration Corp.

For further information, please visit Southern Silver's website at https://www.southernsilverexploration.com or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at ir@mnxltd.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.

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Southern Silver Exploration Corp. does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131678
A powerful new telescope is helping scientists monitor the collision of neutron stars or dead suns.

While NASA's James Webb telescope is busy exploring outer space and sending amazing photos of galaxies back to Earth, one revolutionary telescope is scanning the skies for colliding dead suns and helping scientists better understand physics. The new telescope is called the Gravitational Wave Optical Transient Observer (GOTO), which is located on the volcanic island of La Palma in Spain.

According to Interesting Engineering, the new Gravitational Wave Optical Transient Observer is made up of two jet-black batteries of eight cylindrical telescopes that are bolted together. To cover different parts of the sky, the GOTO instrument rapidly twists and turns vertically and horizontally to capture the collision of dead suns, which are known as neutron stars.

How Do Scientists Study Colliding Dead Stars Using the GOTO?

Astronomers in 2017 had, by sheer luck, observed the collision of two neutron stars. Afterwards, British scientists built the Gravitational Wave Optical Transient Observer to systematically hunt for these occurrences.

Warwick University's Prof. Danny Steeghs explained to the BBC that it is important to move quickly whenever a "good detection" occurs. He remarked, "We are looking for something very short-lived - there's not much time before they fade away."

Scientists have to move quickly to gather data on colliding dead suns as it occurs very rapidly and disappears within two days. A neutron star is a dead sun that has collapsed under its own immense weight, as just one teaspoon of its material weighs up to four billion tons.

Neutron stars also have strong gravity that they are drawn to each other, causing a collision and then merging. This collision causes a flash of light and a powerful shockwave called a gravitational wave that is felt across the universe and distorts space.

Operators of the Gravitational Wave Optical Transient Observer aim to locate the collision within hours of it occurring or within minutes of a gravitational wave detection. Scientists then take the GOTO's images and digitally remove the stars, planets, and galaxies that were present the night before.

Any speck of light that was not present the night before may be the dead suns colliding. Traditionally, the process takes days or weeks, but with the GOTO, scientists can now do it in real time.

Read Also: James Webb Space Telescope Reveals Phenomenal Image of Stars

The Importance of Capturing the Collisions of Dead Suns in Understanding the Universe

Upon identifying the collision using the Gravitational Wave Optical Transient Observer, scientists then utilize larger, more powerful telescopes found in other parts of the world that help examine the neutron stars' collision in greater detail and at different wavelengths. But that does not mean the GOTO's role in studying these occurrences is minimal.

In a press release, Professor Rene Breton of The University of Manchester, who is one of the GOTO project partners, explained that there is great importance of detecting gravitational waves and the collisions that caused it. Breton described the "'time-lapse' picture of the sky" that the Gravitational Wave Optical Transient Observer captures as "a gold mine to study variability in other astronomical objects and search for transient phenomena unconnected to gravitational wave events."

GOTO is designed to address an observational gap by searching for optic signals in the electromagnetic spectrum that may indicate the source of the gravitational wave and determining the source so that a fleet of other telescopes and instruments can focus on it and gather more information. The Gravitational Wave Optical Transient Observer was granted 3.2 million or more than $3.8 million in funding by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) for the deployment of the full-scale facility.

Related Article: NASA Wants Its James Webb Space Telescope To Study the Milky Way's Monster Black Hole




Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2022) - Coloured Ties Capital Inc. (TSXV: TIE) (OTC PINK: APEOF) (FSE: 97A0) ("Coloured Ties" or the "Company") provides the following corporate update.

62 LITHIUM CLAIMS ACQUIRED IN QUEBEC LITHIUM BELT

Coloured Ties reports that the Company has purchased 62 mineral claims, in the Cadillac-Pontiac region, about 50km southwest of Val-d'Or. The claims are immediately adjacent to claims currently held by Winsome Resources, a well-funded ASX listed Lithium exploration company and Vision Lithium, a TSX-V listed Lithium explorer. The Mazerac claims are accessible by a dense network of trails and other logging roads. The area also accessible through boat or seaplane within watershed of Decelles water reservoir, hosting the Rapid-7 hydroelectric dam of Decelles.

The general area has recently attracted many lithium prospecting and exploration companies such as Brunswick Exploration V.BRW, High Tide Resources V.HITI, Medaro Mining C.MEDA, NeoTerrex Corporation (private company), Renforth Resources C.RFR, Sayona Mining ASX.SYA, Vision Lithium V.VLI, and Winsome Resources ASX:WR1.

The Cadillac-Pontiac area has gained attention due to recent discoveries of several high-grade spodumene prospects. The latest discovery of high grade lithium prospects by Vision Lithium Inc, spurred several other exploration and drill programs within the Cadillac area. Since December 2021, approximately 4000 new claims have been registered in the greater Mazerac area and the Pontiac Subprovince region, south of Val-d'Or and Rouyn-Noranda.

The claims have been acquired from prospectors, Mr Griesbach and Junita Asihto. Mr Griesbach is a Canadian-certified geologist with more than 40 years of mineral exploration experience across Canada, Africa, China, and Southeast Asia; Mr. Junita Asihto is a Quebec-based prospector with a strong understanding of the Mazerac region. The acquisition is subject to final TSX-V exchange approval.

The Company will continue to monitor exploration activity of adjoining projects and develop an expanded exploration plan within the area. As per initial plan, Coloured Ties is compiling a detailed geological data of the area. The adjoining property is owned by Winsome Resources, who have provided early technical summary of the area, which will be considered in understanding of prospects of the claims acquired by the Company. Winsome News Release regarding Mazerac Area can be found here: https://wcsecure.weblink.com.au/pdf/WR1/02480499.pdf

Summary of Activities of the Company

Normal Course Issuer Bid

As announced on December 8, 2021, the Company commenced a normal course issuer bid ("NCIB"). Under the NCIB, the Company purchased 1,163,782 common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") at an average price of $0.325 for a total cost of $378,229.15. The Common Shares represent approximately 5% of the issued and outstanding shares as of the date hereof. The purchased Common Shares will be returned to the treasury and cancelled and result in the number of Common Shares being reduced from 23,275,641 to 22,114,141.

As of the March 31, 2022, the most recent financial period, the Company holds $21,442,000 in cash and investments and had liabilities of $206,200, representing a net asset value equal to $21,236,000 or $0.96 per Common Share.

The Company intends to complete another NCIB to purchase an additional 5% or 1,105,707 Common Shares in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and subject to approval of TSX Venture Exchange. If regulatory approval is obtained, the new NCIB will proceed through Canaccord Genuity Corp. for market activities.

The management believes that the Company is in a good position to leverage the Company's balance sheet to make investments in emerging technologies and mineral exploration projects and repurchase of its own common shares for cancellation. Mr. Kal Malhi, CEO, and the management are positive on performance of the current investment portfolio of the Company and vision of strong growth prospects of Ride Vision and Patriot Battery Metals, as both companies continue to expand their businesses. The Company remains laser focused and continue to build value for its shareholders by enhancing the net asset value for the Company. In the current market conditions, the Company will take careful and diligent analysis in assessing strategic opportunities in various sectors and deploy investments. The acquisition of the lithium claims in the Cadillac Pontiac region may be considered as such a good potential opportunity.

FERTIMAR LOAN REPAYMENT

On Aug. 31, 2018, the previous management of Coloured Ties had loaned $1.8-million (U.S.) to Fertimar Mineracao E Navegacao SA as part of a planned reverse takeover transaction. The reverse takeover transaction was not completed, and the Company has been working with Fertimar to effect a repayment plan and has entered into a repayment plan with Fertimar whereby Fertimar shall repay a total amount of approximately $1,300,000 CAD (6,000,000 Brazilian Reals) in twelve monthly installments, starting in January 2022.

As of July 15, 2022, Fertimar has made scheduled payments and is scheduled to make additional payments over the coming months to complete the total repayment of 6,000,000 Brazilian Reals or approximately $1,300,000. All payments to be received will be in Brazilian REAL and subject to currency fluctuations.

INVESTMENTS UPDATE

Ride Vision

In January 2022, Coloured Ties made an investment into Ride Vision, a private Israel based company. Ride Vision is a unique Advanced Rider Assistance System (ARAS) tailored to meet the safety needs of riders. Ride Vision is developing an industry-leading Collision Aversion Technology (CAT) which is a fusion of artificial intelligence (neural networks) and computer. Vision is designed to seamlessly integrate with all motorcycle and scooter makes and models.

Recent Developments for Ride Vision:

Ride Vision has partnered with Israel's leading insurance provider, IDI Insurance, after a successful pilot with a large automotive manufacturer demonstrated a reduction in the chances of fatal collision by 60%.

The new partnership comes to life during an alarming rise in two/three-wheeler fatalities in Israel, growing from 20 in 2020 to 44 in 2021, in roughly 6 months, costing the state of Israel more than 2B ILS every year. The internal pilot, objectively testing multiple IDI employees and vehicle types for their road behavior and product satisfaction based on their experience with the Ride Vision 1 product.

Expansion into new markets

After successfully launching and saving lives in Israel and Italy, Ride Vision has now launched in the Australian market, starting with New South Wales. Since October 2021, Ride Vision's system has been available for Australian riders to retrofit their bikes.

Tier 1 supplier Minda Corporation, the flagship company of Spark Minda, has partnered with Ride Vision to bring its products into the Indian market.

For more information about Ride Vision, please visit: www.ride.vision

Patriot Battery Metals Inc.

Coloured Ties has acquired a total of 1,708,900 common shares of Patriot Battery Metals (PMET) via purchases thru the Canadian Securities Exchange from December to July 15, 2022 at an average cost of $1.40 per share.

Patriot Battery Metals has achieved early drilling success at their Corvette Lithium property in Quebec and the company's stock price has seen appreciation to a high $4.50 and recent correction to the $2.58 range as of July 20, 2022.

For more information about PMET, please visit: www.patriotbatterymetals.com

Arnett Creek NSR Purchase

Coloured Ties has entered into discussions to acquire a 1% Net Smelter Royalty on Arnett Creek Gold project being developed by Revival Gold from a related private party. Revival Gold is advancing the Beartrack-Arnett Gold project located in Idaho, USA. A new mineral resource estimate for Beartrack-Arnett was recently filed by Revival Gold at https://revival-gold.com/revival-gold-files-ni-43-101-mineral-resource-technical-report/. Discussions are at an early stage and there is no guarantee that an acquisition of the NSR will be consummated.

For more information about Revival Gold and a summary of their development projects, please visit: www.revival-gold.com

For further information please contact:

Kal Malhi

Chief Executive Officer

kal@bullruncapital.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially. Except as required pursuant to applicable securities laws, the Company will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by the Company.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release present the expectations of the Company as of the date hereof and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131761
TACOMA, WA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2022 / Today Greenlink International (OTC PINK:WSHE) announced a strategic partnership with PureCare that is expected to accelerate growth for both companies in the fast-growing, sleep and wellness category. The new, innovative partnership leverages the respective strengths of PureCare and Greenlink's flagship band, Suncliff to create compelling value for both companies.

Importantly, the partnership strategically aligns both companies for the long-term by combining the strength of PureCare's global distribution and proven history with Suncliff's dedicated focus and expertise as leaders in the hemp and cannabis industry.

It was announced at this weeks Las Vegas Market that PureCare will be offering their 5 best-selling pillows in a Suncliff CBD version. The premium pillows will feature an innovative slow release CBD using microencapsulation and each pillow comes with a 250mg Suncliff CBD Spritzer. PureCare's Chief Marketing Officer, Sarah Bergman said "PureCare and Suncliff are the perfect duo to deliver a best-in-class CBD experience to the sleep industry. The new pillow collection truly showcases the quality and attention to detail that our fans love about our brands."

"The Greenlink team continues to identify innovative approaches to partnerships that enable us, and our brands to stay at the forefront of consumer trends in the CBD and cannabis industry," said Jake George, Chief Executive Officer of Greenlink International. "This partnership allows us to bolster our participation in the fast-growing sleep and wellness category and aligns us with a leading player in the sleep space. This brings immediate benefit to our Company, and supports broader business strategies to target additional growth opportunities that will benefit our core business model."

George added "We believe this partnership and product line will create compelling and sustainable value for our shareholders and customers alike for many years to come."

PureCare Pillows + Suncliff CBD

About Us

GreenLink, a Colorado corporation based in Washington State, is a public quoted OTC Markets issuer under the ticker symbol "WSHE." The company is a diversified holding company with operating segments in investment, equipment, technology, brands, textiles and real estate that are leased or licensed to legally compliant CBD and cannabis entities.

GreenLink's subsidiary and partner companies possess key competitive strengths and/or leading market positions. Greenlink is committed to becoming a global leader in the hemp and legal cannabis markets. GreenLink will continue to leverage decades of experience in the hemp and cannabis industry to expand existing operations and develop partnerships across a wide range of industries.

Forward Looking Statement

Certain statements that we make may constitute forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include information concerning future strategic objectives, business prospects, anticipated savings, financial results (including expenses, earnings, liquidity, cash flow and capital expenditures), industry or market conditions, demand for and pricing of our products, acquisitions and divestitures, anticipated results of litigation and regulatory developments or general economic conditions. In addition, words such as believes, expects, anticipates, intends, plans, estimates, projects, forecasts, and future or conditional verbs such as will, may, could, should, and would, as well as any other statement that necessarily depends on future events, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, and they involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Although we make such statements based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. We caution investors not to rely unduly on any forward-looking statements and urge you to carefully consider the risks described in our filings with OTC Markets Group and the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including our most recent Annual Report and subsequent Flings, which are available on Otcmarkets.com. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statement in the event it later turns out to be inaccurate, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

CONTACT:

Greenlink International, Inc.

Tacoma, Washington

Stakeholders@greenlinkholdings.com

SOURCE: Greenlink International, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/709615/SuncliffTM-Aims-to-Shake-Up-the-Sleep-Industry-With-CBD-Pillow-Partnership
Hanoi, 25 July 2022 - Hydrogene de France SA ("HDF Energy") - Euronext Paris: HDF - today announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saigon Asset Management ("SAM") for the development of Renewstable power plant projects in Vietnam.

Invented and developed by HDF Energy, Renewstable multi-megawatt power plants produce entirely renewable, stable and dispatchable electricity 24/7 with zero greenhouse gas emissions.

This memorandum is signed in the presence of leading Vietnamese authorities from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam (MOIT) and the Vietnam Petroleum Institute (VPI), of the French Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Nicolas Warnery, with the support of Business France. This MoU illustrates HDF Energy's focus on Vietnam, in an effort to expand its footprint in Southeast Asia, following works in Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia and Philippines earlier this year. For SAM, the signing highlights its continuous commitment to the development of positive social, environmental impact projects in the energy sector, as well as expanding its investment portfolio to hydrogen power generation.

Under this MOU, both parties will combine their technical know-how, market understanding and financial capability to develop a portfolio of Renewstable and hydrogen projects in Vietnam to provide clean, stable and continuous energy, day and night.

"The collaboration with HDF Energy on Renewstable portfolio aligns with our sustainable and responsible energy investment philosophy. We believe Vietnam can accelerate toward its net zero emission target using its own available renewables resources." Said Mr. Louis Nguyen, CEO and Founder of Saigon Asset Management.

"Vietnam has shown great ambition to decarbonize its electrical grid. HDF' Renewstable and Hypower will accompany this ambition. HDF is proud to collaborate with SAM to make green hydrogen happen in Vietnam". Said Damien HAVARD, Founder and CEO of HDF Energy.

ABOUT HYDROGENE DE FRANCE (HDF ENERGY)

HDF Energy is a global pioneer in hydrogen energy. HDF Energy develops high-capacity Hydrogen-Power plants and is active in their operation. These plants will provide continuous or on-demand electricity from renewable energy sources (wind or solar), combined with high power fuel cells supplied by HDF Energy.

HDF Energy develops two types of Hydrogen-Power plants:

Renewstable  (POWER TO POWER): Multi-megawatt power plants, producing stable electricity 24h/day, composed of an intermittent renewable source and on-site hydrogen energy storage.

Multi-megawatt power plants, producing stable electricity 24h/day, composed of an intermittent renewable source and on-site hydrogen energy storage. HyPower (GAS TO POWER): Multi-megawatt power plants producing electricity on demand from green hydrogen from gas transportation networks.

HDF Energy has integrated key fuel-cell know-how under a memorandum of understanding with Ballard (seven-year exclusive licence agreement) and has developed the world's first mass production plant for high-power fuel cells for energy, which will be commissioned in France (Bordeaux Metropole) in 2023. Through this activity, HDF Energy will also serve the maritime, rail and data center markets.

HDF Energy has positioned itself as a powerful accelerator of the energy transition by offering non-intermittent, grid-friendly and on-demand renewable power.

HDF shares have been listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris compartment B since 24 June 2021.

For more information: https://www.hdf-energy.com/

ABOUT SAIGON ASSET MANAGEMENT (SAM)

Established in 2007, Saigon Asset Management (SAM) is a fund management, capital advisory, and power developer firm based in Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi, Vietnam. SAM managed funds have outperformed peers, Vietnam Index, MSCI EM, MSCI Frontier; and our top 10 investments generated 33% to 481% IRR within the sectors of Financial Services, Real Estate, Energy & Infrastructure, Logistics, etc.

SAM invests in well-managed, undervalued companies with strong fundamentals. We aim to invest in growing companies that contribute to measurable positive social, economic, or environmental impacts across sectors including financial services, renewable energy, healthcare, education, agriculture, and technology while aiming to also optimize returns.

For more information: https://www.saigonam.com

Contacts

Requests concerning HDF Energy

HDF Energy Investors Relations Press Relations Tran Khanh VIET DUNG, PhD, Eng

dzung.trankhanhviet@hdf-energy.com Margaux ROUILLARD

+ 33 (0)1 53 67 36 32

hdf-energy@actus.fr Amaury DUGAST

+33 (0)1 53 67 36 74

hdf-energy@actus.fr

Requests concerning Saigon Asset Management (SAM)

SAM

Hoang NGHIEM

hoang.nghiem@saigonam.com

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A very active first half and record operating performance

Rental income: 98.0m (up 13.8% as reported, up 6.3% like-for-like)

EPRA earnings: 48.9 million (up 11.6%)

EPRA earnings per share 1.14 (up 21.1%)

Attributable net profit: 221.5m

Portfolio value: 8,357m (up 3.8% like-for-like)

EPRA NTA: 109.3 per share (up 1.3% vs 31 Dec. 2021, up 6.4% vs 30 June 2021)

Regulatory News:

The interim consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2022 were approved by the Board of Directors of Societe Fonciere Lyonnaise (Paris:FLY) on 25 July 2022, at its meeting chaired by Pere Vinolas Serra and attended by the new Chief Executive Officer.

These financial statements show a significant increase in all business indicators, the portfolio's appraisal value and the Company's NAV. First-half 2022 saw a record 21.1% increase in EPRA earnings per share, supported by strong 6.3% like-for-like growth in rental income. This performance, delivered in a more uncertain rental and investment market and an unsettled economic environment, demonstrates the relevance of SFL's business model, the growing polarisation of demand on inner Paris and the hard work of SFL's teams in the first half of the year.

The auditors have completed their review of the financial statements and issued their report on the interim financial information, which does not contain any qualifications or emphasis of matter.

Consolidated data ( millions) H1 2022 H1 2021 Change Rental income 98.0 86.1 +13.8% Adjusted operating profit* 78.1 66.6 +17.3% Attributable net profit 221.5 98.8 +124.3% EPRA earnings 48.9 43.8 +11.6% per share 1.14 0.94 +21.1% Operating profit before disposal gains and losses and fair value adjustments 30/06/2022 31/12/2021 Change Attributable equity 4,442 4,387 +1.2% Consolidated portfolio value excluding transfer costs 8,357 7,606 +9.9% Consolidated portfolio value including transfer costs 8,942 8,138 +9.9% EPRA NDV 4,666 4,375 +6.7% EPRA NDV per share 108.9 102.1

A. Very robust first-half results and strong growth in key indicators

I. Sharply higher rental income, up 13.8% as reported

(up 6.3% like-for-like)

First-half 2022 consolidated rental income amounted to 98.0 million versus 86.1 million for the same period of 2021, an increase of 11.9 million (up 13.8%):

On a like-for-like basis (on revenue-generating surface areas, excluding all changes in the portfolio affecting period-on-period comparisons), rental income was 5.0 million higher (up 6.3%). The increase was primarily attributable to new leases signed in 2021 and 2022, mainly in the Edouard VII, 103 Grenelle and Washington Plaza properties, and to the effect of applying rent escalation clauses.

Rental income from units being redeveloped or renovated in the periods concerned was up by 4.3 million, reflecting delivery of the redeveloped 83 Marceau building and the signature of leases on several floors refurbished in 2020 and 2021, mainly in the Cezanne Saint-Honore and Washington Plaza buildings.

Finally, the acquisition of the Pasteur building in April 2022 generated a significant increase in rental income which more than offset the income lost on disposal of the 112 Wagram and 9 Percier buildings at the beginning of 2021. All told, the net impact of these changes in the portfolio on first-half 2022 rental income was a positive 2.5 million.

Operating profit before disposal gains and losses and fair value adjustments to investment property came to 78.1 million in first-half 2022 versus 66.6 million in the year-earlier period, a significant increase of 17.3%.

II. Portfolio appraisal value of approximately 8.4 billion excluding transfer costs at 30 June 2022

(up 3.8% like-for-like)

The 3.8% like-for-like increase versus 31 December 2021 led to the recognition of positive fair value adjustments to investment property of 205.4 million in first-half 2022 compared with positive adjustments of 54.7 million in first-half 2021.

III. A record 21.1% increase in EPRA earnings per share compared to 2021

Net finance costs amounted to 13.8 million in first-half 2022 versus 14.8 million in the year-earlier period. The decline of 1.0 million primarily reflected the Group's lower average cost of debt, partly offset by an increase in average debt.

After taking account of these key items, EPRA earnings totalled 48.9 million in first-half 2022, versus 43.8 million in the year-earlier period. EPRA earnings per share stood at 1.14 in first-half 2022, up by a strong 21.1% from 0.94 in first-half 2021.

First-half 2022 attributable net profit came in at 221.5 million, versus 98.8 million in the same period of 2021.

B. First-half 2022 rental activity: SFL is reaping the full benefits of market polarisation

I. Intense leasing activity, with 100% of the office space in the Biome building pre-let, and a record high occupancy rate of 99.4%

Despite the sharp deterioration in the geopolitical and economic situation and contrary to the trends observed in other Paris region markets, the upturn in the Paris commercial property rental market observed in late 2021 continued in first-half 2022, particularly for high quality properties in prime locations. In this environment, the SFL Group signed leases on around 35,000 sq.m. of mainly office space in first-half 2022. Lease deals included:

Biome, with the complex's 22,000 sq.m. of office space pre-let to La Banque Postale and SFIL; this was a benchmark transaction among the five over-20,000 sq.m. lease deals signed in the Paris region during the first half of the year;

103 Grenelle, with two new leases signed on a total of 2,700 sq.m.;

Edouard VII, with leases signed on 2,700 sq.m., including one on a 1,700 sq.m. retail unit;

176 Charles de Gaulle in Neuilly, with leases signed on 1,900 sq.m., including one on a 1,200 sq.m. retail unit;

along with new leases in the cloud.paris, Washington-Plaza and 83 Marceau properties.

The average nominal rent on these leases stood at 729 per sq.m., corresponding to an effective rent of 604 per sq.m., for an average non-cancellable term of 8.4 years. These lease terms attest to the attractiveness of the Group's properties.

The occupancy rate for revenue-generating properties at 30 June 2022 was a record high 99.4% (compared with 98.0% at 31 December 2021). The EPRA vacancy rate was 0.6% (versus 1.7% at 31 December 2021).

II. A pipeline (redevelopment projects) of approx. 52,000 sq.m., of which 75% have been pre-let

Properties undergoing redevelopment at 30 June 2022 represented roughly 14% of the total portfolio (surface area attributable to SFL). The two main projects concerned:

Retail space in the Louvre Saint-Honore building, which is scheduled for delivery in late 2023 under a turnkey lease on over 20,000 sq.m. signed with Fondation Cartier. During first-half 2022, work on the project was pursued according to schedule.

The Biome building on Avenue Emile Zola (approximately 25,000 sq.m.), which was delivered on 19 July following a major redevelopment programme. As explained above, all the office space was pre-let to La Banque Postale and SFIL.

Capitalised work carried out in first-half 2022 amounted to 69.0 million, including the above projects for a total of 50.0 million and large-scale renovations of complete floors in the Washington Plaza and Cezanne Saint-Honore buildings.

III. Targeted property purchases and sales: refocusing on inner Paris

An asset rotation strategy to refocus on inner Paris and increase the average size of SFL's assets

On 25 April 2022, SFL acquired the Pasteur building from Primonial REIM France for 484 million including transfer costs. The 40,000 sq.m. building is located at 91-93 boulevard Pasteur in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, next to Montparnasse train station. It is currently let to Amundi under a 12-year non-cancellable lease.

On 30 May 2022, SFL sold the 6,300 sq.m. Le Vaisseau building in Issy-les-Moulineaux to the Institut Catholique de Lille for 27 million excluding transfer costs.

C. Financing: all bond issues converted into green bonds and loan-to-value ratio kept at a very reasonable 27.7%

During the first half of 2022, SFL carried out a number of refinancing transactions to provide funding for general corporate purposes and strengthen its liquidity:

Bond debt: issuance of two 99 million taps on the 0.5% bonds due 21 April 2028 and the 1.5% bonds due 5 June 2027, and conversion of all of the Group's bond issues into green bonds.

Signature with Caixabank of a new 100 million 5-year revolving line of credit.

Signature with Cadif of a 175 million 3-year line of credit renewing a line for the same amount expiring in June 2023. This new line of credit is SFL's first impact loan, backed by a target to reduce its carbon footprint.

Net debt at 30 June 2022 amounted to 2,477 million (compared with 1,792 million at 31 December 2021), representing a loan-to-value ratio of 27.7%. The average cost of debt after hedging was 1.0% at 30 June 2022 and the average maturity was 4.1 years. At the same date, the interest coverage ratio stood at 5.8x.

At 30 June 2022, SFL had 1,090 million in undrawn lines of credit.

D. Net asset value: EPRA Net Disposal Value per share up 9.9% at 108.9 after payment of a dividend of 4.2 in April 2022

The consolidated appraisal value of the portfolio at 30 June 2022 was 8,357 million excluding transfer costs. The increase of 9.9% from 7,606 million at 31 December 2021 primarily reflected the acquisition of the Pasteur building. On a comparable portfolio basis, the increase was 3.8%, led primarily by the higher appraisal values of properties undergoing redevelopment.

The average EPRA topped-up net investment yield (NIY) stood at 3.0% as of 30 June 2022, compared with 2.9% as of 31 December 2021.

At 30 June 2022, EPRA Net Tangible Assets stood at 4,687 million and EPRA Net Disposal Value was 4,666 million.

Over the period, EPRA NTA per share increased by 1.3% to 109.3 and EPRA NDV per share by 6.7% to 108.9. Over one year, the increases were respectively 6.4% and 9.9%, after payment of a dividend of 4.20/share in April 2022.

E. EPRA indicators

H1 2022 H1 2021 EPRA Earnings (m) 48.9 43.8 /share 1.14 0.94 EPRA Cost Ratio (including vacancy costs) 17.9% 17.0% EPRA Cost Ratio (excluding vacancy costs) 16.8% 15.1%

30/06/2022 31/12/2021 EPRA NRV (m) 5,195 5,084 /share 121.2 118.6 EPRA NTA (m) 4,687 4,627 /share 109.3 107.9 EPRA NDV (m) 4,666 4,375 /share 108.9 102.1 EPRA Net Initial Yield (NIY) 2.2% 2.5% EPRA topped-up NIY 3.0% 2.9% EPRA Vacancy Rate 0.6% 1.7%

Alternative Performance Indicators (APIs)

EPRA Earnings API

 millions H1 2022 H1 2021 Attributable net profit 221.5 98.8 Less: Profit (loss) on asset disposals 0.4 (0.1) Non-recurring costs relating to disposals 2.5 Fair value adjustments to investment property (205.4) (54.7) Fair value adjustments to financial instruments, discounting adjustments to debt and related costs 0.1 Tax on the above items (0.7) (3.2) Non-controlling interests in the above items 33.0 0.5 EPRA earnings 48.9 43.8

EPRA NRV/NTA/NDV APIs:

 millions 30/06/2022 31/12/2021 Attributable equity 4,442 4,387 Treasury shares 2 2 Fair value adjustments to owner-occupied property 34 34 Unrealised capital gains on intangible assets 4 4 Elimination of financial instruments at fair value (4) Elimination of deferred taxes 211 211 Transfer costs 502 451 EPRA NRV (Net Reinstatement Value) 5,195 5,084 Elimination of intangible assets (2) (2) Elimination of unrealised gains on intangible assets (4) (4) Elimination of transfer costs* (502) (451) EPRA NTA (Net Tangible Assets) 4,687 4,627 Intangible assets 2 2 Financial instruments at fair value 4 Fixed-rate debt at fair value 188 (47) Deferred taxes (211) (211) EPRA NDV (Net Disposal Value) 4,666 4,375

Net debt API

 millions 30/06/2022 31/12/2021 Long-term borrowings and derivative instruments 1,823 1,489 Short-term borrowings and other interest-bearing debt 789 413 Debt in the consolidated statement of financial position 2,612 1,902 Less: Accrued interest, deferred recognition of debt arranging fees, negative fair value adjustments to financial instruments 26 5 Cash and cash equivalents (160) (115) Net debt 2,477 1,792

More information is available at www.fonciere-lyonnaise.com/en/publications/results

About SFL

Leader in the prime segment of the Parisian commercial real estate market, Societe Fonciere Lyonnaise stands out for the quality of its property portfolio, which is valued at 8.4 billion and is focused on the Central Business District of Paris (cloud.paris, Edouard VII, Washington Plaza, etc.), and for the quality of its client portfolio, which is composed of prestigious companies in the consulting, media, digital, luxury, finance and insurance sectors. As France's oldest property company, SFL demonstrates year after year an unwavering commitment to its strategy focused on creating a high value in use for users and, ultimately, substantial appraisal values for its properties.

Stock market: Euronext Paris Compartment A Euronext Paris ISIN FR0000033409 Bloomberg: FLY FP Reuters: FLYP PA

S&P rating: BBB+ stable outlook

www.fonciere-lyonnaise.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220725005691/en/

Contacts:

SFL Thomas Fareng T +33 (0)1 42 97 27 00 t.fareng@fonciere-lyonnaise.com
Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2022) - The crypto community in Turkey were once again invited to a 4-day summer meet-up by the world's leading trading platform, LBank. The event was held at Izmir, Foca and was a blend of crypto education, music, drinks, and food.





LBank Summer Meet Up - Turkey

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8831/131635_854543fcf4d9ca05_001full.jpg

Hundreds of students from various universities, LBank's partners and influencers were in attendance to enjoy the crypto-themed summer camp while many had the opportunity to interact with other blockchain experts, developers and crypto believers.

Day 1 of the event started with an assembly of the blockchain community from different universities, payment gateways, blockchain Influencers and other community members.

Furthermore, Allen Wei, the CEO of LBank, expressed his excitement about the event. He noted that "it is important that the community meet and interact with each other often within a relaxed environment as we work towards building a stronger and better ecosystem."

On the second day, keynote speakers spoke on "Being a Trader in the Bear Season." Consequently, a trade workshop was held and after the training, the communities shared their crypto experiences with the speakers.

The third day of the event started with a lecture by a veteran NFT designer on "NFTs and Blockchain Literacy." After the training, a volleyball tournament took place during the day and prizes were awarded to the winners.

The activities at the event also included a yoga session, a workshop on "Blockchain Entrepreneurship," a learning symposium, colour fest and a closing afterparty.

Overall, it was a good networking opportunity for everyone, with a closing night party to seal each day. This event was important to the community as it was one of a kind event that brought together a large number of crypto believers from varying sectors.

About LBank Exchange

LBank Exchange, founded in 2015, is an innovative global trading platform for various crypto assets. LBank Exchange provides its users safe crypto trading, specialised financial derivatives, and professional asset management services. It has become one of the most popular and trusted crypto trading platforms with over 7 million users from more than 210 regions around the world.

Start Trading Now: lbank.info

Community & Social Media:

l Telegram

l Twitter

l Facebook

l Linkedin

Contact Details:

LBK Blockchain Co. Limited

Downtown, Dubai

media@lbank.info

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131635
Medford, Wisconsin--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2022) - Green Light Metals Inc. (the "Company") is pleased to announce that today it has completed the previously announced amalgamation (the "Transaction") with Can-America Minerals Inc. ("Can-America") and 1328592 B.C. Ltd. ("Subco"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, to acquire Can-America by way of a three-cornered amalgamation.

Acquisition of Can-America

As previously announced on December 16, 2021, the Company, Can-America and Subco entered into an amalgamation agreement contemplating the Transaction on December 14, 2021 and amended such agreement on June 7, 2022 (together, the "Amalgamation Agreement"). Under the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement, the Transaction was completed by way of a three-cornered amalgamation under the laws of British Columbia, whereby Subco and Can-America amalgamated (post-continuance under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia)), with Subco surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. As a result of the Transaction, the Company holds all of Can-America's assets, which includes ownership or control of mineral properties in Wisconsin and Nevada, and Can-America's shareholders hold common shares in the capital of the Company ("Common Shares").

The completion of the Transaction was subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, customary closing conditions and requisite corporate and shareholder approvals, including the approval of the holders of common shares of Can-America. All such conditions have either been met or waived by the parties. The Transaction also includes the issuance of Common Shares as payment of a previous shareholder loan to Can-America.

Pursuant to the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement, the parties will next seek to close a private placement of Common Shares, or common shares of a financing entity, for gross proceeds of at least $4 million (the "Private Placement") in connection with the Transaction and as a necessary component of the Transaction, and seek conditional approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") for the listing of the Common Shares.

In connection with the proposed listing of the Common Shares on the TSXV, it is expected that a filing statement will be prepared and filed in accordance with the policies of the TSXV. The Company will provide further details upon the closing of the Private Placement and will make available all information, including financial information as required by the TSXV and will provide at a later date, in a press release, the required disclosure.

For more information concerning the Company, please refer to the Company's profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

For more information, please contact:

Green Light Metals Inc.

Dan Colton

President & CEO, Director

(612) 839-8286

dancolton@greenlightmetals.com

David Carew

CFO & Corporate Secretary

(416) 786-4867

dave@greenlightmetals.com

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "intend", "may", "will", "seek", "expect", and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information with respect to the listing of the Common Shares on the TSXV, the terms and timing of the Private Placement, including the proceeds thereof, and the preparation and filing of a filing statement. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. The material facts and assumptions include the intended use of proceeds remaining in the best interests of the Company. The Company cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities Laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131853
TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - South Korea will on Tuesday release an advance estimate for Q2 gross domestic product, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. GDP is expected to rise 0.4 percent on quarter and 2.5 percent on year after adding 0.6 percent on quarter and 3.0 percent on year in the three months prior. The Bank of Japan will release the minutes from its monetary policy meeting on June 16 and 17. At the meeting, the central bank left the policy rate unchanged at -0.10 percent as expected and reaffirmed that it will purchase a necessary amount of Japanese government bonds (JGBs) without setting an upper limit so that 10-year JGB yields will remain at around zero percent. Singapore will provide June data for industrial production, with forecasts suggesting a decline of 5.8 percent on month and an increase of 5.7 percent on year. That follows the 10.9 percent monthly jump and the 13.8 percent annual spike in May. 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.
Coinzix, a Bucharest, Romania-based cryptocurrency exchange, raised $300k in funding.

Legion Ventures made the investment.

The company intends to use the funds to add new features and projects, like its own cryptocurrency, a launchpad, a debit card, and the expansion of its crypto ATM network.

Led by Ovidiu Chirodea, co-founder and CEO, Coinzix Led by Ovidiu Chirodea, co-founder and CEO, Coinzix is a cryptocurrency exchange that operates primarily within the European market. With over 60 crypto assets in its offer, the company allows users to trade via bank transfer, debit card, and offering seamless mobile and desktop experiences. The company boasts a wide network of crypto ATMs across Europe, with more to come.

Coinzix is processing transactions over $ 10 million in total and offers more than 60 crypto assets for trading while having several payment options that facilitate access to different consumer segments.

FinSMEs

25/07/2022
Qstay Hospitality Technologies, a Dubai, UAE-based DIFC based hospitality company, raised $6.5M in Seed debt and equity funding.

The backers were not disclosed.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate expansion globally.



Launched in 2020 by a long-time UAE resident Artur Khayrullin, CO-CEO; Ukrainian born Ekaterina Rogozhina, CCO; Ukrainian American Alec Fesenko, CO-CEO and his wife Natalya Fesenko, the initial investor, Qstay operates as a virtual hotel brand which provides luxury hotel-like services and amenities such as bathrobes, slippers, luxury toiletries, bathroom amenities, tea, Starbucks coffee. Additionally, Qstay provides digital app-based access to nearby pools, beaches, gyms and spas for its guests staying in beachfront properties.

The company leases large groups of units in the top locations, upgrades and furnishes them to the consistent luxury standard and supports them with the extensive luxury hotel-like services and amenities, providing guests with exceptionally designed accommodations at affordable prices on a nightly, weekly or monthly basis. They also offer text-enabled around-the-clock concierge service. Qstay currently operates close to 200 properties in the UAE and Europe, 200 more are signed and expects to have 450 revenue generating units by the end of 2022.

FinSMEs

24/07/2022
It is a rather desolate future for One America News (OAN) network after it was dropped by Verizon Fios. The cable operator is the last major company to run the right-wing cable channel.

The network failed to settle an agreement with Verizon Fios. This means OAN will no longer be aired in the cable company as of July 31.

The move of Verizon Fios is another hit to OAN as last April it stopped appearing on DirecTV, which is behind the nearly half of the 35 million homes that has access to OAN on cable or satellite TV, as per CBS News.

OAN Failed to Agree to Fair Terms According to Verizon

In a statement to The Daily Beast, Verizon said: "Our negotiation with OAN has been a typical, business-as-usual carriage negotiation like those that routinely happen between content distributors and content providers."

The negotiations, according to the cable company, were focused on economics, however, OAN failed to agree to fair terms.

When requested for a comment, OAN did not respond.

OAN is owned by the California-based Herring Networks. The network has faced criticism in the past for supposedly "peddling conspiracy theories and falsehoods," according to The Verge.

In fact, the network's YouTube channel was suspended in 2020 because it promoted a fake cure for COVID-19.

In the same year, Dominion, an electronic voting system company, filed a defamation lawsuit against OAN due to the false allegations that Dominion's machines interfered with the 2020 US election.

Additionally, Smartmatic, another voting system company, demanded that OAN along with other conservative stations take back their statements about voter fraud.

Read Also: TikTok to Give Option to Skip Videos That Trigger Epileptic Seizures

OAN Faces a Bleak Future as Cable Companies Dropped the Network

As the deal with Verizon was about to expire, OAN threw attacks at the cable company. Meanwhile, CEO Robert Herring Sr. has plead to other cable companies to take the struggling channel.

The OAN CEO even went as far as start a rumor that Elon Musk was planning to buy the network. Musk immediately shot down the issue.

As the network faces crisis, viewers are encouraged by the hosts to "dig up dirt on executives of companies that had dropped OAN," according to The Daily Beast. This move does not exactly help Herring's attempt to get new customers.

According to NextTV, after DirecTV dropped OAN, the network was estimated to make only $550,000 a month. This comes from pay-TV carriage fees, which mostly come from Verizon.

But OAN is now facing a bleak future as Verizon Fios axed it. The network had 3.7 million subscribers as of last fall from Verizon.

Currently, Alaska-based General Communications Inc. (GCI) is the only cable provider in the U.S. that still offers OAN.

However, GCI has only a little over 100,000 subscribers. Moreover, the company is planning to abandon cable for streaming. Aside from that, the only other platforms where viewers can watch OAN are little known digital platforms Vifgo and KlowdTV.

According to The Daily Beast, one network insider told them that OAN recently made a move to focus on online content that will "go viral" on social media. This suggest that the network is planning to go digital.

Related Article: One America News Network's YouTube Channel Suspended over 'Misinformation' Accusations
On July 5, 2022, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Abdelmadjid Tebboune on the 60th anniversary of the victory of the Algerian War of Independence.

Xi Jinping pointed out, sixty years ago, the Algerian people realized national independence and liberation after going through an arduous struggle, writing a glorious chapter of the liberation movements of the Arabian and African peoples. The Chinese government and the Chinese people provided support and assistance to Algeria's independence revolution, and the two countries and two peoples forged a profound friendship during the struggles. In recent years, political mutual trust between the two countries has been strengthened continuously and bilateral practical cooperation has been fruitful, taking the China-Algeria comprehensive strategic partnership to ever new levels. I attach great importance to the development of China-Algeria relations and stand ready to work with President Tebboune to push forward exchanges and cooperation in all fields within the framework of the Belt and Road cooperation for the benefit of the two countries and two peoples.

On the same day, Premier Li Keqiang sent a congratulatory message to Algerian Prime Minister Aymene Benabderrahmane. Li Keqiang said, since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries 64 years ago, bilateral relations have been developing in a sound and stable manner. I would like to join hands with Prime Minister Aymene Benabderrahmane to expand and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation across the board, enrich the China-Algeria comprehensive strategic partnership and continuously improve the well-being of the two peoples.
What could have been a revolutionary change in the global airline industry came to a halt when the world's fastest commercial jet crashed, killing more than a hundred people.

On an unassuming summer day in 2000, the Concorde supersonic plane was bound to take dozens of tourists from Paris to New York for a cruise. None of the passengers on Air France Flight 4590 knew that the world's fastest commercial jet would never leave Europe and would eventually ground the fleet forever.

History of the Concorde Supersonic Plane

The Concorde supersonic plane is a supersonic airliner that is the result of a collaboration between France's Sud Aviation and the UK's British Aircraft Corporation (BAC). In 1954, France and the UK entered into an agreement to develop the Concorde supersonic plane, which would then become the world's fastest commercial jet with the capability to fly 1,350 miles per hour.

The Concorde supersonic plane was powered by four Rolls Royce turbojets and could travel more than twice the speed of sound, crossing the Atlantic Ocean in just less than 3.5 hours, History reported. The supersonic jet was truly an engineering marvel, with every aspect of its design created for aerodynamic efficiency.

More than just a sleek, fast plane, it was a big technological leap into the future as scientists and engineers hoped to make the world a smaller place, Simple Flying reported. But following the Air France Flight 4590 crash, nothing had ever been the same for the once-revered Concorde.

What Caused the Air France Flight 4590 Crash?

On July 25, 2000, Air France Concorde flight number 4590 was set to depart from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), in a trip chartered by German travel company Peter Deilmann Cruises. It was set to take passengers to New York for a 16-day cruise to Ecuador on the MS Deutschland. But the Concorde supersonic plane never left France and instead had met its demise just minutes after takeoff.

When Air France Flight 4590 left DeGaulle Airport for New York, it carried 96 German tourists and nine crew members. However, when the Concorde supersonic plane took off on the runway, it ran over debris, specifically a metallic strip that fell off a Continental Airlines DC-10 that took off just moments earlier.

Upon impact, the metal strip caused a tire of the Concorde supersonic plane to blow and throw debris underneath the left wing and landing gear bay. This then caused a rupture on the full fuel tank inside the left wing, causing fuel to freely flow out at great force. The debris that entered the landing gear bay also severed wires, preventing the pilots from retracting the wheels.

The broken wing's sparks ignited the flowing fuel, creating a massive flame trailing behind the Concorde supersonic plane. Pilots then lost control of the plane, which crashed into the Hotel Hotelissimo in Gonesse, just minutes after it took off. The crash killed all 109 people on board and four hotel employees.

Read Also: Introducing The Hypersonic Jet That Can Take You To Far Places Like London To New York In Just 2 Hours

Other Interesting Facts About the Concorde

Following the Air France Flight 4590 crash, the Concorde fleet was grounded as the disaster was investigated. In November 2001, the Concorde supersonic plane went back into service, but minor problems prompted Air France and British Airways to permanently end the service in October 2003.

The Concorde supersonic plane was lovingly nicknamed "l'oiseau blanc" or "the white bird" after it debuted in 1976, showcasing its technological advancements and aerodynamic elegance, the Smithsonian Magazine reported. Featuring a "needle-nosed, delta-winged, ivory-white" form, the plane was equipped with just 100 seats laid out in a 2+2 configuration and was truly "the pinnacle of modern luxury" at the time, as tickets had a handsome price tag of at least $10,000.

Related Article: Boom Supersonic Reveals New Design for Overture, an Airliner That Can Fly From New York to London in 3.5 Hours




Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
Hangzhou doctor promotes dementia awareness with lively videos

(People's Daily App) 10:34, July 25, 2022

A Hangzhou-based doctor is churning out short videos to alert viewers to early diagnosis and intervention against Alzheimer's disease.

Luo Xiao, 32, has been shooting the vivid videos in the Zhejiang Province capital city since the 2020 outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Luo has worked eight years in the brain-scanning radiology department of the Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine.

Luo said he wants people to "know how to prevent, how to care and how to face Alzheimer's disease. With Alzheimer's disease, the genetic risk to offspring is greatly increased."

(Produced by Gao Yuan and Dong Feng)

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun)
gettyimagesbank



By Anna J. Park



Data show that the U.S. is increasing its weight in Korea's annual export volumes, while China has been declining. China's prolonged pandemic lockdowns are attributed as one of the main reasons, yet other complex factors, such as China's advances in manufacturing industries as well as the growing U.S-China trade conflict, are also estimated to have played a part in the trend.



According to data compiled by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), exports to China accounted for about 23.2 percent of Korea's entire export volume during the first half of this year. The figure is a decrease by 1.9 percentage points from the same period last year. In comparison, the U.S. took up 15.7 percent of Korea's export volume during this year's first half, which is a 0.4 percentage point increase year-on-year.




Hepatitis cases in children linked to adeno-associated virus AAV2

Recent acute hepatitis cases of unknown origin in children have now been linked to the virus AAV2 in two new UK studies, with no evidence of a direct link to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Submitted to MedRxiv as pre-prints, both studies found that the common virus AAV2 (adeno-associated virus 2) was present at high levels in all samples from patients with confirmed cases of unexplained hepatitis. The virus, which is not known to normally cause disease and often accompanies infection with adenoviruses, has now been found by scientists to be associated with the development of acute hepatitis in a small number of young children.

The two studies were led independently and simultaneously. One, examining cases from Scotland by the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) and the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, in partnership with Public Health Scotland and ISARIC (International Severe Acute Respiratory and emerging Infections Consortium) WHO Clinical Characterisation Protocol UK (CCP-UK); and a second studying cases from across all four UK nations at Great Ormond Street Hospital and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (UCL GOS ICH), in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency.

Since April 2022, a number of young children worldwide have developed jaundice and acute severe hepatitis of unknown origin. Currently the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported at least 1010 probable cases in 35 countries. Children with the condition have commonly had to be hospitalised for a number of days, with 11 children in England and one in Scotland requiring a liver transplant. In the UK, the majority of the 268 cases have been under the age of five years old with nearly 40% of hospitalised cases (74 of 189) requiring admission to intensive care.

Previously, health officials had thought that a spike in adenovirus infections in spring 2022  until now the most commonly-found virus in samples from the affected children  may be part of the explanation for this spike in hepatitis cases. These two new studies shed light on another virus that seems to play a significant role.

Researchers across two teams found that AAV2 (which cannot replicate without a helper virus such as an adenovirus or herpesvirus) was present in 96% cases of unknown hepatitis examined across both studies.

Therefore, the researchers believe that coinfection with two viruses  AAV2 and an adenovirus, or less often the herpes virus HHV6 (which has also been found in sample from some patients)  may offer the best explanation for the onset of severe liver disease in affected children.

The Glasgow research and patient genetics

The Scottish study carried out a detailed investigation of nine cases and 58 control subjects. Using next-generation sequencing and real-time PCR, the research team compared samples and were able to confirm the presence of AAV2 in the plasma and liver of all nine cases. There was no AAV2 in any of the subjects in the control groups, which were made up of age-matched healthy controls, children with adenovirus but normal liver function and children admitted to hospital with known causes of hepatitis. The Scottish study also examined the genetics of the patients with unknown hepatitis, alongside the pathogen genomics, to find out whether any of the children may be more susceptible to this type of acute hepatitis. Using detailed genomic testing of the patients, researchers were able to identify differences in the Human Leukocyte Antigen gene, that were not commonly found in the control groups of healthy children, or in the genes of children with other forms of hepatitis. The team believe these genetic sequences may offer another part of the answer as to why some children have become seriously unwell.

The London research, sequencing and immunocompromised patients

With expertise in metagenomics and adenovirus sequencing, the London team studied 28 cases, including liver samples from five children that required a transplant and blood samples from the remaining children who did not  residual samples were sufficient to test 17 cases for AAV2, 16 of which tested positive. RNA sequencing of liver samples confirmed the presence of AAV2 replication in the liver of children with unknown hepatitis. Patient samples were compared with 132 controls from immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. The London study showed that AAV2 was present only very rarely in the children who did not have hepatitis (6 out of 100) and at much lower levels, even for immunocompromised children (11 out of 32).

Unknown hepatitis and SARS-CoV-2

Both studies were able to rule out the likelihood of recent or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection as a direct cause for the acute hepatitis. Researchers found no SARS-CoV-2 in the liver of patients, while tests conducted by the team in Glasgow to find out

whether the children had previously had COVID-19 found that only two thirds of the patients had antibodies to the infection, similar to SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in Scottish children at the time. Further, the peak in cases occurred well after the peak in COVID-19 cases in Scotland but only shortly after a peak in adenovirus infections.

Researchers still cannot be certain why this is happening now, but both teams have highlighted the possibility that a peak in adenovirus infections in the general population after a period of lockdown may have contributed to this, through lowered immunity in children to certain viruses and changes in patterns of virus circulation.

Professor Emma Thomson, Clinical Professor and Consultant in Infectious Diseases at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) and senior author of the Scottish study said: The presence of the AAV2 virus is associated with unexplained hepatitis in children. This virus can only infrequently in the presence of another virus (usually an adenovirus). AAV2 may cause disease itself or it may be a useful biomarker of recent adenovirus infection which may be the main underlying pathogen, but which can be harder to detect. There are many unanswered questions and larger studies are urgently needed to investigate the role of AAV2 in paediatric hepatitis cases. We also need to understand more about seasonal circulation of AAV2, a virus that is not routinely monitored  it may be that a peak of adenovirus infection has coincided with a peak in AAV2 exposure, leading to an unusual manifestation of hepatitis in susceptible young children.

Professor Judy Breuer, Professor of Virology at UCL GOS ICH and Honorary Consultant Virologist at GOSH said: While we still have some unanswered questions about exactly what led to this spike in acute hepatitis, we hope these results can reassure parents concerned about Covid-19 as neither teams have found any direct link with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our data do, however, point to AAV2 in the liver and, or blood of cases as the strongest biomarker for the hepatitis. Additionally, the presence of HHV6 and Adenovirus in the damaged livers, removed from the five children who needed liver transplants, raises questions as to the role of co-infections with these three viruses in the most severe cases.

We at GOSH/UCL were very happy to contribute our specialist expertise which has been built-up to support children at GOSH, to help in the investigation of this global emergency, affecting children in the UK at the moment.

Dr Antonia Ho, Clinical Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Infectious Diseases at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, said: It is critical to interpret our findings in relation to the timeframe of the patients clinical presentation. Most of the Scottish children had a preceding illness with diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain (often associated with adenovirus infection) between 1 to 11 weeks prior to presenting to hospital with acute liver inflammation, which may explain why adenovirus has not been identified in all affected children. The temporal association between adenovirus/ HHV6 and AAV2 infections requires further study.

Dr Sofia Morfopoulou, Sir Henry Wellcome fellow at UCL GOS ICH and a computational statistician, said: The finding of AAV2 in 94% of the unexplained hepatitis patients but only rarely in the samples from the control populations, and at much lower viral titres, raises a lot of interesting questions. International collaborations to further investigate and elucidate the role of AAV2 and co-infecting viruses in paediatric unexplained hepatitis in patients from different countries are now needed.

AAV2 is not an adenovirus but a member of the parvovirus family. Researchers found the virus at very high levels in the blood and liver of patients sampled, and it was also found to be replicating in the liver. In contrast, AAV2 was absent or only present in very low levels in the blood and liver of the control groups of children who did not have acute hepatitis.

Enquiries: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk / 0141 330 6557 or 0141 330 4831
The logo of Bithumb, the nation's second-largest crypto exchange, is seen in front of its customer service center in Seoul. Yonhap





By Lee Min-hyung







Shares of Vidente, the largest shareholder of Bithumb, soared by around 30 percent Monday amid FTX's reported plan to take over the Korean crypto exchange operator.







Vidente is the largest shareholder of Bithumb Holdings with a 34.22 percent stake. The company's stock closed with an eye-catching gain of 29.77 percent, or 2,730 won on the tech-heavy Kosdaq.







The company can exercise its right to appoint Bithumb's board of directors. If FTX, a U.S.-based crypto exchange, possibly ends a race to acquire Korea's second-largest crypto exchange operator, Vidente is also forecast to receive massive financial benefits.







Last week, an overseas news report said that FTX is "in advanced talks" to take over Bithumb.







A spokesman at Bithumb declined to disclose more details.







"We cannot confirm anything over the report or whether both sides are in talks for any deal," the official from the crypto exchange said.







Other crypto-related stocks also ended with gains on the same day.







Shares of Woori Technology Investment jumped by more than 17 percent shortly after the opening of the local stock market. The stock closed at 6,270 won, a gain of 5.73 percent or 340 won, from the previous trading day. The company holds a 7.4 percent stake in Dunamu, the operator of Korea's leading crypto exchange Upbit, as of the end of March this year.







Hanwha Investment & Securities, which also has a stake in Dunamu, extended a rally of more than 6 percent in its stock price at one time during the same day, before ending with a slight gain of 0.3 percent.







Their stock price growth was also in part driven by growing expectations for a possible crypto rebound after major cryptocurrencies experienced huge price falls during the second quarter amid fears of global monetary tightening.


DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a latest report by FMI, the global hair extension market was valued at US$ 2.38 Bn in 2021. The market is projected to reach a value of US$ 4.99 Bn by 2032, exhibiting a modest CAGR of 5.3% for the forecast period of 2022-2032. Rapid changes in lifestyle coupled with increasing product availability will likely boost the market over the forecast period.



Rapid changes in lifestyles, a preference for longer, denser hair, and an increase in product availability are contributing to the rising demand for hair extensions. The existence of side effects in hair transplant procedures and with hair restoration drugs further propel the market for hair extensions. The hair extension market is also fueled by an increase in consumer expenditure on appearance and personality-enhancing products. The increasing popularity of grooming products and elevated spending on the same will account for market growth during the assessment period.

Get a Sample Copy of Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-10197

Rising disposable incomes in emerging economies like Brazil, India, and Argentina among others will likely boost the sales of hair extensions during the forecast period. Additionally, marketing and promotional strategies focusing or based on consumer buying trends are expected to impact the global hair extensions market.

Increase in product availability along with side effects associated with hair transplant procedures will raise the sales of hair extensions in the market over the forecast period, says an FMI analyst.

Key Takeaways:

Release of new hair extension products with multiple functions is expected to supplement market growth over the forecast period.

Increasing spending on grooming will account for market expansion.

North America exhibits substantial growth potential in the market.

Rising e-commerce propels the Asia Pacific market towards growth.

Europe hair extension market will witness significant growth due to shifting consumer behavior.

Rising disposable incomes in countries like India, China, Brazil, and Argentina will positively influence the market over the forecast period.

For any Queries Linked with the Report, Ask an Analyst@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-10197

Competitive Landscape

BELLAMI Hair, Godrej, Great Lengths, Klix Hair Extension, Evergreen Products Group Limited, Great Lengths, Balmain Paris Hair Couture, Beauty industry group Qingdao Organic Hair Ltd., Hair Dreams, Hidden Crown, Hair Addictionz, Femme Hair Extension, Hairlocs, Easihair, Socap, and Cinderella Hair among others are some of the key organizations operating in the hair extensions market that are profiled in the full version of the report.

Key players in the hair extension market are employing tactics like mergers and acquisitions to achieve market expansion. They are investing in research and development to improve their product portfolios and gain a competitive advantage.

More Insights into the Hair Extensions Market Report

In its latest report, FMI offers an unbiased analysis of the Global Hair Extensions Market, providing historical data from 2017 to 2021 and forecast statistics for the period 2022 to 2032. To understand the global market potential, growth, and range, the market is segmented based on fitting type, sales type, sales channel, and region.

Hair Extensions Market Regional Analysis

According to the latest report by FMI, North America is expected to lead the global hair extension market. This is possible due to the presence of a massive number of hair extension manufacturers and organizations. Rising disposable incomes and accelerated urbanization in Latin America will boost market prospects in this region for the forecast period.

Rising e-commerce will likely propel the hair extension market in the Asia Pacific region. An increase in disposable incomes in emerging economies like India and China will contribute to market growth. Additionally, regions like the Middle East and Africa will register a boost in the market due to increasing consumer spending on grooming products.

Rapid shifts in consumer behavior will have a positive impact on the Europe hair extension market.

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Table of Content

1. Executive Summary

1.1. Global Market Outlook

1.2. Demand-side Trends

1.3. Supply-side Trends

1.4. Technology Roadmap Analysis

1.5. Analysis and Recommendations

2. Market Overview

2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy

2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations

3. Market Background

3.1. Market Dynamics

3.1.1. Drivers

3.1.2. Restraints

3.1.3. Opportunity

3.1.4. Trends

3.2. Scenario Forecast

3.2.1. Demand in Optimistic Scenario

3.2.2. Demand in Likely Scenario

3.2.3. Demand in Conservative Scenario

3.3. Opportunity Map Analysis

3.4. Investment Feasibility Matrix

3.5. PESTLE and Porters Analysis

3.6. Regulatory Landscape

3.6.1. By Key Regions

3.6.2. By Key Countries

Read More TOC

About FMI  Consumer Product

The Consumer Product unit at FMI offers a distinct and accurate analysis of the global consumer product industry. This comprehensive research ranges from the material type, category type, product types, retailing, and distribution of consumer goods to supply-demand-trade assessment, and relevant advancements occurring in the industry. Our research studies serve as referencing market guidelines for consumer product manufacturers, channel partners, and government bodies for developing  The Way Forward.

Have a Look at Related Research Reports of Consumer Product:

Hair Serums Ingredient Market Size: Hair Serums Ingredient Market by Ingredient Type, Nature, Sales Channel & Region - Forecast 2022  2032

Hair Gloss Market Share: Hair Gloss Market : Global Industry Analysis 2015-2019 and Opportunity Assessment 2020-2030

Hair Bond Multiplier Market Value: Hair Bond Multiplier Market By Product Type (Kit, Loose), Application (Hair Colouring, Hair Treatment), End Use (Salons, Spa, Personal Use) & Region - Forecast 2017  2027

Hair Texturizer Products Market Trends: Hair Texturizer Products Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013 - 2017 and Opportunity Assessment; 2018  2028

Professional Hair Care Products Market Demand: Professional Hair Care Products Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014  2020

Over-night Hair Treatment Products Market Analysis: Over-night Hair Treatment Products Market by Product Type, Price, Demographic, Application, Sales Channel & Region - Forecast 2022  2032

Anti-pollution Hair Care Market Type: The anti-pollution hair care products market size will surpass US$ 3.5 Bn in 2021. Between 2021 and 2031, the market is expected to exhibit compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%.

DIY Eyelash Extension Market Forecast: The global DIY eyelash extension market is estimated to reach US$ 501.7 Mn in 2022. Surging demand for convenient and aesthetic beauty products is anticipated to drive sales at a robust 7% CAGR, with the market valuation reaching US$ 1017.5 Mn in 2032

Artificial Hair Integration Market Outlook: The artificial hair integration market is estimated at ~US$ 1,790.7 Mn in 2022 and is projected to reach ~US$ 3,564.8 Mn by 2032

Smart Hair Brush Market Sales: Smart Hair Brush Market by End-User, Sales Channel & Region - Forecast 2022 - 2032

About Us

Future Market Insights (ESOMAR certified market research organization and a member of Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) provides in-depth insights into governing factors elevating the demand in the market. It discloses opportunities that will favor the market growth in various segments on the basis of Source, Application, Sales Channel and End Use over the next 10-years.

Contact:

Future Market Insights,

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United Arab Emirates

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LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs
Replay Launches with $55 Million Seed to Reprogram Biology by Writing and Delivering Big DNA

KKR and OMX Ventures lead $55 million seed funding round

Replays genomic medicine toolkit encompasses a portfolio of disruptive platform technologies to write and deliver big DNA, including a high payload capacity HSV delivery platform, a hypoimmunogenic cell therapy platform, and a proprietary genome writing platform

Company is led and supported by a world-class team of academics, entrepreneurs, and industry experts

Innovative hub-and-spoke business model separates technology development from product development, leveraging Replays technologies within discrete product companies

Five product companies have been incorporated to date





San Diego, California and London, UK, 25 July 2022  Replay, a genome writing company reprogramming biology by writing and delivering big DNA, today announced its launch with $55 million in seed financing. The round was led by KKR and OMX Ventures, with additional participation from ARTIS Ventures and Lansdowne Partners, SALT, DeciBio Ventures, and Axial.

Replays portfolio of next-generation genomic medicine technologies aims to solve the key challenges currently limiting clinical progress, including the need for increased payload capacity and off-the-shelf cell therapies that substantially reduce cost of goods, improve production speed, volume and consistency, and expand the potential for genome engineering.

Replays genomic medicine toolkit comprises several synergistic technology platforms, including:

synHSV - a high payload capacity HSV vector able to deliver up to 30x the payload of AAV. synHSV facilitates the delivery of large genes, genomic genes, multiple genes, and multiple transcriptional activators and repressors, thereby extending the reach of genomic medicine and opening up the possibility of polygenic therapy

uCell - a universal, renewable, off-the-shelf, genomically rewritten, hypoimmunogenic iPSC-derived cell source for regenerative medicine and cell therapy

DropSynth - a genome writing platform enabling rapid, efficient, and low-cost synthesis of libraries of synthetic genes and big DNA

LASR - an evolutionary inference algorithm platform for rewriting proteins to optimize functionality

Replays innovative corporate structure separates technology development from therapeutic product development within disease area-specific product companies. Each product company is co-founded by seasoned entrepreneurs in conjunction with global thought leaders in each therapeutic area. To date, Replay has established four synHSV gene therapy product companies, aimed at bringing big DNA therapies to monogenic diseases affecting the skin, eye, brain and muscle, and an enzyme writing product company using LASR and DropSynth to optimize enzyme functionality.

Replay was co-founded by Dr. Adrian Woolfson BM BCh PhD, formerly Executive Vice President and Head of Research and Development at Sangamo Therapeutics, Chief Medical Officer at Nouscom, Global Clinical Leader of Early and Late Stage Immuno-Oncology/Hematology at Pfizer and Global Medical Lead in Oncology at Bristol Myers Squibb; Lachlan MacKinnon, a member of the founding team at Oxford Science Enterprises (formerly OSI) and founding investor in Base Genomics, ONI and OMass Therapeutics; Professor David Knipe PhD, a world-renowned virologist and pioneer of HSV research; and Professor Ron Weiss PhD, one of the pioneers of synthetic biology and Professor of Biological Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Adrian Woolfson, Executive Chairman, President, and Co-founder of Replay, commented: Genomic medicine has the potential to transform the future of clinical therapeutics. Over my three decades of experience working in clinical medicine, academia, and the biopharmaceutical industry, it has become clear that we require a more robust and comprehensive toolkit of molecular genetic platform technologies to solve biologys most complex problems and realize its full therapeutic potential. In Replay we have assembled a world-class team of entrepreneurs, subject matter experts, and cutting-edge genomic medicine and synthetic biology technologies into a coherent structure that will enable us to address medicines greatest challenges, including solid tumors and polygenic diseases.

Lachlan MacKinnon, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-founder of Replay, added: Technology and product development have different talent requirements, timelines, costs and cultures. By separating technology development from product development, we have generated a model to accommodate these differences. Our ability to write and deliver big DNA has the potential to disrupt many areas of genomic medicine. We have the right team, corporate structure, portfolio of technology platforms, and financial backing to build an enduring company that shapes the future of the industry.

Kugan Sathiyanandarajah, Managing Director at KKR and Board Member at Replay, said: Replays mission is to create a world-leading company that develops and owns the tools to reprogram biology by writing and delivering big DNA; we believe these capabilities will unlock the largest untapped opportunity in medicine. Replay has tremendous entrepreneurial experience within the Company, as well as a team of seasoned industry players to guide the development of the platform technologies and product companies to bring new treatments to patients.

Nick Haft, Managing Director at OMX Ventures and Board Observer at Replay, added: Replay has assembled an impressive portfolio of step-change technologies to propel the field of genomic medicine forward. We are excited to support these technologies, Replays creative business model and the excellent team of entrepreneurs and investors that brings it all together.

Errik Anderson, CEO of Alloy Therapeutics and Independent Board Member at Replay, stated: Substantial technological advances in biotechnology often create opportunities for new business models. I am very excited to partner with Replays ambitious founders and investors who have devised a new structure around the significant opportunity space afforded by synHSV, uCell, and Replays related genomic medicine and synthetic biology technologies.

Alongside a highly experienced management team and board, which includes serial entrepreneur Errik Anderson, Replay is supported by a distinguished team of entrepreneurs and international experts including product company co-founders: Professor Joe Glorioso PhD, inventor of Replays synHSV technology and Senior Advisor for Gene Therapy Programs at Replay, Co-founder of Oncorus, and Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh; Mark Blumenkranz, MD, MMS, the HJ Smead Professor of Ophthalmology, Emeritus, at the Stanford School of Medcine, Co-Director of the Stanford Opthalmology Innovation Program, and former Chairman of the Board and Co-founder of Adverum Biotechnologies; Professor Howard Federoff MD PhD, Co-Founder of Brain Neurotherapy Bio, and former CEO of Aspen Neuroscience and Brooklyn Immunotherapeutics; and Professor David Schaffer PhD, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Bioengineering and Neuroscience at University of California, Berkeley, and Co-founder of 4D Molecular Therapeutics.

KKR is investing in Replay through KKR Health Care Strategic Growth Fund II, a $4.0 billion fund focused on investing in high-growth health care companies.

Ends

About Replay

Replay is a genome writing company, which aims to define the future of genomic medicine through reprogramming biology by writing and delivering big DNA. The Company has assembled a toolkit of disruptive platform technologies  including a high payload capacity HSV platform, a hypoimmunogenic platform, and a genome writing platform  to address the scientific challenges currently limiting clinical progress and preventing genomic medicine from realising its full potential. The Companys hub-and-spoke business model separates technology development within Replay from therapeutic development in product companies, which leverage the technology platforms. For example, Replays synHSV technology, a high payload capacity HSV vector capable of delivering up to 30 times the payload of AAV, is utilized by Replays four gene therapy product companies, bringing big DNA treatments to diseases affecting the skin, eye, brain, and muscle. The Company has, additionally, established an enzyme writing product company engaging its evolutionary inference machine learning and genome writing technology to optimize functionality. Replay is led by a world-class team of academics, entrepreneurs and industry experts.

The Company has raised $55 million in seed financing and is supported by an international syndicate of investors that includes KKR, OMX Ventures, ARTIS Ventures, and Lansdowne Partners.

Replay is headquartered in San Diego, CA and London, UK. For further information please visit www.replay.bio and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKRs insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKRs investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKRs website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter.

About OMX Ventures

OMX Ventures is an early stage, tech-bio focused venture capital fund  a force multiplier for scientists and innovators pushing the boundaries of whats possible in biology and beyond. Visit OMX Ventures website at OMX.VC and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Contacts:

Replay

Dr. Adrian Woolfson/Lachlan MacKinnon

info@replay.bio

Consilium Strategic Communications  Media relations

Amber Fennell/Tracy Cheung/Jessica Hodgson

replay@consilium-comms.com

KKR

Alastair Elwen/Sophia Johnston

Finsbury Glover Hering

KKR-LON@fgh.com

+44 20 7251 3801
Dublin, July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Healthcare CRM Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global healthcare CRM market reached a value of US$ 12.2 Billion in 2021. Looking forward, the publisher expects the market to reach US$ 25.7 Billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.22% during 2021-2027. Keeping in mind the uncertainties of COVID-19, we are continuously tracking and evaluating the direct as well as the indirect influence of the pandemic on different end use sectors. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor.



Healthcare customer relationship management (HCRM) refers to a specialized software-based solution designed for medical institutions to manage customer-related processes. It is usually deployed on cloud or on-premises in the form of operational, analytical and collaborative CRM. It includes comprehensive patient management, dashboard and reporting, caregiver management and communication tools.

HCRM records the patient's information, such as medical history, visits, prescriptions and medical bills, into a holistic profile and is also used for scheduling and tracking medical appointments. It aids in maintaining an updated database about the patients with valuable insights and offer quality support to the customers. As a result, they are widely used across hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers.



Healthcare CRM Market Trends:

Significant growth in the healthcare industry across the globe is one of the key factors creating a positive outlook for the market. Moreover, the increasing requirement for effective solutions to improve patient's treatment and healthcare experience is providing a thrust to the market growth.

Additionally, various technological advancements, such as the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and cloud-computing solutions with the HCRM platforms, are acting as other growth-inducing factors. These solutions provide high-quality virtual care, home care and remote disease monitoring services to the patient through chatbots and real-time interactions.

These tools also assist in minimizing the human effort that results in enhanced cost efficiency, minimal risk of errors and optimized communications. Other factors, including rising healthcare expenditures of the masses, along with extensive research and development (R&D) activities, are anticipated to drive the market growth.

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players being Accenture Plc, AllScripts Healthcare Solutions Inc, Amdocs, Aspect Software Inc, International Business Machines Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Salesforce.com inc, SAP SE and Siemens Healthineers AG (Siemens AG).



Key Questions Answered in This Report:

How has the global healthcare CRM market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global healthcare CRM market?

What are the key regional markets?

What is the breakup of the market based on the product?

What is the breakup of the market based on the application?

What is the breakup of the market based on the technology?

What is the breakup of the market based on the end use?

What are the various stages in the value chain of the industry?

What are the key driving factors and challenges in the industry?

What is the structure of the global healthcare CRM market and who are the key players?

What is the degree of competition in the industry?

Key Topics Covered:



1 Preface



2 Scope and Methodology



3 Executive Summary



4 Introduction

4.1 Overview

4.2 Key Industry Trends



5 Global Healthcare CRM Market

5.1 Market Overview

5.2 Market Performance

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 Market Forecast



6 Market Breakup by Product

6.1 Individual

6.1.1 Market Trends

6.1.2 Market Forecast

6.2 Referral

6.2.1 Market Trends

6.2.2 Market Forecast

6.3 Individual and Referral

6.3.1 Market Trends

6.3.2 Market Forecast



7 Market Breakup by Application

7.1 Community Outreach

7.1.1 Market Trends

7.1.2 Market Forecast

7.2 Case Coordination

7.2.1 Market Trends

7.2.2 Market Forecast

7.3 Case Management

7.3.1 Market Trends

7.3.2 Market Forecast

7.4 Relationship Management

7.4.1 Market Trends

7.4.2 Market Forecast



8 Market Breakup by Technology

8.1 Cloud-based

8.1.1 Market Trends

8.1.2 Market Forecast

8.2 Mobile

8.2.1 Market Trends

8.2.2 Market Forecast

8.3 Social

8.3.1 Market Trends

8.3.2 Market Forecast

8.4 Collaborative

8.4.1 Market Trends

8.4.2 Market Forecast

8.5 Predictive

8.5.1 Market Trends

8.5.2 Market Forecast



9 Market Breakup by End Use

9.1 Payers

9.1.1 Market Trends

9.1.2 Market Forecast

9.2 Providers

9.2.1 Market Trends

9.2.2 Market Forecast

9.3 Life Science Companies

9.3.1 Market Trends

9.3.2 Market Forecast



10 Market Breakup by Region



11 SWOT Analysis



12 Value Chain Analysis



13 Porters Five Forces Analysis



14 Price Analysis



15 Competitive Landscape

15.1 Market Structure

15.2 Key Players

15.3 Profiles of Key Players

15.3.1 Accenture Plc

15.3.1.1 Company Overview

15.3.1.2 Product Portfolio

15.3.1.3 Financials

15.3.1.4 SWOT Analysis

15.3.2 AllScripts Healthcare Solutions Inc

15.3.2.1 Company Overview

15.3.2.2 Product Portfolio

15.3.2.3 Financials

15.3.2.4 SWOT Analysis

15.3.3 Amdocs

15.3.3.1 Company Overview

15.3.3.2 Product Portfolio

15.3.3.3 Financials

15.3.4 Aspect Software Inc

15.3.4.1 Company Overview

15.3.4.2 Product Portfolio

15.3.5 International Business Machines Corporation

15.3.5.1 Company Overview

15.3.5.2 Product Portfolio

15.3.5.3 Financials

15.3.5.4 SWOT Analysis

15.3.6 Microsoft Corporation

15.3.6.1 Company Overview

15.3.6.2 Product Portfolio

15.3.6.3 Financials

15.3.6.4 SWOT Analysis

15.3.7 Oracle Corporation

15.3.7.1 Company Overview

15.3.7.2 Product Portfolio

15.3.7.3 Financials

15.3.7.4 SWOT Analysis

15.3.8 Salesforce.com inc

15.3.8.1 Company Overview

15.3.8.2 Product Portfolio

15.3.8.3 Financials

15.3.8.4 SWOT Analysis

15.3.9 SAP SE

15.3.9.1 Company Overview

15.3.9.2 Product Portfolio

15.3.9.3 Financials

15.3.9.4 SWOT Analysis

15.3.10 Siemens Healthineers AG (Siemens AG)

15.3.10.1 Company Overview

15.3.10.2 Product Portfolio

15.3.10.3 Financials

15.3.10.4 SWOT Analysis

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/nta7ok

Attachment
NYC, NY, July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Headstrong Project Inc. (Headstrong), a national-facing mental health practice of choice providing military connected individuals and their family members with barrier-free mental health treatment, today announced that it has officially launched their life-saving services in the State of Florida in partnership with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).

Since its founding in 2012, Headstrong has provided mission-critical mental health care to address the increased need within the military community and the ever-widening gap in accessing equitable mental health care in the United States. With the planned launch, Headstrong will have at least 20 trauma-focused trained clinicians available to serve 75 clients in Florida with plans to grow in both clinicians and clients served over the years to come.

This expansion is possible because of the partnership and generous support of WWP. Headquartered in Florida, the veterans nonprofit is committing to helping establish Headstrongs clinical presence in the state. Together, WWP and Headstrong will work to address the mental health needs of Floridas post-9/11 warriors and their families.

Our expansion into Florida represents one of the most important activities of the year, and it would not be possible without the longstanding support of our partners at Wounded Warrior Project. Given the rising unmet mental health needs of post-9/11 veteran families and members of the wounded warrior community, opening access to Headstrongs rich and experienced clinician base is absolutely whats needed at this moment here in Florida, said Colonel (U.S. Army, Ret.) Jim McDonough, Headstrongs Chief Executive Officer. Were thankful for the partnership with Wounded Warrior Project. Their leadership gets it, as do we, and that makes all the difference in the world as we work together to care for our warriors and their families.

WWP works with Headstrong to honor and empower warrior families whose mental health needs align with Headstrongs treatment model, addressing their concerns and issues to help them on their journey to recovery.

Were proud to support Headstrongs expansion in Florida to better serve warriors living with invisible wounds of war, said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. Like Wounded Warrior Project, Headstrong understands that mental health treatment is critical in the fight against veteran suicide. And together, we can break down barriers to care, connect warriors with qualified providers, and ultimately make a difference in Florida by saving lives.

About Headstrong

Headstrong is a leading, national-facing mental health network for our nations military connected members and families connected to their care that delivers cost-free, bureaucracy-free and stigma-free evidence-based treatment with industry leading outcomes. Our practice is founded on three leading principles: Unequaled access to best-in-class clinicians who deliver transformative care through individualized treatment with integrity. Our professional staff, accomplished clinicians and generous donors unite in a singular purpose - to deliver the courage, tools and ability to recover and grow following trauma.

Currently operating in 13 states and within the District of Columbia, Headstrongs trauma-informed clinical partners provide individualized, evidence-based care to more than 2,700 military connected members and their families since inception and approximately 1,300 active clients monthly. To learn more visit getheadstrong.org.

About Wounded Warrior Project

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers  helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.
New York, July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Solar PV Inverters Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06309356/?utm_source=GNW

The market growth declined due to the lockdown with delays in manufacturing new inverters, capacity addition outlook, and financial challenges for the major players value chain. Factors such as supportive government initiatives and investment in electrification of the remote and rural areas using solar energy are likely to support the solar PV inverters market. However, lack of general awareness, infrastructure development costs, and recent subsidy cuts on solar panels by governments in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to hinder the market growth during the study period.



Key Highlights

Central Inverters have dominated the market in the past and is expected to grow during the forecast period.

Solar PV inverter manufacturers strive for continuous technological developments, including optimized product operations, flexibility, and efficiency. This factor is expected to create immense opportunities for the solar PV inverter market in the near future.

Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest and largest growing market during the forecast period, with the majority of the demand coming from countries like China, India, etc.



Key Market Trends



Central Inverters Segment Expected to Witness the Market



A central inverter is a large grid feeder. It is often used in solar photovoltaic systems with rated outputs over 100 kWp. Typically, floor or ground-mounted inverters convert DC power collected from a solar array into AC power for grid connection. These devices range in capacity from around 50kW to 1MW and can be used indoors or outdoors.

Generally, a central inverter consists of one DC-AC conversion stage. Some inverters also have a DC-DC boost stage to increase their MPP (Maximum Power Point) voltage range. Low-frequency transformers are sometimes used to boost the AC voltage and provide isolation at the output. However, this reduces efficiency and increases the inverters size, weight, and cost.

A central inverter typically has a maximum input voltage of 1,000V. However, some newer central inverters already come with 1,500V input voltage. These inverters allow PV arrays based on a maximum voltage of 1,500V, requiring fewer BOS (balance of system) components.

Central Inverters can be monolithic (using a single power train and multi-MPPT tracker) or modular (using multiple power trains). Modular inverters are more complex but can maintain reduced power output if one or more modules fail and can use either a multi-MPPT or a master-slave control approach. The multi-MPPT system uses a separate converter and MPPT for each floating sub-array, increasing the overall energy harvest under partial shading conditions. In the Master-Slave approach, the Controller module is always on. It commands the slave modules (the slaves) to switch on when more power is available from the array, which maximizes inverter efficiency in low-insolation environments.

As central inverters are used for utility-scale applications, they should produce the same voltage and frequency as that of the electric grid where they are used. As there are a lot of different electric grid standards worldwide, manufacturers are allowed to customize these parameters to match the specific requirements in terms of the number of phases; most central inverters manufactured are three-phase inverters.

In January 2022, Sungrow launched its new 1+X central modular inverter with an output capacity of 1.1MW at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi. This 1+X modular inverter can be combined into eight units to reach a power of 8.8MW and features a DC/ESS interface for the connection of energy storage systems (ESS).

Therefore, with the growing demand for electricity coupled with the governments efforts to decarbonize the power sector and declining costs of central inverters are expected to drive the segment in the coming years.



Asia-Pacific to Dominate the Market



The Asia-Pacific region dominated the solar PV inverter market in 2021, and it is expected to continue its dominance over the coming years. Most of the demand is expected to come from China, which is also the largest producer of solar energy in the world.

In China, there has been an increased emphasis on solar inverters, providing a Zero-voltage Ride Through (ZVRT) scheme. To meet the scheme norms, the solar PV power plants must continue to operate without breaking. This is even more significant as the country hosts the largest amount of solar power generation globally.

With the rising pollution concerns worldwide due to industrialization, especially in Asia-Pacific, regional solar power generation has gained considerable momentum. As part of the Paris Agreement commitments, the Government of India set an ambitious target of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022. Out of the 175 GW, 100 GW was earmarked for solar capacity with 40 GW (40%), which was expected to be achieved through decentralized and rooftop-scale solar projects. To achieve this huge target, the government launched several new programs in 2019, like the solar rooftop phase-2, PM-KUSUM, and the development of ultra mega renewable energy power parks (UMREPPs).

Indias solar potential is more than 750 GW, and the countrys energy security scenario 2047 shows a possibility of achieving around 479 GW of solar PV installed capacity by 2047. The solar power in India, bestowed with high solar irradiance, has already achieved grid parity that encourages the adoption of solar power as a mainstream energy source, pushing forward the capacity installations in the utility-scale and rooftop solar segments.

As of November 2021, Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd had shipped more than 10 GW of solar inverters in India since its operations in the market in 2014. This is due to the increased demand for solar energy across the country.

In March 2022, Sungrow announced that it had increased its fab capacity in India to 10GW/annum capacity. Such large development in the manufacturing sector is expected to have a positive impact on the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Therefore, with various government initiatives launched by China, India, Malaysia, etc., the Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the solar PV inverter market during the forecast period.



Competitive Landscape



The global solar PV inverters market is fragmented. The key players in the market include FIMER SpA, Schneider Electric SE, Siemens AG, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and Omron Corporation.



Additional Benefits:



The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format

3 months of analyst support

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06309356/?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.



__________________________
Toronto, ON, July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TVOs commitment to inspire learning that changes lives and enriches communities has come together in an exciting new digital project: The TVO.me Ontario Road Trip. Ontarians can now explore an interactive map filled with engaging documentaries, articles, videos, games and learning experiences that highlight many regions of the province.

Visitors to TVO.me/Ontario-Road-Trip will discover an interactive map featuring location-specific content from TVO Today, TVO Learn and TVOkids. Whether at home or on vacation within Ontario, this initiative allows families to learn more about the province through ad-free, trustworthy content.

Ontarians all across the province have a strong desire to learn more about their home, its history and the many unique attractions that make summer road trips so much fun, says Jennifer Hinshelwood, COO of TVO. This interactive map lets you zoom into different regions and explore them any way you preferwhether thats through a documentary, article, learning resource or childrens media.

The TVO.me Ontario Road Trip is a virtual self-guided tour that brings together the breadth of content offered by TVO Today, TVO Learn and TVOkids. Visitors to the web page can let their curiosity drive how they experience the map, which is best enjoyed in a desktop browser environment.

Heading to Ottawa this summer? Select pins on the map to watch TVO Original TRIPPING the Rideau, read an article about the giant spider sculpture outside the National Gallery or access a Grade 5 Learning Activity about the different levels of government.

Select pins on the map to watch TVO Original TRIPPING the Rideau, read an article about the giant spider sculpture outside the National Gallery or access a Grade 5 Learning Activity about the different levels of government. Thinking of visiting Thunder Bay? Select pins on the map to watch a short doc on the city or a kid-friendly crafting video that features a visit to the Mckellar Bird Observatory. Theres also a great episode of The Water Brothers all about how invasive carp impact the Great Lakes.

Select pins on the map to watch a short doc on the city or a kid-friendly crafting video that features a visit to the Mckellar Bird Observatory. Theres also a great episode of The Water Brothers all about how invasive carp impact the Great Lakes. Hanging out in cottage country? Select pins on the map to watch Bruce Peninsula documentaries, kid-friendly videos on local pollinators or a Grade 3 Learning Activity that highlights how waterfalls can help us understand tree diagrams in math.

The number of location pins on the map will continue to grow over the summer. Fans of this resource are encouraged to submit their own TVO favourites theyd like to see included in the map. Connect with TVO through social media (see below) and newsletters.

Educators will find this visual representation of learning supports helpful in classroom settings, while newcomers to Ontario will also enjoy this unique way to gain an understanding of their new home.

- 30 -

About TVO

TVO inspires learning that changes lives and enriches communities. Founded in 1970, we are a globally recognized digital learning organization that engages Ontarians of all ages with inclusive experiences and diverse perspectives. Through video, audio, games, courses, newsletters and articles, were investing in the transformative potential of education for everyone. Funded primarily by the Province of Ontario, TVO is a registered charity supported by thousands of sponsors and donors. For more information, visit TVO.me, TVO.org and TVOkids.com.

Smart TV streaming services: LG, Samsung, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Android

Media contact:

Gulnihal Zileli

Manager, Audience Development

TVO

gzileli@tvo.org

Social:

Twitter: @TVO, @TVODocs, @TheAgenda

Facebook: @TVO, @TVODocs, @TVOkids, @TVOLearn, @TheAgenda

Instagram: @TVOkids, @TVOLearn, @TheAgendaTVO

YouTube: /TVO, /TVOkids, /TVOkidspreschool, /TheAgenda

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Newark, July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per the report published by The Brainy Insights, the global livestock monitoring market is expected to grow from USD 3.02 billion in 2021 to USD 9.45 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 13.51% during the forecast period 2022-2030.



The increase in cattle population coupled with the increasing adoption of livestock monitoring technology are anticipated to expand the demand for the livestock monitoring enterprise during the projection period. Moreover, the growing numbers of dairy farms, technological innovations leading to data-driven decisions, and the incidences of zoonotic diseases among livestock are also helping to propel market growth. However, the lack of skilled experts in emerging economies, capital investment, and environmental issues are restraining factors of market growth. Furthermore, the rapid development of cattle for health monitoring solutions is an opportunity for market growth.



Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/sample-request/12804



Competitive Strategy



To enhance their market position in the global livestock monitoring market, the key players are now focusing on adopting the strategies such as product innovations, mergers & acquisitions, recent developments, joint ventures, collaborations, and partnerships.



 For example, in March 2021, GEA Company launched DairyNet, that is a farm and new herd management solution, and it would be accessible for consumption amidst the GEA DairyRobot R9500.



Market Growth & Trends



The growth of the livestock monitoring market is driven by the raised adoption of IoT allowed devices for real-time monitoring. Further, the growing focus on livestock monitoring and disease detection among animals and the ever-increasing demand for dairy & meat products worldwide also help to drive market growth. Moreover, the high penetration of the internet of things (IoT) is the market growth trend. Thus, the loT technology is anticipated to significantly enhance the farming & livestock enterprise and meet food demand. Additionally, in livestock monitoring, innovative loT-based technology & applications are executed to raise operating performance, optimize returns, and decrease loss by collecting data on the cattle in data analytics, real-time, and control mechanisms. Furthermore, the increasing awareness concerning animal nutrition, genetic breeding, and milk harvesting is expected to drive market growth. However, the necessities for remote livestock monitoring also drive the market growth during the forecast period.



Report Scope & Segmentation

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2022 to 2030 Forecast Period 2022 to 2030 CAGR 7.9% 2030 Value Projection USD 13.4 Billion Base Year 2021 Nutricosmetics Market Size in 2021 USD 6.8 Billion Historical Data for 2018 to 2020 No. of Pages 135 Segments covered Product Type, Distribution Channel, Application Nutricosmetics Market Growth Drivers Costumers' inclination towards natural products Increasing demand in the healthcare sector

Key Findings



 In 2021, the feeding management segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 20.27% and market revenue of 0.61 billion.



The application segment is divided into heat detection monitoring, health monitoring management, milk harvesting management, heat stress management, sorting and weighing management, and feeding management. In 2021, the feeding management segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 20.27% and market revenue of 0.61 billion. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for dairy & meat products globally. Further, by 2030, the milk harvesting management segment will likely dominate the market due to the enormous scope for expansion with significant corporate investments.



 In 2021, the hardware segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 41.13% and revenue of 1.24 billion.



The offering segment is divided into services, software, and hardware. In 2021, the hardware segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 41.13% and revenue of 1.24 billion. This growth is attributed to the increasing adoption of livestock monitoring solutions on large farms.



 In 2021, the cattle segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 27.18% and market revenue of 0.82 billion.



The livestock type segment comprises poultry, cattle, equine, swine, and others. In 2021, the cattle segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 27.18% and market revenue of 0.82 billion. This growth is attributed to the risen adoption of livestock monitoring solutions that facilitate automatic data capture. Further, by 2030, the poultry segment will likely dominate the market due to the high daily consumption of poultry products.



Pre Book - Livestock Monitoring Market: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/buy-now/12804/single



Regional Segment Analysis of the Livestock Monitoring Market:



 North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)

 Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)

 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)

 South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America)

 The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)



The North American region occurred as the largest market for the global livestock monitoring industry, with a market share of 49.35% and a market value of around 1.49 billion in 2021. North America currently dominates the livestock monitoring market due to the presence of key regional participants. Moreover, the high investment in animal health care prices helps drive the region's market growth. Furthermore, the Asia Pacific region is expected to show the fastest CAGR of 15.17% over the projection period. This growth is attributed to the subsequent increase in demand for meat and dairy products and the efficient interpretation of data offered by software platforms & mobile applications. Also, the rising government expenditure on the healthcare sector and the rapid proliferation of manufacturing installations in emerging nations like India & China are helping boost market growth during the forecast period. Moreover, the rising penetration of IoT in animal monitoring applications is also driving the market growth in this region.



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Key players operating in the global livestock monitoring market are:



 Boumatic

 Allflex Livestock Intelligence (Subsidiary of MSD Animal Health)

 Nedap N.V.

 Delaval

 Cowmanager B.V.

 Afimilk Ltd.

 Herdinsights (Subsidiary of Datamars)

 Engs Systems

 Smaxtec Animal Care GmbH

 Zoetis

 Sum-It Computer Systems

 Dairymaster

 Cainthus

 Serket

 Vas

 Fullwood Packo

 Gallagher Group Limited

 Moocall

 Stellapps Technologies

 Connecterra B.V.

 Hokofarm Group

 Icerobotics

 Faromatics

 Cowlar

 Sensaphone



This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2019 to 2030. The Brainy Insights has segmented the global livestock monitoring market based on below mentioned segments:



Global Livestock Monitoring Market by Application:



 Heat Detection Monitoring

 Health Monitoring Management

 Milk Harvesting Management

 Heat Stress Management

 Sorting and Weighing Management

 Feeding Management



Global Livestock Monitoring Market by Offering:



 Services

 Software

 Hardware



Global Livestock Monitoring Market by Livestock Type:



 Poultry

 Cattle

 Equine

 Swine

 Others



Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/12804



About the report:



The global livestock monitoring market is analysed based on value (USD Billion). All the segments have been analysed on global, regional and country basis. The study includes the analysis of more than 30 countries for each segment. The report offers in-depth analysis of driving factors, opportunities, restraints, and challenges for gaining the key insight of the market. The study includes porters five forces model, attractiveness analysis, raw material analysis, supply, demand analysis, competitor position grid analysis, distribution and marketing channels analysis.



About The Brainy Insights:



The Brainy Insights is a market research company, aimed at providing actionable insights through data analytics to companies to improve their business acumen. We have a robust forecasting and estimation model to meet the clients' objectives of high-quality output within a short span of time. We provide both customized (clients' specific) and syndicate reports. Our repository of syndicate reports is diverse across all the categories and sub-categories across domains. Our customized solutions are tailored to meet the clients' requirement whether they are looking to expand or planning to launch a new product in the global market.



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Avinash D

Head of Business Development

Phone: +1-315-215-1633

Email: sales@thebrainyinsights.com

Web: http://www.thebrainyinsights.com
ATLANTA, July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CARROLL, a national real estate investment and management firm, has promoted David Perez to President and Chief Operating Officer, along with Brett Richards to Chief Investment Officer. These appointments are part of the continuing evolution of the Firm as an institutional powerhouse with $8 billion in assets under management, $20 billion in transaction volume across more than 200 acquisitions, and nearly 140 dispositions since inception.

Josh Champion, President and CIO, is moving on from CARROLL. We thank Josh for his contributions to the Firm during the past 10 years and wish him well in his future endeavors.

David Perez joined CARROLL in 2017 as the Firm's Chief Operating Officer. He helped navigate CARROLL through its recent rapid 50% growth, transforming company operations and leading the Firm through the challenge of the past two years, which have also been its two best performance years of all time. Perez's data-centric, customer-minded approach helped position CARROLL and its platform among the industry leaders for its verticals, setting the stage for sustained growth under his guidance. Prior to CARROLL, Perez led financial advisory assignments for both EY and Houlihan Lokey and consulted on strategic technical work as part of Slalom Consulting.

Brett Richards came to CARROLL in 2021 after a 20-year tenure overseeing investments for both Equity Residential and Blackstone/LivCor. Initially serving as Executive Vice President of Investments for CARROLL, Richards' experience has been pivotal to the Firm's recent success - particularly in its westward expansion and the addition of Las Vegas and Phoenix as new MSAs in the Firm's portfolio. As Chief Investment Officer, he will continue to helm CARROLL's investment strategy alongside a team of regionally diverse individuals who bring more than 100 years of experience across several blue-chip companies.

"David and Brett have been instrumental to the growth and success CARROLL has experienced as a company," said Patrick Carroll, founder and CEO of CARROLL. "From navigating the unknowns of the past two years to executing our strategy en route to record transactions and new market growth, David and Brett have helped elevate CARROLL to its current position - all while embodying the values that we strive for as a national organization."

As an expanding company, CARROLL remains heavily committed to reinvesting in its platform and people. The addition of seasoned executives from top institutional firms continues to enhance its leadership and culture, while expanding its service offering. Recent hires Stephen Hendrix, (Managing Director of Development), Rob Gayle (Vice President of Business Development), Sean Griffin (Vice President of Development), and Rob Lester (Senior Managing Director of Capital Markets and Investments) added new layers to the Firm's platform, while Melanie Johns (Chief Financial Officer) and Franco Minton (Managing Director of People) solidified internal processes and highlighted the value the Firm places on development and culture.

###

About CARROLL

CARROLL, a privately held real estate company, was founded in 2004. With headquarters in Atlanta, Ga., and regional offices in Dallas-Fort Worth, Raleigh, Denver, Tampa, New York and now Los Angeles, CARROLL focuses on multifamily communities, including acquisitions, property and asset management services, ground-up development and fund management. The Firm has raised more than $4.3 billion of equity through CARROLL-sponsored funds and joint ventures. CARROLL has successfully purchased, developed, or sold more than $20.0 billion in real estate.

The company manages more than 30,000 multifamily units across nine states representing $8.0 billion in assets under management and has purchased other multifamily owner/operators throughout the U.S. CARROLL has also developed student housing, single-family residential, and retail communities, and has managed more than $500 million in construction projects throughout the past 10 years. From due diligence to execution, CARROLL has the internal capabilities and the external relationships to identify, underwrite, and close transactions. For more information, visit carrollorg.com.



Media Contact

Erinn Larson

media@carrollorg.com

Related Images











Image 1: CARROLL's David Perez and Brett Richards









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Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses



LOS ANGELES, July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased certain redeemable senior notes (the Notes) of Waste Management, Inc. (WM or the Company) (NYSE: WM) between February 13, 2020 and June 23, 2020, inclusive (the Class Period). The Notes include the following senior redeemable notes issued by WM in May 2019: (i) 2.95% Senior Notes due 2024; (ii) 3.20% Senior Notes due 2026; (iii) 3.45% Senior Notes due 2029; and (iv) 4.00% Senior Notes due 2039. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

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 April 14, 2019, WM entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the Merger) to acquire Advanced Disposal Systems, Inc. (ADS) for $4.9 billion, or $33.15 per share. The Merger was conditioned upon an ADS shareholder vote and obtaining antitrust clearance from regulators, including the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

On October 25, 2019, WM, ADS, and the DOJ entered into a timing agreement that provided for a minimum 70-day settlement period during which the parties would attempt to reach an agreement on DOJ approval for the Merger, which included DOJ approval of the amount of WMs asset divestures. Unbeknownst to investors, during this process the DOJ informed WM that its agreement to divest $200 million in revenue-producing assets to address antitrust concerns would be insufficient for regulatory approval. The DOJ concluded that the combination of WM and ADS would, without divestures significantly in excess of $200 million, cause harm to municipal solid waste disposal in 24 geographic markets across 8 states, and cause harm to small container commercial waste collection in 33 geographic markets located in 6 states.

Plaintiff alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements throughout the Class Period, including omitting material facts relating to: (i) the DOJs indication to WM that it would require WM to divest significantly more than $200 million; and (ii) the impact of the DOJs indication on the completion of the Merger and the redemption of the Notes.

On June 24, 2020, WM disclosed that the Company and ADS had revised the terms of the Merger and that WM needed to divest substantially more assets than previously disclosed to receive DOJ approval for the deal. Under the revised Merger terms, WM agreed to purchase ADS for $4.6 billion, or $30.30 per share, thereby reducing WMs acquisition cost by approximately $300 million to $4.6 billion. In addition, WM and ADS had agreed to sell $835 million worth of assets in an attempt to satisfy antitrust regulators, which assets were responsible for generating approximately $345 million in 2019 revenue. WM also revealed that the deal was now not expected to close until the end of the third quarter of 2020  six months later than had been represented by defendants at the start of the Class Period and, critically, after the end date which triggered the redemption feature of the Notes.

On this news, the prices of the Notes fell significantly. For example, the 3.45% Notes fell from 109% on June 23, 2020 to just 103% of par on June 24, 2020.

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
The logo of Upbit is displayed in front of its headquarters in Seoul, July 20, when the prosecution launched an investigation into local crypto exchanges. Yonhap





By Lee Min-hyung







Cryptocurrency exchanges here are keeping a low profile as the prosecution intensifies its investigation into their trading records on the ill-fated stablecoin Terra and its sister token Luna.







The probe was targeted on Korea's seven main crypto exchanges including Upbit and Bithumb. The prosecution searched their headquarters for three days from July 20 to seize their trading records of the two controversial coins that saw their values plummet abruptly in May.







Dumanu, the operator of the nation's largest exchange Upbit, is at the center of the investigation, as Dunamu & Partners  the investment arm of Dunamu  acquired 20 million Luna coins in 2018 and sold them all of them in February 2021. The company generated a profit of 130 billion won by trading Luna.







But Dunamu and other exchanges argued that there was no suspicious internal trading surrounding the cryptocurrency.







"Dunamu & Partners invested in Luna in April 20, 2018, as the Luna project drew global acclaim from major overseas digital asset investors such as Coinbase Ventures and Polychain Capital," a spokesman at Dunamu said.







Crypto exchanges are staying low key in response to the external uncertainty, with their leaders reducing public appearances. A freezing market sentiment also adds more concern to their earnings performance this year.







"Most major exchanges here and abroad listed Terra and Luna coins due to their rapid growth, and few industry insiders predicted the possibility of their sudden demise," an industry source said. "But after the scandal erupted, exchanges share some blame. It was realistically impossible to preemptively detect any signs of their collapse."







Luna's market capitalization once topped 50 trillion won before the debacle. As the cryptocurrency was developed by Terraform Labs, co-founded by Korean entrepreneur Do Kwon, a number of Korean investors engaged in a buying spree of the coin for the past few years.







Kwon did not make any public appearances after the Luna collapse, only communicating with investors via an online channel. He is known to be abroad, but his specific whereabouts remain unknown. The prosecution has already summoned employees and executives of Terraform Labs.







An official from a local exchange said most exchanges here have no choice but to keep a low profile amid the prosecutors' escalating investigation.







"We do not have any comments on the prosecution's recent seizure of our trading records on Luna due to the ongoing investigation," the official said. "Exchanges will have to keep maintaining a low profile, as it appears it will take some time for the investigative authorities to confirm the whereabouts of the main figure behind the scandal."


Washington, D.C., July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Hussein Akhavannik has joined the firms Intellectual Property & Technology practice group as a partner in the Washington, D.C., office. Hussein will focus on patent prosecution and portfolio management with an emphasis on bringing a global perspective to clients technology assets. Prior to joining Blank Rome, Hussein was a partner and co-leader of the Life Sciences team at BakerHostetler LLP.

Hussein is a welcome addition to Blank Rome and our nationally recognized IP team, said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Romes Managing Partner and CEO. His strong engineering background, insights as a technologist, and experiences as a former patent examiner helps him evaluate the evolving technology landscape in a unique way, which will be beneficial to our clients who are looking for diverse portfolio management and patent prosecution counsel.

Hussein helps clients optimize their patent portfolios domestically and internationally. On the patent prosecution side, Hussein works closely with clients to institutionalize patent programs. He counsels inventors on strategically filing for patent protection, including international structuring, budgeting, and cost/value propositions. He also works with clients to ensure that their inventions do not infringe upon existing patents. Furthermore, Hussein conducts intellectual property due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, and assists clients with licensing, patent acquisitions, asset purchase agreements, performing freedom-to-operate studies, and optimizing patent portfolios for sale.

Hussein prosecutes patent applications for technologies pertaining to software, hardware, electrical, computer, semiconductor, medical, biomedical, pharmaceuticals, and artificial intelligence. Such technologies include robots, video surveillance, anti-coagulants, and vascular placement devices.

Early in his career, Hussein spent nearly four years at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as a patent examiner and served as a legal intern for the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and the Office of the Solicitor.

Husseins knowledge of the inner workings of the USPTO is a tremendous asset when developing innovative solutions for clients who are seeking IP protection, said David M. Perry, Partner and Co-Chair of the firms Intellectual Property & Technology practice group. We are thrilled to have Hussein on our team to leverage his industry relationships and strong patent experience, which will help us facilitate an even more comprehensive approach to patent protection for clients and advance our Life Sciences practice and service offerings.

There were so many great reasons to join Blank Rome, and a key driver was the firms national platform, added Hussein. At Blank Rome, I will have an opportunity to expand my medical device practice and to leverage the firms service offerings and capabilities across its corporate, labor and employment, and life sciences practices for clients. Additionally, I am impressed by the firms ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, and look forward to supporting the firms efforts through strategic recruiting and mentoring, firm-wide initiatives, and client programs.

Hussein earned his J.D. from The George Washington University Law School, his M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, and his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. He is a member of the American Intellectual Property Lawyers Association.

About Blank Rome

Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 14 offices and more than 600 attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries and are recognized for their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Romes culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all of our clients and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, please visit blankrome.com.

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SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors of Project Invent, a national education nonprofit empowering high school students to invent for social good, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jax Chaudhry as Executive Director. Chaudhry will lead the organization in executing Project Invent's mission to empower students with 21st-century skills to succeed individually and impact globally through invention.

"Our search committee had an impressive pool of candidates from across the U.S.," said Aragon Burlingham, Project Invent's board chair and President. "Jax stood out for her passion and connection with the mission, experience in navigating periods of intense growth and her commitment to reducing the opportunity gap in STEM, especially for Black, Indigenous and LatinX youth. As an empathetic, curious and results-oriented leader, Jax is the ideal person in getting us closer to bringing the invention experience to every student in America."

Chaudhry has served in senior leadership roles for over 10 years at a wide range of education and nonprofit organizations. With an emphasis on empowering students and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Chaudhry has effectively developed strong external partnerships whilst maintaining sound fiscal oversight. Having most recently served as the Regional Director for The Literacy Lab, she was responsible for the strategic leadership and expansion of the Washington D.C., Montgomery County, PG County, and Alexandria programs and operations. There, she increased programming capacity by 40%, increased school partnerships by 50% and launched family engagement. Chaudhry graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Policy & Law.

"I couldn't be more excited for the next chapter of Project Invent," Chaudhry said. "Invention is our proven path forward and empowering youth, particularly students from under-resourced communities, leads us all to a brighter future."

Chaudhry will succeed Connie Liu, who founded Project Invent and served as its first Executive Director. Under Liu's leadership, Project Invent has grown from a pilot project at The Nueva School in San Mateo, CA, to a national nonprofit that has shepherded over 1,000 students through design thinking, engineering, and entrepreneurship training. Chaudhry will build on these achievements to help Project Invent expand its impact as it enters its fifth year.

"I'm so very grateful for the opportunity to build on the impact that's been possible through the incredible vision and leadership of Founder Connie Liu" Chaudhry said. "I'm eager to work with the Project Invent community to expand our reach in the best interest of the students, teachers, and communities we serve."

Chaudhry lives in Washington D.C., enjoys sprinting, editing film, volunteering with local nonprofits and supporting her hometown Chicago sports.

About Project Invent

Founded in 2018 and based in Palo Alto, California, Project Invent empowers students with 21st-century skills to succeed individually and impact globally, through invention. Our goal is to create a generation of fearless, compassionate problem solvers. The Project Invent program trains and supports teachers through a year-long fellowship to bring design-thinking, engineering, and entrepreneurship skills to students. Through Project Invent, students solve real-world problems and classrooms move from test-taking to change-making. For more information, visit projectinvent.org or email hello@projectinvent.org.

Related Images











Image 1: Jax Chaudhry









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A worker's art group performs on July 22, ahead of the 69th anniversary of what it calls "Victory Day," commemorating the signing of an armistice to terminate the 1950-53 Korean War, in this photo released by the North's Korean Central News Agency the following day. Yonhap



North Korea has been dialing up the celebratory mood ahead of an anniversary on the armistice agreement that ended the 1950-53 Korean War, state media reported Monday amid its strenuous efforts to promote internal unity and bolster leader Kim Jong-un's power grip.



The North is set to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the Korean War armistice signed July 27, 1953. The North calls the conflict the Great Fatherland Liberation War and designated the armistice signing date as "Victory Day."



The country's main newspaper, the Rodong Sinmun, stressed the importance of showing loyalty to the leader, saying the war points to the "noble truth that the North will always win if it trusts and follows the Supreme Leader," referring to Kim Il-sung, the late national founder and grandfather of Kim Jong-un, who is at the helm.



War-related documentary films will be aired as well on its state-run Korean Central Television.



A national conference of war veterans is slated to take place in Pyongyang this week despite concerns over a possible resurgence in COVID-19 cases following such a massive gathering. It would be the third consecutive year for the North to hold the event on the national holiday, which falls on Wednesday this year.



Drawing keen attention is whether Kim Jong-un will attend the event and deliver any special message not only for the domestic audience but also for those in the outside world, amid speculation that the secretive North seems to have completed preparations for an underground nuclear test. Kim has been out of public view for over two weeks.



North Korea celebrates this year's anniversary while continuing to battle to contain the coronavirus pandemic and boost its economy, with protracted border controls and international sanctions against the regime in place. (Yonhap)


In this file photo, Rep. Kim Byung-joo of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea speaks at a press conference at the National Assembly on June 29. Korea Times file



A lawmaker of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) claimed Monday the two North Korean fishermen who were repatriated in 2019 appeared to have attempted to sneak themselves somewhere else rather than defect to South Korea.



The claim refutes the incumbent government and the ruling party's claim that the preceding Moon Jae-in administration sent the North Koreans back to their homeland, where they could face harsh punishment, even though they had expressed a desire to defect to South Korea.



"Instead of heading to South Korea, it seems their purpose was to go into hiding after passing through South Korea or another country," DPK Rep. Kim Byung-joo said on TBS radio without providing reasons for the claim.



Kim said the North Koreans would have been a "serious threat" to the country, citing the previous administration's finding that they had confessed to killing 16 fellow crew members before expressing a desire to defect to the South.



The fishermen's repatriation is one of two incidents involving North Korea that the current government of President Yoon Suk-yeol claims the Moon administration had mishandled in an effort to curry favor with Pyongyang so as to move the stalled peace process forward.



The government stressed the fishermen were the only North Koreans repatriated against their will so far.



"I believe it is the sole case in which North Koreans were sent to the North by force against their will," Unification Minister Kwon Young-se told a parliamentary interpellation session.



Claiming it was "a wrong decision that damaged the basic regulations of the Constitution and its values," Kwon said that the country should accept North Koreans once it is confirmed they do not want to go back to their homeland.



Meanwhile, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup said that the United Nations Command (UNC) approved their repatriation through the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom, dismissing claims by some ruling party lawmakers that the Moon government ordered the South Korean military to open border checkpoints despite the command's objection.



"It is impossible to arrive at Panmunjom without the UNC's approval," Lee told the session.



The United States-led command administers Panmunjom and the broader Demilitarized Zone as an enforcer of the armistice that halted the 1950-53 Korean War.



On Sunday, Rep. Tae Young-ho of the ruling People Power Party said in a release that the command rejected the government's request for cooperation in repatriating the North Koreans five to six times and warned that any usage of ropes and blindfolds was completely banned.



UNC's stance on the matter was not immediately available. (Yonhap)


Hitachi Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with H2 Green Steel to leverage electrification, digitalization, and hydrogen to support the decarbonization of the steel industry.

H2 Green Steel, a Swedish industrial start-up, is on a mission to accelerate the global steel industrys greatest technological shift by eliminating almost all of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions from the steel production process. It is planning to build its first fossil-free steel plant in Boden, Sweden, alongside a giga-scale electrolyzer plant for the production of green hydrogen.





H2 Green Steel production. Electrolysis is the starting point for the green steel production process. The giga-scale electrolysis will be an integrated part of the plant, using fossil-free electricity to produce the hydrogen needed to bring 5 million tonnes of high-quality steel to the market by 2030. The DR reactor refines iron ore to direct-reduced iron (DRI). This is done by exposing iron ore to hydrogen, which reacts with the oxygen in the ore to form steam as a residual. The majority of DRI is transported in the hot state inside the plant to the Electric Arc Furnace, while the rest is briquetted into hot briquetted iron, HBI, for storage and later use.



The Electric Arc Furnace is the first step in the electric meltshop. In the Electric Arc Furnace, fossil-free electricity will be used to heat a combination of DRI and steel scrap to a homogenous melt of liquid steel. In the melting process, carbon plays an important role in lowering electricity consumption, forming protective properties of the slag on top of the melt and enabling the transformation of iron to steel. From the Electric Arc Furnace, the melt is transferred to the ladle furnace and RH degasser, where alloys are added to the melt to refine chemistries.



Continuous casting and rolling allows keeping the steel warm all the way from the Electric Arc Furnace to finished product. The integrated process enables a reduction in energy consumption by 70% and the replacement of natural gas typically used in the traditional process. The steel strip is wound into a hot roll coil, which is the initial product of the green steel facility. Some hot rolled coils are transferred to fully electrified downstream finishing lines.

The MoU outlines a collaboration which is built on three pillars:

Hitachi Energys equity investment in H2 Green Steel; Products and services from Hitachi Energy that are needed to construct and improve the electrical infrastructure to power steel production and giga-scale electrolyzer plants; and Green steel to be used in the manufacturing of Hitachi Energys products, once H2 Green Steel starts production.

Over the past decade, expanding steel production has increased total energy demand and CO 2 emissions, which contributes to about eight percent of the worlds global industrial carbon emissions, according to McKinsey.

Starting with the plant in Boden, H2 Green Steel will leverage Hitachi Energys capabilities to optimize customers value chain to plan, build, operate, and maintain the power infrastructure that includes IT and operational technology (OT).
New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet speaks during a business breakfast with Australian and Korean business community at Grand Hyatt Seoul, Monday. Perrottet is visiting Korea to promote cooperation on clean energy, which is his first overseas mission as premier. Courtesy of NSW Government



By Kwon Mee-yoo



Australia's New South Wales (NSW) Premier Dominic Perrottet visited Korea with hopes to take relations with Korea a step further in numerous fields, especially in energy transition.



NSW is one of the six Australian states and has the largest population in the country, well-known for its state capital Sydney. Currently, Korea is NSW's third largest export market and a large Korean-born population living in the state bridges relations between the two nations, however, Premier Perrottet thinks that yet more potential can be realized.



"New South Wales has a strong trade relationship with Korea, but coal obviously is at play. We can supercharge it forward by looking at new areas," Perrottet told The Korea Times during a business breakfast at a hotel in Seoul, Monday morning.



"Korea has a strong focus on emission reduction and energy transition and both Korea and New South Wales have a strategic focus on clean energy. So that's why I'm here on the first trip."



Perrottet is on a 10-day trip and will visit Korea, Japan and India, in his first overseas mission since the pandemic.



"New South Wales is Australia's economic powerhouse. NSW is Australia's gateway to the world and the world's gateway to Australia," the premier said highlighting the importance of expanding NSW's international network.



According to Perrottet, NSW is the leader in five key emerging sectors such as medical technology and life science, digital technology, defense and aerospace, agribusiness and clean economy and clean resources in Australia.



"In particular, I want to talk to you about green hydrogen and rare minerals. These are two areas where we have shared visions. And shared visions mean shared opportunities," he said.



He emphasized that Australia can be a great partner for Korea in achieving the net zero plan as the two countries share the same goal of reducing emissions.



"At the same time, we acknowledge that Korea wants to make sure economic growth and energy security go hand in hand if the robust industrial sector is to remain internationally competitive. And the key for both states is clean energy  with Green Hydrogen is at the heart of that," Perrottet said.



NSW has a natural advantage in developing large-scale green hydrogen production facilities, including high voltage transmission, affordable renewable energy resources, access to deep water ports and skilled labor force.



"Our policies are designed to make NSW the best place to invest in hydrogen anywhere in the world... So as we grow our green hydrogen production capabilities, we want you to be an important part of that growth."



The Premier also noted that NSW is rich in mineral resources, especially those used in batteries and other high-tech products, providing the Australian Strategic Metals Dubbo Project as an example of Korea-Australia partnership in critical minerals.



"The Dubbo Project will produce metal oxides in the form of chemicals, powders and metals... When it's completed, most of those chemicals, powders, and metals will be supplied to ASM's Korean metals plant, located just 115 kilometers from where we stand today," he said.



"The simple point is this: NSW has the resources to be a global clean energy superpower  and we welcome investment by Korean corporations in our shared decarbonization journey."



The Premier said there is a unique opportunity for international partners to be part of NSW's next chapter.



"We are resilient with strong fundamentals and the right building blocks to expand and transform our economy. The NSW economy has grown every year on record. At the height of the pandemic, we outperformed our competitors," he said.



"We are globally connected with strong links across the world's fastest-growing region, the Indo-Pacific. We are home to world-class education and research institutions and we have a highly skilled and diverse workforce  including a strong STEM workforce pipeline."



Perrottet added that the state government recently committed $149 million to accelerate growth and attract investment in priority sectors, including funding for incentives for local and international investors.



During his four days in Korea, Perrottet's schedule is packed with meetings centering on clean energy and biotech, including a visit to Hyundai Motor Studio to take a ride in hydrogen-fueled vehicles as well as Seoul Biohub, where he will have roundtable discussions with biotech experts.


The UK Government set out its Jet Zero strategy. Launched at Farnborough International Airshow, the strategy commits UK domestic aviation to achieving net zero emissions by 2040, and for all airports in England to be zero-emission by the same year.

It also includes a plan for the industry to stay below pre-pandemic levels of carbon emissions through measures focused on everything from delivering system efficiencies to new technologies, with progress monitored annually.

The 6 priority areas set out in the strategy are:

Improving the efficiency of the existing aviation system, from aircraft to airports and airspace. For example, improving fuel efficiency by 2% every year and providing a further 3.7 million in 2022 to 2023 to support airports to modernize their airspace.

Increasing support for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), by creating secure and growing UK SAF demand through a SAF mandate that will require at least 10% of jet fuel to be made from sustainable sources by 2030 and kickstarting a domestic SAF industry, supported by the new 165-million (US$198 million) Advanced Fuels Fund.

Supporting the development of zero-emission aircraft, with the aspiration of having zero-emission routes connecting places across the UK by 2030.

Developing carbon markets and greenhouse gas removal technologies to drive decarbonization and offset any residual emissions, including by enhancing the UK Emission Trade Scheme (UK ETS).

Providing consumers with better information so they can make sustainable aviation choices. The government will publish a call for evidence on a proposal to provide consumers with environmental information at the time of booking air travel in autumn 2022.

Increasing understanding of the non-CO 2 impacts of aviation, such as contrails and nitrogen oxides. The effects of these remain uncertain; the UK government will work closely with academia and industry to monitor global developments in this area, increase understanding, potential mitigations and explore a means of tracking these emissions.

SAF is a core part of the Jet Zero strategy, and projects looking to produce SAF in the UK can bid for a share of the new 165-million Advanced Fuels Fund. Building on the progress of the 15-million Green Fuels, Green Skies competition, this new funding will help achieve the aim to have at least 5 commercial SAF plants under construction in the UK by 2025.
Splash Car Wash is continuing its expansion this summer by acquiring a location in New Yorks Hudson Valley and getting zoning approval to build in two other locations, officials with the Milford-based said Friday.

Splash added Clean Co Car Wash & Laundromat in Montgomery, New York. The Milford-baased company also announced it had received local zoning approvals for new locations in Milford and Henrietta, N.Y., which is located near Rochester.

Splash officials were not available for comment last week regarding where the new location in Milford will be.

With its acquisition of the Montgomery car wash, Splash now has more than 50 locations overall with 35 in New York State. Splash has 17 locations in Connecticut. The company, founded in 1981, recently announced itacquired the Personal Tocuh chain of three locations in Suffolk County on Long Island.

Glen Sheeley, Splashs director of development in the New York metro and Connecticut regions, said he and his father had owner the Montgomery car wash for eight years earlier in his career.

Were so excited to have this site back in the Splash family, Sheeley said.

After the deal closes, he said Splash intends to make improvements to the Montgomery car wash, including the addition of pay stations and self-service vacuums.

Mark Curtis, Splashs co-founder and chief executive officer, said in a written statement the company has 10 new car washes that are either already under construction or about to break ground. In addition, the company has more than 15 other proposed locations in various stages of the zoning and approval process.

Splash Car Wash was launched by Mark Curtis and Chris Fisher with a single location in Greenwich.

luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com
PAJU, South Korea (AP)  As a medical student in North Korea, Lee Gwang-jin said he treated his fevers and other minor ailments with traditional herbal medicine. But bad illness could mean trouble because hospitals in his rural hometown lacked the ambulances, beds, even the electricity at times needed to treat critical or emergency patients.

So Lee was skeptical when he heard recent North Korean state media reports that claimed such so-called Koryo traditional medicine is playing a key role in the nation's fight against COVID-19, which has killed millions around the world.

North Korea is using Koryo medicine a lot (for COVID-19)  but it's not a sure remedy, said Lee, who studied Koryo medicine before he fled North Korea in 2018 for a new life in South Korea. Someone who is destined to survive will survive (with such medicine), but North Korea cant help others who are dying.

Like many other parts of life in North Korea, the medicine that the state says is curing its sick people is being used as a political symbol. That, experts say, will eventually allow the country to say its leaders have beaten the outbreak, where other nations have repeatedly failed, by providing homegrown remedies, independent of outside help.

As state media churn out stories about the effectiveness of the medicine and the huge production efforts to make more of it, there are questions about whether people suffering from severe disease are getting the treatment they need.

Defectors and experts believe North Korea is mobilizing Koryo medicine simply because it doesnt have enough modern medicine to fight COVID-19.

Treating mild symptoms with Koryo medicine isnt a bad option.  But the coronavirus doesnt cause only mild symptoms, said Yi Junhyeok, a traditional doctor and researcher at South Koreas Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine. When we think about critical and high-risk patients, North Korea needs vaccines, emergency care systems and other medical resources that it can use to lower fatalities.

More than two months have passed since North Korea admitted its first coronavirus outbreak, and the country has reported an average of 157 fever cases each day in the past seven days, a significant drop from the peak of about 400,000 a day in May. It also maintains a widely disputed claim that only 74 out of about 4.8 million fever patients have died, a fatality rate of 0.002% that would be the worlds lowest if true.

Despite widespread outside doubt about the truth of North Korea's reported statistics, there are no signs that the outbreak has caused catastrophe in North Korea. Some outside experts say the North may soon formally declare victory over COVID-19 in an effort to boost internal unity. North Korea may then emphasize the role of Koryo medicine as the reason.

North Korea calls Koryo medicine juche (self-reliant) medicine, treats it importantly and views it as one of its political symbols, said Kim Dongsu, a professor at the College of Korean Medicine at South Koreas Dongshin University. North Korea doesnt have many academic and cultural achievements to advertise so itll likely actively propagate Koryo medicine.

North Korea officially incorporated Koryo medicine  named after an ancient Korean kingdom  in its public healthcare system in the 1950s. Its importance has sharply grown since the mid-1990s, when North Korea began suffering a big shortage of modern medicine during a crippling famine and economic turmoil that killed hundreds of thousands of people.

Koryo medicine refers to herbal concoctions that sometimes include animal parts, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion and meridian massages. Such ancient remedies are used in many Asian and Western nations, too. But while in those countries traditional and modern medicines operate independently, North Korea has combined them.

Medical students are required to study both modern and traditional medicine at school, regardless of what they major in. So once they become professional doctors, they can practice both. Each hospital in North Korea has a department of Koryo medicine. There are also Koryo medicine-only hospitals.

Kim Jieun, a defector who is a traditional doctor in South Korea, said she majored in Koryo medicine at school in the North but eventually worked as a pediatrician and internal medicine doctor. She said that South Koreans generally use traditional medicine to maintain or improve their health, but North Koreans use it to treat diverse diseases.

In South Korea, patients with cerebral hemorrhage, hepatocirrhosis, liver cancer, ascites, diabetes and kidney infections dont come to traditional clinics. But in North Korea, traditional doctors treat them, said Kim, who resettled in South Korea in 2002 and now works for Seouls Well Saem Hospital of Korean Medicine.

North Koreas main Rodong Sinmun newspaper has recently published a slew of articles praising herbal medicine and acupuncture for curing fever patients and reducing the aftereffects of COVID-19 illnesses, including abnormal pains, heart and kidney problems, nausea and coughing.

The newspaper also published calls by leader Kim Jong Un to embrace Koryo medicine. Other state media reports said the production of Koryo medicine has quadrupled since last year, while a vast amount of modern medicine has also been speedily delivered to local medical institutions, a claim that cannot be independently verified.

North Koreas nominally free socialist medical system remains in shambles, with defectors testifying that they had to buy their own medicine and pay doctors for surgeries and other treatments. They say North Koreas advanced hospitals are largely concentrated in Pyongyang, the capital, where the ruling elite and upper-class citizens loyal to the Kim family live.

Lee, 29, who attended a medical school in the northern North Korean city of Hyesan, said Koryo doctors reused their acupuncture needles after sterilizing them with alcohol, and hospitals typically charged patients for the use of electricity for a medical examination.

H.K. Yoon, a former North Korean doctor who fled the country in the mid-2010s, said her mid-level hospital in the northeast had no ambulance, no oxygen concentrator and only three to four beds in the emergency room. She said she shared surgical equipment with other doctors, and her monthly salary was the equivalent of 800 grams (1.76 pounds) of rice.

My heart aches when I recall the lack of surgical equipment, said Yoon, who asked that her first name be identified only by initials because of safety worries about relatives in North Korea. When my patients were critical, I wanted to perform surgeries quickly. But I couldn't do it because surgical equipment was being used by someone else, and I worried about how soon I could sterilize and use it.

Some experts earlier predicted that the COVID-19 outbreak could cause dire consequences in North Korea because most of its 26 million people are unvaccinated and about 40% of its people are reportedly undernourished. Now, they speculate that North Korea is likely underreporting its death count to prevent political damage to Kim Jong Un.

Lee, the former North Korean medical student, said people in Hyesan didnt go to hospitals unless they were extremely sick.

When they are moderately ill, they just receive acupuncture or Koryo herbal medicine. They trust Koryo medicine but they also dont make much money and Koryo medicine is cheaper than Western medicine, Lee said.
The former Middletown man charged with killing his mother at sea and accused of shooting his grandfather to death years earlier, allegedly shut off his cellphone so his movements couldnt be detected and lied to police about purchasing a gun, according to documents filed by prosecutors hoping to keep him in federal custody.

Nathan Carman was charged by federal authorities in May with four counts of wire fraud in connection with his grandfathers shooting death in 2013 and murder on the high seas for the death of his mother Linda Carman who disappeared in 2016 while the two were on a fishing trip off Block Island.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been held without bond since his arrest. Carmans public defenders filed a 42-page motion this month, asking a federal court to vacate a previous detention order. Vermont U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford will hold a hearing on the motion on Aug. 2.

Federal prosecutors contended in previous court filings that the 26-year-old committed the crimes to gain access to the family fortune, which is still hung up in probate court to prevent him from accessing his mothers share of $42 million and they said he is a flight risk and threat to the community.

His family sent the court a letter detailing their fear of his potential release, said Vermont U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest in his rebuttal to Carmans motion to be let out of federal custody on bond. The case is being prosecuted in Vermont where Carman was living.

Carman has not been charged with killing his grandfather, John Chakalos, whose death remains under investigation by a Connecticut State Police cold case unit.

Carmans public defenders said in their bid to get him released that he is not a flight risk, he has been transparent with the media and police and has no mental health concerns other than a diagnosis of Aspergers syndrome, a disorder on the autism spectrum.

But Kerest, who is prosecuting Carman, called the claims made by his public defenders misleading or mistaken.

Carman poses a risk of flight; Carman poses a danger; and there are no conditions of release which will mitigate either concern, Kerest wrote in a 12-page filing opposing Carmans release on bond.

Kerest alleged that Carman refused to show Windsor police investigating the death of his grandfather the route he took when he got lost for an hour in an area he knew with his cellphone off, foreclosing the possibility that his location could be discerned from cell towers.

Carman also failed to tell police that six weeks before his grandfathers death he purchased a Sig Sauer 716 .30 caliber rifle, the same caliber as the weapon used in the killing of John Chakalos, Kerest said.

Carman was the last person to see Chakalos alive, one of a few people who had a key to his grandfathers home and one of a few people who knew his grandfather would be home alone the night he was killed, the federal prosecutor said.

Carman discarded his GPS and computer hard drive around the time of his grandfathers death and again discarded his computer hard drive around the time when his mother disappeared at sea, court documents said.

Carmans alleged conduct clearly illustrates danger to the community: The evidence shows that he killed not once, but twice, Kerest wrote in prior filings seeking to have Carman held without bond. Moreover, the individuals Carman killed were his own family members. For an individual to kill his own family members, nothing is off the table.

Kerest contends that Carman was treated for mental health disorders as a child, including social difficulties and explosive rages when he can become aggressive, according to the court filing. Carman has been mostly untreated and off medication since he was 17, Kerest said, based on available mental health records.

Friends and local clergy portrayed Carman as polite and respectful in letters sent to the judge on his behalf. His public defenders argued in their motion seeking his release that the court could require him to wear electronic monitoring while proceedings move forward.

But Kerest said in his most recent filing opposing the move that electronic monitoring will not guarantee that Carman wont flee the country or hurt someone else.

To begin with, location monitoring in rural Vermont often faces serious technological difficulties, Kerest said. But even if it worked, electronic monitoring could not assure the court that Carman would not flee. Carman has the wherewithal to remove a monitoring device and flee before anyone knows he has gone.

He lives within hours of an internal border and more importantly, Kerest said, a tracking device would not prevent him from retaliating against a witness or others as he flees.

The court should therefore conclude that there are no conditions of release which would reasonably assure Carmans appearance and the safety of the community, Kerest said.
GREENWICH  A tenant at McKinney Terrace II says there are issues at the town-owned affordable housing complex that have gone unaddressed for too long.

This is a cash cow for the Greenwich Housing Authority, said Joanne Foster, who has been a resident there for the past two years. They dont invest back into the facility. Thats the No. 1 issue as far as Im seeing.

Foster has raised several issues, but one that stood out is the lack of access to the community room in the complex. She said she has been told the closure is due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Foster said residents should be allowed to use the air-conditioned room.

Residents on limited budgets should be allowed to go there during a heat wave or any time they dont want to run their expensive air conditioners in their apartments, she said.

Greenwich Communities, which manages the property and restricted access to the community room, declined to comment on this story.

Tenants association head Stephen Ramkisson, who is also a tenant and has been in his leadership position for more than six years, said some of Fosters concerns are shared by other tenants.

She is on point with a lot of things, he said, citing the lack of access to the community room. But she is making it personal and you cant do this out of anger. You have to do things with caution and make priorities. Make a checklist from major to minor.

The community room has been locked down since May 20, Foster said, due to what she was told were concerns about COVID-19 spread. With rising energy prices, she said that residents often dont use the air conditioners in their own apartment units. Instead, they go to the community room to cool down or to use the internet there, something else she says many cant afford in their own places.

But while tenants cannot use the room to gather, she said, they can still go there to meet with social workers or to get their blood pressure tested.

Residents have been able to use the laundry room, which she said is smaller. And while the community room has had temporary closures during the pandemic, Foster said Greenwich Communities never shut down the internet or cable service to the room, something she said is not responsible budgeting.

Foster said she and other tenants have been asking management for months to have signal boosters put in place so the WiFi from the community room can be used elsewhere in the building but said they have been continually denied.

The Health Department can use our community room, Foster said. The social workers can use our community room. The staff can use our community room. But the tenants cannot use the community room.

She added, I am concerned about elderly people overheating because they dont have access to air conditioners and cant afford it in their own units.  Its not right.

There are also safety issues at the complex, Foster said: An exterior door to the building does not shut, which she says allows people to enter from the outside. She is pushing for that to be fixed and for cameras to be installed on each floor to monitor any trespassers.

She also complained that building management did not put storm windows up during the winter, driving up energy costs. Potholes in the parking lot, she said, pose a danger to vehicles and pedestrians in the complex, where many residents get by only on Social Security or disability programs.

Issues such as the sidewalk and pothole repairs as well as access to the community room were discussed with Greenwich Communities Executive Director Anthony Johnson and Greenwich Communities Board of Commissioners Chair Sam Romeo at the of June, Ramkisson said. Management gave the tenants extra time to discuss their issues at the monthly meeting, he said.

Ramkisson said he believes their complaints are heard.

Usually there was a couple people on the Zoom meeting with us, but this time we had 18 in the meeting because the residents wanted to voice their concerns, he said. I get along with Mr. Johnson and Mr. Romeo fine. They have responded to me and they have allowed us to speak. We were supposed to speak for a few minutes at the meeting and they let us speak for an hour and 20 minutes there.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com
Samsung began the manufacture of chips using the 3nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) process last month and today it held a ceremony to celebrate the first shipment of such chips.

The ceremony was attended by around 100 people, including company executives and employees, CEOs of companies looking to use the new tech as well as Lee Chang-yang, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, who pledged support for the countrys semiconductor ecosystem.

Left to right: Samsung Electronics CEO, Minister Lee Chang-yang and CEO of Samsung's Foundry Division

Samsung Electronics started researching GAA transistors in the early 2000s and experimenting with the design in 2017. Now it is ready to mass produce chips using the new process.

Compared to the FinFET design, which has been the standard for several years, the Gate-All-Around design allows transistors to carry more current while staying relatively small.

According to Samsung, the 3nm GAA chips will use 45% less power, be 23% faster and be 16% smaller compared to a similar 5nm FinFET chip. This is for the first generation of the GAA process, by the way, Gen 2 will further improve on these metrics.

The evolution of FET transistors - Samsung uses the MBCFET design for its 3nm chips

Samsung doesnt say what kind of chips were stocked up for the first shipment, but the company does plan to develop smartphone chipsets using the 3nm GAA design.

TSMC will also start the mass manufacture of 3nm chips later this year, though they will still use the FinFET design  the company will make the switch to GAAFET with the transition to a 2nm node.

Source (in Korean) | Via
Activists hold signs as they march from San Gabriel City Hall to Alhambra City Hall during an anti-Asian hate rally in California, in this March 26, 2021, file photo. Ethnic Koreans are among the main targets of apparent growing violence, harassment and other forms of hate against Asians living in the United States, according to a recent report. AFP-Yonhap



By Jung Min-ho



Ethnic Koreans are among the main targets of apparent growing violence, harassment and other forms of hate against Asians living in the United States, a report shows.



According to "Two Years and Thousands of Voices," a research document released last week by Stop AAPI Hate, 16 percent of the victims of 11,467 such incidents reported over the past two years are ethnic Koreans. Chinese account for the most cases with 43 percent, followed by Koreans, Filipinos (9 percent), Japanese (8 percent) and Vietnamese (8 percent).



The nonprofit organization started to collect data on March 19, 2020, a week after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic following the first case report from the Chinese city of Wuhan.



The document notes that 67 percent of reported incidents involved harassment, such as verbal or written hate speech and discriminatory gestures. Seventeen percent were reports of physical assault, while avoidance or shunning was the third most common form in 16 percent of cases.



According to one report from San Francisco, a man jumped in front of an Asian American and started "screaming racial slurs ('you Chinese bh, fg Asian,' 'Go back to your country') and then he pushed me to the street. The man was a stranger and was totally unprovoked."



In another incident reported from Columbia, South Carolina, a white woman at a restaurant said she "didn't want to eat next to people like them (my Filipino family) and she stated she lost her appetite. Then she requested the waiter box her family's food and then she dramatically stormed out of the restaurant."



Public settings (40 percent) and businesses (27 percent) account for the largest proportions of reported incidents, followed by private residences (10 percent) and online (10 percent).



A person who used an ID that could be identified as Asian reported that he was called a "bat eater" and a "ck" multiple times by a stranger online.



However, most of the reported incidents, though harmful and traumatic, do not meet the legal definition of a hate crime and, therefore, require solutions beyond the criminal justice system, Stop AAPI Hate said.



The report also says 49 percent of the victims reported that they experienced depression or anxiety, and 72 percent named discrimination against them as their greatest source of stress, even ahead of their own health concerns during the pandemic.



"Sadly, two years later (since the beginning of the pandemic), AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community members across the country continue to experience hate at alarming levels," it says. "This number is just the tip of the iceberg. Our nationally representative survey conducted in partnership with Edelman Data & Intelligence found that one in five Asian Americans and one in five Pacific Islanders experienced a hate incident in 2020 or 2021."



In another study published earlier by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, anti-Asian hate crimes increased by 339 percent last year compared to the year before, with New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and other cities surpassing their records in 2020.




Two rumored Xiaomi phones have been described in more detail in TENAA certifications. The two phones are Xiaomis second foldable phone and what could be its first phone with a 200MP camera.

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 (22061218C) will have 12GB of RAM and either 512GB or 1TB storage, according to the TENAA listing. This phone will almost certainly be powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. From a 3C listing we know that it will support 67W fast charging (battery capacity is still TBD). According to leakster Digital Chat Station, both the internal and external displays on the Mix Fold 2 will refresh at 120Hz and they will have 10.3:9 and 21:9 aspect ratios, respectively.



TENAA certifications: Xiaomi Mix Fold 2  Redmi K50S Pro

Next up is the Xiaomi K50S Pro (22081212C), which is listed as having an 8/128GB and a 12/256GB configurations. This phone will also likely feature the SD 8+ Gen 1 and DCS teased that it will have a 200MP camera (so it's a race with Motorola for who gets to be first). This one went through the 3C too, it will have 120W fast charging, the battery capacity is expected to be 5,000mAh. The display will have 120Hz refresh rate, according to rumors.

The K50S Pro may be sold as the Xiaomi 12T Pro globally. There should also be a Redmi K50S/12T, which will be powered by the Dimensity 8100 instead.

Source 1 | Source 2 (in Chinese) | Via
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Senators debate federal funding for $500 power rebate

Frank San Nicolas / PDN FILE PHOTO Guam Power Authority and Guam Waterworks Authority customers are assisted by customer care representatives at the Gloria B. Nelson Public Service Building in Mangilao March 17, 2022.

Most of the debate among senators Monday over legislation for a $500 power rebate boiled down to where the money for the program would come from.

Sen. Joe San Agustins Bill 325 would give residential and commercial ratepayers a $100 credit toward their power bills for the months of July through November.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has committed to signing off on a power rebate measure from San Agustin. However, the bill was significantly different from what San Agustin originally introduced.

Lawmakers will reconvene at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday to vote on the measure.

The main change to the legislation is an attempt by lawmakers to use some of the hundreds of million in American Rescue Plan money under Leon Guerreros control to pay for the program.

An amendment from Sen. Telo Taitague mandates the governor must use any available federal money before local money  the original funding source for the rebate  can be tapped.

Director of Administration Ed Birn last week asserted the ARP money cant be doled out for the rebate because it is meant for COVID-19 relief. Higher oil rices and increased power bills were primarily caused by the war in Ukraine. Further, the bill seeks to give the rebate to every ratepayer and the ARP money is aimed at disadvantaged groups and would require income-based limits, Birn said.

Interpretation

Several senators were hesitant to take Birn at his word.

Sen. Joanne Brown called on Del. Mike San Nicolas to interpret the ARP rules. San Nicolas, who is challenging Leon Guerrero for the governors seat, said it is very clear, in black and white that ARP funds can be used for utility relief for families impacted by COVID-19 and read a section of the federal guidelines stating so.

He granted that the U.S. Treasury would likely deny an attempt to use the money for utility relief if the administration cited the Ukraine war as the cause.

However, if we go to Treasury and we say we want to use these funds for utility relief, in line with the authorized purposes, to respond for COVID-19, Treasury, of course, will say yes, San Nicolas said.

Additionally, the income thresholds argument applies to everything else thats not a territory, he said, because the territories were presumed to be disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Skeptical

Sens. Chris Duenas, James Moylan and Speaker Therese Terlaje were all skeptical of the administrations assessment that it couldnt use ARP funding for the rebate.

Ive become a little impatient at this because weve been doing this for months now, throughout this pandemic. This debate of Why arent you using federal funds? If you can use federal funds, use the federal funds, the speaker said.

Relief might have come sooner, if the back and forth with the administration had not gone on, she said.

Sen. Mary Camacho Torres said lawmakers had gotten far into the weeds with the debate over funding the rebate.

I think that the fundamental question is, if we want to get relief to our people quickly, this is the means to get it out quickly.

Sen. Clynt Ridgell expressed a similar opinion.

San Agustin didnt ultimately object to Taitagues move to mandate that federal money be used but told San Nicolas: I will leave it to the administration, because theyre the ones going to end up accounting for it when the Treasury Department asks the questions.

Local funds

GovGuam has collected roughly $100 million in excess General Fund revenue so far this year, though at least $30 million of that is already appropriated for other measures. Bill 325 would take $26.38 million of that to fund the power rebate, should no federal money be available.

Another $15 million of that money would be set aside in the Rainy Day Fund for additional pandemic relief programs, through an amendment passed by Taitague.

San Agustin also amended the measure to account for master-metered accounts with the Guam Power Authority, multi-dwelling units like condos where several families fall under one bill. Master-meter account holders will have to notarize the number of sub-accounts under their meter.
The scenery may change, but the sentiment is the same as former Guam residents celebrate the 78th anniversary of Guams liberation around the country this month.

On Oahu, CHamoru music blared from speakers as families lined up at tables to fill their plates with red rice, kelaguen, barbecue ribs, gollai hagun suni, and other fiesta food under canopies set up on Saturday in a commercial district in Kapolei.

More than 350 people showed up for the potluck fiesta organized by the Bulacheros, a softball team composed of former Guam residents. The event took place 1-5 p.m. at a commercial site in Campbell Industrial Park.

Among the attendees was Margaret Wusstig Cruz, a 75-year-old former resident of Yigo, who recalled her parents stories of the war.

My father, Felix Wusstig, he told me he killed a lot of Japanese back then. They had to walk all the way to Manenggon, my mother, she said, referring to the infamous concentration camp in Yona set up by Japanese soldiers.

She came to the event to commemorate the liberation, and to support the softball team, she said.

Other attendees, like Lani Ching, looked forward to enjoying fiesta food she enjoyed growing up with her family in Nimitz Hill.

Its funny how I found out (about it). I go once a month to the Waikele food truck (that sells Guam food), and they go, Lani, do you know about this? You gotta go.

I said, yes! Because Im the one who doesnt know how to cook CHamoru food. ... I dont even know how to make finadenne, she said. All I could bring was drinks, and then donate money, thats about it.

That didnt seem to matter, as the softball team had prepared to buy enough food and drinks for the hundreds they anticipated would come.

Theres gonna be no charge. If no one even donates food, were building the money to buy all the food and drinks to feed everybody, Bulacheros member Francis Garrido had said in an earlier PDN story about Liberation celebrations around the world.

Indeed, by 4 p.m. there was still lots of food on the tables and soda, water, juice, and beer in the coolers. And, following traditional Guam hospitality, guests were invited to balutan as they left.

Fort Drum, New York

On the same day on the East Coast, about 70 people gathered Saturday at the Dimalanta residence at the Fort Drum Army Base. Organized by Ashley Salas, the event was hosted by Christelyn and Oscar Dimalanta

It was a potluck of Chamorro food, Salad said. We also had a mini Liberation decorate-your-wagon competition. The children and families paraded around the neighborhood passing out candy, musubi and rosketti.

This was the first liberation gathering on Fort Drum and we plan on doing it yearly with Guam families who are stationed here in the future, Salas said.
A man was charged with assault and terrorizing after two police officers were punched during a traffic stop.

On Sunday, officers driving in Hagat activated their emergency lights and pulled over a 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage driven by 37-year-old Byron Torres Naputi, according to a magistrates complaint filed in the Superior Court of Guam.

During the traffic stop, Naputis conduct led officers to believe he was under the influence of narcotics. An officer who knew Naputi from previous encounters asked him to turn off his car because he was under arrest, the complaint stated.

Naputi refused, and when an officer reached inside to turn off the car, Naputi grabbed the officers shirt and punched the officer in the left eye, according to the complaint.

While Naputi continued to resist the officers attempt to remove him from the car, he punched a second officer in the chest before being subdued and placed into a patrol vehicle, according to the complaint.

Naputi then told an officer, When I see you outside, Im going to kill, before threatening to kill two other officers on the scene, the complaint stated.

Naputi was charged with two counts of assault against a peace officer and terrorizing as third-degree felonies.
Johnathan Ramos of Santa Rita captured these photos of two waterspouts that later merged into one water spout while he was fishing 20 miles south of Guam on Sept. 5, 2021. The National Weather Service said to expect heavy showers on July 26, 2022. Development of weak, brief funnel clouds may occur from possible heavy rains, thunderstorms and gusty winds.
The number of COVID-19 cases in the Federated States of Micronesia has grown from a few dozen travel-related cases a week ago to more than 1,000 cases on Monday.

Despite the high number of cases, only three people were hospitalized, according to the office of FSM President David Panuelo.

On Sunday, Panuelos office said Vice President Yosiwo P. George was among those hospitalized. There was no update on Georges condition Monday.

The government of Guam has proposed a meeting to offer assistance to the FSM, according to Panuelos spokesman Richard Clark.

Panuelo was still attempting to determine a suitable date and time for this meeting, but he looks forward to the discussion and is grateful for the love and support that our brothers and sisters in Guam show to the FSM and its people, both historically and also at this time of community spread of COVID-19 within the FSM, Clark said.

The nation had recorded no cases of the virus being spread within the community until July 19. As of Monday, there were 1,012 cases reported, with 699 in Pohnpei and 313 in Kosrae.

There have been seven cases reported in Chuuk and three in Yap, but those involved previous repatriation flights.

Clark said the communities in both Chuuk and Yap remained COVID-free.

Of people age 5 and older in the FSM, 74% are fully vaccinated. Some 55% of the population age 45 and older are vaccinated with at least one booster shot, according to the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs.
Most of the debate among senators Monday over legislation for a $500 power rebate boiled down to where the money for the program would come from.

Sen. Joe San Agustins Bill 325 would give residential and commercial ratepayers a $100 credit toward their power bills for the months of July through November.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has committed to signing off on a power rebate measure from San Agustin. However, the bill was significantly different from what San Agustin originally introduced.

Lawmakers will reconvene at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday to vote on the measure.

The main change to the legislation is an attempt by lawmakers to use some of the hundreds of million in American Rescue Plan money under Leon Guerreros control to pay for the program.

An amendment from Sen. Telo Taitague mandates the governor must use any available federal money before local money  the original funding source for the rebate  can be tapped.

Director of Administration Ed Birn last week asserted the ARP money cant be doled out for the rebate because it is meant for COVID-19 relief. Higher oil rices and increased power bills were primarily caused by the war in Ukraine. Further, the bill seeks to give the rebate to every ratepayer and the ARP money is aimed at disadvantaged groups and would require income-based limits, Birn said.

Interpretation

Several senators were hesitant to take Birn at his word.

Sen. Joanne Brown called on Del. Mike San Nicolas to interpret the ARP rules. San Nicolas, who is challenging Leon Guerrero for the governors seat, said it is very clear, in black and white that ARP funds can be used for utility relief for families impacted by COVID-19 and read a section of the federal guidelines stating so.

He granted that the U.S. Treasury would likely deny an attempt to use the money for utility relief if the administration cited the Ukraine war as the cause.

However, if we go to Treasury and we say we want to use these funds for utility relief, in line with the authorized purposes, to respond for COVID-19, Treasury, of course, will say yes, San Nicolas said.

Additionally, the income thresholds argument applies to everything else thats not a territory, he said, because the territories were presumed to be disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Skeptical

Sens. Chris Duenas, James Moylan and Speaker Therese Terlaje were all skeptical of the administrations assessment that it couldnt use ARP funding for the rebate.

Ive become a little impatient at this because weve been doing this for months now, throughout this pandemic. This debate of Why arent you using federal funds? If you can use federal funds, use the federal funds, the speaker said.

Relief might have come sooner, if the back and forth with the administration had not gone on, she said.

Sen. Mary Camacho Torres said lawmakers had gotten far into the weeds with the debate over funding the rebate.

I think that the fundamental question is, if we want to get relief to our people quickly, this is the means to get it out quickly.

Sen. Clynt Ridgell expressed a similar opinion.

San Agustin didnt ultimately object to Taitagues move to mandate that federal money be used but told San Nicolas: I will leave it to the administration, because theyre the ones going to end up accounting for it when the Treasury Department asks the questions.

Local funds

GovGuam has collected roughly $100 million in excess General Fund revenue so far this year, though at least $30 million of that is already appropriated for other measures. Bill 325 would take $26.38 million of that to fund the power rebate, should no federal money be available.

Another $15 million of that money would be set aside in the Rainy Day Fund for additional pandemic relief programs, through an amendment passed by Taitague.

San Agustin also amended the measure to account for master-metered accounts with the Guam Power Authority, multi-dwelling units like condos where several families fall under one bill. Master-meter account holders will have to notarize the number of sub-accounts under their meter.
One of many iconic images is created by colorfully lit aerial drones in the night skies above the Paseo de Susana in Hagatna as part of the 78th Liberation Day celebration July 21, 2022.
A scene from "Equality Road 1110" / Courtesy of the filmmakers





By Jon Dunbar







It's been over 15 years since an anti-discrimination law was first proposed in Korea, and the National Assembly has still been unable to pass a bill while the country's most socially marginalized communities continue to suffer.







Hopes were raised that the bill would be passed after the 2017 election of liberal former President Moon Jae-in and the 2020 legislative elections which gave Moon's Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) a significant majority in the Assembly. But the bill continued to flounder.







Throughout this time, activists and representatives of socially vulnerable communities continued urging the government to do its job. Meanwhile, they faced counter-protests from largely Christian groups, who claimed that the law's passage would result in "reverse discrimination," punishing them for their views and hate speech toward sexual minorities.







In 2020, the South Korean Coalition for Anti-Discrimination Legislation led a 30-day march from Busan all the way up to the National Assembly in Seoul. Two human rights activists named Miryu and Jong-gul made the journey to hold the Assembly accountable after it failed to respond before the deadline to a petition in support of the bill, which received over 100,000 signatures on the now-defunct National Assembly online petition website.







Their journey was documented by filmmakers and released last year in the form of an omnibus documentary featuring the work of five filmmakers.









The members of

, a local curative arts collective, wrote new captions in English for the film, and plan to offer a

on Saturday.







"We feel that [passage of the law] is the bare minimum, and in many ways the first step towards the creation of a safe, just and inclusive society," Crazy Multiply organizers said in a statement written for The Korea Times. "So it is a basic law, but incredibly necessary in the sense that it will allow all of us living in South Korea to see the oppression we experience in a more interconnected way. Be it sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, ageism, ableism, classism or others, the passing of this act will shine a light on the structures that maintain and reproduce these violences and also give us all a way to act stronger together through our differences."







The film puts discrimination under the microscope, and one conclusion many interviewees reach, upon reflecting on their lives, is that certain experiences they've faced were in fact discrimination.







"Discrimination is not an isolated event people are subjected to, but it is something that is normalized in too many areas of day-to-day life," Crazy Multiply said. "So many forms of violence have been normalized in day-to-day life, and at times we are subjected to further trauma by having to convince others of our experience."







In one scene in the movie, an organizer at DdingDong LGBTQ Youth Crisis Support Center details their experience hurrying to a hospital emergency room to provide support for a teenager in need of help. But the organizer, who is transgender, had trouble convincing the staff of their identity due to gender differences indicated on their ID and presented in person, and what should have been a quick and simple check-in ended up taking 30 to 40 minutes.







The anti-discrimination law would also help foreign nationals in Korea, which is a big part of the reason why Crazy Multiply saw the need for the subtitled screening. One foreign interviewee in the film explains how he was unclear about the details of how the law would pertain to his experience as an immigrant.







"This is the general feeling most non-Korean citizens have when it comes to their own rights while living in Korea, and why many immigrants, migrants and refugees are unable to defend themselves legally in situations where they are taken advantage of," Crazy Multiply said. "It speaks to the need for more transparency and inclusivity for non-Korean speakers about who and what this law actually encompasses, which would also create more advocacy for the law overall."







The main reason for the non-passage of the anti-discrimination act seems to come from opposition from the Christian far right, a powerful minority in Korean society.







"Opponents to the passing of the Anti-Discrimination Act put at the forefront of their arguments the common conservative dogmatisms pertaining to homophobia, transphobia and misogyny, a lot of which are rooted in narrow-minded views of Christianity," Crazy Multiply members said.







"They would use the term 'true anti-discrimination act' in their discourse, attempting to negate the validity of the Anti-Discrimination Act that we are working towards passing. This however attests to a general misunderstanding of the Anti-Discrimination Act on the part of those who are opposed."







Some members of Crazy Multiply, which includes both Koreans and foreign nationals, got a different picture of the act's implications for the religious, when they attended solidarity hunger strike sit-in protests led by Miryu and Jong-gul, held earlier this year before the end of Moon's term and the inauguration of President Yoon Suk-yeol.







"We saw that there were multiple leaders of various religions including Christianity in support of the Anti-Discrimination Act," they said of their experiences at the protests. "Oftentimes we would consider the fact that the opposition would cease to exist as soon as they realized that this law would benefit them too."







The 48-minute documentary concludes with a scene of the two activists walking together with many supporters toward the end of their 30-day march. They say the government's strategy has been to tire out the protesters, and ask the supporters accompanying them if anybody feels tired, to which everyone replies that they are not.







"Equality Road 1110" will have one screening starting at 7 p.m., at KioskKiosk III in Sewoon Makers Cube, on the newly constructed third-floor terrace west of the southernmost tower in the Sewoon complex in downtown Seoul. The film will contain Korean and English closed captions and the venue is wheelchair-accessible. Afterward, there will be a 30-minute Q&A session with film director Kim Seol-hae and Mong, co-executive chairperson of the Coalition for Anti-Discrimination Legislation. As space will be limited, registration is required. Visit Crazy Multiply's website for more information and for a sign-up link.


















Haiti - FLASH : A police inspector executed inside a church





Sunday, July 24, in the locality of Meyer in the commune of Croix-des-Bouquets, heavily armed individuals, members of the "400 Mawozo" gang, entered around noon in the enclosure of the Assembly of God church, shortly after the cult and coldly executed police inspector Reginald Laleau (45) of the 14th promotion.



Carrying the body of their victim, these individuals fled without being worried, in a black Toyota Land Cruiser "Zo Reken" with which they had arrived.



Let's recall that Joseph Wilson alias "Lanmo San jou" the Chief of "400 Mawoso" had threatened to kill the police officers of one of the armored vehicles of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) nicknamed by the bandits "Men lap fe san", which patrols gang-controlled territories. Threat carried out.



During the afternoon, there were several "clashes" and exchanges of fire between the police and men of "400 Mawozo", causing many panic movements in the population.



Policeman Laleau joins the list of 25 of his colleagues killed by assassination bullets during operations against gangs or coldly executed between January and June 2022, according to Lionel Lazarre, Coordinator of the National Union of Haitian Police Officers (SYNAPOHA).



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - UN : Humanitarian aid finally arrives in Cite Soleil





Tuesday July 19, 2022, 3 days after the ceasefire https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37194-haiti-flash-cite-soleil-ceasefire-opening-of-a-humanitarian-corridor.html United Nations humanitarian agencies have started delivering humanitarian assistance directly to the most vulnerable inhabitants of the commune of Cite Soleil as well as to some of the most vulnerable people in other neighbourhoods of the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, following the recent spike of violence.



The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) provided 1400 kits including hygiene and baby supplies, plastic sheeting, jerry cans for water, blankets, solar lamps and repair items for houses.



The UN Childrens Fund, UNICEF, delivered 312,000 litres of drinking water, enough for 20,000 people for two days and 300 hygiene kits to serve 1,500 people, and assisted 780 children with psychosocial support activities of whom 110 received treatment at a mobile clinic.



The World Food Programme (WFP) distributed food including rice, beans, oil, which can feed 15,000 people for a week.



The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti, Ulrika Richardson, the organizations most senior humanitarian official in the country said "The humanitarian needs in Cite Soleil are immense and are growing due to poverty, lack of basic services, including security, and a recent spike in violence. The UN is committed to continuing to deliver aid to the most vulnerable children, women and men in need, in line with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence."



Adding "UN humanitarian agencies are providing immediate life-saving assistance in Cite Soleil [...] but a more sustainable and holistic approach needs to be found for the medium and longer-term development of this emblematic commune which has a strong human potential, so that unmet needs can be satisfied; this should include protection, and a return to a life of dignity for its inhabitants."



The UN provided direct assistance to the most vulnerable based on a coordinated joint needs assessment undertaken by IOM, UNICEF and WFP in Cite Soleil. It is working with Haitis civil protection agency (DGPC), the Office for Citizen Protection (OPC), the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES), other local and government agencies as well as other actors in order to provide a more comprehensive response to the vulnerable communities.



Cite Soleil with a current estimated population around 300,000 is one of the most deprived commune in Port-au-Prince and its humanitarian and development needs were huge even before the current upsurge in violence.



The Humanitarian Coordinator calls on all parties to remain committed to end the deadly violence and ensure an open humanitarian corridor to Cite Soleil to allow unhindered access to emergency humanitarian and medical assistance to civilians in need.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37194-haiti-flash-cite-soleil-ceasefire-opening-of-a-humanitarian-corridor.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37185-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37180-haiti-food-insecurity-gang-violence-threatens-more-than-a-million-haitians-in-port-au-prince.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37172-haiti-insecurity-the-un-worried-about-the-increase-in-violence-asks-the-authorities-to-act.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37164-haiti-humanitarian-insecurity-prevents-un-agencies-from-providing-relief-in-cite-soleil.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-37125-icihaiti-cite-soleil-already-at-least-20-dead-and-50-injured-in-armed-clashes.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Drugs : Trafficker arrested

On Sunday July 24, officers from the Bureau for the Fight against Drug Trafficking (BLTS) arrested a drug trafficker identified as Wadner Belonne (44 years old) alias "Jamaica" under a warrant and seized 3 kg of marijuana and a sum of 120,350 gourdes.



Shipwreck : Message from the PM

"17 compatriots died off the Bahamas and several disappeared on July 24 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37234-haiti-flash-shipwreck-in-the-bahamas-16-haitians-dead-and-21-survivors-provisional-report.html . This new tragedy saddens the entire Nation. While sympathizing with the relatives of the victims, I launch, once again, an appeal for national reconciliation in order to solve the problems which are driving away, far from our soil, our brothers, our sisters, our children."



Energy : All microgrids will be multi-source

All micro-grids built in Haiti will be multi-source (solar panels + diesel + battery). The installation of 471 solar panels of 450 W (212 kW in total) of the power plant in the city center of the municipality of Capotille (North-East) is in progress, informs Evenson Calixte, the Director General of the National Regulatory Authority for the Energy Sector (ANARSE).



Defence : Haitian Delegation in Brazil

Sunday July 24, 2022, a delegation led by Enold Joseph Minister of Defense left the country bound for Brasilia (Capital of Brazil) to participate in the 15th Conference of Ministers of Defense of the Americas (CMDA) from July 25 to 29, 2022 .



Ounaminthe : General strike

In Ouanaminthe (North-East), civil society organizations and residents are announcing a general strike for this Monday, July 25, 2022 to denounce the socio-political and economic problems facing the country.



Diphtheria : More than 390,000 children vaccinated thanks to Japan

From January to May 2022, more than 390,000 children aged 1 to 6 were vaccinated against diphtheria with funding from the Government of Japan. UNICEF supports the expanded routine immunization program of the Ministry of Public Health and Population.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















The defense chiefs of South Korea and the United States will hold talks in Washington D.C. this week to discuss security on the Korean Peninsula and deterrence against evolving North Korean threats, the defense ministry here said Monday.







Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup and his counterpart, Lloyd Austin, are scheduled to meet Friday, as the allies have been cranking up security coordination amid speculation Pyongyang could ratchet up tensions by conducting a nuclear test or other provocative acts.







It would mark their second in-person meeting in their current capacities, following their first talks on the margins of the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual security forum in Singapore, last month.







"Through this meeting, (the two sides) plan to exchange their assessments about the security situation on the peninsula and have a wide-range of discussions on various alliance issues, including efforts to enhance the enforceability of extended deterrence," the ministry said in a press release.







Amid growing North Korean nuclear and missile threats, Seoul has been striving to ensure and strengthen the enforceability of extended deterrence, America's stated commitment to using a full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear options, to defend its Asian ally.







While in the U.S., Lee plans to attend Wednesday's ceremony celebrating the completion of the Wall of Remembrance, a Korean War monument bearing the names of 36,634 U.S. troops and 7,174 members of the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army who died during the 1950-53 conflict.







Lee will also visit the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington to express his appreciation to war veterans and hold separate meetings with former U.S. Forces Korea commanders and officials from major U.S. think tanks. (Yonhap)


A MAN in Kidmore End has set up an organisation to help Ukrainian refugees.

Rev Dr James Mather, 71, of Horsepond Road, created Ukraine Chain to get those who cross the border to Romania into a safe home by forming relationships with governmental and non-governmental organisations and people with useful resources.

Dr Mather, a semi-retired minister, lives with his wife Jane and two dogs and hosts a Ukrainian woman, Anfisa Vlasova, along with her four Yorkshire terriers.

Through being involved in helping during the crisis, he learned that Poland was becoming very congested and people were increasingly turning south to Romania.

Dr Mather said: I have contacts in Romania and thought, maybe we can do something about this and thats when Ukraine Chain was formed. We chose the name not just because it rhymes but because we make links.

The Homes for Ukraine scheme has been great and its an immediate solution but the war isnt going to be over soon and we need something more long term. His project is still in its infancy but he has been travelling to Romania, talking to the contacts that he made while he worked in the country from 1990 to 2004 as an architect and making new relationships with others, forming a community of people who can help refugees.

So far he has worked to make an abandoned flat in Bacau available to use by refugees along with a psychologist to help people who are going through trauma.

Dr Mather said: I visited a man in commune who works for the government and spoke to him about spare houses and he almost broke down thinking about if it was his own family going through this. The Ukraine Chain team includes a treasurer and a husband and wife, who asked not to be named, who writes a blog about their experiences. There is also Dana Condrea and Adriana Rosu, who live in Romania.

Dr Mather is on the lookout for more volunteers to help. He said: We need to build up a greater team. When one can get people working together, tremendous achievements can be made. It was easier to travel every month in the Nineties but its not as sustainable now.

Dr Mather used to work as an architect in Hampshire but was approached by a doctor from the county to help him fix a water supply for the Ungureni Orphanage Trust in the North of Romania, close to the border with Ukraine and Moldova.

The problem left 200 children in the Ungureni orphanage without water which was caused by the Vrancea earthquakes in 1990 that damaged parts of Romania, Ukraine and Bulgaria.

The children were referred to as Ceausescus children in a time when the communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu, introduced a forced breeding policy, banning contraception and abortion. This led to thousands of unwanted babies being born, many with disabilities, and sent to state orphanages.

Dr Mather spent one week at the Ungureni and then visited about once a month for 14 years so he could help the children.

He took over a rural development site and built group homes on farms for them to stay in.

Dr Mather said: Romania was so full of frustrations but I could see that it was full of opportunities  there were ways of coming out the other side.

These children werent really orphans  they were people who had been neglected and discarded by their parents.

They never had any education and they received very little love but they formed their own families and societies in these homes.

We gave them the basic skills in agriculture so they could go out and make money when they were older. One girl who was 12 when I met her is 45 now and has thrived. And the government now is proud of what its done for the country.

For more information about Ukraine Chain or to make a donation, visit www.ukrainechain.org
Interior Minister Lee Sang-min speaks during a special briefing to address his position on the police's resistance to a government plan to establish a supervisory bureau to put law enforcement officers under the ministry's control, at the government complex building in central Seoul, Monday. Yonhap



Resistance intensifies with more collective action set to take place



By Ko Dong-hwan



Interior Minister Lee Sang-min strongly criticized the chiefs of police precincts Monday for their collective action on Saturday against the envisioned launch of a supervisory bureau inside the interior ministry, calling it "an incident akin to a military coup."



During a news briefing, Lee said Saturday's meeting of police officials reminded him of the Dec. 12 military coup led by a group of generals that took place weeks after the assassination of President Park Chung-hee in 1979.



"A lot of time has passed since then and we now live in an era when a military coup has become an unimaginable incident. But the fact that armed officials went ahead and gathered despite a warning from their superior and discussed an action against the government is a serious matter," he said, indicating that the ministry will investigate those involved in the collective action.



The minister's strongly-worded criticism came days after some 190 senior police officials from across the country responded to calls by Ulsan Jungbu Police Station Senior Superintendent Ryu Sam-young to gather and discuss how to react to the interior ministry's plan to launch a supervisory bureau to put the police under its control.



The bottom-up protest against the supervisory bureau has gained momentum from within the ranks of the police and spread quickly with more police officers voicing their willingness to join the collective action.



The ongoing standoff between the national police and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety intensified on Monday as some superintendent-level officials said they will hold another meeting to protest the ministry's plan and urged other officials to join.



Superintendent Kim Seong-jong from Gwangjin Police Station in Seoul's Gwangjin District posted on Sunday a message on an intranet website for the national police saying he will host a nationwide meeting of superintendents and lieutenant police officers on July 30 at the Police Human Resource Development Institute in the city of Asan, South Chungcheong Province. That is the same place where the police officials held their previous meeting.



"If we lose our faithful leaders who risked their own careers to do the right thing, we will end up serving government officials blinded by their own interests," Kim said on the website. "I will take the risk of receiving a probation or being investigated by internal affairs."



Yoo Geun-chang, the chief of a police station in Masan, South Gyeongsang Province, suggested on the website on Monday that the meeting hosted by Kim be expanded to include the chiefs of other smaller police stations and that he will join the meeting this Saturday.



"Senior superintendents gathered last Saturday to ponder over the future of the national police force, but what they got from the central government was probation and an inspection for illicit activities," Yoo said. "I want to join the meeting this Saturday and express my respect for my colleagues."



One police officer in Seoul urged superintendents and lieutenants to do something to show the national police's solidarity against the central government's plan.



Members of the public police officials' council and the national public workers' union's national police agency group also began protesting Monday against the interior ministry's launch of the supervisory bureau. They took to the streets in front of KTX stations across the country to raise awareness of the issue to passers-by and launched a one-person protest in front of the NPA headquarters in Migeun-dong area in Seoul's Seodaemun District.





One of the leaders of the police officials' council, who is from Cheongwon Police Station in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, stages a one-person protest in front of the National Police Agency's headquarters in Migeun-dong in Seodaemun District, Seoul, Monday, against the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's plan to launch a supervisory bureau overseeing the national police force. Yonhap
SUPPORTERS and staff at the Mill at Sonning celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Managing director Sally Hughes hosted a party at the riverside venue with a special birthday cake last Friday.

Mrs Hughess late parents Tim and Eileen Richards had bought it with her late uncle Frank Richards in 1978.

The building, which was a former flour mill, had been empty since it was closed in 1969 before they went about restoring and converting it into a theatre.

The Mill opened on July 22, 1982 and Peter Egan was artistic director for the first two years before Mrs Hughes took over and then became managing director as well in 2002.

Mrs Hughes, a former actress, said she had mixed emotions about the theatre reaching its ruby anniversary. She said: It brings back memories of my parents  it makes you look back. The 40 years have flown by.

We had a gentle celebration and its nice to see staff and friends of the Mill smiling together, especially after the last two-and-a-half years of the coronavirus pandemic  its nice to say we made it.

We call it the fun factory  we always have something to smile about. Youd think after 40 years you would have seen it all but every day is different here.

About 50 people attended the celebration and were greeted at the entrance by an anniversary sign covered in gold, burgundy and pink balloons opposite a bust of Mrs Hughess father.

There are about 150 Friends of the theatre who pay annually and about 20 Mill Angels who also give a financial contribution.

Mrs Hughes cut a 40th anniversary cake on the stage in the auditorium, named after Ray Cooney, a playwright who helped keep the theatre going through the pandemic.

It was also filled with fresh air from a new air-conditioning system which was bought using money from the governments Culture Recovery Fund.

Mrs Hughes was handed a bunch of flowers by production manager Joan Farnese on behalf of the team of staff. The party then returned to the bar area where guests had glasses of prosecco.

Mrs Farnese, who has worked at the Mill since 1989, said: Sally does so much for us  I just wanted to say thank you. Its a hard job looking after this amazing building and putting together an amazing team that love this theatre.

She added: Im so pleased to be here after everything over the last few years and heres to many more.

Philip Young, who lived in Sonning when the building was bought and knew founders Frank and Tim, came to many productions over the years.

He now lives in Bourne End but keeps coming back. He said: I love the atmosphere and also the value  you get good food and a professional show. Its a better experience than going to the West End where you have to get the tube or a taxi.

Having known the Richards, I really want to support it. Its such a great local facility. We dont regard it as just a social enterprise  we have affection for it.

The Mill won the UKs Most Welcome Theatre award at the annual UK Theatre Awards three years running prior to the pandemic closing theatres in 2020.

An announcement will shortly be made for its forthcoming season. Productions will include Funny Money by Mr Cooney and musical Top Hat in addition to various comedy and magic nights, concerts and talks.
Feature: China's timely help brings ease to flood-hit people in SW Pakistan

Xinhua) 16:34, July 25, 2022

ISLAMABAD, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A smile came to Allaudin Ahmad's face when he was called outside his makeshift camp in the Qila Saifullah district of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province to receive a relief package from China.

Ahmad's family was among 800 others who lost their houses and fortune in heavy monsoon rains that have been lashing various parts of the province since last month.

"We got temporarily accommodated in the camp, but there was a serious shortage of food items which was a matter of great concern for us as we needed ration for survival," Ahmad told Xinhua.

He said China's help, with food and other items, came right on time to support his family to three to four weeks.

According to the latest available data by the country's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) released on July 20, a total of 282 people had been killed and 211 others injured due to different rain-related accidents in Pakistan since mid-June.

Balochistan remained the worst hit by rains, where 88 people were killed and 62 others injured in separate rain-triggered accidents, said the NDMA.

Bayazeed Kasi, a politician from Balochistan who distributed the food packs to the rain-hit people on behalf of the Chinese embassy, said that China has once again shown that it is standing with the people of Pakistan through thick and thin.

Kasi, who is also the president of Balochistan-based "Friends of China Forum", told Xinhua that a large amount of people had been affected by the rains in the province this year, many of whom received relief packs from China.

"About 800-1,000 food packs were distributed among the families living in the camps... not only this, the Chinese people also provided around 300 pieces of solar panels as the current rains destroyed electricity lines in many areas, leaving people without electricity for days," Kasi told Xinhua.

Hakim Chandio, living in one of the camps with his family after his house was destroyed by the rain, said that the gesture of the Chinese people has won their hearts and strengthened the people-to-people relations.

"I heard in the news that China has lifted its people out of poverty in a very short period. I hope that our government will also learn from China and China will help us through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to change our fate," Chandio told Xinhua.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Hongyu)
Unification Minister Kwon Young-se speaks during a parliamentary inquiry into the Yoon Suk-yeol administration at the National Assembly in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap



By Jung Min-ho



South Korea's 2019 decision to repatriate two North Korean fishermen against their will was unprecedented and a violation of the Constitution, Unification Minister Kwon Young-se said Monday.



Asked whether there have been any similar cases before and after the incident, Kwon said it was the only occasion when North Koreans were forced to leave South Korea despite their objection.



South Korea's Constitution says North Koreans should be treated as South Korean citizens. As a result, North Korean escapees are not even required to express their intention to defect to the South if they want to stay here, he added.



"If North Koreans say they do not want to return to North Korea, the ministry must accept them," Kwon said during a parliamentary inquiry into the Yoon Suk-yeol administration at the National Assembly in Seoul. "The decision to send them back was clearly wrong, which damaged the Constitution and its spirit."



The previous Moon Jae-in 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 brief investigation, South Korean authorities sent the fishermen and their boat back to the North.



The accusation of murder was a chief justification of the deportation. Many people, including former National Security Office Director Chung Eui-yong (May 2017-July 2020), defended the decision, saying it would be difficult to prosecute them under the South Korean legal system.



Kwon disagreed. He said no civilized country would send citizens to where they are almost certain to be killed just because they are criminals. Moreover, there was no fair trial for the fishermen, who should be regarded as innocent until proven guilty.



"Some people say they deserved be sent back to the North to protect our society, because they were criminals. It would not be acceptable in this civilized country," Kwon said "It would be tantamount to saying that individuals' human rights can be sacrificed for the sake of the whole society. It is a typical totalitarian thought."





Rep. Tae Yong-ho of the ruling People Power Party speaks during a parliamentary inquiry into the Yoon Suk-yeol administration at the National Assembly in Seoul, Monday.




The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) on Monday urged the presidential office to reveal why the son of a businessperson under investigation over a stock manipulation case allegedly involving first lady Kim Keon-hee attended President Yoon Suk-yeol's inauguration ceremony.







Earlier Monday, a local news outlet, Sisa Journal, reported that the son of Kwon Oh-soo, the chairperson of Deutsch Motors Inc., a BMW car dealer in South Korea, attended the ceremony held at the National Assembly complex in May as a VIP guest.







The Deutsch Motors head has been indicted on charges of leaking insider information to induce purchases of the company's stocks and later placing fake buying bids using his stock account to jack up the prices.







He is also suspected of mobilizing influential market players, and contacting stock companies and analysts to stir up market buzz around the company and promote purchases.







The case has drawn wide attention over the first lady's alleged involvement in the case.







"The presidential office should disclose why the son of a key figure in a stock manipulation case was invited to the inauguration ceremony and who invited him," Rep. Jo O-seop, a DPK spokesperson, said.







"If the presidential office fails to give a clear explanation, it will be seen as admitting to the allegation that first lady Kim Keon-hee and Deutsch Motors shared economic interests."







The presidential office, however, said it is difficult to confirm the list of attendees at the inauguration ceremony and even if Kwon's son did, it would not affect the ongoing investigation.







Meanwhile, Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon told a parliamentary interpellation session that the prosecution has been "fully" looking into the stock manipulation case and the result is expected to be available soon.







"The prosecution will make a conclusion in accordance with law and principles," Han said in an answer to a lawmaker's question about his view on the alleged involvement of the first lady in the scandal. (Yonhap)


By Kim Sun-ae





"A Conversation between Greta Thunberg and the Dalai Lama" is a book based on the dialogue that the Swedish climate activist and the spiritual leader of Tibet had on the climate crisis in January 2021. Reading this book, we can learn about climate feedback loops, which are processes that can amplify or diminish the effects of different factors on the climate system.



To address climate change, it is necessary to understand these feedback loops, because, through them, the impacts of key climate factors get stronger or weaker, beginning a chain reaction that continues to repeat over and over. The effects of such feedback loops can cause tipping points, which are irreversible changes in the climate system that are unsteady and unpredictable.



Scientists have discovered many climate feedback loops related to permafrost and forests. This book explains the permafrost feedback loop as follows. Greenhouse gas emissions from the use of fossil fuels increase temperatures. As a result, permafrost in the Arctic thaws, releasing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases raise temperatures, and this cycle repeats.



In recent years, scientists have witnessed a marked acceleration of permafrost thawing. Permafrost holds twice the amount of carbon currently in the atmosphere. More warming caused by permafrost melting will increase extreme weather phenomena such as heatwaves in the world. To solve the crisis of climate feedback loops, it is imperative to cut our energy consumption and use renewables such as solar and wind power instead of fossil fuels.



The forest feedback loop is another crucial factor in climate change, according to the book. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, so forests are important in responding to the climate crisis.



With climate warming, hotter and drier weather increases droughts, wildfires and pests. As a result, the trees constituting forests die. Dead trees release carbon dioxide they have stored, thus contributing to warming.



We have witnessed large-scale wildfires around the world in recent years. Global warming can result in more frequent and longer wildfires. Banning large-scale deforestation is needed. In addition, it will be helpful to make it mandatory to plant two trees when somebody cuts one down.



This book presents various ways to stop the worsening of the climate crisis. Our every action can accelerate or mitigate global warming. For example, reducing meat consumption can help preserve forests because the livestock industry contributes to deforestation in the process of growing crops for animal feed. Collective actions to urge the government to decrease greenhouse gas emissions more rapidly are necessary too.



"The power that can save us now comes from our imagination," wrote Kim Jong-cheol, the former publisher of "Green Review." Imagine living in a beautiful green world under the blue sky and seeing numerous stars at night. If we stop reckless "development" and begin conserving the ecosystem, our environment will become a much more livable one.



With our imagination and wisdom, we can join climate action for everyone's safety with many people all over the world.





Kim Sun-ae (blog.naver.com/dancinglf) edited the Korean edition of "In the Name of the People" by Evo Mosley.




By Paul Tyson





One of the most interesting but underreported stories coming out of the Ukraine conflict is the tale of ethnic Korean Ukrainians who have found refuge in Korea.



Around 1,200 Ukrainian Koreans have sought asylum in Korea and their presence has renewed interest in the "Koryoin" (also known as the "Koryo Saram"), the descendants of Koreans who migrated to Russia in the 19th century or fled there during Japan's imperial rule of Korea.



There are an estimated 500,000 Koryoin now living in the former Soviet Union, with most concentrated in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Ukraine. Many of them were deported to Central Asia from the Russian Far East in the 1930s by Joseph Stalin, who feared that they represented a potential "fifth column" for a Japanese invasion from Korea.



Many of the Ukrainian refugees are living in existing Koryoin communities in Ansan, Gyeonggi, Incheon and Gwangju. Most are women, children and the elderly since men are prohibited from leaving Ukraine due to conscription.



An estimated 15,000 Koryoin and family members have fled Ukraine as refugees, with many now staying in Poland and Romania. About 20,000 to 40,000 ethnic Koreans were living in Ukraine before the war.



The mass resettlement of ethnic Koreans to Ukraine began in the 1960s so they could work on farms. More of them moved from Central Asia to Ukraine in the 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union. They have largely settled in the rich agricultural region of southern Ukraine, parts of which are now under Russian occupation. Vitaliy Kim, the current governor of Mykolayiv, which is still under Ukrainian control, is Koryoin.



Koryoin organizations in Korea are urging the government to issue emergency travel visas and accelerate the immigration process so that more can enter the country.



At the beginning of the Ukraine war on Feb. 24, there were more than 3,800 Ukrainian citizens living in Korea, with around 2,400 being Ukrainian Koryoin. The government has agreed to extend resident visas for all of them indefinitely. The influx of Ukrainian Koryoin could have interesting long-term implications for Korea.



Korea has been criticized for being reluctant to accept refugees despite pledges to promote international human rights. It has one of the lowest rates among developed countries in granting refugee status.



There were public protests in 2019 when more than 500 Yemeni men arrived on Jeju Island after fleeing the civil war in their country. Nearly 400 Afghans who had worked for the Korean Embassy in Kabul or affiliated aid agencies were allowed into the country last year after the Taliban seized power. But they were designated as "special contributors" rather than refugees, which was considered politically more palatable. Even North Korean refugees, who are granted special status under the South Korean Constitution, have found a less welcoming attitude in recent years.



If Seoul decided to welcome thousands of Ukrainian Koreans, it would help improve perceptions about Korea's global commitment to humanitarian assistance, a theme that was touched on during President Yoon Suk-yeol's inauguration address in May.



Accepting large numbers of Ukrainian Koreans would be an easier step than accepting Afghans and Yemenis because of the close ethnic bonds. Ethnic Korean foreigners have an easier time, for example, in acquiring Korean citizenship than other nationalities.



Moreover, the arrival of Ukrainian Koryoin also points to a longer-term solution in attracting immigrants to counter Korea's population decline. In the last decade, Korea has relied on migrants mainly from Southeast Asia to help cover labor shortages in factories and farms. But many of these migrant workers have faced opposition in a country that still values ethnic homogeneity.



The Koryoin in Russia and the former Soviet republics represent a large potential source of labor for Korea. Many are well-educated, allowing Korea to acquire high-value workers who are viewed as "well-suited" to live in an advanced industrial country.



Although not all Koryoin speak Korean, many have retained an interest in their cultural roots which makes assimilation easier. They have shown skill in being able to adapt since many have done well in the former Soviet sphere despite confronting considerable obstacles. More importantly, many would jump at the chance to live in a rich developed country.



Korea has never had any program to promote the return migration of the Koryoin from the former Soviet Union. It should look to the example of Germany. Ethnic Germans have lived in Russia for hundreds of years. Many fled to Germany at the end of World War II but another wave migrated to Germany after the breakup of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s with the assistance of the German government. It may be time for Korea to consider this policy. The regulations and practices used by the Germans could provide guidance. It may be what the Koryoin want and need.





Paul Tyson is a retired U.S. diplomat teaching diplomacy and government at New England College.


ROCKVILLE, Maryland (July 25, 2022)  Arch Amenities Group, a full-service global provider of wellness, amenity and meeting services for commercial and residential properties, hotels and private clubs, today announced the appointment of Whitney Smith Cripe, a brand marketer and team builder with more than 20 years experience, as chief marketing officer.

Among her key responsibilities, Smith Cripe will help drive Archs growth by articulating its wellness, amenity and meeting services; further define the companys consultative marketing and brand services; and collaborate with the senior leadership team on long-term strategic planning.

She also will be responsible for building trusted relationships with Archs clients, leading and supporting client onboarding, refining the customer experience, helping to grow the companys services and reinforcing its customer relationship management, loyalty, brand identity and brand management programs.

Barry Goldstein, Arch chief executive officer, praised Smith Cripes background, accomplishments and expertise, saying, Whitney excels at aligning marketing with the enterprise by translating data, insights and organizational objectives into innovative outcomes. She knows how to harness the power of strong narratives and strategic design to drive commercial success.

Smith Cripe most recently worked as an independent marketing consultant and for Elwood Brand Consultancy in New York. Prior to that, she served Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, based in Parsippany, New Jersey, in marketing roles of increasing responsibility leading to group vice president.

During her Wyndham career, she led the portfolio marketing strategy and by Wyndham endorsement campaigns designed to unify the companys more than 20 hospitality brands. She also was responsible for the strategic and creative vision behind the award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program.

Earlier in her career, Smith Cripe worked in account, marketing support and project management roles for marketing agencies in Utah, California, New Jersey and New York. She earned her bachelor's degree in public relations at Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.

Smith Cripe has served on numerous marketing panels and as a presenter and subject matter expert. She was a part of the Castell Women in Hospitality Leadership 2019 Cohort and currently is a member of the Bleeker Collective.

About Arch Amenities Group

Arch Amenities Group, based in Rockville, Maryland, is a leading provider of wellness, amenity and meeting services for commercial and residential properties, hotels and private clubs worldwide. Arch provides daily management services as well as feasibility studies, planning and design consultancy and pre-opening support. Arch is a portfolio company of private equity firm CI Capital Partners.

Rich Roberts

RDR PR LLC

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Following the news that OTA Insight has acquired Transparent, a market-leading provider of data and business intelligence for the rapidly growing vacation rental industry, there are clear signs that the hospitality landscape has shifted.

For consumers, the distinction between hotels and short-term rental accommodation may be apparent. But, for the hotel and vacation rental sectors, what was once black and white is becoming an increasingly grey area.

Historical hospitality business models have had to evolve, as have the industries that support them. As the sector transitions through its greatest reckoning, and new trends in the hospitality industry begin to emerge, the convergence of short-term rentals and hotel accommodation looks set to stay.

Adapting through the pandemic

Consumer demand for short-term vacation rentals has been steadily rising since their inception into the hospitality sector and this has now been accelerated by the pandemic. Consumers felt that short-term rentals provided a safer way to travel.

With fewer touch points, less traffic, limited contact, and no crowds, there was considerably less opportunity to contract Covid within the confines of a short-term rental property. Work from home mandates and online schooling meant that people could travel for longer periods, leading to a rise in business leisure travel, or bleisure, as it has become known.

With more freedom and more flexibility in the workplace expected to be one of the lasting by-products of the pandemic, bleisure travel is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. But what does this mean for hotels, and in particular those who have traditionally relied on business travel as one of their biggest performance drivers?

Short-term rental strategies are now also focused on competing with hotels for corporate business. There is growing short-term rental demand for properties that are professionally run, with hotel-like standards. The pandemic has shown that short-term rental businesses are beginning to standardise their services and operations to mirror that of hotels.

Hotels, too, are seeing an opportunity to tap into this market by investing in properties and apartments that can provide their level of service within the framework of rentals; adopting them into their brand as aparthotels. Weve seen more and more hotels begin to explore the short-term rental arena, by introducing extended-stay packages, as they look to provide a home-away-from-home experience.

We know that the post-pandemic traveller is looking for more experiential, long-stay options, and seeks value in home-away-from-home accommodation options. While safety might have been at the forefront in the minds of most travellers during the peak of the pandemic, weight is now shifting towards better experiential value, centred around personal touches, service and interaction

Personal touches, synonymous with the short-term rental space, mean that hotels are having to look at ways to tailor their service offering. Concierge services, for example, are providing much more of a personalised 'host' experience, while amenities have also been enhanced to cater to the working traveller. Property managers of vacation rentals are looking more and more towards adopting similar services, structure and commercial strategies as hotels. This blend of hotel and vacation rentals means that traditional comp sets have shifted.

Two sectors converge

Distribution channels that once catered to a specific sector are now increasingly converging. For example, Airbnb started out solely in the vacation rental space, offering homeowners a short-term rental site to list their homes to travellers looking for alternative accommodation - now it also lists boutique hotels. Similarly, Booking.com and Expedia list vacation rentals as well as hotels, giving consumers more options than ever before.

The pandemic has provided an opportunity for hotels to explore the short-term rental arena, introduce extended-stay packages, and there is now evidence of more and more overlap. We have seen hotel chains offer short-term rental options, and property managers of vacation rentals are looking more and more towards adopting similar commercial strategies as hotels.

As the competitive space becomes increasingly tight, hotels and short-term rentals will need to be able to benchmark their performance even more effectively across the whole accommodation provision.

A data-driven solution

In an industry looking to rebound, the convergence of hotels and vacation rentals means that it is even more vital to understand the market and implement a comprehensive commercial strategy. Data insights that focus on just one or the other may not be able to provide the level of market intelligence needed to inform a complete commercial strategy.

A holistic commercial strategy needs to be based on actionable data sets that provide granular insights into the rapidly evolving accommodation landscape. Its clear that the pre-established foundations and assumptions that supported the hospitality industry no longer apply. In a highly competitive market, revenue and property managers need to be able to make smarter business decisions based on consumer options to optimise the revenue of their listing.

With data from both the hotel and vacation rental space, there is greater opportunity for revenue managers to better understand the competitive landscape that they are operating in. Hospitality providers will be able to draw insights from a much bigger data pool, enabling them to decipher the demand patterns of the post-pandemic traveller, and benchmark themselves against their true comp sets.

Seeing the entire picture means that you are able to make better commercial decisions, backed by data, and become more dynamic with your rate strategies.

Source: OTA Insight

Data-driven strategies are the only way to stay competitive. By having a real-time overview of the complete market, you will be able to maximise your profitability across your entire business.

With greater insights into your compsets, and the competitive landscape, you can capably benchmark your property, enabling you to make the right decisions, at the right time.

You can also optimise your distribution strategies, monitoring which of your offerings generates most revenue, and on which channel. And, by measuring their performance, they can track where they are making gains, and where they can improve, and then respond with agility.

Location-specific, segmented demand insights serving both hotel and short-term rental industries, mean that revenue managers will be better placed to capture demand in the pre-booking stage, from a much wider pool. You will be able to see booking trends, and stay patterns across the market and be able to optimise your strategies ahead of your competitors.

Empowered with supply visibility you will have a better understanding of your compset and distribution behaviour, while rate comparison and demand insights will be able to uncover new opportunities to optimise your revenue, and grow your bottom line. In short, data adopters stand to make more.

Summary

Hoteliers and short-term rental businesses are now re-engineering their guest experience, by meeting client needs down to the finest detail. The acquisition of Transparent by OTA Insight allows you to integrate a huge wealth data insights and market intelligence of both hotel and short-term vacation rental industry.

Correlations between the sectors can shed light on trends and opportunities. How does short-term rental pricing reflect hotel rate trends? Are there echoes from hotel occupancy in vacation rental demand? Understanding the full picture and relationship facilitates better commercial decision making and the ability to be more dynamic with rate strategies, and yield more revenue.

For an industry in transition, the answers lie in the data. The combination of OTA Insight and Transparent offers the world's most comprehensive hotel and short-term rental data platform, delivering powerful analytics, and a clear, data-driven path towards recovery for both sectors.

About OTA Insight

OTA Insight empowers hoteliers to deliver smarter revenue, distribution, and marketing outcomes through its market-leading commercial platform. With live updates, 24/7 support, and highly intuitive and customizable dashboards, OTA Insight integrates with industry tools including hotel property management systems, leading RMS solutions, and data benchmarking providers. OTA Insight's team of international experts supports more than 55,000 properties in 185 countries. Winner of the Best Rate Shopping & Market Intelligence Solution, Parity Management Software, and Business Intelligence categories in the 2021 and 2022 HotelTechAwards, OTA Insight is widely recognised as a leader in hospitality business intelligence.
The global aviation sector has been in the news for all the wrong reasons in recent weeks, with images of widespread chaos at airports around the world, showing stranded passengers, lost bags, and long security lines, making headlines. Over 2,000 domestic flights were canceled in the US over the Fourth of July weekend, according to reports. Meanwhile, Germany and the UK canceled over 1,400 and 1,000 flights, respectively, which were scheduled to fly between 1st and 15th July.

There are several factors contributing to the disruptions, including bad weather and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, but severe labor shortages at all levels  pilots, crew, ground staff, and baggage handlers  have been the primary cause. Demand for air travel has recovered faster than expected, approaching pre-pandemic levels. For example, air travel in Europe was back to 87% of 2019 levels in the first week of July, while passenger air traffic in India for January-May 2022 was 76% of the traffic during the same period in 2019. However, hiring in the aviation industry has not been able to keep pace with the growth in demand.

To survive the pandemic, airports and airlines made significant staff reductions. According to Oxford Economics, 2.3 million jobs have been lost in the aviation industry since the pandemic began, a 21% decrease from pre-pandemic levels. Now, the industry is facing a recruitment and retention crisis because of those staffing cuts. While several aviation industry employees who were laid off during the pandemic have found new jobs, many others who are still employed in the industry are on strike or plan to go on strike for better pay and working conditions. It is also difficult to attract new employees to an industry known for long hours and physically demanding work.

The labor shortage has gotten to the point that one of the world's busiest airports, London Heathrow, has capped daily passenger limits to 100,000 until October 2022, as it is unable to manage demand. In addition to cancellations, long layovers and several cases of lost luggage are detracting from the traveler experience. Delta Air Lines, for instance, flew a plane from Heathrow Airport to Detroit last week with 1,000 pieces of stranded luggage and no passengers to speed up the movement of delayed bags.

The Indian aviation industry is also dealing with similar staffing issues, which have hampered operations in recent weeks. Employees of several airlines have taken mass leave or failed to report to work to attend hiring events at rival airlines and protest the fact that their salaries, which were cut during the pandemic, have yet to be reinstated. Even the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) cited a lack of trained personnel to certify aircraft fit for flight as one of the major causes of the recent surge in glitches reported by Indian carriers in a recent report. With Jet Airways and Akasa Air entering the market this year, the situation is only going to get worse.Skill shortages are not new, but the pandemic has aggravated them. It is past time for the industry to make structural changes to address these issues, or else the recovery in all segments of the travel industry, including hospitality, which is already dealing with staffing issues, will be slowed. Instead of blaming one another for the current crisis, airports, airlines, and other service providers should collaborate to overcome obstacles and attract employees.

Airports, airlines, and ground-handling companies around the world are currently in firefighting mode, attempting to deal with the situation by reducing flights and increasing hiring. However, hiring and training new employees takes time, so the situation will not be resolved anytime soon unless airports and governments speed up security clearances. The UK, for example, recently announced that new hires in the aviation industry would be allowed to begin training before passing security checks. Meanwhile, Germany has announced that it will allow the entry of immigrant workers to fill the staffing gaps at its airports. Airlines in India, such as IndiGo and Go First, have begun discussions with employees about remuneration issues, while Air India plans to re-hire retired pilots for a five-year period as it expands its fleet.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the strong rebound in air travel is expected to assist global airlines, which suffered cumulative losses of nearly US$180 billion between 2020 and 2021, in returning to profitability by 2023. However, to fully recover and reach greater heights, the industry must think beyond simply filling vacancies for the time being and focus on developing the talent base. Offering a variety of career opportunities and improving remuneration standards, while prioritizing continuous learning and employee reskilling & upskilling through specialized training programs, can help attract and retain key talent in the long run.
Recently Marriott launched the hospitality industry's first global omnichannel media network, the Marriott Media Network, which will enable advertisers to deliver "curated experiences" to millions of Marriott loyalty members.

There are more than 164 million members in Marriott Bonvoy, the company's travel loyalty program, and Marriott plans to leverage this robust audience to power the media offering.

Marriott's Media Network will launch initially in the U.S. and Canada, before ultimately expanding worldwide.

For brand advertisers, the Marriott Media Network will offer a combination of scale and personalized media reaching an audience of in-demand, high-intent travelers. The media offering will provide an opportunity to reach specific customer segments with targeted content across fully-owned Marriott channels including display, mobile, video, email and in-room screens and televisions.

The Marriott Media Network utilizes unified stack advertising tech platform developed especially for Marriott by Yahoo, and will be supported by the global Yahoo ad sales team and Yahoo's Demand Side Platform to lead demand generation and sales across the globe.

The question is, is such monetization of guest and loyalty membership data a good or bad thing for the industry and will other hotel chains follow suit?
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When it comes to oil, not all barrels are created equal. Some crude is lighter and easier to move around, others are more sour and require extra processing. And for the refineries that line the Houston Ship Channel, few types of crude are more sought after than Magellan East Houston.

Piped in from one of the most desirable regions of West Texass Permian Basin, its a particularly light and sweet crude that yields large volumes of gasoline and other fuels  the equivalent of a name brand cola to the generic cans sold at the supermarket.

This is where the pipeline companies become kings, said Ramanan Krishnamoorti, a petroleum engineering professor at the University of Houston. Since the shale boom began, a lot of the refineries along the Gulf have adapted themselves to this type of crude.

But how oil is designated as Magellan East Houston, which sells at a premium to other brands of crude and helps set the price of the U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate, is a source of increasing tension among Texas oil companies.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Are pipeline companies too powerful? Texas' unusual gas market faces fight over winter storm costs

For years, companies along the ship channel have challenged Oklahoma-based Magellan Midstream Partners strategy of only allowing oil that moves through its terminal, as well as facilities owned by certain partners, to retain the brand. Those outside that network must downgrade their crude, even though it might have come from the same exact well as other Magellan East Houston barrels.

The latest salvo came earlier this year when Converge Midstream, a small oil storage company that operates three underground storage sites near NRG stadium, filed suit in Harris County district court claiming Magellan had created a virtual monopoly, driving up prices on customers and pushing their competitors out of business.

When pipelines control the last mile, they have all kinds of opportunities to block you from the market, Dana Grams, CEO of Converge, said in an interview. Magellans plan is to get a barrel on their system and keep it on their system all the way, charging a fee at every step. Anything that competes with that value chain, Magellan is totally against.

Protecting ones brand might sound like a standard approach to doing business. Coca Cola, after all, does not allow competitors to use its name. But under state and federal law, oil and gas pipelines are considered a form of public property  like highways and power transmission lines  giving pipeline companies eminent domain authority to take land for projects but also requiring they allow competitors to use their systems at a fair cost.

From the pipeline companies point of view, so-called common carrier rights do not prevent them from protecting a brand in which they have invested heavily to build.

In response to Converges lawsuit, Magellans attorneys argued the decision not to allow oil that moved through Converges system to retain the Magellan East Houston brand was done so with a legitimate business purpose and valid commercial justifications and if Converge was unhappy with the arrangement, the company should have found another pipeline company with which to do business.

We have entered into agreements with multiple third parties who certify that they can and will deliver Permian sourced crude oil into our system that consistently meets Magellan East Houston quality specifications, a spokesman for Magellan said.

Only choosing a pipeline company is not like choosing a grocery store or a car - options are limited. Outside of Magellan, other pipeline companies with a large presence on the Houston Ship Channel are Energy Transfer Partners of Dallas and Enterprise Products of Houston.

Dominant position

Over the past two decades, Magellan has steadily bought up oil pipelines and storage terminals that surround the Houston Ship Channel, while entering into partnerships with other pipeline operators such as Enterprise and another Houston company, Plains All American, to expand control over the flow of oil to refineries along the ship channel, which account for almost half of Texass fuel output.

And once that oil is converted into fuel, Magellan runs what the company itself describes as the largest common carrier pipeline system for refined fuels in the United States, encompassing almost 10,000 miles of pipeline stretched across 15 states.

Magellan and other pipeline companies have already come under scrutiny by the Federal Trade Commission for their dominant position in the U.S. energy market.

Last year, the FTC ordered Pennsylvania-based Buckeye Partners to sell off a portion of the 26 petroleum terminals it was buying from Magellan in the southeastern United States so as to limit their control over that market. And in 2015 the FTC investigated Enterprises acquisition of the Houston oil storage company Oil Tanking, according to media reports. The FTC declined to comment.

With the Biden administration cracking down on corporations with outsized market power, its only a matter of time before they go after Magellans business on the Houston Ship Channel, said AJ Ferate, an oil and gas attorney, who was recently elected chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party

Magellan made some very strategic decisions to purchase a number of pipelines that allow them to arguably control the market into Houston, he said. If companies are not allowing open access, as theyre required to give, we are harming the industry as a whole and inviting greater scrutiny by the federal government.

Whether Magellans activity constitutes a monopoly will be the crux of Converges case, if and when it goes to trial.

Other companies have made similar claims against Magellan over the years. In 2017, a joint venture between Royal Vopak, a Dutch oil storage company, and Houstons Moda Midstream filed a complaint at the Texas Railroad Commission, claiming Magellan refused to allow them to connect a planned deepwater storage terminal to their pipeline network.

After a four-year fight, the Railroad Commission ruled that because the facility had not yet been built they did not have authority to force Magellan to allow the interconnection.

Smaller oil storage and transport companies operating along the ship channel have come to accept their dependence on the large pipeline operators as the price of doing business.

One executive, who requested anonymity to discuss private business negotiations, said his efforts to connect with a Magellan pipeline for a proposed export terminal were met with repeated roadblocks, including, long wait times between meetings and a hard time getting information. But he described the practice as indicative of a company protecting its market share, not a monopoly.

Asked what the difference was, he said, Tom-ay-to, tom-ah-to.

Shifting politics

But with U.S. gasoline prices near record highs, the political winds around pipeline companies could be shifting.

Joe Barton, the former Republican congressman from North Texas, recently wrote an op-ed in the Dallas Morning News arguing the Texas Legislature should expand the Texas Railroad Commissions authority to crack down on monopolistic behavior by pipeline companies towards lowering prices for consumers at the pump.

If a lack of competition for transportation and storage increases the cost of doing business in the region, some producers and shippers could reroute their crude oil to other markets, Barton wrote. The downward spiral that could result would have existential implications for the entire region.

In the meantime, small firms along the ship channel are left to fight it out with the pipeline companies for connections at terms at which they can make a profit.

Grams, the Converge CEO, said Magellan was not the only pipeline company that was resisting his requests, but he did not want to name them in fear of hurting potential deals.

They dont say no, he said. They just never proceed.

james.osborne@chron.com
Houston steel distributor JD Fields & Co. has won exclusive rights in North America to sell steel foundation systems made by Luxembourg-based steel giant ArcelorMittal, grabbing the sole distributor position from Nucor, Americas largest steel manufacturer.

JD Fields, long a distributor of steel pipe for the oil and gas industry, is building a niche for itself in steel piling  also known as steel foundation systems  used in commercial buildings and projects such as highways, bridges and port expansions. The steel piling business has become an important revenue stream for the company, helping it weather oil downturns.

Port expansions like those underway in Houston and in Corpus Christi are boosting the companys bottom line, said engineering director Dean Abbondanza.

BIGGER PORTS: Port Houston awards $429M in dredging contracts as part of expansion

All of the vessels are getting larger, he said, so for the vessels to be accommodated by the ports, the ports have to upgrade and expand. Which is why were seeing a surge in steel foundation systems.

More Information https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/texas-inc/article/The-Fields-Companies-A-novel-move-for-steel-in-16123864.php#photo-20905066 See More Collapse

The deal with ArcelorMittal builds on the companys momentum, Abbondanza said, noting last years $24 million acquisition of LB Fosters steel piling business  a move he described as a seismic shift in the industry. The company declined to say how much the deal with ArcelorMittal was worth.

Were establishing some strong roots to become one of the leaders  if not, the leaders  in the industry, he said.

Last year, JD Fields developed and patented a specialized marine wall system at Port of Seattle, for which it provided 15,000 tons of steel.

The company was founded in 1985 by Jerry D. Fields, who left his job at LB Foster to launch a distribution company in Houston that specialized in steel pipe for the oil and gas industry and construction products. Last year, Fields son, Jay, the companys chief executive, united JD Fields and five subsidiaries under one corporate parent, the Fields Cos.

Next up for the company is a new steel pipe mill opening this quarter along the Houston Ship Channel, giving it easy shipping access. The mill is a joint venture with Turkish steel manufacturer HDM Tubes and will produce tubular steel products for transportation, marine and foundation projects.

Daniel Graeber contributed reporting.

amanda.drane@chron.com
Aziz Gilani, a Houston native, believes his home city is worth investing in.

Gilani, 42, is a managing director at the Mercury Fund, a Houston venture capital firm that has invested $300 million in more than 100 startups. He was recently named to the National Advisory Council on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, a 32-member panel charged with devising strategies to maintain Americas lead in developing and commercializing emerging technologies. Mercury, founded in in 2005, primarily invests in early stage startups in the middle of the country, as opposed to West and East coasts, where venture capital is concentrated.

Gilani joined the firm, which has its offices in the Upper Kirby area, in 2008, working his way up from an intern. He recently spoke with the Houston Chronicle about Mercurys mission to invest in mid-America locations often dismissed by coastal VC firms as flyover country and Houstons potential as a tech city. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: How do you identify and determine what companies are worth investing in?

A: Weve been doing this for a while, so we have lots and lots of co-investors. In a lot of cases, theyll send us startups that they think match our criteria for stuff we like to invest in. We still have lots of relationships with lots of seed accelerators, and co-working spaces that send us referrals. We look at a lot of stuff that comes from Capital Factory (a coworking space) in Austin. We also have an email address thats up on our website. We get dozens of submissions all the time from there as well.

Q: What part of the country are these companies coming from?

A: Folks reach out from all over the place, but our focus is definitely on the middle of the US. So that definitely includes Houston. It doesnt make a ton of sense for us to invest in a Silicon Valley based startup, where there are hundreds of venture capital funds based out of Silicon Valley that do it locally. But we love investing in places like Cincinnati, Ann Arbor, Mich., Austin, and middle of the country type of places for sure.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Can HPE make Houstons tech sector a contender?

Q: What made you interested in the middle of America?

A: The initial thesis for Mercury has always been that we think that good ideas come from all over the place. Theres a unique insight you get from being co-located with the industries that drive America  whether thats Houston with energy, whether its Cincinnati with (consumer products). There are concentrations of industries and customers all over the U.S. It just makes a ton of sense for the startups that cater to those industries to be located in those places as well. We go to where the opportunities are and the opportunities around the industry-specific stuff are distributed across the country.

Q: How involved are you with the companies?

A: When we invest in a company, I typically join the board of the company, and go out there for board meetings. I go out there to meet with the CEO and talk to the management team about what theyre trying to do. I try to stay in touch with the employees. Since the pandemic, we do a lot more stuff over Zoom (but) I just feel like hard decisions are easier to make when youre in person interacting and you can get the full gamut of reactions from folks in real time. I think Zoom is very good for information conveyance, but for decision-making, I think that in-person works a lot better.

Q: You were recently appointed to a federal innovation board (National Advisory Council on Innovation & Entrepreneurship). How did that happen?

A: Ive been very active from a policy point of view for a while. I was on Mayor Sylvester Turners Tech Task Force for a few years, in which we made a number of recommendations for the city of Houston to improve its posture as it related to tech startups. That was put together by council member Amanda Edwards, and that was a ton of fun.

Im also on a number of other boards outside of the companies I invest in. Ive been an adviser to South by Southwest for many years. I work with a number of nonprofits as well. Im working with the Department of Commerce as we look hard at how to improve innovation and entrepreneurship in the U.S. Im really excited because there are a lot of ways that we can keep the U.S. at the forefront of innovation. There are a lot of strategies that have worked over the past few years that we can double down on.

Q:What are some of those strategies?

A: I make no secret that I think that innovation is something that doesnt just happen in New York and Silicon Valley. Its very important for us to think about how to encourage startups and entrepreneurship in nontraditional hubs.

So, how do you reduce the barriers from those types of innovators, to start businesses? How do you give them access to more talent in order to keep those businesses up and running? It could be through the way we direct research funding, or the ways that we help make sure that they have more markets available for them to sell their products.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish while on National Advisory Council on Innovation & Entrepreneurship?

A: For me, the real focus is how do you get innovation distributed equitably across the entire country? I just feel like innovation and entrepreneurship is something that innately happens when you give people the opportunity to do it. Since customers, industries and talent are distributed across the country, youd expect entrepreneurship to be similarly distributed. I want to make sure that we create as many opportunities as possible for folks to be able to do this in a more distributed fashion.

On ExpressNews.com: A look inside the Ion, Houstons new tech hub inside a converted Sears

Q: Can you tell me more about what you did on the citys Tech Task Force?

A: It was in 2016. So this is back when we put out the report that spawned the creation of Houston Exponential (a nonprofit that supports startups in the area). We recommended the creation of a startup district and now the Ion is the center of that district. We ended up getting a lot done.

Q: How has the venture capital landscape developed in Houston over the years?

A: We have a lot of co-investors here in town, and thats not something I could say when we started. There werent a lot of investors back when Mercury got started. I joined Mercury back in 2008. I used to joke that to meet another investor, Id have to hop on an airplane. Its definitely not the case anymore. But with that said, Houston could always use more. Thats part of the reason why we recommended the creation and the out of the task force of the HX Venture Fund, which was designed to kind of get more investors interested in Houston. In many ways, its been successful. We have a lot more co-investors running around Houston now investing in a lot of really great companies.

Q: What are some Houston-based success stories of companies Mercury has worked with?

A: Talking to a venture capitalist about successful startups is like talking to a parent about their kids. In the security world, we had a portfolio company called Alert Logic that we originally invested in in like 2006. It grew to over 1,000 employees here in Houston. Theyre based out of the Galleria. We ended up exiting out of the transaction a few years ago, but the company went from nothing to something really, really fast.

Something more up-and-coming is TOPL, which came out of Rice University. Theyre focused on using Blockchain technologies to look at supply chains specifically to make sure things are what people say they are in the supply chain, especially when it comes to certifications around being environmentally conscious.

Im on the board of Graylog, which is based out of Houston, a cybersecurity company that looks at very large amounts of data and makes it digestible so that security professionals can understand if a company has been hacked or not. Those are three Houston-based companies that were really proud of.

becca.carballo@chron.com
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Its been more than 19 months since Rotceh Pena spent eight days in an ICU with COVID-19, but she continues to suffer long-term effects from that infection.

The Humble resident, 40, still experiences shortness of breath. She constantly feels tired, but struggles to take naps during the day. And she experiences memory lapses, including an incident in June where she isn't sure whether she blacked out or fell asleep while driving with her children. She drove off the side of the road and into a ditch. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

That was one of those pivotal moments where you say OK, this is not normal, Pena said. I dont understand it. I cant explain it.

Pena is one of millions of Americans struggling with long COVID, also known as post-COVID syndrome, who experience the effects of the virus for months, or even more than a year, after their illness. A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey conducted last month found that one in five American adults experienced lingering symptoms after a COVID-19 infection.

MORE ON COVID: What to know about BA.5, the newest COVID variant leading to a rise in Houston cases

But while long COVID is fairly common, it remains a mystery to researchers. More than two years into the pandemic, its still unclear what causes symptoms to persist over the long term.

It is really demoralizing for patients, said Dr. Luis Ostrosky, the infectious diseases director for the UTHealth Houston COVID-19 Center for Excellence. Theyre typically going from doctor to doctor, looking for an answer.

Michael Wyke/Contributor

There is no clear way to predict whether a patient will develop long COVID. But multiple studies have found that women appear to be significantly more likely to have lingering symptoms.

The severity of someones COVID-19 infection is also not a predictor of whether they will be a long-hauler. Many long COVID patients had a mild-to-moderate illness, and many are otherwise in good shape, said Dr. Fidaa Shaib, an associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine who works in the colleges Post COVID Care Clinic.

Fortunately, many long-haulers make a full recovery within a few months. But there are exceptions, Shaib said.



A portion of the patients are really stuck in the illness and are not improving, she said. I'm seeing patients who got sick in March of 2020 and are still suffering.

One of those patients is Anna Voelter, 50, who contracted COVID-19 near the start of the pandemic in March 2020. The resident of Salado, a small town north of Austin, developed pneumonia about five weeks after recovering from her initial illness. Since that time, shes experienced a range of symptoms including weakness, headaches and tingling in her fingertips.

Voelter used to exercise for two hours every day. Now if she overexerts herself, it can take several days to recover.

You feel like youre starting to rehab, and getting stronger, she said. But you never can.

Living with long COVID

Long haulers symptoms vary, but some of the most common are fatigue; shortness of breath; cough; muscle pains or aches; sleep issues; and difficulty thinking or concentrating, also called brain fog. Many patients also develop depression, anxiety or PTSD after theyve recovered. And many are fearful of contracting the virus again, Shaib said.

Pena, who is participating in a UTHealth Houston study on long COVID, has anxiety and PTSD after being in the ICU at Memorial Hermann in late 2020. She delayed going to the hospital as long as possible, because she feared she may never return home to her children. Her daughter eventually convinced her to go to the emergency room when she became so sick she nearly fell while walking to the bathroom.

Being alone in the ICU was traumatic, Pena said. When she did see doctors and nurses, they were covered head-to-toe in personal protective equipment to avoid contracting the virus. Now, she cant even watch a hospital scene on TV, because the noises transport her back to her own experience.

Michael Wyke/Contributor

Its traumatizing to me, she said. It brings up all these feelings.

Pena is also dismayed by the cognitive changes she has seen in herself. Shes always been sharp, so she gets upset when she has difficulty thinking or concentrating.

Peter Hotez: Even fully vaccinated people are at risk from extremely contagious BA.5 variant

Voelter, who started receiving treatment through the Baylor clinic in June, has also dealt with anxiety and depression. Shes frustrated that her symptoms have changed over time. She has been having difficulty walking for several months, and now needs a cane to get around.

Its inexplicable, Voelter said. Its been really hard for me to grasp something that doesnt have an answer, and is all over the place.

Searching for answers

UTHealth Houston and Baylor each take a multidisciplinary approach to treating long COVID. Patients are evaluated, then given a treatment plan. A patient with muscle aches may be prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication; a patient experiencing anxiety may be referred to a therapist.

Doctors are hopeful that at some point, there may be treatment for long COVID itself. But that cannot happen until they determine its cause.

There are several theories, Ostrosky said. Some experts believe its a persistent, low-level infection that lasts for months. Others think it's because the immune system isn't working the way it should, and has become persistently hyperactive or abnormally suppressed.

There are studies taking place all over the world to solve the mystery, including one through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Michael Wyke/Contributor

At some point doctors hope there will be a way to predict who will be a long hauler, but its unlikely to be based on factors like age or pre-existing conditions, Shaib said. Instead, it may be based on something like the way their immune system reacted to the virus.

The complexity of an illness that can practically affect every organ system in the body is really going to be fascinating to figure out the vulnerability at the individual level, she said.

For the time being, though, doctors said long COVID should serve as a reminder of the long-term consequences of an infection  particularly amid a new wave of COVID-19 caused by the BA.5 subvariant of omicron.

While BA.5 does not appear to cause more severe illness, even a mild infection could lead to symptoms that linger for months, Ostrosky said.

Most people think that COVID is a binary outcome. You either live or die from it.  They forget that theres a third outcome, which is long COVID, Ostrosky said. And long COVID is incredibly debilitating and demoralizing. Its life-changing for people.
Spying on communication records ruled not constitutional



The Constitutional Court has struck down a law that allowed mobile carriers to share personal data with law enforcement agencies without notifying the affected user. In its unanimous ruling last Thursday, the top court ruled that the relevant clause in the Telecommunications Business Act is "in discord with the Constitution," stating that the law violates the right to self-determination of personal information.



Under the telecommunication law, mobile carriers can accept requests from law enforcement agencies to provide them with the personal data of any customer who is under investigation, including name, resident registration number and address. But the law does not oblige the mobile carriers to inform users of when their information is given to the investigative authorities. In relation to this, the Constitutional Court said, "Acquiring communication data itself is not unconstitutional, but failing to devise measures to notify affected people when acquiring communication data is unconstitutional."



In the wake of the court's constitutional nonconformity decision, the Assembly must revise the current Telecommunications Business Act by the end of next year. The ruling is sure to put the brakes on indiscriminate inquiries about individual communication records by investigative authorities without consent. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, communications data was offered to law enforcement agencies 5.48 million times in 2020, suggesting that one out of 10 people here had their personal information compromised unknowingly.



The National Human Rights Commission of Korea recommended in 2014 that the clause in question be deleted, claiming that it excessively violates people's privacy and freedom. And civic groups filed a constitutional appeal against the clause in 2016. But the Constitutional Court has done nothing for six years before making the overdue ruling.



Lawmakers are not free from criticism, either, given that they have not touched the relevant clause although there has been much controversy over its unconstitutionality. The rival parties cannot avoid criticism for approaching the issue purely out of partisan interest. They should put their heads together and discuss the revision so that people's rights can be guaranteed fully.


RENO, Nev. (AP)  Thirteen Nevada Republicans announced a new coalition on Monday to endorse Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford in his re-election bid against their partys nominee, Sigal Chattah, a right-wing candidate who bested a more moderate Republican primary contender.

The announcement of Republicans for Ford, first reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, signals a major shift in party support as the group is headlined by a former rival of Fords  former state Senate Majority Leader Michael Roberson, along with former GOP Chairwoman Amy Tarkanian.

Now, more than ever, it is time to put duty to the state and country above partisan politics, said Roberson, who has sparred with Ford over funding education with marijuana tax revenue and in Carson City, when Ford was Senate Majority Leader and Roberson was Senate Minority Leader at the same time. He also called Chattah unhinged and a charlatan.

Chattah won the June Republican primary by 11 percentage points over Tisha Black, a more moderate candidate who had the backing of Nevada's Republican establishment. A Las Vegas-based lawyer, she is one of a few right-wing GOP candidates in Nevada who won their primary races against more moderate opponents. Chattah sued Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak over pandemic restrictions on behalf of a church and has often painted Black as a Democratic sympathizer throughout the primary.

Others who have signed on to the effort include former U.S. Rep. Jon Porter; Jodi Stephens, former Republican caucus director for the Nevada State Senate; and Herb Santos, a Nevada representative to the Republican Trial Lawyers, a group that lobbies Republican members of Congress. Five other Republicans in the group are listed as lobbyists.

General Ford has a stellar track record of keeping Nevadans safe and protecting our rights, said Tarkanian. On the other hand, it is unacceptable that Sigal Chattah  an unprepared, dangerous candidate who lacks the experience, foresight, and temperament to be able to do right by Nevadans  is the Republican nominee for Attorney General."

Chattah's team did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment on Monday.

After the list of 13 Republicans was released Monday morning, Tarkanian said that more Republicans have reached out to her, asking how to help  the list is growing as we speak, she said in a phone interview. She offered help to Fords campaign, though to what capacity remains to be seen.

So I think thats something that the attorney generals office is going to have to figure out, on how they best see us as fitting for his campaign, she said.
Four adults were stabbed Sunday night during an altercation in Greenspoint that started when an intoxicated 25-year-old returned home with a pistol, authorities said.

HOUSTON CRIME: Man shot in gunfight with wrecker driver in NW Harris County following altercation

The man first got into an argument with his sister at the home about 10:50 p.m. on the 800 block of Regional Park Drive, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. Their parents tried to "break things up" and once the man was disarmed, the situation escalated with everyone grabbing knives, he said.

All are expected to survive. Gonzalez said the man had been charged with aggravated assault, however the charges were not yet reflected on online court records.

alejandro.serrano@chron.com
A man was killed Sunday night in South Park when he refused to give a robber his wallet, Houston police said.

Officers responding about 7:15 p.m. to the shooting on the 6600 block of Ledbetter Street found the man, 62, suffering from two gunshot wounds to the chest, On Scene reported. Fire officials took the man to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
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A prominent local family has donated $4 million to the University of Houstons new Center for Economic Inclusion, expanding the program to allow for more research and community entrepreneurship opportunities.

The Dakri familys gift will create an endowed chair, professorship and research endowment, University of Houston officials said in a Tuesday news release. The school, which opened in May, will also be renamed the Musa and Khaleda Dakri Center for Economic Inclusion in honor of the donors.

We are honored to offer our support, said Asif Dakri, one of Musa and Khaledas sons. We hope that this gift will allow countless others within our community achieve their goals regardless of their socioeconomic status.

ON CAMPUS: $10 million gift from Shell creates UH Institute for Energy Transition

The center is located in UHs C.T. Bauer College of Business and aims to train students in business development while economically empowering under-resourced entrepreneurs, according to the university.

The donation will add graduate research fellowships and support for research costs, and it will expand the Stimulating Urban Renewal through Entrepreneurship training program for students. The program also educates and assists community entrepreneurs launch their businesses.

Musa and Khaleda Dakri are longtime Houston residents. They are originally from India and have been married for 54 years, a university spokesman said. Musa Dakri has been the chairman of Wallis Bank for more than 30 years, and his sons Asif and Faizel serve as the banks CEO and chief information officer, respectively.

The family has already established one endowment at UH in the Center for Mexican American and Latino/a Studies, providing support for student scholarships and research.

THE LATEST: UH joins consortium to boost Hispanic representation in research

Most of the entrepreneurs working with the Center for Economic Inclusion are women and people of color, business school officials said.

The Dakri family is passionate about the betterment of Houston, generously offering their time and resources to truly make an impact in the community, UH President Renu Khator said. With this support for our new Center for Economic Inclusion, entrepreneurs from all communities, including those in most need of investment, will get access to education, expertise and training needed to build businesses and transform lives.
A trial to determine how much Alex Jones will pay in defamation damages to the parents of a slain Sandy Hook boy will begin in Texas with jury selection on July 25 and opening statements the following day. This is the first of three such trials for Sandy Hook families who won defamation lawsuits against Jones in 2021 after he called the massacre of 26 first graders and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary school staged, synthetic, manufactured, a giant hoax, and completely fake with actors. Here is what to expect.

THE LATEST: The Alex Jones and Sandy Hook defamation trials

1. Damages evidence

There will be no arguing of the case against Jones that was closed last year when a Texas judge defaulted Jones for abusing the pretrial process of evidence exchange known as discovery and found Jones liable for damages. The only evidence the jury will hear is the extent of emotional distress suffered by Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, and how much Jones should pay in compensatory damages and punitive damages. The jury will additionally decide how much money to award Neil Heslin for damage to reputation and mental anguish.

2. Jones testimony

Youll have to tune in to the trial to find out if Jones will take the witness stand. The parents attorneys are not saying whether they will ask him to testify in person or show the jury excerpts from Jones deposition. If the past is any indication, Jones may provide his own commentary about the trial on his Infowars platform. On Thursday, for example, Jones posted a rebuttal about limits being placed on evidence at the jury trial, calling it, an unprecedented assault on due process and the rule of law.

3. Neil Heslins testimony

Heslin is the father of Jesse Lewis, one of the first graders slain in the Sandy Hook massacre. Heslin went on national television with newswoman Megyn Kelly in 2018 to explain how Jones had claimed on his Infowars program that Heslin was lying about the circumstances of his sons tragic death for a nefarious and criminal purpose. Heslin told Kelly, To say that Sandy Hook was a hoax and it never happened is an outright lie - its a total disrespect to myself, my son, and the individuals who lost their lives that day.

4. Scarlett Lewis testimony

Lewis is the mother of Jesse Lewis. She founded the nonprofit Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement to offer free social and emotional learning programs to schools. Jones claims that the massacre never happened not only harmed her efforts to advance the nonprofits goal but burdened her surviving son with more trauma, she said.

5. Jones finances

Expect to hear more about the state of Alex Jones finances and that of his parent company, Free Speech Systems. Some of Jones finances were revealed when he sought federal bankruptcy protection for three shell companies, but did not file for bankruptcy protection for himself or for Free Speech systems. His representatives revealed that the three shell companies  which included the merchandizing and conspiracy platform Infowars  had a combined monthly income of $38,000. In contrast, Jones himself made at least $76 million in 2019, his representative said. Jones has also spent at least $10 million on legal fees and has lost $20 million as a result of the Sandy Hook defamation cases, his representatives said.

rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342
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DALLAS (AP)  A 37-year-old woman fired several gunshots, apparently at the ceiling, inside of Dallas' Love Field Airport on Monday before an officer shot and wounded her, authorities said.

The woman was dropped off at the airport at about 11 a.m., walked inside near the ticketing counters and then entered a bathroom, Dallas police Chief Eddie Garcia said at a news conference. She emerged wearing a hooded sweatshirt or some other clothing that she hadnt arrived in, pulled a gun and fired several shots, apparently at the ceiling, he said.

At this point, we dont know where exactly the individual was aiming, Garcia said.

An officer who was nearby shot the woman in her lower extremities," wounding her and enabling her to be taken into custody, Garcia said. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

No other individuals were injured in this event other than the suspect, Garcia said.

He didn't release the woman's name or speculate as to what her motive might have been.

We wanted to ensure that our community knows that this is not an active situation, the chief said.

Karen Warner told The Dallas Morning News that she was checking in for her flight when she heard a loud argument about 20 feet (6 meters) behind her, followed by a gunshot. Then she started running.

I heard about 10 more shots while I was running away, said Warner, who couldn't discern what the argument was about.

An airport spokeswoman said early Monday afternoon that airport operations were suspended and would resume once police finished investigating. A spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration told the newspaper that a ground stop it had in place for all flights at Love Field was set to be lifted at 2:30 p.m. local time.

Love Field, which serves as a hub for Southwest Airlines, is one of two major airports in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It is located just north of downtown Dallas.

In 2016, a police officer shot and wounded a man outside of Love Field after police said he advanced toward the officer with large landscaping rocks in his hands after battering his ex-girlfriend's car with a traffic cone and rocks as she dropped him off at the airport.

This story is breaking. Check back for updates.
As sweltering heat bombards Texas, a new report from Texas A&M University questions whether state prisons are handling those extreme temperatures effectively and keeping inmates safe.

Researchers from A&M's Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center, as well as the Texas Prisons Community Advocates group, surveyed 309 incarcerated individuals between June 2018 and 2020. The responses paint a grim picture, with many inmates saying they fear the heat will kill them.

Most Texans have the luxury of cooling off indoors, but not all inmates do. Texas is one of at least 13 states without universal air conditioning in state prisons, the report states.

"With our prisons not having air conditioning, it's a really dangerous situation," said J. Carlee Purdum, a research assistant professor at A&M. "When we have a heat wave such as this summer, it can potentially lead to disastrous consequences."

FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD: Prisoners are dying. Texas must do more to help.

Temperatures inside prisons have been shown to regularly reach 110 degrees, according to the report, with at least one unit topping 149 degrees.

At least 79 incarcerated people and prison staff reported heat-related illnesses from January to October 2018, the report states. Since 1998, TCDJ has recorded at least 23 heat-related deaths.

"Every summer I battle with heat rash and it's maddening," one inmate wrote in the report.

Another said he fainted four times in a cell without any medical attention offered or report filed.

Between September of 2019 and August of 2020, 6,341 grievances were filed specific to heat-related issues, according to the report.

According to the TPCA survey, one third of participants reported having filed at least one heat-related grievance, and the majority of participants who filed a grievance contested the initial response by filing a second grievance. A significant number of participants (16 percent) who had filed a grievance had not yet received a response.

"Grievances are futile, a waste of time, wrote one inmate from the Stevenson Unit.

Purdum and her co-researchers say the issues are systemic and that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's current policies are "not enough."

A TDCJ spokesperson said via email Friday that the agency operates 100 facilities across the state, with 31 completely air-conditioned, 55 partly air-conditioned and 14 having no A/C.

"We take numerous precautions to lessen the effects of hot temperatures for those incarcerated within our facilities. These efforts work," said Amanda Hernandez, TDCJ's director of communications.

Hernandez said the agency has worked to increase the number of cooled beds available over the past few years, adding it also uses an "array of measures to keep inmates safe." These measures include providing access to ice and water, and "strategically" placing fans in facilities to move the air.

"Each summer we continue to refine and improve our practices," Hernandez said. "What has not changed is our commitment to do all that we can to keep staff and inmates safe."

ALSO HAPPENING: Harris County may pay $25M to house jail inmates at West Texas lockup

But even getting access to a cooled bed or a cup for water is difficult, inmates said in the report.

"I have heat restrictions through medical and psych due to my health and medications," wrote one incarcerated woman with serious health vulnerabilities who has struggled to get access to a cooled bed at the non-air conditioned Hobby Unit. "I struggle with the heat so bad I cant eat I cant gain weight I suffer from the heat I get dizzy and headaches I am weak. I have diarrhea too with leg cramps at night. I have even passed out a few times. I drink plenty of water. They do not allow respite."

The woman, who reported that she has no family to help her, begged for help with a unit transfer.

Not having a cup to access communally distributed water also creates significant vulnerability to heat-related illness, the report stated, noting in 2012 Larry McCollum, an incarcerated man who died from hyperthermia in the Hutchins State Jail run by TDCJ, did not have access to a cup for water, which must be purchased from the commisary.

Indigent incarcerated people are to be given a cup per TDCJ policy, yet many incarcerated participants reported not having one. In 2019, only a quarter of survey participants reported that they had access to a cup. This proportion increased in 2020 where

62 percent of participants had access to a cup, likely because of lockdowns due to COVID, the report said.

Even with slight improvements and heat-mitigating measures that have been taken at prisons, A&M's researchers argue the impact of the heat is "wildly underestimated."

"People don't understand how much of an issue this is," Purdum said, "and it has enormous spillover effects for our prison systems and our communities."

The lack of air conditioning in prisons, especially in housing areas, has previously been argued to be a violation of human rights under the U.S. Constitution, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act.

In 2019, a federal judge accused the Texas prison system of violating the terms of a settlement in a contentious class-action lawsuit. The judge ordered prison officials to transfer inmates out of a sweltering Beaumont lock-up after a failed cooling system saw indoor temperatures exceed 90 degrees.

The solution to the problem, Purdum says, is to reduce heat exposure in the first place, rather than attempt to reduce its impact. "The only way to really do that at this point is to add air conditioning to the units and bring the temperatures down."

TDCJ has previously claimed it would cost $1 billion to install A/C across all units, according to the report, with an additional $140 million needed annually for utilities and maintenance.

"We're not talking about a luxury  it's a necessity," Purdum said. "Especially in months like this when we're going through these extreme heat waves. We're talking about a human right  the right to live and the right to be in a safe place."
"Texas AG Ken Paxton bans staff lawyers from speaking at state bar events, escalating feud sparked by 2020 election" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

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Attorney General Ken Paxton is escalating his feud with the State Bar of Texas by banning his offices lawyers from speaking at any events organized by the bar.

Paxtons office also will not pay for any attorneys to attend bar-sponsored events, according to an internal email obtained by The Texas Tribune.

The state bar is suing Paxton over his 2020 lawsuit challenging the presidential election results in four battleground states. Paxton has denounced the lawsuit, which alleges professional misconduct, as political harassment.

The internal email  sent Monday by Shawn Cowles, Paxtons deputy attorney general for civil litigation  references the lawsuit, calling it just the latest instance in the Bars ongoing evolution into a partisan advocacy group.

Lets be clear: these are politically motivated attacks that violate separation-of-powers principles and offend our professions values of civil disagreement and diversity of thought, Cowles wrote.

The new office policies are effective immediately.

A disciplinary committee for the state bar filed the lawsuit against Paxton in May, seeking to sanction him over his high-profile challenge to the 2020 election results, which the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear. The professional misconduct lawsuit alleges that Paxton misrepresented that he had uncovered substantial evidence of voter fraud when he tried to block Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin from casting decisive Electoral College votes that handed Joe Biden his victory over Donald Trump.

Paxtons efforts, the state bar wrote in its lawsuit, were not supported by any charge, indictment, judicial finding, and/or credible or admissible evidence, and failed to disclose to the Court that some of his representations and allegations had already been adjudicated and/or dismissed in a court of law.

The state bar has separately sued Paxtons first assistant attorney general, Brent Webster, over the 2020 election lawsuit.

Paxton has publicly bashed the lawsuits as politically motivated, and late last month, he asked a a district court in Collin County to dismiss the suit against him. Paxton has gotten back-up from fellow statewide Republican officials, including Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

The state bar is an agency of the judiciary that licenses lawyers to practice in Texas and hosts regular training and networking events around the state.

The policy that Paxtons office announced Monday is not the first strike it has aimed at the organization outside the courtroom.

Earlier in May, after Paxton got word that the star bar would sue him, he announced an investigation in to the Texas Bar Foundation for facilitating mass influx of illegal aliens through its donations to various advocacy groups. The foundation raises money to provide legal education and services, and it is separate from the state bar, which is an administrative arm of the Texas Supreme Court.

Paxton is running for a third term in November after easily winning a primary runoff in May against Land Commissioner George P. Bush. The Democratic nominee is Rochelle Garza, a former attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union.

Disclosure: State Bar of Texas and Texas Forward have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

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/2022/07/25/ken-paxton-texas-bar/.

The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.
WFO BUFFALO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, July 24, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

Severe Weather Statement

National Weather Service Buffalo NY

707 PM EDT Sun Jul 24 2022

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 730 PM EDT

FOR WESTERN CATTARAUGUS AND SOUTHEASTERN CHAUTAUQUA COUNTIES...

At 707 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Long Point

State Park, or 10 miles northwest of Jamestown, moving east at 45

mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to trees and power lines.

Locations impacted include...

Jamestown, Allegany State Park, Lakewood, Falconer, Long Point State

Park, Jamestown West, Frewsburg, Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua

and Busti.

This includes Interstate 86 between exits 7 and 18.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a

building.

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

East central Delaware County in central New York...

* Until 745 PM EDT.

* At 707 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near

Margaretville, or 14 miles southeast of Delhi, moving east at 45

mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...

Roxbury, Andes, Margaretville, Fleischmanns, Arkville, Bovina

Center, Dunraven, Big Pond Campsite, Wolf Hollow and Halcottsville.

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR CENTRAL DELAWARE COUNTY WILL

EXPIRE AT 715 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 1000 PM EDT for

central New York.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement

agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service

Binghamton.

Remember, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning still remains in effect for

eastern Delaware Counrty until 0745PM.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
Interior ministry drawing fierce backlash from officers



The Yoon Suk-yeol government is under growing criticism over its plan to launch a police bureau under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. On Monday, Interior Minister Lee Sang-min vowed to sternly punish police officials who declared their opposition to the plan during a weekend meeting. "Their act is tantamount to a coup in defiance of orders," Lee told reporters. Lee is blamed for going too far in preventing police from taking further action against what is seen as the ministry's bid to gain direct control of the nation's police force. He is even trying to block any discussions on the contentious issue.



On Sunday, the National Police Agency (NPA) discharged Ulsan Jungbu Police Superintendent Ryu Sam-yeong from his post for organizing the meeting. It is also considering taking punitive steps against 55 other police officials. This move has prompted a fierce backlash from within the police. Its intranets were replete with comments critical of NPA ranking officers with some even demanding Yoon Hee-keun, acting commissioner of the NPA, withdraw his nomination for the top position.



The conflict is escalating as lower-level officers plan to hold similar meetings. The rare collective move is not desirable at all, as it will stoke people's worries about public order and stability. Yet, the NPA cannot avoid criticism for punishing Ryu without due process. The punishment against him will only aggravate the situation, reminiscent of similar meetings of prosecutors who were against the previous Moon Jae-in government's prosecutorial reform which critics argued was aimed at taming the prosecution.



A group of prosecutors met several times to express their opposition to bills designed to strip the prosecution of its investigative power. But none of the participants were subject to punitive measures. Ryu told reporters he was attempting to convey the conference results to Yoon, but failed as he was notified of the punishment before he could. It is totally inappropriate to prevent the participants from expressing their opinions on crucial pending issues.



Ryu said the conference participants expressed support for any democratic control of the police if based on the principle of checks and balances. But they denounced the new bureau plan as a "historical regression" as it will allow the ministry to wield excessive power over the police, as seen under the past dictatorial regimes. For starters, it would be better for the ministry to allow an independent body to supervise the police in a move to ensure their neutrality and independence.



On Monday, Rep. Woo Sang-ho, interim leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), pledged a "head-on struggle against President Yoon's attempt to control the police directly." From September, the police will be empowered to investigate most criminal cases, except for corruption and economy-related crimes.



Reaching a social consensus over the issue is imperative. Police officers' voices should be heard carefully. Relevant parties should take time to fully discuss ways to ensure democratic control of the police while guaranteeing its political neutrality and independence.




Kobalt pulls 700K tracks from Facebook, Instagram: McCartney, Beck, Weeknd, Foo Fighters, more

Kobalt has pulled 700,000 tracks off Facebook and Instagram in the US after the music publisher was unable to negotiate a new contract, according to multiple sources.

Kobalt is one of the worlds top 5 music publishers and administers songs by many major artists, including Paul McCartney, Beck, the Weeknd, Foo Fighters, Childish Gambino, Finneas, the Chicks, Dierks Bentley, and many others.

An email to songwriters obtained by MBW explained why Kobalt pulled all of its tracks down:

Over the course of several months, weve worked diligently and in good faith to come to an agreement covering a new license for Kobalts repertoire. Unfortunately, fundamental differences remained that we were not able to resolve in your best interests, and as a result Kobalts repertoire is in the process of being removed from Metas services, including Facebook and Instagram, in the United States.

Weve always stood for songwriters first, and were proud to continue to do so. We remain fully committed to reaching an agreement with Meta.

Epidemic Sound lawsuit and $400 million lost revenue

Last week Epidemic Sound, a company that provides flat-fee royalty-free music to creators on YouTube, TikTok, and other social platforms, sued Facebook and Instagram parent Meta for $142 million, saying it hosts 94% of its 35,000 song catalog without licenses.

A recent Goldman Sachs report estimated that Facebook contributed 29% of all emerging platform advertising revenues paid to the record industry in 2021. That could mean as much as $400 million in lost music industry revenue if more music publishers pull their music off Meta properties.

Bruce Houghton is Founder and Editor of Hypebot and MusicThinkTank and serves as a Senior Advisor to Bandsintown which acquired both publications in 2019. He is the Founder and President of the Skyline Artists Agency and a professor for the Berklee College Of Music.

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A cannabis commpany is proposing to put a grow facility in the former Starbase Technologies building. Starbase, an injection molding company, closed the building last year.

Former Starbase Technologies Building Eyed for Cannabis Cultivation

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Cannabis cultivator Berkshire Kind is looking to put a grow facility in the former Starbase Technologies facility at the corner of Peck's and Valentine Roads.

The Community Development Board on Tuesday approved a site plan application for the adaptive re-use of the existing 37,700 square foot building with about 25,000 square feet of cultivation space.

It was approved with conditions related to odor management and a requirement of downward casting lights.



"Basically they're looking to repurpose that existing building for cannabis cultivation so no retail sales on site, just cultivation," civil engineer Jeff Randall said on behalf of the applicant.



He added that there are no plans for other site work on the property such as curb cuts and new parking. Based on the parking formula for requirements, he said 28 parking spaces are required and there are 34 now.

The former occupant of the building, a manufacturer of injection molding tools for plastic molding, closed last year. The facility will be in addition to Berkshire Kind's construction in the William Stanley Business Park.



A third-party review was done on Berkshire Kind's odor mitigation plan and the suggestions from that review were applied to the board's conditions.



City Planner CJ Hoss explained that the state will require community meetings and that the abutters are to be notified of the project. This is when residents will usually come forward if they have concerns, he said.



At this point in the process, there are no notification requirements from the city.




The event celebrated scholarship recipients who have taken the advantage of tutoring in English and citizen test preparation. Nineteen Keator scholarship recipients have become American citizens. STOCKBRIDGE, Mass.  Literacy Network of South Berkshire hosted a celebration Thursday at the Norman Rockwell Museum to honor its scholar and new Americans and the educators who helped guide them down the path toward citizenship.

Recipients received financial support to help cover the cost of the federal naturalization application and to obtain legal services during the screening and application process.

They are also assigned a tutor from LitNet who works with the applicant one-on-one in preparation for the citizenship exams.

"The learners themselves have to have the bravery to get there, to do it, to reach out, to get things in line, to say 'yes, I would like this,'" Executive Director Leigh Doherty said ...

"We have children on the lawn tonight. Those are children whose lives have also been impacted by this. So families are changed. This isn't just about one person. This is about families being changed. So it's wonderful.

LitNet has been offering one-on-one adult tutoring sessions since 1991 with an expanding network of 145 professionals including bankers, physicians, business owners, editors, teachers, lawyers, speech pathologists, and more.

After realizing the great need for lessons in English for speakers of other languages in Berkshire County, LitNet expanded its curriculum to include citizenship test preparation.

"I think that welcoming new members to the Berkshire community is very important for all of us. And our world is so much better because we have so many new members. So I really believe in the big mission of citizenship and of course, literacy, too," LitNet education committee Chair Pamela Breslin said.

Matthew and Hannah Keator Family Foundation offered its support by providing LitNet with the financial means to launch the Matthew and Hannah Keator Family Scholarship for New Americans.

Since launching in 2019, 19 scholarship recipients have become citizens, with 11 of them so far this year and another eight expected this year or early next year.

During the celebration LitNet Board President Merle Duskin Kailas informed the audience that Matthew and Hannah Keator Family Foundation will be donating another $5,000 after being inspired by the great work LitNet is doing.

Although 2022 was the most robust year for the Keator Scholarship program, LitNet also celebrated the Keator Scholars who received their citizenship in 2020 and 2021 and had their interviews postponed because of the pandemic

According to the 2020 American Community Survey five-year estimate on limited English-speaking households, there are about 4,550 households out of 54,785 that speak a language other than English in the Berkshires.
Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) Chairman Huh Chang-soo, right, listens to U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg, during a meeting with the CEOs of major Korean companies at the FKI Conference Center in Seoul, Monday. The business lobby group said they discussed ways to boost economic cooperation between the two countries. Yonhap




Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-yang, center in front row, Samsung Electronics Device Solutions Division head Kyung Kye-Hyun, second from left in the same row, and key semiconductor industry officials raise their fist to celebrate the mass production of 3-nanometer chips at the manufacturing plant of Samsung Electronics in Gyeonggi Province, Monday. Yonhap



By Lee Kyung-min



Samsung Electronics said Monday that it succeeded in mass producing 3-nanometer chips, becoming the first chipmaker to reach the milestone. The latest achievement to reduce the size and boost the power of semiconductor chips puts Samsung ahead of its global foundry rivals such as TSMC and Intel.



The achievement by the global leader in memory semiconductors is expected to cement its lead in the foundry business, underpinned and lifted by local partner firms involved in the materials, parts and equipment industries, as well as logic chips and intellectual property (IP) design, according to industry analysts.



The feat is also expected to elevate Korea's standing on the global stage via the firm's increased contribution to supply chain stabilization around the globe. This, in turn, is expected to fortify Korea's voice in determining international directives concerning the high-tech industry, pivotal in protecting the country's economic interests and bolster national security, they added.



Three-nanometer products refer to a new, improved generation of silicon semiconductor chips. Their increased transistor density helps increase speed and reduce power consumption. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. A human hair is about 100,000 nanometers wide.





Employees at Samsung Electronics' foundry business, research and global manufacturing infrastructure oversight departments celebrate the mass production of 3-nanometer chips at the firm's manufacturing plant in Gyeonggi Province, Monday. Korea Times file
In a statement titled "Fresh anti-communist attack against the PCV and the workers' movement", the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Venezuela (PCV) denounces the new aggression of Venezuela's state authorities against the Party and the workers' mobilizations.

The full statement reads:



On July 21, the Communist Party of Venezuela (PCV) was the object of a new aggression that demonstrates the Nicolas Maduro government's repressive escalation against the struggles of the workers' and popular movement that confronts the neo-liberal adjustment and government policies that destroy workers' wages.

The event took place in the context of a massive mobilization called by the Unitary Trade Union Platform to demand that the National Budget Office's (ONAPRE) instructions that significantly reduce the salaries and collective rights of the workers of the public administration be repealed. The government, through the mayor's office of the Libertador municipality (Caracas) and the PSUV Party, tried to violate the political and democratic right of the workers to carry out their mobilization by stationing shock groups and repressive state bodies along the entire route of the mobilization planned by the Unitary Trade Union Platform. This practice was developed for many years by the dictatorial, social-democratic and social-Christian governments - the latter two grouped in the "Punto Fijo" pact - to intimidate and repress the workers' and popular struggles in the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's of the last century.



The permanent encirclement and provocation by these shock groups against the workers' mobilization was expressed in physical attacks against several workers, among them our comrade Jackeline Lopez, member of the Central Committee of the PCV and national leadership of the Clara Zetkin Women's Movement, who was beaten by shock groups from the Caracas City Hall, an attack which was coordinated by regional and national leaders of the PSUV who prevented the arrival of the workers and pensioners to the vice-presidency's offices.



The anti-communist and anti-worker repression did not end with the mobilization. At the end of the day, officials of the Bolivarian Intelligence Service (SEBIN) -the political police of the State- chased a PCV vehicle in which comrade Adelaida Zerpa member of the Central Committee and the Political Bureau of the PCV, and comrade Angel Castillo, national coordinator of the June 2nd Collective of the Barrio Adentro (Healthcare) Workers and a PCV member, were returning to the Party headquarters. Upon arriving at the headquarters, the SEBIN officials surrounded the vehicle, brutally assaulted comrade Adelaida Zerpa and took comrade Angel Castillo hostage, without any justified cause and thus violating his fundamental human rights.



After the pressure exerted by the denunciation of the PCV, the Venezuelan workers and popular movement, and international solidarity, comrade Angel Castillo was released. However, a court summons was issued to him for an alleged investigation, the cause of which is not specified in the text. Undoubtedly, these actions are part of the operations of harassment, censorship, hate messages, intimidation and repression against the revolutionary workers' and popular movement, which is in turn part of the deepening of the policy of criminalization and judicialization of the workers' struggles in the country.



This concrete fact, which demonstrates the rise of the anti-communist and anti-worker violence of the government, is closely linked to the systematic campaign of anti-communist defamation carried out by spokespersons and high-level leaders of the PSUV through State channels. Through this media, the PCV is being irresponsibly accused of receiving financing from former officials of the PSUV government accused of corruption, or of receiving economic support from U.S. imperialist organizations. Recently, PSUV Vice President Diosdado Cabello, in his weekly television program, issued new irresponsible statements accusing the PCV, and particularly the General Secretary of the Central Committee comrade Oscar Figuera, of being an executor of imperialism's plans against Venezuela. It is within the framework of these lies and this false "anti-imperialist" struggle, that the government and the PSUV leadership have been justifying their aggressions against the political and democratic rights of the PCV and the workers' leaders of the Unified Trade Union Platform.



As we have denounced on different occasions, the government and the PSUV leadership are using a false anti-imperialist discourse to exercise repression against the workers and the popular movement that is rising up against the savage pro-imperialist and anti-worker policies. While discursively maintaining the appearance of a confrontation with U.S. and European imperialism, the government is making a pact with Washington and its monopolies, mainly the oil monopolies. The recently approved Organic Law of Special Economic Zones and the advances towards a reform of the Hydrocarbons Law demonstrate the hypocrisy of a government that claims to be "leftist" when it is pushing the most shameful surrender of the sovereignty and wealth of the country to foreign capital.



We call on the Communist Parties and the global workers movement to remain alert in the face of this escalation of the aggressions of the government and its repressive bodies against the political rights of the PCV and the Venezuelan workers' and popular movement. International solidarity and a strong denunciation against the criminalization and judicialization of the workers' struggles in Venezuela plays an important role in the containment of this ferocious governmental onslaught that corresponds to the offensive of capital against the rights of the Venezuelan workers. From the PCV, we are grateful for the multiple manifestations of solidarity that various Communist Parties of the world have sent us through public and private channels.



Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Venezuela (PCV).

Also read:

 KKE: Hands off the communists of Venezuela! Solidarity with the Communist Party of Venezuela
Serena Williams has been an investor in early-stage companies since she founded San Francisco-based Serena Ventures in 2014. The venture capital firm already has a portfolio of 60 companies including SendWave, MasterClass, and Daily Harvest. In March 2022, they raised a $111 million fund to invest in underrepresented founders.

On July 21, Williams, along with other entrepreneurs and investors, sat down with Candice Matthews Brackeen, founder and CEO of VC firm Lightship Capital, during Black Tech Week in Cincinnati to discuss the kinds of companies she's interested in and how founders can pitch her on their ideas. Here are some highlights.

Companies that directly affect people

While Serena Ventures has invested in a wide range of companies, Williams says she is especially interested in those that "affect everyday people in different kinds of ways," such as fintechs. She also expressed her affinity for companies that are located, or do business, in Africa, and says she would love to augment her portfolio of African startups. "I'm a big believer in having Black people invest in Africa," Williams says. "That's really important to me."

Companies with the promise of growth

Initially, when Williams was investing with her own money, she was less concerned about the risk involved because losing it would affect only herself. Raising a fund changes the equation, she says. A company needs to show promise from the start. And if it doesn't, it's likely not worth the risk. "I look at the company, and the first thing I ask is, 'Does it fit our thesis?'" she says. "And second of all, 'Does it work? Is this going to be big enough for me?'"

Getting in touch




South Korean shipyard Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. (DSME) said Monday it has won a 649.5 billion-won ($495 million) order to build two liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers from Europe.







DSME, the world's No. 4 shipbuilder by order backlog, said it will construct the 174-cubic-meter LNG carriers in the Okpo shipyard on the south coast and deliver them to an undisclosed European shipper by November 2026.







The order came days after some 120 unionized subcontract workers ended their crippling 51-day strike at the shipyard over a wage hike and better working conditions.







A DSME official said there will be no difficulty attaining this year's order target, and that the shipyard will focus its efforts on obtaining orders for high value-added ships.







So far this year, DSME has clinched orders worth $6.43 billion, including for 20 LNG carriers and six container ships, already achieving 72.2 percent of its yearly order target of $8.9 billion. (Yonhap)


1. Alia Bhatt's Response To Ranveer Singh Getting Trolled For Nude Photos Proves Their Friendship Is For Keeps

AFP

When Alia Bhatt, who is Ranveer's BFF, was asked about the controversy surrounding this during the trailer launch of her forthcoming movie Darlings, what she said proved yet again that their friendship is for keeps.

2. Ben Affleck Falling Asleep On Honeymoon With Jennifer Lopez Is Internet's Favourite Meme Today

Indiatimes

The couple who got married recently is on their honeymoon to Paris, and quite evidently they are exhausted. Why would we say so? A photo of the Batman star is doing the rounds on social media wherein he is sitting on cruise and catching on some sleep.



3. Woman Thrashes Actress Prakruti Mishra In Broad Daylight Over Extra-Marital Affair With Husband

Indiatimes

Prakruti Mishra is co-producing a movie with actor Tanmay Mohanty, popularly known as Babushaan. The woman who thrashed her was his wife Trupti Satpathy who alleged that Prakruti has an extra-marital affair with her husband.



4. Turns Out, Katrina Kaif's Stalker Who Sent Her Death Threat Wanted To Marry Her, Gets Arrested

Instagram

The power couple complained to Police after they got death threats on social media. A case has also been registered in the matter against an unidentified person at Santacruz Police Station.

5. Subtle Dig At Karan Johar? Kartik Aaryan Says He Is Proud Of Being Popular On Rapid-Fire Shows

Twitter

Now, seemingly, Aaryan took a subtle dig at Karan Johar's chat show Koffee With Karan when he answered what he is proud of in a Bollywood Hungama interview. The actor who is basking in the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 responded that is proud of being popular on rapid-fire shows.



(For more news and updates from the world of celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment, and let us know your thoughts on this story in the comments below.)


Ranveer Singh took over the internet when he surprised (and shocked) everyone with a nude photoshoot. Ranveer Singh broke the internet as he went naked for a photo shoot for Paper magazine.



Ranveer is seen posing on a Turkish rug in the photos, wearing nothing but his birthday suit! The pictures for the shoot went viral before Ranveer uploaded them to his Instagram account.

Photography by Ashish Shah / Creative direction by Kshitij Kankaria

While Singh was 'unapologetic' as always, the photoshoot drew a mixed reaction.



Some supported and lauded Ranveer for being his 'unapologetic' self, and others were irked by it.

Photography by Ashish Shah / Creative direction by Kshitij Kankaria

According to an ANI report, an application was filed with Mumbai Police on Monday seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh for "hurting sentiments of women" through his nude photographs on social media, an official said.



The complaint application was submitted at the Chembur police station by an office-bearer of a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in the east Mumbai suburbs.

The official said the complainant stated the actor had hurt the sentiments of women and insulted their modesty through his photographs.

Photography by Ashish Shah / Creative direction by Kshitij Kankaria

The complainant demanded the registration of a case against the actor under the Information Technology Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code.



"We received an application from a person associated with an NGO on Monday. No FIR has been registered so far. We are enquiring," the official said.

A similar protest has been happening in Indore.

According to a Reddit post, a picture with a regressive message for Ranveer Singh has been doing the rounds on social media.

Ranveer's friends from the fraternity have been praising him. Ranveer's co-stars Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt have praised him for his courage.

On the work front, Ranveer was recently seen in Netflixs interactive special Ranveer vs. Wild with Bear Grylls, which received a positive response from netizens all over the globe.

Instagram

As far as films are concerned, the Jayeshbhai Jordaar actor will be seen in Rohit Shettys next directorial film Cirkus with Jacqueline Fernandes and Pooja Hegde. The film is slated to release on the occasion of Christmas 2022.



Besides that, Ranveer has Rocky aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani with Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi, and Jaya Bachchan. The film will hit the theatres on February 11, 2023.

(With agency inputs)

(To get the latest updates from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.)


The glamorous world of Bollywood looks very enticing from afar but behind the glitz and glamour, there is a dark side that most of us are not aware of. With fame comes a lot of love and also hate.

Celebrities are often trolled and abused on social media. However, sometimes things take a steep turn. Hate sometimes comes in extreme forms like death threats. The latest ones to fall victim to this are Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal.

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal get death threats

Instagram

The power couple complained to Police after they got death threats on social media. A case has also been registered in the matter against an unidentified person at Santacruz Police Station.

Maharashtra | Police register a case against an unidentified man and initiate an investigation for allegedly giving life threats to actors Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal through social media. Case registered at Santacruz Police Station: Mumbai Police



(File photos) pic.twitter.com/hQTaTMnB9a  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2022

Vicky Kaushal revealed to the Police that this man has been posting threat messages on Instagram . Not just that, he has also been stalking his wife.

Case registered at Santacruz PS on complaint of Vicky Kaushal u/s 506(2),354(D) IPC r/w sec 67 IT Act. He complained that one person has been threatening&posting threat messages on Instagram. He stated that the accused has also been stalking his wife&threatening her:Mumbai Police  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2022





The accused has been nabbed!

Mumbai Police has arrested the man who was sending death threats to Vicky and Katrina. Turns out, the man named Manvinder Singh is an aspiring actor who is also a great fan of Katrina Kaif. He reportedly said that he wanted to marry Katrina and hence he was troubling her on social media.

In 2010 as well, Katrina Kaif was stalked by a fan who in his 20s for about eight to nine months.

He even reached her home and told her security that Katrina had invited her. He would follow her to the events. When Katrina recognised her, she alerted her security.

She has said in an interview, "He was the same guy who had come to my house. He keeps following me and reached the multiplex this time. The police warned him to stay away, but he doesnt understand. I dont know what he wants. Its terribly disturbing".



However, she refused to file a Police complaint against him.

Instagram/KatrinaKaif

Earlier this year, Salman Khan, his father Salim Khan, Swara Bhasker and former Bigg Boss contestant Manu Punjabi had also received death threats, following which they reported the matter to Police.

Kangana Ranaut had also got open death threats over her comments on farm laws. At that time, she said, "I am getting constant threats from disruptive forces on this very post of mine. A brother of Bathinda has openly threatened to kill me. I am not afraid of this type of threats."

"I have registered an FIR with the police against the threats. I hope the Punjab government will also take action soon. The country is paramount for me, I am acceptable even if I have to sacrifice for this, but I am neither afraid nor will I ever be afraid, in the interest of the country, I will keep speaking openly against the traitors," she added.

Also Read: 20 Bollywood Celebs Who Received Death Threats As A Price For Money & Stardom






At least half a dozen NGOs and common people have shown interest in adopting the Pitbull that mauled its 82-year-old female owner to death in Lucknow recently.

India Today

The common people have even contacted the Municipal Corporation to adopt the Pitbull dog, reports said.

The deceased was a retired teacher who lived with his gym trainer son and his two pet dogs - a pitbull and a labrador in the Kaiserbagh area of Lucknow. The dog which attacked the woman, named Brownie, was brought home three years ago, India Today reported.

Shifted to birth control centre

The Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has shifted the dog to Nagar Nigams animal birth control centre and has been kept in observation by four members of the panel to examine his behaviour.

Now, many NGOs and common people are interested in adopting the dog who inflicted severe wounds on its owner and killed her.

Give dog to owner

While Maneka Gandhi has asked the authorities to give Pitbull back to its owner Amit, the Municipal Corporation has said that it would take action according to the rules.

Representational Photo/ Wikipedia

Dr Arvind Rao, Joint Director Animal Welfare, Municipal Corporation said that Maneka Gandhi has asked authorities to give Pitbull to its owner Amit over the phone. Although the Municipal Corporation has said that further action will be taken as per the rules.

Half a dozen NGOs have approached the Municipal Corporation to adopt the Pitbull including NGOs from Bangalore, Delhi, Lucknow and other parts of the country.

Apart from this, about six people from Lucknow have shown their interest in adopting Pitbull from the Municipal Corporation.

MC will take action

According to a Veterinary Officer Abhinav Verma, many NGOs are constantly in contact with the Municipal Corporation to adopt the dog.

Representational Photo/ Youtube

He added that several other common people from Lucknow have contacted to adopt Pitbull but the Municipal Corporation will take action according to the rules and will then decide on the adoption.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News.


More than 30 sea turtles have been found grievously injured in Kumejima island beach in Japan. Stab marks were also found around their neck.

Locals discovered the reptiles last Thursday after a low tide on beach, about 100 km to the west of Okinawas main island.

Representational Image

Considered endangered and named under the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), some of the sea turtles were barely able to move and were bleeding, while others had died. They appeared to have stab wounds on their neck from the blade, reported Japans national daily The Mainichi.

The police have initiated a case of animal cruelty.

Fishing operator admits stabbing

A fishing operator in Okinawa Prefecture admitted to stabbing sea turtles to remove them from fishing nets, the outlet reported, citing sources.

A lot of them were tangled up in fishing nets. I disentangled some of them and released them into the sea, but I couldnt free heavy ones, so I stabbed them to get rid of them, the fishery operator reportedly said.

NWF

The staff of the Sea Turtle Museum of Kumejima reached the beach, renowned for its sea turtles. Covered with seagrass, it is the natural habitat of sea turtles, Yoshi Tsukakoshi, a spokesperson at Kumejima sea turtle museum told CNN.

Nets laid by fishermen

He told the outlet that the nets were laid by fishermen to catch fish but some of them think that turtles eat all the seagrass before it grows and that prevents the fish from spawning in the area.

Representational Image

As a sea turtle community which has been transmitting the conservation of the marine environment and the importance of living creatures through sea turtle conservation activities since day-to-day, this times situation is extremely painful and disappointing, said Kumejima sea turtle museum on its Facebook page. We are so sorry for causing you all the trouble.

Many of the turtles appeared dead. I have never seen anything like this before, one of the museum employees was quoted as saying by the Asahi Shimbun. It is extremely difficult to process this.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News.


A novel solar thermal power plant in Spain is able to produce carbon-neutral and sustainable diesel and jet fuel by absorbing carbon dioxide, water and sunlight.

ETH Zurich

Reported first by New Atlas, the plant runs on concentrating solar thermal energy.

How it works

169 sun-tracking reflector panels, each with three square metres of surface area redirect sunlight into a 16-centimetre hole in the reactor atop the 15 metre tall tower.



The reactor eventually receives around 2,500 suns worth of energy or around 50 kilowatts of solar thermal power.

The heat is channelled to push a two-step thermochemical redox cycle. Water and pure CO2 are injected into a ceria-based redox reaction that turns them simultaneously into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Since its all being done in a single chamber, scientists can tweak the rate of water and carbon dioxide to manage the exact composition of the syngas in real-time.

This is then offered to a Glass-to-Liquid which is at the bottom of the tower thats produced in a liquid phase containing 16 percent kerosene and 40 percent diesel, as well as a wax phase with 7 percent kerosene and 40 percent diesel, indicating that the ceria-based ceramic solar reactor is capable of producing syngas pure enough to be turned into synthetic fuels.

The pilot setup was able to produce 5,191 litres of syngas over a nine-day period, however, researchers didnt really reveal the exact number of kerosene and diesel it was converted into post its processing.

ETH-Zurich

While fuel consumption on a commercial airliner is still in gargantuan proportions, the report highlights that synthetic fuel can be mixed with regular fuel and try to reduce overall emissions in any way possible.

ETH Professor Aldo Steinfeld, the corresponding author of the research paper explains, We are the first to demonstrate the entire thermochemical process chain from water and CO2 to kerosene in a fully-integrated solar tower system. This solar tower fuel plant was operated with a setup relevant to industrial implementation, setting a technological milestone toward the production of sustainable aviation fuels. The solar tower fuel plant described here represents a viable pathway to global-scale implementation of solar fuel production.

For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com


An ordinary work day became a nightmare for the cabin crew of The SunExpress, a European budget airline. The SunExpress cabin crew member recorded the horrifying discovery and uploaded it online, triggering an immediate response from the airline.

On a Thursday trip from Ankara to Dusseldorf, the flight attendant tore open their meal to find a snake's head looking back at them.

Screengrab

According to Gazette Duvar, employees have previously complained about receiving beetles and snails in their in-flight food.



Local Turkish news outlet Bolge Gundem claims the article encouraged other employees to protest the airline's bad food service.

Screengrab

SunExpress, based in Antalya, Turkey, and flying across Europe and the Mediterranean, described the food situation as "absolutely unacceptable."



It said in a statement: "It is our top priority that the services we provide to our guests on our aircraft are of the highest quality and that our guests and employees have a comfortable and safe flight experience."

Snake Salad! Snake head found in the food given to the flight crew on a Sunexpress Ankara-Dusseldorf flight. https://t.co/YbNrVCpXiE pic.twitter.com/PMqfporE9a  Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) July 23, 2022

"The allegations and shares in the press regarding in-flight food service are absolutely unacceptable, and a detailed investigation has been initiated on the subject.

"Until the research process in question is concluded, all preventive measures and actions, including stopping the supply of the relevant product, have been taken immediately."

Sancak Inflight Services, which provides catering services to the airline, refuse to take accountability for the claims.

According to them, the dishes are cooked at 280 degrees Celsius, and the situation could not have transpired in their kitchen.

They commented: "SunExpress Airlines is a valuable client in our country and a popular airline in Europe, which recently decided to expand its fleet and route network further. [They] again announced a tender for catering services on board. We did not use any supposedly foreign objects in the food when cooking (due to the technical and thermal conditions used in the in-flight catering facilities)."

The company claims that none of the dishes "come from the food produced by our company."

They claim the snake head was added to the dish later.

SunExpress was founded in 1989 as a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. The airline employs 5,000 people and serves more than 90 locations across Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa.

(For more trending stories, click here.)


Amid the strict zero-COVID policy of China, many billionaires in the nation are contemplating leaving the country.



Last month, Shanghai-based billionaire Yimeng Huang, the CEO and chairman of gaming company XD, announced in a company memo that he and his family would be relocating from China. The note leaked and went viral on Chinese social media, sparking discussions about the growing number of prominent business people leaving China, as per a Fortune report.

shutterstock

And Huang isnt the only one contemplating packing his bags. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Chinese citizens have endured the governments punishing zero-tolerance strategy that aims to stamp out the virus at all costs.

Chinese policies of strict and extended mass lockdowns and rigorous testing trapped bankers in their offices forced Tesla workers to sleep at the carmakers factories, and locked families inside Disneyland until all 33,000 park-goers could be tested. That's not all. Shanghais two-month lockdown from April to June 202 saw residents resorting to barter for food and goods.



Now, faced with a continued zero-COVID future, Chinas rich are plotting their escape.

Around 10,000 high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) in China are seeking to leave their country this year and could take $48 billion in wealth with them, according to a new wealth migration report by Henley and Partners, an investment migration consultancy.

Even Hong Kong, which is a special autonomous region in China and has pursued a similarly strict dynamic-zero COVID policy under Beijings watchful eye, is home to around 3,000 HNWI who are planning to leave this year, worth $12 billion.

The Fortune report mentioned that only 10% of the Chinese population holds a passport.

Migration consultants and lawyers have said their inquiries from people looking to relocate surged three- to five-fold in the last few months, according to one Bloomberg report. Popular destinations for relocation include countries like Australia, the U.S., the U.K., and Canada.

Chinese economic growth, too, has spoken for itself, as it decelerated sharply in the second quarter, growing only 0.4%, while the countrys youth unemployment rate is at a record 18%.

Searches for how to move to Canada had surged 3,000% on Chinas most popular messaging and social media app WeChat by March 2022, according to a report from think tank CFR.

In April, 23% of respondents for a European Chamber of Commerce survey reportedly said they were considering moving their investments in China to other countries, the Fortune report mentioned.

shutterstock

Also Read: 2 Years After Ban In India, Chinese Fast-Fashion Company Shein Aiming For US IPO In 2024

Not Easy To Leave

But it's not easy to do so. Those wanting to leave China are staring down major hurdles from the authorities. Amid a battered economy, rising youth unemployment, and continued COVID outbreaks, authorities are seeking to stem the tide of people and money out of China, the report said.

In May 2022, Chinas immigration department announced that it would stringently restrict the nonessential exit activities of Chinese citizensand strictly [enforce] exit and entry policies, citing the need to contain the virus. Many in China viewed these measures as a way for the authorities to avert a major brain and capital drain.

Chinas harsh exit and entry policies have made it difficult for citizens to obtain the documents they need to leave, including procuring passports. The Chinese government had stopped granting passport renewals in 2021 for nonessential travel, while some city authorities wont notarize birth or marriage certificates that let people apply for visas, according to NPR, Fortune report mentioned.

China even has tough rules regarding the movement of money out of the country, as citizens reportedly are only allowed to exchange $50,000 worth of Chinese yuan into foreign currencies every year.

For the latest and interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here.
Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun, second from left, applauds as Indonesian President Joko Widodo signs his autograph on an IONIQ 5 electric vehicle, during the opening ceremony of the carmaker's new Indonesian factory, March 16. Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group



By Park Jae-hyuk



Indonesian President Joko Widodo will visit Hyundai Motor's R&D center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, and meet with top executives from major Korean conglomerates on Thursday morning, before his summit with President Yoon Suk-yeol the same day, according to the presidential office, Monday.



"President Joko Widodo will arrive in Seoul on Wednesday afternoon and depart from Korea on Thursday night," a presidential office official said. "Korean businesspeople will also participate in a banquet on Thursday evening, where the presidents of both countries will attend with first ladies."



According to industry officials and media reports, Widodo will reportedly meet the CEOs of Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, LG and Lotte groups at Lotte Hotel Seoul on Thursday morning. POSCO Holdings, LX Holdings, KCC Glass, CJ and LS Cable & System, all of which have expanded their presences in Indonesia, are also said to be sending their chief executives to the meeting.






The Verge reached out to St. Mary's mayor Al Strathdee, who confirmed that the town is responding to the malware attack with the help of experts.

To be honest, were in somewhat of a state of shock, the mayor said. Its not a good feeling to be targeted, but the experts weve hired have identified what the threat is and are walking us through how to respond. Police are interested and have dedicated resources to the case . . . there are people here working on it 24/7.

Strathdee also explained that after the towns systems were locked, the LockBit gang sent a ransom demand. The mayor also said that generally speaking, the Canadian governments cybersecurity guidance has discouraged paying ransoms, but St. Marys will follow the incident response teams advice.

An official statement from town officials on the affected website said that the cyber incident occurred on July 20. The town also gave assurances that critical municipal services such as fire, police, transit, and water/wastewater systems were unaffected by the incident and are operating as usual. Town staff are also resuming their duties and can still be reached by phone, email, or in person.

The LockBit gang claimed responsibility for 50 separate ransomware incidents in June 2022  making the group one of the most prolific malware groups in operation. The Verge additionally reported that the St. Marys cyberattack was the groups second small town target, as the gang had unveiled on July 14 that it had stolen data from the town of Frederick, Colorado.

Read more: Why is the manufacturing sector a popular target for ransomware?

Cybersecurity company Dragos published a report earlier this year, which found that LockBit and Conti  another infamous ransomware gang  were responsible for 51% of all ransomware attacks in 2021. Most of the attacks were directed at manufacturing businesses, due to having the least mature security defences among other industries.
The Navacord partnership has been effective since the start of July.

As the third generation leading this brokerage, I am ready to take the legacy that my grandfather and father built and launch into our next stage of growth, backed by Navacords support, said Harry Binks, president and CEO, Binks Insurance.

I look forward to continuing to deliver innovative solutions to the businesses and organizations we service within Ottawa and its surrounding regions, with greater access to resources and markets.

The partnership will fortify our strength in Canadas capital city, according to Navacord CEO and president Shawn DeSantis, who welcomed the businesss niche dealership expertise.

We welcome Binks onboard with an optimistic outlook for our future together, said T. Marshall Sadd, executive chairman, Navacord.

Navacord is eager to elevate our bench strength with our neighbours in Ottawa, especially with a top-caliber commercial brokerage like Binks who has effectively demonstrated a trajectory of continuous growth for over a century.

The deal marks $3 billion premium broking business Navacords fifteenth partnership of 2022, with Binks Insurance to be supported by founding Navacord Broker Partner, Jones DesLauriers, according to the firm.
The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers has announced the appointment of Michael Lopez as managing partner in the firms Santa Rosa, Calif., office.

Lopez has more than 20 years of leadership experience in providing strategic risk management, insurance and corporate culture leadership solutions. As an outsource risk architect, he helps organizations determine their largest risk factors and develops a strategy to maximize their protection while reducing cost drivers.
The lessons from insurtech 1.0, as we refer to it, is significant premium growth at the expense of everything else does not do you any good over the long term, Koffie co-founder and CEO Ian White (pictured) explained. Were big believers in responsible underwriting.

That approach is drawing investor interest. Launched in 2019 with a focus on the commercial trucking and transportation sector, Koffie has attracted three rounds of financing, including its Series A disclosed on July 19. Anthemis Group led the new round, which also included existing investors Lerer Hippeau Ventures and Plug and Play Ventures. A number of new investors joined the round including CP Overture, Breakout Capital, Two Lanterns Venture Partners and a select group of strategic angel investors.

The company does business in Tennessee, New Jersey and Illinois and currently employs close to 30 people. Financing will help support plans to scale to 10 states by the end of 2022, boost existing product offerings and hire more people.

Koffies customer target includes US trucking fleets, most of which are independent truckers or small businesses with trucks or less. The companys MGA business launched about a year ago, and Koffie now insures more than 1,000 trucks, the company said.

An insurtech in multiple ways

Koffie uses real-time data and machine learning models to evaluate individual trucks and drivers.

That translates into a number of processes both quicker and more detailed than the industry norm.

While older insurers in the space may take six to 10 weeks to get a quote, Koffie can ingest an application in seven minutes and produce a quote within a day, White said.

The company also requires telematics and outward facing cameras, and its clients are 100% compliant, he said, as a requirement for coverage.

If an insured loves the Koffie program but for some reason it doesnt want the cameras, thats not a good fit, White said. This is immediately going toward risk selection and pricing and underwriting, because we learn a lot more about the insureds.

Koffie also adds a number of additional underwriting factors that look at the driver and equipment in wide detail.

Were looking at about 300 features of the truck, starting by  where and how it has been used. We look at the crashes, inspections, the mechanical features  is it a day cab, sleeper cab, etc.., White said.

There is also scrutiny of clients involving emerging technology, considerations such as whether a truck has automatic electronic stability control, lane collision avoidance or other advanced driver assistance systems.

This allows us in our model to know that the best decile of trucks are four times safer than the worst decile of trucks, White explained.

In other words, data is a heavy part of the underwriting equation.

We regularly use data every step, from risk selection to real time loss control, White said.

Working with partners, Koffie focuses on determining the efficacy of an insureds system processes and tools. That can lead, in part, to a special premium based on the technology in use, White said.

Agents a must; profitable soon

As part of the newer round of insurtechs, which White refers to as insurtech 2.0, the goal is to continue to grow responsibly and rely on distribution outlets other insurtechs initially shied away from.

We think about responsibly writing premium [for] complex lines of insurance that require expertise and relationships supported by technology, [with] relatively low acquisition costs largely through an agent channel, White explained. Going direct, its nice  but theres a lot of value that brokers provide. Working with agent partners to make them more efficient is really compelling.

While Koffie isnt profitable yet, White said the company will reach that point within the next two years. The company plans to get there through new products and other in-house strategies.

We need to be able to outperform the industry to have a run at this, White said. So far, were well exceeding that.
BMS Group, the independent specialist re/insurance broker, announce the acquisition of Calomex, the Mexico City-based specialist reinsurance broker, by BMS Re.

The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Established in 1996, Calomex delivers reinsurance solutions to Mexican surety providers, with treaties typically placed into the Miami, Continental European and London markets.

BMS will acquire Calomex in full. Jorge Bellot, president of Calomex, will report to Aidan Pope, executive chairman and CEO of BMS Re LAC.

The acquisition forms part of BMS Re LACs strategy to expand upon its current Miami hub into the regions biggest reinsurance markets and follows the acquisition of PWS Mexico and the launch of BMS Re Brazil, in 2021. The addition of Calomex provides BMS Re a platform for enhancing its existing treaty reinsurance offering in Mexico.

For the foreseeable future, Calomex will retain its brand and infrastructure, while working closely with Mario Rochell and Gabriel Inestas team at PWS Mexico, which will itself shortly be renamed as BMS Re Mexico, subject to regulatory approval.

Bringing on board the Calomex team is of real strategic importance to BMS as it further strengthens our expanding reinsurance capabilities in Latin America. Calomexs team, also including Gustavo Scheffler and Diego Bellot, has unrivalled expertise in treaty reinsurance for surety providers, commented Pope.

We will work with them to capture surety business further afield and collectively to expand into other property and casualty classes. I am also pleased to have found a partner who genuinely values its clients and its people just as much as we all do at BMS Re. I am thrilled that this acquisition represents the next stage of our long-term strategic growth plan for the region.

Joining BMS Re will give both us and our clients access to broad global expertise and markets. And while we will always remain specialist, particularly in the surety markets where we value our longstanding client relationships, we look forward to working with our new colleagues to expand our ability to help our customers across a wider spectrum of classes of business, according to Bellot.

Source: BMS Group

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Agencies Reinsurance Mexico Surety
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at AXA XL and Aon.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

AXA XL Names Ensurances Burgess as Sr. U/W, Construction, UK & Lloyds

AXA XL Insurance announced it has appointed Adrian Burgess as senior underwriter, Construction, UK & Lloyds, effective immediately.

In his new role, Burgess will be responsible for developing and managing underwriting strategies for both renewal and new business within AXA XLs Construction book of business in the UK. He will also work closely with AXA XLs team of risk engineers in supporting clients as they navigate the challenges and opportunities currently in the market.

Burgess began his career at Eagle Star/Zurich Insurance in 1988, remaining with the company for 10 years, when he progressed into a variety of underwriting positions. Between and 1999 and 2021, he spent time at the likes of Allianz Cornhill, Royal & Sun Alliance and MS Amlin, before joining Ensurance UK, where he most recently held the position of senior underwriter.

Theres huge opportunity for the UK construction sector as it recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and advances towards a more sustainable future. But while theres an increase in the volume of building projects, the industry faces challenges from supply chain issues and high prices of building materials, commented Al Baker, head of Construction, UK & Lloyds, at AXA XL.

Having the right talent in place is key as we look to support our clients in addressing these challenges and profitably grow our UK Construction business.

***

Aon Strengthens M&A and Transaction Solutions With 3 Hires

Insurance broker Aon plc has strengthened its M&A and Transaction Solutions team in the UK with the appointment of Sam Bridges, Tanya Hickson, and Guy Ruddy.

Sam Bridges joins Aons Corporate M&A Coverage team as director and brings more than 20 years of experience as an investment banking professional at J. P. Morgan.

Tanya Hickson moves from Aons Corporate team to Aons Manchester M&A Transaction Advisory Risk and Insurance team, working with Antoinette Swift on diligence and private equity backed portfolio business.

Guy Ruddy joins the Transaction Solutions team, based outside of London, as director, from Squire Patton Boggs in Leeds, having spent more than four years as a corporate M&A lawyer with a private equity focus.

Adrian Lamasz, head of UK Regions at Aons M&A and Transaction Solutions, commented: These appointments reflect Aons continued progress in the region and the increasing client demand for our services. In 2021, the team worked on more than 100 M&A situations in the UK, and we are well-positioned for further growth.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Excess Surplus Lloyd's Construction Aon AXA XL
First Beijing Culture Forum kicks off

Xinhua) 16:34, July 25, 2022

BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The inaugural Beijing Culture Forum kicked off in the Chinese capital on Monday, with the theme "Inheritance, Innovation and Mutual Learning."

Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening ceremony of the forum.

Addressing the event, Huang stressed the importance of transforming the forum into a first-class platform for promoting cultural development and innovation, and shaping it into a cultural brand with Chinese allure and global influence.

Noting the historic achievements and changes made in the cultural sphere since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, Huang called for more efforts to strengthen the confidence in Chinese culture, meet the intellectual and cultural needs of the people, and deepen dialogues among civilizations.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Hongyu)




The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) said Monday its delegation will leave for Washington this week to meet with key U.S. government officials and lawmakers in a move to promote the business and trade relationship between the two countries.







The 14-member delegation plans to meet more than 25 senior officials of the Joe Biden administration and several other members of Congress during the three-day trip that will begin Wednesday, AMCHAM said in a release.







The trip marks the resumption of AMCHAM's annual "doorknock" business-promoting program following a two-year hiatus over COVID-19.







The delegation also plans to highlight the benefits of doing business in South Korea and the value of bilateral trade relations, amid active investment activities under way between the two countries and the implementation of the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, according to AMCHAM.







The members will start off the trip by attending a memorial ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington to commemorate the 1950-53 Korean War. The United States and other nations fought alongside the South against the then Soviet Union-backed North Korea.







U.S. President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken are also expected to attend the ceremony, AMCHAM said. (Yonhap)


Australia is on high alert for foot-and-mouth disease in its cattle herds after traces of the virus were found on imported animal products. The disease is already ripping through Indonesia, and is creeping ever closer to paddocks Down Under, where an outbreak could spell disaster for the livestock industry, the economy and world beef supplies.

What is foot-and-mouth?

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious virus that affects cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. It is characterized by fever and blister-like sores on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats and between the hooves. The prevalence of the disease has the potential to decimate herds.

The disease is often spread by humans via their shoes, clothes and luggage  and particles can even live in peoples noses, where they may survive for up to 24 hours. The virus can also be transmitted via contaminated meat and other animal products, and survive in the environment for several weeks. It is considered one of the most important livestock diseases in the world, and can potentially cause billions of dollars of losses each year.

Can humans catch it?

Although the virus comes from the same family  Picornaviridae  as those responsible for common colds, hepatitis A and polio, foot-and-mouth disease crosses the species barrier to infect humans only rarely and with little effect. It shouldnt be confused with the fever and rash-causing hand, foot, and mouth disease in humans. This is an unrelated and usually mild infection mostly in children caused by different viruses, mainly coxsackie A and enterovirus 71.

Where is it a problem now?

The World Organisation for Animal Health says the disease is endemic across swathes of Asia, and most of Africa and the Middle East. Right now, theres growing concern over the spread in Indonesia after the country reported the disease in May and the virus swept through the nations cattle herds.

Surrounding nations like Australia are particularly alarmed at the proliferation of the virus, which has reached the tourist hot spot of Bali. Each month, thousands of Australians return from holidaying on the island. New Zealand, which has a large livestock population, also remains on high alert.

Whats being done?

Australia has offered Indonesia funding for one million vaccines to curb the spread there, and within its own borders it has ramped up surveillance and counter-measures  including educational videos and sanitation foot mats at airports. Some politicians have gone even further by calling for a suspension of travel to Indonesia, but thats been rejected by officials.

The threat of incursion is greatest on imported animal products, according to Agriculture Minister Murray Watt. Traces of the disease have been found in a sample of pork floss imported from China that was being offered for sale in Melbourne, though the test did not indicate a live virus.

The key risk is going to be smuggled meat, said Australian Meat Industry Council CEO Patrick Hutchinson, adding that officials should be checking peoples bags and mail. The government said all mail incoming from Indonesia and China will be screened for meat products.

Is there a threat to global beef supplies?

An outbreak of the disease would pose a serious threat to Australias A$32 billion ($22 billion) livestock industry, and a widespread occurrence could have an estimated direct economic impact of A$80 billion.

Though Australia accounts for only 4% of global beef production, the country is a top shipper  comprising about 13% of world exports. Depending on the extent of any potential spread, an outbreak could result in the culling of animals. Authorities may deploy vaccines to contain the virus, but such a strategy often leads to a longer imposition of trade restrictions in FMD-free countries with Australia prevented from accessing overseas markets.

Either move is likely to dent Australian export volumes to some degree, and major markets in China, Japan and South Korea could see the most impact. An outbreak would also taint Australias export reputation, and the effect could linger for years after livestock herds recover from the disease.

Has this happened before?

It has. The UK was forced to destroy millions of cattle and sheep to contain foot-and-mouth two decades ago. The economic cost to the agriculture and food industries was substantial, with losses estimated to have exceeded 3 billion pounds at the time. The outbreak triggered restrictions on the countrys meat exports and access to the countryside was curbed for visitors.

With assistance from Jason Gale, Paul Geitner, Ainsley Thomson and Keira Wright.

Photograph: A veterinarian inspecting cattle for foot-and-mouth disease in Bandar Lampung, Lampung Province, Indonesia. Photo credit: Perdiansyah/AFP/Getty Images

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Australia
A federal lawsuit filed last 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.

Topics Lawsuits Tech Law Enforcement
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Hippo Holdings Inc. announced that it intends to file a proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission that includes a proposal for a reverse stock split. This move comes in connection with a special meeting of stockholders to be held on August 31, 2022.

A reverse stock split is a step companies take to reduce their number of outstanding stock shares in the market, in which existing shares are consolidated into fewer, more valuable shares.

A company press release reported that the reverse stock split Hippo plans to propose to shareholders will be at a ratio in the range of 1-for-20 to 1-for-30, and the reduction of authorized shares of capital stock for the company will follow a corresponding proportion.

This means that in a 1-for-20 split, for example, shareholders would receive one share of new stock that is equal in value to every 20 shares they owned. Investopedia says a reverse stock split has no effect on the companys value.

The Hippo press release said the proposed reverse stock split is intended to resolve an issue raised in a non-compliance notice Hippo received from the New York Stock Exchange on July 19, 2022. The notice pointed to the average closing price of the companys common stock being less than $1 throughout 30 consecutive trading days. The notification has no immediate effect on the listing or trading of Hippos common stock on the NYSE, according to the release.

Hippo can regain compliance at any time within the six-month period following receipt of the NYSE notice if the company has a closing price of at least $1 per share on the last trading day of any calendar month during the cure period and an average closing price of at least $1 per share during the 30-trading day period ending on the last trading day of that month.

Hippo Holdings Inc.s operating subsidiaries include Hippo Insurance Services, Hippo Home Care, First Connect Insurance Services, Spinnaker Insurance Company, Spinnaker Specialty Insurance Company, and Mainsail Insurance Company. Hippo Insurance Services is a licensed property/casualty insurance agent with products underwritten by various affiliated and unaffiliated insurance companies.
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A majority of independent insurance agents (53%) are expecting a significant increase in online commercial insurance buyers over the next three years, according to a survey from Semsee, a platform for small-commercial quoting, and TrustedChoice.com, a digital marketing platform for independent agents and brokers.

The new study of independent agents focused on the ways agents find and win new commercial insurance business.

Overall, 42% of agents surveyed say they are seeing an increase in commercial opportunities since the start of the pandemic in early 2020. And while the survey found that agents are generally pleased with the marketing and sales technologies theyre using today, many recognize they need to make significant improvements to become even more digital. Search Engine Optimization (SEO), new and faster ways to assess insurer appetite, and efficiently obtaining quotes from multiple carriers were all cited as areas needing the most improvement.

The survey shows that agents have clearly become more digital in the last two years, especially in terms of leveraging virtual communications technologies like videoconferencing and e-signature tools, which is a testament to the adaptability of the IA channel, said Chip Bacciocco, CEO, TrustedChoice.com. And when it comes to sales and marketing, there are still opportunities to expand what theyre doing, both in terms of finding new business opportunities and efficiently closing those deals.

Winning and placing new business is a particular challenge for agencies that offer commercial. Business leaders have told us that they want to see multiple policy options from agents. Yet finding markets and getting quotes can be such a time-consuming process for agents. Three-quarters of agents told us theyre using online portals to get this information, meaning theyre entering data multiple times, said Philip Charles-Pierre, CEO, Semsee. Many agents said they also rely on experience with specific carriers to place business today, a process that is not likely to work well in the future as insurance products change and they target new markets.

Room for Improvement

More than half60%of agents rate their digital customer-facing capabilities as good or excellent today. They are slightly less enthusiastic when it comes to carriers agent-facing technologies, with 47% rating them good, 35% average, and just 6% excellent. Agents cite lack of consistency from portal to portal, limited interaction with underwriters, and no up-front indications about whether or not the carriers will accept new business as the biggest concerns.

One opportunity for finding new business is SEO. The survey found that 49% currently use SEO but agencies SEO understanding and lack of time for planning remain challenging. The majority of respondents dont have an SEO strategy or are not sure whether they have one.

When it comes to winning and placing insurance business, 56% of agents say they are challenged to find a market that matches the need, and 52% explain that getting quotes from carriers, MGAs and wholesalers is a barrier to getting new business.

Topics Trends Agencies Commercial Lines Business Insurance
United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Larry Williams, age 49, of New Orleans, was sentenced last week for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of a staged automobile accident with a tractor-trailer occurring in New Orleans. Thus far, the total number of defendants convicted in Operation Sideswipe is thirty-eight (38).

According to documents filed in federal court, Williams admitted he conspired with Damian Labeaud (Labeaud), Mario Solomon (Solomon), and Genetta Isreal (Isreal) to stage an accident on June 12, 2017, that occurred on Chef Menteur Highway near the Danziger Bridge in New Orleans. Labeaudand Williams planned to stage an automobile accident to obtain money through fraud. During their planning, Labeaud told Williams that he had an attorney who would handle everything. Williams recruited Isreal and another individual (now deceased) to participate in the fraudulent scheme. Williams then borrowed a Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Labeaud operated the Trailblazer to collide with a 2015 Peterbilt tractor-trailer. After the staged accident, Labeaud fled the scene and Williams got behind the wheel to make it appear that he was operating the Trailblazer during the staged accident. Solomon picked up Labeaud after the staged accident. Williams told the New Orleans Police Department that he was the driver of the Trailblazer and that the tractor-trailer was at fault. After the staged accident,Labeaud introduced Williamsand Isreal to Attorney A.

Williams and Isreal were treated by doctors and healthcare providers at the direction of Attorney A. Attorney A told Williams that he would get more money if he had shoulder surgery. On June 12, 2018, Attorney As law partner, Attorney B, filed the Larry Williams lawsuit in Civil District Court (CDC) for the Parish of Orleans and on September 14, 2018, Attorney B demanded approximately $60,000.00 in settlement for the deceased passenger and approximately $56,155.00 in settlement for Isreal. After the suit was filed, Williams and Isreal each provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with the lawsuit filed by Attorney B.

United States District Judge Eldon Fallon sentenced Williams to 3 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release. Additionally, Williams was ordered to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee and restitution of $28,816.64. Restitution was imposed jointly and severally with the other co-conspirators.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice

Topics Auto
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Twenty men who said they were sexually abused at a prestigious boarding school in Georgia are now suing the schools insurance companies for $345 million. The insurers argue that their policies did not cover the alleged abuse and that the statute of limitations has long expired.

The former students, who claimed abuse by a longtime teacher and dormitory supervisor at the Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, settled their lawsuit filed against the school for an undisclosed amount. A settlement with former instructor Roger Stifflemire did not require the man to compensate the students but cleared the way for legal action against the insurers, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

The 10 carriers named in the consolidated suit include Zurich American, Continental Casualty, Northern Insurance Co. of New York, Valiant Insurance, American Guarantee and Liability Insurance, North River Insurance, Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance, and Great American Insurance.

The companies policies covered Darlington School when Stifflemire allegedly abused students in the 1980s and 1990s, on field trips and on school property, the newspaper reported.

Stifflemire, as a faculty member, was insured under those policies, Darren Penn, the former students lawyer, told the newspaper.

Stifflemire is now 81 and lives in central Alabama. He has never acknowledged the alleged abuse, but his attorney said he has cooperated with the victims efforts to collect from the insurance carriers.

The alleged abuse was exposed in a 2017 Journal-Constitution article, which said the problems had been reported for years but the school had not addressed them. Stifflemire had retired by then, the criminal statute of limitations had expired, and criminal charges were never filed.

The lawsuits were initially filed that year and 2019 in the Superior Court of Floyd County, in northwest Georgia, but were recently amended and consolidated. The amended, 66-page complaint argues that the defendants, including Stifflemire, the school, school officials and the insurers, negligently misrepresented and fraudulently concealed the true nature of the horrific events described in this complaint and the failure to investigate, verify and prosecute sexual abuse.

The plaintiffs said they were not made aware of the cover-up until after the newspaper article and a subsequent letter from Darlington School officials in 2017. And because the letter contained misrepresentations that has led to new harm, the statute of limitations should not begin to run until 2017, the victims attorneys said in the complaint.

The insurance carriers had a duty to defend the school and its teacher, the suit charges.

Instead of providing a defense under a reservation of rights and seeking a declaratory judgment, insurance defendants wrongfully refused to indemnify or defend based upon their mistaken belief that the claims against its insureds were excluded from the policies scope of coverage, the complaint reads.

By refusing to defend, the insurers have effectively assigned all rights to insurance benefits to the student victims, the suit said. As the owner of the right to the insurance benefits, insurance defendants are legally obligated to provide all available insurance benefits under the policies to plaintiff, it argues.

In its answer to the complaint, Zurich American argued that the statute of limitations does, in fact, bar legal actions; that benefits are not payable under the terms of the schools policy; and that the insurer did not breach any contractual duties. Zurich also denied knowledge of or denied outright that it was responsible for Darlington officials failure to warn or to provide better security at the school.

One insurer, Northern Insurance of New York, no longer exists but in 2015 merged with Maryland Casualty, a Zurich subsidiary, Zurichs answer shows.

The insurers have asked that the suit against them be dismissed.

Topics Lawsuits Carriers Georgia K-12
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The plaintiffs lawyer that Florida insurers love to hate could see his two-year suspension completed soon. But allegations by the state Bar could result in new sanctions or further suspension.

A 25-page complaint, separate from other allegations, charges that Miami attorney Scot Strems and his law firm in 2018 informed a client of a settlement with a property insurance company but then secretly settled with the insurer for twice as much and attempted to pocket a large, unauthorized fee.

Even more troubling is the fact that respondent maintains that this pattern of conduct is how his firm handles its business in the ordinary course, reads the complaint, filed by the Bars grievance committee with the Florida Supreme Court.

Strems also provided false and misleading information to the Bar when investigators asked him about his actions in representing the 85-year-old homeowner, Margaret Nowak, in a Hurricane Irma claim, the Bar argued.

The thrust of this case is simple: Respondent betrayed his ethical obligations to his elderly client in order to enrich himself at that clients expense, the complaint reads. As the record exhaustively shows below, respondent committed a litany of ethical violations both in his representation of Mrs. Nowak, and during the Florida Bars investigation.

The complaint was filed in 2020 but has seen little coverage until now. Strems attorney, Ben Kuehne, pointed out that the case is on appeal to the Florida Supreme Court, and that a referee in the matter has recommended that disciplinary action run concurrently with Strems suspension for other Bar rule violations.

Strems had become the poster child for what insurance groups said was widespread abuse of the legal system by some Florida plaintiffs attorneys. He was charged with filing thousands of suits against insurers, many of them on the same claim, and was suspended from law practice in 2020. The Bar had asked for disbarment, but a referee in the case recommended a two-year suspension. The Supreme Court granted an emergency suspension in June 2020, noting that the lawyer is suspended until further order from the court.

The Nowak case would not affect his current suspension but could lead to new sanctions, said Jennifer Krell Davis, communications director for the Florida Bar.

The Nowak matter began in 2017 when the homeowner filed a claim with her insurer, Florida Peninsula Insurance Co. The Bar complaint did not explain how Nowak came to hire the Strems Law Firm, but the contingency agreement noted that the firm would charge a 25% fee. If the claim went to litigation, the firm would receive 30% of the award or the court-awarded amount, whichever was greater.

Strems firm hired Contender Claims Consultants, a public adjuster firm, which estimated that Nowaks home had suffered $64,000 in damages in the storm. Contender Claims is also well-known to Florida insurers. Carriers and attorneys have said the firm worked closely with Strems to exaggerate damages in many assignment-of-benefit and other claims. In May, the adjuster firm, a restoration company and Strems agreed to settle for $1 million a lawsuit brought by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. that had accused the principals of fraud in hundreds of insurance claims.

In the Nowak claim, Florida Peninsula informed Strems firm that it would settle the claim for $30,000, leaving $22,500 for the homeowner and a $7,500 attorney fee for Strems. One of Nowaks sons agreed, but Strems law firm attorney suggested he could get a little more, the Bar complaint explained. Despite several attempts by Nowaks son to reach Strems firm in the following weeks, though, the law firm did not readily respond.

It turned out that Strems firm had negotiated a $45,000 settlement with Florida Peninsula, and arranged for the insurer to send a $22,500 check for Nowak and another $22,500 check to the Strems firm. When informed of the 50% attorney fee, Nowaks sons objected strenuously.

I actually just reviewed the documents and I am shocked to see that you actually secured an additional $22,500, but none of which will go to benefit my mother, Ken Nowak wrote to a Strems staff member. That is unacceptable to me. Unless you can net my mother the $30,000, we will reject this settlement.

The law firm responded that Florida statutes allow for higher fees. But Dennis Nowak fired back.

The Florida statute cited in your closing statement does not override the provisions of your engagement agreement and, in any event, applies only to court-awarded fees, not negotiated settlements, he wrote. So unless you are telling me that this case went to judgment, the fee statute you refer to is irrelevant.

After that, the Strems firm stopped pursuing a settlement and litigation, except to file a notice with the court that the matter had been amicably settled. The court closed the file.

To date, the global settlement agreement of $45,000 has not been consummated, the Bar said in the complaint. Based on information and belief, (Florida Peninsula) still has the settlement proceeds, and stands ready to tender them. To date, Mrs. Nowak has not received a dime due to respondents representation in this matter.

It wasnt clear if the Nowak family complained to the Bar. But when the Bar investigators asked Scot Strems about the case, the lawyer offered a gross misrepresentation of fact. Strems said Nowak had never been a client and that he had not personally provided legal services, the Bar said. He also failed to turn over all documents requested by the investigators but did say that the attorney fee practice was standard procedure.

From the foregoing facts, it is apparent that the allegations in this complaint are not the result of an isolated indiscretion, the Bar complaint argues. Rather, the misconduct alleged in this complaint is systemic within respondents practice.

In answer to the Bar complaint, Strems attorneys argued that the case was, at its essence, a fee dispute between an experienced law firm and its client and her sophisticated sons concerning the amount of legal fees to which the law firm was entitled for its successful representation of the client in a first-party property lawsuit against a recalcitrant insurance carrier.

The appointed referee in the case, Miami-Dade Judge Dawn Denaro, concluded that the fee dispute could have been avoided with better communication between the parties and found Strems violated a Bar rule that requires informed communication with the client.

Disappointed with the referees findings and conclusions, the Florida Bar presents its appeal by failing to present the record facts in the light most favorable to the referees findings and arguing

factual matters in a manner inconsistent with the scrupulously detailed Report of Referee, Strems answer brief reads.

After Strems 2020 suspension, the Bar moved to find Strems in contempt over the way his law firm was dissolved, with most firm attorneys simply moving to a new firm known as The Property Advocates. The referee, denied the motion last year. But the Bar is now urging the state Supreme Court to take a harder line, arguing that the referee misunderstood the nature of Strems actions, which were aimed at avoiding some of the impact of the earlier suspension on his law firm.

Strems also notified his clients of his suspension in a way that the Bar said was misleading, Bar attorneys wrote.

Correction: An earlier version of this article included an incorrect date on the Nowak case complaint. The complaint was filed in June 2020 and the case is now on appeal to the Florida Supreme Court. The Insurance Journal apologizes for the error.
The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers named Michael Lopez a managing partner in the firms Santa Rosa, California, office.

Lopez has more than 20 years of leadership experience.

The Liberty Company also added Michelle Montoya as a strategic partnership advisor in the firms San Jose, California office.

Montoya began her insurance career more than 20 years ago when she made the transition from human resources to employee benefits and joined Filice Insurance to launch their HR Compliance & Consulting service. Since then, Montoya has taken on various roles within the firm, most recently as CEO.

The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers is a privately held insurance brokerage.

Topics California Talent Human Resources
Dear Stephen,

I am a farmer along with my brother each part-owning 50% of the farm. In recent years, tensions have arisen between us as we have disagreed on what to do with the farm in the future.

A renewable energy developer has approached us regarding potentially them leasing our lands on a long-term basis. I am interested in pursuing this route, as I believe that it will be a steady source of income as we are both coming close to retiring age.

The wind farm developer has entered into leases in recent years with neighbouring landowners, and I am very interested in this too.

However, my brother feels strongly that the company would not respect our land and use it in a manner that our late father would not have approved of.

I do not want to engage in a lengthy legal battle with my brother over this or have to try and subdivide the lands, and a friend has mentioned the option of mediation for us.

What exactly is involved in the process of mediation and what are the advantages?

Dear Reader,

I am sorry to hear of the situation you have found yourself in.

Your friend is correct in saying that mediation is certainly an option to help solve this issue. Mediation involves an independent third-party acting as a mediator and trying to assist the parties in reaching a compromise.

The current law governing the dispute resolution process of mediation in Ireland is the 2017 Mediation Act. One of the primary purposes of the introduction of this Act was to compel legal professionals to advise all of their clients on the option of mediation before ever initiating civil proceedings. This is provided for in Section 14 of the Act. The Act outlines that all civil proceedings must be accompanied with a Statutory Declaration, signed by the client, outlining that their Solicitor did suggest the option of Mediation to them.

It is important to note that under Section 7 of the Act, both parties can enter into an agreement to mediate which sets out the more intricate details of the process including; the way in which the costs will be divided, the place and time of the discussions, the confidential nature of the mediation and the right to seek legal advice.

Mediation is often carried out in the conference rooms of a hotel, or in the offices of the legal team. There is normally no time constraints for a conclusion to be reached, but there is the option for the parties to set a time limit on the discussions before mediation takes place. A successful mediation outcome can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days depending on the complexity of the issues.

Typically both parties will be in attendance with their legal representatives in separate rooms and typically, the mediator will divide their time between each party and will make suggestions with a view to an agreement or compromise being potentially reached. The parties will usually agree to be bound by the terms of the mediation before entering into it.

It is advisable to engage an accredited mediator who has experience acting as a mediator. Typically, mediators are solicitors or barristers or experts in certain areas, and it will depend on the nature of the dispute your legal advisors should recommend potential mediators for the dispute at hand.

The advantages of mediation are:

It is cost-effective and can save on lengthy legal proceedings

The parties have a lot more flexibility in respect of terms entered into to satisfy both parties as against a court case where typically there is a successful and unsuccessful party and can improve relations between parties going forward.

Stephen Coppinger, is a solicitor practising at Walsh & Partners Solicitors, 17 South Mall, Cork, and 88 Main Street, Midleton, Co Cork. Walsh & Partners also specialises in personal injury claims, conveyancing, probate, and family law.

Email: info@walshandpartners.ie

Web: www.walshandpartners.ie
When Arthur Leahy looks back upon the decades of an eventful life, the Quay Co-op stands proud as an institution which has guided much of his life.

When we began, the Quay Co-op started out as a political enterprise more than a business. But we had to find a means of funding ourselves to keep the organisation going, and that was really how the business developed. The first ten years of the Co-op saw it move slowly from being a political entity into a commercial enterprise around its restaurant and whole food shop.

Back in the 1980s, a time of economic challenges and mass unemployment, the Quay Co-Op stood out as a unique addition to Corks restaurant and food shopping scene.

The fact that the restaurant was vegetarian set it apart as unique back then, something that was unusual not just for our customers, but also for many of the people who worked here then, Arthur recalled.

The decision to make the premises a vegetarian restaurant was a collective decision, arrived at after a lengthy debate amongst the members.

We were very fortunate in terms of the people who worked here in those early days, they set the ethical tone of the shop and restaurant.

Like any fledgling enterprise, those early days when the business struggled to etch its commercial foothold in the city, meant relatively small return for the workers: In those early days when the place didnt pay very well, it did test peoples commitment rather than as a safe source of income. Happily, there is a core group of people whove been here practically from the beginning who have carried the ethos forward.

Now securely established as a much loved and admired Cork institution, the Quay Co-op continues to be driven by the principles and values of its original founders.

Reaching this milestone anniversary is down to hard work, dedication and also that spark of alternative creativity that we see every day in the people that work here, come here and shop here. Our radical roots inform what we do to this day; they make us proud of where we work and of what we've stood for over 40 years. Today we face new challenges, none more so than ensuring that our future generations may respectfully enjoy this beautiful planet in peace.

Down through the years, the Quay Co-ops history has mirrored social and legislative progress in Ireland, while offering information, resources and support to those who sought to organise for equality and against prejudice.

The Quay Co-op was created to be a base for those who had none, a place for interest groups to meet, to discuss the issues of the time and to plan action, explains General Manager Simon Tiptaft.

Today, the Quay Co-op employs 50 people across its vegetarian deli, bakery, wholefoods store and restaurant on OSullivans Quay, in addition to its vegetarian food-production facility on Cove Street and satellite stores in Carrigaline and Ballincollig.

The Quay Co-op has pushed boundaries since its doors first opened and has brought together groups and individuals for 40 years. It gave a voice to people who may not have been heard otherwise and was a movement for change.

A member of the team for fifteen years, Simon says social justice issues remain at the heart of the business: The same-sex Marriage Referendum in 2015 was a huge moment, we paid the wages of several of our team members to allow them to work full-time for the campaign. Our focus now is on food politics and sustainability and continuing to be the leaders in the provision of organic vegetarian and vegan wholefood for Cork and beyond.

Initially established as a collective effort of feminist, lesbian and gay, environmental and other alternative groups and individuals, the ambitious project began during a time of rapidly rising unemployment in Cork.

Over time, the group transformed a neglected former pawnbrokers shop on OSullivans Quay into a thriving hub  a working collective geared to take on the challenge of a on a renovation project that became the foundation of todays thriving business.

The Co-op has expanded over the years and it now has three buildings on OSullivans Quay, number 24 and the premises on either side, one of which was previously the Cork Fire Brigade headquarters.

The Co-ops wholefood stores in Carrigaline, Ballincollig and OSullivans Quay offer a range of organic foods, health and well-being products. The OSullivans Quay store also has a bakery that specialises in spelt and gluten-free products, in addition to its ground floor deli-cafe and upstairs restaurant. In recent years, the Co-op has added its own range of foods, including dahls, curries, soups and vegan dishes  all produced at the industrial kitchen in Cove Street.

The cooperative ethos that initially built the business continues to inform its creative and commercial initiatives to this day: The members still run the business, with a continual process of reinvestment being the order of the day. No profit is taken out of the business, that is the way its always been for forty years and has served us well. The idea that money spent in our stores goes back into improving the business appeals very much to our customers, and certainly ever more so in recent years when the reality of climate change and sustainability have become such major issues.

Simons own 15-year period of working in the Co-op is similar to many others whove been part of the business for equally extended time frames: Hundreds of people have worked here over the past forty years, many with far longer tenure than I  and all of whom have brought that collective dedication which has contributed to our success.

The Quay Co-ops customers have proven equally loyal, he says who continually spur us on to be better, to do more for the causes that will make a better future for us all.




President Yoon Suk-yeol visits a nuclear power plant of Doosan Enerbility in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, June 22. Korea Times file





By Lee Kyung-min







The competitive edge of Korea's nuclear power industry has crashed by as much as 40 percent compared to before the "nuclear phase-out policy" took effect under the former Moon Jae-in administration, according to the country's business lobby, Monday.







About four years will be needed to recover the largely destroyed industrial ecosystem, the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) added. Increasing the number of highly skilled nuclear energy experts should be top priority, as well as deregulation to help businesses find new projects.







A FKI survey of 31 local nuclear energy firms showed over half, or 51.6 percent, of the respondents said the competitive edge of the industry sank by a range of between 30 percent and 40 percent over the past five years. About a fifth, or 22.6 percent, pinpointed the range between 20 percent and 30 percent.







Over a third, or 35.7 percent, cited personnel shortages as the largest concern. Data from the Korea Atomic Industrial Forum showed the number of students that majored in nuclear energy-related departments was 2,165 in 2021, down 22 percent from 2,777 in 2017.







Other concerns included a lack of operating funds (30.4 percent), supply chain disruptions due to bankruptcies of their partner firms (17.9 percent) and inability to secure next-generation growth technologies (12.5 percent).







About half, or 46.9 percent, said businesses finding work will be the key driver to recovering industrial competitiveness.







This was followed by the need to simplify licensing and approval processes involving the construction of nuclear power plants (28.1 percent), lowering borrowing costs and increasing access to financing (17.2 percent). Some 7.8 percent chose extending government assistance to firms with shaky financials.







Over a quarter, or 27.4 percent, said the government should map out long-term programs to nurture the desired skills in students.







A similar number of respondents, or 24.2 percent, said reducing dependence on overseas nuclear technologies and products is needed.







Over 19 percent of the respondents said research and development activities should be incentivized.







Some 16 percent said government policies should help local firms with overseas expansion.







The FKI said Korea should pursue measures promptly to help revitalize the stagnant industry, in a move to seek the best possible outcome from the recent global wave of recognizing nuclear power as a green energy source.







"Promising local firms will be able to find growth opportunities from around the world, lifted by rapid growth of the global nuclear energy industry," a KFI official said. "We need to embrace appropriate measures to better prepare for the rapidly changing global nuclear energy landscape."






Cuts to agricultural carbon emissions will be 24% or 25% at the very maximum, despite Green Party demands they go to 30%.

Media reports at the weekend that a cut of 28% had been agreed have also been dismissed as total nonsense.

Senior Government sources with knowledge of the ongoing talks between Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, and the Green Party, said the final position will exceed the minimum target of 22% but will be nowhere near the higher end.

Tensions between Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan have already led to a delay in the emissions targets being agreed, but there is still hope within Government that it can be resolved before Wednesdays last Cabinet meeting before the summer.

However, speaking to the Irish Examiner, several senior Government figures have conceded that kicking it back until September is now a real possibility.

While Mr Ryan is demanding cuts of as close to 30% as possible, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael ministers are insisting a deliverable figure which farmers will accept.

The sources said the binary debate about which percentage the reduction will be, is distracting from how it is all going to be delivered.

Mr McConalogue and the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael ministers are adamant that farmers need to be brought with us while protecting the agri-food industry.

A lot of work has been done on seeking to incentivise farmers on increasing afforestation, utilising technology, and moving to alternative and decreased fertiliser usage, as well as decreasing slaughter age in a bid to tackle emissions, the sources said.

FA President Tim Cullinan has said that there are a lot of measures that can be implemented to reduce greenhouse emissions before the national herd has to be reduced.

The agriculture sector has to be protected, he told Newstalk Breakfast.

"If production is stabilised and technological advances are introduced then methane reduction targets could be reached.

"There are thousands of jobs up and down the country at risk as well as the economic and social fabric of the country," he warned.

Its going to be a costly thing to achieve reduction targets. If a target of 30 percent was required that could cost 50,000 to 55,000 jobs and 40billion.

There were options to be considered, but if farmers were to introduce measures such as using renewable energy and other technological advances, then the agriculture sector would need to get credit for such savings, not other sectors, he said.

If farmers are willing to invest in technology then they should get credit.

Mr Cullinan said he believed changes to feed additives, using anaerobic digesters could all make a difference.

His job was to protect farmers, he said. The sector would work to reach emission reduction targets, but he did not like talking about red lines.

We all have to play our part. Common sense has to prevail.

Read More Farmers to receive grant to cover 60% cost of solar panel installation

Intensive talks are continuing ahead of the weekly meeting of the three Government leaders tomorrow, to decide whether it is ready to go to Cabinet or not.

One senior Government source said they cannot see this landing anywhere above 24% or 25% at the very maximum.

Yesterday, Mr McConalogue said he remains fully committed to achieving an overall reduction in carbon emissions of 51% by 2030.

He said the talks are productive and his goal is to minimise the emissions connected with the production of food, but while helping family farms produce that food.

A spokeswoman for Mr Ryan declined to comment.
David Trimble, Northern Ireland's former First Minister and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, has died aged 77.

He was the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party from 1995 until 2005.

Mr Trimble was instrumental in the Good Friday Agreement negotiations, making him one of the chief leaders to bring peace to Northern Ireland after the worst of the Troubles.

He was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts, alongside John Hume, the former SDLP leader who died in 2020.

In a statement released today, his family said: "It is with great sadness that the family of Lord Trimble announce that he passed away peacefully earlier today following a short illness."

Mr Trimble was also an MP in Westminster representing Upper Bann from 1990 until 2005. In 2006 he was made a life peer in the House of Lords.

UUP Leader David Trimble First Minister of Northern Ireland and his Deputy Leader John Taylor and members of his party's delegation address the media at the end of the Peace Talks in Castle Buildings in 1999 Photo: RollingNews.ie

His time as First Minister was turbulent, and fraught with tension surrounding the issue of IRA decommissioning.

A Co Down man, he started his career as a law lecturer in Queen's University Belfast.

After being unexpectedly elected as the leader of the UUP in 1995, he went on to become one of the central figures of the Northern Irish peace process.

The current UUP leader Doug Beattie has paid tribute to Mr Trimble as a man of "courage and vision."

He said: Tonights news will cause deep sadness throughout Northern Ireland and much further afield.

David Trimble was a man of courage and vision. He chose to grasp the opportunity for peace when it presented itself and sought to end the decades of violence that blighted his beloved Northern Ireland.

He will forever be associated with the leadership he demonstrated in the negotiations that led up to the 1998 Belfast Agreement.

The bravery and courage he demonstrated whilst battling his recent illness was typical of the qualities he showed in his political career, at Stormont and at Westminster.

He will be remembered as a First Minister, as a Peer of the Realm and as a Nobel Prize Winner. He will also be remembered as a great Unionist.

On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, and with a very heavy heart, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Lady Trimble and his children, Richard, Victoria, Sarah and Nicholas.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said that the political risks Trimble took "sustained the life of our fledgling peace process."

David Trimbles life has left an indelible mark on our shared islands story. Over the course of his political career but particularly in difficult years of the Good Friday Agreement negotiations he demonstrated immense courage and took political risks that sustained the life of our fledgling peace process. He doesnt often enough get credit for it but without David Trimbles fortitude, there would simply have been no agreement.

The image of David and Seamus Mallon walking through Poyntzpass together in 1998 to comfort the families of Damien Trainor and Philip Allen is an enduring icon of the peace process that inspired a whole generation of people who wanted, and needed, to believe that our shared future could be different from our divided past. It is my enduring memory of his commitment to reconciliation.

My thoughts and prayers are with Daphne, Richard, Victoria, Nicholas and Sarah at this difficult time. I hope they are comforted by the immense legacy that David left to the people of Northern Ireland," he further stated.
You have to love Anthony Faucis indecisiveness at the moment, if only because its so out of kilter with how clear he was during the pandemic. In the last week, Fauci, the man who faced down Trump on the latters headbanging theories about the coronavirus, started dithering and backtracking. Not about the virus. About his own retirement.

First, he told Politico that retiring around the time Joe Biden finished his first term as US president would be a good thing.

Then he told The New York Times that he would almost certainly exit his post around that time while telling CNN they shouldnt consider it an official retirement announcement. He might exit government (as the US describes its public service) but he wasnt having anything to do with the R word.

This, despite his age (81) and the fact that he first joined the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases as a clinical researcher in 1968 and has been there ever since.

I do want to do other things in my career, even though Im at a rather advanced age, Fauci said, adding that he still had passion and energy.

At the age of 81, Anthony Fauci, the resolute US chief medical adviser who stood up to Donald Trump, is only now wondering if he, maybe, might retire. File picture: Jim Lo Scalzo/AP

What a lucky lad, I hear you say, to have lived in the US, rather than Ireland, where a 50-year career, much of it at the top, in a public service body isnt possible and where, the minute you hit 60, the talk is of pensions and grandchildren. Because what else would you be talking to an 80-year-old about?

Ken Auletta

The other American 80-year-old in the news, this time because of his latest book, is Ken Auletta.

Aulettas written dozens of big chunky doorstopper books about politics and media, virtually all of them bestsellers. The latest is about a man with an exquisite taste in films, including obscure, little-known art-house movies from European producers, and an affection for the books on which many of them based their screenplays.

At high school, this guy, in common with his classmates, fell in love with the poetry of Padraic Colum, the Longford man born in a workhouse, who was then in his 90s.

Somehow, the idea took hold that Colum might be persuaded to visit the John Brown High School. Of course, lots of ideas take hold of enthusiastic teenagers, but this one came to fruition, because one of the students simply made it happen.

That student didnt come from an Irish background or a literary background or even from money. But he had artistic awareness, drive and determination.

His name was Harvey Weinstein.

Ken Auletta's book lays out how Harvey Weinstein was a sensitive and perceptive reader, writer, and film producer  and, at the same time, a terrifying thug. File picture: Carlo Allegri/Reuters

Thats one of the themes that distinguishes Aulettas book, Hollywood Ending: Harvey Weinstein and the Culture of Silence, from most of the other books about the sexual predator; the fact that Weinstein could  at one and the same time  be a terrifying amoral thug and a constant and discriminating reader of fiction.

This was a man who could  on one overnight reading  identify, in the screenplay of Good Will Hunting, a short discrepant scene which turned out to be a plant by the writer to trap potential producers who didnt attentively read the script.

Weinstein introduced America to cinematic works of art from overseas and facilitated the creation of beautiful, thoughtful movies, yet, as revealed in earlier works by Ronan Farrow, among others, had a three-decade track record of rape and sexual malfeasance characterised by a spectacular crudity and violence.

Journalist Ronan Farrow  the son of Mia Farrow and Woody Allen  sought out Ken Auletta after reading the older journalist's 'New Yorker' article about Harvey Weinstein. File picture: Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty

Auletta wrote a New Yorker profile of Weinstein 20 years ago. Weinstein didnt like it, probably because it edged towards a version of him that he didnt want to accommodate.

When Ronan Farrow first encountered women claiming the film producer had sexually assaulted them, he read it and sought out Auletta.

The much older man helped him with his research and, when Farrow ran into problems getting his story published, helpfully intervened with publishers. Auletta, although he has carved out legendary status for himself by doing exemplary research for massive tomes on subjects ranging from broadcasting to Lehman Brothers to  now  Harvey Weinstein, is that relatively rare phenomenon: A journalist admired and sometimes loved by other journalists for his grace and generosity.

Readers of his earlier books might be attracted to this one because, at the very least, his track record would suggest it would be competent. Whats fascinating about it is how much more than competent it is and how subtle is his examination of the contribution to his power games of those around Weinstein.

Some of those staff, according to Auletta, were instructed to leave syringes loaded with erection-producing medicine in the bathrooms of their bosss hotel suites. Some were deputed to bring the latest target of his lust  usually an ambitious aspirant actor  to his room for discussion of their career. Some were hauled in to draft the gagging contracts which peppered Weinsteins life, year after year.

These NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) were the wrapping around money handed over to ensure women didnt talk about what they claimed Weinstein had done to them.

Ken Auletta, a gracious and generous journalist who has written an extraordinary thorough and fair examination of Harvey Weinstein. File picture

His employees are not accused in the book (or here) of doing anything illegal, but its difficult to imagine him doing the damage he did if he hadnt been surrounded by employees whose career dependence on him may have influenced their capacity to not hear the sounds of struggle or register that the distress of these young female departing guests was untypical of even the most challenging of normal business meetings.

So much about Harvey Weinstein is in the public domain that, given the insights and recorded research from the 20,000-word original profile, Auletta could have done a respectable enough cut-and-paste job during the pandemic and saved himself a lot of time.

Instead, he trawled through court documentation, interviewed key witnesses, and followed the story as if it had never previously been told. He even, fairmindedly, checked details with the imprisoned producer himself. That last exercise emerged as being somewhat redundant because Weinsteins understanding of truth and of himself is tenuous. But the end result of Aulettas labour is a book filled with energy and the excitement of discovery.

The writer, while recounting in sometimes revolting detail the physical manifestations of the producers contempt for women, never caricatures him. Other writers have mocked him for carrying books into court every day. Auletta doesnt, pointing out that Weinsteins vulgar crude rages ran parallel, throughout his life, with a subtle literary sensibility.

At what Fauci admits is an advanced age, Auletta has crafted an in-depth study of a monster. The point here is not the book per se but how it reads as if written by someone half Aulettas age, making the reader forget the longevity issue.

Add Paul McCartney to the public health expert and the writer and you get a trio worth celebrating, not just for energy, expertise, and genius, but because they have head-butted a hole in the ageist assumptions of their time, and they personify what is possible.

To paraphrase Gloria Steinem; This is what 80 can look like.
Banking is about power and profit, not about social responsibility, the promotion of which is simply a cynical marketing tool. Conversely, politics is about people and the first duty of government is to keep its people safe.

A lack of social responsibility is clearly evident in the housing market. Scandal after scandal, caused by peoples homes being recklessly treated as an asset class by banks, has rocked Ireland and various other countries since the sub-prime mortgage fiasco in Florida in 2008 revealed just how little social responsibility counts when irresponsible lending can be made to pay.

Keeping people safe requires governments to restrain any organisation that appears to be abusing its power for profit and ignoring its responsibilities toward the greater good of society. Our governments havent been much good at that and its time they improved.

Keeping people safe requires governments to promote and foster community-based, not-for-profit organisations that serve the public good without emptying the public purse. They are slow at doing that, but public anger is beginning to make itself felt.

Government permitted the demutualising of building societies, starting in 1989. That scrapped an important cooperative infrastructure, which had enabled young people, particularly, to buy their own homes. Members were turned into clients in what was a significant victory for power and profit over social inclusion and the general good.

We are now looking at a situation where banks and building societies dominate the housing market. They do this largely without the personal interaction, connection to location, and personal care that people need when taking one of the biggest financial decisions that they may ever face.

Algorithms dont smile, or much care for anything that doesnt fit a box, and humanity doesnt much like being boxed in. If banks cant or wont provide what their clients need, like cash services, then the government must step in and empower those that can.

Credit Unions

The community-based organisation uniquely capable of being a third force in the mortgage market, beside banks and building societies, and providing the personal service people want when seeking a mortgage is the credit union movement.

Credit unions have no customers, only members. There are no profits, only dividends paid to members, who elect their own boards. Their entry into the mortgage market can easily be regulated by a milder version of banking regulation so that they do not stray from the sane and sensible into the more esoteric and risky areas of general banking, which has caused so much upheaval in recent years.

Community banking is the best method of ensuring that there is a source of mortgage funding that puts social responsibility and care for members first. The credit union movement is the ideal vehicle for delivering that throughout the country.

Credit unions are already under regulatory control, which, as I have said, will need to be extended, but not by much. They enjoy the support and respect of the communities that they serve, because they know their members and have a network of connections and a mine of local information that enables them assess risk in the efficient and personal manner bank managers used before antisocial algorithms arrived.

In 2018, the Department of Finance issued a report highlighting the potential of credit unions to provide community banking services. In 2019, an analysis commissioned by the Department of Finance recommended that the government support the Credit Union Market to deliver an Expanded Range of Community Banking Services.

What puzzles me is why the government has not energetically pushed forward its commitment in the Programme for Government to Enable the Credit Union Movement to provide banking in this country.

Its true that my Fianna Fail colleague, Sean Fleming TD, the first ever minister for credit unions, has prepared a paper on the subject, which is about to be brought to government. It is said to be comprehensive and positive and is expected to be widely welcomed. But it only rewires the status quo. It does not change the paradigm that a move on to community banking requires.

Since 2018, there has been a great sense of positive activity around this matter, which has not resulted in positive action. Whats certain is that the public is still being forced to use organisations that they dont like, because an organisation that they trust is being prevented from entering the market.

That is very unsatisfactory. Radical action is now necessary.

Any lingering desire to protect our banks at the expense of our people should be firmly set aside. If banks have demonstrated anything over the last few years, it is their ability to look after themselves come what may.

We should now look after our people and enable credit unions to become the community banks that the Department of Finance and government have been saying they want since 2018.

Credit unions, a generations-old financial institution, whose current strength is personal lending, have 16bn in un-lent reserves. They are willing to expand into mortgages, SME lending, and more in a careful manner. Why are we waiting?

It astonishes me that the government has not moved faster to accommodate their ambitions. It astonishes me that a tried and trusted, community-based, countrywide, non-profit Irish organisation has to shout and shove to be allowed to deliver speedily something that the public is demanding.

What dead hand is resting on the pile of positive reports currently before the government? Why have we been waiting since 2018 for the modest legislation that will allow credit unions to deliver?

Radical action

My party, Fianna Fail, has promises to deliver on. We have a chance to radically address the powerlessness that undermines the self-confidence of the most talented generation our country has ever produced. Instead, we are swimming with an ideological tide that is suffocating enterprise.

Where is the radicalism of Lemass or Donogh OMalley, both of whom took radical actions that set new courses for our country? We talk of radical action, but we act out the politics of managerialism, our ambitions limited to tiny, timid, incremental steps that barely register.

Much, much more is needed to release our people from the grip of systems serving the few at great cost to the many.

Empowering the credit union movement isnt just about cash services and mortgages. It's about telling the country that Fianna Fail is determined to confront power and money and limit its ability to control how people borrow and invest.

Its striking a blow for families, farmers, communities, and small businesses. Its giving power to our people and sending a strong message about the worth of community-based organisations.

Above all, its another step in building a fairer Ireland and keeping our people safe.
David Trimble was the Ulster Unionist hardliner, unafraid of flexing his political muscles, who became a moderate, although tough, leader of the party and then Northern Irelands first First Minister.

But his leadership of both the party and region ended at the general election of 2005, as the Ulster Unionists lost their dominant position to play second fiddle to Ian Paisleys Democratic Unionist Party.

The majority unionist population in Northern Ireland warmed to the Paisley no surrender style of politics, and grew tired of Mr Trimble and his colleagues who appeared to be too moderate and too willing to compromise in the even in the post-Troubles era.

But just under a year after his general election defeat, Mr Trimble was awarded a peerage, as a working peer.

Orange marches to statesman

His was a remarkable transformation from a man who had manned the barricades at the menacing Orange marches at Drumcree into a statesman who played a huge part in achieving the historic Good Friday agreement of 1998.

It was his role in achieving this agreement that earned him the Nobel Peace Prize, with SDLP leader John Hume, later that year.

U2 rock star is flanked by UUP leader David Trimble (left) and SDLP leader John Hume on stage during a special concert in Belfast to promote the "Yes" vote in the peace referendum in Northern Ireland. Picture: Chris Bacon/PA Wire

He went on to join the Conservative Party in 2007, which he said was to have a greater influence on UK politics. Although his wife Daphne remained involved with the Ulster Unionist Party, as did one of his sons, Nicholas, who is a councillor in Lisburn and Castlereagh.

While generally socially conservative in outlook, Lord Trimble admitted in July 2019 that he had changed his position on equal marriage after his daughter Victoria married her girlfriend in 2017.

He joined opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol, and in 2021, joined then-DUP leader Arlene Foster, UUP leader Steve Aiken and TUV leader Jim Allister in a legal challenge to the post-Brexit treaty on the grounds the protocol breaches the Act of Union and the Belfast Agreement.

Mr Trimbles final public appearance came at the end of June 2022 at the unveiling of a portrait of him by artist Colin Davidson at Queens University.

Helping to keep the peace process together

He then reflected on the approach of the 25th anniversary of the agreement, and pointed out it has survived despite the objections.

He was also sharply critical of the UK government over Brexit and the protocol.

He will be remembered, above all else, for his ability during key junctures of the peace process to keep together in some sort of order the internal warring factions within UUP, ranging from raging hawks to placid doves to quote a commentator at the time.

From that he led the Northern Ireland Assembly at which all parties  unionists, nationalists and republicans  once bitter enemies sat in the same debating chamber ostensibly working towards a peaceful future for a region bedevilled by violence and terrorism for more than 25 years.

Frequently he came under attack from uncompromising elements within his own ranks for allegedly surrendering loyalist principles in the gruelling run-up to the 1998 peace process.

But at the end of the day, he was praised by all parties and by the UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, for the courage he had shown in the face of opposition from some unionist colleagues of his.

Even so, many people saw Mr Trimble as a main obstruction to the peace process getting under way. He rejected a compromise from the British and Irish Governments that would set up the Assembly first, and put decommissioning  the ponderous word for disarming the terrorists and paramilitaries  second. But it was a view that was to be vindicated later.

He was a softly-spoken, reserved individual, but a man who could drive a hard bargain  always an essential attribute of Northern Ireland political life.

Mo Mowlam, the Northern Ireland Secretary at the time, often said that none of the parties had got everything they wanted in the Good Friday agreement which was designed to herald a new dawn for the Province. But each, she insisted, had got something.

However, there was never any real rapprochement with the Democratic Unionists, whose leader had denounced him for sharing power with people he regarded as former terrorists with blood on their hands.

It would be Paisley who less than 10 years after the agreement was signed would enter a devolved coalition as first minister with former IRA commander Martin McGuinness as Sinn Fein deputy first minister.

In 1998, David Trimble secured just 51% of the unionist vote endorsing the agreement.

Later, a vote on his own leadership was to be carried by only a marginally bigger margin. He was not a wildly popular figure, but that was a price the job entailed  and he was grimly aware of it.

It was he, incidentally, who probably had more influence than most in removing the touchy-feely Ms Mowlam from the post of Northern Ireland Secretary.

Tony Blair (right) with David Trimble, The First Minister of Northern Ireland at Jersey airport, Jersey ahead of a British-Irish Council. File Picture: Tim Ockenden/PA Wire

He felt that she was too sympathetic to the republican cause, and when Mr Blair was informed of his views, he did not hesitate to pull her out.

It was something Mr Blair had wanted to do for some time  and here was a heaven-sent reason.

Early political career

William David Trimble was born in Belfast on October 15, 1944, and educated at Bangor Grammar School and Queens University, Belfast.

He decided at first to pursue a career in the law, and as a barrister he became a lecturer in law at Queens University in 1968 and later, in 1977, senior lecturer as well as assistant dean of faculty.

But his passion for politics was beginning to override his interest in the law. He became a key figure in the United Ulster Unionist Council. He also became the Member for South Belfast in the Northern Ireland Constitutional Convention in 1975-76.

When the uncompromising Vanguard Party split over plans for voluntary coalition with the mainly nationalist SDLP, Mr Trimble backed the then leader William Craig and became deputy leader himself of the Vanguard Unionist Progressive Party.

But in 1978, he re-joined the Ulster Unionists and was associated for a time with the Ulster Clubs movement.

In the same year, he married Daphne Orr. They would have two boys and two girls.

He was chairman of the Lagan Valley Unionist Association and of the Ulster Society from 1985 to 1990.

David Trimble became MP at Westminster for Upper Bann at a by-election on May 17, 1990.

In politics you never totally trust anybody because you never know what is going to happen. Everybody has got his own particular agenda. The main question is: can you work with them?

The high point of his career, thus far, was when he  in the face of predictions to the contrary  won the Ulster Unionist leadership in September 1995 after the resignation of the veteran James Molyneaux.

This was barely a month after he had stood firmly in support of the Portadown Orangemen at Drumcree  a notorious flashpoint of the Ulster marching season.

Mr Trimble quickly dispelled fears, loudly voiced at the time, that the party had voted in some implacable hard-liner as its leader.

Although little known outside Ulster and Westminster itself at this time, he proved an impressive and fair-minded leader, the latter quality not always welcomed by some of the hardliners with whom he had to deal.

At the 1995 Drumcree stand-off of 1995, Trimble and Paisley paraded along arm-in-arm after the marchers had been let through the barricades. However, this accord between the two men was a short-lived affair.

But not long into his leadership he suffered what could have been a severe and long-term setback. The BBC TV programme, Panorama, disclosed that he had been holding private talks with the leading militant loyalist, Billy Wright, during the protracted and tense stand-off at Drumcree in 1996.

Ulster Unionist Leader David Trimble, pictured with his wife, Daphne. Picture: Paul Faith/PA Wire

Wright was subsequently sentenced to eight years in jail for terrorist-linked offences.

Trimble, who was gravely embarrassed by the disclosure, defended his actions by saying he was attempting to prevent violence breaking out at Drumcree which, unfortunately, it subsequently did.

Even so, he was accused of hypocrisy for not applying the same standards to Sinn Fein.

David Trimble was not always a popular leader, and his tireless negotiations towards the Good Friday Agreement, did not necessarily find him favour with all elements of his party.

One able lieutenant, indeed, William Ross, was openly hostile to the agreement which he felt was being reached down the barrel of an IRA gun.

But the outcome and the seeming ability  for the first time in living memory  for nationalists and unionists to work together for a common cause made it all seem worth while.

Soon after this came the horrific atrocity of the Omagh bomb, planted on August 15 1998, by the so-called Real IRA, a breakaway group from the provisional IRA.

This attack killed 29 civilians. Yet if anything, it helped cement even further the opposing political forces, all of whom, by then, were desperate for peace.

This was a point made by Mr Trimble in his first speech to the newly formed Assembly after a huge majority of the people of Northern Ireland had voted for peace. And he met formally for the first time Gerry Adams, the president of Sinn Fein, the political wing of the IRA. But there was no hand-shaking.

Trimble used to worry about his appearance, not out of any sense of vanity, but because he felt it gave the wrong impression about his demeanour to people who did not know him well.

Once he said: I have a problem of looking more angry than I am, and this florid complexion doesnt help.

He was, to some extent, a cynical politician and above all a realist. Once he said: In politics you never totally trust anybody because you never know what is going to happen. Everybody has got his own particular agenda.

The main question is: can you work with them?
Political reality is at the forefront of the far-reaching decisions affecting Irish pensions signalled by Taoiseach Micheal Martin during his trip to Japan, a country which, incidentally, has raised its own retirement age to 70.

Mr Martin has decided that the pension age in the Republic will remain at 66. But the demographics of our population make the existing position financially unsustainable. The ratio of active workers per pensioner in the population is due to fall from its existing 4.5:1 to reach 2:1 in 2050. The social insurance fund had a shortfall of 2.3bn in 2020 but this will be 21bn by 2070. By 2041, State pension expenditure alone will equate to the entire social insurance fund receipts.

This was why the Pension Commission recommended that the pension age should increase to 67 by 2031 and then to 68 by 2039, a proposal blocked in the Oireachtas who said it must not rise beyond its current 66. Siptu, Irelands largest trade union, warned Fine Gael that it would be signing its political death warrant if the pension age was changed.

The Oireachtas and the unions got their way. While Mr Martin says there needs to be a flexible approach and there are different ways of meeting sustainability in Ireland, the likely consequence is an increased tax burden which will fall most heavily on those who stay longest in employment. For quite how long younger taxpayers  who have already suffered a worldwide financial crash, a pandemic, and the worst economic crisis for 40 years  are willing to shoulder the responsibility for funding the benefits of retired people without protest is a ticklish political problem for the future.

It is fundamentally correct to insist that there should be no age for mandatory retirement, although the opportunities to take advantage of this will naturally vary according to the type of work.

It also makes no sense when so many companies and services are finding it difficult to recruit or retrain staff to fulfil roles, many of which can be seasonal, or which fall short of a full working week. Just over two months ago, Failte Ireland launched a marketing campaign specifically attempting to attract retirees into the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Flexibility in matters of taxation of benefits, or the nature of the rewards themselves, must also be more imaginative. Many roles, particularly where they relate to small businesses, are not well remunerated and many are done for reasons of interest and stimulation. It would be self-defeating if the Department of Finance clawed back the earnings of pensioners who decided to go on past normal retirement age. Incentives must be part of the package. The suggestion that people who work to 67 receive an enhanced pension might be one of those, but there are others. It is important to move this matter along to resolution.
Interview Executed Myanmar Democracy Activists Mother Recalls Last Meeting

Democracy activist and former National League for Democracy lawmaker Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw

When she spoke to her son Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw on Friday evening at Yangons Insein Prison via video link, Daw Khin Win Tin did not think it was the last time she would see him.

At the time she was glad as she saw her son for the first time since his arrest in November.

In January Myanmars junta gave him a death sentence along with pro-democracy campaigner Ko Jimmy and two others for alleged armed resistance to military rule.

Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw, 41, a former two-term lawmaker from the National League for Democracy, was hanged in the prison on Saturday, without Daw Khin Win Tins knowledge.

The 76-year-old tells The Irrawaddy that she has been refused her sons body for a funeral.

No warning for the family

This morning friends told me about reports in the newspapers. I went to the prison and the guards told me it was true. I said I would not leave the prison until my sons execution was confirmed.

The prison authorities confirmed it. When I met him on Friday, the authorities said they would proceed as the regime courts have twice rejected a pardon. I asked if that means he would be executed soon and they said prison procedures meant they would inform us in advance. I asked why they did not say on Friday it was our last meeting.

No body for the funeral

I asked to collect his body but they refused because of prison procedures. I asked for his ashes but they also refused. I asked when he was executed so that I could perform a Buddhist funeral rite. They only said during the weekend.

Last meeting

When I met him on Friday evening at the prison via video I told him that I was happy as he seemed fine and in good health. He said he did not know when we could meet again and asked me to bring him books, dictionaries and reading glasses.

He asked me to leave money with the guards.

I thought he had time before the execution. I had no chance to say goodbye. I am proud that he sacrificed his life. I want to collect his body or ashes for a mausoleum.
Burma Black Day for Myanmar as Nation Mourns Executed Democracy Heroes

Ko Jimmy (left) and Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw (right)

Myanmar people were in a state of shock, anger and grief on Monday as they learned of the juntas hangings of four regime opponents including prominent democracy activists Ko Jimmy and Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw.

In an announcement published in Mondays papers, the junta said simply that the punishment has been carried out against the duo and two others for masterminding and being involved in armed resistance and other anti-regime activities. Its believed the executions were carried out during the weekend, as family members met them via video on Friday.

Millions of Myanmar people, including many based overseas, had anxiously followed the cases of leading pro-democracy activists Ko Jimmy and Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw after the junta insisted last month that it would execute them, defying global condemnations and appeals.

The announcement of the execution orders last month triggered a wave of sorrow and fury, as the pair were seen as exemplary freedom fighters against military rule.

Ko Jimmy and Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw had both been political prisoners under previous military regimes and had already given much to the cause of democracy over previous decades, before making the ultimate sacrifice over the weekend.

Ko Jimmy spent nearly half his life as a prisoner, serving 21 years in Insein and Tharawaddy prisons from 1988 to 2005 and 2007 to 2012. He was first sentenced to 20 years in jail for his involvement in the student demonstrations and underground movement during the 1988 popular uprising, and was later given five years for his role in the Saffron Revolution in 2007.

Like him, his widow Ma Nilar Thein was a leader of the 88 Generation Students Group. He also leaves behind a 15-year-old daughter. Ma Nilar Thein is in hiding for her anti-junta activism.

After his release in 2012, Ko Jimmy worked with philanthropic projects, capacity-building schemes for young people and educational programs along with 88 Generation comrades like Ko Min Ko Naing.

Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw, a hip-hop star turned politician, also became a symbol of resistance against military oppression.

He served as a lawmaker for the National League for Democracy (NLD) from 2012 to 2020 after making his name with Acid, a pioneering hip-hop band starting in 2000. His first imprisonment came in 2008 after he founded the Generation Wave underground youth group, known for using guerrilla tactics to distribute material opposing the then junta.

He developed a reputation as a hard-working and passionate legislator who always educated himself deeply about issues. The former rapper did not contest the 2020 election as he wanted to return to music. He campaigned ahead of the 2020 November election in Naypyitaw but then focused on his creative pursuits.

He immediately joined the anti-regime protests after the February 2021 coup. Following the junta crackdowns, Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw went into hiding and joined the armed resistance in Yangon.

Ko Jimmy and Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw were detained by the regime in Yangon late last year and hanged in Yangons Insein Prison nearly eight months after their arrests.

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Burma Myanmar Junta Hangs Two Leading Democracy Activists

Ko Jimmy (left) and Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw (right)

Myanmars military junta executed former National League for Democracy lawmaker Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw and veteran democracy activist Ko Jimmy over the weekend for their anti-regime activities.

The death sentences were widely viewed as an act of revenge by the junta against opponents of its rule.

The regime announced on Monday that the punishment had been conducted according to procedures at Yangons Insein Prison.

They were sentenced to death in January by a military tribunal under Myanmars overbroad Counterterrorism Law for masterminding and being involved in the anti-regime armed struggle and related activities.

The men and two others sentenced to death were allowed to meet with their families via video on Friday, prompting fears that the four would be hanged very soon. But the regimes spokesperson denied the rumors and said the executions would not be carried out in haste as the men had to undergo medical checkups and other procedures.

U Moe Zaw Oo, the deputy foreign minister of Myanmars shadow National Unity Government, told The Irrawaddy that the regime had committed an unforgivable act, for which there would be serious consequences.

The junta will have to pay the price legally. The executions have made us more determined to topple the regime, he said.

Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw was 41. Ko Jimmy, also known as Kyaw Min Yu, was 53 and a former leading member of the 88 Generation Students Group. Both were held dear by the Myanmar people, including the young, for their democracy activism.

A number of countries and international organizations joined local groups in condemning the juntas execution orders against the men after they were first announced on June 3. Hun Sen, the the prime minister of Cambodia, which currently holds the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Myanmar is a member, asked junta chief Min Aung Hlaing to reconsider and refrain from carrying out the execution orders, saying they were causing great concern among the ASEAN members and its external partners.

Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw, Ko Jimmy, Ko Hla Myo Aung and Ko Aung Thura Zaw turned out to be the first political dissidents to be executed since ethnic Chin student leader Salai Tin Maung Oo was hanged by dictator General Ne Wins authoritarian regime at Yangons Insein Prison in 1976.

The executions come at a time when the junta continues to struggle to control the country amid widespread armed resistance, and can be viewed as both an act of retaliation and an attempt to instill fear in anyone who would oppose its rule.

Myanmar has been in social and political turmoil since last years coup and has slipped into a situation that some UN experts are already describing as a civil war. The regime has so far killed more than 2,000 people simply for rejecting military rule in their country. Backed by popular support, anti-regime armed resistance has mushroomed into a rebellion on a scale the country has not seen since its independence in 1948.

Many have warned that the executions of Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw and Ko Jimmy, and that of the other activists on death row would escalate the ongoing popular resistance against the junta and bring about all-out war.

He always does what he thinks is right. Nothing can stop him from his pro-democracy activism. People like him and Ko Jimmy arent afraid of its [the juntas] cruelty, Ma Thazin Nyunt Aung, the wife of Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw, told The Irrawaddy last month.

Ko Jimmy is survived by a 15-year-old daughter and his wife, Ma Nilar Thein, who was herself an 88 Generation Students leader. Ma Nilar Thein is in hiding for her anti-junta activism.

Ma Nilar Thein said in an interview with Radio Free Asia that The junta will bear full responsibility if my husband is executed.

Since last years coup, the military regime has handed down death sentences to 113 people for their roles in the armed resistance against the junta.
Burma Myanmar Regimes Execution of Democracy Activists Condemned at Home and Abroad

Four anti-regime activists executed by the junta. / AAPP

Condemnation and outrage at the Myanmar juntas execution of four anti-coup activists has poured in from both home and abroad in the hours since the military regime announced that it had carried out the hangings of veteran democracy activist Ko Jimmy, former National league for Democracy lawmaker Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw, Ko Aung Thura Zaw and Ko Hla Myo Aung. It was the first time in four decades that political dissidents have been executed in Myanmar.

Despite international appeals for mercy and restraint, the junta went ahead with the executions. An announcement published in Mondays newspapers stated that the punishment has been carried out against the four men for masterminding and being involved in armed resistance and other anti-regime activities.

The executions were carried out on Saturday, according to sources, one day after relatives of the victims had a video call with them. However, the sources said that the families were not notified that it would be their last meeting before they were executed. Below are some of the initial responses to the news of the hangings.

Tom Andrews, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar

Im outraged and devastated at the news of the juntas execution of Myanmar patriots and champions of human rights and democracy. My heart goes out to their families, friends and loved ones and indeed all the people of Myanmar who are victims of the juntas escalating atrocities. These individuals were tried, convicted, and sentenced by a military tribunal without the right of appeal and reportedly without legal counsel, in violation of international human rights law..UN Member States must honor their lives by making this depraved act a turning point for the worlds response to this crisis.

United League of Arakan, a political wing of ethnic armed organization the Arakan Army

We are deeply sad and angry at the news of the juntas execution of the four detainees, along with their families and the entire people of Myanmar, as well as concerned for the countrys future and for the prospect of peace. This act has clearly destroyed all the efforts by the International community, neighboring countries and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member states towards peace and reconciliation..We see this stupid act of executing the detainees by the State Administration Council, despite the international communitys calls for restraint, as a challenge to the unbowed spirits of the entire people. The executions will only attract braver heroes to contribute to the revolution.

General Gun Maw, vice Chair of the Kachin Independence Army

If it true, I would say it is stupidity..Even those who want to seek justification to forgive them [the junta] will now draw back.

U Yee Mon, defense minister of the National Unity Government

The revolution wont be over until coup leader Min Aung Hlaing faces justice. There shouldnt be an inch of ground for him to run to, as we will follow him to the end of the world.

United States Embassy

We condemn the military regimes execution of pro-democracy leaders and elected officials for exercising their fundamental freedoms. We join the people of Myanmar in mourning the loss of Ko Jimmy, Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw.

Duwa Lashi La, acting President of the National Unity Government

Extremely saddened and outraged to read the news of the execution of four democracy activists including Ko Jimmy and Ko Phyo Zayar Thaw. UN, ASEAN and international actors must take action against the murderous junta.

Justice for Myanmar

The shocking executions of Phyo Zeya Thaw, Ko Jimmy, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw are crimes against humanity and war crimes. All perpetrators from Min Aung Hlaing down must be held accountable for these brazen acts of cruelty.

Amnesty International Asia-Pacific Director Erwin van der Borght

These executions amount to arbitrary deprivation of lives and are another example of Myanmars atrocious human rights record. The four men were convicted by a military court in highly secretive and deeply unfair trials. The international community must act immediately as more than 100 people are believed to be on death row after being convicted in similar proceedings..For more than a year now, Myanmars military authorities have engaged in extrajudicial killings, torture and a whole gamut of human rights violations. The military will only continue to trample on peoples lives if they are not held accountable.

Human Rights Watch acting Asia Director Elaine Pearson

The Myanmar juntas execution of four men was an act of utter cruelty. These executions, including of activist Ko Jimmy and opposition lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw, followed grossly unjust and politically motivated military trials. This horrific news was compounded by the juntas failure to notify the mens families, who learned about the executions through the juntas media reports. The juntas barbarity and callous disregard for human life aims to chill the anti-coup protest movement. European Union member states, the United States, and other governments should show the junta that there will be a reckoning for its crimes. They should demand immediate measures, including the release of all political prisoners, and let the junta know the atrocities it commits have consequences.

U Moe Zaw Oo, Deputy foreign minister of National Unity Government

The regime have committed an unforgivable act, for which there will be serious consequences.The junta will have to pay the legal price. The executions have made us more determined to topple the regime.

U Bo Kyi, Joint Secretary of Assistance Association for Political Prisoners

If they executed the four, it is a crime, Min Aung Hlaing committed murder. The junta is illegal, unelected by the people, they have no right to execute.
A surveillance camera image from the Osumi National Highway Office, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport shows the eruption of the Sakurajima volcano in Kagosima, southwestern Japan, July 24 (issued July 25). The Japan Meteorological Agency said on July 24 it raised the alert to highest level of the five from the three on the five level scale after the eruption. EPA-Yonhap



Dozens of people were ordered to evacuate their homes after a fiery volcanic eruption in southern Japan on Sunday as the national weather agency issued its top-level alert for the mountain.



Television footage showed red-hot rocks and dark plumes exploding from Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima, which erupted just after 8:00 p.m. (1100 GMT)



There were no immediate reports of damage, said deputy chief cabinet secretary Yoshihiko Isozaki.



Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has instructed the government "to work closely with the local municipality to ensure damage prevention, such as through evacuations," Isozaki told reporters.



The seaside city ordered residents to evacuate its Arimura district and part of the Furusato district, which are home to 51 people, according to local media.



Sakurajima volcano frequently spits out smoke and ash, and is a major tourist attraction.





This long exposure image provided by Kyodo News shows the eruption of volcano Sakurajima Sunday night, July 24, in the view from Tarumizu city, Japan's southern prefecture of Kagoshima. The Japan Meteorological Agency said a volcano on Japan's southern main island of Kyushu erupted Sunday night, spewing ash and volcanic rocks, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries in nearby towns. AP-Yonhap
Burma Myanmar Regimes US Dollar Restrictions Halting Border Trade

The border crossing with China at Kanpiketi, Kachin State.

The Myanmar juntas latest restrictions on the US dollar exchange rate and newly-introduced red tape are forcing local exporters to stop the border trade with Thailand and China.

Recently, the military regime reversed its position on accepting Thai baht and Chinese yuan for settling border trade transactions and ordered that the trade be carried out with US dollars at the official exchange rate set by the junta-controlled Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM).

Myanmar mainly exports agriculture produce such as corn, beans and pulses, sesame and other oil crops to China and Thailand.

One merchant from Shan States Muse, the key town for Myanmars border trade with China, said: The rate fixed by the Central Bank of Myanmar is 1,850 kyats to a dollar. But the rate is around 2,450 kyats in the open market and the gap between them is huge. So we suffer a loss in every export we make. The border trade has almost halted.

In April, the CBM ordered financial institutions to convert foreign currency earned by its customers into kyat within one business day at an official exchange rate of 1,850 kyats to the US dollar.

The commodity exchange in Muse has seen fewer cargo trucks arriving since July 18, added the Muse merchant.

Another trader said: Merchants are taking a wait and see attitude as there is no profit for them. Many of them are not making new exports. If it continues this way, it appears that exports will completely stop next week.

With the regime desperate for US dollars, other restrictions on border trade have also been imposed. Export licenses are now granted only after buyers have paid in advance for the goods. The earnings are transferred through Myanmar banks and converted to kyats at 1,850 kyats per dollar.

Farmers are also suffering as prices for agricultural produce have dropped due to lower demand.

While sales of rice and broken rice to China through Muse are little affected, exports of other items have declined steeply with only around 40 to 50 trucks of corn, beans and pulses, oil crops, rubber, and foodstuffs now arriving in Muse daily.

Myanmars border trade with Thailand is also suffering due to the regimes restrictions, said a corn merchant from Karen States Myawaddy, a town on the frontier with Thailand.

There is a huge gap between the market exchange rate and the CBMs fixed rate. The more we export, the more our losses increase. If border exports stop, the entire chain of people involved in the trade, including farmers, commodity exchange and cargo truck drivers, will be affected, he said.

Since the junta imposed the new restrictions on US dollars, the price of Shan State corn has declined from over 1,000 kyats per viss [1.6kg] to around 800 kyats.

Myanmar earned US$4.33 million from border trade exports in April of this year, according to the junta-controlled Ministry of Commerce.
Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 85F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 85F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.

Tomorrow

Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 107F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
This combination of file photos shows undated handout photographs released by Myanmar's Military Information Team on January 21 of democracy activist Kyaw Min Yu, also known as 'Jimmy', who rose to prominence during Myanmar's 1988 student uprising and was arrested in an overnight raid in October 2021, on left, and former lawmaker Maung Kyaw, who also goes by the name Phyo Zeya Thaw, who has been accused of orchestrating several attacks on regime forces. Myanmar's junta has executed four prisoners including a former lawmaker from Aung San Suu Kyi's party, state media said on July 25, in the country's first use of capital punishment in decades. AFP-Yonhap



Myanmar's military junta on Monday said it had executed four democracy activists accused of helping to carry out "terror acts" in the Southeast Asian nation's first executions in decades, sparking widespread condemnation.



Sentenced to death in closed-door trials in January and April, the four men had been accused of helping militias to fight the army that seized power in a coup last year and unleashed a bloody crackdown on its opponents.



Myanmar's National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow administration outlawed by the ruling military junta, condemned the executions and called for international action against Myanmar's junta.



"Extremely saddened ... condemn the junta's cruelty," the NUG president's office spokesman Kyaw Zaw told Reuters via message. "The global community must punish their cruelty."



Among those executed were democracy figure Kyaw Min Yu, better known as Jimmy, and former lawmaker and hip-hop artist Phyo Zeya Thaw, the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said.





Kyaw Min Yu, a pro-democracy activist talks to journalists as he arrives at Yangon airport welcomed by his wife Nilar Thein, background, also an activist and his daughter after being released from a prison on Jan. 13, 2012, in Yangon. Myanmar has carried out its first executions in nearly 50 years. Kyaw Min Yu, a 53-year-old democracy activist better known as Ko Jimmy, was executed for violating the counterterrorism law. AP-Yonhap



Kyaw Min Yu, 53, and Phyo Zeya Thaw, a 41-year-old ally of ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, lost their appeals against the sentences in June. The two others executed were Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw.



"I am outraged and devastated at the news of the junta's execution of Myanmar patriots and champions of human rights and democracy," Tom Andrews, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said in a statement.



"My heart goes out to their families, friends and loved ones and indeed all the people in Myanmar who are victims of the junta's escalating atrocities ... These depraved acts must be a turning point for the international community."



Thazin Nyunt Aung, the wife of Phyo Zeyar Thaw, said she had not been told of her husband's execution. Other relatives could not immediately be reached for comment.





Phyo Zeya Thaw arrives at the Myanmar parliament in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, on Aug. 19, 2015. Myanmar has carried out its first executions in nearly 50 years. Phyo Zeya Thaw, a 41-year-old former lawmaker from ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party also known as Maung Kyaw, was convicted in January by a closed military court of offenses involving explosives, bombings and financing terrorism. AP-Yonhap


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Pope Francis will visit a former residential school in Canada on Monday, where he is expected to make a historic personal apology to Indigenous survivors of abuse committed over decades at the Catholic-run institutions.

The leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics arrived the previous day in Edmonton for a six-day visit, which has long been awaited by the First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities.

The 85-year-old pontiff's trip, which he has described as a "penitential journey," is primarily to apologize to survivors for the Church's role in the scandal that a national truth and reconciliation commission has called "cultural genocide."

From the late 1800s to the 1990s, Canada's government sent about 150,000 First Nations, Metis and Inuit children into 139 residential schools run by the Church, where they were cut off from their families, language and culture.

Many were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers, and thousands of children are believed to have died of disease, malnutrition or neglect.

A delegation of Indigenous peoples traveled to the Vatican in April and met the pope -- a precursor to Francis' six-day trip -- after which he formally apologized.

But doing so again on Canadian soil will be of huge significance to survivors and their families, for whom the land of their ancestors is of particular importance.

Francis is to arrive at 10:00 am (1600 GMT) Monday at the community of Maskwacis, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Edmonton, where the former Ermineskin residential school -- one of the largest in Canada -- was located until its closure in 1975.

After a silent prayer in the cemetery, he will deliver his first speech, in Spanish, to an estimated crowd of 15,000, expected to include former students from across the country.

At 4:30 pm, Francis will go to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, one of the city's oldest churches, where he will deliver a second speech to Indigenous communities.

"I hope that this visit is the beginning of a change in history, a change in the way business is going to be done, and a way for us to begin our healing journey," George Arcand Jr, the grand chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, said on national television.

"I asked the Pope to walk with us and create this new road that needs to be created."

- 'Healing journey' -

Since May 2021, more than 1,300 unmarked graves have been discovered at the sites of the former schools, sending shockwaves throughout Canada.

The country has slowly begun to acknowledge this long, dark chapter in its history.

The papal visit, though highly anticipated, is also a source of controversy for some survivors and their families. Many expect Francis to make symbolic gestures, such as returning some of the Indigenous artifacts that have been held in the Vatican for decades.

"It means a lot to me" that he came, said Deborah Greyeyes, 71, noting her "entire reserve" was going to hear Francis speak.

Greyeyes, an Edmonton resident, is a member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, the largest Indigenous group in Canada.

"I think we have to forgive, too, at some point," she told AFP. But "a lot of stuff was taken away from us."

After a mass before tens of thousands of faithful in Edmonton on Tuesday, Francis will head northwest to an important pilgrimage site, the Lac Sainte Anne.

Following a July 27-29 visit to Quebec City, he will end his trip in Iqaluit, capital of the northern territory of Nunavut and home to the largest Inuit population in Canada.

There he will meet with former residential school students, before returning to Italy.

The flight to Edmonton constituted the longest since 2019 for Francis, who has been suffering from knee pain that has forced him to use a cane or wheelchair in recent outings.

The pope was in a wheelchair Sunday and used a lifting platform to board the plane in Rome, and was also in a wheelchair on the tarmac in Edmonton.

Francis is the second pope to visit Canada, after John Paul II, who did so twice in the 1980s and again in 2002.
Nepal risks letting wartime atrocities committed during the Himalayan kingdom's Maoist insurgency go unpunished with long-delayed reforms to its transitional justice laws, rights groups said Monday.

Both security forces and former rebels have been accused of carrying out torture, killings, rapes and forced disappearances during Nepal's decade-long civil war, which ended in 2006 with more than 16,000 people dead.

Authorities have been criticised for failing to adequately probe abuses, with two commissions set up for that purpose in 2015 failing to resolve a single case between them despite over 60,000 complaints.

The government this month presented a bill to amend existing laws relating to war criminals, seven years after the Supreme Court ordered for revisions to stop serious human rights violators from being granted amnesty.

But in a joint statement, Amnesty, Human Rights Watch and other international watchdogs said the proposed amendments would still make it difficult or impossible to prosecute the worst offenders.

"Victims and their families who have waited anxiously for amendments to the law, hoping that their demands for truth and justice will be met, are disappointed," said Mandira Sharma of the International Commission of Jurists.

"Despite the promise of reform, this bill, if implemented as it stands today, would shield many perpetrators from being brought to justice," she added.

Several other aspects of the proposed reforms, including limitations on the right to appeal, also fell short of international standards, according to the joint statement.

Suman Adhikari, whose father was killed by Maoist rebels in 2002, told AFP that the proposed amendments failed to address the concerns of victims.

"We feel that we are not getting justice," he said, adding that the reforms still seemed "designed to grant amnesty to all culprits."

Critics say Nepal's truth and reconciliation process has been poorly designed from the outset and stymied by a lack of funding and political will, with many former Maoist rebels now in government ranks.

Just two convictions related to crimes committed during the civil war crimes have been handed down in civilian courts, one linked to the murder of a teenage girl and another related to the killing of a journalist.
Pope Francis will make a historic personal apology Monday to Indigenous survivors of child abuse committed over decades at Catholic-run institutions in Canada, at the start of a week-long visit he has described as a "penitential journey."

The leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics arrived Sunday in Edmonton, in western Alberta province, to visit one of the largest former residential schools where the abuse of First Nations, Metis and Inuit children took place.

The 85-year-old pontiff's trip is primarily aimed at apologizing to survivors for the Church's role in the scandal that a national truth and reconciliation commission has called "cultural genocide."

In Maskwacis, an Indigenous community south of Edmonton where the Ermineskin residential school was located until its closure in 1975, several hundred people dressed in traditional clothing gathered Monday morning under a light rain, two hours ahead of the pope's arrival.

The pope's words were expected to have a powerful effect. Counsellors were waiting near teepees set up to provide support to those who may need it, while among the crowd volunteers distributed small paper bags for the "collection of tears."

"The First Nation believes that if you cry, you cry love, you catch the tears on a piece of paper and put it back in this bag," explained Andre Carrier of the Manitoba Metis Federation.

Volunteers will collect the bags and later they will be burned with a special prayer, "to return the tears of love to the creator," he said.

"For me this is a very special day because I survived abuse by a Catholic priest when I was seven years old," he continued.

"It is a great sorrow that we have suffered ... It is a time to forgive and work together with the Catholic Church for the future of the community."

From the late 1800s to the 1990s, Canada's government sent about 150,000 children into 139 residential schools run by the Church, where they were cut off from their families, language and culture.

Many were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers, and thousands are believed to have died of disease, malnutrition or neglect.

A delegation of Indigenous peoples traveled to the Vatican in April and met the pope -- a precursor to Francis' trip -- after which he formally apologized.

But doing so again on Canadian soil will be of huge significance to survivors and their families, for whom the land of their ancestors is of particular importance.

After a silent prayer at the site's cemetery, Francis will deliver a first speech, in Spanish, to an estimated crowd of 15,000, expected to include former students from across the country.

Later in the day, at 4:30 pm (2230 GMT) Francis will travel to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, one of the city's oldest churches, where he will deliver a second speech to Indigenous communities.

Since May 2021, more than 1,300 unmarked graves have been discovered at the sites of the former schools, sending shockwaves throughout Canada -- which has slowly begun to acknowledge this long, dark chapter in its history.

"I'm happy, it's a miracle. I am humbled," 50-year-old Gilda Soosay -- one of the residents who was set to meet the pope in person -- told AFP, adding: "I wish my mom was here."

"I'm going to ask him to pray for me, my family, my people healing," she added.

- 'Healing journey' -

The flight to Edmonton was the longest since 2019 for Francis, who has been suffering from knee pain that has forced him to use a cane or wheelchair in recent outings, including a wheelchair on the Canada trip.

The papal visit, though highly anticipated, is also a source of controversy for some. Many expect Francis to make symbolic gestures, such as returning some of the Indigenous artifacts that have been held in the Vatican for decades.

"It means a lot to me" that he came, said Deborah Greyeyes, 71.

Greyeyes, an Edmonton resident, is a member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, the largest Indigenous group in Canada.

"I think we have to forgive, too, at some point," she told AFP. But "a lot of stuff was taken away from us."

After a mass before tens of thousands of faithful in Edmonton on Tuesday, Francis will head northwest to an important pilgrimage site, the Lac Sainte Anne.

Following a July 27-29 visit to Quebec City, he will end his trip in Iqaluit, capital of the northern territory of Nunavut and home to the largest Inuit population in Canada, where he will meet again with former residential school students, before returning to Italy.

Francis is the second pope to visit Canada, after John Paul II, who did so twice in the 1980s and again in 2002.
The special peace tribunal investigating atrocities committed during Colombia's decades-long conflict on Monday charged 19 soldiers with war crimes and crimes against humanity for murdering 303 people, mostly civilians, between 2005 and 2008.

The murders form part of what is known in Colombia as "false positives," where the military killed civilians and then presented them as guerilla fighters to try to inflate the effectiveness of their fight against rebels.

In return, the soldiers received special benefits such as help to gain promotion.

The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) said it has gathered enough evidence to charge 19 soldiers, an intelligence agent and two civilians for the murders and forced disappearance of hundreds of people in the eastern Casanare department.

A general and five colonels, all now retired, are among the accused.

The tribunal's magistrates said the soldiers belonged to the 16th Brigade, in which "a criminal organization" killed and falsely presented civilians as guerrillas and criminals that "had fallen in combat."

Some victims had been plied with alcohol and drugs.

In return for their crimes, the soldiers received release "permits, special food, holiday plans, training classes abroad and recognition" to accelerate their promotion.

From 2002 to 2008, under the right-wing presidency of Alvaro Uribe, Colombia's military committed more than 6,400 murders, according to the JEP.

The accused must either accept or reject the accusations in the coming weeks.

If they confess and make reparations to their victims, they can avoid prison time. Otherwise, they face up to 20 years in jail.

The JEP was set up following the 2016 peace deal that brought to an end more than a half century of conflict between the state and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which has since formed a political party.

The tribunal investigates atrocities committed by both sides in the conflict.

In June, the former FARC leadership took responsibility for its actions and apologized to its victims.
The UN commission tasked with investigating human rights violations committed during the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region began its first visit to the country on Monday.

The UN Human Rights Council created the commission in December 2021 for a one-year renewable term to probe alleged violations of international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law.

But the Ethiopian government released a statement on Monday saying it could reconsider its decision to collaborate with the commission depending on how it acted and whether it respected the government's position.

Ethiopia had originally rejected the creation of the commission, calling it "counter-productive", before eventually approving its arrival in the country.

Fana BC, a media outlet close to the government, reported that the UN investigators met Ethiopian Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen in Addis Ababa on Monday.

The experts were in the capital to talk with government officials and other partners about the terms of their collaboration, it added.

Fighting between the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government broke out in November 2020 and spread to the neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions, with all sides accused of abuses.

Aided by forces from Eritrea and Amhara, Ahmed's federal army have unsuccessfully sought to oust the TPLF authorities in Tigray.

Fighting has virtually ceased since a March truce, but the humanitarian situation in the northern region is dire, with banking, telephone and internet networks cut off.

A joint investigation by the United Nations and Ethiopia's human rights commission concluded in 2021 that crimes against humanity were potentially committed by all actors, according to a UN statement.

The commission -- made up of three experts from Kenya, Sri Lanka and the United States -- will remain in Ethiopia until July 30, when it will release a statement.

The Tigrayan authorities have said they are willing to cooperate with the commission but have accused the federal government of wanting to "dictate" the terms of the investigation and compromising its credibility.
There's no denying that besides the heart-fluttering romances and feel-good scenes, K-dramas bring out valuable life lessons that boost viewers' positive well-being. Whether it's a reflection of oneself, facing fears, or living without regrets, these K-dramas surely made an impact in every viewer's heart. Keep on reading for the whole list!

'Move to Heaven'

One of the underrated K-dramas of 2022 is Netflix's "Move to Heaven," starring Lee Je Hoon and Tang Jun Sang.

It follows the story of a 20-year-old living with an autism spectrum disorder. After his father passed away, he decided to continue their family business called Move to Heaven, which specializes in cleaning up the belongings of the dead and delivering them to the bereaved family.

To continue the business, he has to be taken care of under the guidance of his uncle, who used to be an underground fighter.

Little did they know that they will teach each other lessons and learn more about life and death

'Navillera'

One of the tear-jerker K-dramas of Song Kang is "Navillera." It depicts the story of friendship between a 23-year-old pro ballet dancer and his newfound friend, the 70-year-old retired postman who wants to live his dream of becoming a ballerino before he dies.

The unique chemistry of Song Kang and veteran actor Park In Hwan definitely made viewers cry buckets. It highlights the value of family and living life with no regrets.

'When the Camellia Blooms'

Starring Gong Hyo Jin and Kang Ha Neul, it follows a story of a single mother who decides to live in a small town called Ongsan, where she meets the local police officer.

Being a single mom, who owns a bar restaurant, Camellia, and living in a new town was quite a struggle for Dong Baek as she became the center of gossip in Ongsan.

Despite the rumors, police officer Hwang Yong Shik fell head over heels for her.

It is a story that illustrates love from the right person who will do everything to keep Dong Baek safe. Moreover, it also teaches viewers that family is not always bound by blood and may sometimes be found in the most unexpected, uncomfortable people who make a person grow.

'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha'

One of the most hyped K-dramas of 2021 is the healing series "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha," with lead stars Shin Min Ah and Kim Seon Ho.

Besides the stunning location and feel-good moments, the 16-part episode series taught viewers a ton of life lessons starting with surrounding yourself with good people. Life Chief Hong lost his parents but found a new family through his neighbors in Gongjin.

'Prison Playbook'

Park Hae Soo's K-drama "Prison Playbook" gave viewers mixed emotions with heartfelt scenes and, at the same time, hilarious moments, especially with Kim Je Hyuk's cellmates.

Despite their backgrounds and reason for committing crimes, they became a family that protects each other inside the prison.

Moreover, they show their affection by giving life advice and empathizing with each other during their challenging moments.

KDramastars owns this article.

Written by Geca Wills
As "Yumi's Cells 2" bids goodbye, the finale episode featured heartbreaks and the success of Kim Go Eun's character. Moreover, episode 14 hints at a new character that viewers might be seeing in the upcoming season.

'Yumi's Cells 2' Episode 14: Yoo Babi Saves Kim Yumi

The last episode for the second season starts with Yumi reacting to negative comments about her novel.

Being a writer for a year, she is still not used to reading unfavorable reviews about the characters and the plot of her story. With this, she feels more pressured to deliver a show-stopping finale, just like in her first novel.

As Yumi was about to continue the remaining chapters of her manuscript, she was stunned that her laptop was not in her house. She calls her team leader to ask if she left her laptop at the office but her editor says that they didn't use hers.

"You backed up the manuscript, right?" the editor asked to which Yumi lied and said she did, but she has no backup to her 60 pages manuscript.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Yumi's Cells 2' Episode 13: Kim Go Eun Calls Off the Wedding

While Yumi is anxious about her missing laptop, she still has to attend the wedding of Kang Yi Da and her boss, Ahn Dae Young, who have met because of Yumi.

At the reception, Yumi receives a surprising text from Yoo Babi, and told her that her laptop was with him but left it at the airport locker since he only has limited time given that he is also about to head to Singapore for work.

Yumi immediately went to the airport but bumped into her ex-boyfriend Goo Woong who was also invited to the wedding. She was able to get the laptop and sent him a message to thank him for picking up her things.

Interestingly, Yoo Babi met Yumi at the airport and personally wished her well on her novel. The same goes for Yumi, who wishes him a safe flight.

"Yumi's Cells 2" episode 14 also showed the duo's heartbreaking split. Yumi decides to officially end things, which Yoo Babi accepted. Despite breaking up, Yoo Babi promised Yumi that he would cheer for writer Yumi.

Kim Yumi Visited Goo Woong's Office

At last, Yumi finally finished her manuscript, which made everyone in the cell village celebrate her success.

Little did she know that the publishing company was throwing her a surprise party. But before attending the gathering, she passed by Goo Woong's office to return the laptop.

He was surprised to see Yumi at his office but was even surp[rised to see the laptop that he gave her. She explained that she didn't need it but was grateful for Woong trying to help her.

Will Kim Yumi Experience Another Love Journey?

At the party, Yumi was congratulated by her team for finishing the novel. Moreover, her editor also introduced her new team leader, named Shin Soon Rok.

At the cell village, her Love returned as her primary cell after Writer cell abandoned his position.

"Yumi's Cells 2" finale hints that Kim Yumi is about to experience another love journey with her new team leader.

KDramastars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
A person holds a smartphone set to the opening screen of the ArriveCan app in a photo illustration made in Toronto, Wednesday, June 29, 2022. The app continues to stir up division, wearing on the patience of doctors, border officers, governance experts and some travellers in the wake of a glitch that confused thousands of passengers.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Giordano Ciampini
Monday

KENOSHA COUNTY SEXUALLY VIOLENT PERSONS PLACEMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE: 4 p.m., in the office of the director conference room, Kenosha County Job Center, 8600 Sheridan Road (used entrance D).

KENOSHA PUBLIC MUSEUMS BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: 4:30 p.m., in the Procarione Classroom at Civil War Museum, 5400 First Ave. Agenda includes consideration of process for performance evaluation for the executive director in closed session.

KENOSHA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON LICENSES/PERMITS: 4:30 p.m., at the municipal building, 625 52nd St., room 202. Agenda includes license applications, complaint related to business practices, and Kenosha Police Department Tavern Squad report.

PLEASANT PRAIRIE VILLAGE BOARD: 5 p.m., in the Village Hall auditorium, 9915 39th Ave. Agenda includes consideration of contract for the Prairie Highlands Shared Use Path Project.

KENOSHA CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC SAFETY & WELFARE COMMITTEE: 5 p.m., at the municipal building, 625 52nd St., room 204. Agenda includes discussion of a resolution proposed to hold an advisory referendum on Nov. 8 to measure public opinion on allowing adults age 21 and older to engage in personal use of marijuana while also regulating commercial marijuana and related activities, and imposing a tax on the sale of marijuana.

KENOSHA BOARD OF PARKS COMMISSION: 5 p.m., at the municipal building, 625 52nd St., room 204. Agenda includes park sign request, and Strawberry Creek Park safety and quality of life discussion.

KENOSHA CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: 5:30 p.m., at the municipal building, 625 52nd St., room 202. Items include discussion of lease between U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the city regarding the South Pier; request from Rustic Road Brewing Company to use Celebration Place from Sept. 29 through Oct. 2 to hold Lakeside Octoberfest; and awarding of contract for Dinosaur Discovery Museum parking lot resurfacing.

KENOSHA BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS: 5:30 p.m., at the municipal building, 625 52nd St., room 202. Items include a temporary construction easement for Green Bay Road work from Hwy. 50 to Hwy. S.

KENOSHA COUNTY BOARD PUBLIC WORKS/FACILITIES COMMITTEE: 6:30 p.m., Kenosha County Center, 19600 75th St., Bristol, in conference room B. Items on the agenda include discussion of monthly reports, detention center HVAC replacement and lobby security enhancement projects, design and construction of parking lot at Civic Center campus; and Kemper Center infiltration repairs.

KENOSHA COUNTY JOINT SERVICES BOARD: 4:30 p.m., Kenosha County Public Safety Building, 1000 55th St., in training room 1216. Items on the agenda include 2021 financial review, health insurance review, compensation study and wages status and update, changes to fee schedule discussion, and discussion and possible action on capital expenditure planning document.

SOMERS VILLAGE BOARD: 5:30 p.m., at the Village/Town Hall, 7511 12th St. Agenda items include monthly reports and applications, and discussion and possible action on partial payment for work on lift station and water transfer station.

KENOSHA UNIFIED SCHOOL BOARD: 7 p.m., at the Educational Support Center, 3600 52nd St. Agenda includes monthly reports, discussion and possible action on KUSD COVID guidelines, ESSER III funding; and fiscal 2022-23 budget update.

SALEM SCHOOL BOARD: 7 p.m., in the large group instruction room at the school, 8828 Antioch Road, Salem. Items on the agenda include policy manual reviews and updates; CESA 2 professional development contract, adopt 2022-23 student academic standards, 2021-22 school calendar and pupil transportation reports; letters of resignation; 4K teacher contract; and first reading of new policy on naming of school district.

Wednesday

BROOKSIDE BOARD OF TRUSTEES: 10 a.m., Brookside Care Center, 3506 Washington Road, gathering for board photo.

KENOSHA COUNTY BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: 6 p.m., at the Kenosha County Administration Building, 1010 56th St., second floor committee room. Agenda items include update on emergency planning, and presentation on Joint Services.

KENOSHA MAYORS YOUTH COMMISSION: 6 p.m., at the municipal building, 625 52nd St., room 301. Special meeting to schedule the annual reception on Aug. 10.

WHEATLAND SCHOOL BOARD: 7 p.m., in the community room of the school, 6606 368th Ave., Burlington. Agenda includes discussion and possible action on board goals, Wisconsin Model Academic Standards, second reading of wellness policy, and contracts.

KENOSHA HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION: 5 p.m., at the municipal building, 625 52nd St., room 204.

Life hacks: Tips for how to be productive while working from home and more You're probably watching a lot of TV. How much is too much? In the last two months, TV numbers are through the roof. Local news, streaming and on-demand movies have all spiked in viewership, receiving ratings bumps from people of all ages. But experts recommend that you vary your new stay-at-home habits and find ways to fill your days without always being front of a screen. So before you watch all of "Too Hot to Handle" in one sitting, consider these ... How to combat your bad breath, now that you smell it under your mask Here are five ways to combat bad breath and make wearing a mask a more pleasant experience.
SOMERS  Theresa Newman wants parents and family members of those struggling with addictions to know theyre not alone.

More than 100 people gathered Sunday afternoon at Petrifying Springs Park for the Walk 4 Sarah fundraiser, contributing their $25 entry fee to a fledgling foundation that aims to help parents and families grieving the deaths of loved ones lost to drug addiction. In addition to the walk, raffles and as silent auction was offered.

Newman lost her daughter Sarah Beckius, to addiction. Beckius, 27, of Kenosha died of a fentanyl overdose on Nov. 24 last year. Sunday marked eight months since her daughters death.

Sarah had a normal upbringing. We raised her to know right from wrong. Sarah played sports. She was a Bradford High School graduate. Had loving parents and many friends, Newman said. Unfortunately, regardless of family support, and upbringing, anyone can fall victim to  the opioid epidemic.

Newman said her daughter was indicted for her involvement in a major crime organization.

We had the SWAT team and the FBI at our door to arrest my daughter and take her to federal jail. Days later she was released  and on a home monitor device. A few weeks went by and her sister Emily found her deceased from an overdose from fentanyl, Newman said. My daughter was an addict. She was pregnant with my first grandchild, Milliana, who was due April 20 of 2022.

I lost two that day, she said. Sarah paid the ultimate sentence. Death. I know if she were here today, she would definitely do things differently.

Newman said the Sarahs Hope and Recovery Foundation was created because there are not enough services in the community for those struggling with drug addictions and there is also a lack of services for grieving parents and family members.

It took months before I could even see a therapist. There is so much red tape, she said.

As the opioid epidemic continues to sweep the nation, Newman said she founded the foundation for grieving family members in our community who have lost loved ones due to drug addiction.

As we grow as a foundation we plan to expand our services to help addicts, as well, she said.

Antoinette Rodriguez, Newmans friend and owner of the non-profit Rettungs-Haus Shepherds, Inc., also spoke prior to the walk. Rodriguez owns a Kenosha-based German shepherd dog rescue, rehabilitation and placement operation with dogs that have helped with people trying to overcome drug addictions.

Rodriguez said Newmans ordeal touched her because her own family has been through addiction. Rodriguez said she has seen many families go through and struggle through it, which is why she is partnering with Newman to help.

Rodriguez said she has seen where the dogs have helped people, giving them reason and purpose, helping them to cope with their addiction.

I think this is a personal struggle for so many  a dirty topic that we dont want talk about, she said. And we see it across so many families. It doesnt matter if its Suburbia. It doesnt matter; it hits all zip codes. And so, what we want to do is have this conversation. Its a conversation that needs to be had.

The opioid epidemic is taking over our nation, its hitting our children, its hitting adults, Rodriguez said.

We are parents and neighbors. When we see somebody struggling we have to reach out and say, Theyre struggling and not turn a blind eye, she said.

To donate to the Sarahs Hope and Recovery Foundation, go to https://sarahshopeandrecoveryfoundation.com/.
Teen dies when blood culture protocol botched: What can we learn from this tragedy?

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Its 4 a.m. when a 17-year-old awakens at home with severe left shoulder pain that his worried parents call 911. By the time he reaches the emergency room (ER), he has pain all the way to his wrist.

Any recent injuries? asks the doctor.

Yeah, about three days ago, I was lifting about 200 pounds at the gym and noticed that my shoulder was really sore.

When questioned further, he admits that hed had a headache, slight fever, a cough with green sputum, and some vomiting the day before.

The doctor examines him and finds everything normal except for limited motion of the left shoulder. X-rays of the chest and shoulder are normal. His white blood count is elevated at 19,000, and the doctor is concerned enough about the headache to do a spinal tap  which is normal. He also orders blood cultures.

After 11 hours in the ER and some intravenous pain medication, the teen feels better, and his left arm is placed in a sling. He is discharged with a diagnosis of shoulder sprain, advised to take ibuprofen for pain, and to see his primary care physician (PCP) the next day for the results of the blood cultures.

The following morning the lab calls the ER with a preliminary report that both cultures are growing the same bacteria, a form of streptococcus. The health unit coordinator (HUC) takes the report and passes it on to the charge nurse, who presents the results to the ER doctor on duty. None of this is documented in the patients medical record. Nothing happens.

That afternoon the teen sees his PCP as advised. He is still running a fever. The PCP suspects a deep tissue infection and orders blood cultures, unaware of the results of the cultures 24 hours earlier. He also ordered an MRI of the shoulder to be done the following morning. He, too, sends the boy home.

The patient worsens overnight and returns to the hospital. An MRI shows septic arthritis of the left shoulder. He is admitted and treated but dies after a long battle with the infection. The family files a lawsuit against the emergency physician, the hospital, and the PCP. Over the next two years, the various parties and their attorneys go back and forth with claims and counterclaims.

The teens parents asked why the emergency physician focused on the mild headache and cough and even did a spinal tap while almost ignoring their sons main complaint of shoulder pain so severe that they had called 911. They also asked why there was nothing in the chart about a differential diagnosis or medical decision-making. And why did you do blood cultures and not consider the shoulder as the possible source of the infection? Instead, you focused on our sons mention of feeling pain in his shoulder at the gym.

The plaintiffs attorneys point out that the hospital has a very clear policy on managing lab reports of positive blood cultures. It includes a designated culture nurse who is supposed to tell the ED physician of positive results, notify the patients PCP, fax the results to the PCP, and inform the patient. Neither the HUC, the nurse, nor the doctor could recall who did what. This kid had a serious infection, and you decided not to act on a preliminary report from the lab and to wait until the final result is back. If any of you had treated our son earlier, he would be alive today  and we have an infectious disease expert who agrees. Your negligence was a direct cause of our sons death.

All of the defendants deny any violation of the standard of care or a causal relationship between their actions and the teens death. All claim that they acted according to the hospital policy.

I gave the report to the culture nurse, says the HUC.

I told the doctor, says the nurse, and he told me to wait for the final results.

I never said that, says the doctor.

And the PCP says, If I had known about the culture result, I would have admitted him immediately.

After some two years of litigation, an arbitration settlement was reached for an undisclosed amount against the hospital, nurse, and doctor. The PCP was exonerated.

So what can we learn from this tragedy? How can we reassure the parents that this will not happen to someone else? Here are a few take-home thoughts:

Pain out of proportion (POOP) is a red flag.

Address the patients chief complaint first. In this case, the other symptoms were only side effects of the main problem.

Pay attention to lab work. In this case, the elevated white blood count and the related blood culture results.

Keep an open mind, broaden your differential and document your medical decision-making (MDM), especially when sending a patient home with pending blood cultures.

Avoid anchoring bias and premature closure based on a patients self-diagnosis. This teens report of a lifting injury does not comport with his signs and symptoms.

Follow your hospitals procedures on abnormal lab results.

Dont automatically write off preliminary culture results.

Always rule out sepsis and necrotizing fasciitis in febrile patients with localized pain and an elevated WBC.

If considering a deep tissue infection, a CRP and sedimentation rate are almost always useful.

Charles A. Pilcher is an emergency physician and editor, Medical Malpractice Insights  Learning from Lawsuits.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
A South Kilkenny farmer has been convicted and fined 2,000 for the removal of 112 metres of hedgerow and the grubbing at a further 180 metres of hedgerow on his land.

The Kilkenny man, pleaded guilty to the destruction of the growing vegetation in a hedgerow between the March 1 and 31 August, 2021 contrary to Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts at Waterford District Court earlier this month.

The offence was investigated by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It was prosecuted under the Wildlife Acts by William Maher BL, instructed by Gerald Meaney, State Solicitor for County Kilkenny.

In his evidence to the Court, an NPWS Conservation Ranger told Judge David Staunton that on April 14, 2021 he travelled to a location in South Kilkenny to investigate a complaint from a member of the public that hedgerows were being destroyed. On site he found a machine and piles of vegetation which he believed had come from a hedgerow dividing two fields. The Ranger observed that some of the vegetation had fresh leaves on it. Follow up enquiries lead him to the farmyard of the defendant whom he interviewed. The Conservation Ranger acknowledged that some of the work may have commenced before March 1 but that the majority was carried out after that date and right up to the day he called to the property.

The NPWS Conservation Ranger outlined to the court that all birds were protected by law, and that the removed hedgerow and grubbed vegetation from another section of hedgerow would have provided nesting opportunities for many farmland bird species. The court was informed that the bird nesting season is widely advertised and commonly known amongst farmers and farming organisations.

In summing up, Judge David Staunton took into account the guilty plea and that as a farmer the defendant was carrying out works to improve his farm. However the Judge commented that this was not the taking out of a bush or pruning back of a tree, and he described the removal of 112 metres of hedgerow as major activity.

Judge Staunton stated that he was impressed with the evidence provided by the NPWS Conservation Ranger. He said that the work carried out by the farmer was a blatant disregard for a piece of legislation and that it was important such legislation wasnt ignored when it suited. Judge Staunton convicted and imposed a fine of 2,000.

Commenting on the conviction, the Minister of State for Heritage, Minister Malcolm Noonan, said:

I welcome this conviction for major hedgerow destruction during the nesting season. Hedgerows are superhighways for nature, connecting habitats and species and providing important nesting and foraging opportunities for wildlife. They also sequester carbon, help with water filtration and attenuation, and purify the air. We need them in our landscapes and should be nurturing them. Id like to acknowledge the sterling efforts and dedication of the NPWS staff involved in bringing this prosecution, and indeed the efforts of staff all around the country who successfully closed 21 prosecutions in 2021 and 21 more to date in 2022, and are currently progressing a further 47.

"Id like to remind everyone that the NPWS has more rangers than ever, and that its never been more focused  or more effective  on wildlife crime.
Green Party Councillor Maria Dollard has tabled a motion to Kilkenny County Council to call on the Minister for Health to establish a Long Covid Clinic for patients in the South East. With Kilkenny recently amongst the counties with the highest weekly incidence of Covid 19 and a confirmed 30,739 positive PCR tests up to July 20, the call reflects the need for urgent action. Patient centred, multi-disciplinary initiatives are needed to provide recovery services for people with long-term symptoms.

Research indicates that 114,500 people, mostly women aged 40-60, are suffering the symptoms of Long Covid. Doctors in the Beacon Hospital where one of the clinics is currently located, have identified 56 different symptoms that can include chest pains, breathlessness, extreme fatigue and insomnia. These symptoms can range across neurology, lung and heart problems and appear to change over time. Patients can manage their symptoms with support but access to this support is not readily available to patients particularly in the South East, who have had to fight to retain their services in Dublin.



Councillor Dollard explains:

It is completely unacceptable to me that we have clinics set up in every other area in Ireland but patients in the South East must travel to Dublin for support from clinics already overloaded by the population base in Dublin.

The estimate that 10% of people who have developed Long Covid following acute illness in Ireland is based on the lower end of international evidence. Some research suggest figures as high as 25%.



The impact of a second Covid infection is also a factor in developing Long Covid. Professor Seamus Linnane of the Beacon Hospital has previously stated in the Irish Examiner that repeated Covid infections increase your risk of getting Long Covid. As patients are finding it difficult to access services locally in the public health system, with the HSE is already struggling to provide non- Covid care to patients, the lack of Long Covid clinics means many are suffering in silence.



Cllr Dollard also notes:

Many of the patients with Long Covid are themselves healthcare staff and while we were quick to sing their praises throughout the pandemic, it is now critical we follow through and make arrangements to continue to ensure they get the healthcare they need following their illnesses. Some of these patients contracted illness more than once, some before vaccines were available and now find them selves unable to return to work. We must do better and not abandon people with Long Covid in Kilkenny and the South East.
Politicians who played key roles at various junctures in Northern Irelands arduous peace process have paid tribute to David Trimbles efforts to end the bloodshed.

Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair said his contribution was immense, unforgettable and frankly irreplaceable.

Sir Tonys predecessor Sir John Major praised Trimbles critical role in peace building, while ex-Irish premier Bertie Ahern described him as a courageous leader.

Ex-Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams thanked him for helping to get the Good Friday Agreement over the line in 1998.

Sir Tony said: David Trimble, in his support of the peace process, showed politics at its very best.

When some within his own ranks were opposed to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, he supported it. When we needed his willingness to go the extra mile for peace, he travelled that mile. When there was the prospect of collapse of the process without strong leadership, he provided that leadership.

His contribution to Northern Ireland and to the United Kingdom was immense, unforgettable and frankly irreplaceable.

Former Conservative PM Sir John said: When David Trimble became leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, he made a critical contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process.

He shed his former opposition to the process, and became an innovative advocate for a peaceful settlement.

This was a brave and principled change of policy, and critical to the creation of peace in Northern Ireland.

He thoroughly merits an honourable place amongst peacemakers.

Mr Ahern said: He was a courageous man and I had many a row with him and many arguments.. and in more recent years weve had good laughs about those debates. But he was tough.

As a good negotiator I think when he made the deal, when he settled something, he stuck by it. Subsequently he paid the price. And in spite of the horrendous problems that he was under from within his own party and from outside the wider Unionist group, in that last week of the Good Friday agreement he stuck by it.

He got a lot of criticism from the wider unionist family but you know, I have great admiration for him.

Speaking to RTE, Mr Ahern recalled his first visit to the unionist headquarters with Mr Trimble on Glengall Street in Belfast in 1995: That day, we said, listen, should we give this a try? If it works, its good. If it doesnt, you know, lets not fall out too much.

I never fell out with him: fought with him, rowed with him and argued with him. But I think we had the one determination: that we would end violence in Northern Ireland.

Mr Adams expressed his deep regret at Lord Trimbles passing.

David faced huge challenges when he led the Ulster Unionist Party in the Good Friday Agreement negotiations and persuaded his party to sign on for it. It is to his credit that he supported that Agreement. I thank him for that, he said.

In the years immediately following the Agreement I met David many times. Our conversations were not always easy but we made progress. We used to meet quite often on our own and I got to know him quite well. While we held fundamentally different political opinions on the way forward nonetheless I believe he was committed to making the peace process work.

Davids contribution to the Good Friday Agreement and to the quarter century of relative peace that followed cannot be underestimated.

Former Northern Ireland secretary Lord Peter Mandelson said: David Trimble not only took on the Herculean task of negotiating the Good Friday Agreement on behalf of unionists but went through all the pain and strife of implementing it.

Throughout, he faced unending onslaught from people in his own community  I know because we faced many of these audiences together  and ultimately he didnt buckle. He was a courageous man who has earned his place in history.
Chairperson of Castlecomer Municipal District Mary Hilda Cavanagh is concerned that higher broadband speeds will be needed to guarantee the future viability of a new remote working hub in Urlingford, County Kilkenny.

Cllr Cavanagh made the comments at a recent municipal district meeting after councillors were briefed on the rollout of broadband across North Kilkenny by the councils Steve Coverdale.

Coverdale informed elected members that current speeds at the proposed hub are estimated to be about 40MB.

We will consult other providers and look into speedier wifi options, as well as fibre, he added.

Cllr Cavanagh stated that the proposed hub needs high speed broadband to succeed.

Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick said that the community is absolutely agawk that they dont have high speed broadband.

We may need to send a delegation to meet with the Minister if these issues continue, he added.

Development of a remote working hub in the old Bank of Ireland building in Urlingford is a huge priority for the region as a whole.

In 2021, Bank of Ireland closed their branches in Urlingford, Callan, Thomastown and Graignamanagh as part of significant changes to their branch network and rural services.

The building left behind in Urlingford, a focal point in the centre of the town, was quickly identified as a potential candidate for a remote working hub and funding was acquired through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme to achieve this.

Funding was also acquired under this scheme to convert the old Garda Station in Piltown in South Kilkenny into another remote working hub.

Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh, speaking on behalf of her fellow councillors, added that we have high hopes that through negotiation and through a lot of pressure, that we will have proper broadband in Urlingford for a finish.
Former Northern Ireland first minister David Trimble has died.

The 77-year-old ex-leader of the Ulster Unionist Party was one of the principal architects of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement that ended decades of conflict in the region.

Lord Trimble, who jointly won the Nobel Peace Prize along with SDLP leader John Hume, died on Monday following an illness.

In a statement on Monday evening, his family said: It is with great sadness that the family of Lord Trimble announce that he passed away peacefully earlier today following a short illness.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Irish premier Micheal Martin were among those paying tribute to his legacy.

Mr Johnson tweeted: He was a giant of British and international politics and will be long remembered for his intellect, personal bravery and fierce determination to change politics for the better.

Mr Martin hailed the peers central contribution in setting the island on a journey towards peace and reconciliation.

All of us in politics at the time witnessed his crucial and courageous role in the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement and his leadership in building support in his party and his community for the Agreement, he said.

Current UUP leader Doug Beattie described the former first minister as a man of courage and vision.

He chose to grasp the opportunity for peace when it presented itself and sought to end the decades of violence that blighted his beloved Northern Ireland, he said.

Lord Trimble, from Co Down, distinguished himself in an academic career in the law faculty at the Queens University Belfast before moving into politics.

He initially became involved in the unionist offshoot organisation Vanguard in the early 1970s and while he was best known for his involvement with the Belfast Agreement, in his younger days he had opposed an earlier attempt, the Sunningdale Agreement.

He went on to join the then dominant Ulster Unionist Party in 1978.

It was at the university in 1983 that he heard the IRAs gunshots which killed his fellow law professor and UUP colleague Edgar Graham and later identified the body.

He left academia for politics full time when he was elected as MP for Upper Bann following a by election in 1990 after the death of the incumbent Harold McCusker.

Lord Trimble rose to prominence partly due to the Drumcree dispute as nationalist residents opposed the procession of an orange parade along the Garvaghy Road.

He led the parade along the road in 1995, famously joining hands with Democratic Unionist leader Ian Paisley.

A few months later, Lord Trimble unexpectedly won the leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party over the favourite Lord Kilclooney, starting his often turbulent time at the helm of the party.

He marked a number of firsts as Ulster Unionist leader, including becoming the partys first leader in 30 years to meet with the Irish premier in Dublin and in 1997 he became the first unionist leader since partition to negotiate with Sinn Fein.

The peace talks, which started formally in 1998 under the chairmanship of former US senator George Mitchell, saw many nights of intensive negotiation pressed on by then prime minister Tony Blair, taoiseach Bertie Ahern and then US president Bill Clinton.

The process faltered several times but perhaps most notably when then Ulster Unionist Jeffrey Donaldson walked out of the talks.

However on April 10 1998 the agreement was signed, and endorsed following a referendum held the following month.

Lord Trimble become the first first minister of Northern Ireland to be elected on July 1, 1998 alongside SDLP deputy leader Seamus Mallon as deputy First Minister.

But the path of devolved government was far from smooth for the two men, with the issue of the paramilitary groups decommissioning overshadowing Stormont.

Lord Trimble also struggled with internal divisions within his party which saw Mr Donaldson, along with fellow future DUP leader Arlene Foster and Norah Beare, resigning in December 2003.

Lord Trimble lost his Westminster seat in Upper Bann at the 2005 election to DUP candidate David Simpson.

He resigned as leader of the party whose once dominant Westminster representation had been reduced to just one seat.

He was made a life peer the following year and later took up his seat in the House of Lords as a member of the Conservative Party to have, he said, great influence on UK politics.

While generally socially conservative in outlook, Lord Trimble admitted in July 2019 that he had changed his position on equal marriage after his daughter Victoria married her girlfriend in 2017.

Lord Trimbles final public appearance came at the end of June at the unveiling of a portrait of him by artist Colin Davidson at the Queens University.

He then reflected on the approach of the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Agreement, and pointed out it has survived despite the objections.

The Good Friday Agreement is something which everybody in Northern Ireland has been able to agree with, it doesnt mean they agree with everything, there are aspects which some people thought were a mistake, but the basic thing is that this was agreed, he told PA.

That is there.

People are actually not throwing the agreement to pieces, their complaints are still based on the existence of the agreement.

They are not saying throw it out, so thats the thing to bear in mind.

He was also sharply critical of the UK government over Brexit trade arrangements.

Lord Trimble is survived by his wife Daphne and sons and daughters, Richard, Victoria, Nicholas and Sarah.
Chinese embassy-funded school building inaugurated in SW Cambodia

Xinhua) 16:35, July 25, 2022

KAMPOT, Cambodia, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A school building, funded by the Chinese embassy to Cambodia through the Mudhita Foundation, was inaugurated at the Samdech Ta Primary School in southwestern Cambodia's Kampot town over the weekend.

Cambodian Princess Norodom Arunrasmy, founder of the Mudhita Foundation, took part in the inauguration ceremony of the four-classroom concrete building with a tiled roof in the Kampong Kandal commune of Kampot town on Saturday.

Dubbed the "King Father-Queen Mother School Building", the nine-meter-by-32-meter school building is benefiting some 300 students.

The project was started in April and completed in October 2020, but the official inauguration could not be made soon after that because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the event, Arunrasmy said education is the foundation for national development and poverty eradication, expressing her confidence that the new school building will contribute to improving the learning environment for children.

"A proper school building is the aspiration of all children, and I believe that this donation has not only provided a better learning atmosphere for students, but also contributed to promoting the fraternal friendship between the peoples of Cambodia and China," the princess said.

Arunrasmy, who is also a privy councilor for the Supreme Privy Council to King Norodom Sihamoni, said that with the support from the Chinese embassy to Cambodia, the Mudhita Foundation has helped build several school buildings and libraries in Cambodia.

Khieu Makara, principal of the Samdech Ta Primary School, expressed his gratitude to the Mudhita Foundation and the Chinese embassy for funding the project, saying that it was very valuable for both students and teachers.

"A good school building will lead to better attendance and concentration that will ultimately lead to students' better performance," he said.

At the event, the princess also donated schoolbags and stationery to children and some gifts to teachers at the school.

Founded in 2014, the Mudhita Foundation mainly focuses its activities on three sectors, namely humanitarian tasks, education and public health.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Hongyu)
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The President of the African Development Bank Group Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has given strong assurance to U.S. investors that Africa is a secure, competitive and profitable market for investment.

Adesina was speaking on Wednesday at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Marrakech where he told American investors to see Africa as a logical investment destination and to engage with the continent in win-win partnerships.

He said U.S. investments were critical for accelerating infrastructure development on the continent. This is an opportune time for American investments in Africa, at scale, Adesina said. Tomorrow cannot wait. Africas time is now. Africas future is bright. We are open for business, and we welcome you with wide open arms.

The U.S. Corporate Council on Africa partnered with Morocco to organize the summit under the theme, Building Forward Together. The event brought together global investors and corporate executives. Dignitaries and global leaders included President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris who addressed delegates via a video message. Other dignitaries included Moroccos Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita; the United States Millennium Challenge Corporation CEO Alice Albright; President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises, Chakib Ali; and Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, the CEO of the African Union Development Agency NEPAD.

More than 400 business and government representatives discussed building stronger U.S. and Africa trade, investment and commercial ties.

In a video message, Vice President Kamala Harris said: We are focused on the urgent need to increase food production and exports with and within Africa. She said public-private partnerships could play a key role in this regard.

Harris also recognized the critical importance of strengthening the U.S. relationship with countries across Africa. President Biden and I are looking forward to welcoming leaders from across the African continent to Washington, DC from December 13th through the 15th, for the United States-Africa Leaders Summit, she said. Adesina listed some of Africas multi-billion investments as proof of the continents investment potential. He cited the Dangote Groups $20 billion petroleum refinery and fertilizer production complex in Nigeria, and South Africas MTN Group, which currently operates in 19 markets.

The African Development Bank head said that despite the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on economies, the number of private equity deals in Africa increased from 230 in 2019 to 255 by 2020, stressing that even in turbulent times, opportunities still abound in Africa.

Adesina spoke about the African Development Bank Groups investments to help improve livelihoods and economies. He said the Group had committed more than $44 billion to infrastructure across the continent in the last six years alone, most notably in transport, energy, and water and sanitation. But he pointed out that Africa still faced an annual infrastructure financing gap of $68 to $108 billion.

The U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporations Alice Albright said: We are all here and invested in creating more pathways to prosperity across the African continent. Through Prosper Africa  the U.S. Governments initiative to increase trade and investment and promote sustainable development across the continent  and our collective efforts, we are strengthening partnerships to ensure people on both sides of the Atlantic have the opportunity to create a better life for their children, their families, and their communities, and to realize their full potential. Since launching Prosper Africa two years ago, the U.S. Government has supported 800 two-way trade and investment deals in 45 countries in Africa, worth an estimated $50 billion. Adesina invited American businesses to invest in the opportunities created by the African Development Bank Groups $1.5 billion African Emergency Food Production Facility, designed to ease the impact of the current global food crisis, worsened by Russias invasion of Ukraine. The facility, the first of its kind, will help countries purchase and distribute agricultural fertilizer and seeds, provide emergency support over four planting seasons, increase food production by 30%, and create $12 billion worth of food.

In his opening speech, Moroccan Foreign Affairs Minister Bourita said that never had the time been more opportune for strengthened cooperation between Africa and the United States than now. He said: It is time for Africa to reap the fruits of its potentials, play a central and natural role on the international scene; and in major developments taking place at the global level.

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gettyimagesbank





By Yoon Ja-young







Korea's rise in economic status may be an illusion and it is likely to be overtaken by Taiwan in per capita gross domestic product (GDP) rankings this year, a report noted.







Lee Tae-yeol, a senior research fellow at the Korea Insurance Research Institute (KIRI), noted in a report that the Korean economy is walking sideways in terms of both per capita GDP and global competitiveness.







"The Korean economy surpassing or being on par with some major developed economies such as Spain and Italy is because of those countries' fall in rankings, rather than a rise of Korea," he said in the report, noting that Korea's rise compared to some European countries is more of an illusion when considering Korea's stagnant economic condition.







Lee cited economic outlook by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to which Korea is expected to surpass Italy in terms of per capita GDP this year after surpassing Spain in 2015.







However, he points out that Korea has been stagnant at between 30th and 32nd in per capita GDP rankings since 2015. This contrasts with Taiwan, which is expected to continue rising in rankings based on the IMF outlook. It was ranked 40th in 2019, but is expected to rise to 31st to surpass Korea this year, and join the top 20 in 2027. According to the World Economic Outlook survey released by the IMF in April, Korea's per-capita GDP for this year is estimated to be $34,990, while that of Taiwan will likely be $36,050.







He also cited the global competitiveness rankings report released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). Korea has been hovering between 23rd and 29th since 2015, but Taiwan has been on an upward trajectory, ranking at seventh this year. The Switzerland-based school publishes the annual report based on assessment in four categories  economic performance, government efficiency, corporate efficiency and infrastructure. Compared with 2019, Korea rose in terms of economic performance and infrastructure, while falling in government efficiency and stagnating in corporate efficiency. Taiwan, meanwhile, rose in all four sectors.







"Korea should face the reality of its drifting per capita GDP and competitiveness. There should be efforts to continuously enhance the national competitiveness," Lee noted in the report.







He added that the government should especially focus on sectors where its competitiveness is falling such as finance and the labor market to come up with improvement measures.


A KF-21 Boramae takes off at the third Flying Training Wing of the Air Force in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, Tuesday, for its first flight test. Courtesy of Defense Acquisition Program Administration



Indonesian president to arrive in Seoul, Wednesday



By Kang Seung-woo



Although the domestically developed KF-21 Boramae fighter jet took to the skies for the first time last week, the issue related to Indonesia's payment for the joint fighter jet program is still grounded as Jakarta has yet to keep its word to pay its share of the total cost.



However, there is a glimmer of hope for a settlement of the overdue payment problem, as Indonesian President Joko Widodo will make a visit to Korea to hold a summit with President Yoon Suk-yeol, during which the two leaders are expected to discuss and reach a conclusion on the issue.



The KF-X project is aimed at manufacturing a fighter plane with higher capabilities than a KF-16. Korea and Indonesia signed a deal in 2010 to cooperate on the project, under which the Southeast Asian country would fund 1.6 trillion won, amounting to 20 percent of the total development cost of 8.8 trillion won ($6.71 billion), in exchange for a number of planes to be manufactured there for the Indonesian Air Force, as well as technology transfers. But Indonesia has been defaulting on the deal, failing to pay 800 billion won it promised as of this month, citing financial problems.



The Indonesian leader's trip to Korea carries extra significance as the KF-21 aircraft completed its first-ever flight test successfully on July 19, after the project was initiated over two decades ago. During the flight, the fighter jet flew with the Korean and Indonesia flags attached in tandem on its body to mark the joint project.



"The payment issue is anticipated to be discussed during the summit," said a senior official of the presidential office.









Last November, the two sides newly agreed that Indonesia will make 30 percent of its total payments in kind, although the country has since reneged on the agreement.



"We failed to revise the contract by the end of the first quarter due to a change in government in Korea. However, Indonesia is still committed to the KF-X, as evidenced by its 39 engineers working at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and we believe the payment issue would be settled soon," the official said. KAI is the nation's lone aircraft manufacturer that produced the KF-21.



Shin Jong-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Defense and Security Forum, also presented a similar view.



"The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is determined not to deliver the KF-21s to Indonesia without the payment of its share. In addition, a successful maiden flight of the KF-21 will play a positive role in addressing the overdue payment issue when Widodo visits here," Shin said.





Indonesian President Joko Widodo / Korea Times file
gettyimagesbank



In Korea, Yoon's falling approval rating, opposition-led Assembly are obstacles; in Japan, anti-Korea sentiment, Abe's death complicate bilateral ties



By Kang Hyun-kyung



In Korea-Japan relations, it is commonly said among Korean experts that the ball is in Japan's court. In other words, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida holds the key, particularly following his party's big win in the Upper House elections earlier this month. Thus, it's important how he will respond to President Yoon Suk-yeol's repeated calls to sit down for a summit to discuss ways to repair bilateral relations between the two countries.



However, some experts disagree with this assessment. They claim that, in fact, the ball is in Korea's court, not Japan's. They say that President Yoon's falling approval rating and the National Assembly being dominated by the main opposition party are some of the stumbling blocks to improving Korea-Japan relations.



"As you know, the biggest obstacle that prevents the restoration of Korea-Japan relations is the wartime forced labor issue, as it is just a matter of time until South Korea's Supreme Court upholds the lower court's ruling on the Japanese companies to sell off their assets seized in Korea to compensate the victims or their families," Shin Kak-soo, a former vice foreign minister who later served as Korean ambassador to Japan between 2011 and 2013, told The Korea Times. "If that course of action is not reversed, it is hardly likely for the leaders of the two countries to agree on a summit."



Changing the course of action in Korea regarding the wartime forced labor issue is not something the executive branch of government can do. "But the legislative branch can, and lawmakers can draw up measures to alter the top court's possible order," Shin said.



Since the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling that ordered Japanese company Nippon Steel to compensate the surviving South Korean victims of wartime forced labor, the victims and their families requested that the district court seize the Japanese companies' assets in Korea, which was approved. Another district court ordered Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Nippon Steel to sell off their assets in Korea to compensate the forced labor victims. The Japanese companies, claiming that all wartime-related issues were resolved in the 1965 treaty that normalized diplomatic relations between the two countries, appealed to the higher court. Korea's Supreme Court has yet to rule on the cases.



Those who are familiar with the case say the ruling may come as early as August. The Supreme Court is highly likely to uphold the lower court's rulings, as overturning the cases would amount to self-negation.



As Shin said, there is still a way to alter the court's forthcoming ruling, and the National Assembly holds the key.



But the Assembly is currently dominated by the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), which is unlikely to cooperate with President Yoon and his ruling People Power Party to pass any possible legislation aimed at restoring Korea-Japan relations.



Shin said that President Yoon's falling approval rating is another stumbling block to the restoration of Korea-Japan relations. "An issue like this is not something that President Yoon can push through without the backing of public opinion," he said.





President Yoon Suk-yeol, left, U.S. President Joe Biden, center, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishia, right, sit for a trilateral summit held on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Madrid, Spain, June 29. Yonhap



Despite the challenges, Christopher Johnstone, senior adviser and Japan chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C., presented an optimistic view of Korea-Japan relations.



"Resolution of historical issues is politically sensitive and difficult for both, but there is a large practical agenda to pursue and an urgency to pursue it  cooperation on North Korea, defense cooperation, work on economic issues such as semiconductors and supply chain resilience," he said. "I think they can and will move forward with this agenda, while working on the historical issues."



Since taking office on May 10, President Yoon has been working to restore Korea-Japan relations, which hit their lowest point in recent years during the previous Moon Jae-in government. President Yoon courted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during their attendance at the NATO Summit in late June to sit down for bilateral talks. Last week, Foreign Minister Park Jin returned to Seoul after wrapping up his trip to Japan to test the waters for a summit in his meetings with key Japanese officials.



Impact of Abe's death



Domestic politics in Japan have also emerged as a fresh impediment to diplomatic relations.



The assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on July 8 has complicated bilateral relations further. Abe, the country's longest-serving but divisive former leader, was gunned down by a suspect who held a grudge toward the Unification Church, a religious movement that began in Korea in the 1950s, after his mother's "huge donation" to the church bankrupted his family. According to the Unification Church, its members in Japan have received death threats and been exposed to hate crimes following Abe's death.



Yuji Hosaka, a professor of liberal arts at Sejong University in Seoul who is a naturalized Korean citizen, said that there has been more room for improvement of Korea-Japan relations since the passing of Abe.



Inside the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan, he said, Abe himself was the leader of the biggest faction. "Following his death, there's power struggle going on among Abe faction. Six people are competing to become the leader of the faction but none of them are as influential as Abe. So, the faction said it won't select a successor to Abe," Hosaka said, predicting that it will be inevitable for the Abe faction to be divided and weakened.



"What's happening within the LDP is positive for Prime Minister Kishida and his political mentor, Taro Aso, who is vice president of the party, because Kishida will be more empowered to push for his own agenda," he said.



Contrary to Korean media reports, Hosaka said, Kishida won't prioritize the constitutional amendment to allow Japan to have a military and end its pacifist Constitution.



"Prime Minister Kishida himself is a moderate, and so is his political mentor, Aso. The constitutional reform is not their priority. Kishida considers Japan's public debt a more significant issue that he should focus on, so he will. With the backing of the LDP, he will seek to raise consumption tax from the current 10 percent to 12 percent," he said.





A mourner offers flowers next to a picture of late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was shot while campaigning for a parliamentary election, on the day to mark a week after his assassination at the Liberal Democratic Party headquarters, in Tokyo, Japan July 15. Reuters-Yonhap
Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elnur Mammadov, left, shakes hands with Korea's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Yeo Seung-bae during the two countries' eighth political affairs session at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of MOFA



By Kwon Mee-yoo



Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elnur Mammadov visited Korea last week to discuss bilateral cooperation on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Azerbaijan and Korea.



Mammadov emphasized the importance of the rules-based international order as a solution to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Azerbaijan has been in a decades-long conflict with Armenia and has asked Korea to take part in rebuilding the South Caucasus nation's region of Nagorno-Karabakh, liberated two years ago.



The deputy minister also explained Azerbaijan's stance regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As a former Soviet country, Azerbaijan was close to both countries before the war broke out and has been trying to mediate the situation.



"There is a lot of mediation, trying to avoid the worst possible scenario. When the war started, we called for an immediate ceasefire and we call for the parties to immediately return to the diplomatic table," he said during a meeting with the Foreign Language Newspapers Association of Korea, Thursday morning.



"On the political side, we were quite vocal and clear and loud in terms of how we see this conflict being resolved. First, it has to be resolved diplomatically. But in the meantime, it's not just any solution that the parties would agree to. It's a solution that would be based on the basic principles of international law. We've also offered to be a mediation platform as a venue for any negotiations."



Azerbaijan is known for oil, gas and related petroleum products and part of the country's investment in Ukraine is the gas stations operated by its state-owned oil company.



"We started providing free fuel and gasoline to ambulances and fire trucks, NGOs and others who are engaged in humanitarian purposes," Mammadov said.



The deputy minister urged the international community to respect the rules-based international order in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.



"For all these years, we've been calling for the respect of sovereignty. This is a bedrock of the international law that advocated for many years in terms of our conflict," he said.



"We continue to be consistent (with international rule of law), despite our very close ties with Russia."



During his visit, Mammadov held political consultations with Korea's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Yeo Seung-bae and also met with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and Rep. Suh Byung-soo of the People Power Party, who chairs the Korea-Azerbaijan Friendship Association.



Mammadov said his visit provided a chance to reinvigorate the relations between Korea and Azerbaijan and take a look at the bilateral agenda for the post-pandemic era.



"Another major development that took place about two years ago is that we liberated the Karabakh region as a result of the second Karabakh war," he said, adding that Azerbaijan hopes for Korea to give a hand in reconstructing the region.



Korea was one of the first countries to send assistance to Azerbaijan after its independence through KOICA, starting in 1994.



"We have so much legacy and positive history associated with KOICA and Korea because you were one of the first to help us in terms of technical assistance, grants and other development programs," he said.



He said that he brought some of the investment projects in the region for political consultation, expecting the Korean government and Korean companies to assist in rebuilding the territory, especially in new infrastructure for clean energy.



"Historically, our major revenue has been generated by the sale of oil and gas, but a few years ago, we declared that we would start a transition to renewable, clean energy and we've also committed to decarbonizing by 2050," he said.



"I think so many opportunities are out there in the field of green energy."


Egyptian Ambassador to Korea Khaled Abdel Rahman delivers a speech during the country's Revolution Day celebration at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Embassy of Egypt in Korea



By Kwon Mee-yoo



The Embassy of Egypt in Korea celebrated the country's national day in Seoul, Friday.



Egypt commemorates Revolution Day on July 23, marking the anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution of 1952. The revolution is considered to be the start of the modern Arab Republic of Egypt, putting an end to the monarchy.



Ambassador of Egypt to Korea Khaled Abdel Rahman said Korea is Egypt's valuable partner in various fields, including trade, infrastructure and defense.



"The ties between Cairo and Seoul have witnessed an upsurge over the past years and shall continue to do so given the keenness of both capitals to work together across all fields political, economic, and cultural to promote mutual benefit and cooperation," Ambassador Abdel Rahman said during a reception at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Friday.



The ambassador noted that renowned Korean companies are establishing industrial facilities in Egypt, which are "shining examples of the length the partnership between Cairo and Seoul can reach."



"The upcoming period shall bear the fruition of several endeavors from the Korean side to boost trade and commerce with Cairo in a variety of fields, amongst which are the fields of robotics, information technology, aviation, tourism and green technology," he added.



The ambassador also highlighted Egypt's efforts to fight climate change, as the country will host the U.N. Climate Change Conference 2022 (COP 27) later this year.



"The Egyptian resort city of Sharm El Sheikh is set to host the upcoming COP 27 in November 2022, an opportunity that the Arab Republic of Egypt shall seize to promote international awareness on climate issues and hence is looking forward to active participation from all our partners and parties concerned with climate change and the promotion of green technologies and industries."



Kim Jang-hyun, director general for African and Middle East Affairs at Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the ceremony to extend congratulations from the Korean government.



Kim recalled an Egyptian proverb, "Once you drink from the Nile, you will come back again," which an Egyptian friend shared with him when he left Egypt after working at the Korean Embassy in Cairo from 2013 to 2015.



"After seven years, I was back. Last January, I was back in Egypt to accompany the Korean president's visit to Cairo. Egypt has changed beyond recognition in seven years. Cities have been unrecognizably overhauled and Cairo is full of energy. To me, that demonstrates President (Abdel Fattah) El-Sisi's great leadership," Kim said.



"(During the visit,) we moved beyond the trade and investment-oriented cooperation and consolidated our comprehensive cooperative partnership in various future-oriented fields that contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the people, such as the Cairo Metro, electric vehicles, desalination and renewable energy."



Kim emphasized that Korea and Egypt are good partners for the future.



"I'd like to borrow the Arab proverb, 'Al Rafik Kabl Al Tarik'  meaning, 'Choose your friend before choosing your way.' Korea views Egypt as a companion on a long journey, and a true partner for the coming future," he said.






The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family said Monday that it is planning to set up a shelter for male victims of sexual and domestic violence in its first move to keep up with a rising number of men subject to such crimes.







In its work plan reported to President Yoon Suk-yeol, the ministry said the new institution's purpose is to provide protection, medical and legal support to male victims of five offenses including digital sex crimes, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.







The move came as the number of male victims of such forms of violence has been rising in recent years, but there are no protective shelters for them.







According to the ministry, in 2021 men accounted for 17.2 percent of people who contacted the Sunflower Center, a state-run shelter for female victims of domestic and sexual violence, up 11.5 percent from 2020.







Among victims for digital sex crimes, male accounted for 23.3 percent of the total reported from April in 2018 to December in 2021.







Some 100 help centers and counseling offices are currently available for both males and females.







The ministry will also increase the number of state-accredited babysitters to 170,000 in a bid to ease the childcare burden of double-income families in 2024. There are currently some 26,000 public babysitters.







In order to ease childcare burden from low-income families, the ministry will expand the scope of eligibility for state subsidies for childcare cost from October.







But the ministry said its report did not include plans to abolish the ministry in line with President Yoon's campaign pledge. (Yonhap)


By Trudy Rubin





KYIV  Ukrainians refer to Vladimir Putin as "Putler," an amalgamation of Putin and Adolf Hitler.



The label is more than a jab at Putin's obscene lie that Russia invaded Ukraine to fight Nazis  or a reaction to Russia's relentless bombing of civilian targets. "Putler" describes a Russian killer who is mocking the "never again" pledge Western leaders made after Hitler's genocide against Jews and slaughter of millions of other Europeans.



My visit to the jolting Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial in Kyiv, accompanied by its former deputy CEO, Ruslan Kavatsyuk, is a moving reminder of why the term "Putler" perfectly suits this soulless man.



Kavatsyuk, a 40-year-old former journalist and a Catholic, has immersed himself for the last three years in the largely forgotten history of Ukrainian Jews.



Under gray skies in drizzling rain, we walk along a path through what is now a peaceful forest. We pass sites where 34,000 Jews from Kyiv were shot in a (now filled in) ravine over two days in September 1941  one of the largest such massacres in Eastern Europe. Another 64,000 or so Jews, Roma people, POWs and others were killed there later.



The history of this tragedy was buried with its victims.



No memorial to Babyn Yar was built when Ukraine was under Soviet rule. The Kremlin crushed any research into the subject, and made Babyn Yar into an industrial dump site. Subsequent Ukrainian governments never undertook the project.

Few Ukrainians had heard of the 1941 massacre of Jews, until the memorial park was established over the last two years. No list of the dead had ever been compiled.



The goal of the memorial project was to do the research and bring the past to life so that a new generation could understand and avoid the recurrence of such evil.



"People didn't understand before," says Kavatsyuk, "that it could happen again right here, right now."



Along our route, we pass a long wall built of coal from Ukraine's Donbas region, which the Russians have ravaged since 2014. Quartz shards protrude from the wall, large enough to rest one's chin on and meditate, eyes closed. Called the "Crystal Wall of Crying" it memorializes the Babyn Yar dead. Yet it is equally relevant to the Ukrainians in the Donbas whom the Russians are still murdering as I write.



We walk down a stone path to the Mirror Field, another of the several installations along the marked route. On an elevated circular platform stand 10 mirrored columns, all shimmering in the sporadic sunlight; they are shot through with 100,000 bullet holes, representing each one of the Babyn Yar dead.



In the background, a recorded female voice softly recites the names of those who were lost against the low sound of a hidden acoustic organ. The effect is surprisingly soothing and cathartic.



Before the current war, young people would come at night, sitting silently on the platform and meditating. "We thought if we uncovered the truth and people came and had compassion for all victims, this would be a universal place that stood against evil," Kavatsyuk told me. "Then evil returned."



One week after the invasion a Russian missile hit a TV tower near the Holocaust memorial site and destroyed one of its buildings, killing several passing civilians.



A Russian agent was caught by security guards as he signaled coordinates for the missile strike  while standing on the circular platform of the Mirror Field. I wonder if he had any idea of the history under his feet.



"What is the point of saying 'never again' for 80 years, if the world stays silent when a bomb drops on the same site of Babyn Yar? ... History repeating," tweeted Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy. The question was right on target.



For too many Europeans and many Americans, the "never again" mantra has lost its historical power.



For Kavatsyuk, the impact of the invasion was very personal. Just prior to the Russian attack, he had been visiting Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem in order to consult on the opening of the first museum on the Babyn Yar site. (The opening was canceled due to the war.)



He rushed home from Israel the day before the Russians crossed the border, in order to get his family to safety. His home in Hostomel near Kyiv was completely destroyed by Russian shelling; he believes he would have been killed if the Russians had caught him. He left his museum job in April so he could volunteer to help Ukrainian troops.



What haunts him is that, nearly 80 years after the defeat of Hitler, Putin is conducting another genocide in Ukraine.



Kavatsyuk is quick to stress that Ukrainians are "not in the same situation as Jews were. This is not the Holocaust where millions and millions were killed."



But "it is a genocide," he states firmly. "We are being killed specifically because we are Ukrainians. Putin insists there is no such thing as Ukrainians, only Russians who are being fooled by the West."



Putin and his minions reject the very idea of a Ukrainian nationality or language. In territory the Russians have captured, they have forcibly deported at least 1.2 million Ukrainians to Russia. Those who refuse to concede that they are Russians, not Ukrainians, are being arrested, tortured, or killed.



"They want to destroy all of us," Kavatsyuk says, his voice rising. "When we free the occupied territories there will be a lot that is terrifying." He is asking scholars who researched the fate of Ukrainian Jews to prepare to research the names of those who lie in mass graves in Mariupol and other Russian-occupied cities and towns.



"If we didn't stop the Russians here," he says, "Moldova would be occupied today, the Baltics in five years and Poland in 10 years. The Russians will keep going until they are stopped."



As we walk on the stone path out of the memorial park  to the muted sound of cantorial prayers for the fallen  I wonder if Western leaders have fully grasped the essence of Putler, a man who calls for "denazification" of Ukraine while he himself imitates Nazi crimes.



I have a suggestion for those leaders who still can't grasp why Ukraine must be helped to defeat Putler: sentence them to hours of listening to the names of the dead that drift endlessly over the Mirror Field platform near Babyn Yar.





Trudy Rubin (trubin@phillynews.com) is a columnist and editorial-board member for the Philadelphia Inquirer. This article was distributed by Tribune Content Agency.




A view of downtown Hong Kong / gettyimagesbank









By Kim Bo-eun







HONG KONG  Hong Kong has been engulfed by a series of major events in recent years, which have continuously raised questions about the city's future as an international financial center.







Months of intense protests took place in 2019 against a now-shelved extradition bill, which extended into 2020 as controversy continues over the Beijing-backed national security law. Hong Kong's electoral system also became subject to greater control by the mainland. The COVID-19 pandemic then unfolded, to which the city introduced relentless measures such as flight bans and weeks of mandatory hotel quarantine upon arrival.







Hanscom Smith, the U.S.' outgoing consul general to Hong Kong, said earlier this month the policies of the governments of Beijing and Hong Kong have changed to the "detriment of Hong Kong's status as a financial hub."







"Attempting to maintain Hong Kong's unique economic and financial systems while degrading its political institutions is not a viable strategy," he said in a statement. "By constraining political and social freedoms, China will inevitably compromise the attributes that have allowed Hong Kong to develop as a global services hub."







Travel restrictions have also been placed and observed elsewhere around the world since the start of the pandemic, but most of these have been lifted for the majority of countries, as they seek to normalize business operations. But Hong Kong, which follows policies toward curbing virus spread similar to China's zero-COVID policy, has maintained quarantines for arriving travelers.







This has exasperated the business community, which continues to appeal to the government to relax the quarantine measures. The measures have led to a significant outflow of the foreign workforce from Hong Kong. Reports state that 93,000 residents left the city in 2020, with another 23,000 leaving in 2021. Singapore, which has relaxed several of its measures, has seen a rise in foreign professionals entering the city, with some coming from Hong Kong.







A business confidence survey of German companies in Hong Kong released last month shows they are less positive about the city's business environment this year than in 2021. The figure for this year was 2.3 on a scale of one to five, down from 2.8 last year. The environment was gauged based on the ease of attracting overseas talent, its appeal as a regional headquarters location and the political climate.







Protesters carrying umbrellas march during a rally against the China-backed national security law in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, May 24. EPA-Yonhap





Hong Kong's Financial Services Development Council Chairman Laurence Li recently stated the city had benefited from the tendency of businesses and people staying in Hong Kong, due to the infrastructure developed over time and the human resources present  referring to this attribute as "stickiness."







"But firms and people are increasingly willing to pay the cost (of relocating). If the roles and people are relocated, over time, they will become sticky in another place. Attracting them back will be an uphill task," he said in a report issued earlier this month.







Nonetheless, despite the continued COVID-19 quarantine for travelers, as well as concerns about China's increasing influence over the city, the business community has been in Hong Kong because of the opportunities available in China and they expect this will remain the case in the decades to come.







Over 70 of the world's top banks have maintained solid operations in Hong Kong.







Korean banks are also expanding their operations here. The Korea Development Bank (KDB) opened a new branch in April. The state-run bank's Hong Kong subsidiary dates back to 1986.







The KDB's plan is for its subsidiary to focus on investment banking services, and for its branch to mainly deal with corporate banking.







"Hong Kong offers a diverse array of financial products as a private equity hub," a senior KDB official said. "The city is becoming increasingly influenced by China, but it will still serve as a gateway to the mainland." He also noted that Hong Kong is making efforts to develop its infrastructure as a financial hub.







Hong Kong is the largest private equity hub in Asia, excluding mainland China. The number of private equity and venture capital firms here has grown steadily  with 565 firms as of 2019, up from 412 in 2015.







Hong Kong ranked third in a Global Financial Centers index published in March by the London-based think tank Z/Yen, after New York and London.







"Hong Kong continues to perform well against a wide range of the measures used in the (Z/Yen Global Financial Centers) index, and its capitalization and expertise remain strong," Mike Wardle, CEO of Z/Yen Group and author of the index, said in an email.







"As for the future, we would expect Hong Kong to continue to offer a wide range of high-quality financial services and to act as a conduit for finance between China and the rest of the world, so long as it retains sufficient strength in skills and human capital."







In Z/Yen's survey of around 12,000 respondents in the financial sector around the world, released in March, Hong Kong was also cited as the third-most-desirable place to live and work, after New York and London, thanks to "the depth and breadth of the financial sector in the city," and "opportunity in places with large, well-established markets."







"Hong Kong will continue to be a global financial and business hub because of its low and relatively simple tax system and a strong and independent legal system," said Joseph Chow, a partner at Hong Kong-based law firm Wellington Legal.







"It is one of the most  if not the most  efficient metropolitan cities and it will continue to attract talent from all over the world."







The financial industry also expects Hong Kong to benefit from the Greater Bay Area initiative  which seeks to create a major business cluster with Hong Kong, Macau and nine cities in southern China. The combined GDP of the 11 cities is $1.6 trillion, which compares with the GDP of South Korea.







Cross-border initiatives have been taken to enable investors based in the mainland, Hong Kong and elsewhere around the world to trade in stocks and exchange-traded funds listed in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.







Hong Kong ranks among the world's top 10 stock markets with a market capitalization of over $39.1 trillion as of June, according to the Hong Kong Exchange.


These five female idols are well-known for their top-tier visuals. You may think their standard for men was also high. On the contrary, they confessed that appearance doesn't matter to them when dating! Keep reading to know their ideal types.

In the K-pop scene, female idols who boast beautiful faces are surrounded by many good-looking colleagues. Some fans even "ship" them due to their top chemistry when together.

Shockingly, some stars confessed that they are not attracted to men's looks, rather, they value personality more.

Here Are 6 Stars Whose Ideal Types Were Based on Personality Over Appearance:

1. BLACKPINK Jennie

Jennie, the main rapper and visual of BLACKPINK, is also famous as a trendsetter, fashion icon, and "It Girl" beyond Korea.

Despite her high-level qualities, Jennie admitted that she doesn't consider looks when she sees a man.

On JTBC's "Knowing Bros," aired in 2017, she emphasized that outward appearance is not significant and picked Lee Soo Geun as her ideal type among the MCs of the program.

According to her she also wants to be liked by someone even when she's not beautiful.

1. IU

IU established her name as South Korea's "Nation's Little Sister" and "Sweetheart" that's why a lot were rooting for her to meet someone who will love her for life.

While looks matter for some netizens, IU confessed through various media that she has not been attracted to handsome people since her debut. Instead, she likes people when they work hard with passion.

In 2020, IU also added during her guesting for KBS"s CoolFM's "Jung Eunji's Gayo Plaza" that she preferred someone with good health as well.

"My ideal type is a person who is likely to live a long life."

3. Bae Suzy

"Nation's First Love" Bae Suzy also doesn't look at the physical appearance of men!

Despite her "goddess-like" beauty, the former Miss A member confessed in 2013 that her ideal type is someone honest, easygoing, and hardworking.

A year after, Suzy added that he's also not attracted to handsome people and surprised everyone by saying:

"I don't think I'd like a handsome man."

In 2015, she dated Lee Minho who is a handsome man but when asked what she likes about him, Suzy replied that it was because he's a "deeply caring and warm person."

4. Red Velvet's Irene

Irene, also known as "Original Visual," shared her ideal type in 2017 and talked about how a guy's personality weighs more than his face for her.

In particular, when she was asked about her standards when dating, she said:

"My ideal type is a warm guy who doesn't make me feel lonely."

Irene also said that she is attracted to a sweet person.

5. Oh My Girl's YooA

In 2020, YooA, one of the female idols with the most beautiful faces, revealed during an interview that she also doesn't base on appearance when dating.

"I don't like handsome people, and I don't like cool people. I like people who are kind and have their own philosophy."

In 2021, she defined "love" and responded:

"True love seems to come from comfort."

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dawson
SLTC Research University is organizing its annual research Conference IRC 2022 to be held on 29th and 30th September 2022 at the SLTC Padukka Premises on Hybrid mode.

IRC2022 invites the submission of extended abstracts by undergraduates, graduates, postgraduates, support staff, and academics from local and foreign universities, research organizations, and elsewhere in research areas.

Authors are invited to submit their extended abstracts through the Easy Chair platform via https://easychair.org/account/signin?l=ZloN4v8R6YCzOwIDiWwF5D . The IRC2022 will host pre-event workshops, exhibitions, seminars, and conferences on specific themes.

More details can be obtained from https://irc2022.sltc.ac.lk/.
Next year's Eurovision Song Contest will be staged in Britain, organisers announced Monday, after concluding it is too risky to hold the much-beloved pop extravaganza in the designated host country, Ukraine. The U.K. said the 2023 event would be a celebration of Ukrainian culture and creativity. The Roundup: No Way Out  Don Lee Returns for the Sequel of South Koreas Biggest Blockbuster of 2022.

Ukraine won the right to host the glitzy pan-continental music competition when its entry, the folk-rap ensemble Kalush Orchestra, won this year's contest in May. Britain's Sam Ryder came in second. The European Broadcasting Union, which runs Eurovision, said it had concluded that regrettably, next year's event could not be held in Ukraine for safety and security reasons. It said Britain's BBC had agreed to broadcast the show on behalf of Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC. Second Jammu Film Festival to Screen 54 Films, Documentaries From 15 Countries.

The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine, said Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the managing board of UA:PBC. We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us. The fate of the 2023 contest had featured in talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Johnson said the two had agreed that wherever Eurovision 2023 is held, it must celebrate the country and people of Ukraine.

As we are now hosts, the U.K. will honor that pledge directly  and put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends, Johnson said. Ukraine has won the contest twice and hosted Eurovision in 2005 and 2017. The competition has been held in Britain eight times, most recently in 1998, the year after the U.K. last won. The BBC said bidding to be the host city for the 2023 contest will open next week.

Founded in 1956 to help unite a continent scarred by World War II, Eurovision has grown to include more than 40 countries, including non-European nations such as Israel and Australia. Organisers strive to keep pop and politics apart  banning overtly political symbols and lyrics  but global tensions have often imposed themselves on the contest. Russia was kicked out of this year's competition because of its invasion of Ukraine in February.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mohali, Jul 25 (PTI) Punjab minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Monday said 125 acres of panchayat land has been freed from illegal possession at Siswan village in Mohali.

The land, which is adjacent to former chief minister Amarinder Singh's farm house, was illegally occupied by 13 persons, said the Rural Development and Panchayat minister.

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He also said an estimated value of this land is Rs 2 to 2.5 crore per acre.

In the near future, another 8,000 acres of land in this area, which has been encroached, will be freed, he said.

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The minister said Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had instructed the Rural Development and Panchayat department in May to identify agricultural and commercial lands which have been encroached upon and get them freed.

He said the department had started this campaign against illegal possession of panchayat land on May 1 and had set a target of freeing 5,000 acres of land by June, but the department had freed 6,100 acres of land.

Dhaliwal said the land that has been freed from illegal possession, will be given on lease and if any land can be sold, the government will take appropriate action by framing a policy.

(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 25 (PTI) As many as 134 new cases of coronavirus have been detected in Maharashtra's Thane district, taking its infection count to 7,33,483, a health official said on Monday.

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With the addition of the latest cases on Sunday, the district currently has 896 active COVID-19 cases, he said.

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No death was reported on Sunday and the COVID-19 fatality toll stood at 11,925, he said, adding that the recovery count has reached 7,22,952.

(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 25 (PTI) More than 200 tonnes of garbage, mainly single-use plastic, have been removed from the sea coasts during the first 20 days of the ongoing Coastal Clean-Up campaign, Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh said on Monday.

Singh reviewed the progress of the 75-day campaign that was launched on July 5 and aims at removing 1,500 tonnes of garbage from the 7,500-km long coastline of the country by September 17, which is observed as International Coastal Clean-up Day.

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The minister noted that so far more than 5,200 volunteers from 24 states have registered for the campaign to raise awareness about 'Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar'.

He asked officials of the Earth Sciences ministry to rope in NGOs, citizen groups, children and youth forums, corporates, non-profit organisations, consular staff as well as municipal corporations of the coastal states to convert it into a mass movement.

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M Ravichandra, Secretary, Earth Sciences said the coastal clean-up campaign was carried out at Digha and Haldiya in West Bengal, Bhawanipatna in Odisha Paschim, Thiruvananthapuram and Manjeshwar in Kasaragod district of Kerala, Asmawati Ghat in Porbandar and Gir, Somnath in Gujarat, Mangalore, Udupi in Karnataka and Chatham for Shore Road in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Last week, Singh convened a meeting of Union ministers and Members of Parliament from coastal states and sought their suggestions and support to make it a mass campaign.

Indian Merchants' Chamber (IMC) President Anant Singhania also met Singh on Saturday and extended support for Mumbai sea beach cleaning as a part of the Coastal Clean-Up campaign.

Singhania, who was accompanied by Managing Committee Members of the IMC, also assured mobilisation of resources for the rejuvenation and beautification of Marine Drive in Mumbai.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh, Jul 25 (PTI) Three Punjab policemen, including an Inspector, were dismissed from service after they were found to have fabricated a drug case against two persons and extorted money from them, police said on Monday.

Inspector Parminder Singh Bajwa, Assistant Sub-Inspector Angrej Singh, and Head Constable Joginder Singh, posted at Narcotic Control Cell in Ferozepur, were suspended from service.

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The accused were dismissed under Article 311 (2) of the Constitution, said police.

A team of anti-narcotic cell, Ferozepur, led by Inspector Bajwa, ASI Angrej, and HC Joginder, in connivance with other police officials, had arrested two people on July 20, and allegedly implicated them in a drug case by planting on them 1kg heroin, and showing recovery of Rs 5 lakh from their possession, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said.

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Bajwa had also booked the two people under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act at Ferozepur Cantonment Police Station, the DGP said in a statement.

Apparently, the recovery seemed suspicious to the SSP Ferozepur, who started probing the matter at an internal level.

In the meantime, Police also received a complaint from a person who alleged that an employee of his was duped of lakhs of rupees by the accused police officials, the DGP said.

He said during the course of an investigation, it came to the fore that the accused had fabricated the recovery and set up the two people with the intention to extort money from them.

When the accused were confronted with the allegations during an inquiry, they had no clarification.

Later, the three absconded which strengthened police' suspicions about their roles, the DGP said.

Bajwa was dismissed by the Inspector General of Police, Ferozepur range, Jaskaran Singh, while, Angrej and Joginder were dismissed by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ferozepur, Surendra Lamba for gross negligence of their services.

Yadav said black sheeps in the uniform will not be tolerated and if any police officer or official found indulging in any kind of malpractice, they will be dealt with severely.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kolkata, Jul 25 (PTI) West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee, arrested in connection with an alleged school jobs scam, was on Monday flown to Odisha capital Bhubaneswar in an air ambulance by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as per direction of the Calcutta High Court, an official of the agency said.

The court on July 24 directed the ED, which had arrested Chatterjee in connection with its probe into the alleged scam, to take to AIIMS Bhubaneswar early on Monday by air ambulance.

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"He has been taken to Bhubaneswar in an air ambulance as per the Calcutta High Court direction, an ED official said.

Our officials are ready in Odisha airport to receive him, he added. Chatterjee was taken to the Kolkata airport in an ambulance earlier in the day from state-run SSKM hospital, where he was undergoing treatment.

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A green corridor was created so that he could reach the airport here in around 30 minutes, a Kolkata Police official said.

Two of Chatterjee's counsels are also travelling with him, the ED official said. Chatterjee, now the state industries and parliamentary affairs minister, was remanded to ED custody till Monday by a lower court in Kolkata.

He held the education portfolio when the alleged teacher recruitment irregularities at state government-sponsored and-aided schools took place.

The Calcutta HC directed that the minister, be produced before a special ED court in Kolkata through virtual mode at 4 PM on Monday.

(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 25 (PTI) Taking a veiled dig at SBSP chief Om Prakash Rajbhar for reportedly cosying up to Mayawati, BSP leader Akash Anand on Monday urged people to beware of such "selfish people".

"The entire world praises the administration and discipline of the Mayawati government. But some opportunistic people are using Behenji's name for doing politics. One needs to beware of such selfish people," Anand tweeted in Hindi.

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The tweet by the national coordinator of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) assumes significance as it came a day after Rajbhar said that his party was no longer in alliance with the Samajwadi Party (SP).

"Some party leaders are of the view that we should go with the BSP. I also feel the same. The BSP performed well in the recent bypolls held in Azamgarh," Rajbhar said on Sunday.

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He also said that BSP chief "Mayawati spends more time in the field as compared to SP chief Akhilesh Yadav".

Rajbhar had also accused Akhilesh Yadav of bias in distribution of tickets in the recent Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

The Samajwadi Party had fought the assembly polls together with Jayant Chaudhary's RLD, Rajbhar's SBSP, Apna Dal (Kamerawadi), Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) of Shivpal Yadav, Keshav Dev Maurya's Mahan Dal and the Janwadi Party.

The Mahan Dal and the Janwadi Party have already severed ties with the SP.

After the SP's defeat in Azamgarh and Rampur Lok Sabha bypolls, Rajbhar had advised Akhilesh Yadav to go among the people and not do politics from an air-conditioned room.

Rajbhar's party won six seats in the recent state assembly elections.

(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 25 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) is all set to launch a two-day Tiranga Yatra on the Kargil Vijay Diwas starting today under the leadership of BJYM National President and MP Tejasvi Surya.

According to the BJYM statement, the yatra will commence from Lal Chowk in Srinagar and culminate at Kargil. National office bearers, executive members and state presidents of BJYM will participate in this yatra.

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On July 26, the BJYM will celebrate Vijay Diwas at Kargil War Memorial.

The caravan of flag-bearing bikes will be flagged off at Lal Chowk Srinagar, wherein National General Secretary of BJP Tarun Chugh will be the chief guest.

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Surya has instructed all the attendees to bring soil from the front yard of the martyrs' homes in their respective states, which shall be dedicated at the war memorial as a symbolic gesture of the immortality of the fallen and to honour their families.

"It is a matter of honour for BJYM to lead the first organizational program of BJP in Kashmir since the abrogation of article 370. BJYM's historic Tiranga Yatra from Lal Chowk to Kargil on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas will deliver the message of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as BJYM Karyakartas from across India will join me in this yatra," said Surya.

BJYM President will address the public event. He will be joined by MPs and other dignitaries who will also be a part of the bike rally.

The team will pay homage to the fallen soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial and also it will unfurl the 75-meter-long Indian National Flag to mark 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.

Earlier on Sunday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the abrogation of Article 370 has brought a new dawn of hope to the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

"India has become a strong and confident nation which is well-equipped to protect its people from anyone who tries to cast an evil eye," said Rajnath Singh during an event organised to commemorate 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' in Jammu on Sunday.

Highlighting the Centre's effort to build a self-reliant defence ecosystem, Singh said that self-reliant India is well-equipped to give a befitting reply to anyone who casts an evil eye.

The closing ceremony will be held in Kargil City. Kargil war hero Gen VK Singh, Union MoS Civil Aviation, will grace the occasion as the chief guest.

"It will be a historic and the largest political event in Kashmir since the Abrogation of Article 370 and the complete constitutional integration of Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," it said in a statement.

This event is all set to send a loud and clear message to the entire nation calling for unity and oneness while at the same time celebrating the valour of the Indian Army.

On July 26, BJYM will organize Prabhat Pheris across all districts with Tiranga Yatra. The closing ceremony will also be live streamed across all BJP offices.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army is gearing up for the 23rd Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh's Drass. The preparations are underway at the sleepy town of Drass, Kargil. Vijay Diwas is being held from July 24 to 26 at the Kargil War Memorial.

Each year, Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26 to honour the valour and sacrifice of the soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty during the Kargil War.

The Indian Armed Forces defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay.

The day marks the victory of Indian soldiers in recapturing the mountain heights that were occupied by the Pakistani Army on July 26, 1999, known as the Kargil War.

The Kargil War was fought between May 8, 1999, to July 26, 1999, against Pakistan intruders, who in the winters of 1998 transgressed into the Indian territory across the Line of Control and occupied fortified defences overlooking the NH 1A in Kargil's Drass and Batalik Sectors of Ladakh region with a nefarious aim of dominating all military and civil movement on the highway. (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 25 (ANI): Delhi logged 16 cases of dengue in July, and with this, the total number of cases this year has gone up to 159, according to a Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) report.

No death has been reported due to dengue so far this year in the national capital, according to the report.

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Earlier in June, there were 32 cases of dengue in the national capital.

MCD data shows that between January 1 and June 25 this year, Delhi reported 134 dengue cases. Curiously, the monthly dengue cases, since January, have been the highest ever recorded since 2017, when the civic agency started proper bookkeeping.

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As per the report, the dengue cases in the month of June were 20 in 2020, 26 in 2019, 33 in 2018 and 60 in 2017.

Last year, 9,613 dengue cases were recorded in the national capital, which was the highest number in the last five years.

Further, 4,431 cases were reported in 2016 and 4,726 cases in 2017, while in 2018 the cases sharply dropped to 2,798 cases and 2,036 cases were registered in 2019.

In 2020, the infections dropped nearly by 50 per cent as a total of 1,072 infections were reported last year, the lowest in the period ranging from 2016-2021.

Meanwhile, last year, 23 deaths were reported in the city, which was the highest since 2016.

In 2017 and 2016, a total of 10 people died in the city. In the years that followed, four, two and one death was reported in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Meanwhile, 33 cases of malaria and eight cases of chikungunya have been reported this year so far. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Gurugram, Jul 25 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar Monday launched an app-based system for police attendance and real time monitoring of patrolling by personnel in Gurugram.

The CM launched the 'Smart E-Beat' system at an event at the office of Commissioner of Police here and flagged off 119 motorcycle police riders connected with it.

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Khattar said this app-based system has been introduced in Gurugram under the 'Smart Policing Initiative' (SPI) and it will help these policemen to mark their attendance, and in monitoring of their rides.

This also means the beat system has been digitised, he said.

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Khattar said till now the policemen deployed at the beat used to mark their attendance manually and there was no system of their monitoring. But, this GIS-based system would enable a more effective monitoring and the location of riders can be easily tracked.

The Smart E-Beat' system would cover the area of all the 33 police station located in the urban area of Gurugram. As many as 119 motorcycle riders will be deployed, he said.

Thus, 714 policemen will give duty on the rider in three shifts a day, he said.

The minister said the Gurugram Police has identified 2,056 sensitive locations in the city, which mainly include ATMs, petrol pumps, residences of senior citizens, schools, colleges, religious places, and crime affected areas for monitoring.

This system will be integrated with Emergency Response Support System in future so that apart from ERV, this rider can also reach for help on the call received on phone number-112 because many times motorcycles reach faster than four-wheeler vehicles.

Earlier, giving a presentation on the system, Gurugram Police Commissioner Kala Ramachandran said it was first implemented as a pilot project in East Gurugram and Manesar areas. After removing the shortcomings, it was extended to South Gurugram and West Gurugram this month.

She said that under this new initiative, every rider has to download the e-beat app on his mobile phone. The riders mark their attendance by punching on this app after going to the beat area where they have been deployed.

She said that the responsibility of checking sensitive places is given to these riders. The Commissioner of Police also informed that the data of "bad characters" and stolen vehicles has also been entered in this app so that these riders can be helpful in finding the stolen vehicles.

She said the Smart E-Beat' system will work as a secure, digital, smart and real time patrolling solution to the police. Senior police officers will also be able to monitor patrolling more effectively. This will increase sense of security among the residents and will bring transparency and accountability can also be fixed.

Ramachandran said this app works in offline mode and network is not required. This is a next generation patrolling application on which the dashboard will display how many locations or places the rider has checked, how many they have not visited.

(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 25 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai Monday said the state government will soon issue tenders for building state-of-art marina facilities at Byndoor, Mangalore and Malpe on the lines of Singapore under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Bommai made the announcement after meeting Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on the second day of his visit to the national capital.

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Later, the CM also called on Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Commerce and Textile Minister Piyush Goyal.

Briefing the media, Bommai said the issue of development of marina facilities was discussed in the meeting with Sonowal who encouraged the state government to undertake these projects under the PPP model and assured providing Viability Gap Funding. Marina facilities, which will be set up at Byndoor, Mangalore and Malpe coastal areas, would be a place for leisure, tourism and business development activities in lines of Singapore, he said. "We will invite PPP tenders in the next 8-10 days."

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Bommai also discussed with the Union minister pending state proposals under the SagarMala project. Around 27 projects worth Rs 1,800 crore were submitted, out of which 10 have been cleared so far, he said. In at least 10 projects, the state has given clarifications and the Centre has now assured fast tracking them, he said, adding some projects related to setting up a Rs 250-crore harbour project at Karwar will be cleared by the Central ministry after getting a nod from the fishery department as they are related to the department.

In his meeting with Gadkari, the chief minister said the state government has been asked to take up construction of five ring roads at Raichur, Kopla, Gulbarga, Gadag and Belgaum.

It has also been asked to send to the Centre 24 proposals related to construction of railway overbridges in the state.

Bommai, during his meeting with Goyal, sought two textile parks -- one each at Bijapur and Gulbarga -- under different schemes in order to boost employment in those districts.

The chief minister said he also plans to meet Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav later during the day and discuss lifting of restrictions on the coastal regulation zone in Karnataka like in Goa and Kerala, thereby permitting tourism activities on the beach.

Bommai also said BJP President J P Nadda will attend an event at Doddaballapur on July 28 to mark four years of BJP rule in the state.

(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 25 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai is likely to move a motion in the Rajya Sabha later on Monday for election to the Committee of Parliament on Official Language.

Rai is set to move the motion during the business of the Upper House after it will assemble for the day at 2 pm.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah is the Chairperson of the Official Language Committee.

"In pursuance of sub-section (2) of Section 4 of the Official Languages Act, 1963 (19 of 1963), this House does proceed to elect, in the manner as directed by the Chairman, two Members from amongst the Members of the House to be members of the Committee on Official Language in an existing vacancy and another that will arise on the 1 August 2022, due to the retirement of Dr Subhash Chandra from the membership of the Rayya Sabha," mentions revised list of business of Rajya Sabha.

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Under Article, 344 (4) of the Constitution, a Committee of Parliament on Official Language was constituted with 30 members (20 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha) in September 1957 and on November 16, 1957, its first meeting was convened.

The then Union Home Minister Govind Vallabh Pant presented its report to the President on February 8, 1959, after a detailed discussion in its 26 meetings. The Commission and the Committee both were of the view that the use of English, after January 26, 1965, be continued as a co-official language.

The Committee suggested that the medium of English in the examinations for the recruitment to the All India Services and Higher Central Services should be continued and later on Hindi may be introduced as an optional medium.

A discussion was carried out on the Report in the Lok Sabha from September 2 to 4, 1959 and in the Rajya Sabha from September 8 to 9, 1959.

The Prime Minister gave a statement in the Lok Sabha on 4th September. 1959. While clarifying broadly the Government's stand on the Official Language, he repeatedly said that English be made as an associate or additional language and it can be used in correspondence by any state with the Government of India or with other states. Further, he clarified that till such time the non-Hindi speaking states agree to stop using English, no time limit would be laid down in this regard.

Home Minister Shah in April this year presided over the 37th meeting of the Parliamentary Official Language committee here in the national capital and said that the pace at which the current committee is working has rarely been seen before.

In the meeting, Shah said that the time has come to make the Official Language an important part of the unity of the country. He had said that when citizens of States who speak other languages, communicate with each other, it should be in the language of India.

The Minister said that Hindi should be accepted as an alternative to English and not to local languages.

Shah had said that unless we make Hindi flexible by accepting words from other local languages, it would not be propagated.

Now 70 per cent of the agenda of the Cabinet is prepared in Hindi and 22,000 Hindi teachers have been recruited in the eight states of the North East. Also, nine tribal communities of the North East have converted their dialects' scripts to Devanagari.

Apart from this, all the eight states of the North East have agreed to make Hindi compulsory in schools up to Class 10. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 25 (ANI): Right after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of BJP-ruled states at the party headquarters here to deliberate on the developmental work done by them, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur informed that he held a detailed discussion regarding the upcoming state Assembly polls.

"We had a Chief Minister's Council meeting on July 24. All Chief Ministers met BJP chief JP Nadda. I had a detailed discussion regarding the polls in Himachal Pradesh of which two topics were discussed in detail. I'll further discuss this with party colleagues and take forward our poll campaigns," Thakur said to ANI on Sunday.

Also Read | Himachal Pradesh: Five Dead, Two Injured As Car Falls Into Gorge in Chamba District.

Notably, Legislative Assembly elections will be held in Himachal Pradesh in 2022 to elect 68 members of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a meeting with chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of BJP-ruled states at the party headquarters in Delhi to deliberate on the developmental work done by them.

Also Read | Maharashtra Police Register Case After Hoarding Congratulating President-Elect Draupadi Murmu Found Torn in Vasai.

The meeting was also attended by the BJP president, JP Nadda, its senior leader and Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Vinay Sahsrabuddhe, who heads the party's good governance cell.

The chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of 18 states where the BJP is in power on its own or in alliance with other parties held deliberations on achieving a 100 per cent target of all centrally sponsored welfare schemes and flagship programmes, sources said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma are among those who attended the meeting.

Nagaland Chief Minister Nephio Rio, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha are also present.

Several deputy chief ministers including Maharashtra's Devendra Fadnavis and Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi from Bihar attended the meeting. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
By Shalini Bhardwaj

New Delhi [India], July 25 (ANI): The National Aids Control Organization (NACO) initiated a round of discussions after a group of HIV patients protested outside its office in Delhi against the shortage of antiretroviral drugs during the past few months, sources told ANI.

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"After persuasion by NACO and with active cooperation of national networks of persons living with HIV (PLHIV), four representatives of the protestors had a round of discussion with senior officers of NACO today afternoon," sources said.

Protesters were informed about the position regarding drug availability during the discussions.

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"They were informed about the position regarding drugs availability and they were told to jointly work with state AIDS control societies and NACO for the availability of drugs at those few centres which were running short on supplies, temporarily," sources said further.

This has been the practice in NACO from the very beginning and all stakeholders work together.

Meanwhile, Harishankar, who was sitting outside the centre said, "We are sitting outside the National AIDS Control Organisation since July 21. We haven't been getting medicines for months. These are those antiretroviral medicines that we used to get earlier at ART centres."

"We have done many meetings with NACO but nothing concrete has been done. There are around 50,000 patients struggling for these medicines," he said.

Sources said that ART centres may have this issue but the medicines are relocated from nearby centres.

"There is no reported stock out for any ARV drugs at the State level and the fresh supply orders for procurement of the next lot of several drugs are already placed. Individual Art Centres may have this issue at times but the medicines are immediately relocated from nearby Centres," sources said.

"Central Medical Services Society (CMSS) has been requested to supply the first lot of the drugs at the earliest. Before the present stock runs out, the fresh lot of drugs would have been received," sources added.

India is one of the very few countries that provide free Anti-retroviral medicines for lifelong treatment of more than 14.5 lakh PLHIV through 680 ART centres under its National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), which is fully funded by the Government of India.

National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) centrally procures ARV medicines for PLHIV as per national guidelines.

"There is adequate stock nationally for around 95% PLHIV in the country who are on 1st & 2nd line ARV regimens like Tablet TLD (Tenofovir+ Lamivudine+ Dolutegravir) and other ARV regimens," sources 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, Jul 25 (PTI) The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to Bihar prisons chief over reports that poor quality of food was allegedly being served to inmates at a jail in Begusarai, an official statement said on Monday.

The NHRC has issued the notice to the Director General of Prisons, Bihar, seeking a report within six weeks, the rights panel said in a statement.

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The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that "poor quality of food" i being served to the prisoners in Begusarai Jail, it said.

Besides, on the quality of food, the report should also include the status of other basic facilities for the prisoners in other jails of the state, it said.

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According to the media report, the matter came to the notice when a prisoner, lodged in the Begusarai Jail, approached the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, it added.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], July 25 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will not attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Droupadi Murmu today in the national capital.

This is not the first time Nitish Kumar will be skipping such an important event. Earlier also he has missed several events organised by the BJP by giving excuses, showing that there is a rift between Bihar CM and the BJP.

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Read @ANI Story |  Latest Tweet by ANI Digital.

The Chief Minister has skipped several functions where the invite came from the party's top brass.

On July 17, he even missed a meeting of Chief Ministers called by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

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On Friday, he again skipped dinner for outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

President-elect Droupadi Murmu will take oath today as the Rashtrapati of India.

Chief Justice of India NV Ramana will administer the oath to her at 10:15 am in the central hall of Parliament.

This will be followed by a 21-gun salute.

The ceremony will begin with the arrival of the outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind's arrival in Parliament.

Murmu will deliver her first address shortly after taking an oath of the office of the President of India.

Earlier in teh day, president-elect Murmu paid homage to the 'Father of the Nation' Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in the national capital.

Later, she called on outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind and his wife Savita Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Murmu will be escorted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha M Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to the Central Hall. Once Droupadi Murmu reaches there, the National Anthem will be played in the Central Hall. Then, Droupadi Murmu will take the oath of office in the presence of the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana.

On July 22, the former Jharkhand Governor Murmu registered a historic win over her rival Yashwant Sinha in the Presidential election, becoming the first woman tribal candidate and the second woman in the country to occupy the highest office in the country.

The NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu was 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. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 25 (ANI): West Bengal cabinet minister Partha Chatterjee who was arrested by Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday will be shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday.

This comes after Calcutta High Court's order. The doctors in AIIMS Bhubaneswar will furnish the medical reports, as per the direction of the court.

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Chatterjee is currently admitted in SSKM Hospital in Kolkata after he complained of chest pain.

On Saturday, ED arrested Chatterjee following the raids by the central probe agency which seized Rs 21 crore in cash from the premises of his close associate Arpita Mukherjee, in connection with an alleged teacher recruitment scam in the state.

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After his arrest, the Bankshall Court in Kolkata granted two days of ED custody to Chatterjee on Saturday. However, Chatterjee developed heart pain and was later admitted to SSKM hospital.

Notably, ED prayed before the magistrate to allow Chatterjee to be taken to Command Hospital instead of state-run SSKM. ED said that Chatterjee is a senior minister and his roots are deep in government hospitals, where he can be influential. However, the court ordered Chatterjee to be taken to SSKM Hospital.

"Partha Chatterjee (West Bengal cabinet minister and former Education Minister of the state) is not feeling well. He has developed heartache. We demanded that proper medical facilities should be given to him if ED's custody is granted," said Chatterjee's lawyer.

The arrests were made at Chatterjee's residence in Kolkata where the ED team was present since Friday.Earlier on Friday, ED officials raided the residences of West Bengal ministers Partha Chatterjee and Paresh Adhikari and several others and recovered huge cash amounting to approximately Rs 20 crore from the residential premises of Arpita Mukherjee.

The said amount is suspected to be the proceeds of the crime of said SSC scam. The search team is taking the assistance of bank officials for the counting of cash through cash counting machines.

A total of more than 20 mobile phones have also been recovered from the premises of Arpita Mukherjee, the purpose and use of which are being ascertained, said the probe agency.

Besides cash, a number of other incriminating documents, records, details of dubious companies, electronic devices, foreign currency and gold have also been recovered from the various premises of the persons linked to the scam. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 25 (ANI): Bengaluru Police have arrested a suspected terrorist belonging to a terrorist organization and further investigation is underway, said Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Monday.

He further said that his local accomplices, who were with the terrorist have also been interrogated and the activities carried out by him are being investigated.

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Earlier, after Bengaluru police had arrested a person who was connected with terrorist organizations in Jammu and Kashmir and settled in the Okalipur area.

Further details are awaited.

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Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai informed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday had said that there has been a substantial decline in terrorist attacks from 417 in 2018 to 229 in 2021.

While giving a written reply to a query to the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, the MoS said the government has a "policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and the security situation has improved significantly in Jammu and Kashmir."

The Minister said the incidents of terrorist attacks also decreased significantly since 2018 in Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 229 terrorist attacks were reported in 2021; 244 in 2020; 255 in 2019; and 417 in 2018.

In these attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister said, a total of 42 security force personnel were killed in 2021 following 62 killings in 2020, 80 in 2019 and 91 in 2018. Similarly, a total of 41 civilians were killed in 2021 following 37 in 2020 and 39 each in 2019 as well as 2018.

"The government has taken several measures to ensure the safety of minorities in the valley. These include a robust security and intelligence grid, day and night area domination, patrolling and proactive operations against terrorists, round-the-clock checking at Nakas, deployment of Road Opening Parties at strategic points to thwart any terrorist attack," Rai said.

He also shared data showing the year-wise attacks on civilians during the last five years.

As per the data, a total of seven civilians had been attacked in Jammu and Kashmir up to June 30 this year.

"The number of civilians attacked in 2021 was 12. The number stands at 28 both in 2020 and 2019. However, 33 civilians were attacked in 2018," as per the data. (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 25 (PTI) Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind escorted his successor Droupadi Murmu from the Rashtrapati Bhawan to Parliament House for the oath-taking ceremony in a presidential limousine on Monday.

President Kovind and President-elect Murmu walked down the 31 majestic steps of the Rashtrapati Bhawan to the saluting dais where they took the presidential salute.

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The president's bodyguards rendered the national anthem after which the two were taken in the presidential limousine which moved out of the Rashtrapati Bhavan through the iron gates escorted by the President's bodyguard towards Parliament House for the formal swearing-in ceremony.

At the steps of the Gate No. 5 of Parliament House, the President was given a national salute by the President's bodyguards with the President-elect standing by his side.

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Accompanying them were Chief Justice of India N V Ramana, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha M Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

They walked in a procession to the Central Hall of Parliament where they were welcomed to a roll of drums, which indicates the arrival of the president.

(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 25 (ANI): After assuming the highest constitutional office of the country, President Droupadi Murmu said that her being sworn in as President shows "poor in India can have dreams and also fulfil them."

In her first address to the country as President, She called for speeding up efforts to meet the expectations that the freedom fighters had for the citizens of Independent India.

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"Satisfying to me that the people who were devoid of development for years - the poor, Dalits, backward, the tribals - can see me as their reflection," she added.

Murmu said that the country has elected me as the President at a crucial time when India is celebrating 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'. and said she is ready to welcome 'Amrit Kaal' with new thinking adding that the country is engaged in the making of 'Ek Bharat - Shreshtha Bharat' by adopting many languages, religions, sects, food habits, lifestyles and customs.

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"A few days from today, the country will complete 75 years of its independence. And today, in the 75th year of independence, I have been assigned this new responsibility. Reaching the post of President is not my personal achievement, it is the achievement of every poor in India," said Murmu, the first tribal and second woman to hold the country's highest constitutional office.

The President said that it is her great privilege to be given this responsibility at such a historic time when India is engaged with full vigour in realising its vision for the next 25 years.

She said her elevation to the post is not only her own achievement but that of every poor of the country and is a reflection of the confidence of crores of Indians.

Murmu is the youngest President of the country, who was born after India's independence. She is also the first tribal leader to be elected to the highest constitutional post of the country and the second woman President of India.

Chief Justice of India NV Ramana administered her oath at a ceremony held at Parliament's Central Hall in the presence of former president Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President and Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Members of the Council of Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, heads of diplomatic missions, Members of Parliament and principal civil and military officers of the government were also present at the swearing-in ceremony.

The 64-year-old defeated opposition presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha to become the first tribal and the second woman to hold the top constitutional post.

President Mumru also received a ceremonial salute at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan after being sworn in as the 15th President of India.

"Johar! Namaskar! I express my heartfelt gratitude to all Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies for electing me to the highest Constitutional post of India. Your vote for me is an expression of the faith of crores of citizens of the country. I humbly greet all my fellow citizens from this sacred Parliament, a symbol of the hopes, aspirations and rights of all the citizens of India. Your affection, trust and support will be my greatest strength in discharging my functions and responsibilities," she said.

"I also happen to be the first President of the country who was born in independent India," she said.

Murmu said that the new development journey towards the bright future of India has to be undertaken by our collective efforts.

"We have to work at a fast pace in this Amrit Kaal to fulfil the expectations of our freedom fighters from the citizens of independent India. In these 25 years, the path to attain the goals of Amrit Kaal will proceed on two tracks - Sabka Prayas aur Sabka Kartavya (everyone's effort and everyone's duty). The new development journey towards the bright future of India has to be undertaken by our collective efforts, following the path of duty," she added.

The president further extended wishes to the Indian Army of the country to all the citizens of the country on Kargil Vijay Diwas in advance.

"We will be observing Kargil Vijay Diwas tomorrow i.e. July 26th. This day is a symbol of both the bravery and restraint of the Indian armed forces. Today, I extend my best wishes in advance to the armed forces of the country and to all the citizens," said the President.

Emphasizing her journey from a small village to the top position in the country, she said, "I started my journey of life from a small tribal village in Odisha in the eastern part of the country. From the background that I come from, it was like a dream for me to get elementary education. But despite many obstacles, my determination remained strong and I became the first daughter of my village to go to college. I belong to a tribal society. I have got the opportunity to rise from serving as a ward councillor to becoming the President of India. This is the greatness of India, the mother of democracy."

She said this is a tribute to the power of our democracy that a daughter born in a poor house in a remote tribal area can reach the highest constitutional position in India.

"That I attained the post of President is not my personal achievement, it is the achievement of every poor person in India. My election is proof of the fact that the poor in India can have dreams and fulfil them too. And it is a matter of great satisfaction for me that those who have been deprived for centuries and those who have been denied the benefits of development, those poor, downtrodden, backwards and tribals are seeing their reflection in me," Murmu said.

She further said that this election of hers has blessings of the poor of the country and it reflects the dreams and potential of crores of women and daughters of the country.

Murmu said that this election of hers also shows the courage of today's youth of India who is ready to walk on new paths and shun the beaten tracks.

"Today I feel proud to lead such a progressive India. Today, I assure all fellow citizens especially youth of India and the women of India that their interests will be paramount for me while working in this position," she said.

"Before me is such a great legacy of the Presidency of India which has continuously strengthened the prestige of Indian democracy in the world. From the country's first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad to Shri Ram Nath Kovind ji, stalwarts have adorned this post. Along with this post, the country has also entrusted me with the responsibility of representing this great tradition," she added.

She promised to discharge her duties with utmost sincerity adding that for her, the democratic-cultural ideals of India and all the citizens will always be her source of energy.

Remembering the freedom struggle of the country, President said, "Our freedom struggle had prepared the roadmap for India's new journey as a nation. Our freedom struggle was a continuous stream of those struggles and sacrifices which had nurtured so many ideas and possibilities for an independent India. Pujya Bapu had resorted to Swaraj, Swadeshi, Swachhta and Satyagraha to show us the way for realising Indian cultural ideals."

She said countless personalities like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Nehru ji, Sardar Patel, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru and Chandrashekhar Azad had taught us to keep national pride as paramount.

"Many brave women icons like Rani Lakshmi Bai, Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rani Gaidinliu and Rani Chennamma had taken to new heights the role of women's power in defending and building the nation. From Santhal revolution, Paika revolution to Kol revolution and Bhil revolution, all these revolutions had strengthened the tribal contribution in the freedom struggle," she said.

The President said we derived inspiration from the sacrifice of 'Dharti Aaba' Bhagwan Birsa Munda for social upliftment and patriotism.

"I am happy that many museums are being built across the country dedicated to the role of the tribal communities in our freedom struggle," said the President.

Murmu said in 75 years as a parliamentary democracy, India has carried forward the resolve of progress through participation and consensus.

"In our country full of diversities, we are engaged in the making of 'Ek Bharat - Shreshtha Bharat' by adopting many languages, religions, sects, food habits, lifestyles and customs. This Amrit Kaal, which commences with the 75th year of our independence, is a period of new resolutions for India. Today I see my country inspired and ready to welcome this new era with new thinking. Today India is adding a new chapter of development in every field," she added.

Talking about the COVID-19 pandemic, the President said India has set a record of administering 200 crore doses of corona vaccine adding that the patience, courage and cooperation shown by the people of India in this entire battle is a symbol of our growing strength and sensitivity as a society.

She said India not only took care of itself in these difficult situations but also helped the world.

"I have had an active association with educational institutions, serving in various positions as a public representative and then as a governor. I have closely observed the enthusiasm and self-confidence of the youth of the country. Our revered Atal ji used to say that when the youth of the country progress, they not only create their own destiny but also shape the fate of the country. Today we are witnessing it come true," she said

She further added that moving ahead in every field - from 'Vocal for Local' to 'Digital India' - today's India, marching in step with the world, is all set for 'Industrial Revolution Four Point O' and said the youth of India has a big role in creating a record number of start-ups, in numerous innovations and in the adoption of digital technology in far-flung areas.

"In the past few years, a new energy has been infused in the country due to the decisions taken and policies formulated for women empowerment. I want all our sisters and daughters to be empowered more and more so that they continue to increase their contribution in every field of nation-building. I want to tell the youth of our country that you are not only building your own future but also laying the foundation for the India of the future. As the President of the country, I will always extend my full cooperation to you," she added.

She said that growth and progress mean continuously marching ahead, but equally important is awareness about one's past.

"Today, when the world is talking about a sustainable planet, the role of India's ancient traditions and sustainable lifestyle becomes more important. I was born in that tribal tradition which has lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years. I have realized the importance of forests and water bodies in my life. We take necessary resources from nature and serve nature with equal reverence. This sensitivity has become a global imperative today," said Murmu.

The President said that with this spirit of the welfare of the world, she will always be ready to work with full devotion and dedication to live up to the trust you all have reposed in me.

"Let us all unite and move forward on the path of duty with a dedicated spirit to build a glorious and self-reliant India," she added.

On July 22, the NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu has officially declared the 15th President of the country after the conclusion of the counting of votes.

Murmu received 2,824 votes with a value of 6,76,803 while her opponent 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.

Born in a Santali tribal family on June 30, 1958, in Uparbeda village coming under Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, she had her education from Bhubaneswar and went on to work first as a junior assistant in the State Irrigation and Power Department from 1979 to 1983.

In 2015, Murmu became the first woman governor of Jharkhand. She also became the first woman tribal leader from Odisha to be appointed as the governor of a state.

However, during her political journey, she faced several lows in her life. Her husband Shyam Charan Murmu, passed away in 2014. She also lost both of her sons all in a span of just four years.

President Kovind was sworn in as the 14th President of India on July 25, 2017, for a five-year term. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Coimbatore (TN), Jul 25 (PTI) A private school in the city has reportedly asked parents of students of the institution to sign an "indemnity bond", which has not gone down well with them.

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While the parents expressed their displeasure over the move, the school claimed it was not compulsory.

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The bond suggests the school is not responsible for any crime or untoward incidents happening to their students, sources in the school located on Avanashi Road said.

However, a few parents claimed the school was asking them to sign the bond or seek a transfer certificate instead and admit their children in other schools.

Meanwhile, the school sources said the management was not compelling parents to sign the bond, but was afraid that incidents similar to the one in Kallakurichi district should not be repeated and it was doing so only for the institution's safety.

So far, no complaint was lodged either with the administration, police or the education department, police said.

A 17-year old girl, studying Class 12 in a private residential school in Chinnasalem's Kaniyamoor area, about 15 km from Kallakurichi, was found dead on July 13 on the hostel premises. The girl, an inmate of a room on the third floor of the hostel was suspected to have ended her life by jumping to the ground from the top floor.

This resulted in violence as protesters, demanding justice for the death of the girl student, went on a rampage and set fire to vehicles, indulged in stone-pelting and ransacked and vandalised the school.

In the meanwhile, a class 12 girl student of a government-aided school near Tiruvallur was found dead on Monday on the premises of the institution-run hostel, police said. It has been reported that she died by suicide (hanging) and an FIR has been registered, police said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) The three services could recruit a total of 37,301 personnel in the last two years as against an average annual vacancy of 60,000 with the induction process hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to details provided by the government on Monday.

The number of total recruits in 2019 was 95,843 with the Army topping the list with 81,812 personnel followed by the IAF with 7,548 and the Navy accounting for 6,483 personnel.

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The details were provided by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha while replying to a question.

According to the data furnished by him, the Army currently has a shortfall of 1,16,484 personnel while the number in the Navy is 13,597 and the IAF 5,789.

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"The recruitment process for the years 2020 and 2021, was severely affected and disrupted because of COVID pandemic, and the recruitment rallies had to be curtailed for the Army," he said.

"Nevertheless, 1280 officers and 12091 soldiers were inducted in the Army for the year 2020, and 1065 officers for the year 2021," he added.

The defence minister said in case of the Navy and the Air Force, which follow an online recruitment process, the impact of the pandemic was lesser.

"In the case of the Navy, 377 officers and 2772 sailors were inducted in the year 2020 and 409 officers and 5547 sailors in the year 2021. Similarly, in the case of the Indian Air Force, 261 officers and 8,423 airmen were inducted during the year 2020 and 467 officers and 4609 airmen in the year 2021," he said.

The three services have already started the recruitment process for the year 2022 under the newly launched 'Agnipath' scheme.

"In case of the Air Force, the online registration process was opened from 24th June to 5th July for 3000 posts. The registration process for the Navy is open from July 15 to 30 for 3,000 posts," Singh said.

The Army has commenced its registration process for 40,000 posts and will start holding rallies from August 10.

Singh said the Army proposes to organise 85 rallies in various parts of the country in the next three months.

"The first batch of candidates will join basic training in the Indian Navy in the month of November and in the Air Force and Army in the month of December this year," he said.

The defence minister said 1,240 officers and 80,572 soldiers were inducted in the Army in 2019 while 415 officers and 6,068 sailors were recruited by the Navy that year. The IAF recruited 326 officers and 7,222 airmen in 2019.

"On an average, 60,000 vacancies arise in the three armed forces every year. Currently, there is a shortfall of 7,799 officers and 1,08,685 soldiers in the Army; 1446 officers and 12,151 sailors in the Navy and 572 officers and 5,217 airmen in the Indian Air Force," Singh said.

"With the improvement in the COVID-19 situation and the start of the process of recruitment, these vacancies are expected to come down in the coming years," he said.

The defence minister informed Lok Sabha that shortage of officers and mitigating measures are reviewed regularly by the armed forces and measures are initiated to fill the vacancies based on detailed analysis.

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Mumbai, Jul 25 (PTI) Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has said unlike previous rebellions in the party, the revolt this time was aimed at "finishing off" the Sena.

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The Sena indulges in politics for Hindutva, whereas the BJP uses Hindutva for its political interests, Thackeray claimed while addressing the Sena workers on Sunday after inaugurating a ward level party office in south Mumbai.

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Last month, Sena MLA Eknath Shinde and 39 other legislators revolted against the party leadership, leading to the collapse of the Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government.

Shinde was on June 30 sworn in as the chief minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis as the deputy CM.

"Unlike the earlier rebellions, this coup is to finish off the Shiv Sena forever. They have hired professional agencies to counter us. This is a battle between money and loyalty," Thackeray said.

Thackeray, who will turn 62 on July 27, said this time he does not want bouquets on his birthday, but affidavits from the Sena workers that they trust the party and more and more registrations of people as party members.

The battle is now also taken to the Election Commission of India, claiming they are the original Shiv Sena. We need not just vigour, but staunch support and registration of people as party members, Thackeray said.

The former chief minister, without taking any name, targeted his cousin and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) head Raj Thackeray, who had reportedly said he would consider allowing the 40 Sena rebel MLAs to merge into his party if needed.

"I know there is an offer made to these people. I do not know what type of chemical locha' (imbalance) is this, but these people have no idea whom they have messed up with," Uddhav Thackeray said.

Referring to the rebel MLAs, he said, I do not know what to call you."

To this, the crowd shouted traitors.

The Sena chief then said, "This is the stamp on their head and they will have to carry it with them wherever they go. They have earned it by their own actions. Despite being representatives of people, they are moving around with protection from the central government."

"The Sena turned ordinary people into extra-ordinary" and that is how these 40 (rebel) MLAs won the election. Now it is time to repeat it with a new set of Shiv Sena workers, he said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Lucknow, Jul 25 (PTI) Tributes were paid to former Samajwadi Party MP Phoolan Devi on her death anniversary at the party's state headquarters here on Monday.

Many leaders, including Samajwadi Party's (SP) national secretary and chief spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary and state president Naresh Uttam Patel, paid floral tributes to the bandit-turned-politician, a statement by the party said.

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"SP president Akhilesh Yadav believes that the story of Phoolan Devi is the history of the struggle of the backward, deprived and dalits. She was the symbol of Kashyap, Mallah, Bind and Nishad society's identity and social justice.

"The Samajwadi Party had taken a big step in the direction of making Phoolan a member of parliament (MP) and getting the Kashyap-Nishad society its due respect," Chaudhary said on the occasion.

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'Bandit Queen' Phoolan Devi, who later turned to politics, along with her gang members were accused of killing 20 people belonging to the Thakur community at Behmai village in Kanpur Dehat on February 14, 1981.

She was elected from the Mirzapur Lok Sabha constituency in 1996 and 1999 from the Samajwadi Party. She was shot dead outside her MP bungalow in New Delhi on July 25, 2001.

The Samajwadi Party organised meetings at party offices in different districts of Uttar Pradesh to mark the occasion.

(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 25 (ANI): A war of words erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday after the latter shared an edited clip of Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeting outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind at the farewell ceremony.

Taking to Twitter, AAP's Sanjay Singh shared a video of leaders greeting President Ram Nath Kovind at the farewell ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament. In the purported video, PM Modi can be seen standing, while other Members of Parliament (MPs) including Union Minister Piyush Goyal welcome the President with folded hands.

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Questioning the purported video, Sanjay Singh wrote in a tweet, "Such an insult. Very Sorry Sir. These people are like this, your term is over, now they will not even look at you."

In response to this, BJP's IT cell chief Amit Malviya lashed out at the Aam Aadmi Pary and called Singh as a 'fake news peddler'. Sharing the longer version of the video which shows PM Modi welcoming Kovind with folded hands before all other leaders, Malviya asked in a tweet, "Fake news peddler Sanjay Singh at it again. Whose (from Kejriwal to Sisodia) lies are caught every day, and habit of tolerating humiliation, how do you know the way people are respected?"

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The Parliament hosted a farewell to President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday evening. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Members of Parliament - both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha - attended the farewell ceremony in the Central Hall of Parliament.

Earlier on Sunday, Sanjay Singh also lashed out at the Centre for spreading hatred toward the Kejriwal government. "PM Modi ji is afraid of (Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor) Arvind Kejriwal ji and does anything without any logic," Singh said.

"Like till now, he has levied 150+ fake cases against AAP leaders. Similarly, Centre has also levelled fabricated allegations on Manish Sisodia ji. In the case of Satyendar Jain ji, one of their leaders had apologized," Singh added.

Union minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday had lashed out at Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and accused him of shielding deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia after Delhi's lieutenant governor VK Saxena recommended a CBI probe into the Delhi Excise Police, 2021-22 over alleged violations of rules and procedural lapses. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mumbai, Jul 25 (PTI) Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty snapped their six-day winning run to close lower by over a half per cent after profit booking in oil & gas, automobile and telecom stocks on Monday.

The 30-share BSE Sensex fell 306.01 points or 0.55 per cent to settle at 55,766.22 dragged down by index heavyweight Reliance Industries.

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During the day, the barometer declined 535.15 points or 0.95 per cent to 55,537.08.

The broader NSE Nifty dipped 88.45 points or 0.53 per cent to 16,631 as 31 of its constituents closed in the red.

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"Bulls finally lost steam after surging ahead for the last six consecutive sessions as investors booked profit in automobile, oil & gas, and telecom stocks, even though gains in metals and select capital goods stocks capped losses. Investors traded with caution ahead of the Federal Reserve meet on Wednesday," Shrikant Chouhan, Head of Equity Research (Retail), Kotak Securities Ltd, said.

Among the Sensex constituents, Mahindra & Mahindra fell the most by 3.80 per cent.

Reliance Industries declined 3.31 per cent after the company's June quarter earnings failed to cheer investors.

The other laggards from the pack were Maruti Suzuki India, Kotak Mahindra Bank, UltraTech Cement, Tech Mahindra and Nestle.

Tata Steel, IndusInd Bank, Asian Paints, HCL Technologies, Wipro and NTPC were among the gainers.

"RIL's results, though impressive on the telecom and retail front, fell slightly below expectations in the refining space," said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

Infosys, which posted a 3.2 per cent increase in its June quarter profit and upgraded its revenue guidance for FY23, declined by 0.23 per cent.

"Fears of global economic slowdown along with reaction to a slew of major quarterly earnings dictated the trend in the domestic market. Recession fears are casting a shadow over the global markets as US and Euro business activity contracted unexpectedly owing to the downturn in manufacturing and service sectors," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

In the broader market, the BSE smallcap gauge dipped 0.13 per cent and midcap index ended marginally higher by 0.03 per cent.

Among the BSE sectoral indices, auto declined by 1.69 per cent, energy by 1.32 per cent, telecom by 0.96 per cent, oil & gas by 0.86 per cent, healthcare by 0.71 per cent and realty by 0.42 per cent.

Basic materials, industrials and metal were among the gainers.

Ajit Mishra, VP - Research, Religare Broking said that indications are in the favour of consolidation and volatility is expected to remain high, due to the prevailing earnings season and upcoming US Fed meeting outcome.

In Asia, markets in Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong ended lower, while Seoul settled in the green.

Markets in Europe were trading in the green during mid-session deals. The US markets had ended on a lower note on Friday.

Meanwhile, international oil benchmark Brent crude jumped 1.24 per cent to USD 104.52 per barrel.

Foreign institutional investors offloaded shares worth Rs 675.45 crore on Friday, as per exchange data.

(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 25 (PTI) Congress President Sonia Gandhi is expected to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) Tuesday for her second round of questioning in the money laundering case linked to the National Herald newspaper.

She is expected to depose before the federal probe agency around noon on July 26 for recording of her statement by the ED investigating officer, officials said.

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Initially, she was summoned by the agency on Monday but it was deferred by a day.

The 75-five-year old Gandhi was questioned for over two hours during her first day of questioning in the case on July 21 where she replied to 28 questions put forth by the agency, that is probing alleged financial irregularities in the Congress-promoted Young Indian Private Limited, which owns the National Herald newspaper.

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Officials said that like it was on the first day of her appearance, all Covid-appropriate protocols will be put in place Tuesday as well such as stationing of doctors and an ambulance, 'Covid negative' certificates of investigators and proper physical distancing between Gandhi and the team of investigators.

Gandhi's children Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi are expected to accompany her to the ED office again like they did last week.

Vadra may again stay back in order to provide any medicines and other medical care, if required.

The Congress has slammed the agency's action against its top leadership and termed it "political vendetta".

The Delhi Police is also expected to deploy a huge force, including CRPF and RAF personnel, and barricade the entire over one kilometre stretch between her residence and the ED office.

The move to question the Gandhis was initiated after the ED late last year registered a fresh case under the criminal provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

This was after a trial court here took cognisance of an Income Tax department probe against Young Indian based on a private criminal complaint by BJP MP Subramanian Swamy in 2013.

Sonia and Rahul Gandhi are among the promoters and majority shareholders in 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 Young Indian paying only Rs 50 lakh to obtain the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore that Associate Journals Limited owed to the Congress.

In February last year, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Gandhis seeking their response on Swamy's plea. Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Pawan Bansal were questioned by the ED in the case in April.

The Congress has maintained there has been no wrongdoing and 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.

According to the ED, assets worth about Rs 800 crore are "owned" by the AJL and the agency 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.

(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, July 25: Uddhav Thackeray-led camp of Shiv Sena on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking direction to stay the proceedings before the Election Commission of India on Eknath Shinde group's claim for recognition as 'real' Shiv Sena. Filing the application, Subhash Desai, the General Secretary of Shiv Sena, said that Election Commission can't decide the matter since the cases are pending before the Supreme Court.

The application was filed against the proceedings initiated by the Election Commission of India on a request made by the Eknath Shinde-led faction for recognition as the 'real' Shivsena and their claim over the party's election symbol - the bow and arrow.

It sought to implead the Election Commission of India (ECI) as a party in the petition which challenges the decision of the Maharashtra Governor to invite Eknath Shinde to be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

It is stated that even though on July 20 the apex court was assured by the counsel appearing for the Speaker that no further proceedings will be conducted in the matter of disqualification under the Tenth Schedule, the Shinde-faction has initiated proceedings under Election Symbols (Reservations and Allotment) Order, 1968 seeking recognition as the 'real Shivesena' by the ECI and also claiming the right to use the election symbol allotted to the Shivsena.

On July 22, a notice was served to the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction wherein the Commission had stated that Eknath Shinde and some other persons have sought to be recognised as the 'real' Shivsena and are claiming right over the election symbol, the application said.

The ECI had initiated proceedings in complete disregard of the sanctity of the status quo order of the Supreme Court, it added. It further stated that the Uddhav Thackeray-led group said that Shinde-faction cannot be considered as MLAs of Shivsena and their claim and affidavits cannot be relied upon.

"Respondents, despite the matter being pending before this Court, in acts of desperation, and to somehow portray a majority are trying to illegally cobble up numbers and fabricate an artificial majority in the organisation. It is submitted that the private Respondents have been indulging in several illegal activities contrary to the Constitution of the Shivsena," said the application.

Last week, the Supreme Court 3-judge bench said that some of the issues involved in the Maharashtra political crisis may require to a larger Constitutional bench for consideration. A bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justices Krishna Murari and Hima Kohli while hearing cases related to the political crisis in Maharashtra had observed that important constitutional issues arise in the cases which may require adjudication by a larger bench.

Earlier, the top court had asked the Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Rahul Narwekar not to take any action on the new disqualification notices issued against the members of Shiv Sena. There are various petitions pending before the apex court filed by both the factions of Shiv Sena.

Uddhav Thackeray-led faction had approached the top court challenging the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari's decision to invite Eknath Shinde to form the government and also the Speaker's election and floor test.

They had also challenged the newly appointed Maharashtra Assembly Speaker's action recognising the whip of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde group as the whip of Shiv Sena. The plea said the newly appointed Speaker has no jurisdiction to recognise whips nominated by Shinde as Uddhav Thackeray is still the head of Shiv Sena official party.

Thackeray camp's Sunil Prabhu had filed a plea seeking suspension from the Maharashtra Assembly of new Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and 15 rebel MLAs against whom disqualification pleas are pending. Shinde group challenged the disqualification notices issued by the Deputy Speaker to 16 rebel MLAs as well as the appointment of Ajay Choudhary as Shiv Sena Legislature Party leader, is also pending before the apex court. Shiv Sena vs Shiv Sena Power Tussle: EC Asks Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde To Prove Majority.

On June 29, the top court gave a go-ahead to the floor test in the Maharashtra Assembly on June 30. Refusing to stay the Maharashtra Governor's direction to the then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to prove his majority support on the floor of the House on June 30, the bench had issued notice on Prabhu's plea against floor test.

After the apex court's order, Uddhav Thackeray announced his resignation as the Chief Minister and Eknath Shinde was later sworn in as the Chief Minister.

On June 27, the top court granted interim relief to Shinde and other rebel MLAs to file their reply to disqualification notices issued to them by Deputy Speaker by July 12, 5.30 pm. Earlier, Deputy Speaker had granted them time to file a reply by June 27, 5.30 pm.

(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 25 (PTI) Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha Piyush Goyal on Monday accused the opposition Congress of misleading the public with a "baseless" allegation on the seating arrangement for the Leader of Opposition in the Upper House Mallikarjuna Kharge at the President's oath ceremony.

Several opposition leaders on Monday wrote to the Rajya Sabha chairman claiming that Kharge was not accorded a seat commensurate with his position during the swearing-in ceremony of President Droupadi Murmu. Raising this issue when the House reassembled at 3 pm, Goyal contested the Opposition's charge, saying the Leader of Opposition is seated in the third row in the order of precedence of rank, but Kharge was made to sit in the front row.

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He said a "baseless" tweet has been posted by a Congress member and it was "misleading the public". On July 23, the Leader of Opposition sat next to the prime minister along with the Leader of House during a farewell ceremony of a Constitutional authority organised by the Rajya Sabha. All of them were seated on the same bench in the Central Hall of Parliament. "That was the (Upper) House's function. But the Leader of Opposition (LOP)did not turn up for the programme organised to bid farewell to a Constitutional authority. Chairman and Speaker were invited, but LOP did not attend and that chair was empty," he said. However, at President-elect Droupadi Murmu's oath ceremony held in the morning, Goyal said the Leader of Opposition was made to sit in the front row instead of the third row as per the table of rank and precedence followed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. "When we saw LOP in the front row, we were very happy. As per the order of precedence, he was kept in the front row instead of the third row. When it was observed that I was in the corner, a staff member requested him to shift to the middle. But he rejected," he said. This shows the "mindset of the Opposition," he added. Goyal said the Ministry of Home Affairs had made the seating arrangement at the President's oath ceremony in accordance with the table of rank and precedence. Accordingly, LOP comes in the seventh order after cabinet ministers of the union, principal secretaries to the PM, national security advisor, and chief ministers of the states. Going by this order, LOP is to be seated in the third row, but he was made to sit in the front row, he said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI)The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has claimed in the Delhi High Court that bank accounts of Chinese smartphone maker Vivo, which were seized by the agency, allegedly show its involvement in money laundering and it has been carried out as an attempt to destabilise the financial system of the country.

ED argued that the present offence allegedly committed by the company is the offence of money laundering which is a heinous economic offence.

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The agency made the contentions in an affidavit filed in pursuance to the directions of Justice Yashwant Varma which had sought a response from ED on a petition by Vivo seeking quashing of an order freezing its various bank accounts in connection with the money laundering probe.

The court is scheduled to hear the matter on July 28.

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The ED said, "Further it is submitted that the bank accounts seized by the respondent are clearly involved in money laundering".

 the present case is not a case of mere commission of an economic offence but has been carried out as an attempt to destabilise the financial system of the country and also to threaten the integrity and sovereignty of the nation, ED said in the affidavit.

The agency said there is no requirement to give any notice or communication before search and seizure or freezing of bank accounts under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

 The powers of the respondent (ED) with respect to freezing bank accounts are governed by Section 17 of the PMLA and not by RBI guidelines, hence the contention of the petitioner (Vivo) does not hold good.

Moreover, sufficient safeguards have been provided under PMLA to redress the grievance of the petitioner. Instead of filing this writ petition, the petitioners should contest these grounds before the Adjudicating Authority, it said.

The agency said the due process of law has been followed by it while freezing the bank accounts of Vivo and it cannot be said to be violative of Article 21 of the constitution.

Moreover Article 19(1)(g) is a freedom granted in respect of a lawful trade, occupation and business and not in respect of a business conducted based on fraud and misrepresentation of identity, it said.

ED said that 22 firms related to the India unit of the Chinese company are being investigated for suspicious transactions to China and these 22 entities are held either by foreign nationals or foreign entities in Hong Kong.

However, it is seen that majority of the funds have been transferred abroad to China which is suspicious and is being investigated, it said. On July 13, the high court allowed Vivo to operate its various bank accounts frozen by ED, subject to furnishing of a bank guarantee of Rs 950 crore within a week with the agency.

It had also directed the company to give details to ED about its remittances and issued notice to the investigating agency on Vivo's plea seeking quashing of the order freezing its various bank accounts.

ED had contended that presently the proceeds of crime have been quantified to Rs 1200 crore.

The high court had also asked the company to maintain a balance of Rs 251 crore in the bank accounts, which was there at the time of freezing of the accounts, and the amount shall not be used till further orders. Besides seeking quashing of the freezing order, Vivo has sought permission to deal with its frozen bank accounts for making payments towards certain liabilities.

The probe agency on July 5 raided several places across the country in the money laundering investigation against Vivo and related firms.

The searches were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in several states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Maharashtra.

Earlier, the high court had directed ED to attend to a representation made by Vivo seeking permission to deal with its frozen bank accounts for making payments towards certain liabilities.

ED's counsel had said that the representation was general in nature.

Vivo's counsel had contended that ED can only seize what they have discovered in their search operations and not the company's bank accounts which were already disclosed to all the authorities.

He had said that freezing of the bank accounts has brought the functioning of the petitioner to a standstill and there are crores of rupees that have to be paid as statutory dues apart from the payment of salaries to its employees.

ED's counsel had earlier informed the court that around 2014, a company GPICPL-- was set up based on forged documents by one person who is also the common ex-director of the petitioner.

An FIR came to be registered last year. 18 similar companies across India have been set up by Bin Lou (common ex-director of the petitioner). Large amounts of incriminating material have been found and are being analysed. All orders of Vivo were being placed through these 18 companies including GPICPL which alone has handled Rs 1200 crores, he had said.

On July 7, the investigating agency said that Rs 62,476 crore had been "illegally" transferred by Vivo to China to avoid payment of taxes in India.

This money is almost half of Vivo's turnover of Rs 1,25,185 crore, it had said without stating the time period of the transaction.PTI SKV

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
By Shalini Bhardwaj

New Delhi [India], July 25 (ANI): Dr Poonam Khetrapal, Regional Director of the World Health Organization South-East Asia Region on Monday said that the world is witnessing an unexpected emergence of Monkeypox.

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When asked about the reason behind Monkeypox gaining attention at present, Poonam Khetrapal said, "Cases of Monkeypox are being reported from multiple countries. Many of them have not seen cases of Monkeypox before. The unexpected appearance of this disease globally and in a wide geographic area indicates that the disease may have been circulating below the detection of the surveillance systems. It is possible that sustained human-to-human transmission through close contact - direct or indirect - remained undetected for a period of time."

"The risk of monkeypox globally and the WHO South-East Asia Region has assessed it as moderate considering this is the first time that Monkeypox cases and clusters are reported concurrently in many countries in widely disparate WHO geographical areas, balanced against the fact that mortality has remained low in the current outbreak."

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"Genomic studies have revealed that the monkeypox virus seems to have changed over recent years. More studies are needed to understand the virus's evolution. WHO is regularly reviewing available data with its laboratory and other expert groups," she added.

Speaking on what measures India should take for the prevention and control of Monkeypox, she said, "In the current Monkeypox outbreak, transmission apparently occurred primarily through close physical contact, including sexual contact. Transmission can also occur from contaminated materials such as linens, bedding, electronics, and clothing, that have infectious skin particles. There are still many unknowns about the virus."

"Since the start of the outbreak, WHO has been supporting countries to assess risk, and initiating public health measures, while also building and facilitating testing capacities in the region. Engaging and protecting the affected communities; intensifying surveillance and public health measures; strengthening clinical management and infection prevention and control in hospitals and clinics; and accelerating research into the use of vaccines, therapeutics and other tools, are among the key response measures. We need to stay alert and be prepared to roll out an intense response to curtail the spread of Monkeypox. And while doing this, our efforts and measures should be sensitive, and devoid of stigma and discrimination," she added.

When asked about the risk of transmission in South East Asian countries, Dr Khetrapal said, "The region has been on alert for Monkeypox since the reporting of an increase in cases globally. Countries have been taking measures to rapidly detect and take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of monkeypox. WHO has been supporting the member countries in the Region to assess the risk for monkeypox and strengthening their capacities to prepare and respond to the evolving multi-country outbreak. We have been sharing guidance for raising awareness; surveillance, case investigation and contact tracing; laboratory diagnostics and testing; clinical management and infection prevention and control and community engagement."

Speaking on the preparedness to deal with Monkeypox, Dr Poonam Khetrapal said, "The region has been on alert for Monkeypox since the reporting of an increase in cases globally. Countries have been taking measures to rapidly detect and take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of monkeypox. WHO has been supporting the member countries in the Region to assess the risk for monkeypox and strengthening their capacities to prepare and respond to the evolving multi-country outbreak. We have been sharing guidance for raising awareness; surveillance, case investigation and contact tracing; laboratory diagnostics and testing; clinical management and infection prevention and control and community engagement."

"In view of the limited testing capacities in the region for monkeypox, WHO has coordinated with four laboratories to serve as referrals - National Institute of Virology, India; Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Australia; National Institute of Health, Department of Medical Sciences, Thailand; and Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. WHO is also supporting countries in the region build testing capacities with technical assistance as well as procurement of required provisions that are high in demand and low in supplies globally. Orienting clinicians in both public and private sectors to identify, isolate, report and treat cases of monkeypox, are among the key priority measures," she added.

"Monkeypox requires collective attention and coordinated action to stop its further spread. In addition to using public health measures and ensuring health tools are available to at-risk populations and shared fairly, it is important to work with communities to ensure that people who are most at risk, have the information and support they need to protect themselves"

According to the Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia Region, newborns, children and people with underlying immune deficiencies may be at risk of more serious symptoms and death from monkeypox.

"Health workers are also at higher risk due to longer virus exposure. There are no sufficient data regarding monkeypox infection during pregnancy, although limited data suggest that it may lead to adverse outcomes for the foetus," she added.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Sunday held a high-level review meeting after India reported the fourth confirmed case of Monkeypox. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday accused opposition-led local government councils of being corrupt opportunists.

He made the remarks at the burial of the late national hero, Oliver Chidawu at the National Heroes Acre in the capital.

Chidawu (68) died last week due to suspected cardiac arrest. He made history in 1984 when he became Harares youngest mayor at 29.

In his eulogy, Mnangagwa said the 2023 elections presented residents an opportunity to remove the opposition from urban councils.

The nation has, indeed, lost a development-oriented and humble minister, and he served the nation with utmost loyalty. He  built a vast business empire in sectors that have driven the national economy, Mnangagwa said.

His visionary leadership transformed the capital city to earn the accolade Sunshine City. During his tenure, Harare City Council provided high quality and reliable services to residents. It is most unfortunate that the achievements and legacy of the likes of engineer Chidawu have been ruined by the current crop of Harare city councillors.

These opportunists have no affinity to improve the quality of life of our people and instead continue to abuse their public positions for personal expediency. The trend should not be allowed in the future. Residents in our urban areas must take back the power by voting for men and women with vision, ingenuity and unwavering passion to serve in public offices and the current rot in Harare and other local authorities under opposition parties must be brought to an end.

The 2023 general elections present a yawning opportunity for ratepayers to correct the misnomer of having rogue and insensitive characters running local councils.

Calling on urbanites to challenge the decadence in local authorities by voting for Zanu PF, Mnangagwa also said Zimbabwe continues to face attacks by perennial detractors.

Citizens Coalition for Change deputy spokesperson Gift Siziba rubbished Mnangagwas corruption claims by urban councillors, saying: It is well known that the First Family is the main perpetrator of corruption and it has been benefiting from government tenders. As a country, we are losing at least US$2 billion to illicit financial flows and Zanu PF is well known for disturbing development in councils, and that is why most councils are struggling. Newsday
Mumbai, Jul 25 (PTI) A 25-year-old man from Delhi was attacked and killed with a paver block while he was sleeping at a bus stop in the western suburb of Versova here, police on Monday.

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The victim, Suraj Manoj Tiwari, was attacked at a bus stop in Seven Bungalows locality late on Saturday night, an official from Versova police station said.

Also Read | Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Education Fraternity To Include Information About Anusilan Samity in NCERT Books To Inspire Next Generation.

Tiwari's body, bearing multiple head wounds, was found by passersby on Sunday morning and the police were informed, he said.

Investigations revealed that Tiwari hailed from Palam area of Delhi and was a street musician, he said.

The police are examining CCTV footages from the area to ascertain the identity of the accused, the official said.

Meanwhile, a 30-year-old man was found dead in a chawl in the western suburb of Kandivali on Monday, police said.

Deepak Bhagelu Rajbhar was brutally stabbed to death by unidentified persons in Poisar area, an official said.

Forensics team and dog squad have been pressed into service to establish the identity of the accused, he added.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Singapore, July 25 (ANI): A South Africa-based rights group has submitted a criminal complaint to the Attorney General of Singapore requesting the arrest of former Sri Lankan President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, for alleged war crimes.

Lawyers from the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) submitted a 63-page complaint that argues that Rajapaksa committed grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions during the civil war in 2009 when he was secretary of defence and that these are crimes subject to domestic prosecution in Singapore under universal jurisdiction.

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The legal complaint states that Gotabaya Rajapaksa committed violations of international humanitarian law and international criminal law during the civil war in Sri Lanka.

"These include murder, execution, torture and inhuman treatment, rape and other forms of sexual violence, deprivation of liberty, severe bodily and mental harm, and starvation," ITJP said in a statement.

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Rajapaksa fled to Singapore vis Maldives in mid-July after months of mass protests calling for his resignation. The unrest was triggered due to the economic collapse of the country. Ranil Wickramasinghe has been elected as the new President of Sri Lanka.

"The economic meltdown has seen the government collapse but the crisis in Sri Lanka is really linked to structural impunity for serious international crimes going back three decades or more," said the ITJP's executive director, Yasmin Sooka. "This complaint recognises that it's not just about corruption and economic mismanagement but also accountability for mass atrocity crimes."

The ITJP submission to the Attorney General calls for the arrest, investigation and indictment of Gotabaya Rajapaksa. It outlines the former President's role as a former military commander in 1989, in charge of a district where at least 700 people disappeared under his watch. The document focuses mainly on his role as Sri Lanka's secretary of defence, during the end of the country's civil war in 2009.

According to an ITJP, detailed evidence is adduced to show that Rajapaksa issued direct orders by telephone to his former military buddies whom he appointed as Major Generals to command the offensive and watched the conduct of the battle live on surveillance and drone footage in headquarters.

The rights group said that the dossier submitted by them contains accounts of repeated and deliberate strikes by the army on civilians sheltering in earthen bunkers, killed while queuing for food or receiving first aid treatment in hellish conditions lying on the floor of makeshift clinics.

"It details how the decision to expel aid workers from the war zone in September 2008 was Gotabaya Rajapaksa's and designed to hide the extent of human suffering from the eyes of the world. Even United Nations offices in the war zone were repeatedly hit by the Sri Lankan air force to encourage aid workers to flee and yet Gotabaya Rajapaksa himself boasted that the air force could pinpoint targets; he said they surveilled targets and planned and reviewed every air strike," ITJP said.

According to the rights group, Gotabaya Rajapaksa's ministry was in charge of approving humanitarian deliveries to the war zone and although he sat in meetings with humanitarian agencies who repeatedly warned that the civilian population were in desperate need of life-saving medicine and food, he denied permission to send in supplies. (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 25 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said that the country was keen to work with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) member countries to enhance international solidarity and meet its goal, a local media reported.

During the meeting with SCO Secretary-General Ambassador Zhang Ming in Lahore, who is on a four-day visit to Pakistan, Sharif said that he hoped that all the SCO member states would continue to work together to build peace and enhance international solidarity and cooperation, Dawn reported.

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Pakistan PM also reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the SCO Charter and the "Shanghai Spirit."

In the meeting, he highlighted the current global challenges like food insecurity and economic and financial difficulties for a large number of countries including SCO members, which are the result of the high fuel and food prices.

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Appreciating the SCO's comprehensive development agenda, Sharif emphasized the purpose of the Organization remained the growth and prosperity of the SCO region.

Seeks funding mechanisms for intra-organization trade, Sharif stressed the need for developing appropriate funding mechanisms to promote intra-SCO trade as well as development initiatives, reported Dawn.

He underlined Pakistan's priorities and national development goals in areas such as trade and economy, connectivity and transport, poverty alleviation, energy, agriculture, food security, climate change, security, information technology, and cultural linkage.

Pakistan PM appreciated the work of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of SCO (SCO-RATS), where Pakistan, along with other members, was playing an active role in countering common security challenges.

Earlier, Pakistan Foreign Affairs Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met the SCO Secretary-General Ambassador on Thursday and both sides noted that the Taliban must address international concerns about inclusivity, and respect for all Afghans' rights, especially girls' education.

Zhang Ming, in a meeting with Pakistani FM, urged the Taliban to address the concerns of the international community and uphold human rights.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani side, in the meeting on Friday also highlighted the need for increased engagement with the Taliban for regional peace, stability, and connectivity. The two countries reviewed the SCO's development agenda, reported Khaama Press.

This meeting came following the meeting of Zardari with Iran's Special Representative for Afghanistan Affairs where they discussed and stressed the need for an increased constructive engagement and cooperation with the Taliban government for regional stability, as per the media portal.

The SCO is an eight-nation trans-regional multilateral organization that includes Pakistan, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.

This year, Uzbekistan is chairing the SCO meeting and will be the organizer of all the events.

It has six dialogue partners, namely Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey, and Sri Lanka.Uzbekistan took over the chairmanship of the organization from Tajikistan on September 17, 2021. (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 [US], July 25 (ANI): A New York-based human rights group has condemned the Myanmar military regime's execution of pro-democracy leaders and elected officials.

Myanmar's military junta today reported the execution of four men in the country's first death sentences carried out in over three decades.

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According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the men put to death were Phyo Zeya Thaw, 41; Kyaw Min Yu, known as "Ko Jimmy," 53; Hla Myo Aung; and Aung Thura Zaw, all of whom were convicted after closed trials that fell far short of international standards.

A military tribunal sentenced Ko Jimmy and Phyo Zeya Thaw to death on January 21 under Myanmar's overbroad Counterterrorism Law of 2014, the group said. Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw were convicted in April 2021 for allegedly killing a military informant.

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The Human Rights Watch opposed capital punishment in all countries and under all circumstances because of its inherent cruelty and finality, and has long called on Myanmar to end all use of the death penalty.

"The Myanmar junta's execution of four men was an act of utter cruelty," said Elaine Pearson, acting Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "These executions, including of activist Ko Jimmy and opposition lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw, followed grossly unjust and politically motivated military trials. This horrific news was compounded by the junta's failure to notify the men's families, who learned about the executions through the junta's media reports.

"The junta's barbarity and callous disregard for human life aims to chill the anti-coup protest movement. European Union member states, the United States, and other governments should show the junta that there will be a reckoning for its crimes. They should demand immediate measures, including the release of all political prisoners, and let the junta know the atrocities it commits have consequences."

The volatile situation in Myanmar following the February 01, 2021 coup has increased armed conflict and subsequent population displacement within and across borders, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The security situation continues to deteriorate in Southeast Myanmar with the intensification of armed clashes reported between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) or People's Defence Force (PDF) in several areas. The Military continues to deploy security forces and has increased the use of heavy artilleries.

As of June 30, the total number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in Myanmar displaced since February 1, is 758,500, of whom 244,500 are in the southeast provinces - Kayah, Shan, Kayin, Mon States, and Tanintharyi and Bago regions. In Kayah State, more than 4,000 people were able to return to Loikaw and Demoso Townships.

Nevertheless, the security situation in Demoso Township continues to be unstable, with more than 2,000 people unable to return to their places of origin. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Colombo [Sri Lanka], July 25 (ANI): After the Sri Lankan military crackdown on the anti-government protesters, the besieged presidential office reopened on Monday.

The Presidential office building was occupied earlier this month by protesters angered by Sri Lanka's unprecedented economic crisis. At that time, the then President Gotabay Rajapaksa fled the country to the Maldives before flying out to Singapore. Rajapaksa had offered his resignation after fleeing the country.

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On Friday, a large military group, along with the police, launched a raid near the Presidential Secretariat and the protest site at Galle Face to clear the area of protesters. Several arrests were made.

The armed soldiers were deployed in a bid to control the protestors who have been protesting against the new Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe outside the premises of the Sri Lankan Presidential Secretariat. Protesters are alleging that security personnel raided the anti-government protest camp in the capital on early Friday.

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Nine people were arrested during which the tents of protestors are being dismantled by the armed security personnel outside the premises of the Sri Lankan Presidential Secretariat.

Meanwhile, the US Ambassador to Colombo, EU, and Human Rights Commission condemned the actions taken by Sri Lankan authorities against protestors at Galle Face in the middle of the night.

US Ambassador to Colombo Julie Chung on Friday took her Twitter account and asked for restraint by authorities and immediate access to medical attention for those injured."Deeply concerned about actions taken against protestors at Galle Face in the middle of the night. We urge restraint by authorities and immediate access to medical attention for those injured," Ambassador Chung tweeted.

The European Union (EU) has also stressed the importance of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

The military operation began within 24 hours of Wickremesinghe being sworn in as the President of Sri Lanka and just before a new cabinet was appointed.

Wickremesinghe was sworn in as President of Sri Lanka on Thursday in Parliament before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. He was elected as president in an election held in Parliament on Wednesday.

During Wednesday's vote, Wickremesinghe received 134 votes following the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa from the presidency last week amid severe economic turmoil in the country.

Sri Lanka'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.

Hundreds of Sri Lankans continue to queue up at petrol pumps across the debt-ridden country every day amid fuel shortage, and a large number of people are ditching their cars and motorcycles for bicycles for their daily commute.

The economic crisis which is the worst in Sri Lanka's history has prompted an acute shortage of essential items like fuel. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Plymouth, Jul 25 (AP) Boaters and whale watchers off Massachusetts got a surprise over the weekend when a humpback whale breached and landed on the bow of a 19-foot vessel.

The boat operator reported no injuries and no damage that affected the seaworthiness of the vessel, according to officials in Plymouth, on Cape Cod Bay.

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Several boats were around the whale Sunday when it made the jump. Video footage shows it launching its body out of the water and its head slamming onto the front of a boat, tipping the rear of the vessel out of the water as it slid back into the ocean.

Humpback whales can grow up to 62 feet long and weight up to 53 tons. They are popular with whale watchers because of their acrobatic displays  including spectacular breachings in which they launch their school-bus-size bodies entirely out of the water and slap the surface with their pectoral fins or tails.

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The Plymouth harbormaster said collisions like that off Plymouth are rare and can be dangerous for both boaters and whales. The harbormaster recommends that boaters stay at least 100 yards from humpbacks to minimize such meetings. (AP)

(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, July 25: One can soon read about a prominent secret revolutionary committee of Bengal 'Anusilan Samity' in the textbooks as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged the NCERT and the education fraternity to incorporate adequate information about the Samity in the upcoming National Curriculum Framework.

Pradhan said that the important information about the history of Anusilan Samity in the textbooks will inspire the next generation. Dharmendra Pradhan, Education Minister Says, Need To Develop World Class Higher Educational Institutes

During a programme in West Bengal, the Union Minister said that Anusilan Samity was a prominent secret revolutionary committee operating from Bengal in the 20th century, whose mission was to overthrow colonial rule and give impetus to India's freedom struggle. The education minister also unfurled the Tricolour at the building of the Anusilan Samity.

Pradhan said that the Samity, founded by Satish Chandra Pramath Mitra, Aurobindo Ghosh and Sarala Devi, was one of the various illustrious institutions associated with the holy land of Bengal, which inspired the nation's conscience by emphasizing on nationalistic writings, publications and Swadeshi.

He said that great persons like Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, Surendranath Tagore, Jatindranath Banerjee, Bagha Jatin were associated with Anusilan Samity. "Hedgewar was also a former worker of the committee. I have had the privilege of paying my respects to these great personalities, especially during the Amrit Mahotsav," Pradhan stated.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2022 04:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Thiruvananthapuram, July 25: There is nothing to be concerned or worried about monkeypox as testing and surveillance have been intensified across the state and those among the primary contacts of the three infected persons in the state have tested negative, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Monday.

The minister said that while the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared monkeypox outbreak as a global emergency due to its spread to around 68 countries across the world, the disease was not highly infectious and in Kerala the government was equipped to deal with it.

However, people, especially those with a foreign travel history, need to be cautious and alert, she said and added that the health professionals and workers in the state have been given training to identify and deal with monkeypox cases. Directions have been issued to health authorities across the state to be vigilant, she said. Monkeypox in India: 40-Year-Old Man With MPV Symptoms Hospitalised in Hyderabad.

Regarding the three persons who tested positive for the disease, the minister said their health condition was stable and none among their primary contacts have tested positive for the infection till now. A 35-year old man, who came to Kerala from the UAE earlier this month, has tested positive for monkeypox, making him the third case of the virus from the country as well as the state.

The Malappuram native had arrived in the southern state on July 6 and had fever since July 13, the health department had said. India had last week reported a second confirmed case of monkeypox from Kerala's Kannur district. The patient, a native of Kannur in north Kerala, had arrived in the southern state on July 13.

The first case of monkeypox, a rare but potentially serious viral illness, in the state as well as the country was reported from Kollam district of south Kerala on July 14. Besides the three cases in Kerala, a 34-year-old man from Delhi with no history of foreign travel tested positive for monkeypox in the national capital, taking the country's tally of cases to four on Sunday. Monkeypox in Delhi: 34-Year-Old Man Tests Positive for MPV in National Capital, No History of Foreign Travel.

According to WHO, monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals), with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe. With the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and subsequent cessation of smallpox vaccination, monkeypox has emerged as the most important orthopoxvirus for public health.
Nepal Police officer Bharat Bohora said they have confiscated documents and laptops and arrested one Chinese national and 20 others during the operation.

The Chinese national had rented a house in Kathmandu to operate the call centres.

The police have suspected that the Chinese nationals could be involved in cyber crime and running other illegal activities. Karnataka: One Held in Bengaluru for Passing on Sensitive Indian Defence Inputs to Pakistan; Hunt Continues.

On Sunday, a police team conducted similar kind of raids in Butwal city near the India-Nepal border where Chinese and Indian nationals were caught running an illegal call centre.

As many as 120 people were arrested in Butwale.

On June 30, police raided a company run by a Chinese national in Pokhara.

According to sources, the police are interrogating three Chinese and 75 Nepali nationals working in the company.

The Nepal Police on December 23, 2019, arrested 122 Chinese nationals from all over the Kathmandu Valley.

The operation, the largest one against any foreign nationals in Nepal's history, apparently continues and at least 800 more Chinese nationals are being watched currently.

Later the Nepal government handed them to Chinese authorities.

After the arrest, a spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said that the cases were related to cross-border cyber fraud activities, and that the investigations were ongoing.
Kanpur, July 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded the role played by former Rajya Sabha MP and Samajwadi Party member Harmohan Singh Yadav during Emergency and termed him as a 'soldier' of that struggle.

The Prime Minister, while virtually addressing Harmohan Yadav's tenth death anniversary function, said, "When the country's democracy was crushed during Emergency, all the major parties came together and fought to save the Constitution. Chaudhary Harmohan Singh Yadav was also fighting against oppression."

He said, "Today is a very big day for our democracy as the new President has been sworn in. For the first time after Independence, a woman from the tribal community is going to lead our country." Narendra Modi Government Setting Up Thunderstorm Testbed Site Over East India for In-Depth Study of Thunderstorms Over the Region: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh.

Modi said that it is the responsibility of every political party to ensure that opposing a party or an individual doesn't go against the nation. Ideologies have their own place, but the country and society should come first.

The Prime Minister's address at the function was significant since Yadav was an SP leader known to be close to Mulayam Singh Yadav. However, the SP leadership was not a part of the function.

Harmohan Yadav was a towering figure and leader of the Yadav community. Between 1970 and 1990, he held several positions including that of Member of Legislative Council and Member of Legislative Assembly in Uttar Pradesh.

He fought for farmers' rights and against the Emergency during which he was imprisoned.
Xi extends congratulations to new Indian president

Xinhua) 16:51, July 25, 2022

BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a congratulatory message to Droupadi Murmu on her assuming office as the president of the Republic of India.

In his message, Xi pointed out that China and India are important neighbors of each other, and that a healthy and stable China-India relationship is in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people, as well as conducive to peace, stability and development in the region and across the world.

Xi also said that he attaches great importance to China-India relations, and stands ready to work with Murmu to enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, properly handle differences and push bilateral ties forward on the right track.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Hongyu)
A-24 year-old University of Zimbabwe student has been arraigned before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda to answer to charges of theft of US$1500.

The student, Isheanesu Tsigo pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced three months in prison, of which they were wholly suspended on condition that he does not commit the same offence in the next three years.

In passing sentence, Dzuda said the court took into consideration that he is a family man and that he was still a student.

The court is going to be lenient since the accused is a first time offender and also because the stolen property was recovered.

The court also took into consideration that you are still a student and that you are also a family man, Dzuda said.

The court heard that in July 2022 around 1500hours at Manfred hostel UZ, Omega Kwangwa who is a protection officer at the institution heard a noise coming from the roof of the corridor.

Kwangwa then teamed up with Simba Mataga and they went to the corridor to check. They then saw Tsigo jumping out of the ceiling.

The duo managed to apprehend Tsigo. Kwangwa checked the roof of the ceiling where he found that Tsigo had dismantled the copper geyser. Kwangwa also discovered that Tsigo used a hacksaw, and one pair of pliers to commit the offence.

Anesu Chirenje prosecuted. Newsday
Lucknow, July 25: Eight organisations have come forward to adopt the "killer" Pitbull dog that mauled his 82-year-old owner to death, almost a fortnight ago. The Pitbull, lodged in an animal shelter under the supervision of Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) officials and veterinary experts, is gradually returning to normalcy.

Animal Welfare Officer Dr Abhinav Varma said that the dog's behaviour is now normal and he is playing around and having food thrice a day. "The Pitbull will be kept in the shelter till July 27 and a decision on his new home will be taken later. Former union minister and animal love Maneka Gandhi had called up officials and asked them to hand back the dog to its owner Amit Tripathi.

However, Amit has not contacted us after the dog was taken from his possession," the official said. Officials said that if the owner does not wish to claim the dog, the Pitbull will be given up for adoption. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: 82-Year-Old Woman Mauled to Death by Pet Pitbull Dog in Lucknow.

Meanwhile, Amit Jani, head of the UP Navnirman Sena, told IANS that he has sent an email to LMC wishing to adopt the Pitbull named Brownie. "I am an animal lover and would love to keep the dog with me. I am willing to complete all formalities in this regard," he said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2022 11:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Eiza Gonzales is an actress known for her beauty and acting skills. With her experience of being an actress in both Mexican and American television, she has easily captured the hearts of her fans.

Gonzales, who was born in Caborca in Sonora, Mexico in January 1990, is best known for her role as Lola in the hit Mexican television series "Lola, Erase Una Vez."

In the U.S., Gonzales is one of Hollywood's rising superstars, as she landed high-profile gigs in America's showbiz industry, such as her role in 2017's "Baby Driver" and 2021 hit "Godzilla vs. King Kong."

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Eiza Gonzales Net Worth 2022

With her talent and skills in acting, it is not surprising that Eiza Gonzales has a massive net worth for this year.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, the Mexican actress' net worth for this year is $5 million.

Nicki Swift noted that most of Eiza's money came from her hard work in acting.

This net worth was amassed from a long-time of hard work as the Mexican actress appeared on television as a kid.

Gonzales' first role that catapulted her to the spotlight was in the hit tv series "Lola, Erase Una Vez."

"I've been a child star, I've been a pop star... I've been a Nickelodeon girl," Gonzales said in an interview with V Magazine. She also appeared in Mexico's "Sesame Street"

Gonzales then briefly moved to New York City to further her acting skills in the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, the Mexican actress began to appear in several shows, such as Nickelodeon's "Suena Conmigo."

Gonzales then decided to enter Hollywood. In 2019, she was given a chance to showcase her acting skills in the blockbuster film "Hobbs & Shaw" and in 2020, she appeared in Netflix's comedy/drama series "I Care a Lot."

Gonzales gained another addition to her paycheck when she was hired by Michael Bay to star in his 2022 film "Ambulance."

Eiza Gonzales' Other Source of Funds

Aside from her acting stints, Gonzales was able to secure money by using her voice and Spanish speaking skills, when she voiced over in the animated films "Horton Hears a Who" and "The Croods."

Eiza Gonzales also had a brief career in the music industry that made her gather funds. In 2009, Gonzales released her debut album "Contracorriente" in Mexico and released it the year after in the United States. In 2012, she also released her second album entitled "Acordaras de Mi."

With her amazing voice, Gonzales was nominated as Best Solo Artist at Mexico's Kids' Choice Awards.

Gonzales has also gathered money from being a model for several brands, including Avon in Mexico and Neutrogena in the United States. She also did commercials for a skincare brand called Asepexia.

Gonzales spends her massive net worth on different items. In an interview with Elle, Gonzales shared how much she loves jewelry when she was picked last year as Bulgari's newest ambassador.

"Jewelry is so personal to me and the right pieces can be worn for a lifetime," Gonzales said.

Gonzales also reportedly pays $8,300 per month for a gorgeous condo in Hell's Kitchen neighborhood in Manhattan.

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Written By: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Eiza Gonzalez Breaks Down Her Best Movie & TV Looks- From Glamour
A speedboat believed to be carrying migrants from Haiti capsized off the coast of the Bahamas in a human trafficking attempt. Bahamian authorities estimated that at least 17 people died in the incident, with another 25 more rescued.

Search and rescue operations continue as of Sunday afternoon, as others are still unaccounted for. According to ABC News, Prime Minister Philip Davis of the Bahamas noted that the boat was carrying approximately 60 people. He added that the vessel was heading to Miami to smuggle in Haitian migrants.

Vessel Capsized Along Bahamas Route Popular With Haitian Migrants Heading to the United States

ABC News reported that the boat capsized seven miles off the coast of New Providence, which is the Bahamas' most populous island. The Royal Bahamas Defense Force responded to distress calls at around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday.

The area is part of a route often used by smugglers and Haitian migrants who try and traverse the often-dangerous waters to get to the United States. Their area of destination is often Miami, Florida.

According to Reuters, authorities believed that the twin-engine speedboat capsized on rough seas. Smugglers often cram dozens of Haitian migrants in these rickety vessels, braving rough waters in order to reach the United States illegally.

The Bahamas are often a midpoint for Haitians seeking to get into the United States. Davis noted that the country is often not the final destination for these migrants. He added that there are increasing numbers of vessels carrying these migrants between Haiti and the Bahamas before finally heading out to the United States.

Migrants are increasingly fleeing Haiti due to increased gang violence in the country and rising poverty rates.

READ NEXT: Puerto Rico: 27 Haitian Migrants Stuck on Deserted Island Rescued by U.S. Coast Guard

Two of the Alleged Smugglers Captured by Police in the Bahamas

Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander told the media they had arrested two men allegedly involved in the human smuggling operation. As NPR reported, everyone aboard the vessel, including those who were rescued, died, or were missing, were all believed to be Haitian migrants.

Following the incident, Bahamas Minister of Labor and Immigration Keith Bell urged citizens to help deter immigrants from attempting the dangerous journey.

He told the media that he mourns the lives lost while attempting to find a better life.

He then encouraged Bahamian citizens with relatives, families, and friends in Haiti to encourage their loved ones not to make the perilous journey to the U.S.

Last month, several Haitian migrants were rescued on a deserted island off Puerto Rico. Their boat, which carried around 60 to 75 individuals, also capsized.

Those who survived were forced to swim to the nearby deserted island. 11 women died in that incident.

In a report last May, the U.S. Coast Guard revealed that they had intercepted almost 3,900 Haitian nationals in the fiscal year 2022, which is already more than double the number in 2021, wherein they interdicted about 1,527 Haitians.

READ MORE: Puerto Rico Independence or Statehood? Major Party to Soon Reconsider or Reaffirm Stance

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Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: At Least 17 Migrants Dead After Boat Capsized in Bahamas - From ABC News
PUBLIC service workers yesterday said they would strike tomorrow and on Thursday to press for United States dollar-denominated salaries.

Their representatives yesterday told NewsDay that there was no going back on the strike.

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou said they did not need police clearance to go on strike.

Last month, government offered civil servants a 100% salary increment effective July 1, but they declined the offer and instead demanded US dollar salaries.

We dont need any police clearance. We will consider other methods in the event that government fails to respond positively to the legitimate demands of civil servants. Teachers and the rest of the civil servants will not report to work, Zhou said.

He said all unions had agreed to boycott work.

Unless civil servants unite they will perish like fools, he said.

Zimbabwe Teachers Union general secretary and the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) vice-chairperson Goodwill Taderera said there was no need for police clearance since their 14-day notice for a strike had elapsed.

This time around we are not divided and we are resolved and agreed on the course of action. As unions, we have done our part of informing our members, whether they will go or not is another matter.

A source within the ZCPSTU said the strike was more of a warning to the government if it does not respond to salary demands by its workers.

ZCPSTU president Cecilia Alexander said: I am a leader of a confederation, so if all trade unions have agreed, I can only but declare.

In a statement yesterday, ZCPSTU said their demands during the two-day strike include restoration of the value of their wages to pre-October 2018 levels with immediate effect.

They also want government to stop suspension and victimisation of teachers and nurses, to pay all medical allowances for civil servants without discrimination, as well as pay fees for teachers children, and for government to align labour laws and set up a collective bargaining council.

Zimbabwe Health Workers Union general secretary Lloyd Sarai said nurses were unhappy with the salary increment they got.

We are together in the two-day strike with other civil servants because we are not happy with the salaries we are receiving. There are misconceptions that the health sector gets more than others while we are wallowing in poverty. We call for restoration of our salaries to US dollars, Sarai said.

Public Service Commission (PSC) secretary Jonathan Wutawunashe, however, said government expected civil servants to follow procedure and continue to diligently provide services to the public.

It would be surprising if anyone jumps the legal steps for a strike. However, as the PSC, we are expecting that civil servants who must serve the public will serve the public on any, and everyday when they have not been excused from work, it is a workday. It would be unjust for a civil servant who elects not to serve the public on a workday to expect to be paid the same amount with a civil servant who reports for work and serves the public. That is the position of the government, Wutawunashe said.

It is not automatic that you should go for strike, you can contemplate doing so. Things can be happening and you may fail to reach common ground at arbitration and decide to relaunch the discussion. Newsday
Brazil's Liberal Party recently held its party convention inside a stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. The party approved there the nomination of current Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

That means that Bolsonaro's reelection bid for the highest position in the country is official. According to the Associated Press, the party's recognition of Bolsonaro's candidacy was "widely expected and merely symbolic."

The president had been effectively campaigning for months now, heading to various locations in the country to gather support and tell people not to vote for former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, better known as Lula, who is currently leading in the polls.

Also expected was Bolsonaro hitting leftist ideologies during his speech, saying their ideologies have never worked anywhere in the world. He told the crowd that it comforts him that a communist is not sitting in his post now.

CBS reported that though there were long lines in the stadium, there were still dozens of empty seats. However, the supporters were all repeating Bolsonaro's words, warning that Brazil could be like Venezuela when the leftists continue their rule.

They also said they do not trust the polls, showing that Bolsonaro is losing to Lula by double digits. Many believe this was a battle between good and evil and said Bolsonaro was the only hope for the country.

Often compared to Donald Trump, Bolsonaro is quite controversial. Under him, the deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest increased at an alarming rate. Although claiming to be pro-business, the Brazilian economy continued to lag under Bolsonaro, according to CNBC.

He offered quick magical solutions, but it never really improved Brazil. Bolsonaro was criticized for his inactions as the coronavirus ravaged the country and its economy. At the height of the pandemic, Bolsonaro even peddled conspiracy theories.

READ NEXT: Jair Bolsonaro Net Worth 2022: How He Went From Middle-Class Soldier to One of Brazil's Wealthiest Leaders

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro Looking to Wife to Help Appeal to Female Voters

One of the areas where Jair Bolsonaro lacked support was with women. For that, he turned to his wife, evangelical Christian Michelle Bolsonaro, who told everyone that her husband was "God's Chosen One."

Bolsonaro also went with Gen. Walter Braga Netto as his vice president. This went against the wishes of his allies and advisers, who wanted him to pick former agriculture minister Tereza Cristina.

His handling of the pandemic, anti-vaccine rhetoric, and the overall "toxic masculinity" of his campaigns was one of the reasons experts noted that he was losing female voters.

Jair Bolsonaro Losing by Double Digits to Luiz inacio Lula Da Silva

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is currently enjoying a comfortable lead in the polls, which is not sitting well with Jair Bolsonaro.

In a move inspired by Donald Trump, Bolsonaro has been accusing the country's electoral commission of bias against Lula and claiming that the electronic voting systems can easily be hacked.

Brazil's electoral authority has already debunked these claims. However, he still persists with his allegations. According to the latest survey by pollster Datafolha, 47% of voters prefer Lula, while only 28% prefer Bolsonaro.

He only has three months to narrow down this double-digit lead. However, political analysts expect the race to tighten in the coming months as the Brazilian economy slowly recovers from the pandemic.

READ MORE: Brazil Elections: Jair Bolsonaro Continues to Sow Doubts on Election as He Lags in Polls

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WATCH: Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro Officially Launches His Presidential Re-Election Campaign - From FRANCE 24 English
A top White House official said that the U.S. government might declare monkeypox a national emergency if they cannot get the outbreak under control.

The official made the remark after the World Health Organization announced that monkeypox is a "public health emergency of international concern," according to a New York Daily News report.

Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House COVID response coordinator, said that he applauds the WHO for declaring the disease a public health emergency. He noted that they are seeing outbreaks that are out of control in many parts of the world.

The COVID official of the White House added that the U.S. is currently looking at a public health emergency announcement that the Department of Health and Human Services might impose.

The U.S. has reported more than 2,800 monkeypox cases as of last Friday, based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.

Jha noted that the officials are taking the health threat of monkeypox seriously.

The White House official said, "We think we can get out arms around this thing." However, he added that they will invoke needed tools as the situation requires.

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Monkeypox U.S. National Emergency

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra can announce a public health emergency for monkeypox. A national emergency can help activate federal financial assistance to address the disease.

CNBC News reported that 44 states, including Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, have reported monkeypox cases. The largest monkeypox outbreaks are found in New York, California, Illinois, Florida, D.C., and Georgia.

In a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden, 50 House Democrats called for the Biden administration to declare a public health emergency in response to the outbreak.

Senate Health Committee Chair Patty Murray sent a letter to HHS Secretary Becerra, expressing concern regarding the country's response to the monkeypox outbreak. Murray noted that some patients and healthcare providers do not have the information and resources they need to test for monkeypox and address the outbreak.

Meanwhile, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky noted that the demand for vaccines is putting a strain on the available supply as many people are lining up outside clinics to get vaccinated.

More than 300,000 doses of the monkeypox vaccine have been shipped to city and state health agencies.

WHO on Monkeypox

The White House Pandemic Office coordinator, Raj Panjabi, released a statement addressing the WHO's declaration of monkeypox as an international health emergency, as reported by The Hill. Panjabi said in a statement that a coordinated international response is significant to stop the spread of the outbreak.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the health organization's stance on monkeypox, with 71 WHO member states reporting monkeypox cases.

The virus is believed to be transmitted through sexual contact. However, it can infect anyone who comes in contact with pus-filled sores, body fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated linens, according to Express News report.

The monkeypox outbreak was first reported at the end of June, having only around 3,000 cases.

READ MORE: Pres. Joe Biden Labels Supreme Court Leaked Opinion on Abortion Case as "Radical Decision"

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WATCH: WHO Declares Monkeypox Global Public Health Emergency - from NBC News
Over 300 children are taking refuge at a school in Cite Soleil, Haiti amid the gang wars that are ongoing in the country.

According to Associated Press, there are 315 people in a school known as Saint-Louis de Gonzague. The said school is located in the Delmas District, which is neighboring the violence-plagues neighborhood of Cite Soleil in Port-au-Prince.

According to reports, classes in the school are out due to summer vacation. The classrooms are converted into dormitories.

Francisco Seriphin, the general coordinator for the religious community group Kizito, said many of the children taking refuge at the school came without parents.

The group of children is composed of teenagers, children, and toddlers that sleep on the floor without mattresses, and some are sleeping on small mattresses provided by the nonprofit group. Some of the children were also asked to wait in line to give information about their parents, whom some are missing due to the gang wars in the country.

READ NEXT: Haiti Gang Violence Would Worsen Hunger in the Country - UN

Haiti 'Kids Need a Lot of Help' - Sister

Sister Rosemiline from the nonprofit group Kizito Family previously told BBC that the children in the said school "need a lot of help" amid the gang wars in Haiti.

"The situation is really bad where they are from. We are waiting for food but what we get is not satisfactory to the kids," Sister Rosemiline said.

Jean Michelet, a 16-year-old who takes refuge in the said school, shared that he experienced the violence of gang wars in his home.

"I was home on the day the war started. It was a lot of shooting. A bullet went through the roof and it hit me in the head," he said, adding that a nun took him to the hospital to have his injury treated.

A community organizer also told Reuters previously that the children in Haiti need to wear school uniforms to convince the gang leaders that they are on their way to class to escape the violence brought by the gang wars.

Haiti Gang Wars

The violence started to erupt in Haiti on July 7, after gang wars occurred between G9 and G-Pep. The said gangs are reportedly fighting over the control of the Cite Soleil in Port-au-Prince.

The violence reportedly started when members of G9 stormed the territory of G-Pep to unseat its leader, Ti Gabriel.

Both groups reportedly formed alliances with local gangs that increased their strength in terms of weaponry, manpower, and resources.

According to Human Rights Watch, around 300 people have reportedly been killed in the aftermath of the gang wars.

The organization emphasized that 21 of those numbers were burned. Furthermore, 16 people have also been reported missing.

Human Rights Watch also noted that gangs also burned homes in Haiti and used heavy machinery to demolish them. The organization said that 125 homes were destroyed last week.

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WATCH: Hundreds Shelter at School to Escape Haiti Gang War - From Associated Press
Guatemala's former economic minister Acisclo Valladares Urruela has pleaded guilty in a Miami court to conspiring to money laundering and using a Miami bank to pay bribes to Guatemalan politicians.

Miami Herald reported that Valladares admitted that he sent $350,000 in bribery payments to the unidentified Guatemalan politicians through two companies with bank accounts in Miami.

Valladares also acknowledged that he received $140,000 for his money laundering operations based on a factual statement filed with his plea agreement.

Valladares paid the illegal bribes on account of a telecommunications company, wherein he worked as a corporate officer. The telecommunications company was reportedly known as Tigo.

Valladares was also an attorney in Guatemala. The plea agreement noted that he also did not act alone in operating the money laundering scheme.

Former Economic Minister Acisclo Valladares Urruela Bribes

In 2014, senior executives at the telecommunications company "directed" him to get cash "to be used for the benefit of" Tigo, which was Valladares' employer at the time.

The transactions were done before he was appointed as Minister of Economy. The operation involved "both Guatemalan and American financial institutions."

Special Prosecutor's Office against Impunity of the Public Prosecutor's Office of Guatemala accused Valladares of illicit association and money laundering, according to a DW News report.

In January 2020, the ex-minister lost his immunity as an official and became wanted in the Central American country for the case.

Valladares' guilty agreement and cooperation with federal investigators and prosecutors could give him an opportunity to apply for a visa to stay in the U.S. if it is proven that his life is in danger in Guatemala.

Meanwhile, officials of the telecommunications company were not named in any court records. However, Tigo's known president at the time is Mario Lopez Estrada. He is a civil engineer who is known as Guatemala's first billionaire.

Prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were also able to establish a money laundering case against Valladares as they got assistance from co-conspirators.

READ NEXT: Guatemala President Blames Joe Biden's Policies for Border Crisis, but Kamala Harris Says Climate Change Drives Increased Migration

Guatemala Bribery Scheme

Authorities called the investigation on the matter "Operation Black Mass."

Valladares was arrested and granted bail in 2020. He faces four to five years in prison at his sentencing. In addition, he is ordered to pay a $ 140,000 penalty to the U.S. government and could be further fined up to $500,000.

The U.S. Embassy announced that it had revoked visas for some of Guatemala's former officials, as reported by Reuters.

Guatemala's government's raid also led to the arrest of former Mayor Angel Ren Guarcas of Ciche, who was wanted for campaign finance violations.

Prosecutors issued warrants for five former lawmakers, including a close ally of ex-President Jimmy Morales.

A special forces soldier was also issued a warrant. The soldier also ran for the presidency, which President Alejandro Giammattei won.

Giammattei vowed to immediately create an anti-corruption force tied to the president's office instead.

Meanwhile, the U.S. embassy did not name the officials whose visas were removed.

READ MORE: Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega's Critic Edgard Paralles Picked Up by Two People Not in Police Uniform and Was Detained

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WATCH: People Are Outraged: General Strike in Guatemala Denounces Corruption & Mishandling of Pandemic - from Democracy Now!
President Joe Biden's health condition continues to improve after he tested positive for COVID last week.

This was confirmed by a letter penned by Dr. Kevin O'Connor from George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Services regarding the medication the president is taking. The letter was then released by the White House on Sunday, per New York Post.

"President Biden completed his third full day of PAXLOVID last night. His symptoms continue to improve significantly," O'Connor, Biden's physician, said in the letter.

The physician also pointed out that Biden's predominant symptom as of Sunday is a sore throat due to the activation of his lymph nodes. O'Connor also noted the president's rhinorrhea, cough, and body aches, have lessened "considerably."

The doctor also shared that Biden's vitals are normal and his lungs are clear. However, the president will continue with his medication.

O'Connor noted that Biden's symptoms will continue to be treated with oral hydration, acetaminophen, and albuterol inhaler needed for his occasional cough.

READ NEXT: Joe Biden Net Worth 2022: How Wealthy Is the 46th President of the United States?

Joe Biden's Close Contact Tested Negative for COVID - White House Coordinator

On Sunday, White House COVID-19 coordination czar Dr. Ashish Jha announced that the 17 people who were in close contact with President Joe Biden did not contract the said virus.

"Again, 17 is the number that we are tracking at the White House medical unit. None of them have tested positive as of late yesterday," Dr. Jha said on ABC's "This Week."

Jha added that all of the 17 people were contacted and are being monitored. He added that the said people are following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It can be recalled that Vice President Kamala Harris was among their close contact with Biden before he tested positive for the disease.

Harris' press secretary, Kirsten Allen, said last Thursday that the vice president was with Biden last Tuesday. Despite that, Harris tested negative for COVID, and she remained masked following the advice of the White House medical team.

First Lady Jill Biden also tested negative for COVID-19.

Joe Biden COVID

President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID on Thursday. Reports claimed that he experienced "mild symptoms" last week.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said last week that Biden will continue his duties as president and hold meetings through Zoom and his phone from his residence. Jean-Pierre emphasized that Biden will continue to work while isolating until he tests negative for the disease.

In a video, Biden gave an update last week, claiming that he is doing well and getting a lot of work done even though he got COVID.

He also emphasized in the video that he is double vaccinated and double boosted for the said disease.

READ NEXT: Haiti Gang Wars: Over 300 Children Take Refuge at School Over Violence

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WATCH: Biden's COVID Symptoms Have 'Improved' | WNT - From ABC News
Credit unions in Laois and elsewhere have a tremendous opportunity to grow, according to Sean Fleming, Minister of State in the Department of Finance.

He made the comment in a statement issued after meet with all of the credit unions in Laois on Thursday 21st July to discuss plans to help the Credit Union Movement.

"As a first Minister of State to be given specific responsibility for the credit union sector, I have been engaging with credit unions and their representative bodies throughout the country.

"I was very pleased to meet with all the Credit Unions that operate in County Laois and to hear their views on how Credit Unions can become a truly community banking movement in Ireland.

"It was very important to hear the issues directly affecting the credit unions from the senior executives and directors of the credit unions in the county who have first hand experience of the issues on the ground.

"I gave a briefing on the new legislation I am bringing into the Oireachtas soon which help credit unions grow. This was recently approved by Cabinet. There was a very positive and engaging discussion on the forthcoming legislation which will be published soon," he said.

The TD said after the meeting was held in the Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise that changes have been made to benefit credit unions.

"Since I became Minister with responsibility for credit unions I brought in legislation to allow virtual and hybrid AGMs for the first time ever. We also cut levies payable by credit unions by 54% in the last two years which was a significant saving for the movement. Separately the Central Bank has authorised three funds operated by credit unions through which every credit union can invest in the funding for Approved Housing Bodies for social housing.

"There is now a tremendous opportunity for credit unions to grow by providing more services to members of the public who up to now were dealing with the traditional banks.

"Finally, as Minister with responsibility for credit unions I would urge everyone to conduct their financial affairs through any of the nine credit union offices in County Laois," said the Fianna Fail TD.

The are five credit unions operating through nine different branches in Laois :

People First, in Portlaoise, Abbeyleix and Stradbally

St. Canices Credit Union in Mountrath, Rathdowney and Durrow

Mountmellick Credit Union

Portarlington Credit Union, and

Carlow Credit Union operating in Doonane/Newtown

The Credit Union is the most trusted brand in Ireland with strong roots in the local community and its important they continue and prosper in this role in the future.
Questions have been raised whether the Red House Hotel between Naas and Newbridge was originally in compliance with fire safety regulations.

Cllr Noel Heavey called for the shuttered facility on the R445 be renovated in order to offer accommodation during the housing crisis.

However Chief Fire Officer Celina Barrett said she did not believe the building was in compliance with fire safety regulations and may require a new Fire Safety Certificate.

Ms Barrett told the recent Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting: "The original development was granted a Fire Safety Certificate, however, in the opinion of the Fire Authority, the Red House Hotel was not built in compliance with the granted certificate.

"The nature of any works that may be required to bring the building into compliance with the Fire Safety Regulations will be dependent on the proposed use of the building.

"Any new development at this location will require a new Fire Safety Certificate."

Kildare County Council has previously said that the property is currently in private ownership and would require the agreement of the owners to bringing forward the building as a functioning residence which would be suitable to provide housing.

It added that it is likely that significant analysis and works may be required.

The council also said it identified the sprawling property on the R445 as a possible location for refugees in a submission to Government departments in relation to the provision of accommodation.

Officials added that a detailed assessment of the property in terms of its suitability would have to be carried.

Sources of funding to pay for any improvements of the building would also have to be identified.

Last year the property was designated a derelict site by the council.

The Environment Section of the local authority has also given notice that the site has been entered in the Derelict Sites register.

In February 2005, a massive fire caused extensive damage to the landmark building.

County Limerick company Blockstar Ltd acquired the Red House site from NAMA in 2014.

Blockstar Ltd, which was established in 2008 and is registered in Kilmallock, is involved in the civil engineering and construction sector.
Brewing giant Diageo could expand the projected workforce of 50 at the proposed 200 million brewery outside Newbridge, according to Minister of State and local TD Martin Heydon.

Mr Heydon was given confidential briefings on the state-of-the-art facility before it was announced earlier this month.

The TD told the Leader: The construction of the new site will lead to 1,000 jobs being created, while a further 50 jobs are being planned for the site itself.

However, I am confident that more jobs will follow soon, as the potential for growth is very high.

He added: Its absolutely brilliant news; a company like Diageo choosing Kildare shows it is a big decision, especially how this will be the first time the company has invested in an Irish site since the 1960s.

I think its fair to say that this project will last long after our time.

Speaking about talks going on behind the scenes talks, he continued: There was a lot of sensitivity around it during the proposal stage, but if Diageo gets the green light, it is expected to start brewing at the Newbridge site by 2024.



The new plant will be built on a greenfield site along the Newbridge South Orbital Relief Road (NSORR) between the rear of the Lidl Regional Distribution Centre and the Keurig Dr Pepper facility.

The Littleconnell area is developing into a major industrial hub and will be benefit hugely when the new NSORR ring road is completed and will run from the R445 at the northern side of the town via a proposed new Liffey Bridge to the Athgarvan Road on the southern side of the town.

These new infrastructural links will also greatly improve connectivity in the wider Newbridge area.

Diageo said the the facility will brew lagers and ales including Rockshore, Harp, Hop House 13, Smithwicks, Kilkenny and Carlsberg.

With a capacity of 2 million hectolitres, it will be the second largest brewing operation in Ireland after St Jamess Gate.

The state-of-the-art brewery will also be powered with 100% renewable energy and is committed to minimising overall energy and water consumption.

Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Leo Varadkar said he expects there will be many indirect local jobs spinning out from the development.

Diageo will submit a planning application to Kildare County Council in September this year and, if successful, plans to commence brewing in 2024 following a construction period of approximately two years.

Diageos brands include Guinness as well as Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanans whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio and Tanqueray.

Its products are sold in more than 180 countries and it is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.

Guinness founder Arthur Guinness was born in Kildare almost 300 years ago and the proposed brewery will now further strengthen the famous mans links with his native county.
A BULAWAYO family is appealing for R45 000 to repatriate the remains of their relative who died in a car crash in Cape Town, South Africa last month.

Innocent Nyoni (58) died in the accident which occurred on the N2 Highway in Caledon, Cape Town and the family says it has been struggling to raise money to bring his body home for burial.

Nyoni died on June 29 this year and his body has been at Hermunus State Mortuary in Western Cape, South Africa.

In an interview, familys spokesperson, Ms Rosemary Nyoni (67), said the family was only informed a week after his passing on July 3, while the mortuary bill was already piling up.

She appealed for financial assistance from members of the public and well-wishers so that Nyoni can be laid to rest in Bulawayo.

The oni family would like to appeal for urgent assistance in bringing to Bulawayo the remains of the late Innocent Mandla Nyoni who passed on in a tragic road traffic accident in Cape Town.

We have tried as a family to raise the money but we have failed. This is our cry for help, she said.

Ms Nyoni said they need about US$3 000 or R45 000 to repatriate the late Nyonis body for burial in Bulawayo.

Those who may wish to assist the Nyoni family can contact Nyonis brother Chemist Ncube on 0774 669 892/ 0713 140 383 or his niece Pinky Nyoni on +278 342 . Chronicle
Kildares strategic location on the doorstep of Dublin is helping it win many investment projects, including the proposed 200m Diageo brewery outside Newbridge, County Kildare Chamber has said.

Chamber CEO Allan Shine stated that Newbridges proximity to the M7 has helped it attract Diageo as well as the likes of US multinational Keurig Dr Pepper.

Mr Shine told the Leader: Proximity to markets and suppliers is a major plus for businesses looking to set up in the region and we expect a number of further company announcements over the coming months.

The CEO said that Diageo is just one of a number of developments in the Newbridge area in the last four months and shows Kildare is primed for investment and continued development.

He added: County Kildare is competing and winning this investment in competition with other European locations.

It also shows the confidence business leaders have in Kildare, with our excellent transport infrastructure and connectivity and a well-educated and ambitious young workforce.

The Chambers public affairs manager Sinead Ronan added that the Chamber will continue to collaborate with stakeholders like the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, businesses, local government, Maynooth University to ensure we keep up this strong momentum.
Temporary closures to facilitate public lighting upgrades have been announced in Naas, Kildare.

Only one closure will be in place at any one time.

Kildare County Council (KCC) on behalf of Enerveo Ireland Ltd, gives notice in accordance with Section 75 of the Roads Act, 1993 and the Roads Regulations, 1994 that it will close the following roads periodically during the period commencing Tuesday, July 26 to Tuesday, August 23.

These closures are being implemented in order to facilitate public lighting upgrades including associated civils works, KCC said.

The first closure will be for Moat Lane (L-29962-10), from the junction of Main Street North (R-445) to the junction of Abbey Street (L-2996) for 14 days.

The second closure will be for Town Hall Lane (L-29961-0), starting from the junction of Main Street North (R-445) and ending at the junction of Abbey Street (L-2996), also for 14 days.

Alternative Routes:

For the first area: vehicles wanting to travel eastbound on Moat Lane will be diverted south along Abbey Street (L-2996) and then directed to turn left onto Basin Street (L-2997).

Vehicles will be directed to turn left again onto North Main Street (R-445) reaching the end of the diversion.

For the second area: vehicles wanting to travel westbound on Town Hall Lane will be diverted south along North Main Street (R-445) and then directed to turn right onto Basin Street (L-2997).

Vehicles will be directed to turn right again onto Abbey Street (L-2996) reaching the end of the diversion.

Diversionary routes will be clearly signposted, as agreed with the Council and An Garda Siochana.

Emergency access and restricted local access will be maintained.
The Irish premier has pledged to respond to concerns raised by the brother of a Troubles victim about the case at a meeting in Dublin.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin was urged to play with a straight bat and look into the circumstances leading up to the murder of Ian Sproule in Castlederg, Co Tyrone, in 1991.

A representative of a victims group present at the meeting said that the Taoiseach appeared to show significant empathy when listening to John Sproules story.

The family of Ian Sproule believe that there was Garda collusion involved in the killing of the 23-year-old joiner.

Speaking after the meeting at Government Buildings on Monday, John Sproule said: The Taoiseach listened to what I had to say and appeared to show a genuine connection with the issues I raised.

He committed to take away what was discussed and to come back to me with advices on how matters might be progressed.

He added: I recognise the Taoiseachs track record on issues connected with terrorism and criminal violence, he has always played with a straight bat and I would expect that he will want to do likewise in my brothers case.

I cannot rest unless and until I receive full accountability for the circumstances which led to Ians murder and how it remains that no-one has been held accountable.

Representatives of the South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) victims group also attended the meeting in Dublin.

SEFF director of services Kenny Donaldson said: We leave Dublin today encouraged that possibly something might happen, the Taoiseach appeared to be genuinely interested in Johns story and demonstrated significant empathy when engaging with him.

We will await to see what flows from todays discussions, the Irish Government can be in no doubt now as to the needs of the Sproule families; needs which are legitimate and which should and must be delivered upon, he said.

In a statement, a spokesperson said the Taoiseach was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with John Sproule and the South East Fermanagh Foundation.

The Taoiseach once again repeated his condemnation of the appalling murder of Ian Sproule by the Provisional IRA, and urged anyone with information to come forward to the PSNI or gardai.

He listened carefully to Johns presentation and said he would revert to him on the concerns raised.

In November 2019, Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney met with a family member of Ian Sproule and the DUPs Diane Dodds, then an MEP.

Following the meeting, Mr Coveney said there was a good, honest discussion on issues around trust and legacy, and that he hoped it would be one of several meetings he will be able to hold with the family.
THE MID West has received a jobs boost with the announcement that Siemens Digital Industries Software is to establish a software research and development group in Shannon.

The investment, worth in the region of 7million, will focus on High Performance Computing in the Cloud for semiconductor design.

The project, which is supported by IDA Ireland, is the first Cloud EDA R&D group to be established by Siemens Digital Industries Software globally, and enhances Ireland's already strong reputation of in Cloud Software Development and HPC R&D.

Around 25 new jobs are to be created over the next three years.

Making the announcement, Joe Sawicki, VP of Engineering at Siemens EDA, said: We are excited about the new R&D division in Shannon focusing on Cloud development. The cloud represents a step change in capability for our Electronic Design Automation customers and harnessing its potential will be key for our continued success.

Martin Gennery, site lead for the new site in Shannon added: It is excellent to see Siemens demonstrate its continued commitment to Shannon as a strategic location by locating its first software R&D division in Ireland here. Due to Shannons central location in the mid-west between Limerick and Galway it has always attracted top talent. This expansion offers an opportunity to work on the latest technologies while benefiting from the work life balance delivered by hybrid working based in the mid-west.

Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment Leo Varadkar has also welcomed this Monday's announcement: This is great news from Siemens, investing 7m in Shannon and creating 25 new highly skilled jobs over the next three years. It really demonstrates the skill and reputation of the companys existing staff here that such a significant investment would be made in such an area of importance for the company. The very best of luck to the new team.

Siemens EDA (formerly Mentor Graphics) has had a significant presence in Shannon for over 20 years, delivering key financial and business operations worldwide. The Shannon operation of Siemens Digital Industries Software currently employs 150 people and is continually growing.

The rapidly expanding software R&D group is commencing recruiting for roles related to a multi-cloud hybrid PaaS/SaaS project including Cloud Infrastructure, Software Development, Application Security, DevOps, HPC & EDA.

Denis Curran, IDA Irelands Head of Property & Regional Development said: Siemens is a longstanding employer in the Mid-West region. The addition of this new R&D function and the associated transformational impact on the position of the Irish site within the global organisation is significant. I wish to congratulate Siemens on this expansion and wish them every success
In a bid to bolster innovation and boost new startups, the Delhi University (DU) has set up a not-for-profit company and is working to establish another Section 8 firm, reported news agency PTI.

The Section 8 firm, which is expected to help in bringing funds for the company, is in its final stage of formation, said Delhi University's Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh.

Going by definition under the Companies Act 2013, a Section 8 firm is registered for not-for-profit objectives and prohibits payment of any dividend to its members.

"We have set up one company to encourage new startups and innovation in the varsity and we are in search of its CEO. The company will work on incubators and promote innovation," Singh said.

He further said that the second company, which is in its final stage, would ensure funding from alumni and other firms under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.

The Section 8 company will be an independent entity of Delhi University and will have a professional CEO. The funding will be used for developing the university infrastructure and other facilities.

Along with banking on the alumni and CSR activities of business firms for funding, DU is also planning to get a loan of 1,000 crore from the Higher Education Funding Agency (HEFA) for infrastructure development and creation of capital assets.

In its loan proposal to the Ministry of Education, the university has mentioned about the meagre amount of allocation it receives for the creation of capital assets for the last three to five years. The shortage of funds has also affected varsity's ability to purchase lab equipment and maintain infrastructure.

"We are waiting for the HEFA (Higher Education Financing Agency) loan. Moreover, we are hopeful that these two companies will help in the generation of funds. We are hoping that alumni will contribute and CSR activities of the companies will help in generation of funds," he said.

The HEFA loan is under process and Yogesh Singh is hopeful that it will be cleared soon. The globally acclaimed university recently received a loan of over 1,000 crore from its executive council. According to the HEFA funding pattern, DU will have to repay the loan in 20 half-yearly installments in 10 years.

With inputs from PTI
Indian passengers arriving in Pakistan through air or land routes, including via the Kartarpur Corridor, will undergo telescopic monitoring at all entry points due to the rising coronavirus cases in India, a media report said on Monday.

According to the Union Health Ministry data on Monday, India's Covid tally rose to 4,39,05,621 after the country reported 16,866 new coronavirus infections in a day.The daily positivity rate crossed 7 per cent again after a gap of 168 days. A total of 41 new fatalities have been reported, the data updated on Monday stated.

The Directorate of Health Sciences in Pakistan issued a circular on the instructions of Health Minister Qadir Patel. Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIP) has made foolproof arrangements for monitoring Indian passengers.As per instructions, monitoring of Indian passengers will be conducted at all entry points including airports, the Wagah-Attari border, and Peace Corridor Kartarpur Gurdwara, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

Meanwhile, the coronavirus positivity rate has decreased from 2.96 per cent to 2.74 per cent across Pakistan, according to the statistics issued by the National Institute of Health (NIH) on Sunday.

Three people have died of Covid-19-related complications in the last 24 hours in the country, it said, adding that 19,402 Covid-19 tests were conducted, out of which 532 came out positive during this period.

The Pakistan government has asked people to get vaccinated against the virus amid reports that people are delaying booster shots as the BA.5 variant spreads rapidly.The government has so far refrained from imposing another round of blanket restrictions.

However, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Friday issued SOPs for the month of Muharram, advising people to wear masks and use hand sanitisers to prevent infections.The central command centre also issued strict instructions to conduct proper screening of people coming in from India at all entry points of the country.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
Three people have been arrested by the Sri Lankan police as they were trying to sell 40 gold-plated brass sockets stolen from the President's House here after angry demonstrators stormed the iconic building during an unprecedented anti-government protest over the severe economic crisis in the country.

On July 9, anti-government protesters occupied the official residence of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the private home of former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The mob also torched the private residence of Wickremesinghe.

Three persons who entered the President's House at Fort on July 9 during protest have been arrested with 40 gold-plated brass sockets that were fixed on the walls to hang window curtains, the online newspaper Daily Mirror reported.

The Welikada police arrested the suspects while attempting to sell the stolen items on Sunday, it said.

The arrested suspects, aged 28, 34 and 37, are residents of Obeysekarapura in Rajagiriya. Police said the three were also suspected drug addicts.

They will be handed over to the Colombo (North) Criminal Investigation Division, which is handling the investigations of the incidents, the report said.

https://www.livemint.com/news/world/india-will-continue-to-stand-by-people-of-sri-lanka-.html

Based on initial investigations at least 1,000 items of value, including rare artefacts have gone missing from the Presidential Palace as well as the Prime Ministers official residence.

Special investigation teams have been formed to begin a probe, it said, web portal Colombo Page quoted police sources as saying on Saturday.

What is compounding the agony for the investigative officers is that the Sri Lankan Department of Archaeology does not have a detailed record of the antiques and different artefacts at the Presidential Palace, even though it has been gazetted as a place of archaeological importance, the report said.

Newly-elected President Wickremesinghe has said he respects the rights of the protesters to peacefully undertake their demonstrations, but has asserted that he will not allow another government building to be occupied.

Wickremesinghe said he has authorised Sri Lankas armed forces and the police to take whatever action is necessary to stop people from storming public facilities and obstructing Parliament.

He has said the occupation of government buildings is illegal, warning that legal action would be taken against their occupiers. Protesters set Wickremesinghes personal residence on fire and occupied his office during the protests.

Sri Lanka has seen months of mass unrest over an economic crisis and many blame the former government led by ousted president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his family for mishandling the island nation's economy.

Sri Lanka, a country of 22 million people, is under the grip of an unprecedented economic turmoil, the worst in seven decades, leaving millions struggling to buy food, medicine, fuel and other essentials. Sri Lankas total foreign debt stands at USD 51 billion.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
An everlasting soul is a powerful concept; it's the central feature of many religions and a deeply comforting belief in the face of loss.

Perhaps that's why some have been dissatisfied with leaving matters of the soul to faith, instead turning to science in attempts to prove the soul exists. If you've ever heard that the soul weighs 21 grams  or seen the 2003 film 21 grams alluding to this fact  you've heard the results of one of these rather unusual experiments.

So how much does the soul really weigh? Well, the bad news is that, of course, no one can say. Science can't prove that the soul exists, and scientists can't weigh it. But the bizarre story of one doctor's attempt to do just that is worth hanging around for.

The story starts at the turn of the last century in Dorchester, a neighborhood in Boston. A reputable physician named Duncan MacDougall had a bee in his bonnet: If humans had souls, he thought, those souls must take up space. And if souls take up space, well, they must weigh something  right?

Weighing the soul

There was just one way to find out, MacDougall reasoned. "Since  the substance considered in our hypothesis is linked organically with the body until death takes place, it appears to me more reasonable to think that it must be some form of gravitative matter, and therefore capable of being detected at death by weighing a human being in the act of death," he wrote in the scientific paper he would eventually publish (opens in new tab) in 1907 about this effort.

MacDougall teamed up with Dorchester's Consumptives' Home, a charitable hospital for late-stage tuberculosis , which at that time was incurable. MacDougall built a large scale, capable of holding a cot and a dying tuberculosis patient. Tuberculosis was a convenient disease for this experiment, MacDougall explained in his paper, because patients died in "great exhaustion" and without any movement that would jiggle his scale.

MacDougall's first patient, a man, died on April 10, 1901, with a sudden drop in the scale of 0.75 ounce (21.2 grams). And in that moment, the legend was born. It didn't matter much that MacDougall's next patient lost 0.5 ounce (14 grams) 15 minutes after he stopped breathing, or that his third case showed an inexplicable two-step loss of 0.5 ounce and then 1 ounce (28.3 g) a minute later.

MacDougall threw out Case 4, a woman dying of diabetes, because the scale wasn't well calibrated, in part due to a "good deal of interference by people opposed to our work," which raises a few questions that MacDougall did not seem eager to answer in his write-up. Case 5 lost 0.375 ounce (10.6 grams), but the scale malfunctioned afterward, raising questions about those numbers, too. Case 6 got thrown out because the patient died while MacDougall was still adjusting his scale.

MacDougall then repeated the experiments on 15 dogs and found no loss of weight  indicating, to his mind, that all dogs definitely do not go to heaven.

MacDougall reported his results in 1907 in the journal American Medicine and the Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research. He also snagged a write-up in The New York Times (opens in new tab).

Unanswerable questions

MacDougall's study had a minuscule sample size, and his results were all over the place, so even at the time, it cast the notion that he measured the soul into serious doubt. To MacDougall's credit, he admitted that more measurements were needed to confirm that the soul had weight. That hasn't happened  in part for ethical reasons, and in part because the experiments are a bit  kooky. A rancher in Oregon did attempt to replicate the soul-weighing experiment with a dozen sheep in early 2000, according to Mary Roach's book "Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife" (W. W. Norton & Co., 2005). Most gained between 1 and 7 ounces (30 to 200 grams), though the gains lasted just a few seconds before the sheep returned to their original weights.

Roach also reported that Dr. Gerry Nahum, a chemical engineer and physician who was at the Duke University School of Medicine at the time, had developed a hypothesis that the soul, or at least the consciousness, must be associated with information, which is equivalent to a certain amount of energy. Because the equation E = mc ^2 dictates that energy equals mass times the speed of light squared (thanks, Einstein ), this energy could, essentially, be weighed with sensitive enough electromagnetic instruments. As of 2007 (opens in new tab), Nahum had not gotten funding for experiments that would prove whether he was right. He now works for Bayer Pharmaceuticals. (Roach wrote that Nahum did not hope to pull a MacDougall and do his tests on humans. Instead, he was considering leeches as subjects.)

The bottom line is that science has not remotely determined the weight of the soul, nor whether the soul exists at all. Chances are, this question will be left to the religious realm.

Originally published on Live Science on Dec. 01, 2012, and rewritten on July 25, 2022.
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Irma Vep star Alicia Vikander has reminisced about her early years in the spotlight in a new interview with The Times of London, saying she was the most sad at the height of [her] fame.

The 33-year-old Swedish actress, who broke through internationally with Nikolaj Arcels Oscar-nominated A Royal Affair in 2012, became a global star after knockout back-to-back performances in the sci-fi thriller Ex Machina and transgender romance Danish Girl, the latter of which earned her a best supporting actress Oscar in 2016. But during that time, Vikander said she felt lonelier than ever.

When, in other peoples eyes, I was at my height of fame, I was the most sad. I kept telling myself, Take it in. It is incredible. But I didnt know what to do. There were all these first-class flights, five-star rooms. But I was always by myself. I was by myself, Vikander told The Times.

Right around that time, in 2015, it was reported that she and her then-boyfriend Michael Fassbender, who is now her husband, had split up. She now lives in Lisbon, Portugal, with Fassbender and their 17-month-old baby.

Vikander also alluded to her personal experience with miscarriage, a theme that was tackled in the melodrama The Light Between Oceans, in which she stars opposite Fassbender. Talk about meta, said Vikander, who met Fassbender while filming the Derek Cianfrance-directed movie. We have a child now, but it took us time, she said.

The Light Between Oceans has another meaning now, Vikander continued. [The miscarriage] was so extreme, painful to go through and, of course, it made me recall making that film.

Vikander, who shot HBO limited series Irma Vep in Paris three months after they welcomed their baby, also discussed the challenges of balancing a busy acting career and parenting. We do every second job () One stays at home while the other works. She also said Fassbender took their baby to the set of Irma Vep so that she could see [her] face.

The actress just wrapped the shoot of Firebrand, in which she plays Catherine Parr, the last wife of King Henry VIII of England, and stars opposite Jude Law. In Irma Vep, a playful redo of Assayass 1996 niche film, Vikander plays the leading role as an A-list American star filming the remake of a cult silent film.

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The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever teaser trailer nabbed 172 million views in its first 24 hours, becoming one of the Marvel Cinematic Universes top trailer debuts for a superhero movie, a source close to Marvel confirmed the viewership number to Variety. The Wakanda Forever teasers viewership nearly doubled the 88 million views the original Black Panther teaser garnered in 2017.

The teaser also set social media ablaze, with topics relating to Black Panther garnering over 893,000 mentions. Chadwick Boseman, Namor, Shuri, TChalla, Ryan Coogler and Angela Bassett all became national trending topics after the teasers debut, and the hashtag #WakandaForever held the No. 1 trending spot for over five consecutive hours.

By pulling in 172 million views in its first 24 hours, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever becomes one of the top trailer launches for a standalone Marvel movie following titles like the Spider-Man: No Way Home teaser (the biggest ever with 355.5 million views) and the Thor: Love and Thunder teaser (209 million views). Four Avengers trailers also pulled in bigger numbers: Avengers: Endgame teaser (289 million), Avengers: Endgame final trailer (268 million), Avengers: Infinity War teaser (230 million) and Avengers: Infinity War final trailer (179 million).

It should be noted that unlike many of these aforementioned Marvel movies, the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever teaser launched on a Saturday night at around 9:20pm ET. Thats not exactly the most desired time slot for a trailer debut, as most trailers release weekday mornings and take advantage of the workday re-watch factor.

The teaser marked the first unveiling of the Black Panther sequel, which marks the next feature film entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The footage showcases the nation of Wakanda going to war against an army of Atlanteans, led by the fearful Namor (Tenoch Huerta). Lupita Nyongo, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira, Florence Kasumba Winston Duke and Angela Bassett are reprising their roles from the original Black Panther, joined by series newcomer Michaela Coel, Dominique Thorne, Alex Nivilani and Mabel Cadena.

Riding off the success of the teaser release, Hollywood Records and Marvel Music released a prologue soundtrack for the movie earlier Monday. The soundtrack includes Tems cover of Bob Marleys No Woman, No Cry, which earned acclaim for its prominent feature in the teaser trailer.

Before the teaser was shown to the Hall H crowd at Comic-Con, director Ryan Coogler and several members of the films ensemble took the stage to introduce the film and discuss the legacy of the late Chadwick Boseman, who led the original 2018 Black Panther before he died in 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer.

Its going to be hard to follow that up, but well try, Coogler told the crowd.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will hit theaters on Nov. 11.

Watch the teaser below.

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With a knack for forming tight bonds with rightfully-elusive subjects, Spanish filmmaker Kike Maillo, who shot to fame with sci-fi debut Eva, takes an engrossing and sympathetic look into haute-crime as it pertains to one of the worlds preeminent art forgers, Oswald Aulestia Bach.

In El Falsificador, Maillo hones in on the deviance, excess, and deterioration of a con, deconstructing a cult of personality along the way by following Aulestia Bach, a gifted artist in his own right, and two accomplices, Elio Bonfiglioli and Michael Zabrin, as they recount forging and distributing dupes of Picasso, Joan Miro, and Salvador Dali while raking in millions.

Throughout the film, family members, reporters and law enforcement officials appear near-jovial while recounting the case and how much the international syndicate accomplished before the FBI caught wind of the scheme close to a decade later.

Presented by Filmin and produced by Playtime Movies, Maillo and Toni Carrizosas Sabado Peliculas (42 Segundos) and The Mediapro Studio-acquired El Terrat (Mira lo que has hecho), the project marks Filmins first original documentary production. Following its world premiere at theAtlantida Mallorca Film Fest, whose on-site event it closes, El Falsificador will air on the network and in theaters this fall as a feature-length film, continuing as a three-episode miniseries in 2023.

Ahead of the world premiere, Maillo spoke with Variety about Oswalds vivid personality, the nature of documentary filmmaking, and the oft-unjust U.S. legal system.

How did you gain such intimate access to Oswald and his inner circle?

We immediately connected with Oswald and knew we had a commitment on his part to go all the way, that he was going to tell us everything we asked him. That surely has to do with the relationship we had with him. In Michaels case, he doesnt live in our country, so we had to convince him to be in the documentary. The same with Elio. Those characters, the three most important characters in this story, have had problems with the law and still do today. Getting them to open up to you is complex, its complicated and its a team effort. Theres always a no, then 25 calls and 30 minutes later it starts to be a, could be.

In your opinion, what is the most fascinating aspect of Oswalds story?

The most exciting thing is his character. Its like someone so crazy, seductive and grotesque. Excessive and intelligent. All that in one person. Also, his lust for life, all of that desire to eat it all up. Even now, with his 80 years. Hes taken it all. Hes slept with everything. He has lived it all. To this day, I still dont know how many kids he has. Hes been married four times. His personality is so overwhelming. The truth is, when we found him and started to talk, thats what made us realize that the best way to tell this story was through documentary, not fiction.

You touch on the U.S. carceral system through a bleak set of scenes. Was that an important part of the process, or did it present itself spontaneously?

We didnt start to consider that system until Oswald went to prison. The first thing that shocked us was that the extradited prisoners, the people who are being tried, are like deaf-mutes, theyre treated in the same way, they cant communicate, they dont understand the language, so they need an interpreter.

The prison we dealt with had no windows at all, zero hours of sunlight a day, thats deeply shocking. Oswald was in a cell for four months in complete isolation. Its not good. From that moment, it became one of the most important things, to glimpse inside the system. Since it was shocking for us, we took advantage of that moment and talked a little about the experience of other inmates, the interpreter, the lawyers and Elio. In his case, he found prison so hard he tried to take his own life on several occasions.

Theres something a bit unconscionable between the type of crime and the type of punishment.

When you approached this film, did you have the goal in mind to guide its narrative?

When I approached this documentary, my idea was to see how someone lives outside the law, the mechanics of it, when times are good and theyre earning a lot of money, and when theyre suddenly involved in conflict.

I see it like surfing, choosing the good waves, deciding which to ride, because realitys very complex.

Our purpose was to focus on the humanity of these characters, of how theyve lived, how theyve lost. In the end were dealing with three characters who live out the consequences of outside the law in different ways. Two of them have very complicated lives, especially psychologically speaking. In the case of Oswald, hes managed, by his nature, to turn it around.

What do you find the most alluring aspect of filming a documentary?

The lack of control. I like improvisation. I like not knowing where Im going. I think the most beautiful thing about documentaries is that you go there to shoot and you dont know what youre going to get on the day youre shooting.

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Netflix is launching its first location based entertainment experience in Japan, a pavilion at KidZania in Fukuoka. It will open to the public on Sunday (July 31, 2022).

KidZania is an interactive city that combines inspiration, fun and learning through realistic career experiences.

The Netflix pavilion will allow kids to experience being a stop-motion animator and help characters come to life, by immersing them in the world of the upcoming series Rilakkumas Theme Park Adventure.

Kids aged three to fifteen will be able to work together in teams of six to create an original story, by placing the characters Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma in Nakasugi Land, and producing a short video using the same stop-motion technique seen in the Rilakkuma series. Their finished video will be shown on a big screen in the theater room.

The company explains that stop-motion is a film-making technique where objects are shifted slightly in each individually photographed frame. When the frames are played back quickly, the subjects of the film then appear to move fluidly.

We are pleased that by joining KidZania Fukuoka as a sponsor, children and their families living in Kyushu will be able to feel closer to Netflix and have the unique experience of seeing what its like to work at a production studio, said Masato Shimoi, Netflixs director of business development, Japan.

Rilakkuma is a comic book character created by the San-X company in 2003 which has featured on stationery and merchandize and has been used for branding of cafes. In 2019, Netflix released a stop motion series Rilakkuma and Kaoru produced by Dwarf, San-X and Netflix.

The first season of Rilakkumas Theme Park Adventure premieres worldwide on Netflix on Aug 25, 2022. In the eight-part series, characters Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kaoru, and Kiiroitori visit a theme park that is about to close. There, they take part in escapades and meet different characters.

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Courtesy/U.S. Border Patrol

Federal and county authorities discovered a stash house with 40 migrants, authorities said.

The incident dates back to July 19 when U.S. Border Patrol agents along with the Webb County Precinct 2 Constables Office, the Webb County Attorneys Office and Homeland Security Investigations responded to a home on Ugarte Street.
Laredo Independent School District appointed Angel Ramos to be the new principal at the Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts.

With 21 years of educational experience, Ramos has previously served the district as an Assistant Principal for Nixon High School. During his time at NHS, he achieved three consecutive social studies distinctions. Furthermore, Ramos continued his administrative services at F. S. Lara Academy where he was later promoted to lead Lara Academy as principal.

Ramos received a Bachelor of Liberal Arts with an emphasis in foreign languages and music education from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. He also garnered a Master of Science in Education Administration at Texas A&M International University.

Prior to his professional success, Ramos attended Martin High School and VMT. He continued his involvement with the district as a percussion coordinator for several drumline programs in LISD schools, member of the District Education Improvement Council, Campus Education Improvement Council and Site Base Decision Making Committee.

Ramos was a distinguished nominee for the 2005-06 Teacher Disney Awards for his motivation and creativity with the students inside and outside the classroom. He has performed at many venues, which include the Texas Music Educators Association Convention and the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. His professional affiliations include the Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Bandmasters Association. Ramos has composed, arranged and served as a drumline clinician for several high schools and middle schools throughout South Texas.

Ramos earned certification for Principal, Instructional Leadership Development and Texas Principal Evaluation and Support System.

In addition to his accomplishments, Ramos new administrative position has lead him to become the first alumni to return to his stomping grounds and lead VMT. Ramos was part of the first Fall of 1993 VMT student cohort.

"I would like to thank my mother, Bertha Ramos, for always pushing me to excel in all endeavors, and the Laredo Independent School District for giving me the wonderful opportunity to lead VMT, Ramos said.

LISD has appointed Jose De Leon as Christen Middle School Principal. De Leon was previously at VMT.

Additionally, Sandra Garcia has been named Director of K-8 Instructional Accountability, and Sylvia Cantu will be serving as LISDs Homeless and Migrant Services Interventionist.
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WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden said Monday that he's feeling better every day as he recovers from his coronavirus infection, and the White House planned a summit on Tuesday to discuss developing a new generation of vaccines that could more effectively guard against contagious variants.

After participating in a virtual meeting to talk about computer chip manufacturing, Biden said everything's on the button with the medical tests he's been receiving each evening.

He also said he's been sleeping better, joking that his dog had to wake him up Monday, the fourth day of Biden's COVID isolation.

My wife's not here, she usually takes him out, Biden said. Shortly before 7 a.m., he said, he felt the nuzzle of my dog's nose against my chest." First lady Jill Biden has been at the family home in Delaware while the president isolates in the White House residence.

Biden said his voice remained raspy and said he still had nasal congestion, but he's on his way "to fully recovered, God willing.

I'm not keeping the same hours, but I'm meeting all my requirements that have come before me," he said.

It was Biden's first public appearance since Friday. Although his voice was deeper and raspier than normal, a deep and persistent cough was all but gone.

Biden also delivered prerecorded remarks to the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives conference in Orlando, Florida. He discussed the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.

The president, who tested positive last Thursday, was likely infected by the BA.5 variant. A new note Monday from Bidens physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, said his symptoms have almost completely resolved and his vital signs remain absolutely normal.

Biden has been taking the antiviral drug Paxlovid.

Tuesday  Biden's fifth day of isolation on the second floor, or living area, of the White House  will be an important moment on his road to continued recovery.

Dr. Ashish Jha, coordinator of the White House response to COVID-19, said Biden will be able to come out of isolation if he tests negative for the virus Tuesday using a rapid antigen test, while continuing to wear a well-fitting mask for the next several days.

Asked what kind of schedule Biden would then keep, Jha replied, Let's see when he tests negative.

Separately, the vaccine summit on Tuesday, which involves top administration officials, scientists and pharmaceutical executives, comes as the country faces a surge of infections from BA.5, a variant that's an offshoot of the omicron strain.

Although the current generation of vaccines, plus antiviral drugs, have helped prevent hospitalizations and deaths, there are hopes that new versions could provide more durable protection against disruptive infections.

-

Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to this report.
A man has been banned from driving for ten years and imprisoned for three months after picking up his seventh conviction for no insurance.

Bernard Power (42), Crystal Manor, Shroid, Dublin Road, Longford lodged an appeal however following his conviction by Judge Bernadette Owens at a sitting of Longford District Court last week.

That came after Mr Power pleaded guilty to being found at the wheel without insurance and of having no driving licence following an incident at Toneywarden, Granard, Co Longford on December 3, 2021.

The court heard Mr Power should not have been behind the wheel after being disqualified from driving at a court sitting in Waterford in 2019 which resulted in a four year ban being imposed.

Sgt Enda Daly said Mr Power had initially been brought to Granard garda station on the day in question with the vehicle he had been driving also being seized.

The States court presenter also revealed Mr Power had 27 previous convictions, six of which were for no insurance.

In mitigation, defence solicitor Diarmuid Quinn said there were a number of underlying factors as to his clients decision to get behind the wheel on the day of the incident.

One of those was the fact his wife, who has been battling serious illness, had broken down on the side of a busy road in north Longford resulting in the 42-year-old rushing to his wifes aid.

The other, he revealed, was fears surrounding his own safety which has seen Mr Power come under duress from undisclosed third parties.

On a couple of those (previous) occasions (convictions) particularly in Dublin, it was mentioned in court previously that his wife was very unwell and has thyroid cancer, said Mr Quinn.

Mr Power had been bringing her up to St Jamess Hospital in Dublin. In this case, as gardai are aware there have been threats made against Mr Power, credible threats and in circumstances where his wife broke down on the side of the road essentially between Granard and Edgeworthstown stranded, and out of concern he got in the car without thinking and sped off to try and come to her aid.

Mr Quinn said his client was full of remorse over being caught driving without insurance yet again, insisting it was an episode he knew was wrong.

He wasnt thinking and made a mistake, he said.

He deeply regrets it, it was a spur of the moment thing and out of concern for his wife he got in the car, went to her aid and he sincerely regrets it.

Judge Owens said despite Mr Powers personal difficulties, she found it difficult to fathom how an individual with half a dozen previous indiscretions for no insurance could resort to getting behind the wheel of a car without being fully cognisant of the potential repercussions that awaited.

I appreciate Mr Powers wife was ill and while I appreciate how it was put to me that he just didnt think, I find it strange how a man who at this time had six previous convictions (for no insurance) didnt think he was disqualified from driving, she said.

Given those circumstances, she said she had been left with no option but to impose a custodial sentence on Mr Power.

She sentenced him to three months in jail with recognisances of 250 being fixed in the event of an appeal.

Mr Power was also ordered not to drive a motor vehicle during the course of any pending appeal being heard at Circuit Court level.
Pets & Animal, Local News, Crime

By Long Island Published: July 24 2022

Suffolk County Police Seventh Squad detectives are investigating a burglary during which seven French Bulldogs were stolen in Shirley early this morning.

Suffolk County Police Seventh Squad detectives are investigating a burglary during which seven French Bulldogs were stolen in Shirley early this morning.

An unknown person or people broke into a detached building at approximately 3:15 a.m. and stole two six-month-old French Bulldogs and five one-month-old French Bulldog puppies. The owner, who was sleeping in the dwelling, located in the rear of the property of 14 Concord Road, was not awakened during the burglary.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Seventh Squad at 631-852-8752 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases, Politics

By Long Island Published: July 25 2022

Freeport residents will rally outside Freeport Village Hall today ahead of a public hearing about the future of Cleveland Avenue Park

Freeport residents, students, members of Teamsters Local 804 and local activists will rally outside Freeport Village Hall today ahead of a public hearing about the future of Cleveland Avenue Park. Against the wishes of the community, Freeport Village officials are attempting to rezone and sell off one of the Villages few green spaces to make way for an e-commerce giant. The park on Cleveland Avenue has been used by area youth for decades and continues to be utilized by the school district. In fact, theres an ongoing legal battle between Freeport Village and the Freeport Union Free School District over who actually owns the property. But that hasnt stopped Mayor Robert Kennedy and Village Trustees from trying to take away the park. Those speaking at todays rally will call on Village officials to save Cleveland Avenue Park, and they will urge Gov. Kathy Hochul to veto related state legislation.

When: Monday, July 25, 2022 at 6 p.m.

Where: Freeport Village Hall, 46 N Ocean Ave, Freeport, NY 11520
Big Technologies PLC - UK-based remote people monitoring technology company - Says Chief Financial Officer Daren Morris bought 40,000 shares at GBP2.30 each. Following this purchase, he holds 400,000 shares in the company, representing a 0.1% stake.

Current stock price: 226.30 pence, up 2.9% on Monday

12-month change: down 23%

By Abby Amoakuh; abbyamoakuh@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - Boris Johnson "does not want to resign" and "wished that he could carry on" as UK prime minister, according to a Conservative peer.

Peter Cruddas, a former Conservative Party treasurer, said the comments were made to him by Johnson over lunch at Chequers on Friday.

The peer is running a campaign to give Conservative Party members a vote on whether to accept Johnson's resignation as Tory leader.

But Downing Street responded by insisting Johnson will leave the post when a new Tory leader is chosen in September.

A Number 10 spokeswoman said: "The prime minister has resigned as party leader and set out his intention to stand down as PM when the new leader is in place."

Cruddas told the Daily Telegraph: "There was no ambiguity in Boris's views. He definitely does not want to resign. He wants to carry on and he believes that, with the membership behind him, he can."

The peer added: "Boris thanked me for my 'Boris on the ballot' campaign. He said he was enjoying following it and he wished me well. He said he could understand the membership's anger at what had happened. He said that he wished that he could carry on as prime minister. He said he does not want to resign."

The Telegraph said Johnson, when asked by the peer if he would "wipe away" his resignation immediately with "a magic wand", reportedly replied: "I would wipe away everything that stops me being PM in a second."

Cruddas, who said 10,000 party members have backed the campaign, added: "He wants to carry on to finish the job. He wants to fight the next general election as leader of the Conservative Party."

Johnson, in his final appearance at Prime Minister's Questions, declared "mission largely accomplished, for now" before signing-off by telling MPs: "Hasta la vista, baby."

The Spanish term "hasta la vista" translates to "see you later", but "hasta la vista, baby" is the catchphrase of Arnold Schwarzenegger's cyborg character in the 1991 movie Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

Johnson's valedictory comments left the door open for a possible comeback, with the Terminator also known for the catchphrase: "I'll be back."

Conservative former minister Chris Philp, asked about the remarks by Cruddas, told Channel 4 News: "That ship has sailed. We have a process which we have gone through. The prime minister chose voluntarily to resign, that was accepted by everybody. We have run a process in Parliament to select those final two candidates.

"He resigned, for reasons he will know about. He did that voluntarily, under pressure, but voluntarily.

"We are now going to elect a new leader. That process is going to carry forward.

"And on this point about Lord Cruddas' petition, I would just urge people to disregard that. It's a sideshow, and what I would certainly say, when people get their ballot papers, mark a vote for one of the two candidates, don't spoil your ballot paper by writing anything else, if you do that, your vote won't count."

Conservative MP Andrew Bowie (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) told the same programme: "This Lord Cruddas' petition is a sideshow, it should be given no attention whatsoever, we are focusing on the future."

source: PA

Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - Rishi Sunak on Sunday promised to get tough on China if he becomes Britain's next prime minister, calling the Asian superpower the "number one threat" to domestic and global security.

The former finance minister's pledge comes after his rival in the final two of the race to lead the ruling Conservative party, Liz Truss, accused him of being weak on China and Russia.

China's state-run Global Times has previously said Sunak was the only candidate in the contest with "a clear and pragmatic view on developing UK-China ties".

The Daily Mail, which has come out for Foreign Secretary Truss in the race to succeed Boris Johnson, called that "the endorsement that nobody wanted".

Sunak's proposals include the closure of all 30 Confucius Institutes in Britain, preventing the soft-power spread of Chinese influence through culture and language programmes.

He also promised to "kick the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) out of our universities" by forcing higher education establishments to disclose foreign funding of more than GBP50,000 (USD60,000) and reviewing research partnerships.

Britain's domestic spy agency MI5 would be used to help combat Chinese espionage, and he would look to build "NATO-style" international co-operation to tackle Chinese threats in cyberspace.

He would also study the case for banning Chinese acquisitions of key British assets, including strategically sensitive tech firms.

Sunak claimed that China was "stealing our technology and infiltrating our universities" at home, "propping up" Vladimir Putin abroad by buying Russian oil, as well as attempting to bully neighbours including Taiwan.

He hit out at China's global "belt and road" scheme for "saddling developing countries with insurmountable debt".

"They torture, detain and indoctrinate their own people, including in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, in contravention of their human rights. And they have continually rigged the global economy in their favour by suppressing their currency," he added.

"Enough is enough. For too long, politicians in Britain and across the West have rolled out the red carpet and turned a blind eye to China's nefarious activity and ambitions.

"I will change this on Day 1 as PM."

Sunak's tough-talking will doubtless please China hawks in the Tory ranks, who have repeatedly pushed Johnson to stand up more to Beijing.

But it is also a sign of how Sunak is desperately trying to claw back ground on Truss, whom opinion polls have put well ahead in the crucial hunt for votes from the 200,000 grassroots Tory members.

A winner will be announced on September 5.

Truss has similarly urged a tougher approach, calling for the G7 to become an "economic NATO" against Chinese threats and warned Beijing of sanctions if they did not play by international rules.

It aligns both with warnings from MI5 and the FBI about a surge in Chinese commercial espionage in the West.

Yet British government policy when both Sunak and Truss were in Johnson's cabinet has warned about China before.

In March last year, its integrated review of security, defence and foreign policy called China "the biggest state-based threat to the UK's economic security".

Under fierce political pressure from Washington, it banned Chinese technology giant Huawei from involvement in the roll-out of Britain's 5G network.

Laws have been tightened to make it harder for foreign firms, including those from China, to buy British businesses in sensitive sectors such as defence, energy and transport.

At the same time, London has recognised that China's power and international assertiveness was here to stay, and called Beijing a "systemic competitor".

In July last year, Sunak himself called for a more nuanced approach to the debate on China.

"We need a mature and balanced relationship," he said in his Mansion House speech as chancellor of the exchequer.

"That means being eyes wide open about their increasing international influence and continuing to take a principled stand on issues we judge to contravene our values."

By Phil Hazlewood

source: AFP

Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - Britain's two prime ministerial contenders were set Monday to go head-to-head for the first time in a televised debate after a weekend of tough talking on China.

In response to criticism by Conservative leadership favourite Liz Truss, rival Rishi Sunak announced plans to crack down on Beijing's influence, calling it the "number one threat" to domestic and global security.

China's state-run Global Times has previously said former finance minister Sunak was the only candidate in the contest with "a clear and pragmatic view on developing UK-China ties".

The Daily Mail, which has come out for Foreign Secretary Truss in the race to succeed Boris Johnson, called that "the endorsement that nobody wanted".

Sunak's proposals include the closure of all 30 Confucius Institutes in Britain, preventing the soft-power spread of Chinese influence through culture and language programmes.

He also promised to "kick the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) out of our universities", by forcing higher education establishments to disclose foreign funding of more than GBP50,000 and reviewing research partnerships.

Britain's domestic spy agency MI5 would be used to help combat Chinese espionage, and he would look to build "NATO-style" international cooperation to tackle Chinese threats in cyberspace.

China's foreign ministry said in response that UK politicians should not "talk about China at every turn and make irresponsible remarks such as the so-called 'China threat theory', which cannot solve their problems".

Sunak has been accused by Truss of being soft on both China and Russia when he was finance minister, reportedly raising economic concerns when Johnson pushed for tough sanctions following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

His toughened line on China came ahead of Monday's BBC television debate, to be held at 2100 BST, as he looks to claw ground back from Truss.

Opinion polls put Truss well ahead in the crucial hunt for votes from the roughly 200,000 grassroots Tory members, after she and Sunak emerged as the run-off candidates in a series of votes by MPs.

The winner will be announced on September 5.

Truss has similarly urged a tougher approach, calling for the G7 to become an "economic NATO" against Chinese threats and warned Beijing of sanctions if it does not play by international rules.

Her allies hit out at Sunak for not doing more when he was chancellor of the exchequer, before he resigned in protest at Johnson's scandal-hit leadership.

"Over the last two years, the Treasury has pushed hard for an economic deal with China... despite China brutally cracking down on peaceful democracy campaigners in Hong Kong, threatening Taiwan, illegally occupying the South China Sea, committing genocide on the Uyghurs," said former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith.

"After such a litany, I have one simple question: where have you been over the last two years?"

But Truss was also in Johnson's cabinet when intelligence agencies warned of China's influence.

In March last year, the government's "integrated review" of security, defence and foreign policy called China "the biggest state-based threat to the UK's economic security".

But the review also stressed the need for engagement on trade and investment.

UK-China relations have become increasingly strained on issues ranging from espionage and cyber-attacks to human rights and Hong Kong.

In July last year, Sunak himself called for a more nuanced approach to the debate on China.

"That means being eyes wide open about their increasing international influence and continuing to take a principled stand on issues we judge to contravene our values," he said.

Sunak's new plan would also review the case for banning Chinese acquisitions of key British assets, including strategically sensitive tech firms.

He claimed China was "stealing our technology and infiltrating our universities" and "propping up" Vladimir Putin abroad by buying Russian oil, as well as attempting to bully neighbours, including Taiwan.

"Enough is enough. For too long, politicians in Britain and across the West have rolled out the red carpet and turned a blind eye to China's nefarious activity and ambitions," Sunak said.

By James Pheby

source: AFP

Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Palma airport this morning reported four cancelled flights and ten delays as Ryanair cabin crew members (TCP) continue strike action, according to the unions.

In total, 11 flights have been cancelled at different Ryanair bases in Spain, departing from and arriving at the Barcelona and Palma bases.

As far as delays are concerned, there were 51 this morning.

Most of them were in Palma, although there have also been delays in Barcelona, Girona, Madrid, Malaga, Seville, Valencia, Alicante, Santiago de Compostela and Ibiza.

This is the ninth day of strike action out of a total of 12 called by USO and Sitcpla to force the airline to renegotiate a collective agreement. The unions already called another six days at the end of June.
Spain is in a unique position to become the new energy hub of Europe, if not the western world, according to Dr. Khal A Hashema, M.Sc., PhD., MD, who has invented a process of transforming natural gas to liquid methanol with his company Thrunnel, which is based in Finland.

Dr. Khal, who is currently in Melbourne promoting the project, explained to the Bulletin that Spain is geographically in the perfect position to become the new energy hub for Europe, which would eventually wean Europe off its dependence on Russia for some 40 percent of its natural gas.

The biggest problem the world faces at the moment is that natural gas can only be transported through pipelines, but at Thrunnel we have the technology in the research and development stage which offers a direct-step conversion of methane from natural and renewable sources to hydrogen-rich shippable, transportable and storable liquid.

Liquid hydrogen carriers, under ambient conditions, do not need the expensively prohibitive infrastructures required for liquid natural gas or the handling of methane in its voluminous gaseous form.

That could make Spain the energy hub for Europe to wean it from its dependency on Russian gas, using existing transportation infrastructure.

This technology would allow Spain to be the recipient of natural gas via both the Mediterranean Sea (from north Africa) and the Atlantic Ocean (from the USA), without the need for the expensive pipeline network or liquid natural gas expensive terminals, he explained.

Today, Europe not only depends on Russia for its natural gas but also for 39 percent of its crude oil.

22 percent of Europes gas also comes from Norway, 18% from Algeria, while America, Qatar and Azerbaijan account for 10 percent collectively.

However, should Spain invest in what Thrunnel is developing, there would no longer be the need for gas pipelines. Plants in Spain could produce liquid gas which could be easily transported by road and by rail to all of Europe. What is more, Spain could buy the patent and then sell that across the world. It would be in the interests of Europe and the national interests of Spain as the country moves forward with its renewable energy project.

This could change the entire global gas industry and finally kick start the hydrogen economy, which has been on the table for some 50 years, he added.

If there were a direct way to convert natural gas to liquid methanol, Spain could use that direct way to ship methane gas in the form of methanol liquid to the rest of Europe.

Currently, none of the available technologies can make direct conversion from methane to methanol. This is where Thrunnel technology can come into play, if it is developed in a timely way.

Methanol can replace natural gas in all of its uses, including natural gas electric power plants, cheaply modified to use methanol.

Most importantly, methanol can serve as an ideal carrier of hydrogen, to release hydrogen, when and where it is needed, via the Thrunnel-technology-based zero emission process.

Ironically and counter-intuitively, methanol at room temperature has more hydrogen than liquid hydrogen itself at a cryogenic temperature, on a weight-to-volume basis. So, why would they bother using the expensive cryogenic temperature to liquify hydrogen, while methanol, which is naturally liquid at room temperature, has more hydrogen than liquid hydrogen? The reason is cost related. Making methanol today is too expensive and energy intensive to be used as an energy carrier, thus it is mainly used as a product in the chemical industry supply chain but not as an energy carrier. Otherwise, it would be a wasteful energy carrier, because the energy consumed in its making is more than the energy it can carry, he stressed.

Spain already houses the EUs largest storage and regasification capacity but its limited interconnections with the rest of the continent continue to be a problem.

Spain houses just over a third or 35% of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage capacity in the EU and the UK, according to data from Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIP), the association of European gas infrastructure operators, comprising 67 companies from 26 countries. With a capacity of 3.31 million cubic metres, Spain is first, followed by the UK, which accounts for 22% of LNG storage capacity (2.09 million), France (14% and 1.35 million), Belgium (6% and 0.56 million) and Italy (5% and 0.54 million), according to GIP data.

Spain also leads in terms of regasification capacity, allowing Spain to face the current crisis triggered by Russias invasion of Ukraine with more guarantees than its EU neighbours, at least in terms of security of supply, experts have said.

And Mallorca is helping to lead the way. In March, Spains minister for ecological transition, Teresa Ribera, attended the inauguration of the Lloseta green hydrogen plant. Described as a pioneering project in Spain and in southern Europe, the plant has investment of 50 million euros, of which the European Union has contributed ten million.

At the plant, water molecules are separated by electrolysis into hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

The compression of hydrogen allows its use as a green fuel without emissions. It occupies part of the old Cemex cement factory and is powered by photovoltaic parks located by the plant and in Petra.

The production plan is for more than 300 tonnes per year.

This will initially be for part of Palmas bus fleet, for port services in Palma and for tourist establishments and industries. In the longer term, green hydrogen is seen as an energy source for residential purposes.

The oxygen from the process is for health use and also for diving cylinders, while the oxygenation of fish farms is being studied. The water for electrolysis is ten per cent of the volume that Cemex used to require for cement production.

Juan Pedro Yllanes, the Balearic minister for energy transition, has said that the hydrogen plant will accelerate the decarbonisation of the Balearic economy and advance energy sovereignty as a strategy to reduce our dependence on foreign countries.

And this is exactly what Dr. Khal can see happening across Spain, making it the power liquid gas house for Europe. But apart from investment, he needs willing, dedicated and hardworking scientists and technology experts to move the project forward.
Greg Sukiennik has worked at all three Vermont News & Media newspapers and was their managing editor from 2017-19. He previously worked for ESPN.com, for the AP in Boston, and at The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Mass.
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SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korea plans to lift its decadeslong ban on public access to North Korean television, newspapers and other publications as part of its efforts to promote mutual understanding between the rivals, officials said Friday, despite animosities over the North's recent missile tests.

Divided along the worlds most heavily fortified border since 1948, the two Koreas prohibit their citizens from visiting each others territory and exchanging phone calls, emails and letters, and they block access to each others websites and TV stations.

In a policy report to new President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, South Koreas Unification Ministry said it will gradually open the door for North Korean broadcasts, media and publications to try to boost mutual understanding, restore the Korean national identity and prepare for a future unification.

Ministry officials said South Korea will start by allowing access to North Korean broadcasts to try to encourage North Korea to take similar steps. The ministry refused to provide further details, saying the plans are still being discussed with relevant authorities in South Korea.

Jeon Young-sun, a research professor at Seouls Konkuk University, said North Korea is unlikely to reciprocate because the flow of South Korean cultural and media content would pose a really huge threat to its authoritarian leadership.

Ruled by three generations of the Kim family since its 1948 foundation, North Korea strictly restricts its citizens access to outside information, though many defectors have said they watched smuggled South Korean TV programs while living in the North. In 2014, North Korean troops opened fire when South Korean activists launched balloons carrying USB sticks containing information about the outside world and leaflets critical of the Kim family toward North Korean territory.

Relations between the two Koreas remain strained over North Koreas torrid run of missile tests this year. Yoon, a conservative, has said he would take a tougher stance on North Korean provocations, though he said he has an audacious plan to improve the North's economy if it abandons its nuclear weapons.

Despite the Norths likely reluctance to reciprocate, Jeon said South Korea needs to ease its ban on North Korean media because the restrictions have led to dependence on foreigners and other governments to gather North Korea-related information. Jeon said that has increased the danger of acquiring distorted information on North Korea.

It wasnt clear how anti-North Korea activists in the South would react to the government's move. Jeon said there was little chance the move would promote pro-North Korean sentiments.

South Korea, the worlds 10th-largest economy, is a global cultural powerhouse. Its nominal gross domestic product in 2019 was 54 times bigger than that of North Korea, according to South Korean estimates.

Some observers say the ban must be lifted in a step-by-step process with discussions on what North Korean contents would be allowed first and how the access should be given to the South Korean public.

While South Korean authorities block access to North Korean government websites and other media, they rarely crack down on experts, journalists and others using virtual private networks or proxy servers to access them. A large number of North Korean movies, songs and other contents are also available on YouTube, which is accessible in South Korea.
When Janhvi Kapoor on a recent episode of Koffee With Karan S7 confessed that she secretly stalks Rahul Khanna on Instagram and finds him incredibly hot, we all sitting in our homes silently nodded in agreement.

I think he has got a vibe. Hes got energyI think hes hot, said Miss J about Rahul when asked about the actor she secretly stalks.

Well, the people who followed Janhvis suit and went up on Instagram to stalk Mr. Khanna were in for a sexy-sweet surprise.

The Bollywood heartthrob had dropped a tease of a picture with an intriguing side note. Rahul could be seen wearing absolutely nothing barring his charming smile, brown leather shoes and a set of maroon socks. In the caption he mentioned that he will soon be revealing something he has been keeping to himself.

Cut to the next day, our fashion OG had made an announcement about coming up with his own fashion line called RKXC in collaboration with the brand Chokore. The collection features a design-led range of formal accessories for men. A mix of classic investment pieces such as exquisite silk neckties, classic self-tie bow ties, and pocket squares.

We caught up with the style icon to learn about his inspiration behind the collection, his personal style and the process of building a solid formal wardrobe.

1. What was your inspiration behind the collection?

My own accessories collection! And my experiences sourcing items for it. I believe every persons closet should contain a few staples that never go out of style, will last a lifetime and be of a quality that could, realistically, be passed down to the next generation.

However, when I wanted to add a particular new item, I discovered that it was easy to find flashy accessories that were embellished or patternedbut that wasnt the case when it came to high-caliber, foundational pieces. If they happened to be easily available, they were either of low-quality or came at luxury price points. So I set about assembling, what I consider to be, the foundation blocks on which a modern Indian man can build a world-class accessories collection.

2. We see a lot of bright colours and Indian motifs in the collection. In a world where everyone wants subtle English colours and patterns, what really propelled you to give the collection a more festive spin?

India was an important factor because this collection is specifically for the modern Indian men and I wanted the colours and patterns to reflect that. Wherever possible I tried to incorporate references to India and Indian designs while still keeping the collection restrained and refined.

3. When and what should we expect from your next collection?

There will be more colour variation for our customer. There will be new limited editions and were looking at adding one-of-a-kind curated vintage accessories, too. On top of that, it might be fun to offer bespoke and personalised accessories for events and weddings.

4. What are the 5 accessories that men must have to build a solid formal wardrobe?

An elegant, solid navy silk necktie

A pristine white pocket square

A black self-tie bow tie

A black silk necktie

A festive silk pocket square to wear for traditional Indian celebrations

5. Describe your personal formal style in three words?

Simple. Classic. Clean.

6. Tell us the 3 suits that every guy should have in his wardrobe?

A classic navy suit that can take take you from day to night

A bandhgala suit for formal and Indian occasions

A lightweight suit in a light colour like beige or grey for smart-casual, day-time events.

7. Whats the one advice you would give to the millennial grooms on choosing their wedding suit?

You should look like the best version of yourself on your big day! So choose a suit that makes you feel that. It should also be a suit that you can go on to re-wear for other occasions and get great use out of.

Go for the best quality that fits your budget and dont be swayed by trends. Do lots of trials and fittings until youre satisfied with what you see in the mirrorbecause youll only look good if you feel good!
Metro Creative Graphics/File Photo

A Bad Axe man has been charged with inappropriately touching a woman in his home on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day of 2021.

Bruce Everett McNeil, 34, of Bad Axe, pleaded not guilty on Monday morning in Huron Countys 52nd District Court to two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 2 years in prison.
UPDATE: This story was updated to reflect the correct spelling of the Cleon Township fire chief's name.

CLEON TWP.  There are three measures on the ballot for Cleon Township on Aug. 2.

One of the proposals is a bond for a new fire hall and township hall, the second is a millage renewal for the fire departments operations and the third is a cemetery renewal proposition.

The five-year cemetery renewal proposition aims to levy funds for cemetery operations in Cleon Township. It would levy $9,325. in the first year.

Voters in the Cleon Township Fire Departments coverage area are also expected to decide on a millage renewal request for the departments operations.

The fire department covers fire and emergency services for Cleon Township and Springdale Township.

Mark Griner, Cleon Township fire chief, said the millage renewal funds are essential to the departments existence.

If the fire department millage doesnt get renewed we will not have a fire department, Griner said.

He said the fire department millage accounts for about 65%-70% of the departments operating costs and the remainder is covered through contracted services the department does through Springdale Township.

My official position is that the residents and taxpayers of Cleon and Springdale townships have indicated that they want a fire department and they will pay for it. If they indicate sometime in the future that they dont want to pay for a fire department, they wont have one, he said.

Griner said the department also assists other first response agencies in the surrounding townships with emergency medical services.

If you lived in Cleon Township and you felt sick and you needed to go to the hospital, we probably wouldnt get dispatched, he explained. If you lived in Cleon Township and you had some type of an accident an you were trapped or additional help was needed, we would get dispatched to that.

Griner noted that the departments primary mission is emergency response and its secondary goal is public service through community engagement.

He said this can be fire prevention local schools, Heritage Days participation and even transporting Santa Clause to schools in the area around Christmas.

We do find out that most people dont realize what a true firefighter, or fire department does, he said. We want to make sure that we engage with the folks that are in our community. We want them to know that if they need our help, they can call us and were going to help.

Those connections have also helped the department at a time when many are struggling to find enough volunteer firefighters and when many are aging out of their positions.

Griner said the department recently brought in a 17-year-old local fire explorer who could one day be a firefighter with the department.

File graphic

Ballot language

The ballot language for both millage renewals are is as follows:

 FIRE DEPARTMENT RENEWAL PROPOSITION

Shall Cleon Township, Manistee County, Michigan renew the previous voted increases in the tax rate limitations imposed under article IX, sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution in the amount of 1.2199 mills ($1.2199 per $1000 of taxable value), increased by an additional 0.0301 mill ($0.0301 per $1000 of taxable value) to offset previous millage rollbacks, resulting in a levy of 1.25 mills ($1.25 per $1000 of taxable value) for 5 years, 2022 through 2026 inclusive, for Fire Department operating purposes? The revenue would be disbursed to Cleon Township, and if approved, it is estimated that the revenue generated by this proposal in the first year the millage is levied would be $46,625.

 CEMETERY RENEWAL PROPOSITION

"Shall Cleon Township, Manistee County, Michigan renew the previous voted increases in the tax rate limitations imposed under article IX, sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution in the amount of .2439 mills

($0.2439 per $1000 of taxable value), increased by an additional 0.0061 mill ($0.0061 per $1000 of taxable value) to offset previous millage rollbacks, resulting in a levy of .25 mills ($0.25 per $1000 of

taxable value) for 5 years, 2022 through 2026 inclusive, for cemetery operating purposes? The revenue would be disbursed to Cleon Township, and if approved, it is estimated that the revenue

generated by this proposal in the first year the millage is levied would be $9,325."
The Michigan Supreme Court overturned a court of appeals decision July 22, effectively declaring the policy of one police department was unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court opinions were in response to two separate lawsuits filed in 2021 against the city of Grand Rapids, which stemmed from two separate incidents in 2011 and 2012 involving the Grand Rapids Police Department. GRPD's Captain Curtis Vanderkooi and officer Elliott Bargas were named in the lawsuit.

In 2011 GRPD investigated a complaint that a young Black male  later identified as Denishio Johnson  was looking into vehicles in a parking lot. Johnson had no identification and reportedly told Bargas that he was 15 years old, lived nearby and walked through the parking lot as a shortcut. Unable to confirm Johnson's identity or age, Bargas photographed and fingerprinted Johnson under the department's policy. Johnson was ultimately released and not charged with a crime.

In a separate but similar incident in 2012, VanderKooi saw Keyon Harrison give someone a large model train engine, and became suspicious of it. When VanderKooi confronted Harrison at a nearby park, he didn't believe his story and continued to be suspicious.

"Harrison, who had no identification, told VanderKooi that he had been returning the train engine, which he had used for a school project," the court document reads.

VanderKooi directed another officer to perform a print and photograph of him. Harrison was also released and not charged with a crime.

The cases were heard numerous times in 2017-2021 by the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals. Today's decision opinion could put an end to the case.

In a unanimous opinion by Justice Bernstein, the Supreme Court found the Court of Appeals was incorrect in determining no constitutional rights were violated by the P&P policy, sitting "it authorized the GRPD to engage in unreasonable searches contrary to the Fourth Amendment.

"The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures," the opinion reads. "Under the common-law trespass doctrine, a search occurs when the government physically intrudes on a constitutionally protected area to obtain information."

"Fingerprinting an individual without probable cause, a warrant, or an applicable warrant exception violates an individuals Fourth Amendment rights," Bernstein said.

According to court documents, the city's print and photograph policy assigned each patrol officer standard equipment containing a camera, a fingerprinting kit, and GRPD "print cards" for storing fingerprints.

"After a P&P was completed, the photographs were uploaded to a digital log," the documents read. "Completed print cards were collected and submitted to the Latent Print Unit."

The prints were then compared to the Kent County Correctional Facility's database and the Automated Fingerprint Identification System.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan lauded the court's decision in a press release July 22.

"Todays unanimous ruling confirms that the Grand Rapids Police Departments photograph and print policy is dangerous and unconstitutional," Dan Korobkin, legal director with the ACLU of Michigan said in the release. "The policy enabled decades of racial profiling, police overreach, and threats to personal privacy. It is time to reimagine policing and center the needs of the communities that officers are sworn to serve and protect."

The court summary said that warrantless searches are unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment, with several exceptions. One exception noted was "Terry stops," which refers to a 1968 court case that determined brief on-scene detentions of an individual were not a violation so long as an officer can articulate a "reasonable suspicion for the detention."

"In these cases, fingerprinting pursuant to the P&P policy exceeded the permissible scope of a Terry stop because it was not reasonably related in scope to the circumstances that justified either stop; fingerprinting is not related to an officers immediate safety, and Terry caselaw does not justify stops merely for the general purpose of crimesolving," the summary reads.

The court remanded Johnson's case to Kent Circuit Court for further proceedings and Harrison's case to Court of Appeals to determine if prosecution was able to establish voluntary consenting to fingerprinting.
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LONDON (AP)  The parents of a 12-year-old boy who was left in a comatose state after suffering catastrophic brain damage lost a court appeal Monday to stop doctors from ending life support for their son.

Three Court of Appeal judges delivered a ruling about what was in the best interests of Archie Battersbee, who was found unconscious at home on Apr. 7. His mother has said she believed he may have been taking part in an online challenge.
MANISTEE  Much of the world is facing an ongoing airplane pilot shortage, and Manistee is no exception.

According to a recent report by director Barry Lind at July's Manistee Blacker Airport Authority meeting, 46% of flights in July were canceled.

However, Lind noted that this is not a unique issue and that the airline industry has been dealing with this for quite some time.

Reasons for the shortage

The issue is multi-faceted and has been years in the making, according to Lind,

It starts with congressional regulations, has to do with the price of education, and many consequences flow to create a perfect storm that is causing problems worldwide.

According to Lind, about 13,000 pilots are needed each year to replace those who age out of the system.

However, only around 6,500 certificates to fly commercial airplanes have been issued each year for the last decade, according to data from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Current regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration require captains of major airlines to retire at age 65.

Lind noted that the discrepancy in how many pilot certificates are issued every year has made the problem worse each year that passes. In addition, Lind said it costs anywhere between $100,000 and $250,000 to attend flight school to become a pilot for a commercial airline  which is always on the student to bear  through loans and or other means.

In addition, many of the larger airlines during the beginning of the pandemic offered incentive packages for pilots to retire before age 65, and when travel began to ramp up again in the summer of 2021, the larger airlines started to staff their flights with pilots from smaller regional airlines, which then created shortages down the chain.

Small airlines feeling the pinch

Cape Air, a small airline based out of Hyannis, Massachusetts, services Manistee Blacker Airport. In order to make its flights, the airline has employed three strategies to try to keep pilots, according to Andrew Bonney, senior vice president of planning for Cape Air.

First, Cape Air is paying for the training of pilots  who are then supposed to stay on for a year to fly their airplanes. Second, the company is looking into helping pay for homes in areas like Manistee to keep the pilots in the community.

Third, Cape Air is a small enough airline that it can recruit pilots age 65 and up from other larger airlines for those who do not want to retire, according to Bonney. These experienced pilots can become mentors to younger pilots, he said.

Cape Air is also partnering with Republic Airways' LIFT Academy to help train students for a lower price by Republic Airlines paying about $15,000 to help subsidize the cost.

However, Bonney said despite, what they offer "some pilots are breaking their contracts" and a lot of it has to do with the expense to become a pilot and rules that were enacted over a decade ago.

The 1,500-hour rule

Bonney said overall the pipeline "is broken." He said that is due to a regulation that the FAA instituted in 2010, which requires 1,500 hours of flight time to earn an Air Transport Pilot license. Before, the rule changed, in order to get an ATP license, pilots only needed 250 hours, plus any additional training specific to a particular airline.

Bonney said that in practice, pilots received 500 hours of flight before getting their ATP licenses. That license allows for the pilot to be a first officer or co-pilot, with a more experienced pilot as the captain.

The 1,500-hour rule came as a result of an incident that occurred in 2009. Colgan Air flight 3407 crashed just outside of Buffalo, New York. The crash killed 50 people. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board found that pilot fatigue was a contributing factor to the crash.

However, Bonney said that the pilot had over 2,200 hours of flight time and that the issue is not related to safety.

He said that this is because there is no regulation as to the type of plane or aircraft that one flies to receive those hours. He notes that pilots are flying unsupervised in single-engine planes or even a hot-air balloon simply to receive the 1,500 hours needed.

He notes that previously 250 hours could be obtained in a more structured environment like a flight school. Bonney said that Canada has the same pre-2010 requirements that the United States previously had for its pilots: 250 hours and airline-specific training. Pilots trained in the European Union are only required 230 hours of flight time.

He said that "the bottom line is that the cost" makes it nearly impossible to compete with larger airlines, particularly with students going into debt and wanting to make the median salary immediately.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, "the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers was $202,180 in May 2021."

Bonney notes that makes airline pilots the second highest paying profession in the United States, just making a little less than the median salary for medical doctors.

As such, there is not all that much room to grow in salary, particularly for smaller airlines to be able to make the business model work.

Possible solutions

Both Lind and Bonney say the best solution would be for Congress to repeal the so-called 1,500-hour rule and return to pre-2010 regulations that were in place. In addition, Bonney and officials at other smaller airlines like Republic Airways are asking for exemptions to the 1,500-hour rule but only for first officers and co-pilots.

Those officials are asking to halve the number of required training hours for first officers to 750 flight hours.

Bonney said while that's not perfect, it is much more achievable for a pilot in training or beginning pilot to achieve those hours, while still in flight school and at a much lower cost.

Bonney said the U.S. Transportation Secretary has the power to grant that exception.

However, short of those actions, both Lind and Bonney said there is not much else that can be done to solve the problem that makes any economic sense for small airlines.

Lind said in the meantime, airline passengers need to be prepared and understand that travel has changed.

I would say, regardless of whether it's Manistee or any other airport, travel is less reliable, and flights have been canceled and you may not get to your destination, Lind said.

The airport cant do much about that, he added.
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NEW YORK (AP)  A co-defendant of the so-called Central Park Five, whose convictions in a notorious 1989 rape of a jogger were thrown out more than a decade later, had his conviction on a related charge overturned Monday.

Steven Lopez was exonerated in response to requests by both Lopezs attorney and prosecutors at a court hearing in Manhattan.

Lopez was 15 when he was arrested along with five other Black and Latino teenagers in the rape and assault on Trisha Meili but reached a deal with prosecutors to plead guilty to the lesser charge that he and several others mugged a male jogger on the same night.

District Attorney Alvin Bragg told a judge Monday that a review of the case found that Lopez had pleaded guilty involuntarily in the face of false statements and under immense external pressure. He served more than three years behind bars before being released in the early 1990s.

Lopez, now 48, didn't give a statement in court and left without speaking to reporters.

Mr. Lopez is looking for privacy at this time," said his lawyer, Eric Shapiro Renfroe.

During the hearing, the defense attorney told his client: I believe what happened to you was a profound injustice and an American tragedy. ... Im happy to be here today with DA Bragg so we can give you your name back."

The brutal assault on Meili, a 28-year-old white investment banker who was in a coma for 12 days after the attack, was considered emblematic of New York City's lawlessness in an era when the city recorded 2,000 murders a year.

Her assault happened on a night when several other people had been attacked in the park by groups of youths.

Five teenagers were convicted in the attack on Meili and served six to 13 years in prison. Their convictions were thrown out in 2002 after evidence linked a convicted serial rapist and murderer, Matias Reyes, to the attack. Reyes told investigators he alone had been responsible for Meili's assault.

Prosecutors who reviewed the case had concluded the teenagers' confessions, made after hours of interrogations, were deeply flawed.

A comparison of the statements reveals troubling discrepancies, they wrote in court papers at the time. The accounts given by the five defendants differed from one another on the specific details of virtually every major aspect of the crime.

Prosecutors said on Monday that statements implicating Lopez in the violence that night also were unreliable.

Other individuals who linked Lopez to the attacks on the male and female joggers later recanted their allegations in their civil depositions, prosecutors wrote in court papers. The male jogger never identified Lopez as one of the assailants, the papers add.

The Central Park Five, now sometimes known as the Exonerated Five, went on to win a $40 million settlement from the city and inspire books, movies and television shows.

Lopez has not received a settlement, and his case has been nearly forgotten in the years since he pleaded guilty to robbery in 1991 to avoid the more serious rape charge. His expected exoneration was first reported in The New York Times.

The Associated Press does not usually identify victims of sexual assault, but Meili went public in 2003 and published a book titled I Am the Central Park Jogger.

___

Associated Press writer Karen Matthews in New York contributed this report.
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The question at the center of an investigation into the killings of three family members  including a 6-year-old girl  at an eastern Iowa state park campground is: Why?

Its a question that, so far, investigators havent been able to answer as they look for any connection between the family and the suspected shooter. They have uncovered little to establish a motive, noting they have not turned up any connection between Anthony Sherwin and those investigators say he killed.

What police have said is that Sherwin, 23, of the Omaha suburb of La Vista, had no criminal history prior to the attack, and investigators said he appeared to target the victims at random. The mans parents, who had been camping with their son, expressed incomprehension that he would carry out such an attack.

The shooting happened early Friday morning, when the victims from Cedar Falls, Iowa, were found shot to death in their tent at the Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, about 180 miles east of Des Moines. Police have said Tyler Schmidt, 42; his 42-year-old wife, Sarah Schmidt; and their 6-year-old daughter, Lula Schmidt, all died in the attack.

The couples 9-year-old son, Arlo, survived the attack without physical injury, but police have not said whether he was in the tent when the shootings happened. Mitch Mortvedt, assistant director of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, said Monday that investigators have spoken to the boy, but declined to reveal what the child said.

At this time, theres been nothing discovered as far as anything that precipitated the attack at the campground, Mortvedt said.

Sherwin's parents had suggested that he might have heard the shots and grabbed a firearm in the familys vehicle for self-protection, but Mortvedt discounted that theory.

"Without getting into the fine details of it, with everything that we have learned, we are confident that everything we have reported is how it played out and that he is responsible, Mortvedt said.

Autopsies on the Schmidts and Sherwin began Sunday and were continuing on Monday, Mortvedt said.

The La Vista Police Department in Nebraska released records Monday showing that it had only one prior contact with Sherwin, when he walked into a police station in July 2017 to report someone had tried to use his insurance to get dental work done in Oklahoma. Sherwin later called police to inform them his insurance company had mistakenly sent him someone else's bill.

Sherwin's mother, Cecilia Sherwin, in a statement emailed to The Associated Press, described her son as kind, sensitive, an exceptional student and an aspiring businessman.

We just arrived home and are trying to absorb the loss of our son and arriving home without him which is unfathomable, she said. I didnt think we had any tears left, but we still find ourselves breaking down and care deeply for the little boy and the loss of his family.

___

Associated Press reporter Michael Tarm in Chicago contributed to this report.
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After a court agreed that Alex Jones committed defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress on two parents whose children died in the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre, a trial is being held in Texas to determine the penalty for that defamation.

The trial started with jury selection on last Monday and opening arguments on Tuesday. Sandy Hook parents Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis seek $150 million in defamation damages from Jones, with their legal team questioning Infowars employees and showing clips from Infowars to try to show the extent of the emotional distress inflicted on the parents.

The parents went into isolation under the protection of security on Monday due to unspecified encounters in Texas that have caused them to fear for their lives, their attorney said.

Jones attorneys have argued the Infowars host has already been punished by losing all his assets  millions of dollars. They argue he didnt intend to inflict emotional distress.

Time stamps are dated for Eastern Standard Time.

Reporter John Moritz is reporting from the courtroom in Texas, while Jordan Nathaniel Fenster is covering the trial from Connecticut.

Attorneys, parents gather in courtroom for potential verdict

5:50: The jury has reached a verdict awarding $45.2 million in punitive damages to the parents. Alex Jones attorney challenged the verdict on the grounds that Texas has a cap of $750,000 in punitive damages.

I'm sure the judgment will properly conform with the laws of Texas in that regard, Judge Maya Guerra Gamble said.

The parents attorney has said hes prepared to fight any cap.

5:30: The parents, their attorneys and Jones attorneys have gathered in the courtroom, where a jury could announce a verdict before the end of the business day. If the jury does not reach a verdict, deliberation will continue on Monday.

JT Lewis, oldest son of Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin, placed a lucky penny on the bar next to his mom.

Jury to begin deliberating punitive damages

Briana Sanchez/AP

1:25: The jury was released to the deliberation room.

Attorneys give closing arguments

12:54: Reynal asks for a punitive judgment of $270,000. The parents attorney requested a judgment of $145.9 million. With the $4.1 million the parents received in Thursdays verdict, that would bring them to the $150 million they requested.

12:40: Sandy Hook attorney Wesley Ball delivered his closing arguments. Andino Reynal, attorney for Alex Jones, is giving his closing arguments.

Judge reads instructions to jury ahead of deliberation

11:49: The judge has overruled Jones attorneys objection and called the jury back into the courtroom to continue reading the jury instructions. The jurors verdict must be unanimous.

11:41: In the midst of the reading the jury instructions, Alex Jones attorney had an objection to the charge. The judge sent the jury out of the room for a short break so that she and the attorneys may discuss. The parents lawyer argued Jones attorneys objection.

After a few moments of silence, the judge has left the courtroom.

I will return in a minute, she said.

11:35: Economist Bernard Francis Pettingill, Jr. has come down from the stand. The judge is reading the instructions to the jurors before they go into deliberation to determine punitive damages.

Economist testifies Alex Jones net worth could be as high as $140M

11:32: You cannot separate Alex Jones from the companies. He is the company, Pettingill said.

Briana Sanchez/AP

10:41: Alex Jones has been siphoning money from Free Speech Systems, in addition to his annual salary, over the course of years, Pettingill testifies. He estimates it at $70 million in total.

Using that data, Pettingill testifies that Alex Jones net worth could be as high as $140 million.

10:37: Pettingill testifies that Free Speech Systems' net worth is $150 million minimum.

10:35: Jurors seem to be more diligent taking notes on this phase of the trial

10:34: Pettingill testifies that the deplatforming Jones claims hurt his business, did not in any way actually lower Infowars revenue.

10:30: Pettingill testifies that the day of the default judgment in the defamation case, Free Speech Systems started paying down its debt to PQPR at the rate of $11,000 day.

10:25: Pettingill discusses the $54 million debt Free Speech Systems owes PQPR, another Jones-controlled company. This debt is key to the Free Speech Systems filing for bankruptcy last week.

On the books, Alex Jones is carrying this giant note, when in reality hes using that note as a clawback to pay himself back, Pettingill said. Its a very convenient way of doing business.

"That's why he can say he's broke, he has no money."

The Sandy Hook families in this case and two others have called this debt fabricated in an objection submitted as part of the bankruptcy filing.

Annual revenue to Free Speech Systems was $70 million, Pettingill, says.

10:15: Bernard Francis Pettingill, Jr., an economist, says Alex Jones was making $70 million a year in 2018.

"We can't really put a finger on what he does for a living, how he makes his money, Pettingill said.

"As much as an outsider as he is, he is a very successful man, he added.

Briana Sanchez/AP

He didn't ride the wave, he created the wave."

Court resumes on Friday morning to determine punitive damages

10:10: The judge and attorneys have arrived in the courtroom on Friday morning ahead of additional testimony that will help the jury determine punitive damages against Alex Jones. Jones is sitting in the courtroom with his attorneys.

The first witness is Bernard Francis Pettingill, Jr., an economist with a Ph.D who is an expert in valuing the net worth of companies, including the Monsanto Company in its legal cases.

Jury awards parents $4 million

5:30: A jury has awarded about $4 million to Sandy Hook parents Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin. The jury will return on Friday morning to hear from more witnesses to help them reach a separate verdict on punitive damages.

Jan. 6 committee has asked for Jones cellphone records, attorney says

11:04: Bankston says hes been asked by the Jan. 6 committee to turn over the records and he intends to unless the judge tells him not to. The judge says she doesnt think she could prevent him from giving the records to the committee anyway.

11:01: Judge Gamble is ruling on whether or not the records obtained through the mistaken release of Jones cell phone.

Briana Sanchez/AP

Im not going to seal the entire quantity of information, she said.

Medical information will not be allowed, she said, but the rest of it really depends on whats in there.

I dont think its a mistrial based on this, she said.

10:58: Bankston says included in the phone records were intimate messages with Roger Stone. Stone is an associate of former President Donald Trump. Stone and Jones were subpoenaed last year by the U.S. House Jan. 6 Committee investigating the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

10:50: The judge is holding a hearing to discuss Jones cell phone records.

The parents attorney on Wednesday revealed that Jones lawyer mistakenly sent him a digital copy of Jones personal cellphone containing years worth of emails and text messages. Mark Bankston, the parents attorney, suggested the cellphone records show Jones perjured himself on the stand.

In the hearing, Jones attorney, Andino Reynal, claims he asked for the records to be returned.

Bankston said Reynal is using a fig leaf to cover his own mistake.

Jury deliberates on Thursday

10:25: The jury is deliberating after six days of testimony in the trial. Sandy Hook parents Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis are in the courthouse, waiting in a room reserved for attorneys and parties to the lawsuit. Reporters are in the courtroom.

Jury to begin deliberating on Wednesday

BRIANA SANCHEZ /AP

5:36: The jury has left the courtroom to begin deliberation. Jurors are not expected to come up with a verdict before the end of the business day on Wednesday. The judge said jurors may return to deliberation as early as 8:30 a.m. Thursday.

Closing arguments wrap up

5:25: Kyle Farrar, attorney for the parents, responds to Jones lawyers closing arguments.

5:11: Reynal has wrapped up his closing arguments. The judge sent the court on a break.

Closing arguments begin

4:33: Reynal says Heslin and Lewis are tremendously sympathetic, but the jury must decide its verdict based on the facts.

4:14: Andino Reynal, Jones, attorney, begins his closing arguments.

3:50: Reynal, Jones attorney, is eyeing the jury during the parents attorneys closing arguments to gauge their reactions.

3:35: Jones just turned to face the parents attorney, Kyle Farrar, as he repeated Infowars producer Daria Karpovas claim that people now think Alex Jones committed the massacre. Nobody thinks that Alex, nobody does, Farrar said, facing Jones.

3:03 p.m.: An attorney for the Sandy Hook parents has begun closing arguments after Alex Jones finished testifying and a lunch break.

Jury submits questions for Alex Jones

1:26: Jones says in response to a juror question that "Any compensation above $2 million will sink us and shut us down.

He ultimately said that the jurors should award what they think is right.

1:17 p.m.: When asked by a juror why he thinks Sandy Hook was staged, Jones said I have seen so many other things in history that have been staged. When youre a hammer everything looks like a nail.

I did used to go overboard and believe everything was staged, he said.

I do not want to be the Sandy Hook guy, Jones added.

Parents attorney questions Alex Jones

12:30: Infowars was making $800,000 a day on some days, Bankston said.

On redirect, Reynal asked Jones if he trusted his lawyers to do their jobs in turning over evidence.

When asked if he has any more questions for Jones, Banktson said I think we are done with Mr. Jones.

12:25: Bankston, grilling Jones about his emails and text messages, says When your attorneys sent me your whole phone, they didnt mean to do that.

Jones attorney later declined to comment.

I do my talking in the courtroom, attorney Reynal said.

11:50: Attorney Bankston questions Jones about his comments on other tragedies that hes claimed are false flag operations or doubted in some way. This includes the Boston Marathon bombings, the Parkland shooting, and Sutherland Springs church shooting in Texas.

Parents attorney aims to introduce Infowars clip

11:32: After the break, attorney Mark Bankston, representing the parents, plays a July 29 clip from Infowars where Jones former lawyer says this case is following a script. He is showing the clip to prove that Jones should be impeached.

Judge Maya Guerra Gamble lets out a small chuckle as she's handed a picture of herself on fire that's aired on Infowars. That's Justice on fire, Jones said, adding that he hadn't seen the picture aired before.

June Gamble admits the photo into evidence.

Briana Sanchez /AP

A couple of jurors also laugh as Jones tries to explain the context behind photo of the judge on fire.

11:15: The jury goes on break as the judge and the attorneys discuss the introduction of a new Infowars clip that the parents attorney wants to present.

Alex Jones returns to the stand Wednesday morning

11:05: Jones said he believes Sandy Hook happened and it was a terrible event. He then suggested there was a government cover-up involved. Parents Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin looked directly at him.

11 a.m.: Jones said Infowars lost money due to its Sandy Hook coverage. He compared being de-platformed on the internet as a prison.

10:57: Jones said it was an oversight that Owen Shroyer discussed Sandy Hook on his Infowars program. Shroyers questioning of Heslins story of holding his dead son has been a key part of the trial.

Jones called Heslin nice and Lewis excellent.

I agree weve got to choose love and fix this evel thats ripping our country apart, said Jones, referring to the Choose Love organization that Lewis started after her sons death.

I do acknowledge that I unintentionally took part in things that did hurt peoples feelings, and Im sorry for that, Jones said.

10:42: A video of Jones talking about the 2018 Megyn Kelly broadcast and his views on Sandy Hook is played for the jury. Jones is looking ahead, making occasional glances at the screen.

10:32: Reynal asks Jones about the filming of a Megyn Kelly broadcast where Jones and the Sandy Hook father were interviewed.

Jones said he agreed to be interviewed by Kelly after she called him a lot because I was told that I would be allowed (to say) that I thought Sandy Hook happened and apologize to the families.

He claimed that didnt turn out to be the case.

10:21: Jones said he was wrong to trust people who doubted the Sandy Hook shooting happened and was under pressure at the time.

Jones insisted that he now understands the Sandy Hook shooting happened.

Especially since I met the parents, its 100 percent real as I said yesterday, Jones said.

Briana Sanchez / Associated Press

He said he stopped covering Sandy Hook prior to this lawsuit once he realized he had been wrong and got his head cleared up after he stopped drinking and finalized his divorce.

10:15: Jones said that the Sandy Hook shooting was not one of our main topics in the early years after the shooting. He estimated Infowars covered it for about 2 1/2 hours in 2012.

10:10: Jones attorney asks where Jones was on the day of the Sandy Hook massacre and what his feeling was that day. Jones describes feeling shock, especially as a father.

That somebody could do something like that, just that it was possible, its hard to believe, Jones said.

10:05: Alex Jones has taken the stand to continue his testimony on Wednesday morning. Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, parents of Jesse Lewis, who was killed in the Sandy Hook massacre, are in the courtroom.

The first question from Jones attorney, Andino Reynal, is about truthers.

Jones apologies to parents after judge leaves courtroom on Tuesday

6 p.m.: Soon after the judge left the courtroom, the Sandy Hook parents spoke with Alex Jones.

Scarlett Lewis approached Jones first, and then Neil Heslin walked over.

I let your son down and I apologize about everything, Jones said, shaking Heslins hand.

The parents attorney, Mark Bankston, asked if Jones would apologize for calling Heslin slow. This led to shouting between the attorney and Jones.

Attorney Wesley Todd Ball, representing the parents, stepped in and separated the two sides, saying, that's not what's going to happen right now...Thats not the way this goes.

Judge tells Jones he must tell the truth

5:50: Attorney Mark Bankston, representing Lewis and Heslin, asked the judge once the jury left the room for the day to sanction Jones after he slipped in that he was bankrupt when Jones lawyer asked a question about how many employees he would need to respond to the emails Infowars receives.

Bankston also accused attorney Andino Reynal of trying to solicit testimony from Jones that the judge has barred from being discussed in front of the jury. Gamble said she would address sanctions after the trial.

You may not tell this jury you are bankrupt, that is not true, you may have filed for bankruptcy but that doesnt make you bankrupt, Gamble told Jones.

It seems absurd for me to tell you, you must tell the truth while you testify, Gamble said before instructing him to answer the exact question he was asked. The judge also accused Jones of breaking his oath to tell the truth twice while on the stand.

Alex Jones takes stand

5:12: I've made a lot of mistakes and I've learned a lot in that process, Jones said, adding that he is shifting the focus of his show toward Christianity and self-help, rather than discussing news and politics.

4:42: Interjecting at the start of his testimony, Jones interrupted his own attorney.

I just want to say this on record: I am sorry, he said.

Rebuked by the judge, Jones says about Lewis, So she got to monologue and I dont

I never intentionally tried to hurt you, Jones said of Lewis.

4:38: Alex Jones has taken the stand, with his attorney, Andino Reynal, beginning questioning. His wife, Erika, is in the courtroom.

Sandy Hook mom says she forgive(s) Jones but he should still be held accountable

4:22: Lewis said she would absolutely welcome Jones and his family into her Choose Love movement if they wanted to join.

Another juror asked if she would forgive Jones if he genuinely apologized.

I have said that I forgive Alex, Lewis said. Ive said that I forgive Adam Lanza, and I feel compassion for him, and I forgive Alex and I feel compassion for you.

But she added that forgiveness starts with a choice and forgiveness is a process.

It doesnt mean you dont hold the person that youre forgiving accountable, she said. Theyre still responsible for what they did.

4:17: The jurors are permitted to submit questions to Scarlett Lewis for the judge to read. One parent asks how losing her son has affected how she has parented her older son, JT Lewis. She said she has become more protective, wanting to keep him in bubble wrap.

You have a little bit of guilt that you sent them to school, Lewis said of her son, Jesse.

Alex Jones attorney questions Sandy Hook mom

3:41: Jones attorney Adino Reynal, questioning Lewis, asked her several times how much she spends on therapy. When she answered that she does not know, he begins trying to drill down to how much she spends a month or a week.

Then Reynal asked Lewis about speaking fees, and how many books shes written.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from all three of my books as well as 100 percent of the proceeds from everything I do goes to the Choose Love movement, she said. Lewis is referring to the nonprofit organization she started in honor of her son. The organization develops social emotional learning programs for schools.

Do you think Im an actress?

3:20: In some way, you've impacted every day of my life, negatively, almost since Jesses murder, Lewis said, her hands folding together to get her point across. I'm so glad this day is here, I'm relieved actually.

3:10: Alex Jones was looking ahead as attorneys started playing a video that begins with old home videos of Jesse Lewis. Id like you to watch it Alex, please, Lewis said promoting Jones to turn toward the screen.

2:59: Do you think Im an actress? Lewis asked Jones while testifying.

No, I dont think youre an actress, Jones said before Judge Gamble cut him off and told Jones he does not get to speak during her testimony.

Im sorry, Lewis said. I asked him a question.

Sandy Hook mom returns to the stand

2:55: At least one member of the jury cries as Lewis describes her last memory and last photo she took of her son.

2:45: Speaking directly to Jones in the courtroom, Lewis says, I wanted you to know that I am a mother and my son existed.

Jones, she said, has been saying on the air today that Im an actress, that Im deep state, she said, calling truth vital and what we base our society on.

Sandy Hook was a hard truth, she said. I know you believe me and yet youre going to leave this courthouse and do it again on your show.

Jones shakes his head, to which Lewis replied, Youre saying no, but you just did it.

Do you have empathy? she asks Jones later.

2:40: Scarlet stares directly at Jones as she says that she's pleased that she now gets to look Jones in the eye

Alex Jones arrives in the courtroom

2:33: Plaintiffs attorneys have said after a lunch break that Jones discussed the trial on his radio show, and specifically mentioned Heslin and Lewis.

Hes a nice man and its not an act, Jones said of Heslin on the show. He is being manipulated by some very bad people. Hes slow, his ex-wife is not.

Neil Heslin stared directly at Jones while they played the tape of Jones calling him slow.

Jones, in court this afternoon, was chastised for chewing gum but told the judge he was actually chewing gauze.

Then he leaned forward and stuck a finger in his mouth, pulling aside his lip to show Judge Gamble the hole where he said he recently had a tooth pulled.

I don't want to see the inside of your mouth, Judge Gamble said.

Court breaks for lunch

1 p.m.: Court has taken a lunch break.

Sandy Hook mom Scarlett Lewis takes the stand

12:59: Lucy Richards, who has been convicted for making death threats against the Pozner family, who also lost a child in the Sandy Hook massacre, has been told by a court not to listen or watch the Alex Jones show, plaintiffs lawyers say.

Lawyers then argued whether or not it is relevant to listen in court to Richards threats.

Death is coming to you real soon, Richards says on the tape. Youre going to die.

12:50: Do you feel unsafe at your own house? attorney Ball asked Lewis.

I have, yes, she replied.

When asked why she keeps a gun at her home, she said, I am a single mother and responsible for the safety of both of my boys, and I was not able to keep one of them safe so I am going to keep my surviving son safe. 

12:30 p.m. Scarlett Lewis on the stand says after the massacre she did not want to go home to the home in which she had raised her son, Jesse.

There was hushed whispering, she said. There was someone saying the tragedy hadnt happened.

Lewis said after that, months later, the Sandy Hook Elementary School choir had been invited to the Superbowl to sing America the Beautiful with Jenifer Hudson.

Then I saw a picture with an overlay of them, she says, and the plaintiffs attorney brings up the photo, which had Jesse Lewis name overlayed.

It was deeply unsettling, she said. Its so out of touch with reality that its scary.

Sandy Hook dad finishes testimony

12:22: Neil Heslin has finished his testimony after answering submitted questions from the jury. He hugs attorney Wesley Todd Ball

Jury to submit questions for Sandy Hook dad

11:34: Attorneys have finished questioning Neil Heslin, father of 6-year-old Jesse Lewis, who was killed in the Sandy Hook massacre. Court has taken a break so that jurors can write and submit questions that the judge will read to Heslin.

Sandy Hook dad Neil Heslin takes stand Tuesday morning

11:12: Alex started this fight and I'll finish this fight, said Heslin, adding his battle is with nobody but Jones, Infowars and Infowars host Owen Shroyer.

Alex was the person with a match who started the fire, Heslin said. People are bringing wood to throw on the fire.

10:58: Alex Jones attorney Andino Reynal begins questioning Heslin. Reynal says he has a 6-year-old and is very, very sorry about Jesse.

Reynal asks whether Heslin has chosen to watch the rest of Alex Joness broadcasts that have been entered into evidence.

I don't know if it's all of them, I have watched a large number, numerous ones.

10:56: Jesse would be 16 if he hadnt been killed.

Hed be riding a car instead of riding a bike, Heslin said.

10:53: Any apology from Jones would be worthless, Heslin said.

At this stage, any apology would not be sincere, said Heslin, adding it would come too late

He said theres got to be a strong deterent to stop Jones from peddaling these things. He added he views the monetary damages that he and Scarlett are seeking as the only way it will stop.

10:50: Around the time the original trial was delayed in April, Heslin said someone drove by his house and shouted Alex Jones along with what he said sounded like gunshots.

Anxiety attacks also cause Heslin to wake up frequently in the night, he said. Several weeks ago he ended up in the hospital with chest pains, he said.

Attorney Mark Bankston has moved back to sit by Scarlett Lewiss side.

10:47: This trial is the only way I can restore my credibility and reputation, Heslin said.

10:45: Almost every member of the jury stared at Heslin as he described seeing his sons body with a grazing bullet wound on the side of his head, along with the fatal shot to his forehead.

It shattered his skull, Heslin said. The exit wound was about the size of a softball.

Heslin said that he is forced to replay those images every time his story about holding his sons body is questioned by Jones followers.

10:34: I wouldn't wish upon Alex or anybody the loss that I sustained, the loss of a child, Heslin said.

10:25: I heard the name Alex Jones, Heslin said, early on, in 2013, though he didnt immediately put Jones and Infowars together.

Heslin says he still has encounters with people who believe Sandy Hook never happened to this day.

After a while, he said, encountering people who questioned the reality of Sandy Hook, became a way of life.

10:20: Attorney Wesley Todd Ball brings up Jesse Lewis first grade class photo, which brings a big smile to Heslins face as he wipes away tears.

10:17: Scarlett Lewis, Jesses mother, is in the courtroom as Heslin testifies. She nods along whenever he begins to choke up or stumble.

10:14: I wish it was true, I wish that Jesse was alive. But that's not the case, Heslin said, beginning to choke up as he goes on, before regaining composure.

10:10 a.m.: Neil Heslin, father of 6-year-old Jesse Lewis, who was killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, has taken the stand on Tuesday morning.

Today is very important to me, Heslin said. Its been a long time coming. I feel very good about being here today to face Alex Jones.

Jones is not present in the courtroom, and Heslin calls it disrespect and a cowardly act.

10 a.m.: Heslin walked into the courtroom with his attorney, Wesley Todd Ball. They paused briefly outside the door, and Ball had his arm around Heslins shoulder.

Lets go, Heslin said, and they entered the courtroom.

Alex Jones to testify in trial

5:44: Yes your honor, we will be calling Alex Jones, the Infowars hosts attorney tells the judge after speaking to his client outside the courtroom.

Jones is expected to take the stand on Tuesday, following testimony from parents Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis. The parents attorney visibly smiled

The judge said closing statements could be Wednesday.

5:41: Attorney Andino Reynal has left the courtroom to call Alex Jones to see whether hell testify in the trial. Parents Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis are expected to testify on Tuesday. Their attorneys originally planned to call JT Lewis, the parents college-age son, to testify, but their lawyer told the judge they no longer plan to.

Jury is released early for the day

5:28: The jury has been released early on Monday after the questioning of the psychotherapist wrapped up. The judge and the attorneys will now discuss the schedule for Tuesday and instructions for the jury.

Psychotherapist takes the stand

4:36: Crouch, who serves as Heslins therapist, says there was a period of time where the father was ignoring Jones and choosing not to dignify what he said. Thats a symptom of trauma, Crouch says.

Jones attorney asks if thats healthy.

I would suggest no, not in Mr. Heslins case because it kept the injury alive, Crouch says.

4:21: Crouch describes the belief that the Sandy Hook massacre was a hoax as a new injury for the parents. He explains to the jury why this trial is so important to Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis.

They need to know and to let the world know that their son mattered, that he lived, Crouch says.

The parents would still be grieving the loss of their son without Alex Jones, he says.

But they wouldnt be so scared as they are right now, Crouch says. They wouldnt have to fight this or as significantly fight this belief that Sandy Hook was a hoax.

3:50: Up next on the stand for the plaintiffs is psychotherapist Michael Crouch, who said he lives in Norwalk, Connecticut.

Originally from Kansas, Crouch said he came to the East Coast in order to pursue a career on Broadway but took up training in psychotherapy when that didnt pan out.

Judge tells Alex Jones attorney to follow the rules

3:15: Bankston, for the plaintiffs, tells the judge that defense attorney Reynal is Actively trying for a mistrial.

The judge asks Reynal to follow the rules.

Im not asking you to do anything but follow the rules, she said to Reynal. You've chosen not to follow them on occasion.

Alex Jones attorney questions psychiatric expert

2:55: Attorney Andino Reynal asks Lubit if he understands the term malingering, and if the motivations can be monetary or seeking revenge.

Some benefit comes out of a horrible thing, Lubit said.

Heslin, Reynal said, has a vendetta against Jones.

Might a grieving parent take up gun control as a mission after a school scooting, Reynal asked.

And someone could also find meaning in destroying Alex Jones, Reynal suggested.

Court breaks for lunch

1 p.m.: The court is taking a lunch break for 1 1/2 hours.

Doctor describes symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder parents have faced

12:40: On redirect, defense attorney Reynal begins by focusing on Lubits testimony, asking him if providing expert testimony in court is appropriate for psychiatrists.

Lubit owns a home in Southport, along with a friend of his, he confirms. Reynal mentions that Lubit ran for U.S. Congress as a Democrat in Connecticut.

The fact is you dont like Alex Jones, Reynal said, asking if helping to take down Alex Jones would win him friends.

I have no expectation of ever going back into politics, Lubit said.

12:27: Lubit said the parents increase their personal risk by bringing this suit, but they decided to do it, in part, because theyre compassionate people who didnt want anyone else to go through what they have.

Other parents shouldnt have to suffer the death of their child or the sort of inappropriate attacks that they have suffered, he said.

Thats who they are, theyre remarkably compassionate people, he added later.

12:23 p.m.: Lubit testified that he was surprised that Lewis and Heslin were concerned about the family of the gunman in the Sandy Hook massacre.

The gunman killed his own mother, in addition to the 26 children and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School, and Heslin and Lewis are adamant that there were 28 victims, not 26, Lubit said.

They lost a child, too, Lubit said Heslin told him.

11:50: Lubit says Lewis and Heslin are suffering from complex PTSD, which he describes as a result of long-term traumas, such as child abuse or being in a war zone.

Lubit described it as constant draining threat and anxiety, he said, and the amount of anxiety they have is immense.

Theyre terrified, he said.

These symptoms are the result of Alex Jones, not the loss of their son, Lubot testified. They were doing better, Lubit said of Heslin and Lewis.

11:30: Mark Bankston, an attorney for a Heslin and Lewis, said that both parents were advised by the doctor and another therapist to leave the room during his testimony in order to avoid any negative impacts on their ongoing treatment.

11:15: Did the negative social support parents Heslin and Lewis experienced affect them differently? Lubit says there were some similarities, including significant anxiety.

Lubit is describing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, from which he says Heslin and Lewis suffer.

Withdrawing from life and avoidance, as well decreased ability to concentrate are among other symptoms Lubit says Lewis and Heslin display. Lewis has experienced periods of episodes of dissociation, where he said she cant think, cant function.

Its on their mind, all the time, Lubit said. The threats and attacks on their son, denying that he existed.

When asked if these symptoms stem from Alex Jones, Lubit said yes.

10:53: Dr. Roy Lubit, a forensic psychiatry expert, is questioned by Bill Ogden, attorney for the parents.

Father Neil Heslin has left the courtroom, followed a few minutes later by mother Scarlett Lewis.

When asked if people ever heal from the loss of a child, Lubit says it depends on what you call healing.

After a few years people are able to move on to some degree, he says.

Depositions from Infowars employees play

10:42: The jury has viewed two video depositions of two Infowars employees, pre-recorded by the parents attorneys. The first was of Adan Salazar and saw the parents attorney question him about Infowars coverage of the Sandy Hook massacre. The second was of Brittany Paz, the corporate representative of Free Speech Systems, LLC (Infowars).

Sandy Hook parents arrive in courtroom on Monday

9:45 a.m.: Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis are in the Travis County courtroom in Texas on Monday, when they could testify to the emotional distress they say they suffered from Alex Jones false claims that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax. Their 6-year-old son, Jesse, was among 20 first graders and six educators killed in the 2012 massacre.

The parents seek $150 million in defamation damages from Jones. He is not yet in the courtroom.

Jones sues his parent company

As the first week of the Texas trial was concluding, attorneys got word that Jones had filed a suit in Connecticut against his own parent company Free Speech Systems, which was found liable along with Jones for defamation against an FBI agent and eight Sandy Hook families in 2021.

Although the filing is not expected to affect the second week of trial in Texas, it could derail the start of jury selection in the Connecticut trial on Aug. 2. In Connecticut, Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis said she would address the timely cross-claim on Tuesday.

Attorneys for the Sandy Hook families in Connecticut said in an objection, filed Friday Alex Jones will do anything to delay trial in this case, including effectively suing himself, calling it yet another bad faith tactic meant to obfuscate, to delay, and to create a false issue in this record in preparation for a new abusive bankruptcy filing.

Jury dismissed for the weekend

6:30 p.m.: The jury was dismissed for the weekend, with a reminder from the judge to avoid media coverage or discussion of the case.

The weekend is going to be hard, she said. You cant talk about the case.

The jury was asked to return at 8:45 a.m. Monday.

Sandy Hook family to testify next week

6 p.m.: Mark Bankston, attorney for Sandy Hook parents Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin, said the parents and their son, JT Lewis, will testify next week.

Communications expert takes the stand

5:44: Reynal calls the poll claiming that 24 percent of the U.S. population believe Sandy Hook never happened, clickbait.

He raises questions on the sample size of the poll, and questions Lewis knowledge of the poll.

Its fair to say you just didn't check your sources on this poll, he said. Sure, she replied.

On redirect, Bankston asks about the sample size of the poll. Have you ever heard the phrase lawyers who lie should lose? Bankston said, calling back Reynals opening remarks.

The sample size is over 1,000 people, Lewis said, with a margin of error of 3 percent.

5:35: Asked how much she is paid, Lewis said $3,000 for 20 hours of work.

When Reynal asked her if she hates Alex Jones, Lewis begins to say that through the course of watching hundreds of hours of work she has come to believe he is harmful.

Reynal raises tweets from Lewis in which she said the Republican Party is a white supremacist organization, accusing her of confirmation bias.

In this case you already believed in your heart of hearts that Alex Jones was a bad guy, Reynal said.

She replied that its quite the opposite. She simply looked at the content and drew a conclusion, and that her academic publications have been peer reviewed.

4:20: Becca Lewis is now on the stand. She is not related to Scarlett Lewis.

Her field of expertise is communication, specifically looking at disinformation and conspiracy theories and how they travel online.

Lewis has degrees from Columbia and Oxford Universities.

She is currently teaching at Stanford University, and a doctoral candidate. Her dissertation centers around disinformation campaigns and conspiracy theories, including the history of right-wing disinformation campaigns.

Infowars employee doesnt recall fact-checking

4 p.m.: Plaintiffs are now showing a video deposition of Infowars employee Kit Daniels.

When asked in the video if he was made aware of any journalistic standards or fact-checking, Daniels replies repeatedly I dont recall.

Daniels, he says in the video, reviews the accuracy of articles on Infowars website, including context.

When asked how he reviews context, Daniels replies repeatedly that he does not understand the question.

When asked what determines his methods, Daniels says it sounds like youre talking in riddles.

Jurors submit questions for journalism expert

3:50: As the court comes back from a break the jurys questions for Fred Zipp are about the nature of journalism and whether or not Infowars staff practiced responsible journalism.

For example, were the titles of Infowars accurate compared to their contents?

Debate over evidence

3 p.m.: The judge sent the jury on a break so that evidence could be reviewed. Attorneys for the Sandy Hook parents objected to the inclusion of evidence that Jones lawyers want to present, arguing they cannot vouch for its authenticity.

I do think there is an authentication problem, Judge Maya Guerra Gamble said.

With the jury out of the room, the video evidence was played for expert witness Fred Zipp, who said he did not recall seeing it as part of the evidence he was asked to prepare for as part of the trial.

The judge determined the video would not be played for the jury, which were then brought back from break.

Alex Jones attorney questions journalism expert

2:35 p.m.: Court has resumed after lunch, with Jones attorney continuing to question Fred Zipp, director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas.

Court breaks for lunch

1 p.m.: Court has taken a lunch break

Journalism expert testifies

12:37 p.m.: During questioning from Jones attorney, F. Andino Reynal, Zipp says Jones carries himself as a journalist and adopts sort of the guise of a journalist while engaging in activities that are contrary to journalism.

11:35: Fred Zipp is testifying on the stand as an expert in journalism.

Plaintiffs attorney Bill Ogden, began by establishing Zipps credentials, in addition to being the director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas.

In an affidavit filed in the case, Zipp said he believes Jones and Infowars defamed Heslin.

Jury views taped depositions from Infowars employees

11:20: Plaintiffs are showing a taped deposition given by former Infowars producer and reporter Dan Bidondi.

Bidondi attended a Newtown Board of Education meeting in 2014 at which Sandy Hook denier Wolfgang Halbig was also present wearing a mock 1800s outfit.

Bidondi testified that he had been alerted that the meeting was going to be a circus.

11:10: Plaintiffs are showing a taped deposition given by former Infowars employee Robert Jacobson.

Jacobson, in his deposition, said he repeatedly warned Infowars staff about their coverage of Sandy Hook.

It actually bothered me, Jacobson said in the deposition. I did my best to make writers and staff aware that what they were doing was speculation based on not enough information.

I would make it my business to go in to the writers and explain to them as clearly as possible that there is journalist ethics, and I tried to demonstrate what those ethics are and why they are violating them and what the damage could possibly be, Jacobson said. In fact, I remember, I must have been in that room four to five times, at least, and only to be received with laughter and jokes.

Jury submits questions for Infowars host

11:05: In response to a question from a juror on how often Shroyer or Jones feels guilty about airing the views of unstable guests, he replied, If we make mistakes we apologize.

In response to a question of if he has learned anything from the experience, Shroyer said, yes.

When asked if he would recant anything, Shroyer said, he would Probably not have covered it at all. That four minutes of my life has caused tremendous negative effects on my career.

When asked if he believed the judge or jurors are hired actors, Shroyer said no.

(Earlier in the trial, Infowars producer Daria Karpova was asked, Do you believe this whole trial is somehow a staged event? Karpova answered, To a large extent, yes.)

When asked if Infowars should be exempt from any consequences for recklessly airing harmful lies, Shroyer said he believes there should be a fair application when media outlets report things that are not true.

I would say the laws on the books, he said, are fair.

11 a.m.: Juror questions are beginning, with several focused on if Infowars feels guilty about airing the views of mentally unstable people.

Are yall considering it a learning experience? was one question.

Several questions involve fact checking, and if Infowars should do more of it.

One question: Is there anything you should recant about your coverage of the Sandy Hook case.

Another question asks if in Shroyers opinion, is the judge a hired actor, and if jurors are hired actors.

Court breaks for jury to form questions for Infowars host

10:37: In the hallway during break, Infowars host Owen Shroyer gave a small nod to Sandy Hook dad Neil Heslin as the dad walked by. Heslin kept walking and didnt look at him.

10:30: Jones attorney wrapped up questions for Shroyer, and the jury must now submit their own questions for them.

Alex Jones Sandy Hook trial resumes on Friday

10:20 a.m.: Infowars host Owen Shroyer is back on the stand, now being questioned by Andino Reynal, who is representing Infowars and Jones.

Did you intend your broadcast to be inflammatory? Reynal asked Shroyer.

Absolutely not, he said.

This argument appears to address the question of whether or not any emotional distress was intentional.

10 a.m.: Court has resumed on Friday morning with testimony from Infowars host Owen Shroyer, host of Infowars The War Room who was found liable for defamation, along with Jones. He admitted in his Thursday testimony that he did not fact-check his false claims that Sandy Hook dad Neil Heslin didnt hold his dead son Jesse in his arms after the shooting.

Sandy Hook parents Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin are in the courtroom, but Infowars house Alex Jones is not. Lewis and Heslin are the parents of 6-year-old Jesse Lewis, who was killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre. They are seeking $150 million in defamation damages from Jones.

Judge scolds Jones attorney after testimony wraps up on Thursday

6 p.m.: The third day of the trial ended with Judge Maya Guerra Gamble again scolding Alex Jones legal team after she learned Jones and Infowars host Owen Shroyer discussed the case on air this week.

In doing so, they disobeyed her orders that witnesses not discuss the case with anyone other than attorneys, under penalty of contempt of court.

Gamble made Jones lead attorney, Andino Reynal, admit that he didnt follow her instructions. He told the judge he could assure her that no evidence or witness testimony from the trial was discussed on Tuesday by Jones and Shroyer.

The judge replied that it would be easy enough to find out whether that was true. She plans to watch the Infowars episode in question.

Asked afterward by a Hearst Connecticut Media reporter whether hes told Jones to stop posting about the case on Infowars, Reynal said, Alex is who he is, hes got every right to speak to who he wants to and the media.

Later, he added, its a free country.

Infowars host: I never called Neil Heslin a liar

5:45: Infowars host Owen Shroyer looks directly at Sandy Hook parents Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin to say yes they deserved better than the coverage he gave to their loss. Heslin looks back at Shroyer, while Lewis looks into her lap. Neither visibly reacted to the comment.

5:36: Lewis leans over, whispers in Heslins ear and scoffs as Shroyer explains he doesnt understand why people are still talking about the false claims that Heslin never held his child.

5:17: During questioning from the Sandy Hook attorney, Shroyer says, I never called Neil Heslin a liar. I never said they were crisis actors.

Shroyer admitted under heavy questioning that he could have done a better job at vetting news sources but refused to admit that he questioned Heslins story.

The plaintiffs attorney continued to press Shroyer, showing clips in which he raised doubts, but Shroyer refused to say that he had in any way called Heslin a liar or that the Sandy Hook massacre never happened. 

I am taking a neutral approach to this, he said.

Infowars host Owen Shroyer takes the stand

5:01: The jury watches a clip from Infowars where Shroyer questions Heslins account of holding his dead son Jesse. Heslin does not watch the clip, looking away at nothing in particular. Scarlett Lewis, mother of Jesse Lewis, moved closer to Heslin as the clip started to play and watches him with a concerned look.

4:58: Heslin looks directly at Shroyer during an exchange about whether Shroyer vetted claims about Heslin not holding his son after the shooting. Jones, meanwhile, says something to his lawyer.

4:50: When asked, Would you agree with me that it is not right for a journalist to edit video clips to fit an agenda, Shroyer said yes.

When asked if he considers himself a journalist, Shroyer said, Sometimes.

When asked if he considers himself a conspiracy theorist, Shroyer said, Sometimes.

4:35: Up next is Owen Shroyer, host of Infowars The War Room who was found liable for defamation, along with Jones. He is expected to testify about his role in a 2018 Infowars report that falsely claimed Sandy Hook dad Neil Heslin did not hold his dead son Jesse in his arms.

Shroyer also faces disorderly conduct and other charges in connection with the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Attorney Kyle Farrar, representing the Sandy Hook parents, has taken over questioning.

Infowars producer answers questions

4:30: Karpova was asked three times, Do you believe this whole trial is somehow a staged event?

The first two times she attempted to evade, only to have the judge in the case instruct her to answer the question.

Finally, Karpova answered, To a large extent, yes.

Questioning of Karpova is complete after three days.

4:25: One juror asked Karpova to define Infowars as either a trustworthy news source or infotainment. She replied neither.

The next question asked her, if it was neither, to say under oath that Infowars is not a trustworthy source of information. Karpova replied I would not say that.

4:22: The jury returns to the courtroom, and the judge reads questions from the jurors to Infowars producer Daria Karpova. In response to a question from a juror, Karpova said she is paid a salary of $125,000 a year.

Court resumes after break

4:12: The judge and attorneys have returned to the courtroom after a break. Neil Heslin, the Sandy Hook dad who was not in the courtroom prior to the break, is back.

Court takes a 30-minute break

3:42: The opposing attorneys finish questioning Infowars producer Daria Karpova. Her testimony began on Tuesday afternoon.

Jurors have the opportunity to submit their own questions for Karpova. Those questions will come after an about 30-minute break.

During the break, Jones is heard telling his security detail that hes staying at the courthouse for the rest of the day.

Megyn Kelly broadcast on Jones shown

3:31: Mother Scarlett Lewis gives Jones a hard look as a clip plays of Megyn Kelly and Alex Jones going back and forth on Sandy Hook, with Jones refusing to fully back away from his claims.

3:27: A couple jurors smirked as they watched a clip of a shirtless Jones hocking diet pills.

3:19: A 17-minute video of a Megyn Kelly broadcast on Alex Jones is played for the jury.

Infowars producer says Jones has suffered

3:15: Alex Jones shakes his head as Bankston attemps to make the point that Infowars believed that the things it did it is allowed to do again.

3:08: Karpova says that Jones has suffered health effects due to the backlash he has received from his statements about Sandy Hook. In defense of Jones, she acknowledges that peoples well-being is affected when people lie about them.

Do you understand the irony and hypocrisy of making that statement? Do you understand that right now? asks the familys attorney, Mark Bankston. He has resumed questioning of Karpova.

Jones legal team asks about Infowars products

3:03: Jones attorney asks Karpova about the products that Infowars sells. She glances at Jones as she launches into a lengthy defense of the supplements and pills he sells to support his platform. Jones looks ahead at her.

In response to a question from the attorney, Karpova says that Jones doesnt and couldnt track how much product he sells based on whats discussed on his show.

In 2017 video, Jones expresses condolences to families

2:55 p.m: Jones legal team plays a video of Jones from around Fathers Day 2017 expressing condolences to the families whose loved ones died in Sandy Hook.

I dont believe the parents ever saw that video, to be frank, Karpova says.

Sandy Hook mother Scarlett Lewis looked directly at Karpova as she talked about how the parents never reached out about going on the show.

Alex Jones returns to the courtroom

2:45 p.m.: Daria Karpova says that in 2015 Jones ordered his staff to stop writing or talking about Sandy Hook. As she said this, Alex Jones and his security team walked back in the room, and several jurors turned their attention toward him.

Court resumes after lunch break

2:33 p.m.: Court has resumed after lunch break. Sandy Hook father Neil Heslin did not return to the courtroom after lunch. Jones, who left earlier in the morning, also did not return.

Jones attorney, Andino Reynal, has resumed questioning of Infowars producer Daria Karpova.

Court takes lunch break

1 p.m.: Court is on a lunch break after the jury watched another video of Alex Jones discussing the Sandy Hook shooting on Infowars.

Infowars producer returns to the stand

12:25: Following the video, Karpova is back on the stand, listing people other than Alex Jones who have said the Sandy Hook massacre never happened.

James Fetzer, for example, wrote a book called No one died at Sandy Hook. In 2019, a Wisconsin jury awarded Sandy Hook father Leonard Pozner $450,000 in defamation damages from Fetzer.

Defense attorneys have argued that 24 percent of the population believed there was a cover-up of some kind, and that Jones was a primary driver of that belief.

The defenses line of questioning seems to be designed to refute Jones impact.

Jones walks out of courtroom before video of him plays

11:55: The jury is watching a video of Jones on the day of the shooting in 2012, live reporting events as they happen.

Jones, in the video, talks about how events like this are sometimes staged and blames video games, among other reasons.

There was no real visible reaction from Heslin and Lewis to watching the video. The jury is watching intently, with a few taking notes.

11:16: Alex Jones walked out of the courtroom just before his attorney began to play an Infowars video of him discussing the Sandy Hook massacre as the news was developing the day of the shooting.

Infowars producer back on the stand

11:10: Reynal asked Karpova to draw distinctions between calling something staged and a false flag, and saying that no one was killed.

Karpova said that if something is staged or a false flag Doesnt necessarily imply that no one was killed.

A patsy, she said, is a real person being used by the government or someone else.

They would end up being the fall guy, she said.

DARPA, she said answering Reynals question, is an agency that deals with research development of weapons.

11:05: The jury is back in the courtroom. Infowars producer Daria Karpova has returned to the stand for the third day in a row. Jones attorney continues to question her.

Judge denies Jones efforts to introduce new evidence

11:04: Judge denies Jones' last-minute effort to introduce videos that the parents' attorneys objected to.

Among the parents' attorney's objections was that they couldn't verify the authenticity of the videos, Bankston said, "I don't have any way of knowing what they did to those videos."

Alex Jones attorney apologizes after Wednesdays heated exchange

10:20: Judge Gamble began day three of the proceedings with an admonition for both sides following the previous evenings theatrics.

The next time anyone wants to have an argument, take it outside, the judge said.

Jones attorney, F. Andino Reynal, who was seen raising his middle finger to the parents attorney on Wednesday, stood and asked to address the court, only to have Gamble deny his request.

Later, Reynal offered an apology to the court as he continued to make his case for introducing new video evidence.

I apologize, he said.  It wasnt appropriate. I took to heart what your honor said. I wrote an email to the (parents') attorney that I apologized and hoped we could work together cooperatively.

A break was called to review evidence that Reynal would like admitted to court.

Opposing attorneys argue over presenting certain evidence

10:15: After a tense, argumentative evening, attorneys are arguing about what evidence should be allowed.

I dont think the jury can consider the atmosphere of paranoia if there was one, without reviewing all the emails, Jones attorney Andino Reynal said.

When asked if some videos were previously disclosed to the plaintiffs, Reynal said yes, though the judge asked if they were disclosed appropriately.

Was this another time in which your clients chose not to comply with discovery? she asked.

Alex Jones, Sandy Hook families arrive in the courtroom Thursday

10:08: Judge Maya Guerra Gamble asked Jones if he was chewing gum. He said he wasnt.

10 a.m. Thursday: Infowars host Alex Jones, as well as Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, parents of 6-year-old Jesse Lewis, who was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting, have arrived in the Texas courtroom for the third day of testimony in the defamation damages trial. With the parents are their son, JT Lewis, older brother of Jesse.

Heslin and Lewis attorney, Mark Bankston, is in the courtroom with them. Jones attorney, F. Andino Reynal, arrived in the courtroom after Jones.

Reynal and Bankston got into a disagreement on Wednesday evening over Reynal wanting to introduce additional video exhibits, leading to the Jones attorney calling Bankston a liar and giving him the middle finger.

Heated exchange between the attorneys wraps up day on Wednesday

6 p.m. Wednesday: Emotions ran high after the judge left the room on Wednesday, with Alex Jones attorney giving the finger to the Sandy Hook parents attorney.

The incident came after a tense discussion between the judge and the attorneys once the jury left the courtroom. F. Andino Reynal, Jones attorney, wanted to introduce new video evidence  something Mark Bankston, attorney for the parents, opposed because he said he wouldnt have time to review the videos.

Judge Maya Guerra Gamble ordered them to look over the videos and determined that they would discuss the evidence again Thursday morning. The attorneys and judge will meet at 9 a.m., and the jury will be called in later, she said.

In another exchange, Reynal called Bankston dishonest after the familys attorney objected to being called a personal injury lawyer during court. The judge scolded Reynal, saying she would assume that its been a rough day and told him to review the attorney code of conduct.

After the judge left the room, Bankston walked over to talk with Reynal about the exhibits. During the conversation, Reynal got close to Bankston's face and called him a liar, and flipped him off.

Bankston began telling Reynal to back off, before fellow attorney Bill Ogden defused the situation by getting the two sides to have a phone call later after they had calmed down.

My clients are extremely pleased with how the proceedings are going, Bankston said afterward. We look forward to continuing a public airing of Mr. Jones misdeeds.

Reynal declined to talk about the scuffle after court ended.

Jury is let go for the day

5:46: The judge has let the jury go for the day.

Alex Jones attorney questions Infowars producer

5:25: The plaintiffs examination of Karpova has begun, with a bit of an explanation of who she is and where she works.

She said she began working at Infowars in 2014, though she grew up playing music. After exiting the military she looked for a way to remain in music, and learned sound design which led to a role at Infowars.

Sandy Hook attorney finishes questioning Infowars producer

5:17 p.m.: Sandy Hook attorney Mark Bankston has wrapped up questioning of Infowars representative Daria Karpova. He had started questioning her on Tuesday and continued to do so all day on Wednesday, with some breaks for the jury, judge and attorneys in between.

F. Andino Reynal, attorney for Alex Jones, began questioning Karpova directly afterward.

Alex Jones doesnt return to courtroom

4:33 p.m.: Alex Jones does not return to the courtroom after a break. He had gotten into the elevator as everyone else was preparing to return to court. The Sandy Hook parents are present and watching their attorney continue to question an Infowars representative.

Alex Jones waves at Sandy Hook dad outside courtroom

4 p.m.: During a break just outside the courtroom, Jones was talking with his security person by the elevators when Sandy Hook dad Neil Heslin walked by. Jones smiled and waved at him. Heslin looked at him in apparent disbelief but didn't otherwise acknowledge him and kept walking by.

Alex Jones reacts in the courtroom

3:52: Attorney Bankston asked Infowars representative Karpova whether Jones statements about the school were false  Karpova turned her eyes at Jones for just a second before answering, Yes, they were.

3:48: Sandy Hook father Neil Heslin watched Jones as a clip from Infowars played from the jury. Jones, meanwhile, looked down at the table, then at the screen.

3:44: Jones shakes his head after Bankston said he was on notice about his producers concerns about the Sandy Hook conspiracy theories.

Judge says Infowars producer is considered corporate representative

3:25: The judge excused the jury for a few moments to discuss with lawyers Karpovas role.

It is the defenses position that Karpova is not a corporate representative of Free Speech Systems, and was not an employee at the time of the shooting and the years immediately following.

The judge, however, said she is the corporate representative for the issues she was specifically asked to testify about.

During the discussion, Jones attorney said, "I'm uncomfortable with (Bankston's) line of questioning. It makes Free Speech Systems look unprepared for trial."

The judge responded: "Nobody can do that but Free Speech Systems."

When the jurors returned and Karpova took the stand again, she smiled at Jones, who is sitting next to his lawyer.

Sandy Hook parents Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin have been watching Karpova closely during her testimony.

Infowars producer questioned about emails to and from Sandy Hook denier

3 p.m.: Attorney Bankston questions Karpova again about the email Sandy Hook denier Wolfgang Halbig sent to mother Scarlett Lewis.

Bankston attempted to get Karpova to admit that the email is harassment. She replied that she cannot comment.

Bankston asked about another email sent from the Diocese of Bridgeport to Halbig threatening legal action if he continued to go onto school grounds.

Halbig believed that the St. Rose of Lima School in Newtown, Bankston said, were the so-called crisis actors who had portrayed students at Sandy Hook Elementary.

Karpova blocked all questions, refusing even to say that the email came from the Diocese of Bridgeport, despite seeing letterhead on the screen in the courtroom.

Alex Jones back in court after lunch

2:35 p.m.: Infowars host Alex Jones returned to the courthouse after the lunch break, wearing jeans and a dark blue suit jacket.

The parents attorney, Mark Bankston, has resumed questioning Daria Karpova, Infowars producer.

Court takes lunch break

1 p.m.: The judge then called for an hour-and-a-half lunch break.

Infowars producer says jury will believe the truth is on our side

1 p.m.: The attorney for the plaintiff shared an email from Wolfgang Halbig sent to plaintiff Scarlett Lewis on March 10, 2015, in which he tells her, The scam is up.

The email was provided to plaintiffs attorneys by Infowars. Karpova, asked if that counts as harassment, did not reply.

12:30: When asked if she believes Heslin and Lewis are fake parents, Karpova said no.

I believe their grief is being used, she told attorney Bankston. Youre using their grief to make bank.

She continued that I believe this reasonable jury will believe that the truth is on our side in this case.

Judge rebukes Infowars producer during questioning

12:25: Another rebuke from the judge: Mr. Reynal will ask questions later. Right now you have to answer Mr. Bankstons questions, she told Karpova.

When asked if Jones had displayed maps that showed where Sandy Hook parents were getting their mail, Karpova was evasive, and the judge agreed she was being unresponsive.

12:05 p.m.: As shown in a video in the courtroom, Jones claimed on his show that former Mayor Michael Bloomberg sent an email to gun control groups 24 hours before the shooting that an event was going to be staged.

Bankston repeatedly asks Karpova to comment on videos, and she repeatedly responds that she cannot, despite being asked to prepare testimony on a series of videos.

11:26: I dont want your apologies, the judge told witness Karpova when she refused to answer if she remembered being deposed on a specific document.

Karpova, a producer at Infowars, said she could not truthfully answer the question, and apologized, a response the judge said was not acceptable.

Testimony begins on Wednesday in Alex Jones Sandy Hook trial

11:05: Bankston continues to show Karpova a series of videos in which Jones claims there are photos of children alive who officials said had died in the shooting, among other allegations.

Bankston appears to be attempting to demonstrate that Jones continued to raise doubts about the fact of the massacre, using Halbig and others to support those claims, and never fact-checked any of his claims.

This stinks to high heaven, Jones said on video.

Karpova responds by placing blame on Halbig, and claiming that Jones believed what he was saying at the time.

I know for a fact that he wasnt lying in that video, Karpova said. If he remembered wrong thats another matter.

10:38: When asked why Wolfgang Halbigs credentials were not checked, Karpova said I am not the arbiter of ultimate truth, and claimed its not possible to go through every email the company gets.

Halbig, a guest on Alex Jones show, was vehement that the Sandy Hook shooting was staged.

10:25 a.m. - Infowars producer Daria Karpova is back on the stand today, with attorney Mark Bankston, representing parents Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, going through videos posted by Infowars in which they claimed there were crisis actors and that the Sandy Hook massacre was an Obama gun grab.

Karpova blamed contradictions in the media.

Video titles, she said, like Crisis actors used at Sandy Hook, are Meant to grab a persons attention.

Jurors released for the day on Tuesday

6 p.m.: The parents attorney says he plans to call two to three witnesses on Wednesday. The judge, attorneys and others in the courtroom leave for the day.

5:58 p.m.: The jurors are released for the day. Alex Jones attorney requests a mistrial, which the judge quickly denies. The judge says the plaintiffs have used more than three hours of time, while the defendants have used over an hour of time.

Infowars producer takes the stand

5 p.m.: Infowars producer Daria Karpova is on the stand, acting as corporate representative.

Asked to analyze analytics for Infowars, Karpova refused to confirm why Infowars collects statistics on its website traffic, or even confirming that it does.

Karpova was asked if she was asked to prepare information on audience reach. She replied that its very hard to determine reach.

Attorney Mark Bankston appears to be attempting to show that Infowars is an influential media site on a variety of platforms, including radio, television, websites and social media.

This is counter to the claim of Jones attorneys that he and Infowars have been deplatformed.

Sandy Hook mom thanks witness

4:48: As he left the courtroom, Jewiss, the lead investigator in the shooting, leaned over the bar to embrace Scarlett and shake Heslins hand. She whispered thank you to him.

Jury questions witnesses

4:30: Questions from the jury to witnesses have been submitted to the court.

The judge is determining which questions are relevant, such as How many hours or days after the shooting did you first see the scene of the crime?

One question asked Jewiss In his experience and observation did Mr. Heslin and Ms. Lewis experience greater trauma from the harassment than from the loss of their son. That question will not be asked after an objection from attorneys.

Another question was In the aftermath of school shootings what if anything brings the most solace to a mourning family?

Alex Jones attorney questions Sandy Hook investigator

3:50: When asked who also harassed families, including former Florida police officer Wolfgang Halbig, Jewiss was not sure how to answer.

It is OK to say I dont know the answer to that, Judge Gamble said. Its a lawyer thing. I used to do it all the time.

As I sit here today I know that Alex Jones talked about Neil Heslins interview with Megyn Kelly, Jewiss replied.

3:35: Reynal asked Jewiss what time he reported to Sandy Hook Elementary on the day of the shooting. Jewiss replied that he did not go to the school on the day of the shooting but reported to the Newtown Police Department.

Reynals questions are focused around the difficulty preserving evidence at the scene, specifically whether or not he knew that Heslin had access to his sons body.

When asked about the relevance of that line of questioning, Reynal said he is trying to show that it is reasonable to assume that some Infowars watchers could conclude that the massacre did not happen according to the media narrative.

This argument goes to the intentional infliction of emotional distress charge, against which Reynal is arguing that any emotional distress Jones may have caused was not necessarily intentional.

3:20: When asked why it was important for Jewiss to be present, he responded that, Its still our job to support those families in every way possible and its absolutely horrific the amount of trauma they've had to bear in the wake of losing a loved one.

Ill continue to support them any way they can, he said, calling it the most important thing Ive ever done in my career.

Attorney Reynal, representing Jones, is now cross-examining Jewiss.

Sandy Hook parents attorney questions investigator

3:18: Jurors focused closely on Jewiss testimony closely, with several scribbling notes in white legal pads.

Shortly after taking the stand, Jewiss flashed Lewis and Heslin a friendly smile as their attorney asked whether he was familiar with the family.

3:10: Jewiss, the investigator, is going through documents related to the Sandy Hook massacre and the role that Alex Jones played after the trial.

The file includes lab reports, written reports from police officers, 911 calls and more. That file was available on the internet, Jewiss confirms.

2:50 p.m.: Following a break for lunch, Attorney Mark Bankston, representing the Sandy Hook parents, ask questions of Daniel Jewiss, an instructor and investigator at the Dolan Consulting Group who was the lead investigator in the Sandy Hook shooting.

Alex Jones does not return to court after lunch

Alex Jones spoke to members of the media outside the courthouse during the lunch break. He then went across the street to Phoebes Diner.

Alex Jones attorney says Jones regrets what he said about Sandy Hook

12:55: Alex Jones has already been punished, Reynal said. He regrets what he did and hes paid a price for it.

Jones, Reynal said, gets chased down the street and told he is responsible for the death of the children in the massacre, but because he has been canceled his side of the story cannot be told.

12:35: Attorney Reynal points to other individuals in what he called the trurther community, including James Fetzer and Wolfgang Halbig, who questioned the fact of the Sandy Hook massacre.

Alex Jones has apologized repeatedly for the coverage he gave to the truther community, Reynal said. He trusted people he shouldn't have trusted.

He regrets that now, and he has said so, Reynal said. He was looking at the world through dirty glasses, and if you look at the world through dirty glasses, everything is dirty.

Alex Jones attorney begins opening arguments

12:21 p.m.: With the attorney for Heslin and Lewis finishing opening statements before a break, the attorney for Jones begins by telling the jury they have been lied to: The most important rule I heard as a young lawyer. Do not lie to the jury if you hope to get the verdict that you requested. What we heard was a conspiracy of lies.

I am honored to represent Jones, attorney Andino Reynal said.

Reynal begins by telling the jury that Jones has been deplatformed, and that his influence is far smaller than the attorney for plaintiffs suggested.

Alex Jones speaks to media during the break

Noon: During a break, Jones spoke with the media, which the judge in the case was not happy about.

We are not going to have that again, she said. She told both defense and plaintiffs that they are not allowed to speak to the press on the fifth floor, where the jury might hear, and limited those conversations to the first floor lobby or outside the courthouse.

Court takes a 20 minute break

11:48: Attorney Mark Bankston finishes his opening statement, and the judge called for a 20 minute break.

Attorney Bankston describes the harassment Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis faced

11:45: As Bankston turned his attention directly at Jones, accusing him of lying in order to sell supplements, a few of the jurors made quick glances over at the defense table, where Jones whispered something to his attorney.

11:34: More likely true than not true. Thats how attorney Bankston described the standard of proof used in this trial, as in all other civil trials. The standard, he said, is preponderance of evidence.

Bankston said that 24 percent of the population, one in four Americans, believed that the Sandy Hook massacre was staged.

Youre going to hear that Mr. Jones was the exclusive driver of that belief, Bankston said, which encouraged Jones followers to accost and harass Heslin and Lewis.

He intended to inflict emotional distress, Bankston said of Jones. And now he wants to pay a dollar for it.

11:30: Jones continued looking ahead or down at the table, shaking his head, as Bankston displayed a photo of six-year-old Jesse Lewis on a large TV screen in the courtroom. Jones did not look at the screen.

Lewis' parents, meanwhile, stared intently at their son the first time his image was shown to the courtroom.

11:15: Heslin and Lewis, parents of Jesse Lewis who died during the 2012 massacre were at their breaking point in 2017 when Heslin went on Megyn Kellys show to plead for the harassment to stop.

On June 24, 2017, Infowars struck back directly at Mr. Heslin, attorney Bankston said.

Attorney for Sandy Hook parents shows clips of Jones on Infowars

10:55: I knew they had actors there though I thought they killed real kids, Alex Jones said on television, as attorneys showed in court.

The familys attorney, Bankston, is showing clips of Jones claiming over the course of years that the Sandy Hook massacre was fake and a false flag operation.

Mr. Jones is going to keep repeating the same false claims, Bankston said.

Scarlett Lewis appeared to swallow and clench her jaw as her attorney played an Infowars clip in which Jones said of Sandy Hook, "the whole thing is a total hoax."

Jones, meanwhile, occasionally nodded or shook his head while Bankston described how his operation went from a local radio call-in show to a pioneering internet media outlet that spread conspiracy-laced videos to "billions" of viewers.

Attorney for Sandy Hook parents say Jones broke the rules in a way the world has never seen before

10:44 a.m.: Its about guns. Attorney Bankston says Jones played on the fear that then-president Barack Obama staged Sandy Hook in order to generate the fear that the government was planning on taking away his viewers guns.

10:26 a.m: The Sandy Hook parents attorney, Mark Bankston, began by sharing some rules with the jury. You cant recklessly tell lies about someone, he said. Jurors are here, he said, because those rules were broken, and they were broken in a way the world has never seen before.

Jones, Bankston said, was one of the first media personalities who understood the internet. The primary way this business operates is to sell products, Bankston said.

Those products dictate the kind of news that is shared on Infowars. He is trying to convince viewers that powerful entities are trying to hide the truth, and Jones role is to reveal the truth.

In 2012, Mr. Jones made a choice that day to go on the air and claim the Sandy Hook massacre was a false flag, the attorney said.

Alex Jones Sandy Hook trial proceedings being

10:21 a.m.: Proceedings are getting underway in Austin, Texas. Both sides  Alex Jones and Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis are in the courtroom today.

Yesterday, Jones lawyer said not to expect him in court due to illness. Photos from outside the courthouse show Jones arrived with tape on his mouth that says Save the 1st and advertises his Infowars show. Jones has said that he has the First Amendment right to be wrong about his false claims regarding the Sandy Hook massacre.

Alex Jones, parents of Jesse Lewis appear in court for opening arguments

10:15 a.m.: Jones is staring straight ahead or conferring with his attorneys for the trial begins.

9:40 a.m. Tuesday: Alex Jones walked into the fifth floor courtroom at the Heman Marion Sweatt courthouse in downtown Austin around 20 minutes before the trial was set to begin on Tuesday, wearing a brown plaid suit and a short beard. While he wore tape over his mouth as he entered the courthouse, it had been removed by the time he reached the courtroom.

Neil Heslin, the father of Sandy Hook victim Jesse Lewis, watched Jones as he took his seat. Lewis' mother, Scarlett Lewis, stared straight ahead.

Jones did not say anything to the plaintiffs or the courtroom audience as he walked in.

Attorneys began squaring off Tuesday even before the judge gaveled in the first day of Jones' trail to decide damages in the defamation lawsuit brought by Sandy Hook families.

Andino Reynal, Jones' lawyer, brought several large cardboard cutouts into the courtroom before Jones made his entrance.

Mark Bankston, the lawyer for Lewis and Heslin, caught a glimpse of one of the cutouts and said "No, we're going to object to that."

The images on the cutouts were not viewable from the gallery. Shortly afterward, attorneys for both sides entered the judges chambers for a brief conference.

- John Moritz

Day 1 of jury selection wraps up

7 p.m.: Judge Maya Guerra Gamble and the attorneys discuss the plan for Tuesdays opening arguments. Each side will have an hour for opening statements.

She said the attorney teams will have access to two board rooms and other spaces in the courthouse.

If I find out you make a mess, you leave food, trash on the table, anything, youre going to get kicked out of the room and you wont get back in, she said.

Jurors sworn in for Alex Jones Sandy Hook trial

6:50 p.m.: Judge Maya Guerra Gamble announced the jurors who were selected for the trial.

The judge read the rules that the jurors must follow, such as discussing anything about the case, including with their spouse, friends or among themselves. She reiterated this point.

You can say youre on a jury, thats it, the judge said.

She urged the jurors not to watch or read the news due to the anticipated extensive media coverage of the case.

We want a trial based only on the evidence presented in court, she said.

She said the trial will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday and last two weeks.

One juror says she has a bias against people like Alex Jones

4:45: One juror tell lawyers that her dad was murdered and that as part of a settlement, I got a million dollars. She used that money to start a school in Costa Rica, she said.

She expressed a sense of bias against people like Alex Jones.

Alex Jones may not be in court through parts of the trial, attorney says

4:30: Jones himself may not personally appear in the courtroom much over the course of the trial, as attorney F. Andino Reynal said: Alex, You may have noticed is not here, like the plaintiffs. He may not be here through parts of the trial.

Jones, Reynal said, has medical issues that prevent him from being present and that he has no obligation to be here.

Jones attorney asks if jurors have heard of the Infowars host

4 p.m.: Jones attorney F. Andino Reynal asked potential jurors how many had heard of Alex Jones and of those, how many formed a firm negative impression based on what they had read or seen.

Many potential jurors responded that, yes, they had heard of and developed a negative impression of Jones before this trial.

Court resumes after lunch

3:10: Back from a break, an attorney for Alex Jones is asking the jury what the phrase justice is blind means to them. When were looking for jurors, you dont check your common sense at the door.

Judge calls for lunch break

1:40: Judge Gamble calls for a one-hour lunch break.

Jurors discuss defamation, cancel culture, and their opinions related to Jones

1:32: One juror asks if there is a definition of defamation, and is told that the court has already determined that there was defamation. The question before her is, would she be able to calculate the damages required by defamation, to which the juror replied I dont know.

1:30 When asked if anyone believes Alex Jones and his company have been treated unfairly in the media, no juror replied in the affirmative.

1:22: When asked if there were any problems with being on the jury, one potential juror said she has Strong feelings about the person who is on trial and strong feelings about the people who follow that person.

Attorney Ball then asked another juror about her feelings on cancel culture, to which she responded that she believes people can be held accountable for her public views.

Judge, attorney describe the standard the jury must use

12:53 p.m.: The standard being used by the jury to determine the award in this case is preponderance of the evidence, as opposed to other standards such as beyond a reasonable doubt. After a break, Attorney Wesley Ball asks the jury if that standard might make it difficult for them to determine an award.

When asked if any jurors might have trouble making a determination based on that standard, specifically when it comes to a question of mental anguish, at least five jurors agreed that they would have difficulty.

Judge Maya Guerra Gamble also noted that the questions being asked are penalties for  committed defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Hurt feelings is not a cause of action, she said.

Jurors, attorney discuss free speech, politics

12:10 p.m.: I believe in free speech but the media needs to be held accountable, one juror said. Jurors are discussing with attorney Ball their beliefs about the freedoms of speech and what penalties, if any, a member of the media should bear for knowingly sharing incorrect and misleading information.

One juror argues that there may be a limit to those penalties. I dont know what the threshold is, but I dont think it should be $100 million or something like that.

11:52 a.m.: Attorney Ball asks the jury if they have been following other, similar trials, including any with large, multimillion dollar penalties, or the contempt of Congress case against Steve Bannon. A few jurors respond in the affirmative.

11:45 a.m.: Words can hurt, one juror said, but to take it to this level I think its a little silly. Attorney Ball asked the juror if he felt that opinion would make it difficult to be a part of the jury and sit in judgment, to which the juror said yes.

11:30 a.m.: Juror number 75 asked if being a conservative Republican might exclude him from the jury. Ball replied that no, being a conservative Republican politically would not immediately preclude a juror.

Jury selection begins

11:15 a.m.: Jury selection has begun with attorney Wesley Ball, who is representing Sandy Hook parents Neil Heslin and Scarett Lewis laying out the facts of the case and beginning to ask potential jurors some questions.

CORRECTION: An original version of this article incorrectly identified the name of the Sandy Hook parents attorney who spoke to jurors on Monday. The attorneys name is Wesley Ball.
Russia suffered an embarrassing public setback in Ukraines Donbas region in May when its soldiers attempted to cross the Siverskyi Donets River and ended up taking a bath instead  reportedly losing a significant number of troops and tanks in the process. The U.S. Army, which coolly called out the failure not long after, is a recognized leader in proficient wet gap crossings. And now Army engineers are working to make its elite bridging technology even more dependable and effective.

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, in partnership with Program Executive Office Combat Support, is now pushing the outer limits of vehicle weight load capacity for the Improved Ribbon Bridge, according to an announcement from the Army Corps of Engineers. The floating bridge, which has been used by both the Army and Marine Corps since 2003, is designed to carry 105 wheeled, or 85 tracked vehicles, according to published specifications. In extreme situations, that load can be increased to 110 wheeled or 90 tracked, with caution.

Water conditions matter, too. Specifications state that the modular bridge can be used over river currents of up to 10 feet per second; it can be used as a single-piece temporary crossing mechanism, or divided up into pieces for rafting operations.

Using a series of full-scale and miniature models to simulate both vehicle load and water conditions, the testing team now wants to see how much more they might be able to get out of the system they have.

We are able to look at the IRB and test it against different loading and hydrodynamic conditions to determine operational conditions in which the IRB can be deployed and subject it to increased weight and heavier vehicles, Stephanie Robert, program manager and research civil engineer with the ERDCs Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, said in a statement.

A modified M1 Abrams tank lines up to cross an Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) erected in a testing basin at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Sept. 1, 2021. (Carol Coleman/U.S. Army)

Building bridges

In September 2021, the team, including personnel from the Mississippi Army National Guard and Alabamas Anniston Army Depot, completed a first test phase, which involved full-scale water testing in a test basin of bridge components with military vehicles at different weights and travel speeds, according to the release.

They started with smaller wheeled and tracked vehicles to establish a baseline, then gradually introduced bigger, heavier systems to see how the bridge would take it. Its not clear from the release which vehicles were introduced onto the bridge or how the IRB fared in the test; officials with the Army Corps of Engineers did not immediately respond to queries.

To complete the most comprehensive experiments, however, testers needed to go much smaller. Last October, the team began small-scale model testing, with a ribbon bridge inside an indoor water tank and tactical vehicles the size of Tonka trucks. Engineers explained that this way, they can validate what large-scale testing had shown and also introduce whatever water conditions and speeds they choose, from lazy rivers to whitewater rapids.

We can introduce river velocities, so we can ramp the river velocity up or down depending on what we are trying to simulate, said Dr. Duncan Bryant, a research hydraulic engineer with ERDCs Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory.

As the water comes in, it impacts the IRB and changes the hydrodynamics. There is an operational space where its just too much flow for the bridge, and as you add more weight, that operational space changes. The way to do that safely is a scaled model. Here we dont have to worry about sinking a tank or sinking a bridge, and we can try a lot of different scenarios out without any risk to anybody or any property, Dr. Bryant added.

Dr. Duncan Bryant, a research hydraulic engineer with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Centers (ERDC) Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, lines up a model tank on a scale model of the Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB), Feb. 24, 2022. (Carol Coleman/U.S. Army)

After the small-scale testing finishes at a to-be-determined date, computational modeling and analysis will begin; this will be the third and final phase of the effort.

The end goal is a new set of specifications that will include data about the types and extreme limits of the river crossings the IRB is approved for, how fast vehicles can travel over the bridge, and how many bays, or bridge pieces, are needed for various crossing conditions.

Made by General Dynamics, the IRB is designed to be transported in pieces by specialized vehicles and assembled with the aid of a hydraulic system. The Army says Soldiers can build a 100-meter, 15-piece bridge in just half an hour.

By contrast, the Russian Armys pontoon bridge system met with what appears to be an abject failure in the Donbas. In the attempted Siverski Donets crossing, undertaken in an attempt to secure maneuver routes and assault several Ukrainian towns on the other side, some 400 Russian soldiers were reportedly killed or wounded, and dozens of tanks destroyed.

In response to Russias failed attempt, the U.S. Army Europe and Africa wrote the following on Twitter:

One of the riskiest maneuver operations

Stateside, too, U.S. Soldiers and Marines are honing their wet gap crossing skills to maintain their dominance. In June, units from both services conversed on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, for Exercise Courage Crossing, a three-day event in which they built a 360-foot IRB across a lake and drove a long convoy of heavy tactical vehicles from one side to the other.

Army officials have elsewhere described wet gap crossings as one of the riskiest ops a maneuver force can undertake. This is because bridge components are unarmored, and the troops who work to assemble the bridge have no shelter from enemy fire. Units must move fast to minimize risk.

Wet gap crossing operations are important to enabling maneuver forces to close with and destroy enemy forces by giving them one of the most valuable fundamentals of war  speed, Captain Shederick F. Mullgrav, the commander of the Armys 45th CBRN Company, said in a news release about the event.

Tempo is the key to seize the initiative, prevent enemy reconnaissance and exploit success. Executing a safe and efficient wet gap crossing will allow friendly forces to set conditions necessary for success, he added.

Hope Hodge Seck is an award-winning investigative and enterprise reporter who has been covering military issues since 2009. She is the former managing editor for Military.com.

Read the original article on Sandboxx
A Florida man has been arrested after he was accused of stealing a pickup truck and driving to a Space Force base to warn the government about extraterrestrial and mythical creatures.

Corey Johnson, 29, was arrested Friday at Patrick Space Force Base by local deputies after he "attempted to get on base," according to an arrest citation.

Johnson reportedly explained to authorities "he was told by the president" to warn "the government there was US aliens fighting with Chinese dragons."

Read Next: Space Command's Move to Alabama Clears Environmental Hurdle, Nearing Final Approval

Johnson allegedly took control of a Ford F-150 several days prior to arriving at Patrick Space Force Base and he didn't know who the owner was, according to local authorities. He was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle.

He told authorities the president had also instructed him to take the truck.

Patrick Space Force Base is home to Space Launch Delta 45, the unit that is in charge of launching America's satellites into orbit on the East Coast. The unit also oversees the nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Base.

Patrick has a long history in the Department of Defense, initially being used as a naval air station during World War II. It was later transferred to the Air Force, renamed Patrick Air Force Base in 1950 and used as the service's missile test center.

After the Space Force was officially designated in 2019, the installation was renamed Patrick Space Force Base.

The incident outside of the base comes two months after a man was killed outside of New Boston Space Force Station on May 13.

Michael Foley, 33 -- a civilian not connected to the Space Force -- was fatally shot on Galaxy Way, an access road that leads to the remote station in New Hampshire. A local police officer and a "contracted security officer" were involved in the incident.

New Boston Space Force Station is conducting a use-of-force review board to examine the shooting and investigate what occurred with the contractor, Stephen Brady, a spokesman for Space Force's Peterson-Schriever Garrison, which oversees New Boston Space Force Station, told Military.com following the incident.

-- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly.

Related: Man Killed Outside of New Boston Space Force Station in Shooting Involving Military Contractor
HONOLULU  An active-duty U.S. Marine accused in the stabbing death of his wife is in custody and facing a second-degree murder charge.

The Honolulu Police Department said Saturday that Bryant Tejeda-Castillo was being held on $1 million bail.

Police say he was captured shortly after the Wednesday killing of 27-year-old Dana Alotaibi along a freeway. Police say he was taken to the Queens Medical Center in Honolulu with what one witness said were several self-inflicted wounds.

Alotaibi's friends said she was pregnant, but police said they are awaiting autopsy results.

A police spokesman on Saturday said he didnt know if Tejeda-Castillo remained at the hospital or had been transferred elsewhere. Tejeda-Castillo was arrested on a warrant of second-degree murder.

Alotaibis mother, Natalia Cespedes, told Hawaii News Now that her daughter faced abuse from her husband and was able to get the military's version of a restraining order against Tejeda-Castillo, who was stationed on the island of Oahu.

Cespedes said she believes her daughter would still be alive if military officials had acted on her daughter's requests for help.

Probably because shes a woman they dont care, or she looked like crazy, they dont care, Cespedes said.

In a statement, the U.S. Marine Corps said it was aware of the situation.

We can confirm that the Marine suspects command was engaged with both him and the victim, and were responsive to those allegations and concerns that the command was made aware of," it said. "Due to the ongoing nature of the criminal investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further on this topic.

Witnesses who stopped to help after the stabbing described as a horrific scene.

I ran there and told him to let her go," George Schmidt told Hawaii News Now. "I just seen blood all over her, she was full of blood.

He said he saw the suspect wound himself.
When World War II veteran George Dramis came home, he didnt talk much about the war. If someone asked what he did there, hed tell them the truth: He was a radio operator.

But there is much, much more to his story.

Dramis, 97, was one of the 1,100 soldiers in the U.S. Armys 23rd Headquarters Special Troops. Referred to now as the Ghost Army, they formed in 1944 with a key job: deceive the German military as to the whereabouts of Army divisions. This was after the D-Day invasion at Normandy, as Allied forces fought to free Europe from the Nazis.

We would come in at night, Dramis told The News & Observer, explaining how the Ghost Army operated.

[ An Army division] would sneak away, quietly. We would come in and fake their radio transmissions. We had huge half-tracks with tremendous speakers on them that you could hear for 15 miles. They were recorded things of actual troop movements  tanks, trucks, guys swearing, yelling Get over here! he said.

A half-track was an armored personnel carrier. Those speakers that carried sound for 15 miles weighed 500 pounds, Dramis said, and it sounded like a real division coming in. The Ghost Army used inflatable tanks, trucks and other equipment that would appear to be camouflaged, and soldiers even wore fake division patches.

Those 1,100 troops used visual and audio deception to appear to be 15,000 troops. And as Dramis told people after the war when his worked was still classified, he was indeed a radio operator. He kept the secret until 1996, when the Ghost Armys efforts were declassified.

There are just nine veterans of the Ghost Army still living. With a bill co-sponsored by North Carolinas U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross and signed into law by President Joe Biden in February, those men will receive a Congressional Gold Medal. Ross, a Democrat, and Republican Sen. Thom Tillis staffer Trey Lewis were among those who attended a ceremony on Saturday at the Waltonwood Lake Boone assisted living community in Raleigh.

One of Dramis modern counterparts was at the ceremony, too.

Army Col. Chris Stangle is commander of the 4th Psychological Operations Group, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne), at Fort Bragg. Stangle told Dramis that Special Operations was built off of what the Ghost Army started. Stangle told The N&O that the work Dramis did has been built upon with techniques used by what is known as PSYOPS today.

Like at other ceremonies of recent years honoring World War II veterans, speakers often call them heroes, including Dramis on Saturday.

They keep talking about this hero part all the time. Well, Im not so sure about that hero stuff, Dramis told those gathered.

The 18-, 19-year-old, 20-year-old guys that  Dramis paused and took a deep breath  maybe lasted one minute or two minutes or three minutes, and they never made it. They never got to grow up and have a life  those guys are the heroes.

After the war, Dramis was a factory worker and eventually president of an industrial supply company before he retired in 1990, according to the Ghost Army Legacy Project. He and his late wife had four children, and Dramis two living sons attended the ceremony Saturday, along with two of Dramis grandsons.

Saturday, July 23, 2022 was also proclaimed George Dramis Day by Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin.

Dramis son Jim Dramis, of Raleigh, wrote in The Charlotte Observer last year about the Ghost Army Legacy Projects years-long push to get the bill passed so his father and others would be recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal. While the medal is still being minted, ceremonies for George Dramis and other Ghost Army veterans are already being held.

2022 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Military.com. If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration.

When Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale assault on Ukraine in February, he really did believe that his operation to seize Kyiv would last less than a week. That's largely because Putin has spent decades cultivating Ukrainian officials, oligarchs and political parties to impede Kyiv's move toward democracy and independence from Russia. But they failed him. Even before the invasion, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had been moving to crush Putin's agents. And in mid-July, he doubled down on his counter-subversion campaign.

One of the parties Zelenskyy moved on was led by Putin's close ally, Viktor Medvedchuk, who was supposed to take reign of the Ukrainian government had Putin's plot of assassinating President Zelenskyy succeeded. He was arrested right after the invasion and is under investigation for treason.

Medvedchuk's ascension would have required Kyiv's quick capitulation. But that calculation, based on sources Putin had cultivated for decades inside Ukraine's security services, who were expected to provide the invaders with logistical support and secrets about Kyiv's defenses, turned out to be off the mark. What Putin and his agents miscalculated was the sheer determination and courage of Ukraine's military and civil society to fight for democracy, freedom, and their land. But now, as Ukraine enters the sixth month of the war, Zelenskyy is still grappling with the challenge of finding and rooting out domestic traitors.

That became clear on July 17, when Zelenskyy announced the dismissal of Ivan Bakanov, the head of Ukraine's powerful domestic security service, the SBU, as well as Irina Venediktova, his Prosecutor General.

Zelenskyy said that his decisions were based on the sheer volume of treason cases and cooperation with Russia that had been uncovered. He said that "651 criminal proceedings have been registered in Ukraine on charges of treason and collaboration activities of employees of the prosecutor's office, pre-trial investigation, and other law enforcement agencies. In the framework of 198 criminal proceedings, suspicions were [raised with] the relevant persons." Zelenskyy added that over 60 employees of the prosecutor's office and the SBU had remained in territories occupied by Russia and were working "against our state."

Bakanov's dismissal was not much of a surprise, following as it did the arrest of the former head of the SBU's Crimea branch, Oleg Kulinich, only days before. But Venediktova's dismissal at the same time was particularly unexpected.

"Both decisions came quite unexpectedly," said Olena Halushka, a board member of Ukraine's Anti-corruption Action Centre, or AntAC. "There were rumors of the possible firing of Bakanov due to serious questions about the SBU work, particularly during the first weeks of the war. But Venediktova's dismissal was not preceded by any recent major scandals."

The reasons behind her sacking remain murky, compounded by Zelenskyy's subsequent statement that she would remain in the government in a potential diplomatic role. He also emphasized that Bakanov, a childhood friend and longtime associate, was not suspected of committing any crimes.

But the high level shuffle provoked swift criticism.

"These dismissals were done in a political manner, which again reminds us that the process of hiring and firing the heads of such important agencies should be depoliticized," said Halushka, who is also co-founder of the International Center of Ukrainian Victory, established after the invasion to rally international support for Kyiv's battle against the Russians. "So far, only acting heads of both institutions have been appointed, so it is important to follow them with permanent ones."

A Trail of Perfidy

The SBU has long been mired in scandal and drawn scrutiny from activists calling for reform. Right after the start of Russia's invasion, reports began surfacing of some SBU agents assisting its troops in capturing towns.

Halushka doesn't believe that Zelenskyy's recent SBU firings will lead to major change.

"The president announced a number of dismissals among the senior level leadership in the SBU, but this will hardly lead to any substantial changes or solving the underlying issues of the agency's work," Halushka told me. "It needs comprehensive reform, which we have been advocating for the last five years and which has not happened yet. It will be back on the public agenda after the Ukrainian victory."

As for the role the SBU played during invasion, a source privately told me that the "successes by Russia in the early days, to capture Mariupol and Kherson, happened because of Ukrainian officials in key positions assisting them, including SBU agents."

The July 16th arrest of the former head of the SBU in Crimea, Oleg Kulinich, accused of cooperating with Russian special services in Kherson, sparked new focus on the agency. According to investigators, Kulinich handed Russian intelligence an unspecified state secret.

"Kulinich was a member of a certain criminal organization that was engaged in espionage and subversive activities against Ukraine," they said in a statement. "The actions of the group harmed the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability, the defense capability [and] the economic and information security of our state," the SBU added.

Kulinich was head of the SBU Crimea office from October 2020 to March 2022. After Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, the office was relocated to Kherson. Kulinich, who studied at the Academy of the FSB of Russia and did military service in the Federal Counterintelligence Service of the Russian Federation, is suspected of being involved in the Russian military's rapid capture of the Kherson region, which was launched from Crimea.

One of Kulinich's aides, Ihor Sadokhin, assistant and head of the local office's Anti-Terrorist Center, was detained in March on charges of treason. There is evidence that Sadokhingave the Russian forces a map of minefields and helped coordinate a flight path for Russia's aircraft, while he fled in a convoy of SBU agents going west. A month later, his boss, Kherson's top intelligence officer, General Serhiy Krivoruchko, was stripped of his rank, Aljazeera reported. It was alleged Krivoruchko had ordered his officers to evacuate Kherson against Zelenskyy's orders, before Russian troops stormed it.

Zelenskyy's focus on SBU began in March, shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion, when the president announced the firing of two of Ukraine's top security officials for being "traitors."

"Regarding antiheroes," he said in a speech. "Now, I do not have time to deal with all the traitors. But gradually they will all be punished. That is why the ex-chief of the Main Department of Internal Security of the Security Service of Ukraine, Andriy Olehovych Naumov, and the former head of the Office of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Kherson region, Serhiy Oleksandrovych Kryvoruchko, are no longer generals."

In mid-June, news surfaced of Andriy Naumov's arrest in Serbia, after fleeing Ukraine on the eve of Russia's full-scale invasion. Sources told the Ukrainian media outlet Obozrevatel that Naumov, along with a German citizen, were detained on June 7 on the border between Serbia and Northern Macedonia for attempting to smuggle a large amount of undeclared currency and gems across the border.

War Crimes Urgency

The Deputy Head ofGolosZmin party, Inna Sovsun, told me that the role of the Prosecutor General's office is more crucial than ever in the investigations of Russia's war crimes.

Its "core mission now is of course putting forth its best effort in investigating Russian war crimes and being efficient in giving powerful evidence during international investigations and trials," she said. "The Russian occupiers committed awful crimes -- killing, torturing and raping thousands of Ukrainians. There are no other words other than genocide to describe what has already happened and what it still going on."

Halushka doesn't believe the firing of Venediktova will have an impact on the war crimes investigations. But she said it "will depend on whether there will be any personnel changes in the departments responsible for war crimes investigations. At the moment there have been no changes."

Venediktova's replacement, Oleksiy Symonenko, may be in for some hard times. A parliamentary deputy from the European Solidarity party, Volodymyr Ariev, essentially accused him of political corruption. Others have publicly complained that Zelenskyy's removal of the two top officials is not enough. One parliamentarian demanded he "deal with all the rats in power"

Vitaly Shabunin, head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center, was also critical of the reshuffle and wrote that "the President explains the dismissal of Venediktova and Bakanov by a large number of traitors in the SBU and UCP (Office of the Prosecutor General)." But he said Zelenskyy should also have fired Oleh Tatarov, head of the national crime-fighting State Bureau of Investigation, who has been holding up key appointments to several anti-corruption agencies.

"Wild Narratives"

Meanwhile, in the United States, a Ukrainian born Republican member of Congress, Rep. Victoria Spartz of Indiana, raised eyebrows recently when she publicly demanded Zelenskyy fire his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, accusing him of being a Russian agent.

In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden and posted on social media, Spartz demanded Biden provide Congress with information on Yermak to "confirm or deny various serious allegations" surrounding him. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), leader of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, dismissed Spartz's accusations as "wild narratives" and said she was "playing into Putin's hands."

Spartz received the same reaction in Ukraine, where many voiced concerns that the congresswoman was spreading Kremlin propaganda. An advisor to Zelenskyy, Igor Novikov, called Spartz's claims a mix of "hearsay and urban legends and myths." In response, Spartz doubled down, calling on Yermak to quit and accusing him of launching a "smear campaign" against her.

Now, with the Russian invasion is entering its sixth month, rooting out subversives is critical to Ukraine's chances for survival. Yet the success of the endeavor largely falls on the shoulders of an agency that itself has been shown to be infected by spies. It's imperative, says the GolosZmin party deputy leader Inna Sovsun, that Zelenskyy put the SBU in safe hands.

"I hope the President understands very well the importance of all these issues now," she told me, "and that there won't be any aspects other than the highest professionalism and competence when choosing the best candidates" as replacements for the traitors.

Olga Lautman is an analyst and researcher focused on the Kremlin, organized crime, intelligence and Eastern Europe, She is also a Senior Fellow at The Center for European Policy Analysis and Co-Host of the Kremlin File podcast.

This by Olga Lautman originally appeared on Spytalk.co.
When Jorel "Joe" Wester walked into a Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Firehouse Subs after work one day in 2017, he was going through a really hard time. He was struggling with mental health issues. He wasn't able to hold down a job for very long. Even going to school seemed impossible.

Life had changed entirely after he was medically discharged from the Coast Guard. At best, no one seemed to understand. At worst, they told him to just get over it. There seemed to be no way out.

He decided that unless the universe gave him some kind of sign, this sub was going to be his last meal.

"When you're in that mental state, the hole is dark and deep," Wester tells Military.com. "No matter where you stand, it's very difficult to see the light. No matter how much counseling and how much I talked about it, it never seemed to get better for me."

As he ate, he looked at the paper cup that held his beverage. Printed on the side was an ad for K9s For Warriors, a nonprofit organization that rescues dogs from shelters and trains them to become service animals for veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual assault trauma.

Wester decided that might be the sign he asked for. He finished his sub, but it wouldn't be his last.

Wester joined the Coast Guard in 2001, before the Sept. 11 attacks. The Coast Guard was almost a family tradition. His father served in the Coast Guard, just as his grandfather had. Wester loved it, especially the rough weather. He wanted to be in for 20 years.

"It was my first real experience with being in the ocean, and I kind of loved it," Wester says. "Even in some of the worst weather you can drive a boat in, I couldn't get enough of it."

He began his career in Ketchikan, Alaska, enforcing fisheries law. After a stint in Daytona Beach, Florida, doing counternarcotics work, he returned to the heavy weather, this time in Washington state. He was in a small accident during his time in Washington and was transferred to Rhode Island. It was there the Coast Guard sent him home with a medical discharge.

"The Coast Guard felt the need to discharge me," he says. "They sent me home and said, 'Thanks for your service, but you're broke.'"

That was in 2013. Wester had served for 12 years as a boatswain's mate in the roughest seas, but the next five years would be harder than anything he experienced in the Coast Guard. He was kicked out the front door, as he describes it.

"I felt lost," Wester recalls. "I kind of wandered around a little bit. I picked up a couple odds-and-ends jobs, but I found it really difficult to function. I was in a dark place almost all the time."

Physical problems and mental health issues plagued him. The military medical support he enjoyed in the Coast Guard all but evaporated when he became a veteran. He tried counseling with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Nothing helped. In November 2017, he walked into the Oshkosh Firehouse Subs with a plan to end his life.

That's where he gave K9s For Warriors, the nation's largest provider of service dogs for veterans, his last shot.

Wester called K9s For Warrior that night. They told him to apply for a dog and to continue his counseling until they could connect him with a service animal. Wester promised himself he would do his part and continued counseling. A few months later, K9s For Warriors was ready for him.

The nonprofit flew him down to Florida, which at the time was their only kennel for service dogs. He was expected to spend 30 days on the campus so K9s For Warriors could assess his needs and match him with the right dog, one that had been trained for up to eight months.

In January 2019, Wester was paired with a 50-pound Black Labrador named Betsy. His first night with Betsy didn't go as he imagined it would, but it would be exactly what he needed.

Meet Betsy. (Courtesy of K9s For Warriors)

"I was still apprehensive," Wester says. "I thought I bit off more than I could chew. I didn't sleep well that night. At about 3 a.m., I got up and was like, 'I'm done with this.' I was ready to call it quits."

That's when Betsy hopped up onto the bed with Joe and climbed on top of his chest.

"We laid there for a little while," he recalled. "She did that for the first four or five days. Just kind of stayed with me, climbed on me to make sure that I kind of had the feeling that it was OK. And that I could go through it."

After that night, Wester's life changed. The people in his life got accustomed to Betsy. When he went to school, Betsy kept an eye out for him. She would insert herself between her veteran and anyone who came too close. By the end of 2020, he had bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering.

Soon, he got a job at Oshkosh Defense, makers of the Army's new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), designing assembly fixtures and tooling. Just like his time in class, Betsy goes to work with him, whether he has to be in the machinery room and on the production line.

"With Betsy, I am able to be as productive as I would've been when I was in the service," Wester says. "I don't have that hole chasing me. I don't have negative thoughts and things that creep in your periphery. She can intercept those things before they happen."

At home, he is less prone to anger, spends more time with his kids and can spend quality time with his wife without the same fears and emotions that kept him from holding a job. Betsy has blended right in with his family.

"At my darkest point, I wanted someone to tell me that this is not the end, that there are things out there, options and opportunities available to me," Wester says. "For me, Betsy was the one thing I didn't see until I sat down at that Firehouse Subs and saw the cup. I can 100% say that I would not be here had I not seen that."

"She was basically a part of me and that's how it's supposed to be," says Joe Wester. (Courtesy of K9s For Warriors)

To learn more about K9s For Warriors or to apply for a service dog trained for veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury or military sexual assault trauma, visit the K9s For Warriors website.

If you are a service member or veteran who needs help, it is available 24/7 at the Veterans and Military Crisis Line, 800-273-8255 or 988 (press 1), by texting 838255, or through the online chat function at www.veteranscrisisline.net.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook.

Want to Know More About Veteran Jobs?

Be sure to get the latest news about post-military careers as well as critical info about veteran jobs and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox.
"I have witnessed drastic changes of China since my first visit to the country," said Maite Mola, vice president of the Party of the European Left (PEL), in a recent interview with People's Daily. "Both urban and rural areas in the country have taken on a new look, and its infrastructure is keeping improving. The country has constantly advanced its ecological progress and made remarkable achievements in anti-corruption campaign," Mola said. Maite Mola, vice president of the Party of the European Left (PEL). (Photo from the official website of the PEL) Mola paid six visits to China between 2008 and 2018, during which she went to Chinese cities and villages to see the changes of the life of the Chinese people. "The huge changes in the 10 years make me feel as if a century had passed," she said. Mola's visit to suburban Shanghai impressed her the most during her trips to China. "It was clean and tidy, and the villagers were affluent. The infrastructure and public services were great, and I saw prominent achievements in the country's new-type urbanization," Mola told People's Daily. She said the Communist Party of China (CPC) has led the Chinese people to eliminate absolute poverty, which is a great feat in human history. She told People's Daily that how to advance rural development amid progressing urbanization is an issue that bothers many countries, including Spain. China's rural vitalization strategy has shed light on the rural development of other developing countries and is worth learning for developed countries, she noted. In 2008, Mola had an inspection tour to Xiaogang village, Fengyang county, east China's Anhui province. Dubbed "the birthplace of China's rural reform," the village was the first one in the country to pioneer a "household contract responsibility system." From Xiaogang village, Mola realized that huge changes would take place in China. "We need to not only support China's development, but also introduce to the world the country's progress and the CPC's spirit of reform and innovation," she said. The PEL speaks highly of the remarkable achievements made by the CPC in terms of party construction since the 19th National Congress of the CPC. Photo taken on July 21, 2021 shows Lianhu village, Jinze township, Qingpu district, Shanghai. The village was listed in the first batch of model villages of rural vitalization in Shanghai in 2018. (People's Daily Online/ Zhou Dongchao) In 2018, Mola visited China again upon invitation. In Fuxiang neighborhood, Dongcheng district of Beijing, she watched an activity in which primary-level CPC members reviewed the Party admission oath. She was quite impressed by the activity, saying such activities could help primary-level Party members strengthen their conviction and strengthen the cohesion of primary-level Party organizations. China's remarkable progress in developing socialism with Chinese characteristics, as well as the historic accomplishment in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, are inseparable from the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Mola told People's Daily. As a reader of the book "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China", Mola said the book has brought her many inspirations. "President Xi Jinping is both visionary and practical," she said, adding that the CPC, following a people-centered approach and leading the Chinese people to advance with the times, has explored a development path that suits China's national conditions. Citing Xi's remarks that the Chinese people hope to successfully realize national development, but they also hope to see all peoples of the world leading happy and peaceful lives, Mola said the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind aim at promoting world peace and sharing development opportunities. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, China has significantly promoted international solidarity to fight the virus, making huge efforts to build a global community of health for all, Mola noted. Last September, Xi proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI), calling on the international society to cooperate on poverty alleviation, food security, COVID-19 response and vaccines, development financing, climate change and green development, industrialization, digital economy and connectivity, and to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Photo shows Xiaogang village, Fengyang county, east China's Anhui province. The village is dubbed "the birthplace of China's rural reform." (People's Daily Online/Wang Jun) "President Xi has charted a course for the world's common development when the world is hindered by both the pandemic and uncertainties," Mola said. She noted that the GDI, which prioritizes development, puts people in the center and benefits all, is an important approach to tackling development issues. "The achievements made by the CPC in the past 100 years prove that it is a party that seeks happiness for the people. The century-old CPC will usher in a new starting point as it kicks off its 20th National Congress," Mola told People's Daily. She believes that China will make more achievements under the leadership of the CPC. She hopes the country can provide more feasible schemes for international cooperation on development and contribute more energy to the building of a better world.


How to use the mindat.org media viewer

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Summary of all keyboard shortcuts
24.07.2022 LISTEN

Working in a paediatric unit is a very satisfying experience because it is a great privilege to watch the sick child recover as the days go by.

And when they finally do, the excitement on their faces makes the health worker very fulfilled. While on admission, some of these children run to embrace you when you arrive at work while others become your guards by following you all day till you close your shift.

Sometimes, these priceless children get to know the cars of the health workers who take care of them and always put up the brightest smile like there is no pain in this life when their cars pull up on the compound.

Those that communicate well can have a good conversation with you that can make one forget all the troubles of this world. Oh, Children! How precious and genuine they are.

On many occasions, I have asked myself which branch of the nursing profession would have brought me so much fulfilment than Paediatrics (A branch of medicine that deals with childrens total health from birth through to childhood and adolescence).

I think paediatricians and paediatric nurses are the closest to God in terms of all the specialties in the medical profession because of the role they play in the lives of children. This is an argument I may not win elsewhere but that is my opinion.

On the other hand, its a field that can be emotionally draining, horrifying, and devastating.

Watching these innocent children prolong their stay in the hospital due to chronic medical conditions like cancers, and sickle cell disease among others; routine swallowing of bitter tablets, and enduring all these painful injections and procedures can be very heart-breaking.

Most times when death lays its icy hands on these sweet souls, it makes one experience deeply, the pains and vanities of this life.

Also, typical paediatric wards are not free from the screams and emotional reactions from parents as well as loved ones when the news of their childrens death is communicated to them. Oh! How I wish most of the deaths that occur in children can be prevented.

All these were thoughts that ran through my mind during one of my night shifts which began very stable. Any Emergency Room (ER) staff will bear witness that one of our daily prayers is a night free from emergencies, but this hardly happens.

Though paediatric emergencies can happen at any time, we have the impression that most parents are fond of visiting the hospital in the late afternoons and at night.

The shouting from a distraught father carrying his toddler son in his hand, walking barefooted into the ER brought me back from my thinking world. As he run towards me, he shouted Maame nurse boa me na me no new which means Madam nurse help me because my child is dying. He was followed by his wife who was also shouting, wailing, and praying to the almighty God to intervene.

She looked very wretched and so confused. Quickly, I received the child on the resuscitation table and my initial assessment got me worried.

This was a three (03) year old toddler with severe difficulty in breathing, who was very restless and fighting for his life. He was drooling saliva from his mouth and crying inconsolably.

His shirt and trousers were stained with palm oil. Oxygen therapy was started after the pulse oximeter gave a reading of 40% on room air. (The normal should have been between 95% and 100%).

Other vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure were all higher than the normal ranges. The distressed parents were asked to remain calm and give a good history of the incident that led to this presentation in the child.

The paediatrician during the history taking gathered that the child had ingested a liquid substance, a pesticide, used for destroying insects and other organisms in the house.

This substance which looked colourless like water was in an empty water bottle sitting in one corner of their room. According to the father, they lost sight of this toddler for a few minutes only to find him holding this bottle and had the smell of the chemical all over his body. The amount that he swallowed could not be quantified since nobody was there at the time of the ingestion.

The parents found him crying and with a lot of saliva drooling from his mouth. Without knowing the best first aid to give, a neighbour who heard them shouting for assistance suggested they give him palm oil to induce vomiting. The parents forced the palm oil down the childs throat, and this worsened the condition.

He was rushed to a nearby clinic, and they quickly referred him to a bigger facility because his condition was deteriorating.

While the medical team on assessment decided to transfer this child to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for advanced care, my only prayer was for God to spare the life of this innocent boy because he was the fifth (5th) child to be admitted in that week with the similar history of a home accident.

I was not surprised because schools were on vacation and the children were home all the time. Unfortunately, we had lost two (2) children already from these incidents. As children grow, they become more curious and very vulnerable to environmental risks.

Since they spend most of their time at home and are not so aware of the hazards around them, they are normally vulnerable to home accidents. In the emergency room where I work, no week passes by without a child being rushed in for a case of a home accident.

I remember how a grandmother who came from the village to assist in the care of her granddaughter mistakenly gave this baby her antidepressant drug instead of the babys paracetamol syrup because all the drugs in the house were not well labelled and left in the same place.

Due to delays and inappropriate initial management, the baby died before they arrived at the ER. It was a terrible sight to behold, and this poor grandmother blamed herself for this death. Only God knows how she would live with this guilt for the rest of her life.

Recently, I listened to the news where a little boy who was less than a year old had suffered total burns because his mother had finished cooking; brought the oil from the fire and left it in an open space. She left sight of this infant for a short while only to hear him screaming at the top of his voice. She rushed out to see her son in the hot oil.

Another story was shared on how two infants got drowned in their own homes because the barrel filled with water was left uncovered.

In most homes, empty bottles are used to store poison and children cannot distinguish this poison from the usual liquid such as water, milk, or juice, that they contain, and this has caused a lot of harm to the children.

A new trend where children are allowed to drink directly from bottles instead of their drinking cups is another cause of this home accident.

This is because these children would drink any liquid, they get hold of in a bottle thinking it may be the same water, milk, or juice. These are very common stories we read and hear about every time, but how do we ensure our children are prevented from these home accidents.

It is very sad how the lives of several children are lost or injured yearly because of preventable injuries in our various homes.

Going back to the story of the three-year-old boy who ingested the pesticide, he pulled through after being on admission for almost two months.

A great appreciation goes to the formidable team of health workers who managed to bring him back to life.

Two weeks after being discharged, the parents came for review, and I could not believe my eyes when I saw them. The toddler looked so well and was playing around as if nothing happened about two months ago.

The mother was gorgeously dressed, and his father looked very gentle than the other day. A childs sickness can make the parents so disordered. As the little boy ran around with all the smiles, it reminded me of my initial thinking about how paediatrics remains the best speciality in the medical profession.

The healing that takes place in children is so real and satisfying. Hahaha.

According to WHO (2019), 830,000 children die from home accidents annually worldwide. This is alarming because 2000 deaths from home accidents are recorded per day in the world.

The most vulnerable group of children who suffer these accidents are those between the ages of 3 to 5yrs. This is the age at which most children are very mobile and want to explore their environment, and do not know the difference between what a potential hazard is or not.

Instead of a home being a safe place, children are more likely to sustain injuries or die at home because of an accident. Home accident or unintentional injury is any event occurring inside the home or near the home that results in an injury.

An accident is  an undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss. These accidents can happen anywhere in the home.

Causes of Home Accidents

Ingestion of poisonous substances such as strong detergents, corrosive substances, medications, etc.

Injuries to vital organs such as the eyes from sharp objects Falls or trip from a height Burns or scalds from hot water

Drowning in swimming pools or open water bodies.

Choking/suffocation/strangulation. An example is the use of age-inappropriate toys and Electrocution from open naked wires left around the house.

Prevention of Home Accidents

Parents/Caregivers should be educated on home accidents and the recommended first aid to be administered before rushing the child to the hospital.

It is always important to consider a childs age, cognitive abilities, kind of activities, and level of dependency when educating parents/caregivers on home accidents.

All detergents and poisons should be stored in a location where it is out of reach for children.

In case a child swallows any poisons, DO NOT GIVE PALM OIL. Rush the child to the nearest clinic.

Avoid storing corrosive and harmful substances in bottles meant for childrens drinks, juices, and milk. They easily associate it with their beverages.

All coins should be safely kept in containers and out of reach.

Never falsely feed a child to prevent choking.

Give children age-appropriate toys during playtime. All liquid spillage on the floor should be mopped immediately to prevent falls and injuries.

Avoid children playing in the kitchen whilst parents are cooking. Cover all electrical sockets and electrical wires and should be kept out of childrens reach. Never leave hot drinks at the edge of the table since a child can pull them over to cause burns.

All buckets and basins should be left empty when not in use. Pools must be fenced. Wells and barrels must be covered to prevent any drowning.

Call the poison control centre in Accra on +23330244773 for assistance in case of any accidental ingestion of chemicals.

Though parents are overburdened with a lot of activities these days, constant supervision of their children will help curb the incidence of home accidents. Lets all try and make our homes a safe place by keeping to good safety measures for the sake of our children.

By Maame Akosua Gyening, a paediatric Nurse
In many tropical countries, yams are known as the king of crops. Worldwide, theyre the fourth most utilized root and tuber cropafter potatoes, cassavas, and sweet potatoesand they feed hundreds of millions of people.

Because yams are cultivated in many different regions, theyre also incredibly diverse: to the tune of about 600 species, and each of those species comes in multiple cultivars, or varieties. The worlds largest producer is the West African yam belt, stretching from southeast Guinea to northwest Cameroon, with Nigeria contributing the highest yield. The yam not only helps provide food security and nutrition, its also an integral socio-cultural symbolyams often play an important role in wedding ceremonies and festivals.

But as widespread and important as yams are, they have largely been ignored by researchers, especially compared to other root and tuber crops. When Dr. Ranjana Bhattacharjee joined the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Nigeria, in 2009, the knowledge on yam genomics was limited due to lack of funding. Bhattacharjee, however, recognized the nutritional and economic importance of these starchy tubers and became motivated to carry out in-depth genomics- assisted research on them.

Bhattacharjee is the 2022 recipient of the Illumina Agricultural Greater Good Initiative grant. Since 2011, Illumina has been recognizing research proposals that will increase the sustainability and productivity of important food commodities and livestock species. As the 2022 grant winner, Bhattacharjee will be able to do whole-genome sequencing of about 1,000 Guinea yam samples on the Illumina NovaSeqTM 6000 System. This is one of the largest numbers of yam samples ever sequenced.

Bhattacharjee and her colleagues are eager to use this grant to understand the genetic relationships between different species (both cultivated and wild) of yams in West Africa, and to study specific genes of the crop that can confer disease resistance, resilience, and higher yield. The sequencing data will be made public on IITAs open-access platforms.

Genomic sequencing is revolutionizing the agricultural sector at the moment, she says, and she hopes that with this sequencing project, the amount of knowledge generated will change the status of this orphan crop.

When the reserves of domesticated yams become scarce, yam farmers and breeders often go foraging for wild varieties, which they then cross with farmed or cultivated varieties.

But this process is laborious, and has not been optimized, explains Dr. Robert Asiedu, former yam breeder and director emeritus of IITA-West Africa. Although yams can grow well without fertilizers or herbicides, they must be staked, mounded, and routinely monitored for weeds. Farmers and breeders must wait about a decade to develop a new variety or hybrid. We need modern, high-throughput tools and technologies to try and transfer targeted characteristics from one species to the other, Asiedu says.

Bhattacharjee hopes this partnership with Illumina will ultimately halve the time it takes to develop a new cultivar and help identify traits that will provide more clues toward improving such an important crop through comparative genomics. At the end of the day, the goal is to make a crop more resilient, she says.

To learn more about how genomics is enabling food security research or to apply for the 2023 Greater Good grant, click here https://www.illumina.com/areas-of-interest/agrigenomics/community.html
More than a thousand migrants arrived in Italy within a few hours while hundreds of others, rescued by humanitarian vessels, were waiting for a port to receive them, NGOs and authorities said Sunday.

The influx - while not unusual for the summer months - this year comes as Italy gears up for early elections after Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi resigned on Thursday.

More than 600 people attempting to cross the Mediterranean on board a drifting fishing vessel were rescued on Saturday by a merchant vessel and coastguards off Calabria, at the southern tip of Italy.

They were landed in several ports in Sicily.

The authorities also recovered five bodies of migrants who had died in so far undetermined circumstances.

On the island of Lampedusa, some 522 people from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia, among others, arrived from the late hours of Saturday in 15 different boats from Tunisia and Libya.

According to the Italian media, the island's reception centre has been overwhelmed.

With a capacity of 250-300 people, it currently hosts 1,200, according to the Ansa news agency.

According to La Sicilia daily, the latest arrivals on Lampedusa came both by ships carrying dozens, even hundreds of people, as well as by small inflatable boats.

Four Tunisians, including one woman, ran aground during the night on the beach of Cala Pisana after crossing the stretch of sea separating Tunisia and the Italian island, the daily said.

At the same time, it said that coastguards had intercepted a 13-metre ship which had departed from the northwestern Libyan city of Zawiya with 123 people from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt and Sudan on board.

Most dangerous route

Offshore NGOs continued to recover hundreds of migrants in distress in the Mediterranean.

SeaWatch reported that it had carried out four rescue operations on Saturday.

"On board SeaWatch3, we have 428 people, including women and children, a woman nine months pregnant and a patient with severe burns," it said on its Twitter account.

OceanViking, operated by non-governmental organisation SOS Mediterranean, reported that it had recovered 87 people, including 57 unaccompanied minors, who were crammed onto "an overcrowded inflatable boat in distress in international waters off Libya".

The Central Mediterranean migration route is the most dangerous in the world.

Between 1 January and 22 July, 34,000 people arrived in Italy by sea compared with 25,500 during the same period in 2021 and 10,900 in 2020, Italy's interior ministry said.

The International Organization for Migration estimates that 990 people have died and disappeared since the beginning of the year.

(with AFP)
25.07.2022 LISTEN

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has announced an amnesty for defaulting customers.

The Head of Communications of the water company, Stanley Martey made the announcement in a statement.

He said management will in the month of August 2022, grant the following amnesty to all defaulting customers.

1. Customers with two or more months of arrears will be amnestied to enable them to settle all outstanding bills before the end of August 2022, or risk having their names published in the National Dailies

2. All customers with issues with their bills should contact the nearest district office for rectification.

He urged citizens who have illegally connected water to their properties to report themselves to any regional or district offices of the GWCL, for their services to be regularized.

The water company cautioned customers to take advantage of this period to right the wrongs or  face the rigors of the law.

All GWCL collection/pay points are opened during normal working hours, and customers can also pay their bills via mobile money channels with all the telecommunications networks.

The public can WhatsApp GWCL on these numbers; 0555123393, 0555155524, or call 0207385088. 0207385089, 0207385090. The toll-free line is 0800 40000 for Vodafone cell and land lines only and 0302218240 for all other networks. The cooperation of the public is greatly appreciated. Help GWCL to serve you better, it added.

By Citi Newsroom
Former President John Dramani Mahama has described the current controversy surrounding the tomb of former President John Atta Mills as needless.

According to him, the controversies dishonour the legacy of the late president.

Speaking during the 10th anniversary of the death of President Atta Mills, Mahama said the late president is known as a peaceful leader, hence the controversies put his name into disrepute.

Such a man and his memory are worthy of utmost respect and dignity, even as he rests with his maker. It is therefore a matter of deep regret to me and many others that what should have been a solemn 10th anniversary to celebrate the late former President over his life and draw useful lessons has been heralded by needless controversy about his final resting place.

The former President said, he is not opposed to the idea of giving a facelift to the Asomdwee park, as the late John Atta Mills deserves it, but disapproves of this being done without recourse to the family.

Any effort to give a facelift to the Asomdwee park where his mortal remains lie and where we are holding this event should be welcomed, as it is no more than Professor Mills would have deserved for his outstanding contributions to our nations development and its forward match.

It is however untenable for this to be done without recourse to his family while involving individuals whose actions and conducts have only served to drag the signifying professors name and memory into needless and unnecessary public controversy, he added.

The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo urged Ghanaians to emulate the positive qualities of former president John Atta Mills.

Brother of the late President 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.

This resulted in a row between the family and the aide to former President John Evans Atta Mills and founder of the Atta Mills Institute, Samuel Koku Anyidoho.

President Nana Akufo-Addo has since denied the claims.

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 January 2009 to July 24, 2012.

citinewsroom
25.07.2022 LISTEN

Tamale Central constituency National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman, Issahaku Umar Farouk (Kanawu) alias Chairman F. K has urged Ghanaians to eulogize the late President John Evans Atta Mills Father for all with dignity and stop the brouhaha surrounding his demise.

Contributing to the late Presidents 10th memorial service held on Sunday, July 24, 2022, Issahaku Umar Farouk in an interview described the late President Mills as a distinguished statesman who was incorruptible and served as a Peace Ambassador.

He decried the media brouhaha between the late Presidents family and Mr. Koku Anyidoho over the late Presidents death and called for a ceasefire.

According to the Tamale Central NDC Chairman, the late Presidents enviable political discourse inspired most Ghanaian youth to join mainstream partisan politics.

He said the late President would forever be remembered for his political tolerance, which earned him the accolade Asomdwehene.

In a related development, the State and the NDC leadership separately organized memorial services at the Asomdwee Park in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the late President Mills death.

While President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo led the government delegation to the State event, former President John Dramani Mahama and other NDC bigwigs attended the second phase organized by the party.

Memory lane Mr. Atta Mills served as Vice President to former President Jerry John Rawlings between 1997 and January 2001.

He later became President in the year 2009 and died on July 24, 2012, at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.

He came to power after narrowly winning against the then governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in the December 2008 polls.

Under President Atta Mills leadership, Ghana joined the ranks of the worlds large-scale oil producers.

He would forever be blessed and remembered for his political tolerance that strengthened Ghanas distinction as the beacon of peace in Sub-Saharan Africa.

By Citi Newsroom
Municipal Chief Executive for Effutu, Alhaji Zubairu Kassim met with a team led by the Central Regional Highways Director, Mr. Mark Okyere at Ghana Highways Authority (GHA), Winneba last week.

The meeting was to discuss the upgrading and reconstruction of the Winneba bypass road and other joint roads linking it to the main Winneba Highway.

The project scheduled to commence in the second week of August this year and be completed in January 2024, will help ease traffic situations in and out of Winneba township.

The Managing Director of KROS Project Limited, Mr Kofi Sereboe who is also the contractor for the project, assured the MCE of his commitment to complete this project on time to serve the intended purpose.

The MCE, Alhaji Zubairu Kassim assured he will continue to monitor and provide assistance to the contractor when necessary to ensure work goes on as expected.
Residents living in and around areas where illegal small scale mining (galamsey) is rampant are prone to the Marburg virus, according to the Ghana Health Service, (GHS).

The service says the Marburg Virus is spread by bats and bats live in caves that are found in mining areas, and as such put them at risk.

Three people have been confirmed dead from Marburg virus-related symptoms.

The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, revealed this on 3FM's Sunrise hosted by Alfred Ocansey on Monday while educating the public on the outbreak of the Marburg virus.

He warned that residents living in areas where illegal mining takes place should be mindful of the Marburg virus since they are prone to the virus.

The cases were found in an area where there is illegal mining where there are caves and bats like to stay in caves so we have to also look at the environmental factors.

Asked whether people should be measured in the consumption of bats, Dr. Kuma-Aboagye explained that the processing of the meat should be measured.

He explained that currently, 11 of the quarantined people are health workers.

Monkeypox

On the Monkeypox which has been declared a global Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Kuma-Aboagye said a lot is being done.

We have a very solid surveillance team. We have a community based surveillance team and we have identified more than 200 suspected cases.

He said Monkeypox has always been in Western and Central African countries since it has not been very common in this country.

---3news.com
The Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed has accused the President of the Republic, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of telling too many lies through his promises.

According to him, if making sweet talk and promises were qualifications for becoming a world leader, H.E Nana Addo would be president of the world by now.

If it is about talking and making promises, president Nana Addo will be the president of the world. No one talks sweet than him. All the falsehood he peddled under the guise of the one who has the magic wand, we have tasted him and he has been a complete disaster, Murtala Muhammed told GTV on the Breakfast Show on Monday, July 25.

The MP further accused the President of mismanaging the Ghanaian economy to the point that it is on the brink of collapse.

He said the cedi has lost its value tremendously under the ruling government because it relies so much on importation to satisfy the needs of the country instead of focusing on local production.

Go and check the statistics, in 2014 we had reduced the importation of rice by 40% and we had increased the production of local rice in this country by 60%. That explains why by the time we lost power in 2016 we were spending less than 5 million dollars on the importation of rice to Ghana.

Today, we are spending over 2 billion dollars on rice importation. These are statistics provided by the Ministry of Agric and the Ministry of Trade. The issue of the cedi losing its value is a simple law of demand and supply. The higher the supply, the lower the price and Vice versa, Tamale Central MP Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed noted.

Later this afternoon, the Minister in charge of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta will be in Parliament to present the 2022 mid-year budget review.

Ken Ofori-Atta is expected to provide an update on how the government has managed the economy for the first half of the year.

The Finance Minister will also highlight what is to be expected for the rest of the year.

Today's mid-year budget review presentation will take place at 1pm.
Dr. Seth Lawrence Tetteh-Ocloo

25.07.2022 LISTEN

Management of the Tetteh-Ocloo State School for the Deaf  the first ever government deaf school in Ghana has celebrated the legacy of its founder - Dr. Seth Lawrence Tetteh-Ocloo, at a ceremony on the School premises at Adjei-Kojo, a suburb of Tema.

The event coincided with the 90th Birthday of the founder whose immense contribution led to the establishment of the school in August 1957.

Addressing the gathering, the Headteacher of the School, Isaac Authur, indicated that, both staffs and pupils of the school are excited at the opportunity to see the Founder of their beloved school in person for the first time. He explained that the contribution of Dr. Seth Tetteh-Ocloo has gained much recognition especially in the Ghana Education Service (GES) resulting in the change of name of the school from the State School of the Deaf to now Tetteh-Ocloo State School of the Deaf.

Mr. Authur expressed gratitude to the Tetteh-Ocloo family and the government for their support in running the affairs of the school over the years. He asserted that government has built a Vocational Center for the students of the school to learn various crafts such as dressmaking, hairdressing among other vocational skills.

The Headteacher who was elated at meeting the first Head teacher of the school, Elizabeth Tetteh-Ocloo who happens to be the spouse of the Founder Seth Lawrence Tetteh Ocloo.

The school is a basic school from Kindergarten up to Junior High School with the pupils writing the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in their final year. I am glad our first ever Headmistress is here with us and I am the ninth headteacher, he indicated.

On his part, the Founder of the school, Dr. Seth Tetteh-Ocloo appreciated all the persons that helped him in fulfilling his dream of helping the deaf community since 1957. He attributed his strength to the words of encouragement in the Bible which states that My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made powerful in your weakness. He singled out his wife and family for praise for their dedication and support for his work among the deaf community in Ghana and abroad.

All I can say is thank you lord for bringing me this far. You Lord has blessed me. For me being deaf, I have served the deaf and humanity since 1957 up till now. Thanks to all who have helped me along this long journey, he said.

The Special Education Coordinator of the Ghana Education Service for the Tema West Municipal Assembly, representing the District Director of Education assured the gathering of the readiness of her office to continue their support services to the school to improve both teaching and learning activities in the school. She said the story of the founder and his wife has moved her to do more for the deaf school and community in general.

Present at the event were friends and relatives of Dr Seth Tetteh-Ocloo from the United States of America and other countries.

WHO IS DR. SETH TETTEH OCLOO- FOUNDER OF THE TETTEH OCLOO STATE SCHOOL OF THE DEAL?

Founder of the Tetteh-Ocloo State School for the Deaf - Dr. Seth Lawrence Tetteh-Ocloo, Sr. He was born on April 19, 1932 in Sokpe in the Volta Region of Ghana, to the late Griffith Blemadzi Ocloo and Rosina Tsornyake Akafoh of blessed memory. His father was from the Korgbor Clan of the Ada traditional area, and his mother was from the Alorlor clan of the Sokpe traditional area.

Dr. Tetteh Ocloo had admission into the Government Secondary Technical School in Takoradi where he planned to study science towards a future career in engineering. It was in the first week of August 1952, that Seth contracted Spinal Meningitis and fell unconscious. He regained consciousness three days later, but shocking found he had lost his hearing completely and his ability to stand, much less walk. All who came to see him thought it was a temporary illness and that he would regain his sense of hearing in a few days.

Dr. Seth Tetteh-Ocloos story took a new dimension in the last week of July 1957, when the Social Welfare Department sent word to Seth to come and meet an American who had come to Ghana to explore the possibility of starting a school for deaf children. When Seth finally met this man, the Rev. Andrew Foster (an African-American missionary), he was astonished at the man he saw, particularly since Seth was not aware that deaf people even went to school, Seth found that Andrew Foster was not only deaf, but also an ordained Christian Minister.

Andrew Foster invited Seth to join him in establishing the first school for the deaf in Ghana in August 1957. Dr. Seth Ocloo following the example of his mentor, Rev. Andrew Foster, enrolled at the American School in Chicago and studied by correspondence for three years and earned a High School Diploma. He graduated thereafter with a degree in Psychology from Gallaudet College, and a Masters Degree in Deaf in Education from the same University in 1965.

He made history as the first deaf African to receive Graduate and Masters Degrees. This groundbreaking accomplishment made headlines in both Ghana and the United State of America. President Lyndon Baines Johnson and Ghanas Ambassador to the US attended Seths graduation and personally handed his Masters Degree to him crowning his extraordinary efforts and achievement.

After returning to Ghana to work with the Social Welfare Department, he got a grant from the Kwame Nkrumah Trust Fund to found the State School for the deaf at Osu, Accra in June 1966 (the first State School for the Deaf in Ghana.) The school now known as the Tetteh-Ocloo State School for the Deaf acquired land from the Tema Development Cooperation at Adjei-Kojo where it is currently located. As part of Self-fulfillment and setting an example for the younger deaf Ghanaians, he furthered his education and earned his PhD in the spring of 1973 from the Illinois University in Carbondale.

He also taught in many schools in the USA and held various positions such as the Principal, Supervisor and Director of the Statewide Assessment Center for the Hearing Impaired at the Louisiana School for the Deaf before retiring from active service.
A former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu has given the assurance that he will continue to work hard for the party despite losing his top position.

In a congratulatory message to the newly-elected national executives of the party, the defeated general secretary stresses that he is now more than ever determined to work harder to help the part break the eight.

I again wish to seize this opportunity to openly assure them of my unflinching commitment and support to their administration particularly as we build up to the 2024 General elections, which we are determined to win.

Consequently, my resolve to working hard for the NPP to break the eight has become even stronger than ever, John Boadu has indicated in a press release.

According to him, although he no longer holds a national executive position, he is ready to make himself available to help the party in any way.

I remain eternally grateful to the NPP for the huge investments the Party has made in me, and wish to assure the rank and file of the Party, that, I shall avail the years of experience I have gained serving this Party in my entire adult life, to assist this current administration led by Chairman Stephen Ntim, John Boadu adds in his statement.

Below is a copy of the release:

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLY ELECTED EXECUTIVES; I CALLS ON ALL PARTY MEMBERS TO SUPPORT THE NTIM-KODUA ADMINISTRATION TO LEAD THE PARTY TO BREAK THE EIGHT

Following the outcome of last Saturdays National Annual Delegates Conference of the NPP, which saw the election of New National Officers of the Party, I wish to first of all congratulate them for the feat, having earlier done so personally on phone with the newly elected National Chairman, Stephen Ntim and General Secretary, Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua, and again wish them well in the task ahead.

I again wish to seize this opportunity to openly assure them of my unflinching commitment and support to their administration particularly as we build up to the 2024 General elections, which we are determined to win.

Without a shred of doubt, I happen to be one of the luckiest persons whom the NPP has invested so much in, having been given the rare opportunity to serve the Party as an Executive Officer at all levels, from Polling Station to National Level, in a period, spanning over two decades.

Having been this privileged as a Party Member, I have a moral obligation and responsibility, rightly so, to contribute my quota immensely in any shape or form and in any space I find myself, towards the fortunes of the Party.

Consequently, my resolve to working hard for the NPP to break the eight has become even stronger than ever.

I remain eternally grateful to the NPP for the huge investments the Party has made in me, and wish to assure the rank and file of the Party, that, I shall avail the years of experience I have gained serving this Party in my entire adult life, to assist this current administration led by Chairman Stephen Ntim.

Whilst at it, I also wish to humbly call on all Party Members who believed in my vision and supported my re-election bid to kindly extend similar belief and support to the newly elected Executives, to succeed. I have full confidence in their ability to steer the affairs of the Party to make history by winning the 2024 General Elections.

Once again, congratulations to the Ntim-Kodua led National Executive Officers. May you lead this Party to Greatness and fulfill the wishes and aspirations of our People.

Thank you.

JOHN BOADU

FORMER GENERAL SECRETARY
Member of Parliament for the Buem constituency, Kofi Adams is threatening to drag the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Owusu Afriyie Akoto before the Privileges Committee.

He contends that the Minister peddled falsehood on the floor of Parliament when he made contradictory remarks on two different occasions on whether or not equipment was imported into the country for the cultivation of maize.

Speaking to Citi News, Kofi Adams called on the Minister to apologize or face the Privileges Committee.

I will be applying to the Speaker for the Minister to be referred to the Privileges Committee unless he comes back to withdraw his earlier answer and apologize before I initiate that process. But clearly, we have to test the provisions in our standing orders and the constitution.

Recently, the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu demanded the urgent summoning of the Minister for Food and Agriculture over the state of the poultry industry in the country.

According to him, the scarcity of ingredients like maize for poultry feed and other teething challenges is gradually crippling the sector.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has left Ghana and the rest of the world short of important grains.

President Nana Akufo-Addo has publicly expressed concern about the shortage of fertiliser and its relationship with the production of grains.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, June 17, 2022, Mr. Iddrisu bemoaned the current state of the poultry industry and underscored the need for urgent action.

There is a seeming problem with the poultry industry in Ghana. Poultry farmers have difficulty accessing what they call poultry feed, the Minority Leader said.

He noted that the closure of some poultry-related businesses because of some difficulties had come to his attention.

We are already an unacceptable net importer of poultry when we have the capacity and capability to produce the poultry that we need, Mr. Iddrisu said.

He noted further that the poultry industry remains a major source of employment apart from satisfying the protein needs of Ghanaians.

In 2021, chicken imports were estimated at 350,000 metric tonnes.

According to forecasts for 2022, imports of chicken could rise to 400,000 metric tonnes.

---citinewsroom
The Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana says it is yet to finalize a settlement with government on the demand for non-payment of tier 2 pension arrears and other contractual agreements.

This comes after the association indicated that its members will still be on strike despite government's agreement to pay a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA).

Speaking to Citi News, the National Chairman of the Association, Isaac Donkoh said the group may suspend the strike if the agreement meets their demand.

We have met with the Ministries of Education and Labour. We are also supposed to sign some agreements with them but when we got there it looked as if because of some emergencies, we couldnt sign the agreements, so we had to come home. We agreed on five things and the parties involved had to sign, when we got there the Ministers were not available. We are not going to call off the strike, but we are going to suspend it if our members are okay with the terms.

The group said despite government's agreement for the payment of Cost of Living Allowance, its outstanding labour issues remain unresolved.

It cited the non-payment of tier 2 pension arrears and contractual agreements among the reasons why their industrial action is still in full force.

Our strike is still in force, so we have asked all our members to stay at home because COLA was one leg of our demands. The rest are still pending  the government is yet to meet us on the remaining demands, so we are still at home, Isaac Donkor added.

For example, the Secretary of the KNUST chapter of the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana, Kwadwo Bediako-Baryeh, noted that tier 2 interests accrued over the years and the desire for allowances to be normalised were major concerns.

---citinewsroom
President Emmanuel Macron begins a three-nation tour of western African states on Monday, in the first trip to Africa of his new term as he seeks to reboot France's post-colonial relationship with the continent.

Macron kicks off the July 25-28 tour, also the first venture outside Europe of his new mandate, with a visit to Cameroon, before moving on to Benin and then finishing the trip in Guinea-Bissau.

It's the first time he's visited those three countries since becoming President in 2017.

Top of the agenda in the talks will be food supply issues, with African nations fearing shortages especially of grain due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

But security will also loom large as France prepares to complete its pullout from Mali this year, with all countries in the region seeking to head off fears of Islamist insurgencies.

The trip to three countries which rarely feature on the itinerary of global leaders comes with Macron, who won a new term in April, pledging to keep up his bid for a new relationship between France and Africa.

France has also followed with concern the emergence of other powers seeking a foothold in an area Paris still considers parts of its sphere of influence, notably Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan but also increasingly China and Russia.

'Political priority'

The tour "will show the commitment of the President in the process of renewing the relationship with the African continent", said a French presidential official, who asked not to be named.

It will signal that the African continent is a "political priority" of his presidency.

In Cameroon, which has been riven by ethnic violence and an insurgency by anglophone separatists, Macron will meet President Paul Biya, 89, who has ruled the country for almost 40 years and is the longest-serving non-royal leader in the world.

Biya has run the country with an iron fist, refusing demands for federalism and cracking down on the rebellion by separatists.

Macron will move on Wednesday to Benin, a neighbour of Africa's most populous nation Nigeria. The north of the country has faced more deadly attacks, with the jihadist threat now spreading from the Sahel to Gulf of Guinea nations.

He is likely to be lauded for championing the return in November of 26 historic treasures which were stolen in 1892 by French colonial forces from Abomey, capital of the former Dahomey kingdom located in the south of modern-day Benin.

Benin was long praised for its thriving multi-party democracy.

But critics say its democracy has steadily eroded under President Patrice Talon over the last half decade. Opposition leader Reckya Madougou was sentenced in 2021 to 20 years in prison on terrorism charges.

On Thursday, Macron will finish his tour in Guinea-Bissau, which has been riven by political crisis and has just taken over the helm of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Rethink strategy

The three countries countries have all been criticised by activists over their rights records.

The Elysee has insisted that governance and rights issues will be raised, albeit "without media noise but in the form of direct exchanges between the heads of states".

Macron's first term was marked by visits to non-francophone African countries including regional powerhouses Nigeria and South Africa as he sought to engage with the entire continent and not just former French possessions.

Benin is a former French colony, but Guinea-Bissau was once a Portuguese colony while Cameroon's colonial heritage is a mixture of British and German as well as French.

Macron meanwhile has insisted France's military presence in the region will adapt rather than disappear once the pullout from Mali is complete.

He announced last week that a rethink of France's presence would be complete by autumn, saying the military should be "less exposed" in the future but their deployment still a "strategic necessity".

The pullout from Mali follows a breakdown in relations with the country's ruling junta, which Western states accuse of relying on Russian Wagner mercenaries rather than European allies to fight an Islamist insurgency.

(with AFP)
When criminals from neighbouring countries turn Ghana into a hub for defrauding foreigners in distant lands, it is as worrying as the non-confidence of the victims in our justice administration system.

The story of a Nigerian who is alleged to have duped a Ukrainian of a whopping amount of US$6.5 million from his base in Ghana, is one which boggles our minds. That a syndicate is suspected to be behind the sophisticated crime makes the subject scary.

There is something about Ghana which attracts such criminals from neighbouring countries to her shores. It has to do with their belief that in Ghana they can easily wriggle their way out when they clash with the local laws.

A story about how Sunny Anwamini defrauded Ukrainian Mazen Farakh is a case study in sophisticated fraud of international dimension.

The compromised circumstances in which the suspect was at first released on bail as alleged by the Ukrainian is one which requires investigation because, he is suspicious that somebody has a negative interest in the matter.

Perhaps that is how come the case appeared to have deliberately gone cold on the desk of a top plain cloth law enforcement person until the public heard about it courtesy of the media.

Matters which impugn on our national integrity should not be taken lightly. This is why for us at Daily Guide, this subject which has the potential to marring our national image must be dealt with according to the laws of the country and swiftly.

The success of our investment drive as a country depends on a number of factors one of them being the swiftness with which crime is investigated and brought before the bench for justice to be served.

To have a case of this magnitude hanging in the air for so long, should of course make the suspect feel his machinations are working. It also provides impetus for gossips to think that somebody wants the case killed.

What the new Ghana, the President and the people of this country demand is one with zero tolerance for criminalities especially of the ilk under review. A Ghana where investments are safe and a place where foreigners should not turn into a hub for the execution of international crime is the one we all must contribute towards building.

The case of the Nigerian suspect and his Ukrainian quarry presents us with a clear opportunity to prove that our laws are working and for the Ukrainian victim to reverse his negative thoughts about our country.

We shall open our eyes and watch how this case progresses through the justice administration chain.

Foreigners must be educated about lurking criminals whose sophisticated ways deceptive as they are difficult to discern.

It would be necessary to break the back of the syndicate to which the Nigerian belongs. Not doing so would lead to more unsuspecting persons falling victims to their criminalities and to the detriment of our national image and interest.

---Daily Guide
Mr. Kweku Attakow Diafo, Resident Engineer on the La Beach Road Project, has hinted that the delayed payment of compensation has been a major cause of delay in the completion of the project.

He explained that the project, which began in 2020 and expected to be completed in June 2022, has been delayed because of delayed payment of compensation to affected persons in Teshie whose structures had to be pulled down to make way for the road.

Some affected persons are yet to be compensated to give way for the construction.

Fourteen persons out of 62 have started receiving their packages, while land valuation is still ongoing to settle the rest of the affected persons in Teshie. However, majority of affected persons in Nungua have already received their packages and work is progressing steadily there.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr Diafo said the compensations were handled by the Land Valuation Department of the Lands Commission. They will do the assessment to be presented to the people. So as soon as they do that and the people receive their compensation, we will fast track our work."

He also indicated that the completion date for the project has been extended to February 2023.

Resources have been increased in terms of manpower, equipment and finances to enable us complete the project within schedule, the Resident Engineer said.

He said that the initial work plan which was supposed to be extended to the Independence Square in Accra was reviewed adding that the project would end at Osu Ako Adjei, Kingdom Books and Stationery.

Mr Diafo explained that the $46.8 million allocated for the project was not enough, a major reason why it would not be extended to the independence square.

There has been a slight change from the original size of the design due to unavailability of funds, he added.

The Resident Engineer said the project when completed would have three bridges, and three lanes per carriageway. Two to take care of the traffic situation with the third lane being a service road to junctions, bus stops and other parts of the township.

"Presently, in some places, we are doing three lanes per carriageway because of the traffic build-ups, in some places, we have added service roads that serve the community and the public transport operators that would want to branch off to junctions and houses."

He noted that residents as well as shop owners operating along the stretch have so far been cooperative.

Meanwhile, some residents of Teshie have complained that the new culvert at Teshie Adoemli as part of the construction was inappropriate. The size of the culvert is not large enough to contain the huge volumes of water, from adjourning smaller drains anytime it rains, causing flooding of houses along the stretch.

Mr Kotey Dzani, a resident of the area told the GNA that he has not experienced any flooding situation for the past years. However, with the reconstruction of the culvert, he now experiences serious flooding anytime it rained, a situation he described as disturbing.

Previously this place was not like this. We did not experience flooding here until this culvert was poorly constructed. It will cause serious problems if nothing is done about it, Mr Djani.

Mr Asafoatse Yenkuyena, also a resident in the area, had six of his public bath houses along the gutter collapsed, due to the huge volume of flood water that the new culvert could not contain. "I have lived in this community for 40 years. I haven't seen floods in my house before".

The residents said another bridge also under construction near A. Life junction on the same stretch was much better and called on city engineers to address the issue to bring comfort into the community.

Reacting to this, the Resident Engineer said although the culvert was standardized and much bigger than the previous one, the problem was beyond it.

He said the situation required a deeper channel of 15 meters by three meters deep to tackle the situation of flooding.

To this effect, an analysis has been made to be submitted to the hydro department under the Department of Urban Roads for onward solution.

Meanwhile, the construction workers have also complained about inadequate payment, claiming they were promised between GHC 70 to 80, but were currently marked GHC 25 daily.

Mr Diafo, also debunked complaints by the construction workers about inadequate payment, saying the issue has not been brought to their notice and promised to act it gets to his outfit.

GNA
Coal operations at one of South Africa's coal-fired power plants. Industrial policy needs to envisage less reliance on carbon. - Source: Photo by Phill Magakoe /AFP via Getty Images)

25.07.2022 LISTEN

There is a need to transform the underlying economic principles of the economies in southern African countries to address the persistent challenges of severe poverty and unemployment.

Two of the region's strategies are the Southern African Development Community's Vision 2050 and its Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan . These highlight technology as a way to lead economic growth equitably and sustainably in a growing industrialised region.

But, in our view, these plans aren't enough. Historical drivers  such as poor governance and the legacies of colonialism  have kept the region's potential locked in negative cycles. It's true that the desire for industrial transformation exists. But the practicalities are not connected with real buy-in from power brokers. The result is low levels of implementation.

The Southern African Development Community has set itself the goal of emulating the high-growth economies of the Asian Tigers . These include Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. But to achieve this it needs to support infrastructure and economic diversification that takes economies away from primary commodities.

In our view, the co-incidence of two developments provides an opportunity for such a transformation. They are the emerging Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the green economy. The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents the possibility of fundamental change through technological and scientific advances. The green economy can be described as a low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive approach to economic development.

A recent study by the Futures Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs highlights a range of future scenarios for industrialisation in the region. These don't predict the future. Rather they explore a range of uncertainties about regional industrialisation. They also identify challenges and opportunities.

The scenarios visualise how industrialisation in the region might evolve. They were mapped from the viewpoint that the green economy and Fourth Industrial Revolution hold significant promise. They have the potential to boost industrial activity, transform socio-economic development and advance transitions while alleviating unemployment and inequality.

The scenario analysis provides plausible and possible alternatives for industrialisation. It also alerts decision makers to undesired pathways.

The main four scenarios are called Do-it-Yourself (DIY), Leapfrog World, Green Monopolies and Colonialism Reloaded.

Re-thinking industrialisation

The Fourth Industrial Revolution paves the way for increased interconnectivity and smart automation. It does this by creating rapid and unprecedented changes to technology, industries and societal patterns. But there's been little exploration of its impact on the emerging drivers of industrialisation. These include rapid urbanisation, population growth, rising incomes, energy decentralisation, climate change and reducing dependence on carbon.

The interplay of the 4IR and other drivers is key to understanding the potential impact of industrialisation. Changes to income, behaviour and perceptions shape consumption and in turn demand-and-supply responses.

The demand for reducing industry's dependence on carbon and the 4IR has set a new trajectory in technological disruption. This has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. And this, in turn, has forced the rapid adoption of digital tools such as artificial intelligence, robotics and new modes of work.

For countries in the Southern African Development Community, 4IR can be viewed as a double-edged sword. On the one hand it presents opportunities. These include improvements in business productivity, banking the unbanked, formalising economies, creating new markets and improving public service access.

On the other hand it poses risks. These include automation at the expense of job creation and moving manufacturing operations to more advanced economies.

Aggressive adoption of 4IR could also deepen inequality by exposing the region's unprepared skills base and outdated infrastructure to new technologies.

The desirable and undesirable

We called one of the desirable scenarios leapfrog world. In this scenario countries leapfrog over classical barriers to rapidly adopt new technologies. This is achieved when the 4IR is governed through effective democratic principles.

Some examples include investments in blockchain, waste tracking and mapping technologies. These would help reorganise, for example, mining and agricultural value chains. At the same time they would reduce negative effects on the environment. Blockchain can reduce barriers to entry. New competitors could come in  crucial for job creation.

A possible (undesirable) future would be colonialism reloaded.

In this scenario the benefits of the 4IR are concentrated among a few well-connected multinational companies. Many industry participants are excluded from the green economy. This would reinforce current challenges such as poor technology infrastructure and low skills levels.

To avoid this, investments in the skills base are necesssary to improve social and civic competencies. They must accompany investments in technology infrastructure to increase access to economic opportunities. This will turn the tide on the ever-increasing digital divide.

Another  quite probable  undesirable future we termed green monopolies.

In this scenario there is a sustainable regional economy, thanks to a democratised and empowering 4IR. But the associated industries remain unsustainable. The green monopolised industries dominate the economy. They use technology innovations to enhance their economic positions, spreading deep fakes at an unimaginable scale. This results in polarised communities, social unrest and unfavourable economic conditions.

Advancements in technology are in the hands of a few powerful monopolies without effective regulatory practices. This creates the ideal breeding ground for hacking, cybercrimes and corporate bullying tactics. Inequality deepens because profit is more important than people and the environment.

A green monopolies scenario will have the resources and political power to invest in technologies such as advanced robotics. This will create efficiencies and environmentally sustainable industries. But it will be at the expense of job creation.

Another probable future is the do-it-yourself (DIY) scenario.

This is achieved when technology empowers citizens. An example is 3D printing. These kinds of technologies can help create self-sustaining villages independent of the larger economies. The democratised process provides the tools to create new products, leading to new industries. But there are risks. These technologies also open the potential for counterfeit goods. And they can be harmful by emitting toxic particles.

The way forward

Industrialisation in southern Africa will demand concerted efforts in four domains. These are:

skills development and technology infrastructure development

dynamic innovation ecosystems

circular economy principles

practical regulatory frameworks.

If properly harnessed, industrialisation can provide new pathways to achieve personal and collective economic wellbeing. Inequality can be narrowed. And marginalised communities can be at the centre of industrial development.

The fusion of technology and investment into skills development and job creation is critical. This is particularly important for the region's budding youth population.

Dr Julius Gatune and SAIIA gratefully acknowledge the support and funding received from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for this publication

Deon Cloete and SAIIA gratefully acknowledge the support and funding received from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for this publication.

By Julius Gatune, Senior Project Consultant, Maastricht School of Management And

Deon Cloete, Head SAIIA Futures Programme, South African Institute of International Affairs
Ghana marked the tenth anniversary of the late Prof. John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills, the then-President of the Republic of Ghana, who died on July 24.

Many Ghanaians took to their various social media handles before and after his 10th-anniversary celebration on Sunday, July 24, to eulogise the late President's good qualities.

Mr. Seth Terkper, a former Finance Minister in Mahama's administration also praised his former boss.

In a tweet cited by Modernghana News today, July 25, he stated that the late President was very committed and humble to his nation.

Dear H.E. Prof. J E A Mills: we honour you and the contribution you made to Ghana, from the humblest of vocation to the pinnacle, he noted.

The former Finance Minister further stated For some of us, our development was a personal commitment to you. We say, thank you.

Late President John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills served under the late former President Jerry John Rawlings as Vice President from 1997 till their tenure ended in January 2001.

He later became the third President of the 4th Republic of Ghana on January 7, 2009, succeeding H. E John Agyakum Kufuor until his sudden demise on July 24, 2012.
The Executive Secretary Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board Bauchi State, Mr. Samuel J. Haruna on his assumption of office was at the most challenging time when the world stood still for the ravaging and most dreaded COVID-19 pandemic which destabilized all facets of human endeavour.

However, Mr. Haruna was able to succeed because God was on his side and he also have the support of the pilgrimage friendly Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for helping him to advance the cause of Christian Pilgrimage in the state as well as his focused and determination to change the narrative.

In 2021 the Board was able to carried out a thorough examination of its enabling Act which empowers it to carry out pilgrimage activities to the Holy Sites around the world and since Israel borders were shut down against international pilgrims, the need to explore other pilgrimage destinations became imperative.

The discovering of Jordan and eventual prosecution of the state maiden pilgrimage there was not without challenges, but be that as it may, the state pilgrims were able to embark on it first ever pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Jordan between July, 2021 and September, 2021.

Today, we can safely say that the Board maiden pilgrimage to Jordan was no doubt a big success and has been adjudged one of the finest outings of the Board under Mr. Haruna in the last decade as no single abscondment was recorded.

Mr. Haruna have done marvelously well since he came on board as he has been navigating the waters of Christian pilgrimage in Bauchi State.

Under his stewardship, Mr. Samuel J. Haruna set a new record. About 199 Pilgrims make it to the Holy Land in July, 2022 the highest ever since the creation of Bauchi State. Also he ensured that all intended Christian pilgrims are vaccinated before this years exercise.

According to him,...this years exercise has come up with new challenges because of the Covid-19 pandemic, which demands that every intended pilgrim must be vaccinated before being allowed to perform this years exercise.

Mr. Samuel J. Haruna visionary and purposeful leadership which has continued to add value to the Board. The welfare of the staff are paramount to him. Mr. Haruna has changed the face of the board with new innovations and equipments. He also intensify training, sensitization, and awareness for our intended Pilgrims.

His professionalism, dedication and the disposition of discipline being exhibited by the Staff of the board who are committed to their duties in order to ensure the mandate of the board is attained.

The teamwork, competence and good human relations of the staff has been able to restore respect and dignity to the board.

The Executive Secretary has continue to use pilgrimage to foster unity in the land and as a veritable tool for moral transformation. With the cordial working relationship and support being received since his inception as the Executive Secretary of the Board to date from the State Government. Mr. Samuel J. Haruna is also working assiduously to take Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board Bauchi State to enviable height.
25.07.2022 LISTEN

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bawjiase Area Rural Bank in the Awutu-Senya West District, Mr. Kwaku Bonsu has commended government for its digital payment system.

He said the system was strengthening financial institutions in the country.

"Inspite of the challenges of COVID-19 and the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war which is affecting global economy, our bank performed creditable thanks to government's digitization system of payment and recovery.

Though the Bawjiase Area Rural Bank was affected by the covid-19 pandemic over the past two years, he noted that it achieved some success as a financial institution.

Mr. Kwaku Bonsu said this at the Annual General Meeting of the Bawjiase Area Rural Bank at Awutu Bawjiase on Friday.

He announced that over the year under review, the Bank disbursed a total amount of Ghc68,020,650.00 in loan advances to its cherished customers as against Ghc49,610,120.00 in 2020 to expand their farms and businesses.

He added that the Directors of the Bank are proposing the payment of Ghc 494,924.37 as dividend subject to Bank of Ghana's prior approval.

The Board Chairman further stated that as part of the Bank's corporate social responsibilities, it spent Ghc12,890.00 to support community initiatives.

Mr. Kwaku Bonsu indicated that the funds were used to directly support education and Farmer's Day activities in the various communities in the Bank's catchment area.

According to the Board Chairman, Bawjiase Area Rural Bank performed creditably in an increase of Total Assets, Payment Recovery and also made a net profit of Ghc1,433,625.00 adding that total Deposits increased from Ghc40,673,688 in 2020 to Ghc48,694,792.00 in 2021 representing 19.47% growth.

The Awutu-Senya West District Chief Executive, Hon Joseph Aidoo commended the Bank for embracing the digital payment system in their operations.

According to him, the focus of the NPP government under the leadership of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo was to deepen financial inclusion and accelerate digital payment.

Hon. Joseph Aidoo noted that the goal was also to accelerate economic development and drive, inclusive growth by increasing financial inclusion from the current 58% to 85% by 2023. He added that it was the belief of the government that this will help create more economic opportunities to reduce poverty.

The DCE further noted that as part of government's policy efforts, it has called on financial institutions, telecommunications and fintech to find innovative ways of turning mobile phones and mobile money platforms into vehicles of economic emancipation for the many players in the larger informal sector.

"It is the view of the government that digital payment helps to drive transparency, accountability, efficiency as well as greater women's participation in the economy. Moving away from cash also helps our country to advance towards achieving many of the Sustainability Development Goals.

"Additionally, the government is also of the conviction that public and private sectors actors need to work hand in hand, digitizing in a responsible manner, to turn these new policy initiatives into tangible benefits for all Ghanaians. These assertions are even more relevant in the era of COVID-19 pandemic," he stated.

The DCE concluded by commending the Board and management of the Bank for adopting the digitization platform as a medium of payment in delivering its services and products particularly digitizing the disbursement of microfinance loans and recovery.
Following the recent reports of food shortage in secondary schools across the country, Member of Parliament for Yendi Constituency, Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama has made a donation of food items to Yendi Senior High School in the area.

The donation which was described by the authority of the school as timely includes cooking oil in about 15 jerry cans, 10 crates of tin tomatoes and undisclosed amount of cash.

This, according to the MP will help ameliorate the suffering or impact the food shortage will have on the students, particularly, on their studies.

"I made a modest presentation of food items and cash amount to the Yendi Senior High School yesterday", Alhaji Farouk wrote.

He added, "As leaders who have the responsibility over the welfare of our people, we have the duty to intervene at moments we are critically needed. Service, for me, is the very purpose of life and we live to serve granted the capacity."

The school's authority was however grateful for the intervention, stating that the MP has always supported them whenever there was a need.

It will be recalled that senior high schools across the country were on the verge of being shut down as the food shortage situation worsened.

Though the Education Ministry had said foodstuffs were supplied to the schools by last Tuesday, after the Upper West Regional Chapter of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) issued a 7-day ultimatum for the delivery to be made.

It has, however, emerged that government failed to see this promise through.

In their defence, the Education Ministrys Public Relations Officer, Kwesi Kwarteng revealed that there have been challenges with the delivery.

The development has caused further agitation amongst heads of senior high schools across the country.

The Eastern Regional Chapter of CHASS is the latest to serve notice of a possible shutdown of the schools should government fail to deliver the supplies by the end of the week.
MOGADISHU, Somalia 25 July 2022  Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) and the Somali Media Association (SOMA) call for Somaliland authorities to halt the threats and harassment against British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) staff and journalists in Hargeisa; unconditionally release five members of the BBC Media Action team arbitrarily detained in Hargeisa on Saturday and allow BBC to resume operations.

On Saturday Hargeisa police officers raided the office of BBC Media Action, the BBCs international charity, in Hargeisa and detained five staff members: the head of the BBC Media Action in Hargeisa, Mohamed Gaas, journalist Abdullahi Jama, Samatar Gahnuug, film editor Ahmed Faiz and their transport manager Yahye Ali before closing down the office.

There were no immediate explanations from Somaliland authorities regarding the raid of the BBC Media Action office and the detention of its staff. However, Somaliland minister of information, Suleyman Yusuf Ali (Koore) issued a two-page letter addressed to the minister of foreign affairs accusing the BBC of losing its neutrality in its news and programs on political issues. The move follows an unlawful decision on Tuesday banning BBC Somali Service from operating in Somaliland.

Separately, SJS and SOMA are concerned about the new instructions issued by the Somali police spokesman Major Abdifatah Adan Hassan threatening legal action against any reporter that covers police operation for reporting what he described as for reporting anything beyond issues called for that day. We call for Somali police force to intervene and withdraw the new instruction imposed by its spokesman which is not only illegitimate but also poses a threat to the work of the journalists covering police operations amid increased criminal and terror activities in Mogadishu.

We condemn the arbitrary detention of the five BBC Media Action staff on Saturday, and the closure of their office in Hargeisa. All of them were doing their job legally and there is no reason to justify the detention of these five media staff who are doing their job legally, Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, the Secretary-General of Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS). We call on Somaliland authorities to immediately and unconditionally free all BBC Media Action staff from the police detention. Somaliland must cease its attacks intended to pressure and intimidate BBC journalists.

It is appalling that Somaliland authorities have resorted to attack and threaten BBC journalists at a time when the public is desperate for neutral and balanced information amid the disagreement surrounding the delayed presidential election now scheduled for November, Mohamed Osman Makaran, the Secretary-General of Somali Media Association (SOMA) said We demand the immediate freedom of all the BBC Media Action staff detained in Hargeisa.
25.07.2022 LISTEN

Emergency Medical Services are an integral part of any efficient health system. They are a lifeline as their inefficiency can drive a populations high mortality. Research suggests that 90% of global injuries occur in lower-middle-income countries. Some of the reasons for this skewed distribution include poor road conditions, lack of public awareness of the importance of road safety, and the lack of ability to provide first aid to the victims during accidents.

In Ghana, other factors include industrial accidents due to poor compliance with health and safety regulations, a doubling of the country's disease burden due to an overlay of poorly and sometimes undiagnosed chronic diseases over existing infectious diseases leading to avoidable strokes and other cardiovascular incidents and a lack of well-resourced accident and emergency centres have also been mentioned.

Despite all these, there seems to be a failure to address the inadequate resourcing of the National Ambulance Service (NAS), the organisation mandated to be the mainstay of prehospital care. This situation has led to needless mortalities and, on occasion, fierce debates amongst Ghanaians when deaths have occurred. Predictably, these debates have been laced with political innuendo and name-calling. However, they have done little to stop the needless deaths.

Though political will has a role to play in fixing Ghanas NAS, I believe that a lasting solution will never be found if we do not begin to devolve politics from the running of this organisation. I hold this view because back in 2018 when the government indicated that it was fulfilling its manifesto promise of providing an ambulance for each district, it was clear that there was no long-term plan post-inauguration to ensure that the main ingredients would make citizens benefit from these lifesavers were provided.

To start with, no budget since 2018 or even before has made specific provisions for running these ambulances, let alone the NAS. A look at our current health expenditure per capita (HEPC) of US$75 points to the fact that even at the height of COVID-19, the governments contribution was less than 40% (US$30.29) with citizens paying over 50% (US$36.22) privately as out of pocket expenditure with the remainder being funded by development partners (US$8.49).

It must be emphasised that over 76% of the government's contribution to HEPC is already committed to the salaries and emoluments of health workers, with a further 19% dedicated to running costs of health facilities. This leaves 5% (approximately US$1.51 or GHC12.28) per person per year, out of which funds are committed to NAS. Even if all that remains were to be committed to prehospital emergency care, this would be wholly inadequate to resource this organisation. If this is no indication that our government has never prioritised the word emergency regarding health, someone tells me what is. If it doesnt clear the misconception that there was a strategic plan for these ambulances, someone tells me what does.

This background drives the NAS to demand a fuel premium before transporting a patient in an emergency. Unfortunately, most Ghanaians have an adhoc spending approach when it comes to health and may not have cash available to pay the GHC600 required to fuel the ambulance in times of emergency. Even if they did, the charge they are expected to pay as a one-off is approximately 50 times more than what the government can commit yearly towards the NAS and approximately equal to the current HEPC. This is untenable and is why Parliament is investigating the passing of a pregnant lady.

However, I must state that without the financial commitment, infrastructure provision and adequate upskilling of emergency medical teams, the outcome of this Parliamentary probe will only be fodder for public commentary and will not prevent further deaths under similar circumstances. Listening to the Chief Executive of the NAS give his evidence in chief to the committee, I could feel a sense of haplessness in his delivery. Here was a man running a woefully under-resourced institution, being questioned by the representatives of the citizens who approve the NAS resources but are playing ostrich as though they have no idea he has been handed a poisoned chalice.

Based on the differential splits in HEPC, I suggest that the public would have to partner government in funding the NAS by meeting it halfway. The indicative cost per person should be calculated based on the average yearly cost of running the organisation. This must be independently verified and stripped of all waste. The price would have to factor in wear and tear due to poor roads and a replacement time frame for the existing ambulances. It would also have to envisage how to augment their numbers and the number of paramedics as a minimum.

Contributions from citizens toward the NAS must not be seen as a tax but as a form of insurance that will eliminate the need for upfront payments when patients may lack the consciousness or ability to save themselves. The funds must be managed such that a portion could be invested to generate additional revenue for prehospital care in an emergency.

I propose a separate fund with trustees that routes contributions away from the consolidated fund must be created with the necessary legal backing to ensure its autonomy. This would ensure that an overzealous Finance Minister doesnt try collateralising the revenues or delay its release for the efficient running of the NAS. Should we allow that to happen, the vicious cycle will not be broken?

In return, the NAS must be given key performance indicators (KPI) that measure their mean response times and clinical outcomes, such as patient survival rates as a minimum. These KPIs should be publicly available, and the organisations leadership evaluated based on these measures. This will remove the blame game and anger directed towards NAS leadership and staff when their under-resourcing makes it impossible for them to render a service or save a life.

With the level of recklessness in our society, we cannot continue to play Russian roulette with our health. A simple look at recent happens indicates that irrespective of ones social standing, our emergency health failure can result in death. We have seen it happen to a sitting leader, a former Vice President, statesmen, wealthy businessmen and have-nots. Is this not enough reason that the time to collectively prioritise the word emergency in emergency services is now? If that is not the case, I cant help but ask, what more will it take for us to agree we are all at risk?

By: Dr. Kwame Sarpong Asiedu

(CDD-Ghana Democracy & Development Fellow in Public Health)
25.07.2022 LISTEN

Bangladesh is made up of 160 million people who are multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and multi-lingual. The Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees all citizens the freedom to freely and peacefully practice their chosen religions. Religious minorities make up roughly 12% of Bangladesh's present population, according to conservative estimates. Hindus account for 10% of the population, Buddhists for 1%, Christians at 0.50 percent, and ethnic minorities for less than 1%.

As an example of how people of different religions can live together, cooperate together, and simply be together, Bangladesh is regarded. Bangladesh is a country that values religious liberty, harmony, and tolerance. Bangladesh's population is made up of a diverse spectrum of religious groupings and ethnic groups. Such communities and groups live in harmony, putting aside their differences and learning to embrace and respect the diverse and diversified culture that has contributed to Bangladesh's equality.

Bangladesh stands out as a shining example of a country with unwavering social and religious peace. This country is an example of social harmony because of its rich culture of tolerance and respect among everyone regardless of their views and viewpoints. Their liberal attitudes have contributed to the nation's synchronization.

The Sheikh Hasina government has reached out to minority populations and assisted Dhaka's famous Dhakeshwari temple in reclaiming property that it had previously lost. Bangladesh is also constructing a Buddhist pilgrimage center in Lumbini, Nepal, to serve Buddhist pilgrims from throughout the world.

The administration of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina maintains a Ministry of Religious Affairs. All mosques, temples, churches, pagodas, and Gurdwaras in Bangladesh are under the Ministry's jurisdiction.

Can anyone imagine a Muslim country constructing a Buddhist monastery in Nepal (a religiously Hindu country)? Recently, it established a clear example for all countries in the world that Bangladesh is the global role model of communal harmony. The Bangladesh government is interested in and intends to maintain Bangladesh as a non-communal Bangladesh.

For example, for more clarification, according to media reports, two men of different faiths - in Bangladesh's Khulna division, a Hindu and a Muslim taught communal harmony via acts of compassion toward one other's religion.

In Bagerhat district, a Hindu man contributed property for the construction of a mosque, and a local Awami League leader (9Muslim guy) handed aside a section of his land to be utilized as a cremation site. Hindus can use this space to foster communal harmony in their community.

Hundreds of Muslim men, women, and children queue every day during Ramadan in front of a Buddhist monastery in Dhaka to receive iftar, the feast with which Muslims break their fast at dusk during the holy month.

The initiative by Dharmarajika Buddhist monastery to distribute food to poor and destitute Muslims is a shining example of social harmony between two groups from two different religions in this South Asian country.

Bangladesh can be regarded as the world's champion and role model for communal harmony. People have lived here with long-term intercommunal peace and confidence. The world is well aware of and admires Bangladesh's inter-communal harmony. Bangladeshis adhere to the policy of "religion is everyone's festival; everyone has equal respect for all religions."

Bangladesh, as a secular state, strives to protect the rights of all ethnic and religious groups. Inter-communal harmony is synonymous with Bengali culture. It is one of the few countries in the world where Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and various ethnic tribes coexist peacefully.

The government of Bangladesh, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, believes in inter-communal harmony. She makes every effort to participate in religious and cultural programs. Anyone can see that she is dedicated to protecting the rights of all groups. Sheikh Hasina's regime is committed to ensuring this.

Various religious holidays such as Eid of the Muslim community, Pujas of the Hindu community, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day of the Christian community, and Buddha Purnima are held simultaneously in Bangladesh during Mangal Shobhajatra or Mangal Jatra at dawn on the first day of the Bengali New Year. Muslim festivals such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Azha, Milad al-Nabi, Muharram, Chand Raat, Shab-e-Baraat, and BishwaIjtema; Hindu festivals such as Durga Puja and Janmashtami; Buddhist festival of Buddha Purnima; Christian festival of Christmas; and secular festivals such as Pohela Boishakh, Nabanna, Language Movement Day, Independence Day, Rabindra Jay in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region, Bengalis and non-Bengalis celebrate tribal holidays such as Biju, Sangria, Baisabi, and others together. Bangladesh has no religious or racial boundaries. Everyone is there for everyone else. In Bangladesh, people of all religions and nationalities are united.

"I usually say that religion is a personal matter, but festivals are open to everyone." Peace, friendship, and peace are our pride," said Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, adding that the communal harmony that has existed here for thousands of years must be preserved at all costs.

Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity are the four major religions in the country. Muslims account for around 88.3 percent of the population. The majority of Muslims in Bangladesh are Sunnis; however, Shia Muslims make up roughly 3% of the Muslim population. About 10.5 percent of the population is Hindu. Buddhists and Christians make up the majority of the others.

Durga Puja, observed by Hindus, Christmas, observed by Christians on December 25, and Buddha Purnima, observed by Buddhists, are some of the other holidays observed by other communities. These celebrations reflect not only the imprint of religion, but also the imprint of the society and the nation.

The Sheikh Hasina -led Awami League slogan Dhormo Jaar Jaar, Utsob Shobar, (Religion as per ones own, but festivals common to all as a testimony of its secular values has set a precedent in international community and is an asset for establishing a shining example in South Asia on regarding communal harmony.

As a result, the government has given enough security for religious minorities' celebrations, such as the Durga Puja. Over 30,000 Durga Pujas were held across the country in 2017, all of which went off without a hitch. In Bangladesh, 31,272 Durga Pujas are being held this year. This reflects the general sense of security in the country, not just among the Hindu minority.

Despite the historic liberal Bengali culture and the country's secular underpinnings, which were established following the Liberation War of 1971, the fortunes of religious minorities have changed depending on which political dispensation is in power.

The AL-led government has taken a number of substantial steps to maintain and improve the country's secular underpinnings. In the country's 1972 Constitution, the Awami League, which led the Liberation War under Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, integrated secularism as a guiding principle of the state alongside democracy, nationalism, and socialism.

After that, whenever the AL was in power, it tried to protect these ideals as well as the interests and welfare of religious minorities. The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord, signed by PMSH in 1997, marked a turning point in the region's peace efforts.

Everyone in Bangladesh has equal rights, and no one is labeled as a religious minority. Attacks on the Buddhist community in Ramu upazila of Cox's Bazar and attacks on different temples in Cumilla were some separate incidents in Bangladesh. Those mentioned how social media could sometimes play a negative role, as fake Facebook IDs were previously used to instigate communal attacks.

There are some misconceptions, misinformation, propaganda regarding the decreasing of number and persecution of minority in Bangladesh that is not absolutely true. However, this perception is entirely false. Unfairly and without basis, Bangladesh is portrayed as a nation that discriminates against its minorities, especially Hindus. The separate incidents can't and dont symbolize the mindset of the whole Bangladeshi people. Senior government officials visit regularly a number of the impacted locations and given the Hindu community members assurances that they will receive proper protection and reimbursement for any losses.

There are also many ways to realise religious harmony in Bangladesh. Needless to say, Bangladesh has been winning admiration and appreciation worldwide as a moderate Muslims dominated country.

Community harmony abounds in Bangladesh. People from all faiths interact together in this place. Since the dawn of time, this custom has persisted. Muslims make up 90% of the population, however there are also peacefully coexisting Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. For the people of Bangladesh, this is surely a source of pride in South Asia.

Dr. Abantika Kumari is an Assistant Professor at the History Department of Allahabad College, Uttar Pradesh, India. She is also a researcher particularly focused on South Asia. She can be contacted at [email protected]
Queenmothers of Ayawaso North Constituency have called on parliamentarians, assemblymen and community leaders to desist from acting as middlemen and bailing accused persons of defilement and rape cases for fear of losing votes.

Hajia Rukaya Suleiman, the Kotokoli Queen-mother, said the act was putting their efforts in vain and the perpetrators made to escape the law at the mercy of the victims.

The Queen-mother made the call during an educational campaign organised by Inerela Ghana, a nongovernmental organisation for the people of Maamobi a suburb of Accra.

She said this was a criminal offence punishable by law but the constant bailing of the accused by powers-that-be did not serve as a deterrent to others, thereby, causing the number of rape and defilement cases to increase in the Constituency.

Hajia Rukaya called for the collaboration between queen mothers, the Police, and non-governmental organizations to educate the youth in the area to help reduce such cases.

Participants were educated on Sexual- based Violence Against Women & Girls (VAW/G), laws pertaining to domestic violence, child marriage and the need for counselling.

Mrs Pauline L. Essel, Deputy Chief Investigator, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and License Counselor, educated the people on the various forms of abuse and the need to look out for the signs when the need be.

She urged women not to allow themselves to be abused in any manner as it was not good for their health.

Lawyer Cephas Essiful Ansah, CHRAJ Legal Officer and Board Member of Inerela Ghana taking participants through portions of the 1992 constitution, the Criminal Offences Act 1960, and the Children's Act Domestic charged them to feel empowered by these laws and report any form of abuse meted out to them.

Participants were also educated on the mandate of the Domestic Violence Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU)to enable them to take advantage of it.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ms Mavis Adjei, Nima Divisional Head of DOVVSU in a presentation said women and girls were the most affected by acts of domestic violence due to ill-treatment in marriages.

She said domestic violence refers to physical, sexual and psychological acts which occur in families including; battering, sexual abuse of female children in the household, marriage-related violence, marital rape, female genital mutilation and other traditional practices that were harmful to women.

ASP Adjei urged women to report any form of abuse to the DOVVSU to make the accused persons face the full rigour of the law.

Mrs Mercy Acquah-Hayford, the Country Coordinator of Inerela Ghana, explained that the engagement followed a previous meeting with the community leadership to find a lasting solution to the high rate of domestic violence in the community.

It was also to encourage and empower the women to report abuse cases to the Police.

She said victims of abuse were discouraged and frightened from reporting cases of domestic and sexual violence to the Police due to reverence given to their men, somehow due to suppression.

Inerela Ghana is a non-governmental organization that works with a network of religious leaders living with HIV that empowers themselves and others to live positively and openly as agents of hope and change in and beyond their faith communities.

GNA
The leader of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu, is asking why the monument erected in honour of the late Prof. Mills is presented in brown attire.

H.E Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, together with other dignitaries including former President John Dramani Mahama visited the late Prof. Mills graveyard, Asomdwe Park, to commemorate his 10th anniversary on Sunday, July 24.

At the event, the President commissioned the renovated grave together with a monumental statue in honour of the late President.

However, the bust has been trending on social media and other media outlets for the wrong reasons.

The latest from the Minority Leader is the colour of the attire he was presented with.

He claimed he never saw the late President wearing brown apparel in his life and wondered whose idea they used for the art.

In any case, I never even saw professor Mills in that kind of brown attire, he claimed.

Speaking at a press conference today, Monday, July 25, the Minority Leader also raised concerns regarding the omission of the name of the late President on the bust  instructing government to correct it immediately.

You should indicate the name of the person the bust represents and not who it was unveiled by and or who supported it. They should replace those inscriptions with the late Presidents name immediately; it's just unacceptable.

We would have gone straight there to correct it ourselves if not for his (Atta Mills) peaceful nature. People who come to Asomdwoe Park must know who the bust represents, the Minority Leader asserted.
Somalia's parliament agreed on Monday to give Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre more time to form a government, a month after his appointment in the troubled Horn of Africa nation.

Barre was initially expected to name a cabinet within 30 days of his appointment on June 25 but said the delays were due to the country's protracted election process that culminated in May with the selection of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as president.

"In order to form a... balanced government, it is necessary that I spend sufficient time in consultations with various politicians of the country and civil society," Barre said in a statement released on Monday.

Observers have voiced hope that Mohamud's presidency will draw the line under a political crisis that blighted the rule of his predecessor Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, better known as Farmajo, and threatened to plunge Somalia back into violent chaos.

Barre vowed to establish a government within 10 days after parliament approved the extension.

"The prime minister asked for an extension of 10 days, and this seemed credible because... the prime minister is in consultation with other stakeholders," Mohamed Dhabancad, one of the legislators, told reporters.

The new government will face a host of challenges, including a looming famine and a grinding Islamist insurgency.

A crippling drought across the Horn of Africa has left about 7.1 million Somalis -- nearly half the population -- battling hunger, with more than 200,000 on the brink of starvation, according to UN figures.

The Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab also continues to flex its muscles by carrying out deadly attacks, underscoring the difficult task ahead for the country's new leaders.

The militants were driven out of the capital Mogadishu in 2011 by an African Union force but still control swathes of countryside and frequently strike civilian and military targets.
25.07.2022 LISTEN

A member of the Minority in Parliament is alleging that officials from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are not comfortable with the countrys Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta leading the negotiations for a possible financial bailout.

According to a member of the finance committee of parliament, Ernest Norgbey, governments quest on accessing the fund will span over a year if Ken Ofori-Atta continues to lead the negotiations.

The Ashiaman MP argued that in spite of financial misreporting by the finance minister, his utterances in the past that Ghana will not seek an IMF support from the Bretton Wood Institution made the IMF officials uncomfortable in dealing with him (Ken Ofori-Atta).

He also observed that these are among other reasons some members of the majority caucus are demanding the resignation of the Finance Minister.

IMF is saying that if it will be that man (Ken Ofori-Atta) who will negotiate on behalf of the country then it will take us more than year to access the fund... It is a statement of fact and why would you think that the majority would be so much interested that the man (Ken Ofori-Atta) gets out of office. There are real facts and IMF is finding it difficult to negotiate with the man because they have seen his traces from 2017 to date, they have gone through the books and they know exactly where monies have gone to and so if it is this man, who was on Radio and Television saying we will not go to IMF because we can do it our own and you want the same person to negotiate with you, morally and understandably, they will not be comfortable in doing so, he stated.

In an interview with Kumasi based Oyerepa TV, the Ashiaman MP alleged that Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta refused to place a call to the IMF when he was instructed by the President to do so.

And let me tell you one secret, when the President asked the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to place a call to the IMF he refused. It had to take the President to impress upon the Information Ministry to release the statement, he told the morning show host of Oyerepa Breakfast Time Kwesi Parker-Wilson.

The NDC MP further noted that The man (Finance Minister) is so bossy, we did not elect the fiance minister, he was appointed by the government so he cannot impose himself on us that is why we are calling for his head. The President should have done the needful by reshuffling him or sack him.

Source: Classfmonline.com
Mr John-Peter Amewu, Member of Parliament (MP) for Hohoe Constituency and Minister of Railway Development, has called on the youth not to be in a hurry to get to the top since there are no shortcuts to anywhere.

Once you identify your talent, the next thing to do is to become patient and learn from successful leaders who have the same character and talent. Take your time, learn your talent, and examine the examples of future leaders with similar talents.

Mr Amewu, addressing students from the St. Francis College of Education, Hohoe E.P Senior High School and the St. Teresa's College of Education on leadership during the NUGS Talk maiden edition of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) in Hohoe.

He said although some young people identified their talents early in life, it does not mean they were ready for the next level.

He said leadership was all about service, adding that it would be a misjudgement on part of the youth to have in mind that they would become leaders in order to lord over others.

Mr Amewu urged the youth to sometimes sacrifice their time, energy and financial resources for the people they were persevering to lead because the people they want to lead, were aspiring to derive some element of satisfaction from the leadership skills the leader identified.

He said although as youth leaders, they were bound to face challenges that could hinder the implementation of their dreams, it was imperative for them to explain themselves in an honest manner to regain the trust of their followers.

Mr Amewu said leadership thrived on trust hence it is important for leaders to exhibit trustworthy life and let their actions reflect their true intentions and they must also become passionate about their visions.

He said it was important for leaders to accept mistakes, take responsibility for their actions and must not apportion blames to their team members adding that leaders must be bold to take risks.

Mr James Etornam Flolu, Afadzato South District Chief Executive (DCE), noted that young people must take advantage of the job market and whatever they decided to do, they must execute it effectively.

He said they must not be pressured to do things they could not do, adding that don't be pressured to start entrepreneurship when you don't know what it takes to start a business.

Mr Flolu advised the youth to take advantage of government's intervention programmes that aimed at developing the youth of the country and make good use of such interventions.

Mr Bright Aboagye Gyasi, the Press and Info Secretary, NUGS, noted that the Union was in collaboration with the National Security Ministry to sensitise their members to become aware of issues of national security and serve as ambassadors.

He said people were now engaged in many activities to the extent that they became unaware of security threats that may be around them.

Mr Gyasi said students must as a matter of urgency say something when they see something as well as alert security agencies in handling security-related issues nationwide.

NUGS Talk editions will be held nationwide to continue to provide a platform to bring on board seasoned speakers to inspire members of the Union to enhance their leadership dreams for the future.

GNA
Honourable Salifu Sa-eed, the immediate past Northern Regional Minister, has collaborated with a Turkish development organization to support the development of the Bimbilla Constituency.

Dost Eli's Unique Global Needs Foundation Ghana, a subsidiary, provides social support to poor communities in Ghana.

Honourable Salifu Sa-eed, speaking at a ceremony in Bimbilla bemoans the lack of social amenities needed to make life worth living for the growing population in the Bimbilla Constituency.

The news of the water crisis at Nanumba North Municipal Hospital sparked his desire to work with Unique Global Needs Foundation to address the iussue. "I was informed about the hospital's water supply being cut off. Despite the fact that it is addressed, I felt the need to expand water supply throughout the constituency," Hon. Salifu Sa-eed stated.

He urged people to cherish the relative peace in the area. He asserted that only in a peaceful environment would the area see development.

The Municipal Chief Executive of the area, Hon. Abdulai Yaquob thanked Hon. Salifu Sa-eed and the Turkish organization for their interest in the municipality's development. He urged the people to be patient as authorities work to accelerate development in the area.

Mr. Galip Durmoz, Chief Executive Officer of Dost Eli, spoke through Mr. Jamal Abdul Nasir who assures Hon. Salifu Sa-eed of his organization's commitment to extend development assistance to the area.

According to the CEO, his partnership with Hon. Salifu Sa-eed will focus on educational infrastructure, potable water, scholarship opportunities, and mosque construction. He emphasized the importance of education and urged parents to prioritize their children's education.

To begin, a total of 400 people, including women, children, people with disabilities, imams, and Arabic instructors, received financial assistance.

A Japanese residential area was identified for the installation of a mechanized borehole.
Police in the Ashanti Region have commenced investigations into an incident where three police officers with the Formed Police Unit (FPU) allegedly harassed the Foase District Police Commander, Supt. Albert Quansah.

Citi News understands the FPU officers also threatened to end the life of Supt. Quansah following an altercation after he saw them conducting a motor check on the Atwima Yabi-Dida stretch on 20th July 2022.

Citi News sources say the police commander upon seeing the officers from the FPU conducting the search in the middle of the road cautioned them against the exercise.

One of the officers, only identified as Corporal Boakye reportedly felt offended and then refused to listen to the police commander and engaged in an argument with him.

The source further disclosed that during the heated argument, Corporal Boakye cocked his service rifle and threatened to kill the Foase District Police Commander.

Three officers from the Foase District Police Headquarters then proceeded to the FPU snap checkpoint at Yabi and met Corporal Boakye together with the rest of the team who were on duty.

Supt. Albert Quansah was said to have instructed Corporal Boakye to hand over his service rifle to him, but the latter refused.

The source added that, following the incident, 11 officers from the FPU led by one Chief Inspector Ohene Karikari Ernest then stormed the Foase District Police Headquarters later in the day and allegedly harassed the district commander.

Chief Inspector Ohene Karikari Ernest then allegedly threatened to kill the district commander if he harasses any of the FPU personnel.

Citi News sources say one Supt. K. K Kawudie led five armed personnel from the FPU base in Kumasi to the Foase District Police Headquarters to also intimidate the district police commander, where the said officer also allegedly threatened to cut short the life of the district commander.

By Citi Newsroom
Some Assistant Preventive and Nurses Assistants yet to be posted since 2019 have picketed at Parliament to demand their immediate postings.

According to them, they are rotting away being at home after their training.

The nurses picketed Parliament today Monday, July 25, 2022, demanding that Parliament Select Committee seek answers from the Ministry of Health on the delays in having them posted.

The unemployed nurses carried placards with the inscriptions such as How can our posting slot be sold to our juniors? MoH has rendered us useless, among others.

The unemployed nurses had earlier presented a petition to the Speaker of Parliament and the Ranking Member on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who is also the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Juaboso Constituency in the Western North Region.

Victor Kofi Dzikunu, a leader of the group expressed concerns about why their juniors have been posted over them.

How can we be told we have been cleared for postings only to have 'our juniors posted instead? he quizzed.

Source: Classfmonline.com
The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta has given the assurance that things will become better before President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo ends his second term in office.

The economic situation of the country has worsened in the last six months with the citizenry facing a lot of hardships.

Recently, when a team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) finalised their fact-finding mission in the country, it was concluded that Ghana is facing a challenging economic and social situation amid an increasingly difficult global environment.

In Parliament to deliver the 2022 Mid-year fiscal policy budget review on Monday, July 25, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta stressed that government has what it takes to turn things around.

He told Parliament that in the next two-and-a-half years, President Akufo-Addo's government will resolve the economic challenges facing the country.

Mr. Speaker, just as we did in 2017 and 2020, government is resolved to continue to provide the necessary leadership to turn the economy around.

Let me assure you that on behalf of the President that we will do it again in the next two and a half years.

We will continue with great cautiousness, thoughtfulness, creativity, and grit, Ken Ofori-Atta told Parliament.

The Finance Minister continued, The fiscal and debt situation has severely worsened following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Amid the current poor state of the countrys economy, the fiscal and debt situation of Ghana has worsened.

Government continues to insist that the state of the economy is due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and the blowback of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Some onion traders at work at Dominase

25.07.2022 LISTEN

AMA ATTA sits under her makeshift shed at the Dominase Onion Market beside a truck load of onions. With a locally made straw hat seated over her head to shield her from the scotching sun, she goes through a sack of onions,carefully selecting them into various baskets in order of sizes.

This big basket goes for GH50 but I will reduce it to GH45 for you, she says as she solicits the interest of customers who visit her shed.

On a good market day, Ama Atta indicates she is able to sell five sacks of onions. We have not been here for long but we are able to have good sales on market days, she admits with a giggle. Sometimes, I am able to make about GH500 in profit.

She says the market has become her source of livelihood since her decision to venture into the onion trade, a year ago.

I was a petty trader in the community until the onion sellers came here so I decided to join them to sell onions and I have not regretted it, she adds.

The Dominase Onion Market was non-existent until a year ago when onion traders at the Agbogbloshie market in Accra were relocated as part of a decongestion exercise by the local authorities.

The creation of the market,which now hosts about 1000 traders, in the Gomoa Dominasearea of the Gomoa East District of the Central Region,is a fallout from that exercise.

Ama Atta says although the market has a potential for growth,the lack of proper sanitation and water facilities is a major issue.

Hmm, it is one of our big problems here. We do not have a proper place to go when nature calls, she laments. Water is also a problem for us.

The only toilet facility the traders use at the market is owned by a private individual who charges between GH1 and GH2 per use.

The 20-seater toilet facility (10 each for male and female traders) is located about 200 meters from the market and is poorly maintained.

A foul smell emanates from the toilet cubicles as people make their way inside. Poor lighting and ventilationalso makes accessibility difficult for patrons.

This situation forces some of the traders, truck drivers, drivers' mates, and head porters as well as patrons of the market to use other unhygienic means for their daily Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) needs.

We do not have a choice, we are forced to go there or find our own way out, says a trader who prefers to be identified as, Mama Africa.

She believes that the building of additional toilet facilities and the provision of potable sources of water will safeguard their health and boost trading activities in the market.

We know how important sanitation is to our health so without a proper toilet facility, we risk getting sick, she laments.

We know this place is new, but we pay tax to the Gomoa East District Assembly so, they should help us more people will come and buy from us if we have these facilities, she adds.

Leader of the Dominase Onion Traders, Chief Alhaji Ali Fuseini, confirmed the traders are grappling with numerous challenges, including poor sanitation which exposes them to illnesses like cholera or diarrhea.

When we came here, the land was bare, there was no shed like you are seeing now; we had to do everything on our own, he says.

He opines that the traders had to come together and pay for their own boreholes to be dug as there was no source of potable water in the area.

If you look at this big place, we have only one toilet facility operated by a private person and we have to pay anytime we want to use the place, he says.

Alhaji Fuseini said due to the huge number of people who use the lone toilet facility in the market, the care takers are unable to keep its interior clean and hygienic.

Statistics show that sanitation crisis persists in developing countries despite years of global efforts to address the situation.

For instance, the main target of the Millennium Development Goal(MDG) 7is to ensure improved sanitation coverage with a strong link to issues such as the environment, public health and human dignity.

However, the MDG Goal 7 was not fully met, hence, its recapture by Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure available and sustainablemanagement of water, and sanitation for all.

It also calls for the provision of adequate and equitable sanitation to end open defecation by 2030.

Countries such as Ghana have signed on to the SDGs and pledged their commitment to ensuring that proper sanitation, a right of citizens, including that of the Dominase onion traders, are upheld.

According to the World Bank, 2020 WASH report, just over half (54 per cent) of the world population had access to safely managed sanitation.

It states that around 6 per cent do not have any sanitation facilities at all and instead have to practise open defecation.

In Ghana, only 28 per cent of the urban population has access to at least a basic sanitation facility, says the World Bank Report.

Further statistics from WaterAidGhana reveals that the country's improved sanitation coverage has not exceeded 15 per cent.

This means that only 15 in every 100 Ghanaians have access to sanitation facilities and services, while the rest are left defenceless against the inevitable consequences.

Gilbert Asante, Policy and Advocacy Programme Officer, WaterAid Ghana, says there is generally poor access to sanitation services in Ghana.

He adds that going to toilet in the open is a major contributor to diseases like cholera, which swept through the country in 2014 during a devastating flash flood, affecting 30,000 people.

The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources also in a report discloses that the country spends a whopping US$290 million, representing 1.6 percent of her GDP, on programmes aimed at addressing poor sanitation every year.

Chief Alhaji Fuseini wants the Gomoa East District Assembly toprovide theonion traders with proper sanitation facilities and demarcation of the area.

We do not want to replicate indiscriminate putting up of structures as was the case at Agbogbloshie. So, in consultation with the District Assembly, we will work on the demarcations, he said.

The Gomoa East District Assembly, headed by the District Chief Executive, Solomon Darko Quarm, says plans are advanced to establish an advanced sanitation facility for the onion traders.

BY Jamila Akweley Okertchiri
ActionAid Ghana, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has called on Parliament to fast-track the passage of the Private Member's Bill to criminalise witch hunting.

Madam Margaret Brew-Ward, a Women's Rights Advocacy and Campaign Manager, ActionAid Ghana, said despite the protection the constitution granted to all persons, hundreds of women were accused of witchcraft and condemned to a life of extreme violence and isolation.

The Private Members' Bill sponsored by three Members of Parliament is in furtherance of an earlier effort by the 7th Parliament to introduce this law, pursuant to a petition by the Sanneh Institute dated August 4, 2021.

It seeks to criminalise the declaration, accusation, naming or labelling of another person as a witch; to prohibit a person from employing or soliciting anyone to accuse, name, label, indicate, or declare another person as a witch and provide for related matters.

On 23 July 2020, Madam Akua Denteh, a 90-year-old woman was beaten to death in broad daylight at Kafaba, near Salaga, which was condemned by the public.

Madam Brew-Ward said since that condemnable incident, many other women continued to face various levels of abuse in silence, hence, the act must as a matter of urgency and extreme priority be made unattractive by criminalising and prosecuting perpetrators of such human rights abuses and allowing women to ''age in peace and not in pieces.''

She bemoaned the silence on the wanton and shameless atrocities perpetrated toward women who were already vulnerable and living in poverty.

''Witchcraft accusation is not a tradition! Article 26 (2) of the 1992 constitution states that 'all customary practices, which dehumanise or are injurious to the physical and mental well-being of a person, are prohibited. The question then is, why we are not getting the needed national attention on this practice?'' She asked.

The Women's Rights Advocacy and Campaign Manager said: These incidents are truly unacceptable and constitute a blot on our credentials as a country that is governed by rule of law. This is not just a shame it is an egregious practise that must be stopped once and for all.

Those women, Madam Brew-Ward said, were banished from their homes and forced to live in ''witch camps'' whose continued existence in the 21st century alone was a cruel manifestation of gender inequality and violence against women in the country.

''Witch camps are effectively women's prisons where inmates have been given no trial, have no right of appeal but have received a life sentence. ActionAid and all Civil Society Organisations believe the time is NOW to take actions to address the root causes of these human rights violations,'' she said.

Madam Brew-Ward called on Government to muster the political will to curb the menace as citizens could not continue to turn a blind eye and engage in talk shops without taking bold action.

She assured the public of the commitment of their partners to continue to fight to ensure the elimination of the practice while urging all well-meaning citizens to join in the fight to restore women's dignity and fully restore the country's credentials as law-abiding, human rights-respecting and truly governed one in practice by the rule of law.

Ms Mateenah Odoi, Board Member of Young Urban Women's Movement, a subsidiary of ActionAid Ghana, said it was inhumane to lynch old women.

'' In times like this you wonder if it is good to be a woman or not because old age is inevitable, and I am scared that when I'm 90 years old I'll be called a witch because my son or daughter is not progressing in life,'' she said.

ActionAid is a global federation with the aim to achieve social justice, gender equality and poverty reduction.

ActionAid in Ghana supports the basic needs and rights of the poor, with an emphasis on human rights, land rights and the right to education.

GNA
Smoke from the Ikoyi prison that was set on fire in central Lagos on October 22, 2020. - Source: Photo by Sophie Bouillon/AFP via Getty Images

25.07.2022 LISTEN

On the night of 5 July 2022, 879 inmates escaped from the Kuje correctional facility in Abuja, Nigeria after an attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists. Prior to this, the largest jailbreak was on 5 April 2021 when gunmen attacked Owerri correctional centre, Imo State and freed 1,844 inmates. There have been 14 jailbreaks since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office in May 2015. The Conversation Africa asked sociologists Lanre Ikuteyijo and James Olabisi Ayodele how Nigeria can better secure its correctional facilities.

What do you think is responsible for the jailbreaks?

Nigeria's criminal justice system inadvertently facilitates jailbreaks because of under-funding, shortage of personnel, overcrowding , use of antiquated techniques and other challenges.

In our research , we have advocated for changes to the thinking behind the prison system. First with a change of name from prisons to correctional facilities. This will emphasise rehabilitation and reform as against retribution, which the former system rested on. Then the system needs rehabilitative programmes, recreational and vocational training, and training and retraining of officers. Collaboration between educational, health and other security agencies is also required to bring about a change of philosophy.

Second, the re-categorisation of correctional facilities is long overdue, especially with the threats of terrorism, banditry and kidnappings. This will ensure that criminals are kept in proportion to their threat to the society. We might have to build and equip facilities that can cater for different categories of inmates. The present arrangement allows recidivists and hardened inmates to be kept with minor and first time offenders. This is dangerous.

Inmates are classified in terms of their risks and the seriousness of the crimes they committed, based on the United Nations' system. Suspected and convicted terrorists are kept in medium security facilities. This is a huge mistake: all the jailbreaks in the past seven years have been from medium security facilities.

It costs society a lot of money to apprehend criminals and jail them. Attempts to break them free are undermining the criminal justice system and truncating inmates' reformation process. This surely has consequences for rates of crime.

What can we learn from the jailbreaks?

Prison congestion is a major challenge to correctional facilities in Nigeria. Also, the over-reliance on imprisonment as a form of punishment in Nigeria is not helping matters. Alternatives to imprisonment include fines, probation, parole, community service, restitution and early release.

The justice system is inefficient. Currently, 71% of the 74,675 inmates in Nigeria's correctional centres are awaiting trial. This is very high by international standards, especially the Mandela Rules , which guide prison conditions globally.

Moreover, the nature of jailbreaks in recent years reflects the political economy of the country. They have been traced to activities of terrorists , insurgents and secessionists . Most of the incidents have been influenced by ideological , religious and political motives .

The immediate implication is the need to dispense justice as quickly as possible and reduce the traffic in prisons. Alternatively, establish separate facilities to hold special categories of inmates who are a grave danger to the security of the country. The correctional facilities in Nigeria should reflect the dynamic climate of crime and criminality in the country.

Correctional facilities also contribute to the peace and tranquillity of any society because they keep the trouble makers out of circulation. They also endeavour to reform, rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders.

How can Nigeria make its prisons more secure?

They will be more secure when they are not overcrowded and neglected. For instance , Makurdi medium security prison in Benue State, north central, built in 2002 with a capacity for 240, housed 866 in 2018. Kaduna Convict Prison, north west, built in 1915 with a capacity for 547, had 1,217 inmates in the same audit report . Port Harcourt prison in the southern part, built in 1925, had a capacity for 804 but housed 3,827 in 2018. Most of the facilities are deteriorating and require face-lifts.

There is a need to invest more in modern technology in the facilities. Surveillance systems and alarm systems should be installed. The records of inmates should be biometric and stored in the cloud. This will serve as a disincentive and facilitate the recapture of any escapee. Inmates should be properly classified and placed in accordance to their level of risk and need for rehabilitation.

What should be done to prevent further jailbreaks?

First, reclassify correctional facilities.

Second, the correctional facilities must be properly funded, given their rising importance in the management of crime and criminality in the country. The allocation to Nigeria Correctional Service has increased steadily under the Buhari administration. The impact, however, is yet to show as overcrowding persists. A total of N613 billion was allocated to the agency in 10 years (2010-2019). N17 billion (about US$16.851 million) is spent every year to feed inmates in 244 correctional centres but inmates still live in a terrible environment. Currently there are 74,191 inmates in correctional centres across Nigeria.

Prison staff must also be trained and retrained in line with the latest trends of criminality. The first training school for prison staff was established in Enugu , south east Nigeria in 1947 and there are training courses after employment too. But there is room for improvement. Some non governmental organisations are involved in training prison staff too.

Prison managers should be equipped to deal with the most violent and extremist prisoners, as well as with incidents of violence in prisons. Efforts should be made to decongest the prisons and improve the living conditions of inmates. Lastly, staff of correctional facilities should be well motivated to enhance job commitment and improve performance.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

By Lanre Ikuteyijo, Senior lecturer, Obafemi Awolowo University And

James Olabisi Ayodele, Associate Professor, Obafemi Awolowo University
The Free Senior High School (SHS) policy by the Akufo-Addo government is not under any review or threat as alleged in the media, Ken Ofori Atta has assured Ghanaians.

He said education remains a major priority of the Akufo-Addo administration and would rather put in more to improve the quality of education across the country.

The finance minister during the Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Monday debunked rumours the policy is currently undergoing review due to the country's economic woes.

Mr. Ken Ofori Atta's submission has allayed the fears of many Ghanaians as Ghana's IMF bailout was alleged to affect the implementation of the policy.

The New Patriotic Party introduced the Free SHS policy in 2017 after winning the 2016 general elections upon earlier campaign promise to ensure all JHS graduates get access to secondary education.

Meanwhile, the implementation of the policy has come under serious scrutiny due to major challenges such as the lack of enough classrooms and accommodation to house the growing number of students as well as the current food shortages in most schools.

But the minister insist government would not scrap nor review the policy but rather put in measures to make it successful.
The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has defended the ballooning public debt stock of the country.

He said the country's debt levels have increased following the efforts made by the government to prevent more deaths, pay cuts and suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic whiles providing some relief to the poor.

We exceeded our debt limit to save lives, he stated.

In his mid-year Budget Review today, Monday, July 25 at Parliament House in Accra, the Minister of Finance explained that the debt rate continues to rise as a result of the COVID-19/Russia/Ukraine war.

Ghana is facing a challenging economic and social situation amid an increasingly difficult global environment. The fiscal and debt situation has severely worsened following the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, the global economic shock caused by the war in Ukraine is hitting Ghana at a time when the country is still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic shock and with limited room for manoeuvre, he noted.

A recent Bloomberg economic survey revealed that Ghana is ranked second among countries with the highest debt default risk in 2022.

The survey stressed that the interest expense to GDP ratio in Ghana and Brazil is expected to reach 7.2 per cent in 2022, the highest among the 25 countries surveyed.
Finance minister, Ken Ofori Atta

25.07.2022 LISTEN

The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta has again blamed Ghana's economic woes on the Russian-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The minister assured that government is committed to putting in place pragmatic measures to deal with the global crisis.

He disclosed this at a presentation of the Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Monday, 25th July, 2022.

Mr. Ken Ofori Atta indicated that "These are not good times for the World, Africa, Ghana and globally and I must say government is still on focus to help recover from the global economic crisis.

"When the NPP Government took power in 2017, the NDC had sent Ghana to the IMF which we worked hard to get out of the program in 2019" the minister stated.

He emphasised the NPP is known to be the best party to turn things around whenever it takes over government indicating that the Akufo-Addo-led administration has either completed or worked on projects abandoned by the previous government.
The preposterous attitude of the Coastal Development Authority is a total disrespect to the family of Fmr President John Evans Atta Mills and the Ghanaian people at large.

I blame nobody but president Akuffo Addo, who has turned death ears to this issue since its development. He has decided neither to comment nor issue statements to stop some miscreant people from disrespecting late president Mills because he condones the act. President Akuffo Addo should tell us whether he will be happy if a non-family member destroys the tombs of his Uncle JB Danquah or his father Edward Akuffo Addo in the name of renovation without the consent of the family.

The disrespect to Fmr President Mills(Late) is sickening and we in the NDC cannot watch miscreant people like Koku Anyidoho hide behind loyalty and connive with president Akuffo Addo to continue disrespecting Fmr President Mills in this unpleasant manner.

Even JB Danquah who never achieved anything good for this country is being worshipped today like a lesser god by President Akuffo Addo yet this same person is using the likes of Koku Anyidoho to disrespect the late President Mills who achieved a lot for this country.

President Akuffo Addo should boldly come out to condemn this nonsensical attack dimming the reputation of the late president if, in fact, he is not in support of this stupidity. Ghanaians want to see him respect Late President Mills the same way he respects JB Danquah.

No wonder his own prophet, Owusu Bempah has described him as having the semblance as Saul.

Eric Adjei, Deputy Communications Officer, NDC Bono Region
The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has assured the nation that appropriate measures are in place to avert a potential food crisis in the country.

He told Parliament that the measures to forestall food insecurity included a temporary ban on grain (maize, rice, and soya) exports, promoting the use of organic fertilisers on farms and the cultivation of crops such as roots, which require less fertiliser and increased monitoring of food and input prices to pick early warning signals of potential food crisis in order to take prompt remedial action.

He said the rest were the finalisation of modalities for the haulage of produce from farm gates in food growing areas to the market centres by the government.

The minister during the presentation of the midyear budget review that emergency measures were necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia Ukraine War, which combined to disrupt supply chains and increased transportation costs.

These, he said are threatening food security globally.

But, what the people of Ghana care to see is what their government is doing about it to ease the impact here.

To enable households and farmers cope and support stable food supply, Government has taken the following immediate measures:

 place a temporary ban on grain (maize, rice, and soya) exports;

 promote the use of organic fertilizers and cultivation of crops such as roots which require less fertilizer;

 monitor food and input prices to pick early warning signals of potential food crisis in order to take prompt remedial action; and

 finalise modalities for the haulage of produce from farm gates in food growing areas to the market centres, the minister said.

He also announced plans to increase investments in agriculture as well as support the youth to start agri-related businesses to help boost productivity while creating jobs.
Britain said Monday it had agreed to host next year's Eurovision song contest, after organisers said there was no prospect of the event going ahead in Ukraine, which is engaged in a war with neighbouring Russia. Kyiv has welcomed the decision.

"We received assurances... that they will hold Eurovision... with an extremely high integration of Ukrainian contexts and presenters," Ukraine's Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko said on Facebook, adding that the decision was made following "several rounds of consultations".

The BBC will now produce what it called the world's "largest and most complex music competition", starting with the selection of a host city in the UK in collaboration with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Ukraine won this year's contest, held in Italy, ahead of Britain's entry in second place. It had insisted it could host next year's despite the Russian invasion.

But the EBU ruled that out, and Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC acquiesced to a UK-hosted event infused with "Ukrainian spirit".

"The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine," UA:PBC chief Mykola Chernotytskyi said in a joint statement with the EBU and BBC.

"We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us," he said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said it was his "strong wish" for Ukraine to host the 2023 edition and found it "deeply regrettable" that was no longer possible.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said the BBC had stepped in at the request of the EBU "and the Ukrainian authorities" led by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"I'm just sorry that due to Russia's continued acts of bloodshed it has not been possible to host the event in Ukraine, where it should be," she said.

"As hosts, the UK will honour the competition's spirit and diversity, and most importantly, ensure it reflects Ukraine's recent Eurovision victory and Ukrainian creativity."

In May, Ukrainian folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra won the world's biggest live music event in Turin, on a wave of support for their country following Russia's invasion.

'Space Man' star

By convention, the winning country hosts the kitsch annual pop extravaganza the following year. Britain last hosted it in 1998.

But last month, the EBU said Ukraine could not guarantee the safety of more than 10,000 people involved in the production and a further 30,000 fans expected to attend.

The broadcasting union stuck to its line despite protests from the Zelensky government, and rejected one proposal to shift the contest to a border location within Ukraine, away from the frontlines.

The EBU said Ukraine was still guaranteed a place in the 2023 grand final along with the organisation's "top five" countries: Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

The other finalists will be selected via national votes by viewers and judges.

"It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest," BBC director-general Tim Davie said in a statement.

"The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity," he said.

This year's contest vaulted Britain's second-placed entrant Sam Ryder to stardom.

Last month, Ryder performed his quirky song "Space Man" in front of Buckingham Palace as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II.

(With agencies)
The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta has revealed that the government is not focusing on a long-term intervention from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Monday, July 25, while presenting the 2022 Mid-Year Budget Review Statement, the Minister stressed that it is only looking for a short-term measure from the fund to support the countrys balance of payment.

As a nation, we have gone through many difficulties including the recent COVID-19 pandemic that devastated many nations, yet we survived. That is a testament to our resilience.

Mr. Speaker, our decision to go to the IMF again, despite what we had determined earlier, is a short-term measure for balance of payment support. In the longer-term what we really need is a major structural shift in our economy, Ken Ofori-Atta emphasised.

Due to the bad state of the Ghanaian economy, President Akufo-Addo called on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to intervene and provide support.

Already, a team from the Fund has visited Ghana to gather data as engagements with government officials agree on a programme to save Ghanas economy.

According to Ken Ofori-Atta, although Ghanas economy is in difficult times, the government is confident about turning things around so that the hardships facing the citizenry will be mitigated.

We concede that times are hard and things are not what we desired. But we believe in the overcoming spirit of the Ghanaian people, a spirit that does not cower in the face of challenges. It is this spirit that inspires us as a Government to provide the leadership that is required, the Finance Minister noted.
The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has explained government's repeated resistance to an IMF bailout was not mere rhetoric.

He stated that they had a well-planned policy, including the Ghana Cares Obaatanpa program and others aimed at improving the economy.

However, in his mid-year budget presentation today, Monday, July 25 at Parliament House in Accra, he stated that government had to change course to tackle the current crisis.

Yes, I know this government assured the nation of a Ghana beyond Aid and our plans and programmes for economic transformation have been designed to achieve just that, and indeed, I did say that Ghana would not embark on an IMF programme.

We did not just say it. We also took measures towards the attainment of that objective including the passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act and instituting a number of irreversibility measures, and also launching the Ghana CARES Obaatan Pa programme for economic revitalisation and transformation, he noted.

He however explained, Unfortunately, unprecedented global developments over the past two years, especially in these last six months, have really and truly disrupted our efforts. Governments across the world have had to change course to tackle the current crisis."

The Finance Minister further compared Ghana's situation to other economies around the world.

He notes Governments that less than a year ago were busily talking about energy transition and green and cleaner fuels have gone back to firing their coal plants.

Governments that are known for low taxes are now raising taxes to tackle growing deficits. These are not ordinary times; not for Ghana, not for Africa, and certainly not for the whole world.

Prior to Ghana's return to the IMF for an economic bailout, the Minister and other government officials were unwilling to embark on such an initiative, claiming they had the men to turn things around.

According to the Minister, their plans were thwarted by the Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson

25.07.2022 LISTEN

Ranking Member on the Finance Committee of Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has indicated that the Mid-Year Budget Statement presented by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta was empty.

Speaking to the media in Parliament after the Finance Minister finished his presentation, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam said it has become clear that the President Akufo-Addo government is lost.

In his view, Ken Ofori-Atta only visited Parliament to do propaganda instead of telling Ghanaians and the august house the true state of the countrys economy.

Things fall apart. The Minister appeared before us and said nothing. He came to tell us that he missed all the targets he set for the country. All of them.

The Minister has missed an opportunity to tell us the true state of the economy. He only came to do propaganda, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said.

According to him, Ghana is in serious trouble as long as the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) remains in power.

He stressed that things have fallen apart and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is the only hope to save the country.

This government is practicing what I call one problem one loan.

Ghana is in deep shit; excuse my language. Things have fallen apart, the Ranking Member on the Finance Committee of Parliament told the media.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta has given the assurance that things will become better before President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo ends his second term in office.
Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister of Finance, has reiterated that despite the revenue-mobilising challenges, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is determined to fix the nation's roads.

"Our Year of Roads programme is on very much course," Mr Ofori-Atta stated in his presentation of the 2022 Mid-Year Review Budget Statement and Economic Policy and Supplementary Estimate of Government.

"Phase I of our Agreement with the Sinohydro Corporation Limited Comprising Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Contracts for 442 km of roads and two interchanges have made significant progress.

Others are Tamale Interchange Project completed and commissioned; PTC Roundabout Interchange Project at 35 percent completion and upgrading of selected Feeder Roads in Ashanti and Western Regions completed with a lot more to follow.

He said the Sunyani Inner City Road works were at 63 per cent completion, adding that other key road and bridge projects were also progressing steadily including the La Beach Road Project (Lots 1 & 2), which includes a three-tier interchange at Nungua, was 34 per cent and 50 per cent complete respectively as of June 2022.

He said the Phase II of the Obetsebi Lamptey Circle Interchange and the flyover on the Accra-Tema Motorway from the Flower Pot (Spintex road) are 57 per cent and 30 per cent complete respectively as of June 2022.

Mr Ofori-Atta said the Kumasi-Lake Roads and Drainage Extension project, extension of the existing Aboabo drain, and construction of the Chirapatere Bus Terminal is at 92 per cent as at the end June 2022.

He said the upgrading of Salaga - Ekumdipe - Kpandai Road at 70 per cent completion; while partial Reconstruction of Bawjiase - Adeiso Road - Lot 1 at 98 per cent completion;

The Minister noted that work on the construction of 50 prefabricated bridges to improve connectivity within areas cut off by waterways in all 16 Regions had achieved progress of about 80 per cent.

Touching on Road Financing, the Minister said under the Ministry of Roads and Highways (MoRH) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programme for road infrastructure, the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Maintain (DBFOM) Accra  Tema Motorway and Extension PPP Project (27.7km) is at the procurement stage.

He said site works were expected to commence in September 2022.

"The Government of Ghana has made a strategic decision, in line with the Public Private Partnership Act, 2020 (Act 1039) to procure the Accra-Tema Motorway and Extensions Project through GIIF with a mandate to deliver a GIIF-led PPP financing solution, where maximum funds are raised from the market, but majority ownership of the project remains with GIIF on behalf of the Ghanaian Government," he said.

He noted that the draft Concession Agreement (CA) between GIIF and MoRH was currently under review by GIIF, MoRH, the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Finance.

He said when completed, the CA was expected to be approved by the PPP Committee, Cabinet and Parliament.

Mr Ofori-Atta said the completed road would be tolled to recover the whole life cost of the completed infrastructure as well as pay lenders and provide a return for equity investors.

He said the Government of Ghana shall provide funding through GIIF to take equity in the Special Purpose Vehicle to be created by GIIF for the project.

GNA
25.07.2022 LISTEN

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Minority Caucus, has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to see to it that the bust erected in honour of late President John Evans Atta Mills bears his name.

Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minority Leader, addressing the Parliamentary Press Corps in Accra, said the Minority was disappointed that the bust, which was commissioned the President on Sunday, July 24, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the passing of the late President did not bear his name.

Yesterday marked 10 years of the passing of one of our most respected leaders and third President of the Fourth Republic, Professor JEA Mills. May his soul rest in perfect peace. A number of events took place in his memory, 10 years on, Mr Iddrisu said.

He is gone with his modesty and humility; he is gone with his unparallel integrity and incorruptibility as a dedicated public servant who served this country well and served the country responsibly.

He said whilst the Minority urges Ghanaians, even persons in public life to learn from the Mills' example and even for nothing his punctuality and additionally, his austerity in terms of protecting the public purse, stating that he didn't run a long convoy of 30, 20, 57 wasteful vehicles and wasteful fuel in the name of the Republic.

He appealed to the President and his associate such as Mr Koku Anyidoho to do what was right and appropriate.

He also reminded them that the Office of the late President was institutional, which goes beyond the persona of John Evans Atta Mills.

So, long as our democracy endures, we will produce former Presidents of our Republic. But we want his name to be honoured because he deserves honour, we know that God has honoured him already, Mr Mahama said.

He cited the statue of President Kwame Nkrumah at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum bears his name, years of birth and death (1909-1972), and that the bust of late President Mills should also bear his name.

If you go to that of John Evans Atta Mills, our respected (late) President, beneath the bust is not his name, it is that unveiled by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, that is not Professor Mills' name, and we found that incredibly unaccepted and offensive, Mr Iddrisu said.

And then we see references to the President of the Republic unveiling and assisted by Koku Anyidoho.

He said the bust, which was for the eternal memory of the late President must have his name, so that visitors to the Asomdwe Park would know that it was John Evans Atta Mills, the third President of the fourth republic, who passed on in public service serving Ghana.

Mr Iddrisu said late President Mills was a man of peace, who preached peace and that he (Mr Iddrisu) learnt peace from him.

Persons who visits the Asomdwe Park must know that it is the final resting place of the late John Evans Atta Mills, President of the country who passed on in office and to his eternal memory this bust is put in place, he said.

How then can any of you explain that just beneath the bust you see who unveiled it and who sponsored or who supported it, that is not his name?

He said for the unsuspecting people somebody might go to the Asomdwe Park and then the picture (bust) would be to referred as unveiled by; declaring that in any case, I never even saw Prof Mills in that kind of brown attire

He said late President Mills exemplifies humility and, modesty, for which Ghanaians should do well to honour him in death.

Then, those of you who go to church and sing Methodist hymn, 'rest in peace', is he resting in peace? We want him to rest in peace. He deserves peace.

GNA
Protesters stormed a United Nations base in the eastern Congolese city of Goma on Monday, looting valuables and demanding the departure of peacekeepers from the region.

Hundreds of people blocked roads and chanted anti-UN slogans before breaking into the headquarters of the UN peacekeeping mission in Goma, an important commercial hub of North Kivu province.

The protesters smashed windows and looted computers, furniture and other valuables from the headquarters, an AFP journalist witnessed, while UN police officers fired tear gas in a bid to push them back.

Helicopters airlifted some UN officials from the overrun headquarters.

Protesters also stormed a UN logistical base on the outskirts of the city, where a student was shot in the leg.

The UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, known as MONUSCO, has come under regular local criticism for its perceived inability to stop fighting in the conflict-torn east.

More than 120 armed groups roam the volatile region, where civilian massacres are common and conflict has displaced millions of people.

Ahead of Monday's protest, the Goma youth branch of the ruling UDPS party released a statement demanding MONUSCO "withdraw from Congolese soil without conditions because it has already proved its incapacity to provide us with protection".

Map of DR Congo locating North Kivu province and Goma. By (AFP)

Khassim Diagne, the deputy special representative of the UN secretary general to MONUSCO, stated after the protest that "the incidents in Goma are not only unacceptable but totally counter-productive," adding that the peacekeepers were in the region to protect civilians.

He also told AFP that the people who had entered the base were "looters". "We condemn them in the strongest terms," he said.

'What are they still doing here?'

The protest comes after the president of the Congolese senate, Modeste Bahati, told supporters in Goma on July 15 that MONUSCO should "pack its bags".

On Monday, protesters interviewed by AFP appeared to agree with the sentiment.

"They said they don't have the strength to fight the M23, now what are they still doing here?" said Shadrac Kambale, a motorbike-taxi driver, referring to a recently resurgent militia.

MONUSCO has come under regular local criticism for its perceived inability to stop fighting in the conflict-torn east. By GLODY MURHABAZI (AFP)

After lying mostly dormant for years, the group resumed fighting last November.

The rebels have since made significant advances in eastern Congo, including capturing the North Kivu town of Bunagana on the Ugandan border.

Sankara Bin, another protester, told AFP: "We don't want to see MONUSCO walking in the streets of Goma, we don't even want to see their planes flying over."

The UN first deployed an observer mission to eastern Congo in 1999. It became the peacekeeping mission MONUSCO -- the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo -- in 2010, with a mandate to conduct offensive operations.

It has a current strength of about 16,300 uniformed personnel and there have been 230 fatalities among them, according to the UN.
The UN on Monday accused government forces in the Central African Republic of training militias and working with private military companies behind possible war crimes and crimes against humanity.

A fresh report published by the United Nations human rights office and its so-called Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in CAR (MINUSCA) detailed a massacre in Boyo village in the south of the impoverished and war-torn country late last year.

Machete-wielding militia members killed at least 20 civilians in the week-long attack, while five women and girls were raped and 547 houses were burned and looted.

More than 1,000 villagers were forced to flee, while hundreds of others were held for days in the village mosque as the militia members threatened to kill them, the report said.

The report said most of the attackers were former members of the mainly Christian and animalist militia known as Anti-Balaka, but that dozens of local young recruits, members of private security companies and government forces also took part.

The attack appeared to have been aimed at punishing the Muslim community in the village, which was perceived as supportive of an armed group engaged in fighting the government, it said.

The attack was one of the first instances when the government with private military companies "reportedly trained and armed locally recruited youth and created militias to enter villages under the control of armed groups", the UN rights office said in a statement.

'Horrific acts'

Local recruits, trained and guided by the army and foreign private military contractors, used their knowledge of the area to reach the village and identify their victims, it added.

The attack, it said, confirms documented trends "where foreign private military contractors, operating under the direction or with the consent and acquiescence of the government, use proxies to perpetrate attacks on the civilian population".

The report concluded that the acts perpetrated in Boyo may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.

"I strongly condemn these horrific acts," UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said in a statement.

"The government must put an end to all violations, whether by its forces, affiliated pro-Government militias, or foreign private military contractors, and hold all those directly and indirectly involved to account."

In their official response to the report, CAR authorities insisted the UN allegations were "not corroborated by the evidence".

In a separate report, the UN rights office and MINUSCA also detailed systematic and widespread sexual violence by several armed groups affiliated with the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), which has been seeking to overturn the government by force.

In regions that had come under CPC control, including Mbomou and Haute-Kotto prefectures, 245 women and girls had been victims of sexual violence between December 2020 and last March, the report said.

"Most of the victims, aged between eight and 55, were gang-raped," the rights office said, adding that some were "kept as sexual slaves and repeatedly raped for days on end".

"This unprecedented level of sexual violence in CAR is shocking and heart-breaking," Bachelet said.

"These atrocities are utterly unacceptable and must be brought to an end immediately."
The Akufo-Addo government has conceded that times are really hard in the country.

The government said despite the hardship, which they blame Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war for, it believes it believes in the overcoming spirit of Ghanaians.

We concede that times are hard and things are not what we desired. But we believe in the overcoming spirit of the Ghanaian people, a spirit that does not cower in the face of challenges, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta said in the Mid-Year Budget Review presented before Parliament on Monday, 25 July 2022.

He noted that it is this spirit that inspires us as a Government to provide the leadership that is required.

He stated that the governments decision to go to the IMF again, despite what it had determined earlier, is a short-term measure for balance of payment support.

The Minister suggested that in the longer-term what the nation really need is a major structural shift in the economy.

The structure of the economy is still largely primary despite the numerous attempts to structurally transform it through various industrialisation programmes. We are heavily reliant on primary commodities, extractive industry and are price takers on the market. Our capacity and productivity remains low both in the public and private sectors. There are huge inefficiencies as well as limited skills to foster our developments and improve the standards of living, he pointed out.

In this regard, Mr Ofori-Atta said any adverse global development impacts the nation negatively no matter how efficient government manage the economy.

He explained that, that is why the Presidents vision of a Ghana Beyond Aid is critical as it is to reduce our vulnerability to global shocks.

He expressed that over the last few years the implementation of flagships including the 1D1F, the Planting for Food and Jobs, the Road and Railway development programme and our recovery programme the GhanaCARES Obaatan Pa, will add value to our products.

To increase productivity in both the public and private sector of the economy to drive the countrys transformation agenda, Government, he noted, will implement programmes such as the YouStart as well as the Training and Retraining programme to enhance the skills of Ghanaians especially the youth.

Furthermore, he said the government will:

 Promote a robust digital-technology driven in architecture for unique identification to aid revenue mobilisation, expenditure management and enhance security;

 Improve connective transport and communication infrastructure that promotes national and regional trade; and

 Strengthen the financial ecosystem, reinforced with the Development Bank Ghana, that supports Ghanaian enterprises and enhances inclusive growth.

Source: Classfmonline.com
At least 13 people died and more than 1,000 were left homeless after heavy rainfall triggered floods in the Central African Republic last week, the Red Cross told AFP on Monday.

Local Red Cross chief Antoine Mbao Bogo said he was "surprised" at a toll he described as unprecedented in a country where flooding is frequent.

According to a provisional toll, nine people died in Bouchia in the south, three in the eastern town of Bria and one in the capital Bangui, he said.

People from more than 1,300 households are without shelter, with Bangui particularly affected, humanitarian action minister Virginie Baikoua told AFP.

The government has put in place a taskforce to map out the hardest-hit neighbourhoods with a view to improving infrastructure and preventing further such disasters, she added.

"I lost everything, I don't even know where to go with my children," Bangui resident Safiatou Ngbedi, who escaped from her home moments before it collapsed, told AFP.

Josue Djazoundou, a petrol seller in Bangui, was worried that water from his well had been contaminated by the overflowing toilets nearby.

"I only pray that the children don't fall ill," he said.

The CAR is one of the world's poorest countries and more than half of its population requires humanitarian assistance, according to the World Bank.

In 2019, at least 28,000 people were left homeless by mass flooding after exceptionally heavy and continuous rainfall caused the Ubangi river and its tributaries to burst their banks.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto has expressed concern over the decision by the government to end the National Builders Corps (NaBCo) programme.

Presenting the 2022 Mid-Year Budget Review Statement in Parliament on Monday, July 25, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta said that the programme will come to an end on September 1, 2022.

Mr. Speaker, our iconic National Builders Corps (NaBCo) programme, which was initially to run for three years and extended for an additional year, will be completed by 1st September 2022. The Programme- which engaged a 100,000 young graduates, has prepared thousands of them for the world of work. So far we have invested approximately GH2.2 billion.

As they exit, the current cohort on the programme are encouraged to take advantage of the YouStart initiative and other existing programmes in our drive to Build an Entrepreneurial Nation, Ken Ofori-Atta told Parliament today.

Reacting to the announcement, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says the Finance Minister has been unfair to personnel of the programme who are owed salaries for several months.

According to him, the Minister should have provided a timeline and an assurance on when the salary arrears will be cleared.

Spare a thought for our NaBCo friends. Ken Ofori-Atta says the programme ends by 1st September 2022.

In remembering our friend and his NaBCo colleagues, the Akufo-Addo government must be told in clear language that it is most unfair for Ken Ofori-Atta to simply announce the death of NaBCo without providing any assurance on when the many months of salary arrears would be paid, the North Tongu MP posted on his Facebook page.
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour has appealed to the US Embassy to give the Association a quota of hundred (100) journalists to be trained abroad every year.

He said Journalists professional development is as key as the practice itself hence the need for them to be properly trained.

The GJA President made the appeal when a delegation from the US Embassy led by the Press Attache Mr. Kevin Brosnahan paid a courtesy call on the new leadership of the Association on Monday.

Mr. Dwumfour emphasized that the professional development of Journalists will improve the quality of reportage in the country.

Mr. Kevin Brosnahan with GJA Executives

We requested that they give us 100 quota every year to enable Journalists to go upgrade themselves.

In fact when I made the appeal he laughed and said he believes in quality and not quantity but I told him a hungry man is a hungry man, he does not know whether the food is quality or not," GJA President said.

The GJA President also expressed the Associations commitment to deepening the existing relationship for the benefit of Journalists in the country.

GJA President granting an interview to the media

Mr. Dwumfour later commended the US Embassy for being the first Diplomatic Mission to congratulate the new leadership as well as pay a courtesy call on them stressing that we really appreciate their gesture.

On his part, the Press Attache to the US Embassy Mr. Kevin Brosnahan said the US Embassy is committed to supporting Journalists through professional development to protect them from harm.

Press Attache to US Embassy Mr. Kevin Brosnahan granting an interview to the media

He said this would ensure that Journalists adhere to the code of ethics of the profession  to tell the truth.

Mr. Brosnahan added that GJA is a strong organization and we are ready to work with the new leadership to support Journalism in Ghana.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu Constituency, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin says no amount of propaganda from the Minority will make the National Democratic Congress (NDC) better than the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

Speaking to the media in parliament on Monday, July 25, the Deputy Majority Leader accused the Minority of making a misleading statement in its call for the resignation of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

According to him, although government accepts criticism, it wont allow the Minority to create the impression that the NDC is better than the NPP when it comes to governance.

We are not running [government] at 100% perfection. We cannot. Its not possible. Mistakes will be made, disappointment will come. You expect that within this dispensation there should be critics. It keeps you on your toes as a government so I agree. But then the NDC should not create any misleading impression that they are better than the NPP in terms of governance, Alexander Afenyo-Markin told journalists.

The Effutu MP during his engagement with the media called on Ghanaians to believe in President Akufo-Ado's government to turn things around.

He rubbished calls for the resignation of the Finance Minister, arguing that such calls were not made in the past NDC government even though the level of incompetence was glaring.

I will call on Ghanaians to keep faith, remain focused, have trust in this government. If today they are calling on the Finance Minister to resign, they are personalizing government and calling for the finance minister to resign, we dare ask them, did Seth Terkpeh resign? Did their Ministers resign despite their incompetence? No, because they still believed in the collective.

We as a government walk through the shadow of the valley of death but we shall fear no evil, Alexander Afenyo-Markin stressed.
EML Payments [ASX:EML] sank 20% on Monday after the Central Bank of Ireland found shortcomings with the remediation program of EMLs Irish subsidiary  PFS Card Services (PCSIL).

EMLs tough year continues.

After the recent  and sudden  departure of its CEO, EML has been hit with further regulatory issues surrounding PCSIL.

The steep fall today means the EML stock is now down 75% in the past 12 months, and down 35% in the past month alone.

www.tradingview.com

EMLs Irish subsidiary remediation delay

EMLs Irish subsiary, PCSIL, has been going through a remediation program at the direction of Irelands central bank since July 2021.

But while a year has gone by, EML says there is more work to do.

Irelands central bank has identified shortcomings in components of the remediation programme.

Primarily, the bank singled out PCSILs approach taken to the risk assessment of its distributors, corporates and customers.

EML said that in response, PCSIL will adopt a revised approach to its remediation, which may result in additional controls being embedded into the internal control framework.

EML has expressed that it will revise its approach to the issues identified by adding additional controls to its platform and framework.

EML further elaborated:

EML is wholly committed to full compliance with its regulatory obligations. We are confident that a best-in-class internal control environment provides enhanced customer and stakeholder value and positions EML well for scalable and sustainable growth in Europe and beyond. EML looks forward to further engagement with the investor community on release of our FY22 results on 22 August 2022. Details of EMLs scheduled investor call were announced on the ASX platform on 20 July 2022.EML reiterated its full compliance with the CBIs specified obligations, and highlighted its focus remains on its value and growth in Europe.

Finding opportunities in todays market

It can be a challenge to find opportunities in current market conditions.

But opportunities are out there.

Our small-cap expert Callum Newman has a knack for finding them.

His latest report names three battery stocks that he believes have the potential to be the next chosen ones for leading battery mineral supply chains.

You can find out more by reading Callums report here: Elons Chosen Ones.

Regards,

Kiryll Prakapenka
May 31, 2018 The Purpose Of The Babchenko Hoax The Ukrainian secret service SBU claims it plotted the fake murder of the Russian journalist Arkady Babchenko in Kiev to uncover a real murder plot by the Russian state. That makes no sense at all. The hoax is one of several incidents which dangerously escalate the new cold war. As former British ambassador Craig Murray comments on the SBU's explanation: Craig Murray @CraigMurrayOrg - 19:24 UTC- 30 May 2018 If you believe that particular piece of Ukrainian propaganda you are even more stupid than I had already deduced. I wore a book on my head today to prevent Boris Johnson stealing my fridge. My fridge is so there, which is undoubted proof that my scheme worked and Johnson guilty. Here is how the BBC presents the Ukrainian fairytale: Ukrainian security chief Vasyl Hrytsak said a sting had been set up to catch hitmen paid by Russian forces.

...

Babchenko said he had been informed a month ago about an alleged Russian plot to kill him. He said he had agreed to co-operate with a counter-operation and had been in constant contact with Ukrainian security services over the course of the past month. He added that he thought security services had been planning the operation for up to two months. Mr Hrytsak said the operation had begun after Ukrainian security services were informed about a Russian plot to kill the journalist. He alleged that Russian security forces had recruited a Ukrainian citizen to find hitmen within Ukraine. He said the citizen had approached several acquaintances, including war veterans, offering $30,000 (22,600) for the contract killing, one of whom revealed the plot to the security services. The story as the SBU tells it: the Russian secret service FSB hired a Ukrainian citizen to find someone to kill Babchenko

the Ukrainian citizen hires a killer

the hired killer tells the SBU about it and cooperates

the SBU knew from him who the Ukrainian middleman of the plot was and has now arrested him If that is the story why would the SBU stage the murder hoax? They cooperated with the hired killer and had contact or access to the man who allegedly hired him. What else was there to know to prevent the alleged plot? What is the evidence they gained? The official reason for the murder hoax was: ... to detain those responsible and prove the direct involvement of the Russian special service in the preparation of attempted murder of Mr. Babchenko. That first part was achievable without the hoax. What about the second one? Was that achieved? Mascha Gessen writes in the New Yorker: Ukrainian security services claim to have proof that the middleman was hired by their Russian counterpart, the F.S.B. Babchenko offered one piece of evidence: the ostensible assassin, he said, had been shown a photograph of Babchenko taken twenty-five years ago, when he obtained his first internal passport (at the time, the document, a sort of universal domestic I.D., was issued three times in a Russian citizens life: at sixteen, twenty-five, and forty-five). Babchenko claims that the photo could be obtained only from security-service files. Babchenko is 41 years old. There were plenty of recent Babchenko pictures on Facebook and the Russian social network Vkontakte as well as in the media. Are we to believe that Russian security services would use a picture of the sixteen year Babchenko dug up from an old passport file when a three seconds search would have found them hundreds of more recent pictures? Even this 'Holy Babchenko' fake is more useful to identify him than a 25 year old passport picture. The claimed 'evidence' makes no sense.

bigger - source Babchenko is by no means a holy man. There are reasons why he is despised in Russia: eporabe Russian @TeamTrumpRussia - 6:50 UTC - 31 May 2018 Russian opposition journalist who was "killed by Putin" Arcadiy #Babchenko mourning the death of 71 passengers of a small Russian airline domestic flight crash on February 11, 2018.

bigger While Babchenko was "dead" a staged photo circulated that allegedly showed him killed.

bigger Where did it come from? Is it another "White Helmets" production? The U.S. propaganda outlet RFL/RE, seemingly miffed about the Babchenko fake, points to a U.S. connection: The photo was first published on the Facebook page of a former Ukrainian reporter who says he now works for a shadowy consultancy organization based in the Washington, D.C., area.

...

Yevhen Lauer, the reporter who published the photo along with a caption reading Damn It, Bitches, told RFE/RL late on May 29 that he received it from a law enforcement source, whom he declined to identify. Lauer, who has worked for various Ukrainian media outlets in the past, has more recently been affiliated with Trident Group LLC. Based in the Washington suburb of Arlington, the company says it specializes in law enforcement, investigations, intelligence gathering and analysis, conflict prevention and conflict resolution, international risk control, executive protection and special operations. The companys president, Yuri Koshkin, confirmed to RFE/RL that Lauer had done work for Trident but said he knew nothing of Lauers involvement with the SBU sting operation to nab Babchenkos would-be killers. Trident Group is a small company of Washington 'beltway bandits' which consults U.S. companies who want to operate in the former USSR. It is run by two former Russian military officers. Does that make it "shadowy"? It says it has offices in Arlington, Moscow and Kiev. Is it involved in the hoax or does it get framed? The story of the fake murder of Babchenko made a big wave in "western" media. In 2016 alone 14 journalists were killed in the Ukraine after their names were put on a public hit list maintained by some Ukrainian Nazi outlet. The series of murder received less attention than the recent hoax. What drives the extraordinary sensation? On the John Batchelor Show Professor Stephen F. Cohen points (@8:00+ min) to the accumulation of defaming anti-Russian stories just before the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. He sees a parallel to the recent stories and the upcoming soccer Worldcup in Russia. Russiagate, the deadly Skripal poisoning and their resurrection, the new sanctions against Russian oligarchs and functionaries, the reissuing of the old report accusing Russia for the downing of the MH17 flight over the Ukraine, the same false allegations of Russian hostility towards gays and now the Babchenko hoax all serve the same purpose. To "isolate" Russia in the global public opinion. This is all part of the new cold war launched in 2014 by then President Obama after his failed attempt to nab the whole Ukraine out of Russia's sphere. Another aspect of this cold war are the upcoming large NATO maneuvers near the Russian border just in time for the Worldcup start. I plan to detail those in a future post. Russia is, as Prof. Cohen argues, far from being isolated. Since the launch of the U.S. campaign against it Russia gained more international standing. Despite U.S. sanctions the recent St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) was attended by some 15,000 business people and politicians from over 120 countries. Japan's Prime Minister Abe, France's President Macron and many other high ranking personalities took part. A week before the Indian Prime Minister Modi and the German Chancellor Merkel visited Putin in Sochi. It is the Ukraine and the U.S. who are losing international support. Even the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Reporters Without Borders condemned the Babchenko hoax. The new steel and aluminum tariffs against Europe will further split the U.S. from its core allies. The new cold war propaganda and its various hoaxes have a dangerous aspect. They make it more difficult for the parties to talk. President Trump would be harshly condemned in the cold-war media if he would hold a summit with President Putin. Small incidents, which under normal circumstances would be solved by a phone call and in a peaceful manner, can escalate when the parties don't know and trust each other and no longer talk. It is in everyone's interest to avoid that. Posted by b on May 31, 2018 at 9:20 UTC | Permalink Comments next page  next page 
September 21, 2020 A Ukrainian/CIA Plot To Incite Belarus Against Russia Unraveled - The NYT Story Thereof Is Hiding The Failure Just yesterday we flogged the false and misleading reports in the New York Times about Russia's Covid-19 vaccine. Today a different New York Times report by Ivan Nechepurenko, who is also with its bureau in Moscow, proves to be of similar shoddy quality: In Belarus, Russian Mercenaries Turned From Saboteurs to Friends

President Aleksandr G. Lukashenko accused Russia of sending a group of mercenaries to disrupt his re-election. With mass protests consuming the country after the vote, he briskly changed his tune. Diligent readers of Moon of Alabama will remember what the story is about. On August 7 we reported how the Ukrainian intelligence service SBU, in the guise of a private military company, hired former Russian and Ukrainian soldiers allegedly for jobs in Venezuela. All the hired men had previously fought on the 'Russian side' of Ukrainian civil war in the Donbas region. The men were told to go to the Belorussian capital Minsk from where they were supposed to be later flown to Venezuela to guard oil installations. The Ukrainian SBU then told the Belorussian security service KGB that the Russian mercenaries, who were then waiting in a resort near Minsk, were in Belarus to overthrow its president Lukashenko. The men were arrested and Lukashenko made a public fuss about the alleged Russian coup against him. Ukraine then asked for the extradition of the men. It had plans to indict them for their involvement in the Donbas war. But just a few days after the men were arrested the whole plan unraveled. Russian media proved without doubt that the men had been tricked to go to Belarus and that they had no plans to overthrow Lukashenko. The Belorussian president apologized and the men were returned to Russia. As the Russian broadsheet kp.ru summarized (machine translation): [I]t can be stated that the Ukrainian special services managed to create a fake project, in which they involved 180 Russian citizens, while including in the first group of war veterans in the Donbas. At the same time, it is quite possible to admit that the entire fascinating and instructive story was brought to the Belorussian side in a very truncated form - without details about air tickets. Through this entire operation, the SBU seems to have intended to kill several birds with one stone - the ubiquitous, nightmarish and terrible PMC Wagner was supposed to ricochet on Rosneft - as one of the largest Russian companies, but the main blow, undoubtedly, on the Russian-Belorussian relationships. Not to mention the possible extradition of Russian citizens to Ukraine, which Kiev would be incredibly happy about - such an opportunity to avenge its sailors, whom Poroshenko sent "to slaughter" in the Kerch Strait. That version story has since been confirmed by the Ukrainian side (see below). But today's New York Times report does not tell that story at all. It makes it seem as if Lukashenko changed his mind about the 'Russian coup' not because he gained knowledge of the real plot, but because he was under pressure from election protests: President Aleksandr G. Lukashenko of Belarus, who was facing a presidential election in less than two weeks, convened an emergency meeting of his top security officials, saying that the Russians were mercenaries with dirty aims. Speaking at the meeting, Valery Vakulchik, at the time the head of the K.G.B., confirmed that the Russians belonged to the Wagner Group.

...

Then, just 10 days before the Aug. 9 vote, Belarusian investigators accused the Russians of plotting to disrupt the election. Russia is afraid of losing us, said Mr. Lukashenko, accusing the Kremlin of trying to suffocate Belarus. Up to that point the NYT got the story right. But it fails when it covers the unraveling of the plot: According to this new version of what happened, the men had been lured to Belarus by Ukrainian spies, who planned to seize their plane as it flew over Ukraine and have the men arrested over their role fighting in eastern Ukraine. That Belarus has changed its story so dramatically is a measure of how swiftly the countrys strongman leader, Mr. Lukashenko, has reassessed his political interests.

...

On Aug. 14, after failing to curb an initial round of street protests with a frenzy of police violence, he ordered the Wagner mercenaries released and allowed them to return to Russia. All charges against them were dropped.

...

Upon the mercenaries return to Russia, several of them appeared on Russian television, claiming that they had no connection to the Wagner Group and had simply stopped off in Belarus en route to Venezuela, where they had a job lined up guarding an undisclosed Russian facility. The NYT makes it look as if the Ukrainian intelligence service and the CIA were not involved at all and as if the revealed Ukrainian plot has not been real. The change in the 'Russian coup' story is attributed solely to the changing needs of Lukashenko. That is of course bollocks. The Ukrainian plot was real. We know that because officials from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, which is supported by the U.S. State Department, have officially admitted it and because the Ukrainian media have been all over the story. As the Canadian political scientist Ivan Katchanovski relayed it: Ivan Katchanovski @I_Katchanovski - 0:35 UTC  Aug 18, 2020 National Anti-Corruption Bureau of #Ukraine agent states that #Russian mercenaries, who fought in #Donbas war, were lured to #Belarus by Security Service of Ukraine using fake offers by fake persons of work in Venezuela & tickets to fly there via Turkey.

>>>     "    " National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine agent states that SBU planned to seize #Russian mercenaries, who fought in Donbas war, by making their passenger plane on route from #Belarus to Turkey land in #Ukraine His statements are generally consistent with previous statements by #Russian representatives & media, release & return of arrested Russian mercenaries by #Belarus to #Russia & with statements of released mercenaries in the Russian media that they were lured with such work offers.

...

#Ukrainian media reports that US intelligence agents were also involved in this #FalseFlag operation & that video & audio recordings of #Russian mercenaries lured to #Belarus concerning their involvement in Donbas war would soon be published in #Ukraine

>>> ,     Security Service of #Ukraine sources confirm to Ukrainian media #FalseFlag operation concerning luring of #Russian mercenaries from #Russia to #Belarus. Most of mercenaries were also Ukrainian citizens & fought for separatists in civil war in #Donbas

>>>  ""    ,       There is zero doubt that the Ukrainian plot, which was planned and executed together with the CIA, was real. There were no Wagner mercenaries at all, just former Russian and Ukrainian soldiers who were lured into a trap. The plot went bust because the Ukrainians had made some mistakes with the flight tickets which made it easy for the Russians to uncover the whole thing. It was the discovery of the Ukrainian plot which made Lukashenko change his mind, not pressure from the already dead NED financed color revolution. The NYT report, which comes nearly six weeks after Moon of Alabama published the real story, is hiding the failed CIA/SBU plot. It is attributing the whole unraveling of the plot's cover story from late July to mid August, and Lukashenko's change of tone as a consequence thereof, to the election protest against him. It is not that there was too little room in the NYT to report the full story. Of the 26 paragraphs of the report a full 11 are about the Soviet-era like resort the Russian mercenaries had rested in. Those 11 paragraphs may help to justify the travel cost of the NYT's reporter and photographer but they are otherwise of zero value to the reader. The real story is the failed CIA/SBU operation. The NYT editors and its Moscow bureau seem to believe that the CIA's failure is not part of "all the news thats fit to print". Instead of reporting what really happened, like the Ukrainian media did, they cover it up by claiming that it is somehow Lukashenko's fantasy. Posted by b on September 21, 2020 at 16:50 UTC | Permalink Comments
Texas often seems too hot to let people flourish, let alone grapes. But its the fifth most prolific wine-producing state in the U.S., with many of those bottles coming from the Texas Hill Country. This massive territory, the countrys southernmost wine region, comprises more than nine million acres, making it the second largest AVA (American Viticultural Area) in the nation.

The Hill Country is dotted with dozens of gorgeous estates, tiny tasting rooms and operations that fall somewhere in the middle. And while the area was originally settled by German immigrants who planted its first vines, most of the regions grape varietals today hail from France, Italy and Spain, with popular wines including Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre and Viognier.

The abundance of wines and places to drink them means you have plenty to do when making a trip to the Texas Hill Country. To give your ship a rudder, here are four newly opened wineries and tasting rooms worth checking out.

Fredericksburg

Slate Theory is not like most wineries youll find in the state. They use 100% Texas-grown fruit that comes either from their estate or local growers, and they experiment in small batches to produce unique wines embracing themes of art and psychology. The 2018 Insomniac is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Malbec and Souzao, while the 2017 Manic combines Cab Sav and Sangiovese. Both bottles feature skulls on the label, while others showcase Rorschach patterns, and the winerys name refers to English philosopher John Lockes tabula rasa  or blank slate  theory that everyone is born with an open, receptive mind.

The tasting room is open seven days per week, so you can drop in to sample the goods and buy bottles. If youd like a closer look at the operation, make a reservation, which includes a 45-minute tour of the facility and a visit to the spacious underground wine cellar.

A variety of Summer Revival Flat Brim wines. Summer Revival

Dripping Springs

Husband-and-wife duo Ian and Becky Atkins have bounced between El Paso and Portland, Oregon, over the years, operating restaurants in both cities and starting an urban winery in Portland called Flat Brim Wines. In May, they opened the doors to a Texas Hill Country tasting room in Dripping Springs that serves a rotating menu of wines made with minimal intervention techniques. That includes the local Summer Revival label, which features wines produced in Fredericksburg with 100% Texas grapes, like the Pinot Grigio Ramato, plus a selection of Flat Brim Wines made with 100% Oregon and Washington grapes. Swing by for a visit, and you can taste your way through the lineup, while also snacking on sandwiches, salads, cheese, cured meats and tinned fish. If you like what you taste, go home with a few bottles or sign up for the wine club to get cases shipped to your house.

Fredericksburg

Kalasi Cellars comes from husband-and-wife duo Greg and Nikhila Narra Davis. Every wine is made with 100% estate-grown grapes, either sourced from the owners High Plains-located Narra Vineyards, which covers 160 acres, or Kalasis 16-acre plot of land in Fredericksburg.

The tasting room is open daily, and inside youll find a wraparound bar perfect for enjoying a glass or a flight, plus a vaulted ceiling and windows for days. Wines are grouped into two collections: Heritage and Reincarnation. The former includes Malbec, Merlot and Sangiovese, while the latter is composed of less common varietals and blends, like Sagrantino and Teroldego.

Kalasi has one of the better food menus in town, with a sampling of Indian snacks, tikka masala flatbreads and samosas with mint chutney. If the weathers nice, take a plate and a glass outside to the covered patio, or claim a shaded Adirondack chair situated under an old pecan tree. When youre out there, keep your eyes open for the handful of sheep and the resident llama named Dalai.

Texas AVA winemakers Randy Hester and Rae Wilson. Texas AVA

Austin

We like a good collaboration story, and Texas AVA is the rare tasting room shared by two wineries: C.L. Butaud and Wine For The People. Located on the western edge of Austin, the tasting room is run by Randy Hester of the former winery, who makes small lots of wines designated primarily for members and area restaurants, and Rae Wilson of the latter, who makes two labels: Dandy Rose and La Valentia. The shared space is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and features flights from each producer, as well as mixed flights highlighting pours from both.

This article was featured in the InsideHook Texas newsletter. Sign up now for more from the Lone Star State.

The post Texas Hill Country Is the Second-Largest U.S. Wine Region, So Drink Up appeared first on InsideHook.
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LOS ANGELES (AP) 

A weekly softball game that for years has served to promote peace between Los Angeles-area gangs was marred by gunfire during the weekend that left two people dead and six wounded.

More than 500 people were in Peck Park in the citys San Pedro neighborhood Sunday afternoon to watch the softball teams play, barbecue with family and friends, and to show off and check out low-rider vehicles.

Just before 4 p.m., a dispute between two people escalated into a gunfight that spilled over onto the softball diamond. A barrage of shots was fired as people scrambled for cover.

All of a sudden we heard three shots  pow, pow, pow, witness Dwayne Ellis told KABC. Then we heard about 50 or 100 more  pow, pow, boom, boom. All kinds of shots. People were running.

Two men who were shot died at a hospital, while four women and two other men were in stable condition. No names have been released and no arrests made.

A local nonprofit organized the softball league about five years ago to safely bring together members of different Crips sets, according to gang interventionist Skipp Townsend. Sundays game  just weeks after the death of the leagues founder in a car wreck  was between teams from Compton.

It broke my heart, Townsend, who often attends the games, told The Associated Press on Monday. We have these type of events so we dont have shootings.

On Sunday afternoon, Townsend and other community leaders were a few miles away from the park, participating in the monthly Peace Ride to promote solidarity in high-crime areas. A day later, Townsend was left to wonder if the violence might have been prevented had he and the others been at the park.

He said he would have told the combatants: Youre not going to do it here. Youre not going to ruin what we have.

Police have offered few details about the shooting, only saying it was gang-related and occurred at a permitted softball game after some kind of dispute. Investigators have not yet determined how many people opened fire.

Multiple guns were discovered at the location and recovered as evidence, authorities said.

Its Sunday afternoon, you should be able to go and enjoy the park, said LAPD Capt. Kelly Muniz, a police spokesperson.

Officials initially said there were five people wounded and taken by paramedics to the hospital, but authorities found out later that a sixth victim went to a hospital in a private vehicle.

Peck Park is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of downtown Los Angeles. Councilman Joe Buscaino represents the area and since 2020 has pushed for a measure to allow Los Angeles park rangers to carry firearms.

Recreation staff on scene can identify potential issues and coordinate with park rangers, Buscaino said.

Townsend said the softball games are typically positive events, adding that before Sunday there had only been one homicide linked to the league in its five years.

Its not indicative of what happens every Sunday at the park, he said.
The summer of 2012 saw my first year as an Extension horticulture educator. It also was one of the driest years on record.

Illinois saw massive shortages of rainfall that year  complete with water restrictions, loss of crops and the demise of many ornamental landscapes. It was a summer that will be remembered.

So, what are the best practices for getting your landscape plants through a drought?

Due to its slow progression, drought is one of the few weather-related disasters that we can actively work to remediate during the actual weather event. However, droughts nearly benign presence has a nasty habit of sneaking up on homeowners, especially when it comes to our trees.

Indications of drought are fairly easy to distinguish in our herbaceous perennials, annuals and many woody shrubs, as these plants tend to wilt during times of water stress. Be mindful of landscape shrubs and small trees like holly that have waxy leaves. These tend not to wilt but simply dry, turn brown, and drop. The same goes for our needled evergreens.

Cool-season lawns have a survival mechanism that allows them to go dormant during hot, dry weather. Dormant lawn grass is straw-colored in appearance and is a slight deterrence to those who enjoy walking barefoot on the lawn. And what a good deterrent it is, because walking on dormant grass risks damaging the growing point at the soil line (aka the crown) that sends up new leaf blades during active growth.

While dormant, your lawn will only need to be watered in the most extreme of droughts. After a month of no rainfall, a dormant lawn begins to run the risk of suffering irreversible death of the crowns. To keep the crown alive during extreme drought Illinois Extension recommends watering - or -inch of water every two to four weeks, respectively. That amount of water is enough to keep the crowns alive, but not enough to knock the grass out of dormancy.

During extreme drought communities might face water restrictions; therefore, you must prioritize your watering regimen. Lawns can be seeded and regrown within a year. Perennials and shrubs can be replaced next season. The big-ticket items in our landscapes are our large shade trees. You cannot replace a 50-year-old tree without investing another 50 years. Unfortunately, many homeowners dont think to water their mature trees, believing an extensive taproot has made it to some reservoir deep underground. When in fact most trees do not have taproots. Typically, tree roots are found in the top 18 inches of the soil.

When strategizing your watering make sure to give the following plants priority:

Recent transplants

Specimens that have suffered stress or damage in recent years

Trees or shrubs whose planting location restricts root expansion

Plantings grown near heat-reflective surfaces

Plants that are already indicating stress (yellowing foliage, wilting, scorch, leaf drop, dieback)

During a drought, when do we need to start watering our trees? A good visual rule-of-thumb is when the soil begins to separate from paved areas and around foundations due to a lack of soil moisture. Timing your irrigation depends somewhat on species, season, and soil type but a general rule is to water slowly, and deeply allowing the soil to dry out between watering.

Do not fertilize during drought conditions. Fertilizers promote growth in plants, which is the opposite of what the plants are trying to accomplish as they slow down their processes in response to the drought event. Most mature and naturally established woody plants rarely require fertilizer as they would not have grown in a spot lacking their nutrient needs.

Dont have a drip irrigation system? A dripping hose placed within the canopy line of a tree does the trick.

And for those spots where the hose cant reach, a five-gallon bucket with holes drilled in the bottom works just as well.
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BEIJING (AP)  Indonesian President Joko Widodo was heading to Beijing on Monday for a rare visit by a foreign leader under China's strict COVID-19 protocols and ahead of what could be the first overseas trip by Chinese President Xi Jinping since the start of the pandemic more than two years ago.

Xi, who has participated in international meetings only by video link during the pandemic, may end his COVID-19 isolation and attend a Group of 20 summit in Indonesia in mid-November, analysts both inside and outside China said.

The restrictions during the pandemic years have shrunk Chinas diplomatic activities, said Zhu Feng, dean of the School of International Studies of Nanjing University. China must face reality. Although the pandemic is still not over, it is a must for China to walk out and invite in.

Widodo, the host of this year's G-20, will meet Xi and Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry said. He will then hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on Wednesday and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul on Thursday,

Japan, South Korea, China and Indonesia are all members of the G-20, a group of 19 major nations and the European Union.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, who is traveling with Widodo, said the trip would focus on trade, investment, health, infrastructure and fisheries. She called China, Japan and South Korea partners in economic and regional issues.

But Veronika Saraswati, an international politics researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, an Indonesian think tank, said she believes Widodo's trip is also to personally invite Xi to the G-20.

Xis presence is certainly highly anticipated and will give significance to the success of the meeting, she said, noting the deterioration of the global economy because of the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as tensions with China across the Indo-Pacific region.

His attendance is far from guaranteed. Yu Jie, a China expert at Chatham House in London, said it would depend on the successful completion of a major meeting of China's ruling Communist Party this fall at which Xi is expected to get a third five-year term as party leader.

Separately, China has told Thailand that Xi would attend a meeting in Bangkok of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum shortly after the G-20, if he is not preoccupied with other responsibilities, said Tanee Sangrat, a spokesperson for the Thai Foreign Ministry. Many leaders combine a trip to APEC and the G-20.

China has not confirmed Xi's trip to APEC.

I think Xi will go to G-20 having secured his third term in office and in a strong political position, said Bonnie Glaser, the director of the Asia program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

Widodo is one of the few foreign leaders to visit China during the pandemic and the first since several attended the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia is a member of the G-20, and its invasion of Ukraine complicates the annual meeting, potentially putting Putin in the same room with U.S. President Joe Biden and European leaders who have condemned the war.

Xi, who traveled widely before the pandemic, has not left China since returning from a visit to Myanmar on Jan. 18, 2020. Five days later, the city of Wuhan was locked down as China took on the virus that caused the disease later named COVID-19.

Xi made his first trip outside mainland China about three weeks ago, visiting the semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong to mark the 25th anniversary of the return of the former British colony to China.

World leaders also hold one-on-one meetings during the G-20, so it could provide an opportunity for Xi's first in-person meeting with Biden since he took office in January 2021.

It is a rare opportunity to conduct face-to-face exchanges on a multilateral stage, which China needs very much, said Su Hao, an international relations professor at China Foreign Affairs University.

He added that the G-20 would be an opportunity for Xi to advance proposals he has made on global development and security.

Widodo will be the second foreign leader after Biden to visit South Korea since Yoon's inauguration in May. They are expected to discuss boosting economic, security, infrastructure and defense industry cooperation.

___

Associated Press researcher Yu Bing in Beijing and writers Niniek Karmini and Edna Tarigan in Jakarta, Indonesia, Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul in Bangkok and Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.
Jacksonville police will host a blood drive in August to benefit ImpactLife.

A bus will be in the parking lot of the Municipal Building, 200 W. Douglas Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 2. Donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh more than 110 pounds. Photo identification will be required to donate. Masks and appointments also are required.

ImpactLife provides blood to more than 125 hospitals in four states, including Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, which it supplies exclusively.

Blood donation takes about 45 minutes to an hour. To donate, contact Courtney Glass at 217-479-4630 or go to bloodcenter.org and use code 60161 to locate the drive.
Jacksonville Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Devin R.L. Miller, 22, of 1205 W. Lincoln Ave. was arrested on two aggravated battery charges after being accused of spraying a man and a pregnant woman in the face with Mace about 11:47 a.m. Saturday at JB Hawks, 205 E. Morton Ave.

 Tarus J. Johnson, 47, of 1621 Lakeview Terrace was arrested at 2:07 a.m. Sunday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of adult-use cannabis after the car in which he was a passenger was stopped in the 300 block of South Main Street. The driver, Samantha S. Sampson, 53, of Jacksonville, was cited on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

 Jordan C. Branch, 30, of 1065 S. Clay Ave. was arrested at 8:23 p.m. Saturday on a charge of driving while license is revoked after the car he was driving was stopped in the 1200 block of West Morton Avenue.

 Deadia Q. Burton, 22, of Jacksonville and a 16-year-old girl were cited on charges of disorderly conduct after police said they were fighting in the 200 block of West Morgan Street about 1:30 a.m. Saturday. The teen was also cited on a charge of violating curfew.

ACCIDENTS

 Anthony G. Talley, 33, of Alsey was cited on charges of following too closely and operating an uninsured motor vehicle after his vehicle and one being driven by Delayne J. Swartz, 21, of Beardstown collided at 11:03 a.m. Saturday at West Morton Avenue and Libby Lane.

VANDALISM

 A vehicle was damaged with paint between 3 and 5:27 p.m. Saturday while it was parked in the 400 block of East Independence Avenue.

 A tire was damaged on a vehicle in the 300 block of West Beecher Avenue, and the brakes on a bicycle owned by the same person were damaged, according to a report filed at 8:11 p.m. Friday.

OTHER REPORTS

 Police are investigating a report that a woman scratched and spit on someone in the 400 block of West Douglas Avenue about 6:20 p.m. Friday and then drove away.
Myanmar court rules Suu Kyi bribery trial can continue View Photo

BANGKOK (AP)  A court in military-ruled Myanmar ruled Monday that there is sufficient evidence for the bribery trial of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi to continue, a legal official said.

Suu Kyi, who was deposed last year by the military, has been charged with 11 counts of corruption, each punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The cases are one of many pursued by the military against her. If found guilty of all the charges, she could be sentenced to more than 100 years in prison.

Her supporters and human rights groups say its meant to discredit her and keep her from running in an election that the military has promised in 2023.

A legal official who is familiar with Suu Kyis cases said she was formally indicted Monday on two corruption counts on charges of allegedly receiving $550,000 in bribes in 2019 and 2020 from Maung Weik, a tycoon who previously was convicted of drug trafficking.

State television last year showed a video in which Maung Weik claimed to have given payoffs to government ministers to help his businesses.

Suu Kyis trials are closed to the media and her lawyers were served with gag orders last year, restricting them from releasing information.

The legal official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release information, said Suu Kyi pleaded not guilty after the court approved the indictments against her and allowed the trial to continue.

Suu Kyi has already been sentenced to 11 years imprisonment on charges of illegally importing and possessing walkie-talkies, violating coronavirus restrictions, sedition and another corruption charge.

She is also being tried on a charge of violating the Official Secrets Act, which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, and an election fraud charge, which carries a maximum sentence of three years.

The legal official said Suu Kyi appeared Monday to be in good health although she seemed sad when she was informed by her lawyers about the executions of four political prisoners before the trial began.

Myanmars military government announced earlier that it had carried out the executions of a former lawmaker from her party, a democracy activist and two men accused of a targeted killing. Suu Kyi did not issue any comments.
David Trimble, architect of N Ireland peace deal, dies at 77 View Photo

LONDON (AP)  David Trimble, a former Northern Ireland first minister who won the Nobel Peace Prize for playing a key role in helping end Northern Irelands decades of violence, has died, the Ulster Unionist Party said Monday. He was 77.

The party said in a statement on behalf of the Trimble family that the unionist politician died earlier Monday following a short illness.

Trimble, who led the UUP from 1995 to 2005, was a key architect of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that ended three decades of violent conflict in Northern Ireland known as The Troubles.

Keir Starmer, leader of Britains opposition Labour Party, called Trimble a towering figure of Northern Ireland and British politics in a tweet Monday. Current UUP leader Doug Beattie praised Trimble as man of courage and vision, a tribute echoed by leaders from across the political divide.

The UUP was Northern Irelands largest Protestant unionist party when, led by Trimble, it agreed to the Good Friday peace accord.

Although a hardliner unionist when he was younger, Trimble became a politician whose efforts in compromise became pivotal in bringing together unionists and nationalists in Northern Irelands new power-sharing government.

Like most Protestant politicians at the time, Trimble initially opposed efforts to share power with Catholics as something that would jeopardize Northern Irelands union with Britain. He at first refused to speak directly with Gerry Adams, leader of Sinn Fein, the political wing of the Irish Republican Army.

He ultimately relented and in 1997 became the first unionist leader to negotiate with Sinn Fein.

Former British Prime Minister John Major said Trimbles brave and principled change of policy was critical to peace in Northern Ireland.

He thoroughly merits an honorable place amongst peacemakers, Major said.

The peace talks began formally in 1998 and was overseen by neutral figures like former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell. The outcomes were overwhelmingly ratified by public referendums in both parts of Ireland.

Trimble shared the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize with Catholic moderate leader John Hume, head of the Social Democratic and Labour Party, for their work.

Trimble was elected first minister in Northern Irelands first power-sharing government the same year, with the SDLPs Seamus Mallon as deputy first minister.

But both the UUP and the SDLP soon saw themselves eclipsed by more hardline parties  the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Fein. Many in Northern Ireland grew tired of Trimble and his colleagues, who appeared to be too moderate and compromising.

Trimble struggled to keep his party together as the power-sharing government was rocked by disagreements over disarming the IRA and other paramilitary groups. Senior colleagues defected to the DUP, Trimble lost his seat in Britains Parliament in 2005 and soon after he resigned as party leader. The following year he was appointed to the upper chamber of Parliament, the House of Lords.

Northern Ireland power-sharing has gone through many crises since then  but the peace settlement has largely endured.

The Good Friday Agreement is something which everybody in Northern Ireland has been able to agree with, Trimble said earlier this year. It doesnt mean they agree with everything. There are aspects which some people thought were a mistake, but the basic thing is that this was agreed.

William David Trimble was born in Belfast on Oct. 15, 1944, and was educated at Queens University, Belfast.

He had an academic career in law before entering politics in the early 1970s, when he became involved in the hardline Vanguard Party. He surprised many when he won the leadership of the UUP in 1995.

Trimble was not always a popular leader, and his negotiations toward the peace accord attracted criticism from elements of his party.

David faced huge challenges when he led the Ulster Unionist Party in the Good Friday Agreement negotiations and persuaded his party to sign on for it, Adams said Monday in a statement. It is to his credit that he supported that Agreement. I thank him for that.

While we held fundamentally different political opinions on the way forward nonetheless I believe he was committed to making the peace process work, Adams continued. Davids contribution to the Good Friday Agreement and to the quarter century of relative peace that followed cannot be underestimated.

Trimble is survived by his wife Daphne and children Richard, Victoria, Nicholas and Sarah.

By SYLVIA HUI and JILL LAWLESS

Associated Press
DETROIT (AP)  Lawyers for Michigans former health director asked a judge Monday to sanction prosecutors who are trying to instantly turn invalid indictments into a fresh round of charges in the Flint water scandal.

Its the latest salvo since the Michigan Supreme Court in June said a one-person grand jury had no authority under state law to return indictments against Nick Lyon, former Gov. Rick Snyder and seven other people.

The attorney generals office insists that the indictments can simply be reinstated as common criminal complaints in Genesee County. That request by prosecutors is pending.

The solicitor general urges this court to wave a magic wand.  This is a court, not the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, and this court should not engage in the practice of wizardry, attorneys Chip Chamberlain and Britt Cobb wrote in a filing, referring to the Harry Potter books.

A judge has set a Sept. 13 hearing for Lyon and others. Snyder faces a different judge on Aug. 23.

They will be the first hearings since the state Supreme Court unanimously said the indictments were invalid.

Lyons legal team said state prosecutors should be sanctioned for a frivolous attempt to save the cases. He and former chief medical executive Eden Wells were charged with involuntary manslaughter for Flint-area deaths related to Legionnaires disease when the city was using the Flint River.

Some experts believe bacteria in the water contributed to an outbreak. Lyon and Wells were accused of not doing enough to timely warn the public.

Snyder was charged with misdemeanors.

Managers appointed by Snyder stopped using water from a Detroit supplier in 2014 and tapped the Flint River. But the corrosive water wasnt properly treated, and lead from old pipes contaminated the system.

___

Follow Ed White at https://twitter.com/edwritez

By ED WHITE

Associated Press
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP)  A gunman who roamed for hours through a sleeping Vancouver suburb shot four people early Monday, two of them fatally, as he opened fire at a casino, a center for the homeless and other locations before being killed by police, authorities said.

The attacks began in the wee hours in the bedroom community of Langley and continued until dawn, according to authorities, who initially suggested the shootings had targeted homeless people.

The first shooting occurred at midnight at the casino, with more shootings at 3 a.m., 5 a.m. and 5:45 a.m.  including at a residential complex that provides support for people who are transitioning out of homelessness. The other shooting scenes were a bus stop and a highway, police said.

Evidence of the all-night rampage was scattered around Langley, including an overturned bicycle spilling personal possessions onto a street and a shopping cart with someones belongings.

Police sent a cellphone alert to residents at 6:20 a.m., saying they were at the scene of several shootings involving transient victims," describing the gunman and asking people to please remain alert and out of the area.

But by then, the gunman was already dead. Sgt. David Lee, a spokesman for homicide investigators, later told reporters that it was not yet clear if the victims were homeless.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said an emergency response team confronted the suspect not far from a highway bypass where a man was found with a gunshot to his leg.

That's when officers fatally shot the gunman, said Ghalib Bhayani, superintendent of the mounted police.

Police later identified the shooter as Jordan Daniel Goggin, 28, of Surrey, British Columbia. They are investigating the motive.

Authorities did not know if the shooter and his victims were acquainted, Bhayani said.

He told reporters that the suspect's death is subject to an investigation by the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia, a civilian-led police oversight agency.

Besides the man with the leg wound, a woman was also wounded and was hospitalized in critical condition, police said.

The shootings roiled Langley, a town of 29,000 about 30 miles (48 kilometers) southeast of Vancouver. The town features a variety of shops and restaurants and boasts almost 350 acres (142 hectares) of parks. Many residents moved to Langley for its less expensive housing and commute to Vancouver, the largest city in the province of British Columbia.

Most of the shootings were in downtown Langley. One reported shooting was in neighboring Langley Township.

After the shooting began, ambulances and police vehicles converged at a mall. The area was cordoned off with yellow police tape and a major intersection was closed. A black tent was set up over one of the crime scenes. A homicide team confirmed on social media that its investigators deployed to Langley to help.

An unmarked police SUV at one of the shooting scenes, near a bus depot, had at least seven bullet holes in the windshield and one through the drivers window.

Mass shootings are less common in Canada than in the United States. The deadliest gun rampage in Canadian history happened in 2020 when a man disguised as a police officer shot people in their homes and set fires across the province of Nova Scotia, killing 22 people.

The country overhauled its gun-control laws after an attacker killed 14 women and himself in 1989 at Montreals Ecole Polytechnique college.

It is now illegal to possess an unregistered handgun or any kind of rapid-fire weapon in Canada. To purchase a weapon, the country also requires training, a personal risk assessment, two references, spousal notification and criminal record checks.
A citizen walks by a fountain amid high temperature in Minhang District of east China's Shanghai, July 10, 2022. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- China's national observatory on Sunday continued to issue an orange alert for high temperatures as intense heat waves linger in many regions of the country.

During daylight hours on Monday, parts of Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei, Jiangsu, Anhui, Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang are expected to experience temperatures of over 35 degrees Celsius, the National Meteorological Center said.

Temperatures in parts of Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi and Xinjiang may surpass 40 degrees Celsius, the center said.

The center advised the public to avoid outdoor activities during high-temperature periods and suggested that workers exposed to high temperatures shorten continuous working hours.

China has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.
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Aaron Latham, a screenwriter, journalist and author whose story in Texas Monthly inspired the 1980 smash Urban Cowboy, died July 23 in Pennsylvania of complications from Parkinsons disease. He was 78.

Latham was married to 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl. He died at Bryn Mawr Hospital in Bryn Mawr, Pa. Stahl and the couples daughter, Taylor Stahl Latham, a producer on the Apple TV+ drama Servant, were with him as he died.

He loved being two things: He loved being a writer and he loved being a father, Stahl told Variety, noting that he got a good start as a writer at The Washington Post and moved on from there to even bigger accomplishments.

A native of Texas, Latham was known for writing about novels set in the Old West. His magazine journalism also inspired the 1985 movie Perfect about the aerobics exercise craze of that moment. The film reunited Latham with the Urban Cowboy team of screenwriter-director James Bridges and star John Travolta. He was also involved with the 1993 film The Program, which starred James Caan, Halle Berry and Omar Epps and focused on a season of a fictional college football team.

Lathams novels include 2001s Code of the West, which transports the mythology of King Arthur to hardscrabble Texas, and 2004s The Cowboy With the Tiffany Gun.

Stahl says Latham at first was an intellectual, getting his PhD at Princeton with a dissertation he wrote about F. Scott Fitzgerald in Hollywood. Hollywood was in his head, even way back, Stahl said, even if he took a circuitous path to making his mark on the screen. I think he had a very rich life as a journalist, as a playwright, as a screenwriter.

Latham grew up in West Texas, where his interest in writing started at a young age. He remarked in a Texas Monthly article that as a child he would create stories in the form of cartoons. Then, as for his decision to pursue writing as a career, he stated that he was raised with the idea that writers were the great heroes of the world, and I wanted to be my mothers hero.

Latham was buried in Spur, Texas, a small town about 75 minutes outside of Lubbock, which is where the character played by Travolta in Urban Cowboy hails from.

Stahl told Variety that Latham considered Urban Cowboy his favorite achievement  having identified the cultural moment unfolding at the famed Gilleys nightclub outside Houston. Stahl and Stahl Latham played the movies soundtrack for him in his final hours.

Im addition to authoring books, Latham also contributed to such publications as The New York Times, Rolling Stone and Esquire.

(Sofia Behzadi contributed to this report.)

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The popular Central Texas floating and music festival, Float Fest, returned with a bang in Gonzales after a three-year hiatus. Over the weekend from July 23-24, concertgoers (including me) braved the triple-digit temperatures to listen to good music, tube the river, and camp under the stars.

Like most concerts and events, Float Fest was canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. It's unclear why no plans were set for 2021. However, the string of bad luck started in 2019 when organizers canceled the festival a month before the event due to the new grounds in Gonzales not being ready.

For some, it was their first time attending Float Fest, including me. I planned to just attend on that Saturday, July 23, but my co-workers convinced me to camp as well, which we did. The short drive to the 765-acre private property in Gonzales felt like I was leaving the city and a Hill Country ranch with no service.

Abigail Im, Multimedia producer

The long dirt road to our campsite left our truck (and us) filled with sticky dust for the remainder of the weekend. The horrible heat was no joke, but once we set up camp and headed into the festival, we were welcomed with nothing but amazing energy.

It's true what they say about festivals. The atmosphere of music rejuvenates your soul and everyone is extremely friendly. I loved all the energetic people I met. Nicole Waller, 27, said her first time at Float Fest was great. The San Antonio resident said she thought the new grounds were perfect for a festival like Float Fest. However, she said it was too far from any hotels or Airbnbs. Waller said she had to drive from Seguin to attend the festival.

"It was organized beautifully though," Waller said. "Everything was pretty seamless. We all love how open it was, and how many different vendors there were! There was a little something for everyone. The only drawback was this Texas heat. We were so thankful for the water refill stations that were provided. Overall, it was a great weekend."

Artists that dazzled the crowds included popular acts such as Aly and AJ, Chance the Rapper, Cage the Elephant, Marshmello, Tove Lo, Hippie Sabotage, Vampire Weekend, and Deadmaus5. I only saw Aly and AJ, Two Feet, and Chance the Rapper on Saturday before tapping out due to exhaustion around 11 p.m. The campsite was nearby and I slept like a baby.

On Sunday, July 24, we stayed for Hippie Sabotage (one of my favorite performances because they engaged with the crowd) before heading back to San Antonio. The Texas sun was not being nice and we couldn't hack it anymore. Props to all the festivalgoers that did. Even the artists themselves couldn't believe people were outside.

Jeremy Gonzalez, 25, from Houston said he thought the venue was cool. He added that the camping ground was really cool but wished there weren't huge potholes in some spots because it was dark at night. I can agree with that. I did trip more than once heading back and forth from the portable bathrooms, which I hoped would be cleaner. I had to hold my breath every time.

Overall, most concertgoers had a good time. While we didn't tube due to lack of time on our part, it was nice meeting new people and enjoying music. Before Hippe Sabotage, someone next to me told me how it was her third time at the festival. She said she preferred the Gonzales site to the previous San Marcos location as she felt it had more room and space for fun. Her name was Trisha but the music started playing before she told me her last name. At that point, the crowd started jumping and I lost her.

I'd for sure go again. However, I won't be camping again at a festival because I'm still extremely exhausted. My 29-year-old self needs an Airbnb or hotel after a long concert day filled with jumping, dancing, and singing.

Scroll below to see more photos from Float Fest 2022.

Abigail Im, Multimedia producer

Abigail Im, Multimedia producer

Abigail Im, Multimedia producer

Abigail Im, Multimedia producer

Abigail Im, Multimedia producer

Abigail Im, Multimedia producer

Abigail Im, Multimedia producer

Abigail Im, Multimedia producer

Abigail Im, Multimedia producer

Abigail Im, Multimedia producer

Abigail Im, Multimedia producer

Abigail Im, Multimedia producer

Abigail Im, Multimedia producer

Abigail Im, Multimedia producer

Abigail Im, Multimedia producer
Donald Trump took aim at the Jan. 6 committee during a speech in Arizona Friday evening, painting the ongoing investigation into his actions on the day of the Capitol insurrection as a conspiratorial witch hunt designed to permanently blacklist him from politics.

If I announced that I was not going to run any longer for political office, the persecution of Donald Trump would immediately stop, he said. Theyre coming after me because Im standing up for you.

The former presidents appearance at the so-called Save America rally in Prescott Valley was intended to build support for a handful of Trump-endorsed candidates in Arizona  including gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake and senate candidate Blake Masters  but rapidly devolved into the type of meandering, ego-stroking affair emblematic of the Trump presidency.

Taking the stage over an hour late, Trump delivered a rambling speech focused primarily on touting his self-proclaimed achievements while in office and perpetuating the unfounded narrative that he was the rightful winner of the 2020 election. The former president also zeroed in on the Biden administration and Democrats, pushing the popular conservative dog whistles du jour  rising gas prices, border control, critical race theory, LGBT awareness in schools, voter fraud, and (amusingly) the war on Christmas. He also falsely claimed to have completed the border wall, a statement that was met by applause from the crowd.

It wasnt until nearly two hours had elapsed before Trump finally mentioned the Jan. 6 proceedings. Where does it stop? Where does it end? he said of the committees investigation. Never forget: Everything this corrupt establishment is doing to me is all about preserving their power and control over the American people, for whatever reason. They want to damage me in any form so I can no longer represent you.

At one point, Masters joined Trump at the podium, stating the former president literally saved this country  a curious claim considering the committees latest findings showed Trump willingly and deliberately refused to take any action during the siege of the Capitol, despite repeated pleas from White House staff and other officials.

Republican Blake Masters says Trump "literally saved" America  which I guess is Arizona speak for "sat in the White House dining room doing nothing for four hours on Jan. 6" pic.twitter.com/tAR5mq3rTK  kat bee (@katbeee) July 23, 2022

Trump then railed against his former deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews, one of the committees witnesses, accusing her of being an attention-seeking hypocrite. I watched this hoax last night where this young lady said, Oh, Im so heartbroken,' he said, referring to Matthews appearance during the July 22 primetime hearing. But, three weeks after January 6th, she wrote us a letter saying, Oh, I loved working for the President. Hes so great.'

He also attacked the credibility of Cassidy Hutchinson, the aide to former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows whose bombshell testimony before the committee gave damning insight into the inner workings of the Trump administration in the days leading up to Jan. 6. I mean, Im the President of the United States. Can you imagine this made up story? he said while recounting the now-infamous incident where he allegedly lunged at a Secret Service agent. Its total fiction.

Trump appeared most enraged not by the investigation itself, but by the unflattering anecdotes shared during hearings that revealed his penchant for childish temper tantrums. They have me throwing food. I dont throw food in the White House. I dont throw food anywhere. I eat the food, which is a problem, he said, referring to a segment of Hutchinsons testimony during which she revealed Trump staffers witnessed the president throwing a plate of food at the wall in a fit of rage. I have too much respect for the White House.

Trump: I dont throw food in the White House. I dont throw food anywhere. I eat the food pic.twitter.com/uy82wa4Ja3  Acyn (@Acyn) July 23, 2022

The beleaguered ex-president spent the rest of the speech emphasizing his self-imposed martyrdom  I had a very good and luxurious life before entering the wonderful world of politics, he said  peddling sexism and transphobia, and declaring war against the education system. Its time to finally and completely smash the lefts corrupt education cartel, he said. Our children are captives to unhinged, Marxist educators. Where do they come from?

Yet, for all the talk of protecting children from liberal boogeymen, Trump failed to mention the massacre of 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas  let alone any of the recent mass shootings that have taken place across the country this summer. (He did, however, tout the Arizona candidates commitment to protecting the Second Amendment.)

The House committee will resume hearings in September after a brief recess  and, as members of the committee have previously suggested, the investigation is far from over. We are receiving new information every single day, Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Va.) said during a recent appearance on CNN. You will definitely be hearing from the committee again.
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MADISON, Wis. (AP)  A year and a half after Joe Biden's presidential inauguration, Donald Trump is still pushing for decertifying Biden's win, particularly in Wisconsin.

One of the loudest advocates in the battleground state, a Republican state lawmaker who is running for governor, wants the Legislature to rescind Biden's 10 Electoral College votes from Wisconsin. The resolution on decertification that he hopes to submit in August claims, despite the evidence, that there was widespread fraud in the election. He said he is not seeking to undo victories by anyone else in 2020, including his own race.

Legal experts, including Republican attorneys, say there is no legal means to decertify the past election and no evidence to support such action.

Nevertheless, decertification continues to be a rallying cry among many Republicans in Wisconsin and elsewhere. Here's a look at what's happening.

___

IS DECERTIFICATION POSSIBLE?

Trump continues to make baseless claims about widespread fraud in the 2020 election, even though dozens of lawsuits have failed and multiple reviews, recounts and audits have upheld Biden's win.

Trump's latest effort to reverse his loss is focused on Wisconsin, where Biden beat him by about 21,000 votes. The Wisconsin Supreme Court, in a 4-3 ruling this month, said absentee ballot drop boxes are illegal. Those are secure containers that absentee voters can use, usually set up at such locations as government buildings. An Associated Press survey of state election officials nationwide showed that an expanded use of drop boxes due to the coronavirus pandemic did not lead to any widespread problems, including in Wisconsin.

Trump and his supporters argue the recent state Supreme Court ruling means ballots cast in drop boxes in Wisconsin in 2020 were invalid.

When the ballot drop boxes were used illegally, anything and all things that went into them made them null and void the moment they went into the box, said Wisconsin state Rep. Tim Ramthun, a candidate for governor, when arguing for his resolution to decertify the election.

Not true, said law professor Rick Hasen, director of the Safeguarding Democracy Project at the UCLA Law School. The court ruling does not apply retroactively, and even if it somehow did, there is no mechanism in the Constitution for decertifying an election after Electoral College ballots have been certified, he said.

The whole theory is ludicrous," Hasen said. Even accepting the idea that the use of most drop boxes was illegal in 2020, that would do nothing to call into question the validity of the votes that were cast through drop boxes. Theres been no indication whatsoever that drop boxes were used to facilitate any amount of fraud.

Edward B. Foley, a law professor who heads The Ohio State Universitys election law center, said the claims dont seem serious from a legal perspective.

The presidential election is the one where its most clear that decertification is impossible, Foley said. Once a president is inaugurated, impeachment is the only way to remove the incumbent president from office.

___

WHAT DOES TRUMP SAY?

Trump has argued that it would have been impossible for other Republicans to win in 2020 and for him to lose.

People that thought they were going to lose races, they won races  Republicans," Trump told The Associated Press in a telephone interview last December. And they say the only reason they won is because I was at the top of the ticket. I brought people in like theyve never seen before, and they won a race that they didnt think they were going to win.

Earlier this month, he posted on social media and targeted Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, a Republican who is not in favor of decertification. Trump posted that the court's ruling meant it was time to act!

Robin, dont let the voters of Wisconsin down! Trump wrote.

Trump then personally pushed for it in a phone call with Vos.

He would like us to do something different in Wisconsin, Vos told WISN-TV about the conversation. I explained its not allowed under the Constitution. He has a different opinion.

___

WHAT ABOUT ALL THE OTHER RACES?

Trump and his supporters pushing for decertification are not trying to overturn the results of any other races on the 2020 ballot, including scores of them won by Republicans.

Drop boxes also were used in the 2016 election, which Trump won. But no one is calling for those results to be overturned. When asked why, Ramthun, the state lawmaker pushing for decertification, said, That's an interesting question.

He said he wanted to wait and see what happened with his resolution to undo the 2020 election. The two other Republican candidates running for governor are not calling for decertification.

When asked why he is pushing to decertify only the presidential results and not every other race that was on the 2020 ballot, Ramthun said that was the only statewide contest that year and because the Electoral College applies only to the presidential race.

Foley, the Ohio State law professor, said he was reluctant to even discuss Ramthun's argument because it was so ridiculous.

Thats obviously not logical or theoretically consistent, he said. If theres something wrong with a ballot thats put in a drop box, it affects everything on the ballot.

There are strict rules and timelines for how and when to bring challenges, and that time has long passed, Foley said.

An Associated Press review in 2021 of all cases of potential voter fraud in the six battleground states where Trump disputed his loss found just 31 cases in Wisconsin, representing about 0.15% of Bidens margin of victory in the state. To date, 24 people have been charged with election fraud-related crimes stemming from the 2020 election in Wisconsin.

___

WHAT ARE OTHER REPUBLICANS SAYING?

Wisconsin is not the only place where prominent Republicans are calling for decertification.

In Arizona last week, Republican secretary of state candidate and state Rep. Mark Finchem tweeted TRUMP WON. He called for decertifying results in two counties won by Biden and a third that Trump won but where a man was convicted for illegally collecting four ballots early in the 2020 primary.

Another Republican, Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers, testified at a June meeting of the congressional Jan. 6 committee about phone calls from Trump and his allies asking him to decertify Arizonas legitimate electors and replace them. He made no such effort. Bowers said he repeatedly asked Trumps attorneys to show evidence of widespread fraud, but they never provided any.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger also rejected Trump's call to find 11,780 votes that could flip the state to prevent Bidens victory. Georgia House Speaker David Ralston said in January 2021 that a week after the election Republicans lawmakers there had been discussing fraud and the possibility of a redo." And I said, Well Ill tell you one race youre not going to redo, and thats mine.

He also noted that Georgia's election results had been subject to three counts, an audit and at least six lawsuits that had all been dismissed: Which kind of begs the question: Well, if there were in fact significant wrongdoing, would it not have been disclosed?

___

Associated Press writer Christina A. Cassidy in Atlanta contributed to this report.
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BANGKOK (AP)  Myanmar's government confirmed Monday it had carried out its first executions in nearly 50 years, hanging a former lawmaker, a democracy activist and two other political prisoners who had been accused of a targeted killing after the country's military takeover last year.

The executions, first announced in the state-run Mirror Daily newspaper, were carried out despite worldwide pleas for clemency for the four men, including from United Nations experts and Cambodia, which holds the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

There were swift condemnations.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the executions, which mark a further deterioration of the already dire human rights environment in Myanmar," U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said, stressing the U.N. chief's opposition to the death penalty.

The secretary-general reiterates his call for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi," Haq said.

U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said she was dismayed by this cruel and regressive step." She added: "For the military to widen its killing will only deepen its entanglement in the crisis it has itself created.

According to the newspaper, the four were executed in accordance with legal procedures for directing and organizing "violent and inhuman accomplice acts of terrorist killings. It did not say when they were hanged.

The military government later issued a brief statement about the executions, while the prison where the men had been held and the prison department refused comment.

Aung Myo Min, human rights minister for the National Unity Government, a shadow civilian administration established outside Myanmar after the military seized power in February 2021, rejected the allegations the men were involved in violence.

Punishing them with death is a way to rule the public through fear, he told The Associated Press.

Among those executed was Phyo Zeya Thaw, a former lawmaker from ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party. Also known as Maung Kyaw, he was convicted in January by a closed military court of offenses involving possession of explosives, bombings and financing terrorism.

His wife, Thazin Nyunt Aung, told AP the world needs to hold the military accountable for the executions. They have to pay, she said.

The European Union, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States issued a joint statement condemning the executions. The Myanmar military regimes executions of pro-democracy and opposition leaders are reprehensible acts of violence that further exemplify the regimes disregard for human rights and the rule of law, they said.

In China, a longtime ally of Myanmar's military, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian refused to comment on the executions, saying Beijing always upholds the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs.

Phyo Zeya Thaw, 41, was arrested last November based on information from people detained for shooting security personnel, state media said at the time. He was accused of being a key figure in a network that carried out what the military described as terrorist attacks in Yangon, the countrys biggest city.

Phyo Zeya Thaw had been a hip-hop musician before becoming a member of the Generation Wave political movement formed in 2007. He was jailed in 2008 under a previous military government after being accused of illegal association and possession of foreign currency.

Also executed was Kyaw Min Yu, a 53-year-old democracy activist better known as Ko Jimmy, for violating the counterterrorism law. He was one of the leaders of the 88 Generation Students Group, veterans of a failed 1988 popular uprising against military rule.

He already had spent more than a dozen years behind bars for political activism before his arrest in Yangon last October. He had been put on a wanted list for social media postings that allegedly incited unrest, and state media said he was accused of terrorist acts including mine attacks and of heading a group called Moon Light Operation to carry out urban guerrilla attacks.

The other two, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw, were convicted of torturing and killing a woman in March 2021 who they allegedly believed was a military informer.

Elaine Pearson, acting Asia director of Human Rights Watch, called the military trials of the four politically motivated. The junta's barbarity and callous disregard for human life aims to chill the anti-coup protest movement," she said.

Thomas Andrews, an independent U.N.-appointed expert on human rights, called for a strong international response.

"I am outraged and devastated at the news of the junta's execution of Myanmar patriots and champions of human rights and decency," he said in a statement. These individuals were tried, convicted and sentenced by a military tribunal without the right of appeal and reportedly without legal counsel, in violation of international human rights law.

Myanmars Foreign Ministry had rejected the wave of criticism that followed its announcement in June, declaring that its judicial system is fair and that Phyo Zeya Thaw and Kyaw Min Yu were proven to be masterminds of orchestrating full-scale terrorist attacks against innocent civilians to instill fear and disrupt peace and stability.

They killed at least 50 people, military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun said at a televised news conference last month. He said the decision to hang the prisoners conformed with the rule of law and the purpose was to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The military's seizure of power from Suu Kyis elected government triggered peaceful protests that soon escalated to armed resistance and then to widespread fighting that some U.N. experts characterize as a civil war.

Some resistance groups have engaged in assassinations, drive-by shootings and bombings in urban areas. Mainstream opposition organizations generally disavow such activities, while supporting armed resistance in rural areas that are more often subject to brutal military attacks.

The last judicial execution to be carried out in Myanmar is generally believed to have been of another political offender, student leader Salai Tin Maung Oo, in 1976 under a previous military government led by dictator Ne Win.

In 2014, the sentences of prisoners on death row were commuted to life imprisonment, but several dozen convicts received death sentences between then and last years takeover.

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a non-governmental organization that tracks killing and arrests, said Friday that 2,114 civilians have been killed by security forces since the military takeover. It said 115 other people had been sentenced to death.
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NEW YORK (AP)  As he campaigns for a Manhattan congressional seat against fellow Democrats twice his age, 38-year-old Suraj Patel harnesses the frustration of his generation toward those who have held office for decades.

In his telling, Reps. Jerry Nadler, 75, and Carolyn Maloney, 76, are part of a crop of Democrats who rose to power in the 1990s only to fail on issues ranging from guns to climate change and abortion. The redistricting process that merged their congressional districts offers a chance for new leadership, Patel says.

If we keep doing the same thing over and over and expecting different result: Thats not just the definition of insanity," he said. "Thats also the definition of incumbency.

More than 1,100 miles to the west in the presidential testing ground of Iowa, Republican Jeremiah Bronson was also considering whether someone other than 76-year-old Donald Trump might carry his party into the future. Bronson expressed growing interest in 55-year-old Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

He seems to be on the same page with conservatives around the country, Bronson, 39, said as he dined on barbecued pork sandwiches with a half-dozen other Story County Republicans.

In a nation faltering along seemingly every conceivable divide, there's a shared desire among Democrats and Republicans for a new generation of political leadership. The conversation is most pronounced when it comes to the White House as Trump considers another campaign and President Joe Biden confronts skepticism about his ability to mount a reelection bid in 2024 when he is 82.

"Theres just a sense of like, that rematch between these two old guys seems ridiculous to people, said Sarah Longwell, a Republican strategist who conducts almost weekly focus groups with voters across the country and political spectrum.

There are recurring calls for youth and change in U.S. politics.

Bill Clinton's appeal for a new generation of leadership helped him rise from governor of Arkansas to the first baby boomer president in 1992. In 2008, Barack Obama's relative youth was an asset in his primary campaign against Hillary Clinton and during the general election against Arizona Sen. John McCain.

More recently, Pete Buttigieg's 2020 presidential bid gained traction with its focus on fresh leadership before being overtaken by Biden, viewed by many Democrats as the safer choice against Trump.

The dynamics have shifted since then, with some Democratic voters furious that Biden and leaders in Congress haven't done more to protect abortion rights, respond more aggressively to a wave of mass shootings and address climate change.

A new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll shows 83% of U.S. adults say the country is on the wrong track. Only 36% approve of Bidens leadership overall, while 62% disapprove. Polling from AP-NORC in recent months captured deepening pessimism among members of his own Democratic Party about Biden, the direction of the country and t he state of the economy. A January AP-NORC poll found just 28% of those surveyed and 48% of Democrats said they want Biden to run for reelection in 2024.

Julian Castro, a former Obama housing secretary and onetime presidential candidate, said theres no doubt that members of his party are frustrated and that Democrats in Washington need to show a sense of urgency and produce results. In a telephone interview from the Texas Democratic Convention in Dallas, he said Democrats seemed energized.

My immediate hope is that that angst and frustration is going to be channeled positively to turnout in November," he said, referring to the midterm elections. "And then well reckon with whats beyond that when November happens.

Biden has repeatedly insisted he will run for reelection. But should he decide to step aside, a host of younger Democrats could be in contention. They include Vice President Kamala Harris, who is 57. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, 54, and Illinois Gov. J.B Pritzker, 57, have garnered attention for their responses to the Supreme Court's abortion ruling and mass shootings.

Some Democrats seeking office this year have been clear about their desires that a new generation take its place in politics.

Last month, the Democratic candidate for governor in South Carolina, Joe Cunningham, proposed not only term limits but also age limits for officeholders, saying it was time to end Americas geriatric oligarchy of politicians who are staying in office way past their prime. To Cunningham, who recently turned 40, that includes the incumbent he hopes to oust in November, 75-year-old Republican Henry McMaster, who is the states oldest sitting governor.

But Cunningham also said the proposal was intended to apply to Biden.

For Republicans, the most pressing debate often seems to focus less explicitly on age and more on whether the party should move on from Trump. That's particularly true in the wake of hearings by the House Jan. 6 committee that have drawn new attention to his desperate efforts to stay in office after losing the 2020 election.

The Jan. 6 hearings may be sending voters looking elsewhere.

An AP-NORC in June found that 48% of U.S. adults say Trump should be charged with a crime for his role in the siege of the U.S. Capitol. Januarys AP-NORC poll showed that people were just as down on Trump running again in 2024 as they were Biden: Just 27% of U.S. adults wanted Trump to run again, including a slim majority  56% -- of Republicans. That poll also showed the former presidents popularity with the GOP dropped somewhat, with 71% of Republicans saying they had a favorable opinion of Trump compared with 78% in a September 2020 AP-NORC/USAFacts poll.

Longwell, the Republican strategist, said the hearings seem to be having an impact even among Republican voters who are not watching the sessions or persuaded by them because they are a reminder of the tumult that has surrounded Trump.

One of the things I hear coming up over and over again in the groups is that Trump has a lot of baggage and that theres all these other stars, Republican stars, and maybe its time Trump should be like an elder statesman, she said.

A number of figures from Trumps world and outside it are seen as potential challengers in 2024. Trump and his associates are especially focused on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who, at 43, is increasingly viewed as a younger heir to the former president's brand of politics.

Other Republicans making increasingly overt moves toward a presidential run include Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, 45; former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, 50; Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, 51; former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, 58; and former Vice President Mike Pence, 63.

Pat Brady, the former chair of the Illinois Republican Party who is not a Trump supporter, said he thinks the fever has broken when it comes to Trumps standing with the GOP.

I think the combination of him just spending all his time, every speech, relitigating 2020. Voters typically look forward. They dont look backward, he said.

Brady said part of the frustrations voters have with their political leaders is the age-related.

When you look at the leadership, Im old and those guys make me look young, said 61-year-old Brady. This is a vibrant youthful country, fundamentally, and weve got a bunch of old people running it.

___

Associated Press writers Thomas Beaumont in Cambridge, Iowa, Hannah Fingerhut in Washington and Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report.

___

Follow AP for full coverage of the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections

and on Twitter, https://twitter.com/ap_politics
Courtesy San Antonio College

A 20-year-old man was arrested on Friday, July 22, after law enforcement tipped off San Antonio College that he made threats to shoot up the school on July 21.

Pablo N. Medellin was arrested and charged with making a terroristic threat. Alamo Colleges District released a statement on Sunday, July 24, saying that the 20-year-old was not a current student at any of its schools, nor has he been enrolled in the past.
San Patricio County Sheriff Oscar Rivera

A 32-year-old man drowned in Lake Corpus Christi on Saturday, July 23, according to San Patricio County Sheriff Oscar Rivera. Rivera added in a news release that the man from Elmendorf, southeast of San Antonio, was wade fishing when he went down around 9:30 a.m.

The man was identified as Larry Wayne Ebner, his family told KIIITV. The station reported Ebner was visiting the lake with his son when he began to succumb to the water. His 13-year-old son tried to save him but ended up struggling as well.
ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

Thorndale ISD, a school district northeast of Austin outside of Taylor, is going to lock students' phones away in special bags during school hours, saying that cyber-safety and cyberbullying instances could become "almost... non-existent."

The district will utilize a program for the 2022-23 school year called Yondr that requires students to put their phones inside a pouch with magnetic locks that they will carry with them all day, Austin station KXAN reports. The students can remove the phones from the pouch at the end of the day by waving the bag near a device that unlocks the bag.
Yves here. While growing disaffection among some evangelicals, particularly those of color, is a potential negative for Trump, Im not certain it is as dire for Republicans. For instance, Democratic strategists are alarmed by the fact that more and more Hispanic voters are turning Republican. The Democrats they had assumed they owned their vote as a matter of right. But Hispanics are not monolithic. Many are socially conservative. Many own small businesses and like the Republican low tax/low regulation message. Some worked hard to become citizens and are put off by the presumption that they support illegal immigrants. As CNN wrote in February:

In an era when conservative politics is acutely nationalist and consumed by a sense of cultural threat, a number of new polls show Latino voters growing more Republican In the 2020 presidential race, Democrats targeted Texas. But after Hillary Clinton won Zapata County, a county along the Mexico border, by almost 33 points in 2016, it turned red in 2020. Webb County, another border county, doubled its Republican turnout from 2016. And, in Starr County, south of Webb, Republicans recorded a 55% shift from 2016, the single biggest swing to the right in the entire country. The Trump campaign saw similar numbers from White working-class regions in the Upper Midwest and Rust Belt in 2016, but Zapata, Webb and Starr counties are respectively 94%, 95% and 96% Latino. And Trump actually performed 10 points better across Texass 18 counties where Latinos make up 80% majorities in 2020 than he did in 2016.. The answer was simple: Many people in South Texas do not think of themselves as Latinos or immigrants  and they didnt vote based on Trumps rhetoric around either of those identities. Often referred to as Tejanos, many of these Texas residents have lived in the United States for six, seven and even eight generations.

However, a thinning of the ranks among the radical right evangelicals could have the effect of moderating Republican positions on important issues, particularly climate change.

By Paul Engler, a co-founder of the Momentum Training, which instructs hundreds of activists each year in the principles of effective protest. He is the co-author, along with Mark Engler, of the new book on the craft of mass mobilization, This Is an Uprising: How Nonviolent Revolt Is Shaping the Twenty-First Century (2017). He can be reached via the website www.thisisanuprising.org. Originally published at Waging Nonviolence

A potentially historic political shift is currently taking place within an unexpected group of Americans: evangelical Christians. In the wake of Donald Trumps presidency, strains within the evangelical community, especially among people of color, have resulted in significant numbers of people defecting from the right and opening themselves to social justice stances on issues of race, immigration, climate and economic fairness. Should the trend escalate, it could send tremors that extend well beyond the religious community and reverberate throughout U.S. politics.

While the future of evangelical politics remains uncertain, the divisions forming in religious spaces are creating significant opportunities for those interested in promoting progressive change. Moreover, organizing among evangelical dissenters is providing important lessons in how those working on social justice issues might find fertile ground in communities outside their circles of usual suspectsprovided they can relate with people who do not identify as belonging on either side of the traditional divide between the political right and left.

Due to the various ways in which the term evangelical is defined, it is difficult to put an exact percentage on the number of evangelical Christians in America today. A 2016 survey by Wheaton College, a private religious university, estimated about 90 to 100 million people in the United States are evangelical. Today, it is generally taken for granted that this constituency is one of the most rock-solid pillars of the Republican coalitionand there is good reason to see things this way: In 2016, 80 percent of white evangelicals supported Donald Trump, with two-thirds of self-identified evangelicals saying their faith influences their political beliefs.

Such far-right identification, however, has not been forever locked in place. As recently as the early 1970s, evangelicals were considered a largely apolitical group. To the extent they formed a voting bloc, they were considered divided and persuadablea constituency that could be won over by Democratic politicians such as Jimmy Carter. Indeed, since Carter was himself a born-again Christian, Newsweekmagazine dubbed 1976, the year of his election, the Year of the Evangelical.

A concerted campaign by conservative groups such as the Moral Majority, the Christian Coalition and Focus on the Family made certain that future mentions of evangelicals in politics would definitely not refer to Democratic presidential wins. In social movement terms, the decades-long project by the New Right to transform the evangelical community from a muddled and sometimes apathetic bloc into one of the most die-hard conservative demographics represents an unprecedented organizing accomplishment.

While conservatives have provided a textbook example of how a constituency can be polarized in order to strengthen allegiances and move indecisive moderates into a political camp, the continuing polarization that occurred under Trump began creating a backlash. On the one hand, Trump was a master at energizing religious conservatives and solidifying their identification with him. Analysis from the Pew Research Center suggests even some non-churchgoing white conservatives are now adopting the evangelical labelnot to show religious identity, but to express a political orientation and demonstrate support for the party of Trump.

On the other hand, a predictable consequence of polarization is that, even as many supporters grow more passionately partisan, others will start to become alienated. When forcing people to take sides, you may draw many into your fold; however, you risk losing a fraction who are turned off and unwilling to make the leap. Signs of such a backlash can currently be seen among evangelicalsparticularly people of color.

No one would argue that the right has lost its command over the evangelicals as a whole, as white evangelicals remain among the most fervent supporters of former President Trump. At the same time, the reaction of evangelical leaders to mass protests around racial injustice, COVID, and #MeTooalong with sexual impropriety and scandals in many churcheshave started driving people away in significant numbers. In some cases, those who are leaving are now looking for new expressions of their faith that are aligned with social justiceexpressions that sometimes put them squarely at odds with white evangelical Trump supporters.

Even if only a limited fraction of evangelicals are moved to embrace more progressive stances, the impact on the electorate as a whole could be profound. For this reason, understanding the divisions that are formingand analyzing the opportunities they presentis a pressing task.

A Splintering Evangelical Coalition?

In recent years there have been many news stories about how the ardent right-wing identification of the evangelical community has begun to produce increasing numbers of defectors. Primarily, this has been reported in terms of people leaving their churches.

The percentage of Americans who identify as Christian (once well over 90 percent of the population) has steadily fallen since the 1960s, with the decline accelerating in the past 10 years. Among the subset of people who identify as white evangelicals, the drop-off has been particularly marked. According to the Public Religion Research Institute, 23 percent of Americans were white evangelical Protestants in 2006; by 2020, that number had decreased to just 14.5 percent. Some part of this trend can be attributed to a general waning of public religiosity, as an increasing portion of the population checks none on surveys when asked about religious affiliation.

But it would be wrong to underestimate the connection between evangelicals diminished share of the population and disaffection with the conservative extremism that pervades many congregations. Following Trumps election in 2016, the #Exvangelical hashtag became increasingly popular, as many white evangelicals deserted their churches, citing Trumpism among faith leaders and their hard-right political platform as a primary concern.

This exodus from evangelicalism has been highlighted by the exits of prominent individuals within the movement. One such figure was Peter Wehner, a political operative who served in three Republican administrations. In a popular op-ed for the New York Times titled Why I Can No Longer Call Myself an Evangelical Republican, Wehner wrote about no longer feeling comfortable with the designation evangelical after witnessing continued support among fellow conservative Christians for Roy Moore, a former Alabama Supreme Court Justice and Republican nominee in a 2017 U.S. Senate race who was accused of sexual misconduct by nine women.

In a similar move, Bible teacher and conservative Christian Beth Moore (no relation to Roy Moore) left the Southern Baptist Convention, or SBC. She cited, among other issues, the failure of her church to condemn Trumps Access Hollywood tape. Meanwhile, the shifting political climate has also riven institutions such as World Magazine, a prominent Christian news organization, which lost editor-in-chief Martin Olasky and several journalists who protested that the publication was becoming less a respected news source and more a conservative opinion outlet.

Such developments are symptomatic of a larger splintering within the evangelical church, in which many are questioning whether or not they ideologically belong in the community they once considered home. They are witnessing increasing divisions not only over Trump, but more generally over issues such as sexuality, #MeToo and the public response to the COVID pandemic. High-profile scandals have further exacerbated tensions and spurred the departure of many parishioners. Megachurches from Seattle to Illinois to Alabama and beyond have witnessed resignations from well-known pastors after allegations of sexual misconduct or infidelityand investigations such as the major report onsexual abuse in the SBC released in May 2022 have documented the endemic mishandling of sexual abuse claims.

In a February 2022 article for the Christian magazine First Things, Evangelical writer Aaron Renn argued: Where once there was a culture war between Christianity and secular society, today there is a culture war within evangelicalism itself. Not only prominent leaders, but rank-and-file pastors are departing in significant numbers. According to a 2021 poll by the Christian polling firm Barna Group, 38 percent of pastors said they had considered quitting full-time ministry. Scott Dudley, a pastor at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, told The Atlantic that many pastors have not only left their churches, but are deciding to pursue entirely different careers. They have concluded that their church has become a hostile work environment where at any moment they may be blasted, slandered, and demeaned in disrespectful and angry ways, Dudley said, or have organized groups of people within the church demand that they be fired.

In a widely circulated February 2022 opinion piece for the New York Times, columnist and author David Brooks examined this tension within the evangelical community. The turmoil in evangelicalism has not just ruptured relationships; its dissolving the structures of many evangelical institutions, he wrote. Many families, churches, parachurch organizations and even denominations are coming apart. I asked many evangelical leaders who are wary of Trump if they thought their movement would fracture. Most said it already has.

Fracturing Along Racial Lines

Perhaps as much as any other issue, the question of race has created schisms within evangelical communities. In his article, Brooks cited attitudes about race relations as one of the primary factors that has driven Christian evangelicals apart. Its been at times agonizing and bewildering, Thabiti Anyabwile, who pastors the largely Black Anacostia River Church in Washington, D.C, told Brooks. My entire relationship landscape has been rearranged. Ive lost 20-year friendships. Ive had great distance inserted into relationships that were once close and I thought would be close for life. Ive grieved.

In an April 2017 special report for Religion Dispatches titled Betrayed at the Polls, Evangelicals of Color at a Crossroads, reporter Deborah Jian Lee profiled several women of color who left their churches after the Trump election. Alicia Crosby, who is a Black social justice advocate, felt betrayed by white evangelical support for Trump and left her church to found the Center for Inclusivity. Crosby has spoken out on numerous podcasts about her experience leaving the evangelical church and finding Christian community elsewhere. In 2019, she wrote: In this moment, its not enough to ask how Christians can be more justice-minded, it is necessary to ask them to consider how their tradition and lived out faith practices are complicit in creating conditions for harm, regardless of what shapes their personal moral code.

Chanequa Walker-Barnes, a professor of practical theology at the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University in Atlanta, left the majority-white church where she had been on staff. People of color [have been] willing to fit themselves into these white evangelical spaces even when it was uncomfortable, she told Religion Dispatches. But for her and many colleagues, the dissonance became too extreme: One friend said the [2016] election was the final nail in the coffin of my relationship with the evangelical church,' Walker-Barnes explained. I dont know if Im doing a full divestment from evangelical spaces, but Im definitely pulling back.

Racial tensions are not new, of course. That said, a March 2018 article by New York Times reporter Campbell Robertson highlighted how the right-wing polarization of the past decade has undone initiatives to create multi-racial church communities. A 2012 National Congregational Study showed that two-thirds of those attending majority-white churches were worshiping alongside at least some Black congregants, an increased level of church integration since 1998.

However, after the 2016 election, when white evangelicals supported Trump by a larger margin than they had voted for any other presidential candidate, churches began to resegregate, reversing previous efforts. Speaking about Trumps open hostility towards people of color and immigrants, Walker-Barnes told Robertson, [S]omething is profoundly wrong at the heart of the white church.

Everything we tried is not working, added author Michael Emerson. The election itself was the single most harmful event to the whole movement of reconciliation in at least the past 30 years, he said. Its about to completely break apart.

Subsequently, the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 and a renewed wave of Black Lives Matter protests further heightened tensions. At a time of national reckoning, many evangelicals of color no longer felt that their congregations adequately supported them or reflected their values. Two prominent Black evangelicals, Chicago pastor Charlie Dates and Atlantas John Onwucheckwa both left the SBC due to concerns about racism within the organization. For Dates, the final straw was when all six SBC seminary presidents issued a statement in November 2020 that rejected critical race theory, callingit incompatible with the Baptist Faith and Message and not a biblical solution.

In a December 2020 opinion piece for Religion News Service, Dates asked: How did they, who in 2020 still dont have a single Black denominational entity head, reject once and for all a theory that helps to frame the real race problems we face? Dates calls for a new vision and new standard, one which will not be led in full by white men and which speaks justice courageously to the government and cares gently for the oppressed, marginalized and women. A little over a year after Dates public exit, in February 2022, the SBC appointed Tennessee Baptist pastor Willie McLaurin as interim president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee; McLaurin is the first and the sole Black person to assume an Executive Committee role.

For his part, Onwuchekwa named four reasons for leaving the SBC, including the destructive nature of a disremembered history (the SBC failing to address the ways the organization participated in slavery), racial repair (the denomination has not denounced racism), unhealthy partisanship (allegiance to the Republican Party), and shallow solutions where they should be putting on scuba gear (a focus on unity rather than structural solutions to racial injustice). The SBC liked me, Onwuchekwa wrote in his public goodbye letter, but I feel like theyve failed people like me. Id rather give myself to serving that overlooked and under-resourced demographic than merely enjoy the perks of being treated as some outlier.

A Mixed Evangelical Politics

Although there are signs that new political possibilities may emerge within evangelical spaces that have experienced polarization and division, there is no widespread agreement about what form these may take and how radically they might break with the orthodoxy of the religious right.

Some dissenters, while perhaps falling in the Never Trump camp, remain hardline conservatives, simply wanting a more sedate, family-values Republicanism. As Rachel Stone, a lifelong evangelical and former evangelical writer, wrote in response to the David Brooks article, Mr. Brookss alleged dissenters depart from evangelical orthodoxy by not bowing to Donald Trump; otherwise, theyre typical evangelical gatekeepers. As an example, Stone noted that one of the Never Trumpers cited by Brooks, Christian professor Karen Swallow Prior, supports highly restrictive abortion legislation, among other conservative public policies. Other evangelicals want to make their churches less political, but not necessarily more progressive, putting forward calls for unity that attempt to paper over existing strains.

In June 2021, Michael Graham, who regularly communicates with evangelical pastors around the country, created a typology to explain these changes within the evangelical community. In an article titled The Six Way Fracturing of Evangelicalism, Graham divided the community into a half dozen distinct groups. He sees three groups (the Post-Evangelical, the Dechurched, but with some Jesus and Dechurched and Deconverted) as having cut ties with the faith. Among those who have remained, he sees three further factions: Neo-fundamentalist evangelicals (who have a strictly orthodox worldview), Mainstream evangelicals (who may show concern for the destructive pull of Christian Nationalism but are far more concerned by the secular lefts influence), and finally Neo-evangelicals (who are highly concerned by the acceptance of Trump and failure to engage on issues of race and sexuality within the evangelical community). Of these, only the last group would truly represent potential for political realignment.

Nevertheless, Graham sees major changes afoot. He questions whether big tent evangelicalism will survive, given the highly visible and even fatal divides between fundamentalists and neo-evangelicals. He believes new models of churches will emergeand are already emergingto offer compromises to those who fall between categories, or who are still deciding where they belong. We will see a rising tide of justice-minded churches, he writes, which is likely to draw in those who are turned off by the right and have interest in the social gospel.

The values and experiences of a younger generation are also driving change. Mark Labberton, the president of Fuller Seminary, says that some younger members of the church want to build communities that are smaller, intimate, authentic, which can often fit in a living room. They see faith as inseparably linked to community service with the poor and marginalized. Theres a general interest in getting away from all the bitterness that has devoured the elders and just diving back into the Bible.

Likewise, as Cylde Haberman reported in the New York Times, A younger cohort of evangelical Protestants is increasingly Black and Latino. Ethnicity aside, they resemble other young Americans in not automatically sharing their elders hostility to same-sex marriage, abortion, or gay and transgender rights. David Bailey, a Black evangelical in Virginia whose own church is racially and socioeconomically diverse told David Brooks he sees that Christians who are millennials and younger have different views on things like LGBTQ issues and are just used to mixing with much more diverse demographics.

Tim Keller, the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City and a leading evangelical thinker, sees a younger evangelicalism rising with a politics that cannot be easily characterized as right or left. The enormous energy of [evangelical] churches in the global South and East has begun to spill over into the cities of North America, where a new, multiethnic evangelicalism is growing steadily, he wrote in a 2017 New Yorker article. In my view, these churches tend to be much more committed to racial justice and care for the poor than is commonly seen in white Evangelicalism. In this way, they might be called liberal. On the other hand, these multicultural churches remain avowedly conservative on issues like sex outside of marriage. They look, to most eyes, like a strange mixture of liberal and conservative viewpoints, although they themselves see a strong inner consistency between these views.

Toward Mission-Centered Racial Justice

The vehemence of support for Trumps white nationalism in many evangelical spaces has prompted some Black evangelicals to leave or to find Black churches rather than remaining in majority-white spaces. Others, however, are remaining steadfast in their church communities, advocating for a mission-centered approach. As Deborah Jian Lee wrote for Religion Dispatches, some are reframing the evangelical world as a mission field as opposed to a place for spiritual nourishment, creating ethnic safe spaces or staying firmly planted in evangelical community to combat racism from within.

Ra Mendoza, who works as a national program director at Mission Year, an urban ministry with evangelical roots, is a Mexican-Latinx evangelical who has been working to create ethnic safe spaces. Mendoza told Jian Lee that evangelicals in Mission Year looked to her to call things out but that these groups never invited her to create something that actually corrected the problems she called out; they listened to her critique and they thought that was enough. Despite this, Mendoza stayed at Mission Year, hoping to create what she described to Lee as new space that doesnt perpetuate whiteness and sexism and all the stuff that was built into our DNA for the last 20 years. Mendoza created a Facebook group to mobilize churches to protect trans and non-binary people of color.

In a December 2018 article for the New Yorker titled Evangelicals of Color Fight Back Against the Religious Right, Eliza Griswold wrote about the Black evangelicals taking action to affirm social justice in their church communities. Griswold profiled Lisa Sharon Harper, a prominent evangelical activist. Harper is the former mobilizing director of a Christian social justice organization called Sojourners and the current president of Freedom Road, a consulting group that trains religious leaders in social action. After the murder of Michael Brown, Harper organized evangelical leaders and their followers against police brutality in Ferguson, Missouri. She also organized a trip to Brazil to unite against far-right President Jair Bolsanaro. Sociologically, the principal difference between white and Black evangelicals is that we believe that oppression exists, Harper stated.

For his part, David Brooks wrote of dissidents who are working within their churches to heal from divisions caused by Trumpism. Many of these dissenters have put racial justice and reconciliation activities at the center of what needs to be done, he wrote. [T]here are reconciliation conferences, trips to Selma and Birmingham, Alabama, study groups reading Martin Luther King Jr. and Howard Thurman. Evangelicals played important roles in the abolitionist movement; these Christians are trying to connect with that legacy.

By organizing within marginalized communities, Black evangelicals diametrically oppose Trumps ethno-nationalistic coalition. And given that people of color are the fastest-growing demographic within evangelicalism, their organizing has the power to influence the wider political orientations of the community. (A 2015 Pew Research studypredicted people of color will make up the majority of the Christian population by 2042.) Evangelicalism has been hijacked by the religious right, Harper told the New Yorker. We come from the arm of the church that is so toxic, we understand it and we can offer a solution. Her solution is that Black evangelicals propose an alternative rooted deeply in faith and vehemently jealous for the human dignity of all people.

One example of organizing that uses this new missional approach focused on racial justice and reconciliation has emerged in Phoenix, Arizona. There, a group called the Surge Network, which is connected to a nation church renewal movement co-founded by Tim Keller, has dramatically reshaped the composition of its leadership team in recent years to be primarily led by women and people of color. In terms of activating its evangelical constituency, it has been a key force in mobilizing interfaith responses to the murder of George Floyd and organizing religious people to join Black Lives Matter protests.

In one instance, Surge turned out 3,000 people from 200 churches to join a march through downtown Phoenix toward the Arizona Capitol, where ministers led a public prayer. As the crowd knelt, Melissa Hubert, a deacon at Redemption Church Alhambra, read the names of people killed by police. Among the protest signs, one placard invoked Hebrews 13:3: Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Beyond such public-facing mobilization, Surge leads a religious education program called the Neighbors Table, which prompts local parishioners to lean into hard conversations about criminal justice reform, immigration and Islamophobia through discussion and meals with neighbors directly impacted by these issues.

What will the future of evangelical politics be? This remains to be seen. But the current juncture has created a moment loaded with potential, in which the unprecedented alignment of evangelicalism with the Republican right is being shakenat least at the marginsand new possibilities are emerging. Although white evangelicals may remain conservative loyalists, the ranks of people who might once have been among their fellow parishioners, but who have since been alienated by their intolerance and are now seeking new identities aligned with social justice, could well number in the millions.

Those millions are people that no movement interested in changing the world for the better should want to ignore.

Research assistance provided by Celeste Pepitone-Nahas.
(Natural News) Without fake news mainstream media, the medical industrial complex would not be nearly as effective at conning and coercing so much of the populace into this toxic pharma scamdemic that has been not only a cash cow for the pharma goons, but a death sentence for millions of sheeple. MSM is the right arm of the pharma industrial complex, just as IG Farben (pharmaceutical conglomerate) was for Adolf Hitler.

The television, newspapers, social media, and shill websites all get their narrative script directly from the CDC, and its all propaganda to push faulty PCR tests, masks, prescription drugs, ventilators, paranoia, and of course, blood clotting vaccines.

Mass media is the propaganda arm of Big Pharma, for a fake history of medicine and to cover up current events that defy the narrative

As toxic medicine and deadly vaccines maim and kill millions of Americans, the only way to keep the scamdemic alive and spreading is to use the pharma arm of fake news, to cover up the carnage as it occurs, and as it is revealed by truth news (independent media). An entire fake history of medicine has been propagated for the sheeple to digest (and regurgitate), leaving the masses with no clue that their own government wants them dying and dead, while robbing them of all their rights, health, and livelihood in the process.

Welcome to VIRUS MANIA of 2022 and beyond, where the mass media covers up anything and everything that would reveal the FDA, CDC, and WHO are in cahoots to turn every American into a zombie who takes toxic medicine daily, clot shots for virus scams, and eats genetically mutated, lab-concocted food all day. All of this while those same zombies read fake news and repeat that narrative like its fact, for all their friends, relatives, neighbors, and coworkers.

Here are the 7 most epic mass media cover-ups since the Wuhan lab virus plandemic began

#1. The vaccines are not really vaccines, so the CDC had to change the definition

#2. Most of the people dying from Fauci Flu are fully vaccinated against it

#3. mRNA DOES change your DNA, tricking cells into producing unlimited toxic prions

#4. Masks do NOT work, but rather breed bacteria in the mouth, throat, and lungs

#5. PCR tests are mostly false positives used to spread virus mania and increase pharma profits

#6. Healthy athletes, pilots, celebrities, and military members are suffering myocarditis and deaths from the clot shots and the media NEVER mentions vaccine-induced injuries

#7. Spike proteins travel throughout the ENTIRE vascular system, invading organs and clogging vessels, not just remaining at the site of injection

Sick news for sick people under a sick regime

Yes, the CDC had to change the definition of vaccines, because the Fauci Flu clot shots dont even fit it, and they definitely wanted to be sure they could call them vaccines, since three out of every four Americans think vaccines are good for your immune system and save you from infectious disease death. Most of the world thats catching and/or dying from COVID-19 are triple-vaxxed and still getting more clot shots as they become available as boosters.

These gene therapy victims think the spike proteins help them avoid COVID-19, and they have no clue that these toxic, virus-mimicking, sticky prions clog the entire vascular system, and invade vital organs, shutting them down. Got severe, chronic inflammation? Look no further than the clot shots.

Meanwhile, fake news and fraudulent Fauci have the masses thinking their bacteria-breeding masks are keeping them safe from viral particles that are flying around looking for maskless, unvaccinated people and taking them out like flies. Yet, those same masks help provide false-positive PCR tests, that add to the chaos and paranoia of the scamdemic, leading the masses to their death caves (MD offices and hospitals).

Do your own research and dont use Google. Try the search engine Brave BETA and get more truth news and real information. Bookmark Censored.news to your favorite websites for truth news thats being censored from the rest of media as you read this.

Sources include:

NaturalNews.com

TruthWiki.org
(Natural News) Online retail giant Amazon has been quietly funding a grassroots group that is fighting against new antitrust legislation at the federal level in the U.S., even as it makes concessions to antitrust regulators in the European Union.

Sources told Bloomberg that the company has given more than $1 million to the Competitiveness Coalition, which is led by former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown. Although the group presents itself as an advocate for American taxpayers at the grassroots level, it has yet to disclose the very generous funding it has received from Amazon.

A call to action on their website urges people to write to their senator in opposition of the American Innovation and Choice Online Act. The bill, which has attracted bipartisan support, seeks to provide federal antitrust agencies with greater authority when it comes to enforcing penalties against Amazon and other firms, such as Google owner Alphabet and Facebook owner Meta.

The bill would stop Amazon from promoting its own services in a manner that hurts the ability of rivals, other parties and the platforms own sellers to compete against them. This has been a longstanding complaint among Amazon sellers. In the past, investigations have shown that the company places products from its own house brands and sellers who are exclusive to its site ahead of those of competitors, even if the competitors products have better customer ratings and higher sales.

Since its founding in March when the bill started to gain steam, the coalition has met with Republican lawmakers, penned op-eds in opposition of the bill, and run ad campaigns on TV.

In a letter to lawmakers, the coalition claimed: Passing this measure as our economy teeters on the brink of a recession and while China continues to nip at our heels, is akin to lighting a match next to a gas leak.

This is just the latest example of the way that tech giants secretly funnel money to groups who back their agenda. Amazon, Apple, Meta and Alphabet have been funneling hundreds of millions of dollars trying to defeat measures that go against their business interests over the years.

Not surprisingly, when contacted by Bloomberg, Brown declined to comment on the situation, while Amazon ignored the news outlets requests for comment.

Amazon makes concessions to EU antitrust regulators

While their support of the coalition would make it appear that Amazon believes they have a chance of stopping the bill from passing in the U.S., they are taking a decidedly different approach with European Commission regulators, who have also taken action against Amazon regarding antitrust issues.

They accused Amazon of abusing its role as a marketplace owner and retailer through actions such as placing a Buy Box on every product page that favors their own retail business and the use of Prime, which they determined favors sellers who use Amazons logistics services.

Instead of deflecting, Amazon has been engaging with the European Commission and trying to address their concerns, so it would appear that Amazon believes the investigation by the EU could seriously damage its business.

They have already agreed to stop using non-public data relating to, or derived from, the activities of independent sellers on its marketplace, for its retail business that competes with those sellers.

They will also give all sellers equal treatment when their system determines which seller is featured in the Buy Box at any given time, while adding a second box for some products to give sellers a greater chance of appearing in front of Amazon shoppers.

The company also said they would allow third-party sellers to offer fast Prime delivery times, even if they do not use Amazons logistics services.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Bloomberg.com

TheMarkup.org

Gizmodo.com
(Natural News) Just about everything that was forced on Americans throughout the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) plandemic came from science that Deborah Birx says she and Tony Fauci made up on the fly.

Birx recently wrote a book that contains numerous admissions about the crimes she committed while working as Donald Trumps Covid-19 Task Force adviser, one of them being that social distancing and lockdowns needed just two weeks to stop the spread.

Birx and Fauci pulled these ideas out of their behinds, not from any actual science like the duo originally claimed. Furthermore, Birx now admits that she lied to the former president about what was needed in order to flatten the curve.

No sooner had we convinced the Trump administration to implement our version of the two-week shutdown than I was trying to figure out how to extend, Birx boasts in her memoir, which fully incriminates her. (Related: Birx also tampered with CDC data and hid information from the Trump administration.)

Since she knows that there is no more justice left in America, Birx is apparently unphased without a care in the world concerning her admissions. After all, when was the last time a corrupt government official was held accountable for committing crimes against humanity?

So that 15 days to slow the spread was just a sneaky way to get their hooks into us so they could lock us down for longer, said Fox News Jesse Water in a recent segment about Birx and Faucis crimes against humanity.

And if you dared to leave your house, Birx told us, the only way to stay safe was to social distance.

You can watch the Waters segment below:

Dr. Birx ADMITS her and Fauci LIED to Trump and America about how to stop COVID They ALTERED the reports?! pic.twitter.com/GlhonaKoYi  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 20, 2022

Dr. Peter McCullough says scarf lady Birx committed scientific fraud and misled the president

Birx and Fauci spun a number of lies throughout the plandemic that cost people their jobs, their livelihoods and in many cases their lives, which makes them complicit in mass murder.

The American people suffered greatly under the arbitrary policies of Birx and Fauci, who relied not on science but on their own delusions and fantasies in crafting policy throughout the manufactured crisis.

I had settled on 10 (feet) knowing that even that was too many, but I figured that ten would at least be palatable for most Americans, Birx nonchalantly writes in her book about how she came up with her social distancing number.

On Twitter, Dr. Peter McCullough, MD, who has been outspokenly opposed to all the restrictions throughout the plandemic, wrote that Birx, whom he and many others call the scarf lady, committed serious scientific fraud and misled Trump throughout his tenure.

McCullough says that Americans were forced by Birx and Fauci into unnecessary lockdowns and restrictions based on the false presumption that the virus spread among healthy people (asymptomatic spread), a concept that was disproven by actual scientists who looked into the matter independently.

They cost our country trillions of dollars and they made it up? asked someone who reads Zero Hedge about the economic impact of Birx and Faucis impositions.

Well, at least the trust has been irreparably damaged now, responded another about how nobody trusts the American government anymore. Theres no going back.

The few braindead folks still volunteering to wear a mask are either beyond help or are just doing it as a retarded political statement  Always remember it was always about getting that vaccine pumped into as many people as possible. Now we are seeing the effects of that.

The latest news about the Fauci Flu can be found at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Chinas fast-and-loose financial practices have caught up with the country and now threaten to bring down the worlds No. 2 economy.

According to video clips posted to social media, the Chinese government is deploying tanks and armed troops to surround banks in order to prevent citizens from withdrawing their money and collapsing the cash-strapped financial institutions.

One post on Twitter noted: BREAKING: Tanks have been deployed on on the streets of China to protect the banks  Due to the Henan branch of the Bank of China declaring that peoples SAVINGS in their branch are now INVESTMENT PRODUCTS and cant be withdrawn.

?BREAKING: Tanks have been deployed on on the streets of China to protect the banks  Due to the Henan branch of the Bank of China declaring that peoples SAVINGS in their branch are now INVESTMENT PRODUCTS and cant be withdrawn (WallstreetSilver) pic.twitter.com/c3dBx96bAE  HeadlineHunter! ? Alerts (@headlinehunter_) July 20, 2022

According to the South China Morning Post:

Customers caught up in one of Chinas biggest banking scandals have been asked to wait patiently to receive their compensation amid growing concerns over systemic risks and social instability.

Deposits at four banks in Henan province and one in neighbouring Anhui have been frozen since mid-April, leading to protests from disgruntled customers.

Some savers with deposits of less than 50,000 yuan (US$7,400) received their money as promised on Friday, although others encountered a string of problems while trying to register for the repayment scheme due to an overloaded system.

The action plan is to repay the principal of these customers in batches, said an unnamed official from the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) in an interview with the state-owned China Banking and Insurance News in what was an exceedingly rare, yet wide-ranging, interview published on Sunday, the SCMP noted.

The official went on to note, however, that it will take the Chinese authorities an undetermined amount of time to gather information on an exceedingly large number of customers and perform the pertinent analysis to determine what to pay out because the original data has been removed, the SMCP added.

The accounts at Yuzhou Xinminsheng Village Bank, Shangcai Huimin County Bank, Zhecheng Huanghuai Community Bank and New Oriental Country Bank of Kaifeng in Henan province and Guzhen Xinhuaihe Village Bank in the Anhui province have been frozen since April 18, the paper reported, noting that it has already been months since customer assets were frozen.

The outlet noted that a preliminary probe revealed that the Henan Xincaifu Group had gained control over five rural banks via internal and external collusion while illegally attracting deposits from customers who contributed to savings accounts, the CBIRC noted.

The company then hid its illegal actions by faking its business data also to cover up the fact that it had not paid any interest on those deposits, the CBIRC noted further.

During the interview, the CBIRC official pushed back on the claim that the regulator only offered compensation after several protests, one that resulted in demonstrators being attacked earlier this month, noting that the crisis was handled in accordance with laws and regulations.

But that official did not mention the incident on July 10 in Zhengzhou, the capital of the Henan province, and only referred to a group visit incident that was censored on Chinese social media.

Meanwhile, China is also experiencing a widening mortgage boycott among consumers who are refusing to make loan payments on their purchased apartments because the construction companies, which are also experiencing a cash flow deficit, have stopped working on them.

The list of Chinese homebuyers refusing to pay their mortgages is growing. Its gotten so severe that experts are calling it a threat to the countrys financial system. Chinese authorities held an urgent meeting with banks to discuss the situation. But for now, many are left wondering if its already on a collision course, NTD News reported.

China is on the precipice of a major economic collapse.

Sources include:

SCMP.com

NTD.com
(Natural News) Dr. Jason Dean expressed optimism that the American Republic can be restored by fighting misinformation surrounding the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

As much as I despise whats occurred the last two years, there has been a silver lining. I never expected this to happen as fast as it did. People are now waking up to vaccines and not just COVID-19  but the entire vaccine schedule, he said during an interview on the July 18 episode of The Robert Scott Bell Show on Brighteon.TV.

Host Robert Scott Bell argued that the misinformation stemmed from mind-control programs instilled by health experts. (Related: The worst Covid MISINFORMATION SPREADERS on the planet.)

Youre exposed to mold and you cough or sneeze, then it is COVID-19. The programming is out there. And if they just say the virus is still spreading, most people innocently enough and theyre not part of the agenda, will go COVID-19 is still spreading,' he said.

There are still enough folks out there believing what theyre told in the news by the president or what [Dr. Anthony] Fauci is saying.

Dean cited an old video by author and podcast host Dr. Bill Deagle from the 1980s that talked about how the vaccines will reprogram peoples bodies and implant memories into their own minds. The BraveTV founder noticed that Deagles points were similar to the ideas espoused by the World Economic Forum.

We still have to recognize that theres still education and teaching that has to happen along this way.

Dean calls on people to unlearn the programming

Dean also pointed out that it is likewise important for the public to be unschooled, or to unlearn information that had been instilled in their minds. He added that the public should unplug the entire faulty sources of information for re-education to work.

Did you know that 80 percent of illness is psychosomatic? It means that people with negative thoughts and spiritual life could be a mess, and we got to unplug them from something.

According to Dean, people must be able to say that the body is self-healing. He challenged viewers: Youre [going to] fix the physical problem of it, that is fine. But how about saying I have healing?'

You need to start working on controlling your thinking. As we move into this new realm of healthcare, we will need to start consciously thinking about what we have versus what we dont have. Think abundance, family, love, etc., and start walking away from these labels and diagnoses.

Bell, meanwhile, called on the general public to stop worshipping authoritarianism or authority  whether it be medical, government or otherwise.

Thats a vulnerability that we have: We always look for experts to stop the disease, he said. You got to become your own expert.

Dean ultimately called on Americans to be vigilant if they wish to restore the republic.

Were going to build our republic back again  [but] youre always going to be fighting the fight. It doesnt end. You have to educate your kids on how to understand what a republic is, why we have it [and] why you have to follow whats going on in your local politics.

Watch the full July 18 episode of The Robert Scott Bell Show with Dr. Jason Dean below. Catch new episodes of the program every Monday at 4-5 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

More related stories:

Epidemiologists, Indiana AG slam government for spreading COVID misinformation.

California bill seeks to PUNISH doctors promoting COVID misinformation.

Truly frightening: Feds give tech companies until May 2 to turn over COVID-19 misinformation.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

AWGP.org
(Natural News) A few years after the horrific incident occurred, the radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl disaster was discovered by an independent journalist to have been much worse than what governments originally claimed. Today, we are seeing a similar type of mass coverup concerning the health damage caused by Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccines.

What happened back then is similar to what is happening today in that government officials are knowingly playing down the extent to which the immune systems of the fully vaccinated are degrading because of the injections. In fact, the official story still maintains that getting jabbed keeps a person protected against serious covid illness.

In the late 1980s, governments were doing the same thing by framing the Chernobyl disaster in a sanitized manner, using language that made it sound not that bad. It was not until a few brave souls investigated a little deeper and presented their findings publicly did the world learn that Chernobyl radiation was a huge problem that was not going away any time soon. (Related: There are concerns even today that the war in Ukraine might disrupt the now-shuttered Chernobyl plant, spreading radioactive dust across Europe.)

The sudden appearance of monkeypox on the world stage is believed by some to be part of the covid jab coverup. There is speculation that the symptoms of so-called monkeypox could actually be covid jab symptoms under a different name.

Expose News, as we reported, is one such source that says monkeypox is little more than a monumental coverup of the devastating damage done to the immune systems of people who have had the Covid-19 vaccine. This damage, the news outlet adds, is comparable to AIDS, which is why post-injection immune system degradation is being categorized as vaccine-induced AIDS, or VAIDS.

The corporate-controlled media, meanwhile, denies any such link between the jabs and immune wasting  or any health damage, for that matter. As far as the establishment is concerned, we are all expected to just believe that covid injections are safe and effective, no matter how many bodies pile up at the morgue.

In the now-defunct USSR, similar tactics were used to keep a lid on the number of sick and dead people who were exposed to Chernobyl radiation post-meltdown. In a classic Soviet coverup, the Chernobyl disaster was painted as a minor oopsie that did not harm people or the planet in any significant way.

Under the Soviet system, it was quite natural that neither the government of the Soviet Union nor the local authorities were prepared to take legal responsibility for the ecological, social, and other problems caused by Chernobyl  even though Gorbachevs policies of glasnost and perestroika were already in place, reports DiaNuke.org.

However, the scale of the accident and the changes that had taken place in the society by that time made it impossible to conceal the fact of the accident altogether; people in the affected territories repeatedly demanded the introduction of legislation to cover their health problems, ecological damage, and compensation for material losses arising from the accident.

Will society ever wake up from its stupor of blindly trusting the government?

There are similar efforts today by some to try to hold the government and the pharmaceutical industry accountable for their crimes against humanity with the imposition of Fauci Flu shots. This time around, however, protections were put in place for the government and the drug industry, and not for the general public.

Every person who took the covid injections incurred all liability in the event of injury or death. Big Pharma and Big Government are both immune to lawsuits stemming from health damage caused by the shots  and this was fully admitted prior to the introduction of Operation Warp Speed.

That anyone agreed to take the shots at all under such circumstances illustrates the blind obedience that has consumed public consciousness over the years. As society continues to get dumbed down with relentless chemical and propaganda assaults, the average person is losing the ability and even desire to look at things beyond surface level.

Today, there is a widespread belief that if the government says something is okay, then it must be true  no further probing required. Only a small contingent of society seems to be aware of the fact that Big Brother is not there to help us, and that we must perform our own due diligence to get to the bottom of every matter.

Some 20 years later, the Chernobyl disaster is still the subject of ongoing investigations into what is true and false concerning the radioactive fallout. Many more scientists, ecologists, and others have joined the skeptics club in demanding answers as to precisely how much radiation was and is still being released so that victims can be fairly compensated. Covid jabs, meanwhile, have only been around for less than two years, which means it could take more time before a critical mass wakes up and figures out that we were all lied to.

Perhaps once it becomes undeniably clear that people who took the clot shots no longer have a functioning immune system that large numbers of people start demanding answers and a solution. By then, however, it will already be too late for those who got jabbed  but maybe, just maybe, it will spark resistance and revolt against any future plandemics that might come our way.

The latest news about Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccines can be found at Vaccines.news

Sources for this article include:

DiaNuke.org

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Many Republican voters were confused and upset over then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells (R-Ky.) decision not to allow then-President Barack Obamas third Supreme Court nominee even get hearings, much less a confirmation vote.

He knew then, as those same voters know now, that the nominee in question, Merrick Garland, then a senior judge on the D.C. Court of Appeals, was nothing like the moderate Obama claimed.

McConnell knew that Garland was nothing but a left-wing hack posing as a federal judge and that if he had gotten a lifetime appointment, he would have politicized the nations highest court to the fullest extent.

All of which is why the Obama sycophants running Joe Bidens regime had him pick Garland to be attorney general: They knew Garland could be counted on to carry out political attacks on the regimes enemies.

And ironically, that now includes the Supreme Court.

The justices decision to overturn the horrendous Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion in 1973 and return the issue to the states has angered the regime like nothing else. They are sadists who believe not in a womans right to choose but a womans right to choose to eliminate another mouth they dont have to feed.

And now, Garlands Justice Department is leading an assault against those justices in a revenge campaign that is very likely to end with one or more of them getting hurt or worse.

Frontpage Magazines Daniel Greenfield explained: The DOJ is supposed to be apolitical. Even when its really political. What the DOJ is not supposed to do is go on a rant about a Supreme Court decision like its run by MSNBC. Unfortunately, that political norm is out the window to the cheers of the political norms and attack on democracy commentariat class.

He went on to cite a press release Garlands DOJ put out just prior to the overturning of Roe.

It said, in part: The Justice Department announced today the establishment of the Reproductive Rights Task Force. The Task Force formalizes an existing working group and efforts by the department over the last several months to identify ways to protect access to reproductive health care in anticipation of the possibility of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

As Greenfield explained, the DOJ is not a political branch of government. It has no lawmaking powers and is not part of the legislative process. The only job of the DOJ  the only reason it exists  is to serve as the apparatus to ensure that federal laws (made by Congress and signed by presidents), as well as the Constitution, are followed. Period.

Its not the DOJs [job] to fight for abortion. Or to protect access to it once the Supreme Court issued its ruling that theres no federal law to base it on, Greenfield reasoned. But who listens to court rulings anyway? Republicans?

As bad as the announcement was, it gets worse. Greenfield noted that the release then goes full MSNBC after noting that Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta will chair the Task Force.

She said: As Attorney General Garland has said, the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision is a devastating blow to reproductive freedom in the United States. The Court abandoned 50 years of precedent and took away the constitutional right to abortion, preventing women all over the country from being able to make critical decisions about our bodies, our health, and our futures. The Justice Department is committed to protecting access to reproductive services.

First and foremost, there never was a constitutional right to abortion, which is why the justices overturned Roe. It is a state issue, and now the states are in charge (again) of deciding it.

But this overt politicization of the Justice Department is only going to get worse, not better, under the Obama worshippers who are in charge of Bidens administration. And the Supreme Court is in Garlands crosshairs.

DOJ press releases are not supposed to read like partisan political rants. Theyre not supposed to denounce the Supreme Court or issue personal opinions. But thats all in the past now that weve gone fully woke. And the Biden DOJ remains fully committed to defying the Supreme Court and fighting for the right to kill, Greenfield explained.

So Bidens DOJ is announcing that it will threaten states and try to sue them if they infringe on federal legal protections relating to the provision or pursuit of reproductive care; impair womens ability to seek reproductive care in states where it is legal; impair individuals ability to inform and counsel each other about the reproductive care that is available in other states; ban Mifepristone based on disagreement with the FDAs expert judgment about its safety and efficacy; or impose criminal or civil liability on federal employees who provide reproductive health services in a manner authorized by federal law.

The DOJ has no authority to do any of these things.

The woke Obama left is steadily destroying what is left of our governing institutions. The objective is to crash the system so they can rebuild it in a way they can control into perpetuity.

Sources include:

NaturalNews.com

FrontpageMag.com
(Natural News) Joe Biden just bought the countrys food supply a little bit more time by signing an executive order to keep Americas railroads running for another month or two. However, there is still a pretty good chance that negotiations between rail workers and their unions will sour during this time, driving Americas 140,000-mile rail network to a screeching halt come harvest time.

What Im hearing from our members is fewer equipment issues, said Mike Seyfert, president and CEO of the National Feed and Grain Association (NFGA), following Bidens action. The equipment and engines dont seem to be breaking down, but the amount of time its taken to get the trains and the reliability of receiving them have.

In case you missed it, Americas 57,000 some-odd rail workers had planned to walk off the job on July 18 in protest of low wages and poor working conditions. Biden intervened by signing an executive order that prohibits a strike and requires a 30-day cooling period for the two sides to come up with a solution.

During that 30-day cooling period, a Biden-appointed Presidential Emergency Board will investigate the dispute and come up with recommendations for a settlement. After that, the railroads have another 30 days maximum to either accept or reject the proposal.

What this means is that, should the negotiations fail during this time, Americas rail lines will basically close up shop around September 18, which is right smack-dab in the middle of harvest season in North America.

It seems to be most severe right now in the West, or for those who are trying to ship west on those lines that are going into the western part of the country, says Seyfert about how animal feed is not getting to where it needs to be in the American southwest due to the dispute.

Either for feed purposes, processing purposes, or export purposes to the western side.

There are too many things happening all at the same time for supply chain woes to be a coincidence

One major company that is still having trouble getting feed amid ongoing rail problems not related to the strike  but that is among the many reasons for the proposed strike  is Foster Farms, the largest chicken producer in the western U.S.

According to reports, Foster Farms is having to pay exorbitant prices to truck in feed since there is not enough rail capacity due to worker shortages and other problems to get supplies from point A to point B.

AgWeb says that the issues railroads are facing center around labor and the amount of time that it takes to receive shipments via rail.

The velocity to deliver trains is getting more and more difficult, says Ken Erikson, senior vice president at S&P Global Fuels, Chemicals and Resource Solutions Group. Youre having challenges with having enough locomotives in different locations.

You have challenges with crews who may have been hit by weather, who may be hit by diversions, some of the rail crews timeout or they dont have enough locomotive engineers in the right position.

In Arizona, where some harvests are already occurring, rail cars are simply not showing up as scheduled. Consequently, grain shipments are not going as planned.

Weve got a whole harvest thats basically been received, and we havent been able to ship anything, says Eric Wilkey of Arizona Grain, Inc.

We never stopped the farmers from harvesting, so we have created some really large inventories and that has significant cash-flow impacts on us, Wilkey added, noting that rail cars were supposed to arrive back in early May, but only started trickling in during the first part of July about two months behind schedule.

The latest news about the rail debacle can be found at Collapse.news.

Sources for this article include:

AgWeb.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) A team of researchers from the Australian National University (ANU) discovered a cheaper and more efficient way to produce hydrogen through electrolysis.

The researchers led by Dr. Siva Karuturi found a way to produce hydrogen through electrolysis without an external source of electricity and any carbon emission. Their research has been published in Advanced Energy Materials.

The method used by the researchers is called the solar-to-hydrogen approach because they used the sunlight directly instead of using the electricity produced by solar panels. The method also reduced the cost of electrolysis by using inexpensive materials as semiconductors.

There are significant cost benefits to this solar-to-hydrogen approach as it eliminates the need for added infrastructure thats necessary when hydrogen is produced using an electrolyzer, Karuturi said.

The researchers used a combination of perovskite cells with specially designed Si electrode to absorb the sunlight. To ensure its stability, the perovskite cells were improved by research co-author Dr. Heping Shen, who is an expert in perovskite.

The solar-to-hydrogen approach also uses noble-metal such as platinum, but the researchers are already at work to find a cheaper alternative.

With their method, the researchers increase the energy conversion efficiency of electrolysis to 17.6 percent, which is close to the 20 percent conversion rate of a solar panel.

Hydrogen turning into an economy by itself

Hydrogen is slowly turning into an economy by itself as scientists work to find cleaner energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and save the environment. It can be found in many compounds used on a daily basis, including some compounds used for fuel such as coal, petroleum, natural gas and water. (Related: Enormous supply of clean hydrogen fuel can now be tapped for the hydrogen economy.)

Since hydrogen can be produced from so many different sources, any country that can produce it will have energy security.

The production of hydrogen emits almost no greenhouse gas. Once hydrogen is produced, it generates electricity in a fuel cell while only emitting vapor and water.

In other words, it is clean to produce and use.

The two common methods of producing hydrogen are steam-methane reforming and electrolysis.

Steam-methane reforming is used when trying to produce hydrogen from hydrocarbon compounds such as petroleum or natural gas. The method calls for high-temperature steam (1,300?F-1,800?F) that is forced on methane (CH4) at a pressure of 3-25 bar and in the presence of a catalyst. The reaction emits not only hydrogen but also carbon dioxide in small quantities and carbon monoxide. Although this method is the cheapest way to produce hydrogen, it is not the cleanest.

Electrolysis, on the other hand, is the process of splitting hydrogen from water using an electric current. This method only emits hydrogen and oxygen if the electricity used comes from natural sources like the sun, wind or water, and a little bit of carbon if the source is a fossil fuel. The issue with this method is the cost of building the infrastructure to produce the electricity used in the electrolysis and the environment for the reaction itself.

The solar-to-hydrogen approach used by the ANU researchers addressed those issues.

To produce hydrogen in the past, solar plants had to produce electricity which is then used to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen. This new method is more direct, making it more efficient, Karuturi said.

Solar panel converts sunlight into hydrogen using air moisture

A March 2019 article published by IEEE Spectrum described one of the early prototypes used to produce hydrogen.

A team at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium said it has developed a solar panel that converts sunlight directly into hydrogen using moisture in the air. The prototype takes the water vapor and splits it into hydrogen and oxygen molecules.

Professor Johan Martens and his team of engineers said that their prototype could produce 250 liters of hydrogen per day on average over a full year.

The team estimated that a family living in a well-insulated Belgian house could use about 20 of the panels to meet their power and heating needs during an entire year.

Each solar panel is 1.65 meters long and has a rated power output of about 210 watts. The system can convert 15 percent of the solar energy it receives into hydrogen, the team said.

According to Martens, his team used cheap raw materials instead of precious metals and other expensive components. We wanted to design something sustainable that is affordable and can be used practically anywhere, he told VRT, a public broadcasting network in Belgium.

Follow Hydrogenwater.news for more news and information related to the production and use of hydrogen.

Sources include:

Element14.com

Science.anu.edu.au

Spectrum.ieee.org
(Natural News) Harnessing the sun to generate power is no longer an endeavor restricted to the surface of the Earth. It has now reached the final frontier, thanks to satellites designed for space-based solar power (SBSP). These satellites  which took inspiration from villains nefarious plots to destroy the world  have now been tapped to focus on more pressing challenges.

British data analytics firm GlobalData wrote in its Tech, Media and Telecom Predictions 2021 report that Earth-facing activities in space will experience significant growth in the next decade. Its report also noted a finding by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions that the energy sector accounts for more than 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Thus, SBSP was put forward as a cleaner option for the industry.

SBSP works by using satellites in orbit equipped with huge solar reflectors. These reflectors will concentrate energy from the sun onto solar panels. The energy from the solar panels then be turned into electromagnetic radiation, to be beamed back to Earth in the form of either laser or microwave. A rectifying antenna on the ground will then finally collect the resulting waves or electromagnetic radiation beamed from space and convert it to electricity, which is then distributed to the grid.

The concept of SBSP satellites bears a number of similarities to those seen in two 007 movies: Diamonds are Forever from 1971 and Die Another Day from 2002. Both films involve a satellite harnessing the power of the sun, albeit used for nefarious purposes.

SBSP has a number of advantages over conventional solar power. First, solar power collection will no longer be impeded by bad weather and nighttime. Satellites in orbit can continue collecting and concentrating the suns energy no matter what season. This is advantageous especially in the winter months: Only three percent of sunlight reaches the Earth in an average winter month in Europe.

Second, energy storage issues are addressed because the continuous stream of power from the sun would allow energy to be directly beamed down then needed, Third, sunlight from space is much more intense compared to when it is collected from the Earth. The atmosphere filters the light from the sun, which also weakens it by the time it hits the planet. SBSP could generate 40 times more energy than Earth-based solar power, according to energy matching service Greenmatch.

Space-based solar power adds a new dimension to the new space race

While SBSP has many advantages over Earth-based solar power, its exorbitant cost remains a major hurdle to overcome before it sees commercial use. Theoretically, technologies to make SPSB a reality are already existent. But the astronomical funding needed for production, launch and assembly impedes its commercial viability. Technological advances in recent years have significantly lowered launch costs and giving the project a new hope.

SBSP is a clean, viable and long-term solution for the Earths energy needs. Thus, a number of nations are in a race to develop technologies that allow unimpeded solar energy collection  with a geopolitical and commercial advantage at the finish line. The U.S., China and Japan are some of the current key players in SBSP  all eager to secure access to a clean and unlimited power source.

China appears to be leading the race, announcing its intent to send a prototype into space. Chinese state-owned news outlet CGTN reported in January 2021 that the country aims to launch its first solar probe in the first half of 2022. Its Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S) is equipped with a solar telescope, a magnetic imager and an X-ray imager.

ASO-S Chief Scientist Gan Weiqun of the Chinese Academy of Sciences said the probe will observe solar activities and stormy atmosphere on the sun on a 24-hour basis. He added that it would also monitor solar storms at least one to three days before they arrive. This would enable advanced notices of possible damage to the Earths electromagnetic field to be issued. (Related: China developing killer satellites and directed energy weapons to challenge US in space.)

Prior to the ASO-S launch, the U.S. sent a space-based solar panel back in May 2020. Researchers with the United States Navy sent the Photovoltaic Radiofrequency Antenna Module (PRAM)  which is no bigger than a pizza box  into orbit. Currently, the PRAM now loops around the Earth every 90 minutes capturing sunlight.

The panel is designed to maximize the amount of light energy in space and beam it back to Earth to generate energy. Blue waves the PRAM will collect retain huge amounts of energy, which the atmosphere would otherwise filter out. The 12-inch by 12-inch solar panel is enough to power one electronic device, but researchers are looking to scale it up to collect more energy.

Visit Power.news to read more about future technologies to bring solar power collection to space.

Sources include:

Power-Technology.com

News.CGTN.com

StrangeSounds.org
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 12: A general view of the broadcast of NASA's first images from James Webb Space Telescope to screens in Picadilly Circus on July 12, 2022 in London, England. The imagery from the James Webb Space Telescope was also broadcast to screens in Times Square as part of a global collaboration between Landsec and NASA. (Photo : Photo by Ricky Vigil/Getty Images)

The first images of James Webb Space Telescope have been an international sensation after it was shown to the world just a week ago, and scientists have already made a huge discovery.

A galaxy as old as 13.5 billion years peeked into their data, and the scientist who made the analysis said it could be the oldest galaxy ever seen, ScienceAlert reported. The telescope's first full-color images and spectroscopic data were released during a televised broadcast last Tuesday, July 12, 2022, from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

According to NASA, "these first images from the world's largest and most powerful space telescope demonstrate Webb at its full power, ready to begin its mission to unfold the infrared universe."

After careful observation, Rohan Naidu of the Harvard Center for Astrophysics announced on Wednesday their discovery of the GLASS-z13, potentially "the most distant starlight that anyone has ever seen," he said.

Smashing Records

As Science had all taught us, the more distant objects are from us, the longer it takes for their light to reach us. Gazing into a galaxy that took 13.5 billion years to hit us could be like "seeing into the deep past".

A planetary scientist named Dr. James O'Donoghue said in a Twitter post that the James Webb Space Telescope "has potentially smashed records, spotting a galaxy which existed when the universe was a mere 300 million years old! The light from GLASS-z13 took 13.4 billion years to hit us, but the distance between us is now 33 billion light years due to the expansion of the universe!"

However, the exact age of GLASS-z13 remains unknown as it could have formed any time within the first 300 million years.

Nonetheless, it definitely represented the earliest era of the Universe.

Also read: Tornado Hits Greater Chicago Area Amid Severe Weather; Tornado Warnings Issued





Work in Progress

The Webb has indeed exhibited a promising work with its ability to find the earliest galaxies that formed after the Big Bang, 13.8 billion years ago. It is equipped to detect "with unprecedented clarity" light that has been stretched by the expansion of the Universe and shifted to the infrared region of the light spectrum, thus it demonstrated the most powerful space telescope.

In fact, using data collected through different infrared filters pointed at the same region of space, Naidu and his team were able to detect presence of these most distant galaxies.

"We searched all the early data for galaxies with this very striking signature, and these were the two systems that had by far the most compelling signature," said Naidu, referring to GLASS-z13, and the not-so-ancient, GLASS-z11.

"There's strong evidence, but there's still work to be done," he noted.

The team also wanted to carry out spectroscopy - an analysis of light that reveals detailed properties - to measure its precise distance, but right now, "our guess for the distance is based on what we don't see - it would be great to have an answer for what we do see," Naidu said.

Launched last December and fully operational since last week, scientists and astronomers are delighted and confident that the Webb will herald a new era of discovery.

Related article: Solar Storm Cloud Surrounds Earth's Magnetic Field; Geomagnetic Storms Expected in the Coming Days




TORRES STRAIT, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: A general view of an island in the Torres Strait on March 26, 2021 in Torres Strait, Australia. More than 250 Islands make up the Torres Strait, a body of water separating the Cape York Peninsula and the southern coast of Papua New Guinea. The Islands are highly vulnerable to climate change. As sea levels continue to rise, tides have become more destructive and coastal erosion is occurring at a faster rate. New seawalls are being built in different projects around the islands in an effort to hold back rising sea levels. (Photo : Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)

Latest comprehensive report on the state of Australia's environment, put together by a panel of independent scientists every five years has finally been released to the public.

The government was accused of "sitting on the report" to avoid bad press amidst the ongoing elections. With the recent change of government, the record of potentially devastating assessments is finally out in the world, and it's "just as bad as many folks feared," ScienceAlert reported.

Looking back into the past five years, a third of the Great Barrier Reef has been whitened by severe coral bleaching events, the tropical north has been heavily flooded, and more than 46 million acres of land burned in the nation.

Driven by climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and widespread of invasive species, Australia's environment has entered into a "serious and severely" deteriorating state.

Turning Things Around

At this point, the report's key findings suggest that urgent actions can still be taken. "Australia currently lacks a framework that delivers holistic environmental management," the report said. Although the devastating effects continue to grow, the challenge is still something a collaborative action can mitigate.

As per Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, "Australians deserve the truth." They deserve to know that "threatened communities have grown by 20 percent in the last five years with places literally burned into endangerment by catastrophic fires."

Australia's coastal shores and waters have gone downhill and currently in "poor conditions", but not as worse as the land. 10 of the 18 ecosystems deemed at 'risk of collapse' are terrestrial.

Meanwhile, the nation's original eucalypt woodlands have been cleared by a third, so is nearly half of the nation's casuarina forests. Vegetation has been lost, and invasive species of flora now outnumber native species. Consequently, Australian fauna has also suffered.

In fact, Australis is now one of the countries around the world to have highest rates of species decline, and has already lost more mammal species than any other continent.

Also read: Tetrapods: The First Animals Who Left the Water to Live on Land but Turned Back

What Happens Next

Scientists predict that many of the country's species will go instinct in the next two decades, including the northern hopping-mouse, the rock-rat, the Christmas Island flying fox, and the black-footed tree-rat. In fact, other unidentified species we have yet to discover or describe could all go extinct as well.

Experts highlight the importance reincorporation of Indigenous knowledge of the ancestors living in Australia for tens of thousands of years, who have a deep understanding about what healthy, native ecosystems look like and how these can be managed.

Which is why for the first time, the 2021 State of Environment Report devotes an entire chapter to the role of First Nations people in conservation, allowing Australia's Indigenous people to voice out their concerns in the nation's environmental heritage.

"The findings were very much a precursor to an extinction crisis in Australia, unless we see transformative change," Brendan Wintle, an ecosystem and forest scientist at the University of Melbourne told The New York Times.

Thankfully, it is what the Australian public is exactly calling for during this challenging time.

Related article: Detroit Experienced Scattered Showers and Other Parts on North Eastern Us Hits Record Breaking Heatwave
The length of the deal is unusual for Urbana, said labor and employee relations manager Michelle Brooks, but one that gives both side a sense of certainty and the ability to kind of plan, know what wages are so we can focus on other matters at hand."
AP

Myanmar has carried out its first executions in nearly 50 years, hanging a former lawmaker, a democracy activist and two other political prisoners who had been accused of a targeted killing after the countrys military takeover last year
AP

Russia says it wants to end Ukraine's `unacceptable regime'

Russias top diplomat says Moscows overarching goal in Ukraine is to free its people from its unacceptable regime, expressing the Kremlins war aims in some of the bluntest terms yet
Land plants evolved 470 million years ago from algae and have since reshaped our world. Throughout their evolution, ferns have undergone a series of changes that have helped them survive on land. For the first time, researchers have characterized the genome arrangement of tree ferns, which sheds new insight into how ferns evolved.

A major event in the evolution of land plants was the invention of their vascular systems, which help them conduct water, nutrients, and food throughout their bodies. These systems consist of two tissues: xylem and phloem. While the xylem enables the transport of water to the stems and leaves, the phloem helps transport sugars, made from photosynthesis, to the rest of the plant. Additionally, only xylem cells are lined with lignin-;supportive structural materials that provide rigidity to wood and bark. The researchers wanted to understand how these vascular systems evolved in ferns and how lignin is made.

Ferns are the earliest vascular plants, and lignified cell walls were a key innovation during the evolution of these plants. This study has improved our understanding of how vascular tissues developed in ferns and other land plant species." Ray Ming (GEGC), professor of plant biology

For this study, the researchers sequenced the genome of flying spider-monkey tree fern Alsophila spinulosa and investigated how its vascular tissues are constructed. They found that two Vascular-related Mac-Domain genes were highly expressed in xylem compared to other tissues, indicating that these might be key regulators in the formation of xylem-specific cells.

Using microscopy and biochemical methods, the researchers also measured the levels of lignin and secondary metabolites-;compounds that are not required for growth or reproduction, but confer certain benefits-;in ferns. They found that lignin made up 40% of the stem cell wall. In comparison, wood generally contains 25%. They also discovered a new secondary metabolite primarily made in the xylem, which they named "alsophilin".

"This new compound is abundant in the xylem, likely as one of the compounds filling up the cavity of non-functional tracheid cells. We also identified the genes involved in the biosynthesis of alsophilin in the genome," Ming said.

To understand how ferns evolved, the researchers compared the genomic sequence of A. spinulosa to other members of the same species across nine locations in China. To their surprise, they discovered that there were six distinct populations, differing in their genomic sequences. Based on their sequencing results, the researchers reconstructed the history of the fern population and saw that there were two times that these species underwent a drastic decrease in population numbers. The first one occurred 35.6  34.5 million years ago and the second occurred 2.5  0.7 million years ago.

"This analysis of genomes and lignin composition from a broader collection of ferns will help us understand the role of lignin in the early lineage of vascular plants," Ming said. "In our future studies, we hope to increase the number of locations and the sample sizes for the genomic analysis."
In a recent review published in Infectious Medicine, researchers summarized the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and prevention and treatment strategies for monkeypox (MPX) caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV).

An unexpected MPX outbreak in several non-endemic nations has raised global concerns. Most MPX cases of the ongoing 2022 outbreak were identified in gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) with atypical clinical presentations. Prevention and control measures must be rapidly developed and adopted to prevent efficient human-to-human transmission of MPXV across the globe.

About the review

In the present review, researchers summarized the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and prevention and treatment strategies for MPX.

Epidemiology of MPX

MPXV was initially discovered in a Danish laboratory in 1958. The first human case of MPX was reported in 1970 in a nine-month-old male infant during smallpox eradication in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and by 1980, MPX cases were nine times higher than the previous year in DRC. Between 1996 and 1997, an MPX outbreak occurred in the DRC with 511 MPX cases.

By 2009, 92 cases were reported in Africa and the count increased to 277 cases by 2019 in Africa. In September 2017, the largest MPX outbreak occurred in Nigeria, caused by a West African clade strain. From 2017 to 2019, 183 MPX cases were reported, increasing to 502 cases by October 2021. On 7 May 2022, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported MPXV in an individual who had traveled to Nigeria. A week later, two MPX cases were reported with no travel history to Nigeria.

After that, MPXV was detected in many non-endemic nations, and most non-endemic MPX cases reported a history of visits to North America and Europe. Between 1 January and 22 June 2022, 3413 MPX cases were reported across 50 nations/territories, 86% of which belonged to Europe, and MPXV was detected in China on 24 June 2022 and also in the United Kingdom (UK).

MPX etiology

MPXV is a linear, enveloped, double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family with intracytoplasmic replication. The virus mainly comprises four components, namely, the outer envelope comprising lipoproteins, the lateral bodies, the outer membrane, and the inner core. The ends of the MPXV genome comprise the inverted terminal repeat (ITR) sequence and 190 open reading frames (ORFs) with more than >180 nucleotides.

MPXV sequences have been phylogenetically grouped into the West Africa clade and the Congo Basin or Central Africa clade with case fatality rates of 3.6% and 10.6%, respectively. MPXV detected in 2022 has been found to contain 50 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), exceeding the previous mutation rates for Orthopoxviruses, indicative of increased MPXV adaptability to human beings.

Transmission and clinical manifestations of MPX

MPX is primarily a zoonotically transmitted infection and MPXV has several animal reservoirs such as chimpanzees, monkeys of Kenya, elephants of Africa, wild boar, antelope, Gambian rats, dogs, anteaters and squirrels of West Africa. MPXV is transmitted on exposure of a human to an MPXV-infected animal/person/or MPXV-contaminated material via animal to person or from person to person via contact with infectious ulcers, body fluids, scabs, or materials contaminated by MPXV or through respiratory droplets, sex or intimate contact. Individuals not receiving smallpox vaccinations are at an increased risk of MPX infections.

MPX symptoms are similar but less severe than smallpox symptoms and MPXV incubates for one to two weeks; however, the severity of MPX symptoms may increase in children, immunocompromised individuals and pregnant females. In the initial invasion phase (five days), patients experience chills, fever, intense headaches, lymphadenopathy, asthenia, exhaustion, myalgia and back pain.

Within one to three days of fever onset, the skin eruption phase commences characterized by a rash beginning on the patients face followed by it rapidly spreading to the extremities, hand palms and feet soles, oral cavity, conjunctiva and the cornea in a centrifugal manner. Skin lesions begin as macules, papules, vesicles, and pustules that develop crusting and turn into scabs that eventually fall off in two to four weeks. Notably, MPX cases in the ongoing 2022 outbreak have presented atypical clinical presentations with initially a genital or perianal rash in MSM individuals.

Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of MPX

Specimens for MPXV testing include those obtained from the surface, exudate, roof or crust swabs from skin lesions, saliva and nasopharyngeal swabs. MPX is primarily diagnosed based on viral isolation and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). As secondary tests, acute and convalescent serum samples may be used to detect anti-MPXV immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG.

To date, no MPXV-specific treatment is available and antivirals such as brincidofovir, cidofovir and tecovirimat may provide supportive and symptomatic treatment by alleviation of symptoms by reducing disease sequelae, and by managing complications. MPX patients must remain isolated until the scabs fall off and use designated items such as towels, clothes, and utensils.

Conclusions

The authors stated three main reasons for the ongoing 2022 outbreak, which are as follows: (i) MPX has caused mild symptoms, and thus, MPXV transmission has not been controlled well in time; (ii) MPXV sequences mutated faster than expected during the current MPX outbreak and; (iii) Herd immunity declined with time ever since the discontinuity of vaccinations against smallpox in the 1970s.

MPX is an international health concern that warrants coordinated global efforts to enhance awareness, increase MPXV testing, develop effective antivirals, disinfect spaces and adopt preventive strategies to limit MPXV transmission. Strict quarantine measures must be undertaken, the import of African primates and rodents must be restricted and the JYNNEOS or ACAM2000 vaccinations must be administered, especially to individuals in close contact with MPX patients. In addition, smallpox vaccinations may be made available in cases of emergency.
The American Heart Association, the world's leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, has announced that Mitchell S.V. Elkind, M.D., M.S., FAHA, longtime volunteer of the Association and renowned neurologist, will be joining the staff leadership team this fall as Chief Clinical Science Officer. Elkind served as the national volunteer President of the American Heart Association in 2020-21.

"Scientific research at the basic, translational and population level has been a key pillar to the American Heart Association's mission since our founding nearly a century ago. Advancing clinical research, today and into the future, is essential to building our understanding of how people are best cared for before, during and after a diagnosis or acute event," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the Association. "Clinical research, supported by new health technologies, is the next frontier of scientific discovery as we move toward more tailored, and targeted, treatments for all. Dr. Elkind brings a powerful combination of large-scale research experience, clinical education and collaborative mentorship that make him uniquely suited to help lead our efforts in this space."

As the senior staff science leader for all Association initiatives related to stroke and brain health, Elkind will help identify new opportunities to expand the organization's scientific, consumer, programmatic and business activities related to brain health. He will work to maximize strategic business relationships, including with key technology collaborators like Apple and Verily, to ensure next generation research efforts are patient-centered, highly participatory and inclusive of all populations.

I am very excited about the breadth of expertise and skills Dr. Elkind will bring to our team. He is a practicing neurologist, an expert in clinical trials, an epidemiologist, a philosopher and a visionary. He truly will bring the brain to the heart-brain connection of the Association." Mariell Jessup, M.D., FAHA, chief science and medical officer, American Heart Association

Elkind will also serve as the Association's staff liaison with the science teams of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other government agencies on clinical research issues. Additionally, he will serve as the science liaison with the Association's long-standing research collaboration with the Henrietta B. and Frederick H. Bugher Foundation and the American Heart Association-Allen Initiative in Brain Health and Cognitive Impairment, launched in 2018 to open new frontiers of discovery in brain health and cognitive impairment science.

"I am thrilled for this opportunity to help build the clinical science programs of the American Heart Association, stretching our reach to exciting new areas for the organization, including brain science and mental health, digital health and others," Elkind said. "The Association has long been one of the major funders of cardiovascular research, and now we are well-positioned to conduct research as well, using resources developed over the past two decades, like our registries, data platforms and research networks. What I have learned from 25 years of academic clinical practice and public health research is that maximizing health and human potential requires bridging the traditional divides among disciplines, and no organization does that better than the American Heart Association."

Elkind currently serves as professor of neurology and epidemiology, and chief of the Division of Neurology Clinical Outcomes Research and Population Sciences, at Columbia University in New York. He leads multiple federally-funded clinical research studies focusing on stroke prevention, inflammatory and infectious biomarkers in stroke risk prediction, atrial cardiopathy, immune therapy for acute stroke and vascular causes of cognitive aging. He will be taking a leave of absence from his position at Columbia when he begins his new role at the American Heart Association starting Sept. 1, 2022.
Heart damage is common among patients hospitalized with COVID-19, leading many to wonder how the virus affects the heart. Now, researchers have found that the spike protein from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus can lead to heart muscle injury through the inflammatory process, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2022. The meeting, held in Chicago on July 25-28, offers the latest research on basic and translational cardiovascular science.

The spike protein is found on the surface of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Spike proteins latch onto receptors known as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on target cells. The spike protein facilitates virus entry into healthy cells, which is the first step in infection. In addition to infecting the lungs, the virus can also spread to other organs leading to more damage to the body, severe infection and, among some people, death.

It's already known from the clinical side that COVID-19 infection can induce heart injury, however, what we don't know is the mechanistic details of how this occurs. What we suspect is that the spike protein has unknown pathological rolesOur data show that the spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 causes heart muscle damage. That's why it's important to get vaccinated and prevent this disease." Zhiqiang Lin, Ph.D., lead author of the study and assistant professor, Masonic Medical Research Institute in Utica, New York

"Host natural immunity is the first line of defense against pathogen invasion, and heart muscle cells have their own natural immune machinery. Activation of the body's immune response is essential for fighting against virus infection; however, this may also impair heart muscle cell function and even lead to cell death and heart failure," Lin said.

The researchers studied whether the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein activates the natural immune response in heart muscle cells. HCoV-NL63 is a coronavirus that infects the respiratory system without causing cardiac injury, although its spike protein also uses ACE2 to mediate virus entry. They studied the potential ability to cause heart disease of both SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the NL63 spike protein. Their results showed that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein activated the natural immune response in heart muscle cells and damaged the heart, but the NL63 spike protein did not.

"The fact that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is activating the natural immune response may explain the high virulence compared to the other coronaviruses," Lin said. "The TLR4 signaling is the major pathway that activates the body's natural immune response, and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein activates TLR4, not the regular flu spike protein."

To investigate the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on the heart, researchers cloned the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the NL63 spike protein into the AAV9 viral vector. The AAV9 viral vector was delivered into lab mice to activate the spike protein in the heart muscle cells. They found that the AAV9-mediated the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and not the NL63 spike protein, caused heart dysfunction, hypertrophic remodeling (enlargement) and cardiac inflammation.

In lab testing of heart cells cultured in dishes, researchers also observed that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein made heart muscle cells much larger compared to cells without either spike protein. "We found direct evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is toxic to heart muscle cells," Lin said.

During this study, researchers also examined a heart biopsy from a deceased patient with inflammation due to COVID-19. They detected the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and TLR4 protein in both heart muscle cells and other cell types. In contrast, these two proteins were absent in a biopsy of a healthy human heart. "That means once the heart is infected with SARS-CoV-2, it will activate the TLR4 signaling," Lin said. "Besides directly damaging the heart muscle cells, the spike protein itself is very inflammatory and may cause systemic inflammation that indirectly causes heart problems."

ACE2 is an important enzyme controlling blood pressure. SARS-CoV-2 infection may impair ACE2 function, which in turn leads to blood pressure increase and, thereby, injures the heart. SARS-CoV-2 may also damage the heart through other unknown pathways.

"Our study provides two pieces of evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein does not need ACE2 to injure the heart. First, we found that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein injured the heart of lab mice. Different from ACE2 in humans, ACE2 in mice does not interact with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, therefore, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein did not injure the heart by directly disrupting ACE2 function. Second, although both the SARS-CoV-2 and NL63 coronaviruses use ACE2 as a receptor to infect cells, only the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interacted with TLR4 and inflamed the heart muscle cells. Therefore, our study presents a novel, ACE2-independent pathological role of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, " Lin said.

This research takes the first step toward determining whether the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein affects the heart. The researchers now plan to investigate how SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins cause inflammation in the heart. There are two potential ways: the first is that spike protein is expressed in the virus-infected heart muscle cells and thereby directly activates inflammation; the second is that the virus spike protein is shed into the bloodstream, and the circulating SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins damage the heart.
The researchers caution: "The CRISPR genome editing method is very effective, but not always safe. Sometimes cleaved chromosomes do not recover and genomic stability is compromised - which in the long run might promote cancer." A new study from TAU identifies risks in the use of CRISPR therapeutics - an innovative, Nobel-prize-winning method that involves cleaving and editing DNA, already employed for the treatment of conditions like cancer, liver and intestinal diseases, and genetic syndromes. Investigating the impact of this technology on T-cells - white blood cells of the immune system, the researchers detected a loss of genetic material in a significant percentage - up to 10% of the treated cells. They explain that such loss can lead to destabilization of the genome, which might cause cancer.

The study was led by Dr. Adi Barzel from the School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics at TAU's Wise Faculty of Life Sciences and Dotan Center for Advanced Therapies, a collaboration between the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) and Tel Aviv University, and by Dr. Asaf Madi and Dr. Uri Ben-David from TAU's Faculty of Medicine and Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics. The findings were published in the leading scientific journal Nature Biotechnology.

The researchers explain that CRISPR is a groundbreaking technology for editing DNA - cleaving DNA sequences at certain locations in order to delete unwanted segments, or alternately repair or insert beneficial segments. Developed about a decade ago, the technology has already proved impressively effective in treating a range of diseases - cancer, liver diseases, genetic syndromes, and more. The first approved clinical trial ever to use CRISPR, was conducted in 2020 at the University of Pennsylvania, when researchers applied the method to T-cells - white blood cells of the immune system. Taking T-cells from a donor, they expressed an engineered receptor targeting cancer cells, while using CRISPR to destroy genes coding for the original receptor - which otherwise might have caused the T-cells to attack cells in the recipient's body.

In the present study, the researchers sought to examine whether the potential benefits of CRISPR therapeutics might be offset by risks resulting from the cleavage itself, assuming that broken DNA is not always able to recover.

Dr. Ben-David and his research associate Eli Reuveni explain: "The genome in our cells often breaks due to natural causes, but usually it is able to repair itself, with no harm done. Still, sometimes a certain chromosome is unable to bounce back, and large sections, or even the entire chromosome, are lost. Such chromosomal disruptions can destabilize the genome, and we often see this in cancer cells. Thus, CRISPR therapeutics, in which DNA is cleaved intentionally as a means for treating cancer, might, in extreme scenarios, actually promote malignancies."

To examine the extent of potential damage, the researchers repeated the 2020 Pennsylvania experiment, cleaving the T-cells' genome in exactly the same locations - chromosomes 2, 7, and 14 (of the human genome's 23 pairs of chromosomes). Using a state-of-the-art technology called single-cell RNA sequencing they analyzed each cell separately and measured the expression levels of each chromosome in every cell.

In this way, a significant loss of genetic material was detected in some of the cells. For example, when Chromosome 14 had been cleaved, about 5% of the cells showed little or no expression of this chromosome. When all chromosomes were cleaved simultaneously, the damage increased, with 9%, 10%, and 3% of the cells unable to repair the break in chromosomes 14, 7, and 2 respectively. The three chromosomes did differ, however, in the extent of the damage they sustained.

Dr. Madi and his student Ella Goldschmidt explain: "Single-cell RNA sequencing and computational analyses enabled us to obtain very precise results. We found that the cause for the difference in damage was the exact place of the cleaving on each of the three chromosomes. Altogether, our findings indicate that over 9% of the T-cells genetically edited with the CRISPR technique had lost a significant amount of genetic material. Such loss can lead to destabilization of the genome, which might promote cancer."

Based on their findings, the researchers caution that extra care should be taken when using CRISPR therapeutics. They also propose alternative, less risky, methods, for specific medical procedures, and recommend further research into two kinds of potential solutions: reducing the production of damaged cells or identifying damaged cells and removing them before the material is administered to the patient.

Dr. Barzel and his PhD student Alessio Nahmad conclude: "Our intention in this study was to shed light on potential risks in the use of CRISPR therapeutics. We did this even though we are aware of the technology's substantial advantages. In fact, in other studies, we have developed CRISPR-based treatments, including a promising therapy for AIDS. We have even established two companies - one using CRISPR and the other deliberately avoiding this technology. In other words, we advance this highly effective technology, while at the same time cautioning against its potential dangers. This may seem like a contradiction, but as scientists we are quite proud of our approach, because we believe that this is the very essence of science: we don't 'choose sides.' We examine all aspects of an issue, both positive and negative, and look for answers."
(Newser)  The reason Elon Musk's friendship with Sergey Brin has apparently gone south? A fling the Tesla founder had with the Google co-founder's estranged wife, according to sources who spoke to the Wall Street Journal. Musk, for his part, is staunchly denying the report. Brin separated from Nicole Shanahan late last year and filed for divorce less than three weeks later, on Jan. 4 of this year. The sources say he filed several weeks after finding out about Shanahan and Musk, who allegedly had a brief romantic entanglement at the beginning of December at the Art Basel festival in Miami. At the time, the sources say, issues related to the COVID lockdowns and care for their daughter, age 3, had already taken a toll on Brin's relationship with Shanahan.

Earlier this year, the sources say, Musk took a knee at a party and apologized profusely for his involvement with Shanahan; Brin reportedly acknowledged that, but is not in regular contact with Musk despite the mea culpa. Their longtime and once-close relationship (Musk, for example, says he often used to sleep at Brin's Silicon Valley home, and Brin gave him money in 2008 when Tesla was struggling) has apparently been going through a rough time recently, with Brin reportedly ordering his financial advisers to sell his personal investments in Musk's companies.

Meanwhile, Brin's divorce looks like it could get ugly; Shanahan reportedly wants more than $1 billion and is claiming she signed their prenup, which entitles her to much less, under duress while pregnant. (Musk, meanwhile, also had a baby with one of his partners and twins with another around the same time as Art Basel.) "This is total bs. Sergey and I are friends and were at a party together last night!" Musk tweeted in response to a tweet about the article. "Ive only seen Nicole twice in three years, both times with many other people around. Nothing romantic." He later added, "Havent even had sex in ages (sigh)." Read the full WSJ exclusive here. (Read more Elon Musk stories.)
(Newser)  Myanmar has carried out its first executions in nearly 50 years with the hangings of a former National League for Democracy lawmaker, a democracy activist, and two men accused of violence after the country's military takeover last year. The executions announced Monday were carried out despite worldwide pleas for clemency for the four political detainees, the AP reports. The Mirror Daily state newspaper said the four planned, directed, and organized "the violent and inhuman accomplice acts of terrorist killings. The paper said they were hanged according to prison procedures but did not say when the executions occurred.

Western governments, rights groups, and UN experts blasted the decision to hang the men. The illegitimate military junta is providing the international community with further evidence of its disregard for human rights as it prepares to hang pro-democracy activists, two UN expertsThomas Andrews, special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, and Morris Tidball-Binz, special rapporteur on extrajudicial summary or arbitrary executionssaid earlier. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen had earlier urged Myanmar to reconsider and suggested their executions would draw strong condemnation and complicate efforts to restore peace.

Myanmars Foreign Ministry rejected criticism of the decision to proceed with the executions, declaring that Myanmar's judicial system is fair and that Phyo Zeya Thaw and Kyaw Min Yu were proven to be masterminds of orchestrating full-scale terrorist attacks against innocent civilians to instill fear and disrupt peace and stability. A military spokesperson said the decision to hang the four prisoners was for the rule of law and to prevent similar incidents in the future. According to Myanmar law, executions must be approved by the head of the government. The last judicial execution to be carried out in Myanmar is generally believed to have been of another political offender, student leader Salai Tin Maung Oo, in 1976 under a previous military government led by dictator Ne Win.

(Read more Myanmar stories.)
(Newser)  About 2 in 3 Americans say they favor term limits or a mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court justices, according to a new poll that finds a sharp increase in the percentage of Americans saying they have hardly any confidence in the court, the AP reports. The poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds 67% of Americans support a proposal to set a specific number of years that justices serve instead of life terms, including 82% of Democrats and 57% of Republicans. Views are similar about a requirement that justices retire by a specific age.

The poll was conducted just weeks after the high court issued high-profile rulings including stripping away womens constitutional protections for abortion and expanding gun rights. The poll also shows more Americans disapprove than approve of the courts abortion decision, with just over half saying the decision made them angry or sad. In the prior poll, conducted in April before a draft of the courts Roe v. Wade decision was leaked, 18% said they had a great deal of confidence, 54% said they had only some and 27% said they had hardly any. Now, 17% say they have a great deal of confidence, 39% only some, and 43% hardly any. (Read more US Supreme Court stories.)
(Newser)  An embarrassing goof out of Canada in the search for escaped murder suspect Rabih "Robby" Alkhalil. Alkhalil managed to escape mid-trial from North Fraser Pretrial Centre in Coquitlam, British Columbia, on Thursday, with sources telling the Vancouver Sun the 35-year-old was assisted by men who posed as construction workers there to see to the facility's air conditioning. The men may have used a high-end plasma torch and are said to have left in a van that has since been recovered. The Coquitlam Royal Canadian Mounted Police on Friday released two black-and-white photos of the alleged accomplices, saying in a statement that "if you see them, call 911 immediately." The next day brought admission of the goof: those photos were actually stock images.

"Investigators can now confirm that previously-released images of Alkhalils suspect/associates are stock images that do not represent the suspects themselves," Const. Deanna Law said in a statement. "It is believed that the suspects who helped Alkhalil escape bear a close resemblance to the photos they left behind, but those images are not them." CTV News reports it managed to find at least one of the images available to buy online for $36. Alkhalil is on trial for the 2012 murder of gangster Sandip Duhre, and the jury was on Friday told that the trial would continue without him, though it was adjourned until Wednesday, per the Sun. (Read more escaped criminal stories.)
(Newser)  Russia's top diplomat said Moscows overarching goal is to topple the government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reports the AP, making Russian war aims more explicit as its forces keep pummeling Ukraine with artillery barrages and airstrikes. The remark from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov comes amid Ukraine's efforts to resume grain exports from its Black Sea ports, something that would help ease global food shortages, under a new deal tested by a Russian strike on Odesa over the weekend. Speaking to envoys at an Arab League summit in Cairo late Sunday, Lavrov said Moscow is determined to help Ukrainians liberate themselves from the burden of this absolutely unacceptable regime. Lavrov accused Kyiv and its Western allies" of spouting propaganda intended to ensure that Ukraine becomes the eternal enemy of Russia."

Russian and Ukrainian people would continue to live together, we will certainly help Ukrainian people to get rid of the regime, which is absolutely anti-people and anti-historical, he said. Lavrovs remarks contrasted sharply with the Kremlin's line early in the war, when Russian officials repeatedly emphasized that they werent seeking to overthrow Zelenskys government. Lavrov argued that Russia was ready to negotiate a deal to end hostilities in March when Kyiv changed tack and declared its intention to rout Russia on the battlefield, adding that the West has encouraged Ukraine to keep fighting. The West insists that Ukraine must not start negotiations until Russia is defeated on the battlefield, Lavrov said.

(Read more Russia-Ukraine conflict stories.)
(Newser)  A new study by Census Bureau and Harvard University researchers suggests that millennials aren't straying far from home in adulthood. By age 26, more than two-thirds of young adults in the US lived in the same area where they grew up, 80% had moved less than 100 miles away, and 90% resided less than 500 miles away, per the AP. Migration distances were shorter for Black and Hispanic individuals, compared to white and Asian young adults, and the children of higher income parents traveled farther away from their hometowns than those of less wealthy parents.

For many individuals, the radius of economic opportunity is quite narrow, the report said. Young adulthood is a period in life when migration is highest in the US. The study looked at the likelihood of people born primarily between 1984 and 1992 moving away from the commuting zone they grew up in. It turns out that the most common destinations for young adults were concentrated near where they grew up, said the study which utilized decennial census, survey, and tax data. Particulars:

In one example of the trend, three quarters of people who grew up in the Chicago area stayed there. Los Angeles was the top destination for those who moved out of state, but that accounted for only 1.1% of young adults from Chicago.

Atlanta was the most popular destination for young Black adults moving away from their hometowns, followed by Houston and Washington. Young Black adults who grew up in high-income households were multiple times more likely to move to these cities in a New Great Migration than those from low-income families.

For white adults leaving their hometowns, New York, Los Angeles, Washington, and Denver were the most population destinations. Los Angeles and New York were the top two destinations for Asians and Hispanic young adults. San Antonio and Phoenix also were popular with Hispanics, while San Francisco also appealed to Asian young adults.

Despite the regions economic woes and the prospect of job opportunities elsewhere, young adults in Appalachia were less likely to move far from their hometowns compared to those of similar incomes living elsewhere.

The reluctance of millennials to move far away is backed up by recent studies showing declines in mobility in the US for the overall population. In the middle of the last century, about a fifth of US residents, not just young adults, moved each year. That figure has dropped steadily since the 1950s, going from about 20% to 8.4% last year, due to an aging population, dual-income households that make it more difficult to pick up and move and, more recently, the pandemic, according to a recent report from Brookings. When there were wage gains in a local labor market, most of the benefits went to residents who grew up within 100 miles rather than people who had migrated.

(Read more Census Bureau stories.)
(Newser)  "It's hard not to cry right now. I hope everybody gets a good night's sleep. We need it." So wrote Rob Green, the mayor of Cedar Falls, Iowa, on Facebook Saturday night in the wake of a triple murder at Maquoketa Caves State Park. Cedar Falls' Tyler Schmidt, 42; Sarah Schmidt, 42; and Lula Schmidt, 6; were found dead in their tent Friday morning in what is believed to be a random attack. The latest in the case:

The discovery and aftermath. The Des Moines Register reports a 911 call was placed at 6:23am Friday. The park was evacuated, and a rep with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation says that one registered camper was unaccounted for: the suspected shooter, Anthony Orlando Sherwin, 23. A search via aircraft subsequently found Sherwin's body "some distance from the campsite but still in the park."

The Des Moines Register reports a 911 call was placed at 6:23am Friday. The park was evacuated, and a rep with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation says that one registered camper was unaccounted for: the suspected shooter, Anthony Orlando Sherwin, 23. A search via aircraft subsequently found Sherwin's body "some distance from the campsite but still in the park." More on Sherwin. The La Vista, Nebraska, resident was camping with his parents, whom he lived with. "Why would he throw everything away when he was looking forward to going home? It makes no sense," mom Cecilia Sherwin told the Register, which found no criminal record for Sherwin.

The surviving child. Arlo Schmidt, 9, was camping with his parents and sister and survived the attack. A GoFundMe campaign to establish a trust in his name has exceeded its $100,000 goal, with nearly $180,000 raised as of this writing.

Arlo Schmidt, 9, was camping with his parents and sister and survived the attack. A GoFundMe campaign to establish a trust in his name has exceeded its $100,000 goal, with nearly $180,000 raised as of this writing. A witness' recollection. Felicia Coe tells KCCI she was camping at the park and went to look for a member of her party after park rangers told her to exit the park. She says she then spotted Arlo. "He's just standing there. Just calm and you know, nothing out of the ordinary. Other than he had one shoe on and was in his pajamas, but not being held or comforted, or, you know, showing any emotion. I just cant imagine," Coe said.

Felicia Coe tells KCCI she was camping at the park and went to look for a member of her party after park rangers told her to exit the park. She says she then spotted Arlo. "He's just standing there. Just calm and you know, nothing out of the ordinary. Other than he had one shoe on and was in his pajamas, but not being held or comforted, or, you know, showing any emotion. I just cant imagine," Coe said. The victims. Tyler Schmidt worked as a software engineer and Sarah Schmidt was employed by the Cedar Falls library. CNN flags another post by Green, who wrote in part, "I knew Sarah well, and she & her family were regular walkers here in the Sartori Park neighborhood. I was working with her this week on a public library tech presentation for 7/26." Green is being called "inspirational" for his candid comments about the public's grief in the wake of the tragedy.

(Read more shooting stories.)
(Newser)  Unconfirmed reports that Nancy Pelosi is planning a trip to Taiwan have most definitely caught the attention of China. Authorities in Beijing are making clear through private and public channels they would view such a trip as a provocation, one that would trigger a strong response. However, what "strong" means is unclear at the moment.

Private: Over the weekend, the UK's Financial Times reported that Chinese authorities had issued unusually stern private warnings to US officials, per Bloomberg. These were "significantly stronger" than warnings over previous spats, and the FT story cited a "possible military response."

Over the weekend, the UK's Financial Times reported that Chinese authorities had issued unusually stern private warnings to US officials, per Bloomberg. These were "significantly stronger" than warnings over previous spats, and the FT story cited a "possible military response." Public: On Monday, a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry confirmed the anger about the possible trip, reports Reuters. "We are seriously prepared," said Zhao Lijian, though he didn't directly answer when pressed about a possible military response. "If the US side is bent on going its own way, China will take strong measures to resolutely respond and counteract," he said. He added that the US "should be held responsible for any serious consequences."

Possibilities: The AP reports that speculation about what China might do includes aggressive military exercises or even an attempt to prevent Pelosi's plane from landing. "If the US is determined to make (a visit) happen, they know China will take unprecedented tough measures and the US must make military preparations," Shi Yinhong of Beijing's Renmin University tells the outlet. Michael Mazza of the American Enterprise Institute suggests "huffing and puffing" and possible "economic punishment of Taiwan" as other outcomes.

The AP reports that speculation about what China might do includes aggressive military exercises or even an attempt to prevent Pelosi's plane from landing. "If the US is determined to make (a visit) happen, they know China will take unprecedented tough measures and the US must make military preparations," Shi Yinhong of Beijing's Renmin University tells the outlet. Michael Mazza of the American Enterprise Institute suggests "huffing and puffing" and possible "economic punishment of Taiwan" as other outcomes. Stepping back: Pelosi herself has not officially announced any such trip, let alone talked about when it might happen; word of the possible trip has come via media sources. (The reports that surfaced this month, such as this one in Politico, suggested August.) Last week, President Biden appeared to cast doubt on the trip by saying, "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."

Pelosi herself has not officially announced any such trip, let alone talked about when it might happen; word of the possible trip has come via media sources. (The reports that surfaced this month, such as this one in Politico, suggested August.) Last week, President Biden appeared to cast doubt on the trip by saying, "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." White House: The Wall Street Journal reports that the White House is concerned about how such a trip might harm US-China relations, but the story says Biden has not explicitly talked to Pelosi about it or asked her not to go. On Friday, Pelosi cited security concerns in declining to talk about travel plans. As for Biden's comments, "I think what the president was saying is themaybe the military was afraid our plane would get shot down or something like that by the Chinese," she said. "I dont know exactly."

The Wall Street Journal reports that the White House is concerned about how such a trip might harm US-China relations, but the story says Biden has not explicitly talked to Pelosi about it or asked her not to go. On Friday, Pelosi cited security concerns in declining to talk about travel plans. As for Biden's comments, "I think what the president was saying is themaybe the military was afraid our plane would get shot down or something like that by the Chinese," she said. "I dont know exactly." The fear: In a story about all this, the Washington Post reports that White House officials fear a "major crisis across the Taiwan Strait" should Pelosi go. She would be the first House speaker to visit the islandwhich is self-ruled but which China claims as its ownin 25 years. The response from China might be particularly aggressive because the Communist Party Conference meets in a few months, notes the story.

(Read more Taiwan stories.)
(Newser)  Two Iowa women wrapped up their fourth "BFF Road Trip" on Monday, and this year's vacation involved something unusual: media attention. That's because Brandy Macumber and Tamara Bane of Winterset decided to pump up their travels to Illinois by adding a "Tip Our Next Server Mission," reports KCRG. The women started the You Can't Be Serious? Facebook page and an identically named Venmo (@youcantbeserious), where they're collecting money that they've used to tip restaurant waitstaff handsomely. They started last July 19, with Alexiswho has been "working her tail off" and has a three-month-oldbeing tipped $205 on a $53 tab. "We were so nervous we couldn't even hold the pen," the ladies wrote about the experience on Facebook. And the tips only got bigger.

As their Facebook page grew to nearly 3,000 followers and the donations came in, the tips went up. On night two, they left $530 on a $35 tab, and they left $1,015 on a $41 tab on night three. The night four recipient, Kelsey, was given a $985 tip on a $52 taband $1,000 in VISA gift cards that she wouldn't have to share with coworkers or pay taxes on. "We are two women who feel like there is a ton of negativity in the world, and we have both been waitresses before, and we know how much you make," they tell her on video. Kelsey responds by saying she's a college student who is working four jobs. The total tip for night five, including gift cards, was $2,760.

On night six, the final night, Macumber and Bane did something a little different. The total tip for the server was $1,810; the other servers, cooks, and dishwashers were given $150 each, for a $2,860 total. The grand total? $8,355. WGEM reports the money came from family and friends as well as donors, and that the women stayed in tents each night so they could direct as much money as possible to the restaurant staffers. (This restaurant server's massive tip turned out to be trouble.)
(Newser)  Sen. Joe Manchin has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, the West Virginia lawmaker tweeted Monday. The 74-year-old Democrat said he's fully vaccinated and boosted. "I will isolate and follow CDC guidelines as I continue to work remotely to serve West Virginians," he said. Manchins absence could impact voting in the Senate later this week, the AP reports. Members of the House of Representatives are able to vote remotely by proxy, but members of the Senate are not.

Lawmakers are expected to take a final vote this week on a bill to boost semiconductor production in the United States with new grants and tax breaks for manufacturers building or expanding chip plants in the US. The bipartisan semiconductor bill and a vote on Sweden and Finland joining NATO may not need Manchin's support to pass, but issues ilke making same-sex marriage federal law will require the support of every Democrat in the chamber, Politico reports. The party is also waiting for Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont to return from hip replacement surgery.

(Read more Joe Manchin stories.)
(Newser)  The US State Department and families have confirmed the identities of two American citizens killed in combat in Ukraine this month. Per the Guardian, Luke "Skywalker" Lusyszyn and Bryan Young both died July 18 after being ambushed by Russian tanks. Two other foreigner fightersEmile-Antoine Roy-Sirois of Canada and Swedish citizen Edvard Selander Patrignanidied in the same incident. In an interview with Politico, their commander, Ruslan Miroshnichenko, explained that the men were in a special forces unit based in the eastern Donetsk region, where heavy fighting has persisted for weeks. They were deployed to a village two miles from the town of Siversk and "tasked to take their firing positions" to clear Russian forces from a ravine near a river crossing.

According to Miroshnichenko, the group accomplished their mission but were later surrounded and ambushed by Russian tanks. Lusyszyn was knocked unconscious by one tank round. Bryan Young and the others went to his aid but were all killed by a second round. Speaking to NBC News, Lusyszyn's parents explained that their son went to Ukraine in early April to serve as a medic. He felt the calling because his father is Ukrainian, though both parents tried to dissuade him from going. Lusyszyns mother said, "He didn't go there to be a hero. He went there because he wanted to help people." Once there, he sent messages complaining about shoddy equipment and asked them to ship him a tactical vest.

In a statement on Facebook, Miroshnichenko said Lusyszyn earned the "Skywalker" nickname because, as in Star Wars, "he challenged the Evil Empire itself on the side of the weaker but free." Miroshnichenko described Bryan Young as "an American military man" who had been a professional soldier since 1988. As the Guardian notes, Young and Lusyszyn are two of six Americans known to have died so far in Ukraine. Two others, Alexander Drueke and Andy Tai Ngoc, both of Alabama, were captured in June during a firefight with Russian forces. The Biden administration has discouraged Americans from volunteering in Ukraine. (Read more Russia-Ukraine conflict stories.)
(Newser)  This story has been updated with new developments. A man suspected of shooting homeless people at multiple locations in the Vancouver area, killing two of them, was shot and killed during an "interaction" with police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police says. The RCMP earlier said the man had been taken into custody. An emergency alert was issued Monday morning after what the RCMP described as "multiple shooting scenes" in the city of Langley and one in nearby Langley Township, the CBC reports. Langley RCMP Sgt. Rebecca Parslow says all the victims were homeless, and the shootings were apparently targeted.

Two people were seriously injured in the shootings, which started around midnight. One man who identifies as homeless told the Vancouver Sun that he saw an ambulance team trying to revive a man in downtown Langley. "Its so sad. I hope they are able to identify who this man is and tell his family," said the man, who declined to give his name, fearing retaliation from the gunman. A police alert described the suspect as a white man wearing brown Carhartt overalls and a blue and green camo T-shirt. The RCMP says the suspect apparently acted alone. It's not clear what connection, if any, he had to the victims.

The AP reports that an unmarked police SUV at the scene where police confronted the suspect had at least seven bullet holes in the windshield and one in the driver's window. A white car associated with the suspect also had multiple bullet holes. Jess Lee tells the Sun that she was on her way to work when her car was blocked by police vehicles in Langley and she witnessed officers with rifles running into the area. "There were at least 15 police cars gathered in one area," Lee says. "One [officer] for sure was kneeling on someone, holding them down." (Read more Canada stories.)
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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. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility towards cultivating talents and supporting students future career journey, Solidarity Bahrain, one of the largest insurance companies in Bahrain and a subsidiary of Solidarity Group Holding BSC, announces the commencement of its annual summer training program Tamayaz, for university students.

The program Tamayaz focuses on training young students from different universities across Bahrain, through character and skills building to maximise their professional opportunities and reach their full potential.

Each student is enrolled to a department that commensurate with their academic studies. The training program provides students with hands-on experience and contextualised insights on insurance through practical training, enabling students to develop technical, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and self as well as time management skills.

In a statement, Mr Mohammed Awachi, AGMCorporate Support, Solidarity Bahrain, said: At Solidarity, we believe in supporting the future generation of the Kingdom of Bahrain through our specialised internship program, Tamayaz, which has been running for the past ten years.

He added: This program goes in line with Solidaritys commitment towards upskilling the students talents and enhancing their skills to succeed in their future jobs. Through this program we aim to create a proactive generation that can add value towards creating a positive impact in the society and contributing to strengthening the national economy and elevating the Kingdom of Bahrain as a whole.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

BENEFIT announced holding two workshops on their premise and a virtual-workshop introducing their Identity and Verification services to 48 financial institutions in Bahrain.

Representatives from 48 financial institutions attended the sessions, where they learned about the competitive features and capabilities of the solutions. The identification and verification service recognizes all GCC IDs and passports from all nationalities to validate client identity against a liveness check, allowing for faster and more seamless customer onboarding.

Latifa Al, Head-Bahrain Credit Reference Bureau at BENEFIT, said, Banks, Money Changers, Insurance companies, Investment firms, Payment service providers FinTech firms, and all other financial institutions face a similar challenge when it comes to providing consumers with more digital services at a time when cybercriminals are increasing their techniques and intensity. 0

In light of this rising threat, BENEFITs technology plays a critical role in keeping people and data secure. With the maturation of facial recognition, especially with the introduction of liveness checks, it is now a necessity in the biometrics realm and BENEFIT is leveraging on this and strengthening our role in the FinTech space.

It is worth noting that BENEFIT also provides the national eKYC service and the credit bureau service.
Agencies | Kuwait City

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Kuwait named the emir's son as prime minister on Sunday, replacing caretaker premier Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid who faced a combative parliament amid a feud between the government and elected assembly that has hindered fiscal reform.

Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah, who took over most of the ruling emir's duties late last year, named Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al Sabah to the post in an emiri decree.

Last month the crown prince said he was dissolving parliament and would issue a decree for early elections, a move welcomed by opposition lawmakers who had staged a sit-in to press the prince to name a new prime minister.

Sheikh Ahmad was deputy prime minister and interior minister in the outgoing government, which had submitted its resignation in April ahead of a non-cooperation motion in parliament against Sheikh Sabah, who had been premier since late 2019.

Sheikh Ahmad, in his late 60s, began his career with the police force and then entered the interior ministry. After his father Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad took power in 2020 he was appointed deputy head of the National Guard.

He was named interior minister, and a deputy prime minister, in March after his predecessor resigned, along with the then-defence minister, in protest over "arbitrary" questioning of ministers by the elected parliament.
Japan's first case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Tokyo. The health ministry says a Tokyo resident in his 30s with a recent history of overseas travel tested positive on Monday.

Officials say the man visited a health care facility earlier in the day after developing rash, high fever, headache, and fatigue. The symptoms started on and after July 15.

They say he has been hospitalized in Tokyo and is in stable condition.

The ministry did not disclose his nationality.

Officials say the man traveled to Europe in late June and returned to Japan in mid-July. He reportedly came in contact with a person infected with the virus while in Europe.

The health ministry is trying to determine the infection route and find out if anybody had close contact with the man.

Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko confirmed the case at a news conference on Monday.

Koike said health authorities in Tokyo are well-coordinated to promptly report infections. She said there is no need to be overly worried about the virus. She called on people to disinfect their hands and to consult a doctor if infection is suspected.
The Russian president's office says President Vladimir Putin will not attend the state funeral of former Japanese prime minister Abe Shinzo. Abe was fatally shot earlier this month during a campaign speech in western Japan.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian media on Monday that "Putin has no plan to visit Japan, to participate in the funeral."

He said the level of participation "will be determined later."

Abe's state funeral is set for September 27 at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Isozaki Yoshihiko told reporters on Monday that the government has notified all countries that Japan has diplomatic ties with, including Russia, about Abe's funeral.
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Alex Jones attorney says the Infowars host may not be in the courthouse much during his trial in Texas to determine how much he owes in defamation damages to the parents of a slain Sandy Hook boy.

Alex, you may have noticed is not here, like the plaintiffs. He may not be here through parts of the trial, said F. Andino Reynal, attorney for Jones, during jury selection on Monday.
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BETHEL  A developer looks to create a new neighborhood on Diamond Avenue that not only attracts and benefits people from in and out of town, but helps the town achieve its transit-oriented development goals.

I think its going to be phenomenal, Adriano Echavarria said about his vision of an energy efficient, aesthetically timeless, multi-dwelling development at 9 and 11 Diamond Ave.  the concept plan for which he presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission last Tuesday.

On the 12.6 acres of Diamond Avenue land, Echavarria proposes constructing four, four-story rental residential apartment buildings to the northwest, two rows of townhouses, and two, three-story buildings with lower-level retail space on the southern end, facing Diamond Avenue.

One of the three-story buildings would feature self-storage on the second and third floors, while the upper levels of the other would have about 25 residential apartments for rent.

Echavarria said most of the residential units on the site would be for rent, but the townhouses would be for ownership.

If you just make everything rental, it becomes very transitory and can be challenging to manage, he said. If you bring in permanent housing, it becomes a much more diversified neighborhood.

The proposal calls for two rows of eight townhouses with 25-foot frontages, separated by what Echavarria describes as a public park within a private area.

Echavarria said hes open to modifications but the current proposal is to have a total of fewer than 200 one- and two-bedroom residential rentals on the site  150 to 170 of which would be in the four-story apartment buildings.

He also noted that affordable housing is a priority, and he plans to exceed the 20 percent affordable housing required in Bethels transit-oriented development zone, also known as the TOD zone.

In addition to a mix of retail and residential development, Echavarrias proposal calls for lots of green space and a focus on sustainability and creativity.

We are trying to bring in the most progressive, green affordable housing project seen in not only the town of Bethel, but the entire state of Connecticut, he said, noting that one of his goals is to construct buildings that are not only timeless in appearance, but energy efficient.

Energy efficiency and going green are at the center of everything from an infrastructure perspective, Echavarria said.

In addition to proposing rooftop green space and solar panels on the buildings, Echavarrias plan calls for a nature walk on 3.5 acres of wetland area in the northeast section of 9 Diamond Ave, which is off of Bethels main downtown road, Greenwood Avenue.

There is also a big focus on creative expression.

When I think about Bethel, I think of music and arts, said Echavarria, who sees Diamond Avenue becoming a destination or center for music and arts, as well as food.

There would be an art gallery in the middle, conveniently located for art studio workshops that we would create for local artists in Bethel, he said, adding that his goal would be to offer studio spaces to artists at as low a rental rate as humanly possible.

Echavarria said his proposal isnt just about creating a mixed-use community, but one that achieves the four key pillars of Bethels TOD master plan  urban design and zoning, economic development, transportation, and affordable housing construction.

We want to take Diamond Avenue  into the forefront of what the TOD is all about, he said.

Among the strategic goals of Bethels TOD master plan is the construction of a pedestrian bridge connecting the east side of Bethels train station to the west side of the tracks  and that, Echavarria said, is the anchor of how we take these parcels and bring them into the fold.

He is not proposing to build the bridge as part of his proposed development, but to provide the land for the town to use for its construction.

Echavarria said the bridge would help drive foot traffic, and he made sure to provide enough flexibility, utility and space in his Diamond Avenue plans to incorporate its construction.

From an engineering perspective, its achievable, he said.

The bridge would not only benefit locals, Echavarria said, but help attract out-of-town visitors.

I envision kids from WestConn wanting to jump on a train and come to the new neighborhood, he said. This will serve not only Bethel residents going to Stamford or New York, but people from all towns and make this the destination.

While Echavarrias proposal received positive reviews from several commissioners  some saying it has the potential to be one of Bethels best developments  one expressed concern about its city-like appearance.

It has an urban design and Bethel is not urban, so were talking about literally turning Bethel into Danbury, the commissioner said.

Echavarria said he understands the concern but doesnt see it that way, and noted that Bethels TOD master plan calls for urban design and zoning.

Its not that the town would be converting into the new Danbury, he said. Its about revitalizing Diamond into a multi-use community (with) green space, a nature walk, retail, commercial and townhomes.

Danbury-area attorney Neil Marcus agreed with Echavarria, saying the proposal is more similar to development taking place in downtown Ridgefield.

What Bethel is turning into, quite honestly, is actually the new Ridgefield  not the new Danbury, he said.

With conceptual plans being the first phase of his proposed multi-phase project, Echavarria said his next move will be to request a zone change to turn the Diamond Avenue properties from industrial to residential.

I want to start phase two right away, he said. Id love to (break) ground by the beginning of next summer, which means weve got to have a site plan submitted probably by November or December.

Echavarria said he wants to work with local leaders and community members to not only bring his proposed new neighborhood to Diamond Avenue, but help Bethel achieve its transit-oriented development goals.

The TOD is important. The opportunity that Bethel has is amazing, and we can bring this to a new level, he said.
Improving health outcomes for people at risk of substance-related harms and overdose

GUELPH, ON, July 25, 2022 /CNW/ - Canada's overdose crisis continues to have a tragic toll on individuals, families and communities across the country. This crisis has only worsened over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic due to a variety of factors including the increasingly toxic drug supply, increased feelings of isolation, stress and anxiety, and changes in the availability of services for people who use substances. The latest data on substance use related harms show that 7,560 people died due to opioid overdose-related deaths across Canada in 2021. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that all Canadians have access to the life-saving substance use services and supports they need.

Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health along with Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph, announced over $2.9 million in funding for five innovative community-led projects across the Guelph region in Ontario. This funding will allow for increased safer supply program capacity, as well as improved outreach services for people who use substances. It will also help to increase access to multiple supports for youth in Guelph region communities, and support training and certification for peer support workers.

Today's funding will provide support to those disproportionately affected by substance use issues or who face barriers accessing services, including youth, young and middle-aged men, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing chronic pain, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and people at increased risk of substance-related overdoses.

This investment is part of Budget 2021's commitment of $116 million for the Substance Use and Addictions Program to support a range of innovative approaches to prevention, harm reduction, and treatment.

The Government of Canada is committed to a comprehensive public health approach to the overdose crisis, which includes understanding that substance use and substance-related harms are often interrelated with other factors, including physical and mental health. We will continue to work with all levels of government, partners, Indigenous communities, stakeholders, people with lived and living experience of addiction, and organizations in communities across the country to put an end to this national public health crisis.

Quotes

"Too many lives have been lost to the overdose crisis, leaving innumerable families and friends in Guelph and across Canada to grieve. Today, our government is taking further action to address this national health crisis by investing in community-based projects that will support people in the region at increased risk of overdose and other substance use related harms. I thank all the organizations receiving funding for their dedication in supporting people who use substances, increasing harm reduction initiatives, and reducing the stigma around substance use".

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett

Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health

"I am thrilled to see the Federal Government through Health Canada, fund the community based approach being used by our tremendous mental health and addictions support agencies in Guelph and Wellington directly and through our provincial transfer agreements. The end result is saving lives, and improving the life of people in our region facing challenges and looking for better days ahead."

Lloyd Longfield

Member of Parliament for Guelph

"Rural and Indigenous community members are equity-deserving populations. With this funding, our healthcare partners can now provide critical health supports that are needed in our community."

Melissa Kwiatkowski

CEO, Guelph Community Health Centre

"Wyndham House is thrilled to receive funds from the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) through Health Canada, to support the Concurrent Specialized Youth Hub Project. These funds will enable the Concurrent Specialized Youth Hub to provide urgently needed care to some of the most vulnerable youth in our community who have been disproportionately affected by the opioid poisoning crisis, suicide and increased mental health crises associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to this health and service model that provides low-barrier assessment, treatment, and integrated care to young people with co-occurring issues will provide timely and appropriate access to care and improve social determinants of health for young people."

Kristen Cairney

Program Director, Wyndham House

"We are so pleased to receive funding through Health Canada's Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) for the "Strengthening the Peer Support Workforce in Waterloo-Wellington" project. The funding will enhance and strengthen a network of peer workers providing support to individuals using substances. We know how mutually beneficial peer support is to those who are in recovery receiving support and those providing support. The need for peer support for individuals using substances has never been more important, due to the ongoing opioid crisis, and the dramatic increase in mental health needs through the pandemic. This investment is timely and greatly appreciated. The project will also allow peer workers to receive many benefits through this initiative including: ongoing support and mentorship, Peer Support Canada certification, and training, which will increase the retention and job satisfaction of these valuable peer support workers."

Helen Fishburn

CEO, CMHA Waterloo Wellington

"Stonehenge Therapeutic Community is grateful for the funding received through the Health Canada SUAP program, which will enable increased access to Peer based engagement and care for individuals who have experienced a drug poisoning or overdose through our Peer2Peer Overdose Response Program. Peer engagement is a crucial part of the care continuum related to substance use and mental health, and facilitates connections to support and treatment options through destigmatizing both substance use and the process of seeking related health and social supports".

Lindsay Klassen

Director, Clinical Services, Stonehenge Therapeutic Community

"Without this funding from SUAP, we would have never been able to support and train numerous agencies and individuals in Guelph and surrounding areas on how to administer Naloxone to reverse the effects of Opioid Poisoning. This life saving training and drug has saved countless lives within our community and given aid for people to help someone who may be experiencing Opioid Poisoning."

Karen Lomax

Acting Harm Reduction Manager, ARCH HIV/AIDS Resources and Community Health

Quick Facts

On July 20 th , 2022, the Government of Canada announced nearly $40 million in funding for 73 innovative community-led projects across Canada .

, 2022, the Government of announced nearly in funding for 73 innovative community-led projects across . As of July 2022 , the Government of Canada is currently supporting more than 20 "safer supply" pilot projects in B.C., Ontario , Quebec and New Brunswick . This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects, research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects, and a National Safer Supply Community of Practice, for a total investment of more than $67 million .

, the Government of is currently supporting more than 20 "safer supply" pilot projects in B.C., , and . This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects, research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects, and a National Safer Supply Community of Practice, for a total investment of more than . The latest data show that the number of opioid-related deaths remain high and have continued to climb, with a total of 7,560 opioid-related deaths in 2021. While the average number of opioid-related deaths per day was eight in 2016, this number has now more than doubled, reaching an all-time high of 21 deaths per day in 2021. The number of opioid-related hospitalizations also grew from 13 per day in 2016, to 17 per day in 2021.

Budget 2022 proposes to provide $100 million over three years to support harm reduction, treatment, and prevention at the community level.

over three years to support harm reduction, treatment, and prevention at the community level. This builds on the $116 million provided in Budget 2021 and $66 million in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement for the Substance Use and Addictions Program.

provided in Budget 2021 and in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement for the Substance Use and Addictions Program. The government continues to work closely with partners to provide a compassionate and evidence-based response to the crisis.

Since 2017, the government has committed $800 million to address the overdose crisis.

to address the overdose crisis. Addiction is not a choice. It is a treatable medical condition yet many people affected by addiction face stigma. Stigma is negative attitudes, beliefs or behaviours about or towards a group of people because of their situation in life. It includes discrimination, prejudice, judgment and stereotypes, which can isolate people who use drugs. The language we use has a direct and deep impact on people around us. All Canadians, including media and health professionals, can reduce stigma by changing the words they use related to substance use and people who uses drugs.

The projects announced today are funded through Health Canada's Substance Use and Addictions Programa federal grants and contributions program that provides financial support to provinces, territories and non-governmental and Indigenous organizations to strengthen responses to drug and substance use issues in Canada .

Associated Links

SOURCE Health Canada

For further information: Maja Staka, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, 343-552-5568; Media Relations, Health Canada, 613-957-2983, [email protected]; Public Inquiries: 613-957-2991, 1-866-225-0709
As Indias fifteenth president, Droupadi Murmu took oath of office today.

In the Central Hall of Parliament, she administered oath of office from Chief Justice of India NV Ramana. In order to become first indigenous person and second woman to assume top constitutional office, the 64-year-old overcame rival presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha.

Prior to taking oath, Murmu and outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind entered parliament in a formal parade.

Narendra Modi, M. Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, accompanied Murmu to the Central Hall.

At the swearing-in event were also members of the Council of Ministers, governors, chief ministers, leaders of foreign missions, members of parliament, and the top civil and military officials of the government.

Murmu paid her tributes to the Father of Nation by visiting Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Rajghat before the oath ceremony. She then spoke with Savita Kovind, wife of departing President Ram Nath Kovind.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, President will travel to Rashtrapati Bhavan, where she will receive an inter-services guard of honour in the forecourt and be shown courtesy by departing President Kovind.

A 21-gun salute will follow the swearing-in event.

After the vote-counting was complete on July 22, Droupadi Murmu, NDAs presidential candidate, was formally sworn in as nations 15th president.
Arpita Mukherjee, a close assistant of West Bengal cabinet minister and former education minister Partha Chatterjee, was sent to Enforcement Directorates one-day detention on Sunday in connection with an alleged teachers recruitment fraud.

Mukherjee will be brought before a special court today. After the investigation team discovered massive amounts of cash at Mukherjees aide Arpita Mukherjees home on Friday, they detained Mukherjee earlier on Saturday.

Following the raids by investigation team, which resulted in seizure of Rs 20 crore in cash from her home property in connection with an alleged teacher recruitment scam in state, ED also detained Partha Chatterjee yesterday.

After his arrest, Chatterjee was given two days of detention by ED on Saturday by the Bankshall Court in Kolkata. However, Chatterjee started experiencing heart trouble and was subsequently taken to SSKM hospital.

Notably, ED requested in front of the magistrate that Chatterjee be sent to Command Hospital rather than the privately managed SSKM. According to ED, Chatterjee is a senior minister with a long history of service in government hospitals, where he wields considerable power.

Partha Chatterjee, a former state education minister and current cabinet member for West Bengal, is ill. He now experiences heart ache. If EDs custody is approved, we urged that suitable medical facilities be provided for him said Chatterjees attorney.

Its important to note that arrests took place in Chatterjees Kolkata home, where ED team has been present since Friday.

Earlier on Friday, ED agents searched homes of West Bengal ministers Partha Chatterjee and Paresh Adhikari, among others, and seized a sizable sum of cash from Arpita Mukherjees apartment, totaling almost Rs 20 crore.
President-elect Droupadi Murmu honoured Mahatma Gandhi on Monday at Rajghat in nations capital.

However, today she will take oath as nations 15th president in the Central Hall of Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha M. Venkaiah Naidu, and Speaker of the Lok Sabha Om Birla will accompany Murmu to the Central Hall.

Meanwhile, National Anthem will be performed once Droupadi Murmu arrives the Central Hall. Droupadi Murmu would thereafter take the oath of office in front of NV Ramana, the Chief Justice of India.

Former governor of Jharkhand, Murmu, won the presidential election on July 22 by a record margin over her opponent, Yashwant Sinha. She is now the second woman in history to hold the position of president and the first tribal contender.

Following the end of vote-counting on Thursday, Droupadi Murmu, NDAs presidential candidate, was formally sworn in as nations 15th president.

Yashwant Sinha won 1,877 votes with a value of 3,80,177, while Murmu earned 2,824 votes worth 6,76,803 votes. 4,809 MPs and MLAs participated in voting that was conducted on July 18.

President-elect Droupadi Murmu received certificate at her house in Delhi from PC Mody, Secretary General of Rajya Sabha and Returning Officer for 2022 Presidential Election.

Murmu joined Bharatiya Janata Party in 1997 to begin her career in politics (BJP). She was first chosen to serve as a councillor for Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat, and in 2000 she was elevated to position of chairwoman. Later, she was also BJP Scheduled Tribe Morchas national vice president.

Murmu was elected as Jharkhands first female governor in 2015. She also made history by being first tribal leader from Odisha to be selected as a state governor.
South Africa: Government affirms legitimacy of Taxi Relief Fund

The Department of Transport has dismissed claims that the Taxi Relief Fund (TRF) is a scam and has called on those making these assertions to desist from doing so.

The fund was established to assist minibus taxi drivers, cab drivers and e-hailing drivers, who were hard hit during the COVID-19 hard lockdowns.

On Sunday, the department said it had learned with concern, assertions doing the rounds that the TRF is a scam and that legible and qualifying taxi operators were being discouraged from applying for it.

The department can confirm that TRF is not a scam and therefore calls upon taxi operators who have not yet applied to apply for the scheme and ignore all the misleading information.

Taxi operators have until 31 March 2023 to apply for the relief fund, however, the department encourages operators to apply now and not wait for the last minute, the Department said.

Government allocated a once-off ex-gratia fund to the value of R1.135 billion for the operators of minibus taxis and e-hailing services with valid operating licenses as of March 2020.

On 30 March 2021, government issued the first directive for the provision of relief for taxi operators. This was because in South Africa, the taxi industry bore the brunt of measures meant to restrict gatherings and general mobility in order to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initially, taxis were allowed to carry only 50% of their licensed vehicle capacity and this was later increased to 70% when the lockdown restrictions were eased. The industry also had to contend with increased cost of procuring cleaning materials for vehicles and sanitisers for passengers, the department said.

The net effect of all these to the industry has been a declining revenue base and an increase in costs, which left many operators struggling to stay financially afloat.

In January, government officially launched the TRF in Sandton, Gauteng.

In order to speed up beneficiary registration to receive such relief funds, on 2 March 2022, government issued, again in terms of regulation 4(7) of the Regulations made under section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, a directive set out in the Schedule on the taxi relief fund towards the impact of COVID-19 in the taxi industry.

Since the launch of the fund in January, the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), an implementing agency tasked with the disbursement of the fund on behalf of the department has been assisting taxi operators with the process of claiming their relief funds.

The taxi operators have been receiving assistance for funding through the TRF call centre and also through physical contact with NEF employees.

The department together with NEF have already visited six provinces to assist taxi operators to claim their fund, the Department said.

Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, North West and Western Cape are the provinces visited so far with KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape soon to be visited.

The Department remains optimistic that the fund will help the industry to remain operational beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The role of the taxi industry, responsible for almost 80% of the transportation of workers and millions of travel trips per year in the countrys economy, cannot be overemphasised, the department said. SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2022-07-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
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.
Savita Kanswal, a 26-year-old lady from Lonthru Village in Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand), is first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest and Mount Makalu successfully in 16 days.

Her enthusiasm began in class eleven when she had opportunity to take a 10-day adventure foundation course. She developed a passion for mountains throughout training. At NIM (Nehru Mountaineering Institute), Uttarkashi, she began her mountaineering training in 2013.

Despite the fact that it was an introduction course, here is where my curiosity and love for mountains began. I wanted to advance my climbing abilities, but I couldnt because of my financial situation. I began working for a private firm to earn money so I could continue my education and get closer to realising my ambition of climbing Mount Everest informs Savita.

She quit her job in 2016 and began pursuing her ambitions by passing expert climbing courses. She is currently employed by NIM as a guest trainer.

Earlier on May 12, 2022, she successfully ascended Mt. Everest (8848 m) with perseverance, enthusiasm, and hard effort. On May 28, 2022, she ascended Mt. Makalu (8485 m) on 16th day. Even she managed to ascend Mount Lhotse, becoming the second woman in India and first from Uttarakhand to do so.

Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and Ministry of Youth Affairs jointly funded Everest Massif, which was scheduled for 2021. She has finished 12 excursions so far, and shes aiming to finish more.
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HAMDEN  Despite an online survey on school start times in the district having been conducted, community members are urging more public participation and more time before a decision is made on something some say could have a major impact on students and their families.

The Board of Education is set to vote Tuesday on a transportation plan for the 2022-23 school year, following a delay due to parents feedback over younger students later start times.

The original plan would push elementary schools start times to 9 a.m., and 8:25 a.m. for middle schools. Start and end times would remain the same for high schoolers under the plan.

After the Board of Education was flat-funded by the Legislative Council this year, the board said it was forced to reevaluate spending on transportation, already dealing with busing issues in Connecticut schools and nationwide.

Tuesdays special meeting will not include a public input session. The board previously conducted an online survey for the school community, which garnered more than 1,500 responses from more than 2,900 participants, according to the site.

At a Monday afternoon community meeting hosted by Board of Education members Mariam Khan and Siobhan Carter-David, parents, teachers and students said there should be more options for public participation in the decision than simply emailing in public comments and an online survey.

Some attendees of the community meeting said the survey was confusing and asked leading questions; some said they prefer to express their concerns in person, or at least be able to voice them on a virtual meeting as opposed to surveys or emails.

I have not seen a plan yet, and I don't think there's a plan publicly posted as of now, Khan said Monday. Its very difficult to know what to write because theres no plan.  Theres not really anything tangible yet to share your thoughts on.

Khan said the problem with the proposed changes is that there isnt a lot of time to prepare, given how it could affect peoples lives working around student schedules, a concern shared by other meeting attendees.

With the new school year sets to begin Aug. 30, people would have about a month to make adjustments and prepare for whatever changes might affect their household.

Dana Moras, a Hamden teacher, said if a later start time is implemented for elementary students, it would affect teaching logistics because young students would have to be in school until later in the afternoon, when they may not be as focused as they would in the morning.

Parent Steven Clapp said the changes also could contribute to worsening of teacher retention rates and staff morale if they dont have adequate input in the decision-making process. He also said high school students should be the ones to get a later start time.

Another parent said they considered that, too, but said younger siblings will need to rely on high school-age students to pick them up after school.

The anxiety at the meeting correlated with the surveys responses.

Among top-rated comments in the survey, participants said a 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. school session for elementary students would be very disruptive to many families, citing parents and guardians with jobs that begin before 9 a.m. and the cost of child care.

Budgeting and tax concerns, suggestions for further study and timely decisions were among responses from parents, according to the survey results.

Regardless of the result of Tuesdays vote, Khan encouraged people to show up to future board meetings to have their opinions heard. She said the board should make sure to consult with the community before any decision is made, for example through focus groups.

I think it takes the community having a voice in this process and us being committed to making this an iterative process and going back and forth, Khan said.

chatwan.mongkol@hearstmediact.com
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AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  A Texas jury was selected Monday in a civil trial that will determine for the first time how much Infowars host Alex Jones must pay Sandy Hook Elementary School parents for falsely telling his audience that the deadliest classroom shooting in U.S. history was a hoax.

Opening statements are set for Tuesday.

The trial in Austin  where the conspiracy theorist lives and broadcasts his show  follows months of delays. Jones has racked up fines for ignoring court orders and he put Infowars into bankruptcy protection just before the trial was originally set to start in April.

At stake for Jones is another potentially major financial blow that could put his constellation of conspiracy peddling businesses into deeper jeopardy. He has already been banned from YouTube, Facebook and Spotify over violating hate-speech policies.

The trial involving the parents of two Sandy Hook families is only the start for Jones; damages have yet to be awarded in separate defamation cases for other families of the 2012 massacre in Newtown, Connecticut.

The lawsuits do not ask jurors to award a specific dollar amount against Jones, but attorneys for the families suggested they could seek $100 million or more in compensatory and punitive damages.

Family members of the shooting victims and Jones were not in the courtroom Monday.

Were very glad the day is here, said Mark Bankston, attorney for the families suing Jones. Were looking forward to telling our clients story.

During Monday's jury selection, several in the initial pool of more than 100 jury candidates said they held strong beliefs on free speech and questioned whether any punitive damages would be fair. A few others said they would struggle to assign damages that could reach $100 million or higher. Yet others said that although they also believe in the principles of free speech, they would not have a problem assigning damages  even a large amount of money  for blatant falsehoods that might have caused harm.

It is unclear whether Jones will attend any of the scheduled two-week trial. His attorney, Andino Reynal, said Jones has a medical issue that his legal legal team advised him not to be there for jury selection. Reynal didn't elaborate and said it's up in the air whether Jones will be in court.

In questioning the jury pool, Reynal acknowledged Jones is a very polarizing" and controversial figure, but also noted he'd ask the jury to cap damages at $1.

Most of jury pool raised their hand when asked if they had heard of Jones, and nearly two dozen agreed when Reynal asked who among them had a firm negative impression of him.

A total of 16 people were selected for the Texas jury, which includes four alternates. That total panel includes seven women and nine men.

We're very happy with the jury we've seated, Reynal said. It's a very important First Amendment case. On trial right now is not just people's freedom of speech, but it's also people's freedom to listen. To choose what they watch on television, to make those choices for themselves, instead of having a personal injury lawyer make those choices for them."

Courts in Texas and Connecticut have already found Jones liable for defamation for his portrayal of the Sandy Hook massacre as a hoax involving actors aimed at increasing gun control. In both states, judges have issued default judgements against Jones without trials because he failed to respond to court orders and turn over documents.

The Texas trial begins about two months after a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, which is about 145 miles (235 kilometers) southwest of Austin. It was the deadliest school shooting in the nearly 10 years since Sandy Hook.

The 2012 Connecticut shooting killed 20 first graders and six educators. Families of eight of the victims and an FBI agent who responded to the school are suing Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems.

Jones has since acknowledged that the shooting took place. During a deposition in April, Jones insisted he wasnt responsible for the suffering that Sandy Hook parents say they have endured because of the hoax conspiracy, including death threats and harassment by Jones followers.

No, I dont (accept) responsibility because I wasnt trying to cause pain and suffering, Jones said, according to the transcripts made public this month. He continued: They are being used and their children who cant be brought back (are) being used to destroy the First Amendment.

Jones claimed in court records last year that he had a negative net worth of $20 million, but attorneys for Sandy Hook families have painted a different financial picture.

Court records show that Jones Infowars store, which sells nutritional supplements and survival gear, made more than $165 million between 2015 and 2018. Jones has also urged listeners on his Infowars program to donate money.

Initial testimony Tuesday is expected to include Daniel Jewiss, who was the Connecticut State Police lead investigator of Sandy Hook, and Daria Karpova, a producer at Infowars.

___

Associated Press reporter Paul J. Weber contributed to this report.
NEWTOWN  Scores of jurors in a Texas courtroom said they could not be fair and unbiased calculating how much money Alex Jones should pay the parents of a slain Sandy Hook boy Jones defamed because of their belief in free speech, and their objection that awards of $100 million are simply too high.

I believe people have to be accountable for what they say, but I think we are entitled to freedom of speech, said a man identified as juror No. 9 during questioning Monday in Austins Travis County Courtroom.

I am hearing you say that you dont like defamation lawsuits because we live in a free society and therefore because of that bias it would be hard for you to make a decision? said the parents attorney Wesley Ball in a packed court filled with a jury pool of 100 people. Is that fair?

I dont know if I have a bias, the juror objected.

But you are agreeing that this is going to make it difficult for you to follow the law, the facts and the judges instructions, because of this deeply held belief that you have?

Yes, the juror said.

The exchange between Ball and the potential juror was typical of the elimination process the parents legal team followed during the morning session of jury selection.

Ball weeded out more jurors by asking if they were philosophically opposed to jury awards as high as $100 million, and by asking if they would require a standard of proof higher than the preponderance of evidence in reaching a conclusion.

Alex Jones lead attorney Andino Reynal examined the jury pool later in the afternoon.

The trial to determine how much Jones will pay in defamation damages will begin Tuesday with opening statements once a jury of 12 is impaneled.

Its the first of three such trials for Sandy Hook families who won defamation lawsuits against Jones in 2021 after he called the massacre of 26 first graders and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary school staged, synthetic, manufactured, a giant hoax, and completely fake with actors.

Neither Alex Jones nor the parents were in the courtroom Monday for what Jones attorney called an extraordinarily important case for Alex Jones and an extraordinarily important case for free speech.

Alex Jones is a very controversial figure and a very polarizing figure, Reynal told the packed courtroom. There is nothing more I want more than for the 12 people who sit on this case to look back 20 years from now and say, This is a verdict I can be proud of.

There will be no rearguing of the case against Jones that was decided last year when a Texas judge defaulted him for abusing the pretrial process and found him liable for damages. Instead, the jury will hear the extent of emotional distress suffered by Sandy Hook parents Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, and how much Jones should pay in compensatory damages and punitive damages.

In discussing the difference between compensating damages and punishing damages, a juror noted that punishment should be strict enough to serve as a warning.

To be a punishment it has to be a deterrent so they dont go on and do the same act again, said juror 44.

Have you heard any evidence in this case? Reynal asked the potential juror. Have you read news articles?

I have heard commentary about it, juror 44 said.

Have you formed a strong belief? Reynal asked.

Yes, the juror responded.

Do you feel that this belief  no matter the evidence, the law and the judges instructions  would affect your decision in this case? Reynal asked.

It would made it very hard, juror 44 said.

Reynal went on to ask for a show of hands about how many jurors had formed a firm negative impression of Jones. Some 15 jurors raised their hands.

On Thursday Jones posted a rebuttal about limits being placed on evidence at the jury trial, calling it an unprecedented assault on due process and the rule of law.

It is not clear whether Jones himself will take the witness stand. The parents attorneys are not saying whether they will ask him to testify in person or whether theyll show the jury excerpts from Jones deposition. If the past is any indication, Jones may provide his own commentary about the trial on his Infowars platform.

At stake in the trial for the parents is hope that a damages verdict will flood light into dark corners where fiction persists that the worst crime in Connecticut history never happened.

rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-4442
Abu Sanni, a self-confessed bandit kingpin, says insecurity has become a business everyone benefits from. Sanni  who says he helped mas...

Abu Sanni, a self-confessed bandit kingpin, says insecurity has become a business everyone benefits from.

Sanni  who says he helped mastermind the abduction of students of Government Girls Secondary School Jangebe, Zamfara  was interviewed by BBC Africa Eye in a forest in Zamfara.

The 50-minute documentary titled The Bandit warlords of Zamfara was undertaken by Yusuf Anka, a journalist who crisscrossed remote bandit enclaves in the state.

Zamfara is one of the worst-hit states by banditry. According to a report by TheCable Index, the state topped the list of reported killings in 2021, with 703 persons reported to have died as a result of insecurity.

The BBC documentary sheds light on the mindset of bandit leaders, the booming nature of the kidnap-for-ransom business  and how insecurity in Zamfara may have been triggered by ethnic conflict between Hausa and Fulani groups.

WHY WE KIDNAPPED JANGEBE SCHOOLGIRLS

On February 27 2021, Nigerians woke up to the heart-rending news that bandits had invaded Jangebe in Talata-Mafara LGA of Zamfara and kidnapped 279 schoolchildren. Some weeks later, they were released by their captors.

Sanni said the schoolgirls were kidnapped by his gang as revenge against the government for sending the military after them. He said his gang demanded N300 million from the government for the release of the schoolgirls but N60 million was paid.

When the rainy season ended, they sent the military after us. We decided to show the government they should not interfere in our problems. We went to Jangebe and took the students. We wanted to get the government angry, he said.

We demanded N300 million but after negotiations, N60 million was paid for their release.

The self-confessed bandit kingpin said insecurity has become a lucrative business, adding that everyone, including the government, is benefitting from the violent attacks.

Because it has become a business. Everyone wants money. That is why things are deteriorating, from the top to the bottom, he added.

They say when there is insecurity, the government gets money. Everyone is benefitting. We also get money. Though for our money, blood is split, so it continues.

I ONLY KILL  I DONT KIDNAP

Ado Aleru, a suspected bandit leader recently turbaned as Sarkin Fulani in Zamfara, was also featured in the documentary. Aleru was given a chieftaincy title despite being on the polices wanted list since 2019.The chieftaincy title sparked sharp criticism  a development which prompted Bello Matawalle, governor of Zamfara, to suspend the emir who awarded the title to Aleru.

Speaking in the documentary, Aleru said his gang invades villages as a form of protest against the government.

We only protest with guns. We know no journalists. We dont know where to protest. Our protest is to take up arms and storm villages, he said.

The bandit kingpin said he does not kidnap people, adding that he only kills those who have been kidnapped by his gang members.

I have never kidnapped anyone myself. My men do that. I only go and kill them, he said, noting that he has lost count of the number of people he has killed.

One of Alerus allies who was not named said the bandits resorted to violence due to the alleged marginalisation of the Fulani.

Tell me, where can we rear our animals? In your investigation, are the cattle routes still there? In the rainy season, you have to carry the cows on your head, he told the reporter.

You must walk on roads or take them on rocky paths where they fall and die. Even in the forest, warplanes chase us and kill our animals.

How have the Fulani become so worthless in Nigeria? There is no veterinary hospital. We have nowhere for them(the cattle) to drink.

Dont cows have any value? Everyone needs meat. Everyone needs milk. Many Fulani have university degrees, the government never considers them.

I swear, if 1,000 Hausas sit for an exam alongside a single Fulani man, they will pass all the Hausas and fail the Fulani man.

KILLINGS IN ZAMFARA CLEARLY A TRIBAL WAR

Hassan Dantawaye, identified as one of the first bandit warlords to import AK-47 rifles to Zamfara, said the alleged injustice against Fulani triggered retaliatory attacks against the Hausa in the state.

Dantawaye, a former beneficiary of an amnesty programme, said: Everyone, the Fulani and the Hausa, have done something wrong. For the Fulani, retaliation is their major problem. While the Hausa dont investigate who is guilty or innocent.

We have policemen, soldiers, governors, chairmen, even councillors, no one is stopping this situation.

It is only when we launch an attack, they will say we (referring to Fulani people) are wrong because they dont see what is done to us.

A few months after he spoke with the BBC, Dantawayes house was burnt down  an incident that made him pick up arms again.

He alleged that soldiers supporting the Hausa were responsible for the attack on his residence, adding that the conflict is a tribal war.

This was done by soldiers, not vigilantes, he said.

How can [there be] peace with these transgressions? There is one thing with us whenever we are called for dialogue, we honour it but later our opinions are disregarded.

In the whole world, nobody cares about our concerns. What is done to us is not fair and must stop.

Asked if the violent attacks are fueled by a tribal war between Hausa and Fulani, he responded affirmatively.

Of course. If not, how can someone pass other settlements but burn down the Fulani ones? It is obvious, it is tribal. Why would a Fulani kill an innocent Hausa? Clearly, it is a tribal conflict, he said.

WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY HERE:
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has reacted to the defeat of the federal government by the counsel to its leader, Ifeanyi Ejiofor at ...





The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has reacted to the defeat of the federal government by the counsel to its leader, Ifeanyi Ejiofor at an Awka Federal High Court in Anambra State.





The court, led by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, ruled in favour of Ejiofor, following the invasion of the lawyers home by operatives of the federal government.





This judgment came two years after security agents invaded Ejiofors home during the burial of his brother in Oraifite.





According to the Judge, the security operatives grossly violated the lawyers fundamental rights and consequently awarded the sum of N50m against the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army and other security agencies.





The money is compensation for the gross violation of Ejiofors rights.





The court also awarded N2m as cost for the action against the Police and the Army.





Reacting, IPOB commended the Judge for delivering such a ruling against the Federal Government.





A statement by IPOBs spokesman, Emma Powerful, reads: We, the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under our great leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU commend all the fearless Judges who gave justice to all IPOB cases littered in all courts in Nigeria.





We commend the recent judgement delivered in favour of the IPOB Counsel, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor whom Nigeria Government and its compromised security agencies attacked and murdered his Personal Assistant, abducted others and burnt his personal car and country home at Oraifite Ekwusigo LGA of Anambra State.





We commend the Judge who, without minding the intimidation from the Government of Buhari and his Fulani kinsmen, delivered a landmark judgment against Nigeria Government and her compromised security agencies and ordered them to compensate him for the evil they did to him. The only crime that Barr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor committed was being a defence lawyer to IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Barr. Ejiofor is only doing his professional job as an Attorney, according to law. But he has always been harassed, intimidated, and threatened and has lost persons around him and properties worth millions from the Nigerian State in the course of doing his professional job.





IPOB salutes men and women of the Bench who dont yield to the oppressive government of Nigeria but delivered justice to IPOB members who have been illegally abducted, tortured, detained and denied freedom in many security detention facilities across Nigeria.





IPOB will not forget to appreciate Justice Ademola of Abuja High Court, who gave justice to our leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU in 2015 that he committed no crime against any man or nation.





This honourable Judge granted the unconditional release of our Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in 2015, which unmasked the injustice that the current Judge, Justice Binta Nyako of Federal High Court Abuja, is trying so hard to mask again against Nnamdi Kanu.
The Presidency on Monday reiterated Liberias importance to Nigeria and the West African region. President Muhammadu Buhari will travel to...





The Presidency on Monday reiterated Liberias importance to Nigeria and the West African region.

President Muhammadu Buhari will travel to Monrovia on Tuesday for the countrys 175th independence anniversary.

Spokesman Garba Shehu noted that his attendance signifies the importance attached to the security and wellbeing of Liberia.

The Nigerian leader is the Special Guest of Honour at the celebration and will deliver an address.

Shehu said the trip to Liberia comes at a time when political instability and the return of coups-detat have upended decades of democratic order in the sub-region.

With Liberia and Sierra Leone going into elections in 2023, Buhari will emphasize to them the importance of free, fair, and credible elections.





The President will also stress the importance of respect for rule of law rule throughout the sub-region.

Peace and security of Liberia (and Sierra-Leone) is important to Nigeria given the enormous investments in men, material, and resources expended to secure the two states.

Without the leadership of Nigeria in the context of ECOWAS to secure these two, there would not have been Liberia on the map in its present configuration today, Shehu noted.

The presidency added that bilaterally, Nigeria and Liberia may bring to the table issues of cross-border terrorism, bolstering defence, and trade ties.

The statement said the warmth of the relationship and personal chemistry between Presidents Buhari and George Weah will play a key role in Tuesdays event.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has been discharged from the hospital following a successful surgical operation and rehabilitation. Osi...

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has been discharged from the hospital following a successful surgical operation and rehabilitation.

Osinbajos Chief Personal Physician, Dr Nicholas Audifferen, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Recall that Osinbajo underwent a surgical operation on Saturday, July 16, at the Duchess International Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos.

The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, was admitted to the Duchess International Hospital, Lagos, last Saturday, July 16, 2022, on account of a right femur fracture. He had corrective surgery without any complications, the statement read.

He was admitted for a total of 7 days, during which he had physiotherapy and a smooth rehabilitation following the surgical operation. He has been discharged and is now recuperating.

Osinbajo is grateful to all the clinical and ancillary staff of the Hospital led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Tokunbo Shitta-Bey, and the Medical Director, Dr Adedoyin Dosunmu-Ogunbi, for their professionalism and quality of care.

He also acknowledged and appreciated the good wishes of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerians from all walks of life, and indeed everyone at home and abroad for the goodwill.

The Vice President will continue recuperating in the next few days.
The presidency says security operatives remain committed to ensuring the safe rescue of train passengers abducted in March. Several ...

The presidency says security operatives remain committed to ensuring the safe rescue of train passengers abducted in March.

Several passengers were killed, while others were kidnapped after gunmen attacked a Kaduna-bound train on March 28.

Some of the abducted passengers have been freed, while dozens of others are still in captivity.

In a video which surfaced over the weekend, some of the captives were seen being flogged, while the passengers begged the government and the international community to come to their aid.

Reacting to the video in a statement on Sunday, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said President Muhammadu Buhari has done beyond expectations on supporting security operatives, and he expects results.

He also said the use of violence by terrorists isnt new, adding that security agencies are on top of the situation.

Terrorist activity using propaganda and the use of violence to force governments to accept or submit to political demands is not new all over world, the statement reads.

The countrys security and defence forces are not clueless or helpless. They have their plans and ways of doing things which they will not display in the media.

The dilemmas in dealing with the specific case of train terrorists are manifold: punitive action like the popular call for carpet bombing of the known locations may assuage the desire of an angry public for revenge, but what about the hostages? They have committed no offence. All they did was to board a train.

It suffices to say that the security forces are not relenting. They are acutely aware of their duties, responsibilities and what the nation expects of them. Whenever they embark upon those actions, they expect that the public should provide them with the needed support.

Terrorism is a global scourge that must be fought by all actors  the military, the civilian population and the communication service providers. This is the only way safe havens of terrorists are eliminated in every part of the world.

To help the nation against ongoing situation, the media must increase their support for the fight against the exploitation of the internet and social media for terrorist purposes.

The Presidency, in the meantime, wishes to reassure the public that the President has done all, and even more than what is expected of him as Commander-in-Chief by way of morale, material and equipment support to the military and expects nothing short of good results in the immediate.
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Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 58F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 58F. Winds light and variable.
Located on the West Bank of the Mississippi River, Ironton has a history marred by racial segregation and economic injustice.

The unincorporated coastal town in Plaquemines Parish is home to one of Louisiana's oldest Black communities, most the descendants of freed slaves who worked on the nearby St. Rosalie plantation in the 1800s.

Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, residents began rebuilding  only to be forced to do so again in 2012 after Hurricane Isaac and again in 2021 when Hurricane Ida swept through the area.

Today, the Ironton community is still fighting for better levee protection, while also facing the threat of industrial developers looking to build petrochemical plants in the area.

A new docurmentary, "Iron Sharpens Iron," provides a look into the fight. Directed by independent filmmaker John Richie and produced by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the film follows key community members as they navigate life after Ida.

Carlton LaFrance Sr., District 7 councilman for Plaquemines Parish, narrates as the looming plans for the Plaquemines Liquids Terminal Project, a crude oil export terminal, are being discussed.

The proposed terminal would have been a $2.5 billion investment, expected to bring in at least 1,250 temporary construction jobs, according to officials. It also would have been built on the community's ancestral burial grounds.

"I just felt like they wanted to put a dollar before humanity or concern of the people," said Haywood Johnson, pastor of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Ironton.

The terminal project was canceled after Hurricane Ida, but Ironton residents said it wouldn't be long until someone else tries to build a plant in the area.

"You always here people saying that the people from here are resilient," said LaFrance.

"But my people are tired. My people are tired."

"Iron Sharpens Iron" is part of an LEH initiative called Coastal Impacts: An Integrated Approach for Community Adaptation, Understanding and Planning."

The goal of the project is to help local communities build intergenerational coastal literacy through community conversations around books, film and exhibitions and to foster greater understanding of and support for coastal restoration projects, according to the organization.

LaFrance's office is hosting two free screenings of "Iron Sharpens Iron" in Plaquemines Parish. The first is on Tuesday (July 26) at 6 p.m. at the Belle Chasse High School Auditorium, 8346 Highway 23 in Belle Chasse. On Wednesday, Aug. 3, the Port Sulphur YMCA, 378 Civic Drive, will host a screening at 6 p.m. The film is 27 minutes long.
Looking for more to do this week? Check out the latest on Gambit's calendar at calendar.gambitweekly.com.

Kendrick Lamar

Hip-hop fans will argue about the greatest emcees of all time until Hell freezes over, and there will never, ever be a consensus. But those debates will almost always at least include Kendrick Lamar. The Compton-born rapper is critically acclaimed, has chart hits and his songs, like Alright, have become chants at Black Lives Matter protests and marches. Plus, he not only has 14 Grammy Awards but his 2017 album, Damn., won the Pulitzer Price for Music. Lamars latest album is Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. He performs at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 29, at the Smoothie King Center. Baby Keem and Tanna Leone open. Tickets start at $30 via smoothiekingcenter.com.

The Rumble

Mardi Gras Indian Funk band The Rumble plays a Mardi Gras party at Zony Mash on Saturday, July 30. The group, which features Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. of the Golden Eagles, was recently in the studio working on its debut album, so look out for it later this year. The Rumble plays at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 at zonymashbeer.com and $20 at the door.

Gulf Coast Scatterjazz Summit

Scatterjazz presents an evening of improvisation featuring Houston saxophonist and clarinetist Danny Kamins, who directs Rice Universitys jazz band. Hes joined by Florida bassist Thomas Milovac of the Cosmo Sonic Collective and New Orleans keyboardist Will Thompson and drummer Charles Pagano. At 8 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at Zeitgeist Theatre & Lounge. Find information at scatterjazz.com.

CHVRCHES

Scottish electro-pop trio CHVRCHES has a knack for larger-than-life, danceable pop songs, but on its latest record, Screen Violence, the band leans into a horror concept. CHVRCHES doesnt turn away from its pop sensibilities on the album, but listeners can feel the anxieties and fears of the last three years lurking just around the corner. The band is on a North American tour with a stop at the Orpheum Theater at 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 26. Cafune opens. Tickets start at $28.50 at orpheumnola.com.

NOLA Comedy Fest 2

Comedy House NOLA was opened last year by Tami Nelson and is booked by comedian Chris Trew, together the founders of the now defunct New Movement. Comedy House marks its first anniversary with a four-night festival of more than 45 comics, including Trew, Matt Owens, Carin Chapman, Ryan Rogers, DC Paul, Samantha Bednarz and many more. Each showcase has a different lineup, and there are shows are at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, and Thursday, July 28, and 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30. Tickets $20 on eventbrite.com.

Rev. Horton Heat

For more than three decades, Rev. Horton Heat has proselytized its own brand of Texas psychobilly. Joecephus and the George Jonestown Massacre also performs. At 10 p.m. Friday, July 29, at One Eyed Jacks. Tickets $20 via ticketweb.com.

Standards

If theres something gimmicky about the Los Angeles math rock duo Standards, its the preference for naming its instrumental tunes after fruit. Guitarist Marcos Mena has no problem composing catchy grooves. Glacier Veins and Meeka open at 9 p.m. Thursday, July 28, at Gasa Gasa. Tickets $12 via ticketweb.com.

Sasquatch

Los Angeles stoner metal band Sasquatch released its sixth full-length album, Fever Fantasy, in June. The group is just back from Europe and starting a tour with Oregons Hippie Death Cult. At 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, at Santos Bar. Tickets $8 via santosbar.com.

Astral Project

The long-running Astral Project combines New Orleans sounds and improvisational flourishes from a solid lineup of local jazzmen, including saxophonist Tony Dagradi, bassist James Singleton, guitarist Steve Masakowski and drummer Johnny Vidacovich. The group is together again for two shows at Snug Harbor. At 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday, July 30. Find tickets on snugjazz.com.

Jolly in July

White Christmases arent common in New Orleans, but snowballs in summer are easy to find. NOLA Christmas Fest holds a free holiday-themed event in the air-conditioned coolness of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. There are free samples of holiday-flavored snowballs, a screening of the Disney film Frozen and visits from elves and Santa. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 30. Visit nolachristmasfest.com for details.

Water Seed

Funk and soul band Water Seed headlines a Free Friday show at Tipitinas. Dominic Minix also performs, starting at 9 p.m. Friday, July 29. Find information at tipitinas.com.
Goma, DRC (PANA)  The M23 armed group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have summarily killed at least 29 civilians since mid-June 2022 in areas under their control, Human Rights Watch said Monday
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The United Nations Security Council is holding another session on Monday to discuss the latest developments in the situation in Libya, which has been plagued by a stalemate in its political process
Authorities in Brazil have charged three men with aggravated double homicide and concealment of a corpse following the disappearance last month of British journalist Dom Philips and Brazilian indigenous expert Bruno Pereira.

Amarildo da Cosa Oliveira, Oseney da Costa de Oliveira, and Jefferson da Silva Lima were processed as defendants for the crimes committed in the Javari Valley, according to a statement released by the federal prosecutors office Friday.

Veteran journalist Phillips and indigenous expert Pereira vanished on June 5 during a trip to the far western part of Amazonas state.

A federal court judge in Amazonas lifted the confidentiality surrounding the cases details on Thursday.

Amarildo and Jefferson allegedly confessed to the crime in June and Amarildo led authorities to the bodies. However, Oseneys participation was established through witness statements, according to the federal prosecutors office.

There were already records of disagreements between Bruno and Amarildo over illegal fishing in the indigenous territory, the statement said.

What motivated the murders was the fact that Bruno had asked Dom to photograph the boat of the accused, it alleged.

Pereira was implied to have been the target of the crime, while Philips was murdered just for being with Bruno, in order to ensure impunity for the previous crime, the statement said.

Phillips and Pereira were conducting research for a book project on conservation efforts in the region, which authorities have described as complicated and dangerous, and known to harbor illegal miners, loggers, and international drug dealers.

They were last seen in the Sao Rafael community, a two-hour boat ride from Atalaia do Norte city, after accompanying an indigenous patrol in the Itaquai river organized to prevent invasions from illegal fisherman and hunters on the Javari Valley Indigenous Land.

The CNN Wire contributed to this report.
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Jerry Davich Jerrys career began in 1995 as a political cartoonist/columnist with The Times of NWI, writing thousands of columns and stories through narrative storytelling, or shining a light on societys darkest corners, or provoking unpopular conversations. Follow Jerry Davich 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

All the lonely people, where do they all come from ...

The old woman feels like a prisoner of her own loneliness, haunted by regrets and confined by circumstances beyond her grasp.

I used to enjoy being alone, she told me. But now I get lonely. I hate it.

The pandemic of loneliness in our world jumps out at me like an unexpected knock on the door in the middle of the night. I see it everywhere. You will too once you start looking for it.

Early in the morning with familiar-faced breakfast diners, late at night with same-stool barflies, throughout the day at public libraries, or even in the workplace with employees who stick around longer than required on a regular basis, I wrote nearly 20 years ago in a column.

I see lonely people, many of them with dead eyes.

Loneliness doesnt get the publicity or awareness like other social scourges, such as alcoholism or drug addiction or gambling. Yet whenever I mention this topic in public, I notice people silently nodding their heads in agreement. They see it too. Or theyre living it.

The blanket will not tell you good night, a widower once told me.

Ive never forgotten that line.

The most haunting aspect about loneliness is when it creeps back into his home late at night, when hes climbing into bed, alone.

I always have cold feet and my wife would allow me to warm them on her before I fell asleep, he said. I tried buying a heated blanket. Its not the same.

Loneliness doesnt haunt only older people. Its an equal opportunity epidemic.

Up to 80% of people under 18 and 40% of adults over 65 report feeling lonely at least sometimes in their life, with levels of loneliness gradually diminishing through the middle adult years and then reemerging in old age, according to several research studies.

New research suggests that 15-30% of our nations population is chronically lonely. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened this dark plague of social disconnectedness. Social media and the internet can be deceiving, allowing users to feel connected yet without any personal interactions day after day.

For some people, their only face-to-face exchanges with other humans are through doctor appointments, grocery store visits, or in-home caregivers. These rare or brief exchanges can feel as fleeting as a strangers smile.

I feel closer to Ellen than to anyone in my own family, a 56-year-old Merrillville man told me last year, referring to TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

In an upcoming column I will share ideas and suggestions to help curb loneliness, everything from learning a new skill and volunteering at local schools to delivering meals and welcoming immigrants to your community. If you have suggestions to share with readers, feel free to contact me. (Email works best, at Jerry.Davich@nwi.com)

All the lonely people, where do they all belong...

Writing 101 Workshop update

A few dozen readers and social media followers have shown interest in my Writing 101 Workshop on Saturday, Aug. 6, a free event at Lake County Public Library's main branch on U.S. 30 in Merrillville.

Its also now listed on the librarys calendar of events. Guests can register there in person or online at lcplin.org/event/6924245. I'm also looking into the possibility of somehow sharing my workshop online or via Facebook Live, but this is not yet confirmed.

The 60- to 90-minute seminar is designed for anyone who wants to transform their swirling thoughts and feelings into written words with better skill and more authenticity. It's for new or aspiring writers, veteran wordsmiths, or guests who want to learn more about the art and craft of writing.

My previous public workshops also have been attended by working professionals who feel they need to write more crisply for their job, and business owners who want to reach a wider audience.

A few readers asked me to also bring signed copies of my books, Connections: EveryONE Happens for a Reason, Lost Gary, Indiana, and Crooked Politics in Northwest Indiana. (I've also written a book on the history of Andrean High School in Merrillville, but it has yet to be published by the school.)

My PowerPoint seminar will be informal and unconventional, with questions from guests strongly encouraged. I always prefer a public dialogue more than a personal monologue. Look for more updates in a future column and in my social media posts. Feel free to connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

If anything, I hope to demystify the art and craft of writing, something that has taken me nearly 30 years to learn. As Dorothy Parker was once quoted as saying, I hate writing, I love having written.
A Rensselaer native and Valparaiso University Law School graduate who represented parts of Northwest Indiana in Congress from 1993 to 2011 was charged with insider trading and securities fraud Monday by federal law enforcement authorities.

Former U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer, a 63-year-old Republican now living in Noblesville, Indiana, is accused by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission of using nonpublic information to buy more than $1.5 million in stocks that immediately jumped in value.

Specifically, the SEC alleges in March 2018 Buyer learned through his consulting business of T-Mobile's planned merger with Sprint about a month before details about the combining of the two mobile phone companies were publicly available.

Buyer began purchasing Sprint securities the next day and ultimately acquired a total of $568,000 of Sprint common stock in his own personal accounts, a joint account with his cousin and an acquaintance's account, according to the SEC.

After news of the merger leaked in April 2018, Buyer saw an immediate profit of more than $107,000, the SEC said.

According to the SEC, Buyer also purchased $1 million in Navigant Consulting, Inc. securities ahead of the public announcement it would be acquired by a Buyer consulting client, Guidehouse LLP.

Buyer again spread the purchases across several accounts, including his own accounts, joint accounts with his wife and son, his wifes personal account and the same acquaintances account involved in the Sprint trading, the SEC claimed.

Then, on the day that the Navigant acquisition was publicly announced in August 2019, Buyer sold nearly all the shares he'd acquired across the various accounts and profited more than $227,000, according to the SEC.

"When insiders like Buyer  an attorney, a former prosecutor, and a retired congressman  monetize their access to material, nonpublic information, as alleged in this case, they not only violate the federal securities laws, but also undermine public trust and confidence in the fairness of our markets," said Gurbir Grewal, director of the SEC Enforcement Division.

"We are committed to doing all we can to maintain and enhance public trust by leveling the playing field and holding Buyer accountable for illegally profiting from his access."

The SEC's complaint, filed at the federal district court in New York City, seeks disgorgement of Buyer's ill-gotten gains plus interest, penalties, a permanent injunction and an officer and director bar against Buyer. The complaint also seeks disgorgement from Buyer's wife, Joni Lynn Buyer, who profited when Buyer executed unlawful trades in her brokerage account.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York separately charged Buyer with four counts of securities fraud in connection with his alleged insider trading. Each securities fraud count carries a potential term of 20 years in prison.

"The message of todays arrests is simple: My office remains as committed as ever to rooting out insider trading in all forms. Insider trading erodes the trust and confidence of the investing public in our capital markets. We will continue to investigate and prosecute those who cheat in the markets by using insider information to line their own pockets," said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams.

Buyer's attorney, Andrew Goldstein, said in a statement: "Congressman Buyer is innocent. His stock trades were lawful. He looks forward to being quickly vindicated."
The front line of the national debate over access to abortion runs directly through the Crossroads of America.

Thousands of people, including the vice president of the United States, showed up at the Indiana Statehouse on Monday to make their voices heard as Hoosier lawmakers, over the next two weeks, consider enacting a near-total abortion ban.

Outside the century-old limestone building, and throughout its spacious atria and rotunda, the loud chants and innumerable signs largely were opposed to new state restrictions on abortion access, following the June 24 U.S. Supreme Court ruling rescinding the nationwide right to abortion established by the high court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

Unexpectedly, more than a dozen anti-abortion advocates and anti-abortion interest groups told the committee reviewing Senate Bill 1 they also oppose the measure because they believe it doesn't go far enough toward eliminating all abortions.

"Abolish abortion in the state of Indiana without exception," demanded Seth Leeman, senior pastor at Noblesville Baptist Church.

"If the language of this bill isn't changed innocent children will die," he added. "God's wrath will continue to be stored up against this state, and the Republican Party will continue to lose many of its God-fearing constituents."

A representative for Republican Attorney General Todd Rokita, a Munster native, similarly told the panel Rokita opposes the legislation in its current form because he considers the exemptions in the proposal to be ill-defined loopholes that don't go far enough toward minimizing abortion.

Incredibly, the president of the National Right to Life Committee, Carol Tobias, went so far as to describe the proposal as "a wolf in sheeps clothing designed to expand abortion on demand in the state of Indiana."

"The bill is so poorly drafted, it would do the complete opposite of what it claims to do," Tobias said. "The bill would facilitate and support abortion on demand, leave women exposed to harm without any legal recourse, and establish abortion facilities throughout the state."

The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange, prohibits all abortions in the state, except in the case of pregnancies caused by rape or incest, or if an abortion is needed to prevent substantial permanent impairment to the life of a pregnant woman.

It leaves doctors to determine whether a woman's life is endangered absent an abortion. The only documentation required from a pregnant woman seeking an abortion due to rape or incest is a confidential affidavit, sworn under penalties of perjury, attesting to the crime.

The proposal specifically defines pregnancies subject to the abortion ban as beginning when a living fetus is implanted in a woman's uterus, rather than at the moment of fertilization.

As such, the plan does not threaten the availability of the so-called "morning after" pill or types of contraception that prevent uterine implantation or fertilization; impede the removal of ectopic pregnancies; or limit in vitro fertilization services.

At the same time, abortion-inducing medication would remain unavailable in Indiana through telemedicine or mail-order pharmacies, and the legislation would require surgical abortions be performed only at a hospital or ambulatory surgical center owned by a hospital, instead of at abortion clinics, such as the Planned Parenthood facility in Merrillville.

Glick said she believes exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother are necessary in "heartbreaking cases" where women and girls become pregnant through an act of violence and also because such exceptions are widely supported by Hoosiers.

Though Glick said she expects at either the Senate Rules Committee on Tuesday, or Thursday in the full chamber  where Republicans control 39 of the 50 seats  senators will consider proposals to remove the exceptions in favor of a total ban on all abortions in Indiana.

Dr. Mary Ott, an Indianapolis-based expert on adolescent reproductive health and pediatrics, said both paths are a mistake, and Indiana would do better by its girls and women if it instead provided comprehensive sex education programs and access to contraception as a means to reduce unplanned pregnancies and abortion.

"The proposed legislation politicizes what should be a private decision," Ott said.

Likewise, Dr. Mary Abernathy, a Terre Haute OB/GYN and chairwoman of the Indiana Maternal Mortality Review Committee, said that forcing women unable or unwilling to carry pregnancies to term, particularly those lacking the resources needed to obtain an abortion in another state, almost certainly will increase Indiana's maternal mortality rate, which already is among the highest in the country.

VP in Indy

Indiana is the first state to convene its Legislature in special session following the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson ruling, and the national spotlight is on Hoosier lawmakers as they debate  less than four months before Election Day  exactly how far to go toward banning abortion now that they have the long-sought green light to do so.

That intense focus prompted Vice President Kamala Harris to travel to Indiana's capital city Monday to encourage Democratic state representatives and senators working to preserve abortion access for Hoosier women, despite being massively outnumbered by Statehouse Republicans.

"The people at this table are not only local and state leaders, you are national leaders on the front lines of one of the most critical issues facing our country," Harris said during her meeting with Democratic lawmakers in the Indiana State Library, adjacent to the Statehouse.

Harris said that as a former prosecutor who specialized in crimes, including sex crimes, perpetrated against women and children, she believes it's "outrageous" some states are considering, or already have in place, policies denying women the autonomy to choose whether to continue a pregnancy caused by rape or incest.

"On this issue, one does not have to abandon your faith or your beliefs to agree that the government should not be making this decision for her. An individual should be able to choose based on their personal beliefs and the dictates of their faith. But the government should not be telling an individual what to do, especially as it relates to one of the most intimate and personal decisions a woman could make," Harris said.

Harris noted that Democratic President Joe Biden took action following the Dobbs ruling to preserve women's access to abortion-inducing medication and the right to travel across state lines to obtain an abortion, and she vowed: "We will do everything in our power to follow through on those commitments."

"The president and I take seriously our work that is about protecting the health, the safety and the well-being of the women of America, and that includes the women of Indiana," Harris said.

That message reassured state Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond, who attended the vice president's presentation after walking through "a huge number of people" to get to the state library from the Statehouse.

"The second, third and fourth floors were bursting at the seams with people. They are upset, they are concerned, they are worried. They want to have the freedom and right to make decisions for their bodies. They do not want us to be in their personal business, and they're making that real clear," Jackson said.

State Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Gary, a member of the Senate Rules Committee, said he appreciates the vice president's "work to bring awareness to the unpopular ban being pushed in our state."

"The abortion ban being proposed by the supermajority is not supported by the people of Indiana and it is not recommended by health experts, who have been vocal about their opposition to this policy," Melton said.

How to contact Indiana legislators Lawmakers can be reached at the Statehouse in several ways: Mail  Lawmaker's name, chamber, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 Telephone  Republican state representatives: 800-382-9841; Democratic state representatives: 800-382-9842; All state senators: 800-382-9467 Email  Find the lawmakers representing you at iga.in.gov/legislative/2022/legislators. Click the "Send Email" link on the lawmaker's page to send a message. The General Assembly website, listing pending legislation and other information, is at iga.in.gov.
Fire Chief Kevin LaDuke requested about $1 million for his department. Many of LaDuke's requests related to purchasing updated gear for firefighters. He explained that 70% of the department's members have gear that is now deemed "non-compliant" because the department has not made a major gear purchase since 2006.

LaDuke said the current public safety building is also dated, as it was built in 2007, and since then St. John's population has nearly tripled and the fire department has grown.

LaDuke proposed renovating the firehouse kitchen as it is currently a small, residential kitchen. He said the department needs a commercial-grade kitchen as the department often cooks for eight people at a time. He would also like to create a clean storage area in the downtown portion of the firehouse so that gear and equipment carrying cancer-causing chemicals are kept separate from living quarters.

Both the police and fire departments requested funds for additional hires.

The Police Department's $970,083 request also included funds for two license plate readers and two additional squad cars to replace some of the aging vehicles in the department's fleet.

The Parks Department had three main projects needing ARPA funds: a pickleball court to the east of the Gates skate park currently under construction, a pavilion and restroom at the Gates park and the repaving of the walking paths at Settlers Court. The total Parks Department request was $590,800.
HIGHLAND  Some of the more than 50 women, men and children who rallied Sunday at Wicker Memorial Park vowed to keep fighting until the right to abortion is fully restored.

"I'm a woman. I'm a Black woman. I have nieces, and I have friends, so I'm here," said Alexia Hamilton, of Gary, as she joined more than 50 people holding signs and chanting "my body, my choice" along Indianapolis Boulevard.

Women have been sharing their abortion stories since it became clear the U.S. Supreme Court was poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, its landmark 1973 decision giving women a constitutional right to abortion.

But women shouldn't have to justify choices they make about their own bodies, Hamilton said.

"I know if something happened to me, and I needed to make this decision, I'd want it to be my decision," she said. "I don't want nobody else trying to tell me what to do with my body."

Conservatives won't stop at abortion rights, she said.

"It's always about control. They want control. And the only way to do that is to put us in these situations where we are fighting each other because this is a fighting situation," Hamilton said. "That's what they do. They divide us constantly."

Hamilton was prepared to fight as long as it takes, she said.

"Some women before me fought, and they fought for a very long time. And I'm a person of color, so those people fought for a very long time," she said. "Until it gets accomplished. Until we move forward. And forward to the point where we're not going back. ... Who says you can have this right, but we're going to review it every 10 years. Progress is about progress. For everyone, not just certain people."

Laura White, of Hebron, was joined by her 10-year-old daughter Zooey.

White said women's rights are incredibly important to her, especially with her daughter growing into a woman.

"We want to do everything we can to help equality," she said. "Whatever we can do to help out the cause."

White is a Christian and personally would not consider abortion unless her health or the health of her child is at risk, she said.

"But I would never want to take that choice from somebody else," she said. "The lives that are here, the babies that are born, are so, so, so much more important than a bundle of cells."

White works in an emergency room, so she knows women face difficult choices in cases of rape or domestic violence.

"There's definitely situations where it's not safe to have a child," she said. "It's not good for mom or baby  the pregnancy. I would never want someone to tell me that I should or shouldn't do something with my body just because they think I shouldn't."

It's important to fight for women's equality, even if it's not a popular choice, she said.

Ginny and Rob Dickman-Lopez's 5- and 7-year-old children sat at their feet as they joined the protest.

"They're not going to stop at Roe," said Ginny Dickman-Lopez, of Munster. "Women's rights are human rights that matter."

The couple said they've been bringing their children to protests for a while because they want them to see the work that must be done to effect change in America.

"Trust me, I don't want to be out here with them anymore," Rob Dickman-Lopez said. "But to think of their generation growing up with less rights than we had  they need to know we stand for this."

It's imperative that people vote, Ginny Dickman-Lopez said.

The day Roe fell, Rob Dickman-Lopez said, he felt like his soul left his body. His wife said she expected the decision, but it was still exhausting and enraging.

"I"m hoping it will wake people up," she said. "It's past time. So much more needs to be done."

Noah Thomas, 19, of Crown Point, and Katelin Sears, 19, of Highland, organized the rally.

Thomas said he grew up around a lot of powerful women who taught him to speak out on women's issues.

"I can't stand by while rights are taken away," he said. "Roe was the groundwork, and they took that away because of Donald Trump and his Supreme Court nominees. We're never going to stop fighting until Roe gets codified into federal law."

Thomas said he planned to participate in abortion rights demonstrations organized this week in Indianapolis.

Republican lawmakers last week unveiled legislation that would prohibit all abortions in the state, except in the case of pregnancies caused by rape or incest, or if an abortion is needed to prevent substantial permanent impairment to the life of a pregnant woman.

The abortion legislation, set to be officially filed when the Republican-controlled General Assembly convenes Monday in special session, leaves doctors to determine whether a woman's life is endangered absent an abortion.

Thomas said it's important that supporters of abortion rights continue to build a peaceful movement.

"A majority of Hoosiers agree Indiana shouldn't do this," he said. "It's unfortunate that Republican lawmakers can't separate church and state and are pushing their religion on people who don't identify with their religion."

Sears said she planned to continue the fight.

"It upsets me because I have to live in a generation where my rights have to be taken away because of Republicans being stuck in their ways from the past," she said.

At a table set up by NWI AntiSexist Action, people made impromptu signs with markers and paper.

Rally attendees also could take photographs of contact information for Republican lawmakers, pick up voter registration forms and learn how to connect with Rise Northwest Indiana, a nonpartisan group working to increase voter participation, said Janine Harrison, of NWI AntiSexist Action.

U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, made his way down the line of protesters, exchanging words and some hugs with them.

Mrvan said he supports women's rights and voted last week in Congress to codify the right to same-sex marriage.

"What is at stake is a national ban on abortion," he said. "And they will stop at nothing to get that.

"We have to work together," Mrvan said. "We have to organize."

Times Staff Writer Dan Carden contributed to this report.
VALPARAISO  Some voters casting ballots early this spring turned in blank ballots. The Porter County Board of Elections and Registration is looking for a way to prevent that from recurring.

On Election Day, ballots are put into a tabulation machine. Poll workers are alerted if the ballot is blank. But for early voting, ballots are put into an envelope and not opened until Election Day. No one is able to catch the error then.

On the last screen, voters have to select print or their choices wont be recorded. Its not a receipt, which Indiana doesnt offer, but the actual ballot.

The problem is people dont read the machines, County Clerk Jessica Bailey said. A warning pops up when people dont select three candidates in vote for 3 races like township board, but the warning can be ignored. Voters dont have to select three candidates in those races  and can skip races entirely  if they want to.

Voting a straight ticket  all Democrats or all Republicans  can be a problem with this system, because some of the vote for 3 races have more than three candidates. School board races are nonpartisan, too, so voting just for Democrats or Republicans means not voting for school board races.

Voters need to read the screens to see what the alert is warning them about before hitting another button.

The election board members contemplated turning off the warnings, but that would be confusing, too.

I like keeping the guardrails in place rather than just fully taking them off, member Ethan Lowe said.

Porter County Republican Chairman Mike Simpson said he doesnt want people skipping someone they intended to vote for, which could happen if the warnings were eliminated.

Simpson said he feels sorry for election judges and inspectors needing to do extra work to assist voters, but thats what theyre there for, to help.

If they see someone obviously struggling, they can go over and ask, Bailey said, but theres a fine line between trying to be helpful and being accused of influencing a persons vote.

At one point its up to the voter to know their ballot, Elections and Registration Office Director Sundae Schoon said.

Bailey said the elections staff will work on additional signage at each location as well as a video to help explain how the process works.

A county in Texas has a website that addresses the issue. We are going to take their lead and kind of copy their script," she said.

In other business, the board is looking into how to force candidates to file corrected versions of their campaign finance reports after the candidates have already paid the maximum fine allowed by state law.
PARIS  What does a watch say about you? Mahmood Qannati would tell you, Anything you want it to. The goal of his Bahrain-based brand is to give clients a way for their wrist ornaments to convey whatever they wish.

We make wearable art objects that can tell the story of who you are or capture a meaningful moment in your life, Mr. Qannati, founder and chief executive of Qannati Objet dArt, said in an interview in April in Paris, where he was overseeing the final production of the companys first collection. We offer full customization because that, I believe, is the future of luxury.
The United Nations secretary generals deputy spokesman denounced the strikes, saying in a statement that full implementation of the agreement was imperative.

There was no immediate comment from the Kremlin. The attack came a day before the Russian foreign minister was slated to start a tour of Africa, where he is expected to try to shift blame for food shortages to the West.

The blast wave from the missiles hitting the port could be felt from miles away, though it was unclear precisely where they struck. The huge port sprawls for miles along Odesas Black Sea coast with towering silver grain silos clustered in several different places.

It was unclear what the strikes were targeting and whether any grain infrastructure was hit. Russia may not have technically violated the deal, since it did not pledge to avoid attacking the parts of the Ukrainian ports that are not directly used for the grain exports, according to a senior U.N. official. If there were military targets nearby, Russia may have been trying to exploit a loophole.
THE DIPLOMAT, July 18, 2022

It is unlikely that Afghan Sikhs and Hindus, age-old minority communities in Afghanistan, will survive the Talibans second time in power. The religious intolerance prevalent in Afghan society and rising security challenges posed by the Islamic State Khorasan (ISK), together with the exodus facilitated by the international Sikh NGOs, might end an era in Afghanistan sooner or later.

Historically, Hindus and Sikhs lived as merchants and traders. They were prominent money lenders in the Afghan economy. But prolonged conflict forced many to flee the country. According to some conservative estimates, the number of Sikhs and Hindus has reduced from a few hundred thousand during the 1980s to a few hundred during the American occupation.

The rise of intolerance is consistent with the rise of the pan-Islamist movement, led by the mujahideen in Afghanistan since the 1990s. Saudi-funded madrasas spread a hardline Wahabi ideology, which fueled the jihad against the Soviets in Afghanistan but narrowed the space for plurality in Afghan society. Islam was used in consolidating political power and for rallying rural Afghanistan with the call for Islamic jihad against the secular communist government, sidelining the role of non-Muslim communities in the future of the country.

When the Taliban first came to power in 1996, the groups intolerance toward symbolism and practices of other religions was rampant. The promotion of orthodox Islam with Wahabi underpinnings purged the historical tolerance imbued in mainstream Islam as it had been practiced in Afghanistan. The Taliban destroyed the Buddhist statues in Bamiyan and other non-Islamic cultural artifacts in Afghanistan. Hindus and Sikhs were looked down upon and were asked to convert to Islam, and Muslims were strongly discouraged from visiting the shops of non-Muslims.

Non-Muslims were made to wear yellow patches to identify them in public.After the fall of the Taliban, the 2004 constitution provided certain assurances of security, material support, and political representation for Hindus and Sikhs. Despite these protections, there remained an air of intolerance toward Sikhs and Hindus in Afghan society.

Religious minorities in Afghanistan have reported verbal harassment by the Sunni majority population over the years. Their properties were forcefully occupied and they were threatened and insulted. At government offices, they faced delays and were discriminated against in employment opportunities. Their children faced discrimination and were bullied in schools.

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When the Taliban came back to power in 2021, they openly pledged to protect minorities. However, reports of minorities being killed by the Taliban indicate that their assurances cannot be trusted. The Taliban have reneged on several of their promises related to the freedom of women and human rights more broadly; there is little evidence to suggest that the situation of the Afghan Sikhs would be different under Taliban 2.0.

Sikh communities have faced myriad risks to life and property in Afghanistan since the mujahideen years. In 1988 a militant killed 13 Sikhs by opening fire during a religious festival and in 1989 a rocket hit a gurdwara and killed 17 Sikhs in Jalalabad. There were also incidents of extortion and persecution. More recently, there has been an uptick in large-scale targeted attacks on Sikhs as ISK expanded in Afghanistan, inflicting heavy casualties on the dwindling community.

In 2018, an attack claimed by ISK killed 19, most of them Sikhs, and in March 2020, 25 people were killed in a gurdwara in Kabul. In June, ISK fighters stormed the Karte Parwan gurdwara and killed two people. Sikh articles of faith, like the headdress, and close association with their places of worship make them relatively easy targets in ISKs campaign.

Besides large-scale attacks, there have been several incidents of vandalism and extortion against these communities. There have also been incidents of harassment at the hands of Taliban fighters, prompting calls for their evacuation.

ISKs belief is in line with the Islamic States ideology to establish an Islamic caliphate that strictly observes Sunna and is governed by Islamic jurisprudence. They wish to carve out a purely Islamic state. Ideologues of the Islamic State model label non-Muslims and those who do not accept their interpretation of Islam as infidels, justifying their execution. This belief poses a perpetual threat to non-Islamic communities including Afghan Sikhs and Hindus.

In recent years the mass exodus of Afghan Sikhs and Hindus was facilitated by the Indian government, international Sikh NGOs, and the Sikh diaspora. After the March 2020 attack on the Sikh gurdwara, around 500 people were relocated to India under a private sponsorship program called My Family, My Responsibility, and dozens of people were evacuated to India during the fall of Kabul in August 2021, including Sikh MPs. The once vibrant gurdwaras in Afghanistan have largely been abandoned or put in the care of Muslim caretakers as Sikh families fled. The recent attack at the Karte Parwan gurdwara renewed calls for the community to leave the country, prompting the Indian government to issue 111 visas for Sikhs.

In the absence of any political representation, it is likely that the concerns of Hindus and Sikhs will be neglected in Afghanistan. There is little political advantage for the Talibans Sunni leadership in accommodating Afghan Sikhs and Hindus in the country. Moreover, the Talibans implementation of Sharia would increase intolerance toward them.

Evidently in Afghanistan, the Taliban and ISK are at loggerheads to dominate each other. However, it is unlikely that the Taliban would fight ISK for the sake of Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. Taliban leaders have assured protection to minorities; however, their political will and material ability to ensure the same is limited. The uncertainty will likely force Afghan Sikhs and Hindus to leave the country sooner or later as international NGOs and private-sponsored initiatives team up and call for their relocation.
In declaring the disease a public health emergency of international concern, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the W.H.O.s director general, overruled a panel of advisers, who could not reach a decision.

The declaration signals a public health risk requiring a coordinated international response. That could lead member countries to invest more in their response to outbreaks and encourage nations to share vaccines, treatments and other key resources.

Details: The U.S., Britain and Spain have each recorded about 3,000 cases, and monkeypox has infected more than 16,000 people worldwide, overwhelmingly men who have sex with men. Many infected people report no known source of infection, indicating undetected community spread.

Context: This is the seventh public health emergency since 2007. Currently, the W.H.O. designation is used to describe two other diseases: Covid-19 and polio.

Whats next: One expert estimated that it might take a year or more to control the outbreak. By then, the virus is likely to have infected hundreds of thousands of people and may have permanently entrenched itself in some countries.
Ms. Wong returned in April, as Hong Kong was facing its worst outbreak of the coronavirus. Hospitals were strained beyond capacity, and thousands of older people died of Covid-19. She plunged right back in. When relatives could not attend funerals in person after testing positive for Covid, she set up livestreams and narrated the rites.

There are some days when she longs to be flying again. But she says she has found a more far-reaching satisfaction in helping struggling families process a loss.

The impact of Covid pushed us to face reality, she said. We have to adjust.

The Covid Cleaner

Though the pandemic all but grounded the aviation industry, Mandi Cheungs day job as a security guard at an aircraft engineering firm was unaffected. But he quit in March to become a cleaner at a quarantine facility for Covid patients.

It was a chance to make quick money as he saved up to emigrate to Britain, he said. The six-day-a-week cleaning job paid about $3,000 per month, roughly $1,000 more than his security job had.

At the peak of the Covid outbreak this year, Hong Kongs hospitals and quarantine centers faced a large overflow of patients. Mr. Cheungs quarantine camp near the Tsing Yi port, which has nearly 4,000 beds, was one of eight hastily constructed facilities. The experience was more harrowing than he expected.
Mr. Youngs family did not immediately respond to messages and calls on Sunday.

A longtime friend of Mr. Lucyszyns, Corey Mesimer, 29, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., confirmed on Sunday that his friends family had been informed that Mr. Lucyszyn was killed in battle.

Mr. Lucyszyn, 31, felt a responsibility to travel and fight in Ukraine because his grandmother was born there, and he felt close to his heritage, Mr. Mesimer said.

That was something that he needed to do; he felt very strongly about it, Mr. Mesimer said by phone on Sunday. And even talking to him while he was over there, he felt like it was something that he needed to do for the country of Ukraine.

Mr. Mesimer said that Mr. Lucyszyn, whom he described as the life of the party, had been living in Myrtle Beach for the past two years and that the two had played on the same paintball team there, the Carolina Rage.
Pope apologizes for evil inflicted on Indigenous people

Pope Francis offered a sweeping apology for the Catholic Churchs role in running boarding schools in Canada where Indigenous children were sexually and physically abused and where many died.

I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples, Francis said at the site of a former residential school in Maskwacis, Alberta, a place of horrors for the children forced to attend it between 1894 and 1976.

Survivors had long called on the church to take responsibility for its role in the abusive institutions. For some, Francis apology was a chance to let go of their pain, while others said a lot more still needed to be done.
WASHINGTON  The Justice Department filed a lawsuit on Monday against three large poultry processors along with a proposed deal meant to end what it described as a decades-long scheme to deceive workers and suppress wages.

The moves are part of the departments broader investigation into the poultry industrys anticompetitive practices. The filings come just weeks after the department lost a criminal price-fixing lawsuit against chicken company executives.

For at least 20 years, the processors Cargill, Sanderson Farms and Wayne Farms and a data company called Webber, Meng, Sahl unlawfully shared information about employee compensation to suppress wages and stifle competition, according to the civil antitrust lawsuit, which was filed in Federal District Court for the District of Maryland. The data shared was so detailed that processors assembled a nationwide map showing company budgets and wages at individual plants.
There are at least two distinct kinds of pleasure in eating a variety of yakitori at the counter of a chef as skilled as Mr. Kono.

The obvious one is sensory: This is sweet, this is delicate, this is crunchy, this is very crunchy, this is like steak but smoother. (That would be the heart.) Running parallel to this is the aesthetic pleasure you get from the work of people with a fine-grained command of a craft, whether its cinematography or rap or glassblowing.

At Kono, through intelligent butchery and grilling, chicken is not one ingredient but many ingredients. Skewers of the inner thigh are seared over an intense heat until their edges are dark brown; the dark meat is fatty enough to stand the heat and stay juicy. The breast is kept farther from the flame, and its delicate, murmuring flavor reminds you why there are so many classic French recipes for supreme de volaille. As Mr. Konos longtime followers will remember vividly, he further protects this cut by wrapping it in a shiso leaf smeared with salted plum paste sweetened with honey, one of the few times he seasons chicken with anything more than salt and tare.
Staff attorneys with the Legal Aid Society, who often visit the intake center, said they have also noticed an increase in the number of asylum seekers, but not at the levels Mr. Adams is claiming.

One night last week, when the city had processed housing applications from 120 families, Kathryn Kliff, a Legal Aid staff attorney, said she spoke to 15 families who had arrived from Texas. The intake centers are also being filled by local families and families who traveled to New York independently, she said.

City officials began noticing an uptick in asylum seekers at the end of May and had been discussing it internally when they decided to go public with their call for federal aid last week, said Fabien Levy, a spokesman for Mr. Adams.

The number of asylum seekers, Mr. Jenkins said, was definitely an estimate but one based on an examination of trends and speaking with families during their housing assessments.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, which works to help migrants, has seen an increase in the number of asylum seekers being bused in throughout the country. Many arrive in New York City in need of basic necessities such as food, clothing, medical care, shelter and legal help. Chaotic is how the groups executive director, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, described the current state of affairs.

Alania Hughes, 21, of the Bronx, was one of the people who spent the night in an intake center last week with her 1-year-old son. When she arrived at 9 p.m., the line was out the door. Her baby slept in his stroller that night. While there, she spoke to several families that had arrived from Texas.
He was raised in Queens, where he dropped out of Richmond Hill High School shortly before graduation in 1959 to join the Marines.

I just was that kind of a kid, Mr. Long told The New York Times in 1999. There were times when they were talking about throwing me out of school. And then I wound up on the honor roll.

I was just contrary, he added. So I guess Ive been contrary all my life.

He served in the Marines until 1961. In 1963, he married Eileen Dougherty. She survives him along with their sons, Michael, Matthew, James, Robert, Christopher, Francis and Edward; two daughters, Eileen Chelales and Maureen Hayes; 24 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

The Conservative Party in New York was founded in the 1960s by J. Daniel Mahoney and Kieran ODoherty, Wall Street lawyers and brothers-in-law who sought to tilt the states Republicans to the right. In this they followed the pattern of the Liberal Party, which would leverage its endorsement of Democratic candidates  sometimes providing the margin of victory in close races  to nudge them to the left (and exact patronage once they were elected).

Mr. Long, who ran a liquor store with his brother in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, where he lived, was of a different breed of political leader: He was politically savvy, able to hold his own in any debate, but unlike many a standard politician, he was passionately committed to causes and unwilling to make transactional endorsements.

In 1964, he volunteered to work in Barry Goldwaters Republican presidential campaign and enrolled as a Conservative voter.
The federal official in charge of the agency that manages the United States supply, Gary Disbrow, said the government was moving very quickly because we take this very seriously.

We thought it prudent to get as many doses as we had available over here, fully understanding that if the doses are not used there would be a potential impact on smallpox, he added. We moved very quickly based on the number of cases we saw.

Called Jynneos, the vaccine is effective against both smallpox, which generally has a 30 percent fatality rate, and monkeypox, which can be severe but has a far lower fatality rate.

When monkeypox was first detected in the United States in mid-May, there were some 2,400 doses on U.S. soil, in the federal governments strategic national stockpile, used mainly to protect lab workers and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention personnel engaged in research, officials said.

The United States also owned well over a million Jynneos doses in vials ready for use  and enough vaccine for millions of more doses that had yet to be filled into vials  in Denmark, where the producer of the vaccine, Bavarian Nordic, is headquartered.

Much of that supply was tied up in bureaucratic red tape because the Food and Drug Administration had yet to inspect and certify a new facility outside Copenhagen where the company now fills the vaccine into vials  an issue that has yet to be fully resolved.
Even as the conduct and decision making of jail staff members has been called into question in a number of deaths and injuries of incarcerated people in the past two years, including in eight other suicides since 2021, the charges stemming from Mr. Felicianos case were the first brought by Ms. Clark against correction officials since 2019.

Other prosecutors have been quicker to file charges as conditions in the Rikers Island jail complex spiraled in recent years, with hundreds of officers failing to show up for work and rising rates of violence and neglect.

In April, the U.S. attorneys office for the Eastern District of New York charged two correction officers with smuggling drugs and accepting bribes from gangs, and, in November 2020, the Manhattan district attorney charged a correction captain with criminally negligent homicide after the captain allowed a man to hang in a Manhattan holding cell for 15 minutes and stopped other guards from saving him. Those cases are pending.

A spokeswoman for the Bronx district attorneys office said that the cases against the guards took nearly three years to prosecute because the city Department of Investigation brought them first to federal prosecutors before taking them to Ms. Clarks office.
UN news, July 20, 2022

The UNAMA findings, confirm many of the concerns voiced over the direction of human rights under the Taliban 11 months ago, after foreign forces pulled-out and the elected government collapsed.

Crackdown

The de facto authorities have limited dissent by cracking down on protests and curbing media freedoms according to the report.

The report condemns arbitrary arrests of journalists, protestors, and civil society activists.

The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and freedom of opinion, are not only fundamental freedoms, they are necessary for the development and progression of a nation, said Fiona Frazer, UNAMA Chief of Human Rights.

They allow meaningful debate to flourish, also benefiting those who govern by allowing them to better understand the issues and problems facing the population.

Erosion of womens rights

Eleven months after Afghanistans abrupt transition to Taliban rule, the erosion of womens rights is one of the most notable aspects of the de facto administration to date.

Women and girls have seen their rights to access education, the workplace and participate in public life, restricted. Not allowing girls to go to secondary school means that a generation of girls will not complete their full 12 years of basic education, UNAMA highlighted.

Education is not only a basic human right, but the key to the development of a nation, said Markus Potzel, the UN acting Special Representative for Afghanistan.

Beyond time

It is beyond time for all Afghans to be able to live in peace and rebuild their lives after 20 years of armed conflict, he added. Our monitoring reveals that despite the improved security situation since 15 August, the people of Afghanistan, in particular women and girls, are deprived of the full enjoyment of their human rights.

While the report acknowledges steps taken by Taliban authorities to reduce violence, UNAMA still recorded 2,106 civilian casualties, with 700 killed, and 1,406 wounded. Those causalities are mainly attributed to targeted attacks by the terrorist group which identifies itself as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant  Khorasan Province, against ethnic and religious minority communities.

Impunity

UNAMA is concerned about the impunity with which members of the de facto authorities appear to have carried out human rights violations.

According to the report, those worst affected, were those linked to the former government and its security forces, with 160 extrajudicial killings confirmed, as well as 178 arbitrary arrests and detentions, and 56 instances of torture.

The human rights situation has been exacerbated by a nationwide economic, financial and humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale. At least 59 per cent of the population is now in need of humanitarian assistance  an increase of six million people compared with the beginning of 2021.
Part of the reason for this skills gap is that people in the United States who already work in the semiconductor industry tend to have experience in chip design, not manufacturing. For years, many U.S. companies ordered chips from contract manufacturers overseas, like the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, instead of embarking on the extremely expensive process of producing, testing and packaging chips themselves. But as geopolitical tensions with China ramped up, American leaders began to push to build some capacity to make advanced chips in the United States as an insurance policy in the event of a breakdown of trade.

To prepare for that day, the Trump administration pressured the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to build a fab on U. S. soil capable of mass-producing advanced chips. But finding people in Arizona, where the fab will be built, with the same skills and work ethic as exist at the companys factory in Hsinchu has been a challenge, the companys founder, Morris Chang, told a symposium last year.

Attracting highly skilled foreigners who can help train an American work force is essential to success, at least in the short term, according to the Center for Security and Emerging Technology report, which estimated that at least 3,500 foreign-born workers will be required to staff the new American fabs. Some could come from American universities, it said, but many would need to be recruited from Taiwan and South Korea.

The state of higher education in the field is also worrying. The number of American graduate students studying in semiconductor-related fields has remained almost flat since 1990, while foreigners enrolled in those fields at American universities have tripled. According to Winning the Tech Talent Competition, a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, only 23,000 Americans are expected to graduate with Ph.D.s in science, math, engineering and technology-related fields in 2025, while 17,000 foreign students in those areas will graduate from American universities.

Its great that noncitizens are helping to close the yawning gap with China, which is estimated to turn out 77,000 graduates with Ph.D.s that year. But we cant take foreign talent for granted. Since 2016, overall foreign enrollment in American universities has fallen every year, leading some to worry that foreign enrollment in semiconductor-related fields might also be at risk in the future.

Philip Wong, a professor of electrical engineering at Stanford University, told me that the pull of the United States isnt what it once was. Although bright students from Asia continue to flock to Stanford, he said, some of them pass up the chance to stay in America in favor of working in the vibrant tech industries closer to home. They dont need to come to the U.S. to get a good career, Mr. Wong told me. If you look back several decades, the reasons for students to come to the U.S. are starting to go away.
Teacher: Hey there. You got half the questions wrong on your homework.

Student: Im sorry about that. What do you think I could do to improve my performance?

Teacher: Well, you could boost your socioeconomic status. Otherwise, the decks extremely stacked against you getting any of these questions right.

To help combat the myth of meritocracy, the authors suggest that teachers not assign overly challenging homework and stop rewarding or punishing students based on the quality of the homework they produce. They also suggest that some teachers, if so inclined, could go a step further in attempting to reduce homeworks harm and just get rid of it altogether. They write:

More research is needed to understand the consequences of these more progressive homework policies. Yet, we suspect that while optional and ungraded homework may reduce inequalities in homework-related rewards and punishments, it may not prevent teachers from judging those students (and their parents) who do not complete the optional or ungraded work. No-homework policies have greater potential for alleviating the kinds of unequal practices we observed in the schools in our study.

In short, teachers cant even be trusted to give out optional homework because theyre too meritocracy-brained and will still judge the students based on the results. The easiest solution is to just stop giving homework altogether, so the wrong-thinking teachers dont have as much of a platform upon which to prop up their meritocratic myths.

I want to be fair to the authors and acknowledge that even if Im a bit skeptical about how their prescriptions could operate in a classroom, there might be other good reasons for doing away with homework.

Evidence about the effectiveness of homework is pretty scattered. There are studies and articles saying that homework helps students learn and that kids arent overly burdened with it. There are also studies and articles that say excessive homework shows diminishing returns and can be harmful to students mental health. Having read some of these studies, I think the fairest assessment right now would be to say that the evidence about the benefits of homework is pretty inconclusive because of the inherent difficulties in isolating one part of a students academic life and drawing huge conclusions about how it affects everything else.

From a theoretical standpoint, I mostly agree with Calarco, Horn and Chens diagnosis of the American educational system. It does largely function as a way to sort and stratify children into different socioeconomic bands, which, again, in theory, means that it would be helpful for teachers to approach their work with that in mind. Many richer kids go to private schools that feed into elite colleges that will more or less ensure their alumni will be on the glide path to staying rich. Many poorer kids go to poorer schools that provide them, in many cases, with fewer opportunities that might help them advance socioeconomically. Some portion of middle-class and working-class people, including a lot of immigrants and children of immigrants, pragmatically use the school system to achieve class mobility.
Gail: We semi-disagree about bail reform. I dont think you decide who should be able to walk on the basis of the amount of money their families can put up. Anybody whos charged with a dangerous crime should stay locked up, and the rest should go home and be ready for their day in court.

Bret: Theres theory, and theres practice.

Gail: The Lee Zeldin thing is, though, pretty shocking. Republican nominee for governor attacked during a public speaking appearance. The judge undoubtedly found a low level of serious danger  I think the assailant used a sharpened keychain, and Zeldin fought him off. Still, it was an assault on a major political candidate on the campaign trail, and youd think itd be treated like a damn serious charge.

Bret: This particular case sorta makes my point. His assailant was released because New York judges are barred by law from setting bail for attempted assault, which in this case was only nonviolent because Zeldin managed to thwart the attack. That is not a law Democrats should want to have to defend in the midterms.

Gail: Hey, we havent talked about Congress yet  stumbling to the wire! Any thoughts?

Bret: Well, if this Congress is remembered for nothing else, it will be for the work of the Jan. 6 special committee. The sight of Senator Josh Fredo Hawley running for safety is a picture that should dog the rest of his career. And there will be many former Trump voters who may have a hard time shaking the fact that Donald Trump called Mike Pence a wimp and then stood by for hours while his vice president was in mortal danger.

Gail: Very unnerving how all Pences parts in the story are sympathetic to heroic. Have to keep reminding myself that this is a guy whose idea of a public enemy is Planned Parenthood.

Bret: The other positive development is that a bipartisan group of senators has come up with a plan to overhaul the Electoral Count Act of 1887 so that it can never again be used as a flimsy excuse in an attempt to overturn the election. My only question is why rewrite the law instead of repealing it entirely? This is history you know much better than I do.
She is a local prosecutor who, while a Democrat, had little to do with the former president until he allegedly committed crimes in her jurisdiction. And her 2015 prosecution of a cheating scandal involving Atlanta teachers, a traditionally Democratic group, burnishes her nonpartisan prosecutorial credentials. Unlike federal prosecutors, she is unencumbered by Justice Department Office of Legal Counsel opinions on the powers of the presidency that can complicate charging current or former presidents.

None of this is to say that she will not encounter extreme scrutiny. Her every act will now be examined, as suggested by recent critical comments from a Georgia judge hearing a motion for her recusal from the Trump investigation. It was filed by a false elector, and several others later joined the motion, because of what we see as ethically permissible campaign activity by Ms. Willis. (The judge granted the motion as to the original petitioner, citing conflict of interest, but denied it to the others.) Still, she must proceed with extra care.

Her prosecutorial task will not be easy. When you charge a president, you need more than the standard proof beyond a reasonable doubt; you need proof way beyond a reasonable doubt. That is what the committee has helped deliver, producing a mountain of additional evidence that might have taken her years to gather  if she could have gotten it at all.

Take the testimony by the former acting attorney general Jeffrey Rosen and other witnesses about Mr. Trumps attempt to hijack the Justice Department  which included an effort by Jeffrey Clark to send a letter to state officials in states, including Georgia, that falsely claimed that the Justice Department had identified significant concerns that would affect the states election results.

Then there is the phony electors scheme. Here again, the committee came to Ms. Williss aid, obtaining testimony from Ronna Romney McDaniel, the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, and others describing Mr. Trumps personal involvement in helping recruit false electors in states like Georgia. That testimony directly linked Mr. Trump to the conspiracy Ms. Willis may charge.

Any prosecution must consider intent, and the committee has secured proof of Mr. Trumps state of mind that might not have been otherwise available. Testimony from an array of witnesses  especially those closest to Mr. Trump, like his former attorney general Bill Barr and his former White House counsel Pat Cipollone  demonstrated that Mr. Trump was told that he had lost the election and, after Dec. 14, when the Electoral College cast its votes, that there was no legitimate legal basis to continue his attack.
No, Mr. Stephens, you were not wrong about Trump voters; they simply did not choose to exercise their critical thinking skills to understand that Mr. Trump is one of the self-satisfied elite whose only goal in life is to obtain money and power.

Moreover, if they had applied their critical thinking skills, they would have very quickly realized that Mr. Trump is a narcissist, a liar, a cheat and a master manipulator who duped them into believing that he is their savior; a 70-something golden-haired billionaire who lived on Fifth Avenue and now a mansion in Florida and who really cares about them! Really?

And despite all of the recent information released from the Jan. 6 hearings, the vast majority simply reject it and continue to support Mr. Trump. So, Mr. Stephens, you were not wrong at all about Trump voters, but you are dead wrong in believing that you were and writing about it.

Michael Hadjiargyrou

Centerport, N.Y.

To the Editor:

Bret Stephenss mea culpa is spot on. Now who will really listen with an honest ear and a strategic plan for doing something for the multitudes feeling unheard, unappreciated, misunderstood? Old-fashioned town meetings might be the place to start.

Dawn Keller

Hendersonville, N.C.

To the Editor:

In I Was Wrong About Capitalism, David Brooks suggests that his views on the value of regulation have (finally) changed because sometimes the world is genuinely different than it was before.

While the specific regulations required certainly change with the times (there was, for example, no e-commerce to regulate until relatively recently), the need for well-crafted regulation to rein in the intrinsic detrimental tendencies of the free market, ranging from human exploitation to environmental devastation, is an unchanging truth.
Mr. Galvez knows these numbers well. In San Diego, he and his wife rented a two-bedroom cottage in the North Park neighborhood for $2,300 a month. They now pay $1,450 a month for a 1,500-square-foot house in a gated community that sits within a 10-minute drive of the San Ysidro border crossing. The proximity is important because Mr. Galvez, a commercial insurance broker at U.S. company, crosses five days a week for work to his office in San Diego.

Life in Tijuana, Mr. Galvez said, is more stressful for him and his family. The noise levels are higher; the air is not as clean. Despite Tijuanas well-publicized struggles with drug cartels, he doesnt worry about crime, he said, because violence is significantly higher among those involved with drug trafficking and isolated in specific neighborhoods. The sentiment that crime statistics dont tell the whole picture is echoed by many new residents, and supported by research that has shown that despite Tijuanas extremely high murder rates, the majority of crimes are isolated in three of the citys rougher clusters.

Mr. Galvez said he misses San Diegos green spaces, and is frustrated by Tijuanas pothole-ridden roads. But he has his eyes on a long-term goal.

Living here gives me a cushion to build my legacy, he said.

For Jodi Cilley, living in Tijuana has been a balm for her nerves.

Ms. Cilley, 44, teaches at San Diego City College and is the president of the Film Consortium San Diego. When she moved to Tijuana from San Diego in 2018, she was returning to a city she knew well  she had lived there once before, from 2004 until 2010. The cost savings, she said, not just on rent but also on monthly household bills, doctor visits and even fine dining, allow her to work in a field she loves rather than chase a career with a higher paycheck.

Its so much less stressful to be able to know I can pay my rent every month and still have money left over, she said. I can eat anywhere, I can go to the nicest restaurants and bars in town. And I can do the job I want to do rather than get one that pays me more just so I can survive.
Several scientists immediately had their doubts. The initial study focused on the bulkiness of Tyrannosaurus femurs and the existence of two sets of incisor teeth poking out of the predators lower jaw.

In the rebuttal study, Dr. Carr claims that neither trait is distinct to any of the purported Tyrannosaurus species. The features that were claimed to be different between the three species were actually overlapping, said Dr. Carr, who published a meticulous study examining traits in more than 40 T. rex specimens in 2020. There wasnt any clean break between the different species  we have to have a higher standard than that. He adds that several well-preserved Tyrannosaurus specimens fail to fall into any proposed species based on their teeth and the heftiness of their femurs.

They also aim to puncture the statistical analyses used in the original paper. According to James Napoli, a paleontologist at the American Museum of Natural History in New York and a co-author on the rebuttal, the statistics used were misleading because the authors defined the number of species they expected before running the tests. Its a great test if youre trying to predict which individuals belong to which group and you know how many groups are in your data, Dr. Napoli said. But using it to find distinct clusters is less useful because it will always group the data into the number of groups you tell it to.

In the original paper, the researchers compared the variation between individual Tyrannosaurus specimens with the variation found between several Allosaurus skeletons. However, the rebuttal claims that comparing the apex predators is misleading because the Allosauruses hail from a single bone bed in Utah while the Tyrannosaurus fossils came from a scattering of sites over a longer period of time. Therefore, they say, higher amounts of regional and temporal variation in the Tyrannosaurus data set should be expected.

The rebuttal team also considered the variability of T. rexs living relatives  birds. After examining the femurs of 112 species of living birds, the team deduced that the differences between T. rex femurs were relatively unremarkable.
I wont tell you the molding story, but theres a lot to the molding, Andrew Rifkin said, standing inside a room in Nine Orchard, the new hotel on Canal Street between Orchard and Allen Streets. Mr. Rifkin is also proud of the custom ceramic toilet paper holders (You need a place to put your iPhone while youre in the toilet), the round tables in rooms wherever we can fit them  theyre hospitable) and the apples and Saratoga Water that greet guests.

It was not always so fancy. Mr. Rifkin, 63, is the managing partner at DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners, which bought the landmark status Beaux-Arts 1912 Jarmulowsky Bank Building along with the building next door (which they tore down) for $41 million a decade ago. It was a complete wreck, he said of the building, which was originally designed by the architects Rouse & Goldstone.

Neighborhood gossip speculated that the 12-story building, long in disrepair, was set to become an Ace Hotel. It was going to be a lot of things  an apartment building, an office building, Mr. Rifkin said. Finally we landed on a hotel as we watched the neighborhood evolve.
It was almost 90 degrees in Times Square on Thursday morning when a scene began to play out on Broadway that was so unexpected it could have been a mirage: 100 people were wrapped around the block outside the Gap, waiting for its doors to open.

Inside the store, which had been transformed into a kind of blackened cavern punctuated by digital screens, 24 industrial-size sacks were lined up in two long rows and stuffed with clothing from Yeezy Gap, the collaboration between the artist formerly known as Kanye West (now simply Ye) and the giant ur-American brand.

For anyone following the partnership since its buzzy birth more than two years ago, this was a major development: the first time customers would be able to see and touch the clothes inside a store  albeit not hung from racks or folded on shelves, but piled into those huge bags.
Mr. Semple added that sellers leaving Depop was nothing new and that their successes often inspired new designers to join the app. He cited Emma Rogue, a seller of secondhand clothing who turned her Depop shop into a brick-and-mortar vintage store. We then have to be more interesting for the next group of people we want to cultivate, he said.

Depop said it had 30 million registered users last year, up from 13 million in 2019. About 90 percent of its active users are under the age of 26. Its revenue more than doubled to $70 million in 2020 from a year earlier. The app declined to share more recent figures; Etsy doesnt separately disclose Depops financial information.

Depop was founded in 2011 by Simon Beckerman, an entrepreneur, as a website where anybody could sell anything. (He is no longer involved with the app.) It soon built a reputation for selling used clothing, with influencers like the Italian fashion blogger Chiara Ferragni letting followers into their closets by starting Depop shops. By 2015, Mr. Semple said, Depop was benefiting from Gen Z coming online and was building its platform to be more interactive.

In 2018, Depop homed in on becoming a fashion marketplace and discouraged sellers from offering items other than clothing. Since then, the app has ingrained itself in Gen Z culture, with promoters such as Megan Thee Stallion, the YouTuber Emma Chamberlain and the model Winnie Harlow. Sellers like Bella McFadden, who resold clothing from thrift stores on Depop and now runs a stand-alone company and a YouTube channel, became social media influencers and tastemakers in their own right.

After the pandemic hit, more buyers gravitated to online shopping destinations like Depop, helping the app double its users and revenue in a year. That success attracted more sellers, who provide their date of birth, billing address and PayPal account information to set up shop on the app.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Abraham Hamadeh, a candidate for Arizona attorney general, surged in the polls after Mr. Trump offered his late endorsement. He and other candidates for attorney general said during a May debate that they would not have signed the certification of the states 2020 election results.

Mr. Hamadeh and Mr. Finchem did not respond to requests for comment.

There were no shortage of election deniers in the race for Arizonas Second Congressional District, either, where Mr. Watkins is waging his long-shot campaign. During an awkward televised debate in April, he distanced himself from QAnon, saying: I was not Q, and I am not. He turned to election fraud conspiracy theories, noting that Mr. Trump had retweeted him on the subject. But he was outflanked by his competitors.

The election was stolen. We understand that, and we know that, Walt Blackman, a Republican in Arizonas House of Representatives, said during the debate.

Mr. Watkins may have believed Arizonas embrace of conspiracy theories could propel him from online celebrity to real-world politician, Mr. Holt said. But it proved difficult to stand out in a race where no one aligned with QAnon and nearly everyone supported the election-fraud conspiracy theory.

Every once in a while, somebody on the conspiracy-brain right wing gets a bunch of attention online and they think that means theyre popular, Mr. Holt said. So they try to run for office or have an in-person event somewhere, and its just a miserable crash and burn.
Susan V. Booth, the artistic director of the Alliance Theater in Atlanta, has been named the next artistic director of the Goodman Theater in Chicago, a dominant force in that citys vibrant theater scene and one of the most influential regional nonprofits in the country.

Booth, 59, who will assume the position in October, will be the first woman to lead the Goodman, which was founded in 1922. She succeeds Robert Falls, who announced last September that he would be stepping down after 35 years at the helm.

The Goodman, which has an annual budget of $22 million and a staff of roughly 200, won the 1992 Tony Award for excellence in regional theater. Under Falls, it staged more than 150 world or American premieres, while also helping to transform Chicago from a theater scene known primarily for actors to one recognized as a seedbed for directors with artistic visions too massive to be contained in a storefront theater, as Chris Jones, the theater critic for The Chicago Tribune, wrote last year.
Perhaps more than any other production of this post-shutdown season, the Park Avenue Armorys summer stagings of Hamlet and Oresteia  with their last-minute replacements and cast illnesses  have faced the most hurdles on their way to opening night.

The productions, already delayed from their intended 2020 U.S. premieres, were dealt another blow this spring when, two days into tech rehearsals, Lia Williams (The Crown) tore her Achilles tendon. She was double booked to play Hamlets mother, Queen Gertrude, and the husband-killing matriarch Klytemnestra in Oresteia, but recovery, though guaranteed, would not be quick. She was forced to drop out. Jennifer Ehle and Anastasia Hille quickly stepped in, with Ehle having only 10 days to settle into the role of Gertrude before the first Hamlet preview.

I had no idea what I was getting into, and I really didnt care, Ehle said during a recent video call. It was one of those moments where you get a call on a Sunday morning, somebody asks if you want to take a challenge, and you have no choice but to take the leap and start planning in midair.
If they are going to use this framework to put womens lives at risk, we are going to use it to save peoples lives here in the state of California. Thats the spirit, the principle, behind this law, Newsom said during a news conference on Friday.

The governors decision to co-opt Texass legal strategy and take out ads attacking Republican governors in Florida and Texas has been turning heads in national political circles, my colleague Shawn Hubler explained in her latest article.

Today, Im going to walk you through what you need to know about Californias latest (and most controversial) gun bill, the capstone of the sweeping firearm legislation that Newsom has approved in recent weeks.

What exactly does the new law do?

Senate Bill 1327 allows Californians to sue anyone who distributes illegal assault weapons, parts that can be used to build weapons, guns without serial numbers or .50-caliber rifles. The law also allows people to pursue legal challenges against licensed firearms dealers who sell weapons to anyone under 21.
Lanasha Darnell, 43, of Forney, Texas, who has worked at the airport since 2020, said that she saw people running through the terminal.

We have drills on evacuation and where were supposed to go to, but in the middle of it, thats all out the window, Ms. Darnell said.

Travelers scrambled into shops and restaurants, hiding in kitchens and behind furniture. Joe Castronovo III, who had flown from Orlando, Fla., on business, said he stepped off the Jetway and into the terminal and saw people running as travelers tried to find cover.

Mr. Castronovos father, Joe Castronovo Jr., arrived at the terminal to pick up his son as the chaotic scene was unfolding.

I pulled up and saw a woman screaming and running away from the building, the older Mr. Castronovo, of Highland Park, Texas, said. We got scared something was wrong. Workers were coming out and telling people to hide.
She has bestowed her offices imprimatur upon Senator Joness opponent, Judge McBurney wrote in his decision. He added: This scenario creates a plain  and actual and untenable  conflict. Any decision the district attorney makes about Senator Jones in connection with the grand jury investigation is necessarily infected by it.

The ruling does not mean that Mr. Jones cannot be investigated. Ms. Williss office, the judge wrote, will still be able to ask witnesses about Mr. Joness role in the various efforts the state Republican Party undertook to call into question the legitimacy of the results of the election. However, he wrote, the decision as to whether any charges should be brought, and what they should be, will be left to a different prosecutors office.

The choice of a new prosecutor to evaluate whether any charges should be brought against Mr. Jones will eventually be made by the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, a group that sets policies and rules for district attorneys around the state.

Peter J. Skandalakis, the executive director of the group, said in a statement on Monday that it may be best to wait until the special grand jury finishes its work before getting another prosecutor involved. He noted that Ms. Willis could no longer call Mr. Jones as a witness or issue subpoenas for his documents. But he said that the special grand jury, which will issue an advisory report after meeting for up to one year, may continue to investigate Mr. Joness conduct.
Before long, Mr. Ferreras stepson received a call demanding an additional $3,500. He said he did not have any more money.

The calls became frequent and menacing, Mr. Pena recalled in an interview; the smugglers let him hear the sound of his stepfathers shrieks and groans as a hammer came down on his fingers.

Mr. Pena managed to wire $2,000 via Western Union, he said, but when the captors realized they could not collect the cash because it was a Sunday, they intensified their assaults.

Mr. Pena called 911.

Law enforcement agents found Mr. Ferrera in the trailer severely, severely physically harmed, with lots of blood all over him, laying on a sofa in the living room, according to testimony by one of the agents, Jonathan Bonds.

Another migrant, stripped down to his underwear, was squirming in pain, his bludgeoned hand held aloft, in the front bedroom. In the rear bedroom, agents encountered a nude woman, another migrant, who had just been raped by a smuggler who emerged naked from the bathroom.

The houses owner, Eduardo Rocha Sr., who went by Lalo and was identified as the leader of the smuggling ring, was arrested along with several others, including his son, Eduardo Rocha Jr. The younger Mr. Rocha testified that their cell was affiliated with the Los Zetas cartel and that over two years it had funneled hundreds of migrants into the United States and collected hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The fire closed a highway leading to Yosemite, which is still recovering from the Washburn fire. That blaze started earlier this month and at one point threatened the parks Mariposa Grove of sequoias, some of the worlds oldest trees. The Washburn fire is now all but extinguished.

As California fell deeper into a second year of drought in the spring, officials warned of a potentially catastrophic 2022 fire season across the states desiccated landscape. But so far this year, the state has managed to avoid the type of megafire that it has experienced in years past.

Last year at this time, the state was battling the Dixie fire, which burned nearly a million acres  more than 60 times the area of the Oak fire  and crested the Sierra to burn down the eastern slopes of the mountain range, a relatively rare occurrence.

The Oak fire is by far the largest wildfire in the state so far this year, besting the Washburn fire, which burned 4,900 acres, according to a tally by Cal Fire.

However, July is still early in the states traditional fire season, which runs through the summer and well into autumn, when the threat rises of more potentially lethal wind-driven wildfires.

California forests have always burned during the dry months. But a combination of rising temperatures from climate change and an abundance of ignitable vegetation  including tens of millions of trees that were killed during a previous drought a decade ago  have made the states forests particularly vulnerable to fire. Sixty percent of the states land area is classified by the federal government as being in extreme drought.
WASHINGTON  The Biden administration has grown increasingly anxious this summer about Chinas statements and actions regarding Taiwan, with some officials fearing that Chinese leaders might try to move against the self-governing island over the next year and a half  perhaps by trying to cut off access to all or part of the Taiwan Strait, through which U.S. naval ships regularly pass.

The internal worries have sharpened in recent days, as the administration quietly works to try to dissuade House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from going through with a proposed visit to Taiwan next month, U.S. officials say. Ms. Pelosi, Democrat of California, would be the first speaker to visit Taiwan since 1997, and the Chinese government has repeatedly denounced her reported plans and threatened retaliation.

U.S. officials see a greater risk of conflict and miscalculation over Ms. Pelosis trip as President Xi Jinping of China and other Communist Party leaders prepare in the coming weeks for an important political meeting in which Mr. Xi is expected to extend his rule.
Mr. Leaf said in a statement, I took an oath and obligation as sheriff to investigate all potential crimes reported to my office, including election law violations.

In Wisconsin, the Racine County sheriff, Christopher Schmaling, has tried to charge statewide election officials with violating the law by temporarily suspending election oversight work in nursing homes.

Those officials, who serve on the Wisconsin Elections Commission, the states bipartisan arbiter of election matters, voted for the suspension in March 2020, as the pandemic was first raging. After investigating a complaint in November 2021, Mr. Schmaling said he had found eight instances of potential fraud.

No fraud charges were filed in any of the cases.

But in November, Mr. Schmaling issued criminal referrals for five of the six members of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, recommending that the district attorneys in the counties where they live charge them with crimes including felonies.

Three of the district attorneys have dismissed the referrals; two have not yet made a decision.

Mr. Schmaling, who said his nursing home inquiry took up hundreds of hours, described his decisions as routine. The bigger picture for me is we exposed something that was wrong, something illegal, he said. My goal is to make certain that the law is followed.

But others involved said the actions were an overreach of power.

The idea that the solution for an election whose results you didnt like is, after the fact, to threaten criminal charges for that public work of a government official is shocking, said Ann Jacobs, the Democratic chair of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, who faced a criminal referral. It is chilling. It is the antithesis of how democracy works.
On July 24, the Long March-5B Y3 rocket carrying the Wentian laboratory cabin module of China's Tiangong Space Station was successfully launched into space. The reporter learned from the 16th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) in Hefei City that the institute developed two essential components in the Wentian module. A three-temperature zone "aerospace refrigerator" with a minimum temperature of -80C The Wentian laboratory cabin module is mainly oriented to the research of space life science and can support the study of the response mechanism of various types of plants, animals, microorganisms, etc., under spatial conditions, as well as the experimental research in closed ecosystems. To store these experimental biological samples, there are four experimental cabinets in the Wentian module, among which the 16th Research Institute of CETC cooperated with the General Design Department of the 5th Research Institute of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and developed the core device "cryogenic storage device" for the "scientific glove box and cryogenic storage cabinet". This "cryogenic refrigerator" for experimental biological samples customized for the space station supports three storage temperatures of -80C, -20C and +4C. It is China's first "aerospace refrigerator" with three temperature zones, with a minimum temperature of -80C, and uses the Stirling cooler technology. Microwave amplification module Another product developed by the 16th Research Institute of CETC used in the Wentian module is a microwave amplifier module. The amplifier and related components can work together to filter, amplify and transmit signals from the Wentian module to the outside to ensure smooth information exchange. The relevant person in charge of the 16th Research Institute of CETC said they would continue to strive to give full play to their technological advantages in cryogenic refrigeration and cryogenic electronics, to support China's aerospace industry.

Reported by Chen Wanwan Translated by Zheng Chen
This was a personal problem and not for public consumption, he wrote. With the exception of Ivanka, Avi, Cassidy and Mulvaney, I didnt tell anyone at the White House  including the president, he wrote, referring to his wife, Ivanka Trump; two of his aides; and Mick Mulvaney, then the White House chief of staff.

A person close to Mr. Mulvaney, after learning of the books reference to him, said he did not recall being told about Mr. Kushners condition.

Mr. Kushner was an assistant to the president and had a title, senior adviser, that only hinted at his omnipresent role in his father-in-laws White House. Yet some veterans of previous administrations said that because Mr. Kushner was not an elected official, he had no obligation to disclose the information.

David Axelrod, the chief strategist in President Barack Obamas White House, said that from his perspective, if it didnt affect his performance, it was a personal matter and he had no obligation to disclose it. Unlike any business entanglements or investments that might pose conflicts of interest, this was a personal, medical matter.

In the excerpt, Mr. Kushner described concentrating on work and trying not to think about the upcoming surgery or the unwanted growth in my body. When I did think about it, I reminded myself that it was in the hands of God and the doctors, and that whatever happened was out of my control. At moments, I caught myself wondering whether I would need extensive treatment.

Mr. Trump was never known for his discretion about other peoples secrets. But while Mr. Kushner did not tell Mr. Trump of his diagnosis, he found out anyway, although he appeared not to have shared it.
Tunisians voted Monday in a referendum on a new constitution that would greatly expand the powers of a president who, over the past year, has pushed aside the other branches of government to rule alone.

If approved, the referendum will enshrine steps taken by President Kais Saied starting exactly a year ago to center power in his own hands, weakening Parliament and other checks on the president while giving the head of state the ultimate authority to form a government, appoint judges and propose laws.

Such changes, opponents say, would signal the end of the democratic system Tunisia built after casting off dictatorship a decade ago, when antigovernment protests in a small Tunisian town kindled uprisings across the Middle East. The new constitution would return Tunisia to a presidential system much like the one it had under Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, the authoritarian ruler who was deposed during the countrys Arab Spring revolt in 2011.
Whirlwind visits to crisis-riven nations in Africa. A sleek training center for the continents up-and-coming politicians. The prospect of major debt forgiveness for a favorite African country.

As relations with the United States and Europe plummet, China is starting a new wave of diplomacy in Africa, where it dominates trade with resource-rich nations and keeps friendly ties with mostly authoritarian leaders, unfettered by competition from the West.

Chinas campaign to cultivate African allegiances is part of a great geopolitical competition, which has intensified since the start of the war in Ukraine. Already fiercely vying for loyalties in Asia, Beijing and Washington are now jockeying broadly for influence, with the United States, Europe and their democratic allies positioned against China, Russia, Iran and other autocracies. Heightening the competition, Russias foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, began a tour of Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo Sunday.
Myanmars military regime announced Monday that it had executed four pro-democracy activists, the first executions in the Southeast Asian nation in more than three decades and what was seen as the latest attempt to instill fear in a resistance movement that has continued to battle the junta since it seized power in a coup last year.

The four activists were sentenced to death earlier this year during closed-door trials in a military court without attorneys present. They were executed in secret on Saturday for what the regime called brutal and inhumane terror acts, charges that their defenders have said were unfounded.

The executions carried out by the notoriously insular Myanmar military signaled a rebuke to Western leaders, the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, who have all sought to persuade the junta to free political prisoners and halt the violence that has swept the nation since the coup.
What residential school was, and still is, is a nightmare. For more than a century, Indigenous children in Canada were taken from their homes and sent to residential schools to forcibly assimilate them into white society. And thousands were never seen again. Now, more than 20 years after the last school shut down, searches for the remains of these lost children are happening across the country. Theres nothing on the surface, but once we interpret the data, we can see if we can find these children. We followed a team of archaeologists who came to the Muskowekwan First Nation to investigate what lies beneath the ground. There is unmarked graves there. Theyre all over the place. But nothing has been done. Here, some residential school survivors hope that scientific evidence will reveal to the rest of the world a truth theyve long known. These stories are real. I saw something in here. And people have never listened. Harvey Desjarlais was taken to residential school when he was 6 1/2 years old. And I remember being locked in the dorm. I cried so much because of the harshness. Small boys dorm  this is where we were kept. They shave your head, cut off your braids. Right here, a boy hung himself. I found him hanging. He wasn t hanging. He was laying there. He was already  Generations of Indigenous children suffered physical and sexual abuse inside the boarding schools. They were established by the Canadian government and initially run by the Catholic Church. This used to be the chapel over here. This is where we used to pray 10 times a day. They used to call us little savages. You little savage. Your ceremonies, thats paganism. Thats how they spoke to us. After his years as a student, Harvey worked as the schools caretaker for 22 years. Today, he still visits the grounds of the former school, even though it shut down in 1997. I come here just about every day. I have a dream of elders. You know, like calling. And I know what theyre calling about. Theyre our children. You look at your map. And you could just draw a circle so we could find out exactly where these graves are. The First Nation has invited archaeologists to search for unmarked graves, and survivor testimony will be crucial. Elders have long shared stories of what happened at these schools but were rarely believed outside their community. We lived on top of the graves for many, many years. But we couldnt do nothing. Theres a big hill over here  all graves, all graves. About the researchers coming here, its been a long time coming. Laura Oochoo is Harveys longtime partner. She also went to the Muskowekwan Residential School. Im at a place where Im trying to understand, whats this all mean for  for all of us right now? People are angry with the finding of our kids. This horror, its living with that. They deserve to be honored and respected, you know? Thats all I think that they would want. Im very confident that there is something there. The archaeologists Terence Clark and Kisha Supernant are leading the search effort. Theyre using ground-penetrating radar to locate burial sites. The rest of the team is made up of graduate students, including Micaela Champagne, who, along with Kisha, is Indigenous. So Ive been an archaeologist now for about 20 years. And with Indigenous communities, they would prefer, often, to have less destructive methods, so ways to not disturb a lot of earth. So theres a bunch of them. And thats a 3-year-old. And its all in the same year. The work that were doing with the ground-penetrating radar is to locate childrens graves. And before we really get into that, we need to understand how many children were looking for. Many of the records from this era are incomplete or have been destroyed, but the documents that remain contain clues to some deaths and abuses. Theres a couple sort of suspicious-y ones that are, like, 14 years old. Babies, its babies. Canadas Truth and Reconciliation Commission investigated residential schools, and in a 2015 report, concluded that many children died from malnourishment, disease and suicide. This was a deliberate act to colonize, to extinguish the Indian in the child. Thats a direct quote. The mastery of words. This was planned, it was callous, and abuse and death were known about. I was gang-raped by a gang in the school, you know? And after I went through all the turmoil of sexual assault, I became suicidal in school. I was 12 years old when I tried to commit suicide. A lot of us that came out of that school had a hard time. Harveys come to the school to show researchers where to look in person. My names Harvey. Im Terry. I was here since 1949. Wow. I went to school here 17 years, and I worked here another 22 years. From here, all the way this way, it has to be looked at. There was bodies all along, up to about the bottom, where the line is about there, just maybe past there. OK. All right, lets maybe put it all down, and well smudge before I put anything in the ground here. Sounds good. Archaeology has a very dark past about stealing Indigenous remains. And there was something in me that was telling me that this is something that I have to be a part of. The equipments actually quite heavy. Its kind of representative of helping to shoulder some of that weight from those communities. So the ground-penetrating radar basically takes a electromagnetic wave and sends it down to the ground from a sensor at a particular frequency. So the higher the frequency, the tighter the wave. And it sends that down. And its basically measuring whats reflected back. After scanning the ground for four days, the team processes the data and stitches it together in 3D to see if the resulting images show any signs of childrens remains. From four and a half to seven and a half, theres just a lot of stuff something going on. Something going on there, yeah. This is the type of shape that we have found. The color pattern, you can almost imagine a child lying on its side in that pit. Weve had survivors tell us to look in this spot. Theres no other sort of natural phenomenon to explain why youd have this oval pit underneath the surface. And then the fact that there are eight to 10 or 12, all of those things together, um, yeah. Its about as certain as we can get. Yeah. Thats heartbreaking. This is why we do it. Its just  it shows the value of what were doing. And theres thousands of these across the country. Thousands. People deserve answers, and they deserve justice. This time, theyve discovered two unmarked graves. But researchers say they expect to find over 80 more at Muskowekwan. They still have large swaths of land around the school left to scan. Its in our traditional belief that our ancestors are constantly walking beside us and with us to give us strength. We turned a corner, and there was the boiler room. The boiler room was used as a way to get rid of some of the remains and children. It was difficult, but I also needed to understand, as a granddaughter of a survivor, what she went through. Were supposed to be these objective scientists, but there are these moments of emotion. Sometimes theyre joy, sometimes theyre sorrow, and everything in between. Underneath that grief and everything, you can sometimes feel relief. After the ground sonar identifies where bodies might be buried, the First Nation hopes to have a traditional feast and ceremony to honor the children who died at the school. The next step is for the community to decide whether they want to unearth the remains. Do you think that all this is giving closure to the era of residential school? I think so. I think so, yeah. Its making the choice to heal away from the trauma, the abuse. We know who we are. We come from this Creator-given land. Thats who we are.
To make it all work, you have to be able to forgive, he added. And that means you have to make peace with the church.

But others, especially some younger Indigenous people, are greeting the popes visit with indifference.

I dont care about the pope, Im very critical about the pope visit, said Riley Yesno, 23, a doctoral student at the University of Toronto who is from Eabametoong First Nation in Ontario.

And I say that as somebody whose grandparents went to Catholic-run residential schools, he added. I dont see how any of these words that hes going to say will actually fix the damage that the residential schools caused. I dont know that itll bring healing for my grandparents.
LONDON  David Trimble, a onetime Protestant firebrand who surprised many by reaching across the bloodstained sectarian divide in his native Northern Ireland and went on to secure high office, political honors and a Nobel Peace Prize, died on Monday. He was 77.

His death was announced by the Ulster Unionist Party, which he led. A party statement, on behalf of the Trimble family, did not specify where he died or give the cause, saying only that his death came after a short illness.

Mr. Trimble shared the prize with John Hume, a Roman Catholic onetime adversary, after the two men played big parts in the American-brokered negotiations that led to the so-called Good Friday agreement in 1998, formally ending three decades of strife known as The Troubles that had claimed more than 3,000 lives.
Martin Osterdahl, Eurovisions executive supervisor, said in a statement on Monday that the 2023 contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europes most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this years winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event.

Representatives from UA:PBC, a Ukrainian broadcaster, will work with the BBC on the Ukrainian elements of the show, Eurovision said in a statement. Mykola Chernotytskyi, the chief executive of the broadcasters managing board, said in a statement that the event will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine, adding that organizers would add Ukrainian spirit to this event.

Although the decision was reached with the Ukrainian government, at least one of the countrys past winners still appeared unhappy with Mondays announcement. Jamala, who won Eurovision in 2016 with 1944, a song widely interpreted by Eurovision fans as a comment on Russias 2014 invasion of Crimea, said in an emailed statement that the decision still felt a bit premature.

With this gesture, they are taking away the hope of Ukrainian people to win this unprovoked war in the near future, she added.
BERLIN  On the eve of a European Union emergency meeting on cutting natural gas consumption, Russias state-owned gas monopoly said Monday that it would slash gas deliveries to Germany, as President Vladimir V. Putin once again showed his unpredictability and his power to inflict pain on the bloc for backing Ukraine.

E.U. energy ministers are set to meet Tuesday to weigh a 15 percent reduction in gas use, specifically because of fears that the Kremlin could create artificial shortages threatening heat and power generation over the winter. As if to confirm such worries, Gazprom, the Russian company, on Monday said it would cut by half the flow through its pipeline to Germany to just 20 percent of capacity  less than a week after resuming limited flows following a maintenance shutdown.

Western officials dismissed the Russian explanation of equipment troubles  coincidentally or not, with German equipment  as nothing but a cover for its manipulation. Based on our information, there is no technical reason for a reduction in deliveries, the German Economy Ministry said in a statement.
After losing control over most of the region in the wars first weeks, Ukrainian troops have now liberated 44 towns and villages along the border areas, about 15 percent of the territory, according to the regions military governor, Dmytro Butrii. Ukraines top officials have given no clear timeline for retaking Kherson, but the president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has made clear it is a top priority.

Our forces are moving into the region step by step, Mr. Zelensky said this week.

Ukraines planned counteroffensive in the south has created debate among Western officials and some analysts about whether Ukraine was ready for such a big effort, or if it is the best use of resources when Russian advances have come mostly in the Donbas.

Still, Ukrainian officials and several Western intelligence officials said it was important that Ukraine try to launch a counterattack. They say that the Russian military is in a relatively weaker position, having expended weapons and personnel in their Donbas offensive. Richard Moore, the chief of the British foreign intelligence service, MI6, predicted that the Russians would be forced to take a pause, offering an opening to Ukrainian forces.
Ukraine has long had conscription, and young men are required to do military service unless they fall into an exempt category, like being enrolled in a university, having a disability or having at least three children. After the war began, all nonexempt men ages 18 to 60 were required to register with their local recruitment offices and undergo medical screening for possible service, but at times enforcement and record-keeping have been haphazard.

Government officials say that only those with military experience or specifically needed skills have been drafted so far, but that others are likely to be called up as the war continues. Critics say that conscription has not been as selective as officials make it out to be, and that with the military in charge of recruitment, registration and drafting, the process is shrouded in secrecy, with little transparency about the standards applied to each step.

This process of handing out summonses fully complies with the law, said Yevheniia Riabeka, former legal adviser to the commander in chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This is a normal attempt to register citizens who are obligated to defend their country.

Each local recruitment center is given targets for numbers of people to register, she said  but those figures are completely secret information.
Many areas of the United States, especially the West, are in the cross hairs of devastating wildfires again this year.

In news conferences and alerts to residents, firefighters might rattle off figures on how many thousands of acres have burned and speak of how red flag conditions are fueling extreme fire behavior that is hampering their efforts to increase the percentage of a complex fire that is contained.

Here is a guide to help you understand some of the terms officials use when discussing wildfires:

Percent contained

When fire officials report that a fire is, say, 30 percent contained, that means that 30 percent of the blazes boundary is hemmed in by barriers like rivers, streams, interstate highways or areas that are already scorched, leaving no more vegetation to ignite. Other times, these containment lines are 10- to 12-foot-wide trenches that crews have dug along the fires edge  sometimes with bulldozers  to stop the fire from spreading.
Chichibugahama Beach is a popular tourist destination in Mitoyo City, Japan which rose to fame thanks to photo-sharing social media platforms like Instagram.

If you ever find ourself doubting the power of social media, just remember the story of Chichibugahama Beach. A once obscure seaside destination in Japans Kagawa Prefecture, this place turned into a magnet for Instagram influencers virtually overnight. It all started in 2016 when authorities in Mitoyo City organized a photo competition to boost local tourism. One of the most eye-catching entries featured two children reflected in the shallow waters of Chichibugahama, and the visual effect was so stunning that the idea of using this mirror effect as a tourist draw turned into a marketing success story.

After the water reflection entered in the above-mentioned competition got so much attention on a local level, authorities decided to go all-in on the mirror beach pitch. The city website started posting tips on how to take the perfect picture at Chichibugahama, and posted a calendar listing tide and sunset times at the beach. As the photos found their way on social media, the Mitoyo City website got over 40,000 visits in just a few days, dozens of times more than usual.

At one point, a travel magazine called Chichibugahama Beach Japans Uyuni Salt Lake, compared it to the world-famous tourist destination in Bolivia, where the sky is reflected in a natural, watery mirror. National televisions started broadcasting reports from this once unknown destination, and Chichibugahama became THE place to visit on Shikoku Island.

A place that any locals hardly knew about started drawing tens of thousands of tourists from all over Japan in just a couple of months, and it was all virtually because of a single photo that got a lot of attention on social media. Nowadays, its common to see Instagrammers gathering along the one-kilometer coast of Chichibugahama at sunset, struggling to get an eye-catching photo for their accounts.

The fact that many people gather in a place which locals barely even look at is something which makes me especially happy, Yukari Ishii, a worker with Mitoyo Citys tourism department, told Japan Forward in 2018. Given the drastic shift this year, one really feels the force of social media.

The coronavirus pandemic left its mark on Japanese tourism, and Chichibugahama Beach was no exception, but the place is now already famous as the place where the sky and the ocean meet, so its bound to see a resurgence as soon as restrictions are lifted.
An Indian politician who drank a glass of water straight out of a polluted holy river to show locals that it was safe to drink was reportedly airlifted to a hospital a couple of days later.

On Sunday, July 17, while visiting Sultanpurlodhi, Bhagwant Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab, pulled off a rather daring publicity stunt, one that reportedly cost him an emergency hospital visit. Accompanied by reporters, local officials and Sikh elders, Mann at one point bent down, scooped water right out of the Kali Bein rivulet and downed it to show everyone that it was safe to drink. That got cheers and applause from those around the politician, but they probably had no idea how dirty and polluted the river actually was.

Bhagwant Mann also drank water from the Bein and said that he was blessed to have got this opportunity, the caption of a tweet put out by Manns political party read.

Later that day, Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kaura told reporters that sewage water from many towns and villages on the banks of Kali Bein flows into it, adding that he wasnt present to advise Bhagwant Mann against drinking it.

By Tuesday, news outlets across India started reporting that Mann had to be airlifted to a Delhi hospital after he started experiencing severe stomach pain.

Punjab Chief Minister openly drinks a glass of polluted water from a holy river to prove that water is clean. Now admitted to hospital, Ashok Swain, Professor of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University, posted on Twitter last week.

Officials in Manns Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) denied that his admission to the hospital had anything to do with his stupid stunt, claiming that he had only undergone a routine checkup. However, several news outlets citing hospital sources claimed that he was still being treated for a stomach infection on Thursday.



Kali Bein is a holy river to the Sikh, because it is believed that the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, bathed in it and achieved enlightenment. While the river is much cleaner than it used to be prior to the year 2000, when environmentalist Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal led a campaign to see it cleaned up, drinking from it  or any other river, for that matter  is not advisable.
There are plenty of interesting places to visit in South Korea, but if youre all about adding new and exciting content to your Instagram feed, the you simply must add the Purple Island on your itinerary.

With the Covid-19 wreaking havoc around the world, South Korea included, international travel isnt what it used to be just a few months ago, but that just means more time to plan your next great adventure. And if you have your sights set on Instagram-worthy destinations, South Koreas new Purple Island is a must-visit. As the name suggests, this place is a purple paradise complete with vast fields of lavender, empress trees that bloom purple, purple painted houses, bridges and even purple roads.

Photos: Instagram

Its not clear how the idea of turning Banwol Island and Parkji Island  two stretches of land connected by a large wooden bridge (purple, of course)  into Purple Island came to be, but last summer authorities in Sinan County, South Jeolla Province announced their plans for the unique tourist attraction. Their plans included planting 40,000 lavender plants, thousands of empress trees, as well as other purple plants, painting residential building purple, as well as roadside attractions and even roads.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by    (@khy_0131) on Jun 12, 2020 at 5:54am PDT

Honestly, the purple Cheonsa Bridge (literally Angels Bridge) connecting Banwol and Parkji islands is worth a visit, especially at night, but there is so much more to see and photograph if you like the color purple that youre probably going to need more than a day to experience it all.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by  (@lisahakyungkim) on Jun 6, 2020 at 7:01am PDT

As youd expect on a true Purple Island, even the hotel rooms, restaurants and restrooms are painted purple. Oh, and so are some of the local cars. Purple-colored rooms start at 50,000 Korean Won ($41) per night.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sudar  (@sudar_choi) on May 4, 2020 at 11:53pm PDT

Purple Island is still a work in progress, but it recently went viral on Asian social media, after Instagram posts shot in this purple getaway started doing the rounds online.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Purple (@misspurplehk) on Jun 25, 2020 at 1:17am PDT

View this post on Instagram A post shared by    (@khy_0131) on Jun 12, 2020 at 5:54am PDT

View this post on Instagram A post shared by   (@kto9suk9suk) on May 31, 2020 at 2:04am PDT
The National Institutes of Healths NeuroBioBank, which acquires and stores postmortem brain and nervous system tissues for research into the causes and development of neurological and psychiatric disorders, is seeking a strategic communications firm to increase the number of donor registrations.
Jennifer Hawkins

With the travel industry now back in gearand even roaring back in most cases domesticallythe focus for PR pros in the travel industry has now shifted from keeping clients afloat to helping them stand out in a crowded marketplace. The past two years have also brought a lot of change to the media landscape. So, how should PR agencies move forward and advise clients in the ever-evolving travel industry? With a two-pronged strategy thats both granular and grand yet always grounded in flexibility and creativity.

Weve recently seen a lot of changes for those who focus their coverage on the travel and lifestyle sphere. On the ground across NYC and LA, theres never been such fierce competition for the attention of editors, staff writers, freelancers and influencers. Freed by video conferencing as well as the seismic reconsideration of the office workplace, the medialike all corporate Americahas gone virtual or hybrid, and theyre no longer tied to a publishers headquarters. This work from anywhere mentality has reduced the convenience of desk-side visits, those long-cherished means of spreading news, building relationships and putting clients face-to-face with editors and tastemakers.

While desk sides are still effective, PR reps must be prepared to meet editorial folks where and when they desire. They must also be sure their clients have the goodsimpressive news, innovative and genuinely creative programming and industry-shaking trendsthat will encourage the media to say yes to getting together in the first place.

This article is featured in O'Dwyer's Jul. '22 Travel & Tourism PR Magazine

(view PDF version)

Theres a similar challenge with hosting PR-driven events. In April 2019, our team hosted a Spring Hospitality Showcase to dazzle editors with a one-stop-shop of client news. Our teams offered news-driven interactive features from clients, from learning to pour a Guinness from the bartender flown in from The Shelbourne in Dublin to Mongolian vodka tastings accompanied by a renowned morin khuur fiddler and a cutting-edge wellness bed allowing media to actually test out the trailblazing sleep technology.

From the moment it ended, we couldnt wait for our next Showcase, but now we must seriously reconsider it altogether. Client events have become risky propositions, with competition high and guest lists prone to shedding. Whats more, many publications are now relying on freelancers whove dispersed geographically and diversified to cover myriad topics. Result? With travel now back on the table, travel writers want to experience Guinness in Dublin, which is one of the bestalthough sometimes costly ways to showcase your hotel or resort.

Competition is also fierce for securing press trip attendees. It seems every key writer and outlet is being invited to go everywhere! Weve counseled our clients on creating stand-out itineraries that go beyond the hotel and offer one-of-a-kind access to events, restaurants and cultural happenings, often recommending they partner with other like-minded brands, chefs or operators in the destination to maximize not only the enjoyment of the traveling journalist but also the depth of the resulting coverage.

Meanwhile, with so many travel journalists working freelance, jam-packed press trip itineraries are passe. Its better to offer at least a little wiggle room in the schedule for them to pursue additional and more in-depth stories. Similarly, flexibility is now necessary for assignments, as many freelancers dont pitch editors until after theyve returned home. Clients should be aligned on these new truths with conversations before the trip so there are no surprises or disappointments onsite. But its always up the PR representative to navigate these transparent conversations with the journalist and the client alike upfront.

While traditional PR pitches and strategies will continue to deliver results in their own way, we see the future of travel PR through a highly integrated marketing and communications lens. FINN Partners brings together full-service capabilities, specialized expertise and national and global footprint to serve clients across the spectrum, from the start-ups, boutique properties and multinational luxury hotel groups we know so well, to lifestyle brands and large destinations.

Our agency takes a 360-degree approach to developing our clients strategies. Simply put, were reaching beyond appealing to traditional media outlets by leveraging social media, influencer relations and the development of creative content, like photography and video, to weave their stories together on owned and earned channels. Our communications plans now embrace a diversified range of services to provide connectivity for clients across as many channels as possible.

Take social media: Every PR firm knows its importance, but few are actually positioned to develop and institute social media strategies for clients. Most rely instead on third parties to craft a social strategy that, they hope, aligns with client messaging. Building an in-house social media studioa team of social media content developers and community expertshas been a much more effective tactic for our team as it enables us to keep costs sensible while putting our creativity and resourcefulness on display.

Now, in addition to PR experts, our agency has an in-house team dedicated to content creation and comprised of bright young talents who are both fluent in social media and thrilled with opportunities to put their personal passions for everything from photography and videography to graphic design and copywriting into practice. By tailoring our own social media services, our agency can shape messaging to resonate with clients customers and create personality-driven content via photos and videos that bring the luxuries and experiences they offer to life.

Our social media work also keeps our talent on their toes and engaged in something they enjoy, giving us the expertise to leverage, new angles to develop and services to offer that keep us ahead of the curve. Big pluses all around, especially as we pursue new clients and hires.

Keeping fingers on the pulse of social media and other communications strategies is a lot of work, of course. But as our expertise grows, it opens the door for us to better lavish clients with services including copywriting, influencer relations and content development, as well as to build brand followers by promoting clients as thought leaders. Even given our growth, we still approach client services like the boutique firm we started out as decades ago, enabling us to flexibly maneuver for clients, as well as price services right for brands large and small. And, with so many changes afoot, the travel industry that we love so much can use all the guidance we can give.

***

Jennifer Hawkins is Managing Partner and NY Travel Practice Leader, Finn Partners.
Arielle Gross Samuels

Arielle Gross Samuels, global head of environmental, social and governance activity at Mark Zuckerbergs Meta, is joining Blackstone, the worlds largest alternative asset manager and commercial real estate owner.

In September, she will take the job as global head of marketing on the corporate affairs team of a company that has $941B in assets under management.

At Meta, Samuels handled ESG strategy, positioning, social good, equality and sustainability.

She is moving to Blackstone due to its commitment to decarbonization, diversity and governance, according to her LinkedIn post.

Blackstone has set ambitious goals to generate value across their portfolioincluding a 15% aggregate reduction in carbon emissions across all new investments where they control energy usage globally in the first three years of ownership, and 1/3 board diversity targets for new control investments, wrote Samuels.

She also called Blackstone a strong backer of female-founded companies.

After speaking with Blackstone co-founder/CEO Stephen Schwarzman, president/COO Jon Gray and global head of corporate affairs Christine Anderson, Samuels became impressed with the companys incredible culture, dedication to brand and marketing and the quality of the investment process.

Blackstone has long been a target of Democratic Senators such as Elizabeth Warren.

She has accused Blackstone of financing the destruction of the Amazon rainforest due to its investments in a Brazilian infrastructure company and contributing to the US housing crisis.

Samuels also was Facebooks business lead for global marketing and creative, global program manager for its Creative Shop and manager of product operations.
A high-level trade mission to Germany, to promote the sale of Irish organic foods, is being led this week by Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The trade fair for organic produce; where Bord Bia hosts the Origin Green Ireland stand. Biofach will take place in Nuremburg, from July 26 to 29.

Biofach is a unique gathering of organic producers, farmers, educators, retailers, and policymakers and those that recognise the long-term viability and value proposition of organic production. During the trade mission, the Minister will support Irish organic food companies as they meet with international buyers. The Minister highlighted the export the export opportunities that exist for organic beef and lamb, but also noted that organic seafood exports from Ireland were valued at 98m in 2021 and were an excellent example of the potential for developing a market for a quality organic product.

In advance of departing for the trade mission, the Minister stated The German organic market is the largest in Europe in terms of value and was worth 15.9 billion in 2021. I am delighted to be travelling to Germany to help to secure a viable future for organic farming in Ireland by developing market opportunities for Irish organic produce. Organic produce will continue to expand its appeal to consumers who are increasingly conscious of their own impact on the environment and who wish to support sustainability in the farm to fork journey.

The Minister outlined the Governments commitment to increase Irelands organic land area to 7.5% over the lifetime of the next Common Agricultural Policy. The area of land farmed organically in Germany increased by 40% in the five year period to 2021 and during the trade mission the Minister will meet with key government and industry officials to gain from their experience in expanding organic farming. Minister Hackett said In Ireland, we have underpinned our long-term commitment to the sector by proposing an indicative allocation of 256 million under the new CAP Strategic Plan for the period 2023 to 2027. This is a significant five-fold increase in funding for the sector compared to the previous CAP period. Last week I announced proposed significantly enhanced payment rates for farmers and I encourage all farmers to give serious consideration to the benefits of organic farming. My visit to Germany this week is to help ensure that there are market opportunities for the expanding range of Irish organic output.

Michael Murphy, Bord Bia CEO, will also take part in the Trade Mission, demonstrating Bord Bias commitment to the growth of the sector. In advance of attending the Biofach conference, Mr Murphy said: Bord Bia continues to raise our investment in activities to support the development of the Irish organic sector, with a particular focus on market activation and insight projects. In the autumn, Bord Bia will present the results of a comprehensive market overview of the organic markets in Sweden and Finland, which will map out route-to-market opportunities for Irish organic exporters. This follows from an investment in a similar study focusing on the German market in 2021. In conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in October Bord Bia will celebrate the achievements of the Irish organic sector at the National Organic Awards. Entries open on July 29th and I invite all interested Irish organic growers, producers, and manufacturers to enter.

In addition to BIOFACH exhibition, the Minister will visit organic farms in advance of travelling to Munich on Wednesday for meetings with retailers, processors and the food service industry representatives to promote Irish organic food.
TULLAMORE DJ and producer StringFella (Joseph Cornally) is back once again with a brand new single 'Tales of May-Z'.

A driving techno track with a catchy, melodic twist, it will be released this Friday, July 29 in Lee's, Tullamore.

StringFella is known for his old school flavour of house and techno music with a modern twist. His DJ journey began in 2012 and he has since shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the house and techno scene in Ireland and the UK, including the likes of Mode_1, Jon Hussey, Jon Hemming and Ngoni Egan.

Inspired by artists such as Boris Brejcha, Lane 8, Guy J and Boral Kibil, StringFella fuses elements from different styles and blends them together to form what he calls his own electronic cocktail of sounds.

WATCH: https://www.facebook.com/djstringfella/videos/598626655017436

This is StringFellas seventh single. His previous tracks have been featured on RTE, JuiceFM and BBC.

His track 'Heel Hooked' earned him track of the week on Underground Ireland, a popular radio show on Global Radio Cork.

StringFella will officially launch the brand new single in John Lee's bar and venue, Church Street, Tullamore on Friday, July 29 with support from popular DJ Camon.
The Board of Esker Arts in Tullamore is in the throes of employing an Artistic Director and have set very ambitious expectations for the successful candidate.

They are ''determined that Esker Arts will operate at levels of excellence that will see it ranked among the countrys foremost artistic and cultural centres,'' a notice advertising the post states.

While the salary for the artistic director position was not mentioned in the Offaly County Council notice seeking applicants, according to the Theatre Forum and the Writers Guild of Ireland, the salary range is between 50,000 and 60,000, depending on experience.

''Esker Arts Centre represents the significant local ambition for a vibrant Arts Centre and is the culmination of many years of work by Offaly County Council, Tullamore Community Arts Centre CLG and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media,'' the advertisement outlines.

Esker Arts chaired by Conor Brady is responsible for the hiring of a suitable candidate. Other members include Councillors Sean O'Brien, Declan Harvey and Danny Owens. Des Doyle who is chair of Tullamore Community Arts Centre is also a member of the Esker Arts board.

Esker Arts Company (limited by guarantee) was registered with the Companies Office on March 25 last.

The new arts centre is due to open in the latter part of this year. It includes a 228-seat performing arts space, an open-air amphitheatre, gallery spaces, workshops as well as a coffee shop and theatre bar. New seating was installed in the theatre recently.

The role of Artistic Director was advertised last March with the deadline for submissions April 11, 2022. The suitable candidate must have the ''knowledge, skills and experience to lead and manage a signature Arts Centre and cultural programme.''

The successful candidate, who will report to the Board of the Centre, will be responsible for the strategic development, the artistic programming and the financial and operational management of the centre. He/she will lead a team to include a Technical and Facilities Manager, a Marketing and Front of House Manager and a part-time administrator.

The development of joint programmes or partnerships with other cultural or artistic enterprises in the region may also constitute part of the brief. Candidates will be expected to have at least five years experience in the artistic/cultural sphere that can demonstrate: - Artistic appreciation and ambition in multiple spheres.

Other duties will include public and audience engagement and development.- Management, leadership and motivation of people. - Management of complex budgets and finances. - Strong communication qualities and an ability to work with media, including social media, will be expected along with a capacity for team work.

According to the advertisement for the post, ''the ambitions of the Board and of the various funding bodies behind this project are very high.'' It is envisaged that this role will be the subject of a 3-year contract with break clauses which will include a twelve- month probation period.
OK! Magazine 25 Jul 2022

Jason Momoa was seen walking back to his car after he got into a scary crash with a motorcyclist.
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China began constructing the space station in April 2021 with the launch of the Tianhe module, the main living quarters, in the first of 11 crewed and uncrewed missions in the undertaking.
Conservative activists who spoke with Fox News Digital say they prefer former President Donald Trump to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president in 2024.
The Enga professionals are calling on the Police Commissioner to send more security personnel to Porgera, given the escalation of ruthless killing and fighting in Porgera Valley.

They made this call following the gruesome attack on Wednesday by warring tribes in Porgera Valley, where 18 lives were claimed.

Photo by Bathsheba Sanau, NBC News

The professionals have condemned the ruthless killing of innocent citizens, including women and children.

Enga for Pogera Interim Chairman Meck Minnala said they are requesting for additional police units who have knowledge about the spillage issues to mine site and camp.

"We the professionals from Enga, we feel that the very people that are qualified and have the social knowledge to meaningfully engage and contain the situation is the Mobile Squad (MS) Units 11 and 12, who are based in Enga."

"They know and understand the historical contexts of the conflict as well as the cultural manoeuvres on how to go about containing this situation."

"Commissioner Manning, we appeal to you, please send our MS 11 and 12 Units back to Enga," said Mr. Minnala.





Source: NBC News/One PNG News





Next: 2022 PNG Election Results : Declared Seats




The Papua New Guinea Defence Force Soldiers have moved into the streets of Port Moresby to curb election related violence, killings and uprising.

PNG Military personnel deployed to streets for Port Moresby [Photo by PNG Defence Force]

The deployment of the soldiers is to help police bring peace and normalcy back to the city.

The business houses, banks, shops , schools have been closed their doors today (Monday) as the violence escalated to the city corners.

Port Moresby city manager Ravu Frank described the fight as disturbing. Frank commended the swift intervention of the security personnel, who prevented the trouble escalating and perhaps worse consequences.

Prime Minister James Marape who arrived from Wewak camp who is lobbing to form the next government said that the National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) is meeting at 3pm today to discuss not only the Port Moresby issue, but other issues that have disrupted the electoral process right across the country.

We are on top of all these issues, he said. By tonight, or tomorrow, there will be a curfew.

Those who want to continue to cause disturbances to counting, as well as to the innocent society at large, will face the full force of the law.

Next : Powes Parkop: Unruly violence, Killings and hooliganism must be seriously dealt with in the city
Content Provider Vivo Gaming Chisels a Global Masterpiece With New Enhancements in Uruguay and Bulgaria

Published July 24, 2022 by Lee R

New backgrounds, English-speaking tables, and crossover games are about to diversify Vivo client offerings in emerging LatAm and European markets.

Multi-national provider Vivo Gaming has strengthened its footprint across Europe and LatAm through significant upgrades in live casino offerings in the Uruguay and Bulgaria markets.

Key Upgrades

The Miami-based leading live casino provider has enhanced its Baccarat product in Uruguay with Chroma Key visuals while adding a new Teen Patti table from Vivos Bulgaria studio.

About Chroma Key

Vivo's Chroma Key technology is a sleek new tool empowering operator clients to choose their own backgrounds to replace the traditional solid color background of Vivo Baccarat offerings.

New Dealer Backgrounds

Players will now see dealers at Baccarat tables in front of a wide array of locations, animations, brands, logos, or graphics available to Vivo's client operators.

English Language Offerings

Vivo has additionally launched English-speaking dealers at its Uruguay tables.

Teen Patti in Bulgaria

At tables in Bulgaria, Vivo has introduced Teen Patti offerings, which will also feature additional English-speaking dealers. The offering of Teen Patti in Bulgaria represents a significant crossover from the Asian market where Teen Patti is already hugely popular.

How Teen Patti Works

The fast-paced ascending prize pool-based card game deals three cards to each player, with the player with the highest-ranking combination winning.

Vivo Gaming Rep Speaks

Vivo Gaming COO Ivan Livov established his organisation's new market position:

Were simply the top pick for live dealer operators in every market, from South America to the Caribbean and across Europe.

Strengthening Position

Livov explained how these new enhancements strengthen and diversify the company's brand:

Now with these advanced offerings, we can offer our customers all over the world an even greater breadth of products and services as we continue to differentiate ourselves from the competition.

Big Recent Award

The new offerings come on the heels of Vivo Gamings big win in London as EGR's Best Live Casino Supplier.

Vivo's Growth

The strengthening of footholds across the world helps cement Vivo Gaming's leading live casino software provider status. Vivo's reputation was forged over 15 years supplying over 50 global operators across Europe, Asia, and LatAm with API (seamless/ funds transfer), white-label, and many more turnkey solutions.

Vivo's Global Presence

Vivo Gaming offers games in over 27 languages across all major currencies, boasting six studios across three continents featuring over 40 live dealer tables streaming 24/7 in Asian, Latin, and European themes.

Diverse Certifications

In addition to Bulgaria and Columbia, Vivo certifications and recognition range as wide as the Isle of Man; Malta Gaming Authority; and Cambodia.

Outlook

With such well-distributed global diversification underway, Vivo is sure to add more enhancements piecemeal to its international positions to strengthen the burgeoning brand and fuel wider expansion.

Top Vivo Gaming Casinos
An Indiana man fishing on the Muskegon River near Newaygo landed a fish among the rarest in the country for its genetic condition that produces odd coloring.

Josh Chrenko, an angler who has fished for smallmouth bass from Minnesota to Virginia, was vacationing in Michigan when he hooked a smallie that experts classify as rare due to its golden hue.

"I would call this condition rare, but it has been seen in the Muskegon River before," Jay Wesley, Michigan Department of Natural Resources fisheries division Lake Michigan basin coordinator, said.

The genetic condition is called Xanthism, according to Wesley. It occurs when yellow pigments are expressed more than usual in the skin of an animal.

In the case of a smallie with Xanthism, the usual red hues are replaced with yellow hues, giving the fish a golden or orange coloration. Birds, reptiles and amphibians can also have this condition, according to Wesley.

Photo provided/Josh Chrenko

The last orange smallie reported in Michigan was also from the Muskegon River in 2018, according to Wesley. "We do not know why this has shown up in the Muskegon River in the past," Wesley said.

"For someone that lives and breathes fishing for smallmouth, this is one Ill remember my entire life," Chrenko wrote in a Facebook post.

Chrenko's friend, a fish biologist, told him that "in nature, theres about a 1-in-10,000 chance of even being born" with Xanthism.

Josh Chrenko's background Chrenko has dedicated a large portion of his life to smallmouth bass. Some readers may recognize him as one of the hosts (alongside Chris Vaughan) of the weekly podcast "Smallie Talk." The podcast features anything related to smallmouth fishing and is available on all platforms. In the latest episode, Chrenko details catching the orange smallmouth. Chrenko is also the co-owner of an apparel and sporting goods company called Achigan which he called the "official brand of smallmouth bass." It offers shirts, hoodies, hats, buffs and more. See More Collapse

Considering the fact the fish was mature, measuring about 13.5 inches long, Chrenko was impressed.

"I can only imagine that this little guy had to overcome crazy odds to survive the first couple years of his life from predation," Chrenko wrote in the post. "Being neon orange would make for a tough life as a small freshwater fish where pretty much everything is earth tones."

Wesley agreed.

"Usually, fish with this orange color are preyed upon early in life so that anglers rarely see it," Wesley said. "The orange color makes it hard to blend in with the natural habitat of the river. To me, the size of the fish is most unusual because it survived predation."

Chrenko released his once-in-a-lifetime find back into the river. He said he believed it to be a third-year smallie. While Wesley, judging based on photos, guessed it was four or five years old.
DETROIT (AP)  Lawyers for Michigan's former health director asked a judge Monday to sanction prosecutors who are trying to instantly turn invalid indictments into a fresh round of charges in the Flint water scandal.

It's the latest salvo since the Michigan Supreme Court in June said a one-person grand jury had no authority under state law to return indictments against Nick Lyon, former Gov. Rick Snyder and seven other people.

The attorney general's office insists that the indictments can simply be reinstated as common criminal complaints in Genesee County. That request by prosecutors is pending.

The solicitor general urges this court to wave a magic wand. ... This is a court, not the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, and this court should not engage in the practice of wizardry, attorneys Chip Chamberlain and Britt Cobb wrote in a filing, referring to the Harry Potter books.

A judge has set a Sept. 13 hearing for Lyon and others. Snyder faces a different judge on Aug. 23.

They will be the first hearings since the state Supreme Court unanimously said the indictments were invalid.

Lyon's legal team said state prosecutors should be sanctioned for a frivolous attempt to save the cases. He and former chief medical executive Eden Wells were charged with involuntary manslaughter for Flint-area deaths related to Legionnaires' disease when the city was using the Flint River.

Some experts believe bacteria in the water contributed to an outbreak. Lyon and Wells were accused of not doing enough to timely warn the public.

Snyder was charged with misdemeanors.

Managers appointed by Snyder stopped using water from a Detroit supplier in 2014 and tapped the Flint River. But the corrosive water wasn't properly treated, and lead from old pipes contaminated the system.

___

Follow Ed White at https://twitter.com/edwritez
State Senate candidates Chris Velasquez and Annette Glenn, and Dow Silicones Corporation, are being sued in a 14-page complaint that was filed July 21 in 42nd Circuit Court of Midland County by Sharon Schram.

In the Aug. 2 primary election, Velasquez and State Rep. Glenn are among four candidates vying for the 35th District State Senate Republican nomination.

The complaint details three counts: Invasion of privacy - false light (Velasquez), Defamation (Velasquez and Glenn), and Breach of contract (Dow). On its first count, the July 21 complaint alleges that Velasquez, in his recent comments in response to a Glenn campaign flyer, painted Schram "in a false light." On its second count, it alleges that both Glenn and Velasquez defamed Schram's character. On its third count, it alleges that, by Velasquez's public comments about the earlier lawsuit, both Velasquez and Dow, violated a non-disclosure agreement tied to the earlier complaint.

Schram is seeking a trial by jury and damages of $75,000.

Schram filed the July 21 complaint after a series of public comments were made by both Velasquez and Glenn related to a 2016 lawsuit filed by Schram against Dow Corning Corporation in U.S. District Court. That lawsuit alleged retaliation by Dow Corning contrary to the federal Family & Medical Leave Act; disability discrimination under the Michigan Persons With Disabilities Civil Rights Act; retaliation under the Michigan Workers Disability Compensation Act; and gender discrimination under the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.

Velasquez, a Dow Corning manager at the time, was one of multiple Dow Corning employees who were deposed in the lawsuit. Schram's case against Dow Corning was eventually settled out of court in 2018.

Early this month, Glenn's State Senate campaign sent a mailer that questioned whether Velasquez "could be trusted" to treat women and men equally under the law, based on comments made by a federal judge who denied a Dow Corning motion for summary judgment. Glenn's campaign also issued a press release stating she refunded Velasquez's donations to her 2018 and 2020 State House campaigns.

Velasquez publicly defended himself against statements in Glenn's campaign flyer and social media posts. State Sen. Ken Horn, also publicly defended Velasquez in a letter to the editor sent to the Daily News.

Glenn's campaign requested that the paper publish District Court Judge David M. Lawson's comments about the earlier lawsuit.

Daily News Editor Dave Clark wrote a column that criticized Glenn's mailer.

In an email exchange with the Glenn campaign, Clark wrote: Did you make any attempt to reach out to the plaintiff in the case before you published the mailer? The campaign responded with: Yes. The plaintiff is deceased.

On July 20, the Glenn campaign sent the following email: Mr. Clark, we told you in an earlier e-mail that the plaintiff in the court case involving Mr. Velasquez is deceased, based on what we were told by a Dow Corning retiree who worked with her. To correct the record, we learned today that she is not deceased.

The Daily News has emailed Dow, the Glenn campaign and the Velasquez campaign for comments about the July 21 complaint.

"Dow does not comment on past or present litigation," Dow spokesperson Kyle Bandlow wrote in an email reply to the Daily News.

"She (Glenn) has no comment on the substance of any pending litigation," the Glenn campaign wrote in an email reply to the Daily News. "However, it's notable that the attorney filing the lawsuit -- Victor Mastromarco, who's doing all the media interviews -- is a $1,000 donor (in May 2022) to another Republican in the same primary contest, former state Rep. Tim Kelly."

Victor Mastromarco, of the Mastromarco Firm, was also one of the attorneys who represented Schram in the 2016 lawsuit.

The Velasquez campaign has not yet responded to the Daily News' request for comment.

The Daily News also left a phone message with The Mastromarco Firm seeking comment.
MECOSTA COUNTY  This past week area teens got the chance to participate in a unique educational activity-packed program led by local law enforcement agencies including the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety and the Mecosta County Sheriffs Office.

Held from July 18-22, the week-long Mecosta County Youth Academy sessions included introductions with local government and law enforcement officials and focused on several topics, including teamwork, leadership, physical fitness, defensive tactics, firearms safety, first aid, and fire safety. The program is open to boys and girls, ages 12-14.

BRDPS Officer William Sell was involved in many of the activities throughout the five days and said the kids learned some valuable lessons.

What I really want to impress upon them is that in law enforcement, we have to work as a team, Sell said. At the department here, I have to be able to trust my fellow officers, and it's the same with (the kids) when they were doing the ropes course or doing any of the physical agility tests and things like that. Just being there to cheer each other on is a huge thing, and that's what I like to see them come away with.

Photo Courtesy/Big Rapids Department Of Public Safety

On the first day, the class participated in some physical training and then headed out to CranHill Ranch for a high ropes course, lunch, and some team-building exercises.

During day two, the kids did physical training again and then moved on to defensive tactics. They got lunch from Buffalo Wild Wings, and then proceeded with a meet and greet with K-9 Zeke and had questions time with his handler Sgt. Charlie Pippin.

Later in the day, the group learned about firearm safety and ended the day with a presentation from Emily Bongard from Community Mental Health for Central Michigan.

Sell said he enjoyed watching the kids grow and engage with the activities throughout the program.

I really like the first day seeing how they can overcome some of their fears with the high ropes course, Sell said. "There were a lot of (kids) that when we walked up said there's no way I can do this, and then they get up there and they climb the cargo net and do the ropes course and come down the zip line. It's really fun seeing them gain some self-assurance.

The last day is a big day for me too, he added. I like seeing how far that they can come in a week, how they become a team, work together and encourage each other on for doing the goals test. It's pretty cool. Pretty powerful.

Photo Courtesy/Big Rapids Department Of Public Safety

Day three began with physical training, then the class headed over to the Sheriff's Office where Sheriff Brian Miller, Captain Kevin Wood, and Lt. Mark Danielson gave a tour of the department and the jail.

MORE PHOTOS For more photos of the Mecosta County Youth Academy, visit bigrapidsnews.com. See More Collapse

After the tour, the group headed to the courthouse where Prosecuting Attorney Amy Clapp and Judge Pete Jaklevic explained the court side of the criminal justice system.

Day four included the physical abilities test for firefighters, a visit from 9&10 News, a tour of the fire department, and a demonstration of how the tools are used to perform extractions. The kids were also shown an ambulance at Mecosta County Emergency Medical Services.

The final day of the Academy entailed the MCOLES physical agility test, a test out of fatal vision goggles, and a lesson on the dangers of drinking and driving.

The MCOLES test consists of four separate events; vertical jump, sit-ups, push-ups, and a half-mile shuttle run.

Students also got to experience the feeling of a real car crash at about five miles per hour on the MCDPSs seatbelt convincer.

Photo courtesy/Big Rapids Department of Public Safety

Lastly, the group participated in a graduation ceremony at the Bandshell in Big Rapids and celebrated their achievements all together with family and friends.

Sell said this years program was a major success.

We plan on doing this again for sure next summer, Sell said. Sheriff Miller and I will have to sit down and see if were going to add anything or change anything. I'm getting more people reaching out to me that want to be part of it, too. I think it's a good thing.

Programs like these are important because its just important for us (law enforcement officials) to get out there and get them to know us so they know that we're just people too, Sell said. We want to make sure that when they see us out, they're not afraid to come up and just say hi to us. It's working on getting them comfortable with being around law enforcement.

For more information on the Mecosta County Youth Academy visit the programs Facebook page at facebook.com/MCYABigRapids or its page on the city of Big Rapids website at www.cityofbr.org.
File photo

A Midland woman was jailed on an alleged felonious assault charge Saturday after threatening a woman with an ax.

Adrianna Hackworth, 31, was arrested at about 12:30 p.m. Saturday without incident.
Andrew Brookes/Getty Images/Image Source

A northern Michigan man was charged with felony murder on July 25 in the death of a 2-year-old girl that occurred last week.

Aaron Joseph Trout, 31, of Glennie was arraigned July 25 in 81st District Court in Alcona County on one count of homicide-felony murder.
Bamako, Mali (PANA) - The Malian army on Sunday morning "vigorously repelled" an attack in Sevare, in the centre of the country by a group of at least 15 terrorists on board a tricycle
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The World Health Organization (WHO) Monday issued a call for people around the world to do one thing to prevent drowning
"The List" is PAPER's definitive roundup of the biggest fashion and art news, launches, capsules and collaborations of the month. Scroll through, below, to see July's newest arrivals.

Tiffany Atrium: New Social Impact Platform See on Instagram On Wednesday, Tiffany & Co. announced a new social impact platform called Atrium, whose mission is to create a more diverse and inclusive jewelry industry by advancing opportunities for historically underrepresented communities. The jeweler marked the launch by commissioning a new artwork from Baltimore-raised artist Derrick Adams called I Shine, You Shine, We Shine which the Tiffany Atrium logo is derived from. It will be auctioned by online art marketplace Artsy July 27 - August 10, with 100% of proceeds benefiting The Last Resort Artist Retreat.

Bernard James Summer 2022 Family Portraits Photography: Cesar Buitrago The next group featured in Bernard James' ongoing Family Portraits series includes designers Christopher John Rogers and Aisling Camps, photographer Quil Lemons and stylists Becky Akinyode and Matthew Henson. Each subject works in the fashion, music, arts and media fields and is a close friend of the jewelry designer. This year's theme is "talent behind talent" and focuses on industry tastemakers who work behind the scenes.

Austin James Smith x Planet i Courtesy of Planet i

Mixed media artist, jewelry designer and NYC nightlife fixture Austin James Smith, known via his social media handle Empty Pools, teamed up with eyewear brand Planet i to create the Spinal Sunglasses, an archive motif from Austin James Smith's Splice collection. It comes in three colors  Shadow, Sport, and Sunrise  and contrasts with reciprocal white, gold and black spinal design of the temple sides. Available now at austinjamessmith.com and planeti.world

SKIMS Swim Campaign With Bella Poarch, Paris Jackson and Madison Bailey Photography: Cobrasnake/ Courtesy of SKIMS

So far, the swim campaigns for SKIMS have had its founder Kim Kardashian front and center, including the most recent one where she channeled an '80s bombshell for its metallics line. But for its latest swim ads, the shapewear brand enlisted a trio of next-gen muses: Paris Jackson, Bella Poarch and Madison Bailey, all of whom star in the LA pool party-inspired campaign shot by alternative party photographer Cobrasnake. The new swim collection is available starting July 28 at SKIMS.com

Brandon Blackwood Launches First Men's Bag Courtesy of Brandon Blackwood Brandon Blackwood has added another bag to his accessories range: the Jordanis Trunk, their first bag designed for men. The boxy style is made of smooth black leather and comes with zipper pockets and an adjustable strap. Available now at BrandonBlackwood.com

Armani Exchange Gets the SmileyWorld Treatment Courtesy of Armani Exchange

SmileyWorld's iconic yellow smiling symbol is all over Armani Exchange's new feel-good capsule collection, part of the SmileyWorld's 50th anniversary celebrations (the company has teamed up with everyone from Moschino to Dior to Loewe). For this collab, Armani Exchanged swapped the eyes with its signature A|X logo, and they also referenced Giorgio Armani's recognizable glasses and smile for the other emoji. Available now at ArmaniExchange.com

ASHYA x t.a. New York Campaign photographer: Myesha Evon Gardner

ASHYA's Shema Slingback, the street-style It-bag that launched exclusively with t.a. New York in 2020 in a bold, red shade, is being released in another exclusive color with the fashion-favorite luxury concept store. The bag, the second collaboration between ASHYA co-founders Ashley Cimone/Moya Annece and t.a.'s Telsha Anderson, now comes in a brushed vegetable-tanned leather style named Trilogy while keeping its signature ring handle and compact, travel-friendly shape. Available now at shop-ta.com

Mr. Porter x Throwing Fits Courtesy of Mr. Porter James Harris and Lawrence Schlossman, founders of menswear podcast Throwing Fits (its tagline is "two grown dirtbags just tryna navigate the male zeitgeist"), have collaborated with Mr. Porter on a new capsule collection featuring 13 brands and over 70 pieces of clothing, shoes and accessories, all handpicked by the duo. There's also an edit of exclusive Throwing Fits merchandise. "Whether we've earned this privilege or it's simply karmic justice for a lifetime spent shopping and thinking more about men's clothing than anyone else on the planet is up to interpretation," the pair said of the partnership. "Either way, consider the bucket list checked. Finally garnering the respect of our friends and loved ones is just icing on the cake. Available now at Mr. Porter.com

Tommy Hilfiger Is Returning to NYFW After Three Years NYFW just got a big boost this season. Tommy Hilfiger will show its next see-now-buy-now collection on September 11 in New York City, its first show during New York Fashion Week in three years. It will also be live-streamed on Roblox with avatars dress in virtual pieces from the collection. "This season is all about the collision of my favorite archival inspirations with new live event concepts and virtual worlds," Hilfiger said. "Its the perfect expression of what we stand for as we pay homage to our roots with a return to NYFW."

Anyone Can Attend Diesel's Next Runway Show For the first time, Diesel is opening its upcoming Spring 2023 show to the public, inviting fashion enthusiasts, students, friends, and fans of the brand to attend. Registration to attend the live show in Milan is on a first come, first serve basis starting September 1 at Diesel.com.

Opening Ceremony Launches Collaboration With LUAR Courtesy of Opening Ceremony

New Luar bags just dropped! Well, in new colors anyway. The brand's popular It-bag, the Ana Mini, seen on everyone from Dua Lipa to Troye Sivan, is releasing two exclusive new colorways thanks to a collaboration with Opening Ceremony  ini tobacco pony hair-effect leather and black-and-cream snakeskin-embossed vegan leather. There's also a sweatshirt with artwork from Bony Ramirez's Feeding a Child of the Ocean." The collab is part of OC's 20th anniversary celebrations, which have included collabs with designer Peter Do and punk-rock band The Linda Lindas. Luar's Raul Lopez and OC's designers Humberto Leon and Carol Lim go way back, when the retailer first stocked Hood by Air (which Lopez co-founded) and then Luar. When I started to take my first steps as a designer, OC was the first store to believe in me and support me, Lopez said. OC will forever be family to me.'' Available starting July 12 at OpeningCeremony.com and Farfetch.com

Acne Studios Musubi Bag Campaign by Talia Chetrit Photography: Talia Chetrit/ Courtesy of Acne Studios

Acne Studios tapped New York-based photographer Talia Chetrit, known for her still lifes and nude portraiture, to shoot a new campaign for their Musubi bag. She shot the bags on male dancers bodies which she chose because they resembled the figurative qualities in the bags.

Eckhaus Latta Launches Shoe Collection Courtesy of Eckhaus Latta/ Thomas McCarthy

Eckhaus Latta's first footwear collection, first seen on the brand's Fall 2022 runway, is here and features a mix of silhouettes (all made in Portugal), heel shapes and colors including the Mike boot and Zoe clog. The range builds upon previous collaborations with UGG and Camper Available now at EckhausLatta.com, Farfetch and Nordstrom

Givenchy Launches 101 Dalmations Capsule Courtesy of Givenchy
Photo: (Photo : Iuliia Bondarenko)

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) called for more support in providing breastfeeding education to families, citing growing evidence of the health risks of not breastfeeding. Infants must be solely fed with human milk for the first six months before introducing nutritious foods.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), breastfeeding has remained the norm throughout human history, with few babies not breastfed for various reasons. Over the past century and nearly half, the United States had strived through periods when breastfeeding was not entirely supported by communities, individuals, or the medical field.

Dr. Joan Younger Meek, professor emeritus of clinical sciences at Florida State University College of Medicine, lead author of the reports written by the AAP Section on breastfeeding, said that breast milk is unique in its nutrients and protective impacts and quite remarkable for a child's developing immune system.

Benefits of human milk

Human milk can decrease lower respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, ear infections, and obesity. Infants given breast milk also have a lower risk of unexpected infant death syndrome.

Dr. Jason Jackson, a neonatologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, stated that not everyone could nourish their infants using human milk only as some have difficulty producing sufficient milk, have trouble making infants latch correctly, or the parent may not lactate at all.

Meek added that the workplace or societal stigmas make breastfeeding more difficult.

It is the health care provider's responsibility to provide the best evidence-based information while also addressing the individual needs of each family as they deserve support without any judgment, information, and help to guide them in feeding their babies.

Breastfeeding is already a medical norm; thus, community leaders and health care providers need to work together to make breastfeeding a societal norm, per CNN Health.

Read Also: Mom Turns to Social Media as Milk Formula Shortage Worsens

Medical and workplace protection

AAP encourages families to get support from medical professionals and protection against workplace barriers, particularly when feeding their infants human milk for at least six months and even up to two years.

Western society treated formula feeding as a luxury as parents didn't need to be at home to feed the baby but could hire someone else to do so.

Such cultural perception became a primary factor in much of the world not supporting families who want to breastfeed.

The first few weeks with an infant are salient for establishing a supply of milk as the act of latching and nursing helps stimulate production. If parents decide to pump, they must have access to comfortable and safe places to do so in the workplace.

AAP sees insurance coverage as another crucial policy area in supporting breastfeeding. Such coverage should extend to pumps and assistance for lactation.

Breastfeeding will change as the baby grows. Newborns frequently want to feed every 2-3 hours. Remember that the mother and the baby are unique, and the decision to breastfeed is up to you, per WebMD.

Related Article: Top States Hardest Hit by Infant Formula Crisis and the Reason for the Shortage
Photo: (Photo : Unsplash)

A warning to parents who are babysitting their kids: never leave them unattended, even for a few minutes.

The Australian court recently sentenced a 26-year-old dad to five years in jail after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The dad left his nine-month-old daughter in the bathtub unsupervised while the tap water was running. Daniel James Gallagher missed his daughter's life for seven minutes to fix an electrical problem, smoke, and scroll through Facebook on his cellphone.

Chris Cook, the Crown prosecutor, said that although the father is remorseful, he stresses that the death was "not an accident." He also told the court that what the father did was beyond reckless as his actions caused his daughter's death.

According to ABC.Net News Australia, the court also heard how a similar incident had occurred days before while the baby was in the care of his father. The mom, Shaylan Gallagher, said that days before Leah died, she arrived at Gallagher's home and found their daughter in the bath alone in 10-12 centimeters of water in the tub while the father was smoking.

As per the father's defense, Andrew Hoare, the father had been "distracted by extraneous, irrelevant matters" and failed to realize the risk of drowning.

Justice Peter Applegarth, who handed the sentence, said that the incident where the mom found Leah unsupervised while in a bath should have served as a wake-up call to the dad.

Never leave kids unattended, even for a minute

The incident happened in the dad's home in Queensland, Australia, on April 2, 2021. Gallagher placed the baby in a bath while the water was still running. He left to go to the power box to fix an electrical problem. After turning off the safety switch, he headed outside the home, smoked cigarettes, and scrolled through Facebook for a few minutes.

According to The Sun, when the dad returned to Leah, he found her unconscious and "floating face down" in the overflowing bathtub. He then called emergency services and attempted CPR before the paramedics arrived. He left her daughter unattended for seven minutes.

Shaylan, who separated from her high school sweetheart Gallagher in 2020, also rushed to the home to try to save her baby girl.

Responders took the baby to the Hervey Bay Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival. The dad pleaded guilty to manslaughter for leaving the child alone in the bath with water running.

Read Also: Mom Berates Husband on Youtube Livestream After He Forgot to Feed and Change Baby for Four Hours

Raising awareness for child safety

According to Daily Mail, Shaylan said she is serving a life sentence after losing her daughter. In a statement at the court, she said she had experienced great pain and physiological damage. She shared that when she received a call that Leah was unconscious, she screamed and bawled her eyes out.

Since then, the mom has been working to raise awareness for child safety, stressing that it is crucial to follow your gut feeling. She now tells moms that "you have motherly instincts for a reason."

Related Article: Mom and Boyfriend Charged with Murder After Chilling Discovery of Toddler's Lifeless Body in a Trashcan
Photo: (Photo : Amber Clay)

According to Honolulu police, a man who happens to be an active US Marine allegedly stabbed his estranged wife to death after having an argument on a Hawaii freeway this week.

The woman who was brutally stabbed to death off the H-3 Freeway on Wednesday night has been officially identified by the medical examiner as 27-year-old, Dana Alotaibi of Virginia.

The man who stabbed her wife to death has been identified as Bryant Tejeda-Castillo, a marine assigned to the third Littoral Combat Team. He was arrested Wednesday night on a second-degree murder charge, per the arrest record of the Honolulu Police Department.

Homicide Lt. Deena Thoemmes stated in a press conference on Thursday that the witnesses saw the violence take place on the H-3 Interstate Highway on Wednesday evening at around 6:18. Some of them pulled over and tried to restrain the man, who was in possession of a knife, while also providing aid to the victim, per NBC News .

Repeated abuse under the hands of US marine

Natalia Cespedes, Alotaibi's mother, said that her daughter sent her pictures and messages documenting abuse from her husband. She believes that her daughter would still be alive if only military officials acted on repeated requests for help.

Tejeda-Castillo's bail is set at $1 million.

The victim posted several videos on her social media accounts regarding her abusive relationship, claiming her husband hit her, pulled her hair, choked her, cheated, and threatened to kill her.

A YouTube video posted in January shows Alotaibi sobbing on the phone with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, claiming the marine did nothing after the report of multiple cases of violence and infidelity. Alotaibi tells the hotline responder that the experience was haunting her and all the incidents that he's hit her and done horrible things to her and even when she reached out for help, nothing was happening and asked herself multiple times why is he so untouchable and why isn't he getting jail time, why isn't he getting demoted in rank and why isn't he getting kicked out, per Hawaii News .

The woman was taken to a hospital after being stabbed multiple times and was pronounced dead at 8:31 in the evening.

The marine used the knife he had to injure himself during his arrest and was also taken to a hospital. Honolulu police could not be reached to clarify his condition.

A Marine Corps Spokesperson told NBC News, Saturday, that the marine is currently in the custody of the Honolulu Police Department as their investigation continues. He has not been formally charged.

Read Also: Domestic Violence Study Reveals Majority of Survivors Suffer Hidden Brain Injuries With Long-term Impact

Domestic Violence

According to Thoemmes, Tejeda-Castillo and Alotaibi had been dealing with marital issues. Friends of the victim revealed that she was 13 weeks pregnant with her current boyfriend and planned to move back to the mainland to reunite with her family. The medical examiner has not yet confirmed her pregnancy publicly.

In the last video of Alotaibi, posted on YouTube, she described herself as an entertainer and social media personality known for doing music, reaction videos, and some adult content. She also talked about issues she was having with her husband for nearly three years.

The Marine Corps Spokesperson stated that they will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement officials as the details surrounding this incident unfold. Furthermore, they also extend their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of those involved, per Yahoo News .

Related Article: Teen Rescued From Abductor After Using Hand Signal for Domestic Violence She Picked up on Tiktok
Photo: (Photo : Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) following the detection of the first two cases of monkeypox in children in the U.S.

The children from California are both under eight years old, but only one is a resident. Investigations are still underway as to where the children got the infection.

According to CNN, the kids have been administered the recommended antiviral medication, tecovirimat or TPOXX, per the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Reports cited that the children have the symptoms but are otherwise in good health.

The Netherlands also revealed its first case of monkeypox in children as well after a ten-year-old, who came from a family vacation in Turkey, tested positive for the virus. The child developed lesions and rashes and has received treatments at the Emma Children's Hospital in Amsterdam. As with the children in California, it's still unclear how the kid contracted the virus.

Read Also: Unusual RSV Cases Popping Up in the Summertime; What are the Symptoms?

Experts said parents and the public must be vigilant

Dr. Marceline van Furth in the Netherlands publicized the child's case because they want parents to be aware that "monkeypox can develop in children" alongside pregnant women and other adults, per the journal Eurosurveillance.

Globally, there have been 16,000 cases detected since early 2022, but most of the patients have been gay or bisexual men who got the infection through sexual contact. The experts believe that the cases may have crossed to other populations but have been undetected as tests are low.

The U.S. has the second largest number of cases with 2,500 individuals while Spain has the highest at 3,000. Cases in the Netherlands are at 700, while Turkey has one confirmed case. Transmission of monkeypox is not limited to sexual contact. It can spread through close physical contact or the scabs from the rashes that get stuck in the bedding, towels, or utensils. In rare cases, the transmission may be airborne. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, headache, and rashes.

Thus, CDC's Dr. Jennifer McQuiston informed CNN that cases of monkeypox in children were not surprising.

"While this outbreak is spreading in a particular social network right now, I think we've messaged from the start that there could be cases that occur outside those networks," McQuiston said, adding that the public should be vigilant and ready to respond as cases may spread to anyone.

Monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern

WHO's formal declaration of monkeypox as a PHEIC comes with a four-tiered recommendation for improving and stopping the transmission in communities. The agency wants governments to mobilize, act together and acknowledge that this is just as dangerous as any virus.

With the tools we have right now, we can stop #monkeypox transmission and bring this outbreak under control. Its essential that all countries work closely with affected communities to adopt measures that protect their health, human rights and dignity.pic.twitter.com/DqyvRtB8w2  Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) July 23, 2022

The federal government has distributed over 300,000 monkeypox vaccines in U.S. states and territories as of Friday, July 22. White House COVID-19 response coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha assured Americans that thousands would be vaccinated among the eligible population.

The CDC said about 1.5 million Americans might receive Jynneos, the monkeypox vaccine. Shots are given two times, four weeks apart. In New York, vaccination has started among as many eligible populations as possible even as the second doses are still not shipped out. Per NBC 4 New York, 17,000 have scheduled vaccine appointments from the 16,000 vaccines available.

Related Article: Should Parents Worry About Monkeypox? New Case Detected in Massachusetts
Photo: (Photo : CECILE CLOCHERET/AFP via Getty Images)

A family in Durham in the U.K., who was preparing to bury their recently-deceased mother next to their father, was shocked to learn that they had been visiting the wrong grave for 17 years.

Tom Bell, the son of Hilda and Thomas Bell, learned of the mistake after getting a call from the undertaker. He said that gravediggers found a stranger's coffin at the burial site of their father. It was the remains of a woman.

For nearly five weeks, Hilda's remains were not buried as the cemetery is still tracking down Thomas' actual burial site. The cemetery has checked six plots per Metro as of press time.

Tom said that the matter has been devastating for the family. Before her death, their mother had been visiting their father's burial site, with his marked gravestone, every Friday for nearly two decades.

Read Also: Triple Stabbing in Florida: Wounded Girl Walks a Mile to Find Help for Her Baby Sister

A second family told their dead is also at the wrong gravesite

While searching for Thomas' remains, the gravediggers also discovered another coffin in the wrong plot. According to the Daily Mail, Holy Trinity Church was forced to inform a second family of the mistake.

Due to full capacity, the cemetery has been closed for new burials for years. However, family members may still bury their dead in existing plots that may be reopened, as in the case of the Bell family.

Holy Trinity Church is still trying to establish how this mix-up happened in 2005. Several families buried their dead at the same time during this period. However, it has been challenging to coordinate records as the original map of the graveyard burned in a fire in the 1980s.

Rev. Jane Grieve, who officiated the funeral services for Hilda, acknowledged the family's distress. Grieve was not the church vicar in 2005, and thus he was not aware of this oversight until these recent discoveries.

He understood the funeral directors and gravediggers were using the gravediggers' plan, and not the original map, to engage the families who had burials years ago. However, the vicar was also not involved in the process and was likely unaware of the mistakes.

"Grave mistakes" in the cemetery are not uncommon

In 2015, a family in the U.S. sued a Simi Valley cemetery for $5 million due to a breach of contract.

Helen Gallick died in 2012 following a series of strokes, and she was buried at the El Rancho Pioneer Cemetery. Two years later, her son, Eugene Gallick Jr., received a call from the new cemetery manager who said their mother's body was not buried at her gravesite, per NBC Los Angeles.

Eugene said they were traumatized to learn they had been visiting the wrong grave. The cemetery eventually found Helen's coffin, but the damage had been done.

In Manchester, a family also learned that they have been laying down flowers for the dead in the wrong grave for 30 years due to a misplaced headstone.

In New Zealand, a daughter who wanted to bury her dad next to her mom learned that the plot was empty. It turned out, however, that their mom had been buried on the wrong side of the lot for the last ten years.

Related Article: Stillborn Baby Shows Signs of Life, Stuns Undertaker Who Was Preparing Him for Burial
Photo: (Photo : Steve Buissinne/Pixabay)

The Chicago Police Department responded to a murder-suicide situation involving a man and his ex-wife, who relayed her divorce struggles on TikTok.

Sania Khan, 29, was shot dead by her ex-husband, Raheel Ahmed, 36, after he followed her from Atlanta, Georgia, to Chicago, where she lived after their separation in June 2021.

While Khan died on the scene, the police were still able to take Ahmed to Northwestern Hospital, where he was declared dead by doctors. His death was ruled out as suicide, while Khan's death was considered a homicide, per ABC News.

Read Also: Alarming New TikTok Prank Has Parents Asking their Kids to Fight

Khan found empowerment by sharing her divorce journey

Khan, a professional photographer and native of Tennessee started sharing her divorce struggles on TikTok to urge women to be aware of the signs and red flags in a troubled relationship. She found empowerment on the social network platform and detailed her struggles as a woman in the South Asian community.

The woman said she did not get much support from her own family due to their conservative culture when she decided to divorce less than a year after her marriage to Ahmed. One of her videos, which talked about getting lectures from family members during her divorce journey, went viral.

Family members in Atlanta sought help from the police department after Ahmed went missing. The Atlanta police asked the Chicago police to conduct a welfare check on Khan but found the bloody crime scene instead.

Ahmed allegedly dealt with depression after their divorce was finalized in May 2022. However, Khan's friends said that the ex-couple could not save their marriage anymore as their friend was ready to move on to the next chapter of her life without Ahmed.

Ahmed contemplated murder-suicide while still married to Khan

Gabriella Bordo, a close friend of Khan, said that Ahmed had shown his violent tendencies before. During his marriage to Khan, he allegedly threatened to jump out of their 20-story apartment window and pull his then-wife with him, per News Channel 9.

Bordo said that this was the moment Khan decided to leave Ahmed. She previously suffered physical abuse and had bruises on her body. Khan documented the abuse on her TikTok when she moved to Chicago.

Khan and Bordo were supposed to live together in the Windy City before moving to California. Bordo said she's crushed by what happened to her old friend.

Nearly 70 percent of domestic violence cases occur after the couples separate, according to Dr. Denise Ziya Berte, a South Asian who works with the Peaceful Families Project. She said that Khan did the right thing by leaving her abusive husband and moving to a different city to protect herself.

For those in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 for help. For confidential 24/7 help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).

Related Article: Mom Denied Protection Order Dies with Her Family in Apparent Murder-Suicide, Police Say
In all these efforts, two regional organisations of which Sri Lanka is a member  Bimstec and Saarc  were missing.

by Smruti S Pattanaik

The unprecedented economic crisis in Sri Lanka has seen people queuing up for fuel, food and essential medicine as the government in May announced that it could not pay its USD 51 billion debt, and on July 5 announced that it was bankrupt. It appealed to the international community to step in and help Sri Lanka to overcome the unfolding humanitarian crisis as protesters spilled on to the streets. The international community, instead of extending assistance, blamed the Rajapaksas for the economic mess. Help flowed in mostly in terms of bilateral assistance, in which India topped the list for extending assistance to the tune of USD 3.8 billion  shipping fuel, food, medicine and fertilisers. Bangladesh came forward to provide USD 2.3 million in emergency medical supplies and potato relief package  an important food item in South Asia. China pledged a total food donation of 10,000 metric tons of rice to Sri Lanka and an assistance of USD 75 million. The US provided only USD 20 million, Japan USD 1.5 million to procure medicine. The UN announced humanitarian assistance of around USD 48 million over a four-month period. In June, it warned of an "unfolding multidimensional food security crisis."

In all these efforts, two regional organisations of which Sri Lanka is a member  Bimstec and Saarc  were missing. Saarc was more conspicuous with its silence. While a member country is facing a severe crisis, Saarc, which boasts of a Food Bank (SFB), is missing in action. Sri Lanka's Food Commissioner J Krishnamoorthy said the country had asked for food assistance from Saarc, but its secretary-general denied that they had received any such request. The question here is: Can Saarc be proactive in responding to a humanitarian crisis involving a member country?

SAARC could have and should have been the first responding organisation to come to Sri Lanka's

aid by providing food assistance. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

The Saarc Food Security Reserve (SFSR) was established in 1987. In 1997-98, it was realised that there were procedural hurdles when Bangladesh, which had wanted to utilise the food reserve, could not. After that, the member states held a discussion on how to overcome these hurdles. A decision to convert it to the Saarc Food Bank was taken in the 14th Saarc Summit in 2004, and the members agreed to create the food bank in 2007. After ratification by the member states, the food bank came to force in 2013. In the 18th Saarc Summit in Kathmandu, the member states "directed to eliminate the threshold criteria from the Saarc Food Bank Agreement so as to enable the member states to avail food grains, during both emergency and normal-time food difficulty."

One of the objectives of the SFB is to act as a regional food security reserve for the member countries during food shortages in normal times and during emergencies, and primarily to solve regional food shortages through collective action. The members are required to store the necessary amount of food grain they pledged and earmarked for the purpose and maintain the quality as laid down by the SFB Board, which meets annually. Each member country, in case of a food shortage due to "severe and unexpected natural or man-made calamity," can request another member country through nodal agencies for the speedy release of food grains. And within two years, "it shall replace such food grains." The SFB also stipulates that in the case of emergency, the humanitarian aspects would be given due importance while determining prices. The Saarc Food Bank Information System (SFBIS) has already been established to provide information on the reserves.

When the food bank was established, members had agreed to a committed reserve of 243,000 metric tons, which has now been revised to 486,000 metric tons of food grains. India, which contributes the largest share of grains to the food bank, has revised its contribution from 153,200 metric tons to 306,400 metric tons, (63 percent), followed by Bangladesh and Pakistan. The first transaction of SFB took place in May 2020, when a shipment of rice was sourced by the Food Corporation of Bhutan Ltd from the SFB in India. In spite of this provision, it is not clear why Sri Lanka relied on bilateral food aid. Interestingly, the SFB's 11th board meeting took place in 2020 in Colombo under the chairmanship of Chamal Rajapaksa.

Saarc's inability to respond to the humanitarian crisis reflects a lack of the sense of regionalism. It is in the time of crisis that one expects the regional organisation to make itself relevant to the people. It is true that there is a disconnect between Saarc and the people of the region due to excess bureaucratic structures and procedures and a lack of major achievements to showcase. It has taken up all the relevant issues that the region confronts in its agenda, which is reflected in its nine areas of cooperation. It has important conventions, like the convention on terrorism, and additional protocols to the convention on terrorism. Yet, it has been found wanting in addressing the issue of terrorism. It has introduced the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (Safta). Yet, Except for India, which has only 25 items, and Bhutan and the Maldives, which have more than 150 items, the other member states have more than 900 items on their sensitive lists, defeating the purpose of free trade. It is yet to sign a multimodal transit agreement due the zero-sum nature of regional geopolitics. All these illustrate a mindset of non-cooperation  formally agreeing to cooperate, vouching on regional spirit, but undermining cooperation by making these conventions and agreements non-operational.

Even though the Saarc Charter has kept bilaterally contentious issues out of its agenda, and has carefully chosen non-controversial issues as part of its agenda, the regional cooperation mechanism for all practical purposes has remained defunct due to a lack of political will and bilateral disagreements. Initiatives to resuscitate the regional cooperation mechanism through the initiation of Saarc Covid-19 fund failed. The Covid-19 pandemic was one of the unfortunate occasions that could have revived Saarc.

Though the Saarc Food Bank was operationalised in 2020, it remains unclear why Sri Lanka has not approached it, while it appealed to the international community for humanitarian assistance. Is it that it felt its immediate need for food cannot be met by the SFB, because it requires price negotiation, and Sri Lanka has to foot the transportation costs? Can the Saarc Council of Ministers meet virtually and take proactive measures on how to assist Sri Lanka?

Saarc in the past failed to rise to the occasion in times of natural calamities  whether it was a flood, cyclone or an earthquake. It has lost all opportunities to stand with the people of the region. If not for the sake of the people, at least for the sake of its own existence, Saarc has to make its presence felt by reinvigorating itself to provide humanitarian assistance. If Saarc as an organisation and its food bank cannot extend help to Sri Lanka, which is a member state, it will only illustrate that the regional spirit is dead  a body without a soul.

Smruti S Pattanaik is a research fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) in New Delhi, India. This article was originally published in Daily Star
Photo: (Photo : Getty images )

When Esa (not his real name) went to the groceries one day, he was surprised that his groceries amounting to $33 were already paid. He thought he might have been given some bonus from the supermarket, so he did not give it much of a thought.

A few weeks later, Esa found out what happened after his friends showed him a video on TikTok posted by content creator Rustam Raziev. It had the caption "My mission? Being myself. Helping others. Become a better version of myself," then added hashtags #Ramadan and #Melbourne, News.com reports.

The video collected more than six million views and 33,000 likes.

Esa said that seeing himself in a video creeped him out and made him upset.

Keeping his life private

Esa, it turned out, had been keeping his life private for a reason. He explained that he came to Australia in 2001 as an asylum seeker from Afghanistan. His past made it crucial to keep parts of his life private, including where he lives and some details about his identity.

He did not want anyone to see him on social media, and he never posted personal videos of himself. He said he did not want to be famous and did not want people to know about him. What bothered him, he added, was that he was filmed without his consent.

Esa told ABC that he felt "embarrassed, guilty, a bit shocked and sad." He had friends worldwide who called him, asking if he needed help; what had happened to him as someone was paying for his food. He admitted to being traumatized.

On the comment thread, around 1,316 people reacted as if he needed help. A comment read that he seems to be going through something. Another said that he looked like he needed help.

Esa is a Muslim, and he understands that with the hashtag #Ramadan, the creator was stressing the importance of the holy month for Muslims worldwide to fast from dusk to dawn and share kindness with others. However, he emphasized that it is unnecessary to announce an act of kindness to everyone. If a person is doing service for religious reasons or Allah, it is unnecessary to show it to people. He slammed the content creator, saying that doing kindness for profit needs to stop, or at least ask or let the person know what is happening.

Raziev responded that he did not intend to offend Esa for paying for his groceries and posting the video on Tiktok and Instagram. As a Muslim, he wanted to help 120 people during Ramadhan to show the world that being a Muslim is not all about bad things and terrorism.

Read Also: 3-Year-old TikTok Sensation Posts Prompt Warning of Kids' Over-Exposure on Social Media

People in the content should also have a voice

Although no law prohibits a person from recording in a public place, Raziev acknowledged the importance of obtaining consent from people who appear in the videos he posts. However, he said that only a few would say yes, making it difficult to send his message. Hence, he posted the videos without asking for the subjects' permission first. He said that he did not receive anything from his Ramadhan videos.

According to Daily Mail, an Australian mom posted a comment urging the content creator to seek consent as he might expose someone to danger by publicly posting their videos without content. She cited that they may be fleeing domestic violence or may have moved elsewhere to be away from violence or the public eye.

Related Article: CDC Health Alert on Parechovirus: What Parents Need to Know
(Click on image to greatly Enlarge)

Apple recently opened Veterans Square housing complex in Pittsburg, California. Its a 30-unit building for both veterans and individuals who have been identified as having the greatest need for housing. It was opened in March, with funding from donors including Apple, as part of the companys $2.5 billion commitment to address the housing crisis across California. Apple has now deployed more than $1.3 billion of that commitment to a diverse array of projects in conjunction with California Housing Finance Authority (CalHFA), Destination: Home, and Housing Trust Silicon Valley.

Kristina Raspe, Apples vice president for Global Real Estate and Facilities: Were incredibly proud to see families and neighbors moving into new homes as a result of our partnership with affordable housing organizations across California. Apple is committed to finding real solutions that can help our communities thrive, and these new projects represent tangible progress toward making that promise a reality for so many of our fellow Californians. To learn more about this, read Apples full press release.
In April 2017 Patently Apple first reported that Apple was considering the use of titanium in future Apple devices, including Apple Watch. Apple had filed for that original patent in September 2016. Since then, Patently Apple has posted several other titanium-related patents: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 and 06.

Over the weekend, Mark Gurmans Power On newsletter forecasted that Apple's next generation of Watch is likely to include a rugged 'Pro' model and that will come with an all-new design with a "more durable formulation of titanium to make it extra rugged," something first introduced five years after the first patent was made public.

Gurman added that That design will reportedly be "an evolution of the current rectangular shape, and not circular and will avoid flat sides and use a "more durable formulation of titanium to make it extra rugged."

In other Apple News, its being reported today by Bloomberg that Apple is preparing a rare iPhone discount on its top-tier iPhones and related accessories in advance of the launch of its next-generation devices. Apple will take up to 600 yuan ($89) off the price of its top-line iPhone 13 Pro series between July 29 and August 01.

To be eligible, buyers have to use one of a select number of payment platforms, such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.s Alipay. Certain AirPods and Apple Watch models are also part of the promotion.

The discounts come as Chinas economy tries to bounce back from major Covid-19 lockdowns in business hubs Shanghai and Beijing, which have hurt sales of leading domestic smartphone brands from Xiaomi Corp. to Vivo and Oppo. Apple bucked the trend by registering healthy growth in China shipments in June, according to national statistics, though the discounts suggest even it has surplus inventory heading into the latter half of the year. For more on this, read the full Bloomberg report.
If you have too much email in your Gmail account, it may finally be time to clean it out. You probably realized this last year, when Google adjusted its Gmail storage policy, forcing users to take action. Gmail users receive 15GB of storage for documents and images, shared across Drive, Gmail, and Photos. While you may receive some free data in Photos, that has ended. Youll either have to delete data, pay Google for additional file storage, or risk Google deleting data.

We dont want Google deleting your data! And the easiest way to do that is to clean up your Gmail inbox and delete old email.

How to quickly delete old email in Gmail

To do so, you must be logged into Gmail, and using it on a browser from a Chrome, Mac, or Windows PC, or an Android tablet or iPad. These commands may be available from a smartphone, but theyre designed first and foremost for the web interface.

First, youll need to know how much storage capacity your email is taking up. If you scroll down to the bottom of your Gmail page, you can see how much space all of your data takes upnot just Gmail! If youre a Google One subscriber, your Google One storage page breaks it down between Gmail, Photos, and Drive. (Tip: You can block Google Photos automatic uploads to help manage your storage.)

Consult your Google One storage tab to find out how close you are to your limit, and how much youll want to delete.

Now, lets start deleting.

The easiest way to delete unwanted email from Gmail is to use Googles built-in section tabs within Gmail, which already filter email into several sections: your Primary tab (your main inbox), followed by Social, Promotions, Updates, and Forums. The implicit message here is that Google already considers the email thats stored in your Primary tab as the email you actually needeverything else can probably be sacrificed.

I usually purge everything in my Promotions tab firstits almost-but-not-quite spam. Take a last look through a few pages, to ensure that you want to do a wholesale purge. (If you want to delete email selectively, skip to the section below.)

To begin the process, first click the Promotions tab (the label will show as a color rather than gray). Next, from the ribbon of icons above the tabs, click the small checkbox icon at far left, like so:

To select bulk email in Gmails Promotions tab, click the tab (right) and then click the checkbox at upper left. It will select all the email in the current view.

This should highlight all of the emails you can see on the first page of the Promotions tabnot every single one of them that you have within Gmail.

After you select that pages worth of emails, Google confirms your selectionand offers you the option of selecting all of the emails in the Promotions tab, if you click the blue-highlighted message as shown below:

You can then tap the Delete key or click the small garbage-can icon in the menu ribbon above to delete all of the email. Youll receive a small popup entitled Confirm bulk action, warning that this action will affect allconversations in Inbox and asking if you want to continue. If you do, click OK.

Congratulations! All of your Promotions email have been deletedsort of. Yes, your email isnt quite gone, yet. Gmail simply moved it to the Trash, another of the categories thats accessible via the left-hand navigation rail. (Scroll down, then click More to reveal the Trash and Spam folders.) Click Trash to see all of your deleted email, waiting to be deleted.

Email moved to Gmails Trash can be moved back out of the Trash with the Move command.

By default, Google gives you 30 days before it automatically deletes email thats been moved into the Trash. That gives you 30 days to search for and save an email that you accidentally trashedbut it still leaves your total Google One storage allotment unchanged. (You can highlight the email (or emails) and click the small Move to folder icon to move them back to the Inbox if you discovered an email you want to save.)

You can delete all of the email sitting in your Trash folder using this buttonbut once you do, its gone forever.

If you want, you can click the Empty Trash now message at the top of your Trash email list to delete all of those emails, once and for all. That will lower your storage allotmentbut theres no going back now. (Unfortunately, you cant see how much storage capacity all of thar accumulated email in your Trash folder takes up.) Once you manually delete those emails, theyre gone forever!

Now you can decide if you want to delete email in other Gmail tabs, too. I usually consider email notifications in my Forums folder expendable, and I tend to do the same with my Social tab, too. The Updates tab usually hides messages from apps and other services I consider important, so I dont often delete those emails without some consideration and further filtering.

How to filter emails in Gmail

Filtering, you say? Yes, absolutely. The Gmail search box at the top of your screen will do more than just search for keywords. You can use search filters for all sorts of things to help weed out unnecessary email, and Google lists a number of them on its Gmail search support page.

Here are a few commands that are especially useful for reducing the storage space your inbox consumes, listed below. Simply type the bolded text into the Gmail search box.

before:04/18/2018 This returns all email in the folder sent before April 18, 2018.

This returns all email in the folder sent before April 18, 2018. older_than:2m This displays all email thats older than two months. You can swap the m for y (year) or d (day). Note that newer_than can also be used.

This displays all email thats older than two months. You can swap the m for y (year) or d (day). Note that can also be used. has:attachment Any email with attachments.

Any email with attachments. filename:pdf Any email with a PDF file as an attachment.

Any email with a PDF file as an attachment. size:

larger:

smaller: Either size: or larger: can be used to find messages that are larger than a certain size in bytes. Here, you can use larger:100 for a message thats larger than 100 bytes, or larger:15M for a message thats larger than 15 megabytes.

Others, such as from:eliza (email from Eliza) or is:important (for email thats listed as Important), may also be useful.

Hopefully these tools will allow you to keep your Gmail inbox down to a manageable size. Happy hunting!

This story was updated on July 25, 2022.
Windows 11 still isnt the crowd-pleaser Microsoft probably wishes it was, but there are plenty of people using it. And if youre building or rebuilding a PC, you might as well start off with the newest operating system, yeah? Now you can. Microsoft is selling Windows 11 licenses along with the download directly from its web store. Previously home installers needed to download and install Windows 10, then upgrade via Windows Update (which still might be your preferred route if you want to get Windows for cheap).

Or: Get Windows 10 for cheap, then upgrade to 11 Windows 10 Professional Best Prices Today:

Exactly when Microsoft switched over to selling Windows 11 isnt clear. According to PCMag, it was sometime after the beginning of May. Notably, both Windows 11 and the older Windows 10 are still available to purchase, though theres no option to get W11 on a hard USB drive like there was for Windows 10. Its a direct download or nothing.

Pricing for the operating system remains intact: Windows 11 Home will cost you $139 in the US, while Windows 11 Pro costs $199. (Here are the differences if youre not sure.) Current Windows 10 users can still upgrade to Windows 11 via Windows Update or a few other methods. Note that according to Microsoft, Windows 10 will remain supported until at least October 2025.
The Head of Consumer Services at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Eunice Budu Nyarko, has appealed to the public to purchase fuel only from filling stations with certification.



She said stations with green Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) stickers were always the go-to places for petroleum products, since those stations were regularly monitored by the NPA and, therefore, the quality of their products could be guaranteed.



During a public sensitization exercise in the Central Region, Mrs Budu Nyarko also stressed the importance for consumers of petroleum products, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), to be conscious of their safety. The NPA is on a nationwide drive to sensitize key users of petroleum products, such as drivers, traders, micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as fuel retail outlets, to safety, quality and proper use of products.



The exercise, which is being undertaken by a team from the national and the regional offices of the NPA, has seen the team engage traders, pedestrians, commercial drivers, as well as fuel retail outlets. In Cape Coast, the team visited the Tantre Lorry Station, the Kotokuraba Market and taxi station, the Abura Market, among other areas.



Cylinders Mrs Budu Nyarko cautioned the public against placing LPG cylinders, both empty and filled, near naked fi res or inflammable liquids. She noted that that act had the potential to cause fire outbreaks which could result in the loss of lives and properties.



She underscored the need for users of petroleum products to adhere to all safety protocols because the flouting of laid down regulations had the potential of igniting fire outbreaks at home and workplaces.



Complaints



The Central Regional Manager of the NPA, David Owusu Kena, said the exercise was to educate and create awareness among consumers of petroleum products due to a number of complaints concerning dissatisfaction with the kind of services they got at the pumps.



According to him, although the NPA was sensitizing consumers of petroleum products to how to handle such cases safely, the exercise was for consumers to approach the NPA for their complaints to be addressed within the shortest time. On suspected cases of under delivery, Mr Kena said so far at the stations that we have tested, their volumes with the 10-liter can have no form of under-delivery.



The regional manager said the NPA had been carrying out monthly, as well as random, checks to ensure that fuel retail outlets did not shortchange consumers through under-delivery and sale of substandard petroleum products.



Mr Kena urged consumers to have more confidence in the NPA, noting that that had been a challenge because some consumers thought the authority was in bed with petroleum service providers.

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.

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Izwe Savings & Loans invites Senior High School (SHS) graduates who have excellent grades and are truly financially needy to apply for the Izwe Scholarship Fund to pursue undergraduate or equivalent tertiary programs of their choice for the 2022/2023 academic year.



The Chief Executive Officer, Raymond Kwakye Bismarck, stated that, the fund is activated annually to support successful candidates through their whole tertiary education as part of Izwes continued commitment to positively impact lives through sponsored education. The scholarship is intended to develop capacities and empower our young generation to drive change and contribute to the development of Ghana.



Scholarship Benefits



The scholarship Fund is offered for the minimum period necessary for the individual to complete an academic program specified by their chosen educational institution. The scholarship will cover the required academic user fees and approved course textbooks needed for the beneficiary to pursue their program of choice.



Eligibility



Applicant must be a Ghanaian SHS graduate in need of financial support for tertiary education. They must have a Senior High School certificate with a maximum grade of aggregate 10 and not be older than 22 years of age. Applicant must have also gained admission to any of the public tertiary universities in Ghana. First year students currently at any public university who meet the criteria above can also apply.



How To Apply



Applicant must complete an application form at www.izwe.com.gh including a brief motivating write up (500 words) on why the applicant should receive the scholarship. Finally, evidence of eligibility detailed above is required (i.e. SHS certificate from School attended & result slip, birth certificate, Letter of admission to tertiary institution etc).



Deadline for Submission of Application: 25th August, 2022.



About Izwe



Izwe Savings and Loans Plc is a subsidiary of the Izwe Africa Group, which is now head  quartered in Mauritius and operations in Zambia and Kenya with Support from South Africa.



After operating in Ghana for over a decade, Izwe, a non-bank financial institution, specialises in personal finance loans, business loans, asset-backed finance, savings & investment and offers tailored to the needs of people from all walks of life including entrepreneurs, traders, teachers, soldiers, healthcare workers, business owners and any small to medium sized enterprise.

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.

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Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama, Member of Parliament (MP) for Yendi in the Northern Region has made a donation of food items to the Yendi Senior High School.



The donation was in response to an emergency request and an appeal made by the Headmaster of the School, Chief A. M. Hussein to the Member of Parliament to salvage the school from its current food crisis.



The items include 10 Big Gallons of Cooking Oil, 10 Big Cartons of Tin Tomatoes, Makerel and an amount of GHC5,000 for the purchase of some Bags of Rice.



Presenting the items, Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama said the government was putting in measures to ensure that the delivery of food to the Senior High Schools was very regular.



He said the responsibility bestowed on him as an MP was to initiate developmental projects and ensure the good welfare of his constituents which student of the Yendi SHS was among.



"I have made several personal donations to the Yendi SHS including 15 Sewing machines to school Vocational Departments, 50 bags of cement and GHC5,000 for the renovation of the school Mosques".



Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama revealed that education was a top priority on his agenda and that the request was not a worry to him.



He said his office was initiating the Alhaji Aliu Mahama Presidential Library project, an ultra-modern ICT library project to be built in the Yendi SHS and named after his late father, former Vice President of Ghana.



"I am again making a personal pledge of GHC10, 000 to the best student of this school who will pass the yet-to-be-written WACCE Examination to the University".



The Headmaster of the School, Chief Husein said the donation was a big relief to the school.



He said Yendi was lucky to have an MP who 'talks and do' and that his promises to the school have never failed.

Chief Hussein thanked Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama for the gesture and express the hope that government will deliver the food items to the various schools.



A student name "withheld" revealed that for two months students have been taking porridge without sugar adding the school normally served over 100 suspans but has now been reduced to 70 suspans because of the food crisis.



The Yendi Senior High School has a student population of 3,455 57 per cent of female and 43 per cent male.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Ghana National Gas Company has cut sod for the construction of a girls dormitory at Pishigu in the Karaga District of the Norther Region.



Pishigu Senior High School provides second cycle education in the district and the construction of a 12-unit classroom block by Ghana Gas will not serve only the people of Pishigu but also the Karaga district and its environs.



The Pishigu community is lagging behind in terms of social amenities such as health facilities, schools, proper water and sanitation among others, hence Ghana Gass efforts to provide the community with educational facilities.



Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, a former MD of Stanbic Bank, Dr. Naa Alhassan Andani, who doubles as the Paramount Chief of Pishigu, said the only secondary school in Karaga is the Karaga Senior High, which is about 45 to 50 kilometers for the children of Pishigu to travel.



Therefore, the newly constructed 12-unit infrastructure at Pishigu will reduce that burden.



He urged leaders to provide more to ease their plight.



Dr Naa Alhassan Andani commended Ghana Gas National Company, the board, Chief Executive Officer and the management, as a whole, for the support.



On behalf of the chiefs and people of this community, I still count on the support of the MP and and all the security services here that by the time the girls dormitory is completed, the chiefs and people will organise themselves to also build another dormitory to add up to this, he assured the community.



According to the District Chief Executive (DCE), Iddrisu Mohammed Sannie, the only senior high school in Karaga was a community school accorded a senior high school status by the then President John Agyekum Kufuor.



The current administration, he continued, gave the school a boarding status and added additional infrastructure to the school.



The people of Pishigu are happy for the newly constructed 12-unit block and to witness the sod-cutting of a girls dormitory through the effort of Ghana Gas that will augment and make more students have access to education in the district.



He commended Ghana Gas for its immense support to the Karaga district.



Assistant Project Manager of Ghana Gas Anyimah Edomgbole assured the people of Pishigu that with support from the management, board and the CEO of Ghana Gas, the project will be completed within the six months stipulated period and that it is the vision of the company to provide quality educational infrastructure to the the people.



A Deputy Minister for Energy, Dr Mohammed Amin Adams, who doubles as a Member of Parliament for that area,was full of praise for the newly constructed classroom block and the upcoming girls dormitory.



He, therefore, took the opportunity to plead with Ghana Gas to add an astro-turf for the youth of Pishigu to enhance their youth talents.















Source: 3news.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi, has emphasized the importance for security agencies to work together and promote healthy corporate relations among state institutions.



That, according to the CGI, would go a long way to enhance National Security.



He said: Security institutions could perform better and more creditably when there is effective coordination among each other from the leadership level to the operational levels of personnel.



Mr Asuah Takyi said that when the Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), Commissioner of Police (COP) Maame Yaa Tiwaah Addo-Danquah paid a working visit to his office in Accra.



The visit forms part of the stakeholders engagement strategy adopted by the EOCO since the assumption into office of its new Head.



COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, on her part, expressed her appreciation to the GIS for its consistent supportive role over the years with EOCO.



She, therefore, called for a renewed corporate relationship to further deepen existing collaboration between the two institutions.



COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah commended the GIS for its role in the implementation of some major policies of EOCO, which needed external stakeholder support, especially in joint operations.



She said: EOCO and GIS should continue to work together to eradicate economic crimes in Ghana through stricter border controls and effective enforcement of immigration laws.



Present at the meeting were the Deputy Executive Director of EOCO, Madam Aba J. Opoku and other Directors from EOCO, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Immigration (DCGI), Mr Laud Ofori Affrifah responsible for Command Post and Operations, DCGI Isaac Owusu Mensah, Finance and Administration, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration Isaac Luortey, Head of Operations and the Chief Staff Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI) Lawrence Agyei Agyapong.

Source: GNA









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Former President John Dramani Mahama has described late President John Evans Atta-Mills as an "honourable and dignified statesman whose love for his country and his people was without question."



For him, Prof. Atta-Mills was a "phenomenon best felt than described," he posted on Facebook on Sunday, July 24, 2022.



"Professor Mills was an honourable and dignified statesman whose love for his country and his people was without question. He was a phenomenon best felt than described.



His entry into the pressure cooker and high-octane environment that is Ghanaian politics, was a most opportune development. To many, he was a breath of fresh air that enabled us to make a clean break from the monotonous past laden with acrimony and deep-seated divisions".



He said, "Upon our return to the Castle, which at that time was still the seat of government; as I proceeded to my office, I asked Chief of Staff, Martey Newman to inform Prof. that I was going to cross over and see him to discuss a few important issues after meeting a former President who was waiting in my office...moments after our return, the Chief of Staff called me frantically and said that Prof had been rushed to the 37 Military Hospital in an emergency. I wrapped up my meeting with the former President and prepared my staff to rush to the hospital. It was then that Sir James Bebaako Mensah entered my office, [and] delivered the devastating news, Prof dead? How? How can Prof die? Were the questions I asked. The world came to a standstill."



According to him, "Nothing in my political life and experience had prepared me for a moment like this. The shelter I have been working under Prof had been a wonderful experience. His death left me in trepidation of stepping up to the plate, realising the huge responsibility one was stepping into and that the back was going to stop with me, and no one else."



He added, "The swearing-in ceremony was a blur and I struggled to complete my acceptance speech without breaking down in front of a sorrowful nation. When I left the podium, I missed my way back. I went and sat back in my Vice Presidential seat until the uproar from the MPs reminded me that I had sworn the Presidential oath and should move to the ceremonial Presidential seat. The rest is history to be narrated at another appropriate time."





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.

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Data compiled by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) shows that about 1,051 Ghanaians boarded flights from various countries around the world to Ghana using the Ghanacard.



Monthly arrivals



The monthly arrivals are: January  125, February  330, March - 521, April  39, May  32 and June - 4.



The data was recorded for flights boarded to Ghana between January 3 and June 29, 2022.



The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has a booth at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), which processes Ghanaian holders of the Ghanacard returning home.



Airlines



So far a total of 21 airlines allowed Ghanaians to use the Ghanacard to board at various destinations around the world to Ghana.



Number of passengers each airline brought to Ghana



The airlines and the number of Ghanaians using Ghanacard that they brought into the country during the period are: Emirates-554, Air France - 80, KLM  123, British Airways  76, Ethiopian Airlines  67, United Airlines  42, Delta Airways  28, ASKY Airlines  14, Brussels Airlines  12 and African World Airlines-10.



The rest are Kenya Airways  9, South African Airways  6, Egypt Air  6, Qatar Airways  6, Turkish Airlines  4, Air Cote DIvoire  4, Tap Air Portugal  3, Air Burkina - 1, Middle East Airlines  1, Royal Air Maroc  1 and Rwand Air  1.



Monthly arrivals for Airlines



The monthly arrivals for Emirates are; January  37, February  176, March  300, April  2 and May  3.



For KLM, the monthly arrivals are January  22, February 43, March  34, April  13, May  9 and June  2.



For Air France, the monthly figures are; January  19, February  47, March  8, April -2 and May  4.



According to the data, British Airways' monthly figures are; January -8, February  14, March  38, April  11, May  4 and June  1.



The monthly breakdown for Ethiopian Airlines arrivals are February -26 March  40 and April  1.



Monthly arrivals for United Airlines



Per the records, United Airlines brought monthly passengers as; January  3, February  20, March - 16, April  1, May  1 and June -1.



Delta Airways monthly arrivals are; February  3, March  20, April  3 and May  2.



ASKY Airlines flew in 14 Ghanaians who used Ghanacard to board all in the month of March.



Monthly arrivals for Brussels Airline



In three months, Brussels Airlines were: March  5, April -2 and May  5.



African World Airlines also flew into Ghana 10 passengers who boarded with Ghanacard.



Kenya Airways also allowed 9 Ghanaians to embark from other countries to Ghana in March.



Monthly arrivals for South African Airways are; March  5 and May  1.



In the two months that Egypt Air brought in such passengers, the figures were March  5 and May  1.



For Turkish Airlines, the monthly arrivals are; February  1, March  2 and May  1.



Air Cote DIvoire brought four passengers in March while Tap Air Portugal recorded three arrivals in the same month of March.



Four airlines recorded figures as follows; Royal Air Maroc one passenger in March, Rwand Air, one passenger in March, Middle East Airlines, one passenger in May and Air Burkina one passenger in April.



Ghanacard as travel document



The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), in February 2022, officially announced the Ghanacard as meeting the requirements for an international travel document, which means holders of the card, once Ghana enters into bilateral agreements with individual nations, will be able to use the Ghanacard as a travel document to those countries with electronic visas.



The Vice-President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, revealed in November 2021 during a lecture at Ashesi University that processes had been completed for the Ghanacard to be recognised as an international travel document by ICAO, the global body that certifies means of international travel identification.



Following this, the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) sent circulars to all airports and airlines on the use of the Ghana Card as an acceptable International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) compliant Machine Readable Travel Document (MRTD) for Ghanaians for international travel to all Ghanaian airports.



Travellers can verify the cards at airports and with airlines to travel directly to Ghana from anywhere in the world.



Also, Ghanaians can travel to countries that enter into agreements with Ghana to permit the use of the Ghana Card to travel to their countries as has been agreed amongst Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries whose cards meet the ECOWAS Machine Readable Travel Document (MRTD) e-passport ICAO compliant specifications and put in the right legal regime.

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.

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The work of the first edition of the annual consultative dialogue of young African leaders kicked off in Moroccos capital city of Rabat on Wednesday and successfully ended on Sunday.



The inaugural youth dialogue that attracted young leaders from over 40 African countries ran under the theme "Consolidating our achievements: Forging partnerships for the program of the African renaissance."



Initiated by the Pan African Youth Union (PYU), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the event aims to provide a climate conducive to assessing the challenges and expectations of member states.



It further aims to define a clear vision and a roadmap to achieve a resilient, inclusive and solution-oriented approach to the results presented by member countries.



The consultative dialogue is also about reflecting on how to forge effective partnerships to address the fundamental challenges facing youth.



The opening of this conclave was attended by the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, the President of the UPJ, Moumouni Dialla, and several African and UN officials.



Speaking at the occasion, Bensaid stressed that this dialogue must be a space for debate at the heart of the challenges facing the youth of Africa. He said the conference presents opportunities that are open to the continent. The Minister highlighted that Africa is currently at the centre of international competition because of its vast natural resources, enormous human resources, including its 400 million young Africans.



"It is our responsibility as decision makers and representatives of African youth, to ensure the economic construction, to set the stage for the new rise of Africa that undeniably serves the interests of the continent and its people," he said.



For his part, the president of the UPJ, Moumouni Dialla underlined that this event aims to bring African youth together and unite them to build the African continent and solve the present challenges. He added that Africa is a continent that represents the future of the world.



"This event represents a framework for dialogue and exchange in order to find appropriate solutions for the problems that plague our countries," Bensaid said.



Dialla highlighted the need to see African youth mobilise in the face of various humanitarian and food crises. He called on young people to play a big role in the development of the continent.



Discussions at the conclave focused on five thematic plenary sessions including consolidation of gains, mitigation of the migration crisis in Africa, peacebuilding and security, climate challenges, as well as economic inclusion through the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA).



The Pan African Youth Union (PYU), whose new headquarters was inaugurated last February in Rabat, is committed to promoting its values and principles, including those related to peace, democracy and sustainable development in order to achieve African integration.















Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Online impersonation was a major threat to national security in June 2022, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has said.



This followed the Authoritysactive threat intelligence on social media.



A statement issued by CSA and copied the Ghana News Agency said online impersonation assumed a significant portion of fraudulent online activities.



It said the"unrestricted" nature of social media account registration processes granted all users the ability to assume any identity, which had emboldened scammers who generally took on the profiles of known businesses, and political and influential personalities in society for their criminal activities.



The statement said CSA observed that the impersonation targets included Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, other persons of influence; and institutions like the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Police Service, the National Lottery Authority, and companies like Dzata Cement and Awake Limited.



It said activities related to that scam included promotion of fraudulent investments, loan scams, gambling fraud, Government agent scam (award of non-existing contracts, grants, and scholarships), fake recruitment offers, solicitation of funds and online service fraud.



The statement advised the public and especially social media users that genuine Government officials would not contact anyone via social media to offer them jobs.



It is important to verify before you accept friend requests and engage public figures and influential people; someone may have stolen their identity.



The CSA has a 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Points of Contact (POC) for reporting cybercrimes and for seeking clarification and guidance on online links and transactions; Call or Text - 292, WhatsApp - 0501603111, Email - [email protected], it said.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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On her first official trip in Ghana, U.S. Ambassador, Virginia Palmer who visited Tamale and Northern Region has reaffirmed her commitment to development in Ghana's North.



According to her, Northern Ghana is an absolute priority for the United States, which is why she chose to visit the region on her first official trip.



Accompanied by USAID Ghana Mission Director Kimberly Rosen, she met with peace and security, economic empowerment, public health, media, and development partners during the two-day trip.



From the young people, entrepreneurs, farmers, and civil society and traditional leaders Ive met, its clear this region holds incredible potential. I am already thinking about my next trip back, said U.S. Ambassador Virginia Palmer.



The Ambassador met Northern Regional Minister and Chairman of the Regional Security Council Honorable Shani Alhassan Shaibu. They discussed U.S. Government support for economic and human development in the region and community-based efforts to detect and prevent violent extremism.



During a visit to the Nuts For Growth shea processing plant, Ambassador Palmer helped launch the Global Shea Alliance and MasterCard Foundations Shea Business Empowerment Program.



The program will work with local shea collectors to transform their informal operations into well-structured small businesses and cooperatives that can more readily achieve economies of scale to participate in the global market for shea.



Nuts For Growth is also a recipient of a $980,000 grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to catalyze private investment and expand incomes of 20,000 women farmers in the region.



Later, meeting with representatives of the USAID Women in Agriculture Platform, Ambassador Palmer heard about their concerns and challenges with land tenure, water management, and, most recently, fertilizer scarcity.



Ambassador Palmer was the keynote speaker at the USAID Wiring Artisans program graduation for 44 newly trained electrical wiring professionals.



The program focused on teaching professional electrician skills to local residents, including ten women. These trained professionals will now enter the local job market with more marketable skills.



The Ambassador appreciated the contributions they would make to Ghanas economic development and celebrated the near doubling of women in the field.



She also met with local alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship and other U.S. Government exchange programs. Before departing Tamale, Ambassador Palmer met with Hajia Dr. Kansanwurche Azara Bukari, President of the Savannah Region Queen Mothers Association to discuss the critical role of traditional leaders in Ghana.





Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Mr Richster Nii Armah Amarfio, the Secretary of the Ghana Tuna Association (GTA), says Ghana is over-exploiting its fish stock and needs a holistic approach to curb it.



Mr Amarfio, who is also a Fisheries Advocate, said the country had crossed the maximum sustainable yield, which indicates an over-exploitation of the fish stock.



This basically means we are losing our fish stock, so we have to find ways of reversing this to make sure we are sustainable.



Mr Amarfio stated this during a Seminar at the Tema Regional Office of the Ghana News Agency.



The platform allowed state and non-state actors to address national issues.



The GTA Secretary said overcapacity was a major contributor to Ghanas rapidly declining fish stock, adding that there were too many fishing activities going on in the countrys marine spaces, making it near impossible to recover the lost fish stock.



He expressed fear that the capacity would increase due to the open access fishing system Ghana was running in the absence of a functioning regulatory mechanism.



He, therefore, called for other interventions such as a pension scheme to complement the close season as that alone would not solve the overcapacity problem.



He explained that data from the last fisheries management plan, a World Bank project, Ghana had about 15,000 canoes against the 9,000 canoes as the limit needed in its waters, with 6,000 canoes in excess.



He said the country, in the past, had over 100 trawlers as compared to the proposition of 45. Currently, the country has agreed to 75 trawlers in its waters.



Mr Amarfio also reiterated calls for a special pension scheme for old fishermen to provide them with a decent source of income during old age, which would facilitate their early retirement, resulting in a large number of them being sustainably removed from the sector.



He said alongside the pension, a deliberate educational policy for the youth in fishing communities should be initiated to absorb them into other vocations as a way to decrease the over-reliance on fishing activities in coastal communities.



If I were a fisherman, and I have three children and each of them has five children, and we decide to all go into fishing, that is a lot from one family alone.



One canoe may be too small for us, and we may need more; the more families may need to rely solely on fishing, the more the capacity increases, but if you provide the children with education and alternative vocations, they will not all have to come back into the industry, he explained.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Agric Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto has hit back at critics accusing him of being fixated on erecting billboards instead of concentrating on his duties.



According to reports, the billboard of the Minister who is a presidential candidate hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) billboards can be seen nationwide describing him as a "unifier".



A Governance Lecturer at the Central University, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah recently asked the Minister to stop focusing on his presidential ambition and pay more attention to increasing yield and stopping the high cost of food products.



There are so many billboards across the country projecting your presidential ambition than your works as an agric minister. The country is in crisis. Prices of farm produce and foodstuff are skyrocketing like never before and instead of relieving Ghanaians with pragmatic solutions, you are spending millions erecting billboards to project your presidential ambition, he said on Okay FM's Ade Akye Abia show.



However, Dr Afriyie Akoto in a one-on-one on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo' said the billboards are being put up by people who love him and that he's busily working.



"It's a joke because I'm not the one putting up the billboards. I don't have time for that; I'm focused on the work in my ministry...it's laughable and I don't think if they know the facts they will make such comments.



"...they (billboards) are being done by people who believe in me...I don't think anyone who hates me will put up such billboards. They have looked at the kind of work I'm doing for the country..." he added.







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.

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Former Head of the Monitoring Unit at the Forestry Commission, Charles Owusu, has lambasted some Ghanaian traders over the high cost of foodstuff in the country.



Charles Owusu, in a panel discussion on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", expressed his disgust over the high prices of commodities and its attribution to global economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine/Russia war.



According to him, some traders have placed extortionate prices on their commodities to make the Akufo-Addo government unpopular.



He backed his argument with his own experience telling host Nana Yaw Kesseh that he recently received foodstuffs from Techiman and the prices shocked him.



He narrated that he received 100 tubers of yam and all cost him GHC 650, wondering why commodities at places like Techiman are so cheaper than those found in markets in the capital city, Accra.



"Why is it that when it comes to Accra, they sell it at such high prices, just to make the government unpopular? How?", he exclaimed.



To him, the traders are "intentionally increasing the prices of commodities so that there will be hardships in the country".





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Largely an unknown name in Ghanas Political landscape prior to the 2008 election, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has by dint of hard work, worked his way to the very top of the Political staircase.



Known largely for his deep understanding of the economy prior to the NPPs electoral victory of 2016, Dr. Bawumia has proven in power to be a forward-thinking Vice President with his innovative technologically advanced initiatives aimed at building a more robust economy in the medium to long-term.



But it is not just Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who has matured exponentially in his role as Ghanas second most powerful gentleman, his wife, Samira Bawumia has transformed into an exceptionally matured political figure and an indispensable pillar to the fortunes of the New Patriotic Party.



Not only has Bawumia endeared himself to the grassroots of the NPP, but his wife Samira has also equally won the hearts of the grassroots with her massive involvement in campaign exercises.



Dr. Mahamudu Bawumias main legacy in Ghanaian politics has got to be his role in reshaping and reintroducing into the discourse of our body-politics once again an issue based and intellectually stimulating politicking. This, he does with his extensive knowledge on economic and developmental issues and his political jabs at his opponents.



The Vice Presidents tenure as head of the economic management team has been one of gradual strategic reform of the Ghanaian economy as he leads the charge in introducing modern ways of collecting government revenue, acquiring passports and others.



The veteran economist has spearheaded the establishment of the digital address system, the QR payment system and tons of other digitization efforts.



Just this week, the Vice President launched the e-pharmacy initiative, one that will see to it that Ghanaians acquire and pay for authentic medicines easily and have them delivered to them with dispatch.



These and more indicate that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has a plan and is working towards achieving it gradually as the country begins to embrace the digitization drive.



With this proven forward-thinking ability, and with elections for flag bearer fast approaching, it is fair to say that Dr. Bawumia represents the ruling New Patriotic Partys surest bet to winning the general elections for a third consecutive time even though history appears not to favor the possibility.

Source: Ghanafeed.com









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Chief Imam Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu has offered prayers and benedictions on the newly elected General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party, Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua to have a successful tenure in the next four (4) years of his administration.



The Chief Imam prayed for Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua, popularly known as "JFK" when he and his team paid a courtesy call on the Chief Imam to express his profound gratitude for his spiritual support during the just-ended NPP national elections.



The General Secretary was thankful and appreciative that although he called on the Chief Imam on the eve of the elections, the revered leader didn't hesitate to give him the needed support to secure his bid.



Lawyer Kodua promised to serve the New Patriotic Party and the entire Ghanaian community selflessly and in the best interest of all.



He also promised to work closely with the Chief Imam's office and the government to expand development opportunities for the Zongo communities.



Chief Imam also promised to continuously support the young vibrant chief scribe of the NPP in prayer to achieve success in his endeavors.



The General Secretary was accompanied by some members of his campaign team, constituency executives and a host of other dignitaries.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, has accused a former Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, of breaching the contractual agreement covering the supply of ambulances to the ministry.



The minster, who was giving his evidence-in-chief in a trial in which the Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and two others standing trial for causing financial loss to the state over an ambulance deal, said the accused instructed the Bank of Ghana to establish a letter of credit amounting to over 3 million in favour of Big Sea.



The practice, according to the witness who was being led by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, was contrary to the contract agreement.



He explained that the contract required that payment should not be made until the vehicles are delivered.



Charges



Dr Forson, who is also the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam and the Ranking Member on the Finance Committee of Parliament, is standing trial with Sylvester Anemana, a former Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, and Richard Jakpa, a businessman, for allegedly causing financial loss of 2.37 million to the state in a deal to purchase 200 ambulances for the country between 2014 and 2016.



They have, however, pleaded not guilty to five counts of willfully causing financial loss to the state, abetment to willfully cause financial loss to the state, contravention of the Public Procurement Act and intentionally misapplying public property.



Letters of credit



It is the case of the prosecution that Dr Forson, by writing to the BoG for letters of credit of 3.95 million for the supply of 50 ambulances in favour of Big Sea, he played a part in causing financial loss to the state since the ambulances procured for the state were not fit for purpose.



The health minister testified that after signing the contract for the procurement of the ambulances, letters of credit needed to be established to trigger the execution.



However, due to delays, the minister told the court that Big Sea sent a notice of intention to sue the state to the Office of Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Health.



The minister further testified that at the time, the ministry of health in its response said it was incapacitated to execute the contract because the parliamentary approval for the financing agreement indicated that the source of funding should come from the Stanbic Bank adding: As at the time, the ministry has not been informed of any credit agreement between Ministry of Health and Stanbic Bank.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Former President John Dramani Mahama has been criticized over some comments made against the Electoral Commission.



EC Pliant tool



Mr Mahama while reacting to EC's intention to use the Ghana Card as a source document for registering new voters said: is a relatively new feature of our national life and has its merits in the scheme of things. At the moment, it is being brandished more as a political tool around which all manner of schemes is being fashioned toward elections. There is the need to allow sufficient time for its full integration into our way of life before this kind of unhelpful exclusion of all other legitimately acquired, credible and time-tested forms of identification is implemented.



The National Identification Authority cannot claim to have covered every Ghanaian who should be registered or distributed all the cards printed to those who have been captured in their system. They have failed to distribute hundreds of thousands of cards to people who have registered. Until full and total coverage is achieved in the rollout of the Ghana Card, room must be made for those who are yet to be served, to exercise their democratic rights of voting. They cannot be excluded from the voter register due to no fault of theirs.



According to him, institutions like the EC have "become pliant tools for the furtherance of the political ends of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and President Akufo-Addo.



They appear determined to ensure the disenfranchisement of sections of our population at all costs through a misguided insistence on the use of the Ghana Card as the only source of identification for a voter card. How do you do this, knowing that the Ghana Card is not available to everyone who should have one?



Nana Akomea Disappointed



Nana Akomea has however expressed disappointment in former President John Mahama.



Contributing to a panel discussion on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', the Inter-City STC boss said the former President's comment is an affront to the nation's democracy.



"I'm really disappointed in Mahama. Is this what a former President should say? That the Electoral Commission is a pliant tool? His comment is in bad taste. You have already said the Electoral Commission is independent and that he can't influence electoral results and so what has changed? Double standards is what he's exhibiting; infact the Electoral Commission is independent no matter who is in power . . ."



"You're not even showing respect to the state institution; he shouldn't be speaking like this. It doesn't help our democracy," he added.



Listen to his reaction in the video below





Source: Peacefmonline.com









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John Dramani Mahama has said that there would have been a better approach to the handling of the economic mess the country is currently facing had the late former president of Ghana, John Evans Atta Mills, been at the wheel.



The former president explained that instead of the attempts by the incumbent, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and his officials to downplay the magnitude of hardships in the country, this is something the late former president would have done better, adding a human face to things.



John Mahama was speaking at an event organized by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to mark the 10th anniversary of the passing of John Evans Atta Mills.



Having known Professor Mills quite well, I know that if it was he who was confronted with these problems while he led this country, he would not have chosen the path of obstinacy and denial. Hed have chosen the path of respect for the people of Ghana and he would have taken responsibility to fix the problems.



He would have effected cost corrections and made the changes necessary. Hed have treated Ghanaians with great sensitivity and hed not have sought to shift the blame onto others. hed not have argued with his own people - the people he governs, who are enduring the hardships, and invent the most elaborate and implausible rationalization for why theyre going through those excruciating hardships.



Those to whom the people of Ghana entrust their mandate have much to learn from this distinguished statesman of blessed memory, he said.

















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Some political watchers have asked the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to address the ineffectiveness of the Partys communication strategy if it intends to break the eight in the 2024 election.



The NPP is aiming at breaking the two-term (eight-year) rule of governments since 1992, by ensuring that for the first time, the party stays in power for a third term by winning the 2024 election.



However, some political analysts noted that the Party, which struggled to win the 2020 election, as reflected in the current hung parliament, was gradually losing touch with the grassroots.



They said there was a disconnection between the communication machinery of the Government, the Party, its followers as well as Ghanaians in general.



The analysts said that could cost the NPP in the 2024 election if practical steps were not taken urgently to address the communication gap.



Contributing to discussions on the NPPs goal for 2024 after they elected new leaders, Dr Kwame Asah-Asante, a Political Scientist at the University of Ghana, said: Breaking the eight for the NPP will be a daunting task.



He explained that in recent times, the Government and the Party had struggled to defend Government policies and programmes, noting that such a situation was worrying.



Dr Asah-Asante said some major programmes of the Government, which gave the Party popularity in the 2020 election were currently suffering.



He said the free Senior High School (Free SHS), Nation Builders Corps (NABCo), school feeding, and the One District-One Factory (1D1F) programmes needed to be looked at and their outcomes well-communicated to the public.



On the issue of the Government going to the IMF, the Political Scientist said that: As soon as you bring IMF it means there is indiscipline in the system. You cant even get the courage to say you have done projects. The opposition will surely run you down.



Dr Smart Sarpong, a Political Researcher, said that it would be difficult for the Party to rule for a third consecutive time due to some factors, including the current economic hardship, corruption, uneven distribution of infrastructure development across the nation and unemployment.



He, therefore, advised the Party to localize its strategies as well as resources to empower those at the grassroots level.



There were also suggestions for the Party to expand its electoral college as part of reforms to make it stronger, and curb monetisation of party elections, and separate party leadership from Government.



Dr Sarpong said: Widening the Electoral College has always been the best option. Its unfortunate that here in Africa it is difficult to do it well.

Source: BBC









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American record producer, Khaled Mohammed Khaled, aka DJ Khaled has praised Ghanaian act Black Sherif for the amazing delivery of his song Kwaku The Traveller.



He described his music as a creative piece that touches the soul. In an Instagram post on Tuesday DJ Khalid shared a short video of Black Sherif singing his song; Kwaku The Traveller.



Khaled who is happy about the Ghanaian musician wrote underneath the post saying, @blacksherif_  KEEP GOING Music that touch your soul.



Earlier reports suggested that early hours of Tuesday, July 19, 2022, Khaled also shared a screenshot of Black Sherifs single on his Insta-story indicating he was listening to the track. It was after listening to the piece that he posted Black Sherif on his main page on Instagram.



Kwaku The Traveller by Black Sherif was published on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, The single during its first week of release debuted on Apple Music Top 100 Music Charts in several countries across the globe and has also received positive comments and reviews from music enthusiasts.









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"Freedom Convoy" organizer Tamara Lich is once again arguing to be released from jail after a justice of the peace denied her bail earlier this month. Lich embraces supporters as she leaves the courthouse in Ottawa on Monday, March 7, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
On July 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin took journalists' questions after returning from a diplomatic visit to Tehran, where he met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The meetings followed U.S. President Joe Bidens visit to the Middle East by just a few days and focused on the military and refugee situation in Syria, economics and Russias war on Ukraine.

Putin told reporters the three leaders had differences but were united about one thing: the situation in northeast Syria.

U.S. troops should leave this area. This is the first point. And they should stop looting the Syrian state, the Syrian people, taking their oil illegally, Putin said.

The claim that U.S. forces are taking Syrian oil illegally is false.

Lets start in 2014.

A U.S.-led coalition launched a military campaign against forces of the Islamic State terrorist group, which had seized control of parts of northeast Syria and named the city of Raqqa capital of its self-declared caliphate.

The anti-IS campaign included airstrikes and providing arms and training to Kurdish-led anti-IS forces that became the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Among the targets of the coalition airstrikes were makeshift oil refineries that IS had established in northeast Syria.

IS earned around $500 million from oil sales in 2016, on top of $360 million from taxation, Reuters reported that year.

U.S. troops were sent into Syria and, in 2019, they killed IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in northern Syria. Following al-Baghdadis death, the U.S. military reinforced positions around the oil fields. According to then U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper, the move was taken to ensure that the oil fields did not benefit IS or the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad and its ally, Russia.

Instead, Esper said, revenues from those oil fields would help the SDF arm its troops and guard prisons holding IS detainees: We want to make sure that SDF does have access to those resources  to assist us with the defeat IS mission."

Shortly before that, then-President Donald Trump had ordered the withdrawal of U.S. troops from northern Syria ahead of a Turkish military operation targeting Kurdish forces, which Turkey regards as a threat.

Trump declared that the U.S. should keep the oil its troops had secured in northern Syria  but that never happened. In May 2021, his successor, Joe Biden, elected not to review a waiver Trump had granted allowing a politically connected company operate in the area.

Today, some 900 U.S. troops remain in northern Syria.

Asked in an interview last November about that U.S. troop presence there, Brett McGurk, the Biden administrations National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, said that we intend to stay in northern Syria to combat IS remnants.

Putins claim that the U.S. is stealing Syrian oil echoes Syrian Minister of Economy and Trade Mohammad Samer al-Khalil, who said last October that oil fields continue to be looted under U.S. supervision and by U.S. companies in northeast Syria and with the cooperation of terrorist groups in the area. Polygraph.info fact checked al-Khalil then and found his claim to be false.

Syria itself is not a major oil producer. Its reserves account for 0.2% of the worlds total. Syria also ranks 68th among countries in consumption of oil  using 0.1% of total world consumption.

Before Syrias civil war erupted in 2011, however, oil provided its government with 25% of its revenues. Eleven years of war have devastated the countrys economy.

Russia, meantime, has been after Syrias oil and natural gas. In 2019, Assads government reportedly signed a deal with two Russian companies, Mercury LLC and Velada LLC, covering the production and export of oil and gas in three areas of Syria, including an oilfield in the countrys northeast and a gas field close to Damascus.

Reuters reported at the time that the Assad government was looking to sign offshore contracts for oil investment, leaning on its allies Russia and Iran in the face of Western sanctions.

In 2021, Foreign Policy magazine reported that Mercury and Velada had long-standing ties to Putin's confidante Yevgeny Prigozhin. A third Russian company, Kapital, was granted rights to explore and produce gas off Syrias shores.

In May 2022, to support the continuing efforts to prevent IS from resurging, the U.S. eased sanctions on 12 different economic sectors in parts of Kurdish-controlled northeast Syria and parts of areas controlled by the Turkish-backed rebels in northern and northwestern Syria. The move did not lift oil sector sanctions, however.

In July, the Crisis Group, a Belgium think tank, stated in a study on IS resilience in northeast and central Syria that IS attacks had increased and its revenue had grown.
The China-Laos Peace Train-2022joint humanitarian medical rescue exercise launches all-process joint drills in an orderly manner. (Photo by Zeng Li)

By Zuo Shengnan and Zeng Li

BEIJING, July 25 -- The China-Laos Peace Train-2022 joint humanitarian medical rescue exercise entered the phase of all-process drills at the Penghong Railway Station in Vientiane Province of Laos on July 22.

The theme of the Peace Train-2022 joint exercise is "Humanitarian Medical Rescue in Typhoon Disaster. The all-process joint drills were carried out against the scenario in which 18 people injured in the typhoon disaster were evacuated from a Lao level-II hospital to the Chinese military medical train.

After receiving preliminary injury examination by the Peace Train medical team members, the 18 wounded were settled in different carriages and bunks of the medical train according to their conditions. The reception team, severe case treatment team, and surgery team served to carry out consequent examinations, determine treatment plan, organize joint consultation, perform emergency operation, and ensure uninterrupted treatment and monitoring of the wounded.

This exercise highlights joint command and rescue. Through the two days of individual subjects training and the all-process drills, the medical teams from both sides improved their capability of accomplishing various tasks in cooperation, said Zhang Yufeng, member of the guidance and coordination team from the Chinese side in the joint exercise.

The Chinese military dispatched a 149-member medical team and a medical train to participate in the Peace Train-2022 joint exercise, and the Lao military sent for the exercise a total of 270 personnel, including 100 medical staff.
Pictured from left are Diana Silas, executive director of Gregg-Graniteville Foundation; Ira E. "Bud" Coward president of the board of directors of Gregg-Graniteville Foundation; Carmen Landy, chief executive officer of Helping Hands; and George B. Mitchell vice president of the board of directors of Gregg-Graniteville Foundation.
The United Way of Aiken County is getting ready to purchase a new and bigger home in Aiken.

The deal for the charitable organization to acquire the former Aiken Senior Life Services headquarters is scheduled to close Thursday.

We are just so excited, said United Way President Sharon Rodgers. It is going to be a resource center for the folks in this community. It will not only house the offices of the United Way, but also the offices of some of our partner agencies.

The new home is at 159 Morgan St. S.W., and the building stands on a site that is nearly an acre in size.

Well have plenty of space for people that need to come in, and well have community meeting space, Rodgers said. Plus, well be taking a building that has served the community for many years and repurposing it.

The United Ways current downtown location is at 235 Barnwell Ave. N.W.

We are currently leasing, and we would like to have a home that eventually will belong to the United Way, Rodgers said. We wanted space that we could invite partner agencies into and space for community meetings. And this building was available. Its all on one floor. Our current place is multi-level.

The new headquarters has a parking lot, so thats nice, Rodgers continued. Its also centrally located. Its not right downtown, but its very close to downtown.

Rodgers announced the plans for the United Ways new home during the Rotary Club of Aikens meeting Monday at Newberry Hall.

The United Way will receive $250,000 for infrastructure from Aiken Countys more than $160 million share of the plutonium settlement funds.

Plans call for the United Way to use most of the money allotted to it to renovate its new headquarters.

It needs some high ticket items, Rodgers said. We have to make it ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) compliant. It needs new windows. It needs a new HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system. And it needs parking lot grading. The roof also needs to be repaired.

J.E. Stewart Builders will be the contractor for the renovations.

The United Way hopes to move to the Morgan Street site late this year or early in 2023.

During her announcement to the Rotary Club, Rodgers thanked S.C. Sen. Tom Young, R-Aiken, and the rest of the Aiken County Legislative Delegation for their efforts involving the plutonium settlement and the money that the United Way received as a result.

South Carolina and the federal government, specifically the U.S. Department of Energy, reached an agreement on the settlement in August 2020. It ended a years-long standoff and resolved expensive litigation over the long-term storage of plutonium at the Savannah River Site.

The S.C. legislatures budget conference committee finalized a deal in June on how the $525 million settlement would be divided in the Palmetto State.

Rogers also thanked Security Federal Bank, attorney Charles Rudnick and just a whole host of people for making the acquisition and renovation of a new United Way headquarters possible.

Security Federal is loaning us the money for the purchase price, she said.

The cost to buy Aiken Senior Life Services former home is roughly $275,000, Rodgers added.

Last year, the United Ways fundraising campaign generated more than $2.3 million.

Aiken Senior Life Services new headquarters is at 1310 East Pine Log Road. That location was the former site of Boots, Bridles & Britches, a store that closed in 2015.

Also during the Rotary Clubs Monday meeting, Principal Lisa Fallaw and Media Specialist Melanie Starks talked about the positive impact of the Rotary Readers program at East Aiken School of the Arts.
Three well-known Palmetto State scholars took their audience on a journey into the past during a symposium, The History of Democracy in South Carolina, which was held July 23 at Second Baptist Church in Aiken.

Dr. Tom Mack, a USC Aiken distinguished professor emeritus and Aiken Standard columnist, served as the moderator.

His fellow panel members were Dr. Walter Edgar and Dr. Bobby Donaldson.

A University of South Carolina professor emeritus, Edgar hosts Walter Edgars Journal and South Carolina from A to Z on South Carolina public radio.

Donaldson is an associate professor of history at the University of South Carolina and the director of the schools Center for Civil Rights History and Research.

The symposium in which the three men participated was a supporting program for the Smithsonian Institutes traveling exhibit, Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, which opened July 23 at the Aiken County Historical Museum.

Visitors to the museum will able to view the exhibit through Sept. 2.

Tonight we gather to talk about voices and votes, Donaldson said, but its not simply about the past. Its not simply the history. Its about the world we live in right now. And unless we know our history  we will repeat so many of the regrettable mistakes of the past.

Providing an overview that began in the Colonial Era, Donaldson and Edgar discussed the many efforts over the years to prevent Blacks from exercising their civil rights in South Carolina, where voting was a major issue.

They included the Hamburg Massacre, a civil disturbance that occurred in 1876 in what now is a part of present-day North Augusta.

"We cannot talk about voices and votes and democracy in South Carolina without talking about the voices and the votes of those individuals that were suppressed, that were ignored, that were marginalized," Donaldson said.

During much of the Palmetto State's early history, whites were in the minority.

Prior to the 1920s, "the majority of the population was African American, except between 1790 and 1820," Edgar said. "The rest of time from 1706 to 1922, South Carolina had a Black majority population. And in 1860, it was 60%."

Also mentioned during the symposium was the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution that legally guarantees women the right to vote.

In 1919, U.S. Congress approved the amendment and then sent it to the states for ratification, but South Carolina didnt give its formal consent until 50 years later.

Aikens Eulalie Salley, a prominent suffragist, watched over S.C. Gov. Robert McNairs shoulder as he signed the bill to ratify the amendment.

During the symposium, Donaldson recognized Aiken resident Richard Johnson and his late parents, the Rev. Richard Johnson Sr. and Pinkie Smith Johnson.

In 2014, the South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP honored Richard Sr. and Pinkie with a Presidential Citation for their civil rights advocacy.

The inscription on the plaque that their son received described the couple as trailblazers who confronted societys denial of basic citizenship rights to Black citizens before the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and brought to tens of thousands in Barnwell and Allendale counties access to the ballot and a new sense of freedom.

Donaldson praised the elder Johnsons for their bravery on South Carolinas voting rights battlegrounds and asked their son to stand so the symposium audience could applaud him for carrying on his parents civil rights legacy.

The Aiken County Historical Museum, Friends of the Aiken County Historical Museum and Second Baptist Church are the lead organizers of the Voices and Votes exhibit and its series of supporting programs, according to aikenvoicesandvotes.com.

Dee Crawford, a member of the Voices and Votes program committee, was in charge of the team that did most of the work in preparation for the symposium.

When I saw the application that was available to apply to be a city to host this exhibition, I immediately thought about the Aiken area because were somewhat rural, but yet were kind of cosmopolitan, she said. I also thought that if we were able to get something like this, it would be enhanced by having someone who knows the history of Aiken County and South Carolina to come talk about democracy in both places.

As Crawford considered the possibilities, the two people who came to mind were Dr. Donaldson because I personally know him and Ive worked with him on other projects and Dr. Edgar because hes on the radio, she said. Ive always listened to him.
A South Carolina man serving as a medic in the Ukrainian military was identified by his commanding officer over the weekend as one of two Americans killed in action last week.

Luke "Skywalker" Lucyszyn, a 31-year-old Myrtle Beach resident, died on July 18 in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine after he was knocked unconscious by an artillery strike and fatally shot by a Russian tank, his commander, Ruslan Miroshnichenko, wrote on Facebook.

The State Department confirmed the deaths of two Americans in Ukraine on Friday but did not release their names or further details. Family and friends have confirmed reports that Lucyszyn was one of the men who died.

Miroshnichenko identified the other American as Bryan Young. Other information about Young wasn't immediately available Monday.

Thousands of foreign fighters, including many Americans, have joined Ukrainian forces battling Russia since it invaded on Feb. 24. Some of the volunteers are hardened veterans from other wars; others have little to no military experience.

Lucyszyn's longtime friend Trey Kober, of North Myrtle Beach, said Lucyszyn left for Ukraine in early April after telling close friends he felt a responsibility to defend his late grandmother's homeland.

Lucyszyn volunteered to take the place of another man who needed to be with his family, Kober said.

"I was proud of him," Kober said in an interview Monday. "He relieved the man, and he immediately started teaching others because some of these guys had never held guns before, had never loaded ammunition into magazines."

Kober, 40, befriended Lucyszyn on a North Carolina paintball course 12 years ago and took on "an older brother role" for the young paintball instructor. The two spent their weekends camping in the woods and playing multiday paintball matches with friends. Lucyszyn later worked as a police officer and was the father of two children.

Two weeks before his death, Lucyszyn said goodbye to Kober in an emotional Facebook message after he learned that his platoon would soon be sent to the more dangerous Donbas region, where Russia has focused most of its firepower, bombarding cities and towns, in its assault on Ukraine.

"He was pretty confident he wouldn't be coming back," Kober said. "He sent us a serious message that said he was being sent to the frontlines to relieve a platoon that had been there for a long time, and he basically just told us, 'I'm not coming back from this. This is it.'"

Though Kober knew his friend might die in battle, he said nothing could have prepared him for the shock he felt when he learned the news.

Lucyszyn's parents, Kathryn and George Lucyszyn, said the State Department informed them of their son's death on a phone call Tuesday. The Calabash, North Carolina, residents said they tried to dissuade their son from serving abroad, but he insisted it was his calling.

"He didn't go there to be a hero," Lucyszyn's mother said Saturday in an interview with NBC News. "He went there because he wanted to help people."

___

Schoenbaum reported from Raleigh, North Carolina. Associated Press writers Julia Rubin in New York and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.
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.
NORTH CHARLESTON  A new barbecue restaurant is coming to the city's southern end, but that doesnt begin to describe what youll soon find at 2029 Carver Ave., steps away from Reynolds Avenue.

Char siu (Cantonese barbecue pork), Chinese sausage, roasted duck and fried cabbage are some of the dishes Shuai and Corrie Wang of Jackrabbit Filly will serve inside King BBQ, set to open in early 2023.

Since turning their popular Short Grain food truck and pop-up into a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2019, the Wangs have made Jackrabbit Filly a place that feels cozy and comfortable, yet dynamic and full of surprises. The restaurant seamlessly blends Chinese and American cuisine in a casual and lively setting, with dishes like karaage, dumplings, fish tartare and drunken egg noodles in ginger tomato sauce among the local favorites.

King BBQ will be different, with a menu unlike other barbecue restaurants in the Lowcountry. The restaurants name comes from the couples surname, which translates to King in Chinese. When written in Chinese, Wang is said to resemble the forehead of a tiger.

The concept is more Chinese-style barbecue with a heavy influence of North Carolina, so mustard and vinegar cue, Shuai Wang said.

That means roasted and smoked meats paired with sides that riff on classics; German potato salad and North Carolina red slaw, for instance. Diners will be invited to order at the counter and settle at a table inside the 3,000-square-foot space or outside on a covered patio, perhaps with one of several dive bar-inspired cocktails.

Shuai Wang called Kings BBQ a "Buffalo Bills bar," so in addition to Chinese barbecue, expect the Labatt Blues to be flowing.

The restaurant is housed in a building that was once separated into two units, 2027 and 2029 Carver Ave. It previously housed several businesses, including The News & Couriers North Area Branch Office in the 1950s.

You might recognize the building's owner, Ed Sutton, one of nine potential running mates floated by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joe Cunningham on July 18. Sutton owns several buildings in the Reynolds Avenue corridor, a part of North Charleston that has seen an influx of development in recent years.

Were kind of seeing a resurgence of interest in the area, Sutton said. Its been really interesting to see this transition and renewed interest.

Sutton will soon redevelop the 3324 Rivers Ave. space previously occupied by Gold Mine Pawn Shop, a 9,000-square-foot project he said could include a restaurant. For now, his focus is on King BBQ, a total overhaul that will be designed by the Wangs.

I love the neighborhood, Corrie Wang said, describing King BBQs setting. I just think that were opening a friendly place thats going to make everybody happy.

Current Jackrabbit Filly chef Brandon Olson will lead the King BBQ kitchen as chef de cuisine. The promotion is an example of the Wangs giving employees opportunities for growth  a Jackrabbit Filly server will take on King BBQs general manager role, while a bartender will be promoted to bar manager.

Ahead of King BBQs opening, the Wangs will harken back to their Short Grain days by popping up at Edmunds Oast Brewing Co. every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (or sold out). The first pop-up will take place Aug. 23.

If its anything like those Short Grain events, we recommend visiting early and often.
GEORGETOWN  A Charleston man was arrested July 23 after a brief foot chase and an armed standoff in Georgetown.

Javontay Savon Rogers, 28, of Charleston, was arrested in connection with charges of armed robbery, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and possession of a weapon by a felon, according to a news release from the Georgetown County Sheriffs Office.

Rogers was being sought for allegedly using a firearm July 22 to rob two people in a vehicle who came to McDonald Road to give him a ride.

Deputies saw Rogers walking on Highmarket Street on July 23 and chased him behind the Georgetown County Fire Station. Rogers fell attempting to jump over a cable and a firearm discharged, according to the sheriffs office.

Rogers was cornered by two deputies and fired his .22 caliber revolver into the air several times and pointed it at his head, threatening to shoot himself, according to the release.

With weapons drawn, the deputies continued to negotiate with Rogers to put down his firearm and surrender. His wife was called to the scene to speak with him. A mental health unit was requested, but Rogers surrendered prior to its arrival.

Rogers was taken to Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital for evaluation and resisted treatment in the emergency room. With the assistance of deputies, doctors were able to examine him prior to him being taken to Georgetown County Detention Center.

No bail had been set for Rogers as of early July 25 and he was still incarcerated at the county detention center.
GREER  Sen. Lindsey Graham said July 25 he is still waiting for Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis to serve him a subpoena to appear before a grand jury in Georgia.

Willis is conducting an investigation into possible meddling by former President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election.

If he is served, the South Carolina senator said he plans to challenge the subpoena on the Constitutions speech and debate clause, which protects members of Congress from being prosecuted for legislative activity. He would challenge it first in the Northern District of Georgia U.S. District Court, then appeal to the conservative-leaning 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, according to his office.

Though the clause doesnt shield members of Congress from purely political activity, Graham plans to argue that his inquiry into the election results in Georgia came as part of his activity as the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said Kevin Bishop, Grahams spokesman.

The speech and debate clause is designed to make sure that every county prosecutor in the country or local official cant haul a member of Congress in front of them for doing their job, because it would lead to chaos, Graham said.

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Willis has named Graham an important witness in the case investigating potential election tampering following the November 2020 presidential election in Georgia.

At the time, prosecutors say Graham called Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and sought to pressure him to produce a favorable outcome for Trump in the state. Trump lost the vote in Georgia by 11,779 votes.

Graham said the case is politically motivated by a Democratic prosecutor and that hes tried to push for a quick resolution to the subpoena but hasnt been served.

Shes gotten a lot of headlines and shes got the favor of the left but I think if you give in to this youre going to have a system that produces some really chaotic outcomes, he said.

In a July 25 decision, a Fulton County judge disqualified Willis from investigating a Georgia lawmaker, Sen. Burt Jones, in the same probe, saying her political conflicts-of-interest campaigning for Jones past Democratic opponent disqualified her from involvement in the case.
Kenna Coe is the editor for the Moultrie News. Send her an email at editor@moultrienews.com
McKinley Washington Jr., a longtime Presbyterian minister and pioneering African American statesman in South Carolina, died July 24, according to church colleagues and various political leaders commemorating his life of service. He was 85.

Washington was among a new generation of Black legislators in the state who gained access to the levers of power soon after desegregation. He served in elected office for 25 years, from 1975 to 1990 in the S.C. House of Representatives, representing District 116, and from 1990 to 2000 in the state Senate, representing District 45.

After his legislative career, he became a member of the S.C. Employment Security Commission for eight years.

Washington first was elected to the House during the era of the so-called New South, when a young generation of Democrats sought to shake the burdens of the past and push the region forward into a more equitable future.

Quickly he got to work on social issues like early childhood education, petitioning Sargent Shriver, brother-in-law of the late President John Kennedy and head of the Office of Economic Opportunity under President Lyndon Johnson, to allocate Head Start funds despite the decision by local and state politicians to reject federal funds for education.

A few weeks after his trip to Washington, D.C., seven Head Start grants had been approved.

During his years in the Statehouse, he served as chairman of the S.C. Legislative Black Caucus and as chairman of the House Committee on Operations and Management. He developed a reputation for collaboration and compromise.

Former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley began his career in politics around the same time as Washington.

He was a tireless worker and advocate for progressive policies, Riley said. When he was in the Legislature, he would be going from Edisto to Columbia and back with enormous energy. He never appeared to be tired.

Washington, who was always collegial and never showed anger, was treated with respect and admiration by fellow lawmakers, Riley said.

Republicans and Democrats of all persuasions listened to McKinley because he was so honest and forthright and convincing. I dont think there was a more effective legislator in Columbia, when he was there, than McKinley. People trusted him.

Washington was born in Mayesville, a small community in Sumter County. His parents and seven siblings were sharecroppers, growing cotton, tobacco and corn. His father didn't finish elementary school; his mother was a schoolteacher. They insisted that the children get an education.

Washington attended Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, where he studied economics and religion, earned a bachelor's degree, then a master's of divinity degree.

In 1961, he participated in lunch counter sit-ins in Charlotte. In 1963, he joined the March on Washington. On campus, he heard Malcolm X speak, and listened to Martin Luther King Jr. explain his philosophy of nonviolence. He was still a student when he came to Edisto Presbyterian Church.

He quickly rose to prominence on Edisto Island. In 1964, he formed a branch of the NAACP and worked hard to enfranchise African Americans there. He also helped start the Sea Island Comprehensive Health Care Corp., a project pushed by Esau Jenkins and Rural Missions founder Willis Goodwin.

His efforts earned him some prominence in the Black community, but it also gained some unwanted attention from the Ku Klux Klan.

Before the NAACP became a presence on Edisto, the Black community was fearful, timid, careful, Washington told The Post and Courier in 2012. The Ku Klux Klan would burn a cross every weekend.

But intimidation gave way to courage, and local African Americans soon were confronting the Klan, throwing rocks and shouting catcalls.

He endured lots of threatening phone calls, but nothing scared him more than the morning he awoke to find the egg-smeared car in the carport painted with KKK slogans and racial epithets.

But he did not turn away from the fight for justice. In 1969, he joined marchers supporting striking hospital workers in Charleston. By the early 1970s, Washington was making inroads in electoral politics. He was among a small group of African American strategists who sought to chart a course of influence. Washington, Herbert Fielding, Big John Chisholm and Gussie Humes would confer on Monday mornings at the Ladson House Restaurant on President Street, according to James Turner, former vice chairman of the S.C. Democratic Party.

Eventually, Washington commanded a powerful voting bloc and exercised influence over Congressional District 1 races, Turner said.

In 1984, he co-founded the Palmetto Project with Phil Noble and Sen. Paul Cantrell. Its goal early on was to ensure safe, fair and accurate elections, though its mission soon expanded.

U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn got to know Washington when the two men were just starting out in Democratic politics.

"McKinley was a fierce advocate for the Sea Islands of South Carolina and he spent his life fighting for equity and a better quality of life for the communities he represented," Clyburn said in a statement. "He was a man of great faith, but he followed the admonition that faith without works is dead. As a result, he left his community and his state a better place. I will miss McKinleys resonant voice that conveyed the trust and power that he earned during his life of service. May he rest in power."

Washington remained active as pastor of Edisto Presbyterian Church for 50 years, until his retirement in 2012, his deep bass voice reverberating through the sanctuary.

The Rev. Charles Heyward has been preaching at the church for the past six years. On July 10, Heyward noticed that Washington was slowing down. The former lawmaker and retired pastor had overcome health issues before, but this was different. The next day he was admitted to the hospital, Heyward said.

After a Charleston City Council meeting on July 19, Heyward went to visit his mentor and learned about kidney issues. Washington's condition was declining.

"Its been an honor to be able to follow him at Edisto (Presbyterian Church) and seek to carry on a viable ministry there that he gave leadership to for 50 years," Heyward said.

Over the years, the two men consulted on political matters. Heyward relied on his elder colleague for intel on leaders and issues, he said.

Washington has been a role model. His knack for combining a life of faith with a career in politics and public service is something Heyward has sought to emulate.

In his last decade, Washington expressed concern that the hard-won gains achieved during the civil rights movement were eroding, and that too many preferred complacency to political activism.

His life of activism surely set an example that has inspired many others, from the late Clementa Pinckney, who won Washingtons Senate seat in 2000, to young legislators such as JA Moore and Marvin Pendarvis. In 1993, the bridge connecting the mainland near Adams Run to Edisto Island, named in Washington's honor, opened to traffic. It is an apt metaphor for a lawmaker who sought to bridge political, social and racial divides.

Washington is survived by his wife Beulah, son Michael, daughter Katrina and two grandchildren. Fielding Home for Funerals in Charleston is in charge of funeral arrangements.
SUMMERVILLE  Kids running around the splash pad and playground. Parents pushing their children on a swing. Families fishing at a pond and singing along to My Lovin (Youre Never Gonna Get it) by En Vogue. Retired friends walking along a trail and eating lunch at a picnic table.

You can find all of these in one place  Summervilles Ashley River Park, which just opened in March.

This is the first and only park of its kind in Dorchester County.

Ashley River Park was years in the making, with the 85-acre property for the park being purchased in 2012, though the construction did not begin until 2020.

Since its opened, the park has charged $2 per person for entry and offers annual passes: $40 for Dorchester County residents and $80 for people who live outside Dorchester County.

County Councilman Jay Byars, who also heads the Dorchester County Parks and Recreation Commission, said the park has been well-received.

We've had nothing but great feedback from the community, both Dorchester County residents and quite candidly, we've had quite a few visitors from Charleston and Berkeley County, and everybody's just had rave reviews, Byars said.

Austin Zuniga, director of parks and recreation, said hes thankful for peoples patience in waiting for the park to open.

We had really high expectations and the public just blew all those expectations out of the water early, Zuniga said.

Both Byars and Zuniga said theyve already surpassed their attendance and revenue goals. As of July 20, over 75,000 people have visited the park and there are 5,062 annual pass members and 245 rentals of picnic shelters or a pavilion, with revenue of over $58,000. Revenue for annual passes and admission is $271,172.

They gather statistics on dogs too; 3,092 dogs have visited the park thus far.

Even though the park is fairly new, there already are plans to expand. Zuniga said the county has purchased property off Miles Jamison Road thats over 300 acres and hopes to get started on the construction of the park  Pine Trace  there soon. He said it would be an extension of Ashley River Park and annual passes from Ashley River Park would be applicable at Pine Trace.

Zuniga said the county also had purchased the property across the street from Ashley River Park with intent to build a library and establish trails. He said hes been in contact with an engineering firm about building a connector so people can safely cross the street, whether it be a tunnel or an overpass.

In a perfect world, somebody can go to the library with their kids, go check out a book, enjoy the library and then be able to walk over here without worrying about crossing Bacons Bridge Road and enjoy the park and just kind of make a day out of it, Zuniga said.

Lawrence Walton brought his three kids to the park after hearing about it from his wife. The kids had already spent time at the playground and the splash pad, and were going to try to go fishing next.

One of Waltons 5-year-old twins waved his fishing pole around as he decided on his fishing goal: I want to catch a little baby fish!

Krista Allison brought her three kids and dog to the park, and even packed a lunch so they would have more time to enjoy it. She said her kids, two of whom were playing at the splash pad, loved the splash pad and zipline the most.

Zuniga said that while the park is up and running, there are still some things that need to be done. Theres the goal of installing a challenge course, and he said theyre currently in the process of finding an events and marketing manager for park. He said they've already talked to several local instructors about teaching yoga, tai chi and karate.

Theres still some punch-list items that were taking care of, which comes with the construction of the park, Zuniga said.

While park programs aren't up and running yet, they do offer a community bus pass for programs such as the YMCA.

We have a lot of day care child care facilities come out here during the week, and they bring all their kiddos out, they play in the splash pad, Zuniga said. That's kind of what we're providing right now until we can, you know, continue to build the staff to be able to actually handle the programming.

Jeremy Schmidt, along with his wife and two daughters, was in town from Japan visiting friends. Upon visiting the park for the first time, he said he couldnt believe the park is only a few months old; he thinks the park is very well put-together.

If we lived here, we'd probably come here every weekend, easily, Schmidt said.

Ashley River Park is open from dawn to dusk daily.

This is a park that has something for everybody. Whether it's walking trails, or splash pad, playground, fishing pond, large pavilions for picnic shelters and birthday parties, Byars said. Whether you're 3 years old, or 93 years old, there's something for you here.
Local attorney Cameron Blazer was appointed as the next 9th Circuit public defender, a role shell assume Aug. 2.

The 46-year-old criminal defense lawyer will replace Ashley Pennington, who is retiring after 14 years in the position. Blazer will manage an office of 40 attorneys who defend impoverished men and women accused of crimes in Berkeley and Charleston counties.

The S.C. Commission of Indigent Defense accepted Blazer's nomination May 25. She was referred to the state commission by the 9th Circuit Public Defender Selection Panel, a five-member body elected by Charleston and Berkeley counties' bar associations.

Blazer, who was born and raised in Charleston, is returning to the public sector after spending the better part of the past decade as a private criminal defense attorney.

Blazer didnt always know she wanted to be a lawyer. She began her career in technology consulting, trading the Lowcountry for the West Coast after graduating in 1997 from the University of South Carolina.

Blazer spent her evenings moonlighting as a line cook in Hollywood kitchens. Positions in both the tech and culinary worlds gave her an intimate glimpse into the immigrant community. Blazer watched her colleagues of varying levels of privilege  undocumented people in kitchens and H-1B visa recipients in tech  get screwed by the immigration system, she said.

She moved back to South Carolina and became an academic adviser at her alma mater, helping many undergraduate students choose law school as their next adventure. Cameron McGowan Currie, a federal judge in Columbia and Blazer's namesake, encouraged her to do the same.

She graduated from the Charleston School of Law in 2007. Blazer had always thought shed wind up an immigration attorney, but she developed an interest in criminal law.

Blazer spent one year at a civil law firm before joining the 9th Circuit Public Defenders Office, where Pennington was its newly elected leader. The role felt like a natural fit, she said.

Pennington remembers the "bright" young attorney as someone committed to working hard to help her clients. Blazer came in and did just that, he said.

She spent a year in Penningtons office before becoming an assistant federal public defender in South Carolina. Blazer held that job until 2013, when her salary was cut in the federal budget.

Blazer, who had a young child at home, decided to enter private practice. She got a job at Savage Law Firm in Charleston as an associate criminal defense lawyer.

There, Blazer represented a slew of clients, including former North Charleston police officer Michael Slager. The White ex-cop pleaded guilty in 2017 to violating the civil rights of Walter Scott, a Black motorist he fatally shot in April 2015 following a traffic stop.

As a private defender, Blazer found that members of the public would sometimes assume a lawyer endorses their client's actions.

"My endorsement is of humanity, she said. (The) humanity I have found in every single person I have ever represented.

Blazer sees criminal defense as being an important check on the power of a government to take away someones freedom. Its her job to ensure that when a client is convicted of criminal behavior, the consequences arent disproportionate, and take into account the totality of the person, she said.

After nearly nine years as a private defense lawyer  time which included opening her own firm  Blazer carefully thought about whether she should apply for Penningtons job. She asked herself: Would this be good for me, and would I be good for it?

The lawyer's private practice is shutting down as a result of her new position, Blazer said. She will continue representing clients from a few outstanding cases through their completion.

Her heart has always been with public defense, she said. These lawyers play an important role  not only in fighting for a fair outcome in their clients cases but also in helping them live happy and successful lives after their case has left the criminal-justice system.

These are our neighbors, and whether we  see their conduct as reprehensible, regrettable, worthy of punishment  they are not islands, she said. They have families, they have jobs, they have children, they have friends, they have communities.

And the ripple effects of what judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys do to either help them or punish them will ripple in both directions. Blazer doesnt feel a lot of moral ambiguity about her job, she said.

There will be short- and long-term challenges in her new role as public defender, Blazer acknowledged, the most pressing of which is the enormous case backlog threatening courts statewide. The typical criminal case in Charleston County took 592 days  more than a year and a half  to resolve in 2021.

I'm going to do everything I can to be a thoughtful and creative problem solver, Blazer said about fixing the backlog problem. Everyone involved needs to be open and willing to try new things, she said.

Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson said she looks forward to working with Blazer, who "has always been a very thorough and skilled defense attorney."

The top prosecutor has already met with the incoming defender, and Blazer knows most of the attorneys in Wilson's office, the solicitor said.

Pennington said he believes his replacement will do a superb job. Blazer has met with the outgoing defender several times, as well as senior staff members in both Charleston and Berkeley counties.

She seems to be very energetic and enthusiastic about taking on this challenge, Pennington said. I look forward to watching her success.

Blazer is most excited about working with a group of people who share the same set of values and organizing principles: Its a community, she said of her fellow public defenders.
GREER  Sen. Lindsey Graham said he believes same-sex marriage is an issue best left to states to decide and that he plans to vote against a bill in the Senate that would protect it.

He referred to the recent repeal of federal abortion rights by the Supreme Court as grounds for a similar approach to be taken on same-sex marriage, allowing each state to decide the issue.

I respect the voters in South Carolina and Im going to allow this issue with my vote in Washington to be decided by them, Graham said in response to a question during a news conference in Greer on July 25.

Graham said he disagrees with the legal analysis of the Supreme Courts 2015 decision in Obergfell v. Hodges that ruled the 14th Amendment required all states to recognize same-sex marriage, but said he respects the decision as the law of the land.

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He plans to vote against the Respect for Marriage Act that would codify same-sex marriage protections in federal law that recently passed the U.S. House on a bipartisan 267-157 vote. South Carolina Republican Reps. Nancy Mace and Tom Rice joined Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn in voting to support RFMA. Republicans Jeff Duncan, Ralph Norman, Joe Wilson and William Timmons voted against the bill.

Graham said he supported the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that allowed states to define the issue of marriage until it was struck down in the Obergfell decision. He compared the argument over marriage to the Supreme Courts recent Dobbs decision, which allowed states to define life and decide the issue of access to abortion.

He said he believes elected officials are best to make those decisions because they are most accountable to the voting public.

Democrats brought the RFMA to a vote soon after Justice Clarence Thomas concurring opinion in the Dobbs decision argued the court should reconsider its rulings in cases that protected same-sex marriage and access to contraception.
This is a shocking story:

One of President Bidens latest judicial nominees serves on the board of a group that backed calls to defund the police and has called to abolish prisons. Biden nominated Roopali Desai, a litigation partner at the law firm Coppersmith Brockelman, to the 9th Circuit Appeals Court bench last month.

The 9th Circuit is notoriously liberal, but this is ridiculous. Before we get to abolishing prisons, this perhaps explains why Desai was particularly appealing to Joe Biden and his administration. From Desais firms web site:

During the 2020 General Election, Roopali handled more than a dozen cases relating to voting procedures and election results. She represented the Arizona Secretary of States Office and defeated numerous cases seeking to challenge the results of Arizonas election.

For that you get a lifetime appointment to the federal appellate bench. More:

Desai serves on the board of Just Communities Arizona (JCA), a self-described abolitionist organization that envisions a world in which prisons and jails are unnecessary. The organization has taken several radical stances on the criminal justice system, including claiming that the criminal punishment system isnt really about justice and mourning Arizonas execution of Frank Atwood last month. Atwood was convicted in 1987 of raping and murdering 8-year-old Vicki Lynne Hoskinson prior to disposing of her body in the Arizona desert northwest of Tuscon. The state of Arizona has executed Frank Atwood, a black graphic featuring a lit candle published by the organization on Facebook read. Please take a moment to send Light to Frank Atwood, his family and friends, and all those who suffer under Arizonas punishment system (including those who are employed by it.

Just what we need on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals! Desai also is a board member of the Arizona ACLU and has represented Planned Parenthood.

Desaifiled a lawsuit last year on behalf of a teachers union and its allies challenging Arizonas ban on teaching the controversial subject in K-12 classrooms.

That would be Critical Race Theory.

Joe Biden is doing his best to politicize the federal judiciary in the time he has remaining in office. The Senate should decline to confirm the appointment of unqualified political radicals like Roopali Desai.
The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) on Monday signed a commitment letter for $280 million in financing for Access Bank Plc in Nigeria.

The DFC is the U.S. governments development finance institution that provides secure private investment opportunities for emerging markets .

The Chief Executive Officer of DFC, Scott Nathan, signed the letter alongside Access Bank Managing Director, Roosevelt Ogbonna.

The loan will help address the financing gap for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and advance financial inclusion in Nigeria, a statement said Monday. It will also encourage the banks commitment to supporting women-owned businesses in Nigeria.

DFCs investment in Access Bank demonstrates U.S. support for private sector-led development in Nigeria and throughout West Africa, said DFC CEO Scott Nathan.

The $280 million loan from DFC will boost financial inclusion in Nigeria and empower women, bolstering the countrys economic growth.

U.S. Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard said that he idea was a welcome development for Nigeria.

We welcome U.S. International Development Finance Corporation CEO Scott Nathan to Nigeria, the ambassador said.

We look forward to discussing with the public and private sectors how DFC funding can be leveraged to unleash the full economic potential of Nigeria through support to the countrys small and medium-sized businesses, financial sector, and climate change-focused enterprises.

Business Support

Mr Ogbonna in his reaction said Access Bank is extremely pleased to announce the strategic partnership with DFC to support the multitude of businesses across Nigeria who stand to benefit from greater access to finance.

The financial support is especially important in an environment that is in need of stronger economic diversification, he said.

We look forward to utilizing the partnership with DFC in driving further economic expansion and inclusion in Nigeria, with a strong focus on non-oil sectors and women businesses, Mr Ogbonna said.

Rizwan Shaikh, Citi EMEA Head of Emerging Markets Corporate Bank, sad that the firm was delighted to have collaborated with Access Bank and DFC on the significant transaction, which will significantly boost SME corporate activity in Nigeria.

He said: This is yet another milestone stride for Citi as it executes a focused local-economy development strategy based on solid partnerships with key clients and development agencies.

DFC financing for Access Bank will provide needed liquidity given the global economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The loan is expected to support at least 4,000 new SME loans in Nigeria. In addition, the loan proceeds will be on-lent across more than a dozen sectors in the Nigerian economy, with specific focus on women-owned SMEs, and on loans with longer tenors, which will provide more flexibility to borrowers.

Access Bank is one of the largest banks in Nigeria and has banking subsidiaries throughout Africa. Citibank acted as the coordinator and arranger/co-lender to help facilitate the loan.
Terrorists are planning more prison attacks targeting facilities in Gusau, Birnin Kebbi, and Katsina to free their imprisoned fighters, military intelligence sources have said, a warning already passed to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS).

The attacks are planned to be carried out successively, first, in Gusau, then Birnin Kebbi, and finally Katsina, the military told the correctional service, according to officials familiar with the transmission of the intelligence and documents sighted by PREMIUM TIMES. The phased plan, sources said, is because the terrorists are unable to mobilise sufficient logistical capabilities to strike simultaneously in three states.

All the target facilities are in Nigerias North-west facing aggravated violence by terrorists, often called bandits, and other violent extremist groups like Boko Haram, Ansaru, and ISWAP, who have expanded into the region in the past years from the North-east.

A rare collaboration of ISWAP and Ansaru, two Boko Haram splinter groups, produced the audacious July 6 Kuje prison attack in the federal capital, Abuja, researchers and negotiators with an understanding of the working of the terrorists said. The attack showed the terrorists capacity to exploit Nigerias worsening vulnerability under President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a new video depicting the torture of kidnapped victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, believed to be a terrorist act, one of the armed men claimed to be a Kuje prison escapee. The terrorists have repeatedly said the government knows what they want to free the captives. Intelligence sources say they are seeking the release of their jailed members in exchange for the freedom of the train attack victims

In its latest warning, the military said the terror attackmay be staged on a Friday, explicitly indicating this Friday, 29 July, for the first in Gusau, Zamfara State.

Describing the logic behind striking on a Friday, military intelligence sources said that is when the terrorists believe senior prison officials would have travelled for the weekend or stayed off duty at their various homes. In addition, at such time, the terrorists perceive that it could be easier to compromise warders to smuggle logistical coordination items, like telephones, into the prisons.

A source, who has worked with the government on counter-insurgency and helped obtain intelligence from the communications of imprisoned terrorists, said the information flow between terrorists in and out of prisons depends on telephone communications facilitated by compromised warders.

To circumvent counter-intelligence, the source said after each communication, the SIM card used is destroyed or thrown away and another is procured for them by compromised warders next time. In one case, the source said, several trashed SIM cards were recovered in the grasses behind the Kuje prison facility after an inmate was tortured to confess how the communication occurred.

Hibernating in neighbourhoods

The military said the terrorists plans include the relocation of the required fighters and arms to areas hosting or close to the target prisons.

In the case of Gusau, which the military specifically said the terrorists plan to attack this Friday, fighters would move to the Ungwan Gwaza neighbourhood, which hosts the Gusau prison. They would hibernate there with relations till the time the attack is to be carried out.

Similarly, the military said the Kofar Soro area of Katsina would host terrorists ahead of the planned Katsina prison attack within the month of August. The prison is located at Kofar Soro, which also hosts the emirs palace, a police station, and a big mosque, Google Earth shows.

For Birnin Kebbi, the terrorists plan to attack with some fighters relocated to an area called Kwaido in Augie LGA of Kebbi State. Analysis of Google Maps suggests this area is more than two hours away from the capital Birnin Kebbi.

The military further warned that the terrorists might be staying with their relatives within the quarters of the correctional services staff.

Beef up

In view of the uncovered planned attacks, the military has asked the correctional service to beef up security measures around the affected facilities, PREMIUM TIMES has been told. Specifically, the military requested heightened vigilance and increased collaboration with security agencies to forestall the subversive acts of the terrorists.

The spokesperson for the correctional service, Abubakar Umar, said he would not make specific comments on the warning from the military intelligence, which PREMIUM TIMES understands was transmitted at the end of the past week. But Mr Umar said following the Kuje attack, the service has deployed more officials, including armed squads to facilities.

Our intelligence system has been raised and we are working with other security agencies to ensure our facilities are protected nationwide against further attacks, Mr Umar said.

Military spokesperson Jimmy Akpor, a major general, did not comment for this story after a message describing our findings was sent to him. He also did not answer telephone calls.

Since 2017, Nigeria has suffered at least 12 prison breaks and attacks with more than a thousand inmates including dangerous criminals released into society. There were also more than 15 failed attempts, officials told PREMIUM TIMES.
At least, four people, including the driver, were killed when bandits attacked a Katsina State Transport Authority bus with number plate KT 14D-58 KT on Sunday morning.

The attack occurred around Mil Takwas and Farun Bala villages, some five kilometres from the Natsinta Army Barrack around 11:34 a.m.

The bus was attacked on the Jibia  Katsina highway which leads to Maradi in the Niger Republic.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that there are over 18 security checkpoints on the 38-kilometre road from the capital city, Katsina, to Magama Jibia.

Nasir Muhammad, whose wife was one of the passengers on the bus, told PREMIUM TIMES that the bus was one of the four vehicles attacked.

My wife called me around 11:47 a.m. crying that they have been attacked. I was in Katsina while she was coming from Jibia to meet me. She told me that their driver was already killed and there were other vehicles on the front who have been attacked, he said.

The Chairman of Jibia Local Government, Bashir Maitan, confirmed the attack to reporters in Katsina Sunday evening but argued that only one person was killed.

Yes, there was an attack on motorists today. We were informed about the movement of some bandits in the morning and while I was mobilizing vigilante members and security agents, we heard that the bandits had launched an attack, he said.

He said the bandits movement was tracked from Gangara village to Kahel and linked up with the main road.

The bandits opened fire on the vehicle when it was obvious that the driver was trying to reverse upon sighting them, he added.

When I reached the Natsinta Barrack, they were soldiers who asked us not to proceed because bandits were attacking motorists, but I told them my wife was in the vehicle being attacked. I was among the first set of people to go there because even the local government chairman met me there, he said.

He said aside from the driver, two other people were killed while the fourth one died at the Umaru Musa Yaradua University Teaching Hospital (formerly Federal Medical Center).

I took my wife to the hospital alongside some people while the Chairman and other government officials took the remaining to the hospital. While I was living in the hospital with my wife around 4 p.m., one of the wounded passengers died, he said.

The managing director of the Katsina State Transport Authority, Haruna Rugoji, confirmed the attack to the News Agency of Nigeria in Katsina.

Mr Rugoji said the gunmen collected the phones and other things belonging to some of the passengers and left the scene.

The conductor of the vehicle who narrated to us what actually happened said none of the passengers was kidnapped by the bandits.

Since then, we have not heard any report that one of the passengers in the vehicle is missing,

The Police Command spokesperson in Katsina State, Gambo Isa, has not released a statement on the attack. His phone number didnt connect when contacted by PREMIUM TIMES#

Katsina, like several other North-west states and a part of the North-central, has been battling insecurity, especially cattle rustling, kidnap for ransom and other forms of bandits activities for years.
Nigerias Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has declared his support for his former principals choice of presidential running mate ahead of the 2023 polls.

Mr Fashola, in an interview aired on Channels Television on Sunday, endorsed the choice of Kashim Shettima as running mate to the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu.

Messrs Tinubu and Shettima are Muslims, and their candidacy has been criticised by many Nigerians and groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Of all the 18 parties set to take part in the 2023 presidential election, the ruling APC is the only party with a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

Mr Tinubu, the former Lagos governor, however, defended his choice, saying Mr Shettima, a former Borno governor, was chosen based on his competence.

Speaking on Sunday, Mr Fashola said religion should be put aside for competence when Nigerians elect their next set of leaders in 2023.

He argued that people leading the debate against Mr Tinubus candidacy should face the real political and socio-economic issues and avoid religious sentiments.

In my own opinion, Asiwaju is the best person to drive that vehicle because I have worked with him at close quarters and I know his capacity. I know his tenacity. And I think sometimes that we need to test some hypothesis and the opportunity to test this hypothesis is there, Mr Fashola, who served as Mr Tinubus chief of staff when the latter was governor, said.

My position about religion has been made known on different platforms. I think religion should leave the public space and go back to where it belongs  to the homes and the religious centres.

There is too much religion in our public life and there is no nation that I know that is valorizing religion. It is a private thing. I think we should just stop them. When you are in the office, just go and do your work, the minister said.

He argued that winning elections is about numbers and some decisions may appear irrational. He said Mr Tinubu made his calculations based on what he thinks will favour him in the coming poll.

Sometimes we should stop being afraid of fear itself. If this is something that is real, the votes will show eventually. Who cares really? We both drank water here and we didnt ask who made the water. People want good schools, good healthcare. People want infrastructure. They want to be secured.

If you go in both sides, there have been a Christian VP under a Muslim President. Sadly people were killed in church. Priests were murdered the same way Muslims have been murdered. Neither the president nor the vice president loves those things to happen. I dont, you dont but it has very little to do with our faith, Mr Fashola said.
The former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has alleged that some delegates were induced with money to vote at the APC presidential primary in June.

Mr Amaechi made the allegation on Saturday at an event to mark the 60th birthday of Eugene Ogu, the general overseer of Abundant Life Evangel Mission in Port Harcourt.

In a video posted on the Facebook page of the church, Mr Amaechi said the delegates collected money to solve their immediate problems.

He added that some of the delegates that collected money to vote are regretting their decisions.

God should save the ordinary Nigerian because they are the problem. Those who voted at the APC primary, who are they? The ordinary Nigerian. The small money they got solved their immediate problems, he said.

The former governor was the runner-up at the APC presidential primaries, where he polled 316 votes to come a distant second to Bola Tinubu, who polled 1271 votes.

Mr Amaechi did not mention the aspirant who allegedly gave money to delegates, but there were accusations and counter-accusations between Mr Tinubus supporters and those of other APC aspirants during and after the primaries.

Vote-buying infested primaries

Political primaries across the country have been dogged by reports of vote buying by politicians. The elimination of statutory delegates in the 2022 electoral act, allowed a handful of elected delegates to decide the outcome of primaries.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported how a Peoples Democratic Party delegate, Tanko Sabo, gave millions of Naira to some people in his local government after serving as a delegate at the primaries.

Mr Sabo told reporters in Kaduna that he made so much money because he was a delegate to the state assembly, National Assembly, governorship and presidential primaries of his party.

During the APC presidential primary, Mr Amaechi also alluded that aspirants were under pressure to induce voters.

While speaking to delegates, he said, Ask all of us, what is our source of revenue? How did we get this money? The problem of the Nigerian State is all of us. Politicians will come here, talk to you and bring out money. Four years after, they will do the same thing and we will believe them.

Put your money in your pocket and vote for Rotimi Amaechi, he said.

Mr Amaechi is, however, not the only APC presidential aspirant to allege that money was shared to induce delegates at the primary.

ALSO READ: Senatorial aspirant alleges fraud in APC primary

Tunde Bakare, one of the presidential aspirants, celebrated his zero votes as a test of character by not paying any delegate.

Similarly, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, another aspirant in the presidential primary, accused southeast leaders of selling the votes from the region.

It became a shame that our leaders and the delegates sold all our votes, Mr Umahi said after the primaries.

Ordinary Nigerians are the problem  Amaechi

Speaking on the outcome of the primary election, Mr Amaechi said those who voted at the primaries are ordinary Nigerians and he tagged them the problem of Nigeria.

I dont believe that is the solution to Nigerias problem  giving money. I hope you know. I give you N10 million now and when it finishes, what happens? The solution to Nigerias problem is that all of you must rise, he said.

Now oh we made a mistake; we didnt make a mistake. We are hearing different things. If Nigerias problem were to be solved, the ordinary Nigerian must be at the forefront. Pray for the leadership of the country, but also pray that ordinary Nigerians choose the right president to govern.

May God make  vote APC, I am not joking  may God make you vote for the right candidate that will change Nigeria, he said.
The Nigerian government on Monday ordered the immediate closure of the Federal Government College, Kwali, in the Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, over threat of attack by bandits.

The countrys Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, gave the directive, according to a statement by the Director of Press at the ministry, Ben Goong.

The new development has stopped the ongoing third-term examination in the school and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) by the National Examinations Council (NECO).

But the ministry said it would communicate to the students how and when they would sit for the examinations they may miss as a result of the abrupt shutdown.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported how parents were asked to evacuate their wards from the school over the fear of attack by bandits who had earlier on Sunday attacked Sheda, FGCs neighbouring village.

Closure order

The Monday statement by Mr Goong quoted Mr Adamu as saying The closure became necessary following a security breach on Sheda and Lambata villages, suburbs of Kwali Area Council which also threatened FGC Kwali.

According to the minister, the timely intervention of security agencies saved the situation.

The chairman of the schools Parent Teachers Association (PTA), Suleiman Idajili, had on Sunday night confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES on the phone that the school management had requested parents to pick up their wards.

Mr Idajili, who commended the security operatives for their interventions, said the evacuation request was approved by the government.

On examination

Meanwhile, the minister is also said to have directed that arrangements should be made for final year students to conclude their ongoing SSCE examinations.

The minister also directed principals of unity colleges across the country to liaise with security agencies within their jurisdictions in order to forestore any security breach in our schools.

In the past year, Nigeria witnessed several attacks on schools, especially in the north-western part of the country. The North-west is currently a hotbed of banditry and kidnapping for ransom by bandits.

The recent attack on the Kuje correctional centre has increased fears that more attacks could be witnessed in the Nigerian capital.

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.
Nigerians will pay more for bread in the coming days as bakers in some states have announced price hikes to cover the high cost of ingredients.

Kogi Master Bakers said on Sunday they were resuming production after weeks of strike, but will increase prices of their products.

The association had on Wednesday joined the nationwide strike declared by its national body to demand government intervention regarding prices of materials used in bread production.

Although the federal government is yet to respond to our pleas and demands, we are satisfied that we have at least sent a message hoping for a positive result, Gabriel Bamidele-Adeniyi, Chairman, Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria, Kogi Chapter, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Unfortunately, as we resume production, July 25, prices of bread will definitely increase by 20 per cent.

A bread of N200 will cost between N240 and N250, that of N500 will cost N600, that of N600; N750, that of N700 will cost N880 and that of N800; between N980 and N1, 000 respectively

We want the public to know that the new increment in prices of stable bread is not our making but that of the increase in the prices of commodities we use in bread production.

We want the government to see to it that prices of yeast, sugar and flour being imported are drastically reduced so that only three companies have the licence to import them.

Unfortunately those three firms are monopolizing the prices of sugar, yeast and flour to the detriment of bakers in Nigeria, he lamented.

Mr Bamidele-Adeniyi appealed to the government to ensure that the sugar company in Bashuta commenced production and equally open the opportunity for members to obtain the licence to import and obtain loans for better bread production.

Bakers in Abuja said last week they had decided not to take part in the strike as they preferred to engage with the government to find solutions. They warned that they would suspend production, however, if that failed.

In Cross River, bakers said they were increasing prices and reducing production quantities amid high cost of ingredients and production.

This was disclosed by a leader of the state Master Bakers group, Thomas Odey, in an interview with NAN on Monday.

Mr Odey said the Cross River master bakers did not join the national body in their two weeks withdrawal of service but resolved to increase price and reduce the quantity of production to prevent wastage.

The Director of Canaan Delight Bakery Nigeria Limited said that a withdrawal of service was not good for the system as a lot of average Nigerians would suffer because bread was a staple commodity in the country.

The planned increment is not even enough, this is because the price of every means of production has increased from condiments to diesel and all other raw materials.

This is a global issue that is not peculiar to Nigeria or materials for baking alone but the price of every foodstuff has increased significantly.

In my contacts with big flour mills in the country, they will tell you the Russia/Ukraine crisis, exchange rate and the issue of sourcing foreign currency are posing major challenges and increasing the price of wheat flour, he said.

Speaking further, Mr Odey noted that the use of cassava and potato flour was an option but the challenge was that the specific species of cassava needed for good flour production was not sufficient in Nigeria.

He said the normal cassava that was common in Nigeria was bitter when used to produce flour while potato cultivation was still largely at subsistence level, making production insufficient in the country.

In my training with Flour Mill, I discovered that they mixed cassava flour with wheat to get what they used but the kind of cassava they used was a specie we need to develop in large quantities.

READ ALSO:

Potato flour is also good and can be combined with wheat flour but the challenge is that it is not enough in the country for industrial purposes and is a seasonal crop.

Nigeria needs to channel its resources and mindset to developing agriculture and stop paying lip service because if we continue to depend on the importation of foreign raw materials to salvage our few industries, it will never help us, he asserted.

Residents Complain in Enugu

Last week, residents of Enugu decried the four-day warning strike embarked upon by bread bakers, as the current price of the commodity had become unaffordable.

Some of the residents, who spoke to NAN in Enugu on Sunday, said the warning strike had affected many bread consumers because it ended up making the price of the commodity to further increase.

Some bread sellers said there had been an increase in price of bread by 30 per cent following the strike by the Bakers Association of Nigeria.

A bread seller, Samson Igwe, said that the price would further increase across the state after the warning strike due to the high cost of raw materials used for baking bread.

Mr Igwe said although the price had increased, it did not feel that his customers would stop patronising him because a lot of people were still eating bread daily.

My customers will only reduce the number of loaves they buy but will find it difficult to do away with eating bread daily, he said.

Another bread seller, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the increase in the price would affect feeding patterns in many homes.

According to him, many families depend on bread for their breakfast and as a snack in between meals.

With another increase in the price of bread, many families will find it difficult in feeding as many have reduced number of loaves of bread they buy from me due to increase in price, he said.

READ ALSO:

A resident of Achara Layout, Nancy Okwuchi, said that the strike would further increase the price, thereby affecting the cost of feeding in many homes.

Sometimes, when there is no food in the house, I prepare tea with bread for my kids as they wait for me to cook.

But with increase and further increase, it will be difficult to feed the children with bread as usual, Mrs Okwuchi said.

A father of four, Mr Arthur Ude, said bread remained a staple food, while he appealed to those in authority to ensure the sustenance of bakeries in the country.

NAN reports that there had been an increase of 30 per cent on the price of loaves of bread before the warning strike announcement as the bread that was sold for N300 now goes for N400 and the one sold for N100 is now N150.

The reasons for the strike included incessant increase in the prices of baking materials and the need to press for the Federal Government to stop charging a 15 per cent Wheat development levy on wheat import.

Others include the need for NAFDAC to review downwards the N154,000 penalty charged to bakeries on late renewal of certificates.

They also want members to be given access to grants and soft loans being granted Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The gunmen, who attacked a Kaduna-bound train in March, and abducted several passengers, have released four more hostages.

The release of the hostages comes a day after the terrorists released a video of them hitting some of the male hostages with a cudgel.

In the video, the distressed hostages were heard calling on the Nigerian government to come to their rescue.

A newspaper publisher, Tukur Mamu, who had previously negotiated the release of some of the captives, confirmed the release of the four hostages on Monday.

Mr Mamu, who is also a media consultant to Kaduna-based cleric, Ahmad Gumi, said the release of the captives follows the intervention of their family members.

He identified the released passengers as Oluwa Toyin-Ojo; Hassan Lawan; and Ayodeji Oyewumi.

He said one other victim, Gladys Brumen, was released last week.

Mr Mamu said does not know if the relatives of the hostages paid a ransom before they were released.

He said with the release of the four, 39 of the victims are still being held in the forest.

The son of a former military governor of Kano state, Idris Garba, his wife and children and many others are reportedly among those still being held.

Nine passengers were killed during the attack.
Twenty babies have been born in seven years in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Edo State, Nigerias South-south, according to an official.

The camp, called IDP camp of Christian Home for the Needy, which is for orphans and homeless children, is in Uhogua, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of the state.

The official, Evelyn Omijie, who is the assistant coordinator of the camp, disclosed this on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The babies were given birth to by married young couples among the IDPs who were allowed to stay together.

We did not record any unwanted births among the singles in the camp. We have a standard in the camp and this includes the demarcation of the females living quarters from the males living quarters.

Also, the females are never allowed to go to the males living quarters and vice versa.

We also teach morals and let them understand that they already have enough on their hands, which is being in the camp because they have been displaced and so it is pertinent that they live a meaningful life and not destroy themselves, she said.

Mrs Omijie said that with such guidance, counselling and training, the management of the camp has been able to ensure and maintain sanity in the camp among the IDPs.

With guidance and counselling, all they want is to be someone in life, he said.

The assistant coordinator said the IDPs were doing excellently well in their education.

She said one of the IDPs scored 298 in the recently concluded 2022 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Several others, out of the 156 of them that sat for the examination, scored above 280.

She said more than 100 of the IDPs were writing both the junior and the senior West African Examination Council examinations, adding that she was optimistic they would equally excel.

We wanted to enroll some of the IDPs for the NECO examination due to the paucity of funds.

We are appealing to education agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations, government at all levels, individuals and corporate organisations to assist the IDPs by way of scholarship awards and sponsorship of their education.

This is imperative because when they eventually achieve their educational feat, you will be glad you did, because you will be part of their success story, she said.

Mrs Omijie also called for support and assistance from the general public to enable the camp management meet up with regular feeding for the IDPs.

As I speak to you now, we dont have food in our warehouse, what we have is what we give to them, which is even below standard and quantity.

But they say half bread is better than none. We are calling on everyone to come to the aid of these children who are victims of what they never planned, she said.

She also appealed to pharmaceutical companies to assist the camp with medicine of all kinds, especially anti malaria and antibiotics.

The camp has a population of about 2, 000 made up mostly of Christians from Borno and Adamawa states.

(NAN)
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has arraigned a Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Nkem Mba, for taking kickback.

According to a statement by the ICPCs spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, the defendant was arraigned last Tuesday (July 19) on three charges of abuse of office and corrupt demand of gratification by a public officer.

ICPC prosecutors told the trial judge, Leteem Nyordee, that the offences contravened Section 10 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and are punishable under relevant sections of the same Act.

One of the counts revealed as a Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Ms Mba, received a kickback of N500,000 through her bank account from the purchase of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), popularly known as diesel, and other products.

She, however, justified her action on the grounds that the money was her two per cent entitlement according to Order 16 of the Admiralty Jurisdiction (Procedure Rule) 2011.

Not guilty

The accused pleaded not guilty to all three charges when they were read to her in court. Consequently, her counsel, S. Somiari, applied for her bail. The lawyer pleaded with the judge to grant her bail on liberal terms.

The prosecuting counsel, Agada Akogwu, did not oppose the bail application, the ICPC statement said.

Meanwhile, the trial judge, in granting the prayers, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with a surety who must have landed property in Port Harcourt.

The judge further ruled that the accused must deposit her passport with the courts registrar.

The case was then adjourned until July 26 for commencement of trial.
The management of Margaret Ekpo Airport in Calabar, Cross River State, on Monday said it recorded about 19,237 passengers movements in the last six weeks, as the aviation fuel crisis escalates the cost of flight operations nationwide.

The manager of the airport, Ayinla Gbolahan, who disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar, added that the passengers influx was recorded between 1 June and 19 July.

Nigerian airlines, under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), recently said there would be major disruptions of flights due to scarcity of aviation fuel, also known as Jet A1.

Mr Gbolahan said within the same period under review, the airport recorded 356 aircraft movements, with an average of two arrivals and two departures of aircraft daily.

According to him, Air Peace and Ibom Air were the only two commercial airlines operating for now at the Margaret Ekpo Airport.

The manager, in giving a breakdown of the movements at the airport, said, In June, we had a total of 5,900 passengers arrived at the airport, while 5,984 departed from there.

In the same month of June, we recorded aircraft movements of 109 arrivals and 109 departures.

Similarly, between July 1 and 19, we had a total of 7,403 passengers movement; 3,501 arrivals and 3,902 departures.

We had aircraft movements of 69 arrivals and 69 departures, he said.

He said the airport was not operating at night because its approach lighting system was out of service.

On aviation fuel, he said, the airport does not have an aviation fuel depot; rather the aircraft get them from where they come from.

(NAN)
The management of the Federal Government College, Kwali, Abuja, has asked parents to evacuate their wards from the school over the fear of attack by terrorists.

This has caused panic among the management, staff, students and parents of the school.

The school management asked parents to evacuate their wards following an attack in a nearby village that shares a fence with the school.

The students who were scheduled to conclude their third term examination on Tuesday have now been sent home.

A parent who evacuated his wards and asked not to be named told PREMIUM TIMES that the school reached out to parents.

I just picked them up from Giri junction, he said. The house master called to inform us, the parent said.

Meanwhile, the examination is still ongoing. Some students are still stranded, waiting for their parents, he added.

The Chairman, Parent Teachers Association (PTA) of the school, Suleiman Idajili, in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES, said the directive followed an attack on a nearby village on Sunday morning.

He said terrorists attacked the village sharing a fence with the school and abducted a man and his wife. He said the terrorists later left without the wife.

He added that the prompt response of the security personnel in the school protected it from the terrorists.

He said the school management directed parents to evacuate their wards by Monday, but that those near the school opted to pick up their wards on Sunday.

The decision, he said, was approved by officials of the Federal Ministry of Education who he disclosed visited the school earlier on Sunday.

He said: Officially, we say they should all come tomorrow (Monday). But those that live around want to pick their children today. And many of them came today.

It was because of the prompt response of the army, the police and other security personnel in the school compound that they (terrorist) didnt enter the school compound, he said.

So, that was why we had to take that action because we dont know their next plan.

Efforts to speak to the Director of Press at the education ministry, Ben Goong, were unsuccessful on Sunday as he neither picked calls to his line nor replied a message sent to him.

PTA chairman allays fear

Meanwhile, Mr Idajili has assured parents that the security operatives are on ground to guide against any intrusion by attackers.

He said: We have very tight security to secure those whose parents didnt come to pick them up tonight. The army is involved. The police are involved; secret police and ocal vigilantes are all involved.

When contacted, the FCT police spokesperson, Adeh Josephine, said she was unaware of such an incident. She promised to make enquiries and get back to our reporter. She was, however, yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Kwali Division, did not respond to calls by our reporter.

Since the infamous abduction of over 276 girls in Chibok, Borno State, Nigeria has witnessed at least 28 incidents of school attacks in the country.

Abuja, Nigerias capital, has also experienced security challenges. A few weeks ago, terrorist attacked the Kuje Correctional Centre and freed inmates, some of them facing terrorism related charges.

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 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned Dotun Babayemi to stop further legal action against the Governor-elect, Ademola Adeleke, in the overall interest of the party.

Mr Babayemi contested in the PDP primary in Osun that produced Mr Adeleke as its candidate for the July 16 election.

Mr Adeleke defeated the incumbent, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress in the governorship election.

The warning is contained in a statement signed by the caretaker Chairman of the PDP in Osun, Akindele Adekunle, on Sunday in Osogbo.

The party, in the statement, specifically frowned at apparent attempt by the former aspirant to become a tool of the APC to truncate the overwhelming victory of PDP at the governorship poll.

It described as worrisome Mr Babayemis refusal to listen to calls by elders of his group who urged him to discontinue legal challenge of the PDP primary in Osun.

While the aspirant had filed several cases and failed to upturn due process decision of the party, the party noted that the last ruling of the Court of Appeal should put paid to further litigation on the primary.

Any decision to pursue the issue further will smack of open anti-party activity and a direct disrespect for the people of Osun state who voted massively for Senator Ademola Adeleke, it said.

The party described as a very dangerous and self-destructive dimension the alleged collaboration between Mr Babayemi and the APC to continue the case, affirming that such evil alliance would end in further legal defeat.

From the beginning of the litigation to date, it was obvious the aspirant was only holding unto straws as the primary that produced Sen. Adeleke fulfilled all extant regulations and legal requirements in line with the Electoral Act among others, the statement read in part.

NAN reports that the PDP in Osun had on March 8 held two parallel governorship primary elections in the state.

In one of the primaries held at the Osogbo City Stadium, under the supervision of Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as Chairman, Mr Adeleke was declared the winner.

However, the other primary held at the Women and Children Development Initiative Foundation (WOCDIF) Centre, Osogbo, produced Mr Babayemi as the winner.

In a list of candidates later released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Adeleke emerged as the flag bearer of the PDP.

Mr Babayemi, however, approached the Federal High Court, Osogbo, challenging the PDPs nomination and submission of Mr Adelekes name to INEC and the validity of the governorship primary conducted at the stadium.

The case was, however, dismissed at the Federal High Court Osogbo, as well as the Appeal Court in Akure.

Mr Adeleke later won the governorship election on July 16 with 403,371 votes to defeat his closet rival, Mr Oyetola, the candidate of the APC, who scored 375,027 votes.

Seeking justice

But in a reaction, the Babayemi Campaign Organisation said the redress being sought at the law court was not to truncate the victory of PDP at the recently concluded governorship election, but rather to ensure it translates to good governance.

The campaign organisation in a statement signed by its Director, Oladiran Ojedele, said that Mr Babayemi was out for justice with a view to claiming his mandate.

It said having explored all internal mechanisms of the party to no avail, the option left as spelt by the partys constitution is to seek justice through the judiciary.

Our symbol, Prince Dotun Babayemi, is not seeking to truncate PDPs victory, but hes out for justice, seeking to claim his mandate at the law court.

Is such lawful trajectory out of place? For all those who are now crying wolf, what genuine efforts did they make to ensure the PDP is not exposed to litigation?

At this point, we want to assure everyone that Prince Dotun Babayemi is a genuine and bonafide member of the PDP who will not, for any price, submerge the wishes of the people.

He has never pretended on his resolve to always be with and for them. (NAN)
The Nigerian equity market is struggling to shake off the bout of risk aversion stocks have been seeing from investors and traders since around the end of May, which has depressed the main equity index somewhat.

The gauge depreciated by 0.5 per cent in the week that just went by. The outlook for stocks in the short term is largely dim by reason of the central banks recent upward rate adjustment, which could see smart money already invested in equities leave them for fixed income securities like bonds and treasury bills.

One bright spot that could catalyse improvement in the market is the corporate results of most mid and big-cap companies if they come out pretty strong.

PREMIUM TIMES has assembled a number of stocks with fundamentals and other potential, adopting key analytical approaches to save you the hassle of randomly picking equities for investment.

The selection, a product of analytical market watch, offers a guide to entering the market and taking strategic positions in hopes that equities will gain value with the passage of time, particularly in the short term.

This is not a buy, sell or hold recommendation but a stock investment guide. You may have to involve your financial advisor before taking investment decisions.

ACCESS HOLDINGS

Access Holdings, Nigerias biggest lender by assets, tops this weeks selection for being priced well below its intrinsic value, brightening its likelihood of seeing a considerable price appreciation in future.

The price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of the financial services group at the end of the last trading session was 1.99x, while its earnings per share (EPS) was N4.58.

CHEMICAL AND ALLIED (CAP)

CAP features on the pick this week for trading at its lowest level in 52 weeks, which makes its current unit price of N17 a strategic entry point for investors seeking reasonable price appreciation in the short term to take a position in the stock

ALSO READ: Nigerian stocks slide further as investors cash out

The companys PE ratio at market close on Friday was 9.4x, while the EPS is N1.81.

CUSTODIAN INVESTMENT

Custodian Investment appears on the selection for trading well below it real value. The firms PE ratio as of Friday was 3.5x, while the EPS is N1.97.

MAY & BAKER

May & Baker makes this weeks pick for currently trading at its lowest price level in 52 weeks.

The pharmaceutical firms PE ratio at the last trading session was 6.2x, while its EPS is N0.58.

LEARN AFRICA

Learn Africa appears on the pick this week for trading well below its actual value at the moment, making it cheap for investment. The publishers PE ratio as of Friday was 4.6x, while the EPS is N0.57.

NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES

NASCON features on the pick for trading sat its lowest price in 52 weeks, boosting its chances of good price appreciation in future.

The salt-makers PE ratio was 11x as of the end of the last trading session, while its EPS is N1.
Gunmen have killed a police officer during a midnight attack on a police division in Okuta Elerinla, Akure, Ondo State.

Funmilayo Odunlami, the police spokesperson in the state, said the attack occurred on Monday at 1 a.m.

Policemen who were at alert and alive to their duty repelled them accordingly and the miscreants were unable to gain entrance into the station, the police spokesperson, said.

During the crossfire, one of our gallant station guards AP.207538 0INSPR. Teminu Boluwaji, was hit by a bullet. He later died on his way to the hospital.

She said the Commissioner of Police, Oyeyemi Oyediran, has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case and ensure the perpetrators were arrested.

He is also using this medium to encourage the people of the state to go about their lawful duty without fear, as the days of these criminals are numbered, Mrs Odunlami added.

There was no indication that the attackers suffered any casualties.

A similar attack occurred in Oshimili North Local Government Area in Delta State, on Sunday, where gunmen attacked a station of the local vigilante group and killed three police officers.

Similar attacks had occurred on police formations in Kogi and Anambra states.

While the police are yet to arrest the attackers, it will be recalled that a deadly attack was carried out by gunmen on June 5, at the St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

Not less than 41 persons lost their lives in the attack, while several others were injured.
The recent investigations leading to the corruption charges filed against the suspended Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, were triggered by a petition sent to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), PREMIUM TIMES has found out.

Details of the petition seen by this newspaper accused Mr Idris of creating an avenue for stealing public funds by allegedly compromising the integrity of key federal governments public financial platforms like the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel information system (IPPIS).

The petition also linked family members of the embattled 62-year-old accountant to millions of shares in two companies  Gezawa Integrated Farms Limited and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited.

Mr Idris alongside three others  Godfrey Olusegun Akindele, Mohammed Usman and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited  now face 14 charges of money laundering and stealing involving N109 billion.

EFCC arraigned them before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama, Abuja, on Friday.

They all denied the 14 charges when read to them during the hearing before the trial judge, O A. Adeyemi-Ajayi.

Petition

The petition dated April 26, 2021 and authored by a group, Federal Treasury Concerned Staff, preceded the arrest of Mr Idris in Kano in May.

Addressed to the EFCC chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, the petition detailed how Mr Idris upon assumption of office in 2015 as AGF, allegedly compromised the integrity of key federal governments public financial platforms like the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel information system (IPPIS) to create an avenue for pilfering of government resources.

The TSA and IPPIS were created by the Nigerian government to arrest issues of widespread stealing of government revenues and ghost workers in the public sector.

Solomon Daniel and Ibrahim Musa who signed the Federal Treasury Concerned Staffs petition, accused Mr Idris of bastardisation of the financial platforms by generating huge funds illegally to enrich his wives, children, friends and cronies.

The petition which forms part of the proof of evidence filed along with the charges instituted against Mr Idris and his co-defendants alleged that the suspended Accountant-General of the Federation founded two multi-billion naira firms  Gezawa Integrated Farms Limited and Gezawa Commodity Market Limited. Mr Idris wives and children serve as directors and sole promoters in the companies, the petitioners stated.

The two firms are indicted in the multibillion-naira fraud charges filed against Mr Idris and his co-defendants by the EFCC.

Petitioners give breakdown of company shares

Giving a breakdown of the company shares allegedly being owned by Mr Idris spouses at the two companies, Zainab Idris owns 35,000,000 shares, while Shamsiyya Idris: 35,000,000 shares and Zuhair Idris controlling 22,500,000 shares.

Other shareholders include: Nabila Abubakar  35,000,000 shares; Hussein Idris  22,500,000 shares; Abdulrahman Idris: 22,500,000 shares; Khadija Idris: 18,500,000 shares; Muazu Abubakar 400,000,000 shares.

Also owning shares are: Mohammed Chiroma  60,000,000 shares; Usman Yahaya:60,000,000; Baloni Lawal (representing Silvermark Investment Limited), controls 20,000000 shares.

The court documents revealed Gezawa Integrated Farms Limited has its shares distributed among Mr Idris family members to include  Nabila Abubakar, 1,000,000 shares; Abdulrahman Ahmad, 1,000,000 shares; Hafsat Ahmad, 1,000,000 shares; Maimunah Ahmad, 1,000,000 shares and Al-Mustapha Ahmad, 1,000,000.

A certified true copy of the memorandum and article of association of Gezawa Integrated Farms Limited, shows that the company was incorporated in 2016  a year after Mr Idris took office as AGF.

The two companies were indicted in the charges of stealing filed against Mr Idris.

In June, PREMIUM TIMES reported how EFCC traced multi-billion naira assets to the former Accountant-General in Kano, where he hails from.

Remand

Mr Idris, who bagged a bachelors degree in Accounting from the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State in 1984, was sent to Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, last Friday, after he and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty to the N109 billion fraud charges.

The judge adjourned the case until July 27 for the hearing of the defendants bail application.
The Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has asked the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to take advantage of the challenge being mounted against the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress to present its charter of demands to the party.

Mr Fayemi said the choice of Kashim Shettima, a Muslim, as running mate to Bola Tinubu, also a Muslim, by the APC is a matter of political calculation, not competence.

He said this on Friday during a courtesy visit to him by the new executives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti State Chapter led by its Chairman, Emmanuel Aribasoye.

Mr Aribasoye had raised the issue of Muslim-Muslim ticket during the visit.

Mr Fayemi, who stepped down and endorsed Mr Tinubu at the presidential primaries in June, said the charter must outline irreducible minimum conditions acceptable to Christians.

The Christian leadership should use this current challenge as an opportunity to present a charter of demands to all political candidates, especially our party (APC), outlining the irreducible minimum conditions acceptable to Christians in the next political dispensation.

A charter of demands that would represent those values you preach to us in church highlighting our concerns, stressing the place of Christendom in the Nigeria project and then placing our demands before the political leaders. I want the Church to organise debates around issues of concern among all the candidates, the governor stated.

He added that the charter of demands would bring more benefits to Christians than focusing on the composition of the ticket.

The governor noted that Christians have viewed politics as a dirty game, hence, they have disengaged from it. He added that that view has to change.

Mr Fayemi said that he has been engaging with Mr Tinubu and other leaders of the APC on the composition of the presidential ticket of his party.

Many Christians see politics as a dirty game, and for this reason, are disengaged from the political process. Its time for us to realise that there are compelling reasons for Christians to participate in politics. In my own opinion, whatever makes us good Christians makes us good citizens.

I can tell you that Christians who are in politics are equally concerned about the matter you have raised about the Muslim-Muslim ticket. Not so much because of faith but because of fair representation and representation in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-cultural setting is always going to be an issue of concern. But I have also had cause to discuss this with our political associates and our fathers in the Lord.

But where we are now, my plea with Christians is to do that which is expected of us. Yes, the agitation must continue and on my part as a Christian, I have been talking to both the Presidential candidate and other leaders of the party that we need to take quick steps that we should have taken earlier by approaching the leadership in Christendom and explain the context of the selection that was about to happen, he said.

CANs opposition to Muslim/Muslim ticket

CAN has been vocal against the Muslim/Muslim ticket since Mr Tinubu announced the former governor of Borno, Mr Shettima, 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 from the North as his running mate.

At the unveiling of Mr Shettima as running mate, the presence of cassock-wearing attendees suggested some Christian leaders are in support of APCs Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in spite of opposition by CAN.

But CAN swiftly disowned the men, saying they were impostors hired by the APC to fake a Christian-community support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. Some of the clerics who attended the event, have, however, said they were not hired.
Gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, have abducted some travellers in Lokpanta, a community in the Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigerias South-east.

The incident happened at about 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the victims  who were travelling in a Toyota Corolla car  were attacked by the gunmen operating on two motorcycles.

A witness, Emeka Nnuta, told PREMIUM TIMES the gunmen double-crossed the victims car with the motorcycles and forcefully led them into a nearby bush.

They were all forced into the bush. People said that has been the style used by the gunmen to abduct their victims in the area, he said.

Mr Nnuta, who was travelling to Enugu State, said the attack happened close to a military checkpoint in the area, but some soldiers on duty could not rescue the victims.

After the gunmen forced the people into the bush, the soldiers just came to the entrance of the bush, looked around there and continued controlling traffic, Mr Nnuta stated.

Another witness, who asked not to be named, told this newspaper that the victims were on their way to Enugu State when the incident happened.

She said the victims vehicle plunged into a nearby bush when the driver was attempting to speed off to avoid the gunmen.

I dont know exactly how many people were in the vehicle, but they forced all of them inside the bush, she said.

The four doors of the vehicle were all open, meaning that there were at least four people inside the vehicle. The gunmen led the people into the bush with their two motorcycles, she added.

When contacted, the police spokesperson in Abia State, Geoffrey Ogbonna, said he was not aware of the incident.

Increased kidnap attacks

Kidnapping for ransom has increased in Abia State in recent times.

The latest incident occurred about one month after gunmen abducted a journalist in Umuahia, the state capital.

The journalist was released about five days later, after N10 million ransom was reportedly paid to the gunmen.

Last month, Uwadinachi Iweha, a medical doctor and the provost of Gregory University College of Medicine, Umuahia Campus, was also abducted.

He was whisked away while driving out of his residence at Umuajameze Ezeleke Umuopara in the Umuahia South Council Area of the state.

Mr Iweha is yet to be freed, more than one month after his abduction.

In May, Samuel Kanu-Uche, the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, was kidnapped alongside two other priests, while they were returning from a programme in Umunneochi Local Government Area of the state.

The clerics were released about two days later N100 million was reportedly paid to the kidnappers.
Relatives of the kidnapped victims of the Kaduna train attack, on Monday, besieged the headquarters of the Ministry of Transportation in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of the captives.

Their latest protest comes less than 48 hours after the terrorists, who kidnapped the victims from the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, released a video clip showing the male hostages being flogged as the hostages cried and called on the government to rescue them.

The protesters, who came in their number carrying placards with different inscriptions, prevented civil servants of the ministry from gaining access to their offices. Relatives of kidnapped victims are pleading to Mr President for urgent help, the caption on a placard borne by a protester read.

While none of them officially spoke to the press, they chanted songs in the Hausa language, saying Buhari, help us. Government help us rescue our children from kidnappers.

Many of the protesters who were women sat on the floor at their point of convergence at the ministry.

The protesters, who arrived at the place at about 9 a.m. on Monday, remained there until about 2 p.m. when they left.

According to Channels Television, a spokesperson for the protesters, Ahmed Aruwa, said they would continue to block the entrance of the Ministry of Transportation until they get a definite response from the government.

The tragedy

A group of terrorists on March 28 attacked a Kaduna-bound train and abducted several passengers while others were killed.

The group recently released 11 of the hostages, a deal facilitated by controversial Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi.

During Ramadan, they released the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Alwan Hassan, after the payment of a ransom. The bandits, however, said he was released on compassionate grounds.

Months later, about 43 of the abducted passengers are still in captivity.

Reacting to the recent video released by the terrorists, President Buhari, through his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said Nigerian security forces are doing everything possible to rescue hostages of the Kaduna train attack alive.

The statement by the presidents media aide, Mr Shehu, said terrorist activity using propaganda and the use of violence to force governments to accept or submit to political demands is not new all over the world.

The president said they will not succumb to the demand of the terrorists, instead, he said the security forces are making efforts to rescue the victims unhurt.
Suspected kidnappers on Sunday at Aruwa Village, Ifewara in Osun, attacked a vehicle conveying two expatriates working for a mining company, killing a police inspector attached to a company.

The gunmen also carted away the rifle and ammunition of the slain police officer.

This is contained in a statement made available to journalists on Monday in Osogbo by Yemisi Oapalola, the public relations officer of the police command in Osun, who confirmed the incident.

She said a police inspector was killed when suspected kidnappers attacked the vehicle they were travelling in at Aruwa Village Ifewara, Atakumosa West Local Government Area of the state.

Ms Opalola said that the gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, attacked the police vehicle at about 8.10 a.m., but the police team, comprising a sergeant and two inspectors, returned fire and killed a member of the suspected kidnap gang.

At about 9.00 a.m, one Insp Lato Abson of MOPOL 32 Squadron, Ebonyi State, attached to E C Ice Resources Nigeria Limited, reported at Ifewara Police Division that some suspected kidnappers opened fire on their vehicle.

Lato explained that at about 8.10 a.m., when they closed from night duty from their mining site located at Aruwa Village near Ifewara, himself, one Insp Peter Sorrow and a sergeant of the same squadron, were in a vehicle with two white men and their driver when the suspects opened fire on their vehicle.

And during the attack, Insp Peter Sorrow was killed and his rifle and ammunition carted away by the suspects.

Lato, however, added that during the attack, the sergeant returned fire and killed one of the suspects.

And one AK-47 with Breech No. 97698, one magazine loaded with 16 rounds of life ammunition and two mobile phones were recovered from the killed gunman, she said

Ms Opalola said that following the report, police detectives and members of a vigilante group were swiftly mobilised to the scene by the Divisional Police Officer in Ifewara.

She said that four suspects were arrested in the forest with two android mobile telephones recovered from them.

The commands spokesperson said that the corpses of the slain police inspector and the suspected kidnapper had been taken to the mortuary at Ilesha.

Ms Opalola said that investigation into the matter was ongoing with detectives making efforts to apprehend other members of the gang.

(NAN)
Bandits have abducted a popular business, Tony Udemezue, in Tambuwal Town, Sokoto State Monday morning.

Mr Udemezue, a member of the Catholic Church of Sokoto Diocese, was abducted at his residence.

The Director of Communication, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Father Christopher Omotosho, confirmed the abduction Monday afternoon.

He solicited prayers for the safe release of the businessman and his family.

Mr Omotosho said Mr Udemezeu was abducted by the bandits around 2 a.m.

A short statement by Mr Omotosho read: One of my parishioners in Tambuwal, Sokoto State  Tony Udemezue, has just been kidnapped in his own house (home town of the Executive Governor of the State  Aminu Tambuwal).

No police has responded in the last 1 hour (since 2 a.m.) despite they were called by him before he was taken away. Pls let us keep him & family in prayers.

The Sokoto Police Command spokesperson, Sanusi Abubakar, didnt respond to calls and SMS sent to him by PREMIUM TIMES.

Banditry is the code name in the region for organised crimes like kidnapping, cattle rustling, mass abduction, arson and even armed robbery.

What started as farmers-herders clashes snowballed into cattle rustling before access to small arms emboldened the criminals to start raiding villages.

Factors like mass poverty, illiteracy and a porous border with the Niger Republic have complicated security issues for both the government and the people.

Over the years, the attacks have become routine in the North-west, especially in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna and Kebbi with Niger State in the North-central part of the country.

Banditry has disrupted the lives of thousands of people. Farmers are prevented from growing crops. Those who want to farm are asked to pay levies before they are allowed to farm.

Many have abandoned their farms because of incessant attacks on their communities. Those who brave the odds to work on their farms risk having their produce burnt during or near harvest.
A Senate bill that seeks to regulate the slaughter of donkeys in Nigeria has crossed one of the final stages  public hearing.

Members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, on Monday, held the hearing and invited stakeholders to make their inputs on the legislation.

The controversial bill is sponsored by Kebbi senator, Abdullahi Yahaya, and was first deliberated in July 2021.

It seeks to ensure the classification of donkeys as endangered species  which as a result of indiscriminate slaughtering for the purpose of harvesting its skin, has greatly depleted the national herd of the animal.

Another major objective of the bill is to mitigate the extinction of donkeys given their aesthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational and scientific value to the Nigerian nation.

Mr Yahaya had said the bill is to make Nigeria derive the utmost benefit from the donkey hides export market which is worth millions of dollars by regulation instead of an outright ban of the business.

A bad idea

Some participants at the hearing, mainly donkey dealers, kicked against the bill.

They argued that the proposed regulation of donkey slaughter in the country would render millions of dealers unemployed.

In his remarks, the National Chairman of the Donkey Dealers Association (DDA), Ifeanyi Dike, said the legislation would result in the loss of businesses and investments for over three million Nigerians.

While he said an outright ban on donkey slaughter is not a solution to the envisaged extinction of donkeys in Nigeria, he warned that the bill could create some powerful smuggling syndicates who are bent on getting the donkey derivatives for export to China thereby sabotaging the economy.

Rather than ban donkey slaughter, he suggested that regulation, ranching and breeding be considered as a solution. This, he said, will create job opportunities for donkey farmers, traders, slaughterhouse, logistics and export.

Cows which we slaughter more than 50,000 on daily basis as meat has not gone into extinction, so how can a donkey with the same gestation period as a cow go into extinction. We should encourage breeding and ranching.

Dealers heavily invested, business could raise N10m

Mr Dike also noted that donkey dealers have not only invested heavily in the business but have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) for the breeding and production of five million donkeys within a space of 10 years  an action, he said, the association took to increase the local population of donkeys in Nigeria to avoid its extinction.

The business, he added, could raise N10 million per annum.

Each of these segments is very important in revenue generation into our economy by way of taxation and levy collections right from the local governments to the states and the federal government.

It is projected that donkey businesses if properly regulated, are capable of injecting N10 billion annually to our economy. 

He, therefore, urged the Senate to consider the plight of millions of Nigerians that would be out of jobs and businesses if the bill was allowed to pass.

A necessary clarification

In a bid to dismiss the notion that the legislation is aimed at putting dealers out of business, Mohammed Datti, a member of the House of Representatives, said the legislation mainly seeks to prohibit entirely, the killing and export of donkeys to China which, he said, is using donkey skin for their traditional medicine.

This animal is facing extinction and its an animal you cannot breed in large numbers because of the very low rate of fertility.

The major beneficiary in this trade is the donkey breeding merchants in China with a profit of 293 million dollars in 2016 to the detriment of the rural people of Africa and Caribbean.

In his remark, the chairman of the panel, Bima Enagi, said the committee is willing to receive input from the public to come up with relevant legislation that would promote agriculture in Nigeria.

He said the panel and by extension, the Senate will reposition the agricultural sector to increase its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and achieve the objective of the global food organisational policies.

Controversy

The DDA is not the first to disagree with the provisions of the legislation.

The bill had divided lawmakers in the chamber during the second reading last year.

The Senate spokesperson, Ajibola Basiru, and former Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe argued that the senate is not empowered to legislate on the matter going by the law.

They cited Section 4(4)a and Part 17-20 of the Second Schedule of the Nigerian constitution.

These sections give the National Assembly powers to legislate on issues in the exclusive and part of the concurrent list, some of which include the health, safety and welfare of persons employed to work in factories and the establishment of research centres for agricultural studies.

But the Deputy Whip of the Senate, Sabi Abdullahi, and other lawmakers like Adamu Aliero and Ajayi Boroffice said the bill was necessary owing to the concern that donkeys in the country may go extinct.

The committee is expected to present a comprehensive report to the Senate on another legislative day, after which the bill will be passed.

Other bills considered at the hearing were the Nigerian Research Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture Bakassi (Establishment) Bill, National Food Safety and Quality Bill and National Veterinary Research Institute, Gombe (Establishment) Bill.
Many prospective voters thronged the states head office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kano protesting their inability to register in the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).

This is as INEC announced the exercise will end on 31 July.

Some of the protesters who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES on Monday said they were denied access to the INEC office even as they came early to be registered.

But the Electoral Commission has responded that their offices across the 44 local government areas of the state are open for continuous voter registration and are doing their best to register everyone.

The protesters feared that they might not vote in the 2023 election as INEC announced 31 July as the deadline for the exercise.

Complaints

A resident, Ikechukwu Eze, lamented that despite days spent coming to the INEC office he could not register as a voter.

They (the government) said we should come and register, we do come out, and several times I came to the INEC but still I am unable to register. I pray that the INEC should do something to help us get the registration, Mr Eze said.

A protester, Muhammad Isah, from Ungogo Local Government Area, said INEC cannot close their main gate at 7:00 a.m. and leave people stranded outside because many of them come from afar to get registered.

He said: We spent our money to transport ourselves to the INEC office to exercise our right because your vote is your right, INEC should do something and correct the anomaly.

We came to the INEC head office to register because the only computer sent to my political ward is not enough for us, Mr Isah added.

I came from Zango ward in Ungogo, my ward is the most populous in the council area and only one computer was sent for the voters registration.

We left our businesses and rushed to the INEC head office because one computer is not sufficient for us; while we are here INEC should have considered us because they asked us to come and register, we came but they are maltreating us, Mr Isah lamented.

Another protester, Safiya Aliyu, from Nasarawa Local Government Area, said she left her siblings at home to come and register but could not do so.

As of Monday morning, I came to the INEC head office thrice but it was still unsuccessful for me to get register, I need to register to satisfy my conscience and please my interest, Mrs Aliyu said.

Zulaihat Adam said: They barred us from entering the INEC office to register for the CVR. We left our loved ones at home in the early morning. We are eventually abandoned at the gate.

They denied us access to the premises. If Women did not come out for the CVR they will say women are not cooperating and patriotic, now that we are here, they dump us like a waste, Ms Adam said.

INEC responds

Meanwhile the INECs spokesperson in Kano, Adam Maulud, acknowledged the mass turnout of residents for the continuous voter registration.

He, however, said the commission is doing the needful to get people registered.

Yes, there are many people at the gate of the INEC head office in Kano, so also at the local government level, people are trooping to register and INEC has added the extension of time for the people to register, Mr Maulud said.

He said INEC is in the final week of the extension of the continuous voter registration which prompted people to come enmasse to register.

Earlier before this dateline people are reluctant to come and register, we register only one to three people per day, the official said

The commission has in the last two weeks included Saturday and Sunday as working days for Continuous Voter Registration to satisfy the people, the spokesperson added.

Now people do come to the INEC office as early as 3:00 a,m. to register their presence in a queue because the exercise is about to end, nonetheless, INEC is doing well in the registration.

All INEC offices and registration centres are open by 9:00 a.m. in the 44 local government areas and even if someone comes early in the morning, he cannot enter the office premises until the official working hours, Mr Maulud said.

Voters registered

Meanwhile, The INECs spokesperson in Kano said the state currently has about six million registered voters.

He said completed registrations in Kano reached 458,559 as of 18 July.

Mr Maulud said if the number of the new registrants so far in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) is added to the registered voters before in the state, the number will be about six million.

The previous voters registered in the state before the CVR was 5,457,747.
The Labour Partys presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reacted to disdainful comment from his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opponent, Atiku Abubakar.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Atiku, had in an interview, dismissed Mr Obis presidential ambition. He said it would take a miracle for Mr Obi to win the 2023 presidential election.

He also said Mr Obi and the Labour Party only have support on social media and lack the required structure at the grassroots to win the forthcoming poll.

Atiku, a former Vice-President, ran for the presidency in 2019, with Mr Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, as his running mate.

Mr Obi defected from the PDP to pick the Labour Partys presidential ticket earlier this year, a move, Atiku said he had no prior knowledge of.

The former political allies will be running against each other and other front runners including presidential candidate of the the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu.

Series of miracles

Reacting to Atikus comment in an interview on Channels TV on Monday, Mr Obi said his political journey has been a series of miracles which enabled him overcome many hurdles.

Mr Obi said he is looking forward to the next miracle that will make him president of the country in 2023.

Miracle is the root of our faith, was Mr Obis response when he was asked to react to the comments by Atiku.

He said since he started his political journey, he has encountered nothing short of miraculous achievements.

He recalled how he contested for governor of Anambra State under a party that was less than a year old. He also recalled how he went to Court and won and how he is the only governor to come back from impeachment.

So, I am looking forward to the next miracle, he said.

Mr Obi also confirmed that he told no one of his decision to leave the PDP. He said he did so because he did not want anyone to talk him out of it and he left with his interest and the interest of Nigerians at heart.

Atiku remains my respected brother. I didnt tell other respected people including my family because I didnt want people to talk me out of it, he said. I did it in the best interest of my future and the future of Nigerians.

When asked if he will consider an alignment with Atiku in the future, he simply said all that matters to him now is going into the election to win.

On insecurity and unifying Nigeria

One key step to tackling insecurity is by pulling the people out of poverty, he said.

The presidential hopeful who said he did not want to disclose his plans for tackling insecurity if elected, said there is the need for proper manpower and proper equipment as well as the political will to deal decisively and immediately with terrorists.

This is even as he echoed his support for state police.

He further said if elected, he would use justice, fairness and inclusiveness to unify the country.

We will consult, negotiate and tour every part of this country. Where we need to beg, we will do so

Mr Obi is currently and arguably the most preferred presidential candidate on social media at the moment.

Although critics say this is not enough to win an election, his supporters  who have tagged themselves OBIdients  have vowed to garner enough votes for him to win at the 2023 polls.
At 49 per cent of the prorata target of N3.32 trillion for the period, the N1.63 trillion that the Federal Government earned as revenue just about reflected the omission part of how poorly the incumbent administration has managed things. If low revenue levels point to the difficulties the Buhari administration has had firing up this economy, the expenditure numbers graphically underscore the burdens it has saddled the economy with in the process.

The release last week by the finance ministry of the Public Consultation on the Draft 2023-2025 MTEF/FSP confirmed what most critics of the Buhari administration have long feared. By acts of omission  tentative attempts at reforming the economy frustrated in the end by the governments dirigiste take on business and economic matters  the incumbent government has failed over its two terms to boost domestic economic activity. By acts of commission  especially an addiction to borrowing money the Buhari government has led the economy back to a state that, in the early 1980s, was described as one of debt peonage.

Aside from these observations, the document made for instructive reading. Domestic echo chambers make so much of the deep economic contraction in 2020, as the pandemic ravaged the global economy. But often, this reading of the pandemic-related crisis only serves to conceal another unpleasant fact. Long before SARS-CoV-2 struck in the second quarter of 2020, the Nigerian economy was already treading deep waters. Growing by 2.55 per cent year-on-year in the final quarter of 2019, before dropping to 1.87 per cent in the first quarter of 2020.

But it matters that the government is comfortable with the explanation that the NNPC attributes the fall in oil production to the high incidence (of) crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. Sadly, the report offers no similar explanation for the fact that domestic prices have been rising relentlessly, even as the nairas external price plumbs newer depths.

This evident softness long before COVID, makes it worrisome that having emerged from the deep-end that was 2020, domestic output growth has since the second quarter of last year trended down. Few of the main contributors to the welfare of the economy have done well at all. Crude oil prices are up globally. But somehow, Nigeria has contrived to produce less than its installed capacity over the last five years, and, shockingly, less than its Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)-assigned quota since the beginning of this year. I am not too sure what to make of this. But it matters that the government is comfortable with the explanation that the NNPC attributes the fall in oil production to the high incidence (of) crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. Sadly, the report offers no similar explanation for the fact that domestic prices have been rising relentlessly, even as the nairas external price plumbs newer depths.

Unsurprisingly, the report puts a rosier gloss on the dismal performance of the economy, preferring, instead to see the economy as sustaining its recovery from recession for the fifth consecutive quarter, growing by 3.11% in real terms in Q1 2022. Wailers could point out that 3.11 per cent year-on-year growth rate is suboptimal for an economy with a potential trend growth rate of about 7 per cent. The more churlish of them could add that the demographics of the economy  large cohorts of unemployed youths, a strong birth rate, etc.  are not helped by a growth rate below 10 per cent annually.

At the beginning of the year, the plan was for the Federal Government to spend N17.32 trillion this year. In the end, it managed to spend N4.72 trillion of the N5.77 trillion target for the first four months of this year. In the light of revenue underperformance and near target spend, put differently, much of the spend by the Federal Government in the first four months of this year was unfunded.

Much the bigger concern, however, is the question: At what cost, this paltry growth rate? If the first four months of this year are anything to go by, we have expended more on the economy than we have managed to tease out of it. The finance minister reports that, Revenue continued to underperform in the four months to April 2022. Largely because of the crisis in the upstream oil and gas industry. But again because non-oil taxes also fell below targets. At 49 per cent of the prorata target of N3.32 trillion for the period, the N1.63 trillion that the Federal Government earned as revenue just about reflected the omission part of how poorly the incumbent administration has managed things. If low revenue levels point to the difficulties the Buhari administration has had firing up this economy, the expenditure numbers graphically underscore the burdens it has saddled the economy with in the process.

At the beginning of the year, the plan was for the Federal Government to spend N17.32 trillion this year. In the end, it managed to spend N4.72 trillion of the N5.77 trillion target for the first four months of this year. In the light of revenue underperformance and near target spend, put differently, much of the spend by the Federal Government in the first four months of this year was unfunded. So much so that we spent N1.94 trillion just paying interest due on this borrowing in the four months to end-April 2022. And the N773.63 billion spent on capital expenditure over the period? Evidently, not enough to lend a fillip to the economy. Most probably spent on items whose costs have not been covered by their benefits. In other words even this positive might be a key part of the problem with the economy.

Uddin Ifeanyi, journalist manque and retired civil servant, can be reached @IfeanyiUddin.
The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), on Monday, said there was a decline in the allocation of funds to education as a proportion of the total state budget in Niger.

Michael Banda, the senior education manager, UNICEF Field Office Kano and Girl Education Project (GEP3), disclosed this at a three-day media dialogue on Girls education.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dialogue is to sensitise the media to the importance of girls education and ignite the function of a media coalition for girls education for sustained media advocacy on education.

NAN also reports that the GEP3 project is being implemented in Bauchi, Kano, Kastina, Niger, Sokoto and Zamfara states with the assistance of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the UK.

Mr Banda explained that the total budget for the state from 2017 to 2021 for education was increasing, but the funds released to the sector were declining.

In his presentation on Niger State Ministry of Education Budget Performance, Francis Elisha, the education officer, UNICEF Field Office Kaduna, disclosed that in 2017, N5 billion was allocated to education and only N1.7 billion was released, representing 35 per cent.

He said in 2018, about N5.4 billion was allocated and only N439 million was released and in 2019, about N3.1 billion was allocated and only about N199.8 million was released.

Mr Elisha added that in 2020, about N426 million was allocated to the sector and only about N55.4 million was released while in 2021, N4 billion was allocated with only about N591.5 million released.

According to him, the total budget released in 2017 was 35 per cent; in 2018, it was 8 per cent; in 2019, it was 6 per cent; in 2020, it was 13 per cent while in 2021, it was 15 per cent.

He said that there was a need for the Niger State Government to do more in the allocation and release of funds to the educational sector, adding that the GEP3 project had helped in reducing low girls enrollment, retention, completion and transition at the basic educational level.

Mr Elisha disclosed that the annual school census of 2020/2021, showed that the gender parity index for Niger improved from 0.65 in 2012 to 0.79 in 2021, adding that the project made an impact as more girls were enrolled in school.

(NAN)
The space meant for the name of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State is blank in the list of candidates published on Friday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The list was pasted at the INEC headquarters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

This development confirmed what has already been known in Akwa Ibom  the APC is still yet to have a governorship candidate in the state.

The party may likely not field any governorship candidate for the 2023 election in the state, unless they get the court to compel INEC to accept their candidate  Akanimo Udofia  a young entrepreneur who initially bought the Peoples Democratic Party governorship nomination form and had his name of the ballot during the PDP primary.

INEC did not monitor the primary which produced Mr Udofia and has, therefore, refused to accept him as a candidate, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

Mr Udofia was seen on Saturday at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, with a handful of aides around 1:40 p.m. He flew out of the city in a private jet.

It is indeed a difficult time for the APC in Akwa Ibom as the chairman of the party in the state, Stephen Ntukekpo, faces an embarrassing case of forgery.

Mr Ntukekpo, backed by the former minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, had filed forged documents at a Federal High Court, Abuja, which enabled him to get a favourable judgement in March.

The judgment paved the way for him to be sworn-in as the APC chairman in Akwa Ibom.

The police at the force headquarters, Abuja, recently recommended that Mr Ntukekpo be charged to court for forgery and impersonation.

Mr Akpabios name too would not be on the ballot as INEC had rejected the primary that produced him as the senatorial candidate for the Akwa Ibom North West.
Rise in exploration & drilling activities for oil across the globe and increase in the redevelopment of mature oil wells drive the growth of the global drill pipe market.

PORTLAND, Ore., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Drill Pipe Market by Type (Standard drill pipe, Heavy weight drill pipe (HWDP)), by Grade (API, Premium), by Application (Offshore, Onshore): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031." According to the report, the global drill pipe industry was estimated at $1.3 billion in 2021, and is anticipated to hit $2.2 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 5.4% from 2022 to 2031.

Drivers, restraints, and opportunities-

Rise in exploration & drilling activities for oil across the globe and increase in the redevelopment of mature oil wells drive the growth of the global drill pipe market. On the other hand, variations in raw material prices restrain the growth to some extent. However, surge in focus toward sustainable oil & gas production presents new opportunities in the future.

Covid-19 scenario-

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has highly affected the oil & gas extraction procedures across the globe. This, in turn, has dwindled the demand for drill pipes.

At the same time, bans in international trade, and several lockdown restrictions have decreased the demand for oil in the international market. Accordingly, the value chain has been disrupted significantly.

Download Sample PDF: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/10536

The standard drill pipe segment to dominate by 2031-

By type, the standard drill pipe segment contributed to nearly three-fourths of the global drill pipe market share in 2021, and is expected to lead the trail by 2031, due to their simple design and low cost of manufacturing. The heavy weight drill pipe (HWDP) segment, on the other hand, is expected to exhibit the fastest CAGR of 5.8% from 2022 to 2031. Heavy weight drill pipe (HWDP) is highly efficient in withstanding external bending stresses with the help of the thick upset available at the mid-length of the pipe. This factor fuels the segment growth.

The onshore segment to maintain the lion's share-

By application, the onshore segment accounted for more than two-thirds of the global drill pipe market revenue in 2021, and will dominate by 2031. This is owing to the fact that onshore wells are comparatively easy to drill and are available in large quantities, which makes the extraction process easier as compared to offshore wells. At the same time, the offshore segment would manifest the fastest CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. This is due to rapid depletion of oil reserves in onshore oil wells.

Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Drill Pipe Market: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/10536

North America garnered the major share in 2021-

By region, North America garnered the major share in 2021, holding more than one-third of the global drill pipe market. This is because key regions in North America are expected to project an increase in demand for wellhead equipment as there is a major producer of oil & gas along with massive exploration of the same. Simultaneously, Asia-Pacific would cite the fastest CAGR of 6.1% throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to the fact that many developing countries across Asia-Pacific have shifted their focus on developing a complete solution for crude oil to gain a competitive advantage in the oil & gas industry.

Key players in the industry-

Jindal Saw Ltd. (Drill Pipes International LLC)

NOV Inc.

Oil Country Tubular Ltd.

Weatherock Group Holding Limited

Tenaris S.A.

Hilong Group of Companies

PetroMaterials Corporation

Tejas Tubular Products, Inc.

Texas Steel Conversion, Inc.

TMK Steel Limited

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
HOUSTON, June 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LyondellBasell has signed its first two U.S. power purchase agreements (PPA) supporting the company's climate goal to procure a minimum of 50 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The combined agreements represent 216 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy, which is estimated to generate approximately 628,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean power annually. Approximately 15 percent of LyondellBasell's total scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions come from its electricity consumption. These agreements will enable the company to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 225,000 metric tons annually.

Construction is currently underway at ENGIEs Limestone wind project, including initial delivery of some of the 264 individual blades that will make up the 88 turbines, each capable of producing 3.4 MW of output. Turbine blades are being installed that will power the ENGIE Limestone wind project and deliver renewable energy to support LyondellBasell's goal of procuring a minimum of 50 percent electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Drilling and racking pile installation activities are underway for solar panel mounting systems at Buckeyes Files solar project in Hill County, Texas. Photovoltaic panels delivered and staged for installation at the Buckeye Files solar project in Hill County, Texas. More than 350,000 panels will be used at the site.

"Creating a better future for the next generation is important to us, which is one reason we are focused on delivering on our climate goal to achieve net zero emissions from our global operations," said Peter Vanacker, LyondellBasell CEO. "Renewable energy is an important component for how we will get there, and power purchase agreements are our preferred approach to decarbonizing our electricity supply. These strategic projects propel us forward in greenhouse gas emissions reduction, but they also provide scalability and support investment in new renewable energy capability."

ENGIE Limestone Wind Project

LyondellBasell signed a PPA with ENGIE North America (ENGIE) for 100 MW of renewable electricity sourced from ENGIE's new Limestone wind project in Texas' Navarro and Limestone counties. The project is expected to commence operations late in 2022.

The 12-year agreement is estimated to generate approximately 377,000 MWh of clean power annually, equivalent to around 135,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide or the yearly electricity consumption of more than 35,000 average American homes.

"This agreement demonstrates a collaboration to create a path forward that helps address the collective global challenge of climate change," said ENGIE Chief Renewables Officer David Carroll. "We are particularly honored to work with LyondellBasell on their first PPA agreement which will deliver steady economic and environmental value in the long run for both parties."

Buckeye Files Solar Project

LyondellBasell also signed a PPA with Buckeye Partners for 116 MW of renewable electricity sourced from its Files solar project located in Hill County outside of Dallas, Texas. The solar farm is expected to begin operations in the second quarter of 2023.

The 10-year agreement is estimated to generate approximately 251,000 MWh of clean power annually, equivalent to around 90,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide or the yearly electricity consumption of more than 23,300 average American homes.

"Buckeye is pleased to partner with LyondellBasell on this new power purchase agreement and to support their sustainability goals," said Buckeye CEO Todd Russo. "This partnership is illustrative of our focus on providing for the increasingly diverse energy needs of our customers, including solar power."

LyondellBasell's climate-related goals support the ambitions of the Paris Agreement and the transition to a low-carbon economy. By procuring at least half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, LyondellBasell estimates the company's scope 2 greenhouse emissions will be reduced by approximately 1.5 million metric tons. LyondellBasell's renewable energy goal supports its commitment to achieve net zero scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

About LyondellBasell

As a leader in the global chemical industry, LyondellBasell strives every day to be the safest, best operated and most valued company in our industry. The company's products, materials and technologies are advancing sustainable solutions for food safety, access to clean water, healthcare and fuel efficiency in more than 100 international markets. LyondellBasell places high priority on diversity, equity and inclusion and is Advancing Good with an emphasis on our planet, the communities where we operate and our future workforce. The company takes great pride in its world-class technology and customer focus. LyondellBasell has stepped up its circularity and climate ambitions and actions to address the global challenges of plastic waste and decarbonization. In 2022, LyondellBasell was named as one of FORTUNE Magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies" for the fifth consecutive year. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management of LyondellBasell which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. When used in this presentation, the words "estimate," "believe," "continue," "could," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "should," "will," "expect," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, the availability, cost and price volatility of utilities; our ability to meet our sustainability goals, including our ability to reduce our emissions and achieve net zero emissions by the time set in our goals; our ability to procure energy from renewable sources; and the successful construction and operation of the projects described in this release. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com on the Investor Relations page and on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov. There is no assurance that any of the actions, events or results of the forward-looking statements will occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on our results of operations or financial condition. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and are based on the estimates and opinions of management of LyondellBasell at the time the statements are made. LyondellBasell does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change, except as required by law.

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SOURCE LyondellBasell Industries
Innovate Canada 2022 will share discoveries from the most exclusive research facilities in host city, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, alongside destinations from coast to coast to coast.

VANCOUVER, BC, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Destination Canada is pleased to announce the return of Innovate Canada , a Destination Canada signature business event that highlights the groundbreaking work taking place across Canada's leading innovation sectors to attract aligned international business events. Running from July 25-28 in St. John's , Newfoundland and Labrador, Innovate Canada 2022 will give international delegates the opportunity to explore Canada's blue economy and global leadership in ocean sciences , including the people and facilities behind some of the most transformative sustainable technologies and solutions for ocean restoration and marine health.

"Bounded by three oceans and home to the largest coastline in the world, it should be no surprise that Canada has a rich history of innovation and global leadership in the ocean's sciences sector," says Virginie De Visscher, Senior Director of Business Development, Economic Sectors, Destination Canada Business Events. "After a two-year hiatus, we are thrilled to bring the Innovate Canada program to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. The city has a global reputation as a centre of ocean excellence and is home to some of the most exclusive facilities, advanced post-secondary institutions and renowned ocean research and training centres. Combine this leadership with the warmth of Newfoundland and Labrador hospitality, and there's little wonder why global organizations in ocean sciences continually choose to host their events in St. John's."

In addition to educational site visits to disruptive startups and established businesses across St. John's ocean science related industries, the Innovate Canada program will take delegates on curated tours of:

The National Research Council's Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre for research being conducted in the Ice Tank, one of the globe's largest facilities of its kind; the Offshore Engineering Basin, one of the most advanced indoor model ocean facilities in the world; and the Tow Tank, which simulates marine conditions to evaluate the performance of marine systems.

for research being conducted in the Ice Tank, one of the globe's largest facilities of its kind; the Offshore Engineering Basin, one of the most advanced indoor model ocean facilities in the world; and the Tow Tank, which simulates marine conditions to evaluate the performance of marine systems. The Marine Institute of Memorial University to experience the most advanced marine simulation technology, pilot underwater vehicles in the Underwater Exploration Lab, and discover the newest technologies being applied to the global fisheries industries in support of sustainable aquatic resources.

"From ocean technology, aquaculture and fisheries, ocean defense, marine bio-products, marine renewable energy, shipbuilding, and marine transportation, St. John's is changing the way business in the ocean economy is conducted," says Cathy Hogan, Executive Director at OceansAdvance, Newfoundland and Labrador's ocean technology cluster organization. "We're thrilled to collaborate with Destination Canada through the Innovate Canada program, to put local leading innovators, cutting edge innovations and world class oceans research facilities on the global stage and show delegates why St. John's is an incredibly distinct and unique location to host ocean-related business events."

Aligned with Destination Canada's national meeting strategy , Innovate Canada aims to drive regional economic growth and compel global organizations to host their business events in Canada.

"When conference-goers meet in Canada's innovation hubs, they can tap into the country's brain trust, connect with some of the brightest minds and thought leaders, preview made-in-Canada solutions to the world's greatest challenges and explore the Canadian innovations that are creating a more sustainable world," adds Chantal Sturk-Nadeau, Executive Director, Business Events, Destination Canada. "When this intellectual capital is combined with our vibrant urban centres and unique natural landscapes, it provides a thriving ecosystem for business events that foster creativity, collaboration and ultimately, leave a lasting impact. We can't wait to provide a look at just that."

Innovate Canada rotates destinations and industry sectors each year and will return in May 2023 to share the brilliant minds and transformative work being done across Waterloo, Ontario's advanced manufacturing sector including automotive, aerospace, food processing, cutting-edge robotics and automation innovation. Aligned with Destination Canada's new Canadian Business Events Sustainability Strategy , Innovate Canada 2023 will, for the first time, be carbon neutral.

About Destination Canada:

At Destination Canada, we believe that tourism enhances the quality of life of Canadians and enriches the lives of visitors. We believe that Canada's diversity, its greatest asset, is also what touches travellers' hearts most deeply. Our mission is to influence supply, and build demand for the benefit of locals, communities and visitors through leading research, alignment with public and private sectors, and marketing Canada nationally and abroad. Our destination development work ensures that we grow a premier four-season tourism economy that is community centric and regenerative in nature  catalysing thriving commerce, culture and reconciliation.

Destination Canada's Business Events team is charged with growing Canada's share of international business events by promoting the country's unique meeting, convention, and incentive event possibilities. By driving awareness of Canada's leading economic strengths and how local knowledge capital can elevate business events, Destination Canada's Business Events team helps international organizations meet with purpose in Canada. Destination Canada is a Crown corporation wholly owned by the Government of Canada.

Visit http://www.destinationcanada.com.

SOURCE Destination Canada
Art-Inspired Mats Support Global Artists of Color & Give 15% Back to Women-Centric Nonprofits

NEW ORLEANS, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Wellness Platform, Freedom at the Mat, has announced the addition of four new designs to their growing collection of art-inspired yoga mats.

The New Art Yoga Mat Collection by Freedom At The Mat Karma Always

This expansion comes hot on the heels of the December 2021 debut launch of the signature collection, featuring Afro Lady, Free Woman and Freedom Mandala. The four new mats, Karma Now, Karma Always, Hibiscus Majesty and Soul Renewal, are beautifully designed with alluring patterns that evoke a feeling of tranquillity. The yoga & wellness mats are crafted from soft, lush, natural rubber and non-slip material and are also eco-friendly. But that's not all. The new mats maintain the signature collection's thickness to offer superior cushioning and joint support, and also come with a free mat strap for easy studio transport. Like the debut designs, these new yoga mats are designed by an artist of color, Ubiomo Ibeamaka from Delta State, Nigeria, who also designed Afro Lady and Free Woman.

Through its YouTube channel and private, commissioned classes, Freedom at the Mat offers a safe, sacred, time-efficient solution dedicated exclusively to busy women. The YouTube platform boasts a library of 200 videos to provide women a safe & sacred destination accessible 24/7 to break free from emotional scars and everyday challenges to pursue their hearts' desires through mindfulness & movement. Wellness Advocate and Freedom at the Mat Creator, Olivia F. Scott, is excited about the launch of the company's growth."The response to the Freedom At The Mat platform and art yoga mat debut collection has been humbling and overwhelming, by our customers and partners. We are grateful for the opportunity to create additional designs to support our artists, nonprofits and community we serve," says Scott.

From now until July 31, Freedom at the Mat is offering a 30% discount on all mats using the checkout code FREEDOM. The mats can be purchased individually or as part of the Freedom Kit, which includes the yoga mat, an aromatherapy candle and a guided journal authored by Scott. The company donates 15% of all profits from the product & class sales to A21, Taller Salud and Grace House of Memphis, three charity organizations that assist underserved women. For further information, visit: https://freedomatthemat.com.

Media Contact: Frances Armand

Armand Consulting

Email: 3[email protected]

212-729-0547

SOURCE Freedom at the Mat
ApexBrasil sponsors Forum, with Business Director also speaking on panel about future of farming and agriculture from lens of international trade

SAO PAULO, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the fifth edition of the Global Agribusiness Forum commenced in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Over the next two days, professionals, leaders, and investors from the agribusiness sector will gather for thought-provoking discussions centered around food security, sustainability and sustainable food systems, food waste reduction, and more. ApexBrasil, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, is a long-time sponsor of the Global Agribusiness Forum, along with other organizations that support and contribute to growth, innovation, and sustainability in the global agriculture industry.

Lucas Fiuza, Business Director for ApexBrasil, will participate in a panel during the Forum, "Business Environment & Market Access". Together with other high-profile leaders  including Ambassador Suresh Reddy, Indian Ambassador in Brazil; Alfredo Paseyro, Member of the Board, Maizall & Executive Director, ASA  Asociacion Semilleros Argentinos; and Juan Manuel Sanclemente, Coordinator of the agriculture program for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Colombia  Fiuza will speak to how governments can transform agriculture. More specifically, the esteemed panel will cover how helping farmers build connections across every phase of the production chain can enable them to more effectively gain access to lucrative trade markets around the world.

Other notable panels will focus on timely and pressing topics, featuring other noteworthy Brazilian speakers across the public and private sector, such as Leonardo Bichara Rocha, Senior Agriculture Economist for The World Bank in Brazil, Mariane Crespolini, PhD in Economic Development and Former Director of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, and Adriana Aroulho, CEO of SAP Brasil, just to name a few. Sessions range from case study debates about efficient regulations and public policies that work, to the opportunities that exist to build connections between family farming business and the larger global agribusiness industry, to how to better use and preserve natural resources like water and soil, and how biotechnology has the power and potential to change the future of agriculture, fishery, and forestry.

Ahead of the start of the Forum, Fiuza remarked: "The urgency for conversations about how to feed future generations has never been greater. Over the next 30 years, the world population will increase by two billion people, ultimately leading to a 56% increase in demand for food, when compared with demand in 2010. Recent global events have the potential to exacerbate this even further, with global food prices reportedly nearly 34% higher in June 2022 compared to January 2021, due to supply chain disruptions, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the political uncertainty in Europe. Brazil plays an important role in discussions about reversing these trends. Consider that FAO and OECD rank Brazil as the second largest global supplier of food and agricultural products. By 2050, experts predict Brazil will become the foremost food supplier to the world, contributing to up to 40% of global food production. Brazil estimates that it has the capacity to increase crop production 266% in 40 years, with help from foreign investors, new trade relationships, and emerging technologies."

The Global Agribusiness Forum is an important gathering of minds, organized by several leading Brazilian organizations, to address challenges and discuss solutions to build a more sustainable social, economic, and environmental future. For any agribusiness professionals interested in attending the Forum today and/or tomorrow, registration is still open and available here. To learn more about other trade sectors ApexBrasil supports, visit: http://www.apexbrasil.com.br/en/trade-sectors.

About ApexBrasil

The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad, and to attract foreign investment to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. ApexBrasil organizes several initiatives aiming to promote Brazilian exports abroad. The Agency's efforts comprise trade and prospective missions, business rounds, support for the participation of Brazilian companies in major international trade fairs, arrangement of technical visits of buyers and opinion makers to learn about the Brazilian productive structure, and other select activities designed to strengthen the country's branding abroad. ApexBrasil also plays a leading role in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brazil, by working to identify business opportunities, promoting strategic events and lending support to foreign investors willing to allocate resources in Brazil. ApexBrasil is an agency linked to the Brazilian Foreign Ministry (Itamaraty).

Media Contact

McKenzie Naylor

Ruder Finn  PR on behalf of ApexBrasil in the U.S.

[email protected]

+1-917-656-0463

SOURCE ApexBrasil
    :      
Sushi leader brings the crunch and spice just in time for Hatch green chile season to more than 1,000 national retailers

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hissho Sushi, one of the largest sushi distributors in the U.S., has "rolled in" a new partner  The Hatch Chile Co.  for the launch of its new Crunchy Hatch Chile Chicken Roll. Starting July 25, the new roll will be available in more than 1,000 locations nationwide including grocery stores, hospitals and airports for a limited-time-only throughout the Hatch green chile harvest season.

New Crunchy Hatch Chile Chicken Sushi Roll

Hissho Sushi, known for creating innovative and exciting sushi experiences and products, was inspired by the sweet, smoky flavors of Hatch green chiles and the opportunity to partner with a well-respected brand to create a roll fusing classic southwestern cuisine with traditional Japanese sushi.

The new roll features grilled chicken, cream cheese and creamy avocado wrapped in rice and nori and topped with a vibrant salsa of Hatch green chiles, golden corn, red onion, chopped cilantro and crispy fried onions. A finishing drizzle of Japanese BBQ sauce, spicy mayo and sriracha bring sweet heat.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Hatch Chile Co., and to continue to bring our customers never-before-tasted, innovative flavors," said Dan Beem, CEO of Hissho Sushi. "Incorporating authentic Hatch chiles from New Mexico with our premium, hand-crafted sushi is truly a must-try fusion of flavors."

"As the brand leader of superior quality New Mexican and Southwestern food products, we're excited to partner with Hissho Sushi to bring authentic New Mexico green chile flavor to the sushi market" said David Gregory, President of Hatch Chile Co., LLC. "We can't wait for consumers to try Hissho Sushi's new innovative roll featuring our HATCH Select diced green chiles."

Now available to purchase through early October, the new Crunchy Hatch Chile Chicken roll retails at $9.99 and can be found at more than 1,000 locations nationwide.

About Hissho Sushi

Hissho Sushi, headquartered in Charlotte NC, is one of the largest sushi distributors in the country and has regularly been recognized for their year-over-year growth by Charlotte Business Journal's Fast 50, by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America, Grant Thornton's NC 100 and Smart CEO's Future 40, among others. Founded in 1998, Hissho has grown to more than 2,000 locations across the United States. Through its business, Hissho Sushi aspires to enrich lives, and to inspire all to be great and do good. For more information, visit https://hisshosushi.com/ or follow Hissho Sushi on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Hatch Chile Co.

Hatch Chile Company, founded in 1987 in Albuquerque, NM, is a brand leader of superior quality New Mexican and Southwestern food products. We believe that New Mexico green chile is a unique treasure, and we want to share this treasure with consumers across the country. Our products include green chile peppers, jalapeno peppers, enchilada sauces, and salsas. The HATCH, HATCH Select, and ZIA brands are currently distributed in supermarkets and small grocery stores in all fifty U.S. states. For more information and recipes, please visit https://www.hatchchileco.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Adrienne Hamilton, Nicole Communications

Phone: 214-497-6166

Email: [email protected]

New sushi roll photos are available here.

SOURCE Hissho Sushi
CHESAPEAKE CITY, Md., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 28-29, 2022, Maryland auctioneers Alexander Historical Auctions, known internationally for their sale of historical military objects, will be offering the bronze desk set and blotter used by Adolf Hitler during the signing of the Munich Pact on September 30, 1938. The agreement, signed by Germany, Great Britain, France, and Italy, ceded part of Czechoslovakia to Germany for what British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain promised would be "peace in our time." Hitler was instead emboldened, and a year later he would invade Poland  and bring on World War II. It would also lead to Chamberlain's ousting and the installation of Winston Churchill as Prime Minister.

Adolf Hitler's gold Huber reversible wristwatch, presented to him by the Nazi Party in 1933. The watch was discovered by a French soldier in the ruins of Hitler's vacation retreat at Berchtesgaden and has remained in his family ever since. The other side of the case, which can be rotated, displays the time. To be offered at auction by Alexander Historical Auctions in Maryland, U.S.A. July 28, 2022. The bronze desk set and blotter used by Adolf Hitler, Neville Chamberlain, and the other signatories to the Munich Pact in 1938 when a portion of Czechoslovakia was ceded to Germany. Chamberlain believed he had obtained "peace in our time." Instead, the agreement only emboldened Hitler, and he invaded Poland a year later, starting World War II. To be offered at auction July 29, 2022 by Alexander Historical Auctions in Maryland.

The massive bronze piece was recovered from the flooded basement of Hitler's Munich headquarters by Lt. John McConn who had been ordered with his men to protect the large quantity of stolen art hidden there on Hitler's orders earlier in the war.

The sale will also include an ornately-engraved gold watch presented to Adolf Hitler in 1933 by top Nazi Party members. The watch is estimated to bring over $2,000,000.

The reversible watch is engraved with a Nazi eagle and swastika, along with the dates of Hitler's birth, his appointment as Chancellor, and the date of elections which gave Hitler complete control of the country. No other watch owned by Hitler has ever come to market. The Huber watch with LeCoultre movement was discovered by a French soldier who was among the first to reach the dictator's vacation retreat in Berchtesgaden, Germany, on May 4, 1945. The watch remained in the soldier's family for decades until it was sold to another family member in the 1980s.

The auction will also offer a second military watch of great notoriety. On September 12, 1943 German commandos led by Major Otto Skorzeny freed Italian dictator Benito Mussolini from imprisonment on an Italian mountaintop, where he was being held pending trial. Mussolini thanked the commandos with gifts of engraved gold Swiss watches. While under Allied arrest, Skorzeny was convinced by American secret military agents that he could trade his watch for a route to freedom  information on which was desired by the agents. In the end, Skorzeny escaped, and an agent kept his Mussolini watch. It is offered with an estimate of $15,000.

Other important lots in the 1,600 lot sale include Hitler's signed declaration that he would remain in Berlin until the end; an original script from Orson Welles' famous "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast that terrified the East Coast; Alfred Hitchcock's signed copy of his script for "Strangers On a Train"; an excessively rare letter and envelope signed by Mao Zedong; and historic groupings of maps and documents from the captain of HMS AJAX, describing the battle leading to the sinking of the German battleship GRAF SPEE in December, 1939.

Bidding will be available live, by telephone, and at the auctioneer's web site.

Bidding is also available at websites invaluable.com and liveauctioneers.com. Alexander Historical Auctions may be reached at 203-276-1570, email: [email protected], website: historyauctioneer.com.

SOURCE Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Tech-First Hospitality Brand Reimagines Two Historic Landmarked Buildings Including The Divine Lorraine Hotel; and Sets to Open a Third by Year End

NEW YORK, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mint House , the premiere tech-enabled residential hospitality brand offering spacious, apartment-style accommodations across the U.S., announced today the opening of two new locations in Philadelphia - Mint House at The Ledger , a landmarked building directly overlooking Independence Hall, and Mint House at The Divine Lorraine Hotel , a 130-year-old landmarked property, which was the first racially integrated hotel in America. Additionally, as part of its partnership with EB Realty Management Corp, who own The Divine Lorraine, Mint House will open a to-be-named 47-unit full building conversion in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood in Q4 2022.

Mint House at The Ledger Mint House at The Divine Lorraine Hotel

"Our partnerships with The Ledger and The Divine Lorraine Hotel, two historic buildings that are an important part of Philadelphia's rich history and current real estate development, are ideal locations for our innovative residential hospitality model," said Elizabeth Herzberg, Mint House's Vice President of Development. "As travelers continue to stay longer, extending their trips and working more from the road, we believe Mint House will continue to meet consumer demands with more space for smarter stays."

Mint House at The Divine Lorraine Hotel will open phase one of its full building expansion in mid-July with thoughtfully designed apartments along one of Philadelphia's most prominent corridors - North Broad Street. Built in 1893, the historic property was the first racially integrated hotel in America. Developer Eric Blumenfeld purchased the building in 2012 and after a multi-million-dollar restoration, has partnered with Mint House to create a next-generation travel destination with world-class food, drink, lodging and event spaces. The property will feature updated interiors that seamlessly blend the building's heritage with a contemporary feel, and will feature Mint House's Shop Your Stay programallowing guests to shop their space's decor and products from their phones and ship items home. As with all Mint House properties, apartments will feature full kitchens, expansive living areas, in-unit laundry and contactless and mobile-first check-in.

In addition to James Beard semi-finalist Angela Cicala and her husband Joe's Italian fine-dining restaurant, Cicala , Mint House at The Divine Lorraine Hotel will be home to a casual wood-fired pizza and aperitivo concept, debuting later this summer. Additionally, former Top Chef contestant Natalie Maronski and Robert "DEL" Femine's hospitality group, Underground Concepts , will operate four venues at the property including "the daily." coffee shop, "broad hall." event space, "foundation." cocktail bar and recording studio, and an all-day restaurant and retail space, "annex", opening this summer.

"The North Broad community is about to enter a new era with the introduction of Mint House at The Divine Lorraine Hotel," said Eric Blumenfeld, Owner of EB Realty Management Corp. "The Divine Lorraine with its wonderfully relevant and no doubt historic past (some would even say it's visited by spirits of a bygone era), is culturally suited to collaborate with Mint House's hip young culture, inspired by the cuisine of chef Joe Cicala, pastry chef Angela Cicala and Top Chef's Natalie Maronski in eight separate indoor/outdoor offerings, blasting the Mint House at The Divine Lorraine Hotel into a level unparalleled anyplace, anywhere. Mint House at The Divine Lorraine Hotel has a close partnership with the neighboring Met Philadelphia, which will soon host the likes of Ringo Starr, Alicia Keys and Amy Schumer."

Mint House at The Ledger - Philadelphia opened its doors in May 2022, after a multi-million-dollar adaptive reuse project, and features 40 thoughtfully designed, lofted apartments with full kitchens, dedicated workspaces and in-unit washer and dryers. The encased beams and concrete in the lofted units highlight the Georgian Revival-style architecture throughout the building, which was designed by premier American architect, Horace Trumbauer, in 1923. The interiors feature large-format blueprints of the storied building (home to the first penny paper sold in Philadelphia) as well as warm woods and black accents. The property includes a fitness center offering on-demand classes, lounge, private workspaces and bookable conference rooms. The property was also the debut location for a partnership between Mint House and Public Goods , which will now be the brand's standard bathroom amenities line.

"I am truly excited about the partnership with Mint House at The Ledger, says Peter d'Aubermont of Heights Advisors." "The Ledger's unbeatable location with views of Independence Hall, proximity to the National Constitution Center, Liberty Bell, Washington Square Park, and the historic districts of Society Hill and Old City make it the perfect option for anyone looking for a taste of American history."

In addition to offering tech-first spaces to work, stay and play, both The Ledger and Divine Lorraine Hotel will offer Mint House's signature Stock Your Stay program, allowing guests to pre-stock their apartment with groceries prior to arrival. Both properties will also participate in Mint House's subscription Mint Pass program, offering frequent travelers perks, and each create less CO2 emissions than a traditional hotel with smart thermostats, as well as zero soap and plastic waste.

Today, Mint House has more than 22 artfully designed, tech-first properties in more than 15 major U.S. cities including New York, Miami, Austin, Denver and Nashville. Recent and upcoming openings include New Orleans, Philadelphia and Seattle.

About Mint House

Mint House is transforming the traditional hotel model and creating a new category of hospitality that is fundamentally changing the way we live, work and play away from homeall powered by technology. Mint House's award-winning properties are thoughtfully designed with full kitchens, expansive living areas and connected workspaces in prime downtown locationsoffering a new kind of stay that's smarter and more comfortable than a hotel and delivers on the personalized service and consistency travelers have come to expect. Mint House's proprietary tech stack and mobile-first model powers a seamless and feature-rich guest experience including mobile check-in and keyless entry, pre-stocked groceries, 24/7 digital concierge services, on-demand fitness, smart thermostats and shoppable spaces. For more, visit minthouse.com and @staymint .

SOURCE Mint House
62 % of revenues from focus markets - Europe and US

Records INR 1,575 cr revenue in Q1 FY23

Maintains a healthy OB of INR 11,200+ cr

FREMONT, Calif., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- STL (NSE: STLTECH) , one of the industry's leading integrators of digital networks, today announced its financial results for the quarter ending June 30, 2022. The company reported a promising start to the year with revenues of INR 1,575 cr in Q1 FY23 owing to its widespread strength across all of its business operations. Nearly 62% of the total revenue came from its focus markets of US and Europe. Large orders from these markets enabled STL to build a healthy order book of INR 11,200 + cr, further establishing its leadership in these markets.

Increased focus on efficiency and prudent capital management will sustain positive momentum.

Network creators, enterprises and Governments across the globe are investing significantly to power 5G, FTTx and data centre deployments. This is leading to an increase in global demand for optical fibre which is predicted to surpass 541 mn fkm in FY22. By enhancing its optical fibre production capacity and building global service capabilities, STL is preparing for this technological revolution.

Growth focused on Optical and Services Businesses:

As STL plans for growth in the coming years, it is sharpening its focus on key areas:

Increased focus on Optical Business - STL has fibre capacity of 50 mn fkm and will increase the cable capacity to 42 mn fkm in FY23. It made great strides in the Optical Interconnect business providing fibre cable plus interconnect accessories as a solution to key customers in the US and Europe . It is also starting its world class manufacturing facility for optical fibre cables in the US, which is expected to go live in Q3 FY23.

- STL has fibre capacity of 50 mn fkm and will increase the cable capacity to 42 mn fkm in FY23. It made great strides in the Optical Interconnect business providing fibre cable plus interconnect accessories as a solution to key customers in the US and . It is also starting its world class manufacturing facility for optical fibre cables in the US, which is expected to go live in Q3 FY23. Expanded Global Services - STL is working with leading telcos across India and the UK for their 5G and FTTH deployments. In the UK, STL has partnered with leading telcos and alternate network providers and plans to ramp up execution and scale to enable service providers' plans to connect over 60 mn homes by 2030. To meet this massive demand, STL is also building a talent pool by training engineers at STL Academy.

Beyond optical and network services, STL has made advances in programmable Access and Software solutions. It recently introduced new radio, cloud-based billing and next-gen programmable FTTx solutions.

Other significant highlights

Industry-leading technology innovation - Continuing its focus on technology innovation, STL increased its tally of patents to 742. It continues to invest heavily in new product development with R&D investments amounting to INR 53 cr in Q1 FY23. STL recently established a new 5G innovation research centre in Gurgaon, India , equipped with test and measurement tools for development of open-source radios in line with ITU, 3GPP and O-RAN standards. Net zero emissions by 2030 - With its continued focus on ESG, STL impacted 700,000+ lives through its social impact initiatives in Q1. The company has reduced emissions of 15,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent through various initiatives in the plants from FY21 to Q1FY23 and recycled 500,000 cubic meters of water from FY19 to Q1 FY23. With these ESG initiatives, STL is committed to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. Best People Practices - Given STL's best-in-class people practices, it was recognized by Economic Times as a 'Future Ready Organisation' for adapting its organisational structure in a more flexible, integrated, and resilient manner. Gender diversity being at the heart of STL's culture, the company was recognized by Economic Times as 'One of the Best Companies to Work for Women in Tech'.

Financial highlights (INR Crore)

P&L (INR Cr.) Q1 FY'23 Revenue 1575 EBITDA 119

Commenting on the results, Ankit Agarwal, Managing Director, STL, said, "Our global footprint, technology-led solutions, and effective supply chain management continue to be major contributors to our growth. With increased focus on efficiency and prudent capital management, we expect to sustain this positive momentum. As ubiquitous networks are built in this decade, we are fortunate to play a significant role in transforming billions of lives through digital networks."

About STL - Sterlite Technologies Ltd:

STL is one of the industry's leading integrators of digital networks. Our capabilities across optical networking, services, software, and wireless connectivity place us amongst the top optical players in the world. These capabilities are built on converged architectures helping telcos, cloud companies, citizen networks, and large enterprises deliver next-gen experiences to their customers. STL partners with service providers globally in achieving a green and sustainable digital future in alignment with UN SDG goals.

STL has a strong global presence in India, Italy, the UK, the US, China, and Brazil.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1865635/STL_Focus.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/876464/Sterlite_Technologies_STL_New_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Sterlite Technologies Ltd. (STL)
TAKKION's growth in Canada marks the first step in its international expansion strategy, broadening the scope of services it provides to the renewable energy industry.

DALLAS, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Takkion TP&L Holdings LLC ("TAKKION" or the "Company") today announced its expansion into Canada, where subsidiary Takkion Airway Services Canada, Ltd will be providing operational support to customers in [Alberta and Ontario]. TAKKION will seek to grow its presence in Canada over time, introducing services of all TAKKION companies, including TP&L, GSS, RENEW, and AIRWAY, to the Canadian market.

TAKKION LOGO TAKKION Companies all Airway

"We are pleased to announce this next step in our expansion plans, broadening the geographic scope in which we can serve our customers. As we continue our multi-year strategy of building the leading ISP in the market through a series of acquisitions and organic growth strategies, we believe now is the right time to expand our geographic reach into Canada. We are fortunate to be supporting several of our closest customer relationships as we expand into the region. We look forward to supporting many more customers over time with our integrated services offerings across all of our businesses." said Jim Orr, CEO of TAKKION.

For more information on how the TAKKION family of companies can support your operations across North America, please visit www.takkion.com

ABOUT TAKKION

TAKKION is a premier independent service provider of logistics, O&M, and technical repair and remanufacturing services to the renewable energy industry. With the industry's largest network of people and assets across North America, TAKKION is uniquely positioned to support and optimize the growth and lifecycle of renewable energy. Our brands TP&L, GSS, RENEW, and AIRWAY work together seamlessly to deliver quality, performance, and efficiency for our customers. We live by our core values of safety, integrity, transparency, and putting our people and customers first. To learn more about how TAKKION is Moving Energy Forward, visit www.takkion.com

SOURCE Takkion TP&L Holdings LLC
Predictive Biomarker Patents may improve Outcomes for Breast Cancer Patients

Patent Portfolio increases to Nine

GOLDEN, Colo., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Theralink Technologies, Inc. (OTC: THER) ("Theralink" or the "Company"), a precision oncology company with a novel phosphoprotein-based assay for breast cancer, today announced that it has acquired licenses for two new U.S. patents relating to methods for treating breast cancer: US 10,823,738 and US 10,690,672, expanding the Company's patent portfolio to nine.

Theralink has licensed the patents from George Mason University, strengthening and extending the current Theralink IP family that covers specific "predictive" biomarkers. Predictive biomarkers are used to identify patients with cancer that require specific, personalized therapeutics. In essence, they define what are called "companion diagnostics" wherein the biomarker is used to identify classes of patients that will best respond to a specific drug. Theralink has issued IP on specific predictive biomarkers that cover a range of therapeutic classes.

Emanuel Petricoin, Ph.D., Chair of Theralink's Science Advisory Board, stated, "These new patents are a significant addition to Theralink's biomarker collection, greatly enhancing our existing CLIA Theralink Assay portfolio. Together, these two new patents immediately synergize with the commercially available CLIA Theralink Assay for Breast Cancer since the specifically claimed biomarkers, protected by the new issued patents, are part of the 32-biomarker panel that is commercially available today."

Mick Ruxin, M.D., President & CEO of Theralink, added, "These two important patents, along with the existing seven patents in our portfolio, create a substantial IP moat surrounding our patented Reverse Phase Protein Array Technology and provide Theralink with the exclusive commercial license to bring our predictive assay to all cancer patients within the category of intended use. Significantly, physicians can now order the Theralink Assay for Breast Cancer and use it to expand the use of PARP inhibitors and HER2-EGFR inhibitors to breast cancer patients, by identifying patients who will respond to these powerful therapeutics currently missed by existing genomics-based approaches."

New Patent Details:

Issued patent 10,823,738: A Method for Treating Breast Cancer, relates to the use of specific predictive biomarkers that can be used to identify which patients with HER2 negative disease, including the hard-to-treat "triple negative" breast cancer, will respond to the powerful new class of therapeutics called PARP inhibitors. HER2 negative breast cancer represents 80% of all breast cancers, so this subtype is by far the most prevalent type. While PARP inhibitors represent a tremendously exciting new class of therapies in cancer and are known to be effective in HER2- breast cancer, nearly 40% of these HER2 negative patients do not respond, and this patent covers specific biomarkers that predict which patients will and will not respond to PARP inhibitors, effectively, a predictive marker for PARP inhibitors. Moreover, the patent covers the use of specific biomarkers for any type of PARP inhibitor-based therapy.

Issued patent 10,690,672: A Method for Treating Breast Cancer, covers the use of specific predictive biomarkers that can be used to identify which breast cancer patients will respond to therapies that target the HER2 and EGFR proteins in ALL types of breast cancer. While anti-HER2 therapeutics and HER2-EGFR dual therapeutics together represent the largest class of breast cancer therapeutics on the market, amounting to billions of dollars a year in revenue for the pharmaceutical industry, identification of patients who will respond relies on the use of measuring HER2 first, which means that currently only 20% of all breast cancers are treated with this class of therapies. Theralink's new powerful IP centers on novel biomarkers that can be used for 100% of breast cancers and may identify many patients who will respond to anti-HER2-EGFR agents missed entirely by current HER2 measurement techniques.

About Theralink Technologies, Inc.

Theralink Technologies is a proteomics-based, precision medicine company with a CLIA-certified laboratory located in Golden, Colorado. Through its unique and patented phosphoprotein and protein biomarker platform and LDTs, Theralink's technology targets multiple areas of oncology and drug development. In addition to the Company's first assay for advanced breast cancer, Theralink is actively working on a second assay that is planned to be pan-tumor for solid tumors across multiple tumor types such as ovarian, endometrial, pancreatic, liver, head and neck, colorectal, lung, prostate, among others. Theralink provides precision oncology data through its powerful Theralink Reverse Phase Protein Array assays to assist the biopharmaceutical industry and clinical oncologists in identifying likely responders and non-responders to both FDA-approved and investigational drug treatments. Theralink intends to help improve cancer outcomes for patients, help reveal therapeutic options for oncologists, and support biopharmaceutical drug development by using a beyond-genomics approach to molecular profiling that directly measures drug target levels and activity. For more information, please visit www.theralink.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, anything relating or referring to future financial results, patient enrollment and plans for future business development activities, and are thus prospective. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties some of which cannot be predicted or quantified based on current expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in reports filed by Theralink Technologies with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of our business and although the company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Consequently, future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly release statements made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

SOURCE Theralink Technologies
KYIV, Ukraine, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- World Council of Careers for Women (WCCW) announced its " Ukraine and Me " NFT Charity Sales Event begins on 0:00 Kyiv time, July 27, 2022. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine has caused more than 3.4 million of Ukrainians, predominantly 90% women and children, fled to neighboring countries resulting in great casualties, destructions, and displacement. Therefore, this WCCW event on July 27 aims to help restore stability and provide substantial assistance to Ukrainian women and children refugees suffering from great risks of violence and abuse, and the deprivation of human rights.

Kateryna Yuschenko, former first lady of Ukraine (Photo: WCCW)

Ukraine and Me welcomes anyone who wishes to design NFTs on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. WCCW welcomes all forms of NFT creations to help people acknowledge the greatest European humanitarian crisis of the century. A group of professional artists have already been invited to create a series of NFTs, and all donors are welcomed to start making contributions. This July 27 event will then recruit potential works, hold online voting, and finally auction for the cause of charity. WCCW also organized a significant giveaway of the donors' contribution, the auction proceeds will contribute to public welfare and online/ offline campaigns.

"We fear that the world will soon become tired of hearing about the death and destruction in Ukraine. But for us, it does not end," said Kateryna Yushchenko, former First Lady of Ukraine, firmly. "I would like to take this initiative to help the women and children, their education, settlement, and help them in whatever way to secure their well-being for now and in the future," stated Bertie Ahern, Co-chair of InterAction Council, former Prime Minister of Ireland, and the Chairman of WCCW.

On March 1, 2022, the European Parliament called on the Commission, the Member States and UN agencies to offer the Ukrainian civilian humanitarian assistance. More than one hundred former heads of state from InterAction Council and WCCW have been making every effort to save Ukrainian people from this unforgiving war.

For more information, please follow us:

SOURCE World Council of Careers for Women
TOLEDO, Ohio, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Welltower Inc. (NYSE: WELL) today announced it will release second quarter 2022 financial results after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. The Company will host a conference call and webcast on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss these results. The Company's earnings release will be available in the Investors section of the Company's website.

Investors and other interested parties may access the conference call in the following ways:

At the Company's website: www.welltower.com.

Via webcast: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/101792930. A webcast replay will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the conference call and will be available for 90 days. Joining via webcast is recommended for those who will not be asking questions.

By telephone: The participant toll-free dial-in number is (888) 340-5024. International dial-in is (646) 960-0135. The conference ID number is 8230248. All phone participants are asked to dial in 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to ensure connectivity.

A replay of the conference call will be available beginning at approximately 1:00 p.m. ET on August 10, 2022 and ending on August 17, 2022. The replay dial-in number for U.S. participants is 1 (800) 770-2030. For international participants, the replay dial-in is 1 (647) 362-9199. The replay conference ID number is 8230248.

About Welltower

Welltower Inc. (NYSE: WELL), an S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is driving the transformation of health care infrastructure. The Company invests with leading seniors housing operators, post-acute providers, and health systems to fund the real estate infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve people's wellness and overall health care experience. Welltower, a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), owns interests in properties concentrated in major, high-growth markets in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, consisting of seniors housing, post-acute communities and outpatient medical properties. More information is available at www.welltower.com.

SOURCE Welltower Inc.
DUBLIN, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Personal Finance Software Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global personal finance software market reached a value of US$ 1.14 Billion in 2021. Looking forward, the publisher expects the market to reach a value of US$ 1.58 Billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.59% during 2021-2027. Keeping in mind the uncertainties of COVID-19, we are continuously tracking and evaluating the direct as well as the indirect influence of the pandemic on different end use sectors. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor.



Personal finance software refers to an advanced solution that is designed for integrating, interpreting, and segregating information related to the financial data of a user. It involves budgeting, banking, insurance, mortgages, investments, retirement, and tax and estate plans. These programs aid in organizing the budget, accounting finances, and making financial decisions to meet long-term financial goals. In addition to this, personal finance software assists users in tracking transactions, managing bank records, tracing investments, and preventing interest on late payments by providing scheduled reminders for bills and deposits. At present, it is categorized into web-based and mobile-based software types.



Personal Finance Software Market Trends:

The increasing demand for secured and personalized digital services has prompted the widespread adoption of personal finance software across small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These solutions help track assets or liabilities, create datasheets, and draft tax reports., which, in turn, is positively stimulating market growth.

In line with this, significant technological advancements, such as the integration of big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for examining consumer behavior, delivering a personalized experience, and communicating with users through chatbots, is acting as another growth-inducing factor. This is further supported by the incorporation of blockchain solutions by the government of various countries in the software for adding another security layers to ensure the safety of credit cards, personal finance, and investments information.

Additionally, the rising need amongst businesses to cope with financial challenges, especially during the consequent implementation of mandatory lockdowns due to the sudden outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, is further propelling the market growth. Apart from this, the escalating launch and uptake of personal finance applications by the bank, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) institutions for providing better customer assistance and offers is creating a positive outlook for the market.

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players being Alzex Software, BankTree Software Limited, Buxfer Inc., CountAbout, Microsoft Corporation, Money Dashboard Ltd., Moneyspire Inc., Personal Capital Corporation (Empower Retirement), PocketSmith Ltd., Quicken Inc., The Infinite Kind and You Need a Budget.



Key Questions Answered in This Report:

How has the global personal finance software market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global personal finance software market?

What are the key regional markets?

What is the breakup of the market based on the product type?

What is the breakup of the market based on the end user?

What are the various stages in the value chain of the industry?

What are the key driving factors and challenges in the industry?

What is the structure of the global personal finance software market and who are the key players?

What is the degree of competition in the industry?

Key Topics Covered:



1 Preface



2 Scope and Methodology



3 Executive Summary



4 Introduction

4.1 Overview

4.2 Key Industry Trends



5 Global Personal Finance Software Market

5.1 Market Overview

5.2 Market Performance

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 Market Forecast



6 Market Breakup by Product Type

6.1 Web-based Software

6.1.1 Market Trends

6.1.2 Market Forecast

6.2 Mobile-based Software

6.2.1 Market Trends

6.2.2 Market Forecast



7 Market Breakup by End User

7.1 Small Business

7.1.1 Market Trends

7.1.2 Market Forecast

7.2 Individual Consumers

7.2.1 Market Trends

7.2.2 Market Forecast



8 Market Breakup by Region



9 SWOT Analysis



10 Value Chain Analysis



11 Porters Five Forces Analysis



12 Price Analysis



13 Competitive Landscape

13.1 Market Structure

13.2 Key Players

13.3 Profiles of Key Players

13.3.1 Alzex Software

13.3.1.1 Company Overview

13.3.1.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.2 BankTree Software Limited

13.3.2.1 Company Overview

13.3.2.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.3 Buxfer Inc.

13.3.3.1 Company Overview

13.3.3.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.4 CountAbout

13.3.4.1 Company Overview

13.3.4.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.5 Microsoft Corporation

13.3.5.1 Company Overview

13.3.5.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.5.3 Financials

13.3.5.4 SWOT Analysis

13.3.6 Money Dashboard Ltd.

13.3.6.1 Company Overview

13.3.6.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.7 Moneyspire Inc.

13.3.7.1 Company Overview

13.3.7.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.8 Personal Capital Corporation (Empower Retirement)

13.3.8.1 Company Overview

13.3.8.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.9 PocketSmith Ltd.

13.3.9.1 Company Overview

13.3.9.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.10 Quicken Inc.

13.3.10.1 Company Overview

13.3.10.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.11 The Infinite Kind

13.3.11.1 Company Overview

13.3.11.2 Product Portfolio

13.3.12 You Need a Budget

13.3.12.1 Company Overview

13.3.12.2 Product Portfolio

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/o0sory

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

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SOURCE Research and Markets
ENGLEWOOD, N.J., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 20 Grand kicked off highly anticipated leasing efforts this week. Premier Developers has announced their exclusive partnership with CJ Dalton for the leasing and marketing of the 96 upscale rentals in downtown Englewood, NJ.

20 Grand - Facade Rendering

Featuring high-end, hotel-inspired amenities, the 5-story 20 Grand anticipates opening its doors to residents in late August 2022. Homes are available in contemporary studio, 1-bedroom, 1-bedroom + home office, 2-bedroom and 2-bedroom + home office layouts. Amenities include a lush courtyard sanctuary with pool, on-site garage parking, state-of-the-art fitness center, sauna, yoga studio and an entertaining lounge with billiards table.

The property's expansive roof deck offers 360 degree views and includes a dining terrace, intimate seating areas and grilling stations. 20 Grand also features two commercial retail suites bringing new businesses to downtown Englewood.

"This project is dear to me, It has been meticulously designed by myself and Vanessa DeLeon. Both of us are long-time residents of Bergen County. I am excited for people to experience the Premier lifestyle in the heart of Englewood!," said Peter Tiflinsky, Owner of Englewood Cliffs-based Premier Developers. "We're eagerly looking forward to the opening of 20 Grand to our residents."

CJ Dalton's broker, Taryn Byron, will be handling all leasing and marketing efforts for 20 Grand. Taryn is a highly experienced broker, with seventeen years' experience.

"The CJ Dalton team understands luxury real estate like no other, making them a natural fit for 20 Grand," said Mr. Tiflinsky. "Taryn is an exceptionally talented broker, and we're pleased to be working with the CJ Dalton team."

Situated in the heart of historic downtown Englewood in Bergen County, NJ, 20 Grand's unique location on New Jersey's Gold Coast showcases a philosophy of exceptional design that integrates stylish good looks, spatial harmony and a wealth of practical solutions for everyday living. Designed by architectural firm CPA Architecture, 20 Grand offers a sophisticated, holistic design vision with a passion for individuality and carefully considered detail.

20 Grand features a collection of studio to 2 plus-bedroom residences ranging from 531 to 1,381 square-feet. The elegant homes are priced from $2,445 per month and are available for occupancy in late August.

Interior spaces and 20 Grand's model home curated by award winning design firm, Vanessa Deleon Associates, feature expansive kitchens with stainless steel appliances, upscale fixtures, and stunning details. Bedroom suites offer residents a place to rest and relax, with ample closet space. Spa-inspired bathrooms include custom floating vanities incorporating organic wood tones and walk-in showers are adorned with sleek rain showerhead fixtures. All homes feature cutting-edge technology including keyless entry, in-home full sized laundry centers and multi-zone climate control. The building includes a door attendant and secure parking facility.

20 Grand's Englewood location has long attracted those commuting to New York City for business and pleasure who appreciate its proximity to the George Washington Bridge and access to major highways. The vibrant downtown of Englewood is illuminated by a diverse dining and shopping scene. An abundant offering of dining, shopping and nightlife pursuits are just minutes away in Fort Lee, Edgewater and Paramus. 20 Grand is located at 20 Grand Avenue in Englewood.

More information about 20 Grand can be found at: https://live20grand.com/

About Premier Developers

Premier Developers is based out of Englewood Cliffs, NJ. For over 20 years, Peter Tiflinsky and Premier Developers have built more than just a quality home, they build a lifestyle. With projects ranging in size and scale, Premier Developers retains strong focus on customer satisfaction and quality of craftsmanship. Those traits have distinguished Premier Developers as one of the leading development firms in the New Jersey area. You can truly feel the difference a Premier home brings to the community through attention to detail, the latest trends and quality and undivided attention to their future resident's lifestyles.

About CJ Dalton

CJ Dalton is a full service luxury real estate brokerage headquartered in Englewood, New Jersey. Founded in 2020 by veteran broker Taryn Byron, the firm's team of real estate experts specialize in advising high net worth individuals in the Bergen and Hudson counties. Unlike the traditional agent-centric real estate model, the client is at the center of CJ Dalton's collaborative, advisory approach.

Hyper-focusing on the nuanced layers and specialized aspects of sales, leasing, marketing, and research, allows CJD to be dynamic and creative while bringing unprecedented value. Their goal is to ensure transparency and accountability every step of the way in order to achieve superior results.

Media Inquiries: (201)633-7600, [email protected]

SOURCE CJ Dalton
DUBLIN, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Cash Logistics Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global cash logistics market reached a value of US$ 19.43 Billion in 2021. Looking forward, the publisher expects the market to reach a value of US$ 30.38 Billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.73% during 2021-2027. Keeping in mind the uncertainties of COVID-19, we are continuously tracking and evaluating the direct as well as the indirect influence of the pandemic on different end use sectors. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor.



Cash logistics is a service offered by third-party organizations to financial institutions for managing their physical movement, currency notes, and other valuables. It assists in secure cash transportation, ATM replenishment and maintenance, movement of bullion and coins, and cash processing, including counterfeit verification, counting, sorting, and packaging. Besides this, it also enables efficient and cost-effective cash management and branch-level automation.

As a result, it is widely utilized by banking organizations across the globe to automate the cash supply chain; reduce operational, transportation, and holding expenses; increase staff productivity; and improve vendor management.



Cash Logistics Market Trends:

The increasing use of banking services worldwide is positively influencing the need for a single, integrated platform that can reduce the burden of cash management and optimize efficiency. This represents one of the major factors driving the adoption of cash logistics as it offers centralized control, reduces risk, and improves visibility.

Moreover, the growing trend of automated branch operations is catalyzing the demand for cash logistics to keep cash consistently available and meet the needs of customers. Apart from this, with the growing global population, there is a rise in cash circulation.

This, along with the increasing number of ATMs, is driving the demand for outsourcing cash management services using cash logistics. Outsourcing cash management helps banks enhance security and reduce their in-house operational activities. In addition to this, the expansion of banking facilities in remote areas and the rising use of physical cash in these areas is stimulating the growth of the market. Furthermore, the integration of advanced technologies, such as business intelligence (BI), into cash logistics is creating a positive market outlook.

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players being Cash in Transit Solutions Pty Ltd, Cash Logistik Security AG, CMS Info Systems Ltd., Fiserv Inc., G4S Limited (Allied Universal), GardaWorld Corporation, General Secure Logistic Services, Loomis AB, MPS Global Security Group, Prosegur Compania de Seguridad S.A (Gubel S.L.), SIS Limited and The Brink's Company.



Key Questions Answered in This Report:

How has the global cash logistics market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global cash logistics market?

What are the key regional markets?

What is the breakup of the market based on the service?

What is the breakup of the market based on the mode of transit?

What is the breakup of the market based on the end user?

What are the various stages in the value chain of the industry?

What are the key driving factors and challenges in the industry?

What is the structure of the global cash logistics market and who are the key players?

What is the degree of competition in the industry?

Key Topics Covered:



1 Preface



2 Scope and Methodology



3 Executive Summary



4 Introduction

4.1 Overview

4.2 Key Industry Trends



5 Global Cash Logistics Market

5.1 Market Overview

5.2 Market Performance

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 Market Forecast



6 Market Breakup by Service

6.1 Cash Management

6.1.1 Market Trends

6.1.2 Market Forecast

6.2 Cash-In-Transit

6.2.1 Market Trends

6.2.2 Market Forecast

6.3 ATM Services

6.3.1 Market Trends

6.3.2 Market Forecast



7 Market Breakup by Mode of Transit

7.1 Roadways

7.1.1 Market Trends

7.1.2 Market Forecast

7.2 Railways

7.2.1 Market Trends

7.2.2 Market Forecast

7.3 Airways

7.3.1 Market Trends

7.3.2 Market Forecast



8 Market Breakup by End User

8.1 Financial Institutions

8.1.1 Market Trends

8.1.2 Market Forecast

8.2 Retailers

8.2.1 Market Trends

8.2.2 Market Forecast

8.3 Government Agencies

8.3.1 Market Trends

8.3.2 Market Forecast

8.4 Hospitality

8.4.1 Market Trends

8.4.2 Market Forecast

8.5 Others

8.5.1 Market Trends

8.5.2 Market Forecast



9 Market Breakup by Region



10 SWOT Analysis



11 Value Chain Analysis



12 Porters Five Forces Analysis



13 Price Analysis



14 Competitive Landscape

14.1 Market Structure

14.2 Key Players

14.3 Profiles of Key Players

14.3.1 Cash in Transit Solutions Pty Ltd

14.3.1.1 Company Overview

14.3.1.2 Product Portfolio

14.3.2 Cash Logistik Security AG

14.3.2.1 Company Overview

14.3.2.2 Product Portfolio

14.3.3 CMS Info Systems Ltd.

14.3.3.1 Company Overview

14.3.3.2 Product Portfolio

14.3.4 Fiserv Inc.

14.3.4.1 Company Overview

14.3.4.2 Product Portfolio

14.3.4.3 Financials

14.3.4.4 SWOT Analysis

14.3.5 G4S Limited (Allied Universal)

14.3.5.1 Company Overview

14.3.5.2 Product Portfolio

14.3.5.3 SWOT Analysis

14.3.6 GardaWorld Corporation

14.3.6.1 Company Overview

14.3.6.2 Product Portfolio

14.3.7 General Secure Logistic Services

14.3.7.1 Company Overview

14.3.7.2 Product Portfolio

14.3.8 Loomis AB

14.3.8.1 Company Overview

14.3.8.2 Product Portfolio

14.3.8.3 Financials

14.3.9 MPS Global Security Group

14.3.9.1 Company Overview

14.3.9.2 Product Portfolio

14.3.10 Prosegur Compania de Seguridad S.A (Gubel S.L.)

14.3.10.1 Company Overview

14.3.10.2 Product Portfolio

14.3.10.3 Financials

14.3.11 SIS Limited

14.3.11.1 Company Overview

14.3.11.2 Product Portfolio

14.3.11.3 Financials

14.3.12 The Brink's Company

14.3.12.1 Company Overview

14.3.12.2 Product Portfolio

14.3.12.3 Financials

14.3.12.4 SWOT Analysis

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/610wmk

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

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SOURCE Research and Markets
Noted as one of Instagram's top real estate agents, Matthew Martinez is using game-changing AI technology to identify real estate investment opportunities and generate sales leads

SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to luxury real estate and investment properties, it seems like realtors and brokers are a dime a dozen, right? So in a saturated industry, how does one stand out from the competition to rise to the top? Just ask Matthew Martinez, one of California's top brokers and founder of Diamond Real Estate Group. In just a few short years, Matthew has leaped to the top of the industry with grace, poise, and precision.

A New Era of Luxury Real Estate: How Matthew Martinez Leveraged the AI Technology to Become One of Californias Top Brokers

Anyone within the industry understands that the concept of real estate is far more complex than just selling homes; it is encompassing the world's best sales tactics, an innate eye for marketing, the use of cutting-edge technology, and immaculate customer service. Matthew Martinez has made it his mission to not only become a well-rounded realtor but to inspire and teach others how to achieve the same level of success.

Welcomed as a guest on countless podcasts, media outlets, and blogs, Martinez has essentially become the real estate sector's "Wolf of Wall Street"  ushering in a new generation of empowered agents poised to sell with passion and precision. Noted as one of the top 100 luxury real estate agents on social media and particularly on Instagram by Property Spark, Matthew Martinez breaks the traditional confines of the industry to create an incubator where like-minded individuals can come together, learn, and collaborate.

On his Instagram with over 111K followers, Matthew provides high-quality content with unparalleled insight to help buyers, sellers, and other agents understand the nuances of the industry as it changes and evolves in real time.

Additionally, by leveraging the power of big data, social media and cutting-edge AI technology, Matthew Martinez has created a proprietary system designed to help identify real estate investment opportunities and generate sales leads for Diamond Real Estate Group with minimal effort and maximum return.

"My team and I have spent the last few years developing our software and systems to provide our clients with an unparalleled opportunity to seamlessly buy, sell and invest in real estate."

Through proof of concept, dedication to innovation, and unwavering commitment to changing the face of modern real estate; Matthew Martinez's purpose-driven vision has come to fruition.

To learn more about Matthew Martinez and Diamond Group Estates, please visit: https://www.DiamondGroupEstates.com or follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thematthewmartinez/

About Matthew Martinez

Matthew Martinez is a luxury and investment real estate broker serving California's wine country and Bay Area. Renowned as one of the industry's finest investors, flippers, brokers, and #30 on Property Sparks' top real estate agents on social media, Matthew Martinez is changing the face of modern real estate with creativity, innovation, and cutting-edge marketing tactics. In 2021, Matthew Martinez founded his brokerage, Diamond Group Estates which has since emerged into an internationally leading tech-powered real estate brokerage specializing in the sale and lease of premium residential and commercial properties, vacant land development, and fix and flip investment properties.

PRESS CONTACT

Matthew Martinez

800-661-5080

https://www.DiamondGroupEstates.com

SOURCE Matthew Martinez
MILWAUKEE, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS), a leader in water heating and water treatment, today announced the appointment of Noelle Brigham, P. E., Env. SP. as the Company's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Director. Brigham will lead and drive all aspects of the ESG initiatives while developing a long-term strategy for the Company's global commitments and strategy in this field.

A. O. Smith Names Noelle Brigham as Environmental, Social and Governance Director Tweet this Noelle Brigham, Environmental, Social and Governance Director for A. O. Smith

Brigham is a licensed Professional Engineer and Envision Sustainability Professional with more than 20 years of experience in sustainability and environmental engineering in the consumer products and consulting industries. In her sustainability role at S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc., Brigham created global strategies and led international implementation plans for research, development and engineering for consumer product formulation and packaging. As an Instructor, Professor of Practice in the Opus College of Engineering at Marquette University, she developed a new sustainability management executive education program.

"Noelle's extensive experience in the ESG space will prove invaluable as we continue A. O. Smith's efforts to blend our business and sustainability goals," said Chuck Lauber, A. O. Smith executive vice president and chief financial officer. "Underpinning our corporate values is a commitment to sustainability and we are proud to welcome Noelle to lead this critical initiative as her singular focus."

Noelle is completing her PhD in environmental engineering at Marquette University. She received her master's in environmental engineering and Bachelor of Science in civil and environmental engineering from Marquette University as well. She is a member of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam Development committee member, in addition to participating in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources air management study group.

About A. O. Smith

A. O. Smith Corporation, with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis., is a global leader applying innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: AOS), the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products. For more information, visit www.aosmith.com.

SOURCE A. O. Smith Corporation
This latest web development initiative builds on a series of website updates designed to reflect Allied's digital-first business model and further evinces its award-winning commitment to inclusivity.

FORT WORTH, Texas, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Electronics & Automation, a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global omni-channel provider of product and service solutions, is furthering its award-winning commitment to inclusivity by launching a new website accessibility initiative.

Allied has been actively engaged in a series of website upgrade initiatives designed to reflect its digital-first business model and deliver a robustly interconnected, customer-centric experience on any device. The last major update focused on translating customer feedback into new website features ranging from a site search redesign to a revamped order history interface and core performance improvements such as faster page load times. For this latest update, Allied's web development team is exploring inclusive design strategies which aim to ensure that products and services are accessible to and usable by as many people as reasonably possible.

The team has been utilizing Cambridge University's comprehensive Inclusive Design Toolkit to learn more about these strategies and how to effectively apply them to improve Allied's website accessibility. As part of this approach, the team is considering factors such as changing employee demographics, longer life expectancies and delayed retirements into account and is working to proactively accommodate a more inclusive range of sensory, motor and cognitive capabilities with simple, straightforward and thoughtful design choices for the desktop and mobile sites. The team even purchased specialized gloves and glasses engineered to provide them with firsthand experience of common age-related dexterity and vision limitations.

"We are currently creating a new global website design system and, as part of that, we are expanding our understanding of accessibility to optimize our user experience," said Brandon Bazar, lead UX designer at Allied Electronics & Automation. "To help us understand, empathize with and better serve our users throughout this design process, we acquired some simulation gloves and glasses developed by Cambridge University that allow us to experience how our designs affect many of our users."

The Cambridge Simulation Gloves simulate the type of limited dexterity that can be caused by arthritis, for instance, and will allow Allied's UX designers to experience and analyze their user interface in more thoughtful and inclusive ways. Similarly, the Cambridge Simulation Glasses provide the team with fresh insights into how users with varying degrees of vision loss interpret their designs, which is likely to have a direct effect on decisions related to things like contrast and font size.

"One of the things we've learned by working through Cambridge University's Inclusive Design Toolkit is that there's a vast ability gap between the average clarity of vision for young, male designers and people with vision loss acute enough to require assistive technologies," said Bazar. "By designing only for what seems optimal to us, we were inadvertently excluding close to half of our website users, which not only conflicts with our digital-first and customer-centric business model but also goes against Allied's core values. So, we're very excited about our new website accessibility initiative and are proud to be working to provide our customers, employees and channel partners with a more personal, seamless, progressive and inclusive experience in the near future."

Allied Electronics & Automation, part of RS Group

Allied Electronics & Automation is a trading brand of RS Group plc (formerly Electrocomponents plc), a leading global omni-channel industrial product and service solutions provider to customers who are involved in designing, building and maintaining industrial equipment and operations, safely and sustainably. RS Group plc stocks more than 700,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provides a wide range of product and service solutions to over 1.2 million industrial customers. With operations in 32 countries, we trade through multiple channels and ship nearly 60,000 parcels daily.

We support customers across the product life cycle, whether via innovation and technical support at the design phase, improving time to market and productivity at the build phase, or reducing purchasing costs and optimizing inventory in the maintenance phase. We offer our customers tailored product and service propositions that are essential for the successful operation of their businesses and help them save time and money.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2022, reported revenue of $3.3 billion.

For more information about Allied Electronics & Automation, please visit www.alliedelec.com/ or connect with us via social media on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Image Download:

https://bit.ly/3uXYBPJ

Editorial Contact & Media Inquiries:

Karen Gavenda

Allied Electronics & Automation, part of RS Group

[email protected]

SOURCE Allied Electronics & Automation
Strong operational performance during the first half of the year. The business continues to perform well boosted by the growth in Core Net Sales (+5.1% year-on-year) from key products of the Medical Dermatology portfolio

The EU Dermatology portfolio continues to lead the growth of Almirall's business. Ilumetri maintained an excellent sales momentum driven by new country launches, and Klisyri and Wynzora are gaining good traction in Europe

Total EBITDA reached 107.6MM year-to-date (-21.2%), though the comparison to 2021 is impacted by product divestments in the previous year and the finalization of deferred income from AstraZeneca

SG&A reached 210.1MM (+9.0%) driven by the support of recent launches and R&D was at 44.9MM, increasing as expected and reaching 10.3% of Core Net Sales

Almirall and its partner Eli Lilly announced positive data from Phase III 52-week topline results of lebrikizumab (atopic dermatitis). These encouraging results reinforce Almirall's confidence that the product has the potential to be a first-line biologic and may support less frequent dosing

Based on the solid performance of the business in H1, Almirall is reiterating its 2022 guidance

BARCELONA, Spain, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Almirall, S.A. (ALM), the global biopharmaceutical company based in Barcelona, today announced its H1 2022 financial results.

Summary of results

Core Net Sales* reached 436.6 MM, a +5.1% year-on-year increase, and Core EBITDA* reached 98.3 MM, a -21.7% year-on-year decrease, tracking in line with guidance due to a strong EU Dermatology performance and positive contribution from growth drivers.

Core Gross Margin* of 67.7% in line with expectations for the year.

Total EBITDA was at 107.6 MM, a -21.2% year-on-year decrease, though the comparison to 2021 is impacted by product divestments in the previous year and the finalization of historical deferred income.

was at 107.6 MM, a -21.2% year-on-year decrease, though the comparison to 2021 is impacted by product divestments in the previous year and the finalization of historical deferred income. R&D expenses of 44.9 MM increased as expected reaching 10.3% of Core Net Sales. R&D investment will continue to rise in line with Almirall's expectations due to the Phase IIIb studies for lebrikizumab, the Klisyri  large field studies, as well as increased spending on earlier stage assets such as the anti IL1-RAP.

expenses of 44.9 MM increased as expected reaching 10.3% of Core Net Sales. R&D investment will continue to rise in line with Almirall's expectations due to the Phase IIIb studies for lebrikizumab, the Klisyri large field studies, as well as increased spending on earlier stage assets such as the anti IL1-RAP. SG&A (Selling, General and Administrative) expenses were 210.1 MM, 9% higher than last year as Almirall continued to add investment towards the successful execution of recent product launches such as Wynzora  , Klisyri  in the US and EU, and Ilumetri  rollout in key countries.

expenses were 210.1 MM, 9% higher than last year as Almirall continued to add investment towards the successful execution of recent product launches such as Wynzora , Klisyri in the US and EU, and Ilumetri rollout in key countries. Almirall finished the first semester with a very healthy balance sheet with a leverage of 0.9 x Net Debt to EBITDA and an optimal cash position, generating 56 MM of operating cash flow during H1, which gives the company flexibility to continue to explore inorganic growth opportunities.

* Core results excludes AstraZeneca contribution: Deferred Income and Other Income. From 2022 onwards, there is no difference between Core Net Sales and Net Sales as no additional Deferred Income from AstraZeneca is registered, the difference related to Core EBITDA and EBITDA is explained by the other income related to AstraZeneca.

Further information from Almirall's H1 results is available at: https://www.almirall.com/media/newsroom

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1217694/Almirall_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Almirall, S.A.
MANCHESTER, N.H. and ANDOVER, Mass., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Financial entrepreneurs Michael and Jessica Panico are pleased to announce the launch of Arcadia Tax, a new tax preparation and planning firm servicing New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.

The husband-and-wife duo already helm Arcadia Financial, a lifestyle-based retirement planning firm that challenges its clients to "live every day like it's Saturday".

Mike Panico, CEO and Jess Panico, COO

"It's not unusual for a successful investor to have an assembly of disparate financial professionals," says CEO Michael Panico. "You often have a banker, an insurance rep, an accountant, an investment manager, an attorneysometimes more. The problem is that these professionals rarely speak with one another on your behalf. How often is their advice conflicting with one another? How often are mistakes being made due to the lack of coordination?"

"We want to change all that. Traditionally, an accountant's job is to reconcile your tax liabilities from the previous year," says COO Jessica Panico. "But Arcadia Tax will purposefully collaborate with our financial advisors at Arcadia Financial whose job is to look out for tax liabilities in the future. By putting these worlds together we're striving to deliver complete tax strategies for our clients. The more input we can get from coordinated professionals, the better."

Arcadia Tax and Arcadia Financial are affiliated but legally separate entities.

SOURCE Arcadia Financial Group, LLC
Creates a company with larger scale and significant free cash flow to unlock shareholder value





Substantial combined gold reserve of 3.8 Moz and resource base of 18.3 Moz Measured & Indicated and 7.7 Moz Inferred 1





Strengthened mine-building, operating and financial capacity





Streamlined corporate structure with direct realizable synergies





No premium, all-share business combination

TORONTO and VANCOUVER, BC, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - GCM Mining Corp. (GCM) (TSX: GCM) (OTCQX: TPRFF) and Aris Gold Corporation (Aris Gold) (TSX: ARIS) (OTCQX: ALLXF) announce they have entered into a definitive agreement (the Arrangement Agreement) under which GCM will acquire all the outstanding Aris Gold shares not already held by GCM (the Transaction). The resulting entity will be named Aris Gold Corporation and will be led by Ian Telfer as Chair and Neil Woodyer as CEO and Director.

Ian Telfer, Aris Gold Chair, stated: "The combined group creates a top-in-class company with multiple tier one assets. After Aris Gold became operator of the Soto Norte joint venture, joining forces with GCM became a logical next step. Our increased scale will also broaden our future opportunities to continue building a +1 million ounce producer over the next few years."

Serafino Iacono, Executive Chair of GCM, stated: Each team has unique strengths with GCM being the Colombian leader for responsible, sustainable mining practices. Together with Aris Gold's Board and management, the combined group brings a track record of building sizable and successful mining companies; this transaction further diversifies the company's portfolio and reaffirms Colombia as an area of focus. While I am stepping down from a day-to-day executive role, I will remain a director and advisor on matters in Colombia as well as an enthusiastic securityholder."

Neil Woodyer, CEO of Aris Gold, stated: "We are building a gold mining business with scale, cash flow, a strong financial position with US$397 million of cash and US$260 million of additional committed funding, and a high-quality growth pipeline. Our teams are well known to each other, and together we will optimize the delivery of the growth projects to unlock shareholder value."

Under the terms of the Transaction, all the outstanding Aris Gold shares not held by GCM will be exchanged at a ratio of 0.5 of a common share of GCM for each common share of Aris Gold (the Exchange Ratio). The Exchange Ratio was determined at-market giving consideration to the 10-day and 20-day volume weighted average prices on the TSX for each of GCM and Aris Gold for the period ended July 22, 2022. Both the GCM and Aris Gold Boards of Directors (other than certain interested directors) have approved the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, and all of the directors and officers of both GCM and Aris Gold have entered into binding voting support agreements in favour of the Transaction, representing in aggregate 3.0% of GCM's issued shares and 9.0% of Aris Gold's issued shares.



__________________________ 1 See Table 1, 2 and 3 in section  Pro Forma consolidated mineral reserves and resources of this News Release.

Transaction highlights

Creates the top-of-the-class company among junior producers and the largest gold company in Colombia , with diversification in Guyana and Canada .





, with diversification in and . Experienced Board of Directors and management team with a track record of building value in the gold sector





Brings together teams with unmatched experience in Colombia and extensive project development and mine building expertise





and extensive project development and mine building expertise Strong financial position to de-risk growth projects, with combined cash and committed funding of US$657 million 2 and free cash flow generation from the Segovia Operations ( US$84 million on a 12-month trailing basis to March 31, 2022 ) 3





and free cash flow generation from the Segovia Operations ( on a 12-month trailing basis to ) Estimated G&A cost savings of US$10 million per year through the reduction of duplicative public company expenses and rationalizing other expenses





per year through the reduction of duplicative public company expenses and rationalizing other expenses No premium transaction that simplifies the ownership structure within a single company





Substantial long-term re-rating potential, with share price upside from enhanced market visibility, trading liquidity, access to capital, and reduced cost of capital

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the resulting entity will have nine members, with Ian Telfer as Chair and Daniela Cambone, David Garofalo, Monica de Greiff, Serafino Iacono, Peter Marrone, Hernan Martinez, Attie Roux and Neil Woodyer as members.

Monica de Greiff is new to the Aris Gold team and is a former Board Member of GCM, from 2018 to 2020, when she left to accept the position of Colombian Ambassador to Kenya. She has held positions in both the public and private sectors, including Minister of Justice for the Republic of Colombia and Vice Minister of Mines and Energy. Ms. de Greiff is a former member of the Board of Directors of the United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative.



______________________________ 2 Combined cash balances of US$397 million as of March 31, 2022, plus committed stream financing of US$122 million for construction of the Marmato Lower Mine and US$138 million for the construction of Toroparu. 3 This non-IFRS measure has been calculated from the GCM Mining Q1 2022 MD&A as US$34 million consolidated Free Cash Flow reported by GCM for the trailing 12 months to March 31, 2022 adjusted to exclude corporate general and administrative expenses (US$22 million) and exploration and non-sustaining capital expenditures (US$28 million) during the trailing 12 months period.

Management team

The combined group will be led by Neil Woodyer as CEO and the corporate office will be based in Vancouver, Canada. Both Lombardo Paredes, CEO of GCM, and Mike Davies, CFO of GCM, will retire from their roles with GCM. Serafino Iacono will step back from an executive role but will continue as a member of the Board of Directors and an advisor on matters in Colombia.

Building a globally relevant, sustainable gold producer

The combined group will have a balanced mix of production, development, and exploration assets across the Americas with proven and probable mineral reserves of 3.8 million ounces of gold, measured and indicated mineral resources of 18.3 million ounces of gold, inclusive of mineral reserves, and inferred mineral resources of 7.7 million ounces of gold.4

Segovia Operations (Antioquia, Colombia ): a high-grade underground mining district that produced 206,389 ounces of gold in 2021. Operations at Segovia have been ongoing for over 150 years and there is a well-established history of mineral resource and reserve replacement. The Segovia Operations include the purchase of mined material from small-scale miners, which are described in the Segovia Technical Report[5] and represented about 16% of 2021's gold production, as part of an industry-leading Colombian program for the integration of informal small-scale miners into the supply chain, with added environmental, social and security benefits.





): a high-grade underground mining district that produced 206,389 ounces of gold in 2021. Operations at Segovia have been ongoing for over 150 years and there is a well-established history of mineral resource and reserve replacement. The Segovia Operations include the purchase of mined material from small-scale miners, which are described in the Segovia Technical Report[5] and represented about 16% of 2021's gold production, as part of an industry-leading Colombian program for the integration of informal small-scale miners into the supply chain, with added environmental, social and security benefits. Marmato Mine (Caldas, Colombia ): a historic producing underground gold mine currently undergoing a modernization and expansion program, which includes the construction of a new decline, mine workings, 4,000 tpd carbon in pulp processing plant and dry stack tailings facilities. The Pre-Feasibility Study disclosed in the Marmato Technical Report estimates production of 175,000 ounces per year (oz/yr) from the optimized Upper Mine and the Lower Mine expansion project. 5





): a historic producing underground gold mine currently undergoing a modernization and expansion program, which includes the construction of a new decline, mine workings, 4,000 tpd carbon in pulp processing plant and dry stack tailings facilities. The Pre-Feasibility Study disclosed in the Marmato Technical Report estimates production of 175,000 ounces per year (oz/yr) from the optimized Upper Mine and the Lower Mine expansion project. Toroparu Project (Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Guyana ): an advanced stage open pit and underground gold project with estimated average gold production of 225,000 oz/yr over a 24-year mine life, as described in the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) disclosed in the Toroparu Technical Report. 6 Located approximately 50 kilometres southwest of the recently constructed Aurora gold mine, Toroparu is one of the largest undeveloped gold projects in the Americas and provides the combined company with a foothold in the emerging and highly prospective Central Guiana Shear Zone. 5





): an advanced stage open pit and underground gold project with estimated average gold production of 225,000 oz/yr over a 24-year mine life, as described in the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) disclosed in the Toroparu Technical Report. Located approximately 50 kilometres southwest of the recently constructed Aurora gold mine, Toroparu is one of the largest undeveloped gold projects in the Americas and provides the combined company with a foothold in the emerging and highly prospective Central Guiana Shear Zone. Soto Norte Project (Santander, Colombia ): a large-scale feasibility-stage underground gold project undergoing permitting and licensing. In April 2022 , Aris Gold became the operator of the Soto Note joint venture and is leading a new and reframed environmental permitting process. The Feasibility Study disclosed in the Soto Norte Technical Report estimates average gold production of 450,000 oz/yr over the steady state production years. Upon exercising its option to increase its joint venture ownership interest from 20% to 50%, the attributable gold production to Aris Gold would be 225,000 oz/yr. 5





): a large-scale feasibility-stage underground gold project undergoing permitting and licensing. In , Aris Gold became the operator of the Soto Note joint venture and is leading a new and reframed environmental permitting process. The Feasibility Study disclosed in the Soto Norte Technical Report estimates average gold production of 450,000 oz/yr over the steady state production years. Upon exercising its option to increase its joint venture ownership interest from 20% to 50%, the attributable gold production to Aris Gold would be 225,000 oz/yr. Juby Project ( Ontario, Canada ): an advanced stage gold project with an open pit mineral resource located in the Abitibi greenstone belt.

While the combined company embarks on delivering its growth projects, the Board of Directors of the combined company is expected to initially adopt a no-dividend policy based on the strategic principle that internal cash flow generation is best deployed to advance high-return growth opportunities within the company.



_____________________________ 4 See Table 1, 2 and 3 in section  Pro Forma consolidated mineral reserves and resources of this News Release. 5 See the Technical reports section of this News Release. 6 A preliminary economic assessment is preliminary in nature, and 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 preliminary economic assessment will be realized.

Terms of the Transaction

On closing, GCM shareholders and Aris Gold shareholders (taking into consideration the 44.3% of Aris Gold currently held by GCM) are expected to own, on a diluted in-the-money basis, approximately 74% and 26% of the combined group, respectively.

The Arrangement Agreement includes customary transaction protection terms. GCM and Aris Gold have agreed to not solicit any alternative transactions and each party has the right to match any superior competing offer, with a reciprocal Transaction termination fee of US$6 million to be paid in certain circumstances.

The material conditions to completion of the Transaction include:

Approval by Aris Gold's shareholders, with greater than 66 2/3% approval threshold and approval of disinterested minority shareholders.





Approval by GCM's shareholders, with greater than 50% approval threshold.





Receipt of all required governmental and regulatory approvals including TSX and Colombian anti-trust approvals.





Other customary conditions.

It is anticipated that both the GCM and Aris Gold shareholder meetings will take place in mid September 2022, and completion of the Transaction is expected to occur promptly thereafter.

GCM Board of Directors' recommendation

The Board of Directors of GCM determined it was advisable to establish a special committee of the independent directors of GCM (the GCM Special Committee), comprising Robert Metcalfe, De Lyle Bloomquist, Belinda Labatte and Jaime Perez Branger to, among other things, review and evaluate the merits of the proposed Transaction and to consider such materials and information needed, including an independent fairness opinion, and to make a recommendation to the Board of Directors of GCM in respect of the proposed Transaction.

The GCM Special Committee and the Board of Directors of GCM received a fairness opinion from its co-financial advisors, National Bank Financial Inc. (National Bank) and Stifel Nicolaus Canada (Stifel GMP) that, based upon and subject to the respective assumptions, limitations, qualifications of and other matters set forth in connection with the preparation of such opinion, the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to GCM (the GCM Fairness Opinions).

Following the report and favourable recommendation of the GCM Special Committee, the Board of Directors of GCM (other than certain interested directors) approved the Transaction and determined to recommend approval of the Transaction to the GCM shareholders. In addition, all of the directors and officers of GCM have entered into binding voting support agreements with Aris Gold and GCM under which such individuals have agreed to support the Transaction and vote their GCM shares in favour of the Transaction.

A copy of the GCM Fairness Opinions, the factors considered by the GCM Special Committee and the Board of Directors of GCM and other relevant background information will be included in the management information circular and related documents that are expected to be delivered to the GCM shareholders in connection with a special meeting of GCM shareholders to be called to consider and approve the Transaction, filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities and made available on GCM's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, and posted on GCM's website at http://www.gcm-mining.com/.

Aris Gold Board of Directors' recommendation

As of today, GCM beneficially owns 60,991,545 Aris Gold shares representing approximately 44.3% of the issued and outstanding Aris Gold shares. GCM is considered a "related party" of Aris Gold and the Transaction is a "business combination" of Aris Gold for the purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101  Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). The Board of Directors of Aris Gold formed a special committee of independent directors comprising of Ian Telfer, Peter Marrone and Daniela Cambone (the Aris Special Committee) to, among other things, review and evaluate the merits of the proposed Transaction and to consider such materials and information needed including an independent fairness opinion and formal valuation, and to make a recommendation to the Board of Directors of Aris Gold in respect of the proposed Transaction.

BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. (BMO Capital Markets) was retained by the Aris Special Committee to provide, under the supervision of the Aris Special Committee, an independent formal valuation prepared in accordance with MI 61-101 and independent fairness opinion. BMO Capital Markets provided its opinion (the BMO Fairness Opinion) to the Special Committee that, as of July 24, 2022, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications contained therein, the consideration to be received by the Aris Gold shareholders (other than GCM) pursuant to the proposed Transaction is fair from a financial point of view to the Aris Gold shareholders (other than GCM). BMO Capital Markets also prepared a formal valuation of the Aris Gold common shares (the Aris Gold Valuation) and the GCM common shares (the GCM Valuation), which are being issued as consideration, as required under MI 61-101. BMO Capital Markets concluded that, as of July 24, 2022, and subject to the assumptions, limitations, and qualifications included in the Aris Gold Valuation and GCM Valuation, respectively, that the value of the Aris Gold common shares on an en bloc basis7 was in the range of C$2.30 to C$3.10 per share and the value of the GCM common shares on a trading value basis was in the range of C$3.70 to C$5.75 per share.

Canaccord Genuity Corp. (Canaccord) was retained by the Aris Board of Directors and provided its opinion (the Canaccord Fairness Opinion) to the Aris Board of Directors that, as of July 24, 2022, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications contained therein, the consideration to be received by the Aris Gold shareholders (other than GCM) pursuant to the proposed Transaction is fair from a financial point of view to the Aris Gold shareholders (other than GCM).

Following the report and favourable recommendation of the Aris Special Committee, the Board of Directors of Aris Gold (other than certain interested directors) approved the Transaction and determined to recommend approval of the Transaction to the Aris Gold shareholders. In addition, all of the directors and officers of Aris Gold have entered into binding voting support agreements with GCM and Aris Gold under which such individuals have agreed to support the Transaction and vote their Aris Gold shares in favour of the Transaction.

A copy of the BMO Fairness Opinion, the Canaccord Fairness Opinion, the Aris Gold Valuation, the GCM Valuation, the factors considered by the Aris Special Committee and Board of Directors of Aris Gold and other relevant background information will be included in the management information circular and related documents that are expected to be delivered to the Aris Gold shareholders in connection with a special meeting of Aris Gold shareholders to be called to consider and approve the Transaction, filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities and made available on Aris Gold's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, and posted on GCM's website www.arisgold.com.



_______________________ 7 As required under MI 61-101, BMO Capital Markets prepared the Aris Gold Valuation on an en bloc basis, without including a downward adjustment to reflect the liquidity of Aris Gold common shares, the effect of the Transaction on the Aris Gold common shares, or the fact that the Aris Gold common shares held do not form part of a controlling interest.

Advisors and counsel

National Bank Financial and Stifel GMP are acting as co-financial advisors to GCM and each has provided a fairness opinion to the GCM Special Committee and the Board of Directors of GCM.

Wildeboer Dellelce LLP, Proskauer Rose LLP and CLA Consultores S.A.S. are acting as Canadian, US and Colombian legal advisors to GCM, respectively, and the GCM Special Committee has retained Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP as its independent counsel.

Canaccord is acting as financial advisor to Aris Gold and has provided a fairness opinion to the Board of Directors of Aris Gold. BMO Capital Markets was retained by the Special Committee and has provided a formal valuation and fairness opinion to the Aris Gold Special Committee.

Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP and Dentons are acting as Canadian and Colombian legal advisors to Aris Gold, respectively.

Conference call details

Ian Telfer, Serafino Iacono, and Neil Woodyer will host a conference call and webcast today, Monday, July 25, 2022 at 9am EDT/6am PDT.

No passcode is necessary to access the call or webcast.

Conference call

Toll-free US and Canada: 1-800-319-4610

International: +1 604-638-5340

Webcast  link here

A replay of the call will also be available by dialling the following numbers and using passcode 9244:

Toll-free US and Canada: 1-800-319-6413

International: +1 604-638-9010

Pro forma consolidated mineral reserves and resources

Table 1: Proven and probable mineral reserve estimates

Category Property Tonnes (kt) Gold grade

(g/t) Silver grade

(g/t) Contained

gold (koz) Contained

silver (koz) Proven Marmato 802 5.10 22 133 569 Probable Marmato 18,898 3.10 6 1,888 3,780 Probable SotoNorte 4,953 6.22 34 990 5,477 Proven Segovia 204 12.00 - 79 - Probable Segovia 2,087 9.93 - 666 - Total P&P







3,756 9,826

Notes: . Totals may not add due to rounding. Mineral reserve estimates for Soto Norte represent the portion of mineral reserves attributable to Aris Gold based on its 20% ownership interest. Mineral reserves were estimated using a gold price of USD$1,400 per ounce at Marmato, USD$1,300 per ounce at Soto Norte, and USD$1,650 per ounce at Segovia. The mineral reserve effective dates are March 17, 2020 for Marmato, January 1, 2021 for Soto Norte, and December 31, 2021 for Segovia. This disclosure of mineral reserve estimates has been approved by Pamela De Mark, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration of Aris Gold, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument NI 43-101.

Table 2: Measured and indicated mineral resource estimates

Category Property Tonnes

(Mt) Gold grade

(g/t) Silver grade

(g/t) Contained

gold (koz) Contained

silver (koz) Measured Marmato 2.8 6.20 28 562 2,561 Indicated Marmato 54.0 3.00 7 5,245 11,285 Indicated SotoNorte 9.6 5.47 36 1,691 11,065 Measured Segovia 0.5 14.01 - 208 - Indicated Segovia 4.1 10.65 - 1,412 - Measured Toroparu 110.9 1.26 - 4,479 - Indicated Toroparu 74.1 1.66 - 3,958 - Indicated Juby 21.3 1.13 - 733 - Total M&I







18,288 24,911

Notes: Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral resource estimates are reported inclusive of mineral reserves. Totals may not add due to rounding. Mineral resource estimates for Soto Norte represent the portion of mineral resources attributable to Aris Gold based on its 20% ownership interest. Mineral resources were estimated using a gold price of USD$1,600 per ounce at Marmato, USD$1,300 per ounce at Soto Norte, USD$1,800 per ounce at Segovia, USD$1,630 at Toroparu, and USD$1,450 per ounce at Juby. The mineral resource effective dates are June 30, 2021 for Marmato, May 22, 2019 for Soto Norte, December 31, 2021 for Segovia, November 1, 2021 for Toroparu, and July 14, 2020 for Juby. This disclosure of mineral resource estimates has been approved by Pamela De Mark, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration of Aris Gold, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument NI 43-101.

Table 3: Inferred mineral resource estimates

Property Tonnes

(Mt) Gold grade

(g/t) Silver grade (g/t) Contained

gold (koz) Contained

silver (koz) Marmato 30.8 2.60 3 2,567 3,282 SotoNorte 5.5 4.06 26 714 4,551 Segovia 5.3 9.91

1,704

Toroparu 13.8 2.74

1,213

Juby 47.1 0.98

1,488 - Total inferred





7,686 7,833

Notes: See notes under Table 2

Technical reports and data verification

Technical reports for Marmato, Soto Norte, and Juby have been filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and are available for review on Aris Gold's website at www.arisgold.com and on the profile of Aris Gold Corporation on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Technical reports for Segovia and Toroparu have been filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and are available for review on GCM's website at www.gcm-mining.com and on the profile of GCM on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. These reports confirm that the qualified persons responsible for the preparation of the technical reports have verified the data disclosed, including drilling, sampling, assaying, and QAQC protocols and results, and are of the opinion that the sample recovery, preparation, analyses, and security protocols used for the mineral resource estimates are reliable for that purpose.

Scientific and technical information concerning Marmato is summarized, derived, or extracted from the Marmato Technical Report entitled "Revised NI 43-101 Technical Report Pre-Feasibility Study Marmato Project Colombia" dated September 18, 2020 with an effective date of March 17, 2020. The Marmato Technical Report was prepared by Ben Parsons, MSc, MAusIMM (CP), Eric J. Olin, MSc Metallurgy, MBA, SME-RM, MAusIMM, Fernando Rodrigues, BS Mining, MBA, MAusIMM, MMSAQP, Jeff Osborn, BEng Mining, MMSAQP, Joanna Poeck, BEng Mining, SME-RM, MMSAQP, Fredy Henriquez, MS Eng, SME, ISRM, Breese Burnley, P.E., Cristian A Pereira Farias, SME-RM, David Hoekstra, BS, PE, NCEES, SME-RM, David Bird, PG, SME-RM, Mark Allan Willow, MSc, CEM, SME-RM, and Tommaso Roberto Raponi, P.Eng, each of whom is independent of the Company within the meaning of NI 43-101 and is a "Qualified Person" as such term is defined in NI 43-101.

Scientific and technical information concerning Soto Norte is summarized, derived, or extracted from the Soto Norte Technical Report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Feasibility Study of the Soto Norte Gold Project, Santander, Colombia", dated March 21, 2022 with an effective date of January 1, 2021. The Soto Norte Technical Report was prepared by Ben Parsons, MSc, MAusIMM (CP), Chris Bray, BEng, MAusIMM (CP), Dr John Willis PhD, BE (MET), MAusIMM (CP), and Dr Henri Sangam, Ph.D., P.Eng., each of whom is independent of the Company within the meaning of NI 43-101 and is a "Qualified Person" as such term is defined in NI 43-101. The report was also prepared by Robert Anderson, P.Eng., a Qualified Person who is considered non-independent of the Company.

Scientific and technical information concerning Segovia is summarized, derived, or extracted from the Segovia Technical Report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report, Prefeasibility Study, Segovia Project, Antioquia, Colombia" dated May 6, 2022 with an effective date of December 31, 2021. The Segovia Technical Report was prepared by Ben Parsons, MSc, MAusIMM (CP), Eric Olin, MSc, MBA, MAusIMM, SME-RM, Cristian A. Pereira Farias, SME-RM, David Bird, MSc, PG, SME-RM, Fredy Henriquez, MS Eng, SME, ISRM, Jeff Osborn, BEng Mining, MMSAQP, Fernando Rodrigues, BS Mining, MBA, MAusIMM, MMSAQP, Giovanny Ortiz, BS Geology, FAusIMM, Joshua Sames, PE, BEng Civil, Mark Allan Willow, MSc, CEM, SME-RM, and Jeff Parshley, P.G., each of whom is independent of the Company within the meaning of NI 43-101 and is a "Qualified Person" as such term is defined in NI 43-101.

Scientific and technical information concerning Toroparu is summarized, derived, or extracted from the Toroparu Technical Report entitled "Revised NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Toroparu Gold Project, Upper Puruni River Region of Western Guyana" dated February 4, 2022 with an effective date of December 1, 2021. The Toroparu Technical Report was prepared by Glen Kuntz, P. Geo., Brian Wissent, P.Eng, Daniel Yang, P.Eng, Ben Peacock, P.Eng, Kurt Boyko, P.Eng, Fernando Rodrigues, MMSAQP, and David Willms, P.Eng, each of whom is independent of the Company within the meaning of NI 43-101 and is a "Qualified Person" as such term is defined in NI 43-101.

Scientific and technical information concerning Juby is summarized, derived, or extracted from the Juby Technical Report entitled "Technical Report on the Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Juby Gold Project, Tyrrell Township, Shining Tree Area, Ontario" dated October 5, 2020 with an effective date of July 14, 2020. The Juby Technical Report was prepared by Joe Campbell, B.Sc., P.Geo., Alan Sexton, M.Sc., P.Geo., Duncan Studd, M.Sc., P.Geo. and Allan Armitage, Ph.D., P.Geo., each of whom is independent of the Company within the meaning of NI 43-101 and is a "Qualified Person" as such term is defined in NI 43-101.

Technical information and qualified person

The technical information in this news release was reviewed and approved by Pamela De Mark, P.Geo, Vice President Exploration of Aris Gold, who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

About GCM Mining Corp.

GCM Mining is a mid-tier gold producer with a proven track record of mine building and operating in Latin America. In Colombia, the Company is the leading high-grade underground gold and silver producer with several mines in operation at its Segovia Operations. Segovia produced 206,389 ounces of gold in 2021. In Guyana, the Company is advancing its fully funded Toroparu Project, one of the largest undeveloped gold/copper projects in the Americas, which is expected to commence production of more than 200,000 ounces of gold annually in 2024. GCM Mining has equity interests in Aris Gold Corporation (~44%; TSX: ARIS; Colombia  Marmato, Soto Norte; Canada - Juby), Denarius Metals Corp. (~32%; TSX-V: DSLV; Spain  Lomero-Poyatos and Colombia  Guia Antigua, Zancudo) and Western Atlas Resources Inc. (~26%; TSX-V: WA: Nunavut  Meadowbank).

Additional information on GCM Mining can be found at www.gcm-mining.com and www.sedar.com.

For further information, contact:

Mike Davies

Chief Financial Officer

e [email protected]

t + 416.360.4653

About Aris Gold

Aris Gold is a Canadian mining company listed on the TSX under the symbol ARIS and on the OTCQX under the symbol ALLXF. The Company is led by an executive team with a demonstrated track record of creating value through building globally relevant gold mining companies. In Colombia, Aris Gold operates the 100%-owned Marmato mine, where a modernization and expansion program is under way, and as of April 12, 2022, operates the Soto Norte joint venture, where environmental licensing is advancing to develop a new gold mine. Aris Gold also owns the Juby project, an advanced exploration stage gold project in the Abitibi greenstone belt of Ontario, Canada. Aris Gold plans to pursue acquisition and other growth opportunities to unlock value creation from scale and diversification.

Additional information on Aris Gold can be found at www.arisgold.com and www.sedar.com.

For further information, contact:

Tyron Breytenbach

Senior Vice President, Capital Markets

Meghan Brown

Vice President, Investor Relations

e [email protected]

t + 778.899.0518

Forward-looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" or forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein are forward-looking, other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation statements relating to: the Transaction; the resulting entity of the Transaction, including its management, board of directors, assets, capitalization, strategy, plans and goals; the benefits of the Transaction; shareholder meetings, conference calls and webcasts in connection with the Transaction. Generally, the forward-looking information and forward looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "will continue" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward looking information to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered. The material factors or assumptions used to develop forward looking information or statements are disclosed throughout this news release.

Forward looking information and forward looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of GCM, Aris Gold and the resulting entity to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or forward looking statements, including but not limited to: the completion and the timing of the Transaction; the ability of GCM and Aris Gold to receive, in a timely manner, the necessary regulatory, court, securityholder, stock exchange and other third-party approvals; the ability of GCM and Aris Gold to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Transaction; interloper risk; the ability to complete the Transaction on the terms contemplated by the arrangement agreement between GCM and Aris Gold and other agreements, including the voting support agreements, or at all; failure to achieve and sustain mine-building, operating and financial capacity; the ability of the combined group to realize the anticipated benefits of, and synergies from, the Transaction and the timing thereof; the timing of the commencement and completion of construction activities, first production and sales, if at all; the impacts of a changing risk profile and possible subjection to a credit rating review, which may result in a downgrade or negative outlook being assigned to the combined group or a portion thereof; the combined group's dividend policy; the potential exposure to political, economic or social instability related to the combined group's international operations; the consequences of not completing the Transaction, including the volatility of the share prices of GCM and Aris Gold, negative reactions from the investment community and the required payment of certain costs related to the Transaction; actions taken by government entities or others seeking to prevent or alter the terms of the Transaction; potential undisclosed liabilities unidentified during the due diligence process; the accuracy of the pro forma financial information of the combined group after the Transaction; the interpretation of the Transaction by tax authorities; the success of business integration; the focus of management's time and attention on the Transaction and other disruptions arising from the Transaction; the ability of the Aris Gold management team to successfully integrate with the current operations, risks related to international operations; risks related to general economic conditions; uncertainties relating to operations during the COVID-19 pandemic; actual results of current exploration activities; availability of quality assets that will add scale, diversification and complement the resulting entity's growth trajectory; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; fluctuations in prices of metals including gold; the ability to convert mineral resources to mineral reserves; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; increases in market prices of mining consumables; risks associated with holding derivative instruments (such as credit risks, market liquidity risk and mark-to-market risk); possible variations in mineral reserves, grade or recovery rates; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations, and political or economic developments in Canada, Colombia or Guyana; risks of the mining industry including, without limitation, accidents, operations, labour disputes, title disputes, claims and limitations on insurance coverage; delays in obtaining governmental approvals including obtaining required environmental and other licenses; the completion of development or construction activities; and those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in GCM's most recent AIF available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Aris Gold's most recent AIF available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Although GCM and Aris Gold have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information or statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information or statements. Each of GCM and Aris Gold has and continues to disclose in its Management's Discussion and Analysis and other publicly filed documents, changes to material factors or assumptions underlying the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements and to the validity of the information, in the period the changes occur. The forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are made as of the date hereof and each of GCM and Aris Gold disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information.

Although information provided by GCM for inclusion in this news release is believed by Aris Gold to be reliable, Aris Gold has not independently verified such information and cannot provide any assurance of its accuracy, currency, reliability or completeness. Although information provided by Aris Gold for inclusion in this news release is believed by GCM to be reliable, GCM has not independently verified such information and cannot provide any assurance of its accuracy, currency, reliability or completeness.

This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States, nor may any securities referred to herein be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration as provided in the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the "Securities Act") and the rules and regulations thereunder. The securities referred to herein have not been registered pursuant to the Securities Act and there is no intention to register any of the securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States.

SOURCE Aris Gold Corporation
NEWARK, N.J., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As per the report published by The Brainy Insights, the global automotive e-compressor market is expected to grow from USD 15.14 billion in 2021 to USD 110.03 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 24.65% during the forecast period 2022-2030.

The lucrative presence of industry contributors all over the globe and raised usage of automatic air conditioning methods in vehicles are anticipated to expand the demand for the automotive e-compressor market during the projection period. In addition, the ever-increasing competition among industry players, favorable government policies boosting electric vehicles, and technological expansions in vehicles propel the market growth during the forecast period. The increasing acceptance of environmentally friendly vehicles is another factor in market growth during the forecast period. The rising focus on lowering the energy output and weight compared to traditional IC engine-driven compressors is helping to drive market growth. Furthermore, automotive e-compressors are less influential than conventional compressors, which is the restraining factor of market growth. Moreover, less knowledge among the consumers about the servicing & charging operations of hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles is also helping to restrain the market growth. The production & sales of electric cars are rising due to technological advancements and are another market growth opportunity.

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Competitive Strategy

To enhance their market position in the global automotive e-compressor market, the key players are now focusing on adopting the strategies such as product innovations, mergers & acquisitions, recent developments, joint ventures, collaborations, and partnerships.

For example, in November 2021 , the Hanon methods inaugurated a new production site to assemble elements for eco-friendly cars in Korea.

, the Hanon methods inaugurated a new production site to assemble elements for eco-friendly cars in Korea. For example, in March 2021 , the building of the 5th production plant of Hanon Systems began in Korea.

Market Growth & Trends

The growth of the automotive e-compressor market is driven by a rising focus on lowering weight and raising concerns about decreasing vehicle emissions. Additionally, the autonomous operation of automotive electric compressors is the trend of the market's growth. Moreover, automotive e-compressor enterprises are developing compact elements to permit energy savings. Thus, automotive companies prefer such attributes to expand the life of lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, the industry players are enhancing their production in methods that can continue A/C running even when the electric or hybrid car engine is switched off or idle. The independent operation of automotive electric compressors stimulates sales of electric vehicles. Also, the manufacturers are developing fewer noise methods while maintaining the same cooling capacity.

Get a detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the Automotive E-Compressor Market: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/automotive-e-compressor-market-12701

Key Findings

In 2021, the OEM sales channel segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 55.13% and market revenue of 8.34 billion.

The sales channel segment is divided into aftermarket and OEM. In 2021, the OEM sales channel segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 55.13% and market revenue of 8.34 billion. This growth is attributed to the rising production of e-vehicle & hybrid vehicles.

In 2021, the scroll product segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 24.19% and market revenue of 3.66 billion.

The product segment is divided into wobble, screw, scroll, swash, and others. In 2021, the scroll product segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 24.19% and market revenue of 3.66 billion. An automotive scroll e-compressor is a kind of electric compressor utilized in automobiles. Also, this positive expulsion compressor uses two scrolls to compress the pumped gas or fluid. This factor helps to drive the segment's growth.

In 2021, the hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) type segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 58.12% and market revenue of 8.80 billion.

The type segment is divided into hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and electric vehicles (EV). In 2021, the hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) type segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 58.12% and market revenue of 8.80 billion. This growth is attributed to executing profitable government enterprises that boost electric vehicles' adoption for sustainable development.

In 2021, the passenger vehicle type segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 43.17% and market revenue of 6.53 billion.

The vehicle type segment is divided into medium & heavy commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and light commercial vehicles. In 2021, the passenger vehicle type segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 43.17% and a market revenue of 6.53 billion. This growth is attributed to the increasing disposable income of the urban population, coupled with more profitable deals & options.

In 2021, the less than 20 CC segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 43.21% and market revenue of 6.54 billion.

The cooling capacity segment is divided into more than 60 CC, 20 to 40 CC, 20 to 40 CC, and less than 20 CC. In 2021, the less than 20 CC segment dominated the market with the largest market share of 43.21% and market revenue of 6.54 billion. This growth is attributed to the increasing popularity of smaller vehicles.

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Regional Segment Analysis of the Automotive E-Compressor Market:

North America (U.S., Canada , Mexico )

(U.S., , ) Europe ( Germany , France , U.K., Italy , Spain , Rest of Europe )

( , , U.K., , , Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , India , Rest of APAC)

( , , , Rest of APAC) South America ( Brazil and the Rest of South America )

( and the Rest of ) The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa , Rest of MEA)

Asia-Pacific region occurred as the largest market for the global automotive e-compressor market, with a market share of 45.16% and a market value of around 6.83 billion in 2021. Asia-Pacific currently dominates the automotive e-compressor market due to the increasing population and growing per capita income. Furthermore, Europe is expected to show the fastest CAGR of 30.06% over the projection period. This growth is attributed to the stringent emission standards that are forcing manufacturers to develop eco-friendly vehicles with decreased size and weight at a minimal price. Moreover, prominent automotive enterprises in Germany and the United Kingdom will probably support the market's growth during the projection period.

Key players operating in the global automotive e-compressor market are:

Mahle Behr GmbH

Denso Corporation

Toyota Industries Corporation

Valeo S.A.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Automotive Thermal Systems Co., Ltd

Robert Bosch GmbH

Sanden Corporation

Hanon Systems

SCHOTT AG

Marelli

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2019 to 2030. The Brainy Insights has segmented the global automotive e-compressor market based on below mentioned segments:

Global Automotive E-Compressor Market by Sales Channel:

Aftermarket

OEM

Global Automotive E-Compressor Market by Product:

Wobble

Screw

Scroll

Swash

Others

Global Automotive E-Compressor Market by Type:

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)

Electric Vehicles (EV)

Global Automotive E-Compressor Market by Vehicle Type:

Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles

Passenger Vehicle

Light Commercial Vehicles

Global Automotive E-Compressor Market by Cooling Capacity:

More than 60 CC

20 to 40 CC

Less than 20 CC

About the report:

The global automotive e-compressor market is analysed based on value (USD Billion). All the segments have been analysed on global, regional and country basis. The study includes the analysis of more than 30 countries for each segment. The report offers in-depth analysis of driving factors, opportunities, restraints, and challenges for gaining the key insight of the market. The study includes porter's five forces model, attractiveness analysis, raw material analysis, supply, demand analysis, competitor position grid analysis, distribution and marketing channels analysis.

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The outdoor awe-inspiring event announces 14 international artists from 4 continents and 18 local artists/institutions for large-scale projection mapping, murals, and interactive light sculptures

October 13, 2022 - October 16, 2022

Cincinnati, Ohio

https://BLINKcincinnati.com

CINCINNATI, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BLINK, Illuminated by ArtsWave, the nation's largest light, art, and projection mapping experience, returns to Cincinnati for the first time since 2019 at the perfect time, bringing with it transcendent works across mediums.

Blink Cincinnati 2019 Blink Cincinnati 2019

Iconic visual artist Shantell Martin brings her signature black and white style enriched by her background as an intuitive philosopher and cultural facilitator, perfectly aligning her with the event's mission. Star muralist Case Maclaim transports a strong visual message, depicting not just physical movement but also political and societal action.

Dedicated to the history and future of the city, world-class artists are poised to celebrate its unique culture. Portuguese visual artist and illustrator AddFuel is incorporating elements influenced by 140+ year old The Rookwood Pottery Company, ensuring the past is well represented deftly toeing the line between representing his own heritage and representing the rich history of the city itself. Artist Wendy Yo brings a collaborative effort of projection and dance, thanks to a partnership with Cincy-based Hip Hop Cultural Arts Center Elementz. Afro-surrealist visual artist Vince Fraser also explores the collaborative possibilities, working with Underworld Black Arts Festival and Napoleon Maddox to tell the history of Little Africa with a large-scale projection installation.

The region's own artistic talent is front and center, with BLINK exhibiting their work on a massive scale. Michael Coppage is extending his BLACK BOX project with a large-scale projection installation. Local artist Jason Snell is incorporating projection mapping onto the ArtWorks Mural, Ezzard Charles: The Cincinnati Cobra that Jason also designed. Local production powerhouse Lightborne takes on the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) for the third year, in a projection display that is sure to wow. Local favorites DogFish Crew, Jessica Wolf, and Mallory Feltz will also be bringing the Cincy vibe. Linz & Lamb, the art duo with one member hailing from Cincy bring their incredible romantic connection to each piece they collaborate on.

Among a sea of innovations, the upcoming work at The American Building in OTR, Mother of God Church in Covington, KY, and Memorial Hall stand out. The American Building project will be the work of Sean Van Praag, a wonderful returning projection artist. The latter two will be completed by Antaless Visual Designs, the Italian projection company led by CEO Alessio Cassaro. In addition to incorporating historical Cincinnati architecture, BLINK will also integrate projection mapping onto an existing iconic mural, Cincinnati Toy Heritage, an ArtWorks Mural, designed by local artist Jonathan Queen, and projection mapped by international video-mapping artist, Graffmapping.

That's not the only international contribution announced so far. This is Loop, the incredible UK-based large-scale multidisciplinary creations team, brings their PULSE installation to BLINK making this the first USA premiere of PULSE. OGE Design Group, the international art collective from Israel, is working with parade partners ish to bring their "Together" installation to the BLINK audience. Spanish team Pichiavo is bringing their widely recognized prowess in connecting paintings to sculpture in urban settings, further integrating the 2D and 3D aspects among the city.

The collaborative spirit is strong throughout the artist lineup and resulting event, with a particular focus on encouraging young artists. In order to accomplish this, MASARY Studios and the aforementioned Shantell Martin will both separately be working with youth artists through ArtWorks.

The sheer excitement doesn't stop with fan-favorite Architects of Air returning for the third time with a brand new installation experience for Cincinnati. Mz Icar brings the awe-inspiring 20-foot sculpture "The Full Set," which is sure to be a show-stopper. Sonny Dayone half of WBYKwill be participating and creating some exclusive BLINK merch. And Female lace-inspired artist Nespoon and Devious round out the announcement so far.

With Executive Director Justin Brookhart at the helm, BLINK marches towards a wider audience, celebrating all that Cincinnati/NKY and the art world at large have to offer.

Media Inquiries: Hijinx PR | Heidi Johnson | [email protected] | 323.204.7246

SOURCE BLINK Cincinnati
LONDON, ON, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - With each episode of their Voice Branding podcast, Voices hopes to bring their audience innovative tools and market insights that aren't being discussed anywhere else. In their latest episode, which has just been released, Voices' CEO David Ciccarelli welcomes guest speaker Joe Frustaglio from BoomBox.

"I can play you the McDonald's mnemonic and people will know, without the words and will know exactly what it is," Frustaglio, the music producer and director for BoomBox explains on the podcast.

"Having good sonic branding is important and having a good mnemonic. I do think a brand's message can get stronger if they have someone do it consistently. If they have the same actor, doing the same thing over and over again you get a brand personality. The brand message is clear and consistent."

Listen to the full episode here:

https://www.voices.com/podcasts/voicebranding/podcast/creative-audio-production-with-joe-frustaglio/

The new episode, which is called 'Creative Audio Production with Joe Frustaglio', talks about sound for advertising, how producing an audio ad differers from TV commercials, and how to ensure the message cuts through regardless of when and where the ad is being heard.

Starting as an intern at a large Toronto studio, to working for the Toronto-based audio house BoomBox Sound as a Voice Director, Music Producer, Composer, and Chief Engineer, Joseph has become a sort of "Jack of all trades" of audio. Understanding all aspects of commercial audio production allows Joseph to hone in on sonic quality and performance to bring a brand's ideas to life. And today, he's joining us on Voice Branding.

Watch the full episode of Voice Branding here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jFIdbegPLI

About Voices

Voices is the world's #1 voice marketplace, with over 2 million registered users. Since 2005, the biggest and most beloved brands have entrusted Voices to help them find professionals to bring their projects to life. Headquartered in London, Canada, Voices helps match clients with voice over, music, audio production, and translation professionals in over 160 countries and 100+ languages and dialects.

SOURCE Voices.com
PIGGS PEAK  With the prices of household items like cooking oil and bread skyrocketing since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war, even women have now resorted to dagga dealing to make ends meet.

At least 10 people were arrested in various parts of the country for dagga possession. Of these, seven were women, including a 60-year-old woman.

A total of exactly 382.8498 kilogrammes of dagga was impounded by the police. The dagga can fetch as much as E1.9 million or even more on the streets.

Arrests

The arrests happened around Mafutseni, Mankayane and Piggs Peak area. According to a police report, most of the arrests were done around Piggs Peak. Noteworthy, dagga cultivation is mostly done around Piggs Peak Town with the proximity to the South African border making it easy for the dagga to be transported outside the country. Due to this, the Piggs Peak Magistrates courtrooms have the distinct dagga smell that is always present.

A man from Mbabane around a place known as Nhlalakahle was also nabbed with dagga.

It was also gathered that three women of Ngowane near Maguga were nabbed for dagga possession as well. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the arrests. She confirmed that the arrested people were expected to appear at respective court houses from today. Meanwhile, some of the women interviewed randomly said cultivating dagga was one of the most guarantee ways of generating income. It is just like farming, said a woman who aslo said times were becoming difficult as the prices of goods had hiked. She said due to difficult times, many women had no option, as jobs were difficult to come by.

How do you expect us to take care of our families? asked a woman who said she had several children and members of the extended family to look after. She also admitted that recently, she even tried to join the army but failed to make it to the top six, as she could not run fast enough.

Another said dagga cultivation was making it easy for them to pay school fees while at the same time supporting their families. We are not stealing from anyone, she said.

Increased

A community leader who asked not to be mentioned said since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, many household goods had increased in price, including fertiliser. He said items such as cooking oil were expensive and that families expected women to prepare meals. When you are outside, they say men are bread-winners but inside the house, children look up to mothers for food, he said. He said this was the reason why more women were now into dagga dealing and that some cultivated it in the fields while others even smuggled it out of the country. It is only cultivated for outside markets so that we can be paid the right amount of money and then earn a living through that, he said.
Centene to sell its continental European businesses to Vivalto Sante

Another milestone in Centene's value creation program and ongoing portfolio review

ST. LOUIS, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that as part of its previously announced review of strategic alternatives for its international portfolio, it has signed a definitive agreement to sell to Vivalto Sante its Spanish and Central European businesses, which include:

Ribera Salud , a healthcare provider in Spain , which operates hospitals and provides other healthcare services, including through public-private partnerships;

, a healthcare provider in , which operates hospitals and provides other healthcare services, including through public-private partnerships; Torrejon Salud (Torrejon), a public-private partnership in the Community of Madrid which is operated by Ribera Salud ; and

which is operated by ; and Pro Diagnostics Group (PDG), a subsidiary of Ribera Salud , which owns clinics providing radiology and other services in Slovakia and the Czech Republic .

"This transaction represents another significant milestone in our value creation plan and ongoing portfolio review," said Sarah London, CEO of Centene. "We are pleased to have found a leading European healthcare partner in Vivalto Sante, who we believe is best positioned to drive growth and make additional investments in Ribera Salud, Torrejon, and PDG, so they can continue providing high-quality care for patients across Europe."

Vivalto Sante is the third-largest private hospital company in France, operating more than 50 private hospitals, and is controlled by Vivalto Partners, a European private equity firm dedicated to the healthcare industry. Over 1,000 doctors are also shareholders of the group, providing a unique dual ownership and governance model. Vivalto Sante has pioneered social impact in the private hospital sector in France by becoming the first "Societe a Mission" (French equivalent of a Certified B Corporation) in the sector, incorporating in its by-laws a clear "raison d'etre" vis- a -vis patients "to care for and accompany patients along their care pathway and their lives" and vis-a-vis employees "to empower caregivers by emphasizing team spirit, favorable working conditions and professional inclusion." Approximately 35% of the employees are shareholders of the company.

Barclays is serving as financial advisor to Centene, and Garrigues and Havel Partners are serving as its legal counsel. Latham & Watkins is serving as legal counsel to Vivalto Partners.

Centene intends to use the majority of the net proceeds from the sale to repurchase stock and the balance to reduce debt. The transaction is expected to be neutral to Centene's adjusted diluted earnings per share in the 12-month period post-closing.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals in Spain and Slovakia and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year.

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives. The Company takes a local approach  with local brands and local teams  to provide fully integrated, high-quality, and cost-effective services to government-sponsored and commercial healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Centene offers affordable and high-quality products to nearly 1 in 15 individuals across the nation, including Medicaid and Medicare members (including Medicare Prescription Drug Plans) as well as individuals and families served by the Health Insurance Marketplace, the TRICARE program, and individuals in correctional facilities. The Company also serves several international markets, and contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide a variety of specialty services focused on treating the whole person. Centene focuses on long-term growth and value creation as well as the development of its people, systems, and capabilities so that it can better serve its members, providers, local communities, and government partners.

Centene uses its investor relations website to publish important information about the Company, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Centene is routinely posted and is accessible on Centene's investor relations website, https://investors.centene.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements, other than statements of current or historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, forward-looking statements often use words such as "believe," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "estimate," "intend," "seek," "target," "goal," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should," "can," "continue" and other similar words or expressions (and the negative thereof). Centene (the Company, our, or we) intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and we are including this statement for purposes of complying with these safe-harbor provisions. In particular, these statements include, without limitation, statements about the timing, closing, and financial impact of the transaction, use of net proceeds of the transaction, our future operating or financial performance, market opportunity, value creation strategy, competition, expected activities in completed and future acquisitions, including statements about the impact of our recently completed acquisition of Magellan Health (the Magellan Acquisition), other recent and future acquisitions and dispositions, investments and the adequacy of our available cash resources. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on numerous assumptions and assessments made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, business strategies, operating environments, future developments, and other factors we believe appropriate. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are subject to change because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future, including economic, regulatory, competitive, and other factors that may cause our or our industry's actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to us on the date hereof. Except as may be otherwise required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date hereof. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as actual results may differ materially from projections, estimates, or other forward-looking statements due to a variety of important factors, variables and events including, but not limited to: the risk that the closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals for the transaction may be delayed or not obtained, uncertainty as to the expected financial performance of the combined company following the recent completion of the Magellan Acquisition; the possibility that the expected synergies and value creation from the Magellan Acquisition or the acquisition of WellCare Health Plans, Inc.(the WellCare Acquisition) (or other acquired businesses) will not be realized, or will not be realized within the respective expected time periods; disruption from the integration of the Magellan Acquisition or from the integration of the WellCare Acquisition, unexpected costs, or similar risks from other acquisitions we may announce or complete from time to time, including potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships with customers, employees, suppliers or regulators, making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; a downgrade of the credit rating of our indebtedness; the exertion of management's time and our resources, and other expenses incurred and business changes required in connection with complying with the undertakings in connection with any regulatory, governmental or third party consents or approvals for acquisitions; changes in expected closing dates, estimated purchase price and accretion for acquisitions; restrictions and limitations in connection with our indebtedness; availability of debt and equity financing, on terms that are favorable to us; inflation; foreign currency fluctuations; and risks and uncertainties discussed in the reports that Centene has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This list of important factors is not intended to be exhaustive. We discuss certain of these matters more fully, as well as certain other factors that may affect our business operations, financial condition, and results of operations, in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K.

SOURCE Centene Corporation
NEW YORK, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the market research report published by P&S Intelligence, the size of the central vacuum cleaner systems market will progress at a rate of above 11% in the coming years, to reach around $949 million by the year 2030 from approx. $369 million in 2021. The industry is propelled by the widening application of green technologies for cleaning, increasing efforts for the improvement of hygiene, and rising sale of indoor-air cleaners.

Ground-mounted systems possessed an over 60% share in the central vacuum cleaner systems market in 2021. This is mainly credited to the high acceptance of central vacuum cleaners in commercial spaces, including hospitals and hotels, as they have a higher suction power as opposed to wall-mounted ones.

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The non-residential sector, thus, dominated the market with an about 70% share in the year 2021, and it will witness the faster growth in the coming years. This can be credited to the increasing count of facilities where cleanliness is vital.

This category further includes the hospitality, industrial, healthcare, and commercial, sectors, which need to manage hygiene in large spaces. Amongst these, the industrial sector has the largest share, because centralized vacuum cleaners are extensively used in automotive, manufacturing, electrical and electronics, semiconductors, and aerospace facilities.

The European central vacuum cleaner systems market possesses an around 40% share. This is because of the surging residential and commercial construction, itself owing to the high private and government spending on infra. Additionally, consumer expenditure on home renovation and remodeling is rising significantly, thus creating a high demand for innovative cleaning equipment.

Germany has the highest demand for these systems in Europe, because it has many cleaning equipment firms and contributes massively to the manufacturing industry of Europe. Furthermore, the increasing knowledge about the importance of maintaining good hygiene is a major driving force for the adoption of good cleaning practices.

Browse detailed report on Central Vacuum Cleaner Systems Market Size, Share, Growth and Demand Forecast Report 2030

The APAC central vacuum cleaner systems market will grow the fastest till 2030. The main factors credited for such growth are the improving healthcare services, increasing purchasing power, and rising construction activities. In the region, the demand for such equipment is majorly generated in China, South Korea, Japan, and Australia. Furthermore, the higher acceptance of smart home appliances will boost the equipment demand in the region.

China has the highest demand for central vacuum systems in the APAC region, as carpet flooring is widely used in residential and commercial spaces, thus hinting at vast growth opportunities for vendors. Similarly, the problems of waste management and disposal associated with traditional cleaning machinery drive the use of central vacuum cleaners in the nation.

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About P&S Intelligence

P&S Intelligence provides market research and consulting services to a vast array of industries across the world. As an enterprising research and consulting company, P&S believes in providing thorough insights on the ever-changing market scenario, to empower companies to make informed decisions and base their business strategies with astuteness. P&S keeps the interest of its clients at heart, which is why the insights we provide are both honest and accurate. Our long list of satisfied clients includes entry-level firms as well as multi-million-dollar businesses and government agencies.

Contact:

Prajneesh Kumar

P&S Intelligence

Phone: +1-347-960-6455

Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE P&S Intelligence
DUBLIN, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "China Online Healthcare Market: Insights & Forecast with Potential Impact of COVID- 19 (2022-2026)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

China online healthcare market is forecasted to reach US$311.48 billion in 2026, experiencing growth at a CAGR of 36.89% during the period spanning from 2022 to 2026.

Growth in China online healthcare market is supported by factors such as aging population, rising health expenditure, support from Chinese government, technical innovations and rising internet penetration. However, the market growth is expected to be restrained by lack of motivation and lack of confidence trust of patients in online health care services.

China online healthcare market by type can be segmented as follows: online pharmacy, digital healthcare infrastructure, online enterprise service, online consultation, online consumer healthcare and others. In 2021, the dominant share of China online healthcare market was being held by online pharmacy, followed by digital healthcare infrastructure. China's online pharmaceutical sales (including prescription and OTC pharmaceuticals) are likely to record a strong growth, outpacing the entire pharmaceutical market.

China online pharmacy market can be segmented as follows: medical devices, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, nutrition products, prescription and other. In 2021, the dominant share of China online pharmacy market was being held by medical devices, followed by over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, driven by fewer restrictions from the authorities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has largely accelerated the development of online healthcare China. The first quarter of 2020 witnessed rapid surge in both new registered users and daily consultations on major online healthcare platforms.

The competitive landscape of the market, along with the company profiles of leading players (Alibaba Group Holding Limited, WeDoctor, Ltd., Miao Health, DXY.cn, JD.com, Inc., and Ping An Good Doctor ) are also presented in detail.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Market Overview

1.1 Online Healthcare

1.1.1 Online Healthcare- Introduction

1.2 Benefits of Online Healthcare

1.3 Types of Online Healthcare Services

1.4 Value Chain Analysis

1.5 Advantages of Online Healthcare

1.6 Disadvantages of Online Healthcare



2. Impact of COVID-19

2.1 Impact of COVID-19 on China Online Healthcare Market

2.2 Increase in Online Healthcare Users

2.3 Increased Online Pharmaceutical Sales

2.4 Surge in Demand for Health Supplements

2.5 Favorable Policies

2.6 Post-COVID Scenario



3. China Market Analysis

3.1 China Online Healthcare Market by Value

3.2 China Online Healthcare Market Forecast by Value

3.3 China Online Healthcare Market Penetration

3.4 China Online Healthcare Market Penetration Forecast

3.5 China Online Healthcare Market by Type

3.5.1 China Online Pharmacy Healthcare Market Forecast by Value

3.5.2 China Digital Healthcare Infrastructure Healthcare Market Forecast by Value

3.5.3 China Online Enterprise Service Healthcare Market Forecast by Value

3.5.4 China Online Consultation Healthcare Market Forecast by Value

3.5.5 China Online Consumer Healthcare Market Forecast by Value

3.6 China Online Healthcare Market by Region

3.7 China Online Pharmacy Market by Segment

3.7.1 China Online Medical Devices Market Forecast by Value

3.7.2 China Online Medical Devices Market Penetration

3.7.3 China Online Over-the-counter (OTC) Drugs Market Forecast by Value

3.7.4 China Online Nutrition Products Market Forecast by Value

3.7.5 China Online Nutrition Products Market Penetration

3.7.6 China Online Prescription Market Forecast by Value

3.7.7 China Online Prescription Market Penetration

3.8 China Internet Hospital by Number

3.9 China Internet Hospital by Initiator



4. Market Dynamics

4.1 Growth Drivers

4.1.1 Aging Population

4.1.2 Growing Internet Penetration

4.1.3 Rising Health Expenditure

4.1.4 Growing Need to Provide Better Management for Chronic Diseases

4.1.5 Insurance & Membership Products

4.1.6 Growing Health Awareness

4.1.7 Support from Chinese Government

4.2 Key Trends & Developments

4.2.1 Increased Use Of Online Healthcare Services Among Millennial

4.2.2 Technological Innovations

4.2.3 Increasing Investments from Internet Companies

4.2.4 Popularization of Internet Hospitals

4.3 Challenges

4.3.1 Lack of Motivation

4.3.2 Lack of Confidence



5. Competitive Landscape

5.1 China Market

5.1.1 Revenue Comparison- Key Players

5.1.2 Market Capitalization Comparison- Key Players

5.1.3 Online Healthcare Services by Key Players

5.1.4 Key Healthcare Segments along the Online Healthcare Value Chain - Key Players

5.1.5 Online Healthcare Comparison- Key Players

5.1.6 Online Pharmacies Market Share - Key Players



6. Company Profiles

6.1 Business Overview

6.2 Financial Overview

6.3 Business Strategies

Alibaba Group Holding Limited

DXY.cn

JD.com, Inc.

Miao Health

Ping An Good Doctor

WeDoctor

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qhycqk

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

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Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets
ATLANTA, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) commends Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-IL), Ami Bera (D-CA), Kathy Castor (D-FL), and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) for their leadership in introducing the Improving DATA in Public Health Act (H.R. 8481). The introduction of this legislation shows a commitment to, and understanding of, the need to make significant improvements to our public health data infrastructure.

CSTE is pleased that the Improving DATA in Public Health Act recognizes the important partnership between state, territorial, local, and tribal (STLT) health departments and the federal government and requires that necessary data be made available first or simultaneously to STLT public health authorities. This is critical not just during national public health emergencies, such as COVID-19 or monkeypox, but for the everyday health issues that public health officials address at the local and state level, such as management of acute cases of hepatitis A in food handlers or meningitis in daycare or school settings.

"Our federated public health system relies on a strong relationship between CDC and state, territorial, local, and tribal health departments. This legislation proposes significant changes to our public health data infrastructure and these changes must be made in consultation with state and local entities. We are encouraged to see the vital role of STLT stakeholders is outlined in the text and look forward to working closely with our partners at CDC moving forward," said Janet Hamilton, executive director of CSTE.

Importantly, the legislation does not change CSTE's existing role  one it has held since its inception in the 1950s  to bring together STLT and CDC partners to develop standardized case definitions used for national surveillance and define which conditions should be nationally notifiable.

The legislation also establishes a federal advisory committee on public health information and availability that will oversee and make recommendations on the implementation of public health data reporting. The advisory committee includes representation from STLT entities as well as the national organizations representing these health departments and their public health officials.

Even before the pandemic, CSTE recognized our public health data systems were in dire need of modernization. "Our public health data systems are not where they need to be," added Hamilton. "Unfortunately, this is the result of years of underfunding and underinvestment in our state, local, territorial, tribal, and federal public health data infrastructure. We can do better as a country, and we must do better. Public health cannot continue to be resourced through emergency funding; we need increased annual investments. CSTE calls on Congress to make significant and sustainable investments in our public health data systems."

About CSTE

Founded in 1951, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) represents the interests of State Epidemiologists from all 50 U.S. states and territories. CSTE is also the professional home to over 2500 practicing applied epidemiologists. For information, visit https://www.cste.org/.

Media contact: Jeremy Arieh, Director of Communications, 770-458-3811, email: [email protected]

SOURCE Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists
SANTA MONICA,Calif., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cypress Creek Renewables has added 400MW/600MWh to its storage portfolio after acquiring four Texas standalone energy storage projects from Black Mountain Energy Storage (BMES). The projects, each 100MW, are located throughout the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market and are currently under development.

Cypress Creek will continue project development, entitlement, engineering, procurement, financing, construction, and will operate the 400MW/600MWh portfolio once complete. The four projects are expected to be placed in service in 2024.

Nationally, Cypress Creek has developed more than 11GW of solar to date and has a 15GW solar and storage pipeline. In the ERCOT market, Cypress Creek has developed 5GW of solar and storage assets, bringing resiliency and flexibility to the grid.

"ERCOT is an incredibly dynamic power market, and standalone storage assets will continue to provide opportunities to increase grid reliability through flexible and dispatchable resources," said Jack Murray, Director of M&A at Cypress Creek. "Black Mountain has been an exceptional partner to work with and we are excited to throw our development, EPC and financing expertise behind these assets to move them across the finish line, affirming our commitment to developing resilient renewable energy resources throughout Texas."

"It was a pleasure working with the Cypress Creek team, and we are pleased to have assisted them on their journey to be one of the most significant renewables developers in the U.S.," says Rhett Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of BMES. "Cypress not only understands the power market, but also the critical importance of energy storage. They are committed to renewable energy, and we are excited about the potential of these projects and the immense positive impact they will bring to the grid."

The transaction was facilitated through the LevelTen Energy Asset Marketplace, connecting renewable energy projects and buyers towards deal execution.

"It was an honor to support this transaction via the LevelTen Asset Marketplace, which brings together project developers and investors, and delivers the online tools they need to complete asset sales," said Patrick Worrall, vice president of Asset Marketplace, LevelTen Energy. "Black Mountain Energy Storage and Cypress Creek Renewables are leaders in the industry, and we look forward to watching development on this portfolio of storage projects progress."

About Cypress Creek Renewables

Cypress Creek Renewables is a leading renewables developer and independent power producer. It develops, finances, owns, and operates utility-scale and distributed solar and energy storage projects across the United States with a mission to power a sustainable future, one project at a time. Since inception, Cypress Creek has developed more than 11GW of solar projects. Today it owns 2GW of solar and has a 15GW pipeline. Cypress Creek's leading O&M services business operates and maintains 4GW of solar projects for customers across 19 states. For more information about Cypress Creek, please visit www.ccrenew.com.

About Black Mountain Energy Storage

Black Mountain Energy Storage is a team of energy experts who develop and operate battery energy storage facilities. Founded in 2021, BMES was established to bring reliable, emissions-free energy storage capacity to the electric grid to enhance system reliability and enable greater reliance on renewable generation. It focuses on investing in communities and markets where energy storage will provide long-term value to stakeholders.

www.bmenergystorage.com

SOURCE Cypress Creek Renewables
TORONTO, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tropical Forest Products announces that its premium Black Label brand of Ipe and other tropical hardwoods has partnered with Dakota Premium Hardwoods, a trusted distributor of high-quality lumber, engineered products and full job packages such as supports and fasteners. With branch locations in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma, Dakota is headquartered in Waco, TX. Dakota Premium Hardwoods will distribute the full line of Black Label's sustainable tropical hardwoods throughout their warehouse locations.

"The Black Label team is excited to continue the expansion of our distribution network in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma with Dakota Premium Hardwoods," said Brian Lotz, Technical Director for Tropical Forest Products. "Dakota's impressive green initiatives, unsurpassed customer service, hardwood expertise and supply chain mastery are essential to the Black Label brand as we grow our distribution footprint."

Black Label is dedicated to offering 100% legally harvested sustainable tropical hardwoods from South America. Every tree chosen to produce Black Label products is carefully selected based on the forest's age, size and productive wellbeing. Black Label features Ipe, Cumaru, Jatoba, Garapa, BulletWood and Tigerwood, with commercial and residential applications ranging from decking, cladding and ceilings to architectural millwork.

"The Dakota partnership with the Black Label brand perfectly aligns with our commitment to offering beauty, sustainability and value across our growing platform," said Ron Mazzarella, CEO of Dakota Premium Hardwoods.

Raising the bar for premium, sustainable tropical hardwoods, Black Label's kiln-dried process enhances every product for strength and stability. Every board and hardware accessory must be Premium Architectural Grade or above to earn the name Black Label.

Black Label provides a complete marketing and promotional support program along with a very strong online presence, with the dealer, contractor, architect, designer and homeowner in mind. Learn more about Black Label, and Tropical Forest Products or call 905-672-8000. And, visit Dakota Premium Hardwoods

About Dakota Premium Hardwoods

Dakota Premium Hardwoods is here to serve you with branches located in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. We have trucks leaving daily to Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Bryan/College Station, Houston and the Rio Grande Valley as well as Lafayette, Louisiana and Tulsa/Oklahoma City, Oklahoma metro areas. With our staff 's unsurpassed customer service and over a century of combined experience in the hardwood and lumber industry, there is simply no better supplier to purchase your woodworking, cabinetry, manufacturing and millwork materials from.

About Tropical Forest Products

Tropical Forest Products, a leading hardwood distributor that operates throughout the United States and Canada, was founded with the belief that acquiring lumber of superior quality should be easy and ethical. Its team is made up of passionate people who love everything about forests and their survival. Tropical strives to meet every client's need with quality lumber and deliver products on time, maintain commitment to client service, and maintain the best prices in the market.

SOURCE Tropical Forest Products
MAUMEE, Ohio, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Incorporated (NYSE: DAN) will release its 2022 second-quarter financial results on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. A press release will be issued at approximately 7 a.m. EDT, followed by a conference call and webcast at 10 a.m. EDT. Members of the company's senior management team will be available at that time to discuss the results and answer related questions.

The conference call can be accessed by telephone from both domestic and international locations using the information provided below:



Conference ID: 9943139

Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 1-888-440-5873

Participant Toll Dial-In Number: 1-646-960-0319

Audio streaming and slides will be available online via a link provided on the Dana investor website: www.dana.com/investors .

A webcast replay will be available after 5 p.m. EDT and may be accessed via Dana's investor website.

About Dana Incorporated

Dana is a leader in the design and manufacture of highly efficient propulsion and energy-management solutions that power vehicles and machines in all mobility markets across the globe. The company is shaping sustainable progress through its conventional and clean-energy solutions that support nearly every vehicle manufacturer with drive and motion systems; electrodynamic technologies, including software and controls; and thermal, sealing, and digital solutions.

Based in Maumee, Ohio, USA, the company reported sales of $8.9 billion in 2021 with 40,000 people in 31 countries across six continents. Founded in 1904, Dana was named one of "America's Most Responsible Companies 2022" by Newsweek for its emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility. The company is driven by a high-performance culture that focuses on valuing others, inspiring innovation, growing responsibly, and winning together, earning it global recognition as a top employer. Learn more at dana.com.

SOURCE Dana Incorporated
First annual Make A Day event for 100 Indiana children in need

FISHERS, Ind., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- July 25 through July 29, 2022, DeVeau's is hosting the first Make A Day Indiana event. This will be a week-long, entirely free camp for 100 in-need children in and around the Indianapolis area to have an amazing experience during which our singular mission is to truly MAKE THEIR DAY. In addition to giving kids the adventure of a fun gymnastics camp, each child attending this Make A Day event will leave with a new backpack full of school supplies for the upcoming school year, donated by generous DeVeau's gymnastics families. We are also grateful to Fishers Parks and Recreation for donating books and supplies. Meals will be donated by Portillo's, Dominos, Arby's, and Little Caesars. Haircuts will also be provided by Cameron w/Braids and Fades.

"DeVeau's has been and will continue to be committed to teaching our students the importance of community service, of thinking beyond ourselves and our comfort zones to make an impact in our community in a positive way," said owner Luke Lautzenheiser. "After nearly two years of supporting Make A Day from afar, Tanny Arnold and I decided we could use our large platform to impact families with children in the greater Indianapolis area," Lautzenheiser continued.

Make A Day is a 501c3 Non Profit with a mission to serve those in the community that could use a helping hand, time, and attention. Founded in Columbus, Ohio, Make a Day is partnering with DeVeau's for this event as it expands into Indiana. DeVeau's School of Gymnastics has provided quality gymnastics instruction for over 40 years offering recreational programs, competitive teams, Ninja Zone classes, and camps to children and youth in and around the Indianapolis area. While it's well-known for developing world-class competitive gymnasts, DeVeau's central focus is on teaching goal setting, self-motivation, positive self-esteem, and a love of learning and trying new things.

SOURCE DeVeau's School of Gymnastics
NUWAVE to deploy Dubber as a standard optional feature on the NUWAVE iPILOT Platform for Microsoft Teams Calling

Provides easy Dubber provisioning for selectable and valuable functionality available for all NUWAVE partners and customers

MELBOURNE, Australia, LONDON and DALLAS, Texas, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dubber Corporation Limited (ASX: DUB) (Dubber) announced that it has signed a Foundation Partner agreement with Nuwave Communications, Inc. (NUWAVE) . NUWAVE, based in Las Vegas, Nevada, is one of the fastest growing providers of Microsoft voice services in North America and a key player in the Microsoft Operator Connect calling program.

Dubber Unified Conversational Recording (UCR) and voice data services are now integrated into iPILOTTM and available to all NUWAVE clients from August 1.

Microsoft Teams has more than 270 million monthly active users, making it the world's fastest growing and most popular business communication suite. NUWAVE is a global communications and cloud platform as a service provider with a focus on simplification, automation, and innovation. They continue to provide many industry-first solutions which facilitate customer cloud communication adoption.

Steve McGovern, Dubber CEO: "NUWAVE is an outstanding partner that has 'cracked the code' with Microsoft Teams Voice services. They attack and remove complexity at every level, making it simple and easy for service providers and enterprises through iPILOT to quickly get the most out of their Microsoft Teams environments. They are an ideal partner for Dubber as we both work to enhance customer value and revenue for service providers in their Teams deployments."

"We are seeing continued momentum for our Foundation Partner model in which Dubber's unified conversational recording platform is embedded as standard, providing immediate and accretive revenue to both ourselves and our partners."

Mark Bunnell, NUWAVE COO: "We are excited to be partnering with Dubber. Dubber's unique scalability fits perfectly with our view of what cloud voice users, enterprises and service providers are demanding. By integrating Dubber into iPILOT, we're able to build on our iPILOT platform and provide service providers with extremely valuable, margin enhancing services that in return will help their customers extract even more value from their voice and video calls."

As a Foundation Partner, NUWAVE will provide partners and customers with the option to instantly provision access via iPILOT to Dubber's industry-leading conversational recording capabilities as an entry level solution at no cost to NUWAVE customers and partners.

NUWAVE and its partners can then choose to work with Dubber to introduce customers to richer and more comprehensive conversational recording and AI solutions to address a broad range of business needs by unlocking valuable information and insights from conversations across their voice and video calls.

Dubber supports differentiation and revenue opportunities for service providers that continue to scale their voice services to enterprise, SME and government customers on Microsoft Teams. Dubber's Unified Recording and Conversational Data and AI services enable compliance, training, customer service, dispute resolution and remote workforce enablement without the requirement for hardware or capital expenditure.

As a unique platform provider and carrier in Microsoft's Operator Connect Accelerator Program, NUWAVE has developed a powerful provisioning and "lifecycle" management cloud based platform for Microsoft voice users called iPILOT . The iPILOT platform allows carriers, cloud service providers and enterprise organizations to quickly and easily deploy Microsoft Teams Voice services including rapid migration, provisioning, capacity management, support, integration and analytics. It automates for both Direct Routing and Operator Connect capabilities while also providing support for carrier hosted SBCs (session border controllers), on-premises SIP trunks, and "bring your own Network" for carriers and operators.

About NUWAVE:

NUWAVE is a global communications and cloud platform as a service provider with a focus on simplification and innovation which continues to provide many industry-first solutions which facilitate customer cloud communication adoption. NUWAVE's iPILOT platform enables automation, provisioning, and analytics for cloud communications, and helps to improve upon the UC voice management experience. NUWAVE's iPILOT and SYNTHESIS platforms together can provide Carriers, CSPs or SIs with a turnkey, globally scalable solution to offer an industry leading Cloud Phone BYOC program for their partners and customers. To learn more about iPILOT, SYNTHESIS and NUWAVE, please visit www.NUWAVE.com or www.iPilot.io.

About Dubber:

Dubber enables service providers to unlock the potential of the network - turning every conversation into an exponential source of value for differentiated innovation, retention, and revenue. Listed on the ASX, Dubber is the clear market leader in conversational intelligence and unified conversational recording - embedded at the heart of over 170 service provider networks and services and used daily by over 500,000 subscribers worldwide.

Investors: Simon Hinsley [email protected]t +61 (0) 401 809 653 Media & Investors Tanya Thomas [email protected] +61 (0) 474 470 405 USA Media Lauren McNamara [email protected] +1 914.610.0221 EMEA Media Annabel Clementson [email protected] +44 7951 786435

SOURCE Dubber
Goal to identify orosensory neurons and determine their function in guiding food selection and feeding behavior

YPSILANTI, Mich., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Research that studies the sensation in the oral cavity is the subject of a grant awarded to Joseph Breza, associate professor of neuroscience at Eastern Michigan University and Robin Krimm, professor of anatomy and neurobiology at University of Louisville. The National Institutes on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders awarded the $2,074,256 ($462,468 year one) grant to conduct a five-year-long study on the sense of touch and how it interacts with the sense of taste.

Somatosensation is the sense of touch, temperature, and chemesthesis, which is the sensation of spices and menthol in the oral cavity. Scientists have studied various aspects of somatosensation, including the development of the human somatosensory system. Breza and Krimm are furthering the understanding of somatosensation by exploring touch-sensitive neurons and the connection between taste signals and the brain in transgenic mice.

"The grant seeks to understand the breadth of touch-sensitive neurons that stimulate the tongue, specifically those that wrap around taste papillaethose little red dots on your tongue which contain taste buds," said Breza. "We think that they play an instrumental role in shaping the sensory experience of food as it pertains to texture and taste."

The team will also investigate whether texture and taste signals from the oral cavity interact within the brainstem. According to Breza, the oral cavity is the gateway to the gut. Thus, nutrient selection and avoidance of potential toxins must first pass through the "radar" of the oral cavity.

"We know very little about how neuron types are responsible for sending unique signals to the brain about touch, temperature, and taste information," said Breza. "We know even less about how the brain integrates these signals to ultimately carry out tongue movements, chewing, swallowing, or gagging. Our long-term goal is to identify key orosensory neuron types and determine their function for guiding food selection and feeding behavior."

In addition to working with Krimm, Breza is conducting the study with an interdisciplinary team of students in a customized lab space on EMU's campus, which is aligned with EMU's strategic mission to deliver high-performing academic programs and quality research.

Over the years, Breza has worked with psychology, biology, and chemistry faculty members. He has co-authored five peer-reviewed articles with colleague Thomas Mast, an associate professor of neurobiology at Eastern, and with several EMU undergraduate and graduate students. Over the past eight years, he has trained and worked alongside more than 26 students  many moving on to Ph.D. programs in neuroscience or medical school.

"I share my academic achievements with the faculty, staff, administration and students at EMU  their level of emotional and professional support is what has made all of this possible," said Breza.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 15,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website . To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.

SOURCE Eastern Michigan University
MANZINI  As the government spokesperson insists that no royal command was issued stopping a trip to the United States of America (USA), Lobamba Lomdzala Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Marwick Khumalo says otherwise.

Yesterday, the Times SUNDAY reported that a trip to the USA by a nine-member delegation from Eswatini, for a political dialogue-oriented programme, was thrown into disarray at the 11th hour. It was said that this was subsequent to Parliament stepping in to stop two legislators, a member of the royal family and a member of the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) from being part of this trip.

Departure

Our sister publication reported that MP Khumalo, Senator Mkhululi Dlamini, Hhohho Regional Administrator (RA) Princess Tsandzile and EBC Legal Advisor Lungile Magagula were all informed on Saturday, which was the day of departure, that they were not permitted to travel. The communication was reportedly made by Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba. Subsequent to the publication of the article, Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo issued a statement saying government wished to categorically state that there was no truth to reports that a royal command prevented MP Khumalo or any other participant from travelling to the USA for an empowered programme on dialogue.

Nxumalo said: According to the clerk to Parliament, the MPs could not proceed with the trip due to the wrong procedure and the manner in which the invitation was structured and communicated to Parliament. The government spokesperson further said the trip was not approved by the relevant structures in Parliament. He said this had no bearing whatsoever with a command. Nxumalo said the refusal of permission to travel was purely administrative and not political. In addition, he said MP Khumalo, in particular, might have had other stringent restrictions attached to his bail conditions, as the nation will recall that he was still facing a particular legal matter which the courts of the land were still seized with.

It is worth noting that on June 25, 2013, MP Khumalo was arrested with former Senator Bhutana Dlamini and former Clerk to Parliament Sanele Nxumalo, on allegations of E5.8 million fraud. The alleged fraud was in relation to activities of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)  Swaziland branch  where Khumalo and Dlamini were Chairman and Treasurer respectively. He was subsequently released on bail with some of the conditions being that he should surrender his passports to the police and not apply for new ones, remain in Swaziland (Eswatini) until finalisation of the matter, report fortnightly at the police station, refrain from interfering, threatening or communicating with Crown witnesses in regard to the charges and that he should provide his residential addresses to the investigating officer. In reaction to the press statement by the government spokesperson, MP Khumalo reacted to Nxumalo by saying the clerk to Parliament (Xaba), and not Nxumalo, knew what he told him. And he (Xaba) cannot deny that to my face, the legislator claimed.

Liars

MP Khumalo further said spokespersons were not supposed to be pathological liars, but they should be factual in what they present to the members of the public. He said: For Alpheous Nxumalo to issue a statement about something that he knows nothing about and was not part of my conversation with the clerk of Parliament is not only disingenuous, but only confirms that he is a misfit to the position. MP Khumalo supposed that the nation deserved better than what was being fed to them on a day-to-day basis, lately. On the issue of bail conditions, the legislator said in the last decade, he had travelled the world courtesy of the High Court of Eswatini and for Nxumalo to raise issues that were personal in nature and outside his mandate was inviting trouble for the government he claimed to speak for.

Rights

I reserve my rights. However, I will not stoop to his level about the allegations made against him (regarding jobs in the security forces). Alpheous should not use his newly-acquired government position to fight his long standing wars with me. I will match him. Never abuse an official government position to settle your old scores with your nemesis, because you may find yourself back in the streets, he said. Meanwhile, MP Khumalo was quoted by the Times SUNDAY saying had he been told that the problem had to do with procedure, he would have continued with the trip, but he abandoned it out of respect for authority. MP Khumalo reportedly turned back to the kingdom at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he was ready to connect to the USA.

Calls

Senator Dlamini, meanwhile, is said to have turned back at the King Mswati III International Airport after receiving calls not to proceed with the trip.

MP Khumalo was supposed to represent the House of Assembly; Dlamini Mkhululi was to represent Senate; Princess Tsandzile was to represent the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Regional Development, given her position as Hhohho Regional Administrator and Magagula was to represent government as Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) Legal Advisor and Technical Head of the National Dialogue Preparation Committee. It was reported that the trip was part of the US governments International Visitor Leadership Programme IVLP and was designed specifically to support a productive and positive national dialogue. The country is awaiting a national dialogue process that is expected to address the current political crisis. The withdrawal of the quartet, according to the Times SUNDAY, left the other five to continue with the trip as they flew out of South Africa on Friday night, with their flight having been scheduled for 8pm.

Travelled

The five who travelled to the USA were said to be political activist Barnes Dlamini from the Institute for Democracy and Leadership (IDEAL) ; Reverend Zwanini Shabalala from the Council of Swaziland Churches; Human Rights Lawyer Mary Pais Da Silva; Times SUNDAY Senior Journalist Mfanukhona Nkambule and former Eswatini Observer Journalist Zwelethu Dlamini who is also attached to the Swaziland Media Workers Union.

It was said the schedule was such that the delegation would first spend time in Washington DC and then travel to Seattle.
MIAMI, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- EZ Blockchain will be attending the Mining Disrupt conference scheduled for July 26-28 in Miami. The green Bitcoin mining solutions company will meet with people to discuss its already complete and readily available low-emission hosting all-inclusive services. The hosting services are currently available in Kansas, Texas, Colorado and South Carolina.

At these challenging times, EZ Blockchain prides itself on having reliable and profitable crypto mining hosting solutions for crypto mining investors. The company also plans to use the oncoming world's largest Bitcoin mining expo to share more details about its upcoming availability of 1.5mW mobile immersion mining container solutions. The mining container will be available for pre-sale orders, although deliveries are anticipated for the 4th quarter.

For more details about EZ Blockchain solutions or networking and meeting inquiries, please contact [email protected]

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE EZ Blockchain
$15 million overhaul will preserve the iconic 92-year-old landmark residence

The acquisition ensures Aurora will remain affordable and accessible to its senior population for decades to come

SAN ANTONIO, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairstead, a purpose-driven, vertically integrated real estate company committed to sustainable development and the creation and preservation of high-quality housing, today announced the acquisition of the historic Aurora Apartments (Aurora) tower in the Tobin Hill neighborhood of San Antonio. Located at 509 Howard Street, the 11-story building comprises 105 apartments that are home to low-income senior residents. Fairstead will invest $15 million to rehabilitate Aurora Apartments while preserving Aurora's affordability and historic character long-term.

The renovations will modernize the interior homes of the 92-year-old property and preserve its historic facade as well as original mosaic tile flooring and walls, historical interior doors, and hardware. Renovations will upgrade the infrastructure of the building including a new emergency generator, electrical panels and main switchgear, installing a sprinkler system, two new elevators, and new roofing. The apartments will also be upgraded with new Energy Star appliances, kitchens and bathrooms, and HVAC units. Construction is expected to begin this summer.

"Fairstead is proud to be stewards of historic properties across the country, and we are bringing our approach to preserving both history and affordability to the Aurora Apartments," said Allan Izzo, Director, Development at Fairstead. "By expanding our footprint in Texas, we can ensure that its critical affordable housing stock is not only protected but improved and modernized. Our plan to overhaul the homes at Aurora will ensure our senior residents can age in place with dignity  something we are committed to doing nationwide."

Fairstead is financing the rehabilitation in partnership with the Las Varas Public Facility Corporation, a nonprofit managed by the San Antonio Housing Authority, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Capital One, N.A., and Boston Financial.

"About half of the residents receiving housing assistance from SAHA are elderly on a fixed income," said Tim Alcott, the San Antonio Housing Authority Chief Legal and Real Estate Officer. "We celebrate partnerships that help maintain affordable housing options for the families we serve and provide a place of security."

"Boston Financial is proud to have partnered with Fairstead on the preservation of Aurora Apartments in San Antonio, Texas. Our investment has helped Fairstead to modernize 105 units of housing for the residents of this historic community, especially seniors, and preserved much-needed affordable homes for the region," said Stephen Napolitano, Senior Vice President, Boston Financial. "We believe in Fairstead's commitment to building vibrant communities across the US, and our work together reinforces our own vision to create a future where everyone has a home, one investment at a time."

"This renovation will help bring transformative change to Aurora Apartments with fully renovated unit interiors and common areas, as well as accessibility and energy efficiency improvements" said Evan Williams, senior vice president of Agency Finance at Capital One. "By leveraging our relationships with Fairstead and Freddie Mac, as well as the rest of the development team, Capital One was able to arrange an index lock, which mitigated the risk of interest volatility and ensured the project benefited from a 2.92% treasury rate."

Fairstead is partnering with the non-profit Rainbow Housing Assistance to provide much-needed social services to residents through the company's commitment to Community Impact.

"Rainbow is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Fairstead at Aurora Apartments. We are excited to bring valuable programs and services to the residents of the community and promote social and economic advancements while ensuring tenant stabilization," said Flynann Janisse, President and Executive Director of Rainbow Housing Assistance Corporation. "Rainbow will offer a variety of programs targeting financial literacy, credit enhancements, education, ESL, career development and immediate employment. We will establish tailored programing to meet the unique needs of each individual and family that calls Aurora Apartments home. We look forward to lifting lives in partnership with Fairstead."

Built in 1930 as a luxury hotel in the Neo-Gothic architectural style, Aurora is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Known for its hand-carved fireplaces and grand common spaces, the vintage 11-story apartment building will remain a pet-friendly place to call home. Half of the building's units are reserved for residents making up to 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) and the other half are for households making up to 60 percent AMI.

This news follows Fairstead's recent acquisition of the 160-unit affordable housing complex Gateway Apartments at Lake Jackson in the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Fairstead is renovating and expanding Gateway's amenity offerings, including a fitness room and playground, and is transforming the property's outdoor recreation spaces to create a more connected community for residents.

About Fairstead

Fairstead is a purpose-driven vertically integrated real estate developer specializing in creating sustainable, high-quality housing. The firm's national footprint includes more than $6 billion in assets and identified pipeline. With offices in New York, Maryland, and South Carolina, Fairstead's team manages 90+ communities across the country and runs its comprehensive real estate platform, which includes acquisitions and development, venture capital investments in prop tech, design and construction, energy and sustainability, property management, marketing, and leasing. The firm also administers one of the industry's most proactive community impact programs to provide on-site support services to residents. For more information, visit www.fairstead.com.

Contact:

Claire Riddick

[email protected]

SOURCE Fairstead
OREGON CITY, Ore., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Following a competitive procurement process, Clackamas County has selected Fengate PCL Progress Partners (FP3) as the preferred proponent to design, build, finance, operate and maintain a much-needed new courthouse through a public-private partnership.

The FP3 consortium comprises:

Rendering, Clackamas County Courthouse Reconstruction Project (CNW Group/Fengate Asset Management)

Developer: Fengate Asset Management (Fengate) and PCL Investments Inc.

Design-Build Contractor: PCL Construction Services Inc. (PCL)

Services Provider: Honeywell

Design Services: DLR Group

Fengate is managing this investment as part of the firm's infrastructure strategy on behalf of its investors, including an investment fund owned by the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada.

The current Clackamas County courthouse is in urgent need of replacement. Built in 1936 to serve 50,000 residents, the facility can no longer handle the demands of a population of 420,000 that continues to grow. The gap between space availability and judicial needs of the growing population in the County has led to delays in trials and incarceration and affected child support hearings and civil litigation trials.

The current facility has been determined functionally obsolete and seismically unsound, causing safety concerns. A capacity shortage highlights the need for separate building circulation zones: there is currently a lack of separate paths for victims, witnesses, and prisoners/defendants. Jurors have no sequestration room on site, increasing potential improper communications.

The new Clackamas County Courthouse will be built on the County's Red Soils Campus in Oregon City and by moving here, courthouse users will be able to quickly access County departments including Social Services; Behavioral Health; Public Health; Juvenile; Veterans Services; and the Family Justice Center. Currently, residents need to drive to multiple buildings to access the various functions of County government. The County owns this land and utility infrastructure is already installed as a part of the master plan for the campus. The new 241,073 sq. ft. courthouse will feature 16 courtrooms, 17 judicial chambers, space for the District Attorney's Office, secure loading and staging areas, enhanced prisoner transfer facilities, jury assembly and grand jury spaces, safe corridors for courthouse users, and secure holding cells for violent offenders.

"We are honored to be selected to deliver this new, safe and secure courthouse with the features and services that the growing population of Clackamas County needs," said Mac Bell, Managing Director, Infrastructure Investments, Fengate. "We look forward to working closely with the County and bringing our team's deep experience to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the new facility for the community."

"We're thrilled to have the chance to partner with DLR, Fengate and Honeywell on this project," said Tyler Kautz, district manager for PCL Construction's Pacific Northwest group. "This public-private partnership project delivery model provides a unique opportunity to look at the goals for Clackamas County in order to build a courthouse that is not only iconic at completion but has long-term sustainability and lower operations lifecycle cost in mind."

In May 2021, Clackamas County Commissioners approved a plan to pursue a public-private partnership for the new courthouse, the first of its kind for Oregon, as this approach provides the best value in keeping with the County's commitment to affordability. The public-private partnership approach was determined to be the most cost-effective plan based on extensive analysis of alternatives and the new courthouse building will be built without any additional tax increases.

FP3 will design and build the new courthouse, then operate and maintain the facility over a 30-year period. FP3 is dedicated to fostering and enhancing the construction industry through supporting local and regional small and historically underutilized businesses by providing education, support, relationship building, networking and opportunities. The consortium's goal is to meet or exceed subcontracting goals utilizing local Disadvantaged Minority-Owned/Women-Owned/Emerging Small Businesses/Service-Disabled Veterans Business (D/M/W/ESB/SDVBE), Small Business Utilization goals and Construction Career Pathways Project (C2P2) initiatives. FP3 is committed to engaging in a substantial good faith effort to provide opportunities to Oregon certified local and D/M/W/ESB/SDVBEs, Small Businesses and C2P2s in the surrounding community and foster ongoing relationships with these businesses.

The County owns the courthouse and the State and the County will not make any payments until the building is completed and ready for occupancy. Upon completion, the State's contribution will be applied as a lump sum payment towards the private financing with the remainder repaid by the County over the remaining 30-year term of the project agreement. For more information, please visit the Clackamas County website.

About Fengate

Fengate is a leading alternative investment manager focused on infrastructure, private equity and real estate strategies. With offices in Ontario and Texas and team members across North America, Fengate is one of the most active real asset investors in North America and the firm has been investing in and developing public-private partnerships and infrastructure since 2006. Learn more at www.fengate.com

About PCL Investments

PCL Investments is the development and equity arm of the PCL family of companies, one of North America's most prolific public-private partnership (P3) general contractors. PCL Investments supports PCL's P3 bids through committed capital ensuring interests are aligned between clients and PCL.

About PCL Construction

PCL is a group of independent construction companies that carries out work across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and in Australia. These diverse operations in the civil infrastructure, heavy industrial, and buildings markets are supported by a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers. Together, these companies have an annual construction volume of more than $6 billion USD, making PCL one of the largest contracting organizations in North America. Watch us build at www.PCL.com.

About Honeywell

Honeywell ( www.honeywell.com ) is a Fortune 100 technology company that delivers industry specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom .

About DLR Group

DLR Group is an integrated design firm delivering architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, and building optimization for new construction, renovation, and adaptive reuse. Our promise is to elevate the human experience through design. This promise inspires sustainable design for a diverse group of public and private sector clients; local communities; and our planet. DLR Group is 100 percent employee-owned and fully supports the initiatives and goals of the 2030 Challenge, and is an initial signatory to the China Accord and the AIA 2030 Commitment.

Media contact:

Amy Holmes

Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Fengate Asset Management

[email protected] | +1 647 297 5369

SOURCE Fengate Asset Management
TAMPA, Fla., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Office, P.A. of Jeanne T. Tate is honored to announce that its managing partner has been recognized as a Top 10 Super Lawyer in the State of Florida and the #2 Lawyer in the State overall.

Jeanne T. Tate is a Board-Certified Adoption Attorney and the managing partner of Jeanne T. Tate, P.A., with offices in Tampa, Naples, Orlando, and Merritt Island. Jeanne leads an extensive and exclusive adoptions practice, is a member of the prestigious Academy of Adoption and Reproduction Attorneys as well as the esteemed Florida Adoption Council.

Recognized for her leadership in the field of adoption law, Ms. Tate has worked with the Florida state legislature on adoption issues and has appeared on both local and national television speaking about adoption. Her extraordinary work uniting birth mothers and adoptive parents has created a level of respect among her peers leading to her Super Lawyers award.

"This is a very big deal. I am honestly and continually shocked to be in an elite group such as the Top 10 attorneys in Florida. The other lawyers on this list are highly regarded."

Upon receiving notice of her newest accolade, a genuinely humbled Jeanne continued, "I can't imagine what the tens of thousands of other lawyers in our state think about how in the heck my name got on the list and who I am." According to the Florida Bar, there are over 100,000 lawyers in Florida. Many of those lawyers nominated and voted Jeanne as one of the best.

Jeanne T. Tate is also the brain trust behind Florida's #1 Adoption agency, Heart of Adoptions, Inc. and has participated in the placement of over 4,000 children in loving homes.

Adoption law is complicated, challenging and requires the dedication of an experienced legal staff. For more information about Jeanne T. Tate, this award, and her adoptions-based law firm, visit floridaadoptionattorney.com or call 1-800-GO-ADOPT.





SOURCE Law Office(s) of Jeanne T. Tate, P.A.
DUBLIN, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Taste Masking and Taste Assessment Services and Technologies Market, Distribution by Type of Formulation, Type of Techniques, Scale of Operation and Key Geographical Regions: Industry Trends and Global Forecasts, 2022-2035" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

'Taste Masking and Taste Assessment Services and Technologies Market, 2022-2035 report features an extensive study of the current market landscape, offering an informed opinion on the taste masking and taste assessment services and technologies. The report features an in-depth analysis, highlighting the diverse capabilities of stakeholders engaged in this field.

The oral solid dosage (OSD) market is the largest segment in the pharmaceutical industry, anticipated to reach over USD 900 billion by 2027.

However, one of key concerns associated with this industry is that the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used in orally administered dosage forms inherently possess an unpleasant taste/odour. The existence of such taste in drug formulations is unappealing and has been shown to have a negative impact on patient compliance, particularly among the pediatric and geriatric patient population.

In fact, in an event hosted by Adare Pharma Solutions and International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF), it has been reported that 30% to 40% of the pediatric population refuses to take a solid or liquid medication and about 26% of the geriatric population reports difficulty in swallowing tablets and capsules. Given the fact that there are numerous taste receptors on the tongue, it is difficult to block the taste of such drugs pharmacologically.

Therefore, in order to overcome the bitter taste of drugs, numerous conventional and novel taste masking techniques are being employed by pharmaceutical players; these include addition of sweeteners, coating, microencapsulation and hot-melt extrusion. Studies have suggested that application of taste masking technologies in oral drugs can increase the patience compliance from 53% to 90%.

Various pharmaceutical companies are actively investing time, capital and resources to develop palatable, pleasant-taste drug formulations, as well as a variety of taste-masking and assessment procedures for the drug dosage forms meant for children and elderly patients.

However, the overall process of development and assessment of taste-masked formulations is associated with several challenges, including variation in taste and its intensity in different APIs due to varying chemistries, identifying globally acceptable tastes, developing flavor matching placebo formulations (for testing) ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory guidelines and good clinical practices (GCPs), clinical research costs, and managing product life cycle.

The aforementioned reasons have prompted the pharmaceutical companies to outsource the taste masking and taste assessment related operations to third party service providers with expertise in this area.

Presently, 50 companies claim to offer services for taste-masking and taste-assessment, development and commercialization of taste masked formulations in compliance with the regulatory guidelines. Service providers also assist in assessment of taste masking agents in order to develop technologies suitable for wide range of formulations with different APIs.

Over time, centralized agencies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) have streamlined efforts related to assessing the palatability of taste-masked drugs.

Additionally, the last few years have witnessed several strategic alliances between the players in this domain for expansion of existing taste masking capabilities to ensure drug formulations' palatability and commercial success.

Moreover, stakeholders are actively looking for patient-centric and age-appropriate dosage forms and novelexcipients. Given the ongoing efforts to enhance palatability of oral drug formulations, drug adherence and patient compliance, the taste-masking and taste assessment technologies and services market is likely to evolve at a steady pace in the next few years.

One of the key objectives of the report was to estimate the existing market size and future growth potential of the taste masking and taste assessment services and technologies market. We have provided informed estimates on the likely evolution of the market in the short to mid-term and long term, for the period 2022-2035.

Key Questions Answered

Who are the leading players engaged in providing taste masking and taste assessment services and technology platforms?

Which companies offer taste masking technologies for licensing?

What kind of partnership models are commonly adopted by industry stakeholders?

What is the relative competitiveness of different taste masking and taste assessment service providers based in different geographies?

How has the intellectual property landscape in this field evolved over the years?

How is the current and future opportunity, related to taste masking and taste assessment likely to be distributed across key market segments?

Key Topics Covered:



1. PREFACE

1.1. Scope of the Report

1.2. Research Methodology

1.3. Key Questions Answered

1.4. Chapter Outlines



2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



3. INTRODUCTION

3.1. Chapter Overview

3.2. Bitterness of Oral Drugs and Need for Taste Masking

3.3. Physiology of Taste Buds

3.4. Concept of Taste Masking

3.5. Introduction to Taste Assessment



4. TASTE MASKING AND TASTE ASSESSMENT SERVICE PROVIDERS: MARKET LANDSCAPE

4.1. Chapter Overview

4.2. Taste Masking and Taste Assessment Service Providers

4.3. Taste Masking and Taste Assessment Services: Overall Market Landscape



5. TASTE MASKING AND TASTE ASSESSMENT TECHNOLOGY PROVIDERS: MARKET LANDSCAPE

5.1. Chapter Overview

5.2. Taste Masking and Taste Assessment Technologies: Overall Market Landscape

5.2.1. Analysis by Type of Service(s) Offered

5.2.2. Analysis by Technique(s) Used

5.2.3. Analysis by Type of Formulation

5.2.4. Analysis by End users

5.3. Taste Masking and Taste Assessment Technology Providers

5.3.1. Analysis by Year of Establishment

5.3.2. Analysis by Company Size

5.3.3. Analysis by Location of Headquarters

5.3.4. Analysis by Year of Establishment and Location of Headquarters

5.3.5. Analysis by Company Size and Location of Headquarters

5.3.6. Leading Players: Analysis by Number of Technologies



6. TASTE MASKING AND TASTE ASSESSMENT SERVICE PROVIDERS: COMPANY PROFILES

6.1. Chapter Overview

6.2. AbbVie

6.2.1. Company Overview

6.2.2. Financial Information

6.2.3. Taste Masking and Taste Assessment Service Portfolio

6.2.4. Recent Developments and Future Outlook

6.3. Catalent

6.4. Fertin Pharma

6.5. Lonza

6.6. NextPharma

6.7. Patheon

6.8. Quotient Sciences

6.9. Senopsys



7. TASTE MASKING AND TASTE ASSESSMENT TECHNOLOGY PROVIDERS: COMPANY PROFILES

7.1. Chapter Overview

7.2. Adare Pharma Solutions

7.2.1. Company Overview

7.2.2. Taste Masking and Taste Assessment Technology Portfolio

7.2.3. Recent Developments and Future Outlook

7.3. Colorcon

7.4. Lupin

7.5. Mayne Pharma



8. COMPANY COMPETITIVENESS ANALYSIS

8.1. Chapter Overview

8.2. Methodology and Key Parameters

8.3. Taste Masking and Taste Assessment Service Providers



9. PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS

9.1. Chapter Overview

9.2. Partnership Models

9.3. Taste Masking and Taste Assessment: List of Partnerships and Collaborations

9.3.1. Analysis by Year of Partnership

9.3.2. Analysis by Type of Collaboration

9.3.3. Analysis by Year and Type of Collaboration

9.3.4. Analysis by Type of Partner

9.3.5. Analysis by Type of Partner and Year of Partnership

9.3.6. Analysis by Type of Service(s) Offered

9.3.7. Analysis by Scale of Operation

9.3.8. Analysis by Type of Formulation

9.3.9. Regional Analysis

9.3.10. Most Active Players based on Number of Partnerships



10. PATENT ANALYSIS

10.1. Chapter Overview

10.2. Scope and Methodology

10.3. Patent Benchmarking Analysis

10.4. Patent Valuation Analysis

10.5. Leading Patents based on Number of Citations



11. CASE STUDY: EXCIPIENTS USED IN PHARMACEUTICAL TASTE MASKING

11.1. Chapter Overview

11.2. Types of Pharmaceutical Excipients

11.3. Pharmaceutical Taste Masking Excipients: Overall Market Landscape

11.4. Pharmaceutical Taste Masking Excipient Providers: Market Landscape



12. MARKET SIZING AND OPPORTUNITY ANALYSIS

12.1. Chapter Overview

12.2. Key Assumptions and Forecast Methodology

12.3 Taste Masking and Taste Assessment Services Market, 2022-2035

12.4. Taste Masking and Taste Assessment Services Market, 2022-2035: Distribution by Scale of Operation

12.5. Taste Masking and Taste Assessment Services Market, 2022-2035: Distribution by Geographical Regions



13. CONCLUDING REMARKS



14. EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS

14.1. Chapter Overview

14.2. Glatt Pharmaceutical Services

14.3 Senopsys

14.4. Adare Pharma Solutions



15. APPENDIX 1: TABULATED DATA



16. APPENDIX 2: LIST OF COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS



Companies Mentioned

Aavis Pharmaceuticals

AbbVie

Adare Pharma Solutions

Allergan

Alpex Pharma

Aprecia Pharmaceuticals

Aquestive Therapeutics (formerly known as MonoSol Rx)

Arcinova

Ash Stevens

ATHENA Pharmaceutiques

Aurigene

Avista Pharma Solutions

axapharm

Azelis Americas

Battelle

BioGeneration Ventures

Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company

Bionpharma

Bridge Therapeutics

BroadOak Capital Partners

Cambrex

Capsugel

Catalent

Chiasma

CMIC Group

Coating Place

Colorcon

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

CordenPharma

CoreRx

CrystecPharma

Cybin

Cynapsus Therapeutics

Edenbridge Pharmaceuticals

Egalet

Emerald Health Pharmaceutical

ESSA Pharma

Ethicann Pharmaceuticals

Evotec

Farragut

Fertin Pharma

Fluid Pharma

Forbion

ForTe-bv (sunsidiary of ForTe IQ bv)

Frazier Healthcare Partners

Frontida BioPharm (acquired by Adare Pharma Solutions)

G&W Laboratories

GALENIX

GB Sciences

Glatt Pharmaceutical Services

Globela Pharma

Glycologic

GPT Pharma

Haisco Pharmaceutical

Halo Pharma

HARKE Pharma

HERMES PHARMA

Hovione

i2o Therapeutics

Ideal Cures

InnovaNutra

Innovation Pharmaceuticals

INPHARMASCI (acquired by ATHENA)

Jubilant Pharma

Kola Pharma

Korsch

Lonza

Losan Pharma

Lubrizol Life Science Health

Lupin

Lyne Laborataries

Mayne Pharma

Medis

Metrics Contract Services

Mikart

Mithra Pharmaceuticals

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma

Nanoform

Nautic Partners

Nextar

NextPharma

Novast

Nucleo Life Sciences (acquired by CoreRx)

Opertech Bio

Orbis Biosciences

Oxford Pharmascience

Particle Dynamics

Patheon

Paulaur

Pensatech Pharma

Pfizer

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Research Services

Pharmaceutical Product Development

Pharmaterials

Phathom Pharmaceuticals

Phil

Philip Morris International

Piramal Pharma Solutions

ProCepT

Purdue University

Quay Pharma

Quotient Sciences

RedHill Biopharma

Research Corporation Technologies

Rubicon Research

Senopsys

SGS

Shire

SkyePharma

SPI Pharma

SRLPharma

Stabicon Life Sciences

Sunvij Drugs

TasteTech

Teva Pharmaceuticals

Therabel

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thomas H. Lee Partners

University of Hertfordshire

UPM Pharmaceuticals

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Vifor Pharma

Wellesta Holdings

Xedev

ZIM Laboratories

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/b6upn6

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

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Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
KUNMING, China, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In July, when the China International Travel Mart 2022 was held in Kunming, the capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province, the promotional videos of this travel fair and 28 cities in Yunnan made a collective appearance on the "China Screen" at the Times Square in New York, USA.

Yunnan Province is located in the southwest border of China and at the junction of East Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia. With a long history, profound cultural heritage and rich cultural tourism resources, Yunnan is known as a paradise for plants, animals and flowers, according to the Information Office of Yunnan Provincial People's Government.

These promotional videos on display on the "China Screen" seek to introduce the tourism event and the scenic views of Kunming City, Zhaotong City, Yuxi City, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Qilin District of Qujing City, Chuxiong City of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Ximeng County of Pu'er City, Jinghong City of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture and Gucheng District of Lijiang City.

The signature views of the world natural heritage of Chengjiang fossil site, the pastoral scenery of Puzhehei, tropical rainforest, "China's Amazon" and the parallel flows of the Jinshajiang River, Nujiang River and Lancangjiang River have fully demonstrated to the world the ethnic diversity, cultural diversity and ecological diversity of colorful Yunnan.

At present, Yunnan is planning to become an international health tourism destination and a world famous tourism destination. These promotional videos will bring Yunnan closer to the world and show the diverse beauty of nature and ethnic groups from multiple perspectives.

SOURCE The Information Office of Yunnan Provincial People's Government
WASHINGTON, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Steel produced by electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmakers in the U.S. has a carbon intensity that is approximately 75% lower than traditional blast furnace steelmakers. This is the finding of an independent study of steelmakers worldwide conducted by CRU Group, a global business intelligence firm specializing in metals manufacturing. The study was released today by the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA), the largest steel association in the U.S., representing the EAF steel industry and over 70% of steel made in the U.S. The study marks a new milestone in objectivity, accuracy, and comprehensiveness of measurement for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the steelmaking industry.

"Something that can't be measured can't be managed, and our new study conclusively measures and validates how using recycled scrap-based EAF technology is the most sustainable means of producing steel today," said Philip Bell, president, SMA. "Using an established, proven steelmaking process, EAF producers are making steel at far lower carbon-intensity levels than traditional steelmakers around the globe. There is a lot of inaccurate and misleading information about steelmaking, and we believe this independent study will help further our efforts to achieve a low carbon future."

Study Methodology and Major Findings

The study was conducted from November 2021 to June 2022 and was independently managed by CRU. This included researching a majority of the world's steelmaking companies and industry data sources, surveying various steelmaking players through anonymous methods, and synthesizing data from a multitude of private, industry, and government resources. Throughout the study, CRU adhered to definitions and practices established by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. An executive summary of the study is available at https://steelnet.org/steelmaking-emissions-report-2022/.

Among the study's major findings, the average Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions intensity at the crude and hot-rolled steelmaking phases is 75% lower for EAF steelmakers compared with blast furnace steelmakers. Although the Paris Agreement and industry standards exclude Scope 3 emission in the supply chain, blast furnace producers crude steelmaking GHG intensity is still 210% higher than EAF steelmakers and 189% higher at the hot-rolled steelmaking phase when including all three scopes.

"Sustainability has become one of the most important issues in business today, and the steelmaking industry has long faced the challenge of being incorrectly perceived as one that relies on antiquated, inefficient, and highly polluting processes," said Mark Millett, chairman, SMA, and co-founder, chairman, and CEO, Steel Dynamics. "This new study, which has been long overdue, raises the bar for the way we validate our progress in this area. EAF steel offers the greenest, safest, and most energy-efficient method of steelmaking, and our latest study makes our argument and evidence for this significantly stronger and clearer."

Blast furnace steel, which represents about 70% of global steel manufacturing, is produced at large steel plants that use coal to melt raw materials into iron and then process it into steel. EAF steel, which represents approximately 70% of steelmaking in the U.S., is produced at steel plants that primarily use electricity and recycled ferrous scrap to make steel, resulting in a lower carbon emission and less energy-intensive process. As the electrical power grid in the U.S. continues to decarbonize through the efforts of utilities and individual companies, the carbon intensity of EAF steelmaking will drop to even lower levels.

"CRU is privileged to have been able to play a leading role in this extensive global industry study that will have a genuine impact on sustainability in the steel industry," said John Ball, president, CRU North America. "To ensure the highest level of objectivity and prevent any potential conflicts of interest, the SMA completely entrusted CRU with the management of this project to allow us to research, collect, and analyze data from a wide range of steelmakers to produce the most accurate and comprehensive report possible. Our partnership serves as a model for the way that similar industry organizations can strengthen the integrity of their data by joining forces with a trusted partner that can independently and proficiently validate data."

For more information about the study, access the executive summary at https://steelnet.org/steelmaking-emissions-report-2022/ .

About the SMA

The Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA) is the largest steel association in America. Representing the electric arc furnace (EAF) steel industry, which accounts for over 70% of steel made in the U.S. today, we are the advocates behind public policy solutions and member services that enable steelmakers to build their businesses, employees to build their lives, and communities to build their futures. Vastly more energy-efficient than traditional steelmaking, EAF steel is made using electrical currents to melt scrap steel and other recycled metals. Beyond the improved environmental impacts, EAF steel can be produced at higher efficiency and with more flexibility than blast furnace steel. For more information, please visit our website at www.steelnet.org or our LinkedIn page.

About CRU

CRU offers unrivaled business intelligence on the global metals, mining and fertilizer industries through market analysis, price assessments, consultancy and events. Since our foundation by Robert Perlman in 1969, we have consistently invested in primary research and robust methodologies, and developed expert teams in key locations worldwide, including in hard-to-reach markets such as China. CRU employs over 300 experts and has more than 10 offices around the world, in Europe, the Americas, China, Asia and Australia.

Media Contact:

Philip K. Bell

[email protected]

SOURCE Steel Manufacturers Association
U.S. software company grows its European presence via partnership with leading university medical center

SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today InsightRX, a precision dosing intelligence company, announced that Amsterdam UMC, a large university medical center in the Netherlands, is using its InsightRX Nova platform to practice model-informed precision dosing at the point of care. The center implemented InsightRX Nova across two hospital locations for inpatient therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) as well as use in outpatient clinics. InsightRX Nova delivers dosing guidance for patients who are prescribed one of four common antibiotics, in addition to patients who are receiving busulfan as part of a conditioning regimen before a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. The medical center is also serving as an InsightRX research partner for tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and cyclosporin, which are used to combat solid organ transplant rejection.

InsightRX Nova provides a preferred pharmacokinetic (PK) model for each drug as well as a selection of alternative models for key subgroups, such as obese patients or those in intensive care. The platform also provides simultaneous analysis of data at the population level as well as at the individual level; errors and outliers are transparent to users. The platform's PK models are improved over time, and can be updated to account for specific characteristics of patients within the institute.

InsightRX Nova also allows for the exploration of new covariates based on clinical hypotheses. The platform has already helped Amsterdam UMC recognize abnormally high predicted renal function levels and underpredicted vancomycin exposure among an immobile patient population, leading the team to adjust its covariate-model to correct for underprediction.

"We selected InsightRX Nova because we wanted to move to a state-of-the-art system which uses more sophisticated pharmacokinetic models, as that leads to better dosing recommendations," said Imke Bartelink, PharmD, PhD, hospital pharmacist at Amsterdam UMC. "Now, we no longer face restrictions on adding covariates or estimating variability within the PK models, which means we are better able to improve predictions for an individual patient."

InsightRX Nova has self-certified CE marking in six European countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The platform's CE mark was a key consideration in Amsterdam UMC's selection process, as it confirms that InsightRX Nova meets applicable health, safety and environmental requirements and has passed European regulatory requirements and conformity procedures.

Since implementing the platform in March 2022, Amsterdam UMC has trained approximately 40 clinical pharmacists on six InsightRX Nova modules, and plans to add three additional modules in the near future. An integration between Epic and InsightRX is also planned to facilitate and reduce copy errors.

"We are pleased to support Amsterdam UMC's pharmacists as they practice model-informed precision dosing in both the inpatient and outpatient setting," said Sirj Goswami, CEO and co-founder of InsightRX. "We look forward to continuing to grow our presence in Europe. We are eager to work with institutions like Amsterdam UMC to expand the benefits of model-informed precision dosing to other therapeutic areas, such as mycophenolate and cyclosporin."

About InsightRX

InsightRX is a healthcare technology company that has developed a cloud-based platform for precision medicine and clinical analytics designed to individualize treatment at the point of care. The platform leverages patient-specific data, pharmacology models, and machine learning to understand each patient's unique pharmacological profile, and can be integrated seamlessly within a clinical workflow.

Media Contact

Megan Moriarty

Amendola Communications for InsightRX

913.515.7530

[email protected]

SOURCE InsightRX
TEL AVIV, Israel, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tikcro Technologies Ltd. (in liquidation) (OTC: TIKRF) today announced that the liquidation trustee has substantially completed the process of winding down the affairs of the Company. The Company has applied for a pre-ruling from the Israel Tax Authority regarding the required rates of withholding tax on the Company's liquidating dividend from various categories of shareholders and is concluding the mechanics of the dividend process. The Company expects to receive the final pre-ruling within the coming months, after which it will commence the process of distributing its remaining cash to its shareholders.

An Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders will be held to hear an interim report on the liquidation process from Tikcro's liquidation trustee, Mr. Ran Gurit, CPA. The meeting will be held on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. (Israel time), at the office of Goldfarb Seligman & Co., 98 Yigal Alon Street, 40th Floor, Tel Aviv, Israel.

There will be no votes held at the meeting.

About Tikcro Technologies:

Tikcro Technologies Ltd. (OTC: TIKRF) developed certain antibodies selected and verified in pre-clinical trials with a focus on antibodies targeting immune modulator pathways for cancer treatment. For more information, visit Tikcro's website at www.tikcro.com . On April 29, 2021, the shareholders of the Company approved the voluntary liquidation of the Company and appointed a liquidation trustee pursuant to the Israeli Companies Law.

SOURCE Tikcro Technologies Ltd.
PITTSBURGH, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kennametal Inc. (NYSE: KMT) announced today that they will attend the Jefferies Industrials Conference.

Details of the conference are as follows:

When: Wednesday, August 10, 2022



Attendees: Christopher Rossi, President and Chief Executive Officer

Patrick Watson, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Kelly Boyer, Vice President, Investor Relations

About Kennametal

With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,600 employees are helping customers in more than 60 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $1.8 billion in revenues in fiscal 2021. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube##

SOURCE Kennametal Inc.
By Yan Yu

Pentagon recently said that the US State Department has approved selling weapons worth probably more than US$1.5 billion to Estonia, Norway and other countries, including about US$950 million worth of air-to-air missiles and related military equipment sold to Norway. The deal was said to help preserve Americas goals and purposes in foreign policy and national security by enhancing the security of NATO members.

Being the initiator and biggest pusher of the Ukraine crisis, the US has been making hay out of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On the one hand, it continuously poured fuel and handed over knives by sending a large amount of weapons to Ukraine; on the other hand, it kept massaging the public opinions, imposing pressure, and exaggerating external threats to get NATO members to largely increase their defense spending. The roughly US$1.5 billion arms export deal recently approved by US State Department added yet another green channel for selling weapons to foreign countries.

Washingtons escorting has helped American arms dealers line their pocket. Right after the Ukraine situation got intense in October 2021, the stock price of American military industrial giants shot up quickly. After the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in February 2022 and has kept escalating ever since, the US stock market has tumbled in general, but the stock price of military industrial behemoths like Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Company, and Boeing has risen instead.

Raytheon CEO Gregory Hayes said they will continue to provide weapons for Ukraine, and it will be good business for the next few years. Kathy Warden, President of Northrop Grumman Corporation, said in a recent interview with Britains Financial Times that the governments of western countries should give clear signals of their arms demand, so arms producers can make investments in advance.

As American media noted, the military industrial giants see the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a gold mine, and their constant statements are messages directed at the US government, where their friends at Washington are listening attentively, that they want the conflict to keep escalating, so they could make even more profits.

Standing behind the US arms dealers is the American military-industrial complex, an enigmatic and gigantic mega interest group comprising the US government, military, arms makers, Congress, national defense research institutes, think tanks, and the media. For many years, this group has been a dedicated war-monger who is eagerly fabricating imaginary enemies and providing weapons in order to make more money. It is because of this groups prompting that the US has been instigating war and conflicts and starting an arms race around the world, so there would always be demand for weapons and the arms dealers can make a fortune out of death and destruction.

According to the global arms sale report released by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) this year, while the global volume of arms trade dropped 4.6% from the 2012-2016 period to the 2017-2021 period, Americas weapon export rose 14% in the same period, and its share in the world increased from 32% to 39%.

The price of Americas booming weapons business is world peace encountering severe threats and the whole world trapped in a security dilemma, of which the Russia-Ukraine conflict is just a tip of the iceberg. From the Gulf War to the Kosovo War, from the Afghan War to the Iraqi War, the US has made a record of bloody crimes against countless civilians and soldiers. Today, this war machine is still rumbling on, creating new turmoil and unrest throughout the world.

Editor's Note: This article is originally published on haiwainet.cn, and is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.
LOBAMBA  The present generation is sick, bitter and angry, so strengthening laws will not help the situation.

This was a message directed to the countrys authorities during the last day of the Somhlolo Festival of Praise held at the the national church in Lobamba yesterday. Pastor Sizolwethu Ndlangamandla, who represented the Conference of Churches, said authorities needed to accept and understand the situation so that they find a solution.

Intimate

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, we need to understand that we are dealing with an intimate issue from the heart here. People are bitter, angry and sick from the inside. We need to deal with the root cause as opposed to the symptoms. Strengthening laws cannot help the situation. This generation is sick spiritually. Scientists normally say if you are not infected, you are affected, Ndlangamandla said in his preamble.

Representing Worth noting is that Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Pholile Shakantu was representing Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini at the event.

Also present was Minister of Housing and Urban Development Prince Simelane, Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe, Hhohho Regional Administrator Princess Tsandzile, Princess Elizabeth, Prince Mphiwa and Indvuna Themba Ginindza. Ndlangamandla added that the present generation needed healing of its inner wounds. It doesnt matter how it started, but the fact is there are wounds inside, he said. He stated that the wounds were felt by everyone, including believers. He made an example that some of the songs that were sung by Christians had some words which expressed hardship. The man of God then introduced the doctor whom he said could provide a solution to the sick, bitter and angry generation.

He said the doctor he referred to endured it all from Gethsemane before He started and accomplished His mission.

He was trained to be a doctor of the rejected, neglected and lost because He was trained spiritually. His name is Jesus, he said. The clergyman mentioned that people might try all sorts of medicine but they wont heal unless they use the medicine related to the illness they were dealing with.

The man of God warned the present generation about the greatest enemy, which he said was sin. According to Ndlangamandla, people needed to take every instruction given by the doctor so that they could be healed from their sicknesses, bitterness and anger. Remember that sin can keep you longer than you can live. It can also make you pay more that you have prepared, he said.

Impasse

Even though Ndlangamandla did not mention anything about the ongoing political impasse in the country, it is a known fact that some youth are also voicing out their calls for democratic reforms. Ndlangamandla took to the pulpit after Pastor Duncan Mavuso from the League of African Churches.

Mavuso also observed a lot of changes in the present generation, most of whom he referred to as 2 000. He said people who lived during the time of King Somhlolo were a few if there were any left. He stated that the best solution to the challenges affecting Eswatini could be a righteous meeting and proper fasting facilitated by the authorities. A righteous meeting, according to Mavuso, is one that is governed by morals.
John Kelley represents investment managers on the formation of private investment funds and structuring and execution of secondary transactions.

NEW YORK, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Latham & Watkins LLP1 is pleased to announce that John Kelley has joined the firm's New York office as a partner in the Investment Funds Practice and member of the Corporate Department. Kelley represents investment managers in all aspects of their business and operations, with a particular emphasis on the structuring and execution of secondary transactions and liquidity solutions for fund sponsors, and the formation of private investment funds, including for firms raising private credit funds.

John Kelley, Partner, Latham & Watkins

"We are delighted to welcome John to Latham and our New York office. His broad funds experience, particularly his focus on secondary transactions and work with private credit fund sponsors, enhances our ability to meet the demand for our market-leading funds and private equity work and stay ahead of our clients' needs," said Marc Jaffe, Managing Partner of Latham's New York office.

Kelley represents sponsors on fund formations across a wide range of sectors, geographies, and strategies. His work with buyers, sellers, and market intermediaries in connection with secondary transactions includes portfolio sales, direct secondaries, preferred equity financings, multi- and single- asset restructurings, tender offers and synthetic transactions. He also represents institutional investors in the review and negotiation of portfolio investments and financings, including investments in credit, private equity, energy, natural resources, real estate, venture capital, and hedge funds.

"John's focus on GP liquidity solutions, as well as the formation of private investment funds  particularly private credit funds  is perfectly aligned with the cutting edge work that Latham is known for. John brings tremendous value to our private equity client base and we are excited to welcome him to our group," said Alex Kelly, Global Vice Chair of Latham's Private Equity and Investment Funds Practices.

Kelley said, "Latham offers unique opportunities for me to enhance my support of funds clients, who will benefit from a phenomenal team, a global platform, and a multidisciplinary approach. The firm also fosters a collegial culture that motivates practitioners to think creatively and strategically, bringing forth powerful solutions for clients. So it is with great anticipation that I take this step to further build my practice."

Kelley is the third partner to join Latham's Investment Funds Practice in recent months. The firm announced in June the arrival of Jamie Lynn Walter to the Washington, D.C. office and in May the arrival of David Sherman in New York.

Kelley received his JD, summa cum laude, from the Suffolk University School of Law, and a BA, cum laude, from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He joins Latham from Kirkland & Ellis.

About Latham & Watkins ( lw.com )

Latham & Watkins delivers innovative solutions to complex legal and business challenges around the world. From a global platform, our lawyers advise clients on market-shaping transactions, high-stakes litigation and trials, and sophisticated regulatory matters. Latham is one of the world's largest providers of pro bono services, steadfastly supports initiatives designed to advance diversity within the firm and the legal profession, and is committed to exploring and promoting environmental sustainability.

Notes to Editors

1Latham & Watkins operates worldwide as a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (USA) with affiliated limited liability partnerships conducting the practice in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and as an affiliated partnership conducting the practice in Japan. Latham & Watkins operates in Israel through a limited liability company. Latham & Watkins operates in South Korea as a Foreign Legal Consultant Office. Latham & Watkins works in cooperation with the Law Office of Salman M. Al-Sudairi in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Contacts

Marc Jaffe, New York Office Managing Partner, +1.212.906.1281

Alex Kelly, Global Vice Chair, Private Equity and Investment Funds Practices, +1.212.906.4615

SOURCE Latham & Watkins
DUBLIN, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Latin America Data Center Construction Market - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Some of the major construction parameters and standards on which data centers in Latin America are built include Uptime Institute's Tier standards, LEED Certification, TIA 942, and ANSI/BICSI 002-2019 certifications

There is an increase in the construction of data centers built to cater to increasing demand by hyperscale and cloud service providers such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Google, IBM, Huawei, and Tencent, among others, which will also drive the market, especially for wholesale colocation

Brazil is the market leader, contributing over 50% of the investment to Latin America, followed by other countries such as Mexico, Columbia, Chile, and Uruguay. Modular data center deployment is popular in other Latin American countries such as the Caribbean and Paraguay, among others

Scala Data Centers, a hyperscale developer in Brazil, has created the region's Center of Excellence in Engineering (CoE). The CoE will manage the end-to-end design and construction process of data centers built by Scala Data Centers in Latin America, with a focus on energy and operational efficiencies

KEY TRENDS DRIVING THE MARKET

Deployments Enabling Edge Data Center Deployments

Latin American countries are working toward digital transformation to attract foreign investments. 5G network deployment fuels digital transformation, IoT, smart cities, and the fourth industrial revolution

In February 2021 , Chile completed the first 5G spectrum tender in Latin America . In November 2021 , Brazil raised around $8 billion investment to deploy and operate 5G data networks

, completed the first 5G spectrum tender in . In , raised around investment to deploy and operate 5G data networks The increasing deployment and coverage of 5G will lead to the development of edge data center facilities, thereby creating investment opportunities in the market

Adoption of Cloud, IoT, and Big Data Driving Wholesale Colocation

In Latin America , one of the major drivers for the increasing construction of hyperscale facilities is the increase in cloud computing services, driven by the digitalization of enterprises, and the shift to private, public, or a hybrid cloud architecture

, one of the major drivers for the increasing construction of hyperscale facilities is the increase in cloud computing services, driven by the digitalization of enterprises, and the shift to private, public, or a hybrid cloud architecture For providing high quality and low latency cloud-based services across Latin America , the major cloud service providers are expanding their reach across the region via cloud regions/cloud-on-ramps/Points of Presence (PoPs)

Deployment of Submarine Cables Fueling Data Center Construction

In Latin America , countries having submarine cable connectivity include Brazil , Colombia , Chile , Peru , Uruguay , and Mexico , among others, connecting the region internally as well as to other regions such as Africa , Europe , North America , and APAC

, countries having submarine cable connectivity include , , , , , and , among others, connecting the region internally as well as to other regions such as , , , and APAC Many submarine cables, such as the Firmina cable, and the Caribbean Express (CX cable), among others, are expected to be operational in the next two to three years and will connect the region further with the rest of the world

Investments in submarine cables in the region have grown considerably over the years with the help of enterprises and governments, which continuously strengthen fiber infrastructure for better connectivity with other countries

Hyperscale operators and telecommunication providers are also investing in submarine cables to improve network connectivity in various Latin American countries

Tax Incentives Boosting Data Center Construction

Various countries are providing tax incentives to investors based locally or even global investors, which will aid in increased construction of data centers

The majority of these tax incentives provided by provinces and countries are based on jobs, land taxes, capital, and the lower power price needs of data center investments across regions

A free trade zone is provided in Columbia as a suitable location for mission-critical facilities enabling tax incentives for the data center developers. Similarly, the southern region of Patagonia, an upcoming digital hub in Chile , is planning to provide tax incentives for data center growth

COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS

Some of the major vendors involved in theLatin America data center construction market are AECOM, Constructora Sudamericana, Fluor Corporation, and Jacobs Engineering, among others

These vendors are collaborating with data center operators to provide reliable construction solutions. For instance, ZFB Group is looking to invest around $90 million in the Zetta DC data center based on Tier IV standards

in the Zetta DC data center based on Tier IV standards Core & shell development retains the highest share in construction. In Latin America , the cost of core & shell is lower in countries such as Mexico and Colombia while highest in Chile & Argentina

, the cost of core & shell is lower in countries such as and while highest in & In recent years, there has been an immense focus on reducing the energy consumption and carbon emission levels of data centers to improve their green credentials

The following factors are likely to contribute to the Latin America data center construction market growth during the forecast period:

Adoption of Cloud, IoT & Big Data

Construction of Modular Data Centers

Increased Deployment of Submarine Cables

Thriving Digital Economy in Latin America

Tax Incentives Enhancing Data Center Investments

Key Support Infrastructure

ABB

Alfa Laval

Assa Abloy

Axis Communications

Bosch Security Systems

Caterpillar

Cummins

Delta Electronics

Daikin Applied

EATON

Generac Power System

Honeywell International

Johnson Controls

Legrand

Mitsubishi Electric

Munters

Piller Power Systems

Panduit

Rittal

Rolls-Royce

Schneider Electric

STULZ

Siemens

Vertiv

Prominent Construction Contractors

AECOM

Aceco TI

Constructora Sudamericana

Fluor Corporation

Holder Construction

Jacobs Engineering

Quark

ZFB Group

Key Data Center Investors

Ascenty

Ava Telecom

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

CloudHQ

EdgeConneX

Equinix

Google

Globenet

HostDime

InterNexa

Lumen Technologies

Microsoft

Nabiax

ODATA

Scala Data Centers

Telmex

Tigo (MALLICOM)

Quantico

Key Topics Covered:



1 Research Methodology



2 Research Objectives



3 Research Process



4 Scope & Coverage

4.1 Market Definition

4.2 Base Year

4.3 Scope of the Study

4.4 Market Segments



5 Report Assumptions & Caveats

5.1 Key Caveats

5.2 Currency Conversion

5.3 Market Derivation



6 Market at a Glance



7 Premium Insights

7.1 Key Market Highlights

7.2 Key Trends Driving the Market

7.3 Competitive Analysis



8 Introduction

8.1 Key Considerations in Data Center Construction

8.2 Data Center Design Certifications

8.3 Construction Costs in Latin America

8.4 Data Center Site Selection Criteria



9 Market Opportunities & Trends

9.1 5G Deployments Fueling Edge Data Center Deployments

9.2 Growing Rack Power Density

9.3 Deployment of Microgrids in Data Centers

9.4 Implementation of Automation & Ai in Data Centers

9.5 Sustainable Data Center Construction Materials

9.6 Rising Adoption of Dcim



10 Market Growth Enablers

10.1 Adoption of Cloud, IoT & Big Data

10.2 Impact of Covid-19

10.3 Construction of Modular Data Centers

10.4 Increased Deployment of Submarine Cables

10.5 Thriving Digital Economy in Latin America

10.6 Tax Incentives Enhancing Data Center Investments



11 Market Restraints

11.1 Security Challenges in Data Centers

11.2 Location Constraints on Data Center Construction

11.3 Lack of Skilled Workforce

11.4 Rising Carbon Emissions from Data Centers

11.5 Supply Chain Challenges



12 Market Landscape

12.1 Market Overview

12.2 Investment: Market Size & Forecast

12.3 Area: Market Size & Forecast

12.4 Power Capacity: Market Size & Forecast

12.5 Five Forces Analysis



13 Infrastructure

13.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

13.2 Electrical Infrastructure

13.3 Mechanical Infrastructure

13.4 General Construction



14 Electrical Infrastructure

14.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

14.2 Ups Systems

14.3 Generators

14.4 Transfer Switches & Switchgear

14.5 Power Distribution Units

14.6 Other Electrical Infrastructure



15 Mechanical Infrastructure

15.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

15.2 Cooling Systems

15.3 Racks

15.4 Other Mechanical Infrastructure



16 Cooling Systems

16.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

16.2 Crac & Crah Units

16.3 Chiller Units

16.4 Cooling Towers, Condensers & Dry Coolers

16.5 Economizers & Evaporative Coolers

16.6 Other Cooling Units



17 Cooling Technique

17.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

17.2 Air-Based Cooling Technique

17.3 Liquid-Based Cooling Technique



18 General Construction

18.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

18.2 Core & Shell Development

18.3 Installation & Commissioning Services

18.4 Engineering & Building Design

18.5 Fire Detection & Suppression

18.6 Physical Security

18.7 Dcim/Bms Solutions



19 Tier Standards

19.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

19.2 Overview of Tier Standards

19.3 Tier I & Ii

19.4 Tier Iii

19.5 Tier Iv



20. Geography

20.1 Investment: Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

20.2 Area: Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

20.3 Power Capacity: Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/uryvor

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

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Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
More Than 5000 Participants Attended the Event in Edison, NJ

Over 300 Entrepreneurs from the Satmar Community Had Booths Showing How They Employ Thousands of People, Serving Customers Worldwide With an Economic Footprint Reaching Hundreds of Millions of Dollars

EDISON, N.J., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Leaders of New York and New Jersey's Satmar community today announced the final numbers of its first every Satmar Business Expo.

More than five thousand participants attended the expo which was held at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison, NJ.

The expo consisted of booths with over 300 entrepreneurs from the Satmar community who own and manage businesses from dozens of different industries. The businesses at the Expo employ thousands of people, serve customers around the world and pump upwards of hundreds of millions of dollars into the economy.

"This event truly shows the success of the Satmar community as well as the success of a yeshiva education. From the financial sector to insurance to real estate to hospitality to winemaking, the Satmar Expo had it all and allowed entrepreneurs to come together to share ideas, to network, and to talk about their latest innovations and success stories. This expo highlighted the hundreds of Satmar businesses that employ thousands of people from every community and that generate millions in economic activity across the country," said Rabbi David Niederman, Executive Director of the United Jewish Organizations.

"I grew up in a neighborhood and in a yeshiva where I learned from an early age the value of community. Therefore, when it came to my business, I made it my mission statement to be able to say that we service our customers in their communities. Skyscraper Insurance Services has helped families and businesses across the United States to protect what matters most to them, at every stage of their lives. We are ready, willing, and able to help anyone and everyone with their insurance needs, no matter where life has taken them. That means the recent college graduate looking for a simple renters insurance policy receives the same level of service and care as the national brand with 500 employees who needs someone to protect their business. It was a great honor for Skyscraper Insurance to be part of this historic Expo," said Chaim Berkovic, President of Skyscraper Insurance.

"Some of the most successful life insurance agents in the industry are based out of our firm Mass Mutual Brooklyn with headquarters in Brooklyn. Most of our advisors are Yeshiva graduates and we are looking to expand and find more of the right talent to join our team," said Naftali Elias with Mass Mutual, a sponsor of the Expo.

"I am a graduate of yeshiva, a native of Brooklyn and now a mortgage loan originator at ABC Mortgage. We have 15 employees who service the five boroughs. In 2021, Scotsman's Guide ranked one of our originators the 2nd top broker in the state. It was an honor and privilege to talk about our award at the Satmar Expo and it just highlights another financial success story out of a yeshiva education," said Hershy Silberstein from ABC Mortgage.

"This was an amazing event, I met so many professionals from across every segment in the business world, past and current clients. My education in yeshiva taught me the importance of community, partnership and how to properly analyze a deal or business venture. The vibe in the air is something that had to be witnessed first-hand to understand, and to see that the entire exhibition hall was occupied by professionals all with the same yeshiva education was an amazing sight to behold," said Meyer Tauber, Entrepreneur and Owner of Metrex Realty.

"I am raised in Brooklyn, educated in Brooklyn and now I own and manage a business based out of Brooklyn with 2000 employees with a footprint in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and expanding to even more states. I feel the opportunities for our generation of young entrepreneurs is stronger than it has ever been before," said Yidel Falkowitz, Owner and Founder of QFS, Quality Facility Solutions. "With young professionals pushing themselves in every market and using what they have learned while being educated in yeshivas, I see a bright and prosperous future on all fronts."

"The expo gave me an opportunity to share new ideas with hundreds of other entrepreneurs. I am a Brooklyn native who is a graduate of the yeshiva school system. I am the founder of 3 businesses including a tile company that handles projects in homes and high rise buildings from coast to coast. It was an honor to be part of the event and I look forward to attending more," said Shaya Liebowitz, Founder and CEO of US Tiles.

"My yeshiva education taught me about problem solving and thinking out of the box. I took those skills to the construction industry and founded my own firm with eight employees and offices in New York and New Jersey, where we have designed over 3000 homes throughout the Tri-state area. I was honored to talk about my success at the Satmar Expo last week, and I look forward to future events," said Shimon Ostreicher CEO and founder of Bluepro Layouts Inc.

"I founded Scanovator Delivery Systems in 2017. We help over 130 local businesses in the tri-state area and beyond manage their orders, drivers, and deliveries in an efficient and cost-effective way. We are growing fast. Our algorithm optimizes best routes for drivers and notifies end-customers a few minutes prior to delivery. Drivers can sign or snap pictures of their deliveries all of which is recorded and stored for future reference as needed. As a student of the Satmar yeshiva system, studying the Talmud and other historical texts gave me the knowledge and the power to tackle online system structures and database languages head on. I created a mobile app completely on my own, which is still the core of our business today. I will forever remain grateful to my great teachers in the Yeshiva system for empowering me with such important life skills," said Chaim Friedman, Founder of Scanovator Delivery Systems.

"We handle nationwide warehouse shelving and racking from design to sales to installation. We employ 35 people. We attended the 'Satmar Business Expo' to network with the thousands of entrepreneurs, business, and salespeople, and were truly amazed by the dynamic business opportunities that exist within the Satmar orthodox community as well as the spectrum of businesses that are owned and managed by members of the Satmar community," said Marty Weiss, CEO of Bob's Commercial Material Handling and Shelving, Inc.

SOURCE Satmar Business Expo
REVELSTOKE, BC, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Nutrition tracking app, Cronometer have announced the launch of a podcast called Discovering Nutrition with Cronometer.

Listeners can now join Cronometer's Community Manager, Eliisa Tennant as she speaks with a variety of doctors, dietitians and experts within the nutrition science field to gain a better understanding of the role nutrition plays regarding overall health. The podcast has plans to explore topics such as sleep, energy, mood, hormones, fitness and more!

"We hope to debunk misinformation about nutrition by interviewing leaders in their field to provide our listeners with accurate facts surrounding this complex and ever-changing discipline." Eliisa Tennant, Community Manager at Cronometer. Tweet this Cronometer launches podcast: Discovering Nutrition with Cronometer. (CNW Group/Cronometer)

Discovering Nutrition with Cronometer was launched with the first episode on May 26, which features Dr. Gabrielle Lyon discussing the topic of women's health. The company plans to release one episode per month with the next episode to feature celebrity trainer and fitness entrepreneur, Don Saladino.

Discovering Nutrition can be found on a range of popular podcast streaming platforms including Spotify, Google Podcasts and Amazon Music and soon to come to Apple Podcasts.

Anyone looking to better understand their health and nutrition can sign up for a Cronometer account for free on their website, or download the mobile app on the Apple App Store, or Google Play Store.

About Cronometer Software Inc.: Cronometer is a free personal health & nutrition tracker with the most accurate and comprehensive nutrition database on the market. Unlike other tracking apps, the nutritional data is curated from verified, accurate sources. Cronometer was originally developed by CEO Aaron Davidson in 2005 and started as a personal side project. Over the years it has transformed from a hobby into a thriving business with over 6 million users worldwide. They are a proudly Canadian company with a head office based in the small mountain town of Revelstoke, British Columbia.

SOURCE Cronometer
SAN DIEGO, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lug, the popular lifestyle brand of handbags and accessories, is pleased to announce its recent support of the Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, July 21st, co-hosted by Nina West and Ashley Eckstein.

The Her Universe Fashion Show was held on Thursday, July 21st at 6 pm PST at the Harbor Ballroom, Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel. Lug is proud to support the budding designers and be the Official Bag of the event, where 300 VIPs/Designers/Influencers were gifted with an exclusively designed iconic Lug Puddle Jumper tote bag in Violet to match the HER Universe branding. Additionally, 3,000 general admission attendees received a HU branded Lug luggage tag.

"We are excited to support our good friend, Ashley Eckstein, and Her Universe with one of our brand's signature bags, the Puddle Jumper. It's the perfect carry-all bag loaded with pockets that we know recipients will find useful as they carry their goodies throughout Comic-Con. We look forward to furthering our relationship with HU with some exciting collaborative projects that are on the horizon!" said Ami Richter, Lug Co-founder and Designer.

About Lug

Founded in 2005 by Ami and Jason Richter, Lug's unique silhouettes and thoughtful designs keep you organized throughout your day. Featuring fashionable bags and accessories in brilliant colors and novelty patterns, Lug provides solutions to everyday life with both function and fashion in mind.

The following year, Lug's Puddle Jumper bag caught Oprah's attention, and it was featured on the "O List" in O Magazine, popularizing the brand among female travelers.

In 2015, Lug launched on QVC to great success, where its products are featured in broadcasts that reach over 100 million American households. Lug received the QVC Star Award for Customer Experience in 2016 and the QVC Star Award for Customer Experience in 2017.

Lug was chosen as the official bag of the 2018, 2019, and 2020 SAG Awards Gala Gift Bags.

SOURCE The Lug Companies
Annual Publication Details Progress on Environmental, Social, Governance Goals

HONOLULU, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Matson, Inc. (NYSE: MATX), a leading U.S. carrier in the Pacific, has published its 2021 Sustainability Report that describes the company's progress toward achieving its environmental, social and governance goals.

"Matson devoted more resources than ever to serving the needs of our customers, employees and communities." Tweet this Matsonia

"In a year of extraordinary disruption and upheaval in our industry, Matson devoted more attention and resources than ever to serving the needs of our customers, employees and communities," said Matt Cox, chairman and chief executive officer. "I am proud of the work we are doing and pleased to share our progress in this year's Sustainability Report."

Matson's annual Sustainability Report focuses on three areas that the company devotes significant resources and attention to strengthening continuously: serving the needs of its customers, employees and communities; environmental stewardship and operating its business ethically and safely. The report provides detail on the company's strategic approach and how it measures progress and celebrates key achievements.

Highlights of the 2021 report include:

Community:

Provided highly differentiated, reliable services throughout historic period of supply chain disruption

Invested $4.2 million in community funding and in-kind support a 19% increase over 2020

in community funding and in-kind support a 19% increase over 2020 Provided funding and services to more than 560 community organizations, focusing on food banks, social equity programs and environmental conservation

Diversity:

Promoted more than 20 women and 40 employees from racially diverse backgrounds into management positions

Committed nearly $250,000 to fund scholarships, internships and professional networking opportunities for women and diverse college students within maritime and transportation industries

Environment:

Set goals to achieve net zero Scope 1 greenhouse gas (GHG) fleet emissions by 2050 and a 40% reduction by 2030

Reduced sulfur oxides (SO x ) emissions by 25%

) emissions by 25% Published TCFD Report and incorporated climate risk into enterprise risk management program

Announced LNG installation program for some vessels

"Our 2021 Sustainability Report demonstrates Matson's ongoing commitment to transparency and communication," said Rachel Lee, vice president, sustainability and governance. "As we continue to build on our ESG efforts, we will also continue to develop the way we measure and share updates on our progress, which is essential to maintaining trust with our stakeholders. We welcome feedback on the Report."

More information on Matson's sustainability activities, including downloadable copies of its 2021 Sustainability Report and TCFD Report, is available at: https://www.matson.com/sustainability.html .

About Matson

Founded in 1882, Matson (NYSE: MATX) is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services. Matson provides a vital lifeline to the domestic non-contiguous economies of Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, and to other island economies in Micronesia. Matson also operates premium, expedited services from China to Long Beach, California, provides service to Okinawa, Japan, and various islands in the South Pacific, and operates an international export service from Dutch Harbor to Asia. The Company's fleet of owned and chartered vessels includes containerships, combination container and roll-on/roll-off ships and custom-designed barges. Matson Logistics, established in 1987, extends the geographic reach of Matson's transportation network throughout North America. Its integrated, asset-light logistics services include rail intermodal, highway brokerage, warehousing, freight consolidation, Asia supply chain services, and forwarding to Alaska. Additional information about the Company is available at www.matson.com

Contact:

Keoni Wagner

Matson

510-628-4534

[email protected]

SOURCE MATSON, INC. - PR
The microspheres market is likely to be driven by rising demand from the healthcare and construction industries, as microspheres are gaining traction due to their superior features and affordable pricing.

JERSEY CITY, N.J., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Verified Market Research recently published a report, "Microspheres Market" By Type (Hollow Microspheres, Solid Microspheres), By Raw Material (Glass Microspheres, Metallic Microspheres, Ceramic Microspheres, Fly ASH Microspheres), By Application (Construction Composites, Medical Technology, Life Science And Biotechnology, Paints And Coatings), and By Geography. According to Verified Market Research, the Microspheres Market size was valued at USD 5024.60 Million in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 10,127.0 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.20% from 2022 to 2030.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample/?rid=5568

Browse in-depth TOC on "Microspheres Market"

202 - Pages

126  Tables

37  Figures

Global Microspheres Market Overview

Increasing demand from the healthcare and construction sectors where microspheres are gaining momentum owing to their superior properties and reasonable price are expected to drive the Microspheres Market over the predicted years. Also, the growing demand from the paints and coatings sector on account of their various abilities including increasing solid content of the coating and maintaining the flow characteristics expects a boost to the market in the coming years.

Several advantages to Microspheres such as their ability to aid in the improvement of the flow of powders, the efficiency of microspheres in odor masking as well as their aid in the dispersal of water-soluble substances in aqueous media are predicted to fuel the market during the forecasted period. These factors are driving the Microspheres Market. There are certain restraints and challenges faced which can hinder the market growth. Factors such as the increasing raw material prices and the lack of quality control present in developing countries are likely to act as market restraints.

Key Developments

On February 2021 , Trelleborgs Energi AB has signed a collaboration agreement with Adven stating that Adven will produce all district heating in Trelleborg, Sweden's southernmost city, over the next 20 years. Adven will take over the ownership of existing production sites and build new plants needed to cover the growing need for district heating as the city grows and the network expands.

, Trelleborgs Energi AB has signed a collaboration agreement with Adven stating that Adven will produce all district heating in Trelleborg, southernmost city, over the next 20 years. Adven will take over the ownership of existing production sites and build new plants needed to cover the growing need for district heating as the city grows and the network expands. On September 2020 , Palmer Holland announced plans to expand the distribution of the Advanced Materials of 3M , including ceramic microspheres, in Canada to solidify the mutual dedication to grow their businesses rapidly. Also, Nouryon selected a location to establish a polymerization plant for its Expancel microspheres in the U.S. in March 2019 , to strengthen its prominent position as a provider of expandable microspheres and help develop lightweight end-use products.

Key Players

The major players in the market are 3M, Akzonobel N.V., Matsumoto Yushi-Seiyaku Co. Ltd, Trelleborg AB, Luminex Corporation, Momentive Performance Materials Inc., Chase Corporation, Potters Industries LLC, Sigmund Lindner GmbH, and MO SCI Corporation.

Verified Market Research has segmented the Global Microspheres Market On the basis of Type, Raw Material, Application, and Geography.

Microspheres Market, By Type

Hollow Microspheres



Solid Microspheres

Microspheres Market, By Raw Material

Glass Microspheres



Metallic Microspheres



Ceramic Microspheres



Fly ASH Microspheres



Polymer Microspheres

Microspheres Market, By Application

Construction Composites



Medical Technology



Life Science & Biotechnology



Paints & Coatings



Cosmetics & Personal Care



Oil & Gas



Automotive



Aerospace

Microspheres Market, by Geography

North America



U.S





Canada





Mexico



Europe



Germany





France





U.K





Rest of Europe



Asia Pacific



China





Japan





India





Rest of Asia Pacific



ROW



Middle East & Africa

&



Latin America

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Catalyst Carrier Market By Product Type (Ceramics, Activated Carbon), By Shape/Composition (Spheres, Porous), By End-Use Industry (Automotive, Petrochemicals), By Geography, Forecast, 2021-2028

Polymer Clay Market By Product (Solid, Liquid), By Application (Residential, Commercial, Industrial), By Geography, Forecast, 2021-2028

Polymeric Microsphere Market By Product (Material Product Type), By Application (Displays, Coatings, Cosmetics, Medical, 3D Printing Inks, Films), By Geography, Forecast, 2021-2028

5 Leading Modified Atmosphere Packaging Manufacturers preserving food via gas barrier

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SOURCE Verified Market Research
DUBLIN, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Mining Global Market Report 2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global mining market is expected to grow from $1843.33 billion in 2021 to $2064.72 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.0%. The mining market is expected to grow to $3358.82 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 12.9%. Government policies to support the mining industry is expected to drive the mining market. Governments are providing subsidies and encouraging foreign direct investments (FDI) in the mining industry.

The amount of government support includes the support through governments' public finance institutions such as bilateral development banks and export credit agencies investing in mining projects, fiscal support through budget allocations and tax exemptions, and investments through majority state-owned mining and utility companies.

For instance, in 2019, the government of India approved the increase of iron ore leasing areas in Orissa from 10 square kilometers to 58 square kilometers and encouraged the private auction of these ores by private companies such as TATA steel operating in the metal ore mining market. These government policies will continue to support the growth of the mining market.



Power generation companies are increasingly using alternate sources of energy such as natural gas, nuclear power and renewable to produce clean and sustainable electricity. The decreasing cost of installation of renewable sources of energy is also driving the use of these sources for power generation.

This is expected to act as a restraint on the demand for coal in power generation. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the coal's share of the total world energy consumption is expected to decline from to 22% in 2040. Renewable are expected to be the fastest growing energy source, with their consumption increasing at an average rate of 2.3% per year till 2040. The continuous shift to alternative sources for power generation will restrain the mining market.



The use of renewable energy is helping mining companies reduce power costs and control emissions in the mines. As the solar or wind projects are built close to the mine sites, the cost of connecting to the power grid is also reduced. Site-appropriate renewable energy sources are reliable, consistent and also economical.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary



2. Report Structure



3. Mining Market Characteristics



4. Mining Market Product Analysis



5. Mining Market Supply Chain



6. Mining Market Customer Information



7. Mining Market Trends And Strategies



8. Impact Of COVID-19 On Mining



9. Mining Market Size And Growth



10. Mining Market Regional Analysis



11. Mining Market Segmentation

12. Mining Market Segments



13. Mining Market Metrics



14. Asia-Pacific Mining Market

15. Western Europe Mining Market



16. Eastern Europe Mining Market



17. North America Mining Market



18. South America Mining Market



19. Middle East Mining Market



20. Africa Mining Market

21. Mining Market Competitive Landscape



22. Key Mergers And Acquisitions In The Mining Market



23. Recommendations



24. Appendix



25. Copyright And Disclaimer



Companies Mentioned

BHP Group

Vale S.A.

Rio Tinto

Glencore International

Anglo American plc.

plc. China Shenhua Energy Company Limited

China Coal Energy Company Limited

The Metallurgical Corp. Of China

Coal India Ltd.

Corporacion Nacional Del Cobre De Chile

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/nb9ky6

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

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SOURCE Research and Markets
MoEngage has the highest number of Gartner Peer Insights Reviews in multichannel marketing hubs, with an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5.

SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MoEngage, the insights-led customer engagement platform, today announced that it has been recognized as a Niche Player in the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Multichannel Marketing Hubs report. This is the first time MoEngage has been recognized in this report. In addition to this Magic Quadrant, MoEngage was also named a Leader in the 2020 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Mobile Marketing Platforms.

Multichannel marketing hubs help brands deliver contextually relevant experiences across the customer journey. MoEngage believes its insights-led customer engagement platform empowers marketers and product owners with AI-driven insights and the tools needed to create multichannel experiences for customers. With real-time customer data and predictive insights, brands can easily understand their audiences and offer tailored communications and recommendations that resonate on an individual basis across the customer journey.

MoEngage is named for the first time ever into the Magic Quadrant of this report. It has also received the highest number of Gartner Peer Insights Reviews in the category of multichannel marketing hubs , maintaining an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 from customers. MoEngage realizes the highest individual ratings for Service & Support (4.9/5), Product capabilities (4.8/5), and Integration & Deployment (4.8/5), with 95% of customer reviewers willing to recommend our product to others. MoEngage's mobile-first, digital-first approach to customer engagement - coupled with AI and the platform's APIs and integrations to other technologies, data sources and channels - provides marketers with the ultimate ease and flexibility to better understand their customers and personalize engagements across channels at the right point in time. Nearly ~90% of MoEngage's customer base is running multi-channel campaigns across more than three channels today.

In the last 12 months, MoEngage has grown its annualized recurring revenue (ARR) by 105%, added 500 new customers, and doubled its headcount to surpass 700 employees across its offices globally. Today, MoEngage supports and partners with some of the largest global brands in the world including McAfee, Nestle, Deutsche Telekom, Samsung, Airtel, Unilever, Zurich, Ola, Flipkart, and more. The company recently raised its Series E funding of $77 Million to invest in its product and deepen its growing geographic footprint in North America and Europe (which makes up 40% of its customer base today), and expand into new markets like Latin America and Australia. MoEngage has also strengthened its partner network to include more than 150 global technology partners, agencies and system integrators. Global partnerships include organizations such as Microsoft, AWS, mParticle, Mixpanel, Ogilvy, TCS, Wipro, Dentsu and Customyltics.

MoEngage has also brought several new capabilities to market in the last year, several of which are AI-focused capabilities such as Predictions, Intelligent Path Optimizer, and Sherpa AI Assistant. MoEngage's AI capabilities allows for broad actions with data at scale (such as segmentations based on Affinity or RFM models) as well as hyper-personalized suggestions for individual customers within segments including features such as most Preferred Channel, Recommendations, and Content Optimization; these can be used to personalize the experience for each individual during the campaign creation workflow.

"We believe Gartner recognition of MoEngage validates our company's vision and strategy that insights-led customer engagement is the future of multichannel marketing," said Raviteja Dodda, CEO & Co-Founder of MoEngage. "We'd like to thank Gartner for this recognition, and our customers and partners for their continued trust and partnership."

You can get a copy of the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Multichannel Marketing Hubs here .

Gartner Magic Quadrant for Multichannel Marketing Hubs, By Analyst(s): Rob Brosnan, Benjamin Bloom, Tia Smart, Michael McCune, Ryan Brady, Mike McGuire, Published 18 July 2022

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

GARTNER and Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark and service mark, and PEER INSIGHTS is a trademark and service mark, of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. 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 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, Travelodge, 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
New mortgage brokerage franchise invites the community for a grand opening party and ribbon cutting ceremony to introduce Motto Mortgage Top Tier to the Omaha community

OMAHA, Neb., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Motto Mortgage , the first-and-only national mortgage brokerage franchise in the United States focused on transparency and compliance, has a new office in Omaha, Nebraska serving all markets throughout the Good Life State. Motto Mortgage Top Tier (331 Village Pointe Plaza) is the first and only Motto Mortgage office open for business in the state.

Motto Mortgage Top Tier is hosting a grand opening celebration on Thursday, August 18 from 5  8 P.M. at Jams Legacy 17070 Wright Plaza #100. The celebration will include a ribbon cutting ceremony and guests in attendance can enjoy drinks and Hors D'oeuvres! This event will be sponsored by We Insure Top Tier and Ambassador Title Services.

Motto Mortgage Top Tier is a customer-first, full-service mortgage brokerage established by Adam Briley and Koby Sway. Adam has over 16 years' experience in the Real Estate industry and is the leader of the #1 Real Estate Team in Nebraska. Koby joined The Briley Team in 2020 and has helped grow the team immensely by increasing production from an average of 300 units per year to 752 units in 2021 and is on track to hit 1200 units for 2022. Prior to joining The Briley Team, he worked at AT&T as a Regional Manager for 10 years.

"We are thrilled to be open for business in Omaha and we are looking forward to personally introducing ourselves to the community at our grand opening event. Motto Mortgage Top Tier offers an advantageous alternative to the traditional mortgage bankers currently operating in Omaha," said Adam Briley and Koby Sway. "We provide the scope, scale and support of a large retail lender, while offering the flexibility, autonomy and exceptional service of a local mortgage broker that knows how to navigate the intricacies of the home buying process in your market."

Jim Brabec will serve as Branch Manager and a mortgage loan originator for the office. Brabec is a mortgage professional with over 20 years' industry experience and is passionate about mortgage lending and helping people find the home loan that best fits their needs and goals. Dartan Henderson will also serve as a mortgage loan originator for the office. Henderson is eager to grow Motto Mortgage Top Tier and aspires to help community members achieve home ownership.

Loan originators in the Motto Mortgage network have access to competitive loans from various wholesale lenders and work hard to give homebuyers choices  because no loan is one-size-fits-all. A digital mortgage experience is available for borrowers who would prefer to conduct business remotely.

For more information about the grand opening celebration, please contact Motto Mortgage Top Tier at 402.800.6500. The event is open to all members of the community.

Each Motto Mortgage franchise is independently owned, operated and licensed.

About Motto Mortgage Top Tier:

Motto Mortgage Top Tier OFFICE NMLS # 2347792 is a locally owned and operated full-service mortgage brokerage serving all of NE & IA, located at 331 Village Pointe Plaza. To learn more, please visit Motto Mortgage Top Tier or call 402.800.6500. Jim Brabec: NMLS: 822596

SOURCE Motto Mortgage
GILGAL  A treasure guarded and protected with their all!

The above describes the situation for residents in 10 chiefdoms under the Gilgal Constituency, who have been blessed with water, after years of drinking contaminated water which they shared with livestock among other things. At least over 1 868 people stand to benefit from the water project which has been made possible by WaterAid through funding sourced from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of Swaziland. The project cost around E3 960 000. Such has brought a sigh of relief for community members at Hlutse who walked over 10km to collect clean water. The community walked long distances to collect contaminated water and the launching of the 10 boreholes has come as a relief to them. To protect this gift, the community stated that no children were allowed near the boreholes.

Supervision

They stated that it were only adults who were allowed to collect water, while children needed to be strictly under supervision of elders. To save the water resource, each family is allowed to collect at most 250 litres a day and nothing beyond. The issue of distance might not have been solved, but members of the community mentioned that they were relieved as the water they collected was clean. Sinyalo Gamedze, a beneficiary from Mhlumeni borehole under Mvabuhlungu chiefdom said their lives have been completely changed following the introduction of the boreholes about two months ago. Gamedze said before the boreholes, they were forced to drink dirty water which was shared with animals and at times the animals would die inside the dam supplying them with water. He said some people upstream would also dump disposable diapers into the dam.

Gamedze commended WaterAid and Latter Day Saints for ensuring that they afford the community with clean and safe water. He added that as a community, they had made a commitment to keep the borehole safe and water running for many years to come. This, he stated, would be done through strict rules which included creating a saving account for maintenance services for the boreholes. Gamedze said each homestead contributed E300.

However, he said they were yet to meet and decide on monthly contributions. Also, he stated that the community members had to make sure they kept young children away from the borehole.

Controlled

Further he mentioned that they had a controlled structure in terms of collecting the water, which included 250 litres a day for each homestead.

Siphelele Phakathi stated that although she still had to walk over five kilometres to fetch clean water at the borehole, it was fulfilling. Phakathi said water was very scarce in the area and they used to drink water supplied by the river. Meanwhile, Bella Vilakati, a businesswoman rearing chickens is also among the beneficiaries at Masimbofana borehole. Vilakati said the borehole was quite a relief for her as she had to fetch water from a distant river on several occasions to clean her chickens.



Vilakati said she used a wheel barrow to fetch the water but it did not make any difference. It is such a blessing for me as the borehole has been installed a few metres away from my home. Vilakati said he believed God was a God of time and had responded to her and the communitys needs after struggling for so many years. She said they were treating the borehole very well because they had previously struggled to get clean water and a number of organisations had promised but never delivered. Vilakati said they had mixed feelings with WaterAid and Latter Day Harvest but they were glad that the organisations lived up to their promise. She said they were hoping the structure would not develop any challenges at least for the next five years. Mhawu Gwebu, also a resident of Masimbofana, said their lives were transformed as water was their greatest challenge.

Harvesting

He said others used water harvesting methods to collect water for drinking and cooking purposes. However, he said for other chores like washing and bathing, they would use the river. Gwebu stated that before the boreholes, they would sometimes pay tankers for E800 per tank for a month. The boreholes are such a relief for us and it will improve our lifestyle, he said. Enock Magagula, who hails from Phasentsaba, stated that it has been two days since they were using portable water. Magagula said they were yet to meet as a community to lay down the rules on how the borehole would function. He said homesteads that might have events including burials, weddings and others were encouraged to report so that they were given an exception when collecting the water. WaterAid Country Director Ncamiso Mhlanga said they selected the area to benefit in the project through their application process. Mhlanga noted that the community was evaluated through a site visit with a local community leader to assess the status quo. He said the hand pumps that had been installed were Indian mark, whose lifespan was around 15 years with routine maintenance after every five years.
TSX andOTCQX: MPVD

TORONTO and NEW YORK, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. ("Mountain Province", the "Company") (TSX: MPVD) (OTC: MPVD) is pleased to announce the successful completion of its first analyst site tour since 2019, taking place on Wednesday July 20th. The Company also wishes to announce that it has entered into separate, privately negotiated transactions with certain holders of its outstanding 8.000% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2022 (the "Notes") to repurchase for cancellation approximately US$26.4 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes for an aggregate cash repurchase price of approximately US$25.4 million (collectively, the "Repurchases").

Additionally, the company wishes to provide details for the release of its Q2 2022 earnings release and conference call.

Site Tour

Mountain Province Diamonds hosted a Site Tour to the Gahcho Kue Mine on July 20th, with financial analysts and advisors in attendance. In addition to visiting the active mining/processing areas of Gahcho Kue, the tour also visited the Kelvin Exploration Camp, where all recent exploration activity at the Kennady North Project, as well as the imminent summer 2022 drill program will be executed from. Present at the site tour was covering Equity Research Analyst Kieron Hodgson of Panmure Gordon, a UK-based Investment Bank which has coverage on the Company. Access to his research can be found via equity research portal Research-Tree.com.

The Company cautions that any such research provides a third-party view of the Company and is not endorsed by the Company. The Company will not redistribute third-party reports or otherwise republish or update such reports, but will maintain a list of analysts who cover the Company.

Mark Wall, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"We were extremely pleased to host the financial community for a site tour, the first tour since 2019, and an opportunity for us to showcase the Kennady exploration properties and the Gahcho Kue operations. The tour came on the back of our press release on the growth potential of the Hearn orebody and we continue to focus on mine extension possibilities."

Repurchases of Senior Secured Second Lien Notes

The Company has entered into separate, privately negotiated transactions with certain holders of its outstanding 8.000% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2022 (the "Notes") to repurchase for cancellation approximately US$26.4 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes for an aggregate cash repurchase price of approximately US$25.3 million (collectively, the "Repurchases"). The last of the Repurchases is expected to close on or about July 26, 2022. Following the cancellation of the repurchased Notes, approximately US$273.5 million aggregate principal amounts of Notes will remain outstanding

Mountain Province may from time to time seek to repurchase additional Notes in open-market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any, will be upon such terms and at such prices as may be determined by the Company and the counterparty and will depend upon prevailing market conditions, the Company's liquidity requirements and other factors.

This news release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

Earnings Release and Conference Call Details

The Company will host its quarterly conference call on Wednesday August 10th, 2022 at 11:00am EST. Prior to the conference call, the Company will release Q2 2022 financial results on August 9th, after-market.

Conference Call Dial-in Details:

Title: Mountain Province Diamonds Inc Q2 Earnings Conference Call

Conference ID: 56265156

Date of call: 08/10/2022

Time of call: 11:00 Eastern Time

Expected Duration: 60 minutes

Webcast Link: https://app.webinar.net/EjQrB08Bd0K

Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: (+1) 888-390-0546

Participant International Dial-In Number: (+1) 416-764-8688

A replay of the webcast and audio call will be available on the Company's website.

About the Company

Mountain Province Diamonds is a 49% participant with De Beers Canada in the Gahcho Kue diamond mine located in Canada's Northwest Territories. The Gahcho Kue Joint Venture property consists of several kimberlites that are actively being mined, developed, and explored for future development. The Company also controls 106,202 hectares of highly prospective mineral claims and leases that surround the Gahcho Kue Joint Venture property that include an indicated mineral resource for the Kelvin kimberlite and inferred mineral resources for the Faraday kimberlites.

For further information on Mountain Province Diamonds and to receive news releases by email, visit the Company's website at www.mountainprovince.com.

Qualified Person

The disclosure in this news release of scientific and technical information regarding Mountain Province's mineral properties has been reviewed and approved by Matthew MacPhail, P.Eng., MBA, and Tom E. McCandless, Ph.D., P.Geo., both employees of Mountain Province Diamonds and Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian and United States securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to operational hazards, including possible disruption due to pandemic such as COVID-19, its impact on travel, self-isolation protocols and business and operations, estimated production and mine life of the project of Mountain Province; the realization of mineral reserve estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; costs of production; the future price of diamonds; the estimation of mineral reserves and resources; the ability to manage debt; capital expenditures; the ability to obtain permits for operations; liquidity; tax rates; and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Except for statements of historical fact relating to Mountain Province, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates," "may," "can," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "targets," "intends," "likely," "will," "should," "to be", "potential" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "should" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are based on a number of assumptions and 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. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Mountain Province and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct.

Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include the development of operation hazards which could arise in relation to COVID-19, including, but not limited to protocols which may be adopted to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and any impact of such protocols on Mountain Province's business and operations, variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in market conditions, changes in project parameters, mine sequencing; production rates; cash flow; risks relating to the availability and timeliness of permitting and governmental approvals; supply of, and demand for, diamonds; fluctuating commodity prices and currency exchange rates, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated.

These factors are discussed in greater detail in Mountain Province's most recent Annual Information Form and in the most recent MD&A filed on SEDAR, which also provide additional general assumptions in connection with these statements. Mountain Province cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors and others who base themselves on forward-looking statements should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. Mountain Province believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release.

Although Mountain Province has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. 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. Mountain Province undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered as the property is developed.

Further, Mountain Province may make changes to its business plans that could affect its results. The principal assets of Mountain Province are administered pursuant to a joint venture under which Mountain Province is not the operator. Mountain Province is exposed to actions taken or omissions made by the operator within its prerogative and/or determinations made by the joint venture under its terms. Such actions or omissions may impact the future performance of Mountain Province. Under its current note and revolving credit facilities Mountain Province is subject to certain limitations on its ability to pay dividends on common stock. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of Mountain Province's Board of Directors, subject to the limitations under the Company's debt facilities, and will depend on Mountain Province's financial results, cash requirements, future prospects, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board.

SOURCE Mountain Province Diamonds Inc.
Stanley Black & Decker's iconic CRAFTSMAN brand has teamed up with the Ace Hardware Foundation and Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) to raise funds and awareness for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) for the 2022 Racing for a Miracle program

Four children from Riley Children's Health in downtown Indianapolis will serve as honorary junior crew members during Sunday's race and be featured in a special "8-Bit Pixel Art Gaming" paint theme displayed on Bell's No. 20 Toyota Camry TRD

On July 28 , Bell and CRAFTSMAN brand ambassador and TV personality Cristy Lee , will spend time with patients at Riley Children's and present The Ace Hardware Foundation a check from CRAFTSMAN in support of the Racing for a Miracle program

INDIANAPOLIS, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Stanley Black & Decker announced today that its iconic CRAFTSMAN brand is reuniting with the Ace Hardware Foundation and Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) to raise funds and awareness for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) through its annual Racing for a Miracle program.

Four children from Riley Childrens Health in downtown Indianapolis will serve as honorary junior crew members during Sundays race and be featured in a special 8-Bit Pixel Art Gaming paint theme displayed on Christopher Bells No. 20 Toyota Camry TRD

As part of the annual Racing for a Miracle Program, this year, four children from Riley Children's Health in downtown Indianapolis will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime VIP race day experience alongside CRAFTSMAN driver Christopher Bell, serving as his honorary junior crew members. To honor his extraordinary junior crew made up of Donovan (Age 10), Callista (Age 14), Jha'Vion (Age 15) and Pablo (Age 15), Bell will run a special "8-Bit Pixel Art Gaming" paint theme on his car consisting of pixelized images of the junior crew, each reflecting a different pit crew position on the team. This special edition paint scheme will debut on Bell's No. 20 Toyota Camry TRD during the July 31 race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway; a location that holds sentimental value as it was the first city that hosted the Racing for a Miracle program back in 2007.

"This program is coming full circle as we return to Indianapolis where the magic of Racing for a Miracle first began," said Tony Merritt, Vice President of Sponsorships for Stanley Black & Decker. "Throughout the past 16 years, it's been incredible to witness the impact this program has had on the lives of the junior crew members, their families and those who have benefitted from receiving world-class care at CMN Hospitals across the country."

"This is my second year getting to be a part of the Racing for a Miracle program and I'm excited to have Donovan, Jha'Vion, Callista and Pablo as honorary crew members this year in Indy," said NASCAR driver Christopher Bell. "CRAFTSMAN and ACE have raised a lot of money and awareness for Racing for a Miracle and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals over the years and it's amazing to be part of it. The car looks great and my team and I are honored to represent such a great cause."

Stanley Black & Decker Donates to Support Racing for a Miracle Program

On July 28, Bell and CRAFTSMAN brand ambassador, TV host and auto-enthusiast Cristy Lee, will spend time with patients at Riley Children's and present The Ace Hardware Foundation a check from CRAFTSMAN in support of the Racing for a Miracle program. Over the past 16 years, Stanley Black & Decker and the Ace Hardware Foundation have donated more than $1.6 million to CMN hospitals around the country.

"Children's hospitals are on the frontlines when protecting the health of future generations  but they aren't alone," said Teri Nestel, President & CEO of CMN Hospitals. "With generous supporters like these three companies, our member hospitals are supported and empowered to fulfill the urgent needs of their respective communities. Together, we're changing kids' health to change the future."

Following the race, Bell's race-worn autographed helmet will be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting the buyer's local CMN Hospital.

Follow @CRAFTSMAN on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for special moments from this year's Racing for a Miracle program.

Media Contacts:

Debora Raymond

Vice President, Public Relations

203-640-8054

[email protected]

Lindsay Fennell

Senior Public Relations Manager

724-205-0640

[email protected]

About Stanley Black & Decker

Headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker is the world's largest tool company operating nearly 50 manufacturing facilities across America and more than 100 worldwide. Guided by its purpose  for those who make the world  the company's more than 60,000 diverse and high-performing employees produce innovative, award-winning power tools, hand tools, storage, digital tool solutions, lifestyle products, outdoor products, engineered fasteners and other industrial equipment to support the world's makers, creators, tradespeople and builders. The company's iconic brands include DEWALT, BLACK+DECKER, CRAFTSMAN, STANLEY, CUB CADET, HUSTLER and TROY-BILT. Recognized for its leadership in environmental, social and governance (ESG), Stanley Black & Decker strives to be a force for good in support of its communities, employees, customers and other stakeholders. To learn more visit: www.stanleyblackanddecker.com

About CRAFTSMAN

CRAFTSMAN is an American icon that homeowners, home builders, auto enthusiasts and master mechanics have trusted since 1927  and today's CRAFTSMAN continues that legacy. With a focus on reliable, high-performance tools, storage and equipment, CRAFTSMAN has revived its long-established pride in superior quality. Now it's easier than ever to get the tools trusted for generations at more places than ever. For more information visit www.craftsman.com or follow CRAFTSMAN on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About the Ace Hardware Foundation

As the official charitable division of Ace Hardware Corporation, the Ace Hardware Foundation helps enhance the vision of being the "Helpful Place" in local communities across the country and around the globe through charitable giving. The Ace Foundation provides support and philanthropic opportunities to its consumers, retail store owners, vendors and team members to give back to local communities through fundraising efforts for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Ace Hardware has been a national partner for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals for the last 30 years, raising over $140 million during that time.

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds for 170 children's hospitals that support the health of 10 million kids each year across the U.S. and Canada. Donations go to local hospitals to fund critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, along with innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids' and families' minds at ease during difficult hospital stays and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services. When we improve the health of all children and allow them the opportunity to reach their full potential, we also improve our communities for years to come. Together, we can change kids' health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and your local children's hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.

SOURCE Stanley Black & Decker
WASHINGTON, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Initiative for the Study of Russian Piracy (ISRP) will launch a new project tomorrow, July 26, to expose the magnitude and potential impact of Russia's looting of Ukrainian assets. To kick off the effort, ISRP will release a report concluding that Russia has looted more than half a million metric tons of Ukrainian grain and 11,000 metric tons of Ukrainian steel.

The illegal activity provides Russia with income and commodities to be used in a war that has killed thousands of Ukrainian civilians. The theft of critical assets has sparked fears of an engineered famine, and the resulting economic impact is already being felt worldwide.

ISRP's lead spokesperson, Fmr. U.S. Undersecretary of State James K. Glassman, will host a media teleconference tomorrow, July 26, at 10:00AM ET to announce the launch of the initiative and discuss the group's investigation. Following a statement, Ambassador Glassman will open the line for questions about ISRP and its efforts.

To RSVP for the teleconference, please email [email protected]

Following tomorrow's conference, the report will be available at the group's new resource hub, RussiaTheftWatch, along with supporting documents, current news, and analysis.

"Estimates of Russian looting of Ukrainian assets have been made by other organizations, but this report is unprecedented in its scope and detail. The report relies on the identification of individual incidents, including dates, ship names and origins, tonnage of cargo, and ports of arrival and departure," said ISRP's spokesperson, James K. Glassman, a former U.S. Under Secretary of State. "We will continue to track this criminal theft, and as more data and information are identified, ISRP will provide updates and subsequent reports."

The ISRP report identifies nearly 50 discrete incidents for which evidence is clear that ships were used to transport Ukrainian grain stolen by Russia. An estimated and constantly growing total of more than half a million metric tons of wheat, corn, and barley was shipped. The investigators also found that Russia has taken more than 11,000 metric tons of Ukrainian metal products, largely from the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works plants that had been under siege in Mariupol, with another 28,000 metric tons of steel products loaded onto ships, and nearly another 200,000 metric tons of metal at the port that can be stolen by Russia at any moment.

The looted steel appears to be taken directly to Russian industrial areas where it may supplement local production, possibly being used to manufacture more weapons of war to be unleashed on civilians in Ukraine and elsewhere. The grain is often shipped directly to Turkey or Syria, and in some cases, passed through Russian ports in order to hide its origin to then be sold into Middle Eastern and other markets or simply stockpiled for later distribution.

"Russian soldiers have always looted during wartimes, but the piracy in Ukraine is unique in breadth and tactics, and the world is paying a heavy price," said Glassman. "Already, the global food supply is at risk and the price of global metals is soaring. If this isn't stopped, the effects could be increasingly severe and long-lasting."

In subsequent reports, the ISRP will also offer recommendations for mitigation of the theft of Ukrainian assets and for compensation by Russia for the loss. For example, approximately $300 billion worth of Russian assets have been frozen (including $38 billion worth in the U.S.). Public officials in Europe and U.S. have recommended confiscating those assets to pay for losses in the war.

About ISRP

ISRP is a group of former U.S. government officials, international trade experts, national security experts, and research analysts concerned by the immediate and long-term impacts of Russia's theft of Ukrainian assets.

These materials are distributed by DCI Group AZ, L.L.C. on behalf of SCM Consulting Ltd. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington DC.

SOURCE Initiative for the Study of Russian Piracy
From struggles as a low-income single mother to success across multiple boundaries

TULSA, Okla., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Marquis Who's Who, the world's leading biographical publisher, has announced that Carol Mersch has been added to the 2022 list of pioneers who shaped our world. Mersch is a highly successful entrepreneur who has gained the attention of major industry leaders in virtually every aspect of business she touches.

An Oklahoma author and journalist specializing in narrative non-fiction, she has published ten books and numerous articles in areas of space exploration, spirituality, and criminal justice.

In this April 18, 2017 file photo, author Carol Mersch holds a copy of a microfilm Bible that flew in orbit around the moon on Apollo 13 (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File). A rare Apollo 14 Lunar Bible carried to the surfaceof the moon by Lunar Module Pilot Edgar Mitchell February 5, 1971, on behalf of the 40,000-member Apollo Prayer League. The jewel encased microfilm Bible produced by NCR contains all 1,245 pages of the King James Bible. One of the rare copy of the Lunar Bible is on display at he Museum of the Bible in DC.

Before launching her writing career, she served at the executive level of two Fortune 1000 companies as Director of Information Technology (IT) and at the helm of three privately held companies where she received local and national recognition for her contributions to community and civic endeavors.

In 1999 her firm, Mersch-Bacher Associates, was awarded the Blue Star Award for entrepreneurship featured on a nationally televised PBS special and cited in the New York Times as the smallest company to forge an alliance with IBM for a major software product.

During this time, she served as Chairman of the City of Tulsa Information Technology Advisory Board charged with overseeing migration of Tulsa's information systems into an integrated data network. In 1998, her company was honored with the IBM International Award in Community Service by a committee of IBM world leaders, including China, Australia, Europe, and the U.S.

On a personal level, in 1999 she received the Oklahoma Family & Children Services Award for "Special Parenting" as a single parent who achieved success under conditions of extreme adversity and financial hardship, the Tulsa Women's Pinnacle Award, and Tulsa Woman Businessperson of the Year.

After sale of her companies in 2000, she left the corporate world to pursue development of non-fiction books "that make a difference."

Her close friendship with Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell led her to author The Apostles of Apollo: The Journey of the Bible to the Moon and the Untold Stories of America's Race Into Space (Pen-L Publishing, 2010), for which she was accepted into the Mayborn Literary Guild in 2013. Her literary document "Religion, Space Exploration and Secular Society" was accepted by Taylor & Frances, a national consortium in the UK offering document subscription services for museums, libraries, and universities, including the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. Her recent book, Guilty When Black, exposes the vagaries of criminal justice in America through the case of a young Black girl falsely accused of second-degree murder.

During 2011-2018, she was featured on Houston Fox26, Tulsa ABC News, BBC World Radio, Dallas CBS Radio KRLD, MSNBC, CNN Faith, Ireland's NewsTalk, and two magazines in Europe, Spaceflight Magazine and Sorted, for her research into the first "Lunar Bible" covered in her book The Apostles of Apollo. The historic Bibles carried to the moon and their heirship have been featured by the Associated Press, the Houston Chronicle, USA today, The New York times, MSNBC, Fox News, CNN Belief, and Al Jazeera "America Tonight."

Mersch holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Oklahoma State University with graduate courses in law and was named to the Phi Kappa Phi national scholastic honor society.

She was previously listed in Who's Who in Science and Engineering and Who's Who in Finance and Engineering. Due to her noteworthy accomplishments and prominence within her field, Marquis Who's Who has selected Mersch for the 76th edition of Who's Who in America.

Contact Information:

Jayde Neglia

Marquis Who's Who

Phone: (908) 673-0100 ext. 4194

[email protected]

www.marquiswhoswho.com

SOURCE Marquis Who's Who
This additional round of investment follows a pre-seed round for $3.5 million in April 2021. In the last year, Workshop has developed a standout platform for internal email and built up a customer base that's responsible for communications to over 50,000 employees every month, from Fortune 100 companies to beloved brands like Lime and Home Chef.

"Evolving work styles and the shift toward hybrid workplaces have increased the importance of employee communication," said BJ Hansen, Managing Director at McCarthy Capital. "Workshop enables companies to better connect and engage with their employees. We are excited to work with the experienced team at Workshop to support their efforts to become the leading platform for internal communications."

Workshop was co-founded in 2020 by Rick Knudtson (former founder of Flywheel), Ben Stevinson, and Derek Homann (former founders of Median). The group came together with a shared vision to help other organizations create positive, engaging company culture through great internal communication.

"We're excited to partner with McCarthy Capital through the next phase of growth. They believe in our product vision, our team, and the opportunity in the market," said CEO and co-founder Rick Knudtson. "With the new capital, we'll double down on our product strategy and work to provide even more robust solutions for internal communications teams across the world."

The startup plans to use the funds to continue to fuel product innovation and accelerate hiring, with a current focus on recruiting engineering and sales talent.

Workshop also announced the ofcial launch of their new Automatic Lists feature, which enables internal communications teams to integrate with their best employee data sources and create their own automatically updated distribution lists (without the need for IT support). Workshop is able to deliver this feature by offering more integrations than any other internal email platform, enabling teams to pull in employee contact data from Outlook or Google, their HRIS system (including UKG, Workday, and more), or their payroll software (including Gusto, ADP, and more).

"We're really excited to expand Workshop's contact management and integrations to meet customers where they're at, no matter what tooling they're already using," said Chief Technology Ofcer and co-founder Ben Stevinson. "We've seen a strong signal that we're able to solve our customer's biggest internal comms pain points in a way that hasn't been possible before."

For more information and to request a demo, head to useworkshop.com. ABOUT WORKSHOP

Workshop is the most effective way to create, send, and measure employee emails and branded internal communications across distributed teams. It's intentionally built for internal use, with easy drag-and-drop templates, automatically updated distribution lists, and valuable engagement data. It also integrates with all of the internal communication channels you already use, including Slack, Sharepoint, SMS, Microsoft Teams, and more. Make every internal email a great employee experience with Workshop!

ABOUT MCCARTHY CAPITAL

McCarthy Partners Management, LLC is a registered investment advisor that conducts business as McCarthy Capital. McCarthy Capital, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is focused exclusively on lower middle-market companies. For more than 35 years, the McCarthy organization has been partnering with founders, families and exceptional management teams to support the growth of their companies. More information about McCarthy Capital can be obtained at www.mccarthycapital.com.

SOURCE Workshop
SPS, the nation's largest network dedicated to improving safety in children's hospitals, demonstrates benefits to pediatric patients in today's JAMA Pediatrics article

COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers and collaborators from the Children's Hospitals' Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS) network have validated that participation in the network was associated with an immediate reduction in central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSI) and falls of moderate/greater severity, and that the implementation of SPS protocols was associated with a reduction in the monthly rate of adverse drug events (ADE) after participation in the network.

SPS, which was founded in Ohio in 2009 by six Ohio children's hospitals and expanded to eight Ohio hospitals, created a network of 25 additional hospitals across the United States in 2011 through the federal Hospital Engagement Network program and the Partnership for Patients initiative. The network has continued to enroll new hospitals, and as of 2022, includes more than 140 children's hospitals across North America.

The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics today, includes 99 members of SPS and supports the assertion that participation in the Partnership for Patients program was highly effective in accelerating reduction in hospital-acquired conditions. The study reviewed data and outcomes over an eight-year period, from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2018.

The cohort of children's hospitals saw significant improvement in the three areas of harm above (CLABSI, falls and ADE), accounting for secular trends, with the implementation of the network's core principals. These principals include implementation of harm prevention bundles, reporting of outcomes and bundle compliance using standard definitions to the network monthly, participation in learning events, and implementation of a broad safety culture program.

"When we started SPS 13 years ago, we knew we were doing something transformative, but to see it validated through the data is really rewarding," said study co-author and SPS Strategic Advisor, Stephen Muething, MD. "Two of the core tenets of SPS are that everyone has something to teach, and everyone has something to learn, and that we must act with a sense of urgency. Seeing these results, we know these tenets work and most importantly, that they have saved children's lives  and we are excited to see what the network can do next!"

The study's authors include Muething; Trey Coffey, MD, FAAP, FRCP(C); Paul Sharek, MD, MPH; James Hoffman, Pharm.D, MS; Dave Purcell, PhD, MA; Miguel Marino, PhD; Anne Lyren, MD, M.Sc.'; Michele Saysana, MD; Richard Brilli, MD; Dan Hyman, MD, MMM, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

More information about SPS is available at solutionsforpatientsafety.org.

SOURCE Children's Hospitals' Solutions for Patient Safety
FREMONT, Calif., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Power Knot LLC, the market leader for onsite organic waste management solutions, announced today that it has been nominated for California's 10th Senate District's Small Business of the Year.

Every year, the California Small Business Association (CSBA) hosts its Small Business Day in Sacramento. The purpose of the day is to "Recognize the Contributions Small Business makes to California."

As part of the event, each State Senator and Assemblymember nominates a small business in their district that exemplifies resilience as well as connection with the community. This year, State Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) of Senate District 10 has nominated Power Knot LLC.

"We are grateful to have been recognized for our contribution to the District and the wider world in general," said Iain Milnes, President of Power Knot. "The LFC biodigester is a food waste digester that has been helping California businesses to reduce greenhouse gasses by keeping food waste out of landfills. Our cleantech solution has been gaining traction rapidly as the world becomes increasingly aware of the impact food waste has on the planet. With record high temperatures, we're in a race against time to do our part and stop global warming."

About the LFC Biodigester

The LFC biodigester is a machine that digests food waste. These machines are usually installed in a commercial kitchen and reduce the expense, inconvenience, mess, and carbon footprint of disposing of food waste that would otherwise be hauled to a landfill. Power Knot has eight different sizes that digest from 10 kg (20 lb) per day to 3000 kg (6600 lb) per day of waste food. With many hundreds of installations globally, the LFC biodigester has proven to be reliable, safe, and cost effective.

About Power Knot

Power Knot provides safe and economically sound solutions for commercial, industrial, and military customers globally seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. Our technologies are proven, available today, have been in reliable use for many years, and offer a payback period typically of less than two years. We design, develop, and manufacture our products in our headquarters in Silicon Valley, California. Our products are installed in six continents and all of the world's oceans.

For more information, access www.powerknot.com .

Media Contact:

Cecillia Wong

Marketing Manager

Power Knot LLC

(1) (408) 889-8433

[email protected]

SOURCE Power Knot LLC
Ridge IT Joins the Elite Few Who Are Fully Authorized to Provide Zscaler Managed Services, Including Delivery and L1/L2 Support

RICHMOND, Va., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- If the past decade has taught society anything, it is the importance of privacy and security in this increasingly dangerous and compromised digital age. From data breaches in telecommunications to government officials and everyone in between; it can be difficult to know what sensitive information is at risk and how to protect it. However, Ridge IT Corporation continues to lead industries at the forefront of this digital frontier with precision, purpose, and pride. Ridge IT Corporation is proud to announce it has been appointed as one of the elite few to become an authorized Zscaler Managed Service Partner.

Announced on July 5th, 2022, Ridge IT Corporation is just one of the select few companies authorized to provide Zscaler Managed Services, including delivery and L1/L2 support services.Zscaler is recognized as a Leader in the Gartner 2022 Magic Quadrant for Security Service Edge with the highest ability to execute.

Previously named the Zscaler Global Services Partner of the Year in 2021 , Ridge IT Corporation continues to provide industry-leading service rooted in excellence to tackle cybersecurity from a multi-layered and proven approach. Ridge IT effectively faces cyber threats head-on and develops a defense barrier, practically impenetrable from entry.

Since the beginning of Ridge IT's partnership with Zscaler, Ridge IT has led over 800 projects to successfully protect over 250K+ users across the globe. Ridge IT's elite team of certified engineers challenge and exceed industry norms to usher in a new era of innovation with continuous validation, monitoring, remediation, and recovery. Through its intricate and strategic process, Ridge IT places its clientele in a strong position to defend against attacks.

Dedicated to protecting what matters most, Ridge IT Corporation is proud to announce its appointment as a Zscaler Managed Service Partner, bringing its purpose-driven vision to fruition.

To learn more about Ridge IT Corporation and this prestigious award, please visit: https://www.ridgeit.com/cybersecurity

About Ridge IT Corporation

Ridge IT Corporation is an industry-leading cybersecurity firm dedicated to developing results-driven solutions built on solid technical standards around each client's unique needs. Founded in 2014, Ridge IT Corporation is a Small Business Administration (SBA) certified HUBZone Company with offices in Richmond and Washington D.C., who serve clients of all sizes and sectors across six continents. Ridge IT Corporation enables and empowers clients to implement Zero Trust while reducing the complexities of managing security. Through strategic partnerships with Gartner leaders that have technology partnerships with each other, Ridge IT creates an intentional roadmap to a better user experience with increased security.

PRESS CONTACT

Perry Schumacher

844.743.4348

https://www.ridgeit.com/cybersecurity

SOURCE Ridge IT Corporation
BELOIT, Wis., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Louis Pinkham, Chief Executive Officer of Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE: RRX), announced that the Board of Directors, at its regular quarterly meeting held on July 25, 2022, declared a dividend of $0.35 per share. The dividend is payable on October 14, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 30, 2022. The company has paid a dividend every quarter since January 1961.

Regal Rexnord Corporation is a global leader in the engineering and manufacturing of industrial powertrain solutions, power transmission components, electric motors and electronic controls, air moving products, and specialty electronics, serving customers throughout the world. Through longstanding technology leadership and an intentional focus on producing the most energy-efficient products and systems, Regal Rexnord helps create a better tomorrow  for its customers and for the planet.

Regal Rexnord is comprised of four operating segments: Motion Control Solutions, Climate Solutions, Commercial Systems and Industrial Systems. Regal Rexnord is headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin and has manufacturing, sales, and service facilities worldwide. For more information, visit RegalRexnord.com.

SOURCE Regal Rexnord Corporation
Residential Solar Market in US 2021-2025: Scope

The residential solar market in US report covers the following areas:

Residential Solar Market in US 2021-2025 : Segmentation

Residential Solar Market in the US is segmented as below:

Technology

Crystalline Silicon: This segment will contribute the highest market share growth during the forecast period. Crystalline silicon PV systems are widely used in the US.



Thin-film

Learn about the contribution of each segment summarized in concise infographics

and thorough descriptions. View a Sample Report

Residential Solar Market in US 2021-2025: Vendor Analysis

The residential solar market in the US is highly diverse and has many international and domestic vendors. The vendors in the market are characterized by high capital investments. The vendors in the market include producers of solar PV modules, solar inverters, solar batteries, and other BOS (Balance of System). There is intense competition among vendors to increase their market shares.

Technavio provides a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the residential solar market in US, including Hanwha Group, LG Electronics Inc., Panasonic Corp., Sungevity Inc., Sunnova Energy International Inc., SunPower Corp., Sunrun Inc., Tesla Inc., Trina Solar Co. Ltd., and Trinity Heating & Air Inc. among others. The key offerings of some of these vendors are listed below:

Hanwha Group - The company offers solar panels for commercial and residential comprehensive energy solutions.

LG Electronics Inc. - The company offers solar panels for homes. It offers products like NeON R Series Solar Panels and other products for commercial and residential applications.

Panasonic Corp. - The company offers solar modules like EverVolt Black Series solar modules, N330E HIT Black Series AC module, and other products for residential usage.

Sungevity Inc. - The company provides solar panels, appliances, inverters, and other associated products and services for residential usage.

Sunnova Energy International Inc. - The company offers a variety of solar energy solutions for residential usage.

Get lifetime access to our Technavio Insights. Subscribe to our "Basic Plan" billed

annually at USD 5000 .

Residential Solar Market in US 2021-2025: Key Highlights

CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2021-2025

Detailed information on factors that will assist residential solar market growth in the US during the next five years

Estimation of the residential solar market size in the US and its contribution to the parent market

Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

The growth of the residential solar market in the US

Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors

Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of residential solar market vendors in the US

Related Reports:

Solar PV Market in APAC by End-user and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026

Solar Central Inverters Market by Application and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026

Residential Solar Market In US Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2025 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 10% Market growth 2021-2025 USD 5.99 billion Market structure Concentrated YoY growth (%) 9.68 Regional analysis US Performing market contribution US at 100% Key consumer countries US Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Hanwha Group, LG Electronics Inc., Panasonic Corp., Sungevity Inc., Sunnova Energy International Inc., SunPower Corp., Sunrun Inc., Tesla Inc., Trina Solar Co. Ltd., and Trinity Heating & Air Inc. Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID 19 impact and future consumer dynamics, market condition analysis for the forecast period, Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

Table Of Contents :

1. Executive Summary

2. Market Landscape

2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 01: Parent market

2.2 Market characteristics

Exhibit 02: Market Characteristics

2.3 Value chain analysis

Exhibit 03: Value chain analysis: Utilities market

2.3.1 Electricity generation

2.3.2 Electricity transmission

2.3.3 Electricity distribution

2.3.4 End-customers

2.3.5 Industry innovations

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

3.4.1 Estimating growth rates for emerging and high-growth markets

3.4.2 Estimating growth rates for mature markets

Exhibit 06: US - Market size and forecast 2020 - 2025 ($ million)

Exhibit 07: US 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 Technology

5.1 Market segments

The segments covered in this chapter are:

Crystalline silicon

Thin-film

Exhibit 15: Technology - Market share 2020-2025 (%)

5.2 Comparison by Technology

Exhibit 16: Comparison by Technology

5.3 Crystalline silicon - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 17: Crystalline silicon - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)

Exhibit 18: Crystalline silicon - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

5.4 Thin-film - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 19: Thin-film - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)

Exhibit 20: Thin-film - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

5.5 Market opportunity by Technology

Exhibit 21: Market opportunity by Technology

6. Customer landscape

Technavio's customer landscape matrix compares Drivers of price sensitivity, Adoption lifecycle, importance in customer price basket, Adoption rates and Key purchase criteria

Exhibit 22: Customer landscape

8. Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

8.1 Market drivers

7.1.1 Increasing investments in renewable energy

7.1.2 Favorable government regulations

7.1.3 Rising number of solar PV installations

8.2 Market challenges

7.2.1 Availability of alternative technologies

7.2.2 Technical challenges associated with battery technology

7.2.3 Low efficiency of solar PV

Exhibit 23: Impact of drivers and challenges

7.3 Market trends

7.3.1 Residential energy storage as virtual power plants

7.3.2 Market attracting new vendors

7.3.3 Increased green construction spending and zero energy homes

8. Vendor Landscape

8.1 Competitive scenario

8.3 Landscape disruption

The potential for the disruption of the market landscape was moderate in 2020, and its threat is expected to remain unchanged by 2025.

Exhibit 25: Landscape disruption

8.4 Industry risks

Exhibit 26: Industry risks

9. Vendor Analysis

9.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 27: Vendors covered

9.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 28: Market positioning of vendors

9.3 Hanwha Group

Exhibit 29: Hanwha Group - Overview

Exhibit 30: Hanwha Group - Product and service

Exhibit 31: Hanwha Group - Key offerings

9.4 LG Electronics Inc.

Exhibit 32: LG Electronics Inc. - Overview

Exhibit 33: LG Electronics Inc. - Business segments

Exhibit 34: LG Electronics Inc. - Key offerings

Exhibit 35: LG Electronics Inc. - Segment focus

9.5 Panasonic Corp.

Exhibit 36: Panasonic Corp. - Overview

Exhibit 37: Panasonic Corp. - Business segments

Exhibit 38: Panasonic Corp.-Key news

Exhibit 39: Panasonic Corp. - Key offerings

Exhibit 40: Panasonic Corp. - Segment focus

9.6 Sungevity Inc.

Exhibit 41: Sungevity Inc. - Overview

Exhibit 42: Sungevity Inc. - Product and service

Exhibit 43: Sungevity Inc. - Key offerings

9.7 Sunnova Energy International Inc.

Exhibit 44: Sunnova Energy International Inc. - Overview

Exhibit 45: Sunnova Energy International Inc. - Business segments

Exhibit 46: Sunnova Energy International Inc. - Key offerings

9.8 SunPower Corp.

Exhibit 47: SunPower Corp. - Overview

Exhibit 48: SunPower Corp. - Product and service

Exhibit 49: SunPower Corp. - Key offerings

9.9 Sunrun Inc.

Exhibit 50: Sunrun Inc. - Overview

Exhibit 51: Sunrun Inc. - Business segments

Exhibit 52: Sunrun Inc. - Key offerings

Exhibit 53: Sunrun Inc. - Segment focus

9.10 Tesla Inc.

Exhibit 54: Tesla Inc. - Overview

Exhibit 55: Tesla Inc. - Business segments

Exhibit 56: Tesla Inc.  Key news

Exhibit 57: Tesla Inc. - Key offerings

Exhibit 58: Tesla Inc. - Segment focus

9.11 Trina Solar Co. Ltd.

Exhibit 59: Trina Solar Co. Ltd. - Overview

Exhibit 60: Trina Solar Co. Ltd. - Product and service

Exhibit 61: Trina Solar Co. Ltd. - Key offerings

9.12 Trinity Heating & Air Inc.

Exhibit 62: Trinity Heating & Air Inc. - Overview

Exhibit 63: Trinity Heating & Air Inc. - Product and service

Exhibit 64: Trinity Heating & Air Inc. - Key offerings

11. Appendix

10.1 Scope of the report

10.1.1 Market definition

10.1.2 Objectives

10.1.3 Notes and caveats

10.2 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 65: Currency conversion rates for US$

10.3 Research methodology

Exhibit 66: Research Methodology

Exhibit 67: Validation techniques employed for market sizing

Exhibit 68: Information sources

10.4 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 69: 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.

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SOURCE Technavio
MBABANE  Some Members of Parliament (MPs) say they support the calls for the national dialogue to be held on neutral ground or tinkhundla centres other than Sibaya.

Last week, the MPs called upon government to ensure that dialogue took place immediately. It was during the debate of the Prime Ministers (PM) Offices first quarter of the financial year report, which took place in the House of Assembly. Yesterday, the MPs were engaged by this publication on how and where the dialogue that they were calling for should be held. This was brought about by the fact that government said the dialogue would be held in accordance with the Constitution, meaning Sibaya would be called, while some members of the progressives are against this view.

Dialogue

In an interview with this publication, Lomahasha MP Ndumiso Masimula said the only dialogue they would accept would be one held on neutral ground as compared to Sibaya. He said the reasons they were opting for neutral ground was that when it came to Sibaya, there were traditional limitations. He said traditionally, there were people who were not allowed to get inside Sibaya and these included women in mourning gowns as they were often identified as Bamnyama. Masimula said another reason he was suggesting another venue was that Sibaya was far from some areas such as his constituency (Lomahasha).

Reasons

He said in as much as when Sibaya was called, government would provide people with free transport, but some might not be in a position to travel the long distance for various reasons. The MP then said tinkhundla centres would be a better option whereby everyone would be free to go and speak their views. He said in his opinion, in the tinkhundla centres, constituents would be able to voice out their opinions without fear. He said in such a set-up, there should be a select committee that would collect the peoples views and compile them for submission to the authorities. He said it was worth noting that the committee should be all inclusive.

Mtsambama MP Simosakhe Shongwe said he was also against the idea that the dialogue should be held at Sibaya. He said there was a need to define what a dialogue was. He said a dialogue had to be a two-way street where both parties spoke in order to reach an agreement. Shongwe said if the dialogue was to be held at Sibaya, it would be impossible for the two-way approach to exist, but it would be more like a monologue. He said as far as he knew, there was never anything said at Sibaya that was ever implemented except the appointment of the prime minister.

The legislator said the dialogue should be all inclusive. He said some people were not for the idea of going to Sibaya hence their views might not be heard. He said people, including himself, had never gone to Sibaya and would never go there, but they were still emaSwati and they should not be left behind in national issues. Shongwe added that what was happening in the country was no longer acceptable. He said the dying of security forces was painful in as much it was also painful that civilians died last year June because of the security forces approach.

Painful

He said it was painful that members of the security forces were being used in politics, as politics were not the duty of the forces but rather their duty was to maintain peace and order. He added that politics should have been left to the politicians and the populace to dialogue about and come out with lasting solutions other than the use of force by government. We are not happy with the many souls being lost each and every day, said the MP.

Zakhele Magongo, Nkhaba MP, said it was up to the people to decide how they wanted the dialogue to be held. He noted that what mattered was that the dialogue should be held in order to come up with lasting solutions to the current political issues in the country.

Ndzingeni MP Lutfo Dlamini said in as much as he could not direct where the dialogue could be held, be it Sibaya or anywhere else, the most important thing was the dialogue itself. He said dialogue had always been emaSwatis way of life from time immemorial. We need it more now and as I said, we need to talk more about going forward, said Dlamini. Dlamini said apart from this, he believed there was a need to urgently get the much needed jobs and entrepreneurial spirit for the highly skilled youths that have been produced. He said there was a need to overhaul the running engine.

He added that as a government, this was possible, but again there was a need to collectively put brains and creativity together and do it. Its possible but we need the Executive to take the leadership and as the Legislature and electorate, we stand ready to assist. The prime minister is entrusted with the constitutional responsibility to ensure that we as a nation, regardless of our different ideologies and beliefs, come together and move towards a win-win end, said the MP.

Violence

Dlamini added that the absence of violence could make things much easier when it came to the dialogue. Dlamini said it was also important to acknowledge the Constitution when it came to the dialogue. He said there was a provision which speaks about Sibaya. He said the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the country, stated that in such circumstances there would be the need to go to Sibaya at the end of the day. He cited Section 232 of the Constitution. Dlamini said it was worth noting that dialogue was not a one day thing but a process, hence it had many stages which may include but not limited to Sibaya.

KuMethula MP Derrick Masuku said government should take the dialogue to the people so they can speak about what they want. He said it was up to the people to choose the venues where they wanted the dialogue to be held. Masuku said his desire was that the dialogue be held as soon as possible in order to resolve the situation in the country. Other MPs, who requested to speak on condition of anonymity, said tinkhundla centres were ideally a starting point for the dialogue. Let us make use of where we come from, the constituency. Lets start talking there. Our submissions will then be taken to the decision makers, one MP said. Another stated that most people were not shy to speak in their territory, hence the constituency centres were ideal.
SAN FRANCISCO, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Resilience, which provides cyber insurance and security solutions to mid-market enterprises to help them holistically evaluate, manage, and quantify their cyber risk, continues its global expansion in the UK and Europe with five senior executive appointments:

Jack Jenner , International Head of Distribution and Strategy

, International Head of Distribution and Strategy Rehan Hussain , Head of Underwriting, Europe , UK, and Lloyd's of London

, Head of Underwriting, , UK, and Lloyd's of Tom Ryan , Lead Underwriter, UK

, Lead Underwriter, UK Tom Egglestone , International Claims Leader, UK and Europe

Simon West , Cyber Advisory Lead

"Our new hires' extensive experience and relationships in the UK and European marketplace ensures our international expansion is launched from a position of strength," said Mario Vitale, President of Resilience. "I am thrilled to welcome such an impressive group of leaders to the team. Their track record of innovative thinking is exactly the approach we need to set the new security standard for cyber risk and redefine what it means to be cyber resilient."

Resilience has made key hires to their security team in support of its UK expansion, appointing industry veteran Simon West as Cyber Advisory Lead. "We are extremely excited to add Simon West to our growing security team," said Michael McNerney, SVP of Security at Resilience. "Simon is a recognized security expert with years of practical experience helping clients achieve cyber resilience."

Jack Jenner joins Resilience as International Head of Distribution and Strategy. Jenner has over 20 years of experience in international insurance and most recently served as Group COO at Orient Insurance in Dubai. Previously, he served as CEO of Middle East and North Africa at Allianz, where he also held prior leadership positions in Asia and London.

Rehan Hussain joins Resilience as Head of Underwriting, Europe, UK, and Lloyd's of London.

Most recently Hussain served as Head of Cyber UK and Nordics, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, based in London, where he led a team of underwriters serving London, UK, and European markets, underwriting middle market and large global accounts. Hussain has more than 14 years of international insurance experience, including serving as Head of Financial Lines for Middle East and North Africa, where he developed the cyber insurance proposition and underwriting team for the region.

Tom Ryan joins Resilience as Lead Underwriter, UK. Ryan was most recently Major Account Segment Leader, Cyber and Technology at Chubb UK, where he led a team of underwriters serving the large global account segment through the London market and retail distribution. Previously, he served as Senior Underwriter, UK Retail, where he developed and executed the retail middle market strategy for Chubb UK. Ryan brings to Resilience nearly a decade of underwriting experience in cyber, technology, and financial lines products.

Tom Egglestone joins Resilience as International Claims Leader, UK and Europe. Egglestone most recently served as Cyber and Intellectual Property Claims Manager at Tokio Marine Kiln where he was recognized as a specialist in cyber and intellectual property products, having handled some of the London market's largest claims in those areas. Previously a claims adjuster at CFC and Hiscox,

Egglestone has over a decade of escalating experience and responsibility for complex specialty claims and claims operations in the London market.

Simon West joins Resilience as Cyber Advisory Lead. West has more than 25 years of global security risk management experience across government, military, and civil agencies. He is a National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) certified instructor leading training for global underwriting teams on complex risk issues. West served over 14 years in the Royal Marines and has an MSc in Cyber Security and Human Factors from Bournemouth University.

About Resilience

Resilience is an industry leader in providing cyber insurance and security solutions, combining enhanced insurance coverage with advanced monitoring tools and deep technical expertise to help businesses better manage their cyber risk. Backed by global insurer Intact Financial Corporation - as well as venture capital firms like General Catalyst, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Founders Fund, CRV, Intact Ventures, and Shield Capital - Resilience leverages its proprietary, data-driven risk analytics platform to provide highly tailored policy coverage and a superior in-house claims experience. With headquarters in San Francisco, the Resilience team operates globally with offices in New York, San Francisco, Baltimore, Toronto, and London. Coverage offered through Lloyd's will be available through an approved coverholder.

To learn more about Resilience, visit https://resilienceinsurance.com .

SOURCE Resilience
NOIDA, India, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new report published by UnivDatos Markets Insights the Retail E-Commerce Packaging Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 13% from 2021-2027. The analysis has been segmented into Material Type (Corrugated Board, Paper, Plastic, and Others); Application (Electronics, Personal Care, Healthcare, Food and Beverages, Apparel and Fashion, and Others); Region/Country.

Click here to view the Report Description & TOC

The Retail E-Commerce Packaging market report has been aggregated by collecting informative data from various dynamics such as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. This innovative report makes use of several analyses to get a closer outlook on the retail e-commerce packaging market globally. This report offers a detailed analysis of the latest industry developments and trending factors that are influencing the market growth. Furthermore, this statistical market research repository examines and estimates the global market at regional and country levels.

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Market Overview

The retail e-commerce packaging market is expected to register a CAGR of around 13% over the period of 2021-2027. This is mainly due to the increasing internet penetration rate coupled with the rapidly growing electronics and consumer goods market. The growth of this market can be attributed to the rising population coupled with continuously increasing online shopping. For instance, in 2010, there were nearly 6.92 Bn people living on this planet the number increased to around 7.72 Bn in ten years hence the demand for most products increased significantly. Moreover, developments in the e-commerce and electronics industry worked as a catalyst in increasing the demand for several products such as electronic goods, healthcare products, personal care products, and other types of products.

COVID-19 Impact

The impact of Covid-19 on renewable electricity technologies with long lead times, such as hydropower, offshore wind, CSP, and geothermal, remains limited. Hydropower capacity additions are forecast to increase both in 2020 and 2021, driven by the commissioning of two mega hydropower projects in China and supporting the rebound of renewables next year. The forecast for offshore wind remains unchanged as most projects are already financed and under construction.

The global Retail E-Commerce Packaging market report is studied thoroughly with several aspects that would help stakeholders in making their decisions more curated.

Amongst material types, the corrugated board segment accounted for a significant share of the market and is expected to grow with a strong growth rate during the forecast period. Corrugated boards are among the safest option for delivering a product without significantly increasing the cost of packaging. Thereby, online retailers preferred corrugated board-based packaging to minimize the package return rate due to damaged products and simultaneously maintain a good profit margin

The electronics segment is expected to witness a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The electronics segment is growing rapidly mainly due to the demand for useful and new technologies, short replacement cycles, and the dropping prices of several electronic devices.

Have a Look at the Chapters

Retail E-Commerce Packaging Market Geographical Segmentation Includes:

North America ( United States , Canada , and Rest of North America )

( , , and Rest of ) Europe ( Germany , United Kingdom , Italy , France , Spain , and the Rest of Europe )

( , , , , , and the Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , India , Australia , Japan , and the Rest of Asia-Pacific )

( , , , , and the Rest of ) Rest of the World

Asia-Pacific is expected to witness a robust CAGR during the forecast period. The increase in internet penetration rate in emerging economies, as well as the rising disposable income, has contributed to the growth of the e-commerce market in the region. Further, entering of several online startups in the region is creating competition in the e-commerce market. As a result of which, e-commerce players are working at a lower-margins and in many cases facing severe losses. However, from the consumer perspective, they are getting a product at a reasonable price, thus opting for the online mode of retailing over conventional brick-and-mortar stores.

The major players targeting the market include

Georgia-Pacific LLC.

DS Smith Plc

Smurfit Kappa Group Plc

International Paper Company

Westrock Company

Packaging Corporation of America

Mondi Plc

Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd.

Sealed Air Corporation

Sonoco Products Company

Competitive Landscape

The degree of competition among prominent companies has been elaborated by analyzing several leading key players operating globally. The specialist team of research analysts sheds light on various traits such as global market competition, market share, most recent industry advancements, innovative product launches, partnerships, mergers, or acquisitions by leading companies in the global retail e-commerce packaging market. The major players have been analyzed by using research methodologies for getting insight views on market competition.

Key questions resolved through this analytical market research report include:

What are the latest trends, new patterns, and technological advancements in the global retail e-commerce packaging market?

Which factors are influencing the global retail e-commerce packaging market over the forecast period?

What are the global challenges, threats, and risks in the global retail e-commerce packaging market?

Which factors are propelling and restraining the global retail e-commerce packaging market?

What are the demanding global regions of the global retail e-commerce packaging market?

What will be the market size in the upcoming years?

What are the crucial market acquisition strategies and policies applied by the companies?

We understand the requirement of different businesses, regions, and countries, we offer customized reports as per your requirements of business nature. Please let us know If you have any custom needs.

About UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI)

Browse Other Related Research Reports from UnivDatos Market Insights

About UnivDatos Market Insights

UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) is a passionate market research firm and a subsidiary of Universal Data Solutions. We believe in delivering insights through Market Intelligence Reports, Customized Business Research, and Primary Research. Our research studies are spread across topics across the world, we cover markets in over 100 countries using smart research techniques and agile methodologies. We offer in-depth studies, detailed analysis, and customized reports that help shape winning business strategies for our clients.

Contact

UnivDatos Market Insights

Ankita Gupta

Director Operations

Ph: +91-7838604911

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://univdatos.com/

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1225049/UnivDatos_Logo.jpg

SOURCE UnivDatos Market Insights Pvt. Ltd.
By 2025, Reynolds expects to reduce carbon emissions by over 1,000 tons a year from vehicles in fleet

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Reynolds American Inc., the BAT Group's U.S. subsidiary, and its companies (Reynolds) is advancing its Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) goals by transitioning its current 1,800+ vehicle trade and operations fleet to hybrid and electric models. The move will replace aging vehicles on a rolling basis over the next three years, resulting in a projected annual 1000+ ton reduction in carbon emissions.

Ford Escape Hybrid

"Our sales and trade marketing representatives average nearly 27,000 miles a year in their territories across the fifty states  that's a lot of time on the road," said Ed Mirana, Senior Vice President, National Sales and Strategic Accounts at Reynolds. "With this move to hybrid vehicles, our sales and operations teams are driving progress on our sustainability ambitions."

Reynolds is collaborating with Ford Pro to transition its current fleet to a mix of vehicle models, including the Escape SEL Hybrid, Explorer Limited Hybrid, Ford E-Transit, and Ford-150 Lightning. Included in the 1,800+ fleet are nearly 50 light-duty Operations vehicles used across Reynolds' North Carolina and Tennessee facilities, which will be transitioned to a combination of hybrid and electric models as part of this initiative.

"We continue to push for new ways to reduce our use of resources and environmental impact. We have a bold global ambition for carbon-neutral operations by 2030, and reducing carbon emissions in our fleet is an important step on this journey. In addition, by 2024, more than 95% of all industrial vehicles used in Operations will be electric," said Bernd Meyer, Executive Vice President of Operations at Reynolds. "With these significant changes and investments over the next few years, we are currently on track to meet a fleet carbon emission reduction of 50% by 2025."

In 2022, approximately 650 hybrid and electric vehicles will replace internal combustible engine vehicles organization-wide.

Reynolds joins the BAT Group's growing list of markets across the globe, including Australia, Colombia, Germany, Mexico, and the Netherlands, where trade and operations fleet transitions to hybrid and electric vehicles are well underway.

About Reynolds American Inc.

Reynolds American Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BAT Group and the U.S. parent company of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc., American Snuff Company, LLC, R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, and Modoral Brands Inc. To learn more about Reynolds American Inc. and its operating companies, please visit www.reynoldsamerican.com.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

Forward Looking Statements

This release contains certain forward-looking statements, including "forward-looking" statements made within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "believe," "anticipate," "could," "may," "would," "should," "intend," "plan," "potential," "predict," "will," "expect," "estimate," "project," "positioned," "strategy," "outlook", "target" and similar expressions. These include statements regarding our ESG targets.

All such forward-looking statements involve estimates and assumptions that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors. It is believed that the expectations reflected in this release are reasonable but they may be affected by a wide range of variables that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. A review of the reasons why actual results and developments may differ materially from the expectations disclosed or implied within forward-looking statements can be found by referring to the information contained under the headings "Forward-looking statements" and "Group Principal Risks " in the 2021 Annual Report and Form 20-F of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (BAT).

Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in BAT's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the Annual Report on Form 20-F and Current Reports on Form 6-K, which may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's website, http://www.sec.gov and BAT's Annual Reports, which may be obtained free of charge from the British American Tobacco website www.bat.com.

Past performance is no guide to future performance and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. The forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation of this release and BAT undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Reynolds American Inc.
More than 11,500+ bidders from 58 countries registered to bid on items from 640+ consignors

FORT WORTH, Texas, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Ritchie Bros.' latest Fort Worth, TX auction brought together 11,500+ bidders from 58 countries to compete for 4,200+ items, generating US$59+ million in gross transaction value.

Approximately 90% of the equipment in the July 19  21, 2022 auction was sold to U.S. buyers, including 42% sold to Texans, while the remaining 10% was purchased by international buyers from as far away as Australia, India, and Singapore.

"Ritchie Bros. is transforming its live events to celebrate our customers and partners. Last week in Texas, we held an onsite customer appreciation day, an industry association meeting, and a fantastic auction in Fort Worth," said Chuck Roberson, Regional Sales Manager, Ritchie Bros. "With more than 11,000 bidders, we saw a lot of competition online and onsite, resulting in a strong pricing for most asset categories, especially construction-related equipment."

Equipment items and trucks were sold for more than 640 owners, including a complete dispersal for Bradford Boring, LLC, a drilling contractor based in Oklahoma.

"We are very pleased with the results and look forward to working with Ritchie Bros. again," said Scott Bradford, Owner of Bradford Boring. "It's great that we were able to bring our items to Ritchie Bros.' yard in Oklahoma City, selling virtually in a cost-effective and efficient way, while getting the benefits of the big buying audience Fort Worth attracts."

Five Big Sellers in Fort Worth

2020 Vermeer D100X140III directional drill  US$430,000

2009 Grove GMK5130-2 130-ton 10x6x10 all-terrain crane  US$320,000

2016 Caterpillar 160M3 AWD motor grader  US$280,000

2008 Vermeer T755III tracked trencher  US$250,000

2012 Caterpillar D8T dozer  US$207,500

AUCTION QUICK FACTS: FORT WORTH ( JULY 2022 )

Gross Transaction Value: US$59+ million

Bidders: 11,500+ from 58 countries

Items sold: 4,200+

Consignors: 640+

"Our next Fort Worth event in September is going to be special, with our very first Ritchie Bros. Energy Day, which will feature thousands of oil & gas specific assets stored onsite and at offsite locations in Midland, TX; and Oklahoma City, OK," said Kelly Kittson, Director, Strategic Accounts & leader of the Ritchie Bros. Energy team. "If you have equipment to sell, contact us as soon as possible so we can start marketing your equipment to the world."

Ritchie Bros. has dozens of upcoming events on its auction calendar at rbauction.com, including a Rocky Mountain Regional Event with 3,200+ items on August 3  4; Tipton, CA and North Franklin, CT Timed Auctions on August 10 and 16; and a three-day event in Houston, TX on August 23  25. The company also sells items weekly through its online marketplaces at IronPlanet.com, GovPlanet.com, Marketplace-E, and Ritchie List.

About Ritchie Bros.

Established in 1958, Ritchie Bros. (NYSE: RBA) (TSX: RBA) is a global asset management and disposition company, offering customers end-to-end solutions for buying and selling used heavy equipment, trucks and other assets. Operating in a number of sectors, including construction, transportation, agriculture, energy, mining, and forestry, the company's selling channels include: Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, the world's largest industrial auctioneer offering live auction events with online bidding; IronPlanet, an online marketplace with weekly featured auctions and providing the exclusive IronClad Assurance equipment condition certification; Marketplace-E, a controlled marketplace offering multiple price and timing options; Ritchie List, a self-serve listing service for North America; Mascus, a leading European online equipment listing service; Ritchie Bros. Private Treaty, offering privately negotiated sales; and sector-specific solutions GovPlanet, TruckPlanet, and Ritchie Bros. Energy. The Company's suite of solutions also includes Ritchie Bros. Asset Solutions and Rouse Services LLC, which together provides a complete end-to-end asset management, data-driven intelligence and performance benchmarking system; SmartEquip, an innovative technology platform that supports customers' management of the equipment lifecycle and integrates parts procurement with both OEMs and dealers; plus equipment financing and leasing through Ritchie Bros. Financial Services. For more information about Ritchie Bros., visit RitchieBros.com.

Photos and video for embedding in media stories are available at rbauction.com/media.

SOURCE Ritchie Bros.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Santa Cruz County Bank (OTCQX: SCZC), today announced the launch of a $5 million Share Repurchase Program. The Bank's Board of Directors authorized the Share Repurchase Program and received the required approvals from the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation as well as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

This is the first share buyback program in the history of the Bank. In March 2022, the Bank completed a previously announced 2-for-1 stock split.

"Since our founding, we have continuously aligned the Bank's strategic initiatives with increasing shareholder value," stated Chairman William J. Hansen. "The Board's authorization of this Program is based upon the strength of our balance sheet, our financial performance and continued growth. This Program further demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the value for all stockholders investing in Santa Cruz County Bank."

The Board's authorization for the Program permits the repurchase of up to $5 million of Santa Cruz County Bank common shares in open market and privately-negotiated transactions. Additionally, the Bank entered into contract with Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, a nationally recognized broker dealer, to facilitate repurchases. The Bank intends that all share repurchases will be made in compliance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 under rules 10b-18 and 10b5-1. The Stock Repurchase Program, which will expire on May 20, 2023, may be suspended, terminated, or modified at any time without notice. Shares purchased under the program will reduce the number of shares outstanding and will be returned to authorized but unissued status.

The timing and amount of common stock repurchases made pursuant to the Santa Cruz County Bank Share Repurchase Program are subject to various factors, including the Bank's capital position, liquidity, financial performance, alternative uses of capital, stock trading price, regulatory requirements and general market conditions. The repurchase program does not obligate the Bank to acquire any particular number of shares, and the repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the Bank's discretion.

ABOUT SANTA CRUZ COUNTY BANK

Santa Cruz County Bank was founded in 2004. Locally-owned and operated, Santa Cruz County Bank is a full-service community bank headquartered in Santa Cruz, California. The bank has branches in Aptos, Capitola, Cupertino, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. Santa Cruz County Bank is distinguished from "big banks" by its relationship-based service, problem-solving focus and direct access to decision makers. The bank is a leading SBA lender in Santa Cruz County and Silicon Valley and a top USDA lender in the state of California. The bank's many awards include: eight consecutive years in American Banker's Top 200 Community Banks in the Nation: Bauer Financial Superior 5-Star rating for every quarter in 2021: six consecutive years in Financial Management Consulting Group's Top 10 banks in California and ranked 13 out of 127 California banks based upon overall financial performance in 2021. As a full-service bank, Santa Cruz County Bank offers competitive deposit and lending solutions for businesses and individuals; including business loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate financing, construction lending, agricultural loans, SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans, asset-based lending, credit cards, merchant services, remote deposit capture, mobile and online banking, bill payment and treasury management. True to its community roots, Santa Cruz County Bank has supported regional well-being by actively participating in and donating to local not-for-profit organizations.

Santa Cruz County Bank stock is publicly traded on the OTCQX U.S. Premier marketplace under the symbol SCZC. Stock purchase orders may be placed online, through a brokerage firm, or through Market Makers listed in the Investor Relations section of the bank's website. For more information about Santa Cruz County Bank, visit www.sccountybank.com .

This release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties may include but are not necessarily limited to fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, government regulations and general economic conditions, and competition within the business areas in which the Bank is conducting its operations, including the real estate market in California and other factors beyond the Bank's control. Such risks and uncertainties could cause results for subsequent interim periods or for the entire year to differ materially from those indicated. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. The Bank undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

SOURCE Santa Cruz County Bank
American watch manufacturer gets a tactical refresh ahead of Fall launch

ATLANTA, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For over ten years, Smith & Bradley has been creating American Made Swiss watches for men . The company started with a more traditional watch manufacturer look and feel. Their watch design and creative has slowly moved over the years, so the company decided now was the time for a creative refresh. Newer Smith & Bradley watch designs were more modern and updated, but the logo lagged behind. And the colors remained black and white, which is a very standard color for watch manufacturers.

"It's past time for an update," said Jay Allen, CEO of Smith & Bradley, "and we finally created a new logo and color scheme that we believe will take us forward over the next ten years." The new logo and color scheme are also driving a complete overhaul of the Smith & Bradley website, which will relaunch in early August. The new site will help power the next leg of the DTC brand's growth strategy. "We've taken another look at all aspects of how we go to market. And we're excited to relaunch as the same Smith & Bradley but with an updated look and feel that better reflect the truth of our brand," Jay Allen continued.

Early Smith & Bradley logos featured an overall shield design, but the watch logos featured an overlaid S&B logo. The new logo will be used across watch faces, new product launches and all marketing materials. It incorporates the early shield design, which highlights the tough, rugged aspects of Smith & Bradley watches. But it uses a new SB design and an updated brand font for the Smith & Bradley name. "Clean, modern and clearly focused on our target market," is how the brand describes the new logo. They believe the new logo quickly communicates how tough and unbreakable they make their men's watches.

In addition to relaunching their brand and website, Smith & Bradley is planning to release their first new watch since the pandemic began. A rugged field watch that is crafted to withstand the bumps and clashes that might happen when their customers are on the trail. The new watch is called their "Discovery series" and is planned for a mid-September launch. Smith & Bradley is planning additional new watches for the upcoming season.

About Smith & Bradley

American made Swiss watch manufacturer that crafts tough, unbreakable watches for men. Smith & Bradley was started by a law enforcement officer who needed a better watch on the beat. Now they manufacture mens dive watches, tactical watches and casual watches.

PRESS CONTACT

Jay Allen

678-699-0775

https://www.sbwatch.com

SOURCE Smith & Bradley Watches
BOUND BROOK, N.J. and LIVINGSTON, N.J., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Somerset Savings Bank, SLA ("Somerset Savings") announced today that its Board of Directors has adopted a plan of conversion to convert from the mutual to stock form of organization. SR Bancorp, Inc., a newly formed Maryland corporation ("SR Bancorp" or the "Company"), has been organized to facilitate the conversion and offer shares of common stock to certain depositors of Somerset Savings and others in a subscription and community offering. The number and price of the shares to be issued in the conversion offering will be based on an independent appraisal that has yet to be performed. In addition, and to further support the communities in which Somerset Savings operates, it is intended that a charitable foundation will be established and funded with conversion stock and cash as part of the transaction.

Somerset Savings Logo Regal Bancorp Logo

In connection with the conversion, the Boards of Directors of Somerset Savings and SR Bancorp entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Regal Bancorp, Inc. ("Regal Bancorp") and its subsidiary Regal Bank. In the merger, Regal Bancorp will merge with and into SR Bancorp, with SR Bancorp as the surviving entity, and Regal Bank will merge with and into Somerset Savings, with Somerset Savings as the surviving institution under the name Somerset Regal Bank. In connection with the conversion and merger, Somerset Savings also intends to convert to a New Jersey chartered commercial bank.

The plan of conversion establishes June 30, 2021 as the eligibility record date for determining the eligible account holders of Somerset Savings entitled to receive nontransferable subscription rights to purchase common stock. The transactions contemplated by the plan are subject to approval by (1) the voting members of Somerset Savings at a Special Meeting of Members; (ii) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and (iii) the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (the "Department"). The formation of the holding company as the parent company of Somerset Savings is subject to the approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Department, if required.

Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, Regal Bancorp shareholders may elect to receive 1.93 shares of SR Bancorp, Inc. common stock (based on a $10.00 per share offering price) or $19.30 in cash for each share of Regal Bancorp common stock, subject to the allocation and proration procedures set forth in the merger agreement, which require that 80% of the merger consideration be Company common stock and 20% of the merger consideration be cash. If SR Bancorp issues a number of shares of its common stock in its conversion stock offering that is above the midpoint of the offering range established in the independent appraisal, then the aggregate stock portion of the merger consideration will be increased to 90%. The aggregate transaction value of the merger is approximately $58.4 million.

The merger agreement has been approved by the Boards of Directors of the Company, Somerset Savings, Regal Bancorp and Regal Bank. The merger is subject to the approval of the shareholders of Regal Bancorp and the completion of the Company's conversion and stock offering. In addition, the conversion is subject to the approval of the members of Somerset Savings. The transactions are also subject to the approval of bank regulatory authorities, as well as other customary conditions. The conversion, offering and merger are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023 and will be consummated simultaneously.

In announcing the transaction, William P. Taylor, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Somerset Savings said: "The simultaneous conversion and merger with Regal Bancorp, and our conversion to a commercial bank charter, marks a pivotal point in the history of Somerset Savings. This transaction not only combines two well-respected community banking organizations creating a combined franchise with complimentary business lines and over $1 billion in total assets, but also provides our depositors the ability to benefit as shareholders in the combined organization and allows our customers to benefit from the commercial lending expertise the Regal team brings to the combined company. Finally, the additional capital we raise in the offering will help support future growth as we continue our development as a full-service community bank."

Christopher Pribula, the President, Chief Operating Officer and a director of Somerset Savings, stated: "We look forward to partnering with the Regal team and providing a wide range of products and services to our combined customer base at the same level of quality customer service that has been a hallmark of both Somerset Savings Bank and Regal Bank."

The Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Regal Bancorp, David M. Orbach, and two other Regal Bancorp board members will join the board of directors of SR Bancorp and Somerset Regal Bank upon completion of the merger transaction. Mr. Orbach will serve as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of SR Bancorp and as Executive Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Somerset Regal Bank. Mr. Taylor will continue as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Somerset Regal Bank and will serve as Chief Executive Officer and a director of SR Bancorp. Christopher Pribula will continue as President, Chief Operating Officer and a director of Somerset Regal Bank and SR Bancorp.

Commenting on the transaction, David Orbach stated, " Regal shares a like-minded philosophy with the executives of Somerset in their management style and adherence to sound principles. We are very excited to be partnering with an outstanding community bank that has a long history of providing quality financial products and services to the communities and markets it serves. I look forward to working together on the future growth and success of the combined institution."

Thomas Lupo, President and CEO of Regal, stated: "The merger represents a great opportunity for our shareholders, customers and employees. It will benefit the customers of both institutions, allowing us to offer our commercial lending products and knowledge to Somerset customers, while Regal customers will benefit from Somerset's residential lending products and experience."

Somerset Savings was advised by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, a Stifel Company and Luse Gorman, PC. Regal Bancorp was advised by The Kafafian Group, Inc. and Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP.

About Somerset Savings

Somerset Savings Bank, SLA formed in 1887, is a New Jersey savings and loan association. Somerset Savings is a full-service community bank headquartered in Bound Brook, New Jersey that operates seven branches in Hunterdon, Middlesex and Somerset Counties, New Jersey. At March 31, 2022, Somerset Savings had $649.0 million in total assets, $317.0 million in net loans, $525.0 million in deposits and total equity of $120.2 million. Additional information about Somerset Savings is available on its website, www.somersetsavings.com.

About Regal Bancorp

Regal Bancorp, Inc., which became the bank holding company for Regal Bank in 2017, is a New Jersey corporation and is registered with the Federal Reserve Board as a bank holding company. Regal Bank, formed in 2007, is a full-service community bank headquartered in Livingston, New Jersey that operates ten branches in Essex, Morris, Somerset and Union Counties, New Jersey. At March 31, 2022, Regal Bancorp had $544.7 million in total assets, $345.7 million in net loans, $480.5 million in deposits and total equity of $46.7 million. Additional information about Regal Bank is available on its website, www.regalbanknj.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical or current facts and they often include words like "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend" or similar terminology. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected include delays in completing the liquidation and the dissolution. Except as required by law, none of the Company, Somerset Savings, Regal Bancorp or Regal Bank undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statement is made.

Additional Information

The offering by the Company will be made only by means of a prospectus in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all applicable state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

The proposed transaction will be submitted to shareholders of Regal Bancorp for their consideration. The Company will file a registration statement, a proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Regal Bancorp shareholders are urged to read the registration statement and proxy statement/prospectus when they become available and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to those documents, because they will contain important information. You will be able to obtain a free copy of the proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about the Company, at the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and the SEC filings that will be incorporated by reference in the proxy statement/prospectus can be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to Lisa King, Investor Relations, Regal Bancorp, 570 West Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, New Jersey 07039, 973-716-0600.

The directors and executive officers of Regal Bancorp may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Regal Bancorp in connection with the merger. Information about the directors and executive officers of Regal Bancorp and their ownership of Regal Bancorp common stock may be found in its definitive proxy statement relating to its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which can be obtained free of charge from Regal Bancorp by directing a request to Lisa King, Investor Relations, Regal Bancorp, 570 West Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, New Jersey 07039, 973-716-0600. Additional information regarding the interests of these participants and other persons who may be deemed participants in the transaction may be obtained by reading the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction when it becomes available.

SOURCE Somerset Savings Bank
Street Dept. Demanding that the City Return to Negotiations

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, workers employed by the Youngstown Street Dept. who are represented by Teamsters Local 377 protested a proposal put before the city council that would impose a contract on them that they voted down. The union asks that the City Law Director Jeff Limbian give them dates and times when he is available for further negotiations on behalf of the City.

"I'd like to thank the city councilors and community leaders who voiced their support against this measure," said Local 377 Secretary-Treasurer Ralph Cook. "If you impose a contract on city workers that they voted down  you aren't negotiating, you are union-busting, and your constituents will remember that."

"This isn't just our job, this is our city and we love it," said a member of the Youngstown Street Department who asked to speak anonymously. "If we don't get a good contract, we could lose even more drivers to the private sector. That means it could take even longer for streets to get plowed and repaired. That's bad for me, that's bad for you, that's bad for everybody."

"Limbian said, 'the city will always be interested in coming back to the table. We want clear lines of communication and open dialogue," said Steven Anzevino, Local 377 President. "That's great! We want the same thing. Please, name a date, name a time, we will be there."

Teamsters Local 377 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Northeastern Ohio.

Contact:

Steven Anzevino, (330) 623-0377

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 377
Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty's Three-Way Expansion

KINGSTON, N.Y., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Amidst a changing real estate landscape, Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty opened a new location at 5 Hudson Street in Kinderhook, NY. While other investor-driven real estate brands with a shorter history, a focus on unconventional business practices, and tumbling stock-prices have laid off a large percentage of their workers, Hudson Valley/Catskills brokerage Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty is growing, bringing the same excellence and professionalism they've offered the region for 30 years to Columbia County. Members of the Kinderhook Business Association, Mayor Michael Abrams, members of the Sheriff's Department and over 100 community members were on hand for a June 23rd ribbon-cutting ceremony that commemorated the opening of both Village Green and Farmers Insurance who now share the newly-renovated space at 5 Hudson Street. Set on a trajectory of growth, Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty also opened an office in the Putnam County hamlet of Carmel in May and celebrated the opening of an expanded office in Windham on July 4th.

Principal Broker/Owner Candida Ellis was excited by the event's turnout, "I've been looking for the perfect spot for a Columbia County office for a long time. I know we've made the right decision here in Kinderhook. We've been welcomed by the community with open arms; we have agents who have been working in Columbia County for years - Joel Craig, Mary McKinney, The Angela Lanuto Team, Christine Hinz - and their reputation has preceded them in the market. With the addition of Doe Mallory, we can meet the need for our services here and offer opportunities to additional agents who'd like to partner with us. While the national real estate market is changing, I'm undaunted. The second and third quarter numbers for the Kinderhook area were strong and The Hudson Valley and Catskills region has - even during the late-2000's  historically had a steady market. We're here to give our clients excellent service."

Doe Mallory, the office's Director of Business Development grew up in New York City and Rhinebeck. As a child she explored the upscale homes of the Hudson Valley while tagging along with her father, an interior designer. Most recently she worked in the luxury real estate space in Pebble Beach. "We're poised to offer the exceptional level of service we're known for and also to contribute a forward-thinking, dynamic energy to the real estate market in Columbia County. I grew up looking at beautiful, fun homes in the Hudson Valley. I'm thrilled to return to my roots and to have the opportunity to work with the homes and the people I grew up with. And we're going to be fortunate enough to have a rotating exhibition of Columbia County artists' work in the office. Our first artist is Robert Beard. His work is stunning. I hope the whole community will feel comfortable enough to come in and browse the art, even if they aren't immediately in need of our real estate services."

Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty's Chief Operating Officer Guy Barretta said, "We're excited to be opening here in Kinderhook, NY. Candida and I have sought ways to expand that benefit our clients and our established agents. I feel we've succeeded here on both counts. Our agents have been doing more business in Columbia County than ever before. With the leadership we have in the regional market and the national branding that Coldwell Banker delivers, we know that we will be the preferred choice in this market for clients and for agents who are looking for a great partnership."

Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty is celebrating 30 years in the Hudson Valley! With eight offices across the Hudson Valley and Catskills Region in Carmel, Catskill, Kingston, New Paltz, Red Hook, Windham and Woodstock NY, Coldwell Banker Village Green has spent decades making real estate experiences what they should be for their agents and clients.

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty
DUBLIN, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Minimally Invasive Surgical Systems Market by Product Systems, by Application, by End-user - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Minimally Invasive Surgical Systems Market size was valued at USD 28.60 billion in 2021 and is predicted to reach USD 55.59 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 7.8% from 2022-2030.

Minimally invasive surgical system allows doctors to utilize methods that limit the size and number of cuts or incisions, during surgeries. These surgical systems are more secure than open medical surgeries. Surgeons use minimally invasive approaches to diagnose and treat different types of diseases such as cancers and some stomach issues such as ruptured appendix or gallbladder issues.

Also, several other procedures, such as hip and knee substitutions surgeries, hiatal hernia repair surgeries, lung surgeries, and weight reduction surgeries are performed using minimally invasive surgical systems. Moreover, minimally invasive surgical systems offer less postoperative pain, quicker recuperation time, less stress on the immune system, and reduced operation timing.



Market Dynamics and Trends

The demand for minimally invasive surgical system is rising due to increasing number of medical surgeries across the world, along with rising adoption of minimally invasive surgical system (MIS) over open surgery techniques, as it causes less postoperative complications and shortens patient's stay in the hospital. For instance, in September 2021, U.S Centres for Disease Control (CDC) announced that heart disease was the leading cause of deaths in the U.S. It also stated that about 18.2 million adults of age 20 years and older had coronary artery disease, and about 360,900 people died in 2019 alone due to coronary heart disease. r,.

Furthermore, the rising preference of electrosurgery and electrocautery by the surgeons in order to control excessive blood loss during surgical procedures also boosts the growth of the market. In addition, the increasing demand for cardiothoracic surgeries due to prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) coupled with growing awareness about the benefits of early detection of cardiovascular complications also contribute to the growth of the minimally invasive surgical system market during the forecast period.



However, high cost associated with minimally invasive techniques, along with shortage of skilled professionals to perform minimally invasive surgeries are expected to restrain the growth of the market during the forecast period. On the other hand, popularity of ambulatory surgeries involving robots, as they do not require hospital admissions and offer cost-effectiveness that provide significant savings for governments, third-party payers, and patients is expected to create ample growth opportunities for the market in the upcoming years.



Competitive Landscape

The minimally invasive surgical systems market comprises of several market players such as Medtronic plc, Johnson & Johnson, Stryker Corporation, Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Intuitive Surgical, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Smith & Nephew plc, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc and Siemens Healthineers AG. These market players are adopting various strategies such as collaborations and product launches to maintain dominance in the minimally invasive surgical systems market.

For instance, in February 2022, Medtronic plc performed the first clinical procedure of robotic prostatectomy in Europe by collaborating with OLV Hospital Aalst, Belgium in order to improve minimally invasive surgery best practices. Also, in December 2020, Abbott Laboratories launched a minimally-invasive heart valve repair device to treat mitral regurgitation. This device helps to reduce the backflow of blood (known as mitral regurgitation, or MR) and also restores the heart's ability to pump oxygenated blood efficiently.



Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction

2. Minimally Invasive Surgical Systems Market - Executive Summary



3. Market Overview

3.1. Market Definition and Scope

3.2. Market Dynamics



4. Market Share Analysis

4.1. Market Share Analysis of Top Minimally Invasive Surgical Systems Providers, 2021



5. Global Minimally Invasive Surgical Systems Market, by Product

5.1. Overview

5.2. Systems/Console Installed Base

5.3. Surgical Robotic Systems

5.4. Conventional Minimally Invasive Surgical Equipment



6. Global Minimally Invasive Surgical Systems Market, by Application

6.1. Overview

6.2. Surgical Robotic Surgery

6.3. Conventional Minimally Invasive Surgery



7. Global Minimally Invasive Surgical Systems Market, by Enduser

7.1. Overview

7.2. Hospitals

7.3. Ambulatory Surgery Centers/Clinics

7.4. Others



8. Global Minimally Invasive Surgical Systems Market, by Region

8.1. Overview

8.2. North America

8.3. Europe

8.4. Asia-Pacific

8.5. Rest of World



9. Company Profiles

9.1. Medtronic plc

9.2. Siemens Healthineers AG

9.3. Smith and Nephew

9.4. Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc

9.5. Intuitive Surgical

9.6. Stryker Corporation

9.7. Johnson & Johnson

9.8. Abbott Laboratories

9.9. B. Braun Melsungen AG

9.10. Fujifilm Holdings Corporation

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/wa4dlq

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets
Omans Ministry of Labour has announced the availability of 301,172 hours of part-time jobs as part of an initiative codenamed A Million Hours of Employment in government units.



The opportunities are open for job aspirants with different qualifications: 175 for holders of Bachelors degree, 43 for holders of post General Education Diploma (GED), 35 for GED holders and 44 for any literate contestants, reported Oman News Agency (ONA).



The Ministry will allow a period of two weeks for the competitors to register for the announced jobs.








End-user (manufacturing, consumer goods, food and beverages, automotive, and others) and

(manufacturing, consumer goods, food and beverages, automotive, and others) and Service (transportation services, warehousing and distribution services, and VAS).

Read the 120-page report with TOC on "Third-party Logistics Market in India Analysis Report by End-user and Service and the Segment Forecasts". Buy Sample Report.

Major Five Third-party Logistics in India Companies:

The growing competition in the market is compelling vendors to adopt various growth strategies such as promotional activities and spending on advertisements to improve the visibility of their services. Some vendors are also adopting inorganic growth strategies such as M&As to remain competitive in the market.

Aegis Logistics Ltd.

Allcargo Logistics Ltd.

AWL India Pvt. Ltd.

Blue Dart Express Ltd.

Delhivery Pvt. Ltd.

FedEx Corp.

Gati Ltd.

Mahindra Logistics Ltd.

Safexpress Pvt. Ltd.

TVS Supply Chain Solutions

Find additional highlights on the growth strategies adopted by vendors and their product offerings, Read Latest Sample Report .

Product Insights and News

FedEx Corp. - In December 2020 , the company announced the acquisition of ShopRunner, the e-commerce platform that directly connects brands and merchants with online shoppers. ShopRunner's capabilities complement and expand the FedEx e-commerce portfolio and are expected to create increased value for brands, merchants, and consumers.

- In , the company announced the acquisition of ShopRunner, the e-commerce platform that directly connects brands and merchants with online shoppers. ShopRunner's capabilities complement and expand the FedEx e-commerce portfolio and are expected to create increased value for brands, merchants, and consumers. Mahindra Logistics Ltd - In April 2021 , Flipkart, the Indian e-commerce marketplace, announced a partnership with Mahindra Logistics Limited as one of its key logistics partners to help fast-track the deployment of electric vehicles across its logistics fleet in the country.

- In , Flipkart, the Indian e-commerce marketplace, announced a partnership with Mahindra Logistics Limited as one of its key logistics partners to help fast-track the deployment of electric vehicles across its logistics fleet in the country. Safexpress Pvt. Ltd.- In February 2021 , Safexpress was awarded the 'Business Of The Year award at the world leadership congress & awards 2021.

Parent Market Analysis

Technavio categorizes the third-party logistics (3PL) market in India as a part of the global air freight and logistics market within the global transportation market within the global industrials 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 industry includes the following core components:

Shippers

Freight forwarder

Air freight carrier

Handling agents

Consignee

Innovations

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Request a sample report

Related Reports:

Fine Arts Logistics Market by End-user and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026

Last Mile Delivery Market in North America by Service and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026

Third-party Logistics Market Scope in India Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2025 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 8% Market growth 2021-2025 $ 10.74 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 6.92 Regional analysis India Competitive landscape Leading companies, Competitive strategies, Consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Aegis Logistics Ltd., Allcargo Logistics Ltd., AWL India Pvt. Ltd., Blue Dart Express Ltd., Delhivery Pvt. Ltd., FedEx Corp., Gati Ltd., Mahindra Logistics Ltd., Safexpress Pvt. Ltd., and TVS Supply Chain Solutions 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

2.2 Market Characteristics

Exhibit 02: Market Characteristics

2.2 Value chain analysis

Exhibit 03: Value Chain Analysis: Household Appliances

2.3.1 Shippers

2.3.2 Freight forwarder

2.3.3 Air freight carrier

2.3.4 Handling agents

2.3.5 Consignee

2.3.6 Industry innovation

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 Product

The segments covered in this chapter are:

Manufacturing

Consumer goods

Food and beverages

Automotive

Others

The two segments have been ranked based on their market share in 2020. The manufacturing segment constituted the largest segment in 2020, while the smallest segment was automatic.

5.1 Market segments

Exhibit 15: End User - Market share 2020-2025 (%)

5.2 Comparison by End User

Exhibit 16: Comparison by End User

5.3 Manufacturing - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 17: Manufacturing - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)

Exhibit 18: Manufacturing - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

5.4 Consumer Goods - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 19: Consumer Goods - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)

Exhibit 20: Consumer Goods - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

5.5 Food and Beverages - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 21: Food and Beverages - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)

Exhibit 22: Food and Beverages - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

5.6 Automotive - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 23: Automotive - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)

Exhibit 24: Automotive - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

5.7 Others - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 25: Others - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)

Exhibit 26: Others - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

5.8 Market opportunity by Product

Exhibit 27: Market opportunity by Product

6. Market Segmentation by Service

The segments covered in this chapter are:

Transportation services

Warehousing and distribution services

VAS

The two segments have been ranked based on their market share in 2020. The transportation segment constituted the largest segment in 2020, while the smallest segment was VAS.

6.1 Market segments

Exhibit 28: Service - Market share 2020-2025 (%)

6.2 Comparison by Service

Exhibit 29: Comparison by Service

6.3 Transportation Services - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 30 : Transportation Services - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ billion)

Exhibit 31 : Transportation Services - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

6.4 Warehousing and Distribution Services - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 32: Warehousing and distribution services - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ billion)

Exhibit 33 : Warehousing and distribution services - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

6.5 VAS - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 34: VAS - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ billion)

Exhibit 35: VAS - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

6.6 Market opportunity by Service

Exhibit 36: Market opportunity by Service

7. Customer landscape

Technavio's customer landscape matrix comparing Drivers or price sensitivity, Adoption lifecycle, importance in customer price basket, Adoption rate and Key purchase criteria

Exhibit 37: Customer landscape

8. Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

8.1 Market drivers

8.1.1 Introduction of tax reforms and initiatives for 3PL in India

8.1.2 Growth of e-commerce sector in India

8.1.3 Increase in investments for 3PL startups in India

8.2 Market challenges

8.2.1 High operational costs

8.2.2 Inadequate logistics infrastructure in India

8.2.3 Lack of technology adoption and quality manpower

Exhibit 38: Impact of drivers and challenges

8.3 Market trends

8.3.1 Emergence of digitalization in 3PL

8.3.2 Modernization of logistics infrastructure in India

8.3.3 Increasing popularity of integrated cold chain logistics services

9. Vendor Landscape

9.1 Competitive Scenario

9.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 39: Vendor landscape

9.3 Landscape disruption

The potential for the disruption of the market landscape was moderate in 2020, and its threat is expected to remain unchanged by 2025.

Exhibit 40: Landscape disruption

9.4 Industry Risks

Exhibit 41: Industry risks

10. Vendor Analysis

10.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 42: Vendors covered

10.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 43: Market positioning of vendors

10.3 Aegis Logistics Ltd.

Exhibit 44: Aegis Logistics Ltd. - Overview

Exhibit 45: Aegis Logistics Ltd. - Business segments

Exhibit 46: Aegis Logistics Ltd. - Key offerings

Exhibit 47: AB Electrolux - Segment Focus

10.4 Allcargo Logistics Ltd.

Exhibit 48: Allcargo Logistics Ltd. - Overview

Exhibit 49: Allcargo Logistics Ltd. - Business segments

Exhibit 50: Allcargo Logistics Ltd. - Key offerings

Exhibit 51: Allcargo Logistics Ltd. - Segment Focus

10.5 AWL India Pvt. Ltd.

Exhibit 52: AWL India Pvt. Ltd. - Overview

Exhibit 53: AWL India Pvt. Ltd. - Business segments

Exhibit 54: AWL India Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings

Exhibit 55: AWL India Pvt. Ltd. - Segment Focus

10.6 Blue Dart Pvt. Ltd.

Exhibit 56: Blue Dart Pvt. Ltd. - Overview

Exhibit 57: Blue Dart Pvt. Ltd.- Business Segments

Exhibit 58: Blue Dart Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings

Exhibit 59: Blue Dart Pvt. Ltd. -Segment focus

10.7 Delhivery Pvt. Ltd.

Exhibit 60: Delhivery Pvt. Ltd. -Overview

Exhibit 61: Delhivery Pvt. Ltd. - Business Segments

Exhibit 62: Delhivery Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings

Exhibit 63: Delhivery Pvt. Ltd. - Segment Focus

10.8 FedEx Corp.

Exhibit 64: FedEx Corp. - Overview

Exhibit 65: FedEx Corp. - Business Segments

Exhibit 66: FedEx Corp. - Key news

Exhibit 67: FedEx Corp. - Key offerings

Exhibit 68: FedEx Corp. - Segment Focus

10.9 Gati Ltd

Exhibit 69: Gati Ltd -Overview

Exhibit 70: Gati Ltd - Business Segments

Exhibit 71: Gati Ltd - Key offerings

Exhibit 72: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Segment Focus

10.10 Mahindra Logistics Ltd.

Exhibit 73: Mahindra Logistics Ltd. -Overview

Exhibit 74: Mahindra Logistics Ltd. - Products and Services

Exhibit 75: Mahindra Logistics Ltd. - Key news

Exhibit 76: Mahindra Logistics Ltd. - Key offerings

10.11 Safeexpress Pvt. Ltd.

Exhibit 77: Safeexpress Pvt. Ltd. - Overview

Exhibit 78: Safeexpress Pvt. Ltd. - Business Segments

Exhibit 79: Safeexpress Pvt. Ltd. - Key news

Exhibit 80: Safeexpress Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings

Exhibit 81: Safeexpress Pvt. Ltd. - Segment Focus

10.12 TVS Supply Chain Solutions

Exhibit 82: TVS Supply Chain Solutions - Overview

Exhibit 83: TVS Supply Chain Solutions - Business Segments

Exhibit 84: TVS Supply Chain Solutions - Key offerings

Exhibit 85: TVS Supply Chain Solutions -Segment focus

11. Appendix

11.1 Scope of the report

11.1.1 Market definition

11.1.2 Objectives

11.1.3 Notes and caveats

11.2 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 86: Currency conversion rates for US$

11.3 Research Methodology

Exhibit 87: Research Methodology

Exhibit 88: Validation techniques employed for market sizing

Exhibit 89: Information sources

11.4 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 90: 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
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- United Training, an IT training and professional development company, has partnered with CompTIA as part of its Apprenticeships for Tech program. This joint effort will place aspiring cybersecurity professionals with top employers.

United Training is the latest company to join CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech, a national initiative to help employers fill current and long-term IT staffing needs through an "earn and learn" apprenticeship program, and to do so in a way that opens employment opportunities for veterans, women and underserved communities.

"We've trained thousands of IT professionals and we continue to hear about the ongoing skills gap that organizations face," said Jamie Fiely, president of United Training & Academy. "Working hand in hand with CompTIA to address those needs, while also supporting DEI&B initiatives, is exactly what we're all about. We're ready to help employers recruit talent from new diverse populations and prepare them for success in these high demand security roles."

United Training is functioning as an intermediary serving both employers and apprentices under a U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) standards-based Registered Apprenticeship. Services provided to the employer include screening potential candidates, administration and reporting and the building and delivery of a thorough training plan. United Training will also assume responsibility of the apprentice's success while assisting with any HR issues that may arise.

"Apprenticeships are a proven method for building the technical and durable skills that employers are looking for and to do so in a way that brings a broader diversity of people into the workforce," said Amy Kardel, senior vice president for workforce relationships at CompTIA. "It's a winning strategy for any organization that's looking to grow and diversify its tech team. United Training is a valued partner with a team experienced at successfully transitioning people into careers in technology. We are pleased to welcome them to our apprenticeship program."

CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech, a collaborative effort between the American Institutes for Research (AIR) and CompTIA, is a USDOL standards-based Registered Apprenticeship program. The USDOL selected AIR and CompTIA to serve as a national Industry Intermediary for expansion of apprenticeship in tech occupations. To learn more about CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech visit: https://www.comptia.org/content/lp/apprenticeships-for-tech.

About CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech

CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech is a national initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to increase the number of skilled technology workers and expand tech career opportunities for diverse populations, including women, individuals with disabilities and people of color. https://www.comptia.org/content/lp/apprenticeships-for-tech .

About United Training

United Training offers custom training solutions delivered by more than 100 subject matter experts to customers around the globe. Our solutions will allow you to optimize your technology investment, outpace your competition, increase your level of innovation, and adapt faster to market conditions. We offer training solutions for every member of your team, in the learning style that best fits their needs. Whatever it takes  we are nimble, experienced, and positioned to help you reach your goals.

Media Contact

Steven Ostrowski

CompTIA

[email protected]

630-678-8468

SOURCE CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech
Consolidated Results of Operations - Three-Month Periods Ended June 30, 2022 and 2021:

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Health Realty Income Trust (NYSE:UHT) announced today that for the three-month period ended June 30, 2022, net income was $5.2 million, or $.38 per diluted share, as compared to $6.6 million, or $.48 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2021.

As calculated on the attached Schedule of Non-GAAP Supplemental Information ("Supplemental Schedule"), our funds from operations ("FFO"), were $12.2 million, or $.88 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2022, as compared to $12.6 million, or $.92 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2021.

Our financial results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2021 included a gain of $1.3 million, or $.09 per diluted share, related to the sale of certain real estate assets. After adjusting the reported net income for the three-month period ended June 30, 2021 for the $1.3 million gain, as computed on the Supplemental Schedule, our adjusted net income was $5.3 million, or $.39 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2021.

The decrease in our adjusted net income of $99,000, or $.01 per diluted share, during the second quarter of 2022, as compared to the second quarter of 2021, was due primarily to: (i) a decrease of $737,000, or $.05 per diluted share, related to a vacant specialty hospital located in Chicago, Illinois, on which, as discussed below, the lease expired on December 31, 2021; (ii) a decrease of $184,000, or $.01 per diluted share, resulting from an increase in interest expense primarily due to increased borrowings and an increase in our borrowing rate; partially offset by; (iii) a net increase of $341,000, or $.02 per diluted share, resulting from the asset purchase and sale agreement with Universal Health Services, Inc. ("UHS") that occurred on December 31, 2021; (iv) an increase of $335,000, or $.02 per diluted share, resulting from the impact of the fair market value lease renewal on Wellington Regional Medical Center, which became effective on January 1, 2022, and; (v) an increase of $146,000, or $.01 per diluted share, resulting from an aggregate net increase in the income generated at various properties.

During the second quarter of 2022, as compared to the second quarter of 2021, our FFO decreased $450,000, or $.04 per diluted share. The decrease was due to the above-mentioned $99,000, or $.01 per diluted share, decrease in adjusted net income experienced during the second quarter of 2022, as compared to the second quarter of 2021, as well as a $351,000 decrease in depreciation and amortization expense incurred on our consolidated and unconsolidated investments.

Consolidated Results of Operations - Six-Month Periods Ended June 30, 2022 and 2021:

For the six-month period ended June 30, 2022, net income was $10.6 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, as compared to $12.2 million, or $.89 per diluted share during the first six months of 2021.

As calculated on the Supplemental Schedule, our FFO were $24.6 million, or $1.78 per diluted share, during the first six months of 2022, as compared to $25.4 million, or $1.84 per diluted share, during the first six months of 2021.

After adjusting the reported results for the six-month period ended June 30, 2021 for the above-mentioned $1.3 million gain recorded during the second quarter of 2021, as computed on the Supplemental Schedule, our adjusted net income was $10.9 million, or $.79 per diluted share during the first six months of 2021.

The decrease in our adjusted net income of $280,000, or $.02 per diluted share, during the first six months of 2022, as compared to the comparable period of 2021, was primarily due to: (i) a decrease of $1.6 million, or $.12 per diluted share, related to a vacant specialty hospital located in Chicago, Illinois, on which, as discussed below, the lease expired on December 31, 2021; (ii) a decrease of $273,000, or $.02 per diluted share, resulting from an increase in interest expense primarily due to increased borrowings and an increase in our borrowing rate; partially offset by; (iii) a net increase of $666,000, or $.05 per diluted share, resulting from the asset purchase and sale agreement with UHS that occurred on December 31, 2021; (iv) an increase of $670,000, or $.05 per diluted share, resulting from the impact of the fair market value lease renewal on Wellington Regional Medical Center, which became effective on January 1, 2022, and; (v) an increase of $278,000, or $.02 per diluted share, resulting from an aggregate net increase in the income generated at various properties.

During the first six months of 2022, as compared to the comparable period of 2021, our FFO decreased $776,000, or $.06 per diluted share. The decrease was due to the above-mentioned $280,000, or $.02 per diluted share, decrease in adjusted net income experienced during the first six months of 2022, as compared to the first six months of 2021, as well as a $496,000 decrease in depreciation and amortization expense incurred on our consolidated and unconsolidated investments.

Dividend Information:

The second quarter dividend of $.71 per share, or $9.8 million in the aggregate, was declared on June 8, 2022 and paid on June 30, 2022.

Capital Resources Information:

At June 30, 2022 we had $284.3 million of borrowings outstanding pursuant to the terms of our $375 million revolving credit agreement and $87.5 million of available borrowing capacity as of that date, net of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit.

Vacant Specialty Facilities:

As previously disclosed, the lease on the specialty hospital located in Chicago, Illinois, expired on December 31, 2021 and the facility is currently vacant. During the three and six-months ended June 30, 2021, we earned $390,000 and $780,000, respectively, of lease revenue in connection with this property. The operating expenses incurred by us in connection with this facility during the three and six-months ended June 30, 2022 were $347,000 and $840,000, respectively. Prior to 2022, the former tenant was responsible for the operating expenses on this facility. Pursuant to the terms of the lease that expired in December, 2021, we earned approximately $1.6 million of lease revenue during the 2021 full year.

We estimate that the aggregate operating expenses for the three vacant specialty facilities, including the facility located in Chicago, Illinois, as well as facilities located in Evansville, Indiana, and Corpus Christi, Texas (which have been vacant since 2019), will approximate $1.3 million during the remaining six months of 2022. Future operating expenses related to these facilities will be incurred by us during the time they remain owned and vacant. We continue to market these specialty facilities to potential interested parties. However, should these properties continue to remain vacant for an extended period of time, or should we incur substantial renovation costs to make the properties suitable for other operators/tenants, our future results of operations could be materially unfavorably impacted.

General Information, Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors and Non-GAAP Financial Measures:

Universal Health Realty Income Trust, a real estate investment trust, invests in healthcare and human-service related facilities including acute care hospitals, behavioral health care hospitals, specialty facilities, medical/office buildings, free-standing emergency departments and childcare centers. We have investments or commitments in seventy-six properties located in twenty-one states.

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current management expectations. Numerous factors, including those disclosed herein, those related to the potential impact of COVID-19 on our financial results, as well as the operations and financial results of each of our tenants, those related to healthcare industry trends and those detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (as set forth in Item 1A-Risk Factors and in Item 7-Forward-Looking Statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in Item 7-Forward-Looking Statements and Certain Risk Factors in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022), may cause the results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements which reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Many of the factors that could affect our future results are beyond our control or ability to predict, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future operations and financial results of our tenants, and in turn ours, could be materially impacted by various developments including those related to COVID-19. Such developments include, but are not limited to, decreases in staffing availability and related increases to wage expense experienced by our tenants resulting from the nationwide shortage of nurses and other clinical staff and support personnel, the impact of government and administrative regulation and stimulus on the health care industry; declining patient volumes and unfavorable changes in payer mix caused by deteriorating macroeconomic conditions (including increases in uninsured and underinsured patients as the result of business closings and layoffs); potential disruptions related to supplies required for our tenants' employees and patients; and potential increases to other expenditures. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and its impact on the economy, we may experience a decrease in prospective tenants which could unfavorably impact the volume of new leases, as well as the renewal rate of existing leases. The COVID-19 pandemic may delay our construction projects which could result in increased costs and delay the timing of opening and rental payments from those projects, although no such delays have yet occurred. The COVID-19 pandemic could also impact our indebtedness and the ability to refinance such indebtedness on acceptable terms, as well as risks associated with disruptions in the financial markets and the business of financial institutions as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which could impact us from a financing perspective; and changes in general economic conditions nationally and regionally in the markets where our properties are located resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. We are not able to quantify the impact that these factors will have on our future operations, but developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic could have a material adverse impact on our future financial results.

We believe that, if and when applicable, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted share (as reflected on the Supplemental Schedule), which are non-GAAP financial measures ("GAAP" is Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America), are helpful to our investors as measures of our operating performance. In addition, we believe that, when applicable, comparing and discussing our financial results based on these measures, as calculated, is helpful to our investors since it neutralizes the effect in each year of material items that are non-recurring or non-operational in nature including items such as, but not limited to, gains on transactions.

Funds from operations ("FFO") is a widely recognized measure of performance for Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs"). We believe that FFO and FFO per diluted share, which are non-GAAP financial measures, are helpful to our investors as measures of our operating performance. We compute FFO, as reflected on the attached Supplemental Schedules, in accordance with standards established by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT"), which may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs that do not compute FFO in accordance with the NAREIT definition, or that interpret the NAREIT definition differently than we interpret the definition. FFO adjusts for the effects of certain items, such as gains on transactions that occurred during the periods presented. FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered to be an alternative to net income determined in accordance with GAAP. In addition, FFO should not be used as: (i) an indication of our financial performance determined in accordance with GAAP; (ii) an alternative to cash flow from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP; (iii) a measure of our liquidity, or; (iv) an indicator of funds available for our cash needs, including our ability to make cash distributions to shareholders. A reconciliation of our reported net income to FFO is reflected on the Supplemental Schedules included below.

To obtain a complete understanding of our financial performance these measures should be examined in connection with net income, determined in accordance with GAAP, as presented in the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in this report or in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including our Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and our Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. Since the items included or excluded from these measures are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance under GAAP, these measures should not be considered to be alternatives to net income as a measure of our operating performance or profitability. Since these measures, as presented, are not determined in accordance with GAAP and are thus susceptible to varying calculations, they may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Investors are encouraged to use GAAP measures when evaluating our financial performance.

Universal Health Realty Income Trust Consolidated Statements of Income For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 (amounts in thousands, except share information) (unaudited)





Three Months Ended



Six Months Ended





June 30,



June 30,





2022



2021



2022



2021

Revenues:































Lease revenue - UHS facilities (a.)

$ 7,394



$ 7,265



$ 14,820



$ 14,397

Lease revenue - Non-related parties



12,933





13,117





25,828





26,209

Other revenue - UHS facilities



233





207





462





433

Other revenue - Non-related parties



242





287





497





536

Interest income on financing leases - UHS facilities



1,369





-





2,739





-







22,171





20,876





44,346





41,575

Expenses:































Depreciation and amortization



6,679





6,951





13,388





13,738

Advisory fees to UHS



1,266





1,089





2,490





2,151

Other operating expenses



6,986





5,903





13,853





11,505







14,931





13,943





29,731





27,394

Income before equity in income of unconsolidated limited

liability companies ("LLCs"), gain on sale and interest

expense



7,240





6,933





14,615





14,181

Equity in income of unconsolidated LLCs



345





567





597





1,038

Gain on sale of real estate assets



-





1,304





-





1,304

Interest expense, net



(2,367)





(2,183)





(4,589)





(4,316)

Net income

$ 5,218



$ 6,621



$ 10,623



$ 12,207

Basic earnings per share

$ 0.38



$ 0.48



$ 0.77



$ 0.89

Diluted earnings per share

$ 0.38



$ 0.48



$ 0.77



$ 0.89



































Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic



13,768





13,753





13,766





13,751

Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Diluted



13,789





13,776





13,788





13,773





































(a.) Includes bonus rental on McAllen Medical Center, a UHS acute care hospital facility of $643 and $1,321 for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2022, respectively, and includes bonus rental on three UHS acute care hospital facilities of $1,648 and $3,343 for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2021, respectively.



Universal Health Realty Income Trust Schedule of Non-GAAP Supplemental Information ("Supplemental Schedule") For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 (amounts in thousands, except share information) (unaudited)

Calculation of Adjusted Net Income





Three Months Ended



Three Months Ended





June 30, 2022



June 30, 2021





Amount



Per Diluted Share



Amount



Per Diluted Share

Net income

$ 5,218



$ 0.38



$ 6,621



$ 0.48

Adjustments:































Less: Gain on sale of real estate assets



-





-





(1,304)





(0.09)

Subtotal adjustments to net income



-





-





(1,304)





(0.09)

Adjusted net income

$ 5,218



$ 0.38



$ 5,317



$ 0.39



Calculation of Funds From Operations ("FFO")





Three Months Ended



Three Months Ended





June 30, 2022



June 30, 2021





Amount



Per Diluted Share



Amount



Per Diluted Share

Net income

$ 5,218



$ 0.38



$ 6,621



$ 0.48

Plus: Depreciation and amortization expense:































Consolidated investments



6,679





0.48





6,951





0.50

Unconsolidated affiliates



295





0.02





374





0.03

Less: Gain on sale of real estate assets



-





-





(1,304)





(0.09)

FFO

$ 12,192



$ 0.88



$ 12,642



$ 0.92

Dividend paid per share









$ 0.710











$ 0.700



Universal Health Realty Income Trust Schedule of Non-GAAP Supplemental Information ("Supplemental Schedule") For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 (amounts in thousands, except share information) (unaudited)

Calculation of Adjusted Net Income





Six Months Ended



Six Months Ended





June 30, 2022



June 30, 2021





Amount



Per Diluted Share



Amount



Per Diluted Share

Net income

$ 10,623



$ 0.77



$ 12,207



$ 0.89

Adjustments:































Less: Gain on sale of real estate assets



-





-





(1,304)





(0.10)

Subtotal adjustments to net income



-





-





(1,304)





(0.10)

Adjusted net income

$ 10,623



$ 0.77



$ 10,903



$ 0.79



Calculation of Funds From Operations ("FFO")





































Six Months Ended



Six Months Ended





June 30, 2022



June 30, 2021





Amount



Per Diluted Share



Amount



Per Diluted Share

Net income

$ 10,623



$ 0.77



$ 12,207



$ 0.89

Plus: Depreciation and amortization expense:































Consolidated investments



13,388





0.97





13,738





1.00

Unconsolidated affiliates



590





0.04





736





0.05

Less: Gain on sale of real estate assets



-





-





(1,304)





(0.10)

FFO

$ 24,601



$ 1.78



$ 25,377



$ 1.84

Dividend paid per share









$ 1.415











$ 1.395



Universal Health Realty Income Trust Consolidated Balance Sheets (amounts in thousands, except share information) (unaudited)





June 30,



December 31,





2022



2021

Assets:















Real Estate Investments:















Buildings and improvements and construction in progress

$ 630,220



$ 608,836

Accumulated depreciation



(237,268)





(225,584)







392,952





383,252

Land



56,631





54,897

Net Real Estate Investments



449,583





438,149

Financing receivable from UHS



83,697





82,439

Net Real Estate Investments and Financing receivable



533,280





520,588

Investments in and advances to limited liability companies ("LLCs")



9,713





10,139

Other Assets:















Cash and cash equivalents



8,399





22,504

Lease and other receivables from UHS



4,696





4,641

Lease receivable - other



7,767





7,109

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $14.3 million and $14.2 million, respectively)



10,548





9,972

Right-of-use land assets, net



11,476





11,495

Deferred charges and other assets, net



17,934





11,971

Total Assets

$ 603,813



$ 598,419

Liabilities:















Line of credit borrowings

$ 284,300



$ 271,900

Mortgage notes payable, non-recourse to us, net



50,729





56,866

Accrued interest



323





346

Accrued expenses and other liabilities



12,286





12,157

Ground lease liabilities, net



11,476





11,495

Tenant reserves, deposits and deferred and prepaid rents



10,053





10,328

Total Liabilities



369,167





363,092

Equity:















Preferred shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding



-





-

Common shares, $.01 par value; 95,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 2022 - 13,800,694; 2021 - 13,783,442



138





138

Capital in excess of par value



269,039





268,515

Cumulative net income



800,182





789,559

Cumulative dividends



(843,515)





(823,998)

Accumulated other comprehensive income



8,802





1,113

Total Equity



234,646





235,327

Total Liabilities and Equity

$ 603,813



$ 598,419



SOURCE Universal Health Realty Income Trust
UM School of Medicine Professor of Trauma Surgery Dr. Thomas Scalea Featured on National Network News Highlighting State of the Art Care Provided at University of Maryland Medical Center's R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center

BALTIMORE, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) faculty member was featured in a prestigious national news program over the weekend highlighting the lifesaving critical care medicine practiced at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). In an extended segment called "One Night in America" that comprised half of the evening newscast for NBC Nightly News and additional coverage on MSNBC, a reporter was embedded at Shock Trauma for more than nine hours from Saturday evening, July 16, into Sunday morning to document emergency trauma cases caused by gun violence. Reporters were also embedded in three other major cities showing different perspectives including police response to shootings and community support from a local street pastor.

The special report aired on Sunday evening and prominently featured Thomas Scalea, MD, The Honorable Francis X. Kelly Distinguished Professor of Trauma Surgery at UMSOM and Physician-in-Chief of the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at UMMC. He also serves as Chief of Critical Care Services for the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS).

Reflecting on the death of one of his patients, Dr. Scalea said in the segment, that gunshot deaths are an unnecessary injury in a civilized society. "This is one night in one city in the richest country in the world. How can this make any sense?"

For more than 50 years, the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center has been a worldwide leader in trauma care and innovation, training some of the leading trauma physicians in the U.S. and around the globe. SOM physician-scientists have pioneered major advances in trauma care through research. Shock Trauma is the nation's first and only integrated trauma hospital and is considered a national model of excellence with a 96 percent survival rate. It is Maryland's Primary Adult Resource Center (PARC) designated to treat the most severely injured and critically ill patients. The Program in Trauma at UMSOM is the only multidisciplinary dedicated physician group practice that cares for injury in the United States.

Earlier this year, Dr. Scalea celebrated his 25th anniversary with the Shock Trauma Center. Among his many accomplishments, he cared for tens of thousands of Marylanders critically injured in motor vehicle collisions, falls and violent attacks, traveled to China and Haiti to render assistance to earthquake victims, helped train thousands of U.S. Air Force personnel and worked alongside military physicians in war-torn Afghanistan. He has steered Maryland's highest-level trauma center through two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Footage from Dr. Scalea's interviews and patient care in the Shock Trauma Center can be found in the links below.

About the University of Maryland School of Medicine

Now in its third century, the University of Maryland School of Medicine was chartered in 1807 as the first public medical school in the United States. It continues today as one of the fastest growing, top-tier biomedical research enterprises in the world -- with 46 academic departments, centers, institutes, and programs, and a faculty of more than 3,000 physicians, scientists, and allied health professionals, including members of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, and a distinguished two-time winner of the Albert E. Lasker Award in Medical Research. With an operating budget of more than $1.2 billion, the School of Medicine works closely in partnership with the University of Maryland Medical Center and Medical System to provide research-intensive, academic and clinically based care for nearly 2 million patients each year. The School of Medicine has nearly $600 million in extramural funding, with most of its academic departments highly ranked among all medical schools in the nation in research funding. As one of the seven professional schools that make up the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus, the School of Medicine has a total population of nearly 9,000 faculty and staff, including 2,500 students, trainees, residents, and fellows. The combined School of Medicine and Medical System ("University of Maryland Medicine") has an annual budget of over $6 billion and an economic impact of nearly $20 billion on the state and local community. The School of Medicine, which ranks as the 8th highest among public medical schools in research productivity (according to the Association of American Medical Colleges profile) is an innovator in translational medicine, with 606 active patents and 52 start-up companies. In the latest U.S. News & World Report ranking of the Best Medical Schools, published in 2021, the UM School of Medicine is ranked #9 among the 92 public medical schools in the U.S., and in the top 15 percent (#27) of all 192 public and private U.S. medical schools. The School of Medicine works locally, nationally, and globally, with research and treatment facilities in 36 countries around the world. Visit medschool.umaryland.edu

About the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center

The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland was the first fully integrated trauma center in the world and remains at the epicenter for trauma research, patient care and teaching, both nationally and internationally today. Shock Trauma is where the "golden hour" concept of trauma was born and where many lifesaving practices in modern trauma medicine were pioneered. Shock Trauma is also at the heart of the Maryland's unparalleled Emergency Medical Service System. Learn more about Shock Trauma.

About the University of Maryland Medical Center

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) is comprised of two hospital campuses in Baltimore: the 800-bed flagship institution of the 13-hospital University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) -- and the 200-bed UMMC Midtown Campus, both academic medical centers training physicians and health professionals and pursuing research and innovation to improve health. UMMC's downtown campus is a national and regional referral center for trauma, cancer care, neurosciences, advanced cardiovascular care, women's and children's health, and has one of the largest solid organ transplant programs in the country. All physicians on staff at the downtown campus are clinical faculty physicians of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The UMMC Midtown Campus medical staff is predominately faculty physicians specializing in diabetes, chronic diseases, behavioral health, long-term acute care and an array of outpatient primary care and specially services. UMMC Midtown has been a teaching hospital for 140 years and is located one mile away from the downtown campus. For more information, visit www.umm.edu.

This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise. For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.

SOURCE University of Maryland School of Medicine
Unexpected catch marks first time sleeper shark found in Western Caribbean

MIAMI, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A half-blind shark that is typically thought to live in freezing Arctic waters, scavenge on polar bear carcasses and survive for hundreds of years, recently turned up in an unexpected place  a coral reef off Belize. This marks the first time a shark of its kind has been found in western Caribbean waters off the world's second longest barrier reef.



Devanshi Kasana, a Ph.D. candidate in FlU's Predator Ecology & Conservation lab, was working with local Belizean fishermen to tag tiger sharks when the discovery was made.



"At first, I was sure it was something else, like a six gill shark that are well known from deep waters off coral reefs," Kasana said. "I knew it was something unusual and so did the fishers, who hadn't ever seen anything quite like it in all their combined years of fishing."



Kasana texted Demian Chapman  her Ph.D. advisor and Director of Sharks & Rays Conservation Research at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium  to share the news. She also sent along a photo. Chapman's response caught her off guard. He said it looked a lot like a Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus).

After conferring with several Greenland shark experts, the final determination was that it was definitely in the sleeper shark family  and because of its large size, it was most likely a Greenland shark or a hybrid between the Greenland shark and Pacific sleeper shark (Somniosus pacificus). The findings were recently published in the journal Marine Biology.



Greenland sharks remain somewhat of an enigma to science. What is known about them is they tend to prefer the frigid waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. They have been estimated to live upward of 400 years  earning them the special designation of longest-living vertebrate known to science.



While Kasana and the team weren't expecting to ever see a Greenland shark, finding one shows how partnerships can oftentimes pave the way for unexpected and intriguing new discoveries.

"Great discoveries and conservation can happen when fishermen, scientists and the government work together," said Beverly Wade, Director of the Blue Bond and Finance Permanence Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister of Belize. "We can really enhance what we can do individually, while also doing some great conservation work and making fantastic discoveries, like this one."

To read the full release click here: https://news.fiu.edu/2022/greenland-shark

Media Contact:

Angela Nicoletti

305-348-4493

[email protected]

SOURCE Florida International University
DANIA BEACH, Fla., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TCP is holding a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of their brand new Florida warehouse.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, join TCP for a two-day, grand opening event. The celebration will include food and drinks, an iPad raffle each day, plus $50 Visa gift cards for every pre-registered attendee.

Guests can enjoy refreshments while they tour the facility and see the latest lighting innovations from TCP. The event will also provide an opportunity for lighting experts to connect with other industry pros.

Ellis Yan, TCP CEO, and Lesley Matt, TCP Senior Vice President, will attend the event to help welcome guests to the new space and celebrate the new warehouse.

As a vertically integrated lighting manufacturer, TCP's U.S.-based warehouses are part of its overall commitment to producing and delivering the highest quality products.

The lighting industry has not been immune to supply chain challenges as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. By increasing its warehouse ownership, TCP increases its control of distribution to help keep customer projects on track.

"We are so excited for what this new warehouse will mean for our turnaround times," says Matt. "We pride ourselves on our availability to customers, and the Florida warehouse will assist in our commitment to provide top-quality service and deliver top-quality products."

The new Florida warehouse will help to reduce transit times so TCP products arrive to customers more quickly. The location will also offer will call and pickup orders.

The new warehouse, located in Dania Beach, Florida, is one of four U.S.-based warehouses owned by TCP. The other warehouses are located in California, Texas, and Ohio.

"TCP is always pushing for growth, whether that's new lighting innovations or new warehouse locations," says Matt. "We can't wait to celebrate our newest facility with our guests."

TCP's exclusive event will be held July 27 and 28 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the brand new warehouse, located at 3400 SW 26th Terrace, Dania Beach, FL 33312, Units A05 and A06.

TCP hopes you will join the festivities! Click here to RSVP.

About TCPi, Inc.

Founded in 1993 with its North American headquarters in Aurora, Ohio, Technical Consumer Products, Inc. is a leader in energy- efficient lighting innovations. TCP's extensive product offerings include LED lamps and fixtures, intelligent lighting control solutions and other energy-efficient lighting products. For more information, visit www.tcpi.com .

Contact Information:

Lesley Matt, SVP

330-995-1040

[email protected]

SOURCE TCPi Lighting
Hurricane Energy PLC (LSE:HUR) has confirmed the complete payment of its outstanding bonds, clearing a major obstacle to its growth prospects.

The company, in a statement, told investors it paid off the US$78.515mln of convertible bonds, plus US$1.5mln of accrued interest before the maturity date (24 July).

It leaves the company debt free with significant cash on hand, Hurricane said, whilst noting that a further injection of cash is due with an imminent lifting of crude from the Lancaster fields floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. With the debt cleared, the company is now assessing options to grow.

"The repayment of the convertible bonds is an important and key milestone for Hurricane as we move into a new phase for the company, focusing on building a long-term future for the business and creating additional value for our shareholders, said Antony Maris, Hurricane chief executive.

The excellent operational performance of the Lancaster field, for which I pay a huge tribute to our whole team, combined with high oil prices has underpinned the establishment of a strong financial platform for the company.

We continue our work to identify the most effective capital allocation opportunities both within and outside of our existing asset base, and which best fit within our growth plans in the context of both our own and the UK's transition goals.

Maris added: I believe that Hurricane going forward is attractive to investors and well positioned to look for new growth opportunities.

Our focus is on creating value for shareholders and we are being very rigorous in assessing which opportunities will best deliver that."
Eutelsat Communications (OTC:EUTLF) confirmed it is talks with its co-shareholders in OneWeb, a satellite operator partly owned by the British Government, regarding a potential all-share merger.

The French satellite company released a statement after Reuters reported at the weekend that a deal for OneWeb, a provider of broadband services from low-orbit satellites, could be announced as early as today.

The UK owns almost 20% of OneWeb after investing 416mln to bail out the worlds second-biggest satellite operator at the peak of the Covid 19 pandemic in July 2020.

The combined company would value the UK taxpayers stake at around 500mln, the Guardian reported.

Eutelsat has a 23% stake in OneWeb and is the second-largest shareholder in the company after Indian billionaire Sunil Bharti Mittal.

OneWeb was valued at about US$3.4bn in its latest funding round.

The combined entity is expected to launch shares on the London Stock Exchange in a secondary listing in the near future, the Guardian reported.
SIG PLC (LSE:SHI), a commercial construction specialist, said it acquired Miers Construction Products (MCP) Limited for an initial cash consideration of 28mln on a debt-free and cash-free basis.

There will be a further contingent cash payment of up to 6.7mln payable subject to performance during the period ending 31 December 2023, along with a deferred cash payment of 1.8mln, with SIG's EPS and operating margin expected to rise immediately as a result of the acquisition, SIG said in a statement.

"MCP is a highly attractive specialist business with a strong brand, a great reputation for quality service, and technical sector specialism and expertise," said Steve Francis, SIG's chief executive.

"These key elements have created a business that has the ability to grow sustainably ahead of the market. MCP illustrates the opportunities to accelerate through acquisition our path to 5% margins in the medium term."

According to SIG, MCP consistently delivers revenue growth ahead of the underlying UK construction market, and despite Covid-19 disrupting both operations and markets, MCP delivered revenue CAGR of around 20% from 2019 to 2021, at 32.3mln in 2019 to 46.7mln in 2021.

As of 31 May 2022, MCP reported unaudited revenue of 55.5mln and adjusted EBITDA of 5.1mln.

MCP's return on invested capital is expected to surpass SIG's weighted average cost of capital in the first year of ownership, and the acquisition will broaden SIG's UK offering in construction accessories and fixings as it is a strong strategic fit with SIG's proven business model.

Shares of the company were trading 0.15% down to 33.75p in London.
FTSE 100 fell slightly, losing 20 points to 7,255. It is set to be a busy week for the market, with a host of trading updates and economic data on the way.

Vodafone got the ball rolling, reporting revenue growth in the first quarter of 2023. The mobile phone operator said performance was driven by contractual annual price increases, customer base growth and higher roaming revenue.

Ryanair said its unsure it will return to pre-COVID levels of profitability this year. This was despite topping first-quarter estimates, with chief executive Michael OLeary saying there was "a very strong but still fragile recovery.

AstraZenecas asthma treatment received EU approval for marketing as an add-on therapy for patients 12 and over. Tezspire helps patients with severe asthma.

East Star Resources said it started drilling on the Apmintas licence in the Chu-Ili gold belt of central Kazakhstan. The diamond drilling programme will initially focus on areas with known high-grade mineralisation.

Begbies Traynor (AIM:BEG), the corporate restructuring firm, said it bought Mantra Capital, a London-based finance and insurance brokerage. Mantra will join the MAF Finance Group to form BGT Funding Solutions.

Coinsilium said it has been appointed advisor to Metalinq Labs Inc, entering into a token purchase agreement to buy future Metalinq tokens. Coinsilium will purchase US$200,000 worth of future Metalinq tokens in the initial pre-seed funding.
Leading energy services provider Expro has secured a contract for its first integrated services package to support a high-profile geothermal project in the Upper Rhine Graben area of SW-Germany.

A consortium formed by Ed. Zublin AG and Huisman Geo BV, drilling and geothermal energy specialists, have commissioned Expro to deliver an integrated well services programme for a new geothermal power plant in the Upper Rhine valley.

This eight well contract for Germanys largest private developer of geothermal energy plants, includes well construction services and a bespoke high-rate surface well test system.

Potential for a long-term extension

The contract which began in June 2022 has the potential for a long-term extension to follow the eight-well drilling and testing campaign of Deutsche ErdWarme (DEW) across four power plants that is that covered by the initially contracted work scope.

As part of its long-term strategy, Expro plans to continue to invest in transforming its business portfolio and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. The Company, which recently published its environmental, social and governance (ESG) review, has also a stated aim of achieving Net Zero by 2050 with a 50% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030.

A member of the International Geothermal Association and the European Geothermal Energy Council, Expro has been supporting geothermal well services projects since 1986 and is recognised for its cost-effective, innovative solutions. This latest contract builds on the Companys strategic desire to help customers unlock new sources of cleaner, low-carbon energy and enhance its support of the global geothermal market.

Geothermal sector

Steve Russell, Expros Chief Technology Officer commented: This is a significant award for Expro and strengthens our position as an integrated services provider to the growing and increasingly important geothermal sector. Expro has been delivering discrete services to the geothermal market for many years. This project provides Expro with an opportunity to demonstrate its ability to deliver a bespoke, project-specific well services package for our customers particular requirements. This contract also demonstrates our enhanced offering and capabilities in the geothermal sector and our commitment to a more sustainable and lower carbon future.

Sebastian Homuth, Well Operation Manager, Deutsche ErdWarme, said: We are delighted to see well established oil and gas service companies like Expro showing real interest in the geothermal sector. The customer-oriented approach and dedicated back-office engineering expertise in conjunction with the broad experience in the execution of all kinds of well testing operations is exactly what our industry and DEW is looking for.

Solution-oriented approach

Martin Geissler, Project Manager, JV Drilling Campaign Rheingraben, Ed. Zublin AG  Huisman Geo B.V, commented: Expro's many years of experience, solution-oriented approach and great commitment were evident from the first meeting and are a great asset for the project. We are very much looking forward to a successful co-operation.

Ingrid Huldal, Expros Director, Portfolio Advancement, commented: "We look forward to collaborating with both Deutsche ErdWarme and the JV Drilling Campaign Rheingraben, Ed. Zublin AG  Huisman Geo B.V to provide high calibre well services and drilling support for their geothermal project. This is a key strategic opportunity for Expro as we look to expand our current portfolio and develop a more sustainable business. The geothermal industry will play an important role in the provision of clean energy security for our future. We are committed to helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals and reducing our own environmental impact.-- TradeArabia News Service
25 July 2022

*A corporate client of Hybridan LLP

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Unigel Group, intends to join the Aquis Growth Market. Unigel Group is a pioneer in the field of thixotropic gels for the fibre optic cable industry. The Company is also a supplier of laminated steel tapes to the fibre optic cable industry in the US. Thixotropic gels and laminated steel tapes are essential components to the rapidly growing global fibre optic cable market. The Group exports to over 40 countries and is a key supplier to almost every leading fibre optic cable manufacturer worldwide and is the industrys only organisation with multiple manufacturing facilities spread across 3 continents. The Company acts as the holding company for its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Unitape Limited and its 60% owned operating subsidiary, Unigel (UK) Limited. Expected 1 August.

Equipmake Holdings intends to join the Aquis Growth Market. Equipmake is a UK-based technology company, which has developed a range of electrification products for the provision of electric vehicle drivetrains to meet the needs of the automotive, aerospace and other sectors in support of the transition from fossil-fuelled to zero emission powertrains. The Company now has a significant pipeline of opportunities of in excess of 400m at various stages of negotiation, as demand for electric vehicles increases as part of the global decarbonisation movement. Expected 29 July.

Georgina Energy, an early-stage resource company with a strategy of actively pursuing the exploration, commercial development and monetisation of helium, hydrogen and hydrocarbon interests located in the Amadeus and Officer Basins in Northern and Western Australia intends to join AIM. Georgina Energy has two principal onshore interests. The first, the Mount Winter Prospect is located in the Amadeus Basin in Northern Australia, which the Company has a right to earn an initial 75% interest. The second interest, the Hussar Prospect is 100% owned by the Company and is located in the Officer Basin in Western Australia. Expected late July.

Macaulay Capital is due to join the Aquis Growth Market on 29 July. The Group was formed to originate and manage corporate transactions, raise funds from third parties, invest the Groups own funds alongside those of external investors and to manage the Groups investment portfolio with the aim of maximising its value.

Banquet Buffet

7Digital Group PLC (AIM:7DIG) 0.3p 8.2m

The B2B end-to-end digital music solutions, announces it has signed a long-term contract with Utopia Music AG, a B2B music fintech company. Utopia is a new customer for the Company. Using 7digital's global music database capabilities, in addition to Utopia's existing data capabilities, Utopia's customers will be able to monitor and measure the consumption of their music copyrights globally. In so doing, Utopia's customers can leverage data for faster, more accurate payouts of royalties to copyright holders.

Begbies Traynor (AIM:BEG) 143.6p 220.8m

Begbies Traynor (AIM:BEG) Group announces the acquisition of Axiom Consulting & Investments Limited and Ellayaan Limited and their subsidiary undertakings, which together trade as Mantra Capital, a London-based property finance brokerage. Initial consideration of 4.5m comprised of 4m in cash from the group's existing facilities and the issue of 352,361 new ordinary shares. As part of the acquisition there is a potential earn out of up to an additional 13.5m (in a mix of cash and shares) subject to delivering material growth in profits over the 4 years post completion. The acquisition is expected to be immediately earnings enhancing and is in line with the strategy to increase the scale, quality and range of the group's services both organically and through value-accretive acquisitions.

Crimson Tide (AIM:TIDE) 2.4p 15.8m

The provider of the mpro5 solution, announces a new long-term contract win with a national supplier in the utilities sector. The client will now roll-out the mpro5 solution to digitise processes across its network, covering the North West, Midlands, Yorkshire, the East of England, and North London. The initial term of the agreement is for 3years, with a total value in excess of 1.4m.

Ebiquity PLC (AIM:EBQ) 56p 67.3m

The media investment analysis company, announces a trading update for the six months ended 30 June 2022, ahead of the interim results announcement planned for 22 September 2022. Revenue growth of approximately 37m, 16% ahead of the same period. Operating profit is expected to be in excess of 4.6m, an increase of at least 100% over the same period last year and underlying operating margin is expected to be at least 12%. The Group's net debt as at 30 June 2022 was 12.9m. This performance included an initial contribution from Media Management LLC and Media Path, the acquisitions of which were completed in April 2022.

Naked Wines (LON: WINE) 158p 116.9m

Naked Wines announces that Shawn Tabak, Chief Financial Officer and Director, has by mutual agreement departed his positions with the company, effective July 22, 2022. James Crawford has been appointed on an interim basis through to June 2023. Mr Crawford previously served as CFO from April 2015 to November 2020. Mr Crawford will combine this interim role with his responsibilities as Managing Director of Naked Wines UK division. The Board position being vacated by Mr. Tabak will not be filled at this time.

Xeros Technology Group PLC (AIM:XSG) 36.5p 8.7m

The creator of technologies that reduce the impact of clothing on the planet, announces that Neil Austin will be appointed as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 August 2022. Neil has commercial sales and management experience in the global domestic appliance manufacturing industry, having recently served as Managing Director of Strix (U.K.) Limited. Prior to this position, Neil was Chief Commercial Officer of Neurovalens Limited, and he previously held roles as Sales Director at Glen Dimplex, Consumer Goods division, and as Sales Manager at Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR) Corporation.

Science Group PLC (AIM:SAG) 387p 176.1m

The science, technology and consulting organisation reports H1 results. For the six months ended 30 June 2022, Group revenue increased by 10% to 44.8m (H1 2021: 40.7m), 7% on a constant currency basis. Adjusted operating profit increased by 22% to 8.8m (H1 2021: 7.3m) and adjusted profit before tax was 8.5m (H1 2021: 6.9m). Adjusted basic earnings per share increased by 10% to 14.6 pence (H1 2021: 13.3 pence). Group cash (excluding client funds) of 38.6m and net funds of 23.9m. The long term debt of 14.7m is secured on the Group's freehold properties. In addition to the term loan, in December 2021 the Group agreed a 25m revolving credit facility with its bank, which to date has not been drawn. The Group is experiencing increases in materials, energy and staff costs but has to date managed to offset the effects. delivering results slightly ahead of the Board's expectations.

Thor Mining PLC (AIM:THR, OTC:THORF, ASX:THR) 0.5p 10.1m

Provide an exploration update on sampling and mapping programs which have been completed at the Company's 100% owned Ragged Range Project, located in Eastern Pilbara, Western Australia. 3 programs of reconnaissance mapping with rock chip and stream sediment sampling completed over the Ragged Range Project. Rock chip sampling over the 13km-long Sterling Prospect returned up to 6g/t Au in rock chip along newly identified cross structures that strike oblique to the regional faulted contact, Norman Cairn Fault, between the Dalton Suite and Euro Basalts. At the Kelly's Prospect, anomalous gold (up to 1.46g/t) and copper (4.8% Cu) have been identified along the northwest trending. All samples from the recently completed RC drilling program have now been received by the laboratory, and the Company awaits assay results.

Vast Resources (LON: VAST) 0.7p 10.3m

The mining company, announces the Production Report for Q2 2022 from its producing Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine in Romania. Copper concentrate production during Q2 2022 increased 17% from 229 dry metric tonnes in Q1 2022 to 268.8 in Q2 2022. The tonnes milled for the period declined by 6%, however the ore mined increased by 3.5%. The copper grade milled improved by 33% to 0.60% for the period under review. The results are in line with the Companys expectations. The Company continues to forecast an increase in copper concentrate tonnage produced due to the implementation of the Mantis CMR4 Jumbo Drilling rig. In addition to the increase in copper concentrate produced, an increase in the number of primary metres developed is forecast.

Venture Group (SGX: V03) 34.5p 43.5m

The Company develops, manufactures and commercialises products for the international self-care market, announces a trading update for the six months ended 30 June 2022. The Group expects to release interim results in September. The Company expects to report revenues of 18.9m, a growth of 36% over the same period previous year. This is reflective of the impact of the recent acquisitions of BBI Healthcare Limited and Helsinn Integrative Care Portfolio, contributing revenues of 6.3m. Cash inflow generated from operating activities of 1.5m (H1 2021: 0.7m outflow). Based on trading performance to date and visibility over second half revenue, the Board is confident the Group is on course to deliver full year financial performance in line with market expectations.

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China is reportedly planning to launch a real estate fund to assist property developers resolvea crippling debt crisis, with the 300 billion yuan (US$44bn) warchest aimed at restoring confidence in the industry.

This would be the country's first major step to save the beleaguered property sector since last year's debt troubles became public with the problems afflicting Evergrande.

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) will initially support the fund with 80 billion yuan while the China Construction Bank will chip in a further 50 billion yuan, Reuters reports, though the funds will come from the PBOC's refinancing facility.

As part of the government's push to boost rental housing, the fund will reportedly bankroll the construction of unfinished home projects, which will be rented to individuals, and if the model works, other banks will follow suit with a target of raising 200 to 300 billion yuan.

Meanwhile, embattled Chinese real estate giant Evergrande, which has more than US$300bn in liabilities and defaulted on its debts late last year, expects to release a preliminary restructuring plan this week.

An internal probe found that the developer's chief executive and finance head misappropriated around US$2bn (1.7bn) in loans, with the company informing the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that the officials concerned had now resigned.

Termed the world's most indebted property developer, Evergrande is reportedly in discussions with its property services unit about repayment terms.

Evergrande has missed a crucial deadline for repaying its offshore debt as a US$2.6bn deal to sell a majority stake in the unit to a rival developer fell through in October.

Over the last year, its shares have fallen by more than 75% and have been suspended from trading.

China's property sector has been lurching from one crisis to another and has slowed growth in the world's second-largest economy, as almost a quarter of China's gross domestic product (GDP) comes from the property market and related sectors, including construction.
Savannah Resources PLC (AIM:SAV, ETR:SAV, OTC:SAVNF) shares tumbled on Monday after it confirmed that it has been included in a civil claim relating to its acquisition of certain properties at its Barroso lithium project in Portugal.

Savannah has been asked to submit its defence to the proposed legal action before the end of September 2022 and will be working with its Portuguese counsel on this, the statement added..

The mining company said the claim was lodged against certain landowners, claiming they have registered some properties in excess, occupying community-owned land.

The company said it purchased properties to what had been declared by the private landowners to the Land Registry Office.

Shares fell 7% in response to the news.

Argos Resources makes unhappy return to trading

Argos Resources, the Falkland Islands based oil and gas explorer, saw its shares sink as it returned to trading after suspension.

Shares were down 6% after being much lower in early trading.

The group reported an increase in losses in 2021 with a total comprehensive loss of US$356,000 up from US$299,000 the year before. Administrative expenses went up by 17% to US$355,000 from US$303,000.

The company also reported a fall in cash reserves to US$304,000 from US$438,000 and said it planned to raise additional capital to support a licence extension in the Falkland Islands.

In June, the chair agreed a drawdown facility of 110,000 to provide additional working capital.

The company did not declare a dividend for 2021, unchanged from last year.

Venture Life surges as acquisitions deliver

Venture Life was a winner on Monday with shares in the company, which develops over-the-counter products for the self-care market, surging 12.5% to 36p.

This followed a trading statement reaffirming managements expectations for the first half of 2022.

Revenues in the first two quarters rose 36% to 18.9mln, encouraged by the acquisitions of BBI Healthcare and Helsinn Integrative Care Portfolio.

The acquisitions delivered revenue growth of 10% and 6% respectively on a like-for-like basis, while the remainder of the business also posted modest gains.

Jerry Randall, CEO, added: The challenging retail environment continued in the first half, but I am delighted to see that, notwithstanding this, a number of our own brands, as well as some customer brands, have demonstrated strong revenue growth in the period.

Hurricane Energy blowing up a storm

Shares in Hurricane Energy powered ahead on Monday following news that the company has completed payment of its outstanding bonds.

At 12.16pm shares in the company were 18% higher at 8.57p.

In a statement, the company told investors it had paid off the US$78.5mln of convertible bonds, plus US$1.5mln of accrued interest before the maturity date (24 July).

It leaves the company debt-free ahead of a further injection of cash due with an imminent lifting of crude from the Lancaster fields floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel.

"The repayment of the convertible bonds is an important and key milestone for Hurricane as we move into a new phase for the company, said Antony Maris, Hurricane's chief executive.
Fenix Resources Ltd (ASX:FEX) has completed the acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in a haulage joint venture (JV) company, Fenix-Newhaul Pty Ltd, consolidating ownership under FEXs banner.

The company issued Newhaul Pty Ltd, its former joint venture partner, $7.5 million in cash and 30 million fully paid ordinary shares in Fenix Resources in return for the remaining interest in the haulage company.

Newhaul founder Craig Mitchell has also been nominated to join the Fenix board, to be appointed as a director as of September 1, 2022.

Through the acquisition of Fenix-Newhaul, the company has become a fully integrated mining and logistics hauling operation.

Fenix expects this integration of operations to substantially reduce direct production and shipping expenses and provide additional flexibility in haulage operations.

Leadership transition

Fenix has progressed from a junior explorer to a producer-haulage company in just four years, prompting the company to seek a leadership transition to support the expansion of the business.

Rob Brierley, managing director at FEX, has tendered his resignation, although he will continue in his role for the next three months to assist the company in facilitating an orderly hand-over.

Fenix chair John Welborn acknowledged Brierley on his achievements during his four years with the company.

Rob has been a key part of Fenixs journey from junior explorer to iron ore producer. He has guided the development of the companys 100% owned, flagship Iron Ridge Iron Ore Project, a premium deposit that hosts some of the highest-grade iron ore in Western Australia," Welborn said.

Under Robs direction, Fenix secured port facility at Geraldton, received all required approvals and commenced production from Iron Ridge in December 2020 with first sales generated in February 2021.

Fenix is a profitable dividend-paying mining company which ended the financial year with more than $100 million in cash.

The recently achieved step-change transaction consolidating 100% ownership of Fenix-Newhaul has positioned Fenix for a period of exciting transformational growth and provides the perfect platform to enhance our leadership team.

On behalf of the board and all shareholders of Fenix, I thank Rob for his service to the company and wish him well in his future endeavours.

Fenix has begun an executive search to recruit candidates for the companys new executive leadership team. The company will release announcements as appointments are finalised.

About Fenix Resources

Fenix Resources is a Western Australian-based iron ore producer, operating its flagship Iron Ridge Iron Ore Project in the mid-west mining region of Western Australia.

Iron Ridge holds a JORC-compliant direct-shipping iron ore (DSO) deposit of 9.8 million tonnes at 64.4% iron, one of the highest-grade deposits in WA.

First production began in December 2020, and the deposit has since produced about 1.8 million tonnes of ore.
Frontier Energy Ltd (ASX:FHE) managing director and CEO Mike Young has stepped down from his post, paving the way for new leadership to advance the companys Bristol Springs Solar (BSS) Project.

The chief executive and MD took on the role at Frontier in late 2021 but has now decided to pursue his next chapter in the mining industry.

Following Youngs decision, Frontier board member Grant Davey has stepped into the executive chairmanship, where hell lead the company as it looks to appoint a new independent board member.

While Young departs from his roles today, hell remain with the company to oversee its leadership transition.

Positioning Frontier for looming renewable energy boom

Commenting on his decision to leave, Young said it was time to make room for a new leader at the Frontier table.

After eight months of being involved with the Bristol Springs Solar Project it has become apparent that the skills I bring to the table, regarding native title, tenure and project approvals are not needed for this project, given its advanced stage of development.

The projects advanced stage coincides with the State and Federal governments clear intent to quickly develop a hydrogen industry in Australia.

Whilst my stay has been relatively short, I believe I have helped position the company for long term success, and the company is in an excellent position to take advantage of the looming renewable energy boom were about to experience.

Transition to include strategic project review

Speaking to the board and leadership changes today, newly appointed executive chairman Grant Davey said: It has been a pleasure working with Mike over the past eight months, and we wish him well in the future.

Mike is an asset for any company, and I have no doubt he will be back in the mining industry in the not-too-distant future.

Through Mikes transition period, in addition to assisting on the Bristol Spring project, he will also be completing a strategic review of Metallum Resources, in which Frontier owns a 45% interest.

Metallum owns 100% of the Superior Lake Zinc Project in Canada, which is the highest-grade zinc project in North America.

About Frontier

Frontier Energy is a clean energy company developing the BSS project near Waroona in Western Australia.

The BSS asset will provide enough power for 45,000 homes and abate 180,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

The project is 120 kilometres south of Perth within the Golden Triangle of Kwinana-Bunbury-Collie, which provides supporting infrastructure and potential offtake customers.
QMines Ltd (ASX:QML) has delivered more results described as outstanding from its ongoing reverse circulation (RC) drill program at the flagship Mt Chalmers Copper-Gold Project, 17 kilometres northeast of Rockhampton, Queensland.

A further batch of results is in from the June/July drilling program, for 10 holes, and they reveal high-grade copper equivalent results over broad intervals with the standout being 37 metres at 2.90% copper equivalent from 118 metres, including 4 metres at 17.3% from 145 metres.

High-grade copper

Other strong results are:

25 metres at 1.65% from 81 metres, including 3 metres at 7.3%;

21 metres at 1.38% from 79 metres, including 7 metres at 3.3%; and

14 metres at 1.94% from 76 metres, including 5 metres at 3.98% from 79 metres.

We are very pleased with recent drilling results, QMines executive chairman Andrew Sparke said.

They show that Mt Chamers is continuing to grow in scale. The RC rig is now moving to the southern end of the Mt Chalmers deposit to test for further extensions.

These continued high-grade, shallow and wide intersections bode well for the companys third resource upgrade expected in 2H-2022.

Investors have also welcomed the results with QML shares as much as 5.88% higher to $0.18.

Further priority targets

A downhole electromagnetic survey data capture is now complete and has identified further priority targets.

Multiple drill pads have also been prepared at the southern end of the Mt Chalmers West Pit in preparation for resource extension drilling to the south.

Several holes were drilled along the western side of both the Main Pit and the West Pit and have closed off the mineralisation on this side of the project. A further five were drilled to the north of the main pit, where mineralisation remains open.

The increased drill density, together with deeper drilling, is delivering a more detailed geological and structural interpretation at Mt Chalmers. The company is drilling grouped holes from various prepared drill pads due to terrain and access.

The RC drilling campaign continues apace, with the company wrapping up a further two RC holes for 450 metres since returning to the site. It will continue throughout the year, and the company will release results on a regular basis as they come in.

Ongoing activities

The company has more than 30,000 metres of RC and diamond drilling planned for Mt Chalmers.

Drilling will soon kick off at the Woods Shaft prospect, the first of three targets singled out by the company for exploration.

Plans are afoot for a follow-up downhole electromagnetic survey will also provide better confidence for planned airborne survey.

Ongoing geological interpretation and modelling continues on regional prospects and a third resource upgrade is planned for release before the end of 2022.
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Jindalee Resources Ltd (ASX:JRL)'s Lindsay Dudfield joins Proactive's Andrew Scott after drilling kicked off at the company's McDermitt lithium project in Oregon. The 28-hole program is designed to infill and extend the 13.3 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent contained in the McDermitt mineral resource estimate. Dudfield says if the holes come up trumps, then the company is looking at a significant increase in the project's resource base. Two rigs will be spinning by September, with all holes to be complete by late October. Jindalee expects to have all results on hand by year's end, facilitating a resource update in 2023's March quarter.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are fast becoming genuine alternatives to the petrol and diesel-powered cars we're used to as solid progress is being made on the battery technology front.

However, a significant drawback of EVs is their range, so much so that the term 'range anxiety' has become a part of the electric vehicle lexicon.

Range anxiety is that feeling of dread as the kilometres of driving range remaining in your cars battery sinks low and a charger is either far away or not available at all.

This is where plug-in hybrid vehicles step in.

In this article:

Major manufacturers, including Toyota, Suzuki and Honda, believe that plug-in hybrids are the bridge needed for users of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars to transition to EVs.

The way plug-in hybrids work is that they feature a reasonably large battery (though much smaller than in a pure EV) paired to an electric motor that allows the car to run solely on electric power for about 50 to 200 kilometres or more, depending on the model.

As their name suggests, these hybrids need to be plugged in to charge the batteries, but they can also use regenerative braking to regain some amount of charge.

Plug-in hybrids can also use their combustion engines without any electric assistance for longer drives or when the batteries are discharged.

Chasten and I bought our first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle five years ago, used. It cost us about $14,000.



We charged it through a regular wall plug in our garage in South Bend, and owning it meant we only needed gas for longer road trips, saving us money on fuel.  Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) July 20, 2022

In short, plug-in hybrids offer a pure-electric range for shorter distances as well as the ability to travel long distances using the ICE powertrain.

Plug-in hybrids are well suited for countries with vast stretches of road, including the US, Canada, Australia, China and India.

India wants car manufacturers to build more electric cars but the uptake for such vehicles so far has been slow, and only Tata Motors builds them locally.

Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM) Corp and Suzuki Motor Corp announced in June that they would begin production of hybrid vehicles in India, a category that Toyota has said is currently best suited to such markets.

The companies believe that hybrids make more sense in markets where the charging infrastructure is not ready for EVs.

Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid. Source: www.toyota.com.

Toyotas plant in India will start building in August a hybrid SUV developed by Suzuki.

Two powertrains would be available - one with a mild hybrid configuration from Suzuki and the other as a strong hybrid from Toyota, the companies said in a joint statement.

In a mild hybrid, the battery only assists the combustion engine, without the all-electric mode available in a strong hybrid.

In Australia, plug-in hybrid vehicles were often overlooked compared to conventional hybrids and EVs.

According to drive.com.au, sales of plug-ins in Australia rose 104% in the first half of 2022, over the same period last year  compared to 127% for electric vehicles (excluding Tesla, which didn't publish sales figures for that period last year) and 12% for conventional hybrids.

The 2,941 plug-in hybrids sold so far this year also trail the 9,680 full EVs and 41,056 conventional hybrids delivered.

However, plug-in hybrid sales are gaining momentum with a broad array of vehicles on sale in Australia, across 17 brands and 30 model lines.

Source: drive.com.au.

Mitsubishi has been a pioneer in the Australian EV space since 2010 when it became the first brand to launch a mass-production EV in the form of the i-MiEV.

The company is set to launch the new-gen Outlander plug-in hybrid in the third quarter and brings with it a larger 20kWh battery that will enable up to 87 kilometres of all-electric driving range.

Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid. Source: mitsubishicars.com.

Speaking to carsguide.com.au, Mitsubishi Australia boss Shaun Westcott explains there are still some hurdles to overcome before he believes Australians will adopt electric cars en masse.

He said: Plug-in hybrids are what Australia needs right now, and is a viable technology as the automotive industry pivots to an electric future.

We could have a significant reduction [of CO2 emissions] right up without any range anxiety, without any concerns.

While plug-in hybrids wont do quite as much as all-electric vehicles when it comes to saving the planet, as they pack a combustion engine under the hood along with their battery-powered electric motor, theyre still a better option than ICE vehicles.

According to carsguide.com.au, the National Transport Commissions Carbon Dioxide Emissions Intensity for New Australian Light Vehicles 2020 report found that the average emissions intensity of ICE passenger cars and light SUVs was 149.5g/km, with that figure being 216.7 g/km for heavy SUVs and light commercial vehicles.

These numbers are lower for hybrids: a significantly lower 51g/km for plug-in hybrids and 103g/km for conventional hybrids.

As a result, if you are regular in keeping your vehicle charged, and you only drive a few kilometres per day on average, you could bring down your personal carbon footprint by opting for a plug-in hybrid.
Emerson, a global technology and software company, has said it has reached a key milestone in its manufacturing leadership, with the first ever control valve built entirely out of locally sourced pressure retaining parts and castings in Saudi Arabia.

Since 2002, Emerson has been strengthening its manufacturing capabilities in Saudi Arabia to meet the growing demands of stakeholders and customers in the area. This focus is also aligned with national localisation initiatives such as Saudi Vision 2030, IKTVA, Nusaned and Made in Saudi by bringing in business and developing talent in the community, the company said in a statement.

"Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 is an ambitious vision for an ambitious nation. At Emerson, we have worked to help realize this vision. Over the years, we have positively contributed to the development of the country through strong business growth supported by local talent. We have continued to ramp up physical presence in the Kingdom with several manufacturing locations and our headquarters in Dhahran Techno Valley. Today we celebrate another important milestone, the ability to now source control valves with pressure retaining castings fully sourced from the Kingdom. Creating a responsive and robust supplier ecosystem in Saudi Arabia is key to Vision 2030 and key to business success as global supply chains evolve, said Mal McLernon Emersons vice president and general manager for flow controls in the Middle East.

According to the company, key stakeholders from Saudi Aramco, Sabic and other strategic customers attended recently an event at Emersons Dhahran Techno Valley Collaboration Center where Emersons latest localisation efforts were on display.

Emersons manufacturing capabilities in Saudi Arabia are the result of years of working together with government, customers, and supply chain stakeholders to identify market needs, Saudization targets and local content objectives, and develop long term investment and execution plans to meet these goals, the company added.TradeArabia News Service
Cobra Resources PLC (LSE:COBR) said it has been granted a package of exploration tenements (EL 6806) that are close to or contiguous with its Wudinna gold and rare earths project in South Australia.

The tenements totalling 893 km2 complement the company's existing strategy, with the newly acquired ground considered highly prospective for gold and clay-hosted rare earth mineralisation, said the London-listed company.

EL 6806 consolidates Cobra Resources' position as a major player in the highly prospective Gawler Craton, a tier 1 mining jurisdiction of South Australia, said chief executive Rupert Verco. Whilst the southern Gawler Craton has already produced several defined precious metal resources, its extent remains largely under explored, and this creates a massive opportunity for our company.

The addition of EL 6806 gives Cobra exclusive exploration rights across 1,429 km2 in Gawler Craton and a further 1,832 km2 of exploration rights held under a heads of agreement with Andromeda Metals Ltd (ASX:ADN).

Our immediate focus remains on defining value through ongoing exploration at the Wudinna project, however, the addition of EL 6806 enables the company to strategically define a pipeline of high-value new exploration targets which are capable of contributing to the multi-commodity resource we are aiming to establish, including critical minerals that can assist in driving global decarbonisation," said Verco.
Insolvent crypto lender Voyager Digital (CSE:VYGR, OTCQX:VYGVF) has slapped down a buyout offer by Sam Bankman-Frieds venture fund Alameda Research, court documents reveal.

The offer, forwarded to Voyagers lawyers on Friday July 22, proposed a purchase of all remaining digital assets and digital asset loans held by Voyager excluding those owed by Three Arrows Capital.

Under the rejected deal, customers would have been given immediate access to 75% of their withheld assets under a voluntary basis, while also retaining a claim to future assets recovered from Voyagers primary creditor Three Arrows Capital.

Lawyers at Kirkland & Ellis said: Voyager will entertain any serious proposal It seems clear, however, that AlamedaFTXs proposal, which was made in contravention of the proposed bidding procedures, was designed to generate publicity for itself rather than value for Voyagers customers.

Voyagers counsel accused the deal of being harmful to customers, calling it a low-ball bid dressed up as a white knight rescue.

In retaliation, Bankman-Fried criticised Voyager for failing to return customers' funds, despite estimating that 75% still remains with the company.

According to Bankman-Fried, a prolonged bankruptcy process could see Voyager's consultants slowly draining the remaining funds by charging fees every month the bankruptcy process dragged on.

1) Voyager lost customer assets, but it still has the majority left.



Why haven't those been returned to customers yet?



Sad facts from a bankruptcy process.  SBF (@SBF_FTX) July 25, 2022

Alameda Research has its own US$75mln stake in Voyagers bankruptcy, which Bankman-Fried conceded could be lost under the bailout proposal.

Voyager Digital was one of the worst hit in the recent bout of bankruptcies that has plagued the crypto sector.

Ther Toronto-listed crypto lender filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early July before the New York courts.
Creso Pharma Ltd (ASX:CPH, OTCQB:COPHF)s acquisition target Sierra Sage Herbs LLC has secured a non-exclusive private label manufacturing agreement with US-based FSA Store Inc. to produce the companys inaugural plant-based first-aid collection.

FSA Store is a subsidiary of Health-E Commerce, a leading online retailer of health and wellness products that has built a family of brands with strong US market penetration.

Looking ahead, product development is underway and the company anticipates that the collection will launch in November 2022.

Whats more, on the regulatory front, US Senate Democrats are expected to introduce a federal bill to decriminalise recreational cannabis while the House of Representatives passes a cannabis advertising bill.

The passing of the potential bill would potentially provide Creso with an entry point into a market that has the potential reach of US$130 billion in sales by 2024.

Interesting market opportunity

Creso managing director and CEO William Lay said: The agreement with FSA Store Inc. provides considerable validation of SSHs product and manufacturing capabilities.

"FSA Store Inc. is part of a group of brands that is a leading provider of health and wellness products and to be trusted as the partner to provide these is a major achievement.

Importantly, the agreement provides Creso Pharma and SSH with access to an interesting market opportunity and provides another potential revenue channel that can underpin SSHs growth.

We look forward to working closely with the group to provide a suite of products to their customer base later this year.

The company will also continue to monitor the potential legislative shifts occurring in the US.

The proposed Senate bill highlights the ongoing push for recreational cannabis legalisation across the nation and has the potential to unlock opportunities for Creso Pharma.

Agreement summary

Under the agreement, SSH will manufacture and deliver private labelled first aid and topical therapeutic products as directed in individual purchase orders by a distributor as an agent of FSA Store Inc.

The collection is intended to be aimed at more than 70 million Americans enrolled in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs), that allow them to set aside pre-tax income to pay for qualified healthcare expenses.

The agreement provides an interesting market opportunity for Creso Pharma and SSH as well as an additional sales channel.
Bens Creek Group PLC (AIM:BEN, OTC:BENCF) is anticipating monthly production from its metallurgical coal mine in North America to hit 40,000 clean tons from August 2022 onwards.

The production will be generated using a single highwall miner operated by the companys highwall mining contractor, Mega Highwall Mining LLC (MHW), working a double shift along with underground mining.

An application for a permit to mine a much larger area than is currently being mined by the first highwall miner is in the final stages of being approved by the Department of Environmental Protection in West Virginia.

This will allow a second highwall miner, to be supplied by MHW, to commence work.

Once mobilised and operational, both highwall miners will be able to operate simultaneously. This will allow production to increase steadily, reaching up to 80,000 clean tons per month.

This is expected to occur between September and December 2022.

Underground mining, which commenced recently, required considerable capital expenditure both prior to and post the admission of the company's shares to trading on Aim.

The company is currently analysing the feasibility of deploying its own highwall miner onto the newly to be permitted site to allow all three highwall miners to operate simultaneously, once the necessary repairs have been completed.

Estimated production from April to July 2022 is likely to be approximately 80,000 clean tons of metallurgical coal.

Following the commencement of production since December 2021, the company sold 44,000 raw tons in the period to 31 March 2022 to Integrity Coal Sales Inc. ("Integrity"), the company's offtake partner.

The last two months has seen considerable market price volatility of High Vol A and High Vol B coal, the products sold to Integrity.

In order to minimise any future adverse impact on the selling prices achieved by the company for eight of its 10 domestic sales shipments, it has agreed with Integrity a fixed sales price per ton for these consignments. The agreed price per ton of clean coal is higher than the current market price, thereby insulating the company's earnings on these consignments from any future falls in the price of met coal.

"We are delighted that the company remains on track with its operational plans and targets, said Adam Wilson, chief executive of Bens Creek.

Since the company's shares were admitted to trading on Aim in October 2021, and prior to coal production commencing, we have substantially invested in the company's operations which has included the remediation of the railway line and the wash plant and undertaking the necessary repairs to the underground mining infrastructure. This investment and the efforts of the team on the ground in West Virginia, has enabled us to be in a position to meet our production targets and at a run rate of around 40,000 clean tonnes per month.
Savannah Resources PLC (AIM:SAV, ETR:SAV, OTC:SAVNF) has noted a legal action initiated by the Covas do Barroso Baldios in respect of some land packages it has acquired from private landowners at the Barroso lithium project.

The Baldios Management Commission has lodged a civil claim against certain landowners claiming that they have registered some of their properties in excess, that is, occupying property that is actually Baldios land (community-owned and managed land), Savannah said in a statement.

As Savannah has acquired some of those properties, the Baldios Commission has included Savannah in those claims, requesting that the acquisition of such properties should be declared null and void.

Savannah added that to the best of its knowledge the purchased properties correspond to what has been declared by the private landowners to the official registration of cadastral information office and it has purchased exactly what is registered with the Land Registry Office.

The areas that are being disputed by the Baldios Commission occupy approximately 8 hectares or circa 1.4% of the total area of the project.

Savannah has been asked to submit its defence to the proposed legal action before the end of September 2022 and will be working with its Portuguese counsel on this, the statement concluded.
Critical metals, including rare earths found in industrial magnets, are integral to wind turbine technologies that help keep the light

Kwasi Kwarteng, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, has just published a policy paper for the UKs first ever critical minerals strategy.

Kwarteng's paper sets out the governments plans to secure critical mineral supply chains, by boosting domestic capability and foreign supplies in a way that generates new jobs, creates wealth and attracts investment.

This is a major development for suppliers and potential suppliers of these metals as the government plans to accelerate the growth of domestic capabilities but also collaborate with international partners to ensure robust and diverse supply chains.

The report points out that the minerals we rely on to ensure the continuation of our everyday lives are often produced thousands of miles away and particularly the raw materials required for the transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to one powered by greener sustainable energy sources.

So, for example, we need lithium, cobalt and graphite to make batteries for cars; silicon and tin for our electronics; and rare earth elements for electric vehicles and wind turbines.

A significant uptick in demand

The UK government points out that, the world in 2040 is expected to need four-times as many critical minerals for clean energy technologies as it does today.

However, the complexity and opaqueness of current supply chains mean that the market for these minerals is volatile and can be distorted.

Given the supply chain issues experienced during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the government is clearly uncomfortable with China being the dominant global supplier.

So, to help secure the UKs access to whats required, it has set up a Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC), the first of its kind.

The centre will be run by the British Geological Survey in Nottingham and will provide up-to-date data on materials such as rare earth elements.

The government also plans to establish a dedicated Critical Minerals Unit to act as its single point of contact with the sector, including business, academia and civil society.

A delivery plan for the commitments in this strategy will be published later in the year.

We would expect the UKs critical minerals strategy to have positive implications for both domestic and foreign-based explorers and miners of critical minerals.

Funding options

For domestic explorers and miners, the government plans to explore how state funding mechanisms can support companies developing domestic critical mineral capabilities that would also reduce the risk for investors.

At the same time, it wants to develop an inbound foreign direct investment (FDI) proposition for UK critical minerals projects, as well as reducing barriers to domestic exploration and extraction of critical minerals.

Explorers and miners with projects that are based abroad will get help from development banks to direct Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) and support companies working to build responsible, diversified supply chains overseas.

In addition, the government expects to continue to make UK export finance products available to the critical minerals sector, including where this can support the security of supply, as well as help export UK mining and mineral expertise, goods and services.

Rainbow Rare Earths low-cost approach

Rainbow Rare Earths is one UK-registered company with international projects that could benefit from the UKs first critical minerals strategy.

It is currently advancing the Phalaborwa Rare Earth Minerals Project, located in South Africa. Phalaborwa is a historic gypsum operation, where the two waste piles (stacks) are rich in rare earth minerals.

The deposit currently has a JORC 2012 compliant mineral resource estimate of 38.3mln tonnes at a grade of 0.43% total rare earth oxides, of which 29.1% represents higher-value neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) with economic dysprosium and terbium credits.

Phalaborwa has a number of advantages over traditional rare earth minerals projects, notably that it doesn't require hard rock mining, crushing and milling, which reduces both capex and opex costs for the project relative to a standard mining project.

The rare earth elements contained at Phalaborwa are also in a chemical form within the gypsum, which removes the requirement for energy and reagent-intensive cracking processes, also reducing the costs.

As a result, Rainbow Rare Earths is confident that Phalaborwa can be one of the lowest-cost global producers of separated rare earth oxides.

Rainbow Rare Earths has recently completed the development of a process flowsheet and now plans to move forward with a technical feasibility study, the next step for the project.

A rarity: Mkango Resources at DFS stage

Mkango Resources Ltd (AIM:MKA, TSX-V:MKA, OTC:MKNGF) is even further along the value chain and in deed has a definitive feasibility study for its Songwe Hill rare earth project in Malawi.

It ascribes a US$559mln post-tax net present value (NPV) and a 31.5% post-tax internal rate of return to Songwe, one of the very few rare earth projects globally to have reached the DFS stage.

The study envisages a payback period of 2.5 years from full production (five years from the start of capital expenditure) and a post-tax life-of-operations nominal cash flow of US$2.1bn.

Pensana breaks ground

Finally, Kwasi Kwarteng took a personal interest in Pensana PLC (LSE:PRE)s groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of work to create the worlds first rare processing facility Saltend on Humberside.

After attending the gathering, he told the audience: Pensana breaking ground today has been made possible in part through government support and shows how our plans to secure an internationally competitive electric vehicle supply chain in the UK continue to gain momentum.

This incredible facility will be the only of its kind in Europe and will help secure the resilience of Britain's supplies into the future.

Thats why weve also launched the UKs first Critical Mineral Strategy, setting out plans to develop robust supplies of minerals that are key to our economic success and national security.

"The strategy will bolster our resilience to market shocks and geopolitical events while supplying key industries such as automotive and defence.
Mineworx Technologies CEO Greg Pendura joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share news the company has successfully completed the optimization stage of testing in Tennessee for the companys Catalytic Converter project.

Pendura telling Proactive this testing was needed to move forward with the project with the results indicating that the commercial production facility will be designed based on a modular concept. Pendura also told Proactive the Company plans to operate the Pilot Plant to further compile processing information to minimize operational risks providing additional mechanical and engineering data.
Amman, July 25 : King Abdullah II of Jordan has said all Arab states would seek good relations with Iran on the principles of good neighbourliness, mutual respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

Expressing his belief that disagreements should be resolved through dialogue, the Jordanian king said that the region needs cooperation and coordination rather than crises and conflicts, Xinhua news agency reported, citing al-Rai newspaper.

However, he warned against what he called "regular attacks from Iran-linked militias," noting a change in Iran's behavior is "in the interest of everyone in the region, including Iran and its people." When asked about the possibility of launching an "Arab NATO," he said the issue "is not currently under discussion," while highlighting the necessity for an institutional Arab defence system.

"If we look at the threats facing us today, we will find they threaten all of us, and thus require Arab cooperation, especially the renewed terrorist threat and networks of organized drug and arms smuggling," the king explained.
Lucknow, July 25 : Senior Samajwadi Party MLA, Mohd Azam Khan has requested the Uttar Pradesh government to "reinstate his 'Z' category security", citing "threats" since he faces several cases.

Expressing security concerns, Azam Khan said, "I had 'Z' category security earlier. It was withdrawn by the present state government. Even a senior police officer recommended it. 'Y' category security is being offered to me at present, but it looks similar to the security cover provided to every MLA. I want my earlier security to be reinstated as I face many threats due to all the cases filed against me." Rampur SP Ashok Kumar said that, "We have not received any application from Azam Khan to upgrade his security. He has been provided 'Y' category security and the required numbers of security guards are always with him. However, I will ask the local intelligence unit to evaluate the threat level and will write to the state government accordingly." Azam was released in May on bail after being lodged in Sitapur jail for almost 27 months. He was booked in about 89 cases ranging from book theft, hen theft, statue theft, power theft, land grabbing, forgery and land encroachment.

He successfully contested the 2022 assembly polls from the jail.
Seoul, July 25 : The defence chiefs of South Korea and the US will hold talks in Washington DC on Friday (July 29) to discuss security on the Korean Peninsula and deterrence against evolving North Korean threats.

South Korean Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup and his counterpart, Lloyd Austin, are scheduled to meet Friday, as the allies have been cranking up security coordination amid speculation Pyongyang could ratchet up tensions by conducting a nuclear test or other provocative acts, Yonhap news agency reported.

It would mark their second in-person meeting in their current capacities, following their first talks on the margins of the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual security forum in Singapore, in June.

"Through this meeting, (the two sides) plan to exchange their assessments about the security situation on the peninsula and have a wide-range of discussions on various alliance issues, including efforts to enhance the enforceability of extended deterrence," the South Korean Defence Ministry said in a press release.

Amid growing North Korean nuclear and missile threats, Seoul has been striving to ensure and strengthen the enforceability of extended deterrence, America's stated commitment to using a full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear options, to defend its Asian ally.

While in the US, Lee plans to attend Wednesday's ceremony celebrating the completion of the Wall of Remembrance, a Korean War monument bearing the names of 36,634 US troops and 7,174 members of the Korean Augmentation to the US Army who died during the 1950-53 conflict.

Lee will also visit the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington to express his appreciation to war veterans and hold separate meetings with former US Forces Korea commanders and officials from major US think tanks.
Imperial, owned by DP World, a leading provider of worldwide smart end-to-end supply chain logistics, says its Market Access business has increased its stake in PST Sales & Distribution (PST) in Botswana, from 38% to 72%. The transaction came into effect on July 1, 2022.

PST is a home-grown Botswana enterprise with over 30 years of experience and rich in local industry knowledge and expertise. It also represents some of the worlds premier multinationals in the food and non-food Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector and has longstanding relationships with principals and customers. As part of seamless route-to-market solutions, PSTs services include supply chain management, sales & branding, as well as financial and administrative management.

PSTs sound knowledge of the consumer landscape in Botswana, coupled with its comprehensive distribution and sales solutions, aligns well with DP Worlds strategic objective of leveraging assets and logistics to create an integrated global supply chain  from factory floor to customer door, said Mohammed Akoojee, Chief Operating Officer of DP World Logistics and Group CEO at Imperial.

Leading distributor

PST further entrenches Imperial as the leading distributor of consumer goods in Southern Africa, providing brand owners with informed and unparalleled access to their end consumers by leveraging our in-market networks and in-country infrastructure.

In addition to its in-depth knowledge of the Botswana consumer market, PST has the infrastructure to provide a nationwide route-to-market solution and a team of product specialists, which enables the business to participate in every category of the FMCG industry.

PST is a renowned Botswana business known for the delivery of well-known brands in the country and further enhances our position as the leading distributor in Southern Africa, said Johan Truter, Chief Executive Officer of Imperials Market Access business.

Robust infrastructure

The business has robust infrastructure which enables it to serve the entire trade universe and has unmatched local knowledge, with almost all employees being local, including top management.

Autash Arora, Managing Director of PST, added: This transaction further cements PSTs relationship with Imperial, and bodes well for our vision of being the best FMCG distributor in the country and delivering well-known brands and household names to the people of Botswana. In addition, this investment allows us to continue to consistently deliver outstanding results for the benefit of our customers and principals in line with our promise of customer satisfaction.

This transaction bears testament to Imperial fulfilling its ambition of becoming the leading market access and logistics partner in Africa, by providing access to quality products and services.-- TradeArabia News Service
New Delhi, July 25 : President-elect Droupadi Murmu will take oath of office on Monday at the Central Hall of the Parliament.

Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana will administer the oath of office of the highest constitutional post of the country to Murmu.

The oath ceremony will be followed by a 21-gun salute. After the gun salute, she will address the gathering at the Central Hall as the 15th President of India.

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and other dignitaries will be present.

Here's the schedule: 8.15 a.m. -- President-elect Droupadi Murmu will leave for Raj Ghat.

8.30 a.m. -- She will arrive at Raj ghat and offer floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

8.40 a.m. -- Murmu will return to her temporary residence at Chankyapuri 9.22 a.m. -- The President-elect will reach the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

9.42 a.m. -- A ceremony to be conducted in the Forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

9.50 a.m. -- She will leave in a ceremonial Presidential convoy for Parliament.

10 a.m. -- Murmu will arrive at Parliament.

10.15 a.m. -- The President-elect will take the oath of office. It will be followed by a 21-gun salute.

10.23 a.m. -- She will address the gathering in the Central Hall.

10.57 a.m. -- President Murmu will return to the Rashtrapati Bhavan in a ceremonial procession.

Murmu, following the ceremony, will become tenth successive President to take oath on July 25.
Kabul, July 25 : Uzbekistan is set to host a two-day international conference on Afghanistan on Monday which will be attended by representatives of 20 countries, including India, Iran and Pakistan, according to media reports.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul confirmed the departure of a delegation headed by Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to attend the conference in Tashkent which will feature discussions on the current situation in Afghanistan, reports TOLO News.

Monday's conference comes in continuation of the 2018 Tashkent Conference which was held under the theme "Security, Economic Growth, and Regional Connectivity of Afghanistan", Khaama Press quoted the Ministry as saying.

"The main goal of the event is to develop a set of measures and proposals for the approaches of the world community to promote stability, security, post-conflict reconstruction in Afghanistan and its integration into regional cooperation processes in the interests of the multinational Afghan people and the whole world," TOLO News quoted a statement issued by the Uzbek Foreign Ministry as saying.

Uzbek officials have however, stressed that the presence of the Taliban-led government delegation in the conference doesn't reflect the recognition of the current Afghan regime.
New York, July 25 : In a climate of deep political polarisation gripping the US, the Republican Partys candidate for New York Governor has escaped a ninja-style attack with a spiked knuckle weapon but the detention of the alleged assailant was late in coming under controversial state law.

Although Lee Zeldin, an Army veteran of the Iraq War, grabbed the wrist of the alleged assailant, David Jakubonis, and thwarted the attack aimed at his neck on July 21, he was arrested and held under federal law only on July 23 after having been let go under state law.

Zeldin had help from his running mate for lieutenant governor, Alison Esposito, a retired New York City police officer during the attack at a campaign rally in Fairport in state's north-eastern part close to Canada.

She told Fox News that she grabbed the alleged attacker from below the trailer that served as the stage while Zeldin with his "military training" held him by his wrist.

Jakubonis, wielding "a sort of brass knuckles with two daggers protruding from his fingers" took a swipe at Zeldin's neck, Esposito said.

Currently a member of the House of Representatives, Zeldin is running against Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul, who is seeking her first elected term.

She was the lieutenant governor and stepped in as Governor last year when Andrew Cuomo resigned midway through his term after several accusations of sexual harassment surfaced, though none has led to his prosecution.

In a drama of lax law enforcement being blamed for the uptick in crime, Jabukonis was released without bail by a state court in accordance with state laws enacted by the Democrat-controlled state legislature.

Zeldin, who has made fighting crime a pillar of his campaign, was quick to condemn Jakubonis's release and several Republicans joined him in accusing Democrats of being soft on crime.

After the uproar, the area's federal prosecutor stepped in and charged Jakubonis under a federal law against assaulting members of Congress and arrested him on July 23.

The federal law allows holding him in custody.

In a statement announcing the arrest and the charges, the federal prosecutor's spokesperson described the weapon only as a "keychain with two sharp points" and said that during the attack Jakubonis repeated, "you're done".

Hochul tweeted her condemnation of the attack, saying: "It has no place in New York." President Joe Biden, who like his party members has focused on gun violence, said in a statement that the attack "defies our fundamental democratic values".

The attack on Zeldin took place on the same day the Democrat-dominated House panel investigating the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol held a televised hearing to highlight the danger to democracy from political violence by the right.

In the atmosphere of sharp political divisions, a man with a gun was arrested last month outside the residence of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, and charged with attempted assassination.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nicholas John Roske had said that he came from California to kill Kavanaugh because he was upset that the earlier Supreme Court judgment making abortions legal throughout the country was going to be undone and by the mass shooting in a Texas school that killed 21.

Zeldin who completed his active duty Army service is now a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves, which can be broadly compared to the Territorial Army.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed @arulouis)
Kolkata, July 25 : : Enforcement Directorate (ED) sleuths, probing the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment irregularities, have taken West Bengal Commerce & Industries Minister and the Trinamool Congress Secretary General, Partha Chatterjee to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for medical examination on Monday morning.

He was taken to Kolkata Airport at around 8.30 a.m., where the air-ambulance was waiting, and at 9 a.m., the air-ambulance took off for Bhubaneswar.

Chatterjee is accompanied by ED officials, his counsel, Anindya Raut and a medical practitioner from state-run SSKM Medical |College & Hospital. Chatterjee was taken to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar following an order of Calcutta High Court's single-judge bench of Justice Bibek Chaudhuri on late Sunday evening.

As per the single-judge bench order, medical check-up of Chatterjee should be complete at AIIMS Bhubaneswar by Monday morning and its report should be submitted at his bench by 3 p.m. on the same day.

Chatterjee and his close aide Arpita Mukherjee were supposed to be produced at a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court for hearing on Monday. On this count, the High Court bench directed the ED to ensure that Chatterjee is produced before the PMLA court virtually from Bhubaneswar.

Although Chatterjee's counsel argued that his client be treated at the state-run SSKM Medical College & Hospital, Justice Chaudhuri's bench rejected the plea and also observed that there have been instances wherein influential ministers of the state government had taken 'shelter' at SSKM to avoid questioning by Central agencies.
Bengaluru, July 25 : Forest officials on Monday launched an operation to catch a tiger prowling in residential areas of Nanjangud taluk of Mysuru district in Karnataka.

The people have spotted a tiger in the surrounding areas of Madenahalli, Kanenuru and JP Hundi villages. The villagers have complained to the forest officials about it.

The forest officials who rushed the site found the foot marks of the tiger and have confirmed the tiger movement in the area. The sleuths have launched an operation to catch the tiger with the help of four tamed elephants and more than 50 personnel attached to the Tiger Conservation Squad.

The tiger has been spotted at various places in the region for a last week. The tiger had killed a wild boar in a farmland near JP Hundi.

The authorities have also installed CCTV cameras at various places in the forest to track the movements of the tiger. The villagers are panicked and not able to go to their agriculture fields.
Jaipur, July 25 : The Rajasthan unit of BJP headed by state president Satish Poonia on Monday watched the swearing-in of Droupadi Murmu as the first tribal President of the country, along with thousands of tribals on a LED screen in Banswara district.

To mark the occasion, the party had organised "Vagad Tribal Gaurav Yatra", a 41-km long foot march in the tribal belt of the state which started on Sunday and culminated this morning with the watching of the ceremony at a tribal leader Kanji Katara's house in Banswara on a LED screen.

The daughters of these villages are equally excited and are eager to follow the footsteps of Murmu and are dreaming to work on top positions of the country as officers and leaders, said a party leader.

BJP officials said that the padyatra started from Maa Tripura Sundari temple to Beneshwar Dham at 9 a.m on Sunday where the team was joined by thousands of people of tribal society.

Poonia, along with his team, walked 41 km to Beneshwar Dham to express gratitude and greetings to BJP National President J.P. Nadda.

Passing through Tripura Sundari to Kohala Valley, Sagwadiya, Sundani, Bhimpur etc. areas BJP members along with villagers travelled for around 25 kms on Sunday and on Monday reached Beneshwar Dham by walking about 16 kms.

Here, they watched the swearing-in ceremony of the President on the LED screen along with the people of the tribal community.

Tribals accorded a warm welcome to Poonia and team during this yatra and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his team for selecting Murmu as President of India.

During the march, the BJP members enumerated the schemes being run by the Centre for the tribals by PM Modi and highlighted the promises and false promises of the Congress government of the state.

Poonia had breakfast at homes of tribal families in the villages where they discussed tea and had food at the district president's house.

Meanwhile, the village girls told him: "Becoming the first woman President of the country from a tribal community is a matter of self-respect and pride for the tribal society. Now we can also think that to become big officers and holding senior positions in politics." On this occasion, people of the tribal society presented arrows to Poonia and the team, while women tied Rakhi for the victory resolution of BJP's mission 2023 and offered lotuses to them.

BJP State General Secretary Sushil Katara, State Vice-President Hemraj Meena, MLA Kailash Meena, former Minister Dhan Singh Rawat, ST Morcha State President Jitendra Meena along with local officials and public representatives were present during the occasion.
Kabul, July 25 : A total of 272 Afghan internally displaced persons (IDPs) returned to their home provinces from the capital Kabul, Deputy Minister for Refugees and Repatriation Affairs Arsala Kharoti said.

With the help provided under a coordinated programme by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Afghan Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation Affairs, the IDPs were sent back to their homes in Ghazni, Bamyan, Daikundi and Wardak provinces, reports Xinhua news agency.

Each family was offered up to $200 by the UNHCR for returning to their homes, according to Kharoti.

"We are happy to return to our province as we see good security countrywide," Siddiqe, head of a five-member family from central Daikundi province told Xinhua.

Siddiqe left his hometown a few years ago to avoid conflicts there and had lived in a rental house for one year in Kabul. He said he is going home and resume working in agriculture and animal husbandry.

Mohammad Nasim, the breadwinner of a seven-member family, left his hometown two years ago.

"In the past, it was war and insecurity in our province Ghazni. This was why we moved to Kabul, but here, we faced harsh economic problems," he said.

According to officials, those returning home would get help from local aid agencies.

Up to 6,000 displaced families residing in Kabul have been reportedly sent back to their home provinces in recent months.
Los Angeles, July 25 : Supermodel Kate Moss shared what made her decide to testify on behalf of her ex-boyfriend Johnny Depp during his May defamation trial against Amber Heard.

According to People, Heard first alleged that Depp pushed Kate Moss down the stairs during her testimony at Depp's UK defamation trial against British tabloid The Sun for calling him a "wife-beater", according to The New York Post.

Image Source: IANS News

In November 2020, Depp lost that UK libel lawsuit case and the court upheld the outlet's claims as being "substantially true." In March 2021, Depp's attempt to overturn the decision was overruled.

In Depp's 2022 trial in the U.S. against Amber Heard, where he accused his ex-wife of defaming him in an op-ed about domestic abuse, the staircase incident came up again.

Heard said that she "swung at" Depp to defend her younger sister Whitney Henriquez and was triggered when she thought about "Kate Moss and stairs." However, Moss, appeared virtually in court in May to deny rumours that the actor shoved her down a flight of stairs while they were dating between 1994 and 1998.

"I slid down the stairs and I hurt my back," Moss said under oath in May.

"He never pushed me, kicked me or threw me down any stairs." Now Moss is explaining why she supported Depp in his US trial this year.

"I know the truth about Johnny. I know he never kicked me down the stairs. I had to say that truth," Moss said in an interview with BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, reports people.com.

During the U.S. trial where Moss testified, Depp's lawyer Camille Vasquez asked during cross-examination, "You didn't expect Ms. Moss to testify that that never happened, did you?" "Incorrect," responded Heard.

"I know how many people will come out of the woodwork to be in support of Johnny. It is clear by this courtroom how many people will do that." Heard added, "Everybody who was around in the '90s and the early aughts knew that rumour. I had heard that rumour from multiple people." "Of course that's what flashed through my head when my violent husband not only swung for me but all of a sudden swung for my sister. Of course I thought of that." "I did not expect her to show up or not expect her to show up. It didn't matter," Heard said of Moss.

"It doesn't change what I believed at the time, when we were on the stairs and I thought he was gonna kill my sister by pushing her down the stairs." While the jury found the actress defamed Depp in her 2018 op-ed and awarded him over $10 million, they sided with Heard on one of her three counterclaims, finding that Depp defamed her via comments made by his attorney Adam Waldman in 2020.

Depp and Heard are now both in the process of appealing the verdicts in their Virginia defamation case.

-- Syndicated from IANS
New Delhi, July 25 : President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said her election to the top constitutional post shows that the poor can not only dream but also fulfil those dreams in India.

She was addressing the nation after taking oath as the 15th President of India. Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana administered the oath.

She started her speech by greeting people and said, "I humbly greet all the fellow citizens from this sacred Parliament, a symbol of the hopes, aspirations and rights of all the citizens of India. Your affection, trust and support will be my greatest strength in discharging my functions and responsibilities." President Murmu thanked all MPs and MLAs for electing her.

"My election to the post of President is proof of the fact that in India, the poor can dream and also fulfil those dreams. Reaching this office is not my personal achievement but that of all the poor people in the country. It is the power of India's democracy that a girl born in a poor tribal home could reach the topmost constitutional post," President Murmu said.

President Murmu noted that it is also a coincidence that her political career started when the country was celebrating its 50th year of Independence and today in the 75th year of independence, she got this new responsibility.

She assured the countrymen, especially the youth and the women that their interests will be paramount for her while working in this office.

"I want to tell the youth of our country that you are not only building your own future but also laying the foundation of future India. As the President of the country, I will always support you fully.

The President stressed on speeding up efforts to meet the expectations that the freedom fighters had from the citizens of independent India.
Los Angeles, July 25 : Hollywood star Jason Momoa has just survived a head-on collision with a motorcyclist.

The 'Aquaman' was involved in a scary accident with a biker in Los Angeles, reports aceshowbiz.com.

As per TMZ report, the actor was travelling on Old Topanga Canyon Road near the Calabasas area when a motorcyclist travelling in the opposite direction made contact with him coming around a curve.

The rider allegedly crossed into Jason's lane and struck the left front end of the actor's Oldsmobile muscle car, reports aceshowbiz.com.

The collision sent the rider briefly flying into the air, at which point they reportedly ricocheted off Momoa windshield before clearing the hood of his car to end up on the other side.

According to law enforcement sources, the motorcyclist was able to land on his feet and was left standing up after the crash though.

The rider was transported to the hospital with minor injuries, including a thumb injury and bruising to the leg. The actor himself appears to have left unscathed in the incident.

Videos taken in the aftermath of the accident show the 42-year-old hunk walking back to his car while the biker was being tended by paramedics behind him on the side of the road.

The actor, known for his love for vintage bikes and riding motorcycle, recently took to Instagram to share his Harley Davidson collection and promote 'On the Roam', his unscripted docuseries for Warner Bros. Discoveries.

The series will document the 'Game of Thrones' alum "as he travels across the United States to meet extraordinary people who are blazing their respective paths - including motorcycle fabricators, craftsmen, musicians and athletes - and making a difference in their industry." "...inspired by my love for vintage bikes and my home. we shot everything while racing in the dirt with my friends filming our new show On The Roam can't wait for you to see," the actor wrote in the caption of his post.

"I hope u enjoy the collection everything looks better dirty. mahalo nui loa harley aloha."
The plant, located 58 km west of the capital Muscat, has a total capacity of 100,000 cu m/day and will supply drinking water to a population of 800,000 people, said a statement from the utility major.

GS Inima has obtained financing for 100% of the project's needs by signing a 22-year non-recourse loan under the Project Finance modality and a bridge loan to finance the project's equity (Equity Bridge Loan).

Both international and local financial entities have intervened in long-term financing. The majority share is held by Korea Export-Import Bank (Kexim) followed by Bank Muscat and Standard Chartered Bank. For its part, the Equity Bridge Loan (EBL) has been financed by KEB Hana Bank London for a term of 3 years.

Additionally, through the local bank Ahli Bank, a line destined to finance the VAT of the project has been obtained, which has been an important milestone since this tax has been established very recently in Oman and therefore there were no experiences in this type of financing.

The project is being implemented by Oman Power and Water Procurement on a BOO (build, own, operate) contract basis for an operation period of 20 years. On the successful closure, Diego de Vera, Business Development Director at GS Inima, said: "It is an honour for us to collaborate with world-class financial institutions to make the Barka V desalination plant project viable, which will contribute to the protection of the region's water resources and provide a new source of drinking water." "Together with Ghubrah III, which will be the largest IWP in the country, we will continue to contribute to the increase and improvement of water infrastructure in Oman," he stated. Finance Director Manuel Becerra said the financial closure of Barka V represents an important achievement for the company, as it occurred in a scenario of high uncertainty and volatility in the financial markets caused by the pandemic and later the war situation in Ukraine. "This result would not have been possible without the joint efforts of our client OPWP, the financing entities and GS Inima. Barka V reaffirms the Company's position as a project financing partner for our clients and increases our recurring revenue base that will support GS Inima's future growth," he added.

-TradeArabia News Service
New Delhi, July 25 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has told Delhi High Court through an affidavit that Vivo India indulged in money laundering to destabilise the financial system and challenge the integrity and sovereignty of the country.

The affidavit was filed before the Delhi High Court last week. The anti-money laundering agency has said in the affidavit that they were scanning the suspicious financial transactions of 22 firms owned by Hongkong based foreigners and entities. These firms transferred huge money to China.

It is also probing a money laundering case against Grand prospect International Communication private limited, a Jammu and Kashmir based distributor of Vivo. The firm was reportedly incorporated on the basis of forged documents and it was claiming to be subsidiary of Vivo India. The firm used an email peter.ou@vivoglobal.com, indicates connection with Vivo India and it is in record of Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Delhi-based Charted Accountant firm had helped in incorporating J&K based firm. This firm is in touch with Vivo India since 2014.

The ED has mentioned that Vivo India incorporated 22 firms in different states which allegedly laundered money. The Delhi based CA firm helped Vivo India in incorporating 22 firms.

Earlier, Vivo India had said that they were following all rules of the land of India.

Chinese smartphone company Vivo's top executives, directors Zhengshen Ou and Zhang Jie, had fled from India via Nepal.

In February, the ED initiated a Prevention of Money Laundering case against them on the basis of an FIR lodged with Kalkaji Police Station of Delhi under sections 417, 120B and 420 of IPC, 1860 against Grand Prospect International Communication Private Limited (GPICPL) and its Director, shareholders and certifying professionals etc on the basis of complaint filed by Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

As per the FIR, GPICPL and its shareholders had used forged identification documents and falsified addresses at the time of incorporation. The allegations were found to be true as the investigation revealed that the addresses mentioned by the directors of GPICPL did not belong to them, but was a government building and house of a senior bureaucrat.

ED has said that out of the total sale proceeds of Rs 1,25,185 crore, Vivo India remitted Rs 62,476 crore. i.e, almost 50 per cent of the turnover out of India, mainly to China.
Hyderabad, July 25 : Samples collected from a man with suspected symptoms of Monkeypox were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune on Monday.

Five types of samples of the 40-year-old man currently in isolation at Fever Hospital in Hyderabad were collected and sent to the lab. The samples include swab from throat, blood, urine, from lesions on skin.

According to Fever Hospital superintendent Dr K. Shankar, the results are likely to be available by Tuesday evening He termed the condition of the man as stable. According to him, the patient is restless and has a running fever.

"The lesions on his neck, hands and chest are like lesions from Monkeypox. It may also be chickenpox," Dr Shankar said.

The samples were collected after the man was shifted from his home town Kamareddy to Hyderabad on Sunday evening.

According to officials he arrived in Kamareddy from Kuwait on July 6. He developed fever on July 20 and later when there were rashes on the body, he approached a private hospital in the town.

Suspecting it to be a case of Monkeypox, doctors referred him to Kamareddy District Hospital and from there he was sent in an ambulance to Hyderabad on Sunday.

Director of Public Health Dr G. Srinivasa Rao said the man's six close contacts were also identified. Though they have no symptoms, the authorities kept them in isolation as a precautionary measure.

The health department is also trying to trace those who came into contact with them during the last few days.

The director of public health said that people need not panic over Monkeypox as it is not a fatal disease. He said health minister Harish Rao was monitoring the situation and giving them directions. "We are taking all necessary measures," he said.

This is the first suspected case of Monkeypox in Telangana. Neighbouring Andhra Pradesh had reported the first suspected case on July 17. A two-year-old child, who had gone to Dubai with family, was found with skin rashes on return. However, the samples sent to NIV, Pune tested negative for Monkeypox.

Telangana's health department is also requesting Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad to test the samples from the suspected Monkeypox case. The RT-PCR test would be conducted at the government hospital and if the result is positive, the samples will be sent to NIV, Pune for confirmation. However, the samples from the first suspected case were directly sent to NIV.

Fever Hospital in Hyderabad recently set up two isolation wards for Monkeypox cases. One isolation ward each was opened for male and female patients.

Superintendent of the hospital said they have arranged for 36 beds and the requisite staff, equipment and medicines.

Fever Hospital, as the Sir Ronald Ross Institute for Tropical and Communicable Diseases is popularly known, has been declared a nodal centre for treatment of suspected Monkeypox cases. On Sunday, the first suspected case was admitted.

The Fever Hospital had also handled the first few suspected cases of Covid-19 in March, 2020.

Latest updates on Monkeypox Virus Outbreak
Los Angeles, July 25 : Thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate after a fast-moving wildfire exploded to over 14,200 acres (57.5 square km) near the Yosemite National Park in California.

The wildfire, dubbed the Oak Fire, has destroyed at least 10 structures, damaged another five and was 0 per cent contained as of Sunday, Xinhua news agency quoted the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) as saying.

A further 3,271 structures, both homes and businesses, are presently under threat, it added.

Driven by hot, dry weather and drought conditions, the blaze erupted on July 22 in Mariposa County.

It has rapidly grown to be one of the largest wildfires in the state so far this year.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Mariposa County due to the effects of the explosive fire.

More than 6,000 people have been evacuated as over 2,000 fire personnel are fighting to control the flames from ground and from air, reported KFSN-TV, a local TV station.

"The fire remained active through the night, moving towards the community of Jerseydale, Darrah, and Bootjack. Poor humidity recovery was observed overnight," said Cal Fire in its update on Sunday night.

The agency pointed out that high tree mortality and dense fuels are throughout the fire area.

Officials urged the public to stay vigilant on current fire conditions.

Another explosive wildfire, the Washburn Fire, has burned over 4,850 acres (19.6 square km) to date with 79 per cent contained in over two weeks near Yosemite National Park.

The Washburn Fire has drawn national attention as hundreds of firefighters are battling the blaze to protect some of the world's oldest and largest trees in the park.

Much of the US is sweltering through a heat wave and heat advisory warnings are in effect in more than a dozen states.

Temperatures in Mariposa County hit 38 degrees Celsius on Sunday, and are expected to stay high for the next few days.
New Delhi, July 25 : A day ahead of Sonia Gandhi's appearance at the Enforcement Directorate office here, the Congress on Monday has called a meeting of the party leaders to prepare for protests. The party has asked its workers to hold a peaceful 'satyagraha'.

The meeting will be held in the evening and leaders have been asked to attend to discuss strategy on the issue.

Last week the Congress held protests when Sonia Gandhi was summoned to the ED. Congress MPs protested in the Parliament premises and later tried to march to the ED office but were detained and later released.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has again summoned Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday (July 26) after questioning her for three hours in connection with the National Herald case on Thursday. The Congress interim president was accompanied by her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who stayed at the ED headquarters till the time the questioning ended.

The members of Youth Congress had stopped several trains at the Shivaji Bridge railway station to protest against the questioning of their party president Sonia Gandhi by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The protesters had raised slogans against the Central government and the financial probe agency ED for allegedly targeting the members of the opposition and muzzling their voice.

"This is a symbolic demonstration against the dictatorship which is constantly bent on crushing the Constitution and democracy," the Youth Congress said.
Chennai, July 25 : Director Aishwarya Rajinikanth, the elder daughter of Tamil film star Rajinikanth, has thanked the Income Tax Department of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for honouring her dad on the occasion of Income Tax Day.

Every year, the Income Tax department celebrates July 24 as Income Tax Day.

This year, Aishwarya received the honour on behalf of her father from the Income Tax department.

Taking to Instagram to share the news, she said: "Proud daughter of a high and prompt tax payer. Many thanks to the Income Tax Department of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for honouring appa on Income Tax Day 2022 #onbehalfofmyfather." Aishwarya Rajinikanth also posted a series of pictures of the event, including one of her receiving a citation on behalf of her dad from the Governor of Telangana Tamilisai Soundararajan.
Raichur : , July 25 (IANS) Four college girl students have gone missing suspiciously from the Raichur city of Karnataka, police said on Monday.

The police have launched a hunt for them in neighbouring states -- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The girls have been identified as Monica, Bhagyashree, Bhavani, studying in Class 12 and Nandini, studying in Class 11 at Raichur Government Women's College.

Police said that the girls went missing four days ago. Chandrashekar, the Principal of the College stated on Monday that the students have not attended classes for the past four days as per the attendance register.

"The girls have gone missing from outside the college. Once they are inside the college campus it is our responsibility. I personally go on rounds to keep vigilance among students and my teachers also go on rounds. I appeal to parents not to panic and send their children to college," he said.

The school authorities have also stated that the girls did not attend classes regularly and they were lagging in studies. All the four girls went missing on the same day.

The parents of the girls have lodged a complaint with Raichur Women's Police station.

Further details were awaited.
Bijnor, July 25 : Police in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor have arrested two brothers who allegedly vandalised 100-year-old 'mazaars' with the apparent intention of inciting communal trouble.

The men, who have been identified as Mohammad Kamal and Mohammad Adil, were found sporting orange headbands as they destroyed the Dargah Bhure Shah Baba and Jalalshah Baba along with Qutub Shah's tomb in Bijnor's Sherkot area on Sunday evening.

They also set on fire to the 'chaadar' offered on the tomb.

The incident came to light when some passers-by spotted the brothers on rampage and informed the police.

The Bijnor District Magistrate and SP reached the spot and ordered to immediately start the repair work on the three broken tombs, averting a sensitive situation that could have snowballed into a row.

ADG Law and Order Prashant Kumar said that the men had hatched a conspiracy to spoil the atmosphere in the state.

According to information received so far, Kamal has travelled to many countries, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and the investigation agencies will also probe this angle.

Apart from the ATS, IB and STF, other central agencies are also expected to interrogate the men.
New Delhi, July 25 : As India toughens its stand on Chinese smartphone brands, Shenzhen-based Honor, formerly under Huawei, has pulled out its team from the country.

According to South China Morning Post, the company's business in India will remain in operation, managed by local partners, but the brand will adopt a "very safe approach." Honor CEO Zhao Ming told state-run newspaper Securities Times that

Honor formed the India team a few years ago but chose to leave for "obvious reasons".

The development came as Indian authorities like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have conducted raids and investigations of major Chinese smartphone players like Vivo, OPPO and Xiaomi.

Honor once held a 3 per cent market share in India during its peak in 2018 but fell out after the US put sanctions against Huawei.

Struggling to keep its consumer business afloat in the wake of the US sanctions, Chinese conglomerate Huawei in November sold off its Honor smartphone business assets to China-based Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology Co Ltd.

Honor smartphones were hit by US sanctions that prevent Huawei from doing business with the US companies.

Since its creation in 2013, the Honor brand has focused on the youth market by offering phones in the low- to mid-end price range.

In the next seven years, Honor developed into a smartphone brand that shipped over 70 million units annually.

In India, Honor had entered the laptop market and expanded its wearables portfolio in the country.
Kathmandu, July 25 : Nepal Police on Monday raided two call centres operated illegally by Chinese nationals in Kathmandu.

Nepal Police officer Bharat Bohora said they have confiscated documents and laptops and arrested one Chinese national and 20 others during the operation.

The Chinese national had rented a house in Kathmandu to operate the call centres.

The police have suspected that the Chinese nationals could be involved in cyber crime and running other illegal activities.

On Sunday, a police team conducted similar kind of raids in Butwal city near the India-Nepal border where Chinese and Indian nationals were caught running an illegal call centre.

As many as 120 people were arrested in Butwale.

On June 30, police raided a company run by a Chinese national in Pokhara.

According to sources, the police are interrogating three Chinese and 75 Nepali nationals working in the company.

The Nepal Police on December 23, 2019, arrested 122 Chinese nationals from all over the Kathmandu Valley.

The operation, the largest one against any foreign nationals in Nepal's history, apparently continues and at least 800 more Chinese nationals are being watched currently.

Later the Nepal government handed them to Chinese authorities.

After the arrest, a spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said that the cases were related to cross-border cyber fraud activities, and that the investigations were ongoing.
Amaravati, July 25 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has approached the Supreme Court for cancellation of bail given to Yerra Gangi Reddy, a prime suspect in the murder of former Andhra Pradesh Minister Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy.

The probe agency has filed a petition in the apex court challenging the order of Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissing its plea to cancel the bail granted to Gangi Reddy by a lower court.

The High Court, in March, had dismissed the CBI's petition. The central agency wanted the bail to be cancelled on the ground that Gangi Reddy was allegedly threatening some witnesses in the case.

A single judge bench had asked the CBI to show evidence that Gangi Reddy violated the conditions subject to which he was let out on bail.

The CBI had argued that then inspector of Pulivendula J. Shankaraiah and two others initially agreed to give statements before the magistrate, but later turned hostile. It had also told the court that Sheik Dastagiri, who turned approver in the case, stated that he was threatened by those involved in the murder.

The court was not convinced by the CBI's arguments in favour of cancellation of the bail. The judge observed that the agency failed to provide substantial evidence to show that Gangi Reddy was either threatening or influencing key witnesses in the case.

Vivekananda Reddy, uncle of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, was found murdered at his residence in Kadapa on March 15, 2019.

The 68-year-old former state minister was alone at his house when unidentified persons barged in and killed him.

The murder took place hours before Vivekananda Reddy was to launch YSR Congress Party's election campaign in Kadapa.

Although, three Special Investigation Teams (SITs) had conducted the probe, they failed to solve the mystery.

The CBI took over the investigation in 2020 on the direction of the Andhra Pradesh High Court while hearing a petition of Vivekananda Reddy's daughter Sunita, who raised suspicion about some relatives.

The CBI filed a charge sheet in the murder case on October 26, 2021 and followed it up with a supplementary charge sheet on January 31.
Bahrain was on Monday (July 25) welcomed as a new member of the Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development during a meeting of the partnerships Higher Committee in Cairo.

The meeting opened in the presence of Dr Nevin Gamea, Egypt Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Yousef Al Shamali, Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply. Bahrain was represented by Zayed Alzayani, Minister of Industry and Commerce.

Bahrain, a major producer of raw aluminum and iron ore, will increase the partnership's total industrial manufacturing value add from $106.26 billion to $112.5 billion. Bahrain boasts a strong industrial sector with more than 9,500 companies and 55,000 employees and $4.3 billion in industrial foreign direct investments, said a statement.

The Partnership aims to establish large joint industrial projects, create job opportunities, contribute to increasing economic output, diversify the economies of the partner countries, support industrial production and increase exports.

The Higher Committee also reviewed a presentation by the Executive Committee, delivered by Abdullah Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Industrial Development Sector at the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology; Dana Alzoubi, Secretary General of the Jordanian Ministry of Industry and Supply; as well as Hatem Alashry, Advisor to the Egyptian Minister of Industry and head of the Executive Committee.

As a result, the Higher Committee Shortlisted 12 projects worth $3.4 billion to move into feasibility studies. In total, the Executive Committee received 87 industrial project proposals focused on fertilizers, agriculture and food. In the next phase, the Partnership will focus on the metals, chemicals, plastics, textiles and clothing sectors, it said.

In his speech, Alzayani conveyed the greetings of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrains Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and his appreciation for the Kingdoms admission to the partnership. He explained that the partnership reflects a strong will to promote industrial integration between Arab countries and the world, while seeking to achieve sustainable industrial development. This aligns with the visions and aspirations of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, to enhance economic development and create new opportunities.

He said: "The Kingdom of Bahrain has achieved continuous success and growth in the industrial sector over the past decades. This is a result of the policies adopted by the government since the 1960s, which aimed at reducing reliance on oil and natural gas, and diversifying the industrial sector by setting up factories in the fields such as aluminum. This was in addition to establishing new industrial zones and attracting foreign investments by encouraging industrial projects and providing the necessary infrastructure."

He continued: "In order to advance the industrial sector, the government launched the Industrial Sector Strategy (2022-2026) on 30 December 2021, as a pivotal part of the post-pandemic economic recovery plan. The strategy aims to increase the industrial sector's contribution to GDP, increase exports, and provide jobs for citizens. The strategy is based on adopting the Fourth Industrial Revolution, implementing the concept of a circular carbon economy along with effective environmental and social governance policies, encouraging investment in technological infrastructure and manufacturing automation, and increasing the efficiency of supply chains to build a developed and sustainable industry.

Through this strategy, we target a number of industries relevant to sectors included within this partnership. We believe that this provides growth and prosperity opportunities for the manufacturing industries in the aluminum and petrochemical sectors, in addition to industries including renewable energy, and green and blue hydrogen, which support Bahrains commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, along with the food, pharmaceutical industries, and microelectronics industries.

Advantages of the industrial partnership in numbers

In 2019, UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain accounted for 30% of the Middle East and North Africas industrial contribution to GDP, totaling $65 billion worth of industrial exports. The countries combined population is 122 million, representing 27% of the Middle East and North Africa and 49% of the regions youth population under 24.

The value of foreign direct investment in the UAE, Egypt and Jordan reached $151 billion between 2016-2020, comprising 42% of new foreign direct investment in the Middle East. The total value of the countries exports stood at $433 billion in 2019, while imports amounted to approximately $399 billion.  TradeArabia News Service
New Delhi, July 25: China's once booming real estate sector and a pillar of economic growth is rapidly losing its sheen with prices of new homes in several major cities nosediving. This could dent China's economic recovery at a time when it is just coming out of the stringent Covid 19 lockdown shock. Real estate sector accounts for about 30 per cent of China's GDP.

In June the average prices of new homes declined by 0.5 per cent year-on-year, following a 0.1 per cent drop a month earlier, data website Trading Economics revealed.

The problem is deep rooted. The non payment would impact the country's banking industry as the non-performing assets will pile up further. The shadow banking sector, which includes trust companies and is an important funding source for Chinese developers, will be hurt as well, Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) said in a blog.

Though Beijing has started firefighting to stabilise the situation by asking banks to ease lending for property developers, confidence among home buyers is at its lowest. The authorities are even looking at carving out a scheme facilitating a freeze of mortgage payment by homebuyers who have not been handed over the apartments.

"There is a real crisis-like situation in China and the authorities are aware of this. They are taking all measures required to address this. But we will have to wait and watch to understand how things take shape in the coming months," a person engaged with the education sector in China told India Narrative.

The crumbling of real estate behemoths Evergrande Group last year and subsequently the fall of several other property giants have shaken up the market. Prices of new homes have been steadily falling for the last one year. While the demand for new homes, considered one of the safest investment options for the Chinese, have been surging until last year, developers continued to increase their debt levels.

The total debt level stood at about $5.2 trillion as of June 2021, according to financial services company Nomura.

Protests by home buyers have become rampant. Earlier this month thousands of home buyers announced on social media they would not pay their mortgage loans. The protests have intensified spreading across 100 cities in the country. China Briefing said that the homes in question were acquired through a pre-pay model, in which buyers acquire apartments that are unfinished - or in some cases have not yet broken ground - when the initial deposits are paid and developers are required to hand over the homes within a stipulated time frame.

But amid overly ambitious development plans, sky-high debt, and a tightening regulatory environment aimed at deleveraging the industry, many have failed to do so. "This has left some households making mortgage payments for several years before being able to move in," it said.

Will this be China's Lehman Brothers moment? (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Canberra, July 25 : The Australian government has extended military support for the Covid-hit aged care sector.

On Monday, Defence Minister Richard Marles announced that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) deployment into aged care facilities has been extended until the end of September, reports Xinhua news agency.

It comes as more than 900 aged care centres are combating Covid-19 outbreaks, with more than 6,000 residents and 3,000 staff currently infected.

"It's important that we need to be doing everything we can to meet the challenge," Marles told Australian Broadcasting Corporation television.

"It's not just extending the military support to aged care, it's actually increasing it up to 250 personnel through until the end of September." According to the Aged and Community Care Providers Association, more than 2,000 aged care residents have died with Covid-19 in 2022 alone, accounting for more than 20 per cent of Australia's total deaths since the start of the pandemic.

The decision reflects the seriousness of the Omicron variant's high community transmission rates and the challenges faced by aged care homes as a result, said Marles.

The ADF has provided clinical and non-clinical support to aged care homes hit by Covid-19 related staffing shortages since February this year.

Aged Care Minister Anika Wells said the sector was struggling to find enough staff.

"We simply cannot find the staff," she said on Monday.

"People are doing double shifts. People are working every single day without breaking, which is an incredibly stressful environment." Australia on Monday reported more than 30,000 new Covid-19 cases and over 10 deaths.

The country's total pandemic death toll surpassed 11,000 over the weekend, only about three weeks after hitting 10,000.
Kolkata, July 25 : A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Monday rejected the bail plea of 13 persons accused in the violence that took place in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district after the 2021 Assembly polls.

Justice Debangsu Basak said that since the CBI is interrogating the matter, the granting of bail to the 13 accused might influence the proceedings of the probe.

Justice Basak also observed that there is no proof yet that the accused were not involved in the crime.

Earlier a lower court had allowed bail for the 13 accused.

However, the CBI challenged the decision at the bench of Justice Basak, which after a detailed hearing the matter came to a decision that under no circumstances the 13 accused can be released on bail.

Distinct pockets in West Bengal were rocked by violence from the day results were announced in May last year where Trinamool Congress bagged a landslide victory.

Court cases were filed by the BJP and different individuals at the Calcutta High Court demanding a CBI enquiry in different post- poll violence cases in West Bengal, which involved charges like murder and rape.

Teams of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) were also sent to West Bengal last year to review the complaints.
Patna, July 25 : Undercurrent of friction between the BJP and the JD(U) became more apparent on Monday when Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar skipped the oath-taking ceremony of president Droupadi Murmu in the national capital.

Defending Kumar's absence, Janata Dal-United parliamentary board chief Upendra Kushwaha asserted that the chief minister is not bound to attend all the events.

JD(U) had supported Murmu's candidature in the presidential poll. When Murmu visited Patna for the election campaign, Nitish Kumar had pledged his party's support to her. Going to an oath ceremony is just a formality. It is not necessary to attend every event. Since he had a lot of committments here in Bihar, he could not make it the national capital for the oath-taking ceremony. It is not a big issue. People should avoid paying attention to it," Kushwaha said.

Responding to the proposed visit of BJP leaders Amit Shah and J.P. Nadda to Patna for a high-level meeting of the party ahead of Lok Sabha election 2024, Kushwaha stated: "In Bihar, Nitish Kumar is the biggest leader. It hardly matters for us if any top leader of another party is coming to Bihar." The statement of Kushwaha on Amit Shah indicates that all is not well between BJP and JD-U in Bihar.

He sharply reacted to the statement of BJP state president Sanjay Jaiswal as well. Jaiswal recently pointed out that Bihar is turning out to be new base for terrorists after security agencies have busted Phulwari Sharif suspected terror module of the Popular Front of India (PFI).

"If Sanjay Jaiswal has information about terrorist activities in Bihar, he should share the information with the chief minister or concern officers of security agencies. The way he is giving statement in publically, he has so many information about the terrorist activities. If he failed to share the information with concerned officers or the chief minister, he would face the allegation of hiding the information," Kushwaha said.
Hyderabad, July 25 : In the light of increasing Covid-19 cases, health authorities in Telangana are planning door-to-door drive to administer booster doses to everyone.

Minister for Health and Family Welfare T. Harish Rao on Monday asked the District Collectors to take up a special campaign and intensify booster vaccination drive.

On July 15, the government started administering free jabs in government hospitals to every eligible person above 18 years of age and have completed six months after taking the second dose. The 75-day vaccination drive is aimed at increasing immunity levels.

According to the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, the target population for booster dose in the state is 2.77 crore. The authorities have, so far, covered 5 per cent of the target (15.03 lakh).

Over 3.22 crore eligible persons in the state have taken the first dose. The number of those who have taken the second dose is more than 3.09 crore. According to officials, 12.87 lakh eligible persons have still not taken the second dose.

The authorities are stressing the need for intensifying vaccination drive in view of an increase in the daily Covid count.

The number of daily Covid cases crossed 600 twice during this month. For the first time since February, the state recorded over 400 daily cases last month. On Sunday, the state reported 531 new cases.

The Health Minister on Monday also discussed with officials the proposed Covid vaccination drive in schools and hostels.

He along with the Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development E. Dayakar Rao, Education Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy, Minister for Scheduled Castes Development Koppula Eeshwar, Minister for Backward Classes Welfare G. Kamalakar, Minister for Tribal Welfare Satyavathi Rathod and Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar participated in a video conference with District Collectors, Additional Collectors, District Medical and Health Officers.

Issues relating to rising seasonal diseases and food safety measures in residential schools/hostels were also discussed.

Rao instructed the district collectors to be vigilant towards seasonal diseases in view of the prolonged spells of rainfall in the state. As there is a rise in the cases of seasonal diseases, Collectors have been asked to take up special drives like 'Friday dry day' in all schools, hostels and other institutions.

Similarly, special campaigns like '10 minutes at 10 a.m.' which was taken up every Sunday, will also be revived. The municipal department was directed to ensure active participation of municipal commissioners to intensify general sanitation, drain cleaning and mosquito control measures.

Dayakar Rao asked the officials to step up anti-mosquito and anti-larval activities, campaign to prevent water logging, regular drain cleaning, garbage disposal and activate local village health and sanitation committees and health staff.

Regular cleaning of surrounding areas of bore wells, proper maintenance of tap and bore wells should also be ensured.

Sabitha Indra Reddy said that the hostel wardens should be made responsible for matters relating to hygiene, sanitation and cleanliness of the hostel and also supervise the work of the sanitation staff.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
London, July 25 : Moldova Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita has said she is very worried that Russia will invade her country next, while warning that no country is safe from Russian President Vladimir Putin, media reports said.

Natalia Gavrilita's warning came after Moscow's forces made gains in Ukraine's south and east, near to the Moldova-Ukraine border, in recent months, Daily Mail reported.

Analysts believe that Kremlin is trying to create a land bridge between Russian-occupied territory in eastern Ukraine and Transnistria - an unrecognised breakaway region supported by Russia - in order to cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea, the report said.

Transnistria controls a narrow strip of land that is found mostly between the Dniester river and the Moldovan-Ukrainian border.

It declared independence from Moldova following a brief military conflict in 1992, but is internationally still recognised as being part of the Eastern European country.

"It's a hypothetical scenario for now, but if the military actions move further into the southwestern part of Ukraine and toward Odessa, then of course we are very worried," Gavrilita told CNN's Fareed Zakaria on Sunday.

"We are very worried, especially considering that troops are on the territory of the secessionist Transnistria region. We are doing everything possible to maintain peace and stability and to ensure that the fighting does not escalate." With just 2.5 million people, Moldova is a tiny nation, especially when compared to neighbouring Ukraine which had a population of over 40 million before the Russian invasion began on February 24.

Ukraine's large size and population has enabled it to put up a fierce resistance against the Russian invaders, surprising many - not least the Kremlin, which expected its forces to seize Kiev in a matter of days.

A country such as Moldova, which is constitutionally neutral and therefore not a member of NATO, would have a much harder time defending itself, Daily Mail reported.
London, July 25 : The UK will be hosting the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine.

The news was revealed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC on Monday, reports 'Variety'.

Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra won the 2022 contest with the UK's Sam Ryder placing second.

It is customary for the winning country to host the following year's contest, but in light of Russia's continuing invasion of Ukraine, it will be held in the UK next year on behalf of this year's winning broadcaster, Ukraine's UA:PBC, reports 'Variety'.

"Following the decision that, regrettably, next year's event could not be held in Ukraine for safety and security reasons the EBU explored a number of options with the winning broadcaster. As a result of discussions, the BBC, as runner up in the 2022 Contest, was invited by the EBU to act as Host Broadcaster for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest," the EBU said in a statement.

Next year's host city will be chosen in the coming months following a bidding process to be launched this week. The BBC will manage the bidding alongside the EBU and expects the process to be completed by the fall.

The two semi-finals and grand final will be produced by BBC Studios, who were previously commissioned to produce Eurovision 2023 coverage before there were any discussions about the contest coming to the UK. The BBC will also be seeking additional programming and content from producers across the market.

The dates for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be announced imminently.

Tim Davie, director general of the BBC, said: "It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege.

"The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity. The BBC will now begin the process to find a Host City to partner with us on delivering one of the most exciting events to come to the U.K. in 2023." The BBC has staged the Eurovision Song Contest more times than any other broadcaster, hosting in London in 1960, 1963, 1968 and 1977, Edinburgh in 1972, Brighton in 1974, Harrogate in 1982 and Birmingham in 1998.

Martin Osterdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest's executive supervisor, said: "We're exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023." "The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions. Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year's contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe's most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year's winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event." Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the managing board of UA:PBC, added: "The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine. We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us. I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent." "Representatives from UA: PBC will work with the BBC to develop and implement the Ukrainian elements of next year's shows. Ukraine, as the winning country of the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest, will also automatically qualify to the grand final of the upcoming contest," Chernotytskyi said.
San Francisco, July 25 : Elon Musk-run Tesla on Monday revealed it incurred $170 million loss from its Bitcoin investments in the first six months of the year.

Tesla revealed last week that it has sold 75 per cent of its Bitcoins, adding $936 million in cash to its balance sheet in the second quarter (Q2) this year, as it deals with economic meltdown amid cryptocurrencies falling off the cliff.

In a new filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Tesla said that in the first quarter of 2021, it invested an aggregate $1.50 billion in Bitcoin.

"In the six month period ended June 30, 2022, we recorded $170 million of impairment losses resulting from changes to the carrying value of our bitcoin and gains of $64 million on certain conversions of bitcoin into fiat currency by us," the electric car-maker revealed.

"As with any investment and consistent with how we manage fiat-based cash and cash-equivalent accounts, we may increase or decrease our holdings of digital assets at any time based on the needs of the business and our view of market and environmental conditions," it added.

The carmaker also said it received a new subpoena from the SEC, related to Musk's tweets about taking the company private in 2018.

The SEC had issued subpoenas to Tesla in connection with Musk's prior statement that he was considering taking Tesla private.

"On November 16, 2021, and June 13, 2022, the SEC issued subpoenas to us seeking information on our governance processes around compliance with the SEC settlement, as amended," the company informed.

In the Q2 earnings call with analysts, 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 maximise our cash position, given the uncertainty of the COVID lockdowns in China. We are certainly open to increasing our Bitcoin holdings in future. So this should not be taken as some verdict on Bitcoin," he noted.

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.
New Delhi, July 25 : India on Monday strongly condemned the recent killings in Iraq's Kurdistan region, calling the incident a 'clear violation of the country's sovereignty'.

"India strongly condemns the recent killings in Zakho district of Dohuk Governatorate in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, which is a clear violation of the country's sovereignty and a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

India also expressed its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the brutal attack and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

"India also conveyed its stand and condolences in messages inscribed [on Monday] in condolence books opened by the government of Iraq in Baghdad and Embassy of Iraq in New Delhi," the statement added.

A diplomatic dispute erupted between Iraq and Turkey after artillery shelling killed nine civilians and injuring 23 others at a park in Iraq's Kurdistan region. Most of the deceased were Iraqi tourists, including children. Local authorities, however, blamed Turkish forces for the incident.

Zakho is a commercial centre and tourist hub in northern Kurdistan. Local officials said a Turkish artillery strike hit a crowded resort just outside the town on July 20.

The Kurdish and Yezidi regions of Iraq have been targeted in the past by airstrikes and artillery shelling by the Turkish military.

Turkey launched a new offensive in northern Iraq in April, targeting fighters from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which Ankara has designated as a terrorist group.
New Delhi, July 25 : The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine a plea by Rajasthan government challenging a high court order, which granted 15 days parole to a life convict to have a conjugal relationship with his wife, for progeny.

Counsel, representing the state government, contended before a bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana that this order by the Rajasthan High Court has opened the floodgates. "Many convicts are coming and applying for parole," the counsel added, urging the court to hear the matter.

After hearing brief submissions, the top court agreed to examine the plea next week.

The high court had allowed the application filed by life convict Nand Lal through his wife. He contended that his wife has been deprived of her right to have progeny, even though she has not committed any offence and is not under any punishment.

The high court, in an order passed on April 5 this year, noted that in view of the fact that the spouse of the prisoner is innocent and her sexual and emotional needs associated with marital lives are affected and in order to protect the same, the prisoner ought to have been awarded cohabitation period with his spouse.

"Thus, viewing from any angle, it can safely be concluded that the right or wish to have progeny is available to a prisoner as well subject to the peculiar facts and circumstances of each case," added the high court.

The high court said in a case where the innocent spouse is a woman and she desires to become a mother, the responsibility of the state is more important as for a married woman, completion of womanhood requires giving birth to a child. "Her womanhood gets magnified on her becoming a mother, her image gets glorified and becomes more respectful in the family as well in the society. She should not be deprived to live in a condition wherein she has to suffer living without her husband and then without having any children from her husband for no fault of her," said the high court.

It added that Hindu philosophy also advocates the importance of pitra - rin, i.e. parental debt and "our lives are the consequence of the fact that ancestors have been carrying and forwarding the said pitra rin, it is because of this, life came to us and in order to maintain the continuity of life, we must pay off this debt".

Giving relief to Nand Lal, the high court said: "We are of the considered view that though there is no express provision in the Rajasthan Prisoners Release On Parole Rules, 2021 for releasing the prisoner on parole on the ground of his wife to have progeny; yet considering the religious philosophies, cultural, sociological and humanitarian aspects, coupled with the fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution of India and while exercising extraordinary power vested in it, this Court deem it just and proper to allow the instant writ petition." The high court also cited Jasvir Singh and Another v. State of Punjab 2015, where the case involved important rights with regard to the conjugal rights of prisoners. "The court had ruled that the 'right to procreation survives during incarceration' and 'is traceable and squarely falls within the ambit of Article 21 of our Constitution'.

It had then directed the Punjab government to constitute a Jail Reforms Committee, to be headed by a former high court judge. Among other things, this committee was to formulate a scheme for creation of an environment for conjugal and family visits for jail inmates and identify the categories of inmates entitled to such visits, keeping in mind the beneficial nature and reformatory goals of such facilities", noted the high court.
Russian nuclear giant Rosatom has kicked off work on Egypts first reactor with the pouring of the concrete base at the nuclear plant located in the city of El Dabaa, Matrouh Governorate, on the Mediterranean coast, roughly 300 km north-west of Cairo.

On completion, the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant will boast four VVER-1200 pressurised water reactors with total capacity of 1200 MW.

The project, which was conceived in the 1980s, was agreed by presidents Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Vladimir Putin in December 2017, but the start of works was then subject to numerous delays.

In February 2020, three Egyptian companies  Petrojet, Hassan Allam and Arab Contractors  were chosen to begin site preparation work.

As per the contract, Rosatom will be responsible for the funding and construction of the plant in addition to supply of Russian uranium to fuel it. Also the company will assist in personnel training and support the Egyptians in the operation and servicing of the Nuclear Power Plant for the first 10 years of its operation.

They will provide training to Egyptian engineers to help update their skills needed to run the reactors. The Russian group will also build a storage facility for nuclear fuel.

Speaking at the ceremony, Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev said: "The construction launch at the El Dabaa NPP Unit 1 means that Egypt has joined the nuclear club. Rosatom will build cutting-edge power units of VVER-1200 design in the Arab Republic of Egypt."

"We have gained experience constructing and operating NPPs with such reactors both in Russia and abroad. Construction of the nuclear power plant will allow Egypt to reach a new level of technology, industry and education development. The plant will be the largest project of the Russian-Egyptian cooperation since the Aswan High Dam. Having its own nuclear energy industry has been a dream for the Egyptian people for more than half-a-century, and it is a great honour for Rosatom to make this dream come true," he stated.

He was joined by Dr Mohamed Shaker, Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, and Dr Amged El-Wakeel, Board Chairman of the Nuclear Power Plants Authority of Egypt (NPPA), the owner and future operator of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, at the pouring in ceremony.

Dr Shaker dubbed the commencement of full-scale construction of Unit 1 as a historic event for Egypt.

"The political leadership and the Egyptian-Russian cooperation contributed to implementation of this ambitious project despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic which did not have a negative impact on the project," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Monta Vista High School announced that Urmi Sumant is being recognized by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and InnerView in the 5th Annual National Community Service Impact Awards. Open to all U.S. high school students, the program connects student community service activities, skill development, and personal commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to transform our world.

Urmi Sumant is a teacher, entrepreneur, volunteer, and leader who seeks to positively impact the world.. She takes a deep dive into any field she is passionate about as demonstrated by her ability to speak, read, and write in five languages; extensive violin performance experience of 10 years; and leadership in Earnit, a non-profit organization focused on health and well-being. As a winner of the UN Ambassador Award for 350+ hours of community service, her dedication to the community is unparalleled and inspiring.

Youth efforts and voices are essential to achieve the SDGs, said Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of United Nations Association-USA. These awards allow us to share our appreciation for youth leaders who have invested talent and effort in the causes they care about. With a decade remaining to deliver on the SDGs, we are thrilled that these students will be entering the workforce with meaningful community engagement skills and socially aware experiences.

Sumants comprehensive experience with leadership and community service led to her national recognition. As a teacher at JET USA, a position usually reserved for adults, she inspires young first-generation Americans to practice traditional Indian values to give them a strong foundation in life management. She has even given a recent TEDx talk: Make Yoga and Meditation part of you to navigate your life. As the founder of Earnit, a nonprofit organization to support small businesses while incentivizing exercise, she serves her community by increasing physical fitness levels. As a leader, she inspires those around her to act.

Monta Vista High School principal Ben Clausnitzer said, Urmi delivered the most impact for SDGs Good Health and Well-Being award. She is an excellent Monta Vista student who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the school community and beyond. I am confident that her recognition as a UN Ambassador will inspire others to make similarly meaningful contributions to society.

According to Kristine Sturgeon, CEO of InnerView Technologies We are honored to work with the national service ecosystem and local communities to amplify and recognize the meaningful work of student volunteers who are creating a better world for all. Purpose-driven students continue to generously invest time and talent in causes they care about. We believe the dynamics of the last few years have significantly influenced the personal understanding of the connectedness between all people and local and global challenges; this has manifested into an increase of youth volunteer time addressing local needs and leading meaningful projects.

According to Sumant, Serving my community is a foundational passion for me. Specifically, helping the next generation adapt to the ever-changing environment and teaching them how to effectively navigate these changes is really important to me. Much of my community work is focused on achieving physical and mental wellness.

When asked about advice she has for students just starting their community service journey, Sumant said, Follow your passions and dive deep into them. Many people do community service just for the sake of it. But thats a lot of valuable time which could be better spent doing something a lot more impactful and personally fulfilling.

About United Nations Association - USA

The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) is a grassroots movement of Americans who support the vital work of the United Nations in U.S. communities, colleges, and U.S. Congress. With over 20,000 members -- 60% under the age of 26 -- and more than 200 chapters across the country, UNA-USA members are united in their commitment to global engagement and their belief that individuals can play a part in advancing the UNs mission and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more: https://unausa.org/

About InnerView Technologies

InnerView is the leading youth social responsibility platform to help students, groups, and schools highlight community service impact, passion for causes, skill development, and connect local efforts to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. All college and high school-aged students are welcome to join tens of thousands of 14- to 24-year-olds who have discovered ways to get involved and develop dynamic visual service resumes through my InnerView Technologies is a social impact organization working with students, groups, schools, nonprofits, and committed & compassionate institutions. Learn more at https://InnerView.org

Contact Information:

Ben Clausnitzer, Monta Vista High

408-366-7601

ben_clausnitzer@fuhsd.org

Elizabeth Lemons, UNA  USA

202-496-6384

elemons@unfoundation.org

Brianna Fedak, InnerView Technologies

440-520-0823

Brianna@InnerView.org
Many companies throughout the world are realizing the necessity of implementing digital systems to achieve operational efficiency and agility. In response to a high demand for more engagement opportunities with the ERP community, TEC is proud to announce the Enterprise Software Showcase (ESS) Fall Edition. If your company is considering a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, then ESS Fall is just for youa dynamic, 3-day conference specifically designed for companies like yours evaluating ERP solutions.

From October 4th to 6th, at the Scottsdale Marriot Old Town, in hot and culturally rich Scottsdale, Arizona, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy one-on-one sessions with premier ERP software providers, renowned industry experts, and adept software selection consultants from TEC. Partners representing Infor, Epicor, between others SAP will showcase their products and dedicate time to answering attendees' questions.

One past attendee summed up the ESS as a first-class event, adding that Anyone shopping for a potential new ERP system should do themselves a favor and attend this showcase. The presentations were extremely informative and professionally delivered. It has us second-guessing our original strategy for ERP selection and implementation. I highly recommend TEC's ESS.

We know that it can be challenging for businesses to find the ERP system that best matches their unique requirements. The ERP software selection process is complexfrom requirements gathering to negotiating with vendors to managing the implementation. And it often takes weeks or months to successfully build momentum for this major, organization-wide undertaking. The goal of ESS is to catapult companies forward in the process by providing an in-depth view of some of the most advanced and leading ERP solutions on the market and shedding light into what it takes to undertake a successful software selection endeavor.

"In this volatile and unpredictable market, organizations are witnessing many disruptions to their business activities. Today, more than ever, it behooves manufacturers, distributors, services providers, and other types of organizations to have in place an ERP software system to efficiently conduct operations and navigate these turbulent times and sustain business growth. After a 2-year online hiatus, were thrilled to be back onsite and excited and proud to host this year's ESS in October in Scottsdale, Arizona. ESS is a unique opportunity to meet and network with leading ERP providers, industry experts, and our TEC Advisory Services Groups software selection consultants and learn how to utilize ERP software to not just survive but also thrive in this highly competitive market, said Christian Tabasa, Senior Director of Vendor Relations at TEC.

ESS for ERP 2021Conference Highlights



Live product demos from top ERP software providers

One-on-one time with ERP vendor reps and TEC's software selection experts

Educational sessions on software selection and implementation best practices

Special industry-focused sessions for manufacturing, services, and distribution

Networking breaks and cocktail receptions

Registration is now open for the ESS for ERP 2022, taking place from October 4th to 6th, 2022, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Early-bird pricing is available until August 30th, 2022. Register here.

For more information about TEC's Enterprise Software Showcase event, visit the event page, call 1-800-496-1303 ext. 404, or email events@tec-centers.com.

About Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC)

Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) is a global advisory firm that helps organizations with their software selection and digital transformation journeys. We take an impartial, proven approach to enterprise technology projects, from planning to adoption, reducing the time, cost, and risk of your business investment. Millions of subscribers leverage our industry-leading content and software reviews.

For more information, please visit: http://www.technologyevaluation.com.
It's lucky that we have the resources to do it ourselves and we can accommodate what our clients need us to do. - Jennifer Zimmer

Alturas Analytics, Inc. is pleased to announce the groundbreaking for expansion of their facilities took place July 20th. The new building will add 17,500 square feet to the current footprint and occupy the lots adjacent to its main facility located in the Alturas Technology Park.

Alturas Analytics, Inc. has been privately owned and operated in Moscow, Idaho since September 2000, providing bioanalytical support to pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide. Over the last 20 years, Alturas has shown consistent growth, expanding its facilities in 2008 and 2016, and recently opening a facility on the south side of Moscow to house sample management operations in 2021.

Alturas Analytics, Inc. is a GLP-compliant bioanalytical CRO, specializing in MS/MS solutions to support early discovery through late-phase clinical trials. In addition to providing PK support services to pharmaceutical companies worldwide, Alturas maintains an intensive research effort to apply new technologies toward scientific advancement for high-throughput bioanalysis. Our success is built on developing long-term relationships with clients by delivering personalized bioanalytical results in a timely manner and with the highest level of integrity.
Grandview Klein Diamonds (GKD), the largest diamond manufacturer in the US, announced today that in support of the Namibian Governments efforts to establish a publicly accessible Dialysis Centre, Grandview Klein Diamond Group Namibia, in conjunction with PhillCo Development Foundation and its jeweler retail partners are planning to donate a set of three highly modern dialysis machines to the value of over 2.000.000 N$. The Centre will be called the Grandview Klein Dialysis Centre.

Grandview Klein Diamonds Namibia has been a Sightholder since 2008 and operating at their world class facility in Windhoek Namibia and produce world class diamonds at the highest level. PhillCo Development Foundation has been created in order to source and fund local developments for poverty eradication. Since its inception, the partnership has been founded on the strong commitment of being active, where it matters most. Multiple orphanages have been supported in building projects as well as the supply of daily needs, to mention only a few.

In August 2022, Grandview Klein Diamond Group Namibia will initiate an educational trip to Namibia for 10 internationally renowned Jewelers. Part of this tour will be to visit communal projects and experience first-hand as to which areas, involvement is most needed. The health sector has been identified as the most critical area in need of immediate support.

This commitment from Grandview and our supporting jeweler retailers is going to bring much needed dialysis equipment to the Namibian people, said Moshe Klein, President of Grandview Klein Diamond Group. We have been involved in select social programs in Namibia which include the building of orphanages and monetary donations to agencies to help provide food and supplies. This is a continuation of our long history and commitment to helping improve the communities in which we are involved. Our dedication to this cause is unmatched and we hope other US corporations will follow suit in other developing countries throughout the world.

In the day and age where Russia has seen heavy sanctions placed on its exportation of diamonds, it has become critically important to work with a trustworthy supplier like Grandview Klein and Moshe, said Stan Razny, President of Razny Jewelers. Our customers have become highly educated as to where their diamonds are sourced and are hyper-focused on purchasing non-conflict product, which is why our direct supply chain from Grandview Klein is more important than ever.

I cant begin to tell you how important it is to partner with the countries in which mining is so prevalent, said Larry Stokes, Owner of Korman Fine Jewelry in Austin, TX. We are redefining the process from the mine to design by discovering ways we can assist the local communities. During this trip we will be donating much needed, and critically important life-saving dialysis machines to the people of Namibia. These machines will not only deliver a resource for people in need today, but will inspire corporations that have a desire to reinvest their dollars with the people of Namibia for tomorrow.

As the former President of the American Gem Society, I think I can speak for everyone when I say we are thrilled to be a part of this incredibly important trip to South Africa, said Clayton Bromberg, President of Underwood Jewelers in Jacksonville, FL. In addition, during this trip we will also be announcing a brand-new college scholarship program for young adults in Namibia. We as jewelry retailers have made it a priority to ensure that these underserved and developing communities are given the same opportunities as we were, and thats what its all about."

Additionally, Michael Richards, immediate past President of the American Gem Society and Vice President of Underwood Jewelers will also be attending the trip to witness what will undeniably be an eye-opening experience.

In order to set a milestone in Namibias corporate community, there will be a handover ceremony of the new machinery / Centre during the trip which will take place on August 10, 2022. This will be followed by a dinner event with all relevant line ministries (Ministry of Health and Social Services; Ministry of Mines and Energies and Ministry of Trade and Industries) some industry professionals as well as Centre management.

ABOUT THE GRANDVIEW KLEIN DIAMONDS

Over the past 75 years, Grandview Klein Diamonds (GKD) is recognized as a preeminent diamantaire in the global diamond industry and considered the largest diamond manufacturer in the U.S. They are triple Sightholders: Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, with factories and operations in all three producing countries.

Grandview Klein Diamonds maintains an extraordinary level of inventory of the finest quality diamonds specializing in sizes from 2 carats up to and including 50 carats plus. Their stock includes white as well as the full range of fancy-colored diamonds. In addition to this, they are known for exceptional and unusual diamonds as well as hard-to-find items and unique diamond jewelry.

GKD is a leading supplier to high end prestigious independent retailers in the US, Far East and Middle East. Integrity, trust and relationships are the cornerstones of their philosophy. They are an all-encompassing supplier to their customers offering tailor-made programs to satisfy the specific needs of each client. Sales offices are in New York, Miami, Tel Aviv and Hong Kong. For more information, visit http://www.gkdg.com

Media Contact for Grandview Klein Diamond Group

JMediaHouse

Jason Geller

jason@jmediahouse.com

212-920-0398
Service now available in Biddeford and Scarborough. The importance of high speed, reliable Internet access has never been more evident than it is right now, commented GoNetspeed CEO Richard Clark.

GoNetspeed (formerly OTELCO), a high-speed fiber to the premises Internet provider, is continuing the expansion of its FTTP infrastructure in Cumberland and York Counties.

This month, service to a total of 8,700 locations in Biddeford and Scarborough became available and network construction is underway in Saco and Old Orchard Beach. Active construction will provide fiber Internet access to an additional 11,700 locations over 120 miles in these communities.



Service is now available to 7,500 locations in Biddeford and 1,200 locations in Scarborough.

In Saco, service to 4,400 locations is expected to be available in August.

In Old Orchard Beach, service to 4,200 locations is expected to be available in August.

"Biddeford has seen a resurgence over the past several years, with an influx of new businesses and residents that now call Biddeford home and contribute to our vibrant community," said Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant. "GoNetspeed's offering of high-speed fiber Internet provides easier access to the connectivity so many of our residents rely on for work, school, and personal matters, and we're excited to see this investment in our community."

Residents can visit http://www.gonetspeed.com to see if service is available at their location and to sign up for priority installation when service is available.

The importance of high speed, reliable Internet access has never been more evident than it is right now, commented GoNetspeed CEO Richard Clark. What some people dont yet understand about fiber is that because of its symmetrical upload and download speeds, fiber is uniquely positioned to facilitate things like remote work, distance learning, and telemedicine. Its simply the fastest, most reliable option available today.

GoNetspeed is investing in FTTP infrastructure in communities across the state, and service is already available in portions of Gorham, Gray, New Gloucester, Westbrook, and Windham.

Maps of construction in these areas are available here.

What is Fiber Internet?

Fiber Internet offers symmetrical speeds, meaning that both download and upload are equally fast. The connectivity challenges that people experience with using video conferencing associated with telecommuting, on-line learning and telemedicine have emphasized the importance of fast upload speeds. GoNetspeed offers the fastest residential Internet speeds available, ranging from 150 Mbps to 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps). For businesses, GoNetspeed can customize speeds beyond Gigabit capability if necessary.

About GoNetspeed

GoNetspeed, a fiber-to-the-premises operator serving residential and business customers in Maine, Alabama, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia, announced in January 2021 that it has formed a new partnership with Oak Hill Capital (Oak Hill) which will allow GoNetspeed to accelerate the expansion of its fiber network throughout the Northeastern U.S.

Adding thousands of new locations every year, GoNetspeed is one of the largest independent Internet providers in the east. For more information on the company, or to inquire about service in your residence or community, please visit gonetspeed.com.

Media Contact:

Marnie Grumbach, marnie@fluentimc.com, 207.749.9666
Big Green IT, a technology solutions company that offers Microsoft Cloud solutions to midsize enterprise customers, today announced it has earned the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (formerly Windows Virtual Desktop) advanced specialization, a validation of a partners deep knowledge, extensive experience and expertise in deploying, scaling and securing virtual desktop infrastructure on Azure.

Big Green IT is a Tier 1 Microsoft Gold Partner, Microsofts highest partner certification. Only partners that meet stringent criteria around customer success and staff skilling, as well as pass a third-party audit of their Azure Virtual Desktop technical practices, are able to earn the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop advanced specialization.

Were proud to add the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop advanced specialization to our teams list of certifications, as our customers continue to prioritize the creation of a remote, secure work environment, said Jeff Rogers, CEO and Founder of Big Green IT. Big Green IT is dedicated to continued training and specialization in this and other Microsoft products to help our customers create a Cloud ecosystem that allows them to remain competitive and adaptable in todays ever-changing work environment.

Supporting secure remote work for employees is more critical than ever. Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop is a Microsoft solution that seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft products and allows customers to implement virtual desktops in a scalable, secure, and cost-effective way.

Partners with validated capabilities in implementing Azure Virtual Desktop can help customers deploy and navigate the licensing efficiencies it offers to deliver the solution that is most efficient for their organization.

Andrew Smith, General Manager, Partner Program Management at Microsoft added, The Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop advanced specialization highlights the partners who can be viewed as most capable when it comes to deploying Azure Virtual Desktop in Azure. Big Green IT clearly demonstrated that they have both the skills and the experience to offer clients a path to transition to desktop-as-a-service in a scalable, secure, and cost-effective way.

To learn more about Big Green IT and its expertise in Cloud consulting, licensing, and implementation, visit http://www.biggreenit.com.

###

ABOUT BIG GREEN IT

Big Green IT is a nationally recognized Microsoft Gold Partner. As a Microsoft Gold Cloud Partner, Big Green IT specializes in Cloud solutions, procurement and implementation for mid to large-sized businesses. Big Green IT believes in using the most cutting-edge cloud technologies to help customers transform their companies IT and, ultimately, solve business problems. The company was named one of the Best Places to Work in the nation by Inc. Magazine in 2021 and the Sacramento Business Journals fastest-growing company in 2016. Learn more at BigGreenIT.com.
Dandan solar asset, Inalahan, Guam This acquisition affirms our commitment to making bold investments in the energy transition, especially in regions like the Pacific Islands that are taking advantage of their natural resources to achieve independence from fossil fuels, said Julia Bell, Chief Commercial Officer of CleanCapital.

Today, CleanCapital announced the acquisition of a 36.6 megawatt (MW) solar facility in Inalahan, Guam. The transaction with seller GlidePath Power Solutions LLC (GlidePath) includes the operating Dandan solar farm and rights to GlidePaths solar development pipeline on the island. In addition to expanding CleanCapitals portfolio to the U.S. territory of Guam, the transaction signifies the companys largest single asset acquired to date.

The 36.6 MW (dc) Dandan site, which commenced commercial operations in October 2015, supplies renewable energy to the Guam Power Authority (GPA). The project is the largest solar asset on Guam, generating 6% of the islands electricity generation capacity. The site provides a reliable source of fixed-price clean energy to the surrounding community, helping to offset the impact of volatile fossil fuel prices on the island. Future clean energy development on Guam is promising, incentivized by the islands updated renewable power standard (RPS). The RPS, passed in 2019, requires that 50% of the nations power come from renewable sources by 2035, increasing to 100% by 2045.

We are thrilled to be the new owner-operator of this significant project and to accelerate the exciting future of renewables on Guam, said Julia Bell, Chief Commercial Officer of CleanCapital. This acquisition affirms CleanCapitals commitment to making bold investments in the energy transition, especially in regions like the Pacific Islands that are taking advantage of their natural resources to achieve independence from fossil fuels.

I am proud of the work GlidePath did to improve the reliability and production of this critical solar asset and make it attractive to clean energy investors, said Chris McKissack, Chief Executive Officer of GlidePath. With this transaction, we will transition the Dandan Solar Farm to CleanCapitals experienced team while accelerating GlidePaths ability to execute our pipeline of energy storage projects throughout the U.S.''

As one of the nations leading commercial solar asset owners, CleanCapital is dedicated to accelerating the energy transition via strategic investments in middle-market solar and energy storage. To date, CleanCapital has invested more than $900 million in projects and companies that align with its mission. This acquisition is the latest in a series of investments made since CleanCapital announced a $300 million commitment from Manulife in April 2021; in all, the company has successfully acquired projects totaling more than 360 MW spanning 24 states and one U.S. territory.

CleanCapital engaged K&L Gates and Guam-based counsel Arthur Clark as Buyers counsel on this transaction. GlidePath was represented by Morgan Lewis, Bockius, LLP and Guam-based counsel Razzano Walsh, Torres P.C. as Sellers counsel on this transaction.

About CleanCapital

CleanCapital is an industry-leading clean energy investment platform. Since 2015, CleanCapital has worked to accelerate investment in distributed solar and storage assets to address the urgent threat of climate change. More information about CleanCapital can be found at https://cleancapital.com/

Press Inquiries:

Ellen Backus

For CleanCapital PR

612-616-2991

ellen@cleanterrateam.com
AANP 2022 Logo "Hosting AANP 2022 in Spokane, as a central hub of healthcare, was intentional to increase awareness about naturopathic medicine as an accessible and effective model of care meeting the needs of a challenged healthcare system."

The nations leading conference for licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs), which took place July 21-23 in Spokane, Wash., was a unique time of celebration and learning for over 600 physician attendees. AANP 2022 is the largest event in the naturopathic community, organized and hosted by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)  the professional association representing NDs in the United States. Each year the event brings together NDs from around the world for three days of learning, networking, and fun.

Naturopathic Physicians are whole health specialists, practicing a unique branch of medicine that focuses on preventive health and offers a whole person approach to primary care. NDs in the greater Spokane and Northern Idaho area work mostly in private clinics, but are also found in federally qualified health clinics in rural communities such as Okanogan.

With the last two years being particularly demanding for physicians, the AANP 2022 theme of Restore, Revitalize, Reconnect focused on allowing the naturopathic physician community to come together (whether virtually or in-person) to experience an engaging, exciting, fun, and informative conference.

The three day Convention included nearly 40 sessions by over 44 noteworthy speakers, including four unique hands-on clinical sessions and two keynote presentations. Topics ranged from how naturopathic physicians can heal from burnout to ways they can help their patients struggling with mental health issues, addiction, and more.

The annual event also offered an additional post-Convention half day of learning on Sunday, July 24, with a COVID clinical roundtable. Proceeds from the add-on roundtable discussion went to the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the AANP 2022 host state.

Education was not the only focus of AANP 2022; the event boasted three social functions, which included a Thursday evening Welcome Reception, a Friday evening Presidents reception, featuring an amusing game of Naturopathic Family Feud, and Saturdays Annual Gala and Awards reception.

Saturdays Gala included dinner and culminated with dancing and music from a local DJ. The AANP recognized several members of the naturopathic medicine community during the annual awards presentation as outstanding naturopathic physicians and supporters of the profession. Award winners were nominated by their peers and voted on by committee. The awards with their respective winners are as follows:



Champion of Naturopathic Medicine: Bob Bernhardt, PhD

Corporation of the Year: Ayush Herbs, Inc.

Louisa & Benedict Lust: Guru Sandesh Singh Khalsa, ND (posthumous)

Physician of the Year: Iva Lloyd, ND

True Grit: Wisconsin Naturopathic Doctors Association

The Vis: Jill Stansbury, ND

The 2023-2024 Board of Directors election results were also announced at the AANP 2022 Convention. The new Directors, who will begin their term January 1, 2023 are:



President-elect: Kasra Pournadeali, ND

Partial Term Treasurer: Michael Traub, ND, DHANP, FABNO

2023-2024 Board Directors: Michael Cronin, ND; Audrey Schenewerk, ND; Brian Trainor, ND; Madeleine "Abena" Tuson-Turner, ND, MSIMR, MSCGH

Partial Term Board Director: Desta Golden, ND, MS

Other AANP 2022 highlights included:



The Naturopathic Medical Student Association (NMSA) once again hosted its annual conference in tandem with AANP 2022 and held their 2022 Annual NMSA Cup Competition.

John Culton, the outreach director for Sen. Patty Murray, met with AANP leaders in order to discuss naturopathic medicine and how it can be beneficial to the senators constituents.

A keynote presentation delivered by Dr. Iva Lloyd, president of the World Naturopathic Federation which focused on the growing role of naturopathic medicine in the World Health Organizations growing support for Traditional & Complementary Medicine worldwide.

Theres a growing body of evidence that the preventive, whole-patient centered healthcare delivered by naturopathic doctors enhances health and wellness. The opportunity to meet with a representative from Senator Murrays office was encouraging, stated Laura Farr, executive director of the AANP, adding, Hosting AANP 2022 in Spokane, as a central hub of healthcare, was intentional to increase awareness about naturopathic medicine as an accessible and effective model of care meeting the needs of a challenged healthcare system.

The AANP Annual Convention is a platform for knowledge sharing, deepening core philosophies and modalities of naturopathic medicine, and building collaborations with integrative medicine practitioners. Next years AANP Convention will take place at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, July 20-22, 2023.

About the AANP:

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) is the professional association that represents licensed naturopathic physicians. The AANP strives to make naturopathic medicine available to every American and to increase recognition of naturopathic physicians as the identified authorities on natural medicine. Learn more at http://www.naturopathic.org.
By Yuyuantantian

The 16th round China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting was held on July 17. Building on the progress made at the last meeting on March 11, 2022, the two sides continued discussions for the resolution of the issues related to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector of the China-India border in a constructive and forward-looking manner, according to the joint press release after the meeting.

This was the first time that the word forward-looking appeared in the press release during the 16 rounds of meetings. The word indicated that at least one side came up with a plan and both sides were working on it, according to the source. Forward looking is more meaningful in the current international situation.

More than four months have passed since last meeting. This was the longest interval among the 16 rounds of corps commander-level talks. The biggest geopolitical background during this period was the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Although the Russia-Ukraine conflict occurred in Europe, India, which is in Asia, has become a focus.

After the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, western countries led by the US and Europe asked other countries to choose a side while imposing sanctions on Russia. Many countries were forced to make a statement, and India was the focus of US pressure. The US and Western countries seemed to have agreed and conducted diplomatic interactions with India one after another.

Zhou Bo, a researcher at the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, said that after the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India has always been regarded as a weak link in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue(QSD). India's choice in the Russia-Ukraine issue was even more dissatisfying to the US. Some US media commented that the US should no longer have illusions about India. However, India, which is happy to participate in various multilateral mechanisms and hopes to work with various forces, would not choose one side completely. After India was forced into a corner, it would show a "real" India.

Although the reason why India did not fully side with the US in the Russia-Ukraine issue was related to the history that India and Russia had deep ties, the reality was the more important factor. India has always had major power ambitions, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict had given India an opportunity to re-examine how to achieve its ambitions. Zhou had visited India many times. He believes that India, which is developing rapidly, does not want to destroy its peaceful and stable development environment.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has given India time to re-find its own positioning in the region and think twice before making a choice. Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the longer India observes and thinks, the more rational choices it will make. And it will have greater opportunities to solve the problem. Under such circumstances, the word forward-looking shows that China and India are taking another step on working towards the same direction. Such forward-looking is the result of thinking about the overall situation of China-India relations.

China and India are both emerging economies with a population of more than one billion and important countries with strategic autonomy. The simultaneous development of China and India has also brought beneficial opportunities to each other. China and India should use maturity and wisdom to resolve differences through peaceful consultation. China-India relations are not only defined by border issues.

Last year, before the chill between China-India relations dissipated, trade between the two sides crossed the mark of US$100 billion, up 43 percent year-on-year, which is the best proof. In addition, China and India have great complementarities in industrial structure. With the continuous improvement of India's consumption level, there is still great potential for China-India trade. As mature and rational major developing countries, China and India should place the border issue in a proper position in the bilateral relationship and should not let the border issue define or even affect the overall development of the bilateral relationship.

Lin Minwang, a researcher at the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, said the two sides have been considering new control measures since 2021. The two sides had preliminary communication in March 2022, and in the past four months, the two sides also refined the preliminary things. In the face of the severe and complex international situation in the first half of 2022, the exchanges between China and India in the military and diplomatic fields have been carried out alternately and have not been interrupted.

Bharat Bhushan Pant, an Indian poet, once wrote that darkness will not go away by itself, the lamp that was extinguished must be rekindled. Forward-looking is the rekindled flame. China and India should help and "illuminate" each other. At the 14th BRICS Summit not long ago, the leaders of the five countries also agreed that they should uphold multilateralism, promote the democratization of global governance, maintain fairness and justice, and inject stability and positive energy into the turbulent international situation. It is inevitable that there will be contradictions and differences between countries, but it is useless to play a zero-sum game.

Peaceful development and win-win cooperation is the right path in the world.

Editor's note: This article is originally published on Yuyuantantian, a Wechat public account. It is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.
Unless the Lord: A book about trusting the Lord through Psalm 127: a potent reminder of the need to trust in God. Unless the Lord: A book about trusting the Lord through Psalm 127 is the creation of published author Alan Gedde, a dedicated husband and loving father of six who went to Southwestern Baptist College, now Arizona Christian University, for his undergrad and received his masters degree at Wayland Baptist University. He has served as a youth pastor, music pastor, and interim senior pastor. Currently, he is the childrens pastor at Grace Community Church in Roswell, New Mexico, where he ministers to the children in the community.

Gedde shares, Would you like to be happier? Would you like to have a stronger marriage? Would you enjoy having a better relationship with your children? Your parents? Your siblings? Wouldnt we all.

In a world where we have everything at our fingertips, have more wealth than can be imagined, and are protected by many devices, God has been replaced. People are experiencing loneliness, stress, depression, and a host of many other mental illnesses. The temperature of the world continues to rise as people try to figure out what to do about climate change. Crime continues to rise as people spread further and further apart to keep themselves from harm. What if the answer to all these concerns is God? Join me as I journey through a passage that has shaped the life my wife and I have builtPsalm 127. This passage holds the keys to what ails the world unless the Lord takes you through these five verses by using the authors personal stories and some great stories in the Bible to drive a point home. That point? That unless the Lord.

Unless the Lord is a book about how culture teaches us that we can do it all on our own and that we have control; this book goes through the process of showing us that God is completely in control and that if we lived our lives that way, it would be easier; it would be more enjoyable. We would see more people living longer, healthier lives.

Unless the Lord doesnt make any promises, but Psalm 127 does, and a life built on those promises could be an amazingly blessed life. Come and take the journey to freedom from the stresses of the world and enjoy unless the Lord.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Alan Geddes new book will encourage and challenge readers to achieve a deeper understanding of Psalm 127 and, in turn, God.

Gedde offers a thought-provoking and inspiring discussion within the pages of this spiritually rich work.

Consumers can purchase Unless the Lord: A book about trusting the Lord through Psalm 127 at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Unless the Lord: A book about trusting the Lord through Psalm 127, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Benjamin Sanford, a retired air marshal from Western New York, has completed his new book The Chronicles of Arax: an epic battle against the terror of the gargoyles.

Sanford shares, Gargoyles had plagued mankind since the dawn of creation. Once servants of the Most High, they betrayed their creator, who cast them down upon Arax in mortal form, contesting mankind for dominion of the world. From this chaos, Yah, the creator, rose up a champion, Kal, to guide mankind in following his will and vanquishing the gargoyle curse.

Kal found favor with the creator, unifying mankind into one kingdom, heralding a golden age of prosperity, justice, and equality before the law, while driving the gargoyles to the brink of extinction. Alas, all fell to ruin, his reign betrayed by the greed of treacherous lords, who slew their rightful king, establishing their own fated kingdoms, each falling in kind once the gargoyles rose again.

And so mankind suffered, enduring endless war with their mortal foe for two and a half millennia, each unable to destroy the other, until one human, Tyro, arose, aligning his people with the gargoyles to war against the rest of mankind, destroying the balance that had kept the gargoyles in check since the days of King Kal. Bringing all of northern Arax under his dominion, Tyro threatened to sweep south, bringing all of Arax under his sway.

With the drums of war sounding, Terin Caleph, the only son of a Torry farmer, embarks on a journey to the city of Rego to serve as a scribe and apprentice to the Torry ambassador, an old friend of his fathers. To protect him on his journey, his father gifts him an ancient sword, which holds mysterious powers that he soon discovers. Are the powers inherent in the sword or in himself?

Terins journey draws him into a growing conflict between his native Torry realm and Tyros Benotrist-Gargoyle Empire, in which he takes an ever larger and unforeseen role. Joined by a Torry warrior and a motley band of strangers from a place called Earth, he becomes caught up in the great war to decide the fate of all the sentient peoples of Arax. As in any war, there are heroes found in places one would rarely look.

Published by Page Publishing, Benjamin Sanfords compelling tale follows an unlikely group into the battle of their lifetimes in an effort to protect their people and bring the gargoyles to extinction once and for all.

Readers who wish to experience this incredible work can purchase The Chronicles of Arax at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
Craig MacDonald, who grew up in the suburbs of Chicago during the late fifties and sixties, has completed his new book The Magical Mysterious Treehouse: a spellbinding childrens story about a group of youngsters who are continually supplied with challenges. As a team, they overcome each challenge and see some amazing sights.

Author Craig MacDonald discusses his work, writing, Do you enjoy childhood fantasy? I know I do! If you do, you will greatly enjoy reading this book. Not only does it supply fantasy, but it gives a peek through a window back in time to a simpler, more carefree and enjoyable time. Baby boomers will enjoy reading this and recalling their fondest childhood memories. As they read, they will be transported back in time to their childhoods. Hopefully, this will inspire grandparents and great-grandparents to tell their grandchildren stories of their childhoods.

Published by Page Publishing, Craig MacDonalds imaginative tale invites readers to explore alongside the kids as they share new experiences and make lasting memories together.

Readers who wish to experience this captivating work can purchase The Magical Mysterious Treehouse at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
Heidi Kovacs, a dreamer and proud family matriarch, has completed her new book Santa's Christmas Cows: a whimsical holiday tale for families.

Kovacs shares, Where does eggnog come from? you ask. Why, it comes from Christmas cows, dont you know? They are Santas Jersey cows, and they wear a string of jingle bells around their necks and a big red bow on their tails. While trudging through the North Poles forest, Santa rescues two lost Jersey cows. He befriends them and gives them a home, and that is where his adventure begins. Santa has to overcome many obstacles with feeding and naming his cows and even what to do with their Merry Milk. All the trials with his cows, Noel and Nativity, bring about the invention of eggnog with the help of Mrs. Claus and her beloved chicken, Mittens.

Published by Page Publishing, Heidi Kovacss delightful tale pairs a magical holiday story with vibrant illustrations to weave a farmhouse Christmas tale that shows what goes on behind the scenes at the North Pole.

Readers who wish to experience this magical work can purchase Santa's Christmas Cows at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
Kathleen Hyland, who is a teacher, a historical docent, and a volunteer at a local animal rescue, has completed her new book Max: a charming childrens story inspired by the authors cat.

Author Kathleen Hyland begins her story, writing, Katie lived in a small house with many windows facing the woods with her cat Max. She adopted Max from a local animal shelter. He was black with beautiful green eyes like the color of the grass in Ireland. The one characteristic that made Max special was his fang teeth. Katie called him My Cute Vampire. She always wondered about Maxs green eyes and the stories he could tell. Katie enjoyed watching him play and sleep in his red bed.

Published by Page Publishing, Kathleen Hylands entertaining tale invites young readers and listeners to glimpse life from Maxs perspective, sharing his thoughts and feelings as he enjoys his life with Katie.

Readers who wish to experience this original work can purchase Max at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
Mark Darko, who is the founder and president of Ingatherers International Inc., a missionary, discipleship, and charitable organization based in Maryland, USA, has completed his new book Who's Troubling Africa? Memoirs of the 2002 Uprising in Cote dIvoire: a gripping and potent work that shares the authors firsthand experiences during this time.

While the author was on a business trip in Abidjan (Cote dIvoire) in September 2002, the military insurrection that partitioned the country into two with a de jure government in Abidjan and a de facto administration in Bouake took place. Mark witnessed the violence meted out by both factions to ordinary people, including women and children, and the horrors encountered by those fleeing from machine gunfire. The author was indelibly marked by what the quest for power and wealth by a few could do to the innocent, helpless, and vulnerable populations. He was appalled by the manifest hypocrisy of the international community in their handling of the conflict and the incendiary role that the local and international press played in the conflict. He felt compelled by the sights and sounds of war to document the conflict, and this book is the outcome of his daily painstaking records from group discussions and interviews, as well as local and international print and electronic news media.

Author Mark Darko introduces his work, writing, This memoir is my daily records of the sights and sounds, the rumors and gossips, as well as the news reportage of local and foreign newspapers and radio and television broadcasts that reported on the attempted coup in Cote dIvoire in 2002.

Published by Page Publishing, Mark Darkos impactful memoir shares this event and the following days from the perspective of the author.

Readers who wish to experience this informative work can purchase Who's Troubling Africa? Memoirs of the 2002 Uprising in Cote dIvoire at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
Pauli Rose Libsohn, an author of multiple childrens books, has completed her new book Penelopes New Bed: a charming and cheerful tale about a little girl receiving a very special grown-up bed, and giving up her crib.

Pauli writes, But unbeknownst to Penelope, both her mother AND father had secretly planned this extraordinary event for WEEKSfor Penelope was not getting just a REGULAR bed, she was getting an antique French brass bed that was coming all the way from FRANCE, sailing across the WHOLE Atlantic Ocean on a ship ALL the way to New York Harbor. As her parents explained this to Penelope, she imagined how IMPORTANT this bed MUST be, and how special SHE was to be getting a bed THAT, she was told, was different from all others! No one in the WHOLE WORLD will have a bed like yours, exclaimed her parents.

Published by Page Publishing, Pauli Rose Libsohns captivating tale teaches the importance of patience.

This tale is nostalgic, for the author, Pauli Rose Libsohn based it off her own experience as a little girl, when she grew out of her crib and received a new bed. Penelope, the main character, was so excited to get her special bed that came from France, that it was very hard for her to wait. The story also explains the importance of patience, understanding that everything will come together in time. This book is perfect for parents to read to their children for it shows that patience always brings good things for you.

Readers who wish to experience this inspiring work can purchase Penelopes New Bed at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors books, including distribution in the worlds largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Pages accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
"Launching the new School of Public Health in San Antonio is a transformative opportunity..."  Vasan Ramachandran, MD

Vasan Ramachandran, MD, a distinguished public health researcher at Boston University and principal investigator of the Framingham Heart Study, has been named founding dean of The University of Texas School of Public Health San Antonio. The new school is a strategic collaboration of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) and The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and is one of three schools of public health in The University of Texas System.

William L. Henrich, MD, MACP, president of UT Health San Antonio, and Taylor Eighmy, PhD, president of UTSA, jointly announced Ramachandrans appointment, which is effective Sept. 1.

An internationally known and highly respected physician-scientist and clinical epidemiologist, Ramachandrans research has focused on heart failure, blood pressure and cardiac remodeling. Vasan is the ideal person to lead and build our citys new School of Public Health, Henrich said. His leadership of multiple studies gathering data on biological and lifestyle risk factors, his impressive track record of National Institutes of Health funding, his mentorship of diverse students, and his experience directing the first public health school in India all attest to this.

In addition to Ramachandrans extensive and relevant experience, he is a thoughtful, collaborative and authentic leader who has the heart of a public servant, Henrich said.

Establishment of the School of Public Health and recruitment of its dean introduces a new era for UTSAs and UT Health San Antonios shared mission to serve the public good, Eighmy said. We seek to improve public health in close partnership with the city of San Antonio, Bexar County, our research and development partners, and the health care community. This new school allows us to meet critical public health workforce needs and is a major boost to both institutions positive momentum and commitment to being a center of excellence in public health education, service and research, he said.

The new joint school of public health by UT Health Science Center San Antonio and UTSA will be a tremendous resource for San Antonio and South Texas, and the appointment of an outstanding inaugural dean demonstrates the power of this collaboration, UT System Chancellor James B. Milliken said. The Board of Regents and I are looking forward to Dr. Ramachandrans leadership and to the success of this important new school.

Pandemic exacerbated issues

Launching the new School of Public Health in San Antonio is a transformative opportunity of a lifetime, Ramachandran said in a phone interview this week. We are starting the School of Public Health at a very critical time in the history of the country, the state, the city and the region. We are still in the throes of a pandemic, two and a half years plus, and this crisis has exposed how challenging it is to deal with major public health challenges on the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Much of the frontline battle of the pandemic is fought by public health workers, and yet there is a gap in infrastructure related to the training of the public health workforce, Ramachandran said. Meanwhile, the pandemic continues in the context of the burden of chronic disease, which is very high in this region, he said.

The pandemic has also revealed a social patterning of disease, Ramachandran said. Demographic characteristics of people who have been worst hit are frontline workers, people of color, people who lack health insurance, mothers of young children and other vulnerable populations.

Throughout the course of the pandemic, we have navigated, feeling our way, because its been very dynamic, Ramachandran said. And we have tried to carry the public along with us, not always successfully.

UT Health San Antonio and UTSA each offer complementary programs and synergy to the new School of Public Health, said Jennifer Potter, PhD, vice president for research at UT Health San Antonio. For example, infectious diseases, cancer, epidemiology and many other areas of study are strengths of UT Health. UTSA contributes data sciences, kinesiology, demography and other diverse areas. Potter co-chaired the Search Advisory Committee with Heather Shipley, PhD, senior vice provost of academic affairs and dean of University College at UTSA, along with seventeen colleagues from UT Health San Antonio, UTSA and the San Antonio community.

Decades of experience

Ramachandran has served on the faculty of the Boston University School of Medicine and School of Public Health for more than a quarter-century and as principal investigator of the Framingham Heart Study since 2014. The Framingham study is a population-based, observational cohort study initiated by the U.S. Public Health Service in 1948 and subsequently funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to prospectively investigate the epidemiology and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It has grown into an ongoing, longitudinal study gathering prospective data on a wide variety of biological and lifestyle risk factors and on cardiovascular, neurological and other types of disease outcomes across three generations of participants and its accompanying Omni cohorts of non-white individuals.

Ramachandran also has served since 2019 as one of the principal investigators for the Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal Study (RURAL) aimed at addressing critical gaps in the knowledge of heart and lung disorders in rural counties in the southeastern U.S. This study is of 4,600 individuals ages 25-64 from 10 rural counties in Southern Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta.

With a current active annual research grant portfolio of nearly $20 million and as a recipient of more than $100 million from the National Institutes of Health over the last 20 years, Dr. Ramachandran is a prolific and collaborative investigator. He has more than 1,060 publications to his name, including many in prominent journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the Journal of the American Medical Association and Circulation.

Regions unique needs

San Antonio is a majority-minority city that, with its large and growing Hispanic population, reflects the demographic future of the nation. Many areas of the city and South Texas region are identified as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration.

Unique health challenges include infectious diseases, diabetes, maternal and child health, mental health and substance use disorders, health care disparities, cancer and injury prevention. The new schools faculty will propose innovative public health solutions to these problems.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic produced a strong demand and need for public health education surrounding vaccination, masking, social distancing and handwashing. The School of Public Health will enable local residents to train for public health careers to meet ever-emerging health challenges.

The University of Texas System Board of Regents recognized that the regions persistent disparities in key health outcomes require a public health approach. In November 2021, the Regents voted to authorize UT Health San Antonio and UTSA to develop a new public health school.

A student census of almost 400 is planned within the first five years, with a Master of Public Health degree offered beginning in 2024 and a Doctor of Public Health degree program to be developed.

Total startup costs for the School of Public Health are budgeted at approximately $40 million, including existing building renovations, program development and Ramachandrans recruitment as dean. In June, Bexar County allocated $10 million to support the schools development.

The public is invited to tour The University of Texas School of Public Health San Antonio website.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) is a primary driver for San Antonios $42.4 billion health care and biosciences sector, the citys largest economic generator. As the largest research university in South Texas, with an annual research portfolio of approximately $350 million, UT Health San Antonio drives substantial economic impact through its five professional schools, a diverse workforce of 7,200, an annual operating budget of more than $1 billion and a clinical practice that provides more than 2 million patient visits each year. Furthermore, UT Health San Antonio plans to add more than 1,500 higher-wage jobs over the next five years to serve San Antonio, Bexar County and South Texas. To learn about the many ways We make lives better, visit https://www.uthscsa.edu.

Stay connected with The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

The University of Texas at San Antonio is a Tier One research university and a Hispanic Serving Institution specializing in cyber, health, fundamental futures, and social-economic transformation. With more than 34,000 students, it is the largest university in the San Antonio metropolitan region. UTSA advances knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. The university embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual propertyfor Texas, the nation and the world. Learn more online, on UTSA Today or on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn.
GI and Move are two prime examples of how our clinical-based approach is helping to reimagine the way medicinal cannabis is delivered to patients who need it most. - Sandra Hutson, Vice President, Innovation at Curio Wellness

Curio Wellness, a cGMP-certified, vertically integrated medical cannabis company and market leading innovator of health and wellness products derived from cannabis, has announced the launch of two scientifically-developed product lines: GI by Curio and Move by Curio.

GI by Curio is a plant-powered collection designed to improve quality of life, offer accessible options for patients facing gut discomfort or symptoms such as bloating and cramps, and to help improve the bodys gut health. Leveraging advanced science and Curios proprietary patent pending pulse technology, this is the one of the first gut-focused, cannabis-derived therapeutic lines by a cannabis brand nationwide.

The GI by Curio collection includes:



Soothe Vape and Tincture: For patients experiencing nausea or upset stomach, quick delivery is essential. The vape and tincture allow for a faster onset since the cannabinoids bypass the digestive system.

Stimulate Chew: The medicated chew was created to help patients who struggle with reduced or no appetite.

Comfort Tablet: Specifically formulated to address chronic GI issues, the patent pending GI: Comfort tablet doses CBG and low THC in multiple pulses released at different intervals.

Move by Curio is the companys first line of topical products designed to offer targeted relief for those with active lifestyles. The collection includes three treatments  a topical balm, transdermal balm and transdermal gel  that are unscented and non-greasy for optimal and targeted application.

Curios commitment to continuous product research and innovation stems from our mission to develop targeted therapeutics that are safe, effective and reliable for patients seeking alternative, plant-based relief, said Sandra Hutson, Vice President, Innovation at Curio Wellness. GI and Move are two prime examples of how our clinical-based approach is helping to reimagine the way medicinal cannabis is delivered to patients who need it most.

GI and Move join the companys portfolio of innovative cannabis products that help address and alleviate symptoms for a wide array of medical conditions  from pain management to insomnia. Today marks the statewide release of the GI Soothe Vape, Stimulate Chew and Comfort Tablet. The Soothe Tincture will join the GI by Curio collection in September. Move by Curio will be available at dispensaries across Maryland starting August 8.

Curio Wellness was the first cannabis producer in Maryland awarded cGMP certification, the same quality standard set by the FDA for the worlds leading pharmaceutical companies.

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About Curio Wellness

Founded in 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland, Curio Wellness is a cGMP certified, vertically integrated medical cannabis company and trusted healthcare partner. Recognized as the leading wellness brand in cannabis by BDS Analytics, Curio is committed to serving patients with targeted, effective, and reliable cannabis-based medicine. For more information visit https://curiowellness.com.
Dr. Paul Vitenas was named best facial plastic surgeon in Houston, TX by Modern Luxury.

This month, Modern Luxurys Houston Magazine published their guide on Houstons finest luxury services. Dr. Vitenas was featured in this guide as a top medical provider in the Houston area. Modern Luxury recommended his plastic surgery services to readers who wish to enhance their health, happiness, and natural beauty. In addition, the magazine gave Dr. Vitenas the title of Best Facial Plastic Surgeon in Houston.

As the biggest luxury media brand in the country, Modern Luxury rigorously assesses companies, services, and professionals in various cities across the country. The company's high standards have made them the most reliable source for high-class living. They publish magazines in every major city in the United States and provide the best information and insights into luxury brands, lifestyle trends, and services.

For years, Modern Luxury has built a deeply personal connection between high-end brands and their readers. The magazine aims to introduce affluent audiences to the finest amenities life has to offer; this includes medical care and cosmetic surgery. Julys edition of Modern Luxury Houston featured some of the best medical providers in the fields of plastic surgery, wellness, dermatology, orthopedics, and many other specialties.

Dr. Vitenas is proud to be named alongside his peers in Houston and is grateful to be recognized for his unparalleled services in facial plastic surgery. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with over thirty years of experience, quality patient care is a top priority for Dr.Vitenas. He is dedicated to providing all his clients with premier medical services that help improve their health, wellness, and appearance.

Over the years, Dr. Vitenas has been given several prominent awards highlighting his skills as a surgeon and as a healthcare provider. Being named Houstons Best Facial Plastic Surgeon is another great addition to his many accomplishments. Dr. Vitenas has also been recognized as the Best Single Physician Practice, a Top Ten Plastic Surgeon in Middle America, a Texas Super Doctor, and a Top Doctor on RealSelf.

In the future, Dr. Vitenas hopes to be featured in other publications from the magazine. This way more patients have access to Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery and can get cosmetic surgery that will meet their specific needs.

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To learn more about Dr. Vitenas and Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery, contact his office in Houston, TX. Dr. Vitenass staff can be reached at this phone number:(281) 484-0088, or through his contact page at this link here.

Dr. Vitenas also has an about page that details his medical background, achievements in the field of plastic surgery, and his journey as the founder of Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery. For more information follow this link. The team at Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery looks forward to hearing from you soon.
CBDC Consulting Services Crypto paved the way for the world to take notice of blockchains potential in improving the global economy through better financial inclusion and transparency. CBDCs are a digital manifestation of currency backed by the central banks, using the same technology.

One of the top blockchain development companies in the world, Hashcash Consultants has maintained a consistent presence in blockchain innovations across multiple continents. The US-based firm plans to extend and utilize its expertise in cryptocurrencies and the underlying blockchain technology in a consulting and advisory capacity for CBDC-development projects across the world.

CBDC-based research has been going in full swing across most nations with developed economies. China emerged as the global leader by introducing the Digital Yuan a few years ago. Other governments followed suit including India, Russia, the European Union, and the US. Each nation is seeking viable CBDC solutions built upon its fiat monetary structure.

HashCash CEO and blockchain pioneer Raj Chowdhury states, "Crypto paved the way for the world to take notice of blockchains potential in improving the global economy through better financial inclusion and transparency. CBDCs are a digital manifestation of currency backed by the central banks, using the same technology.

Digital tokenization of sovereign currency had been long foreseen as an economic challenge. However, the success of cryptocurrencies in cross-border transactions have been an eye-opener to central banks and policymakers around the world. Over 86% of the world's central banks have already delved into CBDC research with some nations already announcing the prospective release dates of their national CBDCs. HashCash empowers organizations with efficient strategies, and proficiency in the core blockchain technology, reinforcing the resilience and security of CBDC development systems.

While there have been detractors addressing concerns about privacy concerns, the crypto community would benefit if governments allow the coexistence of CBDCs and cryptocurrencies, and implement regulatory frameworks without hampering the spirit of innovation, commented Chowdhury, who had previously expressed his opinion on blockchain analytics and the need for implementing appropriate security measures in the crypto sector.

HashCash has been recognized as a leader in blockchain development having products and services deployed in more than 26 nations. The organization is currently extending its presence on a global scale expanding its development center in the middle east. The company also plans on establishing an all-new HashCash Park, investing over US$10 million spread over 2 acres of land in Bengal Silicon Valley, Kolkata. HashCash's white label crypto exchange solutions are globally recognized finding uses in top financial institutions and organizations from the banking and fintech sector.

The exponential increase in global blockchain implementation has propelled the use of CBDCs along with cryptocurrencies. Businesses looking forward to leveraging opportunities in the digital revolution will benefit from the regulated and structured network with better transparency and trust.



About HashCash Consultants:

HashCash is a global software company. HashCash Blockchain products enable enterprises to move assets and settle payments across borders in real-time for Remittances, Trade Finance, Payment Processing, and more. HashCash runs a US-based digital asset exchange, PayBito & digital asset payment processor, BillBitcoins. HashCash offers custom exchange and payment processor software solutions, ICO services, and customized use cases. HashCash propels advancement in technology through Blockchain1o1 programs and its investment arm, Satoshi Angels. HashCash offers solutions in AI, Big Data, and IoT through its platforms, products & services. HashCash solves the toughest challenges by executing innovative digital transformation strategies for clients around the world.
Having digested the guide, I asked myself if questions still needed to be asked on vine origins, varieties, uses, cultural role, and scientific knowledge. I concluded that the reader may reach the end of the book without any occasion to formulate a new one!

Leading figures from the Italian wine community have lined up to lavish praise on Professor Scienzas new book, Vine & Prejudice, Fake Science and the Search for the Perfect Grape, due for release in September 2022. Accolades for the professors new book have been received from senior enologists, leading academics and internationally renowned wine producers. They include Marchesi Piero Antinori, Carlo Petrini, President of Terra Madre International; Angelo Gaja, President of Gaja Wine; Luigi Moio, President of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine; Riccardo Cotarella, President of Enologi; Francesco Salamini, former Director of Max Planck Institute and Member of the National Academy of Science; and Silviero Sansavini, professor emeritus, University of Bologna.

The comments are reproduced in full below.

Piero Antinori (President, Marchesi Antinori):

I have known Professor Attilio Scienza for many years and I have always appreciated his great competence and his profuse passion in his numerous studies relating to the fascinating universe of wine and the grapevine. I am sure that his latest work will make yet another important contribution at the frontier of the sector.

Carlo Petrini (President, Terra Madre International):

Drinking wine is for everyone, but only a few know how to really talk about wine. Passion, study and experience have distinguished Attilio Scienza as one of the most authoritative voices in the oenological field. If we know today what we are drinking, it is only thanks to people like Attilio!

Angelo Gaja (President, Gaja Wine):

With learned and pleasing erudition, Scienza offers the reader a precious tool to understand the differences between the European and American vine.

Luigi Moio (President, International Organisation of Vine and Wine):

Scienza tells us, with his contagious enthusiasm, the biological history of the vine, reminding us that for both the vine and the wine the future is knowledge and not simply belief!

Riccardo Cotarella (President, Enologi):

The issue of genetic improvement of the vine raises profound scientific questions, not to mention scepticism and even out-right hostility. It is an issue that divides public opinion, not least because of inadequate knowledge and understanding of the subject. But genetics also represents the future of viticulture. Its the only tool we have to reduce the impact of chemicals on the environment. This welcome and informative contribution on the subject represents a first step towards understanding the great biodiversity of the vine and the prospects genetics offers for the creation of resistant vines capable of producing high quality wines.

Francesco Salamini (former Director of Max Planck Institute and Member of the National Academy of Science):

Having digested the guide, I asked myself if questions still needed to be asked on vine origins, varieties, uses, cultural role and scientific knowledge. I concluded that the reader may reach the end of the book without any occasion to formulate a new one!

Silviero Sansavini (Professor Emeritus, University of Bologna):

Attilio Scienza, an established scholar of the history, origins and evolutionary genetics of the vine, invokes the need to consider the various species of American vines together with Vitis vinifera to promote knowledge of their value in order to allow them to be used correctly in the creation of resistant vines. Thus, it will be possible to deal with the strong risks deriving from the contamination of languages and the current communication distortions, even in countries with ancient viticultural traditions such as Italy.

Background: Vine & Prejudice, Fake Science and the Search for the Perfect Grape is a new book published by Mamma Jumbo Shrimp that charts the journey of the vine from the earliest grape farmers to the scientists who figured out how to identify, classify and cross-breed vines, all the way to recent advances in DNA profiling. Exploring the often-controversial history, fake news and ethical debates that have accompanied the science, Scienza takes a look at grape biology through a sociological lens. Scienza also implores us to think about the future and the implications of genetic engineering and biotechnology. He reflects on the morals of human interference in the natural world and asks: whats next in the search for the perfect grape? Full of insights into the complex world of grape science, this thought-provoking book, illustrated with helpful diagrams and explanations, is a must-read for anyone interested in the science behind the wine. Mamma Jumbo Shrimp  is an umbrella brand that harnesses podcasts, books, maps, and videos, bringing together a global community of wine, food, and travel lovers.
Morrison Foerster, a leading global law firm, is pleased to announce the arrival of Derek Steingarten as a partner in the firms Corporate Department and co-chair of the Investment Management Group, based in New York. Steingarten brings to the firm more than two decades of experience representing fund sponsors and other institutional asset managers.

Steingarten joins Morrison Foerster from another leading global firm where he was a partner for the last six years. He advises clients on a myriad of matters that arise in the lifecycle of an asset management firm. He counsels clients on the complex legal and business challenges related to fund formation, governance, and regulation. Steingartens practice spans multiple areas of law, including corporate and securities laws, and integrates ERISA, banking laws, commodities laws, and tax laws, among others. He has many years of board-level experience managing governance and 1940 Act regulatory oversight for registered funds and their service providers, including oversight of investigations and regulatory enforcement and examination responses.

Derek is an accomplished lawyer who brings exceptionally strong experience in the investment management and funds space, together with an impressive and diverse roster of clients that is highly compatible with ours, said Eric McCrath, co-chair of Morrison Foersters Global Corporate Department. Dereks presence bolsters the firms investment management and funds practices, while complementing our REIT and capital markets practices and our strengths in the technology and financial industry verticals. His arrival also further enhances our ability to advise clients operating in the investment management, fund formation, M&A, private equity, FinTech, and crypto spaces on their most complex investigations and regulatory enforcement matters.

Steingartens arrival underscores the continued growth of Morrison Foersters global Corporate Department. He is the seventh corporate partner to join the firm since the start of this year, following the additions of Michael Glaser, Daphne Higgs, Mike LaPlante, Paul Navarro, Teresa Tate, and Steven Tyndall. Further, his addition underscores the continued growth of the firms corporate capabilities in New York in recent years. Steingartens addition follows that of Corporate Department co-chair Mitchell Presser and partners Omar Pringle, Aly El Hamamsy, and Larry Medvinsky, all of whom joined the New York office since 2020.

Morrison Foerster is a sophisticated legal market leader with a standout global platform, exceptional corporate transactions and funds capabilities, and a fantastic culture of collaboration, said Steingarten. Im excited to continue to grow my practice and expand the firms investment management and funds footprint here in New York, while working with my new colleagues across the firms global offices to help our clients tackle their most complex and multifaceted business challenges.

Prior to his most recent role, Steingarten was a partner in the financial institutions group at another leading international firm in Boston for 15 years. He has been ranked among leading investment lawyers by prominent legal directories, including Chambers USA and The Legal 500. Earlier in his career, Steingarten worked for the Government of Canada, within both the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice. He earned his B.A. with first class honors from McGill University and his LL.B. magna cum laude from the University of Ottawa. Steingarten is admitted to practice in New York and Massachusetts, and is fluent in both French and Spanish.

ABOUT MORRISON FOERSTER

Morrison Foerster is a leading global law firm that transforms complexity into advantage for its clients. Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, banks, consulting and accounting firms, and Fortune 100, technology, and life sciences companies. Highlighting the firms commitment to client service, leadership in market-changing deals and impact litigation, and values-based culture, Morrison Foerster was recognized as one of the top 10 firms on The American Lawyers 2021 A-List. Year after year, the firm receives significant recognition from Chambers and The Legal 500 across their various guides, including Global, USA, Asia-Pacific, Europe, UK, Latin America, and FinTech Legal. Our lawyers passionately care about delivering legal excellence while living our values. Morrison Foerster has a long-standing commitment to creating a culture that respects and celebrates differences, while providing an inclusive environment. The firm has achieved Mansfield Certification Plus since 2018 as a result of successfully reaching at least 30 percent women, communities of color, and LGBTQ+ lawyer representation in a notable number of current leadership roles and committees. The firm also has a long history of commitment to the community and society through providing pro bono legal services, including litigating for civil rights and civil liberties, improving public education and fostering the wellbeing of children, advocating for veterans, promoting international human rights, enforcing the right to asylum, and safeguarding the environment.
The Agency is thrilled to partner with Sonhaus for sales and distribution in these markets, bringing this innovative product to the worlds thriving luxury second home market. said Mauricio Umansky, Founder and CEO of The Agency.

Global real estate agency, The Agency, its Founder and CEO, Mauricio Umansky and leading luxury real estate agents, David Parnes and James Harris proudly announce they are now exclusively representing Sonhaus for sales and distribution in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Sonhaus offers fractional ownership of luxury second homes in some of Europes most coveted locations. Offering the option to share the investment amongst eight owners, Sonhaus enables buyers to own multi-million-Euro properties for a fraction of their market value. Mauricio, David, James and The Agency will lead sales and distribution for the exquisitely designed, fully managed and maintained properties located in Europes most renowned and desirable second home markets including Marbella, Mykonos, Ibiza, the Algarve and Mallorca, with plans to expand further across the world.

The Agency is thrilled to partner with Sonhaus for sales and distribution in these markets, bringing this innovative product to the worlds thriving luxury second home market. said Mauricio Umansky, Founder and CEO of The Agency. Throughout the past few years, weve witnessed the rise of fractional ownership and we look forward to bringing this unique and seamless experience to buyers seeking to own a property in many of the worlds most sought-after destinations.

Sonhaus sees The Agency as its natural partner for sales and distribution in these markets, providing its new and existing clientele with a gateway and access to the experience and prestige of owning a home in the worlds premier locations at a price that would previously have been unthinkable. said Jacob Lyons, Founder and CEO of Sonhaus. James Shalson-Marshall, Head of Growth and Agency Relations added "I am excited that The Agency will be our exclusive sales and distribution channel in the USA, Canada and Mexico, and working together with them to sell Sonhaus homes.

Offering a new class of luxury second home ownership, Sonhaus puts an end to challenges traditionally experienced when buying a property abroad, guiding buyers through the entire process including financing, administration and insurance to local banking and billing. Buyers are heavily vetted to ensure quality ownership is maintained, while the intuitive online platform simplifies the process of buying, selling, swapping and renting properties from other Sonhaus homeowners. Sonhaus commitment to keeping management fees low and transparent ensures there are no surprising or hidden costs for owners. Scheduling is managed via the Sonhaus Stay App which manages supply and demand dynamically and owners are selected from a range of countries to ensure that there is limited, if ever any crossover of requested stays. The Sonhaus Stay App also manages visits to properties, assisting with the coordination of a stay ahead of arrival.

Sonhaus is revolutionizing the fractional ownership space and were excited to share this unique offering with buyers who have always dreamed of owning a home abroad, said David Parnes of The Agency. Sonhaus removes the obstacles related to not only purchasing a property in another country, but also the management and design of that property, creating a one stop shop for owners.

Sonhaus is building a network of like-minded partners who each add to the Sonhaus experience. The homes are all stylishly decorated and furnished with interiors by RH Contract (Restoration Hardware). Each home comes with a fully equipped home office and a home gym outfitted by leading wellness company, Technogym. The stunning chef-ready gourmet kitchens are filled with Gaggenau appliances and car rental is arranged through Hertz, with all Sonhaus owners automatically receiving coveted Five Star elite status in the award-winning Hertz Gold Plus Rewards loyalty program.

Currently, Sonhaus has approximately 150 properties on its roster and is looking to acquire many more.

For more information on Sonhaus, please visit http://www.sonhaus.com or contact Jacob Lyons or James Shalson-Marshall at +44 (0)207 459 4205. For sales inquiries, please contact Mauricio Umansky at 424.230.3701, David Parnes at 424.400.5916 or James Harris at 424.400.5915.

About The Agency

The Agency is an agent-first, tech-driven boutique luxury global brokerage representing clients worldwide in a broad spectrum of classes, including residential, new development, resort real estate, luxury leasing and vacation rentals. Breaking away from the traditional brokerage model, The Agency takes a collaborative approach to the business, fostering a culture of partnership in which all clients and listings are represented in a collaborative environment. Agents and clients benefit from the shared resources and networks of the entire global team, including in-house creative, public relations and cutting-edge technology divisions. The Agency has closed more than $45 billion real estate transactions since 2011, comprising over 60 offices in six countries, and counting, as one of the fastest-growing boutique, luxury real estate brands in the world.

About Sonhaus

Launched in 2022, Sonhaus Homes offer security, privacy, and peace of mind for second homeowners in Europes most desirable locations. Properties are fully managed, setting high standards of sustainability by leaving a low carbon footprint and using renewable energy wherever possible. All household management, administration and maintenance are handled by Sonhaus Management, allowing owners to simply turn up and enjoy their home, equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology provided by some of the worlds best-known brands.

The Sonhaus Service includes overseeing all financial aspects of ownership, and all financing for the acquisition of the home is sourced or provided by Sonhaus.

Sonhaus Fractional Ownership - How It Works

Each Sonhaus home has up to eight co-owners and each owner will have undergone a stringent application process to ensure that high quality ownership is maintained. Ownership is via a limited liability company set up by Sonhaus for each home and completely ring-fenced.

Each Sonhaus Owner is responsible for their pro-rata share of the annual costs of ownership. This includes on-going maintenance and management of the property, insurance, financing where applicable and contingencies. This also includes any taxes, legal or other ownership-related costs. All costs are presented to each Sonhaus Owner on a monthly or quarterly basis, itemized and totally transparent. Detailed forecasting ensures that these costs are also highly predictable  a Sonhaus Owner will always know what they are paying for, how much and why.

The Sonhaus Service provides access to an experienced Sonhaus representative from the point of initial contact to the purchase of a Sonhaus Home, and onwards. Any third-party rentals and sales will also be managed through Sonhaus.
National University, a nonprofit university dedicated to serving adult learners, has been awarded a 4-year $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), under the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention (NEPQR), in support of the National University Nurse Managed Clinic Project (NUNMC).

The NUNMC initiative was established to promote access to healthcare in underserved communities and utilizes an interprofessional health team approach through collaborations with trained professionals and faculty-supervised students. The team will deliver primary and behavioral healthcare on-site in six San Diego and Los Angeles communities, in association with clinical affiliates of National University such as community and faith-based organizations. This HRSA grant, funded at $1 million per year, will expand the existing nurse-led mobile health clinic to reach a larger demographic of medically underserved communities and increase access to primary healthcare services.

NUNMC is proud to partner with HRSA once again in addressing communities where the healthcare disparity is extremely prevalent, said Dr. Gloria J. McNeal, Associate Vice President for Community Affairs in Health at National University. The advancement of this project will also provide learning opportunities within the clinical and research curricula in the BSN/MSN programs and ensure the integration of community health concepts to increase diversity in the nursing workforce.

The grant elevates National University as a primary source of advanced nursing skills for students while providing accessible healthcare to an underrepresented population using cutting-edge telehealth technology. The concept of telehealth technology introduced by Dr. McNeal will allow students to practice in a simulated environment and hone skills needed on the job, such as remotely monitoring biometric data without compromising the health and safety of patients or students. Students who meet the minority and underserved criteria within the NUNMC project will receive $10,000 a year toward tuition and other related expenses. The (NUNMC) Project has been recognized by several institutions including the American Academy of Nursing as an American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner.

Congratulations to Dr. McNeal and her team for achieving this significant grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said Dr. Michael R. Cunningham, interim president of National University and chancellor of the National University System. Dr. McNeals leadership of the National University Nurse Managed Clinic highlights her dedication to providing students with unique opportunities to gain skills that will shape the future of our health care system, and it further exemplifies our commitment as a University to give back to the communities we serve.

Dr. McNeal has served her community and country as a nurse, and a Naval officer, and continues to serve in the capacity of a leader and an educator. If the voice of the nursing industry is taken into consideration, the future of this project promises unlimited opportunities to address the needs of the underserved, said Dr. McNeal.

The NUNMC Project has delivered an experiential learning opportunity for nursing and other health professional students, and has also provided healthcare to over 400 individuals from underserved communities in the South-Central Los Angeles area.

###

About National University: National University, a veteran-founded nonprofit, has been dedicated to meeting the needs of hard-working adults by providing accessible, affordable, achievable higher education opportunities since 1971. As San Diego's largest private nonprofit university, NU offers over 75 online and on-campus programs and flexible four-week classes designed to help students reach their goals while balancing busy lives. Since its founding, the NU community has grown to over 30,000 students and 190,000 alumni around the globe, many of whom serve in helping industries such as business, education, health care, cybersecurity, and law and criminal justice. Learn more at NU.edu.

Acknowledgment: The grant-funded project referenced in this press release was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UK1HP46059, NEPQR for $4,000,000 and is supplemented with 12% of nongovernmental sources, including in-kind support. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
AI isnt a novel business tool anymore  its part of every companys playbook. Regardless of which firms are using it, AIs impact on data-driven decision making across every financial services sector is undeniable.

A new survey conducted by Arizent, parent company of American Banker, Digital Insurance, National Mortgage News, Financial Planning and other leading information brands for financial and professional services, finds that nearly 90% of leaders at financial services firms believe their companies are taking the necessary steps in data access, management and integration efforts to stay competitive.

Despite the near-unanimous confidence, the report, titled The Future of the Data-driven Workplace, had just 51% of respondents say their companies are actively implementing AI and machine learning tools beyond planning and investigative phases.

The research indicates that financial services put fraud detection and risk management at or near the top of their AI and ML priorities. Beyond security, companies most often devote AI and ML tools to common business functions like operations, marketing, accounting, finance and customer engagement.

This report is a deep dive into the AI playbooks of financial leaders, including their achievements, shortcomings, concerns and projections for further AI integration, said Janet King, Arizents Vice President of Research. For many companies, the road to implementation is costly and arduous. This research shines a spotlight on both the benefits of successful integration and the major factors inhibiting adoption.

According to the report, those challenges range from bad data and high costs to a lack of talent. Of the 192 respondents who say their firms are either still investigating or have no plans to implement AI, one in three cite a skill deficit within their own company.

Alongside that concern, 27% of those same survey takers say AI is too difficult to implement.

Each Arizent brand  American Banker, Digital Insurance, Financial Planning and National Mortgage News  will share further analysis on the impact of data and AI implementations on their respective communities in the coming months.

The full report can be downloaded at https://www.americanbanker.com/research-report/the-future-of-the-data-driven-workplace

Research Background/Methodology

Arizent, the parent company of American Banker, Digital Insurance, National Mortgage News and Financial Planning, conducted this research online during May 2022. Respondents were screened for involvement with their organizations data and analytics initiatives, and a total of 386 management level respondents from banking, mortgage, insurance and wealth management verticals completed the survey.

Survey takers ranged from managers to C-level executives, with 61% describing themselves as a department or division head, vice president or higher. The majority of participants, or 68%, say they are a lead or key stakeholder in their firms implementation of advanced data management processes and analytics tools, and 25% report they are either a contributor or participant in the process.

For more information on this survey or other Arizent research, contact:

Janet King

Vice President, Research

Arizent

janet.king@arizent.com

M 207-807-4806

About Arizent Research

Arizent Research delivers actionable insights through full-service research solutions that leverage their first-party data, subject matter expertise, and highly engaged communities across the banking, payments, mortgage, insurance, municipal finance, accounting, HR/employee benefits and wealth management communities. They conduct research to support original insights and analysis for their various editorial and content brands, as well as custom research programs for clients in the industries they serve.

About Arizent

Arizent is a business information company that advances professional communities by providing insights and analysis and convening industry leaders. The company uses deep industry expertise and a data-driven platform to deliver its services, which include subscriptions, marketing services, live events and access to Leaders, an executive forum. Arizent also connects business communities through leading financial services brands like American Banker, The Bond Buyer, Financial Planning and National Mortgage News, as well as professional services brands like Accounting Today, Employee Benefit News and Digital Insurance.
I hope that after reading my book, women will have the courage and power to make an impact on their own lives and the lives of others by realizing the value they already possess, Tychus said. Regardless of the life experiences they have had, women make an impact.

In The Abundant Woman, author Dr. Ena Tychus provides an inspirational and encouraging book that teaches women that they do not need to wish for more in order to be abundant because they already are. She recognizes that Jesus came with one mission  for everyone to live happily and abundantly, just the way they are.

Tychus acknowledges a modern stigma that makes women feel like their worth is often measured by looks, marital status, financial bracket, popularity, and more. She explains that none of these are the things that truly make a woman bountiful, but that all women have undiscovered treasures that they can use to bless others.

Throughout the book, Tychus shares tips on how to unlock these treasures along with all the other things women search for within themselves. She aims to teach women that the abundance they are longing for is already within them and that Jesus only wanted everyone to live abundantly  without any requirements.

I hope that after reading my book, women will have the courage and power to make an impact on their own lives and the lives of others by realizing the value they already possess, Tychus said. Regardless of the life experiences they have had, women make an impact.

The Abundant Woman: Discover the Abundance Already in You

By Dr. Ena Tychus

ISBN: 978-1-6642-5867-9 (softcover); 978-1-6642-5869-3 (e-book)

Available through WestBow Press, Barnes & Noble, Target and Amazon

About the author

Dr. Ena Tychus is a writer, primary care doctor, and physician leader. She was voted one of the best doctors by Washingtonian Magazine. After graduating from Howard University College of Medicine, she completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Georgetown/Washington Hospital Center. She is passionate about empowering women to live life abundantly. Her husband, Tayo Tychus, is the lead pastor and she is the leader of womens and childrens ministries at Abundant Life Chapel in Largo, Md. The couple shares three children. For more information, please visit http://www.westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/836791-the-abundant-woman.

General Inquiries, Review Copies & Interview Requests:

LAVIDGE  Phoenix

Haylee Elmore

helmore@lavidge.com
Weight loss is hard, but we try to make it easier by customizing our programs to fit our patients lifestyles. There is no one size fits all weight loss program and we are built on the foundation that the only way to serve all in need of weight loss is to be able to provide our patients options."

Options Medical Weight Loss will open their newest weight loss clinic at 2472 W Brandon Blvd., Brandon, Florida on July 29, 2022. The clinic joins other Florida Options Medical Weight Loss clinics located in Largo, St. Petersburg, and Tampa.

As an incentive to area residents, new patients will enjoy a 35% discount on all programs offered by Options Medical Weight Loss through the month of August.

Patients can expect a warm and inviting atmosphere when they walk into our new Brandon clinic for the first time. Our staff is excited to meet you and assist you in reaching whatever your weight loss goal may be, said Dr. Matthew Walker, CEO of Options Medical Weight Loss.

Options Medical Weight Loss is well-known for providing high-quality, individually tailored weight loss solutions that achieve patients weight goals through personalized clinical experiences that yield improved health outcomes. The new Options Medical Weight Loss clinic adds another important resource to the Tampa community. More than one in every three adults living in Hillsborough County are overweight, and more than one in four adults in the county are obese, according to a Florida Department of Health report. Getting a clinic set up in Brandon helps us accomplish one of our objectives in Florida; to better support the greater Tampa area and provide local medical weight loss solutions to all residents, said Walker.

When you come to Options, you will have a qualified care team dedicated to you. Our care team is led by our Chief Medical Director Dr. Katrina Mattingly who is board certified in obesity medicine as well as specialist care provided by our nurse practitioner, weight loss counselors, and patient care coordinators. Our care teams work collaboratively to help each patient reach their weight loss goal. Weight loss is hard, but we try to make it easier by customizing our programs to fit our patients lifestyles. There is no one size fits all weight loss program and we are built on the foundation that the only way to serve all in need of weight loss is to be able to provide our patients options, added Walker.

Options Medical Weight Loss always offers new patients a free in-person consultation to assess their medical history, current nutrition habits, lifestyle, and weight loss goals. Patients can start their journey by signing up

on the web for a free consultation at:

https://optionsmedicalweightloss.com/get-your-freeconsultation/ Or by calling 888-405-LOSE (5673).

To learn more about the new Brandon location, visit:

https://optionsmedicalweightloss.com/brandon-fl-weightloss-clinic/ Or call: 813-776-0089
I choose to write many of my poems in first person to allow the reader the opportunity to relate to each poem and engage in a more enjoyable and realistic reading experience, Jackson-Sinegar said.

After 30 years in the school system as a middle school principal and counselor, author Dr. Montrelle Jackson-Sinegar pays tribute to her passion for poetry in her first book, Personal Poetic Perspectives, embarking on a new career as a writer.

Readers will explore poetry focused on a variety of subjects and perspectives: family, addiction, sexual abuse, and black history. A selection of poems depicts Jackson-Sinegars personal experiences, while fellow poems share the stories of individuals like Barrack Obama and Serena Williams, figures she believes are worthy of discussion from their influence on society. Each poem presents a rhythmic format theme, to inspire the reader to examine their personal biases.

I hope to educate people about topics they may have never considered, Jackson-Sinegar said. Individuals who read this book are inspired to recognize, identify, and deal with personal biases.

Jackson-Sinegar encourages readers to reflect on their past, present, and future, prompting questions to ignite the readers thoughts and opinions on personal, social, and current events. She hopes to nurture young women and men to accomplish their goals, believing that no matter what age or position an individual is born into, there is always hope.

I choose to write many of my poems in first person to allow the reader the opportunity to relate to each poem and engage in a more enjoyable and realistic reading experience, Jackson-Sinegar said.

Personal Poetic Perspectives

By Dr. Montrelle Jackson-Sinegar

ISBN: 9781665715317 (softcover); 9781665720182 (hardcover); 9781665720199 (electronic)

Available at Archway Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble

About the author

Dr. Montrelle Jackson-Sinegar worked in the public school system for over 30 years. During that time, Jackson-Sinegar worked as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, and principal. She also served as a licensed professional counselor and counselor supervisor. In 2018, she retired and embarked on a new career as a writer. She continues to reside in New Orleans, La. and devotes her time to her family and friends. To learn more, please visit: https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/837141-personal-poetic-perspectives

General Inquiries:

LAVIDGE  Phoenix

Taylor Moralez

tmoralez@lavidge.com
Like the Alice Cooper song says, for kids, there may be No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers dirty looks/ Out for summer, out 'til fall, but this is not the case for their teachers and librarians. Many are busily brainstorming ideas and dutifully making plans for the upcoming school year in their classrooms and libraries. PW spoke with four such educators about some of their summer plans, which include reflecting, recharging, and preparing for the academic year ahead.

Before Barbara Johnson, the school librarian at Jack Jackter Intermediate School in Colchester, Conn., packs her camper and travels with her husband along the eastern seaboard, shell spend a good chunk of her summertime immersed in a variety of preparation for the 20222023 school year. In fact, it all started the first week of summer vacation, when she took part in district curriculum meetings to help build schools collections of books to support what is being taught in the classroom.

One of Johnsons curricular focuses is to further diversify and promote inclusivity with the read alouds that she and her teachers will be using. Shell do this by selecting titles by diverse authors and characters. Because of an increase in neurodiverse students in her schools population, shell also be looking to add titles with neurodiverse characters and themes. While many books have dealt with neurodiversity in the past, Johnson said, unless you point them out, you might not know it. So, by bringing attention to these titlesand adding new titlesour neurodiverse kids will be able to see themselves in books where they dont normally see themselves fitting in, and others might learn empathy for them.

Johnson also plans to find the time to update her digital classes, noting any holes or gaps her students have due to remote learning. Then theres her to-be-read pile featuring the latest titles, her states Nutmeg Award list books, and the ones that she picked up at both the AASL Conference in Salt Lake City and the American Library Association conference in Washington, D.C., which she attended earlier in the summer. Because my teachers are busy creating curriculum and teaching their students, many may not have on their radar the latest diverse or inclusive titles, so Ill suggest these new titles as replacements for books that they may normally choose each year.

With each book, Johnson will take copious notes on Post-its that shell add to book descriptions in her librarys Destiny Management System, aka Destiny Follett. This way, I can check if the books descriptions are accurate so when my students are searching for books we can find the ones that theyre looking forand hopefully interest them, she said.

In the meantime, Johnson will be looking for the best campsites where she can listen to the crash of the waves, roast marshmallows, enjoy a little R&R, and start on the next book on her TBR pile, and the next. She cant help herself. Im always preparing for the next step and looking for ways to save time for the next year, Johnson said. This allows me to have more time for personal conversations with my students to give them recommendations, to model skills on how to use the library to find the best books for them. Its a life skill that will help them be independent readers.

Katie Reilleys summer plans include preparations for her classroom, her students, and herself. These preparations began even before the school year ended. Reilley, a fourth grade ELA teacher at Blackberry Creek Elementary School in Elburn, Ill., had to move her entire classroom from downstairs to upstairs. And, while she was at it, she got a head start on the herculean task of re-evaluating and curating her extensive classroom library. Im going through my library to look at what wasnt read this year, whats falling apart and needs to replacedor needs additional copies, what books I may need to buy for a series, and what books have gone missing, Reilley said. And, at the same time, Im creating lists and buying these books over the summer.



These tasks are especially crucial because her school doesnt have a school librarian. If kids dont have librarians reading and recommending books, who is going to do this? Whos going to help them get the reading bug? Reilley said. So Reilley is the one who will be making recommendations to her kids about the books they may be interested in readingand matching books with kids.

Because of her tireless commitment to her students literacy, and a growing urgency to help them with academics and SEL issues due to the pandemic and other stressors, Reilley said that summer turns out to be the only time she can prepare her curriculum, her classroom library, her #ClassroomBookADay read-alouds, and herself for the road ahead. She also takes time to read professional development books. So far this summer, shes read John Schus The Gift of Story and has Donalyn Miller and Teri Lesesnes The Joy of Reading on her TBR pile. These books help me recharge, re-energize my purpose, and refocus on why I teach ELA, Reilley said. When Im so mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the school year, these books give me that, This is why you do what you do kind of feeling!

Reilley also feels its important during the summer to prioritize her personal needs. She has planned a trip to the upper peninsula of Michigan with her daughters and extended family, various get-togethers with friends and colleagues, plus a last-minute trip to Iceland with her sister-law before school starts. Then, when I go back to school and that sense of urgency hits again, Ill remind myself: You had your time to recharge, and now, its time to hit the ground, and do whats best for the kids. 

Erin Bedell cant help but be inspired by the view of the Rocky Mountains and Pikes Peak from her library at Inspiration View Elementary in Colorado Springs, Colo. But its this teacher/librarians students who inspire her the mosteven in the summertime. Thats because part of her summer plans included keeping her school library open for two hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout June. The only prerequisite was for the parents to come with kids, not drop them off for free babysitting.

Bedell said the benefits were endless. I got to know the parents, Bedell said. During Covid this was a challenge because parents did not have access to the building. It also allowed her to bond with her students, and helped her students discover new books. I usually only see them 26 at a time, Bedell said. So this summer library time gave us a chance to get to know each other better, the kids a chance to continue reading throughout the summer, and our families to focus on literacy.

Families could also partake in coloring activities and puzzles, and grab food donations if they needed them. On top of being available for book recommendations and friendly conversation, Bedell was busy processing a large book order that came without the normal lamination and labeling, as well as rethinking her shelves with an eye toward what Kelsy Bogan, MSLIS calls Dynamic Shelving. Its basically arranging your shelves to make them more appealing, Bedell said. Its like helping the books say, Pick me! Check me out!  She said that ways to go from static to dynamic shelves include forward facing the covers of books and devising displays that constantly change as books are being checked in and out.

Bedell will also be checking out the latest books, sharing ARCs with other teachers and librarians and tweeting about them as part of the #BookPosse Twitter group. In addition, she will be adding author photos and letters that shes received as part of their Twitterverse interactions to her librarys author bulletin board.



She hopes that keeping up the bulletin board and inviting authors to visit her school make authors and writing careers more accessible to her students. Both efforts fit nicely into Bedells ultimate teacher/librarian goal. I want to share the joy of reading and books with my studentsand create a space where reading is fun and joyful, she said. As educators, we have a responsibility to teach the fundamentals of reading and why its fun, and why people like to read. If we only teach the skills, our kids will be missing out!

Kristin Sierra wouldnt dream of missing the opportunity this summer to soak in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, whether its biking, hiking, or swimming with her family. And this teacher/librarian at Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Wash., will do all of the above, but not before she dives into her summer reading programming and planning for the upcoming school year.

First up is her summer reading program partnership with the Tacoma Public Library, nonprofits, and Metro Parks Tacoma, offering a variety of books to read and field trips (some book-related) for her students to go on together. Well meet at school and take public transportation. For example, well be going to a beautiful park, having a picnic, and discussing a book were reading. This summer, Sierra and participating students are reading Where the Crawdads Sing. Well be meeting twice, taking some nature trips since the book is nature-orientated, communicating through Schoology [a learning management system that allows them to communicate with each other], Sierra said. And were seeing the movie together.

In the fall, Sierra will partner again with the library to kick off Tacoma Reads, where the library chooses one title each in three categories: adults, teens and young adults, and kids and families. Once she learns of the YA selection, Sierra promotes the book, its author, and the librarys reading incentive program from day one. Therell be a visit with the author and a variety of activities, she said. So, come August, Ill start creating different presentations, trailers, and interactive activities around the book and the author to encourage students to sign up at the library. I like to keep it fresh and do something different every year. Its a great way to help launch the school year!

Sierra will also be catching up on whats new in YA literature, deciding on which titles shell recommend to her students and thinking about her librarys maker space. I try to integrate physical aspects of the book into the space, she said. I almost always use it with different discussions to coincide with our books.

Sierra is also booking that aforementioned down time to camp, swim, and lounge around with family. However, thoughts of the upcoming school year are never too far awayand for good reason. By doing some school things over the summer, it takes away some of the stress that builds as summer turns to fall. It also helps me feel more confident on the first day of school, Sierra said. For me, I dont need to take a complete break, because I cant stop thinking about something that I just love.
After our July 22 pre-trial review went live on Friday, attorneys for both the DOJ and Penguin Random House filed a host of final briefs, including their individual pre-trial statements and reply briefs on a handful of lingering (but potentially significant) evidentiary questions likely to be settled early this week. Oral arguments in the case are set to begin on August 1 in Washington, D.C., before judge Florence Pan.

In a pre-trial conference set for this morning (Monday, July 25 at 10:00 a.m) Pan was set to discuss ground rules to protect third party confidentiality in open court (which, the court notes, could include transitioning to "a closed session" when addressing "specific concerns" raised by individual third parties). Pan also said she intends to rule on most pending motions without oral argument.

Below, PW links to and summarizes the parties pre-trial briefs and the remaining evidentiary disputes:

The DOJs Pretrial Brief

Penguin Random Houses proposed acquisition of Simon & Schuster would further entrench the largest publishing giant in the United States (and the world) and give the merged company control of nearly half of the market to acquire anticipated top-selling books from authors, the DOJs pre-trial brief states, adding that if allowed to proceed, the proposed transaction would eliminate competition between two of the last remaining major publishers likely resulting in "authors being paid less for their efforts and fewer authors being able to earn a living from writing.

As reported, the brief confirms that the governments case at trial will seek to define the relevant market as the market for book rights. At trial, the governments expert witness, Nicholas Hill, is expected to testify that the combination of PRH and S&S would result in a dominant publisher that would control roughly half the market for top selling books, with a combined 49% share that is more than twice the market share of its next largest competitor, HarperCollins (24% market share) and more than five times the market share of all publishers outside the Big Five combined.

According to the brief, when the post-merger market for rights to top selling books is measured using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), a key tool for measuring market concentration under the governments Horizontal Merger Guidelines, Hill will testify that the proposed merger would result in an 891-point increase in the HHI and a post-merger HHI of 3,113, making the merger presumptively illegal. An increase of more than 200 points in HHI and a post-merger HHI of 2500, is the threshold to trigger a presumption of illegality under the Horizontal Merger Guidelines.

Furthermore, DOJ attorneys argue, if the government can establish a prima facie casethat is, if they can persuade the court there is some cognizable harm to the market for rights to top selling booksthat would sufficient to carry the day: To be clear, the United States need not prove any harm to consumers to prevail in this matter.

To that end, the government insists that the testimony of industry players will buttress its case, and that the testimony of various literary agents expected to feature in PRHs defense will not be enough to get the job done for the defense.

Agents are not powerful sellers that can counteract the anti-competitive harms from the merger, the government brief argues. Agents cannot control whether publishers are interested in a book. Agents cannot control a publishing houses internal bidding rules, including whether it prohibits its imprints from bidding against each other for a book. Nor can an agent control how a publisher values a book. Agents cannot control how much a publisher bids for a book. Agents cannot even always control the scope of rights that they can sell; a recent example is that the Big Five publishers have all but refused to acquire books unless audio rights are included. Moreover, contrary to Defendants assertion, agents do not always have control over the process of selling the book rights. For example, a lack of interest in a book may leave an agent without the ability to conduct an auction and require the agent to accept an offer without the benefit of a competitive process (or no offer at all). Agents cannot manufacture competition.

PRHs Pretrial Brief

In their pre-trial brief, PRH attorneys insist the governments theory of the casethat author advances, especially advances over $250,000 will be harmedis fatally flawed.

The government found no evidence that combining PRH and S&S would diminish competition in any consumer market, PRH attorneys argue. The government instead has narrowed its focus down to one very small segment of the market to acquire U.S. book rights: the set of about 1,200 books acquired annually for advances of at least $250,000, or about 2% of all books published by commercial publishers, which the government incorrectly treats as a sub-market.

The government tries to erase 98% of the market, shriveling it down to the small segment of books that are acquired for advances of at least $250,000. But that price segment is just thata price segment, not a cognizable market, PRH attorneys argue. The advance for each unique book is driven primarily by how particular editors perceive that books potential success, and different editors have different expectations for any given book. The wide variation in advances that inevitably results is, if anything, the opposite of a clear, market-defining product categorization. The governments failure to define a cognizable market is fatal to its claim.

Furthermore, PRH attorneys will look to its own experts (including testimony from various editors, executives, and literary agents, as well as from its own economist, Edward Snyder) to shred the governments case. Unable to show any negative consumer harm or any substantial lessening of competition for book rights overall, the government was forced to narrow its case to down to alleged harm in a tiny selection of books, PRH attorneys arguewhich, even if the government could show some potential injury in this small subsection of books, fails to meet the legal standard necessary to block the merger.

Based on the best available data, the type of transaction modeled by the government accounts for only approximately 85 books acquired annually, out of more than 55,000 total books published annually, and out of approximately 1200 books acquired annually for advances of $250,000 or more, PRH lawyers state. Alleged harm to 85 books does not constitute a substantial lessening of competition by any definition.

In terms of the elephant in the roomthe sheer size of the combined PRH/S&Sthe brief downplays the governments market concentration measurements.

The governments case assumes that the current market shares define the competitive landscape that will exist after the mergerthe same participants and shares, except that PRH and S&S shares will be combined, the brief states. But when there are low barriers to expansion by existing rivals or entry by new rivals, it is error to rely on past market shares to draw inferences about post-merger competitionThe evidence will show that existing Big Five rivals can easily expand and actively plan to do so. Other rivals among the top twenty also can easily increase their acquisitionsthey already possess the needed talent, experience, and reputation. And entirely new publishers started by well-known editors have recently gained share and become increasingly effective competitors. Given this ease of expansion and entry, market shares are a highly unreliable predictor of post-merger competitive conditions.

Rather, the merger between PRH and S&S will actually enhance competition, PRH attorneys argue. The deal will create efficiencies that will enable the combined entity to make better offers to more authors, and will incentivize other publishers to compete harder to acquire the books they, too, need to win sales among consumers.

In a statement released late on July 22, Dan Petrocelli, lead attorney for Penguin Random House and Bertelsmann, reiterated that point.

Penguin Random Houses acquisition of Simon & Schuster will strengthen the already vigorous competition among publishers to find and sell the books readers most want to read," Petrocelli said. "More competition to sell books means more competition to acquire them from authors. The Department of Justices lawsuit misunderstands that competitive dynamic and many others. As trial will show, this acquisition will benefit readers, booksellers, and authors alike.

Remaining Evidentiary Disputes

The court must still rule on a number of pre-trial motions that could impact the evidence presented at trial. Among them:

A dispute over expert testimony: The government is asking the court to block PRH's expert, Edward Snyder, from presenting an analysis on the proposed merger's efficiencies. PRH, meanwhile, is seeking to block the government's expert, Nicholas Hill, from introducing evidence from a second model, developed in response to a rebuttal report from Snyder. Hills second analysis relies on a model called the Gross Upward Pricing Pressure Index, or GUPPI, and PRH attorneys say the analysis was "unreasonably and unfairly delayed in this highly time-compressed case."

A dispute over printing capacity: PRH attorneys want the court to bar the government from raising PRH's printing capacity at trial, arguing, among other things, that its vertical printing interests have no bearing on the government's narrowly focused claims in this horizontal merger case. Furthermore, PRH argues that the DOJ has not shared important information on the printing sector which it gleaned in its investigation of Quad's proposed acquisition of LSC. Quad called off the purchase and shortly thereafter, LSC filed for Chapter 11 and in 2020 was acquired by a private equity company with other printing businesses. The government says it has provided appropriate discovery and the "printer capacity issues play a central role in the trade book publishing industry," and are part of this case.

A dispute over testimony from Jennifer Rudolph Walsh: Walsh, a successful veteran literary agent, is set to testify for PRH that the merger will not adversely impact competition in the acquisition of books by publishers. But Walsh is "not an economist, has never served as an expert, has no experience as a publisher acquiring books, has conducted no analysis of the publishing industry as a whole, and has provided no references to the record in support of her conclusions," the government argues. At most, Walshs testimony should be "limited to her understanding of the operation of the publishing industry up to her 2019 retirement along with any relevant lay opinions that the Court may find useful."

A dispute over PRH's vow to allow PRH and S&S editors to bid against each other post-merger: The government says that PRH CEO Markus Dohle's public announcement that PRH and S&S editors would be allowed to bid against each other is unenforceable and would be little more than a distraction at trial and should be barred from being raised. PRH attorneys insist that the policy has some probative value and should be allowed.

"To be clear, Defendants do not believe that the independent S&S bidding policy is necessary to avoid any anti-competitive effects, as confirmed by the fact that PRH announced the policy to its agent-partners without even knowing whether the merger would be challenged," PRH attorneys argue. "But to the extent the Court finds from the evidence above that PRHs commitment is credible and thus such direct PRH/S&S competition will continue after the merger, the governments whole case collapses on itself. Which is, of course, why the government does not want the Court to even consider the evidencenot because it is irrelevant, but because it may be too relevant."

Karp Shows Support for PRH Bid: In a letter to employees, S&S CEO Jonathan Karp provided a brief outline of how the trial will play out, noting a decision is expected in November. Karp is one of a number of publishing CEOs who will testify at the trial.

Noting that he had worked at Random house for 16 years, Karp said he remains "hopeful" that S&S will become part of PRH. I know their culture is a lot like ourswholeheartedly devoted to books and deeply committed to its employees and authors, Karp wrote. I strongly believe that Penguin Random House will be an excellent steward of Simon & Schusters legacy, and that we, and our authors, will benefit greatly from becoming a part of this superb publishing company.

Karp also observed that S&S has changed ownership seven times in its history and he made the point that many in publishing are acknowledging: that even if the government blocks PRHs acquisition, S&S will change hands again. Or as Karp put it regarding S&S's next owner: we know there will be an eighth.

Update: After a July 25 hearing, Judge Florence Pan largely resolved the pending evidentiary motions. In a set of orders delivered orally, Pan denied PRH's bid to limit the government's expert, Nicholas Hill, from introducing his so-called GUPPI analysis; Denied PRH's motion to block the government from raising PRH's printer capacity; granted the government's motion, in part, limiting the scope of agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh's testimony; and denied the government's bid to bar discussion of PRH's proposed policy to allow PRH and S&S to bid against each other post-merger. The court is expected to issue written orders on the motions at some point, once the parties agree on the final language, and we will update this story at that time.
PJ Library, a nonprofit program that distributes 245,000 books each month free to families in the U.S. and Canada, has made changes to its PJ Publishing imprint as part of a strategy to publish more books and reach more readers.

The Harold Grinspoon Foundationa Jewish philanthropic organization headquartered in Agawam, Mass., founded PJ Library in 2005 with the aim to strengthen readers Jewish identities and encourage their involvement in Jewish life. PJ Library is funded by both the HCF and donations via philanthropists, Jewish federations, community centers, and other nonprofit organizations in local communities. Globally, PJ Library ships 680,000 books per month, reaching 36 countries with books translated into seven languages to support both the PJ Library program for kids 0-8, and its PJ Our Way program, for kids 9-12.

Since it was established in 2014, PJ Publishing has published 41 books to date. Output for the imprint is expected to increase to 20 titles a year moving forward through efforts to sign more authors and illustrators around the world. We want to share new stories that havent been told, says Alex Zablotsky, managing director of PJ Library. Global expansion requires a broader bandwidth to find authors in other languages and to adapt the books accordingly.

To meet its publishing targets, PJ Library recently hired Simon Klarfeld as director of content. Additionally, Jill Shinderman joined PJ Library as director of publishing and creative development, while Chris Barash, formerly chair of the book selection committee, has been promoted to director of acquisitions. Finally, Catriella Freedman has been promoted from director of PJ Our Way to director of author and illustrator stewardship. Klarfeld reports to Zablotsky, while Shinderman, Barash, and Freedman each report to Klarfeld.

Speaking with PW about her new role, Shinderman says PJ Publishing has the opportunity to create engaging narratives with relatable Jewish characters that reflect the diversity of Jewish life and practice. She adds, There isnt a lot of content out there for Jewish kids and families. Its exciting to be a contributor in this space."

Shindermans background includes working for Nickelodeon, PBS Kids, Disney, and Scholastic. She also founded the small press Barclay Square Books. Shindermans goals at PJ Library include creating more author and illustrator connections and increasing annual output. Referring to PJs backlist as nutrient-rich soil, she notes, We want to grow in a way that takes the beauty there and elevates it.

Challenges lie in being very intentional with the titles youre going to publish, Shinderman says. Working within a program that reaches such a large number of families, we are conscious of and respectful of those narratives and characters that can speak to all different kinds of families, and in a way that connects to Judaism and Jewish life. Its very important to us.

PJ's past, present, and future

In addition to expanding the staff, PJ Publishing is releasing five new books between now and early 2023. These include Jonah by Tammar Stein, illustrated by Sabina Hahn (Aug.), which is an early chapter book that retells the story of Jonah, timed with the Jewish High Holidays; Hi, Hello, Welcome by Chris Barash, illustrated by Rosie Butchera (Sept.), a lift-the-flap board book about welcoming guests during Sukkot; and Five Brave Knights vs. the Dreadful Dragon by Netalie Gvirtz, translated by Shira Atik, illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt (Oct.). Originally published in Hebrew, the book is based on a fable from the Talmud that follows five siblings. Also slated for publication is Hanukkah at Monicas by Varda Livney (Nov.) and Im a Little Acorn, a board book illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford (Jan. 2023).

While some of the books PJ Library sends out through its programs are licensed from other publishers, several are new and original to PJ Publishing. Nevertheless, all of the titles tell stories through a Jewish lens, and the content has a broad appeal, according to Zablotsky. Further, PJ Librarys website states that all Jewish families are welcome to enroll in the programs, whatever your background, knowledge, or family make-up, or observance may be. Zablotsky explains, We view being Jewish as a religion, but also as a culture, nationality, ethnicity, thought, and philosophy. And the books tell all-encompassing Jewish stories, both religious and secular, he says. Selected titles are also available to anyone via Amazon.

As for its name, PJ stands for pajamas, because "PJ Library supports reading any time of the day, but we know that many families sit down to read books at bedtime, in their pajamas," the website reads.

Reflecting on PJ Librarys programs, Zablotsky is particularly proud of efforts to engage families and respond to their needs in real-time through various platforms, including not only books but audiobooks, animated stories, and online engagement activities. For example, PJ Publishing is creating a Ukrainian-language animation of The Suitcase, originally published in English by Nosy Crow in 2019, to support families in this extremely challenging time, Zablotsky says. Our expansion into multiple formats enables us to reach different people in different ways.

Looking ahead, Zablotsky hopes to grow PJ Librarys Spanish-language program. We are actively working to bring PJ Library to Argentina, the largest Spanish-speaking Jewish community, he says. Accomplishing this goal would effectively double [the] program.

To find out more about PJ Library, click here.
Communion wine and prosphora allowed to be brought into pre-trial detention centers in Russia

MOSCOW, July 25 (RAPSI)  The Russian Justice Ministry has allowed clergy to bring Eucharistic bread and wine to detention centers for communion, hegumenia Xenia Chernega, head of the legal department of the Moscow Patriarchate, tells RAPSI.

This humanitarian measure was introduced by a ministry order of July 4, 2022 on approval of a number of regulations concerning detention facilities of the Russian penitentiary system, which had already come in force.

One of those regulations permits to perform religious rites and allows clergy to bring into the pretrial detention centers books, objects of religious worship needed for religious rites, including those to make communion, Chernega pointed out.

The Patriarchate reminded that clergy of traditional confessions will be allowed in the pretrial detention centers in accordance with cooperation agreements concluded by the Federal Penitentiary Service with centralized religious organizations and determining the conditions for the admission of priests to prisoners held in prisons and other correctional institutions.
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee has been canceled.

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Deadline reported Monday that TBS canceled the late-night talk show after seven seasons. The series was hosted by actress and comedian Samantha Bee

Bee's reps confirmed to Variety that Full Frontal "will not return to the network in the fall."

"As we continue to shape our new programming strategy, we've made some difficult, business-based decisions," TBS said in a statement. "We are proud to have been the home to Full Frontal with Samantha Bee and thank Sam, and the rest of the Emmy-nominated team for their groundbreaking work."

"We celebrate this extraordinarily talented cast and crew and look forward to exploring new opportunities to work with them in the future," the network added.

The cancellation follows the WarnerMedia-Discovery merger in April. Chad and The Big D were also canceled at TBS, while TNT, TBS and truTV general manager Brett exited his role in May.

Prior to Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, Bee was a correspondent on The Daily Show.
Rege-Jean Page says he enjoyed his "devious" role in the new film The Gray Man.

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The 34-year-old actor discussed the movie during Monday's episode of Good Morning America.

Page plays the villainous Denny Carmichael in The Gray Man, which premiered Friday on Netflix. The film is an action thriller also starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans.

On GMA, Page said it felt "great" to transition from playing heartthrob Simon, the Duke of Hastings on Bridgerton to portraying Carmichael.

"The joy of villains is you get to just relish them. With Denny Carmichael in The Gray Man, I was leaning into relishing how deliciously devious he can be," Page said.

"They joy of villains is if you do them right, the audiences get to enjoy escaping their own niceness through you," he added. "It's a holiday from myself. All the things I like about myself? Put them in a little box, just shove them under the seat, and let rip."

Page played Simon in Bridgerton Season 1 but did not return in Season 2. On GMA, the actor further shut down speculation about his possible return.

"He is now married, he now has kids, he is emotionally available and communicating," Page said of Simon. "They lived happily ever after. We're not going to touch that."

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Page will next star in the upcoming film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.
MGM is giving a glimpse of the new film Till.

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The studio shared a trailer for the movie Monday featuring Danielle Deadwyler and Jalyn Hall.

Till explores how Emmett Till's mother, Mamie Till Mobley, relentlessly pursued justice for her 14-year-old son after he was lynched while visiting his cousins in Mississippi in 1955.

"In Mamie's poignant journey of grief turned to action, we see the universal power of a mother's ability to change the world," an official synopsis reads.

Frankie Faison, Haley Bennett and Whoopi Goldberg also star.

Till is written by Michael Reilly, Keith Beauchamp and Chinonye Chukwu, with Chukwu as director. Chukwu is best known for the 2019 film Clemency.

"The crux of this story is not about the traumatic, physical violence inflicted upon Emmett -- which is why I refused to depict such brutality in the film -- but it is about Mamie's remarkable journey in the aftermath," Chukwu said in a press release.

Till opens in select theaters Oct. 14 before a wide release Oct. 28.
David Warner, a veteran British actor known for his roles in Titanic, The Omen and the Star Trek franchise, has died at the age of 80.

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Warner's family confirmed his death in a statement to the BBC, telling the publication that he had passed away Sunday in a nursing home following a battle with cancer.

"Over the past 18 months he approached his diagnosis with a characteristic grace and dignity," the family said. "He will be missed hugely by us, his family and friends, and remembered as a kind-hearted, generous and compassionate man, partner and father, whose legacy of extraordinary work has touched the lives of so many over the years."

"We are heartbroken," the statement added.

Born in Manchester, U.K., in 1941, Warner began his career as a stage actor and became known for his work with the British theater troupe Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).

He eventually branched out into film and television roles in the U.K. before journeying over to the United States.

Warner would eventually make a name for himself playing a variety of villainous characters.

This includes his standout role as Keith Jennings in The Omen, a 1976 supernatural film that helped spawn a horror franchise.

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He is perhaps best known to American audiences, though, for his role in 1997's mega-blockbuster Titanic. Warner played Spicer Lovejoy, a sidekick to the film's main antagonist, Cal Hockley.

Warner had previously boarded the ill-fated ocean liner in a 1979 miniseries called S.O.S. Titanic, portraying one of the ship's survivors.

The actor was also known for his roles in science-fiction pieces.

He was a longtime standout in the Star Trek saga, appearing in three of the franchise's films along with a short role on the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Warner would garner critical acclaim throughout his career, and won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries for his work alongside Peter O'Toole in 1981's Masada.

Tributes poured in Monday following news of the actor's death.

"I'm very sad to hear the news that David Warner has died," said Gregory Doran, artistic director emeritus of the RSC. "He was a generous spirit, a kind man, and a huge talent."

Director Edgar Wright tweeted that Warner was "an actor with a huge legacy on stage & screen and unforgettable roles."

Actor and filmmaker Lin-Manuel Miranda tweeted that he was "glad to have been able to express my admiration for David Warner's incredible versatility and career in our time together on set."

"What a life and legacy," Miranda added.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media

Despite near-record temperatures, residents are still making their way to state parks and recreation areas to soak up the Sunday sun.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is tracking parks that have closed to new vehicles because parking lots have reached capacity.
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WASHINGTON (AP)  The House Jan. 6 committee said Sunday it will interview more former Cabinet secretaries and is prepared to subpoena conservative activist Virginia Ginni Thomas, who's married to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, as part of its investigation of the Capitol riot and Donald Trump's role.

Lawmakers said they are deepening their inquiry after a series of eight hearings in June and July culminating in a prime-time session Thursday, with plans to interview additional witnesses and reconvene in September to resume laying out their findings to the public.

We anticipate talking to additional members of the presidents Cabinet, said Rep. Liz Cheney, the committee's vice chair. We anticipate talking to additional members of his campaign. Certainly, were very focused as well on the Secret Service.

Cheney, R-Wyo., did not identify the Trump administration officials who might come forward, but the committee has previously made clear its interest in speaking with those believed to have considered invoking a constitutional process in the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office after the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, when hundreds of Trumps supporters violently stormed the Capitol and interrupted the certification of Joe Bidens election.

The committee has aired testimony from former Attorney General William Barr, who said he told Trump that widespread voter fraud claims were bull and had zero basis. In last weeks hearing, the committee played testimony from then-Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia, who said he urged Trump to call a Cabinet meeting to discuss an orderly transition of power.

Other Cabinet members have indicated they may have important details to share.

Betsy DeVos, the education secretary at the time, previously told USA Today that she raised with Vice President Mike Pence the question of whether the Cabinet should consider invoking the 25th Amendment, which would have required the vice president and the majority of the Cabinet to agree that the president could no longer fulfill his duties.

DeVos, in her resignation letter on Jan. 7, 2021, blamed Trump for inciting the mob. There is no mistaking the impact your rhetoric had on the situation, and it is the inflection point for me, she wrote.

On the same day, Elaine Chao quit as transportation secretary. Chao, who is married to Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, said the attack had "deeply troubled me in a way that I simply cannot set aside.

Mike Pompeo, the secretary of state at the time who is considering a 2024 presidential run, and Steven Mnuchin, Trump's treasury secretary, also were reported to have discussed the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment, according to Jonathan Karl of ABC News in his book Betrayal.

The floodgates have opened, said Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., regarding the next phase of its investigation.

Committee members also hope to learn more about Ginni Thomas own effort to keep Trump in office and the potential conflicts of interest for Clarence Thomas as a result on Jan. 6 cases that have come before the Supreme Court. The committee sent a letter to Ginni Thomas last month seeking an interview and hopes she will comply, Cheney said.

Thomas communicated with people in Trumps orbit ahead of the 2021 attack and also on the day of the insurrection.

We certainly hope that she will agree to come in voluntarily, Cheney said. But the committee is fully prepared to contemplate a subpoena if she does not.

Cheney also said that while the committee hasnt decided whether to make a criminal referral regarding Trump to the Justice Department, thats absolutely something were looking at.

Added Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill.: I certainly think theres evidence of crimes and I think it goes all the way up to Donald Trump.

While a possible Trump prosecution is a matter for the Justice Department, the committee has used its hearings to try to make a case about his political viability as he mulls running in 2024. Some of the most damning testimony aired by the committee has come from Trumps own top Republican advisers, military leaders and confidants, who admitted to a loss of confidence in his judgment and dedication to the rule of law in the days leading up to and after the Jan. 6 attack.

The committee also wants to get to the bottom of missing Secret Service texts from Jan. 5-6, 2021, that could have shed further light on Trumps actions during the insurrection, particularly after earlier testimony about his confrontation with security as he tried to join supporters at the Capitol.

Lawmakers also are interested in hearing from Steve Bannon, a Trump ally who was found guilty last week on criminal contempt of Congress charges for refusing to comply with the House committees subpoena.

Cheney spoke on CNN's State of the Union and Fox News Sunday, Kinzinger appeared on ABC's This Week, and Luria was on NBC's Meet the Press."

___

AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro and Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.
UW Saddle Up Move-In Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed when incoming students move into residence halls next month to begin fall semester classes at the University of Wyoming.

Volunteers are needed to fill various positions Sunday, Aug. 14, from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. when first-year students participating in Saddle Up -- a required college prep camp -- move into residence halls.

All volunteer shifts will be in two-hour increments for the following areas/positions:

-- Cart stations: Responsibilities include issuing carts to students.

-- Parking attendants: Responsibilities include directing traffic and monitoring parking availability.

-- Floaters: Responsibilities include checking in on volunteers, providing water and filling in temporarily if other volunteers need a short break.

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for as many shifts as they desire, says Stephanie Lownds, UW Business Enterprises marketing and communications specialist. We ask that volunteers sign up for a 30-minute volunteer training as well.

All volunteers will be contacted the week of Aug. 1 to review assignments and expectations.

To sign up to volunteer click here, and for the 30-minute training session, click here.

Returning students who will live in the residence halls will move in beginning Thursday, Aug. 18.
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NORTH STONINGTON  State police charged several people over the weekend who they said were involved in recent destructive car meetups at commuter parking lots involving more than 100 people.

State police out of Troop E in Montville said over the last few weeks they received numerous complaints about the gatherings at state Department of Transportation commuter lots. The agency said the events included littering, noise complaints, underage drinking, destruction of property and reckless driving.

In total, these events host approximately 75 vehicles and have over 100 people, state police said.

The agency said at two separate events on Saturday, troopers charged two people on arrest warrants, while six others were issued misdemeanor summonses and five infractions were issued.

Four vehicles were also towed away.

Photos of the lot after the event shared by state police showed the tarmac covered in rubber tire tracks from apparent burnouts and donuts left from the gathering.

Police said those gathered at the event were also given a warning should this behavior continue.

The crackdown in North Stonington is the latest enforcement action state police have taken against illegal street racing this summer.

The weekend before, state police arrested three drivers they said were racing on Interstate 95 in West Haven. One of the drivers was hospitalized after the agency said he cut off a truck and was then hit from behind. The Dodge Charger he was driving then slammed into a concrete barrier, state police said.

State police also said extra troopers would also be monitoring Route 7 in Norwalk over the past weekend for reckless driving and street racing.
The National Unity Government and affiliated ethnic resistance organizations now claim to control roughly 50 percent of Myanmar. Here, members of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force and Karenni Army man at a checkpoint near Demoso, in Myanmar's eastern Kayah state, Oct. 19, 2021.

Why would Myanmars junta risk fueling more anger at home and outrage abroad through its execution on Monday of four activists, including two icons of the democracy movement? The answer might be found in its failing fortunes on the battlefield amid a deepening civil war.

Myanmar state media announced Monday the execution of Ko Jimmy, a veteran activist since the 1988 uprising against military rule, and Phyo Zeya Thaw, a popular rap artist turned politician. Two other lesser-known activists were also put to death.

The four had been arrested for their anti-junta activism and violating the counter-terrorism law. In January, the four were accused of helping carry out "terror acts" and sentenced to death, despite the fact that Myanmar had not carried out a judicial execution in over 30 years.

>> Interview: Families of executed Myanmar activists press for return of remains

Many had thought that that the death sentences were a ploy. The junta, it was assumed, would not risk the diplomatic backlash and popular protest that are likely to ensue. This was a card to be played diplomatically at the right time in a bid to gain international legitimacy  possibly by commuting the death sentences to win credit.

Besides, if the junta has had any success since its February 2021 coup, its been on the diplomatic front. Why would it jeopardize the fact that no government has cut off ties?

Considering that some 50 people that had died in military custody since the coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, the military had ample time and opportunity to kill the four.

So why now? There can only be one answer.

In the past, the Myanmar military, led by Snr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, has been able to do what it wants because the population has been terrified of them. Credit: AFP The junta is losing on the battlefield. And thus they need to show that they are in total control. They have to show that they are not afraid of international or domestic repercussions from this act; that they are strong enough to withstand that pressure.

Myanmars military is spread dangerously thin. They are fighting a multifront war across the country. They are fighting well-trained and well-armed ethnic resistance organizations (EROs) such as the Kachin Independence Army and the Karen National Liberation Army, both of whom are allied with the opposition National Unity Government (NUG).

The NUG itself has some 275 Peoples Defense Forces (PDFs) spread throughout the country. Though they have limited resources and armaments, they have succeeded in capturing vast quantities of weaponry, and are now starting to manufacture their own armaments and ammunition. The NUG and affiliated EROs now claim to control roughly 50% of the country.

And things might get a lot worse for the military, which is on the verge of renewing hostilities against the Arakan Army, with which it has had a tenuous ceasefire since November 2020 after two years of bitter fighting in western Rakhine State. The AA has not joined the NUG, but has used the time since the coup to enhance its political and economic autonomy. For many in the military, this has gone too far and the AA needs to be put in its place.

But over 3,000 members of the army have defected to the NUG, despite the multitude of coercive instruments that it wields to deter them. The number of desertions is unknown. The military is estimated to have taken around 15% casualties, and recruitment is proving to be a challenge. Even the elite Defense Service Academy, once considered the most prestigious school in the country and avenue for upward social mobility, cannot fill their seats. The military has stepped up forced conscription and is using collective punishment to target family members of people who have joined the PDFs.

At the same time, the military's budget is severely constrained due to their economic mismanagement. The Myanmar currency, the kyat, has plunged, prompting junta authorities to impose more currency controls. There is a net loss of foreign investment, with little new coming in, except from China. Exports are down dramatically. The banking system is teetering. The World Bank just announced that an estimated 40% of the population is now living under the poverty line.

Street vendors wait for customers March 3, 2022, during one of the frequent power outages in Yangon, Myanmar. Economic mismanagement has hamstrung the militarys budget. Credit: AFP So what will be the impact of the executions? Since the coup, citizens across the country have protested military rule on a daily basis  resorting to wildcat demonstrations after the bloody crackdown on mass protests that initially greeted the coup. And now, notwithstanding the risk of deadly force, there is another compelling reason to protest the dictatorship.

Historically, the military has been able to act with total impunity because the population has been terrified of them. They get away with things because, since 1962, theyve been able to cow the population into submission.

The problem for them is that for the first time, the population of Myanmar refuses to be intimidated. After a taste of democracy and after enjoying a period of media freedom, diplomatic openness, engagement with the international world, and an open internet, the population refuses to accept the militarys usurpation of power.

In the international realm, the executions may galvanize stronger diplomatic action by foreign governments. It could move the needle and get some European states and Australia to take a tougher stance against the junta. Japan and South Korea, however, are unlikely to change course, though even Tokyo condemned the executions.

Meanwhile the NUG, which is seeking formal diplomatic recognition, is sure to use the executions to further delegitimize the military regime and bolster its own international standing.

So for a military that is losing on the battlefield and that has no legitimacy, and is desperate to prove that it is in charge, the executions were ultimately an act of weakness and desperation. The junta executed four men without knowing what their action may unleash in the coming months.

This matters for one other reason. Since the coup, theres been little outpouring of support for ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi who had defended the military against accusations of genocide of the Rohingya minority before the International Criminal Court. And these protracted conflicts really need martyrs. In Ko Jimmy and Phyo Zeya Thaw, the junta has created two tailor-made and beloved martyrs that both the international community and domestic population can rally behind.
The sentence is part of a larger politically motivated crackdown on opposition, observers say.

People line up to vote at a polling station during local commune elections in Phnom Penh on June 5, 2022.

A provincial court in Cambodia sentenced an opposition candidate in the June 5 commune council elections to two years in prison on charges of faking the documents necessary to apply for his candidacy, RFA has learned.

Ouk Savarin was running for a seat on the Ansa Chambok Commune Council in the western province of Pursats Krakor district as a member of the Candlelight Party, which has emerged as the main opposition to the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party.

The Pursat Provincial Police arrested him on March 10 and he has been in prison since. The Pursat Provincial Court delivered the sentence last week.

This is a politically motivated case, because my father never had a problem in the village or the district, Ouk Savarins son Ouk Sao Sopheara told RFAs Khmer Service. But ever since he joined the Candlelight Party, there has been a lot of oppression and persecution happening to my father, when he went out to recruit candidates.

Ouk Sao Sopheara said his father was put in an overcrowded detention cell and is not receiving enough food, raising concerns among his family members about his health.

His relatives will meet with a lawyer on Tuesday to discuss an appeal. They said that the accusations against Ouk Savarin are baseless.

Rights workers following this case and others like it told RFA that the authorities often employ vague evidence at trial and do not follow normal procedures.

The cases are meant to prevent the defendants from exercising their political rights, Chak Chetra of the local office of the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (Licadho) told RFA.

On behalf of civil society organizations, we see that accusations against activists, as well as those with tendencies contrary to the ruling party, as a violation of their political rights, Chak Chetra said.

In general, activities of the political opposition seem to be restricted in the pre-election period, and we see that as more of a political issue than a legal one, he said.

Ouk Savarin is the third Candlelight Party commune council candidate from Pursat to have been arrested since March. Chhuon Chhoeung, a candidate for Sre Stok commune chief in Kandieng district, and Hem Chhil, a candidate for Kandiengs Sya commune council, were also arrested.

Hem Chhil was arrested for illegally pumping water from a pond. His 15-year-old son, Pum Daran, was also detained on charges of illegal fishing. He was released on May 4. Hem was released on bail by the Battambang Provincial Court of Appeals on July 21.

Hem Chhil told RFA that he is happy to be out but said had done nothing wrong.

I understand that this is a political matter, because I am not at fault, he said.

I pumped the water from the pond and others did the same, so why was it only me who was arrested and imprisoned? I still belong to the Candlelight Party, I still help the people and hope that one day we will win, he said.

In the June 5 election, the Candlelight Party won about 20 percent of the seats that were open on local commune councils. Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party won five times as many.

Despite the landslide, opposition leaders have expressed optimism about the partys chances in next years general elections, when Cambodians will choose members of the countrys National Assembly.

Translated by Sok Ry Sum. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
UW in the News

State, national and international media frequently feature the University of Wyoming and members of its community in stories. Here is a summary of some of the recent coverage:

UW, the Wyoming Department of Education, the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board and school district partners are developing a micro-credentialing system that could provide teachers the opportunity to become credentialed to teach computer science. Forbes noted that Wyoming is among four states in a new micro-credentials initiative that focuses on personalized teacher learning.

The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources posted on its website that UW School of Energy Resources (SER) Executive Director Holly Krutka testified last week before the committee at a hearing that examined federal regulatory authorities governing the development of interstate hydrogen pipelines, storage, and import and export facilities. RTO Insider carried a related article.

Tulsa-based energy infrastructure leader Williams posted a question-and-answer column with Krutka on its website. The piece centered on UWs Hydrogen Energy Research Center and SERs hydrogen research projects in Wyoming.

Cowboy State Daily quoted UW College of Law Professor George Mocsary, a Second Amendment expert, on Californias new gun law that could affect gunmakers across the country, including in Wyoming. The law is designed to allow lawsuits against the entire firearms industry when its products are misused.

UW economist Rob Godby broke down for Wyoming Public Radio the formula used by the personal finance website WalletHub to determine Wyomings top national ranking for the highest energy costs. Godby also was interviewed for a Wyoming Tribune Eagle article that focused on why Wyomings gas prices remain higher than the national average.

WyoFile interviewed several legal scholars -- including UW law Professor Ken Chestek -- who suggest there is a strong argument that a 2012 Wyoming constitutional amendment includes protections for abortion, but the theory has yet to be tested in court.

UWs Biodiversity Institute was profiled in a WyoFile piece on how the program recruits community scientist volunteers to help collect wildlife and plant species data for several projects throughout the year.

The Casper Star-Tribune profiled UWs Wyoming Wool Initiative. The article noted how Wyoming ranked No. 1 in wool production, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture. The initiative will highlight the states wool products derived from local producers. Sheridan Media published UWs release announcing the initiative.

In another ongoing article, John Koprowski, dean of UWs Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, was interviewed for a National Geographic story on why it is important that jaguars have been discovered near the Arizona/Mexico border. Koprowski is an adviser to Ganesh Marin, a doctoral student at the University of Arizona who made the discovery.

Big Horn Radio Network published a Northwest College (NWC) media release noting that NWC is the first Wyoming community college to collaborate with UW in a new science initiative funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence 3 Grant. Click here to read UWs original release.

UW geology and geophysics Professor Ken Sims and his doctoral student Cole Messa wrote a guest column describing how 800 Nez Perce tribal members in 1877 were driven from their Oregon homeland by the U.S. government and crossed through Yellowstone National Park seeking a new home. The Idaho Capital Sun published the article.

County 10 published UWs release announcing that the Upward Bound program recently received a five-year, $2.8 million TRIO grant from the U.S. Department of Education. UWs Upward Bound program helps low-income Wyoming high school students complete high school and prepares them to enter college and graduate from baccalaureate degree programs.

Thirteen undergraduate students will present individual work during UWs annual McNair Scholars Research Symposium. WyoToday Media published UWs release noting that two local Riverton students are among presenters.
A monument engraved with the names of 176 young people who died fleeing Chinas Cultural Revolution was inaugurated June 15, 2022, in Eternal Sunset Memorial Park in New Jersey.

At the Eternal Sunset Memorial Park in New Jersey, there is a monument engraved with 176 names in Chinese.

"The spirits of heroes are always here, no matter how many mountains, rivers or oceans lie between," reads the inscription on the black stone, which was inaugurated in a Buddhist ceremony in June 2022.

The monument commemorates young people who died while trying to flee China during Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), which saw them sent away from university to live in poverty-stricken rural areas as part of a nationwide policy targeting the country's "educated youth."

Cultural Revolution expert Tan Jialuo said the idea was to commemorate the young victims of a political mass movement in a country where the memorial was unlikely to be removed or tampered with for political reasons.

He said there is room for many more names, and researchers are still looking for confirmed accounts of others who died trying to cross the border to Hong Kong, then a British colony beyond the reach of the turmoil and violence of the Mao era.

"The full toll should be somewhere between 1,000 and 2,000 people," Tan told journalists at the inauguration ceremony. "This number [176] is much more conservative but more accurate."

Tan said he already has hundreds more names he is researching, more than 50 years after the events occurred, and plans a second stele bearing 352 more names.

The project sprang out of an international academic conference on the plight of educated youth during the Cultural Revolution, hosted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Some people set up a memorial in 2014 on Hong Kong's Kat O, or Crooked Island, off Hong Kong's Plover Cove Country Park and the neighboring mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen, which was a popular route for people trying to get to Hong Kong.

Worship activities on Kat O Island in Hong Kong in 2014. Credit: Credit: Jin Hong Drownings and shark attacks

The New York Times reported peaks in arrivals of refugees known as "freedom swimmers" in Hong Kong from China in May 1971 and again in June 1972, noting that many simply swam across the sea, with some sailing or rowing to Hong Kong.

"Not all the swimmers reach their destination," the paper reported on June 22, 1972. "Some are picked up by Chinese gunboats patrolling the two bays, others are attacked by sharks, and large number become exhausted and drown."

"Already this year, 59 bodies have been recovered in Hong Kong waters," the report said.

It is possible that at least some of those people are now remembered on the New Jersey memorial.

But the Kat O memorial has been left moribund since a political crackdown by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on public speech and actions deemed critical of the government. Local people have told mourners they are no longer welcome, so a new location was needed, Tan told RFA.

Hong Kong writer Jin Hong, who now lives in Los Angeles and helped to set up the monument on Kat O, said political pressure had already been growing on memorial activities even before the CCP imposed a national security law on Hong Kong banning criticism of the government.

"Originally, we wanted to buy a piece of land in Hong Kong and make a proper monument," she said. "But that's not achievable given how the situation there has changed."

Jin's research into educated youth fleeing to Hong Kong between 1969 and 1980 suggests that around 200,000 made the perilous trip to Hong Kong, with at least 10,000 deaths along the way. RFA was unable to confirm these estimates independently.

She said before the CCP started putting pressure on the residents of Kat O not to allow mourning parties, large numbers of people would make the trip annually to remember those who died and make offerings of incense, food and wine at the monument.

"In 2014 and 2015, lot of mainlanders came out to make offerings at the small gravestone we put there," she said. "The numbers of people peaked at nearly 300 after 2015, and we chartered a vessel to get everyone there."

Risky in Hong Kong

But the gravestone was vandalized in 2018, and by 2019, the year of mass protests in Hong Kong, the group switched locations to the oyster-farming village of Laufausan instead, before splitting up to make smaller offerings across the city.

Despite the risks of taking part, some people are still making those offerings today in Hong Kong, Jin said.

"People paid their respects this year as well," she said. "They go as tourists to places where educated youths who fled Hong Kong may have landed. Places where you can see the mainland across the sea. That's where they make their offerings."

Chen Jianqin, who helped set up the monument in New Jersey, said the idea for a U.S. monument sprang from contact with Jin's group.

"We contacted Hong Kong, and they said wanted to do this, and so did we," Chen said. "They were going there to make offerings every year, but said it was getting harder and harder [under CCP rule]."

"I thought maybe it would be more meaningful if we could build a monument in the United States and put the name of every educated youth who died on it," Chen said. "In a free country, there's the possibility that it could be permanently preserved. So we started to make preparations."

The team raised tens of thousands of dollars to purchase the grave site at the Eternal Sunset Memorial park, but the biggest hurdle was collecting names for inclusion on the stone, and meticulously confirming all of their stories.

"It had been more than 50 years," he said. "We got everyone we knew to spread the word, and collected names for seven or eight months. We tried our best to make sure it was all correct. Then we ordered the stone."

Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Hours after the terse announcement by Myanmar state media on Monday of the execution of veteran democracy activist Ko Jimmy, former National League for Democracy lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw and two other activists, RFA Burmese spoke to Nilar Thein, Ko Jimmys widow, and Phyo Zeya Thaws mother, Khin Win May, about their final interactions Friday with their condemned loved ones.

RFA: What have you heard about Ko Jimmy?

Nilar Thein: The deputy warden notified us that the execution had been carried out. When I asked for the return of his body, he said the prison laws do not permit such requests.

RFA: What do you want to say about this?

Nilar Thein: The entire population of our country is facing arbitrary arrests and all kinds of violence and repression. I would say the execution of four people including my husband and Phyo Zeya Thaw was blatant murder. As I have said in the past, they will have to pay one day for each and every crime or whatever they have done. I didnt say that without a reason. One day, the perpetrators will meet the fate and punishment they deserve for the actions they have committed. Another thing is my husband Ko Jimmy stood by his commitment and loyalty to the people until his last breath. He has written a good record for himself and he will never die in our hearts. He will forever live in our hearts, in the hearts of all the people, as a hero.

>> Execution of democracy icons shows Myanmar junta is desperate to exert control

RFA: What plans does your family have now following this execution?

Nilar Thein: We are not holding a funeral for him because we do not accept their actions (of the junta). There is no plan for a funeral.

RFA: Did you receive any responses from the international community?

Nilar Thein: The EU Ambassador, the former U.S. Ambassador Derek Mitchell and some other ambassadors have contacted me. I explained to them about the latest situation up to the confirmation of the Prisons Department. It is stated in the prison manual that the body of the person who receives the death sentence has to be returned to the family. Only in cases when the family cannot be contacted do they take care of the body. I am now trying all steps necessary to get back the body.

RFA: Did they say anything about the possible execution when you met him on Friday?

Nilar Thein: We learned that the deputy warden had said things would be done in accordance with the prison manual, but when it would be carried out was not known yet. When we talked on Friday, Ko Jimmy asked me to deposit some money (to buy provisions) and the prison officials said the money could be deposited on Monday. And this morning when we went to the prison, we heard the news.

RFA: What did you talk about at the meeting on Friday?

Nilar Thein: He said his health was good and that we dont need to worry about him over whatever we heard from the outside. He told us to take care of our health. He said he had the Dharma in his heart.

The photo of PYT with his mom was taken December 2015. Credit: Phyo Zeya Thaw

'I'm really proud of my son'

RFA: We heard this morning that you went to Insein Prison and asked about your son Phyo Zeya Thaws case. What did you learn there?

Khin Win May: I went there only this morning when the news came out. I wanted to know for sure what the truth was. I actually had a plan to go and deposit some money for him today in Insein. When I met him on Friday, I didn't have time to make a deposit and planned to do it today, Monday. First at the prison gate, I asked them if it was true as published in the news and they said yes, just like in the newspapers. What was written in the newspapers was not clear. I wanted to know if it was really true, on what day and when it was carried out exactly.

We are not atheists. We need to do our funeral rites, according to the Buddhist tradition. At first, they just said it was like in the newspapers and refused to let me in. Later on, I insisted that I wanted to see the responsible officials. I told them I wanted the details and only then they let me see the official.

RFA: What did the official tell you? How did he explain it to you?

Khin Win May: I asked him if it was true my son had been executed and he said yes. In fact, the family was allowed to see him on Friday and I was so happy to see him hoping the path is clear (for the future). It was the first time (since the arrest). I told the official that I really welcomed the meeting, that I was so happy to see him bright and cheerful and healthy, and that I had no idea that day the execution would take place. And the Insein Prison authorities read out to me the prison procedures. When Ko Jimmy and my son were first sent to prison, they submitted appeals to the State Administration Council. They sent the appeals twice and were rejected both times. And now the authorities were reading out all the prison procedures.

So I asked him if the death sentence were to be carried out when he said things would be done according to prison procedures. And he said he couldnt say that exactly. But he said he would let us know in accordance with the rules of the prison which day or when it were to be carried out. If I only knew it that day, Id understand that would be the last time we saw each other. My son didnt know that it was our last meeting either. He even asked me to bring some personal things on my next visit.

RFA: So was it confirmation that the death sentence had been carried out?

Khin Win May: Yes, of course. I asked if it was true, on what day did the execution take place? When was it carried out? Because we have to do the Buddhist funeral rites and rituals. And he told me to just assume it was one of the two days, Saturday or Sunday. And I said I need to know which day it was actually done. He should be telling me it was on Saturday or on Sunday, and when and what time they did it. But he kept on saying we should just make a guess. Then I asked about the body. He said they dont usually return the body. If that's the case, can I get his ashes, I asked. I want to inter his body, if possible. And to that he also said no.

RFA: As a mother, what do you want to say about losing a son like this?

Khin Win May: My son was not a thief or a thug. I am proud of him for giving his life for the country. Im really proud of my son. If I could get his ashes or remains, I would like to make a tomb for him and then put an inscription on it.

RFA: Since you havent received any photographs or evidence that he has been executed, what would you like to ask from the responsible people?

Khin Win May: Im not going to ask for anything. Its my karma. My son had to die because he was fated for time, for this day. I will be 76 years old soon. I will only have to work for a better life (after this one), right? Im not going to do anything. I send my love to all living beings. I pray on my son's behalf that all the people of Myanmar and all the people of the world will be healthy and safe.

Translated by Khin Maung Nyane.
Ko Jimmy, Phyo Zeya Thaw and two others were killed in the first judicial executions since 1976.

People protest in the wake of executions, in Yangon, Myanmar, July 25, 2022 this screen grab obtained from a social media video.

UPDATED 5.37 P.M. EDT on 2022-7-25

Myanmars junta has executed veteran democracy activist Ko Jimmy and a former lawmaker from the ousted National League for Democracy, state media reported Monday in an act that drew widespread international condemnation.

The official Global New Light of Myanmar announced the executions of Ko Jimmy, whose real name is Kyaw Min Yu, former National League for Democracy lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw and activists Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw without reporting the date and method of killings, although it is believed the men were all hanged on Saturday in Yangons Insein Prison.

>> Interview: Families of executed Myanmar activists press for return of remains

The Global New Light of Myanmar said "the punishment has been carried out under the prison's procedures," without elaborating.

Former student leader Ko Jimmy was convicted on terrorism charges for activities against the military regime that has ruled the country since a coup in February 2021, according to state media.

The first judicial executions in Myanmar since 1976 came despite a direct appeal on June 11 by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to junta leader Sen. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing.

>> Execution of democracy icons shows Myanmar junta is desperate to exert control

The executions would trigger a very strong and widespread negative reaction from the international community and hurt efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis in Myanmar," wrote Hun Sen in his role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Myanmar is a member.

Myanmar political prisoner Kyaw Min Yu (C), known as Jimmy, and his wife Ni Lar Thein (L) holding her child, both members of the 88 Generation student group, celebrate upon their arrival at Yangon international airport following their release from detention on January 13, 2012. Myanmar pardoned prominent dissidents, journalists and a former premier on January 13 under a major prisoner amnesty, intensifying a surprising series of reforms by the army-backed regime. AFP PHOTO/Soe Than WIN Soe Than WIN / AFP \

Ko Jimmy was a prominent leader of the pro-democracy 88 Generation Students Group who fought military rule three decades ago.

The 53-year-old activist was arrested in October after spending eight months in hiding and was convicted by a military tribunal in January under the Counter-Terrorism Law.

He was accused of contacting the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, National Unity Government (NUG), and Peoples Defense Force (PDF), an opposition coalition and militia network formed by politicians ousted in the Feb. 1 coup that the junta has declared terrorist organizations.

In September, the NUG declared a nationwide state of emergency and called for open rebellion against junta rule, prompting an escalation of attacks on military targets by various allied pro-democracy militias and ethnic armed groups.

Ko Jimmy, an outspoken critic of the junta, was also accused of advising local militia groups in Yangon and ordering PDF groups to attack police, military targets, and government offices, and asking the NUG to buy a 3D printer to produce weapons for local PDFs.

On June 3, Ko Jimmy, former National League for Democracy lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw, and two others lost appeals of their death sentences. The junta rejected the possibility of a pardon for the condemned men.

Phyo Zeya Thaw, a lawmaker of Myanmar's National League for Democracy, arrives at the Myanmar parliament in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, on Aug. 19, 2015. A Myanmar military spokesperson announced on June 3, 2022, that Phyo Zeya Thaw, a 41-year-old former lawmaker from ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyis party, and Kyaw Min Yu, a veteran pro-democracy activist better known as Ko Jimmy, would be executed for violating the countrys counterterrorism law.(AP Photo)

The four death sentences, as well as 110 others that have been handed down by junta courts between the militarys Feb. 1, 2021, coup, and May 19 this year, have drawn criticism from legal experts and rights groups, who say the regime is threatening the public with unfair executions.

The United Nations, Washington, the European Union, Ottawa, Tokyo, and Paris have issued statements strongly condemning the decisions in the cases now proceeding to execution.

I am dismayed that despite appeals from across the world, the military conducted these executions with no regard for human rights, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet. This cruel and regressive step is an extension of the militarys ongoing repressive campaign against its own people.

These executions  the first in Myanmar in decades - are cruel violations of the rights to life, liberty and security of a person, and fair trial guarantees. For the military to widen its killing will only deepen its entanglement in the crisis it has itself created," she said in a statement.

'Depraved acts'

UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, released a statement Monday saying: I am outraged and devastated at the news of the juntas execution of Myanmar patriots and champions of human rights and democracy. My heart goes out to their families, friends and loved ones and indeed all the people of Myanmar who are victims of the juntas escalating atrocities. These individuals were tried, convicted and sentenced by a military tribunal without the right of appeal and reportedly without legal counsel in violation of international human rights law.

Andrews said these depraved acts must persuade the international community to take stronger action against the military junta.

Having made a mockery of the Five Point Consensus, Min Aung Hlaing has now callously rejected the personal appeal of the Chair of ASEAN, Prime Minister Hun Sen, to spare the lives of these individuals. ASEAN  and indeed all UN Member States  must take action that is commensurate with this outrage, Andrews said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the executions reprehensible acts of violence and said they illustrate the juntas complete disregard for human rights and the rule of law.

The United States joins the people of Burma in their pursuit of freedom and democracy and calls on the regime to respect the democratic aspirations of the people who have shown they do not want to live one more day under the tyranny of military rule, he said, using an older name for the Southeast Asian nation.

The European Council condemned the junta for its lack of respect "for the life or dignity of the very people they are supposed to protect."

"[The executions] will only exacerbate the polarization, violence and dramatic humanitarian situation in Myanmar," the Council said in a statement.

People protest in the wake of executions, in Yangon, Myanmar, July 25, 2022 this screen grab obtained from a social media video. Lu Nge Khit/via

Beijing, which has continued to support Myanmar's junta despite condemnation from the West, refrained from commenting on the executions, with Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Zhao Lijian telling Reuters news agency that China "always adheres to the principle of non-interference in other countries internal affairs."

"We always maintain that all parties and factions in Myanmar should properly handle their differences and conflicts within the framework of the Constitution and laws with an eye on the long-term interests of the country and the nation," he said.

Calls for accountability

Elaine Pearson, Acting Asia Director of Human Rights Watch said the executions were "an act of utter cruelty," especially since the four men's families only found out through state media reports.

The juntas barbarity and callous disregard for human life aims to chill the anti-coup protest movement. European Union member states, the United States, and other governments should show the junta that there will be a reckoning for its crimes. They should demand immediate measures, including the release of all political prisoners, and let the junta know the atrocities it commits have consequences.

In an interview with RFA Burmese last month, Ko Jimmys wife Nilar Thein called the planned executions a blatant violation of human rights for which the junta would be held accountable.

Regardless of what they will do, I want them to know they will be accountable for their decisions. Their acts will not be forgotten, said Nilar Thein.

Responding to Monday's announcement, NUG Foreign Minister Zin Mar Aung saluted the courage of the activists and warned ASEAN and U.N. member states that Min Aung Hlaing "will never listen, nor commit to any promise he has made."

Activist group Justice for Myanmar tweeted: "The shocking executions of Phyo Zeya Thaw, Ko Jimmy, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw are #CrimesAgainstHumanity and #WarCrimes. All perpetrators from Min Aung Hlaing down must be held accountable for these brazen acts of cruelty. #EndImpunity."

In its latest annual report covering the judicial use of the death penalty for the period January to December 2021, London-based rights group Amnesty International found that dozens of people were arbitrarily sentenced to death by Myanmars military tribunals, several without the defendants being present, in what was widely perceived as a way to target political opponents and protestors.

The group said that prior to February 2021, Myanmars known death sentences were sporadically imposed for murder and usually commuted through mass pardons. However, the yearly average for the years 2017-2020 had remained lower than 10.

The last execution in Myanmar  that of student leader Salai Tin Maung Oo  was known to take place in 1976, during the time of the late Gen. Ne Win.

Written By Paul Eckert.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Myanmar's last judicial execution took place in 1988.

This story has been updated to include reactions from U.S. State Department, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Human Rights Watch, NUG Foreign Minister.
Prisoners swelter in small, humid cells and are denied medical care, he says.

A Vietnamese blogger serving a six-year prison term for criticizing Vietnams government on Facebook has launched a one-day sit-down strike calling for better conditions in detention, RFA has learned.

Nguyen Ngoc Anh, an inmate at the Xuan Loc Detention Center in southern Vietnams Dong Nai province, had protested on behalf of political prisoners held at Xuan Loc, Anhs mother Nguyen Thi Chau told RFA after learning of his protest from the mother of another inmate.

Most of the prisoners jailed at Xuan Loc on political charges are now held in small, humid cells and suffer from poor health, though better cells are available in a new wing of the prison, Chau said.

In the new block, cells have more room, and each can hold at least three people. However, prison authorities are using only two or three of these cells and have closed the other ones off.

Xuan Locs political prisoners are mainly held in the old cell block, though, Chau said.

Almost all of them now have problems in their bones and joints because the cells are so cramped and humid, and the prisoners suffer from many painful conditions, including scabies and toothache, she added.

Chau said that Anh had asked authorities to allow him and other inmates to move to the better cells but was refused, leading him to launch his one-day protest. At a time of day when he was allowed to go to a front room to cook, he grabbed all his belongings and sat down there for the entire day, she said.

A large number of prison guards accompanied by four police dogs then removed Anh from the room next day and took him to a cell located three doors away from his former cell but still in the old block, Chau said.

Phone calls to the Xuan Loc Detention Center seeking comment on Anhs case rang unanswered this week.

Anh, a fisheries engineer and environmental activist, was sentenced on June 6, 2019 by the Peoples Court of Ben Tre province to 6 years in prison and 5 years probation for creating, storing and disseminating information and materials against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam under Article 117 of Vietnams 2015 Penal Code.

Writings by Anh described by authorities as slandering Vietnams one-party government and state included criticisms of the governments handling of environmental damage resulting from a toxic waste spill in April 2016 that left thousands without work in three coastal provinces.

Vietnam, with a population of 92 million people, has consistently been rated not free in the areas of internet and press freedom by Freedom House, a U.S.-based watchdog group. Dissent is not tolerated in the communist nation, and authorities have routinely used a set of vague provisions in the penal code to jail dozens of writers and bloggers.

Translated by Anna Vu for RFA Vietnamese. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has decried "Russia's nuclear terrorism" in a phone call on August 16 with his French counterpart, as Ukrainian and international nuclear experts continue to demand greater safeguards against catastrophe at the occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine.

Zelenskiy tweeted that he had also informed President Emmanuel Macron about the "situation at the front" and thanked Paris for its "tangible defense aid," as well as discussing economic aid and food-security challenges.

"We must increase sanctions on Russia," Zelenskiy said, continuing a recent push for harsher international penalties to encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to call off his five-month-old invasion.

Macron's office said the French leader "underlined his concern about the threat posed by the presence and actions of the Russian armed forces and the context of war with the ongoing conflicts over security and safety of Ukrainian nuclear installations, and called for the withdrawal of these forces."

Champs-Elysees said Macron also stressed his support for the possible terms of the UN nuclear agency director-general's proposal to send a mission of experts to Zaporizhzhya as soon as possible.

Macron along with Zelenskiy also hailed the continued implementation of a UN- and Turkish-brokered deal with Russia and Ukraine on the export through Ukrainian ports of Ukrainian grain "essential for world food security."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has asked for a demilitarized zone to be created around Zaporizhzhya.

Both the UN and its nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have said IAEA inspectors should be allowed to visit the plant.

Guterres reportedly spoke with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on August 15, when Russia's Foreign Ministry also insisted it would do "everything necessary" to allow IAEA experts access to the facility, which lies near the front lines in southeastern Ukraine.

Exhausted Ukrainian workers at the plant have complained of being held at gunpoint, and the plant's operator, Enerhoatom, has said Russia is preparing a risky maneuver to divert Zaporizhzhya's energy production to a Russian-controlled grid.

Ukraine's nuclear power company Enerhoatom alleged on August 16 that Russian-based hackers had unleashed an hours-long attack on its website but said major problems had been avoided.

Russia's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, acknowledged in a state TV interview on August 16 that the Zaporizhzhya situation represents "dangers all of us are facing... as major contamination or a Chernobyl-like disaster could occur there under certain conditions."

Russia's TASS also quoted him repeating Moscow's accusations that Ukrainian forces and its Western backers are behind the recent shelling around Zaporizhzhya, which Russian forces captured in March.

Kyiv has insisted that Russian troops are using Europe's largest nuclear plant as a military base, including storing dangerous weapons and shelling in the area.

On August 14, 42 countries condemned Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and said the presence of Russian military forces at Zaporizhzhya is preventing authorities from maintaining nuclear and radiation safety obligations.

"It is undeniable that Russia's invasion and its continued presence at Ukraines nuclear facilities significantly raise the risk of nuclear incidents and accidents," the statement on the European Union's website says.
Iran says cameras belonging to the UN's nuclear watchdog will not be turned back on until a deal is reached to restore a 2015 nuclear agreement with global powers.

The cameras, which Tehran took down last month, were installed as part of the agreement to clear up accusations that Iran was trying to enrich uranium capable of being used in nuclear weapons.

The semiofficial Tasnim news agency quoted Mohammad Eslami, a vice president and head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, as saying on July 25 that with the accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in tatters because of the unilateral pullout of the United States under former President Donald Trump, the cameras are no longer acceptable.

"Those cameras are related to the nuclear deal. If Westerners return to this pact and we are certain they will not commit any mischief, we will make a decision on these cameras," he said.

The U.S. withdrawal in 2018 has led Tehran to gradually break from compliance with the accord.

Tehran recently suggested it could still return to compliance if a new deal is struck, but it has insisted Washington must move first.

The United States has said that negotiations on the Iran nuclear deal can only conclude if Tehran drops its extraneous demands.

Talks to restore the deal have been stalled since April.
Relatives of Nazanin Bahrami say the Iranian actress has been arrested by undercover police in central Tehran.

Bahrami was one of some 800 women to recently sign a statement denouncing the systematic sexual harassment and violence against women in the Iranian film industry and had called for a mechanism to ensure those responsible were dealt with.

Her relatives said Bahrami was returning home in the capital from work when she was surrounded by plainclothes police and taken into custody.

Her whereabouts are not known and officials have not commented on the situation.

In recent months, pressure has been building on Iranian authorities over women's rights.

In response, Iran's notorious Guidance Patrols, or morality police, have become increasingly active and violent, with videos emerging on social media appearing to show officers detaining women, forcing them into vans, and whisking them away for various infractions such as failing to wear a hijab while in public.
Nation-building is arduous work. Microstate-building, maybe less so.

But don't tell that to the libertarian architect of a seven-year campaign to further subdivide the tempestuous Balkans by turning a tiny, neglected sliver of woodland on the Danube into the Free Republic of Liberland.

"I realized from the beginning that building a country is not a summer job," says 38-year-old Czech Vit Jedlicka.

He and his fellow Liberlanders have recently recommitted to their U.S.-based lobbying effort, seeking to get their republic recognized internationally so they can make it a free-trade zone with the status of a state.

A July 9 filing with the U.S. Justice Department confirms Liberland's ongoing cooperation with a New York-based lobbyist and "global political and business ambassador" pursuant to the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act, or FARA.

In a region where relations between nations are frequently tense, including a recent diplomatic dustup between Serbia and Croatia over war memorials, Liberland's neighbors appear to have gotten used to the idea.

Serbia regards the project as a "frivolous act" but no threat so long as it stays on the western bank of the Danube, which marks its border with Croatia.

"Our ties with Serbia were very friendly from the beginning," Jedlicka, who lives in the Czech capital, Prague, told RFE/RL's Balkan Service recently.

Liberland's "closest partner" is the Vojvodina provincial government in northernmost Serbia, he added.

We believe that in the near future [Croatia] will recognize the great economic benefit that will be realized by [the] creation of Liberland."

Croatia was less accommodating initially, routinely blocking access and even detaining visitors, including Jedlicka, for alleged border violations.

But Jedlicka said, seemingly without irony, that they've since built "strong ties" to the Croatian secret service since some Liberland citizens "are in contact with them frequently."

"It seems their interest in Liberland grows over time," he said of the Croatian authorities.

Call It What You Like

Jedlicka, chairman of a Czech libertarian NGO, and his wife, Jana Markovicova, a former licensed massage therapist and self-described "first lady at Liberland," proclaimed the aspiring state's existence in April 2015.

They described it as 7 square kilometers of no-man's-land that had gone unclaimed by either Croatia or Serbia since Yugoslavia fell apart in 1991.

It has a flag, a coat of arms showing a tree, the sun, and a bird soaring over the river, and -- in keeping with Jedlicka's aversion to government interference -- hopes to base its economy on a cryptocurrency, the "merit."

It has already been active in virtual and crypto projects, including a futuristic-looking Liberland Metaverse that is admittedly a "work in progress."

Its website claims upward of 500,000 citizenship requests, although RFE/RL could not confirm that figure. It also claims 1,000 "citizens" and 10 "diaspora villages."

And it says it has "diplomatic relations" with six UN member states, including Haiti, and purports to have representations in 74 spots around the world, including places like Switzerland, Venezuela, and Afghanistan.

But it's also missing one of the 20th century's most widely cited touchstones of independence, along with defined territory, a government, and a capacity to deal with other states: a permanent population.

Liberland is uninhabited, and no country has ever formally recognized it.

Are Microstates A 'Thing'?

There are currently seven microstates across Europe, of various renown, most of them wealthy and established centuries ago.

Four of them are monarchies and another is the domain of the Roman Catholic Church, so their histories are not necessarily steeped in democracy. They are: Vatican City, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Malta, San Marino, and Sovereign Order of St. John.

The main thing that sets microstates apart from larger states is their size, or lack thereof. But in his 2012 book The Microstates Of Europe, P. Christiaan Klieger describes them broadly as "designer nations" marked by "tenaciousness of national aspirations and ethnic solidarity."

Liberland, a "new libertarian country," seems like more of the former.

"We aim to develop a critical business hub and a free port on the Danube River," Michal Ptacnik, who was recently named Liberland's "minister of justice," told an audience at a libertarian-minded conference in Prague last year.

He said the governing principle should be "a mix of Swiss democracy and corporate governance." The focus is "to be a free-trade zone where individual liberty governs supreme," he said, adding, "We seek to build the freest country on Earth, and the most prosperous one."

Slow Progress

Liberland describes U.S.-based lobbyist Steven Melnik as its "ambassador at-large." An immigrant to the United States, Melnik appears to be trying to nudge U.S. and other influentials toward recognition of an eighth European microstate.

In the Justice Department document, Melnik said he continues to represent the Free Republic of Liberland under an agreement that "does not contemplate remuneration for services."

Melnik, who has represented Jedlicka's group since 2019, said that in the previous six-month reporting period he was "not required to perform any services" and that "all my actions have been voluntary and not for payment."

For Jedlicka, the end goal still seems a distant dream. But he remains an optimist.

He said Croatia now "recognizes us as a serious national movement and suggested that Zagreb was comfortable with not claiming the 7-kilometer patch he's staked out.

"We believe that in the near future they will recognize the great economic benefit that will be realized by [the] creation of Liberland," Jedlicka said.

The benefits of eventual sovereignty, for a founding father and Euroskeptic like him, and for all five members of Liberland's "government," might seem obvious. He said their current goals include creating "more benefits" of Liberlander "citizenship."

"We aim to be a shining example of how a country's government can be organized in the new millennia using strong ideological principles, as well as the latest decentralized blockchain technologies for governance," Jedlicka said.

And he doesn't seem to be in any particular rush to force his model on anyone.

"It is nice to have formal recognition by other countries," Jedlicka told RFE/RL, "but we are also happy if we are informal friends and if they recognize our motto: Live and let live."

Written by Andy Heil based on reporting by RFE/RL Balkan Service fellow Iva Gajic
A teacher in Russia's Siberia region has been fined for "discrediting the armed forces of the Russian Federation" because he reacted to some anti-war social media posts with emojis.

Aleksei Argunov told North.Realities of RFE/RL's Russian Service on July 25 that he was fined 30,000 rubles ($520) for using a sad emoji in the comments section of a social media post on the conviction of a politician who wrote that it hurt him to watch Russian people kill Ukrainians, and Ukrainians forced to kill Russians.

Argunov said that the charges also included an emoji he left on a video published on YouTube in March by actor Arnold Schwarzenegger that urges Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the invasion of Ukraine. He left an emoji in the comments section that indicated his approval of Schwarzenegger's comments.

"The police themselves understood that it was stupid" to write up the charges, said Argunov, a philosophy and history teacher in the city of Barnaul, about 200 kilometers south of Novosibirsk.

Two days later, a court found him guilty in what appears to be the first conviction of someone for leaving an emoji in the comments section of a post by someone else.

Since launching his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on February 24, Putin has clamped down hard on any dissent against the war.

In March, he signed bills into law that effectively criminalize any criticism of the war or actions of Russian soldiers. Russian citizens now face up to 10 years in prison for distributing "false news" about military operations and up to 15 years for discrediting the nations armed forces.

Since the laws were approved, several Russians -- including some elected officials -- have been found guilty of posting anti-war items on social media.
Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov says he hopes the first shipments of grain under a deal mediated by the United Nations and Turkey will leave the country's Chornomorsk port this week.

Speaking at a news conference on July 25, Kubrakov said there was no limit stipulated in the deal as to the amount of grain that could be shipped from Ukraine.

"We expect the agreement to start working in the coming days...We are preparing for everything to start this week," said Kubrakov, who led Ukraine's delegation at talks to clinch the deal in Istanbul last week.

Deputy Infrastructure Minister Yuriy Vasyukov added at the same news conference that after Chornomorsk, shipments will then follow from Odesa and Pivdeny. The timeframe for all three ports to be functioning is within two weeks, he added.

Under the grain deal, exports of Ukrainian grain from three Black Sea ports would be restored to prewar levels of some 5 million tons a month.

Russian missile strikes in Odesa on July 24 raised questions about Russia's commitment to the agreement, but Kubrakov said technical preparations for the launch of exports of agricultural products from the ports continue.

Ukraine is one of the worlds largest exporters of wheat, corn, and sunflower oil, but Russias invasion of the country and its naval blockade of Ukrainian ports have halted shipments.

That has caused global food price to spike, leaving millions of people in impoverished countries at risk of hunger and sparking fears of social unrest.

Kyiv has said around 20 million tons of grain from last year's harvest and the current crop would be exported under the agreement. The exports could generate $10 billion in revenue for cash-strapped Ukraine.
Wheat prices rose sharply on July 25 after Russian missiles struck the Ukrainian port of Odesa over the weekend despite claims by the Kremlin that the strike targeted military installations and would not affect grain exports.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on July 25 that the two Kalibr missiles that landed near a pumping station at the Odesa port "exclusively" targeted military infrastructure and were "not connected with the agreement on the export of grain" reached on July 22 in Istanbul by Russia, Ukraine, the United Nations, and Turkey.

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.

"This cannot and should not affect the start of shipment," Peskov told reporters.

However, wheat futures on the Chicago Board of Trade rose nearly 4 percent to $7.86 a bushel on July 25, regaining much of the ground lost after the signing of the agreement.

Ukraine is one of the worlds largest exporters of wheat, corn, and sunflower oil, but Russias invasion of the country and its naval blockade of Ukrainian ports have halted shipments.

That has caused global food prices to spike, leaving millions of people in impoverished countries at risk of hunger and sparking fears of social unrest.



The deal to reopen three Ukrainian Black Sea ports for grain exports is valid for 120 days and targets monthly exports of 5 million tons.

A UN spokesman said all parties to the deal have reconfirmed their commitment, and the first ships carrying grain might move within a few days under the deal. A Joint Coordination Center will liaise with the shipping industry and publish detailed procedures for ships in the near future, said UN spokesman Farhan Haq.

In Ukraine, fighting continued unabated as Moscow's invasion entered its sixth month, with Russian troops shelling multiple locations in the north, south, and east amid indications that the Russian military, in addition to its personnel shortage, was also facing difficulties replacing or repairing hundreds of pieces of equipment damaged in combat.

Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said on July 25 that Ukrainian forces have destroyed 50 Russian ammunition depots using U.S-supplied high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS).

"This cuts their (Russian) logistical chains and takes away their ability to conduct active fighting and cover our armed forces with heavy shelling," Reznikov said in televised comments.

Reznikov's remarks could not be independently verified.

Russia's Defense Ministry in turn said on July 25 that its forces had destroyed an ammunition depot for HIMARS in Bohdanovtsy, in Ukraine's Khmelnytskiy region.

Neither the Ukrainian nor the Russian claims could be independently confirmed.

Russia has previously said it has destroyed several of the HIMARS supplied to Ukraine by the West, in claims denied by Kyiv.

Reznikov on July 25 also said the first three Cheetah anti-aircraft missile systems from Germany are already in Ukraine.

Britain's Defense Ministry said in its daily intelligence bulletin on July 25 that "inconclusive" fighting is under way in the east and in the Kherson region that fell to the Russians early in the war.

The bulletin said scarce personnel resources make it difficult for Russian commanders to decide whether to beef up the offensive in the east or to bolster the defense in the west.

It added that on July 18, the British intelligence identified a Russian military vehicle refit and refurbishment facility near Barvinok, in Russia's Belgorod region, which is 10 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

"At least 300 damaged vehicles were present, including main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, and general support trucks," the update added.

In Moscow, the head of Russia's Investigative Committee said Russia has charged 92 members of the Ukrainian armed forces with crimes against humanity.

Aleksandr Bastrykin told government news site Rossiiskaya Gazeta that more than 1,300 criminal investigations had been launched.

Some 96 people, including 51 armed forces commanders, are wanted, he said.

The Ukrainians were involved in "crimes against the peace and security of humanity," he told the site.

Bastrykin's claims could not be independently verified and Ukraine has not commented.

Kyiv is also conducting its own investigations. Ukrainian authorities said earlier this month they were examining more than 21,000 war crimes and crimes of aggression allegedly committed by Russian forces since the start of the invasion on February 24.

The International Criminal Court has sent a team of investigators and forensics experts to Ukraine, which it has described as a "crime scene."

The Kremlin denies all war crimes, or that it has been targeting civilians.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, BBC, and AP
2 Markova said officials at the temporary shelter where they stayed in Dnipro told her she would be moved to a nursing home and her son -- his left side immobilized after a stroke -- would go to a home for the disabled. They found that unacceptable.



In their hurry to return to their home in the village of Malotaranivka (pictured), they left his wheelchair behind. It was too big to take on the bus.




U.S. Representative Adam Smith, chair of the House Armed Services Committee, says Washington hopes to significantly increase the amount of long-range weaponry Ukraine has to defeat Russia and thwart President Vladimir Putin's brutal, unprovoked attack on the country.

Speaking to RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, Smith (Democrat-Washington) said he aims to get Ukraine as many as 30 multi-rocket launch systems -- Kyiv has requested at least 50 -- as soon as possible "because in this fight, whoever can see far and shoot far is going to be in better shape."

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.

"Putin is trying to expand Russian territory through a brutal, unprovoked attack. It's not because Putin felt threatened. It's because Putin wanted to expand the territory of Russia through brute force," said Smith, who met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy while on a trip to Kyiv with a bipartisan group of lawmakers.

The United States has already delivered a dozen M142 high-mobility artillery rocket systems, or HIMARS, to Ukraine and recently approved the delivery of four more. Meanwhile, Western allies have delivered a few M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) to Ukraine, as well.

The systems can fire rockets far behind enemy lines with the precision of a few meters, making them highly effective.

Addressing one of Kyiv's longstanding requests, Smith said in the interview, recorded on July 23, that giving Ukraine U.S. fighter jets is not feasible at this point, and that instead the focus "is more on the missile systems, the range, the drones and the electronic warfare aspects of it."

"The HIMARS systems with their range, you know, 30 to 50 kilometers is really helpful. We've seen the impact already just in the last month. But if they had a longer range, it'd be tougher for the Russians to hide their stuff," he said.

Smith said the importance of the war goes far beyond the borders of Ukraine as Russia was breaking one of the central premises of the modern world: "that sovereign borders matter."

"Everybody in the world has a stake in making sure that he [Putin] doesn't succeed. Because if he does, anybody can do it anywhere," Smith said.

"And Putin is not inclined to stop at Ukraine. He has claimed another territory, China has claimed another territory, we need to make it clear that you cannot take other sovereign territory by force. So I think he is a profound threat not just to Ukraine, but to world peace and stability."

With reporting by Taras Levchenko and Kyrylo Lazarevych
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, the chair of the House Armed Services Committee, told RFE/RL that Russian President Vladimir Putin "is a profound threat not just to Ukraine, but to world peace and stability." Regarding Ukraine's leader, the congressman added that he was "incredibly impressed by President Zelenskiy, his courage and his leadership." Smith made the comments on July 23 during a visit to Kyiv with several other members of Congress.
Iran will operate combined cargo transportation to Russia via Rasht-Astara and Rasht-Caspian Port railway routes, according to a director of the Iranian Construction and Development of Transportation Infrastructures Company Abbas Khatibi. The construction of the Rasht-Astara railway will be supported by the Plan and Budget Organization and financed by Iranian-Russia oil barter, he said adding that the priority of the Ministry of Road and Urban Development is to complete railway transit corridors.

The Rasht-Atara and Rasht-Caspian rail routes are an integral part of Irans International North-South Transportation Corridor (INSTC) which links Caspian maritime trade directly via rail to Irans Persian Gulf ports, giving access in the Middle East, East African, India and South Asian supply chains. The route is currently operational, however via truck only as the rail sections are yet to be completed. Getting them operational is a key logistics issue, and especially due to the changing geopolitical situation and supply chains between Europe and Asia. When completed the INSTC route will be faster and less expensive than the Suez Canal route from Europe to Asia.

At present, the construction of the RashtAstara railway is 70% complete, while the Iranian government has now approved the construction of the Rasht-Caspian port railway as a separate rail route section for combined cargo transportation to Russia and the Caspian Sea countries, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan. The involvement of Russian construction assistance financed by Iranian oil will bring the completion of the route forward to mid-2023. Currently, 160 km of track has been laid, and a joint Iranian / Azerbaijani financed waterfront project has been built in Astara by Iran Railways, connecting the rail route from Astara in Iran to the similarly named Astara in Azerbaijan and onto Russia.

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BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter on Monday to the second China-Africa Peace and Security Forum.

Realizing enduring peace and universal security is a common aspiration of the Chinese and African peoples, Xi said in his letter to the event, held by China's Ministry of National Defense.

Xi noted that China has always worked to develop relations with Africa, with a commitment to upholding the greater good in the pursuit of shared interests and following the principles of sincerity, pragmatism, affinity and good faith. He said the country is ready to work with its African friends to adhere to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.

China will work with Africa to safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, uphold international fairness and justice, promote the implementation of the Global Security Initiative, and build a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era, Xi said.
AMERICAS

Haiti

Expected Council Action

In February, the Security Council will receive a briefing from the Special Representative and head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Helen La Lime, on recent developments and the Secretary-Generals latest report on BINUH, due by 12 February. The meeting may be followed by closed consultations.

Key Recent Developments

An increasingly precarious security situation and a fractured political landscape in Haiti has remained at the forefront of the international communitys concerns since the Council last met to discuss the situation in the Caribbean nation on 4 October 2021.

On 17 December 2021, the US convened a meeting with Haiti and international partners to identify steps to address Haitis security, political and economic challenges. Participants agreed that the Haitian National Police needed to be strengthened and that continued political dialogue among all sectors of Haitian society had to accompany this process.

In a similar vein, Canada hosted a virtual ministerial-level meeting on Haiti on 21 January with the participation of 19 member states and several multilateral organisations, including the EU, the Organization of American States and the UN. According to a statement issued by Canada following the meeting, discussions centred on the current situation in Haiti and the importance of strengthening international support and the coordination of international assistance with a view to ensuring effective and structured efforts over the long term. The participants also agreed to strengthen their current and future support for Haitis security sector and called for the Haitian government and civil society to work in unison to bring about a viable political solution, required to re-establish long-term security in the country.

A stable security environment remains crucial for Haiti to organise long-delayed elections. Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, Ariel Henry, whom Moise had nominated as prime minister shortly before his death, took over government affairs and pledged to organise a referendum on Haitis constitutiona process initiated by Moise but mired in controversyand to conduct elections intended to fill long-vacant seats in parliament and to choose a new president. On 1 January, Henry himself became the target of an assassination attempt when gunmen opened fire on the prime minister while he was attending a ceremony to commemorate Haitis independence day in the northern city of Gonaives. A local gang had reportedly warned Henry, who was unharmed in the attack, not to enter their territory.

Henrys tenure is contested. In a tweet posted on 21 January, the prime minister asserted that 7 February, the date Moises term would have ended, did not mark the end of his mandate and that he intended to lead the country towards free and democratic elections. However, Haitis political actors continue to disagree over how the electoral process should advance. An accord forged by Henry with several political parties on 11 September 2021 would provide for elections and a constitutional referendum to be held by the end of 2022. This accord is rivalled by parallel initiatives, one of which is the Montana Accord reached in August 2021envisioning a two-year transitional periodbacked mostly by civil society representatives and several political figures. Discussions to reach a consensus are ongoing.

Haitis Senate met on 10 January for the first time in a year. As the delay in holding elections caused most senators mandates to expire, only ten out of the 30 Senate seats are currently filled.

On 15 October 2021, the Council adopted resolution 2600, renewing the mandate of BINUH for six months and calling for a strategic assessment of the mission. The assessment is to consider whether and how the mandate [of BINUH] could be adjusted to address the ongoing challenges faced by Haiti. It is expected to inform BINUHs mandate renewal in April, with a view to increase the missions effectiveness and its efforts to support engagement with Haitian national authorities, civil society and other stakeholders.

On 7 January, the Secretary-General appointed Mourad Wahba to lead the assessment mission. Wahba previously served as a Deputy Special Representative in the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), one of BINUHs predecessor missions. The in-country visit of the assessment team is currently underway.

Key Issues and Options

How to establish and maintain a stable security environment to allow space to tackle the many challenges in Haiti is one of the key concerns of the Council. In this regard, Haiti has continued to grapple with political instability, a dire humanitarian situation, a fuel shortage affecting some of the countrys most crucial infrastructure, escalating gang activity, and increasing humanitarian needs. The Council may consider a briefer familiar with Haitis security sector to speak about the countrys security needs.

A related concern is mitigating Haitis constitutional crisis and ensuring the country remains on track to create an environment conducive to elections. To that end, the Council may consider issuing a statement urging broad political dialogue and compromise.

Council Dynamics

Council dynamics regarding Haiti have become difficult. The last BINUH mandate renewal exposed divergent views on the future of the mission. Co-penholders Mexico and the US suggested a renewal without substantive changes to BINUHs mandatewhich was adopted in its current form only in 2020while China advocated a strategic review with a view to identifying a strategy for the missions drawdown. Then-Council member Saint-Vincent and the Grenadines and African Council members requested a six-month mandate renewal and the strategic assessment currently underway, but with the intent of identifying ways to strengthen the mission.

Against this backdrop, international and bilateral efforts to assist Haiti in addressing its current insecurity are underway. The US, for example, has increased its bilateral security support to Haiti in the form of $15 million in additional funding to its ongoing programmes to strengthen the Haitian National Police, especially its efforts to counter the rampant influence of violent gangs. It is also funding nine advisors for the Haitian National Police and intends to increase the number of seconded police advisors to BINUH, among other personnel and material support. Mexico reportedly pledged to increase its assistance to Haitis provisional electoral council to sustain efforts to conclude the electoral process by the end of 2022.

UN DOCUMENTS ON HAITI

This resolution renewed BINUH for one year. This was the Secretary-Generals latest report on Haiti. This was a meeting on the situation in Haiti This was the statement was released by the President of the Security Council, condemning the assassination of the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moise. This was the press statement reiterating deep concern of Council members regarding deteriorating political, security and humanitarian conditions in Haiti and stressing the primary responsibility of the Government of Haiti to address the situation.
UPDATE: Here are the latest updates on COVID in the Bay Area and California.

President Biden is significantly on the mend after his coronavirus infection, according to his doctor. White House officials say the president was likely infected with the coronavirus strain thats most recently leading the rampage across the nation, BA.5, which now accounts for 78% of coronavirus cases, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Los Angeles County this week must decide if its infection numbers are are improving, or whether a renewed indoor mask mandate still is in order.

Latest updates:

NBA unlikely to mandate vaccines for the 2022-2023 season

The NBA will strongly recommend but not require that players, coaches and staff members get vaccinated against COVID-19 for next season, according to a league memo obtained by Yahoo Sports. The report said that unvaccinated players may be subject to periodic testing, pending discussions with the National Basketball Players Association. The policy would mark a continuation of last season's policy, which allowed local jurisdictions to set vaccine requirements -- most population centers in the U.S. have lifted those requirements.



High blood pressure linked to severe COVID risk

The omicron variant of the coronavirus has introduced a persistent and marked association between high blood pressure and risk for severe COVID-19 illness, even among people who have received three vaccine doses, according to research published last week in the journal Hypertension. In study of 912 people in Los Angeles who tested positive for COVID after receiving at least three mRNA vaccine doses from Dec. 2021 to April, nearly 87% of those hospitalized had hypertension. With a 2.6-fold increased risk, high blood pressure outweighed nearly all other factors that heightened risk for hospitalization, including older age, kidney disease or cardiovascular issues. Nearly half of U.S. adults suffer from hypertension. What surprised the researchers most was that age did not appear to be a factor in who was impacted. Breakthrough omicron infection severe enough to cause hospitalization can happen to an adult of any age, especially if a person has high blood pressure, even if they have no other major chronic disease, the studys lead author Joseph Ebinger said in a statement. The people who are most at risk are not necessarily who we think they are. They are not the sickest of the sick, and this was a surprising finding.

Masks do not interfere with childrens IQ test results, study finds

Face masks that protect against COVID-19 can successfully be used during intelligence testing without interfering with childrens ability to understand the test administrators instruction, a new study funded by the National Institutes of Health suggests. Groups of young children scored comparably on a test measuring nonverbal intelligence -- whether or not they or the test administrators wore masks. The findings help to allay concerns that face masks may interfere with testing by hiding administrators facial expressions, according to researchers at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, who conducted the study.

Childrens COVID-19 cases rise for the third straight week

After decreasing slightly in June, pediatric COVID-19 cases rose for the third straight week in the U.S., with 91,932 confirmed child COVID-19 cases, according to data published Monday by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Childrens Hospital Association. Children under the age of 18, who make up 22% of the population, represented about 13% of the nation's total cases.

U.S. vaccination campaign for children under 5 fizzles

Approximately 544,000 U.S. children under 5 received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose as of last week  thats 2.8% of the 19 million children in the age group eligible for the shots, according to federal data analyzed by the Kaiser Family Foundation. A little over a month since the vaccines became available to the youngest Americans, uptake has peaked and is rapidly decreasing. By comparison, the first month vaccines were made available to children ages 5-11, more than 5.3 million received their first dose, representing about 19% of that age group. The seven-day rolling average vaccination rate for children under 5 peaked at just over 28,000 on July 1 and decreased to about 13,000 on July 20. California is doing better at uptake than the national average but lagging behind several other states, with 4.3% of California kids having received at least one dose. In Washington D.C. it's 14.4%, Vermont 10.3%, and Massachusetts 7.2%. The least vaccinated states for children under 5 are Mississippi, 0.4%, and Alabama, 0.6%.

Oakland Airport surpasses 1 million monthly passengers, 1st time since 2019

More than 1 million travelers passed through Oakland International Airport in June, marking the first time since December 2019 the airport has topped that number. Passenger traffic in June was significantly higher than in May, with a month-to-month increase of over 15%, according to data released by airport officials on Monday. Passenger totals reached 86.7% of average 2019 levels, marking the highest percentage since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recovery of passenger traffic at OAK remains strong, and we especially saw that in the month of June as we passed the one million passenger mark, said Bryant L. Francis, director of aviation at the Port of Oakland. Based on performance seen so far this season, we expect this upward trend to continue through the balance of the summer travel season.

Public health worker exodus seen, partly due to COVID-19 impact

More than 40% of the U.S. public health workforce plan to leave their jobs within the next 5 years, according to a 2021 survey study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Just over half of those surveyed said more staff were needed to respond to COVID-19. The nationally representative 2021 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey found that during March 2020 to January 2022, nearly three quarters of the public health workforce served in a COVID-19 response role. Of those considering leaving, 76% began thinking about leaving since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, CDC reported.

Investigating Fauci is plan of GOP Congress members if they win control

Congressional Republicans are eagerly floating investigations into Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, and the Biden administrations pandemic response, if they win back control of the House or Senate in the midterm elections, the Hill reports. One way or another, if we are in the majority, we will subpoena his records and he will testify in the Senate under oath, said Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky, who has frequently challenged and sparred with Fauci during committee hearings at the Capitol. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, told the Hill that an independent look at the totality of the U.S. response to the pandemic across both the Trump and Biden administrations, is preferable. If you want to have a hearing, you need it to be a credible one. And that has to have a purpose. Other than going out to an 81-year-old man, he said.

Sen. Murkowski says shes positive for COVID-19

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said Monday that she recently tested positive for COVID-19. She made the announcement on the social media. In the brief statement, she said she recently tested positive after experiencing flu-like symptoms. I will be following guidance and advice from doctors and will be quarantining at home in Alaska while continuing my work remotely, the statement said.

Neil Young not ready to play live again: I dont think it is safe in the pandemic

Rocker Neil Young will not return to the road any time soon. Responding to a question from a fan on his website asking when he would tour or play Farm Aid again, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician who last year described concerts as super-spreader events for COVID said he was not ready to get in front of audiences. I dont think it is safe during the pandemic, Young wrote. I miss it very much.

Hair loss and sexual dysfunction: latest symptoms of long COVID

People with long COVID suffer a wider set of symptoms than previously thought, including hair loss and sexual dysfunction, according to new research from the University of Birmingham. Analysis of health records of 2.4 million people in the UK, published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine, found that non-hospitalized patients infected with the coronavirus reported 62 symptoms more frequently 12 weeks after initial infection than those who did not contract the virus. Those included commonly recognized respiratory symptoms and mental health and cognitive problems. But researchers also found increased reports of amnesia, apraxia, bowel incontinence, erectile dysfunction, hallucinations, and swollen limbs. This research validates what patients have been telling clinicians and policymakers throughout the pandemic, that the symptoms of long COVID are extremely broad and cannot be fully accounted for by other factors such as lifestyle risk factors or chronic health conditions, said Dr. Shamil Haroon, associate clinical professor in public health and senior author on the study.

Bidens symptoms almost completely resolved

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.

President Bidens COVID-19 symptoms have almost completely resolved, according to an update from his doctor released Monday. Although he still has some nasal congestion and hoarseness, his vital signs remain absolutely normal, wrote Dr. Kevin OConnor. Biden has been taking the antiviral drug Paxlovid to reduce the chance of severe COVID-19 illness, and he plans to continue isolating in the White House residence, the Associated Press reports. He continues to be very specifically conscientious to protect any of the Executive Residence, White House, Secret Service and other staff whose duties require any (albeit socially distanced) proximity to him, OConnor wrote.

Manchin tests positive for virus

Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia has tested positive for the coronavirus, he tweeted on Monday. This morning I tested positive for COVID-19, Manchin wrote. I am fully vaccinated and boosted and am experiencing mild symptoms. I will isolate and follow CDC guidelines as I continue to work remotely to serve West Virginians. The Senate is scheduled to start its August recess in two weeks, and floor votes must take place in person.

No 2nd boosters yet for those under 50

Second coronavirus booster shots for people younger than 50 are on hold as the Biden administration tries to speed up a fall vaccination campaign using reformulated shots to target the now-dominant omicron subvariants of the virus, according to federal health officials cited by the Washington Post. Officials hope Moderna and Pfizer can make the updated shots available as soon as early to mid-September instead of later in the fall, said three officials who spoke to the Post on the condition of anonymity. Those retooled boosters will contain components from the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants as well as the original formula that was based on the early 2020 version of the virus. The hope is that the redesigned boosters will be more effective in dealing with an evolving virus.

Bidens condition improving, doctor says

President Biden continues to improve significantly despite a lingering sore throat from his coronavirus infection, his doctor said in an update Sunday. The president is responding to therapy as expected, wrote Dr. Kevin OConnor. Biden has been taking the antiviral Paxlovid, which reduces the chance of severe illness. OConnor wrote that Biden still has a sore throat. He said other symptoms, including a cough, runny nose and body aches, have diminished considerably. Biden tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday morning. OConnor said Saturday that the president likely became infected with a highly contagious variant, known as BA.5, that is spreading throughout the country, and Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, said Sunday, It is the BA.5 variant.

Is the infection trend shifting just as L.A. County is on verge of a new mask mandate?

With a Los Angeles County decision looming this week about reimposing a mask mandate, weekly coronavirus cases are showing early signs of flattening, although they are still at significantly elevated levels, the Los Angeles Times reports. Its too soon to know if its a trend or a blip, as cases have started to drop three times since they began increasing in late March, only to be followed by steeper increases, the Times notes. But county Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer did note the plateauing in recent days, and expressed hopes, along with caution, that it might continue. If a steep decrease follows in the coming days, she could possibly postpone a universal mask mandate that was set to be enacted on Friday if conditions do not improve by then. If numbers start to drop steeply this week, Ferrer said, We are likely to want to take a pause on moving too quickly on a universal indoor masking [order].

Biggest school district in Kentucky says everyone must mask up

Starting Monday, Kentuckys largest school district is requiring universal masking on school property as Jefferson County moves into the highest level of COVID-19 community spread, the Associated Press reported. The change lasts until Jefferson County comes out of the high-transmission category, and comes a little more than two weeks before classes resume in county public schools. Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear a mask on district property or on school buses. District policy automatically requires universal masking whenever the county has a high level of COVID-19 community spread.

BA.5 sublineage of omicron is causing nearly 80% of infections in U.S.

The most recent tracking by the Centers for Disease Control and Infection shows that the BA.5 sublineage of the omicron coronavirus variant now accounts for 79% of U.S. coronavirus infections. The BA.4 subvariant follows at just under 13%.

About 1 in 10 child COVID patients in hospitals likely to get long COVID

About one in 10 children hospitalized with COVID-19 is likely to report ongoing symptoms of long COVID, according to new research from UC Davis published Friday in the journal JAMA Network Open. The March 2020-January 2021 study looked at 1,884 cases of children in eight countries visiting emergency rooms for COVID-19, and 1,701 uninfected children. They found that 5% to 10% of those admitted reported symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog and cardiovascular issues 90 days after they were discharged. Comparatively, among adults an estimated 35% report ongoing symptoms. Reported rates of long COVID in adults are substantially higher than what we found in children, said co-principal investigator Nathan Kuppermann, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis. Our findings can inform public health policy decisions regarding COVID-19 mitigation strategies for children and screening approaches for long COVID among those with severe infections.
Tech billionaire Mark Zuckerberg has sold his sprawling San Francisco home for $31 million, more than tripling his money since reportedly buying the home for around $10 million a decade ago.

The sale was confirmed by a deed filed with the city earlier this month, which was signed by an executive of the Facebook co-founders eponymous Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

The off-market sale of Zuckerbergs 21st Street home, situated on Liberty Hill near Dolores Park, was first reported by real estate news site The Real Deal. The $31 million price tag, calculated based on tax assessments cited in the deed, appears to be the most expensive home sale in San Francisco this year, edging out the $29 million sale last week of two penthouse condos once owned by the late former Secretary of State George Shultz and his late wife, former San Francisco and state of California Chief of Protocol Charlotte Mailliard Shultz.

Its also the latest example of how tech magnates are growing their influence in global real estate, and how high San Francisco celebrity home prices can go. All told, Forbes reported that as of earlier this spring, the Bay Area was home to 116 of Californias highest-in-the-nation 189 billionaire residents.

Why does California reign supreme? Forbes wrote in its April billionaire update. Thank the booming technology industry.

The Shultz sale broke city records as the highest-priced condo sale in San Francisco history. Past industry reports note that at least one other San Francisco home, a house in tony Pacific Heights, previously traded for closer to $40 million.

Despite the eye-popping sales figures, details about Zuckerbergs now-former house remain relatively scarce. The Dolores Heights house was purchased and sold by an entity listed as SFRP LLC, which The Real Deal notes is also connected to a property owned by Zuckerberg in Palo Alto. The San Francisco house was purchased by an also-opaque Delaware LLC.

It was initially listed as a 7,200-square-foot, four-bedroom home, but famously underwent a renovation that attracted the ire of neighbors not so thrilled with the tech moguls presence and construction noise. In 2016, some complained that Zuckerbergs security detail was hogging desirable parking spots.

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.

Fellow Silicon Valley magnates, including entrepreneur and venture capitalist Vinod Khosla, have courted controversy by buying up and attempting to privatize areas around Bay Area compounds. Others are also looking to cash out: Sun Microsystems co-founder Scott McNealy recently dropped the price on his Peninsula mansion to just under $54 million.

In addition to his pricey Bay Area homes, Zuckerberg reportedly owns side-by-side $59 million mansions on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, plus some 1,500 acres on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Roland Li contributed to this report.

Lauren Hepler (she/her) is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hepler@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LAHepler
The San Francisco branch of the NAACP on Sunday added its voice to those calling for San Francisco school board member Ann Hsu to resign, saying her racist remarks about Black students and families indicate a profound disconnect between Hsu and the Black community, and her attempts to explain herself ring hollow.

The NAACP said it voted unanimously on Sunday, 105-0, to call for her immediate resignation after its executive board met with her last week about her hurtful, racist remarks concerning Black students and families in San Francisco, which the group said had cost her the trust of the Black community.

Hsu touched off a firestorm in the San Francisco Unified School District this month by citing unstable family environments and lack of parental encouragement to focus on learning as hindrances to the educational progress of Black and brown students.

Her comments indicate a profound disconnect between Hsu and the Black community and blame the effects of systemic racism on the targets of that racism, said the groups statement, released Sunday by the branch president, the Rev. Amos Brown.

Hsus explanation to us concerning her statements was that she has very limited knowledge of Black people, and that she is a scientist by profession, not a politician. These reasons not only ring hollow but are illogical on their face. Scientists gather empirical evidence to prove or disprove a theory before stating it as fact. Yet she chose to make shockingly false statements about Black students and families while having no meaningful knowledge about them, the statement said.

The group accepted her apology, the statement said, but said it is not enough to overcome the damage she has done.

The Black community in San Francisco cannot put its trust in her to be an advocate for the needs of Black students, especially access to all the educational opportunities available to other students in the district.

Several other community groups, public officials and the San Francisco teachers union also have urged Hsu to step down, even as others, including Mayor London Breed, who appointed Hsu to the board after this years successful school board recall, stood by her. A Chinese parent group and recall leaders argued she had acknowledged and apologized for the mistake.

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.

Hsus comments came in a candidate questionnaire from a parents group, in reply to a question about how the district could improve outcomes for marginalized students.

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, she responded. 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.

A majority of school board members condemned the comments, stopping short of a public call for her resignation.

Rita Beamish is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rbeamish@sfchronicle.com
After the U.S. Supreme Court severely weakened a unique California law allowing workers to join one another and sue their employer over labor law violations, the state Supreme Court has agreed to consider reviving the law in a suit by an Uber driver.

The Private Attorneys General Act, or PAGA, enacted in 2004, lets employees sue their employers, individually or collectively, in the name of the state for violating laws such as those regulating minimum wages, overtime, and meal and rest breaks. If these suits succeed, the employees collect 25% of the penalties provided by labor law with the rest going to the state.

Until recently, PAGA allowed workers to sidestep increasingly common provisions in their employment contracts requiring all disputes to be heard individually by private arbitrators rather than in court. Arbitrators decisions are virtually unappealable, and studies have found that they usually favor employers, their regular customers.

On June 15, however, the nations high court ruled that PAGA violates employers right under federal law to take disputes to arbitration when that is required by a work contract. Since the contract is signed by both the employer and the employee, allowing a worker to take the issue to court unduly circumscribes the freedom of parties to determine the issues subject to arbitration and the rules by which they will arbitrate, Justice Samuel Alito wrote in an 8-1 decision.

But the California Supreme Court is the highest authority on the meaning of state law. And the court has now agreed to decide whether PAGA allows workers, who have consented to take their own disputes to arbitration, to file labor-law claims for other workers in the name of the state. That alternative was suggested by Justice Sonia Sotomayor in a separate opinion in the Supreme Court case.

Justice Alito can say all he wants about federal law, Aashish Desai, a lawyer for the Uber driver, said Monday. But on a California statute, dealing with California citizens and California employees, the California Supreme Court will have the last word.

Desai said he was confident the court would allow workers who are forced into arbitration to maintain PAGA claims for their coworkers, citing the California courts unanimous 2020 ruling allowing an employee to proceed with a PAGA suit even after his employer had settled his individual claims. But just in case, he said, state lawmakers are discussing a possible amendment to PAGA that would clearly authorize employees to sue on behalf of other workers.

Ubers attorney, Theane Evangelis, said the company welcomed the courts decision to review the case and believed the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision would require dismissal of any such suits.

After the plaintiffs claim is compelled to arbitration, there will be no aggrieved employee before the court, Evangelis said.

The case involves Erik Adolph, who began work in March 2019 as a driver for the food-delivery company Uber Eats in Orange County. His PAGA lawsuit accused the company of violating state law by refusing to pay work expenses for him and other drivers, payments that are required for employees but not for contractors. Those could include the costs of fuel, parking and repairs.

Uber said Adolphs contract required his claim to be heard in individual arbitration. Lower courts disagreed, citing previous California court rulings, but the company sought review in the state Supreme Court  a request joined by Adolphs attorneys last month after the U.S. Supreme Courts PAGA ruling.

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.

The court agreed to take up the case last Wednesday and will schedule a hearing at a later date.

The case is under review while another potentially critical issue for Uber, other ride-hailing companies and their drivers is pending before a state appeals court in San Francisco.

After a state law, AB5, set workplace standards that appeared to classify the drivers as employees  with rights to minimum wages, overtime, work expenses and workers compensation  the companies spent more than $200 million on a successful November 2020 ballot measure, Proposition 22, that classified them instead as independent contractors.

But an Alameda County Superior Court judge ruled last August that Prop. 22 violated the state Constitution in several ways, including interference with the Legislatures constitutional authority over workers compensation. The appeals court ruling, expected later this year, is certain to be appealed to the state Supreme Court.

The PAGA case is Adolph v. Uber Technologies, S274671.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
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UPDATE: Oak Fire threatens thousands of structures as blaze grows to 18,000 acres.

Thousands of firefighters on Monday continued to battle the explosive wildfire west of Yosemite that broke out Friday afternoon and had burned 16,791 acres with just 10% containment as of Monday morning, according to Cal Fire.

The Oak Fire, in Mariposa County, burned down seven residences  revised down from 10 previously reported  and remained a threat to 3,271 other structures, Cal Fire said. The cause remains under investigation.

Nearly 5,000 people were ordered to evacuate from areas east and south of the Oak Fire, but no injuries or fatalities have yet been reported. An evacuation center has been set up at Mariposa Elementary School.

More information and updates about evacuations, including a map, are available on Cal Fires website. The fire information phone line is 844-668-3473.

The wildfire is Californias largest so far this year and comes on the heels of the 2-week-old Washburn Fire still burning at the southern end of Yosemite National Park. That fire was 4,866 acres and 87% contained on Monday  with fire agencies reporting that the smoke layer from the Oak Fire helped their efforts by keeping temperatures slightly cooler and raising humidity levels.

Officials said Monday that progress against the Oak Fire was encouraging.

The faster we can reinforce the line to the south and the faster we can cool the hotspots around the structures, the faster we can get residents back in, Operations Section Chief Justin Macomb said. Im more optimistic today than I have been in the previous days.

Smoke and haze from the Oak Fire was widespread across the Sierra on Monday, traveling north from Yosemite past the Lake Tahoe area and causing unhealthy air quality.

In the Bay Area, the smoke was likely to be visible in parts of the East Bay and North Bay on Monday but should clear up throughout the day, according to the Bay Area office of the National Weather Service.

airnow.gov

The biggest factor is smoke output from the fire and how active the fire is  that will dictate how much smoke we see in the atmosphere, said weather service meteorologist Brian Garcia.

He added that people in the Bay Area will most likely not be able to smell the smoke coming from the fire, saying that it is expected to stay aloft in elevations of 10,000 to 12,000 feet.

More than 2,500 firefighters were battling the Oak Fire  including six units and 17 personnel from the San Francisco Fire Department providing mutual aid, the agency said on Twitter.

Cal Fire officials reported in an online update that firefighters made good headway Sunday, with fire activity less extreme than previous days. On the north side, three strike teams held the line at Bear Clover Lane and protected the community of Mariposa Pines. Crews also worked to hold the line at Footman Ridge, on the northeast side of the fire, and a line was completed around the community of Lushmeadows.

The fire line on the east side was holding, and crews were working to complete the hold line on the south side, officials said.

Hot, dry conditions were a challenge for firefighters, Cal Fire said. The fire continues to be fuel and terrain driven, officials reported, with the perimeter moving into the burn scar of the 2018 Ferguson Fire on the northeast side.

Fire restrictions were in place in the Sierra National Forest.

Fire Tracker Follow wildfires across the state Latest updates on wildfires burning across Northern and Southern California

Amid the fire response, law enforcement officials worked to clarify reports about private local militia groups trying to protect homes from looting over the weekend. The Sheriffs Office reported Sunday on Facebook that it had not activated or requested a local militia around the Mariposa town area.

After the post quickly drew more than 1,000 comments, the Sheriffs Office updated it to say that while officials are not unsupportive of community groups helping those affected by the Oak Fire, the apparent local militia members were acting on their own courteous accord.

We appreciate their efforts and any the efforts of other private groups or entities helping our community, sheriffs officials said.

Officials have not said whether any incidents of looting have been reported, and the Mariposa County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to a request for more information.

The Mariposa County District Attorneys Office said in a news release Sunday that it stands in solidarity with all homeowners and property owners who have been affected by the Oak and Washburn fires and would prosecute any looting or fraud related to the blazes.

On Saturday, Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for Mariposa County due to the blaze, and California secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to get the necessary firefighting resources.

Jordan Parker (he/him) is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jordan.parker@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @jparkerwrites.
Next year, an exclusive breed of restaurant is set to open inside San Franciscos Transamerica Pyramid.

This restaurant will be private, open only to members of an international club that charges initiation fees as high as $100,000. Members can eat crudo and fresh pasta made by a former Giorgio Armani restaurant executive chef while looking over the Transamerica Redwood Park  and then perhaps browse the extensive wine library or head to the spa for a $1,000 antiaging treatment. There will also be a culinary lab where famous chefs will cook for members.

Core, a luxury, members-only club with locations in Milan and New York City, is bringing these high-end dining experiences to 600 Montgomery St. in downtown San Francisco, even as many nearby independent restaurants are still reeling from the pandemic. The city is busy trying to revitalize the area as remote work means fewer people are frequenting downtown businesses. The Transamerica Pyramid is undergoing a $250 million renovation, one of the biggest renovation projects ever in San Francisco.

Core is among a number of private clubs opening in cities across the country. While you might think neighboring restaurants would be concerned, many in San Francisco were not and see it as potential help for downtowns recovery.

Several nearby restaurant owners said they dont feel threatened by the private club even as theyre seeing mixed, unpredictable business. They believe that anything that draws more people to this part of San Francisco is a good thing.

In order for downtown to return, we need to give people a reason to come downtown, said Andy Chun of San Franciscos Sidecar Hospitality group, which runs Press Club, Schroeders Restaurant and Pacific Cocktail Haven. We dont want to see the streets empty at 7 oclock.

Jessica Christian / The Chronicle

Core, meanwhile, is betting big on downtowns recovery. CEO Jennie Enterprise, who opened Core in New York City in the wake of 9/11, said she hopes the project will be part of the new renaissance of San Francisco.

This renaissance, from Cores perspective, will be led in part by their members, which Core describes as men and women who generate and search for original perspectives and intellectual challenges. To get into Core, people must get an invitation from an existing member, pay a $15,000 to $100,000 initiation fee, and then pay annual dues of $15,000 or $18,000 for a couple. (That is, unless they are deemed a promising young innovator, in which case angel investors will cover the initiation fee and the annual rate is discounted to $10,000.)

Core would not share specifics about member demographics, except that theyre evenly split between men and women, or how many people they hope will join in San Francisco. The company counts Anthony Scaramucci, briefly the White Houses communications director in 2017, among its New York City members.

Past perks have included access to private events like a Tom Petty concert, a talk with Nobel Peace Prize winners or a Tequila tasting hosted by guitarist Carlos Santana.

Provided by Core

Cores restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Core culinary director Michele Brogioni  whose previous experience includes Giorgio Armani, Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy and the Kremlins private caterer in Moscow  said he hopes members will eat there almost daily, so its unclear how much they would frequent downtown businesses. Meals are not included in membership fees. Similar private clubs in New York City rely heavily on revenue from their restaurants and bars, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Core plans to open at least three public restaurants in the Transamerica Pyramids lobby and spire but declined to share details.

Private clubs and restaurants appear to be growing in the Bay Area. The Battery, which opened downtown in 2013 and has its own restaurant, is expanding to Oakland. A few blocks away, a swanky two-story restaurant with pricey membership options is gearing up to open above the Salesforce Transit Center. The restaurant is public, but people who join SHOs club  at a one-time fee from $7,500 to $300,000, with the option to pay in cryptocurrency  will get perks like priority reservations, private cars to get to dinner and an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan.

While the exclusivity is eye-popping and already drawing criticism, some owners said this isnt so different from people who use connections to get reservations at buzzy restaurants or shell out for high-end tasting menus.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Downtowns many fast-casual restaurants  those catering to workers looking for breakfast, a quick lunch and coffee  wont be competing with restaurants of this scale. But theyre the ones that are still suffering the most, said Laurie Thomas, executive director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, the citys restaurant industry group.

Many higher-end restaurants with private rooms, meanwhile, are busy with requests for work events, she said. Even the casual Orens Hummus on Third Street has private buyouts almost every day of the week in September that Dreamforce, Salesforces massive convention, will be happening nearby, said owner Mistie Boulton. (One person desperate to book the restaurant that week offered her an additional $10,000 for a day that was already reserved.)

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Sidecar Hospitalitys Chun said his businesses are seeing about 50% to 70% of pre-pandemic sales levels. Foot traffic ebbs and flows with new patterns that can be hard to predict. Tuesdays through Thursdays, when hybrid workers are coming into offices, are the busiest days, he said. But once-lucrative Friday is now the new Monday: incredibly slow.

Kat Wade/The Chronicle 2006

Many downtown restaurants have also slimmed down operations, opening fewer days or serving only dinner. Perbacco, a power lunch destination a few blocks from the Transamerica Pyramid, now operates five days a week instead of six. But its starting to see the return of weekday business travelers with good expense accounts, said co-owner Umberto Gibin.

Owners familiar with the expense and headaches of opening a restaurant said they understand the financial motivation of a membership-based model, which can use initiation fees to cover upfront costs. Core CEO Enterprise (she changed her last name from Saunders years ago) said the models popularity has grown in the wake of the pandemic for this reason.

As hospitality companies and restaurant companies got hurt during the pandemic  there was a focus on these annuity membership business models, she said.

Boulton of Orens Hummus also runs EyeSpy, a restaurant consulting company that has evaluated private clubs across the country, including the Battery in San Francisco. Through surveys and focus groups, the company found that members dont patronize only the club, and that nearby restaurants didnt feel they were negatively affected.

Despite the fact that the downtown location of her own restaurant has been slower to rebound than her other Bay Area locations, Boulton is optimistic about the future of the neighborhood  and not too worried about the impact of upscale, private clubs.

Im not afraid of it, she said.

Elena Kadvany (she/her) is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: elena.kadvany@sfchronicle.com
Soleil Ho is off this week, so associate food critic Cesar Hernandez is taking over the newsletter.

Ive spent a lot of time sitting in greasy spoon booths wasting away my youth.

I love that release of air from those pleather-bound, plushy seats when you sit. When I think of a cozy dining setting, its bouncy diner booths where my mind wanders. I found a special comfort in the burgundy ones from Dennys, the dark blue ones from IHOP. The first time I came to San Francisco, those old-school diners made an unknown place feel familiar. But really, those comfy seats were a chance to slow down. As adults were always in a hurry. It almost seems unfathomable thinking back on all the hours I spent there, doing homework, talking crap, just loitering. Diner booths are where I got to really know my closest friends. Sometimes the best way to converse is at 2 a.m., planted in those glossy, sticky seats, eating pancakes.

The most memorable breakfast Ive had recently came from a cafe in Vallejo, where I sat in one of those nostalgic booths. Called Kehulanis Cafe, its attached to a Motel 6 and serves a mix of Hawaiian and Filipino food.

Like many motels, its situated next to an interstate  this ones a stones throw from the I-80. Adjacent to the motel is a grocery store that shares a parking lot with a weed dispensary, the slickest place for a few miles. Across the street is a drive-thru coffee shop that specializes in caffeine with dome lids, carefully protecting the whipped topping from the elements.

Kehaulanis Cafe is a humble diner. The walls are styled with Hawaiian memorabilia, like a framed tiny turquoise shirt with a floral pattern, a surfboard with thorny Christmas lights and a boat oar, all working to simulate the island feel. Only, of course, this is hot, sunny Solano County, where the nearest, highly trafficked body of water is the Napa River about three miles east. Much of the bar seating is blocked off, but the fluffy booths are comfortable. The coffee isnt good, but it is hot and comes with unlimited refills. The air smells of oil but it feels lived in, and those kinds of details mean more to me than any slick interior.

The reason Im here, and why I believe you should be, too, is the loco moco. This isnt the stuff you might be used to  no thick hamburger stacked over rice and sunny side up eggs with a ladle of brown gravy. No, this loco moco is made with a hunk of braised short rib, and the thin gravy littered with mushrooms forms a brown pool around it. The eggs lie next to it, patiently resting over two scoops of rice, their yolks like watchful yellow eyes sprinkled with flecks of furikake. The rice is fluffy and still has character, acting like tiny sponges soaking up the peppery gravy. The short rib is braised into submission until the muscle fibers and fat are fork-tender.

The process starts the night before, when the restaurant is empty. Owner and chef Arnold Pulido developed the recipe 20 years ago, looking for a way to ditch the burger patty. The short rib is seared then braised for 10 hours with a mirepoix  diced vegetables like onions, carrots and celery that act as a flavor base  plus beef stock, a little red wine for acidity and soy sauce. Its left to rest in its juices to absorb the flavors then is reheated in a bag using the sous vide method. The gravy is made with mushrooms, cracked black pepper and beef tallow instead of butter.

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Pulido has a padded cooking resume, he spent time in George Morrone kitchens (the restaurateur is best known for Aqua) and worked at San Franciscos high-end One Market restaurant before leaving to raise a family in the early 2000s. It wouldnt be until 2018 that he and his spouse Anna Pulido opened the cafe. The menu is inspired by both of their backgrounds, with iconic Pinoy dishes like chicken adobo, sisig and longsilog and Hawaiian items like loco moco, Spam and eggs, and malasadas.

Its hard to imagine a better morning than waking up from a motel stay, wiping the crust from your eye and being met with a beautiful breakfast. But its the pure humanness of this joint that warms my cranky heart.

Diners operate in this weird feedback loop of nostalgia, where the restaurants force me to be nostalgic for a time I didnt even know. Perhaps its the sameness of the format: you know what youre getting into, and it all kind of tastes the same. But they possess a strong magic, when even just one visit can simulate a life where youre a regular and all the staff knows you by name. Except Kehaulanis Cafe makes better food than most diners Ive been to, and Ive been to many.

Kehaulanis Cafe. 38 Admiral Callaghan Ln., Vallejo. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. 707-654-8220 or kehaulaniscafe.com
Last week, I got news that the Biden administration will deport me.

I am currently sitting in an ICE Detention Center in Bakersfield, defeated. And it feels like the end of life as I know it.

Last year, after serving 26 years and earning my release from San Quentin State Prison, I was hopeful I would finally go home. Instead of being reunited with my family and community after paying my debt to society, however, California transferred me directly to Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention.

I came to the U.S. as a refugee and as a child; I was born in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge genocide. When I was 4 years old, my family and I fled war and took refuge in Thailand before relocating to America.

We settled in Long Beach in Southern California and that was where I was raised. Adjusting to life there was difficult. My family suffered from the trauma of war and life in Long Beach often didnt make things easier. I witnessed and experienced poverty, racism, violence and gangs. I had difficulties finding my place in society, so in my teens I, too, turned to gang life. In 1995, I took an innocent persons life.

I have been incarcerated for the majority of my life. I entered prison at 21. Today, I am 48.

Prison, however, is where I began to turn my life around.

In 2003, I learned that my sister was murdered by her boyfriend. Amid the pain and sorrow, a seed of transformation was planted. A true understanding of the pain and harm that I had caused to so many people began to register. Sorrow and remorse became my guiding lights.

From that point on, I sought any opportunity to better myself and give back to society. And I began in earnest to account for my actions and the pain I have caused  to the victims, the broader community and my family.

While at San Quentin State Prison, I received my associate degree and I became a certified crisis counselor sponsored by Bay Area Women Against Rape. I worked for the San Quentin News and co-founded ROOTS, an Asian and Pacific Islander ethnic studies program. I worked with incarcerated individuals and survivors of crime in the Victims and Offender Education Group program, which allowed me to mentor incarcerated people through the process of accountability and healing.

Throughout my incarceration, I sat in healing circles to discuss rehabilitation, accountability, re-entry and ways to reduce recidivism. I met with public leaders such as George Gascon, now the district attorney of Los Angeles County, and former California Assembly member and now attorney general, Rob Bonta. I gained a greater commitment to serve my community once released. In honor of my sister, I hope to one day devote my life in service to women dealing with domestic violence.

In recent years, California has recognized that people who committed crimes as youth, such as me, were not fully developed cognitively. Laws like SB261, enacted in 2015, now recognize that we have the capacity to mature and rehabilitate. As a result of this law, which expanded youth offender parole hearings, I was found suitable for early release based on my growth and rehabilitation.

Yet instead of freedom on the day of my release, I was shackled by ICE and have been detained ever since.

More than 2,600 immigrants like me experienced this kind of double-punishment in the past two years. This harms families, our state and our country. Why do we invest in criminal justice reforms for youth offenders who rehabilitate and then sabotage those efforts by deporting them?

To be sure, some may argue that it is in the nations interests to deport people like me who have had a serious conviction in the past. But I served my time, and I have already been deemed not a concern to public safety by Gov. Gavin Newsom, who supported my parole.

Through my experiences, I have something to offer that can help heal our society troubled by violence. I have facilitated trauma healing work with those who committed crimes, and with victims and survivors of crime, which could help prevent others from going down the path I did.

California is a sanctuary state that prides itself on being a welcoming environment to immigrants. Yet sadly, there are thousands like myself who have been handed over to ICE after serving their time  transferred from one cage to another.

Thats why I support passage of AB937 from Assembly Member Wendy Carillo, D-Boyle Heights (Los Angeles County), which would prevent this double punishment of immigrants and refugees, and give people like me a chance to reintegrate into society after completing their sentences.

I may be deported to Cambodia in two weeks  a country I have never truly known. My last hope to stop my deportation is a pardon from Gov. Newsom.

But if that pardon doesnt come, I still hope that our state will transform its policies and pass AB937. Give people like me the chance to live up to our potential and contribute to the greater good.

Phoeun You is a trained facilitator in trauma healing work with survivors of crime and offenders.
The average income of people who moved out of San Francisco during the early part of the pandemic surged from a year earlier, as more wealthy, white-collar workers, many of whom could work remotely, left the city.

Between 2019 and 2020, the number of people listed on a tax return in San Francisco fell by 39,202, a drop of 4.5%, according to data from the Internal Revenue Service. Residents who left made an average of about $138,000 per year in 2019, up 67% from the prior year, when departing residents had an average annual income of around $82,000. San Franciscos net out-migration, the number of people who moved out minus the number of people who moved in, nearly tripled in one year.

The agency cited data from tax returns received between 2019 and mid-July 2021. Separate census data showed a 6.3% population drop in San Francisco between July 2020 and July 2021, the largest in the country.

The total income in 2019 of people who had left the city by the time they filed their 2019 returns was about $10.6 billion, compared with $3.8 billion for those that came to the city  a net loss of almost $6.9 billion. The net change in the previous year was also negative, but much less at $2.6 billion, according to the IRS.

Michael Caplan, a retired doctor, was among those who left San Francisco during the pandemic, after he and his wife, Donna Caplan, sold their 1,600-square-foot condo in the Eureka Valley neighborhood, where he had lived for 31 years.

The high cost of living, traffic and horrible air quality from wildfires all pushed them to move to the Denver area, where their son lives.

They sold their San Francisco condo for $1.7 million and are now building a 4,300-square-foot mansion on almost 2 acres in Monument, Colo., while they rent nearby. Local home prices are about a third of those in the Bay Area. Donna, who is in finance, is able to work remotely.

Provided by Michael Caplan

The couple had considered moving to Pleasanton or Santa Rosa, but home prices there have also skyrocketed. Michael misses friends and culture in the Bay Area, but the economics of ever returning are daunting.

Were not sure we could afford to move back at this point, Michael said. For now, theyll visit.

Ted Egan, San Franciscos chief economist, said the flood of high-income residents leaving will not have a direct hit on municipal coffers, as the city doesnt collect a personal income tax. Voters also repealed the remnants of a payroll tax in 2020.

But fewer people living in the city means less business for local shops and directly contributed to the plunge in sales tax revenue from $165 million in 2019 to $88 million in 2020. City officials dont expect sales tax revenue to recover to pre-pandemic levels until the fiscal year starting in July 2025.

Our sales tax performance is so much weaker than the rest of the state, Egan said. Its one more sign weve had a major drop in population.

Provided by Michael Caplan

It couldve been a one-time blip if everyone came back after the pandemic, said Egan. The real question today is what will it take for people to come back?

Fewer residents, particularly those working in the tech industry, also lessens the rate of new business formation, which would reduce future tax revenue.

These are people who start businesses, said Egan. If they decide not to be in San Francisco, that weakens  our tech cluster.

In other words, the next big tech startup could be founded in Austin, Texas, not South of Market.

The other eight Bay Area counties saw increased net out-migration during the same time period, but none as much as San Francisco. San Mateo and Santa Clara counties each saw the population of tax filers drop by 2.1%, and Alameda County saw a loss of 1.4%.

The other five counties saw tax filer population losses of under 1%. In contrast to San Francisco, Napa, Marin and Sonoma counties saw per capita average incomes rise, mirroring a real estate frenzy that saw home prices spike, particularly in the more suburban and rural parts of the Bay Area.

Nationally, New York City also saw a massive flight of wealth, with roughly 300,000 residents listed on tax filings leaving and $21 billion in reported income exiting the city, the New York Times reported. Unlike San Francisco and most other cities, New York City has a personal income tax, so the tax hit could be particularly dire.

The two most popular destinations for San Francisco residents who left the Bay Area were still in California: a net 2,163 people left for Los Angeles County and a net 1,172 people moved to San Diego County.

King County in Washington, which includes the tech hub of Seattle, was the third-most-popular destination overall and the most popular out of state, with a net 1,031 ex-San Franciscans arriving. Sacramento County (1,011 people) and Travis County, Texas, home of Austin (740 people), were the next-most-popular destinations.

Portlands Multnomah County in Oregon and Colorados Denver County each attracted more than 500 San Francisco migrants who were listed on filings.

Some ex-San Franciscans and ex-Bay Area residents say they didnt feel like staying in the city that lost its energy during the pandemic, while others were frustrated in their attempts to buy a home.

Thalia Juarez/Special to The Chronicle

Larissa Bundziak moved from New York to San Francisco in March 2019, eager to live in the epicenter of tech and pursue a career in cryptocurrency.

But a year later, the pandemic shut down professional events and hurt the citys appeal for her.

I really moved to San Francisco for my career and to have the in-person connection with professionals in an industry I wanted to rise in, she said. Once everything was canceled, it just didnt have the value for me.

Her routine narrowed to traveling between her apartment and the grocery store or to a park, and there were only so many times that she could visit the same outdoor spaces before getting bored.

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In December 2020, she moved back to New York. She now works for Okcoin, a bitcoin currency exchange that is headquartered in San Francisco but also has a team in New York. In any case, going to the office is now optional.

Bundziak misses San Franciscos unique mix of nature and scenery with urban life, but she wouldnt consider moving back, at least not full time.

Krista Miller grew up in Petaluma and had lived in Pacifica for more than a dozen years when the pandemic hit.

Cassidy Araiza/Special to The Chronicle

She had been renting a tiny apartment and wanted to buy a house, but the cheapest one she saw in Pacifica was asking $825,000 for only one bedroom and one bathroom.

Miller, a single mom, wanted to stay in the Western U.S. and eventually settled on Tucson, where she was able to buy a new home with four bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The price was in the low $400,000s, about half of what she was seeing in the Bay Area, and for much more space. She moved in March 2021.

She had some concerns around political differences between Arizona and California. In a sandwich shop, she was unnerved when she saw someone with not one but two pistols, thanks to the states open carry gun laws.

But Miller has found a book club with all liberal women, and downtown Tucson has cultural events like museums and stagings of Hamilton and Wicked. Shes gotten used to the desert heat.

I probably would not consider coming back. I really like living in a spacious house, Miller said. I couldnt do that if I lived in the Bay Area.

Cassidy Araiza/Special to The Chronicle

Miller also imagined that if she stayed in the Bay Area, her daughter would also face the same economic struggles as she grew older.

Its becoming very difficult for someone whos not wealthy to live there comfortably, said Miller, who works in contract administration. Its become a lot more difficult for working people.

In Arizona, she said, I feel like I fit in.

Roland Li and Susie Neilson are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com, susan.neilson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisf, @susieneilson
A man who spent 20 years in prison on a wrongful murder conviction says the city of San Francisco withheld a key piece of evidence to make him seem guilty and, thus, not entitled to compensation.

Maurice Caldwell was released in 2011, after a judge overturned his murder conviction. Caldwell sued the city in federal court, alleging that police misconduct led to his imprisonment for a crime he didnt commit. Now, he alleges city attorneys withheld for six years a videotaped interview that could have helped his lawsuit and secured him $1 million from a state victims fund at a time he desperately needed money.

In December 2021, he received an $8 million settlement from the city, but Caldwell said this was only after the city fought him for nearly a decade and after, Caldwell alleges, the citys withholding of evidence cost him a smaller amount from the state Victims Compensation Board, allegations the City Attorneys Office denies.

I was homeless, Caldwell, who couldnt work because of a back injury from prison, told The Chronicle. I was living in a motel. I had other exonerees helping me.

In California, people who say they were wrongfully convicted can seek financial restitution through the civil courts as well as through the compensation board.

In a new court filing, Caldwells attorneys say the city officials actions caused the state Victims Compensation Board to decline to pay Caldwell in 2019. The filing is administrative, not a lawsuit, and asks a Sacramento Superior Court judge to instruct the compensation board to reconsider its decision. If the board were to approve, Caldwell would be entitled under state law to $1 million  $140 per day of imprisonment.

Unfortunately, a spokesperson for the City Attorneys Office said in an emailed statement, Caldwell is making a number of completely false claims in his latest attempt to obtain compensation for his conviction, which was overturned because of the ineffective assistance of his own counsel.

Caldwells case was emblematic of the city of San Franciscos historically hard-charging response to lawsuits from people who have had their convictions overturned, though the City Attorneys Office has new leadership since his lawsuit and other similar ones were resolved. David Chiu became city attorney in November, taking over from longtime City Attorney Dennis Herrera.

At least seven people  all Black men  have been exonerated in the city since 1990, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. While the city has paid settlements to at least four of the men  and lost a civil lawsuit to one at trial, leading to a $13 million payout  San Francisco attorneys spent varying amounts of time opposing them first.

Defending the City against claims and lawsuits is a core function of the City Attorneys Office and is our ethical and legal obligation, the City Attorneys Office said in an emailed statement. We fulfilled that duty competently and ethically in this case as well as in the thousands of other claims and lawsuits we receive each year.

To Caldwell, spending two decades in prison and another seeking restitution from a city that possessed a videotape that could have sped up his journey felt like justice wasnt being served in every way.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

The killing

Caldwell was convicted in 1991 of the June 30, 1990, killing of Judy Acosta. Acosta had been shot before daylight during an apparently soured drug deal in southern San Francisco, outside of Alemany public housing.

Two men fired shots, witnesses said. One, who would never be charged, had a handgun. The other had a shotgun.

Caldwell, 22, lived in Alemany and has witnesses who say he was inside an apartment when the shooting happened. After the shooting, residents including Caldwell came outside.

No physical evidence connected him to the scene. The case against him hinged on the testimony of one eyewitness.

Mary Cobbs, 28, was a single mother of two who lived in a building in the complex near the scene. Cobbs said she heard gunfire and looked out her window.

She identified Caldwell as the shotgun shooter after an officer brought him to her door in handcuffs during canvassing after the crime, which prejudiced her against him, Caldwells attorneys have said. Before the officer stopped by with Caldwell, Cobbs had said the shotgun shooter didnt live in the complex. After seeing him at her door, she identified Caldwell as the assailant. Defense experts have concluded in recent years that Cobbs would have been too far away  and in conditions too dark  to make out the shooters features.

The second-degree-murder conviction and sentence of 27 years to life stood until December 2010, when a San Francisco judge threw it out, finding Caldwells trial counsel had been ineffective by not thoroughly investigating his claims of innocence. The District Attorneys Office under then-new District Attorney George Gascon refiled the murder charge but offered Caldwell a deal that would allow him to go free on time served if he pleaded guilty to manslaughter, Caldwells attorneys said. He turned it down, risking a retrial because he refused to admit guilt.

A judge ruled that because Cobbs had died, her testimony couldnt be used against Caldwell because she couldnt be cross-examined. The District Attorneys office dropped the charges.

Provided by Maurice Caldwell

What the man said

As the city was fighting Caldwells lawsuit in 2015, police investigators interviewed a man who had been accused of being the real shotgun shooter.

The Northern California Innocence Project, which represented Caldwell after his conviction, found two witnesses who said the handgun shooter was a man named Marritte Funches. The Innocence Project tracked Funches down to a Nevada prison, where he was serving a life sentence for murder. There, Funches provided them with a sworn declaration asserting he was the handgun shooter and that the man with the shotgun was Henry Martin.

Two now-former San Francisco Police Department investigators, Jim Spillane and Allen Levy, interviewed Martin, who denied involvement in the killing but said he witnessed part of it.

The Oct. 14, 2015, interview was filmed, but the tape would not be turned over to Caldwell for six years. The video shows Martin telling officers that he heard the name Marritte called out during the shooting. That could have lent credibility to Marritte Funches claims that he was the handgun shooter, said Caldwells attorney, Terry Gross.

Martin told officers he couldnt identify the shotgun shooter.

I couldnt actually see the person, Martin said in the video, obtained by The Chronicle. It was just too far away. I was on drugs, and it was dark.

Though Funches said Martin was the shotgun shooter, Spillane spent just seconds asking Martin about that during the interview. He spent much more time asking if Martin could implicate Caldwell.

All the questioning was about Maurice, said Gross.

Gross was also surprised to see Spillane suggest to Martin that Funches was lying about their involvement.

Hes doing life in prison without the possibility of parole, which affords him an opportunity  you follow?  to say that he did this shooting, Spillane told Martin. What can they do to him? They cant do nothing more to him.

Reached by phone, Spillane told The Chronicle that he didnt remember all the details of the interview, but that he didnt pressure witnesses.

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I go into interviews and I want to hear what people have to say, said Spillane, who retired three years ago. I dont pressure anybody one way or another. I dont have anything at stake in that.

Efforts to reach Levy, who asked no questions in the interview, were unsuccessful. Martin couldnt be reached for comment. Gross said he hasnt been in contact with him since early 2021, when Martin was deposed in Caldwells civil lawsuit against the city.

San Francisco police spokesperson Robert Rueca said the department works diligently to hold the right individuals accountable and is looking into the accusations. As these particular matters may lead to litigation, we will make no further statements until we fully investigate this matter, he said in an email.

Provided by Maurice Caldwell

Shocked

While city officials didnt turn over the taped interview, they summarized Martins version of events in a sworn declaration prepared the same day as the interview. City attorneys maintain they conducted a second interview with Martin and didnt base the declaration on the video, though Gross says he finds it hard to believe the attorneys wouldnt have watched the video. The declaration would be used against Caldwell, and it would diverge from what Martin told investigators in the videotaped interview.

The declaration makes no mention of Martins uncertainty about what he saw, instead presenting him saying he saw the shotgun shooter; leaves out that Martin said he heard Funches name called; and claims that Martin said Caldwell offered Martin money to say that he really was the shotgun shooter.

What Martin actually says in the video is that Caldwell told him someone might write a book about the case and there could be money in the book, which Caldwell denies.

The declaration was used as evidence against Caldwell in the 2017 hearing before the California Victims Compensation Board that he ultimately lost. The board, which hears arguments from the person who says they were wrongfully incarcerated and from the state Attorney Generals Office, split on Caldwells case and then turned him down in 2019.

The city turned over the video in early 2021  on the eve of Martins deposition, court papers said. The citys position is that was when officials realized they had the tape in their possession while preparing for the deposition. Caldwells attorneys have tried unsuccessfully to have the city sanctioned for the failure to turn over the tape.

Gross said that when he finally saw the tape, he was floored by how little Spillane asked about Martin, how much he asked about Caldwell and what Martin said about Funches name being said during the killing.

We were just absolutely shocked, he said.

Caldwell said he was also stunned.

I was tore up, he said. I was terrorized.

Caldwell says he believes the video would have tipped the board in his favor. Besides that, a 2021 change in state code shifted the burden of proof from the person who says they were wrongfully imprisoned to the Attorney Generals Office during California Victims Compensation Board hearings.

A hearing on the motion to have the compensation board reconsider is set for Oct. 28.

Joshua Sharpe is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: joshua.sharpe@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joshuawsharpe
SACRAMENTO, Calif.  Parenting  that long chain of decisions that hopefully leads to a well-rounded adult  was always a little less stressful for Laura Guerra because her husband, Rigo, was 100% in it for their daughter, Emilia.

But Rigo died from COVID-19 on Christmas Eve in 2020, alone in a hospital room while Guerra watched helplessly from the other side of a window. Since then, left to raise their now 2-year-old daughter mostly by herself, Guerra's mind hasn't stopped racing.

Im constantly thinking, she said. Every decision that I make, if I make the wrong decision, shes going to suffer for it. And that scares the hell out of me.

Now, California is using some of its record-setting budget surplus to help ease Guerras mind, and those of others like her. Last month, California became the first state to commit to setting up trust funds for children who lost a parent or caregiver to the pandemic.

The money  $100 million in total  will go to into interest-bearing accounts for children from low-income families who have lost a parent to COVID and to kids who are in the states foster care system. State lawmakers havent decided how much money each child will get, but one early proposal would give younger kids $4,000 and older kids $8,000. That would be enough to provide funding for about 16,000 kids, who could spend the money once they become adults.

As a mom, this gives me a little bit of that security back, said Guerra, who has been advocating for the trust funds as a member of the advocacy group COVID Survivors for Change. I dont want her to continue to be a victim of this virus forever.

The first U.S. savings bonds were introduced in the 1930s to raise money for the government and give ordinary Americans an opportunity to invest. Those bonds were nicknamed baby bonds, because parents would often buy them for their children.

These modern-day baby bonds are different in that, instead of being purchased by parents, the government gives the money to children from low-income families for free. Advocates have held up the idea as a way to help close the racial wealth gap between white and minority families, who were largely excluded from the federal wealth-building programs during the Great Depression.

Hillary Clinton briefly included a baby bonds proposal in her 2008 presidential campaign platform, and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker introduced a national baby bonds bill in Congress that has yet to pass.

The Washington D.C. City Council passed a baby bond program in 2021, committing to give low-income children $500 plus another $1,000 each year that their parents remain below a certain income level. Last year, Connecticut was the first state to approve a statewide baby bonds program  although it hasn't been funded yet.

The idea is similar to guaranteed income programs that give cash to low-income people each month with no restrictions on how they can use it. California has several such programs at the local level, modeled after high-profile demonstration project in Stockton that launched three years ago.

While guaranteed income programs are about helping people with short-term expenses, baby bonds are about the future. Children could not touch the money until they reach adulthood. During that time, the money would grow by collecting interest payments from a bank.

How much money they children will get depends on how long the account grows. For younger children, advocates hope they will have between $20,000 and $40,000 once they become adults.

Income and wealth are different things, said Michael Tubbs, the former mayor of Stockton who is now an advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom and founder of the advocacy group End Poverty in California. People should have the wherewithal to pay their bills today  but the next generation shouldnt have to live paycheck to paycheck.

California's baby bonds program is the latest in a surge of new spending aimed at combating poverty. Since 2018, California has spent $13 billion on an array of new laws and policy changes that have lifted an estimated 300,000 children out of poverty, according to a report released earlier this year by Grace, a California-based nonprofit.

That spending includes a $1,000 tax credit for low income families with young children, a universal school meals program, college savings accounts for low-income kids and a commitment to send every 4-year-old to kindergarten for free.

The group hopes California's baby bonds program is just a first step. Its goal is to eventually have the state give trust funds to every child in the state born into a low income family.

The goal has always been, How do we help best set up low income children for their future?' said Shimica Gaskins, president and CEO of Grace. We had really relied on educational pathways, but also know that cash and cash assistance and opportunity are equally important.

It's not clear if the Legislature would expand the program to include all children from low-income families. State Sen. Nancy Skinner, a Democrat from Berkeley and chair of the Senate Budget Committee, said lawmakers will closely watch the COVID survivor bond program to see how it works.

The great irony of California especially, but the nation as a whole, is we have such wealth but its so concentrated, Skinner said. Whatever we can do that can address that income inequality is essential to do.

The state treasurers office will manage the money in interest-bearing accounts. Once the recipients become adults, they can spend the money however they want. But advocates hope theyll use it for things like a down payment for a house, college tuition or a car.

Guerra said she doesn't know how her daughter would use the money once she's old enough to spend it.

I do whatever I can to steer her in the right direction and to make her a good human being, right? she said.

For now, she's focused on making sure her daughter, Emilia, remembers her father. So far, her efforts appear to be working.

Emilia Guerra sees her daddy everywhere. He's in the picture frames on the walls of her room. He's on the screen of her mother's phone. And he's in the recesses of her 2-year-old mind, showing his face to her in scattered moments across her bustling life.

Randomly, we will be sitting somewhere and she says, Hi Daddy! Guerra said. I do tell her that mommy can't see daddy. But maybe she can.
When 64-year-old Xue Mei Liang was, after a long wait, finally selected in The Citys lottery to move into an affordable senior housing unit at 735 Davis St., her initial excitement soon turned into despair. She discovered that her income wasnt considered sufficient to cover the rent for a majority of the senior housing units available, even though they were labeled affordable.

Liang now lives in private housing with her husband, who is in poor health and struggles to make any financial contribution. Despite working in a caretaking job, her monthly household income of $1,600 is not enough. Thats because under current rules, household income must equal twice the rent. This means an $800 per month unit is the most she can be eligible for, and such units are extremely rare. She also cannot retire, for that extra income is the only thing keeping her household afloat.

I feel disappointed and anxious, said Liang in Taishanese, a dialect native to Guangdong, China. The 735 Davis St. residence she had applied for had more than 2,800 applicants, but only 37 units, and even fewer that met her income level. My mother couldnt get affordable senior housing for such a long time that she passed away while waiting.

RELATED: Supervisors approve affordable housing measures, access for vets

At the Community Tenants Association organized by Rita Lui, Liangs story is not unique. Most elderly people who seek help from the association face language barriers and need help filling out applications. They also face geographical restrictions when it comes to housing, since they rely heavily on community services where their languages are spoken, like the Chinese Hospital in Chinatown. Lui has seen too many cases where elderly people who have applied everywhere for a decade never received a lottery, like 80-year-old Guo Ren Wang, who has been applying for affordable senior housing for more than a decade.

I still remember that half a year after my 90-year-old mother passed away, a letter came to inform us that she received her lottery, said Wang. He now lives in an SRO in Chinatown with his wife and depends on their daughter for groceries due to a walking difficulty. Relying solely on retirement pensions, his family is unlikely to ever be eligible even if they are to be chosen in a lottery. I cant help but feel like I might end up like my mother.

Based on a recent policy analyst report submitted to Supervisor Gordon Mar, approximately 25% of seniors aged 65 and older have incomes below 150% of the federal poverty level. The Planning Department also found in 2018 that nearly half of all senior-headed households earned less than 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). However, the rents charged for a majority of affordable senior housing units are based on the renter having an income of 50% AMI or above.

Take 735 Davis St. as an example. Most units for a two-person household are set at 50%, 60%, and 70% AMI, which would respectively mean a monthly rent of at least $1,048, $1,436, and $1,496. Data analysis done by the Senior Housing Research Project also found that most affordable senior housing in the city would require at least $2,100 of monthly income for a household to become eligible. But the vast majority of senior renters who live alone fall below this amount.

Many elderlies lose their partner, and when they do, they tend to lose their affordable housing, too, since the household has lost half of its income, said Lui. They often have to scramble for housing while going through grief and loss. This shouldnt happen.

Lui and many housing rights groups have been advocating to abolish using the AMI to set rent levels. They believe that lottery receivers should only pay 30% of their total household income, however much that is and however it may change, while the city subsidizes the remaining amount if there is a gap. This would prevent seniors from being permanently ineligible or losing housing when their circumstances change. She described the current situation as putting the city in a bind, since the senior population is projected to grow by more than 65% in 20 years, but affordable housing construction in the city costs between $700,000 and $900,000 per unit, making them expensive to rent.

The building cost of housing is high. We dont know where that kind of funding is going to come from to fill in the gaps if we adopt a 30% income flexible rent, which we should, she said.

The disconnect between needs and cost of building is further highlighted by an intensifying debate between the mayors office and the Board of Supervisors over housing plans.

Supervisor Connie Chans Affordable Housing Production Act (AHPA), which is co-sponsored by five other supervisors, aims to focus on increasing affordability and on accelerating review and approval of affordable housing projects.

Mayor London Breed has a similar measure called Affordable Homes Now, except that it would build both market-rate housing as well as more affordable housing, and it would allow the definition of affordable housing to go up to 140% AMI. While the city has already exceeded its state-mandated goals for market-rate units, critics argue that Chans AHPA measure sets the bar for affordability so high that it wont result in new housing at all, because it would not be financially feasible to build.

Were not the only California city thats facing a housing crisis, so its time we ask the state government to step in and solve this problem with us, said Chan, we are going to continue to push for the state to fund a higher per-unit building cost and reconsider their current criteria.

AHPA has received the support of a majority on the Board of Supervisors, while Breed aims to get her housing measure on the ballot through signature-gathering. These two dueling measures are now both expected to appear on the November ballot.

I hear a lot of stories in public comment sessions and it is heartbreaking, said Chan. She says she looks forward to having more conversations with all parties, including affordable housing managements, to work on preventing seniors from losing housing. Were going to have to make sure we build houses that are actually at affordable rates, because many that now identify as below market rate units are still out of reach.
A wild turkey on the loose near a Bay Area airport reportedly earned itself the lengthy nickname Vacavilloceraptor this weekend after attacking a local and a police car.

As reported by KTVU Monday, the incident took place near an airport in Fairfield when a hostile turkey began attacking a resident.

The resident then contacted the police. A patrol officer that arrived on the scene then was subject to the turkey striking the vehicle with the officer still inside, KTVU reported.

Rather than confront the turkey, video footage shows the officer driving away as the turkey trails the officer.

The officer, KTVU reported, offered some tips on how to handle a wild turkey attack.

"Stay in your vehicle, they havent figured out door handles yet," the officer told the station. "Also, consider safely driving away. They can only run up to 25 mph."

California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Ken Pagia told SFGATE that wild turkeys, while still rare, have adapted to urban environments and can become aggressive as well as a nuisance, especially when fed by the public.

His advice for confronting an aggressive turkey is to haze it.

If youre approached by an aggressive turkey and feel uncomfortable, you can haze the animal without hurting it by standing tall, shouting aggressively, or by throwing sticks or rocks at it, Pagia told SFGATE.

The residents strategy was also effective  getting to a safe place and contacting law enforcement  as was the officer staying in the vehicle.

But Pagia notes that turkeys can sometimes get extra aggressive with cars.

Note that male turkeys sometimes peck at windows or other reflective surfaces because they seem to think their reflection is another bird in their territory, he said.

Turkey attacks, while still rare, have grown in notoriety in the Bay Area in recent years. Between Gerald terrorizing Oakland residents across much of 2020, and the group of turkeys who wrought havoc at NASAs Ames Research Center earlier this year, the chaos theyve created has intensified beyond pandemic novelty.

The bottom line is that people should respect wild turkeys by giving them space and not providing food or water, Pagia said.
US Forest Service

A man died and a woman was injured when they fell down a waterfall in Southern California's San Bernardino Mountains on Sunday, the sheriff's department said.

Rescue crews responded at around 3:20 p.m. to find the unnamed female, 43, performing CPR on the male, also 43, at the base of Big Falls. Officials said the pair fell from the middle falls to the lower falls at the popular destination along a hiking trail about 80 miles east of Los Angeles. The Riverside woman was airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center in a San Bernardino Sheriffs Department helicopter, and the man, from Hemet, was pronounced dead at the scene.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Justice Department filed a lawsuit Monday against some of the largest poultry producers in the U.S. along with a proposed settlement seeking to end what it claims have been longstanding deceptive and abusive practices for workers.

The suit, filed in federal court in Maryland, names Cargill, Sanderson Farms and Wayne Farms, along with a data consulting company known as Webber, Meng, Sahl and Co. and its president.

In its lawsuit, the Justice Department alleges the companies have been engaged in a multiyear conspiracy to exchange information about the wages and benefits of workers at poultry processing plants to drive down employee competition in the marketplace. The companies did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

The government contends the data consulting firm helped to share the information about the workers compensation with the companies and their executives. By carrying out the scheme, officials allege, the companies were able to compete less intensely for workers and reduce the amount of money and benefits they had to offer their employees, suppressing competition for poultry processing workers across the board, according to court papers.

The defendants and unnamed co-conspirators in the lawsuit account for hiring about 90% of all chicken processing jobs in the nation.

The suit is the latest example of the Justice Departments antitrust enforcement targeting companies the government believes engage in anticompetitive behavior to stifle workers or harm consumers. It also comes as the department continues a broader investigation into labor abuses in the poultry industry.

"Through a brazen scheme to exchange wage and benefit information, these poultry processors stifled competition and harmed a generation of plant workers who face demanding and sometimes dangerous conditions to earn a living, said Doha Mekki, the principal deputy assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's antitrust division.

The suit against the companies was filed with a proposed consent decree  a settlement that would require the companies to pay $84.8 million in restitution for workers who were harmed by the unlawful information sharing network.

The settlement would also put in place a federal monitor selected by the Justice Department who would ensure compliance for the next decade. The consent decree also would permit Justice Department lawyers and investigators to inspect the poultry processors facilities and interview their employees to ensure they are complying with the terms, according to court documents.

The suit comes as Cargill and Continental Grain, of which Wayne Farms is a subsidiary, formed a joint venture to acquire Sanderson Farms, paying $203 per share in cash for a company that last year processed more than 4.8 billion pounds (2.2 billion kilograms) of meat.

The companies plan to combine Sanderson Farms with Wayne Farms to form a new, privately held poultry business. Operations will include poultry processing plants and prepared foods plants across Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas.

Wayne Farms has more than 9,000 employees. It makes products under brand names including Wayne Farms fresh and prepared chicken, Platinum Harvest premium fresh chicken, Chefs Craft gourmet chicken, Naked Truth premium chicken and Ladybird premium chicken.

Laurel, Mississippi-based Sanderson Farms has 17,000 employees and 12 plants. It processes 13.6 million chickens per week.

The proposed consent decree would also resolve allegations that Sanderson Farms and Wayne Farms treated chicken farmers unfairly by using a system that reduced their pay for low performance.

The farmers sign contracts to raise the chickens, and the processing companies provide the birds and the feed. The farmers' pay is then determined by how well they perform compared with other chicken growers. The Justice Department alleges that the companies use of that compensation method, known as the tournament system, resulted in their failure to provide information for farmers to evaluate and manage their financial risk.

Generally, chicken producers enter long-term contracts with meat companies that farmers say lock them into deals that fix their compensation at unprofitably low levels.

As part of that settlement, Sanderson Farms and Wayne Farms would be prohibited from reducing the base payments to chicken growers as a way to penalize them for under-performance. The consent decree would, though, allow the companies to offer incentives and bonuses to growers.

The proposed consent decree with the poultry companies and one with the data company were filed in court on Monday. Under federal law, the proposals would also be published in the Federal Register and there would be a 60-day period for people to send comments to the Justice Department before a court could accept and finalize the agreements.

___

This story has been corrected to show the settlement calls for restitution of $84.8 million, not $84.4 million.
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (AP) _ Sun Communities Inc. (SUI) on Monday reported a key measure of profitability in its second quarter.

The Southfield, Michigan-based real estate investment trust said it had funds from operations of $254.6 million, or $2.02 per share, in the period.
California fire officials said at a community meeting Sunday night that they've had success with stopping the spread of flames along parts of the southern and western edges of the Oak Fire.

"Today was the first day that I felt confident with this southern piece," said Justin Macomb, Cal Fire team 5 operations section chief. "I didn't want the fire to progress any further south. So we were able to get hand line and dozers. We sent everything we could to try to get direct line around the south and stop the southern spread. So that was a win for me."

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Local fire officials discuss the Oak Fire with residents during a community meeting at Mariposa County High School. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) Local fire officials discuss the Oak Fire with residents during a community meeting at Mariposa County High School. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

This was a bit of good news after the fire near Yosemite National Park ignited Friday afternoon and quickly became the largest wildfire in California so far this year.

But why is containment on the fire still low if firefighters have brought a large part of it under control? On Sunday night there was no containment and on Monday morning, Cal Fire finally announced 10% containment.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Mike van Loben Sels, a unit fire chief with Cal Fire, confirmed that firefighters have placed a lot of fire line around the fire. Fire line is the area adjacent to the blaze's perimeter where action is being taken to control flames. Often, a fire line is dug into the soil.

"The reason we're still showing it at 0% contained is because as I was driving that section today, and going around, there is hot ash, hot trees, still stuff throwing stuff over the fire line, causing us concerns," van Loben Sels said. "And what I really don't want to do is start showing containment or control lines or black lines on the map, if all of a sudden we get some spot fires starting to go over that fire line and spread. So what we're really doing is we're being very cautious on this."

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

He added, "You're going to start seeing [containment] real soon. You're going to start seeing black line on the map, you're going to start seeing containment across it real soon. We're just trying to be overly cautious on this from the fire behavior that we've seen. It is by far in my 30 years in the fire service some of the most extreme behavior I've seen, including fires up and down the state."

The Oak Fire grew from 1,600 to 11,999 acres in a single day, forcing more than 3,800 people in Mariposa County to evacuate their homes. As of Monday morning, the blaze was 16,791 acres. Cal Fire estimates 3,271 structures are currently threatened; 7 residences have been destroyed. Cal Fire said on Sunday night that the fire is most active in its northeast section in the Footman Ridge area.

Noah Berger/Associated Press

Updates: Get info on the Oak Fire from Cal Fire.

Information line: 1-844-668-3473

Evacuations: Get the latest info from Cal Fire and on the Mariposa County website. You can also sign up for Mariposa County emergency alerts.

Maps: Find from Mariposa County.

Wildfire cameras: Livestreaming from AlertWildfire.
NEW YORK (AP)  If Paul Hollywood needed any evidence that he and The Great British Bake Off have become pop culture icons, he just needs to turn on Netflix.

There last year, in the starry heist film Red Notice starring Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot, was a snippet of Hollywood's show, an unlikely hit on both sides of the Atlantic.

In one scene, Gadot, after a double- or triple-cross, is shown relaxing in front of a TV as she waits for a trap to spring on one of her co-stars. "She sits down and watches me on the Bake Off and Im going What? Thats Wonder Woman!' says Hollywood, still amazed.

Hollywood may have gone full Hollywood but he's not forgetting where the magic happens. The English baking specialist has returned to the basics this summer, offering ultimate versions of recipes that have been adjusted and updated for the modern world in the new cookbook Bake from Bloomsbury Publishing.

There were certain things I thought were too sweet and you didnt need to have that much sugar in them. I think our palates have changed over the last 20, 30, 40, 50 years, he says. I thought, Well, if you can reduce sugar and still enjoy a fantastic cake, then surely thats a good thing.'

The book is divided into six parts  cakes, cookies and scones, breads and flatbreads, pizzas and doughnuts, pastry and pies, and desserts. There are fine-tuned versions of everything from chocolate orange banana bread and cheese and onion soda bread to quattro formaggi pizza and fish pot pies.

Each recipe aims to capture the essence of the dish, and Hollywood hopes home cooks learn the basics. Once youve mastered it, then you can tweak it and alter it and change it and make it your own. You need to master it first  walk before you can run, he says.

In addition to adding less sugar  and also less salt  Hollywood has put his own twist on certain recipes, like asking for bread flour  also known as strong flour  in his scones and ditching lemon in favor of a lime meringue pie.

A former professional baker, Hollywood has built a media empire writing cookbooks and TV judging. He's known as much for rewarding contestants with a prized handshake as he is for his blunt assessments of dishes, saying things like I think theyre a little bit messy and They need to be in the oven much longer. Its way underdone. Its a shame.

He and fellow judge Prue Leith have become global stars thanks to The Great British Bake Off, which airs in the United States under the title The Great British Baking Show. Hollywood has spun off such shows as Paul Hollywood Eats Mexico, The American Baking Competition and "Junior Bake Off."

There is a spareness to each recipe in Bake, a reflection of Hollywood's blunt but fair persona. There's often a few sentences of introduction with an explanation of his tweaks and then a set of economical directions, some no more than a few hundred words.

You can have your froufrou and your fluffy comments when youre eating with your friend, he says, laughing. I said, Lets just cut to the chase, get the bloody thing made and then you can sit down and talk.

All you really need to bake like a pro, he says, is a kitchen scale, your hands and a good oven. Would-be bakers should not be intimidated by working with humidity or yeast.

I think ultimately the recipes themselves are very approachable, he says. If you weigh up the recipe correctly and your oven has been serviced  or its been cleaned and its been maintained well and it is achieving the temperature that it says its achieving  you are 90% of the way there just by weighing things up correctly. After that, its a case of just throwing it into a mixer and mixing it.

Hollywood's passion for baking is infectious and his knowledge deep. If you thought sourdough  which became more popular during the pandemic  originated in San Francisco, Hollywood goes further back. He traces it to the ancient Egyptians who baked it for the sun god Ra, then to the Romans and then Europeans, who brought it when they emigrated to California.

What is a sourdough? Well, for me, as long as youre not using shop-bought yeast, youre making your yeast in flour water, and youre harnessing the airborne bacteria, then what youre doing is a sourdough, he says.

Speaking of the pandemic, Hollywood is encouraged by more and more bakers turning to their kitchens and baking muffins, cookies or baked goods to sell.

People have a passion of baking, which, yes, was there before. But whats happened is theyve nurtured that passion through the pandemic. And now its become a full-blooded hobby or a gift or a trade or a business that they want to invest in, he says.

He says he's even seeing a higher awareness, sophistication and passion among the contestants on The Great British Bake Off, which has filmed 12 seasons with no end in sight.

Its always been there, but it seems to be getting more and more heightened now. Theyre just so knowledgeable about baking, which they just werent in season one and two, he says. They had an interest and they were good, but they just seem to be so much more knowledgeable now. And that blows my mind.

Hollywood has also noticed that men are engaging more with baking, something he encourages. He also wants children to get their hands in the dough instead of spending time on their Playstations or Switches.

The whole thing is about how delicate you are with some of the sponges and how deft you are with your touch to create something that looks and tastes amazing  thats what baking is all about. I always find that its a very inclusive thing.

___

Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits
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YAHIDNE, Ukraine (AP)  In a village in northern Ukraine that was devastated by Russian occupation only months ago, a techno party is in full swing.

In a bombed-out building, more than 200 young people have found a novel way to help rebuild their country.

The daytime clean-up rave in Yahidne was organized by young Ukrainians who have been using dance parties as a way to contribute to recovery efforts in the countrys north, which has suffered major damage from Russian bombardment.

Shovels in hand, the volunteers tackle the remnants of a village cultural center that was destroyed in March by a Russian rocket strike, tossing piles of debris onto a tractor's loader. A DJ, his turntables mounted on a stack of ammunition boxes, spins techno and house dance music as the volunteers work. Some even take a break from their labor to dance.

Volunteering is my lifestyle now, said Tania Burianova, an organizer with the Repair Together initiative. I like electronic music and I used to party. But now it's wartime and we want to help, and we're doing it with music.

Ukraine's vibrant club scene was brought to an abrupt halt with the Russian invasion on Feb. 24. Now, with a nighttime curfew in effect in Kyiv, the capital, and the threat of more Russian rocket attacks ever present, adherents of Ukraines party culture have sought to combine the fun and freedom of a music festival with rebuilding the country they love.

Burianova said the clean-up raves bring together those who had lost their nightclub community during the war, helping them regain a sense of normalcy and fun while contributing to the recovery of damaged towns.

We miss (parties) and we want to come back to normal life, but our normal life now is volunteering, Burianova, 26, told The Associated Press.

The damaged cultural center sits on the edge of Yahidne, where nearly all of the just over 300 people in the village were confined to a basement for weeks by Russian forces during the occupation of the northern Chernihiv province.

Local resident Nina, 68, said she spent those awful weeks in the basement before the Russian troops withdrew, and that 11 people died there as a result of the poor conditions. She was grateful to see young people coming together to help the village recover.

"They already repaired our windows, doors and entrances," Nina said of the volunteers. We couldn't do it ourselves with our salaries or pensions. I'm thankful that they helped us.

Most of the volunteers were in their 20s and 30s and came from Kyiv, about two hours' drive away. But others have come from the western city of Lviv and also nearby Chernihiv, while some foreign volunteers arrived from Portugal, the United States, Germany and elsewhere.

The clean-up at the cultural center was the groups eighth project so far, and they have already helped repair 15 damaged homes in the village. They plan to expand and hold a building camp event in the nearby town of Lukashivka, where they will construct 12 houses for people whose homes have been destroyed, Burianova said.

After finishing a set, DJ Oleksandr Buchinskiy said all of the volunteers were connected by a sense of optimism and responsibility.

These are all young people that still have a passion for life, but they feel pain and are very sad and angry because of the war, Buchinskiy said. But they feel a need to take part in this historical moment, and help people, and make Ukraine a better place with a smile on their faces.

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Follow APs coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
On April 25, Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., confirmed to Politico that hell seek the chairmanship position of the powerful House Financial Services Committee should Republicans take back Congress in November. Almost immediately after making his party leadership desires known, large donations to his re-election campaign flooded in, and from a peculiar place: the Bay Area.

Most noteworthy among the donors are a trio of very wealthy men. Election finance records show Ron Conway, an angel investor and political ally of San Francisco Mayor London Breed, gave McHenry $5,800, the maximum amount allowed for an individual contributor split between the primary and general elections. (Conway, nicknamed the Godfather of Silicon Valley, also gave $350,000 to a super PAC that supports pro-crypto politicians this cycle.)

Chris Larsen, the billionaire co-founder of Ripple  which touts itself as offering crypto solutions for business  maxed out a donation to McHenry, despite Larsens usual preference for the Democratic Party establishment (this most recent quarter, he also gave $250,000 to a PAC affiliated with House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and $5,800 to centrist Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va.). And Chris Dixon, a partner at Andreessen Horowitz who was labeled by Fortune as the worlds top crypto investor, immediately gave $5,800 to McHenry, too.

They were far from alone among their cadre during the second quarter of 2022, which stretched from April 1 through June 30. SFGATE reviewed thousands of FEC filings to get a better sense of how the Bay Areas wealthiest are exerting their influence  i.e. who they're dumping bags of money on  in the lead-up to Novembers midterm elections. Along the way, we identified a number of newsworthy patterns, which well be reporting on throughout the week.

First up, were focusing on the Bay Area tech sectors burgeoning love affair with a pair of Carolina conservatives: the aforementioned McHenry, and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.

Taylor Hill/Getty Images

From all indications, some of the Bay Area's wealthiest (some billionaires, some millionaires) are putting out feelers for a Republican presidential candidate who might be deemed slightly more palatable than Donald Trump. Of late, Scott seems to be their choice.

Scott, 56, has been in the U.S. Senate since 2013. Hes one of three Black U.S. senators, and was the first Black senator to be elected to a seat in the South since 1881. He occasionally pushed back against offensive comments made by former President Trump, and is more willing to discuss the possibility of criminal justice reform than many of his colleagues, which leads some to believe hes a moderate, center-right politician.

In reality, his voting record is reliably far-right. He is strenuously anti-abortion rights; he wants to repeal whats left of the Affordable Care Act; hes against equality for the LGBTQ community; he even voted against the watered-down 2021 infrastructure bill that actually managed to get 69 yes votes in the usually impenetrable Senate. Multiple analyses list Scott as one of the most ideologically rigid members of his voting body.

Unlike McHenry, who could end up in a position with broad discretion to regulate (or deregulate) Bay Area-based businesses, Scott doesnt have many obvious Silicon Valley or tech ties. The lone exception is his interest in opportunity zones, a tax break incentive program ostensibly designed to encourage individuals to invest in underserved American communities. The program was the brainchild of Sean Parker, the billionaire co-founder of Napster and Facebooks first president. Scott is technically up for re-election in November, though the outcome of that race isnt in doubt. Hes almost guaranteed to win, and win easily. Hes not a candidate in desperate need of funding to beat his opponent.

And yet, according to FEC filings, since April, Scotts campaign, as well as his political action committee, has received significant donations from the following people, all of whom live in the Bay Area. (Unless otherwise noted, all donations below were either $2,900 or a total of $5,800, if they were spread out between the primary and general elections. Billionaires are listed as such.)

-Fred Ehrsam, a 34-year-old billionaire who co-founded crypto companies Coinbase and Paradigm

-William Fisher, billionaire heir to the Gap fortune and brother of Oakland As owner John Fisher. (John Fisher himself gave to Scott on March 31, the FECs first quarter deadline for donations.)

-Ingrid Hills, widow to Reuben Hills, formerly the president of Hills Bros. Coffee ($3,000)

-William Oberndorf, a billionaire businessman and major backer of the Chesa Boudin recall ($5,000 total)

-John Chambers, former CEO of Cisco Systems and current CEO of JC2 Ventures, a venture capital firm

-Bill Duhamel, CEO of Route One Investment Company, who has a net worth estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars

-Alana Palmedo, chief operating officer of Paradigm, a crypto investment firm

-Matt Huang, co-founder of Paradigm

-Len Baker, a now-retired, previously longtime partner of the Silicon Valley venture capital firm Sutter Hill Ventures. Len's wife, Mary Anne, also donated to Scott.

-Thomas Stephenson, a venture capitalist, former ambassador to Portugal, and California Republican megadonor ($5,000)

-Daniel ODay, CEO of Gilead Sciences, a Foster City-based pharmaceuticals company

-Lance Milken, the son of billionaire businessman and pardoned felon Michael Milken

Other rumored Republican presidential candidates for 2024 got far less attention than Scott from Bay Area donors last quarter. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., didnt nab anywhere near the same number of notable donations from the Bay Area, both in terms of dollars and recognizable names.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis doesnt have a federal PAC yet, just a statewide one, which is collecting a formidable amount of money, including from real estate developers in Southern California. But in the bay, interest in DeSantis seems much cooler  just two significant donations between April and June, neither from public figures. And of course, theres Trump, whose various PACs garnered just one decent-sized donation in the Bay Area last quarter  $6,250 from a retired non-public figure in Marin County.

For his part, Scott  like all of the above politicians, save Trump  has remained coy about his 2024 intentions. If he does eventually decide to enter the fray, it looks as though he could count on the coffers of some of the Bay Areas wealthiest people.

Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag

Meanwhile, if McHenry becomes chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, he can set about undoing (or at least halting) the Democratic Partys stated interest of better regulating cryptocurrency services and online brokerage firms. Rich stakeholders in the Bay Area appear to have taken notice. As SFGATE reported last week, the PAC for the stock trading app Robinhood maxed out a $2,900 donation to McHenry in April. Robinhoods CEO, Vlad Tenev, also gave $5,800 to McHenry. It should be noted that McHenry has been anti-equality for the LGBTQ community since he took office in 2005, and just last week, he voted nay on federal protections for gay marriage, interracial marriage and contraception. (Tenev declined comment on his donation.)

Two months after Robinhoods PAC and Tenev donated to McHenry, the congressman offered a preview of the services he could provide as a committee chairman. He shot down the House Financial Services Committees critical findings from a year-long investigation into Robinhood and other online brokerage firms, writing, "Committee Democrats saw a chance to use partisan conspiracy theories to push an agenda that makes the stock market less accessible. Now, nearly 17 months later, there is still no evidence of collusion between market makers and broker-dealers, and the Democrats continue to ignore the fact that the underlying infrastructure of the market performed well during the meme stock event."

In addition to Conway, Larsen, Dixon and Tenev, here are other notable recent donations to McHenry from Bay Area residents. (Unless otherwise noted, all donations below were either $2,900 or a total of $5,800, if they were spread out between the primary and general elections.)

-Alexandra Parker, a self-identified artist and philanthropist and the wife of billionaire Sean Parker

-George Roberts, net worth $8 billion, who co-founded the private equity firm KKR

-Michael Belshe, CEO of BitGo, a crypto company

-Hunter Horsley and Hong Kim, co-founders of Bitwise, a crypto company

-Emilie Choi, president and chief operating officer of Coinbase, a crypto exchange platform

-Paul Grewal, chief legal officer at Coinbase

-Bart and Bradford Stephens, co-founders of Blockchain Capital

TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP via Getty Images

Beyond the individual names, there's this telling statistic: From April through June, McHenry received more large donations (at least $2,000 each) from individual contributors in California than any other state  including, yes, McHenrys actual home state of North Carolina. Expect even more funding closer to November  no matter how many more anti-equality votes McHenry casts  if the Republicans' fortunes in the House continue to look solid.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Gunmen shot to death five men and one woman at a privately-run drug rehabilitation center in wester Mexico, authorities said Monday.

The prosecutors office in the western state of Jalisco said the attack occurred around midnight in Tlaquepaque, a suburb of the state capital, Guadalajara. Jalisco is home to the drug cartel of the same name, and has been plagued for years by violence between rival factions of the cartel in Guadalajara.
TIRANA, Albania (AP)  Albanias former President Ilir Meta on Monday took over the leadership of his old political party and pledged to fight government corruption through referendums.

Meta, 53, who was replaced Sunday by new President Bajram Begaj, was elected Monday as leader of a committee that would re-organize his old left-wing Socialist Movement for Integration party, or LSI, into a re-named the Party of Freedom.
TOKYO (AP)  The alleged assassin of Japans former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be detained until late November for mental evaluation so prosecutors can determine whether to formally press charges and send him to trial for murder, officials said Monday.

The suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, was arrested immediately after he allegedly shot Abe from behind when the former leader was making a campaign speech outside a busy train station in western Japan on July 8.

The Nara District Court said it had granted permission for district prosecutors to detain the suspect for psychiatric examination until Nov. 29, when they must decide whether to file formal charges. His current detention was to expire later this month.

Yamagami, 41, has told police that he killed Abe because of his links to a religious group that he hated. His reported statements and other evidence suggest he was distressed because his mothers massive donations to the Unification Church had bankrupted the family.

Abes assassination has shed a light on his and his partys decades-long questionable links to the conservative church.

Members of the country's main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan met on Monday and confirmed plans to pursue an investigation into how the church influenced the governing Liberal Democratic Party's objections to a legal change to allow same-sex marriages or for married couples to keep separate surnames.

The party also said it will investigate if the new government's unit for children, to be launched next spring, added families as part of its agency name because of the church's pressure.

The church was founded in Seoul in 1954, a year after the end of the Korean War, by the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon, the self-proclaimed messiah whose teachings are backed by new interpretations of the Bible and conservative, family-oriented value systems and strong anti-communism.

Abe, in his video message to the church's affiliate, the Universal Peace Foundation, in September, 2021, praised the group's work toward peace on the Korean Peninsula and its focus on family values.

The ties between the church and Japans governing party go back to Abes grandfather, Nobusuke Kishi, who served as prime minister and shared worries with Washington over the spread of communism in Japan in the 1960s.
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NEW YORK (AP)  By the thousands, revelers recently returned to Havemeyer Street in New York Citys Williamsburg neighborhood to celebrate the annual Giglio Feast following its first-ever cancellation in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and then downsized crowds in 2021.

The feast, first held in Williamsburg in 1903 by immigrants from Nola, Italy, combines two celebrations.

One, typically held on June 22, is dedicated to St. Paulinus, the Bishop of Nola from 409 AD to 431 AD, and the other, celebrated on July 16, to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the name given to the Virgin Mary by the Catholic Churchs Carmelite Order. While the feast used to span several weeks between the holidays, it has since been combined into one 12-day event.

Throughout the festivities, people from the Catholic church and the surrounding community walk the streets, savoring food from pop-up food stands and playing carnival games.

Ive always been mesmerized by the feast, said Robert Mestrandrea. As I grew older, the devotion to the Blessed Mother grew, as well as love for the feast.

Mestrandrea, 20, has been an altar server at the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel for the past eight years.

The highlight of the feast is the lifting of the Giglio, an 80-foot, 4-ton tower crowned with a life-size St. Paulinus figurine. As 100 to 150 men struggle to walk with the Giglio on their shoulders, an older man takes the lead, clearing the way and waving a cane while shouting directions.

In 2019, the church, which has been in charge of the feast since the 1950s, put out a call for volunteer lifters for the first time, citing struggles with passing the tradition onto the next generation.

However, this year no such announcement was necessary, as more than enough volunteers came forward following the pandemic, said Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, the churchs pastor.

For many who participate, the feast serves not only as a religious celebration, but as a reunion for the community.

The feast has changed a lot because the neighborhood has gentrified and many of the old-timers have moved away  but they come back for the feast, said Gigantiello. So this is kind of like a reunion of the parishioners of this parish and people that lived in this neighborhood."

Anthony Inserelli, 26, born and raised in Williamsburg, has been coming to the feast since he could walk.

Inserelli is one of the lifters, lifting since 2009 or 2010.

I was born into it and that was it, he said. I had no choice.

Inserelli described lifting the Giglio as painful and heavy but said if everyone works together, its one of those things that everybody enjoys.

Although an Italian-American tradition, the feast also caters to other ethnic groups, celebrating a Mass in five languages on the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Marie Guerda Pericles came to the United States from Haiti 31 years ago, first settling in Florida.

The state didnt feel like home and two years later Pericles moved to New York. Since then, she has been a parishioner at the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Pericles remembers celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Haiti, a tradition she hopes that parents will pass on to their children in New York. She estimates that more than 1,000 Haitians attend the Giglio feast every year, some, like Pericles sister, making the pilgrimage from other countries.

But some, like Tristan Alexander, wandered into the feast for the first time this year.

We were just walking nearby and we heard the music and all the lights and things and wanted to come check it out, Alexander said. I like it, its cute.

While the lifting of the Giglio is the main highlight of the feast, parishioners and visitors flock to the church to walk in processions and light votive candles.

On July 16, men carried the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel from its shrine. Hundreds of people trailed a float with the statue for more than three hours, some raising rosaries and others reaching to touch her.

Other times, people knelt at the shrine, praying to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Gigantiello, the ringmaster of the event, stressed the importance of the feast as the churchs biggest outreach event of the year, bringing in young people to carry on the Italian tradition.

The Italians have built this city. They built this country. They came here and they contributed to this country, he said. And this is a way of keeping their memory alive.

___

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.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  Authorities in the Bahamas combed shorelines and open waters on Monday in hopes of finding more survivors after a boat carrying up to an estimated 60 Haitian migrants apparently capsized.

Divers have found the bodies of 15 women, one man and a toddler, while another 20 men and five women have been rescued since Sunday, according to Bahamian officials.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  A crypto mining company plans to redevelop a northeastern North Dakota anti-ballistic missile site abandoned in the 1970s into data center that may be used for the mining of bitcoin and other digital currencies, Gov. Doug Burgum announced Monday.

Bitzero Blockchain Inc., which is backed by strategic investor and Shark Tank star Kevin OLeary, announced last month that it planned to make North Dakota its headquarters for North American operations. The company said within three years it intends to build 200 megawatts of data centers in the state and is involved in a joint venture to become an assembly and distribution hub for graphene battery technology.

Long considered a white elephant and waste of taxpayers money, the site at Nekoma grew out of a 1972 treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union.

The $6 billion Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex once housed a radar system within a concrete pyramid, with 7-foot-thick, steel-reinforced walls. It was deactivated in 1976 after only a few months of operation. Nekomas population reached several hundred, compared with about 30 today, and surrounding towns benefited from an influx of highly paid missile experts and support personnel.

The Cavalier County Job Development Authority has owned the site since 2017. Spokeswoman Carol Goodman said the facility would be sold to the company for $250,000.

Burgum said waste heat captured from the data centers servers will be used to heat an on-site greenhouse, and the company also is planning an interpretive center, representing a total investment estimated by Bitzero at $500 million.

This important piece of history will be restored and become a beacon for North Dakota innovation to the rest of the world, Burgum said.

Bitzero has signed leases in both Bismarck and Fargo for administrative operations. The Nekoma site will be their primary data center site in North Dakota, Burgum spokesman Mike Nowatzki said.

Separately, Burgum in January announced construction of a $1.9 billion data center located near the biggest city in the states oil-production region in northwest North Dakota.

The second-term Republican governor hailed the Atlas Power Data Center to be built by Missoula, Montana-based FX Solutions Inc. as one of the biggest such centers in the world, and one that will help diversify the economy in Williston-area that has suffered oil boom-bust cycles for decades.

Burgum, a wealthy former Microsoft executive, called data centers an incredible forward- looking industry not dependent on the price of oil.

Uses for data centers include the mining of bitcoin and other digital currencies. Cryptocurrency mining involves supercomputers to solve complex calculations needed to provide security for transactions in the digital currency.

The process requires vast amounts of power and generates much heat. Burgum has said North Dakota is an ideal place for data centers because it has a reliable and affordable power supply, and a climate that lowers cooling costs.

Burgum spokesman Nowatzki said no public money has been earmarked for any of the projects, though they are expected to qualify for tax credits already given to agriculture, energy and other industries.
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE: The Illinois economy added 18,800 jobs during June as the unemployment rate fell to 4.5 percent, the lowest it has been since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That is down one-tenth of a percentage point from May, and down two full percentage points from June 2021.

Preliminary numbers released Thursday, July 21, by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security showed the sectors with the biggest gains during June were leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, construction, and educational and health services.

Slight declines were reported in the financial industry and the catch-all category other services.

With the statewide unemployment rate at its lowest since the onset of the pandemic, the data released (Thursday) is a further reflection of continued economic recovery and evidence of a strengthening Illinois labor market, Deputy Governor Andy Manar said in a statement.

Prior to the pandemic, Illinois had seen its lowest unemployment rate ever, at 3.5 percent in December 2019. It climbed to 4.9 percent in March 2020, when the World Health Organization declared a pandemic existed, and reached a historic high of 17.4 percent in April 2020 after restaurants, bars, theaters and other nonessential businesses were ordered to close in an effort to contain the spread of the virus.

The states jobless rate has since been on a continuous downward trend as businesses gradually reopened.

The trend in Illinois mirrors what has been happening nationally, although the state continues to lag behind the rest of the country in its recovery. The U.S. unemployment rate stood at 3.6 percent, unchanged from the month before but down from its peak of 14.7 percent in April 2020.

Illinois unemployment rate also stood higher than all of its surrounding states. Indiana, Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin all had jobless rates below 3 percent while Kentucky stood at 3.7 percent. In fact, the 4.5 percent rate recorded in Illinois was the fifth highest in the nation. Pennsylvania and Delaware also were at 4.5 percent.

* * *

CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER: The Illinois State Police announced Monday, July 18, they will start using a broader definition of what constitutes a clear and present danger when reviewing a persons Firearm Owners Identification card.

Thats a factor ISP considers when deciding whether to grant someone a FOID card or to revoke or suspend a card that has already been issued.

The change is meant to address gaps in the process that were identified in the wake of the July 4 mass shooting in Highland Park. The alleged shooter in that case had been the subject of a clear and present danger investigation, but under standards used at that time, ISP determined there was insufficient evidence to support such a determination.

Under current law, known as the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act, ISP can deny a FOID card application or suspend or revoke an existing card for any person deemed to be a clear and present danger of harming themselves or someone else.

Under that statute, a physician, clinical psychologist or other qualified examiner can classify someone as a clear and present danger if he or she communicates a serious threat of physical violence against a reasonably identifiable victim or poses a clear and imminent risk of serious physical injury to himself, herself, or another person.

A person can also be classified as a clear and present danger if they demonstrate threatening physical or verbal behavior such as violent, suicidal, or assaultive threats, actions or other behavior, as determined by a physician, clinical psychologist, qualified examiner, school administrator, or law enforcement official.

That law requires physicians, clinical psychologists, law enforcement officers and school administrators to promptly report any such behavior to ISP.

In 2013, however, ISP filed administrative rules that provide a stricter, more limiting definition. Those rules defined a clear and present danger as someone who poses an actual, impending, or imminent threat of substantial bodily harm to themselves or another person that is articulable and significant or who will be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety or contrary to the public interest if they were granted access to a weapon.

ISP said the new rules announced Monday will revert to the original, statutory definition, allowing them to consider a broader range of information when determining whether someone poses a clear and present danger.

The 2013 rule also prohibited ISP from maintaining report records of people who are not determined to be a clear and present danger. The new rules would require ISP to maintain those records.

ISP adopted the new definitions through what are known as emergency rules. Thats allowed under state law when an agency determines it needs to take swift action to protect public interest, safety or welfare. But those rules are still subject to review by the General Assemblys Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, or JCAR, whose next scheduled meeting is Aug. 17.

ISP said it also plans to submit the changes to JCAR in the form of permanent rules through the regular rulemaking process as well.

* * *

PRITZKER APPROVAL: A new poll from the firm Morning Consult showed Gov. JB Pritzkers approval rating at 51 percent 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 percent while disapproval ranged from 43 to 44 percent.

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 percent in Illinois while disapproval measured at 50 percent.

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

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.

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.

* * *

CAMPAIGN FUNDING: 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.

Gov. JB 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.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  Norma Quinones spent four years without running water after Hurricane Maria destroyed the well that she and dozens of neighbors depend on in their community deep in the mountains of western Puerto Rico.

Last Christmas, crews installed a new well, but the water is not treated, so Quinones is forced to drive 45 minutes into town to buy nearly 100 bottles of water every week for her family.

Its been years of suffering, she said.

A school nurse, the mother of two hopes their situation and others like it across the U.S. territory will change with the official visit this week of Michael Regan, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

He is expected to tour several poor communities on the island as part of a U.S. initiative dubbed Journey to Justice to learn how pollution has affected them.

Its really important for me that were on the ground and were seeing these injustices up close, Regan told The Associated Press in an interview Monday. These are the same communities that are on the front line, facing the impact of climate change.

Regans first stop will be Tuesday at the Cano Martin Pena, considered one of Puerto Ricos most polluted waterways. It is part of the San Juan Bay Estuary and is home to more than 25,000 people descended from impoverished migrants who arrived in the mid-1900s from the islands rural areas.

Community leader Lucy Cruz told AP that while federal and local officials have made funds available to clean the waterway and reduce flooding, problems include the lack of a sewage system.

This would not only be a change for the Cano Martin Pena community, but for all of Puerto Rico, she said.

On Wednesday, Regan is expected to visit at least two community drinking water systems in the northern city of Caguas and talk with residents about the challenges they face.

He also is scheduled to stop at a facility in southern Puerto Rico that burns coal to produce energy and has long been the source of complaints and health concerns for those living nearby.

Im headed to Puerto Rico not only to spotlight these injustices, but to listen and learn from the community so we can develop solutions together, he said.

The visit comes as Puerto Rico is slated to receive $78 million in EPA funds for water infrastructure projects. The local government will decide how the funds will be allocated, although Regan already has sent a letter that outlines the criteria for those resources and the agencys expectations.

He also noted that much of the funding is available as grants or forgivable loans.

This means that communities that have never had a seat at the table can be eligible for those resources, he said, adding that Puerto Rico has long suffered from air and water pollution. For far too long, too many communities have gone neglected and that must stop now.

Quinones, who lives more than two hours from the capital of San Juan, had hoped that Regan would stop by her community. Undeterred, she said she wrote him a letter detailing the woes of the damaged well.

Water is the most essential thing in life after air, she said.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Two decades after his arrest, the suspected organizer of a deadly 2000 al-Qaida attack on a U.S. Navy warship faced the possibility of further delays of his Guantanamo trial after his defense lawyer on Monday pressed to be allowed to leave the case over an alleged conflict of interest.

Guantanamo detainee Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri faces a possible death penalty in the killing of 17 U.S. sailors, who died when an explosives-laden skiff blew up alongside the USS Cole off Yemen.

Proceedings before the military commission have been mired in delays and in legal challenges over admissibility of evidence from the torture-aided interrogations of Nashiri and over other circumstances of his trial and detention. Captured in 2002, Nashiri underwent waterboarding, beatings and confinement in a crate in years of CIA custody at clandestine detention facilities.

Questions over the handling of Nashiri's case, like those of five fellow Guantanamo Bay detainees accused of planning and aiding al-Qaida's 9/11 attacks on the United States, have led to a military court still wading through pretrial hearings, constitutional debates and other problems.

There is increasing talk of plea bargains to end all the cases. But it remains unclear where defendants would serve out any sentences.

On Monday, Nashiri's top military lawyer, Navy Capt. Brian Mizer, pressed Judge Col. Lanny Acosta Jr. to allow Mizer to withdraw as Nashiri's attorney, alleging he had a conflict of interest that should bar him from serving on Nashiri's team.

The alleged conflict concerns Mizer's past defense work for a former Guantanamo detainee, Salim Hamdan, an alleged driver for Osama bin Laden. Prosecutors of Nashiri propose to introduce a statement from Hamdan, who is now in Yemen after serving his sentence. It's expected to allege that Hamdan heard Nashiri talking about arranging the attack on the Cole.

Mizer also had information regarding Hamdan's case that Nashiri's defense team should have, but that he could never ethically disclose given his attorney-client confidentiality with Hamdan, Mizer told the judge.

Red lines have been tripped, said Mizer, who was appointed by the military to defend Nashiri. "I have gone as far as I can ethically go ... to assist this defense team."

Acosta, the judge, grilled Mizer on why he was pressing to withdraw only after years on Nashiri's defense in the now 22-year-old attack.

Raising of this issue now  it's questionable why it's raised now, Acosta said, waving an index finger sternly at one point.

Nashiri, in court in Guantanamo in a shirt and gray jacket, spoke up, with the judge's permission.

Based on my understanding there is a conflict with Mr. Mizer. At the same time, I need him. I do not know how this is resolved," Nashiri said, spreading his hands wide in the air.

The military provided closed circuit video of the Guantanamo proceedings at the Pentagon and elsewhere.

The judge said Monday pretrial consideration of whether Hamdan's hearsay testimony against Nashiri could be used in the case would happen no sooner than February 2023.

Acosta also directed Mizer to tell him by Monday, privately, what confidential information he has from representing Hamdan that makes for a conflict in Nashiri's case.

This story was first published on July 25, 2022. It was updated on July 26, 2022 to correct attribution for a comment questioning a conflict of interest claim. The comment was made by the judge, Col. Lanny Acosta Jr., not a defense attorney, Navy Capt. Brian Mizer.
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BRUSSELS (AP)  European Union nations struggled Monday to find common ground on how to wean the bloc off its reliance on Russian natural gas, seeking to appease wary, stressed consumers at home while upholding unity as Moscow turns down the tap.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has weaponized gas exports to pressure the bloc into reducing its sanctions over the war in Ukraine or to push other political aims. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday called Russias cuts to gas deliveries a form of terror and urged European countries to respond by tightening sanctions on Moscow.

On the eve of an emergency meeting to discuss plans to cut EU gas use 15% over the coming months, envoys on Monday were still brokering a possible compromise that should keep all 27 nations in line by Tuesday night.

This a still a work in progress, said a senior diplomat who asked not to be identified because the talks were still ongoing.

The bloc is bracing for a possible full Russian cutoff of natural gas supplies that could add a big chill to the upcoming winter, leaving nations like economic juggernaut Germany especially exposed. But some other EU countries, like Spain and Portugal, which have little dependence on Russian gas, do not want to force such a major cut on their people.

Russia has cut off or reduced gas to a dozen EU countries so far. On Monday, it said it will slash flows this week through a major pipeline to Germany by another half, to 20% of capacity. The Nord Stream 1 pipeline reductions further endanger goals to fill European gas storage tanks for winter as envoys haggled over EU plans.

It was what European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had seen coming when she announced the plan. She is convinced that Putin will cut off natural gas exports to try to wreak economic and political havoc in Europe this winter.

This is exactly the sort of scenario the president was referring to last week, said Commission spokesman Eric Mamer. This development validates our analysis. We therefore hope that the Council will adopt an appropriate response on Tuesday.

The diplomat said ambassadors had been working nonstop on the divisive issue and had sought to clip the powers of the executive European Commission, which under its plan, could sidestep member countries to impose such reductions.

First and utmost" was the need to put EU nations in charge of deciding when such cuts should become mandatory, the diplomat said. Yielding some of their powers over energy policy to EU officials in Brussels has long been anathema in some national capitals. Hungarian officials were in Moscow last week, reportedly seeking additional energy imports.

Spain and Portugal have already said making mandatory reductions are a nonstarter. They noted that they use very little Russian gas compared with countries such as Germany and Italy and that there are scant energy connections linking them to the rest of Europe.

A one-size-fits-all solution seemed off the table Monday as envoys were looking at exemptions for island nations that are not connected to other networks, for Baltic nations that have close links with the Russian electricity grid, or nations whose industries depend heavily on gas imports.

Reducing EU gas use by 15% between August and next March will not come easy. The European Commission signaled its proposed target would require EU countries as a whole to triple the cuts they have already achieved since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.

Yet there is a fear of displaying a lack of solidarity, with the rest of the world  especially Russia  looking on.

The world is watching very closely, the diplomat said.

During the war, the EU has approved bans on Russian coal and most oil to take effect later this year, but it did not include natural gas because the bloc depends on gas to power factories, generate electricity and heat homes.

The aim of the commission's proposals is to ensure, in case of a Russian cutoff, that essential industries and services like hospitals can function, while others would have to cut back. That could include lowering heat in public buildings and enticing families to use less energy at home.

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Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.
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JERSEYDALE, Calif. (AP)  Firefighters have significantly slowed the spread of a huge wildfire burning in a forest near Yosemite National Park that burned 55 homes and other buildings and forced thousands from their homes, officials said Monday.

It was a successful day for aircraft and firefighters, resulting in minimal growth on the fire. Helicopters dropped 300,000 gallons of water on the fire. Crews continue to construct control lines and extinguish hot spots along existing lines, said a Monday night report by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.

Thousands of residents from mountain communities were still under evacuation orders Monday while smoke from the fire drifted more than 200 miles (322 kilometers), reaching Lake Tahoe, parts of Nevada and the San Francisco Bay Area, officials said.

Its been just horrendous with the air quality, said Kim Zagaris, an advisor with the Western Fire Chiefs Association, which maps wildfires across the country.

More than 2,500 firefighters with aircraft support were battling the blaze, known as the Oak Fire, that erupted last Friday southwest of the park, near the town of Midpines in Mariposa County. Officials described explosive fire behavior on Saturday as flames made runs through bone-dry vegetation caused by the worst drought in decades.

The blaze had consumed 27 square miles (70 square kilometers) of forest land, with 16% containment, Cal Fire said. The cause was under investigation.

Firefighters on Monday struggled in steep terrain in temperatures that reached the mid- to high 90s.

On Sunday, ground forces protected homes as air tankers dropped retardant on 50-foot (15-meter) flames racing along ridgetops east of the tiny community of Jerseydale.

There are two major blazes burning in California, which is experiencing a fairly typical ramp-up to what is sure to be an active fire year once California's infamous Santa Ana and Diablo wind events begin in September, Zagaris said.

Weve been fortunate. Were not quite as far along as we were at this time last year, he said. But the fuels, the vegetation, are much dryer than they were last year. It's so dry out there.

Zagaris compared the wildfires in California this year to 2008, when few blazes burned early but a mid-summer barrage of lightning hit the state "and before we knew it there were 2,000 fires burning in the northern part of the state.

Evacuations were in place Monday for over 6,000 people living across a several-mile span of the sparsely populated fire zone in the Sierra Nevada foothills, though a handful of residents defied the orders and stayed behind, said Adrienne Freeman, a U.S. Forest Service spokesperson.

We urge people to evacuate when told, she said.

Jane and Wes Smith lost their home of more than 37 years and Jane had only enough time to load her two horses and flee, according to their son, Nick Smith, SFGate reported.

Wes Smith is a coordinator for the Mariposa County Emergency Services and was working on the fire response as their home burned.

The couple have lost everything. 37 years of memories, generations of family treasures and countless more sentimental things," their son said on a GoFundMe page.

Numerous roads were closed, including a stretch of State Route 140 thats one of the main routes into Yosemite.

California has experienced increasingly larger and deadlier wildfires in recent years as climate change has made the West much warmer and drier over the past 30 years. Scientists have said weather will continue to be more extreme and wildfires more frequent, destructive and unpredictable.

Pacific Gas & Electric said on its website that more than 2,600 homes and businesses in the area had lost power as of Monday and there was no indication when it would be restored.

The Oak Fire was sparked as firefighters made progress against an earlier blaze, the Washburn Fire, that burned to the edge of a grove of giant sequoias in the southernmost part of Yosemite National Park.

The latter fire, spanning a 7.5-square-mile (19-square-kilometer) area, was 87% contained on Monday after burning for two weeks and moving into the Sierra National Forest.

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Weber reported from Los Angeles.
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GUATEMALA CITY (AP)  Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei visited Ukraine on Monday and expressed his solidarity with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Giammattei met with Zelenskyy in the capital, Kyiv, becoming the first Latin American president to make the trip.

Many Latin American leaders have avoided taking a stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. That reflects in some cases decades-old ties to Russia and in others a wariness of U.S. foreign policy goals.

We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who have resisted with courage, Giammattei said at a joint news conference. As long as human lives are lost, we cannot silence our voices.

Let it be clear that since the beginning of this conflict, Guatemala has raised its voice, he said. "We will always be consistent with our words. Guatemala does not and will not remain silent.

Zelenskyy thanked Giammattei for his support for sanctions on Russia and Guatemalas support for an international tribunal on crimes committed during the war.

Ukraine's president noted that Latin America, like many other parts of the world, has suffered from higher prices due to the fighting in Ukriane, which is a big producer of agricultural and other commodities.

Only together can we protect our world, Zelenskyy said.

Critics of Giammatteis government said the president has more pressing issues he should be dealing with at home, including corruption and human rights.

The entire world knows the way in which President Alejandro Giammattei has been eroding democracy and promoting impunity in his country. One trip to Ukraine is not going to change that reality, said Carolina Jimenez, president of the Washington Office on Latin America.

The U.S. government has sharply criticized the weakening of anti-corruption efforts in Guatemala and last year cancelled the U.S. visa of Guatemalan Attorney General Consuelo Porras, who has been pursuing former prosecutors.

Instead of going after corruption, the government has been filing legal charges against the former anti-corruption officials themselves, and more than 20 of them have fled the country.

Giammatteis government and prosecutors accelerated efforts begun by his predecessor to undo a U.N.-backed anti-corruption campaign that put several top officials, including former presidents, behind bars. They say those prosecutions themselves were irregular.
PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  A judge has granted a request for additional DNA tests by a man convicted of killing a 12-year-old girl more than three decades ago.

Dennis Dechaine is serving a life sentence for the murder and sexual assault of Sarah Cherry, who was abducted while babysitting in Bowdoin. Her body was found two days after she disappeared in July 1988.
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KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Russias top diplomat said Moscows overarching goal in Ukraine is to free its people from its unacceptable regime, expressing the Kremlins war aims in some of the bluntest terms yet as its forces pummel the country with artillery barrages and airstrikes.

The remark from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov comes amid Ukraines efforts to resume grain exports from its Black Sea ports something that would help ease global food shortages  under a new deal tested by a Russian strike on Odesa over the weekend.

We are determined to help the people of eastern Ukraine to liberate themselves from the burden of this absolutely unacceptable regime, Lavrov said at an Arab League summit in Cairo late Sunday, referring to Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy's government.

Apparently suggesting that Moscows war aims extend beyond Ukraines industrial Donbas region in the east, Lavrov said: "We will certainly help the Ukrainian people to get rid of the regime, which is absolutely anti-people and anti-historical.

Lavrovs comments followed his warning last week that Russia plans to retain control over broader areas beyond eastern Ukraine, including the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions in the south, and will make more gains elsewhere.

His remarks contrasted with the Kremlins line early in the war, when it repeatedly emphasized that Russia wasnt seeking to overthrow Zelenskyys government, even as Moscows troops closed in on Kyiv. Russia later retreated from around the capital and turned its attention to capturing the Donbas. The war is now in its sixth month.

Last week, Russia and Ukraine signed agreements aimed at clearing the way for the shipment of millions of tons of desperately needed Ukrainian grain, as well as the export of Russian grain and fertilizer.

Ukraine's deputy infrastructure minister, Yury Vaskov, said the first shipment of grain is planned for this week.

While Russia faced accusations that the weekend attack on the port of Odesa amounted to reneging on the deal, Moscow insisted the strike would not affect grain deliveries.

During a visit to the Republic of Congo on Monday, Lavrov repeated the Russian claim that the attack targeted a Ukrainian naval vessel and a depot containing Western-supplied anti-ship missiles. He said the grain agreements do not prevent Russia from attacking military targets.

In other developments:

 Russias gas giant Gazprom said it would further reduce the flow of natural gas through a major pipeline to Europe to 20% of capacity, citing equipment repairs. The move heightened fears that Russia is trying to pressure and divide Europe over its support for Ukraine at a time when countries are trying to build up their supplies of gas for the winter.

Zelenskyy accused Moscow of gas blackmail," saying, All this is done by Russia deliberately to make it as difficult as possible for Europeans to prepare for winter.

 Ukraines presidential office said Monday at least two civilians were killed and 10 wounded in Russian shelling over the preceding 24 hours. In the Kharkiv region, workers searched for people believed trapped under the rubble after 12 rockets hit the town of Chuhuiv before dawn, damaging a cultural center, school and other infrastructure, authorities said.

Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Sinyehubov said: It looks like a deadly lottery when no one knows where the next strike will come.

 Ukraine charged two former cabinet ministers with high treason over their role in extending Moscows lease on a navy base in Crimea in 2010. Prosecutors said Oleksandr Lavrynovych and Kostyantyn Hryshchenko conspired with then-President Viktor Yanukovych to rush a treaty through parliament granting Moscow a 25-year extension, leaving Crimea vulnerable to Russian aggression.

 Russia said it thwarted an attempt by Ukrainian intelligence to bribe Russian military pilots to turn their planes over to Ukraine. In a video released by Russia's main security agency, a man purported to be a Ukrainian intelligence officer offered a pilot $2 million to surrender his plane during a mission over Ukraine. The Russian claims couldnt be independently verified.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP)  A 22-year-old man is dead after being shot by police officers at a home in suburban Denver on Sunday, police said.

In a statement, the Englewood Police Department said the shooting happened after officers responded to a disturbance involving family members at a home in the city south of Denver. When officers arrived, they were met with gunfire being fired from inside the home and the officers fired shot back at the shooter, the department said. The man was killed as a result, police said.
SEATTLE (AP)  A suburban Seattle man accused of a months-long campaign of phoning racist threats to businesses across the country  including threatening to shoot Black customers at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York  has been ordered detained pending trial.

Joey George, 37, of Lynnwood, was arrested last week and was in U.S. District Court in Seattle on Monday for a detention hearing. According to prosecutors, George phoned a Buffalo grocery store twice in July threatening to shoot Black people and ranting about a race war."

He did not call the same Tops Friendly Supermarket in Buffalo where a shooter killed 10 Black people on May 14, but he referenced that attack in his threat, prosecutors said. A 19-year-old white man with ties to white supremacy has pleaded not guilty to federal hate crime charges in that case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Woods urged Magistrate Judge Brian Tsuchida to keep the defendant behind bars pending trial, saying the phone calls were not made off the cuff but were part of an escalating campaign of terror.

This was a campaign to instill fear, terror and to tell people of different races they do not belong, Woods said.

There is no indication that George possessed weapons, Woods said.

George's attorney, Mohammad Hamoudi, argued against pre-trial detention. George has no criminal history and is a caretaker for his mother, Hamoudi said.

The court sided agreed with prosecutors that the case met the definition of a crime of violence and that detention was warranted.

Theres no way around it: This is a spectacularly concerning allegation, Tsuchida said.

In addition to the Buffalo store, George phoned threats to businesses in Texas, Georgia, California, Washington, New York, Connecticut, Maryland and Michigan, according to investigators. They said he acknowledged making the calls when he was arrested, and he admitted to some calls they were unaware of.
Texas Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Beto ORourke made Muleshoe his sixth stop in a part of his Drive for Texas campaign.

People from across Bailey County, across the panhandle, and even some from New Mexico, joined in to share their concerns in the community.

Before the start of the event, people walked around talking to ORourke and taking pictures with him. Some bought merchandise like campaign signs or T-shirts saying Beto for Governor.

In ORourkes opening statement, he said he comes to Muleshoe because, I'm especially interested in delivering for those communities that have been forgotten, written off, taken for granted, not visited by those in positions of power and public trust. They (state legislators) may not know what the issues are in Muleshoe that need to be addressed.

Throughout the campaign speech, he hit three key points including:

Educators in the public-school systems are underpaid and the state needs to address better funding overall to lower taxes on the individual, ORourke said.

Plug in Rural America and provide each Texan reliable broadband internet, he said.

Reform needs to be made to healthcare coverage and things need to be done to stabilize the gap of underemployed medical facilities, he added. Following his speech, the former US representative listened to questions from five different people in attendance. Two ladies asked similar questions regarding how the candidate plans to provide for healthcare workers in Muleshoe and surrounding areas. ORourke replied to both with a plan to reintroduce the Rural Scholars Program.

ORourke described the program with a hypothetical. If a Muleshoe native were to go to medical school and practice in Muleshoe or another rural area, the state of Texas  in partnership with the county  will pay the full cost of their medical school education, he explained.

He wants to expand the program to include, nurses and other medical providers as well, including behavioral health specialists and therapists.

One of the final speakers was Sheyenne Sansom, a health care worker from Portales, New Mexico. She wanted to know ORourkes opinion on the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade and what he plans to do about womens reproductive rights.

Her question was followed by immediate cheers and an ovation in the crowd.

ORourke responded: As governor, I'm going to do everything in my power to restore those protections (womens reproductive rights) and ensure that every Texas woman can make her own decisions about her own body, her own future and her own health care.
HARMONY, Ohio (AP)  A sheriff's deputy was shot and fatally wounded while responding to a report of a possible break-in and gunfire at a mobile home in western Ohio.

Deputy Matthew Yates was a 15-year veteran of the Clark County Sheriffs Office and a member of its special operations team, Sheriff Deb Burchett said at a press conference Sunday.

The responding officers were shot at after they entered the mobile home in Harmony Township, Burchett said.

Yates, 41, was wounded and remained inside the home for several hours Sunday before other officers could get him out and take him to a hospital, where he died, the sheriff said.

At some point during the episode, the mobile home caught fire. Authorities have not released any additional information about a suspect, the shooting or the fire.

The charred frame of the home could be seen in a photo tweeted Sunday by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

My heart breaks for his father, who he followed into law enforcement, Yost wrote.

The sheriffs office said Monday that another deputy sustained an injury to an extremity not caused by gunfire while trying to rescue Yates and is recovering at home after treatment at a hospital.
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GOMA, Congo (AP)  Demonstrators set fires and forced entry into the U.N. mission facilities in Congos eastern city of Goma, demanding that the peacekeeping forces leave the country amid rising insecurity in the region.

Police shot tear gas, injuring some demonstrators, while detaining others, according to protesters.

The Congolese government condemned the attack, pledging justice.

The incidents in Goma are not only unacceptable but totally counterproductive, the U.N. mission in Congo said in a statement. MONUSCO (the U.N. mission) is mandated by the Security Council to accompany the authorities in protecting civilians. It stands by the people and supports the national defense and security forces in their fight against armed groups. It called for calm and restraint.

Congos security situation has deteriorated over the past year, with increased attacks from various rebel groups, including the M23 rebel group that had been largely inactive for a decade. M23 earlier this year took control of parts of eastern Congo and has been involved in heavy fighting with Congos military.

A Human Rights Watch report Monday says more than 29 civilians have been summarily killed since mid-June by the armed M23 group, a worrying escalation of violence by the rebel force amid concerns it may also be receiving support from neighboring Rwanda.

Since the M23 took control of several towns and villages in North Kivu in June, theyve committed the same kind of horrific abuses against civilians that weve documented in the past, said Thomas Fessy, senior Congo researcher at Human Rights Watch. The governments failure to hold M23 commanders accountable for war crimes committed years ago is enabling them and their new recruits to commit abuses today.

The fighting between Congolese troops and M23 rebels has forced nearly 200,000 people to flee their homes, the rights group said, as M23 has also demonstrated increased firepower and defense capabilities.

Congolese officials have asserted that M23 is backed by Rwanda, and have accused the much smaller neighbor of occupying Congolese territory. Rwanda has long denied supporting M23, which is made up mostly of ethnic Tutsi fighters from Congo who say their government hasnt honored past commitments to reintegrate them into the national army.

Regional leaders under the East African Community bloc  which Congo recently joined  are working toward deploying a peacekeeping force in eastern Congos restive provinces.

Meanwhile, Angolas government has been mediating talks between Congo and Rwanda.

Human Rights Watch called on donor countries to suspend military assistance to governments that support M23 or other abusive armed groups. It also called on the U.N., the African Union and the governments concerned to support a clear strategy to address impunity for serious abuses with a vetting mechanism for the security and intelligence services, an internationalized justice mechanism, and a comprehensive reparations program, as well as an effective demobilization program.

Civilians in eastern Congo should not have to endure new atrocities by the M23, Fessy said. The UN should urgently step up its efforts with national and regional authorities to prevent history from repeating itself at the expense of North Kivus people.

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Kamale reported from Kinshasa, Congo.
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  The death toll from a bus accident in central Kenya has risen to 30, police said Monday.

The passenger bus carrying an unknown number of people on Sunday evening fell off a bridge and plunged into a river along a highway from Meru to the capital, Nairobi.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP)  A New York man fired shots at store workers at a North Carolina mall when they confronted him about stolen merchandise, not long after he had stolen items from a home improvement store, police said Monday.

Winston-Salem police said in a news release that Carlton McCrimmon, 33, of Port Washington, New York, tried to steal items from the store at Hanes Mall on Sunday.
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MASKWACIS, Alberta (AP)  Pope Francis issued a historic apology Monday for the Catholic Churchs cooperation with Canadas catastrophic policy of Indigenous residential schools, saying the forced assimilation of Native peoples into Christian society destroyed their cultures, severed families and marginalized generations.

I am deeply sorry, Francis said to applause from school survivors and Indigenous community members gathered at a former residential school south of Edmonton, Alberta. He called the school policy a disastrous error that was incompatible with the Gospel and said further investigation and healing is needed.

I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples, Francis said.

In the first event of his weeklong penitential pilgrimage, Francis traveled to the lands of four Cree nations to pray at a cemetery and then deliver the long-sought apology at nearby powwow ceremonial grounds. Four chiefs escorted the pontiff in a wheelchair to the site near the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School, and presented him with a feathered headdress after he spoke, making him an honorary leader of the community.

Francis' words went beyond his earlier apology for the deplorable abuses committed by missionaries and instead took institutional responsibility for the churchs cooperation with Canadas catastrophic assimilation policy, which the countrys Truth and Reconciliation Commission said amounted to a cultural genocide.

More than 150,000 native children in Canada were forced to attend government-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.

Ottawa has admitted that physical and sexual abuse was rampant at the schools, with students beaten for speaking their native languages. That legacy of that abuse and isolation from family has been cited by Indigenous leaders as a root cause of the epidemic rates of alcohol and drug addiction now on Canadian reservations.

The discoveries of hundreds of potential burial sites at former schools in the past year drew international attention to the schools in Canada and their counterparts in the United States. The revelations prompted Francis to comply with the truth commissions call for an apology on Canadian soil; Catholic religious orders operated 66 of the country's 139 residential schools.

Reflecting the conflicting emotions of the day, some in the crowd wept as Francis spoke, while others applauded or stayed silent listening to his words, delivered in his native Spanish with English translations. Others chose not to attend at all.

Ive waited 50 years for this apology, and finally today I heard it," survivor Evelyn Korkmaz said. Part of me is rejoiced, part of me is sad, part of me is numb. She added, however, that she had hoped to hear a work plan from the pope on what he would do next to reconcile, including releasing church files on children who died at the schools.

Many in the crowd wore traditional dress, including colorful ribbon skirts and vests with Native motifs. Others donned orange shirts, which have become a symbol of school survivors, recalling the story of one woman whose beloved orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, was confiscated at a school and replaced with a uniform.

Its something that is needed, not only for people to hear but for the church to be accountable, said Sandi Harper, who traveled with her sister and a church group from Saskatchewan in honor of their late mother, who attended a residential school.

He recognizes this road to reconciliation is going to take time, but he is really on board with us, she said, calling the apology genuine.

Despite the solemnity of the event, the atmosphere seemed at times joyful: Chiefs processed into the site venue to a hypnotic drumbeat, elders danced and the crowd cheered and chanted war songs, victory songs and finally a healing song. Participants paraded a long red banner through the grounds bearing the names of more than 4,000 children who died at or never came home from residential schools; Francis later kissed it.

I wasnt disappointed. It was quite a momentous occasion, said Phil Fontaine, a residential school survivor and former chief of the Assembly of First Nations who went public with his story of sexual abuse in the 1990s.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who last year apologized for the incredibly harmful government policy, also attended, along with other officials.

As part of a lawsuit settlement involving the government, churches and approximately 90,000 survivors, Canada paid reparations that amounted to billions of dollars being transferred to Indigenous communities. Canadas Catholic Church says its dioceses and religious orders have provided more than $50 million in cash and in-kind contributions and hope to add $30 million more over the next five years.

While the pope acknowledged blame, he also made clear that Catholic missionaries were merely cooperating with and implementing the government policy, which he termed the colonizing mentality of the powers. Notably he didn't refer to 15th-century papal decrees that provided religious backing to European colonial powers in the first place.

Jeremy Bergen, a church apology expert and professor of religious and theological studies at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario, said Francis made clear he was asking forgiveness for the actions of members of the church but not the institution in its entirety.

The idea is that, as the Body of Christ, the church itself is sinless," he said via email.

"So when Catholics do bad things, they are not truly acting on behalf of the church, Bergen added, noting its a controversial idea on which many Catholic theologians disagree.

Francis said the schools marginalized generations, suppressed Indigenous languages, led to physical, verbal, psychological and spiritual abuse and indelibly affected relationships between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren. He called for further investigation, a possible reference to demands for further access to church records and personnel files of priests and nuns to identify perpetrators of abuses.

Although Christian charity was not absent, and there were many outstanding instances of devotion and care for children, the overall effects of the policies linked to the residential schools were catastrophic, Francis said. What our Christian faith tells us is that this was a disastrous error, incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The first pope from the Americas was determined to make this trip, even though torn knee ligaments forced him to cancel a visit to Africa earlier this month.

The six-day visit  which also includes stops in Quebec City and Iqaluit, Nunavut, in the far north  follows meetings Francis held in the spring at the Vatican with First Nations, Metis and Inuit delegations. Those encounters culminated with Francis' apology April 1 for deplorable abuses at residential schools and a promise to do so again on Canadian soil.

Francis recalled that one of the delegations gave him a set of beaded moccasins as a symbol of children who never came back from the schools, and asked him to return them in Canada. Francis said in these months they kept alive my sense of sorrow, indignation and shame but that in returning them he hoped they can also represent a path to walk together.

Event organizers had mental health counselors on hand Monday, knowing the event could be traumatic for some people.

Later Monday, Francis visited Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, an Edmonton parish whose sanctuary was dedicated last week after being restored from a fire. The church incorporates Indigenous language and customs in liturgy, and both were on display during the event, with folksongs and drums and providing the backdrop to the pope's visit.

___

Associated Press writers Rob Gillies in Toronto and Holly Meyer in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed.

___

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.
The designer wants to admit them into his lush world of country club chic, from booking a trip to Little Palm, an exclusive island in the Florida Keys, to chatting online with actress and company spokesmodel Penelope Cruz.

Polo.com, to be unveiled Friday with 2,500 styles under the Polo and Ralph Lauren brands, represents the first offering from Polo Ralph Lauren Media, a venture formed last February by Polo Ralph Lauren, NBC, and NBC affiliates ValueVision International Inc. and NBC Internet Inc.

Polo.com is designed to be more than just an e-commerce site, according to Jeff Morgan, president and chief executive officer of Ralph Lauren Media. The company plans to make the site a springboard for future media projects, from TV specials to magazine features.

With the launch, Polo Ralph Lauren will be the first among the pack of major high-end designers to stake a claim in e-tailing.

Last year, Tommy Hilfiger unveiled an informational site, but hasnt yet announced the launch date for his e-commerce venture. Donna Karan is studying the concept, according to CEO John Idol, while Calvin Klein doesnt sell online.

"Its a big challenge for this group," said Ken Cassar, an analyst at New York-based consultant Jupiter Communications, noting that designers risk "commoditizing their brand." In addition, the idea of designers with their own e-commerce sites hasnt gone over well with department stores, which say the competition may erode their business.

Morgan acknowledged the challenges, but believes the timing is right, given that Web technology has "matured enough to present the richness of the brand."

Ralph Lauren takes a cinematic approach, showing beautiful people lounging in black gowns near a lake, or playing polo. The resort page features photos from and interviews with Slim Aarons, a famous society photographer.

Customers can also buy clothes to match the Florida theme, and book a trip to Little Palm, courtesy of Polo Travel. Customers can also book a room at The Point, a former Rockefeller estate in the Adirondacks.

Polo.com also features an "Ask Ralph" column, offering answers to commonly asked fashion questions. And theres a holiday store, which can be viewed at a 360-degree spin.

Ralph Lauren Media wants to integrate its offline and online businesses. Customers can return the merchandise, which spans from fragrance to vintage watches, to any one of Polos 27 specialty stores.

As for potential conflict with its major retail stores, Morgan believes the companys e-commerce venture wont be a problem.

"We believe that the Internet will only increase our exposure, expanding our customer base for the Ralph Lauren brand," Morgan said.

He added that Macys.com and Bloomingdales.com will continue to sell the label.
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MOSCOW (AP)  The Russian authorities on Monday briefly detained a 72-year-old liberal politician who recently returned to Moscow from abroad, the latest move in a relentless crackdown on dissent amid Moscow's military action in Ukraine.

Leonid Gozman was detained after the Russian Interior Ministry issued a warrant for his arrest while investigating a criminal case against him.

Gozman has been accused of breaching the law that requires Russian citizens to notify authorities about a foreign citizenship or a residency permit. If found guilty, Gozman could be sentenced to a fine or community work.

Gozman notified the authorities about his Israeli citizenship but they claimed that he failed to do so within required time.

Gozman, a vocal critic of the Kremlin's campaign in Ukraine, left Russia when it started but returned in June in what he has described as a moral choice.

The Russian Justice Ministry has listed him as a foreign agent, a description that carries a strong pejorative meaning and implies additional government scrutiny.

Immediately after meeting with investigators Monday, Gozman was detained on the Moscow subway by police who told him he was on the federal arrest warrant. The politician was later released, but the criminal case against him is still pending.

Speaking after being released Monday, Gozman said the authorities issued a warrant for his arrest after he hadn't responded to summons that have been sent to his old address. He added that he fears being handed a prison term.

Im 72. Russian prison is not for my age. I wont survive it, he said.

Still, Gozman said he doesn't want to leave.

Our country is conducting horrible foreign and domestic policies, he said. But it's our country, we have been born and brought up here. My wife and I, we have done a lot for the country, and we don't want to leave.
A South Carolina man serving as a medic in the Ukrainian military was identified by his commanding officer over the weekend as one of two Americans killed in action last week.

Luke Skywalker Lucyszyn, a 31-year-old Myrtle Beach resident, died on July 18 in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine after he was knocked unconscious by an artillery strike and fatally shot by a Russian tank, his commander, Ruslan Miroshnichenko, wrote on Facebook.

The State Department confirmed the deaths of two Americans in Ukraine on Friday but did not release their names or further details. Family and friends have confirmed reports that Lucyszyn was one of the men who died.

Miroshnichenko identified the other American as Bryan Young. Other information about Young wasn't immediately available Monday.

Thousands of foreign fighters, including many Americans, have joined Ukrainian forces battling Russia since it invaded on Feb. 24. Some of the volunteers are hardened veterans from other wars; others have little to no military experience.

Lucyszyns longtime friend Trey Kober, of North Myrtle Beach, said Lucyszyn left for Ukraine in early April after telling close friends he felt a responsibility to defend his late grandmothers homeland.

Lucyszyn volunteered to take the place of another man who needed to be with his family, Kober said.

I was proud of him, Kober said in an interview Monday. He relieved the man, and he immediately started teaching others because some of these guys had never held guns before, had never loaded ammunition into magazines.

Kober, 40, befriended Lucyszyn on a North Carolina paintball course 12 years ago and took on an older brother role for the young paintball instructor. The two spent their weekends camping in the woods and playing multiday paintball matches with friends. Lucyszyn later worked as a police officer and was the father of two children.

Two weeks before his death, Lucyszyn said goodbye to Kober in an emotional Facebook message after he learned that his platoon would soon be sent to the more dangerous Donbas region, where Russia has focused most of its firepower, bombarding cities and towns, in its assault on Ukraine.

He was pretty confident he wouldnt be coming back, Kober said. He sent us a serious message that said he was being sent to the frontlines to relieve a platoon that had been there for a long time, and he basically just told us, Im not coming back from this. This is it.

Though Kober knew his friend might die in battle, he said nothing could have prepared him for the shock he felt when he learned the news.

Lucyszyns parents, Kathryn and George Lucyszyn, said the State Department informed them of their sons death on a phone call Tuesday. The Calabash, North Carolina, residents said they tried to dissuade their son from serving abroad, but he insisted it was his calling.

He didnt go there to be a hero, Lucyszyns mother said Saturday in an interview with NBC News. He went there because he wanted to help people.

___

Schoenbaum reported from Raleigh, North Carolina. Associated Press writers Julia Rubin in New York and Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.

___

Schoenbaum is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/H_Schoenbaum.
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POKROVSK, Ukraine (AP)  The missile's impact flung the young woman against the fence so hard it splintered. Her mother found her dying on the bench beneath the pear tree where shed enjoyed the afternoon. By the time her father arrived, she was gone.

Anna Protsenko was killed two days after returning home. The 35-year-old had done what authorities wanted: She evacuated eastern Ukraines Donetsk region as Russian forces move closer. But starting a new life elsewhere had been uncomfortable and expensive.

Like Protsenko, tens of thousands of people have returned to rural or industrial communities close to the region's front line at considerable risk because they cant afford to live in safer places.

Protsenko had tried it for two months, then came home to take a job in the small city of Pokrovsk. On Monday, friends and family caressed her face and wept before her casket was hammered shut beside her grave.

We cannot win. They dont hire us elsewhere and you still have to pay rent, said a friend and neighbor, Anastasia Rusanova. Theres nowhere to go, she said, but here in the Donetsk region, everything is ours.

The Pokrovsk mayors office estimated that 70% of those who evacuated have come home. In the larger city of Kramatorsk, an hours drive closer to the front line, officials said the population had dropped to about 50,000 from the normal 220,000 in the weeks following Russia's invasion but has since risen to 68,000.

Its frustrating for Ukrainian authorities as some civilians remain in the path of war, but residents of the Donetsk region are frustrated, too. Some described feeling unwelcome as Russian speakers among Ukrainian speakers in some parts of the country.

But more often, lack of money was the problem. In Kramatorsk, some people in line waiting for boxes of humanitarian aid said they were too poor to evacuate at all. The Donetsk region and its economy have been dragged down by conflict since 2014, when Russian-backed separatists began fighting Ukraine's government.

Who will take care of us? asked Karina Smulska, who returned to Pokrovsk a month after evacuating. Now, at age 18, she is her family's main money-earner as a waitress.

Volunteers have been driving around the Donetsk region for months since Russia's invasion helping vulnerable people evacuate, but such efforts can end quietly in failure.

In a dank home in the village of Malotaranivka on the outskirts of Kramatorsk, speckled twists of flypaper hung from the living room ceiling. Pieces of cloth were stuffed into window cracks to keep out the draft.

Tamara Markova, 82, and her son Mykola Riaskov said they spent only five days as evacuees in the central city of Dnipro this month before deciding to take their chances back home.

We would have been separated, Markova said.

The temporary shelter where they stayed said she would be moved to a nursing home and her son, his left side immobilized after a stroke, would go to a home for the disabled. They found that unacceptable. In their hurry to leave, they left his wheelchair behind. It was too big to take on the bus.

Now they make do. If the air raid siren sounds, Markova goes to shelter with neighbors until the bombing stops. Humanitarian aid is delivered once a month. Markova calls it good enough. When winter comes, the neighbors will cover their windows with plastic film for basic insulation and clean the fireplace of soot. Maybe theyll have gas for heat, maybe not.

It was much easier under the Soviet Union, she said of their lack of support from the state, but she was even unhappier with Russian President Vladimir Putin and what his soldiers are doing to the communities around her.

He's old, she said of Putin. He has to be retired.

Homesickness and uncertainty also drive returns. A daily evacuation train leaves Pokrovsk for relatively safer western Ukraine, but another train also arrives daily with people who have decided to come home. While the evacuation train is free, the return one is not.

Oksana Tserkovnyi took the train home with her 10-year-old daughter two days after the deadly attack on July 15 in Dnipro, where they had stayed for more than two months. While the attack was the spark to return, Tserkovnyi had found it difficult to find work. Now she plans to return to her previous job in a coal mine.

Costs in Dnipro, already full of evacuees, were another concern. We stayed with relatives, but if we needed to rent it would have been a lot more, Tserkovnyi said. It starts at 6,000 hryvnia ($200) a month for a studio, and you wont be able to find it.

Taxi drivers who wait in Pokrovsk for the arriving train said many people give up on trying to resettle elsewhere.

Half my work for sure is taking these people, said one driver, Vitalii Anikieiev. Because the money is gone.

In mid-July, he said, he picked up a woman who was coming home from Poland after feeling out of place there. When they reached her village near the front line, there was a crater where her house had been.

She cried, Anikieiev said. But she decided to stay.

___

Associated Press journalist Inna Varenytsia contributed.

___

Follow APs coverage of fighting in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
LONDON (AP)  Next years Eurovision Song Contest will be staged in Britain, organizers announced Monday, after concluding it is too risky to hold the much-loved pop extravaganza in the designated host country, Ukraine.

The U.K. said the 2023 event would be a celebration of Ukrainian culture and creativity.

Ukraine won the right to host the glitzy pan-continental music competition when its entry, from the folk-rap ensemble Kalush Orchestra, won this years contest in May. Britains Sam Ryder was second.

The European Broadcasting Union, which runs Eurovision, said it had concluded that regrettably, next years event could not be held in Ukraine for safety and security reasons. It said Britains BBC had agreed to broadcast the show on behalf of Ukrainian broadcaster UA:PBC.

The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine, said Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the managing board of UA:PBC. We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us.

The fate of the 2023 contest had featured in talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Johnson said the two had agreed that wherever Eurovision 2023 is held, it must celebrate the country and people of Ukraine.

As we are now hosts, the U.K. will honor that pledge directly  and put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends, Johnson said.

Ukraine has won the contest three times and hosted Eurovision in 2005 and 2017. The competition has been held in Britain eight times, most recently in 1998, the year after the U.K. last won.

The BBC said bidding to be the host city for the 2023 contest will open next week. London, Manchester and Sheffield all said Monday that they would apply.

Founded in 1956 to help unite a continent scarred by World War II, Eurovision has grown to include more than 40 countries, including non-European nations such as Israel and Australia.

Organizers strive to keep pop and politics apart  banning overtly political symbols and lyrics  but global tensions have often imposed themselves on the contest. Russia was kicked out of this years competition because of its invasion of Ukraine in February.

___ A previous version of this story incorrectly said Ukraine had won Eurovision twice. It has won three times.

___

Follow all AP stories on developments in the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.
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When heads of state visit the U.S., the top item on their itinerary is usually a White House visit. For Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban next month, it will be addressing a conference of conservative activists in Dallas.

Orban's appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference, where he'll be joined by former President Donald Trump and right-wing icons such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., is the most dramatic indication yet of how a leader criticized for pushing anti-democratic principles has become a hero to segments of the Republican Party.

Orban has curbed immigration and stymied those who envision a more middle-of-the-road European democracy for their country. He's done so by seizing control of Hungary's judiciary and media, leading many international analysts to label him as the face of a new wave of authoritarianism. He also is accused of enabling widespread corruption and nepotism, using state resources to enrich a tight circle of political allies.

The U.S. conservative movement's embrace of Orban comes as it echoes Trump's lies that he did not lose the 2020 presidential election, punishes Republicans who tried to hold him accountable for the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and embrace new voting restrictions. Many experts on Hungarian politics fear the GOP might aspire to Orban's tactics.

The Trumpist side of the Republican Party is coming for the rhetoric, but staying for the autocracy, said Kim L. Schepple, a sociologist at Princeton University who has studied Orban. I'm worried the attraction to Orban is only superficially the culture war stuff and more deeply about how to prevent power from ever rotating out of their hands.

Conservatives dismiss that notion  or even the charge that Orban is an authoritarian.

What we like about him is that he's actually standing up for the freedom of his people against the tyranny of the EU, said Matt Schlapp, head of CPAC, which meets in Dallas starting Aug. 4. He's captured the attention of a lot of people, including a lot of people in America who are worried about the decline of the family.

CPAC's gatherings are something of a cross between Davos and Woodstock for the conservative movement, a meeting place for activists and luminaries to strategize, inspire and network. Earlier this year, CPAC held its first meeting in Europe, choosing Hungary. While there, Schlapp invited Orban to speak at the Texas gathering. Last year, Fox News star Tucker Carlson broadcast his show from Budapest.

Orban served as prime minister of Hungary between 1998 and 2002, but it's his record since taking office again in 2010 that has drawn controversy. A self-styled champion of what he describes as illiberal democracy, Orban has depicted himself as a defender of European Christendom against Muslim migrants, progressives and the LGBTQ lobby.

While Orban's party has backed technocratic initiatives that have captured the imagination of the U.S. right  Schlapp specifically cited a tax cut Hungarian women receive for every child as a way to counter a declining population  he's best known for his aggressive stance on hot-button cultural issues.

Orbans government erected a razor-wire fence along Hungarys southern border in 2015 in response to an influx of refugees fleeing violence and poverty in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and elsewhere. Carlson visited the border barrier, praising it as a model for the U.S.

Last year, Orban's right-wing Fidesz party banned the depiction of homosexuality or sex reassignment in media targeting people under 18, a move critics said was an attack on LGBTQ people. Information on homosexuality also was forbidden in school sex education programs, or in films and advertisements accessible to minors.

Those policies have put him on a collision course with the European Union, which has sought to reign in some of his more antidemocratic tendencies. The bloc has launched numerous legal proceedings against Hungary for breaking EU rules, and is now withholding billions in recovery funds and credit over violations of rule-of-law standards and insufficient anti-corruption safeguards.

Those conflicts started early in Orbans tenure. In 2011, the Fidesz party used the two-thirds constitutional majority it gained after a landslide election the previous year to unilaterally rewrite Hungarys constitution. Soon after, it began undermining the country's institutions and took steps to consolidate power.

Orban's party implemented judicial reforms through constitutional amendment, enabling it to change the composition of the judiciary. It also passed a new law that created a nine-member council to oversee the media and appointed members to all those slots.

Reporters Without Borders declared Orban a press freedom predator last year. It said his Fidesz party had seized de facto control of 80% of the countrys media through political-economic maneuvers and the purchase of news organizations by friendly oligarchs.

The Associated Press and other international news organizations were barred from covering the CPAC conference in May, during which Orban called Hungary the bastion of conservative Christian values in Europe. He also urged conservatives in the U.S. to defeat the dominance of progressive liberals in public life.

The AP requested an interview with Orban when he visits Dallas next month, but was rebuffed. His communications office cited what it said was the prime minister's "extremely busy" schedule.

Analysts note that Hungary lacks the traditional trappings of autocracies. There are no tanks in the streets and no political dissidents locked up in prisons. Fidesz has continued to win elections  albeit in seats that have been redrawn to make it extremely difficult for their legislators to be defeated. That's similar to the political gerrymandering of congressional and state legislative districts in the U.S., a process that currently favors Republicans because they control more of the state legislatures that create those boundaries.

Still, experts say Orbans near-total control of his country makes him a pioneer of a new approach to anti-democratic rule.

I've never seen an autocrat consolidate authoritarian rule without spilling a drop of blood or locking someone up, said Steven Levitsky, a Harvard political scientist and co-author of the book How Democracies Die. He and other scholars said Orban qualifies as an authoritarian because of his use of government to control societal institutions.

Peter Kreko, a Budapest-based analyst for the Center for European Policy Analysis, said Orban's anti-democratic tendencies won't be a big issue in his quest to forge an alliance with U.S. conservatives. His closeness to Russia and China will be much thornier, Kreko argued.

Kreko said Orban's government is increasingly isolated diplomatically but has not even bothered to try to build ties to the Biden administration  instead hoping Trump or his allies will shortly return to power.

This is his big hope for coming back to the international scene, since there are not so many allies that remain for him, Kreko said of Orban. It's a remarkable success of Hungarian soft power that Orban has become so popular among American conservatives when his image has declined so much in Europe.

Schlapp scoffed at the notion that Hungary was undemocratic, noting that Orban's party continues to win elections and reminiscing fondly about his trip to Budapest. He recounted how his group got lost in some alleys in the ancient Hungarian capital.

If we were in Chicago or Los Angeles, I'd have been scared to death, he said.

But not in Hungary: It's orderly, it works, it's practical, it's clean.

___

Spike reported from Budapest, Hungary, and Riccardi from Denver.
PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  The federal government is conducting a review of four dams on a Maine river that could result in a lifeline for the last wild Atlantic salmon in the U.S.

The last of the wild salmon live in a group of rivers in Maine and have been listed under the Endangered Species Act since 2000. One of the rivers is the Kennebec River, where Brookfield Renewable U.S. owns dams.

Brookfield wants to amend federal licenses for four dams and receive a new 40-year operating license for one of them. That requires a review of the dams' impacts on salmon, said representatives for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The federal review could result in mitigation measures Brookfield would need to take to protect the salmon, NOAA officials said. The review comes as the Biden administration is also eyeing changes to dams in other parts of the country. The administration released reports earlier this month that said removing dams on the lower Snake River in eastern Washington may be needed to adequately restore salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest.

In Maine, Brookfield views the review as a step toward building new fish passages on the Kennebec, which will help the fish migrate and spawn, said David Heidrich, a spokesperson for the company. Brookfield plans to spend at least $40 million on structural modifications to its projects, and will incorporate changes required by the federal review, Heidrich said.

The review is a critical regulatory approval that moves Brookfield one step closer to the construction and operation of new, state-of-art fishways on the Lower Kennebec, he said.

The last wild Atlantic salmon have long been a focus of conservation advocates in New England. Environmental groups have raised alarms that counters found fewer fish on the Penobscot River in 2021 than in any year since 2016.

The fish were once abundant in Maine rivers and beyond, but factors such as dams, overfishing, habitat loss and pollution dramatically reduced their populations. In May, Brookfield said it would use seasonal shutdown procedures for the Kennebec River dams to help the salmon migrate.

The best way to help the salmon population recover would be to remove the dams altogether, said Nick Bennett, staff scientist with the Natural Resources Council of Maine. That would open up access to the Sandy River, a tributary of the Kennebec that is prime salmon habitat, he said.

If we could get those four dams removed, the best big chunk of Atlantic salmon spawning and rearing habitat, which is the Sandy River and its tributaries, would be direct free swim from the ocean, Bennett said.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Four people in Wisconsin with disabilities have filed a lawsuit asking a federal court to ensure that they'll be able to get help turning in their ballots, even though the conservative-controlled state Supreme Court said no one other than the voter can return absentee ballots in person.

The lawsuit, filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Madison, comes in response to the Wisconsin Supreme Court's 4-3 ruling earlier this month and comments by Meagan Wolfe, the administrator of the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

The state Supreme Court ruled that absentee ballot drop boxes are illegal and that only the voter can return their absentee ballot in person to the clerk's office or a designated site. The court did not address whether voters can receive assistance when returning their ballots by mail.

Wolfe, when discussing the ruling at a news conference, said right now, the voter is the one required to mail the ballot. Wolfe was referring to a state law that says that absentee ballot envelopes shall be mailed by the elector, or delivered in person, to the municipal clerk issuing the ballot or ballots.

Wolfe's comments, taken together with the court's ruling, delivered a disturbing message to voters with disabilities: ballot-return assistance is prohibited in all circumstances throughout Wisconsin, the lawsuit said.

A spokesman for the Wisconsin Elections Commission didn't immediately respond to a message Monday seeking comment.

The Department of Justice, which typically represents the agency in lawsuits, argued in the case before the Supreme Court that voters may have another person put their absentee ballot in the mail. Attorney General Josh Kaul said in a statement Monday that that is still DOJ's position.

People with disabilities who brought the lawsuit argue that many Wisconsin residents, including those who have cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and are paralyzed, won't be able to vote if they can't get help from someone else to either mail their ballots for them or deliver them in person.

Plaintiffs are faced with an impossible, and unlawful, choice: abstain from voting altogether or risk that their ballots will be invalidated, or that their only available method to vote absentee (ballot-return assistance) could subject them to prosecution," the lawsuit states.

Four people with disabilities living in Wisconsin brought the lawsuit.

One of them, Timothy Carey, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and is unable to move his body and is on a ventilator. The lawsuit said he has always voted absentee with the help of a third party. Another plaintiff, Martha Chambers, is paralyzed from the neck down and always received help returning her absentee ballot since she can't use her arms or legs to place a ballot in the mailbox or return it to the clerk's office.

The plaintiffs allege violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments as well as several federal laws, including the Voting Rights Act and Americans with Disabilities Act.

Federal law guarantees that voters with disabilities enjoy full and equal access to state voting programs and thus that they are entitled to ballot-return assistance, the lawsuit states. And when a state makes it impossible for some voters with disabilities to vote at all, it violates the U.S. Constitution.
MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Wisconsin Senate Democratic Minority Leader Janet Bewley was involved in a fatal car crash Friday that left a 27-year-old mother from Pennsylvania and her 5-year-old daughter dead, police said Monday.

Ashland Police Chief Bill Hagstrom told the Ashland Daily Press on Monday that Bewley was not injured in the crash and the State Patrol was reconstructing the crash. No charges have been filed yet as that work continues.

Well be sitting down with them and going over everything as far as determining how it all actually happened, Hagstrom told the newspaper. Then well forward everything to the district attorney for their review because it was a fatal accident.

Bewley, 70, is from Mason and represents northwestern Wisconsin. The accident occurred when she pulled out of a Lake Superior beach entrance and into the path of a car driven by Alyssa Ortman, according to the Ashland Police Department. When Ortmans car collided with Bewleys, it spun across Highway 2 and was hit by another vehicle.

Ortmans 5-year-old daughter was pronounced dead at the crash scene. Ortman was transported to a nearby hospital where she later died, according to police. Hagstrom said Bewley was not taken to the hospital.

This is a heartbreaking event for the community. Our thoughts and prayers are focused on the individuals involved, their families and their loved ones, Bewley's office said in a statement Monday. Senator Bewley, who was not seriously injured in the accident, wants to thank all the dedicated law enforcement and emergency medical personnel who helped in the aftermath of the accident.

Bewley, a member of the Senate since 2015, is not seeking reelection.
Katelyn McClure's story about a down-on-his-luck hero who'd spent his last $20 to help a stranger inspired thousands to contribute to a GoFundMe campaign that soon topped $400,000.

Her claim that she'd run out of gas on Interstate 95, where the homeless veteran came to her rescue, went viral in 2017. But after all the media frenzy, it turned out to be mostly bogus - and a huge chunk of the funds raised had been used on a luxury car, clothes, vacations and trips to casinos, federal prosecutors said. Now, McClure has been sentenced for her role in the three-person scheme - one that the Justice Department called "a GoFundMe scam that gained nationwide attention."

McClure, 32, pleaded guilty in March 2019 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On Thursday, she was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison and was ordered to pay $400,000 in restitution.

The scam began outside a Philadelphia casino in 2017, prosecutors said. That's where McClure and her boyfriend at the time, Mark D'Amico, met Johnny Bobbitt, a homeless veteran, according to court documents. But McClure had never run out of gas and Bobbitt hadn't spent his last $20 to help her, a federal prosecutor said in 2018.

The 2017 GoFundMe campaign claimed that McClure had run into problems on her way from Philadelphia to her home in New Jersey. Bobbitt, who had been sitting on the side of the road near an exit ramp holding a sign, came to her rescue by using his last bit of cash to get a can of gasoline at a nearby gas station, the fundraiser claimed. As a thank-you gesture, McClure and D'Amico started the GoFundMe to raise $10,000 to get Bobbitt an apartment, a car and cover other expenses, it said.

But the campaign gained widespread attention - including in an article from The Washington Post - and people soon donated over $400,000. The couple had informed Bobbitt about the campaign in November 2017, when about $1,500 had been raised, according to court records. They later set up a bank account for the veteran and deposited $25,000 of the GoFundMe proceeds, prosecutors said.

HO/Associated Press

However, the story began unraveling in August 2018, when Bobbitt filed a lawsuit accusing McClure and D'Amico of using the "GoFundMe account as their personal piggy bank to fund a lifestyle that they could not otherwise afford." Federal investigators soon got involved.

While some of the funds went toward buying Bobbitt a camper, a TV, two cellphones and a used SUV, most of the money was pocketed by McClure and D'Amico, prosecutors said. The couple "used the funds to pay for luxury items, such as a BMW and expensive hand bags; go on trips; and to gamble at casinos in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Las Vegas," according to court records.

Still, in an August 2018 interview with Megyn Kelly, McClure and D'Amico insisted they were holding $150,000 for Bobbitt. However, investigators found that there was actually no money to be given, prosecutors said.

Attorneys for the couple didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. But Mark Davis, D'Amico's attorney, told The Post in November that the couple's desire to help Bobbitt "was very real."

Lori Koch, Bobbitt's attorney, said her client "deeply regrets" the scam, adding that Bobbitt was battling addiction at the time and has since been in recovery. "He wants nothing more than to put this ugly episode behind him and move on to being the solid, caring citizen he once was, helping others in need as an EMT," Koch said. "He would like to help others who are in recovery as well, and welcomes the idea of using his experience to help others."

By the end, McClure, D'Amico and Bobbitt all pleaded guilty for their roles. Bobbitt is expected to be sentenced next month. In April, D'Amico was sentenced to 27 months in prison for leading a move that prosecutors allege was a ruse right from the get-go.

Less than an hour after the GoFundMe page went live, McClure texted a friend and said, "Ok so wait the gas part is completely made up, but the guy isn't. I had to make something up to make people feel bad. So shush about the made up stuff," according to federal prosecutors.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued an advisory Sunday that smoke from the Oak Fire in Mariposa County near Yosemite will drift into Bay Area skies on Monday.

The district said the smoke is expected to remain high. The skies may be hazy, and the smell of smoke is possible, especially at higher elevations.

The air quality index can be checked at https://fire.airnow.gov/.

A 50-year-old Stockton man who allegedly robbed a business at gunpoint last week near Stockton was apprehended after leaving his keys at the scene, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office.

At 10:45 p.m. on Thursday the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office received calls that a business in the 6600 block of Pacific Avenue was being robbed at gunpoint.

However, the alleged suspect had fled the scene when deputies arrived, according to witnesses.

While other patrol resources circulated the area looking for the alleged gunman, deputies at the scene located a set of car keys that belonged to a vehicle located nearby.

The Marin County Sheriff's Department is investigating a shooting in the city of Marin Sunday morning that killed one person and injured two others, according to social media posts by the department.

In a 10:40 a.m. tweet, the department first reported that deputies were on the scene of a shooting that had multiple victims in the area of Cole Drive in Marin.

In subsequent tweets, the department reported that one person had died and that two others were being treated for injuries and were expected to survive.

San Jose Police reported at 7:55 p.m. Sunday the area surrounding the 100 block of W. St John Street is closed, as police investigate a reported fight that sent a man to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police said they had no suspect information or a motive for the incident at the time of the report.

California Governor Gavin Newsom named four new regents for the University of California, including one who is the administrator for the city and county of San Francisco.

Carmen Chu, 44, joins the board of regents with three other newcomers: Ana Matosantos, 46, of Sacramento, Mark Robinson, 57, of Kentfield and Dr. Elaine Batchlor, 64, of Los Angeles.

Chu previously was the elected assessor-recorder from 2013 to 2021 and was District 4 supervisor on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 2007 to 2013, according to an announcement from the University of California.

A portable air pump that was charging appears to have started a Rohnert Park house fire Sunday afternoon, fire investigators said.

Firefighters responded at 1:45 p.m. to reports of smoke coming from the roof of a home on Michael Way. Gold Ridge firefighters were first on the scene, finding the kitchen on fire and the two-story home full of smoke.

Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze, with assistance from Rancho Adobe Fire and Sonoma County Fire.

Rohnert Park officials said the fire appeared to start on a desk situated under the stairs to the second floor. Investigators found an air pump that was charging on the desk.

Damage to the residence is estimated at $200,000 and two residents were displaced. No injuries were reported.

The San Francisco branch of the NAACP voted unanimously Sunday (105-0) to ask for the resignation of San Francisco School Board Trustee Ann Hsu.

Hsu -- who was appointed to the post by Mayor London Breed following the February recall of three board members in a special election -- made headlines last week that have many, including fellow board members, calling for her ouster.

In response to a candidate questionnaire for the San Francisco Parent Action Coalition, Hsu wrote "unstable family environments" and "lack of parental encouragement" posed challenges for educating Black and brown students.

The NAACP said Sunday its executive board met with Hsu last week "concerning her hurtful, racist remarks concerning Black students and families in San Francisco."

Two boys were arrested Friday after allegedly making terrorist threats, pulling out a fake gun and assaulting a man in Stockton, police said.

Police said a 30-year-old man was working in the 5200 block of Pacific Avenue in the Lakeview District when he asked two children, ages 14 and 15, to leave when they allegedly began assaulting him and brandished a replica firearm.

Officers responded at 6:32 p.m. and were able to locate and arrest the suspects after a brief struggle.

The National Weather Service forecast for the greater San Francisco Bay Area calls for warm conditions inland and cooler conditions near the water Monday under red/orange-tinted skies. Daytime highs are expected in the 60s along the coast, in the mid 70s to low 80s around the bay and reaching the mid 80s inland. Overnight lows are expected in the upper 50s.

An air quality advisory is in effect Monday in the Bay Area caused by smoke from the Oak Fire in Mariposa County.

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WFO ALBANY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, July 24, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Litchfield County in northern Connecticut...

* Until 930 PM EDT.

* At 853 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line

extending from 6 miles northwest of Torrington to near New Preston

to Brewster, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...

Torrington, New Milford, Thomaston, New Hartford, Litchfield,

Northwest Harwinton, Oakville, Terryville, New Hartford Center,

Woodbury Center, Gaylordsville, New Preston, Cornwall Bridge,

Winsted, Watertown, Plymouth, Woodbury, Harwinton, Barkhamsted and

Bethlehem.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a

building.

Wind damage with these storms will occur before any rain or

lightning. Do not wait for the sound of thunder before taking cover.

SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY inside a sturdy structure and stay away from

windows.

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

...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of western Hartford and

southwestern Hampden Counties through 945 PM EDT...

At 853 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along

a line extending from near Norfolk to Brewster. Movement was east at

40 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Strong winds could cause minor damage such as downed

branches.

Locations impacted include...

West Hartford, Bristol, Southington, Windsor, Agawam, Farmington,

Simsbury, Bloomfield, Avon, Plainville, Suffield, Granby, Canton,

Southwick, Burlington, East Granby, Hartland, Granville and Tolland.

Get indoors when you hear thunder. Do not resume outdoor activities

until at least 30 minutes after the storm has passed.

LAT...LON 4205 7263 4156 7291 4156 7295 4163 7293

4164 7294 4164 7299 4180 7302 4181 7295

4184 7294 4185 7295 4188 7295 4190 7291

4197 7289 4197 7303 4204 7301 4204 7305

4206 7306

TIME...MOT...LOC 0053Z 264DEG 35KT 4202 7322 4140 7361

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN

MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

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Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO ALBANY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, July 24, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

Severe Weather Statement

National Weather Service Albany NY

733 PM EDT Sun Jul 24 2022

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 745 PM EDT

FOR NORTH CENTRAL ULSTER COUNTY...

At 733 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Woodland Valley

Campground, or 18 miles southwest of Hunter, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include...

West Shokan, Woodland Valley Campground, Mount Tremper, Phoenicia,

Denning, Frost Valley, Samsonville, Peekamoose, Beechford, Winchell,

Oliverea, Brodhead, Chichester, Bull Run, Krumville, Woodland,

Branch, Boiceville and Shokan.

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.

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern

Wyoming, southern Livingston and northern Allegany Counties through

800 PM EDT...

At 734 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near

Houghton, or 13 miles southwest of Letchworth State Park, moving east

at 50 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around

unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is

possible.

Dansville, Letchworth State Park, Conesus, Houghton, Portageville,

Groveland, Nunda, Ossian, Canaseraga, Short Tract, Ossian Center,

Fillmore, Swain, Hunt, Rossburg, Sonyea and Dalton.

This includes Interstate 390 between exits 4 and 6.

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.

Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe

shelter inside a building or vehicle.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio

stations and available television stations for additional information

and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for

western New York.

LAT...LON 4240 7822 4251 7823 4277 7762 4258 7760

4258 7766 4253 7766 4253 7772 4242 7773

TIME...MOT...LOC 2334Z 253DEG 41KT 4249 7814

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN

MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR EAST CENTRAL DELAWARE COUNTY

WILL EXPIRE AT 745 PM EDT...

The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area.

Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire.

central New York.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement

agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service

Binghamton.

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR EAST CENTRAL SCHENECTADY...

EASTERN ALBANY AND SOUTHEASTERN SARATOGA COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...

The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the warned

area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

east central New York.

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM EDT

FOR BERKSHIRE...NORTHERN COLUMBIA...EAST CENTRAL GREENE...RENSSELAER

AND SOUTHWESTERN BENNINGTON COUNTIES...

At 736 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line

extending from near Grafton to Stephentown to near Chatham, moving

east at 40 mph.

Pittsfield, Bennington, North Adams, Hudson, Hoosick Falls, Chatham,

Nassau, Adams, Williamstown, Lee, Lenox, Pownal, Cheshire,

Stephentown, Coxsackie, New Lebanon, Grafton, Berlin, Valatie and

Becket.

Wind damage with these storms will occur before any rain or

lightning. Do not wait for the sound of thunder before taking cover.

SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY inside a sturdy structure and stay away from

windows.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to

flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

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Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BUFFALO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Monday, July 25, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Southeastern Jefferson County in central New York...

Lewis County in central New York...

Northeastern Oswego County in central New York...

* Until 300 AM EDT.

* At 200 AM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line

extending from near Rutland Center to near Pulaski, moving east at

55 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to trees and power lines.

* Locations impacted include...

Watertown, Fort Drum, Carthage, Lowville, Pulaski, West Carthage,

Adams, Herrings, Adams Center and Barnes Corners.

This includes Interstate 81 between exits 35 and 47.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a

building.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to

localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded

roadways.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BURLINGTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, July 24, 2022

_____

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

Special Weather Statement

National Weather Service Burlington VT

717 PM EDT Sun Jul 24 2022

...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of northeastern Clinton,

Grand Isle and Franklin Counties through 815 PM EDT...

At 716 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along

a line extending from Rouses Point to Dannemora. Movement was east at

55 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...

Plattsburgh, Beekmantown, Chazy, Enosburg Falls, Franklin, Montgomery

Center, Sheldon, St. Albans Town, South Alburgh, Alburgh, Enosburg

Falls Village, Alburgh Dunes State Park, North Hero, Bakersfield,

Berkshire, Isle La Motte, Lake Carmi State Park, Dannemora, Richford

and Rouses Point.

This includes the following highways...

Interstate 87 between mile markers 154 and 173.

Interstate 89 between mile markers 111 and 129.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

LAT...LON 4501 7256 4481 7260 4466 7386 4501 7341

TIME...MOT...LOC 2316Z 254DEG 50KT 4502 7337 4471 7376

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN

MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Northwestern Ulster County in east central New York...

* Until 745 PM EDT.

* At 717 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Willowemoc,

or 14 miles northeast of Liberty, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...

Woodland Valley Campground, West Shokan, Mount Tremper, Phoenicia,

Denning, Samsonville, Palentown, Sundown, Oliverea, Brodhead,

Chichester, Woodland, Branch, Seager, Hardenburg, Boiceville, Frost

Valley, Peekamoose, Beechford and Winchell.

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

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO NEW YORK CITY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, July 24, 2022

_____

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

Special Weather Statement

National Weather Service New York NY

750 PM EDT Sun Jul 24 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northeastern Orange

County through 815 PM EDT...

At 750 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over

Bloomingburg, or 7 miles north of Middletown, moving northeast at 30

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...

Walden, Howells, Montgomery, Scotchtown, Pine Bush, Circleville and

Bullville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

LAT...LON 4163 7425 4160 7425 4160 7421 4158 7413

4161 7413 4160 7409 4161 7407 4158 7405

4158 7402 4143 7448 4150 7453 4150 7448

4157 7442 4160 7435 4160 7433 4163 7426

TIME...MOT...LOC 2350Z 240DEG 24KT 4155 7445

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN

MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

The National Weather Service in Albany has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Ulster County in east central New York...

Dutchess County in east central New York...

Columbia County in east central New York...

Greene County in east central New York...

* Until 845 PM EDT.

* At 749 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line

extending from near Windham to near Olivebridge to near

Bloomingburg, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Emergency management reported trees and wires down in the

towns of Kerhonkson with this line of storms.

IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...

Poughkeepsie, Kingston, Beacon, New Paltz, Hudson, Ellenville,

Catskill, Saugerties, Rhinebeck, Pawling, Chatham, Hunter,

Wallkill, Hyde Park, Milton, Plattekill, Pleasant Valley, Hurley,

Claverack and Woodstock.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a

building.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to

flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

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 NEW YORK CITY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Monday, July 25, 2022

_____

HEAT ADVISORY

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE

National Weather Service New York NY

400 AM EDT Mon Jul 25 2022

...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM EDT

THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Heat index values up to 97 expected.

* WHERE...New York (Manhattan), Bronx, Richmond (Staten Island),

Kings (Brooklyn), Northern Queens and Southern Queens Counties.

* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 6 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat

illnesses to occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

New York City residents should call 3 1 1 to identify cooling

center locations and obtain 'Beat the Heat' safety tips.

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.

* WHAT...Heat index values up to 96 expected.

* WHERE...In New Jersey, Eastern Passaic and Eastern Bergen

Counties. In New York, Southern Westchester, Northwest

Suffolk, Northern Nassau and Southern Nassau Counties.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO NEW YORK CITY Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Monday, July 25, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Upton NY has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Queens County in southeastern New York...

West central Suffolk County in southeastern New York...

Nassau County in southeastern New York...

* Until 215 PM EDT.

* At 128 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Manhasset, or

over Great Neck, 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.

* This severe thunderstorm will be near...

Glen Cove and Hempstead around 135 PM EDT.

Westbury around 140 PM EDT.

Levittown and Hicksville around 145 PM EDT.

Syosset and Oyster Bay around 150 PM EDT.

Plainview and Farmingdale around 155 PM EDT.

Huntington Station and Huntington around 200 PM EDT.

Centerport around 205 PM EDT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a

building.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO AMARILLO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, July 24, 2022

_____

HEAT ADVISORY

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE

National Weather Service Amarillo TX

802 PM CDT Sun Jul 24 2022

...HEAT ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED...

Temperatures have fallen below 105 degrees at Palo Duro Canyon State

Park. Therefore, the Heat Advisory has been allowed to expire at 8

PM CDT.

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM CDT MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heat index values up to 105 expected.

* WHERE...In Oklahoma, Cotton, Caddo, Woods and Comanche

Counties. In Texas, Archer, Wichita and Clay Counties.

* WHEN...From noon to 8 PM CDT Monday.

* 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 MIDLAND/ODESSA Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Monday, July 25, 2022

_____

FLASH FLOOD WARNING

The National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...

North Central Jeff Davis County in southwestern Texas...

* Until 430 PM CDT.

* At 230 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing

heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of

rain have fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin

shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban

areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as

other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...

mainly rural areas of North Central Jeff Davis County

This includes the following streams and drainages...

Ninemile Draw, Madera Canyon and Cherry Creek.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood

deaths occur in vehicles.

Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law

enforcement and request they pass this information to the National

Weather Service when you can do so safely.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO PENDLETON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Monday, July 25, 2022

_____

EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE

National Weather Service Pendleton OR

819 AM PDT Mon Jul 25 2022

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures around 100

to 110 expected.

* WHERE...In Washington, Foothills of the Blue Mountains of

Washington and Simcoe Highlands. In Oregon, John Day Basin,

Foothills of the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon, Foothills

of the Southern Blue Mountains of Oregon, North Central Oregon

and Central Oregon.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM PDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Extreme heat 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 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Temperatures between 100 to 110 in the lower elevations

and around 90 to 100 possible in the mountains.

* WHERE...In Washington, East Slopes of the Washington Cascades.

In Oregon, East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur.

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING

THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures up to 100

possible.

* WHERE...In Washington, Northwest Blue Mountains. In Oregon,

Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon, Southern Blue Mountains of

Oregon and Grande Ronde Valley.

* WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Friday evening.

Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this

situation. Be prepared to 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. This is especially true during

warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal

temperatures in a matter of minutes.

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT

FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures around 105

to 115 expected.

* WHERE...In Washington, Eastern Columbia River Gorge of

Washington, Lower Columbia Basin of Washington, Kittitas

Valley and Yakima Valley. In Oregon, Lower Columbia Basin of

Oregon and Eastern Columbia River Gorge of Oregon.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO PENDLETON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Monday, July 25, 2022

_____

EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE

National Weather Service Pendleton OR

152 PM PDT Mon Jul 25 2022

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures of 100 to

105 possible in the lower elevations and 90 to 100 in the

mountains.

* WHERE...In Washington, Northwest Blue Mountains. In Oregon,

Grande Ronde Valley, Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon and

Southern Blue Mountains of Oregon.

* WHEN...Until 11 PM PDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Extreme heat 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.

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT

FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures around 105

to 115 expected.

* WHERE...Portions of central, south central and southeast

Washington and central, north central and northeast Oregon.

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Temperatures between 100 to 105 in the lower elevations

and around 90 to 100 in the mountains.

* WHERE...In Washington, East Slopes of the Washington Cascades.

In Oregon, East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO SPOKANE Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Friday, July 29, 2022

_____

EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE

National Weather Service Spokane WA

1017 PM PDT Sun Jul 24 2022

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING

THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Afternoon temperatures will reach the upper 90s to over 100

degrees. Overnight temperatures will have a harder time cooling

off the longer the heatwave lasts.

* WHERE...Portions of North and North Central Idaho. Portions of

East Central, North Central, Northeast, and Southeast Washington.

* WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Friday evening.

* IMPACTS...Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential

for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or

participating in outdoor activities. Residents without air

conditioners will experience a build up of heat within their home

through late in the week.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Temperatures will climb near 100 on Monday

then into the lower 100s through the week. Overnight lows will

become increasingly warmer making it challenging for structures

without air condition to cool off each night.

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM MONDAY TO 11

PM PDT FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Afternoon temperatures will be near 100 degrees on Monday

then continue to steadily rise a few degrees throughout the week.

High temperatures Wednesday into Friday will range between 105 and

110 degrees. Overnight temperatures will only cool into the upper

60s to mid 70s.

* WHERE...Loomis, Quincy, Winchester, Brewster, Waterville, Methow,

Nespelem, Ephrata, Wenatchee, Holden Village, Conconully, Telma,

Mansfield, Plain, Okanogan, Othello, Winton, Moses Lake,

Bridgeport, Omak, Stehekin, Leavenworth, Dryden, Malott, Mazama,

Lucerne, Cashmere, Peshastin, Entiat, Winthrop, Nighthawk,

Carlton, Monse, Twisp, Palisades, Oroville, and Chelan.

* WHEN...From 11 AM Monday to 11 PM PDT Friday.

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.

Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose

fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning

or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and

heat stroke.

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


The 2nd China-Africa Peace and Security Forum Ministerial Meeting is held via video link on July 25, 2022. Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe attends the meeting in Beijing. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

BEIJING, July 25 -- The second China-Africa Peace and Security Forum Ministerial Meeting was held via video link on July 25, 2022. Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe attended the meeting.

Wei Fenghe firstly read out the congratulatory letter sent to the forum by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and said that President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to China-Africa peace and security cooperation, and puts forward a major initiative to build a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era, which has pointed out the direction for China and Africa to strengthen unity and cooperation and achieve common security.

Wei pointed out that at present, as the changes unseen in a century combine with the once-in-a-century pandemic, both China and Africa should uphold the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, practice the Global Security Initiative, and move toward the promising vision of jointly building a security community.

The two sides should maintain close strategic communication, strengthen equipment technological cooperation, deepen joint maritime training exercises, expand exchanges in professional fields, so as to promote the China-Africa peace and security cooperation to make deeper and substantial progress, Wei said.

Representatives from African countries attending the meeting said that the congratulatory letter sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping reflects the great importance he attaches to Africa-China relations. They said China is a trustworthy good friend, good partner and good brother of Africa, Africa appreciates China for its support and assistance to Africa in the areas of peace and security and look forward to strengthening solidarity and cooperation with the Chinese side and making positive contributions to building a Africa-China community with a shared future.

The forum features the theme of Strengthen solidarity and coordination to achieve common security. Nearly 50 ministerial leaders and senior representatives from the African Union (AU) and African countries attended the forum.



General Wei Fenghe delivers a keynote speech at the 2nd China-Africa Peace and Security Forum Ministerial Meeting on July 25, 2022. The 2nd China-Africa Peace and Security Forum Ministerial Meeting was held via video link on Monday. Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe attended the meeting. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)
Vistara, Indias finest full-service carrier, will become the first Indian airline to introduce an e-tech logbook solution and go paperless in its operations, by appointing ULTRAMAIN ELB.

ULTRAMAIN ELB will fully replace aircraft paper technical log, cabin log, journey log, damage log, and fueling log providing a validated electronic Certificate of Release to Service (e-CRS) on flights operated by Vistara.Currently in the airborne proving stage, the ELB application will be used by Flight Crew, Cabin Crew, and Engineers on iOS devices to provide integrated workflows with Vistaras maintenance and operational systems. The airline is seeking necessary approvals from relevant authorities before fully integrating this solution across its operations. Once implemented, ULTRAMAIN ELB will enable accurate, real-time global operational visibility of the Vistara fleet resulting in more efficient maintenance, higher dispatch reliability, and increased aircraft utilization.

Vistara remains committed towards constantly improving operational efficiency across processes through automation and weve been investing in right technologies to achieve this goal. We are delighted to partner with UltramainSystems, which will provide the first Electronic Logbook to seek operational approval to operate a fully electronic Technical and Cabin Logbook in India. Ultramain ELB will be integrated with various live processes like AMOS, ACARS, and ARMS for seamless operations. This application, with its completeness and ease of use, is one step towards building enterprise application integration while also focussing on sustainable operations., said Sisira Kanta Dash, Senior Vice President - Engineering & Maintenance, Vistara.

As Vistara marches on its Digital Transformational journey, the focus on digital data capture, integration and automation will continue. ULTRAMAIN ELB will help digitize our aircraft paper logs and improve operational effectiveness. saidVinod Bhat, Chief Information Officer, Vistara.

We are pleased to welcome Vistara to the ULTRAMAIN ELB family. As well as our well proven defect management functions. Vistara will be using ELBs refuel / defuel functions, which enable real time capture of refueling documentation using Ultramains e-Signature capabilities. This is another important step towards the automation of Line Maintenance Operations said Mark McCausland  President and CEO of Ultramain Systems.

Ultramain Systems provides SIMPLE MOBILE PAPERLESS Aviation Maintenance software products and professional services to airlines worldwide. ULTRAMAIN ELB  the market leading electronic logbook software has been replacing paper-based processes while offering comprehensive functionality and innovative features to help make airlines processes seamless.

Vistara is Indias highest-rated airline on Skytrax and TripAdvisor, and it has been the winner of several Best Airline awards, besides being lauded for cabin cleanliness and safety standards. In a short span of seven years since starting operations, Vistara has raised the bar for operations and service standards in the Indian aviation industry to become the countrys most loved airline and has recently crossed the mark of flying 35 million passengers.
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With production of the second season of ABCs hit series The Newsreader barely underway, Australian actor Sam Reid jetted into San Diegos annual Comic-Con this week on a lightning stopover to promote a series he filmed last year.

Interview with the Vampire, a remake of Anne Rices novel and film of the same name, launches on the AMC channel and streaming service in October. And Reid, who was nominated for an AACTA last year for The Newsreader, plays Lestat de Lioncourt: the role notably played by Tom Cruise in the 1994 film adaptation.

Jacob Anderson (known best as Grey Worm on Game of Thrones) plays alongside him as Louis de Pointe du Lac, the role played in the film by Brad Pitt.

Dale Jennings like youve never seen him before: actor Sam Reid as Lestat in Interview with the Vampire. Credit:Alfonso Bresciani / AMC

A new trailer for the series was screened during the panel, revealing how Louis and Lestat meet. And, speaking at the panel, Reid described himself as a huge fan of Anne Rices books.
Stan Grant will become the sole host of Q+A from August 1, the ABC has announced.

Grant has been sharing the hosting duties with ABC Radio Melbourne morning presenter Virginia Trioli and Insiders host David Speers since June 2021, when Hamish Macdonald left the role to return to The Project on Network 10.

The show will move back to its former slot at 9.35pm on Monday, following Media Watch.

Stan Grant has been appointed the solo host of ABCs current affairs talk show Q+A. Credit:ABC

Though the shows ratings have suffered since its move in February 2021 to Thursdays (which was, in fact, its original night when launched in 2008), the broadcaster insists it is a one-off special time only, and that it will remain in the Thursday slot.
New Labor MP Sally Sitou said her first speech in Parliament marks 40 years since her parents became Australian citizens after fleeing Laos during the Vietnam War.

This moment here is surreal in the best way possible  for this was an improbable candidacy, Sitou said in the House of Representatives.

Sally Sitou defeated Liberal Fiona Martin to win the inner-western Sydney seat of Reid in May. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

She said the moment was an even bigger deal for her parents, who fled their home because of who they were and the values they held, and here they are in the public gallery watching their daughter.

I am the daughter of migrants, a proud Chinese-Laos Australian, she said.

The Reid MP, who defeated Liberal Fiona Martin to win the inner-western Sydney seat, urged Australians to celebrate its first people and learn from their custodianship of the land. She also encouraged new Australians to strive for civic life.

I believe it was important I put my hand up to stand for Reid, a thriving multicultural and multi-faith community, because as audacious as this dream was, it has never been more important for someone like me to dream it, she said.

You are not defined by your postcode, what school you went to, or where your parents come from.

In a wide-ranging speech, Sitou also argued teachers should be paid their worth, saying the administrative burden the exhausted workforce was buckling under following the pandemic needed to be overhauled.

Read more here.
War veteran Ben Roberts-Smith did not kick a handcuffed Afghan prisoner off a cliff and there was no cliff at the site of the alleged incident, his barrister has told his Federal Court defamation case.

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. The media outlets allege Roberts-Smith was complicit in five unlawful killings of Afghan prisoners between 2009 and 2012.

Ben Roberts-Smith outside the Federal Court in Sydney on Monday. Credit:Nick Moir

One of the newspapers key allegations was that Roberts-Smith kicked an unarmed and handcuffed villager named Ali Jan off a cliff in Darwan on September 11, 2012, before the man was shot dead. But Arthur Moses, SC, acting for Roberts-Smith, told the court on Monday there was no clear contemporaneous evidence as to the geography of the area  including, importantly, the cliff ... which it is said Ali Jan was kicked off.

He said a photo from an overwatch position, which is in evidence, was not clear and with all due respect ... there is no cliff.
There was no sign of the owner, Graeme Kerr, 25, charter pilot, of Narrabeen, who left Australia on July 26, alone to cross the Tasman Sea to New Zealand.

Mr Kerrs 18ft powerboat on the deck of the destroyer HMAS Vampire last night. August 3, 1972 Credit:Antonin Cermak

The Royal Australian Navy submarine Ovens found the missing 18ft half-cabin launch Sea Witch floating upside down yesterday, 20 miles off the NSW coast and 49 miles south of Wollongong.

First published in The Sydney Morning Herald on August 4, 1972

He intended to stop at Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands.

The captain of the submarine sent divers to investigate the wreck.

An inflatable dinghy containing flares, food and other survival material was found in the boat which was powered by a 105hp outboard motor with a 12hp auxiliary.

When Kerr did not keep his first appointment to report on the morning of July 27, the Marine Operations Centre in Canberra sent out a general alert to all ships and aircraft in the area.

The RAAF was called in when he had not reached Lord Howe Island on time.
Melbourne University has directed students to wear face masks inside classrooms and La Trobe has extended its on-campus vaccine mandate until October, as universities seek to prevent campuses from being swamped by the latest wave of COVID-19 infections.

Victorias acting chief health officer urged higher education providers last week to return to remote learning and working at this time of heightened transmission and risk.

Speech pathology students Charlotte Scaunich, Henry Choi, Katie Nipper and Adele Stewart said the expectation to wear masks was impractical in their classes. Credit:Justin McManus

However, as thousands of students returned to campus on Monday  the first day of second semester  none of Victorias eight public universities indicated they would follow Professor Ben Cowies recommendation to use their discretion to facilitate working and studying from home if practicable this winter.

Melbourne University provost Professor Nicola Phillips strongly encouraged students in May to come to campus for their studies during second semester to enjoy the rich atmosphere of university life.
New United States ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy has flagged significant announcements about the AUKUS partnership with the US and United Kingdom will be made within weeks.

Kennedy, the daughter of slain former president John F Kennedy, officially began the role on Monday by presenting her diplomatic credentials to Governor-General David Hurley in Canberra before participating in a smoking ceremony at the US embassy.

Kennedy told reporters the AUKUS agreement - which will allow Australia to access Americas highly prized nuclear submarine technology - was a really significant partnership between the closest of allies.

United States Ambassador to America Caroline Kennedy said the two countries were the closest of allies. Credit:James Brickwood

When asked about the future of AUKUS, Kennedy said there are many announcements that are going to be coming in coming weeks.
Seoul: NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet says his job as leader is to help the NSW Liberals heal after its federal wipeout, and will tell a landmark party meeting next month that it must fix its perception problem around women.

Despite the apparent backlash from women at the federal election, Perrottet said he was confident that the NSW Liberals would reach the new target of ensuring 40 per cent of seats contested at the March state election have female candidates, a recently adopted position of the partys state executive.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet in Seoul, where he is midway through his first trade trip as premier. Credit:AAP

Perrottet will address his first state council meeting as premier on August 6, when he will also stress the need for party members to unite if the Liberals are to have future electoral success.

He described the partys annual general meeting as a landmark gathering, which has not been held since 2019 because of COVID-19 restrictions. It will also be the final one before NSW goes to the polls in March.
Seven Manly players will boycott this Thursday nights clash against the Roosters after being blindsided by the clubs decision to wear a pride jersey as the Sea Eagles season descended into chaos.

Sources with knowledge of discussions told the Herald that Manly coach Des Hasler had told the players he understood the difficult position the players have been put in as a result of the club not consulting them about the jersey, and will support their decision not to play.

The club also understood the backlash it faced from the public if they decided against wearing the jersey after publicly launching it on Monday.

Its understood Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakauatu, Tolu Koula and Toafofoa Sipley have withdrawn from the match.
Singapore: Former prime minister Paul Keating has accused US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of inflaming tensions with Beijing and risking a military conflict by planning to visit Taiwan next month.

Pelosi, who sits behind President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in American political seniority, would be the highest-level serving US official to visit Taiwan since the White House established diplomatic ties with Beijing in 1979.

Paul Keating has accused Nancy Pelosi of inflaming tensions with Beijing. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Keating said in a statement on Monday evening that it was hard to imagine a more reckless and provocative act.

Across the political spectrum, no observer of the cross-straits relationship between China and Taiwan doubts that such a visit by the Speaker of the American Congress may degenerate into military hostilities, he said.
Maskwacis, Alberta: Pope Francis has apologised to Canadas native people for the Catholic Churchs role in schools where indigenous children were abused, branding forced cultural assimilation a deplorable evil and disastrous error.

Speaking on their land near the site of two former schools in Maskwacis, Alberta on Monday (Canada time), Francis went even further, apologising for Christian support of the overall colonising mentality of the times and calling for a serious investigation of the schools to assist survivors and descendants in healing.

Pope Francis delivers his apology to indigenous people for the churchs role in residential schools, at a ceremony in Maskwacis. Credit:AP

With shame and unambiguously, I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the indigenous peoples, Francis said in the town, whose name means hills of the bear in the Cree language.

The 85-year-old Pope, who is still using a wheelchair and cane because of a fractured knee, is making the week-long apology tour of Canada to fulfil a promise he made to indigenous delegations that visited him at the Vatican earlier this year. There he made his initial apology.
PHILIPSBURG:--- From being relatively invisible, Black writers in Britain have over the past five decades become more visible on the lists of mainstream publishers, on bookshelves in shops and libraries, on the shortlist for literary prizes, on the judging panels, and on book fairs.

For this level of success, it would appear as if we have had to let go of cultural institutions led by, about, with, and for us. Im thinking here of Black-led publishers, Black-run bookshops (New Beacon bookshop was recently saved from closure with Black community support), and book fairs, in particular the International Book Fair of Radical Black and Third World Books.

The international book fair ran from 1982, predominantly in London, until 1995, was coordinated by Bogle LOuverture, New Beacon, and Race Today, and embraced the internationalism of the global majority.

Coming out of cultural events via Zoom during the incarceration of the COVID-19 pandemic, I attended in-person the 20th anniversary St. Martin Book Fair, June 2  4, to present an abridged version of my preface to N.C. Marks new poetry collection Children of the Ash (HNP, 2022). Her previous books include When Silence Speaks (2011) and Memoirs of a Teacher (2012), and her novel Plastered in Pretty (HNP, 2018) was praised by Alice Walker.

In Children of the Ash, Marks uses the volcanic eruptions of La Soufriere from 2020 to 2021 to expose the dirty realities of life and landscape-altering experiences of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In Britain, we tend to focus on what happens in the British West Indies, where the Calabash book festival in Jamaica dominates that gaze. St. Martin, in the northeast Caribbean archipelago, is an island of 37 square miles. The island has been divided between France and the Netherlands since the 17th century, when salt was mined from the ponds, especially the Great Salt Pond, by African peoples enslaved on the island. Today tourism dominates the economy of St. Martin.

In their everyday lives, I was told, St. Martiners tend to ignore the division between Saint-Martin (the French or northern part) and Sint Maarten (the Dutch or southern part) unless France and the Netherlands want to remind them of their colonial status.

The Book Fair was co-founded by Shujah Reiph of Conscious Lyrics Foundation and the poet and cultural historian, Lasana M. Sekou of the House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP), whose backlist includes Kamau Brathwaite, Amiri Baraka, Shake Keane, Nidaa Khoury, Tishani Doshi, and George Lamming. HNP has published several poetry collections from Sekou, who also performed at the International Book Fair of Radical Black and Third World Books.

Reiph, who coordinates the St. Martin Book Fair, says that Our modest ambition was to have a book fair that would bring the entire family closer to the book and, among other things, show as a lie the saying that if you want to hide something from a Black person, put it in a book.

Cab drivers and the like asked if I was on holiday in St. Martin. When I told them I was attending the Book Fair, they would respond, I know deh Book Fair well, and I even buy books from it, adding that they also knew Shujah and Lasana.

The Book Fair is cherished by St. Martiners, with 40%  50% of its financial support coming from donations. On such a small island with few arts and cultural institutions to compete for financial resources, the Book Fair receives strong local support, but that is not without structural and political challenges, says Reiph, who has been a socio-cultural events organizer for over 30 years.

In his keynote speech at the Book Fairs opening, David Comissiong, Barbadoss Ambassador to CARICOM, reminded us that resisting neo-colonial forces in the Caribbean region, much less the diaspora, lies in embracing the cultural history we share.

Reiph echoed this sentiment in arguing that the 20th edition of the St. Martin Book Fair marked an attempt to reinvent ourselves, to chart a course that will launch us into a new orbit; hence the theme of rebirth.

This seemed apt as several writers have passed away during a period of grief and grievance marked by the pandemic, including guest authors from previous fairs, notably the Barbadian novelist, essayist, and thinker, George Lamming, who transitioned on the Book Fairs last day.

A core theme in Black arts and culture across the diaspora has been developing intergenerational conversations, not simply in terms of consolidating the historical continuity of arts practice, but to replenish cultural institutions with new blood.

This was evident in St. Martin from the young people coordinating the literary festivals events and activities. Some of those young people of the Book Fair Committee had attended the Book Fair in its earlier years as teenagers.

The poet Caleb Dros was five years old when the first Book Fair took place, and he read from his recently published chapbook Oualichi: Land of Oma, launched by HNP at the fairs Literary Evening in the formerly fishing village of Grand Case.

The event, dubbed as taking place Under the Literary Big Tent, seated an audience of over 100 people under a makeshift marque and on the sidewalk of the main street, near the Grand Case Bridge. Now more of a town than a village, Grand Case vies effortlessly with a handful of Caribbean islands for the enviable title of the regions cuisine capital.

Dros was one of the headline poets reading; others included the award-winning poet and novelist Nicole Cage from Martinique. It seemed from the poise, power, and intimacy of Dros poems that he may have absorbed the work of other poets at the Book Fair growing up.

There was also Marie-Pierre Mapie Loiseau, an animated performer from Martinique, who brought elements of creole oral tradition, zouk music and hip hop that, along with other poets, captured the attention of passers-by strolling by.

Aside from book launches and signings, exhibitions, and the sale of books, the Book Fair was complemented by a dedicated programme of day-based activities and evening events.

There were workshops covering a range of genres, culturally and industry-related themes and issues, such as childrens literature with children participants, maternal health, and Black womens hair management, as well as panel discussions for first-time writers, one exploring creole literature from Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Marie-Galante, another on independent publishing, and the annual symposium called the President's Forum.

One fascinating session featured authors Mary J. Romney-Schaab and Serge Gumbs, whose respective books: An Afro-Caribbean in the Nazi Era: From Papiamentu to German and Saint-Martin dans la Grande Guerre speak to the histories of St. Martiners involved in the First and Second World Wars.

There was a poetry masterclass with Geoff Goodfellow, an Australian poet, novelist, and activist, who, along with his friend, traveled over thirty hours to reach St. Martin.

Teachers and students also had an opportunity to participate in a drama and education masterclass led by Jillian John, a dynamic educator, and dramatist from Trinidad and Tobago, and an acting workshop led by the dramatist, educator, and published poet, Yvonne Weekes. Since being forced to move from Montserrat because of the Soufriere Hills volcanic eruption in 1995, Weekes lives in Barbados.

Several books were introduced at the lit fest, including Weekes Voices: Monologues & Dramatic Texts for Caribbean Actors, published by HNP in 2021, with an e-book in 2022. There was also Disaster Matters: Disasters Matter (HNP, 2022) edited by Weekes (UWI) and Wendy McMahon (UEA).

Unique for the Caribbean, Disaster Matters is a high school-focused anthology of poetry, drama, fiction, non-fiction, and scientific articles complemented by photography and images that provide storied experiences and critical questions about climate issues, hazards, and disasters, especially hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanoes in the Caribbean. (Disaster Matters, 2022)

The St. Martin Book Fair may be small in comparison to other similar festivals across the diaspora, but it is talawa: small but large in its reach and, therefore, provides a model for building and sustaining Black-led, St. Martin-led, Caribbean-led cultural institutions, echoing Lammings point that The architecture of our future is not only unfinished; the scaffolding has hardly gone up.1

Editors Note: Michael McMillan, PhD, is a London-based writer, playwright, artist/curator; associate lecturer, London College of Fashion; and research associate, VIAD, University of Johannesburg.

1 George Lamming, The West Indian People (1966) in Andrew Salkey (ed.) Caribbean Essays (1973); quoted by Owen Arthur, Prime Minister of Barbados, symposium 28-30 June 2006.
PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday reconvened the Monkeypox Emergency Committee to assess public health implications of the evolving multi-country outbreak.



The objective of the committee meeting was to discuss the latest medical data and conditions and on Saturday the WHO declared Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).



The declaration is due to the outbreak spreading rapidly around the world, through new modes of transmission about which public health authorities understand too little. The current risk of Monkeypox is moderate globally and in all regions, except in the European region where the risk is high.



Global cases have surpassed 16,000 across 75 Member States and territories and five deaths.



To date, no confirmed cases of Monkeypox were reported to the Collective Prevention Services (CPS) in the country, but Monkeypox, a communicable disease, has been confirmed in the Caribbean region.



CPS public health surveillance remains on alert for Monkeypox. This includes all family physicians and health care providers, once a suspected, probable, or confirmed Monkeypox has been detected, the aforementioned will alert CPS and the laboratory to facilitate lab confirmation of the virus and CPS will conduct follow-up, registration and reporting.



CPS would like the Sint Maarten community to have a full understanding of what Monkeypox is and the prevention measures by sharing the following information and keeping the public informed as further scientific information becomes available during this global outbreak.



Monkeypox is caused by the Monkeypox virus which is a rare viral zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions around the world. Monkeypox is less contagious than smallpox and causes less severe illness.



It is usually a self-limited disease with the symptoms lasting from two to four weeks. Severe cases can occur, and the fatality ratio has been around three to six per cent.



Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. Monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another through close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials such as bedding, clothing, towels, utensils, hard surfaces etc.



Anyone can catch Monkeypox. The infection is passed on mainly through close contact between people.



CPS is calling on the populace to reduce exposure to the virus by practicing the following prevention measures: Reduce your risk of catching Monkeypox by limiting close contact with people who have suspected or confirmed (infected) Monkeypox; Regularly clean and disinfect environments that could have been contaminated with the virus from someone who is infectious regularly; Keep yourself informed about Monkeypox and have open conversations with those you come into close contact (especially sexual contact) with about any symptoms you or they may have.



Monkeypox typically presents clinically with fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, intense headache, back pain, muscle aches, lack of energy, and may lead to a range of medical complications.



If you experience any of the above, you should contact your medical doctor as soon as possible. You can act to protect others by isolating yourself from others until you have been evaluated and tested. A laboratory test is the only way to confirm the diagnosis of Monkeypox.



The rash tends to be more concentrated on the face and extremities rather than on the main body mass. It affects mainly the face, and palms of the hands and soles of the feet but can appear on other parts of the body not listed here.



CPS reiterates its call on all to be on the alert and take action to prevent getting and spreading Monkeypox: Remember: 1) avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like Monkeypox  do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with Monkeypox; do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with Monkeypox; do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with Monkeypox. 2) Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with Monkeypox without proper personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks. 3) Keep two meters distance from an infected person (s); 4) Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If you are unsure, consult your physician.



CPS is a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA).
PHILIPSBURG:--- Alegria Real Estate N.V. (Alegria), owner of the 5-star Morgan Resort at Beacon Hill, St. Maarten, reacts as follows to statements in the media attributed to VROMI minister Doran regarding water rights to a parcel at Burgeaux Bay, adjacent to the Morgan Resort (the water rights).

Country St. Maarten was ordered to issue the water rights to Alegria by summary judgment on September 4, 20201. Country Sint Maarten appealed. An appeal decision is expected on September 2, 2022. The case is therefore still ongoing, making it common practice for parties to limit statements in the media to avoid influencing the Court.

Unfortunately, several actions of minister Doran have occurred possibly leading to such undue influence of the Court.

After he lost the case in the first instance, minister Doran published an administrative denial of the water rights on fictitious grounds 2 It follows from a ruling of May 11, 2022, of the Court of Appeals in Administrative Cases that this was wrongful, issuance of water rights being a civil and not an administrative matter 3.

Last Tuesday, minister Doran went on the air and wrongfully tried to link a motion of no confidence against him to the neglect by VROMI under three different ministers (M. Gitterson, C. Weaver, and E. Doran) to finalize the water rights for Alegria. In the process, false allegations are raised of subornation.

Alegria emphatically rejects any connection between the political struggles of minister Doran and the water rights of Alegria. The letter of Alegria of June 22, 2020, to minister Doran, read by him on the air, predates the summary judgment of September 4, 2020, and forms part of the court file. Minister Doran chose not to react to that letter for over two years. Other meeting requests of Alegria  a large investor whose principal is also chairman of a publicly traded company in the US - have also been ignored by minister Doran.

The real question is how this refusal to resolve this important matter amicably serves the social-economic interests of St. Maarten.

The letter of June 22, 2020, indeed states that Mr. R. Peterson of VROMI agreed to the ground rent for the water rights and that he promised on many occasions to get the matter resolved.

1 See: https://uitspraken.rechtspraak.nl/inziendocument?id=ECLI:NL:OGEAM:2020:66.

2 See: http://www.sintmaartengov.org/PressReleases/Pages/Minister-Doran-denies-Alegrias-water-rights.aspx.

3 See: https://uitspraken.rechtspraak.nl/inziendocument?id=ECLI:NL:OGHACMB:2022:41.

That however took place in a meeting on March 20, 2019, of two representatives and the architect of Alegria with three (civil) servants of VROMI, including the policy advisor of the minister, as well as in other meetings involving lawyers. Such meetings are customary in St. Maarten as in any other developed country. The minutes of the meeting of March 20, 2019, which also form part of the court file, attest to the fact that Mr. Peterson said that the draft advice and decree for the water rights were ready and would be submitted to the secretary general of VROMI the next week and that he agreed with the ground rent according to a sliding scale, as is also usual in St. Maarten for new developments.

Mr. Peterson did not follow through. Instead, after Mr. Peterson left VROMI to become an MP, he started questioning the water rights of Alegria. That sudden change in position is what the letter of June 22, 2020, addresses. It is incomprehensible how anyone can link that letter to a motion of no confidence two years later.

Moreover, Alegria in the strongest possible terms rejects the allegations of subornation. Alegria is considering legal action, including filing a criminal complaint for false accusations.

Finally, Alegria disputes the allegation that Alegrias water rights would affect any taxi drivers or tour bus drivers (let alone 1300 persons). On the contrary, the water rights will contribute to the construction of the 2nd phase of The Morgan Resort, creating 150 additional luxury rooms, on top of the existing 124 rooms and suites. This will not only increase the workforce at The Morgan Resort from 120 to 450 persons. More luxury rooms mean more high-end tourists, needing more - not less  taxi services. Additionally, as per the settlement agreement of May 5, 2020, the water rights will be used only for a breakwater and pier, enabling new water-based activities for St. Maarten businesses. Specifically, the water taxis are planned to be run by the existing (land-based) taxi drivers, so they will actually profit from the water rights, not be affected by it. Furthermore, this will alleviate heavy traffic congestion and make homeporting more feasible, e.g. for transportation of luggage from the pier. It will also offer the possibility of ferry services for local persons living or working in the Maho area that need to commute to Philipsburg.

In addition, Alegria will be paying at least 6 million guilders in ground rent to the government over the life of the water rights.

Common sense, therefore, dictates that the issuance of the water rights to Alegria is the right thing to do. It creates a win-win-win-win for citizens, taxi drivers, the government, and Alegria. For reasons unspoken minister Doran however remains steadfast in his refusal, denying only The Morgan Resort water rights which government has a long-standing policy of issuing to all other major resorts and water-based facilities in St. Maarten. That is not only bad for business but also simply discriminatory and wrong.




PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure is currently working on upgrading the living standard conditions of our elderly and disabled persons here in St. Maarten. In doing so, the ministry has embarked on a project which would grant these persons easy access to Great Bay beach.

Since the inception of this Governmental term, the Honorable Minister Egbert Jurendy Doran has been adamant about upgrading the infrastructure on the island in such a manner that it would accommodate persons who are physically challenged. The minister stated that this has had his attention even before taking office as it is obvious that our infrastructure hardly caters to, for example, persons using wheelchairs.

Minister Doran stated that it is his firm belief that persons who are physically challenged should be able to easily commute around the island and enjoy our lovely beaches. Having access to the beach to "take a soak" or even only to paddle your feet in the seawater while listening to the sound of the waves, is enjoyable and therapeutic for many. The minister stated that once this project is completed, it will be a joy to see our elderly and physically challenged citizens and visitors have easier access to this natural luxury. This is why the ministry is currently working on a Terms of Reference (ToR) to make a pathway to the beach possible.

This beach path will be constructed in such a way that it will give vehicles that transport our elderly or disabled persons around the island, access to the shoreline. The path will include proper lighting so that persons will be able to participate in recreational beach activities even after the sun sets.

The ministry will be consulting with the Nature Foundation and other relevant stakeholders prior to the finalization of the ToR.

The minister ended by stating that similar plans of upgrading the infrastructure to cater to our physically vulnerable persons, will follow in the near future.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Resources for Community Resilience (R4CR) program hosted a delegation of the World Bank last week. The delegation which was led by Alex Kamurase was on the island to conduct a mid-term review of the R4CR program and consisted of a series of technical meetings, site visits, and discussions with various stakeholders to determine the status of the program now that it has reached its halfway point after 2 years of implementation. We want to see what was achieved, here from the stakeholders and beneficiaries what their experiences are, what challenges they face, and what adjustments have to be made to serve the community of Sint Maarten even better. I can say that the program is on target and doing great things for the island stated the World Bank executive.

The R4CR program includes a grant scheme as the funding mechanism for community and social rehabilitation initiatives in Sint Maarten and focuses on improving the capacity of local CSOs in reconstruction and resilience activities post hurricane, Irma. Project activities by locally registered CSOs that are eligible for funding can cover subject areas such as neighborhood initiatives, sports, nature/environment, culture, poverty relief, day care centers/after-school programs, youth employment, skills development, psycho-social support, and gender-based violence.

Meetings were held with the local R4CR team, stakeholders such as the NRPB, the Project Technical Committee, and a cross-section of beneficiaries who have received grants during the two years of implementation. The delegation conducted site visits to Freegan Food Foundation, Reading Rainbow Day Care, the Philipsburg murals of Be The Change Foundation, Carib Swim Team, and Our Creations Arts and Crafts Home in Cole Bay. These site visits gave the delegation a first-hand look at what impact these R4CR sub-projects are having locally.

Additionally, R4CR and the World Bank delegation organized a workshop with a cross-section of foundations that received a grant from R4CR. The goal of the workshop was to share experiences, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for better implementation. Among those present at the workshop were Hearts United Foundation, AIDS Foundation, SECDA, Be The Change, EPIC, 721 Kids, Kidz at Sea, St Maarten Yacht Club, and Funtopia Youth Initiative. All foundations present expressed their gratitude for the assistance received from R4CR, both financial and technical, which enabled them to execute their projects and be more resilient in the future. Some foundations such as the AIDS Foundation raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of their programs and the need for the Government of St. Maarten to assume its responsibility in areas currently not covered.

The R4CR program is financed by the Government of the Netherlands via the Sint Maarten Trust Fund. The latter is administered by the World Bank and implemented by the NRPB (National Recovery Program Bureau). The R4CR program is locally managed by the VNGI (International Cooperation Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities) in close cooperation with Foresee Foundation and other local partners.

For more information about the R4CR program or an overview of all current projects visit www.r4cr.org or the Facebook page (R4CRSXM).
BOSTON (AP)  A district attorney in Massachusetts announced Monday he's adding two positions to prosecute civil rights cases because he's concerned about organized white supremacist actions in Boston this year and anticipates more unrest during upcoming elections.

The district attorney for Suffolk County, which includes Boston, announced the addition of civil rights prosecutors for district and superior court two days after three men were arrested at a rally in Boston.

District Attorney Kevin Hayden said it was a gathering of the group known as NSC-131, or the Nationalist Social Club. The group protested in the diverse Jamaica Plain neighborhood, outside a historic home that had just hosted a childrens drag queen story hour.

Its clear to me that Massachusetts and Boston have become target destinations for groups that spread hate, he said in a statement.

The Anti-Defamation League says NSC-131 is a New England-based neo-Nazi group.

One of the people arrested was the purported leader of the group. He pleaded not guilty Monday to a charge of affray for allegedly fighting with a counterprotester and was released on personal recognizance. His lawyer said that while not everyone agrees with his positions, his rights must be respected.

Prosecutors dropped charges against two counterprotesters who were also arrested.

In a separate action, U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins condemned the actions of NSC-131, called them cowards, and said she would establish a tip line for residents to report white supremacist activity. Meanwhile, they should report such activity to police, she said.

In Boston, Massachusetts, we have a long history of standing up to hate and injustice," she said in a statement Sunday. We don't hide behind masks. When we see inequity and harm, we look the culprit in their eyes and demand that it stops."

Hayden said he's adding staff and renaming the office's civil rights team because there have been four organized white supremacist actions in Boston this year, a neo-Nazi group protest at the New England Holocaust Memorial in Boston last year, and recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have roiled the nation, with the possibility of more to come.

The possibility of societal strife during the U.S. House and Senate races this fall and the 2024 presidential election, as well as statistics showing increases in hate crimes across the nation, were also factors, he added.

The High-Risk Victims Unit, which handles civil rights cases, hate crimes, and crimes against elders and people with disabilities, will now be called the Civil Rights/High-Risk Victims Unit. Hayden said adding two new prosecutors will help better coordinate and prosecute felony and misdemeanor civil rights and hate crime cases.

The four incidents in Boston that Hayden cited were a neo-Nazi protest at Brigham and Womens Hospital in February, an NSC-131 gathering at the St. Patricks Day parade in South Boston in March, a Patriot Front march on July 2, and the NSC-131 protest in Jamaica Plain on Saturday.
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Alex Jones, host of Infowars, lost defamation lawsuits filed by parents of children killed in the Sandy Hook tragedy, as well as an FBI agent who responded to the shooting.

Here is what to know about Jones, his failed quest for bankruptcy protection, and the defamation awards trials pending in Texas and Connecticut by Sandy Hook families.

Who is Alex Jones?

Alex Jones is an anti-government conspiracy theorist best known for his radio show and website "Infowars." He is one of the most influential conspiracy theorists in the United States. Some of his most recognizable claims include that the Sandy Hook massacre was a hoax to curtail Americans' gun rights, the 9/11 terrorist attacks were an inside job, and the Parkland, Florida, shooting was carried out by actors paid by the Democratic party, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

What did Alex Jones say about the Sandy Hook massacre?

Alex Jones called the Sandy Hook massacre, where 20 students and six educators were killed, "staged," "synthetic," "manufactured," "a giant hoax," and "completely fake with actors" with inside job written all over it.

How many lawsuits have been filed against Alex Jones and his companies relating to the Sandy Hook shooting?

The short answer is three: two defamation lawsuits filed in Texas and a third defamation lawsuit filed in Connecticut. Jones lost all three cases by default after he was warned and later fined by judges in Texas and Connecticut over abuses of pre-trial procedure.

The next step in all three lawsuits is for a jury to decide in each case how much money Jones must pay in damages to the Sandy Hook families he defamed when he called the Sandy Hook massacre "staged," "synthetic," "manufactured," "a giant hoax" and "completely fake with actors." The first of those three trials was scheduled to begin in Texas on April 25. That didn't happen because Jones sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for three business entities he controls, which automatically froze the cases in state court.

Who are the plaintiffs in each case and what are they seeking?

In Texas, there are two sets of plaintiffs. The first set is the parents of slain Sandy Hook first-grader Jesse Lewis. The second set is the parents of slain Sandy Hook first-grader Noah Pozner.

In Connecticut, the plaintiffs are an FBI agent who responded to the 2012 massacre of 26 first-graders and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School, and eight families who lost loved ones in the tragedy.

At each of the three trials, a jury will determine how much money Jones owes the plaintiffs. Judges in Texas and Connecticut already ruled in default judgments that Jones defamed the families, so the jury wont decide that.

Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin, the parents of Jesse Lewis, have their jury trial first in Austin, Texas. Jury selection is scheduled to begin July 25, with opening arguments beginning the next day. The trial is expected to last two weeks.

The Connecticut trial is scheduled to start with jury selection on Aug. 2  the second week of the Texas trial. But jury selection there will take about a month. The trial is expected to start Sept. 6.

The trial with Noah Pozners parents, Lenny Pozner and Veronique De La Rosa, could begin as soon as September.

Why were the trials delayed previously?

The Texas judge postponed an April trial for the parents of Jesse Lewis because three entities owned by Jones filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy about a week before the trial would have begun. The bankruptcy filings held up the Connecticut case, too.

The Sandy Hook families in Texas, and later in Connecticut, requested a federal judge to dismiss the filings, arguing they were in bad faith.

It's important to note that while Jones' representatives say Jones has suffered financially because of the Sandy Hook lawsuits, spending $10 million on legal fees, and losing $20 million in sales, Jones himself did not file for bankruptcy, nor did his parent company, Free Speech Systems.

After about a month, a federal bankruptcy judge released Jones from Chapter 11 protection, clearing the way for the Texas trial to resume. The Sandy Hook families in Connecticut agreed to drop the three Jones-controlled entities under bankruptcy from the defamation lawsuit, allowing the Connecticut trial to go ahead.

What are the other reasons Alex Jones has been in the news?

Jones has used his platform to share disinformation about COVID-19, the vaccine and treatments, including ivermectin.

Jones met with the Jan. 6 committee that's investigating the insurrection on the U.S. Capitol. According to his lawyer, in a report, he pleaded the Fifth Amendment over 100 times.

The popular "Full Send" podcast hosted Alex Jones a week after President Donald Trump appeared on the show in March 2022. Jones offered an explanation as to why the YouTube version of the Trump interview was deleted off the platform.

An open critic of cryptocurrency, Jones was gifted over $2 million worth of Bitcoin from an anonymous donor in April 2022 as the radio host faced financial difficulty due to his lawsuits with the Sandy Hook families.

Derek Turner and Rob Ryser contributed to this report.
JACKSON, Miss (AP)  Amid a series of mass shootings in the U.S., Mississippi education officials made clear that school districts in the state are on a path to being able to make their own rules for letting armed people with enhanced carry licenses onto school property.

Following killings at Uvaldes Robb Elementary School, a July Fourth parade near Chicago and an Indiana mall, the Mississippi Board of Education voted Thursday to update a 1990 internal policy that prohibited anyone other than law enforcement from carrying guns on public school campuses.

Thursday's step removed language from the 1990 policy, which the department said conflicted with Mississippi's 2011 enhanced conceal carry law. The department also argued that the old policy predates any notable school shootings. The board adopted this update as a temporary rule. It is now up for a 25-day public comment period. The board expects to review feedback at its September meeting.

A school district may, in its discretion, prohibit or allow its employees who hold enhanced conceal carry licenses to possess weapons at the school, said Jean Cook, director of communication for the Mississippi Department of Education.

The board will revisit the policy after the public comment period and could vote to make the policy permanent. Alternatively, if the board considers significant changes to the policy, the revised version would go out for another public comment period.

The 2011 law allows individuals with enhanced carry licenses to carry guns on public school campuses. Enhanced licenses require training and allow gun owners to carry in several places where those with basic permits cannot.

At the board meeting, Erin Meyer, the education departments general counsel, said state law provides local school districts with the authority and discretion to determine its weapons policies. School districts can decide for themselves whether or not employees who hold enhanced carry licenses can bring guns onto school property.

School districts must also adopt policies that apply to non-employees. A 2013 state attorney generals opinion argued teachers or administrators can refuse to meet with armed people in a non-public school area. Mississippi K-12 schools are closed to the public, but a school concert, play or sporting event is open to the public, Cook said.

Patricia Ice, a volunteer with the Mississippi chapter of Moms Demand Action, a gun reform organization, urged school districts to adopt policies that limit firearms on campus.

Allowing teachers and members of the public to carry guns in our K-12 schools is a dangerous idea that will further jeopardize the safety of students and staff alike," Ice said. "We need the adults in the room to make evidence-based policy decisions that will actually keep our children safe, rather than making decisions that will put more guns in their classrooms and put our kids at risk.

Erich Pratt, senior vice president with Gun Owners of America, said the group fully supports policies to allow willing teachers, administrators and support staff to carry concealed weapons on school campuses.

Not only will they serve as a concrete deterrent against those who consider acts of evil, but should someone still try to attack a school, these policies will help to neutralize the threat and mitigate any loss of life, Pratt said.

At an Indiana mall in July, a bystander shot and killed a man carrying out a shooting that claimed the lives of three people and wounded two others. But it is rare in the U.S. for an active shooter to be stopped in such fashion. From 2000 to 2021, fewer than 3% of 433 active attacks in the U.S. ended with a civilian firing back, according to the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University.

School districts are still required to have a policy regulating firearms on campus, but they have the authority to determine what these policies entail. Possessing a gun on school property without an enhanced concealed carry license is a felony under Mississippi law.

Research conducted by Everytown, another gun reform organization, found that Mississippi is one of the seven states that allow permit holders to carry guns in schools.

The state department of education moved to adopt new language Thursday, but the conflict with state law arose based on legislation that passed a decade ago. When asked about the timing of Thursday's vote, Cook said the policy update is part of an ongoing review of State Board policies to make sure all are up to date and in compliance with current law. About 30 policies have been updated over the past six months.

Public schools in Mississippi have the authority to use funds to train employees to use guns. Mo Canady, executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers, said the policy raises questions about whether teachers can be trained to use firearms for students' protection.

I dont know that we can find the time in teachers schedules to be training them to that level, both physically and mentally, to have all those skills," Canady said.

___

Michael Goldberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/mikergoldberg.
Bears

Newtown, Harwinton, Granby

Connecticut wildlife biologists rescued a bear cub that was found in Connecticut last week with a clear plastic container stuck on its head.

An off-duty Ridgefield police officer shot and killed a bear in Newtown on May 12.

An investigation into the death of the bear  known as Bear #217 to the state wildlife officials, but Bobbi to the local community  found insufficient evidence to charge the officer, who officials with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, or, DEEP, said feared for the safety of his family, for himself, and for his livestock.

For the majority of the time the bear was spotted or interacted with humans over a four-year time frame prior to her death, she did not cause damage or attack people or livestock, according to an activity report included in the investigation and obtained from DEEP by Hearst Connecticut Media through a Freedom of Information Act request.

In other bear-related news, first responders helped rescue a bear cub that was stuck in a storm drain on July 14. The cubs mother was in the area too and was "stressed", the fire department said in Facebook post.

By that evening, the fire department took back to social media to let the public know that everyone has been reunited and heading off into the woods.

Speaking of bears getting caught in odd circumstances, state wildlife biologists rescued a bear cub that looked like a furry alien in a bubble helmet, but was actually in danger of asphyxiation.

Wildlife biologists waited for the bear to come down from a tree before tranquilizing it and removing the container. Once freed, the cub quickly found its mother waiting nearby.

- Trevor Ballantyne, Liz Hardaway, Jesse Leavenworth
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As many as 180,777 people entered Romania, on Sunday, through the border crossing points, out of whom 10,854 are Ukrainian nationals, down 13.4pct compared to the previous day, the General Inspectorate of the Border Police informs in a press release sent to AGERPRES.

Approximately 341,520 people, Romanian and foreign nationals, with more than 83,800 means of transport, carried out the control formalities (both on the inbound and on the outbound) through the border crossing points nationwide.

As of February 10, 2022 (pre-conflict period), 1,682,701 Ukrainian nationals entered Romania.

Regarding the specific activities, in their areas of competence - the crossing points and the "green border" - the border police discovered 57 illegal acts (24 crimes and 33 contraventions) committed by both Romanian and foreign nationals, with the total amount of fines applied reaching over 40,425 RON," the same source shows.
Romania's Ministry of European Investment and Projects (MIPE) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) have launched a call for the selection of financial intermediaries to allocate resources from the Recovery Fund, an investment financed by 400 million euros under Component 9 of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) "Support for the private sector, research, development and innovation."

According to a MIPE press release on Monday, the call is intended for fund management teams, incorporated or not at the time of application submission. The selection will be made by experts of the European Investment Fund according to the criteria and procedures that are described in the call, and each allocation proposal will be subject to the approval of the Investment Committee of the Recovery Equity Fund (REF).

Applications can be submitted continuously until December 2025 to ref@eif.org.

The ministry says that the call is not designed for companies interested in obtaining equity capital, as they will be able to apply later to the selected intermediaries, Agerpres.ro informs.

"The launch of the selection of financial intermediaries under the PNRR equity investment instrument represents an essential stage both in order to reach the next relevant milestones under the PNRR and, more importantly, in attracting resources for investing in SMEs, mid-cap companies and infrastructure projects (energy efficiency or renewable energy). Enjoying the expertise of the European Investment Fund partners, we hope that soon new equity funds will invest in the Romanian economy and that new success stories will be created through these financial instruments," says Minister of European Investment and Projects Marcel Bolos.

The call is available on the dedicated page on the website of the European Investment Fund at https://www.eif.org/what_we_do/resources/rrf-romania/index.

Under the investment strategy, the selected intermediaries will pledge to invest an amount at least equal to the total amount contracted from the EIF under PNRR in Romania, in SMEs, midcaps (companies with less than 3,000 employees) and infrastructure projects (energy efficiency or renewable energy) in Romania. Investment can be made in the form of equity and quasi-equity.

The funds' commitment of PNRR resources must take place until the middle of 2026, according to the relevant PNRR milestones. It is estimated that resources will be allocated to approximately 20 national or regional equity funds, including private equity, venture capital, mezzanine capital, technology transfer, pre-IPO and infrastructure funds.

Funding will be granted in compliance with the state aid rules described in the call or in state aid schemes, in compliance with the rules regarding the application of the do no significant harm principle, as the case may be.
The Cupru Min company will receive over 43 million RON for investments, said the Minister of Economy, Florin Spataru, on Sunday, who was on a work visit to this company which is subordinated to the Ministry of Economy.

"Today we can see the results of the visit I paid to Cupru Min, 4 months ago, when I spoke with the company's leadership about the need of investments in technology, as well as about works for raising the tailings pond dam. Over 43 million RON will be allocated for these investments, which represents 50% of dividends, so that the investment projects can be carried out as quickly as possible," said Florin Spataru.

The Ministry of Economy initiated a memorandum, in accordance with the updated Government Ordinance no. 64/2011 on the distribution of profit to fully or partially state-owned national companies and domestic companies, which advocates that Cupru Min should benefit from 50 percent payments to the state budget, representing dividends from the profit made in 2021, in order to ensure its own financing source for investments and production support.

"I will promote the memorandum for the distribution of 50 percent of profits during the next Government meeting, and we will also approve the Government Decision as soon as possible so that the money can be invested in accordance with the management plan. One of the most important projects provided for in plan is raising the storage capacity of the Valea Sesei tailing pond, so that we can ensure the storage of flotation colliery spoil in order to respect environmental norms. Furthermore, I told the leadership of Cupru Min that I am waiting for them at the Ministry of Economy with a plan for exploiting colliery spoil, an essential step in an integrated exploitation process," Florin Spataru added.

The Ministry of Economy also visited the Roman galleries Mining Museum in Rosia Montana.AGERPRES
The new education bill regarding the pre-university education foresees a 40pct increase in the salary costs and a 370pct increase in material expenses, the Minister of Education, Sorin Cimpeanu, said on Monday.

"This year we have managed to regulate the coverage of the standard cost for pre-school children. I am talking about 15,600 lei in funding. We still need to find a solution, though, to cover for the financial needs for pre-schoolers and pupils. We have stipulated an increase in the new law on pre-university education - and we hope that this precise version will be adopted, when it comes to the financing part, with the increase to reach at least 40pct in terms of salary costs, from 6,386 per pupil to 9,000 lei per pupil, and (...) we also have a 370pct increase in material expenses from which all those operating expenses of schools and kindergartens can be ensured. It is an increase from 485 lei per pupil, which is the standard cost for material expenses now, to 1,800 lei per pupil," stated the minister, who participated in the inauguration of a new building at Kindergarten no. 241 in Bucharest.

He explained that when drafting the new bill, they took into account the "coupling" of investments in salaries and those in material expenses.

"There must be a minimum investment of 20pct in material expenses in relation to salaries. So, I said 1,800 lei material expenses, compared to 9,000 lei salary expenses, that is what the new draft law provides. At the moment, the ratio is not 1 to 5, the ratio is 1 to 12, from 485 lei material expenses to 6,386 lei salary expenses. Thus, we understand to support the development of human resources, which are so important, but also the development of the infrastructure which is so necessary," said Sorin Cimpeanu.

According to him, utilities are also provided for in the funds earmarked for material expenses.

"There are also material expenses for increasing the degree of inclusion, there are also operating expenses such as utility expenses, for example, which have had a dramatic increase in the last period. In this way, we understand to support the operation of schools and kindergartens as a priority," he said. AGERPRES
The extreme drought is taking a toll on Romania's agricultural production this year, but it will impact the next agricultural year as well, as the outlooks are that the necessary works will fall behind schedule and will be lacking in quality, president of the Romanian Farmers Association (AFR) Daniel Botanoiu said.

He considers that the irrigation system should be adapted to new technologies that provide maximum efficiency for plants, but also advises the use of drought-tolerant plant varieties.

"When we discuss the agricultural year in its entirety, we need to take into account the autumn and spring crops. Whereas in the case of cereals results were somewhat better - despite a 35 percent drop compared to the previous year, in the case of this year's spring crops, the situation is dire. Of course, the irrigation system helps as long as there is water available for agriculture in rivers, inland lakes, and the water table is high enough. I believe that the irrigation system must be rethought and adjusted to integrate new technologies that ensure maximum efficiency for the plants. The variety or hybrid used is also important, it should be drought tolerant, but also use this exhaustible resource to the maximum. This is an extremely difficult agricultural year, much more difficult than 2020, especially as we are talking about a major water deficit, we are faced with soil drought and tiny amounts of water available. The absence of investments in the irrigation system in the past years now shows its full effects although there is a program in place with enough money to carry out these works," AFR president Daniel Botanoiu told AGERPRES.

According to him, the most affected crops are those sown this spring: corn, sunflower, soybeans, fodder, vegetables, but pastures as well.

Botanoiu emphasized that next agricultural year will also bear the brunt of the current extreme drought, as it's highly likely that agricultural works cannot be executed on time and at the required quality, fuel and material consumption will be higher, inputs will be expensive, and the market will be blocked.

According to the agriculture expert, over 45 percent of Europe is affected by this year's drought, which is "extremely much", and this situation requires "proper policies and practical architectural, agricultural, technological provisions, collective equipment, regional planning, water and river management, including by anticipating their most devastating overflows", to better protect us from heat and drought. "Both the task and the challenge are huge and completely new," he notes.

The president of the Romanian Farmers Association believes that "any measure that can bring a dime into this sector is extremely welcome", but emphasizes that more needs to be done in the area of legislation, investments and the functioning of the market.

"The solution for the future is irrigation. The government should have a dedicated policy approved by all parties, that can be quickly implemented and infrastructure works should start on the Siret-Baragan canal and not just there. European financing solutions for modern and efficient irrigation systems are required more than ever. The food industry must get priority support, to prevent the risk of another food security threat. There is an urgent need for support and new interventions from the European budget," said Daniel Botanoiu.

AFR considers that the necessary figures would be 15,000 euros support per farmer and 100,000 euros per SME in the form of a lump sum. The payments are made from the EAFRD allocations to member states for the years 2021-2022 and should not exceed 5 percent of these funds.

According to the latest data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the total area affected by drought is 89,605 hectares in 19 counties.

The situation of the drought-destroyed crops is reported daily based on the completed damage assessment reports. So far, the counties of Arad, Bacau, Botosani, Braila, Buzau, Calarasi, Galati, Giurgiu, Ialomita, Iasi, Ilfov, Maramures, Neamt, Satu Mare, Teleorman, Tulcea, Timis, Vaslui and Vrancea have reported areas affected by drought. AGERPRES
The State Secretary for Strategic Affairs, Iulian Fota, had consultations, on Monday, with US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Homeland Security, Kelli Ann Burriesci, who is currently conducting a regional tour in Europe.

After the consultations, the US official was welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu.

They discussed the inclusion of Romania in the Visa Waiver Programme and the possibilities of strengthening bilateral cooperation in order to achieve tangible progress in achieving this common Romanian-American objective.

"The consultations at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are part of the constant and applied dialogue at the political and technical level between Romania and the US on the topic of our country's inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program," the MAE says.

Minister Aurescu reiterated the fact that Romania's inclusion in the Visa Waiver Programme represents a first-rate political objective for the Bucharest authorities and a topic of particular interest for the Romanian public opinion, with increased relevance for the bilateral and European agenda, Agerpres.ro informs.

He underscored the importance of the successful running of the joint public awareness campaign that is about to be launched and expressed Romania's full willingness to cooperate with the US in order to stimulate the reduction of the visa refusal rate.

Also, the head of the Romanian diplomacy welcomed the reconfirmation of the commitment of the American side to work closely with the Romanian side in order to include Romania in the Visa Waiver Program, "which is a priority objective assumed by both states," according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, stated on Monday for Digi24.ro, regarding the speech of the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, in Baile Tusnad, that it is "regrettable that such ideas are propagated from Romania's territory".

The Prime Minister of Hungary stated, on Saturday, at Baile Tusnad, that the world is in a decade of dangers and he did not believe that the pillars of Western civilization would begin to crumble. In his opinion, the migration phenomenon has divided Europe in two and there is a battle between these two sides, Agerpres.ro informs.

"The most thorny problem continues to be the demographic problem. There are more funerals than births. (...) The second challenge is the migration phenomenon, which has divided Europe in two. Purely and simply, the West split in two. On one side we have countries, nations, where we have Europeans and non-Europeans who live together. Those states are no longer nations, there are some conglomerates of peoples. We can't talk anymore of the West, it is about a post-Western structure and, according to the rules of mathematics, that great demographic change will happen. In that part of our continent (...), the percentage of the non-European population will increase to over 50%. And we have the other part of Europe, of the West, Central and Eastern Europe, so it's about us. I don't want to create confusion, but I say it anyway, in the spiritual sense, the West has moved into our region. Here we have the West, there we have a post-Western structure and there is a battle between the two sides of Europe. So, we made an offer to the post-Westerners, we told them, leave us alone to decide who we want to be neighbors with and who we want to live with. The post-Westerners refused this offer and said no, we will turn you into what we are or have become. Now there is less talk about migration, but believe me, nothing has changed. Brussels and the Soros teams simply want to force us to accept the migrants," claimed Viktor Orban, according to the official translation.

According to Minister Aurescu, "it is regrettable that such ideas are propagated from the territory of Romania, in the complex global context that we all have to face, especially since our official positions are different from these theses".

"It's clear that we can't agree with them. Let alone the statements about races, which are not acceptable," he pointed out.

Bogdan Aurescu added that, "at the same time, Prime Minister Orban's speech on Saturday did not bring anything fundamentally new, these are the same concepts that we have already seen in the positions of Hungarian officials, only that they were put together, and some were elaborated more broadly. Plus other internal Hungarian policy considerations".

"Of course, each state defines its positions on international issues as it considers, but, as is well known, Romania does not share these inappropriate views, which we clearly distance ourselves from, because they affect European solidarity regarding the action in support of Ukraine," the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs told Digi24.ro.
Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi will be in Romania on Tuesday at the invitation of the head of the Romanian diplomacy, Bogdan Aurescu.

According to the Romanian Foreign Ministry (MAE), the visit takes place in response to Aurescu's trip to Amman in April 2021.

"The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is one of Romania's main partners in the Middle East, and the meeting between the two dignitaries will focus on the prospects for and concrete ways of developing Romanian-Jordanian relations in the main areas of co-operation, namely education, trade, agriculture, medicine, IT&C, cyber security, and defence," according to MAE, Agerpres.ro informs.

At the same time, ways of increasing the volume of commercial exchanges and investment will be discussed, starting from the already existing potential.

Aurescu and his Jordanian counterpart will also address the main political files of shared interest, including recent developments in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
A professional training course, attended by representatives from 21 countries, including Romania, will take place between July 25-29, 2022, at the headquarters of the National Meteorological Administration (ANM) in Bucharest, ANM informs in a post on Facebook.

The professional training course "On-the-Job Trainers (OJT) and Competency Assessors (CA)" is organized under the auspices of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and hosted by ANM.

Personalities from the WMO, invited by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests, experts from the Romanian Air Traffic Services Administration (ROMATSA), the National Meteorological Administration, representatives of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and of the air traffic services administrations from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Serbia, Spain and Turkey, Agerpres.ro informs.

"We believe that a continuous professional specialization for Trainers and Competence Assessors is of particular importance, the concept of competence being a broad one, related to the specific activities of experts in the field and must be very well understood and correctly implemented. There is a constant need for the specialist to continue to evolve and fill the gap between theory and practice, especially in what concerns the application of the accumulated knowledge in the current activity within their institutions," explain the ANM representatives.

During the event, they will present the progress made regarding the establishment of the Regional Agrometeorological Centre for RA VI (Europe) in Romania, one of the specific objectives of the project "Modernization of the infrastructure for monitoring and warning of severe hydrometeorological phenomena in order to ensure the protection of life and material assets - INFRAMETEO, SMIS code 2014+ 152610," a project co-financed from the Cohesion Fund through the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme 2014-2020.

This Centre will contribute to strengthening the collaboration between the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and will facilitate beneficial partnerships at the European and international level, so as to successfully implement research projects and programs aimed at mitigating the effects of global warming and climate change. The Centre will provide European countries with relevant agrometeorological data and information, such as soil moisture and plant phenology, bulletins and agrometeorological products/services, as well as professional training support activities, ANM states.

According to the same source, the course will be an excellent opportunity to share examples of good practices and expertise. "It is well known that the training gains added value through practical applications, and the acquired skills can be adapted according to needs to create coherence in the approach to the implementation of the competencies both in the various operational activities within the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and the air traffic authorities from the 6th WMO Region as well as to ensure a better collaboration between them at the regional level," reads the same post.
More than 15,000 tourists are expected, July 29-31, at the 28th edition of the Mediaeval Sighisoara Festival, where organisers encourage the participants to dress in mediaeval clothes and take part in the various events scheduled for the Citadel at the end of the week.

Sighisoara Mayor Sarbu Ioan Iulian told a news conference on Monday that the number of participants in the event is expected to be higher than last year, with his estimate being that at least 16,000 people will attend the three-day festival.

The mayor unveiled the schedule of the festival, which starts on Friday, July 28, with an opening parade, along 1 Decembrie 1918 Street - Hermann Oberth Street - Hermann Oberth Square - Turnului Street - Muzeului Square - Cetatii Square, and the workshops and interactive activities of the day will end with a concert by the Bucovina band, Agerpres.ro informs.

On Saturday, actor Marian Ralea and the Abracadabra band will present two exceptional plays, and spectators can watch demonstrations of fighting, dances and even an artistic act with horses.

Saturday ends in Cetatii Square with a mediaeval music concert by Cimpoieri din Transilvania and a fire juggling show by the Sirius troupe.

On Sunday, the last day of the event, tournaments will reach their peak, and the playbill also includes dancing and music, with the Cargo band closing this edition of the festival.

The organisers are preparing a fireworks display that they say will be spectacular.

"Many people from Sighisoara, many tourists were delighted by last year's fireworks, and this year we have prepared something more spectacular (...) We expect all the people of Sighisoara and tourists to dress up in mediaeval clothing and join us in the parade and all the other events," said Sarbu.

He added that all the accommodation establishments in the city are fully booked, and that foreign tourists were among those to make reservations.

Sighisoara Deputy Mayor Burghelea Bogdan Ioan said in his turn that on the days of the festival there will be traffic and parking restrictions in place in the Cetatii area.

The traders' stands to be erected for the festival will have to be made in a mediaeval style and banned from selling will be toys, balloons, luminous bracelets and jewelry made of materials not specific to the Middle Ages, that is plastics.

Also, gambling is prohibited, and alcoholic beverages will not be sold on the public domain, nor is it allowed to set up grills or food preparation facilities with an open fire. Likewise, seeds, cotton candy, boiled corn and glazed apples will not be sold, for sanitation reasons.

During the festival, handicraft items specific to the Middle Ages, such as ceramics, leather goods, clothing items, ornaments, paintings and decorative items may be sold.

The land renting fees charged on the merchants are the same as last year, while admission for Sighisoara artists, pupils and students is free.

Admission to the festival is free.

The event is organised by the City Hall of Sighisoara under the high patronage of Her Majesty Margareta, the Custodian of the Romanian Crown.
Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca welcomed, on Monday, the European Commission's decision to update the Partnership Agreement, stating that it represents a signal of "trust" and "support" for Romania's priorities, while the country is set to receive 31.5 billion euros in European funds under the Cohesion Policy by 2027.

"We have welcomed today's announcement from the European Commission with confidence in Romania's development prospects. Through the updated Partnership Agreement, our country will get 31.5 billion euros in European funds under the Cohesion Policy by 2027. Considering also the 13.6 billion euros of national co-financing, we will have more than 45 billion euros available for investment projects in economic, social and territorial cohesion, as well as for the green and digital transition. I welcome the decision of the European Commission, which I consider a signal of trust and support for Romania's priorities. We hail this gesture of European solidarity with responsibility," Ciuca said, according to a message posted on the Government's Facebook page.

He added that the authorities in Bucharest are ready to manage the allocated amounts transparently and as efficiently as possible, Agerpres.ro informs.

"Each citizen will be able to follow online, in real time, on the website https://www.fonduri-ue.ro/statistici, how the European money is spent," the head of Executive said.

Within the new budget exercise, local authorities can prioritize projects, so that disadvantaged areas are more strongly supported to recover the development gaps.

According to him, all the documentation for accessing this money was approved at the Government level.

"The experience so far helps us to maintain an alert pace of attracting European funding, by reducing the deadlines for the following stages: the launch of operational programmes and calls on project. I urge to the potential beneficiaries to prepare their projects in time, because all sectors of activity need financing like oxygen," added Ciuca.

Romania has a total of 90 billion euros at its disposal, including the amounts from the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) and financing through other European policies, for investments in areas of major interest, he indicated, from health and transport, to employment, combating poverty, eliminating development gaps and, at the same time, supporting the perspectives of development towards a competitive and innovative economy.

According to a press release of the Community Executive published on Monday, Romania will receive a total of 31.5 billion euros under the cohesion policy in the period 2021-2027, as part of its partnership agreement with the European Commission to promote the economic, social and territorial cohesion of its regions, as well as its green and digital transition.
Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca met on Monday at the Victoria Palace, with the representatives of the university consortia to discuss the "structural reform" of higher education through the bills on Education laws.

According to a press release from the Government, the debates focused on topics related to strengthening the connection of universities to the socio-economic environment and to the international academic environment, supporting the excellence and performance of Romanian universities, supporting equity and the support given to students, strengthening university autonomy and eliminating bureaucracy, in parallel with increasing the responsibility of universities, supporting the digitization program, aspects related to the status of university teaching staff, university ethics and deontology, supporting higher medical education.

"I am grateful for today's dialogue, I feel that at the end of the discussion we have a coherent approach regarding the transformation of education in accordance with an ambitious national strategy initiated by the President of Romania and assumed by us at the executive level," said Prime Minister Ciuca, Agerpres.ro informs.

The representatives of the consortia appreciated and expressed their support for the draft law on higher education, "a law that will provide modern tools and the possibility of leveraging Romanian university expertise for the benefit of students and the whole society," the press release states.

At the same time, a series of proposals and recommendations were formulated to improve the future legal framework for the functioning of university education.
A group of Romanians has defrauded 114 people from European countries in an online ad scam, with the fraud being estimated at three million euros, according to the Directorate for Investigating of Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT).

The investigation in this case was started under a European investigation order issued by Spain.

Two weeks ago, prosecutors raided the homes of the members of this group accused of forming an organised criminal group, fraud and money laundering.

According to DIICOT, a group made up of several Romanian nationals was involved in posting fictitious advertisements on the Internet in order to mislead people, and so far 114 victims have been identified in Poland, Switzerland, Portugal, Germany and Greece. In order to collect the money, bank accounts were opened, which were later used to make money transfers.

The fraud in this case is estimated at three million euros.

During the raids, computer systems were found and seized for the continuation of the investigation.

Helping with the investigation were officers of the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime - Cybercrime Combat Service, SCCO Valcea, BCCO Pitesti, organised crime combat services of Valcea and Sibiu, as well gendarmes of the Special Response Brigade of the Gendarmerie and the Valcea County Gendarmerie Inspectorate.

Also taking part in the mission were four officials of the Spanish Embassy in Bucharest and Spain and a EUROPOL official. AGERPRES
As many as 4,955 new cases of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 were recorded in the last 24 hours in Romania, up 861 from the previous day, with over 14,000 RT-PCR and rapid antigenic tests performed, the Health Ministry informed on Monday.

Of the new cases, 954 were in re-infected patients, who tested positive more than 90 days after the first time they recovered from the disease.

Most of the newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in Romania since the previous reporting were recorded in Bucharest City - 921, and in the counties of Cluj - 440, Constanta - 242, Timis - 217, Brasov - 213.

So far, 3,011,711cases of people infected with the novel coronavirus were confirmed in Romania.

- Hospitalisations -

As many as 3,392 people with COVID-19, up 230 from the previous reporting, including 565 children, are hospitalised in Romania at specialist care facilities.

Out of the total number of hospitalised patients, 204 patients, up 18, including three minors, are in intensive care.

Of the 204 patients admitted to ICU, 172 are unvaccinated against COVID-19.

- Deaths -

According to the ministry, five Romanians, two men and three women, infected with SARS-CoV-2 are reported dead in the last 24 hours.

Of the five deaths, one was recorded in the age group 50-59 years, one in the age group 60-69 years, and three in the age group over 80 years.

All the four patients who died were unvaccinated and had underlying medical conditions.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, 65,862 people diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 infection have died in Romania. AGERPRES
Three Romanian military ships and approximately 300 sailors participated, between July 14-25, in the multinational exercise "Breeze 22," organized and led by the Bulgarian Naval Forces, according to a press release sent by the Romanian Naval Forces to AGERPRES on Monday.

According to the same source, the exercise took place in the territorial waters of Bulgaria, in the international waters of the Black Sea and in the Burgas port.

"At this year's edition of the "Breeze 2" exercise, the troops on the "King Ferdinand" frigate, on the maritime dredger "Lieutenant Lupu Dinescu" and the missile-carrier "Zborul" conducted together, with naval and air capabilities, as well as officers staff from Albania, Belgium, France, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Turkey and the United States of America, numerous joint training sequences, according to combat scenarios in various types of environments according to NATO standards, including such missions against hybrid threats, to strengthen the defence capacity of NATO's Eastern border. The fictitious scenario of the "Breeze 2022" exercise was adjusted to the new geostrategic challenges and foresees the response of a multinational force to a geopolitical crisis in the region," the press release of the Naval Forces states, Agerpres.ro informs.

The Romanian ships returned, on Monday, to the Port of Constanta, respectively to the Port of Mangalia.

Officials of the Naval Forces claim that the participation of the Romanian military ships in the exercises organized by the North Atlantic Alliance partners has become constant in recent years, as part of the contribution of the Romanian Naval Forces to increasing stability in the area of responsibility in the Western Black Sea.
David Nicklaus David Nicklaus is a business columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow David Nicklaus 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

Federal securities regulations usually dont have much effect on a Missouri farm, but Garrett Hawkins fears thats about to change.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is proposing to make publicly traded companies disclose information about their exposure to climate change, including extensive data about carbon emissions throughout their supply chains. If big companies like Tyson Foods have to know more about the carbon footprint of their beef, Hawkins fears that it will raise operating costs for farmers like him.

This quickly becomes complicated and wildly burdensome, not just for farmers and ranchers but for everybody in the value chain, said Hawkins, who raises cattle, sheep and hay near Appleton City in western Missouri. He worries that large farms, better able to afford the cost of compliance, would gain an advantage in dealing with companies like Tyson, while smaller operations like his might be forced out of business.

Hawkins is president of Missouri Farm Bureau, which submitted a letter to the SEC opposing the proposed rule. The agency received more than 3,000 comments, including pleas for relief from groups representing aerospace manufacturers, restaurants, car-rental companies and shoe stores. The National Federation of Independent Business said small firms cannot afford the burden and expense of tracking and reporting climate-related information.

Andrew Tuch, a Washington University law professor, believes farmers and small businesses are right to be worried. The scope of the disclosures required here is unprecedented in recent history, he said. The breadth and the specificity are enormous.

Business groups are most concerned about the treatment of so-called Scope 3 emissions, which are related to a companys activities but outside its operational control. For McDonalds, such reporting could cover everyone from the farms that produce its beef to the paper mills that make its napkins to the trucks that supply its restaurants.

The SEC does acknowledge the cost of such reporting; it says companies can use estimates or industry averages for Scope 3 data. Pressed by investors, though, companies may compete to be as specific as possible. There are clearly incentives in the proposal for companies to do more than rely on estimates or averages, Tuch said. The SEC is hoping for better investment decisions, and its pretty hard to compare companies if theyre all relying on the same sources of data for their supply chains.

The audience for the proposed disclosures is the large number of investors who are concerned about sustainability. Assets of ESG funds, which focus on environmental, social and governance issues, grew 50% last year to $2.7 trillion.

At Kennedy Capital Management in Creve Coeur, an ESG fund is a growing part of the business. Chris McDonald, the funds portfolio manager, is eager to see the kind of standardized disclosures the SEC is talking about.

Theres a tremendous amount of inconsistency and noncomparability in the types of disclosures provided by companies, McDonald said. In my view, this is a step forward to allowing investors to get a complete picture of the impact of climate change on a company.

While he thinks the data will help him make better investment decisions, McDonald is sensitive to the costs for businesses large and small. If done thoughtfully, I believe this can be done in a cost-effective manner, he said.

The SECs critics blast the proposal as a political move, part of President Joe Bidens climate-change agenda, but there is a real demand from investors for better emissions data. The challenge now is to provide that data without placing an undue burden on bystanders like Hawkins.
St. Louis-based gas utility Spire is lauding recent state and federal developments as positive steps in the winding saga of its STL Pipeline, which is now operating on a temporary permit while awaiting regulators decision on its future.

At the same time, Spire says that if the pipeline fails to get re-approved, the company will decommission it rather than sell it.

The STL Pipelines future is still being weighed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission  the same agency that narrowly approved the pipeline in 2018 by a divisive 3-2 vote.

The pipeline was put in limbo after the nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund sued in 2020 and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit last year ordered the commission to reconsider the project.

Now, Spire is once again before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, in hopes of a second approval, even as it uses the very pipeline under consideration to deliver natural gas to much of its customer base in the St. Louis area.

The re-evaluation was prompted by the 2021 court ruling, which stated that the market need for the project was never properly demonstrated and that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ignored plausible evidence of self-dealing when Spire arranged to have its own affiliate build the 65-mile line.

Before its construction, earlier attempts to challenge the project were blocked by the agencys use of a procedural move that has since been ruled unlawful.

In June, a draft environmental impact statement from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission determined that impacts from the continued operation of the Spire STL would be less than significant, with the exception of climate change impacts.

The report did not officially classify climate impacts from the projects greenhouse gas emissions as significant or not, but said they would incur a total social cost of more than $19 billion.

Additional review of the pipeline project  and costs associated with it  is unfolding at the state level. In May, a report commissioned by utility regulators from the Missouri Public Service Commission, done by consulting firm Schumaker and Co., described Spires decision-making about the pipeline as reasonable and prudent.

Spire officials applauded the recent findings, and said both documents have bolstered the case for allowing the continued operation of the pipeline.

That further supports the argument that the project is needed, said Sean Jamieson, general counsel for the Spire STL Pipeline, describing the report put before the Missouri Public Service Commission. There is now more evidence for FERC to consider.

Spire indicated in its own filing to the state commission last week that it is making contingency plans if the project fails to pass regulatory muster, writing that the utility has no obligation to maintain its agreement with Spire STL Pipeline should FERC not authorize the pipeline to continue operating.

To clarify that stance, Spire officials told the Post-Dispatch they have no plans to sell the pipeline. Rather, in the event that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejects the projects long-term approval, the company said that it plans on decommissioning and removing the pipeline  and that any reconfiguration would be infeasible, according to last weeks filing with the state.

Operationally, it would be a struggle for us, said Scott Weitzel, the vice president of regulatory and government affairs for Spire Missouri, describing a scenario if the pipeline were to stop running. But, he added, at the end, the customer, financially, would be held harmless.

The recent reports have come alongside some caveats.

A Missouri Public Safety Commission staff memo filed with the Schumaker report stated that Spire should bear the risks for proceeding with the construction of the pipeline, even as it faced the prospect of legal challenges that have now mushroomed and jeopardized the project.

And state commission staff also noted concerns about the companys transparency surrounding the pipeline, including the destruction of documents related to pipeline construction bids  a move Spire officials have said was routine and under an agreement with bidding companies.

Formal responses to the report and Public Safety Commission memo are due from other parties  including Spires legal opponents at the Environmental Defense Fund  on Aug. 1.

Meanwhile, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions environmental analysis of the project is still in the draft stage, and now subject to public comment and continued review.

And despite its findings of less than significant non-climate impacts from the pipeline, environmental concerns are not where the projects main problems have arisen  since doubts about the market need for pipeline anchored the legal ruling against it.
Inspired by stories collected from U.S. prisons, playwright Sarah Shourd's The Box addresses solitary confinement, its impact and its consequences. The play comes to the Big Top in Grand Center on Wednesday for a three-night run.

Recently, Shourd spoke with the Post-Dispatch about the provocative drama, which is on a national tour. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q  What's the idea behind The Box?

A  It's a play about resistance to solitary confinement and the horror of the most extreme punishment that our (prison) system doles out. And also about the humanity of the people being subjected to this practice. Solitary confinement is used very arbitrarily inside our prisons, often against people with mental illness who need treatment. It exacerbates their condition and serves no public safety purpose whatsoever.

People get out of solitary confinement directly into our streets and are worse off than when they went into prison in the first place.

Q  How did the national tour come about?

A  During the pandemic we did a Zoom production at the Pulitzer Center (in Washington, D.C.), and they saw a proposal that I had written for a national tour. And they decided to help us get the funding. We're touring to the places around the country that are on the front lines of passing laws to ban solitary confinement.

The truth is, correctional officers across this country have total power to put people in solitary confinement and keep them there without any kind of oversight or due process. So it's a prison within a prison.

Q  It's unusual for a nonmusical production to go on a national tour. Why did you decide to take that approach?

A  We wanted to take The Box to the places around the country where it could have the most impact. If we want our art to actually change things  change hearts and minds and start conversations  we have to do something usual, put ourselves out there. And so that's what we're doing. We have a really amazing group of people that are really dedicated.

Q  Why is St. Louis part of the tour?

A  St. Louis is at the forefront of the movement to close down inhumane jails and inhumane jail conditions. The message that we're sending is that (solitary confinement) doesn't benefit us as a society. People deserve to be rehabilitated, they deserve resources, they deserve treatment. And it's not just about what they deserve; it's about what we as a society deserve.
MONDAY, July 25, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure  and that alone more than doubles their odds of being hospitalized if they are infected with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, a new study revealed.

This was true even in people who were fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19, according to researchers at the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

The take-home message is that avoiding infection is extremely important  even when the circulating viral variant is presumed to cause mild disease in most people, said study author Dr. Joseph Ebinger, a clinical cardiologist at the institute.

People with high blood pressure (hypertension) who get COVID-19 should be aware of this heightened risk and should discuss antiviral therapy with their doctor, he suggested.

For the study, the researchers combed medical records to identify 912 people who were diagnosed with COVID-19 during the first Omicron surge between Dec. 1, 2021, and April 20, 2022, in Southern California. The patients were fully vaccinated with an mRNA vaccine and had received a booster shot. Of those people, 145 wound up in the hospital.

We were surprised to learn that many people who were hospitalized with COVID-19 had hypertension and no other risk factors, said senior author Dr. Susan Cheng, director of the Institute for Research on Healthy Aging at the Smidt Heart Institute. This is concerning when you consider that almost half of American adults have high blood pressure.

Other conditions  including chronic kidney disease, having had a heart attack or heart failure  greatly increased patients' risk of hospitalization after infection, the study authors said in a medical center news release.

These findings were expected considering that these are chronic medical conditions that are well established to be associated with worse outcomes, Ebinger said.

The team also teased out the effects of high blood pressure without those three conditions and found that the risk for hospitalization remained substantial.

It also increased with age and as more time passed between vaccination and infection. But high blood pressure still added more than twice the risk of other factors, according to the study.

The investigators also found that conditions such as diabetes and obesity that were found earlier in the pandemic to boost the risk of hospitalization were not as strongly linked with a hospital stay during the Omicron surge.

More investigation is needed to understand the biological processes that may lead to more severe COVID-19 illness in people with high blood pressure, the team concluded.

Uncovering why hypertension is linked to COVID-19 could help us better understand how SARS-CoV-2 affects the body and provide clearer targets for prevention and treatment, Cheng said.

The findings were published online July 20 in the journal Hypertension.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19 and underlying health conditions.

SOURCE: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, news release, July 20, 2022

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The nations top public health agency is relaxing its COVID-19 guidelines and dropping the recommendation that Americans quarantine themselves if they come into close contact with an infected person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also said Thursday that people no longer need to stay at least 6 feet away from others. The changes come more than 2 1/2 years after the start of the pandemic. They are driven by a recognition that an estimated 95% of Americans 16 and older have acquired some level of immunity, either from being vaccinated or infected.
Family outings and journal-writing can help keep kids' academic skills sharp during the summer. franckreporter / Getty Images

Worried your kids will forget what they learned in school over the summer? Scholars have been studying the problem for over a century.

When William White, a New York state mathematics professor, set out in the early 1900s to study how much math students remembered over summer vacation, he checked to see how well they would do at the start of school on a test like the one they had taken at the end of the previous school year.

Whereas second graders on average got nine out of 70 questions wrong in June, after the summer break on average they got 25 out of 70 wrong on the same test. But after two weeks of drills, the number of answers the students got wrong dropped to 15.

Whites study  titled Reviews Before and After Vacation and published in 1906  concluded that that which is least vital is first to be lost.

Whites study is also one of the first to identify what educators today refer to as summer learning loss  which is the negative effect that a long summer break has on students ability to remember facts and skills they had learned the previous school year.

Effects on student achievement

Studies of summer loss increased in the 1990s as Congress began to place a bigger emphasis on holding schools accountable for the achievement of all students.

Over the summer, students typically lose the equivalent of about a months worth of learning, mostly in the areas of math facts and spelling. Research has also found that summer learning loss is more severe among students with disabilities, English language learners and students living in poverty.

But researchers understanding of summer loss is continually evolving. For instance, one study found that the students who experienced the biggest losses were the ones who had shown the biggest gains just before the test at the end of the school year. This raises questions about whether their gains were true gains or just the result of special preparation for the test.

A longer school year?

Some people have argued that summer loss wouldnt occur if the U.S. had a longer school year or year-round school. For instance, they point to countries like China, where the school year is 245 days, as opposed to the traditional 180-day school year in the U.S. China is ranked first in the top 20 nations in terms of student scores in math, science and reading. The U.S. is ranked No. 25 out of 77 countries and is several points behind Australia, Switzerland, Norway and the Czech Republic, which are ranked 21 to 24, respectively.

But shorter school years dont always result in lower test scores. For instance, students in Ireland outscore American students on math, science and reading by an average of 10 points, according to the Program for International Student Assessment, better known as PISA, yet attend school for only 167 days, or 13 days fewer than in the U.S.

How parents and caregivers can limit summer loss

Some parents take advantage of school-based programs that can help students keep up their academic skills during the summer. But there are still ways that parents and other caregivers can stave off summer loss that do not involve school. Here are six:

1. Model what you want to see: First and foremost, never forget that you are a role model. Children will do what they see the adults around them do. Summer is the perfect time for you to reduce screen time and increase time reading, writing, taking walks, playing games or having conversations.

2. Visit the library: Children love independence. One of the best ways to allow children to demonstrate independence is to have them browse the shelves of the local library and select books that they can read independently or for you to read aloud to them. Participate in story hours if your local library offers the activity. Establish a habit of visiting the library on a weekly basis or at least several times a month. These library visits will strengthen a childs reading skills.

3. Play games during trips: When traveling by car, bus or train, there are games  both word and number  that you can engage in with your children. For instance, you can play I Spy with My Little Eye, estimate the number of fast-food restaurants youll pass or even look for all the words that begin with a certain letter. These activities not only keep children engaged but also incrementally sharpen their skills in a wide range of academic areas such as literacy, numeracy and communication.

4. Encourage your children to keep a summer journal: To get them started, suggest one journal entry of 10 Things I Want to Do Before Summer is Over. The list can include activities like watching the sunrise, going an entire day without wearing shoes or seeing how far they can spit a watermelon seed. To make the journal more interesting, encourage children to fill it with both writing and drawing.

5. Visit landmarks: Plan visits to acquaint you and your children with local landmarks. Document the visit with a journal entry, drawings or photographs and some research on the history of the site. The excursions can become even more meaningful if you have children do a little research into the landmarks you visit.

6. Plan weekly family picnics: Vary the meals to include breakfast, lunch, dinner or even dessert. Let your children plan the menu and cook with you, as well as select the site for the picnics. Research has found that involving children in the preparation of meals by doing things such as making grocery lists can help improve their reading, writing and math skills.

Suzanne McLeod does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.
On July 25, 1972, Democratic vice presidential nominee Missouri Sen. Thomas Eagleton told reporters he had undergone electric shock treatments for exhaustion. Sen.George McGovern, the presidential nominee, pledged his support of Eagleton. But 18 days later, Eagleton withdrew as the vice presidential nominee. This is the Post-Dispatch coverage of that fateful day Eagleton opened up about his medical background.

CUSTER, South Dakota - The health of Senator Thomas F. Eagleton emerged today as a possible major issue in this year's presidential campaign with his disclosure that he had received psychiatric help, including electric shock treatments, for exhaustion resulting from overwork.

The vice-presidential nominee startled reporters at a press conference here by announcing that on three occasions between 1960 and 1966, he had voluntarily hospitalized himself for physical and nervous exhaustion. He made the disclosure with Sen. George McGovern of South Dakota, the presidential nominee, at his side. The two men had met earlier today to map plans for their campaign.

McGovern said he has not known about Eagleton's medical history, but expressed the fullest confidence in his running mate and said he would have picked him for that position even if he had known all of the facts that Eagleton disclosed today.

McGovern called the St. Louisan "fully qualified in mind, body and spirit" to be Vice President and, it necessary, to take over the office of President. Eagleton said his decision to disclose his medical history had been triggered by the "rapidity with which rumors about my health were developing in Missouri." He said he felt it was legitimate for the press to make inquiries about his health.

A number of such inquiries have been made to his staff since his selection as the vice-presidential nominee in Miami Beach 12 days ago. The first of the three occasions on which Eagleton said he had voluntarily hospitalized himself for what he termed nervous exhaustion and fatigue occurred between Dec. 1, 1960, and Jan. 1, 1961, or a few days later.

He entered Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, where he said he was under the care of his family internist, Dr. William D. Perry. The second occurred between Christmas of 1964 and New Year's Day 1965, when he spent four days at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., for a physical examination. The third occurred in mid-1966 when he returned to the Mayo Clinic for about three weeks.

Under questioning, Eagleton acknowledged that he had received psychiatric help when hospitalized in I960 and again during his stay at the Mayo Clinic in 1966. He said there had been no psychiatric care involved in the brief visit to the clinic in 1964. In speaking of the 1960 and 1966 hospitalizations, he said, "I received counseling from a psychiatrist, including electric shock treatment."

He said he had received no such treatment since 1966. When he was asked what advice he had received from psychiatrists, he said he had been told "to learn to pace myself ... not work from sunup to sundown . . . avoid exhaustion." He said he had received a prescription of sleeping pills, although it was not clear when these had been prescribed. When he was asked the purpose of the electric shock therapy, he said, "At that time, it was part of the prescribed treatment for exhaustion and depression."

Eagleton said his symptoms during the periods that led to his hospitalization had included a feeling of exhaustion, accompanied by some depression, and a stomach problem, which he described as "a nervous stomach" caused by fatigue. With a grin he remarked, "It's not too different from that fellow in the Alka Seltzer ad who says, 'I can't believe I ate the whole thing.' "

Eagleton attributed his problems to his "hard-driving, intense" nature. "As a younger man, I drove myself too far," he said. He attributed his problem in 1960 to his intensive campaign that year for Missouri Attorney General and to his efforts on behalf of John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign. He said he had stumped Missouri almost without rest and had "pushed myself terribly, terribly hard."

He did not explain the circumstances that led to his reported exhaustion in 1964 when he was elected lieutenant governor and in 1966. In reply to a question Eagleton replied that his physical problems had not been related to drinking. "Alcohol was not involved in any iota, way, shape or form."

He said rumors concerning drinking had "plagued me through the years." Rumors about his health also have followed his political career in Missouri, especially in his successful campaign for the Seante in 1968.

But these rumors "never surfaced publicly," he said.

Eagleton said he had not informed McGovern of his medical background before his selection for the vice-presidential nomination. He said he had decided that it should be brought out publicly and that he had come to South Dakota with the intention of disclosing it after discussing it with McGovern.

"In seeking the second-highest office in the land," Eagleton observed, "one's life becomes more and more an open book." When he was asked why he had never disclosed his medical background previously, he replied that doing so was not an experience that one enjoyed.

Eagleton said that he has enjoyed "good solid health" since his hospitalization. He said he had learned to pace himself.

He expressed confidence that he could devote his full energies to the forthcoming campaign, but "on a measured basis." He said he had learned to take a day off and would follow this practice in the campaign. He noted that he received physical examination last Friday in the Senate Clinic and was found to be in good health.

Additional tests were performed yesterday at the Bethesda, Md., Naval Hospital and Eagleton predicted that the results would be favorable. "So far," he remarked, "doctors have told me that I'm two pounds overweight and have half a hemorhoid." The remark brought laughter from the reporters.

Eagleton said he first informed McGovern of his illnesses in a conversation the weekend after the Missourian was selected for the vice-presidency. McGovern said when he had asked Eagleton whether there were any significant problems in his past that might interfere with his serving as the vice- presidential choice, the St Louisan had said there were none. "I agree with that decision and am fully satisfied," McGovern said.

McGovern noted that in considering running mates, he had requested suggestions from about 20 members of Congress, among others. With one or two exceptions, he went on, Eagleton was on all the congressional lists, often as the first choice and more frequently as second to Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts.

"I have not the slightest doubt about the wisdom of se lecting him or entrusting the American government to him," McGovern said. "I would not have hesitated one minute to select him if I had known all the facis he has disclosed today."

McGovern emphasized that "many men who have served in the presidency suffered from far more serious illnesses than Senator Eagleton has had." He praised Eagleton for what he called his "candor and openness" in making today's disclosure. He said he had been unaware of the rumors that Eagleton referred to concerning his health.

When asked whether he thought the Republicans would seek to exploit the disclosures for political advantage, Eagleton said, "I can't speculate" on that. Eagleton flew here from Washington last night for conferences with McGovern. From here, Eagleton is to go to California and Hawaii on his first campaign swing. The Missourian is known to feel that the most urgent task facing the Democratic ticket is the need for an immediate start in winning back the support of regular party leaders in a number of key states. Eagleton believes that he and McGovern should wait before approaching the leaders of organized labor. Also on the agenda for discussion today was the nature of Eagleton's campaign.

Particularly at issue is how he is to carry out his assignment of replying to the strong attacks expected from Vice President Spiro T. Agnew. Eagleton is known to feel strongly that he should not try to match rhetoric with Agnew who has won a reputation for harsh, partisan and personal attacks. Not only does such an approach "not suit Eagleton's style, but he fears that its similarity to Agnew's technique would make it ineffective.
JEFFERSON CITY  Three candidates have emerged as front-runners in a crowded field vying for the Democratic nomination to replace the retiring Republican Roy Blunt in the narrowly held U.S. Senate.

Missouri Voters Guide for Tuesday's primary elections The Post-Dispatch and the League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis present this guide to the candidates and races on the Aug. 2 ballot.

Heading into the final week of the campaign, Trudy Busch Valentine, Lucas Kunce and Spencer Toder are making their last minute bids to turn a red seat blue.

The winner of the Aug. 2 primary will have a steep hill to climb. Along with President Joe Bidens low polling numbers, Missouri is still Trump country, after handing the former president double-digit victories in 2016 and 2020.

But, if scandal-plagued former Republican Gov. Eric Greitens takes the GOP primary, Democratic chances could improve mightily. In addition, the anti-Greitens sentiment on the GOP side has resulted in the presence of an independent spoiler in John Wood, a Republican attorney who recently served on the U.S. House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Trudy Busch Valentine

Valentine, a first-time candidate who is an heir to the Busch beer brewing fortune, has a net worth between $69.4 million and $219.4 million and is largely self-funding her late-starting entry.

In an interview with the Post-Dispatch editorial board Thursday, Valentine said she was inspired to enter the race by the past six years of vitriol in Washington largely instigated by former President Donald Trump.

I think our country is hanging by a thread, Valentine said.

Im going to come at this differently than people with their guns and their blowtorches, she said, referring to the Republican candidates use of military props and fighting stances. Im not a politician. I never thought Id run for political office.

Valentine, 65, is the daughter of August Gussie Busch Jr., who died in 1989. Her mother, Gertrude Busch, was Buschs third wife.

In 2019, the St. Louis University School of Nursing was named for Valentine after she contributed $4 million to the school. She graduated from the school in 1980.

Valentine, a nurse, said she wants to penalize the pharmaceutical industry for its part in the opioid crisis and wants to boost funding to make opioid treatment more accessible, especially in rural communities.

On her campaign visits to the states Democratic strongholds like St. Louis, Columbia, Springfield and Kansas City, she said the needs of voters all have a common theme in health care, child care, care for the elderly and people with disabilities, and education.

As a mother who lost a son to opioid addiction, she said the epidemic is near and dear to my heart. Its running like wildfire through Missouri.

Valentine believes the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to strike down Roe v. Wade, which gave women a right to an abortion, was horrendous and could determine the outcome of the race.

We are taking women back 50 years, Valentine said.

She also wants to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Valentine said she supports a ban on military-style assault weapons as a way to stop mass killings.

She also supports background checks, red flag laws and preventing people who have been reported as dangerous to law enforcement by mental health providers from purchasing guns.

Americans shouldnt have to worry about being shot at school, at the grocery store, in a house of worship, or anywhere else, Valentine said.

She said she offers an alternative to some of the leading men in the race, who have used their military backgrounds and images of blow torches and guns to make the race about fighting, rather than compassion.

She said she rejected plans to participate in a televised debate against Kunce because it would turn into a fight, rather than a discussion of ideas.

We have to build each other up. We have to be a strong Democratic Party if we want to win, Valentine said.

Valentine has loaned her campaign $2 million to spend on the primary. She raised $360,562 from donors between April and June.

Lucas Kunce

Kunce, 39, grew up in Jefferson City, graduated from Yale University and joined the Marine Corps following law school at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He spent 13 years in the military, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. He now resides in Independence.

Kunce is running as a populist, focusing on economic issues facing Missouri residents.

We need to have people who understand the problems every day Missourians go through, Kunce said.

He said corporate interests are too heavily favored in Congress, resulting in companies pushing for profits over the public good.

They strip our community for parts, Kunce said during an interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorial board.

He wants to ban stock trading and ownership by lawmakers who could be benefiting from inside information.

Being a member of Congress should be about service, Kunce said.

Kunce supports raising the age limit to purchase a gun from 18 to 21.

Kunce also wants to get rid of the filibuster in the Senate to ram legislation through the chamber making abortion legal in every state.

He also sees a path to reform drug prices, calling drug companies cartels that need to be broken up.

Kunce also supports legislation that aims to protect transgender children by banning conversion therapy.

As a major in the Marines, Kunce said he warned his colleagues that Russia was building up its military might using money from oil sales.

That could have been avoided if the U.S. had invested more in renewable energy sources, he said.

Kunce has been the top fundraiser among all candidates for the seat. He received $1.1 million in contributions between April and June, bringing the total amount he has raised to more than $4.4 million.

In St. Louis, Kunce has won the backing of Rep. Rasheen Aldridge, D-St. Louis, and St. Louis County Council member Shalonda Webb.

In a joint letter, the two Black officials said, Lucas is the only candidate whos been showing up in our communities. We both represent majority Black districts and no Democrat can win this election without the support of our community. Votes arent bought  theyre earned.

Spencer Toder

Toder, a St. Louis native, also is a first-time candidate. The businessman has funneled more than $800,000 of his own money into his non-traditional campaign, which has focused on connecting voters with government services.

As an example, he has assisted people to gain access to child tax credit applications and health insurance. He also has collected supplies for Afghan refugees.

In the closing days, his schedule includes online meet and greets, a visit to Monett on Thursday and a final stop in Kansas City on Sunday.

Toder, 37, supports tougher gun laws. He said people should have permits to keep firearms. He backs waiting periods for purchases and background checks. He would address military-style assault weapons by instituting a gun buy-back program and then banning them.

Toder said he wants to encourage immigration and would vote to codify Roe v. Wade.

He wants to see Medicare for All passed, with contraception and in-vitro fertilization covered under it.

Toder also wants to abolish the filibuster to pass voting rights legislation.

Toder has loaned himself a total of $882,750 over the course of the campaign. Of that, $552,500 was loaned between April and June.

In all, 11 candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination. Others running are Lewis Rolen of St. Louis, Gena Ross of Platte City, Carla Coffee Wright of St. Louis, Josh Shipp of St. Louis, Jewel Kelly of Festus, Clarence Taylor of St. Louis, Pat Kelly of St. Louis and Ronald William Harris of Kansas City.
Four members of the Missouri congressional delegation, including Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Town and Country, recently called on President Joe Biden to invoke his authority to waive tariffs imposed on fertilizer products from Morocco.

The move is a response to the escalating price of fertilizer following Russias attack on Ukraine. Russia, the target of western sanctions, is the worlds largest exporter of fertilizers.

Other Missourians signing the letter, dated July 14, were Reps. Sam Graves, R-Tarkio; Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth; and Vicky Hartzler, R-Harrisonville. In all, 31 members of Congress signed the letter.

Graves said on his farm, they previously were paying $400 a ton for anhydrous ammonia, and this year it was $1,500 a ton, which he said is hard to keep up with as harvest is right around the corner.

The 19% tariff on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco was imposed in 2021 in response to a petition by Mosaic Co. The Tampa, Florida-based company alleged Morocco and Russia unfairly subsidize sales of phosphorus on the global market.

The lawmakers also called on the administration to place a moratorium on any new duties on urea ammonium nitrate fertilizer from Trinidad and Tobago.

Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins said he believes removing tariffs and decreasing fertilizer prices could be essential.

If you look at costs overall for farmers and what our production costs are going to be, everyone needs to have a fantastic harvest to make this thing pencil out, Hawkins said.

Includes reporting from the St. Joseph News-Press, Mo. (TNS)
Joe Holleman Joe Holleman is a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Joe Holleman 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

CLAYTON  While St. Louis County began creating laws in 2019 for regulating medical marijuana operations, Councilwoman Lisa Clancy worked behind the scenes for a law firm representing clients seeking marijuana licenses.

Without disclosing to the council or the public that she was paid about $5,000 for that work, Clancy eventually cast votes on the bill that the county adopted as its zoning ordinance for marijuana operations.

Clancy, a Democrat from Maplewood, is up for reelection this year for her 5th District seat. She is unopposed in the Aug. 2 primary.

The information about her marijuana work came to light last week; the woman who hired Clancy released text messages and emails to the Post-Dispatch that included exchanges between her and Clancy.

In the back of my mind, I kept wondering how it was not a conflict, said Shelby Partridge, a grant writer who formerly worked for the Summers Compton Wells law firm.

The exchanges between Clancy and Partridge also indicate that County Executive Sam Page objected to the work Clancy was performing.

Clancys efforts on the marijuana applications began around June 24, 2019, and lasted until about Aug. 7.

Clancy refused to be interviewed by telephone, saying by text, I dont have time to be interviewed.

She did forward a letter from the law firm, dated July 11, 2019, that states the firm had concluded that (Clancys) engagement on this project does not involve any conflict interest with your position on the County Council.

Later, Clancy texted that because marijuana licenses are awarded by the state, I stand by it that I had no conflict of interest in this work.

Starting in April 2019, Partridge, who is not a lawyer, said she was at the law firm and working with clients who were applying for a marijuana license. Specifically, she was filling out applications for a company seeking several marijuana dispensary licenses. That company eventually secured one permit for a dispensary in south St. Louis County.

The applications contained specific questions about things like community outreach and issues like that, Partridge said, adding that she needed help in those areas.

After one potential employee did not work out, Partridge said she sought out Clancy in June 2019; Clancy had joined the County Council in January.

Partridge said Clancy was recommended by Winston Calvert, who was Pages chief of staff and in a personal relationship with Partridge at the time.

In an interview Friday, Calvert said he had only a vague recollection of the events. I just dont remember details, I dont remember the timing, he said.

Later by text, Calvert said that he told members of the firm of several people, Clancy among them, who were adept at grant writing. He said he believes those recommendations were made before he joined Pages staff, Calvert said.

I can be helpful to you

An email between Clancy and Partridge, dated June 24, 2019, indicates that Partridge and Clancy met face-to-face at the law firm three days earlier, on June 21.

In that follow-up email of June 24, Clancy said to Partridge: I can be helpful to you, your team and your clients to complete competitive and successful medical cannabis license applications.

Clancy notes in the email that her background, strong local knowledge, and professional expertise were best suited to address issues of community impact, training and diversity and inclusion.

Clancy concluded the letter by negotiating for more than the $35 to $40 hourly rate first offered.

I am willing to bring it down to $90/hr or we can discuss a fixed rate per question or for the entire project, Clancy wrote to Partridge.

Despite an initial concern about potential conflict of interest, Partridge said she was not that knowledgeable about politics and that she had been told by Calvert that it was not a concern.

About one month into Clancys work, on July 31, Clancy told Partridge she would have to stop working on the applications because of Pages reaction, the texts indicate.

After Partridge texted, Sorry if youre in a tough spot, Clancy replied:

I thought I was fine until Sam flipped out about it the other night, Clancy wrote. Ive put in about 25ish hours I think. Still more to do but I can certainly wrap up where I am and pass it off to you with some direction.

Page had been in the countys top position for about three months at the time, having succeeded Steve Stenger, who resigned and later pleaded guilty to corruption charges.

On Friday, a spokesperson sent a statement that said Page did not recall any conversation with Clancy about the matter. The statement did say that Page always has had his reservations about the marijuana industry.

After Page objected to Clancys work, Partridge suggested that she would finish the work on the applications for St. Louis County locations, and that Clancy could keep working on the companys application for dispensaries in St. Louis city and Jefferson County.

Thats a good solution, Clancy replied.

No list of payments

The texts indicate that Clancy was paid by the law firm  an amount Partridge recalls to have been about $5,000  about one week after her work ended.

According to a text from Aug. 16, Clancy wrote to Partridge: Damn, got my scw (law firm) check already! That was speedy!!

Clancys financial interest statement filed with the county for the 2019 calendar year did not list any payments from the law firm. The statements are required of all elected officials and are designed to disclose sources of income and other business relationships.

Under the employment heading, she lists only St. Louis County Government, and under the sole proprietorship heading, she lists Lisa Clancy LLC.

County ordinances state that it is unlawful for any officer or employee to engage in any private business or professional activity that would place that person in a position of conflict between his private interest and the public interest of the county.

Councilman Mark Harder, R-7th District, chairman of the councils ethics committee, said he had received similar information from an anonymous source.

But if its true, its disturbing, Harder said. And if the information can be verified, I would make a recommendation (that the committee) take a look at it.

The committee includes two Democrats, Rita Heard Days, 1st District, and Shalonda Webb, 4th District; and Tim Fitch, 3rd District, a Republican.

Parallel to Clancys work for the law firm regarding a specific client, the county was in the process of creating the zoning ordinance aimed at governing the locations of marijuana growers, suppliers and dispensaries.

The bill that originally was forwarded in early July 2019 to the council by the countys Planning Commission recommended a 300-foot buffer between marijuana locations and churches and schools, the buffer size preferred by the marijuana industry.

The commission later expanded the buffer to 500 feet, but opposition from some council members, specifically Fitch, resulted in the buffer being set at 1,000 feet in the legislation officially introduced in August 2019.

Clancy and Councilwoman Kelli Dunaway, D-2nd District, ultimately voted against the bill because of the 1,000-foot buffer.

In a Post-Dispatch story about the vote, Clancy said she thought the larger buffer was a burden on both marijuana companies and people who needed the medical assistance.

The text exchanges obtained by the Post-Dispatch also indicate that former Missouri House Speaker Steven Tilley had a role in writing the countys initial marijuana zoning ordinance, the one with a smaller buffer zone.

In one exchange, the lawyer at Summers Compton Wells asks Partridge if he, the lawyer, has been given a copy of the latest draft of the ordinance.

Partridge replies that he has, ... its the draft with the Tilley edits, she wrote.

Tilley, a close ally of Gov. Mike Parson, is the founding partner of Strategic Capitol Consulting and a lobbyist for the states largest medical marijuana trade group, the Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association, or MoCann.
ST. LOUIS  At 3:14 p.m. Saturday, Erick Cedeno arrived on his bicycle in St. Louis to a crowd of about 50 people at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, 5700 Lindell Boulevard.

After 1,900 miles, he wasnt sure what to say, except:

That was a tough, tough ride. Known on Instagram as @bicycle_nomad, Cedeno rode the same route  as closely as he could  that the Buffalo Soldiers took.

One hundred twenty-five years ago, a ragtag yet triumphant group of Black U.S. Army soldiers, who became known as the Buffalo Soldier Bicycle Corps of the 25th Infantry, took a similar cross-country journey. The Buffalo Soldiers, who rode specially made military bicycles, were on a mission to determine whether it was more effective to move across the country via bicycle than by horse.

Enduring the elements, coping with cars and worrying almost constantly about things like running out of water were worth it to Cedeno to pay homage to the soldiers.

When Cedeno, 48, rode into the museums front drive on Sunday afternoon, the crowd erupted into applause. He parked his bicycle, took off his helmet and shook out his silvery-black dreadlocks. He greeted friends and family with hugs before making a short speech on a stage set up in front of the museum.

Cedeno, and others who have made similar journeys, admit its easier to do, now, with modern, multispeed bicycles.

Its so epic, what they did, Cedeno said to the crowd, about the soldiers journey 125 years ago. He took a moment to compose himself. Im so emotional, because it was such a hard trip. Its almost superhuman, what those guys accomplished.

Janet Howard, 67, followed Cedeno at all of his stops in Missouri. She heard about his journey through her local library in Hannibal, and became interested in the history. She said she prayed for him to get through the weekend heat, and she felt his effort was superhuman, too.

Im just so proud of him, Howard said. I would do it if I could.

Mike Higgins, 60, a retired history teacher from Wyoming, has blogged extensively about the Iron Riders  a modern-day nickname for the group  and he rode the path on his bicycle in 2010. Through their mutual interest in the story of the 25th Infantrys cross-country bicycle trek, Higgins and Cedeno became close friends. Higgins flew from his home in rural Wyoming to be at the finish line for Cedenos journey.

As a history teacher, Higgins wants more people to learn the story, which to him, is like a beautiful piece of music, or a great painting. Cedeno, Higgins said, just gets it.

I hope kids will learn about it, Higgins said. Kids need heroes.

The 45-day journey of the soldiers was muddy, dusty, sweaty and sometimes freezing, across 1,900 miles from Montana. Cedenos, in comparison, was 41 days. When he began riding from Montana, the temperature was close to freezing. The heat index in St. Louis on Sunday reached 109 degrees.

Cedenos wife, Antoinette Reagan, 37, was relieved to see him complete the journey. Though he went on the ride with her blessing, she admitted on Sunday that its been stressful  because of worrying about him riding in the recent hot weather, and because she and Cedeno have a 14-month-old son, Gabriel.

Seeing Gabriel and spending time with him is what Cedeno looks forward to the most, now.

I want to teach him how to ride a bike, Cedeno said.
BERLIN (AP)  Russian energy giant Gazprom said Monday that it would further reduce natural gas flows through a major pipeline to Europe to 20% of capacity, citing equipment repairs. The move ramps up fears that Russia may cut off gas as political leverage over the war in Ukraine just as Europe tries to shore up storage for winter.

The Russian state-owned company tweeted that it would reduce the daily throughput of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany to 33 million cubic meters as of Wednesday, saying it was shutting down a turbine for repairs. The head of Germany's network regulator, Klaus Mueller, confirmed that the flow was expected to be cut in half.

Deliveries were at 40% of capacity after Nord Stream 1 reopened last week following 10 days of scheduled maintenance. The German government said it rejected the notion that technical reasons would lead to further gas reductions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is playing a perfidious game, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck told news agency dpa. He is trying to weaken the great support for Ukraine and drive a wedge into our society. To do this, he stirs up uncertainty and drives up prices. We are countering this with unity and concentrated action.

Natural gas is used to keep industry humming, generate electricity and heat homes in the winter, and concerns are rising about a possible recession if Europe does not save enough gas and rationing is required to get through the cold months. Energy prices have been soaring for months  spiking again after Gazprom's announcement  fueling inflation that is squeezing people's spending power.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Russias cuts in gas deliveries a form of terror.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy accused Moscow of waging an overt gas war against European countries, likening Gazproms latest steps to Russias blockade of Ukraines Black Sea ports and its occupation of parts of his countrys south and east.

All this is done by Russia deliberately to make it as difficult as possible for Europeans to prepare for winter, Zelenskyy said. They dont care what will happen to the people, how they will suffer  from hunger due to the blocking of ports or from winter cold and poverty  Or from occupation.

The new reduction should not be a surprise, said Simone Tagliapietra, an energy expert at Bruegel think tank in Brussels.

Russia is playing a strategic game here. Fluctuating already low flows is better than a full cut-off, as it manipulates the market and optimizes geopolitical impact," he said.

Russia has cut off or reduced natural gas to a dozen European Union countries. The goal is to use less gas now to build storage for winter, with the EU proposing member states voluntarily cut their use by 15% over the coming months. It's also seeking the power to impose mandatory cuts across the 27-nation bloc if theres a risk of a severe gas shortage or very high demand.

But Spain and Portugal said they will reject mandatory cuts, pointing to few energy connections with the rest of Europe and use of Russian gas that's far below countries like Germany and Italy. Diplomats were scrambling to find a solution that ensured EU unity ahead of an emergency meeting Tuesday.

Gazprom's new reduction should increase pressure on EU energy ministers to deliver a sensible deal," Tagliapietra said. Action on this cannot be delayed any more."

Russia recently has accounted for about a third of Germanys gas supplies. The government said last week that the drop in gas flows confirmed that Germany cant rely on Russian deliveries, announcing that it would step up its gas storage requirements and take further measures to conserve supplies.

Gazprom raised questions earlier Monday about the return of a second turbine that has been at the center of Nord Stream 1 tensions, saying it wasn't satisfied with documents it has received.

Gazprom initially reduced the gas flow through the pipeline by 60% in mid-June, alleging technical problems involving the part that partner Siemens Energy sent to Canada for overhaul and couldnt be returned because of sanctions.

Canada subsequently allowed the turbine for a compressor station at the pipelines Russian end to be delivered to Germany, which is where the German government said it was last week.

The Russian energy company asserted that issues regarding EU and British sanctions remain unresolved for Gazprom, though that was important for delivering the turbine and performing urgent major repair of other turbine engines for the same compressor station. Later, the company tweeted it was shutting down one more gas turbine engine produced by Siemens Energy.

Germany says all sides have been informed that the original part isnt subject to EU sanctions. Siemens Energy said turbine maintenance is a routine measure, and over the past 10 years, there have been no significant complications, dpa reported.

The company said the transport of the turbine has been prepared and could start immediately and that it had told Gazprom it had all the necessary documents at the beginning of last week.

What is missing, however, are required customs documents for import to Russia, Siemens Energy said in a statement, adding that this information could only be provided by the customer.

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Russias top diplomat said Moscows overarching goal in Ukraine is to free its people from its unacceptable regime, expressing the Kremlins war aims in some of the bluntest terms yet as its forces pummel the country with artillery barrages and airstrikes.

The remark from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov comes amid Ukraines efforts to resume grain exports from its Black Sea ports something that would help ease global food shortages  under a new deal tested by a Russian strike on Odesa over the weekend.

We are determined to help the people of eastern Ukraine to liberate themselves from the burden of this absolutely unacceptable regime, Lavrov said at an Arab League summit in Cairo late Sunday, referring to Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy's government.

Apparently suggesting that Moscows war aims extend beyond Ukraines industrial Donbas region in the east, Lavrov said: "We will certainly help the Ukrainian people to get rid of the regime, which is absolutely anti-people and anti-historical.

Lavrovs comments followed his warning last week that Russia plans to retain control over broader areas beyond eastern Ukraine, including the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions in the south, and will make more gains elsewhere.

His remarks contrasted with the Kremlins line early in the war, when it repeatedly emphasized that Russia wasnt seeking to overthrow Zelenskyys government, even as Moscows troops closed in on Kyiv. Russia later retreated from around the capital and turned its attention to capturing the Donbas. The war is now in its sixth month.

Last week, Russia and Ukraine signed agreements aimed at clearing the way for the shipment of millions of tons of desperately needed Ukrainian grain, as well as the export of Russian grain and fertilizer.

Ukraine's deputy infrastructure minister, Yury Vaskov, said the first shipment of grain is planned for this week.

While Russia faced accusations that the weekend attack on the port of Odesa amounted to reneging on the deal, Moscow insisted the strike would not affect grain deliveries.

During a visit to the Republic of Congo on Monday, Lavrov repeated the Russian claim that the attack targeted a Ukrainian naval vessel and a depot containing Western-supplied anti-ship missiles. He said the grain agreements do not prevent Russia from attacking military targets.

In other developments:

 Russias gas giant Gazprom said it would further reduce the flow of natural gas through a major pipeline to Europe to 20% of capacity, citing equipment repairs. The move heightened fears that Russia is trying to pressure and divide Europe over its support for Ukraine at a time when countries are trying to build up their supplies of gas for the winter.

Zelenskyy accused Moscow of gas blackmail," saying, All this is done by Russia deliberately to make it as difficult as possible for Europeans to prepare for winter.

 Ukraines presidential office said Monday at least two civilians were killed and 10 wounded in Russian shelling over the preceding 24 hours. In the Kharkiv region, workers searched for people believed trapped under the rubble after 12 rockets hit the town of Chuhuiv before dawn, damaging a cultural center, school and other infrastructure, authorities said.

Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Sinyehubov said: It looks like a deadly lottery when no one knows where the next strike will come.

 Ukraine charged two former cabinet ministers with high treason over their role in extending Moscows lease on a navy base in Crimea in 2010. Prosecutors said Oleksandr Lavrynovych and Kostyantyn Hryshchenko conspired with then-President Viktor Yanukovych to rush a treaty through parliament granting Moscow a 25-year extension, leaving Crimea vulnerable to Russian aggression.

 Russia said it thwarted an attempt by Ukrainian intelligence to bribe Russian military pilots to turn their planes over to Ukraine. In a video released by Russia's main security agency, a man purported to be a Ukrainian intelligence officer offered a pilot $2 million to surrender his plane during a mission over Ukraine. The Russian claims couldnt be independently verified.
Thompson was one of 157 House Republicans to oppose the legislation, which would codify the right to same-sex and interracial marriages nationwide.
The St. Louis Board of Aldermen on July 15 voted to establish a new fund that would help women in the St. Louis area travel to neighboring states to obtain abortions. The new Reproductive Equity Fund was funneled into a vote distributing money from the American Rescue Plan.

The federal funds from the American Rescue Plan were provided to St. Louis as a way to help the city bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of focusing on that goal, aldermen elected to make a political statement that I feel certain will ultimately be struck down as illegal, thus delaying funding for many other needed resources.

St. Louis was provided nearly $500 million as part of the American Rescue Plan. The controversial Reproductive Equity Fund was appropriated $1 million dollars from that pool. Skirting the debate on the question of abortion itself, aldermen are attempting to circumvent the law in Missouri, which states that the government cannot use public funds to perform or assist abortions. The aldermanic vote is just wrong.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has already signaled the intention to sue the city for the passage of this bill. This lawsuit will undoubtedly leave the rest of the money appropriated from this bill for other causes tied up in court as well.

The argument made by the sponsor of the bill, Alderman Annie Rice, also appears rooted in a fundamental misunderstanding of the law. Rice contends that the Missouri law that prohibits the funding of abortions only applies to money from the state government and therefore cannot be used to prohibit this money given to St. Louis by the federal government. However, there is also a federal law against using certain federal taxpayer dollars to fund abortions. It is called the Hyde Amendment and has been the law of the United States since 1976.

Citizens of St. Louis have many pressing concerns that must be addressed. Concerns over the abortion debate are real, but focusing on areas where there is little controversy and no disagreement would be a better use of time and money.

For example, in 2020, St. Louis had the highest murder rate it had seen in the last 50 years. There has been a national uptick in crime the last two years, and the city police force is not equipped to handle it. The police department is currently 150 officers short of full staffing. Officers leave the city police force for higher paying jobs in the county and other neighboring departments. The feeling among the public is that crime is nowhere close to being controlled. Meanwhile, instead of trying to rectify this situation, in the St. Louis budget for 2023, all city employees get a 3% raise, while the budget for the police is being cut by $7 million.

In April, only half of the citys paramedic positions were filled. The Emergency Medical Services vehicle fleet is also outdated and in desperate need of replacement. Between the staffing issues and vehicle maintenance, it is normal for only 10 out of the 12 ambulances in the city to be running calls on any given day. In a 12-hour shift, the average paramedic in the city can expect to run 12 to 15 calls.

Despite these efforts, a report commissioned by the city has recommended that to safely meet the needs of the population, the city should operate 18 ambulances every day. Calling 911 for an emergency should be met with an operator on the other end of the line immediately, and an ambulance heading towards the caller in a timely manner. As it stands now, that phone will ring for too long and that ambulance might not arrive for up to 40 minutes.

The Board of Aldermen could choose to tackle any of these problems if they wished. The money is available, and cities have been given extensive leeway on how to allocate it. Focusing on divisive issues, such as abortion access, which will only result in litigation and public ire, is a mistake.

Keeping the public safe by funding our first responders, working on the trash collection problem, combating homelessness, fixing the roads, fighting the opioid crisis, are examples of several very essential issues that every citizen of this city would agree on improving. It is time for aldermen to stop with the political theater and work on the priorities that the residents of St. Louis need addressed.

Tyler C. Chrestman is host of The Chrestman Conversation podcast and blog.
The U.S. Air Force, like the army, has been adapting since 2010 to the emergence of near-peer opponents China and Russia after a decade of dealing with low-tech COIN (Counter-Insurgency) threats. The only time the air force has to put its own personnel on the ground in a combat situation is during CSAR (Combat Search and Rescue) where downed pilots or aircraft crew downed in enemy territory need rescue. CSAR personnel are a small, elite force that is controlled by SOCOM. In a COIN environment you dont have to worry about interference from hostile EW (Electronic warfare) or aircraft or air defenses. Near-peer CSAR is likely to face a very hostile environment. One of the first things the air force did was develop and produce an updated CSEL (Combat Survivor Evader Locator) device which incorporates two-way communication as well as GPS, better battery life, ruggedness and so on. The first CSEL upgrade is already in service and another is on the way before the end of the decade. The air force and navy have also increased and improved SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape) training, especially for pilots of aircraft most likely to need it. That includes A-10 pilots, whose planes are rugged enough to continue providing support for a pilot reverting to SERE. This was one of the many reasons for the 2016 U.S. Air Force decision that CSAR was a good reason to keep the aging A-10 ground support aircraft in service, at least for a little while longer. In the last decade air force leaders had learned that the A-10 was more than just a popular and effective ground support aircraft. Reserve squadrons revealed that they had quietly developed additional uses that were popular with all combat pilots. With A-10 off death row, a lot of uses that had been kept quiet were now not only out in the open but getting more financial support. Chief among these is CSAR (Combat Search and Rescue). To that end, the air force has equipped all A-10s with the LARS V-12 emergency radio signal locator. All American warplanes are equipped with an emergency radio that pilots carry and when they eject and are on the ground this handheld radio broadcasts a special signal. Rescue aircraft (usually air force CSAR helicopters) have LARS and the latest (V-12) version quickly tells the LARS user what direction the signal is coming from and how far away it is. Even before the 2016 decision to stop trying to retire A-10s, there were plans to equip a lot (perhaps all) A-10s with LARS.

The air force leadership, during the decades they were dedicated to retiring the A-10, did not like to discuss the usefulness of A-10s in CSAR missions. Yet this was a very popular use of the A-10 because when a pilot had to eject and was on the ground, they quickly learned that if you had the enemy nearby looking for you, what you wanted to see first was not a rescue helicopter, but a heavily armed and armored low-flying hog that would make sure the rescue chopper and the downed pilots were not hurt. The A-10s regularly came in low and slow seeking out enemy troops and was, unlike most aircraft, designed and armored to deal with a lot of enemy fire and keep fighting.

This CSAR chore was nothing new for the A-10 and goes back to before the A-10 entered service. Many reserve and National Guard A-10 squadrons regularly practiced CSAR tactics in part because many of the pilots were older and more experienced and retained memories of Vietnam, and the aircraft that inspired the A-10 by showing how such a low and slow aircraft could be invaluable during so many CSAR missions. The Vietnam era A-1 Skyraider (nicknamed "Spad", after a famous World War I fighter) was one of the inspirations for the A-10. The A-1 was the most popular ground support aircraft during the 1960s and proved a literal lifesaver during hundreds of Vietnam CSAR missions. Developed at the end of World War II, the A-1 was an 11 ton, single-seat, propeller-driven aircraft that carried 3.5 tons of bombs and four 20mm autocannon. The four 20mm cannon could, altogether, fire 40 rounds a second. Cruising speed was 320 kilometers an hour (versus 560 for the A-10), and the average sortie was about four hours (a little longer than the A-10). The A-10 can go as slow as 220 kilometers an hour, which was nearly as slow as the A-1 could manage but the A-10 has a max speed of 700 kilometers an hour, more than a third faster than the A-1.

Ever since Vietnam ground troops have been agitating for another A-1. The A-10 came close but did not have the persistence (long time over the combat area) of the A-1. But when the A-10 did get to demonstrate its CSAR capabilities during the 1991 Gulf War, there were still some Vietnam era pilots around who made the A-1/A-10 CSAR connection vividly clear. The A-10 CSAR capabilities were obvious to pilots. The A-10 is built to fly low and slow and better survive any ground fire it encounters. A-10s being jets could get to where the downed pilot was fast and then go down low to better deal with any enemy ground threat until the air force CSAR helicopters arrived. This was the same method used by A-1s in Vietnam.

CSAR capabilities were one of the many reasons the U.S. Air Force, in 2016, officially canceled plans to get rid of its most popular combat aircraft; the A-10. In doing that the air force, faced with the reality that the A-10 was its most effective warplane for COIN operations, announced it was restoring maintenance funds for the A-10 and indefinitely delaying plans to start retiring all A-10s in 2018. Now the money is allocated to keep the 283 A-10s flying into the late 2020s. Restored maintenance funds are increasing availability rates back to 70 percent or more. In 2015 A-10s flew over 87,000 hours and they could have flown more (as ground troops demanded) if maintenance funds had been available.

The air force does not consider the A-10 as the cure for all near-peer pararescue operations. While the A-10 can take a lot of punishment and keep flying, CSAR will require a more vulnerable helicopter to come get the pilot out of danger. To that end the air force is considering developing autonomous small helicopters that can pick up and return downed pilots to safety with much less risk of being shot down again. There are already helicopter UAVs that are usually controlled remotely but can operate autonomously. UAVs often do this automatically when they lose communications with their human operator. The UAV is programmed to return to where it was launched from in cases like this. This feature works and has saved a lot of UAVs that would otherwise have been lost. The unmanned rescue helicopter has one major drawback. Sometimes downed pilots are injured, often to the point where they cannot get into a rescue helicopter unaided or also need immediate medical assistance, which pararescue personnel can administer.
OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best again will co-sponsor and participate in the annual Emerging Leaders Conference, which recognizes high-performing individuals and provides professional training to develop the next generation of insurance industry leaders. The event, which will take place Aug. 7-9, 2022, in Denver, is hosted jointly with the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) and the Insurance Careers Movement.

AM Best Rating Services President and CEO Matthew C. Mosher will join a panel discussion on Aug. 8, at 9:30 a.m. (MDT), titled, Leadership, The State of the Insurance Industry, & Insuring What Matters Most. Additionally, AM Best Senior Strategy Analyst Alexandra Newman was selected by the conference organizers to participate in the annual event. As part of AM Bests Strategy and Communications team, Newman is a certified associate project manager, and manages key ratings projects and strategic initiatives for AM Best.

Alis selection to the Emerging Leaders Conference is a reflection of her hard work and commitment to AM Best and the insurance industry, said Mosher. AM Best is a proud supporter of not only this conference, but the Insurance Careers Movement as well, and we greatly appreciate this opportunity to support young professionals as they work toward becoming tomorrows industry leaders.

The Insurance Careers Movement is an industrywide initiative designed to raise awareness of the diverse career options that risk management and insurance offer, and AM Best is actively participating in the movement to address the industrys critical talent gap issue. The Insurance Careers Movement has grown to more than 1,000 different insurance carriers, companies, media organizations and third-party vendors from around the globe.

For additional questions about the conference, please visit the event webpage or contact Marguerite Tortorello, managing director of the Insurance Careers Movement at [email protected].

AMBest TV also will provide coverage of the conference. For daily reports and interviews, visit www.ambest.tv/elc22 during the event or look for the Emerging Leaders Conference-related playlist under the Event Coverage 2022 tab at www.ambest.tv.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright  2022 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220725005696/en/

Christopher Sharkey

Manager, Public Relations

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159

[email protected]

Jeff Mango

Managing Director,

Strategy & Communications

+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5204

[email protected]

Source: AM Best
Corendon Airlines Europe Leases One Boeing 737-800 Aircraft

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Limited (CDB Leasing), announced today the delivery of one Boeing 737-800 to Corendon Airlines Europe (Corendon), a Corendon Airlines charter subsidiary based in Malta.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220722005474/en/

The Boeing 737-800 will provide additional capacity throughout Corendon Airlines Europe's network in anticipation of the ramp-up in passenger travel during this summer season. (Photo: Business Wire)

We are very pleased that the Corendon team have put their faith in CDB Aviation to secure the lease of this 737-800 aircraft, which will provide additional capacity throughout Corendons network in anticipation of the ramp-up in passenger travel during this summer season, stated Paul Boyle, CDB Aviations Head of Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

Ridvan Helvaci, Technical & Lease Affairs Director of Corendon Airlines, said: This was the very first aircraft lease cooperation made between Corendon Airlines and CDB Aviation. Working with them for the whole transaction and the delivery has been a pleasure for us and we are looking forward to enhancing our cooperation in the future.

Our collaboration with Corendon is of particular significance as Europes leisure demand is rapidly accelerating its post-pandemic recovery," underscored Peter Goodman, CDB Aviations Chief Commercial Officer. We look forward to supporting the Corendon teams efforts to expand their route network within Europe, connecting the major European cities with the best holiday destinations.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, beliefs or opinions, including with respect to CDB Aviations business, financial condition, results of operations or plans. CDB Aviation cautions readers that no forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance and that actual results or other financial condition or performance measures could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements sometimes use words such as may, will, seek, continue, aim, anticipate, target, projected, expect, estimate, intend, plan, goal, believe, achieve or other terminology or words of similar or analogous meaning. These statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of CDB Aviation's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results and we do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, we do not undertake any obligation to, and will not, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About CDB Aviation

CDB Aviation is a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Limited (CDB Leasing), a 36-year-old Chinese leasing company that is backed mainly by the China Development Bank. CDB Aviation is rated Investment Grade by Moodys (A2), S&P Global (A), and Fitch (A+). China Development Bank is under the direct jurisdiction of the State Council of China and is the worlds largest development finance institution. It is also the largest Chinese bank for foreign investment and financing cooperation, long-term lending and bond issuance, enjoying Chinese sovereign credit rating.

CDB Leasing is the only leasing arm of the China Development Bank and a leading company in Chinas leasing industry that has been engaged in aircraft, infrastructure, ship, commercial vehicle and construction machinery leasing and enjoys a Chinese sovereign credit rating. It took an important step in July 2016 to globalize and marketize its business  listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX STOCK CODE: 1606). www.CDBAviation.aero

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220722005474/en/

Paul Thibeau

[email protected]; +1 612 594 9844

Source: CDB Aviation
GRENOBLE, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

Spartoo (ISIN code: FR00140043Y1 - mnemonic: ALSPT), one of the leading online retailers for fashion items in Europe, announces the appointment of Aymeric Moser as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, while keeping his functions as Marketing Director within the Group.

Aymeric Moser joined Spartoo in 2008 as Marketing Director. His position within the Group has grown over the past 15 years and he is currently responsible for the development of online activities in more than 25 countries. He holds a Master's degree from Montpellier Business School and the University of Southern Denmark.

To receive SPARTOO's next press releases, write to us at [email protected] !

Next financial publication

Gross merchandise value and half-year results 2022, October 3, 2022 after market close

About Spartoo

With 10,000 brands and more than 1.2 million items, Spartoo offers one of the widest selections of fashion items (footwear, ready-to-wear, bags) in more than 30 countries in Europe, thanks to its team of more than 400 employees of nearly 30 different nationalities. In 2021, the Group generated a GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) of 214 million, 41% of which was generated internationally. With an integrated logistics platform and after-sales service, Spartoo stands out for its customer-centric approach, as evidenced by a very high customer satisfaction rate. The strategy is based on the strong synergies between the online sales model and the advantages of physical stores, which support loyalty and brand awareness. Capitalizing on its e-commerce know-how, Spartoo has also developed a complete range of services for professionals.

Visit the Groups websites:

www.spartoo.com

www.spartoo-finance.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220724005015/en/

Spartoo

+33 4 58 00 16 84

[email protected]

NewCap

Louis-Victor Delouvrier

Nicolas Fossiez

Investor Relations

[email protected]

+33 1 44 71 94 94

NewCap

Nicolas Merigeau

Media Relations

[email protected]

+33 1 44 71 94 98

Source: Spartoo
FILE PHOTO: Shopping trolley is seen in front of Walmart logo in this illustration, July 24, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

By Siddharth Cavale

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Top U.S. retailer Walmart Inc on Monday slashed its profit forecast as surging prices for food and fuel prompted customers to cut back on discretionary purchases, and its shares slid 10% in trading after the bell.

Shares of rivals including Target and Amazon.com also tanked after Walmart's warning, which signaled a "proverbial train wreck" for retailers, Burt Flickinger, managing director at Strategic Resource Group, said.

Walmart, a bellwether for the retail sector that caters to cost-conscious shoppers, said its full-year profit would decline 11% to 13%, compared to the 1% fall it previously forecast. It pledged to cut prices of clothing and general merchandise more aggressively than it did in May to reduce a spring backlog.

Excluding divestitures, full-year earnings per share are expected to drop 10% to 12%, the company said.

Neil Saunders, managing director of retail at GlobalData, called the warning a "cause for concern" for Walmart that highlighted the pressure on all retailers.

With prices for gasoline and food spiking, consumers are no longer clamoring for apparel, home goods, appliances and kitchenware, saddling retailers with mountains of inventory.

Inventories at general merchandise stores at the end of April were the highest since at least 2000, U.S. Census Bureau data showed.

Supply-chain snafus and miscalculations around demand have added to problems. In May, Walmart said it was sitting on over $60 billion of inventory at the end of the first quarter and promised "aggressive" price cuts on items such as apparel.

On Monday, the company said it needed more price cuts to pare inventories.

"Walmart is a lot more susceptible to the lower-income customer, and that lower-income customer is the one that is suffering the most under the higher inflation levels," Edward Jones analyst Brian Yarbrough said.

In late May and June, Walmart's smaller rival Target trimmed its profit forecast twice in several weeks, announcing it was struggling with $15 billion in inventories and saying it would resort to "necessary" actions including cutting prices and canceling orders.

Both Walmart and Target are squeezing some suppliers to absorb higher costs.

"The increasing levels of food and fuel inflation are affecting how customers spend. ... We're now anticipating more pressure on general merchandise in the back half," Doug McMillon, Walmart's chief executive, said in the statement on Monday.

Evidence of a consumer spending pullback is growing, and an update later this week on U.S. economic growth may show output shrank in the April to June period for the second quarter in a row.

The U.S. Federal Reserve, intent on curbing the fastest inflation in 40 years, is raising interest rates in part to curb spending across the economy.

Walmart on Monday said it now estimates adjusted earnings per share for the second quarter to decline around 8% to 9%, compared its previous outlook of flat to slightly up.

Walmart, however, raised its forecast for growth in U.S. comparable sales, excluding fuel, to 6%, mainly to account for the rise in food prices. It previously forecast growth of 4% to 5%.

(Reporting by Siddharth Cavale, Arriana Mclymore and Dan Burns in New York and Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Aishwarya Venugopal in Bengalureu; Editing by Anil D'Silva, Lisa Shumaker and Leslie Adler)
Company announcement No 22.03

The annual general meeting of Bang & Olufsen a/s will be held on Thursday 18 August 2022 at 4 p.m. CEST at Bang & Olufsen a/s, Bang og Olufsen Alle 1, 7600 Struer, Denmark.

Please see attached file for further details.

For further information, please contact: Director, Investor Relations, Martin Raasch Egenhardt, phone: +45 5370 7439.

Attachment
ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aura Minerals Inc. (TSX: ORA, B3: AURA33) (Aura or the Company) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Pedro Joao Zahran Turqueto to its board of directors (the Board), effective July 25, 2022.

Mr. Turqueto is currently the Vice President of Copa Energia and leads the operations and strategy of the largest LPG distributor in Latin America. He is also in charge of the strategy at Rede Matogrossense de Comunicacao, a media group that operates TV channels, radio stations and websites in the middle east of Brazil. Mr. Turqueto holds a bachelors degree in Law from PUC-SP and an MBA from Columbia School of Business in New York.

Previously, Mr. Philip Reade had stepped down from the Board. The Company would like to thank him for his contributions and support since 2017 and wish him the best on his future endeavors.

Mr. Rodrigo Barbosa, President and CEO commented, On behalf of the entire Aura team, I would like to thank Mr. Reade for his contributions over the first 5 years of our transformation as we underwent remarkable changes in our strategy and culture. I would also like to welcome Mr. Turqueto who brings significant knowledge about operating in Brazil and Latam, and the strategic skills to complement our existing board and support high growth companies such as Aura.

About Aura 360 Mining

Aura is focused on mining in complete terms  thinking holistically about how its business impacts and benefits every one of our stakeholders: our company, our shareholders, our employees, and the countries and communities we serve. We call this 360 Mining.

Aura is a mid-tier gold and copper production company focused on the development and operation of gold and base metal projects in the Americas. The Companys producing assets include the San Andres gold mine in Honduras, the Ernesto/Pau-a -Pique gold mine in Brazil and the Aranzazu copper-gold-silver mine in Mexico. In addition, the Company has two additional gold projects in Brazil, Almas and Matupa, one gold project in Colombia, Tolda Fria and the Gold Road mine in Arizona, United States, currently in care & maintenance.

For further information, please visit Auras website at www.auraminerals.com or contact:

Rodrigo BarbosaPresident & CEO305-239-9332

Source: Aura Minerals Inc
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, July 25, 2022  Bavarian Nordic A/S (OMX: BAVA) announced today that the European Commission (EC) has extended the marketing authorization for the Companys smallpox vaccine, IMVANEX to include protection from monkeypox and disease caused by vaccinia virus. The approval, which follows a positive opinion by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) on July 22, 2022, is valid in all European Union Member States as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

The label extension was approved after submission of a rolling type-II variation application in June 2022, in alignment between Bavarian Nordic and the European Medicines Agencys Emergency Task Force (ETF), Rapporteurs and the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). The EC approved the full IMVANEX indication as: Active immunisation against smallpox, monkeypox and disease caused by vaccinia virus in adults. The monkeypox indication approval is an example of great cooperation between Bavarian Nordic and the European regulators as such an indication extension normally takes at least 6-9 months to achieve.

Paul Chaplin, President and CEO of Bavarian Nordic said: We are pleased to receive the approval from the European Commission, broadening the label of our vaccine to include monkeypox. The availability of an approved vaccine can significantly improve nations readiness to fight emerging diseases, but only through investments and structured planning of the biological preparedness. The development of IMVANEX was made possible through significant investments from the U.S. government for the past two decades, leading the way for other governments to develop plans and prioritize for the future to protect their citizens against public health threats. With this approval, we look forward to working closer with the EU and its member states to solve this important task.

About IMVANEX

IMVANEX (MVA-BN or Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic) is a non-replicating smallpox vaccine developed in collaboration with the U.S. government to ensure supply of a smallpox vaccine for the entire population, including immunocompromised individuals who are not recommended vaccination with traditional replicating smallpox vaccines. The vaccine was approved by the European Commission in 2013 for immunization against smallpox in adults aged 18 years and older and has subsequently gained regulatory approvals in Canada (marketed as IMVAMUNE) and the U.S. (marketed as JYNNEOS) where the approvals have been extended to include the monkeypox indication as the only vaccine having obtained this to-date.

Bavarian Nordic has ongoing supply contracts with USA and Canada and has delivered the vaccine to a number of undisclosed countries globally as part of their national biological preparedness. In recent years, smaller quantities of the vaccine have been supplied in response to sporadic cases of monkeypox. During the ongoing 2022 outbreak of monkeypox, Bavarian Nordic has worked with several governments to fulfil the immediate demand for the vaccine through a number of supply agreements and is working to secure manufacturing of vaccines to fulfil the demand in the medium- to long term.

About Bavarian Nordic

Bavarian Nordic is a fully integrated vaccines company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of life-saving vaccines. We are a global leader in smallpox vaccines and have been a long-term supplier to the U.S. Government of a non-replicating smallpox vaccine, which has been approved by the FDA, also for the protection against monkeypox. The vaccine is also approved for protection against smallpox and monkeypox in Canada, and as a smallpox vaccine in Europe. Our commercial product portfolio furthermore contains market-leading vaccines against rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Using our live virus vaccine platform technology, MVA-BN, we have created a diverse portfolio of proprietary and partnered product candidates designed to save and improve lives by unlocking the power of the immune system, including an Ebola vaccine, which is licensed to the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. We are also committed to the development of a next generation COVID-19 vaccine. For more information visit www.bavarian-nordic.com .

Forward-looking statements

This announcement includes forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, future events, performance and/or other information that is not historical information. All such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances after the date made, except as required by law.

Contacts

Europe: Rolf Sass Srensen, Vice President Investor Relations, Tel: +45 61 77 47 43

US: Graham Morrell, Paddock Circle Advisors, [email protected] , Tel: +1 781 686 9600

Attachment
MCLEAN, Va., July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HIIs (NYSE: HII) Mission Technologies division has been awarded a task order to provide spectrum assessments across technical, policy and strategy areas for the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer.

Spectrum refers to the range of invisible radio frequencies across which wireless signals travel. Consumers rely on spectrum for daily interactions including calls and the use of apps from mobile devices. The U.S. military relies on spectrum for performance of critical capabilities including military communications, navigation, radar and nonintrusive inspection of aircraft and other equipment. The Defense Department also relies on electromagnetic spectrum for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance applications such as missile early warning and signals intelligence.

A graphic accompanying this release is available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-is-awarded-electromagnetic-spectrum-contract-to-support-dod-cio/.

HII will support the Chief Information Officers Electromagnetic Spectrum Enterprise, Policy, and Programs and advance the electromagnetic spectrum enterprise and management operations by providing technical assessments and facilitating spectrum policy development.

HIIs spectrum engineers and policy experts have supported the DOD and commercial carrier spectrum bandwidth for more than 65 years, said Garry Schwartz, president of HIIs Mission Technologies C5ISR business group. This award reaffirms the strength in our partnership as we continue to accelerate our nations electromagnetic spectrum superiority strategy.

The five-year contract was a recompete win for HII and will have a value of $44 million if all years are exercised. HII was awarded this contract under the Department of Defense Information Analysis Centers multiple-award contract awarded by the U.S. Air Force's 774th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron.

About HII

HII is an all-domain defense and technologies partner, recognized worldwide as Americas largest shipbuilder. With a 135-year history of trusted partnerships in advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities ranging from the most powerful and survivable naval ships ever built, to unmanned systems, ISR and AI/ML analytics. HII leads the industry in mission-driven solutions that support and enable an all-domain force. Headquartered in Virginia, HIIs skilled workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:

HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/

HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII

HII on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII

HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII

About DOD IAC Program

The DOD Information Analysis Centers, sponsored by the Defense Technical Information Center, provides technical data management and research support for the DOD and federal government users. Established in 1946, the IAC program serves the DOD science & technology and acquisition communities to drive innovation and technological developments by enhancing collaboration through integrated scientific and technical information development and dissemination for the DoD and broader S&T community.

Disclaimer. This material is based upon work supported by the DoD Information Analysis Center Program Management Office (DoD IAC PMO), sponsored by the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) under Contract No. FA807518D0002.Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the 774th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron (774 ESS)."

Contact: Greg McCarthy(202) 302-1202[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bca4f374-4d32-4f1b-babf-ad3fc8936fa8

Spectrum Image HIIs Mission Technologies division has been awarded a task order to provide spectrum assessments across technical, policy and strategy areas for the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer.

Source: Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.
FILE PHOTO: A sign is displayed on the Morgan Stanley building in New York U.S., July 16, 2018. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/File Photo

(Reuters) - Wall Street giant Morgan Stanley's global co-head of institutional equities David Russell would be retiring after 32 years with the investment banking powerhouse, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters on Monday.

Following the retirement, effective at the end of the year, Alan Thomas and Gokul Laroia will continue as global co-heads of the unit. Laroia will also continue to serve in his current role of chief executive of Morgan Stanley Asia Pacific, the memo added.

Trading has been a bright spot for the bank this year amid a slump in core revenues from investment banking in the backdrop of icy global markets that have brought dealmaking to a halt.

Morgan Stanley's institutional equity division caters to global institutions with a suite of offerings that include trading of equities and equity-derivatives.

Russell who joined the bank back in 1990 in its London office as a cash trader has since held multiple roles in the equity division, including managing director in 1998 and head of equities trading in EMEA in 2005.

(Reporting by Manya Saini in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri)
Sao Paulo, Brazil--(Newsfile Corp. - July 24, 2022) - Paocais a sweet portfolio tracker in which users can track their DeFi assets, invest in smart vaults with compounding yields, and use thedecentralized exchange aggregatorto trade tokens.





Pacoca: The Foremost DeFi Portfolio Manager Hub

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Users may view all of their DeFi assets from various chains on an unified page with the help of Pacoca, a strong portfolio manager that is free to use and practical for all DeFi users. The platform serves as a one-stop DeFi hub that is a multichain portfolio manager, an automated yield farming system, and a DEX aggregator in an effort to close the barrier among the variety of services provided by DeFi platforms and their lack of availability in one place.

In order to enhance the DeFi user experience, Pacoca seeks to offer a comprehensive and consolidated display of the assets invested in various DeFi projects in EVM-based blockchains like BNB Chain, Fantom, Polygon, Avalanche and/or Ethereum. The platform has a strong emphasis on simplicity and is perfect for anyone looking for a refined, yet powerful DeFi hub with a real-time portfolio tracker throughout numerous chains.

The Pacoca Dashboard

Users may check all of their DeFi staking, borrowing, lending, rewards to harvest, tokens, NFT, and asset allocation on a single Dashboard page. The Dashboard also provides further information on LP farming and can display token quantities and values.

Additionally, Pacoca offers a "Convert your balances into PACOCA" option that enables users to combine tokens with low balances into a single transaction and exchange them for $PACOCA.

Users do not need to have access to wallet apps to monitor their DeFi portfolio in real-time using the Pacoca app; they may do so right on their phone's screen.

Click here to see how to add Pacoca to the home screen.

Automated Yield Optimizer and DEX Aggregator

Users can invest in Pacoca to generate passive income in addition to seeing their portfolio. The BNB Chain currently supports this feature. Here, Pacoca has its own vaults, such Auto PACOCA, PACOCA-BNB, and PACOCA-BUSD, that offer significant annual percentage yields (APY) to $PACOCA holders.

Sweet Vaults are the latest innovation from the Pacoca Team. The Sweet Vaults work as follows:

The smart contract receives the original deposit from the user and deposits it to the third-party platform Masterchef (e.g., PancakeSwap);

The generated rewards from your initial deposit are automatically claimed and converted to $PACOCA;

The $PACOCA rewards are deposited on the Auto PACOCA pool, giving the user a higher APY while protecting their principal.

Inspex and Certix with Skynet audit Pacoca, and the smart contracts are observed continuously in a 24-hour period.

The Future

Pacoca wants to establish itself as the leading one-stop destination for DeFi services. On March 13, the platform celebrated its first birthday by releasing its inaugural NFT birthday collection and the first and second quarters of its 2022 roadmap. More features, including the ZAP function, DAO, Portfolio surprise feature, PFP NFT collection, Cross-chain Tokens, and Sweet vaults, among others, will be implemented in the future.

Contact Details

Global Community: https://t.me/pacoca_io

Announcements Channel: https://t.me/Pacoca_Announcements

Website: https://pacoca.io/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pacoca_io

Medium: https://pacoca.medium.com/

Contact: [email protected]

Contact Person: John Smith

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131733
Save Earth Activist and YES WORLD Founder Dr. Sandeep Choudhary Received Leadership Business Excellence Award at Mumbai, Maharashtra on 20th July 2022, for his climate tech blockchain-based start-up.

Jaipur, India--(Newsfile Corp. - July 24, 2022) - Yes World is a climate tech blockchain-based start-up working on green technology to reduce carbon footprint. YES WORLD is focused on making the carbon emission information more traceable and transparent, representing a unique opportunity to neutralize carbon emissions. The objective of this crypto platform is the warehousing, tokenization and standardization of the voluntary carbon offsets.

In a recent development, the company received the Leadership Business Excellence Award in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on 20th July 2022. Yes World functions as a Save Earth Activist to generate awareness around the global warming challenge.





Sandeep Choudhary

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The company is committed to finding innovative solutions to the challenge of global warming and protecting Mother Nature. Yes World has been Awarded by Leadership Business Excellence Award by Bollywood actress Ms Dia Mirza for their services to save the Earth from Global warming on 20th July 2022 in Mumbai.

Yes World provides its services towards reducing the carbon footprint from Earth's atmosphere. The founder of Yes World, Sandeep Choudhary, has been a part of several initiatives that have worked towards making the world greener and healthier for its inhabitants.

The organization has been felicitated with India's Biggest Shaksheeyat Awards by the Honourable Governor of Odisha. On World Environment Day, the Save Earth Activists - Yes World team was honoured with the Global Business Achievers Award in Delhi.

About YES WORLD:

YES WORLD Token is an Asset based Token that drives value from Carbon Credits and warehousing, tokenization, and standardization of voluntary carbon offsets. YES WORLD Token has a growing community supporting the Earth Saving mission and spreading the much-required awareness around the most existential threat humanity faces today due to global warming and climate change emergency.

Furthermore, Yes World Token uses blockchain technology to create several utilities to promote the save Earth mission and offer the kind of products and services which add value to the consumers' lives without disrupting the environment.





Sandeep Choudhary

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As an environmentalist, the founder of Yes World, Sandeep Choudhary, keeps brainstorming and ideating methods and new techniques that would contribute to nurturing the environment.

Media Contact

Company Name: Yes World

Website: https://yesworld.io/.

Name: Sandeep Choudhary

Email: [email protected]

City: Jaipur

State: Rajasthan

Country: India

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131748
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus announced today the availability of a new monitor option, the OEV321UH video display monitor, a 32-inch Ultra High Definition 4K monitor that expands upon Olympus 4K monitor offerings. Backward- and forward-compatible with most Olympus processors, the new monitor provides a breadth of customizable uses at an attractive price point.

"With this new OEV321UH Monitor, customers can upgrade their endoscopy suites and ORs to have larger screens that will be important to their practices for a range of cases," said Kevin Mancini, Business Unit Vice President, Endoscopy Division, Olympus America, Inc. "Visualization improvements can translate into meaningful practice improvements that elevate the standard of care."

The OEV321UH video monitor features includei:

Design compatible with future systems, including 12G-SDI connections for single cable 4K routing;

A 32-inch screen for a larger viewing area, following an observed customer trendii

Compatibility with a range of endoscopy and surgical systems;

Fully adjustable design to address specific viewing needs;

CLONE OUT function, which is used to duplicate the main monitor's HD/4K display for use on a second monitor or on a recording device, including PIP/POP (picture-in-picture/picture-out-picture) display;

Split screen functionality and compatibility with telecollaboration tools;

Advanced Image Multiple Enhancer (A.I.M.E.) for sharp, vivid image of structures without increasing noise: creates enhanced texture that supports more detailed observation;

Flat display and detachable cable cover for quick and easy monitor cleaning; access window in cable cover also allows for convenient cable routing.

Since its development of the first flexible gastroscope in 1950, Olympus has continued to bring new endoscopy and surgical innovations to market, while also delivering excellent service, support and ongoing training toward workflow optimization and operational efficiency. Olympus products and services meet a range of procedural needs, which means customers have the tools they need to stay at the forefront of their fields, as they work to help patients live longer, healthier lives.

For more information about the OEV321UH, visit the product website.

About Olympus

Olympus' Medical business uses innovative capabilities in medical technology, therapeutic intervention, and precision manufacturing to help healthcare professionals deliver diagnostic, therapeutic, and minimally invasive procedures to improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs, and enhance the quality of life for patients. Olympus' Medical portfolio includes endoscopes, laparoscopes, and video imaging systems, as well as surgical energy devices, system integration solutions, medical services, and a wide range of endotherapy instruments. For more information, visit medical.olympusamerica.com.

i Data on file with Olympus (DC00675762).

ii https://www.aorn.org/outpatient-surgery/articles/outpatient-surgery-magazine/2017/february/does-size-matter-when-it-comes-to-surgical-displays

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SOURCE Olympus
DALLAS, July 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Advisors, L.P., investment adviser to the NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust ("NXDT" and together with affiliated entities "NexPoint"), today announced the extension of the offering period for its previously announced offer to purchase Shares of Beneficial Interest (the "Shares") of United Development Funding IV ("UDFI" or the "Company") at a price of $1.10 per Share upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase and in the related Assignment Form for the offer (which together constitute the "Offer" and the "Tender Offer Documents"). The Offer is now scheduled to expire at 12:00 midnight, Eastern Time, at the end of the day on August 23, 2022, unless the Offer is extended or earlier terminated. The Tender Offer Documents are available at www.UDFITenderOffer.com, or from the information agent for the Offer, as discussed below.

As previously announced on December 14, 2020, the Offer is conditioned upon, among other things, the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions: (i) there shall not have been threatened, instituted, or pending any action or proceeding before any court or any governmental or administrative agency (a) challenging the acquisition of shares pursuant to the Offer or otherwise relating in any manner to the Offer, or (b) in the sole judgment of NexPoint, otherwise materially adversely affecting the Company; (ii) NexPoint shall have received all required governmental approvals, if any, for the Offer; (iii) NexPoint shall have had the opportunity to conduct sufficient due diligence to determine whether the offered price per share is reasonable given the current financial condition and results of operations of UDFI; (iv) the Board of Trustees of UDFI shall have waived in writing the ownership limitations set forth in Article VII of the Declaration of Trust of UDFI as such limitations would otherwise apply to the Offer; and (v) NexPoint shall have received satisfactory evidence that UDFI has continued to qualify as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") under federal tax laws and thereby to avoid any entity-level federal income or excise tax.

NXDT has recently completed its conversion from an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 into a real estate investment trust ("REIT"). In connection with that conversion, NXDT dropped down certain of its investments to a single-member, wholly owned limited liability company subsidiary, NexPoint Real Estate Opportunities ("NREO"), which heretofore has been reflected as a portfolio company of NXDT in its SEC filings. NexPoint Advisors, L.P., external adviser to NXDT and NREO, continues to have investment and voting power over the UDF IV Common Shares. Accordingly, NexPoint continues to beneficially own the UDF IV Common Shares it had previously reported to the SEC on its last Schedule 13D.

On January 8, 2021, UDFI announced that it had reduced the percentage of outstanding Shares that a shareholder may own from 9.8% to 5.0%. The Company took such action in an effort to frustrate the Offer. It also announced it amended the Company's bylaws to require that certain legal actions could be brought on behalf of or against UDFI only in certain courts in Maryland. NexPoint is reviewing these actions and their legality under applicable law.

Shareholders should read the Offer to Purchase and the related materials carefully because they contain important information. Shareholders may obtain a free copy of the Offer to Purchase and the Assignment Form from D.F. King & Co., Inc., the information agent for the Offer (the "Information Agent"), by calling toll-free at (800) 331-7543. THE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT, EASTERN TIME, AT THE END OF THE DAY ON AUGUST 23, 2022, UNLESS THE OFFER IS EXTENDED OR EARLIER TERMINATED.

About the NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust (NXDT)

The NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust (NYSE: NXDT), formerly the NexPoint Strategic Opportunities Fund (NYSE: NHF), is a diversified REIT that formerly operated as a closed-end fund. The name change became effective on November 8, 2021. On August 28, 2020, shareholders approved the conversion from a closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") and amended NXDT's fundamental investment policies and restrictions to permit NXDT to operate as a diversified REIT. NXDT completed the repositioning of its investment portfolio sufficient to achieve REIT tax status and operated during its 2021 taxable year, and continues to operate, so that it qualifies for taxation as a REIT. NXDT has also realigned its portfolio so that it is no longer an "investment company" under the 1940 Act. On July 1, 2022, NXDT received an order from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") declaring that NXDT has ceased to be an investment company and that its registration under the 1940 Act is no longer in effect (the "Deregistration Order").

For more information visit www.nexpoint.com/nexpoint-strategic-opportunities-fund

About NexPoint Advisors, L.P.

NexPoint Advisors, L.P. is an SEC-registered adviser on the NexPoint alternative investment platform. It serves as the adviser to a suite of funds and investment vehicles, including a closed-end fund, interval fund, business development company, and various real estate vehicles. For more information visit www.nexpoint.com

Risks and Disclosures

This document is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any common stock of UDFI or any other securities. The offer to purchase common stock of UDFI will only be made pursuant to the Offer to Purchase, the Assignment Form and related documents. THE TENDER OFFER MATERIALS (INCLUDING THE OFFER TO PURCHASE, THE ASSIGNMENT FORM AND CERTAIN OTHER TENDER OFFER DOCUMENTS) WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. STOCKHOLDERS OF UDFI ARE URGED TO READ THESE DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT SUCH STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING TENDERING THEIR SHARES. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of these statements (when available) by directing such requests to the Information Agent, by calling toll-free at (800) 331-7543.

Media Contact

Lucy Bannon[email protected]

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SOURCE NexPoint Advisors, L.P.
BAUMHOLDER, Germany  Forty years worth of U.S. state license plates adorn the walls of Stadtkrug, where the mostly American military clientele dines on T-bone steaks and pork loin cooked over an open beechwood-fired grill.

The 18 oz. T-bone cuts like Stadtkrugs are a rarity in Germany. But so are towns like Baumholder, a village surrounded by miles of farms and forests, where the American population is the majority  and where the German residents are, for the most part, very happy about that.

The U.S. Army bases here were on the chopping block in 2008 and again in 2012 before gaining reprieves. While they werent singled out as part of a now-abandoned Trump administration plan in 2020 to cut 12,000 troops from Germany, the experience left both residents and advocates of a strong defense posture in Europe alarmed.

Two years later, the mood is one of excitement. Baumholder is poised to become one of the most important pieces of U.S. and allied collective defense on the Continent, as special operations forces move in and the installation upgrades all it can for troops and their families.

The U.S. Army would not be investing a billion dollars worth of construction if it werent going to keep this post as a long-term solution, said Jae Kim, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalzs deputy garrison manager for the Baumholder military community.

The earlier expected closures delayed years of needed infrastructure repairs at the bases, which became part of the Armys footprint in 1951.

On-post housing deteriorated, leaving base officials vowing changes in 2018 after residents at town hall meetings complained of mold infestations and brown water coming out of the taps.

Since then, construction has picked up, with a lot more to come. The White Houses proposed 2023 budget set aside more than $200 million for Baumholder projects. With Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine looming large, the expenditures are likely to be part of the final defense appropriations.

Kim estimated that in the longer term, the Army will spend about $500 million toward quality-of-life improvements, including new housing, a lodge and an elementary school.

Another $500 million will go into barracks and unit support, including a special operations complex.

About 500 special operations troops are being repositioned from Stuttgart to Baumholder as early as this summer on a rotational basis, the Army announced this month. The move gives Special Forces ready access to more than 30,000 acres of training ranges.

Special operations units have worked for years with Ukrainian units, which surprised many analysts by repelling Russias better-equipped forces in the initial phase of of the invasion, which began in late February.

Jeans and ice cream

Every few months, whether the Americans will stay is the talk of this town of 4,300 Germans for one reason or another, says Melanie Mai, who along with her husband, Bernd, recently published the book Americans in Baumholder: The Path from Occupier to Friend.

It expands on the work of the late Herbert Grimm, who authored a book about the Americans first 50 years in Baumholder.

While the couple talked about the project on their sunny patio earlier this month, the booms of military training rattled in the distance.

Im happy to hear this because it tells me there is still military in the area, Bernd Mai said.

Mai, the host nation relations advisor, was born and raised in Baumholder and has worked on post for nearly 40 years. He remembers when more than 20,000 U.S. soldiers and their families were garrisoned at the post.

When the Americans took over the German military camp in 1951, the tiny farming village became perhaps the most American town in Germany, they wrote.

Americans forged many lasting friendships with Germans, one reason many in the town speak English and experienced American culture before a lot of other Germans did, Bernd Mai said.

We had jeans when everybody was dreaming of jeans, he said. We had American ice cream. We had everything.

That was the heyday, culminating in President Bill Clintons 1995 visit to meet thousands of troops before they deployed to Bosnia.

The low point arguably came when the 170th Infantry Brigade left Baumholder in 2012 and the posts American population shrunk to about 500 soldiers and 1,500 family members and civilians, Mai said.

The bright lights up on the hill from the post at night were dark all of a sudden, he said. That was scary.

But after the 2014 Russian takeover of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula, the post-Cold War drawdown in Europe was reversed and Baumholder began to grow.

The U.S. military is the regions main employer. About 400 German residents now work on base, down from the roughly 2,800 employed by the military in the 1950s, according to Mai. Businesses and landlords also lean on Americans to supplement their income.

The lights would go off in town if the Americans left, said Bernd Alsfasser, the district mayor.

Alsfasser was among those invited on post earlier this month to celebrate 70 years of Americans in Baumholder, an anniversary marked a year late because of pandemic restrictions.

Throughout those 70 years, the city of Baumholder has hosted us, sponsored us, made us feel at home, Col. Angel Estrada, the 16th Sustainment Brigade commander and the senior military commander on post, said at the event.

The future is bright, Estrada added. Based on the Armys plan  for at least the next decade, Baumholder will grow.

Uncle Sam means business

About 9,000 Americans, including families and civilians, are assigned to Baumholder. But the pandemic and the no-uniform policy off base, which has since been lifted, was tough on businesses.

On a recent workday, Ulrich Jung was cutting hair at his salon, Jung Friseure, which his grandfather started in 1937 and is within walking distance of the post. Customers are starting to return, he said, including Americans.

He counts Defense Department teachers on base among his most loyal customers.

Maintaining the U.S. military outpost at Baumholder is important for the whole region, said Jung, whose father, Guenther, is the city mayor. We have nothing else. We dont have big firms here.

Down the street, Otti Walter stood ready to greet customers just inside the longtime family shoe business he runs with his wife, Helga.

Online shoe sales have hurt business, and there just are not as many Americans shopping in Baumholder, he said. But the base is still the lifeblood of the community.

There is no industry here except the American camp, so thats everything, he said.

Its been like that for as long as Walter can remember.

When Walter was a boy and the Americans arrived, they said the Americans were going to be here for 10 years, he said, noting that hes now 85 and a great-grandfather.

Alluding to the war in Ukraine, he said he doesnt think the Americans are going to be on their way out anytime soon.

Right now, it doesnt seem to be the right time for them to leave, if you look to the east, he said.

Stars and Stripes reporter Alexander Riedel contributed to this report.
Semper Parents: Supporting Your Marine and Sharing the Journey, a new book by Mary Regner, might save new Marines the headache of trying to explain military life to their parents. Not that its possible to explain everything. Some facets of military life simply defy explanation, but Semper Parents is a solid start. The book, published this month, is an insiders guide for parents of Marine Corps members, covering military life from boot camp to retirement in 179 concise pages.

Possibly Regner was trained by military life  as a Marine wife for 40-plus years and mom of a Marine for 20 more  to get to the point quickly and efficiently. Certainly, she anticipates many questions parents may have about military life and pinpoints reliable and helpful resources. She also includes the perspectives from other parents of Marines, as well as Marines and their spouses, giving the book a broader view.

Semper Parents covers the basics of Marine Corps life  training, deployment, promotion and other key subjects  but it offers more than facts. Regner includes personal advice to parents about how to be supportive in-laws and long-distance grandparents, without finger-wagging. A chapter on unexpected challenges covers topics such as financial trouble, divorce and sexual assault. In separate sections, the author also addresses combat injury or loss, career progression and transitions, all from the point of view of the parent of the Marine.

Throughout the book, Regner keeps the focus on parents and their appropriate roles as parents of adults who are Marines.

This not a How to Be a Marine manual, she writes in the books introduction. The Corps and its very capable leaders at all ranks are well equipped to inform and mentor Marines. My goal is to provide information and perspective to help you as a parent have confidence in your unique ability to best support your Marine.

Running through the book is a thread applicable to all parents of a certain age: the transition from actively parenting a child to becoming the supportive parent of an adult. For any parent, this is a paradigm shift. When a grown child joins the military, the shift can feel tectonic. Semper Parents reassures parents that while their sphere of influence does change, sometimes abruptly, it doesnt disappear. Supporting a child in the military is often done from a distance, often geographically and sometimes emotionally. As this book emphasizes, a certain amount of letting go is required.

Another emphasis of the book is the parents responsibility for their own personal development and growth as individuals. Military life and service are deeply maturing experiences. Parents are wise to recognize this growth in their offspring and cultivate it in themselves.

Active-duty members, as well as their spouses and children, can be directly affected by the way parents support their military way of life. Semper Parents could help both generations be semper fidelis, always faithful to understand and support one other.

Terri Barnes is the editor of multiple award-winning books and the author of Spouse Calls: Messages from a Military Life, a book based on her life as a military spouse and her long-running column in Stars and Stripes. She is in the process of learning how to be the parent of three grown children. Contact her at terribarnesauthor.com.
China didn't finance any new projects in Russia, Sri Lanka and Egypt through its Belt and Road Initiative in the first half of this year, with that drop contributing to the continued slowdown in the money being spent on the project.

There was $28.4 billion in financing and investments for BRI projects in the first six months of this year, down from $29.4 billion in the same period a year earlier, according to a study by the Green Finance & Development Center, an affiliate of Fudan University in Shanghai.

The Belt and Road started losing steam in 2017, after China strengthened capital controls to stem a slump in its own currency and an increasing number of overseas projects ran into trouble. The pandemic has exacerbated those issues, with countries in Asia and Africa especially struggling to repay loans or defaulting. That is reflected in the new data, which shows a 40% drop from the first half of 2019.

About $11.8 billion of China's BRI engagement in the first half of the year went toward investments, and $16.5 billion went to construction contracts partly financed by Chinese loans. That took China's total financial engagement since the initiative's launch in 2013 to $931 billion, according to the report.

Energy and transport continued to be the focus of BRI in infrastructure, taking up 73% of overall spending in the first six month of this year, up from 63% a year ago. The largest share of funding went to the Middle East, which received a third of the total.

Saudi Arabia was the single largest recipient of investments, with about $5.5 billion in new funds, while Iraq received around $1.5 billion for construction. The Philippines and Serbia also got substantial new construction projects.

Russia remained the second-most-important partner for spending in the energy sector between 2013 and 2022 even though no fresh BRI funds were added there from January to June. It was second behind Pakistan and followed by Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

No coal projects received funds in the first half, according to the study. That continues the trend in 2021, when no BRI money was spent on coal projects in the first half of the year.

President Xi Jinping announced in September last year that China plans to stop building new coal-fired power plants in other nations, a year after he pledged to make China carbon-neutral by 2060. The move could end one of the last sources of international funding for burning the dirtiest fossil fuel, as more than 70% of all coal plants built today rely on Chinese funding.

Spending on technology surged 300% and jumped 209% in the health sector in the first half of 2022, while investments in logistics, consumer products and agriculture fell.

China's BRI program has been criticized by Western nations in recent years, with the United States and others accusing it of using "debt diplomacy" to make developing nations more dependent. Beijing has denied those accusations, and the project has led to the development of needed infrastructure projects in some nations.

The United States resuscitated an initiative at the Group of Seven summit last month that's pitched as a direct alternative to the Chinese program. The "Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment" aims to fund projects in middle- and low-income countries to the tune of $600 billion over the next five years, mostly through private-sector investments with some funding from governments.
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Okinawa has declared a local emergency as the island prefecture again paces Japans record-breaking wave of COVID-19.

The momentum of the infection has not slowed down, and the further spread of the infection has become a reality, wrote prefectural Gov. Denny Tamaki in a statement Thursday. He cautioned that summer events and vacation crowds would exacerbate the rising coronavirus tide.

The prefectural emergency calls on its population to wear masks, limit outdoor dining to groups of four, refrain from nonessential outings where social distancing cannot be maintained and avoid visiting people who are at risk of serious illness, Tamaki said.

III Marine Expeditionary Force, headquartered on Okinawa, repeated the prefectural announcement Friday and reminded its population to take the same precautions.

While we are guests in Okinawa, it is also our home, the III MEF said in a Facebook post. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to come together and help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Hospitals are becoming strained as the number of new patients increases, according to Tamaki. On Sunday, 551 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 on Okinawa, 20 of them with severe symptoms, according to the Okinawa COVID-19 information website.

New cases of COVID-19 are arising faster than they ever have in Japan, which reported 200,870 Saturday, high above the pandemic peak of 104,345 on Feb. 3 during the omicron wave, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. Japan on Sunday reported 176,492, according to Johns Hopkins.

The BA.2 omicron subvariant was responsible for the surge in new cases in Japan, the countrys National Institute of Infectious Diseases reported July 7. However, the institute predicted the BA.4 and 5 subvariants would soon predominate.

In particular, the BA.5 lineage may become the mainstream lineage in Japan in the future and could be a factor in increasing the number of infected people, according to the institute report.

BA.5 as of mid-July accounts for most of the new cases in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is the most transmissible variant detected yet, the director general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said at a media briefing Wednesday.

Okinawa had the highest per capita increase of the 47 prefectures in Japan, the infectious disease institute reported. Saturday, the prefecture reported its highest one-day total of the pandemic, 5,297, according to the COVID-19 information website.

Tokyo on Friday posted 34,995 new cases of the coronavirus respiratory disease, its highest one-day total of the pandemic, thus far, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Nearly half, 47%, of the available hospital beds are full for a total of 3,333 patients, of whom 79 have severe symptoms.
NAHA, Japan  Hana Morita was scrolling through Pinterest when she came across hajichi, a minimalistic tattoo worn by Okinawan women on their fingers and hands. Once common on the subtropical islands where traces of a distinct culture remain, the art had almost disappeared over a century of assimilation.

As a fourth-generation Japanese American who visited her grandmother in Okinawa every summer, Morita made researching hajichi part of her quest to understand her family's roots. Then, she found an Okinawan hajichi artist on Instagram and got her first tattoo.

"I wanted it to mark the physical affirmation of becoming more of myself," Morita, 22, said. "My grandma was really happy to see it, because her grandma also had hajichi."

Morita is among a growing number of women in their 20s and 30s who are discovering the lost art form through social media and driving a small but passionate comeback. They are part of a larger movement to preserve the uniqueness of Okinawa and show it is so much more than its reputation as a resort destination that hosts American military bases.

Okinawa was the independent Ryukyu kingdom before it was annexed by Japan in 1879 and then occupied by the United States for almost 30 years after World War II. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's return to Japan from U.S. rule, but Okinawans say they are treated as second-class citizens in Japan despite shouldering the burden of the U.S. military presence.

Hajichi was banned in 1899 as the Japanese government pushed assimilation and as new norms about public decency emerged during the time when the country opened to foreigners after more than 200 years of isolationist policies. While tattoos are becoming more fashionable among younger Japanese, they remain stigmatized and often associated with the yakuza, the Japanese criminal syndicate.

Now, attempts by a handful of tattoo artists in Okinawa and Tokyo to revive hajichi have reached artists and clients in diasporic communities in Brazil and Hawaii. Some view the resurgence as a callback to a time when Okinawan women held powerful positions as religious leaders and breadwinners. For them, it's a symbol of empowerment in a country that ranks among the lowest among developed nations on women's advancement.

"Hajichi is also a part of this idea that women possess power. And living in a patriarchal society like Japan, I think that's part of why I was drawn to hajichi," said Moeko Heshiki, 30, founder of the Hajichi Project. "Even in the tattoo industry, a lot of tattoo artists tend to be men. But hajichi was usually done by women for women, so this felt especially meaningful."

Growing up in Tochigi, north of Tokyo, Heshiki experienced microaggressions relating to her Okinawan identity. "You're light-skinned for an Okinawan," people would say and point out how her name doesn't sound like a typical Japanese name. (It's Okinawan.) But being Okinawan was important for her.

As she looked for a tattoo design that represented her family, she came across hajichi on Pinterest. She got her first hajichi from a tribal tattoo artist in Tokyo, then in 2020 opened her own studios in Tokyo and Okinawa. Tattoo artists in Okinawa now do hajichi, but Heshiki is the sole hajichi specialist  "hajicha"  on the islands.

Hajichi's origins are murky and date as far back as the 16th century, according to researchers.

It was a sign of pride of womanhood, beauty and protection from evil spirits. It could also indicate marriage. Young women often got hajichi through multiple sessions as a rite of passage through different stages of life, according to "Hajichi of Nakijin, A Vanishing Custom," a 1983 research paper. Islands in Ryukyu each had their own designs and customs.

Heshiki tries to stick to original techniques as closely as possible, hand-poking with bamboo needles and referencing designs in history books from secondhand bookstores and fabric from various regions.

She makes sure her clients are of Okinawan heritage before she gives them tattoos in the traditional locations of fingers, hands and wrists. Many are young, mixed-race women who find her on Instagram. For those drawn to it for aesthetic reasons, she tattoos them on different parts of the body to preserve the hand-worn tattoo for women of Okinawan descent.

The resurgence has led women to new discoveries about Okinawa before Japanese or U.S. rule. For example, when Heshiki showed her hajichi to her father, who was born in Okinawa under U.S. occupation, it triggered memories of his grandmother, who Heshiki learned also had the tattoo and spoke a different dialect that disappeared after the annexation.

And they hope to pass it down. Akemi Matsuzaki, a 32-year-old Okinawan native, teaches hip-hop dance and is often asked about her hajichi by her students, which leads to conversations about Okinawan Indigenous culture.

Matsuzaki, whose grandfather is American, got her first hajichi this year and plans to complete a full design on both hands. When she turns 37, a milestone age in Okinawa, she plans on getting a special design to mark the year.

"When I got it done, it just felt so great and it just all felt so natural to me," she said. "Though I was born in Okinawa and am working here, getting hajichi made me feel even more strongly of the fact that I really am here, and I feel more comfortable and proud of who I am."

Still, hajichi is rare. Getting a tattoo, especially on an exposed body part like the hands, is a major commitment that could backfire professionally.

For those women, Minami Shimoji, a 30-year-old occupational therapist in Okinawa, offers an alternative: temporary hajichi using fruit-based ink that was used for Amazonian tribal tattoos. Shimoji learned about hajichi when she saw an elderly patient who had a marking on her hand that resembled the art.

Shimoji had grown up performing Okinawan dances and wanted to learn more. She aspires to be a full-time tattoo artist, but for now runs a studio part time out of an apartment building in Chatan, near a U.S. military base.

As military airplanes roared by, drowning out the music in her studio, she scrolled through the hundreds of comments on a TikTok video she made about hajichi.

She's aware of pushback from traditionalists who don't approve of her adaptation of hajichi into body art that lasts just two weeks. But even during the Ryukyu age, hajichi had evolved, she said.

"Hajichi originally had different designs depending on region or class, so it was never just this one form," she said. "I feel that culture is never static and it's something that is created together by people, and hajichi can evolve while respecting the traditional aspects."
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  One of the last bastions of the Japanese Army on Okinawa during World War II, a tunnel system beneath the iconic Shuri Castle, may open to the public within three years.

Reopening a portion of the tunnels, which provided the headquarters for Imperial Japans 32nd Army, is part of a plan announced by Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki in January 2021. Last week, the prefecture said it planned to complete a safety examination of the tunnels by April.

The tunnel is a negative heritage, but must be preserved, Naomi Maeshiro, an Okinawa resident and member of a group dedicated to preserving memories of the war, told Stars and Stripes by phone on Friday.

It is important to preserve it so that people can visit the place where important decisions were made, said Maeshiro, a member of the Maintenance-Publicity Campaign for the 32nd Army Headquarters. She said that by preserving and showing the tunnels to the public, Okinawa can send a message of peace like the A-Bomb Dome does for Hiroshima.

Shuri Castle, itself a symbol of Okinawa, made international headlines when it was gutted by fire on Oct. 31, 2019. Construction of a restored castle will begin in November, a spokesman for the prefectures department of civil engineering and construction said Friday. The goal is to reopen the reconstructed landmark in 2026.

After losing Shuri Castle to a fire in October 2019, many citizens have requested the preservation and public viewing of the 32nd Armys underground headquarters beneath Shuri Castle, Tamaki said in January 2021, according to the prefectures website.

Tamaki said the preserved tunnels would assist in passing on the truth from the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 to subsequent generations.

The tunnels, approximately 125 feet beneath the castle, served as the 32nd Armys underground headquarters during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 and were the epicenter of Japans southwestern island defenses. The complex is about 3,200 feet in length, stretching southward, and features five tunnels and five entrances, a spokeswoman from the prefectures peace support and gender equality division told Stars and Stripes on Friday.

The tunnels may have sheltered approximately 1,000 people at its peak, the spokeswoman said.

The tunnels were abandoned toward the end of the war and portions remain in fairly good shape to this day, the Asahi newspaper reported on July 17. Prefectural officials have entered the tunnels several times over the years, but safety concerns and budgetary constraints kept the government from opening the tunnels to visitors, the spokeswoman said.

To pay for the tunnel improvements, the prefecture tapped funds allocated to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the U.S. returning Okinawa to Japanese control.

Government spokespeople in Japan customarily speak to the media on condition of anonymity.

Preliminary plans call for a public viewing of Entrance 5 in 2025 and Entrance 1 in 2026, the spokeswoman said. Private land must first be purchased to gain access to Entrance 5. Entrance 1 has not been discovered.

The Japanese Army destroyed the complex before leaving, so it has been difficult to find where the entrance was, the spokeswoman said.

The tunnels are part of a complicated wartime legacy for Japan and Okinawa, Maeshiro said. She believes the Armys decision to abandon the headquarters and move south to Mabuni cost the island more than 100,000 lives.

That decision was made in that headquarters, she said. She said she hopes that once its open to the public, the site can be used for peace education.
LOS ANGELES (Tribune News Service)  Bernard Benedict James sat his young children down in the family living room decades ago in their La Mirada home, where hed written a set of math equations on a blackboard.

The Harvard-educated aerospace engineer was working for NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the time and wanted to give his 10 children an impromptu lecture on mathematics.

I was just learning about fractions in primary school, and my dad started to put up math about black holes, his son David, now a 59-year-old visual effects artist, said recently.

But before the math lessons, and before James worked on two missions that sent astronauts into space, the World War II veteran spent two years in prison after hastily being convicted of mutiny and insubordination, a Black soldier who dared question a white superior officer.

James and his family worked tirelessly over the ensuing decades to clear his name, but he did not live long enough to see a full correction to his service record. James died in his sleep July 18 at the La Mirada home where he once tutored his children. He was 101.

James should have been part of the U.S. forces that invaded the beaches of Normandy, France, for D-day in June 1944. Instead he sat in an English prison after a hasty Army court-martial.

He had spoken up on behalf of another soldier who had fallen in the verbal crosshairs of a white commanding officer, one who often shouted racist remarks at the men in the segregated 641st Ordnance Company and labeled its Black soldiers with the N-word. For his loyalty, James was told to remove his stripes, according to court transcripts. Several other men turned theirs in as well in protest.

Two months later, military police officers with submachine guns swarmed the camp and arrested James and 17 other soldiers, all of them Black.

James was sentenced to 18 years in prison but was unceremoniously released two years later without a formal apology after his family began a letter-writing campaign to bring attention to his case.

I didnt know that people were thinking of me, James said earlier this year. My sister and family and even my future wife, Florence, were all working on my behalf, our behalf. It was a lesson for sure. I would think about all of that for years and years later.

After he was released from prison, James returned to his Army service and was honorably discharged in 1947, but his record maintained he was AWOL for 704 days  even though that time was spent in prison.

The U.S. Army provided James a partial correction to his military record after The Times wrote about him on his last birthday. David said his father wanted to appeal the Armys decision; he wanted a full correction to his record explaining he was falsely imprisoned. California Assembly member Cristina Garcia introduced a joint resolution in March seeking a full presidential exoneration of James record.

While the Army acknowledged that James did not desert his post while serving in the military, nobody ever called to apologize, he told The Times in April.

Im not holding my breath, James said at the time.

Bernard Benedict James was born Feb. 7, 1921, in St. Louis and spent his formative years in Chicago. His mothers Creole family came to the United States from Haiti; his father was half-Black and a quarter Cherokee.

James attended the Illinois Institute of Technology and Wilson Junior College in Chicago and worked as a junior engineer draftsman. But in 1943, in the thick of World War II, the Army drafted James, who served as a technician in the European Theater.

Josefa James, 67, doesnt think her father suffered from PTSD but said there were bouts of anger that flared up during her childhood that she couldnt comprehend at the time.

I think it had to do with his his time in prison. Once they had imprisoned him during the Army, I think he was always leery that the government could impose their will on you and youd have nothing to do about it, said Josefa, who worked as a prosecutor for 30 years in Alameda County.

After leaving the Army, James went back to school, first at the University of Michigan and later at Harvard University. He married Florence, a white journalist he met through the Friendship House, a faith-based organization that advocated for civil rights in Chicago.

The smartest thing my father did was marry my mother, said son Will James, a U.S. history teacher, adding that his mother went back to school after raising 10 children and got her masters degree in library science.

James would go on to an illustrious career in the aerospace industry  including designing the capsules that carried astronauts on the Apollo and Mercury space missions.

After his work landed the family in Southern California, they often took their two station wagons on fishing trips to Mexico when the kids were little. During those road trips, Josefa said, her father occasionally let her drive, and the two would launch into meaningful conversation. In such a large family, she relished that one-on-one time.

James was a skilled fencer and chess player, Josefa said, and taught her how to recognize the constellations and shoot a bow and arrow when she was a child.

She said a friend once described the James family dynamic like so: Your mothers in a rowboat, back straight. All 10 of you are in the boat, and shes rowing, while your father is swimming in the ocean around her, Josefa said. And that was my father.

He once vowed to fish from the ocean for all of his familys meals. And when he wasnt fishing, James enjoyed cooking duck gumbo and other haute cuisine while celebrating his familys Creole culture. He often peppered his stories with French and Spanish.

Whenever my friends would come over during high school, they would enjoy all the conversations that were going on because my father always had some type of answer to our questions, recalled son Will, 64.

While race was not openly talked about in the family home, the James children were not shielded from bigotry.

Daughter Maria-Elena James, 68, remembered how in 1962, her father invited Walter Schirra, a personal friend of his and the first astronaut to go into space three times, to his childrens school.

At the time, La Mirada was almost all white, Maria-Elena, 68, recalled. I was sitting there proudly beaming as my father was in front of the auditorium with a model of the rocket ship and a famous astronaut.

Then a boy in front of her turned around and called her father the N-word. She punched him in the mouth.

I got sent home for fighting. I got into five fights that day, said Maria-Elena, who spent her career as a federal magistrate judge. They didnt appreciate the astronaut, but they did appreciate that my father was Black.

David recalled being on a family trip outside California in the 1960s and his father not being served at a restaurant.

I was very young at the time, he said. It was a strange thing to come to the realization of how others saw him just as a Black person versus this very well-educated polylingual scientist.

David said his father tried to brush off racism whenever it confronted him and sought instead to celebrate the big coincidences in life.

James believed, instead, in the concept of fors, the Latin word for luck or chance. He believed nothing was ever really a coincidence.

Cherice Fraine met James when she was in her early 20s and working in the Macys shoe section while attending community college in Fullerton.

I must have had a sour look on my face because he asked me what was wrong, Fraine recalled in February.

She told James she was studying for a statistics class and it was important for her to pass so she could transfer to a four-year university.

He explained that he was a bit of a mathematician. I didnt know he was an engineer. He offered to tutor me, and I didnt know what to think, said Fraine, 41. She accepted, and his tutoring helped her pass the class.

She now works as an analyst for the U.S. government, a career she says would not have been possible without James.

James was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Florence Fitzgerald James, and a son, Christopher James. He is survived by a brother, Andrew James; nine children  Frank James, Anthony James, Maria-Elena James, Josefa James, William James, Beatrice James, Philip James, David P.I. James, Isabel James  and four grandchildren: Ryan Quitzow-James, Ivan James, James Brandon and Ellen James.

___

2022 Los Angeles Times.

Visit at latimes.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Images and videos from Kimberly Hynes Instagram showed her on a trampoline and jumping from a stand-still position onto tyres

A 33-year-old fitness instructor, who claimed she injured her back in a fall down steps in a shopping centre, posted on-line pictures of herself engaged in extreme physical activities following the incident, a judge heard today.

Judge Sarah Berkeley in the Circuit Civil Court dismissed Kimberly Hyness 60,000 damages claim for personal injuries against the owner of Nutgrove Shopping Centre, Rathfarnham, where she said she had slipped on a wet stairs and bumped down three steps.

I dont believe her GP knew she was engaged in these activities and on the basis of the medical evidence of her own doctor she has exaggerated her injuries in court, Judge Berkeley said. She threw out Hyness case and awarded legal costs against her.

Judge Berkeley said that what appeared in a medical report by Dr Yvonne Rafter was not consistent with activities Ms Hynes had posted on her Instagram account and which she had confirmed in evidence during cross-examination.

The court was shown pictures and videos of Ms Hynes taken from Instagram showing her exercising on a trampoline, jumping from a stand-still position onto tyres and doing walks at the Hell Fire Club and on Bray Head, among other activities.

Hynes, of Mountainview Drive, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 told the court that in January 2016 she had been walking down wet steps to the car park at Nutgrove Shopping Centre where she worked as a fitness instructor when she fell.

She had been shocked and embarrassed and felt pain in her lower back and elbow. When the pain became worse she had gone to her doctor 10 days afterwards and had been referred for X-rays. She had undergone a number of physiotherapy sessions and after several months had to give up her work as a fitness instructor and work as a secretary for a year before returning to her work as a physical instructor.

Ms Hynes said she had always been very fit and had engaged in the hobbies as outlined to the court from her Instagram account prior to the accident. As well as undergoing physiotherapy she had been advised to exercise.

On behalf of the defendant Hurley Property Icav it was suggested the extreme activities she had engaged in were not consistent with someone who had been suffering back pain. Ms Hynes said she was now still working as a fitness instructor.
Earlier this month Stephen Murney and his partner clashed with plain-clothed cops at Belfast International Airport after a weeks holiday in Spain

A high-profile dissident involved in a confrontation with police at Belfast International Airport has appeared in court charged with taking part in a New IRA parade.

Stephen Murney (38) is accused of being among a group of hardline republicans dressed in military clothing who marched along the Falls Road in March 2018.

The illegal Easter Saturday event was in support of the New IRA, the paramilitary gang to which Murney has close links.

Earlier this month, Murney, who will be back in court on August 8, and partner Cliodhna McCool clashed with police at Belfast International Airport after a weeks holiday in Spain.

Footage recorded by the couple shows Murney confronting the plain-clothed officers, saying: Not big now, are you? F*****g scum. Youre not so mouthy now. McCool then joins in, saying: MI5 scum.

The stand-off occurred after the pair were stopped at border control where their passports were taken for security checks. After a lengthy delay, they attempted to walk on without the documents, only to be prevented from doing so by Border Force officers.

Plain-clothed cops then attempted to speak to Murney and McCool, who recorded the incident on their phones and posted the footage online.

The New IRAs political wing Saoradh, of which they are both members, condemned their treatment.

This is not the first time Murney has clashed with police while on holiday. Last December, he filmed an approach by plain-clothed UK police while sitting in a Lanzarote cafe.

The leading dissident recorded the encounter on his phone and, while pursuing the officers, was apprehended by undercover Spanish police.

In an interview afterwards, he claimed the men were MI5 operatives and he was under constant surveillance.

Murney, based in Newry, runs a Saoradh office on St Mary Street in the town which was raided by cops during an anti-terror investigation in 2020.

He hit the deadlines a decade ago after being acquitted of collecting information for terrorists. Murney spent 14 months on remand at Maghaberry Prisons Roe House before a court found him not guilty.

He had been accused of taking photographs of serving police officers and sharing them on social media. However, Murney successfully argued that he was only doing this to highlight what he said was PSNI oppression and that he had no sinister motive.

Meanwhile, in a bid to bolster support, Saoradh has organised a series of events in Derry on August 7 to commemorate the 51st anniversary of internment. Its leaders will unveil a monument at Free Derry Corner in support of republicans in the city.

Sources say the move is designed to highlight that the New IRA has not gone away.

The gang has been decimated by MI5 agent Dennis McFadden, who infiltrated Saoradh and organised meetings of the New IRAs alleged Army Council which were bugged by the security services.

Nine prominent dissidents are now on remand in prison facing charges connected to the devastating sting.

The exposure of Billy Elliott, another New IRA double agent in Derry, has dealt a further damaging blow.

Thomas Mellon [Derry New IRA leader] wants to get as many people as possible to the monument unveiling, a dissident source told Sunday Life.

Its all about showing the cops that the New IRA hasnt gone away. The truth of the matter is that everyone in Derry knows that since McFadden its a busted flush. The leaders just dont want to admit it.
Ahmed Waqas, who formerly lived in Phibsborough, Dublin, was convicted after conning his way into the womans apartment and exposing his penis

This is the pervert who was back openly working in Eddie Rockets less than 72 hours after a court heard how he exposed his penis to a woman and her children.

Ahmed Waqas, who formerly lived at Cross Gun Quay, Phibsborough, Dublin, was convicted on Tuesday after conning his way into the womans apartment and exposing his penis to her.

However, despite hitting the headlines following his conviction, Waqas (37) was back frying burgers in full view of the public on Friday when tracked down by the Sunday World.

He demanded to know how we tracked him down and asked us not to report on his conviction when we asked him for comment.

The court heard how the fast-food worker gained entry to his neighbours apartment by claiming his water wasnt working but when inside he lifted his t-shirt to expose his penis to the shocked woman and her children.

Waqas, who was deemed at moderate risk of re-offending, walked free from court this week on a four-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to trespass with an intent to commit an offence at an address in Dublin on December 14, 2018. He has no previous convictions.

Ahmed Waqas

While Waqas, who the court heard had shown a lack of insight and understanding of his own action, had initially been charged with a sexual offence, the DPP dropped that charge on the basis of a guilty plea. Waqas no longer lives in the apartment complex where he carried out the twisted act but the Sunday World tracked him down to his workplace at Rockets Diner in Jervis Street Shopping Centre this week where he remained working despite his convictions.

When we asked if he had any explanation for why he carried out the act, he demanded to know how we tracked him down.

Where are you coming from? I dont want you to put in a story man. Who sent you here? How did you find me working here?

Our reporter told him that his conviction was a matter of public record and we would be reporting on it, but he once again tried to ask us not to do so. We repeated that we were running the story and asked if he could explain why he did what he did and he replied: Forgive me for everything. God forgive me. That one is just happening thats all.

Asked if he was trying to say it was a one-off and he no longer posed a danger, he replied: Yes. Never, never, never happen again man.

t is unclear if his colleagues are aware of his conviction. We contacted Rocket Restaurants for comment on the matter but they did not respond by the time of going to print.

During the court hearing Garda Craig Borwick told Fiona McGowan BL, prosecuting, that on the date in question, Ahmed knocked on his neighbours door, told her he had no water and asked to use hers.

Garda Borwick said the woman allowed him into her apartment and he brought a bucket into her kitchen which he placed in the sink. They had a conversation while her two children played on the floor.

Waqass penis then popped out of his clothes and he said sorry, before moving his T-shirt so that she could see his member. In her victim impact statement, which was read out in court, the woman said she could not sleep after the incident, that she was terrified and still is. She said she used to bring her kids to a common area in the apartment building, but would not do so now for fear of what might happen. At his sentencing hearing on Friday Judge Melanie Greally said the violation of the womans home and the exposure to her children were aggravating factors Judge Greally sentenced Ahmed to four months in prison, which she suspended in full on strict conditions including that he engage with the Probation Service for 12 months and follow all its directions.

She also ordered that Ahmed have no contact, by any means, with the woman or any of member of her family for 10 years.

NOTE: Following publication a spokesperson for Eddie Rockets provided the following statement:

"We have been made aware of a recent report whereby an employee of Rockets in Jervis Street Shopping Centre, Dublin, was convicted of trespass in an incident that occurred outside of their working hours.

Rocket Restaurants Group first became aware of the matter on Friday 22nd July 2022 and took immediate steps to remove the employee in question from Rocket Restaurants, in line with company procedures.
Chico Makamda (39) had been sentenced in 2019 to seven and a half years with the final two and a half years suspended on condition that he leave the country

A man who trapped and attacked a woman before beginning to masturbate in front of her has been returned to jail for two years after failing to leave the country as a condition of his sentence.

Chico Makamda (39) had been sentenced in 2019 to seven and a half years with the final two and a half years suspended on condition that he leave the country within 14 days of his release.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard on Monday that Makamda failed to leave the country as required after being released in January 2022 and has since accrued two convictions for failing to notify gardai of his address as required for registration under the Sex Offenders Act.

Taking the stand, Makamda told the court he had been waiting for gardai to return his wallet and phone. Gardai said Makamda did not have these in his possession when originally arrested.

Chico Makamda

Garda Ruth Finnegan said the Garda National Immigration Bureau had attempted to make several appointments with Makamda to assist him in leaving the country, but the information he gave them was incorrect and they do not know his nationality. He has been in custody since June.

His defence counsel, Keith Spencer BL, told the court Makamda was willing to leave the country.

I am sure he is willing to leave now, said Judge Melanie Greally, before reactivating the entire two and a half year suspended portion of the sentence

I was not aware when I suspended such a significant part of the sentence on one simple condition that it was a condition that would be so difficult to implement, she said. I dont believe he has made any genuine effort to comply.

She noted he has accrued further convictions and said he had no intention of complying with any other conditions attached.

I am quite satisfied there was an intentional decision on his part not to comply with the order, said Judge Greally. She ordered the sentence to run from today's date.

Makamda, formerly with an address at Viking House, Coffee House Lane, The Quay, Waterford, had pleaded guilty at to sexual assault, false imprisonment and robbery at Adare Lane, Dublin, on April 16, 2018. Judge Greally originally sentenced him in March 2019.

Chico Makamda

During the revocation hearing on Monday, Gda Finnegan told Elva Duffy BL, prosecuting, that he was released on January 13, 2022 and arrested ten days later after failing to give details pursuant to the Sex Offenders Act. He was remanded in custody until March at that stage.

He was re-arrested in April, received a backdated two month sentence for failing to notify gardai and was released in May. He was arrested again on June 28. She said GNIB also attempted to assist him in leaving the jurisdiction.

The garda told Mr Spencer that while Makamda was initially arrested ten days after his release, he did have 14 clear days at a later point when released from custody to leave the jurisdiction as required.

Gda Finnegan said they did not know his nationality. He has stated he is Angolan but the Angolan embassy has said that is not correct.

Sex offender STILL wandering the streets of Ireland despite order to leave country

Serial sex attacker urinates at prison gates after judge orders him to leave country

At the original sentence hearing in 2019, Garda Finnegan told the court that in the early hours of the morning, a woman in her early fifties was on her way home after a night out when she stopped in Adare Lane to relieve herself behind some bins.

Makamda approached her and blocked her in beside the bins. He punched her three times in the stomach and she fell onto the ground, hitting her head on the concrete.

He attempted to pull her jeans down and kept trying to lie on top of her while the woman tried to stop him. He then stood up, took out his penis and began masturbating.

The woman managed to stand up and pull her jeans fully up. Makamda put his penis away but continued to block her from escaping.

Makamda fled when another man arrived and said he would call the gardai. After he was gone, the woman realised that her wallet and phone were missing from her handbag.

Gda Finnegan agreed with Paul Carroll SC, defending, that a lot of what his client said in interview does not make a heap of sense.

Makamda has 15 previous convictions, including for an offence of indecency and for the false imprisonment of a woman in a laneway. He has been in Ireland since 2009.

Mr Carroll said his client had no connection with any family members and had effectively been homeless for some time. He asked the judge to take into consideration the fact that Makamda had a low range of cognitive ability according to a psychiatric report.

Sentencing him in 2019, Judge Greally said it was clear from the victim impact report that the woman had been completely traumatised and that she now fears to go outside. She said each of the offences were aggravated by the impact they had on the victim and by the level of violence.

She said she was taking into consideration his early guilty pleas, his admissions to gardai, his social isolation in Ireland and the difficulty that prisoners from outside the country face while imprisoned.
Vineta Gramberga (55) was not tech savvy and had been promised a job when she opened the account

Vineta Gramberga, of Blessington Street, Phibsborough, Dublin, pleaded guilty to possessing 38,840 in crime proceeds. Photo: Collins Photo Agency

A hotel worker who let a fraudster lodge more than 38,000 in crime proceeds into her bank account thought she was taking part in a legitimate business opportunity, a court has heard.

Vineta Gramberga (55) was not tech savvy and had been promised a job when she opened the account and allowed it to be used for money laundering.

Judge Treasa Kelly fined her 400 at Dublin District Court.

Gramberga, of Blessington Street, Phibsborough, pleaded guilty to possessing 38,840 in crime proceeds.

A garda sergeant said in April 2015, the accused took possession of this sum into her bank account after a man obtained it fraudulently from a company.

After the money was lodged, it was withdrawn by the accused and transferred between April 17 and 20 that year.

When interviewed, Gramberga told gardai she had been promised a job by a man and was asked to open an account to receive funds for that job.

After the funds were transferred to third parties, the accused got 500 for her part.

Gramberga had applied for a job in a business scheme at the time, and was under the impression that she was receiving the funds for this business, her solicitor Claire Finnegan said.

These type of scams were not as well known then as they are now, she added.

The accused wouldnt have been completely tech savvy and had no reason to believe she was involved in anything fraudulent at the time.

Gramberga meant no harm and thought she was engaging in a legitimate business opportunity but instead found herself in a garda station, the court heard.

The judge said a large sum of money was transferred into the accuseds account, she withdrew it and the sum was handed over to someone else.

She took account of the fact that Gramberga had pleaded guilty and taken responsibility.

The judge gave the accused six months to pay the fine.
She had recently been the victim of a serious assault and gardai suspect a person known to her was involved in this incident.

Louise Muckell was found in her Limerick home with serious injuries last Tuesday and passed away the next day

Louise Muckell (54) was found in her Rathkeale home with serious injuries last Tuesday and passed away the following day.

She had recently been the victim of a serious assault and gardai suspect a person known to her was involved in this incident.

However, a post-mortem examination has not been able to determine the cause of death and specialist tests will need to be carried out by experts to establish how Ms Muckell died.

A source said this could take weeks and gardai are not upgrading their inquiry until the cause of death has been established.

The Cois Deel estate in Rathkeale, Co. Limerick,where Louise Muckell was found

Investigators have also spoken to everybody who was in the property when Ms Muckell was assaulted, including the person suspected of attacking her.

A source told the Sunday World: The investigation is ongoing but it could be days or weeks before the expert tests come back with a cause of death.

This aspect is being handled through the Office of the State Pathologist.

Gardai have spoken to everyone who was in the property at the time but no arrests have yet been made, and how the matter progresses will be determined by whether the death was as a result of the assault.

A major investigation led by gardai in Henry Street, Limerick, is continuing into the circumstances surrounding Ms Muckells death, including reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses.

At this stage, it is believed she was assaulted by someone known to her at a house in the Windmill Street area of Limerick city on Tuesday, having spent time at the property from that Sunday.

The house was frequented by a number of people with alcohol dependency issues which has made it difficult for investigators to narrow down a timeline of events.

Ms Muckell was then dropped back to her home at Cois Deel in Rathkeale, around 30km away, before she was discovered critically injured later that evening.

She was brought to University Hospital Limerick but was pronounced dead the following day.

Ms Muckell was regarded as a talented music teacher who taught in the former Sisters of Mercy secondary school, Rathkeale, and had trained under the late Irish soprano Veronica Dunne.

In an appeal, gardai said they are seeking to speak to any witnesses in relation to the matter.

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, 2022, and Tuesday, July 19, 2022, 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, the spokesman added.
Notorious robber and his wife splurged on property purchases and six-week Florida holiday as CAB targets houses for being proceeds of crime

Saunders and his wife Tammy, described in the High Court his week as being part of an Organised Crime Group (OCG), spent lavish sums refurbishing their own home and other properties.

The couple are accused of setting up a series of companies and using them to launder the cash for the gangs criminal activity.

Gardai believe Saunders and his wife lived the high-life with the proceeds of his criminal activities.

Their lavish spending spree included:

A six-week luxury holiday in Orlando with extended family.

The purchase of a home in Clonee for 360,000.

125,000 refurbishment and extension of the house.

79,500 apartment in Finglas

BMW X5 bought with top-up mortgage.

30,000 extension to relatives home.

768,000 shortfall in declared income.

Counsel for the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) this week brought an application to have the couples home at Hazelbury Park, Clonee, west Dublin, declared as being the proceeds of crime.

Stefan Saunders leaving Trim District Court in 2016, where he faced charges for a cash-in-transit heist

An affidavit from an investigating officer described the Saunders OCG as being involved in the Brinks Allied cash-in-transit robbery in 2005 in which 2.5m was stolen.

Stefan Saunders was interviewed by gardai in connection with the heist but was not prosecuted.

In the robbery, the cash was taken from a Brinks Allied van at a petrol station in Artane, Dublin, when the crew stopped to buy coffee.

It was also heard how Saunders was investigated and tried over another 2010 tiger-kidnapping, but a judge ordered his acquittal in that case.

In 2016, he was caught robbing an ATM cash delivery van in Co. Meath, for which he served a 10-year sentence.

Saunders previously come to the attention of CAB when a relative of his wife Tammy was the target of a investigation by the agency.

It was also heard in court that even if Saunders claimed income as a plasterer was accepted, there was a shortfall of 780,000 in the couples income during which time they bought two houses.

Stefan Saunders at Trim Court

One of them, at Hazelbury Park, was bought for 360,000, with another 125,000 spent on refurbishments, including an extension built in 2006 and paid for in cash.

The property was bought with a mortgage, although there was no evidence Saunders ever ran a plastering business despite making a number of returns to Revenue.

Gifts of cash from family members were described as a money- laundering exercise.

A number of firms set up by the couple  or bought as going concerns  were used to launder cash, including a hair-dressing salon.

Counsel for Saunders said that from 1994 to 2008 his client was a well-paid tradesman working during the height of the Celtic Tiger.

Mortgages were easy to get, he said, including 100% mortgages, and that Saunders was not involved in crime at the time the Clonee house was bought.

He also argued that Saunders financial details had been previously looked at during the investigation into a relative of Tammys and nothing untoward was found.

Judge Alex Owens, reserving his judgement on whether to rule the house as being the proceeds of crime, said: Ill look at the silent witnesses and what they tell me.

Last year, details of the couples income were revealed in court as they made an application for free legal aid to fight the CAB case.

Saunders was living on Jobseekers Allowance of more than 200 per week at the time and Tammy was getting a Pandemic Unemployment Payment of 350 per week.

They listed their monthly living expenses as 2,553 per month and said they cant afford a solicitor to fight the case.

Mortgages on two houses, their family home and an investment property, have been taken over by vulture funds as they have failed to keep up the repayments, it was heard.

But Judge Owens said their application for free legal aid failed to detail how they could have legitimately afforded to purchase the properties bought in 2005 and 2006 and spent 120,000 on an extension.

Tammy, who is a dressmaker, was facing personal insolvency at the time and an investment property was to be sold to pay part of the mortgage on the family home.

Her dressmaking business netted her less than 30,000 in the last year it was operating before the pandemic. She pays rent of 500 a month for a showroom.

The court heard that for three years she has been in receipt of a further 280 per week in social welfare back-to-work payments as she established her business before relying on the PUP.

Stefan Saunders hadnt worked since he was released from prison but was a plasterer up until 2010. He was freed from jail in September 2020 and was in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance.

The Sunday World previously revealed how Saunders is suspected of being Irelands most prolific tiger-kidnapper and had been the target of a major Garda effort to catch him.

A gun seized during Saunders arrest

He is regarded as a top tier and dangerous criminal who once attended a military training camp and did a course in counter surveillance run by former Soviet soldiers in Eastern Europe.

Despite receiving a seven-and-a-half-year sentence for masterminding the attempted raid on a cash delivery to an ATM in Co. Meath in 2016, he was freed on a jail scheme involving community service.

Saunders was a target of the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau when he was nabbed during the botched robbery.

His gang planned the heist at the ATM in a disused bank and were awaiting the arrival of the money when gardai swooped on them.
Six people connected with the Dominicans Dont Play gang were arrested last weekend as the police investigated a number of armed assaults including two described as attempted murder.

Spanish police have arrested members of a notorious American street gang after a series of knife attacks on the resort island of Fuerteventura popular with Irish tourists.

Six people connected with the Dominicans Dont Play (DDP) gang were arrested last weekend as the police investigated a number of armed assaults including two described as attempted murder.

Police became aware of the gangs attempt to establish themselves on the holiday island after the first attack in April with the last on July 17.

They raided a property where gang members met, seizing a handgun, ammunition, a replica gun as well as knives and nail guns, according to the Guardia Civil.

Guardia Civil officers   Guardia Civil

This criminal group had carried out several physical attacks with knives during the last three months in the Corralejo area, north of the island of Fuerteventura.

They acted in nightlife places in order to dominate and control the area, in which they acted against four victims who received several stab wounds with serious danger to their lives.

Two of these assaults were considered by investigators to be attempted homicide.

Six people were remanded in custody while a seventh, a juvenile, was released.

Last month Spanish National Police carried out a major operation against the gang on the mainland in which 66 people arrested.

Nineteen proven members of the gang, have been charged with membership of a criminal organisation, among other offences, according to the police.

They are believed to have stolen 500,000 from various scams for the Latin American crime organisation in a series of bank frauds.

During the police operation, two pistols, three shotguns, five machetes, ammunition, drugs, bank cards, cash, as well as documents related to the rules and structure of the DDP were seized.

The gang, which has its origins in Manhattan, New York and the Dominican Republic are notorious for their use of knives and machetes and for using children to carry out crimes.

The criminal organisation has established itself in Spain to the extent that in 2019 they were named by the National Police as one of the largest gangs with an estimated 200 members.

The Madrid Prosecutors Office also published a report describing how the DDP operates and how they are controlled by strict internal rules and regulations.
Isle of Dogs councillor Peter Golds told the Evening Standard: Two years ago we found a cannabis factory in a school in the borough and now this.

A large cannabis factory has been found in a former police station in east London.

The drug farm was uncovered at the old Isle of Dogs police station in Manchester Road on Sunday.

Police are still working at the site and no arrests have been made.

Isle of Dogs councillor Peter Golds told the Evening Standard: Two years ago we found a cannabis factory in a school in the borough and now this.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: On Sunday July 24 officers from Central East Basic Command Unit were alerted to a potential cannabis factory at the former Isle of Dogs police station on Manchester Road, E14.

On arrival a large cannabis factory was found which is currently a crime scene with officers at the location. There has been no arrest and the investigation is ongoing.

The Isle of Dogs police station was sold to a private company on February 25 2022 and is no longer Metropolitan Police Service property.
One-third of the average total monthly rainfall for August fell in a single hour in parts of the north on Saturday evening.

Dozens of people had to be rescued from their homes by emergency services in the county, as well as in Tyrone and Derry.

One-third of the average total monthly rainfall for August fell in a single hour in parts of the north on Saturday evening.

In Northern Ireland, Castlederg monitoring station, in west Tyrone, recorded rainfall of 30mm in the hour between 7pm and 8pm, the Met Office said as householders continued to clean up following widespread flooding and destruction.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) fielded 106 emergency calls between just after 7pm on Saturday until 1.30am yesterday morning, with firefighters responding to 49 incidents, including rescuing one person from a vehicle and five trapped in flooded properties.

No further flood call-outs were reported up to yesterday evening despite a yellow weather remaining in place and the rain continuing to drench parts of the region.

Teams from the Department for Infrastructure responded to almost 300 calls and provided assistance to affected residents and businesses throughout the night. It is estimated that more than 8,000 sandbags were deployed

In total, the rain gauge at Castlederg recorded rainfall of 44.4mm in the 24-hour period from 10pm on Friday. That represents half the average total for the month. A further 10mm was recorded through early yesterday evening at the same station.

The director of services with Donegal County Council said most of the flooding occurred in the east Inishowen area near Moville and Greencastle.

Gary Martin said the flooding was very intensive for affected areas which included residential properties and damage to infrastructure.

It is a testament to the emergency services both in Donegal and in Northern Ireland that thy were able to respond so quickly to the event as it occurred, he said.

Mr Martin said the vast majority of premises in Inishowen were defended and no substantial damage was caused.

Initially we had four appliances from the Donegal Fire Service responded, they responded with pumping appliances and sandbags defend properties, he told RTEs Morning Ireland.

Our road services in the council as well also responded, there was quite a number of roads in the area that became unpassable quite quickly.

Our first priority is the preservation of life and to ensure that no one is injured so we put in place diversions very, very quickly but thankfully there was no one injured, and we managed to manage the traffic over the duration of the incident.

Derry city SDLP councillor Martin Reilly said this is not the first time properties in these areas have been badly flooded.

Our council area stretches from Derry to Strabane, and we had a lot of flooding in Strabane, Eglinton and then in the city of Derry itself. People who were affected by this pulled together and worked together with a great community spirit to help their neighbours out, he said.

That involved getting sandbags out to the affected properties to try and give some degree of protection to households who were facing flooding for not the first occasion over the past number of years, unfortunately many houses have been flooded on a number of occasions.

Councillor Reilly said this flooding causes mental trauma for homeowners as well as the damage to the property itself.

Every household that was flooded that I spoke to had been flooded in the past, so those people are dealing with unfortunately often not being able to get house insurance so therefore they have to pay for the cost of damages themselves, he said.

I think the people who were flooded back in the initial large catastrophic floods we had in 2017 are looking now, five years later, at having to pick up the pieces again for their family homes.

The sandbags were distributed by local people who came along to the depot themselves, it was local community activists who made the impact. Residents are rightly fed up with having to continually repair their homes, often at their own expense.

Castlederg SDLP councillor Steven Edwards said: Ive visited and spoken to a number of homeowners and businesses across the Derg who have been impacted by flooding.

Apocalyptic levels of rain and surface water for many. My heart goes out to them all.

While the west, mostly within the Derry and Strabane District Council area, was soaked the worst, far above average rainfall was also recorded on the north coast, with the Giants Causeway station registering 24.2mm.
Mr Murdock died alongside teacher and mother-of-two Caroline Mawhinney

The funeral of Philip Murdock is taking place today

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 25th July 2022 Funeral of Philip Murdock, the businessman killed in a light aircraft crash in Newtownards, takes place at Ballymagarrick Gospel Hall, Carryduff. Caroline Mawhinney was also killed in the crash which happened last week. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Mourners at the funeral of Phillip Murdock, who died in a light aircraft crash last week, has heard how he was a gentle giant and a kind and caring man.

Mr Murdock, who was the managing director of the security firm Envision Intelligent Solutions in Craigavon, died alongside teacher and mother-of-two Caroline Mawhinney when the plane they were both in came down near Newtownards Airport shortly after 8.20pm on Tuesday July 19.

Learning to fly was a dream come true for Phillip opened Alwyn Thompson at his funeral at Ballymagarrick Gospel Hall in Carryduff on Monday.

Mr Thompson thanked a number of people on behalf of Mr Murdocks widow Esther Murdock including the Air Accident Board and PSNI welfare officers.

The opening remarks also included condolences to the Mawhinney family and said Mr Murdocks loved ones would keep them in their prayers.

The funeral of Philip Murdock is taking place today

During the funeral it was announced there would be no tribute to the businessman, with speaker Tom Armstrong who led the service saying it was Mr Murdocks wish for his funeral service, having made plans for it number of years ago.

Most of us knew (Phillip) as a gentle giant, a kind and caring man, and a devoted husband and loving son, said Mr Armstrong.

Instead, Mr Armstrong read a selection of bible passages to the several hundred mourners who packed the small gospel hall and the surrounding car park, advocating the importance of Christianity.

In a prepared statement the Murdock family said Monday was a difficult day and that Mr Murdocks sudden death has left the whole family deeply saddened.

They continued: Apart from family, some of the large number of people today who have attended the funeral service will have known Philip from his successful career in business, others through his love for aviation, friends from his church and many who simply knew him as a good friend.

Philip was an innovator who was always keen to explore new opportunities which included starting up and maintaining a very successful business. He was generous with his time, resources and knowledge. Helping and supporting others was never an issue - this was just who Philip was.

Referring to Mr Murdocks faith, the family said he was 11 years old when he first turned to Christianity and hoped this would comfort his wife Esther in the coming days and weeks as she faces the prospect of life without Philip.

We have lost a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle and friend and will miss him sorely. We are grateful for all the happy memories of the wonderful, fun, kind and loving individual that Philip was.

Last week it was confirmed two separate investigations have been launched into the circumstances which led to Mr Murdock and Ms Mawhinneys deaths.

The PSNI has said it is investigating on behalf of the coroner while the Air Accidents Branch said a team of inspectors have been sent to the crash site and will be continuing their investigation.

Police are also appealing for witnesses of the crash to contact them.

Caroline Mawhinney

Both Mr Murdock and Ms Mawhinney (44), who was due to start a role at New-Bridge Integrated College in Banbridge this autumn, were members of the Ulster Flying Club.

The club confirmed the investigations in a statement on behalf of the Chairman, Directors, members and staff.

Eyewitnesses described seeing the plane carrying Mr Murdock and Ms Mawhinney crash into hedges near the airfield.

Just two days before the tragedy, the Hillsborough businessman flew his niece from Newtownards to Prestwick in Scotland, completing the trip in 22 minutes and writing online he had been delighted to do so.

Tributes were also paid to the pair, with Carla Lockhart, MP for Upper Bann, describing Mr Murdock as a lovely man with a great business head.

The funeral arrangements for Ms Mawhinney are yet to be released.

A statement on Funeral Times said: Dearly loved wife for 19 years of Steven, much loved mum of Joshua and Emily, loving and adored daughter of John and the late Heather, the best sister of Kelly and special aunt of Bailey. Funeral arrangements later.
In a statement on Sunday, Irish Rail said the 1.45pm Connolly/Bray train was forced to stop on its approach to Bray when a number of people forced open doors and walked on the track.

In a statement on Sunday, Irish Rail said the 1.45pm Connolly/Bray train was forced to stop on its approach to Bray when a number of people forced open doors and walked on the track.

The railway company was forced to suspend services as a result. However, many passengers took to social media to complain about a lack of air conditioning on board.

Communications officer Barry Kenny said yesterday was a hugely busy day as the Bray Air Show took place along with the All-Ireland Final.

We obviously apologise to people that were caught up in what was a very distressing situation for many customers, he told RTE Radio Ones Morning Ireland.

It was obviously a hugely busy day, at 2.55pm, the last of what was nine additional Darts that we operated for the Bray Air Show was waiting for a platform just outside of Bray Station.

On that Dart, a small number of people pushed open a door, notwithstanding the fact it was literally a couple of minutes until the Dart was going to proceed onto the platform. And once those people did that and were on the track, we obviously couldnt operate any train in or out of Bray Station until it was confirmed that the track was clear.

This then caused a knock-on effect because the delay became definite because the conditions were very difficult, it was very busy on board, and it was a warm day as well. Others then decided, because of the delay and indeed because of genuine concern, to leave the train.

So, unfortunately what started as a short wait for a platform then caused that further knock-on delay for other people to decide out of genuine concern for themselves to leave the train meaning we had an uncontrolled number of people on the line.

Mr Kenny said ambulance services and gardai were then deployed to assist passengers and clear the line.

He said Iarnrod Eireann understands that it became a chaotic experience passengers and it will be investigating the incident.

So, ultimately from that moment at 2.55pm when the first people left the train, it was about 5.15pm until the line reopened, he told RTEs Morning Ireland.

In terms of the warmth on board, the various trains involved would have had either openable windows or air conditioning. When a train is stopped obviously that reduces the airflow through the train and it did get very warm.

It did take time to get to some of the trains that were further away, we will be investigating all of this, this was one of the busiest days on the Dart and it became chaotic and very upsetting for a lot of people and certainly ruined the day for a lot of people, we understand and accept that

Obviously it is regrettable when the first group made this decision when literally it was a couple of minutes to get to platform but we do understand the thoughts behind the actions of others thereafter.

In a statement issued to Independent.ie on Sunday, a garda spokesperson said: Gardai and emergency services currently at the scene of an incident on rail line near Bray train station.

There is currently a disruption to rail services in the area. Gardai are assisting with traffic management. No further details are available at this time.

Many passengers took to social media on Sunday to alert the railway company to issues with air conditioning on board.

One Twitter user said: Passengers are boiling, no aircon, you should have planned better and people wouldn't have to resort to that. Absolutely ridiculous.

Another wrote: My mam is on that train and shes called me panicking. Please open some doors or turn on the AC. She suffers with vertigo and will collapse.

While another wrote: Absolute disgrace on the DART today. No air con, people having panic attacks. No windows to open. Absolutely ridiculous.
A Sinn Fein spokesperson said that Cathal McLaughlin failed to inform the party at any stage that he was subject to criminal proceedings

Causeway Coast and Glens councillor Cathal McLaughlin, of Mounthill Park in Cloughmills, was convicted at trial in Scotland under section three of the Sexual Offences Scotland Act (2009) on July 11.

The offence in question took place in Scotland on October 15, 2021.

In a statement, a Sinn Fein spokesperson said they had written to McLaughlin to inform him of his expulsion.

Sinn Fein has written to Councillor Cathal McLaughlin upon receipt of information that he has been convicted in a Scottish court of a serious criminal offence, the spokesperson said.

Our thoughts are with the victim of this serious crime of sexual assault.

Cathal McLaughlin failed to inform the party at any stage that he was subject to criminal proceedings.

Given the severity of the offence, his membership of Sinn Fein is terminated with immediate effect.

McLaughlin previously served on the old Ballymoney Borough Council before being co-opted on to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in 2016 to replace Philip McGuigan, following his election to the Assembly.

At the time of his 2016 co-option, McLaughlin said: "It is a honour to be selected to represent the people of North Antrim as a councillor.

"I will aim to build on the good work of Philip McGuigan and work for the people of North Antrim and across the constituency."

Upon his co-option to the council to serve the Ballymoney district electoral area, McLaughlin said his priorities would include developing a campaign to reduce speed limits in areas where there are vulnerable people and children, and also addressing the disparity of the clearing of roads in the winter in Ballymoney, compared to other areas.

McLaughlin is due to be sentenced on August 8.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, McLaughlin said: "I am totally innocent of what I have been accused of and will be appealing. I didn't inform the party of the case as I was assured nothing would come of it.

Causeway Coast ands Glens Borough Council have been contacted for comment. McLaughlins contact page on the councils website has been removed.
Three people are dead following separate incidents overnight

A man and a woman in their 30s were killed when the car they were travelling in collided with a van on Sunday night at Ballycarrane, Patrickswell, Co Limerick.

It comes just hours before a man in his 40s died following a collision on Achill Island early on Monday morning.

Gardai in Limerick are appealing for witnesses following the tragedy on the N21 at Patrickswell involving a car and van.

A man and woman both in their 30s, were pronounced dead at the scene. Their bodies have been removed to University Hospital Limerick.

The occupants of the van, a man and woman in their 20s and a male infant, were taken to University Hospital Limerick for treatment but are believed to be uninjured at this time.

The road is currently closed for an examination by Forensic Collision Investigators and local Diversions are in place.

Gardai in Limerick are appealing to any person who may have witnessed this collision to contact them. Any road users who were travelling in the area and who may have camera (including dash cam) footage is asked to make this available to investigating Gardai.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061 212 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
The body of 26-year-old Keith Coughlan was spotted by a local as he walked along a road in North Kuta at about 5am on Sunday morning.

The body of 26-year-old Keith Coughlan, who was originally from Galway but had been living in the city of Fremantle in Western Australia, was spotted by a local as he walked along a road in North Kuta at about 5am on Sunday morning.

The man called police after noticing that Mr Coughlans legs had become trapped under the wreckage in the ditch.

It is believed that police found seven bottles of beer at the scene, according to 9 News Australia.

Just one month ago, Mr Coughlan won his first MMA bout while competing on the Island at Canggu Fight Night 23.


Power Paperboard Limited - PPL and the Directors of Whakatane Mill Limited - WML are pleased to confirm that the mill has just completed its first full financial year under its new ownership.

Newly appointed Chief Executive of WML, Ron Hooper, says the mill has performed extremely well over the past year, earning a record output of Folding Box Board - FBB and Carrier Board, after a total withdrawal from the Liquid Packaging Board - LPB - market.

With a total tonnage of 143,000 tonnes per year, weve achieved record productions of Ground Wood Pulp amounting to 50,000 tonnes. Weve also successfully transformed some 90,000 tonnes of LPB to other packaging grades more suited to the Mill's production capability.

Another huge development for WML was the Board signing a new capital investment programme, dubbed by the team as Operation Big Bang, which led to a multimillion NZD investment to increase the Mills capacity from 150,000 tonnes to 210,000 tonnes per annum, says Ron.

WML also formed a number of partnerships and collaborations which have had a transformative effect on the company. From signing agreements with local Oceania customers heading towards 100,000 tonnes per annum, to a new supply agreement with Pulp and Power which will foster better collaboration with WML.

The collaboration with the Mill's exclusive banker, BNZ for example, has led to successful financing of the Mills day-to-day operations and expansion programme. As a result, both WML and BNZ were confirmed as winners of the Deal of the Year accolade in New Zealands premier financial awards dinner, the 2022 INFINZ Awards.

WML also embarked on a program to become more involved with the local community and was welcomed in a ceremony with local Ngati Awa Iwi in a Mihi Whakatua  management is proud to declare themselves as Whanau to the local Iwi.

Executive Chairman of WML, Ian Halliday says that it has been a tremendous year of growth at WML.

Over the past year, weve seen the Mill transform under its new ownership. Thanks to the improvements weve made to WML, including expanding its production capability, and with the help of our partners and employees, its now stronger than ever," says Ian.

WMLs performance over the last year under its new ownership, coupled with a new management team consisting of CEO Ron Hooper, CFO Mickael Gohier, Sales Director Emma Webb, Operations Director Jarod McGregor and HR Director Lynsey Standen, has secured the future of the Mill and its employees for many years to come.

For more information, visit: www.wml.biz/
The Ministry of Health is today reporting 6910 new community cases of Covid-19, 836 current hospitalisations, 27 people in ICU and 16 deaths. Two of the deaths are from the Lakes region.

There are 44 people in Bay of Plenty hospitals and 11 in Lakes hospitals.

The seven-day rolling average of community case numbers today is 8,498.

Today we are sadly reporting the deaths of 16 people with Covid-19, says a Ministry of Health spokesperson. All these deaths occurred in the past three days.

Covid-19 hospitalisations

Covid-19 Cases in hospital: total number 836: Northland: 21; Waitemata: 108; Counties Manukau: 77; Auckland: 98; Waikato: 86; Bay of Plenty: 44; Lakes: 11; Hawkes Bay: 30; MidCentral: 46; Whanganui: 14; Taranaki: 17; Tairawhiti: 3; Wairarapa: 7; Capital & Coast/Hutt: 60; Nelson Marlborough: 18; Canterbury/West Coast: 148; South Canterbury: 7; Southern: 41.

Weekly COVID-19 Hospitalisations - 7 day rolling average: 768 (This time last week 753)

Average age of current COVID-19 hospitalisations: 65

Cases in ICU or HDU: 27

Vaccination status of new admissions to hospital*: Unvaccinated or not eligible (60 cases); partially immunised <7 days from second dose or have only received one dose (4 cases); double vaccinated at least 7 days before being reported as a case (63 cases); received booster at least 7 days before being reported as a case (406 cases).

*These are new hospital admissions in the past 7 days prior to yesterday who had COVID at the time of admission or while in hospital, excluding hospitalisations that were admitted and discharged within 24hrs. This data is from Districts with tertiary hospitals: Auckland, Canterbury, Southern, Counties Manukau, Waikato, Capital & Coast, Waitemata and Northland.

Covid-19 vaccinations administered

Vaccines administered to date: 4,029,095 first doses; 3,981,856 second doses; 33,920 third primary doses; 2,701,455 first booster doses: 250,809 second booster doses: 265,732 paediatric first doses and 143,791 paediatric second doses.

Vaccines administered yesterday: 7 first doses; 10 second doses; 1 third primary doses; 296 first booster doses; 1,799 second booster doses; 33 paediatric first doses and 197 paediatric second doses.

More detailed information, including vaccine uptake by District, is available on the Ministry website.

Tests

Number of PCR tests total (last 24 hours): 2,352

Number of Rapid Antigen Tests reported total (last 24 hours): 11,088

PCR tests rolling average (last 7 days): 3,453

Number of Rapid Antigen Tests dispatched (last seven days as of 24 July 2022): 2.7 million

Covid-19 cases

Total number of new community cases: 6,910

Number of new cases that have recently travelled overseas: 387

Seven day rolling average of community cases: 8,498

Seven day rolling average of community cases (as at same day last week): 9,697

Number of active cases (total): 59,445 (cases identified in the past seven days and not yet classified as recovered)

Confirmed cases (total): 1,559,072

Location of new community cases by district over past 24 hours

You can also view a detailed breakdown of daily case numbers for each district since the beginning of the pandemic by clicking the download button on the right hand side of this page: New Zealand COVID-19 data.

Please note, the Ministry of Healths daily reported cases may differ slightly from those reported at a district or local public health unit level. This is because of different reporting cut off times and the assignment of cases between regions, for example when a case is tested outside their usual region of residence. Total numbers will always be the formal daily case tally as reported to the WHO.

Covid-19 deaths

Todays reported deaths take the total number of publicly reported deaths with Covid-19 to 2,006 and the seven-day rolling average of reported deaths is 24.

Of the people whose deaths we are reporting today: one was from Auckland region, one was from Waikato, two were from Lakes, one was from Tairawhiti, one was from Hawkes Bay, four were from Taranaki, one was from Whanganui, two were from Wellington region, three were from Southern.

Six were in their 70s, five were in their 80s and five were aged over 90. Of these people, five were women and 11 were men.

This is a very sad time for whanau and friends and our thoughts and condolences are with them. Out of respect, we will be making no further comment on these, says a Ministry of Health spokesperson.
Quick-fire questions, challenging scenarios, and crowd-sourced queries are all part of the dynamic plan to get to know candidates a bit better this election.

In a first for the district, Western Bay of Plenty District Council is running a 'Meet the Candidate Debate series, featuring one debate for each ward - Katikati-Waihi Beach, Kaimai, Maketu-Te Puke - and the Mayoralty.

"Be sure to block out your evenings from 6pm Monday 29 August to Thursday 1 September," says a council spokesperson.

Rethinking the traditional political debate format, these events form part of Councils Generation Change / He panoni a reanga campaign focused on engaging all members of the community in a bid to help voters get to know whos standing in this years elections.

Residents will play the role of inquisitor, and can use these events to lift the lid on where candidates values lie or ask about pressing matters for their wards.

An invite is coming next week for the community to submit questions in advance of each debate. The questions will be grouped into themes and a handful will then be selected by Council  and posed to the candidates on the night of the debates.

Members of the audience - in person and online - will also be able to influence what they want to hear from candidates on, live during the debate.

An online voting system based on question themes will run throughout the night with the highest-voted theme informing the final question. Those unable to attend in person can still tune in and take part via livestream on Councils YouTube channel or generationchange.nz.

"We wont be shying away from hot topics  you can expect to see candidates being asked about their stance on Three Waters reform, housing and growth, and co-governance with tangata whenua," says a council spokesperson.

These debates are about ensuring everyone gets to know who is standing and wanting to represent them for the next three years, says Council CEO John Holyoake.

Were making it worthwhile for all voters, whether theyre politically motivated or more interested in the values a candidate stands for.

"Well be incorporating questions that not only showcase candidates stances on important matters such as Three Waters reform and climate change  but also putting them on the spot to show their personality and passion for the District."

The debates are being hosted early in the campaigning process to ensure the community has plenty of time to learn about each candidate. Theyll also have a valuable resource to refer to when voting papers arrive from September 16, as all Meet the Candidates Debates will be published on generationchange.nz and Councils YouTube channel.

The events also present an opportunity for budding politicians and civic-minded students to get onboard, as each ward debate is being hosted at its local school.

Were looking to partner with local high schools and our host schools to ensure tamariki and rangatahi can be involved in this process. The next generation will inherit the decisions our elected members make now, so it seems only fitting we invite them along and present them with an opportunity to ask questions and host the events, says John.

Meet the Candidate Debates all start at 6pm:

29 August, Katikati-Waihi Beach Ward, Katikati Primary School (to add this event to your calendar go here)

30 August, Kaimai Ward, Pahoia School (to add this event to your calendar go here)

31 August, Te Puke-Maketu Ward, Te Puke High School (to add this event to your calendar go here)

1 September, Mayor Debates, University of Waikato, Tauranga, Lecture Theatre, Level 2 (to add this event to your calendar go here)

No registration is required to attend the debates.

For more information on elections and the debates go to generationchange.nz
Update, 8.47AM A land slip is blocking both lanes of Te Puna Station Road.

Police say that the slip was reported after midnight on Monday night.

"The slip is situated about half a kilometre back from the intersection of Te Puna Station Road and State Highway 2," says a Police spokesperson.

"The slip is about the size of a vehicle and about half a metre high."

Police also say that at about 7am on Tuesday, they received a report of a vehicle crash nearby.

"[It] may have been in relation to the slip however the driver did not suffer any injuries," says a Police spokesperson.

"It appears that the car has struck a tree and the tree appears to be blocking the road.

"The council have been advised of the slip to get contractors on the way to work on the clean-up."

Western Bay of Plenty District Council says there have been several slips on Te Puna Station Road.

"And a very large tree that is blocking parts of lanes of [the]road," says a Western Bay of Plenty District Council spokesperson.

"The road is open but slip clean-up will see the road reduced to one lane when we get there today."

State Highway 29 also has a Stop/Go traffic management in place due to a slip and a downed tree. The slip is reported to be about 10km east of Te Poi, and the Stop/Go is in place for the section of SH29 between Old Kaimai Road and Hanga Road.

SH29 is under Stop/Go due to a slip and downed tree. Photo: SunLive.

Earlier, 8.30AM State Highway 29 has a Stop/Go traffic management in place due to a slip and a downed tree.

The slip is reported to be about 10km east of Te Poi, and the Stop/Go is in place for the section of SH29 between Old Kaimai Road and Hanga Road.

Motorists are advised to expect delays.

A SunLive reader also reports that Te Puna Station Road has been closed between Clark Road and the Wairoa River Road. It is unknown at this stage why the road is closed.

SunLive will update once more information is made available.

At the scene?

Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz.

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In brief: In a somewhat ironic state of affairs, graphics cards that were once three times above MSRP are falling so fast they'll soon be given away free. While that's obviously an exaggeration, we are seeing prices drop by hundreds of dollars each week, and some cards come with the added incentive of free games.

We already knew that improved availability, much of which is due to people leaving the crypto mining business, is pushing down the prices of graphics cardsbelow MSRP, in some cases. Moreover, with the next generation of GPUs on their way and economic concerns making consumers wary of splashing out on big purchases, Nvidia is stuck with an excess of high-end cards. This has led to the launch of a "promotional pricing" offer for the RTX 3080 12GB and above, further lowering prices.

The situation has seen GPUs from retailers, as well as new graphics cards on eBay, getting cheaper. Newegg shows flagship RTX 3090 Ti models, which recently saw its Founders Edition reduced by $400, available from $1,400. The cheapest RTX 3090 model, meanwhile, is an Asus TUF going for $1,199

Also see: GPU Pricing July 2022: Nvidia Wants You to Buy These GPUs

Elsewhere, there's an RTX 3080 Ti Ventus that's $899 with the $30 rebate, while the RTX 3080 12GB, a card Nvidia is rumored to have killed off in order to shift more 10GB variants, is available for $769, but you'll only pay $739 after using the rebate. If that isn't enticing enough, both cards are part of Nvidia's latest GPU bundle.

Nvidia GPU Pricing Trends

Average Sale Price of eBay Completed Listings, New Products, 3rd Week of Month

Nvidia's bundle deal, which covers select models of the RTX 3080, 3080 Ti, 3090, and 3090 Ti, includes four games: Doom Eternal and both The Ancient Gods expansions, and Ghostwire: Tokyo. The Ancient Gods Part 1 and Part 2 don't require the Doom Eternal base title, so they're technically standalone games.

As Nvidia's promotion only applies to its higher-end cards, there aren't many discounts on mid-range RTX 3000 products, though you can still grab an RTX 3070 (MSI Ventus GeForce) for $524 on Amazon.

The dilemma facing most gamers now is whether to upgrade to a well-priced RTX 3000 series or wait and see what price vs. performance ratios the upcoming RTX 4000 cards offer.
Something to look forward to: Asrock is joining the list of PC hardware companies with monitors in their product portfolios. Several of the Taiwanese firm's upcoming gaming displays, expected to be part of its Phantom Gaming brand, were spotted being certified by the Korean equivalent of the FCC.

Asrock's monitors were highlighted by prolific leaker @momomo_us and reported by TechPowerUp. The first product follows in a long tradition of catchy monitor names by using the moniker PG34WQ15R. This is a 34-inch curved display with a VA panel and a 3,440x1,440 resolution.

The PG34WQ15R also supports FreeSync Premium and is listed as having a refresh rate of 48 Hz to 165 Hz over DisplayPort and 48 Hz to 100 Hz over HDMI, suggesting this won't be one of the new HDMI 2.1 monitors out there. There's also mention of HDR support, so expect it to be pricey.

For those who prefer flat displays, there's the PG32QF. This 32-inch model has unknown specs but is thought to use a 1440p resolution.

Asrock is also bringing a series of presumably cheaper, 27-inch 1080p IPS monitors to market. PC Gamer notes that the PG27FF, which also supports HDR, is listed on the Digital Content Protection (DCP) website with at least three variants, so it'll be interesting to see what different features they offer.

Finally, there's a listing for the PG42U, believed to be a 42-inch 4K screen. Massive gaming displays are becoming more popular these days; Gigabyte's S55U monitor/TV hybrid launched earlier this month.

Asrock is best known for its extensive line of PC motherboards. With the introduction of these displays, it joins other monitor-making hardware giants such as Asus, Gigabyte, MSI, and Corsair, the latter of which launched its first-ever monitor, the Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165, last year.

The monitor market is a highly competitive one, and the first half of the year has not been a good time for the PC market. Corsair predicts a loss of up to $11 million in the previous quarter due to economic headwinds, consumers tightening their purse strings, and an excess of inventory.

The good news for Asrock is that Corsair and others believe the PC market will bounce back in the second half of the yearwhen the monitors are expected to arrivethanks to the launch of the RTX 4000 series, Radeon RX 7000 cards, Zen 4 processors, and Raptor Lake. The GPUs/CPUs should result in more people looking for new displays to complement their upgraded rigs.
China successfully launched, delivered, and docked its Wentian module, which is the additional piece in creating its Tiangong Space Station that is currently in orbit and will soon bring taikonauts to space. The Chinese National Space Agency (CNSA) is prepping for its next space mission, bringing 14 space personnel to stay and board the new space station.

China Wentian Module: New Research, Extra Sleep Facility for Crew

(Photo : STR/AFP via Getty Images)

China and its CNSA launched the Wentian Module from Hainan, China, aboard the famous Long March 5B rocket that ensured its arrival in the orbit and ready to dock with the massive Tiangong space station. According to the China 'N Asia Spaceflight Twitter page, the rocket docked 13 hours after its launch earlier today.

The rocket took off from the Wenchang Space Launch in Hainan at 2:22 AM ET and successfully docked on the space station's Tianhe core module later in the afternoon (morning in the local time). The Wentian module is the dedicated space for CNSA's space crew to do their research and focus on its orbital studies about the different focuses in their ventures.

It is the second module for the space station, with the Mengtian arriving later.

Read Also: China's Tianwen-1 Orbiter Captured New Images of the Entire Planet of Mars

Watch this footage of #Wentian docking. Blurred recording of the mission control screen, but still great to see the thrusters firing and the final moment of connecting

(c) https://t.co/lV7iVKU0UG pic.twitter.com/uaiIAaUG2R  China 'N Asia Spaceflight (@CNSpaceflight) July 24, 2022

China's Space Crew, Taikonauts, to Launch Later This Year

According to The New York Times, the "taikonauts," a.k.a. China's space crew and equivalent to astronauts, have another airlock where its crew would conduct spacewalks and extra sleeping spaces. There are three current taikonauts in the space station, but China aims to bring a total of 14 crewmembers once its space station completes.

China, CNSA's Ventures for Space

China is not far from the space race, as the famous super power country gave the world different missions and focus in the coming years, with significant ventures for the planet. One of the essential missions of the Chinese space authorities is the Chang'e 5, which centers on a mission for the Moon, with the country's focus on the famed natural satellite.

However, that is not the only mission the Asian giant brought for the world to see.

Another significant one is its Mars mission that, would send a rover and provide the world with another point-of-view on the Red planet with its probe on it.

The Tianwen-1 mission aims to seek more information about the Red Planet, and the country said that it would be sharing its insights and discoveries regarding its knowledge and findings on its space missions as per the BRICS Joint Committee.

Now, China is a massive entity in the space race, being the third planet to bring its rover to the Red Planet and probe the neighbor's space rock for studying and discoveries. The CNSA aims to launch its independent space ventures and orbital research that would help its operations, which the Wentian module will add to the Tiangong space station.

Related Article: Space Race 2022: China Seeks Dominance by Presenting Three-Step Lunar Exploration and Other 2030 Missions!

This article is owned by TechTimes

Written by Isaiah Richard

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Huawei's cell towers were the focus of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's probe regarding its pattern in installing its facilities near military bases in the country, and it found something massive in its examination. The Chinese multinational technology company has a pattern, and it focuses on a strategic purpose that may have the capabilities to intercept military communications.

FBI Sees Pattern on Huawei Cell Towers Near US Military Bases

(Photo : David Ramos/Getty Images)

BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 28: A logo sits illuminated outside the Huawei booth at the SK telecom booth on day 1 of the GSMA Mobile World Congress on February 28, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain.

According to a report by CNN, the FBI found something while investigating Huawei's cell towers and their locations in the country's rural areas, and it presented a shocking pattern for all. Despite the non-profitable sites where the cell towers were erected, it also is strategic for the company that it can intercept US military communications in proximity.

(Photo : iStrfry , Marcus on Unsplash)

US Wireless Network Providers Request $5.6B from the FCC to Replace Chinese Equipment in America: No More ZTE and Huawei?

Additionally, the report said that it has the capability to intercept US nuclear arsenal communications in different military bases, something that is a massive dispute for the country's military operations. The federal agencies kept tabs on Chinese land purchases because of a previous incident where it planned to build a pagoda in Washington, two miles from the Capitol.

It is stinking as something that may be a form of espionage, as sources believe.

Read Also: [LEAK] Huawei Nova 10 Pro Will Allegedly Boast 5x Front Camera Zoom

The US 'Rip and Replace' Program to Remove Huawai's Towers?

According to The Verge, the United States has a "rip and replace" focus on Huawei's technology in the country, something that got flagged down before. However, upon learning of new development in the case, it sheds some light on the issue and may be why it needs to continue removing its services and features from the country.

Huawei and the United States

Huawei and the US do not have a good relationship since it last barred the company from using its technology for its releases, which also changed a massive thing from its devices for the world. The United States' sanction against the company lives on despite a change in the government's administration, with President Joe Biden in the seat.

However, it is not only in the US that Huawei is facing a ban, especially as there are beliefs that the company brings a security risk to Canada amidst the earlier 5G rollout for the country. These are some reasons regarding Huawei's concern as a tech company operating in different regions, something which the countries raise massive concerns.

Now, there is a belief that Huawei's cell towers have the capability of intercepting US military communications, and the country is not taking this lightly. Now, it is a massive dispute on Huawei's cell towers that the Chinese company placed near US military bases in the country's rural areas, something that may face removal soon from the federal agency.

Related Article: Huawei Phone Shipments Decreased by More Than 81% in 2021 Amid US Ban





This article is owned by TechTimes





Written by Isaiah Richard

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
General Motors-backed AV company Cruise has officially launched its commercial driverless operations in San Francisco. This is part of its promise to launch an autonomous driving service in Dubai.

(Photo : Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 15: A charging Chevrolet Bolt EV is seen at the New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on April 15, 2022 in New York City.

According to TechCrunch, Cruise has sent two of its autonomous Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles to Dubai to start mapping the city in preparation for a planned launch in 2023.

These two Chevy Bolts will initially be deployed in the Jumeirah area of the city and will be driven by humans with special training. Cruise's sensor suite has lidar, radar, and cameras that can gather data about the vehicle's surrounding environment that can be used to Crete a virtual map for the autonomous driver.

The company also said that the robotaxi service in Dubai will use Cruise Originals, their purpose-built all-electric shuttle with no steering wheels or pedals. They hope to reach 4,000 Cruise Origins in Dubai by 2030.

Currently, there are no Origins in operation because the company only built it for the purpose of closed course testing so far. However, it's likely that the company will start its Dubai operations through the Chevy Bolts.

Dubai will be the first non-US city for the Cruise Origin, and GM also said that it will be built at the all-electric Factory Zero Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center. The company still intends for San Francisco to be its first market for its commercial robotaxi service.

Cruise is one of the best capitalized autonomous vehicle companies in the world. In fact, over the last three years, Cruise has raised over $9 billion from several investors. Currently, the company is valued at $30 billion, according to The Verge.

The Dubai Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum called the agreement "the first of its kind" and "a major step toward realizing Dubai's Self-Driving Transport Strategy aimed at converting 25 percent of total trips in Dubai into self-driving transport trips across different modes of transport by 2030," as reported by Transport Topics.

Also Read: GM Cruise Robotaxis Stopped Operating in the Streets of San Francisco Causing Traffic For Hours

The Autonomous Future of Dubai

Dubai has been an important hub for automakers and tech companies from around the world. The city is well known for its futuristic projects and its residents are excited about self-driving cars. The city is making a huge effort to develop autonomous vehicles and to incorporate them into their public transportation system.

The city of Dubai is beginning to slowly transition from human-driven vehicles to driverless vehicles. This will allow it to provide better and more efficient transportation not only to tourists, but also to its own residents.

As Dubai continues to develop as a hub for autonomous vehicles, the city will have to face a number of hurdles and challenges. This is something that the city is already aware of. However, the city is working with both tech companies and automakers to solve these problems.

Related Article: Cruise, Walmart Expands on Self-Driving Delivery Service in Arizona; Soon Available to Scottsdale

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Written by April Fowell

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
On Sunday, July 24, Rogers Communications announced new steps that the company will take to avoid a repeat of what happened during a nationwide service outage on July 8.

Outage Aftermath

In its letter to its customers, Rogers Communication CEO Tony Staffieri outlined the company's enhanced reliability plan in response to the power outage in Canada.

The outage placed millions of Canadians without cellphones and internet service for days, and it prompted questions and concerns from the regulators and the Canadian federal government.

Even 911 calls were disrupted in several parts of the country during the outage, according to Global News.

Staffieri said that Rogers Communications is currently working on a formal agreement with competitors to change 911 calls to each other's networks automatically, even in the event of an outage on any carrier's network.

Also Read: 'Captain America: Steve Rogers' #5 Reveals Evil Steve Rogers To Be Secretly Behind This Major 'Civil War II' Moment

Rogers Communications has said on its official website that customers can now call 911 without any SIM card, but it is not clear if they would have worked during an outage, according to Q107.

Meanwhile, on the wireless and internet front, Staffieri pledged that the telecommunications company will physically separate those services in order to create an always on network so that customers won't experience any outages at the same time, something that happened to a lot of customers on July 8.

Staffieri also said that Rogers Communications will invest $10 billion over the next three years in oversight, testing, and even artificial intelligence to boost its performance.

The CEO said that it is only through these actions that they can start to restore the confidence of customers in Rogers Communications and earn back their trust.

The letter to customers comes days after a letter the company sent to Canada's broadcasting regulator was released detailing the cause and the aftermath of the outage in the country.

Rogers Communications told the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission or CRTC that coding from an update to its network deleted a routing filter that allows for routes to the internet to pass through the routers.

It has flooded and overwhelmed the main network, causing it to stop processing the internet traffic effectively.

The letter met a deadline by the CRTC for Rogers to answer certain questions about the power outage, but it has a lot of redactions where Rogers Communications is believed to have offered specific details.

Officials from Rogers and other stakeholders are set to appear at a parliamentary committee in Ottawa to further explain the cause of the outage and to outline the steps that they will take to ensure that nothing like this will happen ever again.

MPs to Questions Rogers

According to CBC, Francois-Philippe Champagne the Innovation, Science and Industry Minister of Canada will appear before a parliamentary committee this July.

He will answer questions about the nationwide service outage of Rogers Communications that has left millions of Canadians offline and affected several critical services.

MPs on the industry and technology committee voted to devote at least two days of study before the end of the month to the Rogers Communications outage, which began on July 8 and stretched into the weekend.

Also appearing before the committee will be the representatives of the CRTC, the country's broadcasting regulator, and Rogers Communications Inc.

Related Article: Apple Music Executive Ian Rogers Resigns: Is Something Out Of Tune?

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Written by Sophie Webster

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
When you hear the term "dark web," you immediately think of anonymity and, perhaps, illegal stuff. However, many people don't realize that it's a valuable source of cyber threat intelligence for corporations. But because the dark web has heightened privacy, accessing and getting content requires time and talent. This could be difficult and costly to attract and retain in-house.

However, there is one way to easily accomplish thisthrough a dark web monitoring tool. Coupled with endpoint protection, you can dive deeper into this part of the internet without worrying about malicious attacks. With that, check out how you can practice cybersecurity through our top 5 best dark web monitoring tools.

What Is Dark Web Monitoring?

When you monitor the dark web, you look for and monitor information about your company on the dark web. These are accomplished using dark web monitoring services, which function similarly to a regular search engine. But what they do is different as they seek and uncover leaked or stolen information such as passwords, credentials, intellectual property, and other classified documents shared and sold by criminal actors engaging on the dark web.

How Is the Dark Web Monitored?

Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web and gathering raw intelligence. Millions of websites are scanned for particular or general information. When this information is found, users may generate a specific warning that alerts team members and anybody else in the business who may be affected by the threat.

These solutions allow hackers less time to access and misuse your personal information by continually monitoring the dark web at all times and limiting exposed assets or identities, avoiding additional information breach since you handled them fast. As a business owner, you can use this to see if your privacy is under attack or to figure out before information can be compromised, as well as who can attack you and what techniques they may employ.

What Tool Is Used on the Dark Web?

Hackers and criminals do not confine themselves to the Dark Web. So there's no doubt that the dark web poses more threats to your business than the conventional internet. As a solution, we have identified cyber threat intelligence platforms that may be used as dark web monitoring tools in conjunction with endpoint protection products for enhanced cybersecurity risk management.

#1 Resecurity

Resecurity is a cybersecurity firm that provides a unified platform (Platform-as-a-Service) for endpoint protection security, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence and dark web monitoring. Its services and platforms are known for offering best-of-breed data-driven intelligence solutions, emphasizing early-warning identification of data breaches and full protection against cybersecurity risks. The platform delivers enriched Big Data with over 720 million indexed Dark Web records, and an extensive library of threat actors with associated IOCs and other related digital artifacts useful for in-depth investigations.

It was founded in 2016 and has since been acknowledged as one of the world's most progressive cybersecurity startups, with the sole purpose of helping corporations battle cyber attacks of any sophistication. Among dark web monitoring and endpoint protection vendors in the list, Resecurity was able to bag recent awards such as the Top 10 fastest-growing private cybersecurity startups in Los Angeles, California. Its credibility gets boosted with an official membership from Infragard, AFCEA, NDIA, SIA, FS-ISAC, the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia (AmChamKSA), and Mexico (AmChamMX).

Endpoint Protection Services

The endpoint protection technology from Resecurity offers powerful threat detection and monitoring to help you optimize and safeguard your cybersecurity environment. It is an intelligence-driven endpoint security technology capable of detecting sophisticated threats and preventing significant data breaches. Their technology is completely scalable and can be used in any network environment. It can identify threat information in real-time for all mobile, online, and cloud attack surfaces.

Features

Early detection & warnings

Intuitive controls

Incident analysis

Centralized interface

Automatic analysis

Cryptographically secure

Its endpoint security can defend you from advanced persistent threats, targeted network intrusions, malicious code, ransomware, insider threats, zero-day exploit activity, memory-focused assaults, and more. With these features, it aims to broaden and strengthen the security perimeter to cover all important assets of modern companies.

Digital Risk Monitoring

This digital risk monitoring solution provides actionable risk intelligence regarding significant changes to your security posture. It automates your digital risk management and alerts you to any significant change in your cybersecurity caused by the Dark Web, data breaches, leaked credentials, network intrusions, and other malicious activities.

Features

Unparalleled risk management

Global visibility

Actionable intelligence that makes a difference

Identify external threats from over 20,000 public and closed sources

Refine and augment data points to identify weak points and vulnerabilities in your digital assets. As new data is uncovered, changes and updates are delivered via notifications via reports or e-mail. Besides that, it also proactively enables strategic security operations.

Cyber Threat Intelligence

Resecurity's cyber threat intelligence platform speeds up analysis, prevention, and investigative workflows. Analysts, investigators, SOC/DFIR teams, risk management, and C-level security executives benefit from lightning-fast search and data science. Resecurity has been awarded Gold in "The Best Threat Intelligence" and "Threat Hunting Solution'' categories (North America) by Cybersecurity Excellence Awards, and recognized as the fastest growing Los Angeles-based cybersecurity company by Inc. Magazine.

It operates by recognizing sensitive data and private documents that have been exposed. It constantly updates its collection of underground groups and markets and performs lightning-fast searches that reach the deepest areas of the Internet like the dark web. It can also provide comprehensive intelligence reports across the globe.

Benefits

The most extensive Dark Web intelligence provider, among others

Offers a unique mix of actionable Big Data + HUMINT

Provides expandable global coverage and CTI analysts on all continents

Has proven certified solutions recognized on Amazon AWS and MSFT Azure

In compliance with LGPD, GDPR, CCPA, CPRA, and other security and privacy regulations

Works close with international law enforcement

It has been protecting major Fortune 500 in all industries, including banks, oil & gas, telco, technology, and more

Overall, Resecurity is a next-generation cybersecurity technology meant to detect and prevent future threats. Using cutting-edge technology and analytics, it provides optimum protection against digital attacks aimed at you and your online identity.

Join the worldwide business leaders using Resecurity to make your cyberspace a safe workplace! Use their free trial or get in touch with their support staff to get started.

#2 CrowdStrike Falcon X Recon

CrowdStrike Falcon X Recon is a dark web monitoring tool that searches the Dark Web for references to your company's assets. These include your company's brand, corporate identity, email addresses, and references of senior leaders and workers.

It is a cloud-based service that provides access to a pool of research data and analytical tools, making it one of the top dark web monitoring tools. The technology constantly checks the Dark, Open, and Deep Web for data so you know what information about your company is out there before criminals can buy it. You may also build extraction runs using the console's search tools.

The information provided by Falcon X Recon provides a secondary check on PII security. Important consumer information should be kept secure. If PII is taken from your company, it will most likely wind up for sale on the Dark Web. Your data loss protection system should have detected this leak's existence. But no need to worry if you don't have data protection in place because the Falcon X Recon can do the work for you.

Key Features and Benefits

Detects leaked information from affiliated companies

Provides notice of impending attacks, giving you time to prepare

A data pool with analysis search capabilities and industry-wide and universal threat notifications

#3 DigitalStakeout

Through their Scout function, DigitalStakeout provides another dark web monitoring tool. Workflows and machine learning are both the main players in this system. These functionalities can detect abnormal network behavior. It then uses its Dark Web Scanner and cyber threat repository to determine the malicious actor involved in the suspicious behavior by referencing the external source or endpoint of that web traffic.

It also serves as a data loss prevention system, an insider threat defender, and an endpoint protection system. When a Dark Web risk is detected, the Scout function notifies the monitoring dashboard. But the network administrator is responsible for manually shutting down traffic or implementing threat mitigation software. The main takeaway is that no repair processes are included in this product.

At the same time, this security program also safeguards customers' brands and reputations by monitoring all websites for potentially negative material about those organizations. The Scout dashboard then displays the appropriate source and text of the identified material.

Key Features and Benefits

Identify different forms of attacks on networks

Can track each attack sources

Protects and defends company branding

Intellectual property protection but can only suggest remediation actions

#4 Echosec Beacon

Echosec Beacon is a dark web monitoring tool that can locate compromised passwords, revealed personal information, and hijacked financial data on the Internet. It functions similarly to a search engine. Simply input a name, email address, SSS number, or other information. The system will scan Dark Web marketplaces, social media sites, and forms for instances of that information being sold or openly displayed on free lists.

The application will also search for websites with the named individual or info about them, allowing a fraudster to target or mimic that person in a malicious attack. That way, it can detect data breaches and track down rogue information stores that keep data on both corporations and people. However, unlike the first two, you must still establish a strategy to respond to exposed data breaches.

Key Features and Benefits

Easy to use and acts like a regular search engine

Scours every corner of the dark web

Lets you access sensitive data from the Deep and Dark Web

Generates analysis reports on cyber threat trends you usually identify

Lets you discover mentioned client-specific data in dark web hacker forums

Can identify even undiscovered data theft practices

#5 Digital Shadows

Let's move on to other applications of dark web monitoring. There are tools available to identify leaks revealed on the dark web. Digital Shadows is especially concerned with safeguarding the brand, confidential info, and reputation of the businesses that use its services, instead of emphasizing account security.

For example, its SearchLight tool searches for business procedural papers, site designs, and internal memoranda that have made their way onto other websites renowned for unlawfully trafficking corporate data.

Other than reputation, branding, and confidential trade secrets, it can also protect other assets like image copyright and digital properties. By actively searching the web for usernames, passwords, and other signs of compromised sensitive information, you'll know exactly what measures to take. Most importantly, it uses visuals to highlight crucial insights from the data you collected.

Although the program does not seek every user's account data, it does examine the dark web and illegal sites in it for the leak of sensitive credentials, such as network administrator or DBA account usernames and passwords. However, that is all it offers because its services do not contain threat prevention software.

Key Features and Benefits

Looks for trading secrets and other confidential information on the dark web

Protects digital properties, reputation, and more

Highlights what you collected so you can analyze better

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Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, revealed his ambitious plan to construct "The Line" last year, a linear city with miles-long buildings set to house millions of people.

The Wall Street Journal has now seen the blueprints and paperwork needed to make this happen and has detailed what the project may truly look like when it materializes into life!

Crossroads Of The World

Considering that the world is shifting away from fossil fuels, Saudi Arabia, the world's largest exporter of crude oil, is attempting to diversify its economy.

One of its proposals is to construct an economic hub at the geographic "crossroads of the world," where more than 40% of the global population can travel in a few hours by plane.

High-speed underground transit lines are being built into the city itself to provide 20-minute commutes to destinations. The linear layout of the metropolis will eliminate the necessity for personal transportation and the issues that plague modern cities.

The two parallel skyscrapers, known as the Mirror Line, will be 1,600 feet (487 m) tall, according to recent internal documents examined by WSJ.

In contrast, the height of the Empire State Building is 1,454 feet (443 m). Another distinction is that the skyscrapers at The Line will span 75 miles (120 km) over terrains like the desert, mountains, and seashore.

Plans for vertical farming have been integrated into the design to help sustain the city's population, and walkways will also connect the buildings on each side.

It is anticipated that the ambitious proposal to create a brand-new city will cost the Kingdom's treasury a trillion dollars. However, the project's biggest challenges might not be financial.

Read also: 'Flying Hotel That Never Lands': AI Sky Cruise Ship Will Use Nuclear Energy to Fly in Luxury

Big Obstacles Ahead

Millions of migratory birds use these corridors each year, and the high-rise structures provide a barrier in their way. Additionally, the project will uproot local tribal residents who are being forcibly relocated to make way for it, according to a previous WSJ investigation.

The development of the city, which is intended to be built with 2,600-foot (762 m) modules, will also be hampered by the curvature of the Earth, according to Interesting Engineering.

Due to the size of the project, autonomous systems will also be needed to pick and bundle vegetables, and communal kitchens will be required to feed the workforce.

But the major obstacle would be how quickly this new city could be completed. According to a report on an impact assessment from last year, the project may be finished in 50 years even though the Crown Prince, the plan's creator and visionary, wants it completed by 2030.

Related Article: Dubai's Metaverse Strategy Is Set To Generate 40,000 Virtual Jobs, Strategy Proposed by Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed

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Written by Joaquin Victor Tacla

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Apple's tax-free shopping is about to happen, allowing consumers to purchase their favorite gadgets without paying taxes.

(Photo : Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

An Apple employee hands over Apple iPhone 7 phones on the first day of sales of the new phone at the Berlin Apple store on September 16, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. The new phone comes in two sizes, one with a 4.7 inch display, the other with a 5.5 inch display.

The giant iPhone maker confirmed that its products would be taxless in nine U.S. states, such as Florida, Arkansas, Missouri, etc.

"Shop select Apple products in a store or online and save during your state's tax holiday. And explore our additional offers for more savings," said the tech giant manufacturer via its official Apple Tax Holiday post.

Apple Tax-Free Shopping 2022

According to 9To5Mac's latest report, sales tax holidays in the U.S. are among the efforts of various states to promote products that are believed to be helpful for consumers.

(Photo : Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

A sales assistant scans new Apple iPhone 6 phones at the Apple Store on the first day of sales of the new phone in Germany on September 19, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. Hundreds of people had waited in a line that went around the block through the night in order to be among the first people to buy the new smartphone, which comes in two versions.

Also Read: Apple's Patent History Shows Automotive-Related Technologies, Includes Hardware Related to Riding Comfort

For example, sales tax holidays may focus on school supplies, power generators, and other items that may be helpful in emergency situations.

The sales tax holiday was first implemented by New York back in 1997.

After this effort was proven effective, other U.S. states started to follow the action.

Of course, products included in the sales tax holiday will depend on your state. Others may focus on making house utilities taxless, while others will make popular electronic brands tax-free.

If you are an Apple fan, here are the states that allow iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple products to be taxless.

Taxless Apple Products

Apple confirmed that its taxless products in some states are already available starting Monday, July 25. If you are among the interested consumers, here are the exact U.S. states and gadgets included in the sales tax holidays:

Florida (July 25 to Aug. 7)

All iPad models

Apple computers

Nonrecreational software

Computer batteries

Accessories (Apple pencil, speakers, etc.)

Tennessee (July 29 to July 31)

Apple computers that cost less than $1,500 (iPads, computers)

Apple accessories included in purchased Apple computers (Apple pencil, displays, etc.)

West Virginia (Aug. 5 to Aug. 8)

MacBook Air models with a sales price of $500 or less

iPad models with a sales price of $500 or less

These are just among the Apple products included in the ongoing Apple tax-free shopping event. You can visit this link to see more devices.

Meanwhile, Apple increased its iPhone 14 suppliers before the gadget's official launch date.

On the other hand, China's iPhone sales experience massive increases after the COVID-19 lockdown.

For more news updates about Apple and other tech giant manufacturers, keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Rare iPhone 13 Pro China Discount Confirmed as Part of Apple's iPhone 14 Launch Preparation

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Written by: Griffin Davis

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Tesla Supercharger's non-Tesla EV expansion is now expected to receive more funds as the giant EV maker applies for more public grants.

(Photo : Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Electric vehicles are displayed before a news conference with White House Climate Adviser Gina McCarthy and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg about the American Jobs Plan and to highlight electric vehicles at Union Station near Capitol Hill on April 22, 2021 in Washington, DC.

The automaker's charging network is open to other electric car brands is now more possible.

Previously, the EV maker confirmed that the Supercharger would open to other EVs before 2022 ends.

Although the exact date is not yet confirmed, the efforts made by Tesla to expand its Supercharger Network to other EV brands are more noticeable.

As of writing, the non-Tesla Supercharger expansion is only available in Europe. But, this is expected to happen in the United States this 2022.

Tesla Supercharger Non-Tesla EV Expansion

According to Electrek's latest report, Tesla Supercharger in Europe is easy to expand to other EV brands compared to the U.S.

(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

FREMONT, CA - AUGUST 16: A row of new Tesla Superchargers are seen outside of the Tesla Factory on August 16, 2013 in Fremont, California. Tesla Motors opened a new Supercharger station with four stalls for public use at their factory in Fremont, California.

Also Read: Tesla Supercharger is Now the 'Largest 150 Kw+ Public Fast-Charging Network' in Europe

In Europe, Tesla Superchargers has already adopted the CCS standards of the nation. On the other hand, they are also equipped with CCS connectors.

Thanks to this, the automaker needs only one thing to do to allow other electric car models to use its Supercharger Network; open up its software compatibility, as reported by InsideEVs.

Meanwhile, Tesla Supercharger stations in the U.S. are more complicated due to having their own proprietary connector. Because of this, the giant EV charging network still has limitations, preventing non-Tesla cars from using it.

As of writing, it is still unclear how the automaker plans to allow its U.S.-based Supercharger stations to accommodate other EV brands.

But, one thing is for sure. The EV maker is making efforts to acquire more public financial assistance to make the U.S. non-Tesla Supercharger expansion a reality.

Will Tesla Supercharger Receive White House's EV Funds?

Previously, the White House announced that it opened up billions of dollars in funding to allow companies to enhance EV charging infrastructures.

However, tech firms are required to open up their EV charging networks to other electric car brands before they can receive the U.S. federal government's financial assistance.

This means that Tesla will not be able to have the White House's public grants until the Supercharger Network accommodates other EV brands in the U.S.

Previously, Aptera launched a petition, saying that Tesla's Superchargers and plugs should be the new U.S. EV charging standards.

Meanwhile, a new milestone was achieved by the massive Tesla Supercharger Network.

For more news updates about the Tesla Supercharger and other EV charging infrastructures, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Non-Tesla Supercharger Project To Roll Out in the US This 2022! Expect Over 35,000 Units

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Written by: Griffin Davis

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Digital service taxes are now expected to be imposed in the Philippines as part of the government's efforts to generate more revenues.

(Photo : Photo illustration by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

In this photo illustration a woman uses a credit card to buy something online on August 11, 2014 in Bristol, United Kingdom. This week marks the 20th anniversary of the first online sale. Since that sale - a copy of an album by the artist Sting.

The generated income from DSTs will be used to settle the rising debts of the Asian country. This detail was confirmed by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

"Our tax system will be adjusted in order to catch up with the rapid development of the digital economy," said Marcos during his first SONA, which happened on Monday, July 27.

Digital Service Tax To Be Imposed in the Philippines

According to Bloomberg's latest report, the upcoming DST is expected to generate more than $208 million (11.7 billion pesos) in revenue by 2023.

(Photo : Photo by Rouelle Umali - Pool/Getty Images)

Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. delivers his first State of the Nation Address before lawmakers at the House of Representatives on July 25, 2022 in Manila, Philippines. Marcos Jr., the son and namesake of disgraced dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia's 'The Line' Will Be A 75-Mile-Long Mirror Skyscrapers and It's Taller Than The Empire State Building!

Of course, Congress still needs to pass the digital service tax bill before the Philippine government can take advantage of it.

Once approved, the DST will help the Asian country settle its rising debts. Even before Marcos Jr. was elected as the new Philippine president, the digital service taxes were already suggested by Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno.

Business World reported that Diokno wanted DSTs to be implemented by the Philippine government. He explained that those who can afford Netflix and other digital services are not poor, saying they should be taxed.

As of writing, around 12% VAT (value-added tax) on digital service providers is included in the proposed tax reform in the Philippines.

What Are Digital Services Included?

The House of Representatives provided the digital services affected by the upcoming DST, such as subscription services like Netflix, HBO, and other streaming services.

Online goods delivered via the internet are also expected to face digital service taxes, such as mobile apps, online marketplaces, software online licensing, webcasts, etc.

If you want to see further details about the upcoming DST in the Philippines, you can visit this link.

Previously, thousands of Netflix subscribers are now unsubscribing.

On the other hand, Elon Musk's lawyers claimed that the Twitter lawsuit is a rushed one.

For more news updates about digital service taxes and other internet-related topics, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Canada's Industry Minister to Hold a Meeting with Rogers Telecommunications CEO Due to Effects of the Outage

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Written by: Griffin Davis

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
"If you go to Thailand, be careful about what you eat." Without realizing it, can I use hemp?
Want a steak with that dessert? Old LSU creamery, now Dairy Store, sells more than ice cream
By the time she was in kindergarten in the US, Jhumpa Lahiri was already thinking in ways that many other children do not. Confronted by the seemingly simple task of copying Dear Mom, happy Mothers Day into a card she was making, she found herself facing a translation dilemma  how to address her Bengali mother.

My mother was not Mom but Ma. But I was embarrassed to insert the Bengali term I used and knew her by, the one she recognised and responded to. I was also reluctant to resort to the English term, which sounded foreign to me, and would have certainly alienated, even offended her. Revisiting that dilemma now, she writes in 2021, it occurs to me that it has as much to do with the act of writing as it does with translation. Therein lies the focus of Lahiris latest book.

Jhumpa Lahiri translated into English one of her Italian books. Credit:Liana Miuccio

Nilanjana Sudeshna Jhumpa Lahiri was born in London in 1967 to immigrants from West Bengal, and three years later, her family moved to the US and settled in Rhode Island. So, as she puts it, she was born into a linguistic world split in two and has always felt intense pressure to be two things, loyal to the old world and fluent in the new (Newsweek, March 5, 2006).

Despite, or perhaps because of this, from 2012 to 2015, Lahiri decided to take her own family somewhere completely different: Rome  to follow an impulse to express myself in a new language, to subject myself, as a writer, to a metamorphosis (New Yorker, December 7, 2015).
The virus spreads through close contact and causes people to develop extremely painful skin lesions  blisters similar to chickenpox, but larger  which take weeks to clear.

Since then, global case numbers have rapidly accelerated, prompting the World Health Organisation to call it a global emergency on Sunday .

A man receives a monkeypox vaccine at a clinic in Montreal, Canada, on the weekend. Australia is yet to announce a similar program. Credit:AP

Monkeypox has spread quickly throughout Africa over the past decade. The spread, possibly driven by deforestation , had been largely ignored by the developed world  until in May, when cases appeared in America, Europe and Australia .

LGBTQ health organisations are calling on the government to immediately roll out a monkeypox vaccine program as case numbers continue to climb.

There are now at least 41 cases in Australia. For reasons scientists do not yet understand, the current outbreak is largely affecting men who have sex with men  although there have been cases in other groups, including children.

Australia has an approved monkeypox vaccine, but, despite other countries rolling out vaccine programs  in New York, appointments have booked out in minutes  Australia is yet to initiate its own program.

Weve really got a shot at eliminating this in Australia, if were able to act expeditiously, said Colin Batrouney, Thorne Harbour Healths director of communications. Were seeing these cases in gay men at the moment, but I know were seeing heterosexual transmission in the US. So, its certainly not restricted to gay men.

Thorne Harbours call for a vaccine rollout was backed by the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations, which also called for government funding for a virus and vaccine awareness campaign.

However, Australias only approved monkeypox vaccine, ACAM2000, is not suitable for people who have compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV. An early study of the outbreak in May found that 41 per cent of confirmed monkeypox cases globally were in men with HIV; they are also at higher risk of severe illness from the virus.
AMA delegates from around the nation will gather in Sydney on Friday for the associations annual conference and one item on the agenda will be a call for a royal commission, if you please, into AHPRA. Things got rough between the two outfits after the regulator imposed restrictions on Broome-based GP David Berger over his behaviour on Twitter, where he would take aim at governments, chief health officers and others over their approach to the pandemic. Credit:Virginia Star But former AMA president Mukesh Haikerwal told the trade press that the Berger matter was just the latest example of AHPRA overreach. Berger has other high-profile backers, including prolific talking head Professor Raina MacIntyre AMA WA president Dr Andrew Miller and Medical Journal of Australia editor-in-chief Professor Nick Talley. So its interesting timing, to say the least, for AHPRA to put out a joint public statement with the Medical Board of Australia on Monday, calling for the profession as a whole to cool it on the socials, warning that social media is not a forum to bully, harass or intimidate. The regulator also returned fire on critics who have accused it of stifling free speech.

There is no place for bullying and harassment in healthcare because it harms the lives and careers of doctors and it harms patients, the statement reads. Oversimplifying this debate to freedom of speech fails the first challenge in improving the culture of medicine  the ability to disagree with respect. We cant think of a profession that likes being told what to do less than doctors do, and we fear there might be precious little of that disagree with respect spirit in the air when the medicos gather in Darling Harbour this weekend. PHAT CHANCE Newby senator for the Australian Capital Territory  and Norfolk Island  David Pocock had an experience too many of us can identify with while visiting his farthest flung constituents last week.

His luggage failed to show up in the Pacific Ocean paradise. Not to be deterred from his regular exercise regimen by a mere lack of activewear, the former ACT Brumby and Wallaby got a little local help in sourcing some training gear from the islands op shop. New senator David Pocock. Credit:Terry Cunningham But the footy jersey Pocock managed to buy for his evening hill sprints was less than ideal: the team name Phatphux was emblazoned on the back. The senator reflected that the episode was a good reminder to always check the team name when buying secondhand jerseys. There wasnt much that fitted and we were in a bit of a rush. A LIDDELL LIFE

A change of government brings with it a change in fortunes for the lobbyists swarming federal parliament this week. Since Anthony Albaneses election victory in May, Labor-aligned lobbying shops have had a major boost, among them being Principle Advisory, run by Bill Shortens former chief of staff Ryan Liddell. Liddell, who was with Shorten for his entire tenure as opposition leader, landed a major coup picking up Facebook as a client last week, his seventh new signing since the change of government. The traditionally Labor-linked Hawker Britton, run by former Kevin Rudd and Simon Crean chief of staff Simon Banks, had a bonanza, picking up over 20 new clients since May, including Transgrid, Citigroup and law firm MinterEllison. And Anacta Strategies, whose chief, Evan Moorhead, is a Labor powerbroker currently blacklisted from speaking with the Queensland government, listed a flurry of clients on the federal lobbyist register following its post-election debut on the list, including mining giant Glencore. BATS LIFE

Car-crash Liberal MP Tim Smiths dislike of the vast colony of grey-headed flying foxes  fruit bats to most of us  is well known. Loading So Daniel Andrews Labor government would not have been surprised on Monday morning when Smith was triggered by news that $180,000 was to be spent on a sprinkler system to keep the heat-vulnerable creatures cool during the extremely hot days that have bats literally falling dead from the trees most summers. The Andrews Labor government is bat sh*t crazy  Smith tweeted on hearing the news. These bats are a nuisance, they spread disease, and now the government is going to spend almost $200k to hose them down when it gets hot over summer.
Several western Sydney councils are battling to become the new home of the Special Broadcasting Service, with Canterbury-Bankstown refreshing its push and Willoughby pleading for the broadcaster to stay put on the north shore.

The federal government has commissioned a feasibility study into whether SBS should move to western Sydney. If the report is favourable, the decision would be a matter for the SBS board.

Several Sydney councils are campaigning ferociously to become the new home of SBS if a relocation is approved. Credit:Peter Rae

At least four councils  Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool, Parramatta and Blacktown  are lobbying to become the broadcasters home. Canterbury-Bankstown mayor Khal Asfour has proposed to bolster the councils bid to create SBS Square in Campsie  first pitched to the federal government in 2018  to include more sites and commercial partners, including retail developer Vicinity.

Right now, we as a council have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to make a new home for SBS in our city, Asfour will tell a council meeting on Tuesday, according to a written mayoral minute that also references the late television legend Bruce Gyngell and former prime minister Paul Keating.
A father-of-four was drunk and unlicensed when he took control of a boat on the Brisbane River and crashed it into a private jetty, killing his daughter-in-law.

Jamie Luke Harwood had been driving the aluminium dinghy for only a few minutes when he steered towards the bank for a toilet break. He was speeding and intoxicated when he crashed.

The crash occurred on the Brisbane River at the rear of a Laurel Avenue home in Chelmer. Credit:Nine News

The 48-year-old pleaded guilty in Brisbane District Court to dangerous operation of a vessel causing death while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, driving a vessel without a licence, failing to provide a specimen of breath, and driving a vessel while under the influence of liquor.

The court heard Harwood, his son, his daughter-in-law and his granddaughter had gone out on a fishing trip on November 4, 2020. They had a carton of Victoria Bitter beer onboard.
The truck driver who killed four police officers in a road crash on Melbournes Eastern Freeway believes his 22-year jail sentence was too harsh and has appealed for a cut to his prison time.

Mohinder Singh was sleep-deprived and drug-affected on April 22, 2020, when his 20-tonne prime mover veered into the emergency lane in Kew and crashed into the officers and their stationary vehicles.

Leading Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Senior Constable Kevin King and constables Glen Humphris and Josh Prestney, who had pulled over Richard Puseys Porsche for speeding, were killed when Singhs truck ploughed into them at between 62 and 80 kilometres an hour.

Singh pleaded guilty to four counts of culpable driving causing death, three counts of drug trafficking and other charges, and was ordered to serve 18  years before being eligible for parole. Supreme Court Justice Paul Coghlans sentence was one of the longest imposed in Victoria for a road tragedy.
Western Australias biggest housing advocacy group has urged the government to act on sweeping reforms to rental laws which would make it harder for landlords to evict tenants without good reason.

Cabinet is considering a range of changes to the Residential Tenancies Act recommended by Consumer Protection following a six-month consultation process that took place in 2020.

Proposes rental reforms have been welcomed by ShelterWA. Credit:Lauren Pilat

The reforms include limiting terminations of leases to within the first year of a rental agreement and only allowing them after that period under certain conditions, including damage to properties or failing to pay rent.

The changes would also prevent rents increasing more than once in a 12-month period and allow renters to conduct minor work on the house, such as hanging paintings, and be able to keep pets without needing permission from landlords. Any landlord refusing pets would need to seek permission to do so.
Anthony Albanese, on the eve of his first day in the Australian parliament as prime minister, spoke of the power of silence, and the need to listen for it and never to forget the depth of it.

He was speaking at the solemn event that precedes the opening of every federal parliament: the sounding of the Last Post at the Australian War Memorial.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lay wreaths during the Last Post ceremony at the War Memorial on Monday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

With the resumption of political combat still a day away across Canberras lake in the big, often raucous House on the hill, Albanese took care at the ceremony to celebrate the lives of both a Liberal and a Labor man who suffered in war.

Giants, he said of his own mentor and father figure, the long-time Labor MP and peace activist Tom Uren, and one of the most significant post-war Liberal figures, Sir John Carrick.
Scott Morrisons decision to skip the opening of parliament to attend a conference in Tokyo with other former conservative world leaders has fuelled speculation among Liberals about his political future.

The former prime minister-turned-backbencher said the trip had been planned before the parliamentary sitting schedule had been finalised. He will return in time for the second week of sittings starting on August 1.

Former prime minister Scott Morrison will miss the first week of the new parliament to speak at an international event in Tokyo. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Prior to the new government advising the sitting schedule for the remainder of 2022, I had already accepted an invitation to join other former prime ministers from Canada, the UK and New Zealand to address an international event to be held in Tokyo this week, Morrison said in a statement on Monday.

Morrison, who has held the safe seat of Cook in Sydneys south since 2007, will miss the first three sitting days of the new parliament, which will see his colleagues occupy the opposition benches for the first time in nine years.
NSW Trade Minister Stuart Ayres has been interviewed as part of the independent inquiry into the controversial appointment of John Barilaro to a plum New York role, while maintaining the former deputy premier would have made a fine trade commissioner to the United States.

Ayres, who like Premier Dominic Perrottet is on a trade tour of Asia, defended Barilaro on the same day as footage emerged in Sydney of the former trade minister in an altercation outside a Manly bar over the weekend.

NSW Police are investigating the incident that took place between Barilaro and a cameraman in Manly about 7.30pm on Saturday. In the footage, Barilaro can be seen pushing the cameraman and his camera away from him before walking away and waiting at traffic lights to cross the road.

Barilaro told radio station 2GB on Monday morning that he had been intruded on and harassed since his controversial appointment to the $500,000-a-year trade commissioner post in New York became the subject of a parliamentary inquiry. Barilaro has since withdrawn from the role.
The Andrews government says it wont negotiate any deals with the Greens if Labor does not secure enough seats to govern in its own right at the November election.

An Andrews government spokeswoman said, no deals will be offered, no deals will be done.

Federal Greens leader Adam Bandt, with Yarra Council Greens councillor Gabrielle di Vietri and Victorian Greens leader Samantha Ratnam. Credit:Jason South

Victorians will have a choice between commentary on climate [from the Greens], or real action from the Labor government.

The government is keen to prevent the Coalition running a scare campaign about the prospect of a Labor-Greens alliance after the election.
The mid-winter push for office staff to work from home and wear masks indoors to slow the latest spread of COVID-19 has not affected worker numbers in Melbournes CBD.

Data from the Department of Transport and City of Melbourne shows there was no noticeable change to commuter numbers after July 12, when state Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas asked employers to encourage their staff to work from home and recommended greater mask use.

People walk through Melbourne CBD late last week. Credit:Asanka Ratnayake/ Getty Images

On Thursday, public transport patronage was 65 per cent of the pre-pandemic level in July 2019, up from 64 per cent a week prior. Two weeks earlier, on July 5, patronage was 68 per cent of the normal traffic. That was before the minister decided not to mandate masks and work-from-home arrangements, instead strongly recommending them.

Traffic on Punt Road and Hoddle Street was busier than pre-pandemic levels, at 101 per cent on Thursday. Traffic was at 98 per cent a week prior and 97 per cent two weeks prior.
Nestled in the Perth Hills is an exclusive suburb that would have many scratching their heads trying to pinpoint on a map.

Located halfway between Midland and Mundaring, Hovea is named after the purple native flower common along the Darling Scarp. Its a large lifestyle suburb with acreage blocks  but only 250 houses, according to the latest census.

This five bedroom, three bathroom property in Hovea was one of the few properties to sell in the secret suburb this year. Credit:Domain

REIWA data shows that there was only one sale in Hovea in the past financial year, only two the previous year, and no sales in 2017. Currently there are no properties listed for sale in the suburb.

Real estate agent David Mattock, who lived in Hovea for more than two decades, said the suburb was commonly referred to as the Dalkeith of the Hills by locals.
Thazin Nyunt Aung, the wife of Phyo Zeyar Thaw, said she had not been told of her husbands execution. Other relatives could not immediately be reached for comment. My heart goes out to their families, friends and loved ones and indeed all the people in Myanmar who are victims of the juntas escalating atrocities, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said in a statement. The men had been held in the colonial-era Insein prison and a person with knowledge of the events said their families visited it last Friday. Only one relative was allowed to speak to the detainees via the Zoom online platform, the source added. Myanmars state media reported the executions on Monday and junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun later confirmed the executions to the Voice of Myanmar. Neither gave details of timing. Previous executions in Myanmar have been by hanging.

An activist group, the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners, said Myanmars last judicial executions were in the late 1980s. International condemnation Last month military spokesman Zaw Min Tun defended the death penalty, saying it was used in many countries. At least 50 innocent civilians, excluding security forces, died because of them, he told a televised news conference. How can you say this is not justice? he asked. Required actions are needed to be done in the required moments.

Loading Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), appealed in a letter in June to junta leader Min Aung Hlaing not to carry out the executions, relaying deep concern among Myanmars neighbours. Not even the previous military regime, which ruled between 1988 and 2011, dared to carry out the death penalty against political prisoners, said Malaysian MP Charles Santiago, the chair of the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights. This means yet another increase in the juntas brutality, which comes from a sense of impunity largely fostered by the failure of the global community to do anything effective to prevent it from committing further atrocities. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said the executions, which go against Japans repeated urging for a peaceful resolution as well as its demands to free detainees, would further isolate Myanmar in the international community.

The move would sharpen national sentiment and deepen conflict, he added in a statement. Myanmars ruling junta has condemned foreign statements about the execution orders as reckless and interfering. Myanmar has been in chaos since last years coup, with conflict spreading nationwide after the army crushed mostly peaceful protests in cities. For more than a year now, Myanmars military authorities have engaged in extrajudicial killings, torture and a whole gamut of human rights violations, Van Der Borght added. The military will only continue to trample on peoples lives if they are not held accountable.

The Assistance Association of Political Prisoners says more than 2100 people have been killed by the security forces since the coup, but the junta says the figure is exaggerated. Loading The true picture of violence has been hard to assess as clashes have spread to more remote areas where ethnic minority insurgent groups are also fighting the military. The latest executions close off any chance of ending the unrest, said Myanmar analyst Richard Horsey, of the International CRISIS group. Any possibility of dialogue to end the crisis created by the coup has now been removed, Horsey told Reuters.
Here's a question the new off-Broadway production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof that opened last night at Theatre at St. Clement's surely didn't intend to provoke: Does Tennessee Williams's oft-revived 1955 drama deserve to retain its classic status today?

With its themes of familial dysfunction and repressed homosexuality, as well as Williams's characteristic Southern hot-house atmosphere, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play was certainly boundary-pushing for its time. By now, though, the theater has long since advanced past its racy intimations of sexual desire, to the point where the play might come off to newer audiences as more a stylish, fascinating time capsule than anything else. These days, the play tends to be revived as showcases for star performers (most recently, a Broadway revival starring Scarlett Johansson garnered mixed notices).

The closest this new production has to a star is Sonoya Mizuno. Previously featured in films like Crazy Rich Asians and TV series like Devs and the upcoming Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, she stars, in her New York acting debut, as Maggie, the sexually frustrated wife of Brick (Matt de Rogatis), an alcoholic who refuses to sleep with her in large part because he remains hung up on Skipper, a male friend  and possibly more than that  who has recently committed suicide.

Though the play's first act primarily revolves around Maggie and Brick, its second and third acts bring in the rest of Brick's family as they celebrate not only the 65th birthday of Big Daddy (Christian Jules Le Blanc), but also the negative results of his recent tests for cancer. Turns out, though, that those negative results are false, a lie that everyone else in the family knows about other than him and Big Mama (Alison Fraser). Such deceptions, though, have become so normalized in this clan that they've led Brick to his alcoholic state, at least as he explains it to Big Daddy in their long confrontation scene in Act 2  an increasingly heated psychological two-step that eventually leads Brick to blow up all of Big Daddy's long-held illusions.

It's in the second act that this production springs to some semblance of life. As Big Daddy, Le Blanc roars onto the stage with the kind of snarling energy that could only come from a man feeling a new lease on life. But it's about an hour and 15 minutes before he appears onstage, which means audiences have had to endure Mizuno's astonishingly lifeless characterization of Maggie, the self-described "cat on a hot tin roof," up until that point. It's a role that, as Elizabeth Taylor and Jessica Lange have previously shown on film and television, demands voracious personality and imagination to find emotional variety in her endless monologuing.

Sonoya Mizuno as Maggie and Matt de Rogatis as Brick

( Ismaeel Skalli)

But Mizuno, saddling herself with a wretched Southern accent, never once conveys any sense of the kind of loneliness, desperation, and sexual desire that would suggest why Maggie would stay with a man who doesn't really love her. In his previous NYC stage appearances, de Rogatis has demonstrated a knack for the kind of machismo shaded with vulnerability that suggests he has a great Brick in him, and he does strike some sparks with Le Blanc while they circle each other in Act 2. And yet, the cumulative effect of his performance is curiously unmoving. (Some of the supporting cast fares better, with Spencer Scott, as Brick's brother Gooper, and Tiffan Borelli as Gooper's wife, Mae, sizzling the stage with their sense of entitlement.)

Perhaps stronger direction might have improved these performances. Joe Rosario's direction, though, actively harms his actors whenever it isn't straight-up lazy. It's silly enough that Rosario's wafer-thin concept of setting Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in the present day extends only to some of Xandra Smith's contemporary costuming, a supporting character with headphones around her neck, and a split-second snatch of Miley Cyrus's "Party in the U.S.A." (Matthew Imhoff's scenic design, by contrast, evinces no period at all, with only a generic-looking digital projection of a magic-hour sunset to evoke any sense of place.) His most embarrassing "expressive" touch is a reliance on cheesy synth-heavy music cues, courtesy of sound designer Ben Levine, to underscore moments of high drama, especially when Brick starts thinking about Skipper. It's as if he not only didn't trust his actors, but, considering how many lines were inaudible at the performance I attended, also couldn't be bothered to shape the performances in any way.

Perhaps this misbegotten production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is valuable in a certain sense, then. It demonstrates the necessity of a strong directorial vision to make Tennessee Williams's play work today by offering an object lesson in how it can sink without one.
Four weeks ago Vanessa Hudgens was in Salt Lake City and posted a video from the EXACT same location. Vanessa posed in front of East High with the song Breaking Free playing in the background. She captioned the post with a Gabriella Montez quote from the beginning of High School Musical.
FILE PHOTO: The logo for Google LLC is seen at their office in Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S., November 17, 2021. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

17 Attorneys General Warn Google About Censoring Pregnancy Crisis Centers

A coalition of 17 attorneys general is threatening Google with an anti-trust investigation if it censors pregnancy crisis centers from search results related to abortion.

Pregnancy crisis centers are different from abortion centers in that they provide resources for women who choose to carry their babies to full term.

The attorneys general of Virginia and Kentucky, Jason Miyares and Daniel Cameron, respectively, are leading the group, which sent a letter to Google on July 21.

In the letter, the group asks whether the tech giant has taken any steps to treat crisis pregnancy centers differently in search results since Roe v Wade was overturned.

Google, Miyares, and Cameron did not respond to requests for comment. Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt said he joined the effort because he did not want to see Google succumb to political pressure.

The AGs joint correspondence was in response to Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Congresswoman Elissa Slotnicks (D-Mich.) June 17th letter asking what steps Google CEO Sundar Pichai will take to limit the appearance of anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers in Google search results when users search for abortion clinics or abortion pills.

Google should not be displaying anti-abortion fake clinics or crisis pregnancy centers in search results for users that are searching for an abortion clinic or abortion pill, Warner and Slotnik wrote. If Google must continue showing these misleading search results and in Google Maps, the results should at the very least be appropriately labeled.

An additional 12 Senators and nine members of Congress, including Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), signed the letter.

Senator Warner believes that users who search for abortion services should receive results that are relevant to their searches, said Valeria Rivadeneira, a Warner spokesperson. Crisis pregnancy centerswhich routinely misinform and mislead clients about their reproductive healthmake every effort to appear in these search results in order to deceive individuals into thinking they offer a full range of reproductive health services.

Rivadeneira added that Warner has not yet received a response to his June 17th communication to Google and that Google should apply appropriate labels to all organic search and map results.

Curtis Hill, former Attorney General of Indiana, said the cadre of Democratic politicians want Google to act as an arm of the government in suppressing information.

Its a typical sidestep that some government officials try to create, and weve seen it in other areas, he said. So, its highly appropriate for the states attorneys general to call it for what it ispossible antitrust violations for which they would face sanctions.

Because Google operates in all their states, the company falls under the jurisdiction of each AGs consumer advocacy responsibilities.

They have the right to investigate companies that are operating within their state on information that consumers are being duped or otherwise are having difficulty being treated fairly, Hill told The Epoch Times.

He commended his former colleagues for demanding to know whether Google intends to comply with the request made by members of the Senate and Congress.

Id want to know if the algorithms had been changed by a particular date and if any differences or distinctions seem to be in compliance with the request that was made, Hill added. Its been suggested that some of the searches be limited. So, I would want to see the searches.

Pregnancy crisis centers like the Crisis Pregnancy Support Center (CPSC) in Texas City, Texas, dont just rely on Google for clients.

Instead, its word of mouth that brings pregnant women to their doorstep, according to Christy Anne Collins, CPSC executive director.

Most of our referrals come from people in the community who are involved in social service type of work and know the services we offer, she said. Were not competing with the abortion listings, and we dont want to.

Collins thinks its appropriate that Texas AG Ken Paxton is among the Generals who signed the letter.

Google or anybody else shouldnt be stifling free speech, not on this issue or any other issue, she said.

Serving up to 170 individuals per month ranging in age from 9 to 52 years old, CPSC has been in existence since 1992.

If somebody is interested in alternative information or they are interested in crisis pregnancy centers, we shouldnt be blocked out, Collins told The Epoch Times. Im very concerned that that kind of thing could happen very easily.
Aaron Babbitt with his wife, Ashli, who was killed at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (Aaron Babbitt)

Ashli Babbitt Was Murdered Under Color of Authority on Jan. 6: Use-of-Force Expert

Ashli Babbitt, the 35-year-old Air Force veteran who was fatally shot outside the U.S. Capitol Speakers Lobby by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd on Jan. 6, 2021, was murdered  under the color of authority, a use-of-force expert has concluded after reviewing video footage of the incident.

Just before 2:45 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2021, Babbitt began climbing through a side window leading into the Speakers Lobby and was shot in the left anterior shoulder by Byrd. She was pronounced dead a half-hour later at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Stan Kephart, who has testified in court more than 350 times as an expert witness on policing issues, reviewed the shooting in the new Epoch TV documentary, The Real Story of Jan. 6, which is streaming on Epoch TV.

My conclusion  based on what I saw and observed in the video clips is that Ashli Babbitt was murdered, said Kephart, a 42-year veteran of law enforcement and former director of security for the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. He has testified on topics that include excessive force, police discipline, officer safety, and crowd control.

She was shot and killed under color of authority by an officer who violated not only the law but his oath and committed an arrestable offense.

Kephart said he saw nothing in the video evidence to indicate that Byrd should have felt his life was in danger or that he was at risk of serious harm from the 5-foot-2, 110-pound San Diego woman wrapped in a Trump flag.

In order for lethal force to be authorized, the officer has to be able to articulate that he or she was in fear of losing his life, was about to be killed, or grievously injured, Kephart said in the documentary. There is nothing I saw in that film that would indicate that was possible or probable from what unfolded.

Byrds attorney, Mark Schamel, in a statement to The Epoch Times, called Kepharts conclusion unsupported and erroneous and said the lieutenant was justified in the use of force.

When Ms. Babbitt entered through the broken window and entered the inner protected area, wearing a backpack and refusing the verbal commands of multiple armed federal officers with weapons drawn, the threat she posed was clear and Lt. Byrd, as the first officer in the final line of defense, was absolutely justified in his use of force.

The exact moment Lt. Michael Byrd fires at unarmed Ashli Babbitt, killing her. Byrd was cleared although a formal Internal Affairs interview was never conducted about the shooting. (Jayden X/Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

Aaron Babbitt, Ashlis husband, said Kephart reached the same conclusion as other law enforcement experts, including former New York City police commissioners Bernard Kerik and Ray Kelly.

I loved hearing that from him. Hes obviously well-versed in the use of force, Babbitt told The Epoch Times, referring to Kephart. Hes clearly a very smart man who has been in that business for a long time. He should be listened to.

Ashli Babbitt with Bella, one of her treasured dogs, at home in San Diego. (Courtesy of Aaron Babbitt)

Babbitt disputed Schamels claim that his wife refused verbal commands from Byrd or anyone else. He questioned why Byrd was wearing a COVID face covering if he hoped to be heard shouting instructions.

Witness testimony Ive read, police included, said they heard no warning, Babbitt said, adding that if they thought the situation was serious enough for deadly force, the mask should probably come off your face. Complete disregard for human life and not following the use-of-force continuum.

Video shot by political activist John Jayden X Sullivan through the Speakers Lobby windows shows Byrd had his finger on the trigger of his Glock pistol before Babbitt ever appeared in the window. He then removed his finger from the trigger for a short time before advancing on the open window and firing as Babbitt began to lean through.

Babbitts killing still hangs like a dark cloud over the events of that day. Questions remain about her death, even after the June release of a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) report that concluded there was insufficient evidence that Byrd used excessive force when he shot the unarmed Babbitt as she attempted to climb through the broken window.

Kephart said Byrd should have written a firearms discharge report immediately after the incident. Byrd declined to give a statement to Internal Affairs detectives and was never formally interviewed before eventually being cleared of wrongdoing.

According to the June DOJ report, Byrd agreed to a voluntary debrief and walk-through of the scene with his attorney in late January 2021, in which he stated if the mob of rioters outside the Speakers Lobby gained entry, it wasnt going to go well.

I Had No Clue

In a 2021 interview with Lester Holt on NBC, Byrd said he couldnt see into the Speakers Lobby hallway through the glass, didnt know if the person climbing into the window was male or female, and couldnt tell if the person had anything in their hands.

Its impossible for me to see whats on the other side because we had created such a barricade, and it was high enough that the visibility was impossible, Byrd said. He said he didnt know there were three Capitol Police officers standing with their backs to the entry doors.

Byrd said police were essentially trapped in the lobby, and there was nowhere to retreat because entrances were barricaded.

It sounded like hundreds of people outside of that door, he said.

Byrd said he repeatedly shouted for people to get backI was yelling at the top of my lungsbut added it was possible that he couldnt be heard in the hallway.

When Holt asked Byrd if he knew whom he had shot, Byrd replied: I had no clue. I didnt even know it was a female until hours way later, sometime later on that night.

He said he only found out later that Babbitt had no weapon.

There was no way to know that at that time, Byrd said. I could not fully see her hands or what was in the backpack or what the intentions of

I know, based on my training and my policy, what I did was appropriate.

Kephart said the shooting should have been evaluated using a litmus test from the 1989 U.S. Supreme Court case Graham v. Connor: whether force was ever needed and appropriate in the situation, the extent of the injury, and whether the force was applied in a good-faith manner to maintain and restore discipline, or maliciously and sadistically.

The DOJ report on the shooting was released in June by Judicial Watch, which sued the DOJ for Jan. 6, 2021, case records.

After a thorough review of the facts and circumstances in this case, there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Lt. Byrd violated Ms. McEntees [sic] civil rights by willfully using more force than was reasonably necessary, or was not acting in self-defense or the defense of others, the undated 14-page document reads. The report referred to Babbitt by her previous married name. She married Aaron Babbitt in 2019.

Kephart said the standard set by the Supreme Court in Graham v. Connor doesnt refer to willfully using more force than necessary.

They inserted willfully above knowingly, which is at best contradictory, and worst, disingenuous, Kephart told The Epoch Times in an email.

Although Byrd refused to give a formal statement to investigators, the DOJ concluded that his apparent belief that Babbitt posed an imminent, potentially deadly threat was reasonable.

About five hours after the shooting, Byrd met with Internal Affairs detectives from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, which investigated the shooting on behalf of the U.S. Capitol Police; he said he wanted to consult an attorney first. Byrd never made a formal statement to Internal Affairs investigators.

In his statement to The Epoch Times, Schamel, Byrds attorney, said that actual experts who train federal agents and officers in the use of force have described Lt. Byrds conduct as exemplary.

Investigative Reports

A Metropolitan Police Department Internal Affairs investigator who reviewed video footage from Capitol security cameras from just before Babbitt was shot reported, Ms. Babbitt does not appear to be carrying anything in her hands, according to an internal police report released by Judicial Watch.

One U.S. Capitol Police sergeant who was in the Speakers Lobby when Babbitt was shot told Internal Affairs investigators at the time of the shooting there was a lot of screaming and I heard somebody screaming, Get back, get back,' an Internal Affairs report said.

A Capitol Police officer who was in the Speakers Lobby with Byrd said before Babbitt appeared in the window, various officers were shouting for the crowd to get back. After Byrd fired his weapon, the officer said, Byrd was shaky and teary-eyed.

You know, you can just tell, like, I aint gonna say when somebody regrets to do something, when somebody just is just nervous, you know, theyll rub their head, their [sic] pace back and forth, the officer told an Internal Affairs agent.

However, one of the three officers stationed on the outside of the Speakers Lobby doors, where Ashli Babbitt and other protesters were gathered, told an investigator he did not recall hearing any verbal commands being given from inside the Speakers Lobby, according to a Jan. 6, 2021, police report.

One of the other two officers stationed outside the doors and facing the angry crowd also was asked if he heard anyone inside the Speakers Lobby saying anything.

No, sir, he replied. When asked if he considered using his firearm on rioters, he said, So, youre accountable for every round in, in your service weapon; obviously, you cant shoot into an empty crowd. Thats so wrong.

The third officer stationed at the doors also told investigators he didnt hear any communications from police inside the Speakers Lobby, according to a Jan. 6, 2021, Internal Affairs report.

A Metropolitan Police Department Internal Affairs Division summary from Babbitts Jan. 7, 2021, autopsy said the medical examiner determined the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the left anterior shoulder and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

Kephart said he was shocked at a photograph from the House floor earlier on Jan. 6, 2021, showing Byrd with his gun drawn and aimed in the direction of Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) and two other men.

This man [Byrd] should be directed to submit to a fitness-for-duty examination immediately by his chief of police, Kephart said. Based on this photo alone, he is not qualified to possess a firearm. He is clearly demonstrating a conscious disregard for where he is. His firearm should be at a low ready position until target acquisition.

Any qualified firearms instructor would be horrified at this photo in view of what transpired after the picture was taken, where he shot and killed Ashli Babbitt, disregarding officers in the backdrop, and did not advance and assess the shot or provide first aid and take control of the crime sceneall of which he has been taught, trained, and certified to do.

Nehls has spoken repeatedly of his belief that the shooting was murder. Nehls served as sheriff of Fort Bend County, Texas, from 2012 until 2020.

The video was quite clear, Nehls told Newsmax in 2021. It was murder.
Greens leader Adam Bandt speaks during the Greens national campaign launch at Black Hops Brewery in Brisbane, Australia on May 16, 2022. (Dan Peled/Getty Images)

Left-Wing Australian Greens Play Hard Ball With Labor Government Over Net-Zero Deal

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set for a tough fight with Greens leader Adam Bandt who is standing firm on legislating emissions reduction targets so that successive governments can never repeal them.

The Labor government is set to introduce a new bill to enshrine climate change and net-zero policy into law but needs the left-wing Greens to pass legislation in the federal Upper House.

Currently, the Greens hold 12 seats in the Senate, Labor has 26 seats, and the Liberal-National Coalition has 32 seats.

Liberal-National MPs have ruled out legislating hard net-zero targets, with opposition employment spokesperson Michaelia Cash saying the party would not devastate the Australian economy.

We are committed to net zero by 2050 utilising technology, not taxes the Coalitions position is very, very clear, she told reporters in Canberra on July 25.

The lack of support from the Coalition means the Albanese government will need to negotiate with the Greens to pass any laws.

However, Greens leader Adam Bandt has outlined his own set of demands, including putting in place mechanisms to ensure a later government cannot repeal any net-zero target.

You shouldnt be able to go below this weak target of the governments, but it also cant be a ceiling, he told reporters in Canberra on July 25. It cant put in place obstacles for governments in the future that might be more climate-ambitious to lift the target.

We dont want [One Nations] Pauline Hanson and [United Australian Party founder] Clive Palmer to be able to put a handbrake on future governments listening to the science and lifting the target.

Labor, Greens Differ on Net-Zero Goals

While the Labor government has an emissions reduction target of 43 percent by 2030 (net-zero by 2050), up from the previous target of 26-28 percent set by the Morrison government, the Greens have campaigned for a 74 percent emissions reduction target by 2030 to reach net-zero by 2035.

Greens leader Bandt has said whatever target agreed to for 2030 should be viewed as the floor and not the ceiling of emissions reduction policy. Further, the Greens are also calling for a ban on all new coal and gas projects in Australia, a move that Prime Minister Albanese has rebuked, saying such projects should be allowed to proceed if they pass environmental approvals.

Policies that would just result in a replacement of Australian resources with resources that are less clean from other countries would lead to an increase in global emissions, not a decrease, he told The Australian newspaper.

The Greens position is aimed at politics rather than whats necessary, which is a recognition that Australia needs to do its part, but doing its part is ensuring that the global emissions decrease.

The move to enshrine net-zero comes as the Labor government scrambles to deal with skyrocketing electricity and gas prices amid ongoing reluctance from policymakers and business leaders to support coal and gas development due to the climate change movement.
Former White House strategist Steve Bannon (C), speaks with reporters as he departs federal court in Washington on July 22, 2022. (Alex Brandon/AP Photo)

Bannon Trial: A Slam-Dunk Conviction, a Bulletproof Appeal

News Analysis

Steve Bannons five-day trial ended on July 22 with a federal jury finding the War Room podcaster and former adviser to President Donald Trump guilty of two misdemeanor counts of contempt of Congress.

The jury unanimously agreed that Bannon failed to comply with a Sept. 23, 2021, subpoena to provide documents and to testify before the House Jan. 6 Committee last fall.

The jury had little choice, Bannon acknowledged after the verdict was rendered and before leaving the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. District Courthouse in Washington on pre-sentencing probation.

During a July 11 pretrial hearing, Trump-appointed U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols said he would strictly adhere to a 61-year-old precedent that precludes advice from counsel as a defense in contempt-of-Congress charges.

Whats the point of going to trial here, if there is no defense? exasperated Bannon attorney David Schoen asked Nichols a week before the trial began.

Exactly, the judge responded.

Defense attorneys wanted to argue that Bannon was following then-attorney Robert Costellos advice in claiming his client was prohibited from complying with the subpoena because his interactions with Trump were shielded by executive privilege.

That argument proved to be wrong, as ensuring court rulings determined, but Bannonand Costellomaintained he wouldnt comply last fall until those then-pending cases were resolved.

Defense attorneys wanted to argue that Bannon shouldnt be punished for listening to his lawyer, who held a legal opinion that was later rejected in court. But they couldnt say that, not in front of the jury, anyway.

With that restriction on Bannons defense, the outcome appeared predestined. Most expected the trial to be over within three daysa swift proceeding planted with tripwires for a certain appeal.

Many believed jury selection would consume more time than testimony. Prosecutors had only two witnesses. The defense didnt have a defense; its subpoena to call House Jan. 6 Committee Chair Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) to the stand was quashed by Nichols.

And when it became apparent that Bannon wouldnt testify in the case, many were deflatedthere would be no elephant at this circus.

In the end, the trial unfolded exactly as expectedwith guilty verdicts on both counts. It also, however, went longer and featured unanticipated twists and ploys, inducing sustained objections and extensive sidebar discussions, all setting what appears to be a well-built stage for the promised appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

While Bannon never took the stand before the jury, he held court outside chambers on the sidewalk on Constitution Avenue each afternoonthe elephant was making noise at the circus, just not under the Big Top.

Under the pretrial rulings, Bannons only defense was that he didnt understand the subpoena deadlines or thought they were malleable because he believed, as with other witnesses called by the Jan. 6 committee and other congressional panels, there often are negotiations, an accommodation process, in responding to subpoena demands.

There was no such accommodation process in Bannons case, prosecutors proved.

Defense attorneys pointed to several alleged technical errors in the process for serving subpoenas and said Thompsons signature on the indictment is not the same as on the subpoena and letters between Costello and the panel, implying it might have been forged.

They were thin gambits in a no-defense defense, grasping straws not as real claims, but as conduits to backdoor introductions of executive privilege and advice-from-attorney arguments, which Nichols allowed, to a point.

When prosecutors requested to enter redacted versions of letters between Costello and the Jan. 6 committee as evidence, Nichols agreed, but required that the letters be shown to the jury in their entirety.

Those letters raise the executive privilege discussion and could indicate that Bannon may have believed his attorney and the committee were negotiating terms of his compliance.

Nichols chose to strictly adhere to precedent set in Licavoli v. United States of America. Peter Horseface Licavoli, a Detroit bootlegger and mobster, in 1951 refused to testify before Sen. Estes Kefauvers (D-Tenn.) Special U.S. Senate Committee on Organized Crime in Interstate Commerce and was convicted of contempt of Congress.

Licavoli appealed, claiming he was relying on advice from counsel when he didnt appear. A decade later, a three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appealsincluding courthouse namesake E. Barrett Prettymanupheld his contempt of Congress conviction, ruling that listening to your lawyer may be a legal defense in virtually any crime, but not for contempt of Congress.

Despite abiding by that 61-year-old precedent, Nichols allowed Bannons attorneys on several occasions to oh-by-the-way refer to their planned defenses before he shut them down at specific junctures that are certain to be pinpointed in transcripts on appeal.

Nichols himself expressed doubt about the Licavoli ruling surviving on appeal.

I was bound by D.C. Circuit precedent that Im not even sure is right, he said on the trials next-to-last day when the jurys only appearance was to be dismissed for the day.

Prosecutors raised objections to Bannons allegedly orchestrating a political circus outside the courtroom and his attorneys muffled references to partisan motivations of Jan. 6 committee members.

Nichols implored jurors to forget those references and to focus exclusively on whether Bannon did or didnt comply with deadlines in the subpoena.

Jurors in essence were asked to forget this wasnt happening in Washington, that this subpoena wasnt from a special congressional committee that more than 200 members of Congress say is illegitimate, that this wasnt Steve Bannon, and that they werent toldat defense attorney Evan Corcorans suggestionto put January 6 out of your heads.

Leaving the courthouse following his conviction, Bannon said, We may have lost this battle here today, but we didnt lose the war.

He pointed to a statement by the prosecution in its closing that he chose to stand with Trump rather than comply with the committees subpoena. He said hed say so again today.

And he did.

I stand with President Trump and the Constitution, and I always will, he said.

Schoen said he will file a bulletproof appeal that, among the advice from attorney component, will also focus on the interpretation of willful that jurors had to use while deliberating.

Schoen said the ruling could have significant ramifications for those accused of crimes without knowing or believing they did anything wrong and relying on an attorneys counsel to defend themselves.

They won the case in closing today, he said, and lost the appeal in closing today.

Bannon is free until his Oct. 21 sentencing hearing. On each count, he faces maximum fines of up to $100,000 and a maximum of 12 months in prison.

Another former Trump aide, Peter Navarro, faces two similar contempt of Congress charges for failing to comply with a Jan. 6 Committee subpoena. His trial is scheduled for Nov. 17 before U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta in the same courthouse in which Bannon was convicted.
Bill Gates at the Elysee Palace to encounter the French president to speak about Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), in Paris, France, on April 16, 2018. (Frederic LegrandCOMEO/Shutterstock)

Bill Gates Should Testify Before Congress Over Huge Farmland Buy, GOP Lawmaker Says

Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) sent a letter to House Agriculture Committee chairman David Scott (D-Ga.), requesting that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates testify before the committee regarding the billionaires large farmland purchases.

Gates is the largest private farmland owner in the United States, possessing almost 270,000 acres of farmland in 19 states, the July 20 letter states. The average farm size in 2021 was only 445 acres, Johnson said citing data from the U.S. Department of Agricultures Economic Research Service. Gatess farmland holdings in the United States are a significant portion that the committee should not ignore, while asking that the billionaire be brought in to testify about his farming interests and practices.

The Committee should be interested in Mr. Gates ownership and plans for his acreage, as he has been a leading voice in the push for synthetic meat. In 2021, Mr. Gates was quoted to say all rich countries should move to 100 percent synthetic beef to combat climate change, the letter said.

In a July 23 tweet, Johnson called Gates an outspoken opponent of traditional agriculture. The worlds food supply could be at risk if Gates decided to put this much land out of production, he warned.

Gatess 270,000 acres of farmland holdings is almost equivalent to the size of Hong Kong, but it only represents a small part of an estimated 911 million acres of farmland in the United States.

Acres of Farmland

Johnsons letter comes as Gatess organization, Red River Trust, was recently approved to buy 2,100 acres of prime farmland in North Dakota. The states attorney general, Drew Wrigley, cleared the sale on June 29. The deal was approved because it complied with an anti-corporate farming law, with the land intended to be leased back for use by farmers.

In an interview with NTD, land consultant Gary Hubbell said that there is a lot of resentment and resistance among communities about Gatess acquisition of large areas of farmland because his goals tend to be contrary to many of the established traditions and practices of those communities.

During a Reddit Ask Me Anything session in March 2021, Gates was asked why he was buying up farmland, and he answered that it was his investment group that chose to do this. It is not connected to climate.

Gatess private farmlands are estimated to be worth around $690 million. His largest holding is in the state of Louisiana, where he owns 69,073 acres of land, followed by 47,927 acres in Arkansas, 25,750 acres in Arizona, 20,588 acres in Nebraska, 17,940 acres in Illinois, 16,963 acres in Mississippi, 16,097 acres in Washington, and 14,828 acres in Florida.
Cars queue at the Port of Dover in Kent, southeast England, on July 22, 2022. (Gareth Fuller/PA Media)

Brexit Not to Blame for English Channel Travel Chaos, Downing Street Insists

Downing Street has insisted the travel chaos in the English Channel is not the result of Brexit, blaming instead the shortage of French border control staff for causing long queues and delays.

The disruptions started at the Port of Dover on July 22, when thousands of holidaymakers were stuck in traffic jams and 6-hour queues. The situation improved in Dover on July 24, but congestion at the Eurotunnel terminal left more people stranded.

The Dover port authorities have blamed the French authorities for their woefully inadequate staffing for border control, but French officials have highlighted the extra border checks necessitated by Britains exit from the European Union.

In response, Prime Minister Boris Johnsons official spokesman said on July 25: We understand there are changes post-Brexit. We recognise that, we have planned for that.

He said the weekends problems were down to a combination of factors including a shortage of French border control staff.

So these are not scenes that we think are necessitated by leaving the European Union, the spokesman said, adding: We think we have operational procedures and processes in place that do not need to see these levels of queues.

Blame Game

It followed a war of words between British and French officials over who is to blame for the weekend of travel chaos.

On a trip to Kent on July 23, UK Foreign Secretary and Conservative leadership hopeful Liz Truss blame France for entirely avoidable delays.

Truss insisted that the problems were down to insufficient border resources, rather than extra checks post-Brexit.

She said she had been very clear with French authorities that it is a situation that has been caused by a lack of resource at the border.

But French Transport Minister Clement Beaune hit back, saying that the French authorities were mobilised to control our borders and facilitate the traffic as much as possible.

But France is not responsible for Brexit, he wrote on Twitter.

More Delays Expected

Though the congestion has temporarily eased, the AA motoring group has warned drivers they could face a summer of repeat delays.

Toby Howe, senior highways manager at Kent County Council and tactical lead at Kent Resilience Forum, said it is a very vulnerable situation and it takes very little to cause further issues.

He told the BBC: Traffic numbers travelling across the Channel were back to pre-pandemic levels and with the increased checks it is slower to get through, so it takes very little to cause those tailbacks.

PA Media contributed to this report.
British Youtuber Alleges She Was Visited by Police for Being Untoward About Paedophiles

A feminist Youtuber was visited by police to offer words of advice after a complaint was made against comments in her video that the complainant felt were inappropriate and offensive.

Jay Keen, who blogs under the name Posie Parker, is a womens rights campaigner who also runs the organization Standing for Women, which she says is aimed at combatting the silencing of womens voices on the erasure of our rights, our spaces, and our language posed by the totalitarian transgender promoting ideologues.

Is it a Crime to Be Untoward About Paedophiles?

Jay Keen has repeatedly stated that trans women arent women.

On Sunday, Jay Keen posted a video alleging that she was visited by two police were investigating a complaint that accused her of being untoward about paedophiles.

Jay Keen said that she replied by saying is it a crime to be untoward about paedophiles? Then the police asked her if she knew which video she was talking about.

She replied by saying she makes lots of videos about child safeguarding and womens rights and not wanting male born men using womens spaces. She added that the police said that they hadnt watched the video but they had recorded it as a hate crime.

Jay Keen told The Epoch Times that she had not heard any developments on the case since Sunday.

She told Talk TV on Monday that she believes that the police misspoke and the police were out of their depth.

The Epoch Times asked Wiltshire Police if it was correct that one officer said: We hear youre being untoward about pedophiles.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman told The Epoch Times by email that following a report from a member of the public, officers visited a woman in Trowbridge to offer words of advice regarding comments made online which the complainant felt were inappropriate and offensive.

No further police action will take place and the matter has been closed.

The Reclaim Partys Laurence Fox recently launched the Bad Law Project with Fair Cops Harry Miller in response to what they call a culture of coercion and control that is fast replacing our legal system.

The police have no business visiting members of the public to offer them advice, said Bad Law Project Chief Executive Officer Harry Miller to The Epoch Times.

Their job is to prevent and detect crime, not to educate and intimidate. Bad Law will be ruthless in holding Chief Constables to account, he said



On July 21, new guidance from England and Waless police body said that individuals who are commenting in a legitimate debate, for example, on political or social issues, should not be stigmatised because someone is offended.

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, CEO of the College of Policing, said that non-crime hate incidents should not be recorded where they are trivial, irrational, or if there is no basis to conclude that an incident was motivated by hostility.

While we work to protect the most vulnerable in society, we also have a responsibility to protect freedom of speech. This updated guidance puts in place new safeguards to ensure people are able to engage in lawful debate without police interference, he said.

In May, the UKs new chief inspector Andy Cooke said that officers should stay away from the different thoughts that people have and focus on serious criminality.

Were not the thought police, we follow legislation and we follow the law, simple as that, he told The Times of London on May 15, referencing the term coined by George Orwell in his 1949 dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four.

In July, Wiltshire Police was placed under special measures after a report graded it as inadequate in its ability to respond to the public, protect vulnerable people, and strategic planning.

Special Measures

The Metropolitan Police, the UKs largest police force, Greater Manchester, Cleveland, Gloucestershire, and Staffordshire were also placed under special measures this week after a series of failures.

At the time, Her Majestys Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said she had serious concerns about Wiltshire Polices performance, particularly how it responds to the public, protects vulnerable people and makes use of its resources.

The force is missing opportunities to protect vulnerable and repeat victims of crime. It needs to improve the way it manages victims calls, so that all vulnerable people are identified. Some domestic abuse victims have received an unacceptable level of service and have continued to remain at risk. The force is not supervising investigations well enough and doesnt always follow all investigative opportunities, said Williams.
Representation of cryptocurrency Bitcoin is seen in this illustration taken on Nov. 29, 2021. (Dado Ruvic/Reuters)

California to Allow Cryptocurrency Donations to Political Campaigns

Californians will soon be able to donate to political campaigns using digital money, after a July 21 vote by the states Fair Political Practices Commission.

Citing concerns about traceability, the state banned cryptocurrency donations four years ago. When presenting the proposal to repeal the ban to the commission, General Counsel David Bainbridge said new safeguards will prevent money laundering.

We had to address the inherent concern with cryptocurrency and the opportunity it presents for illegal contributions because it is inherently and intentionally in some circumstances anonymous. In many circumstances, its untraceable. In drafting this regulation, we were cognizant of these very legitimate concerns, Bainbridge told commissioners.

To avoid anonymous cryptocurrency contributions, donors must use a federally approved payment processor that will verify the identity of the contributor. The donationup to the limits allowed by lawthen would be converted into U.S. dollars.

In California, contributions are sent to state-registered recipient committees. Such committees represent candidates or organizations that raise political donations. A converted cryptocurrency donation, like other contributions, would go to such a committee. Committees are prohibited from holding cryptocurrency, according to the proposal (pdf).

By preventing the committee from holding any cryptocurrency, that avoids concerns about the possibility of manipulation of value after transfer, Bainbridge said.

The new regulation applies only to state and local political campaigns. Candidates for federal offices already may accept cryptocurrency donations. The California change will go into effect within two months.

Cryptocurrency is a digital, or virtual, currency that is an alternative form of payment that uses encryption algorithms. Crypto does not rely on banks to verify transactions. Instead, it uses blockchain to record all transaction updates. The first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was introduced in 2009, according to Kaspersky, a cybersecurity company.

With the changes, California will join 12 states plus Washington, D.C., that permit such contributions, according to officials.
A student puts her hand on her heart during a strike to condemn police shooting of a teenager in Hong Kong on Oct. 2, 2019. (Vincent Yu/AP Photo)

Can Wisdom Be Restored in the Little Pinkies Era?

New education in Hong Kong: learn civil responsibility, not civil rights, to develop little pinkies (young pro-CCP Chinese).

Commentary

More than 300 school principals and representatives of the school sponsoring bodies and educational organizations attended the Patriotic Education Summit Forum opening ceremony and the Patriotic Education Centre run by the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers on July 16.

The first two guests mentioned in Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chius speech, were Yang Yirui, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, and Jiang Jianxiang, Minister of Education, Science and Technology of the Liaison Office.

We cannot help but ask: Will the high-profile involvement of the Liaison Office affect the image of one country, two systems when education is a matter of autonomy for Hong Kong?

This question is no longer relevant in the New Hong Kong era. As early as the 1980s, Liaison Office (then New China News Agency) officials had openly emphasized that education is a land contested by all strategists (bingjia bizheng zhi di).

Hong Kong is no longer what it was a decade ago, and Beijings all-encompassing power of control and government (quanmian guanzhiquan) has taken precedence over everything else.

A boy with a banner anti-brainwashing during the protest on Aug. 29, 2012. (Sung Pi-Lung/The Epoch Times)

A decade ago, in 2012, national education was in an uproar. The government ordered the establishment of an independent Moral and National Education curriculum. A Chinese Model teacher reference was published by the government-sponsored National Education Services Center containing obvious bias, such as calling the Chinese communist regime progressive, selfless and united and American politics a dreadful struggle between political parties and a disaster for the people.

All these caused a public outcry. Groups such as Scholarism and Parents Concern Group on National Education protested throughout the summer, staging marches, occupying the government headquarters, striking classes, and going on hunger strike.

On the evening of Sept. 7, 2012, 120,000 people gathered at the government headquarters. Finally, the government gave in and announced the next day that there would be no timetable for implementing national education and that schools could decide on their own whether to offer national education.

After ten years, given the fall of civil society and total silence under the National Security Law today, John Lee can say at ease in his speech that the government will correct the wrong values of the youth, tell positive stories of China, tell positive stories of Hong Kong, sternly and solemnly in all righteousness.

Such righteousness has already been manifested explicitly in some new Citizenship and Social Development textbooks: Hong Kong was never a colony, students will learn only civil responsibilities but not civil rights, and China does not have many problems as commonly believed. If students take it all in, a new generation of naive Little Pinkies (young pro-CCP Chinese) will be on the horizon.

Civic education of this kind is a great leap backward. I have a copy of the New Citizenship in High School textbook published in China during the Kuomintangs reactionary rule (1930s). It has chapters on population, agriculture, workers life, job market, and marriage; in other words, it discusses rather than avoids problems of China.

It also discusses both democracy and dictatorship when talking about politics. Although it obviously sings the Kuomintangs national governments praises, it does not shy away from basic political concepts.

Telling positive (shuohao) is not an educational concept but political propaganda. Education in Hong Kong has always emphasized constructing knowledge, not telling positive. Paying undue emphasis on telling positive stories is like saying, look, I am not objective, I am here to wash your brain.

In the new era of national security, where we are all required to learn important speeches of the peoples leader, party stereotypes will create a one-voice learning environment without critical thinking amidst the positive stories as told in Hong Kongs primary and secondary schools. Will we only have Little Pinkies in the next generation?

Optimistically, there may be some Liang Qichao as well. A pioneer of the reform movement in the late Qing dynasty, Liang was originally a high achiever in eight-legged essays, having won the juren degree in the provincial level of imperial examination at the age of 16.

It was only when he met Kang Youwei, a master of both Confucian classics and new Western learning, whose knowledge was like the sound of the tide of the sea and the roar of a lion, that Liang finally realized that what he had been complacent about was only hundreds of years of useless old learning.

Then he resigned from the Xuehai Tang, an elitist traditional school, and enrolled in Kangs Hall of Ten Thousand Trees (Wanmu caotang). Liangs prolific writings brought wisdom and modernity to the Chinese.

I hope that Liangs in the future will restore the peoples wisdom one day.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Test tubes labelled "Monkeypox virus positive and negative" in a photo illustration taken on May 23, 2022. (Dado Ruvic/Reuters)

Canada Confirms 681 Monkeypox Cases As WHO Declares Global Emergency

A total of 681 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed across five provinces in Canada, while the numbers are expected to rise as the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern amid the global virus outbreak.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said in a July 23 statement that it is coordinating with provinces, territories, and the international community in response to the situation.

PHAC continues to work closely with international, provincial and territorial health partners to gather information on this evolving outbreak and to assess the possible risk of exposure of the monkeypox virus in Canada, the statement said.

Canada will continue to work with the WHO and international partners to strengthen the global response to the current monkeypox outbreak.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic infectious disease usually found in parts of Central and West Africa that can also infect humans in rare cases. Its transmission is usually associated with exposure to infected animals or contaminated materials, according to a statement issued by PHAC on May 19.

The first two cases of monkeypox ever reported in Canada were identified in Quebec in May. By June 10, a total of 112 confirmed cases were identified in four provinces, namely Quebec, Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia.

Since July 1, we have also seen a doubling of cases to date, the first case in a female, and the first cases in Saskatchewan, PHAC said.

Emergency Declaration Lacks Consensus

On July 23, the WHO declared the monkeypox outbreak a global emergency, saying there are now more than 16,000 reported cases across 75 countries and territories.

A global emergency is the WHOs highest level of alert but the designation does not necessarily mean a disease is particularly transmissible or lethal.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the decision on calling monkeypox a global emergency despite a lack of consensus among experts on the U.N. health agencys emergency committee, saying he acted as a tiebreaker.

It was the first time a U.N. health agency chief has unilaterally made such a decision without an expert recommendation.

We have an outbreak that has spread around the world rapidly, through new modes of transmission, about which we understand too little, and which meets the criteria in the International Health Regulations, he said in a July 23 statement.

I know this has not been an easy or straightforward process, and that there are divergent views among the members.

PHAC said over 70,000 doses of Imvamune, a Health Canada-approved vaccine recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization against monkeypox, have been distributed to provinces and territories by the federal government to date.

To limit the spread of the virus, the federal health agency recommended staying home and limiting contact with others should a person develop symptoms.

Other recommendations include avoiding close physical contact with someone who is infected with or may have been exposed to the virus, maintaining good hand hygiene, and cleaning high-touch surfaces.

PHAC will continue to provide regular public updates as new information becomes available, the federal agency said.

Andrew Chen and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Canada has implemented new restrictions on agriculture, under the banner of fighting climate change. Farmers argue this would be similar to the same fertilizer ban implemented in the Netherlands, which is predicted to force many farms out of business. And similar to the Netherlands, protests in Canada are already brewing.

Meanwhile, The New York Times is offering a potential solution to rising food costs and climate change: cannibalism. They also point to new industries where people can grow meat using their own DNA.

And in other news, we speak with Sen. Josh Hawley about recent allegations of him running away from the Capitol on Jan. 6 in the legacy news.

In this live Q&A with Crossroads host Joshua Philipp, well discuss these stories and others, and answer questions from the audience.

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An inspiring documentary about a familys defiant quest for justice in the face of overwhelming evil

Not Rated | 1h20m | Documentary | 2020

In 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime ordered the eradication of the meditation practice known as Falun Gong. What is so insidious about the subsequent roundup, torture, and murder of thousands of the movements practitioners is that Falun Gong is an entirely peaceful practice with no political agendas.

Director Kay Rubaceks recent documentary Finding Courage details the history of Falun Gong, as well as the story of one familys involvement in this traditional, spiritual movement.

The documentary begins by interviewing various people who used to be a part of the CCP machineincluding a former prison labor camp director, secret police officer, and judge. As they explain, when the CCP came to power in 1949, it quickly established itself as a highly totalitarian, single-party dictatorship with a one perspective, one belief principle that everyone was (and still is) expected to follow.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) ruling China with an iron fist in Finding Courage. (Swoop Films)

Introduced next is Yifei Wang, a former journalist who also used to work for the CCP (many CCP party members used to practice Falun Gong before it was outlawed), as she celebrated New Years with her loved ones in San Francisco, California. She explains that most of her friends and family who live in the United States cant return to China because of their Falun Gong affiliation. However, her husband Gordon can since he is a high-profile journalist for the state with many high-ranking friends, and knows how to work the system.

Unfortunately, although he was able to keep Yifei out of the clutches of the CCP during their time in China, he couldnt help her sister Kefei. Yifei recounts the fateful day that Kefei bravely traveled to Beijing to try to appeal to the authorities there to stop the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.

Yifei soon joined her sister in Beijing and both of them proceeded to unfurl banners that read Falun Gong is Good, which was typical of many protesters there. They were quickly surrounded by police, beaten to the ground, and taken away to be incarcerated in one of the many jails holding other protestors.

Yifei Wang (L) and her brother Leo in Finding Courage. (Swoop Films)

At the end of it all, while Yifei managed to get out of jail, her sister was taken away to a labor camp where she was tortured to death. Meanwhile, Yifeis brother Leo was also taken away to prison. His horrible crime? Printing peace-based fliers for Falun Gong.

As a notorious Gestapo-style national security agency called the 610 Office was set up to destroy Falun Gong, all of the state-run media outlets repeated the same message over and over againthat Falun Gong practitioners either exhibited aggressive behavior toward others, or were determined to hurt themselves.

Although Yifei wanted to stay in China with her father in order to keep protesting, he wanted her to travel to the United States and live there. She eventually agreed, knowing that it would only be a matter of time before she was captured by the police. They both figured shed be able to better tell her story from relative safety and fight for justice against the CCP.

Yifeis husband Gordon in Finding Courage. (Swoop Films)

Midway through the film, there is a dramatic turn of events as Gordon begins covertly filming his clandestine forays into areas in China that might lead to finding Kefeis remains. Although he is known to authorities as a non-practitioner of Falun Gong, he is also using his position as a journalist to find evidence of the CCPs wrongdoing. Will he be able to keep his investigations a secret?

The film can be tough to watch in places, especially when learning what practitioners of Falun Gong were subjected to, but its also filled with hope. Although Yifeis family experienced incredible trauma at the hands of the CCP, they still seek to expose the regime, while simultaneously healing their accumulated, collective scars. Their journey is an inspiring one that is ultimately uplifting.

In the end, Finding Courage is not only an amazing real-life tale about the triumph of the human spirit in the face of enormous cruelty and evil, but it also serves as an expose on the inherent problems of communism.

Finding Courage

Director: Kay Rubacek

Running Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Release Date: Sep. 18, 2020

Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Ian Kane is a filmmaker and author. To learn more, visit iankanebooks.com/or contact him on Instagram @dreamflightent.

Watch on Epoch Cinemavisit the link here.



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A man works in a filling station of Sinopec, China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation, in Shanghai on March 22, 2018. (Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images)

US Sold Nearly 6 Million Barrels of Oil From Reserves to China, Records Show

The Biden administration has sold nearly 6 million barrels of oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve to an entity tied to the Chinese Communist Party, records show.

From September 2021 to July, the Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded three crude oil contracts with a combined value of roughly $464 million to Unipec America, the U.S. trading arm of Chinese state-owned oil company Sinopec, according to a review by The Epoch Times of the DOE documents. A Chinese firm with ties to Hunter Biden had invested in the national oil giant.

The sale would tap 5.9 million barrels in total from the strategic reserve (SPR) to export to the Chinese firm. The latest contract, revealed on July 10, was for 950,000 barrels sold for around $113.5 million.

The two most recent sales to Unipec came out of an emergency drawdown of the U.S. oil stockpile, initiated under President Joe Biden on March 31 in what he said would offset the loss of Russian oil in global markets and tame rising fuel costs at home.

The Unipec contracts have been subject to heavy criticism in recent weeks, especially because of the firms connections to the presidents son. With Americans nationwide still reeling from elevated gas prices, the selling of oil reserves to foreign adversaries such as China is at odds with U.S. energy and security needs, Republican lawmakers and analysts have said.

Biden is draining our strategic reserves at an unprecedented rate. This is an abuse of the SPR, far beyond its intended purpose. Sending U.S. petroleum reserves to foreign adversaries is wrong, and it undermines our national security, Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) told The Epoch Times.

What the United States should do, he says, is to unleash American energy production and ensure that our strategic reserves are stocked and able to meet the demands of a national emergency.

Cars line up to fill up with fuel at a Sinopec service station in Beijing on July 8, 2015. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images)

Unipecs Bids

The oil auction is price-competitive, meaning contracts are awarded to the highest bidder. Unipec, a consistent participant in previous U.S. crude oil sales, secured 1.9 million barrels over the past three months through two contracts it won on April 21 and July 10.

The DOE also sold 4 million barrels to Unipec last fall during a congressionally mandated sale.

Sales to Unipec appear to fall in the lower price range among the successful buyers, a review of DOE contracts by The Epoch Times shows. For the 2021 contract, Unipec paid about $63 for each barrel, about $7 lower than the trading price at the time, and more than $2 short of the highest price from other buyers in the sale.

The April and July purchases cost Unipec $103.30 and $119.50 per barrel, respectively. The highest prices offered, by comparison, were $111.25 and $125.10.

Unprecedented Drawdown

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is the worlds largest supply of emergency crude oil, with four storage sites in Texas and Louisiana designed to alleviate significant oil supply shortages in times of major geopolitical events or natural disasters.

The amount of oil in the SPR has seen a steep decline over the past year, more notably since Biden, blaming Russias Ukraine war for the price hike at the pump, in March ordered a withdrawal at a rate of 1 million barrels per day for six months to curb gas prices. The planned sale of about 180 million barrels marked the biggest drawdown in the reserves more-than-four-decade history and is set to cut the U.S. backup oil supply by about a third.

A maze of crude oil pipes and valves is pictured during a tour by the Department of Energy at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in Freeport, Texas, on June 9, 2016. (Richard Carson/Reuters)

The inventory stood at 474.5 million barrels as of July 22, marking a 34 percent drop from its peak of 726.6 million, and some 90 million lower than the level in late March.

The DOE on May 5 announced a long-term buyback plan to repurchase 60 million barrels in fall through a competitive, fixed-price bid process. The delivery date, the DOE said, will take place in future years when prices are anticipated to be significantly lower, likely after fiscal year 2023. More buybacks would follow after this first tranche of purchases, it added.

But releasing oil reserves at this magnitude carries risks, according to Abhi Rajendran and Robert Johnston, two research scholars on global energy policy at Columbia University. For one, theres no guarantee that oil prices will fall when the government moves to refill the stock. Further, the diminution of oil supply may cause the market to price in a greater premium for wars and other supply shocks, resulting in higher prices for longer, they said in a Q&A on April 1.

Scrutiny

On Capitol Hill, Republican lawmakers have been watching the oil sales with growing alarm. A total of 206 House Republicans voted on July 20 in support of a legislative amendment aimed at preventing the Biden administration from exporting petroleum to entities with Chinese Communist Party ties.

It does not make sense that we are using our already depleted energy supplies to help China build up their own strategic reserves, Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) said in a speech rallying support for the proposal.

China is the worlds largest importer of oil. As the West turns away from Russian oil due to the Ukraine war, China has been quietly snapping up Russian resources at steep discounts. From March through June, it spent more than $25 billion on Russian oil, gas, and coal, nearly doubling the amount from the year-earlier period, the latest customs data show. The sales volume propelled Russia to become Chinas top oil supplier for two straight months from May, displacing Saudi Arabia.

The GOP-led measure was overruled after 219 Democrats in the House unanimously voted against it.

The same day, 20 Republican members on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform wrote (pdf) to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm requesting an immediate briefing and all documents related to the administrations decision to sell U.S. oil reserves. They noted that Sinopec, the parent organization of Unipec, has been linked to the presidents son Hunter Biden, through the state-backed Chinese private equity firm BHR Partners, which became a stakeholder of Sinopec in 2014.

Hunter Biden attends a Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony honoring 17 recipients, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, on July 7, 2022. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Hunter served as a founding board member of BHR from 2013 through April 2020. His firm Skaneateles also held a 10 percent stake in BHR, which his lawyer said has been divested as of November 2021. On BHRs 2021 annual report released in June, however, Skaneateles was still listed as a shareholder.

Hunters lawyer hasnt responded to The Epoch Times questions regarding Skaneateles.

As if Biden couldnt have bungled this energy crisis any more, this latest development of sending our strategic petroleum reserves to a Chinese oil firm connected to Hunter Biden reaches a new low, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), who signed on the letter, told The Epoch Times.

For one, this administration should have never tapped into these reserves. Second, these reserves should have never left U.S. shores, and third, the U.S. shouldnt be doing deals with firms connected to the presidents son, he said, adding that the Biden familys continued compromising actions require strict oversight from Congress.

Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), the ranking GOP member of the House Oversight Committee who spearheaded the letter, noted that previous inquiries by Republicans to the DOE about the oil sale had gone unanswered.

Under no circumstances should the Department of Energy be making decisions which financially benefit Hunter Biden or any of the Biden familys business partners, he told The Epoch Times.

If Administration officials continue to ignore meaningful oversight, Republicans will use the gavel to get answers in January, Comer said, in reference to the expected swing to a Republican majority in the House in the November midterm elections, which would hand GOP lawmakers subpoena power as chairpersons of the chambers various committees.

The American people need answers to determine if this is another attempt by the Biden family to peddle access to the highest levels of government to enrich themselves.

Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), who also backed the Oversight Committee request, said the sale demonstrates the current administrations rank incompetence.

The Biden White House obviously didnt see a problem with loading millions of barrels from our strategic reserves onto tankers bound for foreign countries, which likely explains why they dont see a problem selling our emergency crude oil to a Chinese gas company with ties to Hunter Bidens investment firm, he told The Epoch Times.

White House Pushes Back

Ian Sams, a special assistant to Biden and spokesman for the White House Counsels Office, responded to the Republican claims on July 22, calling them ridiculous and false.

The DOE is required by law to sell it in a competitive auction to the highest bidder, regardless of whether that bidder is a foreign company, he told Fox News, noting that the Trump administration, in 2017, also sold a half-million barrels of crude oil from the reserve to Chinas state-run PetroChina International through the same competitive bidding process.

U.S. President Joe Biden announces the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day for the next six months from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, as part of administration efforts to lower gasoline prices, during remarks in the Eisenhower Executive Office Buildings South Court Auditorium at the White House in Washington, on March 31, 2022. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Sams also stressed that Biden had no personal involvement in this process whatsoever.

But Samss statement may not have presented the full picture, according to Daniel Turner, founder and executive director of Power the Future, a nonprofit group advocating for energy workers.

The White House has pushed back as saying we have sold in the past to the communist Chinese. And that is true. We sold when our SPR was nearly full and oil was not at record highest and the world was at relative peace, he told The Epoch Times. Times change, and thanks to this president, they have not just changed but become worse, and our policies must change with them.

DOE officials didnt respond by press time to a request by The Epoch Times about its buyback plan and Republican lawmakers concerns.
Retailers say facial recognition technology where the camera scans your face and is mapped back to a database is used to 'combat criminal activity.' (Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Consumer Group Reveals Where to Shop to Avoid Facial Recognition Technology

Major Australian supermarkets and department stores, including David Jones, Target, The Good Guys, and Rebel, have vowed to steer clear of facial recognition technology with no plans to introduce it.

Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Target and Big W, among others, have all told us that they arent using this highly controversial technology in their stores and dont plan to, consumer data advocate Kate Bower said.

We know the community is really worried about the use of facial recognition, with some describing it as creepy and invasive, she said.

A survey of over 16,000 people conducted by consumer group Choice in July 2022 revealed that 80 percent wanted budget retailer Kmart and hardware chain Bunnings to stop harvesting their personal data during their shop.

Unfortunately, both Bunnings and Kmart continue to use facial recognition technology on customers at a number of their stores, Bower said.

The fact that so many other major Australian retailers arent using facial recognition is a clear sign that Bunnings and Kmart should immediately reconsider their decision.

Australias privacy watchdog, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, has begun an investigation into the personal information handling practices following CHOICEs complaint.

While Bunnings has refused to back down, Kmart and The Good Guys have paused the use of facial recognition technology in some of their stores while the commissioner investigates.

The findings mischaracterise the hardware stores use of facial recognition, Bunnings CEO Simon McDowell said, which is mainly for preventing theft and abusive behaviour towards staff and customers.

We let customers know if the technology is in use through signage at our store entrances and also in our privacy policy, which is available via the homepage of our website, McDowell said.

The privacy policy on their website states that images from facial recognition software are used for preventing theft, fraud and store safety purposes without going into detail or specifics about how the data is managed.

Lack of Consent

Bower said team members visited stores to investigate and found Kmart and Bunnings had installed minimal signage to warn customers that they were subject to data collectionpotentially putting the companies in breach of privacy laws.

The Privacy Act requires retailers to only collect sensitive biometric information that is reasonably necessary for a stores function, and the individual has to actively give consent.

Professor of media studies at Monash University Mark Andrejevic said a small sign at the store entrance does not indicate consent.

The concern is notice and consent; its not in highly visible forms of public notification that would invite people to understand whats taking place, he said.

The other major retailers skipping out on facial recognition technology are Myer, Officeworks, Macpac, BCF, Supercheap Auto, Dan Murphys, BWS, Liquorland, First Choice, and Vintage Cellars.
Dr. Paul Alexander, an expert in evidence-based medicine, research methodology, and clinical epidemiology, in New York on July 7, 2022. (Qiu Bao/The Epoch Times)

COVID-19 Injections May Damage Young Childrens Innate Immune Systems: Dr. Paul Alexander

COVID-19 injections may damage the innate immune system in children from properly developing and functioning, according to epidemiologist and researcher Paul Alexander.

People are born with an innate immune system, which is the bodys first line of defense against the many pathogens they encounter.

Alexander says that while the innate immune system in young children is broadly effective and potent, it is still antigenically naive, and it is exposure to germs and foreign substances that helps train their innate immune system to function.

The children have a window of opportunity to train the innate immune system properly, and principally, theyre trying to train the innate antibodies and the innate NK [natural killer] cells, Alexander told EpochTVs American Thought Leaders program. They get that training, those cells of the innate immune system, get training by the exposure to a pathogen.

Why the training of the antibodies is so key is because in that period of time in young childhood, once the innate immune antibodies and the innate immune system can be trained and you allow it to be trained, it functions, he added.

This training may be disrupted when children are administered the messenger RNA shots based on the initial virus strain. That is because the vaccine antibodies are highly specific in targeting the spike protein and prevent the innate antibodies from doing their job.

The vaccinal antibodies would bind to the spike antigen, [and] first block the innate antibodies from its functional capacity, which is binding, Alexander said.

He also says that proper training helps the immune system differentiate a normal cell from a non-self pathogen. If the immune system is not able to do that, it can lead to autoimmune disease as a result of the immune system attacking the body.

So it is absolutely critical that the innate immune system, and particularly the innate antibodies very early on in childhood, be allowed this training, he said.

Strong Innate Immunity

A diagram of the bodys immune system. (NIH/screenshot via The Epoch Times)

Without being vaccinated, healthy children are able to eliminate and sterilize the virus to prevent infection, replication, and transmission, Alexander says. That is why children, for the most part, do not show any symptoms or have mild symptoms, especially against the Omicron variant that is dominant in the United States and other countries.

Children come with this innate immune system, its their first line of defense  That is critical and that is why young people, normally young children, do so well against pathogen[s] and they survive in the environment, not having a copious number of years of existence, theyve not had exposure to a bunch of stuff, to pathogen. Yet, they bump up against these things in the environment and they do well, Alexander said.

Studies have shown that children have a robust innate immune system that can effectively eliminate the virus.

In September 2020, researchers compared blood samples from pediatric (children and youths younger than 24 years old) and adult COVID-19 patients to try to understand why children had milder disease compared to adults. They found that the pediatric group had certain proteins (IFN-gamma and interleukin-17A) that were not present in the adult cohorts. These proteins play important roles in the innate immune response.

The same researchers provided evidence in a different study in April 2021 on why children fared better when infected with the virus, saying that it was because childrens innate immune response stopped the virus in its tracks before it had a chance to spread.

The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation Insight, involved 27 adults and 12 children who tested positive for COVID-19 at Montefiore Medical Centers emergency department. The authors found that, compared to adults, children had larger quantities of genes associated with immune cells, including several proteins secreted by immune cells.

None of the children in the study required oxygen, whereas seven adults did and four adults died.

Data also show that the immune system in infants is a vigilant establishment that is flexible and can respond to many stimulants.

The authors of a 2018 study wrote that mounting evidence supports the concept that infantile immunity is in fact a highly regulated, but intellect, orchestrated, functional, and dynamic network of competent molecular and cellular components.

This wakeful immune scheme plays pivotal roles in protecting the growing and developing infants from pathologic conditions (e.g., inflammatory situations) as well as providing adequate and appropriate defense against infections by promoting immature or deviant to highly mature responses, they added.

The Push for Vaccination

Although children are generally at low risk for severe disease when they contract the virus and have a robust innate immunity to fight it, health authorities say that children as young as 6 months are recommended for the COVID-19 vaccines.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorized and recommended the shots for young children last month although the CDCs own data and several other studies indicated that the vaccinated were more likely to get infected with COVID-19, including Pfizers clinical trial in children (pdf).

The FDA also stated in a press release on June 17 that the estimate of the efficacy of the Pfizer vaccine was unreliable due to the low number of COVID-19 cases that occurred in study participants, which was based on 10 cases, three in the vaccinated and seven in the unvaccinated.

A screenshot of the Pfizer data submitted to the FDA on how many COVID-19 cases occurred following vaccination in children 6 to 23 months. (FDA/Screenshot by The Epoch Times)

Alexander says that a governmental health authority that makes a recommendation for vaccination based on a small number of events is concerning and says that there is no data to support vaccinating very young children.

We know from a scientific point of view, a methodological point of view, that that is a red flag for high risk of overestimating the treatment effect, Alexander said. We dont make policy decisions or any kind of decision on two events or three events in a study.

Theres so much uncertainty in terms of what is beneficial or not. And we found when you read the submission, you see that at some point, they reported that children who got multiple infections of COVID were vaccinated. Thats a red flag. We also read that the children who got the most severe adverse events were vaccinated, he added.

The Danish health authority is taking a different course from the CDC, as it put out guidance in June 2022 that children aged 5 to 17 would not be offered primary vaccination, acknowledging that children only very rarely have a serious course of COVID-19. The vaccine would only be administered after specific medical assessment.

Risk-Benefit Analysis Has Changed

Real-world data from Singapore shows that nearly two dozen children suffered serious adverse events from an mRNA shot.

A new study from Singapore examining the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine against Omicron in over 250,000 children aged 5 to 11 between January to April 2022 found that 288 children were hospitalized and 22 suffered a serious adverse reaction to the vaccine.

A serious adverse reaction, according to the Singaporean Health Sciences Authority (pdf), is if it results in hospitalization or an extended hospital stay, a significant reduction in disability or functioning level, a life-threatening illness or death, birth defects, or a medically important event.

A 2-year-old receives her first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination from a nurse while being held by her mother, at UW Medical Center  Roosevelt in Seattle, Wash., on June 21, 2022. (David Ryder/Getty Images)

Of the 288 hospitalized children, five were given supplemental oxygen. And of the five on oxygen, four were admitted to the intensive care unit, two were fully vaccinated, two were partially vaccinated, and one was unvaccinated. No deaths were attributed to COVID-19.

In terms of admission to intensive care, theres no evidence here that vaccination provides protection, theres no evidence that vaccination provides protection against oxygenation here, John Campbell, a retired nurse educator said in a video on July 21.

The authors of the study did not give more information on the adverse events other than mentioning that 22 children (0.005 percent of all doses administered) experienced them.

The risk of adverse events is roughly more than four times the risk of the child requiring oxygenation or indeed being admitted to intensive care, Campbell said, adding that the risk-benefit analysis has changed.

Prolonging Pandemic

Vaccinologist and virologist Geert Vanden Bossche claimed in early 2021 that the mass vaccination of people during a pandemic would likely drive the propagation of more infectious variants of the original strain of the virus, thus prolonging the pandemic.

I mean, in their own right [the vaccines] are of course excellent, but to use them in the midst of a pandemic and do mass vaccination. Because then you provide, within a very short period of time, the population with high antibody titers so the virus comes under enormous pressure, Bossche said in an interview in March 2021.

That wouldnt matter if you can eradicate the fire, if you can prevent infection, but these vaccines dont prevent infection, they protect against disease.

The vaccines initially provided over 90 percent protection against symptomatic infection, but after the emergence of Omicron, they became less than 50 percent effective against infection after a short period of time, even after booster doses.

Alexander states that with the continued administration of mRNA vaccines that produce non-neutralizing antibodies that cant eliminate the virus and stop transmission, the pandemic will not end.

In other words, if you keep vaccinating with these vaccines, you can never ever stop this pandemic. This pandemic can go on for 100 years, it will never end. And what were seeing is, its infectious variant after infectious variant, more infectious, each iteration that is coming is more infectious. So its a terrible situation, he said.

For the pandemic to end, Alexander explains that herd immunity must be reached, and to get to herd immunity, you need to cut the chain of transmission.

The FDA, the CDC, Pfizer, and Moderna did not reply to The Epoch Times request for comment.

Meiling Lee Follow Meiling Lee is a health reporter for The Epoch Times.
Expert warns that there is credible evidence that the COVID shots may cross-react with syncytin and reproductive genes in sperm, ova and placenta in ways that might impair reproductive outcomes. We could potentially be sterilizing an entire generation.

Many countries are now reporting sudden declines in live birth rates, including Germany, the U.K., Taiwan, Hungary and Sweden. In the five countries with the highest COVID jab uptake, fertility has dropped by an average of 15.2%, whereas the five countries with the lowest COVID jab uptake have seen an average decline of just 4.66%

Miscarriages, fetal deaths and stillbirths have also risen after the rollout of the COVID shots. In November 2021, Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), delivered 13 stillborn babies in a 24-hour period, and all of the mothers had received the COVID jab

Other recent research has found the Pfizer COVID jab impairs semen concentration and motile count in men for about three months

According to one recent investigation, 42% of women with regular menstrual cycles said they bled more heavily than usual after vaccination; 39% of those on gender-affirming hormone treatments reported breakthrough bleeding, as did 71% of women on long-acting contraceptives and 66% of postmenopausal women

The first COVID shots rolled out in December 2020, and it didnt take long before doctors and scientists started warning of possible reproductive effects, as the jab may cross-react with syncytin and reproductive genes in sperm, ova and placenta in ways that might impair reproduction

The first COVID shots rolled out in December 2020, and it didnt take long before doctors and scientists started warning of possible reproductive effects.

Among them were Janci Chunn Lindsay, Ph.D., director of toxicology and molecular biology for Toxicology Support Services LLC, who in April 2021 submitted a public comment1 to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), highlighting the high potential for adverse effects on fertility.

I previously interviewed Lindsay in 2021. That article is not updated with the new information, but the interview (above) is a good primer for the information she shares below. In many ways, she predicted what we are now observing.

She stressed theres credible evidence that the COVID shots may cross-react with syncytin and reproductive genes in sperm, ova and placenta in ways that might impair reproductive outcomes. We could potentially be sterilizing an entire generation, she warned.

Lindsay also pointed out that reports of significant menstrual irregularities and vaginal hemorrhaging in women who received the injections by then already numbered in the thousands, and that this too was a safety signal that should not be ignored.

4 in 10 COVID-Jabbed Women Report Menstrual Irregularities

As it turns out, early reports of menstrual irregularities were not a fluke. More recent investigations have confirmed that, indeed, many women experience menstrual irregularities after the shots. As reported by NBC News in mid-July 2022:2

An analysis3 published Friday in the journal Science Advances found that 42% of people with regular menstrual cycles said they bled more heavily than usual after vaccination. Meanwhile, 44% reported no change and around 14% reported a lighter period.

Among nonmenstruating people  those post-menopause or who use certain long-term contraceptives, for example  the study suggests many experienced breakthrough or unexpected bleeding after their COVID shots.

Other categories of people reporting abnormal breakthrough bleeding included 39% of those on gender-affirming hormone treatments, 71% of women on long-acting contraceptives and 66% of postmenopausal women.4

Older women, those who used hormonal contraception, had been pregnant previously, or had diagnoses of endometriosis, fibroids or polycystic ovarian syndrome were more likely to experience heavier bleeding than normal after their shots.

Are Menstrual Irregularities Inconsequential?

Its worth noting that the COVID trials did not ask female participants about their menses, and didnt collect any data on reproductive impacts. Yet, despite this clear lack of data collection, the official narrative is that everything is fine  the shots are safe and wont impact fertility.

Just how do they know? They dont, and thats what makes such claims so egregious. Making matters worse, media reporting these findings continue to insist that post-jab menstrual irregularities are normal and not a sign that reproductive capacity is being impacted. For example, Science writes:5

Clarifying the issue is vital. Its important to know about, says Victoria Male, a reproductive immunologist at Imperial College London. Lets say you got the vaccine and the next day you felt really dreadful the way some people do.

If you hadnt been informed of the chance of fever, muscle aches, and other effects that quickly dissipate, you would be really worried, she said. Illuminating the chance of menstrual irregularities and confirming they arent a health risk also helps combat widespread misinformation that COVID-19 vaccines impair fertility, Male and others say.

Again, no one knows whether the shots affect fertility or not for the simple fact that it hasnt been studied. No study means no data, which means no knowledge. Its that simple. Any claims to the contrary are based on pure guesswork, and guessing is not science.

And, while a womans menstrual cycle can fluctuate, abrupt changes have historically not been brushed off as inconsequential. On the contrary, suddenly abnormal menses has been listed as a potential sign of things like:6,7,8

Uterine and/or cervical cancer

Bleeding disorders

Thyroid dysfunction and/or pituitary disorders affecting your hormonal balance

Infection and/or disease

Perimenopause

Menstrual Cycle Length Is Also Affected

Research9 published April 1, 2022, in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, also found an association between the COVID jab and changes in menstrual cycle length. The change was small  about one day shorter than pre-injection after the second dose  and was not deemed to be of any great concern. Still, in my mind, the change indicates that something is happening. The question is what?

Infection Can Suppress Ovarian Function

Some investigators have suggested the menstrual irregularities seen in female COVID patients and the COVID-jabbed alike may be attributed to an immune response to the spike protein.

Back in January 2021, a Chinese study10 published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online found that 28% of unvaccinated women of reproductive age diagnosed with COVID-19 had a change in the length of their cycle, 19% had prolonged cycles and 25% had a change in menstrual blood volume.

The researchers hypothesized that the menstruation changes of these patients might be the consequence of transient sex hormone changes caused by a temporary suppression of ovarian function during infection.

Dr. Natalie Crawford, a fertility specialist, has suggested that the menstrual irregularities seen in female COVID-19 patients may be linked to a cellular immunity response, and since the COVID shot instructs your body to make the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which your immune system then responds to, the effects of the jab may be similar to the natural infection.11 In a 2021 BMJ editorial, Male, quoted by Science above, presented a similar view:12

Menstrual changes have been reported after both mRNA and adenovirus vectored COVID-19 vaccines, suggesting that, if there is a connection, it is likely to be a result of the immune response to vaccination rather than a specific vaccine component. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) has also been associated with menstrual changes.

 Biologically plausible mechanisms linking immune stimulation with menstrual changes include immunological influences on the hormones driving the menstrual cycle or effects mediated by immune cells in the lining of the uterus, which are involved in the cyclical build-up and breakdown of this tissue. Research exploring a possible association between COVID-19 vaccines and menstrual changes may also help understand the mechanism.

That doesnt mean menstrual irregularities are of no consequence, though. After all, it appears were dealing with a manmade virus, and the mRNA in the shot that programs for spike protein production is genetically engineered on top of that.

Perhaps this is why a greater percentage of women report menstrual irregularities following the COVID jab, compared to the percentage of women who experience irregularities following natural infection?

It may also be worth looking into the parallels between the blood clotting disorders reported  both in some COVID-19 cases and post-COVID-19 jab  and Von Willebrand disease,13 a chronic condition that prevents normal blood clotting, thus resulting in excessively heavy periods.

Miscarriages, Fetal Deaths and Stillbirths Have Skyrocketed

Menstrual irregularities arent the only safety signal. Miscarriages, fetal deaths and stillbirths have also risen after the rollout of the COVID shots. In November 2021, Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), delivered an astonishing 13 stillborn babies in a 24-hour period, and all of the mothers had received the COVID jab.14

In a typical month, there may be one stillborn baby at the hospital, making 13 stillbirths in 24 hours highly unusual. Scotland has also experienced an unusual rise in infant death rates. During September 2021, at least 21 babies under 4 weeks old died  a rate of 4.9 per 1,000 births. Historically, the average death rate among newborns in Scotland is about 2 per 1,000 births.15

Yet, despite stillbirths going up after the introduction of the COVID jabs  as opposed to rising beforehand  studies linking stillbirths to SARS-CoV-2 infection have been used to encourage pregnant women to get the shot.16

So, basically, its been discovered that the infection itself can cause stillbirth (and we know the spike protein of the virus is the part that causes most of the problems), yet they want you to believe that the spike protein produced by the shot will somehow have a protective impact on pregnancy.

This line of reasoning falls apart even further when you consider that scientists are now saying post-jab menstrual irregularities are likely due to immune responses that arise in response to both the virus and the jab. If thats true, then why would the COVID shot not also be able to cause stillbirths to the same or greater degree than the virus?

There Are No Data to Support COVID Jab for Pregnant Women

Health officials are adamant that pregnant women get a COVID-19 injection, but the data dont support its safety. The CDC-sponsored study17 published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) that was widely used to support the U.S. recommendation for pregnant women to get injected was corrected in October 2021, with the correction stating:18

In the table footnotes, the following content should have been appended to the double dagger footnote:

No denominator was available to calculate a risk estimate for spontaneous abortions, because at the time of this report, follow-up through 20 weeks was not yet available for 905 of the 1224 participants vaccinated within 30 days before the first day of the last menstrual period or in the first trimester. Furthermore, any risk estimate would need to account for gestational week-specific risk of spontaneous abortion.'

COVID Jab Affects Male Fertility Too

Other recent research19,20 has found the Pfizer COVID jab also temporarily impairs semen concentration and motile count in men. As noted by the authors:21

The development of COVID-19 vaccinations represents a notable scientific achievement. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised regarding their possible detrimental impact on male fertility 

Thirty-seven SD [semen donors] from three sperm banks that provided 216 samples were included in that retrospective longitudinal multicenter cohort study. BNT162b2 vaccination included two doses, and vaccination completion was scheduled 7 days after the second dose.

The study included four phases: T0  pre-vaccination baseline control, which encompassed 12 initial samples per SD; T1, T2 and T3  short, intermediate, and long terms evaluations, respectively. Each included 1-3 semen samples per donor provided 15-45, 75-125 and over 145 days after vaccination completion, respectively 

Repetitive measurements revealed 15.4% sperm concentration decrease on T2 (CI 25.5%-3.9%, p = 0.01) leading to total motile count 22.1% reduction (CI 35%  6.6%, p = 0.007) compared to T0.

Similarly, analysis of first semen sample only and samples mean per donor resulted in concentration and total motile count (TMC) reductions on T2 compared to T0  median decline of 12 million/ml and 31.2 million motile spermatozoa, respectively  on first sample evaluation and median decline of 9.5  106 and 27.3 million motile spermatozoa  on samples mean examination. T3 evaluation demonstrated overall recovery without 

This longitudinal study focused on SD demonstrates selective temporary sperm concentration and TMC deterioration 3 months after vaccination followed by later recovery verified by diverse statistical analyses.

As with womens menstrual problems, the authors blame these adverse effects in men on a systemic immune response to the COVID shot. However, while they claim mens reproductive capacity will recover in about three months, this could still be a tremendous problem.

Remember, the mRNA shots are recommended at three-month intervals for the original series, and boosters are now being recommended at varying intervals thereafter. If you destroy a mans sperm for three months every time he gets a COVID shot, youre significantly reducing the probability of him fathering a child for a good part of any given year.

Massive Depopulation Underway

Whether accidental or intentional, the fact of the matter is that were now seeing an abrupt drop in live births along with an equally sudden rise in excess deaths among adults. The end result will be a reduction in the global population.

That seems inevitable at this point, and the timing of these trends correspond with the release of these experimental COVID gene transfer injections. For example, Germany recently released data showing a 10% decline in birth rate during the first quarter of 2022.22

The live birth rate graph for Sweden looks much the same:23,24

Other countries are also seeing unexpected birth rate reductions, nine months after the start of the mass vaccination campaign against COVID. Between January and April 2022, Switzerlands birth rate was 15% lower than expected, the U.K.s was down by 10% and Taiwans was down 23%.25,26,27

In the five countries with the highest COVID jab uptake, fertility has dropped by an average of 15.2%, whereas the five countries with the lowest COVID jab uptake have seen an average reduction of just 4.66%.

In a July 5, 2022, Counter Signal article, Mike Campbell reported concerns expressed by Hungarian MP Duro Dora during a Parliamentary speech:28

In January this year, something happened that has not happened for decades. The birth rate fell by 20% compared to the same period last year. And what is even more worrying is that the fertility has also fallen  something not seen since 2011 

[A] researcher at the KRTK Institute of Economics points out that this drastic decline came just nine months after the COVID mass vaccinations began in Hungary.

After looking into further, Campbell discovered that in the five countries with the highest COVID jab uptake, fertility has dropped by an average of 15.2%, whereas the five countries with the lowest COVID jab uptake have seen an average reduction of just 4.66%.

The U.S. is also showing signs of a drop in live births. Provisional data from North Dakota shows a 10% decline in February 2022, 13% reduction in March and an 11% reduction in April, compared to the corresponding months in 2021.29 Below is a chart from Birth Gauge30 on Twitter comparing live birth data for 2021 and 2022 in a large number of countries.

Take Responsibility for Your Health

At this time, women are not being warned about the risks for miscarriage, menstrual irregularities and the potential for fertility problems and stillbirths, even though all of these safety signals are glaringly obvious. As obstetrician-gynecologist specialist, Dr. James Thorp, told The Epoch Times in April 2022:31

Ive seen many, many, many complications in pregnant women, in moms and in fetuses, in children, offspring, fetal death, miscarriage, death of the fetus inside the mom What Ive seen in the last two years is unprecedented.

Tragically, doctors are under a worldwide gag order. They steer patients away from the COVID shot at the risk of losing their medical license. This puts patients in an incredibly risky situation, as most rely on their doctors to tell them the truth. Few expect doctors to lie or hide life saving information from them simply to protect their own career. So, were in unprecedented times in more ways than one.

What this means is that you have no choice, really, but to do your own research and gauge the risks as best you can. There are tons of data out there  data that the mainstream media wont touch, and if they do, they still insist adverse events arent a sign of danger. In such situations, you simply have to put on your thinking cap and think it through for yourself.

As of July 15, 2022, the U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) had logged 1,350,947 adverse event reports following the COVID jab, including 29,635 deaths,32 and theres evidence that reports are being deleted from the system by the thousands. You can learn more about that in Thousands of Deaths and Adverse Reactions Deleted From VAERS.

The safety signals coming from the COVID jabs exceed anything else in medical history. No drug or vaccine has ever been associated with as many injuries and deaths, including harm to the unborn.

At this point, it appears were looking at a certain depopulation event. The question then is, are you willing to accept the risks? Are you willing to risk your fertility, even if only temporarily? Are you willing to risk the life of your baby? Are you willing to risk your own? If not, the answer is simple. Dont take the jab, and if youve already taken one or two (or three), never take another.

Originally published July 25, 2022 on Mercola.com
Humans are tied to the cycle of seasons. Sunlight is only one of the essential connections we overlook.(Rido/Shutterstock)

Daylight Saving or Daylight Robbery?

Commentary

The European Parliament voted on March 26, 2019, to phase out the twice-yearly ritual of changing the clock in the European Union (EU). The vote, if implemented, would overturn the present directive on summertime arrangements.

Daniel Boffey, reporting on this vote, said that member states would then be able to choose whether to remain on permanent summer or permanent winter time under the draft directive, which passed by 410 votes to 192.

Daylight Saving Time (DST) remains a contentious issue, not just in the EU but throughout the world. DST is used in 70 countries worldwide, but most of these are now revisiting the wisdom of this arrangement.

In the United States, the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021, passed by the U.S. Senate on March 15, envisages making DST a permanent feature of the country, thereby eliminating the need to change the clock every year. The law, scheduled to come into effect in November 2023, would still need to be passed by the House of Representatives.

In the EU, the start of DST begins with the clock moving one hour forward on the last Sunday of March and ends in October. In Australia, DST is observed in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria, where it starts in October and ends in April.

Why It Began

The argument in favour of switching to DST is that it provides more daylight during the summer months.

DST is a godsend for the tourism industry because visitors have a longer day in bright daylight to visit their preferred destinations. It also allows for children to play outside longer, thereby offering them a healthier lifestyle.

However, country people, especially farmers, may dislike daylight saving because they would need to start their farm work later and potentially finish later to look after their animals and crops.

This photo shows sheep feeding on lush grass near the rural city of Tamworth in New South Wales, Australia, on May 4, 2020. (Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images)

DST, as opposed to Standard Time, was an invention of the First World War when both the United Kingdom and Germany adopted it to save on the cost of coal. After the war, the practice was discontinued, only to be resurrected in the 1980s to save on spiralling oil costs.

The European Parliaments vote to end the ritual of changing time twice every year empowers the EU Member States to choose either DST or Standard Time as a permanent fixture. This choice may yet divide the EU because there is a constant shifting of responsibility for the implementation of the vote from the European Council, consisting of the heads of state and governments, to the Commission, which is the executive branch.

Indeed, the bureaucratic wrangles associated with abolishing the twice-yearly clock-changing event frustrate the efforts of those who want to implement the proposed changes.

But the inability, or unwillingness, to deal with this issue may also be a consequence of the EUs priorities which, since the parliaments vote in 2019, have been the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and dealing with the tribulations surrounding Brexit.

Side Effects

More importantly, as already observed, the vote only ends the twice-yearly changing of the clock, but it does not impose either DST (summertime) or Standard Time (winter time) on the Member States.

If DST is chosen as the permanent solution, current objections against it would still exist and could be amplified. If instead, Standard Time is selected, the effect on the tourism industry could be devastating, and the effects on energy use would inevitably be reconsidered.

The demise of the twice-yearly ritual was based on scientific studies that revealed the physical and psychological side effects of switching between DST (summertime) and Standard Time (winter time).

Among these are reduced worker productivity, an increase in the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and strokes caused by irregular biological cycles, and even an increase in the number of traffic incidents due to seasonal depression.

The evidence also indicates that Standard Time leads to increased levels of depression, quite apart from its impact on greater energy usage.

While some of these research results seem farfetched, contradictory, and even counterintuitive, DST may well be inconvenient for some people. However, the view that DST creates substantial physical and psychological problems seems exaggerated.

Disturbing a persons biological clock can result in unintended consequences. (Pormezz/Adobe Stock)

But the changing of the clock has indeed created an administrative nightmare in countries like Australia, where some states observe DST and others stick to Standard Time. For example, airlines that have to schedule interstate transportation are severely challenged by the different time zones and the potential chaos caused by switching between DST and Standard Time.

Also, travellers and businesspeople need to be constantly alert to the time changes to ensure they do not miss their meetings.

For or Against

Those who favour DST for the purpose of enjoying longer daylight hours may well see the European Parliaments vote as a potential threat. For them, the permanent installation of Standard Time would rob them of daylight.

In this context, it is instructive to remind this readership of the expression daylight robbery. Nowadays, it indicates that something is excessively and unfairly expensive for no good reason. But the origins of the expression are more interesting because it refers to the fact of depriving people of daylight.

To rob a person of daylight is a figure of speech that came to be used in the 1690s, when the government of King William III, urgently needing money, designed a window tax whereby houses would be taxed on the number of windows they had. This led to people boarding up their windows to avoid having to pay this progressive taxan innovative example of tax evasion. Possession of windows was seen by the wealthy as a status symbol, and the number of windows in their dwelling was flaunted as a sign of wealth and societal importance.

The DST story certainly proves that human tinkering with peoples biological clock can create problems that cannot easily be solved. While the introduction of DST was the easy part of this story, making it permanent may well cause intractable problems which are challenging to overcome.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Maye Musk (L) and Elon Musk attend The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" exhibition in New York on May 2, 2022. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Elon Musk Responds to Report of Alleged Affair With Google Co-Founders Wife

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is contesting the veracity of a recent exclusive report alleging that he had an affair with the wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, calling it total bs and denying that claims that he and Brin are no longer friends.

Musk took to Twitter on Sunday evening to dispute the report by the Wall Street Journal, which alleged that the businessman had engaged in a brief affair with Brins wife, Nicole Shanahan, late last year.

He also called out the publication for running a story that lacked solid factual basis.

The report, which cited people familiar with the matter, alleged that the affair had prompted the Google co-founder to file for divorce in January this year after four years of marriage.

In the report, the Wall Street Journal also alleged that the situation had put an end to the long-term friendship between the two technology billionaires.

This is total bs, Musk said of the report, which he re-tweeted late on Sunday. Sergey and I are friends and were at a party together last night!

Ive only seen Nicole twice in three years, both times with many other people around. Nothing romantic, Musk added.

According to the WSJ, which cited records filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court, Brin filed for divorce from Shanahan earlier this year, citing irreconcilable differences.

The divorce filing was made several weeks after Brin allegedly learned of the alleged brief affair, which took place in early December 2021, at the Art Basel event in Miami, according to the news outlet. Brin did not provide the WSJ with comment to confirm the allegations about him and his wife.

The WSJ report noted within the article that, at the time, Brin and his wife, who is an attorney and a research fellow at CodeX, the Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, were separated but still living together, citing a person close to Shanahan.

Based on Random Hearsay

At a party earlier this year, Mr. Musk dropped to one knee in front of Mr. Brin and apologized profusely for the transgression, begging for forgiveness, according to people with knowledge of the incident, the WSJ reported.

Mr. Brin acknowledged the apology, but still isnt speaking regularly to Mr. Musk, those people said, the report states.

In a separate post on Twitter on Sunday, Musk joked: Havent even had sex in ages (sigh).

Musk, the richest person in the world, then called out the publication, saying the story about his alleged affair had been based on third-party random hearsay.

WSJ is supposed to have a high standard for journalism and, right now, they are way sub tabloid, he wrote. WSJ should be running stories that actually matter to their readers and have [a] solid factual basis, not third-party random hearsay.

In another post, the businessman stated that WSJ has run so many hit pieces on him and his electric vehicle company that he has lost count.

Its embarrassing for them, frankly. They once wrote an article saying [the] FBI was about to arrest me, so I called [the] FBI to ask whats up and they said [the] WSJ article was total bs. Just more shortseller fud.

Earlier this year, The Wall Street Journal, based on anonymous sources, claimed that Musk had been persuaded to buy Twitter by a shadow crew consisting of Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, billionaire investor Peter Thiel, entrepreneur David Sacks, and early Tesla investor and venture capitalist Steve Jurvetson.

Musk again promptly contested that report.

The businessman backed out of his $44 billion acquisition of the social media platform earlier this month claiming that Twitter has failed to provide the necessary information needed to establish how many automated bots and fake accounts are on the platform.

Twitter is suing to force him to complete the deal.

Brin is the ninth richest person in the world, according to Forbes real-time billionaires list.

According to the WSJ, he and Shanahan, who share a 3-year-old daughter, are now involved in divorce mediation and his estranged wife is seeking more than $1 billion.

The Epoch Times has contacted Google and CodeX spokespersons for comment.
Sicily, the Mediterraneans largest island, lies between Italys boot and North Africa, drawing millions each year to relax and sample its culture, cuisine, and beaches. Many other draws await, too, if youre willing to make a bit more effort to appreciate and enjoy them.

Consider, for example, Villa Romana del Casale, just outside of Piazza Armerina, some 60 miles west of Catania, the nearest city with a major airport. Here a sprawling estate features a huge collection of structures whose extraordinary floor mosaics are among the worlds best preserved.

Throughout this prosperous, circa A.D. 400 dwelling, they depict images of life among late Roman-era potentates while offering a psychological bridge between life then and now.

Viewed from above the mosaics, an aliveness emanates from depictions of daily life, as well as elements of the images that dominated their literature. Scenes include fishing, hunting, acrobatics, mythical sea creatures, gymnasts in bikinis, portrayals of Ulysses and other Greek icons, animals being hunted, and portraits. To see it thoroughly requires several hours and navigating many hills. All displays are outdoors but covered and are accessible via trails and walkways.

Mosaics depicting acrobats can be seen at Villa Romana del Casale, near Piazza Armerina, Sicily. (Photo courtesy of Barbara Selwitz)

While the villa is reachable by public transportation, hiring a car and driver to reach the site makes your visit infinitely easier. While Sicilys roads are generally fine, continuous twists and turns make following a map or even a GPS a definite challenge. Hereas at all sitesbring plenty of water.

Roughly 62 miles west lies Agrigento, home of the world-famous Valley of the Temples. Settled by Greek colonists during the sixth century B.C., the prime draw is a collection of temples youll explore during a 2- to 3-mile walk. Terrain along the route is relatively flat and easy to follow.

A highlight is the Temple of Concord, one of the worlds best-preserved Doric structures. Its current good condition is partially due to a fourth-century conversion when it became a Christian church, a change that fortunately left the original columns still standing. Thirteen centuries later it was returned to what 1748 restorers assumed was Concords original configuration.

Other stops bring you to the four columns still standing from the temple of Castor and Pollux, a group of eight columns remaining from the sixth century B.C. Youll also see eight standing columns of the Temple of Heracles and remnants of the Temple of Hera that was restored during the Roman era.

This site is very popular, and admission lines often are long and understaffed. To speed your accessand conserve your energybuy tickets well in advance online.

Thirty-six miles southwest is the much-less-visited Selinunte. Here components of temples lie or are partially erected. First settled in the seventh century B.C. by people from what was a Greek colony from eastern Sicily, the once-grand city is now a group of ruined temples. The most impressive is Temple C where, in 1925, 14 of its 17 columns were raised to their original configuration.

Due to its relative isolation, Selinunte has largely been ignored for millennia. Visitors can now roam on their own, free of crowds, to explore fallen temples, pieces of old walls, and the ruins of living quarters and businesses. Quiet and vast, Selinunte is a true step back into history.

Standing in majestic solo splendor, Segestasome 40 miles northis one of the worlds best-preserved ancient temples. Virtually intact (minus a roof), the temple is relatively easy to reach via a 15-minute walk and climb. Supported by 36 Doric columns, the fifth-century B.C. edifice was likely never completed. One reason may be that this regionthen dominated by the Elymians, an indigenous Sicilian peoplewas conquered by invaders from Selinunte during or perhaps soon after construction. Also nearby, the remains of a Greek theater can be reached via bus from the sites parking lot.

Segesta, Sicily, is home to one of the worlds best-preserved ancient temples. (Photo courtesy of Barbara Selwitz)

A little over an hour to the north lies Palermo, Sicilys bustling main city and a likely arrival or departure point for your Sicily adventure. On its outskirts stands another very old but not ancient wonder, the fabulously decorated Norman Cathedral of Monreale. Launched in 1174 by King William II, its impressive massive exterior is topped by the same biblical mosaics that cover much of its interior. Many experts regard Monreales mosaic collection to be larger than St. Marks Basilica in Venice and surpassed in size only by those in Istanbuls Hagia Sophia.

If Norman architecture particularly appeals to you, also visit the cathedral in Cefalu. Its well worth the trip although not as impressive as the Monreale Cathedral. An hours ride east of Palermo, Cefalu is hovered over by its twin-towered 12th-century cathedral.

Palermo itself offers many fascinating sights. Dont miss the sprawling Norman palace with a gorgeous chapel and fascinating foundations that date back to the Phoenicians. For those fortunate enough to be here on the odd days when they are accessible, the royal living quarters are another must-see.

Virtually next door is the wildly ornate Palermo Cathedral, and a short walk from there is the Four Corners. Two major avenues intersect there, and buildings are festooned with ornate Baroque decorations. If youre here on a Sunday, the street will be jam-packed with street markets and alive with revelers.

Opera buffs should attend a performance of the Teatro Massimo, Palermos truly grand opera house if it is open. It is one of Europes best.

When You Go

For more information: VisitSicily.info

Robert Selwitz is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at Creators.com. Copyright 2022 Creators.com
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during a hearing, with the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, on the COVID-19 response, on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 18, 2021. (Anna Moneymaker/Pool/Getty Images)

Fauci: We Were Always Aware of Natural Immunity

White House adviser Anthony Fauci said Monday that he and other health officials were always aware of the protection afforded by COVID-19 natural immunity.

We were always aware that if you get infected, you have a degree of protection against reinfection, Fauci remarked in response to a question from a reporter with The Hill.

He later said that the protection afforded by natural immunity and vaccination wanes over a period of time, which is very, very different from other infections like polio, smallpox, and measles.

The people who were talking about natural immunity were making an assumption  that once you get infected, you are essentially protected very, very well for a period of time, Fauci said. He claimed that individuals who have been infected and vaccinated have the best protection, describing that phenomenon as hybrid immunity.

Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fauci and other federal health officials have favored COVID-19 vaccinations over natural immunity and have frequently urged Americans to get both vaccines and booster shots, while often suggesting that unvaccinated individuals were to blame for the continued spread of the virus.

On July 11, 2021, Fauci also called on local governments and schools to require COVID-19 vaccines, telling CNN that there should be more mandates.

The Biden administration last September also tried to issue a sweeping vaccine mandate for tens of millions of workers at private businesses, which was ultimately struck down by the Supreme Court in January as well as a mandate requiring most health care staff to receive the shots. When asked about the vaccine mandates in October 2021, Fauci defended the administrations policies.

Things like mandating, be they masks or vaccinations, theyre very important, Fauci told Fox News on Oct. 17, 2021. Were not living in a vacuum as individuals. Were living in a society, and society needs to be protected. And you do that by not only protecting yourself but by protecting the people around you, by getting vaccinated.

However, Fauci conceded on July 13 that COVID-19 vaccines arent effective at preventing the transmission of the virus. Instead, the shots are better at protecting individuals from severe symptoms and hospitalizations, he added.

One of the things thats clear from the data [is] that  vaccinesbecause of the high degree of transmissibility of this virusdont protect overly well, as it were, against infection, he told Fox News.

Although Fauci has headed the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease for nearly 30 years, he became a household name in early 2020 when he began delivering interviews to media outlets about the COVID-19 pandemic, essentially serving as the federal governments top pandemic spokesperson.

In clarifying remarks last week, Fauci said that he is not going to retire and may step down from my current position at some time.
A helicopter drops water while battling the Oak Fire in Mariposa County, Calif., on July 24, 2022. (Noah Berger/AP Photo)

Firefighters Slow Growth of California Blaze Near Yosemite

JERSEYDALE, Calif.Firefighters have significantly slowed the spread of a huge wildfire burning in a forest near Yosemite National Park, where thousands of residents from mountain communities were still under evacuation orders Monday and smoke was spreading for hundreds of miles around.

Crews made good headway against the Oak Fire, according to a Sunday night incident report by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire. Fire activity was not as extreme as it has been in previous days.

But smoke from the fire drifted more than 200 miles, reaching Lake Tahoe, parts of Nevada and the San Francisco Bay Area, officials said.

Its been just horrendous with the air quality, said Kim Zagaris, an advisor with the Western Fire Chiefs Association, which maps wildfires across the country.

More than 2,500 firefighters with aircraft support were battling the blaze that erupted last Friday southwest of the park, near the town of Midpines in Mariposa County. Officials described explosive fire behavior on Saturday as flames made runs through bone-dry vegetation caused by the worst drought in decades.

An air tanker flies past flames while battling the Oak Fire in Mariposa County, Calif., on July 24, 2022. (Noah Berger/AP Photo)

By Monday morning, the blaze had consumed more than 26 square miles of forest land, with 10 percent containment, Cal Fire said. The cause was under investigation.

Firefighters working in steep terrain on the ground protected homes on Sunday as air tankers dropped retardant on 50-foot lames racing along ridgetops east of the tiny community of Jerseydale. Personnel face tough conditions that include steep terrain, sweltering temperatures, and low humidity, Cal Fire said.

There are two major blazes burning in California, which is experiencing a fairly typical ramp-up to what is sure to be an active fire year once Californias infamous Santa Ana and Diablo wind events begin in September, Zagaris said.

Weve been fortunate. Were not quite as far along as we were at this time last year, he said. But the fuels, the vegetation, are much dryer than they were last year. Its so dry out there.

Zagaris compared the wildfires in California this year to 2008, when few blazes burned early but a mid-summer barrage of lightning hit the state and before we knew it there were 2,000 fires burning in the northern part of the state.

A bird flies above an air tanker battling the Oak Fire in Mariposa County, Calif., on July 24, 2022. (Noah Berger/AP Photo)

Evacuations were in place Monday for over 6,000 people living across a several-mile span of the sparsely populated fire zone in the Sierra Nevada foothills, though a handful of residents defied the orders and stayed behind, said Adrienne Freeman, a U.S. Forest Service spokesperson.

We urge people to evacuate when told, she said.

Lynda Reynolds-Brown and her husband, Aubrey, awaited news about the fate of their home from an evacuation center at an elementary school. They fled as ash rained down and the fire descended a hill towards their property.

It just seemed like it was above our house and coming our way really quickly, Reynolds-Brown told KCRA-TV.

Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for Mariposa County because of the fires effects.

Flames destroyed at least 10 residential and commercial structures and damaged five others, Cal Fire said. Assessment teams were moving through mountain towns to check for additional damage, Fouts said.

Numerous roads were closed, including a stretch of State Route 140 thats one of the main routes into Yosemite.

California has experienced increasingly larger and deadlier wildfires in recent years.

Pacific Gas & Electric said on its website that more than 2,600 homes and businesses in the area had lost power as of Monday and there was no indication when it would be restored.

The Oak Fire was sparked as firefighters made progress against an earlier blaze, the Washburn Fire, that burned to the edge of a grove of giant sequoias in the southernmost part of Yosemite National Park.

The latter fire, spanning a 7.5-square-mile area, was 87 percent contained on Monday after burning for two weeks and moving into the Sierra National Forest.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases testifies during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 17, 2022. (Anna Rose Layden/Pool/Getty Images)

GOP Planning Fauci Probe After 2022 Midterms

Several Republican lawmakers signaled they are planning to target White House COVID-19 adviser Anthony Fauci in investigations if the GOP secures at least one chamber in the 2022 midterms.

One way or another, if we are in the majority, we will subpoena his records and he will testify in the Senate under oath, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who could become the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee chairman if Republicans win, told The Hill in a July 25 report.

After Fauci clarified comments last week that he wont retire soon, Paul wrote on Twitter that Fauci will likely have to testify under oath in Congress.

I look forward to ascertaining Faucis involvement in the cover-up of the lab origins of COVID  Under Oath! he wrote in response on July 19 to Faucis statement that he is not going to retire.

If Republicans take charge of the House or the Senate or both, he will have to testify under oath because a million Americans died, Paul told Fox News on July 20. And we want to know about was there a cover-up in trying to suppress any link to the lab in China? I do fully believe this virus  leaked from the lab.

As he mulled stepping down from his position in a Politico interview last week, Fauci noted that he will likely face investigations in 2022.

I dont make that a consideration in my career decision, he said of the possible investigations, adding that he will defend his record of recommending masking, lockdowns, and vaccines. My telling somebody that its important to follow fundamental good public health practices  what are you going to investigate about that?

Paul and Fauci have sparred multiple times during public congressional panels, namely on whether Faucis agency provided funding to third-party groups to carry out controversial gain-of-function research into bat coronaviruses.

Fauci said in an interview that aired on July 23 that he is open to the possibility that COVID-19 leaked from a Wuhan, China, laboratory in late 2019. For years now, hes asserted that the virus has a natural origin.

We have an open mind but it looks very much like this was a natural occurrence, but you keep an open mind, he said.

More Details

A career government official, Fauci has headed the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984. He became a household figure amid the COVID-19 pandemic as he essentially became the face of the federal response to the virus starting in early 2020.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) at a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Jan. 11, 2022. (Greg Nash-Pool/Getty Images)

While hes been near-universally praised by Democrats and legacy media outlets, Republicans say that hes pushed for damaging policies, including vaccine mandates, mask requirements, and lockdowns, while also frequently making grim predictions around the virus.

But I think there was a concerted effort by him and his colleagues to cover this up and make sure it didnt come to light, that the [National Institute of Health] was funding that lab and that there was reasonable scientific evidence that suggests that it came from the lab. So hes going to be made to testify under oath. And I hope he sticks around because we do have some questions, Paul told Fox News.

In the House, which many analysts say is likely to swing to Republicans in 2022, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) told The Hill that there are no limits on what he wants to investigate about Fauci and his agency. If Republicans take over, Jordan is in line to chair the House Judiciary Committee.

They knew from the get-go [COVID-19] came from the lab, likely came from a lab, gain-of-function likely done, and our tax dollars were used, Jordan told Just the News earlier this year.
Guam Is the Front Line of American Sovereign Territory in the Showdown With China

Commentary

Just after Taiwan lies the second island chain in the construct of Pacific geography. Running roughly north to south are the islands of Ulithi, Palau, Guam, Tinian, and Saipan. The last three, Guam, Tinian, and Saipan, are sovereign U.S. territories.

If a conflict starts with China, Chinese forces will not stop at Taiwan; they will keep coming, because these three, especially Guam, provide bases that can directly support American and Allied forces in defending Taiwan. The Chinese know clearly that to take Taiwan, they must take out Guam. If Chinese missiles start landing on Guam, this means American sovereign territory is under attack.

Beautiful, Remote, and Often Forgotten

Guam is simply beautiful. It has wonderful beaches and large American military facilities (which are often visited by allied nations). The harbor is magnificent. Its bigger and more spacious than Pearl Harbor. This allows better dispersion of ships and vessels, an important defensive standard operating procedure in case of hostile action. Andersen Air Force Base is also quite large. At the height of Operation Linebacker II, hundreds of B-52s flew out of Guam to devastate North Vietnam and bring them to the peace table. There are many other facilities on Guam that have been dormant since the Cold War days and are available for re-activation.

Historically, Guam was a war prize from the Spanish American War of 1898. Spain had it, and we took it fair and square from the Spaniards. Theres an indigenous population, the Chamorros, that has a wonderful culture and history, but frankly has been overwhelmed by the American presence. In World War II, the Japanese invaded and took the island from us, but we returned and retook the island, fair and square. During the Cold War, the island was bristling with various military facilities of all the U.S. Armed Forces. The initial American Polaris ballistic missile submarines operated from Guams harbor because of the short range of these early ballistic missiles and thus the need to forward base the submarines.

On one of my last trips before retiring from the Department of Defense in 2018, I was with a delegation that assessed Guams readiness to support operations in the Pacific. Frankly, the facilities had seen better days and needed significant re-capitalization. Also, the tourism industry is dominated by the Japanese. Few Americans vacation in Guam, but Guam is in many ways Japans Hawaii. It was quite noticeable. Most Americans unfortunately couldnt find Guam on a map. But the Japanese population can. And so can Chinese tourists I noticed. This is noteworthy and could possibly represent something else in addition to tourism.

The Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier

All American war plans for the Pacific heavily leverage Guam (and Tinian and Saipan, which are separate U.S. territories). We simply cant operate in the Pacific without Guam. Guam is receiving attention, but the improvements need to move much faster. Indo-Pacific Command (based in Hawaii) now has a large sum of annual funds that the command personally controls for improvement projects. Andersen Air Force Base needs expansion and the construction of hardened, dispersed aircraft shelters to protect aircraft on the ground being readied for action. Ballistic and anti-aircraft defense needs rapid expansion and improvement. The Chinese will rain ballistic missiles on Guam in case of hostilities with Taiwan, so better to deter and prepare now for this likely contingency.

The International Airport used to be a large Naval Air Station. It should re-open a military side of the airfield with additional capacity for aircraft with hardened, dispersed shelters. The grand harbor should receive defensive improvements, and a Naval ship repair facility should be re-opened so battle-damaged ships can be repaired in Guam and not have to return to Hawaii or the mainland. More ships and submarines should be forward based in Guam so they can be closer to the area of likely hostilities. For years, there have been plans to move Marine Corps units from Okinawa to Guam. These plans have moved agonizingly slowly. They should be accelerated, and an Army Airborne Brigade, Army long-range missile units, and Army engineer units should be moved to Guam. And finally, Special Operations Command (SOCOM) should establish a much larger footprint in Guam. SOCOM has been studying the acquisition of large, high-performance seaplanes, which havent existed in the U.S. military since the late 1960s. Guam would be ideal for basing these innovative, retro aircraft.

Perhaps Time for Statehood?

Like my previous articles on Panama, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Hawaii, Guam represents one more example of American mainland lack of interest and attention. Guam, like Puerto Rico and Hawaii are American sovereign territories, yet we seem to take them for granted or not even remember them. Perhaps its time to let the citizens of Guam and America start to look at Guam transitioning into statehood, so they receive the attention they deserve. As we re-do the public education system to properly educate our children on American history and civics, Guam needs to be re-introduced so that future generations know Guam as an important and vibrant part of America.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Conrad Black: How American Politics Will Be Depolarized

Commentary

Its time to consider how the profound divide in American public life is going to be narrowed back to the civil resolution of differences.

American public discourse appeared to be proceeding quite normally, as demonstrated by Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama as only the second trio of consecutive two-term presidents in American history; the previous oneJefferson, Madison, and Monroewas 200 years ago, and Monroes reelection was uncontested.

The apparent serenity of American public life was interrupted by Donald Trump, who detected, as a populist (notwithstanding being a billionaire), that there was an ever-increasing number of disgruntled working- and lower-middle-class people whose real disposable income wasnt rising, who suffered from globalist trade and immigration practices, and were disparaged by Hillary Clintons reference to half of Trumps followers as a basket of deplorables and candidate Obamas snide reference to people overly preoccupied with firearms and religion (this from someone who spent 20 years in the church-pew of the fire-breathing racist Rev. Jeremiah Wright).

Trump changed parties seven times in 13 years waiting for his moment and astounded and discountenanced the world by winning the Republican nomination and the presidency in 2016. The Bush, McCain, and Romney post-Reagan Republican establishment (except for Robert Dole), rejected Trump from an almost never-explicable melange of motives: envy, snobbery, sour grapes, and concerns both authentic and confected that he was a racist, sexist, and extremist, as well as being corrupt, authoritarian, boorish, and unable to contain his juvenile temper and his tendency to crude invective.

Since it was the business of the Democrats to defeat Republicans anyway and they tended to be disdainful of them, their opposition to Trump has been slightly less frenzied than that of the anti-Trump Republicans, the Never Trumpers.

After Franklin D. Roosevelt led a broad coalition of Americans to victory against and over the Great Depression and he and his designated successor, Harry Truman, led the country through World War II and into postwar prosperity in five consecutive terms, they were the natural party of government, and the Republicans could only win by recourse to the time-honored method of recruiting a military hero to lead them in an almost nonpartisan way (Dwight Eisenhower), and when Richard Nixon capitalized on the Vietnam War, and when Ronald Reagan exploited the political vulnerabilities of the benevolent but indecisive and somewhat ineffectual Jimmy Carter.

The Bushes were almost indistinguishable from the Democrats and painlessly fulfilled the need for the maintenance of the appearance of a two-party system; bipartisanship had become a uni-party state. One or other member of the Bush and Clinton families was president, vice president, or secretary of state for 32 consecutive years (19812013).

Obama not only broke the color barrier, he also moved the Democrats distinctly to the left. Trump didnt respond by moving the Republicans further to the traditional right; he applied the primordial Republican reverence for capitalism to incentivize investment in disadvantaged areas and practically eliminated unemployment and poached dangerously large numbers of traditionally Democratic voters.

The resentment of the pre-Trump Republicans, the Democrats fear of the saleability of Trumps populism, and Trumps acidulous responses have caused the present ugly nature of the current political debate. The establishments of both parties have created the almost equivalently belligerent righteousness of the Trump-haters and the Trump supporters.

The question of the accuracy of the election result has arisen from the constitutionally questionable changes to voting and vote-counting rules, especially in the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, ostensibly to facilitate voting during the pandemic and address the many millions of ballots that couldnt be verified as having been cast by an identifiable registered voter, as it was unclear who had custody of the ballots prior to their deposit, at voting places or improvised drop-boxes.

The existence of these doubts caused what seems to be the ultimate guardrail on one side of American politics to have been tested. This was in the Supreme Courts decision and the decisions at various judicial levels not to judge on their merits any of the 19 cases that challenged the constitutionality of the voting and vote counting rules changes, most conspicuously that of the attorney general of Texas supported by 18 other states against the swing states for failing in the constitutional obligation to conduct fair presidential elections, which was automatically initiated at the Supreme Court as it was interstate litigation.

The judiciary showed its institutional conservatism when it uniformly declined to entertain litigation that could overturn the result of the presidential election. This too is an American tradition going back to Democratic presidential candidate Samuel Tildens acceptance in 1876 of the improbable victory of his opponent, Rutherford B. Hayes, in exchange for several post-electoral actions that accelerated the reintegration of the South into the Union.

Richard Nixon had similar thoughts, though hes rarely credited with them, when he declined formally to challenge the questionable results of the 1960 presidential election, as something that would be irreparably damaging to the country. (Trump should never have approved Rudolph Giulianis ill-considered trick-or-treat election challenges.)

Trump hasnt been so scrupulous, but he also feels he has been much more brazenly robbed. The Democrats and Never Trumpers would be complacently unconcerned if the administration they promoted had been competent. Instead, the Obaman drift to the left, without that presidents suavity and generally good judgment of the public mood, has become a lurch to the far left, for which theres no mandate and which has been a total failure.

As this shambles becomes clearer, it also becomes clearer that the only way to stop the return of the dread Trump is to render him unelectable. This is the real motivation of the ludicrous and disgraceful kangaroo court of the congressional January 6 committee and of the ant-like movements of the Atlanta district attorney (Fani Willis) to find criminal wrongdoing by Trump in his challenge to the Georgia election results in 2020.

This should bring us to the other guardrail of American public life: Trump broke no laws in the last election and any attempt to prosecute him on such charges will be seen, particularly when they are thrown out despite the American prosecutors obscene 98 percent success rate, as a savage and corrupt assault on democracy. If Gods blessing is still on America, the prosecutors will line up with the judges: They declined to consider overturning an election, and the prosecutors would make a terrible mistake if they try artificially to remove a presidential candidate.

The horrifyingly obnoxious caricature of Trump that has been created is false, but like most caricatures, has an element of truth. The current uncivilized state of American politics will be resolved by electing Trump or a candidate endorsed by him to carry out the Trump program. It worked and was ratified by a Republican gain of 20 congressmen in 2020, and it will be ratified again in November.

Neither the pathological opposition to one candidate nor the unsustainable incompetence of the current administration can continue much longer.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Facebook co-founder, chairman, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies before a combined Senate Judiciary and Commerce committee hearing in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington on April 10, 2018. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

How Big Tech Plans to Keep a Grip on Local Elections Amid Funding Bans

Commentary

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg says he has sworn off bankrolling local election administration, but other Big Tech executives are positioned to play a role in running future elections.

The Center for Tech and Civic Life distributed $350 million in Zuckerberg-funded election grants to localities in 2020 to promote mail-in voting, drop boxes, and other projects. Now, the center has launched the U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence with six other nonprofits, to advise local officials across the country on how to run elections.

The largest funder of the alliances $80 million, five-year initiative is The Audacious Project, financed largely by people connected with the Big Tech sector, including Microsoft and Amazon.

Although 21 states enacted bans prohibiting private actors such as Zuckerberg from financing election administration, the Alliance for Election Excellence could be an end run around such laws to ensure more victories for the left, critics say.

Zuck Buck bans are a great step forward, but leftists are already moving on to the next step in federalizing our elections: creating a permanent vote-by-mail mess, Hayden Ludwig, senior investigative researcher at Capital Research Center, a Washington-based think tank that monitors nonprofits, told The Daily Signal.

The Center for Tech and Civic Life was founded in 2012 by Tiana Epps-Johnson, Donny Bridges, and Whitney May, who previously worked together at the New Organizing Institute, which The Washington Post referred to as the Democratic Partys Hogwarts of digital wizardry.

Although the Alliance for Election Excellence hasnt been specific about its goals, the Center for Tech and Civic Life in 2021 called on Congress to provide $20 billion to states to help cover the rising cost of paper ballots. Paper ballots primarily are used for mail-in voting, Ludwig noted:

That means using federal funds to subsidize mail-in ballots, turning the U.S. Postal Service into a ballot-delivery machine, and robbing states of their constitutional authority to run elections. Thats the only way to build in an unfair advantage for Democrats in 2024 and beyond. The worst part is theyre using tax-exempt nonprofits to do it.

The $350 million in funding for local election administration in 2020 formally came through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, established by Facebooks Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan.

Critics note the money went heavily to Democratic-leaning voting jurisdictions. An investigation by a Wisconsin special counsel produced a report finding that the funding led to an improper, government-sanctioned, get-out-the-vote campaign that favored Democrats.

In April, Zuckerberg said that he wont donate to election administration in the future after a public relations fallout that led to the state bans of such activity.

But other wealthy Big Tech executives are financing the U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence, according to Inside Philanthropy, which describes these donors as a tech-heavy group of funders that lean liberal in their grantmaking.

The alliance is one of nine grantees of The Audacious Project, also known as TAP, with donors including:

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aligned with the Microsoft founder and his former wife.

MacKenzie Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and her current husband Dan Jewett.

Ballmer Group, the charity of retired Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

The Laura and John Arnold Foundation, started by hedge fund manager John Arnold and his wife.

Pivotal Ventures, a charity started by Melinda Gates.

The MacArthur Foundation, one of the largest foundations in the United States, which backs mostly left-leaning causes.

Bridgespan Group, which does consulting work for nonprofits, including Planned Parenthood and NPR.

Another major partner in the alliance is the Center for Secure and Modern Elections, a project of the Arabella Advisors-sponsored New Venture Fund.

Arabella has sponsored numerous liberal organizations across the country, some as pop-up groups that exist for a single election cycle, others that spin off to become independent nonprofits.

The Alliance for Election Excellence also includes:

The Center for Tech and Civic Life is the organization designated to take press inquiries for the Alliance for Election Excellence. However, neither it nor other partners responded to requests for comment from The Daily Signal.

The Alliance for Election Excellence didnt respond to inquiries from The Daily Signal for this report.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
At a March 16 press conference, Sheriff Grady Judd shares that 108 people were arrested by the Polk County Sheriffs Office Vice Unit during a six-day undercover human trafficking operation, "Operation March Sadness 2," which began on March 8, 2022. (Courtesy of the Polk County Sheriff's Department)

Human Trafficking: A Global Crisis

Commentary

On July 19, the U.S. Department of State released its annual 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report, which assesses efforts by foreign governments to combat human trafficking.

Human trafficking is a global crisis affecting nearly 25 million men, women, and children worldwide. Victims of human trafficking are often lured with false promises by people they trust and are forced into prostitution, domestic servitude, and other forms of modern slavery.

This years report analyzes the performance of 188 countries and territories around the world, detailing how governments prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute traffickers.

The State Department places countries in one of four categories.

Tier 1 is the highest-ranking tier whereby governments fully meet the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000s (TVPA) minimum standards for the eliminations of trafficking.

Tier 2 and the Tier 2 Watch List are reserved for countries that dont meet the TVPA standards but are working to make significant efforts to be brought into compliance.

Tier 3 is the lowest tier and includes governments that dont meet the TVPA standards and are not making an effort to comply.

The State Department notes that 21 countries including Cyprus, Germany, and Iceland, were upgraded a tier for their increasing efforts to combat human trafficking. A total of 18 countries, however, were downgraded, including Brunei, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Tragically, the report concludes that 11 countries have a government policy or pattern of human trafficking. This state-sponsored trafficking occurs in government-funded programs, through forced labor in government-affiliated sectors, sexual slavery in government camps, or through the recruitment of child soldiers.

As this years report makes clear, the scourge of human trafficking is a crime that knows no borders and is a stain on all of humanity. The fight to eradicate human trafficking strikes at the very core of our moral responsibility as human beings.

Survivors of human trafficking play a crucial part in the fight against this abhorrent evil. They engage in public outreach efforts, train law enforcement officers, support fellow survivors, work with government officials, and advocate before legislatures.

As the 2022 TIP report affirms, Engaging survivors as partners is critical to establishing effective victim-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally competent anti-trafficking policies and strategies that address prevention, protection, and prosecution efforts. Meaningful engagement means collaborating with survivors in all aspects of anti-trafficking efforts.

Human trafficking is one of the most tragic human rights abuses of our time. Ending this global scourge demands not only action, but also, cooperation. No single government or individual can do it alone. Governments, faith-based organizations, civil society, and survivors must work together.

Along with the TIP report, the Department of State honors courageous individuals who dedicate their lives to combatting human trafficking. This year, the State Department recognized six individuals from Bangladesh, Jordan, Liberia, Poland, Thailand, and Ukraine.

TIP Report Heroes are recognized for their tireless effortsdespite resistance, opposition, and even threats to their livesto protect victims, punish offenders, and raise awareness of ongoing criminal practices in their countries and abroad.

These Heroes are a testament to the impact that each one of us can have in the fight against human trafficking. As honoree Mohammed Tariqul Islam said, The TIP Report Heroes give us hope. The network of heroes is a reminder of the power each of us has to respond to the growing issues of human trafficking.

The 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report and the recognition of this years TIP Heroes reinforce our nations commitment to eradicating human trafficking.

From Gingrich360.com

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Illegal Immigrant Charged With Raping Young Girl Pleads Not Guilty, to Remain Locked Up

COLUMBUS, OhioAn illegal immigrant charged with raping a young girl multiple times pleaded not guilty on July 25.

Gerson Fuentes, 27, will remain locked up for now on two felony counts after his arraignment. No bond hearing has been scheduled.

Fuentes raped a 10-year-old girl, including at least once when she was 9, according to prosecutors.

Fuentes confessed to the rapes, and the minor identified him as the man who impregnated her, according to court documents.

Fight for Bond

Bryan Bowen, a lawyer hired by Fuentess family, told reporters after the hearing that he will fight for bail for his client because everyone is entitled to a presumption of innocence.

The status of Fuentes, who has been described by both local and federal officials as being in the United States illegally, means he isnt a flight risk because he could be detained at any time by immigration officers, Bowen said.

He confirmed that Fuentes is a Guatemalan national and illegal immigrant who has been in the country for five to 10 years.

Columbus Police Department officers have said that Fuentes waived his rights and confessed to raping the girl, who hasnt been named because shes a minor.

Bowen said hes concerned that Fuentess lack of fluency in English could have contributed to him not understanding the questions and what he was saying.

Fuentes, who appeared by video at the hearing, is depressed and afraid, his lawyer said. Bowen met with his client at the detention facility for an hour before the hearing.

Bryan Bowen (3rd R), an attorney representing Gerson Fuentes, talks to reporters after a video arraignment hearing in Columbus, Ohio, on July 25, 2022. (Jeff Louderback/Epoch Times)

Abortion

The girl was raped at least twice this year, the first time as early as January, according to charging documents. She traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, to have an abortion, according to a Columbus detective and an abortion report filed by Dr. Caitlin Bernard, who performed the procedure.

Ohio law restricts abortions at six weeks of pregnancy but has an exception for abortions necessary to prevent a serious risk of the substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman.

Ohio officials have said the girl fit that exception, meaning she could have had the abortion in Ohio.

Indiana law is less restrictiveabortion is legal through 22 weeks of pregnancythough lawmakers are weighing a new bill that would ban all abortions unless the life of the mother would be substantially impaired, or in cases of rape or incest.

We have an opportunity to protect the lives of unborn children following the historic Supreme Court decision last month. As such, we are introducing legislation that will limit abortions in Indiana while still providing necessary exceptions and boosting support for mothers and babies, Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, a Republican, said in a statement.

Bernard wrote in a recent op-ed: As states move to severely limit abortion care or ban access entirely, health outcomes for girls and women will get worse.

Patients will be forced to find care in faraway, unfamiliar places; to continue dangerous, traumatic or unwanted pregnancies; to turn to desperate measures. Some wont be able to access care until its too late.

Jeff Louderback Follow Jeff Louderback is a national reporter for The Epoch Times who is based in Ohio and covers U.S. Senate, U.S. House and gubernatorial races in Ohio and surrounding states.
A captive cheetah licks her sibling in an enclosure at the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Otjiwarongo, Namibia, on Feb. 18, 2016. (GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP via Getty Images)

8 Cheetahs to Fly From Namibia to India For Attempt to Reintroduce Species Back Into Wilderness

India and Namibia have signed an agreement to relocate eight African cheetahs to India in the hopes of seeing wild cats establish themselves in the Asian nation, where Asiatic cheetahs have been declared extinct since 1952 due to over-hunting and habitat loss.

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on July 20 to promote the conservation and restoration of cheetahs to the habitat range of the species before it disappeared from recorded sightings.

The cheetahs from Namibia are expected to arrive in India by Aug. 15, coinciding with Indias independence day, and will be relocated to the Kuno wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh in central India. They will remain for a trial one year period.

Happy to share that India has signed a historic MoU with Namibia to promote Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Biodiversity Utilization. The MoU seeks to promote conservation and restoration of cheetah in their former range from which the species went extinct. pic.twitter.com/MNVyw8S2eQ  Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) July 20, 2022

The environment in Kuno National Park is estimated to be able to support a maximum of 21 cheetahs, which would be increased to 36 cheetahs when the Kuno wildlife division is restored, according to the Indian environment ministry.

The main goal of cheetah reintroduction project in India is to establish viable cheetah metapopulation in India that allows the cheetah to perform its functional role as a top predator and provides space for the expansion of cheetah within its historical range, the ministry said.

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said the return of cheetahs in India would rekindle the ecological dynamics of the landscape and, in the long run, enhance local community livelihoods through eco-tourism prospects.

Cheetah as a flagship species will lead to greater focus on the status of the dry-open forest [or] savanna ecosystems and the need to restore and manage them, he said in a post on Twitter.

The project will show whether the African cheetahs will be able to adapt to Indias climate and ecology.

Yadav said the India-Namibia deal would help to facilitate cheetah conservation in both countries by exchanging expertise, use of technology, and sustainable management of biodiversity.

Cheetah reintroduction in India has a larger goal of re-establishing ecological function in Indian grasslands that was lost due to extinction of Asiatic cheetah. This is in conformity with IUCN guidelines on conservation translocations, he added.

Indian Oil Corporation to Fund $6 Million Project

The governments initial plan was to start relocating 20 cheetahs, but this was reduced to eight cheetahs because the Madhya Pradesh government lacked funds for species management, the Times of Hindu reported, citing unidentified officials.

The state-owned Indian Oil Corporation has allocated Rs50 crore ($6.29 million) for the project.

Namibia has the worlds largest population of wild cheetahs, with over 3,500 individuals. Yadav said in January that India is aiming to relocate 50 cheetahs in various national parks over the next five years.

Conservation of cheetahs has a very special significance for the national conservation ethic and ethos. The very name Cheetah (Acinonyx Jubatus Venaticus) originates from Sanskrit and means the spotted one, the Indian government stated.

Cheetahs, the worlds fastest land animal, are listed as a threatened species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are considered critically endangered in North Africa and Asia.

The low density of cheetahs throughout their range means they require conservation action on a scale that is seldom seen in terrestrial conservation,the IUCN said.

A cheetah lies at The Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) center in Otjiwarongo, Namibia, on August 13, 2013. (Jennifer Bruce/AFP/Getty Images)

The conservation action includes transboundary cooperation, land use planning across large landscapes to maintain habitat connectivity, and human wildlife conflict mitigation, according to a statement released by the World Wildlife Day.

Earlier efforts to reintroduce Asiatic cheetahs to India from surviving wild populations in Iran failed in the 1970s due to the upheaval of the Iranian revolution.
Soldiers stand next to military vehicles as people gather to protest against the military coup, in Yangon, Burma, on Feb. 15, 2021. (Stringer/Reuters)

International Outcry as Burmas Military Executes 4 Democracy Activists

Burmas military junta has executed four democracy activists convicted of terrorism in a move swiftly condemned by international human rights groups.

The four men were executed for committing violent and inhuman acts of terrorism, the juntas Information Ministry said in a statement on Sunday. This marks the first executions carried out by Burma in decades.

The ministry said the executions were carried out in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Law but did not specify where or when they occurred.

Phyo Zeyar Thaw, a former lawmaker from Aung San Suu Kyis National Democracy League (NLD) party, and veteran democracy activist Kyaw Min Yualso known as Jimmy Kowere executed for terrorism-related offenses.

The junta also executed Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw for allegedly killing a military junta informant in Yangon. All of them were convicted of terrorism after closed trials in January and April.

An Act of Utter Cruelty

Human rights groups were outraged by the juntas executions of the four individuals, claiming that they were sentenced to death without the right to appeal or legal counsel.

Elaine Pearson, acting Asia director at Human Rights Watch (HRW), called on the international community to demand immediate measures, including the release of all political detainees in Burma (also known as Myanmar), and to hold the military regime accountable for its atrocities.

The Myanmar juntas execution of four men was an act of utter cruelty, Pearson said in a statement. These executions, including of activist Ko Jimmy and opposition lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw, followed grossly unjust and politically motivated military trials.

The juntas barbarity and callous disregard for human life aims to chill the anti-coup protest movement. European Union member states, the United States, and other governments should show the junta that there will be a reckoning for its crimes, she added.

The United Nations special envoy, Tom Andrews, condemned the juntas executions of democracy activists and urged U.N. member states to take action against the juntas widespread and systematic murders of protestors and executions of activists.

I am outraged and devastated at the news of the juntas execution of Myanmar patriots and champions of human rights and democracy, Andrews said in a tweet.

These depraved acts must be a turning point for the international community. What more must the junta do before the international community is willing to take strong action? he added.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), the junta failed to inform the families of each convicted individual regarding the status of the military court, location of the trials, and the nature of the trial.

The execution announcement openly mocked the worlds efforts to abolish capital punishment. This calculated act uses political prisoners as hostage, to threaten a population resisting the military coup, the AAPP said in a June statement.

Anti-coup protesters display plate cards and shout slogans as they protest against the military coup in Mandalay, Burma, on March 15, 2021. (AP Photo)

The military junta ousted the elected NLD Party in February 2021, sparking widespread anti-coup protests in Burma. At least 1,600 people have been killed and more than 12,500 people have been detained since the military seized power, according to a March UN report.

Rohingya Genocide Case

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on July 22 rejected all of Burmas preliminary objections to a case alleging that the military-ruled nation committed genocide against the Rohingya ethnic minority.

The West African country The Gambia filed the case in November 2019, alleging that Burma committed genocidal acts against the minority to destroy the Rohingya group in whole or in part.

The Burmese government raised four preliminary objections to challenge the courts jurisdiction and the admissibility of the application, stating that The Gambia had no standing to bring the case to the ICJ.

The court unanimously rejected three of Burmas objections (pdf) and one objection by a 151 majority. ICJ President Joan Donoghue said the court has jurisdiction over the case and that The Gambias application was admissible.

The court, rejecting Burmas preliminary objections, could allow the case to proceed with the merits hearing.
By Stephanie Breijo

From Los Angeles Times

Los AngelesOne of L.A.s most beloved burger stands is back. The space is new, the brandings been refreshed, and former owner Sonia Hongs signature doodles and the slogan Just for you! now appear printed on the paper placemats, as opposed to always sketched by hand on paper plates by Hong herself.

But the more things change, the more Irvs Burgers stays the same.

The little burger shack that first opened in West Hollywood in 1946 on Route 66 and has lived as a roadside stand under a range of names and owners, none more beloved by the local community than Hong, who purchased Irvs Burgers in 2000 alongside her mother, Mamma-Soon Hong, and her brother, Sean Hong.

Through a range of challenges  death in the family, displacement, land development clashes and even a 2018 closure that was intended to be permanent  the Hongs devoted customers have rallied around the shack. And thanks to new ownership from restaurateur and Irvs fan Lawrence Longo (also an owner of Burgers Never Say Die), that support saved the business and brought Hong back to the counter with a heralded reopening on July 1.

The new location is just down the block from where it all began 76 years ago.

Irvs isnt just a destination for flat-top fare; it began as a piece of history. The original shack was a relic of the post-World War II food stands that sprouted up throughout the country in the 1940s and required little more than the remnants of wartime aluminum to construct. It was formerly stationed at 8289 Santa Monica Blvd., then moved roughly half a mile east in 2014. Today, the new space  which includes a walk-up window, limited indoor seating, standing counters and outdoor tables  sits next door to the restaurants second location.

On opening day, a line of customers stretched around the corner of the glassed-in dining room and down the block, all eager for a taste of the return.

On opening day, the line of customers wrapped around the restaurants corner and down the block. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

I think we did pretty good, huh? Hong laughed just before the reopening. I couldnt do much, but somehow every time I was in trouble, God said to me, Ill send someone really special every time.'

Customers and employees alike penned welcome-back messages on the restaurants outdoor tables on opening day. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Hongs help has arrived in the form of fans and customers who have offered pro bono publicity services; jumped behind the counter to take orders when the family was overwhelmed; and written letters to property developers, a coffee corporation and city officials in a bid to stave off a relocation or closure. The support for Irvs has been overwhelming since the Hongs took the reins in 2000 from Irv Gendis, who purchased the business in 1970 and christened it with its present-day moniker. Support never waned, Hong says, but difficulties with her landlords began only a handful of years into owning the restaurant.

It was getting difficult because the people from the Peets Coffee [were] trying to take over my spot, Hong said. All my customers were writing letters to the headquarters office in [the Bay Area] and City Hall for a whole year, every single day. It wasnt easy.

Their efforts paid off: Representatives from Peets Coffee agreed to meet with the Hongs regarding the propertys development, and eventually, the company left the arrangement with Hongs landlord, Standard Oil Investment Group. From there, she said, after her lease on the space ended, Irvs went month-to-month but they were able to remain in the space for years.

Around that time she contacted the restaurants previous owner, who provided the Hongs with photos of the original space in an effort to establish Irvs as a kind of historic landmark, which they hoped would delay further development bids. That worked too  for a time.

In 2005, West Hollywood designated Irvs a cultural resource, but the Hongs say their landlords demanded that the restaurateurs fix their roof, which was out of their budget, and in 2013 the Hongs were forced to close at that location. The community came together for Irvs once again, raising thousands of dollars to help the family relocate down the street, and at the start of 2014 the Hongs reopened at 7998 Santa Monica Blvd. The restaurant remained there until Irvs latest closure, intended to allow the family to step away from the business permanently.

In 2017 Hongs brother, Sean, died of a stroke; that spurred Hong and their mother  a beloved figure in her own right  to take on more work and eventually reflect on the future of the business. Shortly thereafter a chef who had worked at Irvs for nearly 16 years left. Their workload fell on the remaining Hongs, which proved unsustainable  especially for Mamma-Soon, who was then in her mid-80s. Mamma was really working so hard for us, Hong said. Mamma didnt want to stay there though when my brother died, so I said, OK, Mamma, weve been there long enough, well wrap it up and then we can close.'

Some customers started working there, simply to help the restaurant stay afloat until its closure, taking orders from behind the counter for months. It would have been a shame to lose not only the burgers, they said, but visits with Sonia Hong herself.

Her chipper demeanor, paired with her whimsical, cartoon sketches of round, smiling faces of her customers  as well as their pets, their friends, their clothes and their food orders  made it a memorable, if not singular, experience for many. Hong knew she would miss those customers, but she also knew that she needed to recuperate after the loss of her brother.

Mercer waits patiently as owners Dovie Mamikunian and Laurent Suchel enjoy their meal from Irvs Burgers. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Stepping away from restaurant ownership was freeing, Hong said. For about one year after her closure, she worked at another West Hollywood burger institution, Hamburger Marys, though she wasnt grilling beef. Hong was primarily taking orders and mixing drinks behind the bar. (I was making little cocktails  not that good, she laughed.)

Shed given up on the idea of ever owning a restaurant again, but another special someone had entered her life.

Longo, a restaurant investor and founder of the Off the Menu app, had visited Irvs while trying to eat 365 burgers in a year, and he loved not only the product but Hong and her connection with the community. He contributed to the restaurants online fundraisers. He stopped by Irvs multiple times to tell Hong that he would help her in some way, but she didnt take him seriously, nor did she want to.

The only way she would come back, she told him, was if she didnt have to own it herself  she simply wanted to return to see her customers, many of whom she regards as close friends.

She was like, Lawrence, I dont want to own the business. You buy the business from me. Ill work. Ill work for you. I dont want the headaches of that,' Longo said.

Lawrence Longo, left, approached former Irvs owner Sonia Hong with an offer to help her reopen the business. Shed only return if she wasnt the owner, she told him. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Soon after, a fall placed Mamma-Soon in the hospital for nearly five months, which required Hong to remain at home more in order to care for her; these days, Hong wakes up early to make breakfast for her mother, then prepares lunch and heads out to Irvs for a full shift of helping customers and slinging burgers and sketches once again. After work, she returns home to make dinner for Mamma-Soon, but she knows that once Mamma is feeling better, shell want to be right back at Irvs too, maybe not cooking and prepping and cleaning as she once did but welcoming customers back to their familys business.

Customers can trace the lineage not just through visits with the Hongs but also by viewing the walls of the new space. Longo wanted to incorporate all of Irvs history in the decor, hanging photos and menus showing its growth from its roadside-stand inception to a neighborhood iconoclast years later, preserved in past signage, glowing reviews and photos of celebrities such as the Clash, Seth Rogen, and Mike Myers and Dana Carvey clad as their characters from Waynes World.

Its COVID-proof, its safe, you can be open late and shut the doors, and its what it originally was: It was a burger stand, Longo said. I felt like, No, this cant die. Its American history.'

He called in Oui Melrose chef Armen Piskoulian to consult, which meant paring down the offerings and reworking the ingredients: Many of Irvs recipes remain the same but the ingredients are higher-grade. The buns are now custom-made. There are milkshakes and confetti cookies and a vegan option, plus a new secret-recipe house sauce. The prices of some menu items have increased, primarily to compensate for the change in ingredients, Longo says, but the restaurant offers a simple $4 burger for those still looking for a bite at a steal.

With consultation from local chef Armen Piskoulian, Irvs reopened with upgraded versions of all Irvs classics, plus a few new items. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Eventually, Longo says, he hopes the new, streamlined menu and branding could result in expansion for Irvs, bringing a taste of West Hollywoods iconic burger shack to other neighborhoods in L.A. and states beyond California.

Former owner  and still figurehead  Sonia Hong, all smiles, stands at the register of the new Irvs Burgers, taking orders and chatting with guests on opening day. (Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Sonia Hong couldnt possibly be behind the counter at all of them, of course. For that, if and when that day comes, visitors will have to drop by the original for a wave, a thumbs-up sign, and, if its not too busy, maybe even a custom doodle from the former owner  now a local legend in her own right.

Copyright 2022 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Kakadu National Park Rangers Shoot 6,000 Pigs After 3-year Hiatus

Kakadu National Parks rangers have shot 6,000 pigs as aerial shooting operations resume for the first time in three years.

The most effective method of controlling feral pig numbers in Australias top end has not been used since 2019 due to a culling accident that seriously injured two park rangers.

Specialist staff developed and established new safety proceduresafter an Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation revealed a string of safety and communication issues within park managementand allowed aerial shooting operations to resume in May.

Large feral animals such as pigs and buffalo cause significant damage to wetlands across northern Australia, as they are a potential transmitter of diseases.

Kakadu National Park Manager Shaun Barclay said the animals could also be carriers of the current exotic diseases spreading globally and potentially damage biodiversity, ecosystems, and habitats for native species.

Removing 6,000 feral pigs from the park also contributes to efforts at reducing the risk of Japanese encephalitis which has been detected in the feral pig population in the Northern Territory (NT), Barclay told the Epoch Times.

Pigs are also susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease, so reducing the feral population will be important in the event of any disease outbreak in Australia.

Feral pigs caught on motion detecting camera in the northern region of Kakadu National Park. (Parks Australia)

Aerial cullingthe shooting of animals from helicopterscan be a humane and low-cost method of keeping feral pig numbers under control.

Trapping, poisoning, and ground shooting have had some success but aerial shooting is the quickest.

Feral pigs came from Europe and Asia after being collected on the way to Australia, according to the NT government. Their numbers peak during periods where there is abundant green vegetation, especially following heavy rain or flooding.

In addition to pigs and buffalo, horses, feral cattle, donkeys and cats are also prevalent in the park, Barclay said.

At the request of traditional owners, we focused our aerial shooting activities on feral pigs, because they were considered the highest priority due to the damage they do to floodplains and waterways, but we also removed some buffalo and feral cats.

Chopper Crash in Culling Operation

Three years ago, two park rangers were seriously injured when their helicopter crashed in a feral pig and buffalo cull.

The cause was linked to Parks Australias safety procedures, including a shooters harness that was three weeks past its retirement date, and a risk assessment that was three years out of date.

Aerial culls were suspended until adequate safety protocols were in place.

The last time that as many feral animals were removed was around five years ago, Barclay said.

More than 6,000 feral animals were removed from the park during a 24-day operation that focused on areas with high concentrations of horses and buffalo, he said.

The 2017 operation included the removal of 3,654 horses and 1,965 buffalo along with 294 pigs and a small number of donkeys.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attends a meeting with Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit in Cairo, Egypt, on July 24, 2022. (Russian Foreign Ministry/Handout via Reuters)

Lavrov Offers Reassurance Over Russian Grain Supplies in Cairo Visit

CAIRORussias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov offered reassurances over Russian grain supplies to Egypt during a visit to Cairo on Sunday, amid uncertainty over a deal to resume Ukrainian exports from the Black Sea.

Egypt is one of the worlds top wheat importers and last year bought about 80 percent of those imports from Russia and Ukraine. Ukraines war disrupted shipments and sped up a rise in global commodity prices, delivering a financial shock to Egypt.

In its response to the war, Egypt has been torn between long-standing ties to Russia and its close relationship to Western powers that have sanctioned and sought to isolate Moscow.

Western embassies had lobbied Egypt and the Arab League ahead of Lavrovs visit, which included talks with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and representatives of the Arab League.

We reaffirmed the commitment of Russian grain exporters to meet all their commitments, Lavrov said in a press conference with Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry.

We discussed specific parameters of cooperation in this area, agreed on further contacts between the relevant ministries, and we have a common understanding of the causes of the grain crisis.

Since the start of the war, a blockade of Ukrainian ports has trapped tens of millions of tonnes of grain, worsening global supply chain bottlenecks.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Russias Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar attend a signing ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey, on July 22, 2022. (Umit Bektas/Reuters)

Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations signed a deal on Friday to restart Ukrainian wheat exports by sea, but a Russian strike on Odesa on Saturday put implementation of the agreement in doubt.

Russia has laid blame for the halt in Black Sea trade on Western sanctions and Ukrainian mines, though under Fridays deal pilots would guide ships along safe channels. Lavrov said he hoped the United Nations would succeed in removing illegitimate restrictions on shipping.

There are still 70 foreign vessels from 16 or 17 countries standing there as almost hostages, including, incidentally, one vessel blocked in Ukrainian ports because of the threat of mines, which is supposed to bring food to Egypt, he said.

He later told the Arab League that any ships coming to pick up grain from Ukrainian ports would be inspected to make sure they were not carrying weapons.

Russia has continued to supply Egypt with wheat since the wars outbreak, selling to both the government and the private sector.

Lavrov is visiting Egypt at the start of a regional tour of African states.
Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) delivers a closing statement during a hearing by the House Select Committee to investigate the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach, in the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, DC, on July 21, 2022. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Liz Cheney Trailing Behind Trump-Backed Harriet Hageman in US House Race: Poll

Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) is trailing significantly behind Trump-endorsed challenger Harriet Hageman in the race for Wyomings lone U.S. House seat in August, according to a recent poll in the Casper Star-Tribune.

Former Republican National Committee member Hageman is leading the way with 52 percent of the public support according to the poll, while three-term incumbent Cheneys support is at 30 percent.

The results come less than a month before the Aug. 16 primary for the Wyoming House GOP primary is set to begin.

The survey questioned 1,100 registered Wyoming voters likely to participate in the primary, with a margin of error of 3 percent.

I cant remember the last time I saw an incumbent down 22 points in a House Race unless it was somebody who had been indicted or convicted of a crime, Brad Coker, managing director of Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy, the firm that conducted the poll, told ktvq.

Cheney is facing a tough election in the bid for the House seat following her decision to serve as vice-chair on the Democrat-controlled House subcommittee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S.Capitol.

She has also previously been vocal in her criticism of former President Donald Trump, and voted to impeach him in his second trial. That move prompted the Wyoming Republican Party last year to vote to censure her before deciding to stop recognizing her as a member.

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), a member of the GOP leadership in the Senate, told Fox News earlier this month that Cheneys actions would likely spell problems for her in her home state.

Problems at Home

Wyoming politics is very personal, its face-to-face, its town-to-town, Barrasso told the publication. The travel that I have done around the state, I think she has a lot of work to do if she hopes to win the primary.

Trump himself has said he believes Cheney will lose her reelection bid, pointing to Rep. Tom Rice (R-S.C.), who lost by 28 percentage points in the GOP primary several weeks ago. Republican Rice also voted to impeach Trump.

Meanwhile, Cheneys campaign last month began turning to the states Democrats for support, informing them via her campaign website on to switch parties to vote for her in the GOP primary.

However, Cheneys allies believe her outspokenness about Trump may have put her in a stronger position for the 2024 presidential contest; something the lawmaker has not yet ruled out.

She knew that she was shooting herself in the foot politically (in Wyoming) and she was going to walk around with a limp for the rest of her life, Landon Brown, a Wyoming state representative and Cheney ally, told The Associated Press. But I could see this blossoming into something larger.

Still, with just weeks to go until the primary, Cheney told CNNs State of the Union on Sunday that ensuring the public knows the truth about Trump is more important to her than maintaining a seat in the House, adding that her work on the committee is the single most important thing Ive ever done professionally.

The Republican lawmaker added that she will continue to fight hard to ensure that Trump is never anywhere close to the Oval Office ever again.
The number of children needed to be born to each woman to maintain the population level in developed countries is 2.1. Canada's fertility rate in 2010 was 1.63. (Annett Vauteck/Photos.com)

Male Age Affects Female Pregnancy, Male Fertility Drops Worldwide

A new study has found that in addition to the age of women, the age of men also plays a critical role in how successful a female is in getting pregnant.

The Human Reproduction study, published on June 30, looked at how advanced paternal age (APA) impacts live birth rates (LBRs) in IVF/ICSI treatment, two forms of assisted reproductive treatment. It took a retrospective analysis of 18,825 autologous IVF/ICSI cycles. Researchers found that among women under the age of 35 or over 40, the age of the male partner made little difference in their chances of giving birth.

However, among women between the ages of 35 and 40, the study saw a significant drop in the LBR if their male partner was 40 and above. Among 35- to 40-year-old women, the LBR was at 32.8 percent when the paternal age is below 35. This falls to 27.9 percent when paternal age is between 40 and 44, and 25 percent when paternal age is above 55.

Oocytes in women <35 appear to reduce the negative impact of older sperm on LBR, but not in women 35-39 years of age. This is useful information when counseling couples and in fertility education setting. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanism underlying our findings, the study said. Oocyte refers to an immature egg.

Speaking to The Guardian, Geeta Nargund, one of four authors who contributed to the study, pointed out that eggs from younger women have the ability to repair greater DNA damage in the sperm of older men. But when women become older, egg quality declines, reducing its ability to make such repairs.

Dropping Male Fertility

A study from 1992 found that sperm counts in men had fallen by 50 percent during the previous 60 years. In another study conducted in 2017, sperm concentration in men between 1973 and 2011 was found to have fallen by 50 to 60 percent worldwide.

In a study conducted in 2019, the proportion of men with normal total motile sperm count was found to have decreased by around 10 percent in the past 16 years.

Scientists have pointed to various factors for the decline in sperm concentration and motile count in men, ranging from air pollution, toxic gasses, heavy metals, pesticides, plasticizers, and so on.

The use of COVID-19 vaccines seems to have added to the problem. A study from Israel has found mRNA COVID-19 vaccines negatively affect male fertility, at least on a temporary basis.

After analyzing 220 samples, researchers found a 15.1 percent reduction in sperm concentration and a 22.1 percent decrease in total motile count 75 to 100 days after vaccination.

The total fertility rate (TFR), expressed as children per woman, has been on a decline in the United States for the past several decades. TFR peaked at 3.582 in 1958 and is at 1.782 in 2022. In Canada, TFR is at 1.492 while the UK has a TFR of 1.753.
A bitcoin representation is seen in an illustration picture taken at La Maison du Bitcoin in Paris, France, on June 23, 2017. (Benoit Tessier/Reuters)

Man Hatches Plan Using Robot Dogs, AI to Find $181 Million in Bitcoin Accidentally Thrown in Garbage Dump

A man who accidentally threw away a hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoins has hatched an $11 million plan to get them back again with the help of artificial intelligence (AI).

James Howells, from the city of Newport, in southern Wales, unintentionally threw the hard drive containing the Bitcoins in a garbage bin back in 2013, and has been desperately searching for a way to find the disk ever since, Business Insider reports.

The unfortunate incident happened because Howells, 36, got the hard drive mixed up with another blank hard drive, both of which had been placed inside a drawer.

The 8,000 Bitcoins, which he mined in 2009, are estimated to be worth about $181 million today.

Despite filing multiple requests to search for the hard drive within a huge landfill in the city, Howells has been denied by Newports city council, which cited high expenses and potential damage to the environment.

But the Welshman, who is a former IT worker, has not given up hope in his battle with local authorities, and has created a multimillion-dollar plan that involves an AI-powered machine, according to Business Insider, which viewed the $11 million proposal.

The proposal is backed by two venture capitalists, Hanspeter Jaberg and Karl Wendeborn, and would deploy a number of experts and their companies to help excavate up to 110,000 tons of garbage over three years in search of the disk. Howells also has a scaled-down version of the plan that would cost $6 million and take 18 months.

Robotic Sorting Machine

Howells plans to present the proposal to the council in the coming weeks, and he hopes it will finally grant him permission to try and recover the hard drive.

Specifically, Howells plan involves a team of eight experts who specialize in various areas that would help in his hunt for the Bitcoin, including AI-powered sorting, landfill excavation, waste management, and data extraction.

One of those experts, for example, previously worked for a company that recovered data from the black box of the Columbia space shuttle crash on Feb. 1, 2003, according to Business Insider.

Those experts are set to receive an unknown amount in the form of a bonus should they successfully find the hard drive.

With the help of these experts, machines would dig up the garbage, which then would be sorted at a temporary facility close to the landfill site and sifted through by humans as well as a robotic sorting machine from a company in Oregon called Max-AI.

According to Max-AIs official website, its technology is an artificial intelligence that identifies recyclables and other items for recovery via deep learning technology, which allows it to employ both multi-layered neural networks and a vision system to see and identify objects similarly to the way a person does.

In addition, Howells plan includes 24-hour CCTV cameras to stave off any potential hard drive thieves and two robotic Spot dogs from Boston Dynamics that would patrol the site at night and capture data via mobile CCTV, while simultaneously searching the area for the hard drive throughout the day.

We Do Not Want to Damage the Environment

According to Boston Dynamics website, the robot dogs can easily cruise over loose gravel, grass, curbs, and stairs, and their controls can be customized via a software development kit.

Were trying to achieve this project to a full commercial standard, Howells told Business Insider.

After the landfill site has been excavated, Howells said the rubbish would be cleaned and, as much as possible, would be recycled, while the remaining garbage would be reburied.

We do not want to damage the environment in any way, he said. If anything, we want to leave everything in a better condition.

He also hopes to build either a solar or wind-energy farm on top of the landfill site once he and his team of experts have completed their search for the hard drive, which may not even work after spending almost a decade laying under piles of rubbish.

However, the chance of his million-dollar plan going ahead is currently looking very unlikely, according to Newport city officials.

There is nothing that Mr. Howells could present to us that would make the council agree, a council representative told Insider. His proposals pose significant ecological risk, which we cannot accept and indeed are prevented from considering by the terms of our permit.

The Epoch Times has contacted the Newport city council for comment.

Meanwhile, venture capitalists Jaberg and Wendeborn have promised to provide the $11 million in funding based on the councils approval of the plan.

If it does go ahead, though, Howells has promised to keep just 30 percent of the Bitcoins on the disk, should it be found. That represents roughly $54 million, while the rest would go to local charities, and about $61 would go to each of Newports 150,000 residents, according to Business Insider.
Students walk across the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Jan. 17, 2003. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Michigan Medical School Students Walk out on Pro-Life Speaker During White Coat Ceremony

Dozens of incoming medical students at the University of Michigan walked out of the initiation ceremony on Sunday, following a failed attempt to pressure the school to cancel a pro-life doctor as the ceremonys keynote speaker.

The July 24 ceremony, during which students received their medical white coats and took the White Coat Pledge and the Hippocratic Oath, featured a speech by Dr. Kristin Collier, a professor and vocal critic of abortion.

I want to acknowledge the deep wounds our community has suffered over the past several weeks, said Collier as she began her speech, apparently referencing the pro-abortion students frustration with the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

We have a great deal of work to do for healing to occur, the professor continued. I hope that for today, for this time, we can focus on what matters most: coming together to support our newly accepted students and their families with the goal of welcoming them into one of the greatest vocations that exist on this earth.

Not all students stayed to hear her message. Dozens of them, along with their parents, walked out of the auditorium as soon as Collier was introduced.

According to an interview with online publication The Pillar, Collier started as a pro-choice atheist but later converted to Christianity and eventually reversed her view on abortion. She now directs a UMich program on religion, spirituality, and medicine and explores in her academic work how religious beliefs or spiritual commitments inform a physicians practices.

Pro-abortion Students Scared

The selection of Collier as the keynote speaker for the White Coat Ceremony triggered pro-abortion students on UMich campus. They demanded the medical school find an alternative speaker, saying that the mere fact that Collier was given a platform to speak scared them.

In a petition, UMich students said they were fearful about the fate of abortion access in Michigan, where a 1931 ban technically remains a part of its state law and may be enforced again after the nations highest court handed control over abortion back to individual states.

Im already scared that Ive chosen to attend school in a state where I may very well lose my right to a safe abortion, and the decision by UMMS to have Dr. Collier as a keynote speaker makes this even scarier, one student stated.

I am attending UMMS in large part because of their progressive approach to health care and education, and the choice to have Dr. Collier as keynote speaker makes me question my decision, another student wrote.

Medical School Resisted Pressure

UMich Medical School Dean Marschall Runge has rejected the demands, saying the university wont cancel a speaker simply because of her opinion.

Our values speak about honoring the critical importance of diversity of personal thought and ideas, which is foundational to academic freedom and excellence, Runge wrote, noting that Collier was selected by the UMich chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, which is comprised of medical students, house officers, and faculty. The society chapter honors exemplars of humanistic patient care and who serve as role models, mentors, and leaders in medicine.

We would not revoke a speaker because they have different personal ideas than others, he added.
Conservative MP for Foothills John Barlow rises during question period in the House of Commons in Ottawa on April 7, 2022. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

MP Calls on Canadians to Support Farmers in Pushing Back Against Policies Impacting Agriculture

A Conservative MP is calling on Canadian consumers to support farmers as the federal government pushes policies to reduce fertilizer emissions, which he said are hurting the farming industry and leading to higher food prices.

Farmers and consumers around the world are pushing back. Theyre pushing back against the European Unions farm-to-fork agenda, which is making farming unsustainable, food prices skyrocket, and food insecurity even more of a crisis, John Barlow, Conservative MP for Foothills, Alberta, said in a video posted on social media on June 15.

The farm-to-fork agenda, introduced in May 2020, claims that a third of the worlds greenhouse gas emissions came from food production, and it aims to [transform] the way food is produced and consumed to reduce impacts on the environment.

Massive protests have erupted in several countries where the governments are complying with the agenda by introducing climate change policies to radically reduce fertilizer emissions and cut down the number of livestock, including in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Sri Lanka.

Barlow, the shadow minister for Agriculture, Agri-Food, and Food Security, warns that similar policies are being proposed in Canada.

The Liberals are following the same farm-to-fork agenda and were seeing that with forced reductions in fertilizer use, a burdensome carbon tax, and choking red tape and regulations, which are doing the same thing to our farmers heremaking them unsustainable with decreased yields, and higher food costs, he said.

We need Canadian consumers to stand up and support Canadian agriculture, our farm families, to ensure that they have all the tools they need to be successful, not only to feed our fellow Canadians, but step up in that moral obligation to help feed the world.

In December 2020, the Liberal government also introduced its plan to reduce the absolute levels of greenhouse gas emissions arising from fertilizer use by 30 percent below 2020 levels by 2030. Specifically, it aims to reduce nitrous oxide emissions associated with synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use.

We cant let this happen here. We need to stand with our Canadian farm families #cdnag #cdnpoli #agriculture pic.twitter.com/bTspkSTTB3  John Barlow (@JohnBarlowMP) July 15, 2022

Barlow reiterated his arguments by retweeting the video on July 25, days after an annual meeting between federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture ministers concluded on July 22, with several provincial ministers expressing frustration over the Liberal governments plan to slash fertilizer emissions by 30 percent.

In a joint statement released after the meeting, agriculture ministers from Alberta and Saskatchewan said despite provincial efforts to push the federal government to discuss the matter of fertilizer emissions reductions, and that the issue was not part of the agriculture ministers meeting, they were disappointed to learn that the target is already set.

The commitment to future consultations are only to determine how to meet the target that Prime Minister Trudeau and [federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau] have already unilaterally imposed on this industry, not to consult on what is achievable or attainable, the statement reads.

Ontarios Agriculture Minister Lisa Thompson also released a statement on July 22, criticizing Ottawas lack of flexibility and consultation with the provinces.

I am disappointed in the federal governments approach to imposing fertilizer emission reduction targets when the world is struggling with food security, Thompson said.

As our farmers work to feed Canada and the world, we need to work with them and support their ongoing efforts to grow and produce the food we need, she added. The federal government needs to be true partners, rather than simply imposing targets that make it harder.

On July 24, interim Conservative Party leader Candice Bergen also called for support for Canadian farmers.

When the world needed #CanadianEnergy, Justin Trudeau tried to shut it down. Now, as the world needs food and should be getting it from Canada, hes doing all he can to kill #CanadianAgriculture, she wrote on Twitter.

On July 23, multiple convoy protests were launched across Canada in solidarity with farmers in the Netherlands and other European countries who have been protesting against climate change policies over the past few months. At least 55 convoys rolled out in eight provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.

Isaac Teo contributed to this article.
Spc. Kailee Soares prepares a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine during a drive to vaccinate Hawaii National Guardsmen assigned to the COVID-19 task force response on Kauai Island, Jan. 12, 2021. (U.S. Air National Guard /Master Sgt. Andrew Jackson)

National Guard Will Be Crippled by COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates: Lawmaker

A Republican lawmaker is warning that the National Guards COVID-19 vaccine mandate will possibly cripple the military reserve component weeks after Army officials announced that some 60,000 troops wont be allowed to participate in their duties if they arent vaccinated.

June 30 marked Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austins arbitrary deadline for members of the National Guard and Reserves to receive the COVID-19 vaccine despite Congress mandate that the Department of Defense establish uniform procedures under which service members can be exempted, Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.), a retired Army Green Beret, wrote for Fox News on July 25, saying that if the mandate is ultimately enforced, the guard will be crippled due to a lack of staffing.

To date, approximately 60,000 National Guard and Reserves remain unvaccinated and the pending decision from the Biden administration could punish the very service members who have been on the front lines of fighting this pandemic.

Combined with poor recruitment efforts, woke indoctrination, and mandates, Waltz said that the U.S. military is being depleted in the midst of the Chinese regimes military buildup and the RussiaUkraine conflict. At the same time, the United States is soon to enter both its hurricane season, which generally starts in August, and its wildfire season, the congressman said.

Two things have changed since the mandate was implemented. First, the vaccine has shown to not stop the spread but rather reduce symptoms, Waltz wrote. Second, tens of thousands of National Guard and reservists have expressed serious reservations about the emergency development of the vaccine.

He added that many of these service members have already been exposed to COVID-19 and last years defense bill specifically asks the department to consider whether previous exposures induce sustained antibody protection, which may produce similar levels of immunity as the vaccine.

Earlier this month, the Army confirmed that 40,000 National Guard and 22,000 reserve soldiers who didnt get the vaccine will be blocked from their duties.

Soldiers who refuse the vaccination order without an approved or pending exemption request are subject to adverse administrative actions, including flags, bars to service, and official reprimands, an Army spokesperson said in a statement.

A study published in JAMA found that at least 22 service members have suffered from serious vaccine-related side effects, including heart inflammation. Few service members, meanwhile, have been given religious exemptions, with only 20 being approved in the Army and six National Guard soldiers having their religious exemptions approved.

Several Republican governors have vowed not to remove Guard members who remain unvaccinated. Last year, the governors of Wyoming, Alaska, Iowa, Mississippi, and Nebraska wrote in a letter to the Pentagon that the troops dont need to follow federal military policy.

Pentagon officials didnt respond by press time to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.
The moment I realized I was about to dieand knew I only had seconds left to live before the airplane slammed into one of the emergency response vehicles prepositioned on the side of the runwayI experienced a deeply visceral and raw terror in my heart and my entire body.

So said retired Navy flight engineer Tony Woody, 65, telling The Epoch Times of his miraculous out-of-body experience and close brush with his Creator.

Not fear mind you, but sheer, raw terror! Theres a big difference, he added. I dont know how, but I do know that feeling of terror was somehow the catalyst for expanding my consciousness far out beyond the limitations of my human body.

That landing accident occurred in 1982, when Woody was 24 and stationed at Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii. A mishap aboard a 70-ton, four-engine plane triggered a spiritually transformative experience (STE), and he felt himself leave his bodya trip that forever changed his perception on life.

Exactly how he became a flight engineer and instructor at so young an age, how he wound up on that P3 antisubmarine aircraft that day, and what he saw outside of himself that so transformed him, these he shared with The Epoch Times.

An Unorthodox Start for a U.S. Navy Flight Engineer

I was 17 years old when I enlisted in the Navy via the delayed entry program while still in high school. Two months after graduating from school, I went to Navy boot camp in Orlando, Florida. After boot camp, I went to Millington, Tennessee, for three months for training to learn about jet engine mechanics. After that, I went to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, for my first tour of duty in Patrol Squadron 49.

Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii. (Public Domain)

At only 19 years old, I was offered an opportunity and the challenge of learning how to become a flight engineer (FE) on the P3 Orion aircraft via on-the-job training. I earned my Navy Air Crew wings and the privilege of being a qualified P3 Orion flight engineer in charge of the FE duties on a 70-ton, four-engine heavyweight airplane at only 21 years old. I went to FE Instructor training and became an instructor flight engineer at 24 years old in Hawaii at Naval Air Station Barbers Point. Due to the maritime nature of most of our missions, I was also required to complete deep-water survival training as well as the much-hated Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape course. That is a two-week-long school on how to survive in the wilderness while behind enemy lines in a mocked-up prisoner-of-war camp.  While working there, I was qualified to inspect work done on the P3 Orion, the S3 Viking, the H2 Sea Sprite, the H3 Sea King, and the H-60 Sea Hawk, which is all five of the anti-submarine warfare aircraft platforms.

Ironically, given my last name and unbeknownst to me  I didnt know until I went to my squadron duty office to check in off of furlough that the detailer in Washington D.C. who determines a sailors orders for their next duty station was having a little fun when he decided to send me, aviation machinist mate airman apprentice Woody, to the VP-49 Woodpeckers for my first tour of duty as a joke on me.

Initially, I was not happy about that at all, since I had been picked on and teased during my childhood solely because of my last name. But this time, it was actually the best thing that ever happened to me in the Navy, and heres why I say that. When all junior enlisted personnel first check onboard a P3 squadron, youre immediately sent to the First Lieutenant Division where you do a lot of menial jobs, like swabbing and buffing hallway decks in the work spaces and other menial jobs like that for a few months, before going to a real work center to do real work on real airplanes.

During my stint in the First Lieutenant Division, I was assigned to work in the geedunk, running the cash register and taking orders for food. Each squadron had their own geedunk (which is Navy slang for what civilians call a snack bar). About 10 days after I had been in the squadron, Im working in the geedunk by myself when my commanding officer walks in wearing his flight suit to get some food to take with him on a training flight. The work uniform I was wearing had my last name stenciled on the front of my shirt and the back of my pants.

Up to this point, my skipper had never met me and did not know who I was. My skipper was very happy when he walked in the door at first. But that instantly changed when I turned around to get his food  when he read my name on the back of my pants. He was clearly not happy anymore and I had no idea why he was angry with me. He was dead serious when he glared intently at me and said in a firm voice, Son, just because youre in the VP-49 Woodpeckers doesnt mean you dont have to stencil your proper name on your uniform! I think he thought my name was Woods or Wood or something like that and I was making a play on my name because of the name of the squadron I was in.

A P3 Orion antisubmarine airplane of the U.S. Navy. (Public Domain)

Here I was, an 18-year-old airman apprentice with my skipper very angry at me, and I was so scared I couldnt even say anything back to him. Without saying a word, I pulled my wallet out and I handed him my military ID card. He takes it from me and looks at it, sees my real name on the card, then looks up over the top of my ID card at me in astonishment and says, You mean I got a Woody in the Woodpeckers? I said with great relief, Yes sir, I guess you do. Now hes very happy to learn he actually does have a Woody in the Woodpeckers. Then as he started walking out the door, I blurted out the best question Ive ever asked in my Navy career when I said, Hey Skipper! Whats it like flying in one of those great big airplanes?

He gave me a huge smile and said, Well son, come with me and Ill show you! The next thing I know my skipper hooked me up with the flight engineer on his flight that day to shadow him during the two-hours-long preflight. After preflight, during engine starts, and taxiing to the runway, I sat behind the pilot seat and watched everything. We taxied to the approach end of the runway where we had to wait several minutes for another plane to land. I was wondering if I should go get strapped into a chair somewhere because I was the only one on the plane not strapped in at the time.

Right before I spoke up to ask about that, my skipper sitting in the co-pilot seat turned to the flight engineer and said, What do you think? Should we put him in there? And the engineer said, Sure thing skipper. And then the engineer unbuckles his harness straps and gets out of the FE seat. My skipper turns to me and tells me to get in the flight engineer seat. I must have had this are you freaking nuts? look on my face when my skipper put his right hand up with his palm out facing me and said, Dont worry son. We will tell you what to do.

I couldnt believe he just said that, but didnt have to be asked twice. I immediately jumped in the seat and the next thing I know Im pushing all four power levers forward setting 4,600 horsepower per engine across the board while the real flight engineer is supervising my actions. Two-and-a-half hours earlier, I was selling hotdogs in a U.S. Navy geedunk; the next thing I know I have 18,400 shaft horsepower at my control, in my hand via four power levers, and it felt great! For the next few hours on that flight, I was living a dream. And that dream continued on and eventually turned into 22 amazing years of shear pure fun.

That is the unorthodox way on how I was destined to become a P3 Orion flight engineer at the start of my Navy career.

A Moment of Sheer Terror Triggers Woodys Spiritually Transformative Experience

In 1981, I transferred to the VP-6 Blue Sharks at Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii  where I had the aircraft runway incident and the spiritual experiences in 1982, about 10 months after checking onboard VP-6.

Technically, the real reason we ran off the runway in the first place should have never happened, and I take equal blame for that because there was a moment when I could have stopped it from happening in the first place but I didnt. We all knew we were about to make an emergency engine-out landing with the outboard number-one engine on the left wing shut down. We knew anytime you have an asymmetrical power situation with two engines operating on one wing and only one on the other during a landing scenario, the pilot in control of the plane always gives a landing brief, discussing the emergency and the asymmetrical power situation in anticipation of potentially swerving off centerline on the runway.

The pilot in control verbally states how he will use the rudder to counteract the expected swerve in order to stay on the runway centerline. That day, my pilot, albeit jokingly, gave the emergency landing brief backwards when he verbalized the exact opposite of what he should do with the rudder to counter the expected swerve. The co-pilot and I picked up on the fact he was joking, and we let it happen and joked along with him, probably because we were all on the same crew and had flown together for a long time by then; so we had a lot of familiarity with one another in the flight station.

I believe, even though he was joking and we all knew it, that his brief was subconsciously stuck in his mind and he did exactly what he briefed, which was exactly the wrong thing to do at the wrong time, causing the plane to rapidly depart the runway at 135 knots [just over 155 mph]. I learned a very valuable lesson that day. I learned the flight station is not Comedy Central and is no place to joke around, especially during an engine-out emergency landing situation. 

Representation of what Woody experienced during his landing mishap aboard a P3 Orion in 1982. (Illustration  Anurake Singto-On/Shutterstock)

The pilot made a mistake and put in incorrect rudder during the three-engine emergency landing, and because we have fire trucks on the side of the runway, waiting there to take care of anything that goes wrong in case we crashed, we departed the runway and we were going directly at one of the fire trucksI mean straight at it. I suddenly had death coming at me at over 135 knots  It was coming at that speed, and I knew it, and all I could think about was, Im never going to hold my son again. He was a little over 3 years old. I was never going to see my wife, my family. You wouldnt believe all the stuff that goes through your head in an instant, in that moment, when you know its over. I didnt think I was dead. I knew it was coming. And there was nothing I could do.

In that moment, all of a sudden, I find myself outside the airplane, looking down on everything from like 20, 30 feet up, over all of it. And Im still having the perspective of the me in the seat. So somehow, Im in two places in the middle of all this, and I have no idea whats going on. Im totally confused. The me in the seat was terrifiedemotionally I could feel that energyand the me outside the plane was totally calm, as if just an observer watching everything. Everything too; it got really strange after that. That ended up triggering for full-blown spiritual experience where I was in the light, and it was powerful, [a] life-changing event. I knew I was in the presence of my Creator. You cant not know. Because the energy is blasting through you, of love, peace, harmony. So many things happen there.

I also describe another similar out-of-body experience that happened two days later, when [a] spirit came to me in my sleep.  After I prayed a prayer of simple gratitude right before going to sleep, that little 10-second-long prayer somehow triggered a full-blown spiritually transformative experience, placing me directly in the presence of my Creator. I instantly knew I was in the presence of God because I was one with all of the infinite power, infinite wisdom, and intelligence, which are one and the same, because you cant have one without the otherand infinite, unconditional love. Only God can do that.

(As for how Woody and his crew survived the impending collision, he shared that incredible experience in the moment of near death in a video here.)

Woody Shared His Story After Over 2 Decades of Shame and Silence

Within the first two weeks after my experiences on the runway and in the light two days after, triggered by a simple prayer of gratitude, is when I needed professional help the most and got none. I went to a pastor of a small church in Waianae, Hawaii, and told him what happened. He looked at me like I was crazy, turned around and walked off and said nothing to me at all.

My wife physically tried to prevent me from asking another pastor in a different church while in a public setting, and then, right after that, a Navy lieutenant commander, who was in a different P3 squadron and also stationed at Barbers Point Naval Air Station, came up to me in the church parking lot after services and said, I recommend you stop talking about your experience. If you dont, you are at risk of being labeled mentally unstable and could lose your security clearance.

Tony Woody, now 65. (Courtesy of Tony Woody)

I immediately knew that meant I would be forced to stop flying and most likely be removed from military service completely. I loved the Navy and I loved being a P3 flight engineer, and vowed nobody was going to take that away from me no matter what. So my only apparent choice at the time was to just stop talking about it. And I did, for over 20 years. But that doesnt work either. You cannot stuff God away once He has acted in an overt manner in your life that affects you deeply forever after. You just cant. I tried though, really hard; and for a very long time too. In doing so, it cost me a marriage and it caused a lot of other troubles in my life, all because I received no help in the beginning when I needed help the most.

If I had just had someone to talk to, anyone, who would not judge what I was saying and just listen and acknowledge that what I was saying happened to me was quite real for me, then I think my life would have turned out quite differently with a lot less struggle. 

Around 2010 timeframe, I had read a book called Lessons from the Light, written by Dr. Kenneth Ring. After reading that book, and learning others were having these same kinds of experiences as me, is when I realized I hadnt actually lost my mind yet, and that I wasnt the only one whod had this happened to them. Soon after reading the book, I was asked to speak at a church venue in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and tell my story publicly for the first time. That is when I decided it was time for me to tell my story, and, in my mind, it was also a way for me to serve God and Gods people.

Woody Received Wisdom From the Creator

I have seen and felt the most beautiful thing in existence.  I was experiencing Gods perfect Love and energy that was filling me up and infinitely expanding within me in wave after wave of divine love. I still dont have the words to describe that feeling properly, but I will say its the most amazing and best feeling ever and I never wanted to stop feeling Gods amazing love. My heart broke in anguish when my experience in the Light ended, and I cried my eyes out after that. Not a day has gone by since then that I dont pray for another full experience in the light like that again with my Creator.  I now know I am much more than just a human being. We all are, actually, and I know that too. In truth, we are all one, and there is no such thing as separation. What we do to the one we do to everyone. And we do so most assuredly, and especially, to ourselves, whether we know that or not.

Michael Wing contributed to this report.

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New Delaware Assault Weapon Ban Infringes on Second Amendment Rights: Lawsuit

A recently enacted Delaware law that bans guns described as assault weapons violates the U.S. and state Constitutions, according to a new lawsuit.

Delaware House Bill 450 bans the sale and manufacture of dozens of guns labeled as assault weapons. It also forbids transporting such guns into the state.

Those who violate the law face a felony charge for each violation.

However, the U.S. Constitutions Second Amendment guarantees the right of the people to keep and bear Arms and Article I, Section 20 of the Delaware Constitution states, A person has the right to keep and bear arms for the defense of self, family, home and State, and for hunting and recreational use, which means that the new law is illegal, according to the suit, which was filed by the Delaware State Sportsmens Association, a National Rifle Association (NRA) affiliate; several gun clubs; the Delaware Association of Federal Firearms Licensees; and five individuals.

Plaintiffs and their members have a constitutional right to make use of common firearms, deemed assault weapons under the Regulatory Scheme, for effective self-defense and not to be disarmed by the Regulatory Scheme and its enforcement by Defendants, the 92-page federal court filing reads.

In addition, state lawmakers ignored rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court and the Delaware Supreme Court that peoples right to self-defense includes the right to possess guns both inside and outside their homes, the plaintiffs say.

The passage of the new law amounts to defiance of this established and unassailable authority, they say.

Court Asked to Block Enforcement

We promised our members and the people of Delaware that if HB 450 ever became law, we would challenge that law and today, we kept that promise, Jeff Hague, president of the Delaware State Sportsmens Association, said in a statement.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to block state officials from enforcing the law.

Delaware Gov. John Carney, a Democrat who signed the legislation, and the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security declined to comment to The Epoch Times.

While signing the legislation and other gun restriction laws, Carney said previously that we have an obligation to do everything we can to prevent tragedies like weve seen around the county from happening here in Delaware.

We are not waiting to do whats rightto take steps that will make our state safer, he said.

Delaware Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola, another Democrat, said hes proud of my colleagues for standing strong against the lobbying effort of the NRA to do whats right for the safety of our families.
This stained-glass window depicts "lady justice" in the Xenia, Ohio, courthouse on July 22, 2022. David Lee Myers was convicted of murder in this courthouse in 1996. He protests his innocence. (Janice Hisle/The Epoch Times)

New DNA Tests Cast Doubt on 1996 Conviction in Railroad-Spike Slaying, Lawyers Say

David Lee Myers has been on Ohios Death Row since 1996, awaiting execution for one of the most gruesome killings that anyone in Xenia, Ohio, can recall: A railroad spike had been jammed through a young womans skull, and rocks, which had been used to violate her sexually, had been left inside her body.

People around town say the shocking 1988 demise of Amanda Jo Maher, 18, is still referred to as The Spike Murder, almost like an urban legend; some say they are surprised that her convicted killer hasnt been put to death yet.

But new DNA test analyses are casting doubt on Myers conviction, his lawyers say, asserting that new findings overshadow circumstantial evidence that helped convict their client of aggravated murder and other crimes connected to Mahers slaying.

Myers is not the source of male DNA found on key crime scene evidence used during the attack on the victim, his lawyers wrote in court records. This case is a textbook example of a wrongful conviction. Myers conviction is supported by false and misleading forensic science, ineffective defense counsel, and several other factors. The Court cannot have confidence in the verdict  (and) today no reasonable juror would convict Myers.

His lawyers are asking a judge in Greene County, Ohio, to order a hearing on Myers claims of actual innocence. They also want the judge to throw out Myers convictions, vacate his death sentence, and order a new trial. As of July 24, no hearing had been set, and prosecutors were still preparing a response to more than 600 pages of legal pleadings and exhibits that Myers lawyers filed in recent weeks. The Epoch Times was seeking comment from prosecutors on July 25.

A mugshot of David Lee Myers as a 23-year-old, when he was first arrested in the spike slaying in 1988. (Xenia Police Division)

Filling 20,000 pages in federal court, the Myers case highlights the complexity of science-based actual innocence claims that are winding through American courts, especially old cases with physical evidence that has been misplaced or destroyed. In Myers case, authorities acknowledge they are still searching for several pieces of physical evidence his lawyers sought for possible testing. The case also exemplifies persistent forensic science concerns that the National Academy of Sciences explored in its landmark 2009 report.

Substantial improvement is necessary in the forensic science disciplines  to prevent the criminal justice system from erroneously convicting or exonerating the persons who come before it, the report says.

Events leading to new DNA testing in the Myers case began in February 2020, when a federal magistrate judge decided to allow further testing. The ruling, which came more than two decades after Myers first sought DNA tests, granted Myers the right to see whether scientific advances could reveal evidence that might exonerate him or implicate another perpetrator.

A law firm in Columbus, OhioVorys, Sater, Seymour, and Peasehas worked for Myers pro bono (without fee) for many years. Several other attorneys, including some from the Federal Public Defenders Office, have also worked on his behalf. Lawyers from the Ohio Attorney Generals Office and the Greene County Prosecutors Office have been opposing the challenges to Myers convictions.

In her decision to grant Myers request for new DNA testing, U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Kimberly Jolson wrote that the prosecutions case against Myers was largely circumstantial but was nonetheless damning in one critical respectscientific evidence around which questions now swirl. Those questions center mostly around DNA testing and microscopic analysis of a single foreign pubic hair that investigators found on the victims body.

Jolson cited numerous and significant concerns with trial witnesses assertions that the lone pubic hair could be linked to Myers. DNA testing was in its infancy when initial tests were conducted on the hair, the judge said, noting that science has evolved since then, and the tests are now more reliable. During Myers trial, jurors were told that the DNA profile obtained from that single hair was found in just 2 percent of the white populationand that the same profile was found in Myers DNA. However, a California DNA expert who reviewed the case states that a much larger group of peopleup to three-quarters of the populationare possible contributors to the DNA detected in this sample.

A current mugshot of David Lee Myers, now 57. (Ohio Department of Correction and Rehabilitation)

Referred to as the well-traveled hair, in court, the single pubic hair had been transported to various laboratories for testing, increasing chances that the hair may have been contaminated, mishandled, or inadvertently switched with another hair, Myers lawyers wrote.

As a result of the federal judges order, a trio of experts scrutinized several pieces of evidence in Myers case. Testing of fingernail scrapings from Maher, Myers, and a possible alternative suspect produced nothing of value, as did tests on two rocks that were used to assault Maher sexually. However, on a third rock, testing revealed a partial male DNA profile. The expert who performed the analysis opined that no conclusions can be made on this partial profile, but he had no sample of Myers DNA to use for comparison at the time, court records say. Two experts, whom Myers team contracted, independently determined that Myers was excluded as a contributor of the DNA found on the rock. The states lawyers took no position  regarding Myers expert reports or opinions, nor on the admissibility of those reports in court, records say.

Another serious issue in the case involves pieces of evidence that cannot be located. These items remain missing now, more than two years after Jolsons order:

Swabs from a rape kit, which had been used to collect possible evidence from the victims body

Hairs from the victims shirtwhich Myers lawyers reported finding when they viewed the evidence in 1995, seven years after Maher died, in preparation for trial

Fingerprint lifts from Myers car

A pubic hair sample that had been taken from Myers

Whether intentional or otherwise, the State has failed to adequately preserve evidence in a way allowing Myers to effectively prove his case at trial or mount a full defense to the allegations against him, Myers lawyers wrote. Authorities have said they are continuing the search for the missing items, which a judge ordered authorities to preserve in 1999, when Myers began seeking additional tests on the evidence. Myers lawyers submitted affidavits stating they were ill-prepared to counter the states DNA evidence at trial.

The Greene County Courthouse in Xenia, Ohio, on July 22, 2022. David Lee Myers was convicted here of aggravated murder in 1996. (Janice Hisle/Epoch Times)

Trial evidence against Myers also included microscopic hair analysis, which has now been discredited by the scientific community, Myers lawyers wrote. Hair comparison analysis was widely used before the development of DNA testing. It was thought to be a way to match hair found at a crime scene to hair from a suspect. Such comparisons are now considered junk science, and have been linked to wrongful convictions, Myers attorneys said in their court filing. In 2015, a federal review of FBI analysts testimony showed their statements were flawed in 90 percent of 3,000 microscopic hair analysis cases. In Myers trial, three experts testified about hair comparisons, attempting to link Myers to the single pubic hair found on Maher.

Myers, now 57, was 23 when he was arrested as a suspect in Mahers death on the evening of Aug. 4, 1988. During the early morning hours of that day, a pair of teen girls found Maher lying along railroad tracks, fatally wounded and gasping for air. Initially, Mahers identity was unknown; a police sketch artist made a rendering of her. But, before the sketch could be widely circulated, Mahers mother contacted the police and reported her daughter was missing. Police identified the railroad-spike victim as Maher, based on her mothers description. Maher was a mother of a 9-month-old girl and was about four weeks pregnant with a second child at the time of her death.

The night before his arrest, Myers had been at a local tavern, socializing with Maher and her boyfriend; after Mahers boyfriend was arrested for disorderly conduct, Myers promised to make sure that the young woman got home safely. After being unable to find keys to her boyfriends car, Maher left on foot with Myers. A police officer testified he saw the pair walking together, only about 300 yards away from the spot where Mahers body was later found in the early morning hours of Aug. 4. After Myers was jailed, fellow jail inmates reported they heard Myers make incriminating statements revealing details about the crime, including Maher being assaulted with rocks and the railroad spikeinformation that police hadnt publicized, prosecutors say. During Myers trial, prosecutors also pointed out that Myers had previously been convicted of the sexual assault of another woman in a scenario they said was chillingly similar to the one that happened the night Maher died. The other woman, like Maher, needed help getting home from a local bar. She reported that Myers offered to take her home but drove her to a cemetery, where he raped her at knifepoint. He pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of sexual battery. Myers was on probation for that offense when he was arrested for Mahers death.

The original 1988 indictment of Myers was nullified because prosecutors said they needed more time to investigate. Prosecutors charged Myers in an unrelated forgery case; he spent two years in prison. Then, in 1993, as Myers was about to finish his forgery sentence, prosecutors re-indicted him for Mahers murder. The trial was repeatedly delayed until 1996, leading to his conviction after six weeks of testimony.

According to news reports, Mahers family felt a sense of closure after waiting nearly eight years for justice. But Myers, upon hearing the guilty verdict, shouted in court: I didnt do it! I swear to God I didnt do it. That outburst was lame, a prosecutor was quoted as saying.

Last month, Myers wrote in an affidavit: I have maintained my innocence since my arrest  I have constantly worked on my case on my own, trying to obtain assistance from attorneys, organizations, friends and family members  but my efforts have been limited by my incarceration, lack of education and lack of funds. He stated that he has a high school education, considers himself computer illiterate, and usually has about $25 in his prison account.
NYC Mayor Fires Another 200 Employees for Not Getting COVID-19 Vaccine

The office of New York Mayor Eric Adams announced on July 23 that more than 200 city workers were fired for failing to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The latest additions bring the total number of terminations in the city to 1,752 as of July 13, a spokesman for Adamss office told the New York Post. He declined to provide a list of departments where the jobs were cut.

Earlier this year, Adams fired 1,430 public-sector workers over their COVID-19 vaccination status, totaling less than 1 percent of the citys 370,000-person workforce.

Some 64 percent of the employees who were fired in February worked for the Department of Education, while 101 workers were fired from the New York City Housing Authority, 75 from the Department of Correction, 40 from the Department of Sanitation, and 36 from the New York Police Department.

About a month later, the city fired another 101 workers for not complying with the mayors COVID-19 vaccine mandate, including 42 in the Education Department.

In March, Adams became the subject of criticism for exempting athletes and performers not based in New York from the mandate, while keeping the rule in place for private and public workers.

This exemption sends the wrong message that higher-paid workers and celebrities are being valued as more important than our devoted civil servants, which I reject, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said, questioning the Democratic mayors decision.

New York had some of the most restrictive mandates in the country, requiring almost all employees in various government agencies to be vaccinated and requiring private employers to ensure that their workers were vaccinated as well.

In June, Adams offered some workers who were fired in February and March the opportunity to get their old jobs back, but only on the condition that they get fully vaccinated. They were given until June 30 to get the first dose and then make arrangements for a second dose by Aug. 15. The Post first reported the development.

The mayors office declined to reveal how many of the former public-sector employees agreed to the offer and planned to return to work. Ex-employees in the Education Department are expected to receive a letter later in the summer, a city spokesperson said.

Other than the 1,752 employees in various government agencies who were recently terminated, more than 6,000 city workers have applied for medical or religious exemptions from the mandate, but have yet to receive an answer.

Isabel van Brugen contributed to this report.

From NTD News
John Fraser, interim leader of Ontario Liberal Party, speaks at the partys 2019 AGM in Toronto on June 7, 2019. (The Canadian Press/Chris Young)

Ontario Liberals Elect John Fraser to Again Serve as Interim Leader

The Ontario Liberal Party unanimously elected John Fraser as interim leader in a caucus vote on July 25.

Fraser, who also served as the partys interim leader in 2018 after then-leader Kathleen Wynne stepped down, will replace former leader Steven Del Duca. Del Duca was elected Ontario Liberal leader in 2020 and held the role for two years before stepping down in June after losing the provincial election and failing to capture his Vaughan-Woodbridge seat.

I am honoured that my Ontario Liberal caucus colleagues have put my name forward to serve as our partys next Interim Leader, he said in a statement. I am grateful to have their trust and look forward to the work ahead as we rebuild our party and continue our fight for Ontarians.

Fraser has held the role of House Leader in the Ontario Legislature since 2020 and is currently the MPP for Ottawa-South. He initially won the seat in in 2013 when he replaced former MPP Dalton McGuinty in a by-election. Fraser has won the riding in three consecutive provincial elections.

Prior to being elected interim leader, Fraser had told The Canadian Press that he was considering a run in the Ontario Liberal leadership race, the starting date of which has not yet been determined.

Im interested in how we go forward, he said. Im thinking about it.

We have a lot of work to do, but were in a far better situation than we were in 2018. What Ive been saying to my colleagues and others is, Lets take time to breathe, figure out what we need to do going forward.'

As interim leader, Fraser will steer the Ontario Liberals as the party prepares for its upcoming leadership race in the next few months.

John Brians, the Ontario Liberal Party president, said Fraser is exactly what the Liberals need right now.

John is a strong and experienced leader with deep roots in the Ontario Liberal Party, he said in a statement. I saw firsthand Johns dedication to reconnecting with our grassroots members and to rebuilding our party during his first term as Interim Leader. I know that he will continue to work tirelessly as we navigate this important moment in our partys history.

The caucuss decision will be brought before an Ontario Liberal voting body for formal ratification in early August 2022, according to a statement.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
Officers from the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) surround protestors who set up a table during a rally in support of Dutch farmers and Freedom Fighters Canada near the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Canada in Ottawa on July 23, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Spencer Colby)

Ottawa Police Issued 103 Tickets, Towed 12 Vehicles Amid Convoy Protests Over the Weekend

Ottawa police issued 103 tickets and towed 12 vehicles amid convoy protests held at the citys downtown area over the weekend.

In a statement released July 23, the Ottawa Police Service said law enforcement was deployed to the citys downtown core and surrounding area that day in response to the protests, and that measures were taken to minimize disruption to residents, businesses and visitors.

When an uncooperative and large group of vehicles attempted to enter the downtown core, caused disruption to the regular flow of traffic in various parts of the city and refused to leave. As a result, one arrest was made, and Obstruct, and Public Mischief charges were laid, the police said.

We discourage the use of vehicles for any form of demonstration or causing significant disruptions to allow us to serve our community.

In total, 103 tickets were issued, and 12 vehicles were towed.

The police also enforced other measures, including a temporarily closure of Hwy 417 off-ramps which they said was to deter vehicle-based demonstrators from entering the downtown core. A vehicle exclusion zone was also set up in the city that day, with a heavy police presence there to monitor the convoy movements.

While the police didnt specify the nature of the protests, the Ottawa police indicated in several social media posts that they were aware of a protest involving farm equipment that was headed for the city on July 23.

We are seeing some farm equipment enter the city. We want to remind everyone that in Ontario, you cannot drive farm equipment on a Highway like the 417 & 416 unless there is no other access to the farmland you are working on, and the land must adjoin to a 400-series Highway.  Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) July 23, 2022

Supporting Dutch Farmers

On July 23, massive convoy protests were held across Canada in support of Dutch farmers who are protesting the governments climate change policies that they say are threatening their viability.

At least 55 convoys hit the road that day in eight provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.

In Ottawa, vehicles convened in the Kanata area to form a convoy, while other protesters gathered downtown to cheer on protest vehicles as they passed by. The protestors also marched across the city in a freedom parade, past the War Memorial and on to Parliament Hill.

In one incident, police removed a table protesters had set up to distribute pamphlets containing information about the protest, saying that a permit is needed to have such a table according to bylaws.

An officer from the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) talks to a protestor during a rally in support of Dutch farmers and Freedom Fighters Canada near the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Canada in Ottawa on July 23, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Spencer Colby)

The protests in the Netherlands erupted in June after the Dutch government issued a national and area-specific plan for curbing nitrogen greenhouse gas emissions, with some areas required to slash emissions by 70 percent, or even 95 percent, as it aims to reduce those pollutants by 50 percent nationwide by 2030.

In particular, the Dutch government proposed to cut livestock numbers in the country by 30 percent as part of the plan to radically reduce nitrogen emissions and ammonia, which are produced by the mixture of livestocks urine and feces.

These policies were introduced amid global food shortage concerns and skyrocketing fuel and fertilizer prices, which some farmers and experts say will exacerbate the crisis.

Last week, Canadas agriculture ministers from several provinces also raised concerns about similar food shortages hitting the country as the Liberal government introduces a plan to reduce fertilizer emissions.
FILE - Traffic drives in view of a Boeing Co. production plant, where images of jets decorate the hangar doors on April 23, 2021, in Everett, Wash. Roughly 2,500 Boeing workers are expected to go on strike the following month at three plants in the St. Louis area after they voted Sunday, July 24, 2022, to reject a contract offer from the plane maker. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

Over 2,000 Boeing Defense Workers to Go on Strike in August After Rejecting Contract Deal

Approximately 2,500 members of a union that represents three Boeing Co. defense locations in Missouri are set to go on strike next month after they voted to reject the plane makers contract offer.

The International Association of Machinists (IAM) and Aerospace Workers District 837 confirmed the planned strike, which comes after weeks of bargaining, in a statement on July 24.

The strike is planned to begin on Aug. 1 at Boeing manufacturing facilities in St. Charles County, St. Louis County, and Mascoutah, Illinois.

Workers at those plants build military aircraft, including the F-15, F-18, T-7A trainer, and the MQ-25 unmanned refueler.

Boring employs 14,865 workers in Missouri, according to the companys website.

Our members have spoken loudly and with one voice, the unions statement read. We cannot accept a contract that is not fair and equitable, as this company continues to make billions of dollars each year off the backs of our hardworking members.

The statement added that Boeing previously took away a pension from our members, and now the company is unwilling to adequately compensate our members 401(k) plan.

We will not allow this company to put our members hard-earned retirements in jeopardy, IAM added.

The more than 2,000 members of IAM District 837 opened contract negotiations with Boeing Defense on July 6, 2022, regarding wages, health care, retirement, and more.

The current contract is set to expire on Monday, July 25.

Disappointed

A Boeing spokesperson told Bloomberg that the Virginia-based company was disappointed with Sundays vote to reject a strong, highly competitive offer, and that the company is activating our contingency plan to support continuity of operations in the event of a strike.

In a statement to the Post-Dispatch prior to the vote, a Boeing spokesperson said its contract proposal had offered highly competitive wage increases and one of the most lucrative 401(k) plans in the nation.

As part of its retirement plan, Boeing would match dollar-for-dollar up to 10 percent of base and incentive pay, while the company also promised to make a special contribution of 2 percent in 2023 and 2024, according to the Post-Dispatch.

The union previously said Boeing has offered subpar GWIs (general wage increases), no change in wage progression, and takeaways in the 401k.

The Epoch Times has contacted Boeing for comment.

Boeing came under fire last year after telling workers they must be vaccinated against COVID-19, prompting protests in Washington State.

The company also has had a turbulent few years which saw a number of crashes, including a Boeing 737 operated by Indonesian airline Lion Air, which crashed 13 minutes after departure in 2018. All 189 people aboard the plane were killed.

Another 157 people died in 2019 when a 737 operated by Ethiopian Airlines crashed shortly after takeoff.

Shortly after that crash, all 737 MAX airplanes were temporarily grounded in the United States.

In March 2022, a Boeing 737-800 airplane, operated by China Eastern Airlines, crashed in southern China with 132 people on board.

Earlier this year, Boeing reported a $1.2 billion loss in the first quarter. However, the company announced last week that Delta Air Lines had ordered 100 of its 737 MAX 10 airplanes, worth around $13.5 billion at list prices.

This is a huge testament to the value of the MAX, said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing, after the announcement. What an endorsement from a world-class airline.
Pass the CHIPS, Then Pop the Champagne

The CHIPS bill to support US electronic defense and industrial infrastructure should be passed to send a clear message to China

Commentary

NEW YORKIts rare that one would find socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and conservative Fox News commentator Steve Moore on the same side of an issue, let alone legislation, but the CHIPS bill, expected to go before the Senate next week, is just such an instance.

I happily oppose both of them, though Moore more so than Sanders.

The Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Act, or the CHIPS for America Act (HR 7178), provides a wide variety of incentives and grants to support domestic chip production, innovation, and expertise. (See this link for specific details.) The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has scored the cost of the bill at $79 billion over nine years, to 2031.

Sanders sees the bill as corporate welfare, largely for Intel, Texas Instruments, Micron Technology, Global Foundries, and Samsung, and is demanding that the chip manufacturers give the United States an equity stake in their companies in exchange for taxpayer support, abstain from stock buy-backs, not outsource their work overseas, stick with their existing collective bargaining agreements and remain neutral in union organizing efforts.

As what former Sen. Rick Santorum once dubbed a blue collar conservative, theres not much in Sanders position with which I take issue; perhaps his requirement that the company remain neutral in union organizing efforts. To the extent allowed by law, I think companies have a right to present the case as to why their workers should not be unionized so that they can make an informed decision. But other than that, they seem reasonable. (And, lest you doubt my own conservative bona fides, my liberal friends think I make Steve Bannon seem like Mr. Rogers.)

Moores opposition is more generalized and more ideological. Like most conservatives who came of age in the 1970s and 80s, he has a libertarian bent, so he is opposed to government support of private companies. Its a view he shares with Sanders, who says it socializes all the risk and privatizes all the profits. Sanders called such subsidies crony capitalism in a recent press release.

But both of them are wrong for different reasons, particularly Moore.

Moores view is wrong, as is most economics that is borne of blind fealty to ideological dogma.

While it is taboo among my fellow conservatives to choose winners and losers in the economy, that seems to be the case only when one reaches the pinnacle of politics in the national arena. I say that because virtually every Republican governor who has sought the presidency in my lifetime has engaged in some form of what economists call industrial policy.

Industrial policy, as defined by the OECD, is any type of selective government intervention or policy that attempts to alter the structure of production in favour (sic) of sectors [or activities] that are expected to offer better prospects for economic growth in a way that would not occur in the absence of such intervention in the market equilibrium.

Did your governor-cum-presidential hopeful sign over an abandoned factory for $1 to a manufacturer who promised to make it productive again? Or engage in Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes or a PILOT agreement to subsidize a new commercial development? Then he or she engaged in industrial policy. Even Republican presidential-flavor-of-the-month Gov. Ron DeSantis does industrial policy. But if DeSantis gets on the 2024 presidential campaign trail, you can probably bet your next months rent or mortgage payment that he will loudly condemn picking winners and losers at some point on the campaign trail.

Ditto that with former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, another of the wannabe Republican nominees for president. Shes voiced her opposition to the CHIPS bill as that evil picking winners and losers industrial policy that real conservatives are supposed to eschew like the Black Death.

And, sure enough, to signal to the conservative Republican base, Haley resigned from the Boeing board of directors in 2020 to prove her conservative bona fides because her colleagues on the board all voted to receive federal government funding to help Boeing get past the pandemic.

I had to chuckle at Haleys move a bit because there would be no Boeing if it were not for U.S. industrial policy. The reason that Boeing even existsand that Boeing has led the world in the production of commercial jetlinersis because it developed the first commercially viable jetliner, the legendary Boeing 707. But the 707 was built on the airframe of the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, the flying gas station of the U.S. Air Force, after it adopted the practice of mid-air refueling of other aircraft in the 1950s! (The industrial policy that created Boeing continues even to this today, with the Boeing 767, shown in this link, being built on the same airframe as the KC-45 Pegasus tanker, shown in this one.)

Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker at Kandahar International Airport in 2019, via Wikimedia Commons, shown here with an engine upgrade. It is indistinguishable from the legendary Boeing 707, shown in this link here with its original 1950/60s era engine configuration.

Fact is, the industrial policy conservatives like Haley and Moore abhor has been the backbone of most U.S. innovation and development for most of the 20th century. The wrist-watch; four-wheel drive trucks and utility vehicles; facial tissues, tea bags, toilet paper, and tamponseven much of the food in your childs lunch boxwere all born out of the United States or allied governments seeking to fulfill a sometimes urgent government need, usually in wartime.

In the civilian sphere, patent No. US6799176B1, described as a Method for scoring documents in a linked database, was funded by a National Science Foundation government grant. You know it better as Google. The internet itself was derived from a program of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

And even before that, in the earliest days of the nation, the government was picking winners and losers. While Congress shelved Hamiltons Report on Manufactures when he presented it in 1791, it enacted the tariffs he recommended just six months later. Everything from the Telegraph to the Trans-Continental Railroad would come from the government picking winners and losers.

Our course, politics, and business can breed, if not corruption, then at least the appearance of it, and, certainly, the opportunity for it. Thats been proven from the Teapot Dome Scandal to the Solyndra scandal of the Obama administration. So, its a prerequisite that government funding or incentives of private businesses be thoroughly transparent, with detailed reporting of expenditures in an online checkbook, as well as stringent and continuous oversight, frequent audits, and other tools to ensure money is not being wasted.

The CHIPS bill is a necessary element in maintaining both our national defense and our economic security. It should not be thwarted by libertarian dogma that, in many instances, is simply wrong.

Chips today are as critical to maintaining a resilient national defense infrastructure as ball bearings were to The Greatest Generations defense infrastructure in World War II. Not only must there be a source of supply here in the United States, but we must innovate and maintain it, including legacy chips for our older defense systems. (Fun Fact: While its been overhauled and upgraded, the Boeing B-52 will have been a critical element of the U.S. defense arsenal for 75 years by the end of this decade.)

And all that is to say nothing of the chips we use for our cars, our computers, our major appliances, and internet infrastructure. They are what the logistics and supply chain experts call mission critical. What you want done cannot get done without chips and a ready supply of them. (I speak from experience. When our old dishwasher broke down in October, but was still under warranty, we were told the chip to fix it would not be available until February. February!)

An Important Word

Re-shoring U.S. chip manufacturing might be misinterpreted by China as our stepping back from Taiwan because Taiwans chips are so critical to our economy. It could send a dangerous and unintended message to Beijing and the belligerent elements of the Chinese Communist Party. It should not, and Congress and the president should ensure that it doesnt.

To make that clear to all the world, simultaneous with the signing of the CHIPS bill, President Joe Biden should announceclearly and unequivocallyand surrounded by the leadership of both houses of Congress as well as the ambassadors of Australia, India, Japan, and South Koreathat we have abandoned our policy of strategic ambiguity with respect to Taiwan in favor of strategic certaintythat the United States will fully defend Taiwan from Chinese aggression, particularly invasion, and that any attempt to quarantineblockadethe island by the Chinese Navy or interfere with Taiwans airspace, will be treated by the United States as an act of war upon both Taiwan and the United States.

To back it up further, we should offer an additional sale of weaponry to Taiwan to defend itself and schedule joint exercises with The QuadJapan, Australia, India, and usto protect the Straits of Taiwan.

Taiwan represents so much more for the United States than being the worlds biggest chip manufacturer. It is an issue for our defense of the freedom of the seas and support for refugee populations fleeing persecution by nations hostile to American interests, the very reason Taiwan came to be after the communist takeover in China.

We need to make clear to all concerned that enhancing our own defense will never be done by abandoning the sacred bond of a long-standing, erstwhile, and important ally.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Puppies play in a cage at a pet store in a file photo. After COVID-19 stay-at-home orders went into effect in the spring of 2020, the addition of a furry family member became a hot commodity. (Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images)

Pet Cloning is Booming in China

In recent years, cloning of deceased pets has become a booming business in China, a market that is rapidly growing despite its high price tag, immature technology, and controversial ethics.

In July 2019, SinoGene, Chinas pet cloning bellwether, produced Chinas first cloned cat for 250,000 yuan ($37,000). Since then, commercial pet cloning in China is enjoying growing popularity.

The company just opened a new branch in eastern Chinas Jiangsu Province, with the plant occupying an area of 27,000 square meters (6.67 acres) and a total building area of 17,000 square meters (4.2 acres).

The initial high price of cloning was unaffordable for most Chinese. But, cloning costs have gone down. The present price tag for cloning a cat is 118,000 yuan (about $17,500), less than half what it was three years ago, according to a SinoGene salesperson.

The price of cloning a pet dog, which varies based on the size of the animal, is currently between 168,000 and 198,000 yuan (about $25,000 to $29,000), which is 50 percent less than the 380,000 yuan (about $56,000) it was in April 2019.

But even the current cloning prices are equivalent to what it would take an average Chinese person 2 to 3 years to earn.

In the past few years, SinoGene has successfully delivered more than 300 cloned pets, including approximately 100 cats and 200 dogs. In addition, more than 1,000 customers have preserved pet cells with SinoGene for future cloning needs.

The pet cloning market in China is becoming highly competitive. In addition to SinoGene, another pet cloning company is PanGene, which is well-known for cloning Purebred Tibetan Mastiff dogs. Some commercial catteries and kennels have also preserved cell lines from cats and dogs and provide cloning services in order to preserve the best breeds.

According to the 2021 white paper on Chinas pet industry, the total number of pet dogs and cats in China exceeded 112 million last year, and in urban areas across the country, the pet cat and dog consumption market increased from 206.5 billion yuan (about $30.56 billion) in 2020 to 249 billion yuan (about $36.85 billion) in 2021, an increase of 20.6 percent.

The pet market in China has grown further during the COVID-19 pandemic, as pets provide important emotional support to people during difficult times.

Taobao, Chinas largest e-commerce platform, said in a report last year that in February, the number of live broadcasts of pets on Taobao increased by 375 percent year-on-year, with about 1 million people watching them every day.

Mixed Feelings When Owners See Their Cloned Pets

Stories from cloning companies and the media reveal that most people chose to clone their pets because they hoped to retrieve lost memories and companionship. However, cloned animals, no matter how sophisticated the technology, are not guaranteed to be 100 percent identical in appearance. Moreover, the cloned pet does not possess any past memory of its parent. It is essentially a different individual.

In July 2019, Chinas first cloned cat, whose name was Garlic, was born. But its owner, Huang Yu, admitted that he was a little disappointed when he saw a video of the animal. This cloned cat and the original Garlic looked different in many ways, and the black garlic clove-shaped markings were missing from the cats jaw, even though a third-party agency confirmed that the DNAs of the two cats were identical.

More importantly, the new Garlic did not respond to him like an old friend as he had expected it would when they first met.

Zhang Yueyan, the owner of a cloned dog named Nini, is much more tolerant, even though little Ninis fur is much darker than that of the original Nini. Zhang still hopes that little Nini can be like the original Nini, and accompany her in her life for another 19 years.

Unavoidable Ethical Issues

Currently, there are no laws in place to regulate pet cloning or pet surrogacy; still, there are moral and ethical pressures.

Dr. Yang Guiyuan, a Japan-based researcher in the veterinary clinical and pathology field for many years, told The Epoch Times that the physical body of a human or animal has a higher and more microscopic aspect. Westerners call it soul and Chinese call it Yuanshen or primordial spirit. From this point of view, the cloned animal, no matter how similar its appearance, is an independent life.

In addition, scientific and technological means may introduce genetic defects. If the cloned animal keeps reproducing for a few generations, will it end up producing a genetic monster in the end? Its hard to say, Yang said.

As of today, there are still many problems in cloning technology that need to be resolved. The low success rate also increases the number of animals needed in the cloning process, and some of these animals may be subjected to inhumane treatment.

For example, when Chinas first cloned cat was finally produced, at least 40 eggs from 5 cats were used and implanted into 4 surrogate cats. Retrieving eggs from the mother cats and implanting embryos into the surrogate cats all involved surgical procedures.

Presently, internationally accepted applications of animal cloning are mainly in the fields of basic research and biomedicine, or to save endangered species.

Pioneers in Animal Cloning Exit the Practice

Unlike Chinas booming pet cloning business, Roslin Institute in the UK, which produced the worlds first cloned sheep, Dolly, no longer does animal cloning. In the United States, BioArts, a company in Northern California, offered dog cloning services in 2008, but closed the business one year later.

We do not clone animals anymore. The technique has a very low success rate. Dolly was the result of many months of research involving a highly skilled team, Roslin Institute explained on its website.What are the risks associated with cloning? Cloned embryos are more likely to be lost during pregnancy than normal embryos, which accounts for the low success rate of cloning. Large Offspring Syndrome (LOS) can also affect some cloned animals. Animals with LOS have growth defects and are considerably larger at birth than animals resulting from natural matings.

In an exclusive interview with UK media Mirror in April 2014, Lou Hawthorne, founder and CEO of Bioarts, revealed that the reason he quit the cloning business was that he was sickened over the suffering it causes thousands of dogs each year.

I couldnt care less if the cloning business world collapses, but I care about suffering, Lou told the Mirrors reporter.

Dr. Yang believes that the commercialization of pet cloning in China is a practice that violates the laws of nature and ethics for financial benefits. These people think they can manipulate life casually and have no respect for life, he said.

Epoch Times reporter Kane Zhang contributed to this report.
Polish F-16 fighter jets are shown during an air force exercise in this file photo. (Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images)

Poland to Bolster Defenses With Purchase of South Korean Armaments

Poland will sign a contract with South Korea to acquire tanks, howitzers, and fighter jets as Warsaw seeks to bolster its military defenses amid the ongoing RussiaUkraine war, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said in a July 22 interview with Polish news magazine Sieci.

Poland is finalizing negotiations with South Korea to buy 48 FA-50 light combat fighter jets, 180 K2 tanks, and 670 K9 self-propelled artillery from Hyundai Rotem, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and Hanwha Defense, respectively, Defense News reported.

If the contract goes through, it will be the South Korean companies first military sales in Europe.

With this contract, we will significantly increase Polands security and the strength of the Polish Army, Blaszczak wrote on Twitter. Fast delivery and industry development are key! We reconciled the often divergent interests of soldiers and the arms industry. Its a win-win situation for both groups. Were signing contracts next week!

PolandSouth Korea Defense Cooperation

The arms deal followed Blaszczaks agreement with South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup in May to strengthen cooperation in armaments and research.

Blaszczak also met with representatives of the South Korean defense industry and the president of Hanwha Defense during his visit to South Korea in May.

Why is it important? Because of the war on our eastern border. It is important for the Polish armed forces to be equipped with modern equipment, proven equipment, and such is the equipment produced by Korea, Blaszczak said in a statement.

Blaszczak urged South Korea to accelerate the supply of self-propelled AHS Krab howitzers and infantry fighting vehicles, citing Polands limited production capabilities.

My task as the minister of national defense is to equip the Polish army with this weapon as soon as possible. So, in self-propelled howitzers Krab and infantry fighting vehicles, he said.

Poland has also agreed to purchase 116 used Abrams tanks from the United States, in addition to the 250 Abrams tanks purchased in April. Blaszczak didnt disclose the financial terms of the deal.

Poland has vowed to raise its defense spending to 3 percent of its gross domestic product and to more than double the size of its army to deter any possible attack after Russias Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Pope Francis apologizes for the Roman Catholic Churchs role in the residential school nsystem, in Maskwacis, Alta., during his papal visit across Canada on July 25, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Jason Franson)

Pope Francis Apologizes for Residential Schools, Meets With Indigenous Leaders in Alberta

Pope Francis apologized for the Catholic Churchs involvement in Canadas residential school system before a crowd of hundreds of indigenous people and leaders in Maskwacis, Alberta, on the morning of July 25.

This comes on the second day of Franciss visit to Canada, during which time he will meet with indigenous peoples and leaders in Alberta, Quebec, and Iqaluit, according to his Apostolic Journey itinerary.

The Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church told reporters on the flight from Rome to Edmonton that his visit will have a sombre tone.

Let us be careful on this journey  it is a penitential journey, let us undertake it in this spirit, he said.

During Pope Franciss formal apology in Maskwacis on July 25, he said he is deeply sorry for any harm the church caused indigenous peoples and that it will continue taking steps toward making amends, including an investigation into the alleged abuses that occurred.

I have come to your native lands to tell you in person of my sorrow, to implore Gods forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation, to express my closeness and to pray with you and for you, he said.

This is the second formal apology Pope Francis has offered for the Catholic Churchs involvement in mistreatment of indigenous students in the residential school system. He delivered an apology before almost 200 indigenous delegates at the Apostolic Palace in Rome on April 1, 2022.

At that time, however, certain indigenous groups requested the Pope apologize on Canadian soil.

The Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, representing several indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories Inuvialuit Settlement Region, declined the Vaticans invitation to attend Franciss Iqaluit visit on the grounds that the Catholic Church has not yet apologized for its past wrongs in the residential school system.

During his July 17 Angelus address at the Vatican, Pope Francis referenced his April 1 apology to Canadas indigenous peoples, saying he recently received  representatives of indigenous peoples, to whom I expressed my sorrow and solidarity for the harm they have suffered.

I am about to embark on a penitential pilgrimage [to Canada], which I hope, with Gods grace, will contribute to the journey of healing and reconciliation already undertaken, he said.

Pope Franciss visit will last six days and span three provinces. He will stay in Alberta for two days, during which time he will greet First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities in Maskwacis, before flying to Quebec on July 27.

In Quebec, the Pope will meet with Representatives of Indigenous Peoples and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, along with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, at the Citadelle de Quebec.

Pope Francis will finish his visit by spending half a day in Iqaluit, where he will attend a private meeting with former residential school students and indigenous elders in the provinces primary school square.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
Prosecutor Disqualified From Pursuing Criminal Case Against Trump Ally

An entire prosecutors office in Georgia has been disqualified from pursuing a case against an ally of former President Donald Trump because the prosecutor helped to raise funds for that allys political opponent.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Williss public support of Charles Bailey, whos facing state Sen. Burt Jones in the race for lieutenant governor, has created a plainand actual and untenableconflict, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney said in a July 25 ruling.

Any decision the District Attorney makes about Senator Jones in connection with the grand jury investigation is necessarily infected by it, McBurney said.

Jones, a Republican, is one of the 16 people who signed documents to be alternative electors for Trump following the 2020 presidential election.

A grand jury investigation into the effort is being advised by Willis, a Democrat, and she had issued subpoenas to at least a dozen of the group, including Jones. The grand jury is investigating the facts and circumstances connected to alleged violations of election-related laws.

Based on Williss actions, however, McBurney granted a motion from Jones to disqualify her and her office from the case.

Willis can still gather evidence about Joness involvement in the election-related efforts, but she cant use any evidence to develop a case against him.

That decision, as to whether any charges should be brought and what they should be, will be left to a different prosecutors office, as determined by the Attorney General, McBurney said.

Willis couldnt be reached for comment. A lawyer representing her office had defended Williss appearance at the Bailey fundraiser, noting that it was held while Bailey was still competing in the Democrat primary race.

Jones said the ruling is a huge win for our campaignbut more importantly, for due process and the rule of law in Georgia.

Georgia lieutenant gubernatorial candidate and state Sen. Burt Jones speaks to a rally in Perry, Ga., on Sept. 25, 2021. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

Other Motions Rejected

Motions from the other electors to disqualify Willis were rejected by McBurney.

No evidence has been presented showing that she or her team is impaired by a conflict of interest, unlike in the case of Jones, the judge said.

McBurney also denied an effort to quash the subpoenas on Fifth Amendment grounds.

The actions of the electors may merit criminal prosecution, depending on the outcome of the probe, the judge said.

It is not unreasonable to seek their testimony, and it is not oppressive to require an appearance by way of subpoena, he said.
Queensland Government Defends Funding Largely Unused $200 Million Quarantine Facility

The Queensland government is standing by its decision to build and maintain a multi-million dollar COVID-19 quarantine facility located around 145 kilometres west of the states biggest city, Brisbane, that has seen limited use since it was completed.

Just 700 people have been through the 1000-bed facility since it was opened in February, built at an estimated cost of $190 million (US$131 million), of which the state of Queensland is rumoured to have contributed A$48.8 million (US$33.66 million).

Steven Miles, the Deputy Premier of Queensland, said funds were used to terminate contracts and pay outstanding invoices.

So the vast bulk of that amount was associated with the wind-down of the hotel quarantine program, Miles told reporters on July 24.

It was a very big and substantial program, and you would understand why we wanted to make sure that we complied with all of our contractual obligations.

The government has announced it will cease operation of the facility from Aug. 1, in an announcement on July 27, and will explore additional uses for the facility (officially known as the Queensland Regional Accommodation Centre), earmarking ideas such as social housing or the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Doubling Up on Quarantine Facilities

Queensland opposition leader David Crisafulli has called it an extraordinary amount of waste.

It has been a multi-million-dollar absolute stitch up for the taxpayer; it was all because of a get-square, he told Sky News Australia on July 22.

The state government no longer values the public money, the state government no longer values open and transparency, and theyre hiding behind this cloak of commercial in confidence.

The Labor government gave construction the green light after an offer from private investor John Wagner to build the facility located in Wellcamp, west of the inland city of Toowoomba. The state government also outlined concerns that the federal Liberal-National government had failed to provide adequate quarantine facilities for COVID-19 infected travellers.

[Former Prime Minister] Scott Morrison failed to act and we now have a dedicated Quarantine facility for whatever may happen in the future, according to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

The federal government is currently building a facility in the Brisbane suburb of Pinkenbaalmost adjacent to the citys airports and cruise terminal. The Queensland government has since mothballed the opening of the facility at the same time it announced the end of its lease of Wellcamp..

The premier has been reticent to reveal the exact costs of the facility and how much the state is contributing to it. This has led to anonymous sources leaking figures to media outlets.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, one source revealed that the government contributed around $48.8 million to construction costs, despite having no ownership stake in the project and a likelihood that it would only lease the facility for a year.

On July 22, another source revealed to The Australian newspaper that the state government agreed to pay health service provider Aspen Medical $16 million for the provision of services at Wellcamparound $700,000 per weekwithout going through any tender process.
Ginni Thomas, center, speaks to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas during an event in Washington on Oct. 21, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Rep. Cheney Says Jan. 6 Committee Is Fully Prepared to Subpoena Ginni Thomas

Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) suggested on July 24 that the Jan. 6 committee could subpoena Virginia Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, if she chooses not to testify before the select committee voluntarily.

The committee is engaged with her counsel. We certainly hope that she will agree to come in voluntarily, Cheney told CNNs State of the Union on Sunday. Cheney is one of two Republicans that sit on the Democrat-dominated panel to investigate the breach of the U.S. Capital on Jan 6, 2021.

But the committee is fully prepared to contemplate a subpoena if she does not, Cheney continued. I hope it doesnt get to that. I hope she will come in voluntarily.

Ginni Thomas has drawn scrutiny over her communication with former White House chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Trump attorney John Eastman. She reportedly texted former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows in November 2020, urging him to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

She also corresponded with Meadows during Stop the Steal on Jan. 6, 2021, saying how she supported the effort to protest the certification of election results.

After her message exchanges with Meadows were exposed in March, Ginni Thomas was heavily criticized by the Democrats for trying to overturn the 2020 election. At the time, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said the Democrats attacks were a political hit.

Related Coverage The Media Attacks on Ginni Thomas Are Actually About Her Husbands Abortion Stance

GOP Response

Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who were GOP nominations to sit on the Jan. 6 committee but were rejected by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), also took to Twitter to voice support for Ginni Thomas in March.

The lefts vicious and dishonest attacks on Justice Thomas and his wife Ginni prove how important they are to the conservative movement, Banks wrote on March 25.

Days later, Jordan wrote, The Left will attack Ginni Thomas for exercising her political beliefs, but let Hunter Biden off the hook for his influence peddling.

On June 16, Ginni Thomas expressed a willingness to talk to the Jan. 6 committee, saying she cant wait to clear up misconceptions. The very same day, the committee requested her cooperation to sit down for an interview

However, her lawyer, Mark Paoletta, shut down the prospect of her quick appearance before the committee on July 28.

I do not understand the need to speak with Mrs. Thomas, Paoletta wrote in a letter to the committee. Before I can recommend that she meet with you, I am asking the Committee to provide a better justification for why Mrs. Thomass testimony is relevant to the Committees legislative purpose.

Cheney also told CNN that the committee has spoken with numbers of people who are similarly situated in terms of the discussions that she was having, saying that for such reason that her testimony would be important.

In January, the Supreme Court rejected a request from Trump to block records and documents from his administration to the Jan. 6 panel. The lone dissenter in the ruling was Justice Thomas.
San Franciscos Policies Are Leading to Police Exodus: Officer

San Francisos police force has the lowest number of sworn officers in two decades and could see more leaving soon, according to an officer in the department.

In a recent interview on EpochTVs California Insider, Sgt. Richard Cibotti, a 14-year veteran with the San Francisco Police Department, cited a recent poll by the San Francisco police union indicating that 54 percent of the officers said theyre planning to leave the department in the near future.

Cibotti said the police exodus is because of current policies in the countys law enforcement system.

They made policing untenable up there. Its very sad, but the administrative burden being put on everybody is very high, he said.

Paperwork Overload

Filing operation paperwork and evidence entries is nothing new to officers regular duties, according to Cibotti. However, policing policies are becoming too extensive, he said.

Take the Use of Force policy. It grew from roughly six pages in 2008 to 21 pages currently.

Thats 21 pages of things that an officer has to know all the time at the moment when theyre about to use force. Because if you run afoul of it, you know youre subject to discipline, maybe even criminal liability, he said.

Before the change, reportable use of force included methods that caused injuriessuch as using batons and firearms. Now the scope extends to any physical action an officer takes when a person resists them, Cibotti said. Simple police reports that officers need to fill out upon an arrest have turned into large sums of paperwork that were never necessary before.

But thats not the half of it.

Upon completing a Use of Force report, an officer cant go back on patrol until their superior finishes reviewing it and body cam footage and, in some cases, victims complaints. This can lead to fewer officers on the streets, Cibotti said.

We have had incidents where entire watches  had been relegated back to the station because we have to review force on something that used to not even be reportable at all, he said.

Cibotti said there are sometimes trust issues between officers and their superiors when an officer is punished for something they felt they were trained to do.

When the cops are unsure, they lose confidence in the way theyre supposed to do things. I think that leads to confusion, which creates a breakdown in morale and internal trust, and people decide to start leaving the department, he said.

Cibotti said many strict policing policies are created in an emotional response to police misconduct and are written by people who have never done police work.

When something happens either locally or nationwide that looks bad on the police. Everybody wants to do something. [But] its sometimes not the best way to create policy, he said. Policymakers do not understand how day-to-day police work operates.

Endless Circle of Catch and Release

While arresting suspects is done by the police officers, the district attorneys office handles their punishment. But oftentimes offenders will be released right away, Cibotti said. When these people keep reoffending, arresting them becomes an endless job.

Our limited resources are tied up with the same people over and over, he said. Until we start seeing some real results from the prosecution side, were going to have a difficult time doing more than just arresting people.

When asked about whether being a police officer has become a thankless job in San Francisco, Cibotti said that though most city residents want the police to be able to do their jobs, some vocal groups that arent very happy with the police are the ones that get the media coverage. He also said many local politicians side with these groups.

There are no outside voices trying to call timeout and say, Somethings wrong here, he said.

Looking at the future of San Francisco, Cibotti said its in a dangerous situation, and only a major cultural shift will turn the city around.

I really hope San Francisco changes. I really hope it turns around to the place I remember growing up and the place I really want it to be, he said. But for right now until we have some big political changes and the will to want to change  unfortunately, I think its going to get worse.
RCMP Chief Supt. Darren Campbell provides testimony at the Mass Casualty Commission inquiry into the mass murders in rural Nova Scotia, in Halifax on July 25, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Kelly Clark)

Senior Mountie Who Oversaw NS Shooting Probe Explains Why Keeping Firearm Details Confidential Was Important

Testifying before the public inquiry into the mass murders in rural Nova Scotia on April 18-19, 2020, RCMP Chief Supt. Darren Campbell explained why it was important for the ongoing investigation to keep details of the firearms used by the killer confidential.

His remarks come amid allegations of political interference in the investigation after meeting notes surfaced suggesting RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki wanted details of the firearms released to fulfill a promise she had made to the federal government to support the Liberals gun control legislation.

Campbell told the Mass Casualty Commission on July 25 that if police get a confession from an individual or witness accounts about specific details that are not on the public record, the accounts would have significantly more weight.

The weight of the witness statements that are provided help us narrow our focus on the value of certain witnesses, as well as the weight of any confessions that an offender may make, he said.

Campbell added that it was a no brainer for him that the information about the firearms shouldnt be disclosed.

Campbells notes from an RCMP meeting with Lucki on April 28, 2020, released by the public inquiry last month, said the commissioner scolded RCMP staff at the meeting for not disclosing details about the firearms, saying she had made a promise to then-public safety minister Bill Blair and the Prime Ministers Office that the information would be released. The notes said that this was tied to pending gun control legislation.

Another RCMP employee provided a similar account of the meeting

Eventually, [Lucki] informed us of the pressures and conversation with Minister Blair, which we clearly understood was related to the upcoming passing of the gun legislationand there it was, said an April 14, 2021, letter to Lucki from Nova Scotia RCMP strategic communications director Lia Scanlan. The letter was released by the inquiry last month.

Further documents released by the inquiry this month showed Lucki initially recommended that information about the types of guns used not be made public. She made the recommendation in emails to Blairs chief of staff and deputy minister on April 23, 2020, ahead of the April 28, 2020, meeting where she had apparently changed her stance.

According to police, the guns used by the killer in the tragedy were not legally obtained.

In May 2020, shortly after the mass killing, the federal government banned 1,500 types of weapons, and has since introduced other gun control legislation.

Conservatives say the released information show that there was political interference in the investigation.

The Liberals placed political gain above the integrity of the most important RCMP investigation in Canadian history, said Tory MP Raquel Dancho, her partys shadow minister for public safety, on July 25.

Lucki has denied interfering with or exerting political pressure in the investigation, as has the federal government.

The commissioner has confirmed that no direction and no pressure was given by me or by any member of this government to direct her in any way, Blair said.
The distinction between what is great and what is good is significant when it comes to literature. Tarzan of the Apes, written by American author Edgar Rice Burroughs in 1912, is not a great book by any meansbut its a thumping good read.

Even if Tarzan of the Apes is just a pulp page-turner, as the first of 25 increasingly outlandish sequels, it possesses every feature that a reader could hope for in a novel. There is nothing in the surprisingly rich and graceful prose of Burroughs that fails to satisfy, making Tarzan of the Apes a perfect book for summer.

Tarzan: Stereotype for a Reason

Tarzan has suffered from stereotyping over the years, but there is good reason he became a stereotype to begin with. There is appeal in the story of the English lord of Greystoke orphaned in Africa as a baby, and whose parents deaths caused him to be raised by apes. There is triumph in his mastering the shrewdness of apes. There is humor in his haunting a tribe of natives.

There is intrigue as Tarzan, with remarkable ingenuity, pieces together both his history and his humanity. There is delight as he finds other castaway Englishmen and falls in love with the beautiful Jane Porter.

There is exhilaration as he repeatedly rescues her and her companions from jungle dangers. There is poignancy as he is introduced to civilization, and in the contrast between modern culture and Tarzans noble savagery.

The exhilarating and suspenseful episodes are straightforward like a beeline, like a dash for victory, or a visceral reaction to danger and delight. Very little about Tarzan is circuitous or implied, and the book is as direct as its hero. From fighting brutes to falling in love, Tarzan is a protagonist who gets to the point with a pace and a precision that is breathless and beautiful.

Brutal and Beautiful

The incongruities, inconsistencies, and inconceivable bits in this books heart-pounding events do not matter in the least. The reader doesnt worry about physics when Tarzan is swinging from tree to tree chasing an ape that has just swept Jane off to his filthy lair. There are greater things at stake than gravity in situations like this. Nor is it bothersome that Tarzan kills Sabor, the lioness who comes on the scene on multiple occasions, as she is a worthy antagonist, and readers are always happy to find her back only to be slain again by Tarzan.

Tarzans story is simple, but that doesnt mean its simplistic. The infamous (and misquoted) grunt, I Tarzan, you Jane, is the oversimplification of what is, in truth, wonderfully simpleeven eloquent.

In Tarzan of the Apes, reality becomes as suspended as Tarzan himself upon his never-failing vines, and it is enchanting. Peril abounds, make no mistake, as fangs and nails slice through flesh and muscle to the bone.

Death is a reality that overhangs all the action, but never to the detriment of the buoyant and brave determinism of this free-spirited, action-packed extravaganza.

Tarzan of the Apes is a book that soars without apology, fighting fiercely in a long-lost sylvan liberty that refreshes even as it thrills to the tempo of the apes wild drum dances. It is as irresistible as instinct, a tale that seizes the blood and soothes the chafing of the daily grind. In its narrative and theme, the human spirit finds both exultation and exaltation. What more are summer vacations and diversions for than the renewal of such sentiments and perspectives?

Morning in the Tropics, circa 1858, by Frederic Edwin Church. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. (Public Domain)

The Dignity of Tarzan

Burroughss tale is about feral roughness on one hand, but on the other, it highlights the majesty of human nature. Humanity is given a clear ascendance when placed amidst the bestial as it claws for base survival.

Though raised by beasts, Tarzan comes to learn of his identity and dignity. At its heart, this jungle epic pits heredity against habitat to make clear the natural place of man as the lord of creation.

What is most striking, and what sets Tarzan apart from the animals most dramatically, is his innate longing for knowledge and truth. Tarzan flies through what seem to be innumerable adventures within a limited number of pages, but his greatest adventure is discovering not only who he is by birth but also what he is by nature.

His teaching himself how to read, for instance, without learning how to speak is a marvel of both logical and whimsical conjecture. Tarzan seeks belonging and understanding, as we all do. As such, he reflects the passage from childhood to adulthood, creating an arc that is, in itself, a reflection of human destiny.

Get Away With Tarzan

After reading Tarzan of the Apes, Rudyard Kipling said that Edgar Rice Burroughs desired only to find out how bad a book he could write and get away with it. Mr. Burroughs dancingly dodges this criticism and got away with Tarzan of the Apes. The unabashed force with which the story plunges through the plot is a rush of wonder and a sheer pleasure.

For all of its over-the-top subject matter, this story by Burroughs is a charming study of the noble savage and the inherent grandeur of man. It imparts a pride of nature as it romps and rushes in terrific and tribal glory.

Tarzan clings to a quest to find what it truly means to be human, and his adventures and discoveries are a joy to share, especially in the jungle heat of summer days.
T-Mobile Settles to Pay $350 Million to Customers in Data Breach

NEW YORKT- Mobile has agreed to pay $350 million to customers affected by a class action lawsuit filed after the company disclosed last August that personal data like social security numbers had been stolen in a cyberattack.

In a Securities and Exchange Commission filing on Friday, the mobile phone company said the funds would pay for claims by class members, the legal fees of plaintiffs counsel, and the costs of administering the settlement. It also said it would spend $150 million next year and in 2023 to fortify its data security and other technologies.

T-Mobile said the settlement contains no admission of liability, wrongdoing, or responsibility by any of the defendants.

The company said that it expects court approval of the terms of the settlement as early as December 2022.

Nearly 80 million U.S. residents were affected by the breach. In addition to Social Security numbers, other information breached included names and information from drivers licenses or other identification.

T-Mobile, based in Bellevue, Washington, became one of the countrys largest cellphone service carriers, along with AT&T and Verizon, after acquiring rival Sprint in 2020. It reported having a total of 102.1 million U.S. customers after the merger.

T-Mobile said it expects to record a total pre-tax charge of roughly $400 million in the second quarter of this year.

By Anne DInnocenzio
Military personnel guide local residents to take shelter during the Wanan Air Raid Drill, a civilian air-raid drill held on the same day of the annual Han Kuang military exercises, in Taipei on July 25, 2022. (Sam YehAFP via Getty Images)

Taiwan Launches Drills Simulating China Missile Attack

Roads throughout Taiwan were cleared and people were ordered to shelter indoors on July 25, as the islands democratic government conducted drills to simulate a missile attack by communist China.

A pre-announced missile alert text message was sent by the government, and sirens blared to signal the mandatory drills early in the afternoon. Entire cities across northern Taiwan were effectively shut down as streets were closed and businesses shuttered for half an hour. Shops turned off their lights to reduce the chance of being a target in the event of a nighttime air raid, and firefighters practiced putting out a blaze caused by a faux missile strike.

Air raid drills are required by law in Taiwan, where the populace frequently must contend with near-constant intimidation and military posturing by neighboring China.

Such drills have gained a certain edge in recent months, however. The island raised its alert level following the Russian invasion of Ukraine because of concern that a newly emboldened China could launch an invasion of Taiwan.

It is necessary to make preparations in the event of a war, Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je said in a speech following the drills.

Chinese military planes have frequently harassed Taiwan in recent years and theres even the outbreak of the RussiaUkraine war in February. These incidents remind us that we need to be vigilant in peace time.

A general view shows the empty Chung-Hsiao East Road during the Wanan Air Raid Drill in Taipei on July 25, 2022. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images)

The drills coincided with the start of five days of war games, during which the Taiwan military will mobilize dozens of fighter jets and 20 naval vessels to simulate an attack by China.

The first two days of the exercises will focus on air defense and preservation, followed by joint assault operations across the air force, navy, and army on day three. Days four and five will focus on homeland defense.

China Threatens Taiwan and the United States

The drills follow just days after a series of headline-catching threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership, including objections to a planned visit to Taiwan by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The CCP, in the latest in a series of increasingly bellicose threats from Chinas communist leadership, threatened forceful measures against the United States and Taiwan should Pelosi go to Taiwan. Following the threat, President Joe Biden said that Pelosi shouldnt make the trip, a move that brought public condemnation for apparently placating the communist regime.

In June, Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe told U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that China would not hesitate to start a war no matter the cost to prevent the world from recognizing Taiwans independence.

Following the dustup, Beijing issued an aggressive and ahistorical statement that there are no international waters in the 100 miles of ocean between the mainland and Taiwan; international law recognizes that maritime boundaries begin just 12 nautical miles from a coastline.

A Taiwan destroyer launches a surface-to-air missile during exercises meant to simulate an attack by the Chinese regime, near the east coast of Taiwan on Sept. 26, 2013. (Sam Yeh/AFP/Getty Images)

The ratcheting up of tensions and Taiwans preparation for Chinese missile attacks is similar to the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis, which took place in 1995 and 1996.

During that crisis, Taiwans then-President Lee Teng-hui accepted an invitation to deliver a speech at Cornell University on Taiwans experience of becoming a democracy. The CCP labeled Lee a traitor for his efforts and launched missiles into the waters near Taiwans busiest ports.

Further disaster was averted when the United States responded by sending two aircraft carrier groups to the region.

Failures of Ambiguity

The CCP claims that Taiwan is a breakaway province of China and has vowed to unite the island with the mainland. Its leadership hasnt ruled out the use of force in that endeavor.

Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, and has never been controlled by the CCP. Its democratic government has vowed to defend itself and its de facto independence from Chinese aggression.

The United States recognizes the CCPs claim but maintains a 1979 treaty with Taiwan in which it guarantees to supply the island nation with weapons necessary to maintain its own self-defense.

For its part, the United States maintains the contentious policy of so-called strategic ambiguity, in which it neither confirms nor denies whether it would intervene militarily on Taiwans behalf in the event of a CCP invasion.

The strategy is intended to make Chinese authorities think twice about behaving aggressively toward Taiwan. The recent uptick in CCP aggression may suggest that Chinas leadership doesnt believe the Biden administration would overtly assist Taiwan in a war, however. As such, numerous U.S. lawmakers have demanded that the policy of strategic ambiguity be terminated.
Tamara Lich, one of the organizers of the Freedom Convoy protest, delivers a statement during a news conference in Ottawa on Feb. 3, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld)

Tamara Lich Returns to Ontario Court for Bail Review

Freedom Convoy organizer Tamara Lich is appearing in an Ontario court today for a bail review after she was recently denied bail on allegations of having breached her bail terms of having no contact with fellow convoy organizers.

Lich has now spent a cumulative 48 days in jail while she waits to answer to non-violent charges.

Her trial is in relation to her role as a key organizer of the truckers Freedom Convoy protest held for over three weeks in Ottawas downtown core earlier this year, where protesters called for an end to the federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate and other pandemic restrictions.

She was ordered to remain in jail to await trial after Justice of the Peace Paul Harris denied her bail on July 8.

As a key Freedom Convoy organizer, Lich was first arrested on Feb. 17 and after initially being denied bail, she was released in March on a number of conditions, including to have no contact with fellow convoy organizers.

On June 27, Lich was arrested for the second time since the start of the convoy protestthis time in her hometown of Medicine Hat, Alberta, under a Canada-wide warrant. She was transferred back to Ottawa for bail hearings, and has been held in custody ever since.

Crown prosecutors alleged that Lich breached her bail conditions during a June 16 award ceremony in Toronto, where she was presented with the 2022 George Jonas Freedom Award from the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms.

The Crown presented as evidence a photograph of Lich and a fellow convoy organizer Tom Marazzo taken at the event, and a video showing Lich sitting at a table where Marazzo and others were seated. The two were seen briefly interacting after Lich gave a speech.

However, defence lawyer Lawrence Greenspon argued on July 25 that Lich and Marazzo did nothing more than shake hands and pose for a photo together at the ceremony, which he said was not a strong case of breaching bail terms.

In a previous hearing on July 5, he also noted that a brief congratulatory exchange after winning an award wouldnt lead to illegal activity and that the organizers interactions wasnt a breach of bail conditions, as Lichs bail terms specified that there should be no communication with convoy organizers except in the presence of counsel.

The court also heard testimony that lawyers who were present at the event approved the picture taken of Lich and Marazzo.

The Freedom Convoy started as a demonstration against the federals mandatory COVID-19 vaccine mandate imposed on all cross-border truck drivers, which came into effect in January. The protest ending after the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act on Feb. 14 and police cleared the demonstration in an escalated operation over a few days.

Lich faces charges of mischief, obstructing police, counselling others to commit mischief, among others for her role in the Freedom Convoy protest.

The Ontario court has issued a publication ban for the hearing on July 25.

The court proceedings are expected to continue on July 26.

The Canadian Press contributed to this article
Texas Police Officer in Stable Condition After She Was Shot in Face by Carjacking Suspect

A Texas police officer who was shot in the face by a male suspect early July 23 is recovering in the hospital and is in stable condition, officials have said.

Missouri City Officer Crystal Sepulveda, 29, a three-year veteran of the force, was shot three timesin the face, in the foot, and in the calfearly on July 23 after she and other officers spotted a vehicle that was stolen in an aggravated robbery the previous day in north Harris County, Houston police said at a news conference on July 23.

Sepulveda and other officers saw the stolen car at a Houston gas station, Chief Troy Finner said, and called for backup.

The driver of the stolen vehicle, an African American male, allegedly refused to pull over when requested to do so by police, and a chase ensued.

The suspect stopped his vehicle in front of a house and ran either alongside the house or into the backyard of the home before firing at officers and striking Sepulveda, police said.

Police transported Sepulveda to Memorial Hermann Medical Center in Houston.

As of July 23, she was in a stable condition, police said, and is expected to make a full recovery.

She is a strong officer and she will make it through this, Lance Bothel, Missouri City assistant police chief, said.

While the officer was being transported to the hospital, multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene and set up a perimeter in search of the suspect, who was later located in a backyard.

Armed With 2 Automatic Pistols

He shot at the officers, who returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times, police said. The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Police didnt reveal the identity of the suspect but said that he was between 25 to 30 years old.

Finner said the suspect was armed with two automatic pistols with extended magazines.

Thats what were facing and everybody needs to know it, Finner said while asking for prayers for men and women on the front line.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Meanwhile, a fundraiser for Sepulveda has been set up by the Missouri City Police Officers Association-Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 594 and has raised more than $31,000 as of July 25.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) wrote on Twitter that he and his wife, Heidi, were relieved to hear that the Missouri City police officer is in stable condition after being shot in the line of duty last night.

We are grateful for the heroes of law enforcement who keep our communities safe every day, he said.
As Big Pharma loses interest in new antibiotics, infections are growing stronger

Forget COVID-19, monkeypox, and other viruses for the moment and consider another threat troubling infectious disease specialists: common urinary tract infections, or UTIs, that lead to emergency room visits and even hospitalizations because of the failure of oral antibiotics.

Theres no Operation Warp Speed charging to rescue us from the germs that cause these infections, which expanded their range during the first year of the pandemic, according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report. In the past year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declined to approve two promising oral drugssulopenem and tebipenemto treat drug-resistant UTIs, saying it needed more evidence showing they work as well as current drugs.

In the meantime, some UTI patients have to get admitted and get an IV treatment for a bladder infection that typically would be treated with oral antibiotics, said Dr. Sarah Doernberg, an infectious disease specialist at the University of CaliforniaSan Francisco Medical Center.

Rebecca Clausen, an office worker in Durham, North Carolina, was prescribed several courses of a cheap oral antibiotic for a persistent UTI earlier this year, but it just seemed to keep coming back, she said. Doctors considered a six-week treatment with an intravenous drug, ertapenem, which would have cost her about $2,000 out-of-pocket, but decided it probably wouldnt help. For now, Clausen is simply hoping the infection wont worsen.

While specialists say they are seeing more UTIs that oral antibiotics cant eliminate, the problem is still thought to be relatively rare (federal health officials dont directly track the issue). However, its emblematic of a failure in the antibiotics industry that experts and even U.S. senators say can be fixed only with government intervention.

The CDC report, released July 12, shows that after mostly declining during the previous decade, the incidence rates of seven deadly antimicrobial-resistant organisms surged by an average 15 percent in hospitals in 2020 because of overuse in COVID-19 patients. Some of the sharpest growth occurred in bugs that cause hard-to-treat UTIs.

Although nearly 50,000 Americansand about 1.3 million people worldwidedie of resistant bacterial infections each year, the FDA hasnt approved a new antibiotic since 2019. Big Pharma has mostly abandoned antibiotics development, and seven of the 12 companies that had successfully brought a drug to market in the past decade have gone bankrupt or have left the antibiotics business because of poor sales.

Thats because of a central paradox: The more an antibiotic is administered, the quicker bacteria will mutate to get around it. So practitioners are aggressively curbing use of the drugs, with 90 percent of U.S. hospitals setting up stewardship programs to limit the use of antibiotics, including new ones. That, in turn, has caused investors to lose interest in the antibiotics industry.

A pipeline of new drugs is vital, given the implacable capacity of bacteria to mutate and adapt. But while resistance is an ever-present danger, some 90 to 95 percent of fatal infections involve microbes that arent multidrug-resistant but are difficult to treat for other reasons, such as the delicate condition of the patient, said Dr. Sameer Kadri, head of clinical epidemiology at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Centers Critical Care Medicine Department.

As bad as antibiotic resistance is, its bad against a minority of people, said Jason Gallagher, a professor and infectious diseases pharmacist at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. Since clinicians usually cant quickly determine a bugs resistance level, they start with the old drug most of the time.

That makes anti-infectives a pretty tough investment from a drug company perspective, he added. Youre going to develop your drug, and people are going to do their best to not use it.

As antibiotics companies disappear, so does their scientific expertise, said Dr. David Shlaes, a retired pharmaceutical industry scientist. Should a particularly deadly pattern of resistance develop with no drug pipeline, it could cause destruction on a hair-raising scale, he said.

Antibiotics are an essential part of civilization, said Kevin Outterson, a Boston University law professor who leads a publicprivate fund that helps companies develop antimicrobials. They must be renewed every generation or we will slip back into the pre-antibiotic era.

The roadblocks to approval of the UTI drugs tebipenem and sulopenem illustrate the complexity and regulatory challenges of the antibiotics arena.

In a big clinical trial completed last year, Iterum Therapeutics sulopenem was far better than an older drug, ciprofloxacin, at reducing UTI symptoms, but it didnt seem as adept at killing bacteria, which the FDA considered to be an equally important measure of success. At a June 3 workshop, FDA officials indicated they might be willing to change their standard in future trials.

Another company, Spero Therapeutics, published what looked like a successful trial for oral tebipenem in the New England Journal of Medicine in April. But FDA officials rejected Speros application for licensure because a species of bacteria included in the analysis was deemed irrelevant to the drugs efficacy.

A Lifeline for Patients

Though new oral drugs against UTIs are sorely needed, IV drugs can still conquer most routine UTIs. But the broader threat of a future without new antibiotics is particularly frightening to patients with serious chronic diseases, who are permanently engaged in struggles with bacteria.

Two or three times a day, Molly Pam, a 33-year-old chef and patient advocate in San Francisco, inhales nebulized blasts of colistin or aztreonam. These are antibiotics that the typical person stays away from, but for the 30,000 U.S. cystic fibrosis patients such as Pam, deadly bugs and powerful drugs are a fixture of life.

Several times a year, when fever or exhaustion signals that the bugs colonizing her damaged, mucus-clogged lungs are getting overly procreative, Pam heads to a clinic or hospital for IV treatment. In 2019, just as she was approaching resistance to all antibiotics, the drug Zerbaxa received FDA approval.

Pseudomonas and MRSA, or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, bacteria have colonized Pams lungs since she was a child, their mutations requiring frequent antibiotic updates. In 2018, she was struck down with a drug-resistant, tuberculosis-like bacteria that required a year of three-times-a-day IV drug treatments on top of her other drugs. Last year, she was airlifted to Stanford Medical Center after she began coughing up blood from a damaged lung.

Doctors test Pams sputum four times a year to determine which bugs shes harboring and which antibiotics would work against them. Shes always only a few mutations away from disaster.

I absolutely depend on new drugs, Pam said.

Steering Stewardship Programs

The development and testing of these new molecules is hardscrabble terrain, featuring frequent conflicts between the FDA and industry over how to measure an antibiotics effectivenessis it patient survival? Symptom improvement? Bacteria count? And over how long a period?

Meanwhile, Congress has aided the industry with patent extensions, and federal agencies have poured in hundreds of millions of dollars in grants and partnerships. The World Health Organization and the drug industry in 2020 created a $1 billion venture capital fund to support worthy antibiotics companies.

Still, stewardship of antibiotics arguably has had the biggest influence in reducing the threat of resistance. A 2019 CDC report found an 18 percent reduction since 2013 in deaths caused by drug-resistant organisms, and a 21 percent decline in infections of MRSA, once a leading medical boogeyman.

But progress can make it harder to test new drugs. With highly resistant bacterial infections still relatively unusual, clinical trials for new drugs generally measure their effectiveness against all bacteria in the relevant class, rather than the most resistant bugs.

And since new drugs often gain approval simply by showing theyre roughly as effective as existing drugs, infectious disease doctors generally shun them, at least initially, skeptical of their relatively high prices and questionable superiority.

There arent that many people with antibiotic resistance, said Dr. Emily Spivak, who leads stewardship programs at the University of Utah and Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City hospitals. When people get these infections, its horrible. But there arent enough to make the kind of profits the companies want.

For example, hospitalized patients with MRSA-related pneumonia often can be treated with vancomycin (starting at about $15 per day), said Spivak, who chairs the Infectious Diseases Society of Americas antimicrobial resistance committee. She sometimes turns to a newer alternative, ceftaroline ($400 a day), which can have fewer side effects.

But even so, we are not cranking through these drugs, and we never will, because luckily we can do other things to prevent MRSA, such as cleaning skin before surgery and keeping catheters clean.

Time for Warp Speed?

In the early days of COVID-19, many hospitals desperately threw antimicrobials at the mysterious virus, and the pandemic crisis strained stewardship teams, Spivak said. The new CDC data show that clinicians gave antibiotics to 80 percent of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the first eight months of the pandemic, although such drugs have no impact on COVID infection.

But the uptake of new antibiotics has been slow. A report on 17 new antibiotics marketed in the United States over the past five years showed only three with sales over $100 million per year. The 17 antibiotics had average sales of about $44 million for the 12 months ending in June 2020.

A few of the new drugs, such as a combination antibiotic marketed in the United States as Avycaz, have gradually replaced colistin, a highly toxic 1950s compound that was brought back in 2000 because of its efficacy against certain resistant bacteria.

Yet even that transition, recommended by infectious disease specialists, was gradual. That isnt surprising since colistin costs about $140 for a 10-day treatment, while a course of Avycaz might set a hospital back $14,000 to $28,000, noted Dominic Chan, chief of pharmacy services at Legacy Health in Oregon.

Medicare reimbursement for treating hospital infections is low, Chan said, so theres no incentive for the hospitals to invest that type of capital into bringing these agents inother than doing the right thing.

In most cases, hospitals do appear to be doing the right thing, however. Recent CDC data show that 90 percent of U.S. hospitals have stopped using colistin, agency spokesperson Martha Sharan said.

Executives from the dwindling number of antibiotics makers complain that stewardship programs are too stingy, to the detriment of patients. In part, they blame Medicare programs that pay hospitals a lump sum for treatment of a given condition. A congressional bill filed in 2019 and resubmitted last year would require Medicare to pay for new antibiotics separately. Democrats blocked the bill, but antibiotics producers argue it would incentivize hospitals to use their drugs.

Holding back on the new antibiotics allows resistance to old drugs to grow worse, and that makes it harder and harder for a new antibiotic to do its job, said Ted Schroeder, CEO of antibiotics maker Nabriva and leader of an industry interest group.

But the bottom line is that most patients dont need the newest drugs, NIHs Kadri said.

In a 2020 NIH study that the FDA helped fund, Kadri and his colleagues reviewed records from 134 hospitals from 2009 to 2015 to find examples of difficult-to-treat, highly resistant bacteria of the gram-negative typea key area of concern. Of about 139,000 gram-negative infections, only 1,352 fell into the difficult-to-treat categoryroughly 1 percent.

There are just not enough cases to create an adequate market for new antibiotics, Kadri said.

Extrapolating from the study, the market for new antibiotics against highly resistant gram-negative bacteria would range from $120 million to $430 million a year, compared with the average $1 billion needed to develop a single drug, wrote Drs. Neil Clancy and Minh-Hong Nguyen of the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System.

In the absence of a viable market, infectious disease experts, drug companies, and patient groups have rallied behind the PASTEUR Act, introduced by Sens. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) last year. The bill would create a fund of up to $11 billion over 10 years to award promising antimicrobials that were close to or had received FDA approval. The government would guarantee payments of up to $3 billion for each drug, removing the incentive for overuse.

PASTEUR has 40 co-sponsors in the Senate. Experts think its passage is crucial.

Even though, on a population basis, the need for new drugs is small, you dont want to be that patient who might need them, Kadri said. If you are, you want to have an array of drugs that are safe and effective.

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

Arthur Allen is a senior correspondent and writes about the FDA and the pharmaceutical industry as well as covid-related topics. This article was originally published on Kaiser Health News.
Former President Donald Trump attends a rally in support of Arizona GOP candidates, in Prescott Valley, Ariz., on July 22, 2022. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Thoughts on the Swamp

Commentary

Wheres Cato the Elder when you need him?

Around 150 B.C., the grumpy Roman senator took to ending every speech, no matter what the topic (grain allotments for the plebs, plans for a new aqueduct, whatever) with the injunction Ceterum autem censeo Carthaginem esse delendam: And another thing, I think that Carthage ought to be destroyed.

That refrain has come down to us as a lapidary, three-word imperative: Carthago delenda est: Carthage must be destroyed.

Daniel Hannan, the British commentator, euroskeptic, and sometime member of the European Parliament, took a page from Catos book and for a time ended all his speeches with the formula Pactio Olisipiensis censenda est: The Lisbon treaty must be put to the vote.

Theres something to be said for repetition.

In 146 B.C., Rome besieged and then sacked Carthage. According to some accounts, the only thing left standing was a funerary monument.

The European Union is still moldering along, but at least the proximate goal of Hannans campaign, Britains exit from that soul-sucking leviathan, has been accomplished.

With those victories in mind, Im thinking of concluding all my speeches with the phrase Palus delenda est: The swamp must be destroyed.

Whats the swamp?

The word has a long history, aided by the serendipitous contingency that Washington was actually built on a literal swamp.

But the term, like a Chinese virus, underwent a gain-of-function makeover in 2015 when Donald Trump first strode onto the center stage of American political life.

The swamp is the bureaucratic Washington establishment, the alphabet soup of agencies whose personnel, though unelected and largely unaccountable, run our lives right down to the latest permit, regulation, tax, fee, impost, and woke government requirement or interdiction.

But its also something more.

The swamp names an attitude, an assumption, about power, about politics, but also about certain basic human realities.

Above all, perhaps, the swamp rests and feeds upon the progressive assumption that the mass of citizens is incapable of self-government.

I call that assumption progressive because, from the time of Woodrow Wilson on down to the latest Davos mandarin, the neo-feudal bifurcation of humanity into the elect and (ever the majority) subservient has been the guiding, if unspoken, nutrient.

The litany of Trumps policy achievements is long and distinguished.

It begins with his judicial appointments, some fruits of which we saw last month with the Supreme Court decisions on Roe v. Wade, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Second Amendment, and includes his attention to our southern border, energy, taxes, the Middle East, and a host of other issues.

But more than any particular achievement, Trump was the tocsin that awakened millions of peoplethose whom Hillary Clinton dismissed as deplorablesto the two-tier reality of political life in the United States.

In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle wrote that the good life of man was the end of the science of politics.

Trump showed us how fond that idea had become.

In brief, Trump was the agent of a mass consciousness-raising.

It was that spectacle, the prospect of the people suddenly awakened to the reality not only of their bondage, but also to the identity of their putative masters that stood behind the astonishing hatred Trump aroused among the self-appointed elect.

The frenzied machinations of the Jan. 6 committee to destroy anyone and anything touched by the populist spirit Trump aroused show how desperate our rulers and their scribes and Pharisees have become.

Theyre terrified lest Trump return to complete the task of (in Steve Bannons memorable phrase) deconstructing the administrative state, which the former president began in 2016.

Trump might not be the person capable of carrying that standard, but he is, despite all his quirks and crotchets, likely to be the most effective.

The fury unleashed against him will probably never end, although the midterm elections will probably deprive the rancid anti-Trump mafia of much of their armament.

The point is that the genie that Trump released wont be coaxed back into the bottle.

Expect the anti-Trump furor to continue and grow in volume and vituperativeness.

Expect the population of the Washington gulag to swell with people indicted for parading in or around the Capitol.

Expect more dawn raids and unannounced arrests of former Trump associates.

We might even see the Jan. 6 committee making a criminal referral to the Department of Injustice.

The silver lining is that the more hysterical that agents of the regime become, the more stalwart will be the response of the newly awakened populace.

A reckoning, that is to say, is coming.

It cant come too soon.

In the meantime, join me in chanting Palus delenda est.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
UK Conservative Leadership Candidates Trade Blows on China

Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss clashed over China on Sunday amid an increasingly tense race to become the UKs next prime minister.

The two candidates initially battled mainly over economics. The battleground has now expanded to include immigration and China policies as they vie for the support of Conservative grassroots.

Previously praised by the Global Timesa Chinese Communist Party (CCP) mouthpieceas the only candidate out of the five contenders at the time with a pragmatic view of developing balanced ties with China and forced to defend his stance on trading with China by Truss, Sunak sought to boost his national security credential by promising to face down China.

Conservative leadership contender Rishi Sunak, with daughters Krishna, Anushka and wife Akshata Murthy, during a visit to Vaculug tyre specialists at Gonerby Hill Foot, Grantham, on July 23, 2022. (Danny Lawson/PA Media)

Calling China and the Chinese Communist Party the largest threat to Britain and the worlds security and prosperity this century, Sunak promised in a Twitter thread to close all 30 Confucius InstitutesBeijing-backed language and culture centresin the UK, a move China hawks have campaigned for.

He also promised to build a new international alliance of free nations to counter cyber threats from China, expand MI5s reach to support British businesses and universities to counter Chinese industrial espionage, help companies protect their intellectual property, and protect key British assets against Chinese acquisitions.

His supporters also took aim at Truss, saying nine of the centres were opened when she was the education secretary.

Trusss campaign defended the foreign secretarys record, saying she had strengthened Britains position on China since becoming Foreign Secretary and helped lead the international response to increased Chinese aggression.

This will only continue when she becomes prime minister and seeks to expand her network of liberty around the world, a spokesperson said.

Conservative leadership candidates Rishi Sunak (L) and Liz Truss during Britains Next Prime Minister: The ITV Debate at Riverside Studios in London on July 17, 2022. (Jonathan Hordle/ITV/PA Media)

Kevin Hollinrake, one of the MPs on the steering committee of the China Research Group (CRG), a group of Conservative MPs concerned about the rise of the communist-controlled country, backed Sunaks plan, saying a new international alliance of free nations is exactly the kind of thing that we need to see in an article published in The Times of London.

But many China hawks remain sceptical about Sunaks surprising tough stance on China.

Former Conservative Party leader and co-founder of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) Sir Iain Duncan Smith said the Treasury under Sunak has pushed hard for an economic deal with China over the last two years despite the regimes sanctioning of five UK parliamentarians including Duncan Smith.

After such a litany, I have one simple question: where have you been over the last two years? He questioned the former chancellor.

Luke de Pulford, co-founder and coordinator at IPAC, said Sunak was having a Damascene conversion on the issue. He also quibbled over Sunaks characterisation of China as a threat along with the CCP, arguing: Conflating these two things creates the conditions for Chinese people being blamed for the actions of their government. Werent you the guy who was asking for more nuance last year when you were talking up trade opportunities with the PRC [Peoples Republic of China]?

Benedict Rogers, British human rights activist, Co-founder of Hong Kong Watch. (Simon Gross/The Epoch Times)

Benedict Rogers, co-founder of the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission, argued Trusss track record on China is much stronger.

In an email interview with The Epoch Times, Rogers said Sunak is known from his record as Chancellor of the Exchequer as wanting to protect the economic relationship with China.

During the last televised leadership debate, Truss used her one opportunity to question one of her four opponents to ask if Sunak still think[s] we should be doing more business with China.

In response to Truss, Sunak acknowledged that the Chinese regime is an enormous threat to the UKs national security, but said it shouldnt stop engagement between the two countries once the UK put measures in place to protect itself.

Rogers said Sunak will need to do a lot and promise specific action to convince people.

Truss in April called for a global NATO with a global outlook to tackle global threats.

The foreign secretary said the alliance needs to increase defence spending, preempt threats in the IndoPacific, and must ensure that democracies like Taiwan are able to defend themselves.

In June, she warned that any attempt by Chinas communist regime to invade Taiwan would be a catastrophic miscalculation.

However, the Foreign Official faced criticisms last week from Dunan Smith and other MPs over its inaction on sanctioning human rights abusers while focusing almost solely on Russian sanctons in the past year.

Rogers said while Trusss record as the foreign secretary has mainly been strong rhetoric rather than much action, its much stronger than Sunaks, pointing to reports that Truss has privately described the Uyghurs plight as a genocide.

So far, the government repeatedly rejected calls from MPs to officially designate the human rights abuses in Xinjiang genocide, saying only a competent court can make determinations on genocide, despite the fact the only two international courts routes with such powers are effectively paralysed on penalising the Chinese regime.

Asked about the Foreign Offices lack of progress on Magnisky sanctions, Rogers said his speculation is that the resistance largely came from Foreign Office traditionalist officials, the Treasury, and above all [Prime Minister] Boris Johnsons No 10 Downing Street.

If Liz Truss is Prime Minister, I hope she would then overrule those who object, and impose further sanctions, he said.

The first head-to-head televised debate between Sunak and Truss will be aired on BBC One at 9 p.m. on Monday.

Confucius Institutes

The Confucius Institutes, previously described as an important part of Chinas overseas propaganda set-up by senior CCP official Li Changchun, has been under increased scrutiny in recent years over its role in spreading propaganda and censoring free speech in education institutions.

The United States in 2020 designated the Confucius Institute U.S. Center as a foreign mission of the Chinese regime, leading to the closure of more than 100 Confucius Institutes, although the National Association of Scholars warned last month that the institutes were creeping back under a different name.

According to a recent briefing by the CRG, the UK currently has the highest number of Confucius Institutes, and almost all UK government spending on Mandarin language teaching at schoolswith at least 27 million allocated from 2015 to 2024is channelled through university-based Confucius Institutes. The briefing also said 24 of the Confucius Institutes refused to disclose what funding they receive.
UK to Host Eurovision Song Contest on Behalf of Ukraine

The UK will host the Eurovision Song Contest next year on behalf of Ukraine, it has been confirmed.

Ukraine won the right to host the contest in 2023 after Ukrainian entry Kalush Orchestra triumphed at this years competition held in Italy in May, but the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decided the event cannot be held in the country, which is still at war with Russia.

In a statement released on July 25, the EBU said the contest will now be held in the UK by the BBC.

Martin Osterdahl, Eurovisions executive supervisor, said: Were exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023.

He said the contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europes most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this years winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event.

A Great Privilege

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK would put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends.

He said that in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week they agreed that wherever Eurovision 2023 is held, it must celebrate the country and people of Ukraine.

As we are now hosts, the UK will honour that pledge directly and put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends, Johnson said.

Downing Street said it had been Boris Johnsons strong wish for Ukraine to host the Eurovision Song Contest.

The prime ministers official spokesman said: Its deeply regrettable that a Ukraine-hosted Eurovision will not be possible. But we are confident the BBC and UK will pull out all the stops to make sure it is an event that celebrates and honours the country, the people, and the creativity of Ukraine.

BBC director-general Tim Davie said it is a great privilege to be asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world.

The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity, he added.

Several British cities, including London, Manchester, and Sheffield have offered to host Eurovision.

Any winner would require a large events space, suitable accommodation and international transport links for the competing countries and their delegations.

Ukraine will automatically qualify for the grand final alongside the so-called big five nationsthe UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spainwho each get a free pass because of their financial contributions to the event.

PA Media contributed to this report.
A banner depicting the victims of the May 24 mass school shooting sits in the town square in Uvalde, Texas, on June 21, 2022. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Uvalde Parents Dont Want to Send Kids Back to School

UVALDE, TexasTwo months after a massacre left 19 children and two teachers dead, and 17 others injured, parents are angry that no one has been held accountable.

Grieving parents and family members are having to become activists, turning up at every public meeting to fight for every piece of information about the May 24 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and to gain any shred of accountability.

Many say their security fears havent been allayed and theyre terrified of the idea of sending their children back to school.

After massive public pressure, the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) School Board placed Pete Arredondo, chief of its police force, on administrative leave about a month after the mass shooting.

It appeared the school board was set to fire Arredondo at a special meeting on July 23, following a bitter public meeting several days beforehand in which parents castigated the board for slow-walking his termination.

What are you going to do with Pete? I know hes not the only one. But at this point in time, he is the main one. The fact of the matter is, at the end of the day he failed these children, he failed the schools, he failed everybody, Javier Chavez told the school board members at their July 18 meeting. Chavez is a cousin of victim Amerie Jo Garza.

However, late on July 22, the board canceled its July 23 meeting in a notice, stating, In conformity with due process requirements, and at the request of his attorney, the meeting to consider the termination of Chief Arredondo will be held at a later date which has yet to be determined.

During this interim period, as allowed under law, Chief Arredondo shall be on unpaid administrative leave, the statement reads.

No other action has been taken against any official or law enforcement officer.

Lt. Mike Hernandez is currently interim CISD police chiefthough parents say he shouldnt be, since he was also an officer on scene on May 24.

UCISD Superintendent Hal Harrell said hes proposing to begin school after Labor Day, a couple of weeks later than usual. He said the board is working on getting more secure perimeter fencing, as well as a more robust alert system. Harrell said he has asked the Texas Department of Emergency Management to help with security.

The Robb Elementary campus is slated to be demolished, and students have been placed at other campuses.

Jazmin Cazares, the 17-year-old sister of victim Jackie Cazares, said shes supposed to start her senior year soon.

How am I supposed to come back to this school? she asked the school board. What are you going to do to make sure I dont have to wait 77 minutes, bleeding out on my classroom floor, just like my little sister did?

Chavez said the children are terrified of going back.

A lot of these children who survived, one of my nieces included, are afraid to go back to school. Theyre terrified to go back. They dont want to. They dont trust anyone, he said.

Were coming up on two months, and yall have still not done nothing.

A grandmother said: We are scared of sending our kids back. Were afraid this is going to happen again.

Patrick McGrew said the board should fire Arredondo immediately, as well as Harrell.

As a leader, when your people fail, you fail, he said. I am a parent and I will not send my kid to this school.

Another man yelled, I wont.

Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin said parents have told him that they are planning to homeschool their children. Other parents and relatives asked if virtual learning were an option.

Tina Quintanilla-Taylor, whose daughter was at Robb Elementary on May 24, agreed that Harrell needs to be fired along with Arredondo.

You know what? Your schools, they suck. Theyre not secure. And were not sending our kids back, she said.

During the meeting, Adam Martinez, who has children in the district, handed school board President Luis Fernandez several formal grievance forms filled out by parents, addressing the school leadership, in particular, Harrell.

Yall hired him, yall can fire him, Martinez said. The systemic failures are a reflection of his leadership. Key shortages, lax schedules, lack of preventative maintenance, and a failure to be proactive for a horrible situation like this.

One of the grievance forms reads, My son and daughter are afraid to go back to school because they do not feel safe, and requests that the board fire Harrell.

Children are scared, another form states.

Martinez said hes expecting to collect about 100 such forms to submit to the board.

Pastor Daniel Myers said that Arredondo dropped the ball big time.

Hes at a school, with children, and he doesnt know that hes the commander? Myers said.

Arredondo has insisted that he wasnt the on-site incident commander on May 24, although he was one of the first officers to arrive at the scene. The school district policy states that in an active shooter situation, the CISD police chief will become the person in control of the efforts of all law enforcement and first responders that arrive at the scene.

Uvalde resident Louise Prouty said she lives near Robb Elementary and can see the school from her porch.

I just dont see the point in waiting, she said, regarding the board having not yet fired Arredondo. The investigation has nothing to do with his performance as an employee of the school. Hes an employee of the school, and he failed to do the most basic obligation.

The day that you put him on administrative leave, it was a slap in the face to these family members.

The school board was set to meet again on July 25.
Wheat Prices Surge, Indicate Worse Food Crisis Ahead

Wheat prices rose on July 25, days after Russian forces struck the southern Ukrainian port of Odesa.

Chicago wheat futures surged by as much as 4.6 percent before paring the gain to trade 3.1 percent higher at $7.82 1/4 per bushel by 3:21 p.m. in Singapore.

Corn futures rose by as much as 2.8 percent on July 25 before the gain eased to 1.4 percent, while soybeans were up by just 0.3 percent.

Wheat prices dropped by almost 6 percent on July 22 after Russia and Ukraine, both of whom are major exporters of grains, reached a deal to allow crucial grain shipments to safely leave three Ukrainian Black Sea ports: Odesa, Pivdennyi, and Chornomorsk.

That level of prices havent been seen since before Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his special military operation in neighboring Ukraine in February.

The agreement was brokered by Turkey and hailed as a vital step toward helping to avert a global food crisis.

Representatives of Turkey, as well as Ukraine and Russia, met in Istanbul on July 22 to sign the deal, along with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said of the deal on July 22: We are proud of being instrumental in an initiative that will play a major role in the solution of the global food crisis that has occupied the whole world for a long time.

The president also said the deal would contribute to preventing the danger of hunger that awaits billions of people in the world.

Missile Strike

However, Russia said on July 25 that its cruise missiles had struck military infrastructure in Ukraines Odesa port over the weekend, shortly after the agreement was signed.

The strike used Kalibr missiles and destroyed Ukrainian military infrastructure, sending a Ukrainian military boat to the Kiev regimes favorite address in a precision strike, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Telegram on July 24.

The favorite address was a reference to Ukrainian forces on Snake Island in the Black Sea who reportedly told a Russian ship to go [explicit] itself before a Russian strike in February.

Serhii Bratchuk, a spokesman for the Odesa military administration, said on Telegram that Kalibr-type cruise missiles hit the infrastructure of the port and that two were shot down by Ukraines air defense forces.

Two hit the ports infrastructure facilities, he wrote.

Natalia Humeniuk, a spokeswoman for the Ukrainian militarys southern command, said on TV that the missiles didnt hit grain storage at Odesas port.

An estimated 20 million metric tons of grain have been held up in the port of Odesa in southwestern Ukraine, according to the BBC.

Wheat futures rose by 70 percent to a record high of $12.94 per bushel in the two weeks after the invasion began, prompting concerns that the conflict could impact global supplies, worsen food insecurity, and drive prices up further.

Wheat prices have gradually declined by roughly 42 percent since reaching those initial highs, but U.S. wheat features are still 15 percent higher than where they were last year, while the Benchmark French milling wheat futures are 65 percent higher than they were at this time last year, according to Business Insider.

The EUs high representative for foreign affairs, Josep Borrell, said on July 23 that the bloc strongly condemns the attack.

He wrote on Twitter, Striking a target crucial for grain export a day after the signature of Istanbul agreements is particularly reprehensible & again demonstrates Russias total disregard for international law & commitments.
President Joe Biden reacts to questions from the press about how he is feeling, while participating virtually in a meeting with his economic team in the South Court Auditorium of the White House campus in Washington, D.C., on July 22, 2022. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

White House Says Bidens Condition Has Significantly Improved as No Photos of Him Released Over Weekend

President Joe Bidens COVID-19 symptoms have now almost completely resolved four days after he tested positive for the virus, White House physician Dr. Kevin OConnor wrote in a July 25 letter.

When questioned, at this point, he only notes some residual nasal congestion and minimal hoarseness, the doctors letter reads. His pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature remain absolutely normal.

The letter also noted that the presidents oxygen saturation continues to be excellent and that his lungs remain clear.

Biden, 79, will continue to take the Pfizer-made drug Paxlovid, which is generally used for five days after the onset of symptoms, OConnor said. He previously said that Biden was using an albuterol inhaler as well.

Over the weekend, the physician had said that Bidens cough and body aches had diminished and that he wasnt facing any shortness of breath. He and other White House officials have also stressed multiple times that Biden has received COVID-19 vaccine doses, including two booster doses.

As Ive stated previously, the BA.5 variant is particularly transmissible and [Biden] will continue to isolate in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, OConnor wrote.

The White House has sought to underscore Bidens ability to work through his illness. On July 22, it released a video of him reassuring Americans that he was doing fine, and on July 23, he participated in virtual meetings with White House staff.

But despite the health updates on July 23 and 24, no new images or video footage have been released of Biden since July 23. Biden tested positive for COVID-19 the day before.

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)

Hours after he tested positive, Biden appeared in a video while speaking on a White House balcony, which was posted to his Twitter account.

The White House stated that Biden will deliver virtual remarks to the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives Conference.

White House officials previously said that Biden is isolating, noting that no aides or other individuals who were close to the president have tested positive for COVID-19.

In his prior update on Bidens diagnosis, OConnor said the president had an elevated temperature of 99.4 degrees Fahrenheit on July 21. It returned to normal after taking Tylenol, he said.

White House COVID-19 czar Dr. Ashish Jha told CBS News on July 24 that Biden had an upper respiratory infection and hes doing just fine.

Obviously if he has persistent symptoms, obviously if any of them interfere with his ability to carry out his duties, we will disclose that early and often with the American people, Jha said. The presidents been doing well, and were going to expect that hes going to continue to do so.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Emergency response vehicles and police cars outside Dallas Love Field Airport after shots were fired on July 25, 2022. (CNN/Screenshot via NTD)

Woman Fires Handgun Inside Dallas Airport, Is Shot by Police

A 37-year-old woman was shot by police after she allegedly fired a pistol inside Dallas Love Field Airport on July 25, authorities said.

Authorities told reporters that the woman, Portia Odufuwa, fired shots near a ticket counter while aiming at the ceiling.

A responding officer shot Odufuwa in the lower extremities before she was taken to the hospital, Dallas Police Chief Edgardo Garcia said at a news conference. There were no other injuries, he said.

At this point, we dont know where exactly this individual was aiming, Garcia said in reference to where Odufuwa was allegedly shooting.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a ground stop at the airport over the incident, which reportedly sent crowds of people running for the exits. The Dallas Police Department wrote on Twitter that the Dallas Love Field Airport terminal was secure right before noon local time.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) later said it was in the process of re-screening all travelers via the security checkpoint.

Garcia told WFAA that Odufuwa was dropped off at the airport at around 11 a.m. local time. She then went into a bathroom, changed clothes, exited the facility, and pulled out a handgun.

No further information is yet known about Odufuwas motivation; also unclear is who took her to the airport.

Witnesses described chaos after the shooting started.

We were at the counter checking in and I was trying to check in and we heard someone yelling. And we looked up and we saw her walking down with guns up, witness Judy Rawle told a Fox affiliate station. And after talking with someone else, she was upset because her husband had got fired from somewhere and she was going to start shooting us. And then the police came in and apparently shes been injured is what I was told.

Rawle said Odufuwa was dressed in black. She fired between eight and 12 shots, the witness added.

Rockwall Police Chief Max Geron wrote on Twitter at about 11:20 a.m. that he just got evacuated of Love Field after an apparent shooting.

Family is safe, Geron wrote. TSA did a great job.

A video posted to social media showed people hiding behind objects outside the airport.

We are now outside in between the building and the tarmac and were just told there was a shooter and we are going to need to stay outside for a bit, the user wrote.

Other details about the incident werent immediately provided.
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When Pope Francis apologizes to Indigenous groups on Canadian soil this week, he will make another effort toward healing harms inflicted at church-run residential schools  and add to the Catholic Churchs growing ledger of atonement for past transgressions.

Like the papacy, top Protestant leaders also have gradually issued institutional mea culpas for their churches' historical wrongs. Many of the apologies on behalf of Christian denominations are for grave offenses: genocide, sex abuse, slavery, war and more.

While increasingly common, the ecclesial apology is a relatively modern phenomenon, said Jeremy Bergen, a church apology expert and professor of religious and theological studies at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario.

For 1,900 years, churches didnt apologize for the bad things that they did, Bergen said.

He pinpoints the pivot to significant apologies coming in the aftermath of World War II, especially a declaration by Germany's Protestant churches that they failed to adequately oppose the Nazis. It was among the first in a series of recognitions that Christian institutions themselves committed wrongs, Bergen said. In the 1990s, church apologies increased as more attention was paid to human rights following the Cold War, he said.

The pope flew to Canada on Sunday to apologize for abuses Indigenous people suffered in the country's state-funded residential Christian schools. From the 1800s to the 1970s, Native children were forced to attend the schools where abuse was rampant.

The apology follows a similar one Francis made in April in Rome to members of Canada's First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities.

The setting matters, said Fernie Marty, a member of the Papaschase, a Cree nation in Alberta. The 73-year-old is a survivor of a day school  part of a system that, like residential schools, aimed to assimilate Indigenous children.

He appreciated the popes Rome apology, but this is where all the atrocities happened, Marty said. Its more meaningful coming on Canadian soil."

Marty, an elder at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, a Catholic parish in Alberta's capital oriented toward Indigenous people and culture, said the popes visit offers a tremendous opportunity for my own personal healing.

But George Pipestem, 79, a member of the Montana First Nation and a survivor of the Ermineskin Indian Residential School, questioned the relevance of a papal apology, just as he questioned apologies by Canadian prime ministers for the governments role in the schools.

He said the abusers should be the ones apologizing: Theyre all gone, though. This apologizing, it doesnt matter to me. Its like nothing. Its only a word."

It is not uncommon for a leader who was neither involved nor alive when a wrong was committed to deliver a church's apology. Some took generations to say sorry.

Graham Dodds, a political science professor at Concordia University in Montreal who researches political apologies, says institutional responsibility can extend beyond the present day or any one person's lifetime.

Its part of being a leader to accept that connection with things past, he said.

St. John Paul II embraced that responsibility and left a legacy of papal apologies. None were more significant than his list of mea culpas issued as the Catholic Church opened its 2000 Jubilee and entered its third millennium.

John Paul apologized for Catholics' sins through the ages, including against women, Jews and other religious minorities. In his most memorable act, he tucked a prayer note into the Western Wall in Jerusalem asking Gods forgiveness for those who "have caused these children of yours to suffer.

He wanted something of a clean slate, Dodds said.

The following year, when John Paul sent his first-ever email, it was an apology for colonial-era abuses of Aboriginal peoples in Australia and the Pacific, as well as for the sexual abuse of children by Catholic clergy.

His successor, Pope Benedict XVI, also apologized for clerical abuse, most significantly in a 2010 letter to Irish faithful. He said he was truly sorry for the hurt and blamed Irish bishops, though he was silent on Vatican responsibility.

Francis has gone further, first apologizing for his own errors in defending a Chilean bishop who covered up abuse by the countrys most notorious pedophile priest. That 2018 scandal was a turning point in the pope's understanding of abuse, and he continued to apologize for it.

Juan Carlos Cruz, who was abused by that priest, received both a church apology and a personal one from Francis. It felt like finally the church recognized the harm he suffered, and he could start healing, Cruz said. It also motivated Cruz, now a member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, to continue advocating for survivors.

Pope Francis had a sincerity that it was hard not to believe. And its not because youre sitting in front of a pope. ... It's because of his humility and sincerity, Cruz said. Trust me. Ive received apologies from many people in the church that are as fake as you can imagine.

Francis has also apologized, in 2015 in Bolivia, for wrongs committed by the church against Indigenous peoples during the conquest of the Americas.

Timing, word choice and contrition are important elements for an apology to be effective, Dodds said. Bad apologies try to justify or explain away wrongs, while good ones admit fault and convey, "It was wrong. ... It wont happen again. Please, forgive me, he said.

What comes next also matters, said the Rev. Dwight McKissic Sr., senior pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas. He is a Black minister in the predominately white Southern Baptist Convention, which was founded in 1845 in support of slaveholding missionaries.

It took SBC delegates 150 years to repudiate slavery and apologize for racism, in 1995. It was overdue and the right thing to do, McKissic said, but he wanted to see if the SBC would follow up with more leadership diversity.

He recalled visiting convention headquarters in Nashville in 2007 and being told the top African American working in the building was a custodian. When he returned recently, the top post was held by Willie McLaurin, the first Black man to head the SBC's Executive Committee.

That's progress, McKissic said, while cautioning that there is still room for a lot of improvements such as more diversity among leadership and seminary professors.

This year SBC delegates also apologized for harm caused to church sexual abuse survivors.

The United Church of Canada, the nation's largest Protestant denomination, apologized more than 20 years ago for its role in operating 15 residential schools for Indigenous youths.

The Right Rev. Richard Bott, who is now the churchs moderator and top spiritual leader, said the institutional repentance and reparations his predecessor set in motion in 1998 remains a work in progress.

This is not work thats done in a day, Bott said. This is the work of a lifetime of response and an institutional lifetime of response. The only way we will get there is to begin each day in a good way with Indigenous neighbors. So thats really central to our understanding of apology.

When Francis apologized at the Vatican in April to the visiting delegation of Indigenous Canadians, he also listened to their personal stories of residential school abuse.

They spoke truth, Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith said, and they told the pope they needed to hear words from you that will heal.

But when the pontiff comes to Canada, Smith said, it's important that he doesn't just read from a carefully vetted script: Everybody wants him to speak from his heart.

Smith said it can't stop there. The Catholic Church in Canada will have to do much more than apologize to heal the wrongs at the schools. This is about one step in a very long journey.

___

Nicole Winfield in Vatican City contributed to this report.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
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NORWALK  Officials investigating the cause of a Nelson Avenue fire that killed a 7-year-old girl discovered discarded cigarettes in an area where the deadly blaze likely began and they could not find any smoke detectors in the home, according to a fire department incident report.

The Norwalk Fire Marshals Office has not yet announced the findings of its investigation into the cause of the destructive fire that tore through a home and killed Summer Fawcett on the morning of May 14.

But the report, which was obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media Group, shows fire inspectors discovered clues hours after the incident that suggests the large blaze began in the front porch of the two-story home.

Once we were able to begin clearing debris where we believed was the area of origin of the fire, the front  three-season porch, we found cigarette butts and smoking materials, Fire Marshal Broderick Sawyer wrote in the report. Additionally, we found power strips with plugged in extension cords leading from the three-season porch into the living room, plugged in behind a living room sofa.

The report notes the origin and cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Sawyer has said the fire marshals office does not plan to release the findings of its investigation until a separate probe by the homeowners insurance agency is completed.

The report shows inspectors also spoke to witnesses, including a neighbor who lives across the street from the Fawcett house. The person told investigators they observed the homes residents smoking cigarettes on their front porch on multiple occasions, the report stated.

After firefighters extinguished the blaze, local fire inspectors contacted state police for assistance with the investigation. They then obtained a search warrant to examine the interior of the house, according to the report.

It was noted that there were no smoke alarms visible to us within the home, Sawyer wrote, adding they also discovered a heat sensor in the basement that had not been active for years and storage blocking a kitchen door.

Firefighters were called to the single-family home shortly before 5 a.m. May 14. They arrived to find the front of the wood-frame home engulfed in flames, cars burning in the driveway and charred power lines in the street.

According to the incident report, firefighters used a fire ladder to pull the child from a smoke-filled second-floor bedroom. Medical personnel then rushed her to Norwalk Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The states chief medical examiner has said Fawcett died of complications from thermal injuries and smoke inhalation. Her death was ruled an accident.

Summers parents, Blair and Lindsay Fawcett, were both hospitalized after the fire. The couples 9-year-old son was not harmed, officials have said.

Three firefighters were injured during the rescue effort. One suffered burns to their neck, another strained their back and a third injured a knee in a fall, according to the report.
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A recent encounter with a humpback whale in Plymouth, Mass. took a frightening turn when the large aquatic creature breached and came crashing down on a boat.

Footage obtained by the Associated Press shows the humpback whale coming up through the water just off the coast of White Horse Beach in Plymouth on Sunday, July 24. The whale landed on a 19-foot-boat and quickly bounced back into the water. According to NBC Boston, there were no reported injuries to anyone onboard the boat and the vessel only had some minor damage to the bow.
A co-pilot accused of trying to help smuggle some 1,700 kilos of cocaine into the United States from Venezuela in 2016 has been extradited to face charges in U.S. Federal Court in Connecticut.

Ronier Sanchez Alonso was arraigned Monday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Connecticut said.

On Dec. 14, 2016, Sanchez, 46, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Bridgeport, charging him and other defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.

The charge against Sanchez stems from a law enforcement investigation into a drug operation in Wolcott, according to a federal filing in the case. Authorities allege that between 2015 and 2016 the group was responsible for acquiring and transporting large quantities of cocaine from Venezuela and Colombia, a government filing states.

Sanchezs duties within this drug trafficking organization primarily focused on his role and expertise as a pilot, which would further the DTOs smuggling routes between Venezuela, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras and the Dominican Republic.

Sanchez, who is from Mexico, has been held by authorities in Paraguay since his arrest there in March 2021, the U.S. attorneys office said.

As alleged in court documents, Sanchez conspired with others to transport approximately 1,700 kilograms of cocaine from South America to the U.S, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said Sanchez and Rupert De Las Casas flew a private jet, which was registered in the U.S., from the Dominican Republic to Venezuela where the cocaine was to be loaded onto the jet on Aug. 6, 2016.

Sanchez was the co-pilot onboard the jet, prosecutors said.

The pilots planned to fly to Honduras, where the drugs would be offloaded onto trucks that would drive through Mexico and then the narcotics would be smuggled into the United States.

However, the jet crashed near a landing strip in Venezuela, according to the U.S. attorneys office. The two pilots and third person involved in the conspiracy were able to avoid capture, while the cocaine was diverted back to Colombia, the office said.

Sanchez then fell off the radar. Federal authorities believe he returned to Mexico in the years after the mishap, according to the governments court filing.

In March 2021, DEA agents learned he had arrived in Paraguay. He was arrested that month on a United States Extradition request, the filing states. He fought the extradition in court, but ultimately lost and was deported. He was brought to Miami in the company of U.S. Marshals on Friday, the filing states.

The government moved to have Sanchez remain in custody, calling him a flight risk and danger to the public. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Kale also noted in the governments filing that the charge against Sanchez carries a a sentence of 10 years to life in prison.

Two others involved in the scheme, including De Las Casas, have already been convicted.

Prosecutors said De Las Casas pleaded guilty and is in custody awaiting sentencing.

A third person involved, Arrinson De La Cruz, was charged separately after authorities alleged he helped arrange for the jet to pas unimpeded through an airport in the Dominican Republic.

De La Cruz, a Dominican Republic citizen who had lived in Wolcott, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 years in prison, prosecutors said.
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP)  The search continued Sunday for a man reported missing after flash floods hit the wildfire burn scar in northern New Mexico.

Authorities said the bodies of two women were recovered Thursday west of Las Vegas, New Mexico after the Cabo Lucero Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call of a vehicle being washed away by floodwaters.
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STAMFORD  Pieology is taking its pizzas on the road this summer.

The business, which opened just outside Stamford Town Center in 2017 and has a second location in Brookfield, recently added a food truck to its operation.

Owners Nishant Patel, Sahil Patel and Regal Patel  three friends who all share the same last name and grew up in three different parts of Connecticut  decided to jump in with both feet, choosing the popular and busy Alive At Five concert series as their first food truck gig last week.

So far, the feedback has been positive, Nishant said.

People are pretty wowed by the quality that theyre getting for food truck pizza, said Nishant, who is from Danbury.

Pieology has been around for about five years, but the growth of the business was stunted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the owners said. The Brookfield location was especially affected, as it opened in early 2020, just before the first cases of the virus arrived in Connecticut.

Everything came to a screeching halt in March, Nishant said, adding that getting back to pre-COVID-19 business has been a challenge, as it has for many businesses across the state.

He said he sees the food truck as a way to bring in more business for the storefront locations.

What the food truck really does is help put our name out there, Nishant said.

He said adding a food truck was the logical next step in the evolution of the Pieology brand, which he and his friends started over a mutual love of pizza and a desire to work together.

Usually the convention was you start with a food truck and then you expand from there, Nishant said. I think some businesses are seeing the benefits of having a food truck as part of their brick and mortar.

The menu for the four-wheel version of Pieology is essentially the same as the one found in the two restaurants. The pizza parlor offers a collection of signature pies, but it is mostly defined by its customizable options.

Customers can choose from four crusts  thin, thick, gluten free and cauliflower  and five cheeses: mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, Gorgonzola and vegan. There are also options for sauces and more than 40 toppings available for customers to create the exact pizza theyre craving.

The food truck, painted mostly in black and decorated with cartoon images of pizzas, tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese, broccoli and garlic, will be stationed at outdoor festivals and events this summer for the foreseeable future, and is available for private bookings, Nishant said.

Were hoping something like this can help spread awareness about the brand, he said. Were just excited to show folks that Pieology is still here. Were here to serve.

To see where the Pieology Food Truck will be next, visit pieology.com/truckct.

ignacio.laguarda@stamfordadvocate.com
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BEIJING (AP)  China added a laboratory to its permanent orbiting space station Monday as it moves toward completing the structure in coming months.

The Wentian laboratory was launched from the Wenchang space base on the tropical island province of Hainan on Sunday with a large crowd of amateur photographers and space enthusiasts watching.

After 13 hours of flight, it successfully docked with the Tianhe living area of the Tiangong space station at 3:13 a.m. Monday (1913 GMT), according to the China Manned Space Agency.

Photos distributed by Xinhua News Agency later showed the three astronauts inside the expanded space station.

The 23-ton Wentian laboratory is designed for science and biology experiments and is heavier than any other single-module spacecraft currently in space, according to the state-owned Global Times.

Three astronauts who started their six-month mission aboard the space station last month oversaw the Wentian's arrival and docking.

A second laboratory segment, the Mengtian, is due to be launched in October and will complete the space station.

A Long March 5B-Y3 rocket, China's most powerful, carried the laboratory module in the third such launch since the Chinese space station entered its construction phase. It was preceded by the Tianzhou-class cargo spacecraft and the Shenzhou-14 crewed spacecraft.

Chinas space program is run by the ruling Communist Partys military wing, the Peoples Liberation Army, and has largely proceeded with the Tiangong program without other nations' assistance. The U.S. excluded China from the International Space Station because of its military ties.

China launched its first astronaut into orbit in 2003, making it only the third country to do so on its own after the former Soviet Union and the U.S. Its space program has landed robot rovers on the moon and placed one on Mars last year. China has also returned lunar samples and officials have discussed a possible crewed mission to the moon.
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Madison County officials want to inform visitors of upcoming changes for access to the parking lot behind Administration Building in downtown Edwardsville.

Starting Monday, the southern entrance to the parking lot behind the administration building on North Second Street will be closed and the northern entrance opened for vehicles and pedestrians to cross during continued constriction.



Keller Construction plans to complete the sidewalk on the west side of Second Street, then switch foot traffic to the east side once they complete the west side.
As public works crews finish building a section of the Route 66 Trail this summer, two additional phases have been planned.

Formerly known as the Route 157 shared-use path, the work was previously described as a four-phase project, which would eventually present a shared-use path on the west and north side of Route 157 from Center Grove Road to Schwarz Street.

Phase 1 of this project has been finished since 2020, a 990-foot section from Center Grove to Madison County Transit's (MCT) Nature Trail. Phase 2, which has been under construction this summer, is about 2,800 feet long and will link Lewis Road to MCT's Goshen Trail when completed sometime in the next 30 days.

Phase 3 will be about 2,575 feet long and connect the Nature Trail to Lewis Road in front of SIUE and across from Trace on the Parkway.

This phase is currently in design, according to city engineer Ryan Zwijack. He shared the information during the July 19 city council meeting. He he hopes to have the plan out for bid by January 2023 and construction start next summer.

After this third section is complete, there will be a 1.2-mile contiguous stretch from Center Grove to the Goshen Trail ready for walkers, joggers, runners, cyclists and others to use.

Phase 4, which includes a Congestion, Mitigation and Air Quality grant, will stretch between the Goshen Trail and Schwarz Street, or about 1,800 feet. Phase 4 is entering the design phase now. Construction should start in about 15 months, or October 2023, and be completed in 2024.

"We split the engineering agreements in to two separate agreements so we can get going on what IDOT calls 'Phase 1' engineering," he said. "This will save us nine months and also be ready for the next round of ITEP (Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program) grants that were just announced."

Zwijack then explained where phases 5 and 6 will go.

"Phase 5 will go [along West Street] from Schwarz Street to St. Louis Street and Phase 6 will go along St. Louis Street from West Street to tie into the new trail we are building right now on North Second Street," he said.

He said the city applied for Phase 5 for Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD) funds just two weeks ago.

"We should receive the full $200,000 for construction from MEPRD," he said. "Pending that grant, we should be ready to start construction the summer of 2023."

City council has approved the designs for Phase 4, Phase 5 and Phase 6.

"For Phase 6, we will be applying for Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program funds. The grant applications are due Sept. 30 and will be announced in the spring of 2023," he said. "Since we are going to be starting the design now, if we get the grant, we will be ready for construction as soon as the end of 2023.

"This phase of the trail is the most exciting, as it connects our entire Route 66 Trail into downtown Edwardsville. From a transportation perspective, this trail will connect to our new Watershed Trail extension on North Second Street and to the on-road dedicated bike lanes in the Historic St. Louis Street District, which both provide additional connections to the MCT Trail network. The new trail also links several residential areas to local businesses and to local schools."

To support this work, the city council approved four ancillary items involving motor fuel tax (MFT) funds on July 19.

Items are a professional services agreement with Oates Associates for phases 4-6 in the amount of $72,286; a supplemental resolution for improvements under the state highway code; a second professional services agreement with Oates Associates for $78,249 for the fourth phase; and a second supplemental resolution.
A Granite City man faces several weapons-related felonies, including an armed habitual criminal charge.

Donnie A. Sherrell, 29, of Granite City, was charged July 21 as an armed habitual criminal, a Class X felony, and was also charged with two counts of unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, both Class 2 felonies.

The case was presented by the Illinois State Police.

According to court documents, on July 20 Sherrell allegedly had a Mossberg International 715P .22 caliber AR pistol while under supervised release.

He has a 2014 conviction for unlawful possession of weapons by a felon out of Madison County and a felon in possession of a firearm in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois in 2015, making him ineligible to possess weapons.

Bail was set at $250,000.

In an unrelated case, two men were charged with shooting at an occupied building in Alton on two separate occasions.

Tavarious T. White, 19, of Alton and Glenn K. Wolfe, 18, of Lebanon, Illinois, were each charged with two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm, all Class 1 felonies.

The cases were presented by the Alton Police Department.

According to court documents, on July 8 and July 12 the two allegedly fired guns at an occupied building in the 200 block of Madison Avenue.

Bail was set at $150,000 each.

Other felony charges filed July 21 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include:

 Robert L. Overturf, 33, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged with aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony, and resisting a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. According to court documents, on July 21 Overturf allegedly struck a Granite City police officer in the throat and kicked them in the leg, resisting the officers attempts to place him under arrest. Bail was set at $30,000.

 Terrance T. Strickland, 20, of Granite City, was charged with unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, a Class 2 felony. The case was presented by the Illinois State Police. On May 18 Strickland allegedly had a SCCY CPX-2 9 mm handgun. He has a 2021 conviction for robbery out of Madison County making him ineligible to possess weapons. Bail was set at $50,000.

 Christopher G. Shelton, 48, of the 2600 block of E. 24th Street, Granite City, was charged with unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, a Class 2 felony. The case was presented by the Glen Carbon Police Department. According to court documents, on July 20 Shelton was found to be in possession of Lorcin L25 .25 caliber handgun. It was noted he has a prior conviction for flagrant non support, a felony, out of Grayson County, Kentucky, in 2018, making him ineligible to possess weapons. Bail was set at $50,000.

 Dawanda S. Green, 41, of the 800 block of Oakwood Estates, Alton, was charged July 6 with unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, a Class 3 felony; and obstructing justice, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. According to court documents, on July 4 Green concealed evidence by taking a handgun from another person and disposing of it. It was noted she has a prior conviction for threatening a public official out of Madison County in 2017, making her ineligible to possess weapons. Bail was set at $50,000.
[Editor's note: This is the conclusion of the article from our July 9, 2022 issue.]

In 1990, Dan Kurzman's "Fatal Voyage" took a comprehensive look at the Indianapolis story. After reading a San Francisco Chronicle article about the book, Young reached out to Kurzman.

According to a Jan. 30, 1991, article in the Chronicle, Kurzman had several conversations with Young and concluded, "I believe that what Young says is true." Kurzman rewrote a passage in the paperback edition of his book, adding he knew of three reports from radiomen who had received Indianapolis' SOS. It marked the first published acknowledgment of anyone having received the cruiser's SOS.

That same month, Young received another request for information  this one from McVay's son, Kimo. In his response Young detailed the events of that fateful night and his suspicion Commodore Jacobson had been drinking. The officer's terse, "No reply at this time," Young felt had been a missed opportunity to quickly rescue hundreds of Indianapolis survivors.

In the 1990s, Young reached out to Capt. William J. Toti, then commander of the fast-attack submarine USS Indianapolis, to share the story of the SOS message. Toti checked out the story with the Naval Historical Center (present-day Naval History and Heritage Command), only to be told its researchers could verify neither Young's account nor the two other reports that had surfaced regarding Indianapolis' SOS. Toti offered to help Young, but by then the intrepid crusader was worn out. What Young perceived as the Navy's unwillingness to correct the record had led to a decline in his health, and on Aug. 24, 1997, he passed away at age 75. His wife, Eleanore, continued his fight.

So did a sixth-grade history buff in Pensacola, Florida.

In 1997, Hunter Scott chose the sinking of Indianapolis as the subject of his project for National History Day. The 12-year-old ultimately sent a detailed questionnaire to more than 100 survivors, scores of whom either responded by mail, spoke with the boy on the phone or met him in person. The information and documents Scott gathered convinced him McVay should be exonerated. His effort drew national media attention. Scott appeared on television several times, and on Sept. 14, 1999, he and several members of the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) Survivors Organization testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The Senate Armed Services Committee hearing ultimately prompted Congress to issue a joint resolution exonerating McVay for the loss of Indianapolis.

When asked by Sen. Bob Smith of New Hampshire about reports he'd received regarding SOS messages from the cruiser, Scott replied he'd gotten three. Russell Hetz, who as a young sailor had been aboard the harbor examination vessel LCI-1004 in Leyte harbor, told Scott his ship had monitored two Indianapolis SOS messages, spaced about eight and a half minutes apart. But since Hetz and fellow crewmen didn't believe a heavy cruiser could sink so quickly, they wrote off the distress calls as Japanese deception.

In the second report Don Allen, a sailor based on Tacloban, said that on the night of the sinking, his commander had left orders not to be disturbed, so he took the initiative to send two seagoing tugs to check out the report. When his commanding officer returned from playing cards, Allen said, he ordered the tugs back to port.

The third report, the one that most interested Sen. Smith, was Clair Young's. Eleanore Young had provided Scott with copies of her husband's 1955 letter to the Navy, the department's response and Clair's 1991 letter to Kimo McVay. In Smith's eyes the collection of correspondence and testimony of the witnesses were undeniable proof an SOS had been received but hadn't been acted on. At the end of the hearing survivor Jack Miner  who had been in the cruiser's radio room on its last night  came up to Scott with tears in his eyes. He was moved to finally know the SOS signal he had witnessed  and for which CWO Woods had so valiantly given his life  had been heard.

The hearing ultimately prompted Congress to issue a joint resolution exonerating McVay for the loss of Indianapolis. President Bill Clinton signed the nonbinding resolution on Oct. 30, 2000. Concerned the Navy might not actually place the signed exoneration in McVay's official personnel file, the survivors requested that Toti, former captain of the decommissioned submarine USS Indianapolis, be allowed to do so in his new capacity in Naval Operations at the Pentagon. He did, finally ending a crusade for justice that had lasted nearly six decades.

[Addendum: Clair Young lived down the road in Rosamond when he passed away in 1997 at age 75.

Photo credit: MC1 Burt Eichen, U.S. Navy. Scott later served in the Navy and kept in contact with survivors.

Marty Pay ended up with his personal papers two years ago which were the foundation for this article.

There are two survivors still alive out of the 316 that came out of the water in August 1945.]

This article was previously posted on http://www.historynet.com/sos-indianapolis-behind-the-sinking-of-the-heavy-cruiser/ and is being published with permission from the author, Marty Pay. California-based Marty Pay is an insurance broker and military history buff. In addition to the books mentioned in the story, for further reading he recommends "In Harm's Way" by Doug Stanton; "Left for Dead" by Pete Nelson; and "Indianapolis" by Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic. All three mention Clair Young's story in the absence of corroborating witnesses or Navy records.
LAGOS, Monday, July 25, 2022: Media Rights Agenda (MRA) today condemned the weekend raid on the head office of the Peoples Gazette newspaper by agents of the Nigeria Police and the arrest of the editor and four other staff of the newspaper. It called on the Federal Government to rein in the law enforcement agency, accusing it of becoming a tool in the hands of rich or powerful individuals and entities for harassing journalists and media organizations.

In a statement issued in Lagos, MRAs Programme Director, Mr. Ayode Longe, said we have observed in recent months a pattern of policemen raiding media organizations, arresting and detaining their staff or intimidating media professionals in various other ways under the guise of investigating complaints made against such media organizations by powerful individuals or entities. We condemn this trend and state emphatically that it is not the duty of the Police to protect the reputations of individuals or organizations or shield them from scrutiny, especially when the Police are failing woefully in the performance of their primary function of ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

According to Mr. Longe, We are concerned that while the Police have virtually abdicated their duty to fight crime, frequently claiming a lack of resources for the dereliction, they appear to have no difficulty in finding the resources to deploy troops to media houses to harass and intimidate journalists and other media workers at the behest of the rich and powerful who are uncomfortable with the media beaming the searchlight on them and their activities. We therefore call on the Federal Government to immediately put an end to this practice.

Armed operatives of the Nigerian Police are reported to have raided the head office of Peoples Gazette newspaper in the Utako area of Abuja on July 22, 2022. The policemen refused to state the reason for the raid on the newspapers offices but asked for the Managing Editor, Mr. Samuel Ogundipe, and a reporter, Mr. Adefemola Akintade. Upon being told that both journalists were away from the office, the policemen arrested Mr. John Adenekan, the newspapers assistant managing editor.

Mr. Adenekan was reportedly taken away to the Utako police division at about 12:35 p.m. by five armed policemen. The policemen returned to the premises and arrested four other staff members, namely Ameedat Adeyemi, Grace Oke, Sammy Ogbu and Justina Tayani. They were, however, all released at about 6.00pm on the same day.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Josephine Adeh, is reported to have said that the journalists and staff of the newspaper were only invited for questioning over a petition written against them accusing the newspaper of defaming the character of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), who is now Nigerias ambassador to Benin Republic.

But Mr. Longe stressed that the protection of the reputation of any individual is fundamentally a personal matter adding that the Police and other public resources should not be employed in vindicating the reputation of any individual, regardless of the status of the person claiming to have been defamed.

Condemning the recurring use of strong-arm tactics by the Police to intimidate and harass journalists and media organizations, even when they have not established that any wrongdoing has taken place, he advised law enforcement agencies and officials to focus their attention on addressing the more pressing state of insecurity in the country instead of chasing shadows.

For further information, please contact:

Idowu Adewale

Communications Officer

[email protected]


Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. Mark 3:24, Matthew 12:25.



If there is any factor/actor that has kept the People Democratic Party (PDP), as the dominant party in Delta state in the well over two decades of democratic experiment in the country, it is the existence of one robust, indivisible and united political family.

Again, if there is any reason that presently works in favour of the party in the state as the nation braces up for the 2023 general election, it is the superlative performance of the incumbent Governor of the state in the person of Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa. Many believe that the administration's performance particularly in the areas of infrastructural development and promotion of technical education in the state dwarfed that of his predecessors. These efforts on the part of the Governor contributed appreciably to why Delta State was ranked the Best State in Human Capital Development in the 2017 States Peer Review by the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria, and also in 2020. It is also responsible to why Delta as a state was adjudged to be the Second Least Poor State, coming only after Lagos, Nigerias business hub, according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Despite the validity of the above claim, there are troubling developments within the party and painful signs that currently, there exist visible cracks, gully of division and deep seated animosity among members now of different actions. All is visibly not well with the party in the present circumstance.

Aside from the recently held mega rally in Ozoro, Isoko North local government area of the state to receive decampees from the opposition political parties, which was boycotted by prominent party leaders such as former Governors James Ibori, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Senator James Manager, representing Delta South, Barr Kingsley Otuaro, Deputy Governor, Chief David Edevbie, governorship aspirant and others, coupled with the fact that there was no official unveiling of the Delta PDP governorship candidate as was the tradition, so many other events in recent past supports this assertion. Random sampling of events in recent months shows that all may not be well for the party in the present circumstance.

Without going into specifics, some believe that the whole gamut of restiveness within the party stems from the PDP governorship primary held May 25 which the Current Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori had won but his closest rival and former Commissioner of Finance in the state, David Edevbie asked an Abuja High Court for Oborevworis disqualification on grounds of discrepancies in the certificates he presented and same prayer answered, others are of the view that current waves of division within the party stemmed from mindless exclusion, injustice political deprivation that recently characterized the party in the state.

While those of us who believe in the unity of party may not agree with campaign or campaign of any group or ethnic nationality to dismember the party in the state, random sampling of opinion of these group and their supporters indicates that they have template to, and rock-solid belief in their cause and are even prepared to give their lives to actualize it. They believe that in no distant future, it will be realized.

The current administration in my opinion will continue to find itself faced with difficulty accelerating the economic and political fortunes of the party in the state until they contemplate uniting all warring factions within the party in the state. Notably, not doing any of this, or continuing on this order will amplify the painful consequence of strategic mistakes made by the People Democratic Party(PDP) led Federal Government in 2015 general election- a mistake which led to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan losing to President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress(APC).

In fact, there are so many documented accounts as to why the current fears expressed by the author cannot be described as unfounded.

First, a few months ago, Delta state based GbaramatuVoice, an important and well respected media platform that connects Niger Delta communities and the world in communication, and has to its credit , ten of thousands of followership, conducted an opinion poll about the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state. The outcome of that process should be a reality for all lovers of the party in the state to worry about as it gave victory to the major opposition party in the state, the All Progressive Party (APC).

Indeed, one may conveniently argue that such outcome should not be trusted as public opinion do not always provide clear-cut policy guidance, and even when it is clearly in favour of a certain course, may be decided otherwise -particularly when they realize how uninformed, superficial, and changeable most opinions really are. Yet, looking at the caliber of people that voted in that process, their comments, and recent endorsement of the gubernatorial candidate of the major opposition party in the state, the outcome of that exercise should not be allowed to go with political winds. The Governors handlers should monitor, analyze and predict the consequences of the present situation if allowed to thrive.

Yes, I join my faith with Governor Okowa who at the Ozoro mega rally among other things declared that  the people will come out to vote for PDP in all the local government areas in the state, that whatever is going on is a normal democratic process, that we should be Atikulated, that Atiku gave one of our own running mate, he has done well for the South, particularly South-South.

That faith or comment notwithstanding, I am equally of the views that as a general rule, the first step to solving a problem is to recognize that one exists

Like every other fair-minded individual in the state, i will continue to characterize the Okowas performance in the state as historic, But there is an urgent imperative also to feel concerned about the recent declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State was yet to have a candidate for next years governorship election. INEC, according to news reports, had earlier in the day released the names of candidates and running mates of various participating political parties to state offices with that of the Delta PDP candidates missing. Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Delta State, Monday Udoh-Tom told newsmen in Asaba that there were presently no particulars of any candidate for PDP.

We have no particulars of any candidate for PDP as far as the governorship is concerned because they are in court. It is when the matter is determined that we will now have the particulars of one of them. You will recall that there was a court judgement that disqualified one of them, and he filed for stay of execution and also appealed the judgement. As a result, we cannot act on the case of the PDP for now until the Appeal Court delivers judgement, Udoh-Tom said.

Looking at these endless negative occurrences in the state that daily depletes the party politically and in numerical strength, this piece draws the attention of the Governor to a research result carried out to unravel why leaders make bad decisions. In that report, Sydney Finkelstein, a Steven Roth Professor of management at the Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College, United States of America, underlined; the presence of inappropriate self-interest, distorting attachments and the presence of misleading memories as factors/red flags that fuels deformed decisions. Flawed decisions start with errors of judgment from individuals, he concluded.

In line with the above facts coming from these great scholars, I hold the opinion that the hour has come for the Governor to seek real victory via dialogue and not through conquest, victory that will render further rift and aggression unnecessary.. He should work out ways to help the party enjoydurable peace anchored on justice, fairness and equity!

To the warring/aggrieved members, it is time also to understand that the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at the time of challenge and controversy. It is my humble submission that this time is auspicious for all in the interest of the party to allow sanity prevail over emotion and personal interests.

To avoid a fall, the party must not go to that electoral contest as a divided house!!!

Utomi Jerome-Mario is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Policy), Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. He could be reached via;j [email protected]/08032725374 .






The Borno State Police Command has disclosed that strengthening capacity and provision of adequate psychosocial support to the personnel at the frontline would reduce depression among security agencies fighting insurgency in the northeast region.

The State Commissioner of Police, Abdu Umar disclosed this during a three-day workshop organised for personnel of the Nigeria Police Force(NPF) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) by the Management of Conflict in Nigeria(MCN) held in Maiduguri.

CP Abdu Umar was represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Bello noted that the workshop is timely considering the peculiarities of Borno, saying training and partnerships of security agencies would curb crimes and criminality.

"To me, strengthening the capacity of the personnel will reduce crimes, especially those who are on the frontline, I think it will assist us in prosecuting the war.

"We need to train and retrain our personnel with views of strengthening their capacity. To handle cases that are reported before their areas of responsibility professionally. Also, we have personnel from NSCDC, Police, DSS and NAPTIT. There is a need for the personnel to partner and network together in the best rest of the country.

"To a reasonable number, quite of personnel have experienced depression, they need psycho-social supports, so if it is not readily available they go into crimes because we are in forefront of fighting insurgency, many of them are going into hard drugs.

"As you know, hard drugs can lead to rape, stealing, armed robbery and other crimes. We are going to create awareness and I believe with awareness the crimes and criminality will be reduced after this training." Bello said.

NSCDC State Commandant, Musa Farouk Boyi while collaborating with the account described a high rate of crimes in the country and urged the religious and traditional leaders to support the security agencies to curb the menace.

"We are in partnership with the community and religious leaders to address the abnormalities that are going on in our society. I believe with this training we are going to change the narrative.

"Security is a collective responsibility, this will help to bring about normalcy in the society so that all of us can have the resilience of society and community people believing," Musa assured.

Administration and Resource MCN, Gafaar Mohammed, explained that the capacity-building workshop on management of the Family Support Unit(FSU) gender desk was funded by the European Union, supported by the British Council and implemented by MCN.

He noted that 60 gender desk officers from Police Force and NSCDC participate in the training aimed at improving the capacity of the personnel on how best to handle family conflicts.
. . . Says video of ISWAP terrorists torturing Abuja-Kaduna train victims a national embarrassment

As Nigerians continue to react to the new video showing suspected members of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) torturing the remaining victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain in Niger state, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, has lambasted President Mohammadu Buhari, saying that the government has failed Nigerians in all ramifications.

No matter the so-called achievements, any government that failed to protect the lives and properties of the citizens has failed the people and should honorably apologize to the people because African leaders don't resign from office.

The former Commissioner for information, culture and tourism in the state who was reacting to the viral video of the beating of the train attack victims by the Terrorists, in a statement in Minna titled Do we still a government in the country, described the video as a huge embarrassment not only to this government but the entire Nigerians home and in diaspora.

There is no country in the world where a government will watch and deliberately refused to protect the lives of It citizens like the current situation in Nigeria. It is unfortunate that this government that the Nigerian masses brought into power through their votes will create an impression in the minds of Nigerian that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have no power to secure the release of this train victims and other kidnapped victims across the country.

I think this a deliberate plan to enrich a particular ethnic tribe through proceeds of crime and criminality. This government has never made any attempts to rescue any kidnapped victim in this country, instead the families of victims struggled to pay hundreds of million to secure the release of their loved ones, he alleged.

The former APC publicity secretary in the state particularly accused the President for always issuing political directives to security agencies through their heads without any action, stressing that these directives to Security heads always ended up in ASO Rock. The President has issued countless directives to security agencies to rescue these train victims but no action has been taken.

This government is playing politics with the lives of Nigerians, especially the poor masses who brought this government to power. The poor Nigerians who bought recharge cards in other to purchase nomination form for Buhari in 2014 turned out to be the worst victims of this government.

How can Nigerians be going through this type of trauma and the government is not saying anything. Do we still have a government in this country, i think the government is only existing in name, he lamented.

According to Vatsa, This government cannot tell Nigerians that it does not know where these people are, pointing out that they are in Nigeria Territory. The government is refusing to go after them, rather Nigerians should go and pay ransom in millions to secure the release of their loved ones, an indirect way of empowering an ethnic tribe economically.

He insisted that with this train victims still in captivity, this government has no moral justification to ask for Nigerians votes in 2023. It is not possible because what will you tell Nigerians when you go to campaign, when go to ask for their votes, he queried

Vatsa in the statement also appealed to the government of Nigeria, Kano and Benue states to rally round the families of Major-General Idris Garba whose entire family is still with the terrorists, adding that General Garba who is from Niger, was a military administrator of Kano and Benue states. (Sunday vanguard)
In the light of the celebration of the 2022 National Diaspora Day under the leadership of Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), this Diaspora psychologist decided to address human rights concerns regarding foreign affairs relating to Nigerian Diaspora communities and gender equality, as relating to females who still face institutional barriers and discrimination in employment and other settings in Nigeria.

In the incoming presidency of Tinubu, Atiku, or Obi, and the next legislature, the work of Dabiri-Erewa in the area of foreign affairs as it relates to diaspora voting and women's rights, should not receive a doomed vote.

Only a regressive-thinking society will not be gender sensitive and see females as just reproductive instruments. Dominated male institutions use religion to make female biological conditions a criterion for subordination and unequal.

Nigeria has made some developmental progress, yet the male elites continue to use religion and traditions as an excuse to continue the social system and institutionalized discrimination of women.

The rise of affirmative actions and even laws in every workplace, including in legislatures and educational institutions, are national experiments whose time has come.

Female population growth is far greater in every country, but legislative attempts to implement affirmative action for women have repeatedly failed due to overwhelming rejection, especially in Nigeria.

The coming administration and national assembly should be a part of the progressive world by making changes to the constitution or enacting meaningful laws to allow female citizens full presence in various sectors.

Nigeria's legislators need to understand that affirmative action as a policy will strive to eliminate barriers in the system and customs towards female groups because of a history of injustice and inequality, and will help to promote an inclusive society, which is a precondition for democracy, integration, and diversity.

While I can understand some concerns about provision to allocate special seats for women to increase their political representation, what Nigeria should understand is that affirmative action acts as an engine for social mobility for direct and overall benefits.

This type of progressive move could lead to more diverse leadership, which can gradually result in economic growth.

For the sake of diversity, female attitudes, and their great cognitive capacities, which can sometimes be different from those of men, add value to the economy and public life. Females are known for their advantages in verbal fluency, perceptual speed, precision, fine motor skills, controlled emotions, and better managerial decision-making skills.

Dabiri-Erewa, who once encouraged this writer to return to my native home and contribute my specialties in nation building, which I did periodically continue to advocate for Diaspora voting rights and support the cause of human rights, including women's rights in Nigeria.

In a male-dominated political environment in a country of over 200 million people, women's voices in the legislature and government will act as social tools and provide leadership to aggressively and adequately pursue and practicalize enforced anti-child marriage, domestic violence, and work harassment programs.

In the incoming administration and legislature, along with the work of Dabiri-Erewa in Nigeria's foreign policy, more responsible efforts for all matters relating to Diaspora voting rights should be critically attended to and accomplished. The issues of full diversity in the legislature, executive management, higher education leadership, business activities, and security/enforcement leadership should be equally fulfilled as they count towards building a better Nigeria.

Dabiri-Erewa's advocacy, work, and appeal for diaspora voting and the call by this psychologist for affirmative action to promote women's empowerment and gender sensitivity should be given higher consideration and fulfilment by the next president and incoming legislature.

John Egbeazien Oshodi

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]
BIE delegation arrives for World Expo inspection visit

PHUKET: The delegation from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) has arrived to begin their week-long inspection of Phuket following Thailands bid for Phuket to host the World Specialised Expo 2028.



By The Phuket News

Monday 25 July 2022, 04:24PM

Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew (right) welcomes a BIE delegation member in Bangkok yesterday (July 24). Photo: Phuket Info Center

Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew was on hand in Bangkok yesterday (July 24) to welcome the delegation at the Capella Bangkok hotel and a formal welcome reception at Chakrabongse Palace.

Joining him were representatives from the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), which supported the bid, along with Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPHO) President Rewat Areerob and representatives from Vachira Phuket Hospital.

The delegation are to conduct their inspection from today through Friday (July 29) to assess Phuket in its bid to host Expo 2028.

Phuket officially entered its bid, under the theme Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity, in Paris late last month. The bid was presented by a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as the Minister of Public Health.

The bid was entered as a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Public Health, the TCEB and Phuket provincial officials, with Governor Narong present in Paris to enter Phukets bid.

Governor Narong has since called on all people on the island to prepare for the inspection visit, and presented details of the bid to local consuls on the island as a form of opportunity for investment from abroad.

Local municipalities last week conducted major cleanups of key areas across the island as part of the preparations for the inspection visit.

An estimated 500 government officers and volunteers joined the Big Cleaning Day event in Mai Khao last Friday (July 22).

The focus of the cleanup was the 141 rai site where, if Thailands bid for Phuket to host the World Specialised Expo 2028 is successful, a major convention centre will be built and later used as an international medical centre.

In Phuket Town, cleanup efforts focused on the Old Town area, along Soi Rommanee, Thalang Rd and Yaowarat Rd.
Doctors want immediate suspension of cannabis decriminalisation

BANGKOK: More than 800 doctors from Ramathibodi Hospital have called for the immediate suspension of the policy of decriminalisation of cannabis pending implementation of adequate controls to protect the young.

CannabishealthSafety

By Bangkok Post

Monday 25 July 2022, 02:05PM

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, right, listens to a presentation on the medical use of cannabis at Government House last month. Photo: Government House

The move was announced by the president of the Forensic Physicians Association of Thailand, Dr Smith Srisont, reports the Bangkok Post.

He posted on his Facebook account that 851 doctors, lecturers and alumni of the faculty of medicine Ramathibodi Hospital at Mahidol University had issued a statement seeking the immediate suspension of cannabis decriminalisation.

According to the statement, cannabis decriminalisation without adequate measures and policies for safe use led to the widespread recreational use of the drug and its access by young people, amid clear and considerable scientific evidence that cannabis has negative effects on the bodies and brains of the young.

The situation was different from the governments intention to increase peoples access to the medical use of cannabis.

The present situation is a real threat to the health system and public health, in both the short and long term, the statement said.

The doctors urged the government to immediately suspend the policy until laws were in place to protect young people from cannabis abuse and ensure proper use of cannabis, to minimise its impact on the general public.
Government on high monkeypox alert

BANGKOK: Thailand is considering raising further its health alert for monkeypox by listing it as a so-called serious communicable disease, after the viral disease was classified as a new public health emergency worthy of international concern.

healthSafety

By Bangkok Post

Monday 25 July 2022, 09:27AM

Anutin: No travel curbs for now. Photo: Bangkok Post

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Saturday (July 23) declared monkeypox as A Public Health Emergency of International Concern and urged member countries to find effective methods that do not stigmatise target groups, reports the Bangkok Post.

The Ministry of Public Health yesterday raised surveillance measures nationwide in response to WHOs announcement, said Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

He was speaking after chairing an urgent meeting with health authorities in which they discussed responses to the monkeypox outbreak.

This comes after detection of the first confirmed case in the country, a Nigerian tourist who escaped into neighbouring Cambodia after he was found to have the disease before being nabbed there.

The man has been detained in Cambodia while tracing of his close contacts in Phuket where he stayed in the past month is under way. None have been found infected by monkeypox, said Anutin.

As none of the Nigerian mans close contacts are infected, its a relief to some extent, he said.

We will meet again within hours so the ministrys academic committee comprising medical and public health experts can discuss a proposal to declare monkeypox a new serious communicable disease in Thailand, he said.

Anutin also indicated there are no plans for Thailand to seek the return of the Nigerian man from Cambodia.

Anutin said yesterday he expected the patient to receive treatment in Cambodia. Its good to see him treated there, he said, adding he expected his condition would improve.

In Cambodia, Khuong Sreng, governor of Phom Penh, urged three people, believed to have travelled with Osmond Chihazirim Nzerem, the Nigerian patient, in the same car to Phnom Penh to report to local health authorities.

They should take a health check as they may have contracted the disease, he said, according to the Khmer Times.

The Nigerian man was caught on a security camera when arriving at a guesthouse in Phnom Penh at 5:20am on Saturday accompanied by an African man and an Asian woman, said Cambodian police.

He was caught at 5:30pm at Doeum Thkov market in Phom Penh and taken to the KhmerSoviet Friendship Hospital for treatment and isolation, said the report.

The Thai Department of Disease Control on Sunday began a joint epidemiologic investigation with its Cambodian counterparts, tracking more possible contacts of the man, said a public health source.

As a precautionary measure, disease control and immigration checkpoints nationwide have been instructed to scale up screening for monkeypox, particularly among visitors coming from countries with a high risk of the disease, said Anutin.

However, no travel restrictions are being considered for the time being, he said.

The minister urged the public to not panic about the possible spread of monkeypox in Thailand, saying the same prevention measures used in preventing COVID-19 are sufficient for fending off monkeypox.

Wearing a face mask, washing hands frequently and practising social distancing help protect against both diseases at the same time, he said.

In most cases, patients fully recover from monkeypox after being treated, he said, adding that negative pressure rooms arent necessary.

Before the Nigerian man was confirmed to be Thailands first monkeypox case, a total of 18 foreign visitors to Thailand who had been admitted to private hospitals for treatment were treated as suspected cases of monkeypox infection, said Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS).

In another development, Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said City Hall will meet today to discuss raising preventive measures against monkeypox and scaling up surveillance in the capital.

Certain areas in the city may require special attention and extra disease surveillance measures, he said, apparently referring to communities of foreign visitors coming from countries with high risk of monkeypox.

Anan Jongkaewwattana, a virologist with the National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (Biotec), meanwhile, warned that using a condom while having sex is not sufficient protection against monkeypox.

Although HIV transmissions and monkeypox share some similarities, using a condom alone wont be enough to protect against monkeypox as does it in protecting against HIV, he said.
Police arrest necklace snatch thief

PHUKET: Police have arrested the man wanted for snatching a necklace worth about B35,000 from a womans neck while she was still riding her motorbike in Phuket Town at night last week.

crimepolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Monday 25 July 2022, 10:19AM

The gold necklace with pendant was valued at about B35,000. Photo: Supplied

The section of Yaowarat Rd where the snatch theft took place. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The suspect, Mr Pakphum, was arrested at his home in Khok Kloi. Photos: Phuket Provincial Police

The theft-in-motion happened on Yaowarat Rd in Samkong at about 8:20pm last Wednesday (July 20).

The necklace stolen was gold with a pendant attached, together valued at about B35,000.

An investigation led by Lt Paweenuch Kongsuth, Deputy Inspector-General of Investigation at Phuket City Police, tracked down the thief, named by police only as Mr Pakphum (family name withheld), police announced yesterday (July 24).

Officers arrested Mr Pakphum at his home in Khok Kloi, Takua Thung District, in Phang Nga province, just north of Phuket, on Saturday (July 23), said the police announcement.

Mr Pakphum was taken into custody under an arrest warrant issued by Phuket Provincial Court that same day (July 23), the announcement added.

He reportedly confessed to committing the theft.

Mr Pakhum was taken to Phuket City Police Station and charged with using a vehicle to commit a crime and flee the scene at night.
Rawai bank robber makes off with B160k

PHUKET: A man made off with B160,000 in cash after robbing the Bangkok Bank branch at the Lotus Rawai shopping mall, south of Chalong Circle, this afternoon (July 25).

crimepolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Monday 25 July 2022, 06:31PM

Chalong Police Chief Investigator Lt Col Tachin Deethongon said he was notified of the robbery at 1pm.

Official reports give the time of the robbery as 12:55pm, but CCTV recorded the man exiting the bank and leaving the car park at the mall at 12:46pm.

The man, described as Thai, wearing black cap, grey v-neck T-shirt and three-quarter shorts, entered the bank and calmly threatened bank staff with a revolver.

Frightened, staff at Counter 3 handed over B137,000, and staff at Counter 2 handed over B23,000.

The man was last seen on a red Honda Wave motorcycle heading along Wiset Rd before turning into Soi Suksan 1.

Police are continuing their search for the man.
Montreal, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Mostly cloudy skies. Low 29C. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Mostly cloudy skies. Low 18C. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
Jurors in the penalty trial of Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz have now seen the AR-15 rifle he used to murder 17 people
Russia says it wants to end Ukraine's `unacceptable regime'

Russias top diplomat says Moscows overarching goal in Ukraine is to free its people from its unacceptable regime, expressing the Kremlins war aims in some of the bluntest terms yet
The Russian authorities have briefly detained a liberal politician who recently returned to Moscow from abroad, the latest move in a relentless crackdown on dissent amid Moscows military action in Ukraine
Are we heading in the wrong direction in Ukraine?
NEW YORK (AP)  In Wes Studis potent and pioneering acting career, he has played vengeful warriors, dying prisoners and impassioned resistance leaders. For three decades, he has arrestingly crafted wide-ranging portraits of the Native American experience. But one thing he had never done in a movie is give someone a kiss.

I thought it was about time, yeah, Studi, 74, says chuckling.

In A Love Song, a tender indie drama starring another long-pigeonholed character actor, Dale Dickey, Studi is for the first time cast as a romantic co-star. Dickey plays a woman camping by a mountain lake awaiting the visit of an old flame.

Studi, the Cherokee actor who masterfully played the defiant Huron warrior Magua in Michael Manns The Last of the Mohicans and who got his first big break playing the character credited only as the toughest Pawnee in Dances With Wolves," hasnt been limited entirely to what he calls leather and feathers roles. But it's sometimes taken some extra effort. When he heard Mann was making Heat, Studi called up the director and got himself a part as a police detective.

But recently, Studi is increasingly getting a chance to play a wider array of characters. Along with Max Walker-Silverman's A Love Song, which opens in theaters Friday, hes a recurring, funny guest star on Sterlin Harjo's Reservation Dogs, the second season of which debuts Aug. 3 on Hulu.

Hopefully it has to do with creating a better understanding of Native people by the general public, Studi said in an interview earlier this summer. It does still exist, the misconception that we were all killed off and we dont exist anymore as peoples.

Thats essentially what I want to work on, and being a godfather to Native people in the industry, he adds.

With that Studi, sitting outside the lobby of his East Village hotel in New York, lets out such a howl of laughter that he nearly doubles over.

Why does that notion, one many would eagerly endorse, strike him as so hysterical? He entered Hollywood at a time when Indigenous people were regularly played by white actors. (" Sam Waterston is the one that kills me," Studi says, smiling.) A 2019 honorary Oscar made Studi the first Native American actor ever given an Academy Award.

I cant take myself seriously when I say that, thats why, he answers, wiping tears from his eyes. I guess it could be.

In person, Studi bears little resemblance to his fiercer screen roles. Hes more like his characters in A Love Song and Reservation Dogs. Amiable. Quick to laugh. Self-deprecating. A good storyteller. He exudes a bemused gratitude for the life hes found as an actor despite spending half his life without Hollywood ambitions. Studi grew up outside of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and spoke only Cherokee until he was 5. His father was a ranch hand.

I had never thought of acting, really, except once early in my life when I asked my dad when I saw Jay Silverheels on The Lone Ranger: Do you think anybody else can do what he does? Studi recalls. He said, Probably not. Most of the actors you find are 6-foot tall, blond and blue-eyed.

At 17, Studi joined the National Guard and volunteered to fight in Vietnam. He served one tour in South Vietnam, and saw heavy action. When he returned home, Studi became an activist and joined the American Indian Movement, taking part in the 1973 occupation of Wounded Knee. It wasnt until after he got divorced in his late 30s that Studi gave acting a shot -- on a lark, he says -- with a Tulsa community theater company his friend was involved with. Studi thought: What do I have to lose?

The worst thing is that you could embarrass yourself. Thats about it," he says. "Theyre not going to shoot you for it.

Studi performed wherever the theater company could mount a stage or in gaslight dinner theaters. In one play, he co-starred with Will Sampson and David Carradine. After a few years, Studi headed out to Los Angeles. He was in his early 40s.

I still get the feeling of: Will I ever work again? Thats always been a part of it, said Studi. On the other hand, things have worked out that I have continued to work. I dont take that lightly. Im especially grateful that Ive been able to buy a home and stay in a good car for an extended period of time.

Studi remembers the Screen Actors Guild book of actors being a hefty tome while the then-newly founded American Indian Registry for the Performing Arts, listing Native actors, was a thin sliver. The parts available to him were also limited.

The only real opening for a guy who looked like me was in Westerns, says Studi. Thats the only real door that was open to us in that point in time. It was simply a matter of being able to deliver lines and look like you mean it.

After a few roles, Studi landed Dances With Wolves. Two years later, Mann cast him as Magua in The Last of the Mohicans," the cunning Huron warrior who fervently believes in fighting, ruthlessly, for survival. With time, Studis steely, determined performance has only grown more searing.

Any Native thats cognizant of history and the back and forth weve had with the colonizers, if you will, can have empathy with how he felt about things, said Studi. When youre backed into a corner, you gotta fight. Its one way or the other. All those things had an emotional consistency to them that I could identify with having been through the turmoil of the 70s.

When first-time director Walker-Silverman reached out to Studi, he had little reason to expect the actor of Geronimo: An American Legend" (1993), The New World (2005), Avatar (2009) and Hostiles (2017), would say yes to a production as small as A Love Song.

What are the chances hed want to come up here, eat my moms food, hang out with my friends and make this tiny film? says Walker-Silverman. But fortunately, Wes loves acting more than anything.

In the film, Studi and Dickey share a gentle duet, with Studi on guitar. Walker-Silverman planned for Studi to play a beat-up acoustic but Studi -- who has toured with his band Firecat of Discord -- came to the set with a red electric and a small amp. Walker-Silverman could tell the electric suited him better. During the Colorado shoot, Studi regularly strummed it with a big smile on his face.

Wes is goofy as hell, has a lovely smile and can play the hell out of a guitar. Im glad that some people will get to see that side of him, says Walker-Silverman.

Well over a hundred films between them," the director adds. "That this was maybe the first time they had ever kissed someone on screen says perhaps all sorts of sad things about whos been allowed to fall in love in movies.

Dickey, the actor of Winters Bone and "Hell or High Water, grants she was a little nervous about the romantic moments that neither actor was particularly experienced in.

Weve both played a lot of pretty rough people, she said in January during Sundance. But hes such a kind, sweet, gentle soul. It was our first screen kiss. We both laughed a lot about that.

Studi has goals beyond what he ruefully refers to as his first rom-com." One thing he'd like to do is play a main character with a full trajectory, something he feels he's only done in the Kevin Willmott 2009 film The Only Good Indian.

Id like to play a lead that takes me from really good to really bad or vice versa, something that has a long arc to it," says Studi. I want to continue to do this until I cant.

Press Studi and he'll grant that he sometimes gets letters from young Native American actors who say he inspired them to try. When Studi has been asked to talk to Native children, his message is simple: If I can do it, you can, too. And he's followed along  a supporter to the max," he says  as an explosion of young Native talent has emerged in series like Reservation Dogs and Rutherford Falls," which was co-created by Navajo showrunner Sierra Teller Ornelas.

Studi, who lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his wife, Maura Dhu, has also seen one of his three children, son Kholan, pursue acting. Studi visibly brightens remembering when he and Maura mounted a one-man show with the kids helping out. Studi's son Daniel operated the lighting. His daughter, Leah, was backstage feeding him lines.

There were times she would get exasperated with me when I dropped something: Dad, thats not it! Studi says laughing. Oh, it was such fun.

___

This story restores dropped letter in graph 9 and corrects spelling in graph 13.

___

Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP
GODFREY  The RiverBend Growth Association has welcomed Black Crow Designs, BOCO Contracting, Logo It! and Party On Broadway to its roster.

 Black Crow Designs is a do-it-yourself studio that specializes in open and themed painting events, expanding over the past two years to also include bachelorette, bridal, holiday, birthday and other themed painting parties. They host a boutique retail storefront at 2521 State St. in Alton with antiques, upcycled furniture, signs, modern farmhouse decor and offerings from six other local vendors who offer handmade jewelry, candles and gourmet treats.

We opened our studio doors in January 2020, right before the pandemic hit our area in March of the same year, said Black Crow Designs owner Ashley Rice. We remained open, doing Facebook Live events for sales and offering DIY Take-and-Make paint kits for adults and children with curbside pickup. We have continued to grow month after month.

I started making signs for family and friends in early 2010, Rice added. What started in my dining room as making them for gifts grew into taking orders for family and friends. Then I started doing mobile paint parties in 2018, and I was lucky enough to not only do parties in peoples homes but also able to partner with other local businesses like The Brown Bag Bistro and 1818 Pizza. I forged long-lasting relationships that have become special to me.

Joining the RBGA will help me learn more about the organization, but also about how I can help and give back to my community," she said. "One thing I learned during the pandemic is that this community is strong and united, and I want to be there to help and give back, even if it is just a small piece. I also want to grow both individually and as a business. There are so many successful businesses in this area that I can learn from. Im honored to be a part of the RBGA community, and look forward to meeting other local small businesses.

For more details visit blackcrowdesignsdiystudio.com or call 618-604-4860. Special custom orders are welcome for people who cannot find what they are looking for in the shop.

 BOCO Contracting in Brighton, established in 2014 by two Iraq War veterans, is a CVE-certified as a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business.

The company specializes in complete facility ground maintenance services and outdoor services. Those services include turf care, mowing, irrigation maintenance, ground cleaning, sodding, fertilizing, and more. They also provide large/specialized tree removal services, where the number of trees involved in a project could be 10, 100, or more.

We joined the RBGA to support and network with other businesses throughout the Riverbend area, said BOCO President Josh Coggins. As members, we plan to support other Riverbend area businesses while growing our business as well.

BOCO has sites in Illinois and Missouri and provides services throughout the Midwest. To learn more call 618-974-9040 or visit bococontracting.com.

 Logo It! is a promotional marketing company that specialize in screen printing, embroidery, promotional products, heat transfer, sublimation, business printing, trophies, banners, yard signs and more.

We were a member of the RiverBend Growth Association for years but needed to put our membership on hold when COVID hit, noted Carley Hamberg of Logo It! We look forward to our reconnection with the RBGA. Our membership really helped us grow our business before and gave us opportunities we would not have gotten if we were not members. And we also look forward to being back in the community.

Established in 1998, the company is determined still today to lead in the corporate, group, and team identity arenas. Its mission is to provide attention to detail with a proactive approach to customer relationships  an investment that will reap a lifetime of business success. They stay in tune with what each clients needs are, with quick turnarounds and guidance through a general idea just being part of providing quality service.

Located at 2603 State S. in Alton, Logo It! can be reached at 618-462-1899 or wecanlogoit.com.

 Party On Broadway is a downtown do-it-yourself shop that has been serving customers since 2015. They offer different options for DIY painting as well as completed projects for sale through their retail shop. Finished projects may also be custom ordered, and they host events both on-site and out in the community.

A full menu of options is available to DIYers through Party On Broadway in addition to their retail storefront. They host open studio/open paint where customers choose a project from in-stock options. They also host classes, workshops, private studio sessions, mobile parties, fundraisers and corporate events. They also offer at-home kits.

When we opened, we were a one-of-a-kind studio in the area, said Party On Broadway owner Vickie Hopkins. Our focus was canvas painting and Pinterest-styled parties. We later expanded into wood projects like signs, monograms, names, stenciled projects, jewelry porch leaners, barn quilts, and Bisque projects. We offer all popular styles of decor options: farmhouse, modern farmhouse, boho, etcetera. And we try to use sustainable materials whenever possible.

Party On Broadway joined the RBGA in order to learn about other businesses and events in the Riverbend area, Hopkins added. We love to collaborate with others, and love promoting other small businesses and events that are going on in the area. Connecting and collaborating in the community is something we always try to support. We want to get to know you and your business, and for you to know us, to feel comfortable referring business to us or inviting us to be a part of your event.

Located at 307 E. Broadway in Alton, Party On Broadway can be reached at 314-795-9003 or partyonbroadway.com.

The RiverBend Growth Association is the Chamber of Commerce and economic development organization for the 11 communities known as the Riverbend. For more information visit growthassociation.com or call 618-467-2280.


WFO PORTLAND Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, July 28, 2022

_____

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE

National Weather Service Portland OR

401 PM PDT Mon Jul 25 2022

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT

THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures of 99 to

103 expected.

* WHERE...In Oregon, Upper Hood River Valley, Western Columbia

River Gorge and Central Columbia River Gorge. In Washington,

Western Columbia River Gorge and Central Columbia River Gorge.

* WHEN...Through 9 PM PDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Extreme heat will significantly increase the potential

for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or

participating in outdoor activities and for those that do not

have access to air conditioning.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The hottest temperatures are expected on

Tuesday. Overnight lows in the mid to upper 60s will provide

little relief for those without air conditioning. Overnight

temperatures are expected to lower below 70 degrees between 2

and 4 AM.

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. If attempting to find relief from the

heat in rivers, lakes, or the ocean please apply safe water

practices and wear a life preserver.

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 temperatures of 98 to

* WHERE...In Oregon, Greater Portland Metro Area. In Washington,

Greater Vancouver Area.

* WHEN...From noon Monday to 9 PM PDT Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The hottest temperatures are expected

Tuesday. Overnight lows spanning 65 to 70 in the

Portland/Vancouver Metro will provide little relief for those

without air conditioning. Overnight temperatures are expected

to lower below 70 degrees between 2 and 4 AM.

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Temperatures of 91 to 95 expected. Temperatures of 96

to 100 possible.

* WHERE...In Oregon, Coast Range of Northwest Oregon and Central

Coast Range of Western Oregon. In Washington, Willapa Hills.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The hottest temperatures are likely to

occur on Tuesday. Overnight lows are expected to be in the upper

50s to lower 60s.

under any circumstances.

* WHAT...Temperatures of 97 to 103 expected.

* WHERE...In Oregon, Lower Columbia and South Willamette Valley.

In Washington, I-5 Corridor in Cowlitz County.

Tuesday and Wednesday. Considerable uncertainty surrounds

temperatures on Thursday. Overnight lows are expected to be in

the upper 50s to lower 60s.

* WHAT...Temperatures of 93 to 97 expected. Temperatures of 98

to 102 possible.

* WHERE...In Oregon, Northern Oregon Cascade Foothills and

Cascade Foothills in Lane County. In Washington, South

Washington Cascade Foothills.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...It currently appears that Tuesday and

Wednesday will be the hottest days. Considerable uncertainty

surrounds temperatures on Thursday.

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT THURSDAY BELOW

4000 FEET...

* WHAT...Temperatures up to 95 expected. Temperatures 96 to 100

possible at lowest elevations.

* WHERE...In Oregon, Northern Oregon Cascades and Cascades in

Lane County. In Washington, South Washington Cascades.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
Residents from various communities in mostly rural northeastern Connecticut stage a protest outside Day Kimball Hospital, Monday, July 18, 2022 in Putnam, Conn. The protesters are concerned with Day Kimball Healthcare's plans to affiliate with Covenant Healthcare, a Catholic health system that abides by directives set by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. (AP Photo/Susan Haigh)
The value of your investment and any income from it can go down as well as up and capital is at risk.

'One of the most attractive reasons why Japan is a rich hunting ground for growth companies is the underappreciated nature of these businesses,' says Praveen Kumar, manager of the Baillie Gifford Shin Nippon investment trust.

He argues that investors have an outdated view of Japan, looking at it through the prism of large traditional companies when, in fact, the make-up of the Japanese economy has shifted considerably and there is a sizeable number of smaller and more nimble firms.

Investors have an outdated view of Japan, argues Praveen Kumar, manager of the Baillie Gifford Shin Nippon investment trust

These offer substantial long-term growth opportunities but often fly under the radar of most investors. As Kumar states: 'When compared to other developed markets, these companies trade on much, much lower valuations.'

In this video, Kumar joins Simon Lambert of This is Money to discuss investing in Japan and what makes Shin Nippon stand out among Japanese-focused investment trusts and funds.

The trust has been operating since 1985 with a focus on investing in high growth smaller companies. It is run by investment management firm Baillie Gifford.

Kumar explains why he feels investing in this type of company in Japan offers a unique opportunity, as high-quality growth prospects here do not attract the level of attention they would in Europe or the US.

Instead, he says many investors still think of Japan as a value investing market. This means the country offers a window into a major global stock market that most growth investors cannot find elsewhere.

He says: 'A lot of these companies don't even have proper market coverage, so there is a clear opportunity to add significant value.

'The fact that it's quite uncovered and people just don't seem to be interested means that compared to other developed markets these companies trade on much, much lower valuations for the kind of growth prospects that they have.'

The manager also reveals the aspects that the trust looks for in a business and why strong founder or family ties are important, as well as discussing some of the stocks that Shin Nippon invests in.

'Typically, these are companies that are founded and run by a management team of founding families themselves  and they tend to have a large stake in the business, so there's very strong alignment,' he says.

He adds: 'If you look at the Japanese economy, there's been a big shift since the bubble bursting in the 80s and now.

'The engine really of the Japanese economy is this massive layer of small and midsized companies who quite often fly under the radar, but they've established some very critical positions in global industries.'

Despite their strong growth prospects and market positions, the fact that these companies are often overlooked provides an opportunity for better future gains, says Kumar.

He adds: 'You get the double whammy effect of strong earnings growth and the potential for re-rating, which means that you can generate quite attractive long-term returns for patient investors.'

Kumar says it is important to separate the economy from the stock market, and that while the main broad index, the Topix, is made up of big name companies, these are not the future of Japanese business.

An example of a disruptive company that the trust has held for about a decade is Harmonic Drive, which specialises in making reduction gears for robots.

These tiny pieces of equipment control the precision of how a robot moves, and Harmonic Drive has over half the global market, meaning it can benefit from a huge structurally growing area.

Kumar highlights how Japan has many smaller growth companies that are focused on doing only one thing  and doing it very well. He explains how this is a strength of the new breed of Japanese firms, and how he believes they have the potential to deliver long-term investment returns.

He adds that while many of these companies start as specialists, they can also find opportunities in adjacent areas which give good growth and diversification prospects without tackling the complications investors can find with large global conglomerates.

Find out more about Baillie Gifford Shin Nippon.

This article does not constitute, and is not subject to the protections afforded to, independent research. Baillie Gifford and its staff may have dealt in the investments concerned. The views expressed are not statements of fact and should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a particular investment.

Investment in smaller companies is generally considered higher risk as changes in their share prices may be greater and the shares may be harder to sell. Smaller companies may do less well in periods of unfavourable economic conditions.

The Trust's exposure to a single market and currency may increase risk.

Baillie Gifford & Co Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The investment trusts managed by Baillie Gifford & Co Limited are listed on the London Stock Exchange and are not authorised or regulated by the FCA.

A Key Information Document is available by visiting bailliegifford.com
Will rates keep rising, are cash Isas a good option again and how do you know a challenger bank is legit? This is Money savings special podcast
KPMG has received its largest ever fine in the UK after the Big Four accounting firm admitted to giving incorrect information to the country's auditing regulator.

An industry tribunal has ordered KPMG to pay a 14.4million penalty for supplying false and misleading information and documents to the Financial Reporting Council during two routine inquiries.

These inspections concerned the 2016 accounts of the collapsed construction business Carillion and the 2014 books of software company Regenersis, now renamed Blancco Technology Group.

Fine: An industry tribunal has ordered KPMG to pay a 14.4million penalty for providing false and misleading information and documents to the Financial Reporting Council

In relation to the Carillion inspection, the tribunal discovered that KPMG had created false minutes of year-end 'clearance' meetings and provided a misleading audit working paper.

Because it co-operated with the FRC's inquiry and acknowledged that misconduct had taken place, KPMG's fine was reduced from 20million, although it has agreed to pay a further 3.95million towards the cost of the investigation.

Currently, the largest ever financial penalty imposed by the FRC was a 15million fine against Deloitte in 2020 for failures in its audits of software group Autonomy over a two-and-a-half year period.

'Misconduct that deliberately undermines the FRC's ability to monitor and inspect the effectiveness of audits is extremely serious because it obstructs the FRC's ability to protect the public interest,' said FRC executive counsel Elizabeth Barrett.

'This case underlines the need for all professional accountants, regardless of seniority, to be aware of their individual responsibility to act honestly and with integrity in all areas of their work.'

Four ex-KPMG staff have been kicked out of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, effectively barring them from working as auditors, for periods ranging from seven to 10 years.

Collapse: When Carillion fell into liquidation in 2018, questions arose over the role of KPMG, which earned around 29million during the two decades it was the firm's auditor

The former employees have also been fined 365,000 between them, with Peter Meehan, the lead partner on the Carillion audit, receiving the biggest penalty of 250,000.

A junior auditor was also 'severely reprimanded' by the tribunal, though he has successfully avoided a potential fine of up to 50,000 and a four-year professional ban, which the FRC had requested.

KPMG has additionally been told to nominate an independent reviewer to assess its audit quality review policies and procedures as part of the sanctions.

KPMG chief executive Jon Holt said: 'I accept the findings and sanctions of the tribunal in full. The behaviour underlying this case was wrong and should never happened.

'We reported it to our regulator as soon as we uncovered it, and we have cooperated fully with their investigation.

'Since then, we have worked hard and with complete transparency to our regulator to assure ourselves that the behaviour of the individuals concerned does not reflect the wider culture of the firm.'

Carillion fell into liquidation in January 2018 under a mountain of debt estimated at 7billion, resulting in over 3,000 job losses and uncertainty about hundreds of public sector projects.

Huge questions then emerged over the role of KPMG, which earned approximately 29million during the two decades it was the company's auditor, prompting major calls for reform in the accounting sector.

The UK Government is already suing the auditor for 1.3billion over allegations it failed to prevent misstatements in Carillion's accounts, something KPMG has described as 'without merit.'
A satellite firm rescued by taxpayers is in talks to merge with the French as it battles to compete with rivals such as Elon Musk's Starlink project.

The deal would see London-based OneWeb join forces with France's Eutelsat, in which China's sovereign wealth fund has a 6pc shareholding.

It is also expected to represent a paper profit of around 80m for the Government, with the stake it bought for 420m two years ago valued at around 500m.

Lift-off: A rocket heads for space with 36 OneWeb satellites

The deal is likely, however, to face political scrutiny at a time when Britain's stance on Chinese investment is under the spotlight during the Tory leadership election.

OneWeb is a pioneer of networks of so-called lower-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, aimed at allowing access to high-speed internet where traditional ground infrastructure is hard to reach.

Applications can include broadband on aeroplanes and remote locations such as parts of the Third World, as well as the farthest-flung reaches of the UK. OneWeb needs 1.7bn to 2.5bn of investment to complete its network and update its technology and the deal is seen as helping to accelerate that process.

Taxpayers would own around 10pc of the company, and have a seat on the board, with France  a big shareholder in Eutelsat  having a slightly larger stake. The combined entity, while having its primary listing in Paris, would also be expected to launch a secondary listing in London.

After the all-share deal, which would involve the issue of new Eutelsat shares, China Investment Corporation's stake in the merged entity would be 1.8pc. OneWeb itself would remain a UK-based company within the larger group and the Government would retain its 'special share' allowing it to veto any move abroad.

Britain would have the power to block sales for national securityrelated applications and relationships seen as compromising its relationships with the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, the other countries in the 'Five Eyes' intelligence-sharing network.

The deal with Eutelsat is being seen as vindication for the decision by the Government to plough taxpayers' money into the company to rescue it. The investment, said to have been championed by Boris Johnson's former adviser Dominic Cummings, was reportedly made in spite of opposition from senior officials.

Eutelsat confirmed yesterday it was 'engaged in discussions' with fellow shareholders in OneWeb  in which it already owns a 23pc stake  about a deal. Those include Bharti, led by billionaire Sunil Mittal, chairman of OneWeb. Investors gave the plan the thumbs down yesterday with Eutelsat stock falling by 17.8pc, or 1.86, to 8.57.

Analysts at Credit Suisse said: 'From an anti-trust point of view, this deal is likely to be scrutinised heavily and will also likely need political consensus from both the UK and EU at a time when the UK is choosing a new Prime Minister.' A government spokesman said its 'strategic investment in OneWeb demonstrates a commitment to the UK space sector for the long term'.
Competition watchdogs will probe Inmarsats 5.4bn takeover by a US rival.

The British satellite firm, which provides in-flight wifi for airlines and internet connections for boats  including the prestigious Volvo Ocean Race, agreed to the takeover in November.

It was approved by Viasat shareholders last month. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said yesterday it was investigating whether the deal may result in a substantial lessening of competition in the UK.

Making waves: An Inmarsat unit on a Volvo Ocean Race yacht

Viasat boss Rick Baldridge flew to Britain this year to win political support for the deal. In March, Viasat and Inmarsat said they had agreed to a number of legally binding commitments with the Government.

They included pledges to increase the number of highly skilled jobs, raise R&D spending and keep key operations in Britain. Founded in 1979, Inmarsat began life as a UN agency helping distressed sailors send SOS signals.

It employs around 1,800 staff across the world, including 860 in London. Its technology is used in everything from climatechange tracking to keeping rural cattle farmers connected to the internet.

Annual results showed revenues up 6pc to 1bn in 2021 and a profit of 13m, after a loss of 139m the year before.
Lastminute.com has kicked off the search for a boss

Lastminute.com has kicked off the search for a boss after its chief executive was taken into custody by Swiss authorities.

Fabio Cannavale and operations chief Andrea Bertoli are being held as part of a probe into possible misuse of Covid state aid funds.

The travel website said it had suspended both for at least three months. The investigation into misuse of pandemicrelated funds is focused on Lastminutes Swiss operations, and whether it took unfair advantage of Switzerlands equivalent of the furlough scheme.

Chairman Laurent Foata said last week: The company will work alongside the Swiss authority to quickly clarify matters.
NEW YORK (AP)  Former U.S. Rep. Stephen Buyer, who represented Indiana, is arrested in insider trading case, federal authorities say.
ALBANY  A Bloods gang member from Rensselaer who scammed $131,560 in state Department of Labor benefits earmarked for the unemployed and business owners struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic was sentenced to six years and 10 months in federal prison Monday.

Hector J. Sanchez, 30, who has 11 prior convictions including three felonies, also swindled a $12,500 loan for a non-existent car wash business, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Albany.

And Sanchez used the Internet to further his scheme. In court papers, federal prosecutors said that on Nov. 21, 2020, Sanchez posted a video on social media featuring his hands sorting through large amounts of money with the text stating: IF YOU HAVEN'T FILE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT, GET WITH ME N COME GET THIS BAG.

A money bag emoji followed.

At a time when people all over the world were suffering countless hardships because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the defendant schemed to fraudulently obtain $131,560 in unemployment insurance benefits in the names of other people from NYSDOL and a $12,500 PPP loan for a fictitious business, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Chisholm told the judge in a memo.

Indeed, the defendant advertised his fraud schemes on social media. In doing so, the defendant openly and shamelessly sought to defraud government programs meant to help out-of-work New Yorkers and small business owners as they struggled due to the economic impacts of the pandemic.

Sanchez pleaded guilty in March to six counts of mail fraud and aggravated identity theft before U.S. District Judge Mae DAgostino, who sentenced him Monday.

The judge said Sanchez, who was previously convicted of identity theft in 2016, has several convictions for criminal contempt for violations.

Just really, one of the more significant cases Ive seen with persistent criminal activity, DAgostino said, calling it extremely troubling.

Between September 2020 and November 2020. Sanchez misrepresented himself as nine people to apply and receive state Department of Labor-issued debit cards to receive unemployment benefits.

In April 2021, he applied for a Paycheck Protection Program loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration, falsely claiming he owned a car wash that made $60,000 a year before COVID-19. Sanchez received $12,500 in fraud proceeds.

Sanchez has been serving three years concurrently for unrelated guilty pleas in Albany County Court to attempted drug possession and felony weapon possession. His jail time served for those crimes will not count toward his federal time.

This string of convictions that he is now dealing with are a rock-bottom for Mr. Sanchez, his attorney, Assistant Federal Public Defender Michael McGeown-Walker, told the judge. He wants badly to change his substance abuse habits and to properly address and manage his mental health needs. He has taken steps to make changes in his life by participating in and completing programming while in custody, including a journaling program, which he is currently enrolled in. Though he recognizes that past behavior is often the best indicator of future behavior, Mr. Sanchez is sincere in wanting to turn his life around.

The judge ordered Sanchez to forfeit $131,560. Sanchez, whom she identified as a Bloods gang member, also must avoid members of the gang behind bars.

The judge later accepted a guilty plea in a similar case from Melvin Onsong, 27, of Queens, who pleaded guilty to mail fraud, aggravated identify theft and wire fraud for scamming more than 190,000 in COVID-19 benefits from the state Department of Labor, Arizona Department of Economic Security and U.S. Small Business Administration. He will be sentenced in late October.
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With seven alcohol-related driving arrests  including three in Watervliet since May 3  Brandon L. McKinley is known to the citys police.

And the citys police chief wants McKinley to be just as known to the public.

In a news release last week, Watervliet Police Chief Joseph Centanni detailed the 41-year-old McKinleys sordid legal history and included his mugshot in announcing a community notification that also served as a swipe at the changes in New Yorks bail laws.

At the outset, the release stated: The purpose of this news release is to encourage the community to use caution if they observe Brandon L. McKinley of Watervliet, NY operating a motor vehicle. This information is based on a summary of McKinleys extensive arrest record which includes seven (driving while intoxicated arrests) since 2008.

The release explained that McKinley is charged for all three arrests with felony driving while intoxicated, which carries up to seven years in prison; aggravated unlicensed operation, a felony that carries up to four years in prison; circumventing an interlock device, a misdemeanor carrying to a year in prison; drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, a ticket, and other violations.

Centannis frustration with the repeat offender was clear.

This offender is a serial intoxicated driver, said Centanni, a retired 25-year Troy police veteran who became Watervliet police chief in April 2021.

The danger that he and every impaired operator pose to our roadways is not in dispute," Centanni stated. "McKinleys actions indicate an obvious need for assistance, which has unfortunately gone unanswered. The single reason this defendant continues to place our community at risk is because he cannot be remanded due to an absurd provision in New Yorks bail reform law. Although our officers are disappointed, we remain committed to removing dangerous criminals from our streets.

Joseph Ahearn, the attorney for McKinley, told Law Beat: The chief's statement obviously demonstrates his frustration with the current state of the bail laws in New York. Mr. McKinley enjoys the presumption of innocence in these matters."

Peter Gerstenzang, an Albany-based DWI defense attorney and former prosecutor who is considered a national expert on the legal issues surrounding drunken driving and who has trained police officers and prosecutors on the charge, told Law Beat he has never seen a news release before like the one issued by Centanni. He said he viewed the news release as more the product of a frustrated police chief than a form of public shaming, such as in municipalities where mug shots of DWI defendants have been publicly posted.

"It's akin to, years ago, we had a judge ordering people to have a license plate indicate that they've been convicted of DWI and the court struck it down as an unauthorized punishment," Gerstenzang said.

Under state bail law changes that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020 and which were later amended, judges now cannot detain or set bail for defendants charged with many misdemeanor and felony offenses outside of "qualifying offenses," such as murder, rape, cases that resulting in death and a select number of other crimes.

In most cases, defendants are given desk appearance tickets. The change in law has been overwhelmingly unpopular with police and prosecutors around the state. Centanni is no exception.

In New York, bail is set to ensure a defendant's return to court. Unlike cases in federal courts, a defendant's potential danger to the community if released is not a factor judges are supposed to consider when setting it.

"The frustration arises out of the belief that bail is not just to ensure somebody's return but it's also punishment and a deterrent and when bail isn't set, people think someone's getting off or something," Gerstenzang said. "It's a real disconnect between what our constitution requires and what people believe."

On May 3, Watervliet police responding to a disturbance arrested McKinley at a Stewart's shop at Second Avenue and 19th Street and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol at about 2:20 p.m. McKinley was arraigned, held at the Albany County jail for a few days and released a few days later.

Six weeks later on June 19, Watervliet police stopped McKinley for traffic violations and charged him with driving under the influence of alcohol and possessing crack cocaine about 10:20 p.m.

On July 7, Watervliet police stopped McKinley's car for traffic violations and charged him with, once again, driving under the influence of alcohol 12:15 p.m. In all three cases, McKinley did not have an ignition interlock device on the car, police said.

The news release contained McKinley's face, but no description of a car he might be driving.

Centanni told WNYT - Channel 13 that his police department was not looking to draw a vigilante response or to give McKinley a hard time, but to prevent a tragedy.

Gerstenzang, while a DWI attorney, said he had a degree of sympathy for Centanni due to the chief's inability to stop a driver who continually gets arrested.

"He sees this guy as a menace and can't do anything about it and he's doing this out of desperation," he said. "This is a very unusual circumstance where the guy is undeterred and keeps on drinking and driving regardless of pending cases."

McKinley, during an appearance before Albany County Judge William Little on Wednesday, was sent to the county jail.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  Authorities said Monday that a man and a 6-year-old girl were killed in a crash involving a Rail Runner commuter train and an SUV at a private crossing in New Mexico.

The collision occurred about 11:15 a.m. Sunday on State Route 313 near the San Felipe Pueblo, according to State Police, who announced Monday that the two victims were 30-year-old Derrick Tenorio of Santa Domingo Pueblo and a child passenger whose name was being withheld for the privacy of her family.
Growing up in mid-sized Virginia Beach, Andrew Waldholtz wanted to live in a big city so he moved to the District of Columbia for college. After four years in the comparatively expensive city, he realized he wanted a place to live that was more affordable.

Waldholtz, 35, eventually found a happy compromise in St. Louis whose Midwestern affordability and opportunities to build his career in corporate compliance had the added bonus that his sister and brother-in-law lived there.

Now living 940 miles (1,513 kilometers) away from Virginia Beach, Waldholtz is in a distinct minority among others who reached adulthood in the 21st century in that he resides a half-continent away from where he grew up, according to a new study by U.S. Census Bureau and Harvard University researchers released Monday.

The study found that by age 26 more than two-thirds of young adults in the U.S. lived in the same area where they grew up, 80% had moved less than 100 miles (161 kilometers) away and 90% resided less than 500 miles (804 kilometers) away. Migration distances were shorter for Black and Hispanic individuals, compared to white and Asian young adults, and the children of higher income parents traveled farther away from their hometowns than those of less wealthy parents, according to the study.

For many individuals, the radius of economic opportunity is quite narrow, the report said.

Young adulthood is a period in life when migration is highest in the U.S. The study looked at the likelihood of people born primarily between 1984 and 1992 moving away from the commuting zone they grew up in. Commuting zones are made up of one or more counties that reflect a local labor market, and there are more than 700 commuting zones in the U.S. The birth range in the study overlaps the generation typically referred to as millennials.

It turns out that the most common destinations for young adults were concentrated near where they grew up, said the study which utilized decennial census, survey and tax data.

For instance, three quarters of people who grew up in the Chicago area stayed there. Rockford was the top destination for people who moved away and stayed in Illinois but only represented less than 1% of the young adults from Chicago. Los Angeles was the top destination for those who moved out of state but that accounted for only 1.1% of young adults from Chicago, according to an interactive data tool that accompanies the study.

Where young adults moved to varied by race.

Atlanta was the most popular destination for young Black adults moving away from their hometowns, followed by Houston and Washington. Young Black adults who grew up in high-income households were multiple times more likely to move to these cities in a New Great Migration than those from low-income families, according to the study.

For white adults leaving their hometowns, New York, Los Angeles, Washington and Denver were the most population destinations. Los Angeles and New York were the top two destinations for Asians and Hispanic young adults. San Antonio and Phoenix also were popular with Hispanics, while San Francisco also appealed to Asian young adults.

Despite the regions economic woes and the prospect of job opportunities elsewhere, young adults in Appalachia were less likely to move far from their hometowns compared to those of similar incomes living elsewhere, the report said.

The reluctance of millennials to move far away is backed up by recent studies showing declines in mobility in the U.S. for the overall population. In the middle of the last century, about a fifth of U.S. residents, not just young adults, moved each year. That figure has dropped steadily since the 1950s, going from about 20% to 8.4% last year, due to an aging population, dual-income households that make it more difficult to pick up and move and, more recently, the pandemic, according to a recent report from Brookings.

A Pew Research Center survey released last week showed that a quarter of U.S. adults ages 25 to 34 resided in a multigenerational family household in 2021, up from 9% in 1971. The age groups in the Pew study and the study by the Census Bureau and Harvard University researchers overlap to some degree.

When there were wage gains in a local labor market, most of the benefits went to residents who grew up within 100 miles (161 kilometers) rather than people who had migrated to the area. Wage increases effect on migration to an area was rather small, and migrants likely would have moved there regardless of wage hikes. Young Black adults were less likely to move to a place because of wage hikes compared to white and Hispanic millennials, said the study released Monday.

Waldholtz, who is white, graduated into the recession in 2008 and went back to Virginia Beach for work. Probably the worst time ever to be looking for a job," he said. He eventually went to law school in Ohio and prioritized work opportunities when deciding where to live after graduation three years later.

All of us need a job to pay our bills," Waldholtz said. That factor has to be the most important factor."

___

Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeSchneiderAP.
Today in the United States, 37 states have legalized cannabis in some form, and 44 percent of Americans live in a state with legal, adult-use cannabis. Based on those numbers you might think the myths about cannabis have gone to pasture. Yet, whether it's NIMBY-ism, or miseducation from five decades of "Just Say No," many myths persist around cannabis.

In my role as CEO of companies that serve the cannabis business, I have played a part in states legalizing cannabis and have seen first-hand the many benefits it brings. As New York prepares to open what could be the nation's biggest legal cannabis market, it's important we debunk these common cannabis falsehoods with education and facts.

Let's take a look at some of the most damaging myths, and the studies, data and resources that put these falsehoods to bed.

Myth 1: Crime will go up.

In reality, cannabis legalization has demonstrated a reduction in many types of criminal activity. According to a study published October 2019 in Justice Quarterly, Washington and Colorado, the first two states to legalize adult-use cannabis, saw "minimal to no effect" on major crimes after legalization. There were also no long-term effects on violent or property crime rates. In 2021, researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service, and Appalachian State University reported similar results concluding that states with medical marijuana laws have, "significant reductions in both violent and property crime rates."

Myth 2: Property values decrease.

In 2019, real estate marketing firm Clever found that homes in cities with legal cannabis sales saw an average increase of $22,888 in value compared to cities where sales are prohibited. Additionally, in 2022 the National Association of Realtors reported that medical -and adult-use states experienced an increase in demand for land, warehouses and storefronts for commercial cannabis use.

Myth 3: Youth consumption will increase.

A youth risk behavior study examined data from 1993 to 2017 and found no relationship between medical cannabis laws and youth cannabis usage. It also found that adult-use legalization may be associated with a decrease in youth usage rates. A Colorado Department of Public Safety report also found no significant difference in past 30-day cannabis use between 2013 and 2017, indicating that as adult-use markets mature and expand, youth consumption rates do not increase. Legal cannabis retailers have millions of dollars of investment into their business and too much at stake not to rigorously check the legal age of customers.

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Myth 4: There's little economic value.

A 2021 study estimates that by the year 2027, more than 50,000 jobs will be created by the cannabis industry in New York state alone, with an estimated 11,000 of those jobs by the end of 2023. The study also estimates that within five years of launching the adult-use cannabis industry New York will generate $121 million in tax revenue for localities throughout the state. In my experience with past state legalizations, I believe these estimates are quite conservative.

Based on my time in the industry, and conversations with cannabis brands, dispensary owners and growers, it's time these myths retire. At a time when many states struggle to create industries that reliably generate jobs, taxes and revitalization of commercial districts, cannabis has proven to be the panacea. It's for this reason that New York's new legal industry has the potential to pave the way for equitable opportunities and the ingenuity we all know is foundational to being a New Yorker.

Chris Beals is the CEO of WM Technology, operator of Weedmaps, an online marketplace for cannabis. He splits his time between Ulster County and Los Angeles.
Tug-of-war? Whac-a-Mole? Damned if you do, damned if you dont? Take your pick: They all apply to the redistricting process. When you create new voting maps, one groups gain is another groups loss, and solving one problem creates, or reveals, several more. Its messy  and thats even without partisan interests putting their sticky hands in. In the end, the only certainty is that someones going to be unhappy.

The Albany County Legislatures redistricting process is no different. But its worth noting that they really seem to be trying to get it right this time.

The countys independent redistricting commission proposed adding two majority-minority districts in the city of Albany. That would bring the number of majority-minority districts to seven, the most in county history.

After the 1990, 2000 and 2010 censuses  that is, each of the past three redistricting cycles  Albany County was sued for Voting Rights Act violations over maps that discriminated against minority neighborhoods; the county lost. This time, theyre mandated by a 2019 county law to "ensure the fair representation of Albany County minority communities" through a process thats non-partisan, independent, inclusive and participatory. The County Legislature created a panel to configure majority-minority districts. They held public hearings to identify communities of interest, and they gave residents access to digital mapping tools so they could suggest their own district boundaries.

The proposals are far from perfect. In two of the majority-minority districts, although Black and Hispanic populations are a majority they comprise less than 50 percent of the voting-age population. Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham contends adding the districts would be a dilution of minority voting power. Critics have also logged concerns about plans for the County Legislature's 5th District, which they say would split up communities of interest in neighborhoods that radiate from Lark Street.

Competing priorities cant always be met. But whats encouraging here is that addressing longstanding inequities seems to be taking center stage. A good-faith effort to be independent and fair wont lead to linked-arms harmony, but its better by far than the alternative. As weve seen all too clearly on the state level, when its warped by the powerful and the partisan, the redistricting mess can decay into mayhem.

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Wanted: A standard of decency

Carl Paladino has a history of ugly behavior and questionable judgment. The state GOPs 2010 gubernatorial candidate is the man, youll recall, who called Hitler "the kind of leader we need today." So the news that the Buffalo businessman, now a candidate for Congress, had a registered sex offender working on his campaign is just another Post-It Note on his Wall of Shame.

According to the New York Post, Joel Sartori was working for Mr. Paladino's company when he was arrested on charges of possessing child porn on his work computer; he was convicted in 2017. Mr. Paladino confirmed he kept Mr. Sartori employed. Hes a wonderful employee, he told the Post.

A campaign spokesperson denied the felon  listed on documents as assistant treasurer  has a role in Mr. Paladinos campaign. Then why was the mans name on the election filings? "A simple oversight," the spokesman told The Buffalo News. Oh, right. A slip of the pen.

Candidates like Mr. Paladino dont just make politics a sideshow; they debase the notions of leadership and public service. He is unworthy of a seat in Congress.
WFO SAN DIEGO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Monday, July 25, 2022

_____

FLASH FLOOD WARNING

The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...

Riverside County in southern California...

* Until 500 PM PDT.

* At 238 PM PDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing

heavy rain across the warned area with some areas having received

over one inch of rain. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to

begin shortly.

HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms

producing flash flooding.

SOURCE...Radar.

IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,

urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...

Southeastern Palm Springs, eastern Anza, Cathedral City, Palm

Desert, Rancho Mirage, Hwy 74 Between Anza And Palm Desert, Hwy 74

Between Mountain Center And Anza, Mountain Center, Santa Rosa

Mountain and Lake Hemet.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood

deaths occur in vehicles.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
The five-and-a-half-year jail sentence imposed on an "upper echelon" gang member who was caught red-handed with over 1 million in cash and drugs - including 5kg of cocaine in a potato bag - was too lenient, the State has told the Court of Appeal.

James Curtis (51) with an address at Reiska, Kilcommon, Thurles, Co Tipperary, was jailed at Nenagh Circuit Criminal Court in October 2021.

The court heard that while serving a suspended sentence Curtis was caught red-handed in a field near his home in possession of a potato bag containing 5kg of cocaine.

Gardai discovered 41,000 cash and a further 4.25kg of cocaine in a barrel buried in the field, as well as a plastic Penneys bag containing 336,000, the court heard.

Curtis pleaded guilty to possessing 647,000 worth of cocaine for sale or supply, contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. He also pleaded guilty to being in possession of 376,550, knowing or being reckless as to whether or not the money was proceeds of criminal conduct and was jailed for five and a half years.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Lyons told the lower court he believed Curtis to be in the upper echelon of a criminal fraternity.

He said gardai observed Mr Curtis leaving his house in Reiska, under the cover of darkness, on October 30, 2020, walking along a secluded country road and crossing into a field were he was found in possession of the drugs.

Det Sgt Lyons said Mr Curtis walked at night to the field near a wood, without the aid of a torch, and he wore latex gloves to prevent forensic evidence being detected on the items found in the field.

Today (MONDAY) at the Court of Appeal, Tom O'Malley SC, for the State, said the sentencing judge, Judge Cormac Quinn, erred in principle when setting the pre-mitigation headline sentence at eight-and-a-half years.

Mr O'Malley said the headline sentence was "too low", "unduly lenient" and should not have been less than 10 years' imprisonment.

Mr O'Malley said the amount of drugs involved was a significant aggravating factor. Counsel added that Curtis' level of involvement was also "significant, even if he was not at the very top of the enterprise".

Mr O'Malley said that Curtis was already on a suspended sentence for a similar offence he received months earlier from a Limerick court at the time of this offence.

Counsel said that while Curtis had entered a guilty plea "he was caught effectively red-handed" in the field, adding that the defendant had previous convictions for drug-trafficking" and had been "given a clear opportunity" months earlier.

Colman Cody SC, for Curtis, said that while his client was caught "red-handed" the guilty plea was still relevant and was not a "meagre" aspect in mitigation.

Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy said that there was no indication that Curtis had been under duress from others to handle the drugs and cash.

Mr Cody said that a person could be trusted by a gang but also in "the grip" of the same gang and that trust can be "imposed" on a person.

Mr Cody said his client's actions had an impact on his family and son, and said the court should note that Curtis had admitted his crime and was co-operative with gardai.

Court of Appeal President Mr Justice George Birmingham said the matter would be adjourned to Friday, when it is hoped the court will be in position to give judgement.
34992 


Kansas City police are investigating the latest local murder this evening after a bloody spate of violence over the past 24 hours.

Yesterday 3 people were murdered in the span of less than 12 hours.

Now . . .

Authorities are headed to the scene of a homicide in the 2600 block of E 29th.



Here is the first report . . .

Homicide 2600 block of E 29th

Tonight about 6:40 pm officers were called to an apartment in the 2600 block of E 29th on a cutting call.



On arrival officers were directed into an apartment there where they located an unresponsive victim suffering from unknown injuries.



The caller told officers that they heard the victim (adult male) and an unknown suspect involved in an argument that led to a physical altercation which led to the victim being injured.



Officers summoned EMS to the scene for treatment. The victim was declared deceased here at the scene.



Detectives will be processing the scene along with crime scene investigators to get a better idea of what led up to the altercation as well as what caused the victims injuries.



If anyone has any information and has not been in touch with detectives they are asked to contact the Homicide Unit directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS.

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UPDATE . . . Here's a look at MSM coverage . . .

Police: Man found dead after altercation Sunday in Kansas City KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A man died early Sunday night following an altercation in Kansas City, Missouri. Around 6:40 p.m. Sunday, officers received a call regarding a stabbing near an apartment in the area of E. 29th Street and Prospect Avenue. When officers arrived, they located the victim and called for paramedics, who pronounced the victim deceased.

Man killed during altercation at apartment near 29th, Prospect KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) -- A man is dead following an altercation with a second individual Sunday night. Police were called out to the area of the 2600 block of E. 29th Street on a report of a stabbing. When they arrived on scene, they discovered a deceased individual inside the home.

Man dies after stabbing on East 29th Street Kansas City police say one person has died after an argument led to a physical altercation.Officers were called to the 2600 block of East 29th Street on a report of a stabbing.On arrival, first responders were led to an apartment where they located an unresponsive man suffering from unknown injuries.Officers

Now . . .



There were only 85 homicides at this time last year. Tragically, 2021 garnered the 2nd highest murder count in the recorded history of Kansas City, Missouri.



Also . . . We shouldn't forget that last week five killings were recorded as well.



Reality . . .

Going into election season the rate of deadly violence on Kansas City streets continues to trend upward as our elected officials downplay this crisis in favor of focusing on partisan politics and culture war talking points.

Developing . . .


AND WE'RE BACK!!!

It's been awhile since we had fun with this blog but J-Lo promo booty at the ripe age of 53 inspires our good mood this morning as we consider pop culture, community news and just a few top headlines.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Arson Suspected Across Bridge

Northland apartment fire believed to be intentionally set KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The circumstances of an apartment complex fire in the Northland is leading investigators to believe it was intentionally set. According to some witnesses at the scene, they heard a large boom, followed by smoke detectors going off.

12th & Oak Nice Guy Spotlighted

'The office of transparency:' Meet the man trying to connect more Kansas Citians to City Hall Gary Jones' first experience as a public servant was largely marked by long, hot days in the sun counting the number of bikes around Kansas City. In 2016, during his senior year of high school, he interned with Kansas City's public works department and landed the important task of helping the city install more bike lanes.

Give KCPD A Brake

KCPD officer injured in crash while enroute to double shooting KANSAS CITY, Mo. - UPDATE, 5:30 a.m. | The KCPD officer suffered minor injuries after his vehicle was hit when he was en-route to a reported shooting. About a block away from the officer crash, two people were shot. One victim suffered critical injuries, the other suffered non life-threatening injuries.

Poison Products Found Locally

Goods with lead are easy to find at antique shops, discount stores. They're also toxic A vintage military-style trunk she bought at an eastern Michigan flea market when she was a teenager became a staple of Jennifer Poupard's life. Poupard, now 37, originally bought it to store her CDs. Over the years the trunk - styled with leather handles and metal buckles - served as a container for shoes, a coffee table and as a resting place for a record player.

Diva Promotes Brand In The Buff

Jennifer Lopez shares completely naked Instagram post to celebrate 53rd birthday Jennifer Lopez is having a moment, and we're lapping up all and every detail we can find about her life. From her Las Vegas wedding to Ben Affleck (featuring two wedding dresses) to all the ways she manages to make 53 look like 23.

White House Confronts Economic Showdown

Analysis: Biden faces moment of truth on the economy this week Every week is a tough week for this White House right now.

MAYBE MAGA FOREVER?!?

These former Trump advisers are trying to do the impossible: Make Trumpism about the future But the plans were for naught. Trump lost the election. Vision 2025 was never released. The retreat was canceled. Rollins, Kudlow and others haven't discarded their project, though. Instead, they turned it into a blueprint for a new non-profit, the America First Policy Institute, often described as a "White House in waiting."

Nobody Like The Veep Either

Revolving door creates questions and complications for Kamala Harris There's been a running theme for years in Kamala Harris's world. When she was senator very few people in her office had the institutional knowledge of her time as attorney general in California. And when she was attorney general, there was some overlap but only a small cadre of staffers could contextualize her time as...

Infinite COVID Rx

Covid Patients Should Take An Antiviral Even If They Don't Have Severe Symptoms, Study Finds Pfizer's Covid-19 antiviral Paxlovid and Merck's coronavirus pill molnupiravir appear to guard against hospitalizations and death even when people aren't experiencing severe symptoms, a new study found, as the White House continues efforts to make these medications more widely available as Covid cases surge. Covid cases and hospitalizations are on the rise in the U.S.

World War Z & Food Supply

Wheat prices rise after Odessa attack; Russia says it targeted Ukraine military A U.N.-backed deal to resume exports of Ukrainian grain has been thrown into doubt after missile strikes at the weekend. The strikes, on the port city of Odessa, have been widely condemned, with the Kremlin insisting that they hit military infrastructure.

Time Stands Still

Permanent daylight saving time hits brick wall in House More than four months after the Senate unanimously passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent in the U.S., the measure has hit a brick wall in the House. The main impediments dimming the legislation's chances of passing appear to be fundamental disagreements over its language and a general consensus that other matter take...

Home Team Hopes For Future

Royals try to balance floor and ceiling with a college-heavy 2022 draft A year after a risky draft class headlined by gambles on projectable prep pitchers, the Royals went the opposite direction in the 2022 draft. The first 17 selections of the draft were all college players, with the headliners being ninth overall pick Gavin Cross and 49th overall pick Cayden Wallace.

Good Deeds Via Reparation



Shawnee, Olathe courts allow school supplies to replace fines JOHNSON COUNTY, Ks. (KCTV) - Shawnee residents will have an opportunity to have a portion of their court fines and/or warrant fees paid for through the School Supplies for Fines program. $50 dollars can be taken off of fines for $15 worth of supplies and $100 can be taken off for $30 worth of supplies.

Clouds Start Monday

Thunderstorms impacting morning drive Slow-moving downpours and embedded thunderstorms will continue through much of Monday morning, before tapering off and shifting mainly north of I-70 later this afternoon. High 78. There is the potential of a severe thunderstorm for a couple hours around sunset with damaging wind the most likely threat, however a brief tornado is possible if conditions line up just right.

Sitting In The Corner (feat. Kacey Musgraves & Adriel Favela) is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
South Africa: PRASA ready to reopen some sections of Central Line Corridor

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) says progress has been made in recovering certain lines on the Central Line Corridor, with final work underway to reopen the Cape Town to Langa via Pinelands and Langa to Bellville via Sarepta, this week.

The lines, which are expected to reopen on Tuesday, form part of phase 1 of the Central Line recovery programme.

The Central Line was closed in 2019 due to theft and vandalism and the recovery work of the corridor was further hampered by illegal occupations on the rail network during the level 5 lockdown.

The resumption of the service on the lines is a major milestone for PRASA given the difficulties experienced with the relocation of households on the rail reserve and criminal syndicates constant attacks on security personnel. Certain sections of the Central Line were volatile, posing a threat to our staff and contractors.

While the relocation project, led by the Housing Development Agency, is at advanced stages, PRASA revised its strategy to resume the much-awaited services on the Central Line, which involved cordoning off the informal settlements for the safe running of trains ahead of schedule, while HDA finalizes the relocation process, the agency said on Monday.

Through community and stakeholder engagement, PRASA said it is pleased with the progress made in recovering train services.

To resume this service, PRASA had to rebuild the infrastructure from the ground-up. Vandalized/stolen electrical cables, perway (tracks), and railway clips, including the foundation that supports the rail network have been replaced.

This also includes the rehabilitation of five vandalized substations that power the rail network. To safeguard the rail infrastructure, PRASA has increased security on the ground for the safety of our commuters and staff. We have also installed anti-vandalism and anti- theft technology to mitigate against theft and vandalism, the agency said.

PRASA has expressed gratitude to the community living on the rail reserve for its cooperation, and the Western Cape team, who worked around the clock to make sure that services resume on schedule. SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2022-07-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Earlier this month some of the most KICK-ASS denizens of our blog community forwarded a note warning that the Panasonic deal was a "total mess" and might not be worth celebrating.

In much the same way that Elon quickly went from billionaire fighter for free speech to B.S. artist who only pulls out of biz deals and not employees . . . So the Kansas deal earns more scrutiny from JOURNALIST weeks after our blog community called it out.



Here's the word . . .



Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said the investment was the largest in state history. And if Panasonic were to hire 4,000 workers, it would become one of the largest employers in the Kansas City metro area.



But thats a big if.



The states agreement with Panasonic doesnt require the company to create 4,000 jobs  or any jobs at all. Nor does it create minimum wage or salary standards for the firm  a crucial component of many economic development packages.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link to a story that's not really so shocking after all . . .
An ongoing crisis for the Catholic Church recently played out in the Golden Ghetto.



Here are the basics of the story . . .



"A court document from U.S. District Court for Kansas in Kansas City shows that Father Jackson was arrested on Friday. WPRI reported that the police department in Overland Park arrested him."

The statement from a victim's right's group . . .

"Federal authorities need to keep this dangerous man behind bars until his prosecution and those charged with his supervision should never believe that Jackson has repented to sin no more. You can take the actor away from the scene of crimes, but as we have seen many times over in cases involving delict priests, theyll never stop because of a new address."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Father James Jackson Arrested in Kansas A court document from U.S. District Court for Kansas in Kansas City shows that Father Jackson was arrested on Friday. WPRI reported that the police department in Overland Park arrested him. Father James Jackson, a Rhode Island priest who was arrested on federal and state child pornography charges in October last year, has been arrested in Kansas for allegedly violating the conditions of his release.

Catholic priest violates the terms of his 'pre-trial' release and arrested again (For Immediate Release July 18, 2022) Fr. James Jackson, FSSP, A Rhode Island priest who had recently transferred from Colorado has been arrested for allegedly violating the conditions of his release while in Kansas. Jackson was originally charged in October of last year with possessing and transferring child pornography.

Developing . . .
TKC hint . . .

We think his "polling lead" (ew) is overstated and GOP voters aren't likely to hand this election over the the Missouri Democratic Party by picking the disgraced former Guv.



However . . .

Fear of his triumph is far more fun to consider . . .



Few figures in recent Missouri political history have invoked more disparate passion than Greitens, who is one of five major candidates in an Aug. 2 primary to select a nominee for the election to succeed Sen. Roy Blunt. The St. Louis County native has been the subject of scorn and admiration since he entered the political scene in 2015.



And since all six major candidates are generally similar on high-profile issues important to the GOP electorate, much of the run-up to the primary revolves around whether Greitens can overcome the scandals that follow him around or whether his opponents can appeal enough to an increasingly Republican state.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Greitens casts long shadow over unpredictable Republican Senate primary Inside arestaurant in Jefferson County, dozens of people crammed into a back room to hear U.S. Senate hopeful Eric Greitens speak. Before launching into his stump speech that excoriated President Joe Biden's domestic and foreign policy agenda, the former governor alluded to the extreme tension between himself and other members of the Missouri Republican Party.

Meet the Candidates: Eric Greitens battles mainstream GOP in primary push Hide Transcript Show Transcript CODY: THANKS FOR JOINING US TODAY. I'M CODY HOLYOKE. IF YOU'RE A VOTER IN MISSOURI, VARIETY ISN'T A PROBLEM WHEN IT COMES TO THE PRIMARIES. ESPECIALLY IN THE RACE FOR U.S. SENATE. THAT'S WHY WE'RE IN FULL COMMITMENT 2022 MODE RIGHT NOW.

Developing . . .
Toronto Public Health staff set up for a pop-up vaccination station at Marc Garneau Collegiate in the Don Mills and Overlea area. About 86,000 Toronto students are behind on their HPV, Hepititis B and meningococcal disease shots after the school-based vaccination program was paused during the pandemic. - Richard Lautens / Toronto Star
Torontos SickKids Hospital told caregivers liquid forms of fever and pain medicines for children will no longer be sold over-the-counter due to a nationwide supply shortage.
Toronto City Council is due to meet Aug. 15 to appoint a councillor to serve out the rest of the current term for Ward 1 (Etobicoke North). Applications are being accepted until Aug. 4, 4:30 p.m. - Metroland file photo
Toronto police concerned the North York dog may have been sold or given away
We are speaking with the Police Social and Welfare Association about rouge officers within t
A University of Alberta researcher is hot on the trail of a new drug to combat blood cancers.

Based on RNA technology  best known for the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines  the 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 proteins 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 molecule  easy 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 RNAi siRNA in their pharmacological form. Uludags 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 possible  I don't want to waste time, he says. There are patients dying because of this cancer.

Uludags 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 arent 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.

Uludags 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.

Hasan Uludag is a member of the Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta and the Women and Childrens Health Research Institute.
Ukrainian aviation struck five targets of the Russian army. The Armed Forces of Ukraine attacked three enemy strongholds in Beryslav district and two more in Kherson district.

This is stated in the report of the Operational Command "South", Ukrinform reports.

The enemy tried to launch counteroffensives in two directions in Beryslav district of Kherson region to restore the lost position. However, the invaders did not succeed and retreated suffering losses.

"Our aviation launched five strikes on the enemy. A pair of attack aircraft and front-line bombers attacked three enemy strongholds in Beryslav district, and a pair of Mi-8 and Mi-24 targeted two enemy strongholds in Kherson district," the report says.

Over the past day, Ukrainian missile and artillery units carried out about 190 fire missions and eliminated 66 Russians, five tanks, two Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers, Fagot anti-tank missile system, three armored personnel vehicles, nine vehicles.

A command and observation post of the 785th special unit of the Russian National Guard, two ammunition depots, and Merlin-VR drone were also destroyed in the area of Ivanivka.

As reported, on May 30, the invaders disconnected the Internet and mobile communications from Ukrainian operators in Kherson region; they block "green corridors", evacuation, kidnap residents of the region.

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At the beginning of the sixth month of full-scale Russias invasion of Ukraine, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics calls for more modern weapons to be given to Ukraine.

5 months since Russia attacked Ukraine. As Ukraine keeps fighting, we must keep supporting it, instead of empty talk, more HIMARS and other modern weapon systems are needed in order to stop the war, Rinkevics posted on Twitter.

Earlier, Defense Minister of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov said that Ukraine needed at least 50 HIMARS and M270 systems to effectively deter the enemy, and at least 100 such systems for an effective counteroffensive.

The United States has already delivered 12 HIMARS systems to Ukraine and last week announced its intention to transfer four more such systems. In total, the US and its allies have committed to transfer more than 20 such systems to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

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Human Rights Watch documented Russian crimes in southern Ukraine: torture, inhumane treatment, arbitrary detention, and unlawful confinement of civilians.

This is stated in the organization's report, Ukrinform reports.

Russian forces have turned occupied areas of southern Ukraine into an abyss of fear and wild lawlessnessTorture, inhumane treatment, as well as arbitrary detention and unlawful confinement of civilians, are among the apparent war crimes we have documented, said Yulia Gorbunova, senior Ukraine researcher at Human Rights Watch.

Atrocities committed by Russian forces in Kyiv region have already drawn global outrage, but the report by Human Rights Watch casts a spotlight on the south of the country, where the Russian occupation forces tightly control access and information.

Human Rights Watch spoke with 71 people in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions who described 42 cases in which Russian forces had held people incommunicado or in which people had disappeared after having been detained.

People interviewed described being tortured, or witnessing torture, through prolonged beatings and in some cases electric shocks, the report said, adding that injuries included severe burns; cuts; concussions; broken teeth; broken bones, including ribs; and broken blood vessels.

The Human Rights Watch report documented the torture of three members of Ukraines Territorial Defense Forces who were being held as prisoners of war, and said that two had died.

As a reminder, the Geneva Conventions allow opposing sides in an international conflict to hold combatants as prisoners or war and also to intern civilians in certain circumstances, such as if they are deemed a serious and continuing threat to the detaining authority. But torture and inhumane treatment are prohibited and, when connected to a conflict, constitute war crimes. Political leaders can be charged with war crimes for abuses committed by their forces.

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July 11 through July 24, the Ukrainian IT Army disabled more than 750 Russian online resources, including those of the Russian Foreign Ministry, various military agencies, and others.

This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Digital Transformation on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.

It is noted that critical online resources of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation were subjected to cyber attacks. "In order to protect the sites, the head of the ministry, Sergei Lavrov, was forced to distract himself from yet another lie he spread and temporarily hide the sites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," the Ministry of Statistics notes.

In addition, the operations of more than a hundred online stores selling drones, as well as military depot shops were paralyzed across Russia. Because of this, the Russians had issues with ordering equipment and gear for their soldiers fighting against Ukraine.

It is also noted that due to cyberattacks targeting Russia, telecom services provided by Beeline and the operators online platforms failed so its customers had no access to the Internet.

"The IT Army continues to curb propaganda in the Russian Federation and does not stop its preventive work with the Russian mass media. For every Russian missile fired at Ukrainian cities and every Russian shot fired at Ukrainians, the IT Army continues to block the great empire with massive cyber strikes, every day. Evil will be punished on physical and digital fields," the Ministry of Digital Affairs emphasized.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, from June 27 to July 10, the IT Army attacked more than 800 Russian online resources.
A Russian intelligence asset was exposed and charged over collecting data on the Armed Forces and territorial defense troops in Kyiv.

Thats according to the Security Service of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

Under the procedural leadership of the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office, a local resident was charged with unauthorized dissemination of information about the deployment of the Armed Forces and territorial defense forces, committed under martial law (Part 2, Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Read also: SBU neutralizes Russian artillery spotters in Bakhmut

According to the inquiry, since April 2022, the suspect, on his own initiative, had been collecting data and taking photographs of locations of Ukrainian Army servicemen and territorial defense troops in Kyiv. Through one of the messengers, he would transmit information to a Russian citizen deployed in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region as a special correspondent of one of the Russian media outlets, accredited by the so-called "Ministry of Information of the DPR.

To conceal his illegal activities, the suspect switched phone numbers and used passwords and other specific wording in his correspondence with his Russian contact.

During the raid, a mobile phone and computer equipment with evidence of criminal activities were seized from the culprit.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, a resident of Zhytomyr region, who had been passing to Russian military intelligence operatives sensitive data on the exact location of strategic infrastructure facilities, was formally charged with treason.

Photo: SBU
Poland has transferred to Ukraine a batch of PT-91 Twardy main battle tanks.

The report initially voiced by Krzysztof Platek, the spokesman of the Armaments Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Poland, voiced on the "WoW - Wolski o Wojnie" YouTube channel, was confirmed on Monday by the Head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, Andriy Yermak, on Twitter, as seen by Ukrinform.

"The shortage of tanks that emerges in Poland after the transfer to Ukraine of more than 200 T-72 tanks and a certain number of PT-91 Twardy tanks, whose number I cant name, will be fully compensated, even with a surplus," Platek said.

The transfer of a new batch of tanks by Poland to Ukraine was confirmed on Monday by the head of the Ukrainian Presidents Office, Andriy Yermak, who tweeted that Polish PT-91 Twardy MBTs are "in Ukraine." The presidents office chief has thanked Ukraines Polish friends for their assistance.

The PT-91 Twardy tank was created in Poland based on the T-72M1. The biggest technical changes in the Polish tank, compared to the T-72, relate to the new DRAWA fire control system and active armor developed by ERAWA. This type was produced in Poland from 1995 to 2002. A total of 232 PT-91 Twardy tanks were produced for the needs of the Polish Armed Forces.

As reported earlier, Poland previously handed over to Ukraine a batch of 240 modernized T-72 tanks and more than 100 armored personnel carriers to counter Russia's armed aggression. To replace own armored fleet, Poland ordered 250 new Abrams MBTs and 116 older-generation Abrams tanks from the United States. In addition, Poland applied for at least 180 K2 tanks from South Korea.
The first three German-made Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled artillery units have been delivered to Ukraine and handed over to the Armed Forces.

Thats according to Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, who spoke at the national telethon, answering questions about Germany's security assistance to Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"So far, I can say that the first three Gepards officially arrived from Germany today. These are anti-aircraft systems, for which several tens of thousands of rounds have also been shipped. Accordingly, we expect the first 15 Gepards. The first three arrived in Ukraine today, and they are already at the disposal of the Armed Forces," Reznikov said.

When asked whether Ukraine will receive German tanks, the minister said: "I hope so. Most likely, we will start with one of the friendly countries that have Leopard tanks and are ready to hand them over to us. These are European nations. And initially, our plan is that it will be several dozen tanks on which we will train our tank crews, most likely in the Baltic states."

According to Reznikov, there are already agreements signed on the use of training grounds on foreign soil by the Ukrainian military.

He added that, once the crews are prepared, "the talks about the supply of modern tanks will continue." According to the minister, this is about more than just Leopard tanks. The talks will also cover Abrams MBTs and other models.

Gepard (Flugabwehrkanonenpanzer Gepard) is a German anti-aircraft self-propelled artillery installation produced by Krauss-Maffei in cooperation with other companies. It is intended for the protection of armored convoys on the march and stationary objects from attacks of helicopters and warplanes operating at low and ultra-low altitudes day and night under any weather conditions and in conditions of intense enemy e-warfare.

Photo: DPA
The resumption of Ukraines grain exports will begin from the port of Chornomorsk.

Ukraines Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, Yuriy Vaskov, stated this at a briefing at the Ukraine-Ukrinform Media Center.

"Within the 24 hours, we will be ready to work on resuming exports of agricultural products from our ports. We are talking about the port of Chornomorsk - it will be the first. The next will be Odesa and then - the port of Pivdennyi," he said.

Vaskov noted that within two weeks, Ukraine would be technically ready to export agricultural products from all three ports.

We hope that the first shipment will be made within this week," Vaskov added.

As reported, on July 22, the agreement on exports of grain and other foodstuffs from the Ukrainian ports was signed following a quadripartite meeting in Istanbul between Ukraine, Turkey, the United Nations, and Russia.

The agreement was signed by Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov on behalf of Ukraine, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on behalf of the UN, and Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on behalf of Turkey. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu signed the agreement in the same format on behalf of Russia.

On July 23, the Russian forces struck the Odesa port with Kalibr cruise missiles. Two missiles were shot down by Ukrainian air defense forces. Two other missiles hit the ports infrastructure facilities.

Ukraines Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov stated that despite Russias shelling of the Odesa port, Ukraine is preparing for resuming grain exports.

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Enemy UAVs shot down in Volyn region crossed Ukraines airspace from Belarus.

The Air Command West of Ukraines Air Force reported on Facebook, according to Ukrinform.

"On July 25, in the north-western direction, two enemy UAVs were detected, which crossed the airspace of Ukraine from Belarus and carried out aerial reconnaissance of objects in the Volyn region," the report reads.

Two enemy UAVs were downed. Fragments fell on a residential building.

As Ukrinform reported, in Volyn region on July 25, the Ukrainian military shot down two enemy UAVs. One person was killed and several others were injured after the debris fell on a private house.

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The agreement on exports of grain and other foodstuffs from the Ukrainian ports was signed on the terms of our country.

"I believe that we sign this agreement on our terms, because our water area is fully controlled by us," Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov said during the nationwide telethon, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Pursuant to the agreement, no Russian aircraft or ship will have the right to approach the corridor, through which the grain will be exported, or Ukrainian territorial waters, he emphasized.

"No one will check anything in our ports and in our water area," Kubrakov noted.

According to him, exports from the ports will be resumed in a few days.

On July 22, an agreement was signed on exports of grain and other foodstuffs from the Ukrainian ports following a quadripartite meeting in Istanbul between Ukraine, Turkey, the United Nations, and Russia.

Two mirror agreements in trilateral format were signed. The agreement was signed by Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov on behalf of Ukraine, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on behalf of the UN, and Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on behalf of Turkey. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu signed the agreement in the same format on behalf of Russia.

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The unblocking of the Odesa port for the export of Ukrainian grain and the opening of the so-called "grain corridor" for food exports despite the latest Russian shelling of port infrastructure do not involve the complete demining of the harbor water area. Pilots will navigate grain carriers out of the three designated ports through narrow fairways.

Thats according to the spokesman for the Odesa Regional Military Administration, Serhiy Bratchuk, who spoke on the air of the national telethon.

"When it comes to unblocking the export of Ukrainian grain and the opening of the grain corridor, no one says that the water area of the Odesa port will be completely demined... It will be a narrow fairway for grain carriers  those caravans of ships that are intended to be grouped and then accompanied along the designated route. Everything else will remain mined," Bratchuk said.

The Regional Military Administration spokesman noted that a certain part of the population considers the agreements reached in Istanbul to weaken mine safety.

"This wont happen," Bratchuk emphasized, "that's why the ban on visiting beaches on the Black Sea coast and swimming in the sea remains in force. Id like to emphasize this," said Bratchuk.

He added that "it is a technical route  designed specifically for ships, for the bread caravan."

As Ukrinform reported, referring to the Ministry of Infrastructure, after the signing of the Initiative on the export of grain and related food products by sea on July 22, the ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdenny are preparing to resume operations. The ships set to carry grain will enter and exit the said seaports in a caravan formation, accompanied by local pilots.

On July 23, the enemy attacked the Odesa sea trade port with Kalibr cruise missiles. Two missiles were shot down by anti-aircraft defense forces, while another two hit the ports infrastructure facilities.

On July 22, in Istanbul, as a result of the quadrilateral meeting of Ukraine, Turkey, the UN, and Russia, an agreement was signed, within the framework of which grain and other food products will be exported from the ports of Ukraine.
Ukraines First Lady Olena Zelenska thanked the United States for its strong support and asked to help Ukraine stop Russian terror and provide more weapons to protect the peace and lives of Ukrainians.

"We are sincerely grateful to the United States for standing with us in the struggle for our common values  human life and independence. Your help is very powerful. While Russia kills, America saves. And you should know about it. Thank you," Zelenska said at the US Congress, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

At the same time, she emphasized that the war was not over yet.

Im asking for something now I would never want to ask. Im asking for weapons, weapons that would not be used to wage a war on somebody elses land, but to protect ones home and the right to wake up alive in that home, Zelenska said.

She noted that she was also asking to provide Ukraine with air defense systems: in order for rockets not to kill children in their strollers and entire families.

According to Zelenska, the United States knows what terrorist attacks are and has always sought to defeat terrorism.

"So help us stop the terror against Ukrainians, and it will be our common great victory  in the name of life, freedom and the pursuit of happiness of every person, every family," she emphasized.

The President's wife emphasized that was not only her request but also her husband's.

"We want every father and every mother to be able to tell their child: fall asleep calmly, there will be no more air raid sirens, no more missile strikes. Is that too much to wish? Zelenska said.

In her opinion, the opportunity for her as the First Lady of Ukraine to speak with the US Congress specifically about weapons is a manifestation of the "greatest equality".

"This is the equality of free people. People who know what they protect, know what they live for. I hope you heard me today. And I hope that your decisions will be quick," the First Lady of Ukraine emphasized.

As reported, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska makes a visit to Washington at the invitation of First Lady of the United States Jill Biden.

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President of the Republic of Guatemala Alejandro Giammattei has visited the towns of Borodianka, Bucha and Irpin in Kyiv region.

The Kyiv Regional Military Administration reported on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.

Borodianka, Bucha, Irpin - these settlements have become a tragic symbol of Russian army atrocities against Ukrainian civilians. The President of Guatemala expressed his support for Ukraine and emphasized that the whole world should know about Russia's crimes," the report reads.

The Kyiv Regional Military Administration thanked Giammattei for the attention to the region, stressing that official visits by international partners are a significant component in the war, which is also ongoing in the information space.

As reported by Ukrinform, on July 23, senators of the United States paid a visit to Irpin. They visited the local "road of life" and one of the neighborhoods of the town most damaged by Russian shelling.

On the same day, the wives of the presidents of Latvia and Lithuania, Andra Apine-Levite and Diana Nausediene, also visited Irpin.

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Ukraine and Guatemala have agreed to unite efforts on international platforms to further isolate Russia and increase the price for Russia for the war it started.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this at a joint briefing with his Guatemalan counterpart Alejandro Giammattei in Kyiv on Monday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"Today, we agreed to continue to join our efforts on international platforms with the aim of further isolating Russia and increasing the price for this war and destabilization of lives of peoples," Zelensky said.

He said that serious consequences of Russian aggression are being felt everywhere in the world. "This is a food crisis and price destabilization everywhere, both in energy markets, and extraordinary political challenges to the entire international legal order. The cost of living is unfairly growing for citizens of dozens of countries, including in Latin America, just because one country - the Russian Federation - decided to break existing political and economic relations in the world," Zelensky said.

He thanked Guatemala for its clear and consistent support to Ukraine and for its unchanging position on the protection of human rights and the fundamental right of every nation to freedom and independence.

Zelensky also thanked Guatemala for supporting the sanctions policy against Russia.

According to him, Guatemala is ready to join the initiative of creating a special tribunal to punish Russia for the crime of aggression against the people of Ukraine.

Zelensky added that an intergovernmental agreement on the mutual cancellation of visa requirements had been signed. According to him, a trade and economic dialogue has also been launched for the implementation of a number of specific projects.

Giammattei is visiting Ukraine on July 25. He has already been to Borodianka, Bucha and Irpin in the Kyiv region.
Germany will strengthen assistance to Ukraine in demining and investigating war crimes and cybercrimes.

"During the meeting between Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Denys Monastyrsky and German Federal Minister of the Interior and Community Nancy Faeser, who arrived on an official visit to Ukraine, it was agreed that the German Government will strengthen assistance to Ukraine in investigating war crimes and cybercrimes," the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine informs.

It is also noted that joint humanitarian demining of territories where hostilities took place will be strengthened. At present, almost 212,000 sq km of Ukraines territory need such demining.

"We discussed several topics. One of them was the investigation into war crimes. We are very grateful to Germany for the help it has already provided. The Federal Ministry of the Interior provided technical assistance for the needs of our expert service totaling about EUR 1.25 million. This is a very significant contribution to the investigation into this type of crime," Monastyrsky said.

In addition, the German delegation visited the most destroyed towns of Kyiv region and the Antonov Airport in Hostomel, where they saw with their own eyes the consequences of the atrocities and crimes committed by the Russian army and the ongoing process of mine clearance.

Faeser underscored that Germany fully supports Ukraine in the war with the Russian Federation and that her country will fully assist Ukraine in investigating war crimes.

She also noted that Germany has sheltered 850,000 Ukrainians.

"We want to organize a reliable shelter for Ukrainian families who cannot return home. We plan to give them the opportunity to work, and children to go to kindergartens and schools," the minister said.

As reported, the units of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine received new equipment from Germany  two tractor trailers for the transportation of humanitarian aid and power generators.

Photo: Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine

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The establishment of Ukraine's relations with Guatemala is important as it will help to establish relations with entire Latin America.

The visit of the President of Guatemala to Kyiv took place today  the first in all the years of our independence. And the thing is not only that we received full support from this Latin American state, but also that our relations with it are a bridge to the entire region of Latin America, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address.

Zelensky expressed gratitude to Guatemala and President Giammattei for the principled and consistent condemnation of Russian aggression and participation in the defense of the international legal order.

Following the negotiations, I am sure that Ukraine's position will be heard in Latin America. We agreed with Mr. President on the abolition of visa restrictions and the reboot of trade and economic relations between our countries, the President added.

He also noted that Ukrainian diplomacy was gradually opening up new broad directions for the society  Central and South America, Africa, countries of the Arab world, South and Southeast Asia.

Crises created by Russia affect everyone in the world, and no one will manage to stay aside when Russia provokes chaos in the food market, in the energy markets or simply in international relations, Zelensky noted.

As reported, a meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of the Republic of Guatemala Alejandro Giammattei took place in Kyiv.

This is the first visit of the highest level in the history of bilateral relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Guatemala. The presidents noted the renewal of interest in the development of contacts between the two states, as well as the absence of contradictions between them in approaches to solving global issues of modern international relations.

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The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC have confirmed that the United Kingdom will host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of this year's winning broadcaster, Ukraines television.

This is said in a statement published on the organizations website, Ukrinform.

As a result of those discussions, the BBC, as runner up in the 2022 Contest, was invited by the EBU to act as Host Broadcaster for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest. Ukraine, as the winning country in 2022, will automatically qualify for the Grand Final of the upcoming Contest along with the so-called Big 5 (those countries that financially contribute the most towards the Contest: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom), the statement reads.

According to Martin Osterdahl, the Eurovision Song Contests Executive Supervisor, the BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions.

Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next years Contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europes most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this years winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event, he said.

In turn, Mykola Chernotytskyi, Head of the Managing Board of UA:PBC, added that the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine.

We are grateful to our BBC partners for showing solidarity with us. I am confident that together we will be able to add Ukrainian spirit to this event and once again unite the whole of Europe around our common values of peace, support, celebrating diversity and talent, he said.

In addition, it was revealed that representatives of UA: PBC will work with the BBC to develop and implement the Ukrainian elements of next years shows.

The logo for the 2023 event will also be revealed later and will reflect the unique staging of next years Contest and the cooperation between the host country and this years winners, the statement reads.

As reported by Ukrinform, in May 2022, the Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra won the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 with their song "Stephania".

In June, the European Broadcasting Union confirmed that the next Eurovision Song Contest will not be held in Ukraine due to the war.

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Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2022 ) :US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday denounced the Myanmar junta's executions of four prisoners as "reprehensible" and voiced confidence the killings would not hinder the movement for democracy.

"These reprehensible acts of violence further exemplify the regime's complete disregard for human rights and the rule of law," Blinken said in a statement on the executions of a former lawmaker, prominent activist and two others.

"The regime's sham trials and these executions are blatant attempts to extinguish democracy; these actions will never suppress the spirit of the brave people of Burma," Blinken said, using Myanmar's former name.

"The United States joins the people of Burma in their pursuit of freedom and democracy and calls on the regime to respect the democratic aspirations of the people who have shown they do not want to live one more day under the tyranny of military rule." The United States has unleashed a series of sanctions since Myanmar's military toppled the civilian leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi in February last year, slamming the door on a decade of US-nurtured efforts toward democracy.

Blinken earlier this month met activists from Myanmar in Bangkok and acknowledged that there has been little progress but vowed that the United States would keep up pressure.

State Department spokesman Ned price told reporters that the United States was discussing new measures and that "all options are on the table" for additional economic pressure.

He called for all nations to unite on Myanmar, saying that the junta's executions were a "direct rebuke" to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its current chair Cambodia.

"Arguably no country has the potential to influence the trajectory of Burma's next steps more so than the PRC," Price said of the People's Republic of China.

"There can be no business as usual with this regime. We urge all countries to ban the sale of military equipment to Burma (and) to refrain from lending the regime any degree of international credibility," Price said.

Senator Bob Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, urged President Joe Biden's administration to impose sanctions on Myanmar's state-owned oil and gas company, a measure taken earlier by the European Union.
Tunis, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2022 ) :Tunisians vote Monday on a constitution seen as a referendum on President Kais Saied, whose charter would give his office nearly unchecked powers in a break with the country's post-2011 democratic trend.

Voting runs from 6:00 am (0500 GMT) to 10:00 pm at some 11,000 polling stations across the North African country.

Around 9.3 million out of Tunisia's 12 million people -- civilians aged over 18 -- have opted in or been automatically registered to vote, according to the ISIE electoral commission.

They include about 356,000 registered overseas, for whom polling began on Saturday.

The referendum comes a year to the day after Saied sacked the government and froze parliament in a dramatic power grab, as Tunisia grappled with surging coronavirus cases on top of political and economic crises.

Many Tunisians welcomed his moves against political parties and the often-deadlocked parliament, part of a system long praised as the only democracy to have emerged from the 2011 Arab uprisings.

But after a year of one-man rule in which he has vastly extended his powers and made little progress on tackling deep economic woes, Saied's personal popularity will be under the spotlight.

- All eyes on turnout - "The biggest unknown in this referendum is the turnout and whether it will be low or very low," said analyst Youssef Cherif.

No quorum has been set, nor any provision made for a "no" result, and Saied's constitution for a "new republic" is widely expected to pass.

Saied's rivals, rights groups and international organisations have warned that he risks turning the country back into a dictatorship, over a decade after the toppling of dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali that sparked pro-democracy uprisings across the region.

Opposition parties and civil society groups have called for a boycott, while the powerful UGTT trades union has not taken an official stand on the vote.

Saied's charter would replace the country's 2014 constitution, a hard-won compromise between Islamist-leaning and secular forces reached after three years of political turmoil.

His supporters blame the hybrid parliamentary-presidential system it introduced, and the dominant Islamist-influenced Ennahdha party, for years of political crises and widespread corruption.

Saied's draft was published earlier this month with little reference to an earlier draft -- produced by a committee appointed by the president.

The new text would place the head of state in supreme command of the army, give him full executive control and allow him to appoint a government without the approval of parliament.

He could also present draft laws to parliament, which would be obliged to give them priority.

He would be almost impossible to remove from office before the end of his five-year term in 2024.

Sadeq Belaid, the legal expert who led the drafting committee, said Saied's version was "completely different" from that of the committee, and could install "a dictatorial regime".

Saied released a slightly amended document little more than two weeks before the vote, but even under the new draft, the president would be virtually impossible to force out of office.
The week-long 6th Space Summer School (SSS) under the auspices of the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) opened here at the Institute of Space Technology (IST) on Monday

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2022 ) :The week-long 6th Space Summer School (SSS) under the auspices of the National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA) opened here at the Institute of Space Technology (IST) on Monday.

NCGSA Chairman Dr Najam Abbas Naqvi was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the space summer school organized by the the Space education Research Lab, the partner lab of NCGSA, which would continue till July 29, a press release said.

The SSS is a specialized annual programme designed specifically to engage and consequently spark an interest in the young generation towards the rapidly growing and promising field of space science, technology and its applications.

Since its inception in 2017, SSS has engaged more than 1000 students from different parts of Pakistan, familiarizing and equipping the young space enthusiasts with the latest trends, technologies and research breakthroughs in the space sector and enlightening them with the applications of space technology directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

SSS 2022 encapsulates a vast spectrum of space knowledge focusing the regional and global perspective under 6 exploration tracks.

The voyage of space knowledge begins from earth and accelerates towards wonders of deep space, covering the tracks of atmosphere, aviation, rocketry, satellite technology, and astronomy & astrophysics.

The school has been joined by over 110 students from 45 different institutions of Pakistan. Fulling the envisioned mission of UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 5: Gender Equality, the school has an amalgamation of over 60 male, and more than 40 female participants joining from both, public and private schools.

Targeted towards the students of Grade 512 in two categories: Abecedarian (Grade 5th-8th) and Virtuoso (Grade 9th-12th), Space Summer School 2022 invigorates the participants with a lifetime learning experience and a unique educational exposure through interactive lectures, hands-on activities, workshops, technology demonstrations and webinars delivered by subject matter experts.

The school also features a navigation scavenger hunt, career counselling session, and astronomy observation night through the largest publicly owned telescope at IST.
President Dr Arif Alvi Monday reiterated Pakistan's offer to provide virtual and online education facilities to the Afghan students through the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) and the Virtual University of Pakistan (VUP)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jul, 2022 ) :President Dr Arif Alvi Monday reiterated Pakistan's offer to provide virtual and online education facilities to the Afghan students through the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) and the Virtual University of Pakistan (VUP).

Talking to Mufti Taqi Usmani, after being informed that Mufti Sahib was going to Afghanistan for discussions with the leadership, the president said since Afghanistan did not possess nationwide internet connectivity, therefore, initially the education materials of AIOU and VUP could be communicated to the Afghan students, both male and female, through its television network.

The offer was made when the Afghan minister of education had visited the president and said that higher education was in dire straits in Afghanistan, the President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

On various occasions, the president had communicated the Government of Pakistan's offers of providing online and virtual education facilities to Afghanistan during his meetings with the Afghan ambassador and counsel generals, and with other Afghan government leadership, directly or indirectly, through his interaction with them.

The president said the government and the state of Pakistan believed in providing equal educational opportunities for women, at par with its male population.

"Iqra in Quran is for all Muslims and is not gender specific," he added.

He further said that keeping in view the specific socio-political concerns of Afghanistan, women could be imparted education by making special arrangements as deemed appropriate and as was initially pledged by the current Aghan leadership.

He said islam emphasized upon imparting education to all without making any distinction between the men and the women.

He further observed that if Afghanistan was taking measures to provide education to its female population according to its own preferences, then the far-reaching initiative should also be properly publicized through all channels of media and communication tools to rest of the world to allay their concerns in that regard.

Pakistan wanted peace and development in Afghanistan and it could not happen without development of their own human resource, he added.
(@Abdulla99267510)

PM Shehbaz has underscored the importance of connectivity agenda and has also highlighted that the CPEC could serve as a useful model in its facilitation.

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-July 25th, 2022) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has underlined the need for developing appropriate funding mechanisms to promote intra-Shanghai Cooperation Organization trade as well as development initiatives.

He was talking to Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Ambassador Zhang Ming, who called on him in Lahore on Sunday.

Stressing the enhancement of transport and communication links, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of connectivity agenda and, in this regard, also highlighted that the CPEC could serve as a useful model in its facilitation.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to the principles of the SCO Charter and the "Shanghai Spirit."

He highlighted the current global challenges manifested in the high fuel and food prices and the resultant food insecurity as well as economic and financial difficulties for a large number of countries including SCO members.

The Prime Minister underlined Pakistans priorities and national development goals as well as important areas of interest within the SCO framework of cooperation, including trade, connectivity, poverty alleviation, energy, agriculture and climate change.

In this context, he also appreciated the work of SCO-(Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure) RATS where Pakistan, together with other member states, is playing an active role in countering common security challenges.

The Secretary General lauded Pakistan's constructive contributions to SCO's work and activities across all domains.
Greeting Pope Francis at Edmonton Airport, Assembly of First Nations National Chief, RoseAnne Archibald and other First Nations people (? 2022 Amber Bracken)

On Monday afternoon, Pope Francis gathers with some 150 parishioners of the Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples in Edmonton, Alberta. Some of them were at hand before the event to chat to Vatican Radio correspondents as the last preparations were put into place to welcome the Pope.

By Linda Bordoni & Marine Henriot

The renovation that took place after the fire two years ago that seriously damaged the Church of the Sacred Heart provided an opportunity to give prominence, within the buildings very architecture and decorative elements, to First Nations, Metis and Inuit symbols, like the four tipi poles that meet high above the altar, which itself is made out of a root ball.

Gary, Tony and Larnie, all of whom are parishioners at Sacred Heart, told Marine Henriot that the McCauley neighbourhood, where the church is located, is an area where many people who were moving off reserves in the last 40 years chose to live. So, over the years, Sacred Heart became the natural place where Indigenous Catholicism came to be expressed.

Gary Ganiel a Metis person from St Albert, north of Edmonton, has been coming here for over 25 years.

He reflects on the Popes presence and on the historic occasion for all involved:

I think it is an opportunity for him to expand on that apology and to recognize the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the calls to action # 58. Those calls to action were approved by all the indigenous peoples across Canada.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commissions call to action # 58 is the one that calls upon the Pope to issue an apology to Survivors, their families and communities for the Catholic Churchs role in residential schools.

So hes honouring that call to action n. 58, Gary said, Its meaningful, and hes staying true to his word. How beautiful that is.

And this is not the only beautiful thing Gary refers to:

Its a new beginning, and new beginnings mean going forward and thats beautiful.

Tony Tran has been a parishioner at Sacred Heart for about three years. He hopes it will be a unifying experience for the wider community:

With Pope Francis coming its going to be really good for the community spirit, he noted, highlighting the fact that this visit represents a new beginning and that in the long term it will really make a difference to the process of healing.

Its going to probably bring conversations and discussions and raise awareness; they said it will take some six or seven generations of healing [] at least there is going to be awareness.

Larnie Solum also harbours hopes for change within the community and the city: "I would like to see the atmosphere change over this city and I think the pope can help do that."

Pope Francis  it appears  is seen in Edmonton as a prophet of encounter, healing and reconciliation, helping to nurture fraternity, forgiveness, future

Because we all need a saviour.
The soft chimes of the traditional Shan gongs emanating from a Burmese temple in northern Thailand is a reminder of the thousands of Myanmar migrants who have fled conflict in their homeland in past decades, seeking a better life.

For ethnic Shan mother Nang Horm, the musical performance is a brief respite from the onslaught by Myanmar troops on their own people, that has left family and friends under a blanket of fear, since the February 2021 military coup.

And now, the Burmese army is targeting new recruits.

If someone had a son in their house, he would have to become a soldier, [it] doesnt matter if you have more than one, all of them will have to become soldiers, the 32-year-old explains, as she clings to her 5-year-old daughter, her parents standing nearby.

But if you wont allow it, youll have to pay them money and give them free rice, the mother adds, providing information that she has received first-hand, from her relatives still living in Myanmar.

Horm is referring to the recent forced enlistment of young men in Myanmars southern Shan state by a regional militia, operating under the Pa-O National Organization, whose leaders are seen to be aligned with the Burmese forces.

But the problem is nationwide.

In the past 18 months, since the coup, the Burmese army has faced increased resistance and casualties from the opposition peoples defense forces or PDF, the armed wing of the National Unity Government, Myanmars elected ministry in exile.

Many pro-junta militia groups are forcing male villagers of fighting age, usually between 18 and 45 years old, to enlist or face heavy fines and donate rice and other food supplies.

Those actions have added to an already difficult harvest season, for farmers and their families affected by labor shortages connected to the ongoing conflict and the COVID pandemic.

People are scared that theyll be forced to join the army and the war thats been going on, explains Saengmuang Mangkorn, a board secretary at the Migrant Assistance Program, a grassroots organization providing humanitarian assistance to stranded and vulnerable migrants.

All of these issues have affected the farmers, and ultimately forces them to leave their home, Mangkorn added from his office in the Chiang Mai province, an area where many of the migrants reside.

Myanmars agriculture sector normally employs about 70% of the labor force but the increased internal displacement that now stands at nearly a million people includes many working-age males who are risking arrest crossing the border rather than serve under the despised Junta.

For some migrant farm laborers, like Kham Duan, who has been based in Thailand since 2019, plans of returning home to see his family have been put on hold due to the risk of forced army enlistment.

My friend who is living south of Taunggyi [the capital of Shan state] said that he was forced to join the Burmese army earlier this year but he managed to escape, says the 32-year-old, speaking at a work camp near Chiang Mai.

Duan is keeping busy between his job as a rice planter, construction worker and a new added task of helping his relatives and friends from Myanmar relocate to Thailand.

Its not difficult to understand the growing resentment and fear for the Burmese army if one has access to the internet.

Online images, showing the atrocities committed by the army and seen by many as a tool to instill fear, have only added to the outrage of the civilians toward the junta.

No one is safe.

We sometimes hear the news that the Burmese soldiers are coming in to kidnap people and force them to be the soldiers, explains a young male arrival from Sagaing region, who spoke to VOA at a safe house near the Thai-Myanmar border.

All the boys in our village are gone, they all left, adds the 27-year-old exile.

Sagaing region is one of the most heavily hit areas of the country and he says that a lot of villages get burned down and some villages have bomb attacks from the planes.

Satellite images from the San Francisco-based earth-imaging company Planet Labs and the U.S space agency NASA, confirm reports that the military is using widespread arson in attacks in central Sagaing region where there is armed opposition to the junta, according to Reuters.

Before arriving in Thailand, the village chief in this exiles home community warned residents that the young, strong men were most at risk of being recruited.

The chief recommended that those who were concerned, should leave the area, adding that those who choose to stay, must abide by an 8:00 curfew to preserve their safety, he explained.

With estimates earlier this year, of more than 16,000 Burmese security officers who have already defected, there are traces of hope in the crowd of mostly Shan migrants attending the recent Buddhist ceremony in Thailand, including Nang Horm.

I pray for all the families to be happy and pray that my country will come back to normal and become peaceful again like the other countries, she said.
Myanmar's military authorities have executed four democracy activists accused of helping carry out "terror acts," state media said on Monday, the Southeast Asian nation's first executions in decades.

Sentenced to death in January during a closed-door trial, the four men had been accused of helping militias to fight the army that seized power in a coup last year and unleashed a bloody crackdown on its opponents.

Myanmar's National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow administration outlawed by the ruling military junta, condemned the reported executions.

"Extremely saddened...condemn the junta's cruelty with strongest terms if it's the case," the NUG presidents office spokesman Kyaw Zaw told Reuters via message.

"The global community must punish their cruelty."

Among those executed were democracy figure Kyaw Min Yu, better known as Jimmy, and former lawmaker and hip-hop artist Phyo Zeya Thaw, the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said.

Kyaw Min Yu, 53, and Phyo Zeya Thaw, a 41-year-old ally of ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, lost their appeals against the sentences in June. The two others executed were Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw.

"I am outraged and devastated at the news of the junta's execution of Myanmar patriots and champions of human rights and democracy," Tom Andrews, the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said in a statement.

"My heart goes out to their families, friends and loved ones and indeed all the people in Myanmar who are victims of the junta's escalating atrocities," said rights expert Andrews. "These depraved acts must be a turning point for the international community."

Thazin Nyunt Aung, the wife of Phyo Zeyar Thaw, said she had not been told of her husband's execution. Other relatives could not immediately be reached for comment.

The men had been held in the colonial-era Insein prison and a person with knowledge of the events said their families visited the prison last Friday. Only one relative was allowed to speak to the detainees via the Zoom online platform, said the person.

The four had been charged under the counter-terrorism law and the penal code and the punishment was carried out according to prison procedure, the paper said, without elaborating.

Previous executions in Myanmar have been by hanging.

An activist group, the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (AAPP), said Myanmar's last judicial executions were in the late 1980s.

A military spokesman did not immediately respond to telephone calls to seek comment.

International condemnation

Last month military spokesman Zaw Min Tun defended the death penalty, saying it was justified and used in many countries.

"At least 50 innocent civilians, excluding security forces, died because of them," he told a televised news conference.

"How can you say this is not justice?" he asked. "Required actions are needed to be done in the required moments."

The sentences had drawn international condemnation, with two U.N. experts calling them a "vile attempt at instilling fear" among the people.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), appealed in a letter in June to junta leader Min Aung Hlaing not to carry out the executions, relaying deep concern among Myanmar's neighbors.

Myanmar's ruling junta has condemned foreign statements about the execution orders as "reckless and interfering."

Myanmar has been in chaos since last year's coup, with conflict spreading nationwide after the army crushed mostly peaceful protests in cities.

"These horrendous executions were murders. They're a part of the junta's ongoing crimes against humanity and attack on the civilian population," Matthew Smith, head of Southeast Asia's Fortify Rights, told Reuters.

"The junta would be completely wrong to think this would instill fear in the hearts of the revolution."

The AAPP says more than 2,100 people have been killed by the security forces since the coup, but the junta says the figure is exaggerated.

The true picture of violence has been hard to assess as clashes have spread to more remote areas where ethnic minority insurgent groups are also fighting the military.

Last Friday, the World Court rejected Myanmar's objections to a genocide case over its treatment of the Muslim Rohingya minority, paving the way for the case to be heard in full.

The latest executions close off any chance of ending the unrest in the country, said Myanmar analyst Richard Horsey, of the International CRISIS group.

"Any possibility of dialogue to end the crisis created by the coup has now been removed," Horsey told Reuters.

"This is the regime demonstrating that it will do what it wants and listen to no one. It sees this as a demonstration of strength, but it may be a serious miscalculation."
Britain will host next year's Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of winners Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict there, the competition's organizers said on Monday.

While decades-long tradition dictates that the winner of the contest gets to host it the following year, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) had said safety and security reasons meant runners-up Britain were instead invited to host.

The BBC will now stage the event, which normally draws a television audience of close to 200 million and was last held in Britain in 1998. Ukraine will automatically qualify to the grand final of the competition, the EBU said.

"It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest," BBC Director-General Tim Davie said in a statement.

"The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said last month he believed Ukraine could and should host the 2023 competition.

Johnson said on Twitter he had agreed last week with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that "wherever Eurovision 2023 is held, it must celebrate the country and people of Ukraine."

"As we are now hosts, the UK will honor that pledge directly  and put on a fantastic contest on behalf of our Ukrainian friends," Johnson, who has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine, added.

Britain's entry to this year's Eurovision contest in Italy in May came second behind Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra, which rode a wave of public support to claim an emotional victory.

The BBC said it would now begin the process of finding a city to host the event.
Three people including the suspected gunman were killed in a series of shootings early Monday in the Canadian province of British Columbia, police said.

Police said shooting in the city of Langley, a suburb of Vancouver, started around midnight and that four people were shot by what was believed to be a lone male gunman. Two men were found dead, and another man and a woman were injured. The woman is in critical condition in a hospital.

Police said the suspect was wounded when they found him, and he was shot dead at the scene by officers.

"We're still investigating to determine if the gunman had acted alone. While the investigation is ongoing, all indications are that there was nobody else involved and there is no further ongoing threat to public safety," Chief Superintendent Ghalib Bhayani of the regional Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) force said at a news conference.

Shootings occurred in at least five locations throughout the city of Langley and the township of Langley. Police had asked the public to avoid several areas, including the parking lot of a casino and a bus stop.

Authorities had issued an emergency alert for multiple shootings involving "transient victims," which led to suggestions the victims were homeless.

But Sergeant David Lee from the RCMP's homicide investigation team said he could not confirm the victims were homeless and officers were still trying to determine if they had any relationship to the gunman.

The suspect and the victims have been identified, but the police have not released that information.

The alert described the suspect as a white man in overalls and a camouflage T-shirt.

A Reuters witness saw two black SUVs, similar to those used by police emergency response teams, in a ditch near one of the shooting sites. One vehicle had bullet holes in the windshield.

Multiple shootings are much less common in Canada than in the United States. Canada has stricter gun laws than its southern neighbor, though Canadians are allowed to own firearms as long as they have a license.

One of Canada's worst mass shootings took place in 2020, when a gunman driving a fake police car shot 13 people and killed another nine in a fire he set in Portapique, Nova Scotia.

While Canada's gun homicide rate is less than one-fifth the U.S. rate, it is higher than that of other rich countries and has been rising, according to Statistics Canada.

In May, Ottawa introduced legislation to implement a "national freeze" on the sale and purchase of handguns a week after a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers in their classroom in Uvalde, Texas.


Bulldozers raze makeshift market stalls and buildings Monday morning in Tongolo, a neighborhood in Cameroons capital Yaounde.



Among the several hundred stall owners is Julio Evina.



Evina says it is regrettable that officials are destroying businesses along some major streets in the capital Yaounde and rendering families hungry simply because French President Emmanuel Macron will be visiting Cameroon. He says if not for Macrons visit, he is certain that the government would not have filled potholes that have been causing accidents on roads in Yaounde.



France says Macron will discuss the food crisis in Africa provoked in part by Russias war in Ukraine, as well as the challenges in increasing agriculture production in Africa and an upsurge in insecurity.



Cameroon faces Boko Haram terrorism that has killed over 30,000 people and displaced two million within 10 years in its northern border with Chad and Nigeria. The central African state also faces separatist conflicts that have killed at least 3,300 people and displaced more than 750,000 in 5 years according to the U.N.



Capo Daniel is the deputy defense chief of the Ambazonia Defense Forces, or the ADF, one of the separatist groups. He says the ADF hopes Macron will ask Biya to end the use of force as a solution to the separatist crisis in Cameroons English-speaking regions.



One of our factions in our liberation movement called for lockdown as a means to protest Emmanuel Macrons visit, but other movements will be watching this event with the hope that Emmanuel Macron will be pushing Paul Biya to choose the path of peaceful resolution of the war.

Politicians and civil society groups say they will discuss with Macron the possibility of a peaceful transition in Cameroon. Eighty-nine-year-old President Paul Biya has been in power for close to 40 years and critics accuse him of rigging elections to prolong his power until he dies. The government says he has always won democratic elections.



France says after Cameroon, Macron will visit Benin and Guinea Bissau.



Ejani Leornard Kulu, a political scientist and an analyst at the U.N.-sponsored University for Peace Africa Program in Addis Ababa, says Macron is expected to review his countrys economic, political and security ties with Africa. Kulu adds that African countries that have agreements with France are now seeking profitable partnerships with other world economies.



We saw the president of the African Union and the African Commission going to Russia to see how cereals will not be blocked for Africans to have food. If we take the case of Cameroon signing a defense treaty with Russia, Cameroon surrendering mines exploitation to China, questions French positioning and even gives a sentiment of anti-French. So, France wants to reposition itself against other partners like China, like Russia.



The government of France says Macron is accompanied by the French ministers of foreign affairs, armed forces and foreign relations, as well as the French secretary of state for development.
A demonstration was held at the Ministry of Transportation in Abuja on Monday morning by the relatives of victims still in captivity.



The protest was triggered by footage released Sunday by the kidnappers, who were shown mercilessly flogging the captives. The kidnappers also threatened to kill some of the victims and sell the rest if the government did not respond to their demands.



They also threatened to abduct Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and Kaduna state Governor Nasir El-Rufai.



It is not clear what the terrorists demands are, but the video triggered criticism of the government's inability to rescue the victims.



On Sunday, the president's spokesperson, Garba Shehu, called the terrorists threats "propaganda" and said security and defense forces "have their plans and ways of doing things."



Shehu was not immediately available for further comment, but security analyst Senator Iroegbu said the terrorists cannot possibly kidnap the president. But he warned that the threats must be taken seriously.



"They're trying to show that they're more emboldened and there's nothing the commander in chief can do. They could smell weakness, that this government is weak. The fear is that citizens are more vulnerable."



Nine people were killed, and scores kidnapped on the Abuja-Kaduna train the night of March 28 after armed men bombed the tracks and derailed the moving train.



Experts blamed the attack on an unprecedented alliance between jihadists and criminal gangs.



In the recent video, one of the terrorists claimed to have been freed from the Kuje prison in Abuja after a jail break on July 5.



The claim corroborates claims that bandits and terror groups were working hand in hand, says Iroegbu.



"Terrorists can use banditry as a means to obtain money to advance their cause. Bandits can also use terrorism to obtain whatever they're looking for, so there's a mix already. The linkage between terrorism and banditry that is going on, the terrorists have seen a loophole there and married the two together.



Protesting relatives say they will not relent until authorities free their loved ones from their captors.



Temitope Kabir's husband is among those held.



"We're tired of waiting. We don't want a situation where these people will carry out their threats. We need the government to do something, and they should do it now. We're ready to be here for as many days as we can under rain, under sun.



Experts and families say Nigerian authorities have shown weak political will to secure the release of the victims. But authorities say they're trying to tactically handle the issue without losing innocent civilians to a gun battle with the terrorists.



This month, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) claimed responsibility for a jail break that freed hundreds of inmates from Kuje prison, including high-profile terrorists.



Authorities have been searching for missing inmates. Also this month, Buharis advance convoy was ambushed in his hometown in Daura in northwest Katsina state. The president was not in the convoy.
German business morale fell more than expected in July, the Ifo business sentiment survey showed on Monday, as the institute that compiles it said high energy prices and looming gas shortages had left Europe's largest economy on the cusp of recession.

The Ifo institute's closely watched business climate index dropped to 88.6, its lowest in more than two years and below the 90.2 forecast in a Reuters poll of analysts. June's reading was marginally revised down to 92.2.

"Recession is knocking on the door. That can no longer be ruled out," said Ifo surveys head Klaus Wohlrabe.

Germany faces the threat of gas rationing unprecedented in generations this winter following a significant drop in supplies from Russia, whose president, Vladimir Putin, the West accuses of weaponizing energy in response to sanctions levied against him over the war in Ukraine.

Russia says it is conducting a "special military operation" there to fight nationalists.

Russia this month shut down the Nord Stream 1 pipeline that supplies Germany with gas via the bed of the Baltic Sea for 10 days of maintenance that some feared would be extended.

Pumping resumed on Thursday, but at only 40% of capacity.

Wohlrabe told Reuters in an interview that if German gas deliveries continued at that level "there will be no recession."

However, Germany's gas network regulator said on Friday that, if gas through the pipeline continued to be pumped at only 40%, the country would need to take "additional measures" to reach the 90% of storage capacity set as a target to avert winter rationing.

The government has said it would prioritize residents over the corporate sector in the event of rationing, and Monday's Ifo index, which surveys about 9,000 firms, showed expectations for business to significantly worsen in the coming months.

"The Ifo business climate index, like the purchasing managers' index, now clearly points to a downturn in the German economy," said Commerzbank economic analyst Jorge Kraemer.

"How bad it ends up unfortunately lies mainly in Putin hands."

S&P Global's flash Purchasing Managers' Index (PM) for German services and its index for manufacturing both fell to 49.2 in July, data showed on Friday, below analyst forecasts for them to hold above the 50 mark that separates growth from contraction.
In India, a schoolteacher turned politician, Droupadi Murmu, has been sworn in as president, the first from the countrys tribal communities to hold the highest office. Although the position is largely ceremonial, her rise to the head of the republic is a hugely symbolic win for marginalized ethnic groups.

The 64-year-old is also the second woman president of the country.

My election is evidence that the poor in India cannot just dream, but also fulfil those dreams, Murmu said after taking the oath of office in parliament in New Delhi Monday. She said it was a matter of great satisfaction that those who have been deprived for centuries are seeing their reflection in me.

The daughter of a headman in Baidaposi village in the eastern Odisha state, Murmu was the first woman from her village to go to college. She belongs to the Santhal community, one of Indias largest tribal groups, and won a reputation for active participation in community affairs.

After she took office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet that it was a watershed moment for India, especially for the poor, marginalized and downtrodden.

Tribal groups, who usually live in remote areas, make up about 8% of the population and have lagged in education and healthcare.

To have those on the peripheries of India actually come to the center stage of the power structure is a hugely aspirational message to tribal communities, said political analyst Neerja Chowdhury. Whether it will improve their education, health and nutrition status remains to be seen because the president is largely a figurehead, but it will be, definitely, [a] boost [for] these communities.

Since joining politics in 1997, Murmu served two terms as a lawmaker from the Bharatiya Janata Party in Odisha state. Most recently, she was the governor of Jharkhand state. She won the presidential race after defeating Yashwant Sinha, who was supported by the opposition. The president is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of parliament and state legislatures.

Her win was made possible by Modis BJP, which backed her candidacy and had enough support in parliament and state legislatures to ensure her victory. Her choice by the party is seen as an outreach to tribal communities ahead of the 2024 general election.

Political analysts point out that the concentration of tribal groups in several states where the BJP is in power is higher than the national average of 8%.

The BJP has been ruling these states in the Hindi heartland for about 10 years and will suffer from anti-incumbency. The party will have to offset that by getting support from other communities and Modi has been eyeing the tribal groups. He wants to spread the net wider, said Chowdhury. Wooing tribal communities will also make a difference in eastern states like Orissa and West Bengal where the BJP wants to wrest power from the opposition.

While the president does not have executive powers, the head of state plays a key role at times of political uncertainty. For example, when general elections are inconclusive, it is the presidents prerogative to decide which party to call on to form the government.
For full coverage of the crisis in Ukraine, visit Flashpoint Ukraine.

The latest developments in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. All times EDT.

10:45 p.m.: The Ukrainian General Staff said Monday that Russia forces have advanced in the Donetsk region, CNN reported.

The enemy carried out airstrikes near Soledar, Pokrovske, New York, and on the territory of the Vuhlehirska TPP. It led assault operations in the directions of Klynove  Pokrovske, and Volodymyrivka  Pokrovske, suffered losses and withdrew, the General Staff update read. In the area of the Vuhlehirska TPP, individual units of the enemy have partial success.

According to the General Staff, intense shelling was reporting along the frontline in the entire Donetsk region. And Russia also made a push towards Spirne and Ivano-Dariivka.

[Russian forces] received a tough fight back and withdrew, the General Staff said.

CNN could not independently verify the claims made by the Ukrainian military.

8:45 p.m.: Russia's invasion of Ukraine leaves hundreds of thousands homeless.

7:54 p.m.: Their homes have been destroyed by Russian rockets, and now they live on a train in a rail siding in Irpin, near Kyiv. One little girl takes comfort from a cuddly alien salvaged from her family's apartment before it burned down. Another resident says: "It's hard for me to talk about it. It's driving me crazy." Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has this report. 

7 p.m.: Moscow could try to skew the forthcoming Italian national election by spreading fake news on social media to favor pro-Russian parties, the head of Italy's center-left Democratic Party (PD) said on Monday, according to Reuters.



Enrico Letta, who is trailing a rightist alliance in the polls, said he wanted Italian intelligence agencies and the European Union's disinformation unit to monitor the two-month election campaign and prevent outside interference.



It was the first time that Letta highlighted his concern, although he did not give any evidence that Russia was planning to interfere. The Russian embassy in Rome did not immediately reply to an emailed request for a comment.

6:12p.m.: Bomb shelters coming to bus routes in Kharkiv.

5:17 p.m.: Despite a weekend air strike, the first ships from Ukraine's Black Sea ports may set sail in days under a deal agreed on Friday, the United Nations said. This would help ease an international food crisis, although mistrust and potential danger remained.

A Ukrainian government official said he hoped the first grain shipment from Ukraine could be made from Chornomorsk Wednesday, with shipments from other ports within two weeks. The United Nations expects the first ship to move within a few days.

4:22 p.m.: At the sharp end of efforts to stop the Russian army's progress in eastern Ukraine are the Carpathian Sich battalion, a unit of Ukrainians and foreign nationals who answered Kyiv's call for help to confront the invader, Reuters reports.

3:28 p.m.: The latest from VOA's National Security Correspondent Jeff Seldin:

3 p.m.: Russian energy giant Gazprom said Monday that it would further reduce natural gas flows through a major pipeline to Europe to 20% of capacity, citing equipment repairs. The move ramps up fears that Russia may cut off gas as political leverage over the war in Ukraine just as Europe tries to shore up storage for winter, The Associated Press reported.



The Russian state-owned company tweeted that it would reduce the daily throughput of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany to 33 million cubic meters as of Wednesday, saying it was shutting down a turbine for repairs. The head of Germanys network regulator, Klaus Mueller, confirmed that the flow was expected to be cut in half.



2:30 p.m.:





2:20 p.m.: The Russian authorities on Monday briefly detained a liberal politician who recently returned to Moscow from abroad, the latest move in a relentless crackdown on dissent amid Moscows military action in Ukraine, The Associated Press reported.



Leonid Gozman was detained after the Russian Interior Ministry issued a warrant for his arrest while investigating a criminal case against him.



Gozman has been accused of breaching the law that requires Russian citizens to notify authorities about a foreign citizenship or a residency permit. If found guilty, Gozman could be sentenced to a fine or community work.



2:10 p.m.: Seven-year-old Roman is one of dozens of victims of Russia's attack on July 14 on the central Ukrainian city of Vinnytsya. His head, arms, and legs were severely injured in a Russian rocket strike. His mother died in the explosion and was identified days later only through a DNA test. Roman has been transferred to a hospital in Germany for special treatment. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has this report.

1:55 p.m.: Construction sites, factory assembly lines and warehouses across central Europe are scrambling to fill vacancies after tens of thousands of Ukrainian men left their blue-collar jobs to return home after Russia invaded their country, Reuters reported.



Ukrainian workers had flocked to central Europe in the past decade  drawn by higher wages and aided by an easing of visa requirements  filling jobs that weren't highly paid enough for local workers in construction, the automotive sector and heavy industry.



Many of these workers have returned home to help the war effort since Russia invaded on Feb. 24, abruptly worsening labor shortages in some of Europe's most industrialized economies.



Reuters spoke to 14 company executives, recruiters, industry bodies and economists in Poland and the Czech Republic who said the departure of Ukrainian workers was leading to rising costs and delays in manufacturing orders and construction work.



1:40 p.m.:





1:10 p.m.: The appeal of Ukraines first war crimes conviction was adjourned on Monday, as prosecutors keep pushing to hold Russia legally accountable for atrocities even as fighting rages in the south and east of the country, The Associated Press reported.



Thin and subdued, Vadim Shishimarin, a 21-year-old captured Russian soldier who pleaded guilty to killing a civilian and was sentenced in May by a Ukrainian court to life in prison, sat in a glass box in the courtroom as he faced news cameras. The hearing was postponed until July 29 due to his lawyers ill health.



Around Ukraines capital region, where Russian forces pulled out four months ago, much of the work of documenting crime scenes and interviewing witnesses has been done. Now a new, more difficult phase in the search for accountability is underway: Finding those responsible.



12:45 p.m.:

12:15 p.m.: United Nations spokesman Farhan Haq said Monday that U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres has unequivocally condemned Russian strikes on the Ukrainian port of Odesa, according to VOAs U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer.



At a press briefing, Haq said that both Russia and Ukraine had made commitments to move the Ukrainian grain, and he said Guterres noted these products are desperately needed to address a food crisis. He said full implementation of the deal, signed last Friday by Russia, Ukraine and Turkey, is imperative.



Since signing the agreement, the parties and the U.N. have been in frequent contact, Haq said, and they have reconfirmed their commitment to the initiative. Turkey provided space for a Joint Coordination Center (JCC) where operations will be housed in the Ataturk War Gaming and Cultural Center in Istanbul. By Tuesday, all parties and U.N. will have a presence in the JCC in Istanbul, and the first ships are expected to move within a few days, Haq said.



The U.N. Security Council is expected to meet on Ukraine this Friday. The focus is expected to be on attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Diplomats told VOA that the request was made by the U.S. and Albania before the Odesa port attack, but it is expected that the focus may shift to the issue of the grain shipments now.

12:00 p.m.:





11:45 a.m.: Slovakia may consider donating its fleet of Soviet-era MiG warplanes to Ukraine, the Slovak defense minister said Monday, according to The Associated Press.



Standing alongside his British counterpart Ben Wallace, Slovak Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad said we can discuss the future of his countrys 11 MiG-29 fighter jets after theyre grounded most probably by the end of August. Slovakia has already negotiated with NATO allies the Czech Republic and Poland to monitor Slovak air space from the beginning of September.



No decision has been made yet, no discussions are taking place as of now and were ready to discuss that later on, said Nad. Wallace said Britain isnt now considering giving Ukraine warplanes but would offer Slovakia fighter jets to help guard its airspace.



Since the start of the invasion on Feb. 24, Ukraine has urged Western allies to provide it with warplanes to challenge Russias air superiority.



11:35 a.m.: A local blacksmith in Sumy, Ukraine, who used to weld metal to make furniture, has transformed his business in the face of war. VOAs Olena Adamenko has the story.

11:10 a.m.: The World Food Programme (WFP) said it was optimistic about a U.N.-brokered deal to reopen Ukrainian ports for grain exports but warned the agreement alone will not solve the global food crisis even if it is implemented effectively, Reuters reported.

Russia, Ukraine, the United Nations and Turkey signed a deal on Friday aimed at allowing safe passage for ships going in and out of three Ukrainian Black Sea ports that have been blocked by Russia since Moscow's Feb. 24 invasion.

"We're optimistic the deal could lead to improvements in global food prices. Countries dependent on grain supplies from the Black Sea would likely be the first to feel a positive impact," a WFP spokesperson told Reuters.

She added, however, that the current global food crisis is not a price crisis alone, and that man-made conflict, climate shocks and the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to drive up global food insecurity even if Friday's deal holds.

10:40 a.m.:

10:20 a.m.: Russian natural gas giant Gazprom said on Monday that sanctions were still hampering maintenance of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, a strong signal that energy supplies to Europe remain at risk unless the West eases sanctions imposed over Ukraine, Reuters reported.

10:00 a.m.: French President Emmanuel Macron embarked on a three-nation tour of Africa Monday, The Associated Press reported.

The four-day visit to Cameroon, Benin and Guinea-Bissau is the French leaders first diplomatic trip outside of Europe since winning re-election, showing how Africa is high on the list of priorities for the former colonial power.

On the agenda will be common challenges such as the fight against terrorism and combating climate change. But Macron will also discuss the consequences of the conflict in Ukraine, such as ballooning inflation and the cost of living and a likely food crisis due to halts on Ukraines key exports of wheat, barley and sunflower oil. Russia and Ukraine provide over 40% of Africas wheat supply.

The visit is seen as shoring up bilateral cooperation for France at a time when Russian officials have also been visiting African nations in moves to rally support. Of particular concern are links in the wider African region  including in the Central African Republic and Mali  to the Russian paramilitary organization the Wagner Group that is seen by the EU as a destabilizing force.

In his first stop in Cameroon  central Africas biggest economy and an agricultural hub  Macron will discuss food production and how the country will try to fill the Ukraine-linked supply vacuum in the region.

9:55 a.m.: Restrictions on diesel imports from Russia following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine have undermined the fuels status in Europe as a cheaper alternative to petrol, amplifying a cost of living crisis across the region, Reuters reported.

9:40 a.m.: The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted by the United Kingdom, which has been chosen to take over next year's competition after Ukraine was deemed unable to host due to safety and security concerns arising from the war with Russia, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported Monday.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said in a statement on July 25 that bidding for a host city in the United Kingdom, which placed second behind Ukraine in the 2022 competition, will begin this week.

"The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will not be in Ukraine but in support of Ukraine," said Mykola Chernotytskyi, head of the Ukrainian state broadcaster that was to head up the 2023 event.

9:25 a.m.: The European Union has urged countries to curb gas use now to help fill storage ahead of winter and warned that a full cut-off of Russian gas is likely. But the EU plan has faced resistance from a swathe of governments, with some flatly against binding cuts and others unwilling to let Brussels control their energy use, Reuters reported.

9:10 a.m.: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Congo Republic on Monday, the second leg of an African tour aimed at strengthening Moscow's ties with a continent that has refused to join Western condemnation and sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reported.

African countries, which have a tangled legacy of ties with both the West and the former Soviet Union, have largely avoided taking sides over the war in Ukraine. Many import Russian grain and, increasingly, energy too but they also buy Ukrainian grain and benefit from Western aid flows and trade ties.

Lavrov has already visited Egypt and will head from Congo to Uganda, then Ethiopia.

Africa is also being courted by the West this week, with French President Emmanuel Macron due to visit Cameroon, Benin and Guinea-Bissau and U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer on his way to Egypt and Ethiopia.

8:50 a.m.: Anti-war activists are removing symbols of Russia's war on Ukraine that have appeared on city streets throughout Serbia since the early days of the invasion. The facades are decorated with murals of Vladimir Putin, Russian paramilitary groups accused of war crimes and also portray Serbian volunteers fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has this story.

8:25 a.m.: Russias top diplomat said Moscows overarching goal is to topple the government of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, making Russian war aims more explicit as its forces keep pummeling Ukraine with artillery barrages and air strikes, The Associated Press reported.

The remark from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov comes amid Ukraines efforts to resume grain exports from its Black Sea ports, something that would help ease global food shortages, under a new deal tested by a Russian strike on Odesa over the weekend.

Speaking to envoys at an Arab League summit in Cairo late Sunday, Lavrov said Moscow is determined to help Ukrainians liberate themselves from the burden of this absolutely unacceptable regime.

Lavrov accused Kyiv and its Western allies of spouting propaganda intended to ensure that Ukraine becomes the eternal enemy of Russia.

Russian and Ukrainian people would continue to live together, we will certainly help Ukrainian people to get rid of the regime, which is absolutely anti-people and anti-historical, he said.

Lavrovs remarks contrasted sharply with the Kremlins line early in the war, when Russian officials repeatedly emphasized that they werent seeking to overthrow Zelenskyys government.

8:10 a.m.:

8:05 a.m.: Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov says he hopes the first shipments of grain under a deal mediated by the United Nations and Turkey will leave the country's Chornomorsk port this week, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Kubrakov said there was no limit stipulated in the deal as to the amount of grain that could be shipped from Ukraine.

"We expect the agreement to start working in the coming days...We are preparing for everything to start this week," said Kubrakov, who led Ukraine's delegation at talks to clinch the deal in Istanbul last week.

7:50 a.m.:

7:40 a.m.: Wheat prices rose sharply on Monday after Russian missiles struck the Ukrainian port of Odesa over the weekend, despite claims by the Kremlin that the strike targeted military installations and that it would not affect grain exports, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported.

However, wheat futures on the Chicago Board of Trade rose nearly 4 percent to $7.86 a bushel on Monday, regaining much of the ground lost after the signing of the agreement.

Ukraine is one of the worlds largest exporters of wheat, corn, and sunflower oil, but Russias invasion of the country and its naval blockade of Ukrainian ports have halted shipments.

That has caused global food prices to spike, leaving millions of people in impoverished countries at risk of hunger and sparking fears of social unrest.

7:25 a.m.:

7:05 a.m.: Ukrainian forces have destroyed 50 Russian ammunition depots using U.S.-supplied HIMARS rocket systems in the war with Russia, Reuters reported Monday citing Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov.

This cuts their [Russian] logistical chains and takes away their ability to conduct active fighting and cover our armed forces with heavy shelling, he said in televised comments.

Reuters could not independently verify Reznikovs remarks about the use of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). Russia did not immediately comment.

6:30 a.m.:

6:10 a.m.: Russia said Monday its missile strikes on the Ukrainian port of Odesa should not affect an agreement to resume grain exports.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the strikes hit only military infrastructure and were no way related to infrastructure that is used for the export of grain.

Russia had initially denied any involvement in the Saturday strike, but said Sunday its forces were responsible.

Ukrainian officials said they were working to get grain exports going again following the deal Ukraine and Russia signed on Friday.

The United Nations and Turkey helped broker the agreement, which calls for Russias fleet in the Black Sea to allow safe passage through areas that Russia has blockaded since it launched its invasion of Ukraine in late February.

5:45 a.m.: The Kyiv Independent reports that residents of a village in Mykolaiv Oblast were evacuated to Odesa, a regional capital in southern Ukraine, on July 25, according to the Mykolaiv City Council.

5 a.m.: Russias Defense Ministry said on Monday that its forces had destroyed an ammunition depot for U.S.-made HIMARS rocket systems in Bogdanovtsy, in Ukraines Khmelnytskyi region. However, Reuters said it was unable to independently confirm the reports.

Russia has previously said it has destroyed several of the HIMARS systems supplied to Ukraine by the West, in claims denied by Kyiv.

3:45 a.m.:

3:05 a.m.: Tens of thousands of people who evacuated from Ukraines eastern Donetsk region are returning to homes close to the front line because they cant afford to live in safer places. They are risking their lives. One woman was killed by a missile outside her home just two days after returning. Ukrainian authorities are frustrated as some civilians remain in the path of war, but the regions residents are frustrated, too. Some described feeling unwelcome as Russian speakers among Ukrainian speakers in some parts of the country. But more often, the problem is the lack of money to start anew.

The mayors office in one small Donetsk city estimates that 70% of evacuated residents have come back. The Associated Press has the story.

2 a.m.: Germany is back on the path of decent gas injection levels and the task is now to reach its target of 75% gas storage levels by September 1, the head of the countrys network regulator said on Twitter on Monday, Reuters reported.

Klaus Mueller, head of the Bundesnetzagentur regulator, added that gas importer Uniper had also ended withdrawals from storage.

1:20 a.m.: Inconclusive fighting has continued in both Donbas and Kherson regions in eastern Ukraine, British military intelligence said on Monday.

Russian commanders continue to face a dilemma  whether to resource Russias offensive in the east, or to bolster the defense in the west, Britain's defense ministry said on Twitter.

The ministry added in its regular bulletin that on July 18, the British intelligence identified a Russian military vehicle refit and refurbishment facility near Barvinok, in Russia's Belgorod Oblast, which is 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

At least 300 damaged vehicles were present, including main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, and general support trucks, the update added.

1 a.m.: Chef Jose Andres World Central Kitchen operating in eastern Ukraine.

12:05 a.m.: A new postage stamp from Ukraine.

Some information in this report came from Agence France-Presse, The Associated Press and Reuters.
The Somali Journalists Syndicate has condemned police in the breakaway region of Somaliland for briefly detaining five journalists with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on Saturday. BBC broadcasts in Somaliland remained off the air Monday following a ban imposed last week by authorities.

The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) and the Somali Media Association (SOMA) on Monday called for authorities in the breakaway republic of Somaliland to halt the threats and harassment against BBC staff and journalists.

They also called on Somaliland to unconditionally allow the BBC to resume operations in the region.

Somaliland police in the capital, Hargeisa, raided the BBC Media Action office on Saturday and detained five staff members, according to Somali media defenders.

The media associations identified the arrested journalists as Mohamed Gaas, Abdullahi Jama and Samatar Gahnuug, film editor Ahmed Faiz and their transport manager Yahye Ali.

National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) secretary-general Omar Faruk Osman said the shutdown of the BBC office was an angry response that helps no one.

[The] National Union of Somali Journalists see the banning of [the] BBC from operating in Somaliland intimidation and action that doesnt serve independent journalism, he said. We see it as an action that is against freedom of expression that doesnt also translate the democratic gains that Somaliland has achieved.

Osman called on authorities to allow the BBC to operate and find ways to resolve issues with the network other than through harassment and intimidation.

Yasmin Omar Mohamoud, chairperson of the Human Rights Center in Somaliland, told VOA by phone that the police detained the BBC staffers unlawfully.

The police arrested five BBC media action staff members, although fortunately, they have [been] released, she said. But the arrests [have] been conducted unlawfully and without any court warrant. The problem is arresting people without any wrongdoing, and we are sorry for what happened.

Last week, Somaliland announced a ban on the BBC, saying the broadcaster had reduced its identity and dignity of the

Somaliland is a self-declared independent republic considered internationally to be part of Somalia.
As a medical student in North Korea, Lee Gwang-jin said he treated his fevers and other minor ailments with traditional herbal medicine. But a bad illness could mean trouble because hospitals in his rural hometown lacked the ambulances and beds  and even the electricity at times  needed to treat critical or emergency patients.

So Lee was skeptical when he heard recent North Korean state media reports that claimed so-called Koryo traditional medicine is playing a key role in the nation's fight against COVID-19, which has killed millions around the world.

"North Korea is using Koryo medicine a lot [for COVID-19]  but it's not a sure remedy," said Lee, who studied Koryo medicine before he fled North Korea in 2018 for a new life in South Korea. "Someone who is destined to survive will survive [with such medicine], but North Korea can't help others who are dying."

As state media churn out stories about the effectiveness of the medicine and the huge production efforts to make more of it, there are questions about whether people suffering from severe disease are getting the treatment they need.

Defectors and experts believe North Korea is mobilizing Koryo medicine simply because it doesn't have enough modern medicine to fight COVID-19.

"Treating mild symptoms with Koryo medicine isn't a bad option.  But the coronavirus doesn't cause only mild symptoms," said Yi Junhyeok, a traditional doctor and researcher at South Korea's Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine. "When we think about critical and high-risk patients, North Korea needs vaccines, emergency care systems and other medical resources that it can use" to lower fatalities.

More than two months have passed since North Korea admitted its first coronavirus outbreak, and the country has reported an average of 157 fever cases each day in the past seven days, a significant drop from the peak of about 400,000 a day in May. It also maintains a widely disputed claim that only 74 out of about 4.8 million fever patients have died, a fatality rate of 0.002% that would be the world's lowest if true.

Despite widespread outside doubt about the truth of North Korea's reported statistics, there are no signs that the outbreak has caused catastrophe in North Korea. Some outside experts say the North may soon formally declare victory over COVID-19. North Korea may then emphasize the role of Koryo medicine as the reason.

"North Korea calls Koryo medicine 'juche [self-reliant] medicine,' treats it importantly and views it as one of its political symbols," said Kim Dongsu, a professor at the College of Korean Medicine at South Korea's Dongshin University. "North Korea doesn't have many academic and cultural achievements to advertise so it'll likely actively propagate Koryo medicine."

North Korea officially incorporated Koryo medicine  named after an ancient Korean kingdom  in its public health care system in the 1950s. Its importance has sharply grown since the mid-1990s, when North Korea began suffering a shortage of modern medicine during a crippling famine and economic turmoil that killed hundreds of thousands of people.

Koryo medicine refers to herbal concoctions that sometimes include animal parts, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, a form of heat therapy, and meridian massages. Such ancient remedies are used in many Asian and Western nations, too. But while in those countries traditional and modern medicines operate independently, North Korea has combined them.

Medical students in North Korea are required to study both modern and traditional medicine at school, regardless of what they major in. So once they become professional doctors, they can practice both. Each hospital in North Korea has a department of Koryo medicine. There are also Koryo medicine-only hospitals.

Kim Jieun, a defector who is a traditional doctor in South Korea, said she majored in Koryo medicine at school in the North but eventually worked as a pediatrician and internal medicine doctor. She said that South Koreans generally use traditional medicine to maintain or improve their health, but North Koreans use it to treat diverse diseases.

"In South Korea, patients with cerebral hemorrhage, hepatocirrhosis, liver cancer, ascites, diabetes and kidney infections don't come to traditional clinics. But in North Korea, traditional doctors treat them," said Kim, who resettled in South Korea in 2002 and now works for Seoul's Well Saem Hospital of Korean Medicine.

North Korea's main Rodong Sinmun newspaper has recently published several articles praising herbal medicine and acupuncture for curing fever patients and reducing the aftereffects of COVID-19 illnesses, including abnormal pains, heart and kidney problems, nausea and coughing.

The newspaper also published calls by leader Kim Jong Un to embrace Koryo medicine. Other state media reports said the production of Koryo medicine has quadrupled since last year, while a vast amount of modern medicine has also been speedily delivered to local medical institutions, a claim that cannot be independently verified.

North Korea's nominally free socialist medical system remains in shambles, with defectors testifying that they had to buy their own medicine and pay doctors for surgeries and other treatments. They say North Korea's advanced hospitals are largely concentrated in Pyongyang, the capital, where the ruling elite and upper-class citizens loyal to the Kim family live.

Some experts earlier predicted that the COVID-19 outbreak could cause dire consequences in North Korea because most of its 26 million people are unvaccinated and about 40% of its people are reportedly undernourished. Now, they speculate that North Korea is likely underreporting its death count to prevent political damage to Kim Jong Un.

Lee, 29, the former North Korean medical student, said people in Hyesan didn't go to hospitals unless they were extremely sick.

"When they are moderately ill, they just receive acupuncture or Koryo herbal medicine. They trust Koryo medicine, but they also don't make much money and Koryo medicine is cheaper than Western medicine," Lee said.


Pope Francis apologized Monday for the Catholic Churchs role in Canadas former policy of separating Indigenous children from their families and forcing them to attend Christian schools, where many were abused.

"I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples," Pope Francis said at a former Indigenous residential school in the western Canadian town of Maskwacis, Alberta.

More than 150,000 Indigenous children in Canada were forced to attend government-funded Christian residential schools from the late 1880s to the 1970s in an effort to distance them from their native languages and cultures.

Many of the children were physically and sexually abused in a system that Canadas Truth and Reconciliation Commission has called cultural genocide.

Thousands of Indigenous peoples gathered Monday to hear the pope speak near the site of the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School, many wearing traditional dress. Others wore orange shirts, a symbol of residential school survivors.

The pope said the residential schools were a disastrous error that was incompatible with the gospel and said the schools had devastating effects on generations of Indigenous peoples.

"I ask forgiveness, in particular, for the ways in which many members of the church and of religious communities cooperated, not least through their indifference, in projects of cultural destruction and forced assimilation promoted by the governments of that time," he said.

He apologized for the Catholic Churchs support of a colonizing mentality and called for a serious investigation of the traumas inflicted on Indigenous children in Catholic educational institutions.

The pope has already apologized for the Catholic Church's role in the Canadian residential schools during a visit by Indigenous delegates to the Vatican earlier this year. However, this is the first time the pope has apologized on Canadian soil.

The abuses at the Canadian residential schools drew international attention in the past year following the discoveries of hundreds of potential burial sites at former schools. Canadas Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on the pope to apologize for the abuses on Canadian soil.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has apologized for Canadas role in the residential school system, saying it was an incredibly harmful government policy.

On his arrival in Canada on Sunday, the pope was met by representatives of Canadas three main Indigenous groups  First Nations, Metis and Inuit  along with Trudeau.

On his flight from Rome to Edmonton on Sunday, Francis told reporters "This is a trip of penance. Let's say that is its spirit."

The popes visit to Canada will also take him to Quebec City and Iqaluit, the capital of the territory of Nunavut.

The 85-year-old pope canceled a trip earlier this month to Africa because of a knee problem.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Kenyan local reports say 34 passengers on a bus have died after the vehicle swerved off a bridge and fell 40 meters into a valley.

The bus belonging to the Modern Coast company was traveling from the central town of Meru to the coastal city of Mombasa.

Rescue efforts resumed Monday morning and rescuers recovered more bodies and survivors after the Sunday evening accident.

Some of the injured are receiving treatment in nearby hospitals.

The Daily Nation reports an initial investigation showed that the buses brakes might have failed.

Witnesses say the bus driver had lost control of the vehicle before it fell into the river.

Reuters reports that Kenyas transport regulator has ordered all buses belonging to Modern Coast to suspend operations pending an investigation into the crash.

Kenyas National Transport and Safety Authority data shows 1,968 people died in road accidents in the first six months of 2022, compared to 1,800 in the same period last year.

The National Bureau of Statistics says 4,579 people died in traffic accidents last year in Kenya, up from 3,478 in 2020.
Russias state media-monitoring agency has blocked the website of the magazine Novaya rasskaz-gazeta for allegedly discrediting the Russian armed forces.

Roskomnadzor blocked the site on July 24 at the request of the Prosecutor-Generals Office, and there was no further explanation.

Novaya rasskaz-gazeta began publishing on July 15 and was produced by the staff of the respected newspaper Novaya gazeta, which suspended publication in March under pressure from the authorities over its coverage of Russias unprovoked war in Ukraine.

According to the staff of Novaya rasskaz-gazeta, the website lasted seven days and nine hours before being shut down.

Novaya gazeta began publishing in 1993 and was one of the most respected publications in post-Soviet Russia. The papers editor in chief, Dmitry Muratov, won the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize.

Some members of the papers staff left Russia after it stopped publishing and launched the newspaper Novaya gazeta.Europe. Roskomnadzor has blocked its website in Russia as well.

Shortly after the massive Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, which the Kremlin insists on calling a special military operation, Moscow quickly adopted a law criminalizing the dissemination of false information that discredits the armed forces. The law has been central to a massive crackdown against dissent over the war in Russia.
Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is visiting Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda and the Republic of Congo this week, trying to counteract Western blame of Russia for a growing global food crisis. Experts say Russia will push its own narrative as to why it's attacking Ukraine and use the visit to show it has friends.

Lavrov was in the Republic of Congo Monday, the second day of his tour, to meet with the leadership of the central African nation.



Steven Gruzd is the head of the Russia-Africa Program at the South African Institute of International Affairs, said Russia will play the victim card when meeting with African leaders.

Its a propaganda war as much as its a shooting war and we have seen from the Ukrainian side how successfully President Zelensky has used social media, Gruzd said. He gives daily messages, he talks to parliaments and to [the U.S.] Congress and to groups around the world. Virtually, he is seen being on the frontline and Russia is mounting a counter-offensive. I think this is all part of that same trend.

Gruzd said its interesting that it is an in-person visit rather than online communication.

I think it's deliberately calculated to show that Russia is not isolated, that Russia still has friends in the world, that Russia still cares about Africa, Gruzd said.



In Egypt, Lavrov met with Arab League leadership, seeking the support of the groups 22-member states and accusing the West of ignoring his countrys security concerns. He is expected to do the same when he visits African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.



Wale Olusola, who teaches international politics at Nigerias Obafemi Awolowo University, said Russia is using the African visit to clean up its image after invading Ukraine and seeks to influence the continent.



The visit reverberates across all of Africa, so there is a message it sends globally in terms of a new relationship that Russia is trying to cut, Olusola said. Russia can make a big deal out of this visit, to at least give the impression to other members of the global community that it's not isolated.

Olusola said Russia could be seeking a long-term gain as well.

These kinds of visits are not just diplomatic purely on the surface, Olusola said. We expect that some arrangement, some deals may be signed or informally agreed upon with Russia fairly in respect to countries that are having issues with security.



The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute said Africa imports almost half of its military equipment from Russia, adding that arms export is a critical component of Russias economic growth.



By the institutes count, the number of African countries buying weapons from Russia has grown to 21 from 16 in the 2000s. A handful of countries also use Russian-supplied mercenaries.



Olusola said African countries should use opportunities such as Lavrovs visit to push for their own interests and that Russia must be willing to provide some kind of concrete economic and financial support for the challenged African economies.

I think its an opportunity for African countries to reinstate the African position on the Ukraine crisis and, of course, to see ways beyond the Western relations and benefits it gets from Western countries, Olusola said.



At the United Nations General Assembly in March, 38 African countries condemned Russia's war on Ukraine, but supporters of Ukraine accuse African countries of doing too little to hold Russia accountable for its invasion.
Growing up in mid-sized Virginia Beach, Virginia, Andrew Waldholtz wanted to live in a big city, so he moved to the District of Columbia for college. After four years in the comparatively expensive city, he realized he wanted a place to live that was more affordable.



Waldholtz, 35, eventually found a happy compromise in St. Louis, Missouri, whose Midwestern affordability and opportunities to build his career in corporate compliance had an added bonus: His sister and brother-in-law lived there.



Now living 940 miles (1,513 kilometers) away from Virginia Beach, Waldholtz is in a distinct minority among others who reached adulthood in the 21st century in that he resides a half-continent away from where he grew up, according to a new study by U.S. Census Bureau and Harvard University researchers released Monday.



The study found that by age 26, more than two-thirds of young adults in the U.S. lived in the same area where they grew up, 80% had moved less than 100 miles (161 kilometers) away and 90% resided less than 500 miles (804 kilometers) away. Migration distances were shorter for Black and Hispanic individuals, compared with white and Asian young adults, and the children of higher-income parents traveled farther away from their hometowns than those of less wealthy parents, according to the study.



"For many individuals, the 'radius of economic opportunity' is quite narrow," the report said.



Young adulthood is a period in life when migration is highest in the U.S. The study looked at the likelihood of people born primarily between 1984 and 1992 moving away from the commuting zone they grew up in. Commuting zones are made up of one or more counties that reflect a local labor market, and there are more than 700 commuting zones in the U.S. The birth range in the study overlaps the generation typically referred to as millennials.



It turns out that the most common destinations for young adults were concentrated near where they grew up, said the study, which used decennial census, survey and tax data.



For instance, three-quarters of people who grew up in the Chicago area stayed there. Rockford was the top destination for people who moved away and stayed in Illinois but only represented less than 1% of the young adults from Chicago. Los Angeles was the top destination for those who moved out of state, but that accounted for only 1.1% of young adults from Chicago, according to an interactive data tool that accompanies the study.



Popular destinations



Where young adults moved to varied by race.



Atlanta was the most popular destination for young Black adults moving away from their hometowns, followed by Houston and Washington. Young Black adults who grew up in high-income households were multiple times more likely to move to these cities in a "New Great Migration" than those from low-income families, according to the study.



For white adults leaving their hometowns, New York, Los Angeles, Washington and Denver were the most population destinations. Los Angeles and New York were the top two destinations for Asians and Hispanic young adults. San Antonio and Phoenix also were popular with Hispanics, while San Francisco also appealed to Asian young adults.



Despite the region's economic woes and the prospect of job opportunities elsewhere, young adults in Appalachia were less likely to move far from their hometowns compared with those of similar incomes living elsewhere, the report said.



The reluctance of millennials to move far away is backed by recent studies showing declines in mobility in the U.S. for the overall population. In the middle of the last century, about a fifth of U.S. residents, not just young adults, moved each year. That figure has dropped steadily since the 1950s, going from about 20% to 8.4% last year, due to an aging population, dual-income households that make it more difficult to pick up and move and, more recently, the pandemic, according to a recent report from Brookings.



Multigenerational living



A Pew Research Center survey released last week showed that a quarter of U.S. adults ages 25 to 34 resided in a multigenerational family household in 2021, up from 9% in 1971. The age groups in the Pew study and the study by the Census Bureau and Harvard University researchers overlap to some degree.



When there were wage gains in a local labor market, most of the benefits went to residents who grew up within 100 miles (161 kilometers) rather than people who had migrated to the area. Wage increases' effect on migration to an area was rather small, and migrants likely would have moved there regardless of wage hikes. Young Black adults were less likely to move to a place because of wage hikes compared with white and Hispanic millennials, said the study released Monday.



Waldholtz, who is white, graduated into the recession in 2008 and went back to Virginia Beach for work.

"Probably the worst time ever to be looking for a job," he said. He eventually went to law school in Ohio and prioritized work opportunities when deciding where to live after graduation three years later.



"All of us need a job to pay our bills," Waldholtz said. "That factor has to be the most important factor."
The U.N. Women's agency representative in Afghanistan said Monday that the rollback on women's rights in that country is an "alarm bell" to the world that shows how decades of progress can be wiped away in months.

"Anywhere in the world, the act of walking outside your front door is an ordinary part of life," said Alison Davidian, deputy country representative for U.N. Women in Afghanistan. "But for many Afghan women, it is an act that is extraordinary. It is an act of resistance."

Davidian spoke to reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York via a video link from Kabul.

Her remarks come as more than 20 countries and international organizations meet with Taliban officials in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent. The Taliban are preparing to mark a year since they seized power after Ashraf Ghani's government collapsed, and he fled the country last August.

Since coming to power, the group has reneged on pledges not to restrict women's rights, increasingly cracking down on how they dress, on their ability to hold jobs outside the home, get an education, move freely or participate in political life.

"Combined, these restrictions limit the ability of women to earn a living, to access health and education, to escape situations of violence and to exercise their rights," Davidian said.

She said the many Afghan women she has met have told her they will not give up, and she urged countries to support civil society and empower women's rights groups in the country.

"Invest in women. Invest in services for women, jobs for women. Invest in women-led businesses, in women leaders and human rights organizations," she said.

Davidian emphasized that the full participation of women in Afghan society is a key to helping the country emerge from its current financial and economic crisis. She noted that some data project the loss of women's employment could deprive the economy of up to $1 billion or 5% of GDP.

She said that while Afghanistan is not the only country in the world where women's rights have been rolled back, the situation is an "alarm bell."

"What is happening in Afghanistan is a clarion call to everyone that the fight for women's rights in Afghanistan is a global fight. It is a battle for women's rights everywhere," she said. "And what we do, or fail to do, for women in Afghanistan reflects who we are and what we stand for as a global community."

Davidian said she is hopeful the situation can improve because of the strong tradition of Afghan women's rights advocates and activists. And with international support, she believes they can make progress in the fight for their rights.
The United States on Monday condemned Myanmars execution of political activists and elected officials and called on the military government to immediately end the violence.

"The United States condemns in the strongest terms the Burmese military regimes heinous execution of pro-democracy activists and elected leaders," the National Security Council said in a statement. Myanmar is also known as Burma.

The U.S. called on Myanmars rulers to release those they have unjustly detained and allow for a peaceful return to democracy in accordance with the wishes of the people of Burma.

Myanmar state media said the Southeast Asian country executed four democracy activists it had accused of helping carry out terror acts against the government that seized power last year in a coup. The four had been sentenced to death in January in a closed-door trial.

Those executed were democracy figure Kyaw Min Yu, better known as Jimmy; former lawmaker and hip-hop artist Phyo Zeya Thaw, an ally of ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi; and two others, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw.

The U.S. was among numerous critics of the executions.

United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said, I am dismayed that despite appeals from across the world, the military conducted these executions with no regard for human rights. This cruel and regressive step is an extension of the militarys ongoing repressive campaign against its own people.

She added, These executions  the first in Myanmar in decades - are cruel violations of the rights to life, liberty and security of a person, and fair trial guarantees. For the military to widen its killing will only deepen its entanglement in the crisis it has itself created.

Myanmar's National Unity Government, a shadow administration outlawed by the ruling military junta, said it was extremely saddened. ... The global community must punish their cruelty."

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshima Hayashi said, "This goes against our repeated calls for all detainees to be freed. It also will sharpen the feelings of the [Myanmar] people and worsen the conflict, as well as deepening Myanmar's isolation from the international community. It is a matter of deep concern."

Richard Horsey, a senior adviser on Myanmar at the International Crisis Group, said, "Any possibility of dialogue to end the crisis created by the coup has now been removed. This is the regime demonstrating that it will do what it wants and listen to no one. It sees this as a demonstration of strength, but it may be a serious miscalculation."

Amnesty International regional director Erwin van der Borght said the "executions amount to arbitrary deprivation of lives and are another example of Myanmars atrocious human rights record.  The international community must act immediately, as more than 100 people are believed to be on death row after being convicted in similar proceedings.

Some material in this report came from Reuters.
Samantha Power, administrator of the U.S. development agency USAID, announced new aid to tackle Somalias humanitarian crisis Sunday after meeting with Somalias President Hassan Sheikh Mahmud.

Power was accompanied by the U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Larry Andre, for the talks with Somalias president.

After the meeting, Power announced that USAID will contribute $476 million to help Somalia fight the prolonged drought that has devastated many parts of the Horn of Africa country.

In a statement issued by USAID and sent to VOA via email after the meeting, Power said with the new announcement, the United States has provided nearly $707 million in humanitarian assistance for the people of Somalia in fiscal year 2022.

Power said Somalia is the epicenter of the food crisis gripping the Horn of Africa, in a video posted on Twitter Sunday.

This isnt like other droughts, this isnt like other emergencies when four straight rainy seasons do not produce sufficient rain, we are looking at potentially an unprecedented catastrophe with millions of lives hanging in the balance, she said.

Power appealed to other countries and donors, including private citizens, to step up and support the people of Somalia.

However, at a news conference inside the U.S. embassy in the Somali capital Mogadishu, she said the U.S. has several concerns about delivery of the aid and is taking steps to alleviate them.

I want to stress this is both to avoid corruption and siphoning of resources to individuals who put their own welfare above of those of starving people, she said.

The U.N. Office of humanitarian affairs (OCHA) Somalia office said Sunday nearly half of Somalias population  7.7 million people  require humanitarian or protection assistance.

The U.N. says one out of eight children in Somalia are dying before turning five and one in 100 women of child-bearing age die due to pregnancy-related complications.

U.N. Food and Agriculture agency deputy emergency coordinator Ishaku Mshelia told VOA that food insecurity in Somalia has him worried.

The severity of the food shortages is really troubling and might be the worst I have seen, he said. What is unique about it that with fourth failed rainy season so the usual local supplies that cool down demand is not available.

Somalias president has appointed a drought response envoy who on Friday said that the droughts in Somalia are caused by the combined multiple effects of climate change, deforestation, and conflict.

He said in the last decade, more than ten million trees have been cut down and that people are consistently degrading the environment and risk turning the country into a desert.
Uzbekistan this week is hosting delegates from more than 20 countries and international organizations for a conference on Afghanistan, with envoys from the war-torn country's ruling Taliban and the United States among the participants.



The two-day international event in the capital, Tashkent, which is scheduled to run until Tuesday, comes as the Taliban prepares to mark the first year of their return to power in Afghanistan. No country, however, has yet to recognize the hardline group's male-only government in Kabul over human rights and terrorism-related concerns.



"The main objective of this conference is to combine all international efforts aimed at deterring the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan by providing effective and emergency assistance to the people of Afghanistan and taking political and economic measures at the international level," Javlon Vakhabov, the Uzbek ambassador to the U.S., told VOA.



"Another objective is about establishing an effective dialogue of the international community and developing consolidated positions in the fight against international terrorism," Vakhabov said.



The diplomat stressed that Uzbekistan currently has no intention to recognize the Taliban and the "primary focus" of the Tashkent conference "is about the recovery of Afghan economy."

Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is leading the Taliban delegation at the conference.



The U.S. team is being led by Thomas West, special envoy for Afghanistan, who will be accompanied by Rina Amiri, the special envoy for Afghan women, girls, and human rights, according to a State Department statement.



It said the delegation would join the international community at the conference to underscore Washington's "unwavering" support for the Afghan people and to call on the Taliban to fulfill their commitments.



"The international community is committed to a stable, peaceful, and inclusive Afghanistan that respects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans  including women and ethnic and religious communities  and that prevents terrorist threat from Afghan soil," the U.S. statement said.



US-Taliban talks



The statement added that the conference would be followed by direct talks between Taliban and U.S. delegates scheduled for Wednesday "to address the economic challenges faced by the Afghan people."



Brian Nelson, Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, would join the West for the meeting.



The negotiations between the U.S. and the Taliban are mainly focused on how to allow Afghanistan's central bank to use some $7 billion in frozen funds held in the United States to help bring the troubled economy back on track and help the country deal with a hunger crisis stemming from years of war and persistent drought.

U.S. President Joe Biden issued an executive order in February aimed at unfreezing half that amount for humanitarian aid to benefit the Afghan people. The rest would be held for ongoing terrorism-related lawsuits in U.S. courts against the Taliban.



Washington says it is "working to help find an appropriate mechanism that can serve as a steward of the $3.5 billion that President Biden set aside." But the Taliban demand the entire sum be released, insisting the money belongs to Afghanistan.



"The Taliban's ongoing and expanding restrictions on the rights of Afghan women and girls was a central focus of U.S. officials' engagement with the Taliban," the State Department said of last month's two-day meeting in Qatar.



The Islamist group retook control of Afghanistan on Aug. 15, 2021, when the Western-backed government collapsed and all U.S.-led foreign troops withdrew from the country after nearly 20 years of war with the Taliban.



The Islamist rulers have since significantly rolled back women's rights to work and education, and barred most teenage girls from resuming secondary school. They have defended their policies as in line with Afghan culture and Shariah or Islamic law. Women working in the public sector have been told to stay at home, with the exception of those who work for the ministries of education, health and a few others.

The United States defends its engagement with the Taliban, citing deteriorating economic and humanitarian conditions in Afghanistan. Washington says "a policy of pure isolation" cannot help it achieve its objectives.



Donald Lu, a senior U.S. diplomat for regional affairs, told VOA earlier this month, however, that no foreign government, including Russia, China and Iran, is contemplating legitimacy for Taliban rule in Afghanistan.



The U.N. lists Afghanistan among the world's largest humanitarian emergencies, where it estimates 18.9 million people  nearly half of the population  could be acutely food insecure between June and November 2022.



The international community is also pressing the Taliban to govern the conflict-torn South Asian nation through an inclusive political system where all Afghan groups have their representation.



Taliban leaders have ignored the criticism, maintaining that their government is inclusive and brought peace to the entirety of Afghanistan in a short period of time.



The United Nations, in an annual report issued this month on the status of human rights in the country, lamented the erosion of women's rights, which has been one of the most notable aspects of the Taliban takeover.



"Since 15 August, women and girls have progressively had their rights to fully participate in education, the workplace and other aspects of public and daily life restricted and in many cases completely taken away," the report said.

VOA Afghan Service contributed to this report.
President Joe Bidens COVID-19 symptoms have almost completely resolved, his physician said Monday.

The president has been isolated in the White House since he tested positive last Thursday.

Biden reported some residual nasal congestion and minimal hoarseness, Dr. Kevin OConner said in memo.

He said Biden, who is vaccinated and double boosted, is not experiencing any shortness of breath and is responding to therapy as expected.

The president has been taking the anti-viral drug Paxlovid as a treatment. He has also been given a small dose of aspirin as a blood thinner.

Health officials believe the BA.5 variant of omicron is what caused Bidens symptoms. Dr. Ashish Jha, White House coronavirus response coordinator, said the BA.5 omicron variant makes up 75% to 80% of the current COVID-19 cases in the United States.

Biden canceled his upcoming trips for the week, including a trip to Florida. However, he will continue to work and attend events virtually until he is cleared from isolation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

First lady Jill Biden tested negative for COVID-19 on Monday and is staying in their Delaware home until further notice. Vice President Kamala Harris also tested negative for COVID-19 on Monday and was cleared to travel to Indiana for an event on abortion.
Zimbabwe's central bank has introduced gold coins that it hopes will ease citizens demands for foreign currency. But economists and ordinary Zimbabweans are skeptical.

At the official launch of the gold coins in Harare on Monday, John Mangudya, head of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, said the coins are designed to reduce demand for U.S. dollars in the country.



Zimbabweans are largely shunning the weak local dollar in favor of U.S. greenbacks, which Zimbabweans see as more acceptable abroad and better at holding their value long term.



Mangudya said he hoped that Zimbabweans will now opt for the gold coins, which cost about $1,800 each.



We are now providing that store of value to ensure that people do not run to the parallel market in search for foreign currency to store value, he said. And there is no other better product that can be used to store value other than gold.

Mangudya said the coin is a sign of respect for the people of Zimbabwe.

We know what you have been going through in terms of the fear factor of losing value and therefore we are providing this gold coin, he said. Its a genuine gold coin to ensure that it is saved and invested there.



Mangudya said 2,000 coins will be manufactured, with future production depending on the publics appetite.

Prosper Chitambara, a senior researcher and economist at the Labor and Economic Development Research Institute of Zimbabwe, said despite the banks hopes he doubts the coins will drastically reduce demand for American dollars.



Even the demand for U.S. dollar as a store of value, it will also rise because there are still a lot of uncertainties relating to the convertibility of these gold coins -- are [they] internationally tradeable, especially given the trust and confidence issues? Chitambara said.

Chitambra also expressed caution about the coin.

Most people may not have money to buy this since most citizens are literally living from hand to mouth, Chitambara said.



One of those Zimbabweans struggling to get by is Christine Kayumba, a high school teacher in Harare.



The issue of gold coins to us teachers in Zimbabwe, is something we can dream of, Kayumba said. It means a teacher who is getting a salary of $190 to $200 would need nine to 10 months to buy one gold coin.

For Kayumba, that $200 of salary pays for transport, food, rent and money to send children to school. Its money to live, she said, not to buy a gold coin.

So, I believe the gold coins were meant for the rich people, not the ordinary teacher or any civil servant in Zimbabwe, she said.



Mangudya told reporters Monday that gold coins of lesser value would be minted in future to cater for people who have fewer resources.
Moving home is stressful for anyone -- and rhinoceroses are no exception.

Vets in South Africa have just transferred more than 30 orphaned young rhinos to a sanctuary designed to keep the animals safe from poachers who killed their mothers.

The move took six weeks and required extraordinary planning, including the help of animal friends who accompanied the orphans.

"We can't just move them all at the same time and go 'boom, there's a new home'," said Yolande van der Merwe, who oversees their new home.

"You have to take it on very carefully because they're sensitive animals," she said.

Van der Merwe, 40, manages the Rhino Orphanage, which cares for calves orphaned by poachers, rehabilitates them and then releases them back into the wild.

This month, after its old lease expired, the non-profit moved to bigger premises, in a secret location between game farms in the northern province of Limpopo.

Benji, a white calf who is only a few months old was the last rhino to relocate.

At birth, rhinos are small, not higher than an adult human knee, and tip the scales at around 20 kilograms (44 pounds).

But they eat a lot and quickly pick up weight, ballooning up to half a tonne in their first year of life.

Given Benji's recent loss, staff were worried he would freak out during the process that saw him anesthetized and loaded in the back of a 4x4.

But thankfully Benji's friend, Button the sheep, was by his side throughout the move -- and his presence helped ensure that everything went smoothly.

"Mostly, their mothers have been poached," said Pierre Bester, a 55-year-old veterinarian who has been involved with the orphanage since its founding 10 years ago.

"(They) all come here, and you handle them differently you put them in creches, give them a friend and then they cope."

'Love and care'



South Africa is home to nearly 80 percent of the world's rhinos.

But it is also a hotspot for rhino poaching, driven by demand from Asia, where horns are used in traditional medicine for their supposed therapeutic effect.

On the black market rhino horns fetch tens of thousands of dollars.

More than 450 rhinos were poached across South Africa in 2021, according to government figures.

At the sanctuary, orphaned calves are nursed back to health by a team of caregivers who sometimes pull 24-hour shifts, sleeping in the same enclosure as the animals to help them adjust.

"Rhinos have their calves at foot the whole day, 24/7, and that's the kind of care they require," said van der Merwe.

"So we need to give that intense love and care to get them through the trauma," she said, adding some younglings showed signs of post-traumatic-stress-disorder.

When they are fit enough, the animals are released back into the wild. Up to 90 percent normally make it.

At the new sanctuary, Benji and his friends enjoy bigger enclosures with more space to roam.

They are fitted special transmitters to monitor their movement as part of an array of security measures to keep poachers at bay.

The orphanage asked AFP's reporters not to disclose its new location.
The Zimbabwean government has refused to comment on a case of rape filed in Australia against President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Zimbabwean national, Susan Mutami, opened the case at a police station in Queensland in Australia alleging that Mnangagwa raped her on many occasions when she was 15 years at his home in Kwekwe where she stayed with the Mnangagwa family after her father died.

But presidential spokesperson, George Charamba, refused to comment saying he did not want to waste his time on such issues.

Mutami claims that Mnangagwa allegedly started abusing her at a hotel in Kwekwe and then continued doing so at his family home.

According to an online publication, ZimLive, Mutami filed the report at the Mount Ommaney police station on Monday morning under case number 4026120.

The publication reports that Mnangagwa allegedly warned her saying he was very powerful and could make her disappear if she went public about the rape.

Mutami, who claims that she has a child with the late General Sibusiso Moyo, was once detained in Zimbabwe by state security agents when she was leaving home for Australia.
Initiative offers blood donors free entry for two to Rome city museums.

Rome residents who give blood between now and 15 October will have free entry for two to participating municipal museums, as part of a drive to increase the blood supply in the city's hospitals.

The museums taking part in the initiative include Centrale Montemartini, Trajan's Markets, Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi, Ara Pacis, Galleria d'Arte Moderna on Via Francesco Crispi, Museo di Roma in Trastevere, Villa Torlonia and the Zoological Museum.

The Capitoline Museums offer blood donors a much-reduced entry fee of 2 while the initiative does not cover the temporary exhibitions at the Ara Pacis and Palazzo Braschi museums.

Donors simply present their certificate from the hospital in which they donated blood (or a copy of the certificate) at the ticket office of participating museums.

The initiative is part of the city's annual summer drive to encourage people to give blood at a time of year when donations decrease significantly.

Where to donate blood in Rome

Blood can be donated at centri transfusionali in Rome hospitals, always in the morning, however opening times vary from hospital to hospital.

Donors must be aged from 18 to 70 and blood can only be given on an empty stomach.
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Poultry processors Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight to pay restitution Three of the largest U.S. poultry processors have agreed to settle claims by the Justice Department over their alleged long-standing effort to share information about workers to drive down compensation. Cargill, Sanderson Farms and Wayne Farms have agreed to pay more than $84 million in restitution to workers harmed by the information sharing to resolve civil antitrust lawsuits, according to proposed consent decrees made public Monday.

The government also sued and reached a settlement including a data consulting firm, Webber, Meng, Sahl and Co.

Through a brazen scheme to exchange wage and benefit information, these poultry processors stifled competition and harmed a generation of plant workers who face demanding and sometimes dangerous conditions to earn a living, said Doha Mekki of the Justice Departments Antitrust Division in a statement.

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Under the agreement, Cargill Meat Solutions is to pay $15 million, Sanderson will pay $38.3 million and Wayne will pay $31.5 million.

The settlement was filed Monday in a U.S. District Court in Maryland shortly after the lawsuits were filed.

The department also said it had reached a settlement with Cargill and Continental Grain, which closed a deal on Friday to buy Sanderson Farms. Sanderson will be combined with Wayne Farms, a Continental Grain subsidiary.

 Reuters

Target to open 3 new package-sorting hubs

Target will open three new package-sorting centers during the next year  two in greater Chicago and one in the Denver area  to further its strategy of using stores to handle online orders.

The expansion will give Target nine of the mini-warehouses in the United States and more are planned for the coming years, according to a company statement Monday. The hubs, which receive goods from stores and forward them to customers, are designed to speed local deliveries and cut the shipping costs that typically make online orders less profitable than in-store sales.

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For Target, fulfilling online orders from stores yields savings of about 40 percent per package compared with shipping them from big distribution centers. Using sorting hubs eases the burden even more, and surging digital sales since the start of the pandemic are pushing the retailer to add more of the facilities as it vies for online orders with the likes of Amazon and Walmart. (Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post.)

The biggest part of fulfillment costs is shipping, Target Chief Operating Officer John Mulligan said at a recent briefing for reporters. Stores are the asset, theyre close to consumers. We continue to believe they are the fastest way to fulfill, and the cheapest.

Target says it recorded an increase of almost $13 billion in digital sales from 2019 to 2021.

 Bloomberg News

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A federal appeals court on Monday rejected Pfizer's challenge to a U.S. anti-kickback law the drugmaker said prevented it from helping heart failure patients, many with low incomes, afford medicine that cost $225,000 per year. A unanimous three-judge panel of the New York-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit rejected Pfizer's effort to directly cover co-pays for patients taking its Vyndaqel and Vyndamax drugs. The court agreed with a lower-court judge that Pfizer's Direct Copay Assistance Program violated a ban on "knowingly or willfully" providing financial support to induce federally reimbursable drug purchases, even absent corrupt intent.

The U.S. Energy Department on Monday announced it intends to loan a joint venture of General Motors and LG Energy Solution $2.5 billion to help finance construction of new lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing facilities. The conditional commitment for the loan to Ultium Cells for facilities in Ohio, Tennessee and Michigan is expected to close in the coming months and comes from the government's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing loan program.

 From news services

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China has embarked on one of the biggest shake-ups of the global iron-ore market in more than a decade. A newly minted state-owned group will be a hub for everything from huge mine investments in West Africa to buying the steelmaking material from international suppliers. It comes amid pandemic-related disruptions and rising geopolitical tensions that have highlighted threats to supply chains and made resource security a major focus for President Xi Jinping. Mining giants Rio Tinto Group, BHP Billiton and Vale SA will be looking to understand exactly what China is now planning for them.

1. What is the new company?

China Mineral Resources Group was established July 19 in Xiongan -- President Xi Jinpings greenfield city in Hebei province -- with a registered capital of 20 billion yuan ($3 billion). That puts it in the same league as Chinas national oil and gas pipeline company, or the state-owned aviation king, Comac. The groups mandate covers mining, ore processing and trading. Bloomberg News has reported it will manage overseas investments including the giant Simandou project in Guinea, which China sees as crucial for reducing its reliance on Australian ore, and eventually become the main or sole channel for buying ore.

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2. Whats the plan?

The goal is to tackle what Beijing says is a power imbalance between a clutch of global mining giants on the one hand and Chinas vast but fragmented steel industry on the other. China imports 1.1 billion tons of iron ore annually, at a cost in 2021 of about $180 billion. There are about 500 steel mills in China, of which the top 10 companies only contribute 40% of the national output production. Each of the individual steel plants are responsible for buying their own raw materials, while iron ore supply by contrast is highly concentrated. By centralizing purchasing, China aims to gain more clout with suppliers over pricing.

3. Why now?

People familiar with the matter have told Bloomberg that the companys creation was encouraged and closely monitored by top leaders in Beijing. They see a consolidated platform for buying resources as a way to strengthen the countrys negotiating position in an unfriendly international environment. Chinese leaders have repeatedly accused the US and its allies, including Australia, of ganging up to try to suppress Chinas global rise. As of last year, Australia was responsible for more than 60% of Chinas imports of iron ore, despite deteriorating relations between the two countries.

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4. Whos at the helm?

A mini whos who of Chinas mining and metals industry. Yao Lin, former chairman of Aluminum Corp. of China, or Chinalco, will be chairman. General manager is Guo Bin, executive vice president of China Baowu Steel Group Co., which as the countrys top steelmaker is a huge iron ore consumer. Others include current and former officials at Ansteel Group, MMG Ltd and the National Development and Reform Commission, Chinas economic planning agency.

5. What are the numbers?

Since the top executives of the new company came from the top two steelmakers in the country, its expected that it would import iron ore on their behalf. Baowu and Ansteel jointly produce over 230 million tons of steel a year and are expanding by merging with rivals. That indicates that the new company will likely import at least 460 million tons of iron ore a year, or more than 40% of the Chinese total. In addition, the inclusion of Simandou gives the new group responsibility for one of the worlds biggest and most important new mines, which Rio has estimated could produce 100 million tons of ore a year.

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6. Whats the back story?

Prior to 2010, iron ore prices were fixed for a whole year in annual talks led by the biggest miners and the biggest steelmakers in Europe and Asia. But the rapid expansion of Chinese demand in the early 2000s spurred the creation of a separate spot market that was often way out of whack with annual prices. Annual negotiations became increasingly fraught, and BHP spearheaded the move to floating prices thats been in place since. Chinas steel industry regularly complains about the market mechanism, especially when prices are high. Beijings push for centralized purchasing also carries echoes of the even more distant past, when only designated trade agencies were allowed to import raw materials.

7. What do the miners say?

Any attempt to reshape this trade will have ramifications for companies like BHP and Rio, which get more than half their revenue from iron ore. So far, though, the miners havent sounded any alarm publicly. BHP Chief Financial Officer David Lamont told a business forum in Melbourne that his company believes markets will sort out where the price needs to be based on supply and demand, according to The Australian. Fortescue CEO Elizabeth Gaines said her company will continue to optimize distribution channels to meet the needs of Chinas steel industry. Rio Tinto has declined to comment. Meanwhile, Philip Kirchlechner, director of Iron Ore Research in Perth, suggested that if a buying cartel were established, suppliers might decide to form a cartel of their own, like an OPEC of iron ore.

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8. Are there precedents in other commodities?

Sort of. China has more informal purchasing groups in some sectors. The big state-owned oil refiners including Sinopec have been buying crude together for two years, collectively issuing bids for certain Russian and African grades. Copper smelters including Jiangxi Copper Co., have a group which collectively negotiates raw materials contracts with BHP and other miners. Its got more than 10 members, accounting for more than 80% of imports. But this is still well short of a separate legal entity charged with being a middle-man for the industry.

9. Will it work?

Thats debatable, and depends on just what the goals are. Channeling all of Chinas iron ore imports through one entity would be a gargantuan task. And history has shown difficulties with centralized trade, including corruption and other inefficiencies. And even if China charges this new iron ore champion with buying for, say, three or four of the top producers, that wouldnt necessarily have much bearing on spot prices. Skeptics will argue supply and demand is more important.

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 A deep dive into how Chinas quest for iron in Guineas Simandou mountains is jeopardizing a biologically rich ecosystem.

 More QuickTakes on the China-Australia spat, the Quad alliance and Aukus, and Chinas big pipeline plans.

 Bloomberg Opinions Javier Blas on a nascent steel crisis.

 A ranking of the worlds biggest steelmakers.

 Bloomberg Businessweek on the billion-dollar hack that led to Rios China crisis.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

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Close to 3 billion people have never used the internet, and billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are on a mission that could narrow the digital divide. The two entrepreneurs are competing to launch thousands of small satellites that will zip around the globe in whats known as low-Earth orbit (LEO), connecting places that are too remote for ground-based broadband or have been cut off by natural disasters or conflict. China and some European nations are backing rival LEO systems for fear of being shut out of a critical future technology. But colonizing this special slice of Earths atmosphere comes with heavy startup costs as well as complex and potentially dangerous challenges.

1. How low is LEO?

Most LEO satellites circle from 500 kilometers (311 miles) to 2,000 kilometers above Earths surface, so they can send data to the ground more rapidly than traditional communication satellites that are stationed at roughly 36,000 kilometers out. Those high-orbit systems have a median signal delay, or latency, of nearly 600 milliseconds for a round trip -- too slow for technologies such as live video streaming, self-driving cars and high-frequency securities trading. Starlink aims for latency as low as 20 milliseconds, which Musk hopes eventually to cut in half. At those speeds, LEO satellites may compete with the fastest ground networks.

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2. Why so many satellites?

Satellites that are closer to Earth see a smaller part of its surface, so you need more of them. Also, the speed needed for an object to keep a stable orbit -- achieved by balancing its velocity with Earths gravity -- increases in LEO, so a satellite must travel at about 27,000 kph to stay aloft, circling the planet in 90 to 120 minutes. As each satellite is only briefly in contact with a ground transmitter, another needs to appear on the horizon before the first goes out of view. To ensure theres always a satellite overhead, you need lots of them strung out along crisscrossing paths that envelop the globe.

3. How will the companies make money?

By selling their services to governments, businesses working in remote regions and providers of terrestrial 5G wireless and fixed-line broadband services that need to fill gaps in their own networks. The technology was put through its paces in Ukraine, where Musks Starlink system helped to keep civilians and the military online after Russian forces invaded. The companies also aim to sell direct to consumers in poorer nations where broadband is patchy. For that, theyll have to cut the cost of the ground terminals: A Starlink package costs $599 in the US, excluding the connection fee. Past LEO projects such as Iridium, Globalstar and Orbcomm went bankrupt. Todays are more viable as satellite launch costs have plunged with the introduction of lighter, reusable rockets. Musks Falcon 9 can send up a satellite at a cost of $2,600 per kilogram, down from roughly $10,000 two decades ago. His company Space Exploration Technologies Corp. estimated that Starlink may cost up to $30 billion to install, and Musk has said that annual revenue could eventually reach $50 billion, helping to bankroll his ultimate ambition -- colonizing Mars.

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4. What about the competition?

Musks rivals arent far behind. In April, Bezoss Amazon.com Inc. struck the biggest launch deal ever, to send up more than 3,000 satellites for his Project Kuiper network. China is building a LEO constellation, and some European governments are eager to develop an independent capability of their own. French President Emmanuel Macron said creating a satellite offering that could rival Musk is a matter of sovereignty. In July, French satellite operator Eutelsat Communications SA said it was in talks to merge with UK-based LEO network OneWeb Ltd., part-owned by Indian billionaire Sunil Mittal and the British government. By the end of the decade, there could be more than 100,000 satellites zipping around the Earth, more than 20 times the number in operation in early 2022. Astronomers have already noticed the growing traffic, complaining that Starlink satellites are interfering with their view of space.

5. Whats the downside of LEO?

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Because the satellites are moving so fast, collisions are harder to predict and can be devastating. A 10-centimeter chunk of debris traveling in LEO can contain about as much energy as 7 kilograms of TNT, enough to shatter a satellite into thousands of pieces. Radar detection systems can estimate a satellites trajectory only to within a few miles as solar radiation and atmospheric drag make orbital paths slightly irregular. LEO is already used by satellites for climate observation, Earth imaging and military purposes, as well as the International Space Station. Its also littered with dead satellites and stray bits of old spacecraft. Theres a worry that a few collisions could cascade into further smashes, creating clouds of debris that put LEOs most useful orbits off-limits for centuries. There are various proposals for removing space junk. But they would cost billions of dollars, and governments cant decide who would pay the bill.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

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Elon Musk probably took it for granted that his space exploration company would launch and land the first private space mission to Mars. If he did think SpaceX had cornered the market, though, he doesnt anymore. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight This week, two space startups announced an audacious plan to send a lander to Mars in late 2024. The technical hurdles are high. But even if the mission fails, it will create something important and lasting: a space race between private companies, not nation-states.

Companies have always had a role in space exploration. The early accomplishments of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, including the Apollo moon landings, depended on private aerospace contractors. Later, companies came to dominate the design and operation of communication and other types of commercial satellites.

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But exploration for explorations sake has remained an activity that wealthy countries pursue for prestige, glory and military advantage rather than for profit.

The problem is that exploration and science is sometimes too difficult and expensive to justify the pursuit of glory. For most of the space age, Mars has been that kind of destination, foiling around half of all missions hoping to land or orbit on it and its moons.

In the early 2000s, Musk famously began branching out from pioneering electric cars and started looking into NASAs plans for sending people to Mars. When he found that there were none, he began laying the groundwork for SpaceX. Musks  and SpaceXs  stated long-term goal is to make humanity multiplanetary.

To get there, SpaceX and its engineers have tried to lower the cost of getting into space by developing reusable rocket systems. Theyve succeeded better than anyone could have imagined.

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In 2011, a kilogram of cargo launched on the NASA Space Shuttle cost around $30,000; today, one kilogram of payload launched on SpaceXs workhorse Falcon 9 rocket costs around $1,200. Lower costs have not only expanded the market for launch services beyond governments and the biggest corporations, theyve also enabled Musk to add a note of practicality to his grand dreams of Mars.

In April of 2016, SpaceX announced plans to send a spacecraft without a crew to the Martian surface as soon as 2018. The plan sounded plausible; both the rocket and the landing craft were in advanced stages of development (and both have since launched). The mission would be financed by SpaceX and Musk, with operational and technical support from NASA, but no money.

The plan turned out to be politically and financially untenable, and Musk canceled it just over a year after the initial announcement. In its place, he announced a new Mars mission architecture, highlighted by the development of a reusable spacecraft dubbed Starship, which SpaceX describes as the most powerful launch vehicle ever developed. Starship is expected to perform its first orbital test flight soon, but theres been no announced timeline for travel beyond Earth.

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That doesnt mean there isnt hope for a commercial mission to Mars. Over the two decades since SpaceX was founded, the global space sector has grown into a $447 billion industry (it was worth $162 billion in 2005), with at least 20 companies capable of satellite and orbital launches. As the number of companies grow, so too do entrepreneurship and expertise. And some of that expertise strikes out on its own.

Tom Mueller is one of those entrepreneurs. In 2002, he was SpaceX employee No. 1, and over an 18-year career he played the crucial role in developing engines and propulsion systems for the companys rockets and spacecraft. After retiring, he indulged his passion for race cars until founding Impulse Space last year. The firm is focused on building sustainable propulsion systems to move objects already in space, from satellites to space junk.

Its the kind of brash ambition that made SpaceX a success, so it shouldnt come as a total surprise that Mueller is seeking to beat his former boss to Mars. Impulse Spaces partner in the venture is Relativity Space Inc., a 7-year-old company that plans to use 3D printing to make reusable launch vehicles.

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Like Impulse, Relativity has SpaceX DNA; its vice president of engineering and manufacturing, Zach Dunn, worked under Mueller for years. Last year, he approached Mueller about putting together a mission that would draw attention to its new rocket, which is intended to compete directly against SpaceX.

Will it work? The architecture of the Mars mission utilizes the innovative capabilities of both companies, while also relying on NASA for safe entry into the Martian atmosphere. (NASA landed a rover there last year.) If the effort succeeds, NASA and other companies are likely to embrace the opportunity to pay for transport on future missions.

Thats a space race worth cheering about. Government-run space programs continue to advance science and engineering around the world. But the future of space exploration will be defined by fast-moving private companies in competition with each other. The race to put the first commercial rocket on Mars doesnt have the same allure as sending the first human to the moon. But the achievement would be just as important to the development of a multiplanetary species. Let the best rocket win.

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More From Other Writers at Bloomberg Opinion:

 Branson Vs. Bezos: Who Really Wins This Space Race?: Chris Bryant

 Elon Musk Leaves Vladimir Putin Stranded on Earth: Clara Ferreira Marques

 Space Travel Is a Business Now. Thats Good.: Michael R. Strain

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.

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The must-read reporting over the weekend was Jonathan Swans series at Axios exploring the efforts of former President Donald Trumps supporters and other Trump-friendly Republicans to prepare to staff a potential Trump second term. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight During the presidential nomination competition in 2015-2016, Republican party actors generally opposed Trump, in part because they considered him a risky general election candidate and in part because they were not convinced he would be reliable on matters of public policy.

When push came to shove, however, the elected officials, party professionals, interest group activists, party-aligned media figures and others who might have prevented his nomination chose not to challenge him, mainly because by the time of the Republican National Convention in July they were convinced he was willing to abide by party preferences in most policy areas. Notably, Trump had shown that he was willing to add conventional Republicans to his campaign, and the pattern continued into the presidency.

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Trumps White House was always a disorganized mess, and he had quite a number of White House staffers and executive branch choices who wouldnt have been part of a Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio presidency. But there were plenty of conventional choices, and most of the unusual ones were Republicans on the fringes of the party, not (in most cases, at least) Trumps personal loyalists.

Four years of a Trump presidency, however, have turned the fringes into the party mainstream, and the fringes have evolved in Trumps direction.

Swan describes efforts already underway for staffing a second Trump administration along with criteria for selecting personnel. Trump himself is described as obsessed with the 2020 election, and what he mainly cares about is finding people who affirm his false accounts of fraud; anyone unwilling to falsely claim that Trump won the election need not apply for any position.

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But as the hearings of the House Select Committee investigating the attack on the US Capitol of Jan. 6, 2021 have demonstrated, practically no one from the Trump campaign, nor anyone in the administration who knew anything about elections, believed Trumps lies, which is why he wound up bringing in outsiders to make his case. That means that anyone eligible for a future Trump administration job is either a sycophant willing to pretend to believe dangerous nonsense, or a fool who believes dangerous nonsense after its been revealed that those who propagated it didnt even believe it.

The second, overlapping qualification for a job appears to be true belief in the Trump agenda. In some cases, that means the narrow set of issues on which Trump seems to have impulses (someone who knows so little about public policy cant be said to hold actual positions): Against overseas alliances, against traditional allies and for foreign authoritarian governments, against immigration and immigrants, against international trade. But it also means embracing the lawlessness that Trump embodies and thus wanting to dismantle the Justice Department and undermine loyalty to the rule of law. As Swan reports, what Trump and his allies most want is to eliminate anyone who resisted Trumps requests on the grounds that they were illegal.

The third qualification appears to favor people preparing to carry out extreme conservative policies  not things Trump cares about at all, but goals that movement conservatives such as former Senator Jim DeMint, whom Swan reports is involved in one of the groups vetting names, have tried and failed to accomplish in Republican administrations from at least Ronald Reagan through Trump.

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A lot of those policies dont get implemented because theyre unpopular, and even very conservative presidents shy away from them; others dont happen because they cant pass Congress and enacting them without legislation would probably be blocked by the courts. Advocates of these policies know that Trump doesnt pay any attention to what goes on unless its on TV, can be easily manipulated because he doesnt bother to learn much, and doesnt care if something his people try to do is said to be illegal.

Its fine for a presidential candidate to make preparations to fight for policies he or she supports. Indeed, its generally a good sign if a candidate takes the possible transition and subsequent governing seriously, beginning with intense demands for staffing the White House and the executive branch. That includes recognizing that the bureaucracy can have a strong status quo bias that makes presidential initiatives hard to implement.

Unfortunately, most of what Trump and his allies appear to bepreparing for is a fight against the law and the constitutional order. Trump has never understood that presidents are not dictators, and he appeared to take it personally whenever anyone in the political system resisted his preferences  not realizing that pushback from the executive branch, the judiciary and Congress was not personally directed at him, but was part of how diverse legitimate interests are represented within a democratic government. Therefore, what Trump and his allies are attempting to do is likely to end either with the kinds of fiascos and failures that wound up with Trump impeached twice  or with his victory over the republic and the end of Constitutional government.

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And even if Trump does not regain the White House, his allies  those who meet one or more of the overlapping criteria  have become the mainstream of the party, with all the radicalism and lawlessness that goes with that. Personnel is policy, and it should come as no surprise that the pro-democracy faction within the party has increasingly been marginalized, if not purged. The party leaders who chose not to fight hard against Trump in 2016 have plenty to answer for.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Jonathan Bernstein is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering politics and policy. A former professor of political science at the University of Texas at San Antonio and DePauw University, he wrote A Plain Blog About Politics.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

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Mark Zuckerberg will probably wish he was hydrofoiling in Hawaii on Wednesday instead of revealing Meta Platforms Inc.s second-quarter earnings. Analysts have curbed their estimates for the social giant, and Zuckerbergs own foreboding comments to staff suggest the numbers wont be good. He also will have to face a stark reality about the aimlessness of WhatsApp, his biggest investment to date.

Challenges abound across Zuckerbergs conglomerate. Instagram is mired in trying to copy ByteDance Inc.s TikTok, with mixed success. Young people dont want to use Facebook, whose overall growth has slowed, and Apple Inc. is blocking advertisers on Facebooks app from targeting people.

But then theres WhatsApp. The little green app that never really went mainstream in the US is the most popular messaging service for most of the rest of the world. Approximately 2 billion people actively use WhatsApp, but in Zuckerbergs universe it has been more of a defensive ploy and earnings void than a money maker like Instagram.

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The contrast couldnt be more stark: Zuckerberg bought Instagram for $1 billion in 2012 and the app contributed $20 billion to Facebooks revenue in 2019 alone. He bought WhatsApp for $19 billion in 2014, and it has contributed pennies by comparison.

Its astonishing that eight years after Zuckerberg made the acquisition, he has yet to turn WhatsApp into a remotely viable business. Founded in 2009, WhatApp initially made money from a 99 cent annual subscription because its founders despised ads. After the sale, both eventually quit over how Meta was trying to monetize the app with advertising. But by 2020, Meta had backed away from that idea, and said it would try charging businesses to engage with customers on the app instead. (ref)

It looked for a while as if WhatsApp might actually become central to Facebooks future as a business. In March 2021, Zuckerberg announced his privacy-focused vision for social networking and predicted a future where communication would shift to private services like WhatsApp.

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But seven months later, Zuckerbergs vision had changed. He announced that the future of the internet lay in the immersive world of the metaverse, representing the next chapter for newly named Meta. Beyond an announcement about the launch of a new customer chat service on WhatsApp in May, Zuckerberg has said little about messaging since.

WhatsApps place within the Meta hierarchy has bobbed up and down like a hydrofoil board. And now, with Zuckerberg resolved to pivot to virtual reality, the apps real value is likely to come from something more ignoble than making money as a viable business. It will probably be the sacrificial offering that Zuckerberg needs to fend off antitrust regulators.

That would explain Zuckerbergs lack of drive to turn WhatsApp into a going concern. The problem has never been that its too difficult to make money from messaging. After all, Tencent Holdings Ltd.s WeChat  a messaging competitor in China  generated more than $500 million in June 2022 alone, according to an estimate by market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, largely from payments, advertising and acting as a gateway to games.

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The problem was that Zuckerbergs primary motivation for buying WhatsApp in the first place was to fend it off as a competitive threat, according to mounting evidence from antitrust regulators like the US Federal Trade Commission. Facebook executives even fretted about how WhatsApp might threaten Facebooks business after it had been acquired by the firm, according to a Bloomberg news report last week. That hardly sounds like a parent company with grand visions for its subsidiary.

Now to deal with the FTCs attempt to force the company to divest both WhatsApp and Instagram as part of a lawsuit against the firm, Metas lawyers may push for a settlement that includes divesting just one. If they do, you can probably guess which company Zuckerberg would prefer to carve off.

How might a sale of WhatsApp work in practice? With no substantial revenue, an IPO would be off the table. Meta could sell the company to a private equity consortium, or a company like Microsoft Inc., which has indicated an interest in buying a messaging business before, and (somewhat oddly) has managed to make an array of big acquisitions over the last few years without evoking real scrutiny from antitrust officials. If Softbanks eventual IPO of Arm Holdings proves fruitful, and Masayoshi Son decides to shift his own focus from artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to the world of messaging, he could be a potential buyer, too.

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But closing that chapter on WhatsApp will highlight an unsettling truth for Metas investors: The company cant seem to make money from anything other than traditional online advertising.

Digital advertising makes up approximately 98% of Metas revenue. Meta  like Alphabet Inc.s Google  is hooked on the business. While Microsoft and Amazon Inc. have managed to diversify into cloud computing and gaming, Meta has failed to do the same with cryptocurrency, e-commerce and, of course, messaging.

Maybe the metaverse will be different, and Zuckerberg will find a way to pivot his thriving ad business to virtual reality. But the humbling shift in WhatsApps value from potential business to Metas most likely regulatory offering underscores how much that vision is on shaky ground.

More From Writers at Bloomberg Opinion:

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AT&T Jumps Out of the Media Pan and Into the Dividend Fire: Martin Peers



Mark Zuckerbergs Ruthlessness Is What Facebook Needs Now: Parmy Olson



Chinas Cyber Isolationism Has Severe Security Implications: Tim Culpan

(1) That year around 175 million people were exchanging messages with a business on WhatsApp every day, a promising start but still only about 8% of its total user base.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Parmy Olson is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering technology. A former reporter for the Wall Street Journal and Forbes, she is author of We Are Anonymous.

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This account, in previously unreported detail, shines new light on the road to war and the military campaign in Ukraine, drawn from in-depth interviews with dozens of senior U.S., Ukrainian, European and NATO officials.

MORE COVERAGE
Pressed by the West to condemn the invasion, these governments also seek to maintain access to Russian grain and other exports and to preserve friendly ties with Russia that in some cases date back to the Soviet era. Seeing no gain in alienating either side, some have tried to simply not take sides in the conflict. Refuses to condemn Russia: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Credit:AP For his part, Egypts president, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, has refused to condemn Moscow as strongly as the US wanted. And on Sunday, after meeting with Lavrov, the Egyptian foreign minister, Sameh Shoukry, had warm words for his counterpart. Egyptian-Russian relations are historical, characterised by friendship and branched out into many fields politically, economically and culturally, Shoukry declared at a news conference. We look forward to further close cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interest, he said.

Lavrov said Russian agricultural exporters were committed to meeting their obligations and that Russian and Egyptian ministries had agreed to continue cooperating on the issue, according to Russian and Egyptian media reports. We have reiterated the Russian grain exporters adherence to their commitments, he said at a joint news conference with Shoukry, adding that Russia and Egypt had a common understanding concerning the causes of the grain crisis. Loading Western nations, too, have waged a concerted campaign in the region, trying to keep countries from getting too close to Russia. Ahead of Lavrovs visit Sunday, Western diplomats in Cairo lobbied Egypt behind the scenes not to give the Russian minister too warm a reception. The American special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mike Hammer, was also set to visit the region starting on Sunday, with plans to travel to Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia for talks. The same day, the US Embassy in Cairo reminded reporters in a news release that President Joe Biden had pledged $US50 million for Egypt to help offset the rapid rise in prices of wheat and other staple foods set off by Russias invasion of Ukraine.

But Western attempts at counter-programming, including editorials and social media posts, have done little to attract more public support in the Middle East. Russian disinformation and propaganda have found fertile ground in a region where many Arabs have long harboured anti-American and anti-Western sentiment stemming from the US invasion of Iraq and Western support for Israel. For months, the United States, Britain and the European Union have tried to turn the argument in their favour by laying the responsibility for the soaring price of bread and other basic foods squarely at Putins feet, roundly condemning Russia for shutting down the flow of Ukrainian grain to the world through the Black Sea. On Friday, Russia agreed to a deal brokered by the United Nations and Turkey that would allow Ukraine to export its grain. The next morning, however, Russian missiles hit the port of Odesa, raising questions about whether the deal might collapse. Samantha Power, administrator of the US Agency for International Development, said in a video posted Saturday from Kenya, where she was travelling, that the Odesa attack was just the latest indication of the cold indifference Vladimir Putin has for the cost of the war in Ukraine, a man-made war that he created for no reason. Ukraine, for its part, said the arrangement was still on. Oksana Markarova, Ukraines ambassador to the United States, told CBS Face the Nation on Sunday that Ukraine would do everything possible to feed the world. The strikes on Odesa, Markarova said, demonstrated that Russia was not operating in good faith. Our farmers are even planting and harvesting under the fire, she said.

In March, el-Sissi called Putin to reaffirm Egypts commitment to cooperation after it voted in favour of a United Nations resolution to condemn the invasion. And last month, he gave a speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia. Elsewhere on the African continent, public opinion has appeared to waver between support for Ukraine and sympathy with Russias justification of its invasion. While few African leaders have publicly supported Russia, no African countries have joined the American and European sanctions against Moscow. That balancing act was apparent last month when the head of the African Union, President Macky Sall of Senegal, met with Putin. Sall implored Putin to free up the trapped Ukrainian grain  but he also echoed Moscows argument that Western sanctions had worsened the food crisis, explicitly calling for lifting restrictions on exports of Russian wheat and fertiliser. Though the sanctions do not cover those commodities, shipping companies, insurers, banks and other businesses have been reluctant to do business with Russia for fear of breaking the rules or harming their reputations.

In his article ahead of the trip to Africa, Lavrov praised African leaders for resisting Western pressure to join the sanctions against Russia. Such an independent path deserves deep respect, he wrote. Putin has traded heavily on his theme of Russia as leading a worldwide uprising against Western hegemony. Again and again, he has repeatedly described the Americans and their European allies as a golden billion. They live well, he says, at the expense of the rest of the world. That argument is likely to resonate with many Arabs and Africans who resent the Wests long history of meddling in their affairs and extracting their resources. Why should this golden billion, which is only part of the global population, dominate everyone else and enforce its rules of conduct that are based on the illusion of exceptionalism? Putin said Wednesday at a forum in Moscow. It mainly got to where it is by robbing other peoples in Asia and Africa. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
London: Britain will host next years Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of winners Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict there, the competitions organisers said on Monday.

While decades-long tradition dictates that the winner of the contest gets to host it the following year, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) had said safety and security reasons meant runners-up Britain were instead invited to host.

Kalush Orchestra from Ukraine celebrating after winning Eurovision 2022 in May. Credit:AP

The BBC will now stage the event, which normally draws a television audience of close to 200 million and was last held in Britain in 1998. Ukraine will automatically qualify to the grand final of the competition, the EBU said.

It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, BBC Director-General Tim Davie said in a statement.
PLAINFIELD TWP., Pa. - All aboard! Grand Central Landfill is planning a bus tour of its Plainfield Township waste facility.

"An event for all ages - bring the family!" the landfill says in its invitation for the event on Aug. 22.

Waste Management Inc., which owns the landfill, has been making a pitch for a zoning change to expand the facility by 325 acres. That would extend the useful life of the facility by about 20 years. Otherwise, it will be closed in 2028, and that means millions of dollars in host fees and taxes would stop flowing to Plainfield, neighboring towns and school districts.

Plainfield Township so far has not gone along with the plan, and some residents have complained about their homes being a trash haven for the region.

The "Tour du Trash," so to speak, will show how the landfill is managed to protect the environment and generate electricity, according to an invitation from Waste Management. Anyone who wishes to attend should register by Aug. 15 by email to afors1@wm.com or call 1-888-373-2917.

Last week, Waste Management's Scott Perin said a trash disposal problem is coming to the Lehigh Valley.

"There is a very big waste crisis that's starting in the New England area and moving down the East Coast," Perin, area director of disposal operations, told a Northampton County Council committee.

The local population is growing, he said, and the stuff people throw away has to go somewhere.

Waste Management's operations in Plainfield support 126 jobs directly, in addition to the millions of dollars generated for towns, schools and charities, according to Adrienne Fors, senior community relations specialist for the company.

In Plainfield, the host of $2.2 million is equivalent to $1,042 per household, according to Waste Management. If the landfill closes, that will drop to zero.

The tour is an opportunity to see how a modern landfill operates, Fors said at the council meeting last week.

"Landfills are more than just a big hole in the ground," she said.

The Aug. 22 tour will start at 5:30 p.m. at 910 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Pen Argyl. Registration is required by Aug. 15.

Houston-based Waste Management trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol WM. Its shares closed Friday at $155.48. The company's market capitalization (the total value of all shares outstanding) is $64.6 billion.
A Fleetwood man could face more than three years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Alan Byerly, 55, entered a guilty plea Monday in federal court to two charges: assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and assault by striking, beating and wounding.

The other charges against Byerly were dropped as part of the agreement.

Attorneys for the U.S. government once again presented evidence they said they could prove in court if the case had gone to trial.

Byerly did take some issue with the details regarding the incident with a taser-like device.

"The part about pointing at the officers, I actually held it upwards," he said. "I did not point it at 'em."

When asked by the judge, Byerly said he was high school educated and had not previously received any mental health treatment.

He initially pleaded not guilty in November after he was charged in September with multiple offenses, including assault.

Authorities say Byerly, who was seen wearing a Kutztown beanie and carrying a Taser-like device, assaulted police officers and a news photographer amid the chaos on Capitol Hill.

According to the judge at the hearing, Byerly could face more than three years behind bars and be forced to pay thousands in restitution.

A sentencing hearing is slated for Oct. 21.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Thousands of people arguing the abortion issue surrounded the Indiana Statehouse and filled its corridors Monday as state lawmakers began consideration of a Republican proposal to ban nearly all abortions in the state and Vice President Kamala Harris denounced the effort during a meeting with Democratic legislators.

Harris said during a trip to Indianapolis that the abortion ban proposal reflects a health care crisis in the country. Despite the bills abortion ban language, anti-abortion activists lined up before a legislative committee to argue that the bill wasnt strict enough and lacked enforcement teeth.

Indiana is one of the first Republican-run state legislatures 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.

Maybe some people need to actually learn how a womans body works, Harris said Monday, eliciting murmurs and laughs from the Democratic legislators. The parameters that are being proposed mean that for the vast majority of women, by the time she realizes she is pregnant, she will effectively be prohibited from having access to reproductive health care that will allow her to choose what happens to her body."

Confrontations erupted periodically between anti-abortion and abortion-rights demonstrators around the Indiana Statehouse. One person carrying a message on cardboard  Forced Birth Is Violence  followed a man, who carried a fake red fetus in a plastic bag over his shoulder, and tried to obscure his sign that read Save Our Babies.

Some people had virulent arguments encircled by other demonstrators

You think you should dictate my life and my kids lives. Thats what youre saying, Kait Schultz, who wore a dark gray Pregnant and Pissed shirt, shouted to Christopher Monaghan.

You dont want to have a conversation, Monaghan replied as they spoke over each other. He held a vertical sign that read Babies Lives Matter.

Elsewhere Monday, Lawmakers in West Virginia's Republican majority hurried to advance legislation that would criminalize abortion with few exceptions. A bill introduced Monday makes providing an abortion a felony carrying up to 10 years in prison. It provides exceptions only in cases where there is an ectopic pregnancy, a nonmedically viable fetus or a medical emergency.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice abruptly added state abortion law to the states Legislatures agenda for a special session he called for Monday to focus on his income tax cut plan.

In his announcement, Justice asked legislators to clarify and modernize the state abortion laws in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling. A week ago, a Charleston judge blocked enforcement of the states 150-year-old abortion ban, saying the recent laws enacted by the West Virginia Legislature hopelessly conflict with the criminal abortion ban.

In Tennessee, meanwhile, the attorney generals office said its still unknown when the states anti-abortion trigger ban will go into effect, but some state lawmakers are raising alarm that the ban has no exceptions for victims of rape or incest.

Tennessee has been limiting abortion as early as six weeks into pregnancy  when most women dont know theyre pregnant  ever since the U.S. Supreme Courts abortion decision last month. Republican Gov. Bill Lee refused last week to answer questions from reporters on he supported tweaking the trigger law, particularly sidestepping on whether he supported exempting children who were raped and then became pregnant.

In Wyoming, a lawsuit filed Monday by a Casper womens health clinic and others seeks to block the state's new abortion ban just before its scheduled to take effect. The lawsuit claims the new law violates the state constitution with restrictions that will discourage potentially lifesaving pregnancy healthcare in Wyoming, forcing pregnant women to go to other states for necessary procedures.

Indianas Republican Senate leaders proposed a bill last week that would prohibit abortions from the time an egg is implanted in a womans uterus with limited exceptions  in cases of rape, incest and to protect the life of the mother. The proposal followed the political firestorm over a 10-year-old rape victim who traveled to the state from neighboring Ohio to end her pregnancy.

She is a baby, Democratic Rep. Cherrish Pryor of Indianapolis, one of the lawmakers at the meeting with Harris, said of the child. Why should we force babies to have babies?

The case of the Ohio girl gained wide 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 Supreme Court's abortion decision.

The ultimate fate of the Indiana abortion bill in the Republican-dominated Legislature is uncertain, as leaders of Indiana Right to Life, the state's most prominent anti-abortion group, are decrying the Senate proposal as weak and lacking enforcement provisions.

Republican Senate leaders said the bill would not add new criminal penalties against doctors involved with abortions, but they would face possibly having their medical licenses revoked for breaking the law.

Numerous anti-abortion activists argued against including the exceptions allowing abortions in cases of rape and incest.

I dont believe children should be murdered based on their circumstance of conception, Emma Duell of Noblesville told the Senate committee. What happened the night they were conceived, something they have no control over should not affect whether they are protected from abortion violence or not.

Republican Sen. Sue Glick, the abortion ban bills sponsor, said she expected amendments would be considered tightening the exceptions before the Senates anticipated vote on the proposal later this week.

Representatives of several physician groups raised concerns about the Indiana proposal possibly being questioned and prosecuted over their medical decisions.

Ariel Ream of Indianapolis said she was undergoing fertility treatments and worried that the abortion ban could leave her health threatened if she were to have a miscarriage and face bleeding.

When am I hemorrhaging enough to be able to get care? Ream said. We dont know if you go to the ER that doctors going to be scared enough to put their license on the line for me.

Arleigh Rodgers is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Arleigh Rodgers on Twitter at https://twitter.com/arleighrodgers
Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says the Chinese military has become significantly more aggressive and dangerous over the past five years. The top U.S. military officer made the comment during a trip to the Indo-Pacific that included a stop Sunday in Indonesia. Milley said the number of intercepts by Chinese aircraft and ships in the Pacific region with U.S. and other partner forces has increased significantly over that time, and the number of unsafe interactions has risen by similar proportions. His comments came as the U.S. redoubles its efforts to strengthen its relationships with Pacific nations as a counterbalance to China, which is trying to expand its presence and influence in the region.
MILAN (AP)  The first of some 300 Afghan refugees arrived in Rome on Monday along a new humanitarian corridor organized by the Italian government, charities and international organizations, Italy's Foreign Ministry announced.

The humanitarian corridor aims to give additional refugees and persecuted Afghans the possibility of a future in dignity and security following the U.S. withdrawal last August and the Talibans reassertion of control, the ministry said.

Thousands of Afghan citizens were evacuated after the fall of Kabul, but many who risked Taliban retribution were left behind. The Foreign Ministry said the corridor, which envisions the transfer of 1,200 Afghan refugees from Iran, Pakistan and other neighboring countries, would give priority to women and children.

The first nine Afghan refugees arrived on a flight from Tehran. Another 200 are flying from Islamabad on Wednesday with a third group arriving from Tehran on Thursday.

At the same time, the number of Afghan refugees taking smuggling routes is growing, with some 3,280 arriving in Italy by sea so far this year, according to the U.N. refugee agency. The International Organization for Migration said Afghans are the top nationality daring the perilous central Mediterranean Sea route to European shores, with 8,121 arrivals through last Friday.

Both organizations were involved in organizing the corridor transfers, along with Italys foreign and interior ministries and charities including the Community of SantEgidio and Caritas.

Italy has tried for several years to arrange humanitarian corridors so people fleeing conflict, persecution or other grave situations would have an alternative to being smuggled by human traffickers. But the numbers of those being able to reach other countries through these corridors are small compared to the tens of thousands of people who resort to smugglers to reach Europe.

In Sicily, Italian authorities, including border police, detained for investigation of people smuggling five Egyptians who were among 674 survivors aboard an overcrowded fishing boat that was aided last week off southern Italy, the Italian news agency ANSA said Monday. Rescuers found five bodies aboard the fishing boat. Those who died suffered from dehydration and excessive heat, ANSA said.

The suspects were being investigated in the Sicilian port of Messina for allegedly facilitating illegal migration and death as result of another crime, ANSA said. Many of the rescued migrants were transferred Sunday to Messina.

Some survivors told authorities that the smugglers beat them with clubs and belts during the sea voyage and sharply rationed drinking water on the boat, ANSA said.

In all, Italian authorities and charity ships reported rescuing over 1,100 people in the Mediterranean Sea last weekend.

Follow all AP stories on global migration at https://apnews.com/hub/migration.
MASKWACIS, Alberta (AP)  Pope Francis issued a historic apology Monday for the Catholic Churchs cooperation with Canadas catastrophic policy of Indigenous residential schools, saying the forced assimilation of Native peoples into Christian society destroyed their cultures, severed families and marginalized generations.

I am deeply sorry, Francis said to applause from school survivors and Indigenous community members gathered at a former residential school south of Edmonton, Alberta. He called the school policy a disastrous error that was incompatible with the Gospel and said further investigation and healing is needed.

I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples, Francis said.

In the first event of his weeklong penitential pilgrimage, Francis traveled to the lands of four Cree nations to pray at a cemetery and then deliver the long-sought apology at nearby powwow ceremonial grounds. Four chiefs escorted the pontiff in a wheelchair to the site near the former Ermineskin Indian Residential School, and presented him with a feathered headdress after he spoke, making him an honorary leader of the community.

Francis' words went beyond his earlier apology for the deplorable abuses committed by missionaries and instead took institutional responsibility for the churchs cooperation with Canadas catastrophic assimilation policy, which the countrys Truth and Reconciliation Commission said amounted to a cultural genocide.

More than 150,000 native children in Canada were forced to attend government-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.

Ottawa has admitted that physical and sexual abuse was rampant at the schools, with students beaten for speaking their native languages. That legacy of that abuse and isolation from family has been cited by Indigenous leaders as a root cause of the epidemic rates of alcohol and drug addiction now on Canadian reservations.

The discoveries of hundreds of potential burial sites at former schools in the past year drew international attention to the schools in Canada and their counterparts in the United States. The revelations prompted Francis to comply with the truth commissions call for an apology on Canadian soil; Catholic religious orders operated 66 of the country's 139 residential schools.

Reflecting the conflicting emotions of the day, some in the crowd wept as Francis spoke, while others applauded or stayed silent listening to his words, delivered in his native Spanish with English translations. Others chose not to attend at all.

Ive waited 50 years for this apology, and finally today I heard it," survivor Evelyn Korkmaz said. Part of me is rejoiced, part of me is sad, part of me is numb. She added, however, that she had hoped to hear a work plan from the pope on what he would do next to reconcile, including releasing church files on children who died at the schools.

Many in the crowd wore traditional dress, including colorful ribbon skirts and vests with Native motifs. Others donned orange shirts, which have become a symbol of school survivors, recalling the story of one woman whose beloved orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, was confiscated at a school and replaced with a uniform.

Its something that is needed, not only for people to hear but for the church to be accountable, said Sandi Harper, who traveled with her sister and a church group from Saskatchewan in honor of their late mother, who attended a residential school.

He recognizes this road to reconciliation is going to take time, but he is really on board with us, she said, calling the apology genuine.

Despite the solemnity of the event, the atmosphere seemed at times joyful: Chiefs processed into the site venue to a hypnotic drumbeat, elders danced and the crowd cheered and chanted war songs, victory songs and finally a healing song. Participants paraded a long red banner through the grounds bearing the names of more than 4,000 children who died at or never came home from residential schools; Francis later kissed it.

I wasnt disappointed. It was quite a momentous occasion, said Phil Fontaine, a residential school survivor and former chief of the Assembly of First Nations who went public with his story of sexual abuse in the 1990s.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who last year apologized for the incredibly harmful government policy, also attended, along with other officials.

As part of a lawsuit settlement involving the government, churches and approximately 90,000 survivors, Canada paid reparations that amounted to billions of dollars being transferred to Indigenous communities. Canadas Catholic Church says its dioceses and religious orders have provided more than $50 million in cash and in-kind contributions and hope to add $30 million more over the next five years.

While the pope acknowledged blame, he also made clear that Catholic missionaries were merely cooperating with and implementing the government policy, which he termed the colonizing mentality of the powers. Notably he didn't refer to 15th-century papal decrees that provided religious backing to European colonial powers in the first place.

Jeremy Bergen, a church apology expert and professor of religious and theological studies at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario, said Francis made clear he was asking forgiveness for the actions of members of the church but not the institution in its entirety.

The idea is that, as the Body of Christ, the church itself is sinless," he said via email.

"So when Catholics do bad things, they are not truly acting on behalf of the church, Bergen added, noting its a controversial idea on which many Catholic theologians disagree.

Francis said the schools marginalized generations, suppressed Indigenous languages, led to physical, verbal, psychological and spiritual abuse and indelibly affected relationships between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren. He called for further investigation, a possible reference to demands for further access to church records and personnel files of priests and nuns to identify perpetrators of abuses.

Although Christian charity was not absent, and there were many outstanding instances of devotion and care for children, the overall effects of the policies linked to the residential schools were catastrophic, Francis said. What our Christian faith tells us is that this was a disastrous error, incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The first pope from the Americas was determined to make this trip, even though torn knee ligaments forced him to cancel a visit to Africa earlier this month.

The six-day visit  which also includes stops in Quebec City and Iqaluit, Nunavut, in the far north  follows meetings Francis held in the spring at the Vatican with First Nations, Metis and Inuit delegations. Those encounters culminated with Francis' apology April 1 for deplorable abuses at residential schools and a promise to do so again on Canadian soil.

Francis recalled that one of the delegations gave him a set of beaded moccasins as a symbol of children who never came back from the schools, and asked him to return them in Canada. Francis said in these months they kept alive my sense of sorrow, indignation and shame but that in returning them he hoped they can also represent a path to walk together.

Event organizers had mental health counselors on hand Monday, knowing the event could be traumatic for some people.

Later Monday, Francis visited Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, an Edmonton parish whose sanctuary was dedicated last week after being restored from a fire. The church incorporates Indigenous language and customs in liturgy, and both were on display during the event, with folksongs and drums and providing the backdrop to the pope's visit.

Associated Press writers Rob Gillies in Toronto and Holly Meyer in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed.

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.
A brand-new production of hit musical 42nd Street is set to tour the UK!

The iconic show, with tunes such as "We're In The Money" and "Lullaby Of Broadway", tells the tale of an aspiring performer, Peggy Sawyer, who looks to make her dreams a reality. A past revival was seen recently in the West End at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Directed by Jonathan Church (The Drifters Girl) the show has choreography and design by Bill Deamer and Rob Jones respectively. Casting and full creative team will be announced in due course.

42nd Street has music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin, and book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, and is based on the novel by Bradford Ropes.

The show will open at Curve in Leicester on Wednesday 17 May 2023, before heading south for a season at Sadler's Wells from Wednesday 7 June 2023. After that, the show will embark on a UK tour with touring dates to be announced soon.
It's official! The Eurovision Song Contest is coming to the United Kingdom next year.

The European Broadcasting Union has concluded that, after exploring the logistics of hosting the competition in Ukraine, it will not be possible for safety and security reasons due to current events.

However, Ukraine, winners of the 2022 contest, will automatically qualify (alongside France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, who all financially contribute the most to Eurovision) and the show itself will contain "Ukrainian elements", according to a press release.

The BBC will serve as the host broadcaster and host city bidding will reportedly begin this week. Previous host cities include London, Edinburgh, Brighton, Harrogate and Birmingham (where the UK last hosted the contest back in 1998).





The United Kingdom will host #Eurovision 2023!



Everything you need to know here: https://t.co/qQVS3gierN pic.twitter.com/IpHCA2i4U6  Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) July 25, 2022





Martin Osterdahl, the Eurovision Song Contest's executive supervisor, said: "We're exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023.

"The BBC has taken on hosting duties for other winning countries on four previous occasions. Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year's Contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe's most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year's winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event."
Michael Gableman faces a second challenge to his law license for the former state Supreme Court justices handling of his taxpayer-funded review into the 2020 presidential election  this time for proposing the legally impossible task of decertifying the 20-month-old elections results.

The complaint was filed last week by former Milwaukee attorney Kevin Kelsay and follows a similar complaint filed last month by a Dane County judge for Gablemans courtroom conduct during which he refused to testify and accused the judge of being a partisan advocate.

Both complaints were filed with the Office of Lawyer Regulation, which regulates attorneys in Wisconsin, to take possible action against Gablemans license to practice law.

Kelsay, whose own law license has been suspended, provided a copy of the complaint to the Wisconsin State Journal. In it, he wrote that Gableman has engaged in a pattern of conduct that makes him unfit to retain his license to practice law in Wisconsin. Kelsay also alleges Gableman broke rules for attorneys by making false claims related to his probe, including accusations that members of the Wisconsin Elections Commission helped steal the election for President Joe Biden.

In the grievance, first reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Kelsay noted that Gableman was knowingly advancing a claim or defense that is unwarranted under existing law when he suggested in March that the Legislature should consider taking steps to decertify the states presidential election.

Thus it is clear that the Wisconsin Legislature (acting without the concurrence of the Governor)  could decertify the certified electors in the 2020 presidential election, Gableman wrote in his March report to the Assembly elections committee.

Gableman was hired last year by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, following pressure from former President Donald Trump, who continues to promote the lie of a stolen election. Although legal experts and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Vos, have said its legally and constitutionally impossible, calls for decertification have continued among some state Republicans, including state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, who is running for governor in the Aug. 9 primary.

Rep. Janel Brandtjen, who chairs the Assemblys election committee on Friday joined Ramthuns call for decertification, a position fellow Republican and Sen. Kathy Bernier, who chairs the Senate election committee, called lunacy at best.

Ramthun on Monday said only Brandtjen and Rep. Chuck Wichgers, R-Muskego, had signed on as co-sponsors to his latest resolution aimed at decertifying the presidential election.

Ramthun has said his resolution only seeks to reclaim the 10 Electoral College votes delivered to Biden, and not any of the other races on the ballot that year, including his own. He also said he was open to considering similar measures for the 2019 and 2018 elections.

A recount, court decisions and multiple reviews have affirmed that Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes. Only 24 people out of nearly 3.3 million who cast ballots have been charged with election fraud in Wisconsin.

Gablemans own attorney James Bopp told Brandtjens committee weeks after Gablemans report came out that decertification was no longer possible after Jan. 6, 2021, when Congress counted the Electoral College votes.

Gablemans office did not respond to a request for comment.

Gablemans review was originally allocated $676,000 in taxpayer funds, but invoices have shown that ongoing court battles surrounding the review have pushed the cost to more than $900,000.

Kelsays complaint follows a grievance filed last month by Dane County Circuit Court Judge Frank Remington after Gableman took the stand to testify in an open records case related to the probe, but instead took aim at Remington, who he accused of being a partisan advocate.

Neither facts nor law supported Gablemans conduct on June 10, 2022, Remington wrote in the order. He chose to raise his voice, point his finger, accuse the judge of bias, proclaim he would not be railroaded, and refuse to answer any questions. This strategy might work elsewhere, but it has no place in a courtroom.

There are limits to the public availability of complaints filed against lawyers, which are confidential until the Office of Lawyer Regulation, which investigates the complaints, asks the state Supreme Court to act, and the court later issues some form of discipline.

Discipline can be anything from a private reprimand to revocation of a lawyers license to practice.
Wits VC inducted into prestigious Royal Society (UK)

Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, internationally renowned nuclear physicist, joins the ranks of Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, and Stephen Hawking.

He also follows in the footsteps of Wits alumni who in their lifetime also became Fellows in one of the worlds most prestigious scientific academies: Robert Broom, Phillip Tobias, Basil Schonland, Frank Nabarro, and Nobel-Prize winner Aaron Klug.

It is an honour to be inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society, says Vilakazi, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, an internationally recognised nuclear physicist. This is not just an honour for me, but also for Wits University, and all those who supported me. South Africa is home to a host of incredibly talented scientists, who punch above their weight in the global knowledge arena. Whilst this Fellowship acknowledges some of my achievements, more importantly, it recognises the high calibre of science and scientists based in Africa.

It is an honour to welcome so many outstanding researchers from around the world into the Fellowship of the Royal Society, says Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence in the world (started in 1660), dedicated to promoting excellence in science for the benefit of humanity, on its website. Through their careers so far, these researchers have helped further our understanding of human disease, biodiversity loss and the origins of the universe. I am also pleased to see so many new Fellows working in areas likely to have a transformative impact on our society over this century, from new materials and energy technologies to synthetic biology and artificial intelligence. I look forward to seeing what great things they will achieve in the years ahead.

The Royal Society is a self-governing Fellowship made up of the most eminent scientists, engineers and technologists from the UK and the Commonwealth. Fellows and Foreign Members are elected for life through a peer review process on the basis of excellence in science.

There are approximately 1 700 Fellows and Foreign Members, including around 85 Nobel Laureates. Each year up to 52 Fellows and up to 10 Foreign Members are elected from a group of around 800 candidates who are proposed by the existing Fellowship.

Profile: Professor Zeblon Zenzele Vilakazi

Vilakazi is a nuclear physicist and has served as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University since January 2021. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Affairs, during which time Wits research outputs doubled.

A Wits alumnus, Vilakazi obtained his PhD in 1998 in nuclear physics under the supervision of the late Professor J Sellschop. He was then awarded a prestigious National Research Foundation postdoctoral fellowship at the European Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland. He returned to South Africa and joined the University of Cape Town in 1999, where he was instrumental in establishing South Africas first experimental high-energy physics research group focusing on the development of the High-level Trigger for the CERN-ALICE experiment at the Large Hadron Collider.

Vilakazi was appointed as the Director of iThemba Labs in 2007 and then simultaneously as the Group Executive for Research and Development at the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa in 2011, before joining Wits in 2014.

Vilakazi served as a visiting scientist at the Atomic Energy Commission and Alternative Energy in Saclay, France, as the chairperson of the International Atomic Energy Agency's Standing Advisory Committee on Nuclear Applications from 2009 to 2011, and as a member of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics Working Group for Nuclear Physics. He is currently a member of the Programme Advisory Committee for Nuclear Physics at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. He is also a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa.

In 2010 he was nominated by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader. He has an extensive list of refereed articles in Nuclear and High Energy Physics and is a regular invitee for talks and presentations at conferences and seminars.
Wits alumni scoop three awards at national 'Science Oscars'

Researchers in different institutions acknowledged at annual National Science and Technology Forum-South 32 Awards.

Three Wits alumni were announced as winners in their categories at the 24th NSTF-South32 Awards held on 21 July 2022.

The annual awards ceremony, widely regarded as the Science Oscars, recognises excellence and outstanding contributions to science, engineering and technology and innovation in South Africa. They are the largest and most sought-after national awards of their kind in the country.

Professor Shabir Madhi (MBBCh 1990, MMed 1999, PhD 2004) received a Lifetime Award for his leadership in research on vaccines against life-threatening diseases in Africa and globally, having been at the cutting edge of research in this area since 1997 and led the first two COVID-19 vaccine trials in Africa.

Professor Madhi is the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Professor in Vaccinology at Wits and Director: South African Medical Research Council and the Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit as well as the co-director of African Leadership in Vaccinology Expertise at Wits. When I saw the other finalists, I thought there was no way I could win, he said during his acceptance speech. Ive been fortunate in that Im supported by a team of 500 individuals in my research unit. Its not an award about me, but the collective effort.

He dedicated his award to his family who endured his absence throughout his career as well as the millions of lives that could have been saved had we rolled out our COVID-19 vaccines earlier.

Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela (MM 2015), the chief executive officer of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, won the NSTF Management Award for her pivotal role in establishing the Innovation Hubs Biotech Incubator. She was instrumental in authorising COVID-19 diagnostic tests, vaccines and therapies to ensure the regulator was an enabler during the pandemic. The award is testament to her drive and passion to ensure that the regulator is an enabler.

Dr Semete-Makokotlela holds a PhD in Biochemistry from North-West University and an MSc in management finance and investment from Wits Business School. She undertook postdoctoral research at the University of Nottingham in the UK and Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne in Switzerland. Her research focus was on TB drug delivery systems and she has published several scientific publications, review articles and book chapters. She serves on several thought leadership projects including the African Union Strategy for Health Research, the East Africa Community Bioeconomy Strategy and the WHO Expert Panel on scaling health innovations in Africa.

In her acceptance speech she said: This is such an honourMy career has been characterised by very influential people, mentors who have walked with me through this journeyThese are people who always expected hard work from me, who expected excellence from me because they saw the potential.

Ive always been blessed with the translation of research and development and have been blessed to have opportunities that were aligned to my aspirations, she said.

Professor Simon Connell (BSc 1982, BSc Hons 1985, PhD 1988) was awarded the Innovation Award in a Corporate Organisation for being team leader in the Mining Positron Emission Tomography Research Group (MinPET). It is a revolutionary Fourth Industrial Revolution invention which is an online sensor-based detection process of diamonds within mined kimberlite rocks.

Professor Connell is based at the Department of Mechanical Engineering Science, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment at the University of Johannesburg and he has research interests in Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Energy, Materials Science, Quantum Physics, High Performance Computing and Applied (innovation) Physics. He is one of the founding members of the South African participation in High Energy Physics at the ATLAS Experiment at CERN, where, with his group, he participates in Beyond Standard Model searches as well as engineering and technical activities.

We hope this innovation is going to make a wealthier Africa. It will be the start of transforming universities so that they become the African MITs and Harvards and so on, he said.
BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message on Sunday to Bajram Begaj on assuming the office as Albanian president.

Xi pointed out that China and Albania enjoy profound traditional friendship, adding that in recent years, with the joint building of the Belt and Road and China-Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) cooperation as platforms, the two countries have enhanced political mutual trust, strengthened policy communication and promoted practical cooperation, making new progress in bilateral relations.

He noted that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Albania relations and is ready to work with President Begaj to deepen bilateral exchanges in all areas and consolidate the fruits of mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the two countries and their people.

(Source: Xinhua)
The owner of a Massachusetts food truck business who authorities say obtained $1.5 million in federal pandemic relief funds that he misused by investing in the stock market has been arrested
The stunning Maroon Bells, a pair of 4,260-meter bell-shaped peaks southwest of Aspen, symbolize Colorado's alpine majesty. The image of the scarlet slopes of the Bells reflected in the quiet waters of Maroon Lake, particularly in the fall when the valley's dense groves of aspen trees glow golden yellow and the summits are covered with snow, is one of North America's most photographed landscapes.

Geology Of Maroon Bells

Maroon Bells Mountain Peaks in the summer with the Marron Lake in the foreground.

Between Aspen and Crested Butte, the Maroon Bells are tucked deep within the White River National Forest. The Bells, part of the larger Rocky Mountains that were formed millions of years ago by tectonic plate movement, are situated in the Elk Mountains range. They are mostly made of mudstone, which is clay and mud that has been crushed over a long period of time. The Bell's distinctive red hue comes from this mudstone, which is exclusive to the central Colorado Rockies.

History Of Maroon Bells

A woman downhill skier with the Maroon Bells and Colorado Rocky Mountains in the background in winter. Editorial credit: Steve Boice / Shutterstock.com

Colorado experienced a silver boom from the 1870s until 1893 after modern Americans discovered silver there. Aspen and many of the surrounding towns were established due to the silver boom. There's little question that silver miners and their families found the Maroon Bells during their stay in Aspen, but it wasn't until the 1950s that it became a popular tourist attraction. Aspen was a failing mining town in the early 1900s. Nevertheless, in 1950, Aspen Mountain was renovated as a ski resort and held the first American ski tournament, bringing the town global recognition. Pitkin County tourism started to take off, bringing people from all over the world.

Preservation At Maroon Bells

Experienced backpackers hike their way around the Maroon Bells, Colorado. Editorial credit: Matthew Koczwara / Shutterstock.com

Due to the exceedingly high number of tourists that visit the Maroon Bells region, the USFS has developed a long-term plan to preserve the picturesque area and wider wilderness regions. Strategies include requiring backcountry campers to utilize bear canisters, managing day and overnight usage, educating and ticketing leashed dogs, reducing heavy horse use in high-use regions, and forbidding overnight camping and excess day use at certain locations. The US Forest Service recently suggested a paid permit concept to help with preservation efforts. The permit system was designed for people to stay overnight while minimizing environmental harm and conserving the heavily visited location. A permit is necessary all year and restricts campers to the Conundrum Creek Valley region from Silver Dollar Pond to Triangle Pass. Depending on the area, campground capacity ranges from 2 to 6 people. The USFS restricts the number of licenses to two per person per year, and the maximum stay is either three nights from June 1 to September 1 or seven nights from the rest of the year.

Hiking At Maroon Bells

Many people on trail taking pictures of sunrise at Maroon Bells, Colorado. Editorial credit: Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

The area's unmatched beauty may best be appreciated while hiking, especially in July when the alpine meadows burst into bloom with an abundance of flowers and in late September when the Aspen trees turn an amber yellow. There are three different hiking trails at Maroon Bells: the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail is a 1-mile roundtrip hike that begins at the parking lot and around the lake. The 3.2-mile one-way Maroon Creek Trail is a great site to see wildlife such as mule deer, red fox, bighorn sheep, porcupines, and a species of birds. The final trail, the 3.6-mile roundtrip Crater Lake Trail, provides hikers with stunning views of Crater Lake and dense Aspen forests.

White River National Forest

Maroon Bells sign for wilderness portal and White River National Forest in Aspen, Colorado.

The White River National Forest is a well-known recreation region with eight wilderness areas that constitute over a third of its land area, 11 ski resorts, ten peaks above 14,000 feet, and famous attractions including Maroon Bells and Hanging Lake. Visitors may discover the traditional Colorado Rocky Mountains of the Gore, Tenmile, Sawatch, and Elk Ranges, as well as the uniquely unusual Flat Tops, by going through its five ranger districts.
One of the two American citizens who recently died in the Donbas region of Ukraine has been identified as Luke Lucyszyn by the US State Department and pictured Ukrainian servicemen in Donbas region, Ukraine July 13.
MP visits mobile infrastructure site to learn more about the benefits for Clwyd South

The Member of Parliament for Clwyd South recently had the chance to see first-hand the technology bringing benefits to local communities.

Simon Baynes MP joined representatives from Cornerstone representing Speed Up Britain at a mobile infrastructure site near Ruabon.

The visit followed a reception in Parliament hosted by Speed Up Britain which Mr Baynes attended on 30 March this year.

During the visit, Mr Baynes met with Kevin Wright (Health and Safety Generalist) and Julian Shariff (Head of Property and Estates at Cornerstone).

Julian Shariff said: We were delighted to welcome Clwyd Souths MP Simon Baynes on our site to show how we manage our telecommunications masts in our network.

We understand that the link between rolling out mobile infrastructure and communities having better access to digital services is not always obvious.

The visit explained how our infrastructure is crucial in delivering reliable mobile connectivity and how local support can help achieve a better-connected society.

Simon Baynes MP said: I was very glad to have the opportunity to see and learn more about mobile infrastructure in Clwyd South  particularly as broadband and mobile connectivity is an issue on which my constituents are keen to see improvements.

I was grateful to Kevin and Julian for showing me the site and for updating me on plans to deliver further infrastructure in Clwyd South and across the rest of North Wales.
Council explore using community buildings as warm spaces ahead of an autumn in cost of living crisis

Work is underway to establish a project that would provide advice and guidance to residents in Wrexham on how to heat their homes and save energy during the autumn and winter.

A debate last week took place in the context of the cost-of-living crisis expected to worsen with a further rise in the cost of energy and standing charges in the autumn.

In May a Senedd Committee warned that 45 per cent of households in Wales could be forced into fuel poverty by the end of this year.

On top of soaring energy prices, households must also pay increased standing charges on their domestic energy bills and people in Wales are among the hardest hit.

The highest increases in the UK are thought to be in North Wales, with standing charges increasing by 102 per cent.

These additional costs have a disproportionately negative effect on lower income households and those on pre-payment meters.

During a meeting on Wrexham Councils decarbonisation plan last week, Cllr Robert Ian Williams asked what impact the war between Ukraine and Russia and whats going to happen in the autumn with energy and oil and gas would have on the process of decarbonisation.

In response to the autumn and winter, the council officer told that the committee that the local authority was looking at advice and guidance for people on how they can save energy and how they can warn their homes most effectively.

The officer continued: And also even the potential for provision of  and this is in quite early stages  kind of warm spaces.

So using some of our community buildings that are open anyway as an offer to people.

Weve all seen the stories in the news of elderly people riding around on the bus to keep warm and things like that, and whether we as a local authority can offer something to mitigate for that.

So theyre all projects that are in the offing to acknowledge that.

But what we cant do, is say that given everything thats going on in the world, were going be taking another few years to get there  because I dont think the planet will give us the extra few years.

Lead member for housing and climate champion, Cllr David A Bithell, added: The autumn is going to be quite difficult, especially with the cost-of-living crisis.

We are trying to do some work, which is included in the plan, by giving useful guidance and tips about energy saving measures.

Theres lots of good work going on from our estate management. I recently have visited the Caia estate office and to be fair to the estate management team there in Caia they give very, very good information out to tenants about energy saving tips.

I took some of the guidance away from Caia Estate Office and were going to try and use that as best practice as well.

I think to be fair some of our offices and the estate management team are doing what they can now already.

We need to broaden that out perhaps in the winter months, or as we approach the autumn, because of the cost of living situation. Especially if have a particularly poor winter or an adverse winter, it is going to cause some extreme difficulty.

So were try to do as much as we can, with the limited budget that weve got. But there is some useful guidance out there that we need to corporately send out as a council to support our residents and tenants as the autumn comes.
Generous Wrexham shoppers donate over 3,800 meals to charity

Tesco shoppers in Wrexham and across the region have provided more than 17,000 meals to support local food banks and frontline charities.

The 17,546 meals collected in between June 30 and July 2 was part of a total of 80,763 meals donated by shoppers in large stores across Wales, including an additional 20 percent top up added by Tesco.

In Wrexham 3,877 meals were donated by local shoppers.

It forms part of 1.3m meals donated across the UK.

The items of long-life food donated during the Tesco Food Collection have been shared with food banks in the Trussell Trusts network and frontline charities supplied with food by FareShare, to help support local people facing hunger.

Shoppers donating cash to the charities by rounding up at the checkouts also gave more than 328,000 during the collection week.

To further help the charities cope with increasing need for food Tesco has expanded its network of permanent food collection points which can now be found in all stores, all year round, so shoppers can continue to help their local food banks and charities to get the food they need.

These are now in local Tesco Express stores as well as large stores and are usually located near the checkouts or exit. Food donated across all stores will go directly to a local Trussell Trust food bank or for a charity supported by FareShare from every Tesco store in the country.

Claire de Silva, head of community at Tesco said: Were so grateful to our generous customers who kindly do what they can to help their local food banks and charities during our food collection.

We hope our year-round donation points, now across our smaller convenience stores too, will provide more ways for people to help by giving if they can.

FareShare CEO Lindsay Boswell thanked shoppers in North Wales for their support.

The UK is currently facing a cost of living increase which is affecting more and more people, he said.

FareShare is doing all it can to support charities up and down the UK with food so that they can provide vital services to people facing food insecurity during the summer holidays.

We are immensely grateful to Tesco customers for their generous food and financial donations during the Summer Food Collection. The support we receive from Tesco and its customers will enable FareShare to continue our support of children and families in North Wales during the summer and beyond.

Emma Revie, chief executive at the Trussell Trust, said: As the nation faces a rapid rise in the cost of living, food banks in our network are telling us that families up and down the country are having to make impossible decisions between putting food on the table or being able to take a hot shower  and too many people are being left with no option but to use a food bank because their money simply wont stretch.

The incredible generosity of Tesco customers during the Summer Food Collection will play a vital role in helping food banks in North Wales and across wider Wales and the UK provide emergency food and support to people facing hardship during this challenging period.

We are grateful to everyone who was able to donate and thank you for your continued support while we work in the long term to build a future without the need for food banks.
Wrexhams Inspector Luke Hughes has given the now usual detailed breakdown of a steady weekend in Wrexham.

Todays update also highlights domestic violence issues, with a pledge from local officers on how they will response to reports.

The Inspector also notes the summary of 121 calls gives a flavour of what the local team deal with and the updates should be kept in that context, he adds that the reality is Wrexham is one of the safest large towns in the North West.

As always the full update is copied below

Happy Monday all and welcome to the first day of the school holidays true to form its raining as I type this. typical. But the grass is still in need of a good soaking and it will supress ASB a little as we always experience a slight increase over the holiday period.

It was a steady weekend for the Wrexham city staff, I arrived and noted that custody was surprisingly busy for a Monday morning with four people relevant to our area, sadly all domestic related which is always sad to see as I know all too often matters in the home effect young children and the wider families.

Please be reassured that if you have any concerns regarding domestic violence that we are absolutely here to help and support you, male or female, young or old. Domestic violence is and always will be a priority for officers. Just say the word and we will be there to help you. There are also a significant numb er of agencies that are out there that can offer support. Please dont suffer in silence.

What follows is a general summery of our more eventful incidents over the weekend; I wish to point out that these incidents I report to you need to be taken into context. They are simply typical of events that take place across the county, even in some of the quieter and sleepy areas. Please dont allow this to influence your opinion of Wrexham. The REALITY as I have said previously is that Wrexham is one of the safest large towns in the North West and try as some of you may to believe otherwise, I certainly take comfort in this.

Anyway off my soap box and to the summery.

At 23:30hrs on Saturday night our ever alert CCTV operators noticed a male lurking near a parked police vehicle in the city centre he was in the process of removing the wing mirrors for us of course we hadnt asked him to you understand promptly arrested and charged. The vehicle rendered out of service for the rest of the weekend thanks for that

At 01:50hrs Sunday morning a male is stopped on a routine traffic enquiry, break light out dont all assume it was speeding we do deal with other traffic matters!!

Anyway suspected to be driving under the influence of drugs, drugs located in the vehicle and also a small lock knife in the centre console states he just drove up from London to see a friend. Charged

I can also report that a persistent shoplifter has been charged with 6 offences of retail theft over the weekend, also remanded for court this morning, hopefully straight to Berwyn, do not pass go and certainly do not collect two hundred pounds

Officers are also conducting follow up enquiries today in relation to a few incidents of youths in the city centre that have caused issues for local businesses, this is incredibly frustrating when so many are struggling financially to get their business back on tract. We are committed to supporting local businesses and further to my earlier comments about working remotely I am just looking at finalising a plan that will put a much more visible presence into the heart of the shopping area.

I also need to highlight an incident that occurred on Saturday morning when officers attempted to arrest a wanted male, on seeing them he attempted to leave the property by a window and punched a female officer in the face as he was doing so. What a cowardly thing to do he remains outstanding but I can assure him not for long. The officer bravely remained on duty and whilst she sustained a slight cut to her lip she will be fine in time.

In addition to the crime aspects above officers have spent a great deal of time dealing with events where members of the community simply needed help and support, this included a variety of concerns for safety incidents and missing person reports. A number of those being in mental health crisis, all were treated in the upmost of resect and decency, referrals made and support supplied as appropriate.

In total officer received 121 calls for service from 8am on Saturday morning until 8am this morning, they did a fantastic job all around and they will do the same again without hesitation.

Have a great day all and I will speak tomorrow.
Social work students in Wales to be eligible for more financial support from September

Social work students in Wales will be eligible for greater financial support from September as part of an extra 3.5 million package of support.

The financial support will be available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students via the Social Work Bursary, which will provide almost 10 million over the next three years to assist future social workers.

Eligible undergraduates studying for the social work degree will be able to access up to 3,750 per year over the three-year course in addition to the funding available to them through Student Finance Wales.

Postgraduate students will be able to access 12,715 per year of their two year course. This aims to reduce the loan element students will need to repay after their studies.

This represents a more than 50 per cent increase on the current bursary for both undergraduates and postgraduates.

Social work is changing; peoples needs are changing, and cases are becoming more complex. The pandemic has added pressures to social work and recruitment and retention challenges are increasing.

The Social Work Bursary incentivises people to take up social work training with the aim of building a sustainable social work workforce in Wales.

The increase to the bursary is just the first step in plans to increase recruitment to the social work sector, with Social Care Wales due to publish a social work workforce plan this summer.

The Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan said: This announcement will provide much needed additional financial support for social work students.

It will help more people train as social workers, help them remain on and complete their course and build capacity within the system.

By supporting our future social workers as they take their first steps into the sector, we can better recruit and retain staff in the sector.

Our overall ambition for the health and social care workforce is for parity of esteem between the professions. Social workers carry out a vital role within our communities, supporting people to take charge of their own lives.

They are at the core of our social care system and key to the delivery of effective care, which makes a real difference to individuals and to the communities in which they live.

Chief Social Care Officer for Wales, Albert Heaney said: I am pleased that we have secured Welsh Ministerial agreement for an extra 3.5 million package of financial support for new social work students towards their courses from September.

This funding, provided through the Social Work Bursary, will provide an extra boost to support both undergraduate and postgraduate students in Wales to undertake and complete their courses and increase the ranks of our invaluable social workers.

The Chief Executive of Social Care Wales, Sue Evans, said: I am delighted to see further support from Welsh Government for the social care sector and specifically for social workers in Wales.

Social Care Wales provided the evidence to enable Welsh Government to increase the bursary for social work students.

We recognise and appreciate the invaluable work carried out by social workers across Wales and look forward to seeing more students joining the profession.

We will shortly be publishing a workforce plan for social work that identifies the range of actions we need to take with partners to support the development and support for social workers in Wales who are working in every community of our country.

Improving the bursary offer is a key element of this plan.

Further details of this new funding will be available on the Social Care Wales website.
Australias COVID-19 crisis passed another terrible milestone last week: over 11,000 people have now died, up from just 2,200 at the end of 2021.

Staff prepare to collect samples at a drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

An inverse political law has emerged. The more catastrophic the pandemicas a direct result of the profit-driven live with the virus campaignthe more the Australian capitalist class demands the ending of public health precautions. And the more the trade unions enforce this deadly offensive.

So too, the greater become efforts to silence denunciations of the let it rip disaster. That is demonstrated by Twitters locking of the Socialist Equality Party (Australia)s account over a video defending Dr David Berger and two other victimised zero-COVID campaigners, Lisa Dias and David OSullivan, as well as Julian Assange, persecuted for exposing US and allied war crimes.

This pattern has become more blatant in recent days as the Labor government presides over a mounting wave of infections, hospitalisations, deaths and long-COVID affliction.

Because of the axing of virtually all safety measures by governments, Labor and Liberal-National alike, since the end of last year, total cases have soared from 400,000 to a staggering nine million, and the highly transmissible BA.4 and BA.5 variants are now fuelling a new Omicron tsunami.

More than 324,000 new infections were reported last week and 450 deaths. Daily death and hospitalisation numbers are reaching the record highs suffered in January. On Saturday, the daily number of deaths hit 102.

Public hospitals are being overwhelmed. Their workers are under intolerable strain and patients are in great danger. The number of hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients has almost doubled from fewer than 3,000 in June to 5,437, above the previous peak of 5,390 on January 25.

At a press conference last week, Health Minister Mark Butler and the countrys Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly admitted that millions more Australians would be infected over the coming weeks. Yet they opposed the reintroduction of any public safety measures.

As far as the ruling class and its political servants are concerned, nothing must be done to protect the population, especially working-class households, that will in any way affect the full reopening of workplaces and business operations in order to drive up profits.

That message was spelt out most vehemently by the Australian in an editorial on July 20. Governments must stand firm against any push for a return to mandatory Covid-19 controls on schools and workplaces, it declared.

This was another test for Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses government. In fact, the Murdoch medias national flagship berated the government for backing down on terminating the small one-off $750 payments to infected workers who have to take time off work.

Citizens must be allowed to determine their own level of risk, the editorial demanded. This invocation of individual responsibility not only denies the necessity for a societal response to the COVID disaster. People are systematically being kept in the dark about the level of risk. Governments and the media are burying the infection toll, scrapping testing and tracing, covering up the serious effects of the coronavirus and trying to silence health experts.

The editorial even denounced the state Labor government in Victoria for recommending, but not requiring, that schoolchildren wear masks in classrooms. This was a backward step. It was all the more reprehensible because the government had revived the excuse of following health advice after flatly rejecting it earlier.

That was a reference to Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas boasting the previous week that following the opportunity to consult with business leaders, she dismissed the state chief health officers recommendation to reintroduce an indoor mask mandate.

The Australian Financial Reviews July 23 editorial reinforced the dictates of business. It insisted there was no caseand no supportfor a return to lockdowns. Even this omicron resurgence simply does not warrant it.

Blithely, the financial newspaper claimed: The health system is not collapsing. In reality, more than 10,000 health workers are isolating because of infection. There are massive staff shortages and exhausting extended shifts and workloads. Patients face life-threatening delays in treatment.

The stench of eugenics wafted from the editorial. COVID-19 has become a silent killer that largely stalks the old, like the heart disease thats all around us, it stated. In other words, the deaths of older peopleno longer wanted as workers and a burden on the health and pensions systemsare of little or no concern.

Above all, there must be no going back to working from home, because fragmented and atomised workforces are not effective in the long run.

Cynically, the AFR noted: The current daily average virus death toll of 60 would have caused waves of panic back in the time of daily press conferences by premiers. Now these individual tragedies pass with little public notice or drama.

What the AFR derides as panic, is the widespread, continuing and absolutely justified popular concern over all the unnecessary deaths throughout the pandemic. What has changed this year is that the governments and the corporate media have deliberately shut down reporting on the deaths.

Previous official pretences of condolences have been dropped. Hundreds of loved ones now die every week without even a mention, let alone any acknowledgement of their lives. They have been made nameless and invisible.

On cue, the Labor government has followed its instructions. Asked last Thursday why he opposed reintroducing mask mandates, Albanese alleged there were low levels of compliance with existing mandates, including on public transport, where no enforcement is occurring.

His government, like its Liberal-National predecessor, is trying to blame working people for the disastrous conditions that governments, the media and the corporate elite have consciously created.

The unions are helping Labor suppress workers demands for protection. Having enforced returns to workplaces and schools throughout the pandemic, they moved last week to stifle opposition to employers threats of disciplinary action or dismissal against workers who want to work from home for their safety.

Health Services Union national president Gerard Hayes sided openly with Albanese, who said last week that working from home was a decision for employers, not workers or public health orders. Working from home would damage the economy, Hayes declared, while claiming, without evidence, that it would hurt mental health and the vaccination program.

That is in line with the role of all the health unions. They have confined their members to one-off strikes and protests despite the refusal of the state and federal governments to meet their crucial demands for more staff, safe patient-to-staff ratios and wage rises to cope with the cost of living crisis.

Hayes opposed a suggestion from the Finance Sector Union (FSU) that industrial agreements should allow workers to negotiate work from home arrangements with their bosses. This suggestion itself left the issue up to the requirements of the management, while offering a safety valve to head off the hostility of workers to being exposed to unsafe offices and other workplaces.

Supporting the FSU call, Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary Sally McManus underscored the unions pro-business agenda. She said working from home would boost productivity, while reducing stress and living expenses, such as petrol. At the same time, she backed employer objections that face-to-face contact was important for their operations. I dont think its good to have a one-size fits all (approach)  there should be options for it, McManus said.

Workers and young people cannot leave their health and lives in the hands of the ruling class, its governments and the unions, which are all intent on protecting corporate profits, regardless of the human cost.

To oppose this policy of mass infection, and fight for the measures that can eliminate COVID-19, they need to form rank-and-file committees in workplaces, schools and neighbourhoods, to take matters into their own hands. This struggle requires a socialist perspective, based on the defence of lives and livelihoods, not the fortunes of the super-rich.
On Saturday, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the unprecedented global outbreak of monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), the highest alert before declaring the outbreak a pandemic. In doing so, he overruled the decision of the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee (EC) which had reconvened on July 21 to address the continued unexpected spread of the disease in non-endemic regions across the globe.

When they first met a month ago, on June 23, the EC decided against declaring monkeypox a PHEIC by a vote of 11 to three. The cumulative case count at the time was 3,621 infections, and the seven-day rolling average was just 225 per day. Since then, cases have exploded to over 16,000 cases in at least 75 non-endemic countries, with a seven-day rolling average of 535 per day.

Despite this massive and global spread of the virus, after several hours of deliberations last Thursday the EC reached a vote of nine to six that there were still insufficient grounds to declare monkeypox a PHEIC. Dr. Ghebreyesus decision to overrule this vote is the first such overruling in the history of the WHO.

The head of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, speaks during a media conference at an EU-Africa Summit in Brussels on February 18, 2022 (Johanna Geron, pool photo via AP, file)

During a press briefing following the announcement, Dr. Ghebreyesus noted, Nine and six are very, very close. Since the role of the committee is to advise, I then had to act as a tiebreaker. We believe this will mobilize the world to act together. It needs coordination and not only coordination but solidarity.

He added, There are now more than 16,000 reported cases from 75 countries and territories and five deaths. WHOs assessment is that the risk of monkeypox is moderate globally and in all regions except in the European region, where we assess the risk is high. Although I am declaring a public health emergency of international concern for the moment, this outbreak is concentrated among men who have sex with men [MSM], especially those with multiple sexual partners. That means this outbreak can be stopped with the right strategies in the right groups.

It has been the failure of governments and their public health institutions over the last three months to contain the spread of the infections that have pressed the Director-General to declare the monkeypox outbreak a PHEIC. Basic tenets of isolating cases and contact tracing could have brought the outbreak under control by late May.

The unprecedented inaction by governments in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as growing criticism that the WHO was once again failing to act to swiftly contain what could become another uncontrolled pandemic, clearly played a significant factor in this decision.

Figure 1: Monkeypox cases across Europe. (Source @antonio_caramia)

Announcing the PHEIC, the WHO included a lengthy list of recommendations and guidelines on conducting surveillance, managing cases and reporting these for various groups of states based on their epidemiological situation, transmission patterns and capacities.

Under the 2005 IHR agreement, states have a legal duty to respond to the declaration of PHEIC, which is defined as an extraordinary event which is determined to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease and to potentially require a coordinated international response, especially when the situation is serious, sudden, unusual, or unexpected.

It must be recalled that smallpox, a deadly disease endemic throughout human history, was infecting 50 million people globally during the 1950s, despite the fact that a vaccine had existed for more than 150 years. Precisely because a globally-coordinated effort to address the scourge had never been attempted, smallpox remained a threat to most of the worlds population.

When the WHO targeted smallpox for eradication in 1967, the annual global caseload was around 10 to 15 million. Ten years after proclaiming the initiative for the eradication of smallpox, the last known case was reported in Somalia in 1977. More than 40 years have passed since smallpox was conquered and the international experiences amassed since then are considerable. Given the resources and technology available today, one must ask how quickly a coordinated effort could end the monkeypox pandemic with only tens of thousands infected?

The timing of WHOs declaration of a PHEIC on monkeypox, which takes place as the Omicron BA.5 subvariant continues its assault across the globe, underscores the significant challenges facing depleted public health institutions globally. Nearly every country outside China has allowed the coronavirus to surge without considering its impact on the well-being of its population. The tattered state of public health raises the question whether these countries will do anything to address any infectious disease that threatens the public?

Last week, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci stated bluntly that the COVID-19 pandemic will go on for another quarter century, while White House COVID Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha claimed, This virus is going to be with us forever.

These very same officials whose responsibility is to protect the public from dangerous pathogens are promoting the idea that becoming infected with COVID-19 is no longer a critical or serious matter. In short, they encourage the subordination of public health to the demands of the markets.

Under such conditions, it remains doubtful if much will be done to stem to tide of monkeypox infections across the globe. As Dr. Ghebreyesus said at Saturdays press conference, current mathematical models suggest that the reproduction number (R0) among the MSM population is above one, meaning there is continued growth in cases among this group. For instance, in Spain, the R0 is around 1.8, and for the UK at 1.6.

It bears reviewing what is known about the virus and the infection it causes.

The following video with Dr. Lisa Iannattone, Canadian dermatologist, on signs and symptoms of monkeypox, has been viewed widely. We encourage our readers to watch the very informative presentation:

The monkeypox virus is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus, unlike the RNA single-stranded coronavirus. It belongs to the orthopoxvirus genus of which the vaccinia virus, cowpox virus and variola virus (the virus that causes smallpox) are related. The current clade causing the monkeypox pandemic is from West Africa and is known to cause less severe disease.

The demographics of the concurrent monkeypox outbreak in West Africa affect women and children most. However, on Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that two children in the US contracted monkeypox through household transmission. With summer ending, schools and day cares will open their doors again in the coming weeks for the new school year, raising concerns about the monkeypox virus taking hold in these high-risk and vulnerable groups.

One of the features of the monkeypox virus is its ability to resist drying and tolerate changes in temperature and pH on surfaces. The crusts of lesions from infected people or fomites in bed linen can remain infectious for months or years. However, they are sensitive to common disinfectants but less to organic disinfectants.

Air samples have indicated that these infectious particles could become airborne. And though the primary mode of transmission is through contact with infected lesions, if these are on the mouth and oral membranes, there is the risk that the virus can be transmitted via respiratory droplets and aerosol. For these reasons, health care workers should don PPE for airborne precautions.

The incubation period for monkeypox infection can range from five to 21 days, usually around one to two weeks. Symptoms of the disease begin with a combination of fever, headaches, chills, exhaustion, fatigue, muscle aches and swelling of lymph nodes. Three days after these prodrome symptoms, a reddish rash begins at the site of infection and spreads to other body parts.

The lesions progress over a 12-day window from macules to papules, vesicles, pustules, crusts and scabs before falling off. They can be painful or itchy, and secondary bacterial infections can occur if patients scratch themselves. The illness lasts from two to four weeks, and people confirmed to have monkeypox should isolate for the duration under medical supervision.

The current outbreak in non-endemic regions has been more atypical and milder, meaning awareness of the possibility of infection can be overlooked by the infected and physicians treating patients with these symptoms. However, complex and more invasive modes of exposure (i.e., bites from animals) may lead to more severe forms of the disease than through skin contact.

In endemic regions of Africa, the case fatality rate for monkeypox can range from 0 to 11 percent. Complications of monkeypox include encephalitis, skin infections, dehydration, infections involving the cornea and conjunctiva of the eyes, and pneumonia. Mortality with monkeypox has been seen mainly among young children, and the immunocompromised are especially at risk of severe disease.

As of July 23, 2022, there have been 16,353 confirmed and suspected cases. Eighty countries and territories have reported monkeypox cases, and the seven-day global average of cases has plateaued at around 535 cases per day. One could surmise that if testing capacity remains limited, these figures are underestimates, as public health officials have indicated.

Though Europe is the region most severely affected, cases in the US (2,581) and Brazil (614) continue to climb exponentially, accounting for more than 50 percent of all daily cases on July 22 combined. Only Spain leads the US with 3,125 monkeypox cases. It is expected that the US will soon surpass Spain and become the global epicenter of the monkeypox pandemic.

Figure 2: Daily, seven-day, and cumulative cases of monkeypox in the US. (Source @antonio_caramia)

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a statement on July 15, 2022, that an additional order for 2.5 million doses of Bavarian Nordics Jynneos vaccine was placed above the 2.5 million doses ordered on July 1.

The initial order will arrive in the Strategic National Stockpile over the next year. The HHS anticipates it will have 7 million doses by mid-2023. A course of the vaccine requires two doses given four weeks apart. Currently, only 300,000 doses have been available to states and jurisdictions.

Dr. Boghuma K Titanji, an infectious disease physician at Emory University in Atlanta, who recently published a contemporary review for health care professionals on monkeypox in the journal Open Forum Infectious Disease, said of the WHOs declaration, [Its] better late than never  [but] one can argue that the response globally has continued to suffer from a lack of coordination with individual countries working at very different paces to address the problem. There is almost capitulation that we cannot stop the monkeypox virus from establishing itself in a more permanent way.
After four days of talks on July 14, the leaders of 14 Pacific nations emerged from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) summit in Fiji declaring unity. They launched their 2050 Blue Pacific strategy, covering the climate crisis, security and political governance.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, second left, is met by Ratu Inoke Kubuobola, Fiji Special Envoy to the Pacific, as he arrives in, Suva, Fiji, Wednesday, July 13, 2022. (Joe Armao/Pool Photo via AP)

Led by the regional imperialist powers, Australia and New Zealand, unity, regionalism and the Pacific family have been assiduously promoted to push back against Beijings presence following a tour of the region by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Wangs visit had included the formalisation of a security deal with Solomon Islands and the signing of multiple separate agreements with almost a dozen Pacific countries.

In reality, the PIF was less than unified. Kiribati pulled out amid ongoing bitterness over the secretary-generals post, while several other leaders did not attend for various reasons. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare came under intense pressure to confirm a previous promise there would be no permanent Chinese military base in his country.

Speaking after the summit, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declared that the leaders had a unity of voice on the notion of peace and stability and family first. She said climate was a principal focus of the talks, with money and implementation plans to follow.

On the surface, this was a stark contrast to the last in-person forum, held in 2019 prior to the global COVID-19 crisis. That summits communique only passed with a qualification that not all countries supported a call by small Pacific nations for an immediate global ban on new coal-fired power plants and coal mines, and to rapidly phase out the use of coal in the power sector.

After an acrimonious eight-hour dispute, then Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had succeeded in expunging any specific commitments to limit temperature rises to no more than 1.5 degrees centigrade above pre-industrial levels. Fijis Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama bitterly slammed Morrison for alienating Pacific leaders and warned that by imposing Canberras agenda it would push them closer to China, adding the Chinese dont insult us.

This time, the PIFs 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent was endorsed by all Pacific leaders. At nearly 4,000 words, the diplomatic document is vague. It concentrates heavily on security, criticising external powers seeking to assert their own interestsa clause very likely demanded by Canberra and Wellington.

The statement repeatedly calls for accelerated and drastic action to reduce emissions. It emphasises that the Pacific is at the frontline of the adverse impacts of climate change. Current and future disaster impacts include extreme weather events, cyclones, drought, flooding, sea level rise and ocean acidification.

The strategy identifies issues related to accessing international funding for climate change and disasters; the continued use of inefficient energy; and inadequate access to safe drinking water and sanitation, food security, maritime boundaries, human rights, and cultural preservation.

The summits communique, released some days later, said: Leaders declared that the Pacific is facing a climate emergency that threatens the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of its people and ecosystems, backed by the latest science and the daily lived realities in Pacific communities. The statement backed Vanuatus campaign for the International Court of Justice to consider whether inaction on climate should be considered a breach of human rights.

PIF chairman Bainimarama told reporters: We simply cannot settle for anything less than the survival of every Pacific Island countryand that requires that all high emitting economies implement science-based plans to decisively reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreements 1.5-degree temperature threshold. He named Australia, New Zealand, the US, India, the European Union and China as high emitting countries.

The communique praised the Australian governments limited move to lift that countrys emissions reduction target. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Pacific had overwhelmingly welcomed his Labor governments promise to cut emissions by 43 percent by 2030. Albanese claimed that none of the leaders he had met had pressed him to phase out new oil and gas projects.

Bainimarama, however, said on social media he had urged Albanese to introduce more ambitious targets consistent with limiting warming to 1.5 degrees. Palau also called out Australia for falling short of the target. Asked what justification he would give Pacific leaders about his government not ruling out new coal and gas projects, Albanese flatly refused to answer, saying it was a hypothetical question.

Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) political editor Peter Hartcher lauded Albaneses triumphal Pacific debut at the PIF. While conceding that Pacific governments wanted Australia to do more on climate, Albanese had, Hartcher claimed, effectively sidelined China, which will continue increasing emissions until 2030. Previously, Australias position as a climate pariah among rich nations had given everyone from Shanghai to Samoa licence to attack it, Hartcher complained.

Attempts to glorify Australias emissions reduction target are fraudulent. Analysis by the climate activist group the Sunrise Project, cited by the Guardian, found decisions are looming for approvals of up to 27 coal mining developments13 greenfield coalmines and 14 extensions of existing mines. Tuvalus Foreign Minister Simon Kofe warned such developments would put Australia at odds with Pacific Island countries.

The SMH reported that according to scientific experts, Labors climate target was not based on the best scientific and economic advice. It fell short of Australias already limited commitment to the Paris Agreement, would lead to more severe damage from global warming and cost the economy more than deeper, earlier pollution cuts would. Think tank Climate Analytics found that, if applied internationally, the Albanese governments planned emissions reductions would cause average global temperature to rise above 2 degrees.

Albanese has made it clear, especially to big business, that he has no plans to be more ambitious or to act urgently. This [43 percent target] is a floor, not a ceiling, he vaguely declared, reprising hollow promises by his predecessor Morrison.

Meanwhile New Zealands emissions, mainly from intense dairy production, are increasing under the Ardern Labour-Green Party government.

Disasters are already occurring across the Pacific. Kofe addressed the Glasgow climate summit last year while standing knee-deep in the rising waters of Tuvalu. Kiribati, less than 2 metres above sea level, is experiencing flooding, contamination of water sources and food scarcity. The Cook Islands, American Samoa and French Polynesia were all hit last week by king tides and swells, causing substantial damage.

After the summit, Ardern told the Fiji Times her government would commit half of its $1.3 billion in climate finance to Pacific Island nations vulnerable to climate change-induced disasters. Ardern linked the funding to Labours foreign policy focus, calling on the small island nations to work together with New Zealand to make sure that we can rely on a rules-based order.

Upholding the rules-based orderthat is, the post-World War II order dominated by the USmeans committing to the US-led confrontation with China and preparation for war. That is the price the Pacific states are being told to pay for even token action on climate change by the former colonial powers.
Several rural communities in Californias Mariposa County near Yosemite National Park were evacuated as the Oak Fire grew from 1,600 to nearly 12,000 acres (650 to 4,900 hectares) on Saturday. The fire, which had zero percent containment as of Sunday, has so far burned or damaged at least 15 structures and threatens another 2,000, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

More than 6,000 people were ordered to leave their homes as a result of the explosive growth of the fire. No fatalities have been reported so far among the evacuees or the firefighters, but the structures that have burned down include homes of residents that have lived in the area for decades. At least one GoFundMe appeal has so far been set up to aid those who have lost virtually everything in the blaze.

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has further reported that more than 2,600 homes and businesses have lost power as a result of the fire. According to the utility companys website, they are unable to access the affected equipment and do not have an estimated time for when power will be restored. PG&E is notorious for having started the Camp Fire in 2018, after which it plead guilty to 84 felony counts of involuntary manslaughter because faulty company power lines caused the wholesale destruction of Paradise, California. The cause of the Oak Fire is still under investigation.

The fire near Jerseydale, Mariposa County, California, on July 23, 2022. (AP/Noah Berger photo)

The Oak Fire is the third major fire that has erupted near or in Yosemite this month. While the smaller Agua fire is now fully contained, the Washburn Fire has been raging in Yosemite National Park, the Sierra National Forest and the surrounding environment since July 7 and has burned nearly 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) as of Sunday. The areas hit include the Mariposa Grove, which is located in the southern portion of Yosemite and is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite. Most of the sequoias are over 2,000 years old and a loss of even a single one would be a tragic loss for the parks ecology.

Critical fire conditions have been rapidly intensifying over the last two months in other parts of the US and Canada. Elevated winds and dry thunderstorms have created conditions for one of the most intense fire seasons in years. On Sunday, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported that 78 large fires and complexes are burning almost 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) in 15 states. More than 8,300 wildland firefighters and support personnel are assigned to incidents across the country. So far in 2022, 37,904 wildfires have burned 5,559,857 acres (2,249,994 hectares) in the United States, a year-to-date record number of both fires and acres burned.

Among the other current fires across North America, the Nohomin Creek Fire on the west side of the Fraser River, northwest of Lytton, British Columbia, has burned approximately 5,400 acres (2,200 hectares) since it was reported Thursday, July 14. It is currently classified by the Canadian provinces wildfire service as out of control and threatens a repeat of the disaster last year, when the Lytton Creek Fire burned more than 206,000 acres (83,000 hectares) and destroyed 90 percent of the village of Lytton.

At the time, the Lytton Creek Fire was one of the most disastrous wildfires in years, exacerbated by record high temperatures of 49.6 degrees Celsius (121 degrees Fahrenheit). Climate scientists have made clear in numerous reports that such high temperatures and more dangerous wildfires are directly linked to global warming.

The Moose Fire near Salmon, Idaho, ignited on Sunday, July 17. The fire is located approximately five miles (8 kilometers) southwest of the North Fork in the vicinity of Moose Creek and Deadwater on the North Fork Ranger District. The fire has burned more than 28,000 acres (11,300 hectares) and is not expected to be contained until August 30.

The NIFC has also reported that two firefighters were tragically killed when their helicopter crashed as they helped to suppress the Moose Fire. The National Transportation Safety Board has been tasked with investigated the deaths.

The two most recent firefighter deaths, along with the massive scale of wildfires this year, highlight the need for vastly improved firefighting infrastructure in the United States, which the Biden administration has failed to build. In November 2021, Biden signed into law the federal $1.2 trillion infrastructure legislation, which included making $3.3 billion available for wildfire management over five years. The figure includes $500 million each to thinning projects, planning and conducting prescribed burns, developing and improving fuel breaks where fires can be stopped or slowed, and mapping and defending at-risk communities.

Another $1.5 billion (over 10 years) was allocated for the US Department of the Interiors (DOI) Wildland Fire Management Program to be administered on the 7.1 million acres (2.9 million hectares) under the DOIs control. The program also funds fire science research, real-time monitoring equipment and restoration treatments on federal and tribal land with a very high wildfire potential.

In reality, $5-6 billion is needed every year to reduce wildfire risks, according to a recent report from the Nature Conservancy. The US Forest Service and Department of Agriculture similarly note that the fire suppression alone costs about $1.8 billion each year. Moreover, this figure only includes lands managed by the Forest Service, and does not include other agencies, such as those overseen by the Department of Interior (e.g., the National Parks Service).

In contrast to the paltry amounts given to preventing and fighting highly destructive wildfires, there is no shortage of money for the US militarys war machine. The most recent Pentagon budget, passed by the House of Representatives two weeks ago, is $839 billion for one year, all of which is geared toward further destruction of human lives and livelihoods around the globe.

It also worth noting that war itself drives global warming, which is a major factor in the increase in number and severity of wildfires over the past two decades. A report by Neta Crawford at Brown University calculated that US military emits about 76 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, making it the largest single producer of greenhouse gases in the world.
Are you a nurse or health care worker at Michigan Medicine? Contact the WSWS Health Care Workers Newsletter using the form at the end of this article to discuss building a rank-and-file committee.

Recent events in the months-long contract struggle of 6,200 nurses at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan have exposed groups such as Left Voice (LV) and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) as supporters of the AFL-CIO bureaucracy and the Democratic Party. Far from representing the struggle for socialism, these groups are part of the corrupt union apparatus and the capitalist political establishment.

Both LV and the DSA were present at the rally and informational picket at Michigan Medicine on Saturday, July 16, to which hundreds of nurses and their supporters turned out. The purpose of the participation of these organizations was to give the unionthe Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) and its locally affiliated University of Michigan Professional Nurse Council (UMPNC)a left cover and assist in the ongoing isolation and betrayal of the nurses struggle.

Michigan Medicine nurses are determined to find a way to take forward their struggle. It is critical, however, that they recognize they face a fight on two fronts: against both the hospital management and the MNA-UMPNC.

Since the beginning of contract negotiations, the hospital administration has not budged from its intention to maintain mandatory overtime, excessive on-call hours and the staffing shortage that underlies the intolerable working environment at Michigan Medicine.

But when the previous contract expired on June 30, the MNA-UMPNC leadership took no action. It failed even to demand an extension of the old contract pending rank-and-file ratification of a new one.

The union did not hold a strike vote when hospital management provocatively denied nurses their step pay increases due on July 1. Instead, the union leadership scheduled informational meetings and told the nurses that the bargaining team was continuing to negotiate (behind closed doors and out of view of the rank-and-file).

Attempting to contain the growing anger and determination of the nurses, the MNA-UMPNC organized the rally and informational picket on July 16 to let off steam. The union leaders paraded their friends in the Democratic Party such as Representative Debbie Dingell and union bureaucrats like Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber onto the platform to make empty promises such as Weve got your back, and You are going to win.

In other words, to do nothing concrete to mobilize the powerful working class of Michigan behind the nurses.

Diverting the struggle of nurses toward support for the Democratic Party has been the unions strategy all along. The MNA-UMPNC organized interventions at meetings in May and June of the University of Michigan Board of Regentssix out of eight of whose members are Democratsto spread the false hope that these wealthy representatives of the auto companies, the insurance monopolies and the banks would grant a fair contract.

Now the MNA-UMPNC has announced plans for a third such intervention at the July 26 regents meeting to make more fruitless appeals to the likes of pizza chain billionaire Denise Ilitch and multimillionaire personal injury lawyer Mark Bernstein.

These representatives of the Michigan business and political elite will not lift a finger to address the concerns of Michigan Medicine nurses. Far from it. These are the very people who are responsible for hospital managements intensification of inhuman and unsafe work schedules throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

On July 13, Left Voice posted an article hailing the leadership of the MNA-UMPNC. Having ignored the nurses struggle for months, LV sprang into action to back the union bureaucracy on the eve of the July 16 rally.

In its article, LV fully endorsed the public pressure campaign of the MNA-UMPNC and saluted the useless appeals to the University of Michigan Board of Regents.

Writing, Michigan nurses are not afraid to strike, the article concealed the fact that it is the MNA-UMPNC that has blocked a strike from taking place. Moreover, LV presented strike action by Michigan Medicine nurses not as a means of uniting with other sections of the working class to win definite demands, but as a means of pressuring the university to hear their voice.

LV is silent on the unions treacherous alliance with the Democratic Party, which controls the Michigan government and enforces the anti-strike laws that strip nurses of their democratic right to fight for decent conditions.

Nurses know that striking is a serious step. But nothing has ever been won without a struggle, and nurses are in a powerful position to win their demands if they build rank-and-file committees throughout the Michigan Medicine system to unite with doctors and support staff and appeal to the broader working class. The WSWS Health Care Workers Newsletter will assist nurses in building these committees, which have already been established in facilities across the country and internationally.

The publishers of LV claim to be anti-capitalist, socialist and even Trotskyist. They are none of these things.

No genuinely socialist or Trotskyist organization supports capitalist parties such as the Democratic Party. Socialists fight for the political independence of the working class from all big business parties and politicians, and oppose bureaucratic, pro-corporate unions that subordinate workers to these parties. They fight for workers democratic control through the formation of rank-and-file committees to link up the struggles of workers and mobilize their social power, not divide workers and isolate their fight for decent contracts, wages and working conditions.

Under Biden and a Democratic-controlled House and Senate, and with the assistance of the official unions, all measures to contain the spread of COVID have been lifted and workers have been forced to toil in unsafe work places in order to keep the flow of profits going. The result, as predicted by principled scientists and the World Socialist Web Site, is hundreds of thousands more deaths from newly evolved, more contagious and virulent variants such as BA.5.

The fight for decent working conditions, a living wage and patient safety is a political fight against both parties of big business.

Alongside of LV, supporters and members of the DSA at the University of Michigan also defended the MNA-UMPNC leadership at the rally and informational picket. The DSA is a faction of the Democratic Party, and has been since its founding in 1982.

In a tweet on the afternoon of July 16, the University of Michigan Young Democratic Socialists (UMYDSA) hailed the Huron Valley and Michigan AFL-CIO bureaucrats at the rally as comrades.

A visit to the websites of the Huron Valley and Michigan AFL-CIO shows that these organizations are opposed to any kind of mass struggle by workers for improved wages, benefits and working conditions. Neither site has any coverage of the Michigan Medicine nurses contract struggle.

The top items on the Huron Valley AFL-CIO websites section labeled Take Action are support for Bidens dead-on-arrival Build Back Better initiative and a pro-war campaign to raise money for Ukrainian labor organizations.

The Michigan AFL-CIO website carries a front page photograph of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer with the headline Labor Builds Michigan and links to a page with endorsements for the reelection campaigns of Whitmer for governor, Dana Nessel for attorney general and Jocelyn Benson for secretary of state. Not a single struggle by Michigan workers is reported on the site.

At the July 16 event, representatives of the WSWS Health Care Workers Newsletter distributed leaflets with the headline: Michigan Medicine nurses must demand a strike vote now! and warned the nurses that the union was blocking any real fight for their demands. The leaflet stated that the MNA-UMPNC policy of keeping nurses on the job only ties the nurses hands and favors management, which feels emboldened.

The statement called on nurses to form a rank-and-file committee to take the conduct of the struggle against Michigan Medicine out of the hands of the union bureaucracy, end the fruitless appeals to the Democrats and turn to other health care workers and broader sections of the working class that are coming into struggle over the same basic issues.

The union bureaucrats are terrified of these policies. Operatives of the MNA-UMPNC hounded WSWS reporters as they attempted to speak with nurses about their struggle and used anti-communist epithets in an effort to intimidate nurses and their supporters from accepting copies of the leaflet. Many nurses and supporters refused to be bullied and took copies of the WSWS Health Care Workers Newsletter statement.

Such anti-democratic, thuggish methods are meant to prevent nurses from discussing a genuine militant and socialist alternative to the bankrupt policies of the union bureaucrats. The union tops have no such concerns about their pseudo-left friends and allies in Left Voice and the DSA.
Over the weekend, Turning Point USA, a far-right billionaire-funded student organization led by right-wing political operative Charlie Kirk, held a three-day Student Action Summit in Tampa, Florida. The event was attended by dozens of Republican politicians and media figures, culminating in a headline speech given by Donald Trump.



Prior to Trump giving his speech on Saturday, roughly a dozen Nazis carrying Swastika flags marched outside the Tampa convention center to show their support for their Republican leaders. In a video taken by freelance journalist and photographer Dave Decker, the Nazis are heard shouting anti-Semitic slurs and threatening an African-American man.







We kicked all your n*gger asses in Rhodesia, one Nazi threatens. In another video, the Nazis call on onlookers to vote for [Florida governor] Ron DeSantis. Repeating Republican talking points that the media is controlled by a globalist cabal, the Nazis shouted that 96 percent of the media was controlled by Jews.



Its a Jewish conspiracy, just like the Holocaust, said the Nazis, who also carried banners proclaiming that Florida was DeSantis Country as well as anti-Semitic caricatures and flags bearing SS bolts.



Not a single Republican who spoke on Saturday at the Turning Point USA event denounced the Nazi demonstration outside the conference center. As of this writing, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has yet to publicly denounce the Nazis who were proudly proclaiming their allegiance to him and his far-right politics.

No fascists were arrested or charged by the Tampa police for attacking abortion rights counter-protesters.

Turning Point USA played a critical role in the January 6 coup. Kirk has admitted that he chartered seven buses and brought over 300 people to the Capitol on January 6. Following Trumps loss to Biden in the 2020 election, the organization, which until recently had among its board members Virginia Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, promoted Trumps lie that the election was stolen, and continues to do so.

The event was live-streamed by Fox Nation, Real Americas Voice and Turning Point USA.

It featured a number of Republican lawmakers who backed Trumps coup attempt, such as Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, all of whom voted against certifying the election after the attack on the Capitol. Other speakers included Fox News and right-wing media personalities such as Laura Ingraham, Jeanine Pirro, Benny Johnson and Dave Rubin.

Florida Governor and potential 2024 Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis also spoke. In the course of his speech he denounced Jewish billionaire and Holocaust survivor George Soros.



You see these prosecutors that are funded by George Soros, DeSantis said. They are not prosecuting cases... it is destroying these societies... We are proud to be a law and order state in Florida.

In a straw poll conducted after the conference, which asked attendees whom they would vote for if Trump ran in 2024, over 78 percent said they would vote for the ex-president. DeSantis came in second, with roughly 19 percent. No other Republicans who spoke at the event garnered more than one percent.



In his fascistic diatribe Saturday night, Trump repeated much of what he has said repeatedly on the campaign trail. He attacked the January 6 House Select Committee as a group of political thugs and said that the coup was a hoax.

He lashed out at Wyoming Republican Liz Cheney, calling her unhinged, while labeling House Speaker Nancy Pelosi a psycho. As he does in all of his speeches endorsing far-right candidates in Republican primaries, Trump warned that Americas greatest enemies come not from outside, but from within.



Stoking violence against immigrants, Trump claimed that President Joe Biden was allowing an invasion along the Southern border. He attacked immigrants as invaders and criminals, while lauding the Border Gestapo as brave and tough ICE patriots, who go into these nests of killers and get them the hell out of the country.



Trump recalled American greatness, saying that he loved watching the old movies, black and white, the documentaries... from the 1940s.



He recalled all the pictures of the massive bombers and questioned if we have the ability to do this anymore? He avoided identifying the enemy target of US bombers as Nazi Germany.



In his retelling of US history, American Greatness began in 1776 followed by the battle of Gettysburg in 1863 and then the battles with Soviet Communism. Again, no mention of Hitlers Nazi regime.



Nearly every Republican politician who spoke at the event signaled his or her support for Trumps coup and attacked the January 6 Committee. The exception was DeSantis, who has avoided talking about the attempted coup because he is positioning himself as an alternate far-right presidential candidate to Trump.



During his speech, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley bragged that he was the first senator to object to the Electoral College certification of Biden. I objected on January 6th last year to the state of Pennsylvania, said Hawley. And I just want to say to all those liberals out there, in the liberal media, just in case you havent gotten the message yet, I do not regret it. And I am not backing down, Im not going to apologize.



That Hawley and the rest of the 147 Republicans in Congress who voted to overturn the election following the mob attack on the Capitol feel free to threaten the January 6 Committee and overthrow elections in the future is attributable to the actions of the Democratic Party. More than 18 months after the coup, Attorney General Merrick Garland has yet to charge Trump or any of his high-level accomplices with a crime related to the attempt to overthrow the Constitution and establish a dictatorship under the defeated president.



While the Justice Department does nothing, President Biden and House Speaker Pelosi continue to call for unity with their Republican colleagues. The Democratic-controlled January 6 Committee is promoting right-wing Republican war hawk Liz Cheney and covering up the complicity of the military, police, intelligence agencies and at least two members of the Supreme Court--Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito--in the attempted coup.



Data complied by OpenSecrets.org shows that so far during this election cycle, Democratic candidates, political groups and nonprofits have spent nearly $44 million on advertising campaigns across five states to boost the profile of far-right [Republican] candidates in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Maryland. In lieu of charging and jailing the perpetrators of January 6, including Trump and most of the other politicians who spoke at the conference, the Democrats are cynically calculating that Trumps election-denying cronies will be easier to beat in the fall midterm general election than their more traditional right-wing Republican rivals.

On the second day of the conference, held on Saturday, roughly 100 abortion rights protesters marched outside the hall in opposition to the Supreme Courts ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. As they approached the conference center, they were confronted by fascistic media personality Alex Stein, backed by dozens of Trump supporters.



In a video Stein posted on his Twitter account, he is shown going into the crowd of mostly young people, grabbing their signs and calling them baby killers, while the police look on and do nothing. Eventually, the police warned off Stein and his mob.

There is no question that Steins intervention was coordinated with the Republican Party. On Friday, the first day of the conference, Stein tweeted a photo of himself having dinner with Marjorie Taylor Greene. On Sunday, Taylor Greene retweeted Steins video with the caption, Theres my Alex, followed by clapping emojis.





In her comments at the conference, she declared, I am a Christian... I also call myself a Christian Nationalist, and thats not a bad word.


In an interview with the World Socialist Web Site, renowned Australian investigative journalist John Pilger has warned that the US is close to getting its hands on the courageous WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange.

Last month, British Home Secretary Priti Patel approved Assanges extradition to the US, where he faces 175 years imprisonment under the Espionage Act for publishing true information exposing American war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan. As Pilger explains, Patels order will be the subject of a further appeal, but the British judiciary that will adjudicate has facilitated Assanges persecution every step of the way. This underscores the urgency of a political fight to free Assange, based on the powerful struggles of the working class that are emerging all around the world.

John Pilger

Pilger began his media career in the late 1950s. His first documentary, The Quiet Mutiny, exposed aspects of the US war in Vietnam in 1970. Since then, Pilger has produced more than 50 documentaries, many of them feature-length and centering on revealing the crimes of the major imperialist powers.

In a 2012 Rolling Stone interview, Assange was asked: Who has been your most critical public supporter? He replied: John Pilger, the Australian journalist, has been the most impressive.

Pilger has been unwavering in his defence of the WikiLeaks publisher. In 2018 and 2019, he addressed Socialist Equality Party rallies, demanding that the Australian government use its diplomatic and legal powers to free Assange.

Because of his principled defence of Assange and opposition to war, Pilger is hardly ever referenced in Australias official media, despite being one of the countrys most well-known and respected journalists.

WSWS: After Patels announcement allowing extradition, where is the Assange case up to? Are the dangers he confronts of a greater urgency than previously?

John Pilger: It is a dangerous, unpredictable time. Since the Home Secretary signed the extradition order, a provisional appeal has been filed by Julians lawyers. Provisional is part of the tortuous process of appeal. The lawyers must submit what are known as perfected grounds of appeal in the next few weeks, then the US and the Home Secretary file their responses. Only after that does it go to a judge (not sitting in a court) to decide whether or not he will accept it. It may sound meticulous but, having observed it, it looks to me like a finely spun blanket of obfuscation over a profoundly biased system.

Until the High Court hearing last year, I believed the countrys senior judges would reject the US appeal and reclaim something of the mythologised notion of British justice if only for the systems survival, which partly depends on face within the arcane reaches of the British establishment. This show of independence in support of justice has happened in the past. In Julians case, the facts are surely too outrageousno properly constituted court would even consider ityet I was wrong. The decision by the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales last October that the US in effect had the right to fabricate and belatedly introduce assurances that had not even been part of previous due process was quite shocking. There was no justice, no process; the guile and ruthlessness of US power was on show. Might is right.

Today, the US knows it is close to getting its hands on Julian. Unlike previous parliaments at Westminster, there is not a single voice speaking up for him. In spite of a tenacious campaign emphasising the threat Julians extradition poses to a free press, he is barely acknowledged in the media, which remains intensely hostile to him. Journalists have never been as compliant as they are today, and Julians case is a reminderto someof what they ought to be. He shames them.

WSWS: You have consistently defended Julian for more than ten years. Over that period have you been shocked by the intensity with which he has been pursued?

JP: Perhaps not shocked; as a journalist, I have had my own taste of state ruthlessness. Remember the pursuit of Julian is a measure of his achievements. He informed millions about the deceptions of governments too many trusted; he respected their right to know. It was a remarkable public service.

WSWS: Do you think this is bound up with a broader assault on democratic rights?

JP: Yes, its the latest stage of the abandonment of what used to be called social democracy. The rollback of rights in the US and UK is in reaction to the uprising, in the 1960s an 1970s, of people and their conscientiousness and of ideas of equity. This was an historical moment when society was becoming more enlightened; minority and gender rights were gaining acceptance; workers were fighting back. At the same time, the so-called information age was launched. It was only partly about information; it was a media age, with the media establishing a ubiquitous, controlling place in peoples lives. One of the most influential books of the time was The Greening of America. On the cover were the words: There is a revolution coming. It will not be like revolutions of the past. It will originate with the individual. The message of its author, a young Yale academic, Charles Reich, was that truth-telling and political action had failed and only culture and introspection could change the world.

Within a few years, driven by new opportunities of profit, the cult of me-ism had subverted peoples sense of acting together, their sense and language of social justice and internationalism. Class, gender and race were separated; class as a way of explaining society became heresy. The personal was the political, and the media was the message. The propaganda was that something called globalism was good for you. Corporatism, its specious language and its authoritarianism, appropriated much about the way we lived, ensuring what the economist Ted Wheelwright called a Two Thirds Societywith the bottom third beholden to debt and poverty while an unrecognised class war uprooted and destroyed the power of labour. In 2008, the election of the first black president in the land of slavery and the fabrication of a new cold war completed the political disorientation of those who, 20 years earlier, would have formed a critical opposition and an anti-war movement.

WSWS: Is there a relationship with the escalation of war, including the US-led confrontations with China and Russia?

JP: Events today are the direct result of plans laid in the 1992 Defence Planning Guidance, a document that laid out how the US would maintain its empire and see off any challenges, real and imagined. The aim was US dominance at any cost, literally. Written by Paul Wolfowitz and Dick Cheney, who would play key roles in the administration of George W. Bush and the invasion of Iraq, it might have been written by Lord Curzon in the 19th century. They formed The Project for a New American Century. America, it boasted, would oversee a new frontier. The role of other states would be as vassals or supplicants, or they would be crushed. It planned the conquest of Europe, and Russia, with all the zeal and thoroughness of Hitlers imperialists. The roots of NATOs current war on Russia and provocations of China are here.

WSWS: What do you think of the role being played by the Albanese Labor government? Can you comment on the Declassified Australia report, with internal briefings for Attorney-General Dreyfus, which indicated that the only focus of the Labor government is a hypothetical prison transfer, after Assange has been extradited to the US and convicted of Espionage Act charges there?

JP: The Albanese Labor government is as right-wing and compliant as any Australian Labor governmentonly the Whitlam government in 197275 broke the mould, and it was got rid of. It was the Labor government of Julia Gillard that initiated Australias collusion with the US to silence Assange. The prison transfer idea may be seen as a weasel way of satisfying support for Julian in his homeland. Whatever happens, the US will decide and the Albanese government will do as its told.

WSWS: We are raising the need for workers and young people to come to Assanges defence, as the spearhead of the fight against war and authoritarianism. Why do you think ordinary people should take up the struggle to free Assange?

JP: Julian Assange is the courageous embodiment of a struggle against the darkest, most oppressive forces in our world; and people of principle, young and old, should oppose it as best they can; or one day it may touch their lives, and worse.
The US military is considering moving aircraft carriers or sending fighter planes for close air support as part of a potential trip by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, the Washington Post reported Saturday.

The discussions about US military actions in support of Pelosis trip were first reported in an op-ed by Josh Rogin, who wrote:

The U.S. military is devising options for protecting Pelosis delegation, whoas is normal procedure for congressional delegations to Taiwanwould be flying on a military plane. The measures under consideration include moving aircraft carriers or sending fighter planes for close air support. That, in turn, could be misinterpreted by the Chinese side as an aggressive rather than a defensive measure.

The discussions take place amid warnings by Chinese officials that the scheduled trip by Pelosi could trigger a military clash between Chinese and US forces.

US Navy aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and other US and Allies vessels transit the Bay of Bengal as part of MALABAR 2021, on Oct. 12, 2021. (Russel Lindsey/US Navy)

In a separate article, the Post reported: The Biden administration is increasingly concerned that a planned trip by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan next month could spark a major crisis across the Taiwan Strait, and the White House and an array of national security officials have briefed Pelosi and her team about the risks of traveling now, administration officials said.

In a separate article, the Post quoted Evan Medeiros, a former top White House China expert in the Obama administration, as saying, The Taiwan issue could spark warincluding nuclear warbetween the two largest economies in the world.

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden said military officials believed it was not a good idea for Pelosi to visit Taiwan.

But despite Bidens public comments and public warnings to the press made by White House officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Pelosi has not publicly called off the trip. Asked to comment, she said that it's important for us to show support to Taiwan. Asked about Bidens comments, Pelosi replied, maybe the military was afraid our plane would get shot down or something like that by the Chinese.

Last week, Hu Xijin, the former party secretary of the Global Times, proposed that China should send military aircraft to accompany Pelosis plane to enter the island of Taiwan and fly over the airport where Pelosi lands, and fly back to the mainland from the island.

On Saturday, the Financial Times (FT) reported that Chinese officials told the US that Pelosis trip would be met with a possible military response.

Over the weekend, Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, demanded further US action against China, declaring, The message is the Chinese military, in the air and at sea, have become significantly more and noticeably more aggressive in this particular region.

Pelosis trip, first reported by the Financial Times, would be the first visit by a House speaker to Taiwan since 1997. On Friday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman threatened strong countermeasures to Pelosis trip, adding, We mean what we say.

The planned trip has triggered a crisis within Bidens own party, with the FT reporting that US national security adviser Jake Sullivan and other senior National Security Council officials oppose the trip because of the risk of escalating tension across the Taiwan Strait.

The Republican Party and its media allies have strongly endorsed Pelosis trip and criticized the White Houses concerns about it. This pathetic self-deterrence is a mistake, and it will invite more aggression, said Sen. Tom Cotton (Republican from Arkansas).

The Wall Street Journal wrote, And now that both she [Pelosi] and Mr. Biden have raised the prospect of a military threat, any decision to stay home would look like a retreat under Chinese pressure. Mrs. Pelosi almost has to take the trip now.

Retweeting Rogins report on the military preparations for Pelosis trip, retired Admiral James Stavridis, one of the USs leading public ex-military officers, declared, We cannot allow China to decide whether or not senior US officials visit the island of Taiwan.

The discussions of a visit by Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan are part of a systematic effort by the United States to overturn the One China policy, under which the United States has maintained no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

The Trump administration set about systematically dismantling the policy, sending Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar to Taiwan in 2020. At the time, Azar was the highest-ranking US official to visit Taiwan in decades. This policy has continued under Biden, but Pelosi would be by far the highest profile official to visit Taiwan in decades.

Even as significant sections of the US political establishment are demanding a clash with China, the United States is massively intensifying the conflict with Russia. Last week, the White House confirmed that the Pentagon is actively discussing sending US/NATO fighter jets to Ukraine, breaking with Bidens categorical rejection of an earlier proposal.

Over the weekend, Adam Smith, the chair of the House Armed Services Committee, told Radio Free Europe that the United States and its allies would send Ukraine up to 30 long-range missile launchers, including the HIMARS and M270, nearly double what has already been sent.

The simultaneous escalation against Russia and China comes three 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 World Socialist Web Site is waging a campaign to expose and end the censorship of Dr David Berger, a respected rural and remote general practitioner and dedicated zero-COVID advocate, by the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Dr David Berger (Image: Supplied)

AHPRA and the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) have accused Berger of unprofessional communication, and violating a code of conduct for doctors in Australia in his posts on social media. Under threat of deregistration as a medical practitioner, he must submit himself to an education course, and promise to self-censor his writings, both private and professional.

AHPRA is a government body set up in 2010 by the then federal Labor government of Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard. All health workers are legally compelled to register. Its stated purpose was to regulate health workers and systems, and protect the public from abuses of professional practice through national registration and codes of professional conduct.

AHPRA regulates over 825,000 health practitioners through 15 professional boards (such as the MBA), including doctors, nurses, dentists, paramedics and physiotherapists. Its creation rationalised into one organisation nearly 80 professional boards at federal and state levels.

One of the agencys main functions is to allow for complaints, even anonymously, to be made against health workers for investigation. It can take disciplinary action, including de-registration, which denies the right to practice in Australia. It also requires mandatory reporting from health workers against their colleagues if they are suspected of being a danger to the public, typically for matters involving impairment, intoxication, departure from professional standards and sexual misconduct at work.

While providing no specifics or evidence, in a statement to the Australian Broadcasting Corporations Radio National PM program, the MBA claimed that AHPRA acted against Berger because:

When Dr Berger has made comments that disagree with governments, public health organisations, pharmaceutical companies, he has done so using emotional and pejorative language. When referred to in this manner it would be reasonable for the reader to doubt the integrity of the persons and organisations targeted, and to lose confidence in the public health pronouncements and programmes promoted by them.

This is not protecting the public but political censorship and denial of democratic rights. Dr Berger has sought, since day one of the COVID pandemic, to bring scientific clarity and explain the measures required to protect lives and eliminate the virus. He has criticised the decisions of state and federal governments to drop any protective public health measures, letting COVID rip and resulting in more than 11,000 dead in Australiaover 8,000 this year alone.

The agencys attack on Berger has evoked a powerful response among health care workers. A Free Speech for Doctors open letter issued by some of Australias most prominent clinicians and scientists, and signed by over 1,700 doctors, scientists, and other workers and members of the public in Australia and internationally, opposes AHPRAs actions.

The letter commends Dr Berger for his clear, honest sustained contribution to public health through his personal and corporate advocacy and his unblemished clinical record. It condemns AHPRAs demands for silence as in breach of our ethical and moral obligations, as governments may formulate public health policies that are not in the best interests [emphasis added]of the community, and dissenting doctors may take a position that is for the better interest of population health.

The letter demands the revocation of the conditions placed on Dr Berger on the basis that it is unreasonable to expect all registrants to always support government public health settings.

It further condemns changes to policy that now enable AHPRA to punish doctors for speaking out should be urgently reviewed, along with the remit of AHPRA as a blanket defender of government health policy.

Policy changes made by AHPRA in 2019 and 2021 allow it to regulate social media posts made by health workers in a private capacity. These measures have been used to censor Berger, as the agency can threaten disciplinary action for vaguely defined breaches of professional boundaries in virtually every social media setting.

As social media is the most common way in which people access healthcare information, AHPRAs policies make it nearly impossible for health workers to communicate with the broader public without fear of reprisal.

AHPRA and National Boards (Image supplied)

AHPRA also has been criticised for the arbitrary nature in which it can conduct investigations against doctors and other health workers, requiring no due process for the accused, no right to face their accusers and a limited right to appeal.

Apart from being time-consuming and often burdensome, investigations of this nature have a terrible impact on the mental health of health workers. A 2015 study published in the BMJ (formerly, British Medical Journal) indicated that such investigations are a significant contributor to suicide rates, particularly among doctors.

In 2017, a federal parliament inquiry found deficiencies in the transparency of AHPRAs investigations. AHPRA also failed to take into account the wellbeing of accused practitioners and allowed vexatious complaints without proper review. Nothing has been done since. Instead, AHPRA has had its powers increased at the expense of health workers.

In July the Victorian state chapter of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) called for a royal commission into abuses and arbitrary powers by AHPRA. That will be raised at the AMAs national meeting this month.

Leading medical experts condemn AHPRAs action

Many of the open letter signatories and other leading health practitioners have been vocal about the need for reform and exposure of AHPRAs action, seeing the attack on Berger as a threat to all health workers and their ability to freely communicate with the public.

In an article published by Croakey Health News, under the title Questions about freedom of speech in a contested, politicised pandemic environment, physician and popular Australian Broadcasting Corporation health broadcaster Dr Norman Swan criticised AHPRAs actions as a disproportionate decision especially when you consider that some of the decisions and pronouncements of health authorities during this pandemic have had a questionable basis in evidence and were often made in secrecy.

The Croakey article also quoted Dr Peter Tait, GP and a senior population health lecturer at the Australian National University. He noted that silencing Dr Berger could have a chilling effect on doctors putting opinion about services and therapeutic goods into the public domain in a variety of communication modalities not only social media. Tait criticised the vague nature of AHPRAs guidelines, saying its standards for social media give general examples but the nuances are not readily decipherable.

Dr Andrew Miller (Image: Medical Forum)

Former West Australian state AMA president Dr Andrew Miller condemned the action against Berger as authoritarian censorship which, if applied across the board, would make any comment that criticises government health programmes by even registered office bearers of the AMA or Societies or Colleges, as it is currently practised, difficult.

Dr Miller called attention to the mismanagement of governments during the pandemic, saying that they have been spectacularly wrong about important matters, such as airborne spread. He highlighted the responsibility and need of health practitioners to be able to comment on that gap, and critique it in a way that the public can relate to. He added that to get attention requires, at times, the use of powerful language. This is the very complaint that has been made against Berger.

Perhaps the most insightful and striking comment came from Professor Raina MacIntyre, an accomplished clinician and public health researcher who heads the Biosecurity Program at the University of New South Wales Kirby Institute. A strident and principled advocate for eliminating COVID herself, MacIntyre pointed to the reasons for AHPRAs actions, as well as the ultimate implications of censoring health workers.

Professor Raina McIntyre (Image: Medical Journal of Australia)

It appears to me that AHPRA and the TGA [Therapeutic Goods Administration] were weaponised by government during the pandemic in 2021 to silence dissenting doctors, Macintyre said. The reason was the fallout from poor procurement decisions, the limited vaccine options, and the use of AstraZeneca in younger adults when TTS [Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome] was a known complication This is a classic example of dual-loyaltywhere doctors are forced into being subservient to the demands of the state, even if the policies of the state are wrong and not in the best interests of patients.

MacIntyre added: If that does not chill you, it should. It is so broad that it theoretically allows them to target some doctors while letting others get away with a breach. We already saw doctors criminalised for trying to advocate for the health of asylum seekers. What if a future government introduces policies that are framed as utilitarian but that result in eugenics? Then dissenting doctors could face deregistration for speaking up.

The open letter calls for an investigation into whether AHPRA applies its decisions equally to all alleged abuses of its code of conduct. A brief review of the agencys actions during the pandemic alone indicates that the treatment meted out to Dr Berger has not been seen for those advocating the positions of big business and government, especially for dropping measures to contain or eliminate COVID.

No reprimands were made against Nick Coatsworth, former deputy chief medical officer and infectious disease physician, who in November 2021 claimed without evidence that if Omicron is milder than Delta, you actually want it to spread within your community it could be that we want Omicron to spread around the world as quickly as possible.

Similarly, federal Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly stated in January that there was no evidence Omicron is more deadly than other variants. Even now, as cases and deaths mount rapidly, Kelly remains in his position and does not face de-registration for misinformation.

AHPRA also has refused to pursue right-wing organisations, like the Victorian-based COVID Medical Network (CMN), that advance anti-scientific lies about COVID public health measures, oppose vaccination and promote bogus cures such as ivermectin.

The campaign of censorship against progressive voices is escalating. Since last week, Twitter has locked the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) (Australia) Twitter account after it posted a video defending Dr Berger and linking his victimisation to that of two other zero-COVID champions, UK parent Lisa Diaz and London bus driver David OSullivan, as well as persecuted WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Undoubtedly the winter COVID wave in Australia will provoke widespread opposition to the policies of the federal and state governments, who continue to block any public health measures that would interfere with corporate profits. There is also the realisation among many workers that far from ending, the unchecked COVID pandemic is producing a pattern of recurring waves, a fact that medical experts and the WSWS have warned of since last year. These waves will bring with them deadlier and more transmissible variants, capable of evading vaccinations and treatments.

It is this reality that is being blocked by the silencing of health workers and the SEP. The fight to end the pandemic requires the working class to have an accurate understanding about the severity of COVID and need for its elimination, which can be provided only by dedicated health workers and scientists. To this end, workers must defend Dr Berger and all other principled health workers and scientists, demanding an end to their persecution by AHPRA and the abolition of such organisations of censorship.

We urge our readers to speak out in Dr. Bergers defence and email statements of support here. Please indicate in the email how you would like to be identified in our next article, and if you want to include a photo, please attach one to the email.

We also appeal to all WSWS readers and defenders of democratic rights to voice your opposition to the Twitter lock on the SEP. Direct tweets to @TwitterSupport and include the hashtag #OpposeSEPTwitterLock, demanding an immediate reversal of the lock and a full explanation of why it was imposed.
25 years ago: Mahane Yehuda market bombing in Jerusalem

On July 30, 1997, two consecutive suicide bombings were carried out by Hamas militants at the Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem. Sixteen people were killed and 178 were injured in the attack.

Following the suicide bombing, the Palestinian Authority (PA) joined with Israels Shin Bet intelligence agency and the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in forming a tripartite panel to coordinate repressive operations in the region. The first meeting of the body took place on August 17 under the supervision of the CIA station chief in Tel Aviv.

The arrangement, proposed by Washington and welcomed by Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) leader Yasser Arafat, was an indicator of the fraudulent character of the US-brokered Middle East peace and of the blind alley into which the bourgeois nationalist perspective of the PLO led the Palestinian people.

A memorial plaque for the victims of the Mahane Yehuda bombing

Major Palestinian towns like Hebron and Ramallah were sealed off by Israeli troops, their residents prevented from leaving, while Palestinians from other parts of the West Bank were barred from entering. The Gaza Strip was likewise blockaded. Tens of thousands of Palestinian workers who depended on jobs in Israel were turned back at the border.

The economic life of the territories, already stagnant, was brought to a standstill by the security measures. The Israeli government also cut off tax receipts collected from Palestinian workers and businesses, which were supposed to be turned over to the PA. The funds accounted for nearly two-thirds of the PAs operating budget.

For decades the PLO proclaimed its dedication to national liberation through the armed struggle against Zionism and imperialism. It won broad popular support from Palestinians and the sympathy of oppressed masses throughout the Middle East. But by the 1990s it had come to be reviled by the people it promised to liberate, as it now functioned as a police agency subordinate to both Washington and Tel Aviv, reinforcing the oppression of the Palestinians. The waning popularity of the PLO, and the demoralization it caused, created conditions for the growth of the Islamic fundamentalist Hamas movement, whose terrorist attacks played directly into the hands of the Israeli state.

Four years after Israel and the PLO signed a peace agreement on the White House lawn, conditions for the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip were worse than under direct Israeli occupation. In reality, the occupation never ended. Israels military forces maintained a stranglehold over the territories where Arafats PA was nominally in charge. The fictitious character of Palestinian self-rule was made clear again by the acts of collective punishment carried out by Israel in response to the Jerusalem bombing.

50 years ago: British Army begins major military operation in Northern Ireland

On July 31, 1972, the British Army launched Operation Motorman in Northern Ireland to retake areas that had been under the control of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The operation was the largest military mobilization of the British Army since the Suez Crisis in 1956.

Following the violence in 1969 that began the period of The Troubles, Irish nationalists had organized defenses and built barricades in Catholic neighborhoods that resisted the British occupation soldiers and Ulster unionist paramilitaries. These no-go areas as they became known to the British Army included Free Derry and West Belfast and were the primary target of the Motorman operation.

British troops look on as members of the Ulster Defence Association parade through Belfast, Northern Ireland. (AP Photo)

In the days prior to the operation, thousands of soldiers and many tanks were transported into Northern Ireland from Britain. Totaling around 22,000, the rapid buildup of troops was impossible to hide. Both the Provisional and Official IRA factions had time to evacuate the no-go areas before the invasion began.

In the early morning of July 31, British tanks began breaking through the street barricades and thousands of troops, backed by many volunteers from the right-wing Ulster Defense Regiment, swarmed and occupied the Catholic neighborhoods. There was virtually no armed resistance to the invasion as the IRA groups had ordered a retreat in the face of the overwhelming numbers of the British Army.

In the course of the operations British Army soldiers shot four people in Derry, all unarmed teenaged boys, killing two. Later in the day the IRA Provisionals responded to the Motorman invasion by detonating three car bombs in Claudy, killing nine civilians.

Unable to match the British regulars of the British military in open combat, or their Unionist paramilitary deputies, the IRA turned increasingly to terrorism. This only played into the hands of British imperialism.

75 years ago: Truman signs National Security Act, creates the CIA

On July 25, 1947, President Harry Truman signed the National Security Act into law, setting the institutional framework for the vast expansion of the US military-intelligence apparatus tasked with aggressively prosecuting the interests of American imperialism worldwide.

The Democratic president signed the legislation after it had passed both houses of Congress with bipartisan support. The new law created a powerful National Security Council, responsible for the formulation of longer-term strategic policy as well as more immediate military and state policy. Centered in the White House, the NSC was to include the president, the vice president, the secretary of defense and the secretary of state, as well as other intelligence and military chiefs. It would also be provided with a permanent staff.

Truman signs the National Security Act

The establishment of the new body marked a significant strengthening of a militarist executive. Concurrently, the Department of War and the Navy Department were merged, with the formation of a Department of Defense.

The Act also provided for the creation of the Central Intelligence Agency, as a permanent foreign intelligence service carrying out continuous activities around the world. It replaced the Central Intelligence Group, founded in 1946. That body had emerged out of the Office of Strategic Services, established in 1942 after American entry into World War Two. Prior to the OSS and the CIA, foreign intelligence had been conducted by a patchwork of military and defense entities.

Unlike the Central Intelligence Group, the CIA was not only mandated to collect and collate information, but also to conduct wide-ranging covert operations.

Over the following years of his term, Truman would bolster the size of the military and the CIA, while passing further legislation strengthening the centralized national-security state.

The 1947 Act was passed amid the turn by the American ruling elite to a Cold War program of aggressively confronting the Soviet Union and asserting its hegemony everywhere, including in Europe. In the months before Truman signed the act into law, his administration had outlined several major foreign policy initiatives.

This included the unveiling of the Truman Doctrine, under which the US government took upon itself the right to intervene anywhere in the world, supposedly in defense of freedom and democracy. The first concrete manifestations of this policy were financial support to the fascistic counterrevolution in Greece and backing for the despotic Turkish regime, which Truman was seeking to cultivate as a bulwark against the Soviet Union. The US had also announced the Marshall Plan, involving sweeping economic intervention in Europe.

100 years ago: General strike in Italy against fascism

On July 31, 1922, the Socialist Party, anarcho-syndicalist groups and the trade unions called for a general strike to stop Fascist violence against left-wing trade unionists and elected officials. The Liberal government of Luigi Facta had resigned on July 19 after a vote of no confidence in the Italian parliament, and the goal of the strike was to pressure the incoming capitalist government to reject an alliance with the Fascists.

Fascist violence had escalated dramatically since 1921, with assassinations and attacks by squadre dazione (action squads) of armed Fascists attacking trade unionists and left-wing leaders.

The Fascist violence was brutal. As one historian has noted, the Fascist gangs, behaved like an occupation force which had to dominate and subjugate a hostile population  violence could not be applied just once. It had to be applied continuously.

A fascist Squadron of Action in 1922

The government immediately mobilized troops against strikers but called on the Fascists to restrain themselves. Nevertheless, the Fascists attacked Communists in Genoa and occupied a streetcar garage in Milan to ensure that transit services continued to operate. Fascists killed a Socialist mayor near Cremona in northern Italy and Communist railway workers fired on police in Oderzo, south of Venice.

By August 4, Fascists had occupied municipal buildings in Milan and demanded the resignation of Socialist politicians. Five thousand Fascists assembled in Genoa and battled workers from a Communist defense organization.

By August 5, it was clear that the strike had begun to falter. Correspondents writing in the international press noted the increasing number of street cars operating in Rome and a return to normalcy. On August 15, over 50,000 railroad workers were disciplined for participating in the strike.

The failure of the strike was the result of the hostility of the official working class leadership to mobilizing the working class to seize power in the preceding months and years. The Socialist Party and trade union leaders had suffocated the mass occupation of factories in 1919-20, the two red years (Biennio Rosso) and lost credibility in the eyes of millions.

The stage was now set for the Fascist leader Benito Mussolinis infamous March on Rome in October, 1922, the Fascist seizure of power.
Directed by Xavier Giannoli; written by Giannoli and Jacques Fieschi, based on the novel by Honore de Balzac

Lost Illusions (Illusions perdues), directed by Xavier Giannoli, is a film adaptation of the novel with the same title by French author Honore de Balzac (1799-1850). The book, written between 1837 and 1843, appeared in three parts. The film concentrates almost exclusively on the second (and strongest) portion, A Great Man of the Provinces in Paris (1839).

The semi-ironic title refers to Lucien Chardon, a young man from a provincial city in the southwest of France, who comes to Paris in 1821 to pursue a career as a poet. He has artistic aspirations, influenced by Romanticism, of the most elevated sort. Novel and film both recount the painful process of his systematic disillusionment and corruption. Balzac places the vileness of the press and the willingness of journalists to be hired by the highest bidder at the center of things. Beyond and behind that, the writer lays bare the transformation of art itself under capitalism into a commodity.

Lost Illusions is a monumental novel, a turning point in modern literature, and Giannoli and Jacques Fieschi, his co-screenwriter, have done a remarkable job of interpreting and dramatizing it.

When the film opens, Lucien (Benjamin Voisin) still lives in the provinces. He has developed a relationship with the intellectual-aristocratic leading light of his town, Louise de Bargeton (Cecile de France). He dedicates florid verses to the elegant woman, who has an older blockhead of a husband. Luciens more serious rival is the Baron du Chatelet (Andre Marcon), an indefatigable intriguer. Indeed, when Mme. de Bargeton breaks with her husband and moves to Paris, with Lucien in tow, Chatelet quickly convinces her to drop the youth.

Vincent Lacoste and Benjamin Voisin in Lost Illusions (2021)

Subsequently, at a point when Lucien is almost penniless in the unforgiving French capital, he encounters Etienne Lousteau (Vincent Lacoste), who writes for various insolent publications, with generally Liberal leanings, as opposed to the competing Royalist periodicals. The Bourbon Restoration, bringing Louis XVIII (brother of the executed Louis XVI) to the French throne, took place after the fall of Napoleon in 1814-15, following a quarter-century of revolution, war and upheaval.

During their first encounter, Lousteau asks Lucien, What do you think I do? The other tentatively suggests something about enlightening the public about art, the world No, Lousteau responds, My job is to make the shareholders rich, and along the way, rake it in.

Through Lousteau, who once had artistic ambitions himself, Lucien makes contact with other journalists, editors, publishers and theater managers. One of Luciens first new acquaintances is the publisher/book dealer Dauriat (Gerard Depardieu). The latter contemptuously rejects the notion of publishing Luciens volume of sensitive verses. Theres no profit in it. Later, Lucien will be able to blackmail the publisher into putting out his poetry by savaging a new work by the well-known writer Nathan (the Canadian filmmaker Xavier Dolan in a very affecting performance), one of Dauriats leading authors. Lucien soon after pens a heartfelt, laudatory comment about Nathans volume.

Much of the journalists feverish activity centers around the Paris stage, and the ferocious competition between theaters and between performers. Everything is for sale. Streetwalkers circulate by the thousands, but prostitution is rife in every sphere. Theater owners, playwrights, actresses bribe Lousteau and his associates for favorable notices. The master-cynic Singali (Jean-Francois Stevenin) makes a career out of being paid to direct his sizable claque to jeer at or applaud a given piece or performer.

Money is the new royalty, someone explains, and no one wants to chop its head off. Despite trepidations and inner conflicts, Lucien makes headway in this new realm. He authors scintillating, but shallow reviews that attract attention. He takes up with Coralie (Salome Dewaels), a young actress with ambitions, including artistic ones. She already has a protector and lover, the wealthy Camusot (Jean-Marie Frin), but the young people easily find their way around that.

Lucien continues to rise in prominence. But his head has now been fatally turned. All that is weakest, most unresolved, most fame- and wealth-seeking in his nature comes to the fore. He takes the line of least resistance at each decisive juncture. (In the novel, Balzac writes that the course of sacrificing oneself for art is beset with hidden dangers, it is a perilous path, whereas Luciens character impelled him to proceed along the shorter way, and the apparently pleasanter way, and to snatch at the quickest and promptest means.)

Lucien, now feted everywhere, in one scenedrunk on champagneputs on a fake crown: To Paris! To our loves! Hes on top of the world, literary royalty. Lucien is even able to exact a degree of revenge against Chatelet and other enemies with his cruel wit. His attachment to principles, to poetry slowly dissolves. In any case, as Lousteau tells him, What we write is forgotten. Or, as a character from the same journalistic milieu casually observes in the Balzac novel that follows the further misadventures of Lucien (The Splendors and Miseries of Courtesans, 1838-1847), Are there such things as opinions nowadays? There are only interests.

However, Lucien remains dominated by one obsession that will help bring about his downfall: changing his surname legally to de Rubempre, his mothers maiden name, thus enabling him to enter the ranks of the nobility. For that, he needs assistance at the highest level of the French state, from the king himself or his entourage. When Lucien once again meets the well-connected Louise de Bargeton, she promises to aid him. As part of the effort to ingratiate himself with the powers that be, Lucien abandons his old Liberal friends (and convictions) and begins writing for a Royalist publication. His former colleagues thereupon plot to destroy him, in part through the public humiliation of Coralie, booed off the stage and torn to shreds by the reviewers. In addition, Luciens name, through a trick, appears on anti-Royalist articles, finishing him off in that quarter too. The would-be poet is reduced to writing advertisements while Coralie lies terribly ill. A new world was dawning, the narrator explains 

Benjamin Voisin in Lost Illusions (2021)

Giannoli and Fieschi have accomplished something intriguing, and demanding. They have attempted to absorb Balzacs novel as a whole, retain its essential structure and gist, while rewriting the actual dialogue, reworking individual situations and changing certain characterizations. The thrust of Balzacs story is here, although not so many of his lines. Giannoli speaks about the desire not to plagiarize the novel. He comments, Art feeds on what it burns. Cinema is by nature the transfiguration of a reality or a book. Otherwise, what good is it?

To a considerable extent, the filmmakers have succeeded. They have softened the novels attitude toward certain figuresMadame de Bargeton, for example. They have also added a more hopeful conclusion. The director explains that he found some of Balzacs writing harsh and punitive. Its possible that something has been gained in the process, and perhaps something has been lost. Balzacs relentless, ferocious assault on this environment and its denizens can at times be wearing, but, fortunately, this version of Lost Illusions has not shied away from the novelists deep aversion to the falsity, hypocrisy, venality and all-embracing corruption he saw around him.

Giannoli made some other interesting observations to an interviewer:

This theme of lost innocence, of self-waste, of what was beautiful and precious in oneself, particularly touches me. This insidious way that an era or an environment has to lead you to deny your ideals, your most beautiful values.

During the period when Balzac wrote Illusions, Marx was in the streets of Paris and [British author William Makepeace] Thackeray was preparing [The Luck of] Barry Lyndon, which would be serialized a little later. We could find dozens of other examples of authors who understood that the world had entered, to use a formula dear to Marxists, the icy waters of selfish calculation. The critic Georg Lukacs has written magnificent pages on this great novel of the capitalisation of minds and the commodification of the world.

Balzac sees this moment when being degenerates into having, and having degenerates into appearing, because he also tells the story of France's conversion to capitalism... The human, political, spiritual and artistic damage caused by this earthquake.

What still has meaning in a world where everything is assessed at a market value? Does art still have a place in such a world?

The acting is excellent in Lost Illusions. The younger actors throw themselves into their parts, and the more veteran performersMarcon, Depardieu, Stevenin, Louis-Do de Lencquesaing as Finot, Jeanne Balibar as Madame dEspard)add extraordinary texture and coloring. Great care has been taken with every aspect of the production. The filmmakers clearly want their audience to be gripped and engaged. This is important to them and thus it becomes important to us.

The intense and increasingly intolerable pressures and contradictions building up in French and global society must play a role in this. Artists turn to past works and past eras because of something pressing in the present. Giannoli and Fieschi are not simply amusing themselves here. This is a serious effort reflecting serious conditions. The revulsion for the upper echelons and their literary-media apologists resonates strongly today. By making the film, its creators, whether they fully mean to or not, set themselves in opposition to the widespread and often well-paid acquiescence of the current intelligentsia in the face of the pandemic, unending war, the resurgence of fascism.

Balzac was writing under the July Monarchy of Louis Philippe (1830-1848), that early stage of French capitalist development during which, according to Marx, it was not the entire bourgeoisie that ruled, but one faction of it: bankers, stock-exchange kings, railway kings, owners of coal and iron mines and forests, a part of the landed proprietors associated with themthe so-called financial aristocracy. Marx famously added that during these years, an unbridled assertion of unhealthy and dissolute appetites manifested itself, particularly at the top of bourgeois societylusts wherein wealth derived from gambling naturally seeks its satisfaction, where pleasure becomes crapuleux [debauched], where money, filth, and blood commingle. The finance aristocracy, in its mode of acquisition as well as in its pleasures, is nothing but the rebirth of the lumpenproletariat on the heights of bourgeois society.

A thoughtful artist today would understandably associate features of that epoch with features of our own, during the terminal decline of bourgeois rule.

Balzac, a Royalist himself, opposed the rise of the bourgeoisie from the point of view of defending the old, model aristocratic society then going out of existence. As a great realist, however, he went against his own class sympathies and political prejudices, in Frederick Engels phrase. In his vast Human Comedy (dozens of interconnected novels and stories), the novelist chronicled the progressive inroads of the rising bourgeoisie upon the society of nobles and around this central picture grouped a complete history of French Society from which, wrote Engels in a letter, I have learned more than from all the professed historians, economists, and statisticians of the period together.

Balzac did this as an artist, not a sociologist. Underpinned as they are by a definite and urgent conception of the epoch, his stories develop spontaneously, with a vivid, complex life of their own. His characters are individualized and their actions socially and psychologically convincing. The protagonists are not the mere fleshing out of social groupings or tendencies, but actual human beings, battling out the central moral and social issues confronting them. In Balzacs work, as Georg Lukacs commented in his essay on the novel, the sum total of socially determining factors is expressed in poetic form, in an uneven, intricate, confused and contradictory pattern, in a labyrinth of personal passions and chance happenings.

Lukacs makes a number of other points. He argues that Lost Illusions portrays the deterioration of literature in great detail. From the writers ideas, emotions and convictions to the paper on which he writes them down, everything is turned into a commodity that can be bought and sold. Moreover, Lukacs points out that Balzac was writing at a time when the capitalist corruption of ethics was still a work in progress, so to speak, in the stage of its primitive accumulation in all the sombre splendour of its atrocity. The fact that the spirit has become a marketable item is not yet accepted as a matter of course. Balzac still exhibits outrage, not acceptance or resignation.

Salome Dewaels in Lost Illusions (2021)

This anger and disgust at the sad fate and degeneration of the post-Restoration youth in France finds expression in many, many passages in Lost Illusions. For example: It is difficult to keep illusions on any subject in Paris, answered Lucien as they turned in at his door. There is a tax upon everythingeverything has its price, and anything can be made to ordereven success.

And: For the past two hours the word money had been sounding in Luciens ears as the solution of every difficulty. In the theatre as in the publishing trade, and in the publishing trade as in the newspaper-officeit was everywhere the same; there was not a word of art or of glory. The steady beat of the great pendulum, Money, seemed to fall like hammer-strokes on his heart and brain.

Lucien is advised, Swim with the stream; it will take you somewhereA clever man with a footing in society can make a fortune whenever he pleases. Another admonishes him, I credited you with the omnipotence of the great mindthe power of seeing both sides of everything. In literature, my boy, every idea is reversible, and no man can take upon himself to decide which is the right or wrong side.

Lucien eventually concludes from his experiences, Perhaps it is impossible to attain to success until the heart is seared and callous in every most sensitive spot. These conceptions are not scattered throughoutor tacked on toLost Illusions, they form its connective tissue. And they have the greatest immediacy in our time.

For its honest approach and artistry, Giannolis film is highly recommended.
If one event could expose the German governments human rights propaganda and climate policy platitudes, it was the Petersberg Climate Dialogue earlier this week. The star guest of the meeting at the German Foreign Ministry was none other than Egyptian dictator Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) together with Egypts President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Government leadersmost notably the Greensregularly refer to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a mass murderer and Russia as a terrorist state to justify NATO aggression against the resource-rich country. If that characterization applies to an international head of state, then it applies to the Butcher of Cairo.

Al-Sisi, who came to power through a coup with Western backing on July 3, 2013, following mass protests against Islamist President Mohamed Mursi, heads a brutal regime of terror. His rule began with a bloodbath.

Almost exactly nine years ago, on August 14, 2013, army and police units under his command stormed two protest camps of coup opponents in the Egyptian capital, killing more than 1,000 people, including many women and children. Human Rights Watch called it a massacre, the worst event of unlawful mass killings in Egypts modern history.

Since then, hundreds more protesters have been killed by the security forces. Tens of thousands of political prisoners have disappeared into the countrys torture dungeons. Protests and strikes are banned by law. Independent media are suppressed, as are parties and organizations that criticize the regime.

The death penalty is also being applied with increasing brutality under al-Sisi. At least 402 people were sentenced to death in 2017, and as many as 717 in 2018. Currently, more than 2,000 people are estimated to be on Egypts death row. Executionsusually by hangingare being carried out in spurts. In 2020, the number of executions tripled to an official 107.

The German government is well aware of al-Sisis terror. Just last month, Joe Stork, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch, called on Germany and other EU states to change their stance on Egypt. The human rights situation in Egypt is currently worse than it has been in decades, he warned. Any form of critical expression puts one at risk of imprisonment. Torture is widespread, especially of political prisoners, but also of ordinary people who end up with the police.

But among the German governments human rights hypocrites, al-Sisis terror does not even elicit a shrug. On the contrary, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Social Democratic Party, SPD) and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) rolled out the red carpet for the dictator in Berlin and showered him with praise. At a joint press conference, Scholz did not criticize the catastrophic human rights situation in Egypt with a single word. Instead, he offered the dictator a platform.

Al-Sisi boasted that he had spoken with the chancellor about the various developments in Egypt as far as human rights are concerned, claiming provocatively he also believes that people have a right to lead a dignified life, and the state is committed to protecting this right. To this end, he said, a national human rights strategy has been developed.

In his own remarks, Scholz made clear which imperialist interests stand behind the murderous alliance with al-Sisi. On the one hand, it concerns economic and energy policy goals. Scholz said he was pleased Egypt has entrusted its largest railroad infrastructure project to a German company. This showed how close our economic relations really are, he said.

According to Siemens, this is the largest order in the companys 175-year history. The corporation reported at the end of May that it had signed a contract worth 8.1 billion for the construction of a 2,000-kilometer rail network for high-speed trains. The company will supply 41 high-speed trains, 94 regional trains and 41 freight locomotives to Egypt. In addition, the contract also includes the construction of eight operating and freight stations as well as the maintenance of the infrastructure over 15 years.

With the gas crisis triggered by German sanctions and the war offensive against Russia, appetites for Egyptian energy are also on the rise. He was pleased that we have agreed to cooperate very closely, especially in the field of hydrogen, Scholz exulted. He said Germany would import a very large part of the hydrogen needed for its economic and industrial development from other countries. The fact that Egypt was making ambitious progress in this area was a good sign for our good relations.

Berlin is not only concerned with hydrogen. Al-Sisi said he had confirmed to Chancellor Scholz, Egypt is ready for a partnership with Germany in the energy sector, whether by exporting natural gas to Germany or also in the field of hydrogen, wind energy and solar energy. Egypt, he said, attaches great importance to partnership with Germany and to transparent dialogue.

Within the framework of this dialogue, al-Sisias previously the under the tyrant Hosni Mubarak, who was toppled by the Egyptian revolution in 2011plays the role of a local governor for the imperialist powers in the region. There had been traditionally close coordination  with regard to the Middle East peace process, Scholz explained at the press conference. Egypt played an outstanding role in this process and helped to stabilize the situation in the Gaza Strip. I would like to thank them for that as well.

In other words, Scholz praises al-Sisi for sealing off Gaza from the Egyptian side and supporting Israels war policy against the Palestinians.

Berlin has armed al-Sisis regime to the teeth to enable its function of repressing the masses not only in Egypt but throughout the region. With exports totalling 4.34 billion, Egypt was by far the largest export country for German military equipment in 2021. And the year before, Egypt also took second place in the German arms export rankings.

Above all, the close alliance with al-Sisi exposes the so-called values-driven foreign policy of the Greens. During last years federal election campaign, Baerbock had still been peddling the claim that foreign policy relations and arms exports should not be evaluated purely in economic terms, but on the basis of the human rights situation. A Green Party election poster even read, No weapons and armaments to war zones.

Voiced by a party that organized the first German war mission in Kosovo since World War II, as part of the federal government in 1998, such statements were never worth anything. Nevertheless, it may have surprised some younger voters to see the aggressiveness with which the Greens are now advocating the delivery of more and more heavy weaponry to Ukraine and abandon their human rights phraseology as soon as the issue is not Russia.

The same applies to climate change policy. Despite the deadly heat wave in large parts of Europe and the worsening climate catastrophe worldwide, in her opening speech to the Petersberg Climate Dialogue, Baerbock did not announce a single new measure in the fight against climate change. Instead, she praised the intensive cooperation with her Egyptian partners in preparing for the meeting and justified abandoning her own limited climate goals with the war offensive against Russia.

She cynically declared that she hears the concerns of those who ask us whether the states of Europe and also Germany are now rowing back on their climate commitments because of the Russian war, adding, I say frankly: We have to make hard decisions in the short term that we dont like in order to reduce our dependence on Russian gas and oil. We have to bring in coal-fired power plants as a reserve for a short period of time.

The aggressiveness with which the Greens are trampling on their own campaign promises, act as the biggest warmongers in government, and form pacts with the bloodiest dictators springs from the reactionary class interests of the social layers for whom they speak. The more directly the wealth of the upper middle classes is linked to pursing aggressive war and great power policies, the more they fear the growing resistance of the working class.

At a panel discussion hosted by news agency Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland last week, Baerbock warned of the danger of popular uprisings in Germany. Asked why Germany had demanded Canada deliver a turbine for the Nord Stream 1 pipeline supplying Europe with Russian gas, she replied, If we dont get the gas turbine, we wont get any more gas. Then we as Germany cant provide any support to Ukraine at all, because well be busy with popular uprisings.

Against this background, al-Sisis reception in Berlin must also be understood as a warning. The ruling class in Germany would resort to the same brutal methods as the Egyptian military dictatorship to suppress mass resistance to its hated policies of war, social attacks, and letting the coronavirus rip.
Delivering results last month has generated expectations for more in the future, said the DG, highlighting the many expressions of support she has received in recent weeks in her meetings with leaders from around the world for the unprecedented package of outcomes reached at MC12.

We need to use this support and momentum by continuing our efforts to revitalize or reinvigorate all of the WTO core functions so that we can remain fit-for-purpose in a changing global economy and continue to deliver more for people around the world, she added.

DG Okonjo-Iweala urged members not to be lulled into complacency following the MC12 success and to start implementing outcomes as soon as possible. On fisheries subsidies, she stressed that the historic agreement reached at MC12 will only be effective once it enters into force.

The urgent situation of the oceans and our fisheries makes it imperative to get this done as soon as possible. This means that each member has to take action in accordance with its own system to formally accept the agreement and deposit its instrument of acceptance with the WTO Secretariat, she said. We normally take quite a long time to ratify agreements here, but I'm hoping that in this case, given the urgency of the situation, we should target months, not years to get this done.

DG Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the importance given by leaders and ministers to the TRIPS decision, in particular regarding the possible extension of the waiver compromise to diagnostics and therapeutics as COVID-19 continues to spread across world. I look forward to the discussions. On my part, I would like to encourage delegations to work expeditiously towards a mutually agreeable solution, she said.

On food security, she noted the many expressions of praise for the Decision on World Food Programme (WFP) Food Purchases Exemptions from Export Prohibitions or Restrictions and the Declaration on the Emergency Response to Food Insecurity. She called on members to work together to ensure that the WTO continuously and effectively contributes to addressing the current food crisis, including by implementing both MC12 food security decisions.

She also referred to the joint statement issued on 15 July by the heads of the Food and Agriculture Organization, International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, World Food Programme and the WTO, calling for urgent action to address the global food security crisis.

DG Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the recent signing of an agreement to send Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea, with the hope that it will work, especially for the 378 million people going hungry in the world. We also look forward to this agreement facilitating trade in fertilizers and other inputs. We are strongly keeping our fingers crossed that this hopeful sign that we see will manifest itself in practical terms, she said.

On agriculture, DG Okonjo-Iweala underlined members could not make headway at MC12 on a work programme and asked for new thinking moving forward to break the stalemate in the negotiations, which started in 2000. She supported the idea of organizing a members' retreat after the August break to devise new ideas.

This will help catalyze new approaches and new ways of trying to do business in agriculture, she said. People have been waiting for more than two decades  and I think if we put our minds to it we can deliver, and we will deliver.

As a sign of good will, DG Okonjo-Iweala asked members to reach a quick agreement to elect a new chair of the agriculture negotiations, following the departure of Ambassador Gloria Abraham Peralta of Costa Rica.

At MC12, members also agreed as part of the outcome document to work towards the necessary reform of the WTO. In this respect, DG Okonjo-Iweala reiterated the need to develop common understandings about what reform is, build on that and act with a sense of urgency, including in resolving the Appellate Body issue, a matter that many leaders have raised.

She thanked the United States for the outreach it is doing at the technical level on this particular issue. Let us not forget that an organization that is fit for purpose is one that is responsive to its members in addressing the most pressing issues, she added.

The chair of the General Council, Ambassador Didier Chambovey of Switzerland, reported that work is continuing after MC12. Some WTO bodies have already met and possible follow-up and implementation work on MC12 mandates for the second half of this calendar year have been discussed. This includes the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, the TRIPS Council and the Council for Trade in Goods.

We should do what it takes to sustain the momentum, said Ambassador Chambovey. I therefore would like to encourage relevant WTO bodies to establish work plans  where feasible  based on MC12 mandates that could serve as yet another useful tool in our implementation pursuit.

Looking beyond the August break, the GC chair said he intends to hold consultations on a range of matters, including WTO reform, the e-commerce work programme and moratorium, and the venue and date of the 13th Ministerial Conference.

On the MC13 venue, Ambassador Chambovey emphasized that the Republic of Cameroon and the United Arab Emirates have both offered to host the next Ministerial Conference. He urged members to take a decision as soon as possible to afford sufficient time for the prospective host to prepare, and to help members manage the implementation of MC12 outcomes in an effective and result-oriented manner.

DG Okonjo-Iweala closed her intervention by reminding members to actively engage and participate in the two upcoming flagship WTO events. First, the Eighth Global Review of Aid for Trade will take place on 27-29 July under the theme Empowering connected, sustainable trade.

The Global Review is an important opportunity to deepen the discussion of how to take implementation forward of areas where we delivered outcomes at MC12 like fisheries subsidies and areas we know that we will have to address like climate change. What we're going through now, like with respect to climate change, should be a serious eye-opener for us all, and we should all be putting our minds to how trade can be part of the solution to this problem, she said.

After the summer break, the WTO will again be organizing the Public Forum (27-30 September) under the theme Towards a sustainable and inclusive recovery: ambition to action. Many topics will be taken up, such as leveraging technology for an inclusive recovery, delivering a trade agenda for a sustainable future and framing the future of trade.

We are going to see some interesting and different things at the Forum, a little bit different from what we used to do before, so I would really like all of you to actively participate in the discussions, she told members.
Tokyo  The fishing industry around Japan's Fukushima coast expressed disappointment and resignation over the weekend as long-expected plans to start releasing treated wastewater into the ocean from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant moved one step closer to reality. The drastic measure has been adopted as the only practical way out of a dilemma that's plagued the damaged plant for more than a decade. Late last week, Japan's national nuclear regulator formally endorsed the plan to discharge more than 1 million tons of wastewater from the plant into the sea off Japan's Pacific coast. The water will be filtered first to remove about 60 radioactive isotopes, with the exception of tritium, which can't be extracted using existing technology.

After inspection and dilution with seawater, the water will be pumped out beyond Japan's fishing zones through a 0.6-mile-long undersea tunnel, which will be carved through ocean bedrock starting near the Fukushima Daiichi plant's reactor number 5.

The unprecedented, controversial disposal operation is likely to take decades.

Since the massive 2011 earthquake and tsunami triggered meltdowns in three of the plant's reactors, operator Tepco has struggled to manage the vast amount of contaminated water  a combination of reactor cooling water, rainwater and groundwater, all irradiated as it flows through the highly-radioactive melted reactor cores  accumulating at the facility.

As a stopgap, the grounds surrounding the damaged reactors have been converted into a giant tank farm, with more than 1,000 storage vessels holding 1,310,000 tons of wastewater. Tepco has long warned that it will run out of storage space as soon as spring 2023, and that the structures are hampering the technologically challenging work of decommissioning the plant. The temporary storage solution is also highly vulnerable to any future natural disasters.

The unit three reactor building and storage tanks for contaminated water at the Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Okuma, Fukushima prefecture, Japan, February 3, 2020. / Credit: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty

In an effort to assuage concerns from neighboring countries, Japan sought a review by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Last spring, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi declared ocean disposal "both technically feasible and in line with international practice."

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He noted that normally functioning nuclear power plants (including in South Korea and China) regularly discharge wastewater into the sea, but he acknowledged "the large amount of water at the Fukushima plant makes it a unique and complex case."

Before construction of the undersea tunnel can even begin, however, Tepco's proposal must win backing from the regional government in Fukushima Prefecture and the two affected towns of Okuma and Futaba. A Fukushima fish processing company representative told the Asahi newspaper, "to be honest, even if we oppose this, I don't feel like we have any chance of overturning the decision."

After years of painstaking efforts to convince the Japanese public and the rest of the world that their seafood is safe, the local fishing industry fears the ocean release will tarnish their brand anew. Tokyo has promised to buy catches if the industry suffers reputational damage. Of the 55 countries and regions that imposed restrictions on imported Japanese food after the Fukushima Daiichi catastrophe  including the U.S.  five (China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau) still have import bans in place. Regulators solicited public comment and said they had received more than 1,200 responses, including people voicing concern over whether the undersea tunnel would be earthquake-safe, and what was being done to protect workers.

Tokyo has said levels of tritium  the one isotope that can't be filtered out  will be diluted to below 1/40th of the allowable level for discharge in Japan, and 1/7th the WHO ceiling for drinking water. Still, some experts have called for greater transparency, fearing unintended consequences of the operation. There is also concern about whether the discharge of enormous amounts of wastewater could set a bad precedent for dealing with future nuclear accidents.

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No one was injured after Jason Momoa got into a motor vehicle accident with a motorcyclist over the weekend.

On Sunday, the 42-year-old actor collided with a biker who crossed over into the opposite lane at a curve in Old Topanga Canyon Road in Calabasas, California, according to TMZ, which cited law enforcement sources and shared video of the crash's aftermath.

The unnamed motorcyclist made contact with "the left front end" of the Momoa's car hard enough to fall off their bike, according to TMZ. The rider reportedly hit the Aquaman star's car's windshield and cleared the car's hood, before managing to land on their feet.

Video footage of the crash's aftermath obtained by the outlet showed emergency personnel and multiple motorcyclists on the scene, as Momoa appeared to walk away from the incident and back to his vehicle unharmed.

RELATED: Eiza Gonzalez Still Has 'Fun Hanging Out with' Jason Momoa After Breakup: 'She Stays in Touch' (Source)

Jason Momoa Crash with Motorcycle ... Video of the Aftermath

TMZ

The biker was taken to a nearby hospital with "minor injuries," which included a bruise to the leg and a thumb injury, according to TMZ, while the Dune actor appeared to be fine.

For more on Jason Momoa, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.

Reps for Momoa did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

The star had been driving his gold restored Oldsmobile 442, the vintage vehicle first seen in his 2021 Netflix movie Sweet Girl.

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Earlier this month, PEOPLE reported that Momoa is still spending time hanging out with ex-girlfriend Eiza Gonzalez following their breakup in June. The two were seen leaving the same two London hotspots separately, moments apart on June 5.

A source told PEOPLE that the pair still plan to spend time together when their paths cross: "Jason is a cool guy. Eiza has fun hanging out with him. She is also super-focused on her career and has zero intentions of complicating things."

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Eiza Gonzalez and Jason Momoa

Alexander Tamargo/Getty, David Livingston/Getty

RELATED: Jason Momoa and Eiza Gonzalez Seen Out Together in London Weeks After Their Breakup

"In life, she is where she wants to be right now and very happy about it. She will see Jason when they are in the same city. She stays in touch with him," the source added.

When Momoa and Gonzalez, 32, broke up in June after dating since February, an insider told PEOPLE that the pair are just in "different life stages" but they were "hoping they might work it out."
Pope Francis Visits Canada To Meet With Indigenous Communities

PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty

Pope Francis has apologized for the Catholic Church's "catastrophic" residential school system for Indigenous children in Canada.

Speaking Monday at a former residential school south of Edmonton, Alberta, the 85-year-old pontiff asked the Indigenous community for "forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples," according to the Associated Press.

Over 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend Christian-based, state-run schools, starting in the 1870s and ending in 1997, CBC reported. More than 4,100 of the students are believed to have died at the facilities, which separated the kids from their family and culture.

"I am deeply sorry  sorry for the ways in which, regrettably, many Christians supported the colonizing mentality of the powers that oppressed the Indigenous peoples," Francis said in Spanish, per The Washington Post.

Francis, who arrived in Canada on Sunday, also promised a "serious investigation" into the schools, CNN reported.

RELATED: Prince Charles 'Deeply Moved' After Meeting Indigenous Survivors of Church Schools Scandal in Canada

Pope Francis Visits Canada To Meet With Indigenous Communities

PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty

"I ask forgiveness, in particular, for the ways in which many members of the Church and of religious communities cooperated, not least through their indifference, in projects of cultural destruction and forced assimilation promoted by the governments of that time, which culminated in the system of residential schools," the pope said.

He later added, "What our Christian faith tells us is that this was a disastrous error, incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ," according to the Post.

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Monday's speech was the first event of Francis' "penitential pilgrimage" to Canada, which will last six days, the AP reported.

Pope Francis Visits Canada To Meet With Indigenous Communities

PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty

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Prior to his speech, Francis visited a cemetery believed to contain the remains of residential school students, per the Post. Additionally, he stopped by the former site of the Ermineskin residential school that was managed by Roman Catholic missionaries from its opening in 1895 to 1968, the year before it closed.

While at Ermineskin, four chiefs presented the pope with feathered headdress, which he was pictured wearing on Monday.

The pontiff will also visit the sites of former residential schools in Alberta, Quebec City and Iqaluit, Nunavut, during his trip to Canada, the outlet reported.

He is expected to make additional remarks later this week, per the Post.

RELATED: Pope Francis Dismisses Rumors That He's Planning to Resign

Pope Francis received a round of applause after using the phrase "sorry" twice during Monday's speech, according to the report.

Felisha Crier Hosein attended the event in place of her mother, who helped develop the Samson Cree Nation and died in May, per the AP. "I came here to represent her and to be here for the elders and the community," she said.

Pope Francis Visits Canada To Meet With Indigenous Communities

PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty

"Sorry is not going to make what happened go away," Hosein explained. "But it means a lot to the elders."

In April, Pope Francis apologized for the suffering inflicted on Canada's Indigenous Peoples while speaking to a group of Indigenous leaders from Canada's First Nations at the Vatican.

"For the deplorable conduct of those members of the Catholic Church, I ask for God's forgiveness and I want to say to you with all my heart: I am very sorry," he said, according to Vatican News, an outlet officially affiliated with the Catholic Church.
Lights come on in a large warehouse around 6 a.m. daily. Each morning workers and forklift operators prepare to load trucks with palettes of food headed to dozens of food banks across the area. Over 400 thousand pounds of food leaves the facility a week but, that is just a small part of what they do.

Second Harvest Food Bank is one of five Feeding Louisiana food banks in the state. The organization serves 23 parishes in South Louisiana operating out of two main facilities in New Orleans and Lafayette. Lafayette's branch serves 12 parishes including all of Acadiana to Lake Charles and Cameron Parish, communication specialist for Second Harvest Natasha Curley explains.

Second Harvest Food Bank in Lafayette, LA. Wednesday, July 13, 2022.

"Second Harvest is the largest food bank in the state," she said "The Lafayette location opened in 2006 as a response to Hurricane Katrina. We are an anti-hunger organization. We say anti-hunger definitely approaching the hunger issues from a holistic approach. That means we're making sure we're providing food access, as well as education, as well as advocacy.

"When we said advocacy, we're talking about going to making petitions, going to our leaders and officials and getting the policies in place. We have our ears to the ground, making sure we're letting them know, 'Here's the need, and here's what you can do.'

Meeting hunger at its root

Second Harvest Food Bank in Lafayette, LA. Wednesday, July 13, 2022.

Across the eight parishes in Acadiana, an average of 24% of children and over 100,000 residents faced food insecurity prior to the pandemic. Second Harvest has developed programs to meet hunger at its root cause.

"Food insecurity is normally not a stand-alone issue," Brittany Bowie Impact Operations Officer explains. "A majority of the time, people who are food insecure, are also suffering other aspects of their lives. There is a stigma on needing help from pantries and food banks but we fail to realize a lot of people around us are on the brink of food insecurity."

"Sometimes people may really want help but they have so much going on that they can't figure out the first step. So our first step is always 'well, let's get something. Let's get you some food.' And then the second step is figuring out what else can we (do to) help you."

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. The USDA reported that 13.8 million people were food insecure in 2020. Food insecurity can take many forms some common examples Second Harvest provided include

A child going without meals during the summers when school is not in session

A senior living on a fixed income having to choose between groceries and medicine

Buying the cheapest food available, even if it is not the healthiest to save money

A college student working to afford school and cutting their grocery budget to afford other needs.

One in four adults in Louisiana faces some form of food insecurity and the statistics are slightly higher for children and elders. Second Harvest saw and felt the need for varied forms of help and is actively finding new ways to aid.

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With 68 partnering pantries in Acadiana, they are able to point people to help no matter where theyare located. On top of traditional pantries, they have begun adding food pantries into schools across the area to help tackle childhood hunger. Daily meal delivery, mobile pantries, and discounted mobile markets are some of the programs offered through Second Harvest and their partners.

Second Harvest Food Bank in Lafayette, LA. Wednesday, July 13, 2022.

Regional Director Paul Scelfo said the group is working on a new program called Groceries on the Geaux to help seniors who are either food insecure and living on a fixed income or have a lack of transportation.

"Brittany is working on another program right now called our Geriatric Senior Program [Groceries on the Geaux] with the Ochsner," Scelfo says. "Focusing on something I would have never realized before working with seniors who have experienced food insecurity.

"They're in the hospital, when they come home, they might not have any food to eat, and doctors are saying 'You're on bed rest for two weeks.' So if they don't have any help, what's happening is when a nurse comes in and checks on him, they're dehydrated, and they're hungry. And they have to check them right back in the hospital, just to get them nourished."

"Now, when they leave the hospital, they're taking food with them for about five days. Then we're able to contact them and reach out to them through a food delivery program like Meals on Wheels, Beacon Group, and even what we [Second Harvest] are able to do to reach out to them and sustain them. With ready-to-eat meals, once they're at their home, trying to keep them from being readmitted to the hospital."

This is a community effort

Being able to provide millions of meals throughout the year is no small feat and it is impossible without the help of the community. Second Harvest is always in need of volunteers and donations, especially now as they prepare for hurricane season across the state.

Related: What should you do to prepare your business for hurricane season?

"We are always looking for people who want to help," Curley says excitedly. " We have a volunteer activity every weekday, Thursdays are reserved for large groups. We have groups of volunteers in here from all different walks of life, helping us sort and repack donations."

Second Harvest Food Bank in Lafayette, LA. Wednesday, July 13, 2022.

Volunteers work in three-hour shifts where on average they are able to prepare 240 weeks' worth of food. This food not only helps those regularly affected by lack of food but those displaced by floods, hurricanes, fire, domestic abuse, and more.

Monetary donations are also extremely useful, most people will never experience poverty or food insecurity. According to their website, 97 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to programs that feed the hungry. One dollar is able to provide four meals through the food bank. They also accept donations of food, diapers, formula, and more.

If you are in need of assistance you can visit no-hunger.org/foodassistance to find the program or pantry nearest you. You can also visit Second Harvest at 215 East Pinhook Rd. in Lafayette for immediate assistance. If you wantto donate or volunteer visit no-hunger.org/ways-give

Connect with WaTeasa Freeman by email wfreeman@theadvertiser.com, Twitter @wateasaf TikTok @theadvertisereats

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Food insecurity in Acadiana, how Second Harvest is handling the issue
Missing Ohio TikToker

Georjlyn/TikTok Georjlyn Hayes

An Ohio woman has been found safe after she was reported missing by her family when they became suspicious of the activity on her TikTok page.

Georjlyn Hayes, 20, was located Saturday morning by Columbus police, Lena Wilson  founder of Golden Hearts, a Voice 4 the Voiceless search-and-rescue team  told NBC affiliate WCMH-TV.

Golden Hearts announced Georjlyn had been "found" and was "safe" in a Facebook post that did not specify when or where the missing woman was found.

"We don't see enough of 'found alive' and her being found as so, is a great moment of relief," Wilson told the outlet.

"Most cases of missing persons end up going into cold cases," she added.

Georjlyn, who has 11,000 followers on TikTok, shared multiple updates on her account after she was deemed safe, and asked people to stop contacting her about being reported missing.

RELATED: Maine Authorities Ask Public for Help Finding Parents and Child Who Went Missing 3 Weeks Ago

"Leave me tf alone," she wrote atop a video posted Saturday, adding that she was "not missing" and did not plan to respond to messages about the situation.

In a second video, the woman said she is "okay" and had spoken with police.

Neither Golden Hearts nor the Columbus Division of Police immediately responded to PEOPLE's request for comment.

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Before she was reported missing, Georjlyn was last seen in Coshocton, Ohio, according to the Golden Hearts' Facebook post. A missing persons report was filed with the Coshocton County Sheriff's Office on July 12, according to WCMH-TV.

Georjlyn's mother, Brenda Hayes, told the outlet that she believed her daughter had traveled to Columbus and Cincinnati, but later saw a TikTok on her daughter's page about Georjlyn getting stranded in Kentucky. (It appears that the TikTok has since been deleted.)

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RELATED: Authorities Call Off Search for Woman Whose Grandchild, 2, Was Found Alone Inside Locked Car in Alaska

Brenda said she then sent her daughter money via CashApp in hopes of assisting her, but claimed it was withdrawn in a different time zone.

"People have reached out through her social media and they get blocked," she told the news station before Georjlyn was found.

In the first TikTok she posted Saturday, Georjlyn claimed she was the one who withdrew the money.

Brenda also claimed that her daughter's voicemail box had been changed to someone named Cory, per the WCMH-TV report. The mom said she attempted to ask her daughter identifying questions, which she said the respondent continually answered wrong, the outlet reported.

RELATED: Parents Sue TikTok After Daughters Die Doing 'Blackout Challenge': 'We Want People to Be Aware'

Wilson said "tips began flowing in the night before" Georjlyn was confirmed to be safe by law enforcement, WCMH-TV reported.

Wilson has a personal connection to Georjlyn, according to WCMH-TV. Four years ago, the TikToker joined Wilson in the search for Sammy Walters, a 15-year-old boy who went missing in 2018 and was found dead in a local pond.

"We are elated her missing persons case had great public reaction, and could result in her family having peace of mind," Wilson told the outlet.
The conservative group Turning Point USA has condemned a group of neo-Nazis who gathered Saturday night outside its convention in Tampa, Fla., which also drew former President Trump and other high-profile Republicans as guest speakers.

The group of neo-Nazis at the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) Student Action Summit at the Tampa Convention Center waved flags with swastikas and held up antisemitic signs, according to local media reports.

TPUSA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet said on Sunday the group 100% condemns those ideologies in the strongest of terms and said the neo-Nazis have nothing to do with the organization.

Since these individuals were located on public property, our security attempted to, but was not permitted to remove them. We have no idea who they are or why they were here, Kolvet said in a statement.

Our students, after initially confronting them, ultimately took the mature route and vacated the space. Once that happened, these individuals left.

The Student Action Summit, which began Friday and ends on Sunday, featured speeches from Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), among others.

The neo-Nazi group on Saturday night clashed verbally with left-leaning protesters, who were demonstrating mainly against U.S. Supreme Courts decision last month to overturn Roe v. Wade and the constitutional right to abortion.

Photos taken by local Tampa outlet Creative Loafing shows neo-Nazis in red shirts waving Swastika flags and other blue flags that read DeSantis Country.

They also distributed flyers that falsely claimed Jews were behind abortions. The flyers were created by the Goyim Defense League, an antisemitic hate group, Creative Loafing reported.

No one was injured or arrested and protest groups dispersed quietly, according to the outlet.

Florida Holocaust Museum chairman Mike Igel on Saturday said openly and proudly displaying genocidal symbols is a direct threat to the Jewish community and called on all parties to condemn the neo-Nazis.

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This isnt about politics or religion. Its about humanity, Igel said in a statement. This should matter to everyone.

Twitter accounts for Greene, Gaetz, DeSantis and others who spoke at the rally did not mention the neo-Nazis or condemn their presence. On Truth Social, Trump shared clips of his speech but did not mention the neo-Nazis.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
It didnt take Anthony Keegan long to make his mark at Bugatchi.

The designer joined the mens essentials brand in April in the new role of creative director and his first collection was introduced last week during mens market week in New York.

More from WWD

The Montreal-based Bugatchi is best known for its eight-way stretch shirts that offer performance attributes with the comfort of cotton.

Although the shirt remains the core of the brand and is offered in a wide range of colors and patterns, its hardly alone. The company also has a large assortment of sophisticated and colorful sportswear and swimwear with a top-end range that Keegan referred to as elevated essentials  thats the homing beacon of the brand. Were going to the space where we should have been all along, he said.

The collection, which is made in Italy and Portugal, is intended to evoke a joie de vivre, he said, and deliver a message of easy elegance. That was obvious in the array of long- and short-sleeve shirts in tropical prints, late 80s Armani-inspired oversize pants, high-end crocheted sweaters, summer suede jackets and a range of colorful digital prints on swimwear offered in two lengths.

Although the brand doesnt do strict tailoring, Keegan created some more dressy options that were easy and comfortable such as a work shirt in a two-button blazer silhouette and a packable trench.

Keegan said the collection is broken down into three segments: Radiant, for the ready-to-wear, Revive for the swim and resortwear, and Restore for the travel and comfortable offering. The idea, he said, was to create silos and tell stories that will make noise and attract new customers.

Bugatchi has a lot of stories to tell, he believes. It was founded in Montreal in 1981 by Cecile Revah, chief executive officer, and her brother Daniel Revah. It is known for its bright colors, prints and craftsmanship and was an early proponent of collaborations with the launch of the Bugatchi Uomo for Michael Jordan collection in 1991.

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Keegan, too, has a rich history he can mine for stories. A native of Toronto, he is a graduate of the fashion design program at Londons Central Saint Martins and worked at Giorgio Armani, Versace and Kenneth Cole over the course of his 25-year career. He founded Commonwealth Utilities, a contemporary luxury mens brand in 2006, was creative director of womens, mens and accessories for DKNY and also served as head of design for Canada Goose.

Because the Bugatchi collection is now more elevated, prices have also inched up, with shirts retailing from $169 to $250, knitwear from $179 to $499, cut-and-sewns for $129 to $199, and outerwear for $399 up to $1,000 for the suede jackets. The signature eight-way stretch shirt is $179 to $199.

In addition to its own website, the Bugatchi brand is sold at top retailers in the U.S. and Canada including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Harry Rosen.

Launch Gallery: Bugatchi RTW Spring 2023

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Turkish coffee beside decorative metal tray

I recently dined at local Lebanese spot Nicholas Restaurant, where I ordered a classic Turkish coffee. The server presented us with a small, beautiful gold coffee carafe on a tray with two servings of cream and two espresso cups. It was my first time trying this coffee and I was stunned by how good it tasted. Hints of cardamom wafted up into my nose, transporting me. How is it possible, I wondered, that Id never had this beverage before?



Turkish coffee, while popular in countries like Syria, Lebanon, Greece, and Turkey (hence the name), is less prevalent on the American west coast, where I live. However, in the Midwest and eastern part of the United States, where large Middle Eastern communities reside, Turkish coffee is virtually as common as Starbucks. But unlike Starbucks, Turkish coffees history and mode of preparation is more unique than what people realize.

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To find out more, I reached out to Hilda Dibe, owner of Nicholas Restaurant, whose food and coffee are some of the best Ive ever tasted. What Dibe told me about this amazing beverage involved stories of family, tradition, and superstition, each as unique as the coffee itself.

What is Turkish coffee?

Turkish coffee is believed to have originated in Turkey, says Dibe, although you have to consider the region surrounding the country, the Mediterranean, as having influence on its cuisine. Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria, Egypt, and Greece are all adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea; thus, the cuisines of those countries tend to be borrowed or shared amongst one another. Coffee is no exception.

While its generally known as Turkish coffee, its also called Greek or Cypriot coffeethe history of that goes back to the invasion of Cyprus in 1974. Regardless, the coffee itself remains the same.



When drinking Turkish coffee, you might inhale hints of spices and herbs common to Middle Eastern cuisine, such as cardamom or cinnamon. With an emphasis on authenticity, Nicholas Restaurant imports its coffee from Lebanon, a brand called Najjar whose grounds are as fine as baby powder. Thats what makes Turkish coffee so unique, Dibe says.

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Aside from the extra fine, flour-like coffee grounds, its the addition of spices that make the flavor so aromatic. Its rich, dark, thick foam, along with bold flavorthe kind that youd get from drinking a very strong cup of espressois why this coffee is usually prepared and served in small metal carafes called cezve or ibrik. From experience, I can tell you that drinking one of these cups was roughly equivalent to drinking five of my regular Starbucks K-cup pods at home. Its that strong.



Coffees role in family tradition

In Middle Eastern societies, coffee is more than just coffee. Its a way of life, an invitation to a home.

Every visitor that comes to your house, its customary to offer them coffee, says Dibe. In many homes, young women often serve their guests Turkish coffee while the elders sit and chat. The drinks continuously arrive in small cezves and are a source of connection for many.

Traditionally, women have been judged on how they make the coffee, Dibe told me. A sign of domesticity, knowing how to make a good cup of Turkish coffee can indicate that a young girl is capable of cooking for her future husband. Arranged marriages can even occur from these exchanges.

Because the coffee grounds are never filtered out, they remain at the bottom of the cup. The saturated grounds can form into certain shapes, each of which is believed to carry meaning. If one presents their cup to a fortune teller, they might be able to find out what the grinds mean for their future. According to Dibe, its a fun way to express oneself; whether the grounds mean anything is up for debate.

In America, the tradition still reigns for some families, particularly within larger and more traditional Middle Eastern communities. Subconsciously, first- and second-generation women and young adults serve the coffee to men and elders, the same way it is done in Lebanon and beyond.

How to make Turkish coffee at home

Turkish coffee is generally served in Middle Eastern restaurants for an affordable price (at Nicholas, it costs $4.50 per cup) and depending on where you live, you may be able to find it at a Middle Eastern cafe. But if it is not available in such places, you can always make it at home.

Making Turkish coffee requires a cezve, which can be found at international grocers or Russian grocery stores (or online). As for the coffee itself, look for labels that say Arabic or Turkish coffee and make sure it is as finely ground as possible. You can do this by buying your own coffee grinder or grind it at your local coffee shop or grocery store.

To make the coffee, pour the grinds into the cezve (which can come with distinct designs and is generally in an 8-oz. or 12-oz. size) and fill 2/3 of the way with cold water. Place it directly on the stove. Right before coffee boils over, take it off the heat, pour into tiny espresso cups, and serve with sugar cubes and cream, if desired.

You can stir the coffee gently while its on the stove, but in general, coffee grounds remain in the cezve, never to be filtered out. After all, you never know what the future holds as you sip on this deliciously fragrant coffee.




You could hear them from inside the Senate Chambers, where lawmakers gathered Monday afternoon, the first day of Indiana's special session to discuss Senate Republican's proposed abortion ban. For more than three hours, the voices of the protesters were thunderous and unrelenting.

"My body, my choice."

"Vote them out."

Not the church, not the state, women must decide our fate, hundreds of abortion rights protesters chanted as they lined up, crammed shoulder-to-shoulder, outside the Senate Chambers. Chanting began half an hour before the testimony and continued for hours into the afternoon. Statehouse staff and the Indiana State Police personnel on-the-ground said they did not have a head count of the number of people in the building.At its peak, the crowd size inside and outside the statehouse was more than 1,000, based on IndyStar's count.

Outside the statehouse, the line to enter snaked around the building. Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton, 63, waited more than an hour to get in, sporting a shirt from an abortion rally he participated in in Washington, D.C. in 1992.We are a mix of angry, scared, exasperated, activated, mobilized to let the Statehouse know that the state does not want what they are contemplating," he told IndyStar.

Among those who had gathered in support of abortion rights were a woman who could not afford to be a parent, a man who lost his sister when she died due to complications from illegal abortion, and Jessica Doriot, the daughter of Republican senator Blake Doriot (R-Goshen), who disagrees with his anti-abortion rights views.

At times, anti-abortion protesters clashed verbally with abortion-rights protesters, who outnumbered them by the hundreds all day. An anti-abortion rights rally is planned for Tuesday at the statehouse.

As a column of anti-abortion protesters passed by a throng of abortion rights protestors outside Senate Chambers, they held up signs reading "Stop the killing of the preborn" and graphic images of aborted fetuses. In answer, protesters cried, "Pro-life is a lie." Outside, a few anti-abortion and abortion rights protesters shoved and jostled each other.

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About 60 anti-abortion protesters gathered in the statehouse, some attending a 10:30 a.m. press conference by Hoosiers Conservative Voices and Students for Life Action at the South Atrium. They held signs reading messages such as, It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."

Inside the statehouse, abortion rights protesters packed into the North Atrium, which usually seats 500, and the balconies of two floors overlooking it, for an ACLU of Indiana, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates and Women4Change Indiana rally in the morning that grew as the afternoon bore on and moved to outside the Senate Chambers.

Abortion rights protesters: Abortion access is life-saving

Lined along the two-floor balconies overlooking the atrium, the crowd of about 500 abortion rights protesters formed a wall of handmade signs reading Abortion is healthcare and I should have more rights than guns.

Outside the building, people held up signs as songs like Roar by Katy Perry blared from a speaker. Protesters handed out popsicles, water, sunscreen, and other supplies. They constructed a pyramid of handmade abortion rights signs on the steps of the Oliver P. Morton monument at the statehouse's east side.

Abortion access is a life saving measure for survivors of intimate partner violence, Kerry Hyatt Bennett, chief legal counsel at the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said to thunderous cheers from the crowd at the rally. This state wants to take that access away from survivors.

Women in Indiana will not forget this. They will not forget the people they voted for did not listen to them and did not choose to defend them.

One in three women in the state of Indiana will experience sexual assault in their lifetime and of those one in seven will become pregnant as a result of that rape, Beth White, President of the Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault, said at the rally.

Dont let people tell you its Gods will that a rape survivor has the child of its rapist, she said. We have a problem in Indiana when a group of people, mostly men, tells you having the child of a rapist is public policy here in Indiana."

The Senate Republican proposal is an abortion ban with exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother, but it is unclear if it will pass in that form or undergo amendments to make it more restrictive.

More:Joy in Jeopardy: Why so many women die during childbirth in Indiana

Maggie Matz, 36, could die if she got pregnant. She told IndyStar she only has one ovary and suffers health complications that would lead to her having a tubal pregnancy, if she conceived.

She showed up at the Indiana Statehouse at 7 a.m. today, the first protester to arrive, she said. She wanted the state lawmakers to see her face as they entered the statehouse.

Never did I think that I'd have to march for anything like this, for our rights as human beings and to be told what to do with your body, she told IndyStar.

Although the Republican senators proposed bill includes exceptions for the life of the mother, Matz said, I shouldnt have to wait (until I might die.)"

In 1972, Betty Sturtevant marched in New York to get Roe v Wade passed. Now 72, of Fishers, she held a sign outside the statehouse on Monday that read I marched 50 years ago so my three daughters and six granddaughters didnt have to.

Raiven Owusu, 24, a fourth-year IU medical student, is an aspiring OBGYN training at IU. She said it is "scary" seeing people's reproductive rights under attack.

Owusu said she thinks an abortion ban in Indiana might push medical students such as herself to leave Indiana for residency and train in states where abortion is legal.

Abortion-rights supporters protest in front of the Indiana Statehouse during a special session Monday, July 25, 2022, at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis.

Allie McHaley, 33, of Owen County, was raised in a Reform Jewish congregation, and views the issue as one of religious freedom. She grew up learning that in Judaism, the life of the mother is prioritized above all else in pregnancy and that abortion access is reproductive justice.

Religious freedom is such a big issue in this country, and it is always Christian religious freedom not Jewish religious freedom, McHaley said. We are a minority, but we are loud.

Anti-abortion protest: Chants of my body, my choice are like demonic voices screaming

Nineteen people attended a morningpress conference held by Hoosiers Conservative Voices and Students for Life Action in the statehouse South Atrium. Anti-abortion protesters read statements against abortion on behalf of Republican senators and representatives, including U.S. Senator Todd Young and U.S. Senator Mike Braun.

Titus Folks, Students for Life Action grassroots coordinator, said during the press conference that his daughter was born with her trachea fused together and could not breathe without medical intervention.

He said he opposed abortions due to fetal health and that he would not let abortion activists look at children like (his) daughter and terminate those pregnancies. As the statements were being read, hundreds of abortion rights protesters chanted My body, my choice. Their voices echoed down the marble halls of the Statehouse atriums and the anti-abortion protesters heard.

You can hear the sounds of the ones who want to destroy the babies in the wombs. They sound like demonic voices screaming over there, Micah Beckwith, the Noblesville pastor of Life Church Indiana and an anti-abortion advocate, said into the microphone during the press conference.

Anti-abortion supporters arrive a special session Monday, July 25, 2022, at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis.

Down the hall in the North Atrium, a lone anti-abortion protester was surrounded on all sides by abortion rights protesters in the thick of the rally by ACLU of Indiana, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates and Women4Change Indiana.

Stop killing babies, Sharon Sisson, 68, of Indianapolis, yelled. She told IndyStar she is distraught that more conservative protesters had not come out. She was one of about 60 holding anti-abortion signs. She said she thinks those who are anti-abortion arent here because they are complacent and believe the abortion ban will pass.

A woman who could not afford to be a parent. A man whose sister died in illegal abortion. A Republican senator's daughter who disagrees with his views.

The battle over abortion rights has divided viewsin at least one family. Among the pro-abortion rights protesters was Jessica Doriot, daughter of Sen. Blake Doriot (R-Goshen).

Her sign read, Senator Doriot: Keep your laws out of my uterus. Love, your daughter.

Doriot, a Republican,campaigned on an anti-abortion platform in 2016, according to an archive of his 2016 campaign website, and stated then that "human life begins at the moment of conception." He has not publicly shared where he stands on the specific abortion ban proposal currently being debated by Senate Republicans.

Protester William Bell said he feared that banning abortion would put womens lives at risk as they turn to dangerous, illegal means to terminate pregnancies.His sister was 17 years old when she attempted an illegal abortion for an unwanted pregnancy. Although abortion was constitutionally protected under Roe v. Wade, parental consent was required for individuals under 18 seeking an abortion and she wanted to keep it from their parents.

She died a few days later, on Sept. 16, 1988, from sepsis, he told IndyStar.

"She still had her whole life ahead of her," he said at the rally.

Kait Schutz, 32, is 20-weeks pregnant with her third child and credits the success and stability of her family now to the abortion she was able to have 13 years ago.

At 19, Schutz was working two jobs without health insurance, living on food stamps and was a full-time student at Indiana University when she said her birth control failed.

I wouldve had to drop out and take care of a child I didnt want, with a man who didnt treat me right, she said. I was suffering just living by myself.

Having the abortion allowed her to graduate college, earn a masters degree andshe is now employed building affordable housing in Indianapolis, Schutz said.

When she finally became a mother three years ago, it was by choice. She has no regrets about her decision to have an abortion.

People wait to give testimony in the Senate chambers at the Indiana Statehouse, Monday, July 25, 2022 in Indianapolis, Ind. Legislators gathered for a special discussion to discuss abortion legislation.

My kids are my life, and I think most people would say Im the best mom there is," Schutz said.

In light of the potential abortion ban in the state, she is considering moving her family elsewhere.

Im scared to have a child. What happens if something goes wrong? Schutz said. I deserve to be here for my kids; they deserve a mom here with them. The government shouldnt be interfering between decisions with me, my husband and my medical team.

IndyStar reporters Kaitlin Lange, Claire Rafford and Rachel Fradette contributed reporting.

Contact IndyStar reporter Ko Lyn Cheang at kcheang@indystar.com or 317-903-7071. Follow her on Twitter: @kolyn_cheang.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis abortion protests: Rally for rights and abortion ban
At least 17 Haitian migrants hoping to reach Miami died after a boat capsized in rough waters off the coast of the Bahamas, officials said on Sunday.

The Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis said in an emergency press conference that 25 Haitians have been rescued, with many more presumed missing.

He classified the travelers as suspected irregular Haitian migrants and the voyage as a suspected human smuggling operation.

Rescuers who found the capsized speed boat the morning after the wreck heard knocking underneath the hull  one female passenger was still alive in a trapped air pocket. The 17 bodies were found with her, and an infant is among the dead, according to Bahamas Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernando.

Its estimated that the 30-foot, twin engine speed boat was originally carrying as many as 60 people. Two Bahamians rescued from the boat are now in custody, the police commissioner announced, adding those involved in the operation will face prosecution.

A multi-agency investigation is underway, and recovery efforts for the missing continue.

Officials noted that the migrants each likely paid between $3,000-8,000 to make the trip.

Thousands of Haitians continue to make the sometimes dangerous journey to the U.S., fleeing gang violence and poverty at home.

A boat carrying hundreds of Haitians migrants headed to the U.S. washed up in Cuba in May, the same month that 11 migrants drowned after a vessel capsized near Puerto Rico, Reuters reported.

The Bahamian Minister of Labor said 20 of the survivors of this weekends capsizing are at an immigration detention center, and three are in the hospital.

The Bahamian government has continually warned against these treacherous voyages, the prime minister said at the news conference.

I understand that the situation that many of these migrants face, that would encourage them to take such great risks. We, however, appeal to those considering making such a voyage not to do so, Davis said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Theresa May refuses to clap for Boris Johnson at last Prime Ministers Questions

Former Prime Minister Theresa May refused to join in with other members of her party in giving a standing ovation to Boris Johnson at his last Prime Ministers Questions.

Mr Johnson was applauded by Conservatives as he gave his last appearance at the weekly fixture, despite his own party pushing him out of office.

However, while many Tory MPs showed their support for Mr Johnsons efforts in government, Ms May appeared reluctant to join in the standing ovation.

After eventually standing up, she did not join in the applause, instead crossing her arms and clasping her hands together.

Mr Johnson declared "mission largely accomplished, for now" before signing-off his final parliamentary outing as PM by telling MPs: "Hasta la vista, baby."

The term, which translates to see you later is the catchphrase of The Terminator, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Asked if a comeback, like the Terminator, was on the cards, his press secretary said: That was his way of saying farewell to his colleagues."

Ms May has led a number of criticisms of Mr Johnsons government from the backbenches after standing down as PM in 2019.

In January, the MP for Maidenhead led a charge of MPs criticising the government over lockdown breaking, asking Mr Johnson if he had not read the rules or didn't understand what they meant.

Ms May also let her displeasure be known at the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, legislation which unilaterally rips up part of the Brexit deal with the EU relating to Northern Ireland.

Speaking in a debate last month, Ms May said: This bill, in my view, is not legal under international law, wont achieve its aims and diminishes the standing of the UK in the eyes of the world.

Just hours after Mr Johnson announced his resignation, Ms May was spotted dancing to Craig David at the Henley Festival in Oxfordshire.

Mr Johnson served under Ms May as Foreign Secretary, before resigning in protest over her Brexit plans.
Jul. 24Area residents and animal rescues are rallying behind a Colorado woman who has been searching the area for her missing service dog since May 21  a dog that has twice saved her life.

Bridget Spangler and her beloved seizure alert dog Heidi, were separated after the German shepherd mix ran from the scene after Spangler's fiance suffered a medical emergency causing him to wreck their truck on Route 43, just inside the West Virginia state line from Pennsylvania.

Heidi has been seen several times since the accident on both sides of the state line, the most recent being less than a week ago on Gans-Woodbridge Road, just across the border near Rich's Farm.

Heidi is brown and black with some white on her belly. Spangler said at the last sighting, Heidi appeared to be underweight, but she was too far from the dog to get her attention.

Heidi was also seen playing with another family's dog on their property three days in a row, but that family did not realize she was a missing dog and did not report it.

Spangler said she is overwhelmed by the amount of support being offered by the community.

Animal rescues like You Will Be Found Lost Dogs and Wild Angels K9 are assisting Spangler in more ways than she could imagine, she said  helping not only search for Heidi but helping Spangler herself by providing transportation, food and housing.

Angels Journey Home Animal Rescue even purchased a plane ticket for Spangler to return to Morgantown after depleting funds forced her to return home to Colorado. They also arranged for a hotel room when she arrived back at the beginning of July.

Heather Laufler, an AirBnB host in Uniontown, Pa., heard Spangler's story and offered her accommodations, where she is now staying while the search continues.

Another local resident Spangler knows only as Art, has also been assisting in the search with his drone as well as teaching Spangler how to use them.

She also said Tom Rich, of Rich Farms, has been kind to continuously allow them to invade his property while they search.

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Spangler said these represent just a few of the organizations and community members reaching out with assistance.

"I don't want to see all the time and resources that all of these rescues and private people and everybody has put in for nothing, " Spangler said. "All these people deserve a happy ending and so does Heidi."

Spangler said Heidi is now in survival mode and will definitely run away from anyone who comes near her.

Spangler and her search team are asking anyone who spots her to not approach her but report where you saw her immediately so they can take the proper precautions to safely trap her.

There are multiple ways to contact Spangler if you think you have seen Heidi. You can call or text her directly at 719-640-2651 as well as reach out through Heidi's Facebook page Bring Heidi Home, where updates are regularly posted on the progress and search methods. There is also a GoFundMe (https://gofund.me /49d57520) set up to help purchase search equipment and to print fliers, etc.

"We are so appreciative of everybody in the community and what they've done to help this ; there's just so many private people who have come in, I mean, we had people come in and bring us groceries even."

Spangler said she believes they are getting closer and they just need reports of sightings and to make people aware she is out there somewhere and she is very much loved and wanted by her family  help her go home.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Monday charged former Rep. Stephen Buyer (R-Ind.) with insider trading, including purchasing stocks based on nonpublic information.

The SEC filed the insider trading charge in a Manhattan federal district court, accusing Buyer of making illegal stock purchases in at least two instances, according to an agency press release. The SEC is seeking to force Buyer to disgorge profits he made from the alleged schemes.

The charges were brought as part of an investigation into Buyer and nine other defendants, who were also charged on Monday with insider trading schemes.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York on Monday filed criminal charges in a parallel case against nine defendants, including Buyer.

SEC Enforcement Division Director Gurbir Grewal said those who monetize nonpublic information not only violate federal law but undermine public trust and confidence in the fairness of our markets.

We are committed to doing all we can to maintain and enhance public trust by leveling the playing field and holding Buyer accountable for illegally profiting from his access, Grewal said in a statement.

Buyer, who served in Congress from 1993 to 2011, founded his own consulting group called the Steve Buyer Group shortly after leaving public office.

The former congressman is accused of acquiring $568,000 in Sprint shares after he learned through nonpublic channels in March 2018 that T-Mobile was planning to merge with the then-rival telecommunications company. T-Mobile was a client of Steve Buyer Group.

Buyer immediately pocketed more than $107,000 via the stock exchange after news of the merger leaked in April 2018, the SEC said.

In another instance, the SEC says Buyer purchased more than $1 million in shares in Navigant Consulting ahead of an announcement that one of his clients, Guidehouse LLP, would purchase the firm.

He allegedly spread purchases of the shares across several accounts, including ones belonging to his wife and son.

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Buyer then sold his shares for a $227,000 profit the day the Guidehouse-Navigent merger was announced, the SEC charges.

At a press conference on Monday, the U.S. Attorneys Office in New Yorks Southern District announced the criminal charges filed against Buyer and eight other defendants, including a former FBI agent trainee and an investment banker, were part of broad effort to crack down on financial fraud.

At the press conference, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said he assumed office last year to be relentless in rooting out corruption in our financial markets.

Nearly one year later, those priorities have not changed one bit, Williams said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Grand Rapids Police officers stand ready in riot gear behind Grand Rapids utility trucks barricading the back of the Grand Rapids Police Department as people protest in downtown Grand Rapids on April 13, 2022, following the release of a video taken on April 4, which shows the shooting of Patrick Lyoya following a traffic stop.

GRAND RAPIDS  The Michigan Department of Civil Rights has levied the Grand Rapids Police Department with a pair of formal discrimination charges stemming from two separate complaints that officers mistreated Black residents in 2017 and 2020.

During a news conference Monday in Grand Rapids, MDCR Executive Director John Johnson said the charges  which are not criminal but will go through an administrative process and could result in penalties  are the result of an investigation into the complaints which found the police department treated residents unequally on the basis of race.

In 2017, 11-year-old Honestie Hodges, a Black girl, was handcuffed and detained at gunpoint by Grand Rapids police officers searching for a suspect in a stabbing. The department eventually cleared the officers involved, saying an internal investigation found officers did not violate any department policy.

Footage from the officer's body-worn cameras shows police handcuffing Honestie as an officer repeatedly tells the crying girl she's not being arrested. Honestie died in 2020 at the age of 14, due to complications from COVID-19.

Honestie's mother, Whitney Hodges, filed a formal complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. MDCR Director of Enforcement Marcelina Trevino said the department was unable to show individuals of a different race were treated in the same manner as Honestie Hodges.

Melissa Mason, a Black woman, filed a complaint after she was pulled over for an expired license plate in 2020. During the traffic stop, Mason was handcuffed and placed in a police cruiser for 20 minutes. Mason's three children were present.

Similar to Hodges' complaint, GRPD was unable to show similar conduct with a resident of another race, Trevino said.

Once MDCR formally serves the police department with charging documents, GRPD will have 20 days to respond.

In a statement provided to the Free Press, a city spokesperson said Grand Rapids officials intend to respond to the MDCR's charges and participate in the administrative hearings.

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"The city of Grand Rapids is committed to ensuring all people are treated equally under the law and has been fully cooperative and engaged with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) since at least May 2019 when investigations began," they said.

"The City intends to respond and attend all hearings as provided by the MDCR administrative rules and looks forward to presenting relevant facts to the Commission."

An administrative law judge will conduct a formal hearing over the charges where witnesses will testify under oath. At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge will issue a recommendation of whether discrimination took place and what the appropriate penalty will be, per MDCR.

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission will review the findings and allow parties to argue whether they should be adopted before issuing a final determination. Claimants can appeal this determination to a circuit court if they disagree with the findings.

Potential damages include financial compensation for the claimants and further training recommendations for the Grand Rapids Police Department.

The investigation is department-wide, officials say, although individual officers could be implicated during the hearing process. The state agency is currently investigating 28 other individual complaints filed against Grand Rapids police.

Department of Civil Rights officials initially launched an investigation in 2019 into whether Grand Rapids police had engaged in a pattern and practice of discrimination in its policing, but that investigation was not completed due to a lack of resources.

After the April killing of Patrick Lyoya, a Black man, by GRPD officer Christopher Schurr, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights reached out to the Michigan Attorney General's Ooffice and the U.S. Department of Justice for assistance with the investigation. Johnson said discussions with the state and federal agencies remain ongoing.

Johnson said no formal complaints have been filed in Lyoya's death.

More: Grand Rapids police's damaged relationship with community exposed again

More: Christopher Schurr charged with second-degree murder in shooting of Patrick Lyoya

Schurr, the officer in the shooting, was charged in June with second-degree murder, following an investigation by the Michigan State Police.

Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @arpanlobo.

Become a subscriber today.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Discrimination charges filed against Grand Rapids Police Department
Ukrainian artillerymen in the military assembly center check their weapons before they head to the frontline in Kherson, Ukraine on July 15, 2022. Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

President Zelenskyy has said that Ukrainian forces are slowly moving towards the Russian-held city of Kherson.

Ukrainian troops have damaged bridges in Kherson that act as supply lines for Russian troops.

UK military intelligence has said that losing supply routes to Kherson "would be a significant military and political setback for Russia."

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukrainian forces are slowly moving towards the Russian-held city of Kherson, according to the BBC.

The President's announcement comes as Ukrainian forces claim they have damaged two important bridges across the Dnipro River vital to the lines of supply to Russian troops in and around Kherson, Reuters reports.

The British Ministry of Defense said that "Supply lines of the Russian forces west of the river are increasingly at risk" and that if the Russian forces in Kherson do become cut off, "it would be a significant military and political setback for Russia."

On Saturday, UK defense officials reported heavy fighting near Kherson.

The Antonovsky and the Daryivskyi bridges across the Dnipro River, connecting Kherson to southern Ukraine and Crimea, have been damaged by Ukrainian shelling, according to reports.

The deputy head of the Russian-installed regional authority said the Daryivskyi bridge had been hit by seven rockets from US-supplied high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) on Saturday, but that the bridge still worked, Russia's TASS news agency said, per Reuters.

Serhiy Khlan, an advisor to the region's governor, wrote on Facebook: "Every bridge is a weak point for logistics and our armed forces are skilfully destroying the enemy system. This is not yet the liberation of Kherson, but a serious preparatory step in that direction."

Footage shared by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry thanking the US for its donation of HIMARS. Ukraine Ministry of Defense

Ukrainian state media channel Euromaidan quoted presidential advisor Oleksiy Arestovych as saying there would be no humanitarian (or "green") corridor for Russian troops to leave Kherson.

"We have a very strong temptation to bury them all," he said before adding, "but, first of all, we do not fight like the Russians, we do not break our word. -secondly, I think that the highly humane Ukrainian Armed Forces will simply offer them to surrender."

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"We will not provide a corridor. If they do not want to surrender, their fate will be decided," he said.

Dr. Mike Martin, War Studies Visiting Fellow at King's College London, tweeted that "if I were a Russian soldier in Kherson, I would be pretty scared right now."

He added, "I would be watching Kherson very closely over the next ten days."

Russian forces seized Kherson, a strategically important port city of 300,000 people, on 3 March. It was the first major city to fall following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Getty

Fifty years ago today (July 25), the Associated Press pulled the curtain back on the infamous Tuskegee Study.

U.S. Public Health Service doctors had been withholding treatment from hundreds of Black men with syphilis for 40 years. Worse, the doctors, who wanted to study the consequences of untreated syphilis, lied to their patients telling them they had bad blood (a colloquial term often used to describe anemia, fatigue, and other conditions), and administering vitamins, iron tonics, diagnostic spinal taps and other fake treatments. The researchers tried, sometimes unsuccessfully, to keep the studys subjects from receiving appropriate care over the years.

Reports about the study appeared in medical journals over the decades, but only a handful of health practitioners tried to stop it. But the study did not end until four months after Jean Hellers AP story appeared. By then only 74 of the 399 original subjects were still alive; 128 had died of syphilis or its complications, 40 of their wives or sexual partners were known to have been infected, and 19 of their children had been born with congenital syphilis. Today, all of the men and their wives have died; the Voices of our Fathers Legacy Foundation represents their descendants.

End the Stigma on Black Men Suffering From Depression

In many Black communities, Tuskegee quickly became synonymous with exploitation and racist mistreatment by the medical establishmenteven if details of the study itself were vague. And some came to believe the false rumor that the government had actually given the men syphilis, a charge that echoed in the later incorrect belief that HIV had been created in government laboratories in order to kill Black people.

Since the start of the AIDS epidemicand especially since COVID-19 vaccines became availablehealth professionals, educators. and journalists have reached for the Tuskegee Study to explain mistrust in the medical establishment. But thats too simple. The past matters, of course, but so does what happens every day: 20 percent of Black adultsand 37 percent of Black motherssay theyve experienced unfair care from a medical provider within the past year.

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Participants in the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. National Archives

Moreover, a recent study led by the medical director of Planned Parenthood of Montana, Samuel Dickman (and co-authored by two of us), indicates that racial inequities in care are actually widening. The study analyzed 60 years of data on how much money was spent for the care of Black vs. white Americans, and counted how many doctor visits they received. The data came from 29 federal surveys of 601,803 people dating back to 1963.

In the early 1960s the racial disparities were stark; on average white people had 43 percent more doctor visits than Black Americans. The gap narrowed in the wake of the civil rights gains of the 1960s (including the desegregation of U.S. hospitals), and the implementation of Medicare and Medicaid. But it started widening in the Reagan era, reaching 68 percent in 2014-2019, the most recent period for which data is available.

And spending for all types of care combineda measure of the total value of services the groups receivedhas followed a similar pattern.

In 1963, average spending for white peoples health care was nearly double (96 percent more) than what was spent for Black people. By the 1980s the difference had shrunk to near-parity, but then it rebounded as the Reagan administration made drastic cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services, Medicaid, and federal funding for maternal and child health careall of which disproportionately harmed low-income and minority communities.

As of 2019, the white-Black spending gap was 39 percent, a difference that translates to $1,880 per person per year. Were care allocated according to medical need, the difference would be reversed, since Black people are, on average, more likely to get sick and die younger.

Inadequate insurance coverage accounts for part of the racial difference in care; Black people are more likely to have Medicaidwhich many doctors and hospitals shunor to be uninsured. And Black families far lower average incomes means that many with private insurance cant afford to use it because of high copayments and deductibles. Yet insurance and income differences explain only part of the white-Black care gaps.

The paucity of Black physicians denies many Black patients the opportunity to choose a doctor whose shared experience of racism might reinforce trust. Moreover, the confluence of poor insurance and low incomes in Black neighborhoods leads to a scarcity of providers, and financial hardship for those located there by choice or historical accident.

As a result, hospitals serving predominantly Black patients are markedly under-resourced. Theyre less likely to provide almost every type of expensive high-tech service, a reflection of their 38 percent lower funding for facilities and equipment. These structural (and structurally racist) barriers compound the interpersonal racism that Black people often encounter when they seek care.

Democrats Want to Party Like Its 2018 and Push Health Care

Tuskegee must be remembered, and the unknowing sacrifice of the men and their families honored. But the families successful lawsuit, a federal investigation, and formal apologies by a foundation that helped fund the study and by then-President Clinton cannot suffice.

The mens sacrifice will only be put to rest when racial inequities in medical care finally end. That will require implementing comprehensive, first-dollar health coverage for Black people, and all Americans; greatly expanding the training of Black (and other minority) health professionals; large-scale investments in hospitals and other health facilities serving communities of color; and intensive efforts to combat the racism woven into the fabric of American society.

Only then can we remember Tuskegee, rather than continue to live among its associated injustices.

Steffie Woolhandler and David Himmelstein are physicians and Distinguished Professors at the City University of New Yorks Hunter College. Susan M. Reverby is a medical historian and the author of Examining Tuskegee: The Infamous Syphilis Study and its Legacy who served on the Legacy Committee that successfully lobbied for the federal apology in 1997.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Livability.com, a website that uses research studies to rank the most livable cities in the United States, has ranked Asheville No. 19 on its list of 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2022.

For the study, which focused on mid-sized cities of 500,000 people or less, Livability.com examined more than 2,300 cities based on more than 50 data points grouped into eight categories: economic stability, housing, amenities, infrastructure, demographics, social and civic capital, and health care.

As remote work trends continue and affordability becomes more elusive amidst high inflation, people are thinking about where their money goes the farthest, Amanda Ellis, editor in chief of Livability.com, said in a press release. Our Top 100 Best Places to Live list celebrates the amazing small and mid-sized communities across the U.S.  the ones who really shine when it comes to offering affordability alongside amenities and opportunity.

Southwood Realty Co. in Gastonia is building 270 apartments off New Leicester Highway in West Asheville. Company Vice President Will Ratchford says the Asheville area still faces a critical apartment shortage, with the vacancy rate running at 1-2%.

Livibility.com said that its 2022 rankings were influenced by a different study conducted by the platform in partnership with Ipsos, a market research and consulting firm.

 Asheville named No. 1 foodie destination in the US

 Asheville named among 'Best Places to Live for Singles' by Money Magazine

The March 2022 study surveyed more than 1,000 adults aged 18 and up from across the country, asking them which characteristics of livability they would value in a prospective home community, with an emphasis on how rising costs are affecting their relocation decisions. The study found that 7 in 10 adults consider affordability a top-three factor influencing a decision to relocate.

Affordability was a core value in the Best Places to Live list, and the list factored places that have growing wages and home values, while maintaining an affordable cost of living.

While Asheville ranked in the top 20% of the 100 Best Places to Live, Jessie Fitueroa, director of housing at Homeward Bound, disagrees that Asheville even fits this description.

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I would disagree with the fact that we are not in an affordable housing crisis right now in our city. I think very much that we are in an affordable housing crisis, Fitueroa said. What we are seeing here is, in 2022, the rate at which rents are increasing is the most significant, quickest rate change that has happened since 1986.

 Asheville ranks among this year's 25 best places to retire

 Asheville among '10 Best Places to Retire in America'

For the first quarter of 2021, the market asking rent per unit for a multifamily home in Asheville was $1,285. In the first quarter of 2022, it was $1,523, an increase of 18.5%. That's according to the National Association of Realtors, which put together a national Commercial Real Estate Metro Market Conditions Index for the first quarter of 2022. Nationally, the market asking rent per unit saw an increase of 11.4%, from $1,425 to $1,587. Therefore, the cost of rent is rising faster in Asheville than it is nationally, according to NAR.

For subscribers: Asheville apartment rents rising faster than national rate; landlords have no limits

Asheville homes overpriced by 46%, report says. Does that mean prices could finally fall?

Livability.com listed Ashevilles sprawling food scene and readiness for remote workers as two contributing factors to its ranking. But Fitueroa points out how remote workers flooding to Asheville are actually contributing to the areas increased rent, and restaurant workers, among others, are feeling the effect.

There are a lot of folks moving here  that may be working remotely, that are getting their salaries from other locations such as New York or California  are able to come in and purchase homes with cash or to be more competitive in the market by offering higher rents, Fitueroa said.

Fitueroa noted that as these rents are being pushed higher and higher, local people who make under the areas median income are unable to compete with renters making higher wages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, whose data lags behind a couple years, Ashevilles household median income in 2020 was $53,621.

What we see here in Asheville with a very high hospitality job pool, with restaurant job pools here, is there are numerous folks living well under the areas median income, Fitueroa said. So, the truth of the matter is we have teachers, we have firefighters, we have other people in careers that are actually making less than the area median income and qualify for affordable housing, which is limited based on income. And the vacancy rate is extremely, extremely low.

 Say what?!? Asheville makes 'worst place to live' list, based on standard of living

 Hot Springs named one of '10 best small towns on the East Coast'

Patrick Bowen, a researcher who has conducted housing reports and updates for the city of Asheville, conducted a 2021 housing needs assessment for Dogwood Health Trust in Asheville. The report examines data from 18 Northwest Carolina counties and the Qualla Boundary (the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians' reservation).

Limited availability and affordability in the local housing market remain challenges for most residents, according to the report. Bowen found the largest number of vacant units in the region is among the market-rate supply, at 147 units. However, properties operating exclusively as market-rate have an overall vacancy rate of 1.0%.

Kate Brown, who works in rapid rehousing for Homeward Bound, said that through their homeless prevention program's online screening tool, they have seen a significant increase over the past few months in the number of people reaching out on a daily basis, many of whom have never experience homelessness before.

According to Fitueroa, they are seeing many people who are frustrated alongside "a real lack of landlords who are willing to work with (rental assistance) programs," like Homeward Bound and the City of Asheville Housing Authority.

"I think that folks are frustrated because it seems so, so high to charge $1,400 for a one-bedroom unit," Fitueroa said. "And so mostly its frustration, because even if those folks are earning income or receiving income through disability or social security, its still not enough without extra rental assistance to remain stable in housing."

Ryley Ober is a news intern with the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at ROber@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville ranked No. 19 among best places to live in America
Straits Research - Market Research Strategy | Strategy Consulting | Business Research | Business Consulting | Market Research

The global B2B payments market size was valued at USD 1,000 billion in 2021. It is projected to reach USD 2,515 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.8% during the forecast period (20222030). Asia-Pacific is the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.9% during the forecast period.

New York, United States, July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Business-to-business (B2B) payment facilitates safer transactions for merchants that require routine, periodic transactions and provides various functions to end-users such as receivable accounts, accounts payable, payroll, and acquisition departments. It involves one-time or recurring transactions depending on the contractual agreement made between the buyer and supplier. As B2B payment processing requires more time to approve and settle the transaction, B2B payments are more complex than business-to-consumer or B2C payments.

Rapid digitalization and automation in the B2B payment system have accelerated its demand among business owners in networking and connecting with suppliers, wholesalers, and retailers globally. Moreover, growing global trade and a surge in cross-border transactions involve several suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, and businesses that act as the major driving factors of the global market.





Get a Free Sample Copy of This Report @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/b2b-payments-market/request-sample





Growth and Expansion of Businesses Propel the Global B2B Payments Market

The growth of a business depends on the quality of goods and services provided by the firm. Therefore, companies need to have a strong relationship with the suppliers of goods and services that the firm sells to grow and compete in the market. Maintaining a strong relationship with the supplier means having a better cash flow among the business parties, including wholesalers, retailers, and supply chain managers. Companies are continuously maintaining a stable B2B payment channel to get a better and faster supply of goods and services. Furthermore, expansion in business means dealing with new supply chains for getting different types of goods and services for further selling to customers. Hence, increased development of businesses accelerates the demand for B2B payments which drives the market growth.

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Digitalization of the Payment System Creates New Opportunities for the Global B2B Payments Market

Digital B2B payments are overtaking traditional paper checks and cash payment processes, as business owners want real-time updates of the payment transactions. Businesses are demanding from their marketplaces and third-party providers to offer digital systems and payment options. Furthermore, digitalization reduces trade barriers and payment frictions and makes B2B payment possible for paying vendors globally. In addition, digitalization provides transparency in terms of transactions among businesses and reduces the risk associated with B2B payments.

Moreover, unlike the traditional payment methods, digital payments have a low dependency on the working hours of a specific institution or bank, which further benefits buyers with flexible operating hours for receiving payments. Therefore, these factors offer lucrative opportunities for future growth of the B2B payment market.





Regional Insights



Asia-Pacific is the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.9% during the forecast period. Several financial technology companies across China, Japan, and India have introduced advanced payment technology to businesses. For instance, in April 2020, Harbour & Hills, one of the leading B2B cross-border payment providers in China, launched a B2B payments gateway that improves the business payment transaction process of corporate sectors, which drives the market's growth in this region. In addition, cheques, bank transfers, demand drafts, and third-party gateways are leading traditional business payment methods widely accepted among businesses across the Asia-Pacific. This is considered an essential factor in boosting the market's growth in this region.

Europe is the second-largest region and is projected to reach USD 640 billion, growing at a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period. An increase in adoption of instant payment technology among the business, improvements in commercial cash management systems , and a rise in usage of digital banking services in the corporate sector are some of the crucial factors that boost the adoption of B2B payment technology among the business owners.

North America is the third largest region. Most of the leading payment solution companies across the globe have opened new business offices in the US to offer comprehensive payment services across small-medium enterprises. For instance, in February 2021, Eedenbull, a leading commercial payment card provider, started its new startup in the US. Moreover, it offers commercial payment technology and a commercial payments-as-a-service (CPaaS) portfolio to the banks in North America. Eedenbull provides commercial B2B payment technology to small-sized corporate customers. This is essential in boosting this region's B2B payment market.

Report Scope

Report Metric Details Market Size USD 2,515 Billion by 2030 CAGR 10.8% (2022-2030) Historical Data 2019-2020 Base Year 2021 Forecast Period 2022-2030 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Payment Type, Payment Mode, Enterprise Size, Industry Vertical, Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, LAME and Rest of the World Key Companies Profiled/Vendors American Express, Bank of America Corporation, Capital One, Mastercard, Payoneer Inc., PayPal Holdings, Inc., Square, Inc., Stripe, TransferWise Ltd., and Visa Inc. Key Market Opportunities Digitalization of the Payment System Key Market Drivers Growth and Expansion of Businesses

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Key Highlights

Based on type , the global B2B payments market is segmented into Domestic and Cross-Border Payments. The Domestic Payments segment is the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period.

Based on payment mode , the global B2B payments market is segmented into Traditional and Digital. The Conventional mode of payment is the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period.

Based on enterprise size , the global B2B payments market is divided into Large, Medium-Sized, and Small-Sized Enterprises. Large Enterprises are the highest contributor to the market and are estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period.

Based on industry vertical , the global B2B payments market is segmented into Manufacturing, IT & Telecom, Metals & Mining, Energy & Utilities, BFSI, and Others. The Manufacturing industry is the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period.

Based on regions, the global B2B payments market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Asia-Pacific is the highest shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.9% during the forecast period





List of Top B2B Payments Market Suppliers

American Express

Bank of America Corporation

Capital One

Mastercard

Payoneer Inc

PayPal Holdings, Inc

Square, Inc

Stripe

TransferWise Ltd

Visa Inc.





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Global B2B Payments Market: Segmentation

By Payment Type

Domestic Payments

Cross-Border Payments

By Payment Mode

Traditional

Digital

By Enterprise Size

Large Enterprises

Medium-sized Enterprises

Small-sized Enterprises

By Industry Vertical

Manufacturing

IT & Telecom

Metals & Mining

Energy & utilities

BFSI

By Regions

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

LAMEA





TABLE OF CONTENT

Introduction Market Definition Market Scope Research Methodology Primary Research Research Methodology Assumptions & Exclusions Secondary Data Sources Market Overview Report Segmentation & Scope Value Chain Analysis: B2B Payments Market Key Market Trends Drivers Restraints Opportunities Porters Five Forces Analysis Bargaining Power of Suppliers Bargaining Power of Buyers Threat of Substitution Threat of New Entrants Competitive Rivalry Market Share Analysis Payment Type Overview Introduction Market Size & Forecast Domestic Payments Market Size & Forecast Cross-Border Payments Market Size & Forecast Payment Mode Overview Introduction Market Size & Forecast Traditional Market Size & Forecast Digital Market Size & Forecast Regional Overview Introduction Market Size & Forecast America North America U.S. By Payment Type By Payment Mode Canada By Payment Type By Payment Mode Mexico By Payment Type By Payment Mode Latin America By Payment Type By Payment Mode Europe Market Size & Forecast Germany By Payment Type By Payment Mode France By Payment Type By Payment Mode U.K. By Payment Type By Payment Mode Italy By Payment Type By Payment Mode Spain By Payment Type By Payment Mode Rest of Europe By Payment Type By Payment Mode Asia Pacific Market Size & Forecast Japan By Payment Type By Payment Mode China By Payment Type By Payment Mode Australia By Payment Type By Payment Mode India By Payment Type By Payment Mode South Korea By Payment Type By Payment Mode Rest of Asia-Pacific By Payment Type By Payment Mode Middle East & Africa Market Size & Forecast Saudi Arabia By Payment Type By Payment Mode South Africa By Payment Type By Payment Mode Kuwait By Payment Type By Payment Mode Rest of Middle East & Africa By Payment Type By Payment Mode Company Profile American Express Company Overview Financial Performance Recent Developments Product Portfolio Bank of America Corporation Company Overview Financial Performance Recent Developments Product Portfolio Capital One Company Overview Financial Performance Recent Developments Product Portfolio Conclusion & Recommendation Acronyms & Abbreviations





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Market News

In June 2022 , PayPal Holdings Inc. announced it is expanding its suite of credit offerings to include a new business credit card better to meet the everyday financing needs of small business owners. The PayPal Business Cashback Mastercard, issued by WebBank and powered by the Mastercard network, is the first business credit card offered through PayPal. The card has no annual fee and rewards cardholders with 2% cashback on all purchases with no rewards earning caps or expiration, making it among the highest cash back rewards value available.

In June 2022, The newest buy-now, a pay-later product from WebBank, PayPal Pay Monthly1, was unveiled by PayPal Holdings, Inc. It allows American consumers to spread payments out over more extended periods. Customers will now have access to a new PayPal product through Pay Monthly, which enables them more flexibility and payment options for the goods they want and need.

News Media

Indias Road to Digitization and a Cashless Economy

Digital Transactions to Propel the Growth of Payment Processing Solution Market During the Forecast Period, 20192026

SMS and NFC to Drive Growth of the Global Mobile Payment Market





Have a Look at the Related Research Report

Mobile Payment Market : Information by Mode of Transaction (NFC, WAP, SMS), Application (Business Users and Personal Users), Method (PoS and Remote Payment), and Region  Forecast till 2026

Payment Processing Solution Market : Information by Payment Method (Credit Card, Debit Card, e-Wallet) and Application (IT & Telecom, Retail), and Region  Forecast till 2026

Digital Transaction Management Market : Information by Solution (Workflow Automation, Electronic Signatures, Authentication), End-Use (Retail, Healthcare), and Region  Forecast till 2030

Digital Money Transfer and Remittance Market : Information by Type (Domestic Remittance, International), Application (Business), Sales Channel (Banks), and Region  Forecast till 2027

Mobile Payment Market : Information by Mode of Transaction (NFC, WAP, SMS), Application (Business Users and Personal Users), Method (PoS and Remote Payment), and Region  Forecast till 2026





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A New Castle County man has been sentenced to 38 years in prison for the 2016 killing of Jakeith Latham near Claymont.

Delaware Department of Justice prosecutors said that evidence showed Seth Kinderman set up a transaction to sell Latham diabetic test strips but instead shot him when he arrived. The 34-year-old from New Jersey was found dead, lying on the sidewalk in the 1000 block of Linda Road.

New Castle County police rope off the area where Jakeith Latham was found dead near Claymont on Dec. 20, 2016.

Prosecutors said in a news release that Kinderman then drove the victims vehicle to a nearby neighborhood where he discarded the body and attempted to set fire to the vehicle. Kinderman was not arrested until roughly two years after the murder. Prosecutors said genetic evidence secured through a genealogy testing service ultimately cracked the case.

Kinderman pleaded guilty to charges including second-degree murder, attempted robbery and a weapons charge. He was sentenced on Friday.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware cold case murder suspect Seth Kinderman gets 38-year sentence
Denise Ingram was working in the kitchen Saturday afternoon and suddenly the floor began to vibrate and the dishes rattled.

"It was really crazy because there was this loud kaboom," she said. "It was loud and everything began to shake in the house."

It was something she never felt before at her home on Old Fayetteville Road a few miles away from downtown Leland. After the weekend shock, many Leland residents are wondering if their peace was disturbed by an earthquake.

Town of Leland seal

"I heard that this part of the Earth is just going to break off one day, so maybe this is the start of it," she said with a little humor about the 5-to-10-second experience.

Read this: Brunswick County isn't known for big fish. Why are anglers breaking records off its coast?

In other news: Here's why major developments in Leland may bypass planning board approval

According to social media accounts and the Volcano Discovery website, the incident occurred around 2:23 p.m. Saturday in Brunswick County, 13 miles northwest of Wilmington, as an "unconfirmed earthquake or seismic-like event." As of Sunday afternoon, more than 170 people posted comments, mostly from the Leland area.

"At first we thought it was a transformer, but it wasn't the same," she said. "It was definitely felt in the Earth. It was really crazy."

More: 6 things to know about the new 7-Eleven coming to Leland

The earthquake magnitude ranges from 2.5 (generally not felt) to 8.0 or greater (total destruction of areas near epicenter). Volcano Discovery reported the magnitude is unknown, but had 3.2 with a question mark.

Roger D. Shew, a senior lecturer for the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Department of Environmental Sciences, said most people don't feel quakes less than 2.5, and questioned the listed depth of 10 km.

"Unfortunately there are no seismic stations here in Wilmington to confirm or deny so we will need to wait to see if any reports surface from other locations of an earthquake that did or did not occur here," Shew said.

Story continues

He added the descriptions of what people felt were suggestive of Seneca Guns, skyquakes or sonic booms, and atmospheric instead of an Earth source. Receivers are also needed, along with detailed measurements and time of occurrence.

"Seneca Guns have been heard mostly near the coast but inland as well and they have been reported for many many years as Im sure you know," Shew stated. "Usual sources of the sounds have been given as earthquakes, bolide (meteoroid) breakup above ground, and military operations. Others that have been offered are submarine landslides etc. The best explanation is some enhanced atmospheric phenomena, which again is suggestive of the residents descriptions."

Shew said the Wilmington area has had small earthquakes. The last one he recalled was in 1958, an incident that "shook people out of their beds and shaking houses," according to reports. He also pointed out that North Carolina had its share of quakes such as the one in Sparta, which had a magnitude greater than 5.

More: The history of Seneca Guns in the Wilmington area

More from Chase Jordan: Wilmington's longest-serving police chief dies at 88

From the sky or the Earth?

Don Blakeman, a geophysicist (earthquake analyst) from the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) National Earthquake Information Center, reported smaller earthquakes are usually shorter. If people are near the epicenter, it can be felt, too, in addition to loud noise.

Like Shew, he believes it could have been military-related. But the possibility of an earthquake has not been ruled out.

"But if it's a longer duration and felt or heard over a wider area, what we've seen a lot of times in North Carolina, particularly out towards the Atlantic, there's a lot of military aircraft activity," he added. "Oftentimes, even though they're not necessarily supposed to, sometimes the military jets go supersonic and you get a sonic boom."

Blakeman has been in the field for 25 years. If earthquakes are felt out in the eastern part of North Carolina, it's very often sonic boom.

"I can't tell you that's exactly what happened, but that is a possibility," he said.

After the incident, residents posted comments on Facebook after a link from Volcano Discovery was shared. When it comes to official information, Blakeman said the site should be taken with "a grain of salt."

"It looks very official, but the person operating the site very often reports events that he doesn't know what they are either," he said. "He just reports that people felt them and so forth, so be careful to assume those are earthquakes."

To find events, Blakeman said officials search for a waveform records on how the ground was moving at a particular time. As of Sunday afternoon, there was no official report on the USGS map.

Blakeman said the incident is being researched and will be added to the map if it's an official earthquake.

"I can't say there hasn't been an earthquake and I can't tell you it's definitely a sonic boom, (construction blasting, or mining)," he said. "Those are possibilities, but without seeing something on the waveforms, I can't tell you for sure if it was or if you did or did not have an earthquake. We have to look."

For a tiny earthquake, it may be hard to pick up.

"The reason for that is just basically physics," he said. "The smaller the earthquake, the waves don't travel very far. It's like throwing a rock out in the middle of the lake. The bigger the rock you throw, the farther the ripples are going."

Reporter Chase Jordan can be reached at cjjordan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Unconfirmed incident shakes Brunswick community
Hospitals across the country are grappling with widespread staffing shortages, complicating preparations for a potential Covid-19 surge as the BA.5 subvariant drives up cases, hospital admissions and deaths.

Long-standing problems, worker burnout and staff turnover have grown worse as Covid-19 waves have hit health care workers again and again  and as more employees fall sick with Covid-19 themselves.

Hospitals are coping, as the most transmissible variant to date sweeps the country, by making compromises. Theyre shifting staff between departments, handling longer emergency room waits, and even eliminating routine Covid testing. Theyre seeking a new balance, recognizing that they cannot sustain the state of vigilance forever that marked the first two years of the pandemic.

We had to ramp up during surges and then try and figure out, Do we keep people or do we let them go when we're not surging? said Julie Hirschhorn, director of molecular pathology at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. The surges tend to be just far enough apart to not know what to do  It's a hard new normal.

The current wave, in which the new number of patients hospitalized with Covid-19 has risen more than 40 percent in the last month, is also putting fresh stress on facilities as federal funding for the pandemic response is running out, leaving some with less flexibility to hire more staff if they need to.

In March, a funding deal to cover part of the White Houses $22.5 billion request fell apart because Democrats in Congress objected to repurposing unspent funds promised to the states earlier in the pandemic, while Republicans said they needed an accounting of the $6 trillion Congress appropriated for pandemic relief in past funding bills before approving new money.

There is growing concern that this money has run out, said Nancy Foster, vice president for quality and patient safety policy at the American Hospital Association. It's not really getting sufficient attention.

Story continues

As of July 22, hospitals in nearly 40 states reported critical staffing shortages, while hospitals in all 50 states said they expected to within a week.

Several states where Covid-19 case numbers are rising have big and growing problems, though factors beyond Covid are involved.

In California, for instance, only eight hospitals described their staffing shortage as critical as of July 22, but 118 expected to within the week. In Louisiana, only one hospital reported a critical shortage last week, but 46 expected to have one by this week. More hospitals were also expecting shortages in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, New Mexico, Tennessee and West Virginia  all states with rising cases counts.

While we have previously experienced staffing shortages, we're keenly aware of the staffing shortages at virtually every kind of position within the hospital right now, said Foster. If we have a large influx of Covid patients, it will be much more challenging to surge to meet those demands than ever before.

Chronic shortages in hospital staff will continue to be a long-term problem, administrators said, because even vaccines that have proven highly effective at preventing serious illness are not keeping everyone out of the hospital. Theres also Americans deepening resistance to mitigation measures like social distancing and masking, and public officials unwillingness to ring the alarm during a wave in which fewer people are getting seriously ill and dying than during previous ones.

Hospital ICUs are not inundated with Covid-19 patients as they were in earlier waves, and average daily deaths are hovering around 350, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, far below the thousands of Americans dying each day in past peaks.

But serious strains on the health care system persist without those grim tolls.

I dont think people appreciate the ramifications for allowing us to transmit the virus almost willy-nilly now, said David Wohl, the infectious diseases expert leading the Covid-19 response at UNC Health in North Carolina. If there are supply chain issues, if there are delays in getting services, or if people say, Well, I'm understaffed, I can't do it, it's because of the pandemic.

Robbing Peter to pay Paul

Staffing shortages at hospitals  from nurses to physicians to medical laboratory technicians  existed before SARS-CoV-2, the result of both aging in the health care workforce and an aging population at large that is driving up demand for care.

The pandemic created a kind of domino effect in the medical community, said Sherry Polhill, associate vice president of hospital laboratories, respiratory care and pulmonary function services at UAB Medicine in Birmingham, Ala.

It prompted older workers to leave their jobs sooner and created a boom in the lucrative traveling medical professional industry that lured people away from their staff jobs.

You've got this vacuum of vacancies that you need to backfill and you can't do that easily, Polhill said, adding that it could take years to fill the open positions she has in her labs.

The shortfall is hitting hospitals  and their patients  in different ways as BA.5 has proven capable of evading immunity and become the dominant strain in the country.

In North Carolina, where cases are up nearly 20 percent over the last two weeks, UNC Health is struggling to meet rising patient demand for monoclonal antibody treatments.

Hospitals are still providing the antibody treatment to those on medications that might interact negatively with a simpler therapeutic, Paxlovid. Unlike Paxlovid, a pill that can be taken anywhere, monoclonal antibodies are given by infusion, a labor intensive process that requires careful infection control to treat patients at infusion centers that also treat immunocompromised individuals.

To make that work, said Wohl, the hospital has to borrow staff from other departments.

We have to rob Peter to pay Paul, he said. If you have people working in an infusion center doing this, what was their day job before Covid? Some of them were working in the emergency room. Some of them were working in the operating room. You just can't pull people from these other critical functions and have them always working elsewhere.

Next door in South Carolina, staffing shortages at the Medical University of South Carolina have already prompted the hospital to stop testing all inpatients for Covid-19 as it did earlier in the pandemic.

The facility received money from a Covid-19 relief law Congress passed in March 2020 to build up its testing capacity with new equipment and staff.

Now that money has started to dry up, and Hirschhorn has had to cut back on shifts and employees. Her lab, one in a network of them in the hospital, had 44 staff and contract workers at its pandemic peak, but just 10 full-time staff today. Its Covid-19 testing capacity has declined from about 3,500 per day to 1,500.

The decision to halt routine Covid testing has helped keep the lab from becoming overwhelmed, even as the number of people hospitalized with Covid has risen 34 percent in South Carolina the last two weeks. But Hirschhorn said it makes her uneasy to know that she no longer has the resources to ramp back up if she needs to.

We're all trying to figure out what does our lab look like now, and what we can do to help prepare ourselves for another surge, knowing that we won't have the same staffing that we had in other surges, she said. Were flying blind.



Pandemic fatigue

That anxiety is widespread in hospitals, where the pandemic has exacerbated staffing shortages that predate it.

Medical lab scientists are unhappy right now, said Susan Harrington, a microbiologist at the Cleveland Clinic and chair of the American Society for Clinical Pathologys Laboratory Workforce Steering Committee. They are working too hard, and theyve been working too hard for too long.

What is the end of this? she asked. I dont really quite know the answer.

Though hospital labs are, broadly speaking, far more prepared to handle this wave of cases than they were in 2020, the Medical University of South Carolina is not alone in ending testing of all inpatients for Covid-19 due to staffing, said Jonathan Myles, chair of the College of American Pathologists Council on Government and Professional Affairs.

A lack of local testing options creates a greater danger to patients and the community, he said, particularly in rural facilities operating in economically disadvantaged areas. They are operating on a shoestring, he said. If you limit testing in rural settings, you exacerbate the inequity of care.

Large urban hospitals can be better positioned to juggle during periods of high transmission, but with more employees calling in sick and more patients testing positive they, too, are under pressure.

In Los Angeles County, where the number of patients hospitalized with Covid-19 has risen dramatically since May despite the areas high vaccination rate, the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center has had to find ways to manage.

People are getting Covid left and right, said Anish Mahajan, CEO and chief medical officer at the facility.

So far, the hospital has coped during this uptick in cases, he said, with some longer waiting times in the emergency room due to staffing shortage and more patients. The hospital may have to again prioritize urgent care cases if things get worse.

The only real way to end the uncertainty is to stop the virus, through vaccination and by taking measures that stop its spread, he said, like putting masks back on when transmission is high.

The more the virus transmits in our world, the more likely we're going to see the generation of future variants take hold, said Mahajan. Maybe this variant doesn't cause that many folks to end up sick in the hospital. But we don't know what the next variants might do.
Ten years after making history as the first openly gay senator, Tammy Baldwin is blazing another trail.

The Wisconsin Democrat is the vanguard of her party's frantic search for 10 Senate Republican votes to write same-sex marriage protections into law. If Baldwin and her allies can come up with a filibuster-proof majority, Democrats will notch a surprise victory on an issue that bedeviled Congress for years  until the Supreme Court stepped in.

Its not a task Baldwin thought would ever fall to her after the high court struck down restrictions on same-sex marriage in 2015. Summing up the task at hand in an interview, she said: I had not expected to be fighting to protect a right thats already been won in court.

But after Justice Clarence Thomas mused about revisiting the Obergefell v. Hodges decision as a next step after to the court's Roe v. Wade reversal, and 47 House Republicans backed codification of marriage equality, Baldwin got a herculean assignment from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Shes about halfway to the GOP mark she needs to break a filibuster, with five Republican senators signaling their support for same-sex marriage legislation  but finding the next five will be even tougher.

Baldwin spoke to more than 10 Republican senators before the Senate left Washington on Thursday and planned to continue her outreach over the weekend, according to a person familiar with the discussions. She declined to divulge too much about her sensitive talks with the opposing party on an issue that painfully divides them, but she made clear shes feeling good about her discussions.

Theyre going well. And I feel hopeful and I have to make some more calls, said Baldwin, whos handing out cards with key points about the bill to on-the-fence GOP members. I am talking to a lot of folks, but folks who I think want to get to yes.

Its one of the most publicly prominent moments in the soft-spoken Wisconsinite's Senate career so far. Baldwin has won two full terms in a brutal battleground state on the strength of her brand, a blend of head-down liberalism and focus on American blue-collar workers. Yet she shies away from the spotlight much of the time  a stark contrast to Wisconsin's senior senator, conservative bomb-thrower Ron Johnson.



Story continues

But whipping votes in a culturally conservative Senate Republican Conference isnt new to Baldwin. She was a key player on the chamber's passage of a nondiscrimination bill in 2013, which gained enough GOP support to make a filibuster-proof majority for same-sex marriage nine years later seem feasible.

Baldwin formed a civil union with her then-partner before Wisconsin recognized same-sex marriage in 2014. Still, she doesnt play up her own status as the first openly gay senator, according to Schumer: She doesnt have to. People know. And its not like her to wear it on her sleeve. But people know, deep down, she cares about it.

Shes got a combination of being very nice and really liked by members. But on issues shes passionate about, as this one, she is very determined, the New York Democrat said.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) also said that Baldwin's LGBTQ identity doesn't color their work together on the same-sex marriage bill: "I don't consider that to be a relevant factor, to tell you the truth. She's a senator."

Though she comes off as a more serious-minded lawmaker, Baldwins got a sense of humor about her under-the-radar status: In a video with Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.), a fellow Midwestern progressive woman, she declared that we arent the same person. She serves on Schumers leadership team and is known in the caucus for stepping up when Democrats need someone to preside over the Senate floor, a task most see as pure drudgery.

And as progressive as she is, Baldwin stays away from fiery attacks on Republicans. Her style probably won't involve shaming them into supporting her bill on the floor.

Shes here not to focus on her, said Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.). Its not about Tammy.



Baldwin isnt the only one whipping the same-sex marriage measure across the finish line. Schumer said hes spoken to the supportive Collins and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) about it, and Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) are also working behind the scenes to get the bill across the finish line.

Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Johnson, who faces a tough reelection race this fall, round out the likely GOP supporters at the moment. Asked if hed spoken to Baldwin about the bill, Johnson grimaced and shook his head no.

Unlike other politically thorny issues, the same-sex marriage measure has no bipartisan Senate gang trying to pass it. Instead, according to people involved in the effort, theres a focus on Republicans who have LGBTQ friends, family or staff and might be convinced to support the straightforward legislation based on their personal connections.

In an evenly divided Senate, Baldwins leaving no stone unturned. She connected with conservative Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) on Thursday, extending her outreach across the GOP.

She is working the bill, said Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), the subject of some Democratic lobbying efforts.

Given the divisiveness of the issue in the GOP, a workhorse like Baldwin might be just what Democrats need to pull out a surprise win in a rocky year of legislative setbacks on their agenda. If she and her allies in both parties can find the handful of additional votes they need to pass the bill, Schumer will almost certainly put it on the floor and send it to President Joe Bidens desk.

Shes got plenty of work left: Several undecided Republican senators say they have yet to talk to her about the issue. But those aligned with Baldwin say that ultimately, they will be successful.

We all know what this is. Its straightforward, Tillis said. The member-to-member discussions are the best way to get to the vote count. Which I think will exceed 10 [Republicans]."
The Spice Tailor creates easy to follow meal kits (The Spice Tailor/Premier Foods)

Sharwoods and Loyd Grossman sauces owner Premier Foods has bought Indian and Thai recipe kit makers The Spice Tailor for 43.8 million.

Premier, whos brands also include Mr. Kipling and Bisto, said it would acquire 100% of The Spice Tailor shares for a cash payment. The meals brand said it expected to generate revenue of 17.3 million this financial year.

Alex Whitehouse, boss of Premier Foods , said: The acquisition is well aligned to our growth strategy and we see a clear opportunity to build on the excellent track record of The Spice Tailor, by leveraging the elements of our proven branded growth model.

Premier said that the purchase represents a highly complementary geographical fit with Premiers current brands and that there was significant potential to expand distribution in all of the FMCG giants target markets including the UK, Australia, Canada and Ireland.

Whitehouse added: We see this as another important milestone for us following the groups strong performance over recent years and The Spice Tailor is an important addition to accelerate our future growth plans.

We see Premier with their track record of brand investment and strong commercial relationships, as the perfect fit for The Spice Tailor, driving it onto the next stage of its evolution, said Adarsh and Anjum Sethia, founders of The Spice Tailor.

Premier said that once the product range was integrated into the groups cooking sauces and accompaniments category team, that The Spice Tailor would benefit from increased levels of marketing investment to drive product awareness and household penetration.

The meals business already has distribution deals with major supermarkets including Sainsburys, Waitrose, Tesco, Ocado, Asda and Morrisons.
Intruders have attempted to break into the California home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on several occasions, police reports have revealed.

The reports, obtained by The Sun, show that two security breaches happened within 12 days this year, with a total of six security alert calls at their US home in the last 14 months.

According to the records, Santa Barbara Police raced to the couple's mansion in Montecito at 5pm in the afternoon on 19 May  the couple's fourth wedding anniversary  following reports of a trespasser on the property.

Days later, on 31 May, police answered a second intruder alert at 3pm  just hours before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex boarded a flight to London for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

It's unclear whether the couple or their children  three-year-old Archie Harrison and one-year-old Lilibet Diana  were at home at the time of the incidents, which were logged as "suspicious circumstances" by police.

Photo credit: Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images

News of the security breaches at the Sussexes' home comes amid Prince Harry's battle with the Home Office over his family's protection in the UK.

To recap, following Harry and Meghan's decision to step down as senior working royals in 2020, the Home Office said it would no longer provide the "same degree" of protection for the couple or their children when they were in the UK  something which Harry has strongly argued against.

"Prince Harry inherited a security risk at birth, for life," a spokesperson said earlier this year. "He remains sixth in line to the throne, served two tours of combat duty in Afghanistan, and in recent years his family has been subjected to well-documented neo-Nazi and extremist threats.

"The UK will always be Prince Harry's home and a country he wants his wife and children to be safe in. With the lack of police protection, comes too great a personal risk."

Harry later filed a High Court bid to challenge the Home Office's decision, which was last week partly granted to go ahead. This means there will be a full High Court hearing to review the Duke's claim.

Story continues

Earlier this year, the Sussexes briefly visited the UK  for the first time as a family of four  for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, although they did not appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony with other high-profile royals.

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What Russian President Vladimir Putin once thought of as a quick victory has transformed into a monthslong effort as Ukrainian forces fend off heavy Russian artillery attacks in eastern and southern Ukraine.

While Western nations have condemned Putins invasion of its smaller neighbor, accusing Russia of war crimes and imposing several rounds of sanctions. Ukrainians forces are engaged in intense fighting in the Luhansk and Donetsk territories as Russia aims to gain control of the Donbas region.

Sunday marked five months since Russias invasion of Ukraine. Heres what to know about the war:

Kherson, Mariupol among Ukrainian territories under Russian control

After efforts to take Ukraines capital, Kyiv, stalled, the Kremlin shifted its focus on the resource-rich industrial Donbas region, made up of the Luhansk and Donetsk territories.

Russian forces have made gains in southern and eastern Ukraine, including Luhansk, after Ukrainian troops retreated from the city of Sievierodonetsk. The capture of the city was among the last few hurdles for Russian control of the region.

The city of Mariupol also fell to Russian control as Ukraine evacuated its remaining soldiers after weeks of an impasse between Russian forces and Ukrainian troops who were defending the Azovstal steel mill in the besieged city. The Kremlin called the evacuation a mass surrender.

As Russia occupies more Ukrainian territory, the Kremlin faces a decision to either reinforce its hold of the Donbas region or defend counterattacks in the south Kherson territory of Ukraine, according to an assessment of the war by the British Defense Military. But Russia seems to be moving to annex the Ukrainian regions it occupies, according to the Biden administration.

Zelenskyy dismisses top officials for working 'against our state'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed two top officials, Prosecutor-General Iryna Venediktova and Security Service chief Ivan Bakanov, as well as more than 60 employees from each agency after allegations they were working against our state, according to Zelenskyy.

Story continues

In a statement July 17, Zelenskyy announced that 651 criminal proceedings had been filed related to treason and collaboration activities by members of the prosecutors offices and other law enforcement bodies.

Zelenskyy suspended an additional 28 officials, citing unsatisfactory results of work. He also announced in a video address July 18 that a personnel audit of Ukraines security service was underway.

US gives more than $7 billion in aid to Ukraine

The United States has authorized more than $7 billion in military, humanitarian and security assistance to Ukraine since Russia's invasion in addition to aid the European Union and other NATO allies have sent.

Most recently, the U.S. committed to an additional $2.2 billion in security assistance, and the Department of Defense authorized the 15th drawdown of equipment from its inventories to send to Ukraine since August 2021, which includes more than 6,500 Javelin anti-armor systems, 1,400 Stinger anti-aircraft systems and 126 Howitzers, according to the Pentagon.

Along with the latest aid package, the Pentagon is sending four additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, bringing the total number of long-range missile launchers given to Ukraine to 16.

Western nations impose more sanctions against Russia

Western nations, including the United States, have continued to impose stiff sanctions against Russia, including a wide range of measures targeting Russias ability to fund its war effort.

In the latest move by the U.S. and its allies, leaders of the G-7 committed to ban Russian gold. U.S. allies also committed to banning Russian oil imports, following the U.S.

President Joe Biden waits for the start of a lunch with the Group of Seven leaders at the Schloss Elmau hotel in Elmau, Germany, on June 27, 2022, during the annual G-7 summit. Joining the Group of Seven are guest country leaders and heads of international organizations.

Leaders of the European Union followed through on their promise to ban Russian gold and jewelry  the countrys second-most-significant export after energy  in a seventh round of sanctions against Russia. The EU already had sanctioned Russian energy, banning coal imports and targeting its lucrative energy income. Coal imports amount to roughly $4.4 billion a year for Russia.

The U.S. also targeted Putins ex-wife and two adult daughters, imposing sanctions that cut them off from the U.S. financial system and froze any assets they may hold in the U.S.

Ukraine, Russia sign deal to export grain

Ukraine and Russia signed separate agreements with Turkey and the United Nations to allow the export of Ukrainian grain as well as Russian grain and fertilizer stuck in Black Sea ports since the beginning of the war.

Shipments of grain and other agricultural products have been halted since Russias invasion. Naval blockades have prevented Ukraine from exporting 22 million tons of grains, threatening food security around the world. Ukraine is among the world's largest exporters of wheat, corn and sunflower oil.

The deal establishes provisions for safe passage of ships and the creation of a control center in Istanbul that will be staffed by a group of U.N., Turkish, Russian and Ukrainian officials. Ships also will be inspected to ensure they carry no weapons.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Five months into Ukraine-Russia war: key moments
Chamber leaders have scheduled an all-Senate briefing this week to update lawmakers on the latest U.S. assistance plans for Ukraine, the first such comprehensive review since the early days of the fighting.

Senate officials announced the event will be held behind closed doors on Wednesday afternoon. The move follows Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenskas speech to Congress last week, where she requested more weapons  particularly air defense systems  to support her country in its fight against Russia.

U.S. lawmakers in May approved a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine, about half which was military assistance. But Ukrainian leaders said they need more to hold off slowly advancing Russian forces, and to secure areas devastated by months of fighting.

Last week, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that U.S. assistance is making a real difference on the ground in Ukraine and that officials would work to ensure that Ukraine has the technology, the ammunition, and the sheer firepower to defend itself.

Monday, July 25



House Veterans' Affairs  11 a.m.  Enterprise, Ala.

Military to civilian transition

Committee members will hold a field hearing on transition challenges for troops leaving the military.



Tuesday, July 26



Senate Foreign Relations  10 a.m.  419 Dirksen

Diversity in diplomacy

State Department officials will testify on efforts to improve diversity in diplomatic programs and efforts.



Wednesday, July 27



Senate Foreign Relations  9:30 a.m.  419 Dirksen

National security

State Department officials will testify on national security and economic security strategies.



House Transportation  10 a.m.  2167 Rayburn

Coast Guard personnel

Service officials will testify on planned changes to Coast Guard personnel policies.



House Veterans' Affairs  10 a.m.  Visitors Center H210

Electronic health records

VA officials will testify on ongoing problems with their electronic medical records overhaul project.



Senate Foreign Relations  11:30 a.m.  419 Dirksen

Nominations

The committee will consider several pending nominations, including Jonathan Henick to be ambassador to Uzbekistan.



Senate Foreign Relations  2:30 p.m.  419 Dirksen

Africa

State Department officials will testify on planned assistance to African countries in the fiscal 2023 budget request.



Senate Veterans' Affairs  3 p.m.  418 Russell

Nominations

The committee will consider several pending nominations.



Thursday, July 28



House Foreign Affairs  9:30 a.m.  2172 Rayburn

Indo-Pacific issues

Outside experts will testify on Chinese coercion in the Indo-Pacific region.



Senate Armed Services  9:30 a.m.  G-50 Dirksen

Nominations

The committee will consider several pending nominations, including Milancy Harris to be deputy under secretary of defense for intelligence.



House Veterans' Affairs  10 a.m.  Visitors Center H210

Sexual harassment

Veterans Affairs officials will testify on efforts to prevent sexual harassment at department facilities.



Senate Foreign Relations  10 a.m.  419 Dirksen

Nominations

The committee will consider several pending nominations, including Heide Fulton to be ambassador to Uruguay.



House Foreign Affairs  12:30 p.m.  2172 Rayburn

Business meeting

The committee will mark up several pending measures.



Senate Foreign Relations  2 p.m.  419 Dirksen

Nominations

The committee will consider several pending nominations, including Shefali Razdan Duggal to be ambassador to the Netherlands.



Friday, July 29



House Armed Services  8:30 a.m.  2118 Rayburn

Reproductive health

Defense Department officials will testify on available reproductive health services in the military and their effect on readiness.




Weather Alert

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM WEDNESDAY TO 11 PM PDT FRIDAY... * WHAT...Temperatures up to 102 expected. * WHERE...In Washington, Eastern Columbia River Gorge of Washington, Simcoe Highlands, Kittitas Valley and Yakima Valley. In Oregon, Eastern Columbia River Gorge of Oregon. * WHEN...From 11 AM Wednesday to 11 PM PDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures 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. &&
Today

Mostly clear. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 85F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 85F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.

Tomorrow

Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 105F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
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YORK -- Through lots of organization and dedication, many people within the pork industry gathered at the Holthus Convention Center in York on July 20 for the second annual Pork Expo to network and learn.

This is Nebraskas second pork expo hosted by AFAN, or the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska. AFANs mission is to grow and support the livestock industry in Nebraska. Nebraska being the sixth largest pork producer, there is plenty to talk about.

This event is all about connecting and learning more. Steve Martin, the executive director of AFAN, said the point of a pork expo is multi-faceted. It includes people who are first exposed to the pork industry, to people who can answer all their questions.

Anything a pork producer would need is here -- builders, equipment dealers, feed suppliers, just a lot of different entities that support pork production, answering questions and talking to people, Martin said.

Nebraska is growing in the pork industry, said Al Juhnke, the executive director of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association. We have roughly 3.6 million pigs in our farms. Nebraska is a great place to grow pigs, we are centrally located, we have feed resources, a good solid workforce, and we have a lot of room

While speaking about land size, Juhnke mentioned how much room there is between barns. This has to do with biosecurity, which is very important. Compared with other states that are more packed, Nebraska has much more land room. There is also a lot of support in Nebraska for farmers, from organizations and education.

The event only lasts a day, but is packed with speakers, breakout sessions and a panel. The day also hosts the Nebraska Pork Producers Association or NPPA, annual meeting and a social hour. This gives people plenty of options and leeway throughout the day to pick and choose what to do.

One of the breakout sessions is appropriately named, Well... Poop. It speaks all about the value of manure. While speaking with Martin, he discussed how farmers used to undervalue manure, but now farmers make sure to get every penny out of it to make sure their farmland gets the best yield possible.

The keynote speaker for the day was Nebraska State Senator Tom Brandt. He is a farmer and a livestock feeder outside of his many other responsibilities. He spoke on funding and the bills that were passed in which farmers were active.

Planning comes fast after the event is over to make sure everything is ready for the next year. This includes booking the convention center, speaking about next year's speakers, and evaluating what worked the best this year and what will be a hit next year.

This is the second year of the Pork Expo; each being held in York. York is a central location for this type of event and is easily accessible due to the interstate and Highway 81. Being held here also makes it accessible to farmers in northern Kansas and western Iowa. Keep an eye out for next year's Pork Expo.
As Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine continues with no end in sight, it is as important as ever for the U.S. to strengthen our ties with allies in the region. Standing in solidarity with states at risk of Russian aggression requires us to send a clear message we are working on behalf of the friends of freedom and economic prosperity.

One such opportunity is my recent meeting with former Ambassador and current Member of the Parliament of Georgia Salome Samadashvili. In addition to discussing how the United States can support anti-corruption efforts in Georgia, we discussed the serious impacts of Russias invasion of Ukraine on the nation of Georgia and the importance of the United States influence in the region.

This week I also joined with two of my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee, Republican Leader Kevin Brady and Republican Leader for the Tax Subcommittee Mike Kelly to meet with a delegation led by Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. Unfortunately, last week the Biden administration began the process of terminating the United States tax treaty with Hungary. Hungary has been the landing spot for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the horrors of war. Meanwhile the White House has elected to punish the country for objections Hungary has raised to implementing Bidens global minimum tax proposal while he takes no action to revisit the 30-year-old tax treaty with Russia.

Additionally, President Biden recently took the time to visit Saudi Arabia, a nation with a poor record on human rights and growing ties to Russia. The President is failing to secure energy independence by seeking Saudi Arabias help rather than taking advantage of domestic production opportunities. Russia is benefitting from the global oil shortage as our country fails to produce what we could in order to meet domestic and international demand. To make matters worse, Democrats in Congress are lobbying the Biden administration for a ban on oil exports. Because of the damage this would do to the American economy, petroleum industry, and global energy supply, I recently signed onto a letter to the President opposing any such ban.

Furthermore, to support the strength of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) this week I supported the passage of a resolution in the House to affirm U.S. support for the efforts of Finland and Sweden to join NATO. As Finland and Sweden work through the process to join NATO, Russia is trying to obstruct the process through objections from its closest ally in NATO, Turkey.

Leadership on the international stage and in our trade policy is critical at this time in history and nowhere to be found under the Biden administration. We need to show robust support for our allies and partner with those who are committed to reform and our shared values. The American people expect strong leadership, and our allies are depending on us.
Upcoming SUV Cars in India 2022: In the past couple of months, India has witnessed launches of some most awaited SUVs, a segment highly in demand. While the 2022 Maruti Suzuki Brezza was launched in the country, Citroen also launched their C3 sub-compact SUV. On the other hand, multiple automakers unveiled their SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle), giving us a glimpse on the upcoming launches in the country. These included the New Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, 2022 Toyota Hyryder, All-new Hyundai Tucson among others. In fact, the Sports Utility Vehicles have become the single largest selling body type in India, outpacing not only the sedans, but also hatchbacks. These SUVs are big in size, practical, yet value-for-money as compared to equally sized sedans and consists of a wide range of sizes, right from sub-compact to premium SUVs. Here's a list of all the upcoming SUVs under Rs 25 lakh to launch in India in 2022.

India's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch the new Grand Vitara in India, resurrecting the popular SUV name. Earlier, Maruti Suzuki renamed the Vitara Brezza as Brezza only and will now utilize the Grand Vitara moniker for its first mid-size SUV based on the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. It will also be the first strong hybrid from Maruti Suzuki in India, promising a segment best 28 kmpl mileage. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara was recently unveilied in India with much galore and get host of new-age features, a premium and modern design language, added safety features as well.

The midsize SUV segment is going to see an all-new entrant with the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder this year. The SUV was recently unveiled, while the price announcement is expected closer to the festive season. The Urban Cruiser Hyryder has been developed in collaboration with Maruti Suzuki, and the latter will also have its own version of this SUV called the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. The Urban Cruiser Hyryder is powered by two 1.5-litre petrol engines in India  one in mild-hybrid form and the other in strong-hybrid guise.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. has announced that it will launch the all-new Tucson in the Indian market soon. Hyundai will introduce its premium SUV with the 4th Generation model arriving in the second half of the calendar year. The SUV upon launch will be competing against the likes of Jeep Compass and Volkswagen Tiguan in the Indian market. The 4th Generation Hyundai Tucson features completely new looks with completely new grills complemented by the LED DRLs. Moreover, the car features several pronounced creases, and the back end features split tail lights and an LED light bar that runs the length of the car.

Kia India recently announced to cross 5 lakh unit sales mileston in just 3 years and the driving force was its first ever SUV in India - the Kia Seltos. Kia is now ready to launch the Seltos facelift, which was recently spied testing in India for the first time. The Kia Seltos was launched backed in 2019 and is waiting to receive a mid-life update with revised front and rear fascia. Apart from the cosmetic updates, there will be changes to the cabin as well, with new features such as a 360-degree camera and ADAS technology. The Seltos will continue with the same powertrain options as now.

Like the Kia Seltos, the popular Creta midsize SUV is all set to receive a mid-life facelift this year. India's best selling mid-size SUV has already been uneviled in the international markets and just like the newly launched Venue, the updated Creta will gets its design inspiration from the new Tucson. Inside the cabin, the new Creta can get Tucson sourced ADAS system along with a fully digital instrument cluster like the Alcazar, updated connected car tech, and similar 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines and the 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine options.

Live TV
While hearing a plea on dangers to aircraft by high-rises near Mumbai airport the Bombay HC court remarked that in aviation everything depends on air traffic control and anything can happen with one mistake. A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice M S Karnik was hearing public interest litigation filed by advocate Yashwant Shenoy, seeking action against the construction of buildings above the prescribed height limit in the vicinity of the city airport.

As per Shenoy, these buildings pose a risk to aircraft taking off and landing at the airport here and may someday lead to any untoward incident. Chief Justice Datta said the issue concerns everyone. He also referred to the recently released Ajay Devgn-starrer Hindi film "Runway 34."

"I happened to see a movie 'Runway 34,' Nothing depends on the pilot. Everything depends on the air traffic control," Chief Justice Datta said. "We think the pilot has announced that we are set for landing or take off and the temperature outside is so and so and everything is fine. But it all depends on several other factors. One mistake here and there...Anything can happen," he said.

Also read: Rising aviation incidents: Heres how DGCA plans to do 2 month long audit on airlines

The bench directed the Maharashtra government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to file their affidavits on what action it has taken on the issue. The court said it would hear the matter further on Friday.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Trinamool Congress Minister Partha Chatterjee was today (July 25) transferred from SSKM to Bhubaneswar AIIMS by air ambulance for medical examination following Calcutta High Court order last night. Chatterjee, who was arrested by the ED in the teacher recruitment corruption case, will undergo physical examination and treatment at Bhubaneswar AIIMS on the orders of Calcutta High Court under the supervision of a medical board at the moment. Here's all you need to know about Medical Evacuation procedure in India, cost involved, and services provided inside an air ambulance.

What is an air ambulance?

An air ambulance is an ambulance facility in the air, usually availed to transport a patient to a medical centre for treatment which is far away, or is time sensitive. Various types of aircraft can be deployed on such duties and are equipped to provide emergency care on board, much like road going ambulance. Air ambulances have become increasingly popular for patient transport in remote areas and also to transport VIPs due to the high cost involved to charter a plane.

Types of Air Ambulances

There are various types of planes that can be deployed as an air ambulances and have to be retrofitted with the life saving equipment:

Jet aircraft: A small jet aircraft is a fixed-wing air ambulance just like a private plane and is spacious, comfortable and super fast as compared to any other form of transportation. More than that, small jet planes are safer than a helicopter in erratic weather conditions and offers greater comfort to patients. All this means higher cost of transport as well.

Helicopters: Choppers are the most common form of air ambulance and have rotary wings, best suited for remote evacuation operations. Helicopters, unlike jets, don't need a dedicated runway for takeoff and are cheaper to own as well. That's why, helicopter ambulance costs are lower than those of jet aircraft. With many hospitals having dedicated helipads, choppers have become popular in last few decades.

Benefits of air ambulances

There are multiple benefits of air ambulances, and only one negative - high cost of transportation. Here's a look at the benefits of air ambulance:

Quick transfer: The biggest USP of an air ambulance is the amount of time taken to transfer a patient from any location to a hospital. Unlike road transport which can take several hours, helicopters and jets fly at higher speed, and hence less time taken. Moreover, in case of an accident with critically injured patient, swift transportation is needed and only an air ambulance can provide the same.

Patient convenience: While road connectivity still remains the go to option for patient transfer, roads can be bumpy, and full of traffic, causing inconvience of passengers. In such scenarios, air ambulances offer quick and convenient transportation.

Connectivity: The primary role of an air ambulance is to facilitate quick medical evacuation. However, they are mostly used in areas where ground transportation is ineffective, or can't reach at all, for instance in hilly terrains or areas with no roads.

What is the process of booking an air ambulance?

You can book an air ambulance through the following steps:

1. You can contact the hospital where the patient needs to be transferred or the hospital from where the patient is being transferred. These days, many private charter companies are providing air ambulance facility as well.

2. The concerned department will then assess the patients condition and case report for approval

3. Once approved, the patient will be taken to the air ambulances landing zone

4. An air ambulance is equipped with necessary equipment and primary health staff who will accompany the patient to the final destination

5. A patient is then properly strapped to the seat/ stretcher/ air bed, basis the installation inside the plane

6. After taking all necessary air and medical clearances, the plane then lands at the destination

Cost of booking air ambulance in India

The cost of the air ambulance depends on various factors including the type of the aircraft, the distance to the destination hospital and the distance from where the ambulance is flying. However, in India, the average cost of an air ambulance can range anywhere between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh per hour. The thing to note here is air ambulances charge on per hour basis.

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New Delhi: Domino`s Pizza India franchise will consider taking some of its business away from popular food delivery apps, Zomato and SoftBank-backed Swiggy, if their commissions rise further, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

The disclosure was made by Jubilant FoodWorks, which runs the Domino`s and Dunkin` Donuts chain in India, in a confidential filing with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) which is investigating alleged anti-competitive practices of Zomato and Swiggy.

Jubilant is India`s largest food services company, with more than 1,600 branded restaurant outlets  including 1,567 Domino`s and 28 Dunkin outlets.

The CCI ordered in April its probe into Zomato and Swiggy after an Indian restaurant group alleged preferential treatment, exorbitant commissions and other anti-competitive practices. The food delivery apps deny any wrongdoing.

After the CCI sought responses from Domino`s India franchise and several other restaurants as part of its investigation, Jubilant sought more time to share data related to its online sales, but wrote to the watchdog expressing concerns over potentially higher commission of food-ordering platforms.

"In case of an increase in commission rates, Jubilant will consider shifting more of its businesses from online restaurant platforms to the in-house ordering system," the company stated in its July 19 letter addressed to the CCI.

Jubilant FoodWorks declined to comment, while the CCI and Swiggy did not respond.

Zomato, which is backed by China`s Ant Group, said it had no plans in the pipeline to increase restaurant partner commissions at the top end. "No commercial decisions are unilaterally taken that may adversely impact our stakeholders."

With the rising use of smartphones and attractive discounts on offer, food delivery platforms have become increasingly popular in India. Jubilant in February said Domino`s app was installed 8.2 million times during the quarter to December 2021, and its "own app sales continued to grow faster than the aggregators".

Jubilant`s warning comes as Zomato and Swiggy face accusations by many restaurants in India that their alleged practices hurt their business.

The CCI case was sparked by a complaint from the National Restaurant Association of India, which has more than 500,000 members, and alleges that commissions charged by Zomato and Swiggy in the 20% to 30% range were "unviable".

A senior industry executive with direct knowledge said that Zomato`s and Swiggy`s commissions were a concern for Domino`s and many other restaurants.

"If commissions are increased further, they will lead to profit squeeze of businesses and will simply be passed on to consumers," said the executive, who declined to be named.

Before the investigation was announced, Zomato told the CCI it negotiates and charges commissions from restaurants but they had no bearing on how listings appear on its app.

Swiggy stated that its commissions were determined by factors such as a restaurant`s popularity or the volume of orders, according to the watchdog`s initial order.
New Delhi: A day after the national capital reported the first case of Monkeypox, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena reviewed the situation in Delhi on Monday and asked people not to panic. Taking to Twitter, Saxena wrote, "Reviewed the Monkey Pox situation in Delhi along with CS, Secy Health, DGHS and others concerned. Was apprised of preparedness in terms of medical services, hospital infrastructure, tracing, testing, surveillance and clinical mgmt."

Reviewed the Monkey Pox situation in Delhi along with CS, Secy Health, DGHS & others concerned.

Was apprised of preparedness in terms of medical services, hospital infrastructure, tracing, testing, surveillance & clinical mgmt.  LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) July 25, 2022

The Governor appealed to people to not panic and advised officials to ensure all preventive measures.

Advised officials to ensure all preventive measures.

I appeal to the people to not panic and follow all prescribed prevention and treatment protocols.  LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) July 25, 2022

Delhi has reported the first case of Monkeypox in a 31-year-old man with no travel history, said Dr Suresh Kumar, Medical Director, Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital on Sunday.

The Governor appealed to people to not panic and advised officials to ensure all preventive measures. Delhi has reported the first case of Monkeypox in a 31-year-old man with no travel history, said Dr Suresh Kumar, Medical Director, Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital on Sunday.

This is the fourth case of the viral disease in India and the first case without a travel history. The 31-year-old man has been admitted to Maulana Azad Medical College with no travel history. He was admitted to the hospital with fever and skin lesions.

However, the patient is stable. Earlier the cases in India were among nationals who returned home from the Middle East, while in Thailand an international living in the country has been confirmed positive for Monkeypox.

The first case of Monkeypox virus originated in India on July 14 after a UAE traveller returned to Kerala. He has been admitted to Thiruvananthapuram medical college. India reported its second case of monkeypox in Kerala`s Kannur district on July 18. While on July 22, India reported its third case of monkeypox in Kerala`s Malappuram district.

Earlier on Saturday, World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a public health emergency of international concern, looking at the expanding monkeypox outbreak in more than 70 countries.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), monkeypox is a viral zoonotic infection caused by the monkeypox virus. It spreads mostly from human contact. Expressing concern over rapidly spreading cases of Monkeypox, the first Indian elected as Regional Director of the World Health Organization South-East Asia Region said that with cases concentrated among men who have sex with men, it is possible to curtail further spread of the disease with focused efforts among the at-risk population.

The World Health Organization on Sunday called on countries in South - East Asia Region to strengthen surveillance and public health measures for monkeypox, with the disease being declared a public health emergency of international concern.

More than 16000 cases of Monkeypox have been reported from 75 countries including four from India, and one from Thailand. Monkeypox virus is transmitted from infected animals to humans via indirect or direct contact.

Human-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with infectious skin or lesions, including face-to-face, skin-to-skin, and respiratory droplets. In the current outbreak countries and amongst the reported Monkeypox cases, transmission appears to be occurring primarily through close physical contact, including sexual contact. Transmission can also occur from contaminated materials such as linens, bedding, electronics, and clothing, that have infectious skin particles.
Chennai: Srimaan Ramachandra Raja, the chairman of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) in Tamil Nadu State, has urged the revival of Road Safety Patrol (RSP) teams at colleges and encouraged team members to assist traffic police in the morning and evening hours.

At the Madras Christian College in Chennai, where the RSP unit was inaugurated, Srimaan distributed postcards to 30 students and asked them to record the number of vehicles breaking traffic laws and report them to the local police station.

"Every student has talent. Parents and teachers should assist them in realizing their potential. Honesty and decency should always be upheld by students. Goals should be set, and they should strive diligently to achieve them," said NSUI Chairman, Srimaan Ramachandra Raja.

He examined the RSP unit parade and gave the team members their badges." RSP team members will learn about traffic laws and regulations from traffic wardens and traffic police personnel," he said. Additionally, Srimaan advised students to urge parents to wear seat belts and helmets.
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp's defamation case made many headlines over time. The duo still continues to battle their legal war. The verdict was pronounced in July and both parties were ordered to pay damages with respect to their wrongdoings.

Overall, it was Johnny Depp who won the case and is set to receive a total of $10.35 million from his ex-wife. But they've both appealed the verdicts that were not in favour of them.

Johnny faced a lot of losses after he was accused of domestic violence, he faced a lot. The 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' franchise, which was led by him, is now being made with Margot Robbie in lead. On the other hand, he was ousted from 'Fantastic Beasts' and currently has no work on the acting front.

Johnny's fans are super upset with the fact that Amber Heard is still a part of 'Aquaman 2' and have filled Twitter with #boycottaquaman2 posts. Netizens have been signing a petition which has already crossed 4.6 million signatures but no action has been taken by the DC officials.

I will NEVER support @wbpictures again. They could have said "We didn't realize the truth, we're sorry" but no, they continue to support #AmberHeardisaliar. #boycottaquaman2

Breaking! Warner ATTACKS Johnny Depp, DIRECTLY coming AFTER HIM! https://t.co/L4iTLe44LU via @YouTube  Tracy Douglas (@mommyt7177) July 25, 2022

#boycottaquaman2 these companies forget we make them money, & We decided we wont spend ours on their movie since they kept An abuser who Bullys their victim still. @wbpictures @warnerbros #AmberHeardDeservesPrison #AmberHeardIsAWIFEBEATER #AmberHeardIsAnAbuser July 25, 2022

Recently, at the San Diago Comic-Con, Depp's fan dressed as Amber Heards Aquaman character. He can be seen wearing a green shimmery outfit and donned red hair. What remained unusual was the poop hat after the faeces incident that was revealed during the defamation trial.

He even held a placard in his hand protesting against Amber Heard in Aquaman 2. The pictures are viral all over social media and Johnny Depp fans are standing in his support.
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday (July 24, 2022) hit out at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over its Delhis liquor policy in the national capital saying that AAP has replaced its happiness classes model with happiness glasses. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took a dig at Arvind Kejriwals model of governance and called it a liquor model of governance.

In fresh salvo against the Delhi government, the BJPs spokesperson said that CM Arvind Kejriwal's liquor model can be defined in ABCD where A stands for advertising, B for bahane baazi (making excuses) and blame game, C for corruption and cover up, and D for deviation or diversion".

Shehzad Poonawalla also alleged that AAP government has given Rs 144 crore waiver to liquor mafia and said that those who promised to make Punjab and Delhi addiction-free are now working overtime to turn people into addicts.

Meanwhile, after the Delhi Lt. Governor V.K. Saxena ordered a CBI probe in the liquor policy, the AAP has taken the fight to the Parliament, giving a notice to suspend business in the Rajya Sabha. The party is upset that after Satyendar Jain was arrested by ED, this is the second case against the Delhi government minister.

AAP`s Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Singh has given Suspension of Business Notice under Rule 267 over the `misuse of CBI and ED against the Delhi Government`.

On Friday, Delhi Lt. Governor recommended a CBI probe into the AAP government`s Excise Policy 2021-22, and the Chief Secretary has been asked to submit a detailed report on the roles of officials involved in amendment and implementation of the policy.

(With agency inputs)
Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the abrogation of Article 370 has brought a new dawn of hope to the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "India has become a strong and confident nation which is well-equipped to protect its people from anyone who tries to cast an evil eye," said Rajnath Singh during an event organised to commemorate `Kargil Vijay Diwas` in Jammu on July 24, 2022. Paying glowing tributes to the freedom fighters and the Armed Forces personnel who have laid down their lives since independence in the service of the nation, Rajnath Singh stated that it was the spirit of national pride at the core of their values that protected the unity and integrity of India.

He asserted that the sole aim of the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is to safeguard the interests of the Nation and it has taken a series of steps to develop a self-reliant defence ecosystem that provides indigenous state-of-the-art weapons/equipment to the Armed Forces to fight all kinds of future wars.

"Our priority is to achieve Aatmanirbharta in Defence as it is central to developing a robust security apparatus for the safety and security of the nation. To realise this vision, 68 per cent of the defence budget has been earmarked for the procurement of defence equipment from domestic sources. From a net importer, we have now become a net exporter which is not only catering to our own needs but is also fulfilling the requirements of our friendly countries, in line with the `Make in India, Make for the World` vision," he said.

Also read: India will not let China take even an inch of our land: Rajnath Singh to opposition

"Due to the recent measures taken by the government, India today finds itself among the top 25 exporters of the world in defence items. We have set a target to achieve Rs 35,000 crore worth of exports by 2025 and become a top exporter in the times to come. Our aim is to make India a global superpower. This will be a fitting tribute to our fallen heroes who made the supreme sacrifice while dreaming of an India which is strong, prosperous, self-reliant and victorious," said Singh.

Also read: Agnipath scheme: Caste certificate being asked from aspirants? Defence Minister Rajnath Singh clarifies

Sharing his views on the numerous challenges faced by India post-independence, Rajnath Singh said, the entire area of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh became the `Main War Theatre` during the 1948, 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999 wars, when enemies tried to cast an evil eye, but whose plans were thwarted by the gallant Indian soldiers. He spoke about the brave deeds of Brigadier Usman and Major Somnath Sharma in 1948; Major Shaitan Singh`s valour in 1962; India`s historic victory in 1971 war and the contribution of Kargil bravehearts Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Manoj Pandey who laid down their lives to protect the unity & integrity of India and continue to be an inspiration to the people, especially the youth.

He also paid respects to the Indian soldiers who displayed unmatched bravery during the Galwan valley incident and ensured that the Indian tricolour continues to fly high. "After tasting defeats in direct wars of 1965 and 1971, Pakistan adopted the path of Proxy War. For over two decades, it has tried to `Bleed India with Thousand Cuts`. But, time and again, our brave soldiers have shown that no one can disturb the unity, integrity and sovereignty of India," Singh added, assuring the Nation that the Armed Forces are ready to face all future challenges.

Rajnath Singh remembered the then Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his leadership and words of encouragement to the Armed Forces personnel during the Kargil war despite numerous challenges and international pressure. He termed the victory as a prime example of jointness among the three Services and their coordination with the Government which safeguarded the sovereignty and integrity of the nation during testing times.

"The Kargil war underlined the dire need to achieve jointness and self-reliance in the defence sector. It has been our endeavour to achieve these qualities to remain prepared for future challenges. Setting up of Joint Theatre Commands and reforms to achieve self-reliance in defence are the steps taken in that direction," he added.

Rajnath Singh also made special mention of the support extended by the people of Jammu and Kashmir to the Armed Forces, commending their commitment to safeguard the interests of the Nation like all other states. He stated that J&K will always be an integral part of India and the Government is ensuring that the Union Territory, like the rest of the country, touches newer heights of progress.Terming Article 370 as an artificial legal barrier, he asserted that its abrogation brought a new dawn of hope to the dreams and aspirations of the people of J&K, especially the youth.

The decision opened new avenues for the welfare of the people and the Union Territory is now progressing at a much faster rate, he said. On PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan, the Defence Minister stated that these areas are illegally occupied by Pakistan and a resolution to free it has been unanimously passed in Parliament of India. A number of serving Armed Forces personnel as well as veterans, including Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Bana Singh, were among those present on the occasion.
New Delhi: Partha Chatterjee was taken to Bhubaneswar AIIMS in an air ambulance from Kolkata on Monday morning (July 25, 2022) following allegations that the state ruling party may have political influence over doctors at SSKM. Partha Chatterjee faced fierce protests when he entered Bhubaneswar AIIMS despite being covered in tight security. The security guards at AIIMS repeatedly appealed to maintain peace.

ED officials reached the SSKM hospital, Kolkata in the morning today. State Minister Partha Chatterjee was admitted there since Saturday. But leaders like Madan Mitra or Anubrata Mandal often joined SSKM to evade the Central Investigating Agency, it has been alleged time and again. Along with the opposition, there was a complaint by the ED also.

The court asked Partha Chatterjee to be taken to Bhubaneswar AIIMS for final report on SSKM treatment, following which Partha Chatterjee was taken to Bhubaneswar AIIMS in an air ambulance.

Earlier, this morning when the Bengal minister was coming out of the ambulance, he was questioned by reporters about his health, following which gestured with his hand on his chest and tried to explain something. Partha Chattopadhyay was accompanied by his lawyer and a doctor from SSKM.

There was no such trouble in reaching AIIMS from SSKM to Kolkata Airport or from Bhubaneswar Airport. However, after reaching AIIMS, Partha Chatterjee's face was covered with a white cloth, but even the face cover couldnt save him from being spotted and Partha was caught in the middle of intense protests in AIIMS. He was surrounded by taunts from patients and their relatives.

The patients and their relatives demonstrated around Partha Chatterjee. Most of them are residents of West Medinipur. They said, "After destroying Bengal, now you came here for treatment." Some protestors also questioned why Partha Chatterjee was taken there by spending money from SSKM. They also alleged that they are responsible for the plight of the educated unemployed in the state. But seeing the tension rising in AIIMS, the security guards there appealed to maintain peace. According to Bhubaneswar AIIMS sources, a team of four specialist doctors has been formed to treat Partha Chatterjee.
Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has said unlike previous rebellions in the party, the revolt this time was aimed at "finishing off" the Sena. The Sena indulges in politics for Hindutva, whereas the BJP uses Hindutva for its political interests, Thackeray claimed while addressing the Sena workers on Sunday after inaugurating a ward-level party office in south Mumbai.

Last month, Sena MLA Eknath Shinde and 39 other legislators revolted against the party leadership, leading to the collapse of the Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government. Shinde was on June 30 sworn in as the chief minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis as the deputy CM.



ALSO READ | 'Uddhav Ji's only mistake was...': Aaditya Thackeray hits out at rebel Shiv Sena legislators; says Eknath Shinde-led govt will collapse



"Unlike the earlier rebellions, this coup is to finish off the Shiv Sena forever. They have hired professional agencies to counter us. This is a battle between money and loyalty," Thackeray said.

Thackeray, who will turn 62 on July 27, said this time he does not want bouquets on his birthday, but affidavits from the Sena workers that they trust the party and more and more registrations of people as party members.

"The battle is now also taken to the Election Commission of India, claiming they are the original Shiv Sena. We need not just vigour, but staunch support and registration of people as party members," Thackeray said.

Uddhav's indirect attack on cousin Raj Thackeray

The former chief minister, without taking any name, targeted his cousin and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) head Raj Thackeray, who had reportedly said he would consider allowing the 40 Sena rebel MLAs to merge into his party if needed.

"I know there is an offer made to these people. I do not know what type of 'chemical locha' (imbalance) is this, but these people have no idea whom they have messed up with," Uddhav Thackeray said.

'I do not know what to call you': Uddhav Thackeray to Shiv Sena rebel MLAs

Referring to the rebel MLAs, he said, "I do not know what to call you." To this, the crowd shouted "traitors".

The Sena chief then said, "This is the stamp on their head and they will have to carry it with them wherever they go. They have earned it by their own actions. Despite being representatives of people, they are moving around with protection from the central government."

"The Sena turned ordinary people into extra-ordinary" and that is how these 40 (rebel) MLAs won the election. Now it is time to repeat it with a new set of Shiv Sena workers, he said.

Uddhav Thackeray didn't give 'enough time' to Shiv Sena MLAs: Rebel legislator

Rebel Shiv Sena MLA Gulabrao Patil on Sunday said party president Uddhav Thackeray did not give enough time to the party legislators during his tenure as Maharashtra chief minister. The former minister also said that Thackeray should get rid of the coterie of party leaders around him.

"A 'sarpanch' (elected village head) ought to give audience to every elected representative of the local governing body. When Thackeray was just the party head, we could raise our complaints against a minister if he or she did not cooperate," Patil told a regional news channel.

"But after he became the chief minister, there was no one whom we could turn to for taking up our complaints of works not getting done. He should have given enough audience to the legislators," he said.

Some leaders surrounding Uddhav Thackeray are damaging Shiv Sena

Several rebel Sena leaders have earlier blamed party's chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut for the strain in ties between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Sena.

But without taking anyone's name, Patil said, "There are some leaders surrounding Thackeray, who are damaging Shiv Sena further. Because of these leaders, people like us suffer...We were made to wait for hours. We are elected representatives who have won elections with the support of nearly three lakh voters, and still, we get such disrespectful treatment."

"Many people who are in the inner circle of Thackeray, have never won an election. But they never treated us with respect," he said.

Patil is among the 40 Sena MLAs who rebelled against the party leadership.
New Delhi: In a shocking series of events in the Lok Sabha, 4 Congress members were suspended for the rest of the Monsoon Session after they allegedly disruped the session. The Chair named Congress MPs Manickam Tagore, TN Prathapan, Jothimani and Ramya Haridas after which they had to withdraw from the chamber of the House. To make matters worse for the Opposition MPs, the Parliamentary Affair Minister Pralhad Joshi moved a resolution to suspend the four for the rest of the session and accused them of showing 'utter disregard' for the Chair. He also said that a 'serious note of their misconduct' was taken by the House.

Lok Sabha: Why did four Congress MPs get suspended from Monsoon Session?

Congress' deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said that the MPs were holding placards raising the issues of rising prices of gas cylinder, imposition of GST on items such as four and buttermilk. As quoted by PTI, he said, "The MPs were holding placards raising the issues of rising prices of gas cylinder, imposition of GST on items such as flour and buttermilk. We moved an adjournment motion demanding a discussion on these issues, but no discussion was held."

Also Read: Lok Sabha passes Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022 amid opposition protest against price rise - Details here

"The government is trying to intimidate us by suspending our MPs. What was their fault? They were trying to raise the issues which matter to people."

Congress MP says disruption acceptable in "extreme situation"

Earlier, on Sunday, Congress MP Manish Tewari had spoken about the repeated adjournments in Parliament. He said that parliamentarians should use disruption only in an "extreme situation". Tewari warned that it should not become the norm.

He suggested that a discussion should be held on every working day of Parliament between 6pm to 9 pm. "I had even suggested in an informal conversation with the Speaker (Om Birla) that as a norm after the government business is over at 6 pm, a discussion under rule 193 on any subject, collectively suggested by the Opposition, should be taken up every working day of Parliament between 6 pm and 9 pm," he said.

(With agency inputs)

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Bihar CET B.Ed 2022: Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga has begin the Bihar CET B.Ed Counselling process today on July 25, 2022. Interested candidates can register for Bihar CET B.Ed Counselling from today on the official website at biharcetbed-lnmu.in. The last date for Online Registration for Choice Filling and Preference of Colleges/Institutions is August 8. The Round 1 allotment result for CET B.Ed Counseling will be released on August 11, 2022, candidates. The Bihar B.Ed. Common Entrance Test (CET-BED)-2022 result was announced on July 19 2022.

Bihar CET B.Ed Counselling 2022 : Here is how to apply here

- Candidates must visit the official website of Lalit Narayan Mithila University - biharcetbed-lnmu.in.

- On the homepage, click on the link that reads, 'Click here for counselling.' (Direct link given below)

- Register yourself by giving all details and filling the application form.

- Select your choices, save them, pay the application fees and click on submit.

- Your Bihar CET B.Ed Counselling registrations will be completed.

- Download and print a copy of the application form as well.

Bihar CET B.Ed 2022 exam was conducted on 6th July and the results were declared on 19th July 2022. More than one Lakh 85 thousand students had appeared for this examination. There are about 35,000 B.Ed seats in the state.
New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar did not attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Droupadi Murmu here on Monday (July 25). This is not the first time that Nitish Kumar skipped such an important event. Earlier also, the Bihar Chief Minister skipped several functions where the invite came from BJP`s top brass. On July 17, he even missed a meeting of Chief Ministers called by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while on Friday, he skipped dinner for outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Notably, Droupadi Murmu took oath today as the 15th President of India. Chief Justice of India NV Ramana administered the oath to her in the central hall of Parliament. The ceremony began with the arrival of the outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind`s arrival in Parliament. Murmu delivered her first address shortly after taking an oath of the office of the President of India. Earlier in the day, Droupadi Murmu paid homage to the `Father of the Nation` Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and called on outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind and his wife Savita Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

She was then escorted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha M Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to the Central Hall. Once Droupadi Murmu reached there, the National Anthem was played in the Central Hall, and then she took the oath of office in the presence of the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana.

Droupadi Murmu was officially declared as the 15th President of the country after the conclusion of the counting of votes on Thursday as she received 2,824 votes with a value of 6,76,803 while her opponent Yashwant Sinha could secure 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.

Reaching this office is not my personal achievement..: President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said that her election to the top constitutional post proves that in India, the poor can not only dream but also fulfil those aspirations. In her address, after Chief Justice of India N V Ramana administered to her the oath as the 15th President of India, she thanked all MPs and MLAs for electing her.

President Droupadi Murmu said, "I have been elected during an important time when the country is marking 75 years of Independence," adding "Reaching this office is not my personal achievement but that of all the poor people in the country."

Murmu said, "My election is proof of the fact that in India, the poor can dream and also fulfil those dreams," adding "It is the power of India's democracy that a girl born in a poor tribal home could reach the topmost constitutional post."

(With Inputs from Agencies)
New Delhi: Canada is fast becoming a safe haven for Khalistani terrorists and gangsters, who are involved in a number of criminal activities in India, including murders, sources in the intelligence agencies said. The May 29 Sidhu Moosewala murder has again highlighted this, as sources in the intelligence agencies and police said that Canada-based gangsters are "controlling crime in India".

"Satinderjeet Singh alias Goldy Brar`s name cropped up during the investigation into the Moosewala case. But bringing him back to India is not easy, as the Canadian authorities don`t cooperate," a source said according to IANS. The source also said that India has submitted documents to Canada regarding the presence of the Khalistani elements and other gangsters there, but no action has been taken so far.

Recently, the NIA declared a reward of Rs 10 lakh on Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in connection with the murder of a Hindu priest in Jalandhar. Nijjar is presently residing in Canada and is promoting the secessionist and violent agenda of `Sikhs for Justice` (SFJ) in India.

Recently, Interpol issued a red corner notice against Khalistani operative Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh, who is also said to be in Canada and connected to Nijjar. These Khalistani terrorists allegedly gave contracts for killing several persons to disrupt communal harmony in India. They also promised Canadian citizenship to their aides in India.

While the Indian authorities have spoken to their Canadian counterparts, no progress has been made so far when it comes to their extradition to India.

Another Canada-based Khalistani terrorist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who runs the `Sikhs for Justice` movement, aims to spread terrorism in India. During the farmers` agitation, he released a number of videos asking people to attack government buildings, including the Red Fort.

"They know they are safe in Canada and hence they openly plot terror activities from there," the source said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Zee News staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Chandigarh: Any other parent would have been ecstatic about his child scoring 100 per cent marks in Class 10 CBSE board exams, but Haryana-based Anjali Yadav's mother was more concerned about how she would support her daughter's further studies. The family has been struggling to make ends meet, and when on Sunday Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar phoned Yadav to congratulate her, the girl conveyed to him her financial difficulties and she was immediately offered a scholarship of Rs 20,000 per month.

Anjali aspires to be a doctor. She wants to study at the country's premier medical institute AIIMS, Delhi. But her mother is the only earning member. The family owns a small piece of land. But Anjali's mother Urmilla says it is barely enough to serve the family's needs.

Her father was in the paramilitary forces, but in 2010, he suffered a serious accident. In 2017, he was discharged from services on medical grounds. Though he received around Rs 10 lakh from the general provident fund, Urmilla says the family has barely been able to manage their finances. Anjali's younger brother is in Class V.

"It has been extremely difficult to manage with the meagre finances. That's why I spoke to the chief minister sahab about our poor condition," she said.

"We thank the chief minister for his gesture of announcing the scholarship. We told him about our bad financial condition," Urmilla told PTI over phone. Anjali studied at Indus Valley Public School, Dongra, Mahendergarh. The family resides in Silarpur. ALSO READ- NEET UG 2022 answer key to be released soon, check tie-breaker here

"She worked so hard. She always used to say that if she achieves success, the hardships that I faced will ease. I have always stood by her and told her to focus on her studies," Urmilla, who too has been facing health issues, said. ALSO READ- NEET UG 2022: Aspirants demand second attempt citing irregularities in exam

Earlier in the day, Khattar spoke with Anjali's family members over a video call and congratulated her for bringing laurels to the state and her village. After hearing the family's plight, he announced her a scholarship of Rs 20,000 per month for the next two years. He also assured Anjali of all cooperation in her studies.

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New Delhi: Droupadi Murmu on Monday (July 25, 2022) took oath as the 15th President of India and became the first tribal woman to occupy the highest office in the country. Murmu, 62, is the first President of the country who was born in independent India. She was administered oath by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana at a ceremony that was held at Parliament's Central Hall in the presence of former president Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi amongst others.

In her first address as President, Murmu said that her election to the top constitutional post proves that in India, the poor can not only dream but also fulfill those aspirations.

"I have been elected during an important time when the country is marking 75 years of Independence," she said.

Noting that she was the first President to be born after Independence, Murmu said that it was her "good fortune" that she has assumed the position at a time when the country is celebrating " Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" to mark the 75th anniversary of its freedom.

LIVE: Swearing-in-Ceremony of the President-elect Smt Droupadi Murmu https://t.co/34DbgoUw1H  President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2022

"Reaching this office is not my personal achievement but that of all the poor people in the country," Murmu added.

"My election is proof of the fact that in India, the poor can dream and also fulfill those dreams," she said.

'Power of India's democracy': Droupadi Murmu after taking oath as President

Droupadi Murmu said that it is the "power of India's democracy" that a girl born in a poor tribal home could reach the topmost constitutional post. In her speech, she also stressed speeding up efforts to meet the expectations that the freedom fighters had from the citizens of independent India.

India's first tribal President also recalled that she grew up in a small tribal village where even getting primary education was like a dream and she went on to become the first person in the village to enroll for college education.

She also praised the government's "vocal for local" and "Digital India" initiatives.

Earlier in the day, outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind escorted his successor Droupadi Murmu from the Rashtrapati Bhawan to Parliament House for the oath-taking ceremony in a presidential limousine. Kovind and Murmu walked down the 31 majestic steps of the Rashtrapati Bhawan to the saluting dais where they took the presidential salute.

The president's bodyguards rendered the national anthem after which the two were taken in the presidential limousine which moved out of the Rashtrapati Bhavan through the iron gates escorted by the President's bodyguard towards Parliament House for the formal swearing-in ceremony.

At the steps of Gate No. 5 of Parliament House, the President was given a national salute by the President's bodyguards with the President-elect standing by his side.

They walked in a procession to the Central Hall of Parliament where they were welcomed to a roll of drums, which indicates the arrival of the president.

Murmu also paid floral tributes at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi in Raj Ghat on Monday morning, ahead of her swearing-in ceremony.

LIVE: President-elect Smt Droupadi Murmu pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat https://t.co/72sto2wDl3  President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2022

Who is Droupadi Murmu, India's 15th President?

Droupadi Murmu was born in a Santali tribal family on June 30, 1958, in Uparbeda village in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district. She completed her education in Bhubaneswar and went on to work first as a junior assistant in the State Irrigation and Power Department from 1979 to 1983.

After this short stint as a clerk, she became a teacher at Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre at Rairangpur till 1997.

Droupadi Murmu entered politics in 1997

Murmu commenced her journey in the field of politics in 1997 by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She was first elected as the councilor of the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat and then went on to become the chairperson of the same panchayat in 2000. Later, she also served as the national vice president of the BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha.

Murmu became a member of the council of ministers in the BJP and Biju Janata Dal coalition government in Odisha, first becoming the minister of state with independent charge for commerce and transportation from March 2000 to August 2022 and then minister for fisheries and animal resources development from August 2002 to May 2004.

A legislator from the Rairangpur assembly constituency in the years 2000 and 2004, Droupadi Murmu was conferred Nilkhantha Award for the best MLA by the Odisha assembly in 2007.

In 2015, she became the first woman governor of Jharkhand and also the first woman tribal leader from Odisha to be appointed as the governor of a state.

Droupadi Murmu, India's first tribal President, overcame great personal tragedies

During her political journey, Droupadi Murmu faced several lows in her life. Her husband Shyam Charan Murmu passed away in 2014.

She also lost both of her sons, all in a span of just four years.
New Delhi: Droupadi Murmu on Monday (July 25, 2022) took over as India's 15th president and became the country's first tribal head of state and the second woman in the post. Murmu, India's youngest president at 64 and the first to be born after Independence, was sworn in by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana at Parliament's Central Hall.

"My election is proof of the fact that in India, the poor can dream and also fulfill those dreams," Murmu, who succeeded Ram Nath Kovind, said after taking the oath of office.

Marking her journey from Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, one of the most underdeveloped in India, to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, she said, "It is the power of India's democracy that a girl born in a poor tribal home could reach the topmost constitutional post."

LIVE: Swearing-in-Ceremony of the President-elect Smt Droupadi Murmu https://t.co/34DbgoUw1H  President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 25, 2022

Recalling how she grew up in a small tribal village where even getting primary education was like a dream, Murmu said that the country's deprived, poor, Dalits and tribals can see their reflection in her.

Murmu lost her husband, two sons, mother and brother in just six years

In an interview in 2020, Droupadi Murmu narrated her ordeal after the death of her 25-year-old son. The former Jharkhand governor had also expressed that she was depressed for about two months and that she had stopped meeting people.

"I was completely shattered and broken following the death of my son. I was depressed for about two months. I stopped meeting people and remained confined at home. Later I joined Ishwariya Prajapati Brahmakumari, and underwent yoga and meditation," she said.

Murmu also lost her other son in a road accident in 2013 and subsequently, her brother and mother passed away.

In her address after taking oath, President Droupadi Murmu Ji gave a message of hope and compassion. She emphasised on India's accomplishments and presented a futuristic vision of the path ahead at a time when India is marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. pic.twitter.com/I2DEO5wHbO  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 25, 2022

"I have encountered a tsunami in my life and seen three deaths of my family members in a span of six months," Murmu said and added that her husband Shyam Charan also fell ill and died in 2014.

"There was a time when I thought I might die anytime," she had expressed in the interview.

Murmu 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 just six years between 2009-2015.

Her daughter Itishree works in a bank in Odisha.

From 'Durpadi' to 'Dorpdi', Droupadi Murmu's name has been changed several times

From 'Durpadi' to 'Dorpdi', Droupadi Murmu has said that her name has been changed several times. She also said that her current name Droupadi, based on a character from the epic 'Mahabharata', was given by her school teacher.

In an interview with an Odia magazine recently, she revealed that her Santhali name 'Puti' was changed to Droupadi by a teacher in school.

"Droupadi was not my original name. It was given by my teacher who hailed from another district, not from my native Mayurbhanj," Murmu told the magazine.

"The teacher did not like my previous name and changed it for good," she said when the magazine asked why she is called Droupadi, a name similar to the 'Mahabharata' character.

Droupadi, who had the surname of Tudu in schools and colleges, started using the title Murmu after she married Shyam Charan Tudu, a bank officer.

Droupadi Murmu entered politics in 1997

Droupadi Murmu's first steps in politics were taken in Rairangpur when she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1997. She was first elected as the councilor of the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat and then went on to become the chairperson of the same panchayat in 2000. Later, she also served as the national vice president of the BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha.

Murmu became a member of the council of ministers in the BJP and Biju Janata Dal coalition government in Odisha, first becoming the minister of state with independent charge for commerce and transportation from March 2000 to August 2022 and then minister for fisheries and animal resources development from August 2002 to May 2004.

The entire nation watched with pride as Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji took oath as the President of India. Her assuming the Presidency is a watershed moment for India especially for the poor, marginalised and downtrodden. I wish her the very best for a fruitful Presidential tenure. pic.twitter.com/xcqBqRt2nc  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 25, 2022

A legislator from the Rairangpur assembly constituency in the years 2000 and 2004, Droupadi Murmu was conferred Nilkhantha Award for the best MLA by the Odisha assembly in 2007.

In 2015, she became the first woman governor of Jharkhand and also the first woman tribal leader from Odisha to be appointed as the governor of a state.

(With agency inputs)
Jaunpur: Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar on Monday (July 25) took a potshot at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav for not being able to control his family members. Rajbhar further added that if the SP chief failed to handle his own uncle Shivpal Yadav, how would he be able to me? He is seen talking to media persons in an ANI video.

"Alright, he says that I am wrong. But Shivpal is his uncle...He (SP chief Akhilesh Yadav) cannot even handle his own uncle, his sister-in-law, his own family, how would he handle me?," ANI quoted the SBSP chief, taking a jibe at Akhilesh Yadav.

#WATCH | Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh: "Alright, he says that I am wrong. But Shivpal is his uncle...He (SP chief Akhilesh Yadav) cannot even handle his own uncle, his sister-in-law, his own family, how would he handle me?," SBSP chief, OP Rajbhar takes a jibe at Akhilesh Yadav (24.07) pic.twitter.com/8acVQQG3Iy  ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) July 25, 2022

On Sunday, Rajbhar said that his party is no longer in alliance with the Samajwadi Party and indicated that he could be cosying up to the BSP. His remarks came a day after the Samajwadi Party (SP) wrote to Rajbhar and Shivpal Singh Yadav that they are free to go wherever they feel they can get more respect. The SP also accused Rajbhar of hobnobbing with the BJP.

Also read: 'Talaq kabool hai': SBSP chief OP Rajbhar retorts to Akhilesh Yadav's 'free to go' remark

Rajbhar told reporters that Akhilesh Yadav was doing politics from "air-conditioned rooms" instead of working in the field. To a question on forging alliances, the SBSP chief said, "Some party leaders are of the view that we should go with the BSP. I also personally feel that we should speak with the BSP. The BSP performed well in the recent bypolls held in Azamgarh."

The BSP chief "Mayawati spends more time in the field as compared to Akhilesh Yadav," he said while accusing Akhilesh Yadav of bias in the distribution of tickets in the recent UP Assembly elections.

The Samajwadi Party had fought the assembly polls together with Jayant Chaudhary's RLD, Rajbhar's SBSP, Apna Dal (Kamerawadi), Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) of Shivpal Yadav, Keshav Dev Maurya's Mahan Dal and the Janwadi Party, but there was speculation about it falling apart as the alliance failed to dislodge the BJP.

The Mahan Dal and the Janwadi Party have already severed ties with the SP, which is now left with only RLD and Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) as alliance partners.

Om Prakash Rajbhar's proximity to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party was visible in the presidential election. After the SP's defeat in Azamgarh and Rampur Lok Sabha bypolls, Rajbhar had advised Akhilesh Yadav to go among the people and not do politics from an air-conditioned room.

Rajbhar, whose party won six seats in the recent state assembly elections, is a strong backward leader with influence in eastern UP districts. He fought the 2017 assembly election in UP with the BJP but later parted ways to join the SP-led alliance for the 2022 Assembly polls.

(With PTI Inputs)
New Delhi: Ram Nath Kovind, who demitted office on Monday after serving as India's 14th President, moved into a fully furnished bungalow in Lutyens' Delhi which will be his home for the rest of his life, during which he will be entitled to a monthly pension of Rs 2.5 lakh. Kovind is also entitled to secretarial staff comprising a private secretary, an additional private secretary, a personal assistant and two peons, and office expenses up to Rs 1 lakh per annum.

According to The President's Emoluments And Pension Act, 1951, the retired president is entitled to free medical attendance and treatment, and to the highest class travel anywhere in India, accompanied by one person, by air, rail, or steamer.

The President of India gets a salary of Rs 5 lakh every month. A former President who demits office either after the expiration of his term or by resignation gets a pension at the rate of 50 per cent of the emoluments of the President per month for the rest of his or her life, according to the Act.

Kovind, as per the laid down procedure, is entitled to a Type-VIII bungalow and has been allotted 12-Janpath, which was occupied by Ram Vilas Paswan till his death and later by his son Chirag Paswan before he had to vacate in March this year. The former President will have Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, who lives at 10 Janpath, as his new neighbour.

According to the 1951 Act, a retired President will, for the rest of his or her life, be entitled to the use of a furnished residence (including its maintenance) without payment of rent, two telephones (one for internet and broadband connectivity), one mobile phone with national roaming facility, and a car, or allowance to avail a car.

The law says that the spouse of the President is entitled to get a family pension at the rate of 50 per cent of what a retiring President gets, for the rest of her/his life, in case the president dies in office, or resigns, or demits office after the end of the term. The spouse is also entitled to medical attendance and treatment free of charge for the rest of his or her life.

Such a spouse will be entitled to the use of a furnished residence (including its maintenance) without the payment of licence fees. He or she is also entitled to a secretarial staff consisting of a private secretary and a peon, and office expenses up to Rs 20,000 per annum.

The spouse, quite like the retired President, is entitled to a free telephone and a car, or such car allowance for the rest of his or her life and is allowed 12 top class single journeys anywhere in the country, by air, rail, or steamer, accompanied by a companion or a relative.
New Delhi: Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26 every year to celebrate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil war in 1999. The war, fought at high altitudes, showcassed the gallantry of our country's jawans and to honour their sacrifice, Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year. Kargil war was a result of Pakistani forces occupying positions on the Northern Kargil District in Ladakh in 1999. Needless to say, the Indian Army was determined to gain back control of the occupied area and as history as its witness, they did.

Here's are some important facts you should know about Kargil Vijay Diwas:

Initially, the Pakistan army did not admit to their involvement in the war and blamed Kashmiri militants for the occupation. However, statements by then Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif and then Pakistan Army Chief of Army Staff Pervez Musharraf clearly indicated their involvement in the war.

To understand this war better, one needs to know the events that transpired before it. In 1990s, there were rising tensions betweem India and Pakistan owing to the militant activities in Kashmir. Another reason was that both the neighbouring countries were conducting nuclear tests in 1998.

In order to come to solve this issue, India and Pakistan had signed the Lahore Declaration in February 199. This showed that they were willing to look for a mutually accepted solution when it came to Kashmir.

While this was happening, Pakistani Armed Forces were secretly sending troops to India's side of LOC.

Unfortunately, Indian troops were not aware of the scale of the Pakistani infitration and assumed it to be small-scale. When India did realise the gravity of the situation, the Indian Army sent 20,000 troops for Operation Vijay against Pakistan.

As history has it, India was successful in evicting the Pakistani troops from its territory as the war ended on July 26. This momentous day came to be known as Kargil Vijay Diwas. It should be noted that 527 soldiers sacrificed their lives for the country during the war.

How is Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrated?

Traditionally, the Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated all across the country. The Prime Minister of India is known to pay tribute to the martyrs at Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India Gate every year. There is a Kargil War memorial as well in Dras on the foothills of Tololing Hill. It was built by the Indian Army and honours the soldiers who lost their lives during the war. Interestingly, the gateway of the memorial has a poem named 'Pushp Kii Abhilasha' inscribed on it and the names of the martyrs are also inscribed on the Memorial Wall there.

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KCET Result 2022: The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) issued a notification to students who had applied for the Karnataka UGCET 2022, requesting that they upload their CBSE 12th Result 2022 on the KEA's official website - cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The deadline for submitting an application to upload the CBSE Class 12 results to the KEA official website is July 25, 2022.

The Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2022 results are expected to be released soon at kea.kar.nic.in or cetonline.karnataka.gov.in. The KEA will only release the KCET 2022 results online, with no physical copies sent to candidates who took the exams. ALSO READ: ISC 12th Result 2022: Twins from Gurugram top CISCE results, know all about them here

KCET Result 2022: Heres how to check result 2022

Once released, students can check their Karnataka CET 2022 result following the simple steps given below-

Go to the official website of the Karnataka Examination Authority, at kea.kar.nic.in

Click on 'KCET Result 2022' on the homepage

To log in, enter all the required credentials and submit

Your KCET results will now display on the screen

Download the same and take a printout of the same for future references

The KCET is held each year for candidates seeking admission to Karnataka state colleges for engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, veterinary medicine, and other technical courses. The Karnataka exam authority administered the KCET exam from June 16 to 18. It should be noted that the KCET 2022 results will not be available until the CBSE Class 12 Term 2 and ICSE Board Results are available.
KEAM 2022 Result: The Kerala Engineering, Architecture, Pharmacy and Medical Exam (KEAM) 2022 Result is expected to be declared today 25th July 2022. According to the latest media reports the KEAM 2022 Result might be declared on Monday, 25 July 2022, on the official website cee.kerala.gov.in. Candidates who had appeared for KEAM 2022 are requested to keep a close eye on the official website of the CEE Kerala. However, there is no official announcement on the KEAM Result date and time yet.

ALSO READ: UPSSSC Lekhpal admit card 2022 to be OUT soon

KEAM Result 2022: Here is how to download the result

- Visit the official site of CEE cee.kerala.gov.in.

- Find the link for the KEAM Result 2022.

- Click on the link.

- Fill in the credentials that are asked in the form.

- Check for any mistakes.

- Click on the Submit icon.

- Accept the download prompt and download your result or just view it at your convenience.

KEAM 2022 exam result is for the state-level entrance test that was held on 4th July 2022. The exam was held to shortlist and screen candidates for admission to Architecture/Medical & Medical Allied Courses offered by institutions within Kerala. With KEAM 2022 Result expected soon, the next step in the admission cycle would be the counselling process.

CEE Kerala is expected to release the detailed counselling schedule for KEAM 2022 on its official website soon. The counselling will see KEAM Qualified Candidates being allotted seats to different institutions as per their course and institution preferences.
Mumbai: The Election Commission of India on Monday announced that the poll body, which is responsible for the preparation of all electoral data, will start a campaign to link voter ID with Aadhar cards from August 1 across Maharashtra, reported ANI quoting Shrikant Deshpande, Chief Election Officer (CEO), Maharashtra. Now Voter ID cards will be linked to Aadhaar cards with a view to establish the identity of electors and authentication of entries in the electoral roll and identify the registration of the name of the same person in more than one constituency or more than once in the same constituency, Deshpande added.

This comes as elections are due in several civic bodies in Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)

Now Voter ID cards to be linked to Aadhaar card with a view to establish identity of electors & authentication of entries in electoral roll & to identify registration of name of the same person in more than one constituency or more than once in same constituency: CEO Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/04qrDk1wXB  ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2022

Last year, the bill to link Aadhar card, which is the identification document in India, with the voter IDs was passed in Lok Sabha amid massive outrage by the parliamentarians. The bill is called Election Laws (Amendment) Bill and was passed by a voice vote barely hours after it was introduced by Union law minister Kiren Rijiju in the lower house.

The bill faced massive flak in the parliament leading to the suspension of 12 MPs in Rajya Sabha.

The bill proposes to voluntarily link electoral rolls to Aadhaar numbers and make the language of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, gender neutral. The opposition leaders say linking Aadhaar to electoral rolls will lead to mass disenfranchisement".

The opposition argues that the linking of Aadhar with Voter ID will lead to various voting discrepancies and give non-residents access to the polling process.
Maharashtra Politics: Uddhav Thackeray-led camp of Shiv Sena on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking direction to stay the proceedings before the Election Commission of India on Eknath Shinde group`s claim for recognition as `real` Shiv Sena. Filing the application, Subhash Desai, the General Secretary of Shiv Sena, said that Election Commission can`t decide the matter since the cases are pending before the Supreme Court. The application was filed against the proceedings initiated by the Election Commission of India on a request made by the Eknath Shinde-led faction for recognition as the `real` Shivsena and their claim over the party`s election symbol - the bow and arrow. It sought to implead the Election Commission of India (ECI) as a party in the petition which challenges the decision of the Maharashtra Governor to invite Eknath Shinde to be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

It is stated that even though on July 20 the apex court was assured by the counsel appearing for the Speaker that no further proceedings will be conducted in the matter of disqualification under the Tenth Schedule, the Shinde-faction has initiated proceedings under Election Symbols (Reservations and Allotment) Order, 1968 seeking recognition as the `real Shivesena` by the ECI and also claiming the right to use the election symbol allotted to the Shivsena.

On July 22, a notice was served to the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction wherein the Commission had stated that Eknath Shinde and some other persons have sought to be recognised as the `real` Shivsena and are claiming right over the election symbol, the application said.

The ECI had initiated proceedings in complete disregard of the sanctity of the status quo order of the Supreme Court, it added.

It further stated that the Uddhav Thackeray-led group said that Shinde-faction cannot be considered as MLAs of Shivsena and their claim and affidavits cannot be relied upon.

"Respondents, despite the matter being pending before this Court, in acts of desperation, and to somehow portray a majority are trying to illegally cobble up numbers and fabricate an artificial majority in the organisation. It is submitted that the private Respondents have been indulging in several illegal activities contrary to the Constitution of the Shivsena," said the application.

Last week, the Supreme Court 3-judge bench said that some of the issues involved in the Maharashtra political crisis may require a larger Constitutional bench for consideration bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justices Krishna Murari and Hima Kohli while hearing cases related to the political crisis in Maharashtra had observed that important constitutional issues arise in the cases which may require adjudication by a larger bench.

Earlier, the top court had asked the Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Rahul Narwekar not to take any action on the new disqualification notices issued against the members of Shiv Sena.

There are various petitions pending before the apex court filed by both the factions of Shiv Sena.

Uddhav Thackeray-led faction had approached the top court challenging the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari`s decision to invite Eknath Shinde to form the government and also the Speaker`s election and floor test.

They had also challenged the newly appointed Maharashtra Assembly Speaker`s action recognising the whip of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde group as the whip of Shiv Sena.

The plea said the newly appointed Speaker has no jurisdiction to recognise whips nominated by Shinde as Uddhav Thackeray is still the head of Shiv Sena official party.

Thackeray camp`s Sunil Prabhu had filed a plea seeking suspension from the Maharashtra Assembly of new Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and 15 rebel MLAs against whom disqualification pleas are pending. Shinde group challenged the disqualification notices issued by the Deputy Speaker to 16 rebel MLAs as well as the appointment of Ajay Choudhary as Shiv Sena Legislature Party leader, which is also pending before the apex court.

On June 29, the top court gave a go-ahead to the floor test in the Maharashtra Assembly on June 30. Refusing to stay the Maharashtra Governor`s direction to the then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to prove his majority support on the floor of the House on June 30, the bench had issued notice on Prabhu`s plea against floor test.

After the apex court`s order, Uddhav Thackeray announced his resignation as the Chief Minister and Eknath Shinde was later sworn in as the Chief Minister.

On June 27, the top court granted interim relief to Shinde and other rebel MLAs to file their reply to disqualification notices issued to them by Deputy Speaker by July 12. Earlier, Deputy Speaker had granted them time to file a reply by June 27.
New Delhi: West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday in connection with the multi-crore teacher recruitment scam, dialled Trinamool Congress supremo and chief minister Mamata Banerjee four times since his arrest but it went unanswered. The Trinamool Congress leadership might have distanced itself from party leader Partha Chatterjee, but for Chatterjee, Mamata Banerjee continues to be the sole and final source of solace, as became evident from his arrest memo.

ED officials said that while taking anyone into custody, the agency sleuths follow a procedure of issuing an arrest memo.

That procedure involves asking the person to be arrested the name and contact number of one person whom he/she might wish to contact while in custody. The name and contact details of that person are mentioned in the arrest memo.

In this case, Chatterjee, who`s the state Commerce and Industries Minister as well as the party`s Secretary General, mentioned the name and mobile number of Mamata Banerjee, which were subsequently added to the arrest memo.

According to the reports, while being arrested, Chatterjee told officials that he intended to inform Mamata Banerjee about his arrest and made four calls, at 2.31 am, 2:33 am, 3:37 am and 9:35 am, but none of them were answered.

Chatterjee, while addressing the media as he was being taken for medical check-up by the ED sleuths on Saturday afternoon, said, "I do not know where they are taking me. I tried, but I have not been able to contact my supreme leader Mamata Banerjee yet."

However, that the comment did not go down well with the Trinamool leadership became evident later the same day when four top leaders of the party convened a press conference and announced that the onus of the entire development lay with Chatterjee, and not the party.

While addressing the press conference, state Transport Minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim expressed doubts over Chatterjee`s claim to have tried to contact Mamata Banerjee, saying, "As soon as an arrest is made, the phone is generally seized by the agency sleuths. So how could Partha Chatterjee try to contact the Chief Minister?"

The party leadership also made it clear that it will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against Chatterjee if he is found guilty at the end of the investigation.

(With agency inputs)
Two Indian-origin men have been shot dead in Canada, while many other casualties are also feared, news agency IANS reported today. Meninder Dhaliwal and Satindera Gill were killed on Sunday at the British Columbia resort village of Whistler. The two latest victims were shot in broad daylight while sitting in a car.

The police said news agency Reuters that one person was in custody. Police had earlier issued an emergency alert for multiple shootings in the city of Langley and asked residents to stay alert and away from the area of the incident.

Langley police in a statement said they responded to "multiple reports of shots fired with several victims and several different scenes throughout the City of Langley, and one scene in the Township of Langley" and asked the public to remain out of several areas, including the parking lot of a casino and a bus stop.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Sergeant Rebecca Parslow would not comment on whether there had been any fatalities but said police were bringing in investigators from the Lower Mainland major crimes and integrated homicide investigation team.

"Multiple shooting scenes in the downtown core in the city of Langley with 1 incident in Langley township involving transient victims," an alert sent to B.C. residents` phones read. The Canadian Broadcasting Corp (CBC) cited an RCMP spokesperson saying several people were killed, but did not specify how many.

The victims were homeless, and police believe the attack was targeted, according to the CBC.

A Reuters eyewitness saw two black SUVs, similar to those used by police emergency response teams, in a ditch near one of the shooting sites. One vehicle had bullet holes in the windshield.
New Delhi: PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday (July 25, 2022) hit out at former President Ram Nath Kovind and said that he has left "behind a legacy" during which the country's Constitution was "trampled upon" umpteenth times. She also said that the outgoing president "fulfilled BJP's political agenda".

Taking to Twitter minutes after Droupadi Murmu was sworn in as India's 15th President, Mufti said, "The outgoing President leaves behind a legacy where the Indian Constitution was trampled upon umpteenth times. Be it scrapping of Article 370, CAA or the unabashed targeting of minorities & Dalits, he fulfilled BJPs political agenda at the cost of the Indian Constitution."

The outgoing President leaves behind a legacy where the Indian Constitution was trampled upon umpteenth times. Be it scrapping of Article 370,CAA or the unabashed targeting of minorities & Dalits, he fulfilled BJPs political agenda all at the cost of the Indian Constitution.  Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) July 25, 2022

Kovind demitted office on Monday after completing his five-year tenure.

Ram Nath Kovind moves to his new residence, bungalow once occupied by Ram Vilas Paswan

Meanwhile, Kovind has moved to his new residence at Janpath road, the bungalow once occupied by former Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan. He was driven down to his new home from Rashtrapati Bhavan after Droupadi Murmu took over as the President of India.

As part of the convention, Murmu was also present.

Paswan had lived in 12 Janpath for three decades before his death in 2020. Following an eviction notice, his son Chirag Paswan had vacated the house in April.

The bungalow was readied for Kovind as his post-retirement home.

Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, who received Kovind at his new residence, tweeted pictures.

"As part of convention, honoured to receive former President respected Ram Nath Kovind Ji at his new residence, 12 Janpath, New Delhi accompanied by Rastrapati hon'ble Droupadi Murmu ji," Rijiju said in a tweet.

BJP president JP Nadda, Union ministers Hardeep Puri and VK Singh were also seen receiving Kovind at 12 Janpath.

As part of convention, honoured to receive former President respected Ram Nath Kovind ji at his new residence, 12 Janpath, New Delhi accompanied by Rastrapati hon'ble Droupadi Murmu ji. https://t.co/zh9nMqMrqR pic.twitter.com/eiWCi6zhc6 July 25, 2022

Paswan, one of the country's most prominent Dalit leaders, died at the age of 74 in October 2020. He had been a minister in central governments headed by parties of contrasting ideologies, ranging from the Janata Dal to the Congress and the BJP, since 1989.
New Delhi: Monkeypox virus has been detected in India with four cases in total. The latest case of Monkeypox was detected in a 34-year-old man from Delhi. The infected man had no history of foreign travel. The 34-year-old patient is currently admitted to Lok Nayak Hospital and is recovering at the designated isolation centre of the hospital. The Union Health Ministry informed that a confirmation of the diagnosis had been done by the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.

Delhi's first Monkeypox case detected in 34-year-old man

According to official sources, the patient had attended a 'stag party' in Himachal Pradesh's Manali recently. After the case was detected, the close contacts of the patient were identified and isolated.

Also Read: Monkeypox in India: Is it an STD? Read all about monkeypox symptoms, prevention as country logs 4th case

"The close contacts of the case have been identified and are under quarantine as per the MoHFW guidelines. Further public health interventions like identification of the source of infection, enhanced contact tracing, testing sensitisation of private practitioners etc are being carried out," the Ministry had said in an official statement.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said an isolation ward for such patients has been set up at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital and there is no need to panic.

The first case of Monkeypox was detected in Delhi. The patient is stable and recovering.



There's no need to panic. The situation is under control.



We have made a separate isolation ward at LNJP. Our best team is on the case to prevent the spread and protect Delhiites.  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 24, 2022

Monkeypox declared a global health emergency: WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the current monkeypox epidemic a global health emergency. The current outbreak is unlike any previous one outside of Africa in that there is sustained person-to-person transmission of the infection.

With the tools we have right now, we can stop #monkeypox transmission and bring this outbreak under control. Its essential that all countries work closely with affected communities to adopt measures that protect their health, human rights and dignity.pic.twitter.com/DqyvRtB8w2 July 23, 2022

What is Monkeypox and what are its symptoms?

Monkeypox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a viral zoonotic infection which can spread from animals to humans. It can also spread from person to person. The disease is called monkeypox because it was first identified in colonies of monkeys kept for research in 1958. It was later detected in humans in 1970. The most common symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. This is followed or accompanied by the development of a rash which can last for two to three weeks.

(With agency inputs)

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The terror of stray dogs continues in the housing societies of Noida. This time, the dogs have not targeted a common man, but the SDM of Ghaziabad. On the morning of Monday 25 July, Ghaziabad SDM Gunja Singh was walking in Paras Tierra Society located in Sector-137 of Noida.

At the same time, she were attacked by stray dogs. SDM Gunja Singh was injured in the attack. More than that, when the dog catcher team reached the spot to catch the dog, many dog lovers gathered in the society and started protesting against catching stray dogs.

This case has started a unique battle in Noida. Dog lovers on one side and people injured by dogs on the other side have come face to face. This dispute is increasing very fast in the societies of Noida and Noida and Greater Noida.

Dog lover got furious after seeing dog catcher team

According to the information received, Ghaziabad SDM Gunja Singh lives with her family in Paras Tierra Society located in Sector-137 with his family. On Monday morning, Gunja Singh was taking a walk in the society. At the same time, she were attacked by stray dogs. However, other members of the society were also present at the spot.

The people saved the SDM and shoed away the stray dogs. After that, the residents of the society gave this information to the district dog catcher team. After getting the information, the dog catcher team reached the spot and many dog lovers gathered in the society and started protesting against taking stray dogs.

Not the first case of stray dog attack

Let us tell you that this is not the first case of terror of stray dogs in Paras Tierra Society. About 7 days ago, Tina, who lives in this housing society, was attacked by dogs fatally.
Kolkata: Trinamool Congress Minister and former Education Minister of the state Partha Chatterjee was on Monday (July 25, 2022) flown to Bhubaneswar in an air ambulance for treatment.Chatterjee, was earlier today seen leaving the SSKM hospital in Kolkata in a wheelchair and taken in an ambulance to the airport.

The minister who was arrested in connection with a teacher recruitment scam at government-sponsored and aided schools was accompanied by a doctor from SSKM Hospital and his advocate, as per Calcutta HC`s order.

Chatterjee, who was arrested by the ED on Saturday, complained of heart pain just hours after the ED remand and demanded "proper medical facilities" if ED`s custody is granted, Chatterjee`s lawyer Somnath Mukherjee had told the media persons in Kolkata.

While ED prayed before the magistrate to allow Chatterjee to be taken to Command Hospital instead of the state-run SSKM. ED said that Chatterjee is a senior minister and his roots are deep in government hospitals, where he can be influential. However, the court ordered Chatterjee to be taken to SSKM Hospital.

The Court directed that the minister be produced before a special ED court in Kolkata through virtual mode at 4 pm on Monday.

TMC, on the other hand, demanded a time-bound probe in the ED case against Chatterjee, asserting the party will not interfere politically if any leader has done anything wrong.

ED also produced the senior TMC leader`s associate Arpita Mukherjee before a court, which remanded her to one-day custody of the agency.

ED personnel raided several locations in the state on July 22 as part of their probe into the money trail involved in a teacher recruitment scam at government-sponsored and aided schools.

Arpita Mukherjee was arrested on July 23, the arrest was made after ED recovered huge cash amounting to approximately Rs 20 crore from Mukherjee`s residence on Friday.

A total of more than 20 mobile phones have also been recovered from the premises of Arpita Mukherjee, a close aide of Chatterjee, the purpose and use of which are being ascertained, said the probe agency.

Besides cash, a number of other incriminating documents, records, details of dubious companies, electronic devices, foreign currency and gold has also been recovered from the various premises of the persons linked to the scam.
Partha Chatterjee has been kept in a special cabin at AIIMS Bhubaneswar. He was first brought to the emergency department. According to hospital sources, after checking Partha Chatterjee's weight, height, blood pressure, pulse rate, the doctors want to know if he is suffering from any disease or not. Partha Chatterjee is asked what medicine he takes for all the physical problems he mentions. After the preliminary examination, the medical board will decide what kind of tests Partha Chatterjee needs to undergo.

Also Read: Partha Chatterjee put his hand on his CHEST, makes first REMARK after reaching Bhubaneswar

On reaching Bhubaneswar, Partha Chatterjee gestured with his hand on his chest to indicate that he was not well. Air ambulance reached Bhubaneswar airport at 9:52 am. Ambulance and convoy were ready. It takes 45 minutes to reach Bhubaneswar AIIMS from the airport. Partha Chatterjee was taken to AIIMS in an ambulance. First, emergency department treatment. A medical team of 4 has been constituted with specialists from Cardiology, Nephrology, Endocrinologist, and Respiratory Medicine departments.

Also Read: Partha Chatterjee Arrest: More TROUBLE for Mamata Banerjee's minister, BIG LOCK for 3 days OUTSIDE...

The doctors of AIIMS said that they will give their opinion only after the ED conducts a physical examination of the minister arrested in the teacher recruitment corruption case besides examining the report of SSKM. Partha Chatterjee, who was arrested by the ED in the teacher recruitment corruption case, will undergo physical examination and treatment at Bhubaneswar AIIMS on the orders of Calcutta High Court . ED will arrange to present Partha Chatterjee through virtual medium during the hearing of the case today at 4 pm. Before that, the doctors of Bhubaneswar AIIMS will give his physical examination and all the reports virtually.

Meanwhile, protests started against Partha Chatterjee at Bhubaneswar AIIMS. Patients from Bengal and their relatives raised questions about admission to SSKM and bringing them to Bhubaneswar AIIMS for treatment after his arrest on charges of corruption in SSC recruitment.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a programme marking the 10th death anniversary of the late Harmohan Singh Yadav on Monday (July 25, 2022). PM Modi will address the programme at 4:30 PM via video conferencing. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister`s Office (PMO), Harmohan Singh Yadav (18 October, 1921 - 25 July, 2012) was a towering figure and leader of the Yadav community.

PMOs statement also added that the prime ministers participation in the programme is in recognition of the contribution of the late leader for farmers, backward classes and other sections of the society.

Notably, Harmohan Singh Yadav, former SP leader, remained active in politics for a long time and served in various capacities as MLC, MLA, member of Rajya Sabha and chairman of `Akhil Bhartiya Yadav Mahasabha`. He was also instrumental in establishing many educational institutions in and around Kanpur with the help of his son Sukhram Singh.

Yadav was awarded Shaurya Chakra in 1991 for display of valour in protecting the lives of several Sikhs during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: On the eve of demitting office, President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday (July 24, 2022) addressed the nation and recalled his life's most memorable moments and hailed India's democracy. In his farewell speech, President Ram Nath Kovind urged youths to stay connected to their roots and appealed to all to protect the environment for the coming generations, saying that mother nature is in deep agony and the climate crisis can endanger the very future of this planet.

Kovind also emphasised that the country is getting equipped to make the 21st century "the century of India" and highlighted the importance of healthcare and education.

Here are top quotes from Ram Nath Kovind's last televised address to the nation:

India working with objective of providing better housing

President Kovind said that the nation is working with the objective of providing better housing, and access to drinking water and electricity for every family.

"This change has been made possible by the momentum of development and good governance which knows no discrimination," he said.

Covid-19 underlined need to further improve public healthcare infrastructure

The president said that the Covid-19 pandemic has underlined the need to further improve the public healthcare infrastructure.

"I am glad that the government has accorded top priority to this task," he said.

"Once education and healthcare are in place, economic reforms will let citizens find the best course for their lives, he added.

"I firmly believe that our country is getting equipped to make the 21st century, the century of India," Kovind said in his farewell address to the nation.

Mother Nature is in 'deep agony'

President Ram Nath Kovind made a special mention of the threat to the environment and asked all citizens to take care of it for future generations.

"Mother Nature is in deep agony and the climate crisis can endanger the very future of this planet. We must take care of our environment, our land, air and water for the sake of our children," he said.

"In our daily lives and routine choices, we must be more careful to protect our trees, rivers, seas, and mountains as well as all other living beings. As the first citizen, if I have to give one advice to my fellow citizens, it has to be this," he added.

Visiting home during my term among most memorable moments: President Ram Nath Kovind

President Kovind, who hails from village Paraunkh in Uttar Pradesh, said that among the most memorable moments of his life has been visiting his home during his term and touching the feet of his teachers at Kanpur to seek their blessings.

"This year, the prime minister also honoured my village Paraunkh with his visit. This connection with our roots has been the essence of India. I would request the younger generation to continue this tradition of staying connected with their village or town, their schools and teachers," the president said.

                                     pic.twitter.com/mX3ErR8tSW  President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 24, 2022

He also expressed that he will "especially cherish the occasions" when he had an opportunity to meet our brave jawans of the armed forces, para-military forces and the police.

"Their patriotic zeal is as amazing, as it is inspiring," the president said.

A young boy living in a mud house could not have any idea about highest Constitutional office

"When I was growing up in a small village, the nation had only recently achieved independence. There was a fresh wave of energy to rebuild the country; there were new dreams. I too had a dream, that one day I would be able to participate in a meaningful way in this nation-building exercise. A young boy living in a mud house could not have any idea about the highest Constitutional office of the Republic. But it is a testament to the strength of Indias democracy that it has created pathways to let each citizen take part in the shaping of our collective destiny. If that Ram Nath Kovind from village Paraunkh is addressing you today, it is solely thanks to the inherent power of our vibrant democratic institutions," he said.

           -            ,             -    pic.twitter.com/uwFpd5DZAN  President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 24, 2022

Whenever I was in doubt, I turned to Gandhiji: President Kovind

Asserting that he has discharged his responsibilities to the best of his ability and has been conscious of being a successor to great icons like Dr Rajendra Prasad, Dr S Radhakrishnan and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, President Kovind said, "Still, whenever I was in doubt, I turned to Gandhiji and his famous talisman".

"His advice of recalling the face of the poorest man and asking myself if the step I am about to take will be of any use to him. At the risk of repeating myself, I will urge you to contemplate Gandhiji's life and teachings at least for a few minutes every day," he expressed.

There were many uprisings across country in nineteenth century

President Ram Nath Kovind said in modern times, the glorious journey of the country commenced with the awakening of nationalist feelings during colonial rule and the launch of the freedom struggle.

"There were many uprisings across the country in the nineteenth century. The names of many of the heroes who brought hopes of new dawn have long been forgotten.

"Contributions of some of them have come to be appreciated only in recent times. Around the turn of the century, the various struggles were coming together, creating a new consciousness," he said.

When Gandhiji returned to the motherland in 1915, the nationalist fervour was gaining momentum, Kovind said, mentioning Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Syama Prasad Mookerjee among others.

"From Tilak and Gokhale to Bhagat Singh and Netaji, from Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee to Sarojini Naidu and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, nowhere in the history of humankind have so many great minds come together for a common cause," he said.

WATCH: President Ram Nath Kovind's address to the nation
New Delhi: Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, at an event in Nagpur recently expressed that sometimes, he thinks about quitting politics. He made this statement while adressing the audience at Shri Girish Gandhi Amrut Mahotsav Satkar Programme in Nagpur. Gadkari said that there are many things to do in life besides politics.

Talking about social worker Dr Girish Gandhi, Gadkari said, "When Girish Bhai was in politics, I used to discourage him, because I also sometimes think of leaving politics. Apart from politics, there are many things to do in life."

Also Read: Show cause notice sent to EV manufacturers over fire incidents: Nitin Gadkari

Prior to this, he spoke about how the word politics has lost its meaning, value and importance. He said, "Dr Girish Gandhi is following the true definition of politics and working hard for awakening social consciousness. A true disciple of late Mohan Dharia who was a dedicated and committed leader and brought qualitative changes in society, Dr Girish Gandhi too has brought about qualitative changes in society. Girish Bhau has done great work in the field of environment. He taught us to plant trees. I got a taste for environment since then."

Addressing Shri Girish Gandhi Amrut Mahotsav Satkar Programme, Nagpur https://t.co/nUoBvbw2N6  Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) July 23, 2022

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had also inaugurated the Savner-Dhapewada-Goundkhairi section of National Highway 547-E in Nagpur on Sunday (July 24).

Speaking on the occasion Gadkari said, "This highway section, which is replete with various features like greenfield bypass, big bridge, railway flyover as well as vehicular underpass, overpass, bus shelter on both sides, will eliminate the traffic problem in the area and will prove crucial to ensure smooth and safe traffic for the citizens."

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The troubles of former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray do not seem to end. Uddhav Thackeray has been trying to save the party since the loss of power in Maharashtra, but seems to be failing in that too. Senior party leader and Deputy Leader of Shiv Sena in Maharashtra Assembly Arjun Khotkar has met Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Delhi. Arjun Khotkar is considered to have good influence in Jalna district. Union minister and BJP leader Raosaheb Danve was also present during Khotkar's meeting with Eknath Shinde. After this meeting, there are speculations that Arjun Khotkar may soon leave Uddhav Thackeray and join Eknath Shinde camp.

The discussion of this meeting is also in full swing because Arjun Khotkar had said two days ago that I will be in Shiv Sena for the rest of my life. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had also entrusted the responsibility of deputy leader to Khotkar. But today Khotkar directly reached Delhi and met the Maharashtra Chief Minister. It is believed that Eknath Shinde has made a settlement between Arjun Khotkar and Raosaheb Danve. Both the leaders are residents of Jalna and a big dispute broke out between them in 2019. At that time, Uddhav Thackeray had resolved the dispute between the two leaders by mediating. But now after the rebellion of Shiv Sena MLAs and MPs under the leadership of Eknath Shinde, there is talk about whom Arjun Khotkar will support.

A question arose in front of Khotkar that if he has to support Shinde who joined BJP, then what will happen to the struggle against Raosaheb Danve. Now it is reported that Eknath Shinde has convinced both the leaders to come together. Let us tell you that Arjun Khotkar is also on the target of ED for some time now. In such a situation, it is believed that he may decide to leave Uddhav Thackeray and go with the Eknath Shinde faction to avoid investigation. Although till now no official statement has been given by Arjun Khotkar himself, but meeting the CM by going to Delhi has clear indication that he is thinking of something big.
UPSSSC Lekhpal: The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission, UPSSSC, will soon release the UP Lekhpal admit card. UP Lekhpal Exam 2022 will be conducted on July 31, 2022. The UP Lekhpal Exam 2022 was originally scheduled for July 24, 2022 but was postponed by the commission in view of unavoidable reasons. The candidates will be informed about the issue of the admit card for the UP Lekhpal Exam in due course. The UP Lekhpal Admit Card will be released soon and can be expected before the commencement of the exam.

ALSO READ: Indian Navy Agniveer Recruitment 2022

UPSSSC Lekhpal 2022: Here is how to download the admit card

- Open the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) website upsssc.gov.in.

- Under the section of Notice Board search for the UPSSSC Lekhpal Admit Card 2022 link.

- Tap on it and the candidate login box will open.

- Fill in the credentials demanded on the page and then tick on the Login button.

- The new web page will be displaying your UPSSSC Lekhpal admit card 2022.

- Start reading the pointers mentioned inside the admit card and then download the admit card in coloured format.

UPSSSC Lekhpal Main Exam: Important Documents

- UPSSSC Lekhpal Admit card.

- Government Id.

- Scanned passport size photograph.

- PWD certificate issued by MBBS doctor.

Candidates note that once the admit card is released, the link will be made active on the official website and candidates will have to click on the link. Once it opens, you will have to enter your login credentails such as registration number, date of birth and other details if asked. UP Lekhpal Exam 2022 is scheduled on July 31, 2022.
San Francisco: Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday denied that he had a brief affair with Google co-founder Sergey Brin's wife Nicole Shanahan that allegedly led to their divorce earlier this year, saying there was nothing "romantic" with Shanahan.

A Wall Street Journal report claimed on Sunday that "Musk engaged in a brief affair last fall with the wife of Sergey Brin, prompting the Google co-founder to file for divorce earlier this year and ending the tech billionaires' long friendship".

In a tweet, Musk said: "This is total bs. Sergey and I are friends and were at a party together last night!"

"I've only seen Nicole twice in three years, both times with many other people around. Nothing romantic," the Tesla CEO added.

According to the report, the Musk and Shanahan's affair allegedly occurred at the 'Art Basel' event in Miami following the Tesla CEO's split with then-girlfriend Claire Boucher, famously known as Grimes.

Brin and Shanahan were separated but still living together at the time.

The couple's relationship was reportedly strained due to issues related to the Covid lockdowns and their three-year-old daughter.

Brin and Musk had been close friends but after the affair, their relationship soured.

Brin has reportedly told advisers to sell his personal investments in Musk's companies.

Brin himself was once called "the Google playboy", with human resources manager Heather Cairns calling his behaviour "a sexual harassment claim waiting to happen".

Shanahan is seeking over $1 billion from Brin's $100 billion fortune as part of the divorce proceedings.

Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Musk secretly had twins with Shivon Zilis, a top executive at his brain-chip startup Neuralink, in November 2021, just weeks before he welcomed a second child with Grimes via surrogacy in December.

In May, a former SpaceX flight attendant accused the company of paying her $250,000 to keep quiet about an incident involving Musk.
Mumbai: Benchmark indices fell on Monday with the BSE Sensex declining 306 points, mainly dragged down by Reliance Industries.

Foreign funds outflow also added to the overall bearish trend in equities on Monday.

The 30-share BSE benchmark fell 306.01 points or 0.55 per cent to settle at 55,766.22. During the day, it declined 535.15 points or 0.95 per cent to 55,537.08.

The broader NSE Nifty dipped 88.45 points or 0.53 per cent to 16,631.

"Bulls finally lost steam after surging ahead for the last six consecutive sessions as investors booked profit in automobile, oil & gas, and telecom stocks, even though gains in metals and select capital goods stocks capped losses. Investors traded with caution ahead of the Federal Reserve meet on Wednesday," Shrikant Chouhan, Head of Equity Research (Retail), Kotak Securities Ltd, said.

Among the Sensex constituents, Mahindra & Mahindra fell the most by 3.80 per cent, followed by Reliance Industries which declined 3.31 per cent after the company's June quarter earnings failed to cheer investors.

The other laggards from the pack were Maruti Suzuki India, Kotak Mahindra Bank, UltraTech Cement, Tech Mahindra and Nestle.

Tata Steel, IndusInd Bank, Asian Paints, HCL Technologies, Wipro and NTPC were among the gainers.

"RIL's results, though impressive on the telecom and retail front, fell slightly below expectations in the refining space," said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

In Asia, markets in Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong ended lower, while Seoul settled in the green.

Markets in Europe were trading in the green during mid-session deals. The US markets had ended on a lower note on Friday.

Meanwhile, international oil benchmark Brent crude jumped 1.24 per cent to USD 104.52 per barrel.

Foreign institutional investors offloaded shares worth Rs 675.45 crore on Friday, as per exchange data.
Karan Johar's 'Koffee With Karan' is already creating a lot of buzz with just three episodes this season. Last week's episode with Sara Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor was all about 'Damn' moments including one of Sara Ali Khan's statement on ex-boyfriend Kartik Aaryan.

The most controversial yet buzzy segment of the show is 'the rapid fire' round. Kartik has found direct or indirect mention on the show twice already in the first three episodes. On this, the actor, in a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama has said that he is 'extremely proud' of it.

Galpals Sara Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor featured in the second episode of 'Koffee With Karan' season 7 in which the 'Atrangi Re' actress took potshots at her ex, most likely Kartik.

Karan asked Sara, why her ex is her ex, she said, Because he's everybody's ex.' Also, in the first episode, actor Ranveer Singh mentioned and mimicked him on the show.

During his interview with Bollywood Hungama, Kartik was asked about the one thing he is extremely proud of. He said, "That I'm popular among rapid-fire shows."

Sara debuted on 'Koffee With Karan' in 2018 with her father Saif Ali Khan, when she mentioned Kartik as the actor she found attractive and wanted to date. Later, they worked together in Imtiaz Ali's 'Love Aaj Kal.' They dated for quite some time too but later, the duo split up.

On the work front, Kartik was last seen in 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2' co-starring Kiara Advani and Tabu. He recently announced that he has signed a project with Sajid Nadiadwala's production house which will be helmed by Kabir Khan. He also has 'Shehzada' with Kriti Sanon and 'Freddy' with Alaya F in his kitty.

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New Delhi: Garena Free Fire releases redeem codes on everyday basis. The 12-digit redeem code consists of alphabets and numbers. Players can get rewards such as skins for in-game weapons and characters to improve their gaming experience.

Garena Free fire is banned in India. However, if you are located outside India, you can access the reward codes and redeem them. For that you will be required to visit official Garena Free Fire reward site and log in to your Facebook, Google, Twitter IDs to access the Free Fire redemption page. (Also read: Google Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro features listed on ecommerce website: Details here)

Check out the Garena Free Fire Redeem Codes for July 25, 2022

DDFRTY2021POUYT

FFGYBGFDAPQO

FFGTYUO21POKH

BBHUQWPO2021UY

MJTFAER8UOP21

SDAWR88YO21UB

NHKJU88TREQW

MHOP8YTRZACD

BHPOU82021NHDF

ADERT8BHKPOU

(Also read: Shocking! Ex-Amazon Web Services engineer hacked data of 10 crore customers)

How to Redeem Garena Free Fire codes for today, July 25 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: Tech giant Google is adding a new feature to its Meet app to allow users to Livestream meetings to its streaming platform YouTube. According to the company, an admin can enable this by navigating to the meeting's Activities panel and selecting "Live Streaming". Users can then select their channel to begin streaming the meeting they are holding, reports AndroidCentral. Google explained that live streaming "is useful in situations where users want to present information to large audiences outside of their organisation, allowing them to pause and replay as needed, or view the presentation at a later time".

There is a channel approval process for live streaming on YouTube. Google warns users to let them know that their channel must be approved by Livestream before they can do so through Google Meet. Its help page explains that when host management is on, only the host and co-hosts can begin live-streaming the meeting. If that option is off, anyone attending the meeting can start live streaming it. Google also provides a privacy option if someone is interested in live-streaming the meeting. (Also Read: EXPLOSIVE! Elon Musk had an affair with Google co-founder's wife?)

A feature such as live streaming a meeting seems like another way Google is looking to diversify and separate Meet from other platforms, the report said. (Also Read: MASSIVE fall in Rupee: 3 out of 4 Indians concerned on spending for family)

The new feature will be rolled out in stages. The first is "rapid release," with the feature rolling out to select domains within three days beginning on July 21. The second will be for domains under a gradual "scheduled release" that may take up to 15 days beginning on July 25.


New Delhi: In more trouble for Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, the Supreme Court on Monday junked a plea filed by him challenging an order of the Allahabad High Court refusing to quash the chargesheet in the fake birth certificate case of his MLA son, saying it does not find any reason to interfere with the HC order. The petition was rejected by a division bench comprising Justices Hemant Gupta and Vikram Nath. "However, any observation and discussion passed by the high court will not prejudice the trial which the appellant is required to face," the bench said.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Khan, submitted that the high court wrongly relied on the findings of the Election commission while refusing to quash the charge sheet. The apex court said it was for the trial court to examine the evidence in the case.

Azam Khan, his wife Tazeen Fatima and son Abdullah Azam Khan had been in jail in a criminal case registered against them over two allegedly fake birth certificates issued to Abdullah, the sitting MLA from Suar in Uttar Pradesh, through fraudulent means from two different places.

The FIR lodged by BJP leader Akash Saxena at the Ganj police station in Rampur on January 3, 2019, alleged that Azam Khan and his wife helped their son obtain two fake date of birth certificates-- one from Lucknow and another from Rampur.

Abdullah Azam was elected to the state assembly in the previous polls, too, but the Allahabad High Court had cancelled the election on the ground that he was less than the required 25 years of age at the time of filing his nomination. Azam Khan is a 10-term MLA from the Rampur Assembly constituency.

Azam Khan, the foremost Muslim politician from the state, was lodged in jail for 27 months in connection with several cases, including that of land grabbing, before being granted interim bail by the Supreme Court in a cheating case in May this year.
Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which recently raided the residence of Arpita Mukherjee, a close aide of West Bengal Commerce & Industries Minister, Partha Chatterjee, in connection with the teachers recruitment scam had to take the help of the Reserve Bank of India in transporting the huge cash and valuables worth several crores it seized during the operation. The central agency had to take the help of the RBIs regional office in Kolkata to ferry the cash and valuables to the agency`s office at the CGO complex at Salt Lake in Kolkata.

The ED officials finished counting and evaluating the estimated value of the cash and valuables they seized from the accused Arpita Mukherjees home late on Saturday evening. After that, a truck from RBI`s regional office in Kolkata arrived at the posh Diamond City complex at Tollygunge in South Kolkata, which housed a flat of Mukherjee, to ferry the cash and the other valuables.

The agency officials confirmed that the truck was carrying 20 steel trunks meant for carrying the valuables seized from Mukherjee`s residence. Later, 15 trunks that were loaded with the cash and valuables and the remaining five empty trunks were brought to the ED office at the CGO complex.

It may be recalled that the ED recovered Rs 21.20 crore cash in Indian currency of Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 denominations, gold ornaments of the estimated market value of around Rs 90 lakhs, the foreign currency of value of around Rs 60 lakhs, 20 high-end Apple iPhones, sale deeds of eight other flats and papers of multiple costly vehicles.

Rs. 20 crore cash recovered by @dir_ed from the residence of Arpita Mukherjee; close aide of WB Education Minister Partha Chatterjee in the SSC scam case.

Sources claim that piles of cash were found inside WB Govt Education Ministry envelopes with

National Emblem printed on them. pic.twitter.com/xLsWQeVzL2 July 22, 2022

Mukherjee, who is currently in ED custody will be presented at a special court of the Public Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court on Monday.

Meanwhile, the ED officials suspect that the assets recovered from the residence of Arpita Mukherjee were just a small portion of the actual reserve. While recovering the assets, the ED sleuths have come across some other incriminating documents that hint at a large number of cash transfers by Mukherjee using the route of private money transfer agents.

These documents also suggest that a certain amount of cash was also transferred through the hawala route to Bangladesh. The assets recovered so far is Rs 21.20 crore worth of Indian currency, gold ornaments of the estimated market value of around Rs 90 lakhs, foreign currency valued at around Rs 60 lakhs, and several high-end smartphones, sale deeds of multiple flats and ownership documents of multiple luxury vehicles.

ED sources have said that they are not as yet sure of the exact amount transferred through these private or hawala routes. They suspect that the value of the transferred money is much higher than what has been recovered in the forms of Indian and foreign currencies and gold ornaments.
Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday claimed that West Bengal Minister Partha Chatterjee, arrested by its officials, went to the state government-run SSKM Hospital faking illness so that he could not be questioned in connection with the teacher recruitment scam. The central agency also sought 14-day custody of Partha Chatterjee from the special court hearing the case. The agency also pointed out that AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, after a check-up, has ruled out any active health intervention.

The agency, which is probing the alleged money trail in a school recruitment scam, also pleaded for his close associate Arpita Mukherjee's custody for 13 days.

Special court judge Jibon Kumar Sadhu has reserved the order on the submission made by the ED. The ED, in its submission, said that Chatterjee got admitted to the SSKM hospital faking illness and the agency could not question him during the two-day remand granted by a chief metropolitan magistrate on Saturday.

The Calcutta High Court had on Sunday directed that Chatterjee be taken to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar by an air ambulance for a health check-up. Citing the report of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, which was submitted to the court, additional solicitor general SV stated that his vital parameters like blood pressure and oxygen saturation level were within limits and that no active intervention was required.

Opposing the prayer of ED, Chatterjee's lawyer pleaded for his bail. Mukherjee's counsel prayed that short custody be given for her and that her security be ensured in the wake of Sunday's accident when a vehicle hit a car of the convoy ferrying her from court to the agency's CGO complex.
Kolkata: West Bengal's leading opposition parties BJP and CPI-M on Monday said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is trying to make Cabinet Minister Partha Chatterjee a scapegoat after he was arrested in connection with the West Bengal teacher recruitment scam by the Enforcement Directorate. Attacking the TMC chief, Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition, said Mamata's party was trying to distance itself from Minister Partha Chatterjee after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she ''would not spare anyone if found guilty.''

Adhikari said that no one would believe that the TMC's top leadership was unaware of the scam, which allegedly happened when Chatterjee was the education minister.

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Trying hard to wash off the stain, but ziddi DAAG hain, itni asani se dhulega nahi:- pic.twitter.com/q4CgXt0f8I  Suvendu Adhikari    (@SuvenduWB) July 23, 2022

"Such comments are laughable. The investigating agencies must investigate the money trail. The TMC top brass is now trying to distance itself from Partha Chatterjee as if he is solely responsible for everything. The TMC is trying to make him a scapegoat," Adhikari said. "What is stopping the state government from sacking Partha Chatterjee as a cabinet minister? This proves that the TMC supports corruption," he added.

CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim termed it an old trick of the TMC to distance itself from leaders caught in corruption cases. "When TMC leaders were arrested in Saradha and Rose Valley scams, the party tried to wash off its hands. Why blame a few leaders when the entire party is structurally corrupt," he alleged.

Taking on the opposition for a "malicious campaign" launched against her, the chief minister has asserted that she does not support corruption.

"I will not get into the details of the case as it is sub judice. We have full faith in the judiciary. We want a time-bound probe into the matter. If someone is found guilty, the person should be punished accordingly, be it life imprisonment. I won't mind. But, I condemn the malicious campaign against me," she said, addressing an award function.

Chatterjee, the Industry and Commerce Minister, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday in connection with its investigation into the irregularities in the recruitment drives by the School Service Commission (SSC).

The ED today claimed that West Bengal Minister Partha Chatterjee went to the state government-run SSKM Hospital faking illness so that he could not be questioned in connection with the teacher recruitment scam.

The central agency also sought 14-day custody of Partha Chatterjee from the special court hearing the case. The agency also pointed out that AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, after a check-up, has ruled out any active health intervention.

The agency, which is probing the alleged money trail in a school recruitment scam, also pleaded for his close associate Arpita Mukherjee's custody for 13 days. The ED, in its submission, said that Chatterjee got admitted to the SSKM hospital faking illness and the agency could not question him during the two-day remand granted by a chief metropolitan magistrate on Saturday.

The Calcutta High Court had on Sunday directed that Chatterjee be taken to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar by an air ambulance for a health check-up.
Rome: Pope Francis will be visiting Canada to apologize for Indigenous abuse in Catholic residential schools. He departed from Rome on Sunday for a week-long trip to Edmonton, Canada, where he`s set to apologize for the Catholic Church`s role in the abuse of Canadian Indigenous children, reported CNN. The Vatican has called the trip a "penitential pilgrimage," and the Pope will be welcomed in Edmonton on Sunday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mary Simon, the Governor General of Canada.He will meet with Indigenous groups and address the scandal of abuse and erasure of indigenous culture in the country`s residential schools, reported CNN.

Indigenous leaders have long called for a papal apology for the harm inflicted for decades on Indigenous children.Last year, hundreds of unmarked graves were discovered on the grounds of former residential schools in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, reported CNN. Canada`s Truth and Reconciliation Commission has reported that more than 4,000 Indigenous children died either from neglect or abuse in residential schools, many of which were run by the Catholic Church.

In April, the Pope told Indigenous leaders at the Vatican that he feels "sorrow and shame for the role that a number of Catholics, particularly those with educational responsibilities, have had in all these things that wounded you, in the abuses you suffered and in the lack of respect shown for your identity, your culture and even your spiritual values."

The Pope will also travel to Quebec and Iqaluit, the capital of the Canadian territory of Nunavut, during the trip. Two Canadian cardinals will accompany him throughout his visit, Cardinal Marc Ouellet and Cardinal Michael Czerny, reported CNN.

Also read: Pope Francis appoints first Dalit and Telugu Cardinal of Catholic Church

Francis, earlier trip to Africa was cancelled this month due to issues with his knee which had stirred speculation about his retirement.He said in an interview with UK media that he still intends to visit Russia following the country`s invasion of Ukraine, but he has received criticism for prioritizing that destination over visiting Ukraine, and for partially blaming NATO for Russia`s invasion.

Also read: 'War is madness! Stop, please', Pope Francis urges Putin as 'rivers of blood' flow in Ukraine

"I would like to go, it is possible that I manage to go to Ukraine. The first thing is to go to Russia to try to help, but I would like to go to both capitals," Francis said. In a June interview with Italian newspaper La Stampa, Francis said the war "was perhaps in some way either provoked or not prevented," reported CNN. Pope Francis said that before Russia invaded Ukraine he met with "a head of state" who "was very worried about how NATO was moving."
London: Moldova Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita has said she is very worried that Russia will invade her country next, while warning that no country is safe from Russian President Vladimir Putin, media reports said. Natalia Gavrilita`s warning came after M Moscow's forces made gains in Ukraine`s south and east, near the Moldova-Ukraine border, in recent months, Daily Mail reported.

Analysts believe that Kremlin is trying to create a land bridge between Russian-occupied territory in eastern Ukraine and Transnistria - an unrecognised breakaway region supported by Russia - in order to cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea, the report said.

Transnistria controls a narrow strip of land that is found mostly between the Dniester river and the Moldovan, Ukrainian border. It declared independence from Moldova following a brief military conflict in 1992 but is internationally still recognised as being part of the Eastern European country.

"It`s a hypothetical scenario for now, but if the military actions move further into the southwestern part of Ukraine and toward Odessa, then, of course, we are very worried," Gavrilita told CNN`s Fareed Zakaria on Sunday.

"We are very worried, especially considering that troops are on the territory of the secessionist Transnistria region. We are doing everything possible to maintain peace and stability and to ensure that the fighting does not escalate."

With just 2.5 million people, Moldova is a tiny nation, especially when compared to neighbouring Ukraine which had a population of over 40 million before the Russian invasion began on February 24.

Ukraine`s large size and population has enabled it to put up a fierce resistance against the Russian invaders, surprising many - not least the Kremlin, which expected its forces to seize Kiev in a matter of days.

A country such as Moldova, which is constitutionally neutral and therefore not a member of NATO, would have a much harder time defending itself, Daily Mail reported.
Colombo: Sri Lanka's Presidential Secretariat, which was stormed by a sea of anti-government protesters in early July, resumed operation from Monday (July 25, 2022), 100 days after the building's entry gate was blocked, officials said. The building's entry gate has been blocked by the protesters since April 9. On July 9, the protesters stormed the building and occupied it. In the early hours of Friday last, police and security forces conducted a raid and took back control of the building from the protesters on the order of the crisis-hit island nation's new President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The presidential secretariat which was occupied by the protesters from July 9 till Friday last is re-opened and the staff reported to work on Monday, officials said.

Security forces had already opened Galle road for traffic in front of the Secretariat.

The protest, also known as the Aragalaya -- a Sinhalese word for "struggle", disrupted work for a prolonged period at the Presidential Secretariat, which had gone through heavy damages during the agitation and required necessary renovations. Cleaning and repair work were undertaken over the weekend to ready the Presidential Secretariat for the reopening.

Protesters have been camping outside the presidential office, demanding the resignation of former President Rajapaksa, and Wickremesinghe, a key Rajapaksa ally. Protesters have blamed Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe for mismanaging the economy that has left the country's 22 million people struggling to buy fuel, food and basic necessities.

The use of force to evict the protesters was condemned by the international community and the rights groups. However, the government defended the move.

President Wickremesinghe has said he would extend support to the peaceful protesters but would be tough on those who try to promote violence under the guise of peaceful protests.

The government said investigations into the occupation of the presidential secretariat, the damage caused to it by the occupation and alleged stealing of some valuable items from the building are underway.

In another development, a firearm snatched by protesters from a soldier during an attempt to break into Sri Lanka's parliamentary complex earlier this month has been recovered, police said here on Monday.

The Navy divers found the T56 rifle snatched from a soldier by the protesters on July 13 during a search operation at the Diyawanna bridge within the close proximity of Parliament on Saturday, they said.

A massive protest on July 13 attempted to break into the parliamentary complex in continuation of the popular uprising on July 9, which forced the fleeing of the then president Gotabaya Rajapaksa from the country to the Maldives and then to Singapore.

Police said the protesters had snatched the weapon and ammunition from a soldier during the protest.
Beijing: Taiwan's capital staged air raid drills Monday and its military mobilised for routine defence exercises, coinciding with concerns over a forceful Chinese response to a possible visit to the island by US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. While there was no direct link between China's renewed threats and Taiwan's defensive moves, they underscore the possibility of a renewed crisis in the Taiwan Strait, considered a potential hotspot for conflict that could envelop the entire region. Air raid sirens were sounded in the capital Taipei and the military was holding its annual multi-day Han Kuang drills, including joint air and sea exercises and the mobilisation of tanks and troops.

In Taipei, police directed randomly selected subway commuters to shelters when a siren went off shortly after lunchtime. Most departed after about 15 minutes. Pelosi has not confirmed when, or even if, she will visit, but President Joe Biden last week told reporters that US military officials believed such a trip was "not a good idea". Administration officials are believed to be critical of a possible trip, both for the problematic timing and the lack of coordination with the White House.

China's authoritarian ruling Communist Party considers democratic, self-ruling Taiwan its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary, and regularly advertises that threat by staging military exercises and flying warplanes into Taiwan's air defence identification zone or across the centre line of the 180-km (100-mile) -wide Taiwan Strait.

Beijing says those actions are aimed at deterring advocates of the island's formal independence and foreign allies " principally the US" from interfering, more than 70 years after the sides split amid civil war. Surveys routinely show that Taiwan's 23 million people reject China's assertions that the island is a Chinese province that has strayed and must be brought under Beijing's control.

Pelosi, the long a sharp critic of Beijing, is second in line to the White House. She is viewed as a Biden proxy by China, which demands members of Congress follow the commitments made by previous administrations.

Taiwan is among the few issues that enjoys broad bipartisan support among lawmakers and within the administration, with Biden stating earlier this year that the US would defend Taiwan if it came under attack. US law requires Washington to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself and treat all threats to the island as matters of "grave concern", but remains ambiguous on whether it would commit forces in response to an attack from China.

Though the sides lack formal diplomatic ties, the US is Taiwan's chief provider of outside defence assistance and political support, in a reflection of its desire to limit China's growing influence and maintain a robust American presence in the Western Pacific. During a visit to Indonesia on Sunday, US Gen Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Chinese military has become significantly more aggressive and dangerous over the past five years.

Milley's Chinese counterpart, Gen Li Zuocheng, told him in a call earlier this month that Beijing had "no room for compromise" on issues such as Taiwan. China's Foreign Ministry said Tuesday it will take "resolute and strong measures," but has not specified actions it would take in response to a visit to Taiwan by Pelosi, who would be the highest-ranking elected official to visit Taiwan since 1997. Speculation has centred on a new round of threatening military exercises or even an attempt to prevent Pelosi's plane from landing by declaring a no-fly zone over Taiwan.

"If the US is determined to make (a visit) happen, they know China will take unprecedented tough measures and the US must make military preparations," said Shi Yinhong, an international relations expert at Beijing's Renmin University. "Expect huffing and puffing, maybe some fire-breathing, military posturing, and perhaps economic punishment of Taiwan," said Michael Mazza, a defence and China expert at the American Enterprise Institute.

The timing of a Pelosi visit, which could happen sometime in early August, is especially sensitive, hinging on multiple factors. Among them is the anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army "the military branch of the ruling Communist Party" which falls on Aug 1, a date used to stoke nationalism and rally the troops. Chinese leaders are also under pressure from hardline nationalist forces within the party ranks.

That harkens back to the Taiwan Strait crisis of 1995 and 1996, when China held exercises and launched missiles into waters north and south of the island in response to a US visit by the island's then-president Lee Teng-hui. The US responded by dispatching two aircraft carrier battle groups to the area, a move that helped spur China's massive military upgrading in the years since that has radically changed the balance of power in Asia.

Xi is meanwhile seeking a third five-year term as party leader at a congress later this year and needs to show he is in charge amid a slowing economy and a public backlash against his "zero-COVID" policy. Overall, the situation appears to be more serious than in 1995-96, said Bonnie Glaser, director of the Asia Program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. "If the Chinese want to demonstrate resolve they have many ways to do so," Glaser said.

China doesn't want to create a "crisis for crisis' sake", but could try to use the possibility of a Pelosi visit to advance its agenda, said Oriana Skylar Mastro, an expert on Chinese military affairs and foreign policy at Stanford University. China might take the opportunity to test out capabilities through a large-scale amphibious exercise, which it would justify as a response to an "aggressive move" by the US, Mastro said. "So I think they'll use it as an opportunity to make advances that could be problematic, but (which) they wanted to do anyway regardless of the Pelosi visit," she said.
London: UK Prime Ministerial candidate Rishi Sunak has called China as the "largest threat" to Britain and the world's security and prosperity in this century and promised to take tough measures if elected Prime Minister. Sunak said that there is enough evidence to suggest that China has targeted countries from the US to India.

The 42-year-old former Chancellor set out a series of plans he would undertake if elected the prime minister, including building a new NATO-style military alliance of free nations to defend against Chinese technological aggression.

I would close all 30 of China's Confucius Institutes in the UK, the highest number in the world," said Sunak as part of his Conservative Party leadership campaign pitch to win over members' votes.

China and the Chinese Communist Party represent the largest threat to Britain and the world's security and prosperity this century, I will build a new international alliance of free nations to tackle Chinese cyber-threats and share best practice in technology security, he said.

Given that there is evidence to suggest China has targeted countries from the United States to India, Rishi is confident that he can create a broad alliance including countries from all over the world. As part of this new security alliance, the UK will coordinate efforts to influence international standards and norms on cybersecurity, telecommunications security, and preventing intellectual property theft, the "Ready4Rishi" campaign said in a statement.

Accusing China of stealing UK technology and infiltrating universities while "propping up [Russian President] Putin's fascist invasion of Ukraine", bullying Taiwan and contravening human rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, as well as suppressing their currency to continually rig the global economy in their favour, the UK-born Indian-origin MP for Richmond in North Yorkshire also pledged to shut down all Chinese institutes in the country.

They are saddling developing countries with insurmountable debt and using this to seize their assets or hold a diplomatic gun to their heads. They torture, detain and indoctrinate their own people, including in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, in contravention of their human rights. And they have continually rigged the global economy in their favour by suppressing their currency, he said.

He said he would close all 30 Confucius Institutes in the UK, the highest number in the world. "Almost all UK government spending on Mandarin language teaching at school is channelled through university-based Confucius Institutes, thereby promoting Chinese soft power, he added.

The Confucius Institutes are funded by the Chinese government and are meant to be culture and language centres, but critics claim they are propaganda tools as relations between the West and China worsen.

Sunak, who is on an intense campaign trail to beat Foreign Secretary Liz Truss to the top Downing Street job to replace Boris Johnson, focussed his message on China's aggressive policies on Monday ahead of a key televised debate on the BBC and also pledged to expand the reach of Britain's security services to keep its industrial espionage in check.

I will expand MI5's reach to provide greater support to British businesses and universities to counter Chinese industrial espionage. We'll work across government and with security services to build a toolkit to help companies protect their intellectual property, he said.

I will protect key British assets. That means examining the need to prevent Chinese acquisitions of key British assets including strategically sensitive tech firms, he said. He pledged to lead the world in standing up to China's "technological aggression" by amending the Higher Education Bill to force British universities to disclose any foreign funding partnerships of more than 50,000 pounds.

Sunak has committed to reviewing all UK-Chinese research partnerships that could assist China technologically or have military applications. "I will work with [US] President Biden and other world leaders to transform the West's resilience to the threat China poses," he noted. The opposing team accused Sunak of being "soft" on China as Chancellor.

A spokesperson for Truss said she had "strengthened Britain's position on China" since becoming Foreign Secretary and "helped lead the international response to increased Chinese aggression".
?? En vivo | El presidente @PedroCastilloTe participa en el desfile por el 81. aniversario de la inmolacion del capitan FAP Jose Abelardo Quinones y Dia de la Fuerza Aerea del Peru.#LaFuerzaDeTodosLosPeruanos #SiempreConElPueblo https://t.co/Ep5fUVzDXw




In statements to the press, he concluded that it is appropriate to address problems such as citizen insecurity by supporting the National Police as well as human trafficking, which proliferates in the illegal mining sector.





"And we're all going to do this together," Gavidia said.





The government official said that on July 28, President Pedro Castillo will appear before Congress after attending the Solemn Mass and Te Deum to be held on the occasion of Peru's Independence Day celebrations.

Moreover, he emphasized that the National Holidays Civic-Military Parade scheduled for July 29 will be held at the Army General Headquarters in Lima's San Borja district.

On the other hand, the minister remarked that his sector is working together with the Ministry of Interior, highlighting the operations against crime that were implemented in the district of San Martin de Porres and other Lima's northern neighborhoods on Saturday.

"Nearly 500 people were arrested, 66 gangs were broken up, 46 firearms were seized, and today we are conducting operations against illegal mining in Condorcanqui and Putumayo," he stated.





In addition, the government official noted that last Friday he submitted to the Public Ministry the information and documentation necessary for the purpose of the investigation over an official trip he made to Huanuco region, in which he was joined by his daughters.





(END) VVS/RMB
YEREVAN, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS. One of the most brilliant minds on the planet will gather in Armenia to celebrate science communication within the framework of the 6th Edition of STARMUS in September.

The global festival of science communication, founded by astrophysicist Garik Israelian will take place 5-10 September, 2022 in Yerevan.

The program of Starmus VI is filled with science and technology, music and arts, presents world-class artists and prominent scientists. Conferences, speeches, presentations, and other events are a part of the program.

Starmus VI festival features presentations by legendary Astronauts, Nobel Prize Winners, prominent figures of science, technology, culture and arts.

Every edition of the festival is organized around a particular theme related to space exploration, and this years topic is 50 Years on Mars.

Ahead of the launch of STARMUS VI, it is a good idea to look back at some of the highlights from the previous festivals.

STARMUS I: 50 YEARS OF MAN IN SPACE

The first Starmus Festival took place in 2011, on Tenerife and La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain. The primary site of the event was the Ritz-Carlton Abama Hotel in Tenerife. The theme was 50 Years of Man in Space, and featured as speakers a blend of astronaut-explorers, astronomers, biologists, chemists, and artists. Apollo astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell, Bill Anders and Charlie Duke appeared on stage with soviet space era cosmonauts Alexei Leonov and Victor Gorbatko. The Festival presented the rare opportunity for delegates, as the attendees were called, to share time, speak with, share refreshments, and converse with the speakers. Events generally began in the afternoon through the early evening, so that delegates had plenty of time to also enjoy the volcanic beauty of the islands, which featured beaches, geological wonders, and  on La Palma  the largest optical telescope in the world, the 10.2-m Gran Telescopio Canarias, as well as other instruments.

Photo: Participants of STARMUS I

The last public speech by the first man to walk on the Moon

After the first edition of the festival, STARMUS Founding Director Garik Israelian often recalled that many people did not believe that the first man to walk on the Moon, Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong himself would participate in the event because his rare public appearances.

When we announced Neil Armstrong was coming, Israelian recalls, we completely lost our credibility because no one believed he was going to be there. People said we were crazy. It was the worst thing we could do. And then he came!

Armstrong concluded his speech at STARMUS I with the following remarks at the event:



Let us hope that our grandchildren at our age can look back and say, The 20th century was a century of advancement and improvement in technology, and the 21st century was a century of advancement and improvement in human character. And that may just qualify us as humans from Earth to sally forth and expand the human presence beyond Earth not to take with us our worst behavior, but rather to be accompanied by our best behavior.

Photo: Soviet space era cosmonaut Alexei Leonov and American astronaut Neil Armstrong

This was Armstrongs last public statement. He died a year later, on August 25 in 2012.

Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin concluded his remarks by stressing that space exploration helps humans to learn more about themselves, to inspire youth.

Aldrin highlighted that space exploration enables people to improve their life here on Earth. He said that by living on the Moon and Mars, people will learn how to preserve and recycle, and will have a backup in case disaster hits Earth.

We must improve the planet we live on, but at the same time we must look up at the skies and move forward, taking it one step at a time, building gradual progress.

Soviet cosmonaut who became the first person to conduct a spacewalk.

Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, the first person to conduct a spacewalk by exiting the capsule during the Voskhod 2 mission in 1965, was also among the speakers.



Leonov praised the festival for its uniqueness, noting that it was the first time that such an event was being organized.

The talks were many: Armstrong talked about Starmus and our future on Earth; Aldrin spoke about possible future missions to Mars; Leonov described the early days of the Soviet space program, in addition to his historic first spacewalk; Musician and astrophysicist Brian May asked about future human exploration in space and whether humans should first clean up their act here on Earth. Further exploring themes of space exploration, Cosmonaut Viktor Gorbatko recalled early Soviet missions; Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders related details of the early American space program; Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell described the harrowing mission he endured returning that crippled spacecraft to Earth; and Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke described his adventures in the Apollo program.

Covering themes of life in the universe, Nobel Prize winning chemist Jack Szostak outlined the origin of life on Earth; Richard Dawkins described evolution and exobiology; astronomer Michel Mayor recalled extrasolar planets including his own first discovery; and Jill Tarter explored extraterrestrial intelligence in the universe.

Photo: STARMUS I participants hold discussion under Gran Telescopio CANARIAS (GTC)

The events highlights were featured in Starmus: 50 Years of Man in Space, a book by Garik Israelian, with an introduction by renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking.

Hawking said that the book is a historic document because it includes Armstrongs last lecture, as well as the lectures of the Soviet cosmonauts and other Apollo astronauts.

Photo: Stephen Hawking and Garik Israelian present Starmus: 50 Years of Man in Space
YEREVAN, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Minister of Economy Armen Arzumanyan received Ambassador of Poland to Armenia Pawel Cieplak to discuss the prospects of bilateral cooperation in economic sector, the ministry said in a news release.

The sides touched upon issues on boosting the commercial partnership, increasing the trade turnover volumes and improving the bilateral indicators in this direction.

During the meeting Armen Arzumanyan proposed to consider the possibility of establishing Armenias trade representation in Poland.

Issues relating to the holding of the session of the Armenian-Polish Inter-governmental Commission by yearend were discussed.
YEREVAN, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Minister of Economy Arman Khojoyan submitted to the Eurasian Economic Commission Armenias 2022 demand for individual agricultural goods, the ministry of economy said in a press release.

As a result of discussions the EEU Council members approved the indicative balances of Armenias 2022 demand and supply of agricultural products, developed jointly with representatives of authorized bodies of member states.

According to predictions, the volume of wheat consumption in Armenia in 2022 will amount to 377 thousand tons. To ensure food security in the domestic market, the required amount of this crop will be supplemented at the expense of increasing the supplies from Russia up to 275 thousand tons by yearend. The same goes for barley and corn, 43 thousand and 60 thousand tons respectively.

The volume of sunflower oil demand is forecast around 27 thousand tons. The required amount until yearend will be entirely ensured by supplies from Russia.
YEREVAN, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS. The Orchestra of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces will perform at the Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival, the Festival Board told TASS.

Folk songs and motives will be a part of the program of the Armenian military orchestra.

The Orchestra of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Armenia was founded in 1992. It has participated in more than 2000 events. The first participation of the Orchestra to the Spasskaya Tower was held in 2017. The festival will take place at Moscows Red Square from August 26 to September 4, 2022.
YEREVAN, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS. A new celebration of female talent and leadership in business, science and technology is starting up this year in the capital of Armenia - Yerevan.

The founders called it FemInno to be able to feature female innovation and give it a new vibe in the so-called silicon mountains - Armenia. On 30-31 July FemInno is launching its first edition as the biggest annual international women innovation conference in Armenia and in the whole region of South Caucasus with a mission to promote female potential, to empower women and feature the value they create in male-dominated fields.

Moreover, FemInno also aims at positioning Armenia as a new innovative destination where women also have their say.

"FemInno has featured the topic of the conference as #FemaleisNOW to prove that instead of looking in the future is tech or future is female, we should confirm that the time is now!", - explains Seda Papoyan, the founder of FemInno.

The conference will feature 30+ speakers joining from all over the world: Canada, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Germany, USA, UAE and of course Armenia. Among the speakers there are professional women and men from businesses, science and technology. Even several ambassadors of countries represented in Armenia joined the conference to share their expertise. FemInno organizers also managed to invite some government representatives to be sure that the change is gonna happen also on decision-making level.

As one-of-a-kind international initiative in the region, FemInno is backed by a number of international tech companies present in Armenia - among them Humanize, PMI Science, Adobe, Synopsys, Siemens, Semrush, Miro, ZEVIT, IPONWEB and others. They all share the values of diversity and inclusion in the modern workplace as well as the female leadership being the new normal. These and other companies are going to take part in the two-day FemInno Recruitment Fair held during the conference.

The participants will also benefit from a parallel workshop and master-class agenda. Being committed to spreading diversity culture and promoting female talent as a mission, FemInno also organizes a start-up competition for teams with at least 1 female founder. The final pitching session of the selected 10 teams will also take place during the conference.

FemInno has also a very dear component - the Female Talent Scholarship Fund created in the honor of a talented young Armenian woman Sona Mnatsakanyan gone too soon in a tragic car accident in April 2022. The still in process fundraising campaign is collecting funds to be awarded as scholarships to talented Armenian women in three main categories: - Renewable energy - Technology - Science.

Below are some featured speakers of FemInno 2022:

Ann Makosinski - 24 year old inspiring young inventor, writer and public speaker from Canada. She has given 5 TEDx talks and was included on both the Forbes magazine's 30 Under 30 & the Times magazine's 30 under 30 lists.

Francesca Cavallo - an award-winning, New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur and activist. She co-created the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls book series and podcast and was the recipient of the Publisher's Weekly StarWatch Award in 2018.

Jumok Dada - with years of experience in the design industry and graduated with a first-class degree in Architecture, Jumoke grew her tech-enabled E-Commerce business that leverages mixed reality to sell furniture with zero capital from friends or family in Lagos Nigeria to a multi-million dollar business in a couple of years.

Lara Setrakian - the co-founder of News Deeply, now in collaboration with The New Humanitarian. She also serves as an Impact Partner with Fresco Capital, a global venture capital fund based in Singapore. Inc Magazine dubbed her one of the Women Who Could Own the Future, while Fast Company named her one of its 100 Most Creative People in Business.

Daily discussions, planning, meetings, video calls, many sleepless nights in the backpack of a great team of women backed by a bunch of strong men - they are making FemInno the biggest women innovation conference in Armenia and in the region around.

The conference will take place in Yerevan at Karen Demirchyan sport/concert complex on July 30-31. Tickets are on sale.

To learn more about FemInno please visit the website: www.feminno.com
YEREVAN, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC have confirmed that the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted in the United Kingdom on behalf of this years winning broadcaster, Ukraines UA:PBC, the Eurovision TV said.

This decision had been made following the exploration of hosting the Contest in Ukraine, and regrettably concluding that for safety and security reasons this was not possible.

As a result of those discussions, the BBC, as runner up in the 2022 Contest, was invited by the EBU to act as Host Broadcaster for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest.

Ukraine, as the winning country in 2022, will automatically qualify for the Grand Final of the upcoming Contest.

Were exceptionally grateful that the BBC has accepted to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK in 2023,said Martin Osterdahl, the Eurovision Song Contests Executive Supervisor.
YEREVAN, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS. The Neruzh government program supporting technological startups of the Diaspora is returning after being re-branded following a 2-year hiatus.

The Minister of High Tech Industry of Armenia Robert Khachatryan said that the goal of the program is to promote professional repatriation, which would contribute to economic progress and the development of the startup eco-system in Armenia.

Neruzh is the program which connects the innovative mind of Armenia and the Diaspora, becoming an important cornerstone for the possibility of future-oriented projects for our country. The program is a good opportunity for our compatriots living in various corners around the world to return to their homeland, launch their business, live here and have contribution in Armenias progress, he said.

Neruzh 3.0 will take place September 26-30 in Dilijan, with 60 representatives of around 30 startups from around the world expected to attend.

The program is being implemented in partnership with the My Step Foundation.

The new website has been launched and applications are open from July 25 to August 22.

My Step Foundation Director Mkhitar Hayrapetyan said they attach great importance to consolidating the pan-Armenian human capital of the Diaspora in Armenia.
YEREVAN, 25 JULY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 25 July, USD exchange rate down by 1.78 drams to 411.32 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.78 drams to 420.86 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.08 drams to 7.09 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 1.86 drams to 495.64 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 323.61 drams to 22969.85 drams. Silver price up by 6.16 drams to 248.75 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams.
YEREVAN, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS. The obligations of the Russian Federation under the grain agreements reached in Istanbul do not prohibit the continuation of the special operation in Ukraine, ARMENPRESS reports, TASS agency informs Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov said.

Lavrov emphasized that there are no obstacles to the supply of grain in accordance with the agreements signed in Istanbul.

"The grain terminal of Odessa port is located at a significant distance from the zone of military operations. According to the agreements signed in Istanbul, there are no obstacles for grain supply, and we did not create them," added the Russian Foreign Minister.
City

 Latoya Denise Alexander, 40, 11 Cady St., Apt. 1, Auburn, was charged July 22 with second-degree criminal trespass.

 Mariah J. Cox, 21, 11 Burt Ave., Auburn, was charged July 23 with criminal possession of a firearm, third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

 Robert Jeremy Weese, 44, 186 Cottage St., Auburn, was charged July 23 with endangering the welfare of a child.

 Joshua Phillip Marshall, 30, 5955 Bushnell Campbell Road, Kinsman, Ohio, was charged July 24 with driving while intoxicated-first offense and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

 Mitchell Gordon Ellingwood, 30, 17 Cottage St., Apt. 4, Auburn, was charged July 24 with second-degree burglary, third-degree criminal tampering and fourth-degree criminal mischief.

County

 James K. Smith, 49, was charged July 22 with driving while intoxicated-first offense and aggravated driving while intoxicated.

State

 Richard N. Densley, 44, Jordan, was charged July 22 with third-degree rape and third-degree criminal sex act.

 Zachary J. Jordan, 34, Ira, was charged July 22 with third-degree assault, second-degree menacing, third-degree criminal mischief, first-degree robbery and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

 Jane M. Kalet, 69, Union Springs, was charged July 22 with driving while intoxicated-first offense.

 Robert H. Lewis, 52, Auburn, was charged July 24 with driving while intoxicated-first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of at least 0.08%.
A new bill has been introduced in the state Senate seeking to restore the death penalty in limited cases in New York state.

Sponsored by Sen. Robert Ortt, R-Lockport and Senate minority leader, S.9326 is co-sponsored by Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, and fellow Republican senators Andrew Lanza, Patrick Gallivan and Phil Boyle. Companion legislation (A.10564) has been introduced in the Assembly by William Barclay, R-Fulton and Assembly minority leader, with co-sponsorship by Assemblyman Joe Giglio, R-Gowanda. Lee Zeldin, Republican candidate for governor, signaled support for the reinstatement of the death penalty in the aftermath of the mass shooting in Buffalo that killed 10 people.

Ortt and Barclay propose to make the death penalty available for those convicted of first-degree murder for the intentional killing of police officers and first responders, the intentional killing of two or more people, the intentional killing of another person as a hate crime, and the intentional killing of another person in the furtherance of terrorism.

"At a time when violent crime is out of control and murder rates are rising, it is critical that prosecutors have all possible sentencing options available for murders with these extreme aggravating circumstances, including the death penalty," Ortt and Barclay wrote in their legislative justification.

The last execution took place in 1963, when Eddie Lee Mays was electrocuted at Sing Sing Prison. New York was without a death penalty until 1995, when Gov. George Pataki signed a new statute into law, which provided for execution by lethal injection.

A Spectrum News report in the aftermath of the Tops Market shooting in Buffalo noted there isn't recent public polling on the issue. A 2005 Siena College poll found most voters polled then favored life in prison to the death penalty by a 56% to 29% margin.

On June 24, 2004, the New York Court of Appeals, the state's highest court, ruled in People v. LaValle that the state's death penalty statute violated the state constitution. Subsequent legislative attempts at fixing or replacing the statute have failed, prompting former Gov. David Paterson to issue an executive order ending New York's death row in 2008. Ortt and Barclay said the decision People v. LaValle didn't say the death penalty itself was unconstitutional, but took issue with part of the state law  a fact that can be remedied by the legislature.

Ortt and Barclay said their legislation specifically addresses the court's issues by requiring a judge in a capital murder case instruct the jury that if they don't reach unanimous agreement with respect to the sentence, the defendant be sentenced to life without parole.

"In 2004, the Court of Appeals, in People v. LaValle, 3 N.Y.3d 388, found that a specific provision of New York's death penalty statute relating to a jury instruction for deadlocked juries was violated the Due Process Clause of the New York State Constitution," Ortt and Barclay wrote in their legislative justification. "This decision rendered the entire death penalty statute unenforceable and consequently, the death penalty has not been available as a possible sentence for even the most extreme of murders since that decision was handed down. The Court of Appeals did not find that the death penalty is an unconstitutional sentence, but rather made clear that the flaw in the procedure for imposing the death penalty can be fixed by the legislature."
Beijing (Gasgoo)- General manager of Great Wall Motor, Wang Fengying, resigned from his current position due to work adjustments, and her position will be filled by Mu Feng, another executive of the company.

Photo credit: Great Wall Motor

According to Great Wall Motors announcement, its board of directors has received a written resignation report from Wang Fengying, and approved the notion of appointing Mu Feng as her successor. After the adjustments, Wang Fengying will continue to work in the strategic management of the company.

Mu Feng is currently in charge of the general management works of Great Wall Motor. Joining the automaker in 2007, the veteran was once the head of R&D, product strategy, and complete vehicle business, and is the executive director and legal representative of several Great Wall Motor subsidiaries.

Notably, earlier this month, the former general manager of Great Wall Motors WEY brand, Yu Fei, reportedly left the company to join Dongfeng Motors premium new energy vehicle brand, VOYAH, as the latters CBO.

During Yu Feis tenure at Great Wall Motor, he oversaw the ORA brand since 2019 and the WEY brand since 2021. Sources inside VOYAH disclosed that the executive had already assumed his position in the Dongfeng Motor subsidiary, a local media outlet reported.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- AITO, the brand jointly developed by Huawei and SERES, released new information and photos of its first battery-electric production model, the M5 EV.

Photo credit: AITO

The M5 EV was previously called the M5e. According to AITO, the new model will make its debut in the third quarter of this year and can be expected to hit the market in September.

Positioned as a pure-electric derivative of AITOs first model on the market, the M5, the M5 EV features a differentiated exterior design. The closed-off hood design adopts two airways on the sides mimicking a sharks nose. The novel headlight design gives the vehicle a more technological vibe.

The new electric model will come standard with 19 wheels with a low drag coefficient. The M5 EV inherits a similar design on the rear end as the existing M5 model, with a light strip running across the vehicle's width.

The M5 EV measures 4,785mm long, 1,930mm wide, and 1,620mm tall with a 2,880mm wheelbase. The model will offer a dual-electric-motor trim with lithium iron phosphate batteries.
PHOENIX  Entrenue is now shipping the latest releases from FemmeFunn: Volea, a brand-new vibrator in a distinctly different shape, and six new products designed for penis stimulation from FORTO, FemmeFunns penis and prostate-focused brand.

FemmeFunns Volea Fluttering Tip Vibrator is a USB-rechargeable, waterproof massager with a U shape, resulting in two separate prongs each with a slightly pointed tip that flutters with vibration. Equipped with 10 vibration modes and made with body safe silicone, Volea is available in light blue and dark purple.

Since 2015, FemmeFun has offered a growing selection of items, and in 2020, they launched the penis-centric brand FORTO.

The six new additions to the FORTO line include the F-15 Vibrating C-Ring in blue and black, the F-24 Textured Vibrating C-Ring in blue and black, the F-81 Double Ring available in 3 sizes (44 mm, 47 mm, and 51 mm) and 3 colors (black, blue, and glow-in-the dark), the F-22 D- Ring in 3 sizes (49/50mm, 53/55mm, and 57/60mm) and 2 colors (black and glow-in-the dark), the F-20 Ball Stretcher in 3 sizes (50/67mm, 55/72mm, and 60/77mm) and 2 colors (blue and glow-in-the dark), and the F-48 Vibrating Perineum Double C-Ring in blue and black.

We love working with FemmeFunn and seeing what they come out with next, Entrenue President Joe Casella said. Volea offers a powerful massager in a fun and interesting shape, and the new items from FORTO gives retailers even more options for their penis-pleasing clientele. FemmeFunn offers popular shapes in fun colors and priced accessibly, making them fantastic options for shoppers, and their margins are some of the strongest in the industry!

With clean, modern shapes in striking colors with clean, modern packaging, FORTO products make for eye-catching displays.

Volea is packaged in a sleek boxes with colorful accents. The packaging coordinates with that of other FemmeFunn products.

To view Entrenues newest catalog, log into your account at entrenue.com to start browsing.

To place an order, call (800) 368-7268, email [email protected] or visit Entrenue.com.

###

Entrenue is a passionate boutique distributor that supports retail businesses by offering the most unique, innovative and high-quality product lines available anywhere. Since 1994, the companys hand-selected collection of intimate products have educated, aroused, inspired and stimulated the senses, and it is Entrenues belief that these products improve relationships and help men, women and couples truly enjoy a more passionate life. Entrenue provides the information and tools necessary to help customers attain their goals and offers the highest level of customer service available on the market.
LONDONBritish, eco-friendly sex toy brand Love Not War has been named the Best New Sustainable Brand for Sex Toys at the annual Marie Claire Sustainability Awards.

Marie Claire UKs annual Sustainability Awards aims to celebrate brands, organizations and products that are genuinely implementing change and building a better tomorrow, and judge Hannah Cox picked this winner because of the "innovative way theyre bringing sustainability to a new market."

This latest award, the brands fourth this year, joins the ranks of Love Not War's recent wins including a Gold iF Award, a Red Dot Award (the "Oscar" of the eco-conscious world) and a Green Product Award.

Commented Love Not War co-founder and CEO Will Ranscombe, "No one wants a secondhand sex toy, and we all know it is notoriously difficult to repair a damaged sex toy. Sex toys are becoming ever more mainstream and the sexual wellness industry is booming, so it is of the utmost importance to find solutions to help make our industry greener.

"We are incredibly proud of the entire Love Not War range and everything we have been able to achieve in such a short space of time," he continued. "We made it our mission to become the most sustainable adult toy brand on the market and encourage others in the industry to follow suit. This award is not only a massive achievement for us professionally but it also acts as a great testament to our efforts in the field of sustainability. It means people see the true value in finding eco-friendly and sustainable sex toy options. People are both excited and intrigued by the prospect of a sex toy that is not only able to offer them pleasure but also takes the planet into consideration."

The sustainable pleasure toy company, which launched in April 2021, has created the worlds first range of eco-conscious vibrators using aluminium drink cans and converting them into luxury sex toys.

As a few facts about Love Not War's products:

 Four recycled 330ml drink cans provide enough aluminium to manufacture one Love Not War toy.

 Love Not Wars latest product release, Maya, is made up of 99 percent recycled aluminum and it only requires three drink cans to produce.

 One recycled daily newspaper (120g roughly) is enough to make the cardboard packaging and inserts for two Love Not War units (60g per unit) and all of the company's packaging is fully compostable.

Love Not Wars entire range of products, which are designed and created in the companys custom-built, green-powered factory, are waterproof, rechargeable and come in two separate parts, the base and head. This makes each vibrator head detachable and interchangeable with all the other heads in the brands range, allowing owners to have multiple toys in one.

For sales inquiries, contact [email protected] or reach out to your local Gisele International sales rep at [email protected] or Entrenue sales rep at [email protected].




President Joe Biden and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo (not pictured) hold a virtual meeting with business leaders and state governors to discuss supply chain problems, particularly addressing semiconductor chips, on the White House campus in Washington, US, March 9, 2022. [Photo/Agencies]



White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has made no bones about the purpose of the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Act that is expected to be approved by Congress this week.

In a news briefing last week, she said that the CHIPS Act is to "make sure Chips incentives generate more semiconductor investment here in the US, not in China, and guardrails help slow the growth of investment in China".

The United States' share of global chip production has dropped from nearly 40 percent in 1990 to 12 percent today. But that is also a period when the advancement of relevant technology and the spread of the know-how led to extended supply chains for their manufacture. The production of some advanced chips involves more than 1,000 processes and requires more than 70 kinds of cross-border collaborations.

The CHIPS Act is an attempt to wind back the clock. It aims to shatter the global supply chains for the production of chips, and concentrate what is a global industry in the US.

Washington's efforts date back to January 2017 when the former Barack Obama administration released the report Ensuring US Leadership and Innovation in Semiconductors shortly before its tenure drew to an end. This is believed to have spurred its successor to target Huawei and other hi-tech Chinese companies.

However, despite Washington's efforts, China's chip industry has maintained fast development. The total sales of chip-related companies in China rose 18 percent last year to a record 1 trillion yuan ($148 billion). Over the past four quarters, 19 of the world's 20 fastest-growing chip companies are from China.

China's status will not be changed in the short term due to the vigorous development of its domestic home appliances, electronics, communications, intelligent vehicles and large-scale promotion of the internet of things and cloud technology.

That means although it is at the lower end of the chip industry, chip companies around the world cannot afford to lose the foundation of China in the pyramid of the industry.

So the victims of the Act will by no means be restricted to Chinese companies.

Over the past month, Washington has pressed the government of the Netherlands to ban Dutch exports of deep ultraviolet lithography systems to China, and the Republic of Korea to join its chip alliance.

The chip industry is a model of globalized industry, and the formation and development of the global chip industry chains and supply chains are the results of the joint action of market law and enterprise choice. But Washington wants to have control of the industry so it can grab the whole world by the throat given the importance of semiconductors to almost all advanced industries today. That is doomed to failure.




Photo taken on July 18, 2022 shows the combination of China's space station lab module Wentian and a Long March-5B Y3 carrier rocket being transferred to the launch area in South China's Hainan province. [Photo/Xinhua]

The launch of China's space station lab module Wentian has attracted worldwide attention, which is a latest step of China's great space exploration.

Wentian, or "Quest for the Heavens", will be the Tiangong space station's first lab component, which will function both as a backup of the core module and as a powerful scientific experiment platform. The craft weighs more than 20 metric tons and is about six stories tall, and consists of three major parts  a crew work compartment, an unpressurized cargo module, and a control module.

Scientific cabinets inside Wentian will mainly be used to perform biological and life science tasks and will support research on the growth, aging and genetic traits of plants, animals and microbes in space.

Such news will obviously rattle the US, because it cannot accept the progress other countries have made in space research owing to its hegemonic mindset and skewed sense of superiority.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson told the German newspaper Bild on July 2 that, "We must be very concerned that China is landing on the moon." Claiming that China could take over the moon, asserting, he asserted that, "It's ours now and you stay out."

Earlier, on May 17, Nelson had warned about the space race with China at a US Congress hearing. He also warned about China's aggression in outer space and the cybersecurity risks posed by technology theft, alleging that, "They are pretty good at stealing."

These are baseless claims.

The Outer Space Treaty, which entered into force in October 1967, says space is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means, and that outer space shall be free for exploration and use by all states. Hence, its ridiculous that a high-ranking US official is trying to smear China, especially because China has always conformed to all United Nations tenets and abided by its conventions.

China has never thought about taking over the moon or monopolizing outer space. On the other hand, US leaders and scientists have made such a claim. For instance, as early as the 1950s, US scientists urged Washington to intensify its scientific endeavor to take over the moon before the Soviet Union did, and plant the stars and stripes on the moon's surface to claim sovereignty over it.

Although this US ambition was dashed due to the Outer Space Treaty, the colonial mindset of possession upon discovery or arrival is unfortunately deep-rooted in some peoples minds, Nelson included.

Indeed, China has made remarkable strides in the aerospace industry in the past decades, from the launch of its first artificial satellite in 1970 to the launch of the Shenzhou-14 in 2022. Now, it is building the Tiangong space station, and has promised, most remarkably, to provide all countries with space research and exploration opportunities under the UN cooperation framework. In fact, nine science projects designed by 17 countries will be among the first scientific experiments in the Chinese space station.

Having suffered invasions and occupations by colonial powers in the past, China understands the predicament of many developing countries that have been victims of Western colonialism. Space research and exploration, especially the technologies and applied sciences which it may result in, may present greater development opportunities for developing countries.

That is exactly why bio medicine, material research, and animal and plant research are given priority in Chinas outer space project. The exploration of the moon is also part of Chinas outer space project. In 2019, China became the first country to successfully land a probe on the far side of the moon. The same year, China and Russia announced a joint lunar expedition, including the establishment of an international permanent manned lunar scientific research station.

Even though the exploration of the moon, including manned landing and construction of research stations, is technically complex, investment intensive, and time consuming, it could help human beings better understand the moon and investigate the potential value of the moon to meet humankinds resource demand.

Yet China has never intended to explore the moon alone. On the contrary, it hopes to help more countries access outer space and conduct space research through its own programs, so as to benefit humankind.

In contrast, still obsessed with the zero-sum game, some Western countries have set up one obstacle after another to the exploration of outer space for the common good. Companies such as SpaceX are building a "star chain" with tens of thousands of satellites for corporate gains while taking up huge orbit resources. These seriously challenge the basic principle of space resource sharing and exploration for the interest of humankind. The US government, too, is promoting the commercialization of space operations for economic gains, with US officials even considering formulating a tax system for commercial space companies.

But China believes in the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind and adheres to the principle of win-win cooperation, which is being welcomed by more and more people across the world. And in space, China will always steadfastly uphold peace, and promote cooperation and mutual benefit.

The author is the editor-in-chief of Aerospace Knowledge.
The concert by superstar entertainer Kid Rock that was to kick off the North Dakota State Fair in Minot was canceled Friday night due to severe weather in the area, leaving many angry fans, some of whom became unruly at the scene and some of whom showed their frustration through social media posts.

It wasn't immediately clear who canceled the show as thousands of fans packed in front of the grandstand at the State Fairgrounds. The fair posted on social media late Friday that "Due to the safety concerns of the high winds, lightning, and severe weather in the area, the Kid Rock concert had to be canceled. The North Dakota State Fair will be issuing refunds to all ticket purchasers."

Kid Rock posted, "So (angry) we could not play for a sold out crowd tonight in Minot, ND (because of high winds). I know it sucks but none of us can control Mother Nature. Please be safe leaving and take care of each other."

The fair on Saturday issued a statement saying, "The cancellation of the North Dakota State Fair Kid Rock concert was a decision made by Ward County sheriff, state fair management, Kid Rocks management, the shows producer, and the stage production manager. Due to the safety concerns of the high winds, lightning, and severe weather in the area, the Kid Rock concert was canceled as it posed a serious threat to the safety of those individuals attending or setting up the event."

The Ward County Sheriff's Department posted on Facebook late Friday that "The Sheriff's Department would like to clarify to tonight's concert fans that the decision to cancel the Kid Rock concert was not made by the Sheriff's Department. The Sheriff simply announced the cancellation. We did not cancel the show."

Fair General Manager Renae Korslien and other fair officials did not comment to the Tribune. The fair supplied its statement to the Tribune in response to several questions, including how many tickets were sold to see the artist who has sold more than 26 million albums. Tickets were $65 apiece.

Many fans posted angry comments on social media, noting that fair carnival rides were not shut down by the weather and that opening band Night Ranger performed. Some fans posted that they understood the decision.

Video footage posted on social media showed fans hurling cups or bottles at the stage, and one person jumping on stage and being tackled, apparently by security, and taken off by law enforcement officers.

National Weather Service reports show wind damage north of Minot around the time of the planned concert, including tree and roof damage at Minot Air Force Base and a damaged farm building near Lansford. There were reports of a funnel cloud near Glenburn and wind in excess of 60 mph. A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect.

The fair's statement said that it had issued refunds to all concertgoers who bought their tickets off the fair website.

"If you purchased with a card, the money will be refunded to that card within the standard 5-7 business days. If you purchased with cash, please do not discard your ticket or receipts as we will need a way to show that specific ticket was purchased by the ticket purchaser," the statement said. "A photo ID will be required for cash refunds and the ticket must match the name on the ID. If the ticket was not purchased directly from the ND State Fair, you will need to contact the entity or person you purchased the ticket from for refund information."

The nine-day fair got underway Friday. The fair is the largest annual event in the state, attracting about 300,000 people each year and pumping tens of millions of dollars into the economy of the state's fourth-largest city. It began in 1922. A new grandstand was built in 2010.
The Carbon County Sheriff's sergeant who struck and killed two people on Highway 212 July 15 was responding to the initial motorcycle wreck, the Sheriff said in a press release Monday.

Carbon County Sheriff Josh McQuillan said Sergeant Kelly Carrington, who struck and killed two men on the highway near Roberts was dispatched to respond to the initial motorcycle wreck.

The press release said Carrington first responded to a traffic complaint and later received further information that a serious accident had occurred.

Darren Shull, 52, of Billings, and Jesse Beck, 35, of Rockvale, were both in Carringtons lane on Highway 212 near Roberts when he struck them in a Carbon County Sheriffs patrol vehicle. Schull had stopped on the side of the road to help Beck who had crashed his motorcycle according to a GoFundMe raising money for Shulls family.

While driving, Darren witnessed a motorcycle go down. In true Darren fashion, he pulled his car off to the side of the road and rushed to the motorcyclists side to start first aid. While trying to help the motorcyclist, Darren was hit by a car and did not survive his injuries, the post read.

While in the road the two men were hit by Carrington, McQuillan said in the release. Both men died from the crash. What the specific cause of the crash was is still unknown.

The incident was captured on two video recording devices. Investigation of the incident is ongoing, led by investigators from the Montana Highway Patrol and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, the press release said.

Sgt. Carrington has 16 years law enforcement experience, including 11 years with the Carbon County Sheriffs Office. He is currently on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.
A Bismarck man whose baby suffered injuries that required him to be flown to a Fargo hospital for treatment pleaded guilty on Monday to child abuse under a deal with prosecutors.

South Central District Judge Douglas Bahr said he will not decide whether to accept the plea agreement for Jaydenle Bushard until after the completion of a presentence investigation and mental health evaluation.

Bushard, 23, pleaded guilty to three counts of felony child abuse. Each count carries a maximum 10-year sentence.

Burleigh County States Attorney Julie Lawyer said the plea deal calls for Bushard to serve a total of nine years behind bars -- consecutive 10-year sentences with all but three years suspended on each count.

Bismarck police last October responded to a call that Bushard's 1-month-old son was unresponsive. The baby's injuries included scratches, bruising on both legs, a bruise on his chin, and bruising on the right and back left portion of his head, according to a police affidavit. A doctor told police an X-ray also showed healing injuries that could have occurred two weeks earlier.

Police say Bushard told them he bounced the baby on his leg without supporting the infant's head, and said the baby hit his head on the wall while being bounced. Bushard further said he shook the child for about five seconds after which the infant suffered a seizure, authorities say. Bruising on the child's chin was caused by a bottle dropped from about waist height as the child lay on the floor, Bushard allegedly told police.
A Mandan man faces nine charges after allegedly fleeing Bismarck police and possessing a large amount of drugs.

Joshua Gohl, 38, faces four drug-related charges and five fleeing-related charges, including reckless endangerment and preventing arrest, according to court documents. Seven of the charges are felonies; the most serious carries a maximum punishment of 20 years in jail.

Gohl fled from police after failing to halt for a traffic stop in the 1900 block of East Century Avenue around 2 a.m. Sunday, an affidavit said.

The vehicle was tracked by the aerial surveillance team of the North Dakota Highway Patrol to the 300 block of West Arbor Avenue, where it backed into a parked pickup truck and nearly hit a squad car while attempting to flee. The vehicle was then tracked to the Days Inn on East Capitol Avenue, where authorities said Gohl fled on foot.

Police searched Gohl after he was handcuffed and said they found a baggie of 29 pills believed to contain fentanyl, two baggies containing a total of five grams of methamphetamine, knives and $1,958 in cash. A total of 153 pills were seized, according to an affidavit.

A female passenger in Gohl's vehicle was last seen entering the Americas Best Value Inn & Suites on East Interchange Avenue but was not located inside.

A backpack left by the woman contained 61 grams of meth, 15 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia items, a digital scale and a calculator with the name Josh Gohl on it, an affidavit said.

Gohl made his initial court appearance on Monday and had bond set at $50,000 cash. Court documents do not list an attorney for him.
Workers have finished reinstalling the original stained-glass windows in the Church of the Bread of Life in downtown Bismarck, the oldest church and one of the oldest structures in the city.

The stained-glass windows in the church at Camp Hancock State Historic Site were mostly created by unknown local artists. Two of them were created by renowned 19th century New York artist John La Farge and dedicated as memorial windows by the church in 1882. The La Farge windows were restored and reinstalled separately in 2020 at a cost of $14,210.

Its the original glass from the 1880s, so it adds a lot of historical value," Site Supervisor Johnathan Campbell said. It's not the same building without it."

The project is one of many in the building over the years. The State Historical Society of North Dakota first renovated the site in 1971, and new rounds of upgrades started in 2018. Projects have included new interior paint, new exterior shingling and other window projects.

The goal is to restore the building to a look similar to when it was first constructed, and preserve its history.

The building was first constructed as Church of the Bread of Life by an Episcopal congregation in the 1880s. It was renamed to St. George's Episcopal Church in 1887. The building originally was at Avenue A and Mandan Street; it was moved to Third Street and Rosser in 1899. The congregation after completing a new building sold the original structure to John and Eva Calnan in 1949, and it became a funeral home.

The Calhans sold the building in 1961 to the Presbyterian church, which donated it to the State Historical Society soon after. The building was moved to its current site in 1965.

Vandals with rocks damaged many of the original stained-glass windows around that time, according to Campbell. The windows were moved to storage, and the window openings were boarded shut before the building was moved to Camp Hancock. Plain milk-glass storm windows were installed a few years later. They'll remain to help protect the stained-glass windows, but will also be replaced.

Campbell first learned of the stained-glass windows 15 years ago. They were being stored in a shed at Fort Lincoln State Park. Campbell had them moved to Camp Hancock with the intention of having them restored, but support for the project was hard to come by.

Officials expected the project to be expensive but never attempted to obtain an estimate. The Bismarck Historical Society obtained one in 2019 that breathed new life into the project.

"The total for the window project was $85,000 for the stained-glass restoration and install. The new storm windows being installed ... cost $22,000," Campbell said.

The cost of the new storm windows has dropped from the 2019 estimate of $28,000 due to lower material prices, while the cost of the stained-glass windows has remained the same.

The Northern Plains Heritage Foundation offered a $20,000 grant, and the Bismarck Historical Society spearheaded fundraising that totaled another $20,500, according to project manager Emily Sakariassen. The rest of the money came from federal CARES Act coronavirus pandemic aid.

The stained-glass isnt cheap, so (the project is) also honoring an older generation that built the structure originally," Sakariassen said.

Minneapolis based Gaytee-Palmer Stained Glass Studio restored and installed the windows.

Officials are planning a two-hour event on Saturday, Sept. 3, for the public to view the windows, learn about the history of the church and watch historical reenactments. It's part of the city's summerlong celebration of its 150th anniversary.

"Its just a special building, and one of the crown jewels of historic Bismarck," Sakariassen said. Its a positive thing for the community to see.
Doses of a new type of COVID-19 vaccine health officials say uses more traditional technology that might be more acceptable to vaccine holdouts will be available to nonvaccinated North Dakota residents starting later this week.

The state Health Department on Monday said it has received 7,800 doses of the Novavax vaccine. Health care providers in the state are educating staff and updating protocols.

Novavax uses protein-based technology that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says has been used for more than 30 years in the U.S., including in vaccines for influenza, hepatitis B and whooping cough.

Some people who have hesitated to get the previously available Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccines have cited unease with how quickly those vaccines were developed.

Federal data shows that North Dakota continues to have some of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the country: 66.9% of adults in the state are fully vaccinated, with the rate for all vaccine-eligible people -- age 5 and older -- at 60.5%. The national averages are 77% and 71.4%, respectively. Only 11 states have a lower COVID-19 vaccination percentage for adults.

If you have been waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine built on a different technology than those previously available, now is the time to join the millions of Americans who have been vaccinated, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said last week as the agency endorsed Novavax, clearing the way for its use.

The vaccine is available only for adults. Like the other vaccines, it comes in a two-dose series. The shots are administered three weeks apart.

North Dakota's Health Department is encouraging residents who are not yet vaccinated against COVID-19 to talk with their doctor about Novavax.

COVID-19 vaccines are an important tool for preventing serious outcomes, including hospitalization and death, due to COVID-19," North Dakota Immunization Director Molly Howell said in a statement.

Reactions to Novavax in clinical studies were mild, with pain at the injection site the most common, according to the Health Department and the CDC. Federal regulators did warn about the possibility of a rare risk -- heart inflammation -- that also has been seen with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, mostly in teen boys or young men, according to The Associated Press.

Novavax is not authorized for use as a booster dose or as an additional dose for immunocompromised people. Howell urged North Dakotans who are vaccinated but not yet boosted to consider getting a booster dose of one of the other vaccines to protect themselves from severe illness.

The CDC noted that COVID-19 cases are on the rise again across the country.

North Dakota's most recent COVID-19 statistics, released Friday, show that the number of weekly confirmed cases has nearly doubled from two months ago, pushed by highly contagious mutations of the omicron variant of the virus. Two-thirds of North Dakota's 53 counties are now considered to have either a medium or high coronavirus transmission risk, when just a few months ago nearly all counties were considered to be at low risk. Burleigh and Morton counties both remain in the high risk category.

However, the severity of disease remains low in the state, with weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations numbering only in the dozens and virus-related deaths averaging fewer than four per week over the past four months.

Go to https://www.ndvax.org or https://bit.ly/3N3IMxb or call 866-207-2880 to see where COVID-19 vaccine is available. More detailed pandemic information is at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
The latest North Dakota coronavirus news: homeowners help, workplace dialogue, food aid and more.

Help for Homeowners

The North Dakota Department of Human Services has announced help for homeowners struggling financially and at risk of housing instability because of past-due mortgage payments, utilities or other housing-related costs.

Our goal is to support housing stability and sustain homeownership for North Dakotans who have experienced financial hardship because of the pandemic, Executive Policy Director Jessica Thomasson said.

The ND Help for Homeowners program anticipates assisting homeowners who lost income due to underlying health conditions, long-term COVID-19 complications, unemployment or reduced work hours including lost self-employment income, and other financial hardships. Households that own and occupy their single-family home, duplex, condominium or manufactured home and who meet Treasury Department and state program criteria may qualify.

Homeowners can get more information or apply online at https://www.applyforhelp.nd.gov/nd-help-homeowners. People also can call the ND Homeowner Assistance Fund team at 701-328-1907 or 711 (TTY) and ask to speak to a homeowner assistance specialist.

COVID and workplaces

Federal officials are inviting the public to join a national online dialogue aimed at a better understanding of long-term COVID-19 in U.S. workplaces.

Some estimates are that 1 in 5 people infected with the virus might suffer a wide range of symptoms lasting three or more months. The U.S. Department of Labor, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Surgeon General are gathering ideas to better support workers coping with such symptoms, as well as to better support their co-workers and their employers.

Understanding and Addressing the Workplace Challenges Related to Long COVID is a virtual crowdsourcing event. Dialogue participants are invited to submit ideas, share comments and show their support for others ideas that they believe can help federal agencies identify and respond to long COVIDs workplace challenges, and help reduce the employment and financial impacts of the condition.

To take part or get more information, go to https://longcovidatwork.ideascale.com/a/index.

Mobile food pantry

Trucks carrying fresh vegetables, bakery items and boxed goods will make stops in North Dakota on Wednesday.

Food through the Great Plains Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry is available at no cost to those in need. Scheduled stops are (all times are local):

Fessenden, 700 Railway St. N., 9:30-10 a.m.

Harvey, 200 North St. E., 11:15 a.m.12 p.m.

Drake, 969 Highway 52 E., 1-1:30 p.m.

Leeds, 221 Main St., 3:15-4 p.m.

Fort Totten, 7889 Highway 57, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Lincoln, Peace Lutheran Church, 6-7 p.m.

For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3lkvv80.

Testing and vaccines

A comprehensive list of free public COVID-19 testing offered in North Dakota can be found at health.nd.gov/covidtesting. That site also lists where free at-home test kits are being offered.

People can go to https://www.ndvax.org or call 866-207-2880 to see where COVID-19 vaccine is available near them.

County-level COVID-19 risks determined by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be found at https://bit.ly/3Clifrq.

Guidance and resources for businesses are at https://bit.ly/3w0DpKj.

General information is at https://www.health.nd.gov/diseases-conditions/coronavirus.
A 6-year-old girl who died when she fell from a parade float just before the start of Mandan's Fourth of July parade might have been reaching to pop a soap bubble when the chair she was sitting in toppled over the side, putting her in the path of the float trailer's wheels.

A police report of the incident released to the Tribune on Monday paints a heartbreaking picture of a little girl -- who wasn't even supposed to be in Mandan on the holiday -- dying a tragic death.

Mabel Askay, a recent kindergarten graduate from Ventura, California, was in town visiting relatives.

"(Mother) Danielle had explained that they had come up for a family vacation and was supposed to be meeting (husband and father) Mike in Montana, but she had delayed leaving Mandan to meet up with him as they had become sick ... and decided to stay in Mandan to wait out their quarantine and mandatory mask time," police Sgt. April Bowman wrote.

Mabel, whose aunt works at DK Orthodontics, was riding on the business's float atop a double-axle flatbed trailer that was en route to the parade staging area about 9 a.m. on July Fourth when she fell and was killed. Mandan Police Lt. Pat Haug on Friday told the Tribune that an investigation determined no charges are warranted because the death was "just a pure accident."

Nobody did anything really to cause it, he said.

Mabel was seated on a "child size red folding chair" at the front of the float trailer, Haug wrote in the police report. Bowman described it as a "camping chair." Officer Trenton Stewart described the chairs on the float as "beach chairs" and said they "were not secured in any fashion to the bed of the trailer."

The man driving the pickup that was towing the float told police that he was at a complete stop because traffic in front of him was stopped, and that as those vehicles began to move forward so did he. He reported not going very fast. A passenger in a semitrailer in line directly behind the float told police that he estimated the speed at about 5 mph. A witness on the float told police the float was "wobbly" when it would stop and start.

Bowman wrote, "The trailer had side rails with signage for DK Orthodontics near the back two sides and rear end of the trailer, just past the wheel axles. The front portion of the float was open on both sides ..."

A DK Orthodontics employee on the float who saw Mabel fall over the side told police that the girl had her arm outstretched immediately beforehand, and another witness said another child on the float had been playing with bubbles and that he thought Mabel might have been trying to pop a bubble.

The police report indicates confusion ensued after Mabel fell. One witness told police she yelled at the pickup driver to back up but that he drove forward instead. The driver reported that he had put the truck in park but heard some people yelling for him to drive forward, so he did, then stopped again.

The driver of the semi behind the float corroborated that some people were yelling at the pickup driver to go forward while others were yelling at him to back up.

Mabel was pronounced dead at a hospital. The cause of death is listed as "blunt force injury of head," and deemed accidental.

'Red-haired tornado'

The Askay family in a statement to the Tribune in the aftermath of Mabel's death said she "lit up every room she ever entered, and our world is now dimmer without her. We know she is with Jesus, but we are having a very difficult time saying goodbye. Please keep our family, including Mabel's older siblings, Fletcher and Matilda, in your prayers as we gather our strength to start the process of moving forward."

Mabel's obituary states she "lived her life like a red-haired tornado that fiercely loved everyone she ever came across. She never met anyone, or any of God's creatures, that she couldn't be friends with." It described her as someone who was "always up for adventure"; a lover of books, animals and cuddling, or as she called it, "cuttlin"; and a child who "loved to dress up and twirl" but also "loved to get sweaty and dirty."

"She was equally comfortable wearing dresses as she was in her beloved baggies," the obituary said.

A GoFundMe account set up for the Askay family had a goal of $10,000 and has raised more than $93,000.

The family in a notice published in a recent Bismarck Tribune Celebrate section thanked the Bismarck-Mandan community for your love, support, financial contributions, encouraging words, prayers and hugs over the past two weeks as we said goodbye to our Mabel Rae. You held us up while our world crumbled.
Drought in 2021 has impacted grouse populations in North Dakota, according to newly released spring survey results from the state Game and Fish Department.

Statewide, 2,639 sharp-tailed grouse were observed on spring dancing grounds this year, a 13% drop from last year. Male grouse recorded per square mile -- four -- was slightly above the 10-year average of 3.8.

These declines align with poor reproduction documented during the 2021 drought, Upland Game Management Supervisor Jesse Kolar said. We observed low sharptail reproduction rates during late-summer roadside counts and found a low juvenile-to-adult ratio from hunter-submitted wings.

Fourteen male sage grouse were counted on one active lek this spring, down from seven males on six leks last year. Leks are mating grounds. North Dakota does not offer a hunting season on sage grouse due to the low population.

Survey results indicate a 52% increase in the number of ruffed grouse drums heard in the Turtle Mountains, but a 5% decrease in drums heard per stop in the Pembina Hills.

When combined, survey results indicate a steady population of ruffed grouse drums heard in 2022 compared to 2021, Kolar said.

The spring grouse census provides an indication of breeding populations. For sharptails, results can be combined with brood count data to predict fall populations. Game and Fish staff conduct late-summer roadside counts from late July through August to survey upland game broods and will release a summary in early September.

Despite the decrease, the fall outlook will include the spring breeding adults plus successful broods, Kolar said. This spring had poor residual grass following the 2021 drought. Early nesting was further disrupted by significant snowstorms in the second and third weeks of April.

"However, the result is a grassland landscape with abundant, tall nesting vegetation for mid- to late-season nesting attempts. We'll see if that is enough to protect chicks from summer storms," he said.

Hunting success

Game and Fish also has released summaries of the 2021 upland game bird seasons. Pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge harvests all were down from 2020. Upland Game Biologist RJ Gross cited fewer hunters and below-average reproduction.

Although anecdotal reports from hunters indicated 2021 reproduction was better than we reported, the juvenile-to-adult ratio from our hunter-submitted wings confirmed that 2021 reproduction was below-average for pheasants and sharptail, he said.

Last year, 47,020 pheasant hunters (down 18%) harvested 259,997 roosters (down 21%). Counties with the highest percentage of pheasants taken were Hettinger, Divide, Bowman, Williams and Stark.

A total of 15,762 grouse hunters (down 21%) harvested 45,732 sharp-tailed grouse (down 47%). Counties with the highest percentage of sharptails taken were Mountrail, Burleigh, Ward, Divide and Kidder.

Game and Fish said 14,013 hunters (down 17%) harvested 44,822 Hungarian partridge (down 14%). Counties with the highest percentage of Hungarian partridge taken were Mountrail, Ward, Stark, Williams and Divide.
Dr. Carol Queen is a Sexologist and curator of San Francisco's one and only Antique Vibrator Museum. In the video, she teaches us about how vibrators have been marketed to people throughout time, how the museum obtains its artifacts, and the technology behind the vibrators in their collection. Queen explains that in the past, vibrators were sold to women in order to "cure hysteria." They were almost never sold as outright sex toys, either, and the packaging only hinted at what the purpose of the vibrator was.

Queen explains that the most exciting way the museum adds to its collection is when people donate antique vibrators to them. She says that shy people often come inside with a brown paper bag, drop it off at the counter, and then make a run for the door. You can see the oldest vibrator in their collection at 3:17, which is hand-cranked and pre-electric. What a fascinating museum and Q and A!

From YouTube:
Doll's Head Trail is a wonderfully eerie hike through DeKalb County's Constitution Lakes Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Here's a video of the trail, which takes walkers past doll parts and other found objects. Joel Slaton created the art installation on the trail in 2011 after he began finding discarded doll parts, appliances, bike parts, bottles, and clay tiles from the days when the site used to be the South River Brick Company.

Slaton explains that the brickmaking factory caused a lot of waste to be left behind in the area: "in a kiln, roughly half of any load of bricks might be either overcooked or undercooked, forcing them to be dumped. Other companies in Atlanta began paying the South River Brick Company money to dump their excess brick as well. The clay pits were eventually filled in by water, creating lakes, and after the quarry closed, a homestead was built, whichin the absence of available garbage servicealso used a portion of the property as a dumping ground."

The Doll's Head Trail is Slaton's awesome way of turning discarded objects into a mysterious landscape for people to explore.
China's economic rise over the last few decades has been steady and meticulous. The country has been ardently laboring in silence to become the frontrunner in the global economy, and they've honestly been nailing it. Blizzard became a mouthpiece for China only a few years ago during the Hong Kong protests. Disney even faced a ton of backlash for filming the live-action Mulan adjacent to the site of the Uyghur Muslim concentration camps. For most companies, the chance at earning a crack at Chinese dollars was tantalizing enough for them to abandon their already slender set ethics in a heartbeat.

Nowadays, China's financial future isn't nearly as stable. In the video linked above, the YouTube channel Business Basics explains how a multi-billion dollar banking scam has caused Chinese citizens to lose faith in their financial institutions. The images contained in the video of Chinese tanks gathering to intimidate protesters illustrate how severe the banking crisis in China has become.
Marjorie Taylor Greene said it again over the weekend. "We need to be the party of nationalism and I'm a Christian, and I say it proudly, we should be Christian Nationalists," Georgia's CongressQuack said about the Republican party (see first video below). She has been pushing the "Christian Nationalist" brand as a "movement" wherever she goes as of late.

"If we're going to label it 'Christian Nationalism,' this movement will actually be the movement that stops the school shootings" she said recently on her podcast (second video below), accusing anyone who opposed it as a domestic terrorist. "We can even say the Democrats are the domestic terrorists."

"Republicans need to prove to the American people that we are the party of American Nationalism  Christian Nationalism," Greene said last week on another podcast (third video below), as if they haven't proven that already. "I have no problem saying I'm a Christian Nationalist."

"I call myself a Christian Nationalist," she also said at a Turning Point USA event (last video below). "There's nothing wrong with leading with your faith." As long as your faith is Christianity.

Reporter @TaylerUSA and @RepMTG sat down for an exclusive interview.



They talked about God, Child Drag Shows, January 6th, and the lack of courage in the GOP. pic.twitter.com/1apZJOb2cB  Next News Network  (@NextNewsNetwork) July 24, 2022

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene says that Christian nationalism is nothing to fear because it's the only thing that can stop school shootings, crime, and sexual immorality, declaring that anyone who opposes it is a "domestic terrorist." pic.twitter.com/0WhcAfFeCT  Right Wing Watch (@RightWingWatch) June 3, 2022

On the Catturd podcast, Marjorie Taylor Greene said the GOP is the party of Christian nationalism and Christian nationalist policies "serve everyone."



Greene: "Republicans need to prove to the American people that we are the party of Christian nationalism." pic.twitter.com/KaL2FFT62A  PatriotTakes  (@patriottakes) July 19, 2022
Hiring has slowed across the Buffaqlo Niagara region, but with inflation spiking and interest rates rising, that's a good thing.

Amazon has the go-ahead for its plan to build a big distribution center in the Town of Niagara, but it still has plenty of big hurdles to clear.

The Erie County Legislature is pleading with ECC President David Balkin and union reps to work together for the future of ECC.

Facing federal allegations of bank fraud, Frank Giacobbe and Michael Tremiti received light sentences in the criminal case against Rochester real estate developer Robert C Morgan.

Tesla's solar energy business had its best quarter in more than four years, rebounding from supply chain issues that had depressed installations during the winter.

Developers have a new vision for the failed Radisson Hotel Niagara Falls-Grand Island  converting it into apartments.

The acquisition of People's United Financial is paying early dividends for M&T Bank, which is extending its presence in the Northeast.

While it may be profitable, Lake Shore Bancorp is being criticized by a federal agency for its technology compliance issues and governance.

A few days before training camp starts, Bills star QB Josh Allen toured Oishei Children's Hospital to see the impact of the Patricia Allen Fund.

Looks like 43 North's decision to tweak its prize structure was a good one, as its pool of applicants has expanded.

A developer's plan calls for Orchard Park Road bar Flattery's to be demolished in favor of 45-unit apartment complex on the property.

Buffalo-based startup Centivo has big plans for the $30 million investment for the business being made by a massive bank and financial services firm.

In the market for a hotel? One of the region's biggest and most prominent suburban hotels is up for auction.

A University at Buffalo aerospace engineering team has invented an out-of-this-world spacecraft that is backed by NASA.

Buffalo Next reporters Jonathan D. Epstein, Jon Harris, Natalie Brophy, Matt Glynn, Janet Gramza and Mike Petro contributed to this roundup.

ICYMI

Five reads from Buffalo Next:

1. Rich Products relies on innovation and new products to keep its business growing  and a good portion of those efforts are based in Buffalo.

2. Buffalo's startups aren't just for coders. They're luring accountants and sales workers, too: Though more and more startup companies are geared toward technology and there is a demand for tech employees  especially in Western New York  employees such as accountants, customer service representatives and salespeople are vital parts of these organizations, as well.

3. New stadium, new experience: More details are emerging on Buffalo Bills facility: "We want to really harness the energy of the Buffalo fans and create a unique game-day experience," said Scott Radecic, a former Buffalo Bills linebacker who is serving as the project executive for Populous, the stadium's architect.

4. Donald Boyd has some "enormous challenges" ahead, according to one health care administration expert, as the 50-year-old takes over as CEO of Kaleida Health after spending nearly his entire career there, rising through the ranks of Western New York's largest health system.

5. Dollar stores are booming: Do these retailers help or hurt communities?: The dollar store industry is one of the fastest growing in the country, often bringing a wide-ranging store to communities and neighborhoods where shopping options are limited. But not everyone is happy.
Buffalo police were continuing to investigate a blockade of the westbound Kensington Expressway on Saturday evening caused by motorists who stopped their cars to release balloons as a memorial tribute to a man who died July 16 in a motorcycle crash.

The vehicles blocked westbound traffic on Route 33 for about 20 minutes, according to police, who arrived on scene around 6:05 p.m.

Police in a statement late Saturday labeled such unsanctioned activities as extremely dangerous.

Police were not informed of the event beforehand, according to spokesman Michael DeGeorge.

Nasir Porter, 21, died July 16 at Erie County Medical Center after striking a guiderail on a motorcycle on the Kensington Expressway near the Best Street exit ramp, police said at the time.

A crowd of friends and relatives of the deceased motorcyclist went to the site around 6 p.m. Saturday, blocking westbound traffic with their cars and gathering in a circle near the Northampton Street bridge. After releasing balloons, they left as police arrived.

The busy highway, which has a posted speed limit of 55 mph, runs from downtown Buffalo and through the East Side before connecting with the Thruway in Cheektowaga and continuing on to the Buffalo-Niagara Airport.

DeGeorge said he was not aware of any summonses being issued in the incident.

He said police respond as quickly as they can get to the scene, disperse the crowd, open the road and hopefully prevent any injuries.

Police asked for anyone with information about the blockade to call the confidential tip line at 716-847-2255.
Detectives are investigating an incident Sunday evening in which a woman on a porch was grazed by gunfire, Buffalo police spokesman Michael J. DeGeorge reported.

According to the report, a 35-year-old Buffalo woman was taken in a private vehicle to Erie County Medical Center, where she was listed in stable condition.

DeGeorge said that officers were called just before 8:40 p.m. to the scene in the first block of Cornwall Avenue, off East Ferry Street.

Anyone with information is asked to call or text the Buffalo police confidential Tipcall line at 716-847-2255.
A youth fleeing from an altercation at Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet four years ago threatened to come back the next day and shoot and kill everyone in the school.

The next day, 23 Buffalo Public Schools teachers called in sick.

A state court now says that act was tantamount to going out on strike.

A state appeals court last week upheld an administrative ruling that 16 of the teachers engaged in an unlawful strike when they used a sick day following the fight.

The Appellate Division of State Supreme Court, Third Department, upheld a ruling by the Public Employees Relations Board (PERB) against the New York State United Teachers, Buffalo.

Although there was evidence to support a different conclusion, there was substantial evidence that the union "caused, encouraged, instigated, and/or condoned an unlawful strike by 16 of its unit members at Public School 59," the decision said.

"This is just another example of the vindictiveness of the school district, at least at the time," Buffalo Teachers Federation President Philip Rumore said.

Rumore said the union will appeal the decision.

The penalty issued by PERB was a suspension of union dues at School 59 for four months. Each teacher to have been found to have participated was also docked two days pay for the one day strike, according to Nathaniel Kuzma, general counsel for Buffalo Public Schools.

The District is pleased with the decision of the Appellate Division and expects the BTF to abide by the law in the future regarding the prohibition of public sector labor strikes, Kuzma said in a statement.

The incident started with a physical altercation at dismissal time at the school March 13, 2018, between two students and two older people who did not attend the school.

"After the fight, and while fleeing police, one of the older people stated, 'I'm coming tomorrow with a gun to shoot up this ... (epithet) school,' and that '[i]f you show up to work tomorrow, you're going to all die,' " according to the decision.

Immediately after, a union delegate, teacher Nicole LaRusch, held a meeting in her classroom. During or shortly after that meeting, 10 teachers called in sick for the following day. A total of 23 teachers were absent the next day, and after an investigation, the district concluded that 16 of them engaged in a strike.

"Teachers went in afterwards and were consoling each other and someone was saying that they were going to take off, they were just so sick of it," Rumore said.

He said union officials told the delegate to make sure that no one took a sick day who was not sick, and she notified members via email.

An administrative law judge sustained the charge against the union, and PERB affirmed that determination. The union then challenged the PERB ruling.

Under a section of the Civil Service Law known as the Taylor Law, no "public employee or employee organization shall engage in a strike, and no public employee or employee organization shall cause, instigate, encourage or condone a strike."

LaRusch testified that she announced at the meeting that she was not coming to school the next day for her "own emotional well-being," and she advised others to use a sick day, rather than a personal day, if they wanted to take the day off, according to the decision.

A representative of the teachers aide union said LaRusch told her to tell the aides to call in sick the following day because that's what the teachers were doing. The aide said that "LaRusch stated that they were calling out sick because 'the principal didn't care about (their) safety' and that they were sending a message to 'downtown'  meaning the district's headquarters  so that they could 'get resource officers in the school,' " according to court papers.

"The foregoing evidence amply supports the conclusion that, in violation of the Taylor Law, LaRusch and the 15 other absent teachers engaged in a concerted slowdown or stoppage of work as part of a coordinated effort to obtain a safer work environment," the decision states.

The decision says the teachers' union president and a union representative spoke with LaRusch about the concern that the action could be seen as an unlawful strike, and they told her to make it clear she was not directing anyone else to be absent, but that they did not ensure that the message was communicated to others.
This years harvest of fresh, local fruit and vegetables just grew more plentiful for residents of Buffalos East Side food desert who qualify for SNAP purchases.

Thanks in part to new state funding from Gov. Kathy Hochul, the Double Up Food Bucks NY program removed the $20 per day cap on its dollar-for-dollar match of SNAP-purchased produce at five East Side vendors through the end of the year.

The unlimited match aims to increase affordable access to fresh, healthy food in the area targeted by the white supremacist mass shooter who killed 10 Black neighbors and wounded three other people May 14 at the Jefferson Avenue Tops market, which serves a predominantly Black neighborhood.

The mass shooting closed the store for two months and put a national spotlight on the concentration of poverty and the lack of fresh, healthy food options on Buffalos East Side.

The Tops store reopened July 15 following a complete renovation that includes memorials to the victims, but We know there are some in the community that are not ready or dont want to return to the Tops on Jefferson, said Lisa French, executive director of the Field & Fork Network, which administers the Double Up Food Bucks NY program.

With shopping options being extremely limited, we hope this move will give residents greater freedom to shop at alternative locations, French said. We want to be part of the solution by making it easier for people to access fresh local food and invest in our partners who are working overtime on the East Side.

Participating partners offering unlimited matching funds in the Double Up Food Bucks program are:

 Clinton Bailey Farmers Market, 1443-1517 Clinton St. Sign up for Double Up cards on full market days, Saturdays through November.

 Urban Fruits & Veggies mobile markets  see the list at buffalogogreen.org/events.

 Buffalos Golden Corner, 1715 Jefferson Ave.

 Feedmore WNY Fresh Markets, multiple stops; see feedmorewny.org/programs-services/farm-market.

 African Heritage Food Co-op, 999 Broadway (inside the Broadway Market).

Anyone with SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits can participate in the Double Up program. Unlimited match is only offered at the East Side partner locations; all other locations still have the $20 daily cap, said Field & Fork Communications and Partnerships Manager Nichole Borchard. Double Up matching funds do not expire and can be banked for future purchases at the same location where they were earned, she said.

Double Up is a federal, state and privately funded nutrition incentive program for anyone with SNAP/EBT and P-EBT (pandemic assistance that continues through the summer for children/families who qualify for free school lunches).

Field & Fork Network launched the program in New York in 2014, and Buffalos East Side was the first community to embrace it, Borchard said. One of the first locations was the Clinton Bailey Farmers Market, a site that continues to see increasing participation from families seeking healthy food options.

In the two weeks since Field & Fork removed the cap for the East Side partners, the Clinton Bailey market has matched $18,000 in Double Up Food Bucks, Borchard said. Last Saturday, more than 100 people lined up by 8 a.m. to enroll in the Double Up program there, she said.

Fran Desiderio of Desis Produce, which sells a wide variety of fruits and vegetables at Clinton Bailey, said she has been spreading the word about the Double Up cap being lifted there.

People are very, very appreciative of this, she said. On Saturdays when the all the stands are full, we see people from all nationalities and cultures, and we are trying to cater to them by offering things like really hot peppers.

Besides helping low-income families put more fresh, healthy food on their tables, Double Up also helps local farmers sell more produce and gets more food dollars circulating in the local economy, Borchard said.

The program operates at more than 180 sites across New York including farmers markets, corner stores, mobile markets, farm stands and some grocery stores. On Buffalos East Side, the unlimited match will assist food providers who stepped up to offer free meals in the wake of the May 14 hate crime.

"We feel its not realistic to ask people to go shopping every day to receive the maximum benefit under the $20 cap," Borchard said. "Now if they go and spend $200 in one day, they will have earned another $200 on their Double Up card to use at that location.

Borchard said Field & Fork is also working with Tops to implement the program at the Jefferson Avenue store in a way thats not cumbersome for the store and our reporting system. Rather than offer Double Up cards, the grocery store will be able to print coupons for SNAP purchasers to use the program, she said.

See SNAP income guidelines at otda.ny.gov/programs/snap/.

The Double Up program received its first state funding this year, as a $2 million line item in Gov. Hochuls 2022 budget . Borchard said Field & Fork expects the U.S. Department of Agriculture will match that to provide $4 million for the program next year.

More help

Two other providers recently announced new initiatives for food assistance:

No Kid Hungry will help families connect with the closest USDA-funded free summer lunch programs for children via text or three-digit call. Parents and caregivers across the state can text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 or call 311 for the most up-to-date hours and locations of nearby meal sites. No registration or documentation is required to receive a free meal.

The Community Action Organization opens a new food pantry at the Resource Council of WNY at 347 E. Ferry St. on Tuesday. In addition to food stocked by FeedMore WNY, the pantry also will provide fresh produce, meat, water and dairy items sourced through local partners including Providence Farms Collective and Fresh Fix, with state Community Services Block Grant funding. The CAO will celebrate the grand opening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday with free hotdogs and other giveaways.

The pantry will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays. Call 716-881-5150 to register or check on eligibility.

The new pantry is the 10th serving the Jefferson Avenue community. See a list of local food resources at feedmorewny.org/programs-services/find-food/.
Plans to build the state's largest solar facility in Genesee County  with the capacity to produce enough electricity to power 125,000 homes  has cleared a key regulatory hurdle.

The 500-megawatt facility has received a siting permit that will allow it to be built on about 3,000 acres in the towns of Oakfield and Elba in northern Genesee County, about five miles from Batavia.

Hecate Energy Cider Solar will develop, construct and operate the facility. This is the fifth major renewable energy facility approved by the state Office of Renewable Energy Siting since 2020, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul's office.

This project would produce more than 12 times the electricity of all the current solar projects in Genesee County, according to data from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. There currently are 265 solar energy projects in Genesee County producing nearly 40 megawatts of power.

New York is rapidly expanding its solar energy generating capacity, as part of the state's push to reduce its dependence on greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels for electricity generation.

The Cider Solar Farm is the largest of four big solar projects in the works in Western New York that will have the capacity to generate more than 1-gigawatt of solar energy to the region:

The 350-megawatt Ridge View Solar Energy Center in Hartland in Niagara County.

The 100-megawatt Bear Ridge Solar facility in the towns of Cambria and Pendleton, Niagara County.

The 100-megawatt Alfred Oaks Solar in Alfred in Allegany County. That facility also will include the capacity to store up to 20-megawatts of that power in batteries.

Chautauqua County backs solar-energy farm projects The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency has given final or preliminary backing to tax-break requests for five solar-power projects valued at more than $23 million, which will generate more than 20 megawatts of electricity in all.

"Each time a solar project completes New York's comprehensive review and permitting process, it is great news for construction jobs, cleaner air and climate action," said Anne Reynolds, the executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy.

Those projects signal a significant acceleration in the development of solar energy across Western New York  and the state.

In 2021, 106 megawatts of solar generating capacity was installed in the eight counties of Western New York, up from 64 megawatts in 2020 and more than three times the 33 megawatts installed in 2019, according to NYSERDA data.

Across New York, there are more than 7,350 solar projects in the works that would add another 2,950 megawatts of expected electricity production  nearly double the 3,415 megawatts already in place, according to NYSERDA.

The Genesee County project is the first to be approved for a siting permit under a revised review process designed to speed up the approval and siting process for large-scale solar projects.

"Today's announcement is a significant step in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and further cements New York as a national leader in the fight to combat climate change," Hochul said. "This project brings New York closer to not just meeting but exceeding our goal of obtaining 70% of our electricity from renewable resources while creating well-paying green jobs  creating a greener, more prosperous Empire State for generations to come."

Four more solar energy projects planned for WNY More than 200 megawatts of new solar-power generation are being proposed for four projects in Western New York, as energy producers race to ramp up alternate energy production amid the state's push to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The Genesee County project will provide approximately $30 million in property tax revenue to the county, town and school district, according to the governor's office, and create nearly 500 construction jobs. The facility will produce enough renewable energy to reduce around 462,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

New York State is on a path to a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, with a goal of hitting 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030. The state is also striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050.
Elon Musk and Sergey Brin. Win McNamee/Getty Images, Chris Hondros/Getty Images

Elon Musk is said to have begged Sergey Brin for forgiveness after having an affair with his wife.

Sources told The Wall Street Journal the apology came at a party this year.

Brin was said to have acknowledged the apology but stopped speaking "regularly" with Musk.

Elon Musk is said to have dropped to one knee and begged the Google cofounder Sergey Brin for forgiveness over an affair involving Musk and Brin's wife.

The Wall Street Journal published an article Sunday in which unnamed sources said the incident happened at a party this year and that Brin acknowledged the apology but wasn't speaking "regularly" with Musk.

The same Journal article cited unnamed sources as saying Musk had the affair with Brin's wife, Nicole Shanahan, at the Art Basel art show in Miami in December. A source close to Shanahan told the Journal that Brin and Shanahan were separated at the time but still living together, while others said the two had encountered difficulties in their marriage linked to COVID-19 and caring for their young daughter.

Brin filed for divorce in January, citing "irreconcilable differences," according to court documents cited by the Journal. The Journal cited unnamed people familiar with the matter as saying Brin and Musk's once strong relationship had been strained in the subsequent months, with Brin said to have instructed his financial advisors to sell his investments in Musk's various businesses.

The December timeline would mean the affair took place after Musk broke up with his girlfriend Grimes. The two have two children, including a daughter who was born via surrogate in December. The month prior, Musk quietly had twins with one of his top executives, Shivon Zilis, Insider reported.

Musk on Sunday denied the affair in a series of tweets.

"This is total bs. Sergey and I are friends and were at a party together last night!" Musk wrote. "I've only seen Nicole twice in three years, both times with many other people around. Nothing romantic."

Story continues

In a follow-up tweet, Musk added: "Haven't even had sex in ages (sigh)."

Musk has been encountering a series of public challenges, including a contentious legal battle with Twitter after the Tesla CEO pulled out of his $44 billion deal to buy the social-media platform.

Read the original article on Business Insider
South Africa: S Africans called on to give Banyana a warm welcome

This story has been published on: 2022-07-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.

Police in Limpopo has arrested an additional two suspects for the brazen robbery of the Malamulele Police Station on 21 November 2021. The suspects, both aged 32, were allegedly part of a heavily armed gang that stormed the police station and robbed the station of firearms and ammunition. They will join Godfrey Mabunda, 41, Sello Simon... See more
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - July 25, 2022) - NurExone Biologic Inc. (TSXV: NRX) ("NurExone" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company developing biologically-guided exosome therapy for patients with traumatic spinal injuries and other Central Nervous System ("CNS") indications, is pleased to announce that it will showcase a poster presentation at the prestigious "Understanding Extracellular Vesicle Biogenesis and Composition for Detection and Treatment of Diseases" conference, hosted by Gordon Research Conference's ("GRC") in Newry, Maine, U.S.

The goal of this conference is to dive into the rapidly growing space of extracellular vesicles and extracellular RNA while bringing in a variety of clinical investigators who are experts in the field. The conference, which commenced on July 24, 2022 and will end on July 29, 2022, will explore the impact that extracellular vesicles (EVs) have on maintaining health, tissue regeneration and more.

NurExone is one of the sponsors of the conference and will set up an in-depth poster presentation detailing its revolutionary ExoPTEN technology and the role it plays in spinal cord regeneration. The presentation covers the science behind exosomes, offers several proofs-of-concept, and demonstrates how the intranasal treatment leads to locomotor, sensory, and bladder recovery.

"GRC offers a distinguished international forum for the latest scientific developments and we are excited to be included in the 2022 Extracellular Vesicles Conference to showcase our innovative exosome-based technology," said Dr. Lior Shaltiel, CEO of NurExone. "The conference will provide us with the opportunity to raise awareness about the promise of nanocarriers for drug delivery and targeted therapy, in front of an international audience consisting of renowned scientists and experts in the field of extracellular vesicles."

The conference is being held in Maine at the Grand Summit Hotel at Sunday River.

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About NurExone

NurExone Biologic Inc. is a TSXV listed pharmaceutical company that is developing a platform for biologically-guided ExoTherapy to be delivered, non-invasively, to patients who suffered traumatic spinal cord injuries. The Company's ExoTherapy will use proprietary exosomes (membrane-bound extracellular vesicles) as biologically-guided nanocarriers to deliver specialized therapeutic compounds to target anatomies. The therapeutic compounds promote a biochemical environment that induces a healing process at the target location. ExoTherapy was conceptually demonstrated in animal studies at the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. NurExone is translating the treatment to humans, and the Company holds an exclusive worldwide license from the Technion for the development and commercialization of the exosome technology.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Lior Shaltiel

Chief Executive Officer and Director

info@nurexone.com

+972-52-4803034

Investor Relations

IR@nurexone.com

+1 905-347-5569

READER ADVISORY

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 press release.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements about the Company's future plans, market size and growth, research and product development, the potential to treat SCI using the Company's products, intellectual property protection and potential future collaborations and execution on its current growth initiatives. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

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 risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the Company's early stage of development, lack of revenues to date, government regulation, market acceptance for its products, rapid technological change, dependence on key personnel, protection of the Company's intellectual property and dependence on the Company's strategic partners. 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 press 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. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/131800
People show the three-finger salute as they rally in a protest against the military coup and to demand the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in Yangon, Myanmar, February 8, 2021.

The military leaders in charge of Myanmar have executed four democracy activists whom it had accused of committing "terror acts".

The UN has condemned the executions as "depraved".

They are the latest measures the regime has taken to suppress opposition since it seized power in February 2021.

Who is running the country?

General Min Aung Hlaing - commander-in-chief of the Tatmadaw, or military, is in charge.

He and his junta (group of military leaders) took charge after ousting the elected, civilian government.

He declared a state of emergency but has promised a "free and fair" election in the future.

Min Aung Hlaing is the leader of the coup

Since then, Gen Hlaing has received international condemnation and sanctions for the military's alleged role in the suppression of human rights and attacks on ethnic minorities.

A human rights group, the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (AAPP), says the regime's security forces has killed more than 2,100 people since the coup.

The junta has also imposed several prison sentences on former prime minster Aung San Suu Kyi.

Who are the people the regime has executed?

Four male activists were executed following secret trials. They were accused of helping insurgents to fight Myanmar's army.

Among them were democracy campaigner Kyaw Min Yu, better known as Ko Jimmy, and former lawmaker and hip-hop artist Phyo Zeya Thaw,

Prominent pro-democracy activist Kyaw Min Yu, or Ko Jimmy (pictured here in 2012), was one of the four executed

Amnesty International has called it "another example of Myanmar's atrocious human rights record." It says there are 100 other people awaiting execution, having been sentenced for similar offences.

How else has the junta responded to democracy activists?

After last year's coup, opposition activists formed the Campaign for Civil Disobedience (CDM) and has been organising strikes and mass protests.

The military has responded with live fire, water cannons and rubber bullets.

Local militias calling themselves People's Defence Forces, or PDFs, have attacked military convoys and assassinated officials.

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The government has carried out violent reprisals, including the torture and killing of 40 civilians in Sagaing district.

Why did the junta jail Aung San Suu Kyi?

Aung San Suu Kyi became world-famous in the 1990s for campaigning to restore democracy. She was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1991.

In 2015, she led the National League for Democracy (NLD) to victory in Myanmar's first openly-contested election in 25 years.

However, the military ousted her in the February 2021 coup and put her under house arrest.

Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi attends the joint news conference of the Japan-Mekong Summit Meeting at the Akasaka Palace State Guest House in Tokyo, Japan 9 October 2018.

The generals had backed the opposition party, which demanded a re-run of the vote claiming widespread fraud. However, the election commission said there was no evidence to support this claim.

In April 2022, the 76-year-old Ms Suu Kyi was sentenced to five years in jail on corruption charges, in a secret trial.

She had already been sentenced to six years in jail for violating the country's official secrets act, possessing illegal walkie-talkies and publishing information that may "cause fear or alarm".

She still faces 10 other corruption charges, each carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years.

How has the international community responded to the junta's rule?

The United Nations has warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, with "an intensification of violence and a rapid rise in poverty".

The US, UK and European Union have imposed sanctions on military officials.

Where is Myanmar?

Myanmar, previously known as Burma, is in South East Asia. It neighbours Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, China and India.

It has a population of about 54 million, most of whom are Burmese speakers. The biggest city is Yangon (Rangoon), but the capital is Nay Pyi Taw.

Map of Myanmar

The country gained independence from Britain in 1948. It was ruled by the armed forces from 1962 until 2011, when a new government began ushering in a return to civilian rule.

The ruling military changed the name from Burma to Myanmar in 1989 and "Myanmar" has been increasingly used since then.

The main religion is Buddhism. There are many ethnic groups in the country, including Rohingya Muslims.

Thousands of Rohingya were killed and more than 700,000 fled to Bangladesh following an army crackdown in 2017.
The death toll from flash floods and rain-related incidents from more than five weeks of devastating monsoon in Pakistan has soared to 310.

Around 8,979 houses have been damaged in the south Asian country after a deluge of rain flooded main roads, breached dams, and swelled rivers. More than 3,600 houses have been fully destroyed, authorities said.

According to the latest data from the countrys National Disaster Management Authority, those who died between 15 June and 24 July in rain-related incidents include 135 men, 55 women and 120 children.

The worst-hit region was the remote and impoverished southwestern Balochistan province, where 100 deaths were recorded, followed by 70 deaths in Sindh province.

On Sunday, torrential rain caused flash floods in the Kandia district of northern Kohistan, a region in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, washing away mini power stations and several villages.

Around 50 houses were swept away in the floods, while roads and bridges in the region were damaged, according to an official from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority.

A fruit seller navigates a flooded road after heavy rainfall in Karachi, Pakistan (AP)

However, local relief workers estimate the devastation to be much worse, reporting that several villages are cut off because of broken roads and bridges, with no power or access to drinking water or food.

The situation is no better in major Pakistani cities. In the port city of Karachi, around four people, including a child, were killed on Sunday after rain flooded the streets. The Sindh government announced a public holiday in Karachi and Hyderabad divisions on Monday in the wake of flash flooding.

Rescue personnel evacuate people in a boat after heavy monsoon rains in Karachi (EPA)

Every year, Pakistan reels under a brutal monsoon season, which runs from June through to August. The government is often criticised for its poor management and planning in relation to the annual downpour.

The monsoon has been particularly devastating this year, prompting the countrys minister for climate change, Sherry Rehman, to describe its onslaught as a national tragedy.

The 2010 floods, the worst in recent memory, affected 20 million people and damaged infrastructure worth billions of dollars in vast swathes of the country. Almost one-fifth of Pakistan suffered as a result of the flooding.
Ukrainian biologists have warned that dolphins in the Black Sea are dying at an alarming rate due to deadly noise pollution caused by Russian warships and submarines.

The conflict in Ukraine hasn't just caused loss of human life, military activity has had a profound impact on the Black Sea's dolphin population too.

Prior to the war, a comprehensive survey of the Black Sea's population of cetaceans found there were at least 253,000 dolphins in the Black Sea and populations had "not deteriorated over the past 20 years".

But Ivan Rusev, head of research at Ukraine's Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park, says the numbers of dolphins has fallen by at least 5,000 since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February this year.

He claims the military sonar used by Russian warships is damaging the dolphins' hearing, and interferring with their use of echolocation  which they rely on to hunt, navigate and avoid predators.

"When the Russians use the sonar of their submarines or surface vessels, it perturbs the dolphins' inner ear and their capacities to move around," Rusev told RFI.

The loss of echolocation effectively deprives dolphins of their sight, making them particularly vulnerable.

"They become completely disorientated, losing their landmarks. They crash into rocks and can no longer look for food. Dolphins that can no longer feed themselves lose weight very quickly."

'Huge tragedy'

Ukraine's Black Sea coast has seen some of the conflict's heaviest fighting.

Russian forces captured Snake Island on 24 February, the first day of the invasion.

Ukraine retook the island earlier this month, and its forces say they are preparing for more counterattacks in the region.

Bombing and underwater explosions linked to the conflict are also causing the dolphins great suffering.

More than a hundred dolphins were found dead near to beaches between the town of Odessa and the Danube Delta  an area representing just 2-3 percent of Ukraine's Black Sea coastline.

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"It's a huge tragedy," Rusev says. "People must realise that the death of dolphins in the Black Sea signals the death of its ecosystem.

"It's an environmental tragedy. Dolphins, the world's most intelligent animals are dying because of war."

The numbers of dead dolphins is likely an under-estimation, he says, because he and his team were able to survey "only 3-5 percent of the Ukrainian coastline".

Environmental scientists from Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania have also reported a significant increase in the number of dead dolphins washed ashore.

The Turkish Marine Research Foundation (Tudav) reported that at least 80 dead dolphins have been found in the western part of the Black Sea since May.
Chippewa Valley Regional Airport has confirmed the presence of PFAS on location.

Officials said on Friday that CVRA consultant AECOM will submit its initial site investigation results related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, on airport property to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

PFAS are a diverse group of compounds resistant to heat, water and oil. For decades, they have been used in hundreds of industrial applications and consumer products such as carpeting, apparel, upholstery, certain food paper wrappings, metal plating and firefighting foams.

PFAS compounds in firefighting foam are a source of concern for airports, which are required to use that foam by the Federal Aviation Administration. In the interest of public safety, all airports with airline service, including CVRA, are mandated by the FAA to have aircraft rescue and firefighting capability during airline operations.

Part of the FAA mandate includes the use of firefighting foam that meets a certain specification for rapid extinguishment of aircraft fires. Currently, the only approved firefighting foam meeting FAA required specifications contains PFAS.

A draft specification to provide an alternative to the PFAS-containing firefighting foam is currently out for public comment with the goal of an approved alternative in early 2023.

Aqueous film-forming foam, or AFFF, is a significant source of PFAS contamination in and around airports. The two most concerning PFAS compounds found in AFFF are PFOA and PFOS.

Since at least the 1980s, research has found links between PFOS and PFOA and a number of health problems, including chronic kidney disease, thyroid issues and certain types of cancers.

CVRA submitted a plan to the DNR to conduct a PFAS site investigation as a result of the FAA-mandated firefighting foam used at the airport. The site investigation included soil and groundwater sampling on airport property, and the test results of the initial site investigation detected PFAS in samples that were taken from airport property.

Initial test results detected PFAS on airport property, but further investigation is needed to gather additional information on the extent of PFAS on the airport, stated Charity Zich, Chippewa Valley Regional Airport director.

CVRA is committed to working cooperatively with the Wisconsin DNR to continue the investigation to determine the extent of PFAS on airport property and determine any other factors that may have contributed to the contamination beyond the use of firefighting foam on the airport, Zich said.

The Chippewa Valley Regional Airport has proactively discontinued the use of firefighting foam for any purpose other than emergency response, according to a press release.

CVRA acquired equipment that allows the airport to conduct FAA required annual testing without dispensing firefighting foam, and firefighting foam is not intentionally used for any fire training conducted at the airport.

The DNR has 60 days to review and respond to the site investigation work plan with suggested changes or approval. Work is expected to begin in early 2022.

Additional information about the PFAS site investigation can be found on the airport website, www.chippewavalleyairport.com, under Airport News.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate and Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson is suspending his campaign because he ran out of money and is endorsing Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes in the race, he announced Monday.

Among the top four candidates, Nelson was in last place in fundraising and trailed the pack in the latest Marquette Law School polls.

In offering Barnes his endorsement, Nelson said hes supporting the one candidate who isnt trying to buy the election. Milwaukee Bucks executive-on-leave Alex Lasry has put over $12 million into the race, and state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski has given her campaign almost $4 million.

Barnes was leading the Democratic pack in Junes Marquette Law School Poll with 25% support from likely Democratic primary voters. Lasry had 21%, Godlewski had 9% and Nelson had 7%. The winner in the Aug. 9 primary will take on Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson on Nov. 8.

After we defeat Johnson, well work to get big money out of politics so the next underdog candidate has a better shot, Nelson said on Twitter.

The good news is, Im proud to say that the progressive vote is consolidated and the progressive family is one because today Im endorsing Mandela Barnes for the U.S. Senate, he posted in a video on Twitter.

Nelsons endorsement of Barnes comes as Lasry, the candidate polling second to Barnes in the Marquette Law School Poll, threw $6.5 million into his campaign in the last quarter.

Unfortunately, money matters way too much in politics and running against two self-funding millionaires proved too much for this pastors kid, Nelson said in a statement.

Among the top Democratic candidates, only Nelson and Barnes hadnt loaned money to their campaigns. But Barnes led Nelson in grassroots funding in every quarter since joining the race. Barnes brought in $2.1 million last quarter, while Nelson brought in $227,000.

I deeply respect Tom Nelsons commitment to the working people in this state and Im thankful for his endorsement, Barnes said in a statement. It will take all of us coming together in every corner of this state to beat Ron Johnson.

Nelson launched his bid in October 2020, before any of his top competitors in the race. Trying to fight his way to the top, Nelson had been the candidate most likely to go negative on his Democratic opponents, including Barnes, who Nelson said flip-flops on issues and tucks away his policy promises.

Asked his stance on health care policy at liberal group Our Wisconsin Revolutions Democratic candidate forum, Nelson said, I support Medicare for All. I do not support just a pathway to Medicare for All. I dont bury it in one sentence on page 10 of a supposed economic plan, referencing Barnes statement that he supported building a path to Medicare for All on the fifth page of a small-business plan Barnes released in February.

At the Democratic U.S. Senate debate on July 17, Nelson slammed Godlewski for not voting in the 2016 election, leading her to say she didnt need to be lectured by men, though she didnt address why she didnt vote that year.

Nelson had consistently called Lasry a wealthy candidate whos out of touch with Wisconsinites.
The body of one of two Catholic priests kidnapped on 15 July in Kaduna state, Nigeria, was recovered Tuesday morning, 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, Jema'a 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 Jema'a Local Government Area as well Southern Kaduna CAN coordinator.

Cheitnum's 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.

Bogoro's 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.

 2022 Morning Star News.
(Brad Cochi/CHSAANow) eSports 7/25/2022 12:29:58 PM Brad Cochi/CHSAANow.com Meet Nikki Jimenez, CHSAA executive assistant to Rashaan Davis

Nikki Jimenez has long had a passion for activities and education, and her combination of passions is now an integral part of the Colorado High School Activities Association staff.



Jimenez was hired in late June as the new executive assistant to assistant commissioner Rashaan Davis, who oversees all activities at CHSAA. With a diverse background that includes many titles from high school band member to Navy veteran to one-one-one tutor, Jimenez brings a lot to the table and figures to be a key component in CHSAAs mission to further elevate high school activities in Colorado.



Im definitely in the right area for me, Jimenez said. Im excited to get into the flow and Im excited for the school year. I really love to help so if anyone needs help with anything, Im always happy to help and Im looking forward to that chance. Im super excited to work with Rashaan and help promote activities because weve heard from a lot of the students that one thing they really want to receive recognition equal to the sports.



Working towards that common goal is really exciting.



Jimenez has an associates degree in English, which she earned simultaneously with her high school graduation, and masters degree, also in English, as well as a minor in anthropology. The 29-year-old animal lover was a tutor for nearly four years following her time in the Navy, teaching mostly writing but also other subjects like math and science.



I wanted to take a step away from being one-on-one in academics after I was a tutor for a really long time, Jimenez said. I felt like this was a really great way to become school adjacent  to still be a part of their happiness and their success without having to be right up front.



Jimenez joined the CHSAA team on July 5 and immediately helped facilitate one of the Associations largest activities events  the 2022 Student Leadership Summer Conference. Right at home in the high school activities realm already after less than a month on the job, Jimenez has already made in impression at the office, especially with Davis, CHSAAs first-ever assistant commissioner solely focusing on activities.



Nikki has already proven to be an amazing hire, Davis said. Whether it is some of our general responsibilities or our conversations around the vision of high school activities, Nikki is all in on helping to grow our footprint in Colorado schools. Its also noteworthy that she has a personal story associated with high school activities because I know that her passion for activity involvement will help us as we move forward.



I look forward to introducing Nikki at the All-School Summit and connecting her with our membership.
A Harrisburg man is dead following a crash on Interstate 81 south near mile marker 77 in West Hanover Township at 11:39 p.m. Friday.

Caleb Flick, 37, suffered fatal injuries when his Volkswagen Jetta collided with the rear of a tractor trailer driven by Abdusamed Osman, 56, of Columbus, Ohio.

Osman's vehicle was stopped in the left lane ahead of Flick due to roadwork ahead of him and police said his hazard lights were activated.

The front end of Flick's vehicle sustained what police described as "heavy front end damage" in the crash and Osman's freightliner sustained disabling damage to its rear. Osman was not injured.

During their investigation, police closed southbound lanes of travel and detoured traffic to Exit 77.

They said witnesses provided statements at the scene and PennDOT cameras obtained footage of the crash.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene by River Drive Towing and travel lanes reopened around 2:40 a.m., police said.

Police were assisted on the scene by West Hanover Township Fire Department, South Central EMS, PennDOT and the Dauphin County Coroner's Office.
Chambersburg police said Friday that they arrested one man and have a warrant for another in connection with a drive-by shooting earlier this month that killed a dog.

Dajohn NaRayn Sanders, 22, of Chambersburg, was taken into custody Friday around 5:20 p.m.

He was charged with felony criminal attempted homicide, conspiracy aggravated assault, conspiracy aggravated cruelty to animals, conspiracy discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure and misdemeanor conspiracy recklessly endangering another person.

Sanders was taken to Franklin County Prison where his bail was denied. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 2.

Police also said Friday that theyve obtained a warrant for Kaywan Dean Johnson, 22, of Chambersburg. Johnson is wanted for felony conspiracy criminal homicide, conspiracy aggravated assault, conspiracy aggravated cruelty to animals, conspiracy discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure and misdemeanor conspiracy recklessly endangering another person.

Both Sanders and Johnson were named persons of interest by police in a report Thursday. Johnsons is the second warrant police have obtained for the shooting, which occurred about 12:15 p.m. July 12 in the 300 block of Lincoln Way West.

Police previously issued a warrant for Hailey Ann Mia Torres, 21, of Newville.

Torres is wanted for criminal conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, hindering apprehension or prosecution and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, police said.

Police said she may be driving a gray 2018 Kia Forte with a Pennsylvania registration LLR-2358.

The vehicle used in the shooting, a blue 2006 FX SUV, was recovered by police.

Police said several rounds were fired from the SUV as it passed a residence on Lincoln Way West, striking two vehicles and a house. One person was in the residence at the time but they were not hurt, police said, though dog was struck and killed by the gunfire.
After two years of pandemic lull, development is kicking into a higher gear at a key intersection in Upper Allen Township.

Until recently, the South Market Street (state Route 114) and Gettysburg Pike intersection remained only partially developed despite its prime location with nearby access to state Route 15. A 10,000-square-foot Penn State Health Medical Group complex opened last year at 1819 S. Market St., but other plans proposed for the site prior to the pandemic were delayed until early this year.

Site work began this spring for construction of a new 5,000-square-foot 7-Eleven convenience store with gas pumps and canopy, and a 3,000-square-foot restaurant with drive-thru access at 147 and 151 Gettysburg Pike. The properties were purchased by Linlo Properties in 2019, with Upper Allen commissioners approving Linlos request that year to combine the properties into a single parcel.

The 147 Gettysburg Road address was the former site of Maggies Italian Ice and Custard, which last operated there in 2019, while a farmhouse occupied the neighboring 151 address. Both buildings have been demolished. Township commissioners conditionally approved Linlos site plans for development in October 2020.

Today, 7-Eleven gas tanks and canopy are under construction, while work on the accompanying convenience store begins in 45 days or so, according to Lowell Gates, president/CEO of Linlo Properties in Camp Hill. The 7-Eleven complex is slated to open by November in partnership with Roost Chicken, but the planned drive-thru restaurant doesnt have a tenant, Gates said this week.

Linlo Properties also began site work for the Mills at Shepherdstown Crossing at 211-237 Gettysburg Pike, a consolidation of several lots south of South Market Street and west of Gettysburg Pike. The mixed-use development plan, approved by township commissioners in April 2021, features 54 multifamily apartments and 44,000 square feet of commercial space in multiple buildings set for completion by the end of next year.

The development is to include a 4-story building with a 9,650 square foot first floor retail space and 27 upper floor apartments; a four-floor structure with ground floor parking, 9,960 square feet for first floor retail, 27 upper level apartments; and a three-story office/retail/restaurant building totaling 19,200 square feet.

Also being considered for the development is a 40-seat, freestanding Burger King restaurant comprising 2,775 square feet and a proposed freestanding Chik-fil-A restaurant (a 74-seat restaurant with three drive-thru lanes) now under review by the townships planning commission. Other potential tenants remain under negotiation, Gates said.

The planning commission is scheduled to review the developers revised proposal for the restaurant at its Aug. 29 meeting.

Plans also include a 40foot chiming clock tower, historic Colonial mill facades, and a trail system that extends to Daybreak Church. Gates said hes very interested in extending more trails to other interested sites.

Linlo also plans lots of road improvements, such as widening South Market Street with additional turn lanes between nearby state Route 15 access ramps and the South Market Street/Gettysburg Pike signal.

Alpha Consulting Engineers conducted a traffic impact study for Linlo Properties in 2020, initially projecting that the Shepherdstown Crossing development would generate approximately 9,500 vehicle trips on an average weekday when schools are in session. The study recommended signalized intersection upgrades to include an exclusive northbound right turn lane, two-lane-use for northbound approach, southbound left turn lane extension, westbound right turn extension, and several other revisions.

The study was revised in January 2022 per state Department of Transportation stipulations to revise the intersections trip generation and vehicle counts at peak hours on certain days, plus revise signal time revisions to reflect various corridor cycle lengths.

The studys future year analysis also has been changed to reflect an opening year of 2022 rather than a 2021 opening as previously listed.

A roundabout traffic diverter is no longer under consideration by state and local officials for the intersection. Gates said that the intersections projected traffic volume after development is completed couldnt be safely accommodated by a roundabout of standard proportions, and a larger size would cut into nearby properties.
Dana Neely, a history teacher at Carlisle High School, has been selected to attend the annual World Congress of Teachers hosted by the Korean War Legacy Foundation.

Held this week in Arlington, Virginia, the conference engages teachers from across the U.S. on the history of the Korean War and its legacy.

Neely and his colleagues will work with a new curriculum book titled Honoring Sacrifice: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Korean War, according to a press release issued Monday.

During the conference, Neely will also attend events marking the anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War including the Korean War Veterans Wall of Remembrance Dedication Ceremony and the unveiling of a new memorial with families of the fallen.

The foundation was established in 2012 to help teachers, students and the public understand the origins and outcomes of the Korean War, the challenges soldiers faced and how the war promoted democracy and freedom, as exemplified by South Koreas economic development and democratization.

Most history courses in K-12 only cover the Korean War in a few sentences, the press release says. The foundation seeks to change this by honoring veterans, creating teaching materials and by connecting teachers with Korea scholars.

The foundation is sponsored by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of the Republic of Korea.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources requires that the city of Farmington collect an annual fee from all utility customers to pay the cost of operation for the required testing of public water and sewer systems.

The additional charge is collected annually during the July billing period for Farmington utility customers and will be shown on the utility bill as Water Primacy Fee and Sewer Connection Fee.

For more information, contact the Farmington City Light & Water office at 573-756-2620.
St. Francois County voters casting ballots in the upcoming primary election on Aug. 2 will decide between two Republican candidates for the office of Associate Circuit Judge, Division 4. Incumbent Judge Patrick King is seeking re-election, while area attorney Julie McCarver is also running for the position.

Each candidate recently took the time to answer questions regarding their qualifications, objectives, and motivation for seeking election and re-election. Both candidates were provided with the same questions.

Patrick L. King

Age: 62

Where do you live (general area within the county)? Farmington

Married/Children/Family?

I have been married to Michele for 35 years. She is the chief financial and operations officer at Ozarks Federal Savings and Loan Association. We have two adult children, Andrew and Melanie.

Education/Work Background?

I attended Mizzou, and graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1986. I have been a practicing attorney for over 35 years. I worked as an Assistant Attorney General in the Missouri Attorney General's Office. I have carried on a private law practice. I served 28 years as a prosecutor, with nearly 20 years as the chief assistant prosecuting attorney for St. Francois County, and the last four years as Judge.

What has motivated you to run for this position?

I was encouraged by many people to seek this office four years ago because they believed I have the qualities vital to be a good Judge. With their help, I was elected. I strongly believe a Judge must first be fair and impartial, and hold to the highest standards of honesty and integrity. People must have faith the Judge will do justice in their case. I believe I have kept their faith and done what I said I would do.

Why do you feel you are qualified for this position?

I have served as Judge for nearly the last four years. I believe I have demonstrated the qualities of honesty, integrity, hard work, and common sense that I said I would bring to the office when I was elected. I have earned the people's trust. Serving as Judge has been the great honor and privilege of my life.

What are some goals or objectives you would strive to accomplish if re-elected?

My promise to the people of this county is that I will continue to be fair and impartial in the pursuit of justice. I will work to continue to deserve the trust the people of this county have placed in me.

Do you belong to any groups or organizations that you would like to mention?

 First Baptist Church of Farmington, deacon.

 Farmington Ministerial Alliance Benevolence Board, President.

 Farmington Kiwanis Club: Past President, "Kiwanian of the Year," and I serve as advisor to the Farmington High School Key Club.

 Extended Character Committee, Farmington Middle School.

 Board, The Baptist Home.

 Previously served on NESS Shelter Services Board.

 Life member, Mizzou Alumni; past president, "Parkland Area Tigers" chapter.

Julie McCarver

Age: 44

Where do you live (general area within the county)?

My husband, Shawn McCarver, myself, our 14-year-old daughter, and our three German Shepherd Dogs live in Farmington.

Married/Children/Family?

My husband and I have been married for almost 16 years. We have one 14-year-old daughter. My husband, Shawn McCarver's, family are originally from Flat River and owned Ragan's Drug Store in downtown Flat River. My Mother is originally from Desloge, and my Maternal Grandparents are from Elvins, but lived in Desloge until they both passed away.

Education/Work Background?

In 2000, I graduated from the University of Missouri - Kansas City with a bachelor's degree in both English and Political Science. I was the first person in my family to receive a bachelor's degree, and therefore I supported myself financially while I attended college. Subsequently, attended law school at the University of Kansas, where I had excellent grades and had the honor of serving on the Kansas Law Review. I graduated from law school in 2003, after which I passed, on the first attempt, both the Kansas and then the Missouri bar exams. Due to my grades and Kansas Law Review experience, I was hired at a large law firm after law school.

In 2004, I moved back to this area to work at a small law firm in Hillsboro so that I could be closer to my family in Jefferson and St. Francois County. In 2010, I opened my own small law firm in Farmington, where I am currently practicing. Additionally, since 2013, I have served as the Municipal Prosecutor for the cities of Park Hills, Farmington, and now Bismarck.

What has motivated you to run for this position?

We currently only have one female judge in the 24th Circuit (Washington County, Madison County, St. Francois County, and also Ste. Genevieve County), Democrat Wendy Wexler Horn. I think that it would serve this circuit well to have a strong and capable Republican female judge. I have had a large number of people approach me regarding my running for this position, and I believe that is due to what my judicial temperament would be. I am an extremely calm attorney while I am in Court, and I am a very calm person in general, even while I am zealously advocating for my Clients. I have had many of my Clients tell me that my calmness in Court while sitting next to them has helped them feel much better about the court process.

I feel that it is important that a Judge be calm, but also firm, and that in speaking to a Judge the parties are reassured of the Judge's competence. A Judge need not raise his voice, yell at people in the courtroom, or treat people disrespectfully.

I am a level-headed down-to-earth person, in part, because I grew up poor in a large family. I was the first person in my family to receive a bachelor's degree. I do not think that I am better than other people, and do not treat other people in Court this way, but instead I think of myself as just an ordinary person. Some of my favorite Judges have also come from humble beginnings.

Why do you feel you are qualified for this position?

I have been practicing as an attorney for almost 20 years. I feel that I have practiced long enough and in enough different areas of the law to provide me with a strong base for future judicial decisions. Yet, I feel that I am still young enough that if I take the bench now I will be able to serve the people of St. Francois County for many years to come.

I have experienced private practice at a large law firm, a small law firm, and also as a sole practitioner. I have both represented Defendants in criminal matters, and have also prosecuted Defendants. I have worked as a Guardian ad Litem for children, and have also represented all of the various players in both juvenile and domestic cases. I have taken general civil and also probate matters to trial, and I have also taken them up on appeal. I have known the other attorneys whom regularly appear in this circuit for almost 12 years now, and I have owned a small business in this community since 2010.

Division 4 is the probate division in St. Francois County. This division hears all probate cases, some juvenile cases, all mental health cases, and 50% of the domestic cases. Additionally, this division acts as the municipal court for three municipalities in St. Francois County. I have served as a municipal prosecutor in St. Francois County since 2013, and have worked in the Park Hills, Farmington, and in the Bismarck Municipal Courts. I also worked previously Municipal Courts in Topeka, Kansas, and at the University of Kansas.

During my practice I have had an extensive amount of experience in probate, domestic and juvenile cases. I have run for this position because I actually have the experience relevant to this position. I believe the people of St. Francois County should feel reassured that their Division 4 Associate Circuit Judge has the actual experience and competence to do this job properly, and I believe that I am the right person for this position. I also believe that the person in this position should have compassion for the persons appearing before the Court. In law school we are taught to try to see any situation for multiple different sides.

I have prosecuted criminal cases, represented Defendants in criminal cases, but myself and my family have also been the victims of crime. Why is this relevant? I have a unique perspective which allows me to better understand parties in the middle of complicated and emotionally-taxing litigation, and treat them with kindness and understanding, rather than treating them with annoyance and contempt. I think the citizens of St. Francois County deserve this from a Judge."

What are some goals or objectives you would strive to accomplish if elected?

I have practiced law in the State of Kansas, in downtown Kansas City, in Jefferson County, Missouri and now in the 24th circuit (Washington County, Madison County, St. Francois County and Ste. Genevieve County) and surrounding circuits. Due to this wide range of practice locations, I have experienced how courts in different places best handle their dockets and different cases. I plan on making some changes to procedures in Division 4 in order to make family law and juvenile matters move more efficiently. Different attorneys and children's division workers have discussed with me their ideas on how to better structure juvenile dockets, and the scheduling of court dates and meetings.

Additionally, I have been approached by different mental health professionals regarding their ideas on how Division 4's mental health docket might be handled more efficiently, and I would plan on meeting with our local mental health professionals following the election.

Do you belong to any groups or organizations that you would like to mention?

Myself and my family have been involved in our church community at St. Joseph Church in Farmington, and we have also been involved in the St. Joseph School where our daughter previously attended before transferring to the Farmington School District.

I have previously served on the St. Francois County Mental Health Board, which I think is important to this position, as this position oversees the mental health docket.

My husband and I volunteer for the St. Francois County Young People Performing Arts Theatre organization, and we have been performing in the local production of the Nutcracker since 2012.

My husband and I are both proud members of the NRA, and we both feel strongly that all citizens should have the right to defend themselves and their families both inside and outside of the home.

I am a volunteer for the SEMO Family Violence Council, which also supports a local woman's shelter. I do this work as I feel strongly about helping the victims of domestic violence.
A 16-year-old in custody of the Oregon Youth Authority ran away from the Young Womens Transition Program in Albany at around 11:10 a.m. Sunday, July 24.

Shay Earnest, who uses he/him pronouns, was attending a supervised church service when he left without permission, according to a news release from the Oregon Youth Authority. Authorities issued a warrant for Earnest.

Earnest was committed to Oregon Youth Authority custody in May 2021 out of Lane County.

We want to locate Shay quickly to ensure his safety, Jenny Smith, OYA spokesperson, said in the news release. Anyone who sees this youth or knows something about his whereabouts should call 911.

This is the third escapee from the Young Womens Transition Program in recent months.

In May, two women ran away from OYA custody while attending a supervised treatment program. As of June 16, one of the runaways, Kaylie Benshoof, was back in custody. According to Smith, Savanah Howes is still missing.

The Young Womens Transition Program is a step-down transitional facility designed to prepare youth to re-enter society. This type of facility has lower security than youth correctional facilities and is reserved for those who have made significant progress in their treatment plans.
With state legalization of hallucinogenic psilocybin mushrooms for therapeutic and religious uses, city governments such as Corvallis are asking what actions they can take.

So far, Corvallis leaders are doing nothing to prevent the mushrooms from being used locally.

The subject was raised at the Corvallis City Council meeting last week. Deputy City Attorney Catherine Pratt said there are still many unknowns around Measure 109, which made Oregon the first state to legalize psilocybin for manufacture, sale and administration in 2020.

A pair of Portland-area therapists footed the legislation, arguing the psychedelic compound produced in certain mushroom species can treat the effects of anxiety, depression and trauma. Numerous local governments are undecided or will soon discuss banning psilocybin.

Under the measure, Oregon counties and municipalities automatically opt in to permitting psilocybin. Local governments that dont act will go along with the state edict to get psilocybin treatment up and running, but they are able to set time, manner and place restrictions.

Counties and incorporated cities can opt out with a vote in the Nov. 8 General Election. Governments have until Aug. 19 to get a local ban or two-year moratorium on the fall ballot.

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If we put this out there, I dont think it will pass, Councilor Gabe Shepherd said about the ban and moratorium options. I really think it would be a lot of effort to make such a motion pass in our city.

Benton County residents voted 63.4% in favor to approve Measure 109. Shepherd said the measure passed by margins of 30-70 points in the various wards of Corvallis.

Council Vice President Andrew Struthers moved for a council vote directing staff to bring back a two-year moratorium ordinance. That would then be referred to the voters for approval. Councilor Paul Shaffer seconded the motion.

Acknowledging how Corvallis citizens voted, deliberations indicated most councilors arent opposed to psilocybin as a therapeutic drug, but theyre concerned about the undefined aspects regarding the implementation and enforcement of Measure 109.

Struthers motion failed 5-4, supported by Shaffer as well as council members Jan Napack and Laurie Chaplen.

I think its not very responsible of us to stand by and let the state write rules that we may or may not agree with, and may or may not be comfortable enforcing, Shaffer said in advocating for the two-year moratorium.

The Oregon Health Authority is charged with rolling out psilocybin treatment and is establishing rules for the psychoactive mushrooms and their administration in a formal process.

The department hasnt said yet how the psychedelic will be administered, but broadly knows it will be with licensed mushrooms from licensed providers in licensed settings, state Psilocybin Services Section Manager Angela Allbee said in a March interview.

Much of the departments work is trying to figure out how to move public perception and regulatory framework around the drug from one of criminal law enforcement to health policy, Allbee said. Psilocybin is still a federally illegal Schedule I controlled substance, subject to strict regulation.

The Oregon Health Authority is slated to begin licensing providers starting Jan. 2.

The Philomath City Council is also addressing concerns about Measure 109, and has a discussion about a psilocybin moratorium or ban on its agenda for a 7 p.m. meeting Monday, July 25.

Reporter Alex Powers contributed to this article.
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Safaricom chief executive officer Michael Joseph calmed mounting interest in the operator spinning off its successful mobile money division M-Pesa into a seperate company.

Joseph said: "At this time there is no change in our position," stating the telecoms giant has yet to see huge benefits to the business with such a shift.

In March Joseph said Safaricom was in the early stages of thinking of spinning off the successful M-Pesa business. Prior to that, the chief executive noted making M-Pesa independent with its own board would expand the range of services on the platform, such as high-value loans.

In the financial year ending March, M-Pesa recorded KES50 billion (US$421m) in profit before tax contributing almost half of the operators total gross earnings, making it Safaricoms most profitable service, reported The Star.

In a separation of Safaricoms financial unit, M-Pesa will come under the jurisdiction of the Central Bank of Kenya, while the company will continue to be monitored by the Communications Authority.
Guinea is the latest African country in which a telecoms regulator has seen fit to step in over allegations of unacceptable quality of service by an operator.

In this case, following what local press reports have called numerous inconveniences and breaches affecting to its subscribers, Orange Guinea has been fined 9.5 billion GNF (approximately $1.1 million) by l'Autorite de Regulation des Postes et Telecommunications (ARPT).

ARPT cited disruption of the Orange Guinea network from June 30 to July 1 2022 and suggested in a press release that this had made several services unavailable over a 30-hour period, including SMS, Orange Money, E-Recharge, and some notifications through USSD codes.

ARPT also seems to be offering help to Orange Guinea subscribers financially impacted during the downtime, saying that all regulatory provisions have been made for their reimbursement.

There doesnt appear to have been a response from the operator as yet.

According to TeleGeography's CommsUpdate Ousame Keita, chairman of the Guinean Consumers Association (UCG), welcomed ARPTs decision and suggested that this was the first time an operator in the country had been subjected to such a heavy fine.

ARPT is not the only African regulator getting involved in quality of service issues lately. As we reported in these pages, a similar penalty was imposed on Togos Togocom by regulator ARCEP for breaches of its service obligation about a month ago and, last December, Senegalese regulator ARTP fined all three of the countrys mobile providers for failing to meet obligations relating to quality of service and coverage.
Underlining the dominance of South Africa in general, and Johannesburg in particular, in the African data centre market, US-headquartered Vantage Data Centres, described as a leading global provider of hyperscale data centre campuses, has announced the delivery of the first facility on its Johannesburg campus.

Vantage has opened its first data centre (called JNB11) in Africa after breaking ground in 2021. The two-storey facility offers 16MW of critical IT capacity across 12,000 square metres. The project was delivered in ten months, ten days ahead of schedule, with zero lost-time incidents over 1.5 million working hours.

With an investment totalling more than US$1 billion, this 12-hectare campus will include 80MW of IT capacity and more than 60,000 square metres across three data centres once fully developed.

Located in Waterfall City (a mega project which is in fact midway between Pretoria and Johannesburg), the campus complements the areas thriving data centre ecosystem and leverages its fibre connectivity to the rest of Africa. In addition, the campus aligns with the companys commitment to sustainability, offering renewable energy options, limiting carbon emissions and maintaining energy-efficient operations with an industry-leading power usage effectiveness (PUE).

With this in mind, in June, Vantage announced it had entered a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with SolarAfrica, a company that has, since 2011, been financing and delivering solar projects across Southern Africa, to support the production of 87MWp of renewable energy to supplement the local grid that powers the campus.
NOTE: Daniel B. Moskowitz penned an editorial about what the Second Amendment meant, as ratified, for JPFOs e-blast in June 2022. Unfortunately, he made several errors of omission and analysis, and these slipped by us. JPFO regrets these errors and we apologize, things do get posted on rare occasion without adequate review. We believe this article here accurately states the case.

The Moskowitz article, by incorrectly stating the Second Amendment wasnt understood as an individual right, implied the Supreme Court had changed the meaning, which it did not. It was in the late 1960s that progressives began promoting the specious notion that 2A was what they termed a collective right, a fabrication that meant we the people did not have the right.

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When the Second Amendment was written as a part of the Bill of Rights, it was uncontroversial. The new American republic had just transited through a grueling revolutionary war to throw off rule of the British crown. The British government had been violating the rights of Englishmen, including the right to keep and bear arms. The first battle of the war started as the British army marched through Lexington to Concorde, Mass., to confiscate arms and ammunition the colonists had stockpiled. After several instances where arms and ammunition were confiscated from individuals, General Gage acted to disarm the entire town of Boston.

Several state governments had instituted provisions in their state constitutions to protect the right to keep and bear arms more rigorously than unwritten British common law. During drafting of the U.S. Constitution, a Bill of Rights was deemed necessary to limit the power of the new federal government, to prevent the abuses of the British government.

The Second Amendment reads: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

The meaning was always clear. In slightly more modern language it is this: Because a well-regulated militia is necessary to free states security, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. .....
New and returning students are expected to arrive on the Baptist College of Florida (BCF) campus in just a few weeks. New Student Orientation is scheduled for Aug. 11-12.

New students will begin orientation in the Deese Center with breakfast and registration, followed by a time of student-led worship and a welcome by BCF President Thomas A. Kinchen.

BCF online students and the schools Lakeland-site students, and graduate students receive a customized orientation from the schools distance education team but are also welcome to attend orientation on the Graceville campus for fellowship, information gathering, and lunch with their academic advisors.

New Student Orientation exposes incoming students to campus life, registration procedures, institutional policies, as well as how to obtain an ID card and vehicle pass, and gives them an opportunity to meet other students.

There are also several informal activities planned to welcome new students and acquaint them with the campus and staff.

After lunch on Aug. 11, new students can join a bus tour of the Graceville area provided by BCF Theology Division Chair Rich Elligson. Theyll see where several key community resources are located, including churches, doctors offices, pharmacies, the post office, restaurants, and routes to nearby attractions.

Aug. 11 will also feature Meet and Greet night at 6 p.m. in the BCF Wellness Center. During it, students are invited to meet with representatives from area churches that will provide information on their upcoming events and ministries.

On Aug. 12, BCF Admissions Counselor Collin Dollar and Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) Coordinator Daniel Shenning will be talk with new students the opportunities for ministry and community involvement. Aug. 12 will also include game night and an introduction to the activities available in the BCF Wellness Center.

Another activity designed to help new students become familiar with the campus is a version of the Amazing Race provided by the campus Resident Assistants (RAs).

To learn more about becoming a new student at BCF, call 800-328-2660, ext. 460, or visit www.baptistcollege.edu. The last day to register for fall classes is Aug. 21.
A Sneads man was killed after he started shooting at law enforcement officers and drew return fire Saturday morning, according to local law enforcement officials.

An officer with the Sneads Police Department was shot multiple times in the exchange but his injuries were non-life-threatening, said Sneads Police Chief Mike Miller.

He declined to immediately name the officer, and the name of the man killed was also being withheld by the Jackson County Sheriffs Office as of early Saturday afternoon. He was only identified as a 42-year-old.

Officials indicated one JCSO deputy, also unnamed by authorities, and the SPD officer were the two officers involved and did not address whether it had been determined who shot the man.

Officials say he began shooting while officers from SPD and JCSO were talking with a man nearby that had called for assistance in what JCSO described as a disturbance that morning. Officials offered no elaboration on the disturbance call.

The incident took place just off McKeown Mill Road and just west of the Sneads city limits around 8:19 a.m., with Jackson County Sheriffs Office, as the lead agency, sending a deputy and the Sneads officer assisting.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the case, as is the normal procedure in an officer-involved shooting in this state.

The officer injured is on medical leave and all involved in the incident will be on paid leave while the investigation is underway.
The West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA), a grouping of Caribbean rum producers, welcomed several new members at its annual general meeting (AGM).

The association welcomed St. Vincent Distillers representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a full member, the Bahamas Distilling Company, representing the Bahamas, as an associate member and also welcomed Copal Tree Distillery of Belize, to the Belize Rum Producers Association.

Chairman Komal Samaroo said: Our growth in membership is evidence of the increasing relevance of the association to the industry in the region. Producers see a clear advantage in being part of a grouping that shares common rules, a philosophy of quality and authentic provenance, and strength in numbers.

The producers exchanged views on domestic and international trade and market developments, discussing the challenges raised by the rapidly increasing price of raw materials, energy and packaging.

CEO Vaughn Renwick said: Major input costs including molasses and fuel have risen considerably, in some cases by more than 50%. Further increases seem set to continue, as post-Covid demand for molasses grows, exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine and a lack of shipping containers and vessels both for inputs and exports.

As a result of covid restrictions relaxing and festivals returning in the region, the association also underlined the need for additional messaging to consumers on reducing harmful and excessive drinking.

Samaroo added: We are pleased to see that virtually all rum producers have now upgraded product labels to carry our agreed advisory logos against underage drinking, drinking and driving and drinking during pregnancy.
Uniqlo Vietnam, which was established in Vietnam in 2018, is a joint venture between Fast Retailing Group and Mitsubishi Corporation (Japan). Its first retail store was opened in 2019 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam at that time was the brand's sixth market in Southeast Asia and was also seen as Uniqlos key market.

Chairman and CEO of Fast Retailing Tadashi Yanai said that Vietnam is a land of promise. It was expected to become a sales and production center for Uniqlo in the region.

After three years, Uniqlo's retail distribution system in Vietnam has grown to 12 stores (4 stores in Hanoi, 7 stores in Ho Chi Minh City, and 1 store in Hai Phong).

Vice president of Fast Retailing Noriaki Koyama said in a recent meeting with Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai that the brand wanted to increase the number of stores in Vietnam.

Uniqlo plans to open several new stores in Hanoi this year, and some flagship ones in 2023 towards the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan relations.

Koyama asked the ministry to introduce capable and reputable Vietnamese enterprises in the field of textiles and garments to cooperate and support the joint venture's procedures to expand its distribution system in Vietnam.

"We are not talking about 100 stores in Vietnam. Much more," Yanai said on a business trip to Vietnam eight months ago.

Entering Vietnam, Fast Retailing and its joint venture with Mitsubishi announced three commitments including expanding the business network nationwide, promoting domestic production, and developing Vietnamese talents.

Besides expanding the distribution network, Koyama said that Fast Retailing will strive to increase productivity, quality, and manufacturing output in Vietnam. The Japanese company expects to be supported to connect with potential factories and production facilities for its global supply chain.

In terms of human resources, a large number of Vietnamese personnel have been recruited and trained by this corporation in Vietnam as well as in Japan. Fast Retailing also plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with Foreign Trade University and Vietnam - Japan University to expand the activities of training and recruiting in Vietnam.
Test tubes labelled 'Monkeypox virus' are seen in this illustration taken May 23, 2022. Photo by Reuters

Vietnam currently lacks sufficient testing capabilities to detect monkeypox as the WHO declared the disease a global health emergency Saturday.

The Ministry of Health on Sunday had an emergency meeting with several domestic and international health agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), regarding responses to an ongoing global monkeypox outbreak, just one day after the disease had been declared a global health emergency.

Nguyen Luong Tam, deputy head of the General Department of Preventive Medicine, said Vietnam has yet to detect a monkeypox case, but there is a high risk of the disease breaching the border and infecting the population, seeing as several neighboring countries like Thailand, China, Singapore and Cambodia have already recorded monkeypox cases.

Dang Duc Anh, head of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said the institute is cooperating with other health institutes and requesting the WHO and the CDC to provide resources for monkeypox testing, including bio-products and testing procedures. Vietnam currently does not have products for monkeypox testing, he added.

"There are very few complete test kits right now. If they are ever supplied to Vietnam, we would need approval from the health ministry to be able to use them. Regarding testing capabilities, we must wait for the WHO to provide us their sample kits first," Anh said.

While waiting for the proper test kits, Nguyen Vu Trung, head of Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute, proposed temporarily using certain bio-products in the lab to diagnose and screen for diseases in emergency situations.

Regarding vaccines, Anh said there are currently two types of monkeypox vaccines approved by the U.S., both for adults. However, the WHO said these vaccines should only be given to groups most vulnerable to monkeypox, for example people having unprotected sex, he added. Reports in the West have showed a prevalence of the disease among men who have sex with men.

Sorroco Escalante, acting WHO representative in Vietnam, said Vietnam should use smallpox vaccines as a precaution. But Vietnam does not have it in store, and is requesting the WHO for provisions.

Nguyen Trong Khoa, deputy head of the Department of Medical Service Administration, said the department has devised the diagnosis process and treatment regimen for monkeypox, and a meeting to approve them would commence next week. Most monkeypox cases have mild symptoms, with certain severe symptoms including blood sepsis and complications in the lungs and brain, he added.

Nguyen Thu Lien Huong, deputy health minister, said monkeypox is not very contagious, and mostly transmits through direct contact and large droplets.

For now, localities should ramp up detection measures at the border, Huong said, adding she agrees with using bio-products in the lab to diagnose diseases in emergencies.

Monkeypox is now present in over 70 countries and territories, with over 16,000 cases and five deaths. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, skin lesions and rashes.
July 24, 2022 | 04:47 pm PT

I became an accomplice to corruption 10 years ago after being stopped by a traffic cop for making an illegal turn. I did what he suggested to "get it over with."

Though I was annoyed, I paid the VND300,000 ($12.81) he asked for so that things would not get complicated.

I know this is not a rare instance. It was just the done thing, so much so that an official remarked once that "a few hundred thousand dong is not considered corruption." And it is not that people do not know it is not the right thing to do, but there is an approach that considers this a "hidden cost" of the bureaucratic system.

Also 10 years ago, anti-corruption efforts were ramped up by the Communist Party and the State. After 10 years, a report released this year said around 170,000 Party members, or 3.2 percent, have been held responsible for violations by more than 2,700 Party organizations. Around 7,500 individuals were directly disciplined, of whom 170 were high-ranking officials.

I do not know whether the practice of petty briber still exists, but I know there has been a shift in perspective on the issue of corruption. The number of investigations and arrests that have happened recently is proof that the anti-corruption fight is at an all-time high. But the sheer number of cases also shows that there is still much to be done.

In the long run, we should realize that punishments alone deter people from corruption and we cannot expect everyone to "come to their senses" on their own, given the complicated social circumstances in which it happens.

If fighting corruption means both preventing and eliminating our focus has been far more on the preventive aspect.

I believe it is time we work on building new mechanisms so that the anti-corruption machine becomes both efficient and self-sufficient.

There are two aspects to categorizing these mechanisms: pre-mortem and post-mortem. Singapore, for example, is a country we can learn effective pre-mortem anti-corruption policies from.

When Lee Kuan Yew restructured Singapore's administrative system in the 70s and the 80s, he believed there were three necessary factors to fighting corruption effectively. First, officials must have high enough salaries so that they do not turn to corruption. Second, punishment for corruption must be severe enough to deter would-be violators. And third, there must be a healthy culture among government workers that deems corruption as an inexcusable behavior.

Vietnam does not lack the policies or the punishments to deal with corruption. Over the last decade, thousands of documents from the government, the Party and other administrative branches have detailed anti-corruption topics. But what Vietnam does lack are salaries for government workers and a healthy working culture for them.

As society demands more and more from the public sector, workloads mount, but workers are not being sufficiently compensated for the extra work they do.

Let's take a small example. A new graduate working at a government post earns around VND3.5 million ($149.45) a month, which is even lower than a month's worth of tuition at some universities. This means that if you had to borrow money to get a Bachelor's degree, you would not be able to pay it back anytime soon as a government worker.

Many people say no government worker survives on just their salaries alone. But this is how we get into this mess in the first place. If they do not live using their own salaries, what are they living on?

When someone's pay does not reflect the kind of jobs they do, there are three outcomes. They may work half-heartedly, not putting in all their effort. They may abuse their positions for self-interest to make up for the meager salaries they have. Or, they may simply quit.

Workers being able to sustain themselves on their own salaries is a prerequisite for fostering a healthy working culture. Not everyone who is poor dabbles in corruption, but the poorer one is, the more likely that they will succumb to temptation. I would have been much less sympathetic to that traffic police officer if he was earning significantly more than the measly VND3.5 million a month.

With post-mortem measures to fight corruption, Vietnam has an issue. Fighting corruption requires monitoring and controlling assets, but current regulations leave too many holes to be exploited. For example, monitoring how exactly an asset has been moved around is difficult. An official's assets could be transferred to his son, a business director and so on. There's no way to monitor it because that asset does not have to be reported.

The United Nations has recommended that member states including Vietnam criminalizes illegal ways to make money and the inability of officials to explain where their disproportionate assets came from. Vietnam has not been able to do this so far

For now, there should be short-term mechanisms to plug in those holes. But more importantly, we have to realize that the fight against corruption cannot be won solely by the state and its administrative systems.

Take New Zealand and northern European countries for example. They all have very low corruption indexes, yet they do not spend a lot of resources on the fight. In fact, there is anti-corruption agency at all. Their success story has to do with a healthy culture that pervades the public, the press and social organizations. People, the common citizens, are always in the best position to watch out for corruption, given their status as potential victims as well as potential colluders.

But if the state wants their people's help, its agencies have to be transparent, protect people's rights to access information and provide them with concrete tools to report corruption: email addresses, hotlines, local committees, access to the National Assembly and so on. Vietnam may have thousands of documents on fighting corruption, but the people's important role as vigilant observers is barely seen.

The challenges cannot be tackled overnight. But if we do not do something about them, our fight would be clumsy - wild swings that keep missing the right targets, more often than not.

*Nguyen Khac Giang is a researcher in policy making and government transparency. He is a PhD candidate at the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. The opinions expressed are his own.
Vietnamese travel firms expect relaxed visa policies to increase foreign tourist numbers as the country lags far behind Southeast Asian neighbors post reopening.

Pham Ha, CEO of Lux Group, which specializes in organizing luxury cruise tours, said revenues in the first six months this year only reached 21 percent of the full-year target as visa policies remain a major barrier in attracting foreign tourists.

Ha said his company has lost up to 10 groups of foreign tourists due to visa issues since Vietnam reopened international tourism from March 15.

"Many foreign tourists had canceled their trips to Vietnam as they could not get an entry visa. These current visa policies are major barriers for Vietnam's tourism recovery," Ha lamented.

Vietnam is trailing its neighbors in tourism recovery as the number of foreign tourists to the country in the first half of this year reached only 602,000, much lower than Thailand (2.2 million), Malaysia (2 million), Singapore (1.5 million) and the Philippines (814,000).

After two years of border closures, Vietnam has allowed quarantine-free entry and resumed its pre-pandemic visa exemption policy for 13 key tourism markets including Western European countries from mid-March with a maximum stay of up to 15 days.

For other markets, the country only issues a one-month single-entry e-visa, instead of three-month visas like before the pandemic.

Nguyen Ngoc Toan, director of Images Travel Company that brings European visitors to Vietnam, said his company is facing difficulties in bringing back tourists due to limited flights and visa issues.

Currently, only citizens of Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Kyrgyzstan are offered a visa-free stay of 30 days. But most Asian tourists typically make short trips of four to five days while European tourists are keen on longer holidays from 18-21 days.

Toan suggested the government considers prolonging the stay of tourists from European countries from the current 15 to 30 days.

"The tourism industry still has a chance to boost foreign tourist numbers for the second half of this year, especially in the peak winter holiday season for Western tourists," Toan said.

CEO of Allez Voyage Tourism Company Nguyen Xuan Quynh said her company has not yet received large groups of foreign tourists since reopening as many complained Vietnam's visa policies are "unattractive."

"Most Southeast Asian countries offer visa exemption of up to 30 days for foreign tourists. Vietnam is losing out to its neighbors," Quynh added.

Experts from the government-run Private Economic Development Research Board also petitioned the government to expand the visa exemption list for potential tourism markets like Australia, Belgium, Canada, India, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the U.S.

The council said the current visa policy is "yet to meet the demand of post-Covid travel, and lacks competitiveness compared to neighboring countries."

This year, Vietnam targets five million foreign arrivals, around 30 percent of pre-pandemic levels
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This is absolutely a critical moment for our ocean, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry recently told audience at the U.N. Ocean Conference in Portugal.
ELKO  An Elko man was arrested Saturday evening at South Fork Reservoir after a camper reported seeing a vehicle driving through the east campground at a high rate of speed.

An officer found the suspect vehicle parked at a campsite. The vehicle had run over the parking block, and the driver was seen in the water throwing an object and submerging himself, according to the officers statement.

Lionel F. Diaz, 45, approached the officer but allegedly refused to obey commands to go to the rear of his vehicle and chest bumped the officer before he was placed in handcuffs. Diaz reportedly admitted to being on probation and to drinking alcohol and smoking weed, the report said.

During transport to town by a Nevada State Police trooper, Diaz reportedly made verbal threats against both officers.

Diaz was booked on charges of felony intimidating a public officer with threat of force, battery on a protected person, reckless driving disregarding safety, open container of alcohol in vehicle, driving without a drivers license, and violation of probation.

According to Elko County Jail records, Diaz was also arrested in July 2021 for failure to register as a sex offender. In December 2016, he was convicted in Yakima, Washington of communication with a minor for immoral purposes, according to the Nevada Sex Offender Registry.
Press Release

July 24, 2022 Jinggoy bats for better working conditions for informal sector workers, freelancers, WFH employees For the coming 19th Congress, Senator Jinggoy Estrada has set his sights on providing for better working conditions in the country for informal sector workers, freelancers and those engaged in work-from-home schemes. "Hindi natin makakaila na kasabay ng mga pagbabago sa ating pamumuhay ng dahil sa pandemya ay ang mga pamamaraan ng ating hanapbuhay at ang patuloy na paglago ng mga manggagawa sa informal sector at iba pa na hindi nakahanay sa mga regular na namamasukan sa mga opisina," Estrada said. "May mga karampatang benepisyo at labor standards na dapat ding umiiral para maprotektahan ang kanilang kapakanan," the incoming Chairperson of the Senate Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development Committee said in explaining the prioritization in the filing of his Senate Bills Nos. 42, 44, and 45. In fulfilling the constitutional mandate of social justice and human rights for the poor, Estrada proposed the enactment of SB No. 42 or the Magna Carta for Workers in the Informal Sector. It seeks to prescribe their rights and benefits for workers, establish labor standards and provision of social insurance programs from Social Security System (SSS), Pag-Ibig and Philhealth. Estrada likewise included provisions ensuring security in the workplace of informal sector workers to address issues concerning eviction, demolition, confiscation of materials and impounding of vehicles among many others. Under SB No. 45 or the proposed Freelancers Protection Act provides the labor bill of rights for freelancers - right to a written contract or agreement, right to just compensation, right to self-organization, right to be free from any form of discrimination, and abuse - as it establishes standards to be implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). For those under a flexible working arrangement or telecommuting, Estrada laid down in his SB No. 44 his proposed modifications to existing normal hours of work, including shortened meal breaks, and overtime work. Also included in Estrada's list of filed priority bills are the proposed condonation of penalties for unpaid Social Security System (SSS) contributions of household employers, Seafarers Bill of Rights, amendment to the composition of the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), a 20% discount on fees and charges for indigent job applicants, fixed monthly salary for bus drivers and conductors, establishment of the National Manpower Data and Placement Center as well as the creation of the National Employment Assistance Center of the Philippines.
Inoculations at home and abroad prove that Chinese-made medicines are safe

All incumbent leaders of the Communist Party of China and the State have been vaccinated with domestic COVID-19 vaccines, "showing that they attach great significance to virus control work and have great confidence in Chinese-made vaccines", a senior health official unveiled on Saturday.

Zeng Yixin, deputy director of the National Health Commission, also told a media briefing that three domestic vaccines have obtained emergency use authorization from the World Health Organization, and more than 100 countries have approved Chinese-developed shots for public use.

"The leaders of more than 30 countries, including Turkey, Serbia, Cambodia and Chile, have been vaccinated with Chinese vaccines, which adds to the proof that Chinese vaccines have achieved widespread recognition from the international community," he said.

China's COVID-19 vaccines are safe and have gained global recognition, experts and officials said on Saturday while calling on the elderly to get inoculated and boosted to protect against severe infections and deaths.

Wang Fusheng, head of the infectious disease department at a unit of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, said online information that COVID-19 vaccines can trigger leukemia and diabetes, affect genetic development, cause tumor metastasis or antibody-dependent enhancement is irresponsible and false.

The numbers of hospital visits and hospitalizations for leukemia and diabetes were similar from 2018 to 2022, he said during a news briefing held by the State Council's Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism.

"If COVID-19 vaccines could cause these diseases, we should have seen a marked increase in the numbers. But in reality, there is no such rise," he said.

Feng Zijian, vice-president of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association and former deputy director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that 3.4 billion homegrown COVID-19 vaccines have been administered on the mainland, and monitoring data shows that domestic vaccines are very safe, with the rate of adverse effects being slightly lower than that of regular vaccines, such as those against polio and influenza.

As of May 30, the mainland had administered 3.38 billion COVID-19 doses and had received about 238,000 reports of adverse reactions following immunization, the majority being local pain, redness, induration and fever.

"So far, foreign countries that have widely deployed Chinese vaccines have also found no safety issues," he said. "These data fully demonstrate that Chinese vaccines are very safe."

Even though the Omicron variantparticularly its highly transmissible BA.4 and BA.5 strainsis better at evading vaccine-induced immunity, experts said current COVID-19 vaccines can still provide effective protection against severe illnesses and deaths, citing real-world data.

According to an analysis of Omicron-infected patients reported from March to June on the mainland that was conducted by the China CDC, when compared with the unvaccinated, completing primary vaccination can reduce the risk of coming down with severe symptoms by 89 percent for those over age 60, and a booster shot can lower the risk by 95 percent.

However, the vaccination coverage among seniors above age 80 and of booster shots among all elderly people in China remains relatively low, Zeng said.

As of Friday, 89.7 percent of Chinese people were fully vaccinated. The rate drops to 84.7 percent for those age 60 and above and 61 percent for those age 80 and above.

Meanwhile, less than 68 percent of people age 60 and above have received a booster shot and only 38 percent of those age 80 and above have done so.

"China has about 35 million people age 80 and above. About 40 percent have not finished getting primary inoculations, and 62 percent have not gotten a booster jab. The risk of them developing severe illnesses and even dying of the virus after infection is high," said Feng, the former China CDC official.

"We should make use of the time window earned through implementing our dynamic zero-COVID strategy to accelerate immunization, especially among the elderly," he said.

The BA.5 subvariant of Omicron has spread to over 100 countries and regions, leading to an increase in infections and hospitalizations and heaping pressure on China's defense against imported cases, the commission said on Saturday.

On Sunday, the mainland reported 87 confirmed locally transmitted infections and 782 asymptomatic cases. Gansu province and the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region are the hardest-hit regions during this round of outbreaks.


Delegates attended the exhibition. (Photo: sggp.org.vn)

The enterprises selected more than 1,100 products to display at the event. These are prestigious and quality products with beautiful designs and high technical processing.

The products use new and environmentally friendly materials. Each product on display is the most typical, exported or potential product of the enterprises, with the desire to introduce them to domestic and international partners.

The exhibition acts as an effective product communication channel, helping businesses promote products, build brands and find partners.

The event will run until July 25.

According to ITPC, in 2021, despite being affected by the COVID-19 epidemic, export turnover of wood and wood products still reached 14.12 billion USD, up 17.6% compared to 2020.

Vietnam has become the 6th largest exporter of wood and wood products worldwide with more than 4% market share of world furniture trade, ranking second in Asia and first in Southeast Asia.

Vietnams wood and wood products have been present in more than 160 countries around the world, contributing significantly to the increase of the countrys overall export turnover./.
Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man (R) presents Friendship Order to former Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Anders Johnsson (Photo: VNA)

Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man affirmed that the honour is a recognition of Johnssons substantive and effective contributions to intensifying relations between the Vietnamese NA and the IPU.

The Vietnamese legislature appreciates the sincere sentiments and active support and cooperation of Anders Johnsson and his family for Vietnam over the past years since the first days of his working tenure at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Hanoi in 1980s.

He expressed his hope that Johnson will continue to share valuable information and experience to help Vietnam further promote its role at the globes largest inter-parliamentary forum.

He also took the occasion to thank Johnson's spouse, Kyra Nunez-Johnsson, for her contributions to Vietnams friendship with Mexico and the Latin American region.

Expressing his honour and sincere thanks to the Vietnamese Party, State and National Assembly for the decoration, the IPUs former Secretary General affirmed that the country and people of Vietnam always hold a special position in his heart, emphasising that there is no greater reward for him than this Order.

He said he is delighted to contribute to the development and rising position of the Vietnamese NA in the word parliamentary forum, and affirmed to be a close friend of Vietnam, hoping to return to the country for many other times./.
Mr. Ho Van Lam (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

Mr. Lam shared that the business trip, which lasted nearly 10 days from July 3-11 with a dense schedule in six localities of Da Nang, Quang Nam, Kien Giang, Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Giang and Hanoi, had great significance for overseas Vietnamese businesses in Thailand.

This is a good opportunity for Thai and Vietnamese businesses to meet, exchange, connect, exchange, cooperate and learn about the business investment environment.

At the end of the program, the Chairman of BAOTV excitedly announced that 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between BAOTV and Vietnamese business associations, between overseas Vietnamese businesses in Thailand and Vietnamese enterprises, in many fields such as garment, hotel tourism, high-tech agriculture and local specialties.

It is the first positive signal that opens a new path of cooperation between business associations and businesses of the two countries. I hope, in the coming time, businesses will make efforts to bring Vietnamese goods to Thailand and vice versa, said Mr. Lam

According to the Chairman of BAOTV, implementing the Prime Minister's Project 1797 mobilizing overseas Vietnamese to introduce and consume products and develop distribution channels of Vietnamese goods abroad in the period of 2020-2024, the association has established a Exhibition Center of High Quality Vietnamese Products, in the VT Namneung Community supermarket complex located in Udon Thani in northeastern Thailand.

This center will display and introduce Vietnamese goods to overseas Vietnamese and Thai people.

We are ready to support Vietnamese businesses to bring their goods on display for free. Currently, BAOTV owns a separate company with a charter capital of 15 billion VND and is expected to increase over time, Mr. Lam emphasized.

We will use this capital for trade exchange and bringing Vietnamese products to Thailand, he said.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Lam and his family often returned to Vietnam about three times a year.

Therefore, even though he owns VT Namnueng big brand, which is present in 50 localities in Thailand, Mr. Lam always looks to Vietnam and wonders how to bring Vietnamese goods to Thailand.

Besides the efforts of BAOTV, Mr. Lam suggested that in the coming time, the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand and related agencies continue to support the country to reduce technical barriers in exporting goods; strengthen road, sea and air traffic connections between the two countries, especially in the Northeast region of Thailand - where many overseas Vietnamese people live.

At the same time, it is necessary to step up negotiations so that Thailand widely recognizes Vietnamese goods standards, strengthen promotion and market research, focus on packaging and food safety criteria.

In addition, Mr. Ho Van Lam said that it is necessary to continue to organize promotional activities, trade, tourism and investment promotion in Thailand. Since then, Thai corporations, businesses and people, especially overseas Vietnamese, have had the opportunity to trade with Vietnamese businesses.

The overseas Vietnamese community in general and in Thailand in particular is an inseparable part and an important resource of the Vietnamese ethnic community. Therefore, we overseas Vietnamese businesses can completely be messengers to bring Vietnamese goods to the world," the Chairman of BAOTV affirmed.

"Connecting overseas Vietnamese businessmen in Thailand with localities" is the first program in the State Commission for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs project on taking overseas Vietnamese delegations to the homeland to connect business with Vietnamese localities./.
The delegation visited Ho Chi Minh City

This is the first international delegation following the river journey back to Vietnam since the beginning of 2020.

The Indochine 2 ship docked at Saigon Port on July 18 and continued its journey to My Tho on July 19, Vinh Long on July 20, Sa Dec, Tan Chau on July 21 and arrived in Cambodia on the afternoon of July 22 through Vinh Xuong border gate.

The delegation visited popular destinations in Ho Chi Minh City, experienced the floating market on the Mekong River and studied the lives of local people.

In September, the company will continue to promote the exploitation and provide services of this source of international visitors, actively contributing to the strategy of recovering international visitors of Vietnams tourism industry in the near future.

Data from the HCM City Statistics Office shows that international tourists to the city in the first half of 2022 reached 477,982 arrivals, an increase of 100% over the same period./.
Grain export to be launched from Chornomorsk seaport, from Odesa, Pivdenny ports within two weeks

The export of Ukrainian grain will be launched primarily from Chornomorsk commercial sea port (Odesa region).

"We believe that within the next 24 hours we will be ready to work on resuming the export of agricultural products from our ports. We are talking about the port of Chornomorsk, it will be the first. Then there will be the port of Odesa and the port of Pivdenny," the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Ukraine Yuriy Vaskov said during a briefing in Kyiv on Monday.

According to him, within two weeks the Infrastructure Ministry will be technically ready to export from all terminals of the three seaports of the country.

The first shipment of grain, according to Vaskov, is expected this week.
NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy announced that the proposal to postpone payments on eurobonds, which was due to the government's position to use these funds for natural gas import, did not find support among the eurobond holders and plans to take actions regarding the execution of the company's eurobonds transaction in connection with the government's ban on making payments under existing conditions and instructions to change these conditions.

Since the launch of the Request for Consent, Naftogaz has been engaged in constructive discussions with the bondholders. In light of Cabinet Resolution No. 625 dated July 21, which instructs Naftogaz to conclude a new agreement on terms different from those proposed in the Request for Consent, and limits further actions of Naftogaz without separate approval by the Cabinet of Ministers, Naftogaz expects to formulate a new proposal, the company said in a report on the stock exchange on Monday.

Naftogaz recalled that the deadline for accepting responses to its proposal to holders of eurobonds worth almost $1.5 billion to defer coupon payments on them for two years, including postponing the repayment of $335 million eurobonds 2022 for the same period, expired on July 21.

Based on the electronic voting instructions and sub-proxy forms received prior to the voting deadline, the proposal is not expected to be approved at the meeting to be held for the 2022 Notes and the required quorum is not expected to be reached at any of the meetings, which will be carried out in relation to the bonds of 2024 and 2026, Naftogaz said.

In addition, the company said that the government, by a resolution issued on July 21, prohibited payments on eurobonds 2022 and 2024 falling on July 19 without its prior consent.

On July 22, Naftogaz reached out to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine for approval of these payments, which was not granted. Naftogaz submitted an additional request for approval of such a payment on July 23 and is awaiting a response from the Cabinet of Ministers, which has no obligation to respond within a certain period, the company said.

In accordance with Government Resolution No. 691 dated June 17, Naftogaz's priority remains the accumulation of sufficient natural gas before the 2022/23 heating season, which was the main reason for the proposal to defer payments.

Previously, Naftogaz said that to implement this decision, it needs to import an additional 4 billion cubic meters of gas worth about $8 billion.

The grace period for Naftogaz eurobonds is 5 business days. Naftogaz expected to obtain the consent of the holders for the postponement on July 26, the last day of this period.

In addition to Naftogaz, on July 20, Ukraine made a similar proposal to defer all payments for all 13 Eurobond issues for two years. In contrast to the NAC, the government proposed to holders of Eurobonds to extend the maturity of all securities by two years, and not just 2022.

There are currently three Naftogaz eurobond issues circulating on the market. All of them were placed in 2019: in July - three-year $335 million notes at 7.375% and five-year EUR600 million notes at 7.125% (one fifth of the euro bonds were bought by the EBRD), and in November  seven-year $500 million notes at 7.625%.

Naftogaz offered to pay all coupons on eurobonds 2022 and 2024 on July 19, 2024 and to redeem eurobonds 2022 on the same day, and would like to pay coupons on eurobonds 2026 on November 8, 2024.
The Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine plans to start moving ships from the country's ports this week as part of the initiative for the export of grain and related foodstuffs by sea, signed in Istanbul on July 22, minister Oleksandr Kubrakov has said during a press conference on Monday.

"In Istanbul, over the next two days, internal technical documents of the coordination center will be developed, and it is expected that it will start working on July 27," Kubrakov said at a press conference in Kyiv on Monday.

He noted that the activity of the coordination center is to supervise and coordinate the functioning of the humanitarian corridor, but does not extend to the territorial waters of Ukraine. "In the territorial waters of Ukraine, exclusively Ukrainian authorities have the competence to administer and ensure all processes," the minister stressed.

He again noted that the opening of ports would bring Ukraine additional $1 billion.

According to the estimates of the Ministry of Infrastructure, the monthly export of agricultural products could reach 3 million tonnes, while Minister of Agrarian Policy Mykola Solsky said that it could be even higher.

Kubrakov stressed that ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea was due to the liberation of Snake Island by the Ukrainian troops.

At the same time, according to the minister, the demining process will be carried out exclusively in the corridor for the passage of ship caravans, and all caravans will be accompanied by rescue ships of the Ministry of Infrastructure.
Press Release

July 25, 2022 NOMINATION SPEECH

Senator Miguel Zubiri for Senate President Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! General Montgomery of the British Army said: "Leadership is the capacity and the will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence." Leadership, which I can attest, is an attribute that Senator Zubiri possesses. I have witnessed his excellence in leading twenty-three individuals with twenty-three different opinions on national issues during the 18th Congress. True to his moniker as "Trabahador sa Senado", I have seen how Senator Miguel Zubiri passionately worked for the benefit of our people. He was instrumental in ensuring that this august body fulfills our sworn constitutional mandate of enacting laws for the common good during the 18th Congress. Sen. Zubiri does not stop working even when he is sick -- not even the deadly Covid-19 weakened his dedication for public service. He showed us his unwavering commitment to work during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic. While there was confusion and uncertainties that time, Sen. Zubiri, together with the members of the 18th Congress, work our ways, with blood, sweat and perhaps tears, so our executive department will be equipped to effectively combat the detrimental effects of the pandemic. All in a day's work of an enthusiastic senator such as Sen. Zubiri. There will be debates and disagreements among us colleagues, like every congress should. Every Senator in this chamber has his or her own view and belief but I certainly know that the leadership of Sen. Zubiri will bind us all together. Together in carrying out our duties and responsibilities as trabahadors of our people. Mr. President, as a Mindanaoan, it is with great honor and pride, to second the nomination of our Trabahador sa Senado, my fellow Mindanaoan, Senator Miguel Zubiri, as Senate President. Thank you, Mr. President.
The European Investment Bank (EIB), with the support of the EU budget, has approved funding for Ukraine in the amount of EUR1.59 billion, of which EUR1 billion will be provided immediately, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said.

"The EIB, with EU budget support, approved EUR1.59 billion of financing for Ukraine, with EUR1 billion to be released immediately. It will help rebuild infrastructure and resume services. And support energy, transport and education projects for the future," she said on Twitter.

"This is the second package of support for Ukraine under the EIB Ukraine solidarity urgent response developed in close cooperation with the European Commission. It follows an emergency support package of EUR668 million fully disbursed within a month of the wars beginning. Like the first one, this new financing is offered at favorable terms including long tenors," the EIB said on its website.

"Immediate financial assistance will total EUR1.05 billion. This will consist of upfront disbursements under eight existing finance contracts. It will help the Ukrainian government to cover priority short-term financing needs, provide support to strategic state-owned companies, ensure urgent repairs of damaged infrastructure, resume the provision of disrupted municipal services, and support urgent energy and energy efficiency measures in preparation for the cold season," the report says.

"The second block will be resuming implementation of EIB-financed projects in Ukraine totaling EUR540 million where possible, excluding areas of active hostilities and territories not controlled by the Ukrainian government. The selected projects will cover energy, energy efficiency, roads, transport, education and infrastructure, as well as reconstruction and recovery programs. The exact timing of these disbursements will depend on the state of advancement of underlying projects," the release reads.

"The European Commission will keep working with EU member states and our international partners to support Ukraine on every level  for as long as it takes," Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commission Executive Vice President, said.

"To rebuild Ukraine, we need strong global support and growing financial assistance. I am grateful to the EIB and the European Union for the long-standing cooperation and financial support and for standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes," Finance Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Marchenko said.
The Second Summit of the First Ladies and Gentlemen, held in Kyiv on Saturday, July 23, was successful, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said in a traditional video statement on Saturday evening.

"Today Kyiv hosted the second annual summit of the First Ladies and Gentlemen. This year it brought together even more participants. It united Kyiv with Warsaw, Brussels, London, Washington. It united top politicians, public figures of other countries and soldiers; as well as representatives of business, sports, media. It united writers, show business stars, teachers, doctors," he said.

In today's world, he said, it is impossible to get by with ordinary classical diplomacy alone. "We need soft power, we need a sincere desire of different societies to help the state, which is fighting for its inflexibility and independence. From this point of view, it has become very successful today," Zelensky said.

"In two years, the initiative of the first lady of Ukraine has actually become a traditional format unique for the world community. Everyone recognizes the potential of any force. But only Ukraine managed to channel its invincibility, its potential into specific diplomatic practice," the president said.
President of the Republic of Guatemala Alejandro Giammattei visited Kyiv region on Monday, the press service of Kyiv regional military administration has said.

"Borodianka, Bucha, Irpin  these settlements have become a tragic symbol of the atrocities of the Russian army against civilian Ukrainians. The President of Guatemala expressed his support for Ukraine and stressed that the whole world should know about Russia's crimes," the administration said.

It notes that the official visits of international partners "are an important component in the war, which continues in the information field."
Even if Russians outnumber Ukrainian soldiers, Poland will still continue to provide assistance to Ukrainians, Polish President Andrzej Duda has said.

"We are talking with other presidents and prime ministers to provide assistance in the form of various military equipment, in particular artillery shells, body armor, modern weapons, so that everyone can see how proud we are of the courage of Ukrainian soldiers. Even if the Russians outnumber them, we anyway, we will continue to provide assistance to the Ukrainians - our most important task," Duda said, addressing the participants of the Second Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, which is taking place on Saturday, July 23.

Duda said President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky plays an essential role, as he remains at the head of the defense of Ukraine, did not leave the Ukrainian people, continues to stay in Ukraine and support everyone who defends the country and relies on aggression.

"I also do my best to provide assistance. Wherever I go, I always support Ukraine, I always support Ukraine's EU candidacy  this is something we recently secured together. We also provide support to Ukraine through NATO," the President of Poland said.
Law enforcers informed former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Kostiantyn Hryschenko and former Minister of Justice Oleksandr Lavrynovych of suspicion of treason.

"According to the investigation, in April 2010, suspects, by prior agreement by a group of persons with the former president and prime minister, acting to the detriment of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability, defense capability, state and economic security of Ukraine, in violation of the Constitution of Ukraine, the law on international treaties of Ukraine, without actually considering the draft Agreement between Ukraine and Russia on the stay of the Black Sea Fleet of Russia on the territory of our state by the interested bodies and conducting a mandatory legal examination, agreed on it without comment," the PGO press service has said.

It is noted that as a result of the actions of former ministers and other defendants in the case, in April 2010, an Agreement was signed and ratified, which extended the stay of the Black Sea Fleet of Russia on the territory of Ukraine for 25 years.

"This created favorable conditions for the subsequent re-equipment and modernization of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation, as well as its increase in the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol instead of withdrawing from Ukraine," the prosecutor's office said.

Former ministers are charged with Part 1 of Art. 111 (high treason) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Pretrial investigation in criminal proceedings is carried out by investigators of the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI).

According to the SBI press service, the defendants in the case are hiding abroad, so the suspicions were announced in absentia.

The statement does not include the names of the former ministers. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine from March 2010 to December 2012 was headed by Kostiantyn Hryschenko, the Ministry of Justice from March 2010 to July 2013 by Oleksandr Lavrynovych.
Melitopol mayor about guerrillas in town: Two armored trains derailed, bridge between Melitopol and Tokmak blown up, collaborators afraid to appear in public

Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov said that Ukrainian guerrillas in the town have successfully derailed two Russian armored trains, destroyed the bridge between Melitopol and Tokmak and forced local collaborators to be afraid of appearing in public places.

Fedorov said in an exclusive interview with the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency that after the Russian occupants have forced Melitopol residents to stop holding large-scale pro-Ukrainian rallies, a partisan movement became widespread in the town.

Melitopol guerrillas are focused on a range of tasks, including the blocking of military cargo supplies for the occupiers and creation of discomfort for the Russian invaders and local collaborators, the mayor said.

"They must not feel free on our land. And instruments of moral pressure are really effective here  starting with a Ukrainian flag on a collaborator's door and finishing with placing profiles all over the town," Fedorov said.

Asked about successes of the partisan movement in Melitopol, the mayor said, "Firstly, two armored trains were derailed on their way to Melitopol. At first, one [of the trains was derailed], and the second one  in three weeks. Secondly, the bridge between Melitopol and Tokmak was blown up and it is impossible to restore it. Thirdly, several operations were carried out especially for the collaborators and Gaulaiters, as a result of which they do not appear in public places at all."
If Melitopol is not deoccupied before heating season, there won't be heating in town  mayor

Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov says if the town is not liberated from the Russian occupiers before the beginning of the heating season, then most likely there won't be heating there.

"Yesterday [on July 21] we had a meeting with the central authorities on the heating season, in particular, in the occupied territories. We should stick to the following agenda here: the heating season in the temporarily occupied territories will not be launched," the mayor said in an exclusive interview with the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency.

He said if the Ukrainian army manages to liberate Melitopol from the Russian occupiers before the heating season, then "all resources must be prepared" by that time for urgent repairs of the heating system in the town.

"Today our employees of the heating provider due to insider information understand where there are damages, what materials are needed and so on. If we return a week before the heating season, we know what to do," the mayor said.

Fedorov also said that if the town is not deoccupied before the heating season, then the town will most likely be without heating.

"It will be a rather difficult situation, but we have to stick exactly to this agenda. We must evacuate as many people as possible, accommodate them in the [government-controlled] territory of Ukraine, heat and provide them with warm housing," the mayor said.
Ukraine will start exporting grain across the Black Sea in accordance with the agreements signed in Istanbul, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed.

"We have prepared everything. There is a corridor on our side, in our waters it is controlled by Ukraine, and checks (of vessels) in it will be carried out only by Ukrainians ... We will definitely start exports to once again prove to the whole world: it is not Ukraine that disrupts exports - these are the narratives that are being spread today as disinformation by the Russian side," Zelensky said at a briefing with the President of Guatemala in Kyiv, asked by the Interfax-Ukraine agency.

At the same time, according to him, further ensuring the security of Ukrainian grain exports lies with Turkey and the UN, with which relevant agreements have been concluded.

"We trust Turkey and the UN, with which we have signed relevant documents on grain exports, and they must take care of the safety of ships of other states that have agreed to transport grain, corn, barley to other countries," the president said.

In this context, he also noted that the release of the Snake Island is an important factor in controlling the safety of other grain transportation corridors.

"This is important regarding the security control of other grain transportation corridors, and then the question is for the UN and Turkey, how much they will be able to control the Russian Federation, which, as it turned out, can fire missiles even after agreements," Zelensky added.
The Emergency Medical Aid and Disaster Medicine Centers in Odesa, Sumy, Kharkiv and Chernihiv have received two ambulance vehicles each per community from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Ukraine, with funding from the Government of Canada, the press service of the UNDP said on Monday.

"Availing timely and efficient ambulatory medical services is critical for rescue operations during war times. UNDP and our partners are working with the Government of Ukraine to support the country's doctors, paramedics, and rescuers in any and every way we can," acting UNDP Resident Representative in UkraineManal Fouani said.

The ambulances have armored protection and special medical equipment that can help save lives in remote areas. Each ambulance can evacuate up to four patients, and is equipped with all that is needed for emergency care, including an aspirator, a pulse-oximeter, a defibrillator-monitor with a pacemaker, an electrocardiograph, a device immobilizing the cervical spine and much more, the press service said.

Other recent joint initiatives include providing an operating table for Chernihiv Central District Hospital and organizing emergency medical training for specialists and volunteers of Social Service Centers to help internally displaced families from Donetsk, Luhansk, Sumy, Kharkiv and Kyiv regions.

The ambulances were delivered within the framework of the United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Program (UN RPP). Twelve international partners support the Program: The European Union (EU), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, and the governments of Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland.
Three out of 15 German Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled artillery systems are already at the disposal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), Defense Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov has said.

"Three first Gepards officially came from Germany today... These are anti-aircraft missile systems, to which tens of thousands of shells have been handed over to us... We expect 15 Gepards," Reznikov said on the air of the National Telethon on Monday.

Later, the minister thanked Germany for the supply of the artillery systems and said Ukraine also expects to receive an Iris-T air defense system.

"Our capabilities to protect our sky will be strengthened. Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems began to arrive in Ukraine. I would like to thank our German partners and personally Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht for supporting our country. Looking forward to receiving IRIS-T," he said on Twitter on Monday.

As reported, on June 21, the German authorities published a list of weapons that have already been or will be delivered to Ukraine. It included 30 Gepards, an IRIS-T air defense system, three Mars multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and other weapons.
Press Release

July 25, 2022 NOMINATION SPEECH

Senator Joel Villanueva

as Chairperson for the Committee on Rules Mr. President, my esteemed colleagues, it is my distinct honor to rise today to nominate our distinguished colleague, Senator Joel "Tesdaman" Villanueva, as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Rules, also known as BMW, "The Brother of Migrant Workers." Mr. President, Senator Joel has proven to us time and again that he is indeed worthy to be called a public servant in his own right. The hard work of our dear colleague has been constantly recognized beyond these walls of the Senate. In fact, our Tesdaman has recently been recognized as among 2022's People of the Year by Stargate People Asia Magazine for his contributions to job creation for Filipinos and his campaign for skills training to generate world-class workers in the country. Mr. President, a Chairperson of the Committee on Rules is a man who shows up. With his untarnished perfect attendance and his consistently notable contributions as a legislator, I can attest that Senator Joel is not only a man who shows up. He is a man who shows up prepared and performs beyond expectation - even during pandemic and his period of mourning kung saan siya ay nagluluksa sa sunod-sunod na pagkawala ng kanyang mahal sa buhay. Employing Senator Joel's advocacy of "matching jobs and skills", it is indeed a perfect match for Senator Joel to lead the Committee on Rules and be our Majority Floor Leader. He has already proven to us that he is the "Tesdaman", now, he is also THE man for the job. I have only one request sa ating nominee. Please, Senator Joel, see to it that my good friend, Sen. Francis Tolentino will no longer complain about the disappearances of his local bills from the calendar of business. 'Yan lang ang kanyang requirement from you, and... I therefore nominate Senator Joel Villanueva as Chairman of the Committee on Rules for the 19th Congress. Thank you, Mr. President.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Hryhoriy Halahan as Commander of the Special Operations Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and appointed Viktor Khorenko to this position.

Respective decrees No. 530/2022 and No. 531/2022 have been published on the website of the head of state on Monday.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The cadets of the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev are conducting practical classes in field conditions, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry told Trend.

The cadets accomplish various standards of the drill, physical, and fire training, in accordance with the approved educational plan and program of the military institute.

During the classes, the military personnel is instructed on the safety rules. Having familiarized with the shooting conditions, the cadets improve their skills in detecting and destroying targets of an imaginary enemy at the training range, bringing weapons into the state of combat readiness, and using them.

At the end of the classes, cadets will be assessed based on their results.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Unfortunately, many high-rise buildings that were once built in Baku do not comply with any urban planning norms, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said receiving Araz Ahmadov on his appointment as head of Masalli District Executive Authority, Akbar Abbasov on his appointment as head of Lerik District Executive Authority and Elvin Pashayev on his appointment as head of Goygol District Executive Authority, Trend reports.

"I am sure that if modern governance rules are applied to every district and indeed everywhere else, many problems will be eliminated. This is the policy of the state. I have always defined the policy of the Azerbaijani state unambiguously and presented it to the public. Many of my speeches actually represent our reports to the public. At the same time, I think that the words I say should serve as a basis for all public officials, including entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurship is developing. I support that, and many steps are being taken in this direction. However, all rules must be complied with, especially in construction, agriculture and tourism. It is necessary to see to what extent a facility being established meets the architectural style of this or that region, to what extent it meets modern standards, whether or not its construction coefficient is in line with the standards. Unfortunately, many high-rise buildings that were once built in Baku do not comply with any urban planning norms. Why? Because illegal things were committed. Heads of the district executive authority issued illegal permits and, as a result, the principles of urban planning suffered a huge blow. Therefore, it is very difficult to fix them now. At this stage, however, we cannot allow urban planning norms to be violated. For example, all urban planning and environmental standards are being fully complied with in the territories freed from occupation  in fact, the standards of the most developed countries of the world. You should pay serious attention to these issues and exercise control over them in your activities," the head of state said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. A total of 1.3 billion young people live in the world and therefore it's necessary to globally strengthen youth cooperation, a participant of the Youth Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement from Zimbabwe Abiel Elson Mawere told Trend.

According to Mawere, it's important for young people from different countries to come together and discuss various solutions in the post-COVID-19-pandemic period, and in this regard, the summit being held in Baku is of great significance.

He thanked Azerbaijan for organizing the summit at a high level.

"This is one of the best summits I have ever participated in. Of course, organizing any event at such a high level requires great responsibility. Azerbaijan has done a lot of work in this direction. The address of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to the summit participants indicates that the Azerbaijani state supports young people at a high level, and this is very commendable," added the guest.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The Youth Summit of the countries participating in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Baku is an excellent platform for young people to discuss their ideas, a participant of the summit from Bhutan Chador Tenzin Rabgay told Trend.

According to Rabgay, young people at the summit exchange experience, study new ideas, and ways to solve the problems facing young people.

"I'm happy to take part in this forum, which is attended by young people from around the world. This summit is of particular importance to me, as I hope to gain a lot of knowledge here. Azerbaijan has organized this forum on a professional level. We were very warmly welcomed here," he said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The implementation of Azerbaijani President's decree "On number of measures to increase level of self-provision with food wheat" has begun, Trend reports via the explanation to Resolution No. 433 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.

"As it's known, in order to ensure the food security of Azerbaijan, including increasing the level of self-provision with basic foodstuffs, on July 19, 2022, the President of Azerbaijan signed a decree "On number of measures to increase level of self-provision with food wheat," the explanation said. "In accordance with the resolution adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers to implement this decree, the Ministry of Agriculture, within two months, in coordination with the State Reserves Agency, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Finance and other authorized state bodies, will develop an action plan to improve the legislation on grain."

"In coordination with the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Justice and other relevant state bodies will prepare and submit proposals to the Cabinet of Ministers on improving the mechanism for providing soft loans and implementing state guarantees for food wheat producers in order to create modern farms and acquire modern irrigation systems," the explanation noted. "It's envisaged that the Ministry of Agriculture will annually submit a report on the analysis of the results of the implementation of measures to the Cabinet of Ministers by January 20."

"The State Reserves Agency of Azerbaijan, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Finance, will submit proposals on the state purchase price for food wheat, taking into account the costs of production and the possible profit of the producer to the Cabinet of Ministers annually until July 28 and in subsequent years - until June 10," added the explanation.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a Decree approving the "Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Serbia on energy and mining cooperation" signed on June 1, 2022 in Baku, Trend reports.

The Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan was tasked with the implementation of the agreement's provisions indicated in 'Part 1' after its entry into force, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan - with notifying the Serbian government on the implementation of domestic procedures required for the deal's coming into force.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Indeed, the 1 billion cubic meters / year as per the 25-year contract with Azerbaijan are the backbone of the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) project and we are eager to see these quantities being transported through the interconnector upon commercial launch, Teodora Georgieva, executive director of the ICGB AD project company from Bulgaria said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

"We have a few more shippers with long-term capacity bookings so we expect natural gas from other sources as well. A total of 1.57 bcm/y have been booked in IGBs market test and the rest will be offered on two capacity trading platforms  PRISMA and RBP. As an independent system operator, we want ICGB to market the free capacity in the IGB pipeline in a secure and transparent way. This will ensure equal access from all interested parties who may wish to book capacity," she said.

Georgieva says its also important to note that most of the shippers that have booked capacity with us already, are completely new to the Bulgarian market.

"This is of utmost importance for us as it gives a clear sign that the interest in this project and the prospects for Bulgarias energy future are very significant.

IGB connects Bulgaria to TAP and makes the country part of the Southern Gas Corridor  two incredibly relevant achievements for the security of future deliveries given the new and challenging reality we all face. IGB will also operate in great synergy with TAP and the LNG terminal near the Greek city of Alexandroupolis. Bulgaria is already a shareholder in the terminal and were looking forward to its completion at the end of 2023. Together with IGB, this could be a new gateway for energy deliveries to Europe and we could be looking at stronger roles for both Bulgaria and Greece on the regions energy map," the executive director added.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. ICGB AD, project company for the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB), that will transport Azerbaijani gas to Bulgaria, has been granted a license for independent natural gas system for the territory of Greece, the project company told Trend.

Reportedly, with a decision of the Greek Regulatory Authority for Energy (RAE) published last week, the project company, which is responsible for the implementation of the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria, will be able to perform the activity of natural gas transmission for a period of 50 years.

A similar license for a 35-year period is already received by the Bulgarian energy regulator  Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC). EWRC is expected to issue the final permit for start of the licensing activity according to the commissioning procedure. Licensing is a key step towards the preparation of the interconnector for the operational phase. It is a confirmation that ICGB is resource-wise and technically prepared for the gas transmission.

The successful licensing of the project company in Greece marks an extremely important stage in the overall regulatory preparation for launch and is one of the last regulatory processes following the successful certification of ICGB as an independent transmission operator. A joint decision by the national regulators of Greece and Bulgaria has been issued at the beginning of July, after an approval of the European Commission. A new two-tier management model of ICGB is about to be introduced, which is a mandatory requirement in line with the restructuring of the company as an independent transmission operator.

"With this successful move in the regulatory aspect, we are taking another step forward towards finalizing the preparations for the operational phase of the gas pipeline. From a technical point of view, it is most important for us that the Greek EPC contractor completes the integration and testing of the automatic control and management system - the so-called SCADA system - as quickly as possible. The IGB is designed as the first fully automatic gas pipeline in Bulgaria and for its efficient and safe operation this process cannot be neglected", said ICGB Executive Officers Teodora Georgieva and Konstantinos Karayannakos. The two emphasized that they are counting on strong and consistent institutional support to shorten the deadlines for the remaining administrative procedures so that the interconnector can become operational as soon as possible.

IGB is of key importance for increasing security of supply and for ensuring diversification of natural gas sources for Bulgaria and the region of Southeast Europe. The project is to connect Bulgaria to the Southern Gas Corridor and will allow carrying out secure deliveries from various sources to a number of countries, including to Moldova and Ukraine.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
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Press Release

July 25, 2022 Speech of Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada for the Nomination of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri as Senate President

July 25, 2022

19th Congress Thank you, Mr. Presiding Officer. And good morning to my esteemed colleagues, distinguished ladies and gentlemen. As we open today the 19th Congress, our people expect us members of this upper chamber to keep the role of the Senate as the last bastion of democracy, a revered institution that consistently upholds the national interest, protects civil, political and human rights, and promotes transparency and accountability in public service. The last national election was probably the most divisive in recent years. More than two months has since passed, we now have to buckle down and perform our respective mandates as elected officials of this country. And as we navigate a challenging recovery from the pandemic, amid the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, the Senate needs to steer needed pieces of legislation to build back a better economy. To get things done, there's no one in my mind that could lead the present composition of the Senate but Senator Juan Miguel Fernandez Zubiri or Senator Migz as we fondly call him. However, if you were to ask me two decades ago what my impressions are about of Senator Migz, my answer would probably be not the most glowing. After all, we were then at the opposite ends of the political spectrum - I was part of the first family, while then neophyte Congressman Zubiri was with the opposition, who was among the most critical of my father's administration. Ngunit bilog ang mundo. At gaya ng mga bagay sa ating buhay gayundin sa larangan ng pulitika, marami na ang nagbago. Ang ilang bumabatikos sa atin noon ay kaalyado at mabuting kaibigan na natin ngayon. To borrow the very witty but wise words of my father -- weather-weather lang 'yan. As I came to know him, up close and personal, in the four years that we were seatmates in the Senate, I came to admire the man. When I was honored to be your Senate President Pro Tempore during the 14th Congress, he was our hardworking Majority Leader. As Majority Leader, Senator Migz demonstrated competence and expertise on parliamentary rules and procedures and was able to steer and guide floor deliberations on pending measures with utmost fairness and direction, effectively creating an atmosphere of cooperation and understanding from both the majority and minority members. Indeed, I saw first-hand how this gentleman works. Totoong trabahador ng Senado. He was a true consensus-builder, finding ways and means to shepherd the passage of important measures and effectively navigated the so-called 24 republics that is this Institution. His recognition as a consensus leader in the upper chamber was the reason why he regained his majority leadership, first bestowed upon him during the 14th Congress, in the 17th and in the last 18th Congresses. And as the Majority Leader during the 18th Congress, he dutifully stood on this august floor, sometimes until the wee hours of the night, and even during the dangerous times when Covid emptied it of warm bodies. On a personal note, nang ako'y nalugmok, hindi sya sumama sa mga taong sumipa sa akin ng ako'y dapang-dapa na. This shows his decency and respect for a fellow public servant. And I thank him for that. A true gentleman. Totoong tao. Patas na kausap. Ngunit hindi tayo naghahanap ng pinuno na mabait. O malambing o may pakikisama lamang. Ang hanap nati'y lider na masipag. Magaling. At may alam. To quote Martin Luther King, "a genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus." In several instances in the past, Sen. Zubiri displayed his ability to diffuse the tension on the Senate floor through his "ice cream diplomacy." His amiable personality coupled with good looks - aminin na natin na artistahin gaya ko ang kasama nating Senador - are not all that he has. Minsan na rin siyang nagpakita ng tapang nang ipagtanggol niya ang integridad ng Senado mula sa akusasyong pag-whitewash ng isasagawang imbestigasyon sa isang bribery/extortion scandal na kinasasangkutan ng ilang opisyal ng Bureau of Immigration. "I didn't become world champion in arnis for nothing" ika niya sa kanyang katunggaling senador noon. Ngunit sa huli, pinairal pa rin ni Senator Migz ang pagiging maginoo. Pagpapamalas ito ng isang mabuting lider na hindi hahayaang madungisan ang institusyong kinabibilangan natin ngayon. As we face our future with the pandemic still in the midst, we can depend on a Senate leader who can exercise his best judgement, sound prudence and wisdom, one who can help chart the destiny of our nation. Sa kanyang mahabang taon ng karanasan bilang mambabatas sa dalawang kapulungan ng Kongreso, nagsimula siyang itim ang kanyang buhok hanggang sa naging puti nang lahat - masasabi kong buong-buo na ang kanyang kaalaman at kakayahan upang pangunahan ang pagsasakatuparan ng mabigat na papel ng Senado sa pagbangon ng bayan mula sa dagok ng pandemya. I am voting for Senator Migz because his consultative approach in bringing together the best ideas that 24 of us can offer is best vaccine against gridlock which has plagued us so many times in the past. He is the Senate President we should have in these times when we are under immense pressure to deliver to the people what they need. He is the Senate President that we want to ensure that this institution will be a true work horse - efficient, productive in terms of legislating the urgent policies to revive the economy, and truly responsive to the needs of the Filipinos. In closing, I would like to borrow a line from the 1957 inaugural speech of former Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, "together we will meet our common problems and difficulties. With the singleness of purpose together we will overcome them." To continue to preserve the independence and integrity of the Senate, I respectfully nominate Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri as Senate President.
At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov will pay a state visit to Uzbekistan on 14-15 July, Trend reports citing UzDaily.

The agenda of the high-level talks includes issues of further developing and strengthening friendship, good neighborliness, strategic partnership and multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

The main attention will be paid to prospects for practical interaction in the main areas, including increasing the volume of mutual trade, establishing industrial cooperation, effectively using the transport and transit potential, implementing important projects in the water management sector, intensifying interregional contacts, as well as continuing cultural and humanitarian exchange programs.

It is envisaged that the heads of state will exchange views on international issues and discuss current aspects of regional cooperation.

Following the summit, it is planned to adopt a Joint Statement and sign bilateral documents.

The program of the distinguished guests visit also includes a meeting in the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and sightseeing in the city of Samarkand.

It should be noted that within the framework of preparation for this visit on July 1-2, the events of the next meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Water Management Issues were successfully held in the city of Dashoguz.

On 12 July, Tashkent hosted the Uzbekistan  Turkmenistan Scientific and Practical Conference dedicated to deepening bilateral relations and unlocking the potential of strategic partnership.

On the eve of the summit, the city of Bukhara hosts the First Forum of Regions, a Business Council Meeting and an exhibition of leading companies of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, July 25. Samarkand International Airport, launched in Uzbekistan on April 1, 2022, has a service capacity of two million passengers per year, Commercial Director at Air Marakanda  Samarkand International Airport Dmitry Martynenko told Trend.

According to him, the airport infrastructure allows to serve up to 1,000 passengers per hour.

"Airports design is projected by Turkish specialists in the form of a book in honor of the outstanding Uzbek astronomer and mathematician Mirzo Ulugbek," Martynenko said.

He also said that the airport was built as a public-private partnership and investments by private investors amounted to about $400 million and $400 million - by the government.

"Airport is equipped with modern self-registration kiosks, and the private company Air Marakanda is responsible for passenger service within the framework of public-private partnership," Martynenko noted.

According to Martynenko, passengers from 11 directions arrive at the airport currently.

"We are in talks with FlyDubai Aviation Corporation. It is expected that we will open the 12th direction in September this year," he added.

Martynenko emphasized that it is planned to conduct the appropriate security audit of the airport in October this year, to enable the launch of direct flights to the US and Israel.
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) plans to launch more satellites in 2022, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, announced Sunday, Trend reports citing Xinhua.

"We will put new satellites in orbit with the Qaem satellite carrier this year," Hajizadeh was quoted by official IRNA news agency as saying.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of a gathering of the IRGC commanders in the capital Tehran.

In March, the IRGC's Aerospace Force successfully launched the Noor-2 reconnaissance satellite at an altitude of 500 km, using the Qased carrier.
Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Monday rejected the notion of Georgia buying oil subject to international sanctions on Russia, adding the country abided by the sanctions with "maximum responsibility", Trend reports citing Agenda.ge.

The Minister made this statement at the press-briefing held after today's Government Meeting, in response to the request of Levan Khabeishvili, one of the leaders of the National Movement, who gave a few days to fuel supplier companies of Wissol Group, Aragvi Impex and Lukoil to stop the import of sanctioned Russian oil to Georgia.

"I want to point out emphatically and with full responsibility that Georgia does not buy sanctioned oil. Georgia abides by sanctions with maximum responsibility, there are no remarks against Georgia in this regard, stated Davitashvili.

The Minister added that the oil purchased by the above-mentioned companies is not sanctioned.

Such oil is purchased by many European countries, in Georgia, decisions are made by private commercial organisations taking into account the practices that exist.

As for the enforcement mechanism, the customs structures of Georgia had specific work with the strategic partners of Georgia, all state agencies, representatives of various ministries were involved in the process together with experts when the specific enforcement mechanisms of sanctions were clarified. Decisions regarding oil or oil products are agreed with our strategic partners," Davitashvili said.
Turkiye over the weekend deported some 542 Afghan migrants who entered the country illegally, Trend reports citing Daily Sabah.

The migrants were sent back to their country of origin on outbound flights from Istanbul, according to the Interior Ministrys Migration Management Department.

They were detained from northwestern Turkiyes Edirne and Krklareli.

The Edirne Provincial Immigration Administration on Sunday sent 215 illegal immigrants to Istanbul for deportation, while 327 others were sent face deportation after being detained in Krklareli.

The latter group was handed to the Krklareli Pehlivankoy Removal Center (GGM) for deportation through Istanbul.

The detentions and deportation were carried out as part of Turkeys Irregular Migration Strategy and National Action Plan.

According to the Migration Management Department, 140 charter flights deported over 25,492 illegal migrants to Afghanistan since the beginning of 2022.

While the total number of illegal immigrants of Afghan nationality deported to their country has reached 34,679.

During the same period, the number of immigrants who entered Turkiye illegally, a majority of whom are Afghan nationals, hit 57,123  a 132% increase compared to the same period of the previous year.

Turkiye has deported over 356,819 illegal migrants since 2016, according to ministry sources.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Turkiye is waiting for concrete steps from Armenia in the process of normalizing bilateral relations, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on the air of the TRT TV channel, Trend reports.

According to him, during a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, the process of normalizing relations was discussed.

"We expect the Armenian side to take concrete steps. We are serious and resolute in the process of normalizing relations," the President of Turkiye said.

Erdogan added that Azerbaijan has been the "red line" in this matter for Turkey from the very beginning.

He noted that Turkey is developing an approach in relations with Armenia in coordination with Azerbaijan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. Our contribution to this historic success [grain corridor from Ukraine] has once again demonstrated the importance of the role that Turkey can play in global issues, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on the air of the TRT TV channel, Trend reports.

"We have been in constant contact for a long time and held talks on this issue. As a result, we reached the signing in Istanbul of an agreement on the safe export of Ukrainian grain to world markets through the Black Sea," he said.

According to the President of Turkiye, the successful implementation of the plan will begin to reduce the consequences of the global food crisis, which has reached serious proportions.

"Prices will continue to fall, the pressure on the less developed countries will decrease, as a result, the problem of hunger will be eliminated," he said.

At the same time, Erdogan called on the parties to the agreement to adhere to the obligations assumed in connection with the grain corridor.
A Cairo criminal court referred on Tuesday the case of the judge accused of murdering his wife, TV presenter Shaimaa Gamal, and his alleged partner in crime to the grand mufti to inquire about the religious ruling.
Press Release

July 25, 2022 SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA'S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH FOR THE SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE POSITION

July 25, 2022, Senate Session Hall Mr. President, It is with great honor that I accept the Senate President Pro Tempore position. I am truly humbled by the support given by my colleagues to lead this august chamber, which I considered my home for 18 years. Maraming salamat muli sa mahigit dalawampu't apat na milyong Pilipino na nagtiwala at nagbigay sa akin ng pagkakataong muling maglingkod bilang four-term Senator. When I first entered the halls of Congress twenty-four years ago, I was just a novice in the political arena hoping to make a change in our country. My exposure to our society's ills as a journalist led me to take on the role of a public servant, a Senator of the Republic, and I have then vowed to work tirelessly to find solutions to our country's problems. That was in 1998. I was 38 years old. Today, I stand here before you as the most senior senator, having come full circle with 18 years of experience in the Senate and 3 years of experience in the House of Representatives. Indeed, it has been a fulfilling journey, but our sojourn has not yet come to an end.Hindi pa tapos ang ating trabaho. Over the last 20 years, we have enacted laws, established programs, and ushered in policies. I have forwarded, supported, and contributed to advocacies that better our society. From peacekeeping negotiations and humanitarian missions to the pandemic of present day, we have continued to forge on our commitment to assist those who are in need, to those who are vulnerable, underprivileged and deprived. Sa ating pagbangon mula sa pandemya, iisa lamang ang ating layunin para sa ating bansa: magkaroon ng pangmatagalang kapayapaan, wakasan ang kahirapan, ituloy ang ating mga programa para sa mahihirap, at makamit ang pambansang pagbangon at pag-unlad. I have advocated for green development, having authored and sponsored laws on environmental governance, protection of the environment, and conservation of our natural resources. Having traveled the country and learned about our rich heritage and culture, we continue to support projects and programs that promote and showcase the exceptional skills and world-class products of our indigenous peoples, our culture bearers. Hindi rin mawawala sa ating mga layunin ang mga programa sa kalusugan, edukasyon, trabaho at kabuhayan, at social services. Ilan lamang ito sa ating mga adbokasiya na siniguro nating mapopondohan noong ako ay nabigyan din ng pagkakataon na manilbihan bilang Chair ng Senate Committee on Finance. We introduced and sponsored vital amendments in the budget allocation for various sectors to ensure that the national budget supported socio-economic services --providing subsidies for free public tertiary education and additional funding for state universities and colleges; free health care services in government hospitals; free irrigation services for small farmers; more budget for social welfare programs; and increased funding to support rural livelihoods and micro, small, and medium enterprises. The pathway toward pandemic recovery is through the economic empowerment of every Filipino. That means supporting our MSMEs - which account for 99.51% of our country's businesses and are responsible for an estimated 5,380,815 jobs or 62.66% of our country's employment - and bolstering the efficiency of our health sector as part of our vital investments in our human capital by pushing for the full implementation of Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, which we co-authored. My fellow Senators, my dear colleagues, and friends, we have a great deal of work ahead of us. It is not a cakewalk, and we cannot do this unilaterally. For this distinct privilege to work for and with you, I thank you. Thank you for this opportunity to serve as your Senate President Pro Tempore, under the leadership of Senate President Zubiri, as we steer the 19th Congress towards its objectives. Sa loob ng dalawampu't-isang taon malawak na ang ating naging karanasan bilang inyong mambabatas sa mataas at mababang kapulungan. Malayo na ang ating narating ngunit madami pa rin tayong kailangan gagawin. Handa akong salubungin ng buong puso ang bagong tungkulin na inyong iniatang sa akin. Umasa kayo na aking gagampanan ito, sa tulong ninyo, para sa bawat Pilipino. I stand before you now, excited and filled with hope. I may be the most senior Senator in terms of tenure, whom you all call Tita Ganda with fondness, but this "tita" stands before you with the same determination to serve you and the Filipino people. Now more than ever, we have to foster unity and good governance for a free, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient progressive Philippines. Thank you, Mr. President.
A fire erupted Tuesday at a church in Upper Egypt's governorate of Minya due to an electrical short circuit, with no causalities reported, according to the Ministry of Interior.
Egypts Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAMPAS) announced on Monday that the unemployment rate in Egypt in Q2/2022 remains unchanged at 7.2 percent, a slight increase from the previous quarter.
Egyptian Culture Ministry, under the helm of newly-appointed minister Nevine El-Kilany, has announced late Sunday a three-day delay for public activities, mourning the causalities of the massive fire that broke out early morning at a church in Gizas Imbaba.
Egyptian rapper Wegz will deliver some flow in a concert at New Alameins El-Alamein Arena this Friday.
Egypts Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA) organized a retreat on Post-2021 Arrangements in Somalia on Tuesday in Cairo with participation from the Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union, the United Nations, and several international partners.

According to the CCCPAs statement, the retreat comes as part of the preparatory process for the upcoming third edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, for which CCCPA acts as the executive secretariat.

The retreat aims to provide a space for informal consultations between Somali officials and African and international partners in order to discuss post-2021 arrangements in Somalia, given the completion of AMISOM mandate on the 31st of March 2022, the statement said adding that it seeks to envision the future of the new African Union mission, including its objectives and tasks; as well as explore the possibility of greater involvement of both the UN and international partners in supporting this new mission.

The two-day event kicked off on Tuesday to discuss various topics, including ways to support and build the capacities of the new African Union mission in order to fulfill the security needs of Somalia, primarily addressing the terrorist threat of Al Shabaab terrorist organization, in addition to the anticipated role of the newly established African Union Center for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development based in Cairo.

It will further discuss the support required from international partners to enable Somalia to effectively overcome the challenges of the current phase, as well as strengthening efforts to build institutions and capacities and achieve development in Somalia.



Egypts delegation in the retreat is headed by Ambassador Hamdi Loza, deputy minister of foreign affairs for African affairs, and the Somali side is headed by Mahmoud Abdi Hassan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the statement added.

Founded in 1994 by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the CCCPA is an Egyptian public agency specialized in training, capacity building, and research in the fields of peace and security in Africa and the Middle East.

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Russian missiles destroyed Ukrainian "military infrastructure" in a strike on Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odessa, crucial for grain exports, Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman said Sunday.

The strike Saturday came a day after Kyiv and Moscow signed a landmark agreement hammered out over months of negotiations aimed at relieving a global food crisis.

"Kalibr missiles destroyed military infrastructure in the port of Odessa, with a high-precision strike," Maria Zakharova said on Telegram in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who said dialogue with Moscow was becoming increasingly untenable after the attack.

Zakharova said the strike destroyed a Ukrainian "patrol boat".

On Saturday, Ukraine accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of having "spit in the face" of the deal to unblock grain exports brokered by the United Nations and Turkey.

Zelensky claimed the strikes on Odessa showed Moscow could not keep its promises.

But Turkey said Saturday that Russia denied any attack on the port.

"The Russians told us that they had absolutely nothing to do with this attack and they were looking into the issue very closely," Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said.

Ukraine's Western allies including Britain and the United States condemned the attack.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the attack cast "serious doubt on the credibility of Russia's commitment" to the deal.

The Ukrainian military had said its air defences had shot down two cruise missiles but two more hit the port Saturday.

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Egypt will host the representatives of 42 African countries at the General Assembly and the Board of Directors committee meetings of the African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re) on Wednesday after a three years hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Africa Re, a reinsurance company based in Lagos, Nigeria, is Africas first continental reinsurer.

The meetings are organised in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and the Insurance Federation of Egypt (IFE).

Choosing Egypt for hosting these meetings reflects the countrys position in Africa and its supportive role to economic, political, and cultural African issues. It also mirrors Egypts endeavour to enhance and support the leading role Egypt plays in the continent, which is increasingly important amid the current challenging times, said Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait.

Maait also noted that the ongoing global crisis has created numerous challenges, but also has presented a bunch of opportunities for greater African cooperation in several sectors  especially in economic areas  as the majority of African economies are offset by the vulnerability of local savings and investment levels that require attracting more direct and indirect foreign investment in order to achieve their economic growth.

In this regard, African Re can play an important role through its direct investments and its services in the field of reinsurance, as it provides a protection umbrella for African companies that are operating in this field. Also, the company is the largest in Africa and the Middle East, as it ranks the 39th among grand reinsurance companies globally and places 42nd in the 50 best global groups in the reinsurance industry, Maait expounded.

For his part, CEO of African Re Gamal Sakr noted that Egypts hosting of the companys meetings asserted the great importance of the state on the global and African levels and the countrys attractiveness for hosting the meetings of regional financial institutions.

Sakr also explained that the meetings are expected to discuss the companys financial results in 2021, its performance in African markets, and other topics that relate to the insurance and reinsurance industries in light of the challenges imposed by the ongoing global crisis.

African Re was established in 1976 as part of an initiative that was adopted by 36 African countries. The company operates through six regional offices in Cote dIvoire, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, and Nigeria.

For the first time in the local market, the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) is considering okaying the creation of a reinsurance company with a minimum capital of EGP 1 billion with insurance companies operating in MENA as shareholders.

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Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Somalias President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud discussed in a meeting in Cairo on Monday a host of bilateral and regional issues, at the top of which is the latest developments regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and ways to enforce security and stability in the region, especially in the Red Sea.

In a press conference following the talks, El-Sisi said, "We discussed during the talks the developments in the GERD issue and we shared views on the danger of the unilateral policies when it comes to implementing projects on international rivers as well as the imperative of adhering to the principle of cooperation and prior consultation.

El-Sisis statements reflected Egypts rejection to Ethiopias unilateral policies when it comes to the filling of the GERDs reservoir.

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 GERDs first turbine to generate power.

Ethiopia also seeks to start the third filling in August and September, according to a recent announcement by the GERDs project manager.

For his part, President Mohamud said that he and El-Sisi agreed on the necessity of having a legally binding agreement for the filling and operations policies of the dam.

El-Sisi also said that he and Mohamud agreed to work together to enforce security and stability in the region, especially in the Red Sea, adding that Egypt reiterated its full support for Somalias efforts in achieving security and stability as well as eliminating terrorism in the country.

Boosting bilateral ties

El-Sisi said that he and his Somali counterpart discussed ways of boosting bilateral relations, especially economic cooperation, and they reviewed the progress in cooperation projects.

The Egyptian president also announced that the Central Bank of Somalia (CBS) has approved Egypts Banque Misr opening a branch in Somalia.

Earlier in July, the CBS agreed to grant Banque Misr a license to operate within Somalia, making it the first foreign bank to operate in the Horn of Africa Country.

El-Sisi added that he and Mohamud agreed to boost economic cooperation.

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi received his Somali counter President at the Presidential Palace in Heliopolis after his arrival to Cairo.

This is Mohamuds first visit to Cairo after the start of his new term as the president of Somalia in May 2022.

Earlier this year, Cairo hosted retreat on the Post-2021 Arrangements in Somalia with participation from the Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union, the United Nations, and several international partners.

Egypts exports to Somalia reached to nearly $64 million during 2021, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. The Egyptian exports include milling and pharmaceutical products.

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A human rights lawyer and a leading member of the Socialist Alliance Party in Alexandria, Ramadan was arrested in December 2018 on charges related to spreading false news, joining an illegal group and inciting protests against the government, similar to the yellow vest protests in France during that time.

On Sunday, the prosecution ordered the release of 10 pretrial detainees pending investigation on charges related to spreading false news, according to human rights lawyer Khaled Ali.

This is the latest batch of pretrial detainees released pending investigations.

Earlier this month, the Egyptian authorities released over 60 pretrial detainees in what is described as the biggest release of pretrial detainees since the reactivation of the Presidential Pardon Committee in April.

Reactivated in April, the Presidential Pardon Committee is mandated to review the cases of those imprisoned for political crimes and others who meet certain conditions, such as families who have more than one relative in jail.

The restructured committee has said it will receive pardon requests through many avenues, including through the National Youth Conferences website.

The committee will also receive requests through the Complaints Committee of the National Council for Human Rights and via email to the human rights committees in both the House of Representatives and Senate.

Pardon requests can also be submitted directly to the members of the Pardon Committee.

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Russia's top diplomat reassured Egyptian leaders Sunday that their orders for Russian grain would be met as he began a tour of African countries dependent on imports for their food supply.

"We confirmed the commitment of Russian exporters of cereal products to meet their orders in full," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a news conference after talks with Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry.

"President Vladimir Putin stressed this during a recent telephone call with Egyptian President (Abdel-Fattah) El-Sisi."

Before the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war, Egypt relied for its 80 percent of wheat imports on Russia and Ukraine.

Lavrov, who is in Cairo as part of an African tour, held talks on a host of regional and international issues, including the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, with Shoukry at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters.

The top Russian diplomat said the sanctions, including those related to customs fees, harm food supply chains around the world and therefore "restrict our relations with Africa."

Russia, Lavrov said, has signed the Istanbul agreement that aims to remove obstacles that hinder the movement of ships from Black Sea ports.

On Friday, Ukraine and Russia signed an agreement brokered by Turkey and the United Nations to help relieve a global food crisis caused by blocked Black Sea grain exports.

Between 20 million and 25 million tons of grain have been blocked in Ukrainian ports since Russian troops invaded in February, as Ukraine has laid naval mines to prevent an amphibious invasion of its coast, according to AP.

The deal provides for the creation of safe corridors for grain exports from three Ukrainian ports, and also seeks to facilitate Russian grain exports by removing them from the scope of Western sanctions.

During the press conference, the Russian foreign minister said that Russia is not opposed to the resumption of talks with Kyiv on issues other than food security, charging that Kyiv insists on a military victory.

The FM also stated Russia has reiterated that its grain exporters are committed to their contract commitments, but some Western countries were seeking to postpone the issue of exporting Russian grain.

Russia hoped that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will succeed in resolving the problem of sanctions, which hinder grain exports from Russia, Lavrov said.

He also accused the US of attempting to unilaterally impose world hegemony, while adding that Russia is primarily concerned with providing legal rights for the Russian peoples in that region as well as ensuring security.

Egyptian FM Shoukry reiterated the importance of reaching a diplomatic solution to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis in a way that spares the region the resulting issues related to energy and food security.

Shoukry said the Ukrainian crisis has affected Egypt, especially in terms of food and energy security.

The war has negatively affected the world economy, driving up oil and gas prices to unprecedented levels, with African countries being among those most affected.

Lavrov said Egypt understands what is happening in Ukraine, including the motives of the West, and it is a proponent of an early settlement that would take into consideration the legitimate interests of all parties.

Lavrov also said that his country is planning to hold a Russian-African summit by mid-2023 to increase cooperation, with the agenda of the event to be determined later.

He also said that cooperation between Egypt and Russia has improved in light of the strategic partnership signed between both countries during the Sochi Summit in 2019.

There is a consensus between Egypt and Russia on many regional issues, he added, expressing his country's desire to boost trade exchange rates with Egypt over the near future.

He also highlighted joint projects between both countries, including the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant, the first of its kind in Egypt, which saw construction on its first reactor begin Wednesday.

He also underlined the ongoing negotiations between both country's governments concerning the Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

He noted that trade exchange between Egypt and Russia stands at $4 billion, around five percent more than previous years.

For his part, Shoukry, praised the deep relations between both countries at all levels.

The top Russian diplomats visit to Cairo is the first leg of his five-day African tour, which will include Ethiopia, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

During a meeting earlier in the day, President El-Sisi reiterated to Lavrov the importance of prioritising dialogue and diplomatic solutions to settle the Russian-Ukrainian war, voicing Egypts support for all endeavours that would speed up the political settlement of the crisis.

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The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) wants to reinforce its presence in Egypt and form a technical team in Cairo, Deputy High Commissioner Nada Al-Nashif said.

Al-Nashif made her statement as she was received in Cairo by President of the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) Moushira Khattab, read a statement by the council on Monday.

Al-Nashif headed a delegation that included UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt Elena Panova and Chief of the OHCHRs Middle East and North Africa branch Mohammad Alnsour.

The OHCHRs mission is to bridge the gap between the implementation of international standards of human rights and national legislation, Al-Nashif said during her visit.

She hailed the positive steps Egypt has recently taken, starting with the launch of the National Strategy for Human Rights last year and the call for a national dialogue.

The countrys 2021-2026 National Strategy for Human Rights was launched by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in September to address the political, economic, social, and cultural rights of all groups.

Egypt started its national dialogue with meetings of its board of trustees earlier this month in response to El-Sisis call in April for dialogue between political forces without exception or discrimination."

Egypt has taken several steps over the past year to advance human rights, including the revival in April of the Presidential Pardon Committee formed in 2016 and releasing thousands of prisoners.

During the meeting, Al-Nashif inquired about the steps taken in accordance with the National Strategy for Human Rights, the statement added.

She also shed light on Egypts achievements in the right to water and sustainable development as well as the countrys efforts to combat climate change.

Khattab said the NCHR works on achieving the goals stipulated in its establishment law in cooperation with all sectors to enhance and protect human rights.

The NCHR has recently held meetings with civil society groups, political parties, and legislative institutions, 8 conducted field visits in some governorates, Khattab said.

The council visited a number of rehabilitation and correctional facilities in Cairo and other governorates within the framework of the strategy, Khattab added.

The NCHR drafted a national plan that includes programmes to build capacities in law enforcement institutions and judicial authorities, she noted.

Vice President of the NCHR Mahmoud Karem, Fahmy Fayed, the councils secretary-general, and council members Mohamed Mamdouh and Ismail Abdel-Rahman attended the meeting with the OHCHR delegation.

Over the past month, NCHR delegations visited Wadi Al-Natroun Correctional and Rehabilitation Centre in northern Egypt and toured the correctional centre in Damanhour, Beheira, to follow up on the human rights situation in the newly inaugurated centres.

Since its new composition in October, the NCHR has held meetings with UN officials, including from the UNICEF, UN Population Fund (UNFPA), and OHCHR to review means of enhancing cooperation on human rights.

Last month, Khattab said the NCHR will sign a cooperation programme with the European Union (EU) and OHCHR on implementing Egypts National Strategy for Human Rights in a meeting with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet.

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Protesters stormed a United Nations base in the eastern Congolese city of Goma on Monday, an AFP journalist said, demanding the departure of peacekeepers from the region.

Hundreds of people blocked roads and chanted anti-UN slogans before storming the headquarters of the UN peacekeeping mission in Goma, as well as a logistical base on the outskirts of the city.

The protesters smashed windows and looted computers, furniture and other valuables from the headquarters, an AFP journalist witnessed, while UN police officers fired tear gas in a bid to push them back.

At the logistics base, a student was shot in the leg, the AFP journalist added.

The UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, known as MONUSCO, has come under regular local criticism for its perceived inability to stop fighting in the conflict-torn east.

Over 120 armed groups roam the volatile region, where conflict has displaced millions of people and civilian massacres are common.

Ahead of Monday's protest, the Goma youth branch of the ruling UDPS party released a statement demanding MONUSCO "withdraw from Congolese soil without conditions because it has already proved its incapacity to provide us with protection".

Khassim Diagne, the deputy special representative of the UN secretary general to MONUSCO, told AFP that the UN is not opposed to protests but that violence is unacceptable.

"These are looters," he said. "We condemn them in the strongest terms".

The latest protest comes after the president of the Congolese senate, Modeste Bahati, told supporters in Goma on July 15 that MONUSCO should "pack its bags".

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Italian vessels have recovered five bodies and rescued 674 people packed on a fishing boat adrift in the Mediterranean off the Libyan coast, the Italian Coast Guard said Sunday, while European charities reported saving more than 500 more.

Some of the survivors had to be plucked from the sea in the Italian operation Saturday that was carried out 120 miles (190 kilometers) off the coast of Calabria by a Navy mercantile ship, three Coast Guard patrol boats and a financial police boat.

All of those rescued were brought to ports in Calabria and Sicily.

The causes of death for the five dead were not immediately known.

The Coast Guard said it was just one in a series of rescues in recent days in the Italian search and rescue area of the central Mediterranean, as desperate people fleeing poverty or oppression seek a better life in Europe. In one case, a helicopter was called to evacuate a woman in need of medical treatment from a migrant boat in a precarious condition, the Coast Guard said.

In separate operations, the German charity Sea-Watch said it rescued 444 migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean on overcrowded, rickety smugglers' boats.

The Sea-Watch 3 vessel carried out the five operations over 24 hours, and said the rescued included a pregnant woman and a man who had suffered severe burns.

The charity is asking for permission to bring the rescued people to a safe port, as the rescue ship is unable to accommodate so many people.

In addition, the European charity SOS Mediterannee said its rescue ship Ocean Viking have saved 87 people, including 57 unaccompanied minors, from an overcrowded rubber boat off the Libyan coast. None had life jackets, the charity said.

Migrant arrivals in Italy are up by nearly one-quarter from 2021, with 34,013 recorded through Friday.

While still notably fewer than the 2015 peak year, the crossings remain deadly, with 1,234 people recorded dead or missing at sea by the UN refugee agency this year, 823 of those in the perilous central Mediterranean.

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The first official meeting of the Higher Committee for Industrial Partnership, comprising Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan, was held in Cairo on Monday. The committee agreed to conduct feasibility studies on 12 projects to the tune of $3.4 billion.

The 12 projects are the first phase of a total of 87 projects that the committee discussed during the meeting.

The first phase of industrial cooperation between the three countries will focus on four key sectors: agriculture, food processing, fertilisers, and pharmaceuticals.

During the meeting, the three parties announced Bahrain is the newest partner in the initiative.

Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan entered into an industrial partnership in May to increase sustainable growth and explore opportunities for joint investments in priority sectors. The partnership is meant to boost Arab economic integration amid the ongoing challenges.

Under this partnership, a $10 billion investment fund was created for the initiative and is moderated by the Abu Dhabi Holding Company (ADQ).





During the meeting, Egypts Minister of Trade and Industry Nevine Gamea said that Arab economic integration is necessary to mitigate the repercussions of the global economic crisis and bolster the role of the private sector as a key player in implementing sustainable development plans.

The initiative is a cornerstone to attain the desired industrial integration through supply chains security, self-efficiency, industry localisation, and value chain integration, Gamea said.

The partnership will also enhance the joint efforts between the four countries and cement economic ties between them, she noted.

The initiative contributes to boosting value chain integration among the four countries through implementing joint industrial projects. Egypt is eager to provide the facilities needed in support of this partnership and to eliminate all obstacles, Gamea added.





The Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology in the UAE Sultan Al-Jaber said the proposed projects that were discussed during the meeting are being implemented.

On Bahrain accession, Al-Jaber said the kingdom will play an effective role in the partnership, having a successful experience in the industrial sector and initiatives that will boost the role of the partnership in the four countries.

Al-Jaber noted that the proposed projects will be discussed with the private sector, governmental bodies, and supporting entities to implement the projects quickly and with the highest standards and measures.

The partnership is open for other parties to join to benefit from its advantages and accelerate its targeted objectives, Al-Jaber said.





Jordanian Minister of Industry Youssef Al-Shamali said Jordan supports all kinds of joint Arab actions, including the industrial partnership between the four countries.

This meeting highlights the economic and political relations between the four countries and represents a fresh start towards real economic integration that will benefit the peoples of the Arab region, according to Al-Shamali.

He added that food security is a priority for the Arab region amid the ongoing crisis, asserting the importance of exploring serious solutions to curb the severe impacts of the ongoing food crisis on the Arab countries peoples.

There is a real opportunity to transform the agreed projects under this partnership into solid projects to be implemented by private sector members in the four countries as well as expand the cooperation fields, he added.

The Higher Committee of Industrial Partnership is meant to empower the private sector to implement projects under the partnership, cooperate with companies concerned to invest in these projects, and track the major challenges to industrial investment.

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Egypt is at the top of the Arab regions countries in combined utility-scale solar and wind generation at 3.5 GW in total, the Egyptian Cabinet said on Monday, citing a June report by the US-based Global Energy Monitor (GEM).

Egypt plans to add an extra 3.3 GW of utility-scale wind and solar power projects, raising its national combined capacity to 6.8 GW by 2024, according to the non-governmental organisation.

Egypt is also at the top of the regions countries in terms of wind power alone, with its wind farms generating 1.6 GW of electricity.

The UAE comes second among Arab states in terms of current operating utility-scale wind and solar at 2.6 GW, followed by Morocco and Jordan at 1.9 GW and 1.7 GW respectively.

Transition to renewables

Since 2014, the Egyptian government has been working to expand renewable energy sources to ensure energy security, and has partnered with development banks to attract private investments in the renewable energy sector.

Under its Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy (ISES), Egypt aims to increase the supply of electricity generated from renewable sources to 42 percent by 2035.

Egypt has implemented multiple renewable energy projects over the past decade, including the Benban Solar Park in Upper Egypt's Aswan. Being the largest in Africa and one of the largest worldwide, Benban Solar Park houses more than 32 solar energy projects from photovoltaic cells with a total capacity of about 1,465 megawatts.

Egypts New Administrative Capital (NAC) is also set to launch an international tender to install photovoltaic solar cells on the rooftops of some of its residential buildings to generate electricity with an estimated capacity of 130 megawatts.

The NAC said in July that the project will be among the largest rooftop photovoltaic projects globally, and that it plans to start implementing the project in 2022 and deliver it sometime in 2023.

Egypts solar power plants are situated at sites characterized by the strength of solar brightness throughout the year and are not associated with a specific season, the cabinet's media centre pointed out.

The sun shines in Egypt for between nine and 11 hours a day, making Egypt one of the most suitable countries for solar-energy production.

In 2021, Egypt's 32 solar power plants produced about 4,500 gigawatt-hours (GWh), the cabinet media centre said in February.

Egypt was also one of the first countries in the Arab world that put wind farms into operation in 2000, according to the report.

Egypt aims to transform itself into a hub for the production and export of clean energy, especially green hydrogen and solar and wind energy, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said last week at a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.

Green hydrogen, ammonia

Egypt aims in the coming years to reduce carbon emissions, promote the use of renewable energy sources, and use alternative energy forms including green hydrogen  as part of the National Climate Strategy 2050 announced by the government in May.

Egypt is pursuing green hydrogen and ammonia storage projects in cooperation with international partners amid the countrys plans to become a regional energy hub and its prioritisation of localising green hydrogen production.

Egypt seeks to attract foreign investments into green hydrogen production in order to also become a transit route for clean energy to Europe.

Egypt will reportedly have its first green hydrogen production plant running by November this year with 100 MW capacity in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone). This coincides with Egypts hosting of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh city.

The deal comes within the framework of an MoU that Egypt signed with Norways Scatec in March for the construction of Egypts first ammonia plant at a cost of $5 billion.

In August 2021, the country signed an MoU with the German giant Siemens Energy to jointly develop hydrogen-based industry in Egypt with export capability, starting with a pilot project comprising 100 to 200 MW capacity.

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The Kremlin said Monday that Russian strikes on Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odessa "should not affect" a UN-brokered deal between Moscow and Kyiv to unblock grain exports.

"This cannot and should not affect the start of shipment," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, two days after Moscow hit the port.

He said Moscow's strikes targeted "exclusively" military infrastructure and were "not connected with the agreement on the export of grain."

The weekend strikes on Odessa came less than a day after Moscow and Kyiv signed a landmark deal to release grain exports from Ukraine's ports.

Western countries denounced the move, with the US saying it cast "serious doubt" on Russia's commitment to the deal.

Turkey, which helped broker the accord, said after the double cruise missile hits that it had received assurances from Moscow that Russian forces were not responsible.

But Russia then admitted that it had struck a Ukrainian military vessel and arms delivered by Washington.

Ukraine has denounced the strikes as "barbarism."

Odessa is one of three export hubs designated in the agreement.

Ukrainian officials said grain was being stored in the port at the time of the strike, although the food stocks did not appear to have been hit.

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The capital has been the scene of near-weekly protests since army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan launched a power grab in October last year that derailed a transition to civilian rule.

The military take over saw key donors pull the plug on funding, exacerbating a long-running economic crisis and feeding into inter-communal unrest in remote parts of the country.

Blue Nile state, bordering Ethiopia, is the latest crucible of tribal clashes, and on Sunday, authorities there raised the death toll to 60, from 33 the previous day, in fighting that began nearly a week ago.

"Al-Damazin is bleeding," one Khartoum protester's placard read on Sunday, referring to the provincial capital of Blue Nile.

In the city of Wad Madani, some 200 kilometres south of Khartoum, protesters diverted their demonstration to the local hospital to "donate blood to our brothers wounded in tribal clashes in Blue Nile," protest organiser Ammar Mohamed told AFP.

The clashes in Blue Nile state, between the Berti and Hawsa tribes, first erupted last Monday.

The violence came after the Berti tribe rejected a Hawsa request to create a "civil authority to supervise access to land", a prominent Hawsa member had told AFP on condition of anonymity.

But a senior member of the Bertis had said the tribe was responding to a "violation" of its lands by the Hawsas.

The revised death toll of 60 was provided by Blue Nile health minister Jamal Nasser, who also told AFP that 163 people have been wounded.

"Violence is never a solution," UNICEF tweeted Sunday, in a country where the UN estimates half the population will be pushed into extreme hunger by September.

Post-Military Take Over Security Vacuum

Pro-democracy demonstrators accuse Sudan's military leadership and ex-rebel leaders who signed a 2020 peace deal of exacerbating ethnic tensions in Blue Nile for personal gain.

Security forces had erected road blocks on bridges crossing the Nile linking Khartoum to its suburbs, AFP reporters said, to deter protesters who vowed to take to the streets in large numbers to protest against Burhan.

Sudan's latest military take over sparked regular protests and an ongoing crackdown by security forces that has killed at least 114, according to pro-democracy medics.

Nine were killed on June 30, the medics said, when tens of thousands gathered against the military.

Early 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.

The rallies on Sunday follow a period of relative calm in Khartoum in recent days.

Experts say last year's take over created a security vacuum that has fostered a resurgence in tribal violence, in a country where deadly clashes regularly erupt over land, livestock, access to water and grazing.

Guerrillas in Blue Nile battled former strongman president Omar al-Bashir during Sudan's 1983-2005 civil war, picking up weapons again in 2011.

Prompted by enormous protests against his rule, the army ousted Bashir in 2019.

The following year, a civilian-military power-sharing government reached a peace deal with key rebel groups, including from Blue Nile as well as the war-ravaged western Darfur region.

Both areas remain underdeveloped and awash with weapons and there has also been an increase in violence in Darfur in recent months.
Korea will export 12 FA-50 light fighter jets to the Philippines in a deal worth US$420 million.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency signed the export deal in Manila on March 28 with Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

The contract marks the third such deal involving the T-50 line of jets following sales to Indonesia in 2011 of 16 jets and to Iraq last year of 24 fighters.

The FA-50 was developed by Korea Aerospace Industries based on its T-50 supersonic trainer jet.

The deal with Manila was smoothed by Korea's dispatch of troops to assist in rescue and rebuilding efforts after typhoon Haiyan struck the island country in November last year.

The KAI is also in talks to sell the T-50 line of jets to Botswana, Peru, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and the U.S.


Figures released Monday by the Cabinet Office show Japan's gross domestic product shrank by an annual 3.4 percent in the first three months of 2020, following a contraction in the last quarter of 2019, putting the country in a technical recession with two consecutive quarters of contraction.

Japan's economy fell into recession for the first time since 2015 as the coronavirus pandemic brought economic activity at home and abroad to a screeching halt.

The COVID-19 outbreak aggravated an already challenging situation for the world's third-largest economy, which was dealing with the impact of a sales tax hike and a powerful typhoon. The pandemic led to official quarantines across the globe as governments tried to blunt the spread of the virus.

Japan has been mildly affected by the coronavirus compared to the rest of the world, with more than 16,000 confirmed infections, including over 700 deaths. But Prime Minister Shinzo Abe imposed a state of emergency for Tokyo and six other prefectures last month out of fear the outbreak would overwhelm Japan's healthcare system, then briefly expanded it for the entire country.

The government has announced a $990-billion stimulus bill to blunt the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, including $55 billion in direct payments to households and small businesses.
South Africa: Eskom to accelerate efforts for new generation capacity in three months

Eskom will on an urgent basis in the next three months accelerate efforts to add new generation capacity to its faltering grid.

The intervention is among a raft of energy security plans for the country announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during an address to the nation on Monday evening.

They come after the country has in the past three weeks experienced hours-long intermittent electricity outages as the power utility was unable to meet demand due to various challenges it was confronted by.

Over the past 10 days, President Ramaphosa has held several consultations within government, and with stakeholders and energy experts to find a collective solution to the energy crisis.

Among these were consultative meetings with business, civil society, labour and leaders of political parties represented in Parliament on Monday. On 16 July 2022, President Ramaphosa also visited Tutuka Power Station in Mpumalanga and Eskom Megawatt Park Headquarters in Johannesburg. He further held engagements with power station managers to gain an understanding of the challenges affecting Eskom's generation fleet.

Immediate measures

Addressing the nation, the President said: As an immediate measure, surplus capacity will be bought from existing independent power producers. These are power plants which built more capacity than was required and can now supply this excess power to Eskom.

As part of addressing the shortage of megawatts, Eskom will purchase additional energy from existing private generators such as mines, paper mills, shopping centres and other private entities that have surplus power.

A number of our neighbouring countries in Southern Africa, such as Botswana and Zambia, have more electricity capacity than they require. Eskom will now import power from these countries through the Southern African Power Pool arrangement.

Eskom will also use interim power solutions, such as mobile generators, to supplement current generation capacity for a limited period. Eskom will implement a programme that encourages efficient energy use by consumers to reduce demand at peak times.

The set of additional actions the President announced are aimed at improving the performance of Eskoms existing fleet of power stations.

Secondly, he said, the actions would accelerate the procurement of new generation capacity.

Thirdly, [they] are intended to massively increase private investment in generation capacity. Fourthly, [they] are designed to enable businesses and households to invest in rooftop solar; and, finally, [they] are directed at fundamentally transforming the electricity sector and positioning it for future sustainability, he said.

Challenges

Illustrating the extent of the challenge, the President said while the country had installed capacity to produce approximately 46 000 MW of electricity, 32 000 MW were used at peak times.

Of this, only 60% of the installed capacity was available at any given time due to some units going through planned maintenance and others having unplanned outages. This was due to the power stations old age.

The construction of our newest power stations, Medupi and Kusile, started late and they have experienced several delays and some design flaws. These challenges are being addressed.

As a result of this, Eskom deferred essential maintenance to keep the lights on, which is causing breakdowns and failures now. The performance of some of Eskoms power stations have been further worsened by extensive theft, fraud and sabotage.

To end load shedding, however, the President said the country needed to urgently add much, much more capacity to the grid.

Our second priority is therefore to accelerate the procurement of new capacity from renewables, gas and battery storage, he said.

In this regard, the President said the relevant government departments were working together to ensure that all projects from Bid Window 5 of the renewable energy programme could start construction on schedule.

Interventions

Government has already taken important steps to increase generation capacity and diversify the energy supply.

One of the first steps we took to address the electricity shortfall was to revive the renewable energy procurement programme in 2018. Since then, over 2 000 MW of solar and wind power has been connected to the grid through Bid Window 4 of the programme.

A further 2 600 MW of capacity has been procured through Bid Window 5, which will begin to add capacity from early 2024. We have started to diversify generation by allowing parties other than Eskom to generate electricity.

In June last year, government raised the licensing threshold for new embedded generation projects from 1 MW to 100 MW, thus removing the licensing requirement for generation projects up to 100 MW that are connected to the grid.

He said this measure enabled these generators to have the ability to sell electricity to one or more customers.

We also changed the regulations to allow municipalities to procure power independently. A number of municipalities are already in the process of doing so, he said.

Eskom recently made land available next to its power stations in Mpumalanga for renewable energy projects, which were expected to unlock 1 800 MW of new capacity.

The amount of new generation capacity procured through Bid Window 6 for wind and solar power will be doubled from 2 600 MW to 5 200 MW.

Requests for proposals for battery storage were expected to be released by September this year, with a further request for gas power as soon as possible thereafter.

The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy will issue a determination for the remaining allocations in the Integrated Resource Plan 2019, and will open further bid windows on an expedited basis.

To ensure effective planning, the countrys Integrated Resource Plan is being reviewed to reflect the need for additional generation capacity and our climate commitments. Third, we are accelerating greater private investment in generation capacity, he said.

Last year government announced the raising of the licensing threshold to 100 MW.

The move was widely welcomed, the President said, adding that it had unlocked a pipeline of more than 80 confirmed private sector projects with a combined capacity of over 6 000 MW.

He said the power utility had identified additional land that would be released for this purpose.

Also, Eskom will be constructing its first solar and battery storage projects at Komati, Majuba, Lethabo and several other power stations. These will result in over 500 MW being added to the system.

These actions are significant and they will make a difference over the coming months and years. What the most recent load shedding has made clear, however, is that the actions we have taken and continue to take are not enough.

We are therefore implementing additional measures to achieve long-term energy security and end load shedding for good, said the President.

In an effort to fixing Eskom and improving the performance of its existing fleet of power stations, government will over the next 12 months increase the budget allocated for critical maintenance to increase the reliability of its generation capacity.

We are cutting red tape that has made it difficult for Eskom to buy maintenance spares and equipment within the required period to effect repairs, he said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2022-07-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Russia acknowledged Sunday that it launched a missile strike on the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa after agreeing late last week that Ukrainian grain could again be exported from the city.

"Kalibr missiles destroyed military infrastructure in the port of Odesa, with a high-precision strike," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova posted on her Telegram account.

Russia earlier had denied any involvement in the Saturday strike that came a day after Russia and Ukraine had signed agreements allowing Ukraine to ship millions of tons of grain out of its Black Sea port. It was not immediately clear why Russian reversed its claim and acknowledged the missile strike.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blasted Russia for jeopardizing the grain deal. In his daily address late Saturday, Zelenskyy said the attack "on Odesa, on our port, is a cynical one, and it was also a blow to the political positions of Russia itself. If anyone in the world could still say that some kind of dialogue... with Russia, some kind of agreements are needed, see what is happening. Today's Russian Kalibr missiles have destroyed the very possibility for such statements."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed a similar sentiment in a statement issued late Saturday. "This attack casts serious doubt on the credibility of Russia's commitment to [Friday's] deal and undermines the work of the UN, Turkey, and Ukraine to get critical food to world markets," the top U.S. diplomat said. "Russia bears responsibility for deepening the global food crisis and must stop its aggression and fully implement the deal to which it has agreed."

David Miliband, chief executive of the International Rescue Committee, said in a statement, "For 12 hours we dared to hope for relief of the global hunger crisis from shipments of Ukrainian grain. We have said it before; the war in Ukraine is a tragedy for Ukraine but also a global disaster for those in greatest need. This latest twist is as cruel as it is dangerous."
The World Health Organization said Friday it has updated its global COVID-19 vaccine strategy to prioritize reaching those most at risk from the disease.

The World Health Organization has not achieved its goal of vaccinating 70 percent of each country's population against COVID-19 by mid-year but has not abandoned the quest. Indeed, it sees protecting the highest-risk populations with the vaccine as being in line with efforts to reach the 70 percent target.

WHO says the pandemic is far from over, noting the global weekly number of reported cases of COVID-19 has almost doubled in the past six weeks.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says deaths also are increasing, but not as rapidly as cases. However, he warns more cases mean more hospitalizations, and that more deaths can be expected in the coming weeks.

"Our current vaccines remain highly effective against severe diseases and death. The focus in every country must be to vaccinate all health workers, all older people, and all people at greatest risk. We will need more vaccines that are better at protecting against infection," said Tedros.
Hyundai will get US$1.8 billion in tax breaks and other incentives from the U.S. state of Georgia in exchange for building its first U.S. electric vehicle plant there.

According to the deal disclosed last Friday, the state of Georgia and local governments will provide the Korean firm with more than $472 million in property tax breaks.

The Associated Press said last Saturday that "it's the largest economic development deal in the state's history."

The deal also calls for the automaker to invest $5.5 billion in its Georgia plant near the city of Savannah and hire 8,100 workers.

"Not only do these generational projects solidify our spot at the vanguard of the EV transition, but they also ensure that thousands of Georgians across the state will benefit from the jobs of the future," Pat Wilson, the state's economic development commissioner, said in a statement.

However, the signed agreement also requires Hyundai to pay back part of the incentives if it fails to achieve 80 percent of the promised employment or investment.
Korea expects to sign a W3.8 trillion deal to sell 48 FA-50 light combat fighter jets to Poland this week (US$1=W1,313). The improved version of the jet made its debut at the Farnborough International Airshow in the U.K. last week.

This will be the first export of a Korean military aircraft to Europe.

Korea Aerospace Industries said the improved FA-50 "fully meets operational demands of members of NATO and the EU."

The FA-50, a variant of KAI's T-50 supersonic trainer jet, is a light combat fighter armed with munitions and missiles. The improved version designed for export can also carry a midair refueling system, precision-guided munitions and infrared-guided air-to-air missiles. It will eventually be equipped with an AESA radar that is still in development here.

"The FA-50 is a multipurpose fighter jet that has a competitive edge in cost and functions. It also can be upgraded with our own technology," said Shin Jong-woo of the Korea Defense and Security Forum. "Once we roll out another improved version with an AESA radar, it will be the world's top fighter jet of its kind."


North Korea is experiencing a dramatic food shortage, according to witness accounts. The North sealed its border with China again over a surge in coronavirus infections since May, which squeezed the last life out of its devastated economy, and now people starving to death in some parts of the isolated country.

The official Rodong Sinmun daily has referred to the situation as an "emergency," and experts say any natural disaster like a typhoon or floods could tip the shortage over into another famine like the "arduous march" of the 1990s in which millions died of hunger.

North Korea resumed train services to and from China in January, which brought some respite from the catastrophic economic deprivation of the previous two years. The trains brought supplies needed to prepare for nation founder Kim Il-sung's 110th birthday celebration in April. But the spread of the Omicron variant in May prompted the North to close its borders again, causing renewed shortages.

Over the last two years, the impoverished state released emergency food supplies, but they have almost run dry. According to Daily NK, which monitors food prices in the North, the price of 1 kg of rice has risen from 5,000 North Korean won before May to 6,000 won this month.

"Even North Koreans with money are starving because of a lack of food," a source said. North Korea begged China to allow trains to enter from the North, but China is reluctant because of its own draconian zero-COVID policy.

Seasonal factors are also having an effect. Farmers are managing to grow potatoes, but that has not been enough to feed North Koreans until harvest season in late September. Kwon Tae-jin at the GS&J Institute said, "Farming areas for wheat and barley have increased, but output is estimated to have declined this year compared to 2021 because of the summer rains."

Another source said, "There are rumors of people starving to death in some parts of Kangwon Province, Kaesong and Ryanggang Province." One family in Hyesan near the border with China, reportedly starved to death because they contracted COVID-19 and were prevented from getting hold of food.

In the 1990s more than a million North Koreans starved to death after state rations of food dried up. The situation improved when open-air markets started to appear in the 2000s selling edibles and other supplies. Now only residents of Pyongyang and soldiers are receiving food rations, but food has become scarce in the open-air markets on which the rest of the country depends.

One source who lives near the Chinese border said, "Food and other supplies that used to be smuggled into the North have declined so sharply that open-air markets are having trouble staying open."

One head of an aid group supporting North Korea said, "The arduous march has started again." In a recent report, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization listed North Korea among 44 countries in need of emergency food aid.

Yoo Sung-ok, former director of the Institute for National Security Strategy, said, "To quell possible unrest, the regime has been bolstering control of high-ranking party officials and the people. Increased idolization of Kim Il-sung is another sign of mounting trouble due to the food shortage."
Samsung has outlined a plan to invest a total of W250 trillion in 11 microchip factories in Texas over the next 20 years in filings for tax breaks submitted to the state government in May (US$1=W1,313).

Samsung will invest US$167.6 billion to build nine plants in Taylor, Texas over the next 20 years and another $24.5 billion to build two plants in Austin, U.S. media said last Thursday.

Samsung already operates two chip plants in Austin and is building a foundry in Taylor for $17 billion.
"So what are they waiting for?" Cha said. "It could be something that [North Korean leader] Kim Jong-un still wants to decide. Maybe it'll be in the aftermath of the next U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, or there could be some technical reason that's dictating the timing."

"Most people agree that it looks like North Korea has completed most of its preparations," said Victor Cha of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Commercial satellite imagery has shown that North Korea has completed work at its Punggye-ri testing site.

A nuclear test by Pyongyang -- which would be its seventh and the first since 2017 -- would mark a sharp escalation in an already tense environment. Already this year North Korea has launched an unprecedented 31 ballistic missiles, and it shows no interest in diplomacy.

South Korea should plan its North Korea policy bearing in mind that a nuclear test from North Korea is imminent, analysts said at the Asian Leadership Conference hosted by the Chosun Ilbo earlier this month.

Asked to predict when the nuclear test might take place, all agreed it was likely to happen before the end of the year. The test could happen "within 72 hours of Kim deciding to do so," added Ankit Panda of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Negotiation or other decisions by South Korea or the U.S. are unlikely to change Pyongyang's course since its process of weapons development is not "reactive," warned Markus Garlauskas of the Atlantic Council.

"It's not the case that North Korea is reacting with its weapons testing to our exercises or military deployment or something that South Korea or the U.S. did," he said. "We can't be constantly self-restraining based on that pretext."

One important response is increased cooperation and military readiness from the U.S. and South Korea, said Kim Du-yeon at the Center for a New American Security.

"U.S.-South Korea combined military readiness has deteriorated over the last five years," Kim said. "Annual military drills have been reduced, and this was done at a time when North Korea has expanded its nuclear weapons arsenal -- particularly tactical nuclear weapons, the missiles that can target South Korea, Japan, and American bases in both those countries."

She added that U.S. President Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk-yeol's plans to normalize military exercises are a positive development. She also recommended more visible public displays of American assurance.

The speakers moved on to what might happen after a potential nuclear test. Cho Sung-min of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies predicted that China and Russia will veto any attempts at UN Security Council sanctions.

"Whether China and Russia endorse sanctions or not, in South Korea and Japan there will be more open discussion of nuclear armament, at least at the civilian and scholar level, if not in the government," Cho added. "Since 2006, there have been nine Security Council resolutions and sanctions, and that has not stopped North Korea from conducting weapons tests. So South Koreans will look at alternatives."

As North Korean nuclear capabilities increase, deterrence should focus on "denial" rather than preemption or punishment, Garlauskas said.

"We need to focus on deterrence by denial," he said. "How do we convince North Korea and Kim Jong-un that using a tactical nuclear weapon will not advance his goals -- or, if anything, will make it less likely that the regime will be able to survive and achieve its goals?"

Garlauskas also warned that the U.S. and South Korea must seriously consider the possibility that North Korea might deploy tactical nuclear weapons in battle. Unwillingness to consider this could send the wrong message.

"That could be the very thing that encourages North Korea to think that using a tactical nuclear weapon might break the will of the [South Korea]-U.S. alliance," Garlauskas said. "We need to be prepared to absorb the blow from a tactical nuclear weapon and respond appropriately and not pretend that there's no chance that it could happen. We have to come to grips with this reality and be prepared to be resilient and respond strongly."
KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2022 - 22:05 | All, Japan

Japanese consumer prices, including fresh food, are expected to rise 2.6 percent in the current fiscal year through March from a year earlier, mainly due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the impact of the yen's depreciation, the Cabinet Office said Monday.

It also revised Japan's real gross domestic product growth downward to 2.0 percent from the previous estimate of 3.2 percent released in January.

The forecast of Japan's consumer price index for this fiscal year was raised from the previous outlook of a 0.9 percent increase and represents a surge from 0.1 percent growth the previous year.

"Rising prices are a risk to the economy recovering from the coronavirus pandemic," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at a meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy, where the projections were presented.

Russia's war in Ukraine has boosted prices of energy and food products worldwide, with Japan feeling heftier costs of imported products from the recent rapid depreciation of the yen to 24-year lows against the U.S. dollar.

In the meeting, private-sector council members, including Masakazu Tokura, chief of Japan's largest business lobby Japan Business Federation, called on the government to take measures to encourage companies to raise wages to mitigate the impact of rising prices.

Wage growth in Japan remains sluggish, compared to other countries, with a 1.86 percent hike among major companies in 2021, according to data from the Japan Institute for Labor Policy and Training.

Steps to spur aggressive investment in human resources will also be vital to put the world's third largest economy back on a sustainable growth track, the private-sector members said.

Kishida said the government will seek to boost the momentum of wage increases to ensure that it becomes a more solid and sustainable trend.

To prevent consumption from sliding amid surging prices of essential items, the government has pledged to take necessary steps, including giving reward points to households that reduce electricity consumption and aiding farmers grappling with high fertilizer costs.

The government plans to spend a total of about 260 billion yen ($1.9 billion) on the countermeasures by tapping into a reserve fund.

For fiscal 2023, the Cabinet Office predicted a CPI increase of 1.7 percent. It expects crude and other energy prices will remain high.

The Bank of Japan has estimated prices, excluding volatile fresh food items, will rise 2.3 percent in the current fiscal year.

The downward revision of real GDP was attributed to weaker-than-expected consumer and capital spending. The government cut its private consumption outlook to 3.6 percent growth from a 4.0 percent rise and reduced its capital spending projection to a 2.2 percent increase from the previous 5.1 percent.

Japan's nominal GDP growth forecast was slashed to 2.1 percent from 3.6 percent for the current fiscal year, while the government estimates the country's real GDP to grow 1.1 percent to 554.7 trillion yen in fiscal 2023, exceeding a record 554.3 trillion yen in fiscal 2018.

The key economic council includes members of Kishida's Cabinet, BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda and business leaders.

Related coverage:

Japan's core CPI jumps 2.2% in June, sharpest rise in 7 yrs
KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2022 - 18:29 | All, Japan

Japan on Monday renewed its condemnation of Myanmar as it aired serious concerns about the execution of two pro-democracy activists in the Southeast Asian nation, which remains under junta rule following the February 2021 coup.

The executions "completely go against the 'release of the detainees' which Japan has consistently called for," Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said in a statement, referring to a Myanmar state media report earlier on Monday that four people, including two pro-democracy activists, had been executed.

The move will also "lead to deeper conflict due to the hardening of public sentiment and further isolation of Myanmar from the international community" and Japan "seriously deplores" the actions by the Myanmar military, Hayashi added.

The minister expressed Japan's "deepest condolences" to the families of those who have lost their lives following the coup, while urging the junta to work towards the peaceful resolution of the situation under the five-point consensus agreed by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders in April last year, such as calls for an immediate stop to violence in Myanmar.

The nation's military tribunals sentenced the two pro-democracy activists to death in January for involvement in "terror acts" that included murder. The other two were reportedly implicated in the killing of a woman who was an alleged military informant.

There had been no executions of political prisoners in Myanmar since 1976 and the most recent instance of capital punishment occurred in 1990, according to local media.

Related coverage:

2 Myanmar pro-democracy activists, 2 others executed: state media
KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2022 - 14:37 | All, Japan

Japan's weather agency maintained the highest alert level Monday after an explosive eruption the previous day at Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, although there were no reports of injuries.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said late Sunday that it was not currently expecting a large eruption similar to one at the same volcano in 1914 that caused many deaths.

The agency called on residents to be on high alert after a large rock flew around 2.5 kilometers from a crater, while warning pyroclastic flows could occur within a 2-km radius of two craters.

Evacuation orders were issued for 51 people in 33 households within a 3-km radius of the Minamidake and Showa craters, with 30 residents from 20 households sheltering at an evacuation center as of 10 a.m. Monday.

Following the previous day's explosive eruption at around 8:05 p.m., the agency raised the alert for the volcano from level 3 to 5 on its 5-point scale, warning people to evacuate. It was the first time that a level 5 alert was issued for the volcano.

It is just the second time the highest alert level has been applied to a volcano in Japan following a 2015 eruption on Kuchinoerabu Island in Kagoshima Prefecture.

The agency has observed minor crustal movements indicating expansion of the volcano since July 18, it said Sunday. There were four eruptions at the Minamidake crater from Saturday to Sunday afternoon, with plumes rising up to 1,200 meters.

During Sunday's explosive eruption, rocks were believed to have flown mainly in an east and southeast direction from the Minamidake crater.

A smaller eruption also occurred at about 6:30 a.m. Monday, with plumes rising 2,200 meters, the agency said.

While Japan's schools are currently on summer vacation, kindergartens, daycares and after-school children's clubs in the area have been canceled. Club activities provided at elementary and junior high schools are also suspended, with teachers being urged not to go to work.

The prefectural government and police are monitoring the situation from the air via helicopters.

Tense residents expressed fear late Sunday, with many surprised by the scale of the eruption. Mami Aoyama, who works at a hotel on Sakurajima, said she rushed to catch a ferry back to her home in an urban area of the prefectural capital of Kagoshima.

"The manager told me to 'just go home' so I quickly got on a boat home. I have no idea what happens tomorrow or after that," she said, calling it a "terrifying new experience."

One 76-year-old resident outside the evacuation zone said Monday she started packing clothes in a panic after learning of the eruption on TV. Normally she would hear the ground rumble, she said, but this time she "couldn't hear anything."

Yudai Yonekura, 35, spent a night at an evacuation center with relatives after seeing the windows at work shake from the eruption on Sunday night. "If we are forced to keep staying here, we'll need to think about getting a hotel," Yonekura said.

Sakurajima is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan. The large eruption in 1914 emitted enough lava to close the strait between the Sakurajima volcanic island in Kagoshima Bay and the Osumi Peninsula on Kyushu, the country's southwestern main island.

Related coverage:

Sakurajima volcano in Japan erupts, alert level raised to highest
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global emergency in the field of health over the monkeypox epidemic.The decision of the organization is related to the increase in cases of infections with the monkeypox virus in the world. WHO made the decision to declare a state of emergency after the end of the second meeting of the special committee convened on the virus.According to Tedros Ghebreyesus, director general of the organization, more than 16,000 cases of the virus have been registered in 75 countries. As a result of the virus, 5 people have died.According to the World Health Organization, the risk of spreading the so-called monkeypox globally and in all regions is moderate, except for Europe, where we assess the risk as high, said Ghebreyesus.On June 15, the first case of monkeypox virus was recorded in Georgia.A day after Kiev and Moscow agreed on the export of wheat from Ukraine, Russia bombed the port of Odessa.According to Friday's agreement, Russia promised not to target the port as long as ships loaded with grain were moving here.The agreement was described by the United Nations as a ray of hope in the face of several months of war.The Southern Command of the Ukrainian Army announced that on July 23, at dawn, 2 bombs fell in the port of Odesa, and 2 more were neutralized by air defense.Andriy Yermak, the head of President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, condemned the attack and accused Russia of "systematically creating a food crisis."The Russian missile is Vladimir Putin's spat on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Turkish President Recep Erdogan, who made enormous efforts to reach an agreement and to which Ukraine is grateful, said the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Oleg Nikolenko.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2022 - 22:12 | All, Japan

Japan plans to push for a reduction in nuclear warheads and for world leaders to visit its two atomic-bombed cities at next month's review conference on the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, a special adviser to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the issue said Monday.

In an interview with Kyodo News, Minoru Terada, special adviser to Kishida on nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, stressed a desire to see the upcoming NPT Review Conference adopt a consensus document including the two points, after such a document failed to eventuate at the previous meeting in 2015 due to a divide between nuclear states and nonnuclear states.

The NPT, which took effect in 1970, will have its next review conference from Aug. 1 at the United Nations' headquarters in New York to promote nuclear disarmament, strengthen nuclear nonproliferation and enhance peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The four-week conference was originally scheduled for 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kishida, who will attend for the first time as prime minister, is expected to call on nations to agree on a concrete path toward nuclear abolition when making his speech on the opening day, according to Terada.

Japan had previously attempted to include an invitation for world leaders to visit the atomic bombed cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the 2015 consensus document, but it was dropped in the face of opposition from China, which believed Tokyo was trying to portray itself as a war victim.

While expressing a willingness for Japan, as the sole country to have suffered atomic bombings, to serve as a bridge builder between nuclear and nonnuclear states, Terada said both sides would "need to make concessions" to agree on the phased reduction of nuclear weapons.

"Reaching an agreement will be even more challenging than the previous time. It will be a difficult negotiation," Terada said, citing China's nuclear warhead buildup and nuclear programs in North Korea and Iran as potential sticking points.

With Russia also scheduled to attend the NPT Review Conference next month, Terada said that "verifying the true intentions" of Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding his threat to use nuclear weapons in connection with the war in Ukraine would be another major theme.

Terada also expressed hope that an agreement being reached at the conference would provide momentum to the Group of Eminent Persons for Substantive Advancement of Nuclear Disarmament meeting in Hiroshima scheduled for later this year.

The panel, assembled by Japan's Foreign Ministry, brings together experts from countries on both sides of the fence to discuss measures for nuclear disarmament.

Related coverage:

FOCUS: Nuclear ban treaty chair urges Japan to change approach

Japan to host G-7 summit in Hiroshima on May 19-21, 2023
KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2022 - 21:41 | All, Japan

A Chinese military drone flew near Okinawa in southwestern Japan on Monday, the Japanese Defense Ministry said.

It marked the first time that a TB001 drone, which can be armed or used for reconnaissance purposes, has flown solo from the East China Sea to the Pacific, passing between Okinawa's main island and Miyako Island, the ministry said.

The drone was in the air for most of the day. After flying toward the Pacific, it then headed toward Taiwan and circled the east side of the island, it said.

The drone prompted Japan's Air Self-Defense Force to scramble fighter jets, though the unmanned aerial vehicle did not intrude into Japanese airspace.

In August last year, the ministry confirmed that a plane believed to be a TB001 flew a similar route along with a manned airplane.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 25, 2022 - 15:28 | All, Japan

The Japanese government should enhance discussions on how to deal with unprofitable local railway services given the drop in demand for travel due to the coronavirus pandemic and the depopulation of rural areas, a transport ministry panel said Monday.

Proposals made by the panel include the creation of a council to discuss with local governments and railway operators how to encourage people to use trains on routes where occupancy rates have dropped considerably.

They will also discuss bus transportation as an alternative if such railway lines are closed. The discussions should be concluded within three years, said the panel.

The move comes amid calls for active involvement by the central government.

There are cases where discussions do not proceed between operators hoping to close unprofitable lines and local governments that want to maintain the services believing bus routes or other alternative forms of transportation may be less convenient for residents, local officials and other sources said.
Photo taken on July 18, 2022 shows the earthquake-affected children in Paktika province, Afghanistan. (Photo by Sabawoon/Xinhua)

ZIRUK, Afghanistan, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Living in a China-donated tent, Zarif, 41, believed that U.S. freezing Afghanistan's assets has undermined the local post-earthquake rehabilitation and reconstruction.

A destructive earthquake striking Afghanistan on June 22 killed more than 1,000 people, injured more than 3,000 others and destroyed more than 17,000 houses, mostly in Paktika and the neighboring Khost provinces.

"We have hugely suffered due to the earthquake, have lost our houses and everything we had. We need help but unfortunately, Afghanistan's assets were frozen in U.S. banks, having affected the assistance," Zarif, a resident affected by the earthquake in Ziruk district, Paktika, told Xinhua.

"The blocking of money has increased our miseries, it has badly affected our banking system as we can't withdraw money," said Zarif, who lost a few family members and relatives in the destructive tremor.

The man called on the international community to ask Americans to unfreeze Afghanistan's assets.

"We ask the international community to exert pressure on the U.S. to release our money," Zarif said.

Following the withdrawal of the U.S.-led forces from the Asian country, Afghanistan's assets worth more than 9 billion U.S. dollars were frozen by the United States as part of its sanctions on the new rulers of the war-torn country.

To further mount pressure on the Taliban-run administration, U.S. President Joe Biden signed a decree in February allowing allocating 3.5 billion dollars from the frozen Afghan assets to the families of 9/11 terror attack victims and meanwhile a same amount to humanitarian aid for helping the needy Afghan people.

The decision has been widely condemned by Afghans as utterly unjust, who have urged the White House to unfreeze Afghanistan's assets.

"Afghans will further suffer if the U.S. sanctions are not lifted," Zarif said.

Agreeing with Zarif, Jassim Khan, another local affected by the earthquake, opined that the U.S. sanctions have further worsened the already broken economy of cash-strapped Afghanistan.

"The sanctions have damaged our banking system as neither the individuals nor the donors can send their assistance via bank," Khan said.

On the negative impact of U.S. sanctions on transferring assistance to the quake-affected region, Mohammad Nasim Haqqani, spokesperson of State Ministry for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs, said that the sanctions have undermined the international cooperation with Afghanistan.

"The negative impact of the sanctions is tangible as some institutions can't receive humanitarian aid in cash through bank because of the U.S. embargo and some countries can't send assistance as the banking system has been affected," Haqqani told Xinhua. 

A man stands in the rubble of a damaged house in Paktika province, Afghanistan, July 18, 2022. (Photo by Sabawoon/Xinhua)

Photo taken on July 18, 2022 shows the earthquake-affected children in Paktika province, Afghanistan. (Photo by Sabawoon/Xinhua)

Photo taken on July 18, 2022 shows the earthquake-affected children in Paktika province, Afghanistan. (Photo by Sabawoon/Xinhua)
Ljiljana Stevic gives a lecture to Chinese language lovers at the Confucius Institute in the University of Banja Luka in Bosnia and Herzegovina, July 2, 2022. Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)'s second sinology department at the University of Banja Luka, scheduled to open in early October, will create an excellent platform for boosting the two countries' understanding and relations, head of the new department Ljiljana Stevic has said. (Provided by the interviewee/Handout via Xinhua)

SARAJEVO, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)'s second sinology department at the University of Banja Luka, scheduled to open in early October, will create an excellent platform for boosting the two countries' understanding and relations, head of the new department Ljiljana Stevic has said.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Stevic, also a pioneer in Chinese studies in the Balkan country, spoke about the importance of learning Chinese as well as enhancing cultural and scientific exchanges between BiH and China.

"This will lead to future prosperous relations and better understanding, as well as the strengthening of international partnership," said Stevic, adding that as China becomes increasingly important on the international arena, knowledge of the Chinese language and culture means more opportunities and is a real need for anyone who wants to keep up with the times.

The idea of introducing Chinese studies to the University of Banja Luka emerged in late 2019 when Rector Radoslav Gajanin paid a visit to Beijing, during which he and Chinese officials discussed the successful cooperation over the university's Confucius Institute established in January 2018.

Stevic attributed the birth of the new sinology department to the help of the Chinese embassy here as well as the rector's firm determination amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recalling her experience of learning Chinese, Stevic, who also leads the Confucius Institute, widely seen as one of the most active institutes in Europe to promote Chinese culture, said the new sinology department at the Faculty of Philology is another step and natural extension to what she has been doing for many years.

After graduating from Chinese Language and Literature at the Faculty of Philology, the University of Belgrade in Serbia in 1999, Stevic won a scholarship from the Chinese Ministry of Education and went to Beijing Language and Culture University.

"I was so grateful to the Chinese government for the opportunity and I hoped one day to give my best to pay it forward, and enable other young people to study Chinese and see China," she said, expressing the hope that both countries will benefit from the growing number of Chinese learners.

According to her, besides contemporary and classical Chinese language courses, the sinology department also offers courses covering Chinese culture, philosophy, history, geography, diplomacy and economy.

Given the increasing demand for Chinese translators, experts and consultants in both public and private sectors, there is a promising prospect for graduates, she said, adding that the department plans to build closer relationships with more universities and companies in China.

The first sinology department in BiH was launched in 2011 by the University of East Sarajevo. On average, around 30 students complete their four-year study annually. 

Ljiljana Stevic gives a lecture to Chinese language lovers at the Confucius Institute in the University of Banja Luka in Bosnia and Herzegovina, July 2, 2022. Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)'s second sinology department at the University of Banja Luka, scheduled to open in early October, will create an excellent platform for boosting the two countries' understanding and relations, head of the new department Ljiljana Stevic has said. (Provided by the interviewee/Handout via Xinhua)
A billboard showing a master plan of a new infrastructure development named "Cyber City" is seen at the roadside in Mount Hampden, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, on July 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)

The completion of China-funded parliament building in Zimbabwe heralds the start of a new capital city that is meant to decongest Harare.



by Tafara Mugwara

HARARE, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commended China for funding and constructing the country's new parliament building located in Mount Hampden on the outskirts of Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, where a new capital city is being constructed.

Located at the heart of the new city which is yet to be named, the new building was constructed and fully funded by China as a gift to the southern African country through China Aid.

Mnangagwa said the completion of the parliament building heralds the start of a new capital city that is meant to decongest Harare.

"We as the people of Zimbabwe, the government of Zimbabwe and indeed myself on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe are extremely grateful to the Government of the People's Republic of China," he said.

Mnangagwa made the remarks on Wednesday during the official groundbreaking ceremony of a new infrastructure development named "Cyber City" which is near the new parliament building.

The Cyber City, which will be constructed on 2.5 million square meters of land, will see the construction of cutting-edge office spaces, high-end residential spaces, shopping malls, recreational facilities and one of the tallest towers in Africa.

The project will be funded and developed by United Arab Emirates-based diversified conglomerate Mulk International.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa (Front) attends the official groundbreaking ceremony of a new infrastructure development named "Cyber City" in Mount Hampden, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, on July 20, 2022. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)

"This Cyber City is envisaged to be a key feature that will bring added value to the New City at Mt. Hampden set to be developed on over 15,500 hectares of land. The anchor project for the New City, the new parliament building, has already been completed," said Mnangagwa.

Sitting on the historical Mount Hampden Hill, about 18 km northwest of Harare, the new parliament building borrows heavily from iconic Great Zimbabwe ruins from which Zimbabwe derives its name.

A woman takes a selfie in front of Zimbabwe's new parliament building on Mount Hampden Hill, Zimbabwe, on June 29, 2022. (Photo by Shaun Jusa/Xinhua)

The imposing building covers a total area of 33,000 square meters and has two main buildings, a six-story office building and a four-story parliament building.

With the capacity to accommodate 1,000 people, the new building replaces the old colonial-era structure which has become too old and small to accommodate parliament business.

Photo taken on June 29, 2022 shows the Senate chamber in Zimbabwe's new parliament building on Mount Hampden Hill, Zimbabwe. (Photo by Shaun Jusa/Xinhua)

The new parliament building is the first arm of government to be located in the new city. The government also plans to put structures for two other arms of the state -- the executive and the judiciary -- in the new city. 
A member of the Philippine National Police inspects the site of a shooting incident at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, the Philippines, July 24, 2022. Three people were killed and two others injured in a shooting incident Sunday afternoon on a university campus in Metro Manila, the Philippine police said. The arrested gunman has admitted to the killing with specific target. (Str/Xinhua)

MANILA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and two others injured in a shooting incident Sunday afternoon on a university campus in Metro Manila, the Philippine police said. The arrested gunman has admitted to the killing with specific target.

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) confirmed that the shooting took place at 14:55 local time at the gate of Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, ahead of the law school's graduation ceremony.

Local media reported that former Lamitan mayor Rose Furigay, her bodyguard, and a school security guard who tried to stop the shooting were among the dead. The mayor's daughter, who was supposed to graduate, was among the injured.

Police identified the gunman as Chao Tiao Yumol, a 38-year-old physician from Basilan, an island province in the southern Philippines.

According to the police, the gunman changed his clothes after the shooting and seized a car in an attempt to escape, but was caught by the police. The police presented the suspect to the media three hours after the shooting.

Yumol admitted to the killing, claiming he shot Furigay for her "involvement in illegal drugs" in the province.

The shooting incident forced the school authorities to cancel the graduation rite and put the campus "on lockdown."

Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos said he was "shocked" over the incident and ordered law enforcement agencies "to thoroughly and swiftly investigate these killings and bring all involved to justice."

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Alexander Gesmundo was supposed to attend the law school graduation ceremony Sunday afternoon. Supreme Court spokesperson Brian Hosaka said Gesmundo was "in transit when the shooting happened and was advised to turn back."

The shooting happened while the authorities enforced a gun ban over President Marcos' first State of the Nation address scheduled for Monday. Police has ordered tightening security at the House of Representatives complex, also in Quezon City and a few kilometers away from the campus, with over 20,000 police and troops being deployed in the area. 

A member of the Philippine National Police inspects the site of a shooting incident at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, the Philippines, July 24, 2022. Three people were killed and two others injured in a shooting incident Sunday afternoon on a university campus in Metro Manila, the Philippine police said. The arrested gunman has admitted to the killing with specific target. (Str/Xinhua)

Members of the Philippine National Police inspect the site of a shooting incident at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, the Philippines, July 24, 2022. Three people were killed and two others injured in a shooting incident Sunday afternoon on a university campus in Metro Manila, the Philippine police said. The arrested gunman has admitted to the killing with specific target. (Str/Xinhua)
TEHRAN, July 25 (Xinhua) -- An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday the ground is prepared for Iran and Saudi Arabia to hold the next round of talks on reducing tensions in bilateral relations at an official and political level in Baghdad.

Making the remarks in an address to a weekly press conference, Nasser Kanaani said the talks would help the two sides take a large and palpable step toward the resumption and improvement of bilateral ties, given the two sides' positive will to this end, according to official news agency IRNA.

He added Iraq has brokered five rounds of negotiations between Tehran and Riyadh, which have produced good and promising results.

Following the recent meeting attended by leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council members, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and the United States in Jeddah, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein held a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and informed him of certain issues discussed in the meeting, according to Kanaani.

The Iraqi minister pointed out that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud had, on the sidelines of the meeting, expressed willingness and readiness for holding official and open political talks with Iran in the next round.

Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in early 2016 in protest against the attacks on the Saudi diplomatic mission in Iran after the Saudi execution of a Shiite cleric. 
LONDON, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Haunting Africa for years, monkeypox has finally drawn international concern, less than three months after cases exploded in countries such as Britain and the United States.

On Saturday, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the current outbreak outside the traditional endemic areas in Africa as having already turned into a public health emergency of international concern.

In parts of Central and West Africa, monkeypox outbreaks have been occurring since the last century, and African epidemiologists have sounded the alarm, but were largely ignored.

Experts said monkeypox exposes the forgotten patients in areas such as Africa.

PAYING FOR NEGLECT

African researchers said they have long been warning of the potential for the monkeypox virus, which has been behaving in new ways, to spread more widely, the journal Nature said in a June article.

Since 1970, when monkeypox was first identified in humans, cases have been reported in 11 African countries, with most cases in the rural and rainforest regions of the Congo Basin.

Human cases have increasingly been reported from Central and West Africa.

Nigeria has experienced a large outbreak since 2017, with over 500 suspected cases, over 200 confirmed cases and a case fatality ratio of approximately 3 percent, and cases continue to be reported until today, according to the WHO.

It was only after 2017 that many African epidemiologists warned that the virus was spreading "in an unfamiliar way": It was appearing in urban settings, and sometimes infected people who had genital lesions, suggesting that the virus might spread through sexual contact, the Nature article said.

"The world is paying the price for not having responded adequately" in 2017, as the virus proliferates in Western countries through what seems to be close contact with sexual partners, said Adesola Yinka-Ogunleye, an epidemiologist at the Nigeria Center for Disease Control.

"We as European nations and American nations have not really taken it seriously until now, when it has, of course, started to affect us," Jason Mercer, a professor of virus cell biology at the University of Birmingham, who studies poxviruses at both the molecular and cell biology levels, told Xinhua.

"The reality is that monkeypox is a serious problem in African nations," said Mercer, noting that over the last few decades, Africa has seen a massive increase in infections of zoonotic or human transmission.

AFRICA'S SHORTAGE OF MEDICAL RESOURCES

Europe's rapid response to the recent outbreak stands in sharp contrast to the situation in Africa, where the disease has been spreading but vaccination rates are low and health systems remain weak.

"Vaccine inequality between Europe and Africa is very clearly happening again with monkeypox as is with COVID," Mercer said.

Europe and America have vaccine stockpiles to deploy for slowing infection and reducing morbidity, but "in Africa these vaccines just simply aren't available," he said.

"There's been a terrible inequity in vaccination rates," as vaccine distribution and availability around the world are "incredibly unfair," Martin Drewry, director of the London-based NGO Health Poverty Action, told Xinhua.

Besides vaccines, many parts of the world also lack strong functioning health systems to distribute them, Drewry said.

"You also need to have the systems to track and trace people who are infectious and respond quickly in those ways. And there are lots of reasons why the health systems are so weak," he said.

"Unfortunately, the information shared with WHO by countries in West and Central Africa is still very scant," said WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Thursday.

"This inability to characterize the epidemiological situation in that region represents a substantial challenge to designing interventions for controlling this historically neglected disease," he added.

HEALTH INEQUALITY

The number of zoonotic outbreaks in Africa has risen by 63 percent in the decade from 2012 to 2022 compared to from 2001 to 2011, the WHO said.

Certain diseases in Africa, including monkeypox and Ebola, have gone largely unnoticed globally for many years, but as soon as they become a threat to the parts of the world with more resources and wealth, resources are suddenly mobilized to deal with them in those countries, said Drewry.

"Our biggest concern of all is that we will continue to allow health systems in some parts of the world to be so much stronger than they are in the areas where they're almost non-existent," he said.

Britain has 12,500 psychiatrists, while Sierra Leone has only two; in the United States, around 11,000 U.S. dollars are spent each year per person on healthcare, while the figure in Ethiopia is 67 dollars, Drewry noted.

Can Africa tackle these diseases on its own? Mercer asked. "The answer is probably not."

European and American countries need to provide assistance in not only equipment, but surveillance, testing and diagnostics, making sure people are trained sufficiently to identify the disease, and reporting systems, vaccinations as well as antivirals are in place.

Helping underdeveloped countries also benefits developed ones themselves, Mercer said, just like in the COVID-19 pandemic, if populations without immunity are not vaccinated, European countries will end up with variants being re-imported.

"Are we being selfish with regard to vaccine distribution and tackling diseases in underdeveloped countries? In essence, yes," he said. 
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- China's space tracking ship Yuanwang-3 returned to its homeport on Monday morning after completing three maritime monitoring missions.

During the 60-day voyage, the vessel has sailed more than 16,000 nautical miles, completing missions including tracking and monitoring the launch of the Shenzhou-14 crewed spaceship, which was the vessel's 100th mission.

After docking at the port, it will undergo maintenance to prepare for further missions.

Commissioned on May 18, 1995, the vessel is a second-generation Chinese space tracking ship. It has undertaken maritime tracking and monitoring tasks for spacecraft, including the Shenzhou spaceships, Chang'e lunar probes and BeiDou satellites. 
Umina loses its last bank branch

Umina will lose its last bank branch on Friday, August 26.

The Umina Beach branch of the Commonwealth Bank will close, leaving just five bank branches on the Peninsula - one at Ettalong and four at Woy Woy.

Commonwealth Bank regional general manager Mr Norm Swift said: "Transactions at this branch have dropped by half over the five years before the coronavirus pandemic."

"Our people from Umina Beach branch will be offered redeployment opportunities, including roles supporting customers over the phone and online, or other comparable roles where it suits them.

"There are no job losses as a result of this decision."

"We've ensured customers who prefer over-the-counter service still have access to this option.

"For Umina Beach customers, we have a nearby central branch four kilometres away at Woy Woy.

"We've found 31 per cent of customers from Umina Beach are already visiting Woy Woy branch.

"We understand this change may affect the way some of our customers bank.

"The team at Umina Beach branch are available until Friday, August 26, to help customers find the solutions that best suit their needs.

"For customers who prefer face-to-face options, Australia Post's Bank@Post service is also available at the Umina Beach Local Post Office for personal and business banking transactions.

"Last year we renewed this service until 2032, so customers can continue to make withdrawals and deposits including passbooks during normal business hours."

"Customers can also access their accounts 24 hours a day through NetBank or the CommBank app.

"We are also available for general banking enquiries, through our locally-based contact centres on 13 22 21, every day between 8am and 8pm."

"We recognise some senior customers prefer to do their banking face-to-face and this is one of the reasons why the bank is proud to maintain the largest branch network in the country.

"Each year, we invest around $50 million in our branch network, to upgrade and refurbish existing branches and open new branches where we see customer demand."

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales said he was "extremely disappointed in the news that the Commonwealth Bank is closing the Umina Beach branch".

"This is yet another sign that the big banks care little for local town centres as they continue to strive to cut costs and drive profits up often at the expense of local communities.

"Umina Beach is one of the busiest and most vibrant retail shopping strips on the Central Coast yet it appears that the Commonwealth Bank is more interested in saving dollars than looking after the interests of its local customer base.

"Sadly, I'm not surprised as we have seen a cavalcade of banks and buildings societies slowly withdraw from the main street with only brand ATM's offering any form of banking service," he said.

"This now leaves Umina Beach without any frontline banking services.

"This does nothing for the health and vitality of local town centres and is a sad reflection of changing times and big bank attitudes."
File photo taken on May 8, 2018 shows an exhibited painting created by artist Edward Kamugisha Ssajjabbi during the 8th Beijing International Art Biennale. (Xinhua)

Edward Kamugisha Ssajjabbi, a Ugandan painter and university teacher, is using his unique experience in China to inspire students to chase their dreams.

KAMPALA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- In one of the paintings, Edward Kamugisha Ssajjabbi tells a story of the Beijing Winter Olympics as the world combats the COVID-19 pandemic.

The art piece also shows three people pushing the coronavirus into fire as a scientist does research. It also shows a lamp, signaling light of life, and modern buildings portraying Beijing. The Great Wall of China features in the background.

This is one of Ssajjabbi canvas art pieces that portray the relation between China, Africa and the world.

Born in Kabale, a remote hilly southwestern district of Uganda, Ssajjabbi has through persistence used his talent to reach the international scene.

On the journey to the global scene, Ssajjabbi has faced several successes and hardships.

As a little boy, Ssajjabbi used to frequent his father's bar where a painter showcased his works.

"I admired the way he was doing them and loved to assist him like in case of picking items closer to him during the execution process. Later on when he had left, I started to frequent our bar with papers and pencils copying what he did," Ssajjabbi, who is also an academician, told Xinhua.

"This forced me to start discovering colors especially using sweet potatoes and bananas for white, smashing batteries for black and even using earth for different colors. This is how I found myself into art," he added.

Artist Edward Kamugisha Ssajjabbi is seen working on a painting at his studio house in Kabale, Uganda, July 22, 2022. (Photo by Nicholas Kajoba/Xinhua)

Years on, Ssajjabbi has been able to study right from diploma level as a fine art teacher to now pursuing a doctorate degree in Design and Visual Culture.

"I have done several art exhibitions both sole and joint on local, national and international levels, which have continued ushering me into art and its benefits," he said.

Ssajjabbi not only teaches art at Kabale University in the southwestern part of the country but also does canvas painting for commercial purposes. He does not have a proper art studio but uses one of the rooms at his residence.

His paintings are mostly about tourism, life in rural Uganda and culture. Most of Ssajjabbi's clients are foreign tourists who throng the region to watch Mountain Gorillas.

VENTURE INTO CHINA

While Ssajjabbi has travelled the world because of art, his first venture into China was in 2019 when he was invited to attend the Eighth Beijing International Art Biennale.

The Beijing International Art Biennale, which has taken place since 2002, promotes global harmony through contemporary artwork exhibitions. More than 100 countries are represented at the Biennale, with more than 5,000 artists showcasing their visual artworks.

Early this year, Ssajjabbi attended the ninth edition of the Beijing International Art Biennale virtually.

He said the Biennale is important to African artists because they showcase their art together with artists from across the globe.

"There are many artists from different countries worldwide who take part in this Biennale and by doing this, African artists are exchanging their culture with the rest of the world through visual communication," he said.

"Africans will also increase their scope of understanding by sharing different approaches in execution processes of the art forms," he added.

Ssajjabbi argued that China is also understanding more of other countries' culture through visual communication.

He said because of the 2022 Biennale, he has been invited to China's Taiwan and Senegal in west Africa.

Back home, Ssajjabbi is sharing his China experience with his students at Kabale University.

Through art, one can appreciate and also inspire others to love their culture, said Ssajjabbi.

"Chinese have preserved their culture, which they are sharing with the rest of the world through art, therefore we need to benchmark and follow suit," he said.

Ssajjabbi argued that art is a key component in the development of a country.

"In almost every industry in a country, art is applied to promote development. In engineering, for fabrication to take place, one needs sketches and drawings as sources of inspiration, no known culture so far which exists without clothes and this is fashion and design," he noted.

"In hospitals, ceramics is used to produce bone part to replace broken ones and even there are teeth which are made of clay. Art is a precursor to development, there is no development without art," Ssajjabbi added.

Ssajjabbi is optimistic that within the next five years he will complete his doctorate degree in Design and Visual Culture. He hopes to use the knowledge generated to guide students at higher levels of education especially in research.

He said he will also use the knowledge acquired to improve his artworks especially paintings. 
A girl holds a Jordanian national flag and a centenary's flag on the occasion of the kingdom's centenary in Amman, Jordan, on April 11, 2021. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

AMMAN, July 24 (Xinhua) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan said all Arab states would seek good relations with Iran on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, al-Rai newspaper reported Sunday.

Expressing his belief that disagreements should be resolved through dialogue, the Jordanian king told al-Rai that the region needs cooperation and coordination rather than crises and conflicts.

However, he warned against what he called "regular attacks from Iran-linked militias," noting a change in Iran's behavior is "in the interest of everyone in the region, including Iran and its people."

A boy holds an Iranian national flag at a rally to mark the 39th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution at Azadi (liberty) Square in Tehran, Iran, on Feb. 11, 2018. (Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz)

When asked about the possibility of launching an "Arab NATO," he said the issue "is not currently under discussion," while highlighting the necessity for an institutional Arab defense system.

"If we look at the threats facing us today, we will find they threaten all of us, and thus require Arab cooperation, especially the renewed terrorist threat and networks of organized drug and arms smuggling," the king explained. 
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar (R), the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (L, center), and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (L) sign a deal in Istanbul, Turkiye, on July 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Shadati)

- The UN said in a statement that the grain export deal would allow significant volumes of commercial food and fertilizer exports from three key ports in the Black Sea -- Odessa, Chernomorsk and Yuzhny.

- However, lack of mutual trust between Russia and Ukraine has put question mark over a speedy and full implementation of the deal.

MOSCOW, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Ukraine separately signed a deal in Istanbul on Friday with Turkiye and the United Nations to resume grain shipments from Ukrainian ports to international markets via the Black Sea.

The long-awaited deal, the first major pact between Moscow and Kiev since Russia's special military operation in February, was welcome news for the international community as a food crisis has already been plaguing countries heavily dependent on grain imports from Ukraine and Russia.

However, the implementation of the deal could be a very bumpy ride amid Western sanctions and lack of mutual trust between Moscow and Kiev, among other challenges.





LINGERING WESTERN SANCTIONS

Following the signing of the deal, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called for efforts to effectively implement the agreements on transporting Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea ports and on promoting Russian exports of food and fertilizers.

"The UN assistance that is provided in good faith and the constructive approach of the international community, including the Western countries, will be instrumental in this (implementing the agreements)," he said.

A resident passes by destroyed buildings in Lysychansk, Lugansk region, July 4, 2022. (Photo by Victor/Xinhua)

Lavrov's remarks came as U.S.-led Western countries delivered batches of lethal weapons to Ukraine and imposed bunches of sanctions on Russia, risking perpetuating the regional conflict and leaving the world to foot the bill.

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, Russia and Ukraine are the world's largest and fifth-largest wheat exporters, respectively. Together, they provide 19 percent of the world's barley supply, 14 percent of wheat and 4 percent of maize, making up more than one third of global cereal exports. Russia is also the lead producer of fertilizers, accounting for 13 percent of the world's production.

As Russian and Ukrainian grain exports are hindered by port disruptions and Western sanctions, food prices have reached an all-time high. Besides, restrictions on Russian fertilizer exports due to U.S. sanctions have led to a surge in global fertilizer prices.

"The U.S. and EU sanctions, both direct and indirect, actually interfere and prevent the supply of our agricultural products, and there are a lot of them. This year we are talking about 37 million tons of grain and next year about 50 million tons," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said earlier this month.

Turkish geopolitical expert Baris Doster told Xinhua that Western restrictions on Russian grain exports are having a negative impact on the whole world, including those Western countries themselves.

The sanctions against Russia are worsening the global food crisis, considering that Russia is a major exporter of grain, said Sevim Dagdelen, a member of Germany's lower house of Parliament.

Despite the grain export deal, Western countries did not guarantee that they would not interfere in the export of Russian grain and fertilizers, Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, was quoted by RIA Novosti news agency as saying.

The owner of a warehouse of wheat and grains displays Ukrainian wheat in Hasbaya, southern Lebanon, on Feb. 28, 2022. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

ICE SHEETS OF MISTRUST

The UN said in a statement on its website that the grain export deal would allow significant volumes of commercial food and fertilizer exports from three key ports in the Black Sea -- Odessa, Chernomorsk and Yuzhny. A Joint Coordination Center will be established in Istanbul to monitor implementation, including representatives from Turkiye, Russia and Ukraine.

According to a copy of the agreement released by Andrii Sybiha, deputy head of the Ukrainian President's Office, the deal will be effective for 120 days and can be renewed for the same duration unless one of the signing parties terminates.

However, lack of mutual trust between Russia and Ukraine has put question mark over a speedy and full implementation of the deal. The scorching hot battlefield has made it difficult to cross the ice sheets of mistrust. Apart from that, Moscow has repeatedly asked Kiev to clear mines along its coastline to facilitate shipping, but the latter is concerned about Russian military threats coming from the sea.

"Ukraine does not sign any documents with Russia. We sign an agreement with Turkiye and the UN and undertake obligations to them. Russia signs a mirror agreement with Turkiye and the UN," Mykhailo Podoliak, adviser to the Head of the Office of President of Ukraine, tweeted Friday.

"No transport escort by Russian ships and no presence of Russian representatives in our ports. In case of provocations, an immediate military response," he added.

The just-reached deal does not include de-mining of Ukrainian ports, and grain ships have to be guided in and out through mined port waters, a recent TASS report quoting a UN source as saying.

Alexei Podberezkin, director of the Center for Military and Political Studies at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, said shipping in such waters is fraught with risks and there could be chaos and even provocations.

"We don't know the mining maps of Ukrainian ports ... the situation is very dangerous. So we take responsibility only for those areas where we can control the situation," he said. 
* The second China International Consumer Products Expo opened Monday on the resort island of Hainan, presenting a unique platform for global consumer products companies to access the Chinese market.

* The six-day expo has attracted 1,107 overseas companies and 1,643 brands from 61 countries and regions, as well as over 1,200 domestic brands.

* It proves a pivotal confidence-booster as the pandemic is still raging across the world and China's consumer spending gradually recovers after the impact of COVID-19 outbreaks.

HAIKOU, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The second China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) opened Monday on the resort island of Hainan, presenting a unique platform for global consumer products companies to access the Chinese market.

With a larger exhibition area, more participating brands, and a special focus on new and quality products, the expo remains the largest consumer boutique exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region.

The global platform of displaying and trading high-end consumer products showcases China's pledge of a higher level of opening-up. It proves a pivotal confidence-booster as the pandemic is still raging across the world and China's consumer spending gradually recovers after the impact of COVID-19 outbreaks.

A staff member arranges jewelry exhibits during the second China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 25, 2022. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli)

HIGHER-LEVEL OF OPENING-UP

The six-day expo has attracted 1,107 overseas companies and 1,643 brands from 61 countries and regions, as well as over 1,200 domestic brands.

The exhibition area has expanded to 100,000 square meters from 80,000 square meters last year, with the international area covering 80 percent of the total exhibition space.

Notably, companies from members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, including Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Malaysia, have shown particular interest in the expo, with their total exhibition area reaching 5,000 square meters, up nearly 20 percent from last year.

The expo will showcase over 600 new products from more than 200 brands and is expected to attract more than 40,000 buyers and visitors.

Visitors try gaming capsules during the second China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 25, 2022. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Zhang Xiangchen, deputy director-general of the World Trade Organization, said in a video address that while countries are making efforts for economic recovery, China's hosting of the expo, which focuses on consumer goods, will have a positive impact on boosting consumption, promoting trade and improving the economy.

Fabrice Megarbane, president of L'Oreal North Asia Zone and chief executive officer of L'Oreal China, sees the national-level expo as a signal of greater opening-up of the Chinese market.

China is committed to further opening-up and is increasingly determined to unleash the potential of its market by boosting consumption, said Megarbane.

Tapestry, an American luxury fashion company, attended the expo for the second time.

The success of the first CICPE demonstrated to the world the huge potential and great vigor of China's consumer market, said Yann Bozec, president of Tapestry Asia Pacific, adding that Tapestry's continuing participation in the expo shows its confidence in the Chinese market.

"China is one of the largest consumer markets in the world. We can see the Chinese economy is very resilient and has a lot of market potential," said Bozec. "The development of the Chinese market continues to prop up the global economy, and brings great opportunities for our brands."

A staff member introduces wine during the second China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 25, 2022. (Xinhua/Hu Zhixuan)

VITALITY, RESILIENCE OF CONSUMER MARKET

Despite the complex, grave situation abroad and COVID-19 resurgence at home, the Chinese economy has increasingly regained its footing, showing resilience and potential amid headwinds.

Consumption has improved as retail sales of consumer goods rallied 3.1 percent year on year in June, following year-on-year drops in April and May. The recovery is expected to continue as China is on a trajectory of consumption expansion, upgrades, and innovations.

Consumption remains strong with huge potential in China and the fundamentals for consumption expansion stay positive, said Sheng Qiuping, vice minister of commerce, adding that the CICPE is conducive to consumption recovery and unleashing its potential.

In order to encourage consumer spending, China has introduced a raft of policies, enticing consumers to open up their wallets and help businesses not just survive but thrive.

Restaurant owners, retailers and other businesses susceptible to COVID-19 have been offered lower rents and platform commissions, as well as stronger financing support. At the local level, governments are handing out billions of yuan in vouchers and subsidies to support local spending.

The expo offers an opportunity for internationally-renowned companies and brands to showcase their products and establish connections with domestic distributors, facilitating their access to the Chinese market, said Xu Xingfeng, an official with the Ministry of Commerce.

Last year, China's import volume of consumer goods rose 9.9 percent year on year to 1.73 trillion yuan (about 256.2 billion U.S. dollars), official data showed.

(Video reporters: Guo Liangchuan, Zhou Xuan, Fang Kuan; video editors: Chen Sihong, Zhu Cong, Li Qin)
Photo taken on May 1, 2022 shows a container vessel docking at the Qianwan Container Terminal in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

JINAN, July 25 (Xinhua) -- East China's Shandong Province has reported that its trade with members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) reached 587.47 billion yuan (about 87 billion U.S. dollars) in the first half of 2022, up 22.9 percent year on year, according to Qingdao Customs.

In the first six months, the exports surged 30.9 percent year on year to 346.13 billion yuan, while its imports grew 13.1 percent to 241.34 billion yuan.

During the period, Shandong's trade with the Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Japan reached 137.26 billion yuan, 116.33 billion yuan and 93.27 billion yuan, respectively, up 10.7 percent, 70.5 percent and 7.9 percent year on year. The trade volume with these three countries made up 59 percent of the province's total with RCEP members.

Private enterprises contributed more than 70 percent of Shandong's trade with RCEP members, with a total trade volume of 428.22 billion yuan in the first six months, up 33.8 percent year on year.

Some 59,000 certificates of origin under RCEP were also issued by authorities in the province during the period. 
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese police have made all-out efforts to investigate a violent case in which several women were beaten in a barbecue restaurant in north China's Hebei Province, with sound progress achieved and results to be released to the public, according to a press conference by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) on Monday.

The ministry promptly sent a task force and experts after the incident occurred. They will follow through with every lead, get to the bottom of the matter, and bring law-breakers to justice, said Liu Zhongyi, director of the criminal investigation bureau under the MPS.

To protect public safety, the MPS has launched a campaign to crack down on illegal activities during the summertime. As a result, approximately 49,000 suspects have been apprehended and 72,000 criminal cases of various kinds cracked, said Liu.

Liu also noted that to increase people's sense of security, efforts will be made to efficiently handle cases of various scales and severities, and ramp up both the deterrence and effective measures to fight crime. 
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter on Monday to the second China-Africa Peace and Security Forum.

Realizing enduring peace and universal security is a common aspiration of the Chinese and African people, Xi said in his letter to the event, held by China's Ministry of National Defense. 
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Monday that peace and stability in the South China Sea are important prerequisites for regional development.

Wang made the remarks when addressing the opening ceremony of a seminar commemorating the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) by video.

The DOC is the first political document signed by China and ASEAN countries on the South China Sea issue. It establishes the basic principles and common norms for all parties to handle the South China Sea issue, Wang noted.

Stressing that regional countries are the real parties that are responsible for properly handling the South China Sea issue, Wang called on all parties to continue to keep the bottom line of peace in the area.

All sides should firmly support all efforts that are conducive to peaceful settlement and management of disputes, oppose any words and deeds that create tension and provoke confrontation in the region, Wang said.

Wang also called for improving bilateral and multilateral maritime-related dialogue mechanisms, establishing and advancing the cooperation mechanism between coastal countries, actively promoting practical cooperation in scientific research, environmental protection, search and rescue and other fields, and the discussion of the joint development of resources.

Calling for stronger institutional guarantees for managing differences and promoting cooperation, Wang said China will continue to uphold the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in its neighborhood diplomacy, and work with ASEAN countries to be a defender of maritime peace, a builder of maritime order, a promoter of maritime cooperation, and a contributor to maritime development. 
Newly elected Indian President Droupadi Murmu (front) waves to people at the Indian Presidential Palace in New Delhi, India on July 25, 2022.

Droupadi Murmu was sworn in as the 15th president of India on Monday. Murmu has thus become the first tribal woman to be elected to the country's top constitutional post. (Photo by Partha Sarkar/Xinhua)

by Peerzada Arshad Hamid

NEW DELHI, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Droupadi Murmu was sworn in as the 15th president of India on Monday.

Murmu has thus become the first tribal woman to be elected to the country's top constitutional post.

She was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice of India N. V. Ramana inside the central hall of the parliament. The ceremony was followed by a 21-gun salute. Then she delivered an address.

Murmu was accorded a guard of honor at the Presidential house in New Delhi, locally called Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The ceremony was attended by the chairman of the Rajya Sabha (upper house of parliament) M. Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) Speaker Om Birla, federal ministers, heads of various diplomatic missions, lawmakers, civil and military officers of the government, besides others.

In her speech after taking oath, Murmu said her election is proof that the poor in India can dream and make them come true, adding that she will focus on the welfare of the marginalized.

BATTLE FOR TOP POST

Murmu, 64, was the presidential candidate of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She defeated Yashwant Sinha, the nominee of the opposition parties.

The president in India is indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of the members of both houses of parliament, and members from the lawmaking bodies in states.

Indian president's role is largely ceremonial. However, the position assumes importance during times of political uncertainty in the country like a hung parliament.

Murmu hails from the eastern state of Odisha and previously was governor of Jharkhand state.

BJP projected Murmu as a leader representing India's poor tribal communities living in the hinterland, which generally lacks health care, connectivity and education facilities.

She has become the second-ever female president of India after Pratibha Devisingh Patil.

WHO'S DROUPADI MURMU

Murmu belongs to the ethnic Santhal community, the third largest scheduled tribe community in India after Gonds and Bhils.

Nearly 80 percent of the population in her village in Mayurbhanj district is tribal. Only recently, electricity reached all homes in her village.

She was the first from her paternal village Uperbeda in Mayurbhanj district to attend college for a bachelor's degree.

After her studies, Murmu served as a junior assistant in the irrigation and power department of the local government in Odisha and later became a teacher.

Her political career started in 1997 as a councillor in Rairangpur. She was elected as a lawmaker twice during local elections in 2000 and 2009, on a BJP mandate ticket from the state's Rairangpur constituency in Mayurbhanj district.

In 2002, she became a minister in the state. Murmu has held the Odisha government's transport, commerce, fisheries and animal husbandry ministries.

Murmu was appointed in 2015 as the governor of the Jharkhand state, thus becoming the first-ever tribal leader to hold the post.

Murmu's nomination for the presidential post and her subsequent victory are seen as BJP's big tribal outreach on the party's road to the 2024 general elections, analysts said. 

Newly elected Indian President Droupadi Murmu (2nd R) and outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind wave to people at the Indian Presidential Palace in New Delhi, India on July 25, 2022.

Droupadi Murmu was sworn in as the 15th president of India on Monday. Murmu has thus become the first tribal woman to be elected to the country's top constitutional post. (Photo by Partha Sarkar/Xinhua)

Droupadi Murmu (R front) inspects a guard of honour in New Delhi, India, on July 25, 2022. Droupadi Murmu was sworn in as the 15th president of India on Monday. (Photo by Partha Sarkar/Xinhua)

Droupadi Murmu (R) is sworn in as the 15th president of India, in New Delhi, India, on July 25, 2022. (Xinhua)
Nayef Saymoua, a 62-year-old farmer, harvests wheat in a wheat field in Syria's southern province of Sweida, July 2, 2022. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

Before the current crisis, Syrian people preferred to leave their villages, and head to the capital for making a better living but in light of the high prices, the flow has reversed. Instead of leaving for big cities, people are now returning to their towns and farmlands.



By Hummam Sheikh Ali

SWEIDA, Syria, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Amid the tough economic situation in Syria, which was caused by the U.S. sanctions and the global food crisis, people are returning to farms to make a living and feed their families on their own without waiting for external aid.

In Sweida province in southern Syria, Nayef Saymoua, a 62-year-old farmer, has planted his farmland with wheat to sell part of it and keep some for his family and relatives.

Wearing a cap and long boots, Saymoua told Xinhua how important it is for farmers to return to their lands because the situation in the country is making it hard for everyone to make a good living or even secure food amid the global food crisis.

Saymoua said the land preserves the dignity of its owner, noting that farmers are returning to the farming business now that the Syrian economy is stalemated as the result of the prolonged war and the suffocating U.S. sanctions.

"Without your land, you would be hungry, and that's why people are now getting back to their farmlands to work hard because we have no other choice," he said.

He stressed that people should start learning how to achieve self-reliance, saying that farmers should be the first to make that given the fact that they have farms on which they can plant everything they need.

"The situation is getting worse, and we can't but rely on ourselves," the sturdy farmer said.

A farmer operates a harvester in a wheat field in Syria's southern province of Sweida, July 2, 2022. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

The man said he had chosen this year to plant wheat due to the fact that major wheat-rich areas in Syria had fallen under the control of the U.S. forces and allied local militias.

"We are here doing our best to protect ourselves from the so-called global food crisis," he said.

Raouf Yahya Ezz El Din, another farmer, told Xinhua that nowadays there is reverse migration from cities to the countryside, as people are becoming more aware of the importance of farming.

He said that before the current crisis, people preferred to leave their villages, and head to the capital for making a better living but in light of the high prices, the flow has reversed. Instead of leaving for big cities, people are now returning to their towns and farmlands.

Nayef Saymoua, a 62-year-old farmer, smells ears of wheat in a wheat field in Syria's southern province of Sweida, July 2, 2022. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

The 53-year-old farmer said the global food crisis has been a good lesson for the farmers to return to their farmlands.

He stressed that "the land is the honor and this land is giving us and making us rely on ourselves, not on other countries."

The United Nations said in February that Syria ranked first among the 10 most food-insecure countries in the world in 2022, with 12 million people suffering from limited or uncertain access to food, as the country's economy is "spiraling further downward."

In addition, the Russia-Ukraine conflict that broke out early this year has impacted the global wheat supply, creating a shortage of wheat supply for Syria, which last year imported 1.5 million tonnes of wheat, mainly from Russia. 
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- With a larger and richer consumer group, China's market has expanded its charm to global companies, as they have boosted their presence to meet Chinese consumers' evolving demand over the past decade.

From Monday to Saturday, the second China International Consumer Products Expo will be held in Haikou, capital of the southern tropical province of Hainan, providing a platform for the display and trading of high-level consumer goods from China and abroad.

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.

The expo is one example of foreign enterprises actively enlarging their footprint in China over the past decade.

The U.S. coffee chain Starbucks has scaled up rapidly since 2010 when China became its largest overseas market. The number of stores jumped by about 9 times to surpass 5,700 nationwide over the past 10 years.

In 2019, Firmenich, a privately-owned fragrance and flavor company, launched its largest flavor manufacturing plant in China's eastern city of Zhangjiagang with an investment of 75 million U.S. dollars, and opened a customer experience center in the southern city of Guangzhou in 2021 to tap into China's tailored perfume and flavor demands.

What exactly is fueling foreign companies to continuously cash in on Chinese consumer markets?

China is now the world's second-largest consumer market, boasting a middle-income group of over 400 million people. Retail sales of consumer goods were 44.1 trillion yuan (about 6.97 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2021, seeing an increase of 1.1 times, compared with 2012.

Chinese people have become more well-off compared with 10 years ago. The country's per capita disposable income reached 32,189 yuan in 2020, more than double the figure of 2010, official data showed.

"China is definitely a huge market that cannot be ignored by any foreign consumer goods company now," Denis MK Cheng, consumer sector leader of the EY Greater China, told Xinhua.

Accompanying the country's expansion of the consumer market were also new trends that have presented business opportunities for foreign enterprises.

The internet industry's fast development over the past decade has brought a radical change to how people buy goods, Cheng said. "Chinese people have shifted from mainly shopping in physical stores to a combination of shopping both in online and physical stores."

Data from the commerce ministry showed that China has been the largest online retail market in the world for nine consecutive years since 2013. By June 2021, China's online shoppers surpassed 812 million.

Eyeing Chinese people's ever-growing demand for greater speed and convenience, Starbucks China launched its online delivery platform Starbucks Delivers in 2018. In 2019, the company launched Starbucks Now, a service that allows customers to place their order in advance and pick up their beverage and food when they arrive at the store.

Now the sales revenue of the two services combined accounted for over 40 percent of the total, according to Leo Tsoi, chief executive officer of Starbucks China.

As online shopping prevails, the consumption potential of people from lower-tier cities and rural areas has been realized. Data from China's online retail giant JD.com showed that the proportion of new users in JD's "618" shopping bonanza who were from lower-tier cities and rural areas increased year by year from 2012 to 2021. The figure reached 90 percent of the total new users in 2021.

Tsoi said Starbucks China has opened more stores in smaller cities and townships, witnessing China's fast and steady urbanization.

Foreign companies' commitment to China's market has in turn seen an improved business environment, and the government has stepped up its efforts in continuing to further open up.

The country has kept shortening the negative list for foreign investment and passed laws and regulations, including the Foreign Investment Law, to protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors.

Business environment is also improving, with China's ease of doing business ranking ascending to 31 from 91 in 2012, according to a World Bank report.

"Looking forward, we at EY firmly believe that China will strive for a higher-level as it continues to open up," Cheng said. 




"China's role in securing global growth has been incredible ... What happens in China economically has a huge impact on the rest of the world, and that will continue because it is the second largest economy," said World Economic Forum President Borge Brende.



by Martina Fuchs

GENEVA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- World Economic Forum (WEF) President Borge Brende said on Thursday that he was optimistic about the economic outlook for China in the medium and long-term.

"We are expecting that the measures taken by China and the Chinese authorities will lead to a revival of growth" and are optimistic about the medium- and long-term economic development in China, Brende said, adding that as for the rest of the world, "the coming year is going to be a bumpy year."

The WEF president made the remarks as data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed on July 15 that China's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 2.5 percent year on year in the first half of 2022.

"The global recovery is slowing and it is now becoming a weaker and weaker recovery. This is also influencing the Chinese economy that is growing more slowly," Brende, a former minister of foreign affairs of Norway, said via a video conference.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), global growth is projected to slow from an estimated 6.1 percent in 2021 to 3.6 percent in 2022 and 2023, 0.8 and 0.2 percentage points lower for 2022 and 2023 than the global lender projected in January.

Aerial photo taken on June 30, 2022 shows a China-Europe freight train ready for departure at the Tuanjiecun station in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. (Xinhua/Tang Yi)

FOREIGN BUSINESS IN CHINA

Speaking of China's current business environment for foreign enterprises, Brende said that the Chinese market is "a big home market," and that for many companies, China is of huge interest, both for foreign direct investments and for manufacturing.

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, in its annual "European Business in China Business Confidence Survey 2022" released in June, said that most European companies posted positive revenues and were profitable in 2021.

The WEF president emphasized that China's role in stabilizing global economic growth amidst multi-fold challenges was crucial.

"If you look at the past three decades, China's growth has been historic and we have not seen any country in history that has been eradicating poverty like we have seen in China," Brende said.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report 2022, released on July 7, estimated that an additional 75 million to 95 million people could fall into extreme poverty this year.

China announced last year that absolute poverty had been eradicated in the world's most populous country and that it had lifted the final 98.99 million impoverished rural residents out of poverty by the end of 2020.

"The Chinese leadership is not only focusing on growth, they're also looking at the quality of growth, it needs to decouple from growth in CO2 emissions, it also has to be more inclusive, it has to trickle down to the regions, to the periphery, and it also needs to create jobs for the young and its more and more educated population," Brende said.

"China's role in securing global growth has been incredible ... What happens in China economically has a huge impact on the rest of the world, and that will continue because it is the second largest economy," said Brende.

People tour a local market at the Qingyun Road in Nanming District of Guiyang, capital city of southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 21, 2022. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

CHINA'S DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

The WEF president also hailed the China-proposed Global Development Initiative (GDI) as crucially important in boosting international cooperation and supporting the least developed and developing countries.

Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the GDI at the United Nations, aiming to contribute to strengthening international development cooperation and accelerating the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

"This initiative from China is very important and we really need to be very clear about supporting the least developed countries and the emerging economies because we have seen that capital is not flowing in as it used to" as COVID-19 has led to a situation for the first time in three decades that extreme poverty is growing, Brende said.

"It is incredibly important that we get on track again when it comes to meeting the sustainable development goals that are there and should be met by 2030," he added.

Brende highlighted climate crisis and reviving global economic growth.

"The only way to revive economic growth is that we continue with a win-win thinking: what is good for one country is good for another one. We have to collaborate and continue to trade with each other because if we don't do that, we will pay a high price and are going to shave off a lot of growth which is going to create even more poverty," he added. 
TEHRAN, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) plans to launch more satellites in 2022, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, announced Sunday.

"We will put new satellites in orbit with the Qaem satellite carrier this year," Hajizadeh was quoted by official IRNA news agency as saying.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of a gathering of the IRGC commanders in the capital Tehran.

In March, the IRGC's Aerospace Force successfully launched the Noor-2 reconnaissance satellite at an altitude of 500 km, using the Qased carrier.

Noor-2 is Iran's second military satellite sent into Low Earth orbit following its predecessor Noor-1, which was carried by the Qased rocket in April 2020 to an orbit of 425 km above the earth's surface. 
Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng (L), also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, unveils the nameplate of China Mineral Resources Group Ltd. as he attends the company's inaugural meeting in Beijing, capital of China, July 25, 2022. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng attended the inaugural meeting of China Mineral Resources Group Ltd. in Beijing on Monday.

Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, unveiled the nameplate of the company at the meeting.

The establishment of the company is a major move by the country to guarantee the supply of important mineral resources by making good use of the domestic and international markets and resources, which is crucial for the security of industrial and supply chains and high-quality development.

Solely state-owned and centrally administered, the company will adhere to openness, seek win-win cooperation, and adopt market-oriented and law-based operation in an effort to build itself into a world-class mineral resources company with global competitiveness and influence. 

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the inaugural meeting of China Mineral Resources Group Ltd. in Beijing, capital of China, July 25, 2022. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
ADDIS ABABA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The Africa Center for Disease Control (Africa CDC) on Monday recommended its members to boost surveillance and contact tracing efforts against monkeypox disease.

In a press release, Africa CDC called on African states to strengthen laboratory diagnostic capacities and genomic sequencing capacity for monkeypox.

The announcement came two days after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern.

The Africa CDC also called on members to stockpile vaccine and treatment needed to deal with monkeypox cases.

The continental health body also called on African states to develop and distribute both general and tailored risk communication messages for general communities as well as vulnerable population groups.

According to the latest figures of the Africa CDC, 2,031 monkeypox cases have been detected in 11 African countries, accounting for 12 percent of global cases.

The continental health body has also reported 75 monkeypox related deaths so far.

Monkeypox, first detected in laboratory monkeys in 1958, is assumed to transmit from wild animals such as rodents to people, or from human to human. It is a rare viral disease that is usually transmitted through body fluids, respiratory droplets and other contaminated materials. The infection usually results in fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes. 
MOGADISHU, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Somali Parliament resolved on Monday to give Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre 10 more days to form his government.

Barre, who was expected to name his cabinet by Monday, 30 days after his appointment, said he was yet to finalize consultations on the formation of the cabinet.

Barre, who was appointed on June 25, requested parliament to give him an extension to form an all-inclusive government, noting that the delay was due to a protracted electoral process.

"In order to form a balanced government, it is necessary that I spend sufficient time in consultations with various politicians of the country and civil society," Barre said in a statement.

"Somalia is at a crossroads and must move forward. We need to form an administration that can deliver the change and development our people urgently need," he added.

Lower House First Deputy Speaker Sadia Yasin Samatar said 144 out of 145 lawmakers who attended the session Monday approved Barre's request while only one legislator opposed it.

The prime minister held a series of meetings Monday with religious leaders and some civil society groups on the formation of the government.

During the meeting with civil society, Barre highlighted the role of Somali youth in participating in the development, noting that they are the future of the country and their advice is useful in supporting the government.

The prime minister said he exchanged views with them on the cabinet he is establishing, and how it would create job opportunities for the Somali youth. 
PHNOM PENH, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and his mother, former Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk have donated a total of 1.5 million U.S. dollars to support the government's mine clearance activity.

In two separate letters to Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen dated on Saturday and released to the media on Monday, King Sihamoni and Queen Mother Monineath decided to donate 500,000 dollars and 1 million dollars, respectively to the "Samdech Techo Project for Mine Action."

"I would like to add to the government's efforts by donating 500,000 U.S. dollars to help deal with the landmine issue in Cambodia," the king wrote in a letter.

In another letter, Queen Mother Monineath wrote she contributed 1 million dollars to support the government's efforts to address the landmine issue in the kingdom.

Prime Minister Hun Sen established the "Samdech Techo Project for Mine Action" fundraising drive on July 4. So far, the campaign has raised more than 20 million dollars from local donors, according to the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authorities (CMAA).

Cambodia is one of the countries worst affected by mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). An estimated 4 million to 6 million landmines and other munitions have been left over from three decades of war and internal conflicts that ended in 1998.

According to Yale University, between 1965 and 1973, the United States had dropped some 230,516 bombs on 113,716 sites in Cambodia.

CMAA's first vice president Ly Thuch said from 1992 to date, the country had cleared 2,410 square km of landmine/ERW contaminated land, destroying over 1.1 million anti-personal mines, more than 26,000 anti-tank mines and almost 3 million ERWs.

However, the Southeast Asian country still needs to clear the remaining 716 square km of land contaminated by mines and ERWs, he added.

Thuch said throughout Cambodia, around 1 million people still live in fear and work in areas contaminated by mines and ERWs and that the kingdom is committed to getting rid of landmines and ERWs by 2025.

"To achieve this mine-free goal, we need a budget of at least 90 million U.S. dollars," he said in a press conference early this month.

According to the CMAA, from 1979 to June 2022, landmine and ERW explosions claimed 19,818 lives and either injured or amputated 45,186 others. 
CANBERRA, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has extended military support for the aged care sector in response to coronavirus outbreaks in the current winter months.

Richard Marles, deputy prime minister and minister for defense, on Monday announced that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) deployment into aged care facilities has been extended until the end of September.

It comes as more than 900 aged care centers are combating outbreaks of COVID-19, with more than 6,000 residents and 3,000 staff currently infected around the country.

"It's important that we need to be doing everything we can to meet the challenge," Marles told Australian Broadcasting Corporation television.

"It's not just extending the military support to aged care, it's actually increasing it up to 250 personnel through until the end of September."

According to the Aged and Community Care Providers Association, more than 2,000 aged care residents have died with COVID-19 in 2022 alone, accounting for more than 20 percent of Australia's total COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

The decision reflects the seriousness of the Omicron COVID-19 variant's high community transmission rates and the challenges faced by aged care homes as a result, said Marles.

The ADF has provided clinical and non-clinical support to aged care homes hit by COVID-19 related staffing shortages since February this year.

Aged Care Minister Anika Wells said the sector was struggling to find enough staff.

"We simply cannot find the staff," she said on Monday.

"People are doing double shifts. People are working every single day without breaking, which is an incredibly stressful environment."

Australia on Monday reported more than 30,000 new COVID-19 cases and more than 10 new deaths.

The country's total pandemic death toll surpassed 11,000 over the weekend, only about three weeks after hitting 10,000. 
Cambodian Princess Norodom Arunrasmy (3rd L, front), founder of the Mudhita Foundation, poses for a group photo with students during an inauguration ceremony of a Chinese embassy-funded school building in Kampot province, Cambodia on July 23, 2022. A school building, funded by the Chinese embassy to Cambodia through the Mudhita Foundation, was inaugurated at the Samdech Ta Primary School in southwestern Cambodia's Kampot town over the weekend. (Mudhita Foundation/Handout via Xinhua)

KAMPOT, Cambodia, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A school building, funded by the Chinese embassy to Cambodia through the Mudhita Foundation, was inaugurated at the Samdech Ta Primary School in southwestern Cambodia's Kampot town over the weekend.

Cambodian Princess Norodom Arunrasmy, founder of the Mudhita Foundation, took part in the inauguration ceremony of the four-classroom concrete building with a tiled roof in the Kampong Kandal commune of Kampot town on Saturday.

Dubbed the "King Father-Queen Mother School Building", the nine-meter-by-32-meter school building is benefiting some 300 students.

The project was started in April and completed in October 2020, but the official inauguration could not be made soon after that because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the event, Arunrasmy said education is the foundation for national development and poverty eradication, expressing her confidence that the new school building will contribute to improving the learning environment for children.

"A proper school building is the aspiration of all children, and I believe that this donation has not only provided a better learning atmosphere for students, but also contributed to promoting the fraternal friendship between the peoples of Cambodia and China," the princess said.

Arunrasmy, who is also a privy councilor for the Supreme Privy Council to King Norodom Sihamoni, said that with the support from the Chinese embassy to Cambodia, the Mudhita Foundation has helped build several school buildings and libraries in Cambodia.

Khieu Makara, principal of the Samdech Ta Primary School, expressed his gratitude to the Mudhita Foundation and the Chinese embassy for funding the project, saying that it was very valuable for both students and teachers.

"A good school building will lead to better attendance and concentration that will ultimately lead to students' better performance," he said.

At the event, the princess also donated schoolbags and stationery to children and some gifts to teachers at the school.

Founded in 2014, the Mudhita Foundation mainly focuses its activities on three sectors, namely humanitarian tasks, education and public health. 

Photo taken on July 23, 2022 shows a Chinese Embassy-funded school building in Kampot province, Cambodia. A school building, funded by the Chinese embassy to Cambodia through the Mudhita Foundation, was inaugurated at the Samdech Ta Primary School in southwestern Cambodia's Kampot town over the weekend. (Mudhita Foundation/Handout via Xinhua)
MOSCOW, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Ukraine separately signed a deal in Istanbul on Friday with Turkiye and the United Nations to resume grain shipments from Ukrainian ports to international markets via the Black Sea.

The long-awaited deal, the first major pact between Moscow and Kiev since Russia's special military operation in February, was welcome news for the international community as a food crisis has already been plaguing countries heavily dependent on grain imports from Ukraine and Russia.

However, the implementation of the deal could be a very bumpy ride amid Western sanctions and lack of mutual trust between Moscow and Kiev, among other challenges.

LINGERING WESTERN SANCTIONS

Following the signing of the deal, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called for efforts to effectively implement the agreements on transporting Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea ports and on promoting Russian exports of food and fertilizers.

"The UN assistance that is provided in good faith and the constructive approach of the international community, including the Western countries, will be instrumental in this (implementing the agreements)," he said.

Lavrov's remarks came as U.S.-led Western countries delivered batches of lethal weapons to Ukraine and imposed bunches of sanctions on Russia, risking perpetuating the regional conflict and leaving the world to foot the bill.

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, Russia and Ukraine are the world's largest and fifth-largest wheat exporters, respectively. Together, they provide 19 percent of the world's barley supply, 14 percent of wheat and 4 percent of maize, making up more than one third of global cereal exports. Russia is also the lead producer of fertilizers, accounting for 13 percent of the world's production.

As Russian and Ukrainian grain exports are hindered by port disruptions and Western sanctions, food prices have reached an all-time high. Besides, restrictions on Russian fertilizer exports due to U.S. sanctions have led to a surge in global fertilizer prices.

"The U.S. and EU sanctions, both direct and indirect, actually interfere and prevent the supply of our agricultural products, and there are a lot of them. This year we are talking about 37 million tons of grain and next year about 50 million tons," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said earlier this month.

Turkish geopolitical expert Baris Doster told Xinhua that Western restrictions on Russian grain exports are having a negative impact on the whole world, including those Western countries themselves.

The sanctions against Russia are worsening the global food crisis, considering that Russia is a major exporter of grain, said Sevim Dagdelen, a member of Germany's lower house of Parliament.

Despite the grain export deal, Western countries did not guarantee that they would not interfere in the export of Russian grain and fertilizers, Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, was quoted by RIA Novosti news agency as saying.

ICE SHEETS OF MISTRUST

The UN said in a statement on its website that the grain export deal would allow significant volumes of commercial food and fertilizer exports from three key ports in the Black Sea -- Odessa, Chernomorsk and Yuzhny. A Joint Coordination Center will be established in Istanbul to monitor implementation, including representatives from Turkiye, Russia and Ukraine.

According to a copy of the agreement released by Andrii Sybiha, deputy head of the Ukrainian President's Office, the deal will be effective for 120 days and can be renewed for the same duration unless one of the signing parties terminates.

However, lack of mutual trust between Russia and Ukraine has put question mark over a speedy and full implementation of the deal. The scorching hot battlefield has made it difficult to cross the ice sheets of mistrust. Apart from that, Moscow has repeatedly asked Kiev to clear mines along its coastline to facilitate shipping, but the latter is concerned about Russian military threats coming from the sea.

"Ukraine does not sign any documents with Russia. We sign an agreement with Turkiye and the UN and undertake obligations to them. Russia signs a mirror agreement with Turkiye and the UN," Mykhailo Podoliak, adviser to the Head of the Office of President of Ukraine, tweeted Friday.

"No transport escort by Russian ships and no presence of Russian representatives in our ports. In case of provocations, an immediate military response," he added.

The just-reached deal does not include de-mining of Ukrainian ports, and grain ships have to be guided in and out through mined port waters, a recent TASS report quoting a UN source as saying.

Alexei Podberezkin, director of the Center for Military and Political Studies at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, said shipping in such waters is fraught with risks and there could be chaos and even provocations.

"We don't know the mining maps of Ukrainian ports ... the situation is very dangerous. So we take responsibility only for those areas where we can control the situation," he said. 
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) -- The following are the latest developments in the Ukraine crisis:

Ukraine's Ministry of Infrastructure plans to export its first grain shipments this week as part of a UN-backed deal, Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said Monday during a press conference.

"The internal technical documents of the coordination center will be developed in Istanbul within the next two days, and it is expected that it will start working on July 27," Kubrakov said.

According to the ministry, the monthly export of agricultural products might amount to 3 million tons, or even higher.

- - - -

The Russian Defense Ministry said Monday that their armed forces have destroyed a transshipment base in the Khemlnitskyi region in western Ukraine with high-precision, long-range sea-based weapons.

Another attack carried out by the country's aerospace forces targeted a temporary deployment point of the 95th Airborne Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, and killed over 100 Ukrainian fighters and foreign mercenaries in Donetsk, it added.

- - - -

The first three German anti-aircraft self-propelled tanks "Chepard" were delivered to Ukraine and handed over to the armed forces, Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov told Ukrainian television on Monday.

"Today the first three Chepards officially arrived," the minister said, adding that tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition had also been delivered.

According to an agreement, another 12 tanks are due to be sent.

- - - -

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sunday that he appreciated the Arab League's "balanced" stance on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

Lavrov made the remarks in a speech at the headquarters of the Arab League in the Egyptian capital Cairo in the presence of the permanent representatives of Arab states at the pan-Arab organization.

He noted that the Russian side had met with the Arab League's Contact Group in April during which the Russian-Ukrainian conflict was fully discussed, adding that Moscow has not closed the door to negotiations with Ukraine. 
ATHENS, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A British tourist died on Monday evening after he was struck by the tail rotor of a helicopter near Athens.

According to Greek national broadcaster ERT, the 22-year-old man was in the helicopter along with three other passengers. They were returning from the island of Mykonos to Athens.

After disembarking from the helicopter, the man was severely injured by its rotating rotor blades, which were still turning. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the accident. 
HOUSTON, July 25 (Xinhua) -- A woman opened fire into the ceiling at a teminal of the Dallas Love Field Airport in the U.S. state of Texas on Monday before a responding police officer shot her, local media reported.

The 37-year-old woman was taken to hospital following the gunfire, said an ABC news report.

"The terminal is secure," authorities said.

The woman, who is unidentified so far, had been dropped off at about 10:59 a.m. local time, went into the terminal and ducked into a restroom near the Southwest Airlines ticket counter, Dallas police chief Edgardo Garcia told reporters. 
KABUL: A delegation of the Taliban-led Afghan government currently in Tehran has inked a contract with Iran to import 350,000 tonnes of oil, as per Afgan media reports.

The mission includes leaders from the Ministries of Finance, Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Industry, Central Bank, and Afghanistan National Standards Authority, as per TOLO report.

According to a contract that was signed on Saturday, more than 300,000 to 350,000 tonnes of oil will be imported at a fair price, saido Abdul Ghafor, head of the Afghanistan Oil and Gas Corporation.

As per the statement from the Afghan Ministry of Finance, the decision to sign the agreement was made to control and cut the price of fuel products in the country's war-torn territory, Khaama Press reported.

Along with the agreement, the two parties discussed quality, pricing, transit, and facilities for traders. They also decided to form a joint committee to complete the gas pipeline and build joint refineries.

The Afghanistan Oil and Gas Corporation has also declared that it will enter into similar deals to import oil from Russia and Turkmenistan. Oil is imported into Afghanistan from Iran and Central Asian countries.

"In recent days, when the price of oil was high and the world was experiencing a shortage of oil, our traders imported all necessary oil to the country to meet the demands of the citizens in the markets." said Khairuddin Mayal, deputy head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment.

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ADDIS ABABA: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat appreciated the grain export deal that Russia and Ukraine separately inked in Istanbul on Weekend with Turkiye and the United Nations.

"The chairperson of the African Union commission commends all the parties on this successful development," Xinhua quoted a statement as saying.

The agreement, formally known as "the Black Sea Grain Initiative," was initially signed by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Hulusi Akar of Turkey, and Sergei Shoigu of Russia's defence ministry. Oleksandr Kubrakov of Ukraine's infrastructure ministry later joinly signed the agreement with the other two parties.

The head of the African Union Commission also praised Senegalese President Macky Sall, who is currently in charge of the organisation, for having called for the return of cereals from Russia and Ukraine to international markets. According to the chairwoman, Sall's trip to Russia and Ukraine last month is thought to have contributed to the final agreement.

The world's breadbaskets, Russia and Ukraine, produce nearly one-third of the world's wheat, barley, and sunflower oil. In addition, Russia is a major exporter of raw materials for the manufacture of fertilisers.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry called on the United nation and Turkey, which mediated Friday's deal, to make sure that Russia fulfills its commitments and allows free passage in the grain corridor.

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ALBANIA: Bajram Begaj, a retired military commander and politician, was sworn in as Albania's 9th President during a ceremony in Parliament.

In his first address to parliamentarians as President, the 55-year-old said that he will support and respect both the work of the government and the opposition, urging cooperation among political parties.

"Above the parties, I shall carry out this mission. I will not remain neutral in the face of anyone who prioritises political objectives over national goals, and I will support and insist on cooperation among all political groups "Begaj said. He also urged political parties to "move away from confrontational politics and toward dialogue-based politics."

"Our nation's vitality needs unity now more than ever. Let us all work together to make Albania even more attractive so that it can return to its rightful place."

On June 4, Begaj was elected President. A total of 83 parliamentarians voted in the plenary session of Parliament, with Begaj receiving 78 votes in favour, four voting against, and one abstaining.

He was a major general who served as the Albanian Armed Forces' chief of general staff. Begaj was joined to his inauguration by his wife Armanda and two boys.

On Sunday morning, outgoing President Ilir Meta released on social media his final message to the nation as president, a position he held for five years, beginning in July 2017. "It was an exceptional honour and privilege to serve as President of the Republic of Albania for these five years. I wish our homeland and nation the best! I wish every Albanian family peace and success "Meta wrote.

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Himanshi Khurana, who recently made headlines with her pictures from her vacation in Turkey, Istanbul has always expressed her opinions on political, social, governmental affairs. Himanshi, this time shares a very special message for the new president of India Droupadi Murmu.

Wishing her congratulations Himanshi stated, As a woman I feel proud and blessed to be a part of India where such honour is represented to a woman who worked hard, left no stone unturned to contribute in this countrys welfare. She is the first woman president from a tribal community. It is such a proud moment for India yet again making history with its constitution. I would like to extend my wishes and gratitude to Droupadi Murmu. I am hoping and looking forward to this countrys welfare and to witness her contribution in the further development of India.

Many celebrities wished Droupadi Murmu for her presidential win. Arjun Bijlani tweeted, Congratulations madam #DraupadiMurmu for being elected as the new Indian president.. Jai hind 

About Himanshi, she is currently vacationing in Turkey, Istanbul. Her pictures are much enjoyed and liked by the fans. She was previously seen in music video #GawaraNahi opposite Asim Riaz which is still ruling the music charts.

Asim rang in his birthday with girlfriend Himanshi. The couple has been going strong ever since they stepped out of Bigg Boss house. Asim and Himanshi are immensely loved and adored by their fans. They never fail to go for a vacation together and show their real life chemistry or show the reel life romance and chemistry through a music video. Fans started following their jouney together from the reality show Bigg Boss 13. Asim fell in love with Himanshi at that time and confessed it on the national television. Himanshi on the other hand was in a long distance relationship with a boy in Canada but eventually that did not work out because of the closeness of the couple on the show. Hence Asim and Himanshi found their way to be together.

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SANAA: An attack by the Houthi militia on a residential area in Yemen's Taiz province resulted in injuries to a total of 13 children, a security official said. The official said that the Houthis had recently been firing mortar shells at random into a neighbourhood with many homes in Taiz's southwest.

The shells that fell randomly on the government-controlled residential area resulted in injuries to a total of 13 youngsters, he claimed.

The incident took place as a high-ranking UN team arrived in Taiz, Yemen's third-largest city, to urge the country's warring parties to extend the cease-fire, which expires on August 2.

In recent days, Yemen's Houthis have launched a number of raids against different regions of the war-torn Arab nation, even as UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg has intensified his efforts to prolong the Yemeni ceasefire.

Under the supervision of the United Nations, the government and the Houthis engaged in a number of rounds of negotiations, but no progress was made toward putting an end to Yemen's protracted military struggle.

The United Nations request to extend the cease-fire with the Saudi Arabia-led coalition for another six months was met with fresh requirements by the Houthi militia, which is supported by Iran.

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Baghdad: Following the devastating shelling of a resort in Iraq's northern province of Duhok, Iraq has asked for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC).

As per the statement from the Iraqi Foreign Ministry's spokesman Ahmed al-Sahaf, the ministry "filed a complaint to the Security Council and asked an urgent meeting to review the Turkish strike, which resulted in the killing and injuring of numerous civilians, in Duhok Province."

In Kurdistan, a semi-autonomous part of Iraq, a suspected Turkish shelling struck a Duhok resort last week, leaving nine civilians dead and several others injured. The Turkish government is accused of carrying out the attack by the Iraqi government, a claim Ankara has refuted, as per reports.

Also on Saturday, the Iraqi parliament convened an urgent meeting in which the bombardment of Iraqi territory was discussed. The meeting was attended by the foreign minister Fuad Hussein, the defence minister Juma Inad, and other senior military officers.

According to a source in the parliament, Hussein stated during the session that military escalation with Turkey should be avoided and that the problem should be resolved through diplomacy. Hussein urged that the issue of the presence of Turkish military personnel and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) inside Iraqi land be handled, source said.

In response to the deadly resort bombardment in Duhok, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry delivered a severely worded complaint message to the Turkish Ambassador to Iraq, Ali Reza Guney, on Thursday. The note demanded that Turkish forces leave Iraqi land.

In Kurdistan, an autonomous region of Iraq, Turkish forces routinely conduct ground operations, airstrikes, and artillery bombardments, particularly in the Qandil Mountains, the PKK's major base of operations.

The PKK has been insurrecting against the Turkish government for more than three decades and is recognised as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US, and the Europeon Union.

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New Delhi: Nepal's parliament has enacted a measure amending the Citizenship Act of 2006, allowing thousands of offspring of citizens by birth to gain citizenship by descent.

Despite objections from the main opposition Communist Party of Nepal, the Chamber of Representatives, Nepal's lower house, approved the much-debated law by a majority vote on Friday (Unified Marxist Leninist). The bill would go into effect after it is passed by the National Assembly, the upper house. The bill's advancement is crucial since it comes before of Nepal's general election later this year.

Naturalization was conferred to all qualified Nepali nationals born before September 20, 2015, the date the Nepali Constitution was promulgated. However, their children were denied citizenship due to a lack of legislation, as the constitution indicated that the provision granting them citizenship would be directed by federal law. Even seven years after the adoption of the national constitution, the country has yet to develop federal legislation.

According to Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs, 190,000 people were born with naturalised citizenship.

What are the most significant changes in the new amendment? According to the language of the bill, if the amendment bill is approved by the upper house, anyone born in Nepal to a Nepali woman whose father is unknown will be granted citizenship by descent. The applicant's mother, on the other hand, must make an obligatory self-declaration that the father is not recognised. If it is discovered that the mother's assertion that the father of her iissue has not been identified is incorrect, she will be held accountable.

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CAIRO: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Sunday held discussions with Egyptian officials in Cairo as his nation tries to end its diplomatic isolation and Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine.

According to state-run RT in Russia, Lavrov arrived in Cairo early Sunday, beginning a trip to Africa that will also take him to Ethiopia, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The main diplomat for Russia was supposed to meet with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the secretary general of the Arab League. Russian President Putin would also address the organization's permanent representatives, the RT reported

The international economy has suffered greatly as a result of Russia's war in Ukraine, and oil and gas prices have reached previously unheard-of heights.

Ukraine is one of the biggest producers of wheat, corn, and sunflower oil in the world, but exports have been blocked as a result of Russia's invasion and naval blockade of its ports. Although it is more expensive, some Ukrainian grain is shipped through Europe by train, road, and river. As the shipping and insurance companies did not want to deal with Western sanctions on the country, the war has hindered delivery of Russian goods.

African nations are among those most impacted by the war's aftereffects. Millions of dollars have been spent on aiding refugees who escaped the war in Europe while the cost of basic goods increased. As a result, there are now millions of people suffering from worsening shortages of food and other aid in conflict zones in Africa and the Middle East.

Less than two weeks have passed since U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's travel to the Middle East before Lavrov meets with Egyptian and Arab envoys in Cairo. Prior to holding a summit in Saudi Arabia with the leaders of the Arab Gulf states, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq, Biden visited with the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

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Afghanistan: The Taliban is reaching out to Muslim-majority countries far from Afghanistan, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, to create the impression that an increasing number of countries are interested in engaging with the regime in order to "strengthen their case for international recognition."

According to Kabul-based Tolo news channel, Taliban's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaki met Malaysia's special adviser to Afghanistan Ahmed Azam Abdul Rahman on Sunday and discussed banking, education, bilateral cooperation and scholarship for Afghans. student.

Sirajuddin Haqqani is on the wanted list with the FBI for questioning in connection with the 2008 attack on a hotel in Kabul, in which six people were killed. Haqqani called on the international community to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government in the nation on the same day.

With regard to the recent visit to Afghanistan, a request for comment was made to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia. Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said in February that the goal of a humanitarian mission to Kabul was to help the Afghans, not recognize the Taliban.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met the Taliban's deputy political director Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai in Qatar's capital Doha last year. He stressed the importance of an inclusive government in Afghanistan and respect for women's rights.

Analysts claim that the Taliban government is becoming frustrated because, despite having taken back power almost a year ago, it is still not recognized by any international government, despite the fact that its diplomats are welcome in many countries, including China. has been done.

According to Nishank Motwani, a fellow in the Edward S. Mason program at Harvard Kennedy School, the Taliban had three goals in mind to expand their reach into far-flung countries.

"First, to give the impression that more nations are interested in cooperating with their regime. Second, to strengthen their case for international recognition by taking advantage of the presence of a larger support base. Third, the need for some sort of financial support." Seek technical, or developmental assistance.

According to Faran Jeffrey, deputy director and head of the South Asia desk on terrorism at British think tank Islamic Theology of Counter Terrorism (ITCT), the Taliban are contacting countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, both more than 6,000 kilometers apart. This is partly because Taliban members are desperate to gain some sort of legitimacy because they have lost all hope of recognition from Western countries.

So, they are betting on Muslim-majority countries, and of course, their bets have partially paid off. According to him, Turkey will be the seventh country to accept diplomats appointed by the Taliban. "It follows the examples set by Pakistan, China, Qatar, Turkmenistan, Iran and Russia."

Although the Taliban have made significant efforts to gain international acceptance, no nation has so far agreed to recognize the organization as a legitimate state. According to Jeffrey, he eventually wants seven countries to help him lobby Western governments.

Although the Taliban have made significant efforts to gain international acceptance, no nation has so far agreed to recognize the organization as a legitimate state. According to Jeffrey, he eventually wants seven countries to help him lobby Western governments.

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KABUL: Uzbekistan is set to host a two-day international meeting on Afghanistan on July 25, which will be attended by representatives of 20 countries, including Iran, Pakistan and India, according to media reports.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul confirmed on Sunday the departure of a delegation led by Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to attend the conference in Tashkent, which would include discussions on Afghanistan's current situation, according to media reports.

As per Khaama Press, Monday's session is a continuation of the 2018 Tashkent Conference, which was held under the theme "Security, Economic Growth, and Regional Connectivity of Afghanistan."

"The main goal of the event is to develop a set of measures and proposals for the world community's approaches to promote stability, security, post-conflict reconstruction in Afghanistan, and its integration into regional cooperation processes in the interests of the multinational Afghan people and the entire world," the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Uzbek officials, on the other hand, have emphasised that the participation of the Taliban-led government delegation at the meeting does not imply acceptance of the current Afghan rule.

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COLOMBO: The newly-elected Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that he reaffirms the country's commitment to upholding the rights of peaceful, non-violent assembly, amidst international condemnation of violent attacks on anti- government protesters, and said there are reserved locations around Colombo city for public protests.

He gave the assertion to Colombo-based diplomats while detailing the removal of the protesters who had been illegally occupied the Presidential Secretariat.

He declared that the government would uphold both Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 14 (1) (b) of the Sri Lankan Constitution, which covers the rights to peaceful assembly.

Wickremesinghe, who was elected as President with majority of the former Rajapaksa party, said that the directions given by the American Civil Liberties Union stated that protesters were not allowed to block government buildings and interfere with other purposes the property was designed for.

Soon after the Sri Lankan military and police launched violent attacks that injured nearly 50 people, including protestors, attorneys, and journalists, Ms.Julie Chung vehemently denounced the state-sponsored assault.

Instead of focusing on the immediate and concrete actions the government can take to win back the public's trust, restore stability, and revive the economy, she tweeted, "Now is not the time to crack down on citizens." She described the vicious attacks as a "unnecessary and very alarming escalation of violence against protestors" when she met Wickremesinghe on Friday.

Wickremesinghe has told diplomats that peaceful protests are permitted to take place within the city without threatening people or property. Four locations, including an open-air theatre in a public area, two playgrounds, and a public building, have been designated for peaceful protests.

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BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (iShares)

TORONTO, July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (BlackRock Canada), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK), today announced the final July 2022 cash distributions for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF. Unitholders of record on July 26, 2022 will receive cash distributions payable on July 29, 2022.



Details regarding the final per unit distribution amounts are as follows:

Fund Name Fund

Ticker Cash Distribution

Per Unit ($) iShares Premium Money Market ETF CMR 0.061



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ReportLinker

The carbon black market was valued at 13,000 kiloton in 2021, and it is projected to register a CAGR of more than 2% during the forecast period (2022-2027). Due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the first half of 2020, the tire and rubber industry was significantly affected.

New York, July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Carbon Black Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecast (2022 - 2027)" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06290942/?utm_source=GNW

The market is projected to grow steadily as automotive production observed growth in 2021.



Key Highlights

In the short term, the major factors driving the market are growing applications in the fiber and textile industries.

The tires and industrial rubber products application segment dominated the market, and it is expected to grow during the forecast period (2022-2027).



- Growth in the adoption of electric cars and self-driving cars is likely to act as an opportunity in the future.



- Asia-Pacific dominated the market worldwide, with the largest consumption from China and India.



Key Market Trends



Increasing Application of Tires and Industrial Rubber Products



The tires and industrial rubber products segment is the largest application segment of the market, accounting for more than 80% of the market share.

Carbon black is used in vehicle tires as a filler and a strengthening and reinforcing agent.

According to Kordsa Teknik Tekstil AS, the global tire industrys volume reached 1.498 billion units in 2020, a dip of 11.5% from 2019. Moreover, the total global tire industry volume is projected to reach 1.813 billion units by 2023.

Besides tires, carbon black is also required for various molded and extruded industrial rubber products, such as conveyor belts, gaskets, air springs, grommets, vibration isolation devices, and hoses. It provides flex strength in such products.

In the rubber industry, carbon black is majorly used as a filler to achieve reinforcing effects, such as altering the modulus or tensile strength. In rubber-based adhesives, sealants, and coatings, it is used to enhance the intermolecular or cohesive force of the product and impart conductivity.

According to the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries, the outlook for world demand on natural rubber (NR) is estimated to grow by 9.3% Y-o-Y to 14.1 million ton in 2021.

This scenario is expected to boost the market demand for carbon black globally during the forecast period.



China to Dominate the Market in the Asia-Pacific Region



China accounts for a higher share of the worlds carbon black capacity and production. Any demand-supply imbalance in China can affect domestic players market share and performance.

On the other hand, China generates carbon black primarily through the Carbon Black Oil (CBO)/Coal Tar pathway, which has higher pricing than CBFS. Furthermore, the cost of carbon black rose in China due to plant closures resulting from the Chinese governments increasingly aggressive environmental protection program.

China contributes nearly 33% of the global carbon black production capacity, with a volume of almost 5.7 million metric ton in 2019. China is also the largest global exporter of carbon black. The primary carbon black feedstock is coal tar, and other carbon black feedstocks include slurry oil and ethylene tar.

The top local manufacturers of carbon black are Jiangxi Black Cat, Longxing Chemicals, Shanxi Yongdong Chemicals, Shanxi Anlun Chemicals, Liaobin Carbon Black, Shanxi Sanqiang New Energy Technology Co. Ltd, Suzhou Baohua Carbon Black, Shandong Jinneng Technology, Shandong NST Carbon Black, Yunan Yunwei Feihu Chemicals, Qujin Zongyi Chemicals, and Shandong Best Chemicals. Among these, Jiangxi Black Cat is the largest producer, with a capacity of over 1.9 million metric ton.



Competitive Landscape



The carbon black market is consolidated, with the top 10 players holding more than 61% of the market share. The major companies for the carbon black market include (in no particular order) Cabot Corporation, Birla Carbon, Orion Engineered Carbons SA, Jiangxi Black Cat Carbon Black Co. Ltd, Tokai Carbon Co. Ltd, and China Synthetic Rubber Corporation.



Additional Benefits:



The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format

3 months of analyst support

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06290942/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________

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CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001




Centene to sell its continental European businesses to Vivalto Sante

Another milestone in Centene's value creation program and ongoing portfolio review

ST. LOUIS, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today that as part of its previously announced review of strategic alternatives for its international portfolio, it has signed a definitive agreement to sell to Vivalto Sante its Spanish and Central European businesses, which include:

Ribera Salud, a healthcare provider in Spain, which operates hospitals and provides other healthcare services, including through public-private partnerships;

Torrejon Salud (Torrejon), a public-private partnership in the Community of Madrid which is operated by Ribera Salud; and

Pro Diagnostics Group (PDG), a subsidiary of Ribera Salud, which owns clinics providing radiology and other services in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

"This transaction represents another significant milestone in our value creation plan and ongoing portfolio review," said Sarah London, CEO of Centene. "We are pleased to have found a leading European healthcare partner in Vivalto Sante, who we believe is best positioned to drive growth and make additional investments in Ribera Salud, Torrejon, and PDG, so they can continue providing high-quality care for patients across Europe."

Vivalto Sante is the third-largest private hospital company in France, operating more than 50 private hospitals, and is controlled by Vivalto Partners, a European private equity firm dedicated to the healthcare industry. Over 1,000 doctors are also shareholders of the group, providing a unique dual ownership and governance model. Vivalto Sante has pioneered social impact in the private hospital sector in France by becoming the first "Societe a Mission" (French equivalent of a Certified B Corporation) in the sector, incorporating in its by-laws a clear "raison d'etre" vis- a -vis patients "to care for and accompany patients along their care pathway and their lives" and vis-a-vis employees "to empower caregivers by emphasizing team spirit, favorable working conditions and professional inclusion." Approximately 35% of the employees are shareholders of the company.

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Barclays is serving as financial advisor to Centene, and Garrigues and Havel Partners are serving as its legal counsel. Latham & Watkins is serving as legal counsel to Vivalto Partners.

Centene intends to use the majority of the net proceeds from the sale to repurchase stock and the balance to reduce debt. The transaction is expected to be neutral to Centene's adjusted diluted earnings per share in the 12-month period post-closing.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals in Spain and Slovakia and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year.

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives. The Company takes a local approach  with local brands and local teams  to provide fully integrated, high-quality, and cost-effective services to government-sponsored and commercial healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Centene offers affordable and high-quality products to nearly 1 in 15 individuals across the nation, including Medicaid and Medicare members (including Medicare Prescription Drug Plans) as well as individuals and families served by the Health Insurance Marketplace, the TRICARE program, and individuals in correctional facilities. The Company also serves several international markets, and contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide a variety of specialty services focused on treating the whole person. Centene focuses on long-term growth and value creation as well as the development of its people, systems, and capabilities so that it can better serve its members, providers, local communities, and government partners.

Centene uses its investor relations website to publish important information about the Company, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Centene is routinely posted and is accessible on Centene's investor relations website, https://investors.centene.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements, other than statements of current or historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, forward-looking statements often use words such as "believe," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "estimate," "intend," "seek," "target," "goal," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should," "can," "continue" and other similar words or expressions (and the negative thereof). Centene (the Company, our, or we) intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and we are including this statement for purposes of complying with these safe-harbor provisions. In particular, these statements include, without limitation, statements about the timing, closing, and financial impact of the transaction, use of net proceeds of the transaction, our future operating or financial performance, market opportunity, value creation strategy, competition, expected activities in completed and future acquisitions, including statements about the impact of our recently completed acquisition of Magellan Health (the Magellan Acquisition), other recent and future acquisitions and dispositions, investments and the adequacy of our available cash resources. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on numerous assumptions and assessments made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, business strategies, operating environments, future developments, and other factors we believe appropriate. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are subject to change because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future, including economic, regulatory, competitive, and other factors that may cause our or our industry's actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to us on the date hereof. Except as may be otherwise required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date hereof. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as actual results may differ materially from projections, estimates, or other forward-looking statements due to a variety of important factors, variables and events including, but not limited to: the risk that the closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals for the transaction may be delayed or not obtained, uncertainty as to the expected financial performance of the combined company following the recent completion of the Magellan Acquisition; the possibility that the expected synergies and value creation from the Magellan Acquisition or the acquisition of WellCare Health Plans, Inc.(the WellCare Acquisition) (or other acquired businesses) will not be realized, or will not be realized within the respective expected time periods; disruption from the integration of the Magellan Acquisition or from the integration of the WellCare Acquisition, unexpected costs, or similar risks from other acquisitions we may announce or complete from time to time, including potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships with customers, employees, suppliers or regulators, making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; a downgrade of the credit rating of our indebtedness; the exertion of management's time and our resources, and other expenses incurred and business changes required in connection with complying with the undertakings in connection with any regulatory, governmental or third party consents or approvals for acquisitions; changes in expected closing dates, estimated purchase price and accretion for acquisitions; restrictions and limitations in connection with our indebtedness; availability of debt and equity financing, on terms that are favorable to us; inflation; foreign currency fluctuations; and risks and uncertainties discussed in the reports that Centene has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This list of important factors is not intended to be exhaustive. We discuss certain of these matters more fully, as well as certain other factors that may affect our business operations, financial condition, and results of operations, in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K.

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SOURCE Centene Corporation
LITGRID

Extraordinary General meeting of LITGRID AB shareholders, initiated and decided by the Board, is summoned on 16 August 2022, 10:00 a.m. (company code 302564383, registered at Karlo Gustavo Emilio Manerheimo g. 8, Vilnius). The meeting will be held in room 229, at Karlo Gustavo Emilio Manerheimo g. 8, Vilnius. Beginning of shareholders' registration: 16 August 2022, 9:30 a.m. End of shareholders' registration: 16 August 2022, 9:55 a.m.

The record date of the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders has been set for 8 August 2022. The right of participation and voting in the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders can be exercised only by the persons who remain shareholders of LITGRID AB by the end of the record date of the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders.

Agenda and proposed draft resolutions of the general meeting of shareholders:

Regarding approval of LITGRID AB Boards decision of 22 July 2022 (minutes No. 16)

Proposed resolution:

Approve to amend the material conditions of the contract No 21VP-SUT-220 for design and work of reconstruction of the 330 kV air line Darbenai - Bitenai (LN 330) with AB Kauno tiltai (legal entity code 133729589) ir UAB LITENERGOSERVIS (legal entity code 302244515),

The Contract price  the amount of 7 727 226,02EUR, exclusive of VAT, is allocated additionally for the performance of the Contract; the total Contract price is 54 657 226,02 EUR, exclusive of VAT.

3.4. point of Pricing rules is laid down as follows:

"If the value of the price index of construction cost elements published by the Statistics Department of the Republic of Lithuania (www.stat.gov.lt) "All construction costs" (hereinafter - the Index) within 6 months or longer, which is calculated from the conclusion of the Agreement (or from the last price of the Agreement recalculation due to a change in the Index, if the Contract price was recalculated), changed by 5% or more, the Contract price may be recalculated at the initiative of any of the Parties. The recalculation of the contract price is not based on the Index published by the Statistics Department of the Republic of Lithuania, but on individual materials and products ("concrete and reinforced concrete products", "concrete and mixtures", "electrotechnical materials", "metal products", "pipes"), "machines and mechanisms labour', 'wages and overheads' indices' (hereinafter - Conversion indices)."

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3.8. point of Pricing rules is laid down as follows:

"For the first recalculation of the Contract price, it is used the month of the Contract conclusion, i.e. in 2021 November, conversion indices. In case of subsequent recalculations, the value of the Index at the beginning of the period shall be as it was the value of the Index at the end of the period (as specified in the Agreement)."

To authorise the CEO of LITGRID AB to make decision, without a separate decision of the Board of LITGRID AB, regarding the change of the essential condition of the Contract - the Contract price - by reducing the price without any restrictions or by increasing the price by entering into agreements on the acquisition of additional works and/or on a reasonable increase in the prices of materials/equipment, if the total amount of all agreements on the prices of additional work does not exceed 10% (that is, 5 465 722,6 EUR, exclusive of VAT) of the original Contract price. To oblige the CEO of LITGRID AB to inform the Board, before making such a decision, by e-mail of the decisions made in Point II. of this Decision regarding the amendment of the material condition of the Contract.

The shareholders may familiarize themselves with the Draft Resolutions of the General Meeting of Shareholders and supplementary material thereof, also with the implementation of the shareholders rights on the Central Database of Regulated Information www.crib.lt and at Companys website www.litgrid.eu.

The shareholders of the Company, whose shares are entitled to at least 1/20 of the total number of votes, shall have the right to supplement the agenda for the General Meeting of Shareholders. The proposal to supplement the agenda shall be submitted in writing and sent by registered mail or delivered to the head office of the Company to the address: Karlo Gustavo Emilio Manerheimo st. 8, LT-05131 Vilnius (the Head Office). Draft Resolutions on the proposed issues or, when it is not mandatory to adopt resolutions, explanatory notes on each proposed issue of the agenda of the General Meeting of Shareholders must be presented alongside with the proposal. The agenda will be supplemented if the proposal is received not later than on 1 August 2022.

The shareholders entitled to at least 1/20 of the total number of votes shall have the right, at any time before the General Meeting of Shareholders or during the Meeting, to propose in writing new draft resolutions on the items put on the agenda of the General Meeting of Shareholders. Such a proposals must be executed in writing and sent to the Company by registered mail or delivered to the Head Office of the Company. The proposal submitted during the course of the Meeting must be executed in writing and handed over to the Secretary of the General Meeting of Shareholders.

The shareholders shall have the right to submit questions to the Company in advance, but not later than on 16 August 2022, in relation to the issues on the agenda of the General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on 9 August 2022. Questions must be executed in writing and delivered to the Company by registered mail or to the Head Office of the Company. The Company will not present any answer to the question submitted by a shareholder personally to him in the case relevant information is available on the Companys website www.litgrid.eu.

Any shareholder shall be entitled to authorize a natural or legal person to participate and vote in his name at the General Meeting of Shareholders. The proxy of the shareholder must present the document confirming the persons identity and the certified Power of Attorney issued and valid in accordance with the law, which must be delivered to the Head Office not later than before the end of the registration of the attendees of the General Meeting of Shareholders. During the General Meeting of Shareholders, the proxy exercises the same rights as the shareholder he is representing should. The form of the Power of Attorney to represent at the General Meeting of Shareholders is available on the website of the Company: www.litgrid.eu .

The shareholders who have the right to take part in the general meeting of shareholders shall have the right to authorize, by electronic communication means, a natural person or a legal entity to take part and vote in their name in the general meeting of shareholders. This proxy shall not be certified by a notary. The Company shall acknowledge the proxy issued by electronic means of communication only in case where the shareholder signs it using electronic signature created using secure signature software and approved by the appropriate certificate valid in the Republic of Lithuania, i.e. if the security of transmitted information is ensured and the shareholder can be identified. The shareholder is obliged to notify the Company in writing about the proxy issued by the means of electronic communication sending it by e-mail at info@litgrid.eu until the close of business day (4:30 p.m.) of 12 August 2022.

On the issues on the agenda of the General Meeting of Shareholders, the Shareholders may vote in writing by filling in a General Ballot Paper. On the shareholders request, the Company, not later than 10 days before the day of the General Meeting of Shareholders, will send a General Ballot Paper by registered mail free of charge or submit it in person against signature to the shareholder. The shareholder or his proxy must undersign the filled in General Ballot Paper. If the General Ballot Paper is signed by a person who is not a shareholder, a document certifying his right to vote must be appended to the filled in Ballot Paper. The duly filled in General Ballot Paper must be delivered to the Company by registered mail or submitted against signature at the Head Office not later than before the end of registration of the attendees of the General Meeting of Shareholders. The form of the General Ballot Paper is available on the website of the Company: www.litgrid.eu.

On the day of convocation of the General Meeting of the Shareholders the total number of shares was 504 331 380. All these shares grant voting right.

Information referred to in Articles 262 of the Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania shall be available on the website of the Company: www.litgrid.eu. Information about the additions to the agenda, as well as decisions made by the general meeting shall be also available on the Central Database of Regulated Information www.crib.lt .

No electronic communication means will be used for participation and voting in the general meeting of shareholders.

Annexes:

General ballot paper.

The individual authorized by LITGRID AB to provide additional information:

Jurga Eivaite

Project manager

Communication Division

Phone: +370 613 19977

e-mail: jurga.eivaite@litgrid.eu





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Cruise is making good on its promise to launch an autonomous driving service in Dubai. Just a few weeks after the General Motors-backed AV company officially launched its commercial driverless operations in San Francisco, Cruise has sent two of its autonomous Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles to Dubai to begin mapping the city in preparation for a planned launch in 2023, according to Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Last April, Cruise signed a partnership agreement with the RTA to open a robotaxi service there as part of UAE ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision to convert 25% of total transportation trips in Dubai to self-driving trips by 2030. After a "comprehensive, multi-year process to choose the best possible partner," Cruise was chosen as Dubai's exclusive robotaxi provider until 2029.

The two Chevy Bolts, which began mapping operations Sunday, will initially be deployed in the Jumeirah area of the city, a residential strip along the beach, and driven by humans with special training. Cruise's sensor suite includes lidar, radar and cameras to collect data about the car's surrounding environment which can then be used to create a virtual map for the autonomous driver.

Cruise had said previously that the robotaxi service in Dubai will use Cruise Origins, the company's purpose-built all-electric shuttle that has no steering wheel or pedals. Mattar Al Tayer, the director-general of RTA said in a statement that he hopes to reach 4,000 Cruise Origins in Dubai by 2030.

However, Cruise doesn't currently have any Origins in operation, and has only built Origins for the purpose of closed course testing so far, according to a Cruise spokesperson. The company did not respond in time for requests for more information, but it's likely Cruise will begin Dubai operations using the tried and true Chevy Bolts.

It's also not clear what the process of achieving a self-driving service in Dubai will look like, given the UAE's different regulatory environment. In San Francisco, Cruise followed a roadmap that included testing its AVs with drivers behind the wheel before opening up a free service to employees, followed by the public. Cruise then began charging for rides with drivers behind the wheel while simultaneously testing its fleet with no driver. The company then, again, opened its driverless service up to employees first, then the public, before it was finally able to charge fees for it.

Much of this process was determined by California's strict regulatory environment around testing and deploying AVs, but Cruise will probably follow some of the same steps in Dubai. The city is taking an aggressive approach to integrating self-driving transport across all modes of public transport, from taxi and metros to buses and shuttles, and wants to set a global example for policy and legislation regarding self-driving transport.
New Neighborhood Coworking Company Founded by Former WeWork Execs Opens On-Demand, Enterprise-Grade Workspot in Harrison, NY

HARRISON, N.Y., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Daybase, the hybrid work company, today launched its first Westchester location in Harrison, NY, bringing a new neighborhood-based work experience to local residents and businesses.

From left, Daybase Head of Engineering Bryan Migliorisi; Harrison Council Member Fred Siciliano; Harrison Council Member Elizabeth Brown; Harrison Council Member Gina Evangelista; Westchester Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins; Westchester County Legislator Nancy Barr; Westchester County Executive George Latimer; Daybase Co-Founder & CEO Joel Steinhaus; Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Richard Dionisio; Westchester County Office of Economic Development Director Bridget Gibbons; Harrison Planning Board Chairman Joseph Stout; Daybase Co-Founder and Head of Development Nick Rader, and Harrison Zoning Board Chairman Paul Katz attend as Daybase opens its first hybrid work location in Westchester on July 25, 2022 in Harrison, New York. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Daybase)

The 5,000-square-foot street-level retail space offers members a variety of space types, both bookable and unassigned, designed for individual and group work activities. The spaces are available completely on-demand, with bookable spaces reservable by the hour through the Daybase mobile app.

The founders of Daybase were joined by Harrison Mayor Richard Dioniso, along with other Harrison and County officials for a ribbon-cutting and tour of the new space. It is located at 326 Halstead Avenue on the ground level of the AvalonBay apartment complex.

The company, launched by a team of former WeWork executives, is developing a network of its on-demand workspots in neighborhoods and communities across the country, to create a purpose-built third space, between home and the office, for the post-pandemic hybrid or remote worker.

"We created Daybase for the times when your office is too far, but home is too close," said Daybase CEO Joel Steinhaus. "Employees are rejecting a return to the five-day commute. However, they need a place that offers the functionality of the office, with the convenience of being down the street and available when they need it. In Harrison, we are excited to serve residents and local businesses. The opening of our first Westchester location represents step one in our long-term plan to build a national network of close-to-home workspots."

"To have Daybase, a hybrid working facility, available in Harrison will be a great opportunity for our residents and those who work remotely to connect and network with their neighbors, colleagues, local business people and entrepreneurs. We are thrilled to have a designated co-working space in Town and this will be a great addition to downtown Harrison and local businesses alike," said Harrison Supervisor/Mayor Richard Dionisio

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Daybase offers members unlimited access to the Daylounge, with additional credits available for bookable spaces. The Daylounge has open, unassigned seating for quick tasks and casual conversations, while bookable spaces serve a set of activities that have proliferated during the pandemic  quiet study space for focus work, private space for video conferencing, and larger configurations for group collaborations. Non-members can also book time at Daybase through the app.

Partnering with AvalonBay Communities on the new location, Daybase is responding to the growing demand for flexible work space within multi-family, mixed-use, and retail developments across Westchester and the country.

"We are excited to welcome Daybase to Avalon Harrison," said Jeff Topchik, Vice President of Retail for AvalonBay Communities. "Daybase's model of creating a localized option of high-quality, professional-grade coworking space aligns with our vision of providing an amenity-rich environment for our residents to work, live, and experience. Daybase is a fantastic addition to our community."

About Daybase

Founded in 2020 in New York City, Daybase is a new model designed to create a seamless hybrid work experience. Created by a team of seasoned executives with experience in enterprise workplace solutions, design, architecture, technology, construction, finance, and real estate, Daybase offers a network of professional-grade, on-demand workspots, located close to home, in neighborhoods and communities across the country. For more information, please visit www.daybase.co.

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SOURCE Daybase
WASHINGTON, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac; NYSE: AGM and AGM.A), the nation's secondary market provider that increases the availability and affordability of credit for the benefit of rural America, today announced that it will release its financial results for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2022, on Monday, August 8, 2022, after the closing of equity markets. A conference call to discuss the results will be held that day at 4:30 p.m. eastern time.

Farmer Mac Logo (PRNewsFoto/Farmer Mac) (PRNewsfoto/Farmer Mac)

The conference call can be accessed by telephone or webcast as follows:

Dial-In (Domestic): (888) 346-2616

Dial-In (International): (412) 902-4254

Webcast: https://www.farmermac.com/investors/events-presentations/

When dialing in to the call, please ask for the "Farmer Mac Earnings Conference Call." This call can be heard live and will also be available for replay on Farmer Mac's website following the conclusion of the conference call.

About Farmer Mac

Farmer Mac is a vital part of the agricultural credit markets and was created to increase access to and reduce the cost of credit for the benefit of American agricultural and rural communities. As the nation's secondary market for agricultural credit, we provide financial solutions to a broad spectrum of the agricultural community, including agricultural lenders, agribusinesses, and other institutions that can benefit from access to flexible, low-cost financing and risk management tools. Farmer Mac's customers benefit from its low cost of funds, low overhead costs, and high operational efficiency. More information about Farmer Mac is available on Farmer Mac's website at www.farmermac.com.

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SOURCE Farmer Mac
By Dominique Vidalon and Mathieu Rosemain

PARIS (Reuters) -French satellite company Eutelsat said it was in talks over a possible all-share merger with British rival OneWeb, which could help both companies challenge the likes of Elon Musk-owned SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon.com's Project Kuiper.

Eutelsat's statement on Monday came after two sources close to the negotiations told Reuters at the weekend it was poised to buy OneWeb, which was valued at $3.4 billion in its most recent funding round and in which Eutelsat already has a 23% stake.

"Following recent market rumours, Eutelsat Communications confirms that it has engaged in discussions with its co-shareholders in OneWeb regarding a potential all-share combination to create a global leader in connectivity," Eutelsat said. OneWeb declined to comment.

Eutelsat shares fell 17% to 8.65 euros by 0845 GMT.

"Investors dont appreciate the uncertainty, and if ETL (Eutelsat) is in a merger of equals with OneWeb, then ETL investors get a share in a new entity where the other half is pretty much an unknown to them ... So I understand why ETL shares are down on the news," said one trader in London.

The talks are centred on a transaction that would result in Eutelsat and OneWeb shareholders each holding 50% of the new, combined entity. There were no assurances that the talks would result in any final agreement, Eutelsat said.

POLITICALLY SENSITIVE

A deal would strengthen both companies in the race to build a constellation of low-orbit satellites. But a tie-up would be politically sensitive, as it would bring together Indian billionaire Sunil Bharti Mittal, along with France, China and Britain as shareholders of the combined group.

"From an anti-trust point of view, this deal is likely to be scrutinised heavily and will also likely need political consensus from both the UK and EU at a time when the UK is choosing a new Prime Minister," Credit Suisse said in a note.

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Eutelsat estimated the "satellite connectivity" market to be worth around $16 billion by 2030.

Demand for satellite launches is expected to accelerate after recent sanctions have sidelined the Russian space launch industry, and giant satellite constellations could offer a new channel to beam broadband Internet from space.

Eutelsat's biggest shareholder is France's state-owned investment bank Bpifrance, with a 20% stake. Its fourth-largest shareholder is China's sovereign fund China Investment Corp, according to Refinitiv data.

OneWeb was rescued from bankruptcy by the British government and India's Bharti Global. A merger would leave the British government with a minority stake in the merged business, one source close to the matter said.

Britain would retain special rights over OneWeb after the deal, another source said, including a veto over sales to clients deemed risky for security reasons, and a veto over a change in the location of its headquarters.

These special rights would also entail a veto over business relations that may compromise the so-called "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance, comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Britain and the United States, and a say on the supply chain and launch decisions.

(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon and Mathieu Rosemain; Additional reporting by Joice Alves in London; Editing by Silvia Aloisi and David Holmes)
AMES, IA / ACCESSWIRE / July 24, 2022 / KTM Bike Industries has announced exclusive distribution rights for the American market to Messingschlager USA (owner of Cycle Force Group and North America Cycles (NAC)). Messingschlager recently purchased Cycle Force Group and its subsidiaries, including North America Cycles who will be the sole distribution point for the KTM brand.

"It has been our philosophy at Messingschlager to partner up with brands and help them grow and succeed in the market. The same is true now with our US entity. We want to support brands that already have a successful European business to make their step into the US market as smooth as possible. We're looking forward to working with KTM and bringing the bikes into our IBD network," says Dennis Schomburg, CEO at Messingschlager.

Matthew Nims, VP of Sales and Marketing of NAC is extremely optimistic about the prospect of offering KTM to the US market. "We have worked with and distributed many European brands in the past, so we're thrilled to work with KTM and the dedicated people behind this legendary brand. KTM has a great market position and brand recognition in Europe and have proven themselves to be a reliable partner for the independent dealer. We are excited to further that success through the US market."

Premium KTM electric bicycles are manufactured in Europe with electric bicycles being exclusively manufactured in Austria. Bicycles retailing under $1,300 are produced in southeast Asia allowing KTM to offer a full assortment at a variety of price points. "One of the most intriguing stories KTM can tell is how thoughtful their sourcing and logistics are. We can offer our dealers premium products on one hand, yet with KTM's Southeast Asia capabilities, still offer some price point bikes as well," says Nims.

Stefan Limbrunner, Managing Director for KTM, says "USA is the largest and therefore most important market in the world. You really need good partners for that. The combination of NAC, Messingschlager and KTM Bike Industries is exactly what we have been looking for. Competence, distribution and passion for the bicycle market and cyclists. We are happy that things are finally getting started together."

Story continues

Models offered will include full suspension analog and electric bicycles, gravel, lifestyle and the new Revelator Alto currently being featured on this year's Tour de France. The first bikes will be arriving in November 2022 and full availability of the assortment will arrive spring 2023. The apex of the KTM range will be occupied by the Macina Prowler Exonic, an enduro bike that features SRAM XX Eagle SL AXS and a Bosch Gen 4 smart system.

Cycle Force Group, Sunday, July 24, 2022, Press release picture

Cycle Force Group, Sunday, July 24, 2022, Press release picture

Macina Prowler Exonic and City 710 Belt, two models slated for the USA Assortment

Importing bicycles from Austria is nothing new to the Nims family. Matthew's father, Nyle, started importing Austro-Daimler and Puch bicycles from Graz as far back as 1978 - a result of the bicycle boom. "I began my career in a bike boom and couldn't be more excited for one more project, especially one as significant as this," Nyle Nims says.

KTM Manufacturing began in 1938 and produced their first bicycles in 1964.

North America Cycles will begin establishment of a limited KTM dealer base with exclusive territories. Sales reps with non-competing lines are being sought in select territories. Dealers and reps are encouraged to contact Nyle or Matthew Nims at sales@nacycles.com or 844-622-2453.

Cycle Force Group, Sunday, July 24, 2022, Press release picture

From left to right: Dennis Schomburg, CEO Messingschlager; Nyle Nims, Founder Cycle Force Group; Stefan Limbrunner, CEO, KTM Bike Industries; Florian Siegesleitner, KTM Bike Industries; Matthew Nims, VP Marketing and Sales, North America Cycles.

SOURCE: Cycle Force Group





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/709515/KTM-Bike-Industries-Returns-to-the-USA-Through-Exclusive-Distribution-by-North-America-Cycles




* Guatemalan president visits Ukraine

* Argentina's new economy minister meeting IMF head

* Brazil's Lula could reopen EU-Mercosur pact if he wins election

July 25 (Reuters) - The latest in Latin American politics today:

Brazil's Bolsonaro rejects ministerial reshuffle

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who officially launched his re-election campaign over the weekend, said on Monday he saw no reason to replace any of his ministers for the time being, despite claiming to be under pressure to fire key figures.

The president also recently promised to continue cash welfare payments if re-elected.

Guatemalan president visits Ukraine

President Alejandro Giammattei has arrived in Ukraine and is visiting the Kyiv region, following an invitation from the country's president.

Argentina's new economy minister meeting IMF head Argentina's newly appointed Economy Minister Silvina Batakis is meeting with the head of the International Monetary Fund in Washington today, as Argentina's economy struggles with spiraling inflation and a weakened local currency.

Argentina is the IMF's largest debtor with a $44 billion program that was approved by the board in late March.

Brazil's Lula ready to reopen EU-Mercosur pact if he wins election

Brazilian presidential frontrunner Lula da Silva favors revisiting stalled trade talks between the European Union and the South American trade bloc Mercosur, a senior foreign policy adviser said.

If the leftist wins the October vote, Brazil would likely join calls to review an agreement that was previously blocked by Europe due to deforestation in the Amazon under Bolsonaro, adviser Celso Amorim told Reuters. (Compiled by Isabel Woodford)
SAINT JOHN, NB, July 24, 2022 /CNW/ - The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, and the Member of Parliament for Saint-JohnRothesay, Wayne Long, will announce funding under the Oceans Protection Plan.

Minister Alghabra and MP Long will be available to answer questions from the media following the announcement.

For media participation on-site:

In line with the Public Health Agency of Canada, in-person attendance will be monitored. Wearing a face covering and physical distancing are highly recommended.

We ask people who have recently received a positive diagnosis for COVID-19, or are awaiting test results, or who have recently been exposed to COVID-19, or are experiencing symptoms as described on Health Canada's website , not to attend.

Date: Monday, July 25, 2022 Time: 10:15 a.m. ADT (REVISED) Location: Diamond Jubilee Terminal (Port of Saint John) 333 Water St. Saint John, New Brunswick E2L 0C5

Note: Parking is available onsite.

SOURCE Transport Canada

Cision

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2022/24/c1228.html
READING, Pa., July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has hired 14 graduates of Power Systems Institute (PSI), the company's award-winning, two-year educational program that helps prepare the next generation of line and substation workers for FirstEnergy's 10 electric utility companies.

Met-Ed Logo (PRNewsfoto/FirstEnergy Corp.)

The new employees include 10 lineworkers and four substation electricians who are recent graduates of the company's Power Systems Institute (PSI), a utility worker training partnership with Reading Area Community College (RACC) in Reading, Pennsylvania.

"Our Power Systems Institute develops top-quality, well-educated men and women for the electric utility industry," said Scott Wyman, president of Pennsylvania Operations. "We look forward to these graduates joining our workforce to help continue providing safe and reliable electric service for our customers."

The new Met-Ed lines employees, listed by work location and hometowns, are:

Gettysburg  Gerald Walsh, Bernville

Hanover  Christopher Neuin, Hamburg

Lebanon  Colton Kessler, Tremont

Reading  Nick Evans, Mohrsville; Jack Thomas, Bernville; Kyren Turner, Fleetwood

Stroudsburg  Omar Abdelfatah, Emmaus; Bryce Ebinger, Alburtis

York  Alex Guilbe, Reading; Bronson Warner, Brogue

The new substation employees listed by work location, with their hometowns are:

Easton  Colby Constable, Bangor; Robert James, Easton; Maxwell Murphy, Reading

York  Brady Bowen, Corry

PSI is an award-winning, two-year educational program originally developed by FirstEnergy in 2000 to help prepare the company's next generation of utility line and substation workers.

The PSI curriculum for lines and substation employees requires two-and-a-half days each week spent at Reading Area Community College completing academic course work, with the remainder of the week spent at a Met-Ed training facility in Reading. All students focus on safe work practices and procedures in the electrical environment. The graduates earned an associate of applied science degree in Electric Utility Technology.

Story continues

Since the program's inception, FirstEnergy has hired more than 2,400 lineworkers and substation personnel who completed PSI programs in Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

For information about how to enroll in the PSI program, call 1-800-829-6801, or visit www.firstenergycorp.com/psi.

Met-Ed serves approximately 570,000 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: Photos of FirstEnergy's Power Systems Institute training program are available for download on Flickr.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/met-ed-adds-new-line-and-substation-employees-from-power-systems-institute-training-program-301592405.html

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.
Monkeypox cases have remained relatively low in the commonwealth but are still on the rise in the United States and across the world, leading officials at the World Health Organization to declare the outbreak a global health emergency Saturday hoping to expediate the distribution of tools to limit the illness from spreading further.

A global health emergency is the highest alert the WHO can issue regarding a public health risk. It is not the declaration of a pandemic, like the one issued in March 2020 due to the spread of COVID-19.

Almost 3,000 people in the United States have contracted the virus since it first re-appeared on May 18. Six cases have been identified in Kentucky by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of Wednesday, the latest data available. Five of those were found in Jefferson County, with two recovered and three still in isolation, according to the Jefferson County Health & Wellness department.

In late June, the Biden administration, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services, announced it was taking steps to increase testing nationwide and provide more vaccines for people at high risk of contracting the virus.

Dr. Jeff Howard, medical director for the local health department, told The Courier Journal earlier this month that a limited supply of vaccine is available for patients in the Louisville metro area.

"The vaccine is suggested for those who have what we classify as a high level of close contact with an individual and who have significant risk factors for disease," Dr. Stephanie Lokits, the public health department's assistant director of nursing, said previously.

More news:Louisville monkeypox cases increase. Here's what to know about vaccines, disease spread

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a virus mainly spread through close contact with infected people. It often causes flu-like symptoms and blistery rashes.

According to the CDC, the first recorded instance of a human getting monkeypox was in 1970. It is in the same family of viruses that cause smallpox and the symptoms are similar, however monkeypox tends to be milder and rarely causes death.

Story continues

How is monkeypox transmitted?

Monkeypox is mainly spread through close, intimate contact with the infectious rash, scabs or bodily fluids, according to the CDC. This could take many different forms, such as:

Touching clothing or linens used by someone with the virus

Cuddling

Massaging

Kissing

Sexual contact

Scratches or bites from animals with the virus

Eating meat from an infected animal

Pregnant people can also spread the virus to a fetus through the placenta.

Although monkeypox can spread through sexual contact, many physicians do not consider it to be a sexually transmitted disease. At this time, it is not known whether the virus can spread through semen, vaginal fluids or fecal matter.

What are ways to reduce the chance of getting monkeypox?

There are several steps citizens can take to best avoid contracting the virus.

As the virus can also be transmitted through close personal contact, officials recommend taking these precautions:

Wear full coverage clothing at concerts, festivals, conferences and other place with large amounts of people

Avoid settings like raves, parties and clubs where there is typically more skin-to-skin contact

Do not cuddle, massage, kiss or engage in sexual activity with a partner who has monkeypox

According to the CDC, porous substances may be more likely to harbor the virus than nonporous ones. This means bedding, cushions, yoga mats, clothes and towels may be more susceptible to carry the virus than glass, metal or plastic materials.

Health officials also recommend taking the following steps in public:

Don't try clothes on at the store and wash them before wearing.

Bring your own towel to the pool

Wipe down gym equipment before and after using it

Disinfect objects that an infected person has come in contact with

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What is monkeypox: How to protect yourself in Louisville as cases grow
Unveils Homeowners Insurance Carrier based in South Carolina, Licensed in 17 states

BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / July 25, 2022 / Openly , the premium homeowners insurance platform, formerly operating solely as a MGA, today announced the launch of the Openly Insurance Company, an insurance carrier licensed in 17 states. Only weeks after announcing its $75M Series C funding round, Openly continues to expand its presence in the insurance industry and offer its premium, transparent and comprehensive coverage options to more agents and homeowners.

"We believe strongly in our product and processes," said Ty Harris, CEO and co-founder of Openly, "and the reception by the independent agent and customer community has been phenomenal. Becoming a carrier was the natural next step and allows us to demonstrate our confidence to all of our stakeholders-by putting our money where our mouth is, if you will."

Openly plans to use the new carrier as one part of a balanced and prudent risk capacity strategy. For example, in the coming months, the Openly Insurance Company, acquired as a carrier shell and rebranded by Openly, will begin issuing policies directly in select states while continuing to rely on risk partners in other states. Openly sells insurance exclusively through independent agents, empowering them to offer quotes in as quick as 15 seconds using its proprietary technology.

Rob Higgins, Chief Product and Strategy Officer for Openly adds, "Today's launch is a significant milestone as we continue our mission of delivering transparent and comprehensive homeowners insurance to customers and supporting independent agents with our technology."

Openly is actively recruiting for remote positions. Please visit Openly's career page for all opportunities. For more information, please visit Openly's website .

# # #

About Openly

Openly is a tech-forward insurance carrier, offering comprehensive coverage to consumers through independent agents in 19 states and growing. Dedicated to delivering a tech-enabled insurance experience to independent agents, Openly is focused on bringing transparency to a traditionally opaque industry by utilizing new data sources coupled with insurance expertise. For more information, visit Openly.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/openlyllc/ .

Story continues

Contact:

Ross Stevens

Caliber Corporate Advisers for Openly

ross@calibercorporateadvisers.com

SOURCE: Openly





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/709531/Openly-Announces-Openly-Insurance-Company-a-Licensed-Homeowners-Insurance-Carrier




Vast Resources PLC

Vast Resources plc / Ticker: VAST / Index: AIM / Sector: Mining

25 July 2022

Vast Resources plc

(Vast or the Company)

Q2 2022 Baita Plai Production Report

Vast Resources plc, the AIM-listed mining company, is pleased to announce the Production Report for Q2 2022 from its producing Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine (Baita Plai) in Romania.

The Q2 2022 period has shown a continual improvement in the quantity and quality of Copper Concentrate (Cu Conc) produced at Baita Plai and the results in Figure 1 below are in line with the Companys expectations. Copper concentrate production during Q2 2022 increased 17% from 229 dry metric tonnes (DMT) in Q1 2022 to 268.8 DMT in Q2 2022. The tonnes milled for the period declined slightly by 6% to 11,292 metric tonnes (MT) however the ore mined increased slightly by 3.5% to 13,020MT for the period. The copper grade milled improved by 33% to 0.60% for the period under review. It should be noted that the timing of sales is matched to sales schedules, and not directly to production, and the Company is holding 15 times more inventory at the end of Q2 2022 compared to Q1 2022. The inventory held at the end of Q2 2022 has since been sold.

Dry Metric Tonne Wet Metric Tonne Metric Tonne Q2 2022 Q1 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2022 Q2 2022 Q1 2022 Ore Mined - - - - 13,020 12,561 Milled (Ore Feed) - - - - 11,292 12,103 Cu Conc Produced 268 229 295 257 - - Cu Conc sold 183 234 201 263 - - Cu Conc Inventory

(at end of period) 91 6 101 7 - -

Figure 1

Q3 2022 Production Outlook

Looking forward to Q3 2022 and beyond, the Company continues to forecast a substantial increase in copper concentrate tonnage produced due to the successful implementation of the Mantis CMR4 Jumbo Drilling rig to access the ore on 17 level as well as the increased ability to process ore due to the second milling circuit being commissioned as announced on 27 June 2022.

In addition to the increase in copper concentrate produced, a substantial increase in the number of primary metres developed is forecast. This is due to the implementation of the second Mantis CMR4 Jumbo Drilling rig on the main belt incline on 18 level, whereby the original mine plan envisaged can be brought online. Current advance per blast from the main belt decline vary between 2.0m and 2.2m per blast, an excellent ratio to the length of hole drilled to the achieved advance.

Story continues

The drill rig was extensively tested in a non-production environment to ascertain the capabilities of the machine for long hole production drilling. The drill rig has successfully completed a number of holes at varying inclinations, including vertically down, to depths of up to 12 meters. The machine is currently deployed on 17 level in the production area drilling the first set of long holes for long hole production blasting.

The accompanying remotely operated Aramine L130D LHD arrived at the mine, was successfully transported underground, and is currently undergoing testing and operator training inside the working stope below 17 level.

Competent Person

The forward-looking technical views made in this announcement is based on information interpreted by Mr Craig Harvey, the Group Geologist for Vast and a full-time employee of the company. Mr Harvey is a Competent Person who is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and of the Geological Society of South Africa, a Recognised Professional Organisation included in a list that is posted on the ASX website from time to time.

Mr Harvey has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves'.

Important Notices

This announcement contains 'forward-looking statements' concerning the Company that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Generally, the words 'will', 'may', 'should', 'continue', 'believes', 'targets', 'plans', 'expects', 'aims', 'intends', 'anticipates' or similar expressions or negatives thereof identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond the Company's ability to control or estimate precisely. The Company cannot give any assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to have been correct. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this announcement. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any of the forward-looking statements set out herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent legally required.

**ENDS**

For further information, visit www.vastplc.com or please contact:

Vast Resources plc

Andrew Prelea (CEO)

Andrew Hall (CCO)



www.vastplc.com

+44 (0) 20 7846 0974 Beaumont Cornish  Financial & Nominated Advisor

Roland Cornish

James Biddle



www.beaumontcornish.com

+44 (0) 20 7628 3396 Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited  Joint Broker

Toby Gibbs / James Thomas (Corporate Advisory)



www.shorecapmarkets.co.uk

+44 (0) 20 7408 4050 Axis Capital Markets Limited  Joint Broker

Kamran Hussain



www.axcap247.com

+44 (0) 20 3206 0320 St Brides Partners Limited

Susie Geliher / Charlotte Page www.stbridespartners.co.uk

+44 (0) 20 7236 1177

ABOUT VAST RESOURCES PLC

Vast Resources plc is a United Kingdom AIM listed mining company with mines and projects in Romania, Tajikistan, and Zimbabwe.

In Romania, the Company is focused on the rapid advancement of high-quality projects by recommencing production at previously producing mines.

The Company's Romanian portfolio includes 100% interest in Vast Baita Plai SA which owns 100% of the producing Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine, located in the Apuseni Mountains, Transylvania, an area which hosts Romania's largest polymetallic mines. The mine has a JORC compliant Reserve & Resource Report which underpins the initial mine production life of approximately 3-4 years with an in-situ total mineral resource of 15,695 tonnes copper equivalent with a further 1.8M-3M tonnes exploration target. The Company is now working on confirming an enlarged exploration target of up to 5.8M tonnes.

The Company also owns the Manaila Polymetallic Mine in Romania, which the Company is looking to bring back into production following a period of care and maintenance. The Company has also been granted the Manaila Carlibaba Extended Exploitation Licence that will allow the Company to re-examine the exploitation of the mineral resources within the larger Manaila Carlibaba licence area.

Vast has an interest in a joint venture company which provides exposure to a near term revenue opportunity from the Takob Mine processing facility in Tajikistan. The Takob Mine opportunity, which is 100% financed, will provide Vast with a 12.25 percent royalty over all sales of non-ferrous concentrate and any other metals produced. Processing of stockpiled ore on site is expected to commence in mid-2022.

In Zimbabwe, the Company is focused on the commencement of the joint venture mining agreement on the Community Diamond Concession, Chiadzwa, in the Marange Diamond Fields.

GLOSSARY

Dry Metric Tonnes Refers to the tonnage minus humidity to determine sales price Grade The relative quantity or percentage of ore mineral content in an orebody. Ore The naturally occurring material from which a mineral(s) can be extracted at a reasonable profit. Orebody A continuous well-defined mass of material to sufficient ore content to make extraction economically feasible. Skarn Lime-bearing siliceous rock produced by the metamorphic alteration of limestone or dolomite Wet Metric Tonnes Usually quoted in terms of production for shipping terms




OTTAWA (Reuters) -Canada will examine the resiliency of telecom networks across the country before approving Rogers Communications Inc's proposed C$20 billion ($15.6 billion) acquisition of Shaw Communications Inc, Industry Minister Francois Philippe Champagne said on Monday.

The deal is being blocked by Canada's competition bureau but Champagne has the last word on approving the merger. The deal is now being questioned by policy makers after Rogers faced an unprecedented network outage this month that halted industries from banking to airlines to emergency services.

Champagne told a Canadian parliamentary committee probing the network collapse that Canada needs to strengthen resiliency.

Rogers has blamed the outage on a routing configuration change in its core network.

The network shutdown has raised questions among policymakers on how a lack of competition in Canada's telecom sector exposes consumers to vulnerabilities. In Canada, three telecom operators control about 95% of the market and consumers pay among the highest bills in the world.

But Rogers Chief Executive Tony Staffieri told lawmakers that a combined entity would be able to invest in the resiliency of telecom networks at a level that neither company can do alone.

One of the lawmakers questioned whether it was an end of the road for the merger, to which Staffieri said the merger was about scale and making "necessary investment."

Staffieri said that a large portion of a planned C$3 billion investment this year would go toward improving its networks.

Rogers announced a C$10 billion investment into its network over the next three years on Sunday, which includes the cost of separating wireless and internet services to create an "always on" network. This would ensure that customers do not experience an outage with both cellular and internet services again.

Shares of Shaw Communications were down 0.3% at C$34.6 at closing on Monday at the Toronto Stock Exchange, while Rogers fell 0.2% to C$60.27.

($1 = 1.2845 Canadian dollars)

(Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa and Divya Rajagopal in TorontoEditing by Mark Potter and Josie Kao)
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Six women were killed in domestic violence situations over the past two weeks in Milwaukee County. Three of them were, from left, Ninoshka Maestre Lozada, Alwiya Mohamed and Ladda Donsanouphith.

In two weeks, six women lost their lives to domestic violence in Milwaukee County.

They were mothers, daughters, sisters and friends.

All were women of color. All died by gunfire.

Cynthia Walker, 66, was killed on her front porch July 8. Prosecutors say her estranged boyfriend pulled the trigger.

O'keyin Riles, 42, and her daughter, La'Dasia Porter, 19, were shot and killed July 14 inside a home near West Ring and North 6th streets. Family members believe La'Dasia was trying to protect her mother during a domestic violence situation. Police say a suspect recently was arrested in Arizona.

Ninoshka Maestre Lozada, 24, was killed in West Allis July 18. Police have arrested a suspect and said they had been in a domestic relationship. Lozada was a mother of four.

Alwiya Mohamed, 20, was killed Tuesday by her husband, who then took his own life at their Milwaukee home. The couple had a 1-year-old son.

Ladda Donsanouphith, 49, was fatally shot Wednesday on the city's south side in a domestic violence situation. She was a mother to three sons. The suspect later took his life.

And over the weekend, another woman was shot in Milwaukee in a domestic violence incident. Police say the 32-year-old victim has life-threatening injuries.

Relatives and friends have posted tributes to those who lost their lives. Among them was Charnell Riles, sister of O'keyin Riles, who has organized an online donation page for funeral expenses.

The death of her sister and niece came "totally out of left field," she said in an interview. "No one knew what was going on. There's a lot we don't know about the investigation. A wound is still open."

"They were loved by a lot of people in Milwaukee and family in Mississippi and Louisiana," Riles added. "There's been so many people reaching out and donating and sending their condolences and it makes my heart warm to know she made an impact."

La'Dasia Porter and O'keyin Riles

As their families and communities continue to grieve, those who work with domestic violence survivors say the recent tragedies reflect the ongoing need to reach people with culturally-specific services.

Story continues

"Were living through really, really hard times," said Tammie Xiong, executive director for the Hmong American Women's Association.

Donsanouphith's death occurred near West National Avenue and South 35th Street, an area with several Laotian businesses.

"We're really familiar with that area and so when we heard about this, it was completely devastating," Xiong said.

'We understand our communities:' Culturally-specific options for domestic abuse survivors

The death of Mohamed, a Somali refugee who came to Milwaukee at a young age, has been a "wake-up call" for the local Muslim community, said Janan Najeeb, president of the Milwaukee Muslim Womens Coalition.

"Based on some conversation with some of the family members, it seemed like he had some jealousy issues," she said. "But nobody ever thought it would escalate to something like this."

The coalition has been running Our Peaceful Home, which serves Muslim families experiencing domestic violence, for three years but had struggled to get widespread buy-in with faith leaders and families preferring to keep things private, she said.

That changed last week.

At Mohamed's funeral, Najeeb and other advocates distributed brochures in Somali and English. This week, community faith leaders will dedicate time in their sermons to the issue of domestic violence.

The efforts show the power of having culturally-specific resources so people do not hit barriers, language or otherwise.

"Each agency has a deep understanding of the community because they come from that particular community and understand the nuances and the specific practices," Najeeb said.

The Hmong American Women's Association and Milwaukee Muslim Womens Coalition are among a half-dozen agencies in the "We Are Here" campaign, designed to bring attention to those resources.

"We understand our communities because we work and live in them," Xiong said. "All of our services are a direct reflection of what the community needs and wants.

Vaun Mayes, an activist who founded ComForce MKE, said the recent spate of violence shows even more resources are needed.

ComForce members are trained in de-escalation and have intervened in many domestic violence situations, helping people find shelter and other resources. Members also respond to homicides scenes.

It's critical to have alternatives to the criminal justice system and larger domestic violence agencies because the current system "doesn't work for everybody," Mayes said.

He called on state leaders to do more to create community-based interventions in the wake of the recent deaths.

"It just highlights the fact that a lot of people have to suffer domestic violence in silence and without the proper support," he said.

Supporting the victim's families

Several victims' families have set up GoFundMe accounts to help with funeral costs and other expenses. Click on the following links to donate:

Where to find help

Our Peaceful Home, which serves Muslim families and is a program of the Milwaukee Muslim Womens Coalition, operates a crisis line at (414) 727-1090.

The Hmong American Womens Association, which serves the Hmong and southeast Asian community, has advocates available at (414) 930-9352 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Asha Project, which serves African American women in Milwaukee, provides a crisis line from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (414) 252-0075.

The UMOS Latina Resource Center in Milwaukee offers bilingual, bicultural, domestic violence, sexual assault and anti-human trafficking supportive services and operates a 24-hour hotline at (414) 389-6510.

The Sojourner Family Peace Center in Milwaukee operates a 24-hour confidential hotline at (414) 933-2722.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233.

Need more help with crime and safety questions? The Milwaukee Resource Guide is here to help. Have something you want answered? Submit a question.

Contact Ashley Luthern at ashley.luthern@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @aluthern.

Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Six Milwaukee County women killed in domestic violence in last 2 weeks
Who needs an Orlando theme park when fun adventures await in our own backyard? This summer, get outdoors and take advantage of the Space Coast's natural beauty.

Bioluminescent tours

The Fourth of July may be over, but the sparks continue as Mother Nature puts on quite the show in Brevard. The lady has a veritable theme park of natural attractions, beginning with the most flamboyant of all, bioluminescence.

June and July are the best months to witness this wonder of nature. In the dark of night, a kayak paddle or a hand in the water encourages millions of dinoflagellates and comb jellies to light up the dark waters of the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoons. Once you see it, you never forget it.

Its been a banner year for bio tours, thanks to June days hitting 90-degree marks.

Most nights this summer, bioluminescence was a 5/5 for all our locations, said BK Adventure guide Jacob Horvath.

We've also seen lots of manatees and dolphins daily. New moon is always the best time to see bioluminescence, but it has been so bright out there that June's full moon also had a 5/5 bio night.

Plenty of tour companies are happy to guide you to the best spots. Some, like BK Adventure, offer see-through kayaks for taking the experience to the next level.

Here is a list of bio-tour operators, courtesy of Floridas Space Coast Office of Tourism:

A Day Away Kayak Tours, adayawaykayaktours.com

A1A Beach Rentals and Outdoor Center, a1abeachrentals.com

Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach, kayakcocoabeach.com

BK Adventure, bkadventure.com

Cocoa Kayaking, cocoakayaking.com

Calypso Kayaking, calypsokayaking.com

Fin Expeditions, finexpeditions.com

SoBe Surf, sobesurf.com

Wildlife Watersports, wildlifewatersports.com

Ecotours

The ecotour season is here with locals and tourists taking advantage of the weather to see Brevard's natural beauty. Fin Expeditions recently took a group out for a close up look at nature in the Thousand Islands and Banana River,

While not as dramatic as bioluminescence tours, daytime eco-tours aboard kayaks or canoes offer the opportunity to get up close and personal with dolphins, manatees and other wild denizens, and to explore mangrove tunnels. You can have it all, too, since many operators offer combination tours, such as BK Adventures Sunset-Bio in Cocoa Beach.

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Suzy Fleming Leonard: How do I love thee, summer in Florida? Let me count the ways

Brevard Zoo

A popular guest experience at Brevard Zoo is kayaking, which leads to close encounters with some animals.

At Brevard Zoo, kayaking is truly a wild experience, since gliding along the Zoos Nyami Nyami River positions kayakers past giraffes, ostrich and zebras inside their enclosures in the Expedition Africa exhibits.

Brevard Zoo's Treetop Trek zipline whisks guests through a self-guided course.

Take to the air after kayaking with the Zoos TreeTop Trek to traverse a self-guided rope and zipline course through the Rainforest Revealed jungle amongst spider monkeys.

Blast off!: Owner of Pineapples in Eau Gallie to fly into space on Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket

Surfing

As one of the top surfing destinations in the United States, Brevard welcomes both seasoned and aspiring surfing dudes of all ages. Ron Jon Surfing School, for example, offers private one- or two-hour lessons, as well as surf camps.

We provide all necessary equipment, said owner Lauren McLean. We specialize in beginners but can cater to any skill set.

McLean adds that while the minimum age to take lessons is five, you are never too old to channel your inner Kelly Slater and some students are well into their golden years.

Whatever the age of the surfer, photographer Frankie Hubbard is there to capture the experience with a special photo package.

Here are some surf schools for starters. Some also offer paddleboarding. Adventure Surf even welcomes canines and their humans to try doggie paddleboarding.

Adventure Surf Lessons and Paddleboarding,adventuresurfsup.com

Cocoa Beach Surf Company, cocoabeachsurf.com

Pure Aloha Surf School, purealohasurf.com

Ron Jon, ronjonsurfschool.com

Surf Guys Surf School, surfguyssurf.com

Skydiving

The sky is the limit, literally, to outdoor fun in the Space Coast, thanks to several skydiving outfitters eager to get you up in the air tandem skydiving. Skydive Space Center claims the worlds highest tandem jump at 18,000 feet over Titusville.

We are the only center anywhere that takes you this high, said jumpmaster Chris Parente.

You and your jumpmaster board the aircraft wearing a dual harness assembly. Once you reach your jump altitude, you will exit the aircraft securely harnessed to your instructor for an unforgettable one-and-a-half minutes of freefall at 120 mph, before your parachute glides you down safely during an additional seven minutes.

Skydive Space Center offers heart-racing thrills for those brave enough to jump.

For those who dont want to go high or go home, the Center also offers jumps at 15,000 and 11,000 feet. Photo and video packages capture jumpers against an exceptional backdrop of the Kennedy Space Center and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The view is amazing, said Parente.

While you must be at least 18 to participate, there is no upper limit and physical disabilities are not an issue.

Weve had people as old as 96 jump, said Parente, who helped the late U.S. Senator and presidential hopeful George McGovern go tandem skydiving when he was 88.

For beach lovers, Skydive Melbourne Beach offers the only tandem drop zone in the Southeastern United States with a dedicated beach landing.

Parasailing

You need not drop from 11,000 feet or higher as you take to the skies over Brevard parasailing or paragliding. Cocoa Beach Parasail explores Space Coast beaches and waters from the air at 500 or 1,000 feet, while Sky 1 Parasail, 321-328-7591, sails over Merritt Island.

Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Summer on the Space Coast: Get outside and have some fun
(Adds Cubal tanker; shows which tankers are docked; removes tankers which have left the ports; revises arrival dates of Pearl LNG and Gaslog Gladstone) July 25 (Reuters) - The following liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers are expected to arrive in Britain, Belgium and the Netherlands in the coming weeks. Estimated arrival dates, often revised by port authorities and AIS Live ship-tracking data on Refinitiv Eikon, are updated below. Some tankers heading for Belgium and Britain may be loading at the terminal. Those expected to load are indicated with an (L). Those likely to perform ship-to-ship transfers are indicated with (STS). Tankers that have docked are indicated with (A). For the Reuters LNG guide, click here: LNG TANKER CAPACITY in EXPECTED ARRIVAL FROM PORT cubic metres BRITAIN Al Gharrafa 212,000 July 24 (A) Qatar South Hook Al Ghuwairiya 258,000 July 30 Qatar Milford Haven Pearl LNG 156,000 Aug. 15 Peru Milford Haven BELGIUM Dorado LNG 156,000 July 26 Qatar Zeebrugge Al Kharaitiyat 212,000 July 30 Qatar Zeebrugge Bu Samra 261,000 Aug. 1 Qatar Zeebrugge Christophe De Margerie 170,000 Aug. 3 Russia Zeebrugge Mesaimeer 212,000 Aug. 3 Qatar Zeebrugge Murwab 206,000 Aug. 8 Qatar Zeebrugge Al Utouriya 212,000 Aug. 12 Qatar Zeebrugge NETHERLANDS Gaslog Gladstone 171,000 July 26 United States Gate Maran Gas Ithaca 170,000 July 26 United States Gate Golar Celsius 160,000 July 28 United States Gate La Mancha Knutsen 174,000 July 30 United States Gate Cubal 160,000 Aug. 14 Angola Gate Sources: Ports, AIS Live ship tracking, Refinitiv Eikon data. (^) Partial unload (*) Arrival date calculated using www.searates.com at an average speed of 13.5 knots (Reporting by Nina Chestney)
Medexus Pharmaceuticals Inc

FDA decision expected within six months of acceptance

Pivotal phase 3 clinical trial of treosulfan met primary endpoint and key secondary endpoints

TORONTO and CHICAGO, July 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medexus Pharmaceuticals (Medexus) (TSX: MDP) (OTCQX: MEDXF) and medac, a strategic partner of Medexus, are pleased to announce that medac has resubmitted its New Drug Application for treosulfan (NDA) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The current submission was a response to the FDA request to submit information to complete medacs April 2022 NDA resubmission and initiate FDA review.

The NDA requests approval of treosulfan in combination with fludarabine as a preparative regimen for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The current submission includes updates to data files and supporting information in response to the FDAs information request received with the FDAs acknowledgment of receipt of the NDA resubmission in May 2022. If the response is considered complete by the FDA, the review clock for the NDA resubmission will then start as of the date of submission of a complete response.

We remain excited about the prospect of a treosulfan approval in the United States and about treosulfans significant potential in the U.S. market, commented Ken dEntremont, Medexuss Chief Executive Officer. We are encouraged by the recent publication of the final study results and analysis of the pivotal phase 3 clinical trial of treosulfan conducted by medac, which met its primary endpoint and key secondary endpoints. An FDA approval within a two- to six-month period from the acceptance date would then pave the way for a commercial launch of treosulfan in the United States in the first half of calendar year 2023.

Mr dEntremont continued: If approved by the FDA, we expect that treosulfan would have a meaningful impact on Medexuss total revenue. We estimate that the current market-leading product in the United States generated approximately $126 million in peak annual revenue before genericization.

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The experience weve had [with treosulfan] has been outstanding so far, commented Dr Filippo Milano, a physician-scientist, in a June 6, 2022 interview hosted by Medexus. I would really like to have this drug available, not just for me, but for all my colleagues. The full interview is available on the News & Media  Media section of Medexuss corporate website.

About treosulfan

Treosulfan is part of a preparative regimen for allo-HSCT to be used in combination with fludarabine, used in treating eligible patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Final study results and analysis of the pivotal phase 3 clinical trial of treosulfan conducted by medac, which was accepted for publication with American Journal of Hematology, concluded that the study demonstrates clinically relevant superiority of treosulfan over a widely applied reduced-intensity conditioning busulfan regimen with regard to its primary endpoint, event-free survival. The publication also includes favorable conclusions on two key secondary endpoints, finding that overall survival with treosulfan was superior compared to busulfan and that non-relapse mortality for patients in the treosulfan arm was lower than for patients in the busulfan arm. For more information about the study and the publication, including a link to the full publication, see Medexuss June 6, 2022 press release, available on the InvestorsNews & Events section of Medexuss corporate website.

Treosulfan was approved by Health Canada in June 2021, and Medexus commercially launched treosulfan in Canada under the brand name Trecondyv in September 2021. Treosulfan is currently the subject of a regulatory review process with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

About Medexus

Medexus is a leader in innovative rare disease treatment solutions with a strong North American commercial platform and a portfolio of proven best-in-class products. Our current focus is on the therapeutic areas of hematology, auto-immune diseases, and allergy. We continue to build a highly differentiated company with a growing portfolio of innovative and high-value orphan and rare disease products that will underpin our growth for the next decade.

Our current leading products are Rasuvo and Metoject, a unique formulation of methotrexate (auto-pen and pre-filled syringe) designed to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other auto-immune diseases; IXINITY, an intravenous recombinant factor IX therapeutic for use in patients 12 years of age or older with Hemophilia B (a hereditary bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency of clotting factor IX in the blood, which is necessary to control bleeding); and Rupall, an innovative prescription allergy medication with a unique mode of action. We also hold exclusive US and Canadian rights to commercialize Gleolan (aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride or ALA HCl), an FDA-approved, orphan drug designated optical imaging agent currently indicated in patients with glioma (suspected World Health Organization Grades III or IV on preoperative imaging) as an adjunct for the visualization of malignant tissue during surgery.

We have also licensed Treosulfan, a preparative regimen for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to be used in combination with fludarabine, for commercialization in the United States and Canada. Treosulfan was approved by Health Canada in June 2021 and is marketed in Canada as Trecondyv. Treosulfan is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Our mission is to provide the best healthcare products to healthcare professionals and patients. We strive to deliver on this mission by acting on our core values: Quality, Innovation, Customer Service, and Collaboration.

Contacts

For more information, please contact any of the following:

Medexus

Ken dEntremont, Chief Executive Officer

Medexus Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Tel: 905-676-0003

Email: ken.dentremont@medexus.com

Marcel Konrad, Chief Financial Officer

Medexus Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Tel: 312-548-3139

Email: marcel.konrad@medexus.com

Investor Relations

Victoria Rutherford

Adelaide Capital

Tel: 1-480-625-5772

Email: victoria@adcap.ca

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (forward-looking statements). The words anticipates, believes, expects, will, plans, potential, and similar words or expressions are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Specific forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the timing and expected outcome of the FDA approval process for Treosulfan and a related launch of the product in the United States and expectations regarding the products prospects if approved by the FDA. These statements are based on factors or assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including assumptions based on historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Since forward-looking statements relate to future events and conditions, by their very nature they require making assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Medexus cautions that although it is believed that the assumptions are reasonable in the circumstances, these risks and uncertainties give rise to the possibility that actual results may differ materially from the expectations set out in the forward-looking statements. Material risk factors include those set out in Medexuss materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time, including Medexuss most recent annual information form and managements discussion and analysis; future capital requirements and dilution; intellectual property protection and infringement risks; competition (including potential for generic competition); reliance on key management personnel; Medexuss ability to implement its business plan; Medexuss ability to leverage its U.S. and Canadian infrastructure to promote additional growth; regulatory approval by relevant health authorities, including the FDA; product reimbursement by third party payers; litigation or expiry with respect to patents or other intellectual property rights; litigation risk; stock price volatility; government regulation; and potential third party claims. Given these risks, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date hereof. Other than as specifically required by law, Medexus undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.




Multicultural Coalition Inc. offered vaccines for children 6 months and up during a vaccination clinic June 28 at the Neenah Public Library in Neenah, Wisconsin.

California reported 143,809 new cases of coronavirus in the week ending Sunday, down 7.1% from the previous week. The previous week had 154,722 new cases of the virus that causes COVID-19.

California ranked fourth among the states where coronavirus was spreading the fastest on a per-person basis, a USA TODAY Network analysis of Johns Hopkins University data shows. In the latest week coronavirus cases in the United States decreased 7.7% from the week before, with 862,778 cases reported. With 11.87% of the country's population, California had 16.67% of the country's cases in the last week. Across the country, 23 states had more cases in the latest week than they did in the week before.

Tulare County reported 1,788 cases and three deaths in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 1,450 cases and two deaths. Throughout the pandemic it has reported 148,874 cases and 1,513 deaths.

a Across California, cases fell in 28 counties, with the best declines in Los Angeles County, with 46,252 cases from 53,381 a week earlier; in Orange County, with 9,030 cases from 10,851; and in Santa Clara County, with 6,327 cases from 7,197. a

>> See how your community has fared with recent coronavirus cases

a

Within California, the worst weekly outbreaks on a per-person basis were in Del Norte County with 1,075 cases per 100,000 per week; Imperial County with 1,053; and Kings County with 488. The Centers for Disease Control says high levels of community transmission begin at 100 cases per 100,000 per week.

Adding the most new cases overall were Los Angeles County, with 46,252 cases; San Diego County, with 14,288 cases; and Orange County, with 9,030. Weekly case counts rose in 30 counties from the previous week. The worst increases from the prior week's pace were in Imperial, Monterey and Tulare counties.

a

In California, a 306 a people were reported dead of COVID-19 in the week ending Sunday. In the week before that, 274 people were reported dead.

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A total of 10,580,256 people in California have tested positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic began, and 93,209 people have died from the disease, Johns Hopkins University data shows. In the United States 90,410,386 people have tested positive and 1,026,951 people have died.

>> Track coronavirus cases across the United States

California's COVID-19 hospital admissions falling

USA TODAY analyzed federal hospital data as of Sunday, July 24. Likely COVID patients admitted in the state:

Last week: 7,655

The week before that: 7,972

Four weeks ago: 6,984

Likely COVID patients admitted in the nation:

Last week: 75,961

The week before that: 70,927

Four weeks ago: 61,308

Hospitals in 33 states reported more COVID-19 patients than a week earlier, while hospitals in 33 states had more COVID-19 patients in intensive-care beds. Hospitals in 38 states admitted more COVID-19 patients in the latest week than a week prior, the USA TODAY analysis of U.S. Health and Human Services data shows.

The USA TODAY Network is publishing localized versions of this story on its news sites across the country, generated with data from Johns Hopkins University and the Centers for Disease Control. If you have questions about the data or the story, contact Mike Stucka at mstucka@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Tulare County's COVID cases rise, while California's cases fall
monkey pox

BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images

Two children in the United States have been diagnosed with monkeypox, according to health officials.

On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that the cases are a toddler in California and an infant who is not a U.S. resident. Health officials say both children are being treated and are in good health, likely contracting monkeypox through household transmission.

Additional details of the cases have not been released.

This comes just as the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the monkeypox outbreak has been elevated to a public health emergency.

"In short, we have an outbreak that has spread around the world rapidly, through new modes of transmission, about which we understand too little, and which meets the criteria in the International Health Regulations," WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.

For more on what you need to know about monkeypox, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.

"For all of these reasons, I have decided that the global monkeypox outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern," he added.

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.

monkeypox

Getty Monkeypox

When the IHR Emergency Committee first convened, 3,040 cases of monkeypox from 47 countries had been reported to the WHO. That number has since grown to more than 16,000 cases from 75 countries and territories, including five deaths.

As the committee then gathered this week, the group was initially unable to reach a consensus on whether the outbreak represented a public health emergency.

RELATED: What to Know About Monkeypox  Including How It Spreads  as the CDC Confirms a U.S. Case

But after considering the IHR's five elements for classifying an outbreak as a public health emergency, the WHO determined that the risk of monkeypox is "moderate globally and in all regions," except in Europe where the risk is high. And although there is a risk of further international spread, it's unlikely to affect international traffic.

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The WHO is now organizing a "coordinated response to stop transmission and protect vulnerable groups."

After multiple cases of monkeypox began popping up around the world, the first U.S. cases were reported in Massachusetts back in May. As of Friday, there are 2,891 confirmed monkeypox cases in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak Global Map.

The U.S. last saw an outbreak of 47 monkeypox cases in 2003, according to the CDC.
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- United Training, an IT training and professional development company, has partnered with CompTIA as part of its Apprenticeships for Tech program. This joint effort will place aspiring cybersecurity professionals with top employers.

CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech is a national initiative to increase the number of skilled technology workers and expand tech career opportunities for diverse populations, including women, individuals with disabilities and people of color. (PRNewsfoto/CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech)

United Training is the latest company to join CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech, a national initiative to help employers fill current and long-term IT staffing needs through an "earn and learn" apprenticeship program, and to do so in a way that opens employment opportunities for veterans, women and underserved communities.

"We've trained thousands of IT professionals and we continue to hear about the ongoing skills gap that organizations face," said Jamie Fiely, president of United Training & Academy. "Working hand in hand with CompTIA to address those needs, while also supporting DEI&B initiatives, is exactly what we're all about. We're ready to help employers recruit talent from new diverse populations and prepare them for success in these high demand security roles."

United Training is functioning as an intermediary serving both employers and apprentices under a U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) standards-based Registered Apprenticeship. Services provided to the employer include screening potential candidates, administration and reporting and the building and delivery of a thorough training plan. United Training will also assume responsibility of the apprentice's success while assisting with any HR issues that may arise.

"Apprenticeships are a proven method for building the technical and durable skills that employers are looking for and to do so in a way that brings a broader diversity of people into the workforce," said Amy Kardel, senior vice president for workforce relationships at CompTIA. "It's a winning strategy for any organization that's looking to grow and diversify its tech team. United Training is a valued partner with a team experienced at successfully transitioning people into careers in technology. We are pleased to welcome them to our apprenticeship program."

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CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech, a collaborative effort between the American Institutes for Research (AIR) and CompTIA, is a USDOL standards-based Registered Apprenticeship program. The USDOL selected AIR and CompTIA to serve as a national Industry Intermediary for expansion of apprenticeship in tech occupations. To learn more about CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech visit: https://www.comptia.org/content/lp/apprenticeships-for-tech.

About CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech

CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech is a national initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to increase the number of skilled technology workers and expand tech career opportunities for diverse populations, including women, individuals with disabilities and people of color. https://www.comptia.org/content/lp/apprenticeships-for-tech .

About United Training

United Training offers custom training solutions delivered by more than 100 subject matter experts to customers around the globe. Our solutions will allow you to optimize your technology investment, outpace your competition, increase your level of innovation, and adapt faster to market conditions. We offer training solutions for every member of your team, in the learning style that best fits their needs. Whatever it takes  we are nimble, experienced, and positioned to help you reach your goals.

Media Contact

Steven Ostrowski

CompTIA

sostrowski@comptia.org

630-678-8468

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/united-training-launches-new-cybersecurity-joint-program-with-comptia-apprenticeships-for-tech-301592382.html

SOURCE CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech
The innovative hotel brand continues rapid global expansion with the fifth hotel signing in Asia and ambitious development plans for Japan

LONDON, July 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- YOTEL today announced its first hotel in Japan. Slated to open in 2024 under a long-term management agreement, YOTEL Tokyo will be located in Ginza, one of Tokyo's most desirable and dynamic neighbourhoods.

Yotel_Logo

Featuring 244 rooms, the hotel will showcase the brand's latest features including the brand's signature robotic concierge YOBOT, motorised SmartBeds, and fully integrated technologies enabling a complete touchless guest experience from reservation up to check-out.

"Japan's focus on technology and innovation has been an important source of inspiration for YOTEL ever since our inception. We are immensely proud and excited to announce our first hotel in Tokyo. A flagship for our group, YOTEL Tokyo will also be a stepping stone to roll out our brand across Japan, a market of strategic importance for YOTEL", commented Hubert Viriot, CEO of YOTEL.

YOTEL Tokyo is steps away from Ginza, the city's most popular dining and shopping destination, featuring flagship stores for many of the world's best-known brands. The hotel is also only a fifteen-minute walk from Tokyo station, home to the city's main Shinkansen high-speed rail terminal providing access to most parts of Japan as well as the Narita Express, the city's main gateway to Narita International Airport.

YOTEL Tokyo is part of YOTEL's wider expansion strategy to expand across key cities in Japan including Sapporo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. The group is also working on opportunities to roll out YOTELAir  the group's unique transit hotel concept - at key gateway airports and train stations.

YOTEL Tokyo will also include the brand's signature versatile and high energy public areas, where guests can eat, drink, work and play as well as a 24/7 fitness centre, a Grab-and-Go cafe where guests can take away locally sourced food and drink options, meeting space and an outdoor terrace to meet, connect and relax.

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ABOUT YOTEL

YOTEL challenges the status quo by appealing to those who find traditional hotels uninspiring, looking for a different experience not just a great sleep. It delivers an authentic experience through awesome people, smart design and the creative use of technology. Inspired by the luxury of first-class travel and uncompromisingly designed around guests, YOTEL offers extraordinary value and a sense of community in sought-after locations.

The global hospitality brand is based in London with regional offices in the US and Asia, and has a portfolio of three brands: YOTEL, YOTELPAD and YOTELAIR. The company operates fourteen city centre hotels in New York, Boston, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Miami, Singapore, Edinburgh, London (2), Amsterdam, Porto, Glasgow, Manchester and Park City, and six airport hotels in London Gatwick, Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris, Charles de Gaulle, Istanbul Airport (2), and Singapore Changi.

YOTEL's major shareholders include a controlled affiliate of Starwood Capital Group, the Talal Jassim Al-Bahar Group, United Investment Portugal and Kuwait Real Estate Company (AQARAT).

YOTEL was originally created by YO! founder Simon Woodroffe OBE who took inspiration from the experience of first-class travel and translated that ethos, language and design into small but beautifully designed rooms. www.yo.co.uk.

Visit www.yotel.com for more information.

CONTACT: Georgina Oakley, georgina.oakley@yotel.com

Render image of one of the versatile and high energy public areas at YOTEL Tokyo.

Render image of a Premium Room at YOTEL Tokyo.

SOURCE YOTEL
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.
People who selflessly think of otherseven to the point of sacrificing their own livesare being honored as hometown heroes by the Allen & Allen law firm.

One of the six people recognized this year by the Fredericksburg office is Phyllis Mills, 66, a Spotsylvania County woman who is being honored for her heroic selflessness, according to a news release.

On April 10, she woke up to find her home was on fire, then awoke her husband and sister, who was on oxygen and in need of a lung transplant. Mills escorted both of them out of the burning home, according to Spotsylvania fire officials, then ran back inside to retrieve her dogs. She was unable to make it back out.

May she rest in peace, states the Allen & Allen news release.

Mills is survived by her husband, Kenneth, four children, 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The others honored by the law firm serve their communities in a variety of ways, ranging from helping the homeless and neighbors in need to providing support for families of sick children, repurposing equipment for the disabled and providing free legal service.

The following information about the recipients is from their nomination forms for the Allen & Allen awards program, which is in its 13th year and honors residents in the Fredericksburg, Charlottesville and Richmond areas.

Ann Kloeckner works at Legal Aid Works in Fredericksburg, advocating for those without resources for legal representation. Devoted to public service, she advocated for victims of domestic violence earlier in her career and now mentors new attorneys.

Kloeckner also holds public speaking engagements throughout Virginia on issues of justice. In 2016, she was appointed by the Virginia Supreme Court to serve a three-year term as a member of a professionalism course that all newly licensed attorneys in the state must take.

Roger Reynolds formed CJs Thumb Up Foundation after the loss of his daughter, Charlotte Jennie. She was 4 when she died from an aggressive brain tumor in 2010. The foundation offers emergency financial assistance to families, and Reynolds has provided meals from Richmond to Charlottesville. For more than 10 years, he has strived to put a smile on the face of families devastated by a childhood illness, according to a news release.

He raises money by hosting events such as a Music Fest, virtual challenges and selling merchandise.

Madlin Edmonds founded Neighbors in Need, which works to find affordable housing for the homeless, including some who were living in the woods of Prince William County. She also promotes voter registration, conducts polls and is always on the lookout for resources and donations for holiday drives, to ensure that no family is left behind.

Eric Barnes runs The Equipment Connection in Fredericksburg, which connects people with disabilities to equipment that helps them live more independently. Through its partnership with the Disability Resource Center, the Equipment Connection offers much-needed medical supplies those with injuries or disabilities. Barnes cleans and repairs the donated equipment that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Himani Daanya Saraff has been giving back since age 5 when she created and sold slime and bookmarks to raise money for Ellies Hats, a nonprofit in Loudoun County dedicated to fighting childhood cancer. Since 2014, she has been distributing Christmas gifts to children at the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter. She also donated more than 1,000 pounds of food to local pantries, and with a team of Girl Scouts, created 110 care packages for teachers last spring.

She raised money for face shields for first-responders during the pandemic and for Afghani refugees who arrived at Dulles International Airport. With her Sweets for All campaign, she distributed more than 400 pounds of sweets and candy to fire stations, shelters and the homeless population.

The residents honored by the Fredericksburg office are among 20 people in Virginia who received Allen & Allen Hometown Heroes Awards this year.

While the world looks a bit different each year, one thing remains constant, and thats the fact that incredible people continue to inspire others and do important work in our communitiestruly heroes among us, said Edward Allen, president of Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen.
When it comes to the ducks that have made their home in a marsh along Monroe Bay in Colonial Beach, never has it been more obvious that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Theyre so, so beautiful, said Lois Thomas who contacted The Free LanceStar, requesting coverage of what she deemed an unusual story.

I thought, you know what, Colonial Beach is on the front page for drug busts and murders, why cant we have something thats good?

When Thomas looks at the Muscovy ducks, she doesnt see the breed known for the red, warty facial skin that can be frankly, gross, with a knob on top of the bill and lumps all over, according to an Odd Ducks article on Cornell Universitys Lab of Ornithology website.

She sees something quite regal.

When the ducks are on the waddle, theyre like, Stop your car because Im crossing the street, she said. They make a spectacle of themselves with their white and black feathers and orange beaks.

Thomas also wanted to call attention to neighbor Bill Dellar, a retired government worker, Marine and former Colonial Beach town council member whose backyard butts up against the Monroe Bay marsh. Dellar diligently feeds any feathered guests, from purple martins to swans, and hes put up nests for ospreys, which seems to be the thing to do in Colonial Beachif youre not producing art for a nearby gallery.

Given his proximity to the water, Dellar might come across as the Forrest Gump equivalent of a box of chocolates. In other words, he never knows what hes gonna get in terms of wildlife.

When a gray Muscovy duck appeared about three years ago, Dellar tossed some cracked corn its way as well, then he and the ThomasesLois husband Bruce also served in the Marineswere thrilled to see two Muscovy couples arrive about 18 months ago.

The paired ducks must have considered the original Muscovy a fifth wheel and chased it away.

He seemed perfectly content to be by himself and when the others showed up, he got out, Dellar said.

Since then, one female has laid several clutches of eggs. The first batch was eaten; Dellar said there was a nest near the back door that had 12 eggs in it one night and none the next morning.

Another group of eggs produced ducklings, but the dozen babies gradually disappeared.

Maybe the third time has been the charm. The mother duck hatched a dozen fuzzballs about a month ago and so far, seven have survived snapping turtles, foxes, raccoons and whatever else may be lurking in the marshland.

The babies are an assortment of colors, from traditional duckling yellow to mottled mixes of gray and black with touches of white.

When Thomas breathlessly contacted the paper, she said how crazy it was to see wild Muscovy ducks this far northand shes right, that would have been really unusual. The birds are native to Central and South America, according to Cornell.

But what the Colonial Beach residents are fawning overand whats also shown up at local farms, ponds and even in Fredericksburgs Central Parkare domestic ducks, not their native cousins, said Joe Ferdinandsen, a district wildlife biologist with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Unless theyve had their wings clipped, the domestic versions can pretty much fly wherever they want. Out of water, the ducks are good producers of meat and eggs, Ferdinandsen said, but not exactly fashion plates.

Theyre a bit of an oddity, he said. Theyre not the prize winners in the beauty pageant of the duck world.

However, an article on the cuteness.com website claims that whatever they lack in good looks, the Muscoviesor Muscovites if theyre Russianmake up for in temperament and usefulness. Theyre friendly and affectionate, wag their tails like dogs, eat lots of pests and lay extra-large eggs.

Males tends to have the bumpiest skin, with warts that can surround the sides of their bills and go down their neck, according to cuteness.com. The warty arrangement is more delicate on the females as they have what looks more like a masquerade ball mask, typically just around the eyes, states the cuteness website.

While Muscovy ducks like to breed with their own kind, a single male or female will take whatever comes along, according to an article on the Backyard Poultry website. Ducklings that result from this pairing are called mules because they are sterile and cannot produce offspring.

One of the females in Dellars flock may fit this description. He said the males have gotten busy with herwell, thats not exactly what he saidbut no babies.

Dellar enjoys seeing the ducks in a row, coming out of the marsh, or in the back yard, waddling around and eating all the nearby bugs.

Im an old guy, I just enjoy watching the birds, he said, adding that the Muscovies have been a real treat. You cant look at them without saying theres something different about these ducks.
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.
Rachel Gabel writes about agriculture and rural issues. She is assistant editor of The Fence Post Magazine, the regions preeminent agriculture publication. Gabel is a daughter of the states oil and gas industry and a member of one of the states 12,000 cattle-raising families, and she has authored childrens books used in hundreds of classrooms to teach students about agriculture.
Bursts of color, outrageous outfits and a festive atmosphere dominated the downtown Colorado Springs landscape on Sunday as the Pride Parade returned from a two-year COVID-related hiatus, encouraging members of the queer community to shed inhibitions and flaunt your pride.

Hundreds of cheering revelers lined Tejon Avenue as LGBTQ+ groups marched with supportive parents, church representatives, flag and rifle twirlers, and even a small contingent from a local satanic temple during the keystone event of the two-day Pride Festival.

It was a weekend of celebration, recognition and inclusion. It was not a time for subtlety.

A robust turnout for the Pride Parade in downtown Colorado Springs. @csgazette pic.twitter.com/5x1Sw897In  O'Dell Isaac (@IketheScribe) July 24, 2022

Sprinkled among rainbow flags and capes were people in various states of dress (or undress), including several who showed up without shirts, or even pants. Marchers tossed beads and candy to the crowd.

Pride is about being who you are and not caring what anyone else thinks about it, said Brian, who cheered and danced wearing only a multi-colored flag and a pair of boxer shorts. Its not about being subtle.

The best part of Pride is the idea of letting your inhibitions go, said Liss Smith, communications manager at Inside Out Youth Services. Its very come as you are. You want to show your belly? You want to put rainbow body paint on? Go for it! No ones gonna judge you for however you show up.

LGBTQ+ groups were well represented at the parade, but several groups of allies were in attendance as well. A number of parents marched  carrying signs with slogans like We love our trans children and Love is love  and several local churches showed their support of the community.

There was such a positivity and openness, and respect and great energy, said Jennifer Williamson of Neighbors for Education. We marched the parade and we never saw a single protester, and I didnt hear any words of hate or opposition.

Williamson, a pastor at Grace and St. Stephens Episcopal Church, said inclusivity is  or should be  a Christian value, and that church denominations often support gay rights if they read the biblical text carefully, thoughtfully and completely.

The Episcopal Church has supported gay rights for 46 years, she said. Weve had gay bishops, and gay clergy, for a very long time. We do gay marriages.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community said while the Pride Festival was a fun and festive two days, theyd like to feel a similar level of support the other 363 days of the year.

This is really great and fun, and I appreciate that the city supports it, said Melissa Nunn, who attended the parade. But when its over, so many people in the community go back to being invisible.

Leah Nunn agreed. Its easy to show up at a parade and wave a flag, but what about afterwards?

Smith said the greater community could do more to make queer citizens feel a sense of belonging.

Some of it is easy to do  just visual stuff, they said. Like the Rainbow Crosswalk (at Tejon Street and Colorado Avenue) is great, but its only there for a couple of days. Why cant we just have a permanent one?

Those issues are important and need to be addressed, Smith said. But for now, members of the queer community can rejoice in the fact that the Pride Festival is back.

We havent had this in so long, Smith said. I cant tell you how healing it is to look around people who share so much identity with you. Its just beautiful.
[July 25, 2022] Gateway Earns Prestigious Center of Excellence Recognition from BenchmarkPortal

BenchmarkPortal has announced that Gateway First Bank has been certified as a "Center of Excellence," which is one of the most prestigious awards in the customer service and support industry. BenchmarkPortal only awards this designation to customer service contact centers that rank in the top 10% of centers surveyed across the nation. Centers are judged against a balanced scorecard of metrics for efficiency and effectiveness. "At Gateway, we focus on embodying our core value of strengthening families into everything we do," said Scott Gesell, CEO of Gateway. "This award is a direct result of the tireless efforts and passion our servicing team places on creating a positive customer experience. It proves that we are helping our customers efficiently and effectively while also living up to our company's core values." The certification process examined 31 metrics of performance for all servicers including communication via voice (inbound/outbound phone calls), email, secure messages, and postal mail. Of these 31 metrics, the company performed higher than the industry average in most of the categories measured. "The Gateway team continues to excel, no matter the circumstances," shared Earl Dunham, Senior Vice President of Servicing Operations at Gateway. "The last two years have been full of challenges for our customers due to the pandemic and the economy. The Gateway team has worked hard to find solutions to successfully keep our customers in their homes. It's wonderful to see our servicing team's dedication to our customers recognized with this certification." About Gateway First Bank Gateway First Bank is a leading financial institution that provides banking and mortgage services for consumers and commercial customers. Headquartered in Jenks, Oklahoma, Gateway is a $1.9 billion asset sized bank with a strong mortgage operation. Gateway is one of the largest banking operations in Oklahoma and mortgage operations in the United States, with eight bank centers in Oklahoma, over 170 mortgage centers in 43 states, and over 1,400 employees. Learn more at www.GatewayFirst.cm. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender (NMLS 7233)



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About BenchmarkPortal From its origins in 1995, BenchmarkPortal has become a global leader in the contact center industry, providing benchmarking, certification, training, consulting and industry reports. The BenchmarkPortal team of professionals has gained international recognition for its innovative approach to best practices for the contact center industry. BenchmarkPortal hosts the world's largest database of contact center metrics, which is constantly being refreshed with new data. BenchmarkPortal's mission is to provide contact center managers with the tools and information that will help them optimize their efficiency and effectiveness in their customer communications. For more information on BenchmarkPortal please call 1-800-214-8929 or visit www.BenchmarkPortal.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220725005631/en/

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Osha Waters places flowers on a cross for Tralona Bartkowiak, who was one of 10 killed including a police officer in a March 22, 2021 mass shooting at King Soopers supermarket, outside the fence in font of the store in Boulder, Colo., on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. (Chancey Bush/ The Gazette file)
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP)  The Biden administration on Monday said the government will plant more than one billion trees across millions of acres 
Faculty and students at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs are mourning the loss of a student who was found dead in a dorm room ov
South Africa: National Treasury finalising sustainable solution to Eskom debt

The National Treasury is working to finalise a sustainable solution to Eskoms substantial R400 billion debt, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Addressing the nation on the energy crisis on Monday, the President said the debt continued to be a huge burden on Eskoms ability to address its many challenges. The country has over the past three weeks experienced rolling power cuts.

He said the Minister of Finance would in his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in October outline how government would deal with this matter in an effective manner.

Government, he said, would use climate funding provided through the Just Energy Transition Partnership to invest in the grid and repurpose power stations that have reached the end of their lives.

Eskom will be constructing its first solar and battery storage projects at Komati, Majuba, Lethabo and several other power stations. These will result in over 500 MW being added to the system, he said.

In an effort to combat rife crime and corruption confronting the power utility, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has set up a special law enforcement team to help Eskom in confronting crime and corruption.

A number people have been arrested in recent days and several others are already being prosecuted for corruption and fraud involving Eskom contracts.

With improvements in the regulatory environment and mobilisation of society, the President said Eskom would be well positioned to carry out its maintenance and investment programmes.

There can be no longer any excuses, he said. These steps will allow us to limit load shedding to lower stages and reduce the risk of such severe load shedding in future.

This includes taking a pragmatic approach to the local content requirements for these projects and prioritising the need to build new capacity as quickly as possible.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition together with the Independent Power Producers Office will provide further details in this regard within the coming days, said the President.

Government is already working with industry to accelerate the most advanced projects, several of which are already entering construction.

These changes have fundamentally changed the generation landscape. Following the success of this reform and the enthusiasm shown by the private sector, we will remove the licensing threshold for embedded generation completely, he said.

This will enable private investment in electricity generation to rise to higher levels.

While they will not require licences, all new generation projects will still have to register with the regulator and comply with the technical requirements for grid connection and our environmental legislation.

One of our greatest challenges in adding capacity to the grid is the time that it takes for any energy project to receive the necessary approvals and commence construction. The process, from design to commercial operation, has tended to take more than three years due to lengthy regulatory processes and red tape, he said.

While existing legislation may be sufficient in ordinary times, the current crisis requires that we act decisively and more speedily.

He said government would in this regard be tabling special legislation in Parliament on an expedited basis to address the legal and regulatory obstacles to new generation capacity for a limited period.

On Monday the President raised this in a meeting he held with leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly. During this engagement, there was broad agreement that the process should be hastened once the special legislation was tabled in Parliament.

We will in the meantime waive or streamline certain regulatory requirements where it is possible to do so within existing legislation.

This includes reducing the regulatory requirements for solar projects in areas of low and medium environmental sensitivity. It also means Eskom can expand power lines and substations without needing to get environmental authorisation in areas of low and medium sensitivity and within the strategic electricity corridors.

Beyond this, he said government was also establishing a single point of entry for all energy project applications, to ensure coordination of approval processes across government.

The President said he had instructed departments and entities to review all existing time frames and to ensure all applications are processed on an urgent basis.

These measures are preferable to declaring a state of disaster or even emergency, as some have suggested. These interventions will allow us do what is necessary to accelerate new generation capacity while protecting the rights of all South Africans and upholding the rule of law.

He said the country did not need a state of emergency or national disaster to implement common sense regulations that should help in resolving our energy crisis.

We intend to enable businesses and households to invest in rooftop solar. South Africa has great abundance of sun which we should use to generate electricity. There is significant potential for households and businesses to install rooftop solar and connect this power to the grid, he said.

To incentivise greater uptake of rooftop solar, Eskom will develop rules and a pricing structure  known as a feed-in tariff  for all commercial and residential installations on its network.

This means that those who can and have installed solar panels in their homes or businesses will be able to sell surplus power they dont need to Eskom.

Eskom restructuring

The restructuring of the power utility into three entities (generation, transmission and distribution) was proceeding accordingly.

With an independent transmission company already established, he said Eskom was on track to separate its generation and distribution businesses by the end of 2022.

Boards for the transmission and generation entities will soon be appointed.

Broader reforms to establish a competitive electricity market will be expedited through the finalisation of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill to enable private sector investment. These changes will radically transform the structure of the electricity sector for future generations.

The reforms, the President said, would diversify the countrys energy sources and improve the security of supply.

These changes will allow more generators, both private and state-owned, to compete on an equal footing. The grid will remain state-owned.

Eskom will continue to be the mainstay of our countrys energy industry as we improve its efficiency, financial sustainability and performance.

National Energy Crisis Committee

To ensure the measures announced during Mondays address are implemented in a coordinated manner, the President has established a National Energy Crisis Committee, which will be chaired by the Director-General in the Presidency.

[It] brings together all the departments and entities involved in the provision of electricity, he said.

The Committee will draw on the best available expertise from business, labour, professional engineering entities and community-based organisations.

The relevant Ministers will report to the President directly on a regular basis to ensure that there was swift implementation.

The measures, he said, were not just to address the countrys immediate constraints.

Our ultimate objective is to achieve long-term energy security, so that we never have to experience an electricity shortage again.

We aim to do this by stabilising Eskom and improving plant performance, establishing a competitive electricity market, opening the way for private investment in new generation capacity and increasing our investment in renewables. These measures are necessary to revive economic growth and create jobs.

In the process, we will position our country as a leading player in the transition to new and sustainable energy sources, turning this crisis into an opportunity for future growth and resilience, he said.

The utility was now recruiting skilled personnel, including former senior Eskom plant managers and engineers from the private sector.

These skilled personnel will support various personnel and help to ensure that world-class operating and maintenance procedures are reinstated.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2022-07-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
CCTV: According to a recent report by Georgetown Universitys Center on Privacy and Technology, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has created a surveillance infrastructure that enables it to cross legal lines to pull detailed dossiers on nearly anyone, seemingly at any time. Whats Chinas comment?



Zhao Lijian: US government agencies have long been using advanced cyber surveillance technologies to indiscriminately keep tabs on people, a move that ignores ethical boundaries. The report you mentioned uncovers details about this egregious practice. It found that ICE spent nearly $3 billion to put in place a surveillance system, which has access to data of three quarters of American adults and information belonging to over 218 million utility customers across all 50 states and the district. ICE also has, in the name of caring for unaccompanied migrant children who crossed the US border, arrested at least 400 family members of these children.

I noted that there is no effective legal deterrence in the US against government agencies unscrupulous and pervasive collection of peoples personal information. Many US and international media have expressed anger at this. They are concerned about the loopholes in the US legal system that caused the persistent failure to rein in ICEs massive surveillance network. How many agencies are still out there in the US, operating like ICE, driven by commercial interest and so-called national security? What the report uncovers may very well be just the tip of the iceberg.

The US is the No.1 empire of hacking, surveillance and theft of secrets. The report is latest evidence that relevant US government agencies not only treat average US citizens as suspects, but also seek to make US allies and partners and the rest of the world their targets. This is an indisputable fact and a brilliant mock of the US self-claimed commitment to human rights, rule of law and rules. The USs practice is bound to meet growing rejection at home and internationally.

Reuters: Myanmars military junta said today that it had executed four democracy activists accused of helping to carry out terror acts. Whats Chinas comment?

Zhao Lijian: China always adheres to the principle of non-interference in other countries internal affairs. We always maintain that all parties and factions in Myanmar should properly handle their differences and disagreements within the framework of the Constitution and laws with an eye on the long-term interests of the country and the nation.

Phoenix TV: According to reports, Rishi Sunak, a UK Prime Minister candidate and former Chancellor of the Exchequer, said on July 25 that China is the biggest-long-term threat to Britain and the worlds economic and national security and vowed to get tough on China if elected UKs Prime Minister. What is your comment?



Zhao Lijian: I wont comment on the UKs Conservative Party leadership election, which is an internal affair of the UK. I want to make it clear to certain British politicians that making irresponsible remarks about China, including hyping up so-called China threat, cannot solve ones own problems.

MASTV: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in an interview on July 24 that there is no justification for Chinese sanctions on Australian products and that its in both countries interests to lift all of them. He expressed the hope of cooperating with China where we can. Do you have any response?

Zhao Lijian: A sound and stable China-Australia relationship meets the fundamental interests and common aspiration of the two peoples. According to our statistics, two-way trade between China and Australia reached $231.2 billion in 2021, up by 35.1% year-on-year, including $164.82 billion of imports from Australia, which went up by 40.6%. As to the measures taken by Chinese authorities on imported foreign goods, they are strictly consistent with Chinese laws and regulations and established international practice and part of acting responsibly for domestic industries and consumers.

Let me reiterate that Chinas position on practical cooperation with other countries, including Australia, is consistent. We hope Australia will seize the opportunities in our relations, take concrete actions, shape up a right perception of China, handle economic and trade relations with China in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual benefit, work with China in the same direction to reduce liabilities and build positive dynamics for improving bilateral relations, and create enabling conditions for the sound and steady development of economic and trade ties.

TASS: According to media reports, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said last Thursday that shes urging the State Department to label Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. Does the foreign ministry have any comment on this possible step to be taken by the US side?



Zhao Lijian: China always believes that on the Ukraine issue, dialogue and negotiation is the right way to resolve disputes. The US should create positive conditions for Russia-Ukraine negotiations and do more for a political settlement.

Associated Press of Pakistan: On July 21, the third meeting of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) joint working group on international cooperation was held online. Do you have any response on that?



Zhao Lijian: Thank you for your interest in the relevant CPEC meeting.

On July 21, the Joint Working Group on International Cooperation and Coordination under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor held the third meeting via video link. The meeting was co-chaired by Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao and Pakistani Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood.

Both sides agreed to well grasp the general direction of the development of CPEC, and properly cope with risks and challenges to accumulate positive energy for, inject new impetus into, and provide a strong guarantee for the development of CPEC.

Both sides exchanged views and reached common understandings on the participation of third parties in CPEC and exchanges among media and think tanks, including promoting cooperation schemes involving third parties in line with existing consensus and extending CPEC projects to Afghanistan. The two sides also agreed to continue to deepen media cooperation and do a good job in telling CPEC stories, and innovate and expand cooperation among think tanks to provide more public support and insights for the development of CPEC.

China stands ready to work with Pakistan to follow through on the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and push forward all CPEC projects in a safe, smooth, and high-quality manner to better benefit people in the two countries and the region.

Kyodo News: Do you have any updates on the Indonesian presidents visit to China?

Zhao Lijian: We have released relevant announcement. If theres any update, we will keep you informed.

Reuters: According to the Financial Times, China has heightened its warnings to the US over the possible US House Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to Taiwan. These warnings or threats have been perceived to be stronger than in the past. According to the sources of the Financial Times, they may include a possible military response. Is it accurate? And if there may be a possible military response, what kind of response is involved here?

Zhao Lijian: The Chinese side has repeatedly made clear to the US side our serious concern over Speaker Pelosis potential visit to Taiwan and our firm opposition to the visit. We are fully prepared for any eventuality. If the US side insists on making the visit, the Chinese side will take firm and strong measures to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity. The US must assume full responsibility for any serious consequence arising thereof.

RIA Novosti: Last Friday, the deal on food exports from Ukraine was signed by Russia, Turkiye, Ukraine and the United Nations. Russian Defense Minister said the export of grain from Ukraines Black Sea ports may start in the next few days. Id like to ask whats Chinas comment on the deal? And do you have any information about when China will start receiving grain that was blocked in Ukrainian ports due to the conflict?



Zhao Lijian: China welcomes the agreement. China attaches high importance to the issue of international food security. We have included food security as one of the eight priority areas of cooperation in the Global Development Initiative and recently put forward Chinas initiative on international food security cooperation to contribute Chinese solution to the current global food challenge. China supports the UNs active role in the conclusion of the grain export agreement. Under the current circumstances, the international community needs to make strong effort to jointly address the global food security issue. Regarding the specific question you raised, Id like to refer you to the relevant authorities.

Bloomberg: US General Mark Milley, whos the chairman of the Chief of Staff, said that Chinas military has become significantly more aggressive and dangerous over the past five years. He said that the number of intercepts by Chinese aircraft and ships in the Pacific region with the US and partner forces has increased significantly over that time. And the number of unsafe interactions has risen also. How does the ministry respond to Milleys remarks?

Zhao Lijian: The US sides remarks completely confuse right and wrong. Some people in the US have clung to the Cold War zero-sum mentality and kept making references to a China challenge. Their sole purpose is to justify the USs military build-up. The US total military expenditure ranks first in the world. On top of that, it has recently submitted a proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Budget request of about $813 billion for defense. The US runs more than 800 overseas military bases globally, and has not waged wars for 16 years only since it was founded. Whos been dispatching military vessels and aircraft abroad to flex its muscles? Whos been challenging regional peace, security and stability? And who is more aggressive? The facts speak for themselves.

The US official needs to abandon the Cold War zero-sum mentality, stop hyping up the China threat, and stop finding fault with China and using it as pretext to beef up defense budget and military capacity.

Xinhua News Agency: It is reported that German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said in an interview on July 22 that China no longer accepts One Country, Two Systems, Germany should take Chinas declaration on attacking Taiwan seriously just like the US and this is why Germany and the US worked out the strategy of NATO. Baerbock also said that Germany will work with partners to reduce economic dependency on China. Do you have any comment?



Zhao Lijian: The remarks of the German official you mentioned reflect some typical biased views on China. I would like to stress four points.

First, China always stands for respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and is committed to the path of peaceful development. Among the major countries, China has the best peace and security record. We have never started a war or occupied one inch of foreign land. China does not pose a threat to any country.

Second, the Taiwan question is Chinas internal affair that brooks no external interference. China is committed to the policy of peaceful reunification and One Country, Two Systems. No one should underestimate the strong resolve, will and ability of the Chinese people to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Anyone who dares to challenge Chinas red line will find themselves on a collision course with the Chinese people.

Third, the last thing the security and stability in the Asia-Pacific needs is disruption from NATO. The 21st century is characterized by multi-polarity. Gone is the era in which a few Western countries called the shots on everything.

Fourth, economic globalization and trade liberalization are the trend of the times. China is the largest trading partner of over 120 countries and regions. This is the result of the combined force of the market and the choices of businesses. Not even so-called democracy or values can replace the economic principles of the free market.

I would like to remind certain Western politicians that sticking to the outdated Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation is not going to work. Anyone doing so will only fall into the trap they dig for themselves. Only by upholding norms in international relations, drawing lessons from history and reality, and adopting the right perception on China based on facts, can we set the right tone for the bilateral relationship which should be win-win in nature, and together safeguard the peace and security of the world.

Reuters: I know just now another reporter asked about the Indonesian Presidents visit. As far as we understand, this is the first visit by a state leader other than during the Olympics for over two years. Will it be conducted in the same way as before the pandemic? So will they be meeting face-to-face or will there be more of a virtual affair? How would it take place?

Zhao Lijian: I have no more details to offer at this moment. Indeed its the first high-level visit were going to receive after the Beijing Olympic Winter Games, and I would like to say that we have gained useful experience during the Olympics. While ensuring safety against COVID-19, we will do our utmost to make sure every part of the reception is done properly for the visit. I am confident that the visit will be smooth and a full success. You may stay tuned for details about the visit. Let us keep looking forward to this visit.

Bloomberg: A moment ago, you said that China is getting seriously prepared for any visit by Pelosi to Taiwan. Could you offer any details about it? Is that a military response that China is preparing, or is it a diplomatic response or some other?

Zhao Lijian: Ive just made our position very clear. If the US side insists on making the visit, the Chinese side will act strongly to resolutely respond to it and take countermeasures.

Reuters: Just to follow up on my earlier question with regard to the Financial Times report. The report mentioned that China had made sterner warnings to US officials, is that true?

Zhao Lijian: I think your understanding is correct.
Vice President Kamala Harris met with more than 20 Virginia legislators Saturday morning in Henrico County, exhorting them to fight for protection of abortion rights in a state where its future policy is unclear.

You dont have to abandon your faith or your beliefs to agree the government should not be making that decision for that woman, Harris said at a union hall in Highland Springs.

It may not be something you choose to do, but lets all agree, when it comes to the most intimate decisions that a woman can make, intimate decisions about heart and home, she should be able to do that without the government telling her what to do.

Harris spoke with Democratic leaders of Virginia at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 666. They discussed the political battle in Virginia, the possibility of proposing a state constitutional amendment to codify abortion rights and what they termed barriers to protecting abortion rights, including a member of their own party and Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who has proposed a ban on most abortions after 15 weeks.

In the month since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Harris has met with legislators and advocates at the White House and in Orlando, Fla.; Philadelphia; Atlantic City, N.J.; and Charlotte, N.C.

Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, who chairs the Senate Education and Health committee, said the body will stand as a brick wall against any measures to further limit or ban abortion. A bill limiting abortion likely would have to clear the committee of nine Democrats and six Republicans. Democrats hold a 21-19 edge in the Virginia Senate, and Republicans control the House of Delegates 52-48.

We are a safe haven here in Virginia, and were going to fight like hell to make sure it stays that way, Lucas said.

Youngkin has proposed banning most abortions after 15 weeks, allowing for exceptions of rape, incest and when a womans life is in jeopardy. He tasked three Republican legislators with writing a bill, which they can introduce in January.

In the days after his announcement, Youngkin expressed a desire to limit abortion further. He told The Family Foundation he believes life begins at conception but that proposing a bill more likely to pass was the top priority.

It wont be the bill that we all want, Youngkin said. Any bill that comes to my desk, I will sign happily, gleefully, to protect life.

Harris referred to Youngkin on Saturday  but not by name. She said she was fully aware of the context in which we meet and what this will mean to the people of Virginia.

While Democrats control the Virginia Senate, Sen. Joe Morrissey, D-Richmond, has indicated he might support a further restriction.

In a statement after the Supreme Courts decision, Morrissey likened his personal opposition to abortion to that of Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va.

Still, I defend the position that women should have safe access to the procedure, at the very least, up to the moment a fetus can feel pain which many agree is 20 plus weeks of a pregnancy; in cases when a mothers health or life is at risk; in cases of rape that result in a pregnancy; and in cases of incest that result in a pregnancy, Morrissey said in the statement.

Just to be very clear: I do not believe the government, whether Federal or State, should be telling women what to do with their bodies.

Though some Republicans favor a 15-week bill, they could propose a 20-week bill as a fallback position.

On Saturday, Rep. Don McEachin, D-4th, called out Morrissey for not aligning with the party, saying theres a problem child in the Virginia Senate. The legislators who appeared Saturday are the choir, and they dont need preaching, McEachin said. Opponents of abortion are the ones the vice president needs to address.

Hes the one who needs to be here, McEachin said. Hes the one who needs to understand the importance of being pro-choice in this environment.

Morrissey did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for the senator said Morrissey was not invited to Saturdays roundtable.

McEachin called on the U.S. Senate to make an exception to the filibuster rule when it comes to bills regarding a persons civil rights, including abortion or voting rights. Sens. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., have stood in the way of Democrats hopes of suspending the filibuster. Currently, the Senate requires 60 votes to end debate on most topics.

In Virginia, Democrats have proposed legislation of their own to codify abortion rights, going as far as suggesting a state constitutional amendment. But the chance of passing an amendment is slim, considering it would have to pass both chambers in two separate years and then be approved by the states voters as a referendum.

Its more important than ever that our voices be heard, said Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton.

Among the lawmakers in attendance Saturday were Sens. Lucas and Locke; Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond; and Creigh Deeds, D-Bath; as well as House Democratic leader Don Scott Jr., D-Portsmouth, and fellow Dels. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria; Karrie Delaney, D-Fairfax; Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria; Sally Hudson, D-Charlottesville; Clint Jenkins, D-Suffolk; Mark Keam, D-Fairfax; Candi King, D-Prince William; Michelle Maldonado, D-Manassas; Ken Plum, D-Fairfax; Kathy Tran, D-Fairfax; and Vivian Watts, D-Fairfax.
Rocco "Rocky" Scarfone, owner of Cone Denim Entertainment Center, sued and settled with the city to maintain access to an alley behind his business, but says the way the parking deck was built encroached on that space, making it mostly unusable.
LINVILLE  Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has announced that you may now reserve your seat for the second of the Saturday presentations in its revamped Grandfather Presents speaker series. Charlie Brady, executive director of Blue Ridge Conservancy, will present Strategically Protecting Land to Ensure Access to Natural Places for Everyone on Aug. 13.

The brand-new Wilson Center for Nature Discovery will play host to the free hourlong event, which takes place at 2 p.m. and is included in park admission or with a Bridge Club membership. For many, it will be their first chance to check out the new space and exhibits that just opened to the public.

In addition to Brady, the series has three other Saturday afternoon presenters focusing on nature, adventure or conservation-related topics on a local or regional scale. These include Tracy Swartout, Blue Ridge Parkway superintendent, on July 30; Andy Hill, MountainTrue High Country regional director and Watauga Riverkeeper, on Sept. 17; and one more to be announced soon!

The 2022 roster also features two more ticketed Thursday evening events with internationally and nationally known presenters who make it their lifes mission to highlight the challenges, opportunities and good work happening around nature and conservation: ABC News Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee on Aug. 4 and CBS Sunday Morning Correspondent Conor Knighton on Sept. 29.

Were so excited to host Charlie and to hear more about his vital efforts helping to conserve land here in the High Country, said Jesse Pope, president and executive director of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. Throughout his career, he has proven his commitment to protecting natural places, and that resonates very deeply on this mountain and with our visitors.

Brady is a native of northwest North Carolina. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Wake Forest University. After practicing law in Western North Carolina for 37 years, he became executive director of Blue Ridge Conservancy in 2017. Brady has served on the Environmental Management Commission for the State of North Carolina, North Carolina State Parks Board, Foothills Conservancy Board of Trustees, Trout Unlimited National Board, as well as on numerous local and regional nonprofit boards.

Bradys relationship with Blue Ridge Conservancy  a private, nonprofit organization that has protected over 23,000 acres in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties  began during his law practice by advising and negotiating real estate conveyances of conservation properties for the conservancy. He is an avid outdoorsman and recreationalist with a strong commitment to land and water conservation.

In addition to protecting working farmland, BRCs efforts have resulted in the creation of state natural areas like Beech Creek Bog, Bear Paw and Bullhead Mountain.

The presentation will be held in the Wilson Centers Classroom in the Clouds event space, and guests are encouraged to arrive early or stay after to chat with Brady.

To learn more about Grandfather Presents: Charlie Brady  which is included in park admission or with a Bridge Club membership  and to reserve your spot, visit www.grandfather.com/event/charlie-brady.

To learn more about the Grandfather Presents speaker series, visit www.grandfather.com/grandfather-presents.
By Azernews

By Ayya Lmahamad

Azerbaijan exported 12.9 million tons of oil worth $9.3 billion in the first half of 2022, Azernews reports, citing the State Customs Committee.

From January to June 2022, Italy was the primary importer of Azerbaijani oil, accounting for 5 million tons of oil worth $3.6 billion.

The top five countries in terms of oil imports from Azerbaijan were Italy, Israel (1.2 million tons of oil worth $930.3 million), India (959,145 tons of oil worth $770 million), the UK (753,066 tons of oil worth $594.1 million) and Portugal (607,944 tons of oil worth $428.1 million).

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan exported 218,277 tons of oil worth $120.1 million to Turkey and 506,349 tons of oil worth $304.5 million to Ukraine in the first six months of this year.

During the reported months the share of oil in the total structure of exports amounted to 50.6 percent.

In 2021, Azerbaijan exported 27.1 million tons of oil worth $13.2 billion. The top five countries in terms of oil imports from Azerbaijan were Italy, Israel, Croatia, Germany, and Portugal. In addition, Azerbaijan produced 34.6 million tons of crude oil in 2021. The slight increase in oil production last year was primarily due to the gradual elimination of voluntary oil output cuts under the OPEC+deal.
GREENSBORO  Christian pop duo For King & County will bring its annual holiday show on Dec. 11 to the Greensboro Coliseum.

The multi-Grammy Award-winning duo of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone will make the Dec. 11 stop for "A Drummer Boy Christmas/The 2022 Tour Experience."

Ticket presales start at 10 a.m. Tuesday. To access the pre-sale, enter the code CHRISTMAS at the link at forkingandcountry.com/pages/tour.

Tickets will be available to the public at 10 a.m. Friday. Prices will be $29.99 and up plus fees on ticketmaster.com.

They will perform hits from the Top 10 "A Drummer Boy Christmas" album, as well as selections from their recently-released Billboard Top 200 record, "What Are We Waiting For?"

Fans can see the duo perform their No. 1 charting, world-renowned version of the holiday classic Little Drummer Boy as seen on ABCs CMA Country Christmas, as well as their No. 1 hit single For God Is With Us."

In a news release, Joel and Luke Smallbone called it our most elaborate, meaningful, joy-filled  and of course  rhythmic tour of the year all while celebrating the greatest news the world has ever known."

During the 2021 holiday season, "For King & Country" re-entered the mainstream chart with its celebrated rendition of Little Drummer Boy hitting No. 13 on Mediabases Holiday chart, and No. 21 on the AC chart.

The track also hit No. 14 on Billboards AC chart.

The 2022 tour will kick off on Nov.26 in Kansas City, MO and will visit major markets such as Dallas, TX; Baltimore, MD; and Indianapolis, IN before wrapping up with a world-wide livestream concert event at Nashvilles iconic Grand Ole Opry House.
" " Lina Medina holds her newborn baby in 1939. Wikimedia Commons/HowStuffWorks

In 1939, a 5-year-old Peruvian girl from a poor Andean village was brought to a local hospital with concerns about swelling in her stomach. Lina was one of nine children, and her parents feared that the growing bulge in her abdomen was a tumor, but it turned out to be something far more startling.

After giving Lina a full examination, the doctors delivered the shocking diagnosis. Lina was seven months pregnant. On May 14, 1939, Lina delivered a healthy, 6-pound (3-kilogram) baby boy via Cesarean section. She was exactly 5 years, 7 months and 21 days old, making her the youngest mother in recorded history.

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An Extreme Case of Precocious Puberty

"It's an absolutely unbelievable story, but these things do happen," says Dr. Erica A. Eugster, a pediatric endocrinologist and professor of pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Lina represents an extreme case of a relatively common childhood condition called precocious puberty. Endocrinologists treat hormonal disorders, and pediatric endocrinologists like Eugster frequently see patients who are exhibiting outward signs of puberty  breast development and menstruation in girls, enlarged genitals and voice changes in boys  at an early age.

Doctors in the U.S. define precocious puberty as secondary sexual development that starts before the age of 8 for girls and the age of 9 for boys (African American children often start puberty a little earlier than white or Hispanic kids).

But a young girl entering puberty at 6 or 7, while unusual, is a far cry from a 5-year-old who has completed puberty, as was the astounding case with young Lina. Could that really happen?

"We do see that, but it's extraordinarily rare," says Eugster. "In the past 10 years, our hospital has diagnosed precocious puberty in four children ages 2 and under, but nothing like this notorious case. One report claimed that Lina started menstruating at 8 months. That's the earliest case of precocious puberty on record and I've never seen anything like that."

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The Birth Reported Around the World

" " Lina Medina shown at the age of 7 or 8 with her son Gerardo. Wikimedia Commons

"Five-and-Half-Year-old Mother and Baby Reported Doing Well." It sounds like a tabloid headline you'd read today in the grocery store checkout line, but that was the front-page story in the Los Angeles Times on May 16, 1939, according to Snopes. The news was as shocking then as it is now, but it wasn't a hoax.

The remarkable (and troubling) case of Lina Medina was confirmed by medical authorities in Peru, notably Edmundo Escomel, a respected doctor-researcher and a member of the French Academy of Sciences. And the physician who first saw Medina in the town of Pisco, Dr. Gerardo Lozada, reported the case to the Academy of Medicine in the capital city of Lima.

"I think there's very good documentation," says Eugster. "There are published reports referring to it, so I don't doubt it, but that's the only case of its kind that I'm aware of."

Escomel sent dispatches about Medina's case to La Presse Medicale, a French medical journal, including a grainy image of the pregnant 5-year-old, noting that she had fully developed breasts.

The New York Times reported in November 1939 that the assistant surgeon general of the U.S. Public Health Service examined Medina while in Peru and "there was no doubt of the authenticity of the case which he described as the most amazing thing in his career as a physician." He added that the little girl was more interested in playing with her doll than in her child.

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The Difficult Question: Who Was the Father?

Escomel and others gently pressed Medina to identify the father of her baby, but she "couldn't give precise responses," wrote Escomel, according to Snopes. Lina's own father was briefly detained on suspicions of incest but was released (he strongly denied the allegations). The family returned to their village and tried to avoid the press and medical authorities.

An American child psychologist did get to examine Lina briefly two years later.

"Lina is above normal in intelligence and the baby, a boy, is perfectly normal and is physically better developed than the average Mestiza (Spanish Indian) child," wrote the psychologist, identified by The New York Times as Mrs. Paul Kosak. "She thinks of the child as a baby brother and so does the rest of the family."

Lina named her son Gerardo after the physician who attended to her in Pisco. According to some accounts, Gerardo didn't learn that Medina was his mother until he was 10 years old.

" " This of photo Lina Medina was taken when she was 33 and working as a secretary in 1967. Bettmann/Getty Images

As she grew older, Medina repeatedly rejected interview requests. As an adult she worked as a secretary for Lozada, who had delivered her baby. She eventually married and welcomed a second child in 1972, 33 years after Gerardo was born. Sadly, Gerardo died in 1979 at age 40 from bone cancer. According to a 2002 Reuters article, Medina and her husband were living in a run-down neighborhood in Lima at the time called "Little Chicago." It is unclear whether she is still alive today.

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What Could Have Caused Lina's Condition?

Most cases of precocious puberty are "idiopathic," says Eugster, meaning that there is no known cause, but rarer cases of extremely early onset puberty have been linked to a benign brain tumor known as a hypothalamic hamartoma.

This type of tumor grows on the hypothalamus, a section of the brain that controls the pituitary gland, the organ responsible for producing and releasing a wide range of hormones, including those that regulate sexual development. While none of Lina's physicians mentioned such a tumor, Escomel did conclude that her condition was caused by a pituitary disorder.

Today, children with symptoms of precocious puberty are commonly treated with synthetic hormones that can slow or halt the progress of puberty until the child is older, says Eugster. If the cause is determined to be a hypothalamic hamartoma, the tumor can be removed with minimally invasive laser surgery.

Now That's Sad Lina was clearly a victim of sexual abuse. Sadly, research has shown that childhood sexual abuse is also tied to early onset of puberty.
Law school is hard, but it just got more accessible for Carroll College students looking to pursue a Juris Doctor.

A new initiative between the two private Catholic institutions Carroll College and Gonzaga University was announced on Monday during a media conference held at Carroll under a Montana blue sky. Carroll is partnering with Gonzaga School of Law in Spokane, Washington, to offer a 3+3 dual-degree program as an accelerated pathway for students to obtain their law degree.

Carroll College and Gonzaga University attract a similar ambitious, high-achieving student, said Carroll College President John Cech. Through this special partnership, we are creating a pathway for these motivated students to attain a highly-regarded law degree in less time and at reduced costs. We are eager to do what we can to alleviate the financial burdens facing students as they prepare to enter and add value to our regional workforce.

Cech emphasized that the goal of the program is to create pathways and opportunities for Montanans.

The idea first emerged in the fall of 2021, when Gov. Greg Gianforte called Cech on a Monday evening. The governor told Cech that government cant run without lawyers and that Carroll has a unique opportunity since it is the only four-year college in the states capital city.

The next day, Cech contacted Gonzaga President Thayne McCulloh. From there, both institutions worked together to develop the 3+3 dual-degree program that has now come to fruition.

I simply planted the seed and (Cech and McCulloh) ran with it, Gianforte said.

Students can attend Carroll for three years, and at the conclusion of their junior year and upon successful application, enroll into Gonzagas law school. The credits earned during their first year of law school will transfer to complete undergraduate degree requirements, allowing students to finish their bachelor's degree while in law school.

I think (the 3+3 program with Gonzaga) is an outstanding opportunity. Many students have gone to law school from our (political science) department, said Jeremy Johnson, chair of political science at Carroll. In the past 10 years, everyone who applied from our department at Carroll has gotten into law school, and Gonzaga is a popular regional law school."

The 3+3 program will allow Carroll students to complete both a bachelors degree and J.D. in six years instead of the traditional seven-year cycle. This will save on both time and tuition costs while reducing student loans and increasing earning potential by joining the workforce earlier.

We are very pleased to partner with Carroll College in providing an accelerated opportunity for students to obtain both a Carroll undergraduate degree and a Gonzaga University law degree, said McCulloh. Gonzaga is proud of its many connections to Montana alumni, students, and friends. We are grateful to our colleagues at Carroll College for this partnership, and look forward to welcoming our first Carroll College cohort to campus in the fall of 2023.

Carroll and Gonzaga are working to expand other aspects of this partnership, including growing Carrolls pre-law program, partnering on internships, and other collaborative efforts to be announced in the next year.

This is not Carrolls first 3+3 dual-degree program. In August of 2019, Carroll announced its partnership with University of Montanas Alexander Blewett III School of Law, which was the first public-private partnership for both institutions.

I didnt know (3+3 dual-degree law programs) were a thing because my class at Carroll was the first eligible. I found it on Carrolls website my first year, said Rylie Weeks, a 2022 Carroll English graduate and member of the Talking Saints (Carrolls speech and debate team) who will be attending UMs 3+3 dual-degree law program in the fall. It was definitely more work because you have to get your core and major requirements done, but if you know you want to go to law school, then I would do it.

The 3+3 dual-degree program with Gonzaga will be available to newly admitted and qualified current Carroll students beginning in the fall of 2022.

Everybody wins when we provide students the tools they need to succeed and thrive, which is why increasing educational opportunities is one of our key focuses, said Gianforte. Working with Dr. Cech, were increasing access to legal internships in state government, giving students in the new Carroll College-Gonzaga University Accelerated Law Degree program the opportunity to learn, train, and start their career in Montana.

Gianforte ended the media conference on a bright note.

Together, were pursuing out-of-the box solutions to help Montanans thrive and reach their full potential. Im filled with optimism about what we can accomplish with this partnership, said Gianforte. Montanas best days are ahead of us.
Moors Mountain fire command was transferred at 6 a.m. Monday from the Central Montana Type 3 Incident Management Team back to the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

Full containment of the fire was achieved on Sunday, meaning a fuel break around the fire has been completed. The Helena Regulators Type 2IA Handcrew and one engine will continue to monitor the fire, which lighting started July 16 in the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness.

The fire, located in heavy timber, burned 98 acres. Multiple callers July 16 reported seeing a plume of smoke around the Hunters Gulch trailhead near Nelson, southeast of the blaze.

The closure in the eastern half of the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness was expected to be rescinded Monday. The Temporary Flight Restrictions over the fire area were rescinded on Sunday.
Helenas STARBASE offered a new Summer Academy camp this summer for students in the Helena area who didnt get to attend its programs during the academic year.

Each year, STARBASE has a week-long program for all of Helenas fifth grade students, bringing them all to Fort Harrison. The program, which is nationally funded by the Department of Defense, focuses on science, engineering, technology and math.

STEM is important for innovation for the military, for the country, the economy, jobs, being on the cutting edge of coming up on whats new in terms of employment opportunities for kids, said Mike Vannatta, the director of STARBASE at Fort Harrison. The U.S.A. has kind of fallen behind the curve when it comes to students who are prepared to enter STEM fields in college and stay in STEM fields and go on to do STEM.

So, the answer for the Department of Defense was STARBASE, with an aim to expose young kids and get them excited about STEM.

Typically, it targets its efforts toward title schools  that is, those where more than 40% of students qualify for free and reduced lunch. In other places where STARBASE is located, the demand is so great that schools are turned away at times.

But Helenas branch has continued expanding its programming to meet the needs of every school in the community, not just those that are title schools. The new Summer Academy is another way to do just that.

We thought, Well, how can we meet the demand? Vannatta said. And our solution was to start doing this Summer Academy. This year, East Helena came so they werent eligible for the summer camp, but the Montana City kids, Clancy kids, Helena Christian School  those kids had a chance to come.

STARBASE typically offers weeklong summer camps for students, which differ from the curriculum it teaches in the classroom, Kaylee Nathe, the deputy director, said. For fifth graders who visit STARBASE during the school year, theres a curriculum with certain standards instructors must touch on. But during the summer, theres more space to test out new lessons and have fun with students.

Nathe said the Summer Academy has been a combination of both approaches.

For Vannatta, the best part of bringing students to STARBASE and giving them hands-on chances to participate in STEM activities is seeing the kids who dont usually excel at academics build their confidence.

We celebrate failure. Scientists fail, Vannatta said. If you fail, its just part of the process. Its OK. Its part of learning.

He said they had a student a few years back who really struggled with reading. But, at STARBASE, he excelled for the whole week. One of the last activities for the students was an escape box that students had to solve. An escape box challenges students to solve puzzles and equations as they work through some type of adventure. The student, Vannatta said, did it perfectly and his classmates cheered him on  something that student had never experienced before.

Its those experiences STARBASE offers, Vannatta said, and that make a difference for students.

STARBASE can ignite the passion for students that dont normally experience that, Vannatta said.

Throughout June, STARBASE offered other week-long camps  one for students who are dependents of military members, and another where it partnered with Helena Indian Alliance.

Its been expanding and doing a lot of outreach this year too, Nathe said. That outreach has paid off this summer, with such success in getting out students that STARBASE had to bring in two fifth grade teachers from Helena Public Schools to help with teaching duties  Kim Ziska, from Rossiter, and Elyse Ramirez from Smith.

This year, STARBASE also started STARBASE 2.0, expanding into C.R. Anderson and Helena Middle School. And, Vannatta said, hes been working to get a third STARBASE in Montana, which would be located in Malta. There's currently a second STARBASE that operates out of Great Falls.

Nathe, who grew up on the Hi-Line, said this would be a game-changer for students in that area.

As for the rest of the summer, Vannatta said, STARBASE is hosting day camps throughout the month of July. Its also partnered with Helena Public Schools Camp Ascension, and will offer an opportunity for third, fourth and fifth graders to visit and engage with hands-on STEM activities.
Helena native and Navy veteran Jenni Maier served as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy for four years, the final three-plus of those at Bethesda Naval Hospital. As a civilian, Maier continued her affiliation with Uncle Sam, volunteering with the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots in Helena for the last 19 years, and since 2013 working for the VA Healthcare System.

Maier graduated from Capital High in 1992, where she lettered in choir, and was part of the Jubilettes singing group. She enlisted in the Navy in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) her junior year in 1991, and left for boot camp in Orlando, Florida, after graduation in September 1992.

She hales from a military background, following in the footsteps of her grandfather and dad. Grandpa William Schultz, of Power, Montana, served in the U.S. Army during World War II, as a tech 4, at Papua, New Guinea.

Her father, George Maier, an electronics technician, served six years active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1970-76, at places like Grand Turks and Nantucket, to name a few. He then spent another 19 years in the Naval Reserves, retiring as a first class petty officer (E6) in 1985, followed by a stint in the Air National Guard. She has several cousins that served in both the Army and Navy, as well.

After boot camp, Jenni attended San Diegos (Balboa) Corpsman School, Naval School of Health Sciences, from 1992-93. She then spent over three years stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland.

Built from a sketch by President Franklin Roosevelt, the Bethesda Naval Hospital  now the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center  is the largest military medical complex in the world, according to Wikipedia. Its iconic tower, opened in 1942, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

President Roosevelt laid the cornerstone of the tower on Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1940, the website https://navy.togetherweserved.com/ states. The original Medical Center was composed of the Naval Hospital, designed to hold 1200 beds, and the Naval Medical School, the Naval Dental School (now the National Naval Dental Center) and the Naval Medical Research Institute.

At the end of WWII, temporary buildings were added to accommodate up to 2,464 wounded American sailors and marines.

In 1960, the hospital underwent major expansion, with two 5-story wings being attached to the original building, adding 258 beds, and then eight years later, another expansion increased bed capacity to 1122. In 1975, construction of an array of new buildings was begun, resulting in the two main buildings  an outpatient facility and 500 bed inpatient facility  being dedicated in 1980, which remain the major clinical buildings on the site.

Walter Reed Army Hospital, then located in Washington DC, closed in 2005, and was consolidated with the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, according to navy.togetherweserved.com. In 2008, President G.W. Bush broke ground for what is today Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The resulting WRNMMC is staffed by Navy, Army and Air Force personnel.

Maier was also attached to the USNS Comfort during that time.

The Comfort has been involved with numerous deployments over the years, including Desert Shield/Desert Storm, in 1991-92; Operation Noble Eagle, after 9/11; the Iraq War, 2002-03; Hurricane Katrina in 2005; Operation United Response for the Haitian earthquake in 2010; Hurricane Maria in 2017; and the New York COVID-19 response in 2020.

Maier was honorably discharged in 1996, as an HN (E3). When asked what she considered the highlight of her military career, she replied, Helping care for my fellow sailors.

After her service was over, Jenni worked in Family Programs at the Montana National Guard for three years, followed by six years with the state of Montana at the Department of Revenue Unclaimed Property, and then the last nine years at her present employment with Fort Harrisons Department of Veterans Affairs.

In the meantime, the familys next generation is carrying on the military tradition  Jennis son Travis Rogers in the U.S. Army, and stepsons Kolter and Daltyne Wilmot in the Montana Army National Guard.

Maier joined Toys for Tots in 2003, and since then she has done a little of everything, but mostly Ive been the volunteer coordinator and currently am the floor coordinator, she related. Marine Howard Mears, the present coordinator, recalled that when he took over nine years ago, he was much in need of guidance and support.

And guess who showed up? Yup, a Navy Corpsman named Jen Maier, Mears, a Vietnam veteran, wrote in a recent email. The bond between Corpsmen and Marines is exceptionally strong because they save our lives on the battlefield and we protect their lives because we need them to save ours.

What I found out was a woman Corpsman is a whole different package than a male Corpsman  just as dedicated, just as strong willed, just as stubborn and hardheaded, but covered in a softer demeanor.

Mears, the 2019 Toys for Tots National Coordinator of the Year, recounted how hed get some hair-brained idea and Jen would slap it down and make me think it was my idea.

I didnt know what happened to me, except it was always good advice and it always worked, he concluded. Our program wouldnt be as successful as it is without a USN Corpsman named Jen Maier.
For help If you or someone you know is in crisis, the mental health hotline is available 24/7 by calling 9-8-8. The number will connect you with a Montana-based call center.

State prison officials are investigating the apparent suicide of a 53-year-old inmate at Montana State Prison.

John Aaron Shurtliff, originally from San Francisco, died on June 5 at Montana State Prison outside of Deer Lodge.

Shurtliff's death certificate lists the cause of death as asphyxia from hanging, with a bed sheet used as a ligature.

Montana Department of Corrections spokesperson Carolynn Bright said Monday that Shurtliff had been incarcerated at the state prison since May on a felony DUI conviction.

Powell County Attorney Kathryn McEnery said her office is waiting for the corrections department's investigative report before scheduling a coroner's inquest.

State law requires the county attorney's office to conduct an inquest when prisoner deaths are accidental, suicidal, homicidal or unknown in nature.

McEnery said coroner's inquests are still outstanding for two other state prison inmates who died within the last year, Christopher Furlong and Michael George.

Furlong died March 16 of "acute combined methamphetamine and venlafaxine intoxication," according to his death certificate. He was 60.

George died Nov. 26, 2021 of an "anoxic brain injury" and "cardiopulmonary arrest of unknown etiology." He was found unresponsive in his prison cell after passing out, according to the death certificate. McEnergy said the county coroner ruled George's death was undeterminable; that he did not have an obvious disease or evidence of a suicide. He was 55.

Eight state prison inmates have died so far this year, according to the department's Deaths in Custody report.
Last year's South Yaak fire scorched over 12,000 acres of the lower Yaak on the Kootenai National Forest, underscoring the need for active forest management to reduce future wildfire risks. The evacuations and the cost of placing fire-fighting resources at homes remind us that impacts from wildfire are real. Evacuees experienced fear, anxiety and a variety of health issues.

In 2017, the Caribou fire started in the Yaak in Caribou Creek and burned through 24,752 acres in just days. Pushed by winds, the fire reduced trees to matchsticks and gutted the Young Creek drainage, literally cooking fish in the creek, until it reached the West Kootenai Amish community. The fire made a 4 1/2-mile run in just a few hours giving people little time to evacuate. Fortunately, no human lives were lost, but 11 homes were destroyed and many outbuildings.

Years of fire suppression and lack of proper forest management have changed forest composition, and increased tree mortality and fuel loads. The stage is set for continued large fires in the Yaak unless we implement treatments to turn the tide. The Black Ram project was developed to address the very conditions that are impacting the forest health. Using science-based forestry tools including prescribed fire, mechanical and hand thinning, treatments will promote more fire-resistant tree species. The treatments will protect and maintain old growth, improve big game winter range, promote huckleberry growth for grizzlies, and improve aquatic habitat. Additionally, the project provides for trail and other recreational improvements.

The project is supported by numerous residents of the Yaak, the Kootenai (Ktunaxa) Tribe, Lincoln County, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and other community leaders. Unfortunately, the project has been subject to litigation and many misleading statements. The Forest Service and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service determined that Black Ram would have no negative impact on wildlife species, including grizzly bears. In fact, the project is designed to protect and improve habitat and forage conditions for a range of species.

Opponents of the project have also mischaracterized the project, claiming the Forest Service is clear-cutting old-growth forests. Anyone that is informed on current old growth management practices knows that such statements are disingenuous rhetoric. Clear-cutting of old-growth is illegal. Black Ram is designed to protect old-growth stands by thinning overstocked stands to remove less fire-tolerant species and restore stand conditions that favor fire-adapted, long-lived species including ponderosa pine, western larch and western white pine, not only keeping the large trees but creating conditions for the remaining trees to grow larger.

Noncommercial treatments include slashing of small understory trees, will reduce ladder fuels and risk of stand-replacing crown fires, further protecting old growth. This treatment is consistent with the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation rule.

Black Ram allows for timber harvest on 3,900 acres, or 4.2% of the project area, over 10 years, amounting to an average annual harvest of 390 acres. Over 44,765 acres of forest have burned in the Yaak since 2015, averaging 6,395 acres per year over a seven-year period (2015-2021), and 16 times more acres than are scheduled for harvest.

Treatments will also help protect people and properties in the Yaak by decreasing wildfire risk in the Wildland Urban Interface where homes, businesses, historical and recreation sites, and infrastructure are located.

Black Ram's ecologically based treatments will help the Yaak's forests adapt to conditions of climate change. We can act and help our forests sequester and store carbon, or we can do nothing and watch our forests go up in smoke adding to climate change. The choice should be simple.

If you support healthy, resilient, diverse forests, quality wildlife habitat, safer communities, better public access and excellent recreational opportunities, please join our public lands managers and leaders in our indigenous and conservation communities in supporting the Black Ram project.
Every year, the technology being used in agriculture seems increasingly like something out of science fiction:

Machines that recognize weeds and target them  and only them  with herbicide, keeping the nearby crops safe from harm. Tractors that plow fields in perfectly straight lines with far more precision than a human could ever manage.

And coming next year, tractors that drive themselves, leaving the farmer free to do other work.

Ag technology in the last five years has not doubled, its tripled, said Kyle Allen, co-owner of Gateway Precision Ag. Located just south of Hawk Point, Missouri, in Lincoln County, the company repairs and refurbishes farm equipment, often retrofitting older machines with the newest technologies.

If you told me five years ago that we would be spraying from drones, Id say you were crazy, he said.

Shannon and Jessica Claborn, who also live in Hawk Point, own the drone-spraying company Prairie View Ag Drone with Melanie Miller.

Miller is also the pilot of their 6-foot drone, which they use to spray herbicide and fungicide on area farms.

The drone can do everything a crop duster or helicopter can do, Shannon Claborn said. While planes and helicopters can cover a much larger area much faster, the drone is better for smaller fields, he said.

In addition, crop dusters and helicopters drop their chemicals with less precision. They have to fly higher than drones, too, which means the chemicals can drift into neighboring farms or yards, and they cant fly as close to a stand of trees. When they encounter power lines, they have to fly over them, which leads to an uneven disbursement of the chemicals.

On the other hand, drones have a much smaller reservoir; the drone Miller flies has a five-gallon tank, she said. Thats good for covering a little more than two acres before she has to fly it back to refill the tank and change the battery.

Then, the drone automatically flies back to the exact spot where it had left off and begins spraying again from there.

That ability to know precisely where a machine has been and where it needs to go comes from the technology that has been the most revolutionary in agriculture. GPS  Global Positioning System  has been available to farmers for 15 years.

The same technology that shows your cell phone where to find the nearest gas station also tells farm implements precisely where to plant the next seed.

The advantages are obvious. Farmers can save money by not overseeding their fields and not spraying too much  or too little  fertilizer, fungicide or herbicide.

Chemical prices are our highest cost, said Chris Otten, who grows soy, wheat and corn on 1,400 acres he owns with his family near Fayetteville, Illinois.

We were probably using 10 to 20 percent more chemicals than we had to before they started using the GPS technology, he said.

That works out to a savings of $7,000 to $10,000 a year in chemicals and seed alone. Less chemicals also means less runoff, which helps the environment, Otten said.

GPS is the key technology behind Autosteer, a program that is now used by a large majority of farmers in the area. With Autosteer, a farmer only has to drive around the perimeter of his fields once. That action creates a map for the computer to follow.

The computer directs the farm vehicles to plant, spray and harvest in straight, evenly spaced rows that can begin and end at the exact edge of the field. When the vehicle gets to the end of the rows, it will stop planting, turn around (the farmer has to help with that part) and begin new rows as close as one inch or less to where they need to be.

Before Autosteer, farmers could line up the machines within a couple of feet, if you were good, Otten said.

One particular advantage to Autosteer and programs like it is that it gives the farmers more hours in which to work. Because they dont have to see where they are going, they can even work at night.

That ability is invaluable to farmers like Adam Jones, who plants corn and soybeans and runs a very small cattle herd on 800 acres near Old Monroe, Missouri.

Jones has a day job; he is a commercial agriculture lender for CoBank. Only when he gets home from that job can he begin to work on his farm. Because he can still work the fields after the sun goes down, he can put in 16-hour days.

Im not exhausted, because Im just sitting here pushing buttons. Its like playing a video, he said.

The extra hours spent farming in the dark were especially important this spring, which was unusually rainy. When farmers learned that rain was expected the next day, they got in as much planting as they could the night before, Otten said.

The permanent map that the computer draws of each field is a vital part of the technological advances that have been growing by quantum leaps and bounds.

With information fed to them by sensors on each of the machines, the maps give farmers a real-time look at every aspect of the farming cycle. The information even goes straight to their cell phones

Recently, Otten directed his machine to plant 28,000 corn seeds per acre on one particular field, but the monitor showed that he had planted 30,500 seeds. A quick look at the map on his phone showed exactly where the problem was, on part of three adjacent rows.

He couldnt tell what the problem was by physically examining the machinery, so he videotaped it in action and examined the result frame by frame. That is how he discovered that three rows of his planter were planting two seeds at once instead of one. He fixed the problem overnight, and the next day the map confirmed that the rest of the planting was perfect.

The computer-generated maps also are used on the combines that harvest the crops. Sensors inside the combine relay real-time information on how much grain is being collected, down to each square foot of land.

Variations in the yield as depicted on the maps can show the farmer how much more fertilizer he needs to spread over certain parts of the field in the coming years, said Allen of Gateway Precision Ag.

The sensors also instantly test the amount of moisture in the grain, which can have a direct impact on how much money the farmers will make.

Corn should generally be harvested when it has no more than 15% moisture and soybeans at no more than 13%, according to a paper written for the Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Anything higher than that results in a lower price they will receive when they sell their harvest to a grain elevator.

If the yield monitor shows that the moisture is too high, the farmers may consider waiting to finish the harvest.

Shannon and Jessica Claborn, who co-own the drone company in Hawk Point, use a different type of high-tech map in another part of their business: satellite maps.

As part of their Prairie View Seed company, they consult with farmers to determine the amounts and types of fertilizer the farmers need to produce the best yield of crops over each portion of their fields.

The work begins with satellite photos, which they use to divide a field into a grid of 2-acre units. Miller, who is also the drone pilot, takes several soil samples from each portion of the grid.

The samples are labeled and sent to a lab, which tests them for phosphorus, nitrogen, potash and other nutrients and minerals, as well as the all-important pH balance.

If the pH isnt right, the fertilizer wont do anything, Jessica Claborn said.

The Claborns plot the results of each lab test on the satellite-photo grid. Using their backgrounds in agronomy, they then make recommendations for how to address the needs of each section of the field.

One customers field, for instance, showed very high levels of phosphorus, but very low levels of potash. They told him he would not have to add any phosphorus for several years, but would have to add potash over the next few years to get those levels up to where they need to be.

The information saved the client money on phosphorus, and the addition of more potash should also boost his yield.

The computer-generated maps are also used in an increasingly important part of farming, variable-rate technology. This technology allows the farmer to plant seeds, spray water or spread fertilizer in different amounts as needed as he rides throughout the field.

In the not-too-long-ago old days, seeds would come out of the planter  or chemicals out of the sprayer  at one, unchanging rate. The farmer could only change the number of seeds he planted, or the liquid he sprayed, by driving the vehicle faster or slower.

Variable-rate technology allows the farmer to drive at any speed he needs, putting down seed or fertilizer depending on conditions of the soil that are plotted on the map.

If the soil is unproductive in one part of the field, the farmer will plant fewer seeds. But he will plant more where the computer shows the soil is better.

Variable-rate technology also makes accommodations for changes in the tractors speed. If the tractor or planter has to slow down, such as when it comes to a ditch, the computer automatically slows the rate of spraying in proportion to the change in speed. That way, the optimum number of seeds is planted across the whole field.

It all sounds helpful and invaluable, but some look at the technology and see a downside.

Jones, the Old Monroe part-time farmer whose 800 acres is relatively small, said, Some of the technology scares me because I feel like it is going to put me out of a job because I cant afford it. Only the bigger farms can afford it, so they will be able to outbid me because of their increased efficiency.

Jones uses all the work-saving technology that he can, but not everyone is as enamored of the whole idea.

Otten, who has the farm near Fayetteville, Illinois, took a 96-year-old farmer neighbor for a ride to show him how the GPS worked. The neighbor was unimpressed.

Why do you want to push all those buttons? he said.
By Azernews

By Ayya Lmahamad

The investment portfolio of the Azerbaijani Investment Company for 2021 increased by 12 percent, Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said, Azernews reports.

The minister noted that the portfolio growth was recorded as a result of the improvement of the activity and efficiency of the company.

"As a result of the improvement of the activity and efficiency of the Azerbaijani Investment Company (@AIC_OJSC), the company's #investment portfolio for 2021 increased by 12% and the net profit of the last two years amounted to 11.8 mln. ?," Jabbarov wrote on his official Twitter page.

The Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC) was established by a presidential decree in March 2006. All shares of the AIC are owned by the government of Azerbaijan.

The company is governed by a Supervisory Board appointed by the Ministry of Economy. The main economic purpose of the AIC is capital investments in the non-oil sector of Azerbaijan. AIC's key strategic priority is to maximize value for the economy and investors by providing expertise and capital for high-value-added industries and projects in Azerbaijan.
School returns to Bristol, Tennessee next week with some significant changes.

One of the main things students and parents should be aware of heading into the new school year is reduced lunch applications are back after two years of free meals for students, Dr. Annette Tudor, Bristol Tennessee City Schools (BTCS) director, said.

Last year we had federal waivers so all of our students were able to eat breakfast and lunch for free, regardless of their ability to pay, Tudor said. Those federal waivers are no longer in effect, and so we have to revert back to charging for meals, which our students havent had to pay for a meal in two years, so thatll be a significant shift.

Tudor encourages all families to fill out the federal free and reduced lunch applications sent home to determine eligibility.

All families really should complete the paperwork for that, whether they think they will qualify or not, Tudor said. That is the only way that students who qualify for reduced lunch prices can receive that benefit.

Tudor also reminds parents to complete the returning student information updates that are required for students to receive laptops, which will be distributed to fourth and fifth graders at this weeks open houses and to middle and high schoolers during the first week of school.

Another major change coming to BTCS this year is the shift from a seven-point grading scale to a 10-point grading scale, something Tudor said is a benefit for students and was implemented by the school board in order to align with a change in state law.

BTCS will have an early dismissal on Aug. 1, the first day of the 2022-2023 school year. Elementary schools will go from 8:10 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. while Tennessee High School and Tennessee Middle School run from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on day one, which will be followed by a teacher workday before normal school hours begin Aug. 3.

Overall, Tudor said the system is in really good shape staffing wise for teachers, with just two open teaching positions, although additional part-time support staff are needed, which she said isnt out of the ordinary.

For more on the coming school year, visit www.btcs.org
By this time next year, county library users will be able to access more than half a million additional resources.

Among those resources will be the collections of two area academic libraries.

The addition comes with Smyth County Public Librarys (SCPL) decision to accept an invitation to join the Holston Associated Libraries (HAL) consortium. On the recommendation of Library Director Rose Likins, the librarys trustees OKd the move last month.

HAL includes the libraries of Emory & Henry College and King University as well as the Washington County Public Library and the Tazewell County Public Library.

As members, the Smyth library will be able to borrow from those libraries, share library technology, and collaborate with the other libraries staffs.

SCPLs membership will take effect on July 1, 2023.

In a prepared release, Likins said, The objective of joining HAL is to make available to Smyth County residents more than 500,000 additional library resources, including those of two premier regional academic libraries.

Thursday evening, she told an informal gathering of the countys board of supervisors that once requested an item from another HAL library should arrive quickly as a weekly delivery service is in place.

Finding the HAL items wont be hard. According to the release, the HAL libraries materials will automatically show up in catalog search results, and SCPL library cards will be accepted by consortium member libraries.

Likins believes that many items that patrons now request through Inter-Library loans will be met within HAL, which will save users the postage fees they now pay to borrow materials from other libraries.

There is a cost to HAL membership.

Likins said the membership fee will average around $32,000 per year over five years and includes the cost of the shared technology, the delivery service, and some staff hours toward the administration of the consortium.

That full cost, Likins said, is covered by the librarys annual Library of Virginia grant.

In terms of its finances, Likins thanked the supervisors for the additional money they allocated for the library this year. The supervisors upped the annual budget by $32,500 to put the countys contribution to the library at $752,500.

As well, Likins said the Library of Virginia increased the librarys annual grant by $23,195 to $196,014.

Additionally, Likins told the News & Messenger that the Town of Chilhowie increased its library funding to $29,000. She is still waiting to learn Marion and Saltvilles final allocations.

As Smyth users benefit from the collections of other HAL members, their patrons will gain access to Smyths physical holdings  130,885 items out of 258,068. The other items are digital, and Likins explained that the consortium doesnt share digital materials because those are priced by total number of potential users.

Were super excited, Likins told the supervisors.

Speaking on behalf of HAL in the release, Ruth Castillo, Emory & Henry College library director, said that HAL will be strengthened by SCPLs membership by expanding HALs vision of providing its communities access to new ideas and information to the residents of Smyth County. By joining its neighbors in Tazewell and Washington counties, Castillo said, SCPLs membership in HAL will provide a solid footprint and better connect communities with library resources.

Community Health

In other news, Likins also told the supervisors that the library has received a $6,000 grant to set up a private space in the Marion branch where people can go online for telehealth appointments. She said the area will include a computer, monitor and printer.

While the area is primarily intended for telehealth, Likins said, patrons can also reserve it for online meetings and similar needs.

Working Together

Earlier next month, Likins said, the library will host a meeting with all of the countys public school librarians to share what resources it can offer them and to brainstorm ideas for collaboration.

Supervisor Mike Sturgill, who also works in the school systems administration, expressed his appreciation for the initiative, saying that more collaboration will lead to better services for the community and students.

New Website

Likins also introduced county leaders to the librarys new website, which she said is streamlined, mobile friendly and more user-friendly.

Summer Reading

The libraries summer reading programs in Chilhowie, Marion, and Saltville have been well attended with hundreds at some events, Likins reported.

Those programs will be wrapping up over the next two weeks with a family friendly movie at The Lincoln Theatre in Marion on July 21 at 6 p.m. and puppet shows in Chilhowie and Saltville on July 26.

To the supervisors, Likins praised her staff, saying theyve developed a million clever ideas.
Cultural appropriation.

For many, its a politically correct term used for virtue signaling. But most dont realize that it is also a high-level scam being inflicted on the taxpaying public, specifically in areas like East Tennessee, where the Cherokee nation is prolific.

Many have expressed concerns that a recent congressional push to recognize groups professing native ancestry as tribes without a thorough review by the Department of Interior is not only getting out of hand but reeking of scandalous intent.

Tennessee has long struggled to fend off the many unscrupulous special interest groups that pose as tribes. According to Indianz.com, the state-recognized Cherokee Wolf Clan allows anyone in Tennessee who feels they are of Native ancestry to join them. Another, the Chikamaka Band, claims to descend from the Chikamaka, Creek, Cherokee, Shawnee, Catawba, Saponi, Mohawk, Delaware, Choctaw, Chikasaw, and their Tory allies, which the site describes as the equivalent of joining a church whose members are Baptist, Church of Christ, Catholic and Hindu. If one feels the urge to adopt Native American ancestry, seemingly all thats necessary is to express it.

While fake tribes have represented an acute problem for Tennessees Cherokee population, members of others also deal with the same concerns. The Muscogee Creek Nation, whose origins are in Oklahoma, has wrestled with Tennessee tribes that claim they descend from Muscogee Creek Nation, prompting them to journey to Nashville to engage with state bureaucrats and take the issue head-on.

Although this conundrum significantly affects Tennessees tribal community, these groups have been unable to conduct as much appropriation and harm as they may otherwise would like, since they currently do not have recognition from the federal government as tribal nations. However, if certain members of Congress get their way, the dynamics of what these fake tribes in Tennessee can do may change very soon.

Some members are pushing bills before the legislative branch to recognize highly controversial groups as tribes. One of them currently professes Cherokee ancestry and has previously claimed they originate from several other tribal nations. Another one claims ties to Choctaw Nation despite the tribe and the Department of Interior saying otherwise.

Congress acknowledgment of various groups as sovereign is nothing new. The body often does so to rectify past mistakes made by the federal government. That said, these new bills are different. Should they pass, Congress will have taken the unprecedented step of granting acknowledgment to groups that possess lineages highly questioned by historians, genealogists, and tribal elders. The legislative branch has always reserved cases like these for the Department of Interiors Office of Federal Acknowledgment, created by Congress nearly 50 years ago for the specific purpose of reviewing recognition applications.

Should Congress provide official recognition to these questionable groups, nothing would stop other phony tribes in Tennessee from surfacing, and subsequently lobbying their political allies to obtain the same from the legislative branch. It is imperative Congress stops this from happening. The sovereignty and historical integrity of tens of thousands of Tennesseans are counting on it.
HICKORY  Saturday, July 30, is World Day Against Human Trafficking. An estimated 40.3 million people are being held in slavery around the world, over 11,000 cases reported in the U.S. with North Carolina being ninth in the nation with 260 cases.

While much of slavery around the world involves forced labor, sex trafficking of individuals, including children, is a major problem in the U.S. To bring awareness to this problem, artist Molly Gochman developed an art installation called The Red Sand Project in which red sand is poured into cracks in the sidewalk to symbolize the vulnerable who fall through the cracks. Joining this worldwide effort, local Rotary clubs are combining to stage Red Sand events in Catawba County.

On Saturday, July 30, from 8 a.m. to noon, Rotary Clubs of Hickory and Lake Hickory will be holding a Red Sand event by the polio mural in the passageway off of Union Square in downtown Hickory. Catawba Valley Rotary Club will stage a second event at the Conover Farmers Market at the post office in Conover, also between 8 a.m. and noon.

Individuals and families are invited to drop by and spend a few minutes participating. It simply involves taking a small amount of red sand that you will be given and adding it to the installation. The red sand is nontoxic and safe for anyone to handle.

Photographs from the event will be used to further promote awareness of the scourge of human trafficking.
Ambassador Korniychuk denied the possibility of Hasidic travel to Ukraine through Moldova - no one will be allowed

Official Kyiv will approve the ban on the pilgrimage to Uman for Rosh Hashanah this year by the fall and will not accept Hasidim going to Ukraine from any countries. Ukraine's Ambassador to Israel Yevhen Korniychuk made a corresponding comment on the possibility of a pilgrimage to Uman via Moldova.

Today, there is really no official ban on entering Ukraine. However, the Office of the President of Ukraine made it clear that appropriate restrictions on entering the country will be adopted and approved before the autumn holidays. The state of Ukraine is responsible for the health and life of everyone who enters it. Therefore, Hasidim will not be able to celebrate Rosh Hashanah in Uman or any other city in the country. Ukraine warns in advance about the ban on entry, - said the head of the diplomatic mission.

Earlier, the Deputy Ambassador of Ukraine to Moldova, Volodymyr Manzhola, said that Ukraine will allegedly not ban pilgrims from entering the country and will help Hasidim who will go to Uman through Moldova as a transit point.

The Jewish communities of Moldova conduct active consultations on this issue with interested organizations and diplomats.

As reported, on July 7, E.Korniychuk said that Ukraine cannot accept pilgrims this year in light of Russia's ongoing military aggression against Ukraine and the lack of an opportunity to guarantee the safety of foreigners.

The head of the diplomatic mission noted that this decision will not be revised until the security situation improves and appealed to the pilgrims: Please pray for the end of the war in Ukraine, which flared up due to blatant and brutal Russian aggression, before Rosh HaShan, and pray for victory of Ukraine. We hope that the prayers will come true and Ukraine will once again become a country that generously welcomes guests from Israel, and especially Jews who come to Ukraine to visit the graves of the righteous, - the ambassador emphasized.

As it known, about 50,000 pilgrims from Israel and the whole world come to Uman to visit Rabbi Nachman's grave to celebrate the Jewish New Year in early September.
Winston-Salem police are investigating after a gun was fired inside the Belk store at Hanes Mall early Sunday night. No one was injured and no arrests have been made, police said.

Police were still at the mall later on Sunday night. At least eight Winston-Salem police vehicles were in the parking lot, including right in front of the Belk store. The front entrance was marked off by yellow tape.

Winston-Salem police went to the Belk store at 5:56 p.m. Sunday on a report of a discharged firearm. This happened just before the mall closed on Sunday at 6 p.m.

Officers arrived and cleared the building. Police didnt find any victims and didnt get any reports of injuries.

Winston-Salem police later learned through its investigation that a store employee was with a person in the store when that person pulled out a firearm and fired it. That person then ran out of the mall. The employee was not injured.

Winston-Salem police didnt provide any other details about the interaction between the employee and the other person, including whether they knew each other or why the person fired the weapon.

Police did not provide a description of the person, and no one has been arrested. Police said the investigation is in its early stages and is active.

Hanes Mall has had at least five shootings over the past five years, including a fatal shooting in August 2019. In the most recent previous shooting, Reginald Dewayne Gray was shot in the upper arm in gunfire involving another man in the common area of the mall just before 2 p.m. on March 10. Gray was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, but he was not charged with firing his gun.

The fatal shooting happened in August 2019, when Julius Sampson was shot to death outside BJs Brewhouse and Restaurant. Robert Granato was charged with murder, and the case is still pending in Forsyth Superior Court.

Hanes Mall currently requires people under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is 21 or older after 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and all day Friday and Saturday. In some years, law enforcement agencies, such as the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office, have increased patrols at Hanes Mall after violent incidents such as fights.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773-7700 or Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800. Spanish speakers can call Crime Stoppers at 336-728-3904. People can also access Crime Stoppers on Facebook at Crime Stoppers of Winston-Salem Forsyth County. People can also provide anonymous tips, photos and videos to the Winston-Salem Police Department through the Text-A-Tip program at 336-276-1717.
The house where I was raised had an open shelf rule. This meant my brother and I were allowed to read anything, no matter how inappropriate or beyond our years. We never had to ask.

I spent hours of my childhood perusing the volumes on my fathers bookcases at will, trial and error. Histories, thrillers, science fiction, books on politics and culture  all of it was available to me.

I keep thinking about this as more and more school districts participate in what is shaping up to look like an open war against reading. According to Banned in the USA, a report issued by the writers organization PEN America in April, nearly 1,600 individual books were banned in 26 states between July 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022.

Among the titles challenged or removed are Ta-Nehisi Coates Between the World and Me, Elizabeth Acevedos The Poet X, Roxane Gays Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body and Robin Benways Far From the Tree. All are works of abiding literary merit that address issues of identity and race and family  in other words, exactly the kinds of books students should be reading now.

Although the challenging of books and curriculum is hardly new in the United States, what were facing now is somewhat different. Of the current bans, PEN notes, 41% (644 individual bans) are tied to directives from state officials or elected lawmakers to investigate or remove books in schools. It is not parents or even school boards driving many of these challenges. It is the power of the state.

I take it for granted that books are good for us. Countless studies have reinforced what many recognize from experience: Literature encourages compassion. As Jane Smiley wrote a decade ago in the New York Times: Reading fiction is and always was practice in empathy  learning to see the world through often quite alien perspectives, learning to understand how other peoples points of view reflect their experiences.

At the same time, theres more to reading than learning to be a better person. Books are not vegetables, after all. We dont read them for the same reasons we take vitamins or eat healthy meals. Part of the joy of reading  its essential fiber, if you will  is the way it can disturb us, disrupting our preconceptions and easy pieties. Part of what books do is to show us who we are or might become.

I count myself lucky that I was surrounded by adults willing to let me find my own level  not just at home but also at school. In third grade, the school librarian, who already knew me as a precocious reader, didnt stop me from taking out War and Peace, which I kept for a week before I returned it, unread.

It was not only the reading, in other words, that was important but also the permission to do it widely, indiscriminately. That freedom left me feeling respected, affirmed. And it led me, by my early teens, to inappropriate writers that in the end couldnt have been more appropriate: among them, Kurt Vonnegut and Joseph Heller, Sam Greenlee and Philip Roth.

Vonnegut taught me the universe was absurd; Heller, that authority deserved to be ridiculed. Greenlee, in his novel The Spook Who Sat By the Door, revealed the hypocrisy of race in America. And Roth  well, perhaps the best way to explain it is to say that, in Portnoys Complaint, he portrayed male adolescence, which I was then experiencing, in the most visceral and outrageous terms.

Writers like these represented a gateway to other authors and narratives. Vonnegut led me to Samuel Beckett, Greenlee to James Baldwin and Amiri Baraka. From Heller, I moved on to Terry Southern and William Burroughs. And Portnoy prepared me for the magnificent Fear of Flying by Erica Jong.

Reading such books as I found them helped me to reckon with the complexities and contradictions of the adult world. More important, by thinking alongside their authors, I began to think for myself.

This, of course, is what the book banners object to, that readers might be influenced by ideas that legislators, parents, the neighbors down the block dont like.

PEN sees the issue through the lens of the First Amendment, which is valid, especially given the actions of so many lawmakers and the effects on so many constituencies. But I dont want to overlook that other lens  of curiosity, self-knowledge, possibility, inquiry. Literature gives us language by which to know ourselves.

But in order to do that, it has to be available. It has to remain on the shelves. Where would we be without inappropriate reading? Ask any reader and theyll tell you: We would be lost.
OMAHA -- Six Nebraska startups each received a $100,000 boost this past week.

The investments for the startups, which were announced at a news conference at Millwork Commons in Omaha, come from Lincoln-based startup accelerator NMotion via its growth accelerator program. The money was provided by local individuals and companies through venture capital firm and startup accelerator gener8tor, which is based in Wisconsin but has a partnership with NMotion, as well as the Lincoln-based nonprofit Invest Nebraska.

The six startups are HerHeadquarters, which connects women-owned businesses nationwide; Microwash, a medical device company marketing a product that collects nasal specimens for painless COVID-19 testing; plant-based nutritional drink supplement company Tiiga; knowledge and skills management platform Noviqu; software solutions company Hellcat; and real estate software development company Particle Space.

The six mark the inaugural cohort to receive investments from the NMotion program. They were among 179 companies that applied for the money.

Tiiga co-founders Katy and Jeff Tezak said the $100,000 investment will help expand their startups reach faster. Jeff Tezak said the investment will open up new avenues for selling Tiiga products.

Having launched Tiiga in June 2020, the Tezaks have secured shelf space for their products at about 50 Hy-Vee supermarkets across five states and are expanding the product to Texas and Salt Lake City.

Tiiga is not the only startup to have seen a relatively quick rise to success.

Since launching HerHeadquarters a few years ago, Carina Glover has expanded her startup from connecting women entrepreneurs to women executives and their team members across the country. She is in the midst of a $750,000 fundraising drive to expand HerHeadquarters.

With help from NMotions investment, Glover said, We can impact more women-owned businesses. I can hire more of the right people that will allow us to have a great impact. Its really just about reaching our goals.

The investments made by NMotion into the six startups are what Nebraska Economic Development Director Tony Goins highlighted as an example of the support needed to ensure a thriving startup landscape.

The difference between success and failure can often be measured in resources and support available to help these business owners overcome obstacles and achieve milestones, he said. Groups like NMotion are so vital to our entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Each startup will be connected to 100 mentors and up to 50 early-stage investors through a 12-week program. NMotion also will work with the six companies to help grow the companies revenues, improve their products and services and pitch investors for the next round of investments.

Scott Henderson, managing principal of NMotion, said organizations and individuals in Nebraska have dedicated $3.7 million to bolster the states growing startup scene over the next two years.

Its a very exciting time here in Nebraska, Henderson told a crowd that included entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders.
OMAHA  Nebraskans who buy individual health insurance plans on the federal Affordable Care Act marketplace will see a familiar name when they review listings for 2023 on the federal HealthCare.gov website.

After exiting the health care exchange in 2017, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska will reenter the marketplace next year with a new plan called Nebraska HeartlandBlue, which will be available for Nebraskans not covered by an employers health plan.

Were excited that we can get back in, said Ron Rowe, Blue Cross executive vice president. Ever since weve gotten out, weve been analyzing, trying to figure out when is the right time to get back in. Now is the right time.

For 2022, Nebraskans could select from marketplace plans offered by four insurers: Medica Health and Bright Health, both based in Minnesota, and 2022 newcomers Oscar, headquartered in New York City, and Ambetter, from Nebraska Total Care.

Thats a change from 2018 and 2019, when Medica was the only insurer offering plans on the exchange. The state started with four insurers offering plans when the exchange launched in 2014.

The full slate of individual and small group plans that will be available on the exchange in 2023 isnt yet available. The Nebraska Department of Insurance will make the individual and small group market plans and rates available Oct. 31, a day before open enrollment begins Nov. 1, according to a department spokeswoman. Open enrollment will continue until Dec. 15.

Medica will participate in the exchange in Nebraska in 2023, according to a spokesman. The insurer also will expand its network and plan offerings for next year. In 2022, about half of Nebraskans with ACA coverage had plans through Medica.

Rowe said Blue Cross got out of the market because of instability that led to losses of $140 million over three years.

Aetna Health, which also dropped out of the Nebraska marketplace in 2017, said at the time that it expected to lose more than $200 million in health plans in Nebraska, Iowa and two other states that year.

During the first three years, insurers were to be paid based on three factors, Rowe said. During the second year, the federal government decided not to pay on the second factor, which caused difficulty for all insurers and a lawsuit that eventually was settled by the Supreme Court.

In addition, penalties for not having insurance initially were supposed to be substantial enough to encourage young, healthy people to participate in the marketplace. But the penalties werent as substantial as anticipated and at one point were not enforced, Rowe said. Fewer young, healthy people participated than insurers had hoped, leaving older, sicker people who require more health care to make up the pools.

Political and regulatory uncertainty, with changing rules, also made it difficult to plan or manage the business, he said. The company decided to exit the marketplace to make sure losses didnt spill over and require employers or Medicare members to subsidize the marketplace pool.

Most of those concerns now have been resolved, he said, and the government has standardized the plans.

Now the market is stable, so its time for us to get back in, Rowe said.

Consumers, health care providers and insurance brokers also have urged the company to reenter the market, he said. About 60% of Nebraskans who have ACA plans enroll through an insurance broker or independent agent. Nearly 1,000 brokers will be licensed to offer the gold, silver and bronze plans, and Blue Cross will begin broker training Aug. 17.

Nebraska HeartlandBlue will be available in all 93 of Nebraskas counties. During open enrollment or any special enrollment period for which theyre eligible, Nebraskans can visit HealthCare.gov or NebraskaBlue.com to purchase individual coverage.

Rowe said he cant discuss rates because proposed figures have yet to be approved by the State Insurance Department and CMS.

We think were going to be very competitive, he said.

According to an analysis by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation, Nebraskas market average individual benchmark premium in 2022 was $595. The U.S. average was $438. Only five states had higher ones. However, Nebraskas 2022 benchmark premium was down from a peak of $838 in 2019.

Rowe said enrollment in the marketplace in Nebraska is projected to increase to about 100,000 next year. If enrollment continues to grow, he said, rates on the exchange should continue to come down.

How much individual consumers pay, however, also depends on the subsidies and tax credits for which they qualify. With the economy as it is, he said, some people may qualify for larger subsidies.

The American Rescue Plan, a pandemic aid package, expanded the tax credits available to people who purchase plans on the exchange. The additional subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2022, but Congress is considering extending them. Rowe said it appears that may happen.

Medicaid eligibility also expanded during the pandemic. That will end when the federal government ends the public health emergency. Rowe said Blue Cross anticipates some of those who lose Medicaid coverage will enter the marketplace.

Its been a long time coming, he said of the insurers return to the marketplace, and were excited about it.
By Trend

The Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan continues the initiatives on the stimulation of startups, Trend reports citing Minister Mikayil Jabbarov's Twitter post.

"Within the framework of the support to this innovative field, 25,000 manat ($14,721) have been allocated to 18 projects each," the minister tweeted.

Baku ID Summer'22 (Baku Investment Day) is held by the Ministry of Education and SABAH.lab Startup Acceleration Center is significant in terms of the promotion of startups and presentation of local projects to foreign investors, Jabbarov wrote.
Deputies are investigating the second death at Branched Oak Lake in less than a week after boaters found the body of a 60-year-old Kansas man floating in the lake Sunday night, the Lancaster County sheriff said.

Authorities on Monday ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of Kurt Roe's death after his body was discovered just before 9 p.m., Sheriff Terry Wagner said.

Two men had found Roe's boat floating unattended Saturday afternoon and towed it back to the marina, alerting lake staff of the situation.

On Sunday, the two men checked in with marina staff, who said no one had contacted them regarding the boat. So the men called police at about 2 p.m., Wagner said.

After investigators linked the boat to Roe, sheriff's deputies and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission officers began searching the lake.

Roe was pronounced dead shortly after his body was discovered at 8:49 p.m., Wagner said. It's unclear if Roe's death came under suspicious circumstances.

"We'll know more when the autopsy's done, whether or not there are any natural  there could have been some natural-occurring circumstance that could have caused him to not be able to get out of the water," he said. "We're not sure."

A resident of Ransom, Kansas, Roe also listed an address in Weston, about 30 miles north of Lincoln.

His death marks a second death investigation at Branched Oak Lake in less than a week.
Otoe County residents can still vote in the Palmyra school bond election despite wording on the mail-in ballots requiring them to reside in another county.

The Lancaster County Election Commissioner's Office noticed the blunder after it sent out ballots last week to voters in District OR-1, which is split between Otoe and Lancaster counties.

The ballot stipulated that the person who fills it out reside in Lancaster County, which raised concerns among Otoe County voters.

Lancaster County Election Commissioner Dave Shively consulted with Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen and determined the ballots were still valid.

Otoe County voters may cross out "Lancaster" and write "Otoe," but are not required to.

Chalk it up to a simple mistake, Shively said.

"We should have caught it," he said.

The $22 million bond issue would pay for additions and renovations at Bennet Elementary School, located in Lancaster County, and Palmyra Junior-Senior High School, in Otoe County.

The proposal is intended to address increased enrollment at District OR-1, which is expected to grow by 120 students in five years.

Last year, 664 students were enrolled in the district, including 387 at Bennet. The growth there prompted officials to move sixth graders to Palmyra starting this fall.

In a district split between two counties, the county with more residents eligible to vote in the special election  in this case Lancaster (albeit slightly)  is in charge of facilitating the election.

"It's a little odd quirk here in the way we do that," Shively said.

That means all ballots must be returned via mail or in-person to the Lancaster County Election Commissioner's Office at 601 N. 46th St. The deadline is Aug. 9 at 5 p.m.

There are about 2,500 registered voters in District OR-1, which covers a portion of southeastern Lancaster County and western Otoe County. As of Monday, Shively's office had received about 150 ballots.
OMAHA  COVID-19 is likely to remain a nuisance for Nebraska schools in the coming school year, according to Nebraska Commissioner of Education Matt Blomstedt.

Local school officials should prepare for some type of wave similar to what hit schools and communities in the past, Blomstedt said. The biggest impact of the disease could be on staffing, as some schools wrestle with shortages of teachers and substitutes.

The new school year kicks off for most students next month. Students in Millard and Ralston public schools return Aug. 10. In the Omaha Public Schools, most students will return Aug. 17-18.

My thought is the trajectory of the pandemic will go through some type of wave within the school year, similar to that weve experienced, whether it hits fall or in the winter, he said. The primary thing that schools have to prepare for is that there will be cases theyre having to deal with again.

Nebraska experienced sharp increases in cases in November 2020 and again in January 2022.

The protocols and procedures that schools should follow are well known by now, Blomstedt said. Those are primarily nonpharmaceutical, such as washing hands and staying home when youre sick.

I dont anticipate that there will be mask mandates, he said. But I do anticipate therell be requests by school districts, school buildings, depending on how much spread they see in a localized scenario, to at least ask people to exercise extra precautions.

In California, the San Diego Unified School District touched off a controversy last week when its leaders announced a return to indoor student masking July 18. School board members there in May had set conditions for a return to masking. One of those conditions was if San Diego County was placed in the high COVID-19 Community Level set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For each county, the CDC sets a COVID-19 Community Level, which is a measure of the impact of the disease on health and health care systems.

The level is determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Levels can be set at low, medium or high.

At the high level, the CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public.

As of Friday, Douglas and Sarpy Counties were at the medium level.

At that level, the CDC recommends that people at high risk talk to their doctor about whether to wear a mask and take other precautions. People are encouraged to stay up to date with vaccines and to get tested if they have symptoms.

Phil Rooney, spokesman for the Douglas County Health Department, said that, for now, the department is suggesting that schools follow CDC guidance. But he added a caveat.

All our plans are written in pencil, he said.

On Friday, Lancaster County was at the CDCs high level.

The Lincoln-Lancaster Health Department risk dial on Friday was in the low orange zone. Orange indicates high risk of COVID-19 spread.

Mindy Burbach, Lincoln Public Schools communications director, said district officials continue to work with the health department to review community conditions.

Right now, we are following where we were last school year, Burbach said. Masks are optional.

Blomstedt said he hopes that childhood and adult vaccinations in Nebraska will help reduce spread. But he said new variants seem to be popping up with some resistance.

If there are large outbreaks, it will be up to schools to decide whether to stay open or close, just as theyve done with the flu and other diseases in the past, he said.

Most likely if we see closures, its going to be around staffing, he said.

He said the state has eliminated some red tape around the certification of local substitutes, so they dont have to reapply to work in multiple districts.

Blomstedt said the Nebraska Department of Education will continue to offer flexibility on state instructional hours requirements and other operational requirements.
Norfolk real estate developer Robert Dover was appointed Friday by Gov. Pete Ricketts to fill the District 19 seat in the Legislature vacated by the election of Mike Flood to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Dover is president of Coldwell Banker Dover Realtors in Norfolk. A graduate of Wayne State College, he and his wife, Ann, have four children.

Ricketts introduced him at a brief event during which he was sworn into office by Secretary of State Robert Evnen.

In brief remarks, Dover praised the governor for "an exceptional job of controlling spending while delivering tax relief."

Dover served as the vice chairman of the Madison County Republican Party until earlier this year, when new leadership was elected during the county party convention. Recently, Dover served as a delegate at the state GOP Convention, which saw the upheaval of the party establishment. It is unknown if Dover played any role in the leadership changes.

In a statement released by the governor's office, Dover said he'll "work in the Legislature to help reduce the tax burden on Nebraska's families (and) use my education and experience in finance to ensure the state wisely stewards taxpayer dollars."

Ricketts said Dover "will strongly defend pro-life values and work to protect 2nd Amendment rights (and) be dedicated to controlling spending and delivering more property tax relief to Nebraskans."

Unlike an event last month marking the appointment of Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha to fill the District 31 seat vacated by the death of Sen. Rich Pahls, Friday's announcement ended abruptly without an opportunity for members of the news media to ask the new senator any questions.

It is unlikely that Dover's appointment will have any impact on the possibility of a special session to debate abortion restrictions later this year. Flood also opposes abortion, and he supported a trigger bill earlier this year that would have banned all abortions in the state upon the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.

That bill failed to reach the 33 votes needed for a filibuster-ending cloture motion. Dover's appointment doesn't improve the chance of that changing.

As of Thursday, Ricketts said he was still in discussions with Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers and had yet to reach a decision on a special session.

Dover will serve the remaining two years of Flood's term; the governor said the new senator plans to run for election in 2024.

The Omaha World-Herald contributed to this report.
HARRISON  Wood-block prints hang from a line, a painted saw blade rests on a table and paintings in various states of completion are on display at Saddlebum Studio on Main Street in Harrison.

In the middle of it all, artist Di Filing works on her next piece.

Theres so little time in life to do this stuff, and theres so many ideas, she said. I find joy in it every day. There is no defining it. Its just such a freedom to have.

Growing up in Venango, Colorado, Filing knew she wanted to pursue art after graduation, but her dream was delayed when her father insisted she find a career that would provide a steady paycheck. So she went into business and became the first woman to work at NORADs Cheyenne Mountain Complex in Colorado Springs. Later, she entered the banking field, working in Denver and in Wyoming, and, with her husband Phil, opened Glenrock Blue, a firearm restoration company.

Her passion for art was relegated to attending cartooning school at night and sketching in her free time. All of that changed when she retired in 2012.

I decided to teach myself to paint, she said.

High school art classes didnt exist when she was growing up, but she always surrounded herself with other artists and said theyve likely influenced her to some degree.

I was a groupie, she laughed.

She didnt let the lack of formal training deter her.

I felt like I always had this inside and I had to get it out, she said. I just bought some paints and started trying. Its repetition. If you dont know the rules, youre not breaking them. Its kind of a clean slate that Im working with. Im still teaching (myself). Every day is a new day.

Many of her paintings reflect the western and Native lifestyle, and horses and wildlife are featured frequently.

I have a love of horses, all wildlife really, but especially horses, she said.

While living in Glenrock, Wyoming, Filing enjoyed traveling to Custer, South Dakota, to sketch bison. After numerous trips, she told her husband it would be nice to find a place in Harrison to use as a weekend home as it would put her closer to the Black Hills. Harrison is also her ancestral home, as her mother was raised in the village, her father once owned Rocky Top Dance Hall (it was a roller skating rink) and her great-grandfather homesteaded at the now-defunct town of Montrose.

So I came here for some history, too, she said.

She and Phil might have gotten more history than they bargained for when they began searching for a home. In 2014, they purchased the former First National Bank Building, which had already been converted to a residence, as their weekend home. Eventually, they purchased the building next door  the original home of the Harrison Sun, which allowed Filing to set up her studio and let the couple move to Harrison full time.

An armorer in Vietnam, Phil worked as a gunsmith in Denver before the couple opened Glenrock Blue. When they retired, he sold the company to an employee and now is happy to give tours of their historic home. The brick-and-stone building was constructed in 1911 to replace an old frame building on the lot that was also a bank. The clock currently on Security First Bank just up the street was installed on the First National Bank building in 1915.

First National Bank occupied the building  now the Filings home  until 1924, when it changed hands and became the Sioux National Bank, which was in operation until 1983. The bank was robbed in 1934, and a group of men from the community engaged in a car chase and gun battle with the robber.

After the bank closed, the building was converted into an apartment and nightclub for Windy Acres Angus. The cherrywood bar and the red-and-gold wallpaper installed by the cattlemen remain intact, and Phil noted that the original marble baseboards are a holdover from the bank. The banks original vault, check writing station and teller signs denoting Paying, Receiving and Bookkeeper windows remain as well. The Filings hired a locksmith to take apart the vault door and reset the combination and have converted the area to function as their pantry.

We found money in here, too, Phil said. After moving a cabinet weighing approximately 400 pounds, they discovered an uncirculated 1942 nickel.

It is a fun place to live. I forget that its different from most peoples homes, Di said.

After she ended up owning two businesses at which she was employed, her father always joked about whether or not she owned the banks where she worked.

Twenty-seven years of banking, and now I own the bank! Thats probably why it felt like home, she said while in her art studio next door. And this used to be a newspaper office, and I used to work for a newspaper!

The Saddlebum Studio building was the original home of the community newspaper, the Harrison Sun. Constructed in 1899, it served as the newspapers office until 1924, when the Sun moved to a new building on the other side of Main Street, which is now part of the Sioux County Historical Museums complex. Filings studio then became home to a creamery and a grocery store. In the 2000s, it was converted from a grocery store to a residence.

Opening the studio led Filing to another piece of her family history, one that indicates she comes by her artistic desires naturally. After homesteading at Montrose, her great-grandfather, Solomon Borky, hand-carved the altars for three area Catholic churches in Ardmore, South Dakota, Montrose and Harrison.

After opening, a visitor to Filings studio inquired about a portrait of her great-grandfather on display. When she explained that her great-grandfather carved altars for the local churches, he asked if she wanted a piece of the altar from the original Harrison church.

Hed had it in storage for 40 years, Filing said. Carved in 1897, the top of the altar now sits in her studio, a reminder of her historical and artistic roots in the region.

Today, she continues that artistic legacy.

Since teaching herself to paint, shes begun exploring other mediums as well, including charcoal, pen and ink and alcohol ink. Shes started repurposing saws and Altoids boxes as art and recently dived into wood-block printing.

Im having a ball with it. I love what Im doing. I have to create something every day.
RACINE  Alex Garbo loves cars.

He often tinkers with and takes apart vehicles to understand how they work. He figured his career would involve working with cars. His high school experience  which was not completely consumed by classrooms, worksheets and sitting at desks  solidified those plans.

Garbo graduated this year from the Horlick High School Academy of Education and Technical Services. He received hands-on experience working with area companies and called it a rewarding, informative time.

It showed you what its like along the way, Garbo said. It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed almost all of it.

The Academy of Education and Technical Services was one of six academies from the Racine Unified School District that was nationally certified last month. Six academies, two each from Case, Horlick and Park high schools, received model status from the National Career Academy Coalition, a private company that evaluates schools with academy models.

I am extremely proud of the team and the efforts that they put into this work, RUSD Superintendent Eric Gallien said.

RUSD did an internal review of its 12 academies last fall and chose those six for evaluation. The remaining six academies should be reviewed next year by the NCAC.

The NCAC graded the six academies on 10 standards and found that they were all model academies. Alex DeBaker, Racine Academies executive director, said the eventual goal is for all 12 academies to be awarded model with distinction status, the highest possible grade.

The national certification does not directly result in action like additional funding, but is an indication that the academies appear to be headed in the right direction.

Its a way to keep ourselves accountable to the benchmarks that they set for us, DeBaker said. We just want to constantly look to improve.

The evaluation process occurred in May, and it entailed NCAC workers interviewing students, teachers, principals and businesses that work with the academies. NCAC grades were finalized about a month later.

RUSDs academy model began six years ago. It is a career-focused education style that ideally engages high-schoolers in what theyre interested in and connects them with community organizations. Students take general courses as freshmen and more specific classes over the next three years, depending on which academy they are in.

DeBaker said the academy model is different from his high school experience, so he is a little jealous of students like Garbo who receive hands-on training.

Of the Academies receiving model status, DeBaker said, It really just proved that what were doing is working, and the community has played a huge part in that.

The academy certifications demonstrated for me how collaborative this community is, Gallien added. To really be able to see it take off from the start to now is tremendous for our students.

Candy for the future

Most of Garbos junior year was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which was challenging because some courses required hands-on work. His senior year was much better. Garbo and his classmates worked with the candy company Haribo on a long-term project to design, engineer and 3-D print treats related to Racine. Garbo made five items symbolizing the area: a Case tractor, a Horlick star, a block of cheese, a lighthouse and an anchor.

Gallien said Garbo likely would have succeeded regardless of the type of education he received, but his experience working with a company is exactly what the academies were intended to do.

DeBaker said businesses like Haribo provide crucial support to students.

It comes down to the community, DeBaker said. We cant have the academies if we dont have partners who support it.

Garbo, who plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, said his academy experience was helpful yet challenging.

The academy model benefited Garbos career plans, and the school district aims to continue that for students going forward.
Menthol cigarettes comprise almost two-fifths of all cigarette sales in the U.S. Now, the Food and Drug Administration is looking to ban them, as well as flavored cigars.

The FDA is looking to further cut down on smoking in the U.S. In April, it proposed a ban, but no action has yet been taken.

How many people still smoke? The percentage of Americans who smoke has been consistently falling for nearly a century, as research has continued to show that smoking shortens lives and causes or contributes to dozens of negative health conditions. In 1954, 45% of American adults smoked, according to Gallup polling. By 2018, that percentage was down to 16%.

Opposition to the proposal has largely been focused on the FDA being accused of reducing Americans' freedom to make their own decisions, even if those decisions are harmful.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., was one of 19 Democratic senators who signed a letter on Monday in support of the FDA's proposed ban.

The FDA and supporters of a ban assert that flavored cigars and menthol cigarettes contribute to young people starting smoking.

Menthol, a chemical compound derived from mint or produced in labs, can subdue some of the pain associated with smoke inhalation.

By increasing youth smoking and making cessation more difficult, menthol cigarettes have magnified the public health harms of smoking. Between 1980 and 2018, menthol cigarettes were responsible for 10.1 million additional smokers and 378,000 premature deaths in the United States, the senators' letter said. We applaud FDA for issuing these proposed rules and are pleased to see the agency using the regulatory authority that Congress gave it to reduce the death and disease caused by tobacco products.

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., has been silent on the proposed menthol ban.

In 2018, he tweeted "No one wants kids to use tobacco. But the @US_FDA proposed actions (to ban flavored e-cigarettes) will also affect adult Americans who use e-cigarette products to quit smoking. Regulatory overreach could reduce alternatives to cigarettes and have other unintended consequences."

In 2019, he asked then-President Donald Trump to pull back on a proposed ban on flavored e-cigarettes. In a letter, Johnson shared fears that banning e-cigarettes "could have a devastating effect on the e-cigarette industry and force many small businesses to shut down."

At the time, the Trump administration paused moving toward a ban, but in January 2020 did issue a scaled-back ban on cartridge-based e-cigarettes while still allowing tobacco-flavored, menthol-flavored and tank-based systems typically sold in vape shops.

A spokesman for Johnson did not reply to a request for comment on this story as of press time.

I see no downside to eliminating menthol from cigarettes, the director of Harvard University's public health school, Dr. Vaughan Rees, wrote in an article published in the journal "Popular Science" May 9. I think the U.S. is finally coming to grips with this long-standing issue, and I sincerely hope that the FDA takes decisive action on it.

The FDA said it hopes around half a million lives could be saved solely by banning flavored cigars and menthol cigarettes, as doing so could prevent young people from becoming addicted to nicotine in the first place.

Wisconsin has the highest racial disparity in the country for smoking rates.

In Wisconsin, 30% of black residents and 12% of white residents smoked in 2020, according to a survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thats the highest disparity in the country, followed by New Mexico, where 26% of blacks and 14% of whites smoked. The national average was 16% for blacks and 13% for whites.

Reporting from David Wahlberg of Lee Newspapers is included in this report.
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
By Azernews

By Laman Ismayilova

Culture Minister Anar Karimov visited Ismayilli to get acquainted with the activities of the district's cultural institutions, Azernews reports, citing the Culture Ministry.

In Ismayilli, Anar Karimov visited the 19th-century mosque, a stone building in the form of a quadrangular with an inscription carved above one of the three entrance doors.

Furthermore, the culture minister went to Ismayilli's Diyalli village to familiarise himself with the house of culture and the library there. Both cultural centers are located in the building constructed in 1985. The library contains around 12,000 books.

As part of his visit to Ismayilli, Anar Karimov also got acquainted with the activities of the Heydar Aliyev Culture Center.

The minister was informed that the culture center has been operating since 1976 and has been named after the great leader since 2014. It was noted that the theater and Niyal instrumental ensemble operate in the center.

Next, Anar Karimov met with the culture workers from Ismayilli, Agsu, Shamakhi, Gobustan, Gabala regions at the Culture Center.

Speaking at the meeting, Anar Karimov noted that the main purpose of his regular visits to the Azerbaijani district is to get acquainted with the activities of local cultural institutions, to determine the existing potential and opportunities, and to inform people active in the field of culture and art about the Culture Ministry's main line of work.

Contributing to the sustainable development of the culture sector by involving those persons in the reforms carried out by the Culture Ministry is one of the main tasks ahead.

During the meeting, problems existing at cultural institutions were discussed as well.

Anar Karimov pointed out that increasing the level of professionalism and initiative among workers of culture in the regions is an important requirement of the time. He said that projects in this direction are being implemented by the ministry.

In June, within the Ministry's "Communication Manager" project, training was organized at ADA University in order to increase the knowledge and skills of media managers of regional culture departments.

Relevant training has also been started for museum workers in the regions. The projects aimed at improving the professional skills in library work and other fields are envisaged as well.

At the end of his speech, the culture minister gave his instructions and recommendations aimed at eliminating the existing problems.
LONDON  David Trimble, a former Northern Ireland first minister who won the Nobel Peace Prize for playing a key role in helping end Northern Irelands decades of violence, has died, the Ulster Unionist Party said Monday. He was 77.

The party said in a statement on behalf of the Trimble family that the unionist politician died earlier Monday following a short illness.

Trimble, who led the UUP from 1995 to 2005, was a key architect of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that ended three decades of violent conflict in Northern Ireland known as The Troubles.

Keir Starmer, leader of Britains opposition Labour Party, called Trimble a towering figure of Northern Ireland and British politics in a tweet Monday. Current UUP leader Doug Beattie praised Trimble as man of courage and vision, a tribute echoed by leaders from across the political divide.

The UUP was Northern Irelands largest Protestant unionist party when, led by Trimble, it agreed to the Good Friday peace accord.

Although a hardliner unionist when he was younger, Trimble became a politician whose efforts in compromise became pivotal in bringing together unionists and nationalists in Northern Ireland's new power-sharing government.

Like most Protestant politicians at the time, Trimble initially opposed efforts to share power with Catholics as something that would jeopardize Northern Irelands union with Britain. He at first refused to speak directly with Gerry Adams, leader of Sinn Fein, the political wing of the Irish Republican Army.

He ultimately relented and in 1997 became the first unionist leader to negotiate with Sinn Fein.

The peace talks began formally in 1998 and was overseen by neutral figures like former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell. The outcomes were overwhelmingly ratified by public referendums in both parts of Ireland.

Trimble shared the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize with Catholic moderate leader John Hume, head of the Social Democratic and Labour Party, for their work.

Trimble was elected first minister in Northern Irelands first power-sharing government the same year, with the SDLPs Seamus Mallon as deputy first minister.

But both the UUP and the SDLP soon saw themselves eclipsed by more hardline parties: the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Fein. Many in Northern Ireland grew tired of Trimble and his colleagues, who appeared to be too moderate and compromising.

Trimble struggled to keep his party together as the power-sharing government was rocked by disagreements over disarming the IRA and other paramilitary groups. Senior colleagues defected to the DUP, Trimble lost his seat in Britains Parliament in 2005 and soon after he resigned as party leader. The following year he was appointed to the upper chamber of Parliament, the House of Lords.

Northern Ireland power-sharing has gone through many crises since then  but the peace settlement has largely endured.

The Good Friday Agreement is something which everybody in Northern Ireland has been able to agree with, Trimble said earlier this year. It doesnt mean they agree with everything. There are aspects which some people thought were a mistake, but the basic thing is that this was agreed.

William David Trimble was born in Belfast on Oct. 15, 1944, and was educated at Queens University, Belfast.

He had an academic career in law before moving into politics, and he surprised many when he won the leadership of the UUP in 1995.

Trimble was not always a popular leader, and his negotiations toward the peace accord attracted criticism from elements of his party.

David faced huge challenges when he led the Ulster Unionist Party in the Good Friday Agreement negotiations and persuaded his party to sign on for it," Adams said Monday in a statement. It is to his credit that he supported that Agreement. I thank him for that.

While we held fundamentally different political opinions on the way forward nonetheless I believe he was committed to making the peace process work," Adams continued. Davids contribution to the Good Friday Agreement and to the quarter century of relative peace that followed cannot be underestimated.

Trimble is survived by his wife Daphne and children, Richard, Victoria, Nicholas and Sarah.
LINCOLN  University of Nebraska at Kearney graduate Dunixi Guereca has been named executive director of Stand for Schools, a not-for-profit organization that advances public education in Nebraska.

Guereca will assume his new role in August after moving from California, where he worked with SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West and, before that, the Boy Scouts of America. He studied political science and government at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and at UNK and worked with the Nebraska Democratic Party.

It was Guerecas experience in political organizing that stood out most for Board President Connie Duncan.

Stand For Schools is non-partisan, so we absolutely needed a leader who could work across party lines to grow support for Nebraskas public schools. Dunixi has proven hes got that kind of know-how, Duncan said.

Guereca believes an important part of achieving the organizations goals is to oppose legislative efforts to privatize public education, according to the press release announcing his appointment.

By keeping public schools public, Nebraskans have managed to avoid the disasters weve seen in other states, and I intend to keep it that way  no vouchers, no charters, and the very best public schools in the nation, Guereca said.
His name is unknown to most, but few have done more for higher education than the late Claiborne Pell, a six-term senator from Rhode Island. It was Pell who sponsored a 1972 bill that reformed the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant, which provides financial aid to American college students. Eight years later, the grant was given Pells name in honor of his work in making higher learning accessible to everyone.

Fifty years later, there are thousands of Nebraskans who have benefitted from the Pell Grant and the opportunities it afforded students who might not have otherwise been able to afford to go to college.

The current funding of the Pell Grant  about $5,600 per semester  pays the full tuition rate for in-state colleges and would cover additional costs of those students. The money does not have to be paid back.

According to data collected by the U.S. Department of Education and published through the College Scorecard, roughly 36% of students attending Nebraskas public and private colleges and universities received a Pell Grant in the 2019-20 school year.

Now consider how many students both in Nebraska and nationwide who have benefitted from Pell Grants. That list includes UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green, who received financial assistance when he enrolled at Virginia Tech University in 1979.

Journal Star higher education reporter Chris Dunker wrote last week that the grant, when combined with other scholarships, helped Green graduate with no college debt.

I didnt work a lot when I was in college  I worked some as a student worker  but I was able to go full-time as a student and not have to worry about 20-30 hours of workload a week, he said. I was able to finish in 3 years instead of five or six years.

The world was different four decades ago, particularly when it comes to the cost of higher education. Student debt has become a fact of life  an unavoidable curse  for many students, but Pell Grants still serve a valuable role in reducing that debt.

The average debt University of Nebraska-Lincoln students graduate with is roughly $24,500, according to the Institute for College Access and Success, which is below both the state average of $30,500 and the national average of $32,700.

Thats a bigger hole than wed like to see young people saddled with as they enter the workforce, but that kind of debt is at least manageable.

We can thank Pell Grants for that. Without this financial aid, there are thousands of Nebraskans who would have entered the workforce immediately out of high school, perhaps without the skill-sets necessary to run some of the firms and industries that help us to maintain the Good Life.

Even worse, consider the thousands of students who might have been forced to leave school without a degree because such funding wasnt available to them.

Fifty years later, Claiborne Pell deserves a long overdue tip of the cap for making a difference.
The Onalaska Lions Club has named the yard of Steve and Kelly Thompson, 675 Custer Court, as the Onalaska Club Yard of the Week. The Lions will donate $25 in the name of the award recipient to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation.

The Lions Club members rely on nominations, so if you know of a yard you would like to nominate, please send a letter with the name and address of the residents to: Onalaska Lions, P.O. Box 212, Onalaska, WI 54650, or visit the Lions website (e-clubhouse.org/sites/onalaskawi).

People may also enter them on the clubs Facebook page. Only yards in the city of Onalaska are eligible for this award.
By Azernews

A soldier of the Azerbaijani army serving in Kalbajar District on the border with Armenia has gone missing, Azernews reports with reference to the Defense Ministry.

The incident was registered on 23 July when a conscript soldier of the Azerbaijani army, Hamiz Ibayev, went missing in the Kalbajar section of the state border, according to the report.

The report says that relevant measures are being taken to find the soldier, adding that the issue is currently being investigated.
Parents who need a helping hand providing school supplies for their children may request items through the Vernon County Health Departments Stuff the Bus program.

According to the federal eligibility guidelines, students in households with incomes at or below 185% of the federal poverty rate are eligible to apply to receive the backpacks and school supplies. More simply stated, if the student is eligible for free or reduced meals or WIC, they are eligible to receive assistance with school supplies.

Parents are asked to fill out a request form that can be found on the Vernon County website by clicking on Public Health Department, going to Department Services and then clicking on Stuff the Bus. The form can be emailed to margie.brownell@vernoncounty.org, mailed or dropped off at 318 Fairlane Drive, P.O. Box 209, Viroqua, WI 54665, or called in at 608-637-5260. Requests are due Aug. 1. Parents may still have to purchase some supplies from their childs school list.

Parents can pick up the supplies on one of the following distribution days: Aug. 16, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the town hall in Ontario; Aug. 17, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Wesleyan Church in Hillsboro; Aug. 17, 3 to 5 p.m. at the firehouse in La Farge; and Aug. 18-19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the basement of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 504 S. Main St., Viroqua (use the back parking lot).

The program began in 2010 at the request of a needy family seeking help with school supplies for their children. Public health nurse Betty Nigh, RN, BSN, said the program has evolved and over the past three years has served an average of 435 to 500 children each year.

Nigh said she isnt sure how many requests for school supplies will be submitted this year by parents because some schools have COVID money to provide some school supplies.

Stuff the Bus is a community project funded by community donations and area business partners. So far this years partners include Walmart, the Viroqua Area Rotary Club, James P. Bigley Foundation, Nelson Agri-Center, Knights of Columbus, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Vernon County Lions clubs, Viroqua Area Foundation, WCCU, Animal Tracks and private donors.

Community members will have an opportunity to help support the program at Stuff the Bus Saturday set for Aug. 6. A brat fry will be held at the Viroqua Walmart from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On that day people can also drop off school supplies.

If people arent able to participate in the Stuff the Bus Saturday event, they may drop off school supplies at the health department or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua (use the back parking lot).

Monetary donations may be mailed to the health department, attention Stuff the Bus. Checks should be made payable to the Vernon County Health Department with Stuff the Bus in the memo line.

Although school-supply shopping is done all year, there are gaps that always need to be filled. The following items are especially needed: calculators, pencil sharpeners, pencil pouches, 1-inch three-ring binders, black pens, red pens, rulers, boxes of Kleenex and disinfectant wipes.

Volunteer opportunityVolunteers will pack backpacks in the basement of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua Aug. 11 and 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Anyone who is interested in volunteering may contact Nigh at 608-606-3353.
The western half of Vernon County experienced very strong winds and heavy rain Saturday afternoon with the severe weather that passed through. Initial reports along the Mississippi River were 70 mph winds and heavy rain. Trees down or snapped off, power lines down, damage to roofs, outbuildings, and recreational vehicle damage are what have been reported so far.

Property owners who may have incurred damages are encouraged to report these to their insurance company first. Remember to take pictures and keep documentation of your damages. A damage reporting line has been established with Great Rivers 211. Please report your damages to them by simply dialing 2-1-1 and following the prompts on your phone, they will pass the information along to Emergency Management.

As a reminder, reporting your damages to our office does not guarantee funding assistance for repairs of cleanup, it assists us for situational awareness to see whether or not further assistance requests to the state need to be made, said Brandon Larson, WCEM, Director of Emergency Management.

Remember to stay safe and take precautions as you clean up storm debris.
The Wisconsin State Supreme Court issued a ruling earlier this month that open government advocates say deals a body blow to the states traditions of open government and encourages public agencies to work in greater secrecy.

In its decision, the high court weakened the ability of public records requesters to recoup attorney fees from government agencies that deny their requests, reversing decades of legal precedent.

The ruling, handed down in Friends of Frame Park v. City of Waukesha on July 6, requires a requester who has filed suit seeking records to first obtain a favorable court ruling on the merits of that request before recovering attorney fees from the government agency that refused the request.

Its a seemingly small shift, but a significant one.

The position breaks the longstanding practice of Wisconsin courts directing government agencies to pay a requesters court fees if the agency releases the records before a court decision and the lawsuit was determined to be the cause of the release.

Wisconsins Open Records Law states: Except as otherwise provided by law, any requester has a right to inspect any record.

Government agencies can deny public records requests according to specific exemptions in state law. But if a government agency denies a request and the requester sues in court for those records, the court can order the agency pay the requesters attorney fees if the court rules those records were held illegally, according to state law.

At issue in the Friends of Frame Park case is the word prevails in a section of the Open Records Law. That paragraph says a court shall award reasonable attorney fees, damages of not less than $100, and other actual costs to the requester if the requester prevails in whole or in substantial part in any action to obtain public records.In his opinion for the four-judge conservative majority on the seven-judge state Supreme Court, Justice Brian Hagedorn wrote that the word prevails means a records requester must get a court to rule in their favor to have attorney fees awarded.

Previously, Wisconsin courts had interpreted the word prevails to mean the requester had shown that their litigation had prompted the government agencys release of records.

In a concurring opinion, the three other conservative justices contended that any release of public records automatically invalidates requester claims for attorney fees. Hagedorn and his decisive fourth vote would not go that far.

We save this issue for another day, he wrote.

Even without the harsher decision, David Cuillier, president of the National Freedom of Information Coalition and director of the University of Arizona School of Journalism, called the ruling a setback for transparency in Wisconsin, no doubt.

It opens the door for agencies to game the system  keep records secret, wait for someone to sue, if that happens at all, and if someone does sue, just hand over the records before the court rules to avoid paying the requesters legal fees, he continued. Delay, delay, delay.

The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, which called the ruling a body blow to the states traditions of open government, added that the conservative majority on the state Supreme Court has created new opportunities for authorities to deprive the public of access to public information.

The Open Records Law states that state and local authorities in Wisconsin must provide requested records as soon as practicable and without delay, the council said in a formal statement after the July 6th ruling. The new standard created by this decision is whenever you feel like it, even after you have been sued for not complying.

In dissenting from the majority opinion, the courts three liberal justices said the ruling promotes more secrecy in government.By reinterpreting the law to reward government actors for strategically freezing out the publics access to records, todays decision will chill the publics right to an open government, Justice Jill Karofsky wrote.

Compared to other states, Wisconsin previously had a fairly strong Open Records Law, Cuillier said.

Unfortunately, most states have weak fee recovery provisions in their laws, and this puts Wisconsin in that same bucket now, he said. Thats too bad because preliminary research indicates that strong mandatory fee-shifting provisions are correlated with more transparent government agencies. Government officials are more likely to follow the law if there are financial repercussions at stake. Its human nature. So now Wisconsin officials can more easily hide from the people they serve. Thats a shame.

Transparency advocates are brainstorming ways in the courts and legislature to minimize the damage of the ruling, said Tom Kamenick, president and founder of the Wisconsin Transparency Project, a law firm focused on the states Open Records and Open Meetings laws.

There is no question the Supreme Court made it significantly more difficult to obtain attorney fees, Kamenick said. That will make it harder to file lawsuits, which in turn incentivizes custodians to break the law knowing they are unlikely to face consequences for doing so.

Kamenick represents The Badger Project in a pending open records case against the Wausau Police Department.

The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council and Kamenick called on the legislature to clarify the states Open Records Law to return it to the previous standard.

State legislators in Wisconsin already have exempted themselves from the requirement that all government employees retain their records. Some state legislators regularly delete their emails at the end of the day.
The La Crosse Dive Unit fills an essential role for a county lining the banks of the Mississippi River: training people for and performing water rescue and recovery and promoting water safety. Its a volunteer organization under the direction of the La Crosse County Sheriffs Department that also helps other counties search and recover units when needed.

David Marshall Quackenboss is the unit leader of the La Crosse Dive Unit. He said, put simply, the La Crosse Dive Unit rescues people when things go wrong, recovers items like vehicles when the unexpected happens and brings closure to families when there is a tragedy.

What is the most unexpected thing youve ever found in the river?

We have learned to expect the unexpected. Anything can end up in the river. Most interestingly, the dive unit went in at The Sportsmans Boat Landing to hook up a minivan that had slid down the ramp and submerged. Divers trying to hook up the vehicle werent able to locate the hitch and instead found a Toyota Camry that had been reported stolen in Minneapolis several years earlier, driven to La Crosse and dumped in the West Channel of the Mississippi. We recovered two vehicles that day rather than the one anticipated.

What is one important skill that you think everyone should have?

I should say everyone should learn to be a competent swimmer because once you stop swimming, you start drowning, but my honest answer is for everyone to learn First Aid, CPR and know how to operate an AED. Knowing how to react in an emergency and how you can learn how to best respond in a beneficial way is the most important skill, whether on the water or anywhere else.

Accidents and emergencies tend to happen when we least expect them to, and while prevention (like wearing a personal floatation device and having a plan for what you are doing) is good, anything can happen. Knowing how to respond to get to safety, save a life and get emergency responders quickly are absolutely important. Knowing how to react to an emergency and to possibly be able to save a life  could there be any better way to serve others?

What was your most memorable dive  good or bad?

Helping a family find closure is not easy. We do not talk about the bad dives because they were a tragedy that changed a family forever. That stays with us  our team works to provide closure to a family that has experienced the unimaginable, and that grief, that dive, can be haunting for us but does not come close to the grief of losing a loved one.

The good dives are any dive operation where the entire dive team, both divers and tenders (our surface support without which we couldnt do what we do), operate and go home safe to their families afterward. While I remember every dive I have performed in the Mississippi River day, night and under the ice, my most memorable dive was a few years back in the warm, blue water off Key Largo with my wife and three kids all diving with me.
The Vernon County Sheriffs Office responded to a call of an overturned camper in the marina at Waters Edge Motel/Marina in the village of Stoddard on Saturday afternoon.

According to the sheriffs office, the Vernon County 911 center received the phone call at 3:32 p.m. Due to the strong winds and rain, other traffic hazards made it difficult for first responders to gain access to the marina.

When first responders arrived it was determined two adults and their two dogs had been trapped inside the camper but were able to successfully get out.

James Koscielak, 43, of Wind Lake, Wis, complained of hip and back pain and was transported by Tri-State Ambulance to Gundersen Health System. Amy Koscielak, 44, also of Wind Lake, was visibly shaken up, but complained of no injuries.

There were several other vehicles that sustained damage from falling trees at the marina and throughout the Stoddard and Genoa areas.
Western Technical Colleges agriculture and horticulture programs received a $50,000 grant from Compeer Financials Agriculture and Rural Initiative.

The funding helps Westerns agriculture and horticulture programs purchase simulator equipment for hydroponic farming, which involves the growing of plants without soil.

In addition to the grant, the Initiative provided two annual $1,250 scholarships to award students enrolled in agriculture programs. Western was one of only five colleges in Wisconsin receiving grant money from the Initiative.

Compeers support of technical colleges through these grants comes at just the right time, especially here at Western, said Dona Goede, instructor for the Agri-Business Science Technology program at Western. All of our agricultural programs are evolving as the industry changes. This grant will not only help us procure the technology we need in the classroom to teach the future employees in the industry, but it will also help us get the word out about the first-rate educational opportunities that we have right here in the region.

The future of agriculture and our clients farms rely on a strong, vibrant and robust agricultural workforce, and our partners in higher education provide opportunities for young adults to explore and gain hands-on experience in these careers, said Greg Nelson, a Compeer Financial director. Our clients continue to list workforce development among their highest concerns, and these grants and scholarships are the first step to improving this challenge for the industry.

To learn more information on Westerns agriculture and horticulture programs, call 608.785.9200 or visit www.westerntc.edu/academic-programs/agriculture-food-and-natural-resources.
Republicans running for the chance to face Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in November largely agreed on policy questions in a Sunday debate leading up to a hotly contested GOP gubernatorial primary in a little over two weeks.

Participating in the debate  hosted by TMJ4 News and Marquette University  were Tim Michels, the millionaire co-owner of Brownsville-based construction company Michels Corp.; former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, who served eight years under former Gov. Scott Walker; and state Rep. Timothy Ramthun, R-Campbellsport, who has campaigned largely on his efforts to decertify the results of the 2020 presidential election. Marquette Law Schools June poll found Michels and Kleefisch nearly tied at the front of the race. Business owner Adam Fischer is also running but did not meet the requirements to participate in the debate.

Candidates offered differing positions on the call by some Republicans for decertifying the results of the 2020 presidential election  something lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, experts and legal scholars have called legally and constitutionally impossible.

Michels said decertifying the election would not be a goal if elected this fall. Michels has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump, who continues to make unfounded claims of a stolen election despite no evidence of widespread fraud.

Its not a priority, Michels said, when pressed on the issue of decertification. My priories are election integrity, crime reduction and education reform.

Kleefisch, who has been endorsed by more than 50 state lawmakers, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, also said she would not make decertification a priority if elected governor.

The 2020 election, I feel was rigged, Kleefisch said, pointing out that she sued the Wisconsin Elections Commission challenging state guidance in 2020 allowing ballot drop boxes and consolidating polling places during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit was ultimately rejected by the states high court.

Ramthun said he was surprised to be the only candidate on stage calling for decertification. When asked to provide evidence of widespread fraud, he pointed to the Wisconsin Supreme Courts decision earlier this month banning the use of absentee ballot drop boxes in the state.

They were illegal then, theyre illegal now and theyll be illegal going forward, Ramthun said, to cheers from the audience.

TMJ4 anchor and debate moderator Charles Benson was met with boos from the audience when he reminded Ramthun that the Supreme Court ruled that state law does not allow drop boxes, but didnt suggest that those who used the boxes voted illegally

A recount, court decisions and multiple reviews have affirmed that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes.

The winner of the Aug. 9 primary will go on to face Evers, who is seeking a second term, in the Nov. 8 election. The gubernatorial race is considered high-stakes for both parties, as Republicans, who hold strong majorities in the state Assembly and Senate, look to take back full control of the state government. Democrats, meanwhile, have rallied behind Evers, who has vetoed more than 100 GOP-authored bills since taking office in 2019, ranging from abortion restrictions to changes to the election procedures.

The stakes in this race could not be higher: We can either go down a path where radical politicians divide our communities and our rights are no longer guaranteed, Evers campaign manager Cassi Fenilli said in a statement Sunday. Or we can choose to continue doing the right thing for our state.

Kleefisch, Michels and Ramthun held largely similar views on rejecting federal funding tied to Medicaid expansion in the state, breaking up the Milwaukee Public Schools district and supporting the states 1849 abortion ban following the U.S. Supreme Courts decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The states 173-year-old abortion ban only provides exceptions to protect the life of the mother.

Kleefisch said she does not support exemptions, but added that miscarriage care and ectopic pregnancy treatment are not abortion.

Michels said he would look to add funding to counseling and other services for women, while Ramthun said he would work to speed up the adoption process for women with unplanned pregnancies.

All three conservatives also spoke in favor of tax reform, with Kleefisch advocating for moving to a flat tax for all residents and eliminating the states income tax, while Ramthun said he would work to reduce taxes by repealing the state income tax or local school tax levies.

Last months Marquette Law School Poll found that 27% of Republican primary voters support Michels, while 26% support Kleefisch. Ramthun was supported by 3% of respondents. Close to one-third of respondents remained undecided.

Polling also found Evers holding a slight edge in head-to-head matchups with the major Republicans in the race. The Democratic governor was the pick of 47% of respondents in a head-to-head scenario with Kleefisch, who received 43% support. Against Michels, who had not previously been featured in a Marquette poll, Evers held a 48-41 advantage. Evers also fared better against Ramthun, (51-34).
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has received Araz Ahmadov as the newly-appointed head of Masalli District Executive Authorities; Akbar Abbasov as the newly-appointed head of Lerik District Executive Authorities, and Elvin Pashayev as the newly-appointed head of Goygol District Executive Authorities.

The head of state addressed the meeting.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

- You are being appointed as heads of executive authority of Goygol, Lerik and Masalli districts. Great confidence is being placed in you. I am sure that you will live up to this confidence with your work.

First of all, the situation in the regions should be carefully analyzed, and the existing drawbacks should be identified and eliminated.

In recent years, as a result of the implementation of the State Program on the socioeconomic development of the regions, extensive improvement and construction work has been carried out in all our districts, major infrastructure projects have been implemented, and most of the problems that had disturbed our people for many years have been resolved. Electricity supply, gas supply, road infrastructure, irrigation, drinking water and social infrastructure projects have been implemented, modern hospitals, medical centers and many schools have been built in every district. Of course, all these have made a tremendous contribution to the socioeconomic development of the districts. After all, there can be no development without infrastructure. We have implemented infrastructure projects that werent implemented even in Soviet times. In particular, there was no gas supply in Lerik district during the Soviet era. On my order, Lerik now has gas supply. Since these three districts are located in the mountains, problems related to arranging gas supply there are a little more serious than in other districts, of course. However, by doing all these things we have improved people's well-being as much as possible.

Of course, these infrastructure projects have served to create jobs. Entrepreneurs are also heavily involved in all construction work in the regions. Job creation is of particular importance. Because the population of the country is increasing. When Azerbaijan gained independence, our population was a little more than 7 million, but today it is more than 10 million. This naturally requires the process of job creation to become permanent. At the same time, we are taking serious steps in the fight against unemployment, and the creation of paid social jobs has also gained momentum. There is a quota for each district. Unfortunately, in some districts, those who were supposed to be involved in this work were not. On the contrary, the funds payable to them were embezzled by the heads of district executive authority and other officials.

As you know, several former heads of executive authority have been brought to criminal accountability, some have already been sentenced, the cases of others are still in court. This shows that no-one can be above the law. When I appoint all heads of executive authority, one of my instructions is that we should relentlessly fight against corruption and bribery, and the heads of executive authority should be an example in that. Unfortunately, some have gone astray and are suffering today. This should be a lesson for every civil servant.

You have to be in constant touch with the people. You should visit all the villages, you should share in the villagers concerns, you should get firsthand information about the issues of concern to them and resolve these problems if possible. Whenever possible, you should try to resolve these problems within the district. There are issues that should be resolved by state bodies. You should contact relevant state bodies about this  the Presidential Administration, the Cabinet of Ministers, relevant government agencies, so that problems can be solved. If the problems of every village are resolved, it is possible to say that there will be no serious problems worrying the people of the country.

Of course, you should follow the principle of social justice in your activities. Social justice and the principles of justice as a whole are is one of the fundamental principles of society. Justice always prevails in a healthy society. We are building a healthy society and it is possible to say that we have been successful in that. Today, Azerbaijani society shows solidarity. Azerbaijani society supports the processes taking place in the country, supports our foreign and domestic policy. Because our policy is aimed at improving the well-being of the Azerbaijani people. Our policy enhances the international reputation of our country. As a result of our policy, Azerbaijan has put an end to Armenias occupation policy by military and then political means. We have liberated our ancestral lands, we have restored historical justice and national pride.

Special attention should be paid to the families of martyrs. The state always keeps them in the spotlight. Before the second Karabakh war and after the second Karabakh war, the families of martyrs have always been in the spotlight. As you know, I have had many meetings with families of martyrs and those disabled in the war. Their household problems are being resolved by the state. More than 12,500 families of martyrs have been provided with apartments and houses by the state, thousands of cars have been handed out. This process is ongoing. In Baku, Sumgayit and districts of Absheron, the allocation of housing to the families of the martyrs is about to be finalized. This work will be carried out by the state in other districts as well. In other words, the state is fulfilling its duty. In addition, a number of measures have been taken to provide employment to the families of martyrs and disabled war veterans. The main thing is to pay attention to people from this category. Representatives of the district executive authority should not remain indifferent to them. On the contrary, they should always take interest in their living conditions and employment.

We owe this Victory to them  to our martyrs, to disabled war veterans and veterans. Of course, the state showed resolve, we showed our determination and, without looking at anything or fearing anyone, we liberated our lands by saying we would rather die than retreat. This is state policy and the strength of the state. This is the solidarity of our citizens. But no-one should forget that it was our heroic soldiers and officers who raised our flag on liberated lands. They sacrificed their lives, they lost their health, they saved our Motherland from the invaders by facing death and without fearing anything. Therefore, it is the duty of every civil servant  in fact, not only civil servant but also everyone  to support them. Let me say again  the state and myself as President are always interested in their problems. I resolve these problems. I am always stand with them. Every civil servant should do the same.

You should take the initiative in the development of the districts. In some cases, local executive bodies are a bit lazy. They either wait for some projects to be implemented by the state or for an entrepreneur to come and knock on their door. In some cases, various illegal and unreasonable demands are put forward to entrepreneurs. You should attract entrepreneurs to your districts yourself  both local and foreign entrepreneurs, especially since the tourism potential of Goygol, Masalli and Lerik districts is very rich. The fascinating nature of these districts is our great asset  forests, mountains, springs, rivers, waterfalls. In other words, I believe that one of the main priorities is to turn these districts into tourism centers.

A lot has been done in recent years. When I was in Goygol, Lerik and Masalli districts a number of times, I also enquired about this issue and gave my recommendations. I know that modern recreation areas and hotel complexes have been built in these districts, and of course this process should be stepped up. A few years ago, even before the Patriotic War, we opened Lake Goygol to the public. In previous years, in the years before the war, I wondered why it was impossible for people to come close to our Lake Goygol, to our natural wealth. This was explained by the fact that the area is close to the line of contact. After that, we started exploring and found that Lake Goygol could be opened as a travel destination on the condition of protecting the ecological condition and ecosystem of this lake. And we did that. Thousands of people come to Lake Goygol every day now, especially in spring and summer, to admire this beautiful view and especially after the Patriotic War, as we have already expelled the enemy from our lands. Of course, this beautiful place has tremendous importance for the development of tourism. At the same time, if we take into account the fact that a road is being built from Goygol district to Kalbajar district, a tunnel is under construction, this district has to make a special contribution to the development of the Kalbajar-Lachin zone.

Tourism potential is very rich in other districts as well. Since the Lankaran-Lerik road was in a dilapidated state, there was almost no tourist flow to Lerik district. On my orders, the road was overhauled and reconstructed. The flow of tourism to Lerik district has now started. This district also has a great history and great natural wealth. The same applies to Masalli district as well. Masalli district has mountainous and lowland areas. I want to say again that the tourism potential of these districts is quite rich.

At the same time, there are great opportunities for the development of agriculture in all three districts. Agriculture should be created in accordance with modern requirements there. Animal husbandry and plant breeding should be aligned with the characteristics of the districts provided that modern agro-technical measures are taken and applied. A very serious matter related to this is the efficient use of land. Unfortunately, in previous years, some government officials and entrepreneurs had fenced off large areas of land, thus occupying them illegally. Houses were built on the land intended for agriculture or this land was fenced off and made someone's property. We have recently begun to seriously investigate this issue and found out that huge violations had been committed in this area. Senior officials were ordering representatives of the local executive authority to give them this or that land plot. Thus, the land fund was shrinking and, unfortunately, the process of illegal occupation of land became pervasive. This wasnt observed only in the regions. There are similar cases in Baku city and Absheron peninsula. You are probably aware that a group of public figures addressed me recently over the occupation by some people of Buzovna rocks, which have a great history. I immediately instructed the head of the Baku City Executive Authority to investigate this issue and report the findings to me. Very large violations have been detected  very large. Who committed these illegal acts? Government officials and some entrepreneurs did! We have their list. This is a crime against history and against our nature. These rocks are a symbol of Baku. These rocks have reflected the beauty of our coast for centuries. People used to approach these rocks. Films were shot there, but then someone invades the place, breaks them and builds a villa for themselves.

Unfortunately, there are many such situations. I want to say again today that these phenomena are being rigorously fought against. Very serious reforms are being carried out in the area of governance. Extensive cleaning work is under way. Those who brought about these situations and incited civil servants and local executive bodies to engage in these illegal cases have been dismissed. The government is being cleaned and people can see that. This is why you, as public officials, should pay very serious attention to this. This is my message to you and to representatives of all government agencies. At the same time, this is my message to those who want to engage in illegal activities. Stop it! You will be punished. You are already being punished. We cannot dwarf the successful development of our country because of someone's greed or someone's personal interests. Therefore, the process of illegal occupation of land should be investigated. In the districts you will be leading, throughout the country, on the Absheron peninsula, in the coastal areas and in all our districts, illegal acts must be stopped.

Azerbaijan is not a very big country in terms of territory. For us, every inch of land is precious, valuable, and people should be able to use this land. Farmers and villagers should be able to use it to grow crops. We must protect the ecological system of our country, and this is one of my recommendations to you. All the work being done and to be done should not undermine the environmental situation. In particular, Goygol, Lerik and Masalli are districts with beautiful nature. Therefore, ecological balance and ecological norms should be protected. Be sure to keep this in mind.

I am sure that if modern governance rules are applied to every district and indeed everywhere else, many problems will be eliminated. This is the policy of the state. I have always defined the policy of the Azerbaijani state unambiguously and presented it to the public. Many of my speeches actually represent our reports to the public. At the same time, I think that the words I say should serve as a basis for all public officials, including entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurship is developing. I support that, and many steps are being taken in this direction. However, all rules must be complied with, especially in construction, agriculture and tourism. It is necessary to see to what extent a facility being established meets the architectural style of this or that region, to what extent it meets modern standards, whether or not its construction coefficient is in line with the standards. Unfortunately, many high-rise buildings that were once built in Baku do not comply with any urban planning norms. Why? Because illegal things were committed. Heads of the district executive authority issued illegal permits and, as a result, the principles of urban planning suffered a huge blow. Therefore, it is very difficult to fix them now. At this stage, however, we cannot allow urban planning norms to be violated. For example, all urban planning and environmental standards are being fully complied with in the territories freed from occupation  in fact, the standards of the most developed countries of the world. You should pay serious attention to these issues and exercise control over them in your activities.

Of course, in order for things to go better in the districts you will be leading, there must be public oversight. You should not shy away from public scrutiny. Public control, public activity and drawing your attention to existing problems should actually help you in your work. This is why you have to be together with the people, you have to be together with the public, and we can only develop our country in this way.

I want to say again that great confidence is being placed in you. I believe that the multifaceted reforms that taking place in our country, including the reforms in the field of governance, as well as personnel reforms, show our policy and our intentions to the entire Azerbaijani public.

Azerbaijan has great prospects and great potential, especially after our historic Victory in the second Karabakh war when we put an end to this injustice and restored historical justice with our own hands. We are living as a successful nation. We live with dignity, and things in our country should be done in such a way that there are no problems and no injustice. We have all the opportunities  natural resources, geographical location, international reputation and infrastructure. Everything is obvious. Notice how rapidly Azerbaijan is developing, especially in the current conditions when the world is gripped by an economic recession and other disturbing issues. Under such circumstances, if a public official does not perform his duties honorably, they will certainly be punished. We cannot allow anyone to dwarf our successful development, build a nest of bribery and undermine the foundations of our state.

These are my instructions to you. I expect you to work hard and I expect results. I am sure that you will realize this high confidence and work as I say.

***

The newly-appointed heads of district executive authority expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the great confidence being placed in them. They stated that they would work with full responsibility to live up to this trust and to make every effort to properly execute the tasks delegated to them by the head of state.
By Azernews

By Sabina Mammadli

Iran is on track to facilitate relations with Azerbaijan, which can be seen in the development of different spheres between the two countries, Azernews reports.

In this regard, Irans determination to expand relations with Azerbaijan in all areas was pointed out at a meeting Iran's Ambassador to Azerbaijan Seyyed Abbas Mousavi had with his Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on July 24.

At the meeting, the ambassador reported to the minister on the latest developments in the bilateral ties between Tehran and Baku.

In turn, Amir-Abdollahian pointed to the importance of ties with neighboring countries, especially Muslim nations.

He said that the Azerbaijani Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran have lots of untapped potential for broadening relations, and it is among the embassys tasks to find them out and use them for the expansion of bilateral ties.

Despite this policy, the recent statement by Imam Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, triggered wide-ranging discussions on social media networks in Azerbaijanis.

In a Twitter post, Khamenei wrote that the Islamic Republic would not tolerate policies or plans that lead to the closure of the Iran-Armenia border as it is a "thousands of years old communication path".

Later, several other religious representatives confirmed his statement.

In particular, Imam of the Tehran Friday Prayers Mohammad-Hassan Aboutorabi Fard stated that Iran is very sensitive to regional changes and will not allow damage to a road that is thousands of years old and which acts as one of the factors of strengthing security and peace of the peoples of the region.

Similarly, the representative of the Supreme Leader in Ilam Province and Imam of Friday Prayer Allahnur Karimitabar noted that the issue of the Armenian-Iranian border was highlighted during the visit of the presidents of Turkey and Russia to Iran.

They should not even imagine that they can threaten the millennial road and create obstacles for Iran, the Imam added.

Other representatives made similar speeches during the sermon, conveying the words of their leader to the broad masses of believers.

After liberating its lands from the Armenian occupation in the 44-day war in 2020, Azerbaijan regained control over a 132-km section of the Azerbaijani-Iranian border. The re-establishment of control over the state border opened up new prospects for deeper cooperation between the two countries.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Iran in 2021 was $440.8 million.
International media and music companies want to sell products from Africas music market.

African music is increasingly popular on the internet and on smartphones in places far outside of Africa.

Companies are noticing a worldwide interest in African music. The company Universal Music Group launched Virgin Music Africa Label & Artist Services in June. It aims to support independent African music recording companies, often called labels, and artists.

The service will digitize music catalogues, or collections of songs coming from the same owner, that are no longer available to buyers. The company aims to expand into the growing market for African sounds.

The interest from international companies is growing as African artists become the main performers at international music events like festivals and concerts. Festivals include Afro Nation in Portugal and Africolor in France. African musical forms such as Afrobeat, Rhumba, and Amapiano are topping popular music lists, known as charts.

Franck-Alcide Kacou is managing director of Universal Music Africa and the new Virgin Music Africa Label. He said it has over 15,000 music titles  or songs. Kacou added that it has 50 partner labels and around 100 artists from 25 countries.

The artists include Senegal's M'balax maestro Youssou Ndour, Congo's Lokua Kanza, Magic System from Ivory Coast and Cabo Snoop from Angola.

Kacou said that the service will digitize and make available African music currently in music media like vinyl, cassette, or CD. The aim is to reach younger listeners.

Kacou told Reuters that Its a real opportunity for countries that are also experiencing this digital transformation.

He said the service will support independent labels who are looking for a wider network.

Kacou said finding a producer in Africa and making cultural works available is a real challenge for many artists. He added that most artists do not receive a fair amount of money for their musical works.

Im Anna Mateo.

Loucoumane Coulibaly reported this story for The Associated Press. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English.

_________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

digital  adj. using or characterized by computer technology

opportunity  n. an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done

transformation  n. a complete or major change in someone's or something's appearance or form

challenge  n. a difficult task or problem: something that is hard to do

_____________________________________________________________

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Mennonite farming communities in southern Mexico are becoming a concern for the Mexican government. They are clearing areas of the Maya Forest, the largest tropical forest in North America.

Mennonites are Christians who live a simple life and reject some modern technology, including cars, televisions, radios and other electronic devices.

Global Forest Watch is a non-profit organization that looks at deforestation. It said the Maya Forest is shrinking every year by nearly 900 square kilometers.

The Mennonites say that expanding their farms to provide a simple life for their families is the will of God.

Isaak Dyck Thiessen is a farmer and leader in the Mennonite settlement of Chavi. He said his people want to be left in peace.

Mennonites expanded into remote parts of Mexico after first arriving from Canada in the early 20th century. Agriculture work is central to their way of life and their religious beliefs.

The Mexican government once welcomed their farming expertise. But the Mennonites farms are causing environmental problems in the Maya Forest, one of North Americas biggest carbon sinks and a home to endangered jaguars. A carbon sink is an area with a strong ability to take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

When they are not working, Mennonites do not use electricity and other modern technology. However, their farming has developed to include machinery like bulldozers and chainsaws to clear land, as well as tractors and harvesters for their crops.

Mennonites arrived in Mexicos Campeche state in the 1980s. In the last 20 years, nearly one-fifth of the states tree cover has been lost.

The Mennonites keep an uneasy peace with local native communities. The native, or indigenous, Maya communities guard the surrounding forest but also borrow equipment from Mennonites for their own land.

"With them, we began to have access to machinery. We see that it gives us results," said Wilfredo Chicav, a Maya farmer.

Such access, however, has harmed the Maya Forest.

Between 2001 and 2018, the three states that make up the forest in Mexico lost about 15,000 square kilometers of tree cover. This is driving a shorter rainy season. Less forest means less rainfall capture.

Mennonites are not the only ones harming the forest. Other groups, including palm oil farmers and cattle ranchers, also carry out widespread land clearance.

Last August, the government urged Campeche Mennonite settlements to sign an agreement to stop deforesting land.

Not all the communities signed up.

Leader Dyck Thiessen and a lawyer representing some communities and farmers said Mennonites felt attacked by the government's efforts.

Mennonites believe in taking a pacifist approach to conflict. Pacifists oppose war or violence as a way of dealing with disputes.

The lawyer said at one meeting last year, a senior official at the federal environment ministry warned villagers the military could be brought to the area to stop deforestation if the communities did not change their ways.

Reuters reporters asked the environment ministry about the officials comments. The ministry denied talking about using the military, saying the government operates peacefully.

Carlos Tucuch is head of the Campeche office of Mexico's National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR). He told Reuters the government was not only centered on the Mennonites. The government, he said, was also looking into other causes of deforestation.

Campeche's Environment Secretary, Sandra Laffon, said the Mennonites in the state did not always have the right paperwork to turn the forest into farmland.

The agreement signed last year created a permanent working group between the government and Mennonite communities. The group will try to resolve complaints against the Mennonites from other local people.

Mennonite leaders are seeking a proposal from the government that would not cut their production. However, lower production may be something the farmers, including Mennonites, must deal with to protect the environment, Laffon said.

Dyck Thiessen, the Mennonite leader, does not think the governments proposed methods will be successful.

Still, he has hope.

"If the government shuts us down," he says, "God will open for us."

Im Caty Weaver.

Cassandra Garrison reported this story for Reuters. Matthew Caputo adapted it for VOA Learning English.

_________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

deforestation  n. the act or result of cutting down or burning all the trees in an area

remote - adj. far away, distant

access - n. a way of being able to use or get something

rancher -n. a person who lives or work in a large farm

approach - n. a way of dealing with something

pacifist  n. someone who believes that war and violence are wrong and who refuses to participate in or support a war

What do you think of deforestation? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.
Myanmars ruling military has executed four democracy activists whom the government had accused of carrying out terror acts.

The government confirmed Monday it had completed the executions, the first to be carried out in the country in more than 40 years. The action led to widespread condemnation from human rights groups and members of the international community.

The four men were accused of helping a resistance movement fight Myanmars military government. They were sentenced to death during trials held in January and April. They were activists. The trials were not open to the public.

The military took power on February 1. The seizure came just as lawmakers were to take their seats in parliament. Elections had been held the November before. Military officials said the election was dishonest and the overthrow was necessary as a result. The countrys electoral commission had rejected the armys claims of wrongdoing.

Among those executed was democracy campaigner Kyaw Min Yu, better known as Ko Jimmy, the countrys Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported. The 53-year-old was a longtime democracy activist in the country. He had already spent more than 12 years in detention for political activism before his arrest in Yangon last October.

Kyaw Min Yu had been put on a wanted list for social media postings that the military government claimed led to unrest. State media said he was accused of terrorist acts including mine attacks and heading a militant group called the Moon Light Operation.

Also executed was 41-year-old Phyo Zeya Thaw, a former lawmaker and hip-hop music artist. The government ordered his arrest in November based on information from people detained for shooting at security force members, state media reported at the time.

Phyo Zeya Thaw was a close ally of Myanmars ousted civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. He was jailed in 2008 under a past military government after being accused of having illegal contacts and owning foreign currency.

The two others executed were Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw. Both of them were sentenced to death in April for the March killing of a woman accused of being an informant for the military, the army chief said in an online statement.

Aung Myo Min is the human rights minister for the National Unity Government. The group is a civilian administration established outside of Myanmar after the military seized power.

The organization rejected the accusations that any of the men executed were involved in violence. Punishing them with death is a way to rule the public through fear, Aung Myo Min told The Associated Press.

The U.S. Embassy in Myanmar said it mourned the loss of the four men and expressed sorrow to their families. It criticized the decision to execute them. We condemn the military regime's execution of pro-democracy leaders and elected officials for exercising their fundamental freedoms, the embassy said.

Elaine Pearson, acting Asia director of Human Rights Watch, told The Associated Press the legal process against the four had been politically driven and were grossly unjust.

Thomas Andrews is an independent United Nations-appointed expert on human rights. He had condemned the decision to go ahead with the executions when they were announced in June.

Andrews called for a strong international reaction to the executions. These individuals were tried, convicted and sentenced by a military (court) without the right of appeal and reportedly without legal counsel, in violation of international human rights laws, he said.

The last judicial execution to be carried out in Myanmar is generally believed to have been of another political prisoner, student leader Salai Tin Maung Oo, in 1976. That execution happened under a past military government.

Im Bryan Lynn.

The Associated Press and Reuters reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English.

____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

regime  n. a system of government or other control, especially one that people do not approve of

fundamental  adj. relating to the most important or main part of something

grossly  adv. extremely

convict  v. to decide officially in a court of law that someone is guilty of a particular crime

_______________________________________________________________

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Pope Francis visited a small community in the Canadian province of Alberta on Monday to offer an apology for the Roman Catholic Churchs mistreatment of native people.

The main native groups of Canada include the Metis, First Nation and Inuit.

The apology was described as long-awaited.

Appeal for forgiveness

Francis is following through on a decision he made last April. That is when a group of indigenous people went to the Vatican to speak with the church leader. After the meeting, the Pope called the treatment of Canadas native people deplorable, and asked for forgiveness and promised to make his July visit.

When he arrived at the event in the small community of Maskwacis, he said: I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples. The Pope spoke in his native language of Spanish and his words were translated into English.

Many of those in attendance wore traditional clothing decorated with beads and feathered head coverings. The Pope arrived in a wheelchair and watched traditional songs and dances from a raised platform.

Maskwacis is the location where the Ermineskin Indian Residential School once stood. It is about 100 kilometers south of the city of Edmonton, Alberta.

The schools were set up by Roman Catholic missionaries to educate the children of indigenous groups in Canada. Missionaries are religious people who go to other countries and try to get people to join their religion.

In their work, the missionaries set up religious schools that operated for about 100 years, ending in the 1970s. However, native children were separated from their families at the missionary schools.

Because they were away from home, the children were not able to learn traditions from older family members and community leaders.

While they were at the schools, some of the children were treated badly. Some were physically abused by school leaders and others were sexually abused. About 150,000 young people went to the schools over the years.

Government policy

The Canadian government has also talked about its part in permitting the schools and harming the children. The Canadian government admitted the children were given physical punishment for speaking their native language while at the schools. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was also in Alberta with the Pope. He offered an apology for an incredibly harmful government policy last year.

Native leaders say they believe the bad treatment of the children prevented them from doing well as adults. While Catholics operated most of the residential schools, others were led by Protestants. Protestants are another Christian religious group different from Catholics.

In addition to the abuse, thousands of children died from disease, fires and other causes. Investigators say they have found locations at the schools where children who died may have been buried.

The Pope took responsibility for the churchs cooperation with the Canadian policy of mixing native people into Canadian society.

The Pope called it cultural destruction. He also said the missionaries of the time were only going along with the policy of the Canadian government.

He went on to say that remembering the bad actions of the Catholic missionaries and the Canadian government could cause sadness and anger. But he said it was necessary. He said it was right to remember the bad things that happened because forgetting leads to indifference.

He also said that asking forgiveness is only the first step in the healing process. He promised an investigation into the past and research into ways the Catholic Church can help survivors.

Francis apologized for not being able to visit all of the indigenous people of Canada who have invited him, noting the size of the country.

Organizers wanted to make sure as many native people as possible could be present.

Mixed emotions

Maskwacis is a center for four groups of Cree people. It is now home to a school that is run by local people and supports the study of native culture.

Greg Desjarlais is a leader of a local native group. He said there are mixed emotions across Canada about the Popes visit. He said the visit brings up sad feelings about the young people who died at the schools, but also offers hope that people might start to feel better after an apology.

Our people have been traumatized, he said. Now I hope the world will see why our people are so hurt.

On Monday, the Pope also visited a Catholic church whose members are mostly indigenous people. The church includes native languages and traditions in its religious ceremonies.

Fernie Marty is a religious leader called an elder. Marty said: I never in my life thought we would see a pope here at Sacred Heart Church.

Francis will also visit other native groups in Canada. His six-day trip includes visits to other sites in Alberta, a visit to the province of Quebec and to the territory of Nunavut.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report from the Associated Press.

__________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story

await  v. to wait for someone or something

incredible  adj. difficult or impossible to believe

indigenous  adj. produced, living, or existing naturally in a particular region or environment

beg  v. to ask strongly for something

decorate  v. to add something that will make an item look nicer

location n. a place

trauma  n. a very difficult or unpleasant experience that causes someone to have mental or emotional problems usually for a long time

______________________________________________________________

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The GPD Pocket 3 is a small but versatile mini-laptop computer with an 8 inch display that supports pen and touch input, a swivel hinge that lets you fold the screen down over the keyboard for use in tablet mode, a backlit keyboard thats just big enough for touch typing, and support for up to an Intel Core i7-1195G7 processor. Theres also a highly unusual feature: a modular design that lets you swap out one of the USB ports for other I/O options.

Its the latest device from GPD, one of a handful of Chinese companies that have revived the dream of the UMPC (ultra mobile PC) by delivering a series of tiny laptops and handheld computers in recent years, and Ive been testing a pre-production prototype for the past few weeks and it makes a pretty compelling case that theres still room for UMPCs in a world where theyve largely been supplanted by tablets.

The GPD Pocket 3 is up for pre-order through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, and its expected to begin shipping in January, 2022.

GPD is offering two different configurations. The first is a cheaper model with a $650 starting price (during crowdfunding) and an Intel Pentium Silver N6000 low-power processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.

The second version features an Intel Core i7-1195G7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. It sells for $1000 during crowdfunding and thats the version Ive been testing, and it has the horsepower of a high-performance thin and light laptop stuffed into a compact design half the size of a typical model.

Specs

GPD Pocket 3 specs Processor Intel Pentium Silver N6000

4 cores / 4 threads

1.1 GHz base / 3.3 GHz turbo

1.5MB L2 cache

4MB L3 cache

6W / 10W TDP

Tremont architecture Intel Core i7-1195G7

4 cores / 8 threads

2.9 GHz base / 5 GHz turbo

5MB L2 cache

12MB L3 cache

12W  25W TDP

Tiger Lake UP3 architecture Graphics Intel UHD 630

32 execution units

350 MHz base / 850 MHz max

256 shaders

[email protected] Hz

DirectX 12

OpenGL 4.5 Intel Iris Xe with 96eu

96 execution units

400 MHz base / 1.4 GHz max

768 shaders

[email protected] Hz

DirectX 12.1

OpenGL 4.6 Display 8 inches

1920 x 1200 pixels

248 ppi

IPS LCD

500 nits

10-point multitouch

180 degree hinge 8 inches

1920 x 1200 pixels

248 ppi

IPS LCD

500 nits

10-point multitouch

180 degree hinge RAM 8GB LPDDR4x-2933

(LPDDR4x-4266, but the Pentium N6000 SoC limits speeds to 2933 MHz) 16GB LPDDR4x-3733

Configurable up to 4266 MHz in BIOS Storage M.2 2280

PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe 1.3 SSD

512GB M.2 2280

PCIe 3.0 or 4.0 x4 NVMe 1.3 or 1.4 SSD

1TB Modular port USB-A (included)

RS-232 (sold separately)

KVM / USB input (sold separately) USB-A (included)

RS-232 (sold separately)

KVM / USB input (sold separately) Other Ports 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C

2 x 3.2 Gen 2 USB Type-A

1 x HDMI 2.0b

1 x 2.5 Gbps Ethernet

1 x 3.5mm mic/headphone combo 1 x Thunderbolt 4

2 x 3.2 Gen 2 USB Type-A

1 x HDMI 2.0b

1 x 2.5 Gbps Ethernet

1 x 3.5mm mic/headphone combo Wireless Intel AX201

WiFi 6

Bluetooth 5.0 Intel AX210

WiFi 6E

Bluetooth 5.2 Keyboard QWERTY chiclet-style keys

Backlit QWERTY chiclet-style keys

Backlit Webcam 2MP

77 degree field of view 2MP

77 degree field of view Battery & Charging 38.5Wh 10,000 mAh battery

45W USB-C charger (20V/2.25A) 38.5Wh 10,000 mAh battery

45W USB-C charger (20V/2.25A) Audio Stereo speakers

3.5mm audio jack Stereo speakers

3.5mm audio jack Security Fingerprint reader

TPM 2.0 Fingerprint reader

TPM 2.0 Cooling Active (fan) Active (fan) Stylus Microsoft Pen Protocol 2.0

4096 levels of pressure sensitivity

Sold separately Microsoft Pen Protocol 2.0

4096 levels of pressure sensitivity

Sold separately Materials Aluminum unibody chassis Aluminum unibody chassis Dimensions 198 x 137 x 20mm 198 x 137 x 20mm Weight 725 grams 725 grams Price (during crowdfunding) $650 for Pocket 3

$730 for Pocket 3 + module $999 for Pocket 3

$1079 for Pocket 3 + module Price (Indiegogo InDemand) $700 for Pocket 3

$780 for Pocket 3 + module $1049 for Pocket 3

$1130 for Pocket 3 + module

Background

GPD is almost single-handedly responsible for reviving the UMPC market. In 2016 the company introduced the GPD Win handheld gaming PC with a 5.5 inch display and a tiny keyboard for thumb typing, and the next year the company followed it up with the GPD Pocket, a more business-like design including a larger 7 inch screen and keyboard, but no game controllers.

Since then, GPD has expanded its lineup with newer models featuring higher-performance specs and updated design. The company has also faced growing competition from other Chinese PC makers, particularly One Netbook, which has a habit of adding features that GPDs hardware lacks.

Most recently, Valves Steam Deck has become the 800 pound gorilla in the handheld gaming space  with prices starting at low as $399 and best-in-class graphics, the Steam Deck is going to be hard to beat if it ever ships. Its been delayed until at least February.

The GPD Pocket 3 stands out in a few key ways. While its a handheld computer that certainly can be used for gaming, thats just one of the many things it can do. Its basically a full-fledged laptop packed into a device that weighs just about 1.6 pounds and which is almost small enough to fit into a pocket.

In some ways, the Pocket 3 is what you get when you smush together earlier GPD Pocket devices with the GPD MicroPC, an unusual device designed for IT professionals who could make use of its Ethernet and serial COM ports, among other things.

About those modular ports

The Pocket 3 has full-sized HDMI and Ethernet ports, two full-sized USB-A ports, and a USB-C port. Thats more ports than youll find on some 13 inch laptops these days.

It also has a modular port section. By default, one of the ports on the back of the mini-laptop is a third USB 3.0 port. But remove the two screws holding it in place and you can pop out the USB module and replace it with either an RS-232 serial COM port or a KVM module with HDMI and USB inputs.

You have to pay extra for those additional modules. During crowdfunding, you can buy a bundle that includes the serial and KVM modules for $80 more than the price of a Pocket 3 with just the USB Type-A module.

But the serial and KVM modules could be seriously helpful for network administrators or other IT professionals. While most consumers havent needed a serial port on their computers in decades, its still helpful for connecting to server hardware for debugging purposes. Some point-of-sales hardware (like cash registers) and other purpose-built machines also still use serial ports.

The KVM module allows you to use the Pocket 3 as a sort of terminal for headless computers. Run a video output cable from your server or another PC into the HDMI input and the GPD Pocket 3 will treat it like a video capture card, allowing you to see the output from another PC on the mini-laptop display.

The USB-C input, meanwhile, basically turns the Pocket 3 into an input device for any connected hardware. Start typing on the keyboard or using the touchpad and your input will be sent to the connected machine rather than the Pocket 3, just as if you had plugged in a standalone keyboard and mouse.

Used together, its like running remote desktop software without the remote part. Connect the Pocket 3 to a headless server and it acts like a connected terminal, allowing you to see and interact with that machine.

Im not an IT pro, so the easiest way for me to test this was by plugging the Pocket 3 into another laptop, and it did indeed work as promised. Its not something Id need to do very often, but I can see how the feature would be useful for IT pros.

That said, from what I understand, most servers still have VGA ports rather than HDMI, which means that the target audience for the GPD Pocket 3 + KVM module may need a VGA to HDMI adapter to get the most out of this little device and those adapters can be a bit wonky.

But one of the nice things about modular systems like this is that it opens the door for additional modules in the future. In theory, GPD could release another module with a VGA input or other functionality assuming theres enough demand to make it worth the companys while to do that. The company is already said to be looking into a 4G LTE module, but its unlikely to be released for at least half a year, if at all, since it would need to gain Chinese regulatory approval.

The Pocket 3s permanent ports include two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, an HDMI 2.0b port, a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, a 3.5mm headset jack, and a USB-C port (its a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port on the Pentium Silver model or a Thunderbolt 4 port on the Core i7 version of the mini-laptop).

Performance notes

The model I tested features an Intel Core i7-1195G7 processor, which is a 15-watt, 4-core, 8-thread chip with a base frequency of 2.9 GHz and support for burst speeds as high as 5 GHz. Its the most powerful 15-watt chip in Intels Tiger Lake family, and honestly it might be overkill in a device where portability is a bigger selling point than raw horsepower.

But if you were worried that the Pocket 3s small size would keep the processor from reaching its full potential, that does not seem to be the case. I ran a series of benchmarks including Cinebench, GeekBench, Passmark, PCMark, and 3DMark and the Pocket 3 was consistently one of the highest performance devices Ive tested in the past year or two.

Interestingly, the model Im testing seems to have some configuration settings unlocked in the UEFI/BIOS, allowing me to change the TDP settings between Nominal (15-20W), Up (20-25W), and Down (12-15W) modes. As youd expect, increasing the power limits allows the computer to achieve higher scores in benchmarks, while decreasing it should help extend battery life, at the cost of performance.

I do not know if GPD will leave these settings exposed in the version of the Pocket 3 that ships to customers, but folks who are willing to spend some time tweaking the settings may be able to find a balance of performance and efficiency that meets their needs.

Whats it like to use?

The first thing I should point out is that the model GPD sent me for testing is a pre-production prototype, and a few things will be different on the retail model that ships to customers and backers of the crowdfunding campaign.

For example, the model Im testing doesnt support automatic screen rotation because theres no gyroscope or accelerometer. So I have to rotate the display manually by digging into Windows 10s Display Settings if I want to switch between portrait and landscape orientation when holding the Pocket 3 as a tablet. But the mass production model will support automatic rotations.

GPD says the plastic film over the touchpad that was used for the prototype will also be replaced with frosted glass which is said to be harder and more responsive.

The model Im testing also has a wireless card with support for WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, which is what youll get if you buy the mass production version of a Pocket 3 with an Intel Pentium Silver processor, but the final version of the Core i7 model will have WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 support.

But for the most part, the unit Im testing is very similar to the GPD Pocket 3 that will ship to customers. The size, shape, keyboard, display, and internals have all been finalized. And overall I have to say that GPD has done a pretty good job of balancing portability with usability.

Its hard to fit all the commonly-used keys from a full-sized keyboard into a laptop that measures just 7.8 inches across. But GPD managed to fit keys that are large enough for touch-typing, while improving on the layout of some of other mini-laptops. The Tab, Caps Lock, and Shift keys are all standalone keys rather than being attached to number keys, for example.

There are a few aspects of the keyboard layout that take some getting used to. The colon, semicolon, quotation mark and apostrophe keys are to the right of the keyboard, for example. And the plus, minus, equal, and underscore keys are above the 6 and 7 keys in the keyboard.

The Fn key setup is also a little odd. You can press Fn + a number key to trigger them but the F1 key is on the tilde key, so rather than pressing Fn + 1 for F1 you have to press Fn + F2.

Some folks with larger hands might find typing uncomfortable, and even after spending some time getting used to the Pocket 3 keyboard, Im still not typing quite as fast on it as I am on a normal laptop or desktop keyboard. But I can fairly exceed 60 words per minute for a few minutes at a time.

The keyboard is also backlit, and you can toggle the illumination on and off by pressing the Fn + space bar.

\While most larger laptops have a touchpad below the keyboard, GPD put the Pocket 3 touchpad above the keys, in roughly the same position where youd find it on the GPD MicroPC.

That position makes sense on the MicroPC, which is a smaller device with a 5.5 inch display meant to be held in your hands  if youre using your thumbs to type, you just have to shift them up a bit to use the touchpad.

I find the touchpad placement to be less intuitive on the Pocket 3. While its not that hard to remember to move my right hand upward to the touchpad in order to move a cursor, Im constantly trying to hit the space bar to click instead of remembering to move my left hand up to the spot where the left, right, and center keys are positioned.

If youre holding the Pocket 3 in two hands with your thumbs near the trackpad and buttons, this wont be an issue. But its a little too wide for comfortable thumb typing, so Im not really sure how often youre likely to hold it in that position.

But there is at least one good reason for this layout  it allowed GPD to use a larger trackpad than would have been possible if the company had chosen to position it below the keys, since theres a little extra space next to the top right row in the keyboard.

Between the touchpad and buttons theres a power button with a built-in fingerprint reader, which you can use to turn the computer on and then to login with a fingerprint.

Directly above that power button is where youll find the Pocket 3s hinge. While most modern convertible laptops have what Lenovo calls a yoga style design, with a pair of 360-degree hinges that allow the screen to fold all the way back, this little laptop has an old-school swivel hinge.

Instead of pushing the screen back, you can rotate it 180 degrees so that it faces away from the keyboard, and then fold the screen down flat over the keyboard. This allows you to have hold the computer like a tablet without leaving keys exposed. It also means that the exhaust vent and ports on the back of the computer are never covered.

For the most part, the hinge does its job. But it does seem a little less sturdy to have a single hinge that joins with the lid at a single point. Its probably the spot on the computer thats most likely to break, but the hinge feels fairly sturdy and rigid and I suspect that youd have to work reasonably hard to break it.

The screen does wobble a bit if you reach up to touch it while using the Pocket 3 in laptop mode. But that only happens when I touch the screen, not when Im typing on the keyboard.

While the Pocket 3 does have stereo speakers, theyre small and not particularly bass heavy. Theyre good enough for a quick video call, but if you plan to listen to music or watch movies, you should expect rather tinny sound unless you connect an external speaker or a set of headphones.

And speaking of video calls, there is a 720p webcam in the screen bezel on the left side of the display. Its a pretty low-quality camera: expect choppy video if youre recording, live streaming, or making a call, and even the preview window for still photos is sluggish and choppy. But at least there is a webcam, which isnt always a given on computers this small.

The Pocket 3 also works with a pressure-sensitive digital pen, which is included with both models up for pre-order during crowdfunding. My handwriting is awful and Im not much of an artist, so I havent spent much time using the pen, but I can confirm that it works as promised.

You can hover the pen over the screen to move a cursor, tap it to the display to register touch input, and when using supported apps, you can use pressure sensitivity so that pressing lightly in an art app will result in a thin line, while pressing harder will give you a thicker line.

Another thing to keep in mind is that this is an actively cooled computer. That means that in addition to a heat pipe, theres a fan that helps dissipate heat generated by the computer. Air is drawn in through a vent on the bottom of the Pocket 3 and blown out through a vent in the back.

Its a pretty quiet fan though  I had to be in a silent room to really notice it, even under heavy load. And if its too loud for you, there is a fan control option. Just press Fn + = to toggle the fan speed up or down. Keep in mind that if you slow down the fan, the computer is more likely to overheat, which can lead to CPU frequency throttling.

Even with the fan running at full speed, the bottom of the computer can get rather warm under heavy load, which may be a problem if you plan to hold the Pocket 3 in your hands or place it on your lap. But the cooling system must be doing something right, because as shown above in the performance section, the Pocket 3 is comparable to other high-end thin and light laptops in synthetic benchmarks.

All of the benchmark results above, by the way, were recorded while the Pocket 3 was running on battery power, as I dont imagine that this is the kind of computer youre likely to use while plugged in very often.

While battery life will likely vary widely depending on what youre doing with the Pocket 3, dont expect all-day run time. I was able to get about 5 hours of battery life while streaming 1080p video from YouTube over WiFi with the screen brightness set to 50 percent.

You may be able to extend that a bit if youre using the computer with WiFi and Bluetooth disabled and the screen set to a dimmer setting. But I think it would be unrealistic to expect more than a few hours of battery life while gaming or video editing or more than 4-5 hours while using the computer for web browsing, document editing, or other productivity tasks.

The Pocket 3 comes with a 65W USB-C charger and should also be able to charge from power banks that support USB Power Delivery at 45 watts or more.

Can it run Linux?

In two words, yes mostly.

In a few more words, another thing you can do from the BIOS/UEFI menu is choose an alternate boot device. So I prepared two bootable USB flash drives and took Ubuntu 21.10 and Fedora 35 for a spin on the GPD Pocket 3.

Out of the box, the screen was rotated to portrait orientation in both operating systems, but I was easily able to switch to landscape mode by opening the Display Settings and choosing portrait left from the drop-down menu. Once you get used to the idea that portrait is landscape, and landscape is portrait, most other things seem to work as expected.

That includes the keyboard, touchpad, and touchscreen as well as pen input. One thing that did not work out of the box was audio. But following a suggestion from The Phawx, who is also testing a pre-release Pocket 3, I took the following steps, which Ive confirmed work with Ubuntu:

Open a terminal and type sudo gedit /etc/modprobe.d/alsa.conf (without quotes) to create a new audio configuration file. Type options snd-intel-dspcfg dsp_driver=1 into that file and hit save.

After that, the next step would normally be to reboot the computer. But I didnt install Ubuntu to the Pocket 3s SSD and was instead running from a liveUSB, so Id lose any changes if I rebooted. Instead, I restarted the audio services by opening a terminal window and typing these commands:

pulseaudio -k && sudo alsa force-reload systemctl user restart pulseaudio

Once I did that, I could hear audio from the Pocket 3s speaker when streaming video from YouTube. There were some audio glitches from time to time, which I did not experience with Windows, but I suspect a reboot would probably help.

Another quirk is that the webcam is a little wonky when running Ubuntu and Fedora. The video preview is even slower than it is in Windows, video capture is so slow that it might as well be unusable, and if you rotate the screen to portrait orientation, the camera wont get the message. Its possible that a driver update or some other tweak will resolve these issues, but I havent explored that possibility extensively.

Since I only tested a liveUSB, I have not tested battery life, suspend or resume, the fingerprint sensor, or some other functions in Linux. But overall at least the Intel Core i7 version of the GPD Pocket 3 seems to be reasonably Linux-friendly.

Can I upgrade it?

There are six small screws holding the aluminum bottom panel in place. Remove them and you can almost get the case open.

Youll probably also need a prying tool that you can use to gently feel your way around the left and right edges of the computer to find a pair of latches that also hold the bottom cover in place. This took a bit of work, but when I was finished, I was able to see that the Pocket 3 has a user replaceable M.2 2280 SSD for storage, but the RAM is soldered to the motherboard.

Theoretically that means you could swap out the SSD for a different card, but the 1TB PCIe NVMe included with the model I tested is pretty fast and offered plenty of storage, so I doubt Id feel the need to upgrade. The equation might look different if you opt for the cheaper model with a Pentium Silver processor and 512GB of storage.

You also may be able to swap out the battery if you can find a compatible model, or repair or replace some damaged components including the fan or speakers. But the upgrade options for the Pocket 3 are limited.

Verdict

The GPD Pocket 3 is a compelling little computer for fans of little computers. Its not necessarily the best option for everyone looking for a compact computer. The small screen and keyboard are selling points if youre looking for something incredibly portable, but they also make actually using the Pocket 3 a little more tedious than using a larger laptop.

Still, it has one of the best keyboards Ive used for a mini-laptop this small. It has some features that GPD has been reluctant to add until now including a convertible tablet-style design and support for pen input. The webcam stinks, but at least its there. And theres a fully-functional, if awkwardly placed touchpad.

With plenty of full-sized ports, the Pocket 3 would be easy to use with an external display, a wired internet connection, and any number of peripherals. But the modular port section takes things to another level by opening the possibility of using the Pocket 3 for network administration or other tasks where the KVM and serial modules would come into play.

Still, with prices ranging from $650 to $1080 during a crowdfunding campaign and expected to climb as much as 30% higher after crowdfunding ends, the Pocket 3 isnt exactly an inexpensive device. And so theres at least two more things to consider.

First, small Chinese companies like GPD, One Netbook, Chuwi, and Teclast have a less-than-stellar track record when it comes to offering technical support and customer support for their products. If youre thinking of ordering a $1000 mini-laptop, you may want assurances that if anything goes wrong youll be able to send it in for repairs or return it for a refund. But the internet is littered with stories of customers who have had trouble getting support from GPD and some of these other companies.

So Id suggest you only spend money on a device like the GPD Pocket 3 if youre comfortable attempting your own repairs if necessary and/or eating the cost if something breaks.

The second thing is that $1,000 is a lot of money to spend on a niche device thats smaller than most laptops, and unlikely to be a primary work machine for most users. I just cant imagine sitting in front of the Pocket 3 and working on its 8 inch screen all day. This is a portable computer thats best used in small doses.

If you look at the computers specs, its easy to conclude that its actually pretty reasonably priced. $1,000 is pretty good for a laptop with a full HD touchscreen display, a Core i7-1195G7 processor, 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Im just not sure you need that much power in a mini-laptop thats not designed explicitly for gaming or other tasks that would truly take advantage of the hardware.

The good news is that GPD does offer a cheaper options with a Pentium Silver N6000 processor. The less good news is that at $650 and up, its still not exactly an impulse purchase. And as far as Im aware, GPD hasnt sent out any demo units with that processor to testers, so you probably wont see any real-world reviews until after the Pocket 3 begins shipping to backers of the crowdfunding campaign (the Core i7 model appears to be much more popular with crowdfunding backers anyway though).

All of which is to say, I really like the GPD Pocket 3. Im just not sure Id recommending spending $650  $1080 (or more) on it unless you completely understand its risks and limitations and are willing to live with them.
By Trend

China plans to launch Wentian, the first lab module of its space station, at around 2:00 p.m. Sunday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), Trend reports citing Xinhua.

The Long March-5B Y3 rocket, carrying the Wentian module, is filled with propellant and ready for launch, said the CMSA.
The body of a 74-year-old Milwaukee man who fell overboard while fishing on Lake Monona Saturday afternoon was recovered Sunday, the Dane County Sheriffs Office said.

The Sheriffs Office Marine and Trail Enforcement, along with Madison Fire & Rescue, responded to Lake Monona at about 1 p.m. Saturday after reports of a fisherman who went overboard. First responders were not able to locate the angler, and the Sheriffs Office Dive Team responded to the scene a short time later, Sheriffs Office spokesperson Elise Schaffer said.

The Dive Team searched near the middle of the lake, off Winnequah Road in Monona, until severe weather forced divers off the water Saturday evening, Schaffer said.

At around 1:30 p.m. Sunday, the dive team recovered the body of the missing man. The Dane County Medical Examiners Office will release his name after an autopsy and notifying his family.

Two other men were in the 24-foot 2020 Ranger Reata at the time of the incident. They reported the missing man was driving the boat and fell out when the boat hit a swell and turned sharply, Schaffer said. The two passengers were returned to shore safely on Saturday.
State Senate Minority Leader Janet Bewley was involved in a fatal car crash Friday that led to the deaths of a mother and her 5-year-old daughter, police said.

Bewley, a Democrat from Mason in northwestern Wisconsin who isnt running for reelection, was pulling out of a Lake Superior beach entrance when she crashed into a car driven by 27-year-old Pennsylvania resident Alyssa Ortman, the Ashland Police Department said in a statement. Ortmans car then spun across the highway and hit a vehicle driven by Jodi Munson, 45, of Mason, police said.

Ortmans 5-year-old daughter died at the scene, and Ortman died later at Memorial Medical Center in Ashland, according to police.

Bewley was not injured in the crash and no charges have been filed or recommended, though the State Patrol is reconstructing the incident, Ashland Police Chief Bill Hagstrom told the Ashland Daily Press.

Well be sitting down with them and going over everything as far as determining how it all actually happened, the paper reported Hagstrom saying. Then well forward everything to the district attorney for their review because it was a fatal accident.

Bewleys office said in a statement that the crash is a heartbreaking event for the community.

Our thoughts and prayers are focused on the individuals involved, their families and their loved ones, the statement reads. Senator Bewley, who was not seriously injured in the accident, wants to thank all the dedicated law enforcement and emergency medical personnel who helped in the aftermath of the accident. A police investigation is ongoing. Out of respect for that investigation and the privacy of all the families involved, our office will be withholding further comment at this time. Thank you for your patience and concern.

A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel intern had been talking to Bewley  who reportedly told the paper she had undergone cataract surgery the day before  on Friday afternoon when she stopped talking mid-sentence, the Journal Sentinel reported. When the intern asked Bewley if she was OK, she reportedly said, Yeah, Im OK. This is not a good accident.
UW-Madison is considering a dramatic $6 million transformation of stately Library Mall in the heart of campus with landscaping, shade trees, interactive water features, seating and elements to honor the sites Ho-Chunk heritage.

The reimagined space, bordered by Memorial Library, the Wisconsin Historical Society, Memorial Union, the Red Gym, the University Club and State Street Mall, is the final piece of the multiyear East Campus Mall project that links Regent Street to Lake Mendota.

Library Mall is the only portion of the East Campus Mall that has not been revisited in recent years, said Aaron Williams, interim director of campus planning and landscape architecture. There is opportunity to provide a more welcoming and inclusive vision while better integrating the space into the surrounding area.

This project also offers ways to address existing maintenance challenges, incorporate campus resiliency goals around climate change adaptation, and improve the overall programming capabilities of the space, Williams said.

Library Mall has been in its current form  with diagonal paths and the Hagenah Fountain at its center  since 1955. It provides a civic open space at the nexus of the city and university surrounded by distinctive architecture. In 2021, the university launched a privately funded study to create a concept design, cost estimate and tentative timeline for redevelopment of the space.

I love the project, said Jason Ilstrup, president of Downtown Madison Inc., applauding the universitys outreach and engagement in the planning effort. This really creates a lot of life and energy in the space. It really helps Downtown and State Street and this critical link between Downtown and the campus.

On Thursday, UW will present the Library Mall Advanced Plan with the preferred $6 million option to the citys Joint Campus Area Committee.

The preferred option follows a series of themes: open space, balancing soft and hard landscapes, greenspace, flexibility, accessibility, activities, water features, seating options, vibrant color and honoring the Ho-Chunk.

The concept includes:

A more natural-looking planting design, more native vegetation and a variety of plants in addition to lawns.

Accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists and those with disabilities.

Seating in various forms and places, both in the sun and shade.

An interactive water feature divided into three sections that would have minimal, if any, standing water. Sprays of water would come out of ground-mounted grating and be circulated for reuse.

An acknowledgment of the sites history, including the long history of the Ho-Chunk people on the land.

We expect the reimagined space to function on a variety of scales across all seasons and serve a broad cross-section of both the Madison and campus community, Williams said. In addition, clear circulation, movable seating, interactive water features, vegetation variety and informational signage will improve upon the existing condition.

Deep roots

The Hagenah Fountain would be replaced with the interactive sprays and minimal standing water to increase functionality, operation and accessibility, Williams said. The Class of 1923 clock was removed in 2004 and its return will be revisited once the project is underway. The Class of 1932 flagpole will be retained in its current spot near the Wisconsin Historical Society, he said.

The project nods to the areas deep history.

The UWMadison campus is considered one of the most archaeologically rich campuses in the U.S. and as such we have a duty to represent and acknowledge those that have come before us and continue to be a part of our campus and local communities including the Ho-Chunk people, Williams said. The advanced plan intentionally looked at the 12,000-year history of the area now known as Library Mall. The plans design is not just one voice in time, but part of a continuation that translates and references the past with the future.

The project completes the linkage between Regent Street and Lake Mendota.

The $8 million, 1.3-acre Alumni Park between Langdon Street and Lake Mendota, funded entirely through donor contributions, was completed in 2017, Williams said. Other improvements to East Campus Mall were part of larger capital projects, he said.

This process for reimagining Library Mall was led by Olin Studio, which worked with Madison-based EQT by Design to support meaningful engagement of diverse voices throughout the design process, he said.

Now that the advanced plan is complete, the next step is to develop a fundraising strategy while continuing to socialize the plan, he said. Once funding is secured, we expect the design and construction process to take approximately 24 months.
By Trend

The CEO of Irans Petroleum Engineering and Development Company (PEDEC) said that the memorandum of understanding on investment signed between Iran and Russia was an example of a win-win deal, Trend reports citing IRNA.

The implementation of the MoU could pave the way for positive developments in Irans oil and gas industry, Abouzar Sharifi told IRNA on Sunday.

Irans oil and gas industry is in need of investment and advanced technology and Russia needs completion of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to swap its oil products, Sharifi said, expressing hope that the MoU could meet the demands.

In addition to the investment in development of oil and gas fields, as said by the CEO, the MoU could benefit Iran in transporting oil, gas and oil products from the Caspian Sea littoral states to the Sea of Oman.

National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and Russias Gazprom signed an MoU on investment in Irans oil and gas this week, as Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a visit to Tehran.
Biking across Dane County might become easier, thanks to more than $482,000 granted to municipalities to support bicycle trail interconnectivity in Cottage Grove, Fitchburg, Madison and Verona.

The Dane County PARC and Ride program aims to provide matching grants for up to 50% of a projects cost to offset trail design for communities interested in expanding bicycle trail interconnectivity throughout the county.

Dane County has an expansive network of bike trails, and we are always excited to have communities come forward with plans to expand or enhance trails through the PARC and Ride Grant Program, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi said in a statement. Through these partnerships, we are able to enhance Dane County residents quality of life and create new opportunities to explore the outdoors.

Cottage Grove will be awarded $83,991 to support construction of a 3,850-foot path that will run along Main Street from Northlawn Drive to an existing path just south of I-94.

Fitchburg will get $150,000 for a bike playground that includes a pump track, fix-it station, bike racks and benches. Madison will receive $62,500 for a 3,500-foot shred to school trail at Aldo Leopold Park. And Verona will get $186,025 to support construction of a paved bike path that will run from Highway M to Arbor Vitae Place along the south side of Badger Mill Creek.

Dane County awarded the grants for capital projects aimed at expanding bicycle trail interconnectivity or creating bicycle parks, pump tracks, playgrounds, or improved bicycle safety. Grants proposals were submitted in 2021 and were appropriated in the countys 2022 budget.
With fire dancers, combustive demonstrations, artists from across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic and the unveiling of a 7-foot sculpture of Jonah and the Whale, Cambridges Midwest Fire Fest returned Saturday after two years off due to COVID-19.

Not to be confused with Fyre Festival, a 2017 fraudulent luxury music festival located in the Bahamas, Cambridges Midwest Fire Fest launched in 2016 to celebrate all things created with fire, heat and smoke. The demonstration-rich event included a variety of art and trade exhibits  such as blacksmithing, pottery, jewelry making and welding  and performances over the weekend in Westside Park.

Laurie Struss, coordinator of the fest and president of the Cambridge Arts Council, said the two years off, after four years of hosting the annual volunteer-driven event, gave organizers the opportunity to rest so the festival, now in its fifth year, could return refreshed and reinvigorated.

I feel like these kinds of events foster community, said Struss, who estimated the festival drew 5,000 people to the park over the two-day period. Im anxious to hear from the businesses to see how they did because the bottom line is economic development through the arts.

Small town, wide draw

Patty Marra, who hailed from a north suburb of Chicago, visited the festival on Sunday with her family and was excited to see the many products of the combination of art and science offered by vendors, demonstrators and performers.

Our little guy is 7 months old, she said, motioning to her baby in a stroller. He was born in December and so for most of the early part of his first year of life, he wasnt able to really do anything (due to COVID). So its cool for us to be able to get out and be amongst other people and to get him outside and interested in seeing different things and seeing what its like to be with other people.

Anthony Huonder, a potter from Minnesota, heard about the fair through a number of fellow pottery artists who raved about it and decided he wanted to get involved. He said the fairs staple event, the firing and unveiling of the years 7-foot-tall sculpture which is then installed in town, prompted him to reach out to organizers to get involved.

This years sculpture is a rendition of the biblical story of Jonah and the Whale, which was made out of 1,100 pounds of clay and was fired over the course of five days in a kiln on the festival grounds in a village with a population of roughly 1,200.

The fact that they do firing right on site and its a giant kiln with a big sculpture that goes into town, that was just talked about for years and Im finally a part of it, Huonder said.

Potters from Iowa and North Carolina were also at the event.

Joe Franke McKee from Sylva, North Carolina, was one of many demonstrators and artists to take part in this years celebration. He demonstrated raku firing, an ancient technique that involves taking a glazed piece of pottery from the kiln when its still hot and placing it in a material that is able to catch fire, such as sawdust or horsehair.

Its not your mommas art fair  its part makers fair, part music festival, part art fair  so its different, Struss said.

The goal of the festival is to evolve each year, to continue to add more artists and more acts, and Struss said since its Saturday start, shes had at least three artists reach out to her asking how they can get involved.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  A federal judge agreed on Monday to block for now any enforcement of a state law in a political ad investigation of North Carolina Attorney General Josh Steins campaign, saying its likely to win on legal claims that the law is unconstitutional.

Following a court hearing in Greensboro, U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles ruled for Steins campaign and other plaintiffs who filed an unusual lawsuit last week against State Board of Elections members and Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman.

The temporary restraining order that Eagles signed means that Freeman's office is prevented from using that law to prosecute anyone associated with a 2020 commercial that the Democratic incumbent aired against then-Republican challenger Jim ONeill.

The law prohibits anyone from knowingly publishing or circulating false information about a candidate with the intent of hurting that candidates chances in the election. It enabled an ongoing investigation into the Stein commercial, which focused on untested rape kits held by local law enforcement agencies.

ONeills campaign cited the law in his September 2020 election board complaint against Steins campaign committee over the ad. That led to interviews by board investigators, while the State Bureau of Investigation later talked to Stein, his campaign staff and a woman who appeared in the ad. The plaintiffs called the law overbroad and outdated and said it fails to protect core political speech, leading it to violate the First Amendment.

In her order, Eagles wrote that a temporary order was necessary because the plaintiffs and others would have been subject to potential criminal prosecution for violating an overly broad criminal libel statute before a hearing for a more long-term injunction could be held.

Eagles told the legal parties to return as soon as Aug. 4 to give any reasons why the order shouldnt be extended into a preliminary injunction.

Before the laws constitutionality can be closely examined, the balance of the equities favors an injunction protecting the First Amendment right of the plaintiffs and other political candidates to free speech, she wrote Monday.

Outside lawyers representing the state board and the Wake DA -- Steins office would otherwise defend the constitutionality of a state law -- urged Eagles to reject the campaigns request to block enforcement of the law. In court filings, the attorneys questioned why Steins campaign and the other plaintiffs had taken so long to challenge the law.

Now the plaintiffs seek to interfere with the work of a state grand jury regarding potential violations of state criminal law caused by a political ad that occurred in 2020, almost two years ago, wrote Joe Zeszotarski, who is representing Freeman. While Eagles didn't issue a blanket prohibition of enforcing the law, which dates back to at least 1931, Stein's campaign lawyer said it could find no legal records of it ever being previously enforced.

Steins campaign, the consulting firm that produced the ad and the woman in the ad wrote they filed the lawsuit now because enforcement action by the Wake DAs office appears imminent. It didnt elaborate. The statute of limitations on the misdemeanor -- punishable by up to 60 days in jail with fines -- is two years. Any charges in the case would be a political blow to Stein, the states top law enforcement officer and a possible 2024 gubernatorial candidate.

In a written statement, Stein's campaign said it was pleased with Monday's ruling and we look forward to this issue being resolved soon once and for all.

Freeman recused herself from the investigation  citing a close working relationship with both Stein and ONeill  and has left it to her to assistant DA to lead the case. Freeman and a majority of the elections board members are Democrats.

The ad in question featured a woman who asserted that ONeill left 1,500 rape kits sitting on a shelf in Forsyth County. ONeill said at the time that the ad was bogus because police agencies, not prosecutors, are responsible for testing the kits.

ONeill said in an emailed statement late Monday that Stein has gone to court to avoid potential criminal prosecution and so that politicians like himself can routinely lie to the public without repercussion or punishment.

The lawsuit called the ad a corrective political advertisement designed to counter false accusations by ONeill that Stein had failed to act on over 15,000 untested rape kits during his time as attorney general.
TWIN FALLS  A Buhl man faces multiple charges after being apprehended Sunday morning after an attempted break-in at a house near Harmon Park, police say. Three police officers received minor injuries during the arrest.

A person inside the house, on the 1200 block of Sixth Avenue East, made the call to law enforcement at about 10 a.m., Twin Falls Police Lt. Craig Stotts said.

When officers arrived, they found Justin Brian Smith, 39, of Buhl and another man trying to gain access inside the house, Stotts said. Smith eluded initial attempts by police to detain him, fought officers, and fled, Stotts said. He was captured a few blocks away on Eighth Avenue East and was arrested, along with Casey D. Criger, 33, of Hansen. Criger was not involved with the burglary attempt and was not at the house at Sixth Avenue East, Stotts said.

Three police officers were treated and released for minor injuries at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center.

Smith repeatedly gave police false information about his identity, Stotts said.

Smith faces multiple charges, including battery of a law officer, aggravated assault, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful entry, obstruction and giving false information to police. He also had a warrant for a misdemeanor. Criger faces charges of resisting arrest and obstruction.

Stotts said he didnt know why the house was targeted.
TWIN FALLS  A Twin Falls woman died Friday afternoon in a crash on U.S. Highway 93 after a vehicle failed to yield, Idaho State Police said in a statement.

A driver traveling west on 3700 North in a 2014 Ford Edge failed to yield at the highway and was struck by a northbound 2014 Chevrolet Cruz.

A 44-year-old female passenger in the Ford was not wearing a seatbelt and died at the scene, ISP said. The Twin Falls Coroners Office identified the woman as Patricia Evelyn Arismendi. The driver of the vehicle, a 26-year-old Wendell man, along with another passenger, a 25-year-old woman from Castleford, were wearing seatbelts and were transported to a local hospital by ground ambulance.

The driver of the Chevrolet, a 40-year-old man from Buhl, was wearing a seatbelt and was not transported, the ISP said.

Traffic on U.S. 93 was blocked in both directions for approximately three hours.

Idaho State Police is investigating the crash.
A state political party convention is usefulfrom the standpoint of participants and close watchersfor networking and, for the party, building unity, along with creating the case for why that party should be entrusted with political office in the upcoming general elections.

Theres a traditional script. A platform and statements about the issues consistent with both the party and broader public opinion usually are offered. The winners in the primary election are celebrated: They were the choices of the partys voters, right? And they will in any event be the partys standard bearers in the approaching campaign. Primary losers will be consoled, given a little outreach to keep them in the fold, but generally placed on the back bench. Party leaders, as long as the party seems to be functioning well (within its capabilities) and barring anything scandalous, usually are kept in place, at least while the cameras are rolling.

This applies to national conventions as well as state. There are reasons: Mainly, this approach works. It links the partys voters and their choices to a program intended to appeal to the larger electorate. Nearly all of the political conventions of both parties Ive observed have held to the plan, or tried to.

This months Idaho Republican Party convention was a massive exception to the rule.

The upshot of the convention is that primary winners were in effect trashed and the losers fetedon grounds that the winners of the primary got there with the votes of non-Republicans. The whole party leadership slate was thrown out, in decisive votes, though there was no indication those leaders (Tom Luna and the others in the group) had done less than a capable job of managing the party and its activities; certainly there were no scandals or any egregious issues of the kind that usually would lead to an overthrow.

This was a startling disconnect between the Idaho Republican Partys organization and its large voting constituency. The two have become decoupled.

The hard evidence of this is the primary election. There are no sensible arguments that crossover voting from Democrats and others, or anything else out of norm, threw the elections: Relatively few Idaho Democrats actually re-registered to switch over, and in nearly all cases, the results were decisive enough that they clearly represented the views of people who think of themselves as Republicans. Self-identified Idaho Republicans were the nominators of Brad Little for governor, Mike Simpson for representative, and most of the rest.

But the convention was a festival for those who contended this election (like the presidential in 2020) was somehow rigged.

It was also a contest to see how much more extreme the partys policy positions could be. For example: Until recently, an anti-abortion policy allowing for absolutely no exceptionsnot even saving the immediately-at-risk life of the motherwould have been a non-starter at an Idaho Republican convention. Anti-abortion, yes, but not this absolutist. At this convention, the vote to toss mothers lives overboard wasnt even close. And so it went down the policy line.

Not to mention the effort to try to exclude from Republican primaries anyone who is considered insufficiently Republicanaccording to the standards set by the governing clique. (Whether that proposal, aiming to exclude even anyone who has recently contributed financially to a Democrat, could stand legal challenge is another issue.)

Nor is that likely to be all. Steven Thayne, a long-time Republican state legislator who not so many years ago reasonably could have been described as on the Republican right fringe, now warns things are going too far: My concern is a purge has begun  What you see here is basically wanting to achieve unity through purity.

That sounds accurate, and once such a process has startedas weve seen for some years nowthe purity tests become ever finer.

The extremism of 2022 was almost unimaginable only a few years ago. So on reflection, the next questionassuming actual Idaho voters continue to fail to choose party leaders who more accurately represent themwill be: What will the Idaho Republican convention two years from now look like?
A Martinsville woman has died after a single-vehicle crash Sunday morning.

Melissa Ann Key, 41, of Martinsville, was flown to Roanoke Memorial Hospital where she died of injuries sustained in a crash that occurred on Beaver Creek Drive, a Virginia State Police (VSP) release stated.

Radio traffic from the 911 dispatcher indicated a first responder on the scene said the occupants were entrapped in a 1998 Dodge R-1500 truck that had run off of the road near the Patriot Centre Fire and EMS building on Beaver Creek Drive.

The incident occurred at 10:09 a.m. when the truck ran off the right side of Beaver Creek Drive and struck several trees about one mile north of Kings Mountain Road, the release said.

Key was a passenger in the vehicle. The release did not make clear who the driver was or if that person sustained any injuries.

Police were unable to determine if Key was wearing a seatbelt. The release stated the crash remains under investigation.
RICHMOND  A fourth COVID-19 vaccine, produced by Maryland-based Novavax, will arrive in Virginia in mid-August, the Virginia Department of Health announced, giving adults a fourth option for immunization.

But studies suggest that most people who are unvaccinated have no intention getting a shot.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave its approval of Novavax on July 19, and the federal government has purchased 3.2 million doses of the two-shot series. It allocated 20,800 doses for Virginia.

Novavax, already authorized in more than 35 countries, is not available as a booster or third dose. Its not available for children, either.

In trials, Novavax was 90% effective against lab-confirmed, symptomatic infection and 100% effective against moderate and severe disease. But it wasnt tested against the more-transmissible omicron variant, which rewrote experts understanding of what COVID vaccines can and cant do.

Novavax says its shot could generate an immune response to omicron, but scientists are still studying.

Unlike the other three vaccines, Novavax contains a small amount of the COVID-19 spike protein, which elicits an immune response, and an adjuvant, which boosts the immune response.

Other protein-based vaccines have been used widely for decades, as opposed to the mRNA technology of Pfizer and Moderna, which is relatively new. Vaccines to prevent hepatitis B and whooping cough are also protein based.

Side effects include site tenderness, fatigue, headaches and muscle pain, similar to other vaccines.

The protection Novavax offers seemingly doesnt drop off as quickly as Pfizer or Moderna, Dr. Wes Shepherd, a VCU pulmonologist, said in May. That gives the protein-based shot an advantage over the widely used mRNA vaccines. As Americans tire of repeated vaccinations, a longer-lasting shot could be of great importance.

In Virginia, 72% of the population is fully vaccinated  which is still defined as having two shots of Moderna or Pfizer and one of Johnson & Johnson. Experts say people with a booster shot are better protected. A study from the University of Virginia determined the immunity level from Pfizer dropped 40% over several months. Modernas level of immunity dropped slightly less.

Interest in new vaccinations has been low in recent months. According to a recent poll by Morning Consult, 20% of Americans are unwilling to be vaccinated against COVID-19, a number essentially unchanged over the past year.

Its unclear if Novavax will do anything to change the minds of the vaccine hesitant.

For residents waiting for a vaccine based on a different technology than those available now, we urge you to consider the two-dose Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, state vaccination coordinator Christy Gray said. Novavax is safe and effective and uses technology commonly used for decades.
BOSTON  Fireman Bonnie Boyd, an Old Fort native, checked aboard USS Constitution on Wednesday, July 20.

Duty aboard USS Constitution is one of the Navys special programs, and all prospective crewmembers must meet a high standard of sustained excellence and interview to be selected for the assignment.

Life isnt about waiting for the winds to change, its learning how to adjust your sails, said Boyd when asked what it means to her to serve on Old Ironsides.

Boyd has served in the Navy for three months and USS Constitution is her first duty station. Boyd is a 2013 graduate of Britain Academy, according to a news release from the U.S. Navy.

USS Constitution is the worlds oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855.

The active-duty sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution normally provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people each year as they support the ships mission of promoting the Navys history, maritime heritage, and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence, according to the news release.

USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and captured or destroyed 33 enemy vessels.

The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ships wooden hull.

Constitution was retired from active service in 1881 and served as a receiving ship until being designated a museum ship in 1907, according to the ships Wikipedia entry.

In 1934, she completed a three-year, 90-port tour of the nation. She sailed under her own power for her 200th birthday in 1997, and again in August 2012 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of her victory over Guerriere.

Constitutions stated mission today is to promote understanding of the Navys role in war and peace through educational outreach, historical demonstration, and active participation in public events as part of the Naval history and heritage command.

As she is a fully commissioned Navy ship, her crew of 75 officers and sailors participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events while keeping her open to visitors year round and providing free tours. The officers and crew are all active-duty Navy personnel, and the assignment is considered to be special duty. She is usually berthed at Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard at one end of Bostons Freedom Trail.
The Malian army said on Sunday it had foiled a new attack on a military camp in central Mali, two days after a suicide attack on the garrison town of Kati on the outskirts of the capital Bamako.

The Malian army said on Sunday that it had foiled a new attack on a military camp in the centre of the country, two days after a suicide attack that targeted the garrison town of Kati at the gates of the capital Bamako.

The Malian armed forces (Fama) have once again foiled an attempted attack on the GNM (National Guard of Mali) camp in Sevare early this Sunday, 24 July 2022, at around 5.40am. The provisional balance sheet shows that one terrorist was neutralised, the army said on its social networks.

Our National Guard camp was attacked this Sunday in Sevare by terrorists () During the response we neutralised one terrorist. The situation is under control, said a senior officer of the National Guard camp in Sevare on condition of anonymity.

The attack comes two days after the one in Kati, at the heart of Malis military apparatus, claimed by the jihadists of the Macina Katiba, affiliated to al-Qaeda. The suicide attack, carried out with two truck bombs, killed at least one Malian soldier and wounded six, including a civilian, while seven attackers were neutralised and eight others arrested.

The day before, a series of near-simultaneous raids attributed to jihadists hit six different locations in Mali, in the regions of Koulikoro (near Bamako) as well as Segou and Mopti (centre).

Armed men identified by the army as members of the Macina katiba had attacked checkpoints, gendarmerie and military camps, notably in the locality of Kolokani, some 100km north of Bamako.

This is the first time since 2012 that such coordinated attacks have taken place so close to the capital.

Mali, a landlocked country in the heart of the Sahel, has seen two military coups in August 2020 and May 2021.

The political crisis is coupled with a serious ongoing security crisis since the outbreak of independence insurgencies and bloody jihadist actions in the north in 2012. Despite a very deteriorated security situation, the junta has turned away from France and its partners, preferring to rely on Russia to try to stem the spread of jihadism, which has spread across much of the country as well as to neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger.
ISLAMABAD, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The Border and Health Services Pakistan has been strictly monitoring the entry routes to the country after the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the monkeypox outbreak an international public health emergency, the Pakistani Health Ministry said.

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Abdul Qadir Patel instructed the relevant federal and provincial authorities to take necessary steps to barricade the outbreak of the disease in the country, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

The entry points of Pakistan are getting monitored on scientific grounds, especially the screening of passengers coming from African countries is being under strict implementation, according to the health minister.

The health ministry said that no case of monkeypox has so far been reported in the South Asian country.

Patel said that the government has ensured the implementation of International Health Regulations in the country, adding that the preventive guidelines of the WHO are being strongly followed.

"Concrete steps are being taken for the capacity building of the health workers," said the health minister. 
By Trend

The United States will host a virtual meeting on Tuesday of officials representing the 14 countries that have joined the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, as Washington seeks to expand its engagement with Asia, Trend reports citing Reuters.

The ministerial meeting will be hosted by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, their offices announced in a statement on Sunday.

President Joe Biden, who launched the IPEF in May on a trip to Tokyo, wants to use it as a way to raise environmental, labor and other standards across Asia. read more

In addition to the United States, the IPEF members comprise Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Topics for discussion at Tuesday's meeting include trade, supply chains, clean energy, infrastructure, taxes and combating corruption, the statement said.
Liberia has officially legalized dual citizenship, ending a long-standing ban that some said was hypocritical because it was secretly circumvented by elites holding US citizenship.

The bill, signed into law by President George Weah on Friday and confirmed on Sunday, passed the House of Representatives and Senate on Tuesday.

Liberia, the oldest republic in sub-Saharan Africa founded in the 19th century at the behest of the United States for freed black slaves, has a large diaspora living in America.

Some 100,000 Liberian-born people lived in the US from 2008 to 2012, according to the US Census Bureau.

Under the new law, dual citizens will not be allowed to serve as president, finance minister or central bank governor, nor will they be allowed to hold high-level positions in national security or law enforcement.

If a person wishes to participate (in the elections), he or she must renounce the citizenship of the other country at least one year before submitting his or her candidacy to the National Electoral Commission, the new law states.

President George Weah had already called for the ban to be lifted in a referendum in December 2020, but only 51.5% of voters voted in favor, although a two-thirds majority was required.

Last year, a Supreme Court ruling relaxed the countrys strict ban on dual nationality, which dates back to 1973. It said Liberians with foreign citizenship would only be forced to give up their passports after a legal process. Previously, citizenship was automatically withdrawn from holders of other passports.

Under the Naturalization Act, only black people could be Liberian citizens. Under the new legislation, any black person can now acquire Liberian citizenship through marriage, adoption, or if they were born in the country or to Liberian parents.
A colorized scanning electron micrograph of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Credit: NIAID

The antiviral drugs molnupiravir and nirmatrelvirritonavir (Paxlovid), when used to treat nonsevere COVID-19, most likely reduce the risk of subsequent progression to hospitalization and death, according to new research published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

As most trials have focused on patients with severe or critical COVID-19, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to understand the effectiveness of these drugs in treating nonsevere COVID-19.

"Because antiviral drugs may be most useful in nonsevere disease, this review addresses an important gap in evidence," says Dr. Tyler Pitre, Division of Internal Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, with coauthors.

The researchers identified 41 trials involving 18 568 patients with nonsevere COVID-19, most of whom were aged 36.5 to 65.5 years. Compared with standard care or placebo, nirmatrelvirritonavir likely reduced the risk of hospital admission (46.2 fewer admissions per 1000), and molnupiravir probably reduced the risk (16.3 fewer admissions per 1000).

These findings have implications for health care systems and clinical guidelines.

"Our findings suggest that nirmatrelvirritonavir may be superior to molnupiravir for some outcomes, which has implications for organizations, such as the [World Health Organization] WHO, that are in the process of developing recommendations addressing molnupiravir and nirmatrelvirritonavir," write the authors. "Health care systems deciding on drug procurement and cost issues need to consider the relative efficacy of nirmatrelvirritonavir over molnupiravir."

In a related commentary, authors point out challenges in applying these findings to current patients with COVID-19. Several of the trials on which the study is based were conducted among unvaccinated patients who had been infected with the Delta variant. As a significant portion of Canada's population is now vaccinated and many have been infected with the Omicron variant, the medications may be less effective in a real-world setting.

The commentary authors call for national and international approaches to rapidly generate evidence in a changing disease landscape.

"As the virus and population dynamics evolve, ongoing research is required to inform clinical and policy decisions," write Drs. Corinne Hohl, University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, and Andrew McRae, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta. "Adaptive platform trials and large observational studies offer the best opportunities to generate timely evidence on the effectiveness of COVID-19 therapeutics."

The authors conclude, "These studies can be completed in Canada, but need to be supported by Canadian research funders, health care institutions, data custodians, health care providers and patients."

More information: Antiviral drug treatment for nonsevere COVID-19: a systematic review and network meta-analysis, Canadian Medical Association Journal (2022). Journal information: Canadian Medical Association Journal Antiviral drug treatment for nonsevere COVID-19: a systematic review and network meta-analysis,(2022). DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.220471
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Gwyneth Paige didn't want to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at first. With her health issueshypertension, fibromyalgia, asthmashe wanted to see how other people fared after the shots. Then her mother got colon cancer.

"At that point, I didn't care if the vaccine killed me," she said. "To be with my mother throughout her journey, I had to have the vaccination."

Paige, who is 56 and lives in Detroit, has received three doses. That leaves her one booster short of federal health recommendations.

Like Paige, who said she doesn't currently plan to get another booster, some Americans seem comfortable with the protection of three shots. But others may wonder what to do: Boost again now with one of the original vaccines, or wait months for promised new formulations tailored to the latest, highly contagious omicron subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5?

The rapidly mutating virus has created a conundrum for the public and a communications challenge for health officials.

"What we're seeing now is a little bit of an information void that is not helping people make the right decision," said Dr. Carlos del Rio, a professor of infectious diseases at the Emory University School of Medicine.

Del Rio said the public isn't hearing enough about the vaccines' value in preventing severe disease, even if they don't stop all infections. Each new COVID variant also forces health officials to tweak their messaging, del Rio said, which can add to public mistrust.

About 70% of Americans age 50 and older who got a first booster shotand nearly as many of those 65 and olderhaven't received their second COVID booster dose, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency currently recommends two booster shots after a primary vaccine series for adults 50 and older and for younger people with compromised immune systems. Last week, multiple news outlets reported that the Biden administration was working on a plan to allow all adults to get second COVID boosters.

Officials are worried about the surge of BA.4 and BA.5, which spread easily and can escape immune protection from vaccination or prior infection. A recent study published in Nature found BA.5 was four times as resistant to the currently available mRNA vaccines as earlier omicron subvariants.

Consistent messaging has been complicated by the different views of leading vaccine scientists. Although physicians like del Rio and Dr. Peter Hotez of Baylor College of Medicine see the value in getting a second booster, Dr. Paul Offit, a member of the FDA's vaccine advisory committee, is skeptical it's needed by anyone but seniors and people who are immunocompromised.

"When experts have different views based on the same science, why are we surprised that getting the message right is confusing?" said Dr. Bruce Gellin, chief of global public health strategy at the Rockefeller Foundation and Offit's colleague on the FDA panel.

Janet Perrin, 70, of Houston hasn't gotten her second booster for scheduling and convenience reasons and said she'll look for information about a variant-targeted dose from sources she trusts on social media. "I haven't found a consistent guiding voice from the CDC," she said, and the agency's statements sound like "a political word salad."

On July 12, the Biden administration released its plan to manage the BA.5 subvariant, which it warned would have the greatest impact in the parts of the country with lower vaccine coverage. The strategy includes making it easier for people to access testing, vaccines and boosters, and COVID antiviral treatments.

During the first White House COVID briefing in nearly three weeks, the message from top federal health officials was clear: Don't wait for an omicron-tailored shot. "There are many people who are at high risk right now, and waiting until October, November for their boostwhen in fact their risk is in the momentis not a good plan," said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, head of the CDC.

With worries about the BA.5 subvariant growing, the FDA on June 30 recommended that drugmakers Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna get to work producing a new, bivalent vaccine that combines the current version with a formulation that targets the new strains.

The companies both say they can make available for the U.S. millions of doses of the reformulated shots in October. Experts think that deadline could slip by a few months given the unexpected hitches that plague vaccine manufacturing.

"I think that we have all been asking that same question," said Dr. Kathryn Edwards, scientific director of the Vanderbilt Vaccine Research Program. "What's the benefit of getting another booster now when what will be coming out in the fall is a bivalent vaccine and you will be getting BA.4/5, which is currently circulating? Although whether it will be circulating in the fall is another question."

The FDA on July 13 authorized a fourth COVID vaccine, made by Novavax, but only for people who haven't been vaccinated yet. Many scientists thought the Novavax shot could be an effective booster for people previously vaccinated with mRNA shots from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna because its unique design could broaden the immune response to coronaviruses. Unfortunately, few studies have assessed mix-and-match vaccination approaches, said Gellin, of the Rockefeller Foundation.

Edwards and her husband got COVID in January. She received a second booster last month, but only because she thought it might be required for a Canadian business trip. Otherwise, she said, she felt a fourth shot was kind of a waste, though not particularly risky. She told her husbanda healthy septuagenarianto wait for the BA.4/5 version.

People at very high risk for COVID complications might want to go ahead and get a fourth dose, Edwards said, with the hope that it will temporarily prevent severe disease "while you wait for BA.4/5."

The omicron vaccines will contain components that target the original strain of the virus because the first vaccine formulations are known to prevent serious illness and death even in people infected with omicron.

Those components will also help keep the earlier strains of the virus in check, said Dr. David Brett-Major, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. That's important, he said, because too much tailoring of vaccines to fight emerging variants could allow older strains of the coronavirus to resurface.

Brett-Major said messages about the value of the tailored shots will need to come from trusted, local sourcesnot just top federal health officials.

"Access happens locally," he said. "If your local systems are not messaging and promoting and enabling access, it's really problematic."

Although some Americans are pondering when, or whether, to get their second boosters, many people tuned out the pandemic long ago, putting them at risk during the current wave, experts said.

Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, said he doesn't expect to see the public's level of interest in the vaccine change much even as new boosters are released and eligibility expands. Parts of the country with high vaccine coverage will remain relatively insulated from new variants that emerge, he said, while regions with low vaccine acceptance could be set for a "rude awakening."

Even scientists are at a bit of a loss for how to effectively adapt to an ever-changing virus.

"Nothing is simple with COVID, is it? It's just whack-a-mole," said Edwards. "This morning I read about a new variant in India. Maybe it'll be a nothingburger, butwho knows?maybe something big, and then we'll wonder, 'Why did we change the vaccine strain to BA.4/5?'"

Explore further FDA panel to weigh improved booster shots from Moderna, Pfizer

2022 Kaiser Health News.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Antonio Palacios recovered from COVID-19 in early June just in time for back-to-back weekends at Southern California's largest Pride celebrationsin West Hollywood and Los Angeleswhere he immersed himself in a community that, at times, felt too distant the last two years.

"We needed to be together. We needed to have that release," said Palacios, who is gay.

But soon after, Palacios got a call from a man he recently started dating, informing him that he had likely been exposed to monkeypox, the rare virus recently confirmed in California and spreading almost exclusively among gay and bisexual men and transgender and nonbinary people.

LGBTQ activists and health leaders have been sounding the alarm about monkeypox for weeks, saying they were inadequately prepared and overlooked by public health officials. Now, many state and local officials are joining the call for a better response to the outbreak, especially efforts to get more vaccines.

"Had federal officials shown a strong will to action, more could have been done to stop the spread just using basic public health," California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon said Wednesday, calling on federal officials to declare monkeypox a national public health emergency. "During recent Pride Month activities, thousands of those vaccines doses could have been administered at celebratory events, clinics, LGBTQ bars and gathering places throughout the state. That did not happen, and it enabled the spread."

Monkeypox cases in Los Angeles and San Francisco counties have continued to rise since late Juneincreases that coincided with the cities' Pride weekends. Advocates say efforts to provide preventative and post-exposure protection to those most at risk are hampered by severely limited vaccines.

When cases began appearing in Los Angeles County last month, only about 1,000 vaccines from the federal government had arrived, a shortage Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer called "distressing." Many of those infected had then been linked to two large parties.

Currently, about 24,000 doses have made their way to L.A. County. The additions are welcome improvements but still far short of what experts say is needed to adequately respond to the virus. Dr. Mark Ghaly, the California Health and Human Services secretary, wrote to the CDC on Wednesday requesting an additional 600,000 vaccine dosesmore than 15 times what the state has already received. Ghaly's agency, which distributes doses to all California counties besides Los Angeles, had received less than 38,000 vaccines as of Thursday.

Officials say they don't expect the shortage to be resolved for months.

Monkeypox, which is rarely deadly but can cause severe pain and uncomfortable symptoms for as long as a month, has been confirmed or considered probable in 147 people in Los Angeles County as of Thursday, an almost 80% increase from a week prior, according to county data. The rise is similar in San Francisco, where cases have more than doubled in the past week, increasing to 141 Tuesday. The two metro areas make up two-thirds of California's confirmed or probable cases.

"This should be a preventable public health crisis," San Francisco City Supervisor Rafael Mandelman said last week. "Unlike COVID-19, we did not have to wait for a vaccine to be developed. And unlike COVID-19, monkeypox does not seem to spread effectively through respiratory droplets. Yet here we are with cases rising, vaccines sparse and urgent action by our federal public health institutions absent.

"Would monkeypox have received a stronger response if it were not primarily affecting queer folks?" he asked.

Palacios lamented the lack of available treatment, cumbersome protocols and slow response from public health officials regarding the virus, which spreads primarily through intimate skin-to-skin contact.

"After a million COVID deaths in the U.S.  how could we be caught flat-footed again?" he said. "Rather than rolling out treatments, they've just put gay men on house arrest. ... If we're the only people that seem to be suffering from something, then the powers that be don't seem very inclined to reach a positive solution."

Palacioswho was among the first 30 confirmed monkeypox cases in L.A. Countyhas since recovered from a relatively mild bout.

But, he said, the public health department did little to help. He said during the first few days of symptoms, he repeatedly called for assistance. At one point, he said he was directed to speak with a veterinarian, who primarily gave him advice for protecting his dog from the virus.

"Every day that was ticking by felt critical," the 41-year-old West Hollywood resident said.

He asked county health officials about getting the monkeypox vaccine when he was within the 14-day exposure window, as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as an antiviral treatment approved in Europe. The Jynneos vaccine, the primary option in the U.S., is a two-shot series given four weeks apart, with people considered fully protected two weeks after the second dose, according to the CDC.

But L.A. County Department of Public Health officials have said they will not administer the vaccine to someone who is already infectious.

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation said its vaccine waitlistcomposed only of people with a known exposure to monkeypox is up to 3,600. The organization's health clinic has received less than 800 doses.

"We would need something like 6,000 doses to treat our sexual health clinic folks who may be at risk for monkeypox," said Tyler TerMeer, the AIDS Foundation's CEO. That's about how many doses the entire city has received since the outbreak began. San Francisco's Department of Public Health requested 35,000 doses last week; days later, just 4,000 were provided.

"Are we in another moment when the lives of gay and bi men are not being prioritized?" TerMeer said, alluding to the HIV and AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and '90s. "There needs to be more urgency."

Federal officials have ordered millions more doses, but manufacturing challenges make it unlikely the vaccines will be available soon.

Scott, who asked to be identified only by his first name because he's a sex worker, said he tried to protect himself before traveling to New York City's Pride celebrations in late June but was told by multiple health providers he wasn't eligible for the monkeypox vaccine.

The government has "known about this since May, and they knew it was primarily (affecting) men having sex with menand there was no coordinated response going into Pride Month," said Scott, who later tested positive.

"The government isn't going to take it seriously until straight people start getting it," Scott said. "Thankfully it's nothing like AIDS, but it feels like the government response has failed in the same way with AIDS, or with COVID."

Although the LGBTQ community has been disproportionately hit by monkeypox, officials continue to warn that anyone can become infected. While primarily transmitted skin-to-skin, it also can be spread through materials that come into contact with the virus, such as bedding and towels, or through close contact with respiratory droplets, like while kissing.

Health centers that provide care to predominately queer clients say they are bracing for many more months of an all-hands-on-deck response as the virus continues to spread.

TerMeer said after San Francisco Pride, the AIDS Foundation began receiving an influx of "concerned and fearful" callers. The organization set up a monkeypox-dedicated hotline, which has been getting more than 500 callers a day since early July.

Ward Carpenter, the director of health services for the L.A. LGBT Center, said the spreading virus is "definitely starting to strain our resources."

"We're sending more and more (tests). We're increasing staffing to be able to serve as many as we can," he said. "From everything we're seeing, we're on the uphill curve here."

Scott, who lives in West Hollywood, said it was almost a week after he tested positive before he heard from L.A. County, but a health official offered no treatment options and inquired only about contact tracing while insisting he stay at home.

"They were not interested in my health. They were not interested in providing options for treatment," Scott said, noting that contact tracing almost 11 days after his symptoms started felt "laughable."

He was particularly upset knowing much of Europe has access to an antiviral treatment, known as Tpoxxthe same one Palacios wantedbut it's allowed in the U.S. only under limited "investigational" circumstances, according to the CDC, for people with "severe disease" from monkeypox.

Rick Chavez Zbur, an LGBTQ civil rights leader and former Equality California executive director, said there needs to be enough Jynneos doses to vaccinate all at-risk gay and bisexual men, as well as transgender and nonbinary people.

"It is not an acceptable public health strategy to have members of the LGBTQ+ community put our lives on hold while we wait for insufficient supplies of vaccines to dribble out," Zbur said. "Every day that vaccines are widely unavailable relegates gay and bi men and transgender people to living lives of fear and isolation, reminiscent to the early period of both the HIV and COVID epidemics."

At one of this year's last Pride events in Long Beach on July 10, monkeypox seemed a far-off concern for most. Guests donned rainbow clothing, waved LGBTQ flags and packed the city's gay bars.

"People are so excited to be together again. You can feel the energy," Long Beach Pride parade emcee Cory Allen said. He said "there's a level of consciousness" about monkeypox, but his social and professional circles were not alarmed.

Raul Victoriano, 42, who was sporting not much more than a rainbow speedo, admitted "people are letting their guard down," but he said it was equally important to come out to support the queer community.

"I thought about (monkeypox) coming out here," said Victoriano, who is gay. But he said he wasn't too worried because he wouldn't be going into crowded clubs. He did, however, plan to contact his doctor to try to get the vaccine.

"The future is scary, but we're out here celebrating love. We're here and we're loud," said Fabian Bon, who was at the Pride parade with his fiance. Monkeypox "is another thing ... to be mindful of."

Explore further Public health clinics running out of monkeypox vaccine as lines form and systems crash

2022 Los Angeles Times.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Parts of the brain affected in PPA. The different colours represent the areas most affected in each PPA subtype (non-fluent variant: green; logopenic variant: purple; semantic variant: blue). Credit: University of Sydney

Researchers and clinicians at the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Center have developed a free, online, clinician-administered tool that could greatly increase the likelihood of early detection of primary progressive aphasia, paving the way for enhanced treatment.

With the recent announcement of Bruce Willis' retirement due to aphasia, this spectrum of disorders has received increasing attention in the news and mediaincluding a rare type of dementia known as primary progressive aphasia (PPA).

PPAs are rare, incurable, younger-onset dementias that primarily affect speech and language and occur in people between the ages of 5070. They are complicated by the fact that there are three subtypes, each with distinct patterns of brain atrophy or shrinkage, brain pathologies, and prognoses. One common theme across all PPA variants is that they are difficult to diagnose in their early stages, leading to costly doctor visits and delayed treatments and care services.

A new, free, online, clinician-administered tool developed by researchers and clinicians at the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Center could greatly increase the likelihood of early PPA detection.

An explanation of the tool has been published in Brain Communications.

Drawing on a commonly used cognitive screening test, the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III (ACE-III), Dr. David Foxe led the development of the ACE-III PPA diagnostic calculator.

Based on patient data from the University's FRONTIER Research Group (dementia research), to which Dr. Foxe belongs, and created in collaboration with the University's School of Mathematics and Statistics, it can predict a PPA diagnosis with a sensitivity rate of 70 to 80 percent.

This means with patients suspected to have PPA, the tool is able to differentiate the PPA variants between 70 and 80 percent of the time.

It would have been of great benefit to Jane Dean and her husband Stephen Dean, a FRONTIER research participant who was only diagnosed with PPA by FRONTIER after almost two years of doctor visits and tests.

"Arriving at a diagnosis of PPA was arduous and stressful," Mrs. Dean said.

Being from Tumut, a town near Canberra at the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, made things more difficult, as the couple had to travel as far as Albury Wodonga and Sydney to seek specialist help.

"In a remote location like ours, it's hard to feel supported. You're isolated," she said.

"Diagnosing the PPA variants is difficult as the language profiles are often complex, overlapping or difficult to detect for inexperienced clinicians," Dr. Foxe said.

"However, it's really important that PPA patients receive the correct diagnosis as this will ensure that they receive the right treatment. I hope my tool will improve the clinical assessment of PPA, especially in rural and primary health settings where dementia clinics are few and far between, and ultimately improve the lives of people living with this incurable disease."

Yet Dr. Foxe cautioned that the tool should only be used when a person is suspected to have PPA and that a clinician should read the associated paper before administering it.

Over 30,000 Australians live with younger-onset dementia and about a quarter are diagnosed with PPA.

The three subtypes of PPA are logopenic (difficulty speaking and finding the right words), non-fluent (difficulty articulating words) and semantic (comprehension loss).

Over time, other cognitive and functional abilities deteriorate, resulting in death approximately 712 years from diagnosis. PPA generally presents before the age of 65 years, significantly impacting family, vocational, social and community roles.

It is caused by an abnormal build-up of proteins in the brain (especially near the language structures), resulting in a slow, progressive loss of brain cells.

There is currently no cure for PPA but University of Sydney researchers are investigating the underlying pathological causes of these diseaseswhich could lead to novel pharmacological interventions.

In the meantime, treatments such as speech therapy have been found to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life in the early disease stages. Recently, FRONTIER and the University's Communication Disorders Treatment and Research Clinic have formed a partnership to provide student-led speech pathology clinical services to PPA patients and their families.

Explore further Lost for wordsthe devastation caused by aphasia

More information: D Foxe et al, Utility of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III online calculator to differentiate the primary progressive aphasia variants, Brain Communications (2022). Journal information: Brain Communications D Foxe et al, Utility of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III online calculator to differentiate the primary progressive aphasia variants,(2022). DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac161
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Military men who had been present when British nuclear weapons were tested in the 1950s and 60s are no more likely to pass on to their descendants more changes to their DNA in comparison to other veterans, a new study involving University of Bristol researchers, has found.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, set out to see whether or not the amount and type of genetic changes seen in the children of nuclear test veterans, when compared to their parents, is as would be expected in families more generally.

The findings are from the first study looking into whether there is a genetic legacy associated with having been present at the test sites, including Christmas Island and the Australian outback.

To study this, researchers analyzed blood samples from 30 family trios: the father, the mother and their surviving biological child conceived soonest after the father returned from nuclear test sites. For comparison purposes, samples were analyzed from a matched control group of 30 family trios of veterans of similar age and military service who hadn't been at test sites. All were invited to the study through their GPs in a multi-step recruitment process.

The team found that, for each comparison, the number and type of genetic changes were in line with what would be expected naturally, with no significant differences between the nuclear test veteran and control groups.

Dr. Rhona Anderson, the study lead from Brunel University London, and Director of the Center for Health Effects of Radiological and Chemical Agents, said: "Our study showed no significant increases in the frequency of newly arising genetic changes in the offspring of nuclear test veteran fathers. This result should reassure the study participants and the wider nuclear test veteran community."

Dr. Alex Moorhouse, now based at the University of Bristol's School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, carried out the whole genome sequencing analysis while at the University of Leicester, said: "This is the first study of the transgenerational genome wide mutational risk in the human germline as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation. It is an important epidemiological study, particularly for the British Nuclear Test Veterans who participated at the nuclear test sites, and for their families."

Dr. Moorhouse and colleagues from the University of Leicester, led by Professor Yuri Dubrova, extracted DNA from each sample and sequenced and analyzed the whole genome, producing a readout of each participant's genetic information. All the samples were processed blind, so the research team didn't know whether they were analyzing blood from a nuclear test veteran or control family trio. Comparing the readouts between the generations meant the researchers could identify different types of newly arising germline genetic changes, such as when building blocks of DNA swap places or are deleted, and then count them.

Once the samples were revealed as being part of the veteran group or control group, the study team, which included researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, were able to make comparisons.

They compared their data with previous studies of how often newly arising germline genetic changes happen in humans more generally. The researchers also compared the nuclear test veteran family group with the control family group, focusing on genetic changes collectively known as single nucleotide variants, structural variants and clustered mutations, and a particular type where DNA building blocks are inserted or deleted, known as indels.

A paper published earlier this month by the researchers revealed that a higher proportion of the nuclear test veterans in the study said that at least one of their children or grandchildren had been born with a congenital anomalysometimes known as birth defects, such as of the heart or of the limbsand that a higher proportion of control veterans reported chemical or radiation exposure through their jobs.

However, these differences are not explained by the genetic analysis carried out on the family members studied in these two groups.

Professor Dubrova added: "Overall, our findings may reflect the low radiation doses thought to be received by the nuclear test veterans. Another consideration is the time gap between the date of last attendance at a test site and when the next child was conceived."

When analyzing the genetic changes seen in the nuclear test veteran and control groups, the researchers spotted that one particular pattern of changes to the DNA building blocksknown as SBS16, a mutation signaturediffered between the groups, happening more often in the nuclear test veteran family trios.

"That this signature is present more for nuclear test veteran families is most likely explained by it being a feature of a small group of the study's participants," Dr. Anderson said. "However, we cannot rule out with sufficient confidence that this could be a random occurrence unrelated to the background of these families."

Explore further Researchers develop new clinical diagnostic test to identify genetic sources of mitochondrial disease

More information: Alexander J. Moorhouse et al, No evidence of increased mutations in the germline of a group of British nuclear test veterans, Scientific Reports (2022). Journal information: Scientific Reports Alexander J. Moorhouse et al, No evidence of increased mutations in the germline of a group of British nuclear test veterans,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14999-w
Gram stain of meningococci from a culture showing Gram negative (pink) bacteria, often in pairs. Credit: public domain

Florida is facing several disease outbreaksCOVID, monkeypox, dengue fever. But meningococcal disease is now on the minds of health experts, too.

So you may be wondering: What should you know and what can you do about it?

In a discussion with reporters, Dr. Ulyee Choe, statewide medical director for the Florida Department of Health, compared the adverse effects of monkeypox with meningococcal disease that can lead to fatal meningitis. He didn't like what he was seeing in the Sunshine State.

"Meningococcal disease, to some degree, concerns me more given the severity of the disease," Choe said.

Here's why you, too, may be concerned, and may have questions about meningococcal disease.

Florida's meningitis count

Florida has had 48 cases of meningococcal disease from Jan. 1 through July 21, 2022, according to the state's health department.

With 14 reported cases so far, most of these meningitis cases have been found in Central Florida in Orange County, the seat of the Orlando area and home to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

But South Florida has seen cases, too.

Miami-Dade had four, Broward had two and Palm Beach County had one. As of July 20, there were no reported cases in the Florida Keys.

By comparison, Florida had 27 cases of meningococcal disease in 2021, 17 cases in 2020 and 23 in 2019compared with the 48 cases recorded just halfway through 2022.

Of these 48, one quarteror 12 peoplehave died in Florida after contracting meningitis so far this year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This figure represents a 25% death rate.

Not to minimize monkeypox, but as of mid-July there have been no reported deaths from monkeypox in Florida or in the United States.

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus.

These illnesses are often severe and include infections and swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia), according to the CDC.

Three layers of membranes known as meninges protect the brain and spinal cord, the Mayo Clinic explains. That's why when this disease progresses and infects the brain and spinal cord, it's known as "meningitis."

How is meningitis transmitted?

Meningococcal disease is not as contagious as the germs that lead to the common cold or flu or COVID-19, which can be contracted by breathing in respiratory droplets in the air from someone infected and close by.

Rather, meningitis typically requires close contact to transmit it from one person to another, according to Florida's health department. Think kissing or sharing your food or drink where you might pass along respiratory and throat secretions like spit. Living in close quarters with someone infected can also help the disease spread.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease

Early symptoms of the disease include:

Fever, headache, stiff neck

Nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity

Confusion and rash, usually red and purple in color.

Symptoms among infants

Symptoms in infants can differ and can include slowness or inactivity, irritability, vomiting, poor feeding or a bulging soft spot on the baby's head.

What can meningitis do to you?

"Even with antibiotic treatment, 10 to 15 in 100 people with meningococcal disease will die," according to the CDC. Up to one in five survivors will have long-term disabilities, such as:

Loss of limbs

Deafness

Nervous system problems

Brain damage

Who is at most risk?

An outbreak advisory from the CDC said Florida has a "large, ongoing outbreak of meningococcal disease," primarily among gay, bisexual and men who hav sex with men, including those living with HIV, the Miami Herald reported in April.

Other groups at risk include:

The immunocompromised, such as people with HIV, those whose spleen has been damaged or removed, people with sickle cell disease, people who take complement inhibitor medications, people with complement component deficiency, said Mary Jo Trepka, a professor and chair of Florida International University's Department of Epidemiology at the Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work.

People living in close quarters with others. This could include college freshmen (or new arrivals who have not been vaccinated) who live in dorms and U.S. military recruits.

People traveling to places in the world where meningococcal disease is common. Currently, the highest incidence occurs in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is hyperendemic, according to the CDC. There, meningitis can reach up to 1,000 cases per 100,000 population.

Are Floridians more at risk?

"Florida is in the midst of a meningococcal outbreak. Florida has not traditionally necessarily had a bigger problem with meningococcal disease than other places," Trepka said.

Is there a test for meningitis?

According to Florida's health department, if meningococcal disease is suspected, a doctor can order samples of blood or cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the spinal cord, for lab testing.

How is meningococcal disease treated?

Rapid diagnosis and treatment is critical.

Doctors can prescribe antibiotics to treat meningococcal disease.

"People with meningococcal disease are no longer able to spread it to others after taking an appropriate antibiotic for 24 hours," according to Florida's health department citing the CDC.

But some people may also need advanced medical care, which could mean treatment in an intensive care unit.

How to protect yourself

The CDC and Florida's health department recommend vaccinations against meningococcal disease. Also, "maintaining healthy habits, like getting plenty of rest and not coming into close contact with people who are sick, can also help."

Who should get vaccinated?

"The outbreak that we are experiencing in Florida among gay and bisexual men is due to serogroup C of the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria," Trepka said.

She points to the two types of meningococcal vaccines that are also noted by the CDC:

Meningococcal conjugate or MenACWY vaccines.

Serogroup B meningococcal or MenB vaccines.

"The MenACWY protects against serogroups A, C, W. And while the MenB protects against serogroup B, MenACWY is the one being recommended in this [Florida] outbreak," Trepka said.

"The MenACWY vaccine is routinely offered to all 11-12-year-olds with a booster dose at 16 years. This is because adolescents and young adults are at high risk," she said.

All at-risk groupsincluding the immunocompromisedand those at higher risk of exposure such as new college students who will live in dorms, and during this Florida outbreak, should consider getting the MenACWY vaccine.

"And there is no harm in anybody else getting the vaccine," Trepka said. "It is a very safe vaccine but it is most important that these high-risk groups get vaccinated."

Explore further CDC warns of deadly outbreak of meningitis among gay men in Florida

2022 Miami Herald.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has warned of the dangers of foot and mouth disease on her country after an outbreak in Indonesia.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern warned an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Indonesia could cost thousands of New Zealand jobs, as her nation and neighbouring Australia stepped up border biosecurity restrictions.

"While not a threat to humans, it would devastate our national herd. Essentially, all animals that are of cloven hoof are at risk," Ardern told reporters in Wellington.

Ardern warned that the disease, first detected in Indonesia in April, has the potential to threaten up to 100,000 jobs in New Zealand's agriculture sector.

Foot and mouth disease is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock.

It can have a significant economic impact, especially on a country like New Zealand which exported around 17 million sheep and two million cattle in the eight months up until May 2022.

A foot-and-mouth outbreak has ripped through two Indonesian provinces, killing thousands of cows and infecting hundreds of thousands more.

Ardern said New Zealand has never had an outbreakand wants to keep it that way by tightening border restrictions.

"We want to make sure that we've got all our settings in place to protect ourselves from this emerging threat," she added.

There are currently no direct flights from Indonesia to New Zealand, but Ardern said it is important to stop it from entering the country, potentially via Australian tourists who had visited south-east Asia.

Travellers from Indonesia will not be allowed to bring meat products into New Zealand, baggage will be screened and there will be disinfectant mats at airports to clean footwear.

In Australia, parcels and baggage from China and Indonesia are now being checked and there are also foot mats at airports in response to the disease.

Canberra has so far rejected opposition calls to close the border to Indonesia completely, but further measures have not been ruled out.

Ardern said her government is working with Australian authorities to try to further reduce the risk.

New Zealand is set to fully open its borders at midnight on Sunday to all visitors.

New Zealand's Biosecurity Minister Damien O'Connor said "vigilance is absolutely crucial" as the disease could also affect up to 77 percent of the country's wildlife population, including wild deer, pigs and sheep.

He referred to how foot and mouth devastated British farming in 2001 when millions of cattle and sheep had to be slaughtered.

Explore further Foot-and-mouth disease and the efforts to stop it

 2022 AFP
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Napping on a regular basis is associated with higher risks for high blood pressure and stroke, according to new research published today in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal.

Researchers in China examined whether frequent naps could be a potential causal risk factor for high blood pressure and/or stroke. This is the first study to use both observational analysis of participants over a long period of time and Mendelian randomizationa genetic risk validation to investigate whether frequent napping was associated with high blood pressure and ischemic stroke.

"These results are especially interesting since millions of people might enjoy a regular, or even daily nap," says E Wang, Ph.D., M.D., a professor and chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at Xiangya Hospital Central South University, and the study's corresponding author.

Researchers used information from UK Biobank, a large biomedical database and research resource containing anonymized genetic, lifestyle and health information from half a million UK participants. UK Biobank recruited more than 500,000 participants between the ages of 40 and 69 who lived in the United Kingdom between 2006 and 2010. They regularly provided blood, urine and saliva samples, as well as detailed information about their lifestyle. The daytime napping frequency survey occurred 4 times from 20062019 in a small proportion of UK Biobank participants.

Wang's group excluded records of people who had already had a stroke or had high blood pressure before the start of the study. This left about 360,000 participants to analyze the association between napping and first-time reports of stroke or high blood pressure, with an average follow-up of about 11 years. Participants were divided into groups based on self-reported napping frequency: "never/rarely," "sometimes," or "usually."

The study found:

A higher percentage of usual-nappers were men, had lower education and income levels, and reported cigarette smoking, daily drinking, insomnia, snoring and being an evening person compared to never- or sometimes-nappers;

When compared to people who reported never taking a nap, people who usually nap had a 12% higher likelihood of developing high blood pressure and 24% higher likelihood of having a stroke;

Participants younger than age 60 who usually napped had a 20% higher risk of developing high blood pressure compared to people the same age who never napped. After age 60, usual napping was associated with 10% higher risk of high blood pressure compared to those who reported never napping;

About three-fourths of participants remained in the same napping category throughout the study;

The Mendelian randomization result showed that If napping frequency increased by one category (from never to sometimes or sometimes to usually) high blood pressure risk increased 40%. Higher napping frequency was related to the genetic propensity for high blood pressure risk.

"This may be because, although taking a nap itself is not harmful, many people who take naps may do so because of poor sleep at night. Poor sleep at night is associated with poorer health, and naps are not enough to make up for that," said Michael A. Grandner, Ph.D., MTR, a sleep expert and co-author of the American Heart Association's new Life's Essential 8 cardiovascular health score, which added sleep duration in June 2022 as the 8th metric for measuring optimal heart and brain health. "This study echoes other findings that generally show that taking more naps seems to reflect increased risk for problems with heart health and other issues." Grander is director of the Sleep Health Research Program and the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Clinic and associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

The authors recommend further examination of the associations between a healthy sleep pattern, including daytime napping, and heart health.

The study has several important limitations to consider. Researchers only collected daytime napping frequency, not duration, so there is no information how or whether the length of nap affects blood pressure or stroke risks. Additionally, nap frequency was self-reported without any objective measurements, making estimates nonquantifiable. The study's participants were mostly middle-aged and elderly with European ancestry, so the results may not be generalizable. Finally, researchers have not yet discovered the biological mechanism for the effect of daytime napping on blood pressure regulation or stroke.

Co-authors are Min-jing Yang, M.D.; Zhong Zhang, Ph.D., M.D.; Yi-jing Wang; M.D.; Jin-chen Li, Ph.D.; Qu-lian Guo, Ph.D., M.D.; Xiang Chen, Ph.D., M.D.

Explore further Long naps may be bad for health

More information: Association of nap frequency with hypertension or ischemic stroke supported by prospective cohort data and Mendelian randomization in predominantly middle-aged European subjects, Hypertension (2022). Journal information: Hypertension Association of nap frequency with hypertension or ischemic stroke supported by prospective cohort data and Mendelian randomization in predominantly middle-aged European subjects,(2022). DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.122.19120
Credit: Shutterstock

From today, eligible people who were in the United Kingdom in the '80s and '90s will be able to donate blood in Australia again.

That's because the risk of acquiring variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) from blood transfusions in Australia is incredibly tiny.

We calculated that risk was about one in 1.4 billion, publishing our research in the journal Vox Sanguinis.

The removal of restrictions, which have been in place for more than 20 years, means about 750,000 more Australians can now potentially donate blood.

This is at a time when there is a shortage of blood donations due to donors sick with COVID or flu.

Australia's blood stocks plummet as donors off sick with flu and COVID, Red Cross Lifeblood says. They urge anyone who is eligible to donate, and is well and healthy to book an appointment. https://t.co/Y5GqnWV5DL via @ABCaustralia  Karin Calford (@KarinCalford) May 31, 2022

Remind me again, what is vCJD?

Researchers identified vCJD as a new and emerging fatal neurological disease in 1996. It has since been associated with 233 cases worldwide, with 178 of those in the U.K.

Once infected, people show no symptoms for many years. But when they do, there are psychiatric symptoms, such as depression. Then there are sensory symptoms, such as pain, followed by neurological abnormalities. People usually die about a year after symptoms start.

Transmission has been mainly via eating beef from cattle with bovine spongiform encephalitis (or BSE, commonly referred to as "mad cow disease") in the U.K. during the 80s and 90s.

Mad cow disease had been spread by contaminated stock feed (cattle had been fed with contaminated beef products) before regulations were tightened and implemented, from 1996.

Over this time, an estimated 180,000 infected cattle had entered the U.K. human food chain.

How is this connected to giving blood?

There is no easy test for vCJD and infected people don't know they have it until they have symptoms. This pre-symptomatic phase can be as long as several decades. So there was speculation there could be unidentified people with vCJD, but exactly how many was unclear.

This is a potential public health issue as people who don't know they have vCJD could transmit to others through blood, or tissue and organ donations.

This is why people who were in the U.K. between 1980 and 1996 for six months or more have been unable to give blood in Australia, since December 2000. Other countries had similar bans.

So what's changed?

Since the peak of the vCJD epidemic in 2000, when there were 28 deaths in the U.K., there has been a rapid decline in recorded cases, with only two worldwide since 2015. These numbers are much lower than modeled predictions.

Because there have been no BSE or vCJD cases in Australia, lower-than-predicted vCJD case numbers generally, and the ongoing change in the proportion of people in Australia who were exposed to vCJD, we recently reassessed the risk of vCJD in Australian blood donors.

The risk is tiny, the benefits large

We looked at a range of scenarios, including different assumptions about the numbers of people with vCJD, infectiousness and incubation periods.

Using modeling, we predicted a blood donation from an Australian with vCJD would occur once every 65 years, but this rate decreases over time.

If that donated blood was used in a transfusion today, there would be about a one in 1.4 billion chance of the recipient developing vCJD.

In other words, there is virtually no increased risk of vCJD transmission via transfusion (and this is decreasing). Lifting the ban on UK donors would increase the donor pool by 750,000 newly eligible people.

Assuming donation at the current rate, this would result in a gain of around 58,000 blood donations annually.

Our research was instrumental in supporting today's opening up of blood donations, as approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration earlier this year and subsequently supported by Australian governments.

The Food and Drug Administration has also recommended removing similar restrictions on blood donors in the United States.

Explore further Researchers observe new forms of expression of the variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
By Trend

Tunisians vote on Monday in a referendum on a new constitution that critics of President Kais Saied fear will maul the democracy that emerged from a 2011 revolution by handing him nearly total power, Trend reports citing Reuters.

The vote is being held on the anniversary of Saied's sudden move against the elected parliament when he ousted the government, established emergency rule and began governing by fiat.

It is not clear when the results will be announced after polls close at 2100 GMT, but with little apparent enthusiasm for the vote among most Tunisians and a boycott by major parties, analysts expect a 'yes' vote with low turnout.

Under Saied's own rules for the referendum, no minimum level of participation is needed to approve the new constitution. They only stipulate it will come into effect once the final results are published, and do not say what happens if voters reject it.

Saied has hailed his moves as the foundation of a new Tunisian republic to put the revolution back on course and end years of political sclerosis and economic stagnation.
Employees of Junggu Koryo Medicine Pharmaceutical Factory produce Koryo medicines in Pyongyang, on June 7, 2022. North Korea has been driving to increase the production of both modern and traditional (Koryo) medicine to fight the COVID-19 illness. Credit: AP Photo/Cha Song Ho, File

As a medical student in North Korea, Lee Gwang-jin said he treated his fevers and other minor ailments with traditional herbal medicine. But bad illness could mean trouble because hospitals in his rural hometown lacked the ambulances, beds, even the electricity at times needed to treat critical or emergency patients.

So Lee was skeptical when he heard recent North Korean state media reports that claimed such so-called Koryo traditional medicine is playing a key role in the nation's fight against COVID-19, which has killed millions around the world.

"North Korea is using Koryo medicine a lot (for COVID-19)  but it's not a sure remedy," said Lee, who studied Koryo medicine before he fled North Korea in 2018 for a new life in South Korea. "Someone who is destined to survive will survive (with such medicine), but North Korea can't help others who are dying."

Like many other parts of life in North Korea, the medicine that the state says is curing its sick people is being used as a political symbol. That, experts say, will eventually allow the country to say its leaders have beaten the outbreak, where other nations have repeatedly failed, by providing homegrown remedies, independent of outside help.

As state media churn out stories about the effectiveness of the medicine and the huge production efforts to make more of it, there are questions about whether people suffering from severe disease are getting the treatment they need.

A pharmacist waits for customers at the Man Nyon Pharmacy, the nation's largest dispensary of traditional "Koryo" medicine, in Pyongyang, North Korea on Feb. 21, 2013. North Korea has recently reported fewer than 200 daily fever cases amid its first domestic COVID-19 outbreak and says its traditional Koryo herbal medicines are playing a key role in curing patients. Credit: AP Photo/David Guttenfelder, File

Defectors and experts believe North Korea is mobilizing Koryo medicine simply because it doesn't have enough modern medicine to fight COVID-19.

"Treating mild symptoms with Koryo medicine isn't a bad option.  But the coronavirus doesn't cause only mild symptoms," said Yi Junhyeok, a traditional doctor and researcher at South Korea's Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine. "When we think about critical and high-risk patients, North Korea needs vaccines, emergency care systems and other medical resources that it can use to" lower fatalities.

More than two months have passed since North Korea admitted its first coronavirus outbreak, and the country has reported an average of 157 fever cases each day in the past seven days, a significant drop from the peak of about 400,000 a day in May. It also maintains a widely disputed claim that only 74 out of about 4.8 million fever patients have died, a fatality rate of 0.002% that would be the world's lowest if true.

A pharmacist at the Kaeson Clinic in the Moranbong District of Pyongyang, North Korea gathers traditional "Koryo" medicine for a patient waiting at the window on Feb. 21, 2013. North Korea has recently reported fewer than 200 daily fever cases amid its first domestic COVID-19 outbreak and says its traditional Koryo herbal medicines are playing a key role in curing patients. Credit: AP Photo/David Guttenfelder, File

Despite widespread outside doubt about the truth of North Korea's reported statistics, there are no signs that the outbreak has caused catastrophe in North Korea. Some outside experts say the North may soon formally declare victory over COVID-19 in an effort to boost internal unity. North Korea may then emphasize the role of Koryo medicine as the reason.

"North Korea calls Koryo medicine 'juche (self-reliant) medicine,' treats it importantly and views it as one of its political symbols," said Kim Dongsu, a professor at the College of Korean Medicine at South Korea's Dongshin University. "North Korea doesn't have many academic and cultural achievements to advertise so it'll likely actively propagate Koryo medicine."

North Korea officially incorporated Koryo medicinenamed after an ancient Korean kingdomin its public healthcare system in the 1950s. Its importance has sharply grown since the mid-1990s, when North Korea began suffering a big shortage of modern medicine during a crippling famine and economic turmoil that killed hundreds of thousands of people.

Students and youth attend a dancing party in celebration of the 110th birth anniversary of its late founder Kim Il Sung at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea on April 15, 2022. North Korea has recently reported fewer than 200 daily fever cases amid its first domestic COVID-19 outbreak and says its traditional Koryo herbal medicines are playing a key role in curing patients. Credit: AP Photo/Jon Chol Jin, File

Koryo medicine refers to herbal concoctions that sometimes include animal parts, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion and meridian massages. Such ancient remedies are used in many Asian and Western nations, too. But while in those countries traditional and modern medicines operate independently, North Korea has combined them.

Medical students are required to study both modern and traditional medicine at school, regardless of what they major in. So once they become professional doctors, they can practice both. Each hospital in North Korea has a department of Koryo medicine. There are also Koryo medicine-only hospitals.

Kim Jieun, a defector who is a traditional doctor in South Korea, said she majored in Koryo medicine at school in the North but eventually worked as a pediatrician and internal medicine doctor. She said that South Koreans generally use traditional medicine to maintain or improve their health, but North Koreans use it to treat diverse diseases.

Kim Jieun, a defector who is a traditional doctor in South Korea, sits for a photo after an interview in Seoul, South Korea on July 8, 2022. Kim said that South Koreans generally use traditional medicine to maintain or improve their health, but North Koreans use it to treat diverse diseases. Credit: AP Photo/Lee Jin-man

"In South Korea, patients with cerebral hemorrhage, hepatocirrhosis, liver cancer, ascites, diabetes and kidney infections don't come to traditional clinics. But in North Korea, traditional doctors treat them," said Kim, who resettled in South Korea in 2002 and now works for Seoul's Well Saem Hospital of Korean Medicine.

North Korea's main Rodong Sinmun newspaper has recently published a slew of articles praising herbal medicine and acupuncture for curing fever patients and reducing the aftereffects of COVID-19 illnesses, including abnormal pains, heart and kidney problems, nausea and coughing.

The newspaper also published calls by leader Kim Jong Un to embrace Koryo medicine. Other state media reports said the production of Koryo medicine has quadrupled since last year, while a vast amount of modern medicine has also been speedily delivered to local medical institutions, a claim that cannot be independently verified.

Kim Jieun, a defector who is a traditional doctor in South Korea, answers a reporter's question during an interview in Seoul, South Korea on July 8, 2022. Kim said that South Koreans generally use traditional medicine to maintain or improve their health, but North Koreans use it to treat diverse diseases. Credit: AP Photo/Lee Jin-man

North Korea's nominally free socialist medical system remains in shambles, with defectors testifying that they had to buy their own medicine and pay doctors for surgeries and other treatments. They say North Korea's advanced hospitals are largely concentrated in Pyongyang, the capital, where the ruling elite and upper-class citizens loyal to the Kim family live.

Lee, 29, who attended a medical school in the northern North Korean city of Hyesan, said Koryo doctors reused their acupuncture needles after sterilizing them with alcohol, and hospitals typically charged patients for the use of electricity for a medical examination.

H.K. Yoon, a former North Korean doctor who fled the country in the mid-2010s, said her mid-level hospital in the northeast had no ambulance, no oxygen concentrator and only three to four beds in the emergency room. She said she shared surgical equipment with other doctors, and her monthly salary was the equivalent of 800 grams (1.76 pounds) of rice.

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, station staff disinfect the floor of Pyongyang station to curb the spread of coronavirus infection, in Pyongyang, North Korea on May 17, 2022. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. Credit: Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, visits a pharmacy in Pyongyang, North Korea May 15, 2022. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. Credit: Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File

In this undated photo provided on Sept. 10, 2020, by the North Korean government, a health worker checks the temperature of people to protect against the coronavirus in Pyongyang, North Korea. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. Credit: Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File

Lee Gwang-jin, who studied Koryo medicine before he fled North Korea in 2018, answers a reporter's question during an interview in Paju, South Korea on July 14, 2022. As a medical student in North Korea, Lee said he treated his fevers and other minor ailments with traditional herbal medicine. But bad illness could mean trouble because hospitals in his rural hometown lacked the ambulances, beds, even the electricity at times needed to treat critical or emergency patients. So Lee was skeptical when he heard recent North Korean state media reports that claimed such so-called Koryo traditional medicine is playing a key role in the nation's fight against COVID-19. Credit: AP Photo/Lee Jin-man

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, left, delivers a speech during the ground-breaking ceremony of a general hospital in Pyongyang, North Korea March 17, 2020. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Credit: Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File

"My heart aches when I recall the lack of surgical equipment," said Yoon, who asked that her first name be identified only by initials because of safety worries about relatives in North Korea. "When my patients were critical, I wanted to perform surgeries quickly. But I couldn't do it because surgical equipment was being used by someone else, and I worried about how soon I could sterilize and use it."

Some experts earlier predicted that the COVID-19 outbreak could cause dire consequences in North Korea because most of its 26 million people are unvaccinated and about 40% of its people are reportedly undernourished. Now, they speculate that North Korea is likely underreporting its death count to prevent political damage to Kim Jong Un.

Lee, the former North Korean medical student, said people in Hyesan didn't go to hospitals unless they were extremely sick.

"When they are moderately ill, they just receive acupuncture or Koryo herbal medicine. They trust Koryo medicine but they also don't make much money and Koryo medicine is cheaper than Western medicine," Lee said.

 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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After a man in Rockland County, New York, became the first patient to contract polio in the United States in nearly a decade, experts such as Dr. Peter Salkwhose late father, Jonas, developed a vaccine for the diseasesaid the public shouldn't be alarmed but warned that children unvaccinated for polio could be at risk.

"Polio is only a plane flight away," Dr. Salk said during a phone interview on Friday. "Here is a circumstance that demonstrated that."

More than 60 years since Dr. Jonas Salk and his team of researchers unveiled an effective version of their polio vaccine at the University of Pittsburgh in 1955, the disease has become nearly eradicated in the United States. Ninety-two percent of the U.S. population has been inoculated against the virus.

But Dr. Salk, who serves as president of the Jonas Salk Legacy Foundation in La Jolla, California, and is a visiting professor at Pitt, said that the virus is still a threat to populations in other countries. When U.S. citizens unvaccinated against polio travel abroad, there's always the threat that they could bring the virus home.

According to New York state health officials, the Rockland County case occurred in a man in his 20s who was a member of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, a population officials noted was less likely to vaccinate children. In this instance, health officials did not say whether the man was vaccinated against polio, but that he possibly contracted it abroad during a trip to Poland and Hungary.

The last case of naturally occurring polio in the United States was in 1979. There have been just a handful of cases since, although they were brought into the country by unvaccinated travelers who were in contact with someone who received the oral vaccine.

According to Dr. Salk, the Rockland County man was most likely exposed to someone who received the oral vaccine in another country. Recipients of the oral polio vaccine, which administers a live but weakened version of the polio virus, can more easily spread the virus to those who are unvaccinated.

In the United States, children are instead given a vaccine that uses a dead version of the virusa direct result of Dr. Jonas Salk's revolutionary research in Pittsburgh.

Dr. Salk said Friday that polio is untreatable and highly contagious, and it leads to paralysis in around 1 of every 200 cases. However, he stressed that as long as parents continued to vaccinate their children, they would be protected from the virus and the likelihood of another case developing in the U.S. was "hopefully small."

Dr. Salk warned that populations across the world were increasingly at risk. However, vaccine disinformation rose during the COVID-19 pandemic and the chaotic nature of remote learning led some parents to forgo vaccinating their childrenchildren who weren't going into the classroom and therefore not required to be vaccinated by some kindergarten programs.

Dr. Salk mentioned that in England, for example, polio was reported last month for the first time in four decades after an outbreak spread through sewage in London. As in the United States, most British residents are inoculated against the disease, although the country's health department warned anyone not vaccinated to quickly schedule an appointment to do so.

"I think that the unknown is part of the problem here," Dr. Salk said. "Things are just so unfamiliar to people, concepts, that it's sort of easy to fall prey to ideas that are being propagated by the natures of vaccines."

Around 2015, well before COVID-19 would rattle the world and the understanding of public health, Dr. Salk was invited to put together a school curriculum on vaccines and immunization for young people to be exposed to these concepts early in their development.

The goal, he said, was that "soon enough, (students) would be in the position of parents and have to make decisions for their own families, that there would be some understanding about what's really going on here."

"This is a bit of a warning bell, in saying 'Hey guys, wake up here,'" Dr. Salk said of the Rockland County case. "Whether it's one case, or whether this turns out to be more, we just need to keep our awareness of the fact that the world is not an isolated place."

Explore further New York reports 1st US polio case in nearly a decade

(c)2022 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

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Stress increases the rigidity of the beliefs underlying psychiatric disorders, prejudices and conspiracy theories. Therefore measures aimed at reducing social stressa basic income or better job protectioncould be the most effective approach for tackling problems such as depression, psychosis, discrimination and conspiracy theories.

That is the message of a new publication in the reputable scientific journal PNAS, with Wageningen's professor Marten Scheffer as the lead author. Scheffer and his co-authorsthe Leiden neurobiologist Sander Nieuwenhuis, University of Amsterdam psychology professor Denny Borsboom and Canadian social scientist Frances Westleydescribe recent findings in their fields that demonstrate how stressful circumstances can make harmful beliefs more rigid. These insights explain why conspiracy theories and psychiatric disorders tend historically to peak during periods of crisis, in other word when there is a lot of social stress.

Scheffer says the findings have far-reaching implications. "If we want to combat psychiatric disorders, prejudices and conspiracy theories, we need to reduce the social stress that is associated with uncertainty about such essential factors as work and income."

Ineffectual facts

That is very different to countering with facts, the usual reflex when trying to persuade people to change their beliefs. As the publication stresses, facts are ineffectual in changing false beliefs. "Letting an anorexia patient look in the mirror or providing proof that the US presidential election was not stolen has surprisingly little effect."

Explore further Beliefs in conspiracy theories may not be increasing

More information: Marten Scheffer et al, Belief traps: Tackling the inertia of harmful beliefs, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2022). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Marten Scheffer et al, Belief traps: Tackling the inertia of harmful beliefs,(2022). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203149119
When weather gets hot and people start jumping into a pool, lake or ocean, cases of swimmer's ear are likely to climb, but one expert says there are steps you can take to avoid the painful condition.

The best prevention is a simple one: avoid getting water in your ears, said Dr. Hongzhao Ji, an assistant professor of otolaryngologyhead and neck surgery at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, in Dallas.

If water is already in your ear, getting it out can help, but Ji advises against using a cotton swab, which can push earwax deeper and may scratch the ear canal skin.

One option is to use ear drops after swimming. Drops are usually a combination of alcohol and vinegar meant to sterilize the ear canal and restore its desired pH. Some drops/irrigation-based products can be purchased over the counter, Ji said in a university news release.

Anyone who gets water into their external ear canal is at risk of swimmer's ear, but the risks are higher when the water isn't chlorinated because river or lake water can contain more bacteria.

Swimmers also risk contracting other potentially more dangerous infectious diseases in lake water, including meningitis, hepatitis and a rare infection known as brain-eating amoeba.

An ear can be damaged by swimmer's ear, though it is usually mild and temporary. There can be long-term effects that lead to hearing loss or chronic infections, but most people with swimmer's ear recover completely with adequate treatment, Ji said.

Typical treatment for swimmer's ear is an antimicrobial applied directly to the ear canal, plus cleaning the canal of any pus, earwax, oils or dead skin cells.

If you have worsening ear pain, it's time to see a doctor, Ji said, especially if you are not hearing well, have a clogged sensation in your ear or see any foul-smelling fluid or debris coming out of your ear.

Explore further Q and A: Ear infections after swimming

More information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on ear infections and swimming

Copyright  2022 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
The impact and management of urinary incontinence (UI) related to overactive bladder is a substantial burden to long-term care (LTC) residents and staff, according to a study published online July 1 in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing.

Richard G. Stefanacci, D.O., from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, and colleagues assessed the impact of UI on residents, staff, care processes, and quality measures in LTC settings. The analysis included responses from directors of nursing who had worked for at least one year in a 100-bed facility.

The researchers found that of the 62 percent of residents with UI, 40 percent were always incontinent and 81 percent used incontinence products for UI. Nearly six in 10 respondents (59 percent) reported that UI management contributes to certified nursing assistant turnover. More than one-third of resident falls (36 percent) occur while the resident is trying to get to the bathroom, and LTC quality measures significantly impacted by UI included urinary tract infection and falls with major injury. Few residents with UI (14 percent) were treated with medication.

"The impact and management of UI related to overactive bladder is a substantial burden to LTC facilities, as well as to their residents and staff," the authors write. "These results highlight the need for improved UI treatment, awareness, and management in this population."

Explore further Innovative tool targets avoidable hospitalizations of nursing home residents with existing nursing home EHR information

More information: Richard G. Stefanacci et al, Impact of Urinary Incontinence Related to Overactive Bladder on Long-Term Care Residents and Facilities: A Perspective From Directors of Nursing, Journal of Gerontological Nursing (2022). Journal information: Journal of Gerontological Nursing Richard G. Stefanacci et al, Impact of Urinary Incontinence Related to Overactive Bladder on Long-Term Care Residents and Facilities: A Perspective From Directors of Nursing,(2022). DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20220606-06

Copyright  2022 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Research on using wearable health monitors for early detection of COVID-19 opens the door to using commercially available health monitors to detect other infectious diseases. Credit: Shutterstock

Wrist-worn health devices can be combined with machine learning to detect COVID-19 infections as early as two days before symptoms appear, McMaster researcher David Conen and a team of experts from across Europe have determined.

The COVI-GAPP study, born out of a larger research project based in Lichtenstein, was conducted by researchers from McMaster, the Dr. Risch Medical Laboratory, the University of Basel in Switzerland and Imperial College London.

Based on the team's findings, which were published last month in BMJ Open, another group of researchers have begun a larger study, which could open the door to applying the use of wearable health tech for the early detection of other infectious diseases.

The aim of the COVI-GAPP study was to determine if existing wearable health devices could be paired with machine learning technology to detect presymptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 infections.

"When the pandemic started in March 2020," Conen explains, "we quickly thought about how we could [] contribute to the knowledge gain and help to prevent and treat patients with COVID and help to avoid or better treat and better handle future pandemics."

COVID-19 symptoms typically take a few days to appear, during which time the infected person can unknowingly spread the virus to others.

"If you can isolate those patients with COVID or whatever future infection there is, then this could have great implications for public health," says Conen, an associate professor of medicine in the Faculty of Health Sciences and a scientist at the Population Health Research Institute. "This [study] is related to multiple different infections or other diseases where you can use those algorithms to identify people early and either try to prevent complications, isolate the patients when it's a very contagious disease, and change treatments."

The study collected data from 1,163 participants from March 2020 until April 2021. Participants wore an AVA fertility tracker, a commercially available, FDA- and European agency-approved health bracelet that monitors breathing rate, heart rate, heart rate variability, skin temperature and blood flow at night while sleeping.

The bracelet was synchronized to a modified mobile app that was used to record any activity that might affect the body's central nervous system, such as alcohol use and prescription or recreational drug intake, as well as any potential COVID-19 symptoms.

127 participants tested positive for COVID-19 during the study. The bracelet picked up noticeable changes in all five physiological indicators during all stages of infection.

Based on the information that was provided by the patients, an algorithm was trained to detect COVID-19 symptoms in 70% of the participants who tested positive for the virus. 73% of confirmed positive cases were detected up to two days prior to symptoms appearing in the training stage.

The algorithm was then tested against the remaining 30% of participants. Results were similar in the testing stage, as the algorithm was able to detect 68% of the positive cases as early as two days before the onset of symptoms.

"That an existing medical device is able to be used in a different meaning [shows] that wearables have a promising future," says Conen.

The original participatory study was conducted with a relatively small group of participants, and the group lacked diversity in ethnicity, age, and geographic location, the research team notes.

To address these challenges and further test the efficacy of wearable health devices and machine learning in COVID-19 detection, a much larger study of 20,000 participants is being conducted in the Netherlands. The researchers expect to publish its results later this year.

Conen looks forward to those results and the potential for this technology to have applications beyond COVID-19 detection.

"This is not related only to COVID," he says. "In future diseases, it could also lead to preventative treatments and prevent significant complications."

More information: Martin Risch et al, Investigation of the use of a sensor bracelet for the presymptomatic detection of changes in physiological parameters related to COVID-19: an interim analysis of a prospective cohort study (COVI-GAPP), BMJ Open (2022). Journal information: BMJ Open Martin Risch et al, Investigation of the use of a sensor bracelet for the presymptomatic detection of changes in physiological parameters related to COVID-19: an interim analysis of a prospective cohort study (COVI-GAPP),(2022). DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058274
A pregnant woman arrives at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Nigeria. Author provided

Every year around the world, 295,000 women die due to complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Seven in 10 of these maternal deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. These deaths are usually caused by excessive bleeding, infection, high blood pressure, obstructed labor and abortion. Many are preventable, especially when pregnant women can get prompt access to critical maternal health services, otherwise known as emergency obstetric care.

When complications arise, pregnant women need to travel to health facilities that can provide emergency obstetric care. Any delays in traveling to such health facilities affects pregnancy outcomes for them and their unborn child. However, some women need to travel long distances from outskirts of town to large hospitals or over a prolonged time due to traffic congestion in urban areas.

There is a misconception that women living in rural areas experience more challenges in traveling to care compared to those in urban areas. However, research has shown that there are significant challenges with geographical access even for women living in urban areas.

The past few decades has been characterized by the emergence of many large, densely populated, sprawling cities in sub-Saharan Africa. By 2050, two-thirds of the world's population is expected to live in urban areas and 40% of the projected additional 2.5 billion urban residents are likely to concentrate in Africa. As such, it is imperative to fully gather evidence on care outcomes in sub-Saharan African urban areas.

Some pregnant women live close but

In an April 2022 study published in the journal BMJ Global Health, we mapped journeys of pregnant women who had an emergency to public hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa's largest metropolis, Lagos. To do this, we extracted data from patient records reflecting their journeys to reach health facilities while in an emergency. These data were inputted into Google Maps, which had been shown to be able to provide closer-to-reality travel time and distance estimates for journeys of pregnant women to care.

Results from the study showed that almost two-thirds of maternal deaths occurred among pregnant women who traveled 10 kilometers or less directly from home and arrived at the hospital in 30 minutes.

Also, there was a higher likelihood of maternal deaths with a 10 to 15 kilometer distance from home. Travel of pregnant women to a hospital located in the suburbs was almost four times more likely to result in a maternal death compared to those in the city. On the other hand, travel to a hospital located in the outskirt towns was more than two times more likely to lead to a maternal death compared to those in the city. For pregnant women who were referred, the likelihood of maternal death was significantly higher even when travel of 10 to 29 minutes was required.

Addressing inequalities in care access

Indeed, the so-called "urban advantage" might be disappearing in sub-Saharan Africa. As such, there is a need to consider geographical access to health facilities with an urban versus rural lens in the region.

In citing services, it is not enough for governments to say health facilities have been "strategically located". Functional health facilities within 10km of every woman, supported by robust referral systems that can transfer women promptly if care elsewhere is deemed more beneficial must be available. Furthermore, pre-hospital services have to be able to support pregnant women in crisis, as was the case for a pregnant women who fell into labor while in public transport.

As part of birth preparedness planning, pregnant women along with their care companions need to be proactively encouraged to commence journeys to the hospital early in the event of an obstetric emergency. If an emergency occurs, structures need to be in place to support her access to a hospital. This needs to be done while making consideration for pregnant women who are poor and those who live far from hospitals.

At a global level, the World Health Organization has long recommended that health facilities with capacity to provide emergency obstetric care should be "available within two to three hours of travel for most women". Evidence from our research suggests that this two-hour access benchmark warrants careful review, with many maternal deaths involving women who traveled less than an hour. These global guidelines also need to reflect delays permissible at referring facilities, recognizing that some women still face additional delays even if they make it to hospitals that can provide the care needed.

In conclusion, pregnant women living in urban areas (city or suburb) and even next to a hospital are not precluded from the risk of poor adverse outcomes in pregnancy. Priority needs to be given to fixing areas of access inequalities, especially in the suburbs. This will be crucial for efforts geared toward the realization of the "leave no one behind" mantra of the sustainable development goals.

Explore further How Google Maps can help with efforts to tackle delays in accessing critical maternal health services

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The first-ever James Welch Native Lit Festival aims to explore and commemorate the work and legacy of its namesake, the late Blackfeet/Gros Ventre author of novels Winter in the Blood and Fools Crow.

The festival, the only of its kind in the country, will also showcase the strength and diversity of Indigenous literature in the present, with award-winning writers like Louise Erdrich and Tommy Orange coming to Missoula from Thursday-Saturday, July 28-30. The guests also include not only novelists like those two, but poets, memoirists, essayists, and a writer for comics.

There are just Native people working in all of these arenas of literature, said Sterling HolyWhiteMountain, the festival founder.

The event, which will return again in two years, is a new nonprofit venture spearheaded by HolyWhiteMountain, a Blackfeet writer whos published in the New Yorker and the Paris Review.

Welch grew up on the Blackfeet and Fort Belknap reservations, studied creative writing at the University of Montana with Richard Hugo, and built a career of international renown. Welch lived in Missoula until his death in 2003 at age 62, after a struggle with lung cancer.

The festival aims to draw attention to his status as one of the main figures of the Native American Renaissance alongside writers like N. Scott Momday, Leslie Marmon Silko and Joy Harjo.

While he doesnt seem to come up as often as those names in the broader public discussion, HolyWhiteMountain said that among Native writers, they were more likely to talk about Jims work than anybody else.

He said Welch was very interested in writing about secular Indian country compared to his predecessors, and his work is very unromantic. He thinks thats a quality contemporary writers look to as a touchstone, as Welch didnt really write his books for anyone in particular, i.e. Native readers or white ones. He was just writing them the way he wanted to write them.

One of the headlining guests is David Treuer, a finalist for the National Book Award for his nonfiction survey, The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Native America from 1890 to the Present. Also a critic and a novelist, he's published nonfiction in The Atlantic and the New York Times Magazine.

To him, the week is also a chance to support whats underneath the festival itself, which is a kind of stopping and taking stock of the sort of radical excellence and diversity that is now the fact of Native American arts and letters.

Treuer, an editor at large for Pantheon Books, said there are so many writers now, and so many different kinds of books now, theres a diversity that weve never seen before."

He cited festival guests like David Heska Wanbli Weiden and his literary thriller, Winter Counts, Brandon Hobsons literary fiction, The Removed, and Kelli Jo Fords Crooked Hallelujah.

He said the structure of the publishing world hasnt changed much  to his knowledge hes one of the few Native people who occupy such a position, or ones like publicist.

In other senses, it has though, as it seemed as though there was only one kind of Native story that publishers wanted, one that you can easily plot on the loss and redemption graph.

Now theres a market for all sorts of different kinds of stories, honestly and there are readers for many different kinds of Native stories.

Guests

Festival organizers sought a diverse lineup of writers, including authors at the top of the literary world, like Erdrich, who won the Pulitzer Prize for her novel The Nightwatchman in 2021, and Orange, whose debut novel, There There made many year-end lists and won the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel.

They also reached out to authors who are up-and-coming: Rebecca Roanhorse has written speculative fiction, and collected Hugo and Nebula Awards. She wrote for a Star Wars series and for Marvel.

Tate Walker, a Two Spirit trans writer, has written nonfiction for outlets like The Nation and a collection of poetry, The Trickster Riots. Walker will take part in a Two Spirit panel with Raven Heavy Runner and Adrian Jawort, an LGBTQI activist, writer and editor of Off the Path, a two-volume anthology of young Indigenous writers.

HolyWhiteMountain said it was important to include Two Spirit writers, as LGBTQ people historically played really significant roles in a lot of tribes and a lot of different tribal cultures.

Montana guests include poet Victor Charlo; Debra Earling, author of the novel, Perma Red, and a former University of Montana Creative Writing Program director; Chris La Tray, who writes poetry and nonfiction; poets Heather Cahoon and M.L. Smoker; and Tailyr Irvine, a photojournalist who's published her work in the New York Times and other national outlets.

Events

HolyWhiteMountain, who grew up on the Blackfeet Reservation, wants the festival to give younger Native people exposure to artists and writers. He didnt have access to resources about writing when he was younger, so the events are free, and theyre going to record all the talks and post them on YouTube.

The talks and panels are designed to provide a place for Native writers to talk about their craft with each other, with the public sitting in. He said it sometimes seems as though Indigenous authors in interview settings have to explain themselves to the public, and the events will give readers a chance to see them talking about writing as they do in private.

For instance, the panels will include one called We Talk, You Listen, with Orange, Ford and Hobson. (Saturday, 8 p.m., the Wilma).

Welchs influence

For Treuer, Welch occupies a space near the top of his crowded and wide-ranged pantheon of writers.

Welch has always inspired him for for several reasons. To my mind, hes the most experimental of Native writers.

In every book, he was trying something new, Treuer said, whether a new horizon, new aesthetic or something he hadnt done before.

Winter in the Blood, for instance, is an example of Welch as our bravest writer and its creative freedom offered permission to do it myself.

That decision as a writer, to create vastly different books, is risky compared to producing a stylistically predictable body of work, instead one that bore the stamp of psyche.

Its much riskier to do what Welch did," Treuer said. "He really risked jeopardizing a readership, or not building a readership to begin with.

Welsh was dedicated to craft in his books, stories and poems and one of our great stylists in American letters, Treuer added. He didnt seem to treat his writing as either a point of connection or an expression of his own identity, and he never asked his writing, or his readers for that matter, to perform his Nativeness. He didnt put himself out there as the answer to everything, and I really respect that.

Welchs wife, Lois Welch, a retired director of the Creative Writing Program at UM, will read a section of her memoir of their life at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, at the Wilma.

She began working on it after his death, and is now on what she hopes is the final draft. (The reading will cover a reading in France, where he was a literary celebrity, attending a festival in Saint-Malo).

He never wrote a memoir himself, only two autobiographical pieces. So many people ask me what he was like, Lois Welch said, which fed into her motivation to write the book.

In a way, writers are like refrigerators," she said. "Usually, the doors closed and the lights off and you just see the outside, which is shiny and innocent. But you open it from time to time, and there are all sorts of wonderful things going on in there."

She said James was very funny, smarter than people suspected, and really committed to being a storyteller. He was more shy when he started than when he was older; a good listener and well-liked by most anybody.

With his personality, he would probably be very embarrassed to be the subject of a festival but extremely proud to be the trigger for an event like this.

He was delighted at the increasing number of young Native writers he saw over the course of his career, Lois said. She recalled that when he taught at Cornell University in the 1980s, there were so few Native writers in print that he had to teach his own books.

For her part, she was grateful that HolyWhiteMountain reached out to her about the idea, as celebrating James Welch's legacy in the form of a festival is an idea that should come from another Indigenous writer.

Theyre looking at 2024 for the next installment, with a broader range of writers, including poets and comic-book writers and artists. Long-term plans would be broadening it to include visual arts and workshops for younger people.
HBO

Following a month-long absenceand two Emmy nominationsJohn Oliver returned to the desk of Last Week Tonight on Sunday to excoriate the grifters and clowns of the week.

When we last saw him, Oliver was going after Democratic leadership for their lackluster response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which included House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reciting a poem and one House representative doing yoga in his office.

This weeks edition saw Oliver take on Josh Hawley, the ineffectual GOP Missouri senator who pumped his fist at the Jan. 6 insurrectionists to rile them up. On Thursday, the House Jan. 6 committee revealed footage of Hawley running for safety when the people he incited that day stormed the Capitol.

That is painfully embarrassing, exclaimed a giddy Oliver. That is the gait of a man who has either just gassed up an insurrection that is now bearing down on top of him or just drank a large iced coffee 45 minutes ago. Either way, those legs scream: Ive made a huge mistake.

Desus & Meros Most Hilarious Late-Night Moments, From Taylor Swifts Back to Bernie Sanders vs. Sneakers

Former D.C. police officer Michael Fanone, who was injured by the insurrectionists on Jan. 6, said of the Hawley video, The first thoughts that popped into my mind was, Josh Hawley is a bitch. And he ran like a bitch.

Now, I personally would not say that. Id say Josh Hawley is a bitch who ran like a chihuahua desperately trying to keep up with its owner on a casual walk. But you know what? To each their own.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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RUTHERFORD COUNTY  A local nonprofit has helped a family protect hundreds of acres of land in Rutherford County.

On July 14, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina helped the Calton Family permanently protect 385 acres of their family farm under an agricultural conservation easement, providing significant farmland preservation benefits in the Sunshine community of Rutherford County. With the completion of this project, the N.C. Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund reached a milestone of more than 30,000 acres of preserved farmland across the state of North Carolina.

Foothills Conservancy is very grateful to Ann and Javan Calton and their entire family for caring about their family farm and its legacy so much and desiring to place 385 acres under permanent agricultural conservation easement, said Tom Kenney, land protection director at Foothills Conservancy. It has been a great pleasure for me to work with them and get to know them over the past few years since Javan first contacted me about farmland preservation.

Using competitive grant funds awarded by State of North Carolina and U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, Foothills Conservancy purchased the conservation easement on the property from generational farm landowners Javan and Ann Calton, who share a goal of keeping the property as farmland in perpetuity. This historic beef and former dairy farm has been in operation for well over 120 years. Javan has worked the farm his entire life, taking over the primary responsibilities of the farm in 1965 after he and Ann married. Before that, his father and grandfather had both worked on the land, dating back to before 1900.

Weve owned this land for longer than I really know, Javan Calton said. My father, my grandfather, and all through the line. Weve been able to add some extra acres to the farm, and weve all worked the farm in different ways. We want to keep the farm as a farm, and as a Calton farm. Wed like for it to stay in the Calton name.

The main thing is just to make sure that the farm stays a farm, Ann said, noting that freedom from the possibility of losing the land to development gave the couple peace of mind. The conservation easement ensures that the land can never be developed, that it wont eventually become a housing development instead of a beautiful farm.

This project was completed in partnership with the Farmland Preservation Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which administers the Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, and has a goal of helping farms to remain as farms. Thanks to the Caltons conservation efforts, and with the completion of this specific project, the division has protected over 30,000 acres of farmland across North Carolina. The work of Farmland Preservation goes beyond just the interests of those personally working the land, however. The benefits of keeping open land open can extend to everyone.

Were also able to link this piece, Farmland Preservation, into other conservation programs, said Evan Davis, Farmland Preservation Division director. I think folks in North Carolina are seeing the change in population growth. I think, day-to-day, they are seeing increases in traffic, new housing developments and things like that. Those are things that everyone can see, Davis said. It is important for us to continue this work because we help maintain the livelihoods of farmers and foresters, and we are able to maintain these types of green spaces.

This project was also funded by a large grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service divisions Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. Moving forward, Foothills Conservancy will work together with the Calton family to steward the property, monitoring environmental quality, while the farm continues normal operations.
By Azernews

By Ayya Lmahamad

The first stage of resettling residents of Zangilans Aghali village, built on the basis of a smart village concept, has been completed, Azernews reports.

On July 25, the fourth group of citizens, consisting of 10 families (58 people) was resettled in the village.

In total, in four stages 41 families were resettled in Aghali village. The resettled families are former internally displaced people. Among them are natives of Aghali 1, Aghali 2, and Aghali 3 villages.

The resettlement of the population in Aghali village is the first step in the Great Return process. The first step in process of returning natives to Zangilans Aghali village started on July 19 and continued till July 25.

Azerbaijan has put an end to the occupation of its territories back in 2020, and now all conditions are in the pipeline for the return of residents back to their native lands.

In total, there are more than 43,000 natives of Zangilan District, who were forced to leave their homes and flee to save their lives during the first Karabakh war. Over 90 percent of them have already expressed their desire to return to their native lands.

It is worth noting that before the occupation, this administrative territory united three villages. At that time, 40 families (154 people) lived in Aghali 1 village, 60 families (245 people) in Aghali 2 village, and 161 families (675 people) in Aghali 3 village.

The countrys liberated territories are the first where smart city and smart village concepts are being implemented. The first pilot project of a smart village implemented covered Zangilans Aghali I, II, and III villages.

The first pilot project of the smart city and smart village in Azerbaijan is implemented mainly on five components - the housing sector, production sector, social services, smart agriculture, and alternative energy. Initially, 200 individual houses are constructed with the use of innovative building materials. The engineering communications and heating systems in the houses are also created on the basis of smart technologies.

Moreover, modern schools, kindergartens, clinics, and electronic control centers will be built in these villages, and tourism infrastructure will be formed. All residential houses, social facilities, administrative and catering buildings, and processing and production of agricultural products will be provided with alternative energy sources.
Electrical storm creates outbreak of fires

Burke County firefighters responded to 10 fire calls between 5:35 p.m. Friday and 8:28 a.m. Monday, with six of the fires reported in an hour and a half period late Friday during a brief, but violent electrical storm.

A total of five homes incurred significant damage. One Oak Hill fireman, Larry Lail, was overcome by smoke during a fire Saturday night and was taken to Grace Hospital for treatment.

One of the houses that caught fire, located on East Parker Road, belonged to Jack Clark and his wife, who were home at the time. Clark described witnessing his home lit up by the lightning strike. His wife called for help when she saw lightning come through an electrical switch box in the couples bedroom closet and start a fire. Clark attempted to douse the flames with a fire extinguisher, but was forced to flee the home after his efforts failed. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the bedroom.

Local fire departments who responded to the fires include Oak Hill, Salem, Triple Community and Drexel.

Freakish twister wreaks havoc on Enola Road area

On the heels of a recent electrical storm, a tornado-like wind roared through Coles Mobile Home Park just off Enola Road in Morganton at approximately 6 p.m. Tuesday, lasting between 10 and 15 minutes and leaving a wake of wreckage. The force of the wind was estimated at 100 miles per hour.

The owner of the park, Sherrill Cole, said two trailers were blown from their supports and one fell on a water line, cutting it in half. He said it was the worst storm to hit the park in his memory.

W.F. Gregory, owner of another trailer, said his family was in the trailer during the storm.

It picked my trailer right up and down, Gregory said. It was just bouncing on the blocks.

In addition to damage to numerous mobile homes, the wind storm, described by one man as definitely a twister, also felled trees, one of which struck an electrical line, cutting power in the area. Several homes near the park incurred minor damage.

Home for recovering alcoholics opens ahead of schedule

The Flynn Christian Fellowship Home of Burke County, a halfway house for recovering homeless alcoholics located at 408 S. Green St. in Morganton, held its grand opening celebration Friday.

William C. Parton, president of the homes board of directors, called it a dream come true. Already, the 11-room facility has four residents and a staff of three, including a cook and the manager and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Whetstine.

The home is now in full operation after a massive effort by some very determined men and women pushed the project ahead of schedule, fueled by a real desire to help men find their way back to a normal way of living without alcohol.

Any male alcoholic, regardless of race, creed or color, is welcome to stay in the home as long as he arrives sober and has an honest desire to stay sober, complies with simple rules and regulations, continues his rehabilitation, gets a job and contributes to the support of the home.

Burke students attend school for gifted

Two Morganton students are enrolled in the Western Carolina University summer demonstration school for gifted children. The program, one of the most unusual in the US for the exceptionally gifted child, has received national acclaim from American educators.

Elbert Davis Wortman, son of Mr. and Mrs. E.D. Wortman of 408 Valdese Ave., is enrolled in the fifth-grade group in the program, which is studying local cultures, such as Scots-Irish, Cherokee Indian and Black. Field trips and individual and small-group research projects are being used as study mediums.

Mark Edward Blakley, son of Mr. and Mrs. James A. Blakley of 311 Wilson St., is enrolled in the sixth-grade group, which is studying the ecology of the mountain region and how it is affected by the local geography. Students will take field trips to Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests.

Both students attend Hillcrest Elementary School.

Couple enjoys free Florida fiesta

The Rev. and Mrs. John R. Cantrell have just returned from their all-expense paid trip to Florida. Mrs. Cantrell won the weeklong vacation for two through National Travel Inc. Most of their time was spent in Miami Beach. The summertime fiesta included free parking, private lake facilities, recreational games and visits to historic sites, including the winter home of Thomas Edison.

The Rev. John R. Cantrell is pastor of Chambers Chapel Baptist Church in Glen Alpine.
A Morganton resident has received statewide recognition for his efforts in supporting local hospice care.

Barry Hooks, a volunteer greeter with the Patient Care Unit team at Amorem, a local hospice agency, has been honored with a North Carolina Governors Volunteer Service Award for helping to provide a comfortable and caring experience to hospice patients and their families.

Amorem is the organization created through the recent merger of Burke Hospice and Palliative Care and Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care. Hooks said he was inspired to volunteer for hospice after seeing how his mother was treated at Burke Hospice during the week before her death in 2015.

I appreciated the love and care she received and the way they helped her feel at peace, Hooks said. I love the way they respect families.

He began volunteering with hospice in early 2016. His main volunteer task in Amorems Patient Care Unit is to greet visitors and family members of patients and open doors for them at the facility.

Barry is a very dedicated, loyal volunteer who is willing to go above and beyond to serve our patients and their families, said Megan Parillo, volunteer coordinator for Amorem, who nominated Hooks for the award. Because of Barrys volunteer service, we are able to better serve our patients. The time he spends interacting with and screening visitors allows staff members to spend more time with patients.

Jonathan Smith, a registered nurse with Amorems PCU, also expressed appreciation for Hooks efforts.

While greeting families at our PCU, he always has a smile and a kind word, Smith said. Its easy to see that he doesnt view his service as a chore, but as an opportunity to share his compassion for people and for the care we provide. He is a true ambassador for hospice and a vital part of our team.

Hooks worked at several companies, including Curtis Lumber and Magla Products in Mooresville, and Knob Creek Upholstery in Morganton, before going on disability and serving with hospice. He previously delivered soup to homebound patients with former Burke Hospice volunteer coordinator Merri Rudisill.

(She) and Teresa Adkins, who worked for hospice, had a lot of confidence in my ability to be a hospice greeter, outside my wife, Christine Hooks, Hooks said.

He faced a formidable setback in his volunteer efforts in 2017 when he underwent an ileostomy (a surgery which creates an opening in the small intestine to facilitate the digestive process).

I was determined to make a return, Hooks said. (It was) hard not being able to be there until November of 2020. Most of all, (without) my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I couldnt do anything. If I had it to go through it again, without a doubt, I would."

He invited people to consider supporting their local hospice agency.

If I had to encourage anyone to volunteer for hospice, I would say, Do it, Hooks said For me, its rewarding to be there, knowing I walked the same way they did, although every circumstance is different. It gave me something positive and good to do after a bad experience. Ive always heard, Look for the good in everything bad, and God showed me that through what I went through and going to grief support.

He shared his thoughts about receiving a NC Governors Volunteer Service Award.

I am humbled to receive this award, Hooks said. Myself dont feel worthy of itthats just me. To me, its the icing on volunteering and keeps me motivated to continue. I thank the current volunteer coordinators Cyndi Akins, Crystal Church and Megan Parillo (for) nominating me and believing in me themselves.

I have a deep love for being a hospice volunteer greeter and cant ever imagine not continuing to serve the rest of my living days. Amorem is a great team, and Im blessed to serve every day and be a part of it.
The man charged with firing a gun inside the Belk store at Winston-Salem's Hanes Mall on Sunday crashed the car he was driving into two other vehicles in Iredell County before he was taken into custody, the Iredell County Sheriffs Office reported.

In the Hanes Mall shooting, in which no one was injured, Carlton Verell McCrimmon Jr. was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, discharging a firearm in the city limits and discharging a firearm in an enclosed space with the intent to incite fear, Winston-Salem police said.

But McCrimmon, who is being held in the Iredell County Jail with bond set at $1.05 million, faces a slew of charges in Iredell County relating to what authorities described as a chase on Sunday in which the suspect drove on the wrong side of the road and struck two other vehicles before trying to run away on foot.

Deputies said they began looking over McCrimmons wrecked white Toyota Corolla and found a handgun and items with stickers and markings that led them to believe they had been stolen from the Winston-Salem area.

McCrimmon is 33 and lives in Port Washington, N.Y., a community on Long Island. Winston-Salem police allege McCrimmon first stole something from the University Parkway Home Depot store on Sunday before going to Hanes Mall and trying to steal from Belk.

Police said McCrimmon dropped the items inside Belk when he was approached by store personnel and ran from the store. According to police, McCrimmon then returned to Belk moments later and fired a gun multiple times in the direction of Belk staffers. Police said he then fled the mall in a white vehicle.

Iredell County Sheriffs Deputy Shawn Rowe saw a speeding white Toyota Corolla being driven recklessly around 6:45 p.m. on Turnersburg Highway southbound near East Edison Drive. Turnersburg Highway is U.S. 21 on the north side of Statesville.

When Rowe tried to stop the car by turning on his blue lights and siren, authorities said, McCrimmon sped up, crossed the double yellow line and began driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic. It wasnt long before McCrimmons car struck another vehicle, but deputies said he continued driving south and approached the Glenway Drive intersection just north of the Interstate 40 interchange.

At that point, reports show, McCrimmon crashed his car into the rear of another vehicle, causing it to spin around, go over the median and come to a stop on the opposite side of the road. McCrimmon got out of his car and tried to run away, authorities said, but deputies arrested him.

The Iredell Sheriffs Office said no one was injured in any of the wrecks.

In Iredell County, McCrimmon was charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest, careless and reckless driving, carrying a concealed weapon, resisting and obstructing an officer, maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of less than 1/2 ounce of marijuana and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Winston-Salem police said anyone with any information is asked to call them at 336-773-7700 or Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800.

This story has been edited to correct the spelling of the suspect's name.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea has warned that the United States and South Korea will face unprecedented security challenges if they dont stop their hostile military pressure campaign against the North, including joint military drills.

North Korea views any regular U.S.-South Korean military training as an invasion rehearsal even though the allies have steadfastly said they have no intention of attacking the North. The latest warning came as Washington and Seoul prepare to expand their upcoming summertime training following the Norths provocative run of missile tests this year.

Should the U.S. and its allies opt for military confrontation with us, they would be faced with unprecedented instability security-wise, Choe Jin, deputy director general of the Institute of Disarmament and Peace, a Foreign Ministry-run think tank, told Associated Press Television News in Pyongyang on Thursday.

Choe said that Washington and Seouls joint military drills this year are driving the Korean Peninsula to the brink of war. He accused U.S. and South Korean officials of plotting to discuss the deployment of U.S. nuclear strategic assets during another joint drill set to begin next month.

The U.S. should keep in mind that it will be treated on a footing of equality when it threatens us with nukes, Choe said. He said Washington must abandon its anachronistic and suicidal policy of hostility toward North Korea or it will face an undesirable consequence.

The regular U.S.-South Korea military drills are a major source of animosity on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea often responding with missile tests or warlike rhetoric.

In May, U.S. President Joe Biden and new South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said after their summit that they would consider expanded joint military exercises to deter North Korean nuclear threats. Biden also reaffirmed the American extended deterrence commitment to South Korea, a reference to a full range of U.S. defense capabilities including nuclear ones.

Their announcement reflected a change in direction from that of their predecessors. Former U.S. President Donald Trump complained about the cost of the U.S.-South Korean military drills, while former South Korean President Moon Jae-in faced criticism that his dovish engagement policy only helped North Korea buy time to perfect its weapons technology. Yoon accused Moon of tilting toward North Korea and away from the United States.

The U.S. and South Korean militaries havent officially announced details about their summertime drills including exactly when they would start. But South Korean defense officials said the drills would involve field training for the first time since 2018 along with the existing computer-simulated tabletop exercises.

In recent years, the South Korean and U.S. militaries have cancelled or downsized some of their regular exercises due to concerns about COVID-19 and to support now-stalled U.S.-led diplomacy aimed at convincing North Korea to give up its nuclear program in return for economic and political benefits.

The United States has called on North Korea to resume the dormant diplomacy without any preconditions, but North Korea has countered it wont return to talks unless the United States first drops its hostile policies against it, in an apparent reference to its military drills with South Korea and the economic sanctions.

This year, North Korea has test-launched a slew of ballistic missiles including nuclear-capable ones designed to attack both the U.S. mainland and South Korea in violation of U.N. resolutions banning such tests. Observers say North Korea wants to be recognized as a nuclear state and win sanctions relief.

Choe repeated North Korea's previous position that its missile tests are legitimate exercises of its sovereign right to defend the country. He called the recent U.S. and South Korean missile tests double-standards.

North Korea hasnt yet conducted its widely expected nuclear test, which would be the first of its kind in five years. Seoul officials say an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and opposition from China, its most important ally and biggest aid provider, are likely the reasons why North Korea hasnt carried out the bomb test.

On Friday, Yoon told reporters that North Korea remains ready to conduct a nuclear test and that South Korea also has measures ready to cope with it.
ANACONDA  Mickie Nazer told the crowd there are some sounds hell never forget: rounds fired from an AK-47 and the blade slap of Huey and Chinook helicopters.

Nazer served with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam. Some of his friends did not come home alive.

War often exacts a terrible toll on small communities.

Anacondas sacrifice during the Vietnam War was traumatic for the Smelter City. Eight men died in action. Many more came home scarred by the unprecedented combat against guerrilla warfare, by exposure to jungle defoliant Agent Orange or by the nations terrible ambivalence about the war.

Three of the men who died in Vietnam were members of the Anaconda High School Class of 1966. As was Nazer.

On Sunday, traditionally a day of reverence, the Anaconda Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial Association dedicated a memorial to these men at Kennedy Common.

The memorial  a 10-ton black granite obelisk topped by a bronze eagle  was first installed in September 2020. Anaconda sculptor Fred Boyer crafted the eagle.

For a time, the COVID-19 pandemic precluded a dedication gathering.

Speakers Sunday included Nazer, who was a key catalyst for the memorial. Also speaking were Anaconda native Major Gen. William Tim McLean, Ret., U.S. Army, who spent a year in Vietnam in 1968; Pat Tracy, a Vietnam veteran and American Legion Commander; and District Court Judge Ray Dayton.

McLean, who now lives in Butte, said Anaconda always feels like home. He said he was honored to be part of Sundays ceremony.

McLean paid tribute to the eight men killed in action: Patrick Fleming, John Laipple, Raymond Kriskovich, David Anderson, Ronald Moe, Dan Stembridge, Robert Thomas and Eugene McNally.

There is no such thing as a noble war, McLean said. There are only noble warriors.

Nazer has described David Anderson as his best friend and whenever Andersons name was mentioned during the dedication Nazer bowed his head.

Nazer and a committee worked together to bring the memorial to fruition. Committee members included veterans service groups, individual veterans and civilians. The latter contingent included Audrey Aspholm, Jodi McCarthy and Joe Strelnik.

Dayton talked about his brother, Fred, who served in Vietnam. Enemy fire did not kill or wound him, Dayton said. But Fred, who was exposed to Agent Orange, was a casualty of the war nonetheless, he said.

Dayton said he recalled the day his older brother received his draft notice in the mail. The boys father, who served during World War II, read the notice.

It looks like its your turn, Fred, the father said, as recounted by Dayton.

Cloud cover Sunday mitigated the heat. A large crowd gathered on Main Street near the Washoe Theatre to witness the ceremony.

Toward the end of the dedication, veteran Griz Deas, outfitted in the gear, fatigues and weaponry of a soldier during the Vietnam War, approached the memorial, circled it, knelt and paid tribute.

Vietnam veterans were scattered throughout the crowd.

David Phipps left the service in 1967. He said the attitude toward Vietnam veterans has changed dramatically.

This is good, he said. People appreciate us now.

Charlie Wilson served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army during 1969-1970. He said he has witnessed Vietnam memorial dedications in both large cities and small.

Its not the same feel in the big city, Wilson said. It has a more honest feel to it in small towns.
Terry Vermeire says his experience on the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission would serve him well in the Montana Legislature and he believes he can flip a Democrat-held state Senate seat to the GOP column in November.

I think I can (based) on my performance as a commissioner the last 10 years, Vermeire said Monday. I think Anaconda has really changed and come around the corner.

Republicans from Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Butte-Silver Bow, Granite and Powell counties recently selected Vermeire as the partys nominee in Senate District 39, which the late Mark Sweeney won in 2020.

Sweeney, a Democrat, died unexpectedly at his home in Philipsburg on May 6. He was running for the Democratic nomination to the eastern U.S. House seat now held by Republican Matt Rosendale. Penny Ronning won the Democratic nomination in the June 7 primary.

In a vote among commissioners from four counties that was weighted for population, Democrat Jessica Wicks of Anaconda was chosen to serve Senate District 39 this summer and fall but Democrat Party officials chose Jesse Mullen of Deer Lodge, a newspaper owner and manager, to be their nominee in the Nov. 8 election.

Voters will decide that day who serves the district in 2023 and 2024 and the major-party matchup is now set between Mullen and Vermeire. State Senate terms are four years.

The Montana Standard reported on Wicks and Mullen on June 21, when the GOP choice was still pending.

Vermeire has lived in Anaconda for 45 years. He is a graphic artist by profession but worked for the Montana Power Co. for 25 years before retiring in 2005, and for years he operated Vermeire Graphics in Anaconda.

He has been a member of the Anaconda-Deer Lodge Commission since 2012. He said he is delighted to be the GOP nominee for the Senate seat but notes that elections to the commission are nonpartisan. That has been a good thing at the local level, he said.

Anytime we had debates or something it was on the issues, he said. It wasnt easy to just fall back on party platforms. The focus was on whats good for the people, whats good for the county.

He said Anaconda has experienced an economic resurgence the past five years, due in large part to local government changing its focus an encouraging business development.

We need to do more of that in Helena to create a prosperous future for all Montanans regardless of whether they live in the city or rural areas, he said.

The district covers all of Granite County and parts of Powell, Butte-Silver Bow and Anaconda-Deer Lodge counties, the latter a Democrat stronghold that includes the city of Anaconda and a big chunk of the districts voters.

The late Democrat Gene Vuckovich of Anaconda held the seat from 2011 through 2020 and though Sweeney won it in November 2020, it was only by 144 votes out of 8,756 cast between he and the Republican candidate on the ballot, Suzzann Nordwick of Walkerville. He finished with 50.8% of the votes to 49.2% for Nordwick of Walkerville. Former Democrat lawmaker Gordon Pierson Jr. got 1,261 votes as a write-in candidate.

Republicans currently control the state Senate 31-19 and have a 67-33 majority in the House.

Mullen, the Democrat running for Senate District 39, has said one of his primary campaign issues is keeping the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge and the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs.

Both have been under fire for management issues, among other things, and Vermeire says he, too, would seek solutions to their problems and fight to keep both facilities and their jobs in place.

He also says he is thoroughly familiar with the infrastructure challenges facing local and state government and would seek money for projects in the district, including in Philipsburg, Drummond and Deer Lodge.
On her lunch break, Evelyn drove to Albertsons to buy another pregnancy test. She wandered the cool, fluorescent-lit store and, after a while, asked a pharmacist for help. The pharmacist led her to an unlabeled section next to the hair dyes. She bought a test and also a box of Plan B, just in case.

She headed to her Jackson home. A cardboard sign with the words My Body My Choice painted in red leaned against a dusty glass window. Her dog Winston and her housemates dog Shiitake rattled the gate and pressed their noses to the slats to greet her. She shuffled past them into the front door.

On the right, a line of hooks piled with worn leashes and a calendar with a picture of Love Island contestants, Winston photoshopped over one of them. To her left, a bookshelf with a blue fish in a glass bowl, a troll figurine, a can of bear spray and books. A pair of bleached ox skulls stared at her from their mounts on the living room walls. Her housemate and college friend Carly sat on the couch working.

The pregnancy test sat on the bathroom sink while Evelyn took a shower. Her other tests had come back negative. But it was Friday, June 24. The Supreme Court decided hours earlier to reverse Roe v. Wade, erasing constitutional protections around abortion access, protections that had existed for nearly 50 years, and paving the way for Wyomings abortion trigger ban to end the practice in the state.

No room for mistakes. Evelyn could see the door closing.

She got out of the shower, looked at the test, picked it up, walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her.

We might have to change our weekend plans, she told Carly.

What do you mean? Carly looked up from her laptop.

Evelyn held the pregnancy test in her hands.

***

Drive around Wyoming towns or highways and youll see them: car-sized billboards rising up from the prairie, smiling, big-eyed babies looking out at you. Choose Life! these billboards say. Youll see other billboards of despondent women, alone, looking off to someplace you cant see, or with their faces hidden in their hands. Theyve just learned theyre pregnant. Those billboards tell people passing that there are options, theres a way forward.

Hospitals in Rawlins and Kemmerer have cut their pregnancy services. Travel to medical facilities can be dangerous in the winter. Its hard to get health insurance when your resources are limited; Medicaid is only available to people who fall under certain limited categories and certain limited income brackets, and the Legislature has dragged its feet over expanding eligibility. Not enough doctors and nurses, the states hospitals association has said repeatedly. The 2022 Wyoming Counts Kids data book shows that pregnancy-related deaths are up. Preterm deliveries up. Low birth weights up.

The state has cut away at the option of abortion too. Abortion has been legal, but with the trigger ban passed earlier this year, which is expected to take effect this week, it will be illegal except in cases of rape or incest, or if the womans life or health is in serious danger. That leeway is too much for some; theres bound to be more proposed legislation for more restrictions around abortion in the future.

To get an abortion as a Wyomingite, youre likely to drive hours anyway  down south to Colorado, up north to Montana, out west to Jackson, the place where Evelyn has lived for the past three years, a place that sticks out from the rest of Wyoming in a lot of different ways (billionaires outdoor paradise, cowboy country tourist trap, home of the grizzlies, mountains cutting into the sky, blue dot in the middle of a red sea). The only clinic in Wyoming that offers abortions is there, where two doctors, Katie Noyes and Giovannina Anthony, will keep providing the service up to the moment the door slams shut.

***

Evelyn sat in her car after learning she was pregnant. She called the clinic to book an appointment. Then she drove back to her work at a design firm without eating lunch.

Her coworkers didnt know that anything with her was different, that she might be among the last women to get a legal abortion in Wyoming. They talked about Roes reversal. She listened to the words but didnt say much. It felt like she was in an episode of Netflixs Black Mirror, in a different place, weighing different consequences. It was her last day of work at that job, and she just needed to get through it, and after she got through it, she went to her new job as an assistant manager at a restaurant in downtown Jackson.

Hundreds of people gathered nearby that evening in Jacksons town square to protest Roes reversal.

They carried coat hangers and signs: Womens rights are human rights! My Body My Vote! Some protesters wandered over to the restaurant where Evelyn worked to eat and have drinks afterward. Old women. Young women. Women with kids. Coming in pairs and groups. Hows it going? Evelyn asked them. Not very good, a lot of them answered. An older man wearing a MAGA hat came in alone and complained about the demonstration. Evelyn just smiled.

Shes never wanted kids. She doesnt want them now as a woman in her mid-twenties, and shes pretty sure thats not ever going to change.

Shes tried a lot of different contraceptives: the pill, the patch, the arm implant. All of them circulate hormones throughout the body. She had hot flashes. She gained weight. She was tired. She felt frustrated much of the time. At a certain point, she didnt know anymore what was the hormones and what was her, so she tried an experiment and went off birth control. She used condoms and tracked her cycles instead. That made her feel a lot better; it made her feel great. She had more energy. She lost some weight. She didnt want to go back to using other contraceptives.

Getting pregnant made her reconsider.

***

She came home from work to an empty apartment the day after Roe fell.

Carly was gone. Even Winston was away for the weekend. Alone with the house plants. A string of Christmas lights around the window. Dog toys strewn about. The ox skulls watching her. Her body was doing things that she didnt want it to do. She lay on the floor and cried.

Evelyn called her parents the next day.

They were hurtling in their car down an interstate highway through a place in New York where theres not much to look at, where youre mostly alone with your thoughts, and when she told them she was pregnant, they didnt know what to say at first.

Her mom has never had an unwanted pregnancy. But it was something she was afraid of as a young woman. Roe still protected abortion access then, but it wasnt always accepted. And it was hard to get birth control; she had to wait until turning 18 to go to her colleges student health center and ask for contraceptives. She didnt tell her parents, she went to the appointment alone, she asked for the pill once she was behind a door and she grit her teeth for her yearly exam when she had to ask for a refill.

Evelyns parents pulled over at a rest stop after they hung up. Her mom got out of the car and walked around. She called Evelyn back.

***

The clinic waiting room was quiet when it opened at 8 a.m. on the Monday after the Supreme Court decision. Warm light against pale blue walls. Pamphlets and books on the shelves. Soft voices emanating from the labyrinth of exam rooms and offices. Low rasp of the air conditioner.

Then the phones started ringing and they kept ringing at a steady pace, one following another. Women calling from across the state, calling from out-of-state. Many of them were from Utah, where the trigger ban came down the same day as Roes reversal. Since the Supreme Court decision, more women have called asking for IUDs, for permanent sterilization.

Among the calls that day was one from Evelyn.

She had learned about Wyomings trigger law. She had done some Googling, and the Googling led her to a website that listed all the states that had current abortion bans. One of the states listed, incorrectly, was Wyoming. Could she still go to her appointment? Could she still get an abortion? Would she have to travel to another state? The receptionist assured her that everything was still all right, she could come.

After Evelyns call, there was another. And another.

***

Evelyn saw a brown van parked across the street from her apartment on the day of her appointment.

It had California plates and pro-life signs taped to it: PRO-LIFE! PRO-LIFE MATTERS! REPENTANCE CHANGES THINGS!

That made her a little paranoid. What were the chances? Had someone overheard her talking about her planned abortion? She took a photo of the van and sent it to Carly. Then she walked to her appointment.

A small group of anti-abortion demonstrators stood by the bus stop near the clinic building. All men. What were they even protesting at this point, she wondered. They had gotten what they wanted. She walked around them, into the cool building through a pair of double doors and down the sound-muffled carpet hallway to the clinic office. She checked in and sat to fill out some paperwork.

Evelyn hates waiting rooms. Pale blue walls. Low lights. Fake plants on shelves, on the carpet floor. Canvas photos decorating the walls  a girl and a boy with skis atop a snow-covered mountain, portrait of a woman illuminated in a dark room. Evelyn noticed some books on a shelf near her. Your Baby and Child. What to Expect When Youre Expecting. The Mother of All Pregnancy Books. A little girl stared at a phone screen, scrolling through TikTok at full volume. Phones rang.

A nurse opened the door and called Evelyns name. The nurse took her weight and blood pressure. Then she led Evelyn to an exam room, shut the door, asked her questions and gathered facts. Have you had any ultrasounds for this pregnancy? Are you monogamous? Do you have a regular sexual partner? What birth control do you use now? What birth control methods are you considering?

I cant believe that I messed up, Evelyn thought to herself then.

She felt the world examining her under a microscope, a spotlight on her, on the scenario that she found herself in, like she was being made an example. Evelyn started to cry.

Carly was sitting on the kitchen floor back at their apartment making a sign to protest the anti-abortion demonstrators when she got a call from Evelyn asking her to come to the clinic. She left the sign half-made, told her boyfriend to go buy some Ben and Jerrys ice cream (the chocolate fudge brownie flavor) and ran to the clinic, looking at Evelyns shared location on her phone.

She took the same path, through the double doors, down the carpet hallway, into the exam room where Evelyn and the doctor waited. By that time Evelyn had stopped crying. Carly walked in and gave her a hug. She sat next to her for the rest of the appointment.

Back in the hallways of the clinic is a windowless office with a cabinet. Inside the cabinet sits a white plastic bin that holds small orange boxes held together with rubber bands, squeezed next to opaque white pill bottles. Thats it; mifepristone and misoprostol, the two medications that Dr. Noyes prescribed to Evelyn so she could have an abortion. She could get a felony charge and 14 years in prison if she gave them to Evelyn for an abortion under Wyomings trigger ban. For nearly a decade Dr. Noyes had listened to patients, answered their questions, given them the information and the help they needed. Some of her tears on the night of Roes reversal were from the thought of not being able to help people who feel desperate. One patient had asked her since then if she was OK, in a way that patients hadnt really asked her before.

Dr. Noyes had Evelyn take the mifepristone in the exam room. One little tablet, a cup of water. The mifepristone stops the pregnancy from progressing. Then she sent Evelyn home with four tablets of misoprostol, tucked into a little manila envelope, to take later.

After the appointment, Evelyn and Carly walked home, sat on the porch with Carlys boyfriend and had some beers.

Everyone was asleep when Evelyn got home from work near midnight the next day. She ate some ice cream, took some ibuprofen and put the misoprostol tablets in her cheeks. Misoprostol makes the cervix soften and the uterus contract. It also makes you bleed. Evelyn sat on the sofa and watched a couple episodes of Schitts Creek while the tablets dissolved. Then she went to sleep.

The bleeding and cramping lasted several days. It wasnt too painful, not much different from a heavy period. She could get through the day on ibuprofen. Carly gave her some pads. When Evelyn went back to work, she was on the restaurant floor, managing the waitlist and the hosts and the servers and the support staff, talking to people, asking them how their meal was, making sure everything ran smoothly. Meanwhile, they didnt know. Her uterus contracted, she bled. She was having an abortion.

***

Evelyn walked through the double doors a couple weeks later  pink zip-up sweatshirt, yoga pants, camo mask. She walked down the carpet hallway to the clinic.

A black loveseat with turquoise and tan pillows sat at the back of the exam room. A big screen angled down toward the exam chair from a mount near the ceiling. Evelyn sat on the edge of the chair in a hospital gown with her shoes off. Dr. Noyes sat facing her on a stool with wheels.

A plan for contraception: Dr. Noyes held a colorful laminated chart in her hands. How Well Does Birth Control Work? it said in all caps at the top. The implant, the IUDs and sterilization got five stars. The pill, the patch, the ring and the shot got three. Pulling out, fertility awareness, diaphragms and condoms just one. Evelyn decided to get a copper IUD  a little device that looks like a maple seed and sits in your uterus  even though she didnt really want one. But she didnt want to worry about getting pregnant again. She said shed like to consider getting a tubal ligation  permanent sterilization  in the future.

Getting an IUD can be painful. Evelyn asked if she could take some medication for the procedure.

This is very anxiety inducing for me, she told the doctor. Im just a huge wuss.

She laughed at herself.

No, Dr. Noyes said, this can be very triggering for people.

An ultrasound: Evelyn reclined in the exam chair with her feet in the stirrups. The big screen above her showed grainy black and white images. She could see what was inside of her thats hidden from the outside. Bladder. Ovaries. Cervix. Uterus. Dr. Noyes traced each one with the cursor of the computer mouse. She pointed toward the boundary of the screen.

This is your vagina and kind of the outside world up here, she said. That made Evelyn laugh. Her uterus was empty. Evelyn was no longer pregnant.

A Pap smear: routine procedure for women to check for cancerous cells in the cervix.

Dr. Noyes pulled out a lamp and shined it between Evelyns legs. It illuminated the writhing mass of blue hammerhead sharks tattooed on Evelyns foot. Dr. Noyes talked her through it; one brush to collect cells on the outside of her cervix, second brush to collect cells on the inside of her cervix. Deep breath in, blow it out.

It looks healthy, Dr. Noyes said. Nothing funny going on there.

After everything was done, Dr. Noyes told Evelyn to book another appointment at the front desk for the IUD insertion. There probably wouldnt be any more available times, but she would schedule her in at lunch or after work.

***

Evelyn doesnt usually show when shes upset. Her tears during those two weeks were partly from relief. She was certain she didnt want kids. She didnt falter on her decision to get an abortion. She felt grateful that she was able to get one.

But she also cried thinking about a different scenario, if this had happened two or three weeks later, when things might not have been OK.

And its not gonna be OK for other women, she said over the phone one day. Her voice faltered.

She walked home after the appointment. The dogs made a commotion at the gate. Winston leaped over it to greet her. Carly sat working on the couch. Evelyn walked to the fridge, got a can of beer and cracked it open. A little before 4 p.m., she left the apartment to go to work.
Butte resident Michael Taapken is 56 going on 22, and has known work his whole life. Growing up poor in northern Elkhart in Indiana  the youngest of five  working was of paramount importance to Taapken and his family.

Growing up, we were taught that if you didnt work, you didnt eat, Taapken said.

He spent his early childhood on his familys farm, and before his parents divorced when he was 11 years old, they owned a pizzeria. After his parents divorced, he lived with his mom and his dad remarried. Being a stay-at-home mom, his mother had trouble supporting Taapken and his siblings.

I remember one day I was sick in bed, Taapken said. I remember I had the flu or something, but my mother brought me something to eat  and I told her I couldnt eat it because I hadnt worked that day.

When Taapken was 13 or 14 years old, he had a really bad migraine, to the point where all he could do was lie on the couch with his eyes closed.

And the only thing we had in the house  my mother made me some fried green tomatoes and my headache went away, he said. It was because I had not eaten in three days.

Taapken spent his sophomore year of high school in a foster home and his junior and senior years in his own apartment, working multiple jobs to support himself. Two of his older brothers had enlisted in the Marine Corps, and he wanted to as well.

Ill be a Marine till the day I die, he said.

Taapken spent his senior year going to Marine Corps meetings and trainings as part of the Delayed Entry Program, where recruits commit to enlisting at a future date, up to one year away.

He was supposed to go to boot camp June 4, 1984, a couple of days after he graduated high school, but because hed cut his leg with a chainsaw a couple of months prior, he ended up going to boot camp in January 1985 in San Diego.

Although Taapken didnt have much time for socializing in high school, he did experiment with marijuana, which meant he wasnt guaranteed a military occupational specialty, and could be put wherever he was needed.

Taapken graduated number two out of boot camp, and ultimately got assigned to motor transport  which he considered a good fit, since hed been driving on the farm since he was three.

He went back home to Indiana for two or three weeks before going to Camp Pendleton in California for six weeks of driving school. He spent five weeks in the field, first driving jeeps and pickup trucks, then Humvees, then five-ton trucks, and then tractor trailers.

When he was asked where he wanted to be assigned, he had a choice between east coast, west coast or overseas. He knew that if he got the opportunity, he wanted to travel, so he ended up in Okinawa, Japan.

Although Taapken learned quickly not to volunteer for anything, he broke his rule when he found out the battalion commander lieutenant colonel, needed a chauffeur for three weeks while his current one was on vacation.

Three weeks passed, the Marine came back from vacation; lieutenant colonel sent him to the motor pool and kept me, Taapken said.

In 10 months, he drove both for the lieutenant colonel and battalion sergeant major, reaching a total of 18,000 miles over the 70-mile island of Okinawa.

He was meritoriously promoted to E-3. By the time he discharged in 1989, he reached a rank of E-5.

The lieutenant colonel wrote a letter of recommendation for Taapken, who was accepted into the Marine Security Guard Battalion in Quantico, Virginia.

After six weeks of training, the battalion went from 125 Marines on the first day, to 61 at graduation.

After that, he went into a 30-month contract and protected embassies all over the world. His first post was in Abu Dhabi.

I turned 19 years old at Camp Pendleton, California, Taapken said. I turned 20 years old in Okinawa, Japan. I turned 21 years old in Kuwait. And I turned 22 years old in La Paz, Bolivia.

Although a standard post is 15 months, he jumped at the chance to travel every time there was an opportunity.

Whenever he was at a post, he would travel to other places for a couple days when he got a break.

I took a couple of days off, I got to go to Bangkok, Singapore, Phuket, he said. I did get to go to Paris and London. While I was in (La Paz, Bolivia), I got to go to Panama, Argentina, Chile, Peru. And these were just for three or four days, but I still got to go.

And if you ask him what he was proudest of, hed say earning his dress blues, which he did when he graduated from Quantico.

Dress blues are a dress uniform used by military. Some soldiers buy them, and many earn them. Taapken said going in, he was determined to earn them.

I am a very humble individual, Taapken said. But I take a great amount of pride in my work and if I worked hard enough to earn those dress blues, I earned that title.

Hes also proud of what he calls breaking the chains, meaning that once he joined the Marines, he got out of Indiana, and a life that led to jail and drugs for many people he knew growing up.

Although Taapken had his eye on a career in the military when he entered, his priorities changed, and he ultimately left because he wanted to start a family.

Since his discharge, Taapken has been many things: a single dad to three kids, a driver and manager for Sysco, a miner, and more.

Taapken moved to Butte about a year and a half ago, and currently owns the I Dont Know Cafe on Main Street with his son, Jordan.

In the restaurant sits a table with a chair and decorations in honor of fallen military and first responders, a place where people can put coins that are eventually donated to Toys for Tots.

Leaving a penny means simply someone visited. A nickel indicates that person and the deceased trained at boot camp together, a dime means they served with him or her in some capacity and a quarter means they were with the soldier when he was killed.

Taapken is sometimes haunted by the fact that he survived, and is humbled by the fact that he never saw combat.

This table is for our real heroes, he said.

Presently, Taapken is a member of the Marine Corps League in Butte, and every week he donates three loaves of homemade banana bread, made from his mothers recipe, to Freedom Ranch for Heroes in Wise River.
WEST LIBERTY  Hoping to unseat Republican Rep. Marianette Miller-Meeks in the newly drawn First U.S. House of Representatives District, Democrat candidate Christina Bohannan visited West Liberty Sunday to bring a message of people over party in a polarized race.

Bohannan, a law professor at the University of Iowa, a former engineer, and state representative, discussed several challenges facing Iowans with about 20 supporters in the Puebla Mexican Restaurant. She hopes to win the congressional seat that covers most of southeastern Iowa, saying that there is too much bickering in Washington, D.C. Bohannan began her discussion with supporters by explaining she grew up in a mobile home and that her family struggled financially when her father got sick and the familys insurance was cancelled.

I think that is when I realized bad things happen to good people, she said. Everyone needs a little help sometimes and everyone deserves a fair shot.

She credited public education for allowing her to move ahead and pondered what the country would be like if every person was given a fair chance to advance. She also said she sees people who love Iowa and work really hard, but many arent getting a fair shot. She explained Iowa wages were the lowest in the surrounding states.

Bohannan said most small towns are losing population and many have a workforce crisis. She explained politics is getting in the way of growth and divisive, extreme politics is one of the greatest threats the country faces. She explained that she believes in the two-party system, saying debate and compromise makes the country better.

What we are seeing now is not debate and compromise, she said. Its extremism and chaos. We have to do better than this. We have to get past this if we want to give everyone in Iowa a fair shake.

She commented former U.S. congressmen from Iowa Dave Loebsack and Jim Leach had done a good job because they put the good of the people ahead of party politics. She said Miller-Meeks has spread lies and misinformation, and consorted with extremists in congress. She also spoke of Miller-Meeks voting record, saying she voted against such things as holding oil companies accountable for gouging and the Affordable Care Act.

If elected, Bohannan said she wants to invest in education and bring manufacturing jobs to Iowa. She also wants to finds ways to increase wages and to crack down on corporate price gouging. She also said she wants to help farmers get a fair return on their crops.

I love Iowa and Iowas values of fairness and hard work have been the guiding principles of my life, Bohannan said.

Bohannan has been endorsed by Rita Hart, a 2020 Democratic Congressional candidate who lost Iowas current Second Congressional District to Miller-Meeks by six votes. She has also been endorsed by former U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack. According to Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, Dist. 1 has about 23,000 more registered Democrats that registered Republicans, with undeclared voters outnumbering both parties.
MUSCATINE  Last week, the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine announced its latest round of grants. Of all those who applied, 23 local organizations were selected to receive funds from the Community Foundations Impact and Racial Justice Granting Programs.

It was decided that Aligned Impact Muscatine County would be receiving money from the Racial Justice Fund, with this then being used to support the creation of a Student Success Facilitator. Both LULAC Council 317 and 371 also received money from this specific fund, with 317 using its funds to support the local citizenship costs as well as the costs of the Louisa County food pantry while 371 would be putting its financial support towards continuing the Columbus Junction Advocate program.

In addition to receiving money from the Racial Justice Fund, the Diversity Service Center of Iowa also received funds through the County Endowment Re-granting program. With this, the Diversity Service Center plans to continue its Educational Outreach Program, which focuses on providing legal assistance to immigrants in Muscatine and Louisa Counties, as well as its Minority Senior Citizens Program.

Other organizations that received another cycle of funding through the County Endowment Re-granting program included the Flickinger Learning Center, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, Keep Muscatine Beautiful, Laundry Love Muscatine, Muscatine County Arts Council, Muscatine County Historic Preservation Commission, Muscatine Independent Film Festival, Muscatine Legal Services, Muscatine Symphony Orchestra Association and Trinity Muscatine Public Health.

Several well-known individual funds also gave out grants during this most recent cycle. In total, the Community Foundation was able to award more than $230,000 in grants to all of these organizations.

Crossroads, Inc. received funds from the Mary Jo & Richard H. Stanley Human Conditions Support Fund. It was announced that this money will be funding Crossroads senior focused programs, including Senior Resources Outreach, Meals on Wheels and the Vial of Life program.

Two other organizations received funding from the Human Conditions Support Fund. These organizations were EveryChild, which will be using the funds to help with its continuing support of the Mississippi Valley Child Protection Centers forensic Interviewing, and River Bend Foodbank for its mobile food pantry program.

Muscatine Center for Social Action (MCSA) was also selected to receive funds from the Human Conditions Support Fund. It will also be give grant funding from the George Millett Memorial Fund, the Pat and Jim Powers Endowment and the Hilda E. Collitz for the Homeless grant.

The West Liberty Community Fund selected three West Liberty focused organizations - Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre Company, Vision to Learn and the West Liberty Arts Council to receive money, with the latter using its grant to create new art classes at the Brick Street Gallery.

Iowa Jobs for Americas Graduates (iJAG) Inc. received funding from the Joe W. and Betty L. Rauch Memorial Endowment, and is expected to use this funding to create inclusive career pathways for underserved youth.

For a full list of grant awards or for more information on the Community Foundations grant programs, residents are invited to visit its website at muscatinecommunityfoundation.org.
By Azernews

By Sabina Mammadli

The cadets of the Heydar Aliyev Military Institute have conducted practical classes in field conditions, Azernews reports, citing the Defense Ministry.

In accordance with the approved educational plan and program of the military institute, the cadets accomplish various standards of drill, physical, and fire training.

During the drills, the military personnel is instructed on the safety rules.

Having familiarized with the shooting conditions, the cadets improve their skills in detecting and destroying targets of an imaginary enemy at the training range, bringing weapons into the state of combat readiness, and using them.

At the end of the classes, cadets will be assessed based on their results.

Azerbaijan periodically holds drills to improve its military personnels combat readiness.

The drills also aim to improve interaction and combat coordination between the servicemen during operations, as well as to develop commanders' military decision-making and unit management skills.
South Africas major fibre network operators (FNOs) are not immune to the scourge of crime that many citizens are experiencing.

MetroFibres head of fibre-to-the-home Jacques de Villiers recently said that construction mafias posing as business forums were one of the biggest challenges to fibre rollouts across the country.

De Villiers said there was huge concern over the activities of these groups, who demanded a cut in building projects around the country and even resorted to violence and intimidation to get their way.

We asked four of the biggest operators  Frogfoot, MetroFibre, Octotel, and Openserve  how criminal activities like this impacted their operations and how they dealt with it.

Frogfoot chief operations officer Llewelyn Hofmeyr said there were three main types of crimes the operator typically had to deal with:

Malicious  Usually, local communities that feel Frogfoot have not engaged enough and allocated enough of the work to them.

Random acts of ignorance  Criminals who believe fibre is valuable or think the cable they are stealing is copper.

Targeted  Syndicates attack specific parts of the infrastructure to gain access to things like batteries, generators or fuel.

Hofmeyr said that Frogfoot had improved the way it handles these problems.

Due to the fact that we try to manage this very closely, we have seen a lot less impact on our business, but in the past, we have had whole towns or areas down caused by malicious attacks., Hofmeyr said.

The purpose of these attacks was just to cause brand damage on Frogfoot, and it did as our customers were heavily affected. In other cases, we have had theft in our nodes to try to steal items of value.

He explained that heavy engagement with local communities was one of the most effective remedies.

We try to educate people on what fibre brings to these areas and why we need to protect the network.

It is not just about streaming and work-from-home, a lot of these areas use the fibre for security and home assistance, and when the fibre goes down, most users lose the ability to control their homes.

MetroFibre said crime translated into additional costs, project delays, equipment damage, and productivity loss, ultimately leading to a slower fibre rollout and unhappy customers.

The FNO told MyBroadband it typically dealt with three types of crimes:

Theft of equipment such as batteries.

Vandalism of equipment and manholes.

Violent disruption of construction and intimidation of staff by construction mafia groups.

The FNO said its operations teams have also been harassed and robbed of their belongings while attending to routine on-site maintenance.

In addition to calling for help from law enforcement and formally reporting all crimes, the company proactively arranges for additional private security where necessary.

If required, we will stop work and vacate a site temporarily until the matters are resolved, and it is safe to resume operations, MetroFibre stated.

The safety and security of our people is our first and foremost priority. If we believe that they are at risk of harassment or crime, we will cease operations until the matter is resolved and a safe working environment is restored.

MetroFibre added it held meetings and discussions with community leaders if necessary.

Octotel chief operations officer Scott Cunnigham said the nature of the crimes the FNO had to deal with included extortion, coercion, petty theft, serious armed crime, physical assault, and threats to engineers and technicians.

Our overall business performance has been affected by these incidents in a significant way, said Cunningham.

As with any construction, project delays come at a cost, community complaints cause reputational damage because the public is not always aware of the issues that hamper the rollout.

These crime incidents have slowed down fibre rollout in certain areas in Cape Town for Octotel, including Bishop Lavis, Atlantis and Kraaifontein, to name a few, Cunningham said.

In most instances, security was needed and hired as an additional safety measure for our Octotel engineers and technicians on the ground.

We continuously engage with local police forums and ward counsellors for assistance.

In the case of the Bishop Lavis Area, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was put in place for certain sections with the authorities allowing us the opportunity to move in and out of these areas as quickly as possible, he added.

Cunningham also said that working closely and building relationships with the community during the rollout phase had been key to Octotels success in overcoming these issues.

Nevertheless, some of its projects had to be called off entirely, resulting in pre-order cancellations from the community.

Telkoms wholesale fixed line company Openserve also said the common crimes it experienced were vandalism of fibre infrastructure by cutting fibre optic cables, and work stoppages caused by extortion demands by construction mafias.

The modus operandi for these crimes suggests syndicate activity, with an increasing frequency of violent crime resulting in injury and death, Openserve said.

The operator said the impact of network infrastructure theft and vandalism had significant consequences.

Not only does it deprive the community of its basic right to communication, it leads to increases in the cost of telecommunication services, it explained.

Openserve praised the recent establishment of a SAPS task team for fighting crimes related to economic sabotage, and said it was working well with these teams in the identified hot spots.

Now read: Fibre war in South Africa heats up
Cell C CEO Douglas Craigie Stevenson says careful regulatory scrutiny is needed for MTNs proposed acquisition of Telkom, the Sunday Times reports.

MTN and Telkom announced on 15 July that the companies were in early discussions for a possible acquisition.

No purchase price or terms have been announced, except that MTN aims to acquire Telkoms entire issued share capital in exchange for MTN stock or a combination of cash and shares.

According to Craigie Stevenson, regulators should consider that South Africas telecommunications market has changed.

Where previously you had mobile operators competing to roll out infrastructure, the market has now been split into two categories.

On the one side, you still have infrastructure developers like MTN, Vodacom, and Telkom. On the other, you have infrastructure buyers like Cell C.

Regulators must carefully consider whether smaller operators like Cell C can continue to compete as infrastructure buyers, Craigie Stevenson said.

He said industry regulator Icasa and the Competition Commission could consider several pro-completive measures such as imposing wholesale regulations on infrastructure developers.

Cell C has been a staunch opponent to market consolidation in South Africa  except when Telkom has made offers to buy it.

Telkom announced in March 2014 that it was in negotiations for a potential sale of its radio network assets to MTN.

Cell C opposed the deal, and the Competition Commission ultimately blocked it, saying MTN would gain a significant market advantage.

It also believed the merger would entrench a market duopoly, with Vodacom and MTN dominating.

All of South Africas mobile network operators fiercely opposed such large mergers in Competition Commission hearings.

Vodacom abandoned its bid to buy Neotel after similar pushback. Neotel was eventually sold to Liquid Telecom.

These fights essentially made it impossible for South Africas mobile network operators to acquire any other telecommunications provider that owned sought-after radio frequency spectrum.

Telkom made several offers to buy Cell C, with speculation about a possible acquisition dating back as far as 2009.

In November 2015, Telkom announced it was in discussions with Cell C to acquire all shares in the company.

However, the companies halted talks ten days later when they couldnt agree on a price.

Bloomberg reported that Telkom offered R14 billion at the time, while Cell Cs former owner Oger Telecom wanted R22 billion for a 75% stake.

In February 2017, Telkom reportedly considered a R13 billion bid for Cell C. As before, nothing came of the deal.

On 12 November 2019, Bloomberg again reported that Telkom was making overtures to acquire Cell C.

Telkom officially confirmed the talks on 19 November. Ten days later, Telkom announced Cell C rejected its offer.

Since then, Cell C has made progress recapitalising its R7.3 billion debt in the hopes of saving the company.

Cell Cs priority secured lenders, who made up around R2.95 billion of that debt, voted to take an 80% haircut.

The vote is binding on all noteholders.

Cell C owner Blue Label said the vote was a significant milestone, and the final stages of the recapitalisation transaction are being implemented.

Blue Label said it expects the transaction to proceed to final close in late July 2022.

Now read: Uncapped fibre to every home in South Africa for under R100 per month
South Africa submitted a request for extradition from the United Arab Emirates of the Gupta brothers, who are wanted for allegedly masterminding the looting of billions of dollars from state entities.

A request was received from the National Director of Public Prosecutions for the extradition of the Gupta brothers from the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of South Africa to stand trial on charges of fraud, money laundering, Justice Minister Ronald Lamola said in a statement on Monday.

We can confirm that the extradition request has been duly submitted to the UAE central authority.

Rajesh and Atul Gupta were arrested in the United Arab Emirates in June.

Theyre wanted on charges of money laundering and fraud, and were detained after the International Criminal Police Organization, or Interpol, placed them on its most-wanted list in February.

A judicial inquiry into state graft spanning more than three years detailed close links between the brothers and former President Jacob Zuma.

Witnesses allege they worked together to siphon money from South Africas state transport, power and arms companies, and jointly decided who was appointed to the cabinet. Zuma and the Guptas have denied wrongdoing.
An official trail map for the city of Napas 106-acre Westwood Hills Park has been created and installed near the parks main entrance on Browns Valley Road.

The map, which is also available online, depicts and officially names the parks 16 trails that span several miles of hilly, wooded terrain, with some routes rising several hundred feet above the city. That makes it easier for hikers of all experience levels to navigate the park, including the more difficult trails that splinter off from the main Summit Trail, according to Jeff Gittings, the citys parks and urban forestry manager.

Gittings said the map was created by gathering Geographic Information System data of the trails, which will bring internal benefits to the citys future ability to manage the park and potential community benefits as well.

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This information can be transferred into our asset management system so we can more accurately have a spatial view of where our amenities are and what is in those trails, Gittings said. This would also help to plan invasive weeds work, it would help to plan any forestry work or trail maintenance, it would be a really a guideline for any maintenance plan we would have in the future for this park and really other open space parks similar to it.

A joint effort to create the map has been ongoing since 2019, according to Katrina Gregory, the city recreation manager. That effort has included the city, the Napa Parks and Recreation Foundation nonprofit and The Friends of Westwood Hills Park, a community group focused specifically on improving the park.

After receiving feedback about the need for navigational tools from local hikers, particularly inexperienced ones, the city worked with the other two groups to identify the map as a priority project, according to Gittings. The foundation raised funds to gather enough money to create the map  Gittings estimated it cost less than $5,000  and the Friends of Westwood Hills Park worked to seek out community feedback on how to name the trails, through various committee meetings and community surveys.

Really the project was about putting all those pieces together and creating a visual map, Gittings said.

Several trails had previously been named by the public and the citys parks and recreation department back in the 1980s, Gregory said. A 2019 Register article noted that six or seven trails were marked with small signs and trail markers in the 1990s, but theyd been damaged or vandalized in the years since.

Phase two of the project will bring back those markers. The foundation is currently raising funds for two additional Westwood Hills projects, Gregory said, including the trail markers within the park so people know where they are while hiking and two interpretive signs  one at the summit and another at the Chicken Foot area where several trails converge near the park's center.

The foundation and community group began that fundraising effort July 17 with a benefit event at the park that included several guided hikes, a pollinator tour and the new map.

The trail map can currently be seen at the Westwood Hills kiosk at main entrance of the park. A full-size, 36-by-24-inch version of the map will be installed at a new kiosk there in the near future, Gittings said.
In 2019, just weeks after being inaugurated as Californias governor, Gavin Newsom issued what many took as a death knell for the states troubled bullet train project.

But lets be real, Newsom told legislators in his first State of the State address. The current project, as planned, would cost too much and respectfully take too long. Theres been too little oversight and not enough transparency.

Right now, there simply isnt a path to get from Sacramento to San Diego, let alone from San Francisco to L.A., Newsom said. I wish there were. However, we do have the capacity to complete a high-speed rail link between Merced and Bakersfield.

It seemed as though Newsom wanted to finish the initial phase in the San Joaquin Valley and then give up on a statewide link between the San Francisco Bay Area (and perhaps Sacramento) and Southern California.

The reaction from project supporters, particularly construction unions, was swift and sharply negative and Newsom claimed that reporters misinterpreted his intentions.

I just think people in the media should pause before they run headlines and actually consider the facts and maybe even ask the person thats stating things before they run with things, Newsom said. Thats the deep lesson I learned in this.

He insisted that he wasnt abandoning a statewide system, but wanted to concentrate first on completing a working portion in the San Joaquin Valley. That limited goal, however, also has vexed the governor as costs continued to rise and work slowed to a crawl.

Seizing on Newsoms words, President Donald Trumps administration tried to claw back a nearly $1 billion federal grant for the project that predecessor Barack Obama had awarded. When Joe Biden became president, the grant was restored.

Last year, Newsom asked the Legislature to appropriate the $4.2 billion remainder of a $9.95 billion bond issue that voters approved in 2008 to build the system, but legislative leaders balked, saying, in essence, that it would be money down a rathole and would be better spent on local and regional transit projects.

The stalemate over the bond money lasted for a year but in June, Newsom bought off legislative naysayers by providing $3.65 billion from the states huge budget surplus for the local projects in return for freeing the bond money.

However, the compromise also included an inspector generals position to oversee the High Speed Rail Authority, which outside critics have faulted for delays and cost overruns.

They know that with the inspector general that theyre going to be watched, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, one of the sharpest critics, said. Theyre going to be held accountable.

There has been some construction, including a bridge over the San Joaquin River near Fresno, but having tracks that will carry trains is years away and heavy expenses loom for electrification and rolling stock. Newsom has also expanded the San Joaquin section on both ends to Merced in the north and Bakersfield in the south, which carries its own price tag.

It could be a decade, or more, before trains actually begin carrying passengers between the two cities, but without connecting Bakersfield to Los Angeles and Merced to San Francisco, the segment would be little more than an amusement park ride.

As it stands  and as Newsom said in that 2019 speech  there are no plans to finance multi-billion-dollar extensions to make the bullet train a real transportation alternative. He seems to be content to provide enough money to maintain construction for the remainder of his governorship and leave it to his successor  or successors  to decide what to do after that.
Is Western unity over Ukraine about to crack?

Which countries could survive nuclear war?

Surmalu re-inspection scheduled for November

In Lebanon, man who held hostages in bank released without charges

TerraPower of Bill Gates raises $750 million for projects in nuclear energy and medicine

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)
Poland will soon have the strongest land army of all European NATO countries, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak told Sieci weekly, adding that the size and strength of the Polish Armed Forces should be sufficient to repel any threat from Russia.

According to him, Russia is unlikely to attack a country with a strong army. Explaining plans for a military buildup, Mariusz Blaszczak recalled that Poland is at the forefront of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, and also shares a border with Russia and its ally Belarus, so it needs sufficient defense to contain potential threats.

There will be no stronger country in Europe than Poland in terms of artillery and armored forces. Poland will have the strongest ground forces of all European NATO states, Blaszczak said.

When asked if Poland was ready for a Russian missile strike, Blaszczak said that the first batch of Patriot air defense missiles ordered by Poland in 2018 should arrive in Poland this year.

According to him, the construction of a multi-level missile defense system for Poland has moved far ahead.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Iraq announced on Sunday that Iraq's complaint to UN Security Council included 22,700 Turkish violations, including the names of the victims of the recent attack, while indicating that Turkey has expansionist purposes behind these attacks, Iraqi News Agency reported.

"The letter sent by Iraq to the Security Council included a number of topics, most notably the number of violations on the Iraqi sovereignty since 2018, where we documented in the letter more than 22,740 Turkish violations," noting, "We have counted the number of memoranda and complaints submitted by the Iraqi government to the Turkish side, which numbered 296 complaints," MFA spokesman Ahmed Al-Sahaf said in a statement to Al-Iraqiya News TV.

He added, "The letter also included informing the Security Council of the nature of the risks involved in the recent attack, which reached to the populated cities inside Iraqi territory," noting that "these attacks involve risks related to efforts to combat terrorism."

Al-Sahaf continued, "The letter included the names of the martyrs and the wounded of the recent attack," explaining that "Tuesday's session will be decisive and will witness presenting all the technical and specialized reports of the latest attack, indicated by the security authorities."

He pointed out that "Turkey has expansionist goals behind such attacks," noting that "there is no security or military agreement with the Turkish side."

He stressed that "our letter emphasized the need for the Turkish side to apologize to Iraq and its people for the losses that affected innocent people and the infrastructure," expecting the Security Council to "issue a statement condemning the Turkish aggression against Iraq's sovereignty."

Nine civilians were killed and more than 20 people were injured as a result of an artillery attack by the Turkish Armed Forces in northern Iraq last week.
The UK is forced to ask Belgium for electricity to avoid rolling blackouts, The Telegraph reported.

The Electricity System Operator (ESO) has issued an emergency instruction to operators of the Nemo cable running between Belgium and the UK to make sure supplies to the UK are uninterrupted after failing to provide enough electricity to the regular market.

Experts said this calls into question the power grid's ability to deal with the "looming iceberg" of winter, when gas supplies are expected to come under much greater pressure and Russia could cut off supplies to Europe altogether.

At one point last week, ESO paid a record high price of 9,724 per MWh to import electricity via the Nemo cable, data from market analyst EnAppSys reveals, amid power struggles in Europe.

Two days of record temperatures last Monday and Tuesday also put power supplies at risk. The heat reduced the efficiency of solar panels and other generators and disrupted power lines, while demand rose and wind power fell.

ESO stated that the automated market signals do not take into account all of its data and tools, and it is confident that the electricity margin is sufficient.

This comes as ESO is set to release its early electricity supply and demand forecast this winter this week amid heightened energy security concerns due to the war in Ukraine.

Although the heat wave created particular problems last week, energy demand is usually higher in winter. Cold snap, in particular, can cause chaos in the infrastructure.

The UK gets most of its electricity from its own gas-fired power plants, nuclear power plants, wind turbines, biomass and solar power plants. It also trades electricity with the continent through a growing network of cables capable of supplying more than 10 percent of UK demand.

Supply and demand must be constantly balanced across the network to avoid blackouts, and ESO is stepping in to iron out the imbalance left by the market.

The system across Europe is currently overloaded, with half of the French nuclear fleet offline due to maintenance or corrosion issues, and hydropower generation also low. Although some French nuclear plants will resume operation by winter, the capacity will still be below normal. There are also fears that Russia will further cut off gas supplies to Europe.

Coal-fired power plants in the UK and on the continent have been asked to remain in operation longer than previously planned. The UK usually imports electricity from France during the winter to meet its own demand.
Etihad Airways has become the first client to sign on to the newly launched Citi Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) Sustainable Deposit Solution, which will further assist the airline in investing excess cash as part of its sustainability agenda.



Etihad will have access to Citis two new deposit solutions  Sustainable Time Deposit (TD) and Sustainable Minimum Maturity Time Deposits (MMTD)  which deliver competitive yields and are based on Citis green and social bond frameworks, supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).



Elissar Antonios, Citi UAE CEO and MENA Cluster Head, Citi said: We are delighted to partner with Etihad Airways as our first client to deposit funds in Citis ADGM Sustainable Deposit Solution and explore new and innovative ways to support their sustainability objectives. Our new series of deposit solutions reflect Citi Leaderships commitment in helping our clients advance ESG KPIs in their treasuries through a range of sustainable solutions.



Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer of Etihad Aviation Group said: Etihad is committed to sustainability at every touchpoint across our business, from decarbonising our operations through the Greenliner and Sustainable50 programmes, to launching the Etihad Mangroves initiative, and rewarding our guests through the Conscious Choices loyalty programme. Our finance team is always looking for opportunities to develop innovative sustainable financing solutions and we are very proud to continue our strategic partnership with ADGM and Citibank on this initiative.



Funds invested into the deposits are allocated to finance or refinance assets in a portfolio of eligible green and/or social finance projects. Allocation is based on the criteria set out in the Citi Green Bond Framework, Social Finance Framework and Social Bond for Affordable Housing Framework.



Daniel Tromans, Group Treasurer of Etihad Aviation Group noted: As a leader in sustainable aviation finance, we are delighted to be the first corporate to deposit funds in Citi ADGMs Sustainable Deposit. This is the latest of many sustainable finance solutions we have implemented over the last four years and another clear signal of our commitment to sustainability.



Vani Rao, Liquidity Management Services Head for Mena, Citi added: We are pleased to bring such innovative ESG solutions to our flagship branch Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM). Given our robust frameworks, Citi would be financing or refinancing environmentally friendly projects such as renewable energy, sustainable transportation, water quality as well as social friendly projects like expansion of access to low-income communities in emerging markets, affordable housing to name a few. We are excited that Etihad is our first client to partner with us on this important journey.



Citis Frameworks align with the International Capital Market Associations Green Bond Principles and Social Bond Principles and have been assessed by a leading independent ESG and corporate governance research, ratings, and analytics firm.



Over the past few years, Etihad Airways has raised US$1.2 billion in the first sustainability-linked loan (SLL) tied to environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets in global aviation. This followed a first-of-a-kind sustainability-linked transition sukuk in 2020 and a loan tied to the UN SDGs in 2019.  TradeArabia News Service
The murder of a 30-year-old man in Gay village of Armavir Province has been solved, the Investigative Committee of Armenia informs Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The report on this man being admitted to hospital with a stab wound and his death was received at 6:30pm on Sunday.

Criminal proceedings have been launched into this incident.

A number of circumstances of this incident have been clarified, including its location, and the identity of the person who committed this crime; he is the victim's father, born in 1957.

On the same day, this man was detained on suspicion of committing murder and was presented to the body that launched the criminal proceedings.

An inspection at the scene of the incident was carried out together with the murder suspect, during which he showed the place where he had stabbed his son on the neck with a kitchen knife. Also, traces of blood were found, samples were taken, and the knife that was used in this crime, as well as the clothes that were worn by the victim and his father at the time of the incident were confiscated.

Criminal investigation is in progress.

Armenia villager stabs, kills 30-year-old son
The South China Sea is not a safari park for countries outside the region, or a battle arena for major powers, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

According to him, the countries of the region should support all efforts that contribute to the peaceful resolution of disputes, oppose statements or actions that create tension and provoke confrontation.

Wang Yi also called for deepening maritime cooperation, since the South China Sea is a common property of the countries in the region.

He noted that the parties concerned should actively promote practical cooperation in scientific research, environmental protection, search and rescue and other fields, and explore the joint development of resources for the benefit of the countries and people of the region. In addition, Wang Yi called for efforts to steadily advance consultations on the South China Sea Code of Conduct to provide stronger institutional guarantees to resolve differences and promote cooperation.

According to him, the extraterritorial powers are moving more and more forces into the region to maintain their hegemony, deliberately expanding conflicts and provoking tensions that threaten the legitimate rights and interests of coastal countries and the normal order at sea.
Russia is not interested in cutting off gas supplies to Europe and de facto guarantees the energy security of Europe, Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation, told reporters, RIA Novosti reports.

Russia is not interested in this in cutting off gas supplies to Europe. Russia is a responsible gas supplier, and no matter what anyone says - the European Commission, in European capitals, in the United States of America - Russia has been, is and remains a country that largely guarantees Europe's energy security. Not declaratively, but de facto guarantees, Peskov said, answering a question about how the Kremlin treats the statement of the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, that Europe should prepare for a complete halt in Russian gas supplies.

"There is a dialogue with our supplier, with Gazprom, all modalities can and should be discussed only at this level. There is no politics here, there are consequences of the restrictions imposed by the Europeans themselves, and the Europeans themselves suffer from these restrictions," Peskov said.

"On the other hand, if Europe continues on its path of absolutely reckless imposition of restrictions and sanctions that hit it, the situation here will be different. I repeat once again: Russia is not interested in cutting off gas supplies to Europe," the presidential press secretary added.
If the US goes its own way, China will definitely take firm and decisive action, said official representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Zhao Lijian at a daily briefing for the media, commenting on the possible visit of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan.

Earlier, the Financial Times reported that Beijing privately issued a stern warning to Washington in connection with Pelosi's visit, not ruling out, according to the newspaper, a military response.

The Chinese side has repeatedly made it clear to the United States that it is categorically against the visit of Speaker Pelosi to Taiwan, Zhao Lijian said.

If the US goes its own way, China will definitely take firm and decisive action to protect its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the US must be held accountable for any serious consequences, he added.
Samsung Engineering, one of the worlds leading engineering, procurement, construction and project management (EPC&PM) companies, has signed an agreement with Aramco for the National EPC Champions initiative.

The National EPC Champions initiative is tailored for investments in the EPC sector to foster local industries through the Namaat programme. The Namaat programme aims to build national champions, create a robust industrial ecosystem and introduce unique job opportunities.

The official signing happened on July 5, during the Saudi Aramco Namaat Industrial Investment Programme event, held in the Al-Ghawar Hall at Aramcos main office in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

The formal agreement signing between Samsung Engineering, Al Rushaid Petroleum Investment Company (Arpic), and Aramco took place earlier. Samsung Engineering's President and CEO Sungan Choi, Aramcos Vice President of Project Management, Abdulkarim Ghamdi, and Arpics CEO and Chairman, Rasheed Al Rushaid, attended the Namaat event following the signing of the agreement.

Joint venture

Samsung Engineering, as an International EPC contractor, with Arpic, as a local EPC contractor, will establish a joint venture with the objective of increasing Saudisation levels, maximising iktva targets, and deploying leading construction technologies.

Arpic has several collaborations in the oil and gas industry, including joint ventures and affiliates in the areas of manufacturing, construction, and engineering.

As a National EPC Champion, Samsung Engineering showcases its prominent presence in Saudi Arabia. Samsung Engineering has solidified its position in Saudi Arabia by carrying out over 30 projects over the past 20 years, including 16 projects with Aramco.

Strengthening its position

Samsung Engineering plans to successfully carry out the National EPC Champions initiative projects, based on its experience in the Saudi Arabian market and network of suppliers and partners, and to further strengthen its position in the local market through digital technology and automation solutions.

Samsung Engineering is strengthening its competitiveness in business execution by optimising the execution system according to the characteristics of each global region, while promoting shared growth for the client in the performing country.

It is building its own EPC execution systems by region through collaborations with local partners with technical skills and local production systems. In addition to Saudi Arabia, Samsung Engineering plans to expand its global operation strategy to other regions in the Middle East and Asia.

Choi said: "It is always Samsung Engineerings mission to put our commitments for long-term development in the kingdom as a priority and through this National EPC Champions initiative, we are proud to say that we will continue to do so in upholding that mission. We are confident to provide the best digital technology and automation solution services to Aramco, while leveraging our comprehensive experience of working with Arpic. -- TradeArabia News Service
A strange diplomatic scandal is taking place on social media regarding the ambassadors of Israel and Iran to Azerbaijan, Turan reported.

The scandal began on July 20 after Israeli Ambassador George Dick shared on Twitter a message on a book about Tabriz presented to him, which tells about the history of Azerbaijan and culture in this city located in northern Iran. This tweet provoked a violent reaction from Iranian Ambassador Seyed Abbas Mousavi, who launched threats against the Israeli Ambassador, Turan added.

"For the information of this enterprising boy: Our beloved Tabriz of Iran is known as the land of the FIRST in the proud history of Iran. Apparently, this FIRST Evil Zionist will be buried by the zealous people of Tabriz. Never cross our red line!" the Iranian ambassador wrote.

Today it became known about the departure of the Iranian Ambassador to Tehran and a meeting with [Iranian] Foreign Minister Abdollahian. According to the Iranian side, the Ambassador was instructed to further strengthen relations with Azerbaijan. Apparently, Tehran felt that ignoring the fact that Tabriz is one of the centers of Azerbaijani culture would serve to strengthen relations between Baku and Tehran.

Meanwhile, a campaign was launched on Twitter in support of the Israeli Ambassador and calls to purchase a book about the history of Tabriz. At the same time, the action of the Iranian side is regarded as an insult to diplomacy.

Tabriz is the center of South Azerbaijan, the main population of which is Azerbaijanis. About 30 million ethnic Azerbaijanis live in Iran, Turan concluded.

Thus, territorial claims against Iran are already quite openly voiced in Azerbaijan. It should be noted that Azerbaijan itself was named as such after the Iranian provinceand for far-reaching objectives.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan directly stated that Ankara's foreign policy is based on neo-Ottomanism; that is, modern Turkey wants to restore both the influence and the borders of the Ottoman Empire. Eduard Sharmazanov, National Assembly ex-deputy speaker as well as vice-chairman and spokesperson of the former ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), told this to a press conference Monday.

According to him, all the aforesaid is planned to be implemented at the expense of the interests of Armenia and Greece, and Ankara already has quite serious problems with the Greeks.

"This is what the so-called era of peace [announced by Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan] is," the former MP explained.

But, as the RPA official noted, Turkey with its growing ambitions poses a threat not only to Armenia and Greece, but also to Russia.

"If they [i.e., the Russians], apart from Armenians and Greeks, do not grasp the objectives of pan-Turkism, then the end of the Russian Empire will come," the Armenian opposition member emphasized.
There has been no conscription from Armenia for 1.5 years already in the Defense Army of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR); and this is at the request of the Turks. Eduard Sharmazanov, National Assembly ex-deputy speaker as well as vice-chairman and spokesperson of the former ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), told this to a press conference Monday.

According to him, during this period, no Armenian from Armenia has demanded that his child be sent to Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) for military serve; and this is so despite the fact that the Armenians living in Artsakh also need protection.

"We must protect our homeland. So how should we do it? The NKR authorities have put the rest of Karabakh on Russia's neck," stressed Sharmazanov.

The RPA official stated that the current authorities of Armenia are unable to ensure the security of the country and the progress of the Armenian national idea and culture.

"They are classical neo-Bolsheviks," the opposition member added.
A consortium led by global infrastructure major Besix with Plenary, a leading independent long-term investor, developer, and manager of public infrastructure, as its partner, has announced the successful financial close of the Zayed City Schools PPP.

This UAE's first public-private partnership in the field of school infrastructure, Zayed City Schools PPP is a pioneering project paving the way for private sector participation in the development of the country's social infrastructure.

The project was awarded to the Besix-Plenary consortium by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).

It covers a greenfield plot for each of the three new schools across Zayed City, a 4,900-hectare construction project being built 7 km inland from Abu Dhabi Island, between Mohamed Bin Zayed City and the Abu Dhabi International Airport.

As per the deal, the consortium will be responsible for the financing, design, procurement, construction, commissioning and operations and maintenance of the three school campuses for a 20-year period.

According to Besix, the construction on site will begin later this year and is set for completion in August 2024.

The school buildings will be designed and built with high sustainability objectives, complying with the Estidama Pearl 2. These will be low-energy buildings with a focus on usage and consumptions efficiency, and the partners will give priority to the use of locally produced building materials, it stated.

The institution, located in Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, will have a total capacity of 5,360 students when it opens for the academic year in September 2024.

Besix Middle East General Manager Peter Lembrechts said: "We are extremely proud to partner with the Abu Dhabi Government to develop and implement this pathfinder PPP project. We are providing campuses with specialist expertise to support the project from start to finish, in terms of financing, engineering, construction, and long-term maintenance."

"In Plenary Group we have found a world-class partner to develop and deliver this project. We look forward to the next steps and would like to thank ADIO and ADEK, as well as the leading international financial institutions and advisors that are supporting us, for their confidence and commitment to ensure the success of the project," he stated.

Plenary Group Chief Investment Officer Paul Crowe said: "This is an important milestone in the exciting growth phase of the Plenary business, and we are pleased to be collaborating with Besix - who we have previously partnered with in Australia - ADIO and ADEK to deliver this fantastic project."

"The strength of our PPP project development experience in Asia Pacific and North America has presented opportunities for us to export our skillset to other regions adopting a private partnership model. We commend the Abu Dhabi Government on its impressive programme of infrastructure development and investment and its acknowledgment that private sector capital can support its ambitions to deliver infrastructure vital for social and economic growth," stated Crowe.

"We look forward to delivering this exciting project and future opportunities in the region," he added.

The debt provider group comprises financial institutions HSBC, Intesa Sanpaolo and The Norinchukin Bank. They provide senior debt financing with a long-term maturity.-TradeArabia News Service
he United States is working with Ukraine on a 'Plan B' to export grain from the country following rocket attacks on the port of Odessa, Samantha Power, head of the US Agency for International Development, said on Monday.

"Plan B involves road and rail and river and sending in barges and adjusting the rail systems so that they're better aligned with those in Europe so that the exports can move out more quickly," Power told CNN's Larry Madowo in Nairobi, Kenya.

"We have been living the contingency plan because there's no way you can trust anything that [Russian President] Vladimir Putin says."

Power noted that, despite the security provided by the contingency plan, there is no alternative to Putin to lift the blockade and ensure the most efficient shipment of grain.

Recall that in Istanbul on July 22 a package of documents was signed to solve the problem of food and fertilizer supplies to world markets.

The memorandum between Russia and the UN fixes that the world organization is involved in the work to remove anti-Russian restrictions that impede the export of agricultural products and fertilizers. Another document prescribes the mechanism for the export of grain from the Black Sea ports controlled by Ukraine.

Agreements between Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and the UN imply the creation of a quadripartite coordination center, whose representatives will inspect grain ships in order to prevent arms smuggling and provocations.
A woman allegedly fired several shots into the air at Dallas Love Field Airport in Texas on Monday before police shot and took her into custody, CNN reported, citing police.

The incident happened around 11 a.m. when the 37-year-old woman arrived at the airport and went inside near the ticket booths, Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said. She went into the restroom, then came out of there wearing a sweatshirt, pulled out a firearm and began firing, apparently aiming for the ceiling.

The incident caused chaos and people began to scatter.

An officer who arrived on the scene shot her in the lower extremity, and she was taken into custody and is in the hospital. No one else was injured.

During the incident, the airport was evacuated and several flights were delayed.

Dallas Love Field Airport is located about six miles northwest of downtown Dallas and serves primarily Southwest Airlines, according to the airport's website.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the press service of Armenia PM reported.

The interlocutors discussed issues related to the Armenia-US bilateral agenda, as well as the security and stability of the region.

In particular, issues related to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks, the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, the opening of regional communications, the return of captives, and the clarification of the fate of missing persons became the subject of discussion.

Secretary of State Blinken expressed the readiness of the US as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair to support the solutions of all the mentioned issues.

Prime Minister Pashinyan reaffirmed his commitment to the peace agenda and emphasized that the Armenian public supports that course.

The interlocutors also discussed the processes taking place in Armenia-Turkey relations. The Secretary of State welcomed the telephone conversation between the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Turkey that took place this year on July 11 and expressed the readiness of the US to support the normalization of relations between the two countries.

The Armenian PM and the US Secretary of State expressed satisfaction with the high-level contacts between Armenia and the USA and agreed to continue the dialogue, the statement reads.
Story Highlights Environmental quality more worrying to younger than older Republicans

Worry among Republicans 35 and older is lowest in more than two decades

64% of Democrats across age groups worry "a great deal" about environment

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Even before the U.S. Supreme Court's June ruling that limits the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, a near-record-high 44% of Americans said they worried "a great deal" about the quality of the environment. As with many issues, though, partisans' views differ sharply on this measure. Yet, an in-depth analysis of Gallup data finds that while less than one-quarter of Republicans overall express this high level of worry, those aged 18-34 are significantly more worried than their older counterparts.

Likewise, independents under age 35 are more worried about environmental quality than older independents. Unlike Republicans, though, high-level worry among young independents rises to the majority level.

Democrats' concerns about the quality of the environment do not differ by age, with a solid 64% majority of each of the three age groups saying they worry a great deal.

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These findings are based on aggregated data from Gallup's Environment polls conducted from 2019 through 2022. This question has been asked in the annual survey every year since 2001 except 2003 and 2009. For analysis purposes, the data were divided into five four-year periods to allow for sufficient sample sizes for the age comparisons within each party group.

Trend in Worry About Quality of Environment Shows New Highs and Lows

Worry about the quality of the environment among the youngest group of Republicans has consistently outpaced that of the oldest group since 2001. The latest gap in worry between those aged 18-34 (32%) and those 55 and older (14%) is the largest it has been, after an eight-percentage-point increase among young Republicans and a five-point drop among older Republicans since 2015-2018.

High-level worry among Republicans aged 35 to 54 (18%) is similar to that of their older peers, with both groups signaling the lowest level of worry in the latest four-year period. Meanwhile, young Republicans' worry is near the highest it has been since 2001.

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Young independents have been steadily more worried about the environment than their older counterparts. The 60% of independents aged 18-34 who say they are worried a great deal about the environment is the highest on record. Yet, unlike Republicans aged 35 and older, independents in the older age groups have become increasingly worried in recent years, and the 40% to 45% of each with a great deal of worry are the highest in the trend.

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Democrats' worry has been relatively consistent throughout the trend, with little variance by age. The most recent readings are the highest on record.

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Older Republicans Least Likely to Say Global Warming Effects Have Begun

Republicans aged 55 and older are the least likely of all age groups in the three parties to believe that the effects of global warming have already begun, which may contribute to their lack of worry about the environment. About three in 10 of these older Republicans think the effects of global warming have already begun, while 35% say they will not begin in their lifetime but sometime in the future, and 23% think they will never happen.

Meanwhile, roughly equal pluralities of over four in 10 Republicans in the youngest and middle age groups say global warming effects have already begun.

At the same time, majorities of independents and Democrats across age groups likewise believe global warming effects have already started.

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Gallup also gauges Americans' level of worry about global warming specifically. Although young Republicans (20%) are slightly more likely than those aged 35 and older (9%) to say they worry a great deal about global warming, their concern is subdued. Similar to their concern about environmental quality, Democrats' worry about global warming varies little among age groups, with roughly 70% of each saying they worry a great deal. Independents' global warming concern diverges sharply among the three age groups, as a majority of those aged 18-34 (58%) worry a great deal, while fewer of those aged 35-54 (44%) and 55 and older (36%) do.

Bottom Line

Party is a greater differentiator than age in Americans' views about the environment, as the gaps on multiple measures between young and older Republicans are smaller than the gaps between every age group of Republicans and their Democratic counterparts. Still, unlike the homogeneity of Democrats when it comes to concerns about the environment, young Republicans worry more and are more likely than older members of their party to believe that the effects of climate change have begun.

Independents are similarly divided by age in their worry about the environment, though their degree of concern is higher than Republicans'. Yet, majorities of independents across age groups believe global warming is already having an effect.

Extreme weather events continue to plague the world, and more Americans say they experience them. Although Gallup has found that people who have experienced unusually warm or cold winters, for example, do not universally cite human-induced climate change as the cause, people who have been victimized by extreme weather, including Republicans, are more likely to worry about the environment and climate change.

If increasing numbers of Republicans experience extreme weather, and younger generations continue to exhibit higher levels of environmental concerns, these partisans overall may become more likely to believe global warming is affecting the world and increase their worry about the environment.

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

Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works.
HK students must learn from Xi Jinping's speech: govt

HK students must learn from Xi Jinping's speech: govt

Secretary for Education Christine Choi said on Monday students must understand that their goals and dreams in life are linked to the future of the country.



She also said they must learn from a recent speech President Xi Jinping made on Hong Kong.



Choi was responding to questions from Business and Professionals Alliance lawmaker Benson Luk and the Liberal Party's Michael Lee at a Legco subcommittee on national education on how schools can learn more from the president's speech in Hong Kong on July 1.



"All young people must grasp the important concepts [in the speech] so that they understand their goals and dreams in life must be closely related to the future of the country," she said.



The minister also said her bureau will hold sessions with school principals and teachers to study Xi's speech.



Another lawmaker, vice-chairman of the Federation of Education Workers Tang Fei, asked how officials can measure the effectiveness of national education.



Choi said if students show they want China to do well during flag-raising ceremonies or exchange tours as judged by teachers, this would mean the target is met.



Meanwhile, several lawmakers cast doubt over the effectiveness of mainland study tours on promoting national education.



Subcommittee chairwoman Priscilla Leung said the mainland tours aren't as good as those offered in other countries.



"In fact, many students have come back from these visits [saying] they don't believe in what they saw, [they claimed] everything was staged," she said.



In response, education officials said the study tours often allow students to visit places not available to others. They also said they've discussed with their mainland counterparts to ensure that students can learn something important from the sites they visit.



The DAB's Edward Leung said schoolchildren who choose not to go on mainland study tours do not face consequences.



Choi said the goal is not for students to chase marks when they make the trips, but for them to learn more about the country.
Bahrain's leading telecom services operator Batelco has announced a 12% growth in its net profit attributable to equity holders of the company for Q2 which soared to BD20 million ($53.1 million) from BD17.8 million ($47.2 million) last year mainly driven by revenues from international operations.

Announcing the results for the three-month period ended June 30, the revenue rose marginally to hit BD99.2 million ($263.1 million) from BD98.4 million ($261 million) in Q2.

The operating profit too increased by 4% to BD24.7 million ($65.5 million) from BD23.8 million ($63.1 million) last year, while ebitda stood at BD42.9 million ($113.8 million) in Q2, up 3% compared to BD41.7 million ($110.6 million) last year.

For the first six months of the year, Batelco said its profit attributable to equity holders rose to BD37.9 million ($100.5 million) from BD37.5 million ($99.5 million) in 2021. Earnings per share (EPS) stood at 22.9 fils for the period compared to an EPS of 22.7 for H1 2021.

According to Batelco, the total comprehensive income for H1 attributable to equity holders of the company plunged 46% from BD47.2 million ($125.2 million) last year to BD25.7 million ($68.2 million), mainly due to foreign exchange translation differences and investment fair value changes.

The telecom group's earnings per share (EPS) stood at 12.1 fils for the second quarter compared to 10.8 fils last year. Total comprehensive income attributable to equity holders in Q2 was reported at BD12.8 million ($34 million), down 26% from BD17.3 million ($45.9 million) last year.

The total revenue for the H1 period of BD197.7 million ($524.4 million), stated Batelco, was in line with the last year's figure of BD198.2 million ($525.7 million). Operating profits decreased by 5% from BD49.3 million ($130.8 million) to BD46.8 million ($124.1 million) due to increases in operating expenses.

The Bahrain telco giant pointed out that similarly, ebitda fell 2% from BD85.4 million ($226.5 million) in H1 2021 to BD83.5 million ($221.5 million) this year. The company maintained a healthy ebitda margin of 42% in H1 2022.

Batelco said its balance sheet remained strong with total equity hitting BD485.6 million ($1.28 billion) as of June 30, 1% lower than BD489.6 million ($1.3 billion) reported as of December 31, 2021.

The total company assets stood at BD1.02 billion ($2.72 billion) as of June 30, which is in line with total assets of BD1.03 billion ($2.7 million) as of December 31,2021. Similarly, net assets stand at BD528.1 million ($1.4 billion) as of 30 June are in line with BD530.7 million ($1.47 billion) reported as of 31 December 2021.

The Bahraini telecom operator's cash and bank balances stand at a substantial BD226.2 million ($600 million), which reflects the 2021 final dividend of 16.5 fils per share paid in April 2022.

Impressed with the results, the board of directors has approved an interim cash dividend of 13.5 fils per share (13.5% of paid-up capital) to the shareholders for the six-month period. This is in line with the 2021 interim dividend payment and the board's commitment to continuously deliver strong returns to shareholders.

Lauding the Batelco team, Chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said: "The board is pleased with the companys performance for Q2 which shows improvement over the same period of last year. This is reflected by 12% increase in net profits and increased EPS of 12.1 fils compared to 10.8 fils for Q2 2021."

"Delivering good returns on shareholder investment is a priority for our board of directors and we are focussed on driving an ambitious long-term strategy aimed at meeting the expectations of all stakeholders, stated Shaikh Abdulla.

"Stemming from a commitment to support the Kingdoms digital transformation vision, Batelco continues to be focussed on its digital growth strategy. The board was proud to witness the success of Elevate, Batelcos first of its kind technology forum for the Enterprise sector, which showcased the Companys digital brands Beyon Cyber, Beyon Connect and Beyon Solutions," he said.

The forum brought together hundreds of leaders from Bahrains business community and featured presentations and informative sessions led by experts from the Beyon teams and industry leaders including AWS," he added.

CEO Mikkel Vinter said Batelco has accelerated the momentum set in the first quarter to accomplish a number of significant achievements during Q2, keeping digital transformation foremost in mind and delivering on our commitment to the board.

During the quarter Batelco focussed on developing and diversifying its digital products and services across its core business, and introduced Cloud ERP and Retail Management Solutions, to help the enterprise sector manage their operations and costs efficiently and maximise revenues," he noted.

"For consumers, a major new Home Broadband campaign, with the biggest raffle in the Companys history, has begun. Its a very exciting opportunity open to existing and new customers, which will see a lucky customer win a luxury property in Diyar Al Muharraq early in 2023," added Vinter.-TradeArabia News Service
After six consecutive sessions of the rally, Indian stock indices took a breather on Monday morning. It traded marginally low in early trade largely due to profit booking. At 9.42 a.m., Sensex traded at 55,827.45 points, down 244.78 points or 0.44 per cent, whereas Nifty traded at16,653.10 points, down 66.35 points or 0.40 per cent. Indian equity markets recorded their best weekly performance during the past week, supported by renewed buying, especially in banking and IT stocks as well as the return of foreign investments into the Indian .markets after months. The latest consistent rally in Indian stocks has made investors richer by over Rs 9 trillion in the week that ended on Friday. The all-India market capitalization rose from Rs 25,190,063.14 crore on July 15 to Rs 26,106,487.37 on Friday, Bombay Stock Exchange data showed. The domestic equity market closed at its highest level in seven weeks, marking its best week since February 2021. Sensex and Nifty during the week rose around 3-4 per cent on a cumulative basis. "Market action this week will be in response to the results declared after market closure last Friday and in anticipation of the major results expected this week. RIL's results, though impressive on the telecom and retail front, fell slightly below expectations in the refining space," said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services. The US Fed's monetary policy meeting outcome to be released later this week will be another key focus for investors. "The Fed's rate announcement on 27th July is not likely to impact the market much since a 75 bp rate hike is already known and discounted by the market. The market will be keenly watching the Fed commentary for near-term triggers," Vijayakumar said. The silver lining in the markets is that foreign investors have again turned net buyers in July after multiple months of fund outflows. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) had been selling equities in the Indian markets for the past nine-to-ten months barring the latest buying due to various reasons, including tightening of monetary policy in advanced economies, and rising dollar and bond yields in the US. They have pulled out Rs 226,420 crore so far in 2022, NSDL data showed. Further, the Indian currency rupee has retreated from its all-time high of 80 per US dollar. This morning, it traded at around 79.81 per US dollar, data showed. "The lower extremity of our 79.85-80.15 band came under attack yet again on Friday, confirming our leaning towards downside bias, which now aims for 79.6. Pull back above 79.95 would, however, dilute such bias allowing intraday spikes to 80.05," said Anand James - Chief Market Strategist at Geojit Financial Services. (ANI)
Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], July 25 (ANI/PNN): ITM University, Raipur, organized an interactive session on "How NOT to screw the PRIME YEARS of your life" by the most recognized youth motivational and educational speaker in India - Akash on Saturday, July 9, 2022. The event was held at a lavish luxury hotel in Raipur - Hotel Babylon International. This exclusive session on self-discipline and career planning was especially for undergraduate students starting their careers. The event was an interactive session by Akash wherein he shared success stories to inspire and motivate the students. Anupam Sinha (Vice-President of ITM Group of Institutions), CPO Lakshmi Murthy, and ITM training program head Manisha Sachdeva were the dignitaries attending this extraordinary session. ITM University, a Chattisgarh-based higher education institution, was established by the esteemed ITM Group of Institutions. ITM Group of Institutions shares 30 years of relevant experience in education. Under its guidance, ITM University has been on a mission to impart industry-oriented education since its inception. The latest session was a part of its vision of making Indian youth career-ready. CPO Lakshmi Murthy emphasized in her welcome speech that ITM strives to provide a quality education through the right combination of theoretical and practical learning. ITM Group is keen on organizing sessions for students to clarify confusion and help them make informed career decisions. "While a few students are clear about their career choices, a large chunk of Indian youth face difficulties in choosing the right career path. Career confusion can significantly hurt your growth in your professional life. Therefore, students must learn how to stay focused throughout their student life and identify the optimal professional career. This session is just a series of our efforts to assist our youth in making informed career decisions. Stay tuned with us to know more about our future initiatives," she adds. In the session, Akash taught students not to get distracted and to focus on their goals. Using his unique storytelling capabilities, he informed the students about the importance of their prime years in building their professional careers and how they should never ruin these years. He further emphasized that techniques like making a daily routine, setting daily goals, and self-discipline can help them stay focused and grow. Akash shared his mantra of success - avoiding distractions, developing communication skills, introducing reading habits, and a good combination of smart work and hard work. Operational head - Deepti Mishra, Admission department head - Anand Robert, and the Admission team worked hard to make this one-of-its-kind event successful. The students of the university and the people of Raipur also appreciated the university's efforts to equip the region's students with quality knowledge on career decisions. Parents and students hope that ITM will organize many more sessions like this in the coming times to help the students out. This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)
The government is making sustained efforts to enhance coal production and supply of coal to thermal power plants, Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi said on Monday. In 2022-2023 (April 2022 to June 2022), all India average gap between the Energy Requirement and Energy Supplied was only one per cent. Gap between energy demand and supply is generally on account of factors other than inadequacy of power availability in the country, e.g. constraints in the distribution network, financial constraints, commercial reasons, forced outage of generating units, etc, the minister said in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha. There is no shortage of coal in the country. The all India coal production in the year 2021-2022 was 778.19 Million Tonne (MT) in comparison to 716.083 MT in the year 2020-2021. Further, in the current financial year (upto June'22), the country has produced 204.876 MT of coal as compared to 156.11 MT during the same period of last year with a growth of about 31 per cent, Joshi informed the upper house of the parliament. The Government on May 4, 2016 allowed States to use their coal in any private generating stations (IPPs) selected through e-bidding process and take equivalent power. The methodology named flexibility in utilization of domestic coal (Case-4) has been issued on February 20, 2017 by Ministry of Power. Supercritical technology and Ultra Super-Critical Technology for thermal power generation having improved efficiency of thermal power stations have already been adopted. This will lead to a reduction in fossil fuel consumption and thereby reducing CO2 emissions. As per Government approval, Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ) per Mega Watt (MW) entitlement of all power plants, irrespective of age or technical parameters, shall be calculated based on normative station heat rate with upper ceiling of 2600 kcal/kwh. Accordingly, in view of efficient utilization of coal in efficient units, normative coal requirement of less efficient power plants with heat rate above 2600 Kcal/Kwh has been limited to coal corresponding to 2600 kcal/kwh, the minister said. To address the issues of coal supplies to power sector, an Inter-Ministerial Sub Group comprising of representatives from Ministries of Power, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Railways, CEA, CIL and SCCL meet regularly to take various operational decisions to enhance supply of coal to thermal power plants as well as for meeting any contingent situations relating to Power Sector including to alleviate critical coal stock position in power plants. In addition to this, an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been constituted comprising of Chairman, Railway Board, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Secretary, Ministry of Power to monitor augmentation of coal supply and power generation capacity. Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Chairperson, CEA are co-opted as Special Invitees as and when required by the IMC. Coal dispatch from the captive coal blocks is also being monitored regularly. Coal India Limited, the largest supplier of coal in the country, has dispatched 152.49 MT of coal to Power Sector in the first quarter of the current fiscal surpassing all the previous highs of the same period and achieving a growth of 19 per cent over last year same period. Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has dispatched 14.43 MT of coal to Power Sector in the first quarter of the current fiscal achieving a growth of 4.1 per cent over last year same period. As per Central Electricity Authority (CEA), coal stock at the power plants has improved from the level of 25.6 MT as on 31.03.2022 to 28.3 MT on 18.07.2022. (ANI)
In a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, Singh said, "the Government is providing a total incentive of Rs 120 crore spread over three financial years starting 2021-22. The incentive for 2021-22 will be payable in 2022-23 after scrutiny of the financial results of the beneficiaries."

The government will provide the incentives under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for drones and drone components. The scheme was notified on September 30, 2021.

A provisional list of 23 PLI beneficiaries was released on July 6, 2022. The beneficiaries include 12 drone manufacturers and 11 drone component manufacturers.

The firms shortlisted for drone manufacturing incentives include Aarav Unmanned Systems, Bengaluru, Karnataka; Asteria Aerospace, Bengaluru, Karnataka; Dhaksha Unmanned Systems, Chennai, Tamil Nadu; EndureAir Systems, Noida, Uttar Pradesh; Garuda Aerospace, Chennai, Tamil Nadu; Ideaforge Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra; IoTechWorld Avigation, Gurugram, Haryana; Omnipresent Robot Technologies, Gurugram, Haryana; Raphe Mphibr, Noida, Uttar Pradesh; Roter Precision Instruments, Roorkee, Uttarakhand; Sagar Defence Engineering, Pune, Maharashtra; and Throttle Aerospace Systems, Bengaluru, Karnataka.

The companies shortlisted for drone component manufacturing include Absolute Composites, Bengaluru, Karnataka; Adani-Elbit Advanced Systems India, Hyderabad, Telangana; Adroitec Information Systems, New Delhi; Alpha Design Technologies, Bengaluru, Karnataka; Dynamake Engineering, Hyderabad, Telangana; Imaginarium Rapid, Mumbai, Maharashtra; SASMOS HET Technologies, Bengaluru, Karnataka; Servocontrols Aerospace India, Belagavi, Karnataka; Valdel Advanced Technologies, Bengaluru, Karnataka; ZMotion Autonomous Systems, Bengaluru, Karnataka; and Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The government has specified separate eligibility criteria for MSMEs and non-MSME firms for the incentive schemes.

The eligibility norm for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and startups is specified as Rs 2 crore of annual sales revenue for drone manufacturers and Rs 50 lakh of annual sales revenue for drone component manufacturers.

The eligibility norm for Non-MSME is specified as Rs 4 crore of annual sales revenue for drone manufacturers and Rs 1 crore of annual sales revenue for drone component manufacturers. Minimum value addition is specified as 40 per cent of net sales. (ANI)
Taking to Instagram, the 'Sanam Re' actor captioned the video, "Pl save me ........As an Actress my first PAN Indian film #Thelegend will release on the 28th of July, 2022 worldwide. Need all your love & wishes."

In the video, Urvashi could be seen shooting for an action sequence in an all-black look, as she holds a gun in her hand, with goons in the front, coming to attack her holding armours.

The 'Pagalpanti' actor deleted the post within an hour.

'The Legend' is an upcoming action thriller film which also stars debutant actor Saravanan in the lead role.

The film marks Urvashi's first Pan-India film.

Makers of the action film on July 18, unveiled the trailer and the first song of the film 'Po Po Po' together, which gathered mixed responses from the netizens.

'The Legend' is all set to hit the theatres on July 28, 2022, in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.

Apart from that, Urvashi will star with '365 Days' star Michele Morrone and Tomasz Mandes in a film, which will be helmed by director Barbara Bialowas. She will also be seen in the lead role of 'Inspector Avinash,' opposite Randeep Hooda.

The actor will star in the bilingual thriller 'Black Rose,' based on Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, as well as the Hindi remake of the superhit 'Thiruttu Payale 2'.

Urvashi will also star in her next worldwide music single alongside international sensation Jason Derulo. (ANI)
Rapper and songwriter made a surprise appearance during Future's set on Saturday at Rolling Loud in Miami. This was his first music festival appearance since last year's Astroworld tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 10 concertgoers. According to People magazine, Scott joined Future towards the end of his set and they performed their collab 'Hold That Heat' before launching into Scott's tracks 'Goosebumps' and 'No Bystanders'. Scott later performed in front of a lively crowd at Miami nightclub E11EVEN, where he previously made his return to the stage in May. In November, a total of 10 people were killed in a crowd rush during the Astroworld Festival tragedy. Scott has since offered to pay for the victims' funeral services, but several families have declined the offer. Scott currently faces a class action lawsuit on behalf of nearly 2,800 other victims. In March, Scott announced Project HEAL, a string of community-focused charity initiatives, and said he's taken time to "grieve, reflect and do my part to heal my community" alongside its launch. Earlier this month, at The Day Party: Independence Day concert in Coney Island, Brooklyn, Scott paused his performance to ensure fans' safety as some were seen scaling a lighting structure. "Hey yo, my bro, my brother, just make sure you're OK though, my brother. You hear me?" he said into the mic as the audience members climbed back down and the performance continued, as per People magazine. (ANI)
A man with suspected symptoms of monkeypox has been admitted to government-run Fever Hospital in Hyderabad, officials said on Sunday. The 40-year-old man, who came to his home town Kamareddy from Kuwait on July 6, developed fever on July 20. He approached a private hospital on Saturday after he developed rashes on the body. Suspecting it to be a case of monkeypox, doctors referred him to Kamareddy District Hospital and from there he was sent in an ambulance to Hyderabad on Sunday. He was admitted to Fever Hospital on Sunday evening. Director of Public Health Dr G. Srinivasa Rao said his samples were sent to National Institute of Virology, Pune for confirmation. Until the test report is received, he will remain under treatment at an isolation facility in the hospital. The official said the man's six close contacts were also identified. Though they have no symptoms, the authorities kept them in isolation as a precautionary measure. The director of public health said that people need not panic over monkeypox as it is not a fatal disease. He said that Health Minister Harish Rao was monitoring the situation and giving them directions. "We are taking all necessary measures," he said. --IANS ms/vd ( 212 Words) 2022-07-24-23:20:03 (IANS)
Union Education and Skill Development Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday said that Anusilan Samity was a prominent secret revolutionary society operating from Bengal in the 20th century with a mission to overthrow colonial rule and give momentum to India's struggle for freedom. Pradhan said that founded by Satish Chandra Pramatha Mitra, Aurobindo Ghose and Sarala Devi, Anusilan Samity was one among the many illustrious institutions from the pious land of Bengal that shaped the nation's conscience through nationalist writings, publications and emphasis on Swadeshi. He further said that legends like, Deshabandhu Chittaranjan Das, Surendranath Tagore, Jatindranath Banerjee, Bagha Jatin were associated with Anusilan Samity. Hedgewar was also an alumnus of the Samity. Blessed to pay reverence to these greats, especially during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, he added. The Minister urged NCERT and the Education fraternity to include enough information about Anusilan Samity, especially in the upcoming National Curriculum Framework (NCF). Important information about the chronicles of Anusilan Samity in our textbooks will inspire the next generation, he added. Notably, Anushilan Samiti was an Indian fitness club, which was actually used as an underground society for anti-British revolutionaries. In the first quarter of the 20th century, it supported revolutionary violence as the means for ending British rule in India. (ANI)
With two more workers rescued on Sunday, so far 10 of the 19 Assam workers who had gone missing in the forests near the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh's Kurung Kumey district 20 days ago have been rescued, officials said. Kurung Kumey Deputy Commissioner Bengia Nighee said on Sunday night that the two rescued workers -- Kholebuddin Shek (27) and Shamidul Shek (19) -- have been admitted to the government hospital in Naharlagun near Itanagar as their physical condition is not well. The rescue operations would resume on Monday to rescue the remaining nine missing workers. The two rescued workers said that they left four persons behind who were critical and could not walk through the dense forest and mountainous terrain, the Deputy Commissioner said. He said the Indian Air Force's chopper operation could not be carried out on Sunday due to bad weather conditions and that it resume on Monday if the weather improves. After 18 days, eight workers were rescued from the forests on Friday night, who are now undergoing treatment. Nighee, who is supervising the rescue operation, said that after fleeing from their project site camp at Huri on July 5, the 19 workers had entered a dense forest infested with poisonous snakes and wild animals. Subsequently, the workers split themselves into two groups of eight and 11, and the other group of 11 moved in a different direction. He said that a 25-member team of the SDRF accompanied by the police and local volunteers have been conducting search operations for the remaining missing persons in the Damin circle. The 19 workers, all residents of Assam, had been engaged by a contractor to work for a road construction project undertaken by the Border Road Organisation (BRO). The villagers reportedly informed the police that the workers left their work site after the contractor refused to grant them leave for Eid al-Adha. The workers had taken a shortcut jungle route to return to their homes in Kokrajhar and Dhubri in Assam. --IANS sc/arm ( 350 Words) 2022-07-24-23:18:02 (IANS)
President-elect Droupadi Murmu, who hails from the tribal community, will take oath as the 15th President of India on Monday. The ceremony of the assumption of office will take place in the Central Hall of Parliament. Murmu will be escorted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha M Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to the Central Hall. Once Droupadi Murmu reaches there, the National Anthem will be played in the Central Hall. Then, Droupadi Murmu will take the oath of office in the presence of the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana. On July 22, the former Jharkhand governor Murmu registered a historic win over her rival Yashwant Sinha in the Presidential election, becoming the first woman tribal candidate and the second woman in the country to occupy the highest office in the country. The NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu was 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. Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind also extended his best wishes to Droupadi 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. Born in a Santali tribal family on June 30, 1958 in Uparbeda village coming under Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, she had her education from Bhubaneswar and went on to work first as a junior assistant in the State Irrigation and Power Department from 1979 to 1983. After this short stint as a clerk, she became a teacher at Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre at Rairangpur till 1997. Murmu commenced her journey in the field of politics in 1997 by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She was first elected as the councillor of the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat and then went on to become the chairperson of the same panchayat in 2000. Later, she also served as the national vice president of the BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha. Murmu became a member of the council of ministers in the BJP and Biju Janata Dal coalition government in Odisha, first becoming the minister of state with independent charge for commerce and transportation from March 2000 to August 2022 and then minister for fisheries and animal resources development from August 2002 to May 2004. A legislator from Rairangpur assembly constituency in the years 2000 and 2004, she was conferred Nilkhantha Award for the best MLA by the Odisha assembly in 2007. In 2015, Murmu became the first woman governor of Jharkhand. She also became the first woman tribal leader from Odisha to be appointed as the governor of a state. Reports earlier claimed that Murmu was shortlisted for the top position in 2017 as well. She herself acknowledged it when the BJP leadership announced her candidature this time. However, during her political journey, she faced several lows in her life. Her husband Shyam Charan Murmu, passed away in 2014. She also lost both of her sons all in a span of just 4 years. Murmu devoted her life to serving society, empowering poor, downtrodden and marginalized sections of society. She has rich administrative experience and an outstanding gubernatorial tenure in Jharkhand. Murmu has made a special identity in public life by spreading awareness about education in tribal society and serving the public for a long time as a public representative. The President of India is the head of state in India. He/She is considered the first citizen of the country, acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers. According to article 60 of the constitution, the primary duty of the President of India is to uphold, defend, and preserve the Indian constitution and the law. The president appoints the Chief Justice of India and other judges on the advice of the chief justice. The President of India is elected by the elected representatives of the parliament and the state legislature. The electoral college elects the President of India and the representation of its members is proportionate. The term of the President of India is of 5 years and no law can be implemented in India without the President's signature. President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday addressed the nation on the last day of his office, expressing a belief that the country is capable of making the 21st century as the one belonging to India. "Five years ago, you put faith in me and elected me as the president. I express my gratitude to all the Indians and their public representatives," he said in a televised address to the nation. Later, Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday hosted dinner for President-elect Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union council of ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. President Kovind was sworn in as the 14th President of India on July 25, 2017 for a five-year term. Droupadi Murmu will be sworn in as the next President on Monday. (ANI)
A high-level Bahraini delegation, led by Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Mohammed bin Thamer Al-Kaabi, attended the Farnborough International Airshow, held in Farnborough, UK on July 18-21.



The participation in the world event is within the framework of the efforts exerted by the work team of the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS), in line with the directives of HM the King's Personal Representative and President of BIAS Supreme Organising Committee, His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to highlight BIAS at the international level and attract mega world aviation companies and international partners to take part in it, reported Bahrain News Agency (BNA).



The sixth edition of BIAS, set to be held at the Al-Sakhir Airbase on November 9-11, 2022, will coincide with its 10th anniversary.



Al-Kaabi said that the kingdoms participation in the Farnborough International Airshow follows the outstanding success of BIAS 2018, in which more than 187 companies and 120 civilian and military delegations took part.



It is also part of the work teams efforts to attract a large number of international companies to participate in BIAS 2022, he added.



The minister indicated that BIAS is the largest aviation event in the Kingdom, and is part of its integrated strategy to develop the aviation sector and attract investments, adding that it contributes to promoting Bahrains status as a stimulating destination for pioneering businesses, as well as creating new job opportunities for Bahrainis and honing their skills through their interaction with the participating companies.



During the Farnborough International Airshow, opened by UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, the minister held meetings with the companies that had confirmed their participation in BIAS 2022, and discussed with them issues of mutual concern.



The minister held meetings with senior officials of Air Bus, BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Leonardo, Thales, CFM, Gulf Stream and Bell Helicopters, in addition to the CEO of Farnborough International Limited, the organisers of the Airshow.





He also held meetings with many countries delegations, including the Saudi, led by Transport and Logistic Services Minister, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, with whom he discussed ways to enhance the role of the aviation sector in the two brotherly countries.



He also met the Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), Ahmed Al-Ohali, in the presence of the CEO of the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), Khalid Abu Al-Waleed.



The minister also held a meeting with a US delegation comprising representatives of the Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) and Kallman Worldwide company, which will participate in BIAS 2022.



During their UK visit, the Bahraini delegation also participated in the Royal International Air Tattoo, organised by the British Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE).



During the event, the UK Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (Red Arrows), one of the world's premier aerobatic display teams, announced its participation in the Bahrain International Airshow for the first time.



It is worth noting that chalet sales of BIAS 2022 have soared following the gradual recovery of the aviation industry since the beginning of this year.



Nearly 130 military and civil aircraft will participate in the forthcoming BIAS 2022, in which a host of events, forums and meetings with senior officials of aviation companies will be held.
A PG student of Anaesthesia (third year) of a medical college died by suicide in the college hostel on Sunday allegedly due to an overdose of drugs. Confirming the news development, Indore Police Sub-Inspector Manisha Darani told ANI, "A PG student of Anaesthesia died by suicide. We are suspecting that she died due to an overdose of drugs." "A suicide note has been recovered. Further investigation into the matter is underway," said Manisha Darani. The police are investigating the matter. To address the burden of mental disorders, the Government of India is implementing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) since 1982. The Government is supporting the implementation of the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) under NMHP in 704 districts of the country. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed in March 2022 that to generate awareness among the masses about mental illnesses, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities are an integral part of the NMHP. At the district level, sufficient funds are provided under the DMHP under the National Health Mission for IEC and awareness generation activities in the community, schools, workplaces and community at large. Further, realizing the impact that COVID-19 may have on the mental health of the people, the Government has taken a number of initiatives. These include, Setting up of a 24/7 helpline to provide psychosocial support, by mental health professionals, to the entire affected population, divided into different target groups viz children, adults, elderly, women and healthcare workers; Issuance of guidelines/ advisories on the management of mental health issues, catering to different segments of society; Advocacy through various media platforms in the form of creative and audio-visual materials on managing stress and anxiety, and promoting an environment of support and care for all. Issuance and dissemination of detailed guidelines by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru- "Mental Health in the times of COVID-19 Pandemic - Guidance for General Medical and Specialized Mental Health Care Settings". All the guidelines, advisories and advocacy material can be accessed on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website under "Behavioural Health - Psychosocial helpline". Online capacity building of health workers by NIMHANS in providing psychosocial support and training through (iGOT)-Diksha platform. Besides the above, the Government has announced a "National Tele Mental Health Programme" in the Budget of 2022-23, to further improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country. With the objective to mobilize efforts in support of mental health and to raise awareness about mental health issues and advocate against the social stigma that surrounds mental health, World Mental Health Day is also observed on the 10th of October of each year. The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Bharti Pravin Pawar stated this information on tackling mental health problems in a written reply in the Lok Sabha in March 2022. (ANI)
The Prime Minister's office informed that Harmohan Singh Yadav (18 October, 1921 - 25 July, 2012) was a towering figure and leader of the Yadav community. Prime Minister's participation in the programme is in recognition of the contribution of the late leader for farmers, backward classes and other sections of the society.

Harmohan Singh Yadav remained active in politics for a long time and served in various capacities as MLC, MLA, member of Rajya Sabha and chairman of 'Akhil Bhartiya Yadav Mahasabha'. He was also instrumental in establishing many educational institutions in and around Kanpur with the help of his son Sukhram Singh.

Harmohan Singh Yadav was awarded Shaurya Chakra in 1991 for display of valour in protecting the lives of several Sikhs during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. (ANI)
Amidst the ongoing probe in the school jobs scam case in West Bengal, the Calcutta High Court has directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to transfer arrested West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on Monday morning. The Court said that political leaders belonging to the ruling party (Trinamool Congress) had successfully avoided ED quizzing in the past by taking shelter in SSKM hospital in Kolkata. The court was hearing the Enforcement Directorate's plea against the transfer of the arrested West Bengal minister to state-run SSKM Hospital. Notably, ED prayed before the magistrate to allow Chatterjee to be taken to Command Hospital instead of the state-run SSKM. ED said that Chatterjee is a senior minister and his roots are deep in government hospitals, where he can be influential. However, the court ordered Chatterjee to be taken to SSKM Hospital. The court said that the accused would be taken to the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata by an ambulance from the SSKM Hospital and would be accompanied by his advocate and an SSKM doctor. The court directed that the minister be produced before a special ED court in Kolkata through virtual mode at 4 pm on Monday. TMC, on the other hand, demanded a time-bound probe in the ED case against Chatterjee, asserting the party will not interfere politically if any leader has done anything wrong. ED also produced the senior TMC leader's associate Arpita Mukherjee before a court, which remanded her to one-day custody of the agency. ED personnel raided several locations in the state on July 22 as part of their probe into the money trail involved in a teacher recruitment scam at government-sponsored and aided schools. Crores of rupees in cash along with other items were allegedly recovered from Mukherjee's residence, sources said. PTI could not independently verify the information. Chatterjee and Mukherjee were arrested as part of the ED's investigation into the scam. (ANI)
According to a study, kids rate foods they perceive to be natural as having greater levels of taste, safety, and desire than foods they perceive to be manufactured. Researchers say the tendency in adults to prefer natural food is well documented. However, the latest findings found this food bias exists in early and middle childhood as well. Researchers at the Universities of Edinburgh and Yale studied the preferences of more than 374 adults and children in the United States when presented with apples and orange juice and told of their origins. In one study, 137 children aged six to 10 years old were shown three apples. They were told one was grown on a farm, one was made in a lab, and another grown on a tree inside a lab. The team used questionnaires and statistical models to assess the children's apple preferences in terms of perceived tastiness, perceived safety and desire to eat. Adults took part in the same study to compare age groups. Both children and adults preferred apples they believed were grown on farms to those grown in labs, researchers found. Children were more likely to refer to freshness, being outside, or sunlight when considering why they chose the farm apple. Adults were more likely to mention naturalness. In a second study, 85 children aged five to seven years old and group of 64 adults were shown four different kinds of orange juice -- one described as squeezed on a farm, one with no information about it, one with chemicals allegedly removed and one described as having chemicals added. Researchers found that the information on the juice's naturalness had a significant effect on its rating. The participants gravitated to the more natural option based on perceived taste, safety and desire to consume. Both studies showed that age had little effect on the outcome, with children as young as five and as old as ten responding similarly. Researchers say the findings suggest the belief that natural foodstuffs are good could be established at five-years-old -- and possibly even younger. Dr Matti Wilks, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, said: "Overall we provide evidence that, at least in the United States, our tendency to prefer natural food is present in childhood. This research offers a first step towards understanding how these preferences are formed, including whether they are socially learned and what drives our tendency to prefer natural things." (ANI)
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's chair remained empty at the Delhi government event at the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary on Sunday which he was scheduled to attend alongside Lieutenant governor VK Saxena hours after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the BJP-led Centre of hijacking the programme. Earlier in the day, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai had alleged that the Centre had hijacked a Delhi government event at the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary by sending a team of Delhi Police to the event on Saturday. Addressing a press conference on Sunday in this regard, Rai said, "The 'Van Mahotsav' organized by the Kejriwal government was to conclude today in the presence of CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal and LG Sir, but it is very unfortunate that last night, on the instructions of the Prime Minister's Office, the police 'hijacked' the government program and made it a political program." "What did PM Modi ji want to prove by putting his picture in the program of Delhi Government?," he said. "The government has planted about 2 crores 10 lakh saplings in Delhi since 2014. Today the green area of Delhi has increased from the standard 20 per cent to more than 23%. To meet the target of planting 35 lakh saplings this year, the campaign will continue with all the departments," he added. "We don't want to fight but the government program was made political, so both Chief Minister and I did not go," Gopal Rai said. The 'Van Mahotsav' program has been going on in Delhi since July 11. At the event, one lakh trees are to be planted as a part of the programme. Sunday, July 24, is the last day of the event. The feud between Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal escalated after the latter skipped a pre-decided combined programme on Sunday. The LG said that he expects the Chief Minister to be present in future events "to give a message" that they "want to work together" for the city`s development.A pre-decided combined programme of tree plantation drive at Asola Bhatti mines was organised, which was skipped by the Chief Minister. . This comes days after Kejriwal skipped the weekly meeting called by the LG on Friday citing ill-health. However, the Aam Aadmi Party alleged that the LG had also skipped one of the meetings on July 8. "Delhi Police forcefully took over the stage of Van Mohatsav before the programme. It is a Delhi government event, the CM and LG were to attend jointly. Posters showcasing Prime Minister Narendra Modi were put up and the government programme was turned into a political BJP programme. This is the reason Delhi CM and ministers decided not to attend the event," said the AAP. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his guidance in the development of Uttarakhand and said that the state government is committed to developing Uttarakhand as per the PM's dreams and it plans to double the state GDP in the next 5 years. Dhami participated in the Chief Ministers Council meeting held on Sunday under the chairmanship of PM Modi in New Delhi. After the meeting, Dhami said, "The verdict of Uttarakhand 2025 and 2030 is being prepared to realize the dream of the decade of the 21st century. A press note released by Uttarakhand Chief Minister's Office (CMO) informed about a vision plan according to which the state is eyeing to double the state Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the next 5 years, targetting a growth rate of 15 per cent per year. "Vision Plan, the target of doubling the state's gross domestic product in the upcoming 5 years through a 15 per cent growth rate per year. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami detailed the development work and further development of the state in the conference, in order to realize the Vision Plan of Uttarakhand, in this financial year, capital expenditure increased by 13 per cent to 17 per cent relative to the last year's budget. As a result of this increase, the state has achieved the target of 4 per cent of the state's gross domestic product in the state of the state". The state has been selected in the category of Achievers in the Ease of Business Rankings. In the state, more than one lakh new employment opportunities have been created by attracting private investment of more than Rs 600 crore through various schemes. The Chief Minister said that this time about 28 lakh people participated in the Char Dham journey. The Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister for his esteemed guidance and for providing direction to the Prime Minister for the rebuilding of Kedarnath and Badrinath Dhams. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a meeting with chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of BJP-ruled states at the party headquarters in Delhi to deliberate on the developmental work done by them. The meeting was also attended by the BJP president, JP Nadda, its senior leader and Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Vinay Sahsrabuddhe, who heads the party's good governance cell. The chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of 18 states where the BJP is in power on its own or in alliance with other parties held deliberations on achieving a 100 per cent target of all centrally sponsored welfare schemes and flagship programmes, sources said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma are among those who attended the meeting. Nagaland Chief Minister Nephio Rio, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha are also present. Several deputy chief ministers including Maharashtra's Devendra Fadnavis and Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi from Bihar attended the meeting. (ANI)
The injured persons were admitted to CHC Haidergarh with those who sustained serious injuries being referred to the trauma centre in Lucknow, police said.

The police and rescue team including ASP Manoj Pandey present on the spot, and relief and rescue work continues.

The accident happened near Narendrapur Madraha village in the Loniktra police station area.

Both the double-decker buses were going to Delhi from Sitamarhi and Supaul in Bihar.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief and extended condolences to the families of the victims who died in the accident.

More details awaited. (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) is all set to launch a two-day Tiranga Yatra on the Kargil Vijay Diwas starting today under the leadership of BJYM National President and MP Tejasvi Surya. According to the BJYM statement, the yatra will commence from Lal Chowk in Srinagar and culminate at Kargil. National office bearers, executive members and state presidents of BJYM will participate in this yatra. On July 26, the BJYM will celebrate Vijay Diwas at Kargil War Memorial. The caravan of flag-bearing bikes will be flagged off at Lal Chowk Srinagar, wherein National General Secretary of BJP Tarun Chugh will be the chief guest. Surya has instructed all the attendees to bring soil from the front yard of the martyrs' homes in their respective states, which shall be dedicated at the war memorial as a symbolic gesture of the immortality of the fallen and to honour their families. "It is a matter of honour for BJYM to lead the first organizational program of BJP in Kashmir since the abrogation of article 370. BJYM's historic Tiranga Yatra from Lal Chowk to Kargil on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas will deliver the message of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as BJYM Karyakartas from across India will join me in this yatra," said Surya. BJYM President will address the public event. He will be joined by MPs and other dignitaries who will also be a part of the bike rally. The team will pay homage to the fallen soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial and also it will unfurl the 75-meter-long Indian National Flag to mark 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'. Earlier on Sunday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the abrogation of Article 370 has brought a new dawn of hope to the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "India has become a strong and confident nation which is well-equipped to protect its people from anyone who tries to cast an evil eye," said Rajnath Singh during an event organised to commemorate 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' in Jammu on Sunday. Highlighting the Centre's effort to build a self-reliant defence ecosystem, Singh said that self-reliant India is well-equipped to give a befitting reply to anyone who casts an evil eye. The closing ceremony will be held in Kargil City. Kargil war hero Gen VK Singh, Union MoS Civil Aviation, will grace the occasion as the chief guest. "It will be a historic and the largest political event in Kashmir since the Abrogation of Article 370 and the complete constitutional integration of Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," it said in a statement. This event is all set to send a loud and clear message to the entire nation calling for unity and oneness while at the same time celebrating the valour of the Indian Army. On July 26, BJYM will organize Prabhat Pheris across all districts with Tiranga Yatra. The closing ceremony will also be live streamed across all BJP offices. Meanwhile, the Indian Army is gearing up for the 23rd Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh's Drass. The preparations are underway at the sleepy town of Drass, Kargil. Vijay Diwas is being held from July 24 to 26 at the Kargil War Memorial. Each year, Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26 to honour the valour and sacrifice of the soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty during the Kargil War. The Indian Armed Forces defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay. The day marks the victory of Indian soldiers in recapturing the mountain heights that were occupied by the Pakistani Army on July 26, 1999, known as the Kargil War. The Kargil War was fought between May 8, 1999, to July 26, 1999, against Pakistan intruders, who in the winters of 1998 transgressed into the Indian territory across the Line of Control and occupied fortified defences overlooking the NH 1A in Kargil's Drass and Batalik Sectors of Ladakh region with a nefarious aim of dominating all military and civil movement on the highway. (ANI)
Trinamool Congress Minister and former Education Minister of the state Partha Chatterjee was on Monday flown to Bhubaneswar in an air ambulance for treatment. Chatterjee, was earlier today seen leaving the SSKM hospital in Kolkata in a wheelchair and taken in an ambulance to the airport. The minister who was arrested in connection with a teacher recruitment scam at government-sponsored and aided schools was accompanied by a doctor from SSKM Hospital and his advocate, as per Calcutta HC's order. Chatterjee, who was arrested by the ED on Saturday, complained of heart pain just hours after the ED remand and demanded "proper medical facilities" if ED's custody is granted, Chatterjee's lawyer Somnath Mukherjee had told the media persons in Kolkata. While ED prayed before the magistrate to allow Chatterjee to be taken to Command Hospital instead of the state-run SSKM. ED said that Chatterjee is a senior minister and his roots are deep in government hospitals, where he can be influential. However, the court ordered Chatterjee to be taken to SSKM Hospital. The Court directed that the minister be produced before a special ED court in Kolkata through virtual mode at 4 pm on Monday. TMC, on the other hand, demanded a time-bound probe in the ED case against Chatterjee, asserting the party will not interfere politically if any leader has done anything wrong. ED also produced the senior TMC leader's associate Arpita Mukherjee before a court, which remanded her to one-day custody of the agency. ED personnel raided several locations in the state on July 22 as part of their probe into the money trail involved in a teacher recruitment scam at government-sponsored and aided schools. Arpita Mukherjee was arrested on July 23, the arrest was made after ED recovered huge cash amounting to approximately Rs 20 crore from Mukherjee's residence on Friday. A total of more than 20 mobile phones have also been recovered from the premises of Arpita Mukherjee, a close aide of Chatterjee, the purpose and use of which are being ascertained, said the probe agency. Besides cash, a number of other incriminating documents, records, details of dubious companies, electronic devices, foreign currency and gold has also been recovered from the various premises of the persons linked to the scam. (ANI)
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai is likely to move a motion in the Rajya Sabha later on Monday for election to the Committee of Parliament on Official Language. Rai is set to move the motion during the business of the Upper House after it will assemble for the day at 2 pm. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is the Chairperson of the Official Language Committee. "In pursuance of sub-section (2) of Section 4 of the Official Languages Act, 1963 (19 of 1963), this House does proceed to elect, in the manner as directed by the Chairman, two Members from amongst the Members of the House to be members of the Committee on Official Language in an existing vacancy and another that will arise on the 1 August 2022, due to the retirement of Dr Subhash Chandra from the membership of the Rayya Sabha," mentions revised list of business of Rajya Sabha. Under Article, 344 (4) of the Constitution, a Committee of Parliament on Official Language was constituted with 30 members (20 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha) in September 1957 and on November 16, 1957, its first meeting was convened. The then Union Home Minister Govind Vallabh Pant presented its report to the President on February 8, 1959, after a detailed discussion in its 26 meetings. The Commission and the Committee both were of the view that the use of English, after January 26, 1965, be continued as a co-official language. The Committee suggested that the medium of English in the examinations for the recruitment to the All India Services and Higher Central Services should be continued and later on Hindi may be introduced as an optional medium. A discussion was carried out on the Report in the Lok Sabha from September 2 to 4, 1959 and in the Rajya Sabha from September 8 to 9, 1959. The Prime Minister gave a statement in the Lok Sabha on 4th September. 1959. While clarifying broadly the Government's stand on the Official Language, he repeatedly said that English be made as an associate or additional language and it can be used in correspondence by any state with the Government of India or with other states. Further, he clarified that till such time the non-Hindi speaking states agree to stop using English, no time limit would be laid down in this regard. Home Minister Shah in April this year presided over the 37th meeting of the Parliamentary Official Language committee here in the national capital and said that the pace at which the current committee is working has rarely been seen before. In the meeting, Shah said that the time has come to make the Official Language an important part of the unity of the country. He had said that when citizens of States who speak other languages, communicate with each other, it should be in the language of India. The Minister said that Hindi should be accepted as an alternative to English and not to local languages. Shah had said that unless we make Hindi flexible by accepting words from other local languages, it would not be propagated. Now 70 per cent of the agenda of the Cabinet is prepared in Hindi and 22,000 Hindi teachers have been recruited in the eight states of the North East. Also, nine tribal communities of the North East have converted their dialects' scripts to Devanagari. Apart from this, all the eight states of the North East have agreed to make Hindi compulsory in schools up to Class 10. (ANI)
Mandarin Oriental Group, an owner and operator of some of the worlds most luxurious hotels, has launched a luxury accommodation package that combines the two best Spanish destinations: Barcelona and Madrid.



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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will not attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Droupadi Murmu today in the national capital. This is not the first time Nitish Kumar will be skipping such an important event. Earlier also he has missed several events organised by the BJP by giving excuses, showing that there is a rift between Bihar CM and the BJP. The Chief Minister has skipped several functions where the invite came from the party's top brass. On July 17, he even missed a meeting of Chief Ministers called by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. On Friday, he again skipped dinner for outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. President-elect Droupadi Murmu will take oath today as the Rashtrapati of India. Chief Justice of India NV Ramana will administer the oath to her at 10:15 am in the central hall of Parliament. This will be followed by a 21-gun salute. The ceremony will begin with the arrival of the outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind's arrival in Parliament. Murmu will deliver her first address shortly after taking an oath of the office of the President of India. Earlier in teh day, president-elect Murmu paid homage to the 'Father of the Nation' Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in the national capital. Later, she called on outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind and his wife Savita Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Murmu will be escorted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha M Venkaiah Naidu, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to the Central Hall. Once Droupadi Murmu reaches there, the National Anthem will be played in the Central Hall. Then, Droupadi Murmu will take the oath of office in the presence of the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana. On July 22, the former Jharkhand Governor Murmu registered a historic win over her rival Yashwant Sinha in the Presidential election, becoming the first woman tribal candidate and the second woman in the country to occupy the highest office in the country. The NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu was 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. (ANI)
Aam Admi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on Monday gave suspension of business notice under Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha over the 'misuse of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) against the Delhi Government.' "Probes on a large scale by the central agencies are becoming a barrier in the work done for the common man. Along with CBI, and ED, there is no other agency left that had not been misused by the central government," Singh alleged in a letter (roughly translated from Hindi). This comes after Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday recommended an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the alleged violations of the Arvind Kejriwal-led government's new contentious excise policy. Saxena had ordered "deliberate and gross procedural lapses" made by deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia to "provide post tender undue benefits to liquor licensees." A report on July 8 by the Chief Secretary established prima facie violations of GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR) 1993, Delhi Excise Act 2009 and Delhi Excise Rules 2010. The report indicated substantively of financial quid pro quo at the top political level and that Delhi's excise policy was implemented with the sole aim of benefitting private liquor barons for financial benefits to individuals at the highest rungs of the government leading up to Manish Sisodia. The Minister in charge of the Excise Department, Manish Sisodia took and got executed, major decisions/actions in violation of the statutory provisions and the notified Excise Policy that had huge financial implications, officials at the LG office had said. The LG office had said that Sisodia also extended "undue financial favours" to the liquor licensees much after the tenders had been awarded and thus caused huge losses to the exchequer. Sisodia's role is under the scanner for alleged deliberate and gross procedural lapses which provided undue benefits to the tender process for liquor licensees for the year 2021-22, officials in the Lieutenant-Governor's office had told ANI. Arvind Kejriwal called the allegations against Sisodia 'bogus.' The Delhi CM said that he has known Sisodia for 22 years and he is a 'hardcore honest' man. The excise policy was passed in chief minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi Cabinet in the middle of the deadly Delta Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. As migrants were leaving the city, dhabas, restaurants, hotels, gyms, schools, and all other business establishments were facing closure, the excise department under Sisodia allegedly allow a waiver of Rs 144.36 crores to a liquor cartel with an excuse of COVID-19 pandemic. "While people were dying, livelihoods collapsing, businesses shutting down that could have been helped by giving financial assistance, all that the Kejriwal government had on mind was benefitting merchants of alcohol in lieu of kickbacks and commissions," the LG office said. However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had claimed that the new excise policy was formulated to ensure the generation of optimum revenue, and eradicate the sale of spurious liquor or non-duty paid liquor in Delhi, besides improving user experience. AAP national spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj told reporters the CBI investigation has been ordered at the behest of the central government. "In 2016, when our government had completed one year, even then the central government was nervous and efforts were made to stop the work of Kejriwal government. The then LG got instructions from the Prime Minister's Office and by forming a Shinglu committee, 400 of our files were examined but nothing came out," he had said. He had lashed out at the Central government saying that the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were jealous of the rising popularity of AAP across the country and would do anything to stop them. "We already knew this, Arvind Kejriwal has also said that after Satyendra Jain, the central government will try to trap Manish Sisodia in any case. But it will not happen. Their effort is to restrict AAP only in Delhi and Punjab, but people are watching and they will not allow this to happen," Bharadwaj had added. The new Excise policy 2021-22 was implemented in November last year. "I asked a question (in Parliament) what is the amount that the Govt earned in the last 6 years through excise duty on petrol & diesel. The Govt, in a written reply, told me that Govt of India earned excise duty of more than Rs 16 Lakh crore in last six years," AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha had told ANI. He had argued that even if one combines the Budgets of several Indian states, it would perhaps not cross the figure of Rs 16 Lakh crore. "What do we call it if not a loot? What did the government do with it? They used our money to pay off loans of big industrialists and loot common man and poor," Chadha had added. The Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced on July 18 and will continue till August 12. There will be 18 sittings during the Session. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described Droupadi Murmu taking over as India's President as a "watershed moment" for the country, especially for the poor, marginalised and downtrodden. The entire nation watched with pride as she took oath, PM Modi said, wishing her the best for a fruitful tenure. Murmu on Monday became India's first tribal President. PM Modi also extended best wishes to Mumru for a fruitful Presidential tenure. "The entire nation watched with pride as Droupadi Murmu ji took oath as the President of India. Her assuming the Presidency is a watershed moment for India, especially for the poor, marginalised and downtrodden. I wish her the very best for a fruitful Presidential tenure," PM Modi said in a tweet. The Prime Minister hailed Murmu's oath-taking speech and said she gave a message of hope and compassion. "In her address after taking oath, President Droupadi Murmu ji gave a message of hope and compassion. She emphasised on India's accomplishments and presented a futuristic vision of the path ahead at a time when India is marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav," he added. PM Modi also tweeted several pictures from the presidential oath-ceremony. Chief Justice of India NV Ramana administered the oath of office of the President to Murmu in the Central Hall of Parliament. The 64-year-old defeated opposition presidential candidate Yashwant Sinha to become the first tribal and the second woman to hold the top constitutional post. Murmu was escorted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice-President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha M Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to the Central Hall of Parliament. Members of the Council of Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, heads of diplomatic missions, Members of Parliament and principal civil and military officers of the government were also present at the swearing-in ceremony. Ahead of the oath ceremony, Murmu visited the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and paid her respects to the Father of the Nation. She then met outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind and first lady Savita Kovind. President Murmu in her address to the nation after being sworn in stated that she was the first President to be born in independent India and was honoured to take charge at a time when the country is completing 75 years of Independence. She also said her elevation to the post is not only her own achievement but that of every poor of the country and is a reflection of the confidence of crores of Indians. Soon after the oath ceremony, President Murmu assumed the office of President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. She also inspected Tri-Services Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Tri-Services Guard of Honour was also presented to the outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan. (ANI)
A class 12 student allegedly hung herself to death in her hostel room of a government-aided school in Tamil Nadu's Thiruvallur District, police said on Monday. The security near the school area and the girls' village was increased following the incident. As per reports, it is alleged that the girl committed suicide and will be shifted to Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID) as per Madras High Court's ruling, which stated that any death inside an educational institution must be investigated by the CB-CID. Meanwhile, parents and relatives of the girl staged protests by blocking roads at Thekkalur demanding action into the matter. The incident comes in the wake of the suicide of a Class 12 student in Kallakurichi of the state who died by suicide after alleged torture by teachers. After the death of the student, who purportedly jumped from the terrace of her hostel at a private school in Kallakuruchi there were violent protests in the district, prompting the Salem Police to deploy heavy security around the school and other areas. Section 144 had to be imposed in several areas. The High Court also ordered the Police to find out who instigated the violence. The last rites of the deceased Class 12 girl, who died by suicide after alleged torture by teachers were performed in Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi Veppur on Saturday. The Madras High Court on Friday ordered the family of the Class 12 student who died in Kallakurichi, to accept her body which is currently in police custody, and asked the parents not to draw the case out further. The Court was hearing a plea by the Tamil Nadu government, seeking direction from the parents to collect the student's mortal remains and conduct the last rites. The High Court Bench ordered the parents to collect the body no later than 11 am on Saturday, July 23, failing which police action would be taken. The parents have agreed to collect the body between 6 am and 7 am on Saturday.(ANI)
Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted a raid at the Mateer Memorial Church here in Kerala's capital city. The ED also raided the headquarters of the CSI South Kerala diocese, which houses the office of Church supreme leader Bishop A Dharmaraj Rasalam. The raids were done following allegations of corruption at the Church-run medical college at Karakonam. According to the allegations, huge amounts of money were taken on the pretext of offering admission to medical college. Simultaneous raids were also being carried out at the residences of Church's secretary T T Praveen and the medical director of CSI Medical College, Karakonam Dr Bennet Abraham. "They want to do something against the church, they want to destroy the church. So they are filing cases one by one against different bodies. Let them do it we are happy to face it," Christian Education Board Director Fr. C R Godwin told ANI. "Today morning at 6.30 they came and started the raid. They did not inform us. Till now the questioning is going on and Bishop has a conference to attend, if they leave we are happy," he added. Meanwhile, the ED on Saturday arrested West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee's close aide Arpita Mukherjee after the probe agency recovered huge cash amounting to approximately Rs 20 crore from the aide Arpita Mukherjee's residence on Friday. The raids were conducted at Arpita Mukherjee's residential premises in connection with an alleged teacher recruitment scam in the state. The said amount is suspected to be the proceeds of the crime of said SSC scam. A total of more than 20 mobile phones have also been recovered from the premises of Arpita Mukherjee, the purpose and use of which are being ascertained, said the probe agency. Besides cash, a number of other incriminating documents, records, details of dubious companies, electronic devices, foreign currency and gold have also been recovered from the various premises of the persons linked to the scam. (ANI)
A car with five occupants rammed into a stationary DTC bus at a bus stand on a highway near Nangli Poona earlier today, leaving three of them dead, and the other two injured.

A legal action to follow.

Earlier on June 5, one person died while five others were injured in a road accident in New Delhi's Pandav Nagar.

The incident is said to have taken place at around 1.15 am.

According to the police, a car which was coming from Haridwar and was going towards Karol Bagh rammed into a standing truck.

"There were six people sitting in the car who were injured. After getting the information police reached on the spot and shifted them to the hospital, out of which 1 person died," a police official had said. (ANI)
The arrested accused have been identified as Pranab Barkait, Pritam Roy Sarkar (arrested from Kolkata), Ratan Roy Sarkar, Liton Shil, Liton Bhaumik, Nakul Roy Sarkar and Biswajit Barman alias Biswa (arrested from Jaipur).

In the statement, CBI stated that they had registered a case in compliance with orders dated August 19, 2021, of High Court Calcutta pertaining to Post Poll violence in West Bengal and taken over the investigation of a case earlier registered at Police Station Dinhata, Cooch Behar (West Bengal).

It was alleged that on May 4, 2021, at about 02:00 PM Sridhar Das was mercilessly beaten with a stick, bat, and iron rods by an unknown accused person. It was further alleged that when the wife of the victim came to rescue her husband, she was also mercilessly beaten by the accused. After the incident, Sridhar Das was admitted in Dinhata Hospital and later to other hospitals/nursing homes in Cooch Behar and died during treatment on June 21, 2021.

After sustained efforts during the investigation, CBI identified, traced and arrested seven accused from Cooch Behar, Jaipur and Kolkata who were allegedly involved in the death of the deceased.

Searches were conducted around 8 locations in Cooch Behar, (West Bengal) which led to the recovery of incriminating documents & articles.

The arrested accused were produced before the Competent Court and remanded to police custody. (ANI)
The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) in Assam on Monday termed the Centre's 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign as 'hypocritical'. According to AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is from the RSS which "never raised the Indian flag in its office." Speaking to ANI, Islam said, "Proud that we have completed 75 years of Independence...It (Har Ghar Tiranga) doesn't prove it'll spread patriotism. Mr Modi has come from RSS which never raised the Indian flag in its office. So, I think it's a hypocritical decision." He added that "Patriotism is in the heart." Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign on Friday to encourage people to bring the tricolour home and hoist it to mark the 75th year of India's independence. The idea behind the initiative is to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the people and to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in the spirit of Jan Bhagidari. According to the Ministry of Culture, State, Union Territories, and Ministries are participating extensively in the campaign with full fervour. NGOs and Self-Help Groups from various places are already contributing toward making 'Har Ghar Tiranga', an iconic benchmark in the success of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Places such as Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir, and Mandala in Madhya Pradesh are proving themselves to be iconic examples of showcasing people's participation or Jan Bhagidari in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. This campaign aims to have flags hoisted across the country from August 13-15. Prime Minister Modi on Friday urged the people to strengthen the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' movement. He also recalled the monumental courage and efforts of those who dreamt of a flag for free India. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said, "This year, when we are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, let us strengthen the Har Ghar Tiranga movement. Hoist the Tricolour or display it in your homes between 13th and 15th August. This movement will deepen our connect with the national flag." Meanwhile, 80 lakh national flags will be hoisted in houses, offices and commercial establishments across Assam from August 13 to 15, 2022. According to the official release, this will be done as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga programme, being implemented by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, under the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' to mark the celebration of the 75 years of Independence. Under this initiative, 20 crore tricolours will be hoisted across the country with the active participation of the public. The idea behind the initiative is to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the people and promote awareness about the national flag. In Assam, the Cultural Affairs Department has started preparations for the successful implementation of the programme with the Panchayat and Rural Development, Information & Public Relations Department and other govt departments. Accordingly, the Panchayat and Rural Development Department has started the production of national flags of different sizes locally through Self-Help Groups. The department will also set up stalls at district and village levels so that national flags can be made available for purchase by the public at their nearest locations. The government of India has taken various steps to ensure the supply of flags across India. All Post Offices in the country shall start selling flags from August 1, 2022. In addition, state governments have also tied up with various stakeholders for the supply and sale of flags. The Indian National Flag has also been registered on the GeM portal. The Centre has also tied up with various e-commerce websites and self-help groups to streamline the process of the supply of the flags. (ANI)
The Division Bench of Delhi High Court on Monday reserved the order on petitions filed by WhatsApp and Facebook challenging a Competition Commission of India (CCI) order for an investigation into the messaging app's new privacy policy. The bench of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad on Monday reserved the order after the completion of all the submissions by all sides. Appearing for Facebook Inc, senior advocate Mukul Rohtagi submitted that because Facebook is the formal owner of WhatsApp and the platform is said to share its data with Facebook (parent company) doesn't mean that it is a necessary party to investigate. While opposing the CCI probe against Facebook, Rohtagi further argued that there is no prima facie material available with the CCI to proceed with investigating it while conducting the investigation of WhatsApp's new privacy policy. The Division Bench was hearing the petitions of WhatsApp and Facebook challenging the single bench, which had dismissed Facebook and WhatsApp's petitions. However, Additional Solicitor General N Venkataraman appeared for CCI and submitted that its jurisdiction to investigate WhatsApp's new privacy policy is not closed as the policy in question is neither withdrawn nor stayed by any court or by any judicial forum. Earlier, the CCI counsel said, "we are presently not able to move forward with the investigation as the matter is being examined by this court." Earlier in the hearing, the Bench noted that the Data Protection Bill is yet to be finalised by the respondents/Centre while granting time to WhatsApp and Facebook to file their response over the notice issued to them by CCI and sought several details from them. The court also extended the interim order granted to the appellant earlier by the court. Earlier, senior advocate Harish Salve appeared for WhatsApp LLC and informed the court that "We are insisting to file response on CCI notices despite the matter being pending before the courts and under judicial consideration." WhatsApp was sent a notice on June 4, 2021, while Facebook was sent a notice on June 8, 2021, by CCI seeking information and response to certain queries. Earlier, the Delhi HC urged the Director General and CCI to bear in mind that the investigation against the appellant (WhatsApp and Facebook) is under judicial consideration before a Division Bench of this court. The bench also stated, "In our view, there is no doubt that the issuance of impugned notice by the DG is a step in furtherance of the investigation commenced in Suo-Motu case, which investigation is the subject matter of the challenge in the present LPA." "...we do not consider it appropriate to stay the operation of impugned notice dated June 4, 2021, at this stage..." said Delhi High Court Bench had said. Facebook and WhatsApp had approached the Division bench through an appeal, challenging single-judge bench order dismissing their pleas against the CCI decision. The single bench of the Delhi High Court on April 22, 2021, dismissed Facebook and WhatsApp's pleas challenging a CCI order for an investigation into the messaging app's new privacy policy. The petitioners had challenged the March 24 order passed by CCI directing a probe into the new privacy policy and the probe should be completed within 60 days. Facebook and WhatsApp said that since the issue of WhatsApp's privacy policy is being heard by the Supreme Court, and High Court, therefore, there was no requirement for CCI to order the probe. Senior advocate Harish Salve and former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the petitioners and told the court that CCI proceedings must be kept in abeyance as the matter is pending before Supreme Court and High Court. Additional Solicitor General (ASG), who represented CCI in the matter, had earlier told the court that the matter is not of privacy but access to data and the CCI is going to deal with metadata. (ANI)
West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee, who was arrested by Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday in the school teacher recruitment scam, had dialled state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee four times after his arrest, according to an official document. According to the arrest memo, Partha Chatterjee dialled Banerjee four times. The first call was 2.32 am and went unanswered. "He called her but she didn't take his call. Another opportunity was given but she did not take the call against," the arrest memo said. The calls were then made at 2.33 am, 3.37 am and 9.35 am, according to the memo. The law provides that an accused is allowed to make calls to a relative or friend to inform them about their arrest. Partha Chatterjee was on Monday flown to Bhubaneswar in an air ambulance for treatment. He was earlier today seen leaving the SSKM hospital in Kolkata in a wheelchair and taken in an ambulance to the airport. The Trinamool Congress leader, who was arrested in connection with a teacher recruitment scam at government-sponsored and aided schools, was accompanied by a doctor from SSKM Hospital and his advocate, as per Calcutta HC's order. Chatterjee, who was arrested by the ED on Saturday, complained of heart pain just hours after the ED remand and demanded "proper medical facilities" if ED's custody is granted, his lawyer had said. ED had prayed before the magistrate to allow Chatterjee to be taken to Command Hospital instead of the state-run SSKM. ED said that Chatterjee is a senior minister and his roots are deep in government hospitals, where he can be influential. However, the court ordered Chatterjee to be taken to SSKM Hospital. The Court directed that the minister be produced before a special ED court in Kolkata through virtual mode at 4 pm on Monday. TMC has demanded a time-bound probe in the ED case against Chatterjee, asserting the party will not interfere politically if any leader has done anything wrong. ED also produced the senior TMC leader's associate Arpita Mukherjee before a court, which remanded her to one-day custody of the agency. ED personnel raided several locations in the state on July 22 as part of their probe into the money trail involved in a teacher recruitment scam at government-sponsored and aided schools. Arpita Mukherjee was arrested on July 23. The arrest was made after ED recovered huge cash amounting to approximately Rs 20 crore from Mukherjee's residence on Friday. A total of more than 20 mobile phones have also been recovered from the premises of Arpita Mukherjee, a close aide of Chatterjee, the purpose and use of which are being ascertained, said the probe agency. Besides cash, a number of other incriminating documents, records, details of dubious companies, electronic devices, foreign currency and gold has also been recovered from the various premises of the persons linked to the scam. (ANI)
Evacuations after volcano erupts in southern Japan

Dozens of people were ordered to evacuate their homes after a fiery volcanic eruption in southern Japan on Sunday as the national weather agency issued its top-level alert for the mountain.













Sakurajima frequently spits out smoke and ash, and is a major tourist attraction HO NASA/ISS/AFP/File



Television footage showed red-hot rocks and dark plumes exploding from Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima, which erupted just after 8:00 pm (1100 GMT).



There were no immediate reports of damage, said deputy chief cabinet secretary Yoshihiko Isozaki.



Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has instructed the government "to work closely with the local municipality to ensure damage prevention, such as through evacuations," Isozaki told reporters.



The seaside city ordered residents to evacuate its Arimura district and part of the Furusato district, which are home to 51 people, according to local media.



Sakurajima volcano frequently spits out smoke and ash, and is a major tourist attraction.



Sunday's blast propelled large cinders about 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) from the crater, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said, while the smoke reached around 300 metres and merged with the clouds.



The agency raised its alert for Sakurajima to level five, the top level, which urges evacuations.



Previously it was at level three, which bans entry to the mountain.



The volcano saw four earlier eruptions between Saturday and Sunday afternoon, with the plume reaching as high as 1,200 metres.



"Residential areas of Arimura town and Furusato town within three kilometres of the summit crater... of Sakurajima should be on high alert," Tsuyoshi Nakatsuji of JMA's Volcanic Observation Division told reporters.



Nakatsuji said the JMA last week had observed the swelling of the volcano, which signals the accumulation of magma.



"But the swelling hasn't been resolved after the latest eruption," he said.



"We'll carefully monitor this."



Japan has scores of active volcanoes and sits on the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire" where a large proportion of the world's earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are recorded.



Sakurajima was formerly an island, but due to previous eruptions is now attached to a peninsula.



Japan last issued the top evacuation alert for a volcano when Kuchinoerabu island, also in Kagoshima, erupted in 2015.
The 6th edition of Al Dhaid Date Festival in Sharjah, UAE concluded on July 24 at Expo Al Dhaid, after four days of heritage activities and competitions among exhibitors, which attracted more than 30,000 visitors.



Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) from July 21 to 24, the festival explored and learnt about the best and finest types of dates. The event was held under the theme "The Aroma of The Past... The Blossoming Present.



The festival was concluded with an honouring ceremony held in the presence of Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Chamber, a number of members of the Chambers Board of Directors, Abdul Aziz Shattaf, Assistant Director-General for the Communications and Business Sector, and Mohamed Mosbeh Al Tunaiji, the festival's general coordinator. This is in addition to members of the Organizing Committee and a number of directors, officials and representatives of government entities taking part in the event.



Al Owais together with a number of officials and members of the festivals organizing committee honoured winners of the beauty competitions, some government entities and partners.



Cash prizes worth AED1 million ($272,000) have been distributed over the course of four days to 145 lucky winners of the festivals six beauty contests, for which hundreds of farmers competed to display the best types of local dates and fruits from the UAE, especially Sharjah.



Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Chamber, said that the chamber will spare no effort to promote and preserve the historical status of palm trees, as well as to develop the palm plantation sector to ensure its sustainability. To do this, Al Owais said, the chamber will hold more events, boost the momentum of competitions, and offer guidance to farmers in an effort to inspire them to use good production techniques for dates and raise the quality of their yield.



Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Acting SCCIs Director-General, said that this year's event saw an amazing turnout of exhibitors who were eager to compete for the competitions six categories. They have completely cooperated with the contest's rules and have reaffirmed their commitment to improving their farms and products.



The successful conclusion of the event demonstrates that the chamber has realized its strategic objectives already set for the event, which include highlighting the quality and authenticity of Emirati products, increasing their global competitiveness and diversity, and strengthening the food security of the nation by empowering farmers to continue caring for palm trees, Al Awadi added.



Mohamed Mosbeh Al Tunaiji, the festival's general coordinator, stated that the sixth edition has been exceptional by all standards in comparison to earlier versions thanks to hosting a slew of economic, commercial, and cultural events and activities that were planned in a distinctive heritage atmosphere.



He lauded the fierce yet healthy competitions among palm farmers who were keen to display different kinds of dates. Without a doubt, this has improved the festival's capacity to draw a sizable number of guests, Al Tunaiji said.



Additionally, the event has welcomed a delegation from the executive team of the Buraidah Date Festival from Saudi Arabia to enhance its cooperation and exchange expertise with Sharjah. The team has also extended an invitation to the chamber to attend the Buraidah Date Festival, which will be held in August.  TradeArabia News Service
In less than a fortnight, another schoolgirl died by alleged suicide in Tamil Nadu on Monday. According to Tamil Nadu Police, the incident took place in Thiruvallur district where a class 12 student allegedly hung herself in the hostel room of a government-aided school on Monday morning. The 17-year-old girl from Tiruttani was studying in a government-aided school in Kilacheri village in Mappedu in Thiruvallur district. Her parents are daily wage labourers. Meanwhile, parents and relatives of the girl staged protests by blocking roads at Tiruttani demanding action into the matter. "We suspect there is something that is yet to be revealed. We won't take her body without knowing what exactly happened to her. She isn't someone who can commit suicide. She spoke to our family last night as well," said Gayathri, sister of the school girl whose body was found in a hostel. The case has been registered at Mappedu police station and is now transferred to Crime Branch, Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID), Tamil Nadu. Notably, according to Madras High Court's ruling, any death inside an educational institution must be investigated by the CB-CID. According to police, on Monday morning the girl had told her friends who were leaving for school that she would come late. However, since she did not return until after the first hour was over, school staff checked her hostel room and found her hanging from the ceiling. The school staff then informed the police and the body was sent to the Thiruvallur Government Hospital for autopsy. After preliminary investigations, police said no suicide note was retrieved from the hostel. Police said the girl did not go home for a month. Her friends told police that she was gloomy for the past few months. Selvakumar, Deputy Superintendant of Police, CB-CID Thiruvallur district is investigating the case. CB-CID officials are now conducting inquiries into the school staff and hostel warden in the school campus. The officials are also questioning the girl's parents and family members. The school administration informed the families of the other students who are staying in the hostel and sent them back to their homes. The incident comes days after the suicide of a Class 12 student in Kallakurichi of the state who died by suicide after alleged torture by teachers. After the death of the student, who purportedly jumped from the terrace of her hostel at a private school in Kallakuruchi there were violent protests in the district, prompting the Salem Police to deploy heavy security around the school and other areas. Section 144 had to be imposed in several areas. The High Court also ordered the police to find out who instigated the violence. The last rites of the deceased girl, who died by suicide after alleged torture by teachers were performed in Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi Veppur on Saturday. (ANI)
Dr Poonam Khetrapal, Regional Director of the World Health Organization South-East Asia Region on Monday said that the world is witnessing an unexpected emergence of Monkeypox. When asked about the reason behind Monkeypox gaining attention at present, Poonam Khetrapal said, "Cases of Monkeypox are being reported from multiple countries. Many of them have not seen cases of Monkeypox before. The unexpected appearance of this disease globally and in a wide geographic area indicates that the disease may have been circulating below the detection of the surveillance systems. It is possible that sustained human-to-human transmission through close contact - direct or indirect - remained undetected for a period of time." "The risk of monkeypox globally and the WHO South-East Asia Region has assessed it as moderate considering this is the first time that Monkeypox cases and clusters are reported concurrently in many countries in widely disparate WHO geographical areas, balanced against the fact that mortality has remained low in the current outbreak." "Genomic studies have revealed that the monkeypox virus seems to have changed over recent years. More studies are needed to understand the virus's evolution. WHO is regularly reviewing available data with its laboratory and other expert groups," she added. Speaking on what measures India should take for the prevention and control of Monkeypox, she said, "In the current Monkeypox outbreak, transmission apparently occurred primarily through close physical contact, including sexual contact. Transmission can also occur from contaminated materials such as linens, bedding, electronics, and clothing, that have infectious skin particles. There are still many unknowns about the virus." "Since the start of the outbreak, WHO has been supporting countries to assess risk, and initiating public health measures, while also building and facilitating testing capacities in the region. Engaging and protecting the affected communities; intensifying surveillance and public health measures; strengthening clinical management and infection prevention and control in hospitals and clinics; and accelerating research into the use of vaccines, therapeutics and other tools, are among the key response measures. We need to stay alert and be prepared to roll out an intense response to curtail the spread of Monkeypox. And while doing this, our efforts and measures should be sensitive, and devoid of stigma and discrimination," she added. When asked about the risk of transmission in South East Asian countries, Dr Khetrapal said, "The region has been on alert for Monkeypox since the reporting of an increase in cases globally. Countries have been taking measures to rapidly detect and take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of monkeypox. WHO has been supporting the member countries in the Region to assess the risk for monkeypox and strengthening their capacities to prepare and respond to the evolving multi-country outbreak. We have been sharing guidance for raising awareness; surveillance, case investigation and contact tracing; laboratory diagnostics and testing; clinical management and infection prevention and control and community engagement." Speaking on the preparedness to deal with Monkeypox, Dr Poonam Khetrapal said, "The region has been on alert for Monkeypox since the reporting of an increase in cases globally. Countries have been taking measures to rapidly detect and take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of monkeypox. WHO has been supporting the member countries in the Region to assess the risk for monkeypox and strengthening their capacities to prepare and respond to the evolving multi-country outbreak. We have been sharing guidance for raising awareness; surveillance, case investigation and contact tracing; laboratory diagnostics and testing; clinical management and infection prevention and control and community engagement." "In view of the limited testing capacities in the region for monkeypox, WHO has coordinated with four laboratories to serve as referrals - National Institute of Virology, India; Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Australia; National Institute of Health, Department of Medical Sciences, Thailand; and Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. WHO is also supporting countries in the region build testing capacities with technical assistance as well as procurement of required provisions that are high in demand and low in supplies globally. Orienting clinicians in both public and private sectors to identify, isolate, report and treat cases of monkeypox, are among the key priority measures," she added. "Monkeypox requires collective attention and coordinated action to stop its further spread. In addition to using public health measures and ensuring health tools are available to at-risk populations and shared fairly, it is important to work with communities to ensure that people who are most at risk, have the information and support they need to protect themselves" According to the Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia Region, newborns, children and people with underlying immune deficiencies may be at risk of more serious symptoms and death from monkeypox. "Health workers are also at higher risk due to longer virus exposure. There are no sufficient data regarding monkeypox infection during pregnancy, although limited data suggest that it may lead to adverse outcomes for the foetus," she added. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Sunday held a high-level review meeting after India reported the fourth confirmed case of Monkeypox. (ANI)
The operation was launched by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Arunachal Pradesh Police which recovered 651.25 grams of heroin and apprehended a drugs peddler.

Rohit Rajbir Singh, Superintendent of Police of SIT said that SIT has affected the biggest ever synthetic narcotics recovery, in market value terms, in Arunachal Pradesh Police history.

"SIT breaks its own record, set earlier this year, which was the highest ever before this operation. We have recovered 651.25 grams of high purity Heroin (tested by NCB field kit), with a current market valuation of Rs 1.28 crore," Rohit Rajbir Singh said.

He further said that a Guwahati-based hoarder and peddler Hemchandra Barman apprehended.

"Sustained investigation and follow-up for more than a year by SIT, in CB PS Case No. 01/2021 u/s 22(c)/27(a)/27A NDPS Act, led to this success. Banderdewa-Guwahati-Moreh axis identified and targeted by SIT," the top police official said.

He also said that, further investigation is on. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan's plea challenging an order of the Allahabad High Court refusing to quash the proceedings against him in an alleged forged birth certificate matter of his son. A bench of Justices Hemant Gupta and Vikram Nath refused to interfere with the order of the high court saying that it does not see any reason to do so. Azam Khan had challenged an order of the Allahabad High Court which has rejected his plea. Azam Khan had urged Allahabad High Court to quash the chargesheet dated April 1, 2019, cognizance taking order dated August 19, 2019, summoning order dated August 19 2019 as well as entire proceedings of the criminal case. A case was lodged against Azam Khan and others alleging that the hatched well-planned conspiracy for personal interest had got issued two dates of birth certificates of their son, namely, Abdullah Azam Khan, of two different districts. In February 2020, Allahabad High Court said that the prayer for quashing the impugned chargesheet as well as the proceedings of the entire proceedings of the State case is refused as it did not see any abuse of the court's process at this pre-trial stage and rejected Azam Khan plea. One birth certificate had been got issued from Nagar Palika Parishad, Rampur and the other was issued from Nagar Nigam, Lucknow, which has been registered on the basis of a duplicate date of the birth certificate on April 21, 2015, issued by Queen Mery Hospital, Lucknow. The prosecution has further alleged that Mohd. Abdullah Azam Khan had visited foreign countries by illegally using the date of a birth certificate issued by Nagar Palika Parishad, Rampur and had obtained government documents by using the second date of a birth certificate issued by Nagar Nigam, Lucknow. The two date of birth certificates of Mohd. Abdullah Azam Khan had been got issued by Mohd. Azam Khan and Tanzim Fatima by creating a code and plotting a well-planned conspiracy, for personal benefit and the same had been used, for which First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged, the police said. Azam Khan walked out of jail on May 20 after Supreme Court granted him interim bail in an alleged case of cheating. Khan was lodged in Sitapur jail since February 2020 as many cases are registered against him. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Monday asked a petitioner, seeking an audit of the advertisement expenditure incurred by the Delhi government, to move the Delhi High Court. A bench of Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and A.S. Bopanna told the petitioner's counsel: "Why do you not go to the Delhi High Court?" The top court noted that high courts are competent to deal with such matters. The bench observed that the petitioner is questioning the advertising expenditure and claims that the money which is meant for environmental purposes is being utilised for advertisement. The bench told the petitioner's counsel that his client seeks an audit of the advertisement expenditure incurred by the Delhi government. Noting that the matter is related to Delhi, the bench said: "Why does everything need to come to the Supreme Court?" The bench told the petitioner's counsel that it will grant liberty to the petitioner to move the High Court, as it declined to entertain the petition. The plea submitted, that given the Delhi government's apathy in addressing the steady rise of AQI levels in Delhi, the petitioner is constrained to invoke the jurisdiction of the apex court under Article 32 of the Constitution. The plea expressed concern that when the environmental situation in Delhi is looking so grim, the government is indulging in self-promotion. The top court, in its order, said: "We grant liberty to the petitioner to pursue appropriate remedies." The plea was filed by Radhika Batra. --IANS ss/sks ( 259 Words) 2022-07-25-20:12:04 (IANS)
After Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar skipped the swearing-in ceremony of President Droupadi Murmu on Monday, RJD state President Jagadanand Singh supported his action, while reiterating that the JD-U-BJP alliance is a "mismatched marriage". "I repeatedly said that it is a mismatched marriage between BJP and JD-U. I firmly believe that there is no match between these two parties. It is an opportunistic alliance between them. If Nitish Kumar formed the government with the BJP by putting all principles aside, then I believe that he has separated himself from the socialist values," he said. "As why Nitish Kumar did not go to the swearing-in ceremony of the President, he would be the better person to say. I believe that Nitish Kumar is more concerned about the 12 crore people of Bihar who are facing a drought situation. At present, the drought situation in Bihar is 20 times worse than 1967," Singh said. --IANS ajk/vd ( 167 Words) 2022-07-25-21:22:02 (IANS)
Virtually written off following massive financial problems, Jet Airways is now ready for its reincarnation -- this time under a new management -- come September. Paving the way for the private carrier's revival, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted the revalidated Air Operator Certificate to the new owners, Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC), on May 20. The JKC fulfilled all the conditions laid down in the NCLT-approved resolution plan for the revival of the airline, founded in April 1992 and launched in 1993 by businessman Naresh Goyal, and shut after 27 years in April 2019. The Jet Airways now hopes to launch commercial operations in September with fresh funding of more than Rs 1,300 crore over the next couple of years, changed ownership with a new management, and a few other changes to re-capture its market. Though starting with a fleet of 11 aircraft of the Jet Airways that got transferred as assets to the kitty of the new entity, these planes are unlikely to be deployed for commercial operations, said official sources. However, the company is at an advanced stage of discussions with lessors and aircraft manufacturers before finalising its choice of aircraft and fleet plans -- a critical decision for any airline -- though officials remained tight-lipped. "Jet Airways shall be a smart' full-service carrier, with a two-class cabin configuration, including a world-class business class and an evolved economy class in tune with the demands of the digital age' customers," explained an official spokesperson. A high-level source made it clear that Jet Airways will not be "a small or marginal airline, but will grow-to-scale", though he kept all plans secret for the carrier that once strutted with a fleet strength of 124 big and small, wide-body and narrow-body aircraft. Prior to suspension of operations over three years ago, Jet Airways had grabbed more than one-fifth of the country's aviation market, with 65-plus destinations in India and globally, as many others like Air India, Indian Airlines, or private competitors like East West, ModiLuft, Sahara, NEPC and more crash landed by the wayside. This time, the scenario is much different considering rising operational costs, wary customers just stirring out after a two-year Covid pandemic halt, the once floundering Air India now in the safe arms' of Tata Group, and other airlines going determinedly for their share, etc. The revived Jet Airways has taken the first baby-steps of its historic revival' with over 250 staffers, including nearly 75 per cent former employees, onboard, and now sifting through thousands of applications at various levels, with hiring of pilots, engineers, technicians, etc. to happen soon. The changes will continue with certain things undisturbed -- like the Jet Brand', its globally recognisable Flying Sun' logo, the familiar aircraft livery, the eye-catching cabin crew uniforms, etc., but the airline logo has been slightly tweaked "to reflect an evolved, modern Jet Airways that is prepared to win in the Digital Age". Officials concede that it will be a challenge as there are high expectations' from the Jet Airways brand, and the airline would try to exceed the customer's hopes by attempting to excel in all departments. As Murari Lal Jalan, the new owner of Jet Airways and Lead Member of the JKC, remarked recently: "We are now at the brink of creating history by bringing India's most-loved airline back to the skies. We are committed to making this an extraordinary success story in Indian aviation." Recalling the tagline of Jet Airways The Joy of Flying' - the new CEO Sanjiv Kapoor declared that in its new avatar, it will not be a mere clone of other airlines, but actually offer something meaningfully different to lure, delight and win the customers. "All of us are deeply committed and passionate about building the new Jet Airways into a modern, differentiated, people-focused airline for the digital age, combining the best of what it was known for with new ideas to set the bar even higher," assured Kapoor. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in) --IANS qn/arm ( 681 Words) 2022-07-25-21:22:03 (IANS)
Tamil Nadu state intelligence has given inputs to the state police regarding the possibility of clashes between Dalit outfits and the Gounder community in Kallakurichi, in wake of the the suicide by a Class 12 girl student. Since the July 13 incident, the family of the girl, relatives, and friends were protesting in front of the Sakthi residential school demanding justice for the girl and for another post-mortem examination. While the protest was by and large peaceful, it took a violent turn on July 17, with the school getting vandalised, school buses and police vans being torched and several two-wheelers in the school building were also destroyed. With police on the scene outnumbered by the protesters, Stone and bottles were pelted at the police injuring IG, M. Pandian, Superintendent of Police, Selvakumar, and several policemen. Forces from adjoining districts had to be brought in for maintaining law and order in the area. After the end of the violence, an eerie silence is prevailing in Kallakurichi and adjacent Villupuram district where the student's parents reside. Sources in the Tamil Nadu intelligence told IANS that while the school is owned by a family belonging to the Gounder community, the girl belongs to the Agamudayar community and intelligence found that a person belonging to the Agamudayar community was the main brain behind the arson and torching of vehicles. Dalit outfit VCK is also being responsible for the arson and the school authorities have, according to the intelligence, blamed certain people belonging to the Dalit Adi Dravidar community, for the arson. While police and the district administration agree to the fact that the attack on the school was pre-planned and well orchestrated, the input on the possible clashes in the districts of Kallakurichi and Villupuram is being seriously taken up by the police authorities. Talking to IANS, a senior police in Kallakurichi said: "The areas surrounding Kallakurichi and Villupuram districts have a history of clashes on the basis of caste and intelligence inputs will have to be seriously taken into account. Police is keeping a track of all those people who were earlier involved in such clashes." Intelligence, according to sources in the department, has directed the schools in and around Kallakurichi and Villupuram not to reprimand Dalit students belonging to the Adi Dravidar community in these districts. The authorities of Sakthi school that suffered arson and violence have complained that the main culprit behind the attack was still at large and that the person may be indulging in stoking caste feelings leading to the possibilities of further clashes. --IANS aal/vd ( 440 Words) 2022-07-25-21:32:02 (IANS)
Pope Francis will be visiting Canada to apologize for Indigenous abuse in Catholic residential schools. He departed from Rome on Sunday for a week-long trip to Edmonton, Canada, where he's set to apologize for the Catholic Church's role in the abuse of Canadian Indigenous children, reported CNN. The Vatican has called the trip a "penitential pilgrimage," and the Pope will be welcomed in Edmonton on Sunday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mary Simon, the Governor General of Canada. He will meet with Indigenous groups and address the scandal of abuse and erasure of indigenous culture in the country's residential schools, reported CNN. Indigenous leaders have long called for a papal apology for the harm inflicted for decades on Indigenous children. Last year, hundreds of unmarked graves were discovered on the grounds of former residential schools in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, reported CNN. Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission has reported that more than 4,000 Indigenous children died either from neglect or abuse in residential schools, many of which were run by the Catholic Church. In April, the Pope told Indigenous leaders at the Vatican that he feels "sorrow and shame for the role that a number of Catholics, particularly those with educational responsibilities, have had in all these things that wounded you, in the abuses you suffered and in the lack of respect shown for your identity, your culture and even your spiritual values." The Pope will also travel to Quebec and Iqaluit, the capital of the Canadian territory of Nunavut, during the trip. Two Canadian cardinals will accompany him throughout his visit, Cardinal Marc Ouellet and Cardinal Michael Czerny, reported CNN. Francis, earlier trip to Africa was cancelled this month due to issues with his knee which had stirred speculation about his retirement. He said in an interview with UK media that he still intends to visit Russia following the country's invasion of Ukraine, but he has received criticism for prioritizing that destination over visiting Ukraine, and for partially blaming NATO for Russia's invasion. "I would like to go, it is possible that I manage to go to Ukraine. The first thing is to go to Russia to try to help, but I would like to go to both capitals," Francis said. In a June interview with Italian newspaper La Stampa, Francis said the war "was perhaps in some way either provoked or not prevented," reported CNN. Pope Francis said that before Russia invaded Ukraine he met with "a head of state" who "was very worried about how NATO was moving."(ANI)
Due to looming economic problems, post the Taliban took over Afghanistan, a number of families and children in order to feed themselves are forced to work in brick factories. The owners of brick factories said that in just three brick factories 170 families with their children are engaged in hard labour, reported Tolo News. "There are 170 families which work to make bricks, and there are around 60 people which have come here without family, all of these families have come from Jalalabad," said Awozubillah, the owner of a brick factory. The owners of these factories also stated that following the increase in the price of coal, the income of workers in these factories has decreased, reported Tolo News. Families working at the factories said that in order to find food, their children have been kicked out of school and are busy working in the factory from morning to evening. "I work here to provide a piece of bread for my family, though it doesn't help that much," said Javid, a labourer working at the factory. Nine-year-old Emran, who left school in order to feed his family, said that two of his sisters are also working in the factory from morning till evening, and at the end of the day the total of their income is less than five hundred Afghanis (Afghan currency), reported Tolo News. "We have to work in order to provide a piece of bread for eating," said Emran, another child labourer working in the factory. Jan Alam, who is in charge of bringing families from Nangarhar to Kabul, said they pay 350 Afghanis for each family to make 1000 bricks. He added that so far he brought 70 families to the factory, reported Tolo News. "Children of the families are bringing sand and their elders are working to make bricks," said Alam Jan, a resident of Nangarhar. According to the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), at least 900,000 Afghans have lost their jobs since the Taliban took control last August. Working women are disproportionately affected, according to SIGAR, with women's employment expected to fall by 21 per cent by mid-2022, reported The Khaama Press. Since the Taliban took power, unemployment has skyrocketed, and poverty across many parts of the country has put millions of people at risk. According to the International Labour Organization, more than 500,000 Afghan workers lost their jobs in the third quarter of 2021, and the number of people who will lose their jobs since the Taliban took control is expected to reach 700,000 to 900,000 people by mid-2022, reported Khaama Press. Due to four decades of conflict, severe drought, and pandemics, Afghanistan's economy was already collapsing. After the Taliban seized power following the hasty withdrawal of US soldiers, the international community froze Afghanistan's assets and withheld help. (ANI)
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a low-fare national airline of the UAE, has launched a unique competition, wherein adventure seekers will take flight to an undisclosed destination, where they will then spend the weekend getting lost in a new experience.



The #GetLostwithWizz competition encourages travellers to seize the moment, live life to the fullest and create unforgettable memories in a mystery destination in the vast and expanding Wizz Air Abu Dhabi network.



The Wizz Air flight will depart from Abu Dhabi on August 26 and return on August 28.



The competition to win a seat opens today, and to be in for the chance of winning, applicants must share a post on Instagram of their most memorable travel moment, and tag @WizzAir with the hashtag #GetLostwithWizz by midnight on August 7.



Standout posts, with the most creative, adventurous, exciting, or humorous pictures  which also have the highest engagement  will stand the best chance of winning a ticket. The 100 winners will get a chance to embark on the thrill of the unknown together with one partner, receiving free flight tickets, two nights accommodation, and travel insurance.



The competition starts at 14:00 GST on July 25 and closes at 23:59 GST on August 7. In order to be eligible, entrants must have a public profile and follow @WizzAir on Instagram. Full details and the terms and conditions can be found on Wizz Air Instagram.



Michael Berlouis, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: We are very excited to launch our #GetLostwithWizz competition, with a flight to an exciting, yet unknown destination. Whether its a vibrant city or natural paradise, the Wizz Air Abu Dhabi network offers exotic, culturally rich, and diverse destinations.



Wizz Air is committed to providing exciting and unique travel opportunities and the #GetLostwithWizz competition allows adventure seekers to embrace the unexpected by providing a packed weekend full of unmissable travel experiences. We look forward to welcoming the winners on board soon.



Strategically located in the UAE, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi provides ultra-low fare, hassle-free and efficient travel options to Alexandria (Egypt), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Amman (Jordan), Aqaba (Jordan), Athens (Greece), Baku (Azerbaijan), Belgrade (Serbia), Dammam (Saudi Arabia), Kutaisi (Georgia), Kuwait City (Kuwait), Male (Maldives), Manama (Bahrain), Muscat (Oman), Nur Sultan (Kazakhstan), Salalah (Oman), Santorini (Greece), Sarajevo (Bosnia), Sohag (Egypt), Tel-Aviv (Israel), Tirana (Albania) and Yerevan (Armenia) among others.  TradeArabia News Service
Are the two separate agreements signed in Istanbul last Friday by Russia and Ukraine with the United Nations and Turkey that pave the way for the export of 22 million of Ukrainian grain which remained blockaded in three Black Sea ports, as well as the export of Russian grain and fertilizer, really a "beacon of hope" for millions of starving people, or just an illusory dream? Millions of people in the world's poorer nations that face an imminent danger of starvation breathed a sigh of relief on hearing the news that these desperately needed quantities of grain will reach the market and grain prices may become affordable once again. However, less than 24 hours later Russian missiles hit targets in the port of Odesa, raising questions about whether the deal will be implemented. In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there was a de facto blockade by Moscow of ports in the Black Sea, while Ukraine mined the waters to deter a Russian amphibious attack. As a result, the ports used to export Ukrainian grain were blocked for commercial shipping and, as Ukraine is a major grain exporter, prices of this essential commodity surged, becoming unaffordable for millions of poor people facing acute hunger. As both Ukraine and Russia are among the largest exporters of grain in the world, the blockade has caused grain prices to soar. Ukraine could not export its grain and other agricultural produce due to the blockade, while international shippers and insurers were reluctant to conclude contracts with Russians in case they run afoul of US and EU sanctions. Following diplomatic efforts by the United Nations and Turkey lasting more than two months, an agreement was reached that port facilities and vessels would be safeguarded from hostilities. Vessels carrying grain will be steered by Ukrainian captains out of the ports of Odesa, Chornomork and Yuzhne and sail to Istanbul and deliver their cargo to other ships to be transported to countries importing grain. A joint command center manned by officials from the UN, Ukraine, Russia and Turkey will monitor the movement of these ships and will make sure that they do not transport weapons or soldiers. As the two warring nations refuse to sign any deal with each other, two identical agreements were signed at separate tables. One by the Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and the other by the Ukrainian Minister of Infrastructure Alexander Kubrakov. The other signatories were the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Turkey's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who played an active role in the negotiations for the deal was present at the signing. Speaking during the signing ceremony, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the agreement reached as "a beacon of hope, a beacon of possibility, a beacon of relief in a world that needs it more than ever." Guterres added: "Since the war started, I have been highlighting that there is no solution to the global food crisis without ensuring full global access to Ukraine's food products and Russian food and fertilizer." The deal will make available more wheat, sunflower oil and fertilizer in international markets, and for humanitarian needs. The target is to reach the pre-war level of five million metric tonnes of grain exported each month. Robert Martini, Red Cross Director-General, after pointing out that in recent months' prices for food had risen 187 per cent in Sudan, 86 per cent in Syria and 60 per cent in Yemen described the deal as "nothing short of lifesaving for people across the world who are struggling to feed their families." The Ukrainian side was much more reserved in its reaction to the deal. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba characteristically said: "I'm not opening a bottle of champagne because of this deal. I will keep my fingers crossed that this will work, that ships will carry grain to world markets and prices will go down and people will have food to eat. But I'm very cautious because I have no trust in Russia." Sergei Shoigu, Russian Defense Minister said: "Russia has taken on the obligations that are clearly spelled out in this document. We will not take advantage of the fact that the ports will be cleared and opened. We have made this commitment." The US facilitated the deal, when it removed a major obstacle to Russian food and fertilizer exports, as banks, shipping and insurance companies were very reluctant to engage in transactions in Russian grain and fertilizer exports, fearing they would be deemed to violate US sanctions. Washington gave the assurance that such exports would not constitute a breach of US sanctions on Russia. It is remarkable that the US State Department did not issue a statement hailing the agreement, however, some Biden administration officials expressed doubts if Russia would allow safe passage of ships through the Black Sea. Less than a day after the signing of the deal, Russia fired a number of rockets against the port of Odesa, but it is not clear if the strikes were targeting grain infrastructure. Russia may not have violated the agreement it signed, as the deal does not cover military targets in the ports. According to Ukraine's military command, the Russian forces had fired four Kalibr cruise missiles at Odesa. "Two rockets were shot down by air defense forces, two hit port infrastructure facilities," it said. Reacting to the attack, a spokesman of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said: "President Vladimir Putin of Russia had "spit in the face" of the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey after the two "expended enormous effort to reach this agreement." The United Nations, the European Union, the United States, Britain, Germany and Italy strongly condemned the strikes in Odesa. So, it remains to be seen if the agreement will be implemented and help avert famine in poor countries or will be scuttled and will prove to be just an illusory dream. (ANI)
The upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Foreign Ministers meeting may witness the first-ever in-person interaction between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto as both of them are set to attend the event. Jaishankar will sit face-to-face for a direct conversation with the Pakistani Foreign Minister from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) administration. It is pertinent to mention that this will be the first meeting between both the foreign ministers since Shehbaz Sharif became Pakistan Prime Minister after Imran Khan was ousted from power through a no-confidence motion. India will be attending two key meetings in Uzbekistan - SCO Foreign Ministers meet and an international conference on Afghanistan in Uzbekistan. The conference on Afghanistan will take place on July 25th and 26th, while the foreign minister meeting will take place on July 28th and 29th. Bilawal after assuming office had said that he desires re-engagement with India. However, there is no indication of a bilateral India-Pakistan meeting on the sidelines of SCO yet, as far as talks with Pakistan, New Delhi has consistently said that terror and talks cannot go together. Meanwhile, Jaishankar's participation in the SCO is yet to be announced officially. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also be attending the meeting. Jaishankar may have a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to review the outcome of the recently held 16th round of negotiations between the military commanders of India and China to resolve the stand-off along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. If the bilateral talks happen, Jaishankar - Wang meeting may also pave the way for the possible meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both are expected to attend the SCO summit on September 15 and 16 at Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to participate along with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the September meeting. Jaishankar - Wang also met on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting at Bali in Indonesia on July 7. In the meeting, EAM Jaishankar called for an early resolution of all the outstanding issues along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. Recalling the disengagement achieved in some friction areas, Jaishankar reiterated the need to sustain the momentum to complete disengagement from all the remaining areas to restore peace and tranquillity in the border areas. The 20th Meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) was held on November 25, 2021, in Nur-Sultan through video conference under the Chairmanship of Kazakhstan and Jaishankar represented India in the meeting, according to the statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs. In his address, External Affairs Minister underlined India's strong cultural and historical connection with the SCO region and reiterated India's firm commitment towards deepening multilateral cooperation in the areas of climate change, security, trade, and culture. This year, Uzbekistan is chairing the SCO meeting and will be the organizer of all the events pertaining to the two-decade-old grouping that includes Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. SCO has four observer states, namely Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia. It has six dialogue partners, namely Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey, and Sri Lanka. Uzbekistan took over the chairmanship of the organization from Tajikistan on September 17, 2021. India will hold the SCO summit next year. (ANI)
Director of the West Asia and North Africa Division of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Sunil Kumar presented the cheque of USD 2.5 million to the UNRWA Director of Partnerships of the Department of External Relations, Karim Amer in a signing ceremony at UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem on July 22, an official statement from the UNRWA said.

Karim Amer expressed gratitude and appreciated India for its continuous efforts toward the Palestinian refugees.

"This timely contribution is a strong demonstration of India's unwavering support to the work of UNRWA and commitment to the wellbeing of Palestine refugees. On behalf of UNRWA, I would like to express our deep appreciation for the Government of India for its continued funding to the Agency and its backing of Palestine refugees across the Middle East," he said.

During the ceremony, Under-Secretary for West Asia and North Africa, Ministry of External Affairs, Harish Kumar was also present.

India is a dedicated donor to UNRWA, having given USD 20 million in support of core UNRWA services to Palestine refugees across the Middle East since 2018.

The UNRWA, which was established as a humanitarian agency in 1949, is fully funded through voluntary contributions and grants from donor countries.

The agency was mandated to provide assistance and protection for about 5.6 million Palestinian refugees registered in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and refugee camps in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.

The UNRWA services for Palestinian refugees involve education, health care, relief, infrastructure, camp improvement, protection and microfinance.

In January, the UNRWA announced that it needs 1.6 billion US dollars from the international community in 2022 to cover expenses and provide services and humanitarian development programs for Palestinian refugees. (ANI)
The shooting occurred inside Peck Park in San Pedro during an ongoing car show at 4 pm (local time), the Newyork Post reported.

Investigators believe the shooting began as a dispute between two parties at Peck Park, Los Angeles Police Department Captain Kelly Muniz said during a news conference. "We're continuing to clear the park for evidence and potentially additional victims," CNN quoted Kelly as saying.

"We're investigating that there could be more than one shooter," Muniz said. No one was in custody as of early Sunday night.

Four men and three women were rushed to area hospitals after bullets flew inside the Park, the Los Angeles Fire Department said in an alert.

LAFD confirmed that out of the seven injured people, two people succumbed to their injuries while they were in the hospital for treatment.

At least three of the seven victims suffered gunshot wounds, the department added.

The LAPD said the violent incident is not an active shooter situation, the Newyork Post reported.

The police have not made any arrests as of now. Further details are awaited. (ANI)
A South Africa-based rights group has submitted a criminal complaint to the Attorney General of Singapore requesting the arrest of former Sri Lankan President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, for alleged war crimes. Lawyers from the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP) submitted a 63-page complaint that argues that Rajapaksa committed grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions during the civil war in 2009 when he was secretary of defence and that these are crimes subject to domestic prosecution in Singapore under universal jurisdiction. The legal complaint states that Gotabaya Rajapaksa committed violations of international humanitarian law and international criminal law during the civil war in Sri Lanka. "These include murder, execution, torture and inhuman treatment, rape and other forms of sexual violence, deprivation of liberty, severe bodily and mental harm, and starvation," ITJP said in a statement. Rajapaksa fled to Singapore vis Maldives in mid-July after months of mass protests calling for his resignation. The unrest was triggered due to the economic collapse of the country. Ranil Wickramasinghe has been elected as the new President of Sri Lanka. "The economic meltdown has seen the government collapse but the crisis in Sri Lanka is really linked to structural impunity for serious international crimes going back three decades or more," said the ITJP's executive director, Yasmin Sooka. "This complaint recognises that it's not just about corruption and economic mismanagement but also accountability for mass atrocity crimes." The ITJP submission to the Attorney General calls for the arrest, investigation and indictment of Gotabaya Rajapaksa. It outlines the former President's role as a former military commander in 1989, in charge of a district where at least 700 people disappeared under his watch. The document focuses mainly on his role as Sri Lanka's secretary of defence, during the end of the country's civil war in 2009. According to an ITJP, detailed evidence is adduced to show that Rajapaksa issued direct orders by telephone to his former military buddies whom he appointed as Major Generals to command the offensive and watched the conduct of the battle live on surveillance and drone footage in headquarters. The rights group said that the dossier submitted by them contains accounts of repeated and deliberate strikes by the army on civilians sheltering in earthen bunkers, killed while queuing for food or receiving first aid treatment in hellish conditions lying on the floor of makeshift clinics. "It details how the decision to expel aid workers from the war zone in September 2008 was Gotabaya Rajapaksa's and designed to hide the extent of human suffering from the eyes of the world. Even United Nations offices in the war zone were repeatedly hit by the Sri Lankan air force to encourage aid workers to flee and yet Gotabaya Rajapaksa himself boasted that the air force could pinpoint targets; he said they surveilled targets and planned and reviewed every air strike," ITJP said. According to the rights group, Gotabaya Rajapaksa's ministry was in charge of approving humanitarian deliveries to the war zone and although he sat in meetings with humanitarian agencies who repeatedly warned that the civilian population were in desperate need of life-saving medicine and food, he denied permission to send in supplies. (ANI)
After the Sri Lankan military crackdown on the anti-government protesters, the besieged presidential office reopened on Monday. The Presidential office building was occupied earlier this month by protesters angered by Sri Lanka's unprecedented economic crisis. At that time, the then President Gotabay Rajapaksa fled the country to the Maldives before flying out to Singapore. Rajapaksa had offered his resignation after fleeing the country. On Friday, a large military group, along with the police, launched a raid near the Presidential Secretariat and the protest site at Galle Face to clear the area of protesters. Several arrests were made. The armed soldiers were deployed in a bid to control the protestors who have been protesting against the new Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe outside the premises of the Sri Lankan Presidential Secretariat. Protesters are alleging that security personnel raided the anti-government protest camp in the capital on early Friday. Nine people were arrested during which the tents of protestors are being dismantled by the armed security personnel outside the premises of the Sri Lankan Presidential Secretariat. Meanwhile, the US Ambassador to Colombo, EU, and Human Rights Commission condemned the actions taken by Sri Lankan authorities against protestors at Galle Face in the middle of the night. US Ambassador to Colombo Julie Chung on Friday took her Twitter account and asked for restraint by authorities and immediate access to medical attention for those injured."Deeply concerned about actions taken against protestors at Galle Face in the middle of the night. We urge restraint by authorities and immediate access to medical attention for those injured," Ambassador Chung tweeted. The European Union (EU) has also stressed the importance of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. The military operation began within 24 hours of Wickremesinghe being sworn in as the President of Sri Lanka and just before a new cabinet was appointed. Wickremesinghe was sworn in as President of Sri Lanka on Thursday in Parliament before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. He was elected as president in an election held in Parliament on Wednesday. During Wednesday's vote, Wickremesinghe received 134 votes following the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa from the presidency last week amid severe economic turmoil in the country. Sri Lanka'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. Hundreds of Sri Lankans continue to queue up at petrol pumps across the debt-ridden country every day amid fuel shortage, and a large number of people are ditching their cars and motorcycles for bicycles for their daily commute. The economic crisis which is the worst in Sri Lanka's history has prompted an acute shortage of essential items like fuel. (ANI)
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Sunday expressed grave concerns over the increasing mob violence in the country citing a recent case in Karachi where a man was beaten and later shot dead by a crowd on suspicion of robbery. Taking to Twitter, the human rights watchdog said, "HRCP is perturbed by the seeming rise in mob-led violence, with a suspected robber recently beaten by a crowd in Karachi and then shot dead." "While this is symptomatic of the increasing brutalisation of society and easy availability of firearms, it is also underpinned by spiralling poverty and people's disillusionment with the rule of law," it added. The HRCP statement further said that the federal and provincial governments and police should take special measures, including strategic deployment of trained personnel, to control such incidents in the future. Notably, in the past several months, the cases of mob lynching have increased to an alarming rate in Pakistan. Last month, on June 29, a suspected robber was caught by the public while snatching mobile phones from a family at Karachi's Jauhar Chowk in Orangi Town. The suspect was tortured by the public, angry mob allegedly shot at him and later tied his both legs and set him on fire, following which he succumbed to his injuries during treatment at the hospital. Similarly, a suspect was tortured and lynched by a mob at the Qasba Colony while another man was injured. In Jungle Dera village of Khanewal district in Pakistan's Punjab province, a mob stoned a middle-aged man to death for allegedly desecrating the Quran. In another incident, a scrap dealer in Pakistan's Gujranwala was lynched on suspicion of motorcycle theft. The victim identified as Mohammad Ashraf, who is a scrap vendor, was riding his motorcycle on Monday around 1.30 pm near Pindi Bypass on GT Road when he ran out of fuel and resorted to trudging his vehicle on foot. "As he reached the pump, screaming and shouting began so I and my companions immediately reached the vicinity of the petrol pump and saw that Ashraf was tied up to a Mazda car and being beaten by a man identified as Waqas Abbas," victim's brother said, as per Dawn. Media reports claimed that police made 14 arrests in this connection. Meanwhile, Religious violence in Pakistan is more than that in any other country in the world. Imran Khan's government is failed to curb the religious violence in Pakistan. Lynching, beheading, and misuse of blasphemy laws are common phenomena in Pakistan, the media reports said. There has been a surge in attacks on minorities and also their places of worship in Pakistan. The country has been slammed by the international community for not safeguarding the interests of minorities. The country has registered thousands of blasphemy and mob violence cases, which are mostly against religious minorities like Hindus, Christians, Shia and Ahmadiya Muslims from 1987 till today, according to several reports by rights groups. A large number of these blasphemy cases in Pakistan are still awaiting justice. (ANI)
Russia's Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Yury Materiy met Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday and conveyed congratulatory wishes of President Vladimir Putin to Wickremesinghe. Russian President Putin in his congratulatory message to Wickremesinghe wrote, "Dear Mr Wickremesinghe, Please accept sincere congratulations on the occasion of your election as President." He highlighted that Russia looks forward to strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries under his leadership. "The Russian-Sri Lankan relations are of a traditionally friendly nature. I am counting on your activities as Head of State to foster further development of constructive bilateral cooperation in various spheres for the benefit of our peoples and in the interest of strengthening regional stability and security," he said, adding, "I wish you every success as well as good health and prosperity," the official statement from Kremlin read. Amid the crippling fuel shortage in the country, earlier, the former President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa sought credit support to import fuel to the island nation in a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries in several key sectors including energy even as Colombo negotiated a support package with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The two leaders discussed current matters of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, in particular, in energy, agriculture, and transport. Following this, Gotabaya thanked Vladimir Putin for all the support extended by his government to overcome the challenges of the past. Notably, this year marks the 65th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Russia and Sri Lanka. The leaders confirmed their commitment to developing further friendly bilateral ties in the context of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries being marked this year and agreed to continue contacts at various levels. Meanwhile, since the beginning of 2022, Sri Lanka has experienced an escalating economic crisis and the government has defaulted on its foreign loans. The United Nations warned that 5.7 million people "require immediate humanitarian assistance." With many Sri Lankans experiencing extreme shortages of essentials including food and fuel, peaceful protests began in March. The protests led then-Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to resign on May 9, and his brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, to flee the country on July 13 and resign the following day. Wickremasinghe became acting president, and parliament elected him as the new president on July 20 with the support of the Rajapaksas' political party, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. He had previously described some protesters as "fascists" and declared a state of emergency on July 18. He was sworn in as the President of the South Asian country on July 21. (ANI)
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said that deliberations on global issues to be held under the leadership of India will help direct the G20 through the next decade. "In the coming months, India is also going to host the G-20 Group under its chairmanship. In this grouping, twenty big countries of the world will brainstorm on global issues under the chairmanship of India," President Murmu said. In her maiden speech as the 15th President of India, Murmu said,"I am sure that the conclusions and policies that will emerge from this brainstorming in India will determine the direction of the coming decades." She also stated that the international community has high hopes from India in ensuring global economic stability, ease of supply chain, and peace. It is pertinent to mention that India will hold the G20 presidency from December 1, 2022, and will convene the G20 leaders' Summit next year for the first time. During its presidency of G20 or Group of Twenty, India will hold a large number of G20 events at different levels across the country, said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a weekly media briefing that G20 Summit will be preceded by a large number of meetings - like ministerial meetings, working group meetings, and special initiatives that each country might do at various levels. "India will assume the presidency of G20 in December 2022. Apart from the Summit which we will hold next year whose dates are yet not finalized, a large number of G20 events at different levels will be organized across the country during our presidency. There is no need to speculate at this stage on these things," he said. India has been a member of the G20 since its inception in 1999. India will be holding the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2022 and will convene the G20 Leaders' Summit in 2023 for the first time. Droupadi Murmu took oath as the 15th President of India at a ceremony in Parliament's Central Hall in New Delhi today. Murmu, who is the first tribal and second woman to hold the country's highest constitutional office, was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice of India NV Ramanna. She succeeds Ram Nath Kovind, whose five-year term ended on Sunday. Meanwhile, the former Jharkhand governor Murmu, on July 22, registered a historic win over her rival Yashwant Sinha in the Presidential election, becoming the first woman tribal candidate and the second woman in the country to occupy the highest office in the country. The NDA's presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu was 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 marginalized, and the downtrodden. Outgoing President Ram Nath Kovind also extended his best wishes to Droupadi 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. Born in a Santali tribal family on June 30, 1958 in Uparbeda village coming under Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, she had her education from Bhubaneswar and went on to work first as a junior assistant in the State Irrigation and Power Department from 1979 to 1983. After this short stint as a clerk, she became a teacher at Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre at Rairangpur till 1997. Murmu commenced her journey in the field of politics in 1997 by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She was first elected as the councilor of the Rairangpur Nagar Panchayat and then went on to become the chairperson of the same panchayat in 2000. Later, she also served as the national vice president of the BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha.In 2015, Murmu became the first woman governor of Jharkhand. She also became the first woman tribal leader from Odisha to be appointed as the governor of a state.Murmu devoted her life to serving society, empowering poor, downtrodden, and marginalized sections of society. She has rich administrative experience and an outstanding gubernatorial tenure in Jharkhand. Murmu has made a special identity in public life by spreading awareness about education in tribal society and serving the public for a long time as a public representative. (ANI)
Russian troops bombarded the Chuhuiv town in Ukraine's Kharkiv region as a result of which two persons sustained injuries while many others were suspected buried under rubble, Ukrainian officials claimed. Several civilians were still hiding in the basement of a cultural centre that was destroyed during the attack, Kharkiv Police's investigative unit head said according to a media report. Three people had already been rescued from the rubble, Regional Governor Oleh Synyehubov said as quoted by Al Jazeera. Synyehubov said the residential areas in the village of Korobochkyne and the town of Pechenihy were also bombarded several times. He also reported a fire in one of the wheat fields in the area. The regional governor said the towns of Bohodukhiv and Izyum were also bombarded. "Unfortunately, in the village Kulynychi, a 39-year-old tractor driver was killed after he ran over an explosive object," Synyehubov said. "We once again appeal to the farmers of the Kharkiv region: remember the danger. You can work in the fields only after an examination with explosives and military personnel," he added. The latest round of Russian attacks come a day after a Ukrainian official said that the country's southern region of Kherson, which was captured by Russian troops during their early military operation in February, would be taken back by Kyiv's forces by September. The Ukrainian army, emboldened by deliveries of western-supplied long-range artillery has been clawing back territory in the southern Kherson region in recent weeks, Al Jazeera reported. Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry clarified that it had attacked a cargo of US-supplied Harpoon anti-ship missiles and a military boat in Ukraine's Odesa. According to Al-Jazeera, Russia had earlier denied attacking the Ukrainian port. The attack on the southern port took place on Saturday, a day after a deal was signed to unblock grain exports from Black Sea ports and ease food shortages caused by the war, Al- Jazeera reported. Serhii Bratchuk, a spokesman for the Odesa military administration, claimed two missiles hit the infrastructure of the port while another two were shot down by Ukraine's air defence. At least six explosions were heard in Odesa, according to Ukrainian member of parliament Oleksiy Goncharenko. Meanwhile, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenksyy accused Russia of routinely violating agreements after the Odesa attack. On February 24, Russia began a "special military operation" in Ukraine after the Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics requested help in defending themselves. The Russian Defence Ministry said the special operation is targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure only and the civilian population is not in danger. (ANI)


Since January this year, a Muslim fisherman community in Kozhikode, Kerala is up in arms against the administration for its plan to construct a sewage treatment plant nearby their homes. The community views the plant as a threat to their lives which will hamper their livelihood.

Basil Islam | TwoCircles.net

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KOZHIKODE (KERALA)  Protests against the proposed sewage treatment plant (STP) at Avikkal Thodu, a fishermens locality in Kozhikode district of Kerala, have been going on since January this year. Residents of the area, who are predominantly Muslim and depend on fishing for a livelihood, complained that the sewage plant will be a threat to their everyday life. The plant will be built in a congested residential locality and as per residents will affect the water quality of the adjacent stream into the sea.

People from different political backgrounds have come together under the aegis of Janakeeya Samara Samithi (Peoples Protest Committee) against the construction of the sewage plant. People alleged that the authorities are not giving heed to their concerns despite their long public protests. Ministers and leaders from the ruling party Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI(M), including MV Govindan and P. Mohanan, have criticized the protestors and branded them as terrorists and urban Naxals alleging their association with Social Democratic Party in India (SDPI) and Jamaat-e-Islami.

The protestors alleged that they are facing a heavy police crackdown. As per them, many protestors, including pregnant women and minor boys, are charged with criminal cases under the Goonda Act and PDPP Act.

Basil Islam is an independent journalist and researcher based in South India. He tweets at @baasiie
A New York-based human rights group has condemned the Myanmar military regime's execution of pro-democracy leaders and elected officials. Myanmar's military junta today reported the execution of four men in the country's first death sentences carried out in over three decades. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the men put to death were Phyo Zeya Thaw, 41; Kyaw Min Yu, known as "Ko Jimmy," 53; Hla Myo Aung; and Aung Thura Zaw, all of whom were convicted after closed trials that fell far short of international standards. A military tribunal sentenced Ko Jimmy and Phyo Zeya Thaw to death on January 21 under Myanmar's overbroad Counterterrorism Law of 2014, the group said. Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw were convicted in April 2021 for allegedly killing a military informant. The Human Rights Watch opposed capital punishment in all countries and under all circumstances because of its inherent cruelty and finality, and has long called on Myanmar to end all use of the death penalty. "The Myanmar junta's execution of four men was an act of utter cruelty," said Elaine Pearson, acting Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "These executions, including of activist Ko Jimmy and opposition lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw, followed grossly unjust and politically motivated military trials. This horrific news was compounded by the junta's failure to notify the men's families, who learned about the executions through the junta's media reports. "The junta's barbarity and callous disregard for human life aims to chill the anti-coup protest movement. European Union member states, the United States, and other governments should show the junta that there will be a reckoning for its crimes. They should demand immediate measures, including the release of all political prisoners, and let the junta know the atrocities it commits have consequences." The volatile situation in Myanmar following the February 01, 2021 coup has increased armed conflict and subsequent population displacement within and across borders, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The security situation continues to deteriorate in Southeast Myanmar with the intensification of armed clashes reported between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) or People's Defence Force (PDF) in several areas. The Military continues to deploy security forces and has increased the use of heavy artilleries. As of June 30, the total number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in Myanmar displaced since February 1, is 758,500, of whom 244,500 are in the southeast provinces - Kayah, Shan, Kayin, Mon States, and Tanintharyi and Bago regions. In Kayah State, more than 4,000 people were able to return to Loikaw and Demoso Townships. Nevertheless, the security situation in Demoso Township continues to be unstable, with more than 2,000 people unable to return to their places of origin. (ANI)
Criticizing the judges of the Supreme Court over the court's verdict favouring Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the Punjab election case, Pakistan Muslim League-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz said that one wrong decision destroys all the cases. According to ARY News, ahead of the hearing by the apex court on Parvez Elahi's petition, PML-N Vice President said that said she can write the entire history of the judiciary, just one wrong decision destroys all the cases, if you make the right decision, no matter how much you are being criticized. The PML-N said that when Hamza Shahbaz Sharif won the election, (PTI) took the petitions to the Supreme Court registry. On this, the registrar said, sit here and prepare the petition now. "One or two judges, who have always been anti-PML-N and anti-government, they are repeatedly included in the bench," she said. Recalling the Senate chairman, Sadiq Sanjrani case, PML-N Vice President said that six votes were rejected in the election of Sadiq Sanjrani and when they approached the court it said that the speaker's ruling cannot be challenged. She said that now that Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari has ruled that the votes will not be counted against Chaudhry Shujaat's will, the Supreme Court has summoned him, why? she asked. The PML leader alleged that the interpretation of the constitution is changed by looking at the head of the party, if the head of the party is Nawaz Sharif, then a decision like Iqama is issued against him. It was said that the head of the party does everything, now if Chaudhry Shujaat as the president gives any orders to the party, the interpretation is different. Earlier, Jamiat Ulema-e Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that he is party to the petition filed by the Opposition against the ruling of Pakistan Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari. It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) leader Parvez Elahi, was the contender to Punjab Chief Minister's post and was the joint candidate of PML-Q and former Prime Minister Imran Khan's political party PTI. The petition has been filed by Parvez Elahi against the ruling of Pakistan Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari. Pakistan Supreme Court has summoned Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari for citing Article 63A of the Constitution and not counting the votes of defecting lawmakers as well as electing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hamza Shahbaz as Punjab Chief Minister. Addressing a press conference, the JUI-F chief said he would move a petition with the Supreme Court to become a party in the case, the Dawn reported The announcement comes after the Supreme Court announced its verdict over Punjab's by-election The political battle between opposition and coalition partners intensified over the controversial Punjab CM poll which saw Hamza Shahbaz retaining the chief minister's post on technical grounds. According to the Punjab Assembly deputy speaker, Hamza received 179 votes whereas Chaudhry Pervez Elahi garnered 176 votes, but only after 10 votes of Elahi's own party were not counted, which turned the tables in Hamza's favor. On Elahi's petition, the Supreme Court on Saturday directed that Hamza Shehbaz would remain as a 'trustee' chief minister of Punjab by July 25, following which Hamza Shehbaz took oath as Punjab Chief Minister on Saturday. (ANI)
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended his greetings to Droupadi Murmu on her assumption of office as the 15th President of India and said that he is looking forward to working closely with her towards this end. "Her Excellency Smt. Droupadi Murmu President of the Republic of India Excellency, The Government and the people of Sri Lanka join me in extending warm felicitations on your assumption of office as the President of the Republic of India," Wickremesinghe said in a statement. He further said that Murmu's appointment to the President's post in India, which he termed as "one of the largest democracies", is testimony to the trust and confidence the government and the people have placed in her calibre and political acumen. Recalling India and Sri Lanka's relationship he said that both countries "enjoy warm and longstanding relations which stemmed from people to people interactions over millennia and I am glad that the time-tested bonds of friendship between the two nations continue to be reinforced through ever-growing cooperation and support in many spheres of strategic interests that we share." "Your leadership offers fresh impetus to our joint endeavours to nurture and strengthen the cordial ties we enjoy and I look forward to working closely with you towards this end," he further added. India under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, has always come forward to help the debt-ridden island country. Recently, India has extended 8 Lines of Credit (LOCs) to Sri Lanka amounting to USD 1,850.64 million in the past 10 years. "Government of India has extended 8 Lines of Credit (LOCs) to Sri Lanka amounting to USD 1,850.64 million in sectors including railways, infrastructure, defence, renewable energy, petroleum and fertilizers in the past 10 years," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a written reply to question put by DMK Lok Sabha MP S Ramalingam. "In January 2022, India extended a USD 400 million currency swap to Sri Lanka under the SAARC Framework and deferred successive Asian Clearing Union (A.C.U.) settlements till July 6, 2022. A Line of Credit of US$ 500 million was extended to Sri Lanka for importing fuel from India," the minister added. More than 25 tons of drugs and medical supplies which were donated by the government and people of India during the last two months are valued at close to SLR 370 million. This is in addition to the economic assistance of around USD 3.5 billion and supply of other humanitarian supplies such as rice, milk powder, and kerosene. These humanitarian supplies are in continuation of the government of India's ongoing support to the people of Sri Lanka in multiple forms such as financial assistance, forex support, material supply, and many more. These efforts prove that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Neighborhood First' policy which places people-to-people engagement is still active. India is becoming a stronger and more mutually beneficial partner to Sri Lanka. Apart from assistance during the pandemic and fertilizer chaos, India is also donating basic products to the island nation. Sri Lanka has been suffering a diesel shortage since February, which led to hours of daily power cuts. Presently, Sri Lanka is struggling with acute food and electricity shortages, forcing the country to seek help from its neighbours. The recession is attributed to foreign exchange shortages caused by a clampdown on tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is unable to buy sufficient fuel and gas, while people are deprived of basic amenities as well. (ANI)
The United States have condemned the Myanmar military's execution of four pro-democracy leaders and elected officials for exercising their fundamental freedoms. Myanmar's military junta today reported the execution of four men in the country's first death sentences carried out in over three decades. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the men put to death were Phyo Zeya Thaw, 41; Kyaw Min Yu, known as "Ko Jimmy," 53; Hla Myo Aung; and Aung Thura Zaw, all of whom were convicted after closed trials that fell far short of international standards. "We condemn the military regime's execution of pro-democracy leaders and elected officials for exercising their fundamental freedoms. We join the people of Myanmar in mourning the loss of Ko Jimmy, Phyo Zeya Thaw, Hla Myo Aung, and Aung Thura Zaw," the US Embassy in Burma (Myanmar) tweeted. Earlier, a military tribunal sentenced Ko Jimmy and Phyo Zeya Thaw to death on January 21 under Myanmar's overbroad Counterterrorism Law of 2014, the group said. Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw were convicted in April 2021 for allegedly killing a military informant. "The Myanmar junta's execution of four men was an act of utter cruelty," said Elaine Pearson, acting Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "These executions, including of activist Ko Jimmy and opposition lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw, followed grossly unjust and politically motivated military trials. This horrific news was compounded by the junta's failure to notify the men's families, who learned about the executions through the junta's media reports. "The junta's barbarity and callous disregard for human life aims to chill the anti-coup protest movement. European Union member states, the United States, and other governments should show the junta that there will be a reckoning for its crimes. They should demand immediate measures, including the release of all political prisoners, and let the junta know the atrocities it commits have consequences." The volatile situation in Myanmar following the February 01, 2021 coup has increased armed conflict and subsequent population displacement within and across borders, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The security situation continues to deteriorate in Southeast Myanmar with the intensification of armed clashes reported between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) or People's Defence Force (PDF) in several areas. The Military continues to deploy security forces and has increased the use of heavy artilleries. As of June 30, the total number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in Myanmar displaced since February 1, is 758,500, of whom 244,500 are in the southeast provinces - Kayah, Shan, Kayin, Mon States, and Tanintharyi and Bago regions. In Kayah State, more than 4,000 people were able to return to Loikaw and Demoso Townships. The security situation in Demoso Township continues to be unstable, with more than 2,000 people unable to return to their places of origin. (ANI)
The Supreme Court of Pakistan reserved a verdict on the formation of a full court bench on Monday for hearing the petition filed concerning Punjab Chief Minister's elections and said that the party head "will also have to listen to the parliamentary party's opinion." This comes after Hamza Shahbaz defeated Pervez Elahi in the Punjab polls and Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker, Mazari had dismissed PML-Q's 10 votes after party head, Chaudhry Shujaat urged them to vote in favour of Hamza, Geo News reported. However, PTI and Elahi did not accept this and approached the top court. The hearing was led by a three-membered bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar, Geo News reported. During the supreme court hearing that resumed today, the former head of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Advocate Latif Afridi said that he did not want to issue a one-sided order and arrive at a decision under the advice of 10 former presidents. "The review petition in the Article 63(A) case should be fixed before a full court," Afridi said, as he highlighted the South-Asian country's deepening crisis. Responding to Afridi's request, the CJP said "We need to hear the other side of the story as well," as the issues raised by Afridi resonate well with what Pakistan is undergoing presently. Moving on, the SCBA President, Ahsan Bhoon said that he could not "imagine" pressurising the court, but stressed that the review petition on Article 63A should be heard. "What's the hurry Bhoon Sahab, let us hear this case first," CJP said. Upon the court's queries about Chaudhry Shujaat's letter to his party MPs, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarrar underlined that the directions were given to members prior to the assembly session. According to Geo News, the entry of all political leaders to the Supreme Court was banned for the hearing on the case related to the election of the Punjab Chief Minister however strict security arrangements were made around the apex court. Moreover, as per the petition, it has been stated that the ruling given by Deputy Speaker Dost Mohammad Mazari on July 22 is valid, while Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain's letter to his lawmakers is in accordance with the Constitution and the law. The petition stated that the Election Commission of Pakistan had validated the instructions given in the letter written by Imran Khan against the defecting members. Demanding a full court bench to hear the case and not three judges, the coalition government rulers held a press conference hours before the hearing began. PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto and PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz reiterated that the coalition government only has one demand and that is the formation of a full bench to hear the case related to the Punjab CM's election. "This cannot happen that three people decide the fate of this country. Three people cannot decide on whether this country will run on a democratic, elected or selective system," Geo News quoted Bilawal Bhutto as saying. Notably, the top court asked Chief Minister Punjab Hamza Shahbaz to stay "trustee" CM till Monday (July 25) and limited his powers, noting that if he appoints someone against merit, it will not be taken into consideration. (ANI)
Workers of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl and other political parties on Sunday continued a sit-in protest against lawlessness in Eidek village. They demanded early arrest of the killers of JUI-F leaders Qari Samiuddin, Hafiz Nauman and others, Dawn newspaper reported.

According to Dawn, locals and officials said that the JUI-F leader Qari Samiuddin and his colleague, Hafiz Numan Dawar were on their way home in Eidek village when their car was ambushed on Bichi Road near Mirali town in North Waziristan on July 14.

The gunmen shot at the two, leaving them dead on the spot. The relatives of the leader said that Qari Sami had no feud with anyone.

This was the second targeted attack on JUI-F leadership in the restive district during the last one week.

On Monday, a few unidentified gunmen killed a councillor-elect Malik Murtaza, who was also from Eidak village. He was elected councillor during the second phase of the local body elections.

Qari Sami was head of the JUI-F's Mirali subdivision. He had contested the election on the party ticket from PK-111.

He actively participated in local politics, often criticising the administration and law enforcement agencies for not handling law and order situations in the district, particularly targeted killings, the Dawn reported.

Pakistan Army's General Officer Commanding Maj-Gen Naeem Akhthar condemned the killing. He vowed to serve justice and termed Qari Sami a strong voice for peace in the area. (ANI)
Beijing has been using the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to gain control of the Gwadar port and the region of Gilgit-Baltistan, a media report said. Writing in Global Watch Analysis Roland Jacquard said that CPEC is being used by China to pump in tens of billions of Euros into Pakistan under the banner of economics and development. Gwadar port, located on the Arabian Sea, will allow China to have a say in global energy economics as the country can use a naval base to hold control over the maritime traffic passing between West Asia. It is crucial for China to gain control over the Gilgit-Baltistan region (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir PoK), as the region borders the Xinjiang province of China. If Gwadar is critical for China's external power projection, Gilgit-Baltistan is critical for internal security, Jacquard wrote. Since 2010, there have been reports of growing presence of China in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. It was believed that several Chinese soldiers were present in the region in 2010 to secure road links, build infrastructure projects, including nearly two dozen tunnels. China's presence grew in the region three years later following the announcement of CPEC. There have been several attacks against Chinese nationals in Pakistan and as a result, Beijing has been demanding to bring their own security personnel to protect their assets and nationals in Islamabad. The residents of Gilgit-Baltistan fear that the country can give the region to China as the Shaksgam Valley was ceded to China in early 1960s, Jacquard wrote. The close proximity has resulted in marriages between Gilgit-Baltistan based cross-border traders and Uyghur women. However, several of them have complained that their Chinese wives have disappeared, and are allegedly placed in re-education camps in Xinjiang, the article further read. There has been a rise in anti-China sentiments in the Gilgit-Baltistan area as well as in Gwadar port. The Chinese mega projects are showing an adverse impact on Gilgit-Baltistan's environment leading to uncontrollable pollution and irreversible depletion of aquatic ecosystems. Under the banner of CPEC, Pakistan and China are initiating work on mega-dams, oil and gas pipelines, and uranium and heavy metal extraction in Gilgit-Baltistan. CPEC has been a major cause of militancy and even terror attacks and a sore point with local populations from Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the north to Sindh and Balochistan in the south, who feel neglected and marginalised, while their resources get transferred to Punjab and big cities and now to China. Even Islamabad is facing rising unrest and protests from locals in Balochistan, Gwadar and other areas as they accuse the government of depriving them of basic amenities and rights. (ANI)
Prominent Pakistani journalist and news anchor Hamid Mir has come under fire on the microblogging website Twitter for leaning towards the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance's demand for the constitution of a full court on the issue of the election of a Chief Minister for Punjab province. "Isn't it clear now that the demand for making a full court has been ignored?" Hamid Mir tweeted. "Three selected people cannot run an elected system. [?]@BBhuttoZardari attacked three-member bench of the Supreme Court," he said in another tweet. Users on Twitter, mainly supporters of PTI, were seen lashing at Mir, claiming that he is siding with Pakistan Muslim League (N) amid the legal battle with Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) amid the row over chief ministership of Punjab. "When it's PTI we never heard from you about the full court. Something is wrong with this picture," Pakistani user Gul Khatab tweeted. Another user said, "Not a single reason to consider the full bench option, its simple case, what parliament should follow ...constitution. No Hamza No Pervaiz...." "Why should a full bench be ordered! If your not going to tell the truth then give up journalism! Your a discredit to your profession! What good for the goose is good for the ganda! The same bench through out PTI speakers judgement then the rule was great for the PDM Traitors chor," another Pakistani Twitter user said. Hamza Shahbaz from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Friday won the election in the provincial assembly to retain his position as the chief minister of Punjab province, after provincial assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Mazari decided not to count the votes of PML-Q lawmakers. Shahbaz, son of Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, secured 179 votes against 176 votes received by Pervaiz Elahi, a joint candidate of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of former prime minister Imran Khan and the Pakistan Muslim League (PML). Elahi had received 186 votes, including 176 from PTI and 10 from the PML, but the deputy speaker excluded the 10 votes of the PML after its chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain wrote a letter to his party members not to vote for Elahi. The election was held on the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan after the PTI filed a petition in the apex court, saying that Shahbaz has lost the majority in the house. Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz today filed a petition in Pakistan's top court to constitute a full court on the issue of the election of a CM for Punjab. In his petition, Shahbaz stated that the ruling given by Deputy Speaker Mazari on July 22 is valid, while Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain's letter to his lawmakers is in accordance with the Constitution and the law. The petition further stated that the Pakistan Election Commission had upheld the instructions given in the letter written by Imran Khan against the defecting members. Earlier today, Pakistan Supreme Court reserved the verdict on the formation of a full court for hearing the case of the Punjab chief minister's election -- where Hamza Shahbaz defeated Pervez Elahi. The top court reserved the verdict on the petitions filed by CM Hamza and other bar associations -- seeking the formation of a full court -- after it heard arguments from party lawyers, Geo News reported. Earlier on April 16, Shahbaz was elected as the new chief minister of Punjab with 197 votes, including 25 dissidents of the PTI. On May 20, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) de-seated 25 dissident members of the provincial assembly of the PTI for voting Shahbaz in the election against the orders of the party leadership. Later the ECP allocated five reserved seats to the PTI and announced by-elections on the remaining 20 seats on July 17. The PTI won 15 seats while PML-N got four seats and an independent candidate also won the election. Member of the PML Basharat Raja objected to the deputy speaker's decision to exclude votes, saying that it is against the constitution of the country because only a leader in the assembly can pass such orders to its members while Hussain is not the party leader in the house. Earlier, the PTI and PML both had announced that they will go to the Supreme Court of the country to challenge the verdict made by the deputy speaker. (ANI)
In a press release, Africa CDC called on African states to strengthen laboratory diagnostic capacities and genomic sequencing capacity for Monkeypox.

The announcement came two days after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern.

The Africa CDC also called on members to stockpile vaccine and treatment needed to deal with Monkeypox cases.

The continental health body also called on African states to develop and distribute both general and tailored risk communication messages for general communities as well as vulnerable population groups.

According to the latest figures of the Africa CDC, 2,031 Monkeypox cases have been detected in 11 African countries, accounting for 12 percent of global cases.

The continental health body has also reported 75 Monkeypox related deaths so far.Monkeypox, first detected in laboratory monkeys in 1958, is assumed to transmit from wild animals such as rodents to people, or from human to human. It is a rare viral disease that is usually transmitted through body fluids, respiratory droplets and other contaminated materials. The infection usually results in fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes. (ANI/Xinhua)
This Consular dialogue mechanism was instituted in 2017 to discuss and improve consular, visa and mutual legal assistance cooperation between India and Bangladesh, thereby contributing to stronger people-to-people ties.

Monday's talks included the finalization of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for repatriation of each other's detained nationals and early release of detained fishermen.

"The 3rd India-Bangladesh Consular Dialogue was held on 25 July 2022 in Dhaka. Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA) led the Indian delegation, while the delegation from Bangladesh was led by Amb. Mashfee binte Shams, Secretary (East), MoFA," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

"The two sides held wide-ranging discussions on mechanisms to strengthen coordination and cooperation on Consular issues. These included finalization of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for repatriation of each other's detained nationals and early release of detained fishermen," the MEA added.

The MEA said that the two sides agreed that more intensive implementation of provisions under the Revised Travel Arrangements (2018), relating to tourist, student and business visas, and further liberalization of visa procedures and entry and exit norms would further enhance ease of travel.

"Both sides welcomed the close cooperation between law enforcement agencies to prevent terrorism, cross-border crimes, and to increase mutual legal assistance," the MEA said.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to continue to work toward citizen-centric consular mechanisms.

Noting the unique friendship and special bond between the two countries, especially in this 50th anniversary year of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties, they agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations through easier and more extensive people-to-people exchanges.

The next Consular Dialogue will be scheduled in New Delhi. (ANI)
At least 55 policemen have been killed and 60 were injured in various attacks across Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province between January to mid-July this year, local media reported citing sources. The News International reported that as many as seven policemen were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in January this year, three in February, 11 in March, 16 in April, five in May, seven in June and six were killed in the third week of July. "The highest number of attacks on police took place during the current year in Dera Ismail Khan, followed by Bannu, Peshawar and Mardan regions. No incident occurred in Hazara region during the current year," a source of The News International said. The latest attacks took place in Khyber and Dera Ismail Khan on Friday and Saturday. According to the source, the policemen killed during the last less than seven months included two inspectors, as many sub-inspectors, five assistant sub-inspectors, three head constables and 43 constables. Around 40 of the fallen were from their respective district police while others belonged to traffic, Counter-Terrorism Department and other units. In some incidents, the police posts, offices and vans were attacked with grenades and firing, but no casualty was reported. The rising attacks on police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent weeks has set the alarm bells ringing for the government and law enforcement. Provincial Chief Minister Mahmood Khan in a meeting expressed concern over the rising attacks on cops and directed the bosses to take measures to improve the situation. He directed the senior officers to come up with a comprehensive action plan to stop target killings and other terrorist and criminal incidents. (ANI)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has given reassurances regarding global grain stocks after fears emerged that the supply chain could be thrown into chaos following missile strikes on a key Ukrainian city. Ukrainian and Russian representatives last week signed a deal brokered by Turkey and the UN in Istanbul. The series of documents lifted restrictions on supplies of Russian products for export and provided for Moscow's assistance in exporting Ukrainian grain. A day after the deal was signed, the Russian Defense Ministry said that Russian naval forces have destroyed a docked Ukrainian warship and a warehouse of US-supplied Harpoon missiles with high-precision long-range missiles in the port of Odessa. Addressing a press conference during his Egypt visit, Lavrov reaffirmed the commitment of Russian grain exporters to meet all their commitments. "We discussed specific parameters of cooperation in this area, agreed on further contacts between the relevant ministries, and we have a common understanding of the causes of the grain crisis," Sky News quoted Lavrov as saying after meeting his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry. The Russian Foreign Minister made these remarks during his first African tour since the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict that started in late February. The tour is scheduled to include Ethiopia, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Russian top diplomat said he had "a constructive dialogue" with the Egyptian president and later with his Egyptian counterpart, expressing Russia's appreciation for the fast-growing relations between the two countries. Speaking at a joint press conference after meeting with Shoukry, Lavrov lauded the expanding economic cooperation and growing trade volume between Russia and Egypt. He added that Russia and Egypt have shared views on many regional and global issues, including the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the crises in Syria, Libya and Iraq. As for a global food shortage resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Lavrov blamed the Western sanctions for obstructing Russian grain exports, noting that Russia and Ukraine recently signed an agreement to help relieve the food crisis through safe corridors in the Black Sea for grain exports. Lavrov noted that his tour in Africa also seeks to discuss preparations for the second Russia-Africa summit that is scheduled for mid-2023. For his part, the Egyptian foreign minister reiterated the need to reach "a political and diplomatic settlement" of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. Shoukry added that he discussed with Lavrov the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and they both agreed on the necessity of the two-state solution as a settlement to the issue. Ahmed Kandil, head of the International Studies Unit at Cairo-based Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, said that the timing of Lavrov's tour in Africa is very important as it comes after two recent important meetings, one in Jeddah attended by leaders of the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, plus Egypt, Jordan and Iraq, and the other in Tehran gathering leaders of Russia, Iran and Turkiye. "Lavrov's scheduled visit to Ethiopia after Egypt could be a message from Moscow that Russia can play an important role in solving the region's issues, the foremost of which is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) crisis," the Egyptian expert told Xinhua, referring to the dispute between Cairo and Addis Ababa on the rules of filling and operating the dam built on their shared Nile river. (ANI)
Ahead of the 21st session of the Pak-Iran Joint Economic Commission (JEC) which is scheduled to be held from August 16-19 in Islamabad, Pakistan may buy liquified petroleum gas (LPG) from Tehran. Pakistan's purchase of (LPG) from Iran will take place in Pakistani rupees as Tehran is ready to consider Pakistan's proposal, well-informed sources in Commerce Ministry told Business Recorder. "Both sides have emphasized their commitment towards the early solution of IP project under GSPA and agreed to take necessary measures," the sources said, sharing details on the Pak-Iran Gas pipeline. The 21st Session of the Pak-Iran Joint Economic Commission (JEC) will take into consideration the issues of the Pak-Iran Gas Pipeline, joint projects between OGDCL, National Oil Refinery (NIOC) and pending issues between NTDC, CPPA-G and Iranian company Tavanir, in addition to the promotion of barter trade and payment mechanism. According to sources, OGDCL has expressed the desire to work as a joint venture partner with NIOC for the exploration of hydrocarbons within Iran and worldwide, Business Recorded stated, adding that ODGCL would also like to join hands with National Iranian Oil Company to evaluate the potential of tight gas reserves, and enhanced oil recovery projects in Pakistan. However, due to US sanctions, no cooperation could materialize so far. Moreover, WAPDA and TAVANIR also entered into a contract agreement for 30 years for 32-MW electricity on November 6, 2002, to fend the requirements of Makran Division in Balochistan and TAVANIR showcased an interest to supply power to other bordering areas. Somehow, the rates per kWh were revised from time to time and MoU was signed on April 08, 2007, for the import of 1000-KW power from Zahedan, Iran to Quetta, Pakistan, stated the sources. NTDC approved the MoU in 2012; however, the approval of ECC is awaited. After approval of ECC, the PPA will be negotiated with Tavanir. The estimated cost will be USD 700 million. CPPA-G has noted that as of September 17, 2020, payment of about USD 100 million to Tavanir on account of import of electricity is pending due to non-availability of banking channels, Business Recorder reported citing sources, stating that NTDC had earlier requested M/o Commerce to develop some formal mechanism for making outstanding payment owed by CPPA-G to Tavanir. Notably, during the visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to Iran in April 2019, it was agreed that the legal teams from both sides would engage in finding out legal solutions for the implementation of the project. Accordingly, both sides executed Amendment Agreement No. 3 to the Iran Pakistan Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (IP-GSPA) with NIOC on 5th September 2019 in Istanbul, Turkey. (ANI)
Political party Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) has condemned the killing of missing persons reportedly in fake encounters in the Ziarat district of northern Balochistan. According to Pakistan Vernacular media, the party said that despite a legal and constitutional government in the country people are illegally and forcefully missed and then killed in fake encounters. 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)
Merged with a debt trap, the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative has jolted the financial stability of many other countries including Pakistan which faces a severe deficit in trade balance with Beijing. Notably many developing BRI countries are facing a debt trap-like situation and financial hardships. However, Beijing rejected the allegations of debt trap on BRI as "senseless and baseless". Countries which borrowed heavily under the BRI to construct trade and transportation infrastructure are now reeling under the burden of debt servicing as their newly built infrastructure failed to generate enough trade and revenue to service their debt, reported a Canada-based think tank, International Forum for Rights and Security (IFFRAS). Pakistan is continuously recording an unsustainably high trade deficit with China. According to a recent study conducted by the American think-tank, Foreign Policy Research Institute's Felix K. Chang, titled 'Deficit Trap: Trade Balances and China's Belt and Road Initiative'. The study revealed that Islamabad's trade balance with China deteriorated by 164 per cent in 2021 compared to 2013. It is not different in African and Central Asian BRI countries, but in their case the worsening of trade deficit has been less acute. The report noted that Pakistan's trade imbalance was the worst in comparison with some of other BRI beneficiaries like Angola (34 per cent), Kenya (106 per cent), Kyrgyzstan (47per cent) and Sri Lanka (41 per cent), IFFRAS reported. As per reports, there are two reasons for Pakistan's alarming trade deficit. The reasons included that Pakistan's export basket is small as compared to China and that BRI projects consisted of input buying clauses by Chinese firms implementing them in Pakistan by Chinese companies only. Another, Islamabad's small export basket is attributed to lack of industrialization and diversification of the Pak economy. China has many comparative advantages which other BRI countries do not enjoy due to development asymmetries with China. Study involving impact assessment of BRI infrastructure on Pakistan found that agricultural exports to China decreased over the years. Islamabad failed to fully capitalize on potential of Chinese agriculture market, mainly due to lack of productivity and quality issues, despite concessions offered by Beijing. Also other BRI countries like Kyrgistan took advantage of Beijing's tariff concessions and flooded the Chinese markets with their cheap agricultural exports, IFFRAS reported. Pak structural deficiencies are adding to the trade deficit burden. It's 'boom and bust' cycles are marked by increasing and accelerating growth of imports, with successive governments supporting the overvalued national currency. The manufacturing sector has been shrinking over the past two decades. Islamabad is now slowly moving into Chinese 'trade deficit' trap, as per the report. (ANI)
"My congratulations and best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al Ahmed Al-Sabah, on his appointment as the Prime Minister of Kuwait. I look forward to working with him to further deepen and expand our excellent bilateral relations," PM Modi tweeted.

India and Kuwait traditionally enjoy friendly relations, which are rooted in history and have stood the test of time.

In 2021, India and Kuwait celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Both countries have maintained regular high-level contacts.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Kuwait stood with India during the second COVID and provided quick support in the form of oxygen and other relief material to India.

On Sunday, the Kuwaiti emir issued a decree appointing Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as the prime minister and tasking him with forming the new cabinet.

In May, the Kuwaiti emir approved the resignation of then Prime Minister Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and his cabinet, in which Ahmad served as first deputy prime minister and minister of interior, Xinhua news agency reported.

Ahmad was born in 1956 as the eldest son of Kuwaiti Emir Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He served as the Kuwait National Guard Deputy Commander between November 2020 and March 9, 2022. (ANI)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday condemned the Myanmar military regime's execution of four pro-democracy activists and elected leaders. "The United States condemns in the strongest terms the Burma military regime's executions of pro-democracy activists and elected leaders Ko Jimmy, Phyo Zeya Thaw, Hla Myo Aung, and Aung Thura Zaw for the exercise of their fundamental freedoms," Blinken said in a statement. "These reprehensible acts of violence further exemplify the regime's complete disregard for human rights and the rule of law. Since the February 2021 coup, the regime has perpetuated violence against its own people, killing more than 2,100, displacing more than 700,000, and detaining thousands of innocent people, including members of civil society and journalists," he added. According to Blinken, the regime's sham trials and these executions are blatant attempts to extinguish democracy; these actions will never suppress the spirit of the brave people of Myanmar. "The United States joins the people of Burma in their pursuit of freedom and democracy and calls on the regime to respect the democratic aspirations of the people who have shown they do not want to live one more day under the tyranny of military rule," he added. Myanmar's military junta Monday reported the execution of four men in the country's first death sentences carried out in over three decades. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the men put to death were Phyo Zeya Thaw, 41; Kyaw Min Yu, known as "Ko Jimmy," 53; Hla Myo Aung; and Aung Thura Zaw, all of whom were convicted after closed trials that fell far short of international standards. Earlier, a military tribunal sentenced Ko Jimmy and Phyo Zeya Thaw to death on January 21 under Myanmar's overbroad Counterterrorism Law of 2014, the group said. Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw were convicted in April 2021 for allegedly killing a military informant. "The Myanmar junta's execution of four men was an act of utter cruelty," said Elaine Pearson, acting Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "These executions, including of activist Ko Jimmy and opposition lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw, followed grossly unjust and politically motivated military trials. This horrific news was compounded by the junta's failure to notify the men's families, who learned about the executions through the junta's media reports. The volatile situation in Myanmar following the February 1, 2021 coup has increased armed conflict and subsequent population displacement within and across borders, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The security situation continues to deteriorate in Southeast Myanmar with the intensification of armed clashes reported between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) or People's Defence Force (PDF) in several areas. The Military continues to deploy security forces and has increased the use of heavy artillery. As of June 30, the total number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in Myanmar displaced since February 1, is 758,500, of whom 244,500 are in the southeast provinces - Kayah, Shan, Kayin, Mon States, and Tanintharyi and Bago regions. In Kayah State, more than 4,000 people were able to return to Loikaw and Demoso Townships. The security situation in Demoso Township continues to be unstable, with more than 2,000 people unable to return to their places of origin. (ANI)
Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, several women who worked in security agencies lost their jobs, however after a hiatus, nine policewomen at Afghanistan's Kandahar Prison have recently returned to their jobs. "We have a separate section for women, and we hired nine policewomen that have all-day responsibility," said Mawlawi Akhter Mohammad Agha Husseini, head of Kandahar's central prison, The Frontier Post reported. The officials of Kandahar's central prison said nine of eleven policewomen have come back to their duties as well as called on their other colleagues to return to their duties. On being asked about returning to duty after a brief period, the head of the policewomen at Kandahar's central prison, Farida said "It has been seven months and I have returned to my duty, and now I am happy, I can work here and pay my family's expenses." In another statement, Khadijah, a policewoman in the women's section said, "I had worked for 15 years in the previous government and now after the Islamic Emirate took power it has been seven months before I returned to my duty, and I am satisfied," The Frontier Post reported. Currently, there are around 50 women in the Prison's women section some of whom are also addicted to drugs and are being treated. Notably, the administrative staff of Kandahar prison have been called on to return to their duties. The plight of women in Afghanistan continues to be deplorable despite the tall claims made by the Taliban when they took control of Kabul in August last year. Girls were stopped from going to school beyond sixth grade on March 23 and a decree against the women's dress code was issued after a month. The piece read that women are nearly 40 million population of the country, but they are still suffering and struggling for their fundamental rights like education and health. There are restrictions on movement, education and freedom of expression of women, posing a threat to their survival. The lack of female healthcare workers has prevented women from accessing basic medical facilities, and international donors, who fund 90 per cent of health clinics, are hesitant to send money because of their fear of the funds being misused. Moreover, the women involved in security forces continue to suffer suppression. Women in Afghanistan have suffered due to the cultural and religious interpretations by the Taliban, and almost 18 million women in the country are struggling for health, education and social rights. Since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August, a grave human rights crisis has been unfolding, especially for women and girls. Many governments have spoken out against the abuses; the Taliban's March 23 decision to continue their ban on girls' secondary schooling may be the first time a rights violation prompted condemnation from the European Union and 16 female foreign ministers. (ANI)
Protests against the killing of missing persons in northern Balochistan in fake encounters by the Pakistan police, have been intensifying in the country as well as abroad. Hundreds of people have come out on the streets in Turbat, Islamabad and European countries like Germany against the alleged "fake encounter" of the Baloch missing persons. The protestors are calling for justice for the victims and their family members and demanding that the culprits be prosecuted and punished. 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)
The Chinese telecommunications giant, Huawei, has taken center stage in recent times as the world runs towards the shiny new technology of 5G, however, nations across the world are losing faith due to security threats. Huawei has faced a fair amount of heat over incidents involving information breaches, data leaks, compromised software, backdoor entries, and funneling of data to unknown locations- all of which make the wariness surrounding Huawei and other Chinese firms relevant, reported The HK Post. Australia was the first country in the world to have banned Huawei in its endeavor to establish the 5G network, citing 'security concerns' in 2018. Years later, these 'security concerns' were substantiated in the 2012 information breach, which was very visibly traced back to the Huawei equipment that Australia used. Using sophisticated self-deleting, malicious software embedded in an update, the code reprogrammed all Huawei equipment present in the networks to record and reroute all information passing through it, to China. When Canberra shared this data leak with its American counterparts in Washington, it was found that a similar breach had occurred that year with Huawei equipment set up in the US as well, reported The HK Post. In another incident of data rerouting and theft at the hands of Huawei, the African Union's headquarters was found to be compromised. Widely reported in 2018, authorities found that for 5 long years, from 2012 through 2017, the Addis Ababa headquarters of the AU had been victim to their information being funneled to servers in Hong Kong and Shanghai- unsurprisingly, the headquarters itself, as well as the technological equipment, was financed and backed by the Chinese government. It has, hence, become imperative for nations who collaborate with China to remain aware that with each "good deed" the country offers, there's always more to the situation than what meets the eye, advised The HK Post. With Huawei's predominance in developing and facilitating 5G networks, China stands to gain access to any and all information it wishes to acquire from any network or nation of its choosing. Huawei has a long history of providing flimsy security for its consumer nations, with a common theme of security breaches, data funneling to unauthorized locations and backdoor entries into software and equipment. Having set up 5G for over 50 countries, the threat of Huawei isn't just restricted to the host nations but easily extends out to whichever other countries are connected to it. The presence of Huawei equipment in a country's network is one of the biggest threats to the mutual exchange of confidential information between nations, for fear of data stealing by the uninvited third-party, China. Furthermore, involving Chinese equipment in a network could also result in arbitrary surveillance and censorship, as certain parts of a network have the ability to filter and manipulate data after accessing it- this is already actively occurring across the African continent in countries that use Huawei equipment, reported The HK Post. All the security incidents over the years are a testament to the fact that the Huawei business acts as an extension of China's arm of intelligence-gathering and surveillance mechanism, be it voluntarily or involuntarily. (ANI)
The Taliban claimed that the security situation in Afghanistan has been solved and urged its minorities - Hindus and Sikhs to return back to the country. The assertion comes after the Director General of the Office of the Minister of State of the Taliban, Dr Mullah Abdul Wasi met with a number of members of the Hindu and Sikh Council of Afghanistan on July 24th, tweeted the Office of Chief of Staff, Afghanistan. Wasi met with a delegation of Hindu and Sikh leaders in Kabul and reminded all Indian and Sikh compatriots who left the country due to security problems can now return to Afghanistan as security has been established in the country. As per the Taliban release, Sikh leaders thanked the Taliban for preventing the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) attack on Gurdwara in Kabul. On June 18, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) attacked Karte Parwan Gurdwara in Kabul. During the deadly attack two people, including a Sikh, lost their lives. According to sources, around 25 to 30 people were present inside the gurdwara complex for their morning prayers when the attackers entered the premises. Around 10-15 people managed to escape but the gurdwara's guard, identified as Ahmad, was killed by the assailants. Religious minorities in Afghanistan, including the Sikh community, have been targets of violence in Afghanistan. In October, last year 15 to 20 terrorists entered a Gurdwara in the Kart-e-Parwan District of Kabul and tied up the guards. In March 2020, a deadly attack took place at Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Gurudwara in Kabul's Short Bazaar area in which 27 Sikhs were killed and several were injured. Islamic State terrorists claimed responsibility for the attack. Meanwhile, the Taliban-led Afghanistan government has decided to renovate Gurdwara Karte Parwan in Kabul which suffered damage in a terror attack. Sources reveal that a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Interior (MoI) paid several visits to Gurdwara to express their condolences to the families of the victims. A technical team was also assigned to assess the level of damage caused to the last remaining functioning Sikh Gurdwara in the capital city. It is revealed that the government will spend a sum of 7.5 million Afghani to renovate the building. (ANI)
The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday rejected the petition seeking the formation of a full bench for hearing the case of the Punjab chief minister's election. This comes after Hamza Shahbaz defeated Pervez Elahi in the Punjab polls and Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker, Mazari had dismissed PML-Q's 10 votes after party head, Chaudhry Shujaat urged them to vote in favour of Hamza. According to the brief verdict, the three-member bench -- headed by Chief of Pakistan Justice Umar Ata Bandial, and comprising Justice Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar -- will hear the petition filed by the PTI, reported Geo News. Following the decision, the country's top court decided to adjourn the hearing on the ruling till 11:30 am tomorrow (Tuesday). CJP Bandial had said that the court needed more legal clarification regarding the formation of a full bench to issue a verdict on the case. He also said that he was unsure whether the decision on the said ruling will be made on Monday. Meanwhile, the court also accepted the petition filed by PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and the PPP to become a party in the case, reported Geo News. During the hearing, Deputy Speaker Mazari's lawyer, Irfan Qadir said he was instructed to speak regarding the formation of the full court only; therefore, he needed time to take instructions from his client. Meanwhile, Hamza Shahbaz's counsellor Mansoor Awan sought time to take instructions for arguments on merit. Justice Ijazul Ahsan reiterated that the decision to form a full court will be made on merit. Meanwhile, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarrar asserted that there was enough clarification in this regard, reported Geo News. Tarrar added that if the review petition is approved that there will be no need for a run-off election. Continuing his argument, advocate Qadir said that the re-election for the chief minister was held in the light of the court's decisions. "Therefore, if the court refuses to accept the deputy speaker's decision to reject the votes of defecting members, there will be no need for re-election," he said, adding that the basis of this case is the Supreme Court's verdict "which must be reviewed first." Advocate Qadir further said that there is a contradiction in Supreme Court's ruling on Article 63(A), "which gives the idea that the apex court is under pressure." However, he immediately added that he wasn't trying to disrespect the court as the top court was equally respectable for him as well, reported Geo News. Citing an example of the difference of opinions among politicians which was wreaking havoc on the country, the deputy speaker's counsel said that if the judges also unite and form a full court, then the issue can be resolved easily. While concluding his arguments, the lawyer urged the court not to hurry in making a decision and carefully deliberate it. On the other hand, PPP's counsel Farooq H Naek requested that the court should hear the case tomorrow morning "with a fresh mind," reported Geo News. Justice Munib Akhtar intervened, saying that there should be no dictatorship of the party leader in the parliamentary party. Subsequently, PML-Q lawyer Salahuddin took the rostrum and said that in his opinion, "instructions to the parliamentary party are issued by the party head," as he also urged the formation of a full court bench. CJB Bandial acknowledged that the country was suffering from a continuous crisis since April. "We want the country to run according to the Constitution and democracy; we don't want these differences to continue," he said. The chief justice further added that cases related to the constitutional and public interest cannot be left hanging in the balance, reported Geo News. "Like every citizen, we are also worried about the economic situation," CJP Bandial said, adding that today, the one who took more votes is out and the one who secured 179 votes is the chief minister. CJP Bandial said that in order to retain Hamza as the CM, solid foundation is needed. "Please, show the written proof that where is it written that directions of an unelected party leader have to be accepted," he said, addressing the counsellors present in the courtroom. The chief justice, "Is this state of the economy because of the court or because of instability?" The chief justice added he wished to dispose of the case quickly and that the court only had two more judges available at the moment. Speaking to journalists outside the court, former information minister and PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry acknowledged that judges didn't come under pressure, reported Geo News. "The proceedings of the court are progressing in a positive manner," he said, adding that by empowering the parliamentary party, democracy will be strengthened. Speaking on the occasion, the ex-state minister for communication Farrukh Habib said that a "fake" chief minister was ruling the province for the last three months. "This is not possible that 13 ministers pressurise the judges by criticising them," he said. Meanwhile, PTI's Secretary-General Asad Umar, while speaking to media persons outside the court, said that the court has given Hamza another chance, and added that he hoped that the court will announce its final verdict tomorrow, reported Geo News. "Hopefully truth will take its course," he said, adding that the federal government is constantly criticising the federal government. Meanwhile, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz said that there was only one reason for not forming a full court -- "fear". Taking to her Twitter handle in reaction to the SC's verdict, she wrote "Fear of the contradiction of its own decision." Saying that she was "almost sure" that a full court will not be formed, Maryam added that when the decisions aren't taken in accordance with the Constitution, law, and justice, then the formation of a full court is deemed dangerous, reported Geo News. "Involvement of honest judges in the bench highlights the flaws of the decisions taken earlier... and people know that the decisions were taken on personal preferences," Maryam added. In another tweet, she wrote: "You (the three-member bench hearing the case) took away 20 votes from us and now you have also awarded 10 votes cast by PML-Q members to PTI. Earlier in the day, the SC had reserved the verdict on the petitions filed by CM Hamza Shahbaz and other bar associations -- seeking the formation of a full court for the hearing of the case -- after it heard arguments from party lawyers, reported Geo News. (ANI)
Two Miami men were arrested early Sunday morning after deputies in the Florida Keys found an endangered Key deer in their car during a traffic stop, according to authorities.

Yoankis Hernandez Pena, 38, and Andres Leon Valdes, 45, face charges of animal cruelty and taking, possessing or selling a federally designated endangered or threatened species, county jail records show. They were in custody as of Sunday afternoon awaiting their bond hearing, Adam Linhardt, spokesman for the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, told the Miami Herald.

Attorney information for both men wasnt available as of Sunday night.

At 1:56 a.m., deputies stopped a blue Chevrolet hatchback-style car on U.S. 1 near mile marker 56 in Marathon that was failing to stay in its lane, the agency said in a news release. When the deputies walked over to the car, they say an injured Key deer was spotted on top of a cooler and some lawn chairs in the vehicle.

Two Miami men were arrested after a Florida Key deer was found in their truck during a traffic stop in Marathon on Sunday, July 26, 2022, according to the Monroe County Sheriffs Office.

The men told the deputies they had hit the deer on U.S. 1 north of the Seven Mile Bridge and that they were taking it to a veterinarian in Miami for treatment  but that area isnt Key deer habitat, the agency noted. According to deputies, the men said they never called 911, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission nor the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

After Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers responded to investigate further, the men were put in handcuffs, the sheriffs office said.

READ MORE: Authorities teamed up to rescue a Key deer in the Lower Keys

Thanks to the great work by our deputies and the quick actions of FWC, the Key deer is alive, and hopefully it will recover and be released, said Sheriff Rick Ramsay.

In 2017, two men were arrested for taking three Key deer and faced felony charges. Both of them pleaded guilty and finished serving probation last year, according to court records.

READ MORE: His excuse for hogtying 3 endangered Key deer in car: I wanted to take a picture with them

Commonly found in Key Deer Country from Big Pine Key West to Lower Sugarloaf Key, the endangered Key deer are unique to the lower Florida Keys because they cant be found anywhere else in the world, according to the Fish and Wildlife.

They are perfectly adapted to living in the wild but may approach people and vehicles looking for food, the agency says. Residents and visitors are asked to not feed them and to drive carefully.

To report a dead or seriously injured Key deer, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions Wildlife Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), option 1 for Monroe County.
After a woman riding an electric bicycle was knocked unconscious in a car accident, her 9-year-old son rushed to the scene and performed CPR in an effort to wake her.

On July 19, the woman was reportedly riding an electric bicycle in Hefei, Anhui province of eastern China, to pick up her son when she was involved in a car accident and rendered unconscious. In a video uploaded to Weibo by Jimu News on July 19, the woman can be seen laying on the ground in a busy traffic intersection with blood oozing from her head.

Her son rushes to the scene while yelling out mom, mom, and begins performing CPR. Although the CPR failed, the boy held an umbrella above his mother to shield her from the heat and waited for an ambulance to arrive.

Mom, youve got to hang in there, the boy said to his mother.

More from NextShark: 16-Year-Old Student Becomes Youngest University of Toronto Graduate in 40 Years

An ambulance driver, surnamed Yang, explained that the mother suffered an open head wound and regained consciousness on the way to the hospital.

The boy accompanied his mother to the hospital, and he kept calling mom, mom on the way, Yang told Jimu News.

The 9-year-olds father, surnamed Wu, stated that his wife remained in the hospital with life-threatening injuries and was still being treated. He also explained that his son had learned CPR techniques by watching TV.

More from NextShark: 71% of Asian Americans Fighting COVID-19 on the Front Lines Are Immigrants

My son is 9 years old, and we never taught him CPR, Wu told Jimu News. He picked it up on his own from television.

Some Weibo users praised the boy, while others pointed out that performing CPR incorrectly may pose further consequences.

Although his movements are not standard, he didnt just focus on howling and crying. Its amazing that he has this awareness, one user wrote.

More from NextShark: Hong Kong activist sentenced to 15 months in prison over Tiananmen Square vigil

Its a good thing, but its still very dangerous if CPR is not done properly, another user commented.

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Not all casualties require CPR provided they are in cardiac arrest. Otherwise, the injury may be aggravated, another user wrote.

More from NextShark: Texas county commissioner candidate apologizes for doctored image of Asian American opponents face

Featured Image: Weibo
Jeffrey Cooper, Hollywood architect and film academy member, enters the Van Nuys courtroom prior to being sentenced to eight years in state prison for child molestation. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times)

Jeffrey Cooper, a renowned architect and acoustic engineer whose work and innovations have spanned numerous Hollywood films and institutions, was sentenced to eight years in state prison on three counts of child molestation on Monday.

Cooper, a longtime member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, faced a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Before sentencing in Los Angeles Superior Court in Van Nuys, David Ring, an attorney representing Coopers two accusers and their families, filed a civil suit against the architect for personal injuries and damages arising out of childhood sexual abuse in Los Angeles Superior Court.

The civil suit also names Calabasas Shul, the synagogue that Cooper founded in 1994 in Calabasas and where he served as its board president. According to the suit, the synagogue operated out of a residential property that Cooper owned, paying him rent, and also held religious events and gatherings at Coopers house and other locations.

The suit alleges that Cooper took advantage of his position of authority and trust as the president of the board of directors and founder of the Shul to engage in unlawful sexual abuse and other harmful misconduct with Plaintiffs.

"The two victims and their families are relieved the criminal process is finally over, after four long and brutal years. They can now pursue a civil case against Cooper and the Shul with the goal of holding all those responsible fully accountable in the civil courts," Ring said.

Following a two-week criminal trial in May, a jury convicted Cooper on three felony charges of a lewd act on a child involving one of his accusers.

Jurors, however, were unable to render a verdict on five counts against Cooper involving a second accuser. Judge Alan Schneider declared a mistrial on those charges.

The trial took place four years after Cooper was arrested and a grand jury indicted him on eight counts involving two minor children. Cooper, a resident of Calabasas, pleaded not guilty.

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In his opening statement, Jackson called the allegations false, part of a money play, and called his client a target because of his wealth, status and resources.

In June 2018, L.A. County Special Victims Bureau detectives arrested Cooper, then 66, on suspicion of multiple counts of child molestation, according to court records. The acts were alleged to have occurred on one victim between November 2006 and November 2007 and on the second between January 2012 and July 2016, according to the felony complaint for the arrest warrant.

The two accusers are now 16 and 28 years old.

The 28-year-old victim and her parents gave impact statements. She said she remained "haunted" by what happened and called the last four years "emotional torture."

She said, it has been "difficult to trust people, difficult for me to stand up for myself," adding that it took her years "to say the word 'molested.'"

"Im no longer the little girl you took advantage of with no voice or power. I stand before you now a woman with her voice and her power. You no longer hold that power, I do. You did not take away who I am."

Cooper wept as a longtime family friend, his younger brother and daughter addressed the court on his behalf, saying the allegations "do not reflect the man I know and love."

Prior to sentencing, Cooper's attorney Jackson made a motion for a new trial citing both procedural and prosecutorial errors. Judge Schneider denied the motion.

In sentencing Cooper, the judge noted he did not have a prior criminal history, had done a lot for his community, family and profession but had "used those things to enable him to commit this crime."

According to the civil suit, Coopers sexual abuse against one of the alleged victims was eventually disclosed to the synagogues rabbi, Yakov Vann. But, the suit says, no action was taken by Rabbi Vann or anyone else at the Shul in response to this disclosure of sexual abuse, including a failure to report it to law enforcement.

The complaint further alleges that both the rabbi and the synagogue attempted to cover up the abuse and prevent anyone from knowing about it, in order to protect the reputation of the synagogue and the rabbi, financially, as Cooper controlled and dictated his salary.

Vann did not respond to requests for comment.

The suit contends that Vann was also made aware of the sexual abuse allegations made by the second minor victim but that just as with the first victim, no action by him, or anyone else at the Shul, in response was taken.

Vann and others at the synagogue had the responsibility and duty to adequately and properly investigate and supervise Cooper to ensure that he was not engaging in misconduct towards children who were a part of the Shul, the suit alleges. Prior to Plaintiffs being sexually abused by Cooper, he had engaged in inappropriate and suspicious behavior towards minors that should have raised red flags, warranting additional supervision and safeguards to ensure that he was not engaging in misconduct.

Cooper, the suit states, would regularly engage in physical contact with minors, including providing shoulder massages and attempting to have minors sit on his lap, as well as to regularly take minors down to his basement during Shul events and gatherings which had soundproof music rooms.

Over the years, Cooper earned a reputation in Hollywood as a top designer of movie theaters and sound studios, including an Academy of Television Arts and Sciences theater, as well as more than two dozen mixing studios that produced Academy Award nominees, according to the website of his eponymous Calabasas-based firm.

Cooper designed home studios for a galaxy of top directors, including Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. Beyond Hollywood, Cooper was the architect behind the Aish HaTorah World Center in Jerusalem, and he proposed the design for a slavery and culture museum in Benin, according to a Medium essay he penned in 2020.

In 2002, Cooper became a member of the film academy for his contributions to acoustics and theater design.

The academy has struggled to deal with members who have been accused of misconduct and has yet to comment publicly on Coopers conviction.

The Academy has been made aware of the alleged abhorrent behavior and will address this matter according to our Standards of Conduct and the due process requirements under California nonprofit corporation law. We would have grounds, under our rules, to expel any member convicted of a violent crime, the organization said in a statement regarding Cooper at the start of his trial.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Bravo

As Heather Dubrows twins, Max and Nick, get ready to go to their respective colleges in the coming weeks, The Real Housewives of Orange County cast member is sharing a look at the packing process. In an August 14 Instagram Story video, Heather showed the college piles currently filling her spacious garage. Holy crap, she said as she showed dozens of boxes, school supplies, toiletries, and more. Wow. Over the past few months, the Dubrow family has been celebrating this exciting new chapter
(Reuters) - South Africa has formally asked the United Arab Emirates to extradite Rajesh and Atul Gupta, brothers who face corruption charges relating to former president Jacob Zuma's time in power, the justice minister said on Monday.

"We can confirm that the extradition request has been duly submitted to the United Arab Emirates' central authority today," Ronald Lamola told reporters.

South Africa had 60 days to submit the request, after Dubai police arrested the Guptas in June.

The brothers are accused of using their connections with Zuma, head of state from 2009 to 2018, to win contracts, influence cabinet appointments and siphon off state funds. Zuma and the Guptas have denied all wrongdoing.

South Africa's National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi said the extradition process could take several months, declining to give a more precise timeframe.

She said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) viewed the submission of the extradition request as an important milestone in attempts to hold accountable perpetrators of corruption.

"What I want to assure the people of South Africa is that as the NPA we do not bring cases unless we ourselves are satisfied that it meets the standard of reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution," she said.

Dubai police arrested the Guptas on the basis of an Interpol "red notice," a request to law enforcement officials worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest someone pending extradition.

The UAE ratified an extradition treaty with South Africa in April 2021, a move that the South African government hoped would lead to the return of the Guptas to face charges.

(Reporting by Anait Miridzhanian; Editing by Alexander Winning and Mark Heinrich)
In a new lawsuit, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has charged Sharpsburg used car dealer, JK Motor Cars, with deceptive business practices.

The suit filed in Allegheny County court claims the company and managing member Jaison Kelly violated consumer protection laws by selling unroadworthy cars and fail[ing] to disclose, prior to sale, serious problems.

The attorney general claims at least 14 people bought faulty vehicles from JK Motor Cars, dating back to February 2019.

The suit states that several customers were misled to believe the cars came with a three-month or 3,000-mile warranty, but when issues arose, the attorney general says the customers were forced to pay to fix them on their own.

According to the lawsuit, customers discovered major problems with the cars including damaged frames, faulty transmissions, and engines in need of repair.

When confronted, the lawsuit states that JK Motor Cars told customers the cars they purchased were in as is condition.

The attorney generals office provided these tips if youre buying a used car:

Assess your needs and determine a budget for the purchase, operation, and maintenance costs.

Know your seller and check on their reputation and reliability first.

Check the car for any easily-identifiable issues.

Test-drive the vehicle. If you cant, dont buy it.

Thoroughly read and understand all documents you are signing during the purchase process.

If youve had a similar experience with JK Motor Cars, you can contact the attorney generals office on this website, via email at scams@attorneygeneral.gov or through the phone at 1-800-441-2555.

President of JK Motor Cars, Jaison Kelly, said to Channel 11 in part:

We have been working and complying with his office for several months while trying to find resolutions for our customers. Every car we sell has the properly signed state required documents. These complaints amount to less then [sic] 1% of our sales over the specified time period.

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DAMASCUS, Syria (AP)  Algerias foreign minister on Monday decried Syrias decadelong suspension from the Arab League during a visit to Damascus, indicating support for the war-torn country's return to the organization under President Bashar Assad.

Syria was expelled from the 22-member group and boycotted by its neighbors after the conflict broke out in March 2011, following a heavy-handed crackdown by Assad's government on mass protests demanding reforms.

The country quickly descended into civil war, which has killed hundreds of thousands of people, displaced half the countrys population and left large parts of Syria destroyed.

But with Assad regaining control over most of the country, thanks to military assistance from allies Iran and Russia, Arab countries have inched closer toward restoring ties with the Syrian leader in recent years, most notably the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Last October, Jordans King Abdullah II received a call on Sunday from Assad, the first between the two leaders in a decade.

Algeria will host the 2022 Arab League summit in November, and the Assad government in Damascus is eager to continue rekindling regional diplomatic relations.

Syrias absence from the Arab League harms cooperation between Arab countries, said Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra, speaking at a news conference with his Syrian counterpart, Faisal Mekdad.

Syria is coordinating with Algeria and several Arab countries to revisit the status of Syrias membership in the league, Mekdad said.

Lamamra also met with Assad and delivered a letter from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboun.
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.
By Supantha Mukherjee and Foo Yun Chee

STOCKHOLM/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Orange and MasMovil's $19 billion Spanish telecom merger is set to be a test case for whether Europe's antitrust regulators have become more lenient in approving deals that reduce the number of mobile operators.

Buried under debt in small, highly competitive markets, Europe's telecom operators have been talking about consolidation for years but were wary of scrutiny by regulators, which have taken a tough line on any moves that lower competition.

The pandemic, however, has underscored the importance of telecom networks, and regulators may have become more sympathetic to mobile operators trying to cut debt through mergers and invest in new 5G services, industry analysts say.

"It's a real litmus test for the sector that could open up the doors for other opportunities," said CCS Insight analyst Kester Mann. "It's going to be closely watched by other operators."

Approval could pave the way for similar deals in Britain, France, Italy and Portugal that would reduce the number of players in the market to three from four, analysts say.

The Orange-MasMovil tie-up, between Spain's second and fourth largest telecoms operators, is the first big deal since the European Commission blocked CK Hutchison's $12.6 billion purchase of Telefonica's British mobile unit O2 in 2016.

Since then, Europe's telecoms deals have focused on adding subscribers or capacity without changing the competitive landscape. But the Spanish merger is big enough to face a full-scale, four month investigation by the Commission after a preliminary review, industry sources told Reuters.

The Commission said it had not yet been notified about the transaction by the companies. That would trigger a review.

Regulators are concerned mergers could lead to higher prices, less choice and a reduction in quality for consumers, particularly if two players join forces in one market.

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MasMovil does not have a large mobile network in Spain and is confident demands made by regulators as a condition for approving the deal would not be too onerous, according to sources directly involved in the process.

Orange will seek to counter possible regulatory concerns by pointing to the rollout of fibre in Spain and the expansion of mobile companies into areas such as broadband as proof of strong competition in the country, a person familiar with matter said.

The companies aim to take the combined business public in three to four years, after closing the deal the second half of 2023.

FOUR BECOMES THREE

In Europe, many countries have four telecom operators jostling for share in small markets, which usually equates to lower prices for consumers but less profit for the companies, analysts say.

In contrast, the United States is dominated by three main players - AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. That can result in higher prices for customers and higher profits for the companies.

Vodafone, Orange, Telefonica and Deutsche Telekom are the biggest European telecom operators and have a presence in several countries.

Any deals that reduce competition in European countries from four players to three would likely benefit their businesses in the long term by enabling them to raise prices, analysts say.

Vodafone, a vocal supporter of consolidation, is reportedly in talks with Hutchison's Three network in Britain.

Vodafone boss Nick Read on Monday declined to comment on any potential deal, but reiterated there was room for consolidation in Britain.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Robson on Monday said the 2020 election was not fair and said President Biden is the wrong guy in the White House as she repeatedly dodged questions during an interview on CNN about whether she would have certified the election results.

Taylor Robson is seen as the establishment GOP primary candidate in the governors race and has earned the endorsement of former Vice President Mike Pence against former broadcast news star Kari Lake, who is backed by President Trump and has made the 2020 election a cornerstone of her candidacy.

But during the interview with CNN New Day co-host Brianna Keilar, Taylor Robson refused to say the election had been determined fairly.

Taylor Robson dodged questions on if she would have certified the 2020 election if she were governor at the time, saying she couldnt do that without having been presented all the evidence.

There has been investigation after investigation, and are there things that need to be fixed? Absolutely, she said, citing issues with voter ID and ballot harvesting. But Im looking forward, Im looking at 2022 and doing everything I can to keep Arizonas governors office in Republican hands.

Keilar pressed the candidate again on whether she would certify the election, to which Robson repeated she has not seen the evidence.

There are investigations that are ongoing, Taylor Robson said.

Do you accept the outcome of the election of 2020? Keilar asked again.

We have the wrong guy in the White House, Taylor Robson answered. I believe the wrong president is in the White House.  The 2020 election, at a minimum, was not fair, and thats my consistent answer.

Taylor Robsons answers show just how much the 2020 election is a campaign issue in the race between she and Lake. They also suggest that despite Pences endorsement, Taylor Robson doesnt want to be seen as saying the election was fair.

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No evidence has been found to suggest widespread fraud resulted in Bidens win nationally or in Arizona.

The false claims that the election was stolen from Trump led to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, where members of a mob chanted hang Mike Pence because he would not overturn the results of the election  a power he did not have in the first place.

Pences endorsement of Taylor Robson was seen as the start of a proxy battle between Pence and Trump, who are now on opposite sides of the GOP after the events of Jan. 6, 2021.

Over the weekend Pence and outgoing Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) campaigned for Taylor Robson as Trump rallied for Lake.

On Monday, Taylor Robson said 78 percent of Republicans in Arizona believe something was wrong with the 2020 election. She blamed Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, the media suppressing news about Hunter Biden and big tech silencing conservative voices for creating an unfair election and spreading discontent among Republicans.

Taylor Robson added she was concerned about what President Biden and Democrats are going to do in upcoming elections.

Im focused on what theyre doing in the future, she said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Base exchange stores have mostly run out of hot weather uniforms for women due to a contract dispute that has halted production, according to the Defense Logistics Agency.

The shortage comes as the Army and Air Force wrangle with Golden Manufacturing Co. Inc., which was awarded a $22.6 million contract by the Defense Department in April 2021 to produce trousers for the services.

The shortage in weather-appropriate clothes for female troops comes amid a summer heat wave that has scorched many areas of the country with unusually high temperatures. The Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform is a coveted commodity in the military community because many bases are located in hotter parts of the country.

Read Next: Florida Man Accused of Driving to Space Force Base in Stolen Truck to Warn of Aliens

"Due to a protest of the award, the company had to halt production. Golden Manufacturing Co. produces other military clothing items, however these were awarded under separate contracts so production is not affected by the protest," Michelle McCaskill, a spokesperson for the Defense Logistic Agency, wrote in a statement to Military.com.

It's unclear what led to the contract protest or when production is expected to pick back up. Golden Manufacturing did not return a request for comment.

"It's a necessity here and at a lot of other installations," one woman, a combat-arms soldier, told Military.com on the condition of anonymity. "You will not be able to mitigate your heat as well, you will not be able to sweat as well, you will not be able to cool down as well in the regular uniform."

Some female service members have resorted to purchasing male editions of the hot weather uniform and then paying to have them tailored to meet the professional presentation standards required for all soldiers.

The uniforms worn by male soldiers are technically described as unisex in official documents and were once worn by all soldiers, but were designed specifically to fit male bodies and are now almost always placed in the "men's" sections of base stores following the introduction of female soldier specific combat uniforms in 2013.

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Women in the military have long struggled with ill-fitting equipment and the shortage of hot-weather gear -- and forced reliance on male clothes -- is creating another burden.

"It's not only a safety issue," the soldier said. "It's unprofessional, and it doesn't allow them to do their jobs."

A spokesperson with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service said it was unclear when the stores would be able to restock shelves for women.

Several companies make uniforms for the Army and Air Force, but Golden Manufacturing is the only one that makes trousers for women. Other companies also make male uniforms, so there is no widespread shortage for men.

"It seems odd that supply is limited on purpose despite the demand for women's uniforms," a corporal serving in the Army Reserve told Military.com on the condition of anonymity because she was not authorized to talk to the press. "Women change sizes more often than men. We have this anxiety about our uniforms looking right or new since we're going to get picked on for our hair, even when it's in regs."

"The availability of our uniforms seems like an afterthought," she said.

The hot weather uniform was introduced in 2019 and is a much lighter version of the standard-issue camouflage uniform. It is largely seen by the rank and file as a much-needed quality-of-life improvement. The new uniform dries more quickly, and its thinner design keeps soldiers cooler. Being thinner, it's also more compact and packs easier in a rucksack.

"I think that's one of my biggest frustrations," including other shortages in female-fitted body armor, said the female combat-arms soldier of the Army's one-size-fits-all mentality on uniforms.

"I would love for a uniform to be released as female-only just to see how the rest of the Army reacts," she said. "Because we don't take the time to address the specific needs of women when we're looking at resourcing uniforms and gear."

Editor's Note: This story was updated to specify that the uniforms commonly referred to as "male" uniforms among soldiers after the introduction of female specific combat uniforms in 2013, are officially listed as "unisex" uniforms on Army documents although they were specifically designed to fit male bodies and are almost exclusively worn by male soldiers.

-- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon.

-- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @df_lawrence.

Related: Army's New Hot Weather Uniforms Are About to Hit Shelves
The Atlanta area district attorney leading a wide-ranging investigation into election interference involving former President Donald Trump was barred Monday from pursuing a Republican state senator after a local judge found a conflict of interest in the prosecutor's public support for the senator's opponent in an upcoming race for lieutenant governor.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney concluded that District Attorney Fani Willis' support for Democrat Charlie Bailey disqualified her from calling Georgia state Sen. Burt Jones before a special grand jury as a potential target in the criminal inquiry.

Willis had co-hosted a June fundraiser for Bailey and donated to his primary campaign.

"She (Willis) has bestowed her offices imprimatur upon Senator Joness opponent. And since then, she has publicly (in her pleadings) labeled Senator Jones target of the grand jurys investigation," McBurney said in his ruling. "This scenario creates plain -- and actual and untenable -- conflict.

"Any decision the District Attorney makes about Senator Jones in connection with the grand jury investigation is necessarily infected by it," the judge concluded.

Willis had sought to question Jones as part of a group of fake Georgia electors who allegedly attempted to overturn President Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election.

More in the Georgia probe: Judge orders Rudy Giuliani to testify before Georgia grand jury investigating Donald Trump

More: Why do Georgia prosecutors want to talk to Rudy Giuliani, Lindsey Graham and other Trump allies?

The judge's decision only applies to Jones, not to any other witnesses in the fast-moving Fulton County investigation. A number of Trump allies have been subpoenaed in the case, including personal attorney Rudy Giuliani and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. The district attorney also has been weighing whether to call Trump before the grand jury.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger resisted pressure from Donald Trump, telling the president his claims of election fraud were false.

While Willis' office may not question or pursue a criminal case against Jones, the judge did not exempt Jones from possible legal jeopardy. McBurney said a decision, "as to whether any charges should be brought, and what they should be," would be left to different prosecutor to be selected by a state Prosecuting Attorneys Council.

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Willis' office said Monday officials were reviewing the decision.

Jones, meanwhile, cast the judge's decision as "a huge win for our campaignbut more importantly, for due process and the rule of law in Georgia."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta DA barred from calling state senator in election fraud probe
Aurora Fire Chief David Barnes

AURORA  Fire Chief David Barnes will retire  again  and this time he says it will be permanent.

Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin announced at City Councils July 18 meeting that Aug. 12 will be Barnes last day on the job. He will be honored at a celebration that day from noon to 4 p.m. at the main fire station.

Barnes, 65, retired from the job for the first time in August 2017, but was reappointed by Womer Benjamin until the end of that year, and subsequently each year since.

Barnes retired the first time under under the DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Plan) program. He joined DROP in 2009, when he began making contributions toward his retirement.

Police officers and firefighters must be at least 48 years old with at least 25 years of service to be eligible.

As a participant in DROP, he was required to retire in August [2017], but under the city charter I reappointed him until my new term [began] Jan. 1, 2018, Womer Benjamin said back then. And he has remained on the job ever since.

Barnes, an Aurora High graduate and life-long city resident, began working for the fire department 45 years ago. He was named chief in 2003 after Gerald Gnabahs retirement.

I was very fortunate to watch the city and department grow, said Barnes. When I started, we had only five full-time personnel and only two of us were paramedics. We answered approximately 500 calls per year.

Most of our calls were at Sea World during the summer. We covered day shifts, and nights and weekends were manned by paid on-call volunteers.

Today we have 20 full-time members, with all being paramedics, and we answer about 2,500 calls a year. We staff two stations 24 hours a day, with a combination of full-time and part-time personnel," Barnes said.

I love my job, but I look forward to not being awakened during the night, and being able to take longer vacations and have more time to do things with family and friends.

Dave has made so many contributions to the community, said Womer Benjamin at Councils July 18 session. I knew him long before I was mayor because he was always there.

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He manages his people incredibly well, he is compassionate with the public and he has saved many lives over his many years of service," she added.

I cant say enough about what an incredible citizen he is in this community.

The mayor said a search will begin soon to find a replacement for Barnes. The Ohio Fire Chiefs Association will collect resumes and do screening and testing.

We used the Ohio Police Chiefs Association similarly when we conducted a search for police chief in 2014, said Womer Benjamin. I expect we will have internal candidates apply as well.

Council president George Horvat said it has been a pleasure to work with Barnes. I hope people will remember what he accomplished. Ive gotten so used to him that it will never be the same.

Hes been a great asset to the community and has done everything above and beyond. He will be sorely missed.

Added Councilwoman Reva Barner, he will be missed in many ways, while Councilman Brad Duguay said as a businessman hes been great to work with and everywhere you go he is there. I dont know if well ever be able to replace someone like him, but I wish him well and thank him for everything.

Councilman John Kudley had Barnes as a student at Aurora High. As a teacher when youre in a classroom, you wonder is there any hope for this student or that? but Dave wasnt one of those individuals.

He was one who I knew was going to do something special. Hes been loyal to the city and hes going to be difficult to replace.

Its been an honor and a pleasure to work with him, added Councilman Dennis Kovach. I hope people will remember what he accomplished here.

As for the citys search for a permanent finance director, the mayor said the pool is somewhat shallow, so we have not yet found an appropriate candidate.

The previous finance director  Tim Clymer  is on retainer with the city to help assistant finance director Leah Cellura until a permanent replacement is found.

Contact the newspaper at auroraadvocate@recordpub.com.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Aurora fire chief to retire next month - this time for good
Jennifer Lopez has celebrated her 53rd birthday with the launch of her new body care range, JLo Body by JLo Beauty.

The singer, actor and business mogul, who recently surprised fans with her Las Vegas wedding to Ben Affleck, kicked off her new products campaign with a nude photograph.

She said the range includes products that are targeted at tightening and firming for the body, adding that her beauty line already has a similar product for the face.

Lopez, whose birthday fell on Sunday (24 July), told People that the new Firm + Flaunt Targeted Booty Balm will focus on the backside skin as her customers wanted targeted treatment for the area.

She added that the product was inspired from watching her mother struggle with cellulite as she was growing up.

I remember her wishing that there was some magic formula that was just going to make it disappear. And the truth is, we know that doesnt exist, the newlywed pop star said.

Jennifer Lopez launches her new body care product (Jennifer Lopez/Instagram)

The product retails at US$65 (54.27) and is available to buy on Lopezs JLo Beauty website in the US only.

Lopez said she wants to help people normalise taking care of yourself.

Its not a selfish thing. Its a nourishing thing, she said. If you cant take care of yourself, you certainly cannot take care of anybody else.

When it comes to beauty, there is no expiration date, she continued, citing Diana Ross, Cher and Tina Turner as her inspiration.

Im in a business where youth is glorified and people try to write, especially women, off at a certain time, she explained.

Its like, Oh, youre done, no more movies for you. We dont want your music anymore. Growing up, I looked up to people like Diana Ross and Cher and Tina Turner, and they were in their 50s and they were beautiful and almost coming into their own at the time.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck tied the knot this weekend (On the JLo)

The global superstar and mother-of-two added: I believe you can look and feel amazing and sexy at any age.

I really dislike the phrase, You look good for 40, or you look good for 30, you look good for 50. How about, you just [say], You look good?

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Lopez tied the knot with Affleck, who she reignited her relationship with last year 17 years after they first broke up, in an intimate ceremony in an intimate ceremony at The Little White Chapel in Las Vegas.

On Sunday (17 July), she shared a photograph of herself showing off her new ring in bed. She also revealed photographs from the ceremony in her newsletter, OnTheJLo, which showed her wearing two wedding dresses during the night.

We did it. Love is beautiful. Love is kind. And it turns out love is patient. 20 years patient, she wrote.
President Biden will meet virtually with labor leaders and business executives on Monday afternoon to press Congress to pass legislation boosting the domestic semiconductor industry.

In an updated schedule, the White House said the meeting would focus on the importance of passing the Chips Act to bolster Americas competitive edge, manufacturing power, and national security.

Biden, who was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Thursday, is expected to participate in the meeting virtually from the White House residence, where he has been isolating for the past several days. Its one of two public appearances the president is expected to make on Monday as he recovers from the virus.

Bidens physician, Kevin OConnor, said in a memo on Sunday that the presidents symptoms were significantly improving and that he was mainly experiencing a sore throat. OConnor is expected to deliver another update on the presidents condition on Monday.

The meeting precedes a busy week on Capitol Hill, where the Senate is scheduled to take a procedural vote on the bill  formally known as the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Act  which would invest $52 billion in the domestic semiconductor industry.

The bill has bipartisan support and is a major priority of the Biden administration, but has been held up repeatedly due to partisan squabbles. The measure needs 60 votes to advance on Monday, after which a final vote would be held later in the week.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks are also scheduled to attend Mondays meeting with labor leaders and CEOs.

A White House official told The Hill that Medtronic CEO Geoff Martha, Cummins CEO Tom Linebarger and Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet would participate, as well as The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada general president Mark McManus and Communications Workers of America president Christopher Shelton.

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Biden administration officials argue that the legislation would help the U.S. become more competitive against China while also easing supply chain issues that have plagued the U.S. during the pandemic.

Updated at 12:40 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday held separate calls with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, offering U.S. support for what he called a historic opportunity to achieve peace in the region.

The calls followed face-to-face meetings between the foreign ministers of both countries in Georgia on July 16, the first bilateral talks since the 2020 war over the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, which lies within sovereign Azerbaijan but is controlled by ethnic Armenians.

That last round of fighting, between September and November 2020, saw at least 6,500 people killed. A Russian-brokered cease-fire had the Armenian-backed government in the territory cede land to Azerbaijan.

Blinken spoke separately with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev but expressed U.S. support and assistance to help Yerevan and Baku find a long-term comprehensive peace, State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

Blinken called on Aliyev to release all remaining Armenian detainees. Its unclear how many Armenians are detained in Azerbaijan, bu the Armenian National Committee of America estimates it at around 140.

Blinken, in his call with Pashinyan, commended the prime minister on positive momentum and concrete agreements toward normalizing relations between Armenia and Turkey.

The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a flashpoint of greater power conflicts between Russian-backed Yerevan and Turkish-backed Baku.

There is deep-seated mistrust between Armenia and Turkey over Yerevans charges that Ankara has failed to take responsibility and acknowledge the Ottoman Empires genocide against the Armenian people in the early 20th century.

The U.S. has strategic ties with both Armenia and Azerbaijan, but a strong Armenian diaspora in the U.S. consistently pushes Congress to impose limits on American military assistance to Baku and criticizes Turkeys support of Azerbaijan.

The U.S., Russia and France are co-chairs of the Minsk Group, the international body charged with achieving peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The two sides have fought brutal military conflicts in the 1990s and the 2000s.

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Efforts to resolve differences between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the contested territory of Nagorno-Karabakh have gained new urgency since Russia invaded Ukraine in February.

While Russias invasion has dramatically reshaped global security postures in general, it has likely caused greater insecurity in Armenia, which has relied on Russian peacekeeping forces to help maintain the November ceasefire achieved with Azerbaijan.

Russias poor military performance in Ukraine and its refusal to withdraw and cease its aggression keeps Moscows attention away from Yerevan, with which it holds a defense pact. Pressure by the U.S. and democratic allies to condemn and isolate Russia on the global stage further weakens its position as an ally of Armenia.

Updated at 7:20 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Reuters) - Inconclusive fighting has continued in both Donbas and Kherson regions in eastern Ukraine, British military intelligence said on Monday.

Russian commanders continue to face a dilemma - whether to resource Russia's offensive in the east, or to bolster the defence in the west, Britain's defence ministry said on Twitter.

The ministry added in its regular bulletin that on July 18, the British intelligence identified a Russian military vehicle refit and refurbishment facility near Barvinok, in Russia's Belgorod Oblast, which is 10 kilometres (6.21 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

"At least 300 damaged vehicles were present, including main battle tanks, armoured personnel carriers, and general support trucks," the update added.

(Reporting by Shubhendu Deshmukh in Bengaluru; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
A child was airlifted to the hospital following an overnight shooting in a Florida City neighborhood, according to local media reports Monday morning.

The shooting happened in the 900 block of Southwest Sixth Place.

Video taken by TV news shows dozens of yellow markers scattered along the ground. Police usually use the markers to signify bullet casings. Some cars in the area were damaged by gunfire, according to Miami Herald news partner CBS4.

Two-year-old Makai Louissaint was shot in the leg, CBS4 reported, and his mother, Medjine Raymond, expected him to have surgery on Monday.

The child was airlifted to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital. Another injured person was taken to Jackson South Hospital.

Police have not released any details about the shooting.

He is OK. He was at his grandmothers house, and somebody came by shooting and he got hit in the right leg, Raymond told CBS4. I just never expected this to happen to my kid or myself or somebody close to me. I thank God it was just his leg and I thank God he will be able to walk again.

The toddlers aunt told CBS4 the family was on the front porch when they began hearing gunshots.

It just happened so fast, my life was in danger, said Teri Louissaint.

More than six vehicles were damaged by gunfire. One vehicle that neighbors said belonged to a pastor was hit more than 12 times.

It was so loud, I jumped out of bed and ran to my room, my mom ran to her room, said Kathleen Luna, who lives several homes down from the toddlers family. I just want to be able to sit down outside of my house. I should be able to be on my porch and relax

This report was supplemented with information from Miami Herald news partner CBS4.
(Bloomberg) -- The most educated generation in Chinas history was supposed to blaze a trail towards a more innovative and technologically advanced economy. Instead, about 15 million young people are estimated to be jobless, and many are lowering their ambitions.

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A perfect storm of factors has propelled unemployment among 16- to 24-year-old urbanites to a record 19.3%, more than twice the comparable rate in the US. The governments hardline coronavirus strategy has led to layoffs, while its regulatory crackdown on real estate and education companies has hit the private sector. At the same time, a record number of college and vocational school graduatessome 12 millionare entering the job market this summer. This highly educated cohort has intensified a mismatch between available roles and jobseekers expectations.

The result is an increasingly disillusioned young population losing faith in private companies and willing to accept lower pay in the state sector. If the trend continues, growth in the worlds second-largest economy stands to suffer. The sheer number of jobless under-25s amounts to a 2% to 3% reduction in Chinas workforce, and fewer workers means lower gross domestic product. Unemployment and underemployment also continue to impact salaries for yearsa 2020 review of studies reported a 3.5% reduction in wages among those who had experienced unemployment five years earlier.

More young people taking roles in government may leave fewer jumping into new sectors and fueling innovation.

The structural adjustment faced by Chinas economy right now actually needs more people to become entrepreneurs and strive, said Zeng Xiangquan, head of the China Institute for Employment Research in Beijing. Lowered expectations have damaged the utilization of the young labor force, he added. Its not a good thing for the economy.

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Pre-pandemic, 22-year-old Xu Chaoqun was prepared for a career in Chinas creative industries. But a fruitless four-month job hunt has left him setting his sights on the state sector. Under the Covid outbreak, many private companies are very unstable, said Xu, who majored in visual art at a mid-ranked university. Thats why I want to be with a state-owned enterprise.

Xu is not alone. Some 39% of graduates listed state-owned companies as their top choice of employer last year, according to recruitment company 51job Inc. Thats up from 25% in 2017. A further 28% chose government jobs as their first choice.

Its a rational response in a pandemic-hit labor market. All workplaces have been hit hard by Chinas snap lockdowns and strict quarantine measures, but private companies were more likely to lay off workers. Beijings main employment-boosting policy has been to order the state sector to increase hiring.

President Xi Jinping may be relieved that the countrys unemployed youth are trying to join the government rather than overthrow it. During a June visit to a university in the southwestern Chinas Sichuan province, he advised graduates to prevent the situation in which one is unfit for a higher position but unwilling to take a lower one. He added that to get rich and get fame overnight is not realistic.

The message is getting through: Graduate expectations for starting salaries fell more than 6% from last year to 6,295 yuan ($932) per month, according to an April survey from recruitment firm Zhilian. State-owned enterprises grew in appeal over the same period, the recruiter said.

But lower income expectations and talent shunning the private sector are likely to lower growth in the long term, challenging the presidents plan to double the size of Chinas economy from 2020 levels by 2035by which point it would likely overtake the U.S. in size.

The phrase tang pinglying flatspread through Chinas internet last year. The slogan invokes dropping out of the rat race and doing the bare minimum to get by, and reflected the desire for a better work-life balance in the face of Chinas slowing growth. As the unemployment situation has continued to worsen, many young people have adopted an even more fatalistic catchphrase: bailan, or let it rot.

Read More: From the Great Resignation to Lying Flat, Workers Are Opting Out

That concept is a kind of mental relaxation, said Hu Xiaoyue, a 24-year old with a psychology masters degree. This way, even if you fail, you will feel better. When Hu started looking for work last August, she found it easy to land interviews. But when it came to spring, only one in 10 companies would offer an interview, she said. It fell off a cliff.

Chinas state-owned enterprises (SOEs) arent all unproductive behemoths. But the weight of economic evidence suggests they are, on the whole, less efficient and less innovative than privately-owned companies. Chinas economic boom has coincided with a falling share of SOE jobs in urban employmentfrom 40% in 1996 to less than 10% pre-pandemic. That trend could now go into reverse.

Last year, China launched a regulatory crackdown on formerly high-flying sectors dominated by private companies that previously attracted ambitious young people. Internet companies were hit with fines for monopolistic behavior, real estate businesses were starved of financing and the private tutoring sector was almost entirely shuttered.

Read More: Xi Jinpings Capitalist Smackdown Sparks a $1 Trillion Reckoning

Regulatory filings show that Chinas top five listed education companies reduced their staffing by 135,000 in the last year after the crackdown. The largest tech companies have kept their headcounts stable, and Zhilian says that there were more tech jobs advertised in the first half of this year than the same period in 2021. Even so, the sectors allure has faded.

A graduate of the highly ranked Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, Hu was set for the tech sectorshe interned at three internet companies including video-sharing giant Beijing Kuaishou Technology Co. But she has changed her mind. People who are going to work for Internet companies are all worrying about themselves because they feel like they could be fired any time, she said.

Instead, Hu landed a position at a research institute within state-owned China Telecom Corp. The working hours of my future job will be 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the workload will be quite light. Internet companies are too consuming, she said.

As well as the movement of talent towards state-owned companies, theres another mechanism at work that can damage long-term growth. Studies from the US, Europe and Japan have shown that the longer young people are unemployed at the start of their careers, the worse their long-term incomes, an effect known as scarring.

Thats the risk facing Beiya, who was laid off from an e-commerce company this year. The 26-year-old, who gave only one name because she feared that talking about losing her job could hit her employment prospects, missed out on a role with TikTok parent company Bytedance Inc. because of her limited experience.

Im a good candidate with potential but they want to see me in two years, she said. But how can I get the experience if no one gives me a job now?

The state sector already employs around 80 million people and the figure could grow by as much as 2 million on a net basis this year, according to Lu Feng, a labor economist at Peking University. But compared with total demand for jobs, its still relatively small, he said. We still need private firms to hire.

That will only happen if the economy grows. To meet its employment goals, economists say China needs GDP to increase between 3% and 5% this year. Economists are predicting growth closer to 4%with the outlook highly uncertain due to the prospect of more lockdowns to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Lack of clarity on an exit strategy from the Covid-Zero policy makes companies wary of hiring, said Chang Shu, Bloomberg Economics chief Asia economist.

Beijing has launched a version of the job-support programs seen in Europe during the pandemic, offering tax rebates and direct subsidies to companies who promise to retain workers. But the amounts involved are small: The incentive for hiring a new worker is just 1,500 yuan. Provincial subsidies for graduates who start businesses are also smalljust 10,000 yuan in the prosperous Guangdong region.

Even if China can return to strong growth in the second half of this year, the youth unemployment problem will persistthe rate has been rising since 2017, reaching 12% pre-pandemic. Economists attribute that to two factors: urbanization and a mismatch between the education system and employers needs.

The hundreds of millions of workers who moved from the countryside to cities used to return to their villages during labor market slumps, acting as an economic shock absorber. Now, younger migrants increasingly stay put when they lose their jobs, pushing up urban unemployment.

A lot of them are not even raised in rural areas. So they regard themselves as urban people, says Peking Universitys Lu. The constraints for the government have changed substantially, its tougher than in the past.

Second, the annual number of graduates in China has increased tenfold over the last two decadesthe fastest higher-education expansion anywhere in the world, at any time. The share of young Chinese people attending college is now almost 60%, similar to developed countries.

The number of vocational graduates lags far behind those receiving academic degrees. Such is the stigma around vocational education that students rioted last year when told their university was being rebranded as a vocational school. Highly educated young people are rejecting factory jobs. Thats the basic matching problem. It is huge in this country, said Lu.

Thats left manufacturers complaining about shortages of skilled technicians. There are not a lot of people applying for those jobs, such as electrician or welder, said Jiang Cheng, 28, an agent for electronics factories in central China.

Other sectors are oversubscribed. According to a 2021 study of 20,000 randomly selected jobseekers on Zhilians website, some 43% of the job applicants wanted to work in the IT industry, while the sector accounted for just 16% of recruitment posts.

Half of jobseekers had a bachelor degree, but only 20% of jobs required one. There is now compelling evidence of over-education, the studys authors wrote, warning that the misalignment could have profound influences on both individuals and the nation.

In the longer term, its possible that government intervention may get the private sector hiring again, while education reforms and market forces can smooth the misalignment in the labor market.

China is easing its regulatory campaigns, and a vocational education law passed this year aims to improve standards. A study by Wang Zhe, an economist at Caixin Insight, found college majors that attracted a wage premium in 2020 became more popular in 2021. As applicants academic choices adapt to demand in the jobs market, mismatches stand to ease.

But the share of graduates from Chinas nine top-ranked universities joining the private sector has fallen since the pandemic, according to research from Hong Kongs Lingnan University. That suggests ideological shifts, and not just market forces, are at play. Some graduates at top universities are adopting  cadre style, according to online forums where they seek tips on where to buy the black zippered windbreakers favored by Xi.

Even in the current environment, Kay Lou, 25, would be a leading candidate for any number of private-sector jobs. She has a masters in law from top-ranked Tsinghua University and has interned for a legal firm, an Internet giant, a securities brokerage and a court.

In the end, she won a government position in Zhejiang provincewhere some roles attract as many as 200 applicants.

I felt my work wasnt meaningful, she said. I became increasingly opposed to the capitalists pursuit of wealth after I read Marx, so in the end I chose to become a civil servant.

(china job)

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BEIJING/HONG KONG (Reuters) -China will launch a real estate fund to help property developers resolve a crippling debt crisis, aiming for a warchest of up to 300 billion yuan ($44 billion) in a bid to restore confidence in the industry, according to a state bank official with direct knowledge of the matter.

The move would mark the first major step by the state to rescue the beleaguered property sector since the debt troubles became public last year.

The size of the fund would initially be set at 80 billion yuan through support from the central bank, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), the person, who declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter, told Reuters.

He said state-owned China Construction Bank will contribute 50 billion yuan into the 80 billion yuan fund, but the money will come from PBOC's relending facility.

If the model works, other banks will follow suit with a target to raise up to 200 to 300 billion yuan, he added.

A key pillar of the world's second-largest economy, China's property sector has been lurching from one crisis to another, and has been a major drag on growth over the past year. A revolt by homebuyers this month heaped more headache for authorities.

Some analysts said a fund would only provide part of the solution.

"We don't know details of the fund yet. If just 80 billion it's not enough to solve the problem," said Larry Hu, chief China economist at Macquarie. "I believe the fund would be part of the bigger package to solve the current debt and mortgage crisis, because it alone would not solve all the problems ... we need a real estate recovery."

Reuters has reached out for comment from China Construction Bank, the PBOC and China's cabinet, the State Council.

Global investors are fixated on any twists and turns in China's property market, which along with related sectors such as construction, accounts for more than a quarter of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

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The source said the fund will be used to bankroll the purchases of unfinished home projects and complete their construction, and then rent them to individuals as part of the government's drive to boost rental housing.

Such a move would underline the importance the central government attaches to providing more affordable homes for young people at a time when some local governments have been reluctant to build rental housing because land sales are a major source of income.

Henan-government backed Zhengzhou Real Estate, which set up one of the first local bailout funds in the country last week with state-owned Henan Asset Management amid the mortgage boycott, plans to use 20 billion yuan to acquire 50,000 units and turn them into rental housing, according to a notice by the Zhengzhou authorities this month seen by Reuters.

PROPERTY SHARES RALLY

Turmoil in China's property market, from the debt crisis, to credit tightening and the mortgage boycott, have battered confidence in the sector and seen authorities scramble to avert problems spilling into the broader economy.

"If the (fund) can be realized in the near future, it helps avoid more developers from defaulting and also helps to improve market sentiment as well as developers sales," said Raymond Cheng, head of China research at CGS-CIMB Securities.

The latest news propelled the Hang Seng Mainland Properties Index more than 5% early on Monday, and it was up 3.5% in mid-afternoon trading. The CSI 300 Real Estate Index rose almost 2.0%.

Financial information provider REDD first reported details of the real estate fund on Monday.

The fund would support more than a dozen property developers, including embattled China Evergrande Group, REDD reported, citing unidentified sources.

Regulators and local governments would select the developers eligible for support from the fund, REDD said, adding that the fund could be used to buy financial products issued by the developers or finance state buyers' acquisitions of their projects.

Beijing is also considering a national policy for issuance of special bonds for shantytown redevelopment, the report said.

($1 = 6.7553 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Beijing Newsroom and Clare Jim in Hong Kong; Additional reporting by Kevin Huang in Beijing; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree and Shri Navaratnam)
SHENZHEN, China (Reuters) - The Chinese city of Shenzhen told 100 major companies including iPhone maker Foxconn to set up "closed-loop" systems as it battles COVID-19, according to a document attributed to the local government circulating online on Monday.

While Reuters could not independently verify the document, a notice at a Shenzhen office of oil giant CNOOC Ltd seen by Reuters said that the building would be closed for seven days until July 31, with staff to work from home and continue with daily COVID testing.

A CNOOC spokesperson did not have an immediate comment.

The Shenzhen government did not respond to a request for comment.

Taiwan-based Foxconn said that operations at its Shenzhen facilities were "normal" and that it would follow government guidelines to ensure safe production.

The order attributed to Shenzhen's department for industry and information said that major companies, including BYD Co, Huawei Technologies Co, and ZTE Corp, should minimise entry and exit into the so-called loops.

Huawei did not immediately respond to requests for comment, while BYD, ZTE and Shenzhen-based dronemaker DJI Technology Co declined to comment.

Bloomberg reported on Shenzhen's measure earlier on Monday.

During its lockdown in April and May, the Chinese economic hub of Shanghai tried to keep factories open under "closed loop" operations, where staff live and work on-site, but businesses said the arrangements posed numerous difficulties.

A technology hub of nearly 18 million people, Shenzhen reported 21 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections on Sunday, up from 19 a day earlier.

While case numbers are low by global standards, a slow uptick over the last week has pushed local authorities to step up vigilance to comply with the central governments dynamic zero policy of containing outbreaks as soon as they emerge.

Shenzhen has not ordered blanket closure of businesses or tough curbs on peoples movements but has sealed residential compounds and buildings identified as being at higher risk.

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Many offices, restaurants and public spaces required proof of a COVID test from within 24-hours as of Monday.

During an outbreak in March, Shenzhen adopted one week of so-called "slow living", when residents underwent multiple rounds of testing and largely stayed at home, with one member of each household allowed out every few days to buy necessities.

(Reporting by Shubhendu Deshmukh in Bengaluru, David Kirton in Shenzhen, Zhang Yan and Yimou Lee; Editing by Bernadette Baum, Kirsten Donovan)
HONG KONG (Reuters) -China's securities regulator on Monday denied a media report that said Beijing planned to sort U.S.-listed Chinese companies based on the sensitivity of the data they hold in an attempt to stop U.S. regulators from delisting hundreds of firms.

The three-tier system aims to bring Chinese companies into compliance with U.S. rules that would require public companies to let regulators inspect their audit files, the Financial Times reported on Sunday, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) "has not studied" a three-tier classification of companies, it said in a statement.

"Enterprises are required to comply with relevant national data information management laws, rules and regulatory requirements of the place of listing, regardless of whether they are listed domestically or overseas," the regulator said.

Washington has long demanded complete access to the books of U.S.-listed Chinese companies, but Beijing, citing national security concerns, bars foreign inspection of working papers from local accounting firms.

More than 270 Chinese companies listed in New York have been identified as being at delisting risk under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (HFCAA) passed late last year.

The rule gives Chinese companies until early 2024 to comply with auditing requirements, though the U.S. Congress is weighing bipartisan legislation that could accelerate the deadline to 2023.

China has claimed both sides are committed to reach a deal to solve the audit dispute.

But the U.S. side has been more reserved on the outlook.

Earlier this month, Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Gary Gensler said he was "not particularly confident" that a deal could be made, according to media reports.

In early April, China moved to resolve a dispute over cross-border audit inspections by proposing scrapping requirements that on-site inspection of overseas-listed Chinese companies be conducted mainly by Chinese regulators.

(Reporting by Martin Pollard and Xie Yu; Editing by Sumeet Chatterjee and Stephen Coates)
By Martin Quin Pollard and Roxanne Liu

BEIJING (Reuters) - An unmarried woman in China has lost a court challenge seeking to freeze her eggs, highlighting concerns about a lack of technology options for Chinese people who consider delaying parenthood.

Teresa Xu, now 34, sued a Beijing hospital in December 2019, accusing it of violating her rights by refusing to freeze her eggs due to her marital status, in a landmark case of a Chinese woman fighting for her reproductive rights.

It is difficult for healthy women in China to access assisted-birth technology to delay their childbearing. National rules allow such methods only for medical issues, such as treating infertility or preserving the fertility of people before going through certain therapies.

The Chaoyang District People's Court in Beijing ruled last week there was no clear law on the specific application of assisted reproductive technologies in China, while saying they must be provided for medical purposes, according to a copy of the decision verified by Reuters on Sunday.

Xu said she was "angry" about the July 18 verdict and planned to appeal.

"It's a small, temporary setback," she said in a video on the WeChat social media platform after receiving the ruling on Friday. "But I still believe that single Chinese women's reproductive rights will improve and advance."

The court dismissed Xu's claim in its entirety.

Her challenge cited two Chinese provinces that have eased certain barriers for single women to access some assisted birth technology and a statement by the national authorities that China's laws do not deny single women's right of birth. But the court found these did not establish that the Chinese health authority allows egg freezing for non-medical reasons.

Xu visited the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital in November 2018, wanting to freeze her eggs while she focussed on her career as a writer on gender issues, she said when she launched her case the next year.

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The hospital argued that egg freezing has various health risks and that delayed pregnancy or single motherhood may lead to other social problems, the court decision said. The hospital said it would reject any request to freeze eggs simply to delay parenthood.

The hospital did not immediately respond on Monday to a Reuters request for comment.

Xu, from the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, said that on her first visit to the hospital for a checkup, the doctor asked her marital status and urged her to have a child right away, rather than freezing her eggs.

On her second visit, the doctor told her she could not proceed any further, she said.

Xu said she considered illegal clinics in China but decided against the idea, and that going abroad for such services was too expensive for her.

(Reporting by Martin Quin Pollard and Roxanne Liu; Additional reporting by Beijing newsroom; Editing by William Mallard)
Interim Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge gives an update on an officer-involved shooting that took place Saturday evening in Madisonville. Also pictured is Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval.

The man who was shot and killed by a Cincinnati police officer late Saturday afternoon in Madisonville had pointed a loaded gun at the officer before he was shot, according to body camera footage and police accounts released at a Sunday evening press conference.

Interim Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge said officer Genesis Steele responded to a UDF on Red Bank Road near Madison Road just before 5 p.m.

That was after 911 callers reported a man driving erratically in a silver Toyota Avalon and nodding off at the wheel. It was later confirmed that the Avalon had been stolen out of Springfield Township.

The man, whom police identified as Leonard Brewington, 34, was in the parking lot next to the Avalon when Steele parked in her cruiser near him.

Cincinnati police shooting: What body camera video shows

She walked behind her car and behind the suspect's car. Brewington was standing next to the passenger door when he reached into the vehicle and got a handgun and pointed it at Steele, body camera footage shows.

Body camera footage shows a man, whom police identified as Leonard Brewington, 34, pointing a gun at Cincinnati Police Officer Genesis Steele as she approached his car in a Madisonville UDF parking lot late Saturday afternoon.

Steele then told him to get down on the ground. When he didn't, she fired five shots, striking Brewington in the torso and groin area. Steele then reported shots were fired and called for the Cincinnati Fire Department to respond.

At that point, Brewington was on the ground injured with the gun close to him. Steele told him five times to throw the gun away from his body. She then approached Brewington and kicked the gun away from him.

Mayor Aftab Pureval said he felt that Steele responded appropriately to the threat, saying, "It's very clear from the body cam footage that the officer acted exactly how she was trained to act, and had she not acted that way she likely would have lost her life."

Steele, who has been with the department since 2017, has been placed on administrative leave for 5 days, per departmental regulations.

She will also have to train on the target range to practice with a temporary weapon and meet with the police psychologist.

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Theetge said Brewington had a lengthy driving record, including misdemeanors, but no felonies on his record.

The Citizens Complaint Authority will be conducting an investigation into the incident.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati mayor, police defend officer who fatally shot man at UDF
Jul. 25Clark County Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Yates once told the Springfield News-Sun that "a good police officer could make a difference."

Yates was talking with a reporter for a story about two boys who were "practicing" to become police officers by doing patrols at the Ridgewood Court Townhomes apartment complex.

 FROM 2019: Deputy Matthew Yates featured in 2019 News-Sun story about two boys

Storm Pelfrey, 11, and Eddie Strayer, 9, made their own uniforms and used walkie-talkies to make traffic stops and write citations for traffic violations.

Yates heard about the boys' activities and visited them. Then he almost received a ticket himself.

That was an example of the community work done by Yates, who was shot and killed on Sunday while responding to a report of a person shot inside a mobile home in Harmony Twp.

Also in 2019, the Miami Valley Islamic Association named Yates one of its Officers of the Year during its annual awards ceremony. That work was highlighted by the story of his interaction with Pelfrey and Strayer

"Maybe one day he will be their captain," said Amber Strayer, Eddie's mother.

Yates agreed.

"If that's what they wanna do, it's a good career," Yates said. "A good police officer could make a difference."

Here's that story, which published in September 2019.

------

Two Springfield boys, who have been practicing to become police officers, were surprised by a Clark County Sheriff's Office deputy recently.

Storm Pelfrey, 11, and Eddie Strayer, 9, have been "patrolling" the Ridgewood Court Townhomes apartment complex in Springfield for a little over a month.

While on patrol the two boys wear their customized police gear that includes hats, badges, walkie-talkies, handcuffs and citation notepads.

The boys consider themselves the "protectors of the court," according to Eddie's mother, Amber Strayer.

Deputy Matthew Yates was at a family member's birthday party when he was told by a cousin, who lives in the complex, about the young patrols. Yates then decided to stop by to check it out for himself.

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When he drove into the complex, the boys ran out of the apartment  they almost gave him a citation for driving into the complex the wrong-way  but the boys let him go because he was a "fellow officer," Strayer said.

The boys radio to each other while doing traffic stops and are well aware of driving laws, Yates said.

Strayer said they mainly focus on making sure drivers do not speed or drive the wrong-way in the complex. If drivers do, the boys will write citations for $2.

Some drivers have even paid the citation, Strayer said.

Yates was surprised the boys knew the process and laws so well.

"They know about protecting the community," Yates said. "Keeping them safe."

Yates showed the boys the inside of the cruiser and turned the lights and sirens on.

The surprise visit was not planned and "made their day," Strayer said of the deputy's visit on Aug. 25. It was the day of Storm's birthday party and made the visit extra special.

The boys have always wanted to become police officers, Strayer said.

"Maybe one day he will be their captain," Strayer said.

Yates, who has worked for the sheriff's office for 13 years, agrees with Strayer.

"If that's what they wanna do, it's a good career," Yates said. "A good police officer could make a difference."
Former President Trump has peddled groundless theories about Ted Cruz's father, former President Obama's birth and the supposed rigging of the 2020 election. (Jill Colvin / Associated Press)

Watching the Jan. 6 committee hearings, one could be forgiven for believing were living in the heyday of conspiracy theories, between the Holocaust denialism of the Oath Keepers, the loony pedophilia fears of the QAnoners and the "Stop the Steal" ravings of Sidney Powell, Rudolph W. Giuliani and former President Trump himself.

But dont be too sure. Conspiracy theories have a long history. They date back to the Emperor Nero and the great fire of Rome, for instance, and to the ritual murder accusations against Jews in medieval Europe. Theyre as American as the witchcraft trials in Salem, Mass.

Assassinations spawn them too, from Abraham Lincolns (which was a conspiracy but presumably not orchestrated, as some suggested, by either the pope or Secretary of War Edwin Stanton) to John F. Kennedys (which was carried out by Lee Harvey Oswald, not by Vice President Lyndon Johnson or the CIA).

These days, its true, people seem especially resistant to expertise, science, the media and elected officials, and have turned to conspiratorial thinking to make sense of the world.

And the rise of the internet and social media have magnified unfounded alternative versions of events and spread them through the population.

Five minutes of Googling convinced me of that.

Did you know, for instance, that the attempted murder in 2012 of Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Pakistani activist, was not orchestrated by the Taliban but by her father and the CIA and carried out by a man who looked suspiciously like Robert De Niro disguised as an Uzbek homeopath?

Some people apparently believed that after misreading a satirical article in a Pakistani newspaper.

Did you know the Denver International Airport sits above an underground city that is the headquarters of the New World Order, a shadowy group planning to take over the world?

Loopy? Of course it is.

But how much more far-fetched are those theories than the assertion from QAnon adherents that a cabal of Satan-worshiping elites who run a child sex ring are trying to control American politics and media? Thats as nutty as they come. Yet these tenets are believed by as many as 1 in 4 Republicans, polls show.

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Conspiracy theories often focus on news events, such as school shootings or the 9/11 attacks. Over the years, people have believed the moon landing was faked, that alien visitations were hushed up and that Elvis Presley and Osama bin Laden were not actually dead  but Paul McCartney was.

Unfounded rumors have focused on Catholics, Jews, Mormons, the Illuminati and Freemasons, among others.

It's very common that conspiracy theories involve unprovable allegations about a small group of powerful people working secretly to undermine the common good.

Just like some of us have liberal or conservative worldviews, others think conspiratorially, says Joseph Uscinski, a political science professor at the University of Miami who is a leading scholar of conspiracy theories. They look out the window and they say, Oh, that must have been caused by a conspiracy carried out by people I dont like.

Some people believe conspiracy theories because theyre searching for a coherent explanation for seemingly incomprehensible events, seeking patterns where they may or may not exist.

Some are deeply skeptical of authority, which they believe has misled them or ill-served them. Why, they ask, should we trust that vaccines will help us or that climate change is real?

Often conspiracy theories get traction because of confirmation bias, in which people believe things that confirm what they already thought or theorized. So Republicans may believe assertions that Democrats stole the 2020 election, while Democrats are more likely to believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin has a secret file of compromising information on Trump.

Often believers are unmoved by evidence that disproves their theories.

Part of the appeal of QAnon, I think, is that people find it fun. Ive spent hours reading the posts of QAnon adherents, and for them, its like a video game or TV thriller. Theyre suddenly characters and participants in a drama, part of a community heroically unraveling a mystery and saving the world.

How theyve so totally conflated fact with fiction I cant explain.

Uscinski says studies show that people who are especially prone to conspiracy theories tend to be younger, less educated, less wealthy, more accepting of political violence and more likely to have higher levels of antisocial personality traits.

Are they more likely to be politically to the left or to the right? Apparently there are conflicting studies on this. Uscinski believes that at any given time, one side or the other might be more likely to engage with conspiracy theories, but over time it evens out.

Obviously, it is irresponsible for leaders like Donald Trump to encourage groundless theories  as when he hinted that President Obama was born in Kenya or that Ted Cruzs father was connected to the Kennedy assassination. (Does Trump actually believe this nonsense or is he cynically exploiting it? We may never know. But the damage is done either way.)

One final point: Conspiracy theories should be debunked, unless of course they turn out to be true. It has happened.

Project MK-ULTRA sounded like a paranoid fantasy but was a real top-secret CIA brainwashing-and-mind-control program in which experiments using LSD were performed on unwitting Americans.

Watergate was a conspiracy.

Heres my own experience. In 1997, as a Middle East correspondent, I got a tip that two Israeli Mossad agents traveling on fake Canadian passports had been captured trying to stab a poisoned needle into the ear of a Hamas leader on a street in Amman, Jordan. I merely laughed, because I heard such outlandish stories all the time, and they never checked out. I didnt jump on a plane to Amman.

But it was absolutely true, and I missed what wouldve have been my biggest scoop ever.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Cherokee County family of a 6-year-old severely injured in a car accident is thanking their community.

William Corona was involved in a serious car accident with his father earlier this month. After he was severely injured, he had to be air-lifted to a metro Atlanta hospital.

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Now, theres a push to help the family pay for the mounting medical bills.

Its going to be a long road, Alice Casagrane said.

Its an extensive recovery for 6-year-old William Corona  from being on a ventilator undergoing multiple surgeries to being in rehab now.

His family says Corona was riding in a car with his father when the accident happened. His injuries were so severe that he had to be airlifted to the Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston after suffering multiple skull, facial, and hip fractures.

They are hoping he makes a full recovery, but its going to be a while, Casagrane said.

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Casagrane, Director of Education at Primrose School of Sixes Road which Corona attends, says his classmates were troubled by the news.

We just wanted to do what we can to help the family, she said.

From there she says they wanted to do more than just send get -well cards.

From there, the idea just grew where it turned into a bake sale, Casagrane said.

Their bake sale raised more than $1,200 to help with Coronas piling medical expenses his family now faces and the community has pulled together to raise $35,000 with this GoFundMe fundraiser.

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When you have a child in that condition and you have two younger ones at home, it makes life difficult,. Primrose likes to go above and beyond, Casagrane said.

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The most recent numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimate that more than 139,000 children were injured in traffic crashes in 2020.

Casagrane says shes thankful Williams family has the Primrose community to fall back on in times of need.

Our families, our children and our teachers are all used to doing things to helping other people, and just seemed like a natural step to help on of our family members get through a difficult time, she said.




BELFAST (Reuters) - Few Nobel laureates can have endured as much vitriol during their careers as David Trimble, the one-time hardliner who led Northern Ireland's Protestant majority into a historic peace pact with their Catholic rivals and who died on Monday aged 77.

Many Protestants regarded him as a traitor selling out their British identity to Irish republicans, while few Catholics warmed to a man a good number suspected never really wanted to treat them as equals.

But despite the brickbats, Trimble persuaded his fractious people to sign up to the 1998 Good Friday agreement and as first minister of the province somehow held together the fragile coalition it ushered in through crisis after crisis.

A man of many contradictions, Trimble was the opera buff who adored Elvis Presley, the diehard Protestant "Orangeman" turned consensus politician, a stiff, sometimes bad-tempered public figure who could be warm and witty in private.

In 1995 he emerged as the favourite of hardliners within his Ulster Unionist Party after walking arm-in-arm with Protestant firebrand Ian Paisley at the head of hundreds of Orangemen defying local Catholics who were incensed by the march past their homes.

But three years later some in the ultra-Protestant Orange Order were calling for Trimble's expulsion after he attended a Catholic funeral service for three victims of the bombing in the town of Omagh - the deadliest single attack in Northern Irelands bloody history - just months after the peace deal.

Trimble was born in October 1944 and grew up in Bangor on Northern Ireland's "Gold Coast", an affluent largely Protestant part of north County Down.

He trained as a barrister but preferred academic life to the courtroom and returned to Belfast's Queen's University to teach law.

His first foray into the cauldron of Northern Irish politics came in 1974 when, as a leading member of the hardline Protestant Vanguard Party he helped organise the loyalist workers' strike which brought down the attempts at power-sharing in the Sunningdale Agreement, a forerunner of the Good Friday accord.

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GRASSROOTS SUPPORT

He joined the mainstream Ulster Unionist Party in the late 1970s, but was initially distrusted because of his Vanguard past. In 1990 he was elected to the British Parliament at Westminster and MP for Upper Bann.

When James Molyneaux stepped down as party leader in 1995 Trimble was a rank outsider for the job, but his appearance with Paisley - an act of defiance which sparked weeks of unrest in Catholic areas - won him the support of the grassroots and he was elected by a clear margin.

Moderates initially despaired, but Trimble confounded his critics, dragging his unwilling party into the peace talk which led to the signing of the Good Friday agreement in April 1998.

In the 1998 elections for the new powersharing assembly set up under the pact anti-agreement unionists polled almost as many votes as the UUP, but Trimble emerged as leader of the largest party and took up the post of first minister in Belfast's Protestant/Catholic administration.

In December 1998, Trimble and moderate Catholic leader John Hume were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and the following year, in a highly symbolic move, Northern Ireland's new first minister met Pope John Paul II.

Sitting in government with members of Sinn Fein brought him into repeated conflict with Protestant opponents opposed to sharing power with the Irish Republican Army while the guerrilla group retained the arsenal used in its 30-year war against British rule.

After a series of ultimatums Trimble resigned as first minister in July 2001, triggering a crisis which prompted Britain to suspend the fledgling administration in Belfast for the second time in its brief history.

But in October 2001 the IRA agreed to put some of its weapons beyond used, and Trimble returned to office. A second act of IRA "decommissioning" followed in April 2002.

The assembly was suspended again in 2002 and in 2005 Trimble resigned as UUP leader after a disastrous election in which his part lost five of six seats in the British parliament, including his own, cementing the Paisleys hardline Democratic Unionist Partys leadership of Northern Irelands unionists.

In 2006 he took up a life peerage in Britain's House of Lords, where he sat until his death.

Trimble's critics accused him of being uncharismatic and lacking in vision.

He was once quoted admitting: "I'm not very good at the evangelical bit. Blair is good and Clinton's good, but I'm a bit flat. I know it. But at least I don't try to bullshit people."

He is survived by his second wife, Daphne, and their four children Richard, Victoria, Nicholas and Sarah.

(Writing by Alex Richardson, Amanda Ferguson and Conor Humphries; Editing by Alison Williams)
CANADA-POPE-VATICAN-INDIGENOUS

Pope Francis speaks with George Arcand (L), Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, and other indigenous leaders during a welcoming ceremony for the Pope at Edmonton International Airport in Alberta Province, Canada, on July 24, 2022. Credit - Patrick T. FallonAFP via Getty Images

Many of Wahehshon Whitebeans family members attended Canadas residential schoolslargely Catholic-run institutions designed to erode Indigenous culture and that were rife with abuse. So Pope Franciss six-day trip across Canada, which began Sunday, feels personal for 39-year-old Whitebean, who attended an Indian day school, a similar institution but one in which students returned to their families in the evenings. (Pope Francis has called the tour a pilgrimage of penance and apologized on Monday.)

The issue is also an academic pursuit for Whitebean, who is pursuing a Ph.D. at McGill University researching Indian day schools in her home community of Kahnawa:ke, just outside of Montreal, Quebec. For the last few months, Whitebean has been poring over archives and interviewing dozens of survivors from these institutions. She used to think of herself as somewhat de-sensitized to the issue but says that lately its been hard to hold it together while reading detailed complaintsfrom parents about abuses their children suffered from not being allowed to use the bathroom to having their hands burned on a stove. I dont know what came over me. I just started to cry. I bawled and realized at that point it was like a dam broke and all the emotion and my anger and grief was just building up for a while doing this work, Whitebean says. Theres no justice for us. There hasnt been justice.

Whitebeans story shows how important the matter is for Indigenous peoples as Pope Francis visits various communities across Edmonton, Quebec and Iqaluit in the northern territory of Nunavut. (Francis was welcomed to Canada on Sunday by Indigenous leaders as well as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.)

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Read more: What to Know About the Popes Visit to Canada and Apology to Indigenous Communities

The Catholic churchs role in residential schools

In 2015, Canadas Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) issued a report documenting how the nations policy toward Indigenous peoples amounted to cultural genocide through its attempts to eliminate Indigenous governments, ignore Indigenous rights and through a process of assimilation, cause Aboriginal peoples to cease to exist as distinct legal, social, cultural, religious, and racial entities in Canada. The report noted that a key way in which the Canadian government executed this policy was through residential schools, which more than 150,000 children have attended since the late 19th century. The Catholic church operated about 70% of residential schools in Canada, before the government took control of them in 1969. The last residential school shut in the 1990s.

In recent years, the remains of more than 1,300 peoplemainly childrenhave been discovered using new technology on the grounds of three former residential schools in Canada, prompting an outcry. Indigenous communities say the figures confirm what they have long suspected; estimates suggest between 10,000 and 50,000 children never returned home after attending the schools.

A makeshift memorial to honour the 215 children whose remains have been discovered buried near the facility is seen as orange light drapes the facade of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, on June 2, 2021. Cole BurstonAFP via Getty Images

Deliberately going after Indigenous children as the quickest path to assimilation is just inhumane, says Dale Turner, associate professor of political science at the University of Toronto.

In establishing residential schools, the Canadian government essentially declared Aboriginal people to be unfit parents, the TRC report noted. The residential school system was based on an assumption that European civilization and Christian religions were superior to Aboriginal culture. In these schools, children were banned from speaking their own languages and church-led campaigns prohibited Indigenous spiritual practices.

The facilities were also overcrowded, and diseases such as tuberculosis and measles wreaked deadly havoc on Indigenous children.

When you leave a home that has structure, love and empathy to go into an institution that has no love, no compassion, very cold and in many cases physical, emotional and sexual abuse to children, it has an impact that will stay with them for their entire lifeas well as the lives of their children and grandchildren, says Angela White, executive director of the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS). Many of these residential school survivors went to these institutions, not knowing a parents love, and blaming their parents for making them gowithout knowing that they were forced to go.

For Whitebean, the older generations in her family have embraced a culture of silence around their experience at residential schools because of the trauma and shame associated with them. Her grandmother told her that her great-grandmothers body was full of scars from residential school. She says that others in her family reported different forms of physical and sexual abuse.

What the Popes apology means

The Popes apology, which comes seven years after the TRC recommended one, will hold different weight across Indigenous communitiesbut for many there is a sense that it isnt enough.

Whitebean says she has mixed feelings about the Popes visit. I just dont believe that anything practical or real or beyond lip service will come out of the visit. I dont want any more hollow apologies, she says.

The IRSSSs White notes that the people her organization represents hold diverse views but personally, shes not sure its enough. They had many opportunities to provide this apologyalong with accountability and transparency about their participation in how these schools were operated, so its too little, too late, White says.

Thats not to say that the apology doesnt hold greater meaning for other Indigenous peoples, a large number of whom are still Catholic. In April, while meeting with a delegation of Indigenous leaders in the Vatican, the Pope issued an historic apology for the deplorable abuses at residential schools. He had promised the delegation he would apologize on Canadian soil.

Indeed, the trip marks the first time a papal visit to Canada is focused on reckoning with the harm caused by the church. To say that the Popes apology does not have political significance in whats going on in contemporary politics is a mistake because I do think the Pope has an opportunity to come down on the side of Indigenous peoples here, Turner says. Part of that reconciliation is to recognize what they took from Indigenous people, which is those important, historical, philosophical, everyday relationships they have with their homelands.

This ritual needs to take place for meaningful reconciliation to take place, Turner says, adding that it was important for it to occur on Indigenous homelands.

And the Popes apology is part of a growing movement towards recognizing past abuses against Indigenous peoples. Last year, Trudeau became the first Canadian prime minister to apologize for the incredibly harmful government policy that created the residential schooling system.

Residential school survivor Charlotte Manual makes a speech during Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to Tk'emlups, the Secwepemc First Nation, to apologize in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada on October 18, 2021. Mert Alper DervisAnadolu Agency via Getty Images

What Canadas Indigenous communities want next

For Whitebean, its important that the church honor its pledge to raise funds. Some 48 local Catholic church entities were required to use their best efforts to fundraise 25 million Canadian dollars for survivors as part of the 2008 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA), between the government of Canada and thousands of survivors, but ended up raising less than 4 million.

That fundraising gap set the stage for a subsequent pledge. Last year, a group of Canadian bishops announced they would set up an Indigenous Reconciliation Fund that would raise up to 30 million Canadian dollars. So far, less than 5 million has been raised.

By contrast, the IRSSA saw the federal government set up a major compensation fund for children who had been enrolled in residential schools. A 2021 report found that the government has paid out at least 3 billion Canadian dollars in compensation so far.

Whitebean says that the church should also return cultural artifacts held in the Vatican, give back land to Indigenous owners and make it easier for the public to access records related to residential and day schools. Many records are housed within individual religious orders and can still be difficult to access, according to Whitebean.

But whatever comes next, many Indigenous peoples will agree that Pope Francis did not mince his words while condemning the residential school system. I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the Indigenous peoples, he said on Monday outside a former residential school in Maskwacis, Alberta.

Correction, July 26

The original version of this story misstated the university where Dale Turner works. It is the University of Toronto, not McGill University.
WAUSAU  A 21-year-old Eau Pleine man was sentenced Monday to life in prison with the possibility of release after 35 years for the shooting death of a Marshfield man in Spencer in 2020.

Jared R. Carl pleaded guilty Dec. 21 to the first-degree intentional homicide of Christopher Schauer of Marshfield on Dec. 29, 2020. On Monday, Marathon County Circuit Judge Suzanne O'Neill sentenced Carl to the mandatory life in prison. After 35 years, Carl can return to Marathon County Circuit Court to have a hearing on whether the judge feels Carl is ready for release.

According to the criminal complaint, Carl told a detective that Audrey R. Benson, 21, of Marshfield, and Schauer were arguing when they returned from a weekend trip to Chicago. Carl said he asked Benson if she wanted him to take care of it, and she said yes.

Carl said he and Benson asked Schauer to go for a drive on the morning of Dec. 29. The three drove to Abe Lincoln Avenue in Spencer in Schauer's car, where Carl told Benson to get out of the car, according to the criminal complaints.

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Carl said he told Schauer he was sorry and then shot him five or six times, according to the complaints. Carl said he then got out of the car, pulled Schauer out, took his coat and ordered Benson to get back in the car.

Carl and Benson then drove to the home Carl shared with his father, Shawn Carl, 51, in Eau Pleine. They put the car in a field and called Shawn Carl, according to the complaint. Jared Carl said he told his father he shot Schauer to protect Benson and showed him Schauer's car with the bullet holes and blood stains.

Jared Carl told a detective he showed Benson the gun the morning they drove out to Spencer, according to the complaint. He said the two of them planned to shoot Schauer that morning. Jared Carl said he was only helping Benson because she was his ex and he felt her life was in danger, according to the complaint.

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A fur trapper found Schauer's body about 2 p.m. Dec. 29 at the end of Abe Lincoln Avenue near Swamp Road in Spencer, according to the complaints. An autopsy determined Schauer died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Shawn Carl helped his son hide the vehicle, according to the complaint. Police became suspicious when Shawn Carl's co-workers reported he had been trying to sell a car that matched the one Schauer owned, according to the complaint.

O'Neill gave Jared Carl credit for 535 days already served in jail.

Shawn Carl is scheduled for trial in February on charges of aiding a felon, obstructing an officer, possessing a machine gun, possessing a firearm silencer and being a party to the crime of theft.

Benson was sentenced May 3 to four years in prison and three years' extended supervision for being a party to the crime of hiding a corpse.

Steven A. Crandall, 24, of Wisconsin Rapids, is scheduled for his next court appearance Wednesday for the charge of being a party to the crime of first-degree intentional homicide. According to the criminal complaint, Crandall offered to pay $5,000 for Schauer's death.

MORE NEWS: Tribal nation in Wisconsin explores potential for solar power on reservation

MORE NEWS: Wausau is facing an 'affordable housing crisis.' Heres what is being done to address it.

Contact Karen Madden at 715-345-2245 or kmadden@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KMadden715, Instagram at @kmadden715 or Facebook at facebook.com/karen.madden.33.

This article originally appeared on Wausau Daily Herald: Eau Pleine man sentenced to life in prison for death of Marshfield man
Jul. 25EBENSBURG, Pa.  An area church is preparing to recognize a milestone anniversary.

First United Church of Christ, 217 E. High St., Ebensburg, in conjunction with South Ebensburg United Church of Christ, will celebrate its 225th anniversary at a special worship service at 10 a.m. July 31.

Kathy Jones, a member of the church's history committee, said former pastor William C. Thwing will be the guest speaker.

"Because our heritage is Welsh, during the service the bell choir will be playing Welsh music, as well as the Welsh national anthem," she said.

According to church records, First United Church of Christ, which was established in 1797, is the oldest founded church in Cambria County and the oldest Welsh congregation in the United States.

In addition, a birthday gathering will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. July 31 in the church's Jenkins educational building.

"Our newly relocated history room will be open," Jones said.

The history room includes various artifacts from the early church, photos of the church buildings, history that was gathered for the church's 200th anniversary in 1997 and various photo albums.

In addition, the train display in the church basement will be open for viewing.

"That's a big draw at Dickens of a Christmas and we get a lot of people who come to see it," Jones said.

The public is invited to attend the service and gathering.

Along with the anniversary celebration, the church is in the process of restoring its stained glass windows.

"We have 11 memorial windows, and we have restored two of them and we will be doing a third window soon," Jones said.

"We want to preserve them, we can't just let them go. Our stained glass windows are absolutely gorgeous, and they were installed in 1896."

A special fund has been created for donations toward the project.

Moving forward, the church is working toward attracting younger people to the church.

"We are planning a contemporary service for 6 p.m. Aug. 20, and we hope to have it outside weather permitting," Jones said.
Jul. 25The lush landscape of Payson Park, often full of children playing sports or on the playground, is now also home to something a little more avant-garde  three pink sculptures standing 12 to 17 feet tall.

The art piece, titled "Beneath the Forest, Beneath the Sea," was installed in June by North Bridgeton-based artist Pamela Moulton and has garnered a mix of praise and intrigue.

"At first I said, 'what's happening over there?' but then I saw the colors," said Jake Darling, who lives on neighboring Washington Avenue. "It pops out. It's a good look. You don't see stuff like that all the time."

For many park-goers, the sculpture's bright color and unique shape is a welcome curiosity.

"It's a nice, progressive piece  not that I understand it," Westport resident Steve Williams said. "I like anything kind of different."

For some others, it may be too unusual.

"I thought they were doing some construction and they had a (pink) wrap around it to cover up whatever was underneath," said Deborah Fultz. "I appreciate art, but I personally am more into traditional art."

The piece was financed by TEMPOArt, a Portland-based nonprofit that aims to promote the creation of temporary art projects across Maine's largest city.

It's made out of derelict fishing gear, including former fishing nets. Moulton chose this because of what she sees as the fundamental connection between the lobster industry and Maine's identity.

"The material speaks so much t0 our culture  to where we are living on the waterfront," Moulton said. "It's about cleaning our planet. I love that you can take this material and transform it."

For many fans of the artwork, this reuse of fishing gear is a primary reason they like it.

"I used to be a lobsterman, so that design is really cool," said Hayden O'Donnell of Portland. "It's a good use of materials, since you don't just throw it in the dump."

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For other supporters, the sense of community the sculptures bring is a point of admiration.

"It's very eye-catching, it's great. I walk through here almost every day," said Elizabeth Anderson, who lives nearby on Wellwood Road. "I love it. I see families and kids exploring it, particularly when there are baseball games. I would love it if we had sculptures all over the park."

This sense of community was central to Moulton's vision of the piece. Throughout the project, she worked with community members and listened to their ideas. As the work took shape, the name evolved from "Every Tree Tells a Story," to its current title.

"I've had so many people help me on the project ... so many people had so many different ideas, and I just took all of those ideas into my own," Moulton said. "When you make a title really specific, you really narrow people's imaginations."

The unique nature of the sculpture has led many park-goers to stop and analyze the meaning of the work. Interpretations range from the artwork being a commentary on the human condition to being representative of the impact of COVID-19 on Portland.

"Fish net is usually made out of plastic rope, it's made out of trash and plastics. (The piece) almost looks like brain neurons or something like that, but it's broken up," said Nate Weare of Portland. "I feel like the artist was trying to show how trash and plastic is toxic to life."

Moulton encourages these kind of analyses of her work.

"It's really wonderful when the public has their own take on what (the sculpture) is," Moulton said. "We're all learning together."

The installation will remain in the park for the next year. After that, Moulton and TEMPOArt can re-up with the city for another year. In this short time frame, Moulton hopes to hold several community-wide events to encourage people to connect with both the sculpture and the park itself.

"When I pitched the piece, I promised them that I would create a community gathering space for the city," Moulton said. "Every time I go (to Payson), I see kids hugging the sculpture. It's unbelievable that people are hugging them, there's just so much interaction."
By Kelly-Ann Allen, Associate Professor, School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Monash University

Shutterstock

The peer review process is a cornerstone of modern scholarship. Before new work is published in an academic journal, experts scrutinise the evidence, research and arguments to make sure they stack up.

However, many authors, reviewers and editors have problems with the way the modern peer review system works. It can be slow, opaque and cliquey, and it runs on volunteer labour from already overworked academics.





Read more:

Explainer: what is peer review?





Last month, one of us (Kelly-Ann Allen) expressed her frustration at the difficulties of finding peer reviewers on Twitter. Hundreds of replies later, we had a huge crowd-sourced collection of criticisms of peer review and suggestions for how to make it better.

The suggestions for journals, publishers and universities show there is plenty to be done to make peer review more accountable, fair and inclusive. We have summarised our full findings below.

Three challenges of peer review

We see three main challenges facing the peer review system.

First, peer review can be exploitative.

Many of the companies that publish academic journals make a profit from subscriptions and sales. However, the authors, editors and peer reviewers generally give their time and effort on a voluntary basis, effectively performing free labour.

And while peer review is often seen as a collective enterprise of the academic community, in practice a small fraction of researchers do most of the work. One study of biomedical journals found that, in 2015, just 20% of researchers performed up to 94% of the peer reviewing.

Peer review can be a black box

The second challenge is a lack of transparency in the peer review process.

Peer review is generally carried out anonymously: researchers dont know who is reviewing their work, and reviewers dont know whose work they are reviewing. This provides space for honesty, but can also make the process less open and accountable.

The opacity may also suppress discussion, protect biases, and decrease the quality of the reviews.

Peer review can be slow

The final challenge is the speed of peer review.

When a researcher submits a paper to a journal, if they make it past initial rejection, they may face a long wait for review and eventual publication. It is not uncommon for research to be published a year or more after submission.

This delay is bad for everyone. For policymakers, leaders and the public, it means they may be making decisions based on outdated scientific evidence. For scholars, delays can stall their careers as they wait for the publications they need to get promotions or tenure.





Read more:

Journal papers, grants, jobs ... as rejections pile up, it's not enough to tell academics to 'suck it up'





Scholars suggest the delays are typically caused by a shortage of reviewers. Many academics report challenging workloads can discourage them from participating in peer review, and this has become worse since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It has also been found that many journals rely heavily on US and European reviewers, limiting the size and diversity of the pool of reviewers.

Can we fix peer review?

So, what can be done? Most of the constructive suggestions from the large Twitter conversation mentioned earlier fell into three categories.

First, many suggested there should be better incentives for conducting peer reviews.

This might include publishers paying reviewers (the journals of the American Economic Association already do this) or giving some profits to research departments. Journals could also offer reviewers free subscriptions, publication fee vouchers, or fast-track reviews.

However, we should recognise that journals offering incentives might create new problems.





Read more:

Explainer: the ins and outs of peer review





Another suggestion is that universities could do better in acknowledging peer review as part of the academic workload, and perhaps reward outstanding contributors to peer review.

Some Twitter commentators argued tenured scholars should review a certain number of articles each year. Others thought more should be done to support non-profit journals, given a recent study found some 140 journals in Australia alone ceased publishing between 2011 and 2021.

Most respondents agreed that conflicts of interest should be avoided. Some suggested databases of experts would make it easier to find relevant reviewers.

Use more inclusive peer review recruitment strategies

Many respondents also suggested journals can improve how they recruit reviewers, and what work they distribute. Expert reviewers could be selected on the basis of method or content expertise, and asked to focus on that element rather than both.

Respondents also argued journals should do more to tailor their invitations to target the most relevant experts, with a simpler process to accept or reject the offer.

Others felt that more non-tenured scholars, PhD researchers, people working in related industries, and retired experts should be recruited. More peer review training for graduate students and increased representation for women and underrepresented minorities would be a good start.

Rethink double-blind peer review

Some repondents pointed to a growing movement towards more open peer review processes, which may create a more human and transparent approach to reviewing. For example, Royal Society Open Science publishes all decisions, review letters, and voluntary identification of peer reviewers.

Another suggestion to speed up the publishing process was to give higher priority to time-sensitive research.

What can be done?

The overall message from the enormous response to a single tweet is that there is a need for systemic changes within the peer review process.

There is no shortage of ideas for how to improve the process for the benefit of scholars and the broader public. However, it will be up to journals, publishers and universities to put them into practice and create a more accountable, fair and inclusive system.

The authors would like to thank Emily Rainsford, David V. Smith and Yumin Lu for their contribution to the original article Towards improving peer review: Crowd-sourced insights from Twitter.

Kelly-Ann Allen is the Editor-in-Chief of the Educational and Developmental Psychologist and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Belonging and Human Connection. She is an Editorial Board member of Educational Psychology Review, Journal of Happiness and Health (JOHAH), and Journal of School and Educational Psychology (JOSEP).



Joseph Crawford is Editor in Chief of the Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice.

Jonathan Reardon and Lucas Walsh do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Originally published in The Conversation.
What would usually be a mundane vendor update for a farmers market spiraled into a social media frenzy Sunday at Point Ruston.

The reason appears to be a complicated triangle consisting of a developer, a restaurant inside a marketplace with dozens of small businesses operating daily, and a weekly event.

Tacoma Farmers Market posted on its Facebook and Instagram pages that two vendors would not be able to attend that days market in the Grand Plaza of the Point Ruston development.

The market received a directive to discontinue selling any Mexican style food at its Sunday event, it said, affecting two scheduled vendors: El Guero PNW, a new local pop-up, and Burrito Boy, a truck operated by the now-closed Josefinas Mexican Restaurant in Tacomas South End. The directive came from the Point Ruston Owners Association, a nonprofit connected to Point Ruston developer Loren Cohen, according to state records.

We have responded to PROA and are attempting to negotiate a solution. TFM had no part in this decision and directive, but must comply while trying to reach a mutual agreement with PROA, the social media posts read. We are deeply saddened by this abrupt news and apologize to the vendors and small businesses owners this affects as well as our market community that seeks out their food offerings at our Sunday Market at Point Ruston. We are doing our best to represent and advocate for the small businesses owners and vendors that we host at our market!

The posts received more than 1,000 comments and were shared more than 1,200 times as of Monday afternoon.

El Guero shared the news on its social media Saturday night, writing that due to unforeseen circumstances they would not be selling at the farmers market the next day. We just got word this evening that there was a complaint about Mexican food being sold at the market, said owner Jesus Rodriguez, adding he was disappointed and hoped it was temporary.

The post has since attracted 1,300 likes and nearly 200 comments.

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The News Tribune reached Rodriguezs mother by phone Monday, and through a translator she said she was not ready to talk about the subject further.

Social media erupted with calls of racism, with many believing Mexican food was being singled out. Others noted that perhaps there was a legal issue at hand, in that the only exclusively Mexican restaurant with a permanent presence in this area, Taco Street, had a non-compete clause in its contract.

Point Ruston, on its Twitter and Facebook pages, responded with a statement on social media at 8:33 p.m. Sunday, affirming that it has certain exclusivity contracts in place to help support our brick and mortar vendors  including a contractual exclusivity for Mexican cuisine. We plan to honor this exclusivity clause and we will continue to work to make sure opportunities for small businesses of all backgrounds have a place at the waterfront.

It added that it has had a productive five-year relationship with the farmers market and that todays misunderstanding  is not something we take lightly.

Taco Street co-owner Elonka Perez did not immediately respond to an email request for comment Monday afternoon. A manager who answered the phone at the Waterfront Market restaurant directed The News Tribune to a website contact form.

Point Ruston developer Loren Cohen has not responded to The News Tribunes phone call. His voicemail box connected to his work line was full Monday.

On Point Rustons Facebook post, Cohen responded to commenters directly, confirming that Taco Street has a contract granting them the exclusive right to provide Mexican-style cuisine as their main genre of food at Point Ruston. Other vendors can have tacos, etc. complementary to their main genre (like fish tacos at Wildfin)  but a taco stand or burrito stand thats exclusively Mexican-style cuisine is in violation of this exclusivity clause.

The goal, he said, is to support the family owned and run brick-and-mortar shops and restaurants that have invested in our development.

He lamented poor communication of these details, for which we will definitely own and make amends for, adding: But accusations of racism, bias or other ill intent are completely unfounded and the absolute antithesis of what we stand for as a company and family.

Point Ruston vs. Waterfront Market?

The situation is shadowed by a string of legal battles between Cohen and his company MC Construction, and a different entity, Serpanok Construction.

In 2020, a judge ordered the parking garage at Point Ruston to be auctioned off after Serpanok sued for nonpayment. Last year, an arbitrator decided in Serpanoks favor, calling for Cohen and company to pay $11.5 million  what was owed plus interest.

It was after that point, in June 2021, that the Public Market at Point Ruston changed hands. Now both the parking garage and the Waterfront Market, the open-air markets new name, are owned and operated by Serpanok.

Paul Kunitsa, the Waterfront Markets general manager, said Monday morning that they were caught off guard with the flare-up between Tacoma Farmers Market and Point Ruston.

Quite frankly we dont have anything to do with it. We dont work with them, he said, referring to Point Ruston. We have no influence on them. We didnt ask for anything. When all this came out, it was out of the blue.

Asked for details about the transition period between ownership last summer  and specifically how leases with the original and new entity might have differed  he said he didnt know without looking back at paperwork.

On a day-to-day basis, he emphasized, the Waterfront Market does not communicate with Point Ruston.

Complicating matters is the reality that Tacoma Farmers Market was originally stationed in its current location in the Grand Plaza, but in 2020 and 2021 it was temporarily hosted in the Waterfront Market parking lot.

Jack + Adeline, a woodworking shop and bakery, has been a vendor since the marketplace opened at 5101 Yacht Club Road two years ago. Co-owner Leanne Franetovich tried to clear up misinformation spreading like wildfire on social media.

Previously, she told The News Tribune on Monday, leases with then-Public Market were fairly boilerplate, but she noted that there could be differences when compared to build-out anchor tenants, which include Owens Meats, Only Oatmeal Cookies and Taco Street. One such tenant, Dancing Goats Coffee Bar, pulled out of the project in December 2021.

Franetovich said they used to have exclusivity clauses for businesses within the actual market. Another vendor could not come in and sell salvaged wood cutting boards or furniture, for instance, the crux of Jack + Adelines homeware business. But things changed when Serpanok took over.

To her knowledge, there are no exclusivity agreements within the market, and because its no longer affiliated with Point Ruston, that notion is moot.

It is a unique situation, though, in that there are dozens of small businesses operating under one roof. On any given day, the space also welcomes temporary vendors.

We are working as hard as we can, doing whatever we can to support and build community here in Ruston, with small businesses and customers and everyone, Kunitsa said. We want to be a neighborhood gathering place.

What happens next?

On Sunday, El Guero  which debuted in May, serving at the Puyallup Night Market and Puyallup Farmers Market  posted again, thanking everyone who messaged them as the day wore on.

They kindly declined offers of monetary donations and instead urged people to contact the PROA and let them know our frustration during this difficult time. They said they were waiting on more information and asked followers to support the other small businesses at Tacoma Farmers Market in the Grand Plaza.

One vendor, Komadre Kombucha, said on Instagram after the market wrapped at 4 p.m. that it had sold out.

Yall really turned out to support local, wrote owner Julie Davidson, who is also Latina, on Instagram. We especially appreciate your supportive words regarding our colegas and amigos who were impacted by a change in food vendor policy. Thank you Tacoma Farmers Market for upholding equity and diverse representation; we stand with you in your efforts to rectify this wrong.

Reached by phone Monday afternoon, Tacoma Farmers Market Executive Director Britt McGrath said she was actively working with the PROA. At the moment, she could not comment further.
Seriously opulent, luxurious and meticulously crafted fashion, jewelry and accessories by 100 designers from Saudi Arabia are being spotlighted starting Tuesday at the Iron23 event space in Manhattans Flatiron neighborhood.

The Saudi designers, many considered emerging brands and selected from a field of 1,500, were challenged to create pieces expressly for the exhibit and that reflect Saudi heritage and culture. The exhibit, called Saudi 100 Brands Fashion Exhibition, has been organized by Saudi Arabias Fashion Commission. None of the 100 brands has been seen outside Saudi Arabia until now.

More from WWD

The exhibition, which debuted in Riyadh late last year, is split into eight different categories: ready-to-wear, modest, concept, premiere, demi-couture, bridal, handbags and jewelry. While ornate in terms of the heavy use of fabric, embroidery, laser-cuts, color and references from Saudi architecture and landscape, they are modest to the degree they cover the body. On display are long robes or thobes, long coats or abaya and large scarves for head coverings called tarha. But there is a diversity of style, with some streetwear  a hoodie and some shorts are shown  and more fitted and avant garde designs presented.

This exhibit doesnt have a commercial angle. Its meant to give visibility to creativity from a region of the world that has never been exposed to the rest of the world, Saudi Arabias Fashion Commission chief executive officer Burak Cakmak told WWD in an interview at the exhibit. Its open to anybody. Its a free event. You just have to register.

The exhibit represents the starting point to show the level of creativity, said Cakmak, a former dean of the Parsons School of Design. Each of the brands are working on a wholesale collection. The idea is this fall, we will have wholesale collections available for retail. The majority of these designers have never sold outside the country. Several have sold in the region; one or two internationally. The intention is to show the diverse range of products that are designed in the country, but also with the exhibition we challenged them to create a showpiece, not meant as a retail piece, that projects their creativity and represents who they are.

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The intent is also to dispel misconceptions about fashion in Saudi Arabia and how people dress there.

From the Saudi 100 exhibit in New York. - Credit: Jared Siskin/PMC

Jared Siskin/PMC

Currently, there are no statistics available on the size of the Saudi fashion industry, though the commission is gathering data to determine that, Cakmak said. Local brands have the ambition to grow internationally and there is a huge appetite for international bands to come to Saudi Arabia, he said.

One thing people dont realize is that life in Saudi includes every kind of product. What is different from the rest of the world is whats public or whats private. That doesnt mean all these products you see in the West are not selling in the East. There is a different way of using the product, but every category is still very much relevant in the region. There are no restrictions. Its really a personal journey of each consumer to decide how they want to dress in the house and outside the house.

The exhibit could travel to other cities, but thats to be determined. To further help the designers, the Saudi government has been setting up mentoring programs and bringing in consultants and experts from fashion houses and academia to guide them.

From the Saudi 100 exhibit in New York. - Credit: Jared Siskin/PMC/PMC

Jared Siskin/PMC/PMC

Asked if international politics could affect the level of acceptance of Saudi design by Americans, Cakmak replied, The intention is to connect creative communities and build a bridge for designers with other creatives, designers and businesses. At the end of the day, individual brands are very much focused on building their own business, and we very much want to focus on the business side with them. This is ultimately letting the creatives shine and helping them grow their business with no other intention. When we see creatives engage with the West, it doesnt matter where they come from. You speak the same language. You are focused on where your inspiration comes from, where the culture comes from and how does that influence each other.

Saudi Arabia is on a growth path across all sectors, including fashion, and there are great opportunities for local entrepreneurs to build new businesses across all parts of the fashion value chain, Cakmak added. A robust fashion sector benefits from local creatives, design studios, marketing and communication agencies, manufacturers and retailers. And through programs like Saudi 100 Brands, we look forward to seeing Saudi designers take their rightful place on the global stage.

The exhibition, which runs from July 26 through Aug. 7, is open Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Iron23, 29 West 23rd Street. Tickets can be reserved at saudi100brands.nyc.

From the Saudi fashion exhibit in New York. - Credit: Jared Siskin/PMC

Jared Siskin/PMC

Launch Gallery: A Look At The Saudi 100 Brands Fashion Exhibition

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WASHINGTON, D.C. --News Direct-- HP Inc.

HPs Meredith Singer, Ukraine Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, HPs Amy Burke, GBC Executive Director of the Global Business Coalition for Education Justin Van Fleet.

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 25, 2022 /3BL Media/  First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, met with representatives from HP Inc. and the Global Business Coalition for Education, at the Ukraine House cultural center in Washington, D.C. this week, to accept a donation of technology and learning material headed to Ukraine to support thousands of students, teachers, and healthcare practitioners.

HPs "Digital Equity for Ukraine initiative is a $30 million partnership with Global Business Coalition for Education that will put computers and learning materials in the hands of people who need them.

The Ukrainian people have demonstrated incredible courage in the face of unimaginable circumstances, and we are grateful for the leadership of First Lady Olena Zelenska and others seeking to end this war, said Enrique Lores, CEO of HP Inc. HP continues to mobilize resources to support Ukraine. Through our partnership with the Global Business Coalition for Education, we will put personal computers in the hands of students and families who have been displaced from their homes and classrooms. This moment demands that we all take actions to support those in need.

The computers will be distributed to organizations on the ground aiding Ukrainians by partnering with the Global Business Coalition for Education, an initiative of the global childrens charity Theirworld. HP will provide computers to the nonprofit organizations. Additionally, Microsoft will provide software support for the nonprofits receiving the computers.

In coordination with the Ukrainian government, about one-half of the donated computers will go to the many civilians displaced within the country and the other half to Ukrainian refugees displaced outside of Ukraine.

We are very grateful for HPs and the Global Business Coalition for Educations support, said Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine. Their efforts and contribution will help students in Ukraine and beyond continue learning and prepare for the future, like any other youth in the world.

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Since February, millions of Ukrainians have had their lives upended by Russias invasion. Nearly one-third of Ukrainians have been forced from their homes, according to the United Nations, often leaving only with what they could carry.

Vulnerable children are caught in the middle of war  fleeing their homes, communities, and schools. The Ukrainian government says more than 2,000 educational institutions have been hit by bombs or shelling. Now, millions of Ukrainian students are learning remotely both inside and outside the country.

"Education is one of the first things lost and last things restored during a crisis, said Justin van Fleet, President of Theirworld and Executive Director of the Global Business Coalition for Education. This is why we are so glad to collaborate with HP and Microsoft to provide resources to Ukrainian students so they can continue learning.

HP has been increasingly vocal on the notion that digital equity is a human right, committing to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people around the world by 2030. And while devices are essential, they are only one piece of the equation. HP is also investing in teacher training and educational materials, including translating the HP Online Teaching Assistant to Ukrainian, to support educators who are now teaching remotely.

To date, the HP Foundation has delivered more than $3 million in grants to provide essential food, clothing, and shelter materials to Ukrainian refugees, and continues to match donations made by HP employees.

About HP Inc.HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a technology company that believes one thoughtful idea has the power to change the world. Its product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers, and 3D printing solutions helps bring these ideas to life. Visit http://www.hp.com.

About the Global Business Coalitions for EducationThe Global Business Coalition for Education is a movement of businesses committed to ending the global education crisis and unleashing the potential of the next generation. Established as an initiative of the global childrens charity Theirworld in 2012, the Global Business Coalition for Education is committed to bringing together the expertise and resources of the business community with the campaign for global education and Sustainable Development Goal 4. Visit www.gbc-education.org

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from HP Inc. on 3blmedia.com

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/first-lady-of-ukraine-accepts-computer-donation-from-hp-inc-for-ukrainian-children-and-healthcare-workers-449980507
Lee en espanol

"How do you want to have Los Zetas, as friends or as enemies?"

That was the question that a man, who identified himself as Commander Ramon Rocas Suarez, asked Mexican journalist Juan de Dios Garcia Davish, from Tapachula, Chiapas, over the phone on May 28, 2016.

The man had identified himself as a high-ranking member of the Mexican drug cartel Los Zetas, at the time considered one of the most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations in Mexico.

The threat was clear: Either he abided by the mans requests or dealt with the consequences. The man on the other side of the line had Garcia Davishs home, work and family members located.

That was the first of several threats made between 2016 and 2022.

Due to the increased violence in Mexico against journalists and the lack of protection provided by the government, Garcia Davish and his wife, Maria de Jesus Peters, also a journalist in Chiapas, made the difficult decision to leave their lifelong home. Since June, theyve been trying to rebuild their life in Phoenix, figuring out how to navigate a new country and calling for international governments to intervene and better protect Mexican journalists.

"The man wanted money, and although he scared me and made me nervous, I didn't fall for his game. I told him to do what he had to do," Garcia Davish said in an interview with La Voz/The Arizona Republic. The first thing I did was see how my daughter was and then I went to file a complaint with the general attorneys office.

After investigating, the Specialized General Attorneys Office for the Attention of Journalists and Freedom of Expression of Chiapas told Garcia Davish that the call came from a prison in Mexico City, and classified the crime as extortion.

Years of threats followed, but it was the most recent threat, received on May 13, 2022, that made them seek other alternatives outside of the promises made by Mexican law enforcement. A man who identified himself as Arturo Valencia Diaz threatened to kill Peters, Garcia Davish and their daughter if they did not come to an agreement.

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He filed a complaint once more and this time the authorities promised to provide them with protection measures, including police patrols outside their home, but he said that such protection never came.

Maria de Jesus Peters (left) and Juan de Dios Garcia Davish, Mexican journalists, look through documents for the first threat they reported to the Chiapas attorney's office, while being interviewed at the Arizona Republic in Phoenix.

Considering the increased violence against journalists in Mexico, inaction from local authorities and with their 16-year-old daughter in mind, Garcia Davish and Peters looked into international options. At the suggestion of colleagues, they applied to the Temporary Reception Program for Latin American Journalists hosted by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which would allow them to take refuge in Spain for a period of time. However, immediate approval wasnt guaranteed.

They then sought to obtain a visa that would allow them to enter the United States. Thanks to a letter of support drafted by several national and international colleagues, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City almost immediately scheduled an interview for them on June 10, and were approved for tourist visas.

With little clothing, a computer and a few hard drives  their most prized treasures that safeguard their lifes work  the two journalists and their daughter made their way to the United States. Since late June, theyve been living in Phoenix.

According to the couple, help from the local specialized general attorney's office never came, a situation shared by many journalists in Mexico. The Specialized General Attorneys Office for the Attention of Journalists and Freedom of Expression of Chiapas did not respond to a request for comment.

According to the organization Article 19, a freedom of the press advocacy organization in Mexico and Latin America, Mexico is experiencing one of the most violent presidencies against Mexican journalists. So far in 2022, 10 people have officially been killed in connection with their work as journalists  unofficially, 12 have been murdered.

Deadly list:These are the journalists who have been killed in Mexico in 2022

Several of them, like Lourdes Maldonado, murdered in Tijuana, Baja California in January, were registered under the Protection Mechanism for Human Rights Defenders and Journalists under the Mexican government. But according to journalist advocacy groups, the protection mechanism constantly fails, acting only in a reactive and non-preventive manner.

According to Noemi Pineda, researcher of documentation and case follow-up of Article 19, from 2018 to 2021, the organization has registered a total of 21 cases of displaced journalists due to violence against the press in Mexico. But this number is higher, she said, given that not all journalists under threat let them know they are seeking refuge elsewhere.

Jan-Albert Hootsen, Mexico representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said that unfortunately, many journalists in Mexico are in a very vulnerable situation because they do not have the same support network that Peters and Garcia Davish have.

That is one of the things that we are working on here in Mexico, in creating these networks and seeking greater contact with journalists so that they have that support, he said. In the case of Juan de Dios, it helped him a lot that he has worked with foreign media and with media that hire his services to cover migration issues in Chiapas.

Decades covering Indigenous peoples, migrants in Southern Mexico

Garcia Davish, 62, began his career in journalism in 1985. He currently serves as director of Quadratin Chiapas, a news site that covers topics ranging from community to politics, with a focus on migration to Mexico from Central America.

In the late '90s, he founded Agencia Grafica del Sur, a wire service that provides articles and photographs from Southern Mexico to national and international newspapers.

Peters, 52, was until her move to Phoenix an 18-year correspondent for the national newspaper El Universal in Mexico. She has also worked for the Guatemalan newspaper Prensa Libre and other outlets in Honduras.

In November 2020, Peters was awarded the Ortega y Gasset award for the 2020 Best Photograph in Journalism in Spain. The winning photograph portrays the desperation of a Haitian migrant who cries alongside her son from the other side of a fence that guards a migrant detention center in Chiapas. She recently picked up her award in June 2022, before making her way to the U.S.

Both Garcia Davish and Peters claim to know every corner and road in Chiapas like the back of their hand, which is why they would sometimes provide fixer services to international media.

"We know all the roads and the most remote routes of the Chiapas jungle, where migrants walk, and we also know the dangers they face on those routes," said Garcia Davish.

They have always lived in Tapachula, Chiapas, about 11 miles away from Mexico's southern border with Guatemala. For the same reason, they say, they have had to see the crudest aspects of migration, the abuses and the violence that takes place on the southern border.

We have seen people fall from the train (known as The Beast), have their legs amputated. Also how the gangs control the passage of migrants, human trafficking, organized crime violence, said Garcia Davish.

They have also documented and reported to the authorities the exploitation of Indigenous migrant children of Guatemalan origin on coffee farms in Chiapas.

As journalists and human beings, it hurts us that no law enforcement acts to prevent labor exploitation in these places, allowing up to 12-hour work days. These Indigenous children live in an inhumane way, aside from the fact that they are marginalized from receiving education and basic nutrition, reads a complaint document that the couple sent to the National Human Rights Commission in Mexico.

The forced displacement of Indigenous people in the highlands of Chiapas, the kidnappings by organized crime, the trafficking of migrant women and the abuses by the National Institute of Migration (INM) are instances that have been documented by both Peters and Garcia Davish, showing the corruption that prevails in that southern region.

"With our reporting, we make visible a lot of corruption and bad things that are happening in the south of Mexico, and of course, that makes a lot of people uncomfortable, from organized crime groups to government authorities, Peters said.

A call for intervention from beyond the northern border

Peters and Garcia Davish have been in the U.S. for less than a month and much of their time in Phoenix has been used to shed light on the issue, calling for the Biden administration to intervene in order to cease the violence against journalists in Mexico.

According to an official list from the Mexican government, a total of 10 journalists have been murdered so far in 2022. The most recent murder was that of Antonio de la Cruz on June 28 in the state of Tamaulipas. Unofficially, and recognized by journalism advocacy organizations, 12 have been murdered this year. Mexican authorities ruled out the deaths of Roberto Toledo in Michoacan and Jorge El Choche Camero in Sonora, stating that their deaths were not in relation to their work as journalists.

(U.S.) Congressmen have already spoken about the murdered journalists  they must press for the Mexican government to do something, said Peters.

Maria de Jesus Peters (left) and Juan de Dios Garcia Davish, Mexican journalists, listen to an audio recording of the first threat they received in 2016, while being interviewed at the Arizona Republic in Phoenix.

On June 6, several Democratic congress members, including Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva, sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking his administration review how U.S. funds intended for the Mexican protection mechanism are actually being used.

I urge the Biden administration to work with our Mexican partners to bring justice to the families of the disappeared and ensure that the Mexican press can operate freely and without fear, Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro said in a statement.

As indicated on the Secretary of the Interior in Mexico website, the protection mechanism was created in 2012 with the goal to protect journalists who have suffered threats and intimidation in relation to their work. An exact amount of funds dedicated to this program isn't available.

Through a partnership with USAID and Mexico, for the years 2017 through 2021, the U.S. government granted a total of $7.1 million to help fund the protection mechanism in an effort to improve the ability of the (government of Mexico) to prevent, investigate, and prosecute human rights abuses, a USAID fact sheet reads.

It is unclear how much additional U.S. funds have been channeled into the Mexican protection program after 2021.

According to a 2020 Mexican government report, the Ministry of the Interior requested 241 million Mexican pesos to cover expenses in 2021. This figure implied an increase of 26.9 million Mexican pesos more than what was requested in 2020, the report indicates. In 2018, 337 million pesos were allocated for the program.

In a retort to that report, the Mexican Federation of Public Human Rights Organizations lamented the lack of resources allocated to the mechanism, indicating that the funds were not enough to make the safeguards promised under the mechanism a reality.

In a recent press freedom index, Mexico ranks at 143 out of 180, according to the latest report published by Reporters Without Borders. As comparison, the United States ranks at 42.

I have spoken to friends who were taken. Now anyone (criminals) can come and grab you, attack you, threaten you and nothing happens, said Garcia Davish. We want to continue being that voice for other colleagues that nobody pays attention to. We want to make it visible that journalists are being murdered. The president (of Mexico) gives (criminals) his blessing so that they can do with us what they want.

Hootsen said that during the last three and a half years, President Lopez Obrador has made a constant and clear divide between good journalism, which is his ally, and bad journalism, which is his adversary.

That has created adverse situations for us. It has cost us a lot to convince that sector of Mexican society that free and independent journalism is important, that the protection of journalists is important and that fighting impunity for crimes against the press is important, Hootsen said. When the president says that journalists are corrupt, that they are conservative and that they go against his political agenda, then his followers, who are around 50% of the population, also follow him.

A protection mechanism that has failed many

Balbina Flores, Mexico representative at RSF, said the protection mechanism currently has more than 1,500 people registered, of which more than 500 are journalists, the rest are human rights activists.

(The protection mechanism) has been working, but it has flaws, lack of personnel, resources ... In this six-year term, the demand has increased by more than 60 or 70 percent, and therefore the capacity would also have to be increased in terms of of human and economic resources in the mechanism, Flores said.

RSF, CPJ and Article 19 work collaboratively, supporting journalists throughout Mexico in the best way they can. Just as they did with Garcia Davish and Peters, alerting the protection mechanism, guiding the couple to file complaints and collect the necessary documents and spreading the word among colleagues in the national and international media about their situation.

The work they do goes hand in hand with the protection mechanism, which provides bodyguards, a panic button to alert law enforcement, police surveillance and on occasion the use of safe houses, Hootsen said. But what the Mechanism offers is not always enough and the promised protections do not always arrive.

Flores said that in 2022, RSF released a report analyzing the protections offered by the protection mechanism and how it can be improved.

According to the report, the protection mechanism does not obligate local or municipal authorities to take charge of the protection of journalists, and only 12 of the 32 states of Mexico have agencies dedicated to investigating cases of violence against the press  like the specialized general attorneys office that Garcia Davish and Peters reported their threats to.

In the absence of financial and human resources to enforce what the protection mechanism promises, RSF recommended several changes, including:

Adapt protection measures according to imminent dangers, such as changes in unforeseen risks.

Share the obligation to protect journalists between federal and local levels.

Increase funds earmarked for the protection mechanism.

Improve psychological, legal, self-protection and digital security support measures.

Pineda of Article 19 said that 98% of violence against journalists cases are in total impunity.

Maria de Jesus Peters (left) and Juan de Dios Garcia Davish, Mexican journalists, look through the many documents of filed complaints and reports they've submitted to the Mexican authorities while being interviewed at the Arizona Republic in Phoenix.

As an example, she mentioned Garcia Davish and Peters case. For six years, the couple received numerous threats related to their work as journalists, and even after reporting the threats, authorities dismissed them as extortion. Another case she mentioned was that of the journalist Susana Carreno who was stabbed on July 1 in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco  an incident that the authorities wrote off as an attempted robbery.

The mechanism is more reactive than preventative, which responds only to events that have already occurred. It does not have specific actions aimed at preventing violence, Hootsen from CPJ said. "We recognize the courage that Juan de Dios and Maria have because there are those who censor themselves after being displaced, they prefer not to raise their voices, they leave journalism. (Garcia Davish and Peters) are making the problem visible," he said.

Reach La Voz reporter and editor Javier Arce at javier.arce@lavozarizaon.com or on Twitter @javierarce33.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Journalists who fled Mexico from violence call on Biden to intervene
SheKnows

It goes without saying that its every parents goal to make sure their children will, when the time comes, be able to handle life without them  and, in families with multiple siblings, it often comes with the hope that they also care for one another (along with any other responsibilities they have). But, as []
PARIS (Reuters) - France is against setting uniform targets for the reduction of gas consumption in Europe amid a looming energy crisis, said French energy ministry officials.

The future targets must notably take into account the export capacities of each country, the officials added, ahead of a meeting of European energy ministers on Tuesday in Brussels.

The European Commission proposed on Wednesday that all EU countries should cut their gas use from August to March by 15%. The target would initially be voluntary, but would become mandatory if the Commission declared an emergency.

But from the outset, the proposal met criticism from a range of countries. Spain, Portugal and Greece are among the most openly hostile, while diplomats say Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands and Poland also have reservations about giving the Commission the power to order cuts.

(Reporting by Caroline Paillez, Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta)
Police arrested two suspects accused of shooting a 68-year-old man trying to protect his wife during an armed robbery.

Commerce police responded to a business off Ga. 441 around noon on Saturday and found a man with a gunshot wound to the chest.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Investigators believe two men sitting in the parking lot tried to rob the mans wife and shot him.

Police said they completed the robbery and took off in a silver Honda, but the victims remembered the last three digits of the cars tag number. Commerce police said the husband was taken to a local medical center and is recovering from his injuries.

Commerce police, Jackson County Sheriffs Office and Banks County Sheriffs Office worked together to figure out the rest of the tag number. A Banks County deputy spotted the car a few hours later.

TRENDING STORIES:

Police and deputies found the car in the Crossing Place Apartments and found two men matching the suspects descriptions inside one of the apartments.

Police arrested Jaiquan Chase, 20, and Dailan Alston, 21, who are both from the Macon area.

Each man faces two counts of aggravated assault, armed robbery and possession of firearm during the commission of a crime.

The Commerce Police Department would like to thank their partners the Jackson County Sheriffs Office and the Banks County Sheriffs Office for their aid and assistance on the scene and during the investigation as well as the Jackson County 911 Center and the Georgia Bureau of Investigations for their help in collecting intelligence during the investigative process, the department said in a statement.

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IN OTHER NEWS




Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said GOP gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox has

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said GOP gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox has "no chance of winning" the general election. (Photo: Brian Witte/Associated Press)

The Republican Party is being hurt by far-right candidates, including the QAnon whack job who won Marylands gubernatorial primary but doesnt have a chance of beating his Democratic opponent, the states Republican Gov. Larry Hogan warned Sunday.

Donald Trump-backed conspiracy theorist Dan Cox  who still baselessly insists the 2020 election was rigged  won the states GOP primary last week with the help of Democrats who aim to crush him come November, Hogan said on ABCs This Week.

I would not support the guy. I wouldnt let him in the governors office, let alone vote for him for the governors office, Hogan told host Jonathan Karl.

Hogan is convinced Cox has no chance of winning. And he fears the scenario is being repeated across the nation with similar fringe Republican candidates winning party primaries.

Its a big loss for the Republican Party, Hogan said. We have no chance of saving that governors seat.

He sees whats happening now as a protracted battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party amid the prospect of a significant loss of power.

Its only going to get worse if Trump declares before the midterms that hes running for the presidency again, Hogan warned.

A Trump reelection bid In competitive places and purple battlefields is going to cost us seats, as voters fearful of the extremist former president and the candidates he supports will abandon the Republican Party, he said.

Hogan said the situation makes me more determined than ever to continue the battle to win over the Republican Party, and take us back to a bigger tent, more Reagan-esque, party.

Weve got our work cut out for us, he admitted.

Check out the full interview below:

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
They can be seen tearing down the FDR Drive in New York City, wind whipping past as they fill all three lanes with nary a car in sight. They are members of one of New Yorks all-Black motorcycle clubs that rule the road throughout the five boroughs.

Peering over their shoulders is photographer Cate Dingley, framing the shot to both capture the scene in front of her and herself in the side mirror.

That self-portrait is included in Ezy Ryders, a new photography book by Dingley that brings to light a thriving and diverse community with a shared love of motorcycles.

Photographed from 2014 to 2019, the book features black and white photographs from rides, parties, bike blessings, clubs and memorials, interspersed with excerpts from conversations she had with the bikers.

Isis, the sergeant-at-arms of Next Level MC, in Brooklyn. (Cate Dingley)

The project grew out of a chance connection through a friend in 2014. Dingley soon found herself making portraits of bikers at a biker club in Bushwick, and she was invited to a barbecue later that day, with hundreds of bikers.

I had no idea of the scope and scale of the Black MC world, Dingley said.

She took note of the vast array of vests and insignia representing many clubs  and it wasnt just riders. Their partners, children and relatives were there, too. The sheer size of the crowd astounded Dingley, and gave her the sense that there was a significantly larger story to be told.

I would call the Black motorcycle community a very loud whisper, said Imir Leveque, an independent biker who goes by Preach in the community and is featured in Ezy Ryders.

Black motorcycle clubs have existed for decades across the country, but they have not historically been well known or popularized outside of their communities. The archetype of an American motorcycle rider has become a white man on the open road, but Black Americans are just as steeped in motorcycle history and culture.

Shifty rides on the freeway in New Jersey. (Cate Dingley)

Take the 1969 film "Easy Rider," which cemented the chopper, a custom motorcycle, as an American status symbol. The film made stars of the actors Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper. Two Black motorcycle designers, Ben Hardy and Clifford Vaughs, designed the iconic, souped-up Harley Davidson bikes  called Captain America and Billy  Fonda and Hopper rode in the film, according to NPR.

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One of the earliest motorcycle pioneers was Bessie Stringfield, who made history as the first Black woman to ride solo across the country in 1930. Her endeavors were not without risks, as she was riding at a time when segregation was the law of the land. Instead of hotels that barred her from staying, she spent her nights in the homes of Black families, or even in gas station lots, according to Iron & Air magazine.

The Black biker community exists largely because of the racism of the white side, Leveque said.

In the book, Leveque recounts how he grew up alongside white bikers who proudly displayed swastikas and casually used racist slurs. He rebuked those kinds of bikers by getting a tattoo of a swastika with a strike through it.

In the time she spent photographing the community in New York, Dingley saw that the clubs were often inclusive, welcoming riders from different backgrounds.

Her project, however, was slow to start, as she had to earn their trust.

You had to prove to people that you wanted to be there, Dingley said. I dont think I was treated any differently than people trying to enter the scene.

It took a year of consistently showing up to events and fostering relationships before she was fully accepted. The Black Falcons, a club in the Bronx, ultimately vouched for her, signaling to other clubs that she was a welcome presence. After about two years of photographing, she began interviewing riders.

The children of biker Prez Choice outside the Black Falcons motorcycle club in the Bronx. (Cate Dingley)

The book flows like an oral history and has the intimate feel of an old group of friends sharing stories at the end of a party, long after most guests have left. Putting their voices front and center was a deliberate choice on Dingleys part  she knew she couldnt do right by their experiences any other way. As she photographed, she shared photos on social media, and over time, she would hear from bikers of color across the country, inviting her to come photograph them. While it was gratifying to hear from them, travel was outside the scope of the project.

I had to narrow my focus to New York if I was to ever do it any justice, Dingley said.

Ezy Ryders subverts expectations both in the people and the parts of New York City photographed. The city isnt exactly synonymous with the idea of the open road that features prominently in popular depictions of motorcycle riders. Yet, the book is proof that there is plenty of space to ride.

The biker Priest in Queens. (Cate Dingley)

Theres an open road in Brooklyn. There are open roads in Queens. There is an open road even in Manhattan, Leveque said. There are bikers of different colors and different shades that travel those open roads.

A crucial aspect of life in the Black motorcycle community, Dingley found, is a bikers nickname. Traditionally, a nickname is rarely chosen, it is bestowed. Leveque became Preach because wherever he was, he would always be talking at length about the history of Black motorcycle culture.

Even though she was there to photograph the community, eventually Dingley found that she, too, had earned a nickname.

Mostly it was a very apt Photo Lady, Dingley said. It was a badge of honor for sure.

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Millions around the world could die due to the "food crisis" caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Guatemala President Alejandro Giammattei said during a visit to Ukraine on Monday.

Giammattei, who was invited to Ukraine by counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to view the damage caused by Russia's invasion, hit out at the war's global impact.

"An irrefutable proof of the consequences of this war are the global economic effects that have generated inflation, increased the cost of living and produced more poverty," he said in a joint statement with Zelensky published by the Guatemalan presidency.

And he warned that the conflict would cause a future "food crisis that could mean the death of millions of people."

Central America has been badly affected by the war as it imports all of its grain from the conflict zone.

Ukraine has been unable to export grain since the beginning of Russia's invasion due to a blockade of its Black Sea ports by Kremlin forces.

"The whole world is suffering the serious consequences of the Russian aggression such as the food crisis and price destabilization," said Zelensky.

"The cost of living is unfairly rising and only together can we protect the world and international legal order."

Zelensky thanked Giammattei for his visit and called on the international community to set up a special court to "punish Russia for its aggression."

During the visit, the two countries agreed to scrap visa requirements for Guatemalans traveling to Ukraine and to establish direct business contacts.

The visit was arranged during a telephone conversation between the two presidents in June, after which Giammattei had said they "spoke about reconstruction in Ukraine, where they need laborers, and so (Zelensky) asked that Guatemalans travel to work in Ukraine."

In a brief press release, Guatemala's communication secretariat for the presidency gave no details on when the visit began or how long it would last.

Following Russia's initial invasion of Ukraine, Giammattei closed Guatemala's embassy in Moscow.

Story continues

The Central American country exports nickel to Ukraine while importing iron and steel.

Despite breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia, Guatemala continues to export coffee and bananas to the Eurasian powerhouse, while importing fertilizer, medical supplies and paper.

Russian troops invaded Ukraine on February 24 following months of rising tensions between the neighbors.

Like many countries affected by the war, Guatemala has since seen fuel prices shoot up.

hma/llu/bc/jh
The question at the center of an investigation into the killings of three family members  including a 6-year-old girl  at an eastern Iowa state park campground is: Why?

Its a question that, so far, investigators havent been able to answer as they look for any connection between the family and the suspected shooter. They have uncovered little to establish a motive, noting they have not turned up any connection between Anthony Sherwin and those investigators say he killed.

What police have said is that Sherwin, 23, of the Omaha suburb of La Vista, had no criminal history prior to the attack, and investigators said he appeared to target the victims at random. The mans parents, who had been camping with their son, expressed incomprehension that he would carry out such an attack.

The shooting happened early Friday morning, when the victims from Cedar Falls, Iowa, were found shot to death in their tent at the Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground, about 180 miles east of Des Moines. Police have said Tyler Schmidt, 42; his 42-year-old wife, Sarah Schmidt; and their 6-year-old daughter, Lula Schmidt, all died in the attack.

The couples 9-year-old son, Arlo, survived the attack without physical injury, but police have not said whether he was in the tent when the shootings happened. Mitch Mortvedt, assistant director of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, said Monday that investigators have spoken to the boy, but declined to reveal what the child said.

At this time, theres been nothing discovered as far as anything that precipitated the attack at the campground, Mortvedt said.

Sherwin's parents had suggested that he might have heard the shots and grabbed a firearm in the familys vehicle for self-protection, but Mortvedt discounted that theory.

"Without getting into the fine details of it, with everything that we have learned, we are confident that everything we have reported is how it played out and that he is responsible, Mortvedt said.

Story continues

Autopsies on the Schmidts and Sherwin began Sunday and were continuing on Monday, Mortvedt said.

The La Vista Police Department in Nebraska released records Monday showing that it had only one prior contact with Sherwin, when he walked into a police station in July 2017 to report someone had tried to use his insurance to get dental work done in Oklahoma. Sherwin later called police to inform them his insurance company had mistakenly sent him someone else's bill.

Sherwin's mother, Cecilia Sherwin, in a statement emailed to The Associated Press, described her son as kind, sensitive, an exceptional student and an aspiring businessman.

We just arrived home and are trying to absorb the loss of our son and arriving home without him which is unfathomable, she said. I didnt think we had any tears left, but we still find ourselves breaking down and care deeply for the little boy and the loss of his family.

___

Associated Press reporter Michael Tarm in Chicago contributed to this report.
Heartland Advisors, an investment management firm, published its "Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund" second-quarter 2022 investor letter  a copy of which can be downloaded here. The Russell Mid Cap Value Index was down for the quarter and the first half of the year, but it beat the S&P 500 and significantly outperformed the Russell Mid Cap Growth index over each timeframe. The Heartland Mid Cap Value Strategy, meanwhile, outperformed the Russell Mid Cap Value Index in Q2 and on a year-to-date basis. Go over the funds top 5 positions to have a glimpse of its finest picks for 2022.

In its Q2 2022 investor letter, Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund mentioned Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA) and explained its insights for the company. Founded in 1920, Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA) is a Kenosha, Wisconsin-based manufacturing company with an $11.3 billion market capitalization. Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA) delivered a -0.98% return since the beginning of the year, while its 12-month returns are down by -5.04%. The stock closed at $213.27 per share on July 22, 2022.

Here is what Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund has to say about Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA) in its Q2 2022 investor letter:

"Snap-on Inc. (NYSE:SNA) represents a typical holding in that its recent earnings performance, which easily topped analyst expectations, underscored the companys ability to pass on higher costs to customers. Based in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Snap-on designs and manufactures professional-grade tools with a particular focus on the automotive-repair industry. While the company was a top performer in the portfolio during the quarter, we believe its current valuation  trading at 12x earnings  leaves plenty of room to run. By comparison, peers trade at 15x earnings even though Snap-on has better margins and operates with less leverage than its competitors. Meanwhile, several secular tailwinds, including an aging fleet of used cars and ever-increasing vehicle complexity, should prove beneficial to Snap-ons business over the longer term. Snap-ons history of distributing dividends, which has grown at a 7% CAGR over the past 35 years, underscores its financial discipline and is an added appeal.

Story continues

Bolts, Tools, Screws, Hardware

Photo by Tekton on Unsplash

Our calculations show that Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA) fell short and didnt make it on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA) was in 54 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the second quarter of 2022, compared to 55 funds in the previous quarter. Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA) delivered a -4.10% return in the past 3 months.

In May 2021, we also shared another hedge funds views on Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA) in another article. You can find other investor letters from hedge funds and prominent investors on our hedge fund investor letters 2022 Q1 page.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
By Clare Jim

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Henderson Land Development Co, one of Hong Kong's four major developers, plans to lend more land to the government to build transitional homes and is keen to help accelerate development of an area close to the Chinese border.

Martin Lee, co-chairman of Henderson - which has the largest farmland reserves among developers - said Hong Kong's pledge to build the "Northern Metropolis" is an "inevitable trend", as the financial hub integrates deeper with the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

"With the development opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, many locals will be attracted to live in the North West New Territories in the future," Lee told Reuters in an email interview.

The Hong Kong government unveiled plans for the Northern Metropolis last year, with an aim to provide homes for around 2.5 million people in remote districts close to the mainland border in a bid to ease a chronic housing shortage.

The development will be a stone's throw from the Greater Bay Area, a Chinese government scheme to link Hong Kong, Macau and nine cities in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong.

Affordable housing has been a priority for all of Hong Kong's leaders since the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997 but despite their efforts, many people still live in cramped flats in one of the world's most expensive property markets.

Hong Kong's new leader, John Lee, said he would be "pragmatic" in increasing land and housing supply, responding to Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent call to provide "a better life, a bigger flat" for Hong Kong people.

Beijing identified housing woes as a major factor behind discontent in Hong Kong, especially among the city's youth, that led to the pro-democracy, anti-government protests in 2019.

In recent years, developers have stepped up support for Hong Kong's housing policies as China urged corporations to do more for society.

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Henderson owns the most land in the rural areas. It has applied to a government pilot scheme to build public housing on a farmland plot, and lent idle land to the government for building transitional housing - a temporary solution for people to improve their living conditions before they are allotted public housing.

"If the government intends to take back the land for the construction of public housing or for other public purposes, we will also cooperate," said Lee, who took over the property giant with his brother from father Lee Shau Kee in 2019.

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL HUB

Echoing calls by other business leaders, Lee, 51, urged the government to reopen Hong Kong's borders with the mainland and ease international travel restrictions, which he said would help boost the city's property market.

Henderson aims to become the largest office landlord in the city's main financial district of Central as it invests $8 billion in a harbourfront site and completes the construction of its new tower, The Henderson, in 2023.

The Henderson, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and in the form of a Bauhinia bud - the city flower of Hong Kong - recently confirmed a 20,000 square feet lease with U.S. private equity firm Carlyle Group, Lee told Reuters.

Carlyle declined to comment on the office lease or give details about its current Hong Kong office space. A person with knowledge said, however, the move will be an expansion for the U.S. firm.

Last year, British auction house Christie's became The Henderson's first anchor tenant, leasing 50,000 square feet..

"It shows that these multinational groups have cast a vote of confidence in the long-term future of Hong Kong as an international financial centre," said Lee, adding there is still strong demand for high-quality commercial buildings despite a slump in the office market amid the pandemic.

(This story corrects leased area by Christie's in second last paragraph)

(Reporting by Clare Jim; Additional reporting by Kane Wu; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree and Muralikumar Anantharaman)
House Financial Services Committee lawmakers will delay the markup of a widely anticipated bipartisan stablecoin bill this week after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen pushed for changes in a key provision of the legislation.

The delay will push back the timeline for when Congress could start moving stablecoin legislation until after the August recess, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions. The move underscores Washington's struggle to create new rules for digital asset marketplaces that have been roiled by uncertainty following the collapse of several multibillion-dollar crypto startups.

Committee Chair Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) and ranking Republican Patrick McHenry of North Carolina have been negotiating a bill that would give banks the ability to issue their own stablecoins  digital assets whose value is pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar  and put nonbank issuers under the oversight of the Federal Reserve.

While the draft text has largely been kept under wraps, details of the proposed framework have rankled watchdog groups and banking lobbyists who have warned that it might not protect the financial system from risk. Late last week, the Independent Community Bankers of America sent a letter to Waters and McHenry encouraging them to delay the July 27 markup.

Lawmakers were said to be close to a final agreement on the bill late last week. Yellen raised concerns with Waters in a call on Friday over how it addressed digital assets held in custody on behalf of consumers. Treasury sought changes that would require digital wallet providers to keep customer assets segregated  ensuring their preservation in the event of insolvency, according to one source familiar with the discussions.

Democratic efforts to incorporate Treasury's desired changes complicated negotiations over the weekend. Though multiple sources say lawmakers are still pushing to release the text of the bill this week, they couldn't coalesce around a framework in time for Wednesday's markup.

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Spokespeople for Waters and McHenry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Both Waters and McHenry identified stablecoins as a top legislative priority in the aftermath of a Presidents Working Group report warning that the tokens could pose systemic risks if they continue to grow unchecked. The same report encouraged lawmakers to pass legislation that would regulate the tokens like banks.

Many industry people have considered this Congress clearest shot at developing a rulebook for the popular digital assets, which are typically used to acquire popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether. The value of the most widely used stablecoins is pegged to the U.S. dollar thats supported by financial reserves.

The collapse of the broadly used stablecoin TerraUSD earlier this year contributed to declines across crypto markets, which ultimately forced a pair of major digital lending platforms into bankruptcy. Unlike reserve-backed stablecoins, TerraUSD's peg was maintained through a combination of computer code and market incentives.

If stablecoins are backed by high-quality assets, their risk is quite low and they can form a building block  a cornerstone  of a payment system, Treasury undersecretary for domestic finance Nellie Liang told the Financial Services panel earlier this year. If there's questions about the quality of the assets in the reserve pool backing them, then they create risk.
Patrick Maupai has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly killing his mother with a fire poker (Bergen County Sheriffs Office)

A New Jersey man has been charged with murdering his 79-year-old mother with a fire poker, authorities say.

Patrick Maupai, 40, phoned 911 just before midnight on Saturday to say he attacked his mother at their Dumont home, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said in a statement.

Officers found Mr Maupai on the front lawn of the New Milford Avenue home on the phone to dispatch and took him into custody, prosecutors said.

Upon entering the front door of the home, the officers observed an elderly female on the floor of the living room with multiple lacerations on her face, which was covered in blood, Mr Musella said.

An investigation found he had killed his mother with a fire poker, prosecutors said. The mothers name has not yet been released.

Mr Maupai, who is unemployed, has been charged with first-degree murder, and two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon.

He has been remanded to the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack until his first court appearance.

Neighbours told NorthJersey.com the area was usually quiet and extremely safe.

This doesnt happen in Dumont, Jean Nichols, who lives opposite the crime scene, told the local news outlet.

I bought this house new 55 years ago, and this community has been wonderful to live in. There has never been any crime here.
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A judge in Georgia on Monday granted a Republican state lawmaker's request to disqualify the district attorney from probing the lawmaker directly in an investigation into efforts by former President Donald Trump and his supporters to overturn his 2020 election defeat.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her office were disqualified from investigating Georgia State Senator Burt Jones' role as one of the "fake electors" who wrongly claimed Trump won the state of Georgia in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

Jones had called on the court to disqualify Willis from her role as legal adviser in the case over Willis' support for an opponent of Jones in a fundraiser.

Jones is running for lieutenant governor. Willis is a supporter of his Democratic opponent, Charlie Bailey, and was a guest speaker at a fundraising event for Bailey earlier this year.

"The court grants Senator Jones's motion to disqualify the District Attorney and her office - as to Senator Jones only," Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney ruled on Monday.

The judge denied a request by the other electors to avoid their own subpoenaed testimony.

Trump has falsely claimed that rampant voter fraud caused his loss in Georgia, a battleground state where President Joe Biden's victory helped propel him to the White House.

A special grand jury in Fulton County, Georgia, is undertaking a criminal investigation into alleged wrongdoing. It is one of the most serious cases facing Trump, who was recorded in a Jan. 2, 2021, phone call pressuring a top state official to "find" enough votes to overturn his loss to Biden in the state. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

On Thursday, the judge had refused to quash subpoenas for 11 "fake electors" identified as targets in the probe in Georgia. He said at the time that the fundraiser reflected poor judgment on the district attorney's part, adding he would issue a ruling later.

"It's a 'What were you thinking?' moment," McBurney had said. "The optics are horrific."

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
A large police procession left Miami Valley Hospital Sunday evening, dispersing at the Montgomery County Coroners Office following the death of a Clark County Sheriffs deputy.

>>UPDATES: Clark County deputy shot, killed at Clark County mobile home park

The procession included several cars from several departments in the area and left the hospital around 6:30 p.m. News Center 7s Haley Kosik reported the procession later dispersed at the coroners office.

>>PHOTOS: Police outside Miami Valley Hospital after officer involved shooting at Clark Co. mobile home park

Clark County Sheriff Deborah Burchett later confirmed to News Center 7 the deputy was shot and died from his injuries at the hospital.

Deputy Matthew Yates, a 15-year veteran of the force, was shot during an investigation at the Harmony Estates Mobile Home Park in Harmony Twp. around 11 a.m., Burchett said during a brief news conference Sunday night.

The incident is being investigated as an officer-involved shooting, a spokesperson for the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation confirmed to News Center 7.

>>PHOTOS: Officers involved in shooting at Clark County mobile home park Sunday

This is a developing story and well continue to update as we learn more.

Photos by: Haley Kosik

Photos by: Haley Kosik

Photos by: Haley Kosik

Photos by: Haley Kosik
The overturning of Roe v Wade has had consequences across the country (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Supporters of the final abortion clinic in North Dakota have raised more than $1m  enough to move it to Minnesota where officials have vowed to protect reproductive care and womens rights.

In a development that is both bitter and sweet, a grassroots fundraising effort raised enough money for the Fargos Red River Womens Clinic (RRWC), to move to new location, 15 minutes away across the river in Moorhead, Minnesota.

The owner and director of the clinic, Tammi Kromenaker, says she is moved by the display of support from the community that the clinic has served for decades, and pleased that women from the region will be able to still access abortion care.

At the same time, she is saddened by the scrapping of Roe by the Supreme Court, whose actions forced the clinic to relocate.

She is also alarmed the country is rapidly turning into a two-system nation, one part where women can now access safe and legal abortions, and a second where the only real option is self-administered medication, and where women and their doctors could still face prosecution from the authorities.

Abortion providers shouldnt have to work this hard. Patients shouldnt be faced with this, Kromenaker tells The Independent.

And were just so grateful and humbled by the community outreach and support that weve had from both local and national and international.

Kromenaker, 50, originally from the Minneapolis suburbs, has been associated with the clinic for 24 years.

Asked how she believed the clinic has been seen by the community, she says people tell her it it seen as a rare oasis of support for women, in a red, conservative state.

Tammi Kromenaker (MSNBC)

Its a place where people know they can get good abortion care, and that its a symbol of, not something necessarily progressive, but its a symbol that there is support there, she says.

Ive heard patients say literally, I thought the state hated women so much, that there wouldnt be a clinic here. And weve worked really hard at at community engagement.

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She says volunteers escort women on their arrival at the clinic, which like many is often the location for protests from anti-abortion activists.

Others reach out to women ahead of their visit to make sure they are prepared and have everything they need. Friendships and relationships have blossomed on the escort line.

Congresswoman Cori Bush leaves processing area after being arrested for participating in a sit-in over abortion rights (Getty Images)

After the Supreme Court scrapped Roe, the 1973 ruling that two generations of women had relied on, states across the nation starting banning or severely restricting abortions.

Thirteen of those states,North Dakota among them, had so-called trigger laws banning abortion on their books, that snapped into place without Roes constitutional support.

In North Dakota, the ban comes into effect on July 28, 30 days after North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley certified the courts top courts decision.

The only potential delay is if a restraining order sought by Kromenaker and others have filed trying to block the trigger legislation is effective. Otherwise abortion will be illegal except in cases of rape, incest and to save the life of the mother.

The motion argued the state constitution protects a womans right to abortion. The clinic said the ban violates rights to life, safety and happiness and infringes on the right to liberty because it deprives patients of the ability to control decisions about their families and their health.

In its response, the state government said the clinic ignores the history of abortion regulations in North Dakota probably because a fair considering of that history is fatal to its argument.

While clinics such as the Jackson Womens Health Organisation, also known as the Pink House, is being forced to close and a new one open more than 1,0000 miles away in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Kromenaker will relocate her facility to another location, little more than 15 minutes drive away.

The Red River clinic is one of my favorite places in the world, Destini Spaeth, a volunteer with the North Dakota Women in Need Abortion Access Fund, said.



This article captures the history, importance and resiliency of @RRWomensclinic https://t.co/BLCIJTUqik  ND WIN Abortion Fund (@NDWINFund) July 13, 2022

While the town of Moorhead is very close, crucially it is in Minnesota, one of the Democratic controlled states where abortion remains legal for now. It is listed by the Guttamacher institute as one of those places where there are some restrictions or protections. (The states with the fewest restrictions are Oregon, Washington and California.)

The law requires a mandatory counseling session, plus a 24-hour waiting period, which some critics say is meant to discourage women from seeking abortions.

As it is, with some many other states banning abortions, women from large parts of the nation are traveling to Minnesota to get abortions and support, clinics that do offer help are often swamped. By moving to a new location, albeit one that adds just a few minutes to a persons journey, Kromenaker feels they will be better served to help women from a larger area.

Asked what difference it will make for women of the northern plains that her clinic is not shifting a long way, she says: What it does is it keeps the access that we have been providing for the last 20 plus years, essentially the same.

She adds: Already many of our patients face three, four or five hour one way trips to Fargo. And now the new space will be you know, less than 15 minutes away. So those patients will still have the same access that they have had for the last 20 years without having to travel additional time to the Minneapolis/St Paul area, which is the next closest place which is another four hours from Fargo.

She says: If we didnt do this, if we just throw our hands up and said Fine, youve defeated us it would be out of reach for many of our patients.

The fundraising effort was started by supporters of the clinic. A GoFundMe Page has already collected $960,807, but Kromenaker says other donations that have not yet been processed will take the total well over $1m.

There are widespread fears that in some states, authorities will not only make abortion illegal but aggressively seek to punish women who try and get one  either by use of medication, or traveling out of state.

In Missouri, one of the strictest states on abortion, legislation is being considered by the state that would penalise women, along with anyone who aids and abets. It would seek to punish the woman even if they travelled out of the state.

Joe Biden, with a desire to codify into law the protections of Roe but will little chance of getting sun a bill through the Senate, has said the federal government will defend a persons right to cross state lines.

Is Kromenaker fearful the authorities of North or South Dakota would come after the women who visit her new facility across the river in Minnesota?

Both the Governor and the Attorney General in Minnesota have said they will not participate in any sort of cooperation with another state that says, Oh you know, somebody from our state came there. Lets go after them, she says.

They really are becoming a haven state and their elected officials are saying we will protect you.

Additional reporting by the Associated Press